5 years ago today, I attempted to run from Luneta, Manila to Palace in the Sky, Tagaytay to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Association of the Phils. Inc. (DSAPI). I was the last to finish but why am I grinning from ear to ear?
FLASHBACK:
One could feel the bursting energy of the crowd gathered at Km. 0 in Luneta, waiting for the GunOff to start the 60Km race organized by Prince Multisports. I was with Mikee Santos (daughter of my HOLD Sister Lulu), a Certified Mountain Hiker whom I requested to accompany me all the way to Palace in the Sky, Tagaytay. We were advised of a slight delay because of an unfortunate road accident along Roxas Blvd. It was already past midnight when we excitedly hit the road!
I intended to start really really slow but had to run faster than my usual pace because I was with Mikee, a young and strong woman. So far, so good—but not for long.
FAST FORWARD TO KM 42:
My left foot which started bothering me at Km 7 was now killing me when I walk. My right knee was now torturing me when I run. The 1:1 (1 min. run: 1 min. walk) Interval I was accustomed to could no longer be adapted. My “RUN LEISURELY, WALK PURPOSELY” Principle was no longer feasible. At this excruciating moment, I seriously contemplated whether to continue or just stop.
THEN CAME THE HEAVY RAINS.
I was all alone along Aguinaldo Highway, frozen to the bone without anybody to talk to. I already let go of my running partner at Km 30 so that one of us could definitely finish the race. My tears, together with the pouring raindrops, persistently rolled down my cheeks.
Drenched, I questioned God: “Lord, why am I doing this to myself? Please remind me why.”
Gently, God whispered with compassion: “Nora, you are doing this for the families with Down Syndrome—that’s WHY.”
But I snapped back, bawling: “Help me overcome this. Send me an angel. I desperately need someone to be with me now.”
Then there was silence.
No angel came.
In between sobs I pleaded: “Could you at least stop the heavy rains Lord? Baka naman pwedeng rainshowers lang? Please?”
Truly, God answers our prayers in His time, not ours.
Before reaching Km 50, God finally stopped the heavy rains and sent me an angel—Inou Legaspi of Prince Multisports. He was a seasoned ultramarathoner who had time-tested strategy of finishing the race. Though I was struggling and ready to give up, I obediently followed his instructions.
At Km 57, my family arrived from Las Piñas and gave me the much-needed boost. Ascending to Palace in the Sky was extremely painful but with the whole family and Sister Lulu cheering for me, quitting was NO longer an option.
After almost 14 hours of grueling experience, we finally reached our destination! I was the last to finish but I was happy, thankful, and relieved.
To God be all the glory!
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