After the Bald Runner‘s Rizal Day Run, the last race of the calendar year, I decided to look back at the year that was.  It was after all no less than Jose Rizal who said, “ Those who do not know how to look back at where they came from will never get to their destination.”

Flashback

Rewind to 2009.  Number of races finished (from the My Races page):

  • Full-marathon:  4
  • Half-marathon:  8
  • 30k run:  1
  • 15k run:  2
  • 8 mile run:  1
  • 10k run:  4
  • 5k run:  1

Before my first full in May, I was optimistic but honestly had some doubts whether I could finish a 42.195 km race.

Daunting task ahead

Fast forward to 2010.  Biggest goal:  finish the 2nd Bataan Death March 102 km Ultramarathon.  No matter how long it takes me.  Just finish.  More than the supplies of energy drinks and other nutrition, I know achieving this goal will demand all the will, guts and determination I can muster so I need to respect the distance and train hard for this.  On the way to the March 6-7 battle, I will also try to finish two full marathons, one in Cebu and one along the Skyway.

During a Saturday 35km long run

During a Saturday 35km long run

With Knight Runner Mark and Tigerboy Junrox in Sta. Rosa

Big scare

Three days before my Cebu flight, I was in the middle of a 15 k run when a pain around my right ankle bothered me.  So much so that I had to cut the run short to 12 k.  I was reminded of an injury I had almost forgotten.  One I suffered when I was studying in Japan seven years ago. 

I was playing basketball with my classmates when I jumped for a rebound and had an awkward landing.  I shook it off and continued playing.  And then  I went on to play volleyball and soccer later.  The result:  I had a ruptured ligament and had to stay away from sports for about two months.

Although there was no major swelling this time, hypochondriac me thought that was it.  No more Cebu.  No more Condura.  And worst, no more BDM!!!  I haven’t even replied to the BDM letter of invitation I had received a few days ago.  I thought oh no!  My 2010 season was over even before it took off  :(  

The Titus factor

I contacted the Bald Runner, got Coach Titus’s number and arranged an appointment the following night.  Coach was kind enough to wait for me for 30 minutes as I made my way through EDSA traffic from Makati (I wanted to take the MRT but walking was just too painful).

He ruled out the recurrence of the old injury as there was no pain in the lower part of my ankle.  Instead there was terrible pain (for someone who has a high pain threshold, the word terrible is even an understatement) at the lower part of my shin (tibia) bone when he put pressure on it. 

Coach said he didn’t even consider it as an injury for I would be able to run 2 or 3 days later.  The ligament on my lower shin bone had been strained according to him but R. I. C. E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) would do the trick.  Plus Cataflam.

Relieved

After the excruciatingly painful but evidently effective massage,  he said I was good to go.  I was like doubting Thomas because before the session, any slight movement caused major pain but when he asked me to walk, I was able to do so with more ease and comfort.  I had never been more relieved in my whole life.

Even if I got his go signal for Cebu, I promised myself I would still observe the pain, get in touch with him through text messages or phone calls and see him after five days.

Interesting start

Plus, after losing my wallet with my credit cards, ATM card and other IDs and my work computer being infected by a virus all in the same week,  I think I’m all set to face all the challenges this year may bring. 

While stopping to smell the roses from time to time, of course.

Happy new year, everyone!