I used to be...


a "walker" (if there is such a term)...I could walk for miles-uphill, downhill, from one block to the farthest block and even for hours...(especially if the next bus for class and work was taking so long). I found it to be a very relaxing form of exercise.

But, summer of 2008, I challenged myself to become...



a "runner", since I was looking for an activity that could energize my body, soothe my mind, as I work on my thesis. I started with running a few blocks from the house, and then I wondered how it would feel like to run uphill. So, I tried it out...

At first, It wasn't easy, since I also had to deal with extreme weather conditions-either it was too hot during the summer (blame it on Global Warming Phenomenon), or it was too chilly during the Fall season, which meant that I was either sweating profusely or I was having brain freeze. And not only that, I had to set time to do this amidst the demands of being a graduate student, an intern, and living independently.

My initial attempts grew from failed attempts, to more attempts, and soon, I was progressing to having more successful attempts. A mile became two miles, and so on, and so forth.. A thirty minute run around the village became twenty minutes, and then less...

What's my point, here?

I am encouraging you to try something new and challenging. I've always thought that I could never go beyond walking. I've always believed that running is a task beyond my own capability. But my recent experience changed such notions.

I realized that it begins with taking a step of faith outside your comfort zone. Whether it is learning a new skill or saying sorry to someone, or even, as simple as listing your 2009 goals, what matters is that at least once in your life, you challenge yourself to do one thing that will actually move you forward:) It is never too late.

This year, I look forward to joining my first ever marathon. (Lord, kaya ko ba to? hehehe).

Special thanks to Ate and Papa for giving my first ever pair of running shoes. For the longest time, I've been using a set of shoes that was unfit for running. (Dati, wala. Ngayon, more than what I asked for. Tig-isa pa sila. Thank you, thank you:)