Yes! Run United 1 was just over and now a day after the race I am already looking forward to the second installment of the running trilogy which is just months away. This time around my running buddy and I registered for a 10k race.

It was our first time to join a race in Manila, and by far it is one of the best experiences I’ve had since I started running. There’s just so many runners, everyone is filled with energy and determination, each and every one trying to exceed their selves. As for me, I just wanted it to be an easy and fun race, so I went with a very comfortable phase. 3 weeks prior to the event I had a knee injury, and also experienced some muscle strains on my legs. So I didn’t want to run hard, to finish was just the goal. I finished my 10k in around 1 hour and 16 minutes, a bit longer than usual but it felt just as great.There were plenty of hydration stations, and marshals around the route. Everything went smooth with this one, and I loved the experience.

Before gun start I was just talking to the Lord, I knew that for the past weeks I’ve been so obsessed about running and the thrill of racing that I didn’t spend enough time with God. And the moment I looked at the Starting line, I struggled to stop myself from crying. There I was now, I looked forward to this race for months but it did not feel quite as fulfilling as I thought it would be. God was reminding me that chasing this earthly passions of mine cannot really come close to the joy of pursuing Him. I trained for this run, I studied about how I can be stronger and faster, how I can be wiser and healthier just so I can accomplish this. And as I look back, I ask myself “Did you spend more time with God, wanting to become a better follower? Or a more selfless person?” “Did you spend more time knowing God because you are passionate about Him?” and all the answer was a big NO. It became so easy for me to place most of my energy and strength in pursuit of this passion.

I stood there among a sea of eager runners while having a quiet moment with God. And despite my unfaithfulness He told me to meditate on the word “START” and as I looked at it and let the word ring in my ears I was overwhelmed with such peace knowing that this is just not a race that I’ll be running. God is reminding me that I can START again, that this time He wants this passion of mine for His glory. And this time He’s not going to let the fulfillment that comes from running consume me, this time the fulfillment will come from Him. And from now on all the races I will ever join will be for Him alone, not for me. And so it was time to run, and from start to finish I was having a conversation with my God. Its really amazing how God can speak to you just about anywhere you are. And I believe that my love for running comes from God. He gave the passion, so He must get the Glory.

A lot of funny things happened to me and my friends in Manila. But one of the highlights was the place we were supposed to stay in. We booked in a hostel weeks before the race and the name of the place sounded good to the ears.(HAHA!) To our horror we found ourselves in a hostel that looks haunted. We barely spent 10 minutes there, just left our belongings and went off to claim our race kits in MOA. Thank goodness a good friend of ours offered to have us overnight in her place, what a lifesaver! We went back to the hostel and checked out, we didn’t get any refunds though. But I’d rather let my money go just so I can have a peaceful sleep. What a lesson learned!

So yey! Run United 1 overall was a great experience. All praises to God for giving me both strength and even more so wisdom as I ran the race! Oh what would I do without Him?