Thank you, Hyundai! :)

So today, I ran. Ran like I never have.

And for the record, it the 5k which was more fulfilling than any 10k I participated in. Thank you, Hyundai. First it was free, second, you sparked my fire.

As a backgrounder, I WAS already running for quite sometime. Last year, I was training on my own for my 21K races. I never dreamt about finishing first, second or third. I just wanted to finish a half marathon. And eventually all 42 kilometers of it. I never got to run my official 21K on any official event due to an torn ACL last year, which I got NOT from running.

Imagine my frustration and depression. The worst injury known to athletes probably, with the exception of death. I had to live without my usual activities, and the hyperactive soul I am, this was really difficult. Weight gain only made it worse. (But I couldn’t lay off the chocolates, cakes, beer and crispy pata.)

My injury humbled me. (I’ll let you in a secret: Hyundai Accent Run 2011 is my first official 5k run ever. First run I participated in was 10K.)

I’m still technically recovering, and anyone in the right mind knows I have to take it nice and slow. No forcing my knee. (Surgery is expensive and it’s not free in the Philippines!)

I was actually quite scared for myself, with only my mind driving me when I attended that bloggers’ meet for the Hyundai Accent Run 2011. But God knows, I prayed for this, and I really wanted to start, bounce back.

When Hyundai announced they were moving the venue from Bonifacio High Street (BHS) to Quirino Grandstand (Luneta!) I wanted to back out. Going from where we live to Quirino is a challenge already  in itself. And with a 5am assembly? Insane. It takes heart to do it.

(I don’t even remember the last time I went around Luneta. Oh wait, I was in 3^rd grade, I was part of the glee club, we sang for that concert at the park. How… ancient?)

I forgot, the usually- hardest part about fun runs and marathons, is waking up early. It requires discipline and passion. IT IS NOT EASY WAKING UP AT 3, and having a good breakfast to last you for the morning run!

I was even doubtful of myself the past days. I was without training (not even 500 meters!), and post ACL reconstruction! My drive was all from the heart. Love of the wind, the game, love of the run.

Indeed what the mind conceives, the body achieves. I’m not mentioning whose brand that is, but they’re damn right! J

I'm glad I got my lazy ass to wake up! I finished the 5k jog, easily, at steady pace. I was smiling all throughout, with my mind talking as I walked. Running brings me my peace. Sure, it felt heavy at first, but I’m glad I pushed myself.

I said it once, I’ll say it again: I never quit, I only perservere. Quitters, never win.

I’m happy I’m back to running. I’m grateful to Hyundai , and all the 24,000 participants who registered, for igniting that spark, which made this fire.

But then again, this is just my start. Re-start. Run with me! J

Hyundai Accent Run 2011 is a free fun run, organized by Second Wind. It is in celebration of their anniversary, with the advocacy of promoting environmental  awareness and wellness, among other beneficiaries.  Congrats, Hyundai, ‘till your next event!