It was a chilly February morning—1:30 AM, to be precise. I found myself amidst nervous chatter, surrounded by over 800 peers. Some were young, still in school; others were like me, grateful just to start the day without backaches or stiff knees. Yet, here we all were, waiting for the same moment when someone would shout “GO!” and we would dash under the big red letters spelling out: START.
We were about to run a marathon—42.2 kilometers of it.
I hoped, after a few hours, to return triumphant from the opposite direction, passing under a sign that read: FINISH.
In those few minutes before the start, a question loomed in my mind: What am I doing here? What is it about running that hooks you? Why, at my age, did I commit to a marathon at “The Bull Run” (TBR)? Did I really believe I could do this?
I am Nina, over 60 years old. Like many, I took up running during the pandemic. Starting a running habit after receiving a senior citizen card is rare, but the older you get, the harder it seems to start new hobbies. Yet, here I am.
Let me walk—or should I say, run—you through some reflections from the past year. Perhaps we’ll find some answers.
Running Brings Me Joy
I own a race shirt that says, “Life is good. Running makes it better!” I believe it wholeheartedly. Research suggests that exercise can trigger a release of ‘happy hormones’ like endorphins, boosting mood and overall positivity post-workout.
When I first started running, it was all pain—aching legs, breathlessness, headaches. But as I continued, I grew stronger, and what remained was a beautiful, indescribable feeling. I love running in the quiet of late night or early morning, feeling the cool wind on my face and the rhythmic movement of my legs. Catching the full moon or a sunrise while running feels like a greeting from the universe.
Running Brings Me Peace
Running became my sanctuary during the pandemic, a way to escape the daily hustle and regain mental clarity. Working in a hospital during the COVID-19 crisis, those runs were a respite, a pause from the chaos. I would run while listening to music, praying, feeling as though God himself was by my side.
Running Makes Me Feel Special
I began my journey from the couch. The first run was forgettable, but I soon joined the Pinoy Fitness Community and their Virtual Races. Progressing from 5 km to 10 km, then to half marathons and beyond, I earned beautifully designed medals that made me feel truly special. Now, I can easily run a 5 km and go to work right afterward without fuss.
A Dream Challenged
The marathon was always on my bucket list. I trained rigorously for it, learning from everyone willing to offer advice, regardless of their age. I improved my health, watched my diet, and even underwent stress tests to ensure my heart could handle the strain.
However, just weeks before the marathon, disaster struck—a severe pain in my knee and hip forced me to stop running. I was devastated, but with rest, medical advice, and prayers, I made it to the last training session before the race.
The Final Stretch
The marathon tested my limits like never before. The final kilometers were a battle against fatigue, pain, and the urge to stop. But I persisted, encouraged by the community and the dream of finishing.
Conclusion: A Dream Fulfilled
Crossing the finish line was surreal. My family cheered, the crowd roared, and I, Nina, had become a marathoner. I finished the 42.2 km in 7 hours and 50 minutes, just under the cut-off. It was a dream fulfilled, a testament to the belief that with patience, discipline, and perseverance, even the impossible becomes possible.
Thank you to the TBR community, Pinoy Fitness, my family, and everyone who believed in me. It’s a tremendous ending to what once seemed an impossible dream.
