I
started backpacking in the Philippines over 3 decades ago. I have been to the
highest peaks of the Philippines, Southeast Asia, Nepal, Europe and the US. I
also got into sailing, taking up lessons at the Manila Yacht Club and competing
in the South China Sea race for big boats and small boat sailing on dragon
boats, Flying 15s, Streakers and Hobie Cats. When I migrated to the US, I
joined my other friends to discover what the California had to offer. I had
lived in Alabama, Florida, New York and now in Northern California – I have
found my home. I joined meet-up groups Chico Oroville Outdoor Adventurers,
Spirit of Adventure and became a guest in a couple more. I was having fun,
going on hikes or backpacking almost every weekend. I also joined Vertical
Fitness gym to strengthen my core and upper body.
This
year though, I made plans to take a break from hiking / backpacking so I can
focus on my last term in my Masters. I chose running, because I would only
spend 1-2 hours, 2 times a week versus a whole day for hiking or all weekend
when I go backpacking. I first signed up for a 4-week free trail training
program with Fleet Feet. I found out that I was only 5 miles away to beautiful
trails. After that, I signed up for the paid ($100) 10-week trail training program
for the half-marathon, 13.1mile Cool Dam(n) Run on October 22. It was money
well-spent and the value of what I learned from the coaches to prepare for the
half-marathon was invaluable.
The
10-week training program got us to meet with the 3 coaches twice a week. We had
one short run on Tuesday nights and a long run on Sundays. The program also
encourages us to have two easy runs in between Tuesday and Sunday. The longest
run we had was 11 miles and we tapered off to 5 miles the next Sunday. I was
glad we went through part of the course on one of our practice runs. On the
race on October 22, the weather was pleasant and was a better condition for
running. It was tough on the last 2 miles. On the last mile, I tripped twice.
Just before the finish line the course was uphill. But I made it and as I cross
the finish line my friend who was waiting for me whispered – “guess what? You
ran 1 mile longer!”. In shock, I said “What? I almost died that last mile!”. My
friend Melissa volunteered to drive us home because I was seeing stars. At home
lying in bed I was tired but could not sleep. I was hungry, but felt like
throwing up. But I survived and was okay the next day.
And
of course, I had signed up for the San Francisco half-marathon on November 5,
only two weeks later. Coach Carrie advised me not to train and just rest till
the next race. I followed her advice and I am glad I did. I finished 17 minutes
less than the previous half, a personal record!
After
the San Francisco half, it was official I had caught the running bug. I signed
up for the San Francisco (full) marathon on July 29, 2018. So here I am now.
This will be a series of blogs of my journey to the San Francisco Marathon.
Stay tuned.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyncayaban/
