Showing off my certificate for Takbo para sa Kalikasan at the finish line

I’ve always wanted to establish a fitness regimen but I somehow couldn’t motivate myself enough to stick to one. This year, I’m really making a conscious effort to be more active and engage in sports that I haven’t tried before. First on my list is running, which is considered to be one of the most accessible sports since you don’t need any fancy equipment nor do you need additional training in order to engage in it. In January, I started running in the vicinity of a nearby park during night since I found it more conducive to run under moonlight rather than the cancer-causing rays of the sun.

My "training" paid off when I got an invitation to participate in the seventh edition of the Takbo para sa Kalikasan organized by DZMM. During the wee hours of the morning of February 11, I went to Luneta Park to take part in this annual environment-oriented event.  Since it was my first time to join a fun run, I signed up for the 3-kilometer category which started by 6 AM in front of the Quirino Grandstand at Luneta Park.

I chose not to bring my digicam during the marathon but seeing runners racing towards the first light of day is an image that I will always cherish. I also had great fun observing people (and pets!) who participated in the race – there were whole families who joined the race for a cause, some dog owners couldn’t bear to be parted with their pets so their four-footed companions ran along with them while one father pushed his child in a stroller as he crossed the finish line.

I finished the 3K in 34 minutes and 30 seconds – just finishing the race a few seconds before Senator Alfredo Lim and Cory Quirino. Even though I didn’t have a digicam, a friend of mine managed to take a snapshot of me with the Senator. Here’s my pic with Cory Quirino after she took part in the awarding ceremony / program of Takbo para sa Kalikasan.

Jocie with Cory Quirino

Being true to their environment-oriented cause, the organizers gave away saplings in addition to the cash prizes awarded to the winners. Other personalities who attended include Senator Mar Roxas, Korina Sanchez and environmental beauties (Miss Earth, Water, Wind and Fire).

I didn’t realize that running could be so addicting — I’m hooked!

I hoped I could join more marathons and my wish was soon granted when I saw a flyer at our office announcing a fun run for the Pasig River. But Takbo para sa Pasig is a different story– and a different post altogether.

Hope you’ll visit my blog again for more updates. =)