I was flushed. Out of breath. Just about ready to explode.

But I wanted this, so I just have to keep on pushing.

Imagine the sexy abs. My inner cheerleader was jumping in my head.

“Kaya pa ‘yan, mahal. Konti na lang.” Kernan’s voice was echoing in the background.

I know I can do this.

Since I accompanied hubby to the Superbods run and the Unilab run, I told myself I’ll try running. I was fascinated with the runners crossing the finish line. I thought it was more fun being on the track than on the sidelines.

And so I took my old running shoes out of hiding to motivate myself to actually get started. I was dilly – dallying for weeks. Until last Friday.

“Let’s go running.” I told hubby. We were kid-free for the day and we had all the time to ourselves.

I messed up my drawer trying to look for my old tank tops and some socks to wear. It’s my first attempt at running so I might as well wear pink. And I wore my pearls too. My running might suck but at least I still look pretty while I’m at it.

We arrived at UP past 9 am and the sun was already high. Thank God for the trees, the atmosphere was still bearable.

There were barely any runners and just a couple of bikers. Good. No one will be around to see me panting like a dog while running.

Hubby and I started walking to warm up. “Get ready to jog after the humps,” he said. We jogged slowly at first then picked up the pace a few minutes in. I had no idea how fast or slow we were going. I was trying to focus on my posture and the movement of my feet.

Back straight. Arms bent swinging at the side. Ball of the foot first before the heel.

“Are we near yet?” we were only halfway through the oval but I was already feeling the air bomb in my chest. “Malayo pa.”

Oh no. Not good. I suddenly regretted not bringing my Ipod. Somehow music helps to power me up and I need all the power I can get at that moment.

Come on lungs, don’t give up on me now. I tried breathing deeply. In. Out. In. Out. But it seemed my lungs can’t keep up.

Light as a feather. Light as a feather.

Remember those sexy abs you’ve always wanted? It can be yours. Just keep on running.

I kept running my affirmations through my head so I can keep going. My imaginary finish line was almost in sight but my lungs felt like a time bomb just seconds away from exploding.

Kernan placed his hand at the small of my back and started pushing me forward gently. “Almost there.” But I wanted to stop. I needed to stop. He held my hand to help pull me forward. And I kept going. Just a little bit slower but still going.

Finally, I saw the humps. I can do this. And with one last burst of energy I crossed my finish line.

I made it.

My heart was racing and I felt like I was gonna topple at any moment. So this is what it feels like. Hubby and I walked to the car to get some water. He told me I needed to keep moving while slowing down my heart rate. But I was stubborn so I sat in the front seat. I managed to smile for a picture but seconds later I felt the headache coming. My bad.

“Want to run again?” he asked. “Umm…No?!” I said. That was enough running for today.

My 10k star runner got ready to do his usual six rounds. Compared to my flushed panting self, he looked like he just came from a walk.

I decided I could just walk. And take pictures.

I passed by this interesting patch of snowy – like ground.

There was cotton among the dried leaves.

When I looked up, I saw this cotton tree.

With cotton flowers.

Sorry, I don’t know exactly what it’s called. Do share if you know.

Then I saw this cute couple and running buddies.

The one on the left was a cute slender girl with her dread locked boyfriend. The one on the right was Maricel Laxa and Angeli Pangilinan.

I had to stop for awhile and take a photo of the sunken garden. It seemed like the sun was sucking the grass dry. It must look wonderful when it’s all green.

I realized I like walking better than running. For now. I finished two whole rounds of walking around the oval. Had to wait for hubby to finish his run before we finally went home.

One thing I always love about a good workout: the natural blush.

I also felt like I lost a pound. I didn’t really check if I did but it didn’t matter. I felt good. A few more months into this and I’ll be back in shape. If you’ve ever wondered how to reduce body fat, just run.

My body ached so bad the day after, I felt like I was beaten black and blue. I almost declared I won’t run again. But I will.

Soon enough I’ll be running like the wind. Blushing.

Tagged as: fitness, running