Happy New Year

As we enter the year 2012, let me be the first to tell you that it was a successful 2011 year for me. Despite the setbacks and hardships, I still consider myself blessed given the fact the blessings that God gave me.

It was a year of redemption. Who would ever forger year 2010 when I was crazy and immature about one girl that I was so desperate going after? Who would even dare to forget the stupid blog I wrote about Chinese traditions that up to present, I’m still regretful of what I did.

Past is past and we move on. Leave all those stuffs behind and face the present.

2011 was a year of first for me. Who can imagine that I, Michael Kent, once weighed 220 lbs, could complete my first full marathon? Not only that, I completed 3 full marathons for the year. Who can also forget the date that I qualified for Bataan Death March 102 kilometers? The e-mail that Mr. Jovenal Narcise sent made me jump for joy, knowing I’m about to face the biggest challenge of my life next year.

It was also a good year career wise as I gained another year of experience and lessons that will help me towards the future. Business wise, I gained the insights and know-how of business. I learned, faced and interact with people, socializing in business or meeting new friends, something I never done or minimal interaction dating back to year 2010.

Every year, we learned a lot. Every year, we matured and evolved into a better person. That’s exactly what I viewed myself. With 2012 on the fold, I expect a better year. Every year, we get to become smarter. We learned from our mistakes and experience.

2012, here I come. First on the list, Lord, help me conquer 102 kilometers. It’s a long shot but hopefully I can finish it.

To everyone, happy new year. Let’s face year 2012 with a bang. Cheers.

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Eco-Park & La Mesa Dam, Thank You

Several people have told me that you're not a marathoner unless you tried running Quezon City International Marathon(QCIM)'s 42.195 kilometer route.

So, me, being a competitive person, tried the marathon route of the said race.

It came to my conclusion that these people's observance of this route is correct. And i paid dearly by suffering to cramped up quads and legs.

But again, every challenge comes a deserving reward.

It all started from University of the Philippine campus. We ran almost 7 kilometers before heading out the long road of Commonwealth Avenue. It was cool and windy breeze since it was only 5am. We ran towards the highlight of the run, the Eco-Park and La Mesa Dam.

Highlight meaning it was the place i was looking forward to. This was the place where Ex number 2 and the one who replaced me met and began their clueless relationship. I was bitter on this place to the point that i joined the run because i want to see for myself what the so-called "romantic" place looked like. And it was pathetic and ugly. How corny can they get.

Then, we ran towards La Mesa Dam. Having no water station for almost 4 kilometers brings out the best in me. To make the route challenging, the road was uphill towards the end of La Mesa Dam. Cramps were knocking. Dehydration was my enemy and quitting became an option.

Despite that, i was able to leave the "romantic" place in good shape. The one that kept me going was simple. It was the corny place. As they say, when you run, try running with some anger to push you. And yet, it did push me.. it pushed me big time.

As i return back to Commonwealth turning to UP campus, i was never thankful enough because it was that time that my cramps settled down. The final 8 kilometers have never been forgiving yet it was my homecourt, it was UP campus. There, i stride despite tired and hungry. The heavy rain didn't made it easy for me.

"BDM! BDM!" These were the words that was scrolling through me head when i was about to cross the final stretch of the run. BDM is a reference to the killer Bataan Death March that i will run next March that covers 102 kilometers of running. Inspired to finish strong, i sprinted towards the pole with a large "FINISH" label.

Boom. I was able to finish the run with a respectable time of 4 hours 50 minutes.

The eco-park helped me. Never have i been inspired and determined to see the place that ruined my dream last year. It was that place where in I pushed myself to my limit just to see the place at the same time, to do my best in my 3rd full marathon.

To conclude, the reason why i joined the useless QCIM Marathon is just because of this f*cked up place.

In reward, i got my personal record in marathon that people are envy of. To have another consolation, i trained myself for my killer run next year.

Ka-Chow.

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