MY VERY first 10-mile (16-km) run was painful, but it encouraged me that perhaps, it is not too late to start a healthy lifestyle. Considering that my risk to develop heart disease was very high because of my family history, I also saw the scale tipping in the wrong direction everytime I stepped on it. So, I knew something needed to change.
For my 40th birthday, I decided to enroll in the first time marathon (FTM) program, as a gift to myself. I thought if Oprah Winfrey can do it, I can do it too - even though Oprah had a whole team (nutritionist, physical trainer, massage therapist, etc.) - I had determination.
I also made great friends from the FTM program. We would run twice a week as a group, but individually we targeted a goal of running at least 35 miles (56 km) per week. What was inspiring was the composition of our FTM group. It was so diverse, from professors to housewives, from teenagers to a 70-year old grandma. So, I had no reason to quit, especially when grandma would call you, making sure you were meeting your goals.
I was so excited for my first marathon, the Marine Corps marathon in Washington, DC. It was on a lovely Saturday in October. The fall leaves were just changing and the morning breeze was pleasantly chilly. My whole family was there cheering me on. The course was amazing, traversing by most of the beautiful national monuments in Washington, DC. There was even beer at the 18-mile (29 km) water stop.
When your legs are jello on the 26th mile (42 km) mark, you are forced to climb to this steep hill to get to the finish line. It was exhausting, but exhilarating at the same time, knowing that you had accomplished something for yourself. I finished my first Marine Corps marathon in 4 hours and 30 minutes, similar to Oprah.
Then it became addictive. I wanted to do it again and even invited some of my best friends to join me in the next several Marine Corps marathons. After finishing my 6th Marine Corps marathon, I decided to expand and run other marathons, which also gave me an excuse to travel.
So in 2015, I registered to run in the Honolulu marathon with my best friend, Sunny. This turned out to be my favorite marathon course. A few days before our flight, I had the flu, so I was not sure if I would be able to run it. But I went anyway I stayed in the hotel resting and hydrating prior to the run, only leaving to treat myself to my favorite dish plus halo-halo at Max’s restaurant.
My fever started again that night and I woke up at 3 am on the day of the race, drenched in sweat, but feeling 100% better. So, I put on my running clothes and shoes and carried a couple of acetaminophen tablets, just in case. The race started at 4 am close to the Honolulu city hall.
By day break, Sunny and I were on top of Diamond Head, a volcano on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, being greeted by the most enchanting sunrise. I wanted to freeze time, and just stay on top of that mountain and view that lovely scenery, for the rest of my life. But we had a race to finish, so we continued to trudge along different communities in Honolulu, loving the serene life of its inhabitants.
Some teens were surfing on the sea, while a whole family was paddle boarding on the lagoon. Like other marathons I had competed in, I was fascinated by the fashion and political statements made by the other runners, which were written on their shirts.
Aside from the usual superhero costumes, some runners stood out because of their unique costumes. One guy was carrying a huge log with a thorny bush on his head with a printed paper across his chest, stating “repent.” Another runner dressed like Madonna with a cone-shaped brassiere and high heeled shoes. Another man wore a hotdog costume. It really helped me enjoy the run more. After the race, we were treated with the most delicious Japanese donuts at the runners’ area at the finish line.