My 1st 5k

Since I've run the ultra, I've thought a lot about how far I have come as a runner.  From pushing myself for a sub 7 mile for field hockey tryouts in high school, to overcome the challenge of jogging for thirty minutes, to running my first 5k on a whim because my RA invited me freshman year.  It all started with that 5k in 2008- my taking myself seriously as a runner. 5k to 80k in 5 years.

I hope it will be like that for some of the members of the running club at the village.  During my training for the ultra, the residents had a mix of awe, support and inspiration when they talked to me about running.  Beyond talking, it led to action for some.  Mothers started jogging in the morning before waking the kids and I started coaching the youth running club every Monday at 5PM.  The running club brought together a myriad of different kids.  Young, old kids, still in school, not in school, tough kids, involved kids, kids with sneakers, flip flops or nothing and kids with varying abilities.  I was most happy when some of the older boys who I struggled to get involved in other activities, became the leaders of the running club.  Every week we do running exercises and games and the all important timed lap.  I keep a paper on my door to track the improvement of how long it takes each child to run one lap around the village, a little less than one lap around a track.  Since I started keeping times, they have taken running very seriously and train on their own during the week.  They strive to get a faster time than the week before.  They're seeing that if THEY work hard, then THEY will reap the rewards.  

Yesterday, my organization sponsored the top runners in their first 5k.  We were scheduled to meet at 4PM before taking the donated Army truck to the race; when I arrived at the village at 3PM, the kids were ready with singlets on.  One boy came in my office and sat quietly, getting in the zone.  Then another came in and showed off the sneakers I lent him; a conversation ensued about what the best running shoe company is.  One more was doing frog jumps outside my door to get his blood pumping.  Younger kids looked on with both admiration and a little bit of jealousy.  

As we all walked down the dirt road out to the street to get in the truck, the runners walked closely together, arms over some shoulders, talking quietly. Some wearing basketball sneakers, others in borrowed running shoes or tennis shoes. One was wearing cargo shorts, while another was wearing dark, thick knee socks to look like compression socks.  They looked like they were walking to the championship game.  Their posture told me that they were a little nervous, but confident at the same time.

We all lined up at the start line. Elite runners were in the front, men who I have come to know through all the races. The kids were shaking their arms and feet as if trying to shake the nerves out. The gun went off and they took off sprinting. Fast. I warned them before the race not to go too fast in the beginning, since this would be the longest distance that they had ever ran, and if they have energy, push it at the end.  They also thought that this would be easy. That at least one of them would win first place.  I encouraged them to keep practicing, but never said that they couldn't.  However, I knew they had no concept of what was in store; the top make finisher for 5k was 16 minutes. They learned quickly, though, and had a great race. They all finished.  Most importantly, they pushed their bodies hard; one told me of how he had a cramp during and another how his calves hurt.  I could see in their eyes that they were proud of themselves.  They also learned to respect the race; it wasn't as easy as they thought it would be.  Now they are talking about the next races that they will run and how they will practice for those.  I introduced them to Martin Balaybo, the second male finisher for Mayon 360 and the 5k for the day.  The kids were so impressed with his speed and finesse.  They listened intently when he told them to "Train hard, race easy."

I can see that some of them have the running bug now and I'm excited to see them again for club tomorrow for more feedback.  I have a feeling that their intensity will increase now that they know their own potential and what is possible in the world of running.

Speaking of possible, I paced my friend Tin for her 1st 5k. Her goals were to finish under 40 minutes and no walking. She did both and placed in the top 10 females! The best part was seeing her sprint it out at the end.

The obligatory volcano shot