Running a half marathon is no walk in the park. Aside from being an intensely physical activity, it is also a mental battle; runners must endure hours of training, preparation, and 21 kilometers of pure grit, resilience, and dedication.
I completed two full marathons a few years before signing up for a Half Mary in June. But it was all bragging rights back then: we were neophyte members of one of Bacolod City’s elite running clubs. Considering this, we were out to make a name for ourselves. We were out to prove that recruiting us wasn’t a mistake.
One thing I’ve learned in all the years I’ve been into sports is that success won’t come easy. Even if an athlete has all the talent, resources, and practically all the bells and whistles that encapsulate the word “elite,” all of these won’t come to reality if they don’t have a support system to help them reach their dreams.
For me, sport is a collective notion. It doesn’t matter if an athlete competes individually or as part of a team, but there is a need for them to have the right people to back them up. These people will believe in their aspirations, stick with them when they are at their lowest, and push them to the right path, especially when they are veering away from their goals.
My family has been and will always be my biggest cheerleader. From my years as a varsity swimmer in grade school and college, up until my current passion for open-water swimming and running, their words of encouragement and unwavering support remind me why I started in the first place.
Even the little things that they do—bringing me to venues in the wee hours of the morning, making sure that I am eating right, and doing favors to buy gear and equipment—are a sign that they will always find time for me and my endeavors.
My friends, on the other hand, are my silent warriors. Even if they are not the most athletic bunch, they understand (or try to) if I can’t join them at gatherings because of my training. In all honesty, they are one of the few people that I message after finishing a race. It’s not that I’m bragging about my accomplishment, but it’s more of the feeling that some of the most important people in your life are celebrating with you.
Fellow runners and swimmers act as motivators and inspiration. I may be an experienced pool swimmer, but some of my mentors have already done multiple open-water swims and triathlons in the past. Before I took advantage of online resources to improve my skills, I took time to talk to them for their guidance and insights.
This doubles in running. To say the least, I am surrounded by some of the province’s fastest runners. Their deep knowledge of the sport is invaluable in terms of pacing, technique, shoe rotation, and training. By the time they knew that I was competing for my first half marathon, most of them offered to pace me and even gave me tips on how to survive.
Any journey is better together. Whether you’re a well-established athlete or just beginning to climb the ranks, your family, friends, and fellow athletes will be instrumental in your success.
