#tbrdm2014

You wouldn’t know unless you do it. Last Sunday, February 16 almost 680 runners became marathoners in The Bull Runner Dream Marathon (TBRDM) in Nuvali. It all started with a vision from The Bull Runner (TBR), Jaymie Pizarro and from there, along with Coaches Jim Lafferty, Lit Onrubia, Neville Manaois, Jun Cruz and the rest of the TBR team, it has been five (5) years that they have produced marathoners.

So what is it that most of the runners would want to cross that finish line? Since 2010, I dreamt that one day I will cross the finish line and get that title, the accomplishment, the moment and the medal and I did it after a year of training from zero mileage to that full marathon (42.195km) distance.

Not everyone puts “finishing a marathon” in their bucket list. Not everyone gets a critical condition before deciding a turning point in their life. Not everyone has the ability to be an inspiration after being inspired. Not everyone, until you become a runner; moreover, a marathoner.

I personally have an issue with races giving away medals and trophies for short distances instead of stressing to a half marathon or marathon because of this: they took away the essence of accomplishing a seemingly impossible task. That is why I would understand some people getting pissed when they say a run is a marathon when in fact they only took a few kilometers. That is why some people veer away from races that cater to people who are just after the freebies. You can disagree with me but believe me, that is why there are more and more runners getting injured early in their running career because they wanted to do things overnight–that says a lot about one’s character.

Finishing a marathon, getting a sub-5, breaking that wall at 32k or having that second wind: you would not experience this in lower distances. Back in 2010, my success is measured by my best time in 3k, 5k or 10k. Then I train harder to break my PR. Then I graduated to 10k and targeted a half marathon, slashing time after time until I am confident enough to do a marathon. Yes, some of us are this way.

While some may be an accomplished runner because of the shiny things they get when they cross the finish line, looking at the pictures above is what they will not get. Running a marathon does not only mold character but it develops a new and better one. For a spectator, you will scratch your head, “What is with this people who wanted to spend 5-7 hours walking and running under the sun?” My simple answer, “Because they wanted to achieve something after that hard work.” They know something about life, something life can offer, something that looked like impossible.

What do they say while covering that distance? Here are their thoughts:

“I just wanted to cross the finish line. I’m already here and I don’t want to stop just because I’m in pain.” “I have trained hard for this. It has been 6 months and I can’t just throw it all away.” “I am okay with my pace. I know God is with me.” “I wanted to see my family at the finish line so I can proudly say this is for them.” “I need to change and I wanted to start here.” “I wanted to surprise my girlfriend. I am going to propose to her at the finish line when we are marathoners.”

And even if they did practice their finish line pose, those pictures above were genuine.

Believe me, I have been a witness to all of these. They are no longer just runners but marathoners; they are not just marathoners, but new and better version of themselves.

So run a marathon, and you will see from there.