Have you ever seen a dolphin up close?
Haven’t you noticed that they seem to emanate a certain aura wherever you see them?
HAPPY. CHEERY. JOYOUS. SUNNY… Just some of the words that come to mind whenever I think of Dolphins. And this was exactly the flavor of the Condura Marathon, Run for the Dolphins 2010, felt like when my family joined the most-anticipated running event yesterday.
Consequently, Sky celebrated his 3rd birthday on the Condura event – so I opted to just do a 3K with him along with some of our friends. While my husband D ran the 10K, under the elite category. But didn’t quite make the time that he wanted to finish. But nevertheless, he had so much FUN.
It was 4:20AM as we traversed Lawton Avenue inside The Fort, when we saw a SEA of 42K runners looming ahead of us. They were A LOT. I got excited as soon as I saw them… I get giddy-happy when I see runners aiming for their dream to get a PR for a run or just finish a FULL marathon. Training for one is not easy, and finishing one is even more demanding. Marathoners and Ultramarathoners are a different breed of people. Most that I know of are kind-hearted and patient. Perhaps, it came along with the perseverance they endure in running that distance. And that very thought, just made me smile as I see them serious ones, take it easy in the beginning of their race.
Parking was relatively easy than anticipated. I know D was nervous, but I was more anxious than he was. I get worried when he gets so caught up with aiming for a PR. But I never tell him that. I just encourage him a lot, but when he gave me a kiss before he split for his warm-up and the race. I can’t help but say, “Just go out there and have fun!”
He smiled and said, “I’ll try…” And gave me another peck on my forehead this time, and off he went!
The birthday boy was in a slightly cranky mood when I placed him on the stroller. Ate Ging came with us this time. She wanted to see what the fuss is all about in these races we attend. But I think, she was more interested to see the “artista’s” that frequent these events. For the record, she was happy to see Mr. Anthony Panglinan.
It was awesome seeing the 21K, 10K and 5K runners to their start. The fireworks were a nice touch in the beginning of each category. Unfortunately for us, the 3Kers – started with the sun rising up from the horizon. We may not have had the fireworks, but there were LOTS of SUNSHINE! Everyone was HAPPY at the starting line!
Running walking at the tail-end of the 3K pack was surprisingly very refreshing for me. It was just plain fun trudging alongside other mom’s with kids and people with their Golden retriever’s too. I had freshly brewed coffee on-hand while Ate Ging and I took turns in carrying Sky and pushing the stroller.
After 2Km’s, I got a little itch in my feet. I placed Sky in the stroller – buckled him up properly. Told Ate Ging to just take it easy and meet us at the starting line… And I ran! It was quite difficult to maneuver around fun walker’s, but Sky and I had a blast! Whenever I slow down, I hear him mutter under his breath, “The people are blocking are way mom. Go faster!”
And Fast I did went.
It was a slow end at the race because of the long line. But that didn’t matter. The atmosphere was contagiously happy. Everyone was having a great time, just doing a fun run or being there with family.
D was already done when we were in the queue. He finished 60th in the 10K with a time of 51:38. Not the time he was aiming for. But, he obviously had fun!
D’s bestfriend and Sky’s favorite uncle - Chris also ran the 10K for the first time. He had an unofficial time of 1:20++, but perhaps the long line at the finish, he ended up with a time of 1:27.05… Still not bad for his first time!
The Condura Marathon 2010 lived up to its expectations. Perhaps even more. They have imbibed the spirit of the Dolphin in their run for saving them. The Condura Marathon is one race everyone will be looking forward to 2011!
“Lumba-Lumba” is the tagalog word for dolphin.
Just thought some of you would like to know.










