Reasons why I run…

Many injuries are associated with running because of its high impact nature: pain in the knee, shin splints, pulled muscles, twisted ankles and some other leg related injuries. Why did I still opt to run when running can cause injuries?

Here are the reasons why I run…

• Running is an inexpensive activity. All I need is a pair of shoes, then I can go out and start running.
• I run for ‘dates’. Friday is the only day when I can spend more quality time with my Mie-chan. I had to run with her since she started joining the Ungo Friday Night Run. It isn’t a typical run but a date-run.
• I run to alter the pattern of my sedentary lifestyle. Include running in this work-home-work-home lifestyle, you will notice that you’re having a quality life.
• I run to sweat out those work related stress. I run to refresh myself and bring out the mestizo side of me…you know those pinkish cheeks.
• I run to find myself back. In this busy world, where worries and uncertainties cloud our lives, we need some escape button to press on. When I run, I forget all those things, and find the stronger version of my self. I know that I cannot really escape from problems, but I come back stronger and sturdier after running.
• I run for a cause.
  I dedicate my run for longer life, my birthday runs.
  I dedicate my run for more months and years, monthsary and anniversary runs.
  I dedicate my run to people I meet on the road. Every time I see children and old people begging on the streets, I ask Him, the Creator of this world, to bless these people. And, I offer my pain in running as sacrifice. My running is my prayer.
• I run for 4 minutes and walk for 1 minute to avoid those injuries I mentioned above. I finished my 65K ultramarathon and long distance runs with this pace. The 4-1 pace does not only allow me to run longer distances but also made me realize how fun and enjoyable running is. A minute of walking gives you time to recover, to sip water, to appreciate the scenery that surrounds you, and to keep in touch with those people cheering on you and those street kids smiling and chanting while running at your side for a few meters.

Running also taught me two values I used to neglect.

Patience. Living in the city, where everything is moving so fast, we are obliged to chase time, that at the end of the day, we feel exhausted and we forget those things that we did. Long distance running, with 4-1 pace,  taught me to take things one step at a time and do my best in every five minute…until reaching the finish line.

Determination. Running helps me become more determined in facing challenges. Life is full of these and everytime I meet them, I always remind myself of “crossing the finish line.”

Me on my first half-marathon

I am Joseph Rey Alquisola, the 4-1 runner, eager to hear your reasons why you are into running.

Stay tune as we, the Runnroo, will share our running experience as we tour around Cebu island on foot.

Put on your shoes now and start running, be with us in one of our Tour de Cebu stages.

See you on the road!!!
The 4-1 Runner

~oOo~

Joseph Rey Alquisola, the 4-1 Runner, an ultrarunner.