If meters were currency I would’ve been double a millionaire as I’ve earned my two millionth meter last night, or 2,000 kilometers, since I started running almost two years ago.

So many obstacles hampered this long sought after but very much delayed milestone of mine, mostly for reasons of injuries, but as I gradually recover, so did the kilometers.  And finally on the month that I started running two years ago I finally reached that target.

I really wanted to hit my first 2,000K by the end of July, but failed!  Then it was moved on August 1, and finally was able to do it last night, August 2, after one of those dreaded days at the office.  I think I had too much stress then that late in the afternoon my eyesight blurred for a few minutes, then replaced by a headache.  Add to that an hour of overtime!  Man, I almost thought that I had to postpone my run!

After finally agreeing to cap my office hours I decided to push through with my run—all while still having a slight headache.  Running had always made me feel better, usually with colds but this time I was trying it as a cure for headache.

After changing into my superhero costume, I mean my running clothes, I warmed up with walking towards Ortigas Park (while at the same time waiting for my Garmin to lock).  From there I traced my way towards Robinson’s Galleria, and onto Epifanio delos Santos Ave. (EDSA).  From there I followed the road, north-bound, turning right towards Araneta Center, left in front of Araneta Coliseum, and left at Aurora Blvd. until I’m back at EDSA.  The lone pedestrian overpass you’d have to cross in Quezon Ave. is one of the few you can actually run onto as it features a wheelchair ramp so it was quite a delight but of course you’d get the occasional stare runners get when running on the roads, particularly when you’re running alone.  The final kilometer was comprised of entering Trinoma’s premises (QCIM route) exiting at North Ave. and finishing in front of the pedestrian overpass of SM City North EDSA’s Sky Garden.  Total distance: a little more than 9K just completing my first 2,000K.

I’ve occasionally been doing easy runs like these on the road to prevent detraining (along with cross training).  I’m not joining races as much as I wanted due to budget and time constraints but these easy runs gives similar benefits and bring back the joy running to its truest form.  Personally it brings back the memories of my runabouts on the roads (EDSA, Quezon Ave., Aurora Blvd., just to name a few), and contrary to common belief running alongside EDSA is bearable (choose your time and place wisely).  And yes running is therapeutic (at least for me) as it alleviated my headache, just as it did with my colds prior to races. 😀

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