NatGeo Run 2019

A run for the world’s oceans.

The 10th Earth Day Run is aimed at raising awareness of plastic pollution and reducing the amount of single-use plastics that enter the world’s oceans.

I only did 5km run twice as training since I was also busy preparing for my graduation at LPU. I knew it wasn't enough but at the same time I really felt ready to unlock my first 10km run ever.

I didn’t even have a target time as I'd like it to be just steady and smooth run. My only aim is to reach the finish line injury-free.

I've walked through the crowd so I can be in the first line of runners as I always do in my previous races. I feel that there's quiet an advantage in doing so and I've read from an article that this can help amateur runners to be more relaxed. A few minutes before the gun start, the host reminded everyone to enjoy the race, push harder in last few miles and imagine oneself crossing that finish line. Every time I feel the cramps in my feet, his words of encouragement would crossed my mind and yes, I keep on imagining that I'll be crossing that finish line with a victorious smile.

It feels great running in a route that's not new to me at all. I tried not to glance at my Fitbit so I won't panic and just run, walk and breath as much as I could. It was already at km7 when I started to feel the pain in my right foot but I've somehow managed to take another km. After 3 water breaks and a series of leg cramps in the last 2 miles, I've crossed the finish line approximately an hour and 10 minutes before the official cut off time,

My Fitbit Charge 2:

14 Apr, 04:30    Run  10.39 kilometers    1:23:44 - Missed to stop the timer at the finish line. I was already refilling my water bottle when I noticed it.

Official time from Runrio:

Rank   Bib No.      Gun Time   Chip Time
565     12835         01:21:28     01:20:53

The result isn't bad at all as there were more than 15,000 runners or shall I say eco warriors who pledged and joined the campaign.

No single-use plastics were allowed at the event and they urged all runners to use the reusable water bottles included in every race kit.

Buttercream

Last year, I've finally decided to enroll in a Culinary school. It has been one of my dreams before I turned 30. I find it to be a flexible passion to pursue and the opportunities are limitless. I am certain that this is what I want my life to be about.

I think that I got my natural cooking skills from my father. I used to watch him working in the kitchen as we used to have a carenderia or food stall when I was still in high school. He would make a great lunch even if he did not have any pro culinary background. I remember waking up to the sounds of chopping boards as early as 4am almost every day. By that time, I also try to help in slicing spices and veggies before prepping for school.

My joy of learning how to bake started when I was on a holiday in the UK years ago. I would bake the basic scones, pasties and cherry cake as you can read in my previous blogs. The fascination didn't end there as I continued this hobby by making cookies, brownies and caramel bars. I used to sell them to my officemates and received a lot of great feedback.

In 2016, a friend of mine encouraged me to take up culinary course in CCA with him but apparently it didn't happen after he went abroad.

I've also inquired at TESDA office many times but the slot for culinary is always full and they also prioritized undergraduate students which I fairly understand.

Despite all the setbacks, I keep moving forward to accomplishing one of my biggest dreams. It feels great to graduate from one of the Metro's biggest and most advanced culinary school. Thanks to all our mentors and chefs at LPU Culinary Institute, TELUS International University, batchmates, my family especially my howardsome - my ultimate source of inspiration. Above all, thank God for this opportunity to graduate again (my College grad was like XX years ago). The long hours of cooking and baking, crowded train stations, sore legs and everything in between paid off in the end. I know that the toque I've earned is only the beginning of a promising journey.

If dreams don't come true overnight, all you have to do is to hold on to your dreams. I did.