Running With My Best Bud

Itago na lang natin siya sa pangalang Bru. :)

I remember I registered for the two of us as early as mid-June, just so we could practice running together. However, the weather was never kind to us. Every time we set a date, there came the downpour. To a point that we were both so pikon already, feeling we had jinxed the weather just by declaring a running date on that particular day.

Anyway, Friday before the run, we were a little lucky to run together. But still, after 2 rounds in my village, the rain angrily let itself go, seeking its sweet revenge, leaving us bitin.

Last Sunday, forgetting all my essentials (i shuffle, setting my watch, my running cap), I went to my best friend's house. And we went to the Fort together.

It was Bru's first time ever to join a run, and she did so, almost dragging me.

You see, Bru is a natural athlete. Since we were kids, she was already a sprinter. Long, strong legs and long, strong strides, she was bound to finish the 5k route fast and quickly. But as the rules stated, thou shall stick with thy buddy, from beginning till the end.

I, on the other hand, am a slow runner, re-learning my technique, breathing heavily and carrying my whole weight around. But as the rules stated, thou shall stick with thy buddy, from beginning till the end.

Actually, the whole experience of running with Bru made me remind of the friendship we have maintained through the years. She a fast runner, obviously taking the lead, but adjusting her long strides to level with me. I, a developing endurance runner, but still asking every now and then if she was okay. Even if she is the stronger one, I try my best to be right behind her, so anytime she feels like stopping, she knows I have her back.

The run reminded me of all our episodes of obstacles and challenges we had to face in our lives, no matter how difficult, we were with each other, sharing stories that reached the point of silliness and therapeutic laughter, knowing that underneath these silly stories we would share, it was really each other's presence that really counted.

The run reminded me that albeit how differently we were woven and created, we choose to stick together and respect each other.

The run also reminded me of how competition was never part of our equation, it was to give and take, to share a piece of ourselves without truly compromising oneself, to adjust when one is in need, to also move forward.


I teased Bru yesterday that she enjoyed being a turtle for her maiden 5k run. Of course she cannot call this her very first 5 k since our time yesterday was not a true reflection of her peak performance.What happened yesterday was just an unforgettable episode in our friendship. I will have to let her go as she joins her first 5k alone, but I will definitely be behind her (maybe not right behind), like a gust of wind, proudly pushing her to do her very best, and applauding her triumph, because she truly deserves it...

Needless to say I enjoyed yesterday's run. :)