Milo 1/2!

I woke up this morning and had my first NORMAL bowel movement in days! I was happier than a pig in mud! I’ve been eating some bland, not so healthy food, noodles mostly, so that I can get back to 100%.

Yesterday started VERY early for the group. Most the team participated in the local Milo-sponsored running event. There was a 3k walk, a 5k run, a 10k, a half-marathon and a full marathon. We all chose either the 21k or the 10k. I opted for the 21k. If I was going to get up so early to run I was at least going to get a run in! The race started at 5:30am, well before the sun rose! Our group barely made it to the start on time because we thought it all kicked off at 6 am. We pulled up all nonchalant-like only to see everyone else already lined up and ready to go! We had seconds to spare! Each race was packed and to be honest I was not expecting this.

My plan was simply to see how I felt since I’ve been feeling like crap for the last 5 or 6 days. I went out quite easily and just continued to go at my own moderate pace. I was surprised I didn’t fall apart; I was sort of expecting to because of how I’ve been feeling lately.

I ran most of the race with a local Philipino girl. I saw her at the start and could just tell that she had a solid run in her. At the turn-around we introduced ourselves and paced one another. Her name was Wanaka. She is part of the duathlon team here. I don't know why I find it so surprising but there are so many great athletes here, and not just on the team.

At the 10-mile mark or so, Eduardo (a local here in the side picture; we introduced one another at the end of the race), was swinging his arms to get me to catch up with him, willing me onward. I had to laugh. EVERYONE is so nice here! I know I say this often, but it’s true. I caught up and he yelled at me, “You third girl! You third girl! Go!....Go now!” He went on to pace me for ½ mile and then dropped back, “Go now!” He wasn’t going to let me slow down.

The last mile was packed with walkers (hundred!) so that we runners had to meanuever around or slow down. I took the last mile very easy because of it, more concerned with others at this point than with myself. I didn't want to run some sorry old walker over!

It was a fun event. At the end of the race, free Milo was provided. It's a milk beverage with chocolate and malt. It is YUMMY stuff and something I probably wouldn't normally have if I weren't still sick! Being sick has its rewards!

At the awards ceremony, the local high school was having a dance compeption. I caught on on film.