3 a.m. Run

I woke up at around three in the morning on Sunday wondering about my life choices.

Because, seriously, who wakes up at 3 a.m.?

Apparently, I do—on the rare occasion I am required to wake up insanely early. While I was getting ready, my dog, Kiki, looked at me with bleary eyes watching me stumble into my running shoes before curling into a ball and falling back asleep. She had better things to do than watch me get ready, like sleep.

Last Sunday I joined the World Vision Run to Cebu with hundreds of other runners in the race. I happily did not finish last.

I have not really taken on running as a hobby since I’m obviously not built for running. However, I’ve been trying to build my endurance levels at the gym (and strength training— because strong girls are awesome!) and I’ve liked the challenge of joining runs and seeing if I can beat my times.

Though, I admit, I have yet to take up running regularly outside of the occasional races. This is my fourth five-kilometer run and I would love to join a 10-km run by the end of the year.

Advocacy runs are still my favorite—at least I know my money goes to a good cause and I get to explain the cause to others as well.

After the run, I ambled into a GrabCar car and the driver so kindly saved my legs and life (exaggeration). She took note of my happy yet frazzled look and asked what just happened. I was quick to explain the run and the wonderful things World Vision does.

(Side note: WHY?! What is happening LTFRB – since when are Grab and Uber unsafe as compared to taxi drivers and their operators who run smelly taxis, ask for extra fare, and do not give you any change?) “I couldn’t last 500 meters,” she laughed. “I somehow survived,” I joked. She said she might want to join the next run if it meant that she’d be able to help out.

It’s nice to note that these days, we can all help out in many ways. In this case, it’s running. By supporting organizations such as World Vision, you are leaving a great deal of change in the lives of others already. Donations, gathered by fun runs or not, help organizations like World Vision keep kids in school and change the lives of the communities they serve.

Proceeds of the World Vision run will help provide livelihood projects in a community in Sogod, Cebu. Part of the proceeds will also support World Vision’s global campaign: End Violence Against Children. As my body aches, my heart is filled with happiness knowing I get to support meaningful causes close to my heart.

So perhaps waking up at 3 a.m. is not such a bad life choice after all. In exchange, you get to make the lives of others even better.

See you at the next run.