RX: Running to Running Addiction?

Last December 25, 2007 I found myself in the ER unable to move my legs because of a condition called Hypokalemia which is basically the depletion of potassium levels in my body due to Hyperthyroidism (confused yet? ). I was confined for more than four days. Each day of being weak and immobile made me realize how much we often take for granted the simple joys of being able to run, walk or simply be able to move. This event capped off several months of not being sure what was happening to me, which after diagnosis later became self-denial. All along, I thought I was the only one among us three siblings that didnt get what I call my Dad's curse.

Since then, I've focused myself back on the road to recovery through running. It's so like me to need a life changing situation to jolt some sense into me. In 2005, a car crash wherein I totaled my car along with two others (and where I lost life No. 9) prompted me to swear of heavy drinking and late nights. A while later, after losing life No. 8 to Milenyo , I reprioritized between career and family. That sabbatical also allowed me to get into the Swim, Bike, Run multi-sport of Triathlon.

Of the three disciplines, I've always found running (with swimming a close second) to be the most 'honest' and revealing in terms of your willpower and dedication. There's nothing but you and the road. Its always a battle between you and the temptation of giving up and simply walking. In a way, I've learned to use running and apply it in real life. The process of setting goals and 'sticking with it till you finish' requires the same grit and determination in both areas.

The first ever run I joined was the 2005 New Balance Power Race where I did the 5K in a super slooow 1.5 hours! My fault - I was drinking with my UPLB Brods till 2am after which I picked up our Tri club president Ian then drove to Fort Boni all the way from Los Baños. After all, as they say the UP Trantados are 50% Triathlete and 50% Alcohol. To my credit, I did the incline-packed Mt. Makiling Challenge 10k Run a month later in less time (and zero alcohol of course). That was way before I learned I had Hyperthyroidism.

Fast forward to the present... Since the start of the 2008, I've busied myself with joining almost every run event my schedule would allow. So please do drop by often and bear witness to my slow road to recovery and my growing love for running and multi-sports.