The Bull Runner

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Month, Barbizon together with Mommy Matters, Best Friends in Breastfeeding, and Phil. Association of Childbirth Educators, held its first ever Barbizon Mommy Milkshake Marathon today at Fort Bonifacio. More than a hundred participants—nursing mothers and their families, breastfeeding advocates, and runners—showed up to give their full support for the advocacy of breastfeeding by walking/running 2km around Bonifacio Global City.

Now, this was not a race for The Bull Runner. It was a race for the mother in me. (Aaaw, sniff sniff. Pass the tissue, please.) As a mother who breastfed my two kids, breastfeeding is a cause that I support because of the gift of good health it has given to my children. It was also, without a doubt, one of the best bonding experiences I had with both kids.

- Nia (breasfted for 15 mos.) and Anton (breastfed for 6 mos.) -

This 2k run was also more like my son’s run. He was looking forward to this for the past two weeks and, as he woke up this morning with a bad cough, I promised him I would just run by his side and forget about racing today. (Forced tapering for tomorrow’s race, huh?)

So, with two children plus a yaya in tow, we headed for the Fort at 7:30 am despite the heavy rains. Upon registration, I was delighted to receive a pink shirt which all runners were asked to wear for the run. With a quick wardrobe change, I became one among the many pink runners lined up behind the starting line. Thankfully, by then, the rain had gone and the weather was cloudy and cool.

The course began from Gourdo’s restaurant and headed out towards the main streets of Bonifacio Global City. It was a delight for me to run with my son, Anton, and his cousin, Zach. At first I thought I would just brisk walk while they would run by my side, but much to my surprise I found myself running (close to race pace at times!) just to keep up with them.

- Kuya Zach and Anton -

I was enjoying the run when I saw Tessa Prieto-Valdes wearing what Ben said was my dream Nathan water carrier. MY Nathan?! How could that be? Someone else got to him before I did?! I took a shot and heaved a sigh of relief as I saw that hers was pink when My Nathan is yellow. Still, I was envious. Patience, I say to myself, patience. One day, my Nathan shall arrive.

- Tessa Valdes wearing My Nathan -

We passed Senendra and Bonifacio High Street and, before we knew it, we were nearing the finish line. The organizers pulled out their pink ribbon for us to run through but I learned a little bit too late (like when I was an inch away from the ribbon) that they did this for the kids—not me! Oops, I guess Mommy got too excited about feeling like a first placer!

- I know, I know, I look preggy here. -

Before we left, we were given bags and bags of freebies from the sponsors. My oh my, Barbizon sure knows how to give us runners the spoiling that we so rightfully deserve! I took home a sandwich and water, Avent items, Prolacta samples, and—now this is my favorite—a free set of underwear which fits me perfectly! Woohoo, this sure beats hard boiled eggs!

They said this was going to be a “fun run” and that is certainly what we got—a grand time running with friends and family! Barbizon, how about a “fun” 10k next year?

- We got H@ppy Feet! -

To H@ppy Feet: Mon, Ben (and Missy), Joms, Smith, and Tisha, it was nice to see you again. Ang saya!

To Banggi, (you’re much taller than I thought), Roselle (nice to hear your soul voice live) and Anton (you are such a pleasant guy!), I was so glad to finally meet you outside of cyberspace.

To Anna Price: It was quite difficult to chat while running haha. Wish we had more time to talk and get Colin and Nia to play together!

To Tricia, congratulations for winning first place! Are you sure that wasn’t just your first race?

To  Janice, my sister who organized the race, congratulations!  When are you joining?

Thanks to Erwin Nolido for my finish line and Happy Feet shots.