The Year That Was

When I am old and gray, I will look back fondly at 2007 as a pivotal point in my life, way up there with 1997 when I graduated from college, 1999 when I met the hubby on a blind date and got engaged a couple of months after, 2000 when we married, and 2001 and 2004 when my two kids were born.

2007 changed my life, or rather the way I viewed it, undeniably and largely because of running.

THANKS TO RUNNING…

… I pay less attention to the numbers on the scale and focus on getting leaner, building strength and speed, and improving my health. It’s a pleasant surprise that in my 30′s I finally feel comfortable in my own skin.

… I was taught (the hard way) about the limitations of my body: discoid lateral meniscus in my knee and vasovagal syncope that caused me to faint. Now I know that subtle symptoms such as soreness in the knee, overall feeling of weakness, or thirst are loud warning bells that require rest, better nutrition, or (knock on wood) a visit to the doctor.

… I eat less junk.

… I finally understand how sports in general can make such a positive impact in one’s life. As a non-athlete all my life, I always read about how sports can “develop confidence”, “keep children off the streets”, or “help you maintain your health” but these words never meant anything to me. Now I can say: I finally get it!

… I feel empowered. It must be the long runs that have given me this “No Fear” attitude. There’s something about pushing yourself to the limits and subsequently realizing that you have gone further than you thought possible that makes you believe more in yourself.

… I forged new friendships both in the real and virtual worlds. (I’ve made so many friends in running that I’m afraid to list them here lest I forget someone, which is likely the case with my terrible memory. You know who you are, guys!)

… I discovered the capabilities of my body and mind. As a runner, I learned how fast (46.57 mins for 10k) and how long (2 hours so far) my legs could carry me. My mind, on the other hand, knows no boundaries. As far as its concerned, it can outrun Paula and Haile on any day.

… I have learned humility and patience. It was my goal to join the Pasig Marathon on February, but at this point, I’m not even sure if I’m pushing through as the meniscus problem has set me back by a month in my training program. Surprisingly, I’m not being bull headed about it. Nope, I have welcomed it with a calm, happy surrender. If it isn’t my time this Feb, then there shall be another marathon for me. Uhm, hopefully within this year? And I’m praying my first is abroad? Lord, maybe New York? If not, perhaps Singapore? May I add without any injuries? Er, did I mention “surrender”?

How about you? What did running teach you last year or the years before?

Posted on 01.02.08 to 01 Bullish Insights. Tags: 2007, Run, Running. Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 9 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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9 Responses to “The Year That Was”

1. Wow this is like a Thanksgiving and New Year kind of post. Someone sounds psyched for 2008. Well the gift of running keeps on giving. Stick with it and you’ll learn more about yourself. It has taught me a lot of things so for the sake of brevity I’ll give you one; as a trail runner it has given me a sense of awe and respect for nature I didn’t have before, I don’t look at mountains the same way I used too.

   As for your question. The track is in Panaad Stadium. I believe it was used in the South East Asian Games for the soccer matches. Looks pretty bad now but I’m sure it will be fixed by the time I return next year.

   rick said on Jan 03 08 at 1:12 AM Reply
   

2. Aw Jaymie, 2007 was also a turning point in my life! I got into most of the sports I’m into now and I look forward to other sports to try! Running, swimming, cycling, dragonboat, football, climbing, skating… what’s next? Bring it on, bring it on!

   I miss running with you Jaymie!

   marga said on Jan 03 08 at 10:20 AM Reply
   

3. That was poignant ……galing sa puso talaga…
   Keep it up!!!
   You just dont know how many hearts are motivated to run just by reading your column, the thing is you really feel what you write in this running memoirs….
   There are very few women who can discuss about her toenails to knee poppers, the pain of running, share joys and goals in this world.
   I have a prediction and the writing is clear on the wall…..

   this year you will be soooo busy………..

   signing those autographs from your global virtual fanbase!!!!
   as the Romans say
   “viva bene, spreso l’amore, di risata de molto”
   (live well, love much, laugh often)

   Oknoy

   oknoy said on Jan 03 08 at 4:57 PM Reply
   

4. Keep it up, Jaymie! you’re an inspiration to a lot of us 30-ish women, juggling motherhood, career and a newfound love for running. Ingit naman ako! I havent ran in a month because of the weather here, but I’m hoping to get back to it soon! And just to share in your 2008 wishes, I hope to run a real race this year!

   K said on Jan 04 08 at 2:21 AM Reply
   

5. I totally agree with all comments above, Jamie. Your spirit trully inspires. I’m predicting your 2007 will be overshadowed by 2008 when you conquer your first marathon (does not matter if if it is Feb, Nov, domestic or overseas) Every year, we become smarter and stronger runners. I expect 2008 to be an enjoyable journey. Cheers!

   Tina said on Jan 04 08 at 8:37 AM Reply
   

6. I only started running August 2007. From a supplementary workout for paddling, its now one of the things I look forward too in excelling and competing as well. Aside from Surf Ski paddling, its one of the few sports where age is is not a limiting factor.

   Thanks to your blog, you’ve given us guys a reason to keep on improving our time. My goal this 2008 is to limit the total number of ladies passing me by or are ahead of me.

   I got this from the book Im currently reading. Its entitled Awaken the Olympian Within compiled by John Naber.

   “The motto of the Olympic movement doesn’t idolize the excellent; it encourages the devoted. Citius, altius, fortius means swifter, higher, stronger, not swiftest, highest, strongest. It is the desire for improvement-the pursuit of greatness that makes better people of the athletes who compete for their country. The important thing in the Olympic games Is not to win but to take part, just as the important thing is life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

   Olympic champions are not extraordinary people, rather, they are ordinary people who merely have been able to accomplish extraordinary thins in the area of life that matters most to each of them. If each of these athletes began simply enough, then there is hope for each of us-that we too can dream and reach far beyond our perceived abilities to attain untold treasures of personal satisfaction and productive value for those around us . Within each of us lies a dormant form of an Olympian, waiting to be awakened.”

   Happy New Year and keep on running. : )

   Mark said on Jan 04 08 at 12:55 PM Reply
   

7. Good. Jaymie, you know your limits. Doing it slow is the formula for accomplishing your goal. You will reach your goal sooner than you think because you made the best choice.

   mon sunday said on Jan 05 08 at 9:51 AM Reply
   

8. well said jaymie!…can super relate to everything you’ve written well probably except the ‘how fast your legs can carry you” part coz’ it might take me another year to get anywhere near your personal best …but running has indeed changed my life as well…super thanks to you for being a real inspiration!

   Mary715 said on Jan 10 08 at 7:57 AM Reply
   

9. ay sooo true especially on humility. when all you’re life you’ve been a sports minded like me, and not being able to excel to what other people think a very simple sport (and sometimes thought as a non-sport), it gets you back to your senses and make you realise that discipline & perseverance are the keys. you cant cut corners. in any race, those who have the heart only wins.

   banggigay said on Jan 15 08 at 4:57 PM Reply