On Monday, August 25, 2025, the weather was gloomy, but I felt an unexpected urge to run. I hadn’t been running consistently since June 1, 2025, when I completed my first 21 km with my neighbor and childhood friend.
I suddenly lost interest, even though I am a member of the LuhKagay Runners running community in our municipality.
I was playing Mobile Legends Bang Bang with one of my online friends from Surigao del Sur. I was already feeling hesitant since it was almost 4 PM, and I needed to freshen up first by taking a bath, changing clothes, and doing my pre-run routine, which includes warm-up and dynamic exercises while listening to music. I usually run on autopilot and don’t need to use any headsets or earbuds.
I left the house at 5:20 PM and bought a chocolate bar from the nearest store as my energy food because I didn’t have any energy gels, foods, or drinks except for this chocolate.
I planned to run a non-stop five-kilometer route (one way), but unfortunately, I decided to take some rest and walk during the run because I had been on a hiatus from running. My destination was the neighboring municipality of Linamon, Lanao del Norte.
On my way, I made several stops. First, I saw a black cat tied in front of a sari-sari store, and I felt sorry for it, so I spent about 15 minutes petting the cat. After that, I decided to slowly start running again, but I was captivated by how peaceful the sea looked, so I stopped to enjoy the view and the serenity.
By 6 PM, I reached my destination, a 7-Eleven, to buy a few things, then headed over to Mercury Drug Store for some bath essentials. After shopping, I started my slow run back home while carrying the items I had bought. It felt awkward because I wasn’t used to running while carrying anything other than my phone
I have always loved the idea of running or at least walking at night because it’s so peaceful. While running in the morning is also nice, but nothing beats the tranquility and peace you feel late at night.
Halfway home, it started to rain, but it wasn’t heavy enough to soak me completely. So, I decided to sprint for about three minutes and then walk quickly. I was tired from carrying my purchases, but I still had enough stamina to walk or run for miles.
During my last kilometer home, I unexpectedly ran into a colleague and fellow Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) member on the road. We caught up for a bit since we’re good friends, as are our families. I mentioned I wanted to visit their house someday and that I needed directions because I’m not very good with them—I tend to get lost easily.
I chatted with his mother for about half an hour, but soon I had to leave since it was getting late (just five minutes before 8 PM). Before I left, I told her I would be back soon for coffee, and she welcomed me to their home.
I arrived home at 8:10 PM, and shortly after, I went to the nearest sari-sari store to buy my favorite snacks: Yakult and wafers, particularly anything chocolate-related. I sat on a bench and ended up chatting with the store owner, who is my aunt (my mom’s cousin). What started as a few questions turned into almost an hour of enjoyable conversation!
It felt like I was savoring every moment I spent with everyone that day, which made me happy because I felt like I was living at a slower pace, even though everything around me was moving so fast.
Take a look at my time duration and pace. It took me a while because, as I mentioned, I had several stopovers. During my last kilometer, I also chatted with my friend's mother. So, while this affects my overall pace, it doesn't reflect my entire pace during my walk-run journey that night. It is what it is.
That would be all guys!
Thanks for dropping by!!
