I’ve always believed that the hardest part of jogging is simply deciding to get out of bed. So when my friends invited me to join a sunrise jog on the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), my first reaction was to laugh. Me? Jog? On that enormous bridge? Before sunrise?
But curiosity—and a little peer pressure—worked their magic. And that’s how, on a cool Saturday morning, I found myself standing at the foot of Cebu’s iconic bridge, about to experience something unforgettable.
The sky was still a deep shade of blue when we arrived. The streetlights lining the bridge cast a soft glow on the pavement, making the structure look even more majestic and intimidating than usual. I stared at the curve of the road stretching into the darkness and whispered to myself, “Are we seriously going to run all of that?”
My friends were already stretching like seasoned athletes, while I was trying not to look too obvious as I Googled “how to warm up for jogging” on my phone. But after a few awkward lunges and toe-touches, I felt as ready as I could be.
When we finally began jogging, the first few steps felt surprisingly easy. The early morning breeze was cool against my face, and the quiet surroundings made it feel like the entire bridge was reserved just for us. Within moments, though, my legs started sending me polite reminders that I hadn’t jogged in months. But I pushed on.
As the incline of the bridge grew steeper, so did my self-doubt. Cyclists zoomed by gracefully, some with smiles, others with laser-focused expressions. Fellow joggers passed us in the opposite direction, their footsteps light and rhythmic.
Meanwhile, my breathing sounded like a radio with weak signal.
But little by little, I found my rhythm. Not fast, not impressive—just steady. The kind of pace that whispers, “You can do this. One step at a time.”
The wind picked up slightly, brushing my face and cooling the sweat forming on my forehead. Behind us, Cebu City’s lights flickered like fallen stars. Ahead, the faint glow of dawn began to stretch across the sky.
Something inside me settled. I stopped thinking about how far I had to go. I simply ran.
Halfway up the bridge, without warning, the sky began to change color. From navy blue to purple, then to soft shades of orange and pink—like the world was waking up in slow motion.
For a moment, I forgot I was tired.
For a moment, I forgot I was supposed to be jogging.
I slowed down and looked around. The sea below shimmered even in the dim light, soft waves rolling gently against the pillars of the bridge. The wind carried the smell of salt and the faint call of distant boats.
And then it happened—the sun peeked over the horizon.
People often say sunrise is beautiful, but seeing it from CCLEX felt different. It felt earned. After climbing the incline, battling my own doubts, and pushing my limits, the rising sun felt like a reward waiting just for me.
The entire bridge glowed in warm gold. Cyclists pulled out their phones for photos. Joggers paused to stretch, take selfies, and simply breathe in the moment. Everyone seemed united by one shared thought:
“This was worth waking up for.”
The run back toward Cebu felt completely different. The sun was higher now, brightening the sky and bathing the entire bridge in soft morning light. The world around me was no longer quiet—more joggers arrived, groups chatted happily, and the energy felt alive.
Surprisingly, my legs didn’t feel as heavy as before. Maybe it was the adrenaline from the sunrise, or maybe it was the realization that I had already conquered the hardest part.
Every few meters, I’d glance over the railing to admire the water. It was calmer now, reflecting the clouds like a giant mirror. A few boats dotted the sea, slowly making their way through the channel.
Even though I was sweating, panting, and probably turning red like a tomato, I felt good. Really good.
When we finally reached the end point, I stopped, placed my hands on my knees, and let out a long, triumphant exhale. My heart felt full—full of pride, full of energy, and full of gratitude that I didn’t let my excuses win.
My friends congratulated me like I’d just finished a marathon. Someone handed me a cold bottle of water, and it tasted like victory.
Looking back at the bridge from where we stood, CCLEX didn’t seem as intimidating anymore. In fact, it looked welcoming, almost as if it was saying, “See? You survived. Come back anytime.”
Jogging on CCLEX for the first time wasn’t just exercise. It was:
- a reminder that wonderful things happen when you say “yes,”
- a moment of peace above the sea,
- a chance to see Cebu from a new perspective,
- and a personal victory I didn’t know I needed.
There’s something about being on that bridge—its height, its openness, its connection between two towns—that makes you feel like you’re bridging something within yourself, too. You leave behind your doubts, your stress, and your limits. And you return feeling lighter, stronger, and more alive.
Will I ever jog there again?
Absolutely.
Because sometimes, the best journeys start when you simply take the first step—no matter how small, slow, or unsure.
And for me, that first step happened on CCLEX, under a rising Cebu sun, with the sea below and the sky unfolding above.
And I can’t wait to go back.