It’s a gain from the disappointment.
By Leah Palado Vinzons
Ultramarathoner, Dublin, Ireland
It’s a gain from the disappointment.
Running 10 kilometres was a dream for me which happened after 11 months of having my third child. Suddenly,I realised that I could run that distance and said to myself “why not double the distance (21 km)?” which turned out to be pleasant with some muscle pains. Then once again, “double the distance (42.2 km)” with the push of my little brother Elvin and the gorgeous man-inside out Chris V (my husband). In October 2012, I completed the Dublin marathon, the “friendliest marathon in the world” and it took me 6 hours and 6 minutes to finish. It was an awesome feeling to have this beautiful piece of medal around my neck. Since then, a mother of three and a full time nurse was only aiming for one Dublin marathon per year.
In 2017, I was really disappointed due to the clash of Dublin marathon and European of Gastroenterology conference in Barcelona which means I would be missing the Dublin marathon. I replaced the feeling of disappointment by gaining of a half marathon, seven full marathons, back to back marathons and one ultra 50km in the same year. I had developed the experience of strong emotions, the desire to unite and integrate with fellow runners and an opportunity to build social relationship. According to Harman, et.al, 2019, the social interaction of the runners has positive outcomes on their race experience and often led to interpersonal relationship.
The year of 2018, had brought fewer beautiful pieces which continued to gain more bling-bling until 2019 where I travelled to Rome for another ultra 50 km. This event had extended my family whom I met brother Binoy Panes the first Filipino who crossed the finish line in Rome Ultra, cousin Jacob How the Passatore ultra king, sister Judy Masibay who was brave to beat the marathon from work, amazing! Of course our talent manager, Signora Alona Cochon who did ultra walk with our family a day before the event to show the beauty of Rome. The energy was buzzing on the day of the event. At the finish line my family was waving with Leanne, my daughter on her 16th birthday. Who was cheering when I crossed the finished line. I was excited and I did not bother about the finishing time until brother Binoy asked me “sis what is your finish time?” I was not sure since my old watch had a problem with accuracy, then brother Binoy was pointing the kiosk to print the results. I was stunned with the results of 05:18:59, I prepared for it with 6 marathons in 5 weeks prior to this ultra marathon. Also got the award by National Transport Authority of Ireland for the most steps accumulated in 6 weeks. I am thankful to my running friends who traveled with me around Ireland to the Filipino Athletic Club Ireland and Endurance Philippines Ireland Club that inspired me with their achievements and supports.
It’s a gain from disappointment; at the beginning of 2020 I had few ultra/marathons registered including one major but pandemic ruled the world which halted most of the events. Could you imagine what I felt? I’m sure I’m not the only one despite thousands of us were disappointed. Hey runners, cheer up! The virtual running events are around us, unlimited, expensive but thankfully we have the Pinoy Runners London who understands the basic needs of the runner which caters a free, fun, challenging, virtual runs and bringing friends together around the globe. Therefore, I gained so much fun with great craic and left my disappointment behind.
