Around June last year, the first ever Walk the World Philippines was held at MOA. I enjoyed the event because it was clear with its goal to just walk 1 km or run a short distance and be part in helping to put an end to world hunger. Last year there was a band playing near the starting/finish line, there were several people wearing costumes and body paint as representatives from different provinces, there were mascots, and so much more! It really showed off the Filipino pride! This year however, there were less activities. It felt more of a business event rather then a festivity. Nothing wrong about that actually, I just missed the original way it was done.

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Event Proper:

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In last year’s event, famous singer/talk show host KC Conception was present to personally thank everyone for their participation. Today, she once again graced everyone with her presence, only she was not alone. Other famous personalities such as Richard Gomez, K-la Rivera, Vince Hizon and Patricia Hizon were also there. Just like last year, the race DID NOT start on time. It started more than an hour after the stated gun start on their brochure. I honestly expected it since it was not the typical fun run. However, most of the attendees did not. The race was supposed to start at around 5:30 but it didn’t. There was also no announcement stating why the fun run did not start yet. Later on, I saw a crowd forming at the starting line and one small lady with a camera yelling “BOOOOO…” over and over again. She was actually the only one yelling that way and I had no idea what the commotion was about. She then screamed “We don’t care about KC!” I’m not sure if the race started late because KC wasn’t there yet, but that’s the only guess I have as to why the woman was booing and saying those things.

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Soon enough, at around 6:30 there was a countdown and the gun start. Still, no one was moving! 3 gun shots…. still no movement. What was going on? Everyone already seemed annoyed. I on the other hand was not really bothered, but I was however already feeling sleepy. Finally at around 6:45, the race began! the 10k and 5k runners all started the race at the same time since there were just a few of us. Those who registered for the 2km walk on the other hand started a few minutes after.

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There was nothing special about the race/route and I cannot exactly tell you what happened after because I had to leave in a hurry.

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My Personal Experience: My First Barefoot Run/Walk

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A few days ago, my brothers’ girlfriend Hannah of flaircandy.com gave me a pair of Zoot shoes. According to the label, it was the shoes for triathletes! I was really excited to try it out especially because I LOVED the color! The shoes also boast on using Dri-lex (the sweat control fiber) so that runners need not wear socks anymore. I felt awkward about that part but still wanted to give it a go.

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Now, as a runner, I know it is NOT advisable to immediately use a new pair of shoes for a run. One has to go for a test run first to make sure your feet are okay with it, otherwise, we might suffer from strained muscles or the like. I planned to do the test run this coming Thursday during my usual 5km training run. However, this morning as I was about to leave, I thought to myself: “Why not try them out today?” I had no intentions of beating my PR today… I just wanted to run alongside my fiance and have fun. So why not try the shoes? If I start getting muscle cramps, I can always just walk it out. This was what I expected. I did not expect what happened.

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So there I was running my normal pace and walking every now and then to take pictures until I felt a sore somewhere behind my foot (near my ankle). Turns out, my new shoes were rubbing against my skin! If you look at the picture of my shoe above, the back part of the shoe is rather high… and that part was the one rubbing against my skin. IT WAS SORE but I tried to ignore it. Unfortunately, as I reached the 2km point, part of my skin rubbed off and I ended up with a really sore wound! Every step I took made the shoe rub against it more! It was really painful! But, I was determined that I would finish the race regardless of anything. I kept chatting with my fiance and we kept laughing about the whole ordeal. We eventually saw an ambulance and asked for a pair of band-aids. I moved aside and put them on.

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Much better! I started running again! … but not long after, the band-aid fell off!! WAAAAA!!! (hahaha) and there was the pain again! This time however, even my ankles were starting to hurt. Each foot now had 2 wounds in 2 different places. Boy was it difficult to walk, much more to run! So, as I reached the 3km point, I had decided to do the unthinkable… I RAN BAREFOOT.

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I felt soooooo embarassed! (haha) There were people looking at me and smiling! I whispered to my fiance, Philippe, “oh no! I’m wearing EatPrayRun!” (haha) I know several runners who ran barefoot, and I could only imagine how difficult it was…. NOW I ACTUALLY FEEL HOW DIFFICULT IT IS! I have so much more respect now for barefoot runners!! How do you do it!!

I ran some short distances but walked most of the time. My feet were not used to the pavement and running for too long was painful. The pain however from the pavement was much less than the pain from my sore wounds. It was one heck of an experience for me, and will definitely be one I’ll remember for a LONG time! Regardless of anything, I am proud to say I FINISHED the race. If there’s a solution, find it, and make it happen!

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Lesson learned: Don’t run with new shoes, even if it’s just a short distance! haha (I hope I can still do my 15km training run this Tuesday!)

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My next agenda: a much needed foot spa!

OUCHY!

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