The Truth Why I Run

Had you ever been called fat? A Pig? A Planet? A Constellation? Or worst, a Galaxy?

Me? The first two yes, but the rest, probably? Haha

I weighed almost 198lbs last year. I eat to overcome stress worst is depression. I used to be thin when I was a kid, I remember being sick every start of school year, from common colds to kidney stones that occurred once at Christmas Holidays. When I reached 10 years old, my weight went up. I used to blame it on multivitamins (that was when I was in high school and now I learned it doesn’t have that effect) but the serious reason aside from genes was also the lack of physical activity. I hated sports then! I hated sweating! I hated the sun!

Funny thing was my relatives last year kept on telling me that having extra pounds on a physician is better rather than looking like a wimpy stick. I know they were trying to console and tries hard not to compare me to my brother who lost almost 60 lbs after 2 years of diet and exercise,

Then last October I received news that an old love was getting married. Don’t worry, I moved on already! I’m happy for her, that she had her dream wedding with her man. That she’s finally getting what she deserves, and that’s to be happy. But I'' be honest, the situation made me feel like I’m a loser. I’m fat, I’m a failure, 24 and still jobless. Some of my friends try to cheer me up by telling “you’ll be a great fucking doctor!”

But prior to that, I also had unresolved medical issues; I had a history of vomiting for 12 hours. Everytime I’ll try to lie down in bed and try to sleep, I feel nauseous and needs to vomit. It occurred twice already. Their impression was Vertigo. There was also one time that I can’t sleep and it felt like I was drowning. I had my heart check and was delighted that the results were normal.

But that was my epiphany that I have to do something about my weight.

I started running. Upon taking my 2-month break from Med School, I took the opportunity to lose weight. Our house here in Cavite is near in a private cemetery (I know, weird right?), that’s where I usually run for 30-40 minutes.

I enrolled myself in a gym. I was hesitant at first because of the some stories I heard and read. But as long as you do your own business, you’ll be ok. Good thing my instructor was very helpful in assisting me. My 3-month membership ended so I bought sets of dumbbells for my dorm.

I continued running in UP, for 2 hours, 3 times a week.

But everything changes, the truth why I run now is for myself. I run for my health. I run because I finally found an activity that I enjoy. I run because it’s a cheap way to lose weight. It’s true that when you try to set goals make sure you’ll do it for yourself and not for others and what they think of. It’s more realistic and more effective. :D

Still far from my ideal body weight, I know it’s a long way to go. I’m still called fat by some. Haha. But who cares, I don’t mind, I know I’ll reach my target weight soon, One step at a time!