I have been asked a lot about why I joined the marathon and have heard doubts about me finishing it. People might think I’m crazy or really insane ( as is the case of insanity really running in the family). Some even might think that I try too hard to be an athlete, given my limitations and shortcomings. Maybe it’s all true and maybe there is more to it. I joined the marathon because I want to triumph. I want to transform all the faith and belief in myself into one simple personal victory. I’m in it because I believe I can. I will enjoy all the steps and the journey as I try to reach the finish line. In a way, running this marathon, mirrors what my life or probably what life is all about. And as long as we take note of the journey and simply enjoy the run, we reach the destination with much more sense of accomplishment.
As, I try to run all 42K (42.196 K to be exact), I have decided to focus on 42 thoughts that will make this journey a run to remember. Here is my 42:
1. I will run for myself. Call it midlife crisis if you will, but this is an opportunity to showcase that even at this stage of my life, it is still possible, and maybe I still have my mojo. This is personal.
2. I will run for Anne. This run is dedicated to my ever-loving and supportive wife. Even as she is in better shape than I am, I know she believes, I can do it.
3. I will run for Geri and Dino. My children who in their sweet and innocent eyes, I can do no wrong.
4. I will run for Dad and Mom, unconditionally.
5. I will run for Gt and Greg ( and their lovely wives and children as well)
6. I will run for the Tiongco Episode 42K team ( Gt, Greg, Warren, Bryan and Lynette). It was a memorable training the last 4 months, all the encouragement and faith between the 6 of us always keep me going. Thanks for the bond that we will all share for the rest of our lives.
7. I will run for the love of running. The sport that I now so very love and learned to respect.
8. I will run for Uncle Alex an Uncle Ting. My two “crazy” uncles.
9. I will run for Wowo and Wawa, Lolo, my brother Glen, Uncle Zimo, Auntie Bing and all the loved ones, I lost along the way.
10. I will run for my in-laws. (This is mandatory, hehehe)
11. I will run for the Tiongcos and San Juans. Never to let the name down and make it proud.
12. I will run for the Ateneo
13. And of course for La Salle
14. I will run for the love of Surgery, especially Plastic Surgery.
15. I will run for Operation Smile and Smile Train – my advocacies and wherein I am a volunteer. For changing the world, one smile at a time.
16. I will run for Davao – my homeland
17. I will run for the love of country. For unity.
18. I will run for beer. A cold one. Make it a case.
19. I will run for the Philippine General Hospital. The place where I was humbled and to quote a famous surgeon (Dr. Ting Tiongco): where my ideals and outlook were “raped”
20. I will run for my mentors. My teachers, professors and even my tormentors. For their patience and belief.
21. I will run for Joenard Isip, my very first patient in PGH. Who later on passed away. This one is for you. Rest in peace.
22. I will run for Dad, Uncle Ting, Uncle Alex, Uncle Oca and Uncle Boyos as well as their Botaks, Sauconys, 26 miler shorts, etc. They paved the way to this race. They are the honorary founders of Tiongco Episode 42 team.
23. I will run for those who have failed but got up and fought back, learned and eventually succeeded. This is and always will be the story of my life.
24. I will run for Senor San Jose – our patron Saint
25. I will run for Our Mother of Perpetual Help, of which I am a devotee
26. I will run for my friends. Those in Davao, from La Salle, in Med School, in Surgery and everyone else for all the good times and the value of loyalty is always treasured.
27. I will run for Noy. Of which I am his staunchest critic. May you prove me wrong and lead us to a better tomorrow.
28. I will run for the Boston Celtics. Win or lose, I will always be a fan.
29. I will run for my detractors. The person whom you refer to as too slow, too short, overweight and everything else is on his way to finishing 42 kms. Eat your heart s out!
30. I will run for my "brothers" Paul Castillo and Karl Reyes, my batchmates and extended family in Surgery. Who taught me the value of resiliency and togetherness. I survived residency because of them.
31. I will run for the household helps, drivers, the boys. For all their collective efforts, they made this run possible as well. This is for appreciation.
32. I will run for the sake of the good times. Memories always bring back the enthusiasm and the smile.
33. I will run for all those unnamed people who I met along the way, who brought a smile or a tear in me. Thanks for making me grow as a person.
34. I will run for Derek Redmond, a virtual nobody, finished last in an Olympic event, but went on to finish the race, inspite of all his setbacks. May his spirit inspire me during the race.
35. I will run for my adversaries. Without them, I would be a lesser individual, because of them, I gained the strength.
36. I will run for Pandora, Tom, Gloria, Bobo, Courtney, Georgy, Shaq, Barkley and Rock. And all our other pets. Thanks for the company.
37. I will run for the future runners. I will try to set an example. Let them respect the sport and run with passion as much as I did.
38. I will run for Haruka Murakami, whose book on running I diligently followed and read over and over again. May I also come up with my own “What I talk about when I talk about running”.
39. I will run for all my patients. For the opportunity to serve and somehow make their lives a little better.
40. I will run for all my dreams. Whether it’s realistic or not, there is nothing wrong with dreaming.
41. I will run for all the heroes in my life. May their acts always continue to inspire me.
42. I will run for the Lord, Jesus Christ. 42K is nothing compared to what He has sacrificed for us. This is not a penance, but an offering. This is for thanksgiving.
This list of 42, will always be on my mind and will help me enjoy the journey.
Determination, discipline and dedication. In the end, it’s not about the time it will take to finish this race. It’s all about our own personal triumph. It’s about conquering and finishing. Such as that a marathon is a metaphor to life. This is the spirit of the marathon.
