Some came to compete, pushing their limits with every step. Others came to honor and remember, their hearts heavy with the sacrifice of the Filipino and American soldiers who endured the brutal Bataan Death March—forced to march endless miles under an unforgiving sun. I came to run. At 6:30 AM, as the sun barely peeked over the horizon, the runners took off. It was the earliest start time I had ever experienced in a marathon. I began slowly, letting the faster runners surge ahead, creating space around me. The crisp morning air filled my lungs as my legs warmed up. Then, after the first mile, I found my rhythm. I picked up the pace, passing runners one by one, feeling stronger with each stride. At mile eight, just as I was settling into cruise mode, the real challenge emerged—a relentless mountain ascent. Every step became a battle against the incline, the thinning air, and the burning in my legs. The terrain was unforgiving—rugged trails, steep climbs, sudden gusts of wind striking fr...
As you grow older time flies faster, take time to smell the flowers, breath the fresh air, and enjoy the moment.