11/05/2026
Papunta pa lang kayo, pabalik na ako...
and in no way that statement is a brag, I'm just laying the context of the photo. This is from yesterday's iRun Subic Bay event, part of another double-run weekend for me (shout-out as well to Malolos runners at the Golden Steps Run last Saturday).
I caught this silhouette scene shortly after taking the U-turn (which meant I was past halfway of the 16KM run). I was on my way back, these three runners were still pushing forward to the midpoint. When we crossed paths, I told them, "konti na lang, may lechon doon sa U-turn", and they giggled back, though all of us were visibly short of breath from the exhaustion.
Just a half-hour ago, it was me in their situation, laboring but looking forward to the midway mark and hydration station. Some runners who were on the way back and passed me offered pep talks - "malapit na U-turn", "let's go!", or gestures like a simple nod or pumping their fist as their means of saying "keep going".
It reminded me that we're not just out there for the mileage - we also run for the mindset and culture we're trying to build. And I wish more people realize that encouragement is meant to be paid forward. When you cheer for others, you give them the fuel to cheer for the next person they pass.
It’s a simple concept : Pay the motivation forward. Whether you’re at the start, the U-turn, or the finish line, even a fleeting moment of encouragement empowers the person receiving it.
The challenge is hard enough as it is. Let’s make it a habit to lift each other up so we can all cross our respective finish lines.
📱
*️⃣ www.strava.com/athletes/jersandel
