I started my fitness journey in June 2017 when I felt that my state of well-being was already compromised. I would feel nauseous every time I would wake up in the morning or in the middle of my work towards the end of the day for a month. That prompted me to visit our family doctor because I suspected that I was having an increase in blood sugar level. When I got my laboratory results and went back to my doctor for a follow-up check-up, he said that I was fine and a little shooting-up of my blood sugar level was insignificant to what I was feeling. Then I told him that I wanted to lose weight because maybe that would make me healthier. Then he handed me a list of his diet plan that helped him lose weight safely immediately prior to his heart bypass operation.

*You may read about the diet plan that I used here: How to Lose 52 Pounds Safely in 2 1/2 Months

I was 10  kilos overweight back then. My ideal weight should be 54-55 kilograms based on my height. After five days of trying that particular diet plan based on Atkins, I was able to shed off two kilos without feeling weak or hungry. Finally, I found a diet plan that suited my needs and lifestyle, I said to myself. I followed it religiously for less than two months until I reached my ideal body mass index. From then on, I was able to control my cravings for sweets and got easily full by just eating a well-balanced meal with the right serving. To maintain my ideal weight, I followed an exercise routine that would make me stronger too and not just toned or thinner.

*You may read about the exercise routines that I did and still do: 

Easy Exercise Routine that Burns Body Fat Quickly

Easiest Arm Toning Exercise for Women to Get Rid of "Bat Wings"

When I reached my fitness goals, that was the time that I was given the privilege to join my first ever fun run, Sunpiology Resolution Run. I was very excited because, through this, I would be able to see if I could be tenacious enough to run for at least five to 10 kilometers. Aside from testing my endurance, doing it with my blogger friends would make this endeavor a fun and fruitful one!

What is Sunpiology Resolution Run? 

Sunpiology Resolution Run also known as Sun Life Resolution Run is an event that aims to uplift our spirits and motivate us to start the new year towards our optimum health goals. This event is headed by our all-time favorite Star Magic celebrity, Piolo Pascual, that is held annually with a partnership with Sun Life Financial Philippines, one of the country’s largest leader in insurance and mutual funds. It is the running half of the SunPiology Duo, an obstacle course with pit stop inspired by diabetes prevention through a Fit and Fab Well lifestyle.

This year it was held on January 20, 2018 at GHQ Grandstand Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. It was open to running and walking enthusiasts of all ages: 500-meter run for kids, 500-meter walk for adults, and 3K, 5K, and 10K running distances for teens and adults. The registration fee was so affordable which was made online or in-store. A race kit was inclusive of the said fee that contained the following items: a race shirt, singlet (for kids), Sun Life Poncho, Sun Life P. A. Insurance Card, loot bag, and Sun Life Sun Visor. Aside from the race kit, we were able to enjoy the freebies and refreshments from the sponsors' booths, feasted our eyes with "artista" sightseeing, and most of all enjoyed running/walking with my blogger friends while doing something healthy with a purpose.

What did I realize after joining the event?

At first, I was afraid to join my friends when they decided to run for a 10-kilometer distance, however, I gave in. After joining the event, I realized that I couldn't run consistently but it could be doable. With all honesty, I ran and walked alternately because I was too afraid that my body especially my heart couldn't tolerate the stress. Well, I guess, I made the right decision. It was my very first time to try running and I had no prior training. Taking it slowly was not bad after all although the adrenaline rush was intense especially when we were about to reach the finish line. 

It was funny that I just knew that we were monitored by the organizers until we reached the end. Kulelat ang ranking ko, Mars at Pards, pero keri lang! I enjoyed it. 'Yan ang mahalaga! We were so proud of our friend, Jhoanna Tacorda, because she belonged to the first 100 runners who reached the finish line.

I realized that my 40-year old body needed more time to prepare before I would join another running event. I was hoping that Sunpiology would include a walkathon. I could definitely do it even if it should be more than 21 kilometers! 

Uulit pa ba ako? Of course! It's one of the healthiest ways to de-stress with friends. Ang sarap magpawis kasama ang mga tunay at game na kaibigan! There will be more time to prepare for the 10th Sunpiology Resolution Run in 2019. According to the organizers, it will be bigger which makes it more and more highly-anticipated! Nakae-excite, 'di ba? 

By the way, aside from Jhoanna Tacorda of Playful Life with Kids blog, I would like to say thank you to Roselle Toledo of Snapped and Scribbled blog and Reylen Castro of Made It Through Mum blog na kasabay kong gawin ang "takbo-lakad-takbo" stint ko sa fun run na ito. Kaming tatlo ang halos sabay-sabay  na natapos. I would also like to thank, ABC Digital Media and Consultancy for the awesome experience!

I invite you to like Sun Life Financial Philippines on Facebook to keep yourselves updated.