(ESP-ENG) Mi historia con el running!

Hello friends, good vibes to all.

I make this post because today is running or was running the Caracas Rock, that mythical race that I had the pleasure of running about 7 or 8 times if I remember correctly. Also because here I have seen that there is a movement that is consolidating a lot which is the #HiveRun which I think is spectacular because it is something that promotes the union, being in good condition and the practice of this unique sport. But today beyond everything I would like to talk about how I started in this world of running, in this sect of people who run like crazy down the street without any apparent purpose beyond being in shape and looking to de-stress a little of the day to day.

This began back in 2009 when the running movement here in Caracas was beginning to form, there were already races but nothing compared to what we know today, in fact the Caracas Rock has more than 20 years doing but it was that, a few enthusiasts who liked the exercise, it was not the fashion or the fever that is now. I did not exercise, nothing at all, so I thought it was a good idea to start with this running, I went to the races that were and are spectacular at the same time I took care of my health. So there you see me, in the first Nike race that took place in Venezuela in 2009 and that same year's edition of the CCSRock.

Part of running is to share with friends and with those who like the discipline, it is a sport to do either accompanied or alone, personally many times I concentrate better alone but it is true that sometimes running in a group is another thing, it is a different essence and vibe. The issue here is that everyone has a different pace, everyone runs differently, with different strategies, so in the hour or less that last about 10K, for example, it is difficult to go in a group throughout the route. But crossing the finish line, getting your medal and then looking for your friends and sharing what you've experienced? - That's where the magic is.

The years went by and I ran more and more, I think it was in 2011 that I did 11 races legally registered, the year in which I have run the most. There came a time when it really was an addiction but a good one and that ritual that involves the whole process before, during and after a race is one of the best things for me. First start training at least a couple of months before the 10k, the whole process is really enjoyable because it is not just to go out and do 5 or 7 km, is to do speed exercises or series, improve the changes of pace that is what will give you endurance and especially the mental because even though it is only 10k, the mind plays an important role in the preparation and especially at the time of the race.

This is like an exam my friends, if you don't do your homework beforehand and don't study, you are going to do badly. The same thing happens in a race, if you don't train enough believe me you are going to have a terrible time. That's why I demanded more and more to the point that my best time in a 10k is 52.36 minutes, a complicated time to reach, at least for me, and one that even today I have not been able to reach. But well, we continue with the story and Caracas was at a point that many brands were always doing races, it was impressive as there was at least one a month, which facilitated and encouraged a lot to keep practicing and training.

There was such a variety of races that I decided to change the asphalt for the sand so I went to what was the Reto de las Arenas, a race of 5, 7 and 10k that I remember planned by the people of Retos. It was on the beaches of Rio Chico, a town in the state of Miranda and the truth is that it was a unique experience, running on the sand is extremely complicated because there is not so much rebound when taking the steps so the effort you have to make is greater, add to this the heat and the typical conditions that are on a beach. I don't remember the time here because I really went to enjoy the experience. Many times there are races that are not for lowering times and this is important to know, there are times when what is left is to enjoy the route and the environment.

But then I had to raise the bar, if you see the first picture of this post you will know what I'm talking about. I felt stagnant running only 10 kilometers, it was a distance that I managed and controlled very well so I felt that the bar had to be raised a little more and that's when I ventured to run 21K or the half marathon. I had already run this distance in 2011 but it didn't go so well, I finished it and everything but barely so I wanted to get the thorn out of my side so I did it in two consecutive years, 2016 and 2017 being the last one the personal best record I have for this distance with 2:18:52, I remember that time as if it was yesterday.

Obviously the preparation was very different, it was almost 4 months training full, three times a week plus gym, good diet, zero excesses. I remember that day very clearly, 6 am in the morning in the park Los Caobos in Caracas stretching and visualizing what would be the route throughout the west of the city, running in downtown Caracas and I tell you that it is quite an experience, is one of the best feelings I've had in running, running through spaces that one does not know at the same time that one makes tourism within the city is something very top.

In the end, when I crossed that finish line and saw the time I had achieved, it was without a doubt the greatest achievement that running has given me, apart from health and fitness. That all that hard work and effort materialized in that moment is pretty epic. It is for all this that running is not only the race, it is everything, training, nutrition, hydration, nerves the day before, the search for materials, wake up the day of the race with more nerves, get to the site early, enjoy the route, receive your medal and then rest with the pain in the legs that in the end ends up liking, all this makes running is for me what it is, a lifestyle.

Best of luck to those who ran today the Caracas Rock, I hope the training was satisfactory and above all enjoyed the race, at the level of atmosphere is the best in the country.

Well my people that's all for today, I hope you liked it.
¡Hugs to all, see you next time!
ALL the photos are of my property!!!