Going the Distance: Team OTD's Nuvali Adventure
It was an exciting start for 27 OTD participants, as the three-vehicle convoy braved Typhoon Chedeng and embarked on the challenge-filled trail at Sta. Rosa, Laguna for the 2011 New Balance Philippines Nuvali Trail Adventure.
It was dark and chilly but this did not dampen the fire that raged through the OTD team as they donned their red singlets. OTD’s Resident Training Coach Rei Morales presided over the team’s warm ups.
Upon the organizer’s go signal, the team began to disperse, sprinting, running, and jogging at their own pace, their feet thudding against the glistening pavement. The chilly air and the light drizzle fueled their spirits as they breathed in the fresh morning air, and it wasn’t until they reached the muddy terrain when the fun and excitement peaked.
The trail had proven to be more challenging as they made their way through the muddy grounds, braved the steep downhill track, and waded through the knee-deep water, to cross the finish line. Members slipped and slid through the soppy ground, holding on to one another for support as they fought to remain upright. Some slipped and fell, the others sank deep in the mud. One even lost her shoes and had to finish the race in her socks!
Despite the grueling ordeal, everyone continued with fierce determination and high spirits. What was supposed to be a paired run became a group effort as team members helped strangers and each other, burgeoning a sense of camaraderie.
Those who finished first waited on the sidelines, cheering wildly for fellow team mates nearing the finish line. Everyone erupted into a cheer, as OTD’s Mae Sagabaen finished last, concluding the run by taking off her jacket and jumping up and down enthusiastically upon reaching the finish line.
The team members had their individual shares of comical experiences but everyone was in agreement: the whole experience was both fun and exciting and that they are all willing to do it again, this time signing up for a longer running distance.
The Nuvali run proved to be more than just an effort to promote fitness and wellness. It had inspired people to always go the extra mile to accomplish their goals. Though exhausted, it has strengthened the team’s bond, and reminded each one that with perseverance and teamwork, and despite the challenges, there is no race they cannot finish, and no obstacle they cannot overcome.
It was dark and chilly but this did not dampen the fire that raged through the OTD team as they donned their red singlets. OTD’s Resident Training Coach Rei Morales presided over the team’s warm ups.
Upon the organizer’s go signal, the team began to disperse, sprinting, running, and jogging at their own pace, their feet thudding against the glistening pavement. The chilly air and the light drizzle fueled their spirits as they breathed in the fresh morning air, and it wasn’t until they reached the muddy terrain when the fun and excitement peaked.
The trail had proven to be more challenging as they made their way through the muddy grounds, braved the steep downhill track, and waded through the knee-deep water, to cross the finish line. Members slipped and slid through the soppy ground, holding on to one another for support as they fought to remain upright. Some slipped and fell, the others sank deep in the mud. One even lost her shoes and had to finish the race in her socks!
Despite the grueling ordeal, everyone continued with fierce determination and high spirits. What was supposed to be a paired run became a group effort as team members helped strangers and each other, burgeoning a sense of camaraderie.
Those who finished first waited on the sidelines, cheering wildly for fellow team mates nearing the finish line. Everyone erupted into a cheer, as OTD’s Mae Sagabaen finished last, concluding the run by taking off her jacket and jumping up and down enthusiastically upon reaching the finish line.
The team members had their individual shares of comical experiences but everyone was in agreement: the whole experience was both fun and exciting and that they are all willing to do it again, this time signing up for a longer running distance.
The Nuvali run proved to be more than just an effort to promote fitness and wellness. It had inspired people to always go the extra mile to accomplish their goals. Though exhausted, it has strengthened the team’s bond, and reminded each one that with perseverance and teamwork, and despite the challenges, there is no race they cannot finish, and no obstacle they cannot overcome.
