Why I Loved My First 5K Run at the 8th Robinsons Fit & Fun Buddy Wellness Run

I received an invite from Robinsons Supermarket for their 8th Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run last week, which meant I needed a partner to run with me.

So I asked Anthony to join me since it was on a Sunday. I was hesitant at first because we don’t really run at all, nor are we big fans of working out. Our version of “exercise” definitely doesn’t include running or cardio, just walking for hours inside a mall and chasing the kids.

We didn’t do much preparation for the big day. I simply spent the night before Googling facts about fun runs online. I actually had another fun run invite last month that required participants to wear costumes, and I was really looking forward to it, but I wasn’t allowed to go since I had just gotten out of the hospital.

Anyway, when race day came, we woke up at 2:00 AM, did a bit of stretching here and there, and ran our very first 5K.

Hooray!

The only thing I kept worrying about was that I might “die” after the first half mile. But I survived, and I’m still here, well and kicking, sharing the experience with you.

I’m genuinely grateful for whoever came up with the concept of the fun run. Somehow, someone managed to make running miles actually fun and entertaining.

We were then offered a delicious Jollibee breakfast along with bottled water to refuel after the run. Some runners also went around the sponsor booths to collect fun and exciting goodies.

We just had to take a shameless selfie before the race officially started, right before the exciting gunshot—or rather, the sound of the horn signaling the beginning of the run.

Then off we went!

Thousands of participants, including CEOs and even some celebrities, ran in pairs during the event held at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Spotted at the run were James Reid and the ever-gorgeous Jessy Mendiola.

This annual Fit and Fun Buddy Run is part of Robinsons Supermarket’s continued commitment to health and wellness.

It aims to empower those who already lead active and healthy lifestyles, while also encouraging others to take the first step toward better health by beginning their wellness journey with Robinsons Supermarket.

Can you see the gazillion runners?

The overwhelming turnout is a clear testament to the steadily increasing number of health-conscious individuals who are actively choosing healthier and more active lifestyles.

 Uh-huh. I was taking photos the whole time we were running. I was at the peak of happiness.

Still taking photos while waiting for my buddy, who went off to find a restroom. I was thankful for the gloomy, cold, and windy weather. no risk of sunburn that day. Still, I applied sunscreen just in case, since a bit of sunlight was peeking through the gray clouds.

 

You go, girl… I mean, boy! I’m proud of you, my dear running buddy!

The only concern was the running lane itself. The roads were not fully closed for exclusive use, which meant there was a risk of runners coming close to moving vehicles, something that felt quite dangerous, especially for children.

Hopefully, this is something that can be improved in future events to ensure a safer and more secure experience for all participants.

Yes! We survived the half part of the race.

 

We were on the brink of something special after conquering the 4K mark!

At the end of the run, the top finishing pairs received wonderful prizes, including a trip for two to Coron, Palawan, and another trip for two to Yangon, Myanmar.

I also heard that the top finisher completed the entire 5K course in just 18 minutes, absolutely impressive!

My buddy and I got 1 hour. Not bad for first timers like us, I think. LOL

It was exhausting from start to finish, but truly, truly worth it.

We went home with grocery bags filled with goodies from Robinsons Supermarket and Jollibee meals for both my buddy and me.

They had several fun couple awards, including the Close-Up Couple Award, Rexona Do More Buddies, Breeze Sige Mom-Child Tandem, Nestlé Best Shape-Up Buddies, Milo Energy and Milo R2 Twin Buddies, and the Johnson & Johnson Active Fresh Award.

These are the bags of wellness and happiness!
I'm just glad we were part of the #ILoveWellness campaign!

The pain came the next morning in the form of extremely sore muscles. Apparently, I have absolutely no upper body strength, who knew?

But the point is, we survived, we enjoyed ourselves, and we even got an early Christmas treat from the super generous Robinsons Supermarket.

Now we want more.

We’re already looking forward to the next Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Fun Run!

To learn more about the #ILOVEWELLNESS campaign and for updates, visit Robinsons Supermarket on Facebook or go to http://www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph/