My legs are out of commission, my stomach rejoiced, my liver is probably going to get mad at me now that I’m officially done with my alcohol hiatus, forever grateful for the team bonding opportunities, and overall it’s been a bliss visiting Washington D.C.
I had not been back here since December 2021, and even then, that was purely business. I spent all my time at the Philippine Embassy to work out my dual citizenship papers. To be back in a city that I had some experience in but not the way I visit New York or the Philippines was exciting for me. I definitely have a bigger appreciation now than when I was younger. I would be walking down Pennsylvania Avenue thinking “Man, this is where they filmed Jack Ryan, The Blacklist, House of Cards” or at least where the setting was supposed to take place. Even on the metro, I couldn’t believe I was using the same transit most politicians used. My friend told me Joe Biden used to take the metro when he was still senator. An uber driver told me Obama’s favorite restaurant was in Georgetown. There was a lot to see and eat. From Italian, Ethiopian, American, Japanese, Bar Charley — the food scene was fantastic.
How did I fit this trip into my very busy October schedule? I was actually traveling on business for work. This was my first business trip and I couldn’t be happier it was. My coworkers based in the DC area signed up for the Army 10 Miler race and invited me to join, so I registered back in the summer. Working in person together is seldom, so my colleagues and I scheduled time to get work done together at the Virginia office. This was a game changer. Being in a conference room in person versus having to call or email someone on Teams. I had most of the people I work with 2-3 days a week right beside me. I had to do a presentation in person of the work my team and I do, and I was nervous but grateful for the day. No matter how many calls I get on or have to speak at, the nerves come here and there. Anyone who knows me well knows it’s like pulling my teeth to convince me to not wear ath wear or Sunrise apparel. I knew this week for an Analyst, a Sunday’s best outfit is the best armor. And I made sure I was prepped for the work meetings and the race. I put my big girl pants on that morning and said, “Let’s do this.”
There was a point during the work day where I said, “Alright everyone I have a 1:00. If you’re in it, stay in this room and if you’re not thank you for joining the presentation.” It was a breath of fresh air versus being on teams and saying “I have to hop for the next call” or “sorry I’m late I was xyz.” My boss told me when it comes to presentations, look at them as opportunities not burdens. It’s a chance to showcase the work you’ve done and to present your expertise on the topic. Outside of work, I’ve given talks, spoken at events, hosted Q&As at UNF — this presentation was only going to continue to help me and make me better. My goal truthfully was to not put everyone asleep and I knew I had the rooms attention when they all laughed that my computer received a notification that it was scheduled to restart in a few hours and I briefly spazzed out over it.
The other big half of the DC visit was the long awaited Army 10 Miler race. I’ve been praying, preparing, and anticipating this day. How this team convinced me to sign up for it I can’t even tell you. But what I can say is that the preparation and actual day showed me I’m capable of anything I set my heart to do. Every time I threatened or joked I would Uber back mid race or made the excuse I wasn’t an avid runner like my teammates, I was reminded “The world won’t believe it until you do it.” And all the training days I put in— morning runs, mid workday runs, the long runs— I had to see it through. This was my first major race, and I jumped right into it without asking questions. Maybe at the time I wanted a challenge and something to give me purpose. Maybe I wanted to prove a point to myself which on some days I still don’t know what it might be. But, I felt like doing it with work colleagues made me want to try harder, not just as an analyst but as a person. Training was challenging especially living in Florida with hot summer days, having no prior experience, and having to give up alcohol. If you asked me a year ago if I would ever consider participating in such a team bonding activity, I would have turned my back so fast.
The race day came along and there I was Ubering to the Pentagon where the start line was. It was cold, overwhelming, and exhilarating all at once. I don’t know what was more motivating— my team, the views of the city, or knowing every step I would take would make me closer to the finish line. My colleague and I watched and waited as every Wave got called up to the start line. Finally, it was our turn. The flare went in the air, they told us it’s our time and my legs started moving. I had my race day playlist set and strategically planned out knowing each mile would either help me run slower or quicker.
https://spotify.link/CzVmTRiOLDb
I was amazed how quick the time was going. It was Mile 5 and 57 minutes had passed by. I still hadn’t stopped to walk which I thought I would. I broke for water and energy gels but immediately began right after. Passing by Georgetown, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, all during the early sunrise morning made the run more bearable. My colleague stopped at mile 5.5 as her leg wasn’t feeling good and there I was on my own. With Disney Channel Hits, a motivational speaker’s speech, Justin Bieber— I focused on just finishing. I was close to mile 9 and so excited that the end was very near. I couldn’t believe it but I’m sure my legs did. Once Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift started playing, I knew I was almost out of the woods. I ran even faster and actually thought I was flying with how fast I was going. I would check the watch here and there and I was closer to 10 but didn’t see the finish line, and I was getting a little anxious and flustered. I looked up and alas I saw the clock and the word “FINISH”. I could actually feel a tear or two about to shed from my eyes but I swear the cold froze it right back up. 117 minutes. That was the magic number.
Everything I was scared of and thought was impossible was about to prove me wrong. I realized I had the courage to fight the unknowns. I learned so much from that 11 minute speech— who I want to be, where I want to be, and why do I want this? Most of my life I always wanted to be a cheerleader and supporter — adding value to other people so I can give that lift that can help people believe in themselves, as the ones who love and pray for me shown me I can do it too. If training and this race proved me something, it’s that I can trust myself to be that girl in my own life. Because in order to impact the world, one must find strength in themselves they didn’t know existed. This was required for me to be more than I ever been. Stronger and confident when I’m most fearful. I was scared this race and some of my personal fears would defeat me. And now I know, and because people helped me see it, when fears are grounded our dreams take flight.
So much has happened this past year. And I admit signing up for this race was my way of trying to distract myself from some of my heart ache. Outside of this race, my family and friends were always pushing me get up and don’t give up. Now I understand, it was time to be my own answer. The kid with the dream to the woman that made it happen. Even the ones closest to me can’t give that to me. To finish the race off the same way I trained, on my own, but knowing my support has always been watching from a distance and sending love in many ways.
Washington D.C., you have a piece of my heart. As does my family, friends, D&B teammates, and my running buddies like Justino, the Angeles’/ATL fam, and everyone who’s helped me become the person and rookie runner I am today. My heart is eternally grateful.
Jamie Vergara 