The Breaking Point…

“Everything has its limit – iron ore cannot be educated into gold” Mark Twain

Hardcore’s TKO 250 kms. will finally be over this coming Sunday at New Balance half-marathon but humbly I would say that I have deficiencies in terms of mileage. I only ran a 25 kms at Milo Finals and  did not join  in Adidas KOTR and Halimaw Run. Sorry to say that during those races, I have found my load limit.

We’ve all seen load-limit signs on highways, bridges and elevators too. Knowing that too much strain can cause severe damage or complete collapse, engineers determine the exact amount of stress that various materials can safely endure. Posted warnings tell us not to exceed the maximum load.

Human beings also have their load limits, which vary from person to person. Some people, for example, can bear the pressure of trial and temptation better than others; yet everyone has a breaking point and can take only so much.

As I evaluated  my running performance this year, after Nb 21,  I think I needed to take a break and give my legs a well deserved rest. Sometimes, I think I’m so cruel on my legs…torturing it almost reaching its ‘breaking point.’

Nowadays, Ultra-running and back to back marathons are so popular and I’m glad that I was able to finish those races  but for those who would like to join (newbie in Ultra-running or back to back marathons), I have a simple advise: THINK MANY TIMES BEFORE JOINING. Don’t participate just because it’s only ‘IN’ and for peer pressure. Know your breaking point and plan strategically. Be physically and mentally fit. Above all, seek help from Above, without His grace, we can do nothing. And please, don’t exceed your maximum load.

See you at Nb 21 this coming Sunday.

God be Praised!

 

 

Weekend Special:When You Feel Like Giving Up!

Don’t let yourself be discouraged. Here are the principles, drawn from the Bible, that will show you how to never give up.

By Rick Warren

With all the bleak news coming out these days, we’re all vulnerable to catching the highly contagious disease of discouragement. It’s easy to catch and easy to pass on. But the good news is that discouragement is also easily curable if we follow God’s prescription.

The Bible tells the story of Nehemiah, a Jewish leader who was assigned the enormous task of rebuilding the broken-down city wall around Jerusalem. After years of war, neglect, and decay, there wasn’t much wall left. At first, mobilizing the citizens for this urban renewal project was easy. Everyone was excited and worked hard. But soon the job bogged down, and everyone wanted to give up. Nehemiah was faced with the likely failure of an unfinished project.

Fortunately, Nehemiah was a brilliant leader who understood the four common causes of discouragement, and the appropriate cures. The book of Nehemiah, chapter 4, is a timely passage for us today.

Fatigue
The most common cause of discouragement is fatigue. Halfway through the project we learn, “Then the people of Judah began to complain, ‘The workers are getting tired’” (Nehemiah 4:10 NLT). The people became demoralized because they were overworked and exhausted. It wasn’t a spiritual problem; they were just worn out.

When people tell me they are discouraged, the first thing I ask them is,

“How much sleep are you getting every night?”
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just go to bed and sleep. The first antidote to discouragement is to rest your body! It is amazing how much better your situation looks after a good night’s sleep.

Frustration
In Nehemiah’s wall-rebuilding project, the second reason the people got disheartened was frustration. The people said, “There is so much rubble to be moved!” (Nehemiah 4:10 NLT).

What is rubble?
Rubble is all the debris—broken rocks, dried-out mortar, and miscellaneous trash—that inevitably accumulates in any construction project.

As they worked, the rubbish piled up higher, so much that it hindered, then stopped the actual work on the wall, and the people lost sight of their goal. You can’t eliminate rubble in life, but you can recognize it and remove it periodically, just like carpenters sweep the floor each night even though the project isn’t completed.

What is the rubbish or “rubble” in your life?

It’s the trivial things that pile up that waste your time, consume your energy, and distract your focus from what matters most. Rubble can be bad habits, time-wasters, interruptions, and even some distracting relationships.

If frustration is causing you to feel like giving up, the antidote is to pause, take a time out, and remove the rubble! Do a personal spring-cleaning of your schedule, your expenses, and your commitments. Eliminate the clutter. Keep what matters most. Simplify your life! A recession is the best time to do that. Besides, no one can do everything and please everyone.

Failure
The third reason we sometimes feel like giving up is when we’re overwhelmed by all we have to do, and think that we’re bound to fail at it. The third complaint of Nehemiah’s work crew was that they simply could not get it done! “We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” It is impossible. The job is too big. The sense of failure filled their minds. Because the task was taking longer than imagined at first, their confidence faded: We were foolish to even try, they thought.

I hear this cause of discouragement in the voices of people who’ve lost their jobs, are upside down on their mortgage, or feel hopeless about ever getting out of debt.

Everybody fails.

How you handle your failures in life reveals your character, and how much you trust God. Do you have a pity party? Do you blame others? Do you put yourself down? None of those responses will end your demoralization. Instead of giving up on your goal, what you need to do is to approach it in a new, fresh, different way. You may be doing the right thing—but in the wrong way! Ecclesiastes 8:6 says, “There is a right time and a right way to do everything, but we know so little” (GNT).

Instead of giving in, Nehemiah simply reorganized the project, creating teams to work together. Half of the team would work on the wall while the other half stood guard against terrorists who didn’t want the wall built: “So I posted people behind the lowest places along the wall—the open places—and I put families together with their swords, spears, and bows” (Nehemiah 4:13 NCV).

This is the third antidote to discouragement: Reorganize your life. If you feel like you are failing in marriage, business, health, finances, or anything else, it is time to try a new approach with God. Don’t give up! Get some godly advice for a different strategy from someone at church.

By the way, notice that when the people got discouraged, Nehemiah formed them into small groups for support, protection, and accountability. If you’re not in a small group, I’m not surprised if you’re discouraged. God never intended for you to face your problems by yourself. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says “Two people are better than one because …if one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help”(NCV).

Fear
The fourth common reason for giving up is fear. If you allow worry, anxiety, and fear to live in your heart, discouragement will be guaranteed. In Nehemiah’s case, the people were afraid of neighboring enemies who were committed to preventing the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. First, these enemies criticized the wall builders, then they ridiculed them, and finally they threatened them with harm and death. The builders were told repeatedly, “While you are working, before you realize it, we will swoop down on you and kill you and end your work!” That would probably discourage you from working too!

It is interesting that the builders who lived closest to the enemy were the ones who got discouraged first and wanted to give up. If you spend a lot of time hanging out with naysayers, you will pick up their fears.

Nehemiah’s response to the fears of his workers was this: “Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of people and said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious’ ” (Nehemiah 4:14 NLT). This is a fourth antidote when you feel like giving up: Remember the Lord!

What does it mean to remember the Lord?
It means to re-focus on God and reconnect to his power for your life. To do this, you need to remember three things about God. First, remember God’s goodness to you in the past. Think about all the times he has taken care of you. That will lift your spirit. Second, remember God’s closeness to you right now. Whether you feel his presence or not, he is here and near. Third, remember God’s promise to help you in the future. Get your mind off your problems and onto the Lord.

The Dutch author Corrie ten Boom once said,

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest!” It all depends on what you are looking at.

God’s antidotes to discouragement caused by fatigue, frustration, failure, and fear will work for you just as they did for Nehemiah thousands of years ago: Rest your body! Remove the rubble! Reorganize your life! Remember the Lord! And there’s one final principle in this story.

Resist
The final advice Nehemiah gave was for the Israelites to fight it! “Fight for your friends, fight for your families, and fight for your homes!” You need to do the same. Resist the discouragement! Don’t give in or give up without a fight! Every day, you face a spiritual battle whether you realize it or not. Unseen forces of evil, negativity, and discouragement are opposing you daily, seeking to neutralize your impact for good. The Bible tells us that Satan’s job is to “accuse believers” and one of his great tools is discouragement.

But you do not have to listen to him. Discouragement is a choice, and no one is forcing you to give in to it. So resist it! Refuse to quit! Hang on and trust God in the middle of this recession, or anything else that is discouraging you. Visit the rest of our web site and you’ll find all kinds of resources to encourage you, including how to start a small group for support.

In closing, let me leave you with these words: It is always too soon to quit. Great people are just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of persistence. Hang in there! I’m praying for everyone who reads this.

So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time (Galatians 6:9).

Reckless Drivers Are Runner’s Worst Enemies!(A Tribute To Jose Burgos,An 85 Year Old Oldest Runner)

“Always go to other people’s funerals. Otherwise, they won’t come to yours.” -Yogi Berra

 

It is unlikely for a runner to  die of  heart attack but one of the major causes  of a runner’s death is due to road accident.

Today, I’m so enraged upon hearing the death of my running buddy, an eighty-five (85) year old  able runner, Jose Burgos aka Tatay Burgos, due to an accident while running. According to witnesses, a motorcycle (single) bumped him from behind and the impact was so damaging for him. Tatay Burgos died few minutes later at the hospital.

Jose Burgos who once appeared in Milo commercial as the oldest runner, was a member of San Pedro Running Club, in which I’m also a member. He was an ardent supporter of  many races. In fact, at his age, he was with my group   in races such as “Takbo sa Kabundukan in Rizal province, Mt. Makiling Challenge  and in Milo’s elimination”. Though he only competed  in 5k event, he was determined to show his passion  and support in the sports we love – running. He started his career in running at age 78, had been to so many races and at one time, climbed the Mt. Makiling with some mountaineers.

Runners are always the victims of those reckless drivers and it was  so disheartening  to hear  bad news such like that.

Can you still recall what happened to Mr. Ran Juan, the oldest runner last year? He too died when a bus sideswiped  him one early morning as he jogged.

Even if you’re running ‘ facing those incoming vehicles’  is no guarantee that you will be spared.

How many more runners like  ‘Jose Burgos’ will die a violent death like that?

Monching, JOSE BURGOS and Jt Oliver at the summit of Mt. Makiling on this undated photo.

Running strong at age 85! You’ll be missed…S’ JOSE BURGOS!!!

Our group will visit his remain tomorrow at 7pm. His sepulture  is on Sunday.

Well, that’s life. To reach age 85 is a big blessing already, and not all of us can duplicate that, but it should not be a tragic death.

Laws must be enacted seeking higher penalties for those unscrupulous drivers.

Again, How many more runners like  ‘Jose Burgos and Ran Juan’ will die a violent death like that?

God forbid more casualties. That thought alone can be so sickening, I can’ t even imagine it.

We run to live longer and not to die prematurely at the expense of those foolhardy motorists.

See you in NB half marathon!

God be Praised!

 

Running With A ‘Battery Operated’ Heart? Wow!

“Allow yourself to be inspired. Allow yourself to succeed. Dare to excel.” -selected

I smiled with delight when I read Art Linkletter’s story of Wendy Stoker, age 19, freshman of University of Florida. Young athlete. She placed third, just 2.5 points from first place, in the Iowa girls’ state diving championship. She worked 2 hours a day for four years to get there. “Now she’s at the University of Florida,” he says. “She’s working twice as hard and has earned the number two position on the varsity diving squad. She’s aiming for the national finals. Wendy carries a full academic load, finds time for bowling and is an accomplished  water skier. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about Wendy Stoker is her typing. She bangs out 45 words a minute on her typewriter with her toes!” And then he says, “Oh, did I fail to mention? Wendy was born without arms.”

source: A Time For Commitment, Ted Engstrom (Favorite  Stories And Illustrations by Charles Swindoll, page 258)

Similarly, I met a man during the QCIM and before that race started, I have the opportunity to converse with him. Let me call him Junty, a 50+ runner. At first, it was an ordinary conversation but as time progressed, that guy caught me by surprised. No, he was born without arms or any  disabilities  but he said his heart was only being operated by batteries, and he will try to finish a 42k race that day. His story was verified to be true by his male companion and Junty allowed me to see the mark on his chest, a deep scar where the operation was performed. I took him a picture but unfortunately, it was corrupted and can’t be uploaded here.

People like them continue to inspire me. They’re my idols…

Thank You Lord for I’m physically fit and have no  disabilities, and whenever I’m confused and discouraged, allow me to remember ‘Wendy and Junty…’

They will continue to motivate me run harder and longer.

And I did a 22k today.

God be Praised!

Special Treatment?

“Fitness is like a blade of a knife; you want to sharpen it without ruining the blade.” -Sally Jenkins, The Washington Post

As another Kenyan ruled the Timex half-marathon yesterday, my running friends asked me if they (Kenyans) will stay here in our country for good just to join and win all the  races. I told them I don’t know but there’s nothing wrong about it. It’s a Democratic country and they can compete in as many races as they want.

However, one of my running buddies told me that during Philippine International Marathon last November 8, 2009, special treatment was once again being given to our Kenyan counterparts. As he waited for me in Buendia Water Station exactly at  Km 34,  and while those Kenyans were fast approaching on their site, some marshals ran towards those Kenyans with a bottled water on their hands. There’s nothing wrong about it for they were the frontliners of this 42k race, but to his amazement, when our very own Cris Sabal and another Filipino elite runner came very near to that Water Station, there’s no more assistance such like that. In fact, according to my friend, those marshals hid those  bottled water in a box underneath their table, just waited for our hapless runners to come  and gave them  ‘cup with water’ instead. That act can really help those Kenyans improved their time.

Many runners came to that Aid Station after that, including me but no bottled water was given  to us  by those marshals, and I can’t recall a moment where there was a bottled water being offered in the entire race.  That bottled water is very important particularly in a race like that where the sun was so unforgiving. You can use it to sprinkle on your head along the route preventing heat stroke and dehydration.

That friend of mine  reiterated that his observation was true and he’s willing to prove it.

Special treatment?

What do you think???

See you in NB 21k next next Sunday.

God be Praised!

Timex 21k (Running Against Time!)

“Whatever the pace, run softly, run tall.” -Joe Henderson

I cannot give anymore feedback for this race except two…

1. This race started late. From 5:15am to 5:27am

2. Finisher’s medal has no ‘Timex’ on it, the date and the category (21k, 10k or 5k)

But I’m very satisfied with the outcome of this race.

-Water Stations

-marshals

-route

-traffic enforcers

-freebies (loot bag, tshirt, food, refreshments etc)

-timing chip

–they’re almost perfect!

I’ve been to so many races of Coach Rio but this one was the best so far.

Finally, he and his team did it.

Congratulations Guys and I’m hoping that this will be the start of more great races to come.

I’m glad for my time 2.17 although that was too high for my best PR of 1.47 for this category.

My left leg was not yet 100% okay, but I believe I’m on my way to recovery.

See you in New Balance 21k on Nov. 29, the last segment of TKO 250.

Run for HIS glory.

God be Praised!

PIM 42k Recap Last Part!(Feedback And Other Concerns)

“Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you’re young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don’t let worn out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself.” -John Bingham, “Tools and Rules,” Runner’s World

Here are some of my observations in last Sunday’s 42k event:

1. Although there were so  many Finisher’s Certificates, it was not properly given to all deserving runners. A limping runner, tired and lapsed, was even forced to go to the Technical Committee to get his Certificate because there was  no staff  to give that  right there at the finish line. I saw one runner got more than 10 pieces, for a reason I don’t know. He  did it because the staff in charge was not even looking. Not Mr. B’s trademark of handling a race.

2. Musicians abound everywhere as well as ‘well wishers’ too. However, you can’t see them where it mattered most- in the finish line. Those first timers were stunned and even veteran Marathoners for as they  reached the finish line, there was a deep silence. If not for the presence of Takbo.ph group and team Hardcore, that place can be mistakenly perceived as not a race venue  but an abandoned area. The sound system was no longer playing even if there was still plenty of time to spare for the cut-off period.

3. Once again, those 42k runners were not entitled for some novelty items. One of my friends, Allan, who joined the 10k event was given a loot black bag, many deodorants, and galore of  refreshments. I only got a 250 ml. mineral water, not even enough to quench my thirst. Organizer must prioritize those runners who joined the 42k, in terms of novelties and other benefits. While we are not running for that (novelties, giveaways etc), it is a wonderful feeling to receive those, as complimentary for a difficult and very hard task. While some of those fast  marathoners did receive something, those slower ones  were neglected even though they still beat the cut-off period.

4. My singlet although large in size, is small in reality. Just a wrong tag? Well…

5. There was no water station in the first 2 kms of the race.

6. At the last water station, those marshals gave their spare to bystanders and onlookers, leaving us runners empty handed.

7. No more traffic enforcers in the last 8 kms of the race specially in the intersection area. Runners just ran by themselves, with perils and dangers in front of them.

8. I’m expecting a ‘fire truck’ to shower us ranging from km 30 onwards, but there was none. Whew! That blazing heat almost knocked me down. Also, there’s no sponge or foam- an essential tool in every marathons.

I’m glad to survive another  horrifying ordeal. It taught me again many lessons.

Once again, congratulations to all who joined and finished this race. And even for those who did not finish, I also salute you all.

May I acknowledge the following people…

This was the actual time when I reached the finish line…

Dennis Enriquez

Romy Irevera. He got his race bib number from a runner who DNF at the last 7 kms of this race.

Emyl at the sideline. He came all the way from Pasig to watch me. Thank you bro.

Dennis, Ferdie Valdez with a time of 4.17, Romy and Jack Marcos 4.58

lester and kim of team HC

with Kim.

Baldrunner who was injured at Km 19, was still able to finish this race ‘brisk walking’ just like what happened to me in SIM, a mark of a true warrior. With that,  Sir finally, I beat you. hehehe

BR with some of the members of team HC.

See you in Timex 21k this Sunday. Go Team HARDCORE…Run for HIS glory!

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today, besides being Veteran’s Day in the US, is also
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Day? In 1921, President Warren
Harding dedicated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington
National Cemetery. Trivia buffs: The Guard takes 21 steps
during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns; it alludes to
the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given any
military or foreign dignitary. There has been a Sentinel on
duty in front of the Tomb every minute of every day since 1937.

PIM 42k Recap3 (The Salt, The Roller And The Medal)

“Racing entails risk. The most common mistake in addition to overtraining is racing too much too soon.”-Tom Fleming

The presence of my long time buddy, Dennis Enriquez helped me a lot in achieving my 5th full Marathons this year. Savvy with the route, he acted as my guide. And not only that, he provided  me with unlimited supply of salt. As I reached the halfway mark of that marathon, I munched a pinch of salt every 3 kms or less and I believed that stuff prevented any cramps or at least eased away some of my  pain.

At km 20, my left foot was accidentally  hit from behind by the wheelchair of Team Logan. Maybe, the lady who controlled the handle doesn’t  notice it, for even a slight sorry-there was none. But that was a painful one! The roller of that wheelchair banged into the back area of my left foot, until now, it’s slightly swollen. While I have nothing against that relay but those who would like to volunteer ‘running with a wheelchair’ should practice it many times before joining a race to prevent it from happening again. Not unless it’s Logan controlling the handle,  running with a wheelchair is risky.  By the way, congrats TEAM LOGAN for finishing that race,  and to all who volunteers, I salute you all!

The PIM could be more successful if a medal was given to all 42k finishers who beat the cut-off period. Yes, a P250 was cheap and that race was for the benefit of Pasig River. But channel 2 is a giant and a very popular company, with all of their power and  influence, PIM can  look for  sponsors  who can provide those runners with a well-deserved medal. That 42k was tough and hard, and  I don’t know why PIM management did not give any medal to all qualified finishers.

Besides, since joining PIM in 2007- there was always  a medal. Let me show you my medals  in PIM from 2007 to 2008…

PIM 42k in 2007

PIM 42k in 2008

A 42k is not complete without a medal. Runners risked their lives for it. And if they said that we should not expect for any medal since the registration fee was cheap, then I’m willing to increase my payment just to have a medal. I’m not after for a prize but  a medal is a proof and a great motivator to continue my quest- my quest in running.

See you in Timex 21k this coming Sunday. Let’s run for HIS glory.

God be Praised!

PIM 42k Recap2 (Experience Produced Confidence!)

“I really look forward to a hearty long slow run. You feel good while you’re doing it, and get to feel good about yourself all day long after you’re done.” -Jennifer Van Allen

KM 0- KM 4 (Quirino Grandstand- Delpan Bridge)

The first 4 kms of this race was an acid test for me. As I recalled what  happened to me in SIM 42k where I incurred a hamstring injury, I’m so sensitive if there’s a pain build-up early on this race. My original plan was to walk the first 2 kms and then slowly jog the next 2 kms, but as I tried to run when I heard the gun, I discovered that I can run slowly, and so, that I did. However, as I attempted to increase my pace, I felt a pain on my hamstring and so I decided to keep my tempo at 7.85 mins/km since I heard that the cut-off time for this race was reduced from 5 hours to 6 hours. If I could maintain that pace, I could finish this race at 5 hours and 30 minutes. At this point, I was greeted by a lovely couple, Maru and her husband who was with me too at the QCIM. Later, I haven’t seen them again for they were both strong runners.

It’s so ironic that I peed so early at the first km of this race.

There was no problem for me reaching Delpan Bridge, although some areas were so dim and the road was uneven. One mistake, and it could make one injured or it can aggravate an injury if you have one already. Here, I’m so careful and decided to walk whenever I’m in doubt of those uneven surfaces.

My BDM classmate and buddy, Dennis Enriquez overtook me in KM 3 and since then, he decided to be with me, until km 41.

KM 4- KM 6 (Delpan- Planetarium)

Whenever there’s an uphill, I walked to rest my feet and reserve my energy. Coming from 2 weeks lay-off and no running at all, I’ve found myself that I’m a little bit out of synch and rusty as early at  that  stage. My breathing was not normal, hearbeat as well. But my legs were still okay, no pain. Perhaps, a great consolation at that point.

KM 6- KM 8 (Planetarium- Mc’Arthur Bridge)

The route of Padre Burgos to Escolta was a sight to behold, my second time since PIM 42k in 2007. As I reached the Mc’Arthur Bridge, I’m now hungry. But this time, I’m ready, as I brought with me 3 Powergels, a Tuna sandwich courtesy of Willy from Sofitel Hotel and 2 pieces bananas. I’m also loaded with gatorade placed on my hydration belt (3 pieces 250 ml. canisters). I ate one banana but that was not sufficient to ease my hunger, so I ate the other  one.

KM 8- KM 10 (Mc’Arthur Bridge- Ayala Bridge)

As a long time ally, Dennis and I have been to so many races, but none was so sweet than the BDM 102k. Here, in the route from Arroceros to P.Casal in Quiapo, we recalled our quixotic quest in finishing that Ultramarathon which took us more than 17 hours. We laughed outloud remembering that day, and once again, here at PIM, we have finished the first 25% of this race as we reached the Ayala Bridge. 32 kms more…

KM 10- KM 12 (Ayala Bridge- Nagtahan Bridge)

From bridge to another bridge, that was this race was all about. As we approached CEU in Mendiola, I remembered my College days. Here in this place, I scorned those runners  long time ago, not knowing that I too will become a runner someday.

KM 12- KM 14 (Nagtahan Br.- Zamora Pandacan)

Quirino Avenue was a memorable place for me since I rented a small room here in Pandacan wayback in the late 80’s as a freshman College and as I ran that place now, I’m now in insipid mood. Nostalgic feeling filled my air, reminiscing those days. Until this point, my legs were all fine, no pain, no cramps but there was a prurience on my toe, signaling a slight blister. I applied a Petjelly lavishly before this race but even with that, it’s no assurance that you’re immune afterall  to any bulla or canker.

KM 14- KM 16 (Pandacan- Icasiano)

Due to my very slow pace, some of the runners  overtook me already but it’s no big matter for me. Those three (3) Ultramarathons I have joined in just 3 months within this year made me a slower runner, plus the fact that I have  back to back marathons prior to this one. What can they  expect from my legs? It’s now  like a glass full of cracks. I envied those fast runners, how I wished that they too have conquered  the same route that I did. But it was my choice. No frills. I have to fight back also on that negativity  behind my mind. Ultra-runners do’nt brag for those accomplishments. While some of my co HC were still strong even with Ultra-running and TKO 250, I’m the reverse and at times, I’m disappointed about myself and how I fared up for this race.

KM 16- KM 18 (Icasiano- Lambingan Bridge)

From Pedro Gil to New Panaderos, I encountered some numbness on my left leg so I decided to walk for 3-5 minutes. Here, I opened my PowerGel and I gave one to Dennis since I owed him  in the QCIM. Dennis won’t accept it but I insisted and so, he took it. We walked steadily and decided to run again after that.

KM 18- KM 20 (Lambingan- JP Rizal)

At this point, I can felt already  the torridity of the sun. Good thing that I was able to bring with me my HardRock Sunvisor and Spyder Sunglass. I knew from there that that day would be smoking-hot and blazing. But I forgot my sunblock, one of my few mistakes here in this race. Many people watched us as we entered the Pasig River route, some cheered for us while others were curious what’s going on.

KM 20- KM 22 (JP Rizal-Rockwell)

As I reached the half-point of this grandiose race, I sipped another Powergel but half only. I have to reserve the other half for km 30. Here, my time was 2 hours and 40 minutes. Also, I have to walk for 4 minutes as I took that Powergel.

KM 22- KM 24 (Rockwell-Robinsons Pioneer)

What an opportunity again to run in one of the busiest Highways, the Efipanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). Although so short, but so amusing and gratifying. With my little steps, I’m not tired. With this kind of stride, I can finish even a 102k that day.

KM 24- KM 26 (Pioneer- Oranbo)

If my memory served it right, this was where there were plenty of motels situated along the area  and a long downhill route  caught me by surprise. I was tempted to run with speed, only to find out that I can’t. Pain hindered me once again. And so, since speed eluded me during  the entire course of this race, I just maintained my slow pace. It was at the downhill section at SIM where I incurred my injury, a good reminder for me not to repeat the same mistake here.

KM 26- KM 28 (Oranbo- C5 Bridge)

Probably the steepest and sharpest elevation happened here and I just walked to protect my legs. I can no longer waited  for km 30  to consume my remaining Powergel and so I ate the last half. Also, here I peed again.

KM 28- KM 30 (C5 Br.-Market Market)

Scorching heat was now upon us and not even our hydration can save us from this inescapable daylight. I told Dennis that it’s nothing compared to BDM 102 where we’ve been baked and toasted last April 5 from 9am until 4pm, the hardest at the last 22 kms of that race. Sometimes, those extraordinary experiences made us a little bit stronger and confident.

KM 30- KM 32 (Market Market-Buendia)

The last part of those bridges, the Kalayaan Bridge was conquered here. the day was too hot and ruthless. We’re so exposed and little bit weak. With sheer determination, I ran, walked, jogged. More than 10 kms left and this race will be over.

KM 32- KM 34 (Buendia- Petron)

As I reached the Aid Station, I fortunately was able to find an empty 500 ml. bottle. I refilled that and used that to sprinkle my head and face along the route. That helped a lot. Heat stroke can attack any moments and I have to guard against it.

KM 34- KM 36 (Petron- Grepalife)

At km 35, I was overwhelmed with a familiar figure waiting for me. It was Romy. And he handed me a bottle of Cobra Energy drink. From there, he paced with me all the way to the finish line. His presence added some stamina and my moral fiber was strengthened. He just went there to see me. Thank you once again, Romy.

KM 36- KM 38 (Grepalife- Buendia)

At this point, Romy told me that he was supposed to be with me at the starting line but since it was his birthday last Saturday, November 8, he had a hard time waking up so early that Sunday. I greeted him and I told him that after that race, I’ll treat him for a lunch.

I munched my Tuna Sandwich as I prepared to finish the last 4 kms of that race.

KM 38- KM 40 (Buendia- Qurino Intersection)

I’ve found some relief as I approached the Quirino Intersection in Roxas Blvd. to tall trees and high edifice. I hid myself on those shades from sadistic heat that tormented my whole body for more than 3 hours. As I  realized  that I’m so near at the finish line, I’m so amazed with the thought that, ‘nothing in life is impossible, If you will believe.’ Injured or not, I was able to conquer this race, another 42k.

KM 40- KM 42 (Quirino- Finish Line)

Nearing the finish line, I saw many wonderful events that also happened simultaneously  that day, The Paddlers competition and after that, the Bicycle race. Some bikers gave me a high 5 while few at  the audience side, they cheered. That lifted my spirit to sprint a little bit but again, there’s no power on my feet to increase my speed.

As I entered the The last 50 meters of that race, someone yelled, “No more medal.”

I said to myself, ‘that’s okay, with or without medal, nothing and no one can take what I have accomplished that day.’

I reached the finish line with not that so impressive time…

…5.32+! But I’m so proud of it.

I’m a conqueror even with a limited power. I pray that my speed will return to me, but right now, I’ll accept what life has to offer.

“Godliness with Contentment is a great gain.”

Let’s run for HIS GLORY!

God be Praised!

PIM 42k Recap1 (A Race To Remember)

“No matter how old I get, the race remains one of life’s most rewarding experiences.” -George Sheehan

The Philippine International Marathon 2009 was now part of history but nonetheless, one of the most illustrious  races to remember. Those who decided to join this gargantuan event specially the 42k can attest that it’s a wise decision and worthy of doing so.

I can’t forget this race for the following reasons:

- A personal triumph. I’m afraid to join this due to an injury I incurred last SIM 42k barely just two weeks only prior to this one. Some of my friends advised me  that it’s not astute volition for they thought joining another 42k can aggravate my injury.

- A once in a lifetime experience  for those places ‘less ran by.’ Who can run in the Lagusnilad in Manila City Hall?Those bridges in Delpan, M’cArthur, Ayala, Nagtahan, Lambingan? And how about that Bridge in the FEATI University, Escolta, Arroceros going to P. Casal in Quiapo? The Pandacan and Paco route, Edsa Road, Robinsons Pioneer going to KFC Oranbo? This PIM 42k toured us to those nook and niche which  seemed impossible to conquer.

- An almost flawless marathon. If not for that late distribution of race bib number done on the race day itself that caused some runners to run late and no medal given  for 42k finishers, I can give this Marathon a 100% rating.

Ferdinand Valdez, Jack Marcos and I traveled all the way from Laguna to Quirino Grandstand at 2am yesterday. We arrived in the vicinity at around 3am too early for Jack to get his race bib number. At that time, there was already a massive build-up of runners who lined up just to get their stuff.

At 3:45am, I met some of the members of TEAM HARDCORE, Camanava runners, some old pals, runner-blogger and the likes.

At 4:05am, we checked in as we entered the starting line area, there I saw Baldrunner and I approached him to give my homage.

After a brief stretching exercise, I went to a dark corner and I prayed. To be honest, I’m worried about this race, for my plight and my injury. I didn’t have any running sessions  since SIM 42k last October 24, 2009 and if my condition worsens, I have no one to blame but myself. I don’t know if it’s  an addiction or mere foolishness.

At 4:29am, I heard the countdown….and the race was now on!

With a runner from Binan and jack.

with SOFITEL hotel relay group headed by Master Chef Willy and Cas.

Below… with Jack, Ferdie and Willy.

with CAMANAVA group.

Below: with Ferdie and Jack

With Coach Titus Salazar of team Baldrunner.

with those Kenyans…

God be Praised!