Admiring Those Kenyans!

“I was pushed by myself because I have my own rule, and that is that every day I run faster, and try harder.”

Wilson Kipketer (Kenyan Olympic Runner (800m), b.1972)

photo courtesy of ceburunning.com

Continuation to  “No Kenyans Please!”…

They’re definitely the world’s best runners. Majority admired them, few envied them but none will hate them for sure.

Kenya is a strong  nation in tract and field, particularly running. Their specialty  is  in long and middle distance running. Names such as Paul Tergat, Catherine Ndereba, Joyce Chepchumba and Henry Kipchirchir are some of those great runners that this country has  produced.

And here’s another one.

Salina Kosgei  grew up in a small hut without water or electricity, the tenth child of a farmer in rural Kenya. But that didn’t slow her down. Each morning, Salina sprinted out of the hut-literally-and ran more than six miles to school, barefoot.

These days, it’s 26 mile marathons she’s running, and winning.

In April, she won the Boston Marathon by less than one second.

Vincent Kipchirchir Chepsiror, who won the Subic International Marathon with a time of 2.27, was also a man to be admired. He came from a humble beginning but he dominated the Bonn Marathon in 2004 with a time of 2.13.04.

Paul Tergat, whom I featured on this blog several months ago, the man they called ‘The Gentleman’ is regarded as one of the most accomplished long distance runners of all time. He held the world record in marathon from 2003 to 2007 with the best time of 2.04.55.

Perhaps the words from William Sigei  give us a glimpse why they are great and to be admired…

“Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.”

They are too fearsome to behold when running, tireless and indefatigable  but wonderful people to be with.

I’m so grateful to run with them in QCIM and SIM.

The author at the starting line with those Kenyans…

God be Praised!

 

 

Finally, A Race Where There Is A Formal Drug Testing!

“Drugs are very much a part of professional sports today, but when you think about it, golf  is the only sport where the players aren’t penalized for being on grass.”  ~Bob Hope

A couple of months ago, I wrote something about ‘an obligatory drug testing for all runners specially those winners.’ That was my appeal for Organizers to really check if those runners were authentically  ‘drug free and not taking any  banned substances. While I received galore of positive feedback, nothing happened not until this Sunday’s Pasig International Marathon.

When I received my bib and singlet for the 42k today, the Rules and Regulation (Rules of the Road) stated….

DRUG TESTING: -Athletes who participate in this competition particularly those entitled  to awards, maybe subjected to formal drug testing in accordance to PATAFA rules and IAAF Rule 144. Athletes found positive for banned substances, or who refuse to be tested  will be disqualified for this event and will lose eligibility for future competitions. Some prescription and over the counter medications contained banned substances.“

This  action from the versatile Race Director, Mr. Rudy Biscocho will be the starting point  for the future races here in our country and how  I wished  for the ‘continuity’ of this great undertaking.

While I don’t believe that our elite runners can take ‘banned substances or illegal drugs’, however when a big amount of money is involved, all things are possible for them just to win.

So, that  formal drug testing for winners is a great news for all of us. Not because we’re doubting their (elite runners) capacity and ability, but to eliminate  bad suspicions being thrown at us by those non-running people around, for they say that most runners are on drugs whenever there are races.

However, I have a concern for this…

“Some prescription and over the counter medications contained banned substances.“

What are those banned substances that can be found  in some prescription and over the counter medications?

I think they need to elaborate or enumerate those banned substances.

My supplements are Glucosamine Sulfate for the joints and bones and Revicon Forte as my multi-vitamins.

Did they contain banned substances?

I hope they do not.

But at least a  glimpse of a brighter future for the running community is now here, with the integration of drug-testing in all of the races for Mr. Rudy B.

Runners who are not guilty can rejoice.

But for those erring ones who are  drug-dependent, beware! For your time is running out.

I’m hoping that other Organizers will follow Mr. Rudy B’s footstep.

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today is Will Rogers Day? This public holiday
celebrates the birthday of America’s great humorist, Will
Rogers. Rogers was born on November 4, 1879, at Oologah,
Oklahoma. He traveled around the world three times, made 71
movies (50 silent films and 21 “talkies”), wrote more than
4,000 nationally-syndicated newspaper columns, and became a
world-famous figure. Happy birthday, Will!

Don’t do drugs because if you do drugs you’ll go to prison, and drugs are really expensive in prison.  ~John Hardwick

Back To Back Or Back To Back To Back?

“Music is my life, but running allows me to appreciate the music of the outdoors.” -Gail Williams, hornplayer

Me at SIM 42k with blue marking…photo courtesy of Ceburunning.com

After a 25k  in Milo Finals, a 42k in the QCIM and another 42k in SIM, my target now is the PIM 42k this coming Sunday.

But I have some problems…

Since SIM 42k last Oct. 24, 2009, I rested completely. No running or walking. Just a gym work-out and  Mhuay Thai hoping that my hamstring injury could at least heal up a little bit.

Four days before that race and I’m still undecided.

I was absent in the Halimaw Run and the Adidas KOTR, making my TKO 250 bid a failure.

And there’s still an even greater challenge for PIM for  there is a cut-off time of 5 hours for the 42k.

My will says, ‘go for it’ but my left leg is questionable.

Sometimes, we can’t understand things but we must accept what life has to offer.

All things work together for good.

This Saturday, I’ll decide whether or not I’ll join this race.

Injured or not, it’s nice to be running.

God be Praised!

No Kenyans Please!

“When we run, we are already so exposed, often nearly naked in our shorts and T-shirts, huffing and puffing, purified by the effort. Briefly removed from the defenses and secrets we maintain in so much of our lives, we feel less need to hide our private thoughts, loves, fears, and stresses. We share.” -Amby Burfoot

photo courtesy of ceburunning.com

Many experts say  that  Filipinos can only excel in only three sports when it comes in an international competition: Boxing, bowling and billiard! The rest we can only compete, but we can never be a world champion.

Take for instance, in running. The QCIM and the SIM were all dominated by those Kenyans. Those ‘monsters’ in running not only lambasted our local bets, but literally amassed all  the top  cash prizes at stake, right here in our native land.

I have nothing against those Kenyans, in fact, I admire and apotheosize them. To have them here in our country in this friendly competition is an honor and maybe  a tool  to test our ability against them.

But let’s be very honest. When we invited those Kenyans, it seemed that those cash prizes  belonged to them already eventhough the race has not yet started. In our present time, no one can beat those Kenyans. Our number one,  Eduardo Buenavista cannot compete due to PATAFA’s sanction and even if he lay a finger on, I don’t think he had a good chance because those Kenyans ran like a team (6-7 of them), with a leader and a spoiler, while our local bets ran in their own, with no team mates whatsoever. Elite runner and country’s number 2, Cresenciano Sabal admitted  in an interview that those Kenyans were too strong and powerful for him.

I don’t know if these Organizers invited other countries aside from Kenya, but if  they did, those countries in my own opinion will not join, irregardless of a very tempting cash prices,  if they will  realize that Kenyans will be present.

By the way, I received an unconfirmed reports that some of the Kenyans were boorish and  uncultured in behavior  in the recent QCIM for they swatted away  those water cups intentionally so that the next Filipino runners cannot drink anymore or causing some delay. If this is true, this is not a friendly competiton anymore and I don’t think it would make sense inviting them once again. Right here in our own turf? Those marshals who saw it happened must come out and maybe castigate those erring imports. This is unethical and a big blow to a poor  ‘Juan dela Cruz.’

We all knew we have no match against those Kenyans specially  now that the Philippine Sports is doing  nothing to develop and support local runners. They have a program for them, but with a scanty budget, I don’t think  our local runners could excel.

So, what is my point here?

Don’t invite those Kenyans next year.

Instead, invite other countries.

And if we have already a top bet for those Kenyans, we can invite them once again.

It’s my  opinion only.

What do you think?

See you at the races.

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today is the anniversary of the International Space
Rescue Agreement? In 1970 the United States and the USSR
agreed to cooperate in any space rescues.

A Beautiful Mind!

“Perhaps it is good to have a beautiful mind, but an even greater gift is to discover a beautiful heart.” -John Nash

 

I’m glad to meet a guy in one of the races who not only helped me  with my concerns, but as he shared with me his vision, I realized that he has a ‘beautiful mind.’ Allow me to use that two words taken from a true to life  movie in 2001, starring Russel Crowe as  John Nash. Well, the guy I’m referring to opted  to be called  ‘anonymous’ and mind you, unlike in that movie where the lead character John Nash, an asocial but briliant Mathematician who develops  schizophrenia (inabiltity to take care of personal needs, decreased sensitivity, delusional thoughts) this ‘anonymous guy’ is competent, brilliant and very professional in his own way.

I’m a living proof that he’s true to his words, what he said he will do, a mark of a true gentleman!

And he chose not to be mentioned, not to be put on a pedestal of praise. In a world where ‘bragging about good deeds’  is rampant, where almost everybody wanted  his/her name be written on a frontpage for a charity bestowed, this guy is different.

And with that Sir, I salute you more. You have not only  a beautiful mind but a beautiful heart as well.

Even the Bible has this to say…

“[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise you will have no heavenly recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. -Mathew 6:1-8

Of course, that pertains not only in giving of alms, but in every good deeds we render to our neighbor, big or small.

Sir Anonymous,  again, thank you…you don’t know how you touched and inspired me with those deeds, and in my own little way, let me return the favor by praying for you continually…

Let me end with this…

“Friends are an integral part of your life, but every friend you have must live life at their own pace. When the time comes and they must leave you, there is no need to grieve over their parting from your life. It is the very essence of life that it should be so. But it hurts nonetheless and we grieve nonetheless, but we hold them in our hearts forever. Always cherish the joy, laughter, memories and love that they have brought into your lives. Always remember them with a warm smile for what they have given you. -A Beautiful Mind quotes

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today, besides being Halloween,
is South Pole Landing Day? In 1956, Admiral G. J. Dufek was
the first person to land an airplane at the South Pole.
Congrats, Admiral!

When Shall We Learn?(SIM 42k Last Part)

“One of the most dangerous forms of human error is forgetting what one is trying to achieve”

Paul Nitze

 

The Subic International Marathon was probably one of the most anticipated races for this year. Runners from all walks of life gathered together to be a part of history. In my estimate, some 700+ runners joined this marathon, outnumbered the QCIM and Milo Elims.  They trained so hard for this event and I believe, all of the participants  were all physically fit and qualified to reach the finish line, as I assumed.

At the starting line, you can see mean and lean bodies of runners, proof that all were prepared and capable of finishing this race, at least, my first impression. From their faces, you can see the enthusiasm and eagerness, the excitement and sheer expectation that was to follow. First time to run in Subic, and mind you -the SCTEX way, the road less traveled by, can be conquered by means of running, finally!

Six days later, after posting four parts  and recollecting my personal experience regarding this race, I have only one question to ask, “When shall we learn?”

-water drought for more than 12 kms (straight).

-25 kms of complete darkness.

-absence of marshals specially when badly needed.

-ambulance not stationed at the back to escort the last runner.

-No food (at least banana) at dinner time from 7pm onward.

-undersized table containing water cups.

-No kilometer marker.

 

Result?

-many did not finish this race.

-some collapsed.

-majority lost their tempers.

-few cursed.

-a number vowed not to join a 42k race again.

-a handful made negative remarks for this race.

When shall we learn?

-if there’s a casualty?

-or a fatality?

God forbid.

I appeal to all Organizers to be more cautious, responsible, accountable, liable and most specially, competent before directing any race, for our lives are at stake here. Don’t wait for us to ban your races in the future!

Runners risked their lives in every races. Although we’re physically fit, but no water longer than expected could mean disaster, even death. Yes, we have signed a waiver, but it doesn’t mean you have the right to  abandon us where help and assistance seemed implausible. I shivered during this race, signalling peril maybe due to dehydration and hunger.

With due respect to S’ Adi de los Reyes, probably one of the most endearing friends I have ever met, he did his best to make this race truly a ‘world class’ event.  He sent me an sms a day after the race saying,”there were changes made beyond his control…” I believed and accepted his explanation and vowed to remain his friend even after this SIM race.

I  will  call this race  ‘Challenger of Limits’!

When shall we learn? I hope this will be the last time.

But for the meantime, allow me to call this race  ‘ Subic Marathon’ and not Subic International Marathon.

Asked those Kenyans, maybe they’ll disagree.

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today is the birthday of the Le Creuset Enamel Pan?
In 1925, Arnaud Desaegher and Octave Aubecq created Le Creuset
gourmet enamel cooking pans. Each pan consists of a 12-step
finishing process implemented by 15 different pairs of hands
to ensure that there are no flaws or imperfections in the
final product. Talk about pride in one’s work!

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

‘Wendy And Junty!’

“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…’

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today is GhostWriters Time? A ghostwriter is a
professional writer who is paid to write books, articles,
stories, reports, or other texts that are officially credited
to another person. Celebrate ghostwriters and writers of all
other stripes, shades, and colors today!

 

If You Don’t Call That A Miracle!(SIM 42k Recap 4)

“Pray, and let God worry”

Martin Luther (German Priest and Scholar whose questioning of certain church practices led to the Protestant Reformation. 1483-1546)

 

me, wearing bib no. 777 with team HARDCORE.

“Pastor Ed, please pray for me! I’m in the middle of a 42k race here in Subic, with no light, water and food. Worst was, I’m injured and I can’t run…” This was my phone call at around 8:30pm to my ‘father in faith’, Pastor Eddie Hernandez as I approached km 28 of that race. He lived in Maddela, Cagayan Valley but we have a regular communications.

“Okay, I’ll pray for you now. Don’t worry, leave all your worries to God. He will help you finish that race”, was his reply.

After that brief conversations, I became calm, relaxed and confident that I could finish that race.

I have no plan of calling him, because I can pray too. But when I sensed something wrong about this race, I needed more people and back-up to pray for me and to the rest of all runners.

Let me share with you a true story…

During World War II, a bomber pilot was flying on a mission when his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire, causing it to spin out of control toward the ocean below. He later said,”I began to pray, but that was the last I knew until I came to in the water. I was in bad shape. My leg was gone below the knee and I knew that I would bleed to death in few minutes. Then something nudged me. It was apiece of plywood with the plane’s first aid kit on it. I got the torniquet out of it, and my co-pilot helped  me  to get the thing on and stop the bleeding. Another plane came along  and dropped a life raft, and 4 hours later we we’re picked up by a rescue boat. I f  you don’t call that a miracle, I would like to know what it is. God answered my prayer.“

 

Unknown to that pilot, his parents were praying for him at exactly the same time that accident happened.

After few minutes of that brief conversation with Pastor Ed,  a van  from Subic went our way, loaded with water. And at km 36,  a light snack (power bar) was served. And my legs, though in  pain were able to gain some speed and momentum -and the rest was history!

Let me repeat those words of that brave pilot…

If you don’t call that a miracle, I would like to know what it is. God answered my prayer!

“Don’t pray for lighter burdens, but for stronger backs.”

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men! Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for power equal to your tasks.” -Phillip Brooks

Ah, prayer -what a wonder you are! I’m a living proof that God is Alive, and He answers prayers.

“Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” -Jeremiah 33:3

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today is Good Bear Day? This day honors Theodore
Roosevelt (born on this day in 1858), 26th president of the
United States. Teddy bears were named after him. Quick bit of
trivia: Teddy Bear collecting is called arctophily. The word
arctophily is a combination of two Greek words that mean
“bear” and “love.”

A Walk To Remember!(SIM 42k Recap 3)

“As you walk through the valley of the unknown, you will find the footprints of Jesus both in front of you and beside you.” Charles Stanley

The toughest marathon that I’ve ever experienced was the Subic International Marathon held last Saturday. My best weapon, my feet, failed me. I can’t run due to a hamstrings injury I suffered as early as km 3, and with 39 kms left, I thought I could not survive and reach the finish line.

When that incident happened, a negative thoughts dictated  my already troubled mind, “You are a runner, and if you can’t run this  race, what’s the use? Quit and go home for you have nothing to prove!”

If I listened to that still, inner voice then I can never be a part of history, a runner who reached the finish line inspite of… Aside from that, I’m dedicated to TKO 250!

But you know, due to this ‘walkathon’ experience, I’m now more confident of finishing more marathons in the future by just simply ‘walking.’ I didn’t say that I’ll not run anymore, but if there’s a sign of injury or pain, then walking would be a  great alternative. It’s more comfortable than running, convenient and less injurious I supposed.

Walking is a science and an art. That’s why doctors often recommend ‘walking’ to their patients instead of running. However, if you’re after speed, then walking is not for you. Walking is applicable only to those who want to enjoy  a race without the pressure of beating any PR or in some cases, if you have injury like mine.

We always wanted to finish first and to outrun others, even our closest allies. And sometimes, in doing that, we forgot to enjoy the race, appreciate the nature and assess ourselves. When I walked the last 39 kms of that race, first time in my entire career as a runner, I enjoyed it and I became closer to my Lord and Saviour. Maybe because I’m injured, hungry and thirsty. It’s so ironic that men tend to become more religious in times of need but a sinner in times of prosperity! That 39 kms walk was hard and difficult, but it made me a better person, in terms of endurance and faith. I re-dedicated my life to HIM once again in that long and winding road, SCTEX to Subic.

As I recalled all of my previous races, this one was  unforgettable, for though my running ability eluded me like a thief in the night, my walking abilty emerged giving me wings to soar.

I can’t forget this race -39 kms walk- a walk worth remembering!

As Henry David Thoreau once wrote,…

“Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.”

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today is Mule Day? The first mules in America arrived
in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1785. They were a gift from King
Charles III of Spain. Um… thank you, King Charles!  ;-)

Of Aswang And Mananangal!(SIM 42k Recap 2)

“Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” Psalms 23:4

If runners  have to choose between a headlamp and a blinker light, the former will be a wise choice, that was for this race, the Subic International Marathon. I was able to bring with me a headlamp. At 8pm, the area was covered with complete darkness and if you have no such gadgets, it’s either you’ll run not knowing what lies ahead or just wait for some terrible things to happen. There were no stars that night, a thick black clouds covered the sky. A half-moon appeared so late but  was so shy to give its full radiance.

At km 14 to km 26, there was also an unexpected  water drought! Proof that we’re not yet ready to host an International event. Even  the ambulance, our last resort just in case,  revved up and went forward, and that was the last time I saw it. Later I realized that many runners collapsed under extreme conditions.

Those runners with back-up vehicles were not affected but not all were  born with such priviledge. In fact maybe  30 to 40 runners lagging behind have no convoy to assist  them in time of miseries. One runner from the north who said he was a regular reader of this blog, a newbie Marathoner, was so dehydrated but even I can’t help him for my hydration belt  was already empty. It was so fearful for there’s no store at that place, the SCTEX though almost perfect and ideal for running can be fatal if resources like water and light foods were not available.

Like the common mistake of some Organizers, those marshals in Aid Stations were so eager to go home once those elite runners passed them by and they forgot that not unless the last runner reached their respective stations, those marshals have no right to leave their posts specially if the race was done in a place like this, the SCTEX.

Aside for  my hamstrings injury, I’m also concerned with water and food. Yes, I have 4 power gels but I need some solid foods like banana or anything that I can consume easily and lightly. I gave 2 power gels to my buddy, Romy. At km 25, I shivered slightly, maybe due to hunger or thirst, I don’t know. At km 27, a truck with water finally arrived, I drank 4 glasses of water, refilled my hydration belt and splashed liquids on my head and body.

During that long route of complete darkness, Romy and I talked about so many things, including those  old films of Lito Lapid where he can dominate many enemies with his karate chops, sliced a bullet, and punched an enemy with his trademark assault. No, I’m not his fan but we need to laugh to ease away some tiredness. We laughed outloud just to escape the harsh reality that we’re in a race surrounded by darkness. We also conversed about horror topics  like aswang, manananggal, tikbalang, balete tree and mambabarang in which Romy was so familiar as he lived in the province before. He confirmed that those myths are true. I just told him that it’s not appropriate time to talk about it since we were in darkness. Negative thoughts in a negative situation can breed negative result, and so I shifted the topic from something positive like the goodness of God etc, therefore I was able to share the Good News to him at that time.

At km 28, our conversations and mild laughter suddenly stopped, when we approached an interchange where there were some crowds watching this race  on top of us. As we entered that place, they were shouting not with cheers but with mockery and insults. As I walked with a limping left foot, they made fun of me  but that’s not my worry. I feared that they might threw stones on us or some bottles.

However, along the route, I encountered an ‘angel’, when Sir Adie delos Reyes saw my bad condition and he gave me liniment. That was of course  a big help. Thank you.

This race in darkness can be prevented if the Organizer obliged all the runners to bring headlamp and blinker.

At this time, I will savor those moments but even at this point, I can’t believe I can a finish a 42k just by walking with bad conditions like that.

I was not able to join the Adidas KOTR today due to my injury but I’ll return someday with a vengeance. Yesterday was not my day, but God’s day. All praises belong to HIM.

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today is Live to Tell About It All Day? This day
celebrates the anniversary of the 1901 date when Anna Edson
Taylor became the first person and woman to go over Niagara
Falls in a barrel and live to tell about it. After her journey
Anna said: “If it was with my dying breath, I would caution
anyone against attempting the feat… I would sooner walk up
to the mouth of a cannon, knowing it was going to blow me to
pieces than make another trip over the Fall.”