When Those Dolphins Invaded The Sky!

There are two kinds of adventurers: those who go truly hoping to find adventure and those who go secretly hoping they won t.”

Rabindranath Tagore (Indian Poet, Playwright and Essayist, Won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, 1861-1941

Three days after that mammoth  event, the Condura Skyway ’Run For The Dolphins’ 42K was now part of Marathon History and nonetheless, one of the most successful running events in our country. The euphoria and bliss  plus the ecstasy of being able to run in the Skyway particulary on that ’state of the art magnifice’ the Skyway hill will be remembered as one of a kind experience.

Forget about my struggles as I have shared in my last post, but this race was all about the Dolphins and the once impossible dream of running in the Skyway  was finally materialized. This race was like seeing those Dolphins invaded the sky and what a sight to behold!

May I congratulate Ton and Patrick Concepcion, the ‘brains’ behind this colossal event and to Mr. Rudy Biscocho, for bringing us  once again to that promised land.

To those marshals who were so polite and respectful.

To those manning the Water Stations every 2 or 2.5 kms.  -I think I ‘overdrank’ this time and the word dehydration was a foreign word. : )

To those musicians, cheering squads and well wishers -all of you gave me plenty of smiles and kind words to cherish.

To those traffic enforcers who were hated vehemently by motorists, but adored by runners for safeguarding us the entire route.

Let me present to you some runners who invaded the Sky in behalf of those dolphins. They paid their dues, ran a marathon through sweat, tears and blisters. These people made this event a success, irregardless of their time and PR.

My small group from Laguna…with Vic, Mon, Conrad, Jerry and Ferdie at 3 am.

with Ultra-runner Caloy Nobleza.

Approaching the Skyway Hill.

I never thought I could go this high…At the Skyway Hill.

At the finish line after running 5 hours and 17 minutes (official time)…Oh boy, I deserved a dolphin as a prize!

Thank you SPYDER for my eyewear : )

Bert Rodillas.

Baldrunner.

Carrey with Camanava Runners.

Sam and Tina.

Doc Topher Montaos.

Hardened legs, comical faces.

I will do a trail running practice  tomorrow at the Philip’s Sanctuary, an eco park in Antipolo Rizal and will bike from Laguna to Tiaong Quezon Province on Saturday.

Run defensively and see you at the finish line.

God be Praised!

Blunders At The Skyway 42K!

“In my own experience, undertraining is slightly better than overtraining!” -Ronnie Oliver de Lara

Me at the Skyway Hill during the race.

Ultra-runner and one  of my team mates Enrico Tocol…

At the finish line.

With Sunday Warrior, Ralph the 3.26 guy (yahoo!) and my buddies from Laguna.

Bert, Vic, Mon, Conrad, Me and Ferdie. (mga Adik ng Laguna )

Mga pilit na ngiti matapos ang madugong 42K

More pictures to follow.

I finished my 8th 42K  and my 75th races yesterday, February 7, 2010 with a miserable time of 5 hours and 17 minutes based on the Official Result. Pardon me to say the word ‘miserable’ for I can do better than that time, but carelessness and over training led to my downfall. No, I’m not making any alibis or excuses as I’ve said in my shutout in facebook but there are reasons attributed to this poor performance, which served as again lesson (how many times we will ever learn from our mistakes?) and a good reference for  future races to come.

1. Over training – Prior to this race, look at my activities:

Feb. 1   -biked 4 hours + in Cardiac Arrest Hill in Westgrove Sta. Rosa Laguna, the toughest in terms of elevation.

Feb. 2   -ran a 22 kms.

Feb. 3   -biked at the Daang Hari in 3 hours.

Feb. 4   -ran a 30 kms.

Feb. 5   -biked to ATC and SM Molino in more than 3 hours.

Feb. 6   -walked 1 hour and  minutes.

Feb. 7   -Skyway 42K

2. Poor Preparation -the day before the race, I searched and purchased my new hydration belt from 10am up to 5pm. It took me several hours because I can’t find one. I went first to ATC Alabang, then to SM Southmall- Festival Mall but ended up in SM Sta. Rosa Laguna where I was able to buy one.

I should have rested and sleep the whole day of Saturday, instead of loitering around. And only slept just 2 hours. Sometimes, I can give good advise but I’m the one who deviated from this. Tsk Tsk…

3. Had a hard time with my new hydration belt. Since this was very new, I have no time anymore  to test this stuff while running. During  race day, it gave me discomfort particularly in my groin area. DEUTER NORDIC II is the brand and it can contain upto 2 liters of liquid. I will discuss it separately.

4. Although I took 2 immodiums 2 hours before the race, I was not spared for that shameful ‘call of nature’ predicament. Before me and my group traveled  from Laguna to the Fort, I tried to ‘unload’ at 1 am but nothing happened. We took off at 1:30 am and there at the C.R at the Fort, I tried with all my might to ‘unload’ again but no success. And my worst nightmare happened there at the Skyway, good thing there was a portalet. But it took me 16 minutes to get it done and some time more to keep my pace going.

5. Although my heart and my brain were prepared, my legs were not! Early at the race, there was this numbness and heaviness due to over training. Only my  iron will allowed me to finish that event.

6. Side stitches, cuts and minor blisters also played negative roles that sealed my doom.

Well, we can learn from our mistakes. But regret and remorse  are heavy to bear. I must forgive myself. Instead of licking up  my wounds, I’ll look up again at the brighter side of life.

Thank you SPYDER and to all who have prayed for me, my heart is with you.

This is a 2 part series. My next topic deals with the race itself and my rating for this race.

But I’ll give you a hint now:  Condura race really impresses me.

That’s it for now.

To all who have joined, finished or DNF the said race, Congratulations! Your time is not that important, but the way you have played the game matters most.

God be Praised!

Daang Hari…For The Nth Time!

“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.”- Helen Keller (American Author and Educator who was blind and deaf. 1880-1968)

Biking from my place to Daang Hari Alabang Muntinlupa City is a route I will not fail to do because it is near my place, perfect for training with less pollution and  motorists.

Last February 1, 2010, I started the month with a biking session of 2 hours and 15 minutes, a 48 kms adventure.

Me wearing SPYDER sunglasses.

A friend asked me why I’m always taking pictures while on the road. My simple reply was, ‘I just want to document all my activities because someday, it will serve as  a living proof that I really conquered those places.”

By the way, let me also share with you a beautiful picture of a flower I took there at Daang Hari…

For every time I see flowers, it reminds me that God  loves me.

See you at the  Skyway tomorrow for my 8th 42K marathon.

God be Praised!

FOOD FOR THE SOUL:

“…Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” Acts 9:6

So many Christians want to be Spirit-filled, but have they ever asked why God should fill them with His Spirit?

I want you to imagine a man pushing a car into a service station. It has no battery in it. The car has four flat tires, a hole in the gas tank, and half the wires are disconnected. The attendant comes out, looks at this rattle trap, and says, “May I help you?”

The man says, “Yeah, fill ‘er up.”

What do you think that attendant would say? “What for?” would be appropriate.

I think God sometimes says, “What for?” to us. Instead, we need to just sign the contract at the bottom and say, “Lord, You fill it in.”

Bow before the Lord, open your hands, and say, “Lord, It’s all You. I am nothing but a vessel for You to use. Use me as You will.”

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO CONDURA RUN 21KM AND 42KM RUNNERS WITHOUT BARCODES ON THEIR RACE BIBS

Dear Condura 21km and 42km runners,

Greetings. Unfortunately, there was an error committed in printing out the race bibs. Some race bibs have a bar code and some do not have one.

Do not worry as you will still be able to run your event and you will still be timed accurately.

We have corrected this situation already with race bibs that have not yet been issued out.

For the race bib that have been issued out such as yours, may we kindly request you to do the following:

1. Write down your bib number on the perforated stub located at the lower left side portion of your bib.

The portion that says: “Give to finish official at the end of the race”. “Do not pin spindle hole”.

For example. If your bib number is 123, please write the number 123 on the perforated stub. Please see attached sample.

2. Please write clearly, legibly and accurately.

3. Please use a PERMANENT MARKER. Color BLACK. Be sure that it does not smear when wet as this will be exposed to water and sweat.

Do not use a pencil, ball pen, or white board marker. Only use a BLACK PERMANENT marker. (water proof if possible)

We are very sorry for this basic error. We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you. We are hoping for your kind understanding.

Upon receipt of this email and upon making the necessary changes kindly email us at secretariat@condura.com or text us at (0908) 880-8354.

The Condura Run Organizing Committee

jonjon

The Amadeo Cavite Experience!

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

Andre Gide (French writer, humanist and moralist, 1947 nobel prize for literature, 1869-1951)

Last year, I joined a 10K run in Amadeo Cavite dubbed as ‘Coffee Run’ and last Saturday, I came back to that place again, riding my bicycle. It was an 82K adventure from San Pedro Laguna to Amadeo Cavite, from 6:30am upto 2:09 pm.

The route was indeed hilly, rolling terrain and challenging.

We were 8 in the group and so happy to conquer that majestic place. We also went to Tagaytay on our way home.

Gen. Trias  Cavite

Amadeo Cavite

tagaytay city

Silang cavite

I will try to conquer ‘Palace in the Sky’ in Tagaytay City some other time.

Thanks to SPYDER for my eyewear.

See you at the road…running or biking!

God be praised!

JUST SHARING…

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

Living a pure life means surrendering to Jesus Christ. But some people don’t want to surrender because they say they want to be free. What if a train said, “I don’t want to run on these tracks, I want to be free.”? Then off through the meadow it would go.

What if the kite said, “I want to be free. I don’t want to be tied to a string.”? The string breaks and down it goes.

What if a tree said, “I don’t want to be planted in the earth. I want to be free.”? And it is jerked up from the earth and dies.

Everything that is truly free functions best when it functions as God made it. God made you to know Him and to love Him.

Write James 4:8 on a piece of paper. Memorize and apply it truth to your life.

Training For The 100K Trail Run In The TNF Baguio City!

“We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character”

Henry David Thoreau (American Essayist, Poet and Philosopher, 1817-1862)

Near Splash Island with my SPYDER eye wear.

Empty Space Binan Laguna

Southpeak Hill

My training program is simple and attainable:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday -BIKING and GYM.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday -RUNNING and YOGA.

Sunday -restday (if there’s no race)

Since there is a TNF 100K Trail Run in Baguio City on April 24-25, 2010,  I’m already training for it since it is just 2 months away. Once a week, I devote some of my time in trail running. Off the road running is more enjoyable and challenging with  less pollution but  sometimes dangerous. Wild insects, sharp objects and even snakes are some of the things you have to consider.

I will lay all my cards in the TNF 100K in Baguio City. I will combine all my strength, endurance and experience so that I’ll be able to finish it, this time.

I’m so optimistic that my mistakes in the TNF 100 in Sacobia Clark last year will never happen again.

But before that, let me think of these 2 races ahead of me…Skyway 42K and BDM 102K. These two races are tough and must be given utmost preparation too.

See you at the road.

God be praised!

FOOD FOR THE SOUL:

“If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

Do you want to know the will of God in your life? Here’s a test: How much time do you spend reading the Bible?

Do you think God really believes us when we say we want to know His will if we don’t take even 15 minutes a day to read the one Book above all books that He has specifically written to show us His will — to reveal His will to us, to unfold His will to us?

Your first step in knowing His will is the surrender principle — surrendering your will to His. Your second step is the scripture principle. Read His word, meditate upon it, share it, and study it. When you bow to His will and read His will, you’ll know His will.

Commit to reading God’s Word at least 15 minutes a day for 30 days. When the month is over, re­evaluate what you have learned and ask God to help you be obedient to daily Bible reading from that day forward.

The TNF Nuvali ‘Trail’ Experience!

“I know that if I wasn’t scared, something’s wrong, because the thrill is what’s scary.” -
Richard Pryor

Last week, I visited Nuvali in Sta. Rosa Laguna by means of biking. My purpose was to reckon the place for the incoming ‘The Northface’ 11k/22k Trail Run this coming February 14, 2010. It was also a part of my biking adventures together with TEAM TURBO.

Although that place cannot be compared in Batangas and Sacobia where the TNF events were held last year, it was a nice place particularly for those newbies in trail running.

This was also my 480th kilometers for this year in biking. My target is 10,000 kms.

Enjoy these pictures:

At the entrance of Nuvali, still 7 kms to go.

At the Nuvali gate…

Before that big event comes, I already conquered it -by means of biking!

See you at the Skyway 42K this coming Sunday.

Thank you SPYDER for my sunglasses!

God be Praised!

Just sharing…

EAT, DRINK AND LIVE!

I hear a knock on the door. Mine is open. Where is it coming? I pause and listen ‘til I hear it again. My beloved neighbor, Jesus is knocking at your door! Wake up! Wake up! You’ve been sleeping for so long. It’s time to rise. Hear the knock and open the door. Let Him come in that He may dine with you and you with Him.

The table is set. You do not notice. See now. The food and drink is served. A Lamb has been slain. Not just an ordinary lamb but the Lamb of God, without spot or blemish. The body serves as bread. The blood serves as drink. Anyone who eat and drink shall live.

Jesus is the Lamb of God. He became as a lamb, slain, to take away your sin. His body was broken. His blood was shed. Eat the body. Drink the blood. Yes, eat and drink and you shall live. All your diseases, God has healed. All your sins, God has forgiven. Rejoice! You’ve been cleansed. You’ve been made whole.

Ensure your door is open. Invite Jesus to come in. Say this personally to Him, not in your mind but with your mouth believing in your heart.

Jesus, I invite you to come into my life.
I receive you as my Lord and Savior.
As a lamb you were slain
From the dead you are risen.

Eat, drink and be happy for today you live.

74…The Condura ‘Skyway’ 42K!

“ FIND YOUR LIMITS, AND EXCEED THEM!” -selected

Last Sunday, I was able to register in the Condura 42K in ATC Alabang and I’m glad I did since I’m a regular participant of this  event yearly. Twelve of my running buddies here in Laguna will also join, and as early as 2 am on February 7, 2010, we will invade Skyway to run the full marathon.

This will be my 8th   42Ks and 74th races in my 3 year career as a runner.

Also, my 2nd for this year after that unforgettable ‘24 Hours Fat Ass Run’ in Clark last January 7, 2010.

And speaking of Race Schedule, I have only 6 races lined-up for me this year. Yeah, too few but very tough and challenging…

-Fat Ass 24 Hours Race in Clark -DONE!

-Condura 42K in Skyway

-BDM 102K Ultramarathon from Bataan to Pampanga

-TNF 100K Trail Run  in Baguio City

-Independence Day 160K Ultramarathon

-Milo Elimination 42K in Manila

Quality not quantity. The longer, the better.

With those tough schedules ahead of me, I must devote myself in training, nutrition, sleep, rest and prayer.

No more basketball for me which can cause injury.

As a cross-training, I will embrace road biking, body building and yoga.

And If time still permits me, mountain climbing and Triathlon are on top of my list.

Reading good books and playing chess would  be my mental training.

Some of my friends advised me to ‘cool down’ and I just told them, it’s my lifestyle. I can’t imagine myself not doing any physical sports in a day and perspiration for me is an outlet to relax and enjoy life as it is. Take away those things and I’m dead.

I have no vices whatsoever, just pure sports and books.

A boring life?

No.

Absolutely not.

For in it, I’ve found the real treasure- THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!

See you in the Skyway. Don’t forget to bring your e-pass. : D

God be Praised!

Me, at TNF 100K trail run in Clark. This is where I got the logo for this blog.

The Day I Forgot That I’m A Runner…

“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.” -T. Alan Armstrong

Since the Fat Ass 24 hours RUN in Clark last January 7, 2010,  I spent most of my training in biking.  I am ready for another biking adventure today when I realized it has been days that I don’t have a ‘quality’ run, so I changed my attire from a biking jersey to a singlet, from cleats to running shoes, and I did run a 1 and a half hours this morning.

This was the day I forgot that I’m a runner maybe  because…

-That 24 hours run transformed me into something. I passed an ultimate test of endurance and for me, I reached my pinnacle at that point. No more challenges. Nothing to prove. This thought is very deceiving and to tell you honestly, as a mere mortal, I do have a hard time putting this into subjection. No, I’m not bragging about it, but after that 24 hours race, I can no longer see myself running under the 42k category. And since  my feet werestill  at the recovery mode, I’m lazy to run, so lazy…for I knew I cannot run longer than expected.

-Biking gave me some time to relax and enjoy different places, while at the same time, doing an exercise. Imagine biking a 35-55 kms per hour, at full speed, conquering places I cannot subdue while running.

-I like my new group of friends in biking. They are amazing guys full of different stories, very inspiring. At first, I thought that biking is easier than running, but it is NOT! They are different.

-I appreciate the ‘new  kind of execise’ biking has brought into my legs.

-A very good cross training, biking complements with running and vice versa. These two can be identical twins, good friends and a loving mate, inseperable and compatible.

But this morning, I remember that I’m a RUNNER, and once a runner, always a runner.

I made a vow to myself, I bike to run, I run to bike-and offer these two to God.

Congratulations to all who have  joined and finished the BDM test run last Saturday.

My condolence to my running buddy, Rod Cameros, whose  father died today.

See you at the Condura 42k.

God be Praised!

My biking adventure in Nuvali Sta.Rosa Laguna last Friday.

A 97K Today!

“Expect the unexpected.” -Anonymous

I was not able to join the BDM test run yesterday.

I was  affected by circumstances, emotionally and mentally.

Hard to run if  you’re not ready mentally, and so at 10 pm, I sent an sms to my group that I will no longer participate the said test run.

Also, yesterday, I was not able to open this blog and my facebook account and I’m so worried about it.

Good thing to be back after some days of chaos.

I just want to share with you my biking adventure today. It was a 97k based on my speedometer.

The route was indeed so tiring to imagine. Consider this: Laguna-Daang Hari Muntinlupa City-SM Molino-Salawag-Gen.Trias-FCIE-Langkaan Dasmarinas-Manggahan-Trece Martirez City-Naic-Tanza-Malabon-Mangahan-Dasma-GMA-Carmona-Southwoods-Laguna.

Four days straight of biking because I’m relaxing my legs for the Condura 42k.

At the Daang Hari, assembly time 7am.

At Uniwide Naic Cavite

My classmates in biking adventures.

I’m at the leftmost portion, in sitting mode.

At Langkaan Dasmarinas Cavite…

At Don Galo’s Tapsihan in Malabon Cavite. Look at those calves muscle of my biking buddy, Danfer Ferrer. Awesome! : )

Next weekend, we will trek the remotest part of Cavite from Laguna. The place? Magallanes. It’s farther than Maragondon.

Whether biking or running, I have only one goal: Offer those places to God, pray for healing and deliverance, and most specially, SALVATION for the lost.

Thank you SPYDER, for supporting my advocacy.

And to you, Danfer Ferrer for my photographs.

God be Praised!