An Interview With My “Angel” In White Uniform!

“There are no failures- just experiences and your reactions to them.” -Tom Krause

In my previous post, I have presented already the Doctor who  diagnosed my leg injury for FREE! I considered him my “angel” for his kindness and benevolence towards me even though I’m a total stranger to him and vice versa. It’s also an honor that he accepted this short interview inspite of his very hectic schedule. Needless to say, we’re so fortunate to have a surgeon who is also an elite runner. The running community is proud of you, doc, not because of what you did to me-but first and foremost, you have a big heart!

(Doc, If it’s still okay with you…there will be a part 2 of this interview?, for the first part is very basic. Don’t worry, nothing personal-only about running and your profession)

runnerforchrist:  When did you start running?and why?

Doctor Jose  Paiso: 70’s- 80’s
During my teens when we lived inside a base and as part of training for different sports: soccer, baseball, basketball etc.
My friends would knock on my window as early as 4am to run. Back then, the air was clean, streets were paved and safe and there were not too many cars in the road. We did not have computer, psps or gameboys and our mothers always wanted us out of the house (and out of their hair) during the daytime, so we ran! Thank you mom;)

Even when we left the camp and I went into college and medical school, running freed the mind from the books.

90-00’s
Waned off during orthopedic training days and I also seriously injured my knee which prevented me from enjoying running ;(

Slowly got back to the habit slowly together with swimming and cycling in 2003 as part of a “cardiac rehabilitation” for hypertension at exactly the age of 40.

I got surprised that the knee slowly became “cooperative” and this year it was good enough to join races. A “resurrection” of sort and still evolving

runnerforchrist: Can you share with me your running secrets (if any).How did you develop that “speed?”

Doctor Jose Paiso: No secrets…just put in the time for training and it will pay off and remember you can’t reap what you didn’t sow.
Speed? For me it seems to be Hills and maintaining the cadence and form while going up and crosstrain (biking and leg work in the gym). I’m sure there are better ways

runnerforchrist: Your running Events and PR? (please….)

Doctor Jose Paiso: So far:

RUNew 15k 1:15:01
DocFIT 2 10k 46:20
Condura 21k 1:46:42
Men’s Health 2nd Miracle Run 10k 45:05 unofficial (up to now)
Greenfield Run 21k 1:45:06
ATC Southern Race 10k 44:43
SUBIT 2009 Tri-Relay Swim 1.5k 34:27 10k 45:27

runnerforchrist: Most unforgettable experience during practice or event?

Doctor Jose Paiso: Being run over by a sleepy tricycle driver at 4am! How about that? No injury and I went on to finish my run, thank God

runnerforchrist: Advice you can give to any neophyte/veteran runner?

Doctor Jose Paiso: Neophyte – Listen to the Veterans (there’s a story for each mile) and don’t overtrain, or expect instant results. You’ll just get injured and then lose interest.

Veterans – Step up to the plate. Set the example, remember people look up to you and DON’T EVER STOP RUNNING, Life is motion, motion is life.

runnerforchrist: Last, any mantra while running?

“The Lord is My Strength and My Salvation” ….He NEVER fails!

Thank you Doctor Jose, God bless you always.!

His Other Credentials:
Residency Program

Philippine Orthopedic Center, Quezon City

Specialty Board Certification
• Diplomate, Philippine Board of Orthopedic; Fellow, Philippine Orthopedic Association International:

Fellowship
• Kenton D Leatherman Spine Fellowship, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

I think we all wish we could erase some dark times in our lives. But all of life’s experiences, bad and good, make you who you are. Erasing any of life’s experiences would be a great mistake.”

Luis Miguel quotes