Noche Buena 55.7 Kms Run (Naic Cavite To Palace In The Sky Tagaytay)

“The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for.” -Louis L’Amour

 

Dec 24, 2010…5am til 11:52am

Naic to Palace in the Sky Tagaytay

With a back pack and hydration belt, I ran alone.

We runners are not afraid of the dark…

Uhmmmm…fresh air. My first pee stop.

In Barangay Palangue

Someday, I’ll buy this place : )

Way to go…

Loaded with drinks…

In Indang Cavite

In Brgy. Agus-os

Time to apply sunblock spf 70

Approaching Indang Town proper…

Breakfast time.

In Tagaytay city…

In Robinson’s Tagaytay

Snack time…fresh fruits from Robinsons supermarket.

Time to run again…

…only to see an accident on the road.

In life, tragedies will come and go…but we must keep moving!

At the Picnic Grove…

Approaching palace in the Sky

A view from the top…

Lord…thank you for the strength and protection. I conquered this place once again by means of running and walking.

Lunch time at Andoks tagaytay junction…

the HARDCORE spirit…

So tired…but so satisfied!

See you on the road.

God be praised!

Acknowledgment:  Miss Cynthia Nazareno for my Carlsbad singlet.

To all of you who prayed for me so that I can finish this RUN in 6 hours and 52 minutes.

Merry Christmas to all!

 

 

 

Noche Buena Run -A 50K plus RUN from Naic To Palace In The Sky!

“Running has never failed to give me great end results, and that is why I keep coming back for more.” -Sasha Azebedo, American actress, model and runner.

Tomorrow, Dec. 24, 2010, I’ll be running a 50 Kilometer + dubbed as ‘NOCHE BUENA RUN’ from Naic Cavite to Tagaytay’s Palace in the Sky. This will be my first long run after finishing a 42K race in the Quezon City International Marathon last Dec. 5, 2010.

The route will be: ( Naic Town Plaza -starting point -San Roque, Calubcob, Halang, Palangue-Calumpang-Kay Quit- Indang-Mendez-Crossing-Tagaytay-Junction-Picnic Grove-Palace in the Sky). Time starts at 5am and I’m expecting to reach the final destination by 12 noon.

Since I’ll be running alone, I will carry a small back pack bag for my supplies. This will be a RUN/WALK mode and a good time for some reflections. Of course, my main objective is to train for the BDM 160,  I have only 65 days to do that. Time is running out and I must train like a horse in order for me to survive that sadistic distance.

Since Friday is my OFF in the office, that day is always scheduled to be my ‘long run’ and I’m hoping if God’s willing, I can always do a 50K + RUN on that day.

Speaking of BDM 160, let me thank in advance these people who emailed/sent a text that they will sponsor me in whatever amount they can to pay my Registration Fee, Expenses, Logistics, ETC  for this 28 hours grueling race namely:

1. Architect Ferdinand Valdez

2. Henry de Castro

3. Rod Cameros

4. Allan Limpiahoy

5. JT Oliver

6. Vic Estudillo

7. an anonymous Ultra-runner

 

This is the first time I asked for a sponsorship (for myself)  in my 80 + running events because this BDM 160K Ultramarathon is  the most expensive race I’ve ever joined so far. The Registration Fee alone is P5,000 and I’m estimating at least a P25,000 + budget for this event. And so I’m praying for more ‘good samaritans’ out there if you could extend your assistance for me. Any amount will be highly appreciated.

On Dec 31, 2010, I’ll be running another 50K plus distance. The route will be announced soon.  Sad to say that I can’t run any more races for the next 2 months since I’m on the ‘cost-cutting’ mode. I need to save money just to join BDM 160K.

Let me end my sharing for today with this:

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” -Proverbs 31:30

See you at the road.

To God be the glory.

 

 

 

 

 

An Invitation I’ve Been Waiting For!

 

For the record, allow me to share with you the letter which I received last Dec. 18, 2010…

 

Dear Ultrarunner,

 

This letter confirms your acceptance and invitation to join and compete in the 1^st BDM 160 Ultramarathon Race to be held on February 26-27, 2011.

 

First of all, the Bald Runner Events Management would like to thank you for your interest in participating to the 1^st edition of the Bataan Death March 160K Ultramarathon Race. This will be the first of its kind in this country for a solo ultramarathon event to commemorate a significant part in the history of mankind and warfare which is the Bataan Death March in April 1942.

 

Each runner-participant will trace the actual route of the “March” from Km Post #00 in Mariveles, Bataan up to the Capas National Shrine in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac covering a land distance of 160 kilometers.

 

The registration fee is Five Thousand Pesos (P 5,000) for the Local Runners and One Hundred Fifty US Dollars ($ 150) for the Overseas/International runners. Each runner must be able to have his support vehicle; support crew; and pacer. The concept of the race is based from the rules and regulations of the Badwater Ultramarathon where there will be no Aid Stations along the route. Your support vehicle will serve as your “mobile” Aid Station. It will be a personal responsibility of each runner to provide himself/herself with the necessary logistics for the race. Pacer is allowed from Km Post #102 up to the Finish Line as your safety companion during the run.

 

The race will start at 5:00 AM on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Bataan Death March Park’s Km Post #00 in Mariveles, Bataan and with a cut-off time of 28 hours. All runners must be able to check-in at Km Post #102 in 18 hours or else they will not be allowed to continue the race up to Camp O’Donnell. All Finishers of the Race will be expected to arrive at the Finish Line not later than 9:00 AM on Sunday, February 27, 2011. Remember that this is a Road Race and each runner must be extra careful with the prevailing traffic condition along the national highway or roads.

 

As for the Overseas/International runners, my staff will arrange for your support vehicle with driver and support crew/pacer for an additional fee which we will inform you later. As for the remittance of your payment for the registration fee, you can avail of the Western Union by sending it to this address:

 

Bald Runner’s Events Management

c/o Maj Gen Jovenal D Narcise AFP (Ret)

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Phone # 0632-918-910-0825

 

Last Day & Deadline for the payment of registration fee is January 14, 2011. Registration fees are non-refundable. Local runners can pay and deposit their registration fee at the BR’s Events’ ALLIED BANK Account # 0251-07156-8.

 

A soft copy of the race Registration Form for BDM 160 will be sent to you as soon as possible.

 

If you have any concerns and need for more clarifications, please feel free to send me an e-mail at jovie75@hotmail.com.

 

Good luck and train well.

 

Cheers!

Maj Gen Jovenal D Narcise AFP (Ret)

Founder & Race Director, BDM 102/160

www.baldrunner.com

www.bataan102.blogspot.com

 

Thank you Mr. Race Director. Now I’m IN.

I’ll FOCUS now in training. Other details to follow.

God be Praised!

Speed Is Not Always The Best Policy!

“A runner who conquers  distances is mighty but he who conquers  his temper is mightier.” -RFC

 

Many parts of the world seem to be obsessed with speed. We are living in an era  where ‘fast’ would beat ‘best.’ We are always in a hurry and the word ‘patience’ is sometimes being set aside. We go in a  fast food chain rather than a restaurant. We prepare food in an instant and we want it fast. We don’t want to fall in line in a supermarket or in any atm booth.  We got bored standing in queue,  getting mad if if someone from behind overtook us, getting our slot.

And in running? We are always talking about PR. Speed is always at the bottom line. But sometimes, speed is not always the best policy whether in running or in any sports or in life.

 

In the Bible, Peter warned in the last days people would doubt God because it seems HE is slow (slack) in fulfilling His promises to return. Peter pointed out, however, that this seeming slowness is a good thing. God is actually demonstrating His patience by giving people more time to repent. He is patient too and slow to anger.

We too must be slow. Slow to become angry and slow to speak. Quickness is reserved for our ears. We are supposed to be quick to listen but to slow down our tempers.

I want to become an elite runner with a specialty in patience. But if I can’t go with speed, I’ll lavish myself with temperance.

See you at the road.

God be Praised!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyday Is Special!

 

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are!

Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by in quest  of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may for it may not always be so.

One day…

I shall dig my nails into the earth or bury my face in the pillow and stretch myself,

or raise my hands  to the sky and want

more than all the world-

-your return.

The 2nd QCIM 42K Recap (Last Part)

“The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race: it’s to test the limits of the human heart.” -Bill Bowerman, American track and field coach and co-founder of Nike

It took me several days before I was able to post this topic today. Main reasons? I’m so busy with my work, training and I’m having an internet connection problem lately.

Well, my target of writing a blog entry everyday was not materialized but I’ll cope up sooner or later. It seems  (and as always)  the month of December is a very busy month and I found myself under that spell too.

The preparation, manpower, route, supplies, management -they are all perfect. I have no bad comments regarding this marathon for they were ALL greatly executed. They improved a lot, learning from last year’s mistakes.

Congratulations  RUNNEX for a job well done and hoping to run with you again next year.

To my friend Romy whom I had never seen in the starting line (due to galore of runners) and up to the finish line (He’s too fast for me : )) I’m still waiting for your sms message. Congrats for your 4:29 time.

To Dave de Leon…thank you again for giving us the opportunity to run in this marathon for the 2nd time. I owe you one.

To all my Ultra-running friends (Jonel, Abet, Chito, Mylene, George, Caloy, Arman, Doc T, Mar, Erick, Vener, Atty. Jon and Sir Jovie)

To all my running pals (Jack, Vic, Moji, Joy, Rene, Let)

And to countless of my friends whom I forgot to mention… It’s nice to see you again. You’ve made my RACE complete. : )

My official time 5:45 was not impressive and way beyond my PR but as I’ve said, I enjoyed this race with plenty of photo-ops. And when I reached the finish line, there’s still plenty of reserved strength and stamina, I can still run another 42K. : )

That’s it for today.

See you at the road.

God be Praised!

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” -1 john 5:13

The 2nd QCIM 42K Recap Part 1!

“A lot of people run a race to see who’s the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts.” –Steve Prefontaine, running legend and 1972 Olympian

Coming from work, I arrived in the starting area at around 3:35 am.  Tired and with little sleep, I tried to rest on a lighted area near the baggage counter but I’m just wandering why my buddy Romy Irevera was still not yet around.  He’s from Laguna and I’m from Cavite but I already sent him his bib and other accessories. He confirmed in one of his sms that he will come for this race.

The race started just on time and I have no trouble with my pace. As I’ve said in one of my shout outs  in FB, I have no time target for this one but to finish it within the cut-off period of 7 hours. This is my first race in 9 months (After BDM 102) and I considered it as my ‘long run’ only.

For a change, I didn’t bring in my hydration belt, power bars or any food, arm warmer and sun glasses. I only have  a small belt bag which contains my wallet, Company ID and cellphone with camera just to document this event. I really wanted to bask in the sun but unfortunately, that day was cloudy except for the last 5 kms of that race.

At the starting line and along the road, I’ve met my closest allies and fellow ultra-runners. It was fun chatting with them even for short period. I have never seen them for almost a year and yet their words were so encouraging. I’ll have a separate topic on that  on my next  blog entry.

At the starting line…

With Ultra-runner Abet Henson (Sorry bro, picture too blurred)

The route was different from last year and the 2nd edition  was easier, I thought. I reached Km 10  in 1 hr and 5 mins with still plenty of strength to spare. At  Km30 I had some fun along the way with Ultra-runners Ralph, George and Mylene. We took several photographs in the middle of Commonwealth Ave (I will download pictures next time). That incident took away some precious time but I don’t care for it was a once in a lifetime experience. Who can imagine that you can be in the middle of one of the busiest roads  in the  country? Well, only in running.

In playful mode…Approaching KM 30. Thanks Ultra-runner Ralph for this photo.

Ultra-runner Ralph (Pacer for 5:30)

With Ultra-runners George and Mylene…

For the boys…

This was my moment…

1 km to go and it’s over…

At the finish line with an official time of 5:45:23, 493rd overall.Kudos also to Romy with a time of 4:29, 162nd overall. I saw his name and mine in the QCIM website.

I’ll tell more stories about this race next time.

Again, thank you to Dave de Leon…without him, we cannot join this race. We owe you one Sir! : )

Until next time…

To God be the Glory!

Sunday Special: Imperfect Things, Imperfect People!

“Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else  pocket – keep it in your own.” -selected

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said: “Honey, I love burned biscuits.”

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, “Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And besides – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”

Life is full of imperfect things…..and imperfect people. I’m not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults – and choosing to celebrate each others differences – is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that’s my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He’s the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn’t a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or brother-sister or friendship!

“Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else  pocket – keep it in your own.”

See you in the QCIM 42K today. Have a blessed Sunday!

God be Praised!

 

It’s A Go for QCIM 42k!

“In RUNNING, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.” -Fred Lebow, former president of New York Road Runners Club and Guiding force behind  the New York marathon.

My 13th marathons (42K) Race will happen this coming Sunday, December 5, 2010 in the Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM) to be held in the QC Circle. Thanks to  Dave de Leon who sponsored me and my friend Romy Irevera so that we could join this race.

Who is this  Dave de Leon? I got to know this nice guy during last year’s 1st QCIM 42K when I wrote about our experience (with Romy) as  Pacers. (For further related stories, read my blog entry last year,  regarding this race.) Dave emailed me that time and gave me the resolution to my concern. That was it. Case closed.

Last month, Dave sent me an email telling that he was inviting me and Romy to run in the QCIM 42K again, FREE of charge, on his expense. WOW! With a tight budget, I can’t resist that offer. And so, here I am and Romy -accepting our bib and singlet, with timing chip and galore of Unilab products.

Dave -we owe you one once again and this blogsite will always remember your good deeds. May the good Lord continually bless you and your family. May He shower you with long life, success, good health, prosperity and most of all, undying faith.

Thank you Dave de Leon…because of you, it’s a go for my 2nd QCIM 42K. : )

 

See you this coming Sunday.

God be Praised.