Patakbo-Takbo Lang…

11 05 2011

“Running is a thing worth doing not because of future rewards it bestows, but because of how it feeds our bodies and minds and souls in the present.” -Kevin Nelson

Kahit na anong gawin kong pag-iwas sa pagtakbo, sadyang lagi pa rin akong dinadala ng aking mga paa papunta dito. Ito’y nasubukan ko ng di ako tumakbo ng limang araw dahil na din sa pagod at puyat (due to work of course) na sinamahan pa ng ulan dahil sa napakaagang pagdating ng bagyo. Nakakatamad kasing tumakbo pag basa na ang kalsada at medyo umaambon pa di ka pa man nakakapagumpisa…

Buti na lang at may ‘treadmill’ sa work station ko kaya yun na lang muna ang aking pinagtyagaan. Noong una, di ko sya pinapansin dahil hindi ako talaga sanay na tumakbo sa treadmill. Sa panahong wala kang ibang pagpipilian, tatakbo ka kahit saan at anong paraan. Sabi nga, once a runner, always a runner.

Sa darating nga palang May 22, 2011, kung kalooban po ng Dios, baka makasali ako sa 15K Brooks Run Happy na gagawin sa The Fort. Medyo mura ang Registration Fee P600 at kaya ng budget. Mamimigay daw sila ng authentic Brooks singlet at may timing chip pa. Tamang tama dahil maganda naman ang quality ng Brooks, may running short  nga ako nito na matagal ko ng sinusuot sa mga running practices at hanggang ngayo’y nagagamit ko pa. Magkita kita po tayo doon, kaibigan.

Hectic man po ang schedule natin, dapat di natin kalimutang alagaan ang ating katawan, at isang mabisang paraan ay ang pagtakbo. Kapag nag gym ako ngayon, kinabukasan naman ay tatakbo ako. At isang beses sa isang Linggo naman ang aking mahabang pagbibisikleta…

May mga nagtatanong nga pala kung di daw ba ako napapagod? Ang lagi kong sagot ay simple lamang…”Mas nakakapagod ang walang ginagawa.”

See you at the road and remember…God loves you always.

God be Praised!





On Days When I Can’t Run…

29 04 2011

“Stamina will get you there, but speed will get you there first.” -Peter Coe

Kahapon, ako ay nag post sa aking FB account ng ganitong shutout: “Masyado ng magastos ang mga running events kaya para sa kin, mas OK ng tumakbo na lang sa comfort zone ko ng mahabang ruta kahit walang medal o certificate. I just love ‘pure’ running.”

At ang post na yon ay umani ng maraming  reaksyon na pumapabor sa king sinabi.

Nais ko lang pong linawin na ang mga binitiwan kong kataga ay sarili ko lang pananaw  at ayokong mang impluwensya ng mga kaibigan at kakilala ko. Siguro, dahil na rin saking katatayuan sa ngayon. Sino ba naman ang runner na ayaw makasali sa mga Races? Once a runner, you will always be a runner, it’s in your blood to join races to enjoy every moments of it.

May mga panahong  naiingit ako sa mga kasama kong nakakatakbo sa mga races particularly in ultra-running events ngunit medyo kailangang kong ikunsider ang aspeto ng pananalapi . Hindi katulad dati na kahit ano at sang patakbo, asahan yung andun ako.

Ngayon, magiisip muna akong mabuti kung kaya ba ng budget at kung hindi bakit ko naman pipilitin? At mamapansin nyong masyado ng mahal ang mga patakbo. Nung 2006 kung kailan ako nagumpisang maging mananakbo, ang mga registration fee lang nun ay nasa P200-P300 at yun ay 21k na, meron pa ngang 42k. Peo ngayon, P750 – P1250 ang 21k. At kung kokumpyutin mo ang magagastos sa isang race, kasama na ang gas, food etc gagastos ka ng P2,000 sa isang race lang.

Samantalang kung itatakbo mo na lang yun sa yong comfort zone,baka di ka pa gagastos ng P100.

Sa panahon ng krisis, kailangang magisip din tayo at di lang takbo na lang takbo sa mga races. Kung elite runner ka at pinagkakakitaan mo talaga ang mga patakbo, di masama na sumali ka sa mga races dahil kaya mo namang mabawi ang mga nagastos mo, pero kung finisher lang ang habol mo, sapat na sigurong maranasan mong mag join ng races ng isa dalwa hangang tatlong beses. After nun, think many times if it’s really necessary to join races  because it’s no longer practical.

Ako nga kung kokumpyutin ko ang mga nagastos ko sa kulang kulang na isandaang races na nasalihan ko, nasa P125,000 ang rough estimate nun. Hindi sa pinanghihinayangan ko yun dahil nakaganda naman sa postura at katawan ko pero sana, I put that in a bank na lang at tumakbo na lang ako dito sa ruta ko. Yung mga medals, trophies at certificates kayganda lang pagmasdan pero sa panahon ng tag-gutom di mo naman maisasangla o maibebenta ang mga yun, at hindi mo rin naman maipagmamalaki sa iba dahil wala naman silang pakiaaalm sa Sports na pinili mo.

Ang tanging pabuya mo lang o incentive ay alam mo sa sarili mo na nakatapos ka ng distansyang hindi basta basta matatakbo ng isang ordinaryong tao-pero nagawa mo.

Pero marahil ang mga nabangit ko ay mga sentimyento de asukal ko lang dahil hindi na ako makasali ng mga races. Kung di lang sa mga mabubuting tao nagpatakbo sa kin ng libre ngayong year na ito, sana’y wala pa rin akong nasasalihan ngayong 2011.

QC 42k…Skyway 42k at Fat Ass 24 hours… tatlo pa lang at di ko alam kung masusundan pa.

Regular pa rin naman ang aking pagtakbo, yun nga lang hindi na sa mga races. Sana lang, may lumutang na isang Race Organizer na di puro profit ang iniisip, yung tipong P200 – P300 lang, 21k na, may singlet pa.: ) Dito nga sa San Pedro, may magpapatakbo ng 21k, P100 lang ang fee, may singlet na, may pagkain at goto pa at hindi politician ang organizer.

Ngunit bihira na siguro ang ganun at mabibilang na lang sa daliri.

Dapat siguro, magkaron na ng batas at regulate ang registration fee. Kasi kung di ganito ang gagawin baka sa 2012, aabutin na ng P2,000 ang mga takbuhan. Pero hanggat marami pa ding  sumasali sa mga races, hindi magbababa ng fee ang mga Race Organizers na yan.

Pero ako, mawala man ang mga races, mananatili pa din akong mananakbo.

Sana po kayo din.

Bukas nga pala, tatakbo ako ng more than 30k from Naic to Ternate Cavite and vice versa.

See you at the road my friend.

God be Praised!





Inviting All The Brave…

11 03 2011

Last week, I saw this poster in one of the bookshops and  since I’m captivated by its message, I took its picture with a permission of course from the the saleslady on duty. The content of this prayer is so inspiring and challenging.  Let me share it with you:

 

A Prayer Of Courage

Disturb us Oh Lord,

When we are too please with ourselves,

When our dreams have come true

because we dreamed too little,

When we arrived in safety

because we sailed too close to the shore.

 

Disturb us Oh Lord,

when with the abundance of the things we possess

we have lost our taste for the water of life.

When having fallen in love with the time

we have ceased to dream of eternity.

And in our efforts to build a new earth

have allowed Your vision for a new heaven

to grow dim.

 

Stir us Oh Lord, to dare more boldly,

to venture on wider seas,

where storms shall show Thy mastery,

where losing sight of land we shall find the stars.

 

In the Name of Him who pushed back

the horizon of our hopes

and invited the brave to follow him,

Amen.

 

See you at the road my friend.

God be praised.

RUNNING IN MY MIND: If God’s willing, I will run a 50 kms this coming Thursday March 17, 2011 from Km 0 to Km 50 (Luneta to Naic Cavite). This will be a heat training from 7am up to 2pm, after my work.

 

 





The Letter!

1 01 2011

“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”  -John Bingham, Runner and author

The past few days were so lousy for after doing my ‘Noche Buena’ Run last December 24, 2010, I decided to take a much needed rest. The only training that I had was: biking two times (1 hour each session) and walking along Ayala Avenue last Wednesday afternoon. I rested for there was  this pain somewhere in my calf (right foot).

As I walked along Ayala Avenue in 1 hour and 36 minutes last Wednesday…

And so, let me greet everybody a happy NEW YEAR!

Allow me to share with you this nice letter. Enjoy reading. : )

My Dear Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-30)
For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my
offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.
(Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would
live. (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me.
(John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of
love. (I John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (I John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (I John 3:7)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
(Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the
seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
(Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
(Deuteronomy 4:29)
So, Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
(Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
(Ephesians 3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
(Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. And I will take
away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.(Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
(John 17:23)
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26)
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. Jesus died so that
you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5;18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
(I John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
(Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (I John 2:23)
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
(Romans 8:38-29)
When it’s time for you to Come home and I’ll throw the biggest
party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)
I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father.
(Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is….Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)

With Love, Your Father,
Almighty God

See you at the road.

God be Praised!





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

28 12 2010

“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!

23 12 2010

“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.

 

 

 

 

 





The Untouchables!

26 11 2010

“The really great man is the man who makes every man feel great.” -selected

 

Last week while running in a very comfortable pace, I noticed a beggar on the street asking for alms.  Since I don’t normally bring money while running, I gave him my food (wheat bread with peanut butter) placed inside my NB hydration belt.

As I left that place, I heard him say words of gratitude, which was music to my ears. I don’t know how many people helped that old man that sunny day, but I’m glad I did something good for him. I don’t want to brag about it but my sharing for today deals with this topic – the UNTOUCHABLES of the society.

Let me tell you this true to life story, written by Harold Sala in his book ‘Today Counts.”

Jim Towey had always wanted to meet Mother Teresa and so she  invited him to visit her “Home of the Dying.”

Upon his arrival at the home, he told the home director that he was there by invitation of Mother Teresa and was there to see the work. Disregarding his white shirt and tie, the home director handed him some cotton swabs and a bottle of disinfectant. “Here,” she said, “go clean the man with scabies in bed forty-six.”

Jim tells of this experience, “There wasn’t a slightest bit of me that wanted to touch any body sick and dying.” He expected to be taken through the home  as a VIP since he was being endorsed by a politician, then he would just leave  some money and walk away from the unpleasant sights. But Jim was too proud to refuse, so he found bed forty-six and cleansed the dying man’s infected flesh.

That experienced changed his life and his outlook on the suffering of humanity. J im eventually invested his entire life in the currency of heaven.

Don’t let your pace hinders you in helping those untouchables on the street. Once in a while, learn to stop and give something for them. We may not be able to meet Mother Teresa in person and visit her ‘Home of The Dying” but there are many beggars on the street who die daily because no one seems  to stop and help.

With a cotton swabs or a piece of bread, we can make them happy, at least for  awhile.

Yes, when we touch the untouchables, we reach the very heart of God.

See you in the QCIM 42K on Dec. 5, 2010.

God be Praised!

 





How To Survive An Ultra-Marathon? Tip#1: Mind Setting!

23 11 2010

“When you have a strong belief in your actions and desire to succeed,  NOTHING can stop you.” – runnerforchrist

The day when I received this singlet “1,000 km club’ from one of my idols in running, BALDRUNNER in this photo taken last year. BALDRUNNER is the organizer of BDM Ultra-marathon and PAU races.

When I finished my 1st and 2nd BDM 102k and another 100K in Botak, the number one thing that helped me in achieving that is the process called “mind setting.”

For me, this is the most important factor, to think of this event every day making it a part of my daily thought and imagination.

To help me do that, I list down things  to motivate me in achieving my goal:

I used to display the singlet, race bib, trophy , pictures, medal and any memorabilia in a place where I can easily see it once I wake up in the morning so that it can remind me of what I wish to achieve in the next 4 months.

I’m also using the social network -Facebook, to shout out my thoughts and rumblings about this event.

I shared  it on my friends, whether they are runners or not.

I dream about it not only at night but also during the day when I’m widely awake.

I imagine and feel it.

During running sessions, I see myself not just on training mode, but picture myself competing already.

Since running an ultra-marathon is not an easy task, your mind setting or attitude must be tough.

When you’re at KM 80, running against all elements and your body is too tired, your feet with galore of blisters, there’s only one thing that can help you (other than God), your mental toughness!

Reading a book that deals with ‘positive thinking’ approach can also help and of course, the Holy Bible.

Saturate your mind with plenty of good thoughts and encouragement.

Stay away from negative people.

Use upbeat words.

Apply regularly a ‘mental shampoo’ to cleanse your thoughts from any doubts.

Remember, it is all in the mind. What you think, then that will happen to you.

Think that you’re already at KM 151 – and that will happen. : )

See you in the QCIM 42k this coming Dec. 5, 2010.

God be praised!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Bragging Right

19 11 2010

“We are all the hero of our own story.” -Mary McCarthy

After running in 2 hours flat last week.

My friends who are not runners always asked me this question, “What did do I get from running an Ultra-Marathon?” I answered them with this very simple reply, “I just want to conquer places by means of running and to prove myself that I am physically fit to do it.”

I am not an elite runner who  run for the prize or for the ranking. I am not also running to get the bragging right of being called ‘ultra-runner or triathlete or duathlete’ whatsoever. I ONLY enjoy running so much that it is now an integral part of my daily life. Take it away from me and I’m dead already. I can do it in the morning, in the noontime or at night. Literally speaking, I was able to run the whole provinces of Cavite and half of Laguna.

For me, there is no BRAGGING RIGHT for all things are only dependent upon God’s grace. Without God’s strength being manifested in our lives as a runner, we cannot finish a race. We should not rely on our abilities, speed or strength. God is the sole owner of it all and we should acknowledge HIM always for what we have accomplished, be it in our career, family and hobbies.

Always remind yourself about this verse found in the Holy Scripture, “IF ANYONE IS GOING TO BOAST, LET HIM BOAST ABOUT WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE, AND NOT ABOUT HIMSELF.”

We have no bragging right to boast, only sufficient grace to proclaim. Make JESUS your HERO and not yourself or your accomplishments.

See you at the road my friend.

God be Praised!





The Journey

18 11 2010

“There is only one journey- going inside yourself.” -Rilk

After running in 2 hours 17 minutes last Tuesday morning.

I have found great help from two truths God gave me at a time in my life when I was bombarded with a series of unexpected and unfair blows (from my perspective). In my darkest hours these principles still become my anchor of stability, my only means of survival.

Because they work for me, I pass them on to you.

* Nothing touches me that has not passed through the hands of my heavenly Father. Nothing. Whatever occurs, God has sovereignly surveyed and approved. We may not know why, but we do know our pain is no accident to Him who guides our lives.
* Everything I endure is designed to prepare me for serving others more effectively. Everything. Since my Heavenly Father is committed to shaping me into the image of His Son, He knows the ultimate value of this painful experience. It is being used to empty our hands of our own resources, our own sufficiency, and turn us back to Him—the faithful Provider. And God knows what will get through to us.

This journey will be a wonderful experience, with or without those testings of life…if we will make JESUS our Lord and Saviour.

It worked for me. I pass them on to you.

Things may not be logical or fair, but when God is directing the events of our lives, they are right.

God be Praised!