25K/50K front RUNNER (The Valley Trail Challenge)

 

My 3rd Race for this year will happen this coming Saturday, June 18, 2011. Let me post this:

frontRUNNER ‘The Valley Trail Challenge’ June 18, 2011 Nuvali, Sta Rosa, Laguna 25K / 50K …

For those who have done the marathon here’s a great time to try Ultra-Marathon and for those who simply love the outdoors, a 25-kilometer category awaits you. The route is generally runner-friendly, having a rolling but mostly flat terrain (single and double track dirt roads), and only around 5% will consist of concrete roads. This route offers reprieve from constant pounding on hard surfaces. One loop will consist of 25 kilometers with the start and finish lines situated at the vicinity of the Evoliving Center. The course will bring runners to the peripheries of the NUVALI complex which will offer participants majestic views that only nature and NUVALI can offer. And in the true tradition of trail and ultra running, this race will be a no frills, all thrills race where runners, despite the presence of three aid stations( at Kilometers 9, 20 and 25 – first aid, water and electrolyte drinks), are strongly advised to be self-contained and sufficient, meaning , runners are required to carry their own hydration kits and nutrition supplies. Additionally, it is also recommended that they bring their own first aid kit (cotton balls, antiseptic solution, band aid strips and anti-biotic ointment). Registration Fee: (Limited Slots) 25K – PHP 750.00 50K – PHP 950.00 (includes finisher’s shirt and token) Registration Venue: A Runner’s Circle – Aloha Hotel, RoxasBlvd.– 567-4786

Read more: http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2011/04/frontrunner-the-valley-trail-challenge-june-18-2011/#ixzz1LuG9IhUz

See you there at the 50K category.

God bless.

Not My Time…

“Don’t be afraid of missing opportunities. Behind every failure is an opportunity somebody wishes they had missed.” -Lily Tomlin

 

I’m so frustrated and disappointed.

After training for almost 6 months, my dream of competing a 160k  ultramarathon will not happen. I knew in my heart that I’m so prepared for it but circumstances do not favor me this time.

I will surely miss the Bdm 160k which will happen this coming Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011.

To the people who already gave their pledges, I’m going to return your donation. I’m sorry friends  and I thank you for the trust you gave me. You know who you are.

To  Race Director, Sir Jovie Narcise who invited me to join this race, thank you very much too. I’m so sorry for not informing you ahead of time. At the last minute, I did what I have to do in order for me to join this race but to no avail and so, two days before this Ultramarathon begins, I am announcing it here in my blog.

Last night, my last chance to decide whether to join this race or not was finally realized when I was not able to attend the Carbo-loading Party.

It is so painful for me but I have to accept the reality that although we dream something big and plan to achieve that dream, sometimes, that dream will not happen this year. I don’t know why my prayer was not answered this time but I always believe that everything works together for good.

To all brave warriors who will be joining the Bdm 102 and 160, I wish you all the best. May the good Lord gives you all the strength and power to finish that race, safe and injury-free. I salute you all in the name of running.

See you at the road.

Always, to God be the glory!

RUNNING IN MY MIND:

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” -Michael Jordan

 

 

 

Condura Skyway 42K Marathon -The Unexpected!

“I’m looking for the unexpected. I’m looking for things I’ve never seen before. ” –Robert Mapplethorpe

 

Barely 2 weeks ago, a dear friend Moji de Luna and I met in Makati City and she handed  me a race bib for the Condura Skyway 42k marathon. It so happened that the owner of that race bib can’t make it due to an injury.

And so, tomorrow February 6, 2011…I’ll be at the starting line once again for my 14th 42K race.

Unknown to Moji, I’m praying that I could run in this marathon once again since I’m always a participant  yearly in this race but this year I have no plan of joining because I am saving every cents so that I could join the BDM 160.

I’m glad that my prayer was answered.

See you tomorrow at the Skyway!

God be Praised.

Food For Thought: A professor in college Ethics class presented his students  with a problem. He said,” A man has syphilis and his wife has tuberculosis. They have had 4 children: one has died, the other 3 have what is considered to be a terminal illnesses. The mother is pregnant. What do you recommend?” After a spirited discussion, the majority of class voted  that she abort the child. “Fine,” said the professor. “You’ve just killed Beethoven.” -HIS magazine, february 1984

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

My Mantra For BDM 151K: “I Am Not Afraid…I Was Born To Do This!”

” Always do what you are afraid to do.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Who is not afraid of running a 151K? To tell you honestly, I am afraid. I knew I can finish a 102K but a 151K ? That’s yet to be seen. That distance is  an uncharted territory and still beyond my comfort zone.

To begin with, let me proclaim my Mantra for this BDM 151K. “I am not afraid, I was born to do this.” This powerful words was uttered by Joan of Arc  while she was in the midst  of a herculian  battle. She came out victorious simply because she believed on her mantra. But  Joan of Arc also encountered galore of obstacles before she was able to triumph over her enemies. However,  those hindrances can’t prevent her in reaching her ambitions of ruling the world at that time.

Similarly, the obstacles you encounter can’t  prevent you in reaching your dreams.

They’re merely blocking one particular path that you mistakenly assume is the only way to reach those dreams.

If you focus on the obstacles, then you give them more power. Instead, focus on your purpose, on your most authentic and fundamental intentions.

The world can trick you into thinking that there’s only one road to your destination. In truth, there are infinite ways to get where you wish to go.

There’s nothing that says you have to succeed in the same way as someone else. In fact, there’s nothing that says you must define success in the same way as someone else.

You are truly one of a kind, with your own unique passions and purposes. And you’re fully capable of traveling your own route to the fulfillment of your dreams.

Don’t be stopped just because the road that everyone else uses has been closed. Find your own path, and if that path is blocked, find another -and you will surely reach whatever destination you choose.

Proclaim your mantra now. And if worse comes to worst and you failed, then don’t lose heart. Remember this words from the legend himself, Michael Jordan, “I’ve never been afraid to fail.”

See you at the road my friend.

To God be the glory!

The 2nd QC Int’l Marathon 42K…

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” -Proverbs 16:3

Mark the date: December 5, 2010, Sunday.  That will be the 2nd Quezon City International Marathon and I will be joining together with my running pal, Romy Irevera, in  the 42k. Last year, we were included in the race as Pacers in the 5 hours flat.

Now, we will join as mere runners. No pressure, just plain pleasure. : )

I’m also expecting my running friends both in Laguna and Cavite that they too will join this momentous event. I  invited too some of my buddies in Makati to try joining a race, even if it’s only a 5k race, and this one is a good start  for them to be exposed in  a healthy lifestyle called running.

I can still remember some happy moments during last year’s 1st QCIM…

I arrived at the starting area 1 hour and 30 minutes before the race…

Took a short nap…

The 1st QCIM last year…

Some 30 minutes before the race starts…

At the finish line…

Jonel aka Bugobugo, Armand fernando, Romy Irevera and KC Yang.

with Maru and her husband…

with Faar and Caloy Nobleza together with a friend…

And to You, Anonymous, who sponsored me and Romy for this event (2nd QCIM 42k), Thank you very much.

God bless you always. : )

See you on Dec. 5, 2010 in the 2nd QCIM 42k.

God be Praised!

Green Minded!

“We should give meaning to life, not wait for life to give us meaning.”  ~Stacy

In one of my trail-running practices, wearing SPYDER sunglasses.

I’m surprised to know that someone paid my Registration Fee in the Milo 42K this coming July 4, 2010. Since I’ll be running for FREE, I have no more alibi not to join this Marathon. To you, my dear friend…Thanks a lot. If you want me to mention your name via this blogsite, just let me know. My bib number is 14344 and I was registered last Sunday, received an sms from this friend.

I’ll still be donating a certain amount for a ‘charitable institution’ of my choice once I finish this race, and I’ll do it a 50K! (Meaning, additional 8k after I reach the finish line). I have no time target, just pure fun. This will be my 3rd race for this year (Fat Ass 24 hrs in Clark and BDM 102 in Bataan).

With so many concerns regarding Registration Fees, ordinary runners (like me) can’t afford anymore to join races. Even this great running institution (Milo) joined the bandwagon of collecting high fees, from P150 to P500. Majority of my running buddies who are Milo fanatics from the very start opted not to join this race this year.

Milo also adapts the system of Boston Marathon. This is good for some but bad news to many. We all knew for a fact that there are many cheaters and it’s unfair to compete with them. Last year, I talked personally to the Organizer regarding my first-hand encounter with cheaters but since I was not able to produce evidence (pictures etc), I went home empty-handed.

Now forget about those cheaters. Concentrate on your time, strategy and how you will enjoy this race. It’s not my duty to caught those ‘green scalawags’ in uniform. I’ll leave them to those marshals who will oversee this event. But If  I have opportunity, I will not hesitate to report this on this blogsite.

For the next two weeks, my mind will be obsessed with green. Let me be ‘green minded’,  finish this race and hoping to qualify. But If I can’t, it’s not the end of the world. I will try again because  I’m not afraid to fail.

See you in Green! 6/24/10!!!

God be Praised!

CHIT CHAT:

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.

While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.

The dung was actually thawing him out!

He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.

(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your
friend.

(3) And when you’re in deep shit, it’s best to keep
your mouth shut!

In Comfort Zone Or Not…

“Life is like sailing.  You can use any wind to go in any direction.”  ~Robert Brault

In one of our biking adventures…

The last time I did a good run was last Sunday, June 13, 2010. It was already 6 days and until now, no running since then.

Reasons: I relocated from my comfort zone  to Dasmarinas Cavite. It was a tough decision. Honestly speaking, It took me more than 6 months  to think and evaluate things. I prayed a lot for it.

I’ll miss many people, majority of them are my running/biking buddies. I lived there for more than 5 years and in that place, I became a runner and a biker. It was also in that place that I finished my first ever triathlon.

It only proves that nothing is permanent in this world. Sometimes, in the blink of an eye, all of our cherished possessions,  house, cars, money, job…including people, can be taken away from us, and sometimes, without warning.

Another reason is my job. My work schedule is 11 hours a day (5:30am to 4:30pm) four times a week, making it impossible to run during those times that I’m working.

So tomorrow, June 21, 2010…I’m planning to run my first route here in Dasmarinas Cavite. I don’t know where my feet will lead me but definitely it will be exciting and challenging.

By the way, I’m planning to do another 50 kms this coming July 4, 2010 and if  I can finish that, I’ll donate a P500 to a ‘charitable institution’ of my choice. High registration fees prevent me from joining races nowadays. I’ll just create my own ‘event’ and whatever amount I can give to our unfortunate children, I will give it -by means of running. And sometimes, biking.

I’ll update you regarding the route.

Let’s continue running, anywhere, anyhow.

God be Praised!

The Journey Begins…

“When you set out on your journey, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge.” -Constantine Peter Cavafy

In a couple of hours, my 262 kms journey for 4 days will begin.

Few changes just before I set my foot to those unknown territories…

1. There will be no more time schedule for this event. At first I said my schedules will be 2x a day activity, 4am to 10pm and 4pm up to 8pm. I changed it so that my journey will not become a monotonous task. I will run/walk anytime of the day or night depending on the situation or the leading of my Companion-our Lord Jesus Christ! I will try to finish a minimum of 70K a day on my first 3 days and still I can go farther if  I’m still alright. I can start at 12 midnight or very late in the morning, that depends really on the situation and my condition.

2. This Run for A Cause will be based on three principles: Simplicity, Integrity and Charity. I will elaborate it once this event is finished.

3. Since I don’t have a vehicular support or running companions, I’ll be expecting some delays or ’emergency stop’ once I feel there’s something wrong. Safety is also my first priority, but I’ll definitely resume this activity in the place where I stop.

4. I can also apply here  a 24 hours Run/walk as I did last January 7, 2010 in Fat Ass 24 hours Run in Clark, but still, it depends. This is also a good training for my TNF100K this coming April 24-25, 2010 in Baguio City, in terms of endurance.

5. I appreciate  Team TURBO for being with me as we recon my 262 kms route by means of biking using our cyclometers. The past few days were too tiring, but nonetheless, we were able to check the accuracy of the distance. I was able to distribute my shoes and other supplies just in case  in key areas in Malabon Cavite and Naic Cavite where I do have some friends who allowed me to use their homes as my ‘drop out’ point. So it means I don’t have to carry bag containing those stuffs. What a big relief!

6. I put 3 pockets and a zipper on the chest area in my official singlet so that I can place food and other things on it while running. It’s important at night where there will be no more available Sari2x stores along the route.

May the good Lord bless this event.

God bless all of us.

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3/29/2010 Donors/Sponsors  Update: HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK 250 Kms RUN For the Chosen Children From Laguna to Almost All Towns of  Cavite.

Dante Oliver P50

Robert Cruz P50

Erick and Let Guieb P500 (received)

Mesopotamia P25

L.Aniel P25

Amazing Grace P35

Conrad Aquino –

Juvy Pagtalunan -P500 (already received)

code name:Matthew P5 per km for every km that I can run

code name: Pinay from Boston $50 ( already received)

Billy and Mai San Juan P1,000 (already received)

Danny Almendrala –

‘Anonymous’ UK30 (already received)

Pinay from Dubai P2,000 -to be used as my budget (already received)

Kenley Jones $50 (already received)

Jerry Lita -mineral water and Gatorade

Melvin Parungao-P300 (already received)

Charlie Chua -P1,000 (already received)

You can deposit your donations on my BDO Savings Account no. 598-002-7964, Fernando de Lara, on or before April 6, 2010. After doing so, send me a notification via sms to this number 0928-5548057. That ‘foundation’ monitors this activity via this blog and my facebook account, so you can have the assurance that your money will be given to them.

God bless you All!