Second Wind

Run for Kythe: Because children should be flying kites, not fighting cancer

2012-01-19T19:05:00.000+08:00

"The best way to run is to run for a good cause."

- RUNNR Store on Twitter

Runners from Davao and neighboring localities will again be given the opportunity to live their passion for running while giving hope to children afflicted with cancer when Run for Kythe fires off at Roxas Avenue, Davao City on February 18 at 5 am.

Presented by the Ateneo de Davao University Humanities Division and Plustix, Run for Kythe is a 3K/5K/10K run for a cause intended to benefit pediatric cancer patients being served by Kythe Foundation.

Cancer ranks third in leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines according to the Department of Health.

75% of all cancers in the Philippines occur after age 50 years, and only about 3% occur at age 14 years and below. However, the problem of childhood cancer in the Philippines is more significant than in Western countries because of the relatively young Filipino population.

Childhood cancer strikes randomly, unexpectedly, regularly, sparing no age group, socioeconomic status, ethnic group or geographic region. Children as young as a few months, barely able to talk and walk, can already have cancer.

About 3,500 Filipino children fall victim to cancer every year. The most common pediatric cancer is acute lymphoblastic Leukemia with its classic symptoms of fatigue and paleness, fever and bruising or bleeding.

Children can survive cancer, with early diagnosis and prompt, adequate treatment. In developed countries, childhood cancer survival rate is as high as 95%. Sadly, it is only 10 to 30% in the Philippines. Of ten who are diagnosed, only two/three will most likely survive. They die because they are poor, unable to afford the high costs of medication and treatment.

Partnering with hospitals in various localities including the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, Kythe Foundation helps kids afflicted with cancer cope with the challenge of hospitalization.

If you are a runner with a free schedule on February 18 and ready to mix your love for running with a good cause, or simply someone who has a heart for children and believes that "children should be flying kites, not fighting cancer," Run for Kythe is for you.

You can register at the Humanities Division and Atenews at Ateneo de Davao University, and at RunClub at Plaza del Carmen, Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City. Registration fee is Php 250.00 inclusive of singlet, race bib, certificate and snacks.

Run for Kythe video by Nadia Lee Cien Shami

Running for Hope

2012-01-18T17:43:00.000+08:00

Late last year, I was invited by a close friend and former co-worker to be part of a group from the broadcast company I used to work with that will join the Philhealth Run in Koronadal City.

Dubbed the Mindanao Run for Hope, this is the first ever simultaneous run to be held in six different cities of Mindanao. Aside from Koronadal, the event will take place at the same time, 5 am, on the same day, February 5, in Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Marawi and Zamboanga.

Checking out information about the event, I later learned that I would not only be running for my former network but for children with cancer as well.

The simultaneous run which features 3K, 5K, 10K and 17K distances hopes to benefit kids with cancer through the Southern Philippines Medical Center Children's Cancer Center and Blood Disease Unit based in Davao City.

Southern Philippines Medical Center is the largest public tertiary hospital and serves as a referral center for Mindanao. Its 25-bed Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Unit has a 120% average occupancy rate or 30 admitted patients daily. It sees about 200 new cases of child cancer annually and has a dedicated multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and support staff.

Approximately 1000 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in Mindanao every year for children below 15 years old. But as the Run for Hope banner proclaims, "No Child Should Die in the Dawn of Life."

Proceeds of the Run for Hope will enable indigent children to have access to chemotherapy and supportive care, improved facilities and hopefully a Pediatric Cancer Center for Mindanao in the near future.

The run also hopes to raise funds for local beneficiaries of the different participating Philhealth offices.

Philhealth is targeting some 17,000 participants Mindanao-wide for this event in line with the agency's 17th anniversary celebration this year. Registration forms and information are available at Philhealth offices. You can also visit the Philhealth Run website at http://philhealthrun.org/ or the Philhealth Run page on Facebook.

My running dreams and schemes: Looking forward to 2012

2012-01-14T17:18:00.001+08:00

I'm a man of few wishes, and that will probably stay pretty much the same this year when it comes to my running.

My major goal this year is to train better to run stronger and faster. It's best to keep it simple.

For the early part of the year, I have set my sights on two races. I have committed to run the Philhealth 17K race in Koronadal City on February 5 with friends from the broadcast company I used to work with. In March, God-willing, I will do the Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Marathon where I hope I can improve my Davao Finisher's Marathon time of 3:52:52 last December.

I look forward to doing more races after these although I would remain selective. Included in the probable races in my list is the 36th Milo Marathon 21K regional elimination race in Davao. If it will be run on the same hilly route as last year, going for a finishing time faster than my 1:42:11 last November would be a very welcome challenge. Running in the 42K national finals later in the year if I qualify might be a long shot but is something I would definitely love to do. Running in a big race in Metro Manila has been a dream. What would be better than fulfilling that in the country's longest-running and most prestigious footrace?

If I don't make it to the Milo Marathon national finals, there's the 29th Davao Finisher's Marathon in December 2012 to look forward to. I would relish taking on that difficult course again and conquer it once more with an even faster finishing time. That would definitely make my running year.

Doing an ultra? A 50k trail race could be on my list if I can put in the mileage required to be ready for one. I know there are those who would say I could do it and I should do it. Maybe I can, but to then again to finish well is always better than to just finish, even on the first try.

As for running gear, I'm thinking of a pair of second shoes, maybe even another pair for third shoes. Those second shoes would definitely be racing flats that would help me continue with my foray into minimalist and more natural running. It is a choice between the Asics Piranha and the Mizuno Wave Universe.

Asics Piranha

Mizuno Wave Universe

As for third shoes, a pair of Innov8 F-Lite 230's for trail runs and races would be it.

Innov8 F-Lite 230

Finally, I guess it's not yet too late to wish everyone a Happy New Year and great running in 2012 so that's just what I'm doing.

Looking back at my 2011

2012-01-10T21:19:00.000+08:00

2011 has definitely been a good year for me. I had amazing race times from 10k to the marathon. My wife got me a new pair of racing flats for my birthday. My list of running friends more than doubled. To top all that, I got published on a nationally circulated running magazine.

My 2011 races

I have always picked my races. Weekly racing can not only be draining physically but financially as well for one who has to travel more than 100 kilometers by commuter van to a race venue and stay overnight at a hotel there. Choosing and scheduling my races could have also been a factor for my satisfactory performance in all of the 7 I ran last year.

Holiday Gym and Spa Run for Healthy Living 10k, 30 Jan 2011

The Holiday Gym and Spa Run for Healthy Living 10k was my first race for 2011. My last tempo run over 10k in my hilly home city of Kidapawan told me that I have a 45-minute 10k in me, and that was what I gunned for going into the race.

I crossed the finish line with an official time of 43:25, good for 14th place. My own Timex Ironman Triathlon chronograph read 44:22.41. It was an improvement on my previous 10k best of 47:08.38 at the Merco 63rd Anniversary Run 10k in Oct 2009. Nothing could have been better for me that day.

RunClub Davao Asics Run 15k, 20 Feb 2011

The Diversion Road is one of Davao's most daunting running routes. Its hills just seem to come endlessly at you, with each climb seemingly higher than the one that just burned your lungs and legs. This was the route chosen by RunClub for its Asics Run 15k.

I finished the race in 1 hour 10 minutes 14 seconds (1:10:10 official race time). It's the best I've done for a 15k. Given a route with four (or was there one more?) freaking' climbs, I can't be happier with that time.

Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run 21K, 13 Mar 2011

I got my revenge on this 21k route, the same one used for the 34th Milo Marathon Davao Elimination Race in 2010. From a 1:51:27, I lowered my time for this course to 1:41:31. To top this, I finished first in my age group.

Going up that stage to receive my award was definitely sweet.

Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run finisher and age group medals

Nike Davao City Run 16.8K, 29 May 2011

A little more than 5 weeks before this race I shifted to a forefoot strike and it took its toll on my calf muscles. The soreness hit me for a number of weeks, even forcing me to give up a run a few days after I started the practice. The pain caused by the soreness was such that I felt it even when walking. I feared an injury until I started feeling better during and after runs two weeks after. By the final week going into the race, I had recovered. There was still that tiny pinch of soreness especially during and after speed sessions and hill workouts, but it was a lot more tolerable and didn't linger as much. It was totally gone by the time I did my last race distance trial run. My times have also gone back to usual.

My biggest concern as I lined up at the start was my calf muscles suddenly acting up during the race. That didn't happen. The wet roads brought by the rainy weather gave me blisters though and I was running with a burning sensation on my right forefoot just below the big toe going into the finish.

I checked in at 1:16:52. Definitely a good time, thanks to my persistence in training.

10th Shrine Hills Challenge 10K, 26 Jun 2011

If running hills in training is tough, more so is doing it in a race. And no race I have run is perhaps more hilly than the Shrine Hills Challenge in Davao City. In fact, I can't think of any other 10k in Davao more challenging except maybe some occasional trail runs. I ran the inaugural edition in 2002 and did the 6th running five years later in 2007. Last June 26, 9 years older than when I first did it, I again took on the Shrine Hills Challenge on its 10th running.

My Timex Ironman Triathlon recorded 44:24.63 at the end of this race. I improved on my finish 4 years earlier in this tough race by a little more than 5 minutes. To say that that made me feel great is an understatement.

Kadayawan Phoenix Run 32K, 21 Aug 2011

I went into the Kadayawan Phoenix Run 32k with a goal - determine whether I had a shot at running a sub 4-hour marathon in December.

I crossed the finish line at the end of the hellishly hilly out-and-back course in 2:37:05 (official - 2:37:04 gun time/2:37:00 chip time), 18th overall, 14th male, and 1st in the 50-59 age group.

Knowing that I was on track for a sub-4 hour marathon in December made me even happier.

Taking on the hellishly hilly route of the Kdayawan Phoenix Run

35th Milo Marathon Davao City Regional 21k Elimination Race, 6 Nov 2011

I joined the 35th National Milo Marathon Davao City 21k elimination race hoping to set a new personal record. It was perhaps the most trained I have been for a race. I was preparing for the Davao Finisher's Marathon in December, and have logged a series of 100-kilometer weeks before the Milo race. That much mileage with some pretty decent speed work mixed in will help ensure I can better my 1:41:31 21k best. The only question was will the new, more difficult race route allow it.

With Baguio out of the schedule, the Davao City route could easily be considered as 2011's toughest. From the start at Roxas Avenue, runners headed on a flat route until the slight incline at the Bajada-Buhangin junction. Past the 10K turning point in front of the Carmelite Church, participants turned left to Damosa where several hundred meters from the corner they were welcomed by a long steady uphill, one which seemed to become a bit steeper as it approached the Diversion Road. A slightly flat portion gave the runners a bit of comfort but it was really nothing less than the calm before a storm. Up ahead were two more hills, one after the other, before the 21k turnaround. The initial long climb saps you; the next two others just bleed you dry.

Playing chase throughout the race with my running buddy Cris Panerio who was running in the 50-54 age group, I crossed the finish line with only a split second between us. The final results had us both clocking 1:42:04. He was the top finisher in his age group as I was in mine (55-59). Topping that, I came in almost 18 minutes under the set age group qualifying time of 2 hours.

I didn't get my new PR. But given the killer route and the way I have raced, I would say that this was one of my best races.

28th Davao Finisher's Marathon 42k, 4 Dec 2010

I gunned for a sub-4 hour marathon and I got it. No walks for me in this 42k on what is perhaps one of the toughest routes for a marathon in the Philippines.

I finished the race in 3:52:52 (3:52:21 official time), good for 10th place.

At the 28th DFM awarding ceremonies, my 2nd time to be on stage last year

New running friends

I got invited to join Team Davao Runners late in 2010. I had traded paces with the group's leader and co-founder, Jette Roy Sanchez along the Buhangin Diversion Road section of the St. Peter Life Run 10k in October that year. We got in touch after through Facebook.

Jette and his brother Nico had earlier conceived Davao Runners as a Facebook page where Dabawenyos could be updated on running events in the city and eventually a tool for forming a group of runners who will encourage and support one another. TDR has metamorphosed into a full-fledge running group since and has also grown in number.

Being a part of Team Davao Runners not only made running in Davao a lot more fun. It gave me added motivation and inspiration to do better with every race.

Me on frontRUNNER

It is every running writer's dream to get published in a nationally circulated running magazine, and mine got fulfilled last year thanks to Team Davao Runners.

TDR got the attention of the people behind frontRUNNER Magazine and I was asked by the group to do the write-up. My running photo from the 10th Shrine Hills Challenge courtesy of TDR mate Joanna Lizares Co got published as well. I was euphoric to say the least.

Thank you TDR and Jonel Mendoza. You made that possible.

I also got the best birthday gift in years when I turned 56 last year - a pair of red Asics Hyperspeed 4 from my wife Vivien. Having a family who understands and supports my passion is perhaps the greatest thing I can be thankful for. I wouldn't have had a wonderful running year without it.

Running with a heart again

2011-12-23T20:05:00.000+08:00

As new needs arise in the disaster stricken areas of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, Team Davao Runners has once again scheduled a second run to gather help for the victims of Sendong.

Set on Tuesday, December 27 at 4:30 in the morning, the 12k run will take off from McDonald's Bajada and head south this time towards GSIS Matina and back. Assembly has been set at 4:00 am.

A free run, no registration fee will be required from participants. They are instead asked to bring a gallon of bottled water or a pair of new slippers (men's size 8), items identified as among those very much needed by the affected residents. Participants can give more than one of the items.

TDR's first run for the victims of Sendong last Tuesday, December 20, was able to generate not only donations in kind but cash amounting to P23,600. The amount was used to buy rice, instant noodles and cans of sardines. Donations in kind filled 51 boxes and 15 sacks.

Aside from those brought by the participants of the first run, goods and cash donations were also received at The Ark Veterinary Clinic of Drs. Ken and Cris Lao, both TDR members. Delivery of the goods to Cagayan de Oro was facilitated by Trucker Transpecial Hauling Services and SKMTI.

The first TDR run for Sendong victims gathered 80 runners. Most if not all of them are expected to join the second run on Tueday, even bring along some friends for an even larger number of participants and donors.

Like the first run, Tuesday's event is not a race. No medals or prizes await participants at the end of the run. Neither is it a fun run with the usual water stations, food and finisher's certificate. But the fun will surely be there in the camaraderie on the road borne by a common love for running, and in that elating feeling that you have done your share in keeping the Christmas spirit truly alive by helping fellow Mindanaoans in need.

Time to lace up and run for others once more.

For more information on the TDR Run For A Cause II please visit the Davao Runners Facebook page.

Running with a heart

2011-12-20T20:20:00.000+08:00

Running gives you a strong and healthy heart. That is one proven benefit of this sport that we have come to love.

And runners' hearts are not only strong and healthy. They are also big.

Eighty runners from Davao proved this today. Led by members of Team Davao Runners, they tackled 12 kilometers in a run meant to express sympathy and gather support for those who suffered in the wrath of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

It was what we call a raw run. No runner support, no water stations, no food. Just the runners, the road, and the common desire to help even in the simplest of ways.

Runners who joined brought whatever they can share for the typhoon victims - canned goods, clothes, shoes, slippers, bottled water, hard-earned cash. What was gathered wasn't really much but it was enough to fill up the back of a pick-up truck, perhaps enough even to fill the hearts of those who will receive the items with a little gladness this Christmas.

There were no medals or certificates at the end of the 12k run. But there undoubtedly was gladness in the heart of every runner who did the run and gave for a fellowman in need. That was reward enough for running with a heart, and a good reward it is.

"A good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help another up."
(from The Best Giving Quotes on www.boardofwisdom.com)

(Thanks to Rolly Itallo and Team Davao Runners for the photos.)

Running and giving on Christmas

2011-12-19T10:38:00.000+08:00

After the devastating flash flood that hit Matina in Davao City earlier this year, Team Davao Runners mobilized its members in a voluntary donation campaign for those affected by the disaster. The spur-of-the-moment charity campaign facilitated through the Davao Runners page on Facebook was able to gather as much as 5 boxes and 5 large plastic bags of donated goods which included unused or old running singlets and race shirts from TDR members and other kind-hearted runners from all over Davao City.

News of the damage to lives and caused by the flash flood brought by Typhoon Sendong to Cagayan de Oro City has again prompted Team Davao Runners to get up and move beyond running. At 4:30 am tomorrow, December 20, TDR members and other Davao-based runners are going out on a charity 12k run for the victims of Sendong from McDonald's Bajada to Motolite, Bo. Pampanga and back.

There will be no registration fees for this run. Participants are instead asked to bring whatever they can donate for the Sendong victims of CDO - used clothing, canned food, bottled water and other goods or cash. The usual trimmings of a fun run - hydration stations, food and the like - wouldn't be there. Just the road, the runners, and their hearts that care for those unlucky families in CDO who have to face a gloomy Christmas.

If you are from Davao and you are scheduled to do a run tomorrow, you won't regret being a part of this event. You live your passion and you give life to the real spirit of Christmas through a kind and giving heart.

You can visit the Davao Runners Facebook page here for additional information.

"If you give, you begin to live." — Dave Matthews Band

No PR at the Milo Davao 21k race but happy nonetheless

2011-11-09T17:55:00.001+08:00

I joined the 35th National Milo Marathon Davao City 21k elimination race hoping to set a new personal record. It was perhaps the most trained I have been for a race. I was preparing for the Davao Finisher's Marathon come December, and have logged a series of 100-kilometer weeks before the Milo race. That much mileage with some pretty decent speed work mixed in will help ensure I can better my 1:41:31 21k best. The only question was will the new, more difficult race route allow it.

It was in 2008 when I first ran a Milo Marathon provincial race again in Davao City after a brief running hiatus which kept me away from racing. I finished the 21k race in 1:49:45 on a relatively flat course from Rizal Park to Sasa and back. I missed out on the 2009 race due to work schedules.

In 2010, a new race route was used for the 34th Milo Marathon elimination race. A moderate climb going to the old airport in Sasa was added making it a bit more difficult than the 2008 route. Finishing at 1:51:27 was frustrating. Not only was it slower than my previous Milo Marathon time two years back, it was outside the 1 hour and 50 minutes qualifying time set for my age group for the Milo Marathon National Finals. Even if I wouldn't have run in the finals anyway, qualifying would have been some achievement.

With Baguio out of the schedule this year, the Davao City route could easily be considered as this year's toughest. The runners were flagged off at Roxas Avenue, headed on a flat route until the slight incline at the Bajada-Buhangin junction. Past the 10K turning point in front of the Carmelite Church, participants turned left to Damosa where several hundred meters from the corner they were welcomed by a long steady uphill, one which seemed to become a bit more steep as it approached the Diversion Road. A slightly flat portion gave the runners a bit of comfort but it was really nothing less than the calm before a storm. Up ahead were to more hills, one after the other, before the 21k turnaround. The initial long climb saps you; the next two others just bleed you dry.

My race has gone well so far up to that point. My old reliable Timex Ironman Triathlon read 00:49:36 at the 21k turnaround. Ahead of me was my running buddy Cris Panerio who was competing in the age bracket immediately below mine. a former track athlete and a seasoned racer, Cris is a fast runner with a pace I can hardly match unless he runs easy. I haven't been this close to him in a race. In fact, I have caught up with him several times going into the turnaround and again as we headed back towards Damosa. But he always picked up the pace and left me trailing him by several meters.

Trying to keep Cris in my sight and within a distance I could bridge worked well for me. I passed several other runners going into the finish. Cris and I crossed the finish line with only a split second between us. The final results had us both clocking 1:42:04. He was the top finisher in his age group as I was in mine. Topping that, I came in almost 18 minutes under the set age group qualifying time of 2 hours.

There was no PR for me this time. But given the killer route and the way I have raced, I wouldn't call this a bad run. Not in any way.

Running to the finish at the 35th National Milo Marathon Davao City 21k elimination race

P.S. After going through the 35th National Milo Marathon provincial elimination race results, I found out that only 19 made the qualifying time for the 55-59 age group in nine out of sixteen races outside Metro Manila. The fastest finishing time recorded was 1:37:35 by Ruth Banzon in Cebu City. Iloilo City had the two next fastest times: 1:38:24 by Demostenes Limbaga and 1:42:01 by Herminieildo Meñosa. In fourth was my 1:42:04.

100k weeks

2011-10-16T14:35:00.001+08:00

6 weeks of running, 5 weeks with totals of 100 to 108 kilometers.

Believe it or not, I find it amazing that I am doing this now that I am much older than when I started running and have moved way up the age group ladder.

I don't remember being in this zone in my past running life. I have done runs beyond 30k while training for the marathons I ran before my second wind, but no 100k weeks. I haven't pushed my body this much until now.

After all those years of running, I guess my body has learned to adapt to the stress better, and could do more than what it once did. This has not diminished the discomfort any bit though. The soles of my feet still burn after continuously hitting the pavement for 20 kilometers on a 30k long run. My lungs still scream for oxygen with every step towards the top of an incline.

I still dread that discomfort. The soft embrace of my bed especially on a Sunday morning is still a more inviting option, yet I undeniably find a sense of achievement in putting in those long runs. They leave me exhausted, but feeling fully alive. And so I think I'll just do the same thing all over again after a day of rest, and try putting another 100k week into my books.

I am a runner

2011-09-06T20:52:00.001+08:00

My lungs burn;
I gasp for air
with every step.
These hills...
They are killers.
I have done four
and there are six more
kilometers to run.
The hardest parts
seem to always come
when you have already run
your legs
to near exhaustion.
I push on-
on legs
becoming as logs
with every step
on the steep
incline.
I push on-
as the cold gust
hits my sweat soaked body
chilling me
to the bone.
I push on.
Just six more steps
and I turn...
There are ten more
kilometers to run.

I lean on the fence
tired.
I slump on the floor
exhausted.
I am a runner
spent.

Tomorrow

I run again.

It's not just about running; it's also about not running

2011-09-04T20:39:00.000+08:00

I didn't run today, the second day in this running week that I had more time in bed and less on the road.

On days like this, I feel a bit guilty. Most runners do. We don't want to be missing more than the number of days rest that we have set for ourselves in a week. For me, it's one day off for six days of running.

I did much less when I went started running again in 2006 after a few years off. What used to be 6 kilometers twice weekly have become 10-16 kilometer runs in five successive days and a weekly long run of 20-28 kilometers.

Running more often and doing longer distances have given me better race times. I post much faster finishes now than I did 2 years ago. And this is perhaps the main reason why I would rather have more and not less running days in a week.

But our bodies do have a way of telling us that we need to take a break. It tells us to go ahead and get more sleep. Our minds tell us to get up, but we can't help but put the alarm clock on snooze several times to catch a few more winks, until we finally just turn that alarm off and stay in bed until our eyes say enough. That's how it is with me.

So as I feel that pinch of guilt and regret when I have more than the usual rest days, I try to look at the benefits I get from those additional rest days. Like what I am doing now.

In the two weeks going into my last race, the Kadayawan Phoenix Run which was a 32K on a very hilly course, I did only 7 days of running. I didn't feel comfortable with going only four days, doing three 10K's and one 16K, with two weeks to go into the race.

I was more concerned when I had to grab more than just a few winks during race week. I did a 10K on Monday, slept it out Tuesday, did another 10K on Wednesday, and missed out again for two days. I squeezed in an easy 8K the day before the race, thinking I need to remind those leg muscles how it is to run as if they really lose their memory that much in two days.

My 2:37:04 official gun time and 14th place finish in the men's race are more than enough to say I had a good race that day. It definitely was a result of my 6-and-1 training regimen. But those "forced" rest days on those last two weeks may just have given me much fresher legs for a much better run.

Preserved memories: My Kadayawan Phoenix Run 32K (in pictures)

2011-08-23T16:51:00.002+08:00

Pushing ageing legs and battling gravity on unforgiving climbs, running through the discomfort of blistered soles, being cheered on by friends, and knowing there's a sub-4 hour marathon in you. These make races memorable.

Talking running with Team Davao Runners mates Dino Macavinta and Jerry Miparanum before lining up for the gun start.

The TDR pre-race group pose has by now become a tradition. I missed this one though.
I loitered, talking with other runner friends who I only get to see during races like this.

"There they go!"
We were flagged off at 4:00 in the morning while the rest of Davao was still sleeping.

Nothing beats the joy of having friends giving support and encouragement on the road.
TDR's fastest guy, Merlin Legaspi, reaches the TDR support group at the Diversion Road first.
No doubt he was happy seeing these wacky guys there.

I reached the support group shortly after Merlin. No water or anything for me as I didn't need it.
Hearing the cheers - and this shot - were more than enough.

How good was this TDR support group?
They had to make the pep signs on the spot to greet the rest of the gang with. LOL.

The TDR support group was there for every single mate, including barefoot Dino.

The ladies' smiles were enough to melt away the discomfort. And the guys... well, they were wacky ;)

They were there to keep the memories.

And make you try and look as if you were not suffering at all
even after having already ran 23 kilometers and still doing 9 more.

My feet were aching with the blisters even hours afters I finished, but what the heck!
It was just a few more meters to the finish and I wanted to make sure TDR mate Doc Cris Lao crossed that line and be the winner that she is by conquering her first 32K run. She did, of course.

More than this medal, my 2:37:05 finishing time is such a big reward.
It's great to know I'm in line for a sub-4 hour marathon in December.

"Running is not, as it so often seems, only about what you did in your last race or about how many miles you ran last week. It is, in a much more important way, about community, about appreciating all the miles run by other runners, too."

--Richard O'Brien

(My thanks to TDR mates Joanna Lizares-Co, Jay Salvaña and Doc Cris Lao for the pictures.)

No easy run: My Kadayawan Phoenix Run 32K

2011-08-22T23:48:00.002+08:00

I was up and about in my hotel room by 2 a.m., having my fill of 2 milk chocolate-covered wafer rolls and a mug of hot chocolate cereal drink. This was breakfast, washed down with a bottle of Gatorade. I was pretty sure it was good enough to keep me energized through 32 kilometers, the distance I was taking on in two hours time at the Kadayawan Phoenix Run.

I checked my downloaded copy of the route map on my laptop the night before. That route over the hilly Diversion Road going all the way to the Davao Crocodile Park will be unforgiving. The series of ascents and descents will take its toll on the legs and knees, and break or make performances. It will be more difficult for the many who will be taking on the distance for the first time.

In an hour, wearing my Team Davao Runners singlet, I was on my way to the starting area at SM Davao just a few hundred meters from where I was staying. There, I meet up with other TDR members who were in their white and blue shirt. There wasn't much ceremony before the race. We were called in to the holding area a few minutes before 4 a.m. and were soon sent off with the usual starting gun to take on the 32-kilometer challenge ahead.

I was feeling good from the start. Perhaps the fewer running days I had going into this race was keeping me fresher and stronger. I tucked myself behind the top four female runners who were running abreast, and kept pace for about two kilometers. Then I went slightly ahead and was soon running by myself. I was still feeling good as I got nearer the turn to the Diversion Road at Ulas, but I was also worried. I might be on my own too early in the race and would be better off having someone to keep pace with. I eye the solo runner ahead of me. I thought it would be good to catch up and try running with him, but he was ahead by quite some distance. There was the danger of burning out early and I definitely didn't want that to happen. I stuck to my pace and my solo run.

Except for the bridges, there seemed to be no flat surface along the entire Diversion Road route. You immediately go up from the time you turn right from McArthur Highway. The number of hills we negotiated escape me, but I particularly remember one - that which crests at the gate of Las Terazzas, one of Davao's plush subdivisions.

While running through the early hills, I had gotten close enough to the solo runner ahead of me to recognize it was my TDR mate Merlin Legaspi. He was already cresting that Las Terazzas hill. A group was cheering him and handing him drinks. A group of TDR members were there with some other people. They had organized themselves into a support group for TDR mates doing the 32K run. They cheered for me too as I crested the hill, and offered me drinks as well. But I really didn't need it. The encouragement and the cheers were enough.

It was a long downhill from there. This would be a tough climb on the run back, I thought to myself. Unforgiving in fact.

Before reaching the turn going to the Crocodile Park, I met the lead runner escorted by motorcycle police. The rest of the local elite soon followed. I counted nine before I made a turn somewhere in the Crocodile Park area. Except for Merlin, who was by now no longer in my sight, I had no idea how many other runners were ahead of me. I passed while heading for the turnaround to pick up my 32K ribbon, and then I was on my way back.

I soon found myself battling gravity on the long climb that would end at Las Terazzas. Keeping the same pace I have been running this race at this far was a struggle. I thought of the 13 to 14 kilometers of climbing I did on my Sunday training runs in my hilly home city of Kidapawan. This is much steeper, but not much longer, I told myself. I did that. I can do this. I maintained my pace to my mantra - "Run tall. Run strong." Up ahead, I caught sight of Merlin again. I knew he was struggling like me, but I knew he was also stronger and younger. At 55, my legs are no longer fresh, and they were not any fresher today after having gone through more than half the race distance. But there was definitely no way I was conceding defeat to this climb.

Cresting the hill and seeing the TDR support group cheering me on -with cameras focused on me- was definitely a morale booster. I knew it was going to be a lot easier from here on. I caught up with Merlin on a downhill after passing the 16K turnaround marker. We were already merging with the 16K runners who were also on their way back to SM Davao. Merlin didn't seem keen on running with me though. He picked up the pace and was soon ahead of me again.

Going up another hill, I sensed something wrong with my right shoelace. A few more strides and my suspicion was confirmed. It had come loose. There was no other choice but to stop and retie it in a double knot.

Moving on again after the shoelace incident, my thoughts about things getting a lot easier began to fade. The soles of my feet, the right one particularly, were burning. The downhill stretches going towards the turn back to McArthur highway from the Diversion Road were of no help to my obviously blistered soles. Would these be my Achilles' heel in what has so far been a good run? Would these keep me from achieving what I came here to do - a finishing time under 3 hours that would assure me of the possibility of a sub-4 hour marathon in December?

No. Like those Diversion Road hills, I won't let these blisters ruin my run. I kept on, trying to maintain my pace which was not easy with the unquestionably uncomfortable burning sensation on the soles of my feet. I felt that my pace has already slowed down a bit, but I was already going up that small climb going towards the turn to the homestretch at Quimpo Boulevard. I checked on my Timex Ironman Triathlon chronograph and saw 2 hours something. I was going to hit my target. Knowing that gave me a bit more strength to run through the discomfort, or was it already pain?

SM soon loomed ahead. I make the final turn and take some sort of forced sprint. I cross the finish line and clicked on my watch. I checked it as I walked. 2:37:05. Not a bad time. I was on track for a sub-4 hour marathon in December. Knowing that was definitely good.

Thoughts before a footrace

2011-08-16T18:00:00.001+08:00

"I had as many doubts as anyone else. Standing on the starting line, we're all cowards."
-Alberto Salazar, three-time winner of the NYC marathon

In five days I will be standing at the starting line of a 32-kilometer footrace along with a couple hundred other runners. Even now, I feel nervous and have my doubts.

There is no doubt about being able to finish the race.

In the 7 weeks since my last race, a hilly 10k, I have logged weekly totals ranging from a low of 60 kilometers to a high of 90 kilometers. I did long runs from 21 to 28 kilometers, at paces varying from 5:32 to 5:44 per kilometer. 32k is only just 4 kilometers beyond my longest run so far in training.

With all these behind me and barring any debilitating injury, I am sure I can get from the start to the finish.

How fast I could get to that finish is the question.

This is a test race for me. I am looking beyond it to a marathon in December. I plan to finish that marathon, the second in my running comeback - in my second wind - in under 4 hours. How fast I can finish this 32k on Sunday will tell me if I am on target for that sub-4 marathon.

I am not looking at a podium finish. That I suppose would be possible only if I were 30 years younger, or if a lot of the local elite and the younger and faster runners won't be running on Sunday. A finishing time under 3 hours is a more realistic target.

If the running gods bless me with a top finish in my age group, I would unquestionably be thrilled. But knowing that I am on track for a sub-4 hour marathon is perhaps the best gift I can receive.

Taking on the Shrine Hills Challenge again

2011-07-10T16:43:00.000+08:00

Hate the discomfort, love the benefits. This is how I would describe my attitude towards hills. I believe it is something common among runners. No one really loves trudging up inclines that seem to turn the soles of your running shoes from rubber to lead and have you gasping for air with every labored step.

But running hills isn't described by 1972 Olympic marathon gold medalist Frank shorter as speed work in disguise for no reason. Running hills builds muscle strength and improves your body’s oxygen carrying capacity. These changes will make you faster once you return to flat terrain.

I don't think I really relish running hills but I have no choice. In a city nestled in the foothills of Mt. Apo, flat terrain is difficult to come by. The road from the starting point of my daily runs immediately takes me into a 1-kilometer gradual uphill haul to the highway leading to the center of town. And I find myself lucky to be able to run here. I am stronger, not only physically but also mentally, because of it.

If running hills in training is tough, more so is doing it in a race. And no race I have run is perhaps more hilly than the Shrine Hills Challenge in Davao City. In fact, I can't think of any other 10k in Davao more challenging except maybe some occasional trail runs. I ran the inaugural edition in 2002 and did the 6th running five years later in 2007. Last June 26, 9 years older than when I first did it, I again took on the Shrine Hills Challenge on its 10th running.

"The first challenge is the rolling hills of the Shrine." This is how the race write-up describes the early stage of the Shrine Hills challenge. We hit the first of these rolling hills as I catch up with some Team Davao Runners mates. We ran together for a couple more hills before I found myself ahead of them and apace with two familiar runners, both regular participants in Davao City runs. One was about my age, and the other was a bit younger, a guy I also ran with and who surged ahead of me going into the finish in my last 21k race.

Shortly after the 2.5km-marker, we hit the big downhill going into the Diversion Road. This was challenge number 2 - "running downhill for 1.4 kms. all the way to Pangi Road." The runner who was about my age had already gone ahead while I and the younger guy continued to pace each other.

I was aware of what a reckless downhill run could do. It could bust your knees. I went with the natural pull of the descent maintaining the rhythm of my strides. At a water station, I pulled away from the younger guy keeping pace with me and started catching up with two other runners ahead of me. Turning at Pangi, I found a familiar face beside me again. It was the younger guy. Soon it was my TDR mate Jo Cristobal Villar who was running beside us. He didn't stay long. He was soon ahead of us and was gone by the time we turned left at MacArthur Highway.

Moving towards the GSIS village I caught up with the runner my age. By then I had again left behind the younger guy. Ahead of us were a trio of runners, two women who I assumed were the race leaders for their category and a male runner who kept pace with them. We took the turn into GSIS Village and faced the next challenge - "the 1km. uphill climb that starts at Virgo St. up to Pluto St."

"Welcome to Calvary," I thought to myself when I saw the race marker that said "2 kms. to finish."

It was a long climb. Two of us - me and the runner my age - took to it side by side. Up ahead, the younger trio, keeping a steady pace, steadily increased their lead. Experience has taught me that keeping a pace as even as possible would be the best option for me to finish good in this race. I was suffering, but I guess I was feeling better than the man running beside me. He was dropping back as I continued on my steady climb to hell. And then I was directed by a marshal to a right turn to momentary comfort.

The short stretch of road before the final climb up to the finish was a welcome respite with its relatively even terrain. It allowed for some sort of recovery before the last challenge, the Shrine Hill Road ascent.

It is that final climb that really drives the nail in your self-imposed crucifixion in this race. You try as much as you can to hold on to your pace, a seemingly impossible effort when your energy is almost expended. Every step you take feels heavy; every breath you take seems like a gasp for dear life. This is where that mental toughness that running hills in training builds in you comes in.

I told myself that I was not far from the finish, that I would suffer only a little bit more. I told myself that I have done so much and gone so far to do well in this race to give in to the fatigue I was feeling. I told myself that I was stronger than all these, that I was tougher, that I can finish this race better than I did before.

I beamed inside when I saw the turn going into Jack’s Ridge up ahead. I knew the finish line was just a few more meters ahead. I revved up my engine for a sprint after the turn. I smiled when I saw TDR mate Joanna Lizares-Co focusing her camera for a shot. I sped past and crossed the line.

My Timex Ironman Triathlon recorded 44:24.63. I had improved on my finish 4 years earlier in this tough race by a little more than 5 minutes. To say that that made me feel great is an understatement.

"What does not destroy me, makes me strong."

Friedrich Nietzsche may not have hill running in mind when he said that, but my third take on the Shrine Hills Challenge sure proves him right.

Finishing the tough 10th Shrine Hills Challenge 10k in 44:24.63 is more than enough reason to smile.

Team Davao Runners, keeping the fire for running burning in Davao City

2011-07-05T18:57:00.000+08:00

Over the last couple of years, running has experienced a resurgence in Davao City. From once or twice in a month or two, fun runs and races have become a lot more frequent, now going at a rate of one a week. On several occasions, two fun runs have been scheduled on the same day much to the dismay of runners who would rather not be made to choose between events.

Participants in these races and fun runs have also grown tremendously. From being just a few hundred several years ago, they now number by the thousands.

This resurgence also gave rise to a new and running group that is steadily growing in popularity among young runners in Davao City - Team Davao Runners.

Team Davao Runners

Formed in August 29, 2010 after the 24th Milo Marathon regional elimination race in Davao City, Davao Runners was first conceived as a Facebook page by running brothers Jette Roy and Nico Sanchez. They wanted it to be a venue where Dabawenyos could be updated on running events in the city and eventually a tool for forming a group of runners who will encourage and support one another.

The first recruits who formed the core of Davao Runners together with Jette and Nico were Caryll Cayaban, Nico's college friend and a newbie runner; Chaz Llanes and Dickenson Togonon, Jette's Tau Mu fraternity brothers; Dino Macavinta, whom Jette met during the Milo Marathon Davao City regional elimination race; Jay Salvaña, another newbie runner who was also active in Facebook, and Mary Ann Degala, the only woman in the team who was known for her "kikay" running outfit.

The group participated in a number of races, meeting more people and recruiting more runners into their ranks. From being just Davao Runners and a Facebook page, the group slowly metamorphosed into a running club adopting the name Team Davao Runners or simply TDR.

TDR's first major group run was no fluke. Imagine running 13 kilometers uphill to Eden Nature Park in Toril's highlands, and then another 13 kilometers back down again to the junction in the district center.

"We still had some sort of hangover from finishing 21 kilometers in the 27th Davao Finisher's Marathon last December 5 when we decided to do what we called the Eden Challenge," says Jette.

"It was all Nic's idea. And it sounded okay to us because it presented a change of scenery and a pretty neat way to burn excess calories gained during the holidays," he adds.

On the morning of January 2, seven of the group’s members - Jette, Nico, Chaz, Dino, Jay, Jian and Caryll - with new recruits Joey Fernandez, Roy Salingay and Arn Enobio took on the 26 kilometer challenge without the aid of even hydration belts. It was undoubtedly an unforgettable running experience which prompted the group to adopt it as a final test run for all would-be TDR members.

Savoring the conquest, TDR members at the entrance to Eden Nature Park. Yes, they are standing on an incline and it's mostly that way from the start of the run in Toril proper.

Another group run followed on January 9, this time dubbed as The McDo Challenge. It followed a 15-kilometer route from McDonald's Damosa to McDonald's Matina and vice-versa.

"No registration fees, fancy singlet or ice water, just pure fun!" was how the group described the event in their Facebook page. It generated a modest number of participants despite being just a practice run and was even supported by the Holiday Gym Runners' Club.

TDR has since kept the fire for running burning in Davao City.

Over a period of less than a year, TDR has slowly grown in membership. It now has a roster of 48 total members - 8 women and 40 men - mostly young professionals. The group is largely self-coached but sharing of running experiences is not wanting especially with a couple of more experienced masters runners providing guidance and valuable insights to the group.

Scores have expressed interest to be part of the group for a number of reasons.

Some find the group's dedication to the sport admirable. Guided by the motto "Train or Stay the Same," TDR members hold regular group practice runs ranging from 10 to 21 kilometers and even beyond. These practice runs are at times opened to other runners who are only too excited to join the group. Monthly group birthday runs are also held in celebration of members' natal days.

Even more runners are drawn to TDR because of the group's friendly and happy demeanor especially during races. It is all too common to hear other runners comment "Ang saya-saya ng grupo na yan" when referring to TDR.

They are wacky, too. Most of the time.

But TDR is careful about expanding its roster too much too soon. Membership is by invitation. Would-be members are required to join regular practice runs held every Tuesday and Thursday and participate in at least one race a month.

"We are after quality, not quantity," Jette explains.

"Attitude, dedication, character - these are very important to TDR more than running experience and ability. Only those who have shown enough of these in our open group runs are considered for membership, and they are keenly observed from 1 to 2 months before they are finally inducted into the group by taking on the Eden Challenge."

It is not only running that Team Davao Runners takes seriously. Following the recent devastating flash flood in Davao City which affected a couple of members, the group initiated a voluntary donation campaign through its Facebook page asking runners to share unused or old running singlet and shirts to the affected communities. Despite the short notice, the group was able to gather at least 5 boxes and 5 large plastic bags of donated items which they delivered to GMA Davao. This sense of social responsibility warranted exposure in the local news.

TDR mates Doc Cris Lao, Joanna Lizares-Co and Kathleen Vera-Competente prepare to deliver donated goods for Davao's flash flood victims

Despite the attention the group has been getting lately, TDR keeps its feet firmly on the ground.

"TDR is still a young group, and we know that we still have a lot to do to be at par with other running clubs. But we are not in any hurry," says Jette Sanchez.

"What we want to do right now is to further strengthen the bond between the current members, and while doing that, help other runners especially the new ones grow in the sport through activities like the TDR open group runs. The more Dabawenyos who run, the better it is for the sport we love so much, and all the better too for a healthier Davao City

Giving chase at the DVO CTY Run

2011-06-01T21:26:00.002+08:00

A wet pavement greeted me when I went out of the hotel's main entrance on my way to the newly opened Abreeza Mall for the DVO CTY Run last Sunday. It probably rained until the wee hours, I thought as I started out on a slow jog. The downpour started as I was leaving Dimsum Diner at Abreeza where I had dinner the night before.

I checked out my right calf muscles as I did a slow run. The dull pain of soreness wasn't there. I prayed it would stay that way for the entire duration of the race.

A little more than 5 weeks ago I shifted to a forefoot strike and it took its toll on my calf muscles. The soreness hit me for a number of weeks, even forcing me to give up a run a few days after I started the practice. The pain caused by the soreness was such that I felt it even when walking. I feared an injury until I started feeling better during and after runs two weeks after. By the final week going into the race, I had recovered. There was still that tiny pinch of soreness especially during and after speed sessions and hill workouts, but it was a lot more tolerable and didn't linger as much. It was totally gone by the time I did my last race distance trial run. My times have also gone back to usual.

At the starting line, I had mixed feelings of confidence and fear. I knew I had put in enough in training to do well in this race. Still, the thought of my calf muscles suddenly acting up stayed with me. I brushed it aside as I took my position up front and braced for the start.

We were off in no time and I found myself passing the top female trio going out of the Abreeza Mall area. This hasn't happened before. It's either I am having a good fast start or these young ladies were taking it easy coming from their recent stint at the Philippine National Games.

Going towards the slight climb approaching the Buhangin flyover, I saw barefoot runner Boni Vismanos a few meters ahead of me. In my past two races where he also ran, I caught up with Boni in the last few kilometers and briefly ran with him before I went ahead. This time, I had him in my sight in this early part of the race. Perhaps I was really having a good start.

Then it happened.

I saw fellow age group runner Steve Hermosa of the Team Davao Runners speed past me and then past Boni. He caught up with a couple of other runners ahead of us and kept pace with them. Steve looked strong. His pace was steady, as steady as the lead he and the two other runners were building over us.

I picked up my pace and caught up with Boni. It was temporary. He was soon in front of me again. It was too soon for me to be doing this, I thought, telling myself we are still at the early stage of this race. Looking ahead at Steve's group, I noticed that they seemed quite a good distance from us now.

I pulled myself next to Boni again and kept a steady pace. It wasn't long before a repeat of our previous runs together takes place. I was soon running ahead of him but still way behind Steve's group.

Moving into Sasa and up the old airport road, I told myself I have a chance of catching up to Steve and the two other runners with him on the climb. I kept my pace as steady as I can, trying not to let the uphill slow me down a bit. Then I saw Steve smiling at me on the other side of the road. He was on his way back already? He's strong... and fast, I thought. I was so focused on catching up that I almost missed the turnaround point. It was way before the old airport where I thought it would be.

The return route from the turnaround point was a downhill and it helped me pick up the pace a bit more. Turning left back into the highway, I saw Steve and the two other runners still way ahead of me.

I was beginning to feel frustrated. It looks like I wasn't making any headway in my efforts to catch up with the Steve's group. In fact, they seem to be extending the distance between us.

But going through some minor climbs before we hit the flyover again, I noticed I was gaining ground. There were a lot more runners on the road back by this point, participants in the 8K run who were mostly walking. I now had two concerns - catching up with Steve and his companions and not missing them in this mass of people around us.

Still keeping my pace, I soon pass the two other runners. Steve has apparently gone ahead. I was checking where he was when someone called me. I glanced sideways and saw a face that was quite familiar but whose name I can’t remember just then. It all seemed like a blur. He knew me by name so I must know him from somewhere. There was small talk between us and then I surged ahead.

Going up the flyover for the turn into Dacudao Avenue, I saw Steve's back. I passed him as we were cresting the flyover and then went with the momentum on the downhill to Dacudao. Going towards the turn to Loyola Street I tried glancing back a couple of times, checking if someone was behind me. All I noticed was a long line of people - a few running, some jogging, mostly walking - in the DVO CTY Run singlet. No one was chasing me.

The burning sensation on my right forefoot just below the big toe had become more pronounced. The wet roads have given me blisters again. But my bigger concern, the pain I know so well in my right calf muscle, wasn't there. Up ahead, I saw the finish line banner. It was only after I crossed it and was making my way to the refreshments booth that I noticed the rain.

I checked my Timex Ironman Triathlon. It said 1:16:52. A good time, I thought, and I had two things to be thankful to for having that - going on with my training despite the soreness in my calf muscles and the motivation from fellow age group runner Steve Hermosa of Team Davao Runners. Chasing him wasn't easy, but it was worth it.

Persistence truly pays.

My DVO CTY Run bib, shoe tag and finisher's medal

With Steve Hermosa (right) and Roy Salingay (left) of Team Davao Runners

Davao City Run hits the roads on Sunday, May 29

2011-05-27T21:08:00.002+08:00

Another big running event takes place in Davao City this Sunday from running specialty store RunClub, this time in partnership with the new Nike Athletic Club flagship store at Abreeza Ayala Mall.

Some 1,700 registered participants are running the 4K-8K-16K Davao City Run which starts and ends at the newly opened Abreeza Mall.

Monchit Mackay of RunClub said more runners would have wanted to join the run and apologized to those who were not accommodated.

"It is not our desire to hold a run of more than 1,500 runners as we want to make it organized, safe and fun filled. In fact, we reached our ceiling as early as last Saturday but tried to accommodate a few more slots for our RunClub friends," he said.

As in previous runs organized by RunClub, Kenneth Sai and Vantage Sports have been tapped to ensure a safe and well-organized run this Sunday.

The event will benefit the Padre Pio's Home for Children, a Catholic institution for the orphaned and abandoned children at Tugbok Proper, Davao City.

Smart-WWF Run for the Environment: for runners, nature-lovers and dog owners

2011-05-20T20:30:00.001+08:00

Environmentalists, nature-lovers and dog owners who love to run take to the roads again this Sunday, May 22, in the Smart-WWF Run for the Environment in Davao City.

The four-distance (2k-3k-5k-10k) event presented by Smart, World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Philippines, PLDT, SM City Davao, and The Ark Veterinary Clinic coincides with the celebration of Ocean Month this May and will benefit the Smart-WWF Philippines' projects for the protection and conservation of Davao Gulf.

Prizes await top male and female finishers in the 3K (16 years old and under), 5K and 10K distances. The 2k is a special run-walk event for dogs and their owners.

Run for the Environment starts at 5:00 am at the SM City Davao Parking Area C.

Again from Phoenix Petroleum - the Tagum City Phoenix Night Run

2011-05-18T20:19:00.000+08:00

Phoenix Petroleum further cements its support to running in southern Philippines with the holding of the Tagum City Phoenix Night Run on Saturday, May 21.

The Tagum City Phoenix Night Run is the second running event presented by the petroleum company after the successful Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run: Takbo para sa kinaBOOKasan in Davao City last March 13.

Phoenix teams up with the city government of Tagum, Davao del Norte in organizing this event dubbed "Dagan Para sa Pinoy-anan" in support of the city's Bahay Lingap Program which provides free house renovation to its less fortunate residents.

Race management is again being handled by Vantage Sports Promotions.

The Tagum City Phoenix Night Run features four run distances - 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K - with more than P100,000 in cash and other prizes for men and women winners. The 3k run will be a competition specifically for children 12 years old and below. All 21k finishers will receive medals.

Assembly time is at 5 pm on May 21 at the New Tagum City Hall where the run starts and ends.

More information on the Tagum City Phoenix Night Run is available on the Phoenix Run Davao Facebook page.

Runners, friends, brothers-in-arms

2011-05-15T11:17:00.000+08:00

For a couple of runs or so lately I shared paces with my long time running buddy, Cris, and on another occasion with his son, Klent Reymon.

It has been a while since I ran with someone.

I have been a lone wolf in much of my running life. I am either too slow for the speedy ones or too fast for the rest. I therefore burn the pavement and sweat on my own. On dirt roads, it's only my breathing and my footsteps that mingle with the sound of chirping birds and babbling mountain springs. I see myself as the living version of those photographs of the lonely long distance runner, lonely in the sense of being alone, though definitely not inside where the joy of doing something so loved engulfs the entire being.

There were a few times though when I and some running buddies got together for a run. Cris, his children, a number of other fast friends and me - we ran together. We ran long for marathons. We ran hills. We ran dirt roads where once we chanced upon a man harvesting coconuts and asked for some young ones for a swig of water. It was perhaps the best mid-run refreshment I have tasted. We even ran in a downpour once braving the rain until we were too wet and cold that we had to stop and crowd ourselves on a small roadside shack, the only shelter available to us on that farm road we were on.

Those runs will never be forgotten.

As Cris and I ran together a couple of weeks ago, talking about my latest race performances in Davao, he brought my attention to a younger man running parallel to us on the other side of the road.

"That guy has been tailing me since I started. Let's show him what we old ones can do."

He told me to pick up the pace. I smiled, and matched his strides. The young man on the other side of the road did the same. We picked up the pace a bit more. In less than a kilometer of running, the young man was behind us by quite a distance. It was again like before.

Running friends encourage each other and push each other to run faster and be better. They may not run together or race together always, but the memories of runs shared and enjoyed together is forever an unbroken bond between brothers-in-arms.

(photo from kimbia.net)

Running is alive and, well, running in CDO

2011-05-14T08:34:00.002+08:00

I knew there was a yearly Milo Marathon regional elimination race in Cagayan De Oro City. But other runs? I wasn't sure. That is until I saw photos of running events on the Facebook account of a fellow former Cotabato City resident and now CDO-based friend.

There were the 1st CDO Night Run and Run for the Heart in February, the CDO Night Run for World TB Day in March, and this Sunday, May 15, the CUMC Kidney Run hits the roads.

The 3-distance (5k-10k-21k) CUMC Kidney Run, which also features a 2k fun walk, aims to raise funds for dialysis patients of Cagayan De Oro's Capitol University Medical City.

"Dialysis treatment is quite expensive and most patients are treated for his or her lifetime. We are reaching out to some of these underprivileged patients to somehow support 2 or 3 of their dialysis treatments in the Hospital," explained Lani Deleste of the CUMC HR Department.

Lani, who is a triathlete, is also the president of 4:30 RMR. This merry mix of individuals from all walks of life, of varying ages and abilities, shapes and sizes, and gender brought together by a common love for -you guessed it right- running and running shoes, is the main group behind the CUMC Kidney Run.

Sunday's event is the 2nd organized by 4:30 RMR. Their first one was Run for the Heart, a fund-raiser for indigent children with heart problems. While Run for the Heart had a few hitches which 4:30 RMR humbly acknowledged, the event was apparently a well-participated event and a success. Given what they have learned from the experience, 4:30 RMR is expected to come up with a bigger and better event with the CUMC Kidney Run this Sunday.

To everyone doing the CUMC Kidney Run, run strong!

(For more information on the CUMC Kidney Run, please visit the 4:30 RMR site at weebly.com.)

Recalling an afternoon run

2011-04-19T20:24:00.000+08:00

There are those moments. They just come and you heed.

There are days when you suddenly feel an urge to do something. It was like that for me Thursday last week.

I already had my scheduled 10k tempo run in the morning, a 49-minute effort at 4:52/km average pace.

I was up early for the run as usual, and again I had to give in to my body's craving for the comfort of the soft bed after lunch. I was up in an hour and was whiling the time away watching "Run For Your Life," the documentary on New York City Marathon's Fred Lebow, when it struck me.

I felt re-energized and ready for an afternoon run. After craving for the comfort of the soft bed, I now seem to be craving for the feel of the road on my feet and the touch of the warm summer breeze on my sweat-soaked body.

I have had other afternoon runs, and even in much cooler weather, I knew they had a way of making your lungs burn early and leaving you gasping for breath almost all throughout the route. It is already summer, and that would heighten the discomfort. But I didn't seem to care.

I changed to my running shorts and shirt, laced up my Asics Sortie Marathon Duo racing flats and headed out for the dirt road that looped around the area where we lived. It was roughly 5 kilometers in distance, a mix of gravel and dirt, over rolling terrain. Even before I hit the first kilometer mark, I already had to go through two short gnarly uphills, my feet shifting here and there on the uneven rocky road. Yes, it's more than an ice cream flavor in these parts.

Going into my second kilometer, my feet were more than happy to be on friendlier packed dirt, not to mention the long downhills. I was still feeling a slight burn in my lungs and gasping a bit for breath, but was becoming a bit more comfortable. It couldn't be worse anymore unless I go all out which I don't plan to do. I was in my comfort zone by the time I was going into the last three kilometers of the loop.

I finished my run in 38 minutes, a 5:38/km effort.

Passing a group of children playing in the afternoon sun as I was winding up the run, I can't help but smile. I felt a sense of oneness with them. Yes, I heed the urge to run and I am young again, a child at play.

Another night run in Davao: GMA-Energizer Night Race

2011-04-07T20:41:00.000+08:00

Runners will troop to the streets of Davao City again on the evening of April 16 for another post-sundown event, the Energizer Night Race.

Presented by GMA and Energizer, the Energizer Night Race will feature 3K, 5K, and 10K race distances.

Cash prices will be awarded for the top three male and female finishers of each race distance. The top finisher will take home P10,000 while the 2nd and 3rd placers will get P7,000 and P5,000 respectively.

Special prizes would also be awarded to the youngest runner, oldest runner, biggest contingent, and best in jazzed up singlet or costume.

Registration fee is P450 which entitles the participant to a free Energizer 3 LED headlamp worth P500, a dri-fit singlet, & and Energizer cap and Schick razor to be given before the race. Proceeds will go to the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Registration sites are GMA TV Station at Shrine Hills, RunClub Davao, Holiday Gym and Spa, Nike at SM City Davao and Sports Town at Gaisano Mall.

In addition to the thrill of a night run and the good feeling that comes from being able to donate to a worthy cause while doing what they love to do most, runners would also be treated to celebrity sightings galore as 5 Kapuso stars will join them in the run. While it may not be everybody's cup of tea, most would definitely welcome the opportunity of being able to run side by side with these celebrities and the postrace photo opportunity.

A postrace concert dubbed Kapuso Night has also been scheduled at 10pm.

Assembly is at 6:30 pm on April 16 at the SM City Davao parking area C with Kapuso stars and Holiday Gym trainors leading the warm up exercises.

Gunstart for all race categories will be at 8 pm.

For more information visit their website at www.energizerbatteries.com.ph.

Burn: U Rock, U Run

2011-04-07T19:50:00.000+08:00

Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill in Taguig will be abuzz with runners on Sunday, April 10, with the holding of Burn: U Rock, U Run.

The event organized by the UP Chemical Society features 3K, 5K and 10K distances and is for the rehabilitation and construction of the buildings of UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry.

Registration fee is P450. Runners who register in groups of 10 get P50 off for each person. Each registered runner will get a race kit which includes a singlet and race bib.

You may register for this event at the following:

http://upchemicalsociety.org/
http://www.runnersrunner.com/store/events/burn-urock-urun-2011.html.,
at Chris Sports branches in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa Annex, Glorietta, and Market! Market!

You may also visit the Burn: U Rock, U Run events page on Facebook for more information.

Run Of Peace set April 10 in Tagum City

2011-04-04T11:33:00.001+08:00

Road racing action moves to Davao Del Norte's capital city of Tagum on Sunday, April 10, with the staging of the Run Of Peace at the Rotary Park on Pioneer Avenue starting at 4:00 a.m.

Run Of Peace is presented by the 3rd Special Forces Battalion in cooperation with the 1st Davao del Norte Ready Reserve Battalion, Kalinga ng Liga ng Bise Mayor at Gobernador ng Davao del Norte and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Provincial Office. The event features a 3K, 5K, 10K and the main 21K distance runs.

Registration fees are Php 250 for 21K and Php 150 for 10K, 5K and 3K. Registration covers race singlet, race bib, finisher's certificate and finisher's kit.

Registration forms are available at the Vice Mayor's Office, SP Building, Bonifacio St., Tagum City and at the Philippine Army 3rd Special Forces Battalion Headquarters in Barangay San Isidro, Tagum City

For tomorrow (April 5) only, Run Of Peace organizers have scheduled a one-day registration at RunClub Davao at Plaza Del Carmen, Loyola Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City so runners don't have to go all the way to Tagum.

For more information, you may call the following numbers:

(084) 400-1346 / (084) 217 3412 / (084) 218 4869;
0917 554 3712/ 0928 391 2862 / 0922 490 9088

You can also visit the Run Of Peace event page on Facebook.

Afterthoughts on a Sunday run

2011-03-29T15:34:00.001+08:00

This is going to be an easy Sunday run on a not-so-easy 20-kilometer running route. Two ascents in the first four kilometers are followed by five straight kilometers of climbing with only one serious dip which is actually no more than a short prelude to the final climb to my set turnaround point.

Why am I doing this on an early Sunday morning when I can be in bed sleeping until God knows when? More than that, why do I run every single day of my 6-and-1 weekly routine like my whole life depended on it? And those races, why do I join them when a podium finish is always a far possibility for a runner of my age and ability? It is not often that those races have age group competitions, and it is a fact that others in my group are faster than me being seasoned runners in their younger years.

I was never athletic in high school. I was too small to play basketball with the bigger guys, and neither was I strong enough to hit or throw a baseball far. It was a replay of sorts in college, except for a short foray I had into archery to represent my school at a local meet because no one else was interested to. I had a two-week crash course on the sport before the week-long games. As expected, we were demolished by the competition and I finished a mediocre 5th among seven participants. In that short-lived romance with the bow and arrow, I've learned to love archery. And I think I now know why. It gave me a sense of accomplishment.

Running this seemingly endless chain of ascents gives me that same feeling. Here, pushing myself to keep a steady pace climb after higher climb, the cold wind chilling me to my inner muscles, I conquer. I conquer the road, I conquer the hills, I conquer my weakness, my old un-athletic self, and emerge a renewed person capable of achieving that which to others may seem unachievable.

Over the past four years since I got my second wind in running following a brief hiatus spent riding bikes, I have felt myself grow stronger. I feel I have transcended my previous limits both physically and mentally. My training runs have taken a bit more variety and structure. I can keep pace better with some age-group runners who used to outrun me by minutes four years ago. I have grown less fearful of pushing myself and running faster. I have learned to be more confident in myself and my abilities while remaining mindful of the limitations set by my ageing body.

Four years ago, I had a silent loathing for running these hills. I always faced them with a fear of the suffering they would cause my legs and lungs. There were times I wished I didn't do them. And the truth is I didn't have to, much the same way I didn't have to do it today. But I chose to then as I choose to now because I know I can transcend the suffering and emerge a better man.

Condura Skyway Marathon on National Geographic Channel

2011-03-26T18:40:00.001+08:00

I was pleasantly surprised to see an email from the renowned Patrick Concepcion in my inbox three days ago.

Why would this famous dedicated runner, successful entrepreneur, the man behind the running blog Runningshield and the Condura Skyway Marathon which is one of the country's biggest running events be sending me an email? Curiosity urged me to check that particular email first.

It was all about the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011 being featured in the National Geographic Channel. And with enough reason. More than just being big, the event held last February 6, 2011 and dubbed "Run for the Dolphins" was organized with just that particular advocacy - raise funds to help save the dolphins of Bohol. Yes, each of the 15,000 runners in the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011 put their share in that kitty while enjoying what they love to do most - run.

I would love watching this first locally-produced feature at 10 pm tomorrow, March 27. I am sure other runners out there feel the same way.

Please watch the Condura Skyway Marathon at NATGEO TV.

The first locally- produced material for National Geographic channel.

Definitely something to be proud of.

Date: March 27, 2011
Time: 10 pm

NCCC-P&G RUNFEST 2011 set on Sunday

2011-03-22T19:56:00.001+08:00

Another run which promises to be a regular event in Davao City kicks off this Sunday, March 27.

RUNFEST 2011, co-presented by NCCC and Safeguard, starts and ends at the People's Park with three featured race distances: 3K, 5K and 10K.

Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in all three race distances.

The 10K champion will receive P5,000, the runner-up will pocket with P4,000 and the third-placer will go home with P3,000.

In the 5K race, the top three finishers will win P3,000, P2,500 and P2,000 while the top three placers in the 3K will get P2,000, P1,500 and P1,000.

Winners of the footrace will also receive freebies from Procter and Gamble, makers of Safeguard.

Registration fee for RUNFEST 2011 is P250 which includes a race singlet, P&G sample products, raffle coupon and food and beverage. Registration centers for RUNFEST 2011 are all NCCC Supermarkets, Holiday Gym and Spa, and RunClub Davao.

Visit the RUNFEST 2011 event page on Facebook for more information.

LuntiRUN registration extended until March 27

2011-03-21T17:14:00.000+08:00

Registration for the UP-IE LuntiRUN has been extended until race day, March 27.

If you are one of those green-minded runners or environmental cum health advocate with nothing on your schedule for March 27, and would have no problem chipping in a few hundred pesos for a cause close to your heart, LuntiRun would surely be a good way to spend Sunday morning. The event is organized to benefit Isko Cleans UP, a project to implement solid waste management in UP Diliman.

Registration fees are Php300 for the 1.5k run for kids 12 years old and below, Php350 for 3k, Php400 for 6k and Php450 for 12k. The LuntiRUN race kit includes your event singlet, race bib and stub for a 20% discount on regular priced New Balance items.

LuntiRUN starts and finishes at Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang.

For further details you can check out their Facebook page at http://facebook.com/luntirun or visit their event page http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=164548446930739.

Rogate Run 2011: Celebrating the cause of children and education

2011-03-18T10:16:00.001+08:00

If you don't believe running is on a roll in Davao City, consider this.

Probably less than 6 hours after the last runner in the Dark Knight Run on March 19 crosses the finish line at Roxas Avenue on what could very well be already March 20, another run kicks off at the Carmelite Monastery grounds in Bajada.

Rogate Run 2011 is the first-ever fun run organized by Rogationist Academy, a school run by the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus (RCJ), a Catholic religious congregation for men founded by Saint Hannibal Mary di Francia.

The event which features 3k, 5k and 10k distances will benefit the children of Saint Anthony’s Boys Village, an orphanage in Baracatan, Toril. Recipients of the proceeds will be the orphans themselves who will be present during the race.

Top three finishers in each of the race distances will receive cash prizes.

The event will kick off with simple rites at 5 a.m. at the Carmelite Monastery grounds and end with a celebration of the Holy Mass. I would say that's a first, at least for me, having heard about a running event ending with a mass only now.

Registration fee is P250 which covers race singlet, race bib, certificate and snacks.

Being a charity run, people who find children's charities close to their hearts are encouraged to register just the same even if they cannot run. They will still receive their race kits which they can keep as souvenirs. Topping that is the heart-warming feeling one gets knowing that he or she has helped make a young orphan smile.

Will anybody doing the Dark Knight Run the night before also do the Rogate Run 2011 the morning after? Not a crazy far-fetched idea for some runners. Running can be addictive, and that runner's high has a way of keeping you going like the Energizer bunny.

Visit the Rogate Run 2011 event page on Facebook.

Coming to Davao on Saturday night – the Dark Knight Enervon Run

2011-03-15T14:17:00.000+08:00

Runners who haven't experienced an evening run will be treated to one on March 19 when the Dark Knight Enervon Run hits the streets of Davao City at 10 p.m.

Why Dark Knight? Perhaps you can find the answer to that question in these facts about the race.

It is presented by the Fraternal Order of Saint Thomas More (Saint, knight, Lord Chancellor of England, author and martyr according to the Catholic Encyclopedia), Enervon-Unilab and Splash in coordination with the Smash Ville Fitness Center and Matina South Health Studio.

It is for the benefit of the bat sanctuary of the Monfort Bat Conservation Park in Samal Island (bats, the Batman, the Dark Knight, familiar connections?), a fitting advocacy for nature lovers in this Year of the Bat.

Dark Knight Enervon Run features male and female 3K, 5K, 10K and 16K categories, each with cash prizes and medals for the winners. All 16k finishers will also receive medals.

This being a night run, the issue of the runners' safety is among the top concerns being raised. FOSTM's Dolf Esparagoza assured participants through the local media that they need not worry about security.

"We assure them that they will be taken cared of during the entire race. TMC (Traffic Management Center) personnel and marshals will be stationed in every intersection," Esparagoza, also of Davao Runners, said.

Energizer Philippines which is also supporting the event will sell headlamps at discounted rates while Tau Mu will sell inexpensive blinkers at Roxas Avenue on race day.

Dark Knight Enervon Run will be managed by veteran race director Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports Promotions, an added assurance that security concerns will be given due attention.

This is not the first time that an evening footrace is being held in Davao City, and having run a couple of the Davao Sunday Runners Club Inc. organized Midnight Marathon in 1996 and 1997, one thing I know based on experience is there are less vehicles out on those roads at night than there are during the end part of daytime races. Drivers won't intentionally hit you with their vehicles, unless they're crazy or driving under the influence. Still, taking precautionary measures is the best thing to do.

Among defensive running techniques one can employ are using reflectorized running wear or attaching reflectorized tabs on your running vest and shorts, and running no more than two in a row.

Registration fees for the Dark Knight Enervon Run are P350 for 16K, P250 for 10K and 5K and P200 for 3K. The registration centers are Run Club Davao, Sports Depot Victoria Plaza, Matina South Health Studio and Smash Ville Fitness Center. Registration fees cover singlet, race bib, finisher's certificate, water and food.

You may also visit the Dark Knight Enervon Run event page on Facebook.

Looking back at the Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run

2011-03-14T15:33:00.000+08:00

Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run was projected to be one of Davao's biggest races ever.

In an interview, Race Director Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports Promotions said they originally targeted only 3,000 participants. Four days before the race, some 3,500 were already in the official entry list and more were still joining going into the March 10 deadline. All indications pointed to the race overshooting the 4,200 record set in last year's Kadayawan Festival Run.

The Phoenix Run did just that. On race day, some 4,500 runners filled the start/finish area at Roxas Avenue, the biggest ever gathered for a road race in Davao City.

Part of almost 300 runners in the 21k
(Photo by Zosimo Co)

The Kenyans came and they conquered.

Benjamin Kepkazi led Davao's Anthony Nerza by almost a minute at the finish with his 1:08:30 clocking. Nerza came in at 1:09:24 followed by Rafael Paliquit in third with a time of 1:11:52.

Susan Jemutai led the women's side of the event with a 1:28:24 effort. Davao's top finisher was Jaro whose time of 1:30:09 was good for third place.

21k women's race winner Susan Jemutai of Kenya is interviewed after receiving her award
(Photo from the Phoenix Run Davao Facebook page)

Cebu's local elite also came and showed their class on Davao's roads. Mary Joy Tabal clocked 1:28:42 in placing second to Jemutai in the women's 21k race. Tessie Escasiñas took eighth place with her 1:52 clocking. On the men's side John Philip Duenas finished fourth with 1:13 and Mendel Lopez took fifth 1:14.

Mary Grace Delos Santos, originally from Alicia in Zamboanga Del Sur but is now based in Cebu, ruled the women's 10k with a fast 40:31.

All had their share of the more than P400,000 worth of prizes at stake in the event, the biggest so far for a footrace in Southern Mindanao.

Sen. Pia Cayetano sadly wasn't able to make it to the event but her Pinay In Action team was there. Dubbed "Takbo Para Sa KinaBOOKasan," the Phoenix Run was organized to support the advocacy of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Foundation to provide books to students of the company’s adopted schools and to other pre-school, elementary, and high school students in chosen public schools in Davao. It is an advocacy close to Sen. Pia's heart whose agenda is topped by education and health as well as upholding the rights of women and children and environment protection.

Davao's now legendary barefoot runner Manuel Vizmanos again took on the challenge of the 21k route unshod with his YS (for "wa'y sapatos" or "no shoes") crew of Aldo Pecson, Jonifer Bagayo, and Boni Vizmanos, Manuel's younger brother who topped the 60-64 age group. Joining them in his first ever 21k barefoot run was young Dean Macavinta of the Davao Runners. Speedy Jun Biroy from the island city of Samal also conquered the 21k route unshod. No VFFs or huaraches for these guys. Yes, hardcore barefoot running is alive and well in Davao City.

Davao's now legendary barefoot running master Manuel Vismanos
(Photo by Zosimo Co)

The sponge and energy drink stations, the fire trucks at key points providing runners with a welcome shower on the 21k route, the drum and lyre bands dishing out lively beats all added up to make the Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run nothing less than a superb event. Race Director Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports Promotions has again raised the bar on Davao road racing, and runners can't be anything but happy with that.

Me? I got my revenge on this 21k route, the same one used for the 34th Milo Marathon Davao Elimination Race last year. From a 1:51:27, I lowered my time for this course to 1:41:31. To top this, I finished first in my age group.

Going up that stage to receive my award was sweet. It would have been sweeter perhaps if it came after an effort against the fastest Davao-based runner I know in my age group, but flu got the best of him. He was there at the finish though, the first to give me a handshake when I went down the stage.

My Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run was definitely more than good enough for me.

The latest addition to my running booty - Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run Race Bib 2250, Finisher's Certificate, and 21k Finisher's Medal. Something's still missing - my age category top finisher's medal which couldn't be located during the awarding rites. But I can wait.

From the UP IE Club - LuntiRUN: Make every route greener

2011-03-12T08:18:00.000+08:00

It was a pleasant surprise to receive a comment on one of my blog posts inviting me to join a run in Metro Manila. That doesn't very happen often. In fact, if my memory still serves me right, this is the first one I got.

Organized by the UP Industrial Engineering club and backed by Asia Brewery and Rexona, "LuntiRUN: Make every route greener" is a fun run for the benefit of Isko Cleans UP, a project to implement solid waste management in UP Diliman.

The run scheduled on March 27 at Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang features a 1.5k run for kids 12 years old and below, a 3k and a 6k run, and a 12k for those who feel a bit more hardcore and require a little more challenge.

Registration fees are Php300 for1.5k, Php350 for 3k, Php400 for 6k and Php450 for 12k. The LuntiRUN race kit includes your event singlet, race bib and stub for a 20% discount on regular priced New Balance items.

UP students may register at the UP IE Club Tambayan (3rd floor Melchor Hall). You can also register online at http://runnersrunner.com/luntirun.

Other registration sites are:

Secondwind running specialty stores at 45 Malingap St. Teachers Village, QC and Ortigas Home Depot, Pasig City
New Balance shops at Festival Mall, Alabang and Shangri-la Plaza (Saturdays and Sundays)
Bike King Philippines at Bonifacio High Street
MJ46 Factory Outlet in Bicutan
The Village Sports Club at BF Homes Parañaque

Registration is until March 20 only.

For inquiries, contact MIMI LUCAS at 09178158227 or email the organizers at luntirun@gmail.com. You can also check out their FACEBOOK page at http://facebook.com/luntirun.

My thanks to Marielle Belen for the invite.

Sunday's Big Event: Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run

2011-03-11T18:48:00.000+08:00

The Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run is Sunday's Big Event for Davao City's running community.

More than 3,500 runners are expected to take to the streets on March 13 to tackle the out-and-back course which starts and ends at Roxas Avenue. The race will feature a 3K Kiddie Run, 5K Fun Run, 10K run and the centerpiece 21K Half Marathon.

The event promises to be bigger than all other Araw ng Dabaw runs held before especially with the backing of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines. Race Director Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports Promotions said over P400,000 worth of prizes are at stake in the event making it perhaps the biggest footrace in terms of prizes in Southern Mindanao.

New innovations like the use of timing shoe tags for the 10K and 21K categories will also be introduced.

The Kenyans are coming!

Causing the biggest buzz perhaps is the reported participation of two Manila-based Kenyans in the 21k race.

In an interview with Sun.Star Davao recently, Sai said he is not sure if these Kenyan runners were the same ones who dominated most marathon events in Manila and in other parts of the country. Sai believes though that the presence of the Kenyans will level the playing field in both male and female categories of the 21K event where Anthony Nerza and Mona Liza Ambasa are Davao City's top bets.

Nerza and Ambasa are expected to give the Kenyans a good race having had the experience of running against the East African runners vaunted for both their speed and strength. Ambasa ruled the women's race in the Cebu City Marathon in January this year, finishing more than a minute ahead of Kenyan Susan Jemutai Chepkwony who landed in third after second placer Mary Joy Tabal of Cebu City.

Nerza was the best-placed Filipino finisher in the men's race coming in a fourth after top finisher Benjamin Kipkazi and two other Kenyan runners but ahead of another Kenyan, Eliud Kiprugut Kering.

Pia is coming too!

A huge crowd is expected to gather around Sen. Pia Cayetano who will be joining the event dubbed as “Takbo para sa KinaBOOKasan” with her Pinay in Action team.

In a recently released press statement, Sen. Cayetano said "Takbo Para sa KinaBOOKasan" is close to her heart since education and health as well as upholding the rights of women and children and environment protection top her agenda.

"It is my pleasure to be a part of this run. I share in the advocacy to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage everyone to do their share in spreading knowledge to underprivileged children by donating books," Cayetano said.

Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run is organized to support the advocacy of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Foundation to provide books to students of the company’s adopted schools and to other pre-school, elementary, and high school students in chosen public schools in Davao.

Also supporting the event are Adidas which will give away P1,000 worth of gift certificates to the top age-group finishers in both 10K and 21K categories, Pioneer Insurance, Isuzu Philippines, Cebu Pacific, and Summit Natural Drinking Water.

What makes a run fun?

2011-03-10T16:01:00.002+08:00

There are fun runs and there are fun runs. The former is your regular running event, the latter, an eventful run. Certain things make your regular running event an eventful one. Following are the ones which made my RunClub Davao Asics Run last February 20 something worth reminiscing. Yes, even this late.

1. Seeing friends and running with them again.

Running in Davao always made me look forward to seeing the now so familiar faces of running acquaintances. We see each other at the starting line, ask which event the other one is doing, and wish each other good luck. These running acquaintances that I've had over the years were not that many and most were in my age group. Until the Davao Runners.

Davao Runners, living and running by the tenet: Train or Stay the Same

Born out of a common love for running and Facebook, Davao Runners started as an FB group. I got acquainted with the group after I had the opportunity to run side by side with two of its main men, Jette Roy Sanchez and Jay Salvaña at the St. Peter Life Run 10k last December. I traded paces with Jay shortly after the start until the climb up the Buhangin flyover at Dacudao. Jette and I ran shoulder to shoulder later at the Diversion Road. We got in touch through Facebook after.

Davao Runners is now more than just an FB group. They have organized a series of group training runs tackling routes as challenging as the ascent from Toril to Eden Nature Park. They celebrate members' birthdays with runs as well.

With Davao Runners out there, running in Davao has become definitely better and more fun. There's nothing like a vibrant running community to keep the sport going strong.

2. Something new.

I was focused on maintaining a steady pace going up the winding ascent of the Buhangin flyover, passing a couple of runners as I did. I knew I would see the turning point marker for the 4k runners at the end of the ascent with the usual volunteers handing out water to the race participants.

What I wasn't expecting was a group of pretty young ladies in yellow shirts waving motivational signs. It was something I haven't yet seen in my years of racing in Davao. They cheered runners on, and they were all throughout the race route in groups of two or three, with their world-famous radiant Filipina smiles. If that doesn't make you feel good on a run, I don't know what else would.

The pretty RunClub Davao cheering ladies. Wouldn't you love seeing those smiles while you're running?

3. A challenging route.

The Diversion Road is one of Davao's most daunting running routes. Its hills just seem to come endlessly at you, with each climb seemingly higher than the one that just burn your lungs and legs. Except for the pre-2011 Davao Sunday Runners Finishers' Marathons, not too many races pass through this route.

Last year, Vantage Sports Promotions' Kenneth Sai decided to veer away from the traditional and had the St. Peter Life Run 10k tackle a part of this challenging route. Directing this year's RunClub Davao Asics Run, Ken again upped the challenge for runners by mapping a route that again featured the daunting Diversion Road hills.

After the winding climb to Buhangin via the flyover, the 21k runners went through a relatively flat road towards the Buhangin Milan exchange where they were greeted at the turn by a welcoming downhill, prompting a faster pace. A couple of guys I caught up with did just that, picked up the pace and tried not to be outrun. But a couple of climbs come just after the descent, and the pace at the downhill before could burn you out, just as it did them.

The road flattens out again going into the turnaround at the Davao Crocodile Park and once more runners find a little bit of comfort. Until going out of the park area, the climbs back to Buhangin, coming one after the other, greet your heaving lungs and churning legs yet again.

This route is not for the faint-hearted.

4. Doing better than you hoped to.

I finished my run in 1 hour 10 minutes 14 seconds. It's the best I've done for a 15k. Given a route with four (or was there one more?) freaking' climbs, I can't be happier with that time... for now.

(Thanks to RunClub Davao for the photos.)

Again from RunClub - the Asics Davao Run

2011-02-18T12:14:00.001+08:00

Members of Davao City's running community, joined by hundreds of weekend fun runners and a lot more, will be lining up the streets leading to Buhangin and the Diversion Road again this Sunday, February 20 for the Asics Davao Run.

Organized the RunClub, the first and only running specialty store in Davao City, in partnership with world-renowned Japanese running shoe company Asics, the event is expected to be bigger than last year's RunClub-New Balance Challenge. The Asics Davao Run is definitely longer and has a more challenging route mapped out by Mr. Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports Promotions who will be managing the event.

RunClub raised the top distance for the 3-category race a notch higher to 15k. The other two distances are 4k and 7k. Runners in all three distances will be confronted by the challenge of running up the winding ascent of the Buhangin fly-over more than a kilometer from the starting line at Plaza del Carmen on Loyola Street.

From there, 4k runners will turn left to Dacudao Avenue and head back to Loyola Street. The 7K runners will go through Buhangin road and head for the turning point at the Buhangin-Diversion Road Interchange area before heading back to Dacudao Avenue and Loyola Street. The 15K runners will run along Diversion Road to its turning point at the Crocodile Park and back to Buhangin-Dacudao Avenue-Loyola Street. The route has a couple of nasty uphills.

"It’s a way to encourage runners to aim for something higher and set out for bigger challenges,”said Monchit Mackay, General Manager of RunClub Davao, when interviewed by SCOOP-Davao's Lito Delos Reyes earlier.

“Though the first run organized by RunClub last November was an astounding success, we will make this run bigger, more challenging and more rewarding,” Mackay added.

As for being more rewarding, participants get an Asics performance singlet, race bib, light breakfast and a specially made finisher’s certificate - provided they finish of course - with their registration fee of Php350.00. All registered participants can also take advantage of a one-time 15% discount on all regular-priced Asics products at RunClub Davao from the time they register until March 15, 2011.

Total prizes at stake sum up to more than P100,000.00, including items that will be raffled off during the event.

An estimated 1,200 runners coming from different parts of Mindanao are expected to join the Asics Davao Run which is also supported by MIX FM 105.9-the Official Radio Station, Sun.Star Davao-The Official Media Partner, Plaza del Carmen and Sports Town.

Part of the proceeds of the Asics Davao Run will benefit the Lamdag Foundation that caters to the welfare of women, young and old alike.

"Lamdag is going to build a center for women so we are helping them realize their project," Mackay said.

Personal best

2011-02-16T17:53:00.000+08:00

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."

--PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

We runners are truly a different breed of athletes. We pay to punish ourselves and get satisfaction from defeating ourselves.

My last tempo run over 10k in the hilly terrain of my home city assured me that I have a 45-minute 10k race effort in me. Pushing myself to lactate threshold pace and holding it over the distance, I put in negative splits for a solid progression run that ended with a 48-minute clocking. I was targetting to break 50 minutes for the distance and I did just that. I was happy. That means I could possibly make, maybe even break 45 minutes over 10k in Davao City.

I got myself registered 4 days before the event, missing out on a beautiful black and green race singlet. Supplies have already run out by the time I had myself listed for the race. I didn't have any problem with that. I seldom wear those race singlets anyway, just keeping them stacked in a closet as souvenirs. The finisher's certificate the organizers are gicing out post-race would be good enough for me.

By 4:30 in the morning, race participants were already filling up the starting area at the Holiday Gym and Spa car park. Among those in the crowd were friends from Davao Runners. In a corner was Davao's barefoot running legend Manuel Vismanos with his unshod proteges - his younger brother Boni, Aldo Pecson, Jonifer Bagayo. All four of them from Toril were doing the 10K run barefoot.

I decided to place myself forward on the starting line. I have always been a slow starter, and I thought this would give me a better lead going into the first two or three kilometers. As usual there was the series of passes following the rush after the gun - I pass other runners, other runners pass me.

It is always a bit frustrating, having other runners rush past you even though you feel like you were already giving it your all. It brings a tinge of self-doubt, shakes your confidence a little. But racing experience tells you you will pass them back sooner or later, that all you have to do is patiently maintain your pace and follow your race strategy. Patience and perseverance, that is what distance running is all about. Indeed before the turnaround point, my patience paid.

Going into the second half of my 10k run, I exchanged pace and lead with a curly-haired female runner. Diminutive as she was, Yen Kimbrough is one strong lady, and I didn't have doubts she would be among the top finishers in the women's race. She surged every now and then, running past me until I caught up and kept pace with her again. I kept my pace steady. I have never been one who did surges when racing. I found them energy-sapping.

We met 'Nong Maning Vismanos and his barefoot gang, joined by running writer-photographer Joanna Christina Lizares Co and a couple of other Davao Runners, making their way towards the 10k turnaround. Way ahead of us were the race leaders, the local elite of Davao running, and a few other younger and faster runners. Two of them were ahead of me on the road, and I tried as much as I can to stay apace and go for a fast finish, maybe even pass them approaching the finish line. It didn't happen.

Still I can't be happier crossing the line and getting the word from the race timekeepers. My official time was 43:25. I finished in 14th place. My own Timex Ironman Triathlon chronograph read 44:22.41. Either way, I improved on my previous 10k best of 47:08.38 (Merco 63rd Anniversary Run 10k, Davao, 25 Oct 2009). Nothing could have been better for me that day.

Run for Healthy Living set in Davao City January 30

2011-01-19T20:26:00.002+08:00

Runners in Davao City and nearby areas are looking forward to another running event on January 30.

Organized by the Holiday Gym and Spa, the Holiday Run for Healthy Living features a 3K, a 5K and a 10K run. The Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) College of Medicine Batch 2012 serves as event partner and run beneficiary.

According to a Sun.Star Davao story on the event, Holiday Gym and Spa spokesperson Cocoy Malbog said the run aims to raise funds for the medical, surgical and dental missions of the DMSF medical students.

"They will hold these missions on March 26 and 27 targeting some 7,000 recipients," Malbog was quoted as saying.

Considered a special feature of the Holiday Run for Healthy Living is the participation of Davao's esteemed 60-year old barefoot runner Manuel Vismanos who will be running, barefoot as usual, with three of his barefoot running proteges, all from Toril, Davao City, in the 10K run. Those who want to try barefoot running are welcome to join them and experience running with Davao City's amazing Manuel Vismanos.

The run kicks off at 5 a.m. at the Holiday Gym and Spa complex. The 3K turning point is Coco Boo along J.P. Laurel Avenue while the 5K turnaround mark is at Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines plant also at J.P. Laurel Avenue. 10K runners will go all the way to Goodyear in Lanang before running back to the HGS complex.

Registration for the Run for Healthy Living is ongoing at Holiday Gym and Spa, DMSF and Run Club Davao. Fee is P250 inclusive of singlet, light breakfast, race bib and certificate; P100 without singlet; and P75 for students.

For more information, you can visit the Holiday Run for Healthy Living Facebook page or their event page.

Davao's Nerza and Cebu's Carter rule Run To Serve

2011-01-18T10:53:00.001+08:00

Anthony Nerza of Brokenshire College again dominated the competition at the Run To Serve 10k last Sunday in Davao City, establishing himself further as this city's current top male running sensation. This is Nerza's 6th 10k win here since October last year.

Madelyn Carter meanwhile ruled the distaff side. The speedy lady from Cebu has been quite a regular fixture in Davao City races and has won a couple of other races here last year.

Following is the full story filed by Marianne Saberon-Abalayan of Sun.Star Davao.

New sensation pulls off another win in 10K run

Denied of a top finish in Cebu because he was suffering from cough, Brokenshire College trackster Anthony Nerza was feeling better this time in ruling the men's 10K crown of the just-concluded Run To Serve 2011 held in an out-and-back at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Grounds on Sunday.

Nerza, who placed fourth in the 42-kilometer Cebu City Marathon the other weekend, received a cash prize of P5,000 for winning his first race of the year.

Michael Constantino, also of Brokenshire, finished second, and Brian Lupio emerged third placer.

The victory was Nerza's sixth 10K title since October last year following his sterling finishes in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) "Takbo Kontra Droga" on Nov. 21, First RunClub-New Balance Challenge on November 14, Casino Femme Run "The Empowered Series" held on November 7, Maro Polo Fright Run on October 31 and Takbo Para Preso on October 30.

Nerza also placed fifth in the National Milo Marathon Finals last December in Manila, an impressive finish for a first-time finalist of the country's premier running event.

Madelyn Carter of Cebu City, meanwhile, ruled the women's 10K in the race organized to benefit the Psoriasis Club patients of the SPMC Department of Dermatology that organized the run.

Run to Serve kicks off 2011 racing in Davao

2011-01-14T16:15:00.005+08:00

Road racing for 2011 kicks off in Davao City this Sunday, January 16, with the Run to Serve 2011.

Managed by Vantage Sports under Kenneth Sai, Run to Serve will feature a 3K, 5K and 10K run for the benefit of the Psoriasis Club of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (formerly Davao Medical Center) Department of Dermatology.

Lito Delos Reyes of SCOOP-Davao wrote the following story on the event.

Run to Serve on Jan. 16

THE running fever continues this year with a series of marathons set in Davao City starting on January 16 at 5 a.m.

The inaugural event is dubbed “Run to Serve 2011”, a 3K, 5K and 10K fun run for the benefit of Psoriasis Club of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (formerly Davao Medical Center) Department of Dermatology.

The registration fees are P250 with free singlet and P200 without singlet.

“The proceeds will go to our patients,” said SPMC dermatology resident physician Dr. Anna Liza Chiu last Tuesday at the SCOOP Sports Round Table Talk at the Tagboan Lounge sponsored by the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Beefit Gym, High Ponds Resort and the Stadium Buffet Restaurant and Sports Lounge.

The footrace, which will start and end at the SPMC Health Garden in Bajada, will be managed by the Vantage Sports headed by Kenneth Sai.

The top three finishers in the 10K will earn P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000, while the top winners in the 5k and 3K will pocket P3,000 and P1,500, respectively.

“There will be lots of exciting raffle prizes for participants,” added Chiu.

Registration is now going on at the SPMC Dermatology Department, 2nd floor JICA Bldg. or Skin Doctors, 3rd floor, Gaisano Mall or C5 Dormitel, Roxas Avenue.

Below is the race route posted on the Run to Serve Facebook page.

Remembering the man behind the legend

2011-01-04T17:49:00.002+08:00

Not a few Filipino runners, and perhaps even non-runners, know Lydia de Vega-Mercado.

Often pictured with her pony tailed hair, the long-legged, tanned and charming lass from Meycauyan, Bulacan reigned in the 80's not only as the country's top runner. She established herself as Asia's sprint queen by winning back-to-back 100-meter dash gold during the 1982 (New Delhi) and the 1986 (Seoul) Asian Games, the first woman to ever do so.

Diay, as she was fondly called, also dominated the century dash at the Southeast Asian Games, winning gold in 1987, 1991 and 1993. She also twice won both the 100 and 200 meter golds in the Asian Athletics Championships -1983 and 1987- and carried the country's colors in the 1984 (Los Angeles) and 1988 (Seoul) Olympics.

Not as famous, except maybe among hardcore Filipino running enthusiasts and sportswriters, but undoubtedly very much part of the legend that is Lydia de Vega is her coach who trained her to be fast and helped her succeed as an athlete - her father Francisco de Vega, better known as "Tatang.”

A former policeman before he took to coaching, Tatang guided Lydia through training and to her victories in a tight-handed way that didn't sit well with some sectors but proved effective and made Lydia perform better.

A well-remembered incident is Tatang's conflict with then Gintong Alay head Michael Keon who wanted Lydia to run the 400 instead of the 100-meter event at the 5th Asian Athletic Championships in Kuwait in 1983, to which the old de Vega did not agree. Keon refused to grant Tatang accreditation as coach prompting Lydia, one of the favorites in the sprints, to withdraw from the competition. Then First Lady Imelda Marcos had to intervene, allowing Tatang to go to Kuwait as Lydia's coach. Lydia did compete, ending up victorious in both the 100m and 200m and doing a repeat of her conquest of her rival, India's superstar athlete, P.T. Usha in the 200 meters.

Francisco “Tatang” de Vega passed away last December 26 due to lingering illness.

He was 84. He was laid to rest at the Pandayan Memorial Park in Meycauayan January 2, accompanied by "hundreds that joined the three-kilometer long funeral procession."

In remembering Tatang, allow me to share this story from Eddie Alinea posted at PhilBoxing.com.

De Vega looks back at Tatang's teachings

By Eddie Alinea

Former Asian Sprint Lydia de Vega-Mercado refused to see her father Francisco “Tatang” de Vega’s remains in the entire week of her former coach’s wake at the family residence in Barangay Calvario in Meycauayan City.

Even inside the chapel where a mass was held Sunday prior to Tatang’s interment, she kept her distance from the casket although she remained sobbing loudly throughout.

“I might not be able to hold on to myself,” Diay told this writer by way of explaining her decision not to even get near to the casket. “Baka ako himatayin.”

Of all Tatang’s six siblings with wife Aleng Mary Diay happened to be the closest to him keeping her daughter company daily from the time the two of them decided that the pretty, long-limbed girl of l2 would go into track and field until the time she retired more than a decade and-a-half later.

“Ang tagal naming nagsama halos araw-araw mula noong magsimula akong tumakbo. Kahit noong mag-aral ako sa Amerika at mag-training sa Mt. Sac (Mt. San Antonio College of Los Angeles) magkasama pa rin kami at coach ko pa rin siya doon,” she said.

Before Tatang was finally laid to rest to give members of his family the last chance to glance at him, Diay approach the coffin and what she feared happened – she broke down even as she shouted at the top of her voice” Tatay, hindi kita talaga malapitan at matingnan dahil baka di ko makayanan ang sarili ko.”

“Pero ngayon titingnan na kita kasi hindi na kita makikita kahit kailan. Ito na ang ang kahulihulihang pagkakataon na makikita ka,” she blurted out, adding, “Salamat sa lahat ng nagawa mo sa akin. Kung hindi sa ‘yo, hindi ko mararating ang kinalalagyan ko ngayon!”

“Salamat din at hanggang sa kahulihulihang sandali ng iyong buhay ay hindi mo ako nakalimutan. Itinaon mo pang birthday ko nang iwan mo kami,” she exclaimed in reference to the day Tatang passed away last Dec. 26 which happened to be Diay’s 46th birth anniversary.

Incidentally, too, Tatang perished while Diay was still in Singapore where she currently works since 2005 after helping the country win the overall championship in the Southeast Asian Games as a consultant in the Philippine Sports Commission.

Her statements drew tears from almost everybody inside the Pandayan Memorial Park of the hundreds that joined the three-kilometer long funeral procession from the Calvario Barangay Chapel where the mass was celebrated earlier.

So long was the funeral procession that the hearse carrying Tatang’s casket was already entering the memorial park located at Barangay Pandayan but the tail end was still at the McArthur Highway.

Inside the chapel, Diay thanked all those that condoled with her and her family, including President Nonoy, who sent a signed personal message of sympathy.

At her turn to speak at the necrological service, Diay recalled the sacrifices Tatang and she had undergone in quest for fame and glory for the country, the hardship and agony she had on the way to crowning herself Asia’s Spring Queen of the 80s and 90s.

How she endured and followed to the letter Tatang’s “no pains no gains” and “no guts, no glory” philosophy kind of training that had her depriving of hers`

She said that if there’s going to be an award given to the “Best Track and Field Coach” the Philippines ever produced, she believes that should go to Tatang.

“Despite Tatang’s lack of formal education in coaching, he led me to bringing home no less than 40 gold medals racing against the best the world of track and field can offer, including a pair in the Asian Games na me becoming the first woman athlete to win back-to-back the 100 meters gold.

“Count my winnings in the local competitions and the number of gold medal I was able to bring home would be no less than 50,” she said. “Sinong local coach ang nakagawa ng ganun?”

“I know that the orthodox way of Tatang in guiding my running career for me and the country earned will not be forgotten in a long while,” she said.

“As a product of the old school teachings, kung ano ang ipinamulat ng kanyang mga magulang sa kanya ay iyon din ang ipinamulat niya sa amin, lalo na sa akin sa pagiging atleta ko, she commented. “Walang science na makukuha lamang sa eskuwela, walang modern technology. Tatang played everything by ear.

“Ang pagtitiwala sa sarili para magawa ang lahat ng nais gawin ang kanyang ginamit. Ito rin po ang prinsipyong itinananim nya sa isip ng aking mga kapatid na ngayon ay gabay namin sa aming pamumuhay,” Diay continued.

Manuel Vismanos: One amazing runner

2010-12-28T19:50:00.002+08:00

Even before Christopher McDougall's book Born to Run was published and made waves in the worldwide running community prompting interest in barefoot running, Manuel Vismanos of Toril, Davao City has been running unshod.

With his flowing white hair and beard, it would be easy to imagine him as the original Pinoy barefoot runner. He took up running in the 60's, inspired by the site of a group of young athletes at a local school, and has never worn running shoes since. In a short write-up accompanying her photo of 'Nong Maning finishing the 27th Davao Finisher's Marathon last December 5, businesswoman and writer-photographer Ms. Joanna Christina Lizares Co, who is a runner herself, said the 63-year old retired policeman "just felt that going with bare feet made him move better and faster. He tried running with shoes but he felt restricted and uncomfortable."

And just how hardcore as a barefoot runner is Manuel Vismanos? Ms. Joanna says 'Nong Maning doesn't consider running in Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running because the VFF's are shoes just the same.

'Nong Maning is a revered icon in the Davao running circle, and I would say more than just because he runs barefoot. Four decades of running is undoubtedly a testament to the man's passion and commitment to the sport, and all the time running barefoot at that. And while he is no spring chicken, there is a lot of strength and power in those calloused feet and sinewy legs.

I recall two occasions of running pace for pace with 'Nong Maning. One was at the 34th Milo Marathon Davao City Regional 21k Elimination Race last August 29. 'Nong Maning and I exchanged paces and leads for several times going into the Sasa turnaround point. That part of the race definitely taxed me.

Again we ran side by side from Matina to Toril in the 27th Davao Finisher's Marathon December 5. We went beyond trading paces and leads that day. Some guys from the Davao Sunday Runners' Club doing the 21k handed 'Nong Maning a bottle of Pocari Sweat. He took a swig, then looked back and handed me the bottle, insisting that I take a drink myself as we are still less than halfway into the race. Further ahead, as we ran side by side, a couple providing support to another group or runners trained their camera on 'Nong Maning for a picture. He swiftly put his arm on my shoulders, told me to smile, and together we made the thumbs up sign as the camera clicked.

'Nong Maning topped the 60-64 age category in the 34th Milo Marathon Davao Elimination Race last August clocking 2:00:49 good for 70th place overall. Sadly, financial constraints kept him from running in the national finals. He finished the 27th Davao Finishers' Marathon in 4:30:04, running into the finish amid the cheers of fellow runners who have no less than awe, admiration and respect for him.

'Nong Maning is not the only one who runs and races barefoot in Davao. His younger brother Bonifacio does the same. Jun Biroy from the island city of Samal who works in Davao as a salesman-marketing agent also runs and races unshod.

Another runner from Toril, Aldo Pecson, is following the footsteps of his friend and idol, and will be joining 'Nong Maning, Boni, and 'Nong Maning's close friend and neighbor Jonifer Bagayo on January 30, 2011 at the Run for Healthy Living, a charity event of Holiday Gym and Spa and the Davao Medical School Foundation. All four of them will go barefoot. Those who want to try barefoot running are welcome to join them and experience running with Davao City's amazing Manuel Vismanos.

Note: Registration for the Run for Healthy Living is ongoing at Holiday Gym and Spa, DMSF and Run Club Davao. A very nice singlet awaits the first 500 registrants.

42@55: Going full circle

2010-12-22T19:09:00.003+08:00

March 3, 1996. The Pilipinas "Shell to Shell" 2nd Midnight Marathon runners raced the clock and each other through the mercury lighted streets of Davao City. I and others like me raced against ourselves and our limitations to conquer 42.195 kilometers on foot. It was my first marathon.

Flagged off at 12 midnight, we tested our mettle against the challenge of what is considered the crown jewel of running. While others were off to Neverland in the comforts of their beds, we were like night watchmen roaming the streets on a duty call. Workers on the graveyard shift were on jeeps bound either for work or home. We were on our feet aiming to get to a finish line a long way away.

This was truly a race of firsts for me. It was the first time I tasted Gatorade which was handed to us in one of several refreshment stops, the first time I ate a banana on the run, and the first time I vomited on a race (courtesy of the Gatorade, I suppose).

2nd Midnight Marathon finisher's certificate from my 1st 42k

But the first time to finish a marathon beats everything else. When I first tried to run the distance two years before, I learned that there really is truth in the saying that you have to respect the marathon. I had several 5k and 10k races by then, even topping my age group in some small local races. I thought I was ready. I was wrong. My running legs gave up on me past the 25 km mark and I started walking. An ambulance checking on the condition of the runners on the road picked me up at the 28 km mark.

I still walked parts of the later kilometers on my first 42k. But I had learned my lessons enough to get myself a finisher's certificate. I crossed the finish line in the early hours of morning shortly before 5 o'clock, more than 4 hours and a half after we started.

I had three other marathons after my first one. I ran the 13th Davao Finishers' Marathon in December that same year, did the 3rd Midnight Marathon on April 1997 and again the 14th Davao Finishers' Marathon-1st BIMP EAGA Friendship Marathon on December 1997.

Tight work schedules and a growing fascination with cycling started taking my time away from my running. I was soon racing less and less until I totally stopped from being involved in road races. My second wind came in 2006 with my 26k run at the 23rd Davao Finishers' Marathon on December 3 as my first official comeback race.

I have always considered my December races in Davao as my birthday races. Coming at more or less a month from my birthday, they are sort of yearly graduation runs where I transition from one running year to another.

My 27th Davao Finishers' Marathon 42k last December 5 was similar yet special. It was my comeback marathon, my first in 13 years. I was doing it 14 years after my first 42k finish in 1996 at the age of 41.

I did 26, 28 and 30 km long runs a month going into the race. I had run two 21k races within a month of each other earlier and had been doing some 20-24 km long runs. I felt I was ready. Back to back 20k's in two successive days two weeks before the race told me I was prepared enough to finish.

I ran a conservative pace tucked in a group of younger runners going into the marathon halfway mark. I felt strong going to the turnaround at Toril and kept a steady pace on my run back to Victoria Plaza.

It was past the 32 km mark that my mind and my legs began arguing. My mind was telling me to run. My legs were saying "walk". With less than 10 kilometers to go, my legs won and I switched to run-walk mode. Feeling better with 5 kilometers more to go, I started running longer than I walked until at 2 kilometers to the finish, feeling much better than I did about 7 kilometers back, I went on a full run. I crossed the finish line at 4:23:17 and later received my finisher's medal.

Finisher's medal and race bib from the 27th Davao Finishers's Marathon

Finding a photo and a video of me crossing the finish line was more than an added bonus. Both were unexpected gifts from online running friends. I couldn't be happier.

Finish line photo from Ms. Joanna Christina Lizares Co
Video (below) courtesy of Ms. Leah Jacobe

In a post on my Facebook account, another runner friend told me it was time to go for an ultramarathon. Not just yet. I feel there is a sub-4 marathon in this ageing body waiting to be unleashed. I believe that should be my priority for the next phase of my running life.

All praises for RunClub-New Balance Challenge 2010

2010-11-17T11:53:00.004+08:00

In less than 6 moths since it opened in Davao City, RunClub has become more than just another shoe store for runners and other fitness enthusiasts in Davao City and nearby locales.

RunClub, through its Facebook account, has become an information hub for Davao City road races. It has served as a registration center for these races, and last Sunday, it went a notch higher by organizing its own event -RunClub-New Balance Challenge 2010- with New Balance as its main partner and Vantage Sports under Kenneth Sai handling race management.

I would have wanted to join this debut event of what has now become my favorite running specialty store, except that November 14 was my son's birthday and family activity was on top of the agenda for that day. I guess that was more than enough reason to forego having what fellow runners have described as one of the best-ever made singlets for a Davao City road race.

It was also more than a valid enough reason to miss experiencing a first in Davao City road racing - having a group of ladies cheer you on at the final water station as you run towards the finish about a kilometer or so away. I can only wonder what that would have felt like reading the comments at the RunClub FB page.

Fellow runners said hydration was also tops throughout the race course.

Following the successful staging of the RunClub-New Balance Challenge 2010, RunClub is already considering organizing another road race come January. Runners over here are already getting excited. If ever it does push through, this is one road race I would not want to miss.

Race results? Davao City's top running bets grabbed all podium honors. My writer friend Lito Delos Reyes of Scoop Davao filed this story:

Nerza, Ambasa dominate RunClub-New Balance run

By LITO DELOS REYES

LOCAL favorites Anthony Nerza and Monaliza Ambasa lived up to their top billing by ruling the RunClub-New Balance Challenge 2010 held Sunday in an out-and-back course at RunClub Davao this city.

Nerza of Brokenshire College clocked 32 minutes and one second to win the men’s open in the 10-kilometer foot race. He was followed in second by Tagum’s Junel Boncit at 32:45 while Joselito Dugos of Holy Cross of Davao College placed third with a flat time of 33 minutes.

Ambasa, now a resident of Toril, had a time of 39:53 to win the distaff side and also earned a gift certificate worth P5,000 plus an all-expenses paid trip to the Cebu City Marathon set on January 9.

“We will shoulder Nerza and Ambasa’s round trip air fare, entry fee and hotel accommodation in Cebu,” said organizer Monchit Mackay of Runclub Davao.

April Rose Diaz of Catalunan Pequeno settled for second at 42:16 followed in third by Toril’s May Love Briones (43:43).

Diaz and Briones went home with gift certificates worth P4,000 and P3,000, respectively.

In the 5K event, HCDC’s Brian Lupio (16:36) won the men’s category followed by Brokenshire’s Michael Ian Constantino (17:05) and Marco Polo’s Arnel Ambayon (23:07), while the top three female finishers were Brokenshire’s Cynthia Jaro (27:49), Holy Trinity-GenSan’s Evangeline Villanueva (28:40) and Beefit Gym aerobics instructor Vicky Javier (30:09).

The complete results of the race managed by Vantage Sports under Kenneth Sai were:

10K DIVISION -

(men) 1. Anthony Nerza (32:01) 2. Junel Boncit (32:45) 3. Joselito Dugos (33:00) 4. Gilbert Maluyo (33:17) 5. Arvie Macaneras (34:27) 6. Mario Ecalner (34:40) 7. Nolie Fabroa (35:14) 8. Philip Ocon (36:38) 9. Ronald Dagaang (37:38) 10. Jessie Lumansoc (38:06).

(women) 1. Monalisa Ambasa (39:53) 2. April Rose Diaz (42:16) 3. May Love Briones (43:43) 4. Emily Avegonzado (43:45) 5. Criselyn Jaro (44:46) 6. Maureen Kimbrough (48:16) 7. Joy Mawalic (52:11) 8. Michelle Tomaroy (52:32) 9. Keilah Rodriguez (52:34) 10. Tiny Buenaventura (53:33).

5K DIVISION –

(men) 1. B. Lupio (16:36) 2. M. Constantino (17:05) 3. A. Ambayon (23:07) 4. Reynaldo Dagohoy (23:23) 5. Adonis de Guzman (23:49)

(women) – 1. C. Jaro (27:49) 2. E. Villanueva (28:40) 3. V. Javier (30:09) 4. Melanie Penaflor (31:04) 5. Regina Reyes (31:07)

14 YEARS OLD & UNDER –

(male) 1. Willy James Itoc (22:42) 2. Jomar Rasay (23:02) 3. John Nicholes Salguero (23:18); (female) 1. Cellie Rose Jaro (22:29) 2. Gabrielle Castillo (28:05)

(Photos from RunClub Davao, Joey Y. Fernandez)

Sad reality

2010-10-27T13:19:00.002+08:00

Davao's pride, Jho-an Banayag, the country's top female marathon runner, will not be representing the Philippines in the 42.195-kilometer footrace at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

The move to drop Jho-an from the roster of athletes bound for the 16th Asian Games came after she competed in the CamSur International Marathon last September 24 where she was the top Filipina finisher with a time of 2:58:35.

The Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) said Jho-an violated a ruling that bars national athletes from joining competitions three months before the Asian Games. PATAFA president Go Teng Kok was quoted by GMA News as saying he talked to Jho-an before the Camsur race and that she gave the assurance she was not going to compete.

Go told GMA News: "All our athletes must follow our rules and regulations."

Rules are rules. Even if Jho-an ran her way to a gold medal in last year's Southeast Asian Games marathon in Laos with a 2:46:34 finish, she is not exempted from these rules. She has to abide by them.

Jho-an's story again brings to the fore the sad reality of the Filpino athlete - insufficient financial allowances, as Pinoymiler's Blog so straightforwardly puts it.

Interviewed by the Joey Villar of the Philippine Star after the CamSur marathon awarding ceremony, Jho-an, who was apparently well aware of the consequences of her action, said: “I’m the breadwinner of my family, I’m here to provide for them. We really need the money that’s why I competed here.”

Her sixth-place finish earned Jho-an P125,000. She receives P15,000 monthly allowance from the Philippine Sports Commission.

In the same interview, Jho-an said she would run in the Milo Marathon finals in December if she doesn’t get a slot in the Asiad. This will give her a crack at the premiere marathon's top purse of P300,000.

Jho-an's story is an oft-repeated one. She is not the only national athlete that has been suspended by the PATAFA for joining unsanctioned races, and neither is she the only athlete that has broken the rules mainly because there was a family to support that needed the money.

Most athletes, especially the ones in track and field, come from poor provincial families. They made their way through high school and college by way of athletic scholarships. They see their athletic abilities as a means to help support their families by landing a slot in the national team or getting a crack at enlistment in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This very real need to support their families is the primary underlying reason why they run, why they push themselves to their limits to be at the top. This is the main reason why the increasingly lucrative purse in road races like CamSur and Milo is always more inviting, even worth risking one's inclusion in the prestigious list of athletes carrying the country's flag in an international competition, where the chances of a podium finish -and the corresponding financial reward- becomes slimmer as the level goes higher.

Pinoymiler, in his blog, urged the PSC "to review the monthly allowance of our athletes, as some of them are complaining that a major chunk of their allowances are being spent in their vitamins/supplement and training gears." He also suggested looking into the possibility of entering into tie-ups with companies who are manufacturing these kind of products to help our athletes.

Perhaps they can go a step further. They can completely adopt and sponsor our track and field athletes so that they could be given much better means to support their families while carrying the country's colors in international competitions.

Personal Best: My St. Peter Life Run

2010-10-24T19:28:00.002+08:00

I had it all in my mind. Take it easy from the gun to the climb up the Dacudao flyover, pick-up the pace and hold it all the way to the turnaround at the diversion road in Buhangin, then go for a faster second half going to the finish at Davao Victoria Plaza. Hopefully, that would be good for a time just a bit faster than my 47:08.38 for the Merco 63rd Anniversary Run 10k a year ago.

I positioned myself well in the front end of the pack assembled at the start line, and pressed the start button on my Timex Ironman at the sound of the gun.

It was a mad dash for most from there, with a number of guys wheezing past me in pursuit of running buddies who were up ahead. I stuck to my pace. I was far from comfortable, my upper arms burned and my lungs were shouting, but it was like that in every race. I knew it would be gone soon. Indeed, by the time I was approaching the Dacudao flyover, the discomfort was gone.

I passed the 3k turnaround point at the top of the flyover and set my sight on the runners ahead. I picked up the pace as I had planned and had soon passed 4 other runners before entering the diversion road at the Buhangin junction. Then I had a race in my hands.

One younger runner I caught up to kept pace with me, asking if he could run alongside me just as long as he can. I just smiled my approval.

He lagged a bit as we climbed the first hill from Buhangin junction, but was soon beside me again. On the downhill, he picked up the pace and surged ahead. I thought of chasing but held back. The hills will be coming back again after the 10k turnaround and I could burn out even before that. I held my pace.

On the hill approaching the Buhangin junction I caught up with him. I kept my pace while he faded. I caught up with still another runner and traded paces with a runner in army fatigue-colored running shorts before finally breaking away going down the flyover.

The recreational 3k and 5k participants were all over the road leading to the finish. I was dodging people as I tried to hold my pace. It wasn't easy at all. The final few meters going into the finishing chutes was less crowded. I headed for the 10k chute and pressed the button on my watch as I crossed the line. My race was over.

My Timex Ironman recorded my finishing time at 47:31.91, more than 23 seconds faster than my Merco time last year. But I can live with that knowing this was a hilly course where PR's are hard to come by compared to the relatively flatter Merco run course.

John Wooden said "Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." I take that as truth.

I gave this run my best and discovered what I had me. A friend told me once that I was afraid to run fast and was prone to holding myself back. It was true, I guess. I always had this fear of burning out and shaming myself with a bad finish. But in my speed training sessions going into this race, I found that fear fading.

And looking back at this run, I remember Hal Higdon: "Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough."

But I would say this was my best run experience ever not only because of what I gave it but also because of what I got from running it - meeting new friends. There's Joan and her husband from General Santos, NJ who posted a comment on an earlier entry in this blog, his girlfriend who did 5k, Jay of Davao Runners who kept pace with me going towards the Dacudao flyover, and Jette who helped me keep a great pace at the Buhangin diversion road.

They all made this one memorable running experience.

"Running is not, as it so often seems, only about what you did in your last race or about how many miles you ran last week. It is, in a much more important way, about community, about appreciating all the miles run by other runners, too."

--Richard O'Brien

MetroLifetsyle Davao presents Run Fur Fun

2010-09-10T22:11:00.002+08:00

Runners take to the streets again in Davao on September 19, this time with their furry friends.

MetroLifestyle Fitness Center and Spa, is organizing the Run Fur Fun featuring a 1.5k and 3k run for runners and their pets. There is also a 3k run for those who would rather be running alone their furry buddies.

While dubbed Run Fur Fun, the event goes beyond the fun aspect. Proceeds of the run will benefit the Rescue-A-Child Foundation Rescue-A-Child, an outreach program founded by Light in Asia Stiftung Hope in Davao City's Bucana area, with a mission to assist impoverished families in feeding their children. MetroLifestyle gives a corresponding meal to a child for every participant in the fun run. The more runners, the more food for the poor children.

Registration fee for the 1.5k and 3k run for runners with pets is P200.00 inclusive of a t-shirt and bandawa. Runners without pets will get a t-shirt with their P150 registration fee.

Interested runners and pet-owners who would like to have a fun weekend bonding time with their four-legged pals can get in touch with MetroLifestyle Fitness Center and Spa at F. Torres corner Jacinto Extension, Davao City, tel. no. (082) 228-6182. You can also visit MetroLifestyle's Facebook page.

Running the Milo Marathon Davao Leg: Taking it as it is

2010-08-30T21:23:00.004+08:00

I really didn't know what to feel after my 34th Milo Marathon 21k elimination run in Davao City last Sunday.

I was gunning for an improvement of my 1:48:15 finish in the Kadayawan Festival Run 21k August 8, and at the same time submit a clocking within the 1 hour and 50 minutes qualifying time for my age group for the Milo Marathon National Finals. Although I wasn't sure of running the finals in Manila if I did make it, it would be good to know that I was capable of breaking into that group of qualifiers. In the Philippine context, that would be like qualifying for the prestigious Boston Marathon, a runner's dream.

The Kadayawan 21k was run on the course that has been advertised as the Milo Marathon race course. The race map uploaded by Milo and the race organizers on the Milo Facebook fan page showed exactly the same route that was used for the Kadayawan run, an out and back course starting and finishing at Roxas Street with a turnaround point at the old Davao airport at Sasa. Nothing more, nothing less.

Surprise, surprise! On race morning, minutes before the starting gun was fired they tell everyone that there will be changes in the 21k race course. We would have to go through two turning points, one at the center of Sasa before we run back, turn right towards the old airport where the second turnaround point is located. By my estimates, that would roughly be an additional kilometer or something close to it.

Immediately I had second thoughts about being able to improve on my 1:48:15 Kadayawan 21k. And in all probability, I would also have to kiss my dream of qualifying for the Milo Marathon National Finals goodbye.

Still, I thought, I was feeling good. Who knows? I just might be able to make 1:50:00. I kept track of my time, glancing at my Timex Ironman whenever I can. I noted running some of the early kilometers in the lower 5-minute range. I exchanged paces with a number of runners I was able to catch up with before leaving them behind for good going into the Sasa turnaround. By the time I glanced again at my watch after I passed the second turnaround at the old airport, it already indicated 56:59. My goal of improving on my Kadayawan run was already down the drain, and I needed to run the remaining distance to the finish in 53 minutes if I was to make 1 hour and 50 minutes.

My effort wasn't good enough for that. My Timex Ironman showed 1:51:27 when I stopped at the finish line.

Even with that, I would say it was a good run for me. I was able to catch up with and pass a seasoned age category runner who always finished ahead of me in previous races. I traded paces with a couple of younger runners who caught up with me after the old airport turnaround before finally leaving them about three kilometers from the finish line. At the finish, another seasoned category runner said he was trying to catch up to me but I was too strong for him today. In previous races, he easily breezed past me. I wasn't as tired as I was in the Kadayawan run going into the finish. I did good. Not good enough for 1 hour 50 minutes maybe, but still good.

When I told my son about my race, he said my 1:51:27 finish wasn't bad at all. If the organizers added a kilometer to that course, I still ran it faster per kilometer than I did at the Kadayawan 21k. Who was I to disagree?

We are runners. We are given a route to run, a distance to tackle, and we take it as it is. Conquering it and conquering our limitations in the process make us winners, even if someone else has reached the finish line ahead of us.

My Milo race bib, finisher's certificate and medal

A shoe and shoe shop story

2010-08-23T14:47:00.004+08:00

The last time I bought running shoes was in March last year.

I got the Nike Air Zoom Limitless primarily because of the weight. I was looking for a racing shoe but couldn't find one. The lightweight trainer was the best alternative there was.

I didn't regret the purchase. The Limitless served me well as a second shoe for faster training runs and races. My New Balance MR902's bought in 2007, also lightweight trainers, served as my staple training shoes for both road and trail runs. Until two weeks ago.

Three years of use on and off road, to include a number of times up to the peak of Mt. Apo and back down, are definitely more than enough for my trusty NB 902's. It was time I retired their well-worn soles and get myself a new pair of shoes.

I was doing the Kadayawan Festival Run in Davao City and that gave me the chance to shop around for a new pair of second shoes for faster training runs and races. I was going to use my still "relatively new" Limitless as my staple running shoes this time.

It took a little asking around before I and the taxi driver found our destination, Davao's newest running shoe store - Run Club Davao. It was definitely the best shoe store I've been to in Davao.

The store staff were very courteous, friendly and accommodating. The gait analysis I took was very helpful and confirmed that I indeed have a neutral gait. That, and weighing 50 kilos at the heaviest on a 5'2'' frame, means I can practically get away with wearing less cumbersome lightweight shoes, like the Adidas Adizero Rocket.

My Adizero Rocket from Run Club Davao, Nice shoes, nice store.

ProductWiki describes the Adizero Rocket as "a performance running shoe that is designed for long-distance and competitive runners."

The shoe features Adidas' TORSION system which stabilizes the foot and provides light arch support and has a molded respoEVA sockliner for a comfortable fit. It includes adiPRENE+ cushioning in the forefoot and adiPRENE cushioning under the heel for comfort and shock absorption. The adiZero Rocket is designed with a durable adiWEAR outsole that has flex grooves to provide flexibility and good traction. It also features an asymmetrical air mesh upper to provide good ventilation and has internal non-slip lining for better performance.

RunBlogger's Guide to Minimalist Running Shoes lists the Adizero Rocket among "reduced shoes" that are "extremely lightweight and ride very close to the ground, making them good options for someone interested in migrating downward from a modern cushioned training shoe" and therefore allows the feet more flexibility and movement.

I have been running 10 to 16 kilometers on my Adizero Rockets for the past two weeks now, and I definitely have no complaints.

Neither do I have complaints about Run Club Davao. It's definitely one of the best things that ever happened to running hereabouts.

Running the Kadayawan Festival Run 21K: No complaints

2010-08-08T20:37:00.003+08:00

No expectations. Treat this as just another long run and finish.

That was what I was telling myself going into the Kadayawan Festival Run 21K in Davao City this morning. And with enough reason.

The Milo Marathon Davao City elimination race is on August 29. I have already decided on running that. A new course has been mapped out by the guys at Vantage Sports Promotions led by Kenneth Sai, Milo Marathon's partners in Davao, for the race, and the Kadayawan Festival Run will be held on that very same course.

Doing another half marathon distance run before Milo, and a preview of the race course at the same time, was a pretty neat idea. It would also be a chance to see if I could run this course within the set 1 hour and 50 minutes qualifying time for my age group.

That being decided, I registered for the race on July 28.

I timed my departure for Davao yesterday so I can be there before 5:00 in the afternoon and still have time to pick-up my race packet. Unfortunately, the Vantage guys have already left the Adidas store at Gaisano Mall as early as 4:30. I had to make do with getting my race bib and singlet early this morning at the race assembly area.

I was glad they decided to send off the 21K runners at 5:30. That meant the sun would not be as hot on our run back to the finish line. I have never been good at running in the heat.

At the starting line, I stood at the back, just before the first line of 10K runners that were assembled behind us. It didn't really bother me to be standing there and not at the front or at least nearer. Experience has taught me that I would be passing some guys who have started faster ahead of me as the race progressed.

At the bark of the starting gun, I started off on a what I felt was a nice and relaxed pace. No need to rush, I was telling myself. We had a long way ahead of us.

I steadily made my way through the line of runners ahead of me. A couple of runners I passed run back past me but I decided not to give chase. I just maintained my pace, eventually passing them again before we crested the first uphill. I felt good, and started picking up my pace a bit.

I passed several more runners on the way to the turnaround point in front of the old airport in Sasa. It was a fairly long climb going to the halfway point of the race, but I had run higher and longer ones. There is no scarcity of hills where I regularly run.

I glanced at my watch. The halfway split read 53.33 minutes. That was good for me.

I knew that there would be more downhills than uphills on the return route and perhaps I could come up with a faster second half. But after two younger runners passed me and I wasn't able to keep pace, I felt that was it. I haven't done enough long runs. I did only one 20K training run before this race and the tiger just wasn't in the cat. The best I could do was keep a steady pace.

A little more than a kilometer to the finish, another runner went past me. I tried to keep up again, but I did so only for a while. Still I was happy to have been able to pick up my pace a bit and pass yet another runner before I hit the finish line.

I pressed the stop button on my watch. 1:48:15, a little more than a minute faster than my last half marathon, the 32nd Milo Marathon Davao City 21k Elimination Race two years ago. And below the 1 hr 50 min 50-54 age group qualifying time for this year's Milo National Finals.

I cannot complain. I have earned myself a medal just finishing this race. Still, I am already thinking of doing a 10K tomorrow to start off my transition to longer runs starting this week - in my new shoes. But that's another story.

My Kadayawan Festival Run 21K bib, finisher's certificate and medal

Motivation 101

2010-08-03T19:37:00.005+08:00

It is not always that we are in the mood to run. We all get tired and eventually begin to feel too lazy to even dare a run around the block.

What to do?

Runner's World's Calvin Hennick has a list of what he calls "Kicks in the Butt." All 101 of them - tips, inspiring quotes, and more to keep you motivated.

Hennick has a number of Good-To-Go Playlists for those who get a kick from pacing to music. Selections include classic rock ("Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen, "Break on Through" by The Doors, and "Come Together" the Beatles), country, hip-hop, and alternative rock. He even has a playlist of "guilty pleasures," which is honestly alien to me.

His list also includes movies to watch - the 1981 Oscar winner for Best Picture Chariots of Fire (undoubtedly a classic film on running that can truly inspire), Saint Ralph (a 2005 Canadian film where a teenager sets out to win the 1954 Boston Marathon, thinking this is the "miracle" required to wake his mother from a coma), even Endurance, the 1999 docudrama on how Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie became one of the best distance runners of all time.

And there are the books to read for inspiration. Leading Hennick's list are two favorites among runners - The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner, a short story by Alan Sillitoe tells the tale of a rebellious youth in a reformatory who runs in solitude and makes a stand against a system he doesn't believe in, and the cult classic Once a Runner, by talented runner John L. Parker JR., which captures the hard work and dedication required of fictional collegiate miler Quenton Cassidy.

After going through Hennick's list, I tried to come up with a short list of 10 "interesting" ones which I suppose would most likely be doldrum busters for many.

1. MAMA, GET A NEW PAIR OF SHOES. Two-time Olympian Shayne Culpepper puts new gear she receives as an elite athlete to good use. "It's fun to break in a new pair of shoes," she says. "Sometimes that's enough to get me excited."

2. EVERY MILE YOU RUN burns roughly 100 calories. Think of that next six-miler as two slices of pizza.

3. MAKE A MASSAGE APPOINTMENT for the day after your long run.

4. GET YOURSELF A HEARTY DOG who needs lots of exercise. You'll always have a reason for a daily jog.

5. FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY: Consider taking a short break from running if you think you've got the beginning of an overuse injury or you're truly fatigued. A couple days of rest may be the thing to reinvigorate you. Call this one instant running motivation for three days from now.

6. YOU'LL BE WEARING A BATHING SUIT in another month or so, won't you?

7. PAY YOURSELF. Set a price for attaining a certain weekly mileage goal. When you hit it, pay up. Keep your mileage money in a jar, and once it accumulates, buy yourself that new running jacket you've been ogling.

8. BUY A FULL-LENGTH MIRROR and make sure you look in it every day.

9. A HEALTHY RUNNER IS A HAPPY RUNNER. As soon as you feel like you might be coming down with something, pamper yourself: Eat more healthfully (think lots of fruits and veggies) and get extra rest. A little prevention today means you won't be debating next week whether you're too sick to run.

10. EXERCISE IMPROVES SEXUAL PERFORMANCE, according to research. Nuff said.

Du-aw ta sa Dabaw! Dagan ta sa Kadayawan!

2010-07-30T12:22:00.002+08:00

Practically all roads lead to Davao come August. The reason? Kadawayan.

Kadayawan is a celebration of Good Harvest, writes philippinecountry.com. The term Kadayawan is derived from the Mandaya word “madayaw”, a warm and friendly greeting used to explain a thing that is valuable, superior, beautiful, good, or profitable.

Kadayawan in Mandaya means anything that brings fortune, a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living. Ethnic tribes around Mt. Apo usually gathered during the harvest-time when they had a bountiful harvest to give thanks to their gods particularly the the Supreme Being "Manama." Singing, dancing and offerings to their divine protectors are the highlights of this ritual.

Colorful costumes and warm smiles at Kadayawan's Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan
(photos from Davao Traveller.com and Blogalicious)

The bountiful display of fresh flowers and fruits, and "indak-indak sa kadalanan" or street dancing in colorful costumes are reasons for many to spend a day or two in Davao during Kadayawan. Me? I'm going there for the Kadayawan Festival Run.

Running in Davao
(photo from Dabaw Pinoy)

Set August 8 on an out-and-back course at the Roxas Avenue near the Ateneo de Davao University, the Kadayawan Festival Run features 3K, 5k, 10k and 21K events. It is presented by Adidas Phils. with Motolite and Hi-Smart Vitamins as the major sponsors.

Hi-Smart in particular will sponsor the 3K run. All 3K finishers will receive Hi-Smart t-shirts and vitamins, said organizer Kenneth Sai of Vantage Promotions.

All the runners will get a free singlet and a certificate of participation. Cash prizes, medals and certificates will be awarded. The finishers of the 21K will also each get a finisher’s medal aside from the medals for the top three winners of the men and women’s open categories.

Well, I have always wanted a shiny medal of my own for a run. That would be motivation enough for me to finish 21K.

(Registration for the race is still on-going at the Adidas Store of Gaisano Mall in Bajada and at the newly-opened Run Club Davao located at the Plaza del Carmen in Loyola St.,Bo. Obrero. The registration fees are P150 for 3K and 5K, P200 for 10K and P250 for 21K.)

Fast times for women winners in Milo GenSan

2010-07-29T17:30:00.005+08:00

It was the women's turn to register fast times in this year's edition of the Milo Marathon regional elimination race held last Sunday, July 25, in General Santos City.

Cebu’s running queen Mary Grace Delos Santos sliced some three minutes off her personal 21K record to top the race with a 1:21.15 finish. She came in 4th place overall.

Mary Grace delos Santos, her face bloodied after getting hit by a motorcycle in a road accident, finishes first in the women’s 21K race in the Mindanao eliminations of the Milo Marathon in 2008.( PHOTO FROM SUN.STAR CAGAYAN DE ORO, CEBURUNNING.COM)

Monaliza Ambasa was second at 1:30, faster than the 1:31:15 she turned in when she ruled last year's race, while Liza Jaro did a repeat of her third place finish last year but with a faster finishing time of 1:34:51. Jaro clocked 1:40:42 in last year's race.

The country's best time for 21K is held by two-time Milo national marathon champion Jho-an Banayag, who ran the half marathon distance in 1:20 in Davao City.

In contrast, the men's finishing times this year were slower than last year's. Davao City Joselito Dugos took first with a time of 1:13:07 while Elmer Bartolo, another prominent figure in Cebu’s running scene was second, clocking 1:13:53. Gerald Sabal came in third at 1:14:50.

Bartolo was also second in last year's Milo Marathon eliminator in the country's tuna capital but turned in a faster finishing time of 1:13:11. Junel Buncit of Tagum ruled the men's race last year with a blazing 1:11:11 finish. Brian Lupo who took third place also registered a fast 1:13:44.

Last year's race also saw 4th place finisher Gilbert Maluyo of Kidapawan City barge into the national finals after clocking 1:14:37 to beat the 1:15:00 qualifying time.

Milo Marathon in the Tuna Capital and in Durian Country

2010-07-24T20:56:00.007+08:00

Mindanao regional eliminations for the 34th National Milo Marathon kick off tomorrow, July 25, with the General Santos elimination race.

GenSan News Online Mag reports 8,000 runners are set to answer the starting gun at the City Oval Plaza in the country's tuna capital.

As in past eliminations in this relatively flat course, fast times are expected from elite and sub-elite runners who are looking to finish within 1:15:00 for male runners and 1:35:00 for female runners to qualify for the 42.195-K National Finals.

Top three finishers in the men's and women's categories of the 21-K regional elimination run will receive cash prizes and trophies, plus an all-expense paid round trip to Manila for the national finals where they get a shot at being crowned MILO® Marathon King and Queen and grabbing the PhP 300,000 cash prize at stake.

After General Santos, Milo goes to Davao City on August 29.

Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports Promotions, Milo's local partner in Davao City, says this year's Davao elimination race will be bigger and better. For one, timing chips will be used in both the 10K side event and 21K elimination run, a first for Davao City footraces. The event will also be run on a new course starting and finishing at Roxas Avenue near Ateneno de Davao University.

Registration center for the Davao City elimination race is at 2nd Floor, Tamayo Bldg, Lapu-Lapu Ave., Agdao, Davao City.

Northern Mindanao will have its regional elimination races for the country's longest running and most prestigious marathon in November. The Butuan City elimination race is set on November 21 while the Cagayan de Oro edition is on November 28.

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

2010-07-03T17:24:00.006+08:00

"The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner," as a short story published in 1959 and again as a film in 1962, has undoubtedly cemented the image of the distance runner as a solitary soul in pursuit of his sport, consumed by thoughts unknown to the rest of the world.

He could as well be envisioning himself racing for the gold to the cheers of a thousand people on the stadium stands. Or perhaps moving like a deer effortlessly through the foliage and over twisted roots on a mountain trail. He alone knows. He alone runs.

Those who wield gutted rackets share a laugh or two with each other as they pair off, exchanging volleys on the court. Friends who run dribbling and passing the ball tease and call out jokes while sweating it out in a game. And cyclists share stories and not a few laughs on a group ride. There is truly more joy and fun in all these it seems than in long distance running.

But as I ran this morning on my 8k loop, I asked myself - is the distance runner really lonely in his solitary pursuit of his sport? Or is it just an image seen by those who do not see beyond the single, sweating, solitary figure chasing that invisible something in the wind?

I have almost always run alone, and I suppose most other runners do. I have ran in a group a number of times, enjoying the banter over a variety of distances and weather. We even ran in a downpour once. But I am mostly the lone wolf, burning the roads and the trails by my lonesome. There was joy in my runs with my friends, the same joy i found in my solitary runs.

Running isn't a happy endeavor. It wasn't meant to be. The heart beats fast, the lungs burn, the legs and feet ache after a while from the constant pounding, the arms grow tired too. But in my running I rediscover what I can do, I am reawakened to my capabilities, I experience freedom.

While running in the woods by his lonesome in the film, the rebellious main character Collin Smith is seen with an unquestionable aura of joy. Like an unshackled deer fully one with nature and the very essence of his being, he runs with jubilant abandon.

Colin was a solitary soul doing what he loves to do best, and he was far from lonely in his endeavour, just like any long runner distance runner.

Another corner of my world

2010-06-15T16:02:00.002+08:00

Changing residences can be stressful. There's no doubt about that. But it does have its benefits — a new atmosphere, a new surrounding, new running route options.

Moving to our new home, one we can now proudly call our own by the way, had me immediately experimenting with three new route options. One took me through the main road to the center of town and back, a second had me crossing the boundary to the next town, and a third one took me around three adjoining subdivisions.

I recently discovered a fourth one while on a short exploratory ride on my mountain bike.

Dirt roads abound in these parts, lined by rubber and fruit trees, and filled with the harmony of birdcalls mingling with insect sounds. Once in a while, one hears the sound of a distant mountain stream babbling as it makes its way through rocks and boulders smoothened by the rushing waters of yearly torrential floods.

The road isn't smooth as an asphalt highway is. Neither is the surface even as on a concrete highway. The sometimes sharp and sometimes smooth rocks that jut out of the packed dirt make for dangerously uneven footing. And there is the occasional mud pool which either makes you hop, skip and jump, go slow, or just walk altogether.

But that is what brings thrill to the one who runs this route. That is what gives him the feeling of oneness with nature, and that he was born to run.

Sweeping aside the cobwebs

2010-06-08T17:53:00.000+08:00

Seven months to this day.

That's how long I haven't posted anything on this blog.

I've been busy with work, yes. But I was still able to squeeze in runs three to four days in a week. Having done that, I seem to see no valid reason why I couldn't update this running blog.

Perhaps times like these just come. We feel stale. Tired and unmotivated. I could get myself to do the runs, but not the writing. It was plain mental drought.

A lot of things have happened since seven months ago. We've moved to a new residence. I have been running a different route, a bit more difficult, I would say, than the one I used to run. I have also discovered a new back road route which takes me through a winding dirt road kept shady and cool by rubber trees on both sides. The excitement in tackling it almost every single running day hasn't rubbed off yet, and I hope it won't.

I need to do a lot more things. Catch up on my long runs, catch up on my speed work, and catch up on my writing.

I don't know if anybody would be reading this other than me, but let that be for now. Sweeping aside the cobwebs is the main concern right now.

The conquering Kenyans

2009-11-08T21:59:00.011+08:00

As they so commonly do in most other countries, the Kenyans who came to race in the Philippines in the past several weeks dominated the races they joined.

They ran the 1st Quezon City International Marathon October 18 and dominated the men’s and women’s categories.

Hillary Kimutai Kipchumba, running his first 42.195-kilometer race, ruled the men’s event at 2:30.08. His compatriots Samuel Tarus Too (2:30.36) and Daniel Chirchir (2:30.49) took second and third places, respectively. Daniel Koringo, the pre-race favorite, suffered a pulled right hamstring in the last three kilometers but still managed to finish at fourth spot.

Kimutai Kipchumba crosses the finish line first

in the Quezon City International Marathon. GMANews.TV

It was the same story in the women's side with the Kenyans posting 1-2-3 finish. 26-year-old Nairobi native Doreen Kitaka, a mother of two, topped her event with a 2:58.55. Her compatriots Lydia Jeratich Rutto (3:09.309) and Sarah Maito (3:12.48) settled for the second and third places.

Veteran Cresenciano Sabal finished fifth overall with a 2:37.58 in the men's race, becoming the best local finisher. Aileen Tolentino took the cudgels for local female runners, finishing fourth.

Subic International Marathon, October 24

At the 2nd Subic International Marathon about a week later, it was Kenyan Vincent Chepsiror's turn to shine.

The 29-year old Chepsiror turned in a time of 2:27.54 for the 42-kilometer race. Eight other Kenyans joined him in the top 10 of the men’s class with 18-year-old Willy Kipkemoi Rofich taking runner-up honors in 2:28:14.

Doreen Kitaka did a repeat of her Quezon City International win, closing her her run in 3:01.12. Cecilla Wangui also of Kenya, made it a 1-2 finish in the distaff side.

Subic Internatinal Marathon winners

Doreen Kitaka and Vicent Chipsiror

PhilStar.com photo

Another Kenyan in Sarah Maiyo was in fourth, coming in after Aileen Tolentino who spoiled the Kenyan party by finishing a strong third (3:29:01) and becoming the top local finisher in the meet. Filipina Joanne Mangat also barged into the top five with a time of 3:34:23.

Adidas King of the Road 21K, October 25

Less than a day after finishing fifth in the full 42.195-km race in Subic Saturday night, Richard Mutisyu added to the Kenyans’ domination of the local running events, ruling the 2009 Adidas King of the Road 21-km footrace on an out-and-back course at the Bonifacio High Street, Global City, Taguig.

Richard Mutisyu ruled the 2009 Adidas King of the Road 21-km footrace.

JUN MENDOZA PhilStar.com

Mutisyu coasted to victory in 1:13.17 with Filipino Darwin Lim, a varsity athlete of Far Eastern University trailing by 2 minutes and 29 seconds to take second place.

Philippine International Marathon, November 8

At the Philippine International Marathon 2009: A Run for the Pasig River today, Vincent Chepsiror did a repeat of his Subic International Marathon victory last month.

It was like Subic was just a tune-up race for Chepsiror who has been running for 8 years already. ABS-CBN News quoted him as saying he prepared for the Philippine International Marathon for 3 months.

In all probability, this will not be the last time Kenyans will be running, and winning, local races. Kenya has a highly honored running tradition which keeps on inspiring young runners to take on the sport that has placed numerous Kenyan distance runners in the most revered pedestals. And as long as they come, they will continue to race where there are races to be won, the Philippines included.

In a way, this would be good for local distance running. Racing with these fleet East Africans will test the mettle of the country's top local runners and perhaps help them become better at what they do best.

World Run Day

2009-11-06T21:38:00.001+08:00

Sunday, November 8, is World Run Day.

An active.com article describes World Run Day, the 11th since Bill McDermott conceptualized the global event in March 1999, as an annual and unique one-day fundraiser which benefits both local and international charities by celebrating running and charity.

Runners register to run their favorite distance and pledge a donation to their favorite charity. Results are posted and then calculated for a worldwide total. It's uniquely structured for donations to benefit "any charity on the face of the earth" and is commonly referred to as "an International Day of Charity." In 2006, McDermott partnered with the United Nation's World Food Programme to help end child hunger with World Run Day. Nearly 100,000 hungry children were fed as a result of the event.

World Run Day is reported to have raised money for more than 1,000 charities to date in the United States alone.

Two events in the Philippines coincide with World Run Day this Sunday.

Feet on Fire: Race Against Cancer fires off at 5 a.m. at McKinley Hill, Taguig. Presented by McKinley Hill, San Mig Coffee, Mizuno and the University of the Philippines Circle of Entrepreneurs (UPCE), it features 3k, 5k, 10k and 15k events. A 6k relay is also included for groups of 3. Dubbed as a cancer awareness campaign and fundraiser, Feet on Fire will benefit Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc.

A much-bigger event is the Philippine International Marathon . Staged by ABS-CBN Foundation on a course starting and ending at the Quirino Grandstand, the 42-km race is titled “A Run for the Pasig River” and aims to help the program to rehabilitate the Pasig River. Organizers are said to be expecting 20,000 participants in the marathon (individual and relay), 3K, 5K and 10K runs.

Nothing in the write-ups about these races say or indicate that they are part of the World Run Day events, but the spirit is obviously there. Runners doing the thing they love best, and sharing the little treasures they have while running.

She runs, and dreams

2009-10-28T19:50:00.006+08:00

Mary Joy waited with me at the counter of Merco-Bolton in Davao City Saturday afternoon for our running bibs and complimentary race t-shirts. We have just registered for the Merco 63rd Anniversary Run set the following morning.

I was doing the 10k and Joy was gunning for a top 5 placing in the women's open 5k. She told me she would have preferred doing the 10k, but her older brother Gilbert thought she would have a better chance in the 5k.

Joy said grabbing a share of the cash prize at stake would help ensure her enrolment for the second semester.

Joy and Gilbert are from a poor family in Kidapawan. Gilbert finished a technical course at the University of Southern Mindanao Kidapawan City Campus through a running scholarship. Joy hopes to do the same and earn for herself a Bachelor in Technology Education degree in the same school.

She has been promised a slot in the athletics varsity this coming semester. She has already represented the school in the USM intra-school games, running in the 800 and 5,000 meters. She will be running in the same events in the State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) games in November.

Still, she said she had to be able to pay the registration fees for the 2nd semester. Only her tuition fees for the rest of the semester will be free.

At the starting area the next morning, Mary Joy was a picture of excitement. She had on a new pair of running shoes and equally new shorts and vest, all bought in a sale by a benefactor. For the first time, she wouldn't be running in an old pair of second-hand tennis shoes and cotton race t-shirt that would be all wet and heavy with sweat before she even finishes her race.

She warmed up, jogging with other runners whom she had known through her participation in road races. She has been a road race regular since her first Milo Marathon Regional Elimination Race 3k in Kidapawan when she was still an elementary grader. Joy literally stood tall amidst her peers. She was a tall young girl with long legs, assets she could use to her advantage.

She was standing three runners away on my left at the starting line, but was pretty soon gone from my sight after the gun fired. She was fast.

The next time I saw Joy again was on the road. I was approaching the 5k turnaround and she was on her way back. I counted her at number 7 from the leading female 5k runner. I noticed her pick up the pace, apparently trying to catch up with the leading runners.

I finished my 10k in 47:08.38 which was some 5 seconds better than my 47:14.45 Adidas KOTR 10k in 2007. I immediately tried to locate Joy, Gilbert and other fellow runners from Kidapawan after I cross the finish line. It took me about 15 minutes of moving around the crowd before I saw them.

Crowd at the finish of the Merco 63rd Anniversary Run

Top 5 finishers in the men's 10k

Gilbert made it to 4th place in the men's 10k. Joy, sadly, was not as lucky. She finished in 7th place in the women's 5k. Still, she wasn't sad. Disappointed maybe, but definitely not sad. She knows that more runs await her. The Davao Sunday Runners' Club Finishers' Marathon is just around the corner, and it has a 5k event. Already she is looking forward to it, thinking of tucking more quality training time in the elastic band of her running shorts.

Her brother is there to guide her, and so are her running buddies. So on fleet feet, Mary Joy dreams, and runs in chase of her dream.

Gilbert, Mary Joy and runner friends

And again, another race

2009-10-11T12:28:00.001+08:00

The Merco 63rd Anniversary Fun Run is on its 4th running this year, with some changes.

No, they won't be doing the 21k this time. Just 5k and 10k open races, a 3k for kids 12 years old and below, and a 3k walk-jog with your pet.

I couldn't really say that I am frustrated. A race is a race no matter the distance just as a run is a run no matter the time.

I would have wanted to try and improve on my best 21k time of 1:42:42 which I set in the Merco 61st Anniversary 21k in October 2007. But trying to do a faster 10k after quite a while would be more than good enough.

The last race I joined was the Vic Sai Araw ng Dabaw 5k in March, a good 6 months ago. I missed the Milo Marathon Davao Regional Elimination Race in July and a Samsung-sponsored 5k/10k last August 23. I would have wanted to do the Auto Review Run for Road Safety and Courtesy on August 27, but ring work the night before went until close to midnight. Travelling to Davao for the race the next day, more so racing, was close to impossible.

So I'm set for the 63rd Merco Anniversary Fun Run on October 25, with my runs tucked under my running shorts' elastic band and my registration form all but filled-up and submitted. Pretty much like in the other races I missed, really.

All I have to do now is keep on doing my preparation runs, and pray that work or something else doesn't make me miss this race again.

Races, races, races

2009-09-21T13:54:00.003+08:00

Two road races are again set for next Sunday, September 27, one up north and another down south.

At the Fort Bonifacio Global City, New Balance, which is no doubt one of the major forces behind the continued popularity of running in the country today, will be holding the New Balance Power Run ... Raising HOPE.

Raising HOPE, for beneficiaries of cancer awareness projects of Carewell (Cancer Resource and Wellness Community), Philippine Cancer Society, ICanServe Foundation and Natasha Goulbourn Foundation. A 3K run/walk for cancer is part of the event, together with the regular 5K, 10K and 21K. Cancer survivors with their supporters will also be among the over 6,000 runners who will cross the finish line at the Power Run , said Planet Sports, Inc. President Anton Gonzalez.

In Davao City, the Gaisano Mall parking lot will again be awash with runners of all gender, ages, sizes, and abilities who will join the Auto Review Run for Road Safety and Courtesy. The event presented by GoodYear features competitive 10-km and 5-km distances. Knowing Davao City and race organizer Kenneth Sai's knack for gathering a good crowd, I imagine another big number of students and young professionals running in this event.

This is the first time that the advocacy run will be held outside Metro Manila after three successful stagings in Manila and Taguig City since 2004. Hopefully, it will start a steady stream of races moving from Manila to the country's southern islands.

I wonder if we can look forward to a New Balance Power Run in Davao City next year.

Running in the news

2009-09-14T20:28:00.004+08:00

I was visiting some local online news sites recently and was quite surprised by the number of running articles I read.

Well, it's not quite what I and other runners would perhaps want to see, but to get to read something about our sport quite a bit regularly in some sites is already something in this basketball- and boxing-crazy country.

It shows that running is alive and well in these parts.

It is definitely alive and will in Cebu as one story on the 2009 Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. (DSOS) 10K Run shows. Almost 500 runners competed in the event which offered P200,000 in prizes.

And then, there's the story on the Crocs Prepair to Run at the Mall of Asia. More than 1,000 runners showed up despite the steady downpour to help raise funds for WE International Philippines, a nongovernmental organization that helps the children of Smokey Mountain.

Runners are not only crazy enough to do what they love to do best even in the pouring rain. They are a kind-hearted bunch, too.

Now, isn't that good publicity?

Running is alive and well in the Philippines

2009-09-06T16:05:00.004+08:00

More and more corporate sponsors are getting into the Philippine running scene and that's good for runners.

Yes, even us non-elite, age groupers, and recreational types. More races simply mean more opportunities to test ourselves, hone our running skills, live out our dreams of breaking that personal record, or simply enjoying a weekend race with birds of the same feather.

So what's out there?

GMA Network just had its “Eleksyon 2010 na, Tatakbo ka Ba?" event at Bonifacio Global City last Sunday. Veteran runners ruled the race as expected - Jujet de Asis stamped his class in the men’s 5K competition, while Alley Quisay (in photo by Scott Kho/GMANews.TV) dominated the field in the 10 K. On the distaff side, Aileen Tolentino won the 10 K and Nhea Ann Barcena ruled the 5K.

And more is yet to come.

Quezon City has the Quezon City International Marathon set for its 70th founding anniversary this year. The event has been reported as one of the richest running events in the country, offering a P3M purse, and drawing an impressive field of 10,000 runners.

ABS-CBN Foundation is staging the Philippine International Marathon on November 8 in a course starting and ending at the Quirino Grandstand. The 42-km race dubbed “A Run for the Pasig River” and open to all runners aims to help the program to rehabilitate the Pasig River. Organizers are said to be expecting 20,000 participants in the marathon (individual and relay), 3K, 5K and 10K runs.

Running is truly alive and well in the Philippines.

I only hope they would bring the races outside Metro Manila, way down south, so runners here could join the fun, too.

Final run

2009-07-25T18:26:00.005+08:00

July 5th. It was my first hour-long run in about a month.

I chose to take one of those dirt road circuits that takes me through some 13 to 15 kilometers of wooded hilly terrain. An almost 6:00 am start was not ideal for a run this long, I thought, especially for one like me who doesn't do too good in the heat. The shade from the rubber and fruit trees that line both sides of these backroads and the cool breeze that blows through them would somehow keep me from burning out fast.

I told myself that this would be a good run. And it was.

I ran easy, keeping in mind that this would be like going into unfamiliar territory all over again. My easy 6k runs have been sort of on again-off again in the past weeks. I overslept more than I should, and on running days, my ageing body felt "old" and tired.

The usual itty-bitty aches and pains here and there showed up going into the first two kilometers, but have vanished by the third. The cool breeze blowing through the trees that line the rocky dirt roads made me feel good and kept me feeling refreshed as I plodded on. The climbs needed quite some effort naturally, but the sound of a babbling distant mountain spring harmonizing with bird calls that I hear from time to time somehow took my mind from the discomfort.

At the 10th kilometer, I was back to running on concrete. I had two more easy downhill kilometers to go. And I felt something funny on my right shoe.

It was like something was sort of hanging at the heel when I lifted it. It didn't only feel funny, it also sounded funny. I was sure the heel of my shoe was still there, but something else was not as it was supposed to be.

At the end of my run, I examined the sole of my right shoe. The rubber outsole has been partially detached, and was flipflapping as I walked.

After 3 years of being with me on training runs and in a number of races, my Nike Air Max 30/40 had had it's final run. My second Air Max model and fourth pair of Nikes, it has served it's purpose well as part of a runner's life, just the way it was meant to.

Living up to tradition

2009-06-26T17:58:00.003+08:00

The Isport BOTAK Paa-Tibayan Takbo 100-kilometer marathon, the first ultra marathon ever staged in Metro Manila, is set on Sunday. It is described as a milestone in the local running scene, and I guess no one will disagree.

For BOTAK to organize and sponsor the race is, I would say, living up to tradition.

BOTAK shorts and singlets have been standard running wear for serious runners in the 70's and the 80's. Up until 2000, I took pride in wearing my BOTAK instead of the issued running singlet for the Davao Finishers' Marathon. Doing it gave me the feeling of being up there with the best, at least even only in what I wear. I still have two well-worn sets with me, though I don't use them as much on my runs anymore.

More than that, BOTAK founder Cesar Guarin was already an ultra-runner way before ultramarathons became big running events. In 1983, he did the Trans-Pilipinas Run in 39 days, the first Filipino to ever run from Mindanao to Luzon. Two years later, in 1985, he became the first Filipino to run across America, traversing the country from East to West in 87 days.

Being part of the first ever BOTAK Paa-Tibayan Takbo 100-kilometer marathon will undoubtedly be a memorable experience especially for those who only know too well the part that BOTAK running wear has played in Philippine running, those masters and veteran runners who may still be clinging to their own well-worn sets of BOTAK.

Run strong, brothers. Run strong and proud.

Runner

2009-06-20T21:40:00.003+08:00

I am tired.

At 53, I am not as fresh as I used to be.

My breathing is heavier. My lungs burn faster than they used to. My heart reaches maximum beat rate earlier.

My legs don't hurt, though. They don't feel rubbery. They just churn, perhaps by instinct, and so I keep on running.

Each running day I ask myself why I still need to do this thing. And yet each day I let my legs just carry me to another 30 minutes, another hour of body battering. Never mind the absence of an answer to my question. Never mind the lingering doubt if I can do this yet again.

In the coldness of the breaking dawn I sweat. In the solitude of my run I find my space, my peace, my self.

I am a runner, and a runner I will always be.

Darn shoelace!

2009-03-19T21:57:00.005+08:00

After the euphoria of finishing the 1st Vic Sai Araw ng Dabaw Run 5k race had passed, reality began sinking in.

I had run the race well, I presume. I started off a bit to the back of the pack and still quite confused if I was lined up for the right race as I hardly noticed the 10k runners start off. The announcer was calling on the 5k racers to prepare so I was thinking maybe this wasn't my race yet. But up front I saw runners in my age group lined up, and I thought maybe this was really it. I was trying to make my way to the front when the starting gun went off.

Darn! I had to play catch up early in the race, and that wasn't my style. I am one of those diesel engine-type runners who need to be warmed up in the early part of the run before revving up at mid-race. I tried doing as much catching up as I can while settling into a comfortable pace. I felt good, and I felt I was running well. I was passing people left and right. Then I felt something happening down on my left foot.

You never miss the feeling of a shoelace loosening. You feel your foot slowly beginning to slip and slide in the shoe. You feel your foothold going and your stride breaking. I looked down and saw the loosening knot. I kept on with the pace, but deep inside I knew I would have to stop shortly as the shoe began to feel a lot looser.

A few hundred meters before the uphill leading to the halfway mark and the turnaround point, I did what I hated to do but had to. I stopped to tie back the darn shoelace.

Now, I had to do a lot more catching up. I pushed myself up the hill leading towards the turnaround point passing a couple more runners. I went for a drink, missed the first water-filled plastic bag, successfully grabbed the second one, and remembered to get a plastic straw necklace which indicated I passed the turnaround checkpoint

Putting the plastic straw necklace around my neck with one hand and holding the water-filled plastic bag to my mouth for a short sip after, I braced myself for 2.5 kilometers more of running.

Up ahead I saw the familiar colors of the faster guys in my age group. I guess you just can't avoid marking fellow runners when you see them within chasing distance. I first passed a fellow age-grouper from the Army who was pacing a lady soldier who joined the race. I knew he was running slower than he usually did, but it sort of gave me a sense of achievement, be it kind of pathetic, to be running faster than him.

Farther up ahead I saw my buddy Cris pacing a young female runner from our place. I kept up my pace hoping to catch up to them before we reached the finish line. As we passed Victoria Plaza, I caught up with and passed a young police officer who, with his buddy, went past me in the first half of the race. Sweet vengeance, I thought to myself. Persistence and experience really pays. His buddy was still way up ahead though, and was really quite fast, it would be futile for me to give chase. But Cris was there with Mary Joy, just a few more meters ahead.

As the familiar view of Gaisano Mall loomed ahead, and the corner leading to the short straightway to the finish line came closer, I realized there wouldn't be enough ground left for me to be able to catch up to Cris and Mary Joy. They made the turn and was lost from my sight, but not for long.

I entered the chute shortly after Cris did, not forgetting to press the stop button on my Timex Ironman Triathlon. I glanced at the time on my watch as I walked out of the chute towards the guys handing out water. 23:39.32. Not bad, I thought. Not bad at all.

Postscript:

When I got back to the hotel, I checked on my laptop to compare my time to my previous 5k performances. It was 8+ seconds slower than my 2007 Run For Peace-Davao 5k time of 23:30.55. It was even much slower, by a little more than a minute, than my Araw ng Dabaw 5k time of 22:25.98 last year. And I thought I was running well.

But then, I thought, there was no uphill in that course last year. And I had to retie the darn lace on my left shoe. I wonder what my time would have been if that darn shoelace just stayed knotted.

(Darn! I should have reviewed this.)

The Vic Sai Araw ng Dabaw Run - a run to remember, honor, and thank a friend

2009-03-08T18:33:00.008+08:00

On March 15, the usual Araw ng Dabaw Run will take to the roads of Davao City with a new name - the Vic Sai Araw ng Dabaw Run.

Vic Sai is a veteran sportswriter and Davao City Sports Council, Inc. president. He had cardiac arrest while asleep and passed away on March 16 last year. A week before his death, I saw Vic at the finish of the 71st Araw ng Dabaw Run where I ran the 40 and above age category. I approached and thanked him for a nice race. I finished 37th overall and 10th in my category.

I didn't get to know Vic through running though, but through a national chess tournament organized by then Governor now Vice Governor Manny Piñol in Kidapawan City. Vic was not only covering the event but was helping in the tournament management as a representative of the Philippine Sports Commission.

I learned about his death through text messages from runner friends. It was a pity I wasn't able to go with them to pay Vic my last respects in Davao City on the eve of his burial.

If anything, the gesture of local runners from my side of Mindanao to remember Vic and see his remains before he is finally laid to rest shows the man's influence in local running. The name of Vic Sai has been associated with a lot of races in Davao City, foremost of which is the Milo Marathon Regional Elimination Race. Vic has been associated with Milo since I don't know when, and brought the race even outside the confines of Davao City.

Kidapawan City played host to the regional eliminations of the country's most prestigious and longest running footrace a couple of times or so, thanks to Vic Sai. It gave local runners in this city nestled in the foothills of Mt. Apo the opportunity to race with Mindanao's best on their own home turf. Until now, I hear non-runners talking about that day sometime ago when they ran the "Milo Marathon." They owe the experience to Vic Sai.

Vic's son, Kenneth, sent me and my group an invitation to the race through SMS a month ago. I gave a positive response and has told other Kidapawan City runners including 33rd National Milo Marathon qualifier Gilbert Maluyo about the invitation. We may be few in number, but we sure hope to have our names listed among the event's participants.

For me, it will be a run to remember, to honor, and to thank a friend.

One race to be happy about

2009-02-23T13:35:00.004+08:00

The results of the Milo Marathon regional elimination race in General Santos City yesterday, February 22, are out.

Mindanao finally has qualifiers for the 33rd National Milo Marathon finals by way of a local race. The top four finishers in the men's category finished below the 1:15:00 qualifying time. The top two women finishers also beat 1:35:00. That's five qualifiers in a single race!

Junel Boncit of Tagum ruled the men's race in a repeat of his victory over last year's field, completing the 21k course in 1:11:11. Elmer Bartolo finished in second place with a time of 1:13:11 and Brian Lupo took third in 1:13:44.

On the distaff side, Monalisa Ambasa exacted sweet revenge from former National Milo Marathon queen Estela Mamac Diaz of Davao City who ruined her bid for a sixth straight victory in General Santos last year. It was a very close race between the two with Ambasa edging out Diaz by a mere two seconds. Monalisa turned in a 1:31:13 to Estela's 1:31:15. Both left Cynthia Jaro a distant third in 1:40:42.

With runners from Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Davao already assured of their berths in the finals, it was sweet victory for North Cotabato to have Gilbert Maluyo of Kidapawan City barge into the list of early qualifiers with his fourth place finish in General Santos in 1:14:37.

I talked to Gilbert one early morning a week before the race. He was finishing his training run while I was just starting mine. I reminded him of the 1:15:00 qualifying time. Gilbert, a machinist, was working full time in a local machine shop to help support his family and he had to sneak in early runs in preparing for the General Santos City race. When he told me he did 1:16 in last year's elimination race, I said he can be assured of a 1:15 or less this year so long as he prepared enough.

I often saw Gilbert running the hilly Kidapawan City terrain in his usually fast tempo pace and disappear from my sight within seconds. I had no doubt that he could do better than 1:15 in the relatively flat General Santos City race course. He proved me right.

Looking forward to national qualifiers in the GenSan Milo Marathon elims

2009-02-21T23:31:00.004+08:00

The 33rd Milo Marathon General Santos City regional elimination race fires off at the country's tuna capital early tomorrow, February 22, and this time around we may finally have Mindanaon runners making it to the national finals in Manila by winning a local race.

Both defending champions in last year's male and female categories are reportedly joining the race - Junel Boncit of Tagum, Davao del Norte and Estela Mamac-Diaz of Davao City.

Boncit ruled last year's race with a finishing time of 1:08:05, way faster than the 1:15:00 qualifying time set for this year. In fact, last year's results show all top 4 runners finishing in less than 1:15:00. Elmer Bartolo came in second at 1:08:40, Rafael Poliquit was third in 1:12:47, and Noel Espina was in fourth place with 1:13:01.

On the distaff side, Diaz recorded a fast 1:24:05, again way below this year's 1:35:00 qualifying time for women. Second placer Monaliza Ambasa (1:26:47) and third placer Merlie Edullantes (1:33:35) also finished with times below 1:35:00.

Given the relatively flat terrain of General Santos City, fast results below this year's qualifying times are really very possible tomorrow. More than that, both Boncit and Mamac are strong runners.

In Kidapawan City in 2006, both Boncit and Diaz ruled the regional elimination race of the 30th edition of the Milo Marathon. Boncit led the men's field with a time of 1:19:37 while Diaz finished unchallenged in 1:41.14.

Boncit, who decided to run in Kidapawan City then to avoid the tough competition in Davao, discovered that running in this place I call home in the foothills of Mt. Apo was not that easy either.

“Mahirap pala ang course dito dahil paglabas mo, pababa ang daan at pagbalik mo paakyat naman (The course here is difficult because you start off going downhill but it's all uphill on the way back)," Boncit was quoted as saying.

If Boncit's time in the tough Kidapawan City 21k course then was that fast, there can be no doubt that he can run much faster in General Santos. So with Estela.

To both of them, good luck!

(Photo from PhilStar.com shows Estela Mamac-Diaz at the finish of the 32nd Milo Marathon regional elimination race in General Santos City last year)

Races, two. Qualifiers, zero.

2009-02-16T21:12:00.004+08:00

Iligan City hosted the second Milo Marathon regional elimination race in Mindanao last Sunday.

It was a race not devoid of drama and human interest, as most Milo regional races are.

News reports say eventual winner Roger Sawin-ay of Lantapan, Bukidnon raced his heart out to pocket the P10,000 cash prize and relieved himself of the prospect of "returning to his home province on foot." Sawin-ay left Lantapan with P700 in his wallet. He used P500 to pay for his lodging.

While Sawin-ay's winning time of 1:15:10 earned him a big payday, it wasn't fast enough for a slot in the Milo Marathon National Finals. Jeffrey Sotto, who was edged by Sawin-ay at the finish, clocked 1:15:21, while third placer Edgar Lapastigue posted a time of 1:19:59.

Sawin-ay's winning time was in fact slower by 04 seconds than Raul Lamprea's winning time of 1:15:06. in the Dipolog City elimination race the other Sunday.

There's still a blank list of Mindanaon male runners who are going the finals by way of a Mindanao elimination race. Male runners need to finish in 1:15:00 to qualify for the Manila finals.

The top women finishers in Iligan City didn't do any better either.

Cecile Faith Topia topped the distaff side in 1:40:56. Melyn May Canamo came in second in 1:51:14. The women's qualifying criteria for the national finals is 1:35:00.

Another male Mindanaon runner made it to the finals, though, by way of the Batangas City elimination race held simultaneously with the one in Iligan. Gerald Sabal, brother of two-time Milo Marathon king Cresenciano Sabal who is from Sultan Kudarat, crossed the finish line in 1:12:25, two seconds behind Alquin Bolivar to claim second place.

Maricel Maquilan of Polomolok, South Cotabato also assured herself of a finals berth after topping the women's race in Batangas City in 1:29:37. Ellen Tolentino of Cagayan de Oro City came in a distant second at 1:37:43. Ellen won't be doing the finals this year.

Back on home soil, General Santos City is all set for its own elimination race this Sunday, February 22. Will a Mindanaon runner finally meet that men's 1:15:00 or women's 1:35:00 qualifying mark and get to run the Milo Marathon National Finals by way of a local qualifying race?

We'll see.

Men champion Roger Sawin-ay and women winner Cecile Faith Topia display their trophies after winning the Iligan leg of the 33rd National Milo Marathon. Also in photo are, from left, John Montalvan, Milo sports coordinator for North Mindanao, Nestle AVP and Milo events sports executive Pat Goc-ong, Vice Mayor Henry Dy, Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz, Miss Iligan Ingred Baulete and national race director Rudy Biscocho.Photo from PhilStar.com

Winners, yes. Qualifiers, no.

2009-02-12T12:19:00.006+08:00

Mindanao still has to have a local male runner qualifying for the 33rd National Milo Marathon by way of a local elimination race.

That's how it is after the individual finishing times of the winners in the men's division of the first Mindanao qualifying race in Dipolog City last Sunday, February 8, fell short of the set qualifying time.

Raul Lamprea led the top three finishers with a time of 1:15.06. Mohammad Sherwin Managil registered 1:15.14 for second place and Cipriane John Topia clocked 1:15.29 to grab third. All their finishing times failed to break the qualifying time of 1:15.00.

That being the case, no male Mindanaon running in a Mindanao elimination race has yet made it to the list of the cream of Philippine running that would compete in the country's longest running and most prestigious long distance foot race. Cris Sabal is a Mindanaon from Sultan Kudarat, and is already assured of a slot in the finals with his 1:09.42 finish in the 21K course in the Subic elimination race last Sunday. But again, he qualified by way of the Subic race which was held simultaneously with the one in Dipolog.

The regional elimination race moves to Iligan City this Sunday, February 15. Perhaps by then, we would have Mindanaon male runners from among the 7,000 registered runners who would make it to the list of national finalists by winning a race on home soil.

The game is a-foot!

2009-02-05T22:52:00.004+08:00

This Sunday, February 8, the first of a series of elimination races for the 33rd National Milo Marathon reels off in Dipolog and Subic.

Local runners will again have a full schedule training and racing in these events. That includes the lesser mortals like us who are content to bask in a personal best finish in the middle, or even at the back, of the pack.

After Dipolog and Subic, Iligan and Batangas are next in line on February 15. General Santos and Palawan are set on February 22.

A four-month lull comes before the action takes place again in Manila and Cebu on July 5, Davao and Tarlac on July 12, Butuan and Santiago on July 19, Cagayan de Oro and Laoag on July 26, Tacloban and San Fernando on August 2, Tagbilaran and Baguio on August 9, Roxas and Dagupan on August 16, Iloilo and Legaspi on August 23, Bacolod and Naga on August 30 and Dumaguete and San Pablo on September 6.

For Mindanao, a total of 6 races are scheduled. That's quite a lot to choose from for those who seek to experience racing in a city or locale other than their own. I personally prefer running in Davao or General Santos for practical reasons like these two being closer to home and thus being less expensive and cumbersome to go to. But there is always the lure of being able to do each one of these races in the same year. I can only wish.

Whether it is Davao, General Santos, far Dipolog, distant Butuan or exciting Iligan, one thing is sure. It will be another running experience to savor. We won't be running anymore if we don't find it that way, would we?

(photo courtesy of www.manila.gov.ph)

One sweet victory, one sad ending

2008-12-07T13:28:00.010+08:00

Okay, this is a running blog. But after what happened for 8 rounds inside the ring at MGM Grand in Las Vegas today, I can't help it.

Manny Pacquiao was just marvelous. Oscar dela Hoya was taller and bigger indeed, and for that a lot of American fight analysts gave the fight to him, some even saying that it would be a KO win for the legendary Golden Boy. It seems the luster has faded, the legend has gone somewhere else.

The smaller Filipino fighter was just the better, no, the best man and he did win.

Manny Pacquiao dominated the fight against dela Hoya from the 1st round, keeping himself busy with combination punches and steady movements to avoid dela Hoya's punches.

Pacquiao showed he can stand up to the bigger dela Hoya, using his speed and agility to effectively overcome the size advantage of the Golden Boy.

All the way to the 8th round, dela Hoya still can't seem to find an answer to the Pacman's barrage of punches to his head and body. Dela Hoya looked like an old man in the ring being pummeled to submission by a more aggressive and hungrier fighter in Manny Pacquiao.

The legend that is the Golden Boy just seemed to be slowly disappearing. He appeared tired, and battered by the punching machine that is Pacman.

After the 8th round, dela Hoya did what perhaps was unthinkable for a 10-time world professional boxing champion to do, give up the fight. It was a TKO victory for Pacquiao who consolidated his position as professional boxing's best pound-for-pound fighter.

What a way for one of the world's best fighters to go.

Dela Hoya chose to fight a smaller man perhaps thinking his height and size advantage would work to his favor. Sadly, it did not. The Pacman was just too fast, too strong, and too good for a fading Golden Boy.

In the end it was sweet victory for Manny, and a sad closing episode to a once brilliant fighting career for Oscar.

To those who didn't believe Manny will win, it's about time you learn about Filipino guts, heart, and faith in God.

Butchoy and me

2008-11-15T18:47:00.010+08:00

Browsing through some pictures in a CD given to me by a friend and co-worker, I saw this picture of Butchoy and me on the way to the finish of a duathlon in Cotabato City a couple of years ago.

We were a study in contrast, Butchoy and me, in that picture.

The first time I used it as my profile picture in my Friendster account - yes, I have one - it became talk among friends. We were the figure "81" together, even "01" some said.

Butchoy was fat boy in the flesh. I was his exact opposite.

But Butchoy was not your run-of-the-mill, regular fat boy. He climbs mountains and has conquered Mt. Apo, the Philippines' highest, several times. He goes spelunking and scuba diving. He rides a mountain bike and has finished a duathlon.

Doing that duathlon was quite an experience for me. It was my first. But I believe it was more memorable for Butchoy than it was for me.

Starting late at 9:00 on a humid June morning, the first 5K run leg which tackled a couple of long climbs was definitely not easy for my lungs and legs which were newly reacquainted with running after almost two years of cycling. I would suppose it was a nightmare for Butchoy.

Running another 3K after a 20K mountain bike leg which included riding through narrow fishpond dikes wasn't that easy either, and I found myself trailing a lot of younger competitors in my Veterans (31 and above)Category going into the finish at the new Cotabato City Hall grounds.

Butchoy was still on the road, doing the bike leg when I hit the finish line. I was already relaxing when he came into the transition area and set off for the final run leg.

I decided to go with him for support on my mountain bike and monitor the rest of the field as they came in as well.

Butchoy shuffled slowly and walked from time to time. He was obviously tired but he looked good, catching up with another guy who was almost as big as he was. They did the route back to the City Hall grounds together.

I don't quite remember if Butchoy went ahead of this other guy or if he was left behind. The only vivid memory I have, thanks to the photo, is of the two of us approaching the line - Butchoy shuffling and me on my mountain bike.

Finishing that duathlon was truly an achievement for Butchoy. He came in 5th in the Touring (29 and below) Category.

Finding motivation

2008-11-10T18:43:00.006+08:00

Where do i find the motivation to run?

Many have asked me this question. And the truth is the answer escapes me.

Running is definitely not easy. Being a weight-bearing activity, it puts a lot of stress on your lower extremities. For most people my age, with lower backs and knees rendered a bit rusty and somewhat rickety by father time, walking would be a much better and is an oft-preferred option.

Sometimes I feel little aches and pains. But every single running day, I wake up early, put on my attire,lace up my running shoes, and hit the road. The little aches and pains disappear after a kilometer or two, and by my third kilometer, I feel like a kid running carelessly at play.

No, I'm not a walking man. I am a runner.

Running defines who I am. It sets me apart from the rest. I find meaning, satisfaction, and happiness in doing it.

I do get tired but I always find the energy somehow, somewhere in this aging body, to run.

I love running. That's why I do it. That's motivation and reason enough for me.

The Olympics: watching the games unfold, live

2008-08-15T15:36:00.005+08:00

I had a video tape of the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics that I used to watch over and over until the thinned tape got caught in the player mechanism and broke. I just spliced it back again so I can relive the legendary battle between decathletes Daley Thompson of Great Britain and Jurgen Hingsen of Germany which ended with Thompson recording an Olympic best 8847 points earning him the gold.

Not much less did I enjoy watching over and over Joan Benoit run into the history books by winning the first ever women’s Olympic marathon, and how Carlos Lopez of Portugal, at 42, defied age, the searing heat, and the competition in winning the gold in the men’s marathon.

That was a long time ago.

Today, thanks to satellite technology and cable TV, I can watch the games unfold, live, in my living room. The more techno-savvy ones enjoy the games on their PCs, laptops, and 3G mobile phones.

The athletics competition has started at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest. The battle for Olympic gold in the 100 meters between the world’s best sprinters from Jamaica, the United States, and Canada has begun to unravel. Maria Mutola’s attempt, at age 35, to win a second 800 meter gold for Mozambique eight years after her first in Sydney in 2000 has also commenced.

For runners, running enthusiasts and running fans, this is where the story is.

Our own Henry Dagmil and Marestela Torres will try their luck in the long jump. Both will definitely be facing great odds, and improving on their record best jumps would be achievements enough.

We should be proud of them even for just standing up to the overwhelming competition.

Runners all

2008-08-07T18:59:00.008+08:00

Video cams were rolling and photographers were clicking away as the runners who signed up for the 32nd Milo Marathon Regional Elimination Race in Davao City lined up in front of Rizal Park last Sunday. One of the reporters called out to a petite short-haired female runner who was standing at the side with several other runners to take her place up front, obviously for the cameras.

"Mura man ka'g dili record holder (It's as if you're not a record holder), " the lady reporter said with a wide smile. She was talking to Jho-An Banayag who chose to qualify for this year's Milo Marathon National Finals on home ground. Jho-An, a Management graduate at the University of Mindanao, holds the women's national marathon record of 2:48:58.

If being a record holder clothes one with a certain air of arrogance, it is something you won't see in Jho-An Banayag. In the number of Davao City races that I caught a glimpse of her at the starting line, all I saw was a simple little lady who seemingly chose to be unnoticed at one corner. You wouldn't think she was the country's top female long distance runner if you didn't know she was Jho-An Banayag.

But wait till she runs, and she'll show you what she can do.

******

Towering above the other runners at the starting line, one cannot help but notice the lanky male Caucasian in the green and yellow race singlet of the 32nd Milo Marathon.

I surmised that he did not really know anybody else at the starting line as he stood there mostly by his lonesome since the 21k runners were called to gather at the starting area as early as 4:30 in the morning. Still, he had that ready smile and willing response that led to small conversations with a number of local runners.

We stood side by side at the starting line, and in the few minutes that we had before the race was fired off, I learned that he was from Norway. He said that he came to the Philippines five weeks prior to the race and that this was his second time to run in the country.

I never saw him again after the starting gun was fired, but I was sure he finished way ahead of me. For several minutes, though, when we stood together at the starting line, we were equals despite our physical differences - runners with a passion for the sport, hoping for a good race.

******

A reporter and a cameraman made their way through the crowd of 21k runners who stood waiting for the starting gun that would kick off the race. They obviously recognized the man with the Labrador retriever and wanted an interview with him.

Pastor Emata is undoubtedly already a celebrity following his conquest of Mt. Everest as part of the first group of Filipinos to successfully summit the world's highest peak. But he is still pretty much the Pastor Emata of old, a mountaineer whose passion for adventure and the great outdoors was already legend among his peers here in Mindanao long before he made it to the top of the world.

He pretty much loves his Labrador retriever, too. It was in fact because of the dog that he joined the race, he explained as we sat at adjacent tables at Chowking Bolton minutes after the awarding ceremonies ended at Rizal Park. He spoke proudly of the dog's achievement, running the entire 21k distance in a little more than two hours on limited training.

He had one regret, though, he said. Unlike him, the retriever was not issued a race number. That would have made the run more memorable for mountaineer, trail runner, adventurer, and dog lover Pastor Emata and his beloved Labrador retriever.

******

They ran the race together, father and daughter, side by side and stride for stride.

Cris has always been a model for his children. They have been with him to races, imbibing his love for the sport, and following in his steps as a competitive runner.

For two of the elder children, Nichiren and KR, running has become a source of recognition and achievement in their elementary and high school days, and now it is helping them make their way through college. Both are on scholarship as members of the running teams of their schools.

Even before we lined up at the start, Cris had told me that he would be running in support to Nichiren. He felt that she had a chance for a third place finish which would earn her a slot in the female division of the Milo Marathon National Finals. Sadly, Nichiren's efforts fell short and there wasn't much Cris could do.

Cris understood his daughter's predicament. As a third year student already loaded with major subjects, she had to balance training and meeting the demands of her course. Nichiren loved running, but she also had a college degree to earn. It is not easy.

For Cris, there was consolation in the fact that his daughter was not only a good runner, finishing fourth in the women's race, but also a conscientious student. Add to that KR's 7th place finish in his first ever 21k and you have one happy father.

There is more to a race than a personal best

2008-08-04T13:56:00.008+08:00

When I started preparing for the Davao City Regional Elimination Race of the 32nd National Milo Marathon some 15 weeks ago, I was gunning for a better time at the 21k distance. I had recorded a 1:42:42 at the Merco 61st Anniversary 21k in October last year. Maybe I could do a 1:40 this time.

My race yesterday did not turn out as I wanted. I wilted in the final kilometers and crossed the finish line at Rizal Park in 1:49:45. It was more than 7 minutes slower than my previous best.

I was frustrated, naturally. At the finish, I was mulling over reasons for the slower time. Maybe it was the 6 A.M. start, a full hour later than the start of the Merco race. The sun was bearing down on us on the run back to the finish. I could feel the heat searing the back of my neck. I was never good at running in the heat.

But it was far from a bad race for me.

The tinge of pain that still lingers in my thighs and the blisters under my big toes are testaments to the effort I put into the race. I ran abreast with other runners in three different groups going into the halfway point, leaving each one behind after a kilometer or two, until there were only two of us going into the turnaround.

For the first time in a race, I had my fellow age-grouper Cris, a runner several times faster than me, in my eyesight. Pacing his daughter Nicherene, his familiar figure in white singlet and tangerine shorts some 300 meters ahead of me provided me motivation to hold my pace despite the discomfort of the heat and pass several other younger runners in much of the second half of the race. It was a pity my little engine sputtered going into the final three kilometers and I totally lost sight of Cris and Nicherene who eventually finished fourth in the women's race.

I haven't run in any Milo Marathon elimination race for quite a long while. The last time I registered for one was in 2006. I find no pride in having the event's t-shirt and race bib, though. I wasn't able to run the race. I missed out on the registration for last year's race which was closed early because of overwhelming participation especially in the side events. This year's race was a comeback of sorts for me to this series which is without doubt the most esteemed running event in the country. This time, I have a race singlet, a marked bib, and a finisher’s certificate I can once again be proud of.

No, I don't think it was a bad race for me at all, though it could have been better (chuckle).

The bond that unites us (Virtual Run 6)

2008-07-30T14:44:00.008+08:00

The Virtual Run - Runners separated by geography do a training run "together" wherever they may be in the world. We set a distance (more or less) and meet at a specific time, so 6:00pm US East Coast time makes it 6:00am the following day in Manila.

It was 15 minutes to 6 when I got out of the house this morning and started walking to the starting point of my run. The sun was hiding behind rain clouds. The air was a bit chilly. It has been raining in my part of the world these past few afternoons and evenings. I consider it a blessing that it doesn't rain early in the morning when I usually do my runs.

"It's a good day to run," I thought to myself with pretty good reason. This is runner's weather, and today is Isra Wal Miraj, a Muslim holiday, which in these parts means you don't report for work. There's no pressure to cut a run short or to put in so much kilometers into so little time. This day is just suited for that nice and easy 10k, my version of Virtual Run 6.

I arrived at the starting point of my run after a brisk 5-minute walk. Across the street, a familiar looking lady was walking towards the direction of the town center. We smiled at each other. Maybe she was feeling good about her walk as I was about this run ahead of me.

I started my run at a very easy pace. Halfway to my first kilometer, I glanced again across the street and noticed a couple of familiar figures, fellow runner Carling and his nephew, apparently in the closing laps of their training run for this Sunday's Milo Marathon Regional Elimination Race. We smiled and waved as we passed each other running in opposite directions. No words were necessary. The gestures were enough to say that we wished each other a good day and a good run.

I got on into my second kilometer, turned around and headed back towards the plaza. There was still a group of women doing their regular aerobics workout at the paved walk fronting the plaza. They usually dispersed before 6, but this was not one of those regular mornings.

I started doing my 1-kilometer loops around the plaza, passing several walkers and a few joggers along the way. On my second loop, I caught up with and passed a pair of teenagers running in baggy shorts. I reminded myself that this was supposed to be an easy run, and I slowed down a bit. Feeling good on a run just has a way of pushing you to go a bit faster than usual, even try to race somebody sometimes.

I finished my 1-kilometer loops to log 6 kilometers ran so far, and started heading back to the starting point of my run. My ninth kilometer was a long uphill, and heading towards the kilometer marker, I would have seen Mt. Apo rising above the lower mountains in the horizon. Thick clouds hid its majestic peak today, but the knowledge that it was there looking down at me as it would on a clear day sort of energized me.

Finishing off my final kilometer, I saw Cris, one of the fastest runners in my age group, crossing the street and heading towards me. He asked me if I had already registered for this Sunday's race, I smiled and answered yes. He smiled back and said okay. We didn't stop, we just passed each other going in opposite directions to finish our runs.

No long conversations are necessary between us runners, I suppose. We pass each other and smile and understand that we mean well for each other. There is that bond that unites us, our common love for the sport. It is the same bond that brings us together despite the distances between us, that unites us wherever we are or wherever we run, however fast or slow we are, in a virtual run such as this.

Searching for the tiger in the cat

2008-07-09T18:34:00.005+08:00

It's three more weeks before the Milo Marathon regional elimination race in Davao City. Preparing for the race has been the main focus of my running life these past couple of months. My goal is to improve on my last 21k time of 1:42:42.

I did my longest run so far of 25 kilometers last Sunday. I have pushed my lungs to bursting during intervals. I have worked my heart to near maximum during hard tempo runs. I have held a pace I never thought I can in my hilly city where I can hardly find a flat course to run, burning uphills and flying downhills to the best my mere mortal capacities allow.

Still, there is that tinge of doubt. Will all these really translate into a better finishing time for a 21k come race day?

I guess self doubt is something that we can never truly dispel. I am confident that I can run a 21k. The 25k long run has proven that I have the required endurance. An earlier 22k long run up a course that climbs for an entire 10 kilometers is proof I have the strength. Running the distance faster is of course another thing. That is what brings in the questions.

I have never seen myself as a fast runner. I have always dreamed, nay, fantasized I was one. More than once, I hear loud cheers in my mind as I race toward the finish line tape, breaking it in victory. More than once, I wake up to the reality that some runners in my age category finish races way ahead of me on very minimal training. While I believe that I was born to run, others are just born to run faster than me.

I have three more weeks of hard work ahead of me. More intervals, more tempo runs, more workouts to burn my lungs and make my heart pump faster. Maybe somewhere in those runs I will finally find the confidence I need about my ability to run fast. That one feel-good run that will tell me that there is a tiger in this cat.

Inspiration from a would-be runner

2008-04-22T20:29:00.005+08:00

I didn't expect the question - is it okay to run and then go to a gym for a workout? Then, as we continued exchanging messages through Yahoo! Messenger, she tells me of her plan to buy a new pair of running shoes because she wasn't able to bring the old pair she used while she was still here in the Philippines.

Something told me this girl was quite serious about getting into running. You don't invest in a new pair of running shoes if you're not, right?

There was a track oval close to the building where they stayed, she said. That was where she planned to run. More questions from her followed, more tips and information came from me, until finally I offer to share a run/walk routine for beginners from one of my many ageing references. I told her that I would guide her through the run/walk routine until she can run for 30 minutes straight, hopefully in a month's time.

She has gone through 2 days of the routine, keeping me posted through email about how she managed with the workouts.

No, I don't consider myself an expert on this. Well, I actually have this crazy dream of coaching but I know I don't have the skills for something like that. But I think I can share a thing or two from my two-cents worth of running experience to help a friend who wants to get into running.

The best thing is it has gotten me more inspired to keep on running.

Fast(?) enough for a top 10 finish

2008-03-09T19:53:00.008+08:00

I am not fast, only half-fast as another runner describes himself in his blog. Considering that and the age range covered by that special age category in the 5k event of the Araw Ng Dabaw Run -40 and above- I wasn't really expecting a podium finish.

Younger and faster runners were there at the assembly area at Rizal Park early this morning. They checked in and lined up with me at the starting line. I have trained, yes, but they have, too. Perhaps even harder than I did. But podium finish or not, I have decided I would run this race the best I can.

I started fast. 5k is a short distance. I knew that if I am to finish good, I needed to start fast, hold the pace, and finish off with a kick if you still have one. Even before I hit the first kilometer, my upper arms were starting to burn. My lack of upper body exercise was showing, and it is slowly killing me. I wanted to pump my arms faster. I knew my legs can still go faster, but I needed my arms to do that... and they didn't seem to be up to the task. Still, I pressed on, hoping the burning sensation would soon subside.

I passed runners and runners passed me. A bunch of Army guys in their running fatigues were up ahead. One of them was in my age group. Seeing them only a few meters ahead made me pick up the pace. Then, the sound of the siren approached. We were nearing the 5k turnaround, and the leading runner was on his way back to Rizal Park.

I passed the Army guy in my age category going towards the curve leading to the turnaround point in front of Gaisano Mall. On the other side of the road, running their way back to the finish, were familiar faces - the faster guys in my 50-59 age bracket. If this was a race that's strictly in that age bracket, I would be running 4th or 5th going to the turnaround. Well, reality is it was not.

By the time I started my way back to Rizal Park, the burning sensation in my upper arms has subsided. I was feeling more comfortable with my pace. Three runners who I surmise were in my category were ahead of me. I picked up my pace again and was soon abreast with the last runner in loose neon green shorts. I passed him. In a matter of seconds, he passed me right back. I had a race in my hands.

Mr. Neon Green Shorts was tough. I would be abreast of him, then he would pick up his pace and get ahead of me again. If I passed him, he would pass me right back. As we made the turn to San Pedro St. and the straightaway to the finish, he was ahead of me by about three or four strides. I held my pace, but in my head, I was contemplating on taking another surge and try passing him for good.

I started picking up the pace again. I was abreast of Mr. Neon Green Shorts for a few seconds and was leaving him behind not long after. I held the pace. The race banner was growing larger in my sight. Ahead, I saw the two other guys in my category trying to outrun each other to the finish. I was about a 100 meters behind and knew I wouldn't reach them. I had to be content with finishing behind them.

I crossed the finish line in 22 minutes 25.98 seconds. A few minutes after, I went to the organizers' table and checked on my results. I was 37th overall and 10th among the 40 and above runners.

Cash prizes were given to the top three category finishers. There were no medals or certificates for the rest of us in the top 10. Still, I couldn't be happier. A 10th place finish in my first race for the year isn't bad. Not at all.

Finally, a chance to run a race again

2008-03-07T18:53:00.008+08:00

Two races have already passed me by.

The first Milo Marathon Regional Elimination race for Mindanao was held in General Santos February 24. I was planning to run it and the Davao City elimination race. If I cannot run all Milo Mindanao elimination races, then at least I can do the two races closest to my home city of Kidapawan. But as early as two weeks before the race, I was told that there was to be a baptism in the family, and I would stand as godfather to my nephew. My General Santos Milo elimination race went up in smoke.

Two days before the General Santos Milo elims, a friend from PATAFA Mindanao sent me a text message. There will be a 10k and 5k in Davao City on February 25. I was not prepared for that. And while it was a holiday, I was scheduled to join a provincial government medical-dental outreach in the town of Alamada, an hour and a half travel from Kidapawan. It was official duty against racing. No contest. I was not prepared to disappoint my boss.

Then on Monday, March 3, another text message came from my friend. Registration was ongoing for the Araw ng Dabaw run. Finally, this is something I can do! No baptisms, no medical-dental outreach, just a Sunday set for racing.

So which one do I run? The open 21k, open 10k, open 5k, or the 40-and-above 5k? I am not fast - half-fast perhaps - and I am not as good at running shorter distances than I am at doing longer ones. But, hey, that 40-and-above 5k is something worth considering.

Racing time again

2008-01-29T20:30:00.004+08:00

Unlike runners in the temperate zone, those of us in the tropical areas get to run and race practically all year round. That's why runners in those areas envy us.

In the Philippines, racing for 2008 started as early as January with big name races like the Subic and Clark Marathons coming a week after the other. Other shorter distance races have likewise been held like the Philippine Stock Exchange Bull Run recently. A lot more have been lined up including the famed Milo Marathon regional elimination races which a great number of local runners are raring to take on.

"Twenty-six legs will make up the 32nd season of the National Milo Marathon," goes the lead of a recent news article. Races have been scheduled in Batangas City on Feb. 3, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan on Feb. 10, Clark Freeport in Pampanga on Feb. 17 and General Santos City on Feb. 24.

A four-month break follows the General Santos race after which the series resumes June 22 with the Dumaguete leg. This will be followed by qualifying races in Bacolod City (June 29), Iloilo City (July 6), Roxas City (July 13), Legazpi City (Aug. 10), Naga City (Aug. 17), San Pablo City (Aug. 24), Tacloban City (Aug 31), Tagbilaran City (Sept. 7), San Fernando City (Sept. 14), Laoag City (Sept. 21), Santiago City (Sept. 28), Baguio City (Oct. 5), Dipolog City (Oct. 12), Iligan City (Oct. 19), Cagayan de Oro City (Oct. 26) and Butuan City (Nov. 9).

The holding of simultaneous races in Cebu City, Davao City, Tarlac City and Metro Manila on Aug. 3 will serve as the season highlight. Organizers are expecting up to 60,000 runners in the four legs which will be held simultaneously.

Except in Metro Manila which is a full marathon, the elimination races are disputed in the 21-kilometer distance where the top three male and female finishers qualify for the National Finals scheduled in Manila on Nov. 30.

A 5K fun run and a 3K race for kids are also slated as side events.

Right now, runners are already talking about planning their training to peak right in time for the races scheduled in their own areas.

Me? I'm thinking of something sort of crazy - running all 6 Mindanao elimination races!

Wishful thinking?

Is this good news or bad?

2007-12-01T18:25:00.002+08:00

Tomorrow is supposed to be race day. The first Sunday of December has been the day of the Davao City Sunday Runners' Finishers' Marathon year after year. Until this year, it seems.

I have just been told by a fellow runner that the organizers have canceled the event for still unknown reasons. No wonder I didn't see any news of the event in the Davao sports websites. Not a single item, which I found unusual for an event that has become big not only for Davao-based runners but also for others like me who hail from the nearby cities and provinces of South Central Mindanao.

I have mixed feelings about this news. It means I don't have to give up racing it this weekend because I just got off from sick bay and feel I won't be 100% for a 42k which is supposed to be my ultimate goal for the year. I am glad about that. But this race just has become such a part of my running life that hearing it is folding up makes me sad.

Deep inside, I am hoping that the news is not true. Deep inside, I am hoping they just decided to postpone it and still run it in another week or two. That means I would still be okay for my 42k goal this year. Deep inside, I am also hoping that if they did decide to call the race off this year, that they would run it again next year. If that happens, I will surely be there to take on the challenge of the 42k yet again.

Running the Merco 61st Anniversary 21k

2007-10-15T22:07:00.004+08:00

Before Jollibee and McDonald's came to Davao with their burgers and fries, there was Merco. It was my favorite hangout before and after classes at the Ateneo de Davao where I was a college freshman way back in 1972. I loved their hot dog on a bun, steaming hot and garnished with mustard. It really made for a mouth-watering treat that I never missed to feast on whenever my finances as a student away from home allowed.

After decades, I was back at Merco, not for the hot dog, but to register for their 61st Anniversary Run. Scheduled on October 14, I thought it would make a good tune-up race in my preparation for the Davao Finisher's Marathon on the first Sunday of December. I have done a number of 20k weekend runs on moderately rolling and hilly courses- the only kinds of terrain I seem to ever get to run on in my corner of the world- with times hovering at 1:50:00-1:55:00. The best I ever did on this weekend long run was 1:48:39 on a hilly course (6 big climbs in all!) out to the next town of Makilala and back. I felt I was well-prepared for a 21k race, but the proof is always in the running.

When they first did the Merco Anniversary Run last year, they had 500 entrants, way more than they had expected according to newspaper reports. Not much of a crowd was gathered in front of Merco Bolton, the starting and finishing point of the race, as we checked-in for pre-race processing at around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday. There were just a little more than 50 of us, women included, waiting for the start of the 21k race. Apparently, most of this year's entrants were joining the 5k and 10k fun run. The 21k was billed as an open race, no age category winners, no possible honors for the likes of me. A possible personal best was all that was waiting at the finish. That was enough for me.

The sound of a siren from a megaphone set us off at 5:00 am. I positioned myself on the second line behind the faster elite runners to get a good head start, but I was never the good starter. 50 meters into the run, I watched the faster and younger runners who stood in front of me at the starting line move farther away from me. Not much later, three to four other runners went past me. I knew my pace was much faster than the usual. I was breathing heavier than I did on my normal training runs. I'll catch up with you guys, I thought. I'll catch up later.

By the time I was going into the 2nd kilometer, some of the guys who surged past me earlier were beginning to come back. I passed a heavily-built foreigner and a younger runner. Another one followed after a few more meters. Before we reached the 5k turnaround in front of Gaisano Mall, I was running next to a man wearing a Davao All-Terrain Runners (Datrun) jersey. Sensing me behind him, he surged. I let go. He kept a 100-meter lead on me. Trailing each other, we passed two more runners who were ahead of us on the road before we reached the 5 kilometer mark.

For three or four kilometers, I was content with trailing the younger Datrun member by a good hundred meters or so. Then, as we neared neared the entrance to the Davao Insular Hotel, I felt myself gaining on him. Soon I was running right behind him, matching his pace. It was an easy one. I stuck to it, relaxing a bit.

On the other side of the road, the leaders were making their way back to Merco Bolton. I started counting the runners who were now on their second half of the run. I counted thirteen male runners. Next came a guy in blue and white jersey, who I realized was one of the faster guys who passed by me earlier in the run. Only a little ahead of me was another heavily built runner, huffing and puffing his way to the turnaround point for the 21k race less than 100 meters away. I surged, passed the runner ahead of me, pulling along the Datrun guy. I snatched the blue plastic straw they were handing out to the runners and hang it on my neck. I also managed to grab a banana and some water. I drank a bit, took two bites at the banana and discarded the rest on the roadside. I was now running ahead of the Datrun guy. He was right behind me, matching my pace. Still ahead of us for about 100 meters was the guy in the blue and white jersey. I was now at 15th place basing on my earlier count. This was a good run.

As we approached the Redemptorist Church at Bajada, we finally passed the blue-and-white-jersey guy. My Datrun buddy still stuck behind me. As we made to turn to Quirino Avenue, a little past the 5k turnaround, we began running side by side. Not much was spoken between us. I guess we were both too tired to start off a jolly conversation. We were passing more and more runners on the road, either 5k or 10k runners jogging or walking their way to the finish.

After two more turns, we were on the straightaway leading to Merco Bolton. I was waiting for a surge from my Datrun buddy. Nothing came. I picked up the pace, passed some young girls who tried to give chase briefly while giggling. Still my Datrun buddy didn't pass me. I knew he was still behind me, I just didn't know exactly where, or how far behind. A crowd has gathered at the corner going to the finish chute, people taking their snacks and a line of more people still trying to get their share. I looked at the digital timer above as I neared the finish line. It showed 1:42. I pressed the stop button on my trusty old Timex Ironman Traithlon. One of the Davao Sunday Runners marshals took the detachable portion of my race number, while another one handed me my t-shirt. Each of the first 100 finishers was supposed to get one. As I looked back at the finish line, I saw my Datrun buddy enter the chute. I smiled and extended him my hand, he shook it and smiled back. Running really has a way of bringing people together and creating a bond between them.

I checked my watch. 1:42:42. Not bad. Not bad by any means.