Singapore Marathon ‘09 – My first full marathon experience

Days before flying out to Singapore, I had a chance to talk to some friends who have been very supportive and gave me some pieces of  good advice. Jay (Prometheus Cometh)  and Vener (Run Unlimited) who have completed their feat successfully wisely advised me to start conservatively and enjoy the run since this will be my first.  Coaches John, Roel, Jo-ar and Allan (Ballester) also told me the same thing.  So I divided my plan every 10k with planned paces and target times (max and conservative).

We arrived Friday midnight and went to claim our race kits Saturday, walked around the expo and met some friends. I told Mariel that we should not tire ourselves prior to race day and rest early and so we did.  Well, relatively early.

claiming my race kit.

With Jay, Charlie and Mari

Race day : Woke up around 3:30 and did my morning ritual and was ready to leave by 4:15.  The cab dropped me off the  City Hall MRT station and walk towards the starting area where I did my stretching.  The organizers assigned pens depending on one’s target time.  I joined the sub 5hr pen. I saw, Charlie and Jay at the same pen. We waited and chatted.

On we went: When the starting gun was fired, more than 15,000 full marathoners in the pens moved  waiting for their turn to cross the starting line. I turned on my shuffle and as soon as i crossed the starting, the first music  “Together in Electric Dreams” by Giorgio Moroder (depending on your age, you may not know them, hehe) started me off. The start of the song just gave me a lot of boost.  Well, that’s the way i wanted to start my run — boosting me up  and seeing my dreams fulfilled. I took it easy and conservatively, just going with the flow of runners.   I maintained my first 10k between  6:30-6:40 and just ignored the humidity and tried to focus on the road ahead.

After 10k: Upon reaching 10k,  i peeked at my garmin.  It read 1:06, less than a minute off my target time. That’s alright, I’m still within reach of my target and still felt great.  My 2nd 10k planned pace was 6:20 so it was time to push a little.  And what a way to start the next 10k.  I didn’t plan this but my shuffle next played   “Sweet child of mine” by Guns N Roses, another song with an uplifting intro.

I was  enjoying the run, the view, reading all encouragement bibs at the back of other runners like “Perseverance to the end”,  “One step at a time”, “See you at the finish line” and more. There is also “I love you daddy” that reminded me again of my goal, why i was  doing this.  You see, every time i go home from a run, my kids always ask me, “how was your run, daddy?”  They have been just so sweet and encouraging. I thought about all the  people i wanted to dedicate this milestone run to.  I was a little teary-eyed at 14k thinking about these things….focus, focus.

After 15k, another inspiration passed me.  In between two guys was a girl riding a wheelchair being push by another guy. The 3 guys alternately pushed the wheelchair.  A lot of runners were in awe of what they were doing.  All we can do was give them an encouraging applause.  Lucky girl she is.  She might be a wife or a sister of any of the three guys…, i don’t know.  Those guys could probably be friends who were there sticking it out with her and helping her fulfill her dreams too… what a sight…

after 20k: At this point, i was a  little tired but still happy because there was no pain on my knees nor any indication of any other pain  i usually feel during my injury and recovery days. I reached 20k at 2:10:03.  Still off by more than a minute but that was still okay.  That was easily recoverable.   Guess what was playing in my shuffle, another power song favorite, “Love’s theme” by Barry White with Love Unlimited Orchestra (another one of those you probably don’t know).  An easy music that uplifts. The timing was just perfect.  Just completed the first half and another half to go.

My plan was to take an easy pace of 6:20-6:30 again and i did that up to 25k after which I felt a tightness on my inner thigh and hamstrings.  So I started to drop in at every water station to get some short walk breaks and conserve my already half-empty hydration jugs.

After 30k: While my shuffle continue to play my power songs from  Journey, U2, Michael Jackson, Hillsong, Seal,  my walk breaks became more often.  The tightness turned to pain intensifying as I covered more ground.  I just felt my inner thigh ready to  give in.  By this time I’m already off my target by more than 6 mins.  I didn’t mind my target anymore  but just  focused on  finishing it well for now.

I saw Jo-ar and Aljo at the other side of the road, both doing 21k.  They were already walking.  Later I found out that Aljo got five blisters but still managed to finish and got that 21k finisher’s medal.  I also saw Lester who was also doing a full marathon walking.  Oh my… What is happening?  It seemed like there was a plague.  I wasn’t alone.  After crossing the u-turn at the Stadium Boulevard at 32k, super cramps hit me.  My right inner thigh and hamstring hit me at the same time.   I had to stop and held on to the rail to keep myself steady.  I did some stretching and rested for a minute.  I started walking slowly and by the time i was about to start running again, cramps again hit me this time in my left hamstring.  I tried stretching again but it seemed my right leg reacted again leading to  another onset of  cramps.  So I just decided to rest for a while then slowly walked again. It seemed that stretching was not working for my legs anymore.  So I just walked even when there was pain determined to finish this race I started.  When I  tried to walk fast, my inner thigh became so tight it lead to another round of cramps. Slowed down again and back to brisk-walk again.  Each kilometer of that remaining 10k, I attempted to run but cramps immediately set in foiling any attempt for a continuous run.

So that was the story of my last 10k — walk, brisk-walk, very short run, stop when pain sets in to avoid cramps,  slow walk again and so on.  I have to scratch out my target and focus on finishing the race.  My heart was so willing, my legs unfortunately were not.

Even with that terrible pain, i didn’t think about giving up.  DNF was not an option.

I finished my first full marathon at 5:19:50 (garmin time), way off my target time of 4:30-4:40. Am i happy?, yes of course!!  After all, it still is a milestone for me.

When I started running two years ago I never thought of being able to complete a full marathon. I’m not young anymore. I started late but I conquered something that not all will be able to do. Though not the only runner in my whole family, I was to be the  first in my family line to do a full.

I could not have done it if not for SomeOne who loves me and gave me that privilege.  I’m talking about our Almighty who had given me the strength and power, the ability to accomplish this feat.  That is why i want to thank Him for giving me this opportunity.

Also, He has given me a wife who was there for me, who sacrificed a lot  while i was out training, who was there for me during my dark  injured days.

I thank Him for my children who have been sources of  encouragement inspiring  me to push each day so that they will hear good updates when they ask me about my run.

To  my mom whom I terribly miss…

I dedicate my first full to you all.

To the rest of my family and friends who stayed by my side encouraging, pushing, propelling me to be strong and dream. Thanks a whole bunch!!!.

And special thanks also to Coach Rio who guided me in my running.

As for my next full, only time and God can tell…

See you at the races, still!

My First Half at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon

Oh what a race!!!

However tired I was coming into race day with the very full work schedule on race week, whatever pre-race muscle aches and pains made me nervous I wouldn’t finish strong, all these are  pushed aside, forgotten, deleted and moved in my memory bank’s trash bin.  This race has been just great regardless of the kinks that went along with it!  Truly, a race I will treasure … a milestone …  my first half marathon …

Flight Night

Meetings, deadlines, long work days and yes, even nights, characterized the week leading to race day.  Such was my schedule that Jun just picked me up in the office and we went straight to the airport to catch our Friday night flight to Singapore.  Needless to say, I was exhausted but still managed to get a good catch-up chat with Jun at dinner and with Tin at the airport who was boarding the same flight.  By the time we boarded and were seated,  I was red-eyed and yawn-filled.  I dozed-off even before the plane took-off.  We arrived at our friend’s apartment at 1am and and prepared to get a good night’s sleep.

Pre-Race

Armed with a full 6 hours sleep,  we woke up and headed to the Race Expo to claim our race packets.  Having been briefed by Jun about the possibility of  long lines, I was expecting about an hour to complete the process.  Lo and behold!  The redemption was so seamless taking us probably just about 5-10 minutes to claim our race packets, test our timing chips, take pictures and leave the claim area onto the expo booths.

amazingly efficient and stress-free race pack redemption. Bravo!!!

The race packet redemption area flowed smoothly onto the expo booths.  Now, it was here where some of us got pleasantly bogged-down…   hahaha

me behind Mari, Jay and Charlie who we frequently bumped into at the malls

going out of the expo with my advanced reward.

That afternoon found us spending time with running friends Annie, Jaymie and Miguel and with my close friend, Angelica Suiza, as we went around checking out some sporting outlets and later, a sit-down chat over some ice cream talking about the Singapore life.  We all went our separate ways with a lame attempt to organize a post-race get-together.  I think we all knew it would be quite difficult to do considering the big crowd and our relative unfamiliarity with the holding area lay-out.  All told, we bid one another goodnight with the admonition that we all be asleep at 8:30pm.

That was not to be the case with us though as Jun, our host, Angge and I proceeded to Toy’s R Us.  We were pushing our schedule too close for comfort but we just had to get some stuff for the kids who lost all their boardgames to Ondoy.  With Bea’s sparkling eyes and beautiful smile, Sofia’s teary gasp of delight and Mikka’s happy shriek, all accompanied by lots of warm hugs and kisses of thanks,  that greeted us as we gave them those gifts, I would have traded the marathon for toys shopping  for all I care (of course, I’m a little exaggerating here just to drive a point)

Race Day

Jun woke me up at 4:15am just before he set out.  With his race starting over an hour before mine, we decided he’ll go on ahead. Though I woke up very early,  I wasn’t able to do much stretching as  I took a longer time doing my morning ritual which was what I was more worried about.  Thank God that was a success! Angge (running her 3rd 21k in SCSM) and I left at 6am with just enough time to spare before our 6:45am gun-start.

At past 6am, the runners were already everywhere  — a happy bunch of excited, happy people anticipating the biggest running event of Singapore.  With the full marathoners already off since 5:30am, I was just amazed at how big the crowd still was.  We proceeded straight towards the starting line and was pleasantly surprised to hear Miguel calling out.  With that big crowd, finding friends would be like finding a needle in a haystack.  Managing a little stretching here and there while waiting for race start,  I also remembered to take and get a couple of photos  just a minute left before gun start.  Whew, got that in time!

with friends Angge and Miguel a few seconds before race start

Race Proper

Km 1-5

It took me almost 2 minutes to cross the starting line as the sea of blue runners all moved forward in perfect sync.  I started easy with the plan of maintaining a steady even pace until the end with the hope of having spare energy for a strong finish.  It was disconcerting to feel the need to pee as early as the first kilometer.  I tried to brush it off but started looking out for portalets along the way.  The first set of portalets came at Km3.  I stopped then decided to run on when I saw the long line (by the way, saw Miguel already lined-up there).  I can still hold it.  The plan was to stop at the next portalet row with a relatively shorter line.

Km6-10

Ooooh, i wonder where that will be as I passed several more portalet rows and still found long lines.  I tried not to think about it.  I prayed mostly for Jun’s good run ( I know how much this means to him).  I sang praise songs, too, silently … sometimes, not too silently, when I extraordinarily find some breathing (and singing) space around me.   You’d probably think I’m expending unnecessary effort and energy singing but I find myself extra-ordinarily refreshed whenever I offer a song of praise  to the Lord.

I just divulged a secret why I don’t listen to music when I run.  I make my own music.  That’s why.

I was still relatively relaxed at this point.  Afterall, I am still well within my distance comfort zone.  It was at this time when I took out my camera phone and took some race pictures.

two of the first few 42k runners going at it who we happily cheered on.

Km 11-15

This was to be the 2nd most difficult 5k part of my race .  At past 10k, I started feeling a noticeable pain at the back of my left thigh.  The location of the pain was surprising as I didn’t experience any problems with my left side.  My aches and pains has always been at the right — right hamstrings, right hip, right ankle, right plantars.   I felt my left upper back thigh begin to tense little by little.  I just ran on as usual carefully monitoring the pain.

By km12, I decided I just have to have that pee break.  I wanted to relieve my bladder off so I can concentrate my efforts and energy on my left leg.  Alas, I found a relatively shorter line at km 13 portalet row.  It took me still almost 5 minutes to line up and go.  The whole time I was trying to move my legs while in line so afraid of the cramping I often hear runners experience when they stop in the middle of a run.

Km 15-20

When I passed the 15km mark, I started to feel the pain extending to the outer side of my left knee.  “What is this?” I thought. “This is different.”  The muscle was getting tighter.  I was to find out later that that was my ITB giving me a problem. I tried running a different way to relieve the pain there but it wouldn’t go away.  I just tried to go a bit slower and sometimes walked a few steps when I opted to avail of water at the stations.  One thing sure,  the pain, though not strong enough to make me stop running surely slowed me down as I was afraid to push and risk experiencing leg cramping.

At km 19 though,  I was greeted with a loathsome bridge incline.  Whaaat?  An incline at the last 2km of a 21k run?  How cruel can they get!!!  Negotiating that bridge, I was seriously wondering  if I would ever do a 21k again.  I decided not to think about that yet and concentrate on finishing this one first.    With a determined posture, I picked up the pace even while still experiencing the tightness. I very briefly slowed down at one point when I felt unusually cold and light-headed.  I stopped at the last hydrating station to get a drink and prepared to go all out. I decided I will finish strong come hell or high water.

Km 21

I started this final phase summoning all strength of mind, heart and body, fully determined to finish and finish strong.   It seemed like a long final kilometer.  With the many twists and turns of the race route, the finish line was nowhere in sight.  In this final kilometer, the enthusiastic crowd cheering, clapping, shouting words of encouragement to the runners were really such a blessing.  The atmosphere suddenly just became so festive that I know we must be  near.  I definitely ran my fastest at this final kilometer — happy to know I was completing this milestone strong, well and alive!

Finished at 2hrs 41mins 43secs net.  Still alive and kicking, man! 

made it!!!

Afterthought

So, will I do this again? …  God willing… a resounding YES!!! 

See you at the races!

Since the Singapore race are milestones for both Jun and myself, we are posting our race experiences separately.  The Blue Sole’s account next…

This is it! On to Singapore!

Early this year while I was at the peak of my training for my first full, I had an injury that sidelined me and made me reluctantly stop pursuing my marathon dream for a while.  I had to satisfy myself with short easy runs and less mileage and contend myself with more PT drills and some cross training.  It took sometime for me to get used to the idea of not pushing myself  when running.  I waited patiently (i must admit, sometimes impatiently) to be able to go back to running again.  So, mileage was drastically reduced and training intensity was kept down so as not to aggravate my injury.

By summertime, I went  slowly went back and conservatively planned my runs which included Sunday races just to be able reach my goal to do my first full marathon.  I followed my training plan religiously.  Even during races where I do all my long runs, I maintained my planned pace even though it was very tempting speed up. I being such a good boy.

Then, calamity struck us that disrupted my training for three weeks. I was physically and emotionally drained that time and was uncertain if I will be able to do my first full.  Slowly, I went back to training while I took care of rehabilitating our home.  After doing my first 30km long run, I knew there was hope to get my marathon dream this year.

Mariel and I decided to do it.  My first full and her first half.

So, this is it! We’re running at the Standard Chartered Marathon in Singapore.  Am i ready? hmmmmm,  I am hoping my preparation will be enough for me to finish strong?….. finishing well will do.  I’m packed and just about ready.  Deep tissue massage, check.  Garmin, check.  Hydration belt, check.  singlet, Skins, socks, shoes, check check check check.  Mariel, check?

Chcheck?

I’m honestly very nervous about this. Yesterday morning, I did my last 10k run.  Last night was my last deep tissue massage. There are definitely some tight muscles there.  I’ve only ran as far as 18.5k almost 2 weeks ago and have ran out of time to duplicate or top that.

Can I really run a 21k?  ooooh I get butterflies in my stomach thinking about it.  Unlike my 15k non-stop training run,  when I didn’t feel any pain,  i felt my legs get heavy and tired at about the 16th km (13th km during the Botak race) which was why Jun insisted that I forgo my usual leg massage and have a deep tissue massage  instead after the Botak Race.

I hope I am able to settle down and calm my nerves come race day.  I hope I do well… I hope I finish… strong… alive? hahaha!  Gotta get these nasty thoughts out of my head!  I will just do my very best and pray everything turns out well and have a good and enjoyable run.  Good thing I believe in miracles! I definitely need one.

This is it. No turning back … on to Singapore!

New Balance Power Run ‘09

Flashback: New Balance ‘08 (Clark)

My first exposure to the New Balance Race was in October of last year  in Clark not as a runner but as a co-photographer to our eldest daughter, Bea,  providing moral support to the then one and only runner in the family — Jun, of course!  The whole family hied off to Clear Water for some R&R and watched Jun finish his 25k race while taking some very interesting pictures during the race.

I still remember very clearly… Jun woke me up as planned all geared-up already so I can bring him to the starting line.  I drove back and at the appointed time woke-up our then 13 year old Bea and stationed ourselves at the race route just before the turn-around point near our hotel waiting for Jun to come running by.  It was a long wait as we were there even before the first runner came running along.  So, Bea and I had some fun time together chatting, laughing and clowning around while waiting.

Bea, entertaining me with her funny faces as we wait for Jun

Finally, our “star” arrives!

Snapped some running pics also of running regulars I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet at that time.  Looking at the pictures we took back then, it was interesting that the unnamed runners are now friends I now often see during races, training runs or even race launch events.  Let me share some unpublished pics (the Sole Mates’ blog was not in existence yet at the time)  we took last NB’08.

Present:  New Balance Power Run ‘09 (The Fort)

From NV (read ENVY) to NB…

This year was different, from being a mere support to Jun, I am now an eager participant of the race.  I ran 10k and Jun did the 21k event.  We both took it easy since this was to be our  last race before my first half and Jun’s first full marathon. I’m happy to note that this year’s New Balance Power Run (Raising Hope) was a well-organized race.  The race started on time and water was in abundant supply.  Marshals were sufficient and very upbeat especially those stationed before the finish line. Furthermore,  bananas and 100 Plus drink were given at the finish and a very welcome surprise for me — a finisher’s medal!  Thanks NB for my very first running medal!

I waited for the Blue Sole to finish his race and off we went to make the rounds of the booths and got the chance to chat with friends, Dindo, Vener & Christy, Charlie, Rio, Ordo and Nana Mayen at different time points during our rounds.

We both described this race as comfortable.  We were both running events that we are most comfortable with at the moment  — me at 10k (I think I can run 10k everyday … hmmm… maybe every other day )and he at 21k.  Dec 6 is a different story as we will both be out of our comfort zones and will be exploring new and exciting territory.  oooh sooo nervous… Meantime, I’ll just savor my very comfortable run and finish at the NB’09.

Four Races and a Training Run

FOUR RACES…

Sept and Oct were El Nino months  for us as far as blogging is concerned.  We participated in 4 different runs and  have not written  about them until now.  Two before Ondoy and two after.  It wasn’t that there was nothing exciting to write about.  We just got the writers’ blues, that’s all.  Since we’ve started posting again, we want to complete our chronicle with short accounts that would hopefully capture our experiences in these 4 races.  Though much too late, it may be fun to reminisce about these races with us and remember the good and bad experiences.  We hope more of the good though.

1) ECODASH :  Four thumbs up!

PINK SOLE

A happy, very wet run.  That’s how I would describe this race.

I woke up on race day hearing pitter-patters outside.  Is it raining? I asked Jun. He replied, since last night.  Ooh oh.  Honestly, I wasn’t feeling excited that morning first, because I had zero mileage that week and second, I was feeling heavy with all the choco chips I feasted on the day before.  Hah, I was anticipating a heavy panting run.  That was why I didn’t feel so upbeat about it.

I dressed up anyway with Jun egging me to keep moving.  With the rains, I had to re-think my outfit as I didn’t want to get cold nor end up see-through wet.  Of course, thinking through my outfit ate up some unplanned minutes off my prep time.  Haha I think I stressed the Blue Sole again.

With the rain pouring,  we found ourselves just one of a few cars parked at the north side of BHS.  The race started 30 minutes late so I had more than sufficient time to visit the ladies room twice and do some stretching.  I was so relaxed I almost didn’t realize it was my event that was about to start while I stood at the sidelines still waiting for the 10k runners to be called.  haha I guess I was caught daydreaming under the rain.

The run was pure joy.   Probably because the weather was cool that I didn’t feel too tired nor panted as much as I expected even with mileage a ziltz.  It was nice, too, that I had a running buddy (Miguel) during the early part of the race who like myself, has had very little mileage the past weeks.  Sashaying through the puddles was kinda fun, too.  I wasn’t successful avoiding all of them so with shoes, socks and all the way to my feet all wet, I happily trodded on without a care enjoying the new route which brought us around the glorietta/makati shang area via makati ave.  The run back up the flyover didn’t feel so much as a struggle as before.  A dash to the finish capped this rain-soaked run.

Super enjoyed this run and the happy chat with friends after about the up-coming QCIM.  Two thumbs up!

Make that four!

2) ROTARUN :  Now this one is an entirely different story…

I wish I didn’t  wake up early to go to this one.  First, there was no 15k race packet waiting for me as we’ve been promised.  I was being given a 21k packet instead for a distance that I was not prepared to run.  Didn’t get to run this one.  Just as we were told that there only 21k race packets were  left for us, I found out I was missing my ampiphod pouch where I placed my iphone.  The 21k countdown has begun and I waved off Jun to go ahead with his race while I hurriedly traced my steps back to the parking lot and to the car looking for my phone.  I spent the whole race period looking for it and sadly didn’t get it back.

Didn’t plan on running this one but Mariel wanted to run a 15k event.  I ended up the one running instead.  So many things went wrong in this race.  One thing you can’t ignore even if you try is the under-measured distance that left 21k runners with new “scratch-in-the-head” PR’s that proved to be short-lived.  More than 3kms short as per my Garmin reading.

3)  QCIM:   A good comeback race …

Forced myself to run this one even if I really was in no mood to run yet.  Jun encouraged me though and I relented.  We really needed to start running and drive the Ondoy spirit away.  Turned out to be a good run for me.  No PR here but the accomplishment of running again after 1 month of running drought in our household was just great!  Just didn’t expect there’d be some drought in the race, too.  Running out of water at 6k caught me off-guard as I consumed a Hammer gel and found no water to down it with.  aaagh  gulp  gulp.   Apart from that, it was a good race experience for me though I was panting real hard the last few kilometers.  Mark I suppose heard me.  He sneaked-up on me and mimicked my panting and wouldn’t let me forget. hahaha  give me a break mark! haha   It was a good thing I was able to walk together with Mark and Tiffin towards the parking lot as I was quite disoriented and wasn’t quite sure where to go.  Unlike other races I’ve been used to, this one has a different starting and finish points.   And oh Tiffin, I really won’t forget you in this race.   Thanks to Miguel, too, for keeping me company during the long wait for our 10k gun start and running alongside me during the first few kilometers.  Sorry I slowed you down. hehe

The new venue provided a  unique experience running in the wide expanse of Commonweath Ave.  You can see that the race has the full backing of the local government and rightly so.  Ample parking, good no. of security men deployed in the parking lots, sufficient no. of portalets, very festive atmosphere with marching bands and rah rah girls scattered along the race route.  Definitely more special than most races but I would have to agree it needs more  improvement to be at par with  international races.

Coming off from  a one-month hiatus, I consider this 21k  race  a good running experience or me.

4) Adidas KOTR:  A much awaited race …

PR race for me timing in unofficially at 1:08 10k based on my old reliable Baby G stop watch. Didn’t  find my name though in the official results.  The singlet was nice (love the bright yellow and black color!) and Adidas lived up to its reputation of providing well-designed, quality race singlets.   A very well attended event,  the  atmosphere was fun and at the same time electrifying.

Training run for me again as I extended and added another 4k to my 21k run.  Good running day for me.

Mariel with Melody

me & Vima (kulit on the run)

me, vima & tanya

A TRAINING RUN…

A milestone for me though came not from all these races.  We went to BHS  a month ago (Oct 26) hoping to run 10  and unexpectedly ran a 15k non-stop!   Really, not even a water break!.  Now, how did that happen?  Thanks to Kaye who provided the target and later on  the unexpected reward!  haha

Finishing our warm-up run, Jun asked me how many I’m doing.  “10, I hope” was my tentative reply.  I myself was surprised I was feeling strong after 10k that I decided to just go for it.  Jun, who already finished his run was wondering why I was  taking too long and Kaye, who I had a nice chat with before my run in front of Nike was already thinking I might have taken her seriously and followed her advise.  Ha ha ha followed her indeed and what a happy runner I  was that night! Finished my first non-stop 15k with no pain at all. Not even the following days after.  Fabulous!!!

Guess what my motivation was to finish the 15k even when I started to feel I was drying up in the last 2 rounds (2.4k)?  Pan chicken at Pancake House!  So, off we went to Pancake House after.  What a great ending to a great training run! woohoo!  If that wasn’t enough, Jun agreed I should have that black and yellow Lunar Glides. WOOOHOOOHOOO!!!

Last na yan!  Next buy would be for 42k.

Huh? I would be needing more Lunar motivations for that!

Botak Paatibayan Redeemed

Four  races, one weekend?  Whew, which one do we pick?

Del Monte’s Fit & Run is close to my heart but offers only up to 10k(does not support our immediate and critical goal for a long run).  Men’s Health’s Urbanathlon also very close to our hearts just doesn’t have a friendly format (can’t risk those obstacles injuring us now).  Race for Life with its advocacy is one that we can readily support however it offers just a 10k, too(i think). Besides being a little far,  this one’s being held on a Saturday when we have an importnt family event.  That leaves us with the Botak Paatibayan race.  With our not so good experience with a previous Botak event early this year however,  do we risk picking this one?  With Botak Paatibayan offering a 15k though, we were willing to place our bets here.  We will just use our hydration belts to be sure.  So… Botak it is…  and guess what?… we didn’t regret it at all!

Jun and I both registered for 15k (almost a last minute decision), the longest distance offered at the race.  While Jun is on taper mode already, I am still aiming to do my longest run at 18k.

Like what we did in the Timex race, we targeted to run our additional mileage before the race.  Unlike Timex though when we were able to sleep early the previous night to be ready for our pre-race run, we didn’t get much sleep Saturday  night since we had family and close friends at home celebrating our Mikka’s 6th birthday.  The whole Saturday was hectic but fun as the whole family celebrated at Fun Ranch as eagerly requested by Mikka.  The whole week was even more tiring with full and work-laden weekdays.  Such was my schedule the past week that I managed only to sneak out for a 45minute 6k run Saturday morning in the village while our birthday celebrator was still sleeping.  I got home with a McDonald’s breakfast bought by Jun with party hats to boot (a family tradition) with the older kids awake ready to wake our little Mikka with a happy birthday song.

So, waking up Sunday early morning wasn’t easy.  I still felt tired and sleepy but forced myself to stand up allowing myself only a few minutes to snooze reminding myself that it is my last chance to do my 18 as i need to taper off.

So we proceeded to the race venue early and started running at 5:15am.  Finish 3.5k with ample time for a restroom break before proceeding to the starting line for the 5:50am gun start.

We started together but planned to run at our own pace giving Jun time to go back for me and finish with me.  Everything was carried out as planned.  Jun finished and went running back and met me at the last kilometer and ran with me, egging me on, encouraging me to take it easy, slowly speed up and use longer strides towards the finish. Finally nailed that 18k (18.5k to be exact)!!! Woooohooo!!! On to Singapore!

Last Saturday was a special day for the family not only because it was Mikka’s 6th birthday but also because it was the very first time we felt that we have truly re-claimed our house.  Not 100% yet but getting close.  Since Mariel did not have time to run the past days, I told to her to run Saturday even for just a few kilometers just to get to feel the road again. She went out to run in the village early while I went out soon after to buy our traditional McDonald’s birthday breakfast.  As soon as the whole family finished breakfast and Mikka finished opening her gifts, Mariel and the kids started hanging the new curtains and slipping on the sofa covers.  It felt like we’re really home again. 

Sunday’s Botak Race was a no-frills race but it had all the basics satisfied.  There were more than enough water and gatorade.  The people manning the stations were practically begging us to get our fill which we did with gusto even if I had my hydration belt on (the colder drinks were more attractive and with no lines and plenty of readily filled cups, who could resist?).  Botak and Men’s Health at some point in the races both used the same route at the same time but the organizers managed it very well.  There were enough marshals to direct us to the right route.

Saw Charlie doing his long run and he decided to join me at the last 5k. I went on to finish 15k uneventfully at 1.28 (based on my garmin) and went back for Mariel with Charlie still running with me intending to go all the way back the same route. We separated when I paced Mariel and he joined Ting as we ran the last kilometer towards the finish line.  Finished a total of 22k for the day.  Very good run.

Sorry, no pics this time as we hurriedly went off to catch our Sunday family activities.  Till NB!

TIMEXTRAORDINAIRE

As Jun and I were driving home from last Sunday’s run, we were sharing our thoughts about the race and readily agreed that it was really great!  We couldn’t find fault with anything.  We are not into fault-finding during races as we want to just enjoy every race and focus on their good points.  This time though we did try to find fault and didn’t find any.  Very extra-ordinary!

Because we know that coming up with an event like this requires a good partnership between the sponsor and the organizer, we thank both Timex and Finish Line  for a superbly-planned and implemented race event that resulted to a great running experience.

Now for our race account …

Pre-race:

For the first time since I started running, I woke up ahead of  Jun and even before the alarm clock  hit 2:45am.   I tapped him  lightly on the arm to make sure he’s awake and then bounced off the bed.  There was something (or was it someone? Oh Papa P!)  in this race that made me excited.  I probably had a premonition of a great event I didn’t want to ruin it by being late.  haha

At exactly 3:55am, we were in BHS starting our pre-race run.  There were not many people and cars yet but the starting line was already busy, bright and alive.  I was supposed to do a 15k and Jun a 32k.  Being registered only for 10k, I needed to do an extra 5.  Jun doing the 21k event would have to slice his extra 11k before and after the race. So, we did.

Jun and I ran together until I dropped off after finishing my 5k.  I would have wanted to continue and add more mileage as I had a good 30 minutes more before my event but I feared the long lines at the restroom and decided to allot the extra time for it.  It was a good decision after all as I was able to do my thing and felt completely ready for my race.  With the extra time on my hands, I was able to pray with Piolo and the rest of the runners and snap some pre-race pictures.

My view from across the street as Piolo was about to lead the runners in prayer with Coach Rio beside him

The race went great.  I used my hydration belt for the first time as I didn’t want to line up for water and found out I could have foregone use of it.  There was more than enough water for all the runners and the tables set were long enough to avoid any lines.  This, together with the hassle-free same-day claiming of the race pack  were really the biggest and most welcome improvement for me.  The rest like the David Salon rah rah girls, free towels for 21k finishers, free massage booth, loot bags, etc.  are nice-to-haves but definitely did make this race more special than the rest.

After the 21k runners left, I went in the corral and joined all the runners in the stretching exercises.  After the video presentation of the race route (a new techie addition), the race started and off went the 10k runners.  Jun warned me during our pre-race run to make sure I take it easy as I might immediately speed up having been warmed up from my early pre-race 5k.  So i was a little surprised  that my legs felt stiff and I felt in no way warmed-up as I started running my 10k.  I suppose the 30-minute break wiped-out the advantage from the warm-up. After km1, my legs felt better and ready to go and I sped up only to be slowed down by the flyover incline.  (I really need to get  those incline trainings started!)  I guess I was concentrating hard negotiating the incline that I failed to see Jun as we passed each on his way back (he said he saw me looking straight out).  The downhill run, my favorite, was usually an all-out affair for me.  This time though, I decided to take it easy all the way down careful not to cause any pain or any injury.  Off the flyover,  I saw friends Tiffin who cheered me on (thanks Tiff!) then Miguel who’s running his 1st half (congrats Migs!).  I was feeling good all the way that I decided to forgo my planned gel intake after km7 or anywhere before tackling the flyover again.  I didn’t think much about my time.  I just listened to my body more and tried to maintain the pace most comfortable for me that would take me on a longer run.

I was feeling good till the end.   Big thanks to Kaye for the very enthusiastic cheer at the finish line!  No PR this time (1.10.42) but it felt good having finished a total of 15k mileage set for the day.  Gotta nail that 18k this week or I’d be in trouble in December…

Marga, Mari, Kaye, Vima & Art, Tanya's friend, Tanya, me & Christy

Special thanks to Vima and Photovendo  for the pics!

I was looking forward to this race not because it was one of those the most  anticipated races but rather it was scheduled at the same time i was supposed to do my longest run (32k) to get ready for my first full.  So i asked Mariel if we can wake up earlier than usual, start early and run early. My plan was to do 5k or more prior to the 21k race and do the remaining after the race. Mariel agreed with me and we started our day excited and ready for a long run day. She joined the first 5 k and i continued until the final call for 21k runners. Im glad i did 7.5K before the race. As we took off i reminded myself to just maintain my planned pace for each part of the race. I kept in mind that i still need to do 24.5k and just take it easy since it is a long run day and not a race for me. After crossing the finish line, i just sipped some water, exchanged pleasantries with Jay (Prometheus Cometh) and went off straight out and continued my run to complete my 32k. woohooo!

I feel good i completed my longest run. Tired, a little sore but very happy.

Now, this race seemed more like an international race, don’t you think?

Nike Lunar Glide+ New Colors: Review Batch 2

When I wrote the first review, I really didn’t think I’d have a part 2.  I guess my question in the first review as to whether Nike will have enough colors to satisfy my craving for a Lunar Glide+ may have been answered. To date, they’ve come out with 7 color varieties for women and another 7  for men.  With the success of the Lunar Glide+, I believe there’d be more.  Hurray!!!

So ladies, this may be a little late as I have been sidelined for a time due to unforeseen events, but I’m back and raring to feature my fave shoes again.  Men’s colors to be featured, too.  So hang in there…

Nike Lunar Glides+ (Batch 2)

Light and airy, is how I will describe this model.  The color is just so cool to the eyes.  The light blue, white, light gray and a a little darker gray color combination soothes the eyes.  Nothing shocking. Nothing glaring.  A combination that has a calming effect.  Seems like this would make me run floating.  Pretty nice for an everyday walking shoes, too that would blend well with the old reliable jeans.

Just like the first batch, batch 2 has a striking variant.  What can be more striking than red?   This  dominantly red ride was effectively toned down by the black and gray combination that truly matches.  Unlike the light blue up there which calms, this one shouts energy!  Go Go Go!  Run Run Run!

Now if there’s a pair I would pick for this batch, this one gets my 100%, hands-up, full vote.  This one is screaming ” BUY ME, BUY ME!!!”   This is handsomely chic!  With shoes like this, how can you go wrong?  This one makes me feel like I can run my first 21k in no time.  haha

Have you taken your pick?  Before you decide, here’s the first color batch launched by Nike and reviewed in this blog.

To read color review and view bigger pictures of batch 1, click  Nike Lunar Glide+ COLORS: A Review.

To read  Sole Mates’ review of the Lunar Glide+, click Nike Lunar Glide+ for Men & Women  Review.

Now, here’s for the men.  Great color picks even for women!

1) Dark Gray and Yellow

2) Light Gray/White/Purple

3) Black/Gray/Red

Batch 2  on parade …  Clap Clap Clap!  Braaaavo!

Available at all Nike Outlets  and Runnr Store for P5,550.00

Lunar Glide+ Women's at the top with their counterpart colors for men at the bottom

Women's on Top

To Sing or not to Sing …

Nope, we are not talking about a vocal engagement here but an all-important race we signed up for early June  scheduled for Dec 7 — the Standard Chartered International Marathon in Singapore.

Having been sidelined for a month as clean-up chores took priority, we are racing to train for a race we signed up for months before.  As we resume training, we are still undecided … or atleast Mariel still is. Do we push through with it?

I am hoping to go back and this time conquer my first full in Singapore.  Mariel on the otherhand, has signed up for her first half.

We are in a dilemna right now.  With the way things are right now, Mariel is having second thoughts…

Still praying about it …  With barely a month to go, we’ve got to make a decision soon…

Down But Not Out

Our family and close friends know why we’ve been out of circulation lately.  Like millions of other Filipinos in Metro Manila, we were greatly affected by the recent mega-flooding brought about by typhoon Ondoy.  Our house like so many others you saw in the news was submerged in 6 feet of muddy flood waters.  Bear with us as we chronicle this significant part of our lives that yes, affected our running lives as well.

How do you stand up strong from a drowning, emotionally-draining, energy-sapping experience such as Ondoy?

The village where Jun and I lived for a total of 25 years now (9-10 years as singles living with our respective parents and 15.5  years as a married couple) never experienced anything remotely like this.  Sure, some parts of the village roads got flooded sometimes BUT flood waters NEVER reached  the road fronting our house. Well, not until that fateful morning of Sept 26th.

First of 3 cars swept by the current

I woke up from a very restful sleep that morning unmindful of the non-stop rains all through the night. And why not?  It has rained non-stop many times before uneventfully for us and what the rains brought us were cool, breezy, rest and sleep inducing nights.  Not this time. Clear rain water was starting to pool in front of our place.  Unusual but far from threatening.  Maybe the rains were stronger than usual, I thought.  No strong winds.  That’s good, I further thought.

The rains continued pouring though and before long, the gutter was filled to the brim and water started going up our garage.  Very, very unusual.  Alarmed with the situation, I started monitoring the flooding very closely.  I called up my parents who also live in the village and asked about their situation.  My Dad was very jolly and unmindful of the rains.  No flooding there.  I warned him and got a teasing instead which I was in no mood to receive.  He must have sensed my concern such that he went to our house and looked into our situation.  I bidded him to return home as Mom was there alone.  By this time the garage was already holding a lot of water and the vehicles’ tires were soaked 5-inches deep. It was at this time that I asked Jun if we shouldn’t be bringing the vehicles out.  Jun was right when he said we couldn’t anymore.   By then, the route going out would have been deeper in water as we were in relatively higher ground.

While the waters have not entered the house yet, I started packing 3 days worth of clothes and asked the kids to wear their hooded jackets and rubber shoes.    As soon as the water entered the house I very calmly instructed the older kids to put all things important to them  in the topmost drawers like school uniforms and school stuff.  Their  Why-Mommy questions were just answered with a calm “Don’t worry baby.  Let’s just do this to make sure.”  Everyone cooperated excellently.  They also threw in a few favorite toys they could get their hands on onto the upper deck of a double-decker bed in the spare room.  Smart kids!

As Mariel was busy preparing the kids, I was just as busy helping the maids keep the water out of our kitchen.  I was quite oblivious to the rising water as my thoughts and efforts were focused on the rain coming in from the kitchen roof.  Did we miss out having the gutters cleaned?

Just then, the then still clear water was in our living room ushering in a lone catfish, eliciting giggles and shrieks of delight from our little Mikka.  There was still laughter in the house seeing Mikka’s excitement over the fish.  All this time Mariel was in the room occasionally going out only to check on  the water.  I didn’t know then but found out later that she was packing our running gears and stuffed it all at the topmost drawer.  Good thinking hon!

The water was going up fast.  I had to bring down the main switch as the water was starting to reach the sockets.

I asked the kids if they can find me the floaties.  Sofia’s nervous  “Why Mommy?” made me scratch the idea.  “Nevermind baby, it’s okay.”  I just thought we will bring them out early and will not need the floaties.

Mercifully, and I attribute this to the Lord’s guidance, we decided to bring the kids out to safer, higher ground even while thinking that no, the water will not go any higher.  No, our house will not be flooding like this. No, this cannot be happening.  In the midst of confusing thoughts, the Lord gave us calm spirits and lead us to bring the kids out early enough.  We went out, Jun leading us  across the neighbor’s house wading through thigh-deep (waist deep for our 10-year old) racing waters under pouring rain with nothing but a set each of dry clothes we hurriedly pulled from our closets and stuffed in my small bag.  We realized we couldn’t carry any heavy bags anymore as we were getting out of the house.  It was a good thing our good neighbor also named Jun was in their garage and readily welcomed us and ushered us in and up their 2nd floor room.

As soon as we were safe, Jun headed back home before I could protest and tried to elevate some of our more important stuff  with our household helps.  They seemed to be taking a  long time  coming out and I was already nervously trying to call and text Jun to  get out of the house.

His effort to go back home did get some of our important stuff saved including the packed bag of clothes we had to leave however he was unable to join me and the kids to take refuge in the same house we went to.  He found it impossible to go across as the now brown muddy  water had gone up to chest level and the current got stronger.  The kids and I were peering through the glass window watching him trying to get to us.  His attempt to get across to join us caused him to be swept by the current further away from us.    This scene caused panic to the kids and all of them started crying as soon as they saw their dad being swept away by the muddy water just like the 3 cars we earlier watched go with the flow one after the other.  I tried to stay calm as I hurriedly led the crying kids away from the window and just as hurriedly went back to see Jun swimming to safety.  My heart was beating so badly against my chest I thought it would burst. Thankfully, this blue sole did not panic and managed to swim to the roadside. Thank God he was able to go back to the other neighbor’s house and stayed there for the rest of the night.

Jun at his first attempt to go across to join us

Jun (blue circle) leading the maids to safer ground

With the electric power down and our cellphones out of battery, we didn’t get to talk anymore and satisfied ourselves with occasional waving.  Yes, we didn’t get to be together as a family that fateful night but I tried to comfort the kids and assured them that Daddy is okay and we will all be together again the next day.   That night,  sleep came only after midnight when my most generous neighbor, Emmy and I were assured that the water is finally going down.

I spent the night in the open upper deck of the other neighbor’s house together with our househelps and some other neighbors.  All I managed to bring with me were a change of clothes.  A shirt and would you believe, cycling shorts were what I managed to pull-out from the dark.  We were filthy, cold and tired but relieved to have made it up to a safer place.  That night I slept alternately seated on a chair and curled on top of a table. I am thankful that Mariel and the kids were in a place much, much more comfortable.

I was calm all throughout — from the time it started flooding, when we had to evacuate up until everybody was safe.  Even when I was swept by the current, there was a strange calm inside.  I was able to focus on what I had to do which was to bring my family to safety, save as much of our things as possible and make sure our maids and I survive this.  We did and I only know fully well Who helped us.

From across the neighbor’s house, we saw in full view how our earthly possessions went under water — cars, house and almost everything in it.  Hugging my kids close though, seeing Jun safe, receiving text messages of assurance from my Mom, Dad, sister and brother and Jun’s sister and her family that everyone is safe, honestly made  those earthly things matter much much less.  I am just so glad we are all safe and the family’s complete.

My heart goes out to those who lost a family member, a good friend, a loved one apart from losing their homes.  I can only imagine how difficult that is.  My prayers and sympathies are with you.

I will forever share a bond with my neighbors with whom we experienced the floods, with family and friends who generously gave us  their love, concern, prayers and who so generously shared their time and resources with us.  We are forever grateful.

I can’t say it didn’t hurt at all, this must have set us back about 10-15 years.  I can’t say I really didn’t mind it at all as I wasn’t able to control shedding tears as I sort through our muddied and ruined pictures especially our wedding album.  We still couldn’t help but mourn albeit very shortly about favorite things we remember and couldn’t find anymore which we just assume were part of the piles of muddied stuff we had to throw away.

It has been a full month since the great metro manila calamity.  We’re slowly trying to get our lives back in order and achieve a semblance of normalcy.  The whole family’s back in the house, the kids are back in school, Jun and I are back running and now back blogging (we hope, with some regularity now).

The process of rehabilitation will take time but life goes on.  We will be fighting — for our family, for our kids’ future, for the full life God intends for us to live.  We must stand up stronger.  With God’s help, we know we will.

We leave you with God’s word we hold in our hearts:

” Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

“We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” Phil 2:13

Down but definitely, not out!

God bless us all!

Cheers! 

5th Octoberun Festival

The Fort Striders Club presents the 5th Octoberun Festival “The start of a new life II”.  A 3/5/10/16k run on October 4, 2009 at the Fort Bonifacio Global City. The proceeds will go to The Real Life Foundation. You may register at R.O.X. and for more info please contact Felsie at CP:0908-4340208, Landline: 896-1954 or 890-2372.

If you experienced the Octoberun last year, then you’ll know why you could miss the October Fest but not the Octoberun.

Mommy Milkshake: Drizzly Fun Run

This is one race I was most excited with because it affords us a chance to bring the kids along.  We registered to run the 3k event and a week before the race day,  all the kids have decided on their race gears.  We even did a 2k practice run in the village.  That alone was fun already!

Since it has been raining since a couple of days back, I knew there was possibility that the race could be cancelled or if not, the kids would probably not be able to join us.  True enough, on the night before race day, we received an email advise from the race organizers that they will be sending text messages to the registered participants at 3am on race day should they decide to postpone the event.  That was unsettling but we didn’t tell the kids yet.  Somehow I knew they can still run with us as the rains already subsided and later that night was relegated to a drizzle.  Nonetheless, I woke up at 3am to check for a message.  Felt relieved that there was none even after 30 minutes.  Unfortunately, sleep by this time has eluded me until it was time for everybody to wake up.

The kids readily woke up at 5:15am and prepared for their race.  My sis-in-law(my only brother Junix’ wife that is), Debbie, and her unica hija, Daphne, arrived early very much excited for their very first race. Woohoo! (I hope we can get Junix to run or walk(?) next time.  He surely needs it! ).

It was cloudy but there wasn’t even a drizzle sooo … off we went with the kids in tow!

Nearing BHS, it started to drizzle.  O0h oh, too late to back out.  The drizzles came and went.  That was about the story from registration until the finish.  Thank God there was no down-pour and we had no need to pull the kids out from the race ‘coz that would have been a big letdown for them.

One time it was drizzling during the race, our Mikka innocently commented, “Mom, it’s drizzling!”  “Yes” I answered, so better make the most out of this as you wouldn’t be able to run in the rain all too often.”  hahaha We ran on having fun with me offering a silent prayer that the kids don’t get sick.  We thank the Lord they’re all well with nary a hint of colds.   All throughout the race, our 5-year old Mikka dictated our pace.  She’d shout “Walk” when tired and happily scream “Go!” as she starts to sprint.  We had fun running as a family!  Family events such as these spice up our running life, indeed!

We’ll keep this short and let the pictures show you the fun event.  Don’t be surprised if you don’t see me in the pics though.  I was the family’s appointed official photographer for the event!   Here goes…

Cloudy skies couldn’t dampen our spirits.  The circus acts and a friendly bear mascot lent a festive atmosphere.

circus clowns entertained the kids

Mikka with the friendly Nivea baby bear mascot

Pink was the color of the day with the race organizer encouraging everyone to wear pink for the race.  Of course, the family happily complied.

Our family's very pink race contingent -

Mommy Vima & Mommy Mariel with our respective kids.

Definitely more pink than our usual photo-ops with friends --bea, mariel, mikka & sofia cruz, with art & vima mendoza and 3 kids, marga, patrick, miguel, jaymie, aljo, debbie & daphne

It was drizzling on and off during the registration but race started with a clearer sky just right for a cool weather race…

At race start (see mikka barely seen behind the big banner? Peek... )

... a- Boo! Mikka finally visible at race start

With the banner and photo-ops out of the way, everybody’s all set.  Ready… set… go!

The family started the race together…

all running together still

It wasn’t long after though when Sofia and cousin Daphne darted ahead leaving Mikka, Bea and me behind…

Taking it easy and just enjoying the experience

Gearing up!

Mikka says "Go!"

Mikka leads us when it's "Go!" time.

Rare and proud moment for Mikka as she overtakes older sister. Kind Sofia readily gave way.

How light and easy can it get? (see mom debbie running with all her paraphernalia?)

Bea, Sofia & Mikka: Pretty good running forms, ey?

It was fun  seeing and even running with friends at some point in the race …

Bro J, Baby and son having fun running

Good friend Anne joined, too. It was us who couldn't keep up with her this time.

The 5k & 3k runners merged towards the 2nd loop. Taki & baby, Jaymie catching up with us here.

Finally, the finish line awaits…

Bea, Mikka and I sprinting to the finish line with BroJ & family

"Mikka, you did it!"

The Cruz girls as pink as can be

For our usual pic … it’s the Sole Mates + 3 …

The Sole Mates with our most cherished treasures - bea, sofia & Mikka (niece Daphne at the rightmost side)

After a drizzle-laden run, the kids clamored for a swim.  So, they headed straight to the village pool and continued a fun-filled morning!

Thanks  Mommy Milkshake. We had fun!  We hope there’s a next time…

Ironman 70.3 Camsur Pics

Let me take you again to Ironman Camsur from  registration to the finish line…..

On our way to Registration Area

Waiting for our turn to register

TBS at the Big lake after testing the waters

My relay team: me, Jason and Hans

Dennis, Che, Melody, Hans, Coach Melvin, me with Sen Pia Cayetano

With Lance Watson

Saturday at CWC waiting happily for our lunch

After an hour waiting for lunch, we turned to gatorade for fill our growling stomachs!

Race day before sunrise

At the Big lake

Body Marking prior to race

Getting ready to swim

The very energetic Tessa Prieto Valdez who finished 3rd in her age group

With Coach Rio and Jo-ar waiting patiently for our bikers At the Relay waiting area

Hans, Melody and Jason with fellow relay participant Maricel Laxa Pangilinan

Ironman winner, Terenzo Bozzone

Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Sen. Pia Cayetano finishing together

After crossing the finish line

Elite runners ready to soak their feet in a styrobox with water and ice. Look what they're drinking after the race!

After all, it was a good race!!

My Ironman 70.3 Relay Experience

Day 1:  Flying with the Fast, Strong and Famous

The Ironman 70.3 fever was felt as  soon as we arrived at the terminal 3 airport. VIP treatment was accorded all the participants traveling to CamSur.  This early we could tell that this is going to be an excellently organized event and we were not disappointed.

I was like a fan ogling at the elites especially the famous Ironman champions at the VIP lane where we were ushered in.  Most recognizable of them is the Ironman Hawaii World champion Chris McCormack,  Eagleman 70.3 first placer, Terenzo Bozzone and Ironman Hawaii third placer, Tim Marr.  Wow, imagine our team having the same flight as these famous athletes?  Of course, we were excited!  You can say we started our trip on a really high note.  The warm welcome at the Naga airport sure added to the excitement.

Hans, Pastor Ernie, me, Melody with Ironman Hawaii World Champion Cris McCormack

Team Believestrong members at the airport while waiting for boarding, Aumar, Melody, Philip, Pastor Ernie, Jason, Me and Hans

Day 2-3:  Pre-Race Prep

Team Believestrong  went to the site,  Cam Sur Watersports Complex (CWC), to get a feel of the place.   Some tested the waters while i did a short 4k around the big lake which was to be also a part of the run course.

While day 1 was perfect, these days in-between was a different story…

Our team experienced some misadventures.  Aumar, the swimmer for the other relay team has been having asthma attacks for the past few days and would likely not be able to recover on race day.  The runner for that same team  has issues in Manila and has  not arrived yet.  Pastor Ernie who will be doing an individual was still recovering from  flu. As if problems with some members are not enough, we also had problems with our equipment. Some of the bikes did not arrive as scheduled!  As a result, most of the team members were not able to do a bike course ride-out.  Add to that, two bikes arrived with flat tires.  And I thought that was it …  Meal fiasco awaits.  Waited for more than an hour for our ordered lunch and almost missed  the must-attend race briefing! Whew, judging from the series of events, it must have looked like God didn’t want us to continue…  But we kept the faith and embodied our team name … We just had to believe strong that God is in control and all will be well.

Meet the Pros press conference

Jason, me, Pastor Ernie, Rein, Dale with Ironman Philippines 70.3 Champion Terenzo Bozzone

Day 4:  Raceday

Woke up early for  breakfast as our bus needed to leave the hotel by 4:30am going to CWC.  Body marking started 5am so I was also up early even if i expected to start my run leg at around 11am.  My mind says rest but my heart wants to cheer my teammates on.  Of course,  who would want to miss witnessing the events?

Being marked with my race number which left a mark on my arms darkened by the midday sun.

At exactly 7am, the starting gun went off.   The pros where 15 meters ahead of the other individual participants. After 10 minutes, the relay swim leg took off. It was  like seeing a huge  school of fish swimming in one direction.  Professionals, amateurs, newbies, men and women, young and old, each one was  trying to get the best position in the water.  Some were really fast, some were just taking their time and reserving their energy for the next two legs. After my teammates crossed the Big lake, i went to the relay tent area and there waited with my teammate Jason who will do the bike leg. After 45mins, Jason took off while i stayed at the relay tent and chatted with other relay participants.  All of us were cheering all those who took off and everyone just wanted to be an encouragement to others.  It was amazing!

Several more minutes passed and I could still see one bike left in the transition area owned by the Alamat Relay Team.  Their biker couldn’t take off as he  was still waiting for their swimmer to check-in.  It was more than an hour already so they were already paging their swimmer to check in. Unexpectedly sad things happened. Few minutes after,  we found out that Team Alamat swimmer was found dead in the small lake. I later found out it was the same Miguel Vazquez whom I had the chance to meet during my corporate days.  It was a sad development for all race participant.  Our sincerest condolences to Mr. Vasquez’ family.

By the time Jason arrived from the bike leg, it was  11am,  it was my turn to run.  Darn.. the hottest time of the  day…I started with my planned pace and maintained it up to 4k. Then I started to feel the  heat and caused me to slow down.  I was tiring so early and  losing a lot of energy from the extreme heat.  I didn’t stop at the first 2 water stations as i was donning my hydration belt.   On the 3rd water station, i decided to stop and get cold water and a cup of cold gatorade.  That helped me a lot fight the heat in my head and my body. From then on, i stopped  at each water station since it is located every kilometer,  got cold water to drink and pour over my head, neck and shoulders.  Upon entering the 2nd loop of the run, i saw my biker teammate Jason and handover my hydration belt to him. I’ve decided I needed the cold drink offered at the stations.  At 15k, i felt so very tired.  It felt like i wasn’t progressing at all.  I kept looking at my Garmin and it seemed like the distance reading was not moving!  It felt like the longest 1km i ran going towards the next water station.

Towards the end of my run, clouds started to form that it threatened to rain.  I would have  welcomed it with open arms.   But sadly it never came during my run.  Felt a few drops then was gone again.  I was soooo exhausted  I wanted to walk the last 4k and just finish it. But as soon i arrived at the last big loop around the big lake, i started to hear the music and announcers at the finish line.  This lifted up my spirit and spurred me to continue running.  As i ran nearer and nearer, the sound got stronger and stronger lifting my feet off the ground at a faster rate.  As i entered the last 8oom, i heard my name being announced, welcoming me and encouraging me to  continue and finish strong.  Reaching the last 100m, I heard my race number again, then my name, then our team’s name being announced again.  That really gave a big push.  I finished one of the most difficult 21k I’ve ever done. I did it! As soon as i crossed the finish line, the finishers medal was placed around  my neck.  I was given a cold gatorade and water  was poured over my head to cool me down.  I went to the cooling down area, had my second gatorade while the staff continued to pour water over my head using a water hose.  Exhausted but felt very much fulfilled.

At the Finish Line

TBS at the finish line: Me, Rein, Jason, Philip, Col. Dennis, Melody, Hans, Dale, Pastor Ernie, Jason. Not in photo (Deo and and Aumar)

It was one of the toughest race i have done. Running in the heat in one of the hottest places in the country, during the hottest time of the day really drained me.  During the presscon, Liza bentley, the winner of the women’s elite described it as “like running in an oven”.

It was difficult but finishing felt great.  It was a great experience worthy of a repeat or an upgrade perhaps? We’ll see …

God’s ways are different.

The kids and I were praying for rains during the run leg of the race.  From Jun’s updates, we knew it was scorching hot in that part of the country.  The whole time he was running his race, I would from time to time stop and keep still and pray for a strong run and that much-requested rain from above.  It didn’t come and I think I know why…

Had it rained during the race, it would definitely be a breeze for Jun running that 21k.  Without the rains, at 11am-1pm, that leg of the race became extraordinarily difficult.  It became a struggle even for elite participants however,  it also became a very special accomplishment to those who finished it.  Truly, God knows what He’s doing.

More pictures to come…..

Kenny Run 09 Report and Results

For this race, race day meant not only race proper but 2 separate pre-race runs for both Mariel and I.

PRE-RACE MORNING RUN

I was scheduled for a long run that day and the plan was to meet up with Jaymie and Miguel to run atleast 15k (in knee-friendly asphalt roads )since we will be running only 5k at the race.  Mariel, who promised our daughter that she’ll take her to practice that morning opted not to join us to fulfill her commitment and planned instead to run in the cemented roads of our village.

Rains (or was it just a threat of rain and the stronger pull of the bed? hehe) prevented Jaymie and Miguel from meeting up for our scheduled run.  Already geared up, I decided to join Mariel instead on her planned short run.  On cemented roads, I’m willing to risk a 5k.  It was short and very laid back.

Hah! Of course, his laid back run isn’t laid back for me at all!  I ran at a faster rate than usual.  I’m not complaining though.  It was a good 5k run for me, one that I felt pushed me a little more.  Every now and then Jun would be asking if I was okay and  surprisingly, I was.  Though breathing a little heavier,  I felt I could take it and was happy about managing a faster pace.

After our morning run, time for some mommy duties. After that, I managed to take a sweet, restful nap waking up upon Jun’s arrival from picking up Sofia  from practice.  Now, it was time for his nap.

I wasn’t as successful as Mariel taking a nap.  I went to bed but couldn’t quite  get a restful sleep. Anyway, soon after, it was time to pick up Bea this time from practice and reminded Mariel to be ready for our pre-race run with Jaymie and Miguel at the BHS (take 2).

This time the planned run materialized.  We met up with the Pizarro’s at around 6:30pm at Runnr.  Finding long lines to the restroom we decided to start running and headed towards McDonald’s for that much-needed restroom break for the girls.  Aljo joined us until McDonald’s and decided to head back after.  We then continued our run and headed towards the outer streets of Fort Boni passing through the condiminium area, back of S&R, towards Serendra and back to BHS completing one loop of 5k.  Mariel dropped out at 5k and Miguel at probably around 8k.  Jaymie and I continued on and completed the 2nd loop to finish a 10k run.

It was another enjoyable 5k run for me.  With Jun setting the pace, it couldn’t be too easy for me.   It was an easy pace for him and our running buddies but definitely a faster than normal rate for me again.  Whew, the perils of running with bulls and itchy blue soles! hahaha  No, don’t get me wrong.  I ‘m not complaining.  Tired but really enjoyed every minute of it.  It’s always great running with friends!

After a change of running clothes, met up with my sister Jen and couple friends and first-time 5k runners Popoy and Cielo at Runnr as we waited for Jun to finish his run.  The chatter was fun and upbeat centering on the couples’ attempt at pre-Kenny race training, weight-loss, gears and future races.  We met up with the Pizarro’s again and proceeded to the iamninoy booth where I finally met couple Jamike &  Mayi whom I only get to communicate with online.  Also met Rapa Lopa and wife Didi.  It was a pleasure meeting you all.

We drank in the sites and sounds of the race here.  The atmosphere was truly festive and fun.  As we watched the 10k race start, we awaited with much excitement for our first-time race participant friends the call for the 5k runners. When it came,  we positioned ourselves almost at the end of the pack as we squeezed ourselves in the corral.  The runners were in high spirits and we joined the howls of the runners psyching up for the race.  The air was charged!  It felt like everybody was having fun! We certainly were!

RACE PROPER

As soon as the starting gun fired, the continuous beeps coming from the timing chips were heard and we slowly inched our way to the starting line passing the metal platform that would record our official race start.  Jun initially ran easy which allowed me to keep pace.   The road was packed with runners and it took effort getting ahead of the runners/walkers.  He motioned for me to run behind him as  we criss-crossed our way ahead.   I was able to keep up until the turn-around loop but as soon as we passed the half-way turn going towards the incline,  he asked me one last time if I was okay and as soon as I gave him an affirmative answer, he motioned he will go ahead and he was off.  That was the last I saw of him during the race.  I knew he would not be able to hold back for long.  haha  The itchy blue sole was at it again and on his heels was a seemingly mad bull.  hahaha  Wait, where was Miguel?  Guess what?  He actually finished ahead running on race mode all the way! I guess he was a madder bull that night.  Way to go Miguel!   hahaha

Jun was at the finish line waiting for me and we went to get our freebies and certificates together.

This is one race that erased my fears and  exceeded my expectations.  While I was apprehensive about running in the dark, the entire route turned out to be well-lighted during the race (atleast by the headlights of cars held up by the race traffic). While I knew this would be a really fun race, it turned out to be much more fun than I thought it would be. While I expected to run slow and even walk, I was able to run faster and hit a PR thanks to Jun who served as my pace-setter for the first half.

Finished at a PR time of 35.3.  Considering the hilly route and of course factoring in the darkness,  this was really unexpected. Previous PR for a 5k at 36.4  set at a flat route and morning run at Condura. WOOHOO!

This day was totally fun.  Thoroughly  enjoyed my 5k easy run with Jun that morning within the village and the  pre-race run around Fort Bonifacio with Jun, Jaymie & Miguel.  The 5k race completed a 15k mileage for me for the day.  Happiness!!!

POST RACE

After getting our fill of powerade and getting our bag of freebies, we converged again at the iamninoy booth for a lot of chats and a few photo-ops as we waited for my sister and our friends to finish and get their freebies.  The lines were long by the time they finished so there were a lot of opportunity to chat and just people watch.

OUR STATS:

The results of the race was just as fun to see …

Highlights:

Jun :

-  passed 359 runners and 0 passed hi.  Cool!

– finished 14th place in division

Mariel:

– finished upper 12% in gender category(middle packer at the globe 10k)

– finished 16th place in division

– PR finish at 35:3 (net).  Cool, too!

Our RunPix stats …

and our running pics (thanks photovendo).  I have not been fortunate enough to have good shots though Well, better ones next time, i hope …

As for the usual after race meal?  NADA!  It was full house at Pancake House  and after waiting and chatting awhile decided that we’re not hungry anyway.  We comforted ourselves with the fact that we did not put the day’s work-out to naught.  We just chatted some more and tried to plot out our next races with our new running recruits.  Before calling it a night, we remembered our standard photo-ops. Perfect!

with only sis, jen, on her 2nd 5k race now. Woohoo!

Jun and I with good friends, Popoy & Cielo, our new running recruits

Jen, Cielo and me

I’m so happy when friends start getting excited about the sport Jun and I  so passionately love.  We just truly love encouraging our friends to take up running.  I even find myself talking about running almost everywhere I go — at work, the parlor,  gym, spa and even at the derma while undergoing cautery session.  The joys of running just pleasantly fills my thoughts.    I remembered the time when I noticed Jun talking about running all the time and managed to squeeze in the topic almost everytime.  Hah, now i find myself doing the same!  The running fever is really contagious! I hope more of our friends get it.

Great friends, great chat, great race.  What more can we ask for?  Probably a great meal at KR? (We would have opted for the KR meal if my pretty sister could just find her and our friends meal stubs) 

Fabulous time anyway… with or without a meal!

Just had to include this even if it's blurred. Won't be complete without the usual Sole Mates pic!

A Chance to Relay at Ironman 70.3

After my first triathlon event, a mini-sprint at the animo event last June,  my training group and I mused about when our next one will be.   Hmmm,  maybe a sprint event this year and hoping  we can also upgrade to an Olympic standard event by next year.   Ironman 70.3 Camsur was also mentioned.  I thought then how  nice it will be  to join an international event being held in our country.  Even to just participate in the  relay and do the run leg of the race will really be something.  We had different goals.  For me,  should there be no more  injuries, my 1st priority was (and still is!) to do a full marathon before the year ends.  If everything goes well  then that’s the time i plan for another tri-event.

Little did I know that i will have that chance now.  I was  invited to join Team Believestrong who will debut at  Ironman 70.3 Camsur.  Of course, i said yes with a wide, cannot-hide grin!  I will be joining the relay team and will do the run leg just as I first wished. What a blessing! Woohoo!!

Our team is composed of  men and women with different backgrounds.  Both old and new to the sport of triathlon but each one having his own strength and all having one goal in mind —-  Give our best and finish the race set before us.

I’ve been training with the team for the past month and it was great being able to meet and gain new friends who have the same passion as I do.

I hope everything goes well  for the team and for the rest of our  fellow athletes who will join the Camsur Iron 70.3.

I wish all the participants the best! See you all there!

My honey will  be gone for 5 days…  the kids and I will surely miss you.  We’ll all be praying for a great run.

On monday, win or lose, I will be welcoming my IRONMAN back home.  I’m pretty sure…

tambak na ang plantsahin by then!  Walang day-0ff for 1 month ha?  (Joke!  HA HA HA)

Tonight’s the Night!

It seems such a long time ago since the Kenny’s Urbanite Race was first announced.  Now it’s time… Tonight’s the night!

No PR expectations for this race for me.  I just wanna have fun with our friends joining a once-in-a-blue-moon nightime race.  Early on, I wanted to sign up for my first 15k (my supposed first 15k at the men’s health trail run went kapoot!) but I signed up for 5k  instead where our long-time couple  friends popoy and cielo and my sister, jen will be running also.  Having developed a trauma for road runs at night with my little accident a couple of months back  (see earlier post on Misadventures of the Pink Sole),   I was apprehensive about running a longer distance.  I might not be as alert when I’m already tired so it’s 5k for me tonight.  No plans really for this race … slow … fast … walk … run … walk-run-walk …  walk-run-stop(photo-ops? ) … anything goes for this race … I’ll just play it by ear. Any pace, any time will do. 

Our schedule is really tight with all the many activities happening all at the same time but I think we’ve managed to sort and  iron things out at last!

So on to the Urbanite Run!  Don’t forget your race bibs, timing chip and food stubs and maybe… flashlights are in order?  hahaha   See you there!

Nike Lunar Glide+ Colors : A Review

Color review?  Some guys out there might say, “what the heck…!”  But before you continue, let me just say that though this may be a trivial topic for men, this is definitely a major one for women.  Right, ladies?

So men… I invite you for a sneak peak of how a woman thinks when buying shoes … particularly here, running shoes. Consider this girls talk and you’re invited to eavesdrop…   If you’re anything like my hubby, you’d probably be shaking your head. hahaha!   So, okay?  Read on or click off…  here it goes…

The Color Review

I have been thinking about getting my 4th pair of running shoes for sometime now.  There are only 2 pairs I constantly use – Nike Pegasus and the Nike Lunar Glide+.  The first one I bought (a nice Adidas) was used only once as I unknowingly got just the exact size and it has given me a dead toe nail (well, almost!) on my first run using it..  I’ve appointed it as walking shoes since then.

I loved using my Nike Pegasus until I met and fell in love with the Lunar Glides+.  As said in my previous post on the Lunar Glide+ review, I was already thinking about getting another Pegasus in a different color (i know there’s a breed out there like me who buys things they really like in 2 or more colors) when the Lunar Glides+ stopped me dead on my tracks.  I just fell head over heels in love with it.  Yes, it’s on top of my running shoe list as of now so the question isn’t about getting another Lunar or not but … what other colors do they have? What color should I get?  Do they have enough color collection to satisfy my craving?

Nike has come out with 3 colors of the Lunar Glide+ so far.

A real winner.  The color is very subtle with its   basically white color trimmed with neon orange.  This is a safer color I should say which a wider range of women will like.  That includes me! So love mine! If you’re a newbie intent on seriously picking up running for a sport, this will be a very good pick.  It’s almost neutral color can be worn with almost any running outfit.

Whoa, this one is striking!  The blue tone is so alive and upbeat.  Complementing it with a “highlighter” yellow provided the much needed break in the overall blue color. This may not be a first shoe pick color for a newbie though but that’s only because there is nothing neutral about the hue and therefore is highly picky on the outfit it will go with.  For runners picking their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, nth  running shoes, this color would surely brighten your collection and just might brighten  your running mood as well.  I just love the vibrant color!

This one has two good color elements.  I probably wouldn’t put them together though.  The Barney-like combination just doesn’t appeal to me when worn either as a shoe or any apparel for that matter.  A white combination would have turned the tables for me here.  Not one I will spend on but one I can still wear if by some chance Jun buys it for me as a surprise.   It might just grow on me.  hahaha!!!

So, the verdict?  Got myself the blue Lunar Glide+!!!  Love wearing them!!!

Thought it would be perfect for the Kenny Urbanite Run on Aug 15 with its neon yellow trims.  Wearing this, I just might not need the glow-in-the-dark stuff that will be provided at the races. 

Ooooooh….  a NEW COLOR IS OUT!  I just saw the latest lunar glide+ color in Nike BHS last Sunday . . .

Another great neutral color in dominantly white complemented by  dark aqua green combination!   Definitely could be a 1st running shoe pick for those thinking about buying their first pair. This is really nice!  Oh by the way, they also have a men’s version for this in white and dark blue complementing color.  Hon, another Sole Mates pair?

Four months running, four running shoes?!?

Touche!

The Nike Lunar Glide+ Collection Men's & Women's

The Nike Lunar Glide+ Women's Collection

What can I say?  as an old song goes…

I love being a girl.  I just love being a girl! 

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Update:  For batch 2 review (3 new colors), click Nike Lunar Glide+ NEW Colors: Review Batch 2

Bandit Run @ Buddy Run

The Robinson’s Fit & Fun Buddy Run is one race we  thoroughly enjoyed.  We did not write about it sooner since we couldn’t quite fuse together the extreme but opposite feelings this race brought us.

You might even think this is so out of season with the Buddy Run finished almost a month ago. A dark topic in a season of bright yellows?

Noooo, this is not a race review with its usual positives and negatives, pros and cons, stars or ratings.  I know, I know, this run seems ancient by now but bear with me though coz I really want to post this and share some thoughts…

A Fun Running Experience:

Jun needed a long run that weekend and decided to proceed with his  planned buddy team-up with Vince.  I was supposed to be just the  official photographer  however Aljo learning I will not be running  invited me to join him, Bobby, Tin, Vima and Art.

The plan was for us to do a pre-race run of about 3k and then join Vima and Art in their 5k race later on.  Seemed such a good plan.  I can join the race and have running buddies to boot.  Sure!

The planned run turned out very well for me.  Despite the rainy early morning, we proceeded to the race site early and we were able to do our planned  3km initial run with Jun, Bobby, Aljo and Tin.  Then Bobby and I joined Vimz and Art  while Aljo and Tin ran together.

It was an enjoyable 5k run.  The incessant chatter from Vima, (KulitRunner) and banterings from Bobby(Cruise Control) and of course with Art, Vima’s hubby,  taking our running pics every now and then just made this run totally fun and memorable for me.  Total of 8k ran for the day. Not bad.

It was soooo nice running with you, Vima, Art and Bobby!  This was why I couldn’t leave this race out in this blog.  Our chronicles wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t write about this.  Art… i really appreciate the pictures.  Sipag mo!

running with Bobby(cruise control), Vima(kulit runner) w Art taking the pic

Vima and me still going strong

Tiring out going to the last km... Form does speak! (see the hunched shoulders?)

the new breed of pacers!

with bobby who took on an unplanned buddy role. thanks!

As for me it was just as fun.  Treating it as a training run, Vince and I just ran on, speeding up and slowing down as we felt like it.  Running in this race was just what I expected.  It was relatively small and well-organized. After our 10k, Vince and I together with Jaymie and Miguel added another 2k.  With the 2k I ran with Mariel & company before the race, that adds up to a 14k.  That was a good Sunday morning training.

Good day and good run and a fun-filled breakfast with our running buddies.

Vince, Bobby, Mariel, me, Tiffin, Kristine, Vima, Mark, Ben, Miguel, Aljo, Jaymie, Sir Ipe & Art

Jun & me post race

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Thoughts on Running as Bandits:

While doing this post, Jun informed me that there were already a lot written about bandit running.  I didn’t mind since what I have to say is based on my own experience and my own take on the topic.  I intentionally did not try to read any of the supposed materials about this so that I don’t get influenced by their opinions be it for or against.

For the sake of newbies like me, being a bandit means running a race unregistered.  Simply put, this means not paying fees but enjoying the race route, the festive atmosphere and sometimes even the water/energy drinks at the water stations and other freebies at post-race.  Seems like a wise, practically idea, ey?

Jun & I ran unregistered during the Fit & Fun Buddy Run last July 12.  Not that we didn’t want to register.  In fact, we badly wanted to and  tried ways to do so up to day before the race  to no avail.  There were just no more slots left.

This was really our fault as we were not able to think about this race early on.  With me being sick a couple of weeks before race day, we were not able to really pin down which races we would register for ahead of time.  We just didn’t know if I would be well enough to run.

So, Jun and I both ran this race not as running buddies but running bandits.  I was a little uncomfortable with the thought.  I thought I’ll just make an effort not to take advantage of the race amenities.  Since I’m just running 5k here, I thought I can very well do that.  I wasn’t so successful doing this as I accepted a bottle of water from Art at one point ( I was panting and needed the drink) and even mindlessly accepted a halfway ponytail marker and of course, I went along with Vima making the rounds of the festive booths!  Hah!  I sincerely  hope that that bottle of water did not deprive any of the runners a drink.

The run was great!  So… our take on bandit running?

We do not want to encourage it.  Though we enjoyed the experience (who wouldn’t if you did not shell out anything and enjoyed the race?), we do not want to take away something that is rightfully not ours to take.  I hope I don’t get through as preachy or worse, sound righteous.  That is far from my intention.  I would be first to cast a stone… onto myself, that is! (Didn’t we already admit it?) Calling a spade, a spade, we don’t want to steal and I’m not just talking about water and other amenities but the race experience  itself made possible by the people who sponsored it, organized it and the runners themselves who paid for it.

Swept by the Cory fever, I can’t help but draw a parallel thought.  Wouldn’t it be nice if in our small running community, we contribute in our own little way to a culture of honesty and integrity?

In short, we enjoin all runners… in our own little way, let us make a stand.  In our own small voice… Let us NOT, please?

The Heavens Cried as We Ran for Cory

We began our 10k run for Cory under a very light drizzle until it progressed to an all-out downpour.  It was as if the heavens were crying  as the whole nation grieves and  prepares to bury our beloved Pres. Cory.

We met up with Jay (Prometheus Cometh) to do an easy 10k.   Today, we’re not thinking of pace nor time.  We will just run for Cory.

We saw pockets of runners around.  There were a few we spotted wearing iamninoy shirts and were already doing their runs when we arrived.  There was even a big group of bikers who upon seeing us running amidst heavy rains waved as if in approval.  We may be out in the rain for different reasons but as people see our yellow iamninoy shirts, they seem to know and very well approve.

You’ve run your race well Tita Cory.   Thank you and farewell.

It’s now our turn…  May we  run our own life’s races well . . .