Chronicles of a Running Couple – Races, Running, Training, Marathons
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.
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.
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…
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!!
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