tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62239624538824599662024-03-13T20:58:20.432-07:00the runvocateRunning and advocacy changed my life. I hope that through this blog, I'd be able to share how these two continually shape me and those who get the chance to visit would find inspiration to also celebrate life through their own passions.xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-74865124423595995932016-03-14T22:10:00.000-07:002016-03-16T14:45:52.457-07:00Sweat, blood, tears-- RUN!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong><em>"It's only after you've lost everything that you're free to do anything." Chuck Pahlaniuk from the book, Fight Club.</em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I just finished reading this book recommended by a dear friend. It contributed vastly to my already eventful weekend soaked in blood, sweat and tears. It was a simple yet profound statement that posed many points of reflection.</span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6Q6_2FCFx8/VueXKkMIwBI/AAAAAAAABPg/BhogVws938sRqzbZdE0KNv7i-4-DQUuTA/s1600/Rey%2Brun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6Q6_2FCFx8/VueXKkMIwBI/AAAAAAAABPg/BhogVws938sRqzbZdE0KNv7i-4-DQUuTA/s200/Rey%2Brun2.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I seriously considered the idea of taking a time off from
racing; from joining any running event except the Milo Marathon which I do not
want to miss. I thought of being out of runners’ sight. Not that
I am famous but I thought it should merit an announcement because the kind of hiatus
I had in mind would include distance from a few set of friends. It was one of those wild
ideas to help me deal with hypothyroidism; part of changing my lifestyle that
might aid my hormones going hay wire. The doctor did not suggest it. It
could’ve been, in short, an act of desperation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
I was so close to drastically slowing down and turning my
back from the sport that changed my life in an amazing, unexpected, and a wonderful
way and from the community that made a big, happy, significant difference in
me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHp4r-LIcDM/VueXEeZnhOI/AAAAAAAABPY/ZKv4_V3To8Q0PG-NacxtaO7MGau502LQw/s1600/RU%2B10Km.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHp4r-LIcDM/VueXEeZnhOI/AAAAAAAABPY/ZKv4_V3To8Q0PG-NacxtaO7MGau502LQw/s200/RU%2B10Km.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Until I stood in front of the sea of runners and was given the
task of leading a pack that wanted to have a 60-min 10Km finish. While running,
I could hear a nagging voice in between heart beats asking if I could really
let go of the high, the sense of fulfillment, the satisfaction, the challenge; of running. In that quick run good memories flashed before me and crying was the best response I could give. When I crossed the finish line my decision changed in an instant.
I told myself, I could not leave running, not running. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHp4r-LIcDM/VueXEeZnhOI/AAAAAAAABPY/ZKv4_V3To8Q0PG-NacxtaO7MGau502LQw/s1600/RU%2B10Km.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For some this may be a recurring chapter and an annoying
ranting. I’ve probably talked about my journey against the creeping consequence
of hypothyroidism more than I should. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The
rationale behind had been to convey the possibility of hope and the fact that
the illusion of having another choice than facing it head on is a grand
fallacy. The roller coaster ride of a competitive runner gaining weight, palpitating
at an easy pace and body’s refusal to respond to any work out is real, seems
constant and never ending. But I knew that the escape plan was bound to fail, there was no eject button at my disposal and
to completely abandon this battle was simply synonymous to death. If pain is one of the evidences of existence then I am most alive than any time ever.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had another series of blood tests last weekend and they showed no
sign of improvement despite consistent medication. My condition remains a
puzzle to my doctors just like how this not so delightful humor of destiny shakes my soul. I cannot count the times when I accused the vacuum of reason the crime of treason.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There were good days and there were bad. There were seasons
when I thought I was slowly going back to the rhythm but then waking up to a
fall in another. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkUxCZXO8bc/VueYX1QYtpI/AAAAAAAABPw/_lHUJFBGzFQkAh6ocF--HEKZkdkKxpzdQ/s1600/La%2Blang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkUxCZXO8bc/VueYX1QYtpI/AAAAAAAABPw/_lHUJFBGzFQkAh6ocF--HEKZkdkKxpzdQ/s200/La%2Blang.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I mustered all courage to embrace this thorn of the flesh
even if it leaves me bleeding. It’s a huge ego bruiser. I receive the punches,
savor the wounds and feel the traces of my agony. I’ve been dancing with
chances and hunches; with needles and apparatuses; with hopes and frustrations; with dreams and reality.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Running, my fantasy world has been redefined by this
sickness. It almost splashed defeat to the walls of my well of joy and satisfaction but I will not let it smash my haven into pieces and do nothing while destruction unfolds before me. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The thing harmed by my condition is also one of the few
things seeing me through therefore I’d stay and would keep running.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've lost a lot, maybe almost everything about my old running life but that opened the door to be better and I'm getting in. Now </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I am free to do anything and I will. I </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">will show up in races whether I am big or small; fast or slow; weak or strong. I will win or lose but will never be defeated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So please bear with me, I just chose to fight. I chose to be happy :)</span><br />
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-62181577291663096162016-02-14T16:03:00.001-08:002016-02-14T16:03:46.388-08:00My healthy love affair
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am having an affair with an Australian.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I divorced rice and fell in love with oatmeal. We’ve been in
this happy, healthy relationship for more than five years now. I spend the most
important meal of the day with it, every morning, every day; the most romantic
and intimate meal for me; the only meal that I take seriously. Oatmeal never disappointed me in my quest to lose
weight despite my Hashimoto's syndrome, a condition that killed my metabolism. More and more, each day, oatmeal makes me realize that letting go of rice was worth it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JY8PAmQGIHw/VsEPcESeYrI/AAAAAAAABOY/2iAOLBMKAwU/s1600/oatmeal%2Bchamporado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JY8PAmQGIHw/VsEPcESeYrI/AAAAAAAABOY/2iAOLBMKAwU/s200/oatmeal%2Bchamporado.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My oatmeal and I have been through good and bad times. I run
to it for comfort after a work out and look forward to it after a long run. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It inspires me to
run faster and endure a race as I imagine having it after I cross the finish line
together with Nutella or peanut butter, banana and coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
It’s the kind of bond that has stood the test of time and change of
seasons. I have it during summer when I cook it dry with almonds that goes well
with my iced coffee. I enjoy it during rainy days too like a champorado when I
cook it with a little more water and melted dark chocolate or just plain oatmeal with spicy sardines and.. coffee.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6cVfRAPYOM/VsEPw33PFhI/AAAAAAAABOc/Hu25Lgo7R6U/s1600/Oats%2Begg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6cVfRAPYOM/VsEPw33PFhI/AAAAAAAABOc/Hu25Lgo7R6U/s200/Oats%2Begg.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I usually have it for breakfast after a run before I head to work. I like it with my basted egg dashed with black pepper and basil leaves then I mix them like your rice bowl meals. I pair with cold buko juice and my newspaper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Like looking for a partner or for a running shoes, finding
the brand of oatmeal that would satisfy you is also important so you get what you deserve and what you exactly need. As an oatmeal
lover, I must confess that I’ve tasted several brands already but ended up happily with
Australian Harvest especially their rolled oats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t21x5O4fLPs/VsEPZaVShLI/AAAAAAAABOU/0pKe9u0q5Dw/s1600/Aus%2BOats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t21x5O4fLPs/VsEPZaVShLI/AAAAAAAABOU/0pKe9u0q5Dw/s200/Aus%2BOats.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I like that it’s crunchy and fresh all the time. It doesn’t have
that odd taste that people hate, that “cardboard” taste that turn others off. It’s affordable and available in almost all the supermarkets
around so it's there when you need it most. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whether forever exists or not, this affair shall go on and
on- joyfully.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, I’ve settled down and married to an Australian…
Harvest Oatmeal! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-79260097265921840772016-01-04T13:07:00.004-08:002016-01-04T16:26:42.827-08:00Living my 3rd life from last year<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I almost died twice last year and many times figuratively while doing the things I love- running and advocacy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What a way to start the year? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4rF9dDEXIQ/VorYxiIfrAI/AAAAAAAABNI/0HbsdP7T7bM/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4rF9dDEXIQ/VorYxiIfrAI/AAAAAAAABNI/0HbsdP7T7bM/s200/family.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since we’re at it. I looked back at my 2015 and realized how
blessed I had been. I received countless blessings in many ways- the loyalty
and love of old friends; and the acceptance and care of new ones. A new job
where I get to do what I’ve always loved doing which is development work and
advocacy with the bonus of being surrounded by intellectually stimulating and
inspiring people. I was able to get back to running and joining races despite
my Hashimoto Syndrome with the add on of winning an ultra marathon, being with
the Powerpuff Boys in team races, qualifying for the Milo Marathon and
an ultra- trail race. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also got the chance to revive my former life of writing
poetry, blogging and being in touch with music. My family of course has always been my anchor
and my source of proper perspective, support and unconditional love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taLJuIfX-Ek/VorZ3UhZi-I/AAAAAAAABNs/f9aS4eTT3io/s1600/Rey%2Bchampion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taLJuIfX-Ek/VorZ3UhZi-I/AAAAAAAABNs/f9aS4eTT3io/s200/Rey%2Bchampion.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With all those, I’d like to zero in on I guess one of the
biggest blessings one could receive-</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> the chance to continue exploring this journey that is life and escaping death.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In retrospect I realized that I’ve had two near-death
experiences and many of the sort in a figurative sense or close to it like
being hit by a wild car while running or falling off the cliff while doing a
trail run, choking, heart break, hopelessness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">PLANE CRASH- ALMOST<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Before the APEC summit, I had to go to General Santos for an official
assignment and I thought that I had the good opportunity to miss the deadly
traffic in Manila but little did I know that I’d be brought closer to a real
kind of dying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzDCyhuzhhY/VorY_RXLCQI/AAAAAAAABNQ/M51ta2z9Sro/s1600/Airport%2Bcoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzDCyhuzhhY/VorY_RXLCQI/AAAAAAAABNQ/M51ta2z9Sro/s200/Airport%2Bcoffee.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The first bad sign which was less unusual was my flight
being delayed for hours. It was a sigh of relief when I finally got on the
plane until after 30 minutes when the old lady sitting next to me grabbed my
hand and cried loudly out of fear after we felt like hitting a gigantic wall
and our plane drastically descended. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I could hear screams, cries, prayers and
exasperation from the passengers. It was like the longest five minutes. I pretended to be strong for the woman who seemed depending on me for
confidence but deep inside I was dying in fear. I stopped myself from crying
even if I was overwhelmed with anxiety and surrender. In those few minutes I
uttered probably one of the most meaningful prayers I’ve made. I asked the Lord
for forgiveness, thanked him for everything and prayed for my family and
friends. My mind wandered as fast as my heartbeat. I imagined how it would be
if I go, of who would take care of my family and the Christmases I’d miss. I
realized that fear and sadness were a dangerous concoction. It’s like a bitter
cup of coffee brewing inside my chest that coursed through my veins. When the chaos
had settled, I heard a cry again, the woman beside me telling me that she
didn’t want to die for the sake of her grandchildren… then I cried. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">DEADLY DEAD MAN TRAIL
RUN<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The second wave at death one was the Dead Man’s Trail race. I should've taken the name of the event as a warning. Let me clarify
that the organizer was not in any way at fault with what happened to me.
They’ve organized the race very well and made sure that all of us would be
safe. It was all me. I was an irresponsible runner. I brought a head
lamp without checking its batteries, wore a pair of shoes that I knew wasn’t designed
for a trail run and didn’t get any sleep the night before. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was a spur of the moment decision to join the race. A
friend of mine who was registered got injured one week before the race and
asked me to join instead. I got excited and said yes. I thought I could take my
time and enjoy the race; that I’ve done other ultra-trail runs anyway so I
should be fine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I got in the race area floating due to lack of sleep. Since
we were a bit late and I still had to get my race kit, I wasn’t able to listen
to the instructions and reminders. For someone who has no sense of direction,
it was the best formula for a disaster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The race started. I was running at a steady pace with my
flickering headlamp. The road was rough but was manageable until Km. 10 when I
couldn’t see anything anymore. I had to wait for some friends who might be
willing to adapt me and share their light with me until the sun shows up. I
found Benj Termulo, Bong Bernadez and company. They were kind enough to run
with a parasite runner. They helped me survive that ordeal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So there was morning. I kept on running. I’d meet and run
with a few runners in some parts of the route but practically ran all by myself
most of the time. I was doing ok until I got lost the first in countless times
in the entire race, the major one was making a four-km loop! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> I still remember the
reaction of the marshal being so surprised seeing me twice in that same part of
the race. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQWGFsAG2Sg/VorZMkcGYGI/AAAAAAAABNY/RM2IwyPDzhA/s1600/Dead%2Bman%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQWGFsAG2Sg/VorZMkcGYGI/AAAAAAAABNY/RM2IwyPDzhA/s200/Dead%2Bman%2527s.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The race was very unpredictable. It would get
really hot or would rain, ridges were slippery, I fell badly on a rock while
crossing the hundredth river <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>
(felt that way), could not eat anymore due to acidity but I continued. I was
determined to finish until it was dark and it snatched all visibility and courage I could
muster. It happened when I was going through an unbelievable slope with nothing
you could hold on to for support. I was sliding. I’d use my old Nokia phone’s
light to check the route ahead of me and move, stop and check again and move and
so on and so forth until I decided to stop somewhere and wait for friends who
were still behind me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was pitch black, the silence was creeping and the thought
of dangers that could possibly happen was lethal. I could die there, I knew it.
If I made a wrong move and fell off the cliff, I’d be gone or it could be of
dehydration since I already ran out of water and had to get from the river I
wasn’t even sure was clean or the river with the water level rising and current
intensifying could just sweep me away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was a moment when you could not cry because you’re too
afraid and focused on how to get out of being stuck. Worry was an
understatement. Maybe that’s only applicable to the breakfast meeting with our
Country Director no less the following day and my presentation needing some
revisions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I met my friends and felt relieved but we got lost too
because of darkness and because some of the ribbons that should have served as
our guide were taken by some locals. When I saw the organizers along the way, I
cried. It was the only time I did because I knew I already could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tears can be suspended I realized. Fear and sadness can be
expressed in various ways that are not necessarily harmful. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PeojzMD8-ao/VorZcKAL5rI/AAAAAAAABNg/KjtbftBJ0Yg/s1600/mountain%2Bdew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PeojzMD8-ao/VorZcKAL5rI/AAAAAAAABNg/KjtbftBJ0Yg/s200/mountain%2Bdew.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These two instances made me love life even more and live it
to the fullest; to be the best version of me, to know what would truly make me
happy, pursue and fight for it; to value what’s given me no matter how big or
small; and to treat everyone with respect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I became more grateful of the gift of running; of people
around me; of the job I have; of the chance to help others through my job; of
the freedom I enjoy; of the gifts I was granted; and of life itself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The way
to stay alive is to never lose hope and that strong determination to fight despite the
difficulties and pain we face on a daily basis. The uncertainty that existence offers can be our source of anxiety or a reason to be ecstatic and see the unpredictability as something exciting. We rise and fall. It's about taking calculated risks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Life is short and random therefore I try to make each moment
count so that if anything happens anytime, I’d have no regrets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let there be more “oh wells” than “what ifs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><em><span style="color: white;"></span></em><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy New Year! YOLO! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-19013989348543617802016-01-01T19:02:00.000-08:002016-01-01T19:26:17.489-08:00Fangay's Confession, Rebel's Reflections<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81YosXWGUPg/Voc6eqTO-MI/AAAAAAAABMY/mOnLAgBP2xw/s1600/ReyRebel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81YosXWGUPg/Voc6eqTO-MI/AAAAAAAABMY/mOnLAgBP2xw/s200/ReyRebel.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It’s been almost seven months since I became a Rebel; since
I became a fan girl; since many things have changed; since I transformed to
someone I never realized I’d be. Today I took time to reflect on how the
experience has been and realized many things which I thought I could summarize
in a few words. Being a rebel has proven how life can be full of delightful surprises;
that life can be random and there is no template to being happy or dealing with
a difficult situation. It had given me a breath of fresh air and led me to
discover the other side of me that I never knew existed but I loved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It started when my Mama asked me about The Rich Man’s
Daughter over family lunch. She said it’s a good show and I should see it. That
promotion was brought up in between talks about heartbreaks and moving on. It
registered but I wasn’t so excited but checked it as soon as I got home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvXaecjUuUA/Voc6rTPEk7I/AAAAAAAABMg/bvWmdKpjbOg/s1600/RaStroTRMD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvXaecjUuUA/Voc6rTPEk7I/AAAAAAAABMg/bvWmdKpjbOg/s200/RaStroTRMD.jpg" width="177" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The days were dark when I started watching TRMD. Post-arguments,
I’d settle in one corner, watch the show that opened the door to my escape from
the excruciating daily struggle to hold on which in no time had to go. Before I could wallow in depression and count the tears I
shed, I found myself pre- occupied with enjoying TRMD and RaStro. It
represented the agony I was experiencing and somehow turned my eyes to looking
at the beauty of love rather than focus on the pain which was part of loving
but I didn’t have to be lethal as how I’d usually handle it. It stole the
chance for me to embrace sadness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
I remember my family and friends who were so worried about
how I was dealing with that huge change and were so surprised with how I’d be
all smiling. Some of them either doubted my sincerity in the relationship, the
truth in the rumors or thought I was just pretending to be happy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I couldn’t blame them. I didn’t expect that quick recovery
as well and I could not attribute it to anything else but the fandom. The show
of course started it all and had been a huge factor in the moving on journey
but it eventually became more about the fandom – the kind of deep and shallow
conversations; the fun, the talent, the solidarity that I witnessed and proud
to be part of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-paaYpqguCPA/Voc600mQ2-I/AAAAAAAABMo/demkm29WIMk/s1600/Sagwan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-paaYpqguCPA/Voc600mQ2-I/AAAAAAAABMo/demkm29WIMk/s200/Sagwan.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was able to brush aside negative text messages and posts
because I was busy participating in the twitter party that my Daddy initially
thought was a real party that I do every night to overcome sadness. He called,
was worried of me going out every night since my Mama told him I was in a party
regularly. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had to explain it was just a twitter party of the fandom <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I never felt being alone even if somebody left and something
was gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I never realized I’d be so drawn to celebrities and to a
show or that I’d spend so much time and enjoy being in a fandom. It’s something
that never occurred to me; a strange thing that I was glad unfolded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_XsRMa4vpM/Voc7COyoJmI/AAAAAAAABMw/KAK1dgu6yF4/s1600/WMParty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_XsRMa4vpM/Voc7COyoJmI/AAAAAAAABMw/KAK1dgu6yF4/s200/WMParty.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Being a Rebel was fresh. I used to be skeptical about
meeting people online, more, that these virtual encounters could lead to meaningful
friendships but the fandom proved me wrong. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I’ve met Rebels, comfortably talked
to them online even if I haven’t seen them yet considering that their DPs didn’t
show their faces. It was natural and when we met in person, the bond just got
deeper. It may sound weird to others but in the fandom, there is
connection in the way we rejoice and mourn over the same thing; how we’d argue
but also unite when necessary. It’s real. We had the same dreams and that dream
transcend differences in age, social status, political views, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6zWHT-pShI/Voc7NHvkR4I/AAAAAAAABM8/NrVsp2-kMHg/s320/WMLogo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Thank you Team Bahay for the logo</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6zWHT-pShI/Voc7NHvkR4I/AAAAAAAABM8/NrVsp2-kMHg/s1600/WMLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If we were a nation, we’d probably one of the most developed
ones because we look at the same direction, work towards the same goal and are
willing to disregard conflict, offer and share our gifts and talents; laugh
when necessary and just do anything we can for the sake of the goal, RaStro and
the fandom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can go on and on talking about this wonderful experience
of being a fangirl but to cap this off, I’d say, I like myself better now and a
bug part of it is being in the fandom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thank you RaStro, thank you Rebels! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span>xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-81655895546882830732015-12-27T20:23:00.000-08:002015-12-27T20:25:53.654-08:00Running with Hashimoto<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I’m back to blogging. I’ve been busy writing but poems this time. The expression is different and the interaction is more with the soul and the universe rather than the present and the tangible. I enjoy transcending to a world only imagination can reach and wild one can possibly grasp. It’s overwhelming thus the break from a narrative that’s more spontaneous which is no less exciting and satisfying. The busy schedule got in the way too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mJZqxK1qZA/VoCtw6m1RKI/AAAAAAAABLs/4bteyBzsoYk/s1600/Rey%2Brun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4mJZqxK1qZA/VoCtw6m1RKI/AAAAAAAABLs/4bteyBzsoYk/s200/Rey%2Brun.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But whether I change the ink of my pen, I have the same
story. I’ve got Hashimoto’s syndrome, an auto immune disease that causes my hypothyroidism
that causes my metabolism to slow down up to nothing that causes weight gain
among other symptoms of this random joke of destiny. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It’s beyond my control. The best that I can do to at least
delay or minimize its impact is to regularly take medicines. If there’s
anything that would certainly remain for a lifetime, it’s me and my daily dose
of my pills otherwise I’d suffer more terribly.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sounds exciting, right? It is. Dealing with this kind of illness
is no fun at all but it doesn’t lead you to a dead end. It still poses choices
on how you can live with it. There is no escaping. I’ve been mustering all
courage to manage and live normally. It’s a reality that crushes me every now
and then and could take me so conveniently to a land of depression if I don’t fight.
</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egbICmVLUHc/VoCt-Ep0cWI/AAAAAAAABL0/Nqq9Nsy-ogE/s1600/Milo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egbICmVLUHc/VoCt-Ep0cWI/AAAAAAAABL0/Nqq9Nsy-ogE/s200/Milo.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But letting it draw the boundaries in my life is a
non-existent possibility. I’d rather be happy and embrace the fact that there’s
little I can do believing that no matter how weak my strength is, it makes a
huge difference; it’s a dent that can turn my world upside down. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am a runner. I used to be a competitive one. Weight matters.
That is not an exaggeration and I realized that more in my recent runs when I
felt like dragging several pieces of myself in every step until I cross the
finish line. It’s frustrating; it’s excruciating but I live, I push, I still
run because I’m grateful that I still live, I can still push and can still run.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
What comforts me now is knowing that I do the best I can to
maximize those that are within my control. If I could confidently tell myself that
I maintained the discipline required to live a healthy lifestyle then that’s
enough. This condition also taught me to take a break from stressing too much
over diet and excessive work out. I realized that life is too short to spend on
counting calories and depriving myself of the food that I used to enjoy which
are not really unhealthy to begin with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="border-image: none; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfu3N2bfQgU/VoC3l6ii6XI/AAAAAAAABME/YST-pu3tdZ8/s1600/Rey%2Brun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfu3N2bfQgU/VoC3l6ii6XI/AAAAAAAABME/YST-pu3tdZ8/s200/Rey%2Brun2.jpg" width="160" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are good days and there are bad. There are times when
I feel that my body’s responding to my activities and my hormones are stable. I
celebrate those moments and do everything to maintain whatever progress I
achieve. I mourn during bad days when I feel like all my efforts are going
nowhere.<em><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I</span></strong></em></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">t’s a roller coaster ride that I choose to enjoy. It won’t defeat me!
I am resolved!</span></strong></em> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can be one of the heavy and slow runners around but I am
certainly one of the toughest and I respect all runners no matter what distance you're running or how fast you are because you have your own story and maybe a more difficult battle than mine. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong><em>So to everyone who's fighting their own battles- WE CAN DO IT! FIGHT!</em></strong></span>xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-52364050711112171742015-11-04T23:13:00.001-08:002015-11-21T06:44:25.731-08:00RUNNER, RUSHER, REFORMER, NOW.. REBEL!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am a 34- year old development worker. I’ve been in several
non-government organizations that worked on various issues such as good
governance and anti-corruption; human rights; political and electoral reforms; humanitarian;
and disaster risk reduction and management, among others. I’ve had talks and
written various pieces on these issues and on theology too. I’m an activist and had taken a lot of risks to
fight for what I believe in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also run a
lot; had once been a competitive one. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My life sounds serious and profound. Seems like I spend my days
on important matters alone. The closest to being fun that I could probably think of is being a consistent listener of a radio show, "The Morning Rush" for years now; I am a rusher at heart.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I don’t brag any of those. I just want to offer a context to
what happened recently when I heard an acquaintance called me immature and
cheap; that I am not being myself after they learned that I spend so much time
tweeting and actively participating in a fandom; about how engrossed I’ve been
in watching a teleserye when it was still airing and even watching its previous
episodes after. They could not believe how it shapes me, sustains me and saves me.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I don’t mind being judged for being a fanatic, an addict, an
avid, a rabbid, active member of a fandom called RaStro Rebels- those who admire, follow and love (yes, love!) Rhian Ramos and Glaiza De Castro as the lead actors of The Rich Man’s
Daughter. TRMD was a prime time teleserye that courageously presented issues
that lesbians/ gays face. For me it’s revolutionary; it’s as relevant as the
advocacies I fight for. We can sit down and argue about it if you wish to. I have all the ammunitions to build my case even if I don't think I owe that to anyone.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It’s so easy for people to accuse fans like us and tag us like we’re just a bunch of crazy, empty individuals without even
understanding where we’re coming from. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The fandom I belong to is a world of its own as much as it
is universal. We have our own jargon and inside jokes but our stories are as
real as everybody else. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The fandom is one of the most intelligent societies I’ve ever
been to. Our conversations can be just pure fun but can also be as deep; the
wit is exceptional; the creativity’s superb; the connection’s amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It’s a world where equality is lived out. Our experiences
and admiration, call it addiction, towards RaStro bind us regardless of social
status, age, preferences and even nationality- because there is Team
International (Ehem! Proud!). We trascend demographics and borders better than political
coalitions and religious groups I know. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I’ve not seen a community that so willingly supports the
people they look up to and would exert so much effort to show it. Rhian and
Glaiza are kind too; they see us as people and not inanimate objects in
their careers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It’s a family where people seem to care for each other as if
we’ve known everyone in person ever since. We don’t feel alone in whatever
struggle we go through and in dealing with the rejection that some of us may be
facing for being who we are; it’s as much an escape as it is a reality check.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It’s a space where we can come as we are and breathe and
simply have fun. We have our own moments, face issues, argue but we're able to settle them in ways that only us understand. Most times these "fights" are set aside when we need to unite for RaStro or for a concern that matters to all of us.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Call me shallow, call me cheap. If shallow means standing up
against discrimination in our own way; if cheap means offering a new paradigm
against the current understanding of norms; then I am. I don’t care how you see
us because we don’t need anyone’s approval, thus our name.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am an activist and now a Rebel as well and I will always
be happy and proud of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-73142849707001945452015-09-03T14:26:00.001-07:002015-09-03T18:17:55.589-07:00Notes from an ultra runner.. My QUMAR story<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am no expert. I don’t claim to be the best in the
community. I've had countless failures and mistakes. Maybe these are the reasons why I attempted to share lessons learned so that others would
have a better experience than I had and that they would enjoy the benefits of
the few right things I was able to do.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can take what you think would be helpful and throw away
those that wouldn’t. Whichever, I hope you enjoy the read! :)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri;">BE A MANAGER :)</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL3JEpLJkk4/VejUpDkPJVI/AAAAAAAABKI/PiLF03IdzBg/s1600/MY%2BBOYS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL3JEpLJkk4/VejUpDkPJVI/AAAAAAAABKI/PiLF03IdzBg/s200/MY%2BBOYS.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have this tendency. I easily get excited and go along the
adrenalin rush. During the first few kilometers, I usually sprint to release
the anxiety I'd have before the race. That’s my way of shaking the tension off. That
should be ok except that sometimes I don’t realize I’ve been doing it for quite
a while to the point of losing my energy for the remaining distance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ultra marathon involves a lot of calculation. We need to
know how much energy there is compared to the distance that we need to complete. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the first 10 kilometers of the race, I decided I’d run
with my “boys” and keep a steady pace of 6min/Km. It was a bit faster than
planned but it was enough to release the fear and slow enough not to get wasted
early. It was also because it was still ark so we thought it would be safe
for me to run with them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everytime I felt like I was running faster than I had to,
I’d slow down. I didn’t want to be exhausted even I could still speed up. I didn’t
mind being passed by other runners even if it was an ego bruiser. I kept
telling myself that it was still early in the game and I should focus on my
own race. I think that it's a sign of maturity not to be driven by excitement and be mindful of your own capacity rather than get insecure being left behind.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri;">SAFETY FIRST</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q73tTA8PL0/VeiyBISDdYI/AAAAAAAABIw/Pa9NTiOBjP8/s1600/RUN%2BDARK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q73tTA8PL0/VeiyBISDdYI/AAAAAAAABIw/Pa9NTiOBjP8/s200/RUN%2BDARK.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many times I have been asked whether I don’t get scared
running alone in the dark and I always say no. I cant think of any ultra
marathon where I got afraid that I was alone in the long stretch of roads with
only my headlamp on. I’ve always felt secured that nothing would happen to me
but that doesn’t mean I’ve not been extra careful. When I find myself alone, I
heighten my senses and become more aware of my surroundings. While I focus on
the run, I also make sure no one was around to hurt me and that I am running in
a safe place. I become more careful with the vehicles going so fast in the
highway. I don’t care if I slow down to go to the side and give way as long as
I am safe. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From Km. 10 until Km. 20, I was alone. Although most parts
of the road were well lit, there were sections that weren’t. It takes courage
to be willing to pass by those areas but more than that it takes greater
sensitivity of your surroundings. No race is worth your life or safety. Go slow
if necessary. If you can take with you some weapons to protect yourself in case
an attacker comes, do so even if it adds weight on you. I must say though that
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the organizers are responsible enough not to place us in dangerous situations
but still better be careful than sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">HAVE FUN! </span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-liPO96J2PRk/Vei0or3ZCNI/AAAAAAAABJI/TV6ryL4UPYo/s1600/RUN%2BHAPPY2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-liPO96J2PRk/Vei0or3ZCNI/AAAAAAAABJI/TV6ryL4UPYo/s200/RUN%2BHAPPY2.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s not all the time that we get the chance to run in the
provinces with trees, rice fields, mountains, clean air but sometimes because we
get too pre occupied with finishing the race with a good time, we lose the
chance of savoring that moment; that gift.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I reached Km. 21 before 6:00 am when the sun was just
beginning to show up and its rays were slowly kissing the rice fields welcomed
by the birds chirping and flying around. It was green. It was beautiful. And
then I felt the cool breeze touching my face as if telling me that everything
would be fine. While lingering in that moment, I was greeted by early risers-
farmers, children smiling at me and cheering me on. Some of them were riding in
carabaos, some of them were just walking barefoot. Then I began to smell fresh
pandesal,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tuyo and sinangag; tinapa,
corn, COFFEEEE!!!! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made sure I was there to have those images in my mind
vivid and savor the smell, the view, the moment.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: red;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anything can happen in a run especially in ultra marathons.
Because of the long distance, there are more chances for surprises to arise.
You can only prepare so much. We should be ready for whatever may come. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a girly run for me. An unexpected, unwanted visitor
came before race day so I was running on my second day- the most painful and uncomfortable
day for a woman. I knew I had it and tried so hard to prepare for it but after
four hours of running in the rain, the situation had gone from bad to worse. I
had to stop every now and then for the routine to keep myself clean and sane </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KbxgPkOuBr4/Vei1J6LnC6I/AAAAAAAABJM/hVYfh15FdV0/s1600/run%2Bpain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KbxgPkOuBr4/Vei1J6LnC6I/AAAAAAAABJM/hVYfh15FdV0/s200/run%2Bpain.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was painful and uncomfortable. A perfect combo for a
potential DNF. Men may not understand it. Some women even. To those who’ve gone
through that agony would know that it’s not a joke to have your period
especially your 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> day on race day and especially in an ultra
marathon when you have to deal with it for almost the entire day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, what could I do? I rolled with it. I did the stops as
quickly as possible and tried to ignore it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was sweat, blood and tears for me. SORRY, TMI! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Challenges can come in many other forms- cramps, side
stitch, hyper acidity, a lost whatever, a vehicular failure of your support
crew, etc. but keep in mind that it’s part of the adventure- deal with it, RUN!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri;">LISTEN TO YOUR BODY...
CAREFULLY</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b22ADpVIarU/Vei143M5ODI/AAAAAAAABJY/vK2AUZ5s49w/s1600/WET%2BQMAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b22ADpVIarU/Vei143M5ODI/AAAAAAAABJY/vK2AUZ5s49w/s200/WET%2BQMAR.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At Km. 40, my legs were beginning to complain. Since my last
ultra marathon was a year ago and my longest run before the race was the Milo
Marathon, my body began to adjust to the distance and complained. The pain was here
and there; my feet, my hips, my back, my shoulders, my motivation. When all
these were calling my attention, I did not easily shrug them off. I paid
attention to each of them and tried to identify which pain was just caused by
irresponsible lack of training and arrogance and which were more serious, I
should stop. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are masochists, that’s a given. The fact that we’re
willing to suffer for how many hours proves that we’re born to survive but we’re
not reckless. We’re crazy and insane but not stupid and damn. There is a thin line.
I find it noble and admirable that we break our boundaries and surpass the
difficulties but I find it more respectful when we are willing to quit if it
would mean long term injuries or our lives. We take calculated risk. It takes
strength to beat the pain and go on but it takes wisdom and humility to know
when to stop- for yourself and the ones you love. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">EAT, HYDRATE!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri;">TALK TO YOUR SELF</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-liPO96J2PRk/Vei0or3ZCNI/AAAAAAAABJI/TV6ryL4UPYo/s1600/RUN%2BHAPPY2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-liPO96J2PRk/Vei0or3ZCNI/AAAAAAAABJI/TV6ryL4UPYo/s200/RUN%2BHAPPY2.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It sounds crazy but I don’t mind admitting it. Everytime
people learn that I do ultra marathons, one of the first questions I get is
what goes on in my head while running for such a long time and I’d always say-
random thoughts. Then they’d ask if it’s not boring especially after they learn
that I don’t listen to any music so I can hear the vehicles coming or the
people around. I’d tell them, I love running and it would be hard to get bored
doing something you love plus I talk to myself. Then they’d laugh at me and
call me crazy. To which I’d reply: I am! Haha!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the beginning especially when I reached Km. 50 after
overcoming the hills that seemed not to end, I’d talk and motivate myself. I
argued with myself. I would remind myself of the reason why I was there; of how
I was able do those kinds of runs before and would remind myself that I was
strong and the finish line was close. I would remind myself of happy thoughts-
friends and family, the fandom, the happy workplace, the blessings. I would get
myself excited at what awaits me at the finish line- the comfortable slippers,
the good cup of coffee, friends waiting, REST!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s helping me and I don’t know how you see it but it
sustained me in all my races. Try it? ;)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hb9DE1AFO8/Vei0jPbQqgI/AAAAAAAABJA/nvd9kHxMmHs/s1600/RUN%2BHAPPY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hb9DE1AFO8/Vei0jPbQqgI/AAAAAAAABJA/nvd9kHxMmHs/s200/RUN%2BHAPPY.jpg" width="133" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri;">BE NICE. SURVIVE THE CORE CHALLENGE</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last stretch of a long distance race seems the longest.
The closer you get to the finish line, the more you feel impatient and
exhausted and you’d have the tendency to get grumpy and moody and bad. The
tiredness would creep in and you’d find all excuses to justify a bad mood and
take it out on your support crew. It’s unfair. I’ve always wondered how runners
can get mad at their support crew when these people did nothing but help you in
what makes you happy, in something that they didn’t force you to do. It’s not
easy to lack sleep and rest, to cheer us up, give us what we need, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Try to be nice. Try to be patient. Think of happy thoughts.
Thank your crew instead when you are tempted to be angry, cry if you must than
hurt them. It’s not fair. It’s not right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do not lose your virtues in the run. Hold on to it. The run
should make us better people. Ultra marathon is a mental game but also a character test therefore we should not only keep our heads tough but our values and integrity intact. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2r53KauSV2M/VejSxsiUgXI/AAAAAAAABJ0/9TcC7C_OXaU/s1600/FINISH%2BLINE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2r53KauSV2M/VejSxsiUgXI/AAAAAAAABJ0/9TcC7C_OXaU/s320/FINISH%2BLINE.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You need to keep your core strong- the physcial core and core values.</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">CELEBRATE!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You deserve a treat after that grueling journey so
celebrate. Eat properly and what would give you comfort and joy. Stretch.
Laugh. Enjoy the moment!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I crossed the finish line, I saw my good friends
waiting with open arms and teary eyed. They knew the life I had. They knew how
much I wanted to finish that race and how afraid and doubtful I was. They knew
that it meant so much to me. I cried, they did. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkIjBHJeNRE/Vei3Q-Qd-vI/AAAAAAAABJo/oVhahBEFJu0/s1600/trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkIjBHJeNRE/Vei3Q-Qd-vI/AAAAAAAABJo/oVhahBEFJu0/s200/trophy.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could not utter any word but gratefulness and joy. The
podium finish was a bonus. It was more than enough that I crossed the finish
line injury free despite the di makataong route and weather. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">GOD IS GOOD! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good luck! Have fun! Stay safe! Finish strong! </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-24222984976867655182015-08-28T14:07:00.000-07:002015-08-28T17:34:09.074-07:00HO HO HOPIA! <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hopiang ube, macapuno, munggo. Diced, round. Japanee,
Filipino, Chinese. Regular or special. I don’t care. I love my hopia. I have it
every single day for my am snacks at around 10am along with my maybe, 4<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
cup of coffee for the day- during good days. I have it before and after a race.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I’ve become famous with it that almost everyone would give
me hopia everytime they pass by a bakery, etc. Hopia and myself have been
identified with each other just like how I've been known to loving coffee and
nuts; running and advocacy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2f35yqmFFyw/VeDJxGmEtZI/AAAAAAAABH0/T-Zs40-GKYw/s1600/hopia%2Bfest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="height: 235px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 319px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2f35yqmFFyw/VeDJxGmEtZI/AAAAAAAABH0/T-Zs40-GKYw/s320/hopia%2Bfest.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love hopia and it had a whole new different meaning when i became a Rebel- a member of fandom following Rhian Ramos and Glaiza De Castro of Thr Rich Man's Daughter TV show where we talk about "hopia" but with a different connotation. "Hopia" that their love story is real. Witty!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Hopia- minsan pagkain, minsan ako." That is now the famous
joke to refer to lovers who hope that the one they love would
reciprocate their love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Simply...<em> hopia= hope. <o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzG80q3MUP4/VeD7gDEJ7bI/AAAAAAAABIM/YGX0nGCwUxk/s1600/HOPIA%2BMEME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzG80q3MUP4/VeD7gDEJ7bI/AAAAAAAABIM/YGX0nGCwUxk/s320/HOPIA%2BMEME.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNAwQumgjxQ/VeDKLdnNNNI/AAAAAAAABIA/gFlKP9SUetg/s1600/hopia%2Bkape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></a><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Is this why I love hopia? I’m used to experiencing
unrequited love (hugot pa more!) so maybe not that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love hopia for all the it is- fluffy, sweet, flavorful, cheap, goes well with coffee, comforting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hopia! That should be the theme of all our endeavors- to
give hope to those who know us because we don't exactly what each other’s journey is so we
shouldn’t judge. A runner on the heavy side struggling to finish a race shouldn't be looked down especially if we know that she's been trying; parents or employees who have little time to train but try to make the most out of whatever time they have should be admired, they deserve my hopia! :)</span><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNAwQumgjxQ/VeDKLdnNNNI/AAAAAAAABIA/gFlKP9SUetg/s1600/hopia%2Bkape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNAwQumgjxQ/VeDKLdnNNNI/AAAAAAAABIA/gFlKP9SUetg/s320/hopia%2Bkape.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hopia! For a nation baffled by hits and blows; of never
ending struggles and challenges; of political inefficiencies and patronage; of
disaster and poverty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hopia for vulnerable and neglected sectors that they'd eventually receive the respect and attention they deserve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Hopia to those who dream and work hard to get them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hopia for you, hopia for me. Spread the hopia! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">HOPIA HAVE A NICE DAY! :)</span></div>
xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-944311961446349162015-08-16T15:13:00.001-07:002015-08-17T14:02:21.563-07:00Running back to running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4S8DvtcMxw/VdEGbL2cT0I/AAAAAAAABGY/IbL5NqnZw6E/s1600/DEFORMED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me resurrect this blog. Let me relive the days. Let me
remember.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPku9fW0Up4/VdEFQkvtZeI/AAAAAAAABGE/zbwIIqQuuvQ/s1600/OVal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPku9fW0Up4/VdEFQkvtZeI/AAAAAAAABGE/zbwIIqQuuvQ/s200/OVal.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running is the only partner that will not ask any question
when you decide to embrace it again after taking some time off and setting it
aside. Its comments are probably expressed through sore muscles here and there;
that high heart rate that you never had when you and running were dating more often but other than that it still gives you the same satisfaction and the high that you need to escape from the realities you face. It comforts you
no less and warms your heart just the same. It doesn’t judge the choices you’ve
made and doesn’t bother you with a list of your mistakes because it </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">recognizes
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the fact that the very reason you’re back in its arms is that you knew, you
learned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCr5SEg0CHE/VdEFkmtfabI/AAAAAAAABGM/_l9HmBmGFbE/s1600/powerpuff%2Buniform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCr5SEg0CHE/VdEFkmtfabI/AAAAAAAABGM/_l9HmBmGFbE/s320/powerpuff%2Buniform.jpg" width="228" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running, I realized, is such a fundamental part of who I am.
Competing is a different story but running, I mean running regularly that I chose to set aside for a while, makes a lot of difference to
my being. I don’t completely regret those times that I took a break but I cannot
deny the fact that I missed it and I only felt it when I came back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ran to running during my most vulnerable moments; when
sweat was what I needed to cover the tears; when my body longed for physical
torture to surpass the emotions that overwhelmed me. It was there, run was
there. I was silent, I was crying, I was catching my breath and the run was
there allowing me to stay still, to mourn while I gasp for perspective and clarity.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> change. People around me can change. Running remains.
It’s like my family that constantly and unconditionally loves me; it’s like my
dear and real friends that welcomed me with open arms and journeyed with me
after I’ve hurt them without demand for any apology or explanation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjAkZWG4oBA/VdEGw8CvAFI/AAAAAAAABGg/IpFdvh8ps-A/s1600/pink%2Brun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjAkZWG4oBA/VdEGw8CvAFI/AAAAAAAABGg/IpFdvh8ps-A/s200/pink%2Brun.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running may just be a sport to many or another form of exercise but in
time you’d know that it’s more than just what you expected it would be and I’d forever be grateful I discovered it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will run as long as I can. I may still have lull moments
but I know that I will always return to it every time I need to find my way back
home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This it for now. Off for a run! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-56492406644707657622011-07-06T15:59:00.000-07:002011-07-07T05:11:20.097-07:00GRANDMOTHER.. ULTRA TRAIL RUNNER<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTSvy-Tgsxs/ThUOw2EvXbI/AAAAAAAAAUg/8CA3t9AcDtE/s1600/36675_1415416079039_1641690629_958426_8191775_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 346px; height: 352px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTSvy-Tgsxs/ThUOw2EvXbI/AAAAAAAAAUg/8CA3t9AcDtE/s400/36675_1415416079039_1641690629_958426_8191775_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626419541781208498" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrxrfCwcbaA/ThT0IfEX3MI/AAAAAAAAASQ/9UqwZ5UcuXA/s1600/36675_1415416079039_1641690629_958426_8191775_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">Maybe someday, when someone asks my grandchild Enzo, “where’s your lola?” he will proudly say “nasa bundok po, tumatakbo po ng 100K trail run!!!”</span></span></div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><i><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> ELMA AMBAL – GABRIANA </span></span></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">ltra road and trail marathoner</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">loving</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">wife, mother of four grownups and recently a grandmother. </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">A devoted runner who strongly believes that proper training,</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">perseverance and courage are </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">virtues that spell success in every competition.</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> She d</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">reams</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">of participating in Ironman Triathlon</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">before</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"> becoming a “golden girl”.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I think I already mentioned several times how I love trail runs as much as I love road runs but since trails are rarely offered I take advantage of them. Even if trail has become a trend recently, many runners still dread the thought of running on dirt roads, stepping on rocks, of traversing, terrains, muds, etc. So, I thought of featuring a story of another ultra trail runner to invite more to try it and have fun.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">More than encouraging people to try trail runs, I also hope to share the inspiration that my friend, Ate Elma has been giving me. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">In my almost two years in the running community, I've encountered many inspiring people and heard of touching stories and this one is definitely one those that stand out. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">When people tell me they admire me because of my pace, etc., although I appreciate them a lot and feel humbled, I also tell them that there are lot of factors why I'm able to run that way- I'm relatively young, I haven't given birth therefore has not gained much weight, although I'm busy at work, I don't have as much responsibility as keeping a house so it's easier for me to find time to train. This is just to point out that those who don't have these but still run, regardless of their pace, are more admirable than me.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">This is why I really look up to Ate Elma. She may not be as young as me or other runners out there but I bet she's stronger than many of us. Finishing a 100K trail run was not a joke. I think it's one of the toughest challenges any runner could face. Proof of it was the number of those who did not finish the TNF 100 race - young men and women. But she's not just your usual senior runner, she's an ultra runner with a pace that will tire younger ones.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Her determination and commitment inspire me a lot. More than that, I admire her for how she takes care of her husband and her entire family and also of her friends. She's a beautiful soul. I have been gifted with the chance of knowing her and I'd like to share this gift with you.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING?</span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">M</span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">y passion for running or if I may say, addiction, started three years ago in 2008 Adidas King of the Road together with my Fitness First (Fort) gym buddies. I ran 10k without thinking and proper training considering that it was my first run. As a result, I tasted my first ever sore quads, leg pains and even blisters as I was not wearing the proper shoes for running. Never even thought “running shoes” existed!</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GR0dQ_K3p7A/ThT_7Kka5II/AAAAAAAAASg/r4Ebmq2p5F8/s1600/227030_1039769648113_1641690629_108011_8003_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GR0dQ_K3p7A/ThT_7Kka5II/AAAAAAAAASg/r4Ebmq2p5F8/s400/227030_1039769648113_1641690629_108011_8003_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626403226407068802" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With her loving husband, Kuya Ronnie (Adidas KOTR, 101108)</span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRTPlTJR5QE/ThT_WsEH0hI/AAAAAAAAASY/kWxryunDgj0/s1600/167288_1721235764340_1641690629_1606603_5944468_n.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRTPlTJR5QE/ThT_WsEH0hI/AAAAAAAAASY/kWxryunDgj0/s400/167288_1721235764340_1641690629_1606603_5944468_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626402599743246866" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With her Fitness First friends, minus me ;) (Condura Marathon, 020611)</span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi- font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">WHAT GOT YOU INTO RUNNING?</span></i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">just got into it and found running beneficial physically, mentally as well as socially. Three years ago, my husband, Ronnie and I were desperately trying to find ways to lose weight and tried gym fitness exercises and of course, running. It worked, we lost weight and in the process gained more friends. What else could we ask for?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BvtNyOV4ZQc/ThUAetK5vcI/AAAAAAAAASw/dvm6DZflyKI/s1600/39893_1459189213340_1641690629_1074996_3935804_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BvtNyOV4ZQc/ThUAetK5vcI/AAAAAAAAASw/dvm6DZflyKI/s400/39893_1459189213340_1641690629_1074996_3935804_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626403836990700994" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>With hubby, Kuya Ronnie who's been with her on the road, the trail, anytime, anywhere ;) (Pinatubo Express, 080110)</i></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">LONGEST DISTANCE?</span></i></b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">1</span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">00k in recently concluded TNF 100</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">held at Camsur last April 29.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">HOW MANY ROAD RUNS? TRAIL RUNS?</span></b></i></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">(Runvocate: Brace yourself guys!)</span></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">41 road runs (2 ultras, 6 full marathon, 7 half M, 26 fun runs) </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">9 trail runs (4 ultras, 2 half marathon, 3 fun runs) </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi- font-family:Tahoma;color:#333333;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0izV5-AxJY/ThUA4PXwGkI/AAAAAAAAAS4/vghd7SnhedE/s1600/167226_1712949797196_1641690629_1593384_7498775_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0izV5-AxJY/ThUA4PXwGkI/AAAAAAAAAS4/vghd7SnhedE/s400/167226_1712949797196_1641690629_1593384_7498775_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626404275668130370" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Tired but never quitting! (1st Cebu Ultramarathon, 112710)</span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gc6vu6klndE/ThUBouLzs8I/AAAAAAAAATI/JTHCOfu41ME/s1600/33690_1532837414499_1641690629_1257849_5419938_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gc6vu6klndE/ThUBouLzs8I/AAAAAAAAATI/JTHCOfu41ME/s400/33690_1532837414499_1641690629_1257849_5419938_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626405108573254594" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> Yebah! Didn't seem like she just finished an ultra marathon (PAU Pagudpod Ultramarathon, 082910)</span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi- font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE TRAILS?</span></i></b></span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">60/40- trail over road. I find trail runs extremely challenging. It improves balance and strength since they</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">usually take place on dirt roads, streams and</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">mountains of varying terrain. I enjoy the rappelling on vertical surface or cliff,</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">crossing rivers by stepping over rocks, running on steep hills or even on the edge of ravine when your heart beats faster than your feet. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29Q0IpuwKwU/ThUCklH3yiI/AAAAAAAAATQ/vyJye7wners/s1600/39893_1459189253341_1641690629_1074997_5407061_n-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29Q0IpuwKwU/ThUCklH3yiI/AAAAAAAAATQ/vyJye7wners/s400/39893_1459189253341_1641690629_1074997_5407061_n-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626406136932977186" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Enjoying the mud like a child with her friend, Chinky Tan ;)</span></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi- font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST TRAIL RUN AND HOW DID IT GO?</span></i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">2009 TNF Sacobia. It was my first taste of trail. We registered for the 22k category. Since it was held at Sacobia in Clark Pampanga, we were informed that we'd run mostly on lahar areas. Technically our shoes were submerged into water, sand and dirt.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The race was almost cancelled because of the bad weather a day before the race destroying base camp and halting 100k runners for safety reasons. But we were able to finish the race triumphantly and unknowingly. Since then I always looked forward for any upcoming trail races rather than the usual road.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLHiu-LFQ5c/ThUJRGUkqJI/AAAAAAAAAUY/wmAgn9xyYKs/s1600/39893_1459189453346_1641690629_1075002_7314620_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLHiu-LFQ5c/ThUJRGUkqJI/AAAAAAAAAUY/wmAgn9xyYKs/s400/39893_1459189453346_1641690629_1075002_7314620_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626413498828630162" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Getting wet? Mud? Blisters? Bring it on!</span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2stoM01i1vc/ThUUBVaUjAI/AAAAAAAAAUo/aTo1Hco86DY/s1600/sacobia.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2stoM01i1vc/ThUUBVaUjAI/AAAAAAAAAUo/aTo1Hco86DY/s400/sacobia.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626425322629270530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(TNF Sacobia trail run, 052409). The heat was on.. so what?!</span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi- font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">WHY DID YOU JOIN TNF 100? VTC?</span></i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">TNF 100 Camsur was actually not in our race list. We were supposed to return to Cebu for the 2</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">nd</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> 65k Coast to Coast ultra marathon. But just a few days before the last day of TNF registration, I though, "how about 100 this time?"</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">From TNF 50k in Baguio last year to TNF 100?</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> Is</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> it be possible? Can my body endure the grueling 30hrs cut off time, non-stop running and walking on various mountain terrains despite my now you see, now you don’t injuries? Immediately, I relayed the idea to my [co-addictus] trail running friend, Chinky Tan, and she (without any second thought) agreed with me. She even managed to encourage six other running friends to join us. The result was ultra history.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmstdeyI7UA/ThUC5UDVmrI/AAAAAAAAATY/chMVrF3CGgA/s1600/216012_1833235764270_1641690629_1785309_2945108_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmstdeyI7UA/ThUC5UDVmrI/AAAAAAAAATY/chMVrF3CGgA/s400/216012_1833235764270_1641690629_1785309_2945108_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626406493127809714" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With her friends at Mt. Maculot. Training for TNF Camsur </span></span></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">VTC - I guess, same generic reason, love of trail runs! Plus it was organized by our friend, Jonel Mendoza who is also known for his extra miles/kms generosity. Also the VTC challenging routes and it’s an ultra.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9lP6cpI2es/ThUDHkGrlSI/AAAAAAAAATg/biCcIdiX7yg/s1600/254398_1699818064674_1514607296_31226506_7833839_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9lP6cpI2es/ThUDHkGrlSI/AAAAAAAAATg/biCcIdiX7yg/s400/254398_1699818064674_1514607296_31226506_7833839_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626406737954968866" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Valley Trail Challenge.. when many decided to stop, she went on.. smiling! ;)</span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi- font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST IN TNF 100? VTC</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">TNF 100 - The challenging race route, the rappelling portion, the majestic Mt. Isarog Falls that surprised us after the treacherous steep and muddy declines and the race itself being well organized by RD Neville Manaois, CD Levi, TNF marshals, security and medical staff.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The pre and post events shared together with our friends will be treasured forever.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVGMg4B0uCQ/ThUFVy_Lj_I/AAAAAAAAATo/pT2s0DjOltI/s1600/222265_1872244219457_1641690629_1845832_2760444_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVGMg4B0uCQ/ThUFVy_Lj_I/AAAAAAAAATo/pT2s0DjOltI/s400/222265_1872244219457_1641690629_1845832_2760444_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626409181491466226" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Looking strong and happy with Chinky at the Mt. Isarog falls. TNF 100 Camsur </span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">VTC – the 7K bonus, the scenery (couldn't believe, it’s just a few Ks away from Manila) and how it was organized. Perfect!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi- font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART?</span></i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;color:#333333;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">TNF 100 - The last 5k where the finish line was just around the corner where I thought that I was already at the 98km marker but found out that it was a big mistake! I was so excited when I finally entered the CWC grounds with ample remaining time but my excitement turned to nightmare when a race marshal instructed me to turn down right. I said, "Whaaaaat?!?! Are you kidding?" At that time, I wanted to scream and yell at him but what’s the use?</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> I was already so s</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">leepy, hungry and so dammed tired. My whole body was aching, as if these were not enough, we had to traverse the CWC Park, soaked my pressed and blistered foot on streams, climbed on muddy trail desperately looking for any on-sight stick just to be able to balance and keep me standing, I was so grateful to my running friend, Chinky who was with me the entire race. We crossed the finish line together</span>.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzfZEf3lZxE/ThUFsfvjpxI/AAAAAAAAATw/3CxC5M94siI/s1600/222639_1872262059903_1641690629_1845904_6819873_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzfZEf3lZxE/ThUFsfvjpxI/AAAAAAAAATw/3CxC5M94siI/s400/222639_1872262059903_1641690629_1845904_6819873_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626409571462653714" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">I still get goosebumps everytime I see this photo. Celebrating her victory with Chinky. They did it and they said, they're doing it again. Salute!</span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">VTC? – Right after 20k of the 1</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">st</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> loop where I felt my knees locked and the pain was so intense that running seemed impossible. Upon reaching back at the base camp, I was tempted to quit but I persevered and found myself walking as fast as I could in the entire 2</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">nd</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> loop.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Surprisingly, I finished the race within the cut off time despite the pains.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;mso-bidi- font-family:Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;">TIPS FOR THOSE WHO’D LIKE TO DO TRAIL RUN. FINAL WORDS.</span></i></b></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hig1s_cFMhQ/ThUImSGMRAI/AAAAAAAAAUI/AQopo4oEuzI/s1600/225550_1872257579791_1641690629_1845886_4340031_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hig1s_cFMhQ/ThUImSGMRAI/AAAAAAAAAUI/AQopo4oEuzI/s400/225550_1872257579791_1641690629_1845886_4340031_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626412763255161858" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></i></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Priceless! That smile and glow in her eyes tell you how happy she was. Still standing strong and ready to sign up for another 100K</span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Every trail run is one of a kind. Anything is possible as long as you train hard. And when you’re in a trail, marvel at God’s creation, appreciate the majestic sceneries, be strong and confident, and always think positive. Statistics states that only 1 in 1000 can finish a marathon, I definitely believe that the odds are much much higher in running an ultra trail marathon</span>. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHxyUWfBKu8/ThUIU5E6ylI/AAAAAAAAAUA/pp_Pmqt6has/s1600/183905_1746488155634_1641690629_1651863_736988_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHxyUWfBKu8/ThUIU5E6ylI/AAAAAAAAAUA/pp_Pmqt6has/s400/183905_1746488155634_1641690629_1651863_736988_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626412464481159762" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></a></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>The ultra trail runner is also an ultra loving grandmother</i></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Maybe someday, when someone asks my grandchild Enzo, “where’s your lola?” he will proudly say “nasa bundok po, tumatakbo po ng 100km trail run!!!” If you didn’t know me personally, would you believe him?………..</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Awesome, isn’t it?</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph"><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-7223493722480870642011-06-24T23:10:00.000-07:002011-06-26T06:24:15.727-07:00EXTRA CHALLENGE at the Valley Trail Challenge<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After finishing 50K in the TNF 100 Camsur last month, I’ve always looked forward to running in another trail. I thought roads are always there anyway so I should take advantage of trail runs which are rarely being offered.</div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Before I continue, let me first congratulate Mr. Jonel Mendoza, the Frontrunner and rest of their team for such a successful race. Thank you for your hard work and effort to provide runners with a new and exciting route; and sufficient hydration and Nature Valley energy bars. It also felt like a gathering of friends sharing the same passion for adventure.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p>VTC lived up to its title. It was challenging indeed. In fact it was one of my difficult races not only because of the long distance but also because of the extreme heat, the rolling hills, the trail that’s more challenging to my knees and the tendency of getting dehydrated. But more than these, there were other challenges I had to overcome to finish it.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">CHALLENGE 1: INJURY</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When I heard about the Valley Trail Challenge, I got excited and thought I should join despite recurring pain on my right knee which I tried to disregard but was too painful I could not simply brush aside. It weighed on me in all my runs and got me frustrated especially during races. I felt like dragging it all the time even when walking. After doing half marathons every week before the VTC as part of my training, I decided to take a rest the week before. I drastically reduced my mileage and did cross training instead. I mustered all courage to resist the temptation to run to give my knee a break and a chance to recover. While I think that I deserved some pat on the back for not being too hard headed, I also recognized the mistake of refusing to see a specialist to have it checked which I should do soon. Anyway, I think that rest helped me finish the VTC. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">CHALLENGE 2: LACK OF REST AND SLEEP</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Although the knee had the chance to rest from running, I had not. That week was one my busiest weeks at work. I had to do back to back travels with just a few hours of sleep to meet deadlines and handle events. The day before the race, I even came from Mindanao and only had three hours of sleep which made me more worried about how I’d perform in the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; ">CHALLENGE 3: ANXIETY</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As usual, as in other races, anxiety overwhelmed me before the start. On our way to Nuvali, I kept on sighing because of being too nervous. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When we got in the race area, I met a few friends and chatted with them to try to release the tension. I was so anxious my hands were feeling cold.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ-TDT_cMSM/TgV9zOyq2lI/AAAAAAAAARo/lhlkDdqQiP4/s1600/264618_1699763623313_1514607296_31226344_2370798_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ-TDT_cMSM/TgV9zOyq2lI/AAAAAAAAARo/lhlkDdqQiP4/s400/264618_1699763623313_1514607296_31226344_2370798_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622038028939352658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">With friends before the race (L-R) Jesus Roque, Chinky Tan, Elma Gabriana, Shiela Compendio, Ronnie Gabriana, David Buban, Jose Leorenzo Mina</span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">CHALLENGE 4: GETTING LOST</span></i></b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When the gun was fired, I ran with the pack and along some friends. We took the first kilometer slow and easy but after warming up I felt the adrenalin rush to run faster so I did. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I was having the time of life, enjoying the ability to run that fast again after being stalled for almost a month because of injury until I heard someone shouting from behind saying that we were heading towards the wrong route. I had to run back and did it a bit faster since I was told that we lost 1.6K already. I thought I should compensate by sprinting. While I was so engrossed in recovering my lost mileage, I was also starting to get worried I might burn out too early in the race so I slowed down. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">At that time, I didn’t have any idea about my rank. That was the last thing on my mind. I thought a bunch of female runners were already ahead but after the first water station, I was informed that I was running second. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It was good news but also an added pressure. I thought I should maintain it which meant I could not go as easy as planned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To be able to run faster, I left my assault pack with a friend who was at the last kilometer before the base camp so I'd be load free and since I was starting to get blisters on my shoulders. I took the risk of not taking it and just brought along with me a 500ml bottle of water.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Since the third placer was just too close I tried to run fast to have enough lead and rest in the next kilometers. While most runners stopped, took some rest, changed shirts and shoes at the base camp, I did not. I was so in a hurry, I just grabbed a bottle of Pocari, refilled my water bottle, got a bar of trail mix and headed off.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FI52r25T77I/TgV-AY09dLI/AAAAAAAAARw/zo-w34hTCk4/s1600/246904_1767780315301_1262977461_31501419_7459472_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FI52r25T77I/TgV-AY09dLI/AAAAAAAAARw/zo-w34hTCk4/s400/246904_1767780315301_1262977461_31501419_7459472_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622038254971614386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">Tired ev</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">en before the first half</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">CHALLENGE 5: GETTING LOST. AGAIN!</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p>Maybe because of too much rushing, although the second half was just the same route as the first, I still got lost. One of my weaknesses is not having a sense of direction so when I got confused about where to go and was pointed by a marshal to go straight instead of going right, I did. I was with two other runners finding our way in that area where no signs and no other runners were.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I got very frustrated, at the verge of crying and almost gave up. I hated my self, all I wanted to do was just go back and stop. So arrogant of me! </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I think I spent almost ten minutes roaming around. Since I got lost again, I tried to compensate by sprinting, this time with my legs already tired and weak. I knew I’d feel terribly bad if I didn’t make it just because of getting lost so I pushed myself so hard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When I finally ran past the then second placer and had a few meters lead, I was happy I could finally do what I'd been wanting to do which was to run at a relax pace or even walk. But when I reached the water station, the marshal informed me that I was the 3<sup>rd</sup> placer and the 2<sup>nd</sup> one just left. Like a rabid dog, I wonder what got into me but what I did was run fast and looked for the 2<sup>nd</sup> placer. Again, after getting ahead of her and having some lead, I started walking since my legs were so exhausted especially with the heat.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7ZRutPk5AU/TgV-aIxQRQI/AAAAAAAAAR4/BCWG0Y7IOFc/s1600/263888_1699803064299_1514607296_31226456_2194996_n-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7ZRutPk5AU/TgV-aIxQRQI/AAAAAAAAAR4/BCWG0Y7IOFc/s400/263888_1699803064299_1514607296_31226456_2194996_n-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622038697337701634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;">Last K before the finish line. See that pressure and exhaustion on my face?</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">CHALLENGE 6: KEEPING THE LEAD</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">While walking, a woman ran ahead of me but I was then willing to let go of being a second placer since I was already drained to catch up and was beginning to experience cramps. But at the water station, I saw her resting so I took advantage to go ahead. I ran and ran and ran to keep my lead and then jogged and walked after a couple of kilometers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> When I thought I could already rest, someone from behind called my name and asked if I was trying to keep a place since the woman next to me, he said, was just meters away. So even if I was already wasted, I ran at my race pace again until I crossed the finish line.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3w5ipSa4jVI/TgV-nfB-ZAI/AAAAAAAAASA/6ipaCrItBwE/s1600/254114_1769204150896_1262977461_31503184_1223772_n-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3w5ipSa4jVI/TgV-nfB-ZAI/AAAAAAAAASA/6ipaCrItBwE/s400/254114_1769204150896_1262977461_31503184_1223772_n-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622038926651712514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With the organizer, Mr. Jonel Mendoza who handed the medal for being the 1st runner up among the female finishers</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">CHALLENGE 7: WAS IT RIGHT? </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I placed second, took that huge medal and gift packs home but wasn’t completely happy as everyone thought I should. I felt disturbed with the way I behaved in the race, with how competitive I’ve become and how arrogant I’ve been. Was it right that I missed the beauty of the trail because I was so engrossed with winning?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I wasn’t sure if it was right that I tried to outrun those women and felt good after. I wasn’t sure if it was right that I took that much pressure just to have a podium finish. I wasn’t sure if the level of my being competitive was still right or if I’ve crossed the line of arrogance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I was happy that I took the discipline to rest for my injury; that I was able to strike a balance between work and trying to get some rest for the race; that I didn’t give up despite getting lost, the heat, the exhaustion, the cramps and all; but I was faced with the greater challenge which was to reflect about what kind of person I’ve become. The more important challenge that bothers me until now.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-74526660063720389162011-05-21T06:28:00.000-07:002011-05-22T17:19:07.941-07:00LOVE CONQUERS ALL (An ultra trail runner who didn't like trails)<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-juVo10wBt7k/TdkDbR9SIhI/AAAAAAAAARU/6rsYxF9h5Kg/s1600/shiela10.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-juVo10wBt7k/TdkDbR9SIhI/AAAAAAAAARU/6rsYxF9h5Kg/s400/shiela10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609518578078458386" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-juVo10wBt7k/TdkDbR9SIhI/AAAAAAAAARU/6rsYxF9h5Kg/s1600/shiela10.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-juVo10wBt7k/TdkDbR9SIhI/AAAAAAAAARU/6rsYxF9h5Kg/s1600/shiela10.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">"I am not an elite, nor a pro, nor an above average runner. I am not even competitive in the running community. I only compete with myself. In the flesh, I am not a head turner. I am simply a middle aged married woman who wants to age gracefully and truly enjoy life through running."</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"> - Shiela Compendio, Ultra road and trail runner</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">More than a hundred runners and mountaineers joined the recently concluded TNF 100 Camsur on April 30- May 1, 2011. I assume most of us were there because of two things; either we love to run or we love to climb.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x8Om5Rvxt0/TdfFglhriVI/AAAAAAAAAPk/VzZGlpW2T6A/s1600/shiela7.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x8Om5Rvxt0/TdfFglhriVI/AAAAAAAAAPk/VzZGlpW2T6A/s400/shiela7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609169024533104978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><!--StartFragment--></i></b></p><b><i><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TNF 50K runners heading off the race after the gun start</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">But someone I know was there not so much for those two common reasons but because she loves her friends. Yes, she likes to run but not much the trail but she ranked 10</span></span></span></span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">th</span></span></span></span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">among the female finishers. And yes, her reason wasn’t like the rest because she is really extra ordinary.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYephKW7OIc/TdfF6FpQJrI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tjYUiGneJeA/s1600/shiela1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYephKW7OIc/TdfF6FpQJrI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tjYUiGneJeA/s400/shiela1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609169462651528882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Relak. Relak. With her friends during the orientation, day before the race</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMKP_itPLpM/TdfHqB96qpI/AAAAAAAAAQU/hi8pEbvtDCU/s1600/shiela5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMKP_itPLpM/TdfHqB96qpI/AAAAAAAAAQU/hi8pEbvtDCU/s400/shiela5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609171385809808018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">With one of her best friends, Chinky Tan who finished the 100K run</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I had the privilege of running with Ms. Shiela Compendio the entire 50K since we, together with four other friends, decided to go through the entire race together.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8YRO6UIHvaA/TdfH7PFrC-I/AAAAAAAAAQc/9swAx5au6m0/s1600/shiela2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8YRO6UIHvaA/TdfH7PFrC-I/AAAAAAAAAQc/9swAx5au6m0/s400/shiela2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609171681389775842" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> We're enjoying the trail. At one point, our friends went ahead of us.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> We're left together in a trail w/o anyone around us and then it rained. Yaygs! No she's not going to hit me with the stick, she's just showing it ;)</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">If I were to rank who among us didn’t like the trail most, Shiela would be on top of my list. Maybe all of us had our own reservations about trail runs but since Shiela was the most open and vocal about it, I'd also consider her with the most courage and commitment to finish the race. It was so inspiring, I thought others should also know her story.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VWZoYhvLAs/TdfILFTkTPI/AAAAAAAAAQk/97TCHBH7bkQ/s1600/shiela3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VWZoYhvLAs/TdfILFTkTPI/AAAAAAAAAQk/97TCHBH7bkQ/s400/shiela3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609171953641606386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Serious look. With her friends who ran with her to the finish line</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">While I admired everyone who finished the race, I had a different kind of admiration for those who were able to do it even if they could have chosen not to. The race itself offered various challenges to overcome but it must have been more difficult trying to finish with another one within you. But Shiela successfully conquered every difficulty there was.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">She not only set her foot on deciding to do it, she also took the discipline to train and worked hard for it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">To those who are having second thoughts about joining trail runs, I hope that this post would encourage you to try it. While road runs give us a certain high, trail runs give another level of satisfaction that’s worth all the courage all fears.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Here is my very inspiring ‘interview’ with a good friend, Shiela.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p></i></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">How long have you been running?</span></span></span></i></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Three years. Not sure though if you can count my very first in July 2007 where my weight management consultant convinced me to try joining Fitness First 7km fun run for health purposes. It was then followed in August 2008 when a friend asked if my husband and I were interested in joining Mens Health 10km relay for a cause. We agreed. From there on we yearned for more, and the rest is, ultra, hi</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">story.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">Longest distance?</span></span></span></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> 70km ultramarathon at Pagudpod, Ilokos Norte in August 2010</span></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">How many road runs ? trail runs?</span></span></span></i></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Road runs : 52 road runs. Trail runs : 3</span></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">How much do you love trails? Why?</span></span></span></i></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Can I just re-phrase </span></span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">the before TNF Camsur question</span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> to “how much do I not-so-like trails”, or “why do I not-so-like trails”</span></span></span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I am dainty, clingy, and an ultra worry wrat. If you leave me alone in the middle of a mountain or forest, I will surely die helplessly and pathetically. </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -36pt; "><b><span lang="EN"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">What was your first trail run and how did it go?</span></span></span></i></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -36pt; "><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">21km TNF at Sacobia, Clark in 2009. </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The dreadful river crossing was the highlight of that trail. My somewhat OC-ness whispered the need to avoid drippin my feet by checking on protuded rocks to step on. I was hopeful that I will finish the race unsoiled, like I always do in all my road races. Expectedly, I was wrong. With my eyes closed, eventually succumed to drenching my shoes and just forced myself to savor this once-in-a-lifetime crossing of the river.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">My edginess never stopped in the river crossing as we were surprised by a narrow uphill course with a rope. Still stunned, and ignoring the inflow of runners waiting for me to assault, some of which I allowed to overtake me, told my husband, Jonas, that I’d rather DNF than go up there. Jonas irritatingly insisted otherwise explaining the need to pass through the river should I decide to DNF. Hearing the river thingy, took a deep breath, got my hanky and crawled.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">With a muddy shoes, dead toenail, an increased heart rate, and an acceptable finish time, as Jonas forced me to run in the middle of a slightly call-it-a-desert-place, my first trail run went well.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">Why did you join this year’s TNF 100 Camsur?</span></span></span></i></span></div> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I am an only child so I try to give as much love and care to my friends as possible the way siblings should be with each other. Now I have 2 reasons:</span></span></span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span lang="EN"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> - </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">For the </span></span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">love of supporting</span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> my friends, whom I can’t afford to miss the chance of seeing at the finishline.</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> - For the </span></span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">love of being with</span></span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> my friends wherever they go for as long as I can and as long as I want.</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">To busy ourselves during the race, the initial plan was for us to run 22km, but when one of our friends said in jest, why not 50km? everyone agreed. </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5S9dg0_rwM/TdfIVUy-MDI/AAAAAAAAAQs/WtuiZRX5hd8/s1600/shiela4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5S9dg0_rwM/TdfIVUy-MDI/AAAAAAAAAQs/WtuiZRX5hd8/s400/shiela4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609172129598550066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Looking excited with her friends and a running buddy, her sunblock, before gun star</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t</span></span></span></span></div></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">What did you like most in the race?</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Three things:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><u><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Savoring the magnificence of Gods creation.</span></span></span></span></u><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> Amidst of extreme challenges and endless surprises of TNF Camsur, I enjoyed the stillness of the Bamboo farm, the riveting falls and the bewitching part of Mount Isarog. I kept on thanking God for this chance to see his creation.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><u><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Safety and security of race participants is first at TNF 100</span></span></span></span></u><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">. The visibility of warm and accommodating marshalls and the presence of both the Camsur Police and Military people gave me assurance that no matter what happens I know I will go home safe and sound. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><u><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Route markers were visible almost everywhere</span></span></span></span></u><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">. If you brought your awareness, not only strenght, with you in TNF Camsur, it is impossible to really get lost. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- background-position: initial initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uyo214oXX0/TdkCjSSOGvI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/TaeWf8EHiPo/s1600/shiela9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uyo214oXX0/TdkCjSSOGvI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/TaeWf8EHiPo/s400/shiela9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609517616093600498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span lang="EN"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There she goes! Running strong! Yeba!</span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">What did you hate most?</span></span></span></i></span></b><b><span lang="EN"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">/W</span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">hat was the hardest part?</span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></i></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">I cannot say the hatest but the hardest part. Prior to reaching 7km mark while I was still enjoying our warm up, we were already greeted by a pretty muddy downhill trail. Technically, had to traverse sideways forward-facing in an awfully think lane about 10 meters, slowly grasping to any stable rock or stem, to safely go down. It was one of the many grueling fraction in the race that increases my heart rate, that one miscalculation would mean, falling and hitting sharp hardened thingy. Good thing I made it without tumbling and falling.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1t_mdy6XVM/TdfGwr6tcvI/AAAAAAAAAQM/l3stxWq9i0I/s1600/shiela6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1t_mdy6XVM/TdfGwr6tcvI/AAAAAAAAAQM/l3stxWq9i0I/s400/shiela6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609170400638235378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Having second thoughts about making any step but she did it ;)</span></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">How did you train for it?</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">-We climbed Mt. Maculot/Rockies in Batangas, 2 weeks prior to the event. It was my first real taste of mounting climbing where I literally cried of fear when I first saw a steep row of rocks.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">-Outdoor uphill dowhill running at least 2x a week</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">-Indoor, I did the following: Treadmill with the max gradient of 8 - 2x a week. Yoga - once or 2x a week. Cross training : spinning and lifting weights 2x a week.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpWUWD2GKuQ/TdfKe8-N1eI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/wTsoyBxVu58/s1600/shiela8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpWUWD2GKuQ/TdfKe8-N1eI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/wTsoyBxVu58/s400/shiela8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609174494025209314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She rocks! Overcoming Mt. Maculot.</span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#9999FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- color:white;"><b><span lang="EN"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">What would you like to say to other runners who consider joining trail runs? Any tips?</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">- Get a running buddy, especially if you plan to do ultra trail run. Nothing is more comforting than running long distance with people you like.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">- Prepare to get dirty. Sometimes, it’s fun to see mud in your hands or even in your face. That means you are a trail runner, yey!!</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">- Ready to stumble and fall.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">- Take it slow (only for the non-competitive trail runners), as you will surely reach the finish line.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">- Strategize, not to fall, even if stumbling and falling is part of the game. Believe me, I didn’t.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">- Enjoy and savor every minute of the trail run. Not everyone has the chance to experience connecting with nature.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtgENu2Ufks/TdkECKyla3I/AAAAAAAAARc/twjbPEpoi5o/s1600/shiela11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtgENu2Ufks/TdkECKyla3I/AAAAAAAAARc/twjbPEpoi5o/s400/shiela11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609519246169434994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Priceless! Big smile at the finish line</span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- color:white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 6.25pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- color:white;"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">Describe your experience in one word? Why?</span></span></span></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">AWESOME </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Doing 50km of TNF was awesomely challenging, awesomely worth it: the travel, the race fee, the exhaustion. And awesomely cool. </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Now, shall I join future TNF races? YES!!!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">That's courage personified! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Looking forward to the next TNF 100 run not only with Shiela but with you, guys as well.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 6.25pt; margin-left: -23.85pt; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background- color:white;"><span lang="EN" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:11pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-726095908957044942011-04-16T00:05:00.000-07:002011-04-17T20:18:08.072-07:00Running for a cost (?)<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Let me borrow the phrase I used as a title for this post from an ultra runner, Mr. Jonel Mendoza which he posted on his Facebook account wall on 12 April 2011. It struck me because recently I’ve been hearing comments and complaints not only about the oil price hike but also about the cost of race fees. I’ve to confess I have not read any write up on the issue although I was informed that a post or two were already out. For someone like me who’s in an active advocacy work for the poor and for good governance, it’s been tempting to reflect on the issue and take a position. Frankly, I have been trying to avoid this topic, my way of running away from the tendency to have an opinion on something that’s maybe very controversial and I may not be that aware of like organizing an event. But I obviously failed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What dragged me to this very persistent issue? I ran one morning while I was in Tacloban City. A young man approached me and asked if I’m a runner. I said yes. He said he also wants to run but does not have the money to do so. I said, he does not need so much money, just enough for a good, proper running shoes. He said buying shoes is not his problem but joining races. He’s studying in Manila and been wanting to join races but could not because of lack of money. I felt sad and that got me thinking.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">While running, I reflected on the issue and I’m sharing some of my thoughts now. I am not saying I am right and my assumptions are accurate nor am I trying to blame anyone or pretend that I know so much about this topic. This is just thinking aloud as a frequent participant in different races, for whatever it’s worth. You’re very free to refute any of my statement or junk this post altogether. At the very least, what I hope to offer is an alternative thought or idea that runners and organizers might consider – taking or throwing away ;)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rundown:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;">Thought 1</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">How much does it really cost to organize a race? I think that it depends on what kind and how big a race would be. For me, a non- negotiable component of a race would be hydration- water and maybe sports drinks. So if an organizer opens his event to a thousand or more runners then logically, he has to avail of more hydration which could either be sourced from the registration fee or sponsorship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Next in the priority list would be marshalls who need to be paid as well. Again it depends on the distance and how big the race is. You’ll need more marshalls for more runners and longer distances which will require more budget for their honorarium and food. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Then a start, finish line and kilometer marks which don’t need to be fancy and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>then a sound system.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In my view, other race materials are bonuses that we can do without like singlet, finisher’s shirt, medals, energy bars or gels, fancy race map, d-tags, etc. if what we really want is just to run with the rest of the running community.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">And of course we also have to accept the fact that organizing a race (maybe not all?) is a business which means a certain portion of the race fee would be for profit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;">Thought 2</span></b> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The purpose of the race matters. If a race is intended to race funds for a cause, then it’s understandable that the cost would be higher than expected. What’s important here is disclosure. This is what I like about Condura Marathons. After the race, they would inform the public about how much of the race proceeds went to the foundation they said would benefit. If my memory serves me right, I think they also did announce the percentage from the race fee that would be handed to the beneficiary.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;">Thought 3</span></b> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The principle of supply and demand. While some runners were inclined to blame organizers for expensive race fees, I think that it’s more of a supply and demand case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Runners these days as evident in informal conversations and in posts of some bloggers seem to be expecting more from the organizers. Some comments not only refer to hydration but also to hi-tech race route presentation, blasting gunstart, fancy singlet and finisher’s shirt, etc. While this may have been due to organizers raising the expectation of the runners, pampering us and getting us used to more frills, this is also partly because the consumers raised the bar for satisfaction that naturally resulted in organizers trying to meet or surpass these standards, international included. Not to mention competition among organizers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This has lead to glamorous races that entailed more cost, therefore, higher fees.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;">So, what now?</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Given all these, assuming I was right, how should we then deal with it?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I think that maybe we should first answer the more basic question which is -should we really reduce race fees and whether we can really do something about it?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Again, let me think aloud.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I guess that the most important question here is whether we feel we’re shortchanged when we register. Do we get the feeling that we’re paying too much for something that’s not worth it? Because if that’s what’s happening, then we are really in a serious problem that’s almost tantamount to issues of transparency in government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But unlike government that is accountable to the people under a set of legal frameworks, organizers are not, except maybe the Consumer’s Act. But this is taking this issue too far. Maybe what we can do is, if we feel that the cost of a race is too much than what it offers or what it is for, we can simply not join, a boycott of sort.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If we feel that we’re paying just enough but are still bothered by the huge amount we shell out, I guess what can be done is to let the organizers know that we can be content with a race simple and organized enough to sustain us until we cross the finish line so that the organizers will not be pressured to produce something that cost a lot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Races are a good way to celebrate “private” running. It allows us to expand our own worlds and meet new runners. It encourages us to continue loving the sport realizing that a thousand others are as passionate as us and for some, they challenge us to be better so we could engage in a competition not only with ourselves but with others. It’s sad that many are no longer able to join because of the increasing race fees. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Whether we can do anything about it given the rising prices of other stuff needed in a race and the sophisticated demand or expectation of runners, the fact remains that this is something that merits serious attention if we want races to be more inclusive and to stop those whining that’s going around the community.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Just thinking aloud ;)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-85415635099223819122011-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:002011-03-26T06:45:42.990-07:00TBR DM2 fr a pacer's point of view<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I’ve always been vocal in saying that TBR Dream Marathon will always take the No.1 spot in my list of best runs. It will not be overtaken by any PR or a New York or Boston Marathon experience (as if!). For those who had the chance to read my post after last year’s DM would have an idea why. It’s because of the camaraderie and the sense of family. More than the run, the course or the excellent logistical support, it was that spirit of journeying along each other that really struck me. Until now, I consider it a great privilege and joy that I had the chance to run with other 199 dreamers who, despite the pain, the fear and the struggle, pushed themselves to their limits to change status from a runner to a marathoner.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHQ6zwngYp4/TYp5oIzn9lI/AAAAAAAAAPE/BJO1LHgAm-o/s1600/TBR2010_1_002233_xxx_25_156_187_090.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHQ6zwngYp4/TYp5oIzn9lI/AAAAAAAAAPE/BJO1LHgAm-o/s400/TBR2010_1_002233_xxx_25_156_187_090.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587412018172261970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With TBR DM batchmates, Kuya Lito Lopez and Kuya Brian Ng who I first met at Km 21 and ran with until the finish and became my friends since</span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">That same feeling overwhelmed me last Sunday when I volunteered as a pacer and chaser in the TBR DM2. This is another dream that came true. The moment I crossed the finish line last year, I told myself I’d volunteer to help the next batch because I felt the value of support and encouragement in a race.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">42K is 42K. It’s grueling. It’s painful. It’s challenging which makes any kind of support a lifeline. That simple bottle or glass of water; that piece of fruit or Chippy; that simple smile and cheer; that quote in a kilometer mark that reminds you of why you’re there; that tarp which says “Konti na lang!” and that voice you hear, “Go..go..go..!” make a lot of difference. They are enough to lift your spirit up, forget for a while about that sprain or side stitch or cramp, and enough to brush aside that thought of giving up.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">That’s why I was deeply grateful that Jaymie and her team gave me a chance to be part of this effort. I took the commitment to be there for batch 2 seriously that I tried my best despite my busy schedule to be present in all TBR DM2 group runs where I started to meet a few runners, got to know them and interact with them. Those conversations were enriching. I learned a lot. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Race day was hundred times more delightful. I paced a good friend, Fides Reyes. She started running only in 2009. Although my original plan was to pace another friend, Jaimie Dy and her friend, Don, it changed as race day was approaching. Jaimie found a group to run with so we agreed for me to just stick with Ate Fides since she’s alone.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kwlwwGRuxg/TYp6im_0oHI/AAAAAAAAAPM/dT0YB1CsSw8/s1600/196229_10150102418858730_532973729_6422389_8177752_n.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kwlwwGRuxg/TYp6im_0oHI/AAAAAAAAAPM/dT0YB1CsSw8/s400/196229_10150102418858730_532973729_6422389_8177752_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587413022708899954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With friends, Jaimie Dy and Don</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I went with Ate Fides and her family to Nuvali and got there an hour before gunstart. I was so excited, I ran a few kilometers while the rest of the runners were preparing. I felt the need to do it otherwise I’d struggle controlling the adrenalin, run too fast and leave Ate Fides. At the start line, I took the chance to greet and send well wishes, and hug some people I know.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When the gun was fired and we began to run, it was so nostalgic. I remember the day when I was there as a dreamer especially when I started to see some of my batchmates pacing other participants as well. I was having goose bumps.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was an easy run for me and Ate Fides. Along the way, she had various injuries. The first one was pain in her legs, then a side stitch, then cramps and then her toes. I’d tell her to stretch, hydrate, eat and just overcome the pain and run. We agreed beforehand that our rule would be to meet halfway, meaning, I’d listen to her if she’d want to walk or stop or slow down but she’d try to still run even slower than my desired pace for her.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NU2x2d7Vus/TYp7NETtluI/AAAAAAAAAPU/xP78fDoEf9Y/s1600/189703_1783892891104_1652951836_31765277_5865283_n.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NU2x2d7Vus/TYp7NETtluI/AAAAAAAAAPU/xP78fDoEf9Y/s400/189703_1783892891104_1652951836_31765277_5865283_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587413752131458786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Enjoying the run with TBR DM2 finisher, Ate Fides Reyes ;)</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I did my best to take care of Ate Fides but not spoil her too much, remain strict in pushing her, so we’d meet my target time while allowing her to enjoy the race. I tried to encourage her but not make her believe of something that’s not true. When I told her she’s still strong and could still push and run faster, it was really because I could see that she still was. She was solid!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And when I thought that I’d be the one giving because I was the pacer, I was wrong. It was me who learned more from her and the other runners.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ate Fides reminded me about determination and commitment when she chose to overcome those pains and tried to finish. I knew she already wanted to stop at many points but she still kept going and tried to cross the finish line. Considering her age, I’d understand if she told me she’d just give up but she did not. It was refreshing. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After I sent Ate Fides to the finish line, I tried to go back to our tent so I could help my batchmates provide support to the rest of the participants. But on my way, I’d see struggling runners and chose to just run with them in their last 2 or 3 kilometers to the finish line. They too showed me the same determination to finish. I’d talk to them and encourage them but would them encouraging me more with their stories. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Everytime I got the chance to run with a dreamer to the finish line, I felt deeply humbled being part of the fulfillment of their dreams which was equally rewarding as last year.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4KNHOwFTFk/TYp72aX8iQI/AAAAAAAAAPc/tvlHgSdaQWE/s1600/197259_1608719538881_1262977461_31300197_3145578_n.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4KNHOwFTFk/TYp72aX8iQI/AAAAAAAAAPc/tvlHgSdaQWE/s400/197259_1608719538881_1262977461_31300197_3145578_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587414462429432066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With another TBR DM2 finisher, Ghia who wanted to walk from Km4o but welcomed me to run with her to the finish line instead</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These experiences make me love running and runners even more. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thank you and congratulations marathoners!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-76476457565971364482011-02-02T05:31:00.000-08:002011-02-03T02:42:17.617-08:00OUR GUN START<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When I started blogging, all I wanted was to have an outlet, a pot where I could throw my thoughts and feelings out about running and anti corruption hoping that it would, in one way or another, inspire others either to keep running or love this country more.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I also mentioned that this blog would be a witness to how running and advocacy coincide in my life. In fact, I’ve had previous posts about this like how I expressed my frustration over the killing of the Freedom of Information bill by the 14<sup>th</sup> Congress in the 2010 Condura Marathon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This year, I’m doing another full in the Condura Marathon and again with a baggage.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The plea bargain case with Gen. Garcia involving someone I personally know and an issue very close to me which has become more than just a job has stressed me out more than I thought it would.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I’ve been having mixed feelings about the events that unfolded the past days. There’s disgust and indignation about how corruption has coursed through the veins of many of our institutions that now includes the military. There’s surprise and sadness at how some officials made it sound like all those shenanigans were normal in the guise of being part of the system and that nothing irregular was going on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I also run out of words to describe my anger against the Office of the Ombudsman for its incompetence or deliberate disregard of common sense to please another corrupt master, and for how it’s mocking the public by maybe thinking that we could be convinced with their excuses and illogical reasoning. I could not believe how they missed a very glaring implication that accepting the plea bargain deal offered by no less than the culprit would not only put the government into a disadvantageous position but also turn our country into a haven for corrupt officials, not to mention that it was illegal as explained by former Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There’s also that feeling of affinity and sympathy for Ms. Heidi Mendoza whom I had the chance to work with in several projects. I know that what she’s going through is not easy. It was difficult for her to quit a well paying job without an assurance of where to go next just to let the truth out with the hope that it would set us all free from the tentacles of those greedy men in uniform who took advantage of the power handed to them. Her courage is an inspiration. Her statements of confidence to the majority of Filipinos especially those working in government were moving. I remember her saying that one of the reasons she’s coming out was to tell the world that not all Filipinos are corrupt; that we are a people of principle and honesty.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">These feelings haunt me that even if I was not planning to run to give rest to my legs especially my aching plantar, I ran. I needed an outlet and running was there to comfort and help me find rest. Never fails!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That 8k this morning led me to hoping that we’ll finally learn from this. We’ve had many moments that I thought were ground- breaking but were simply set aside and forgotten.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I hope that as a nation this will be enough for all of us to stand up against corruption not only during these grand , sensational moments but even after the dust has settled and we’re back to our routines. There’s everyday for us to respond to these revelations. We’ve our lifetime and countless ways to become better Filipinos. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I hope that we don’t just run away from this call in such a time as this. Let’s stand in front of the pack and get ready to run the race towards building this nation. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The whistle that Ms. Heidi blew was our gun start. The country needs our endurance and determination. I hope to see you at the finish line. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-76975834688117111452011-01-14T02:43:00.000-08:002011-01-15T23:00:01.040-08:00MY "MANTRA"<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">I recently encountered an article saying that having a mantra helps runners stay motivated. I really don’t have any of that when I run because all I tell myself is: “this has to end soon, this has to end soon” which I don’t think is a mantra. But I believe in a set of phrases that somehow guide me as a runner that I’d like to share with you for whatever it’s worth.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">TRAIN ENOUGH</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAtupJkBSI/AAAAAAAAAOg/8rHpXbniEyk/s1600/train%2Bhard2.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAtupJkBSI/AAAAAAAAAOg/8rHpXbniEyk/s400/train%2Bhard2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561995819145757986" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> Had to do a long run for the TBR Dream Marathon in a beach during a family outing</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">After the blessing of being able to cross the finish line during The Bullrunner Dream Marathon with a relatively good time, some runners began coming up to me asking how I was able to slice an hour from my first full at the 2010 Condura Marathon just three months after. The same thing happened after the recent Quezon City International Marathon 2. But those questions on what happened did not only pop up after good runs. People also inquired about why I was not able to meet my target during last year’s Milo Marathon Elimination.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">I had one answer: training- the success of being able to commit to it and the failure to keep the discipline to do it well. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">I attributed those good runs largely to training. If there’s anything that I was so proud about during the TBR DM1, it was the ability to stick to the training program. I logged the required mileage no matter how difficult given the demands of work and other personal concerns. I also did the necessary cross training even if I hated swimming in the beginning. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">I made sure I completed those required 32K runs before race day even if it meant running under the scorching heat of the sun because it was summer time. I also took that to heart when training for QCIM2. It was the same thing I missed before the Milo Marathon that probably increased the probability of injury.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Sometimes, I tell myself that if I’m not able to do my long runs, I’d rather not proceed with doing the full. Maybe that sounds OA but that’s just me. That’s my way of pushing myself to complete the 3.5 hours run, alone. Because I want to run marathons so badly, I know that convincing myself to go against anything that will stop me from doing it is a good motivation. Another thing that pushes me is the thought of how bad I’d feel or how frustrated I’d get when I fail to meet the 32K target. The joy of completing it and realizing that I was able to overcome those countless excuses to stop or cheat also gives me the same energy. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">My confidence lies significantly on how much I train, knowing that I don’t have as much strength or experience as other marathoners who could maybe get away with it. More than the PR, I’m aware that training is key to avoid getting injured that’s why I take it seriously. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">I could stand and face that start line, join the race and work so hard to complete it, but nothing helps me outsmart the jitters of whether I’d be able to finish a long run than knowing that I did my part and trained enough. I say enough since I have the tendency to overdo it and get injured even before the race. Because I depend on training so much, I tend to take it notches higher that I should. At times, I feel like doing more is better than less, not realizing that both would lead me to tragedy. So what I try to do now is TRAIN ENOUGH- JUST ENOUGH.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>EAT WELL</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAsdnZCLsI/AAAAAAAAAOY/MiLaF8vTxUg/s1600/eat%2Bwell.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAsdnZCLsI/AAAAAAAAAOY/MiLaF8vTxUg/s400/eat%2Bwell.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561994427104374466" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Had to say goodbye to these best buddies. Haven't had any for months now. Yes! ;)</i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">During the holidays, my parents and brothers took the challenge of who’d be the first to convince me to eat sweets. My favorite leche flan and mango float were placed in front of me on the table and they all tried to tempt me. I could feel the pain on my jaw and would swallow a lot as I was trying to control myself from tasting anything. I was afraid that if I did, I might not stop and then feel guilty after. The closest I got into it was eating my Mama’s sugar- less rice cakes made especially for me. As a matter of strategy, everytime I’d feel the urge to eat sweets, I’d pick fruits instead. That wasn’t easy but I knew that I had to do it. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">I am a strong believer of the saying that whatever we eat has a great impact on how we perform not only as athletes but how we live each day. It was not so much about losing weight although I also believe that being light helps us run efficiently, but more about being strong. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Keeping a healthy diet could be one of the hardest parts of being a runner especially if one wants to be serious about the sport but when one gets used to it, it naturally becomes part of one’s lifestyle that I don’t miss those potato chips and softdrinks anymore. I think that it's really a challenge to lose or maintain an ideal weight and at the same time remain strong for the training and during race day so I think that we really have to be wise in choosing what we eat.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">PRAY HARD</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAt5HALJ3I/AAAAAAAAAOo/D6CW-oRk0OU/s1600/pray%2Bhard2.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAt5HALJ3I/AAAAAAAAAOo/D6CW-oRk0OU/s400/pray%2Bhard2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561995998958135154" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;">Just an act ;) I don't pray this way </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Anything can happen during a run no matter how well we prepare. I have heard of countless stories of runners who, despite their rigid training still failed to meet their target or worse did not finish the race at all. Either they get injured, feel a sudden pain somewhere, trip over a rock, etc. like what happened to me during the recent Milo Marathon. Although I think it was partly because of lack of training, it was really the surprise of my scoliosis that hit me at Km30 that weighed on me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">This builds the case for the need for divine intervention, for lack of a better term. We can only do so much in getting ready for a race but when the gun is fired, thousands of possibilities, beyond our control can happen so all I do is depend on God for grace and strength. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">When I stand with the pack and wait for the gun start, I have nothing in mind but prayers for sustenance to be able to finish a race regardless whether it’s 5K or 42. And everytime I cross the finish line, the first words I utter are” Thank you, Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p>Running for me is a celebration of life. After going through the agony of dealing with the possibility of having cancer in 2008, I could not help but be grateful for the strength to run.</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>RUN STRONG</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAuCNMAy9I/AAAAAAAAAOw/lJK4Nie1oZY/s1600/run%2Bstrong.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAuCNMAy9I/AAAAAAAAAOw/lJK4Nie1oZY/s400/run%2Bstrong.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561996155237223378" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;">Arguing with my legs to go on since they were already screaming in pain</span></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Whether during training or in a race, I try as much as possible to run strong. It’s my way of celebrating those efforts I exert to strengthen my core, develop my endurance, stay healthy, etc. When I hit the road, there is no other way to go but give my best like there's no tomorrow. It does not necessarily mean always sprinting but more of giving your all whether you’re keeping a steady, slow pace in a long run or doing your speed work.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">HAVE FUN</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAuKvxMX7I/AAAAAAAAAO4/EobwJ9_LIuc/s1600/have%2Bfun.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TTAuKvxMX7I/AAAAAAAAAO4/EobwJ9_LIuc/s400/have%2Bfun.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561996301958930354" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b>I have almost 50 photos with this pose. Te</b>mplate!</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Race day is a celebration of months of training so when I’m there I try to have fun despite the pain or that strong drive to finish fast that make me oblivious of the world. Sometimes when I find myself becoming so engrossed with a PR that all I imagine is the finish line, I remind myself to look around, appreciate the route or simply enjoy the run. You can see this in my running photos. In most of them, you’ll see me like I’m going to attack an enemy while making my template “two thumbs up” pose in some. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">What I learned recently is the combination of both; that while I am so focused with hitting a PR, I also get the chance to enjoy the run, even greet and cheer people I know during turns and simply have fun.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">How about you, what’s your mantra? ;)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-51453023979922801502010-12-30T00:02:00.000-08:002010-12-30T14:07:01.910-08:00My CIHM story: One 21 Fun<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“I shall return.” Yes, it was Gen Douglas Mc Arthur’s famous line which I borrowed when I joined the Conquer Corregidor run last year.</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Because of the breathtaking scenery and a good run, I promised myself I’d go back to Corregidor. So when I saw the ad about the Corregidor International Half Marathon, I was not only teased, I was seduced that I wanted to immediately register.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxCKxrk_2I/AAAAAAAAANQ/TOkXbDb96TA/s1600/CIHM1.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxCKxrk_2I/AAAAAAAAANQ/TOkXbDb96TA/s320/CIHM1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556388793170591586" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">At the Malinta Tunnel before the start of last year's Conquer Corregidor run </span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ALMOST MISSED IT</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All those memories visited me. I felt like in trance, I could smell and feel that fresh air gushing and kissing me including the pain of trying to overcome those uphills and the joy of crossing the finish line. My plan was to be one of the first registrants to make sure I get a slot. But plan failed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Every week since then, I’d promise myself to register but would always miss it. Either I was out of town the only time the registration opened or had limited budget that week, etc. I always had to ask Atty. Raymund Martelino, one of the organizers, if there were still slots available. I bugged him countless times on facebook. I was so worried I might not be able to join. When not being able to enlist dragged, I almost gave up. I was slowly convincing myself that Corregidor and I would have to miss each other this year. Until I was told that the registration period was extended. Wohoo!!! That news sounded like I won the P700M lottery prize. I told myself “Tito Douglas, here I come!” ;)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The last day of registration was set the day before the Quezon City International Marathon at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street. I usually don’t tire myself going anywhere day before a marathon to get enough rest and prepare, and since BHS is in the opposite side of my world here in Quezon City I had second thoughts about going. But I think I was really meant to join the CIHM. A friend of mine, Ate Fides Reyes, out of nowhere, extremely random, texted me just to share how amazed she was with the CIHM medal and said she’s at ROX. Not minding that it was too much a favor, I asked her if she could register me. She said, “SURE!” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lucky me! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The CIHM challenge started a week before the race. Office deadlines drowned me. My 24-hours seemed not enough to meet them. I had sleepless nights and could hardly squeeze in a run to train. I knew it would take a toll on my body and would have to deal with tired and weak legs come race day. It made me extra nervous.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">HILLS… HILLS</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was so unprepared. I ran late to catch the ferry. As soon as I got there, I looked for a friend but could not find her. Lucky to have met Ms. Michelle Estuar and Sir Junrox Roque who kept me company until we got back to Manila. Because of being too busy with work, I forgot to even buy a gel so I mustered all courage to ask one from Sir Junrox who was kind enough to give me one.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When we got off the ferry and were approaching the start line, I was telling myself, “Bahala na si Mc Arthur sa’kin.” Although I was so anxious because of lack of sleep, I was also very excited to start running especially after seeing a lot of familiar faces. Since there were only less than 400 of us, I knew it would be an “intimate” run among friends.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxC2r4PMiI/AAAAAAAAANY/yb9tPU_9EI0/s1600/CIHM2.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxC2r4PMiI/AAAAAAAAANY/yb9tPU_9EI0/s320/CIHM2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556389547527320098" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With some friends before</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> the gun start</span></b></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After some picture taking sessions, we headed to the start line and waited for the gun start.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fire!!! The first few kilometers were challenging. The lack of sleep was beginning to bother me. I could hardly move my legs and was gasping for air even at a warm up pace. The first thing I looked forward to was a drinking station since I was beginning to get dehydrated.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was running meters behind Ms. Michelle who was ahead of all the women so I thought my pace was ok. But after some kilometers, I could no longer see her. I knew she began to pick her pace and that I could no longer keep up. Not that it frustrated me, it was more of amazed me at how strong she really is.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I just kept running the fastest I could. I had nothing in mind but to finish strong. It was one of those races that I really pushed myself too hard.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxDLvAe16I/AAAAAAAAANg/RMhb-UuXYVQ/s1600/CIHM3.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxDLvAe16I/AAAAAAAAANg/RMhb-UuXYVQ/s320/CIHM3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556389909144459170" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">My template pose ;) Enjoying the run</span></b></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Despite being in a hurry, I still took time to enjoy the scenery which was one of the reasons why I wanted so much to join. At many points during the run, especially the part where we could see the beautiful sea and feel the cool breeze, I was just praising God for his creation and for the chance of being able to run and run there again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The weather was perfect. It was cold enough to keep us from being exhausted and warm enough not to freeze our legs. It was not raining. It was not sunny.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The course was also a plus. It lived up to every participant’s expectation of a challenging run. Although the uphills were expected, they stimulated me no less. While the rest sprinted on downhills, I did not, no matter how tempting. I had to manage my pace and its impact on my knees and hips to avoid hurting my scoliosis. And just when I thought I could relax until the finish line, I was wrong. Lo and behold! Another long, killer uphill stood right in front of me. I could imagine it with that smirk and hear it laugh like a witch telling me “So, you thought, you could go easy huh!” I stopped for a few seconds and said “Oh! Wow! May ganun?!” ;)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Well, I had no choice but to conquer it. So I did - walking. But even the walk was not easy. Because of the elevation, I had to exert so much effort to cross it. After that, I took a deep breath and started sprinting knowing that the finish line was just around the corner.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I saw the finish line banner, I smiled and ran as fast I could. When I crossed it, I was told that I finished second to Ms. Michelle who was more than seven minutes of me. Blessing!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxEAdPALfI/AAAAAAAAANo/5monM9ikxbg/s1600/CIHM4.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxEAdPALfI/AAAAAAAAANo/5monM9ikxbg/s320/CIHM4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556390814906592754" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With The Queen of the Rock, Ms. Michelle Estuar and the t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">hird placer</span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">BONDING MANIA</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The run was definitely unforgettable including of course the award, but more than that it was the camaraderie that made my CIHM experience even more meaningful. With my The Bull Runner Dream Marathon batchmates and Runnex friends that cheered me all the way until the awarding ceremony, and those new runners I met along the way and after the race, it certainly deserved a special space in my favorite races.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:19px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxEdHzktXI/AAAAAAAAANw/-Q1gd9w2iRE/s1600/CIHM5.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxEdHzktXI/AAAAAAAAANw/-Q1gd9w2iRE/s320/CIHM5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556391307370607986" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With my TBR D</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">M1 batchmates ;)</span></span></b></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxE4ScKdsI/AAAAAAAAAN4/x_d2IAkjwlk/s1600/CIHM6.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxE4ScKdsI/AAAAAAAAAN4/x_d2IAkjwlk/s320/CIHM6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556391774081676994" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With my Runnex family ;)</span></span></b></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And since our trip back to Manila was till hours after the awarding, Ms. Michelle, Sir Junrox and I spent time bonding with the other finishers over a quick drink that gave birth to Team G.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxFImAEu1I/AAAAAAAAAOA/UfAOn577rpM/s1600/CIHM7.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxFImAEu1I/AAAAAAAAAOA/UfAOn577rpM/s320/CIHM7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556392054210476882" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With Team G.. HAHAHA! ;)</span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CIHM was one of those races where the joy of crossing the finish line was extra special, not only because of the award but also because of the challenging course that I was able to conquer. It made me know myself a bit more and made me fall in love with running all over again. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Congratulations to the organizers who provided all the needed support and logistics and have given their all to make it a well organized and festive race.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxFep9AZoI/AAAAAAAAAOI/y0wKyA8BZx8/s1600/CIHM8.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TRxFep9AZoI/AAAAAAAAAOI/y0wKyA8BZx8/s320/CIHM8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556392433228473986" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><b>With one of the organizers, Atty. Raymund Martelino and the fabulous medal</b></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was such a great experience. I can’t wait for the next one.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I say, "one for all, all for twenty one!"</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-33648821421112822282010-12-06T17:01:00.000-08:002010-12-07T04:52:58.380-08:00My QCIM2 story<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">After my terrible Milo Marathon experience when my hip snapped and I had to walk the last 5K, I promised myself, I’d train hard for my next marathon. Because of the injury, I decided not to push through with the Cam Sur Marathon because it was too close to Milo and waited for QCIM2 instead.</div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The training began as soon as my scoliosis felt better. I looked at the training program given to us by Coach Jim Lafferty for The Bull Runner Dream Marathon and made some revisions based on what I thought would work for me and my target. I started running five times a week and became more disciplined with my diet so I could run more efficiently. That’s how serious I was with wanting to redeem myself from that experience because I didn’t want a bad memory of a marathon and stop doing it like some people I know.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I’d wake up early morning almost everyday to either run or swim or do a run-swim. Even in those days when I didn’t feel like running, I’d still lace up and hit the road. And when I had early morning meetings, I’d wake up earlier so I could squeeze in a run or do it at night if there was time. Three of those were non-negotiable training runs while the other two in between were easy and short runs. I don’t know if it was because of this that my pace has improved as I noticed in my recent races but it definitely contributed to my QCIM2 finish.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Everything seemed ok as I was getting close to race day until I felt a throbbing pain in my right foot. I ignored it for weeks up to the point when it became so painful I had to pay attention to it. I started struggling running and walking. It was most excruciating when I’d start running but would eventually subside after a few minutes and then would recur after the run. I ran the Adidas KOTR 21K and Unilab 32K with this injury.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">According to Mr. Hector Yuzon of Secondwind Running Store, it could probably be due to the worn support of my shoes that I developed plantar fasciitis but could also be because of overtraining.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesson learned: do not overdo it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To ease the pain, I bought a new pair of shoes. Although it lessened a bit, it’s never completely gone. That time, I already accepted the fact that I’d deal with this hurting plantar in the QCIM.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Despite the injury, I stuck to my 4:30 target which was seven minutes less than my PR for 42K. And then I came across Ms. Michelle Estuar, one of those runners that I really respect and look up to, after the Unilab 32K race and learned that she was pacing the 4:15 group at the QCIM, I thought, maybe I could push myself a little more and try that ambitious finish time.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On my way home from the Unilab Run, I was thinking about that new goal. I had to reflect on it carefully because I knew that when I make a new target, it would have an implication on my run. When I reached home, I said 4:15 would be my “ideal” finish but I’d still stick to 4:30. That meant I’d run with the 4:15 pacers only until I could and gladly slow down if I suddenly felt I was dying.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I thought everything’s final, a surprise came two days before QCIM2. I was asked if I’d be willing to run with the 4:45 pace group. I initially refused because I did not know how to pace. My pace has never been steady. It’s always been running as much and as fast as I could at a pace that I can still live so I doubted whether I’d be of help and said no and would just try to look for someone more experienced who could assist them. But when we could not really find anyone, I said yes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The pressure doubled because even if the pace was slower than my target, I knew that it would be difficult because I had to be strong all throughout. I knew I could not afford to mess up and walk longer. The original plan was thrown out the window but I was excited no less. I thought it would be a new challenge and experience.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TP2On4rbxVI/AAAAAAAAAM8/bvk2X8Trikw/s1600/qcim2%2Bbib.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TP2On4rbxVI/AAAAAAAAAM8/bvk2X8Trikw/s320/qcim2%2Bbib.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547747131870922066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">My bib number. Lucky number for the lottery ;)</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I arrived early in the race area so I could help in some preparatory work being part of Runnex, one of the organizers, and do some errands before gun start.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I saw my supposed pace partner, I was told that someone already volunteered to help the 4:45 group and I could run on my own. Still good news.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I drank a cup of water before approaching the start line. I was too anxious, I tore the plastic cup into pieces without me knowing it. My hands were cold. I was so nervous. The Milo Marathon nightmare was haunting me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I stood behind the 4:15 pacers and started running. I thought that if we maintain that pace, maybe I could reach my new impossible dream. I just kept on running until the pacers and I lost each other and my usual unstable pace ruled.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I tried to manage my energy that even if I could run faster in the first half, I did not. I told myself, the journey was still long and I had to reserve my energy.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I slowed down in all water stations to hydrate. Frankly, I felt stronger during the Unilab 32K run. My legs were stiff this time. I even had to run backwards at one point just to transfer the pressure to my other hip because I was so afraid of another Milo scenario.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I pushed on up hills and slowed down on down hills to avoid hurting my knees and hips too much. The run in the entire Commonwealth was exhausting. But when we entered the La Mesa park, I was refreshed by the scenery. I could not help but thank the Lord for the strength and privilege to run. All I prayed for was an injury-free finish. It was refreshing. When we hit the Km22 mark and turned around, the second wind kicked in. I felt stronger so I ran a bit faster for about five kilometers and then slowed down because my legs were slowly getting tired. I was saddened seeing those who stopped because of cramps. One was even shouting because of the pain. I could feel their agony. I knew how it felt and all I could do was cheer them up.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Maybe it’s true that only a marathoner understands another because even if we did not know each other, I considered everyone my teammates, friends even that when I saw anyone suffering, I really felt bad. I think it’s because everytime I’m in a long run, there’s that sense of camaraderie that you are all looking at the same direction and mustering all courage and strength to reach the same goal.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At the commonwealth area going back to UP, I felt that most of us were already wasted. We were lined up, running slow at a steady pace and would stop for a few seconds at every hydration point.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was so looking forward to seeing the Km 30 mark that when I saw it, I smiled and told myself “I LIKE”.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When we entered UP, it was only Km 34. I heard someone screamed “eight more?!” I smiled at him and said “eight na lang po.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My legs were beginning to complain. I could hear them begging me to stop and walk. I was tempted to yield and walk longer but I tried to meet them half way and ran slow. When we entered the academic oval, I was trying to convince myself that it was only one of those regular Sunday runs just to let go of the pressure of being in a race.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My legs and knees and hips were so tired and painful. I asked myself, “Reylynne, does this surprise you? You know that pain is part of the package so deal with it.” So I ran through pain.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When we got to C.P. Garcia to complete the 40K and the route was still rolling, I had no choice but to walk for a few seconds because if I did not, I’d probably crawl to the finish. I also felt hungry and thirsty. When I felt helpless with no water station close to where I was and had no idea where I could get food, two Kuyas called me and invited me to run with them and offered me a drink. Blessing! We didn’t know each other by name but we used to see each other in UP every Sunday so there was that sense of familiarity. I ran with them until I reached a water station. Then I saw a stranger holding a banana and without any dash of hesitation, I asked for it and she gladly gave it to me. Call it desperation. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The moment I saw the Km 40 mark, I suddenly felt stronger so I sprinted until the finish.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Because I wanted to surprise myself, I chose not to ask anyone about how long have we been running or at what pace even if I was so tempted to.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I was approaching the finish line, I realized I did not reach the 4:15 dream but minutes earlier than my original target. It was 4:22 (but 4:27 based on the official results).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I stepped on the mat and crossed the finish line, I thanked God for sustaining me without suffering any terrible injury and for blessing me with the bonus of a new PR.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TP2PCkdkhjI/AAAAAAAAANE/KydxVbFu_lc/s1600/qcim2%2Bmedal.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TP2PCkdkhjI/AAAAAAAAANE/KydxVbFu_lc/s320/qcim2%2Bmedal.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547747590300534322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">QCIM2 medal for 42K finishers</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Then I was handed the medal. Although the run was way beyond just getting a medal, it was a consolation for all the hard work I put in those months of training and in trying to finish the race.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Written in that medal were those mornings when I’d rather sleep but chose to be out on the road; those times when I could make a million excuses not to swim but I did. Engraved in it were those moments when I was tempted to indulge in my all time favorite potato chips and mocha cake but I refused to; those long runs when I knew I could cheat myself with the required mileage but I chose not to and completed it instead.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The race was a celebration of those months of hard work. It truly paid off that I did not suffer from terrible muscle pain unlike my previous marathons when I could hardly walk after and feel the pain for days.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Running a marathon changes my life everytime. It gives me fresh perspective in life and makes me know myself and my Creator better. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I salute all the QCIM2 finishers, regardless of the distance you ran. I believe that every runner has a story to tell about trying to cross the finish line, I’d love to hear that and even if I don’t get the chance, I say, congratulations! ;)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-8238859402277509002010-11-15T15:38:00.000-08:002010-11-16T05:55:24.234-08:00UNPACKING PACMAN'S SECRET<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“Kung di ako nag training baka hindi ko kinaya yung laban.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This was Cong. Manny Pacquiao’s response to Diane Castillejo’s question about how he was able to finish the fight strong.</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TOHLse2J2HI/AAAAAAAAAMg/p2hjYUdGRAs/s1600/pacquiao20run20100309_001a.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TOHLse2J2HI/AAAAAAAAAMg/p2hjYUdGRAs/s320/pacquiao20run20100309_001a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539932981697304690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 190px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">T</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">hat's me running beside Pacman ;)</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Pacquiao said that it was one of his most difficult fights and that it was tiring to go around the ring to avoid being cornered so Margarito would not have the chance to blow punches given his height advantage. He practically had to jog around and depend on his footwork to have the upper hand.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was like a David- Goliath fight. Pacquiao was like a kid being bullied by an older man but like the biblical story, the smaller one won. And if you’d compare the way they appeared after, you’d notice the huge difference and even without checking the scoreboard and count the number bruises on their faces, you’d arrive at the same indisputable conclusion that the belt belonged to Pacquiao.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What enabled Pacquiao to do this? Aside from I guess his natural boxing talent, I think and as he himself claimed, was his training. Coach Freddie Roach, however, has recently raised concerns about Pacquiao’s lack of focus in training because of his athlete’s various involvements. But Pacquiao tried to get back on track.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Because I’ve always admired Pacquio’s discipline, I did a quick search on his training program and found out that his trainors focused on three things: strength, speed and agility.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">His usual training days include running with intervals as early as 5am, with either hill sprints or a run in the sand. Sometimes, Pacquiao swims. At the end of this session, they’d do plyometrics, ladder drills and core exercises. I’m not sure if it’s true that they hit his abs with a hard object to improve its strength but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s really how it is.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TOHL_fL7e4I/AAAAAAAAAMo/O-iLa9GhGJY/s1600/manny-running-with-pacman.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TOHL_fL7e4I/AAAAAAAAAMo/O-iLa9GhGJY/s320/manny-running-with-pacman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539933308206152578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px; " /></a><i></i></p><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Oh! There's me again ;)</span></span></div></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After that routine he’d do a thorough cool down stretching followed by a meal rich in carbohydrates to raise his insulin and promote recovery. He then goes home after an intake of protein shake, rest and then proceed with a session in the gym in the afternoon where he starts with a thorough warm up and shadow boxing then plyometrics and core strengthening exercises with weights, medicine balls, resistance bands and sometimes with a baseball bat where he swings and hits a bag with it. Then he will start with punching exercises with Roach, speed bags for several rounds and then jump rope for a few minutes before a good stretch to finish off the day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Just writing this tired me ;)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This does not even include the kind of diet he maintains especially since he moves from one division to another. I could imagine how strict his diet is to have enough energy for the training but at the same time not gain weight or the effort to gain weight if he has to for a certain weight division. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It must have been difficult living a life being dictated and limited with the food you’re allowed to eat. Although according to his trainors, they did not have a hard time putting Pacquiao in an intensive training routine because of his clean and healthy lifestyle.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">His commitment and discipline is really laudable. It inspires me to do the same as I train for my next full marathon which also requires a lot of sacrifice and hard work. Many times I get so tempted to shaft on the required mileage or to extend my diet cheat days but when I think of how difficult a marathon could be, I am motivated to keep the discipline. It also helps being reminded of my best marathon which I attribute to good training and the worst one which could be because of improper training .</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let me find an excuse from emulating the Champ. He is a pro, I am not. He probably had all the time to train especially after taking a leave from Congress while I have to squeeze in training in between tons of work stuff and a lot of other responsibilities. But whether pro or not, his discipline is still undeniably admirable because even if he had all the time and resources, he also had the freedom to go easy and let his previous victories get into his head and not train but he chose to take advantage of the privileges in his hands to reach the goal. So, I concede.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pacquiao obviously loves his craft and has so much respect for it that he gets himself to commit to this rigid training. He’s also extremely motivated by his family and the Filipino people.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So I will also try to be as much disciplined and dedicated to training, maintain that love and respect for running, and sustain my motivation in finishing that long, potentially arduous 42 kilometers in December and my next marathons.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But these lessons I will not only apply to running but in other areas like work, studies, photography, or any other endeavor that challenges me to stay focused and excel.</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TOHMPDMSHHI/AAAAAAAAAMw/YaaKdhEfaFA/s1600/manny%2Bcongress.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TOHMPDMSHHI/AAAAAAAAAMw/YaaKdhEfaFA/s320/manny%2Bcongress.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539933575569349746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 273px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Of course, it’s another story how Pacquiao will perform as a member of the House of Representatives, something to watch out for. I hope that he will be as focused. Let’s see.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photos 1&2 from: http://mysundaespecial.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photo 3: http://professionalheckler.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/man.jpg</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Training program from:http://www.strengthspeedagility.com/manny-pacquiao-training-program</span></i></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-43353868300034775352010-11-09T15:32:00.000-08:002010-11-10T19:10:31.885-08:00RUNNING WITHOUT "FRILLS"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TNngyEMaWkI/AAAAAAAAAL4/M7WdEhpoE3E/s1600/adidas%2Bkotr2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TNngyEMaWkI/AAAAAAAAAL4/M7WdEhpoE3E/s320/adidas%2Bkotr2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537704367552617026" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I learned a lot from my parents. One of which was the virtue of being content with simple things and the joy of accepting the reality that there are many things I want that I'd not be able to get because I couldn’t afford. Not that they taught me to be a mediocre and not work hard but it was about the value of embracing a fact of life that we’re not as financially privileged as others are but certainly not less blessed. I’ve seen my parents exert all effort to provide for our needs and give some of our wants. They taught me and my siblings to distinguish between needs and wants; between those wants that we should once in a while indulge ourselves into and those that fall under the "spur of the momen"t category and therefore should not be taken seriously. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I grew up realizing the need to give my best to get those that I dream of; material or otherwise. I also gained the ability to turn my back without feeling down from something I so desire by simply telling myself that I have limited resources and should prioritize those that I truly need. I never complained about this limitation especially when I started to see that my situation is better than those whose needs are more basic. I don’t capitalize on other’s poverty for comfort, it's just that this sad truth humbles me and allows me to put things in perspective. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These lessons I carry in many aspects of life, even in running. When I got into it, all I knew was I wanted to run because it felt good. As I was slowly getting engrossed in it, I discovered that there were other considerations to take to run more efficiently like buying the right shoes to avoid an injury. I checked the costs of running shoes and was surprised to find out how expensive they could get. The practical side of me was screaming. I had to satisfy and convince it with countless reasons that a pair of running shoes deserved that amount of money. I thought it was a genuine need and not just a ploy of capitalism. So after a long debate with myself, I bought my first pair of running shoes. It was worth it. I wore it in my first race.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In that race, I saw runners wearing nice and fancy stuff. Although I found them amazing, it didn’t really bother me until a friend commented and said that running is a sport for the rich who can afford to buy the “necessary” accessories to run efficiently. I was so quick to refute it. Then I heard another person telling me that she got intimidated and insecure being with runners who had gears she could not afford. I told her she didn’t need to have them as long as she has the right running shoes. I believe other things can be negotiated but not the running shoes since messing that up could result to greater cost of having to heal an injury.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Before I continue, let me say that I have nothing against those who choose to splurge in gears and equipment they feel they need to run more efficiently. I strongly support those choices. I think that need is a relative concept. What I think I need may not be the same as others and vice versa. I am also not saying that it’s bad to have stuff in excess of needs especially if one has the ability to buy. I am not here to judge others and say that I am better or encroach on other people's choices and decisions. I intend nothing of the sort.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I’m writing this to argue the point that people like me who don’t have so much means to buy expensive gears have no place in the world of running and would enjoy it less and not be as efficient. I also hope to inspire those who are having these thoughts that discrimination never had a place in running. One thing that I loved about this sport was that it’s a social equalizer. It does not recognize gender, social status, nationality or race, etc. Anyone can get into running and enjoy it to the fullest. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since I consider myself one of the simplest runners, I’d like to share my experience for whatever it’s worth. By simple I mean, having nothing but the basic gears in running. Simple can have another meaning but for the sake of clarity of connotations with respect to this article, let me use that as an operating definition of simple.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">RUNNING SHOES </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have two running shoes but using only one most of the time and got the second one only by accident. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In 2009, I bought my running shoes and then lost it so I had to buy another one. It was so devastating. Imagine how I had to save up to buy that shoes and the fear that I might not be able to buy another one soon considering that there was an upcoming race at that time. So, as soon as I had extra money for shoes, I went to the store and grabbed the cheapest I saw. I used it in a 21K race and had a terrible injury after so I bought another one which I have been using for almost a year now. The support is no longer that efficient. It has gone three full marathons and undergoing training for my fourth. It’s causing me injury now which means I have to buy another one soon. It's an urgent need but will have to wait a bit since I still have to plan my finances carefully being one of the breadwinners in the house. Until a surprise came through a friend who offered to give me her slightly used shoes. Nice! ;)</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TNnfak6Q5YI/AAAAAAAAALw/Z6c0_Ae1JWg/s1600/running%2Bshoes.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TNnfak6Q5YI/AAAAAAAAALw/Z6c0_Ae1JWg/s320/running%2Bshoes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537702864506381698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">-</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> My b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">est running buddy that I soon have to let go -</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255); ">APPARELS</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I only have a few cheap running shorts. It’s good that I’m most comfortable with shorts that’s why I have never been enticed by compression tights although some said they provide comfort and are good for muscle recovery. I’m not sure if it’s because of the price that I have learned to convince myself that I will not be comfortable with it or the other way around. But the point is if you can’t afford it, maybe shorts can do the trick until you get the chance to buy one if you think you really need it. </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I only have two caps. One, I bought on sale, the other one, was given by a friend and so far, it works for me. Just don’t mind looking the same in your running pictures. Let go of the fashion concerns and you’ll do great with a few gears.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <!--StartFragment--> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’ve never bought any running shirt. I only have one given by Runnex, everything else are free from races.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">GADGETS</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I use my old, almost useless cellular phone as an “i-pod”. I’ve been meaning to buy an i-pod but because of many other priorities, it’s been parked. While I can use my other cell phone to entertain myself during long runs, I choose my old phone because it's more durable. I place masking tape on its earphones to keep the wires intact since they’re already loose. When you see me on the road reaching something from my pocket, that’s because I’m trying to fix the tape on my phone so I could hear the sounds clearly. It's the one I used it in all my marathons. It survived being soaked in the rain that’s why I value it a lot.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TNne98vLk8I/AAAAAAAAALo/IM-EqqHLUJg/s1600/celfon.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TNne98vLk8I/AAAAAAAAALo/IM-EqqHLUJg/s320/celfon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537702372686140354" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">-My</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"> Ay! pod that has kept me going like no other-</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I’ve no garmin nor sports watch, I just depend on my old celfon or ask other runners if I want to check my pace or my time, although most times I just wait until I cross the finish line to keep that element of surprise and sustain my impatience which pushes me to go faster.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">JOINING RACES </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Weekend races are definitely fun. It feels good being surrounded with a multitude of runners but these days race fees have become a bit expensive. I had a friend who made computations of how much she spent on running and I was surprised of the total. I also encounter runners, especially the older ones, who’d tell me they could no longer afford joining races even if they wanted to.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I used to join all weekly runs but eventually learned to select. I personally choose those whose beneficiaries or advocacy I strongly support, those that offer long distances, those with nice and new routes and are organized by reliable groups.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I said that discrimination never had its place in running but practicality and innovations had. There are so many ways you can enjoy running without having to spend too much. You can either run alone or invite friends to run with you, etc.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The whole point is that one can enjoy running without having to worry about gears, gadgets and what have you. Go back to the basic – right running shoes, comfortable shorts/tights, shirt and cap. They don’t have to be in the high end. But if you think you need more than these and that you really need the branded ones, then go for it. If at the moment, you cannot afford them, you can make do of the cheaper, comfortable ones and then buy those in the future. But not having them or other stuff should not stop anyone from getting into running.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After all, there's thrill in running without "frills".</p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-81699135049897232362010-10-31T19:40:00.000-07:002010-10-31T22:59:59.320-07:00Life after death: An update on the Freedom of Information campaign<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TM4qLvDOZcI/AAAAAAAAALg/EpcllS62Il0/s1600/R2KRN+logo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TM4qLvDOZcI/AAAAAAAAALg/EpcllS62Il0/s320/R2KRN+logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534407373181838786" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;font-size:small;">A Senate hearing was recently held to probe on how the media behaved during the recent hostage fiasco. Media has received flaks from all directions for their blow- by- blow account of the event which said to have contributed to the tragedy. And because some media personalities and individuals justified their coverage as an exercise of their duty to provide the public with information consistent with the people's right to know, the Freedom of Information bill was dragged in the midst of the heated debates. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">According to Senator Gringo Honasan, Senate Committee on Public Information, the Senate hearing held last 14 September 2010 was intended to discuss the Freedom of Information bill, among others. Although the FOI bill was not discussed during the session, the bill has been repeatedly mentioned outside the Senate halls especially during the IIRC investigation. On the other side of the fence was the argument that the incident clearly spelled out the limits of the people’s right to know. Even if this seeming tension did not substantially affect the advocacy since it did not result in the revision of any provision it certainly brought the bill back in the circulation. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When the media conveniently used the right to information as a shield against public’s and government official’s slur, IIRC member, Teresita Ang See tore the screen by saying that life is more important than the people’s right to know. ABC 5 News and Current Affairs head, Ms. Luchi Cruz- Valdes sounded off the same when she said in the Senate hearing that they draw the line in their full blast coverage when lives are at stake. The discourse then became life versus right to information which I find reasonable. I think that in general, the value of anything diminishes when it becomes a matter of life and death. </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">But if one would disentangle freedom of information from the hostage fiasco, the recent discourse would give rise to another reality that sometimes freedom of information, not only affects life but is life itself. In many cases, information breathes life to a dying institution, in the most abstract terms and, survival from physical death in the most practical one. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">This has been very well summarized by Ms. Aruna Roy, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Public Service and a staunch advocate of Freedom of Information in India when she said that right to information is right to life. The case of Sumilao farmers, for instance, who were denied of information about the land they claim resulted in a defeat which was tantamount to lost of their main source of food and livelihood. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">This assertion is vital in keeping the advocacy alive especially after the 14</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> Congress killed the bill. The lifeblood of a hardly hit, almost suicidal advocacy has been the fact that indeed there is life after death. This hope is embraced even if death has visited twice when the President refused to mention the bill as his priority during his State of the Nation Address. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Moving on, the Right to Know. Right Now! Campaign is gearing up for the 15</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> Congress. A series of planning has been held and a number of activities and strategies were set. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=" ;font-family:'Gill Sans Light';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-76188198049655429322010-10-24T20:02:00.000-07:002010-10-25T06:04:43.276-07:00Participatory running: Comments on the Adidas King of the Road 2010<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Context</span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I don’t usually write reviews of races because of various reasons. One, because I don’t feel experienced enough to comment considering that I only started running last year and have not been involved in race organizing so I'm afraid my comments might miss components I'm not aware of. This brings me to my second reason which is just to leave it to other bloggers who I believe have more right than me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have attempted a few times to comment on races but I decided to just to let go. I thought others would do it anyway. But I think that maybe it’s time to say my piece than to forever hold it. Not that I gained the authority to comment just because I’ve added a few months to my running life or been into organizing race, because not yet still, but simply by being a consumer or a participant who has a stake, more than the fee I paid but as a responsible member of the community of runners. Consistent with the participatory governance framework that we espouse in Transparency and Accountability Network, which is expressed through amplifying those small voices and providing spaces for involvement, may I make this constructive criticism about yesterday’s Adidas of the Road with the hope that I'd be able to contribute to the improvement of races. I also would like to be a responsible blogger that no matter how small my reach is, I hope to be able to share the sentiments of a few friends who asked me to do so.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">As one of the most anticipated runs, the Adidas KOTR lived up to the expectation of a sophisticated singlet. There were also enough kilometer marks. I think it’s also a good point that trash bags were provided near water stations so there’d be lesser trash. The cheerers and inspirational quotes were also good. The breakfast, although not a buffet, was also nice. The provision of a medal was a plus point although I expected a better design. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was a good race but could have been better which I think it should have achieved given the kind of expectation it raised through its publicity. Although all races are expected to be well- organized, I think that there were higher expectations of and therefore, less tolerance for mistakes in the Adidas KOTR because of how it’s been projected and the fee that was paid. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here are my few comments, for whatever it’s worth.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Baggage counter </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I got to the race venue a bit late. Not later than gun start but late in reference to the ideal time that I think I should be in any race which is at least an hour before the start to have enough time to do my errands. I went to the baggage counter and saw a long queue. What I did was look for the table for the 21K runners as provided in other races but I found out that there was no such thing. A thousand baggage were mixed up. What made it worse was the number of people in the counter. There were a few of them having to entertain a huge number of runners. I think that the rush was partly because some runners especially those in the half marathon category, like me, came late. But I heard that even those who have been there earlier almost did not make it in time for the gun start because they waited on the queue for almost 30 minutes. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Good thing that those in other categories whose gun start was later gave way to 21K runners since the start was nearing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While running back to the start area to check in, I told myself, it would surely be chaotic picking up the baggage after the race. As I crossed the finish line, the first thing I did, aside from drinking and stretching, was get my baggage before the other runners came. And reality did not frustrate me. What I imagined to be chaotic turned out to be a riot. Tired runners who probably wanted to get their towels from their bags to be refreshed or get their phones to reach their friends, had to spend more energy looking for their bags in the ocean of baggage so they could point it to those in charge since the bib number scheme was no longer working. I also pitied those manning the counter who were starting to get cranky because of being pressured by thousands of voices asking for their bags. My impatience was starting to set in but I thought I should understand those in the counter. While I hated how the system worked, I also did not like it that some runners were shouting at them. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was like buying meat in a wet market or putting bet in a cockfight that morning. And by wet I mean, wet and muddy.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><b>Suggestion:</b></i> Have a space and people for each race category. This way, one would not have to sort from thousands of bags but only through a lesser number of baggage. If possible, to have it arranged based on the bib number, not necessarily in order but maybe by first numbers in the bib, etc.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Route</span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The route was nice because I found it challenging. I thought it would be a nice course until Km 13 or 14 when 21K runners had to compete for space with a battalion of 10K runners coming in from the High Street to Buendia. The flyover was so narrow to accommodate the number of runners. I personally had to slow down and find a space where I could run. Not only that I was aiming for a PR but I felt I had all the energy and adrenalin to run faster which comes so rarely in a long run that I wanted to take advantage of but I could not. I don’t know how to explain it and express in exact words how frustrating it felt. I could understand that happening when we were aiming for a world record when we welcomed walkers to participate just to reach the required number but I thought we could have done better yesterday. For runners, like myself, who really looked forward to the race for a PR or train for any upcoming marathon, it was painful to hear them say goodbye to PR and walk. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Safety was a more serious issue. It was almost suffocating to be in that narrow space and rub elbows with other runners especially that the sun was then beginning to show up. If one was claustrophobic or asthmatic, he/she could just faint gasping for air.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><b>Suggestion:</b></i> A better route or maybe a longer gap between gun starts</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hydration</span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Picking up bottles of energy drink and water lest by other runners along the course was not tolerable in an expensive race like the Adidas KOTR. I saw a few who did it just to get hydrated. I think that above all, hydration is non-negotiable. The singlet was probably worth the registration fee but it’s not an excuse for insufficient hydration. I’m sure that the organizers anticipated the number of runners joining and should have prepared enough.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I don’t usually wear a hydration belt because I don’t like to add weight while running so I always have to pray that organizers would provide for sufficient hydration and luckily, very, very few races have frustrated me. I knew that I could have that worry in other races but not yesterday. I thought I could be secured of enough water, at least or of energy drinks as a bonus because it’s “THE” Adidas KOTR but I was wrong.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I forgot which part it was exactly where I had to wait for almost a minute just to have the chance to drink because no water was on the table and the bottles were just being unpacked. I thought of leaving but I badly needed to drink so I waited. Never mind those seconds lost to have a PR than to die in thirst but it was so frustrating.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If I may add, I also did not like it that that plastic cups were used rather paper cups. Even if there are still arguments as to which one would really be beneficial to the environment, I think that in many counts, it’s still better to use paper cups since they decompose easily. As runners, it would be good to also be environmental friendly. This one can be considered an over reaction by some but the hydration, as I said, is basic.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Suggestion:</i></b> More water stations or more water in the stations.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I’m sure it’s difficult to organize races especially big ones like the Adidas KOTR. Having said this, I still commend the organizers for all the efforts to make it as orderly and fun as possible. The rooms for improvement I hope would be noted.</span><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-42426901992184228772010-10-17T05:10:00.000-07:002010-10-17T20:58:38.934-07:00I miss my Tita run<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">"I wish you're still here. I'm sure you'd be proud of your running Reylynne."</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have been telling this to myself while trying to finish the 15K course of The Pink Run this morning. I could not help but cry as I recall those days with my Tita Edad who succumbed to breast cancer in 2005. I saw how she struggled to defeat cancer and stop it from continually making her suffer.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I’ve seen miseries in my life but my Tita’s fight against cancer was one of the most heartbreaking. I remember how I’d go out of her room so she wouldn’t see my crying. But in my private moments, I would wail and ask God for help. I could not bear the sight of one of the strongest, jolliest and hyper women I knew scream in pain and helplessness. I could not understand why one of the most generous, sweetest and selfless persons should go through that agony.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tita Edad did not have a child of her own. All of us, her nieces and nephews, considered her our second mother since she devoted all her life taking care of us. Some of my cousins even call her Mama. Our childhood, mine especially would not be as happy if not for her. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Every summer, when I was in grade school and high school, my family would take a month-long vacation in Ilocos Norte where my Mama came from. We would stay in my Tita Edad’s house and my cousins would also sleep there so we could bond. Every morning, the smell of native brewed coffee, fried rice, pakbet or diningding or fried banana would wake us up. A long table would be set for all of us, not only for breakfast but also for lunch and dinner, and when it was time to eat, we would all go wild. It was like having a feast everyday and that’s because of my Tita Edad and Lola. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tita loved all of us so dearly that she dedicated a wall in her house for our photos. We all had our solo shots there. It’s been a protocol in the family to always send her a duplicate copy of photos of any significant event in our lives. And if a new cousin were born, the wall would immediately be updated. When she died my cousins and I revisited that wall and mourned. We were all devastated. I was crushed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tita Edad taught me to harvest sweet potato from the soil and climb up a tree to get my favorite fruit while telling me that I had to work hard to get what I want. It was a lesson I carry until now. She also took me to the farm to harvest vegetables while talking to me about simple joys. She was the best. She was never tired. She was always on the go. She was the best! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I learned that the Pink Run was for the fight against breast cancer, I told myself, I should definitely be there. If there’s any race I should not miss, I knew it was this one </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While running, I was praying for all the women I know to be spared from breast cancer and for those who are in the midst of the battle to win. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There was a part in the course when I just marveled at the rays of the sun shining and imagined talking to my favorite Tita. I told her how much I miss and love her. Then tears started to fall. I was crying while running.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since I feel I have not thanked her enough for adding joy and color into my life, I made the run an expression of my gratitude and love.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I even told myself that if God told me then that running would heal her, I'd gladly run non-stop. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This morning, I realized that until now, even after her death, she has never stopped inspiring me. If she’s here, I’m sure she’d be one of my avid fans, and my running photos and medals would be posted on her wall.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> I miss you Tita Edad. I love you.</span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-33781439044978780972010-10-01T23:54:00.000-07:002010-10-03T05:55:01.921-07:005th at the Ondoy No More Run<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ondoy was one of those few moments when I felt a certain degree of fear that I don’t usually get no matter how dangerous things become. Most times, I manage to face difficult situations with enough courage until I get through it or pretend that fear doesn’t exist even if I’m trembling. But that day, when I got trapped in the UP Diliman College of Engineering and could not go home, my defenses crumbled.</div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I had no idea that those flood I encountered along the way to UP that morning would not subside and worse, fatal. When I left the house to be in a forum on Freedom of Information, I knew that the typhoon was strong because it took me an hour just to get to UP from my place in Timog, Quezon City. I didn’t know that those flooded streets would turn into an ocean in just a couple of hours.</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TKbfxCO-KZI/AAAAAAAAAK4/1XhUQ6pBaHo/s1600/Ondoy-7.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TKbfxCO-KZI/AAAAAAAAAK4/1XhUQ6pBaHo/s320/Ondoy-7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523348026522741138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">Just how bad Ondoy was</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After waiting for few hours hoping that the rain would subside, I decided to take the risk and go home even if I knew that things were getting worse. The impatient, control freak me could not bear the feeling of doing nothing to respond . I started getting worried for my family and friends. I told myself, I should to something and move. I went out of the building, swam and got home after more than 3 hours of going around Quezon City.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ondoy will always be memorable not just for me but for the rest of the country. It’s a disaster that shook everyone. It was a social equalizer as both rich and poor were equally hit. It was a calamity that should have taught us many lessons and a catastrophe that should never happen again. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Because of this experience, I told myself I’d support all efforts possible to help and make sure it does not happen again. Last year, I participated in the Rescue Run to raise funds for the victims, this year I joined the Ondoy No More Run by Thunderbird.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TKbX5NyF6wI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/PDV3_52spno/s1600/ondoy+no+more.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TKbX5NyF6wI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/PDV3_52spno/s320/ondoy+no+more.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523339370968771330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">With my running friends after the race. Kassy on my right</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thanks to my friend, Kassy Pajarillo (The Flexitarian Runaholic) who gave me a free race kit and invited me to join her just hours before the gun start. It was a delightful surprise. At 10:00 pm, on my way home to rest for my regular Sunday long run in UP, I got a call from Kassy inviting me to join the race. Without any second thought, I said yes. I reset my mind to a new Sunday. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I woke up later than I should so I had to rush to the meeting place where the bus that would take us to Rizal was. I was lucky I was still able to catch it less than a minute before it left. Told myself, I’m really destined to join the race.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Maybe I really was because I finished with a new 10K PR of 47 mins. Although some said that it was 400m short. I luckily ranked 5</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> among the women despite the killer up hills in the course. Kassy told me that there would be up hills but both of us were surprised to have encountered mountains to climb, not to mention that there were a number of them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TKbY3k2yYCI/AAAAAAAAAKo/ci8x2si-HNg/s1600/ondoy+no+more2.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TKbY3k2yYCI/AAAAAAAAAKo/ci8x2si-HNg/s320/ondoy+no+more2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523340442314367010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">With the race organizer, handing the gift pack for the 5th placer</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I just thought it was a nice route for my QCIM Marathon training since I don’t get to train in up hills very often in Quezon City. The view was breath taking. I tried not to focus on the struggle to run those up hills and enjoy the scenery and the run. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While running, I was praying and thanking the Lord for how he kept me and my loved ones safe last year and how he helped the entire country to survive and slowly recover from the Ondoy nightmare.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TKbc1x1nxhI/AAAAAAAAAKw/omLpSDYGzVQ/s1600/ondoy+no+more3.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TKbc1x1nxhI/AAAAAAAAAKw/omLpSDYGzVQ/s320/ondoy+no+more3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523344809485911570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">O</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#9999FF;">ne of the killer uphills. It doesn't look so fatal in the picture though</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After crossing the finish line, I did another 3K to add to my mileage and kept enjoying the place. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">That run was a declaration that it’s really Ondoy no more and never again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223962453882459966.post-74927612376486385472010-09-19T06:34:00.000-07:002010-09-19T07:49:40.682-07:00My favorite races so far (Part 2)<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Top 3</span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quezon City International Marathon</span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">October 2009, Commonwealth, Quezon City</span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">21K; 2:30</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">QCIM was my first half marathon, maybe one of my unforgettable long runs since I had it just two months after I got addicted to running. Like my first full marathon, I was also half hearted about jumping into the half marathon thinking it was too much, too soon. And like what I did when I registered for the Condura Marathon, I got myself in the 21K list while in trance, turned my back from the registration table to give no room for any second thought and started training. QCIM was my baptism in the running world. Although not my first race, since I joined GMA 7’s Tatakbo ka Ba and Rescue Run for Ondoy victims prior, my running friends said those were not like the usual races so I didn’t have any idea about how a “real” race goes.</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was extremely overwhelmed with the vast number of runners who joined the race. That was the first time I got introduced to that vibrant community of runners. I was smiling while walking towards the start line. What a sight! I relished in that dream world that I didn’t hear the gun start. I just learned that it was already fired when I felt being pushed by the runners behind me. That was it- the beginning of a dream. I knew it would be a long journey of so many firsts and it indeed was. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That was the first time I saw pacers, I didn’t know there was such a thing. I never imagined that there’d be bananas and cheerers along the way. I was so entertained by all these I didn’t realize I was getting close to the finish line. When I reached the finish, I almost cried. I could not contain the joy. I was too happy and proud I went home wearing my medal.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TJYbQ5UC4tI/AAAAAAAAAJw/qhr18D6yg7k/s1600/qcim_large.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TJYbQ5UC4tI/AAAAAAAAAJw/qhr18D6yg7k/s320/qcim_large.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518628370465874642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This year, I will pay tribute to that wonderful QCIM experience by doing a 42K.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Top 2</span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Conquer Corregidor</span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">December 2009, Corregidor</span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">16K; sub-2</span></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I like history but not as much as my other friends. But even then, I had no second thoughts about joining the Conquer Corregidor run. The chance of going there and revisiting the Philippine history were enough for me to be willing to go through the challenging registration process. I took a half-day off just to be able to register and make arrangements for travel and accommodations. That’s how decided I was.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I fell in-love with the place the moment I set my eyes on it from the window of the ferry. Corregidor was oozing with freshness despite being filled with antiquity. I loved the space, the air and the thought that so much of my present were influenced by what occurred in that place. The day before the race, my friend and I joined the tour until late night and took pleasure in taking photos of the place.</span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TJYbxWF9rOI/AAAAAAAAAKA/-xVdWCxm4Rk/s1600/corregidor.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TJYbxWF9rOI/AAAAAAAAAKA/-xVdWCxm4Rk/s320/corregidor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518628927947255010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ith hundreds of runners waiting for the start at the Malinta Tunnel</span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And although we waited for almost an hour before the start, it was worth it. The route was amazing. We started at the Malinta tunnel and ran around the place where more historical artifacts were displayed. I knew that the road where I set my foot on was the same road many Filipino heroes walked on. While running and seeing the ruins, I was reflecting on where we are now as a nation until I reached those killer up hills when I began to lose my senses. The part that I loved the most was running beside the sea where the cold wind was gushing on my face. I couldn’t help but adore the God of creation. The entire course led me to worshipping the Lord whose beauty and goodness screams through his creation. </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was a heavenly experience that when I crossed the finish line, I wanted to run more which I’d probably do this year.</span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Top 1 </span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Bullrunner Dream Marathon</span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">22 May 2010, Nuvali, Laguna</span></span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">42K; 4:38</span></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Everytime I’m asked about TBR DM, I'm always at a loss about where and how to start. The second I think about it, so many thoughts begin to cross my mind, I don’t know which one to say first. Sometimes when I talk about it, I notice myself not finishing my sentences because I jump from one thought to another so quickly. My tongue could not catch up with my brain which is filled with good and heartwarming memories. It always feels like it just happened yesterday.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">IT'S THE BEST MARATHON! IT'S PERFECT! I don’t know how else to describe it. Every single moment before, during and after the race is still vivid. I can still hear Jaymie Pizarro (The Bullrunner) hosting the Bull Sessions, introducing the speakers, etc. I can still hear Neville of 2</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">nd</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Wind say “We run the marathon because it’s there.” </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I can still feel the excitement of joining our long runs. I can still feel that sense of family during the race when everyone was so engrossed in nothing but supporting each other in fulfilling each of our dreams together.</span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TJYf7q4DQ9I/AAAAAAAAAKI/-RbdSdAyG60/s1600/+TBR.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uw5WHTEcDoc/TJYf7q4DQ9I/AAAAAAAAAKI/-RbdSdAyG60/s320/+TBR.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518633503371248594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 271px; " /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">With Kuya Brian Ng and Kuya Lito Lopez at the finish line</span></b></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The support that Jaymie and the rest of the team gave was fantastic. It was more than enough and beyond what we expected. I don’t think I will ever find another race with such kind of pampering. </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Aside from the many lessons in running I gained from the TBR DM program, it was finding new friends that I will always thank it for.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I consider being in the first batch of the TBR DM a lifetime honor and pride, and I will pay it forward by volunteering to help the second batch.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:15px;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->xPAIRifiedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013844482718389130noreply@blogger.com3