EXTRA CHALLENGE at the Valley Trail Challenge

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.

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.

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.

CHALLENGE 1: INJURY

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.

CHALLENGE 2: LACK OF REST AND SLEEP

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.

CHALLENGE 3: ANXIETY

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.

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.

With friends before the race (L-R) Jesus Roque, Chinky Tan, Elma Gabriana, Shiela Compendio, Ronnie Gabriana, David Buban, Jose Leorenzo Mina

CHALLENGE 4: GETTING LOST

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tired even before the first half

CHALLENGE 5: GETTING LOST. AGAIN!

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.

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!

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.

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^rd placer and the 2^nd 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^nd placer. Again, after getting ahead of her and having some lead, I started walking since my legs were so exhausted especially with the heat.

Last K before the finish line. See that pressure and exhaustion on my face?

CHALLENGE 6: KEEPING THE LEAD

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.

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.

With the organizer, Mr. Jonel Mendoza who handed the medal for being the 1st runner up among the female finishers

CHALLENGE 7: WAS IT RIGHT?

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?

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.

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.

LOVE CONQUERS ALL (An ultra trail runner who didn't like trails)

"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."

- Shiela Compendio, Ultra road and trail runner

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.

TNF 50K runners heading off the race after the gun start

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^thamong the female finishers. And yes, her reason wasn’t like the rest because she is really extra ordinary.

Relak. Relak. With her friends during the orientation, day before the race

With one of her best friends, Chinky Tan who finished the 100K run

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.

We're enjoying the trail. At one point, our friends went ahead of us. 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 ;)

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.

Serious look. With her friends who ran with her to the finish line

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.

She not only set her foot on deciding to do it, she also took the discipline to train and worked hard for it.

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.

Here is my very inspiring ‘interview’ with a good friend, Shiela.

How long have you been running?

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, history.

Longest distance?

70km ultramarathon at Pagudpod, Ilokos Norte in August 2010

How many road runs ? trail runs?

Road runs : 52 road runs. Trail runs : 3

How much do you love trails? Why?

Can I just re-phrase the before TNF Camsur question to “how much do I not-so-like trails”, or “why do I not-so-like trails”

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.

What was your first trail run and how did it go?

21km TNF at Sacobia, Clark in 2009.

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.

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.

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.

Why did you join this year’s TNF 100 Camsur?

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:

- For the love of supporting my friends, whom I can’t afford to miss the chance of seeing at the finishline.

- For the love of being with my friends wherever they go for as long as I can and as long as I want.

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.

Looking excited with her friends and a running buddy, her sunblock, before gun start

What did you like most in the race?

Three things:

Savoring the magnificence of Gods creation. 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.

Safety and security of race participants is first at TNF 100. 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.

Route markers were visible almost everywhere. If you brought your awareness, not only strenght, with you in TNF Camsur, it is impossible to really get lost.

There she goes! Running strong! Yeba!

What did you hate most?/What was the hardest part?

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.

Having second thoughts about making any step but she did it ;)

How did you train for it?

-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.

-Outdoor uphill dowhill running at least 2x a week

-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.

She rocks! Overcoming Mt. Maculot.

What would you like to say to other runners who consider joining trail runs? Any tips?

- 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.

- 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!!

- Ready to stumble and fall.

- Take it slow (only for the non-competitive trail runners), as you will surely reach the finish line.

- Strategize, not to fall, even if stumbling and falling is part of the game. Believe me, I didn’t.

- Enjoy and savor every minute of the trail run. Not everyone has the chance to experience connecting with nature.

Priceless! Big smile at the finish line

Describe your experience in one word? Why?

AWESOME

Doing 50km of TNF was awesomely challenging, awesomely worth it: the travel, the race fee, the exhaustion. And awesomely cool.

Now, shall I join future TNF races? YES!!!

That's courage personified!

Looking forward to the next TNF 100 run not only with Shiela but with you, guys as well.

Running for a cost (?)

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.

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.

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 ;)

Rundown:

Thought 1

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.

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.

Then a start, finish line and kilometer marks which don’t need to be fancy and then a sound system.

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.

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.

Thought 2

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.

Thought 3

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.

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.

This has lead to glamorous races that entailed more cost, therefore, higher fees.

So, what now?

Given all these, assuming I was right, how should we then deal with it?

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?

Again, let me think aloud.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Just thinking aloud ;)

TBR DM2 fr a pacer's point of view

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

With friends, Jaimie Dy and Don

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.

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.

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.

Enjoying the run with TBR DM2 finisher, Ate Fides Reyes ;)

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

With another TBR DM2 finisher, Ghia who wanted to walk from Km4o but welcomed me to run with her to the finish line instead

These experiences make me love running and runners even more.

Thank you and congratulations marathoners!

OUR GUN START

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.

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^th Congress in the 2010 Condura Marathon.

This year, I’m doing another full in the Condura Marathon and again with a baggage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

MY "MANTRA"

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.

TRAIN ENOUGH

Had to do a long run for the TBR Dream Marathon in a beach during a family outing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

EAT WELL

Had to say goodbye to these best buddies. Haven't had any for months now. Yes! ;)

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.

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.

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.

PRAY HARD

Just an act ;) I don't pray this way

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.

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.

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.”

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.

RUN STRONG

Arguing with my legs to go on since they were already screaming in pain

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.

HAVE FUN

I have almost 50 photos with this pose. Template!

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.

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.

How about you, what’s your mantra? ;)