My CIHM story: One 21 Fun

“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.

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.

At the Malinta Tunnel before the start of last year's Conquer Corregidor run

ALMOST MISSED IT

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.

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!” ;)

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!”

Lucky me!

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.

HILLS… HILLS

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.

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.

With some friends before the gun start

After some picture taking sessions, we headed to the start line and waited for the gun start.

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.

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.

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.

My template pose ;) Enjoying the run

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.

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.

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?!” ;)

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.

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!

With The Queen of the Rock, Ms. Michelle Estuar and the third placer

BONDING MANIA

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.

With my TBR DM1 batchmates ;)

With my Runnex family ;)

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.

With Team G.. HAHAHA! ;)

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.

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.

With one of the organizers, Atty. Raymund Martelino and the fabulous medal

It was such a great experience. I can’t wait for the next one.

I say, "one for all, all for twenty one!"

My QCIM2 story

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lesson learned: do not overdo it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My bib number. Lucky number for the lottery ;)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I was so looking forward to seeing the Km 30 mark that when I saw it, I smiled and told myself “I LIKE”.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

The moment I saw the Km 40 mark, I suddenly felt stronger so I sprinted until the finish.

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.

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).

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.

QCIM2 medal for 42K finishers

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.

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.

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.

Running a marathon changes my life everytime. It gives me fresh perspective in life and makes me know myself and my Creator better.

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! ;)

UNPACKING PACMAN'S SECRET

“Kung di ako nag training baka hindi ko kinaya yung laban.”

This was Cong. Manny Pacquiao’s response to Diane Castillejo’s question about how he was able to finish the fight strong.

That's me running beside Pacman ;)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oh! There's me again ;)

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.

Just writing this tired me ;)

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Photos 1&2 from: http://mysundaespecial.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html

Photo 3: http://professionalheckler.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/man.jpg

Training program from:http://www.strengthspeedagility.com/manny-pacquiao-training-program

RUNNING WITHOUT "FRILLS"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RUNNING SHOES

I have two running shoes but using only one most of the time and got the second one only by accident.

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! ;)

- My best running buddy that I soon have to let go -

APPARELS

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.

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.

I’ve never bought any running shirt. I only have one given by Runnex, everything else are free from races.

GADGETS

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.

-My Ay! pod that has kept me going like no other-

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.

JOINING RACES

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.

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.

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.

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.

After all, there's thrill in running without "frills".

Life after death: An update on the Freedom of Information campaign

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This assertion is vital in keeping the advocacy alive especially after the 14^th 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.

Moving on, the Right to Know. Right Now! Campaign is gearing up for the 15^th Congress. A series of planning has been held and a number of activities and strategies were set.

Participatory running: Comments on the Adidas King of the Road 2010

Context

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here are my few comments, for whatever it’s worth.

Baggage counter

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.

Good thing that those in other categories whose gun start was later gave way to 21K runners since the start was nearing.

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.

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.

Suggestion: 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.

Route

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.

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.

Suggestion: A better route or maybe a longer gap between gun starts

Hydration

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.

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.

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.

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.

Suggestion: More water stations or more water in the stations.

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.

I miss my Tita run

"I wish you're still here. I'm sure you'd be proud of your running Reylynne."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

I even told myself that if God told me then that running would heal her, I'd gladly run non-stop.

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.

I miss you Tita Edad. I love you.