2011 Pledge for Running

I felt teary eyed when I watched the 2010 ING New York Marathon and felt something different in a way that the sprit of marathon is not about cheering up participant but rather helping to raise a fund for certain instutions or orgnaization. Lately, in our running scene here in country, many raised funds for charities like giving shoes to school kids, saving our seas and planting trees. As i watched the video of Ed Norton, I realize that my purpose of hitting my presonal records are just mere nothing if I can help someone or something. I can be an instrument of change for others. I want to make something different.

I decided to be different by my 2011 races. 2010 is the year that I made my personal records and the year that build up endurance. By 2011, i'll try something different, aside from joining the races for special cause, I came up that each kilometer that I ran, I would donate certain amount for a choosen institution. It's like metro in our taxi cab.

For 2011, I have outlined several races. Races that would not go below 10 kilometer distance. Each race category has mainly has its on corresponding fees per kilomter. So, here is the tariff.

42 KM - it's PHP30.00 per kilometer
21 KM - it's PHP40.00 per kilometer
10 km - it's PHP50.00 per kilometer

For instance, if I run a race for 21 Km I would autiomatically pay PHP840.oo and if I run five 21K races, it would be a total of PHP4,200.00 would go for a choosen charity. There is only one organization of charitable instution for a year.

So, now i'm looking for a charity institution or a foundation that I could give by twelve months from now which be the beneficiary of my pledge and If anyone who wants to help or the beneficiary. Just knock the door and I would be open it.

Zillan Made it to 21K

I always name my running gear from apparel to shoe. My long time best buddy is my running shoe who is Zillan, he's gray with a neon green shoe lace has been with when I started my first 5K race. Yesterday own partnership was strengthened with we when ran together for my first 21K race. We been together from day zero of my running career, up to training and races. He has the witness of all the struggles during the training. He has been washed by flood in midst of downpour of the rain.

with Mich, ultra marathoner coach Abby and Jessica

with Joseph, Atty Jill and Calvin

Armed with his toughness, we braced ourselves to he challenge, my first 21K race. Joining the race was a bit challenging, I consider myself as a short distance runner not as long distance runner. I've done a lot of long distance run for a minimum mileage of 15K. When I decided to join the race a lot of jitters came to my mind. Will make it to my goal? Will I survive the race?

I woke early in the morning, had breakfast and went to the race venue. I arrived with welcome from organizer and introduce to the pacers for the race. I felt relaxed since they have a lot pacers for the 21K category. No pressures. I drop my bag to baggage deposit and I headed to aNR booth and there was no one and luckily I saw Maan and she was in aNR Alabang waiting for someone. I headed to usual warm up run and went to starting line. I saw my aNR Ortigas team, we had a short chat for gun start. I heard dreams beating and it signaled for the beginning of the race. I with my game plan. Dennis, teammate from aNR, we are playing like Indian run and we counted off the number of kilometers. I soaked myself with water since I really felt that it's really hot and when I reached KM 16 mark, I went dehydrated already, I really wanted to die out on middle of the street. Seeing water station ahead, I gush up with glass of water and took a bath with the ice cold water. I felt refreshed, i began slowly run, walk, jog, run and walk. When I saw the last turnaround to finish line, I decided to run the fast that I could to hit my goal of 2hrs and 30 mins alas I got it for less than 2hrs and 13 minutes. It's a personal record for my first 21K. Upon receiving my finisher's medal, mixed emotions came in, I felt high and tired. 

Thanks to the training that we have done with aNR Ortigas. The training paid off when race day come. We hills sprints and speed drills were just a simulation to reach my goal. Thanks as well to all first time 21K participant, coaches Abby and Luis, the team mates who cheered showing their support, thanks a lot.

After the race, I headed to aNR Ortigas booth and chat with my friends. I was still on runner's high. I was so noisy and helped out distributing forms for our new members. Hope they could join us starting this Wednesday. 

When I arrived home, Zillan was literally wet and dirty, placed him on the side and stared at him. Our partnership is getting stronger, we have love and hate relationship but we continue to be the best buddies for running no matter what will happen. Zillan will have more stories on my training for my first full marathon by March 2011.

Photo credits: Jessica Tiu Laurel and Atty. Jill Alcibar

Freedom of Choice

Yesterday morning before heading to my usual "Thursdays, thrill day" I'd listened to the award winning morning show of 99.5RT, This Enchanted Kingdom with King DJ Logan, Cleo Caliente and Marf with Anna Q5 and Lou SkyWalker. Thay had a wonderful discussion about the issue that President Pnoy will have a talk with the conservative Catholic church about the Reproductive Health Bill. On that same day, famous Manila tour guide, Carlos Celdran interrupted a Mass in Manila Cathedral in protest regarding to interference of the church for the bill. He was in Jose Rizal costume with signage Damaso.

In Jose Rizal's undying noverl "Noli me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo." Padre Damaso, the antagonist Spanish Friar who did a lot immoralities of being a conservative Catholic priest. If we go back time, Spanish friars did a lot of abuse to Indios. I don't why Spanish church leader and government at that time send us freaking bad priest to abuse our land for almost three hundred years. 

Moving on, the reproductive health bill which main objective is to slow the growth of the population by the means of proper sex education to students, an option to the use of birth control method and family planning. If we based on the current situation in terms of our socio-demogarphic status, our country has more classes C, D and E compare to class A and B. Lower sectors in our society  outnumbered in terms of population than the higher sectors. Now, if we don't educate our people with proper sex education and family planning, what will happen to country with knowing that our economy nowadays is very volatile.

Going back to what Mr. Celdran did in Manila Cathedral yesterday. It's a wake up call for all our sectors to realize what is the real score beyond the reproductive health bill. If we dissect it, it basically aims only to educate and have an option. It doesn't really meant to have abortion to be legalize in our country. I still believe the power of choice lies our hands. God gave us the freewill to choose which make us the highest form of animal in the land.

I wonder why Catholic church would always disagree with government actions towards economic measures and in fact it's for everyones benefit , it's really that the church would not go with the state.

As I write this blog, I feel that the church will denounce me already. I personally grew and study in a conservative Catholic school but they taught proper sex education when I was high school. My point is that the church must understand the current situation in our country, we have more people that is out of job, families that could once a day only, some could not even go to school and homeless. I challenge the church, what actions can you do for this. Will allow homeless to stay in your convents air conditioned  bedroom, feed those hungry family with a healthy meal thrice a day. Let's be realistic. 

Our country needs to be save, we need to help each other as team to fight poverty. We need to educate ourselves with some measures. Measures that could help us going further and sustain better environment and future. Lastly we are given a freedom of choice by God. It's up to us how to use it. 

I'm in! Hello KOTR 2010 and TBR DM 2011

Last Saturday was a hectic day. I went home after work and have myself for a nap to do my task for the day: to register for Adidas King of the Road 2010 (KOTR) and The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2011 (TBR DM). I woke at exactly ten in the morning and prepared myself for the weekend task. 


I  went to Adidas Shangri-La for the Adidas King of the Road 2010. I went there the other day and the race kits for 21K category were completely gone and all the race kits were sold as early one in the afternoon that day. So I arrived and I saw some participants waiting for the arrival of the race kits since there are sold out. So I decided to go to Bonifacio High Street for the TBR DM registration and since Runnr Store is offering the registaration for KOTR. Since I'll be taking MRT going to Ayala, I decided to drop by Adidas Glorietta 3. I arrived there I saw the staff fixing the boxes for KOTR registration and asked again, Miss meron na ba kayong race kit for 21K? (Is there any available 21K race kit.?). The staff replied with a smile, "Sir, wait na lang kayo or balik for a hour kasi for inventory pa." (Sir, is not yet available since we're still on inventory for the race kit and if you could go back after an hour.) Geeeeee! I could see the apprehension of some participants there. Many were mad and some stayed outside to get the kit


So, I decided to go to Greenbelt 3 just few blocks away since I'm just in the vicinity. When I arrived in Adidas Greenbelt, no single customer is around and staff are just mingling each other and courteously greeted me. I went to the counter and ask the staff, "Kuya may 21K race kit pa ba kayo kasi pangatlo Adidas store na pinuntahan ko?" (Sir, do you a race kit for 21K since I've been to several Adidas stores and this the third one.) The staff replied with a friendly smile. "Meron po" (We have). I quickly opened my bag and got registration form and my aNR Passport anbd showed my ID and then I'm in. I'm officially in to the race for Adidas King of the Road 2010 on March 24, 2010. I'm runner number 10328. After the tiring race of looking for the race kit, I finally got mine and for free. I gave my aNR Passport which testifies my hard work and patience for thee aNR Ortigas Wednesday night running sessions. Task one accomplished.


Moving on, I went to BHS for the TBR DM 2011. I arrived there I saw a lot registration booths for other running events and further I saw TBR DM 2011's booth. They have the most humblest booth, no fancy tarpaulin with a celebrity endorsing. They have only a piece of bond paper and with a hand-written "TBR DM  2011."  It's a small event with close to 400 first time full marathon runners but they have the most pampered event. They took pictures and handed to me my TBR card and welcome note from the organizer. I'm officially in to The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2011 on March 20, 2011 in Nuvali, Laguna. I'm so excited for the bull sessions.


Mission accomplish for that day!


Congratulations to all CamSur International Marathon finishers last September 26, 2010 held CWC. Kudos to Drew Llanes, Leo Manalaysay and Bong Alindada! Go Team aNR Ortigas and Team CB. 

The Bull Is About To Run

Earlier this morning, Drew from aNR Ortigas sent me a message in regard to the registration of The Bull Runner Dream Marathon or TBR. I was in the lounge of the gym and reading newspaper with my spinning class. upon reading the text of Drew, I felt ecstatic about it. TBR is really one my dream runs aside from New York City Marathon. I was telling my running mates that TBR is actually 70% sure and 30% unsure and they telling me to go for it. Thanks for the support guys from aNR Ortigas team.



TBR will be on March 20,2011 on Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Nuvali is vast land in Laguna developed by Ayala Land Premiere. Seeing the pictures of TBR last year made me feel excited with the event and plus there would training programs given. TBR is indeedly on my list for my 2011 runs. You can easily feel that you'll be pampered already from the registration to teh race day itself.

As they day goes by, my brain is telling me about TBR...TBR....TBR....can I make it.....I can....yes I can. so I headed to computer and signed up. The race is almost six from now, I need more time to dedicate myself for the training. Enough of lazy moments, just keep on running. Train harder and faster for better results.


After those moments to TBR. I decided to go to Shang for Cine Europa 2010. I usually read the synopsis of the movies that I will watch for foreign festivals but this time I didn't. I watched The Robber, produced by Germany and Austria. I fell in love in the movie because the lead character is a runner and robber a the same time. His training was in a treadmill in his prison cell and when he was given a parole, he continued to rob banks as his training and eventually won two full marathons. This somehow inspired me but not robbery thing.


To cap off my day, I begin to ask my family and friends for their support and they are very supportive for TBR. Now, I need my support group. So, interested parties, just leave you comments.

The Wall - Part 1

This write up would really have a lot of sequels. In running jargon, the wall is defined as a part of our run that we face extreme physical exhaustion like cramps, painful runner's knee or any body pain that could lead us to slow down a bit in the race or even quit the race. In my own crazy mind, I define the wall as a point were you get lazy, as in lazy as a fat pig. You don't want to do the training that you've plan to do. All you want is to doze off in the bed, eat junk and be a couch potato again and making your fitness level weak.

So, let start the ball rolling. I'm in the middle of the freaking cubicle nation. The other day, I was a bit envy that I saw couple of runners and a cyclist along my way going home. I could feel their bodily rhythm that I wanted to run as well but could not since I'm not my gear. So I decided to pack my running gear as I arrived home and excited to run next day since I haven't run for few days since I was so busy and got sick in flabby tummy.

The day came in, I headed to work with big brown back pack with my running gear. I started the with the usual routine. Lunch came in and as usual lunch time is the most awaited part of my day at work. Lunch is reward time, we get refresh ourselves. I chow down my self with laing, dumplings and rice. I felt sleepy afterwards. Sleepy and then I became a bit grumpy like a kid that wanted to sleep the entire day. A couple of hours, I decided myself not to run for today. I was stuck on the wall. A huge wall separated myself from excitement to ungodly routine.

The day ended again with zero mileage. I'm a bit pessimistic now if I could make it to my goals by next run. I'm a bit sad and bit mad to myself. I know that my enemy is truly myself and no one else. As I began my stubbornness, I took a deep breathe and closed my eyes and said to myself. This is enough. Don't procastrinate since I have a lot of time to do things. Life is short so make the most it. I guess I need a day off from running like lovers who needs to cool off.

I met my training's wall. So sad that didn't run.

Yoga and Running

Recently, I haven't practiced yoga since I was too busy preparing my second 10K run for Takbo.ph run Fest. I really miss the slow breathing in and out in pramayanas, surya namaska and some asanas. My mind is joggled with the running events to come. In my training logs last month, no yoga classes was placed during circuit training, it's more of spinning classes which I shed 600-800 calories for 45 minutes indoor bike with different terrain and speed. It's more running. Now, I'm doing my training for my first half marathon by October 2010. Aside from the usual training that I have, now I'm incorporating yoga in training at least a week.

Yoga, specially the vinyasa and ashtanga forms are the ones who opened myself to the path of having healthy mind and body. then I started spinning the bikes and running in long distances. Since, I haven't practiced for a long time, I found myself searching for asanas designed for runners online and seeking advised from my  flexible yogi.

As part of my self made yoga routine, starting it with proper centering thru breathing exercises and warming up thru sun salutations. Asanas focuses on leg and core work like warrior poses. Then followed by balance poses to for coordination of muscular reflexes and breathing. Adding also is spinal twist in different variations and sometimes inversions. The best part of the routine is pramayama for 10-15 minutes. I makes me feel rejuvenated after workout. The entire routine sometimes last for an hour including the meditations.

In yoga, I learn to manage the flow of each movements together with breathing and putting in my mind that everything will go through smoothly with flow. In running, I experienced the pain and sore of my legs and like yoga everything is in the mind. Staying in shape and sharp. Yoga is an exercise for mind to focus on breathing as we synchronize the movements, it strenghtens your ability to withstand difficult things specially doing balance poses for a longer time. Running is intense athletic exercise with test you endurance on how far you go and how combat the obstacles as you meet along the way. Lastly, yoga and running makes me feel happy and relaxed. Though it's a bit tiring but the feeling of exhaustion makes you more energized, sharp and active. Yoga and running really is rewarding no matter how hard it is, it gives you an extra kick afterwards. Yoga is unlocking the universe in you and running opens yourself to the explore the world and appreciate life.

Training time again, I hope that I could do more yoga and more longer runs with sustained energy at the end. I need to practice more, not to be perfect but rather be a better runner and to have a sound mind and body. In training, I stubble and stood up. Learn new things. No one could stop us from what we are doing each to become better.