Getting in the zone

There comes a time when the sport that lets you breathe kills you, but it’s up to you to turn the table around and change that to what you really want.

class picture before we go to war

What is it all about? For what? Do I consider myself an athlete? Why am I doing this? What is the medal for? What will I gain from all of this stupidity? Can I make it despite this extreme pain? What am I trying to prove?

Ultra CB adiks! (Yan, Prince, Marvs, Doday, Jimmy, Cris and Ellen)

And in the middle part of it, you’ll find the answers
This is not about the race, its about me. Because I haven’t reach my limitation. Damn right I am one! The longer the distance, the longer freedom I get. I made it!. Prove myself I’m wrong. Pain is temporary. Through all this adversities, my friends and loved ones don’t want me to quit! They want me to cross that line and not to let them down…Hell I’m gonna finish what I started!!

Barney, Super Hero and Terrestrial

These are some of the questions that lingered from KM 30-50 of PAU Western Pangasinan 65K Ultra Marathon. For those 20 kilometers of pain, it is what I consider as “a masterpiece”, why? because the thing that hit me feels like an impossible journey from where what Dr. Sherwin Botabora dubbed as Achilles Tendonitis. At first I tried to brush it off but the sharp pain instinctively put on a show and held me captive for a nasty 20KMs.

we are the sweepers! pano na?

So much for arguing with oneself, with the help of my teammates, miraculously, I was able to lift my feet thinking I have to move past this pain that its all in the mind, I tried to walk in a limping fashion and thinking I still have 35KMs with less than 7 hours plus the scorching heat that awaits from 10am-3pm which seems so freakin’ impossible. Doing the math, it’s still possible but with less breaks (stops that is). This is the time i decided to have my own support crew leave and take care of my 2 other team mates who are already ahead by 2-3KMs. Needless to say that some sacrifices are worthy, being a monkey on their backs will eventually takes its toll on the support itself.

Lolo Earl providing the ultimate motivation (right heel on ice).. Do Not Quit session

I owe this race to Jimmy, Doc Sherwin, Eric and Ellen for sticking with me. This was the toughest race on a ruined plan to finish with a decent time. I only managed to find the right rhythm after we reached the 50th KM of this race. Heavy downpour at KM 51, Jim and I found a shelter, rested for a while and waited for the rain to stop while watching the rest of the sweepers outrun the downpour. It was like a restart, after the rain we tried running, Surprising as it is, the pain on my right heel slowly disappeared. Tried to test it during downhills for a kilometer or two and eventually faded.

still able to post a shoutout.. thank you friends for the support

Saw a Tucson, my support crew from the opposite lane approaching! wohooo its Yogi to the rescue!!! last 2 stops. Grabbed my phone and still managed to twit and open my FB while walking on the long white paved lane of Sual, kids must not do, even for adults while driving. I received a couple of wild loud horns from those buses, very dangerous! (pasaway mode)

Fortunate enough that the last 4 or 5 KMs are most part zigzag downhills. Locals cheering which keeps the motivation on a high tide! Keep running!!! Bumped into Yanyan and paced for a couple. Giving it all I’ve got, reached the final 3 corners before heading the finishline. I can see my friends cheering! It is definitely for them!

not for the target time.. just finish the race and survive for them!

All the answers will be a 20/20 once you see and cross that finishline arc. Now the ultimate question of why I run with this insane distance and my life on the line? simple… I can be the happiest idiotic human being for days once i cross that line.. Im in the ZONE with my friends and loved ones

Heaviest finisher medal+ HQ Adidas sleeveless para sa mga adik!

Thank you Sir Jovie Narcise for the unbelievable route, NFFs,Team USB, Team Intensity, Team Boring, Team Ungas, Heartbreak’ers, Hangout Buddies, Doc Arturo Virata, ultra idols. My graditude to my Team CB Family, PRince and Marvs for the early pace. Earl, Rona, Bave and the rest of Team KTT for the motivation and insisting that I finish the race despite the pain. Jimmy, Doc Sherwin, Eric and Ellen for hanging with me during the dreadful afternoon. To Brandy for unexpectedly showing up on the dying KMs, salamat paps! The undying support is just overwhelming. Thank you thank you

Lastly to Doc Apple Ticsay .. you know the reason why

dinner at Dencio's Luisita with friends (NFFs and Team Boring crew)

Sa susunod na pagkikita mga adik!

pics courtesy of Yan, Irene, Team USB and Bave

Third Time’s The Charm

It took 392 days, 2 injuries, 3 full marathons and 2 ultramarathons to hug everything in perspective. I overshot my target, last Dec 2010 at QCIM with my maiden marathon, unconscious of how things went into fast forward mode and checked how this grueling sport offers.

But the dream is not suppose to stop right there. After a year of exposure into this sport, I still thirst for more. Some 20++ years ago, Nestle always try to air this event during the commercial breaks of the popular kids show Batibot which didn’t make any sense to me in the first place and just joking to myself by a long shot that someday ill cross that finishline, sort of a dream. Well those were the days back then not knowing that I’ll eat my own words 23 years later hahaha!

Last year I blogged the 34th edition me doing an epic fail hurting my right shin after my 10K attempt but sadly it happened again during the December Finals joining the 21K category when I stupidly harbored an
injury called ITBS that made me regret things that resulted into a great depression. While carrying a monkey on my back with this freakin injury, I swiftly utter that this is my bad nut or vice versa. Now I’m
writing this in full like the 42.195 KMs that is! Out comes the 35th National Milo Marathon- Manila Eliminations, “sa tigas ng ulo ko” I registered for this event for my dream to be a reality, but this time
I am indeed careful. I didn’t peg any PR but rather just reach the cut off of 6 hours to get the finisher’s medal.

walk break before heading Buendia Ave. with idol Mark Rodica

This event traditionally takes place right at KM 0 in Rizal Park but was moved to SM Mall of Asia this year as organizing this event was handed over Runrio from Rudy Biscocho. First of and foremost, I don’t like the singlet, I mean I like it but the arm holes really sucks.
Breaking-in the Milo singlet is like a chaffing machine, which eventually making it as a pambahay shirt. Runrio or Nestle had this rule to wear the official singlet that led me wearing the 2010 version
and again that rule sucks. When i head home, tried to raise the famous white 42K bib and said to myself (eto nay un Wes!) with Gregorian Chant sound effects! I was like a schizo for a minute there then smirked. Yeah this is like no ordinary marathon, this is THE Milo Marathon! Tanga tanga ko I didn’t notice the B-Tag was attached when I almost ripped the envelope trying to find the D-Tag that was scrapped by Runrio. Bwahahaha!

d2 tayo sa daang matuwid... sa The Fort

On to race day, Wow its downpour, it wasn’t a surprise either because it’s been raining the whole week with typhoon Juaning’s tail picking the right place at the wrong time, 2nd Nike shoes to have a cold bath
I assumed. Rendezvous with Team CB and head over to the starting grid, by this time the rain didn’t matter coz its even giving any signs of slowing down either! Greeted fellow runners/friends from various
groups few minutes before gunstart, this is the usual atmosphere I always love. Wishing everyone for a safe and injury free run.

Gunstart! Kaboom! The usual “asaran” warm up for the first 2 KMs, everybody having a great time enjoying the cold weather, slight rain topped with a military line up of male runners taking a piss on the first hundred meters (di kinaya ang lamig nyahaha!). Runners went into their comfort zones before reaching the end of Macapagal Blvd. This eventually lead to bigger drops of rain until turning to Buendia Ave. for the first half of the race. Heavy puddles on both flyovers of Buendia and Baclaran, it’s just unbelievable and inevitable for an early shoe bath.

Target setting: to at least work from a 6-7min pace barrier, have a couple of walk breaks up until KM 21 and just meet the 6 hour cut off, but the rain served as a sweet coolant and helped me push until KM 25. It feels great when you get to greet friends from side to side and back, doing the low 5’s that serves as motivation. I started to struggle after the Kalayaan flyover, feet starting to hurt after being subdued multiple times on the early part. Runners passed and I tried to stab a KM or two but cramping starts to linger before I could reach the last U-Turn at McKinley Hill, power walk will do. Thanks to Perkins of ARC Manila for lending me an almost empty Bodivance, helps a lot Coach Argo passed by an assessed my situation, but im A OK hehehe.

the part where Gigs took off her singlet and became a moving KM marker =P

I can still manage to run, checked Garmin if I can still make it up to KM32 for the 5 hour cut off, glad that I have an hour and 45 before the threshold. Met and paced with Gigay, she’s also starting to feel the pain on both calves, the “tisay” can still clamp an 8min pace, told her to go ahead but shes trying to battle it out. Its stretching time! Just to loosen up a bit. We reached final checkpoint an hour and 9 mins before the 5th hour. We did it! oh yeah!! Gigay can still do a couple of hundred meters for the whole stretch of Buendia but eventually slows down.

with Gigay... lingering cramps with all smiles

For the last remaining 10KMs it was 90% power walk and 10% walk. Pretty neat that this technique from Doc Art is a deadly weapon, very helpful indeed! I was able to teach her how to effectively nail it reaching a max of 8:30/KM without getting sluggish versus the normal “wasak walk”. The mighty sun did show up on the final 3KMs.. more power walks and short stabs hahaha!

high risk with high reward... were on a high

After reaching the final turn to Seaside Blvd., we started to give it all we’ve got, background music getting louder, yellow finishline arc is visible, people cheering and paced on a 7min margin!
I could still recognize everybody (still in my sanity hahaha), familiar faces, friends, photogs aiming and the runner’s high is back! Clocked at 5hours 41mins! IT FELT SO DAMN GREAT! Finishing the race, the nicely engraved 42.195KM Finisher Medal I longed for 20+ years now hanging around my neck! OH F*CKIN YEAH!!!!

sharing the moment with Cebu TTB Group's Doc Cecillie and Prince

The boyhood dream is mission accomplished! Wohoooo!! Happy as well to be able to help a friend/ fellow runner all the way to the finish and grabbed a new PR! Selflessness still prevails, Congrats GIGS!!

this one surpassed Condura's. engraved & embossed to perfection:)

All my gratitude to the idols KB, Meljohn, David Buban, Doc Toto, Brian Pacia, Mark Rodica, Raymund Canta, Coach Argo, Perkins, Rod Runner, Doc T, Junrox, Beeps, Jixee, Dodayishi and Prince.

with Team CB Family and sister team Team Boring

Runners Link, CRB, Takbo.ph, HOB, Snail Runners, ARC Manila, Heartbreak’ers, Team KTT, Team Boring, aNR- Ortigas Pearl, Team Kamote, NFFs and my Team CB family. Thank You Thank You po. This race means a lot to me Thank you lord for the good health and an injury free race, the jinx is over.

On a runner’s perspective, redemption always keep us motivated and set our personal goals to the roof. I’ll do my best on the 36th to stamp a better time, race pace that is..

Lesson learned: “Always weather the storm”

Fearless at The Dream Marathon

Running a marathon is an extra ordinary feat, an achievement worth of what your mind can take, a test of how tough your physical limitations argue with your mind and vice versa, in short, its a no joke. It’s a runner’s pride that others will just dream of achieving. Some take this as light and even laugh at it. Some has the audacity to make a crash course out of it which takes their ego to a bump. It’s like disrespecting themselves thinking that they can own the distance. I feel sorry for those runners that didn’t train for the distance as a whole. Now they have a reason why they need to train, because they will have their own revenge, for themselves and lastly respecting the distance itself.

with Toel Snail Runner of Alabang

The mecca of all of those runners on a hunt for that dream. They start with a jog, then a 5K, leveled up to 10K, pick up the pieces joining 15K categories then setting the pace up until a half half marathon. The longest training, muscle conditioning and long runs they can endure took them to that elusive target to raise the bar to its highest possible to reach the goal of running a “marathon”. Jaymie Pizarro and her brilliant idea of conducting a marathon event for those who seek, The Bull Runner Dream Marathon.

15 mins before gunstart.. pressure builds

Still in its infancy stage, this unique race features those who dream of running and finishing a full marathon or 42.195KMs. I myself registered way back last year because i wanna debut my 42K in this prestigious occasion, but my forecast was off, i started my first PAU Tagaytay-Nasugbu 50K ultra marathon last November and debuted at the 2nd Quezon City International Marathon before 2010 ends, then got myself injured after a week at the 34th National Milo Marathon Finals 21K. Sad to say I had to give up and sell my slot at the 2011 Fat Ass run to a good friend Jess Agoo of Team Snail Runners/HOB. At the height of my ITBS injury last January, I realized that running Jaymie’s event will no longer be the sweetest candy at the finish line while nursing a nag. I wanted a “virgin” to conquer the mental road of a 42K distance, because for what its worth. It’s a great feeling indeed!

Team CB Dreamers Maridol, Helen and Suzi

14 days before the event, I started running 5K again weathering my right leg. No more pain, then followed it up with a 10K after a few days, still in good shape. When i realized that my right leg is at a 100% during our long slow distance run (LSD) , my left leg started acting like a spoiled brat. I thought it will be a serious type, but brushed it off and went back to higher pace, it eventually faded. Midweek of the TBR hype, I decided to survey friends from the running community if I can get a hold of a pacer bib for this Sunday’s race, lucky enough with the help of FB, Twitter and Gary Chua, I was able to get one with the most generous runner from the UP aNR group, Ate Glo Labao. She kindly gave her pacer bib. I dont know who to pace yet, but eventually, Gary topped my list since he doesn’t have one yet.

Team CB Dreamers, Chasers and Pacers

I once dreamed but right now, its time to pace a dreamer from KM 0-42. Setting was at Nuvali located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. A long stretch of commercial cemented road with a couple of tough hills to conquer that will set your limits. Gunstart at exactly 0200 MNL. It was also a history in the making where the super full moon blooms to its brightest at night, 14% bigger than the regular, the last sighting was 18 years ago. This was a perfect place for the Dream Marathon stage. We had tons of picture taking for the dreamers and different running groups all in high spirits to support the virgins. Touching to see that family and friends of the Dreamers were there to support at the start line as well. I told myself “Iba talaga ang feeling kapag andyan ang pamilya at mga kaibigan”, gives you the ultimate boost and the no quit attitude to finish.

enjoying the route.. reflectorized team shirt... hehehe

I wasn’t familiar with the route as i only visited Jaymie’s website to get the road map. It was a loop, It didn’t occur to me when we finished the first loop and repeat all the way up. The hills were tough, dragging and steep portions was visible enough to for us not to challenge them as we run. We went on Galloway mode (5:1) with Dreamers Mich, Gary, Leo and Ellen. Argo and I are the only pacers, He took over Leo from the start. Halfway on the last U turn before heading back to the startline, we had the longest sprint, the burn was there which i crave for since QCIM2, we slowly picked up the pace approaching the last U turn. On that second U turn, inclined road took a toll on Gary’s right quad and we then started easing our pace, walked a bit andshake the aching leg off. Were almost a KM away from Ellen and Mich. They did slow down during our last sprint (max 4:30 aprox 1.5KM), Ellen told us that her ITBS is in a bad shape too, but her spirit is intact! Mich is also checking her pace. On our way back walking on the steep hill right after th bridge was the Dream Chaser’s tent where Ate Maan Catolos waiting for Gary to immediately change gear from VFF to running shoes. While his transitioning, I tried to hydrate and grab a bar of Cadbury hehehe. My dreamer suddenly picked up the pace while checking his right quad, unbelievable, this Dreamer is built to last.

Met Maridol and Tere (Kap este Major), the girl is gunning for a good PR with the soldier around. The last 2KMs of the of the first loop ended with a massage and Bodivance applied the Stuff works wonders, my calves are as relaxed. It doesn’t feel tired, maybe thats why we were able to stab a couple of KMs pacing at 5:00 mins. The Chasers were are up for the cheer boosting each runner that passes by. Thank you Alabang runners for the loud cheers, my buddy needed that as we head back at the starting line reaching 21KMs 3hrs5mins, half way to go, 1 more loop and were done. We were slow during our first attempt conserving, Gary and I had a debate that we could be on a negative split if we are to hit his PR. We both agreed.

walk breaks are awesome este power walks =P

Finally met Beeps from the Chaser’s tent, upon hydration, we told Beeps that Gary is suffering pain on his right quad. So the ending was to just walk and did a couple of stabs until the first u turn. Beeps was able to pace a runner and taught him how to do power walks like Doc Art. We are both doing the trick like devils during the entire route and its a good practice with an average of 9mins/KM if were not running. Saw Ms. Christine Jacobs (killer smile), Bearwin Meily (nice pace) and Helen Arabia (Team CB/BR) on their last 12KMs. Too bad my left ITB started acting weird at the 31st KM. But hell no. We are gonna hit a good PR for Gary!

Christine Jacob in the flesh... fast swimmer & runner

There were no dull moments because I always try to pull out my digicam from my pouch. Familiar faces, running friends were given a slight photovendo op as we enjoyed the route, no escape for the Dreamers, Chasers and Pacers hehehe. I almost forgot the Gummy Bears and Chippy was awesome. I cant say any bad words with the stations, gels, med aid. Gatorade, water, sponges, foam rollers, bodivance, bananas, Cadbury chocs. Its like heaven for the runners, pampered to the max.. sarap! Kudos to Ms. Jaymie and the entire crew

ultra runner idol Mark and wife Bea

As we head back to finish the last 9KM, My Dreamer still has gas left on his tank as we power walk and stab each downhill with our usual speed. Odd to see that there are still runners at the start of the second loop when were heading back. If I’m not mistaken this was at the first 7KM of the second loop. I wonder if they can finish on time with sun trying to inch its way Time check to hit the good PR for Gary during the last 5K. Maan Catolos was waiting at the final KM of the Chaser Tent, paced a little and hand over Gary’s Gatorade. We were able to visit all hydration stations on a good note because of all the power walks and 5min pace. I hate to abuse the stations but we need them. Sun was up, heat penetrating as we meet and passed by Team Boring before the last uturn to finish. 1.5K and passing by Sir Raul while swinging his foam roller like Babe Ruth to us. hahaha that was fun indeed. Thanks to Team Boring for the banana and off to the Finish line we go.

swinging his roller.. ARC ph sir Raul

Approaching the sidewalk, saw Miriam Quiambao, nice last boost (pretty nya!), Gary went really fast and stepped into the wood stairs and saw his feet twitch a bit, lookign at it like he’s gonna slip but managed to find his balance (kinabahan ako dun). As we stride from the resto up until the finish line, all you can hear are cheers, support and claps! I let go of Gary on the last turn for him to have his glory while I ran on the side. He is now indeed “Fatboyslim”… dropping the call sign Fatboy. 2 marathons + a PR at TBR Dream Marathon, nothing I could ask for. I’m happy for Gary’s success, being an accidental pacer and helping a friend from 0-42 is my Dream Marathon, no need for a finisher medal and it feels so damn good

Team CB's Suzi and Marvs

Congratulations to the new Full Moon MARATHONERS of Team CB, Helen, Maridol and Suzi. To Cess, Ellen, Doc Art, Bilz, Daie and Gary hats off to you guys. Fellow Team CB pacers, chin up! Good Job guys, another 100% success rate. We are strong and tough! TBR Chasers, thank you for the cheers and support all the way!!

dropping the call of Fatboy to Fatboyslim

MARATHONERS now of Team Snail Runners, Six:30 Group, HOB, Team Boring and Powerpuff Boys! Big pops to you guys! Congratulations!

Jeremi and Kat..sweet couple victorious @TBR

To Ms. Jaymie Pizzaro, a job well done, arguably a fine race for a Dreamer, you and your crew did a great job for the Full Moon Marathoners.. Congratulations

Team CB with marathoner Bearwin Meily

Limping…

26 days after the Milo Marathon last Dec 12, 2010 saddened me. I thought that i will be strong after finishing my first full marathon last QCIM2 but i was wrong. My mileage started fading away after my 21K race 4 weeks ago. A very painful injury that crippled me for weeks up until this very moment. Iliotibial Band Syndrome, a grimacing type of injury that will require the best of what a runner can get, a nightmare, a black hole for me. For the past weeks i tried to hinder the pain that stings all the way up!
It seems to me that Milo Marathon is my official jinx when it comes to running, last time i checked, i was in my adolescent stage running the 10K category sometime July of 2010. I was a total douche bag, over training myself, not knowing how to rest before race day. It got the best out of me. Limping after hitting a good PR but suffered the wrath of a shin splints injury, bed ridden for 6 weeks, accumulating pounds and increased my weight a bit. Vengeance was great, following the doctor’s advice and a few months conquering my first Half-marathon in CamSur.
After Dec 27, Rizal Day Run, a race organized the premiere runner Sir Jovie Narcise, I was able to convince my self that resting for 14 days isn’t enough to heal the wounded tissue. Unable to continue with my usual pace and almost reaching the DNF zone mentally. I started walking the 20th Kilometer mark which was a bit diappointing and at the same time painful. I was like dragging my right leg every step while the sun is on rage. It was a blessing that inside Camp Aguinaldo there were portions of shed from the trees.
I finished the race at 4 hours 38 mins. A devastating fact that i tried to push myself despite the lurking pain that waits. It was also a good thing I did the impossible. it’s like watching the running videos from Youtube of people getting injured and finishing the race despite of the load. I managed to do the same thing. I will give the liberty of those who throws stones at me because it was my fault. It helps me grow and mature as a runner.

Thanks to Baldrunner for making me not curse this race hence just making a promise to get my hands on the 3rd Rizal Day Run next time we set the pedal to the metal inside Camp Aguinaldo.. ARYA!

(again my apologies to the grammar nazis)

Full Marathon in High Definition

Immortality! Take it! It’s yours! The last words that was going through my head as the countdown for my maiden full marathon ticks it’s way! Achilles once declared this phrase from the movie that spearheaded by Brad Pitt. These words was like a last song syndrome from the moment I left my baggage to a close friend.
An accidental situation that transpired based from my longest run of 50K from Tagaytay to Nasugbu that gave birth in lining myself at the start line of the 42K category at the 2nd Quezon City International Marathon. I am actually inked for the half-marathon category. A week before the race that it so happened that my mind conceived the inevitable and convinced to take the full marathon, it . With the help of Prince Baltazar aka Goma King and Aileen Piacos led me in finding the thinnest possible line to acquire a 42K bib. Fortunate enough, I was able to via the Fb QCIM2 page a 42K kit was up for grabs from Mr. Iah Isip of Team Bald Runner (unable to participate due to a nagging injury)that left an door open for me, such a blessing. Maridol Yabut helped me fix the anxiety of acquiring Mr. Isip’s bib. Thank you so much JDB and Sir Iah!
Regrouped with Team CB inside Jollibee and started the traditional regards to my team mates at the start line. Even in the dimmest condition was able to exchange regards with friends from the running community.

lace a pair it's the D-day!

My FR305 still acquiring satellites 2 minutes before gunstart. Overboard chills that I stretched in mixed variations. Still having the LSS of Achilles running in my head as time locks and off we go! Still with the LSS up until passing C.P. Garcia Avenue to the UP Acad Oval. Hate to say I’m a user each and every race day, because today my first victim was my teammate Doday, paced with the “mamaw” up until the first 21KM U-turn including hydration stops. I was in the zone during that time tweaking a 5:30-6:15 pace with the inclined northbound stretch of Commonwealth. Was our pace that fast for a 42K? Gave it a thought that I need to conserve to survive, so i let go and let the mamaw bring the gap. He was actually asking me along the route “asan c Argo?” “Wes c Argo nakita mo?”, much to my knowledge that it was indeed a competitive race for both of them. Give the devil his due, Argo appeared at the 19th KM, chat a little and still unable to catch up to the pace they’ve set. It’s like let them be, its their race, I have my own survival game to finish, hehehe. A monster thanks to Mr. Martos & Cuaton for the pace. Nice to see both mentors bringing their A game.

with Aileen & Doc Apple

There were no problems as far as hydration goes, grabbed a potassium riched banana before entering Doña Victorina village, which was another set back due to its rolling hills, but wait it doesn’t end there, The La Mesa Ecopark has its own version, mind game i supposed and turned the T2N moment to conquer all the rolling hills provided by this race. My second victim sprouts, it’s Rodel Montejo hehehe, my batchmate from the VTR. Both pacing each other every interval on a 6:30-7:00 zone. The usual pace, usapang survival and appreciating the majesty of the ecopark. We both exited the village but before we could exit, right at the bridge comes Ley Gripal of Team Ungas, there is no turning back right at the middle we stopped, gave him a hug and a kiss, what can i do, my hands are tied “kaladkaren talaga ako” hehehe. after the flirtation, now with the 5H pacers led by Prince and Carly, we head towards the exit of Doña Victorina Village but before we did, a couple of friendly supporters offered a liniment massage to our aching calves. While the northbound of Commonwealth was closed for the race, the southbound already has its own bottleneck, people staring like devils and ready to butcher the runners due to heavy traffic build up.

my idol -> Team Ultra Boring

With the current situation taking its toll on each runners as we head back to UP Diliman, I wasnt able to catch up with the 5 hour Pacers, the author started to wither due to lack of electrolytes, only pure sanitized water was offered inside the ecopark. With the sun’s welcoming glare, it was a bad sign striding and pace dopping to 7:30 until i felt like i can only walk til the next kilometer where a powerade booth was stationed. Like a mirage, only will power enables me to continue running, it was a tough distance reaching the booth. Chugged a cup and used a sponge to bathe my overheating body. Luckily, the guy from the Powerade was generous enough to give half of the bottle to take with me. Before i could recuperate and bring back my pace, I saw the 5 hour pacers in a such a distance that I myself will never catch, not even for a 100 meters.

high after the finish with the Bilz!

Commonwealth Ave., proved to be one heck of a route, I only manage to walk uphill and took advantage of the downhill slopes after popping my second flat tops chocolate. Doubt lingered til Mr. Gerry Lita my 3rd victim along the Kalayaan flyover, we dragged each other and in an Indian run pace, so kind of him that he asked his support crew to put another set of liniment on my calves. It was an added boost and made us pace in a smooth transition. Thank you sir Gerry! It was only a matter of time before reaching the UP Oval in reverse mode, another advantage from Palma Hall up until the oblation. 7KMs the last rolling hills of C.P. Garcia, Huffed a good pace after crossing the last timing mat, popped my last chocolate and absorbing my last hydration upon U-Turn. Much to my demise and thanking the heavens above for the last surge on the final 2KMs.

from 202-176 lbs.

The last 2 turns was a dramatic scene with Team CB cheering and boosting my moral, naka 5:30 pace pa ako hehehe, and on the last turn, friends from Team Palibhasa Lalake, ChiCem Runners, Team Kamote and the rest of the Takbo.ph did hyped the pace. Nothing really beats friends cheering when crossing the finish line. That’s why without a shadow of a doubt, end to end, I love this sport.

5 hours 6 minutes 11 seconds ...nothing is impossible!

After crossing the line, 42.195 Kilometers clocked at 05hours 06 minutes and 11 seconds, a Full Marathon Medal on my neck and the runner’s high immediately activated. Tears began to fall with my sunglasses on, faced the traffic and wipe them away. (no one saw that) hehehe. It was a full effort coming from the worst training I’ve ever gone my entire life. Its been 9 months, from Globe’s 5K fun run ’til this 42K 2nd QCIM. At first it was just a simple goal of losing weight to finding the inner peace. 9 months ago I weigh like 202 lbs now down to 176 at the same time reliving the inner peace every time I race, the bliss of a lifetime… whats next? I’m not stopping, I have a Bataan Death March 102KM come March 5, 2011. With all the friendship, support, love, brotherhood, affiliation and the sense of belonging I get from this sport, Tell me how can I stop? I did find and define who I really am.

5K - 42K

Thank you Sir Iah Isip of Team BR for making my debut a memorable one. To my pacers Allan Martos, Coach Argo, Rodel Montejo & Mr. Gerry Lita. Maridol for fixin the race bib, Prince for the hardcore training, my home team -> Team CB & Team Palibhasa for the undying support.

my home team > Team CB <

To Team Boring (idols), Team Ungas, Kamote Runners, ChiCem Runners, aNR UP Diliman & BHS group, to my family in Cavite (see you this Christmas!) and our Lord for all the good health, strength, guidance and patience each time I race. Thanks for making my marathon debut painful and at the same time, rewarding, that’s why its fitting to call this my full marathon in high definition because its not just me.. its all of us…… very nice noh?! arya!!