COASTAL CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC.
presents
the 1st CEBU COASTAL ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
A One Day Adventure Race on SEPTEMBER 19, 2009. This is open to all novice & experienced adventure racers!
3 Man team, either all male, all female, or mixed. 6- 8 hour race, sequential and non sequential form Race course is around Mactan, Cebu, Cordova and Lapulapu Urban and Coastal setting
Cash Prize of Php 15,000 1st place, Php 10,000 2nd place and Php 5000 3rd place plus trophies and medals Awarding party with guest bands.
Php 1500 registration fee for the whole team but early bird registration of Php 1000 if you register starting July 13 to August 13, 2009
Bragging rights to be the 1st CEBU COASTAL ADVENTURE CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS! --------
Check The 1st Cebu Coastal Adventure Race to pre-register now!
Limited to 50 teams only
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Please call 2335758 or 09093217756 starting Monday (July 13) for the registration. Look for Fillip
The Marathon Foodie ran the 20K route at the Great Lapu-Lapu Run (GLLR). In order to make a review of the race as a whole, the Marathon Foodie solicited the opinion of the following:
1.) Abby Ponce, serious running enthusiast. She travels to join races and trains for events such as the GLLR. Like the Marathon Foodie, she is Polyanna on the road and gushing about the great sport of running, but not today. She ran the 6K route;
2.) Mary Valero and Arlene Acuna, new recruits to the great sport of running. Even though my two recruits were running “only” 3K, these two newbies trained seriously and even bought new gear, shoes and outfit for the GLLR.
3.) Raymund Reel Bontol, running medicine man. Reel finished the Milo 42K just three weeks ago and broke his half marathon PR at the GLLR.
4.) Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, sports writer and former gymnast. Caecent has been covering the Cebu sports and running scene since 1996.
Additional inputs for this review were also taken from Facebook status updates (a.k.a. rants and raves) of those who ran today’s GLLR.
Twinkle Ignacio as Lapu-Lapu
When the Great Lapu-Lapu Run was announced in June this year, runners were abuzz with great expectations and excitement.
Excitement because, except for regular and seasoned runners who may have run on Mactan island during LSD’s, Lapu-Lapu City is very new territory that has yet to be conquered by recreational runners from Cebu and Mandaue.
Great expectations because the Great Lapu-Lapu Run “is the first project of the Lapu-Lapu Sports and Events Bureau in cooperation with the Lapu-Lapu City government which is marking its second anniversary as a highly-urbanized city.” The city is said to be embarking on an ambitious program to promote LLC as a major sports tourism destination in the country and in Asia. (Good luck!)
Inside the Hoopsdome
The organizers chose the LLC Hoopsdome as start and finish area for the GLLR. LLC’s press releases touted this 280-million peso air-conditioned basketball court as the “cornerstone of Lapu-Lapu City’s Sports Program”.
This turned-out to be a monumental mistake.
First, these two areas (Gun-ob and Basak) are home to two of the busiest and most congested roads in the City thus making it most unsafe for runners. I visited the status updates of all my friends who ran the GLLR and the comments and updates were unanimous – the tricycles and the multicabs and not a few private vehicles posed serious hazards to the runners. The drivers were disrespectful to the marshals to say the least, while some drivers totally ignored the marshals altogether and ran the runners to the side of road onto a ditch and a non-existent sidewalk. My runner friends feel lucky to be alive after the ordeal of the 3K and 6K route.
Second, Gun-ob and Basak (or at least the portions of these two barangays) which span the race route for the 3K and 6K runners are the most non-scenic at all. In fact, to be blunt about it, it was an ugly part of LLC – no offense to the residents of Gun-ob and Basak. The roads are dusty during summer and muddy in the monsoon months, there are no sidewalks, many buildings look run-down or if new, they look out of place and pretentious.
What's with the Hoopsdome anyway? It was just another (over-glorified) basketball court, nothing world-class or even highly urbanized about it. Even my humble town of Bien Unido, Bohol has an edifice just like it. This touted “cornerstone of LLC’s sports program” was inappropriate for this race as it did not reflect the essence of Mactan at all. If not for the sign boards on the multicabs, I swear I could have been running in some congested street in Malabon or Caloocan.
The organizers could have done better if they chose the Shrine or some beach or even the park underneath the Fernan bridge as the start/finish area. These are the true iconic images of Mactan not the generic 280-million-peso Hoopsdome, which by the way is not really a dome but a concave structure. Just look at the pictures or ask any of the Shutter8 camera club members who were on hand to document the event. The Hoopsdome did not make for good photo op before and after the race. Bad picture = bad advertisement for the city.
Finish Line crowded by runners, kibitzers and sheep!
It was disorganized at the finish area. The 3K and 6K runners shared only one exit/ shute, thus causing traffic. It was also too crowded at the finish area. There were moving vehicles and people were walking all over the place. Also, apart from the clock on top of the lead car, there was no clock on top of or at the side of the finish area. The 3K and 6K runners had no way of knowing their official time.
The Marathon Foodie would like to make special mention about the race organizers treatment and handling of the 3K and 6K runners. Apart from the bad route for the shorter distances, my BFF Mary and sister Arlene who ran in the 3K also noted the technical team and race organizers’ condescending attitude towards the runners of the shorter distances. Arlene in particular asked from the organizers at the finish area if there was any memento or certificate for the 3K runners. Arlene was told that there was none. Ok. That’s fine. But then the organizer went on to say – “Wala day kay lingaw-lingaw ra man nang 3K di man na serious. Pwede ra gani mo maglakaw.”
What the hell?
You never say that to a runner. Regardless of whether you’re an elite runner, newbie, a walker, jogger , you never belittle an effort based on the distance he or she ran. These newbies invested time, money and effort for the race day. I’m telling you, there is as much dedication and hardwork put in by a newbie training to run his first 3K as that of an elite runner training to win in the 20K – both runners care about their respective official race time. Besides, the newbies make up the bulk of the registered runners. The entrants in the shorter distances are crucial especially if you gauge the success of an event based on attendance.
Marathon Foodie sprinting to the Finish Line
However, it wasn’t all that bad, because the 20K runners had it good.
The route was scenic and clean. My favorite parts were the long stretch of asphalt in Barangay Ibo fronting Magellan Bay and the Marigondon stretch. You can actually smell the sea breeze. Plus you get a glimpse of the resorts and condos, or at least its façade.
There were 10 stations in the entire 20K route. Not one of the 10 stations I passed ran out of water. Approaching the stations was an enjoyable experience. The runners knew the stations were near because of the drum and bugle corps that played non-stop at each station. There were majorettes and cheerers who did an excellent job of boosting the morale of tired runners. Although it was an obviously “hakot” crowd, the community spirit was palpable nonetheless.
I have only two complaints – the dismal traffic conditions at the Basak area and the lack of kilometer markers along the 20K route. We did not know if we had 8KM or 3KM to go. The Marathon Foodie tried asking the by-standers along the route – “Duol na lang ang Gun-ob Manong?” and the bystanders replied – “Layo pa day!” I suddenly felt a ton of bricks on my legs. Serves me right for asking, and darn those missing kilometer markers.
Oh, by the way, it rained during the first 30 minutes of the race and it felt great.
The Marathon Foodie finished the 13 miles or 20K in 2:24:33, with a running pace of 10:00 to 10:15 per mile.
Not bad for a training run.
What did the Marathon Foodie learn from this race?
Politics and the great sport of running should not mix. The former only corrupts the latter, which is most unfortunate.
To run or not to run the Great Lapu-Lapu Run? That was the question that hounded the Marathon Foodie for weeks. You might find this odd considering that the Marathon Foodie is always hungry for road races.
I’ve always felt wary of anything Lapu-Lapu City. It started some two years ago when the firm I work for was engaged to do battle with City Hall. It was a very bitter fight involving an illegal mall closure, an illegal demolition and lawsuits left and right.
In the end, the runner in me won. I thought that running 20K in Mactan would give me more insight and a fresh perspective about this city and its people. I genuinely wanted to see the GLLR succeed. But despite the greatly disappointing debut of the Great LL Run, I still want it’s sequel, if any, to succeed in the future.
Running 20K of Mactan roads – both good and bad – has shown me how proud Oponganons are of this huge piece of limestone rock we call Mactan Island. They truly deserve better governance.
For starters, I wish Lapu-Lapu residents get an honest-to-goodness sports facility complete with a rubberized oval, soccer field and Olympic size pool. I wish they had real pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks and better traffic management.
I wish.
Photo Credit: The Photo of the Hoopsdome is by Chono of the Sugbu Tri team.
Organizer : Lapu-Lapu Sports and Events Bureau Race Director : Joe Derezas
Registration, singlet, pre-race organization
-There were two registration sites in Cebu City – the Cebu Pacific Office at Robinson’s Place and Cebu Grand Hotel along Escario St. The Marathon Foodie went to the Cebu Pacific registration site three times (on Sunday morning and afternoon July 19, and morning of July 22) but the registration person was either off duty, absent or MIA in all those three times. Undaunted by this early setback, the Marathon Foodie made the trek of the Cebu Grand Hotel. The front desk guy who manned the registration was professional and very enthusiastic – signing up was fast and painless. Well done Grand Hotel!
Marathon Foodie's triathlete friends from www.sugbutriathlon.com
-The singlet was poorly designed. Whoever had the brilliant idea of choosing black as singlet color is definitely not a runner and has absolutely no idea how hot it is to run on the road. Isn’t it elementary science that black and all other dark colors absorb light and heat; while white and pastels are cooler because they reflect instead of absorb light and heat? And what’s with the orange polka dots? It only managed to make the runners look like some kind of sea reptile. The Marathon Foodie chucked the singlet altogether and instead wore the yellow I Am Ninoy runner’s shirt, in honor of Tita Cory. I also saw my new pals at www.sugbutriathlon.com debut their new sugbu tri running shirt made of dri-fit material and in the color white. See what I mean?
Marathon Foodie with Twinkle Ignacio and Tsuneishi Runners all the way from Balamban, Cebu
- The race map that came with the race packet was a foreboding. It was complicated, cluttered, confusing and unclear. It looked like a download from Google Earth with arrows when they could have just made their own simple and easy to understand map.
The map was crucial especially those unfamiliar with Lapu-Lapu. Many runners got lost trying to find the starting area and consequently lost precious time for stretching and warm up. Because many runners got lost, many came late and were jostling on the way to the starting line.
Just like the others, the Marathon Foodie, my sister Arlene and BFF Mary got lost. The map to the starting area did not show Crown Regency as landmark. We had to pay a tricycle driver to lead us to the venue. The residents we asked could not give directions to the Hoopsdome because they apparently did not know what and where in the world the LLC Hoopsdome was.
-There was no secure parking area.
with Maitland Smith runners
-The Marathon Foodie likes the shoe bag that came with the race packet. It makes for great post-race receptacle for wet gear and clothes.
-The race bib was not color-coded. When I saw this, I knew immediately there was going to be confusion at the finish area. Color-coding the bibs will tell the technical committee at a glance which runners ran which event. This is crucial in correct and efficient time-keeping.
The color-coding of race bibs can be done even at pre-registration, even if the race pack is handed out upon registration. If Milo can color-code their bibs, why can’t GLLR? In fact, based on all the races I’ve joined so far, color-coding of race bib is the norm, whether it’s a small race like monthly Run for Sight series or Milo. True enough, there was some confusion at the finish area.
The feedback I got from sports reporter Caecent No-ot Magsumbol is this:
“Medyo gubot ang results because dili controlado sa technical committee ang results, so nay mga categories na saag-saag.”Gikinamot, mano-mano lang gihapon even in this day and age of technology that could have made the timekeeping and releasing of results faster (and more efficient)”
After the Great Lapu-Lapu Run, Marathon Foodie and her new running recruits, Mary and Arlene, trooped to Starbucks at the Terraces in Ayala for coffee and breakfast. Truly, this is the best part of any race!
On 19th July 2009, St. Theresa’s College Alumnae Association (STAA) hosted a fun run – a first in this convent school’s history.
My alma mater was never known for its sports program.In fact, we only had soccer-baseball, softball and volleyball once a year during intramurals.
Now it makes me wonder why, despite having such a spacious campus in uptown CebuCity, the ICM nuns never thought of having tennis, running or swimming as part of a convent girl’s sports training.This is ironic since STC has through the years taken pride in molding strong Christian women leaders.
A strong sports program would have honed discipline and competitiveness among the convent girls and running would have been a good outlet for those who could not make the cut in the team sports.
I remember how I desperately wanted to be a part of the soccer-baseball team but could not make the cut.Perhaps it was because I was way too thin then and because I was not friends with the girls on the team.Or maybe because I was so T-H as in trying hard, and T-H, in any generation, is never cool in high school.
I tried to ingratiate myself by begging my dad to buy a professional-grade leather soccer ball.I thought maybe they would finally let me in the soccer team with my shiny new Mikasa.
Fat chance.
Despite the new ball, the Marathon Foodie, then a gung-ho wannabe soccer player was to be left out of sports for the rest of her growing-up years at STC.
But fifteen (15) years after high school graduation, the Marathon Foodie (H.S. ’94, Coll. ’98) came back with a vengeance and what a homecoming it was.But I’m getting ahead of myself.
At five in the morning of Sunday, my sister Arlene (H.S. ’95) and best friend Mary Valero (H.S. ‘94, Coll. ’98) car-pooled to the race venue.Like true blue Theresians we complained, in so many words, about the regulation singlets (the way we always complained about the regulation blue and white uniforms in high school and College) and how unflattering and huge it made us all look.
Mary decided to chuck it altogether after she was given the wrong size, while I decided to debut the Marathon Foodie’s new signature race look -- running skirt and matching shirt.Arlene, who never got into any kind of trouble in high school, was the only one who stuck it out with the singlet.
Until the last minute I was undecided whether to run in the 5K open and compete with the pros like Mary Grace Delos Santos or run the 3K category and compete with STC alumnae and the current crop of high school and college Theresians.I decided to run the 3K because there was absolutely no way that the Marathon Foodie could win over Mary Grace Delos Santos and I desperately wanted to win!
Unsure whether I chose the right battle, I surveyed the 3K runners and did not see Millet Chiongbian nor Perl Jacalan.Triathlete Amale Mendezona-Jopson was running in the 5K category so I felt relieved.Then I realized that the biggest threat to my dreams of a podium finish would come from the much younger contenders – girls 16 to 25 years old.Girls who were lighter, faster, healthier and probably have yet to have their hearts broken.I told my BFF Mary that I suddenly felt so old.She then asked -- “Why, did you come here to win?”The Marathon Foodie replied – “Absolutely.”
The starting gun for the 3K run went off and true enough, the younger girls sprinted so fast that they managed to cover 100 meters even with just 5 seconds into the race.As I navigated towards the first of four hills of the 3K route (in front of National Bookstore on Mango Ave.), I saw a dozen girls 200 meters ahead of me and I felt crushed.There was no way I could beat them.But you know what the cliché says – it ain’t over till it’s over.
Madelyn Carter, the back to back champion of the Cebu leg of the Milo 21K, met me at the Caltex Station across Jollibee Mango.The week before, Madz promised to be my pacerat the STC run.She said she needed to do her recovery jog before plunging into serious training the following week.So Madz Carter’s slow jog was my racing pace!Harhar!
For long distance runners, the problem with running a 3K is this – it doesn’t give you the luxury of starting slow and steady.After the first 800 meters, it should be a fast run all the way to the finish if you want to win the race.
Madz and I overtook a runner at Fuente Osmena.It was a good sign.When we reached the public library I could see the bunch of young girls making a right turn at the Capitol towards Escario.To narrow the gap between myself and the bunch of runners ahead of us, Madz and I did maximum bursts of 50 meter sprints and steady runs of 25 meters.
We ran this way until we reached MaxwellHotel on Escario Street.Then we saw the bunch of girls stopping by the water station across Grand Hotel, we sprinted past them and never looked back.Another three girls were panting their way up the hill across the Camputhaw Brgy. Hall – the 2nd of four inclines in the race.The girls were visibly spent and there was still a mile to go.
One by one we overtook the girls who were either slowing down to a jog or were just walking from sheer exhaustion.Madz and I were still running strong.I was drooling from exertion on both sides of the mouth but I did not even bother to wipe the spit.I had to win this race no matter what.
The 3rd hill, which was the most difficult incline of the 3K route was the one in front of Iglesia Ni Kristo.Although it was just 600 meters from the finish line, this hill prevented us from sprinting to the finish.At last there was no one else in front of me except Elmer Bartolo who was going to be the first male in the 5K category.
Madz and I made our way up the last hill up STC’s Mango gate driveway.I saw the finish line and I couldn’t hear anything else except the race marshal telling me to go to the left shute for the 3K.
I won the race.First place in the 3K STC category.Even if I had decided to run and compete in the 3K open I would have placed second which isn’t bad either.But I wanted to take home the champion’s trophy not the runner’s up.
What did I learn today?
First, it takes more than brute force to win a race.In order to win, it also takes savvy, strategy, technique and an intimate familiarity with your own limitations as a runner – a wisdom that can only be gained from hours and hours spent running on the road.
Second, I learned that it is both lonely and eerily quiet at the front of the pack.Apart from Madelyn’s prompting for me to run faster, there was no other sound.There was no other runner to say hello to and cheer on.A single-minded pursuit to win against a pack of competitors can be a lonely endeavor.
Third, and not least of all, I realized that as a kid I may not have had the chance to play sports even if I desperately wanted to because I did not belong; but as an adult, I have proven that age, health, time and monetary considerations are no barriers to the pursuit of the great sport running.I know I should have started when I was much younger and more limber, but just like in real life, true love can be found sometimes so late in the game.
I could not possibly do a review about the organizers handling of the race logistics and marshaling.One of the true tests of a well organized race is how the organizers deal with the runners and walkers at the end of the pack for they are the usual victims of water stations running out of water or intersection marshals that are missing in action.
From my own perspective, it was a good race.Not only did I win, I also got to spend the morning with my sister Arlene a new convert to running, my BFF Mary and the famous Cattski Espina (Coll. ’97) of the band Cattski.
We were laughing and reminiscing and celebrating our individual victories of finishing yet another race.
Suddenly we were young again, even for just a day.
Photo credit: The photo of Marathon Foodie with Madelyn Carter is by Amper Campana. It appeared in the July 20, 2009 issue of Sun Star Daily Cebu. Thanks to Sun Star Editor and fellow runner Max Limpag for allowing me to grab this photo from FB
Marathon Foodie's real reward for winning the 3K div. Buffet breakfast, two rounds, and 3 cups of coffee. The Marathon Foodie eats like a longshoreman.
Marathon Foodie with BFF Mary Valero a.k.a half-rice.blogspot.com, my sister Arlene and Cattski Espina of Cattski
Arlene, Mary, Marathon Foodie and former gymnast now sportswriter Caecent No-ot Magsumbol Winners of the Executive Division
Winners 5K men's open division
Winners women's 5K open division
Starting them young. The best part of the race was the Kiddie Run
Marathon Foodie with the ageless Rening Ylaya. Still running strong at 73!
Marathon Foodie with her newest running convert Arlene
Running buddies Mary Valero and Cattski Espina -- they rule the I.T. Park. Best friends ta Geng!
Date : 12 July 2009 Venue : Cebu Doctor's University, North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City Technical Director: Joel Baring Organizer: Run for Sight Foundation
Marathon Foodie started the day not with a race to the finish line but a race to get to the starting line on time.
Thanks to the evil snooze button, what was supposed to be a 4:30 AM wake up call turned out to be a 5:30 AM mad dash to change into running clothes, shoes, wear MP3 and contacts, grab a bottle of Gatorade and 2 wheat pan de sal from the fridge with no time to spare for palaman, call spider for cab.
Spider Cab No. 2018 came and zoomed to CDU campus at the North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City with still 5 minutes to spare before the starting gun. 25 minutes! If only I could run a 10K that fast!
After running Milo 21K the previous Sunday, the Marathon Foodie signed-up for the 10K not to race, but intending only to check out the Run for Sight Running Series. I first read about it a few months back. I've also heard good things about it from other runners at the runners/joggers forum on istorya.net and the sugbutriathlon forum. Run for Sight has a website and an FB account and its profile reads:
"This group is for runners with a heart. It was created for runners to get together to share their experiences in running. 5k and 10k monthly runs organized to answer the clamor of the Cebuanos to have more runs.
Runner of the year male and female will be awarded with a colored tv, dvd and a specially engraved eye shaped medal to be given at year end. "
Curious, the Marathon Foodie decided to see for herself what the buzz was about.
I was happy to see Sunstar Cebu journalist Max Limpag and lawyers Negley and Edmund Villanueva at the starting line. Negley, a new convert to the great sport of running was racing in her first 3K. I was surprised to see plenty of runners, mostly young people and newbies. There were the usual competitive runners -- Madz Carter and Mary Grace Delos Santos, the guys from USPF, SWU and UC, Dr. Yong Larrazabal and wife Donna Cruz and Dr. Peter Mancao plus plenty of familiar friendly runners' faces whose names I can't recall. The Marathon Foodie is terribly bad with names.
As I was observing the runners get ready for the race, I immediately noticed an atmosphere different from the other races I've joined. Maybe I was just imagining it, but it felt encouraging and nurturing to new virgin runners who would otherwise be daunted by the thought of running a real race.
The fifth edition of the Run for Sight series had 3 race events -- 3K, 5K and 10K. The onsite registration was smoothly run and the race started almost on time (6:05). The starting gun went off and I started my 10K recovery run.
At first I was worried about the route with its many corners and turning points (3 and 6 turning points for 5K and 10K respectively), but the entire course had plenty of directional signs and race marshalls that it was hard to get lost. I found the surface at the reclamation area fast, really flat, softer (asphalt) and easier on the knees than running at the Cebu Business Park or I.T. Park (cement). But the best part was that the entire course was free from vehicular traffic. This means less pollution, less chances of getting sideswiped, and definitely less stress for road runners. When you don't have to worry about getting run over by a car or crossing busy intersections, a runner can focus more on his running form, running pace and time elapsed since the start of the race. There was plenty of water at the hydration stations and they did not run out of cups.
Congratulations are in order to Joel Baring's team and Run for Sight Foundation. They've mastered the organization and logistics for this particular race.
As I understand it, the concept of a running series is designed to make runners become better at a given distance. For example, now that Negley Villanueva has established her time for a 3K run, she now has a time to beat for the next edition -- whether on the same 3K course or on the more difficult 5K or 10K events. The time established during the run is also important in determining your personal training guide using the Smart Coach and the Pace Calculator -- two of the tools available for free at the Runner's World website.
As i neared the finish of the first 5KM loop along with Dr. Raymund Bontol who was also recovering from a successful 42K run at the Manila eliminations, I really just wanted to stop and NOT finish the rest of the race. I entered the CDU canteen, sat and pondered my decision. I'm on my three-week break from training and I've been slacking all week after Milo. But then I was afraid that this kind of attitude can fester and turn me into a real slacker for the rest of my training cycle after this furlough. No, I cannot DNF. Not even if this is just a recovery run.
So I plodded on and ran the second 5km loop. Just as I was nearing km 7, I saw Madelyn Carter and a runner from USPF running towards me. I was confused. Madz finished the race minutes ago landing second to Mary Grace Delos Santos. But then she came back just to pace me! Wow! Like a drill sergeant Madz told me to run faster then maintain the faster pace, lift my legs, add bounce to my gait. She told me when to drink and when to sip just a little bit of water. She ran beside me and poured water on my head every 3 minutes to cool me down.
Man, this was Madz Carter, the back to back champion of the Cebu leg of the Milo 21K. She who runs with an average race pace of 4-minutes per kilometer pacing and escorting a super slow poke like myself! I was both embarassed and amazed. Madz and I train under Coach Precing Capangpangan, but I never expected to be looked after the way she did -- espcially not from a champion like her.
With Madz and the USPF runner I ran faster and overtook the remainder of the runners in my path. I finished in 1:06, which was good enough to land me in fourth place next to Abby Ponce, Madelyn and Mary Grace.
Even as I write this, I'm still amazed at what Madelyn did for me. I guess I'm just so used to the culture of one-upmanship at work that when random acts of charity and kindness happen so unexpectedly, they baffle me. Lately, I've been witness to this on a regular basis only among runners. I don't know if I'm just truly in love with this sport that I see everything with the proverbial rose-clored glasses. Only time and more mileage will tell.
The official results of the 9th Edition of the DYAB Kapamilya Run is now available online at http://tinyurl.com/dyablakaw. The official list of winners is at http://tinyurl.com/dyabrun. I have a problem interpreting the numbers. How do you convert them into hours, minutes and seconds? Does anyone know? Please help.
("Mulawin" is now a kapamilya)
As promised by the organizers, photos from the run may now be downloaded from http://tinyurl.com/dyabdagan. The photographs are courtesy of Shutter 8 Camera Club. Here are just a few of the interesting ones. All in all, it was a great run despite its flaws. Congratulations everyone and see you all again next year!
(10K runners at the starting area)
By the way, the Marathon Foodie placed 9th in the 10K women's open at 1:01:15, but that's because Leizel Getaruelas and Donna Cruz did not join this year and Veronica Ong ran in Executive B. Sometimes you just get lucky.
(PNP trainees)
(PNP trainees with DYAB Station Manager and TV Patrol Central Visayas anchor Leo Lastimosa)
As my alarm clock went off at exactly 3AM on Sunday 5th of July, I had no second thoughts about getting up. It was a big day for breaking personal records and there was no time to lose.
I did my usual pre-run rituals -- trip to the bathroom, a quick breakfast of 3 wheat pan de sal with butter, cheese and peanut butter, hydrate, change clothes, put petroleum jelly on the toes and on the seams of the sports bra, wear shoes, wear MP3, lock the house and run from the village gate to the venue.
It was chilly outside as it had rained all night. At 4:05 AM I started my pre-race warm-up -- an easy run from Convergys (Banawa) to Cebu City Sports Center. By the time I reached Osmena Blvd. near CNU, I could hear Milo commercial jingles playing on a loop, which made my eyes misty. They were from commercials I grew up with. Although I was a Sustagen kid, I always liked the Milo commercials with athletes (Bea Lucero) beating all odds to the tune of “I’m getting ready, getting ready. Oh what a day it’s gonna be. I won’t give up, gotta get going. I need the energy Olympic energy. I need my Milo today, Milo everyday.” Hard sell, yes, but to a kid (and now a thirty-something runner wannabe) it's totally inspiring and motivational as opposed to two mascots Susie and Geno dancing “Sustagen with 23 resistensya builders!”
At 4:30 AM I strolled to the finish line. Except for the technical crew, it was practically deserted. Pretending it was the Olympic stadium I visualized myself sprinting on the CCSC oval and victoriously crossing the green finish line.
I checked in at the 21K corral outside CNU where I met the 21K runners – a happy and cheerful bunch of competitive runners, weekend warriors, marathon veterans, newbies and a handful of celebrities all running for a variety of reasons. Although I did not know all of their names, they all looked familiar to me as I've met them all before on the road, on the track and at the start/finish line of the occasional 10K events. You see, runners may not exactly call each other by name, but when they meet each other on the road on early morning runs, they acknowledge each other with a smile or a wave of the hand as if to say they’re looking out for each other. That's why, even when you're on the road running as early as 4AM you know you'll be safe.
At the starting area, I met two guys – one in his twenties and the other in his fifties- who asked me what my goal time was. I told them that based on my pace and fitness level Coach Precing Capangpangan had set a goal finish of 2:25.
The starting gun went off at 5:25 AM and off we went. The first ten kilometers went by fast and easy. The two guys I met at the starting area, ran with me and we paced each other. Our pack included heart surgeon Dr. Peter Mancao – a finisher of the NY and Big Sur marathons so I thought we were in good company.
It was an uphill run towards the first turnaround near the Pardo Police station (around 500 meters farther than the original turnaround). It was 58 minutes from the start of the race, we were in good form and on schedule. However, by the time our pack reached Salazar Institute, I saw Dr. Peter move ahead from the pack and saw several runners from the back overtaking us. I knew then we were slowing down and getting tired. Still our group plodded on.
At this point, Jeson Guardo of the Atan Guardo runners group joined my pack. Jeson had an amazing crew of running coach and water/Gatorade staff. Jeson’s coach would give our pack instructions when to slow down and when to pick up, when to swing our arms and when to drop the arms and relax; while the water crew would give us bottles of ice-cold Gatorade from an SUV turned hydration wagon. It didn’t matter that we just met on the road and were not even on the same running team, the Guardo team shared their resources so generously without any hesitation.
By the time we reached Hipodromo, Jeson’s group moved on ahead. I could not keep up as I felt my thighs stiffening a bit. I was still running with the fifty-something guy whom I called Tatay and the twenty-something guy whom I called Bai. We would exchange encouragements and wait up for each other. We laughed occasionally and made comments about the celebs who were running like Donna Cruz and Sen. Pia Cayetano. Except for two three steps of walking every five kilometers, no one in our group really stopped running. Deep inside I was really tired and wanted to stop to rest for a bit, but I didn’t want to let my “running mates” down. I don’t know if they felt the same way. It was just ironic that although we were running thick as thieves, I still did not know their names!
At last we reached the second turnaround at Inno Data at the border separating Cebu City and Mandaue City. An hour and 50 minutes had already elapsed and I knew we were going to make it before cut-off, but I didn’t know if we would make the 2:25 target as the last four kilometers seemed to go on forever. When our pack reached Sikatuna, I knew I was slowing down both Bai and Tatay so I told them to just go ahead, but when you’ve been running the race together for the last 19 kilometers wala nang iwanan.
At one point during the last 4 kilometers a guy with a backpack on a bicycle was handing out ice-cold water and told us to pour it on our heads to cool us down. I didn’t know from where he came from and why he was being so kind to us, but his water really helped us get through the last mile of the race.
As we crossed the last intersection of P. Del Rosario and Osmena Blvd., I knew then that not only would we make it before cut-off, we would also finish the race earlier than our goal time of 2:25.
As we entered the oval, I was crying from a heady mix of exhaustion and overwhelming sense of achievement and not least of all gratitude for all the three months of hard work, training and lonely long runs finally paying off.
We crossed the finish line at 2:24 or a minute faster than our original goal of 2:25. I thanked my teammates and only then did I learn their names. The twenty-something guy is Mark Torre while the fifty-something gentlemen is Joey Cortel. To them I will forever be grateful.
Before today, my best time for a 21K was 2:40:39 set last March at the Condura Run in Manila. This means that after three months of hard work, I broke my PR by sixteen minutes! At the Sinulog half marathon in January this year, I ran 21K in 2:55, which means that in just six months, I improved by 31 minutes!
Running has been defined as an individual sport. Its lonely nature is what truly attracted me to it in the first place as I hate team sports and anything that required a playmate or partner (such as badminton, tennis or squash). But today I learned that while a runner’s achievement may be singular, it is the kindness of others, such as the nameless guy on a bike with water; the generosity of fellow runners such as Jeson Guardo and his crew; and the unwavering support and encouragement from friends you get to meet on the road like Mark and Joel that will carry you to the finish line. As runner and city councilor Ed Labella once told me – run alone and you will run fast, run with friends and you will run far.
Of course, excellent coaching, mileage and hard work played a really big role in achieving my running goals. I don’t think I would improve as dramatically as I did without the mentoring of Coach Precing and Raffy Uytiepo. But today I learned that running a race is not just about breaking PR’s. It is also about going the extra mile, both literally and figuratively, not just for yourself but also for the runner beside you.
Today, not only did I become a better runner, I’ve also learned how to become a better human being.
It is past ten in the evening and my alarm clock has been set for 3:00 AM the next day. I know I should be sleeping already, but my restless legs syndrome won't let me. It's always like this on the eve of a race. Moreso on a night like this, on the eve of my first ever Milo 21K race.
I've set a modest goal for myself -- a 2:25 finish for the half marathon. But if you consider that I clocked 2:55 in the Sinulog half marathon in January this year and 2:40 at the Condura Skyway Run in March, 2:25 or a good 15 minutes faster may be setting the bar too high. Is it possible to improve by as much as thirty minutes in just six months?
But as they say, nothing is impossible with a little prayer. I sign out tonight with the runner's prayer, which I found while trawling the net for running inspiration. I hope it inspires you too.
Lord, Watch over me today as I run. This is the day and this is the time for the race.
Watch over my body. Keep it free from injury.
Watch over my mind. May I listen to the signals from within as I enjoy the scenes from without.
Watch over my spirit. Watch over my competitors. Remind us that we all are struggling equally.
Lord, Let me win. Not by coming in ahead of my friends, but by beating myself.
Let it be an inner win. A battle won over me.
And may I say at the end, "I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."
Amen.
(Adapted from The Ultrarunner’s Prayer by Carolyn Erdman & Jay Hodde)
The Cebu leg of this year’s MILO marathon will be using the same route as last year’s race. This means that 21K runners will still have two turning points – corner Inayawan, Pardo (where the center island on Natalio Bacalso ends) and Inno Data (border between Cebu City and Mandaue City).
I did my reconnaissance runs on this route four times during my Sunday long runs and I must say that this course is relatively flat and fast.
In my opinion, the only bad part of this route is the Hipodromo stretch (from Shell station to corner Mabolo church) because this road is just too narrow with lots of human and vehicular traffic.
The best part of the race is the southern stretch along Natalio Bacalso and my most favorite of all – Imus or Bag-ong Dalan which starts from corner Sikatuna to DSWD. I’ve ran on almost all main roads and city streets in the Dakbayan sa Sugbu, and Imus road has the flattest and most well-paved asphalt road in Cebu City. A close second is the V. Rama stretch from Eskina Banawa to corner Natalio Bacalso.
Here are a few last minute reminders for the MILO runners this Sunday.
1. No MILO singlet/shirt, no run. MILO has a strict policy regarding singlets and shirts. Those who won’t be wearing their Milo shirt or singlet won’t be allowed to run. (Rule No. 1 of the Rules and Regulations on the MILO entry form.)
2. No latecomers. Based on experience, MILO races almost always starts on time. The starting gun fires at 5:30 AM. This means that runners should be at the Cebu City Sports Center at least 30 minutes before that. Those who want to have a proper warm up and bathroom beak before the run may go earlier. The oval opens at 4AM on normal days. They might open earlier than 4AM on race day.
3. Curfew. The cut-off time for 21K is 2 ½ hours after the start of the race; 10K runners must finish the race at 1 ½ hours after the start of the race; 5K runners must finish the race in a hour. This means that runners who fail to finish within the designated time will be picked up by race marshals and automatically disqualified from the race. DNF runners will not be entitled to a Certificate of Finish. (Don’t I know that! But more on my DNF run in a future post.).
Good luck to all the MILO runners, especially those who will be running 21K. Good luck also to the members of the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) who will be running in the 42K Manila Eliminations, especially Brian Bon who’s targeting a sub 4 finish.
