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:
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Run for Sight Foundation
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.
Photo Credit: Run for Sight Foundation
12 comments:
Makahilak kos imu blog!he he he
Congratz Haidz!
Di nako matingala if ikaw nay ma-champion next!
Go go go Haidz!There's no other way,but...up!
-Caecent-
Wow Caecent! That was really fast. Asa ang akua?!? See you on Sunday. I really wish you would getter better already and start running again. Ikaduha ra ko nimo.
im more amazed that you can write as good and as detailed a blog as fast as you did! go theresians! bitaw, im still super tired after that race. im still feeling the after effects of that half last sunday man gud.
ya, runners, we are a different breed. a kind bunch gyud. anyways, madelyn also took care of me when he sent champ elmer bartolo and jude of usp to escort moi. wow, i was so embarrassed when i finally recognized who was escorting me, handing me water, taking my used energy gel packets, giving me tips was the champ himself. humbling gyud. anyways see you at the next run!
Hello Abby, I saw your name at Sunstar Sports today. Congrats again for the podium finish! When I find the chance to sit down and interview, I will do a series on these runners. I use to do this (writing news and features for Sunstar, Freeman, ABS-CBN) for a living Abs. Now, except for the legal briefs, I write only because I want to. Para dili tay-an.
See you at the Move with AIR.
Hi haids. Thanks for the encouragement. Had so much fun that I visited your blog again for the next schedule. What was disheartening though was seeing the runners indiscriminately throwing plastic cups on the road! I don't really know if this is an accepted practice considering that these runners have time to beat but can we not also impose a rule that organizers should place trash bins in places where people distribute water so these runners can have a split second break from running and drop plastic cups in proper places. I think it sets a very bad example for people watching races to see these runners litter the roads.
Hello VTA! Thanks for dropping by. I have to admit I never really thought about the littered cups at the water stations. But you do have a very good point there. Offhand I think the runners can't help but just leave throw the cups away at the stations because they have to beat the clock. The persons manning the stations clean up after them. That's how it's done too also in HK when I ran Standard Chartered Marathon there, they had plenty of volunteers. But I'll ask the race directors I know if there's something that can be done about it.
Happy running and stay injury free.
Best,
Marathon Foodie
hi! i came upon your blog while reading comments in TBR's site. i am a manila based runner and i would like to run in cebu someday. like many manila based runners, i rely on takbo.ph in planning my race sked. i guess i'd have to check your site from now on as well(and cebu pacific, for zero fare opportunities haha). i think that you're doing a great service to many runners down there in the south - keep it up! adding you to my blogroll, sana okay lang
Hello Wilson,
I visited your blog and read your profile. Everything you said there are exactly the same feelings I have about running. Especially about the dream quest -- mine is 10 marathons in 10 destinations in 10 years, hopefully including Boston. I have the Boston qualifying times for all age groups written on an index card and tacked on the wall in front of me at the office!
I'm so glad to have found your blog. Mine is still a work in progress in terms of look, layout and features.
As for Cebu schedules, there's going to be a Cebu Marathon during the Sinulog. The Cebu Executive Runner's Club is organizing it. The problem is that this might conflict with the Condura Run next year.
hello there!
i also stumbled upon your blog while looking for cebu running events. i'm an IT consultant from manila, now currently in cebu city for a systems development project.
the first running event that i joined in cebu was the milo 21K, at which i got a good time of 2:17. i was supposed to run at st. theresa's last weekend, but i could resist the call of my friends from takbo.ph to run at the globe-ayala run for home event. so i went back to manila just for that one, and i did another 21K, finishing at 2:16 (according to the GF 305).
too bad i'll be back in manila this weekend! i wanted to participate in the great lapu-lapu city run... oh well.
i'll be checking back on your sites frequently for cebu race schedules! so fortunate of me to come across your site. many thanks, haide! =)
oh, and i'm adding you to my blogroll, if it's okay.
Hello Carlo!
Thanks for dropping by. I think I saw you at the Milo 21K. You were wearing the black Takbo.Ph singlet with red trim. I remember too when we were running near Mabolo church your were yelling encouragements to the other runners-- 4KM! 4KM! Malapit na!
The only big race I know of in August is the University Run organized by Dr. Yong Larazabal. It will be on August 23 at the CDU campus at the Mandaue Reclamation Area.
You might also want to check out the indoor triathlon at Holiday Gym and Spa on 19 September.
I add din kita sa blog roll ko.
Hello Carlo!
Thanks for dropping by. I think I saw you at the Milo 21K. You were wearing the black Takbo.Ph singlet with red trim. I remember too when we were running near Mabolo church your were yelling encouragements to the other runners-- 4KM! 4KM! Malapit na!
The only big race I know of in August is the University Run organized by Dr. Yong Larazabal. It will be on August 23 at the CDU campus at the Mandaue Reclamation Area.
You might also want to check out the indoor triathlon at Holiday Gym and Spa on 19 September.
I add din kita sa blog roll ko.
yes, haide, that was me and my loudspeaker voice. hehehe. =)
yup, the run for sight event is the only race i know this coming august. i'll be joining the 10K category.
an indoor triathlon? hmmmm, that seems interesting. i'll check that out. but my body's not that well-formed yet to engage in a tri... wish me luck on that one. hehehe.
let's run together one of these days. check out my blog for some of the running routes i have fabricated (all of them are in the blog tag "running in cebu").
keep on running, haide! thanks for adding me to your blog roll =)
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