SWAC Commissioner's Report: Pulling Out All The Stops

Sheerwill Aquathlon Cup 3

Special Night Edition
13 November 2009

Mahogany Place, Taguig

First, I still chuckle when people call me Commissioner. SWAC commissioner that is. I think it was Ellen who started it. So here I am trying to live up to the role and making a Commissioner's Report of SWAC 3.

It started one day when James approached me to say that he is willing to host a repeat of the enjoyable SWAC 2 in his village. James added a sweetener: he is hosting a repeat because it would be his birthday. It could be a bigger event with 20 participants and 20 guests/marshals. How swell was that! Roselle also promised that in the next SWAC edition she was willing to sponsor medals. She even advanced the money lest she becomes tempted to spend more of her cash blessings.

I got really excited. James and I jointly planned the event. I took care of the SWAC side including the participants list, while he took care of the venue, food and party guest list. The original SWAC participants were given priority. The rest of the slots were farmed out on first-come-first-served basis to newbies, SWAC historically being a beginner's aquathlon. I was enthusiastic in encouraging newbies. I knew it would be a special event - something hard to top - for when else would you handily have venue, food and medals sponsors at the same time.

For the SWAC we created a private Facebook event through which we sent invitations and posted maps and information. An impromptu event logo was designed, finding its way to the finisher's medal. Eventually both the participant and guest lists would balloon. We had to find a way to accommodate as many as possible given the venue and resources. The excitement of the newbies was contagious. To heighten their first aquathlon experience, we decided to have other SWAC firsts aside from the finisher's medal:  digital timers, race leg splits, two waves/categories of athletes, body marks, pool lane divider, lap marshals, and even light-emitting/blinking pendants in the form of Sponge Bob Squarepants for the night run :-)

The venue is set for the aquathlon and the after-party.

Joseph dives into the pool to place the lane divider.

First-timer Marvin flashing his digits and biceps

Race briefing starts for 21 participants.

Rico explains the run route of two loops of 3.25kms each along the village perimeter.

Wave 1 composed of "monsters" and the female participants,
monsters defined as those with aquathlon/triathlon experience or those inherently fast.

Wave 1 starts the first 400m swim leg.
The 20m pool is divided into 2 lanes of opposite directions.
Lap marshals are positioned at one side of the pool.

The newbies of Wave 2 ham it up for the cameras.
Excited and smiling pa sila dyan, with just the right amount of butterflies in the stomach.

Commissioner Rico joins Wave 2 to cheer newbies, check on those pool-walking,
and see who deserves the Sheerwill Award.

Que of takbo.ph poses with sirenas Pepsi and Carina in the transition area.

There are separate transition areas for Waves 1 and 2.

SWAC 1 veteran BongZ graced the event and ran in his new trainers.

Impromptu photographer Tim tries to capture on Marvin's SLR
the fast, barefoot runner Argo speeding out of the village gate.

I was actually astounded when I saw Argo running barefoot.  First reaction was, "Did he forget his shoe?" Then I thought, "Wow, despite the lack of shoes, he ran. That is the spirit worth of a Sheerwill Award." And he was fast barefoot! I later confirmed that he actually brought his shoes but opted not to run with them to save on transition time. Saka para astig ring tingnan he said with a laugh....So wala munang Sheerwill Award, astonishment lang :-) 

(Blogger's note: Argo received a Sheerwill Citation for his determination to finish SWAC 2)

Wave 1 monsters relax after race completion,
while the Wave 2 struggle through their swim.

I have to hand it to the newbies who did their best to complete the swim legs. They floated, backstroked, dog-paddled, crawled, stood up, panted, rested, BUT they did not walk!
Well done, guys!

While SWAC carries my blog name, SWAC is not really mine. In fact, I initially named it Bonifacio Aquathlon, with succeeding editions supposedly being named after the honorary last finisher (e.g. Sheerwill's Cup). Sheerwill Aquathlon Cup (SWAC) was coined by friends who identify with the universal human desire to triumph over challenges through sheer will. It is in this spirit that the success of this special edition is shared with everyone. From the participants...

to the impromptu registration committee....

(Marga et al, thanks for handling the registration and the marshaling.
Without you guys, I might not be able to join my own aquathlon event)

To the cheerful race marshalls who helped us because we are too dizzy to count laps.

To the timers and splits tabulators
(ang galing ninyo! You quickly rose to the challenge)

To the photographers like Carlo here...

and even The Prince turned Pool Boy
(thanks for tying the pool ropes)

as well as 'celebrity' guests  :-)

The case of medal donor RunningDiva proves that those who give, receive.
She got two medals that night: a SWAC finisher's medal and
 a specially-designed one for Pasig Marathon debut.

Since SWAC 3 is a special edition I decided to give special awards.  The Sheerwill Award is given to people who display sheer will at its finest in any of the SWAC events. This edition's mug contains the phrases: LIVE BOLDY. TAKE RISKS. Make Somebody say, "What the HELL was that all about?"

Mar receives the Sheerwill Mug for bravely joining

and completing the event despite finishing last

Idol Bong Yu receives the Sheerwill Mug for taking on a goal (to learn to swim)
and putting time and effort for it.  iBY was the most improved swimmer in so short a time.

I have also decided to give a post-event award to original SWACers Ellen and Raff, for whom the first simulation aquathlon was conceived. Ellen was the top female finisher in SWAC 1,2 and 3, and emerged 4th overall in this recent edition. Raff got 3rd place overall in the recent edition. Raff and Ellen showed the SheerWill spirit by following their dreams of becoming multi-sports athletes.

It was an exciting race for the top prize between Ziggy and Jason, with less than a minute in final time difference between them. Jason was the stronger runner, but Ziggy proved to be the better swimmer, winning back-to-back SWACs 2 and 3.

Ellen and Ziggy raise their Sheerwill Martini glass of a trophy!

Other Special Awards:

Most Bemedalled:  Running Diva

Best in Costume: Jason in his BelieveStrong Tri-suit
(Sa totoo lang ang frontrunner sa award na ito ay si Mark. He claimed he would wear
a red and yellow polka dot, T-back Speedo trunks, but he chickened out. Hehe)

The Best Pose was hotly contested as well. Initially we thought it would be won by ...

...Pepsi...

...but Gab proved to be a Stiff Competition...

...and RJ was all-smile in his Pose....

...but in the end Mark bagged the Best Pose!

With the Aquathlon all wrapped up, the birthday party started.

James looking pensive as he contemplates his wife's birthday present

Eating about to begin

...as well as drinking...

...some light display and dancing (may ilaw sa SWAC!)

...the traditional class picture-taking

...and some more drinking!

After a few bottles of beer and merry banter, the Commissioner signed-off at 1am.

Happily tired.....See you at the next SWAC event!

(photos courtesy of Carlo Serrano, Marvin Opulencia and Macoy Lontok)

SWAC 3 RESULTS

 Click image to enlarge

 

 Analysis done by Bong Yu

 

Rank     Name     Swim     T1     Run    T2     Swim     TOTAL

400m swim / 6.5k run / 400m swim

1 Zig 7:39:00 0:39:00 33:36:00 0:12:00 8:01:00 50:07:00

2 Jason 8:34:00 1:36:00 31:23:00 0:12:00 9:29:00 51:14:00

3 Raff 9:16:00 1:21:00 36:45:00 1:35:00 9:09:00 58:06:00

4 Ellen 9:50:00 1:26:00 35:26:00 0:58:00 11:02:00 58:42:00

5 Ian 9:08:00 1:29:00 38:41:00 0:30:00 9:45:00 59:33:00

6 BongZ 9:44:00 1:25:00 39:43:00 0:56:00 9:37:00 61:25:00

7 Marvin 9:26:00 1:43:00 38:59:00 1:24:00 12:29:00 64:01:00

8 Pat 17:06:00 2:37:00 30:47:00 2:00:00 12:58:00 65:28:00

9 Mark H 16:39:00 2:21:00 36:16:00 0:53:00 12:31:00 68:40:00

10 Erick 12:56:00 1:17:00 38:24:00 0:50:00 15:19:00 68:46:00

11 Argo 18:08:00 0:41:00 35:55:00 0:43:00 13:46:00 69:13:00

12 Carina 11:51:00 1:55:00 39:33:00 0:39:00 16:16:00 70:14:00

13 Pepsi 11:46:00 2:06:00 41:03:00 2:06:00 14:03:00 71:04:00

14 Roselle 13:23:00 1:31:00 38:54:00 0:44:00 17:06:00 71:38:00

15 Rico 13:18:00 1:32:00 45:49:00 1:23:00 9:59:00 72:01:00

16 Bong Y 18:54:00 2:38:00 35:37:00 1:14:00 13:38:00 72:01:00

17 RJ 14:19:00 2:27:00 45:59:00 0:46:00 10:13:00 73:44:00

18 Earl 19:34:00 1:24:00 42:14:00 0:46:00 14:24:00 78:22:00

19 Gab 18:13:00 1:55:00 42:16:00 1:03:00 17:52:00 81:19:00

20 DocT 17:30:00 1:10:00 48:39:00 0:43:00 14:04:00 82:06:00

21 Mar 24:10:00 4:22:00 42:02:00 0:43:00 24:59:00 96:16:00

Read more...

Who will be the Biggest Loser?

It started as a bet between Mr. Hopia Rico and Mr. Dimsum-and-siomai Gerard on who can lose the most percentage weight before Christmas. The bet was supposed to commence after the Subic Marathon and end before Christmas so the two could still partake of the holiday feast. Within a week's time the word spread around and the contest ballooned to 23 participants.

What is the Biggest Loser Contest (BLC)?

A Fun Weight Loss Contest among runners
Objective: Register the biggest weight loss
Duration: 6 weeks (Oct 30 - Dec 13, 2009)

Disallowed: Use of drugs and surgery (Lose weight the natural way!)
Participation Fee: Php1,000/contestant
Prizes: Taken from the pot money of participation fees and from friends, donors, and corporate sponsors

Biggest Loser gets the following:
- At least Php10,000 in cold cash! (tax free)
- Gift Certificate from Chi Spa of Shangri-la (c/o Angel Brigade)

- Stuff from Mizuno Philippines (c/o Jai Cortez, thru Sam)

- Nissan Jacket c/o Angel Henson (kulit)
- Lunch buffet GC from Paul Calvin's Deli (thru Sam)

- Bragging Rights (now this is the most important prize!)

Two Runners-up get the following:
- cash prize (amount still to be finalized - more than joining fee)

- Stuff from Mizuno Philippines (c/o Jai Cortez, thru Sam)
- Lunch buffet GC from Paul Calvin's Deli (thru Sam)

Meet the BLC Contenders!

Mike Antigua (mykolant)
http://mykolant.wordpress.com

Neil Barrios (crashnburn)

Marga Baula (margalicious)

Cherry Bautista (chelly)

Mark Besana

http://markathon.blogspot.com

Jan Blando (musang)

RJ Bumanglag (x59)

Gerard Cinco (supacow)
http://dimsumandsiomai.com

Gail Consolacion (gail)

Rodel Cuaton (argonaut)
http://argonautquest.wordpress.com

Sam Delena (runningninja)

http://therunningninja.com

Yan Dizon (yandizon)

Rochelle Donada (chellerd)

James Dulalia (runma777)

Gab Gabriel (dirtysanchez)

Ley Gripal (goodgrip)

Rafa Hachero

Abby Jocson

Eric Pasion (runforchange)
http://run4change.com

Julie Perez (dyule)

Bryan Rivera (bryanrivera)

http://planettrumania.blogspot.com

Alan Verdillo (Funky)

Rico Villanueva (sheerwill)

http://sheerwill.blogspot.com

Photos courtesy of Brando Losaria, Gerard Cinco and Marvin Opulencia

Read more...

Of Broken Promises, Apologies and Statements

I am an obsessive-compulsive perfectionist who prepares and plans thoroughly, and leaves no stone unturned. Unfortunately, I am imperfect, and I do slip up occasionally. When that happens, I face the music, say sorry, and try my creative best to make-up for the slip. I exert a lot of effort on making-up for my mistakes, and expect others to make similar effort when they commit mistakes, moreso if I am at the losing end. I do not know if it is a proper attitude and expectation, but that is how I am.

In the recent Smart Subic International Marathon, mistakes were made that affected me, my friends, and a lot of runners.  I verbalized my comments as soon as I saw the respective heads of Eventologist, Smart Sports, and the Race Founder. My friend Jet calmly chose to write to the stakeholders, and I was copied in the email as well as the response from Eventologist. As the correspondence was private and I was not the originator, I will not quote the contents. It will suffice to note that Mr. Adi de los Reyes of Eventologist admitted the mistakes, said sorry and apologized. For that I admire the guy. He said there were circumstances beyond his control; what they were I do not know. I wish I know, for I do not want to hold a person/company accountable for something over which he/it does not have control.

Race sponsor Smart recently issued a statement. I commend Smart Sports for taking time to make a statement. I means a lot to us runners. I am aware Smart Sports is new in its running advocacy, but its seriousness in its advocacy and its responsiveness are things I trust in and appreciate.

SMART SPORTS THANKS SIM 2009 RUNNERS AND ALL PARTNERS

 

At the outset, we at Smart Sports would like to extend our congratulations to all the runners, most especially to the marathoners of the recently concluded Subic International Marathon 2009. However, it has come to our attention the numerous comments of the participants of SIM 2009 regarding the technical aspect of the race and if there are shortcomings we will make it a point to discuss this with the race organizers. Rest assured to the running community that all these comments, feedbacks and suggestions are carefully being reviewed and will be kept as reference for other marathons Smart will be supporting.   

 

Allow us to take this opportunity to share with the running community the reasons why Smart Sports decided to support SIM:

1.     We are a sponsor. Much the same way we will be when we sponsor other marathons

2.     We believe in the transformational advocacy of the Philippine National Police through its program director Ret. Gen. Sam Tucay and Chief PNP Jesus Verzosa

3.     We realize that through SIM, we will be able to identify Filipino runners that can represent the country in international races. Kudos to the only 2 Filipinos (Hernanie Sore and Alquin Bolivar) to make it in the top ten who gave every ounce of willpower for flag and country

4.     We simply want to promote a sport where hundreds and thousands of passionate Filipinos love

5.     Sports tourism: to showcase the beauty of the Philippines. Particularly the beauty of SCTEX and Subic Bay

Since Smart Sports has committed to support Philippine marathon in the long run, we ask for the running community’s understanding and patience as Smart is very new to this. Smart has already pledged to support several international marathons for 2010 and we assure the running community that through partnerships with seasoned race organizers, we will make these marathons enjoyable and memorable which running enthusiasts (both local and foreign) can look forward to each year.

   

Smart – we’re helping sports… we’re helping running…

 

Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!

 

Patrick “Pato” Gregorio

Head - Smart Sports

I was hoping it would cast more light on the true cause of lapses. The statement did reiterate the things I like about the race - transformative power of running, sports advocacy, and sports tourism. Unfortunately, we still do not know why there was lack of water, illumination and portalets during the race. I still do not know if I should be wary of races associated with Eventologist or PNP? I still do know if I should come back and do this race again.

I still believe Smart Subic International Marathon could be a great, prestigious race, just like the first time I heard about it directly from Retired General Sam Tucay, Pato Gregorio of Smart Sports, and Adi de los Reyes of Eventologist. I do not know how and when, but I want greatness to manifest itself.

I still believe in the transformative power of running. One day, I want to go back to Subic and run alongside policemen who are there because like me they have discovered the joy of running and have risen above their frailties. One day I hope to remark to friends that my Smart SIM experience is Simply Amazing! in all aspects. May it be so memorable every single, first-time marathoner will create a video of their experience.

Please make it happen.

Read more...

To Rise Above Our Frailties (Second of Two Parts)

When Michelle Logan requested me to look out for Craig in the ambulance, I must admit it took a while for it to sink in. Boarding the ambulance meant a DNF - something incongruent with sheer will. I may be selectively competitive, but I am finisher. Always. Just when I was getting my groove and slowly reaping the rewards of holding myself back in the first half of the race, I was about to be stopped for good. Just when I finally caught up with running buddy Bong Yu, and looking forward to possibly finishing a marathon together, I was made to give up the race. When Michelle spoke I thought she would ask me to push Justin to the finish. That was how focused I was in finishing. In my strong desire to finish I would have pushed Justin till my back ached. But the request was emotionally harder - it was to accompany Craig and give up the race in the process. I could have probably wiggled my way out of it, but within a minute I had my difficult decision. I signed in to run with Team Logan, not necessarily to finish a second personal marathon with them. For at least 15km I ran with them - enough to complete a marathon of memories.

15kms of enjoyable run with Team Logan

(photo taken by Aileen Eway, posted in Facebook)

DNF. The spectre hounded me even as I sat in the ambulance, waited for Craig's lab results, and came back to the race site to watch my friends finish their race. When I first told Craig many months ago that I would consider doing the Subic Marathon with them, I only signed in with the intent of trying to be good by immersing myself even for just a while in the inspiring case of a father pushing his son with disability on a stroller. DNF never entered the picture. Even in the hospital, part of me still hoped that Craig would recover soon enough and maybe we could be go back to complete what we started. But perhaps Maki was right - he who was picked up by Michelle in her van due to his ankle sprain. The divine plan was he would develop a sprain so he would be on hand to assist Michelle and temporarily care for Justin.  As for me, I suppose I was there to guide Craig through the harrowing experience - me being a dehydration victim myself.

DNF. It reared its ugly head again as I talked to the marathon finishers and see the gleaming metal hanging from their necks. At one point I saw my buddy Bong Yu and Jet, paced by a couple of takbo.ph friends, entering the oval to the cheers of the crowd. I rushed to them along with other friends and accompanied them as they finish the last few meters to the finish line. At the finish I saw them given their finisher medals. For a moment I wanted to claim one for myself. For the many hours I put in to complete the 25K, 35K and 40K long runs, as well as the hours spent doing McKinley Hill repeats. For soldiering on till km28 despite water lack, darkness and broken promises. The marshalls would have given me a medal, but I held back the thought. I shall wear that DNF with pride. In my running book, while I may have hesitated in riding that ambulance for a while, in the end where it really mattered, I Did Not Falter.

I remembered Mary Genie (MG) and the Milo Marathon. I remembered how betrayed I felt when she claimed a medal for herself when she actually rode a bus part of the way. I was a fan of her before the Milo incident, always cheering her up whenever I eventually pass her on many half-marathons. I told her that act was very wrong, and that for us to remain friends the mistake must be admitted, corrected and not repeated. She eventually apologized, but trust was already broken, and her image in the running community tainted. For a long time runners including myself did not quite know how to deal with her. Sayang. A similar sense of dismay or regret I now feel for the SIM organizers. The same uneasiness. Sayang.

But in that oval I saw how MG redeemed herself. As she passed my way I gave her the loudest applause and cheers I could muster. In finally completing her first marathon through all those challenges she  permanently healed a wound in the running community's heart. I hope Eventologist will have their redemption race like MG. In the meantime, I shall be civil and guarded like in the case of MG.

Mary Genie was helped in a big way by runner Bong Yu. Amidst the Milo backlash that MG got in her Milo debacle, Bong stood up, insisting the MG was part of takbo.ph family, and like family she would be helped the next time she chose to run a marathon. Bong kept his promise. Mid-way into the race, Bong, a 5:06 Milo finisher, who believes that hydration is organizer responsibility and therefore chooses not to wear hydration belt, decided to quit racing, conserve energy, and walk safely to the finish line. For about 15kms he walked and chatted with MG. In his characteristic humor, Bong would kid MG, "O, ayan margygenie, tinupad ko na yung pangako kong i-pace kita sa susunod mong marathon." Bong would also provide company to idealistic, first-timer Jet who was devastated by the organizers' broken promises. It was a class act, my friend Bong. While we may kid you at times for being an Idol with the ladies, there in Subic you proved that you were worthy indeed of the monicker iBY (Idol Bong Yu).

Jet (104) and Bong (115) from the lens of Edu Fabian

In the half-marathon race the tandem of Marga and pacer McCoy stood out. Unlike a few policemen who wilfully or unwittingly cut short the route, plus-size Marga bravely run through the hills of Subic to finish her first half-marathon. A couple of us marathoners supported the 21K runners and we saw for ourselves how Marga was wincing in fatigue as early as km14. Yet, she soldiered on. Pacer McCoy who is a sub-2hr half-marathoner patiently ran along and distracted Marga from her weariness. Marga's primarily goal was to conquer the distance, and hopefully not land in the bottom of the heap. She was on her way to meeting her goal actually, until the other remaining runners eventually succumbed and she was left as the last runner trying. It was mentally and physically exhausting, but Marga proved that our bodies are capable of great feats if only we believe.

Marga & McCoy

 Photo courtesy of Edu Fabian

 

I thought we runners were there in Subic to help celebrate the transformation of our police scalawags into disciplined runners and people in uniform. But in the human drama that was 2009 Smart SIM, the protaganists were the civilian runners themselves. SIM 2009 would be remembered as the year when 300 first-timers and hundred more runners braved the dark and lack of water to claim the greatness they deserve. It would also be remembered for the impromptu Angel Brigade on the marathon road coming to the aid of the weary runners. Special mention goes to 21k runners electing to pace marathoners on the verge of giving up to the glorious finish that they signed up for. Marathon punishes the unworthy while glorifying those who work for it.

Kudos to all those who chose to rise above their frailties. May the adversities that give rise to our heroism arise not from actions of men who fail to deliver on their promises. The heroism that shall propel us forward is not one that reacts to man-made disasters, but rather those that unflinchingly do and fight for what is right and just.

I would like to thank Craig, Michelle and Justin of Team Logan for the opportunity to rise up to a nobler version of me. Like Craig and Michelle, I believe Justin deserves a marathon ride and finish, so I enjoin everyone to experience how it is to push Justin in a marathon relay during the Philippine International Marathon on Nov 8. You may sign up in takbo.ph forum.

Read more...

To Rise Above Our Frailties (First of Two Parts)

At km25 I was already seething with anger. How could a race that offers such great promise, deliver so little?

The Best of Motivations

The 2009 Smart Subic International Marathon was supposed to be The Marathon Race of 2009. I was not swayed by its tagline of "The Most Prestigious International Marathon in the Philippines," but I was convinced that if conditions were right, this could be The RACE. I remembered blogging how among the three marathons bunched together within Oct-Nov, the SIM carried the most personal meaning for me. I would try to run along with father-and-son Team Logan as they make their first marathon; I supported Retired General Sam Tucay's vision of transforming our national police through running; and I was convinced of Smart Sports' commitment to running. For all these reasons I made a nice little entry, registered myself for the race, and enjoined those contemplating their first marathon to make SIM their personal choice. We shall party at Subic I told a host of runner friends.

Race day started really well actually. Our small group of 9 excitedly met at Jollibee Crossing at 6am, had sumptuous breakast at Kenny's along NLEX where we met other excited runners like marathon virgin Zinia, pacer Abby and members of Team Timex, checked-in at Forest View at 10am for quick nap/rest, carbo-loaded at Wimpy's as I subsconsciously remembered Wilson's suggestion, and went back to our rented dug-out to suit up for the race.

There was palpable excitement as we boarded the bus and made our way to the Floridablanca start. I was seated just behind some Kenyan Runners whom I remembered from last week's Quezon City International Marathon. Every runner was making jokes at how they hope to get some running power from the Kenyans and how they could just opt to roll down the hills to the finish line. Riding on the bus instead of driving behind the steering wheel gave one the feeling it was a long run back to Subic.

Awesome Sights

The sight of all those marathoners at assembly was awesome. Yes there was a huge contingent of policemen and probably army men, but the number of civilian runners - mostly marathon virgins - was also impressive. There are also a number of women runners - comely ladies. There were also some supporters who personally ferried their runners to the race start. A bunch of takbo.ph people were there - supposedly resting for their half-marathon the day after but providing all the cheers and support they could muster. There was fiesta atmosphere. In my collective memory, the only event where I felt the same level of crowd excitement was when I ran my Milo marathon in July. Unlike in the Milo where you only feel the excitement, the Subic experience gave one the pleasure of actually seeing the look of anticipation on the runners' faces. It was a magical moment.

Marathon virgins all

Photos courtesy of Edu Fabian

Virginal runners Gigi and Zinnia

The magic continued as the runners make their way through the first few kilometers. Against the backdrop of open expanse, distant mountains, crisp air, cool breeze and fading sunset, the runners made their way to Subic...racing, chatting, taking and posing for pictures. I told my early race buddies (Craig & Justin Logan, Gerard and his GF's father Bong) it looked like SIM will be a PR race. Soft asphalt roads, cool breeze, wonderful views, how else can one not do well, except perhaps to unwisely speed up so early in the race.

Pushing Justin

I was with Team Logan from the start and hopefully till the finish line. Along the way I would help push Justin's stroller - something I have always thought of trying from the moment I first saw the father-son tandem on races. There I was finally fulfilling a dream and a promise - actually running alongside them and not trailing behind. For most part Craig and I would push the stroller together, each of us with one hand on the handle bar. When photographers passed by, I would try to let Craig push the stroller, trail behind or switch to the other side. It was Team Logan's race, and that was their moment. I was there to help, and hopefully come out a better person in the process. Pushing the cart was not easy. Craig actually gets backaches after some time or distance. In times when I pushed the stroller alone, it would slightly veer to the right. Probably the way I run/push perhaps? On downhills the cart's weight could be both a boon or a bane. Boon for Baguio resident Craig who has mastered the downhill, bane for the heavy-weight me who still struggles in balancing speeding up against falling over.

Darkness Sets In

After seemingly endless photo-ops and waving to local folks gawking from their fences, the sun finally set. It was a soft, pale sunset, not a fiery one, but calm and soothing nevertheless. I was actually too busy chatting to appreciate its entirety. After dusk we learned how dark it could get in SCTEX. Organizers promised the tollway would be flooded with lights, but there were no lamp posts, emergency lights, or even torch lights for most parts. The only exception was probably a kilometer or two of the tollway fitted with tall, bright lamp posts. I regretted not buying the Halloween blinking light I saw in the mall, and not bringing my bike lamp. Fortunately, Craig has a small lamp to light the way and a blinker at his back.

Between km12 and 15 I think Craig decided to pick up pace. He wanted to buy time for he knew he would go really slow towards the finish. I let him go ahead for I was careful to run only at my comfortable pace. On the back of my mind I was thinking we shall meet again and our strategies would complement each other. I am normally, relatively stronger towards the finish and actually prefer uphills to downhills. We shall push Justin together in the dreaded uphills near the end.

Missing Water Stations

I could stand the darkness and even the feeling of solitude that it forced upon the runners, but I could not tolerate the lack of water. Water is basic in the race. Water is life. For a race claiming to be an international one, we ought to follow international standards on providing hydration. I had been a victim of the dehydration before (thanks to Botak Paa-tibayan). I never wanted to experience again the feeling of difficulty standing, hands getting clammy and cold, vision blurring and greying, and life seemingly being sucked out of your being.

I was lucky I was reasonably hydrated. I adopted a strategy of walking and sipping water in every water station, and I ran close to Team Logan who was granted a support car pass on account of Justin. But I had friends aiming for PRs, who trusted the organizer, and left their hydration belts! I also knew there are at least 300 runners there who haven't mastered hydration technique in a marathon. I knew there was 17-year old Cess back there who was a new runner. She bravely decided to do the marathon knowing its physical and mental demands, but lack of water was never in the decision equation.

Second quarter of our race we were advised by private supporters on vehicles to stay clear of the water. They saw some stations ran out of water and in one particular instance, station personnel went down from the tollway only to reappear with pails of water from unknown source. Now there might be a good explanation for the situation, but Craig stayed away from the water and relied on Gatorade alone. I drank from the water stations only whenever I see that water came from labeled, decent looking, commercial containers. My body could handle diarrhea, but it would succumb to dehydration.

The first time I experienced water lack was on km17.5 I think. Optimistic that I was I figured there would be one at km20. I think I managed to get a sip at km20. At kms 22.5 and 25 there was no evidence there had been a water station. For a moment I even hesitated to do my mandatory walk break at non-existent aid stations as others might see me giving up that early. I wanted to stay strong for any runner who might see me. Between kms 23-35 a pick-up carrying runners stopped. Injured friend James who was on board gave me Pocari sweat from his bottle and warned me that the next water station is 5kms from the finish line. What!? 17kms without water!

It was at this point that I raised my voice in disgust. In a tone that I meant business, I told the marshalls they should find ways to refill all water stations. Make sure there is water in all stations! Call the chief organizer himself if you have to. James told me it was the first time he saw me cursing. I told James the day after I never cursed that night, but my tone and expression communicated dismay and urgency. I feared for the runners behind me.

After some kms or minutes, another pick-up moving counterflow stopped to hand out water. I noticed Gen. Sam Tucay, founder of the race, beside the driver. I heaved a sigh of relief and admiration seeing the General handing out water and rectifying the situation. Still, I firmly told the General they had to refill the stations. In the vernacular, he admitted the situation and said they were doing their best to alleviate it. I felt for the general, seeing how a great race concept could deteriorate to a level like this.

Powered by Love

Amidst the deteriorating water condition I defiantly continued my run. I was slowing down but I was running. Running is my personal statement that the conditions provided was not simply not acceptable. Organizers have to learn that race water provision is mandatory part of the race contract. For a moment I ran on anger, but I know anger would only elevate my heart rate and make me fall victim of the terrible circumstances. I must not be consumed by anger. I will finish my marathon not feeding on anger, but powered by love. I recalled all the positive litte things I encountered on the route: the girl seated on a support van who called me Rico and handed me Choco-Mani. The cheers from takbo.ph moving van early part of the race as they headed back to Subic. Michelle in a van dutifully checking on Craig and Justin every few kilometers. A lone female voice shouting Rico from a vehicle on the opposite lane amid the eerie silence and darkness. Thank you Angels on the Road.

In the darkness ahead eventually I saw a red, blinking light. My heart jumped. Finally Craig was within sight again. If I could just run up to him, we could feed off on each other's energy. Like a moth seeking light I slowly moved closer to the blinker. Alas, it was not Craig. It was a male runner walking his way to the finish. He would meet another runner, with whom they both decided to share the burden of moving in the dark. I greeted them both "Good Evening" the way I greeted everyone I passed over. In my mind I thanked the man with the blinker for unknowingly inspiring me to press on in search of Craig.

Finding Craig

At km28 I found Craig. Actually, it was the Logan van I spotted first, parked beside an ambulance. I knew the ambulance was attending to someone but I didn't know who it was. Michelle's frantic voice from a distance gave me the answer I didn't expect. At the side of the road admist people Craig was seated and slumped over, semi-conscious, but weak and pale. He would later tell me that he was having a good run when he suddenly felt nauseous and vomitted. He knew something was wrong so he flogged down a support car and asked for help. The ambulance was quick to the rescue.

I was beside Craig when he was about to be put on a stretcher. Michelle was trying to remain calm but she was obviously flustered by the turn of events. To make things harder for her, she had to decide between accompanying Craig inside the ambulance and looking out for Justin and their van. Quickly she made her decisions: an injured runner to whom she gave a ride early on would look out for Justin while inside the car, she will drive their vehicle and follow the ambulance, and I was requested to accompany Craig to the hospital.

In the hospital Craig was diagnosed of probable dehydration. This despite drinking lots of Gatorade. In fact, Craig initially thought he had hyponatremia or too much water because he was drinking Gatorade at regular intervals. His blood pressure was dangerously low when he was found on the road, but reverted to normal after taking in dextrose and water only. His electrolyte levels (sodium and potassium) were found to be within normal levels.

After the lab tests and reversion to normal of his blood pressure, Craig still needed rest but was fine enough to be discharged from the hospital. Team Logan dropped myself and Maki, the injured runner/Justin's impromptu caretaker to the race site.

Seeking Accountability

The first familiar face I saw on the site was that of race organizer/ Eventologist head Adi de los Reyes. I first heard of the guy and his company when my friends and I ran in Botak sa Baguio last May. The race was a small one with old school cups and jugs for hydration, but it was enough. What impressed me back then was how they took time to attend to us runners - the takbo.ph delegation in particular. I have heard before about the water lack in the 2008 Subic Marathon, but I figured that maybe Eventologist finally learned their lesson. In Baguio we had enough water. The hydration station might be provincial in its simplicity, but it was enough. With Smart's backing maybe these attentive race organizers could bring it up to international level.

I formally met Adi in the Smart SIM presscon and when I registed for the race. The guy, who was long in the business, seemed earnest. I remember telling him all we ask is that the hydration be enough, especially since SCTEX is supposedly closed for support vehicles. If there would be sports drinks it would be great, but plain water would be enough. To see the empty tables or the complete absence of water stations in some areas was therefore like a betrayal of trust. Worse, I felt guilty leading on friends and other runners that this was really The RACE. Unwittingly, I felt I also betrayed my friends. In the middle of the race I was so angry at the situation I wanted to finish the race fast, grab the mike from whomever, and asked the organizers, Why? Why is there no water?

When I approached Adi I did ask him directly? Sir, bakit walang tubig sa mga water stations? He mentioned something about SCTEX robots. What robots? What the heck I screamed inside. On hindsight he might have gave the explanation that SCTEX people "were robotic" in not allowing their vehicles to replenish supplies. In my simple mind, it was poor coordination on their part with SCTEX and poor planning on how much water to bring in the first place. I walked away in disgust, dismayed that I lost trust of yet another organizer, yet another individual.

Minutes later I would see Smart Sports Pato Gregorio. The guy did not know me but I went up to him. When he spoke about Smart supporting sports in the race presscon, I believed him. So dismayed was I about supporting the race and being short-changed in terms of basic support that I had to personally tell him why he would allow the promise of a great race to wittle down like this. Maybe Smart was new to this, but for us to surge ahead, we have to be strong on the basics. We have to rise above our inadequacies.

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Inner Glow & Reflected Glory

The past two weekends I had the worst half-marathon times under happy circumstances.

I finished my Milo 21K with a chip time of 2:56, a career-low, even lower than my first half at Condura where I ran coming from a two-week lay-off due to bullheadedness and resultant inability to run. Milo was not in my personal race calendar, especially since I had a tough aquathlon the day before it, but I enlisted nonetheless. I simply wanted to relive my Milo experience, to run again with friends I trained with for our first marathon. So I boldly told training buddies friends BongY and EO, and new friends Mark and Jix I would see them at start line for 21K. I came in at least 10 minutes late, tired but in high spirits.

Bong, EO, Mark and Jix had spectacular PRs. I had my worst PR. But I enjoyed the Milo Race. I had a great time chatting on the road with RunningFatBoy Dennis; cheering Bong, EO, Mark on their way to their PRs; horsing around with the takbo.ph at the aid station; watching marathoners on their way back, and coming home finally to the grandstand. Ah, the grandstand, it would always evoke pleasant memories of strong, celebratory sprint ending my first marathon. Along the way I tried to redo my Milo run. For a few moments I would go there, rejoice in the moment, only to be reigned back by fatigue. It was a day for my friends, not mine. I had my Milo 'glory' so to speak. To expect and demand more is to be selfish.

The QCIM last Sunday was supposed to be my shot at glory - that race when I finally break my personal 2:30 time barrier for the half. I actually broke that barrier running the first half of my first marathon, but I wanted to make it official and documented via a timing chip. Once again I told Bong and EO I hope to run with them again, just like the old days. Alas it was not meant to be. I lacked sleep, my body was tired, and my right foot was still trying to correct itself and get rid of the pesky plantar fasciitis bothering it. I let Bong and EO surge ahead, managed to pace with Gerard for a while, but early on I told him to go ahead as well. The three all had good, relaxed runs. I had a slow, enjoyable one spent with rower-friend Edward whom I saw along the way. We finished in 2:45. It was a very slow one for sub-2hr, monster Edward, but both of us dutifully practiced our planned walk-breaks for our second marathon at Subic. I spent the rest of the morning waiting for friends who did their first marathon. Waited till the last one came home. To witness and partake of the indescribable joy of finishing one's first. It was a morning well-spent.

Eleven minutes. In two weeks I managed to improve my half-marathon time by 11 minutes. On an ordinary week I would have been happy with an improvement of 11 minutes. But at a time when I am supposed to be picking up tempo, the improvement was not enough. I wanted to peak at a tempo pace of 7min/km for my marathon, but storms and injury precaution prevented me from doing so. I suppose I simply have to run my next marathon with the best of what I've got.

I come into my second marathon with a thought that every runner has his moment. The past few races had not been my moments, and my other races were not exactly glowing ones, but at one point - at that point when I decided to push myself, that point where it really personally mattered - I had my 15 minutes in the spotlight. For all runners doing their first marathon, their first half, or even their first 10, I sincerely wish they will have their moment. We runners live and train for those moments. In the meantime, I am happy to glow inside and bask in the light of others. Godspeed!

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SNN Special Report: Corregidor Aquathlon

Boy Abunda: Good evening, welcome to the Sports News Ngayon.

Kris Aquino: Good evening Boy. I am so excited ngayon, kasi we have guest aquathletes today. You know me naman, Boy. Eversince I got married to James, I have been sports-oriented na.

(Boy to himself: Krissy, hindi ba nagsimula ang sports interest mo with Alvin Patrimonio?)

Kris: Ok Boy, we have here with us participants of the recently concluded 1st Corregidor Aquathon held last October 10, 2009 as well as their supporters. Let us start off with Ellen, the cute lady with long hair in black swimsuit. What are you wearing? Parang red carpet question yata yon?

Ellen: Good evening, Ms. Kris, Tito Boy. I am Ellen, first-time aquathlete. This suit I am wearing, where I won the Best in Swimwear in the last Sheerwill Aquathlon Cup (SWAC), is actually made by Speedo for aquathletes or triathletes. It is called a tri-suit.

Kris: Boy, look at her one-piece swimsuit oh. It looks like the 60s swimsuit, which extends to her thighs, only it is more fashion compared to the 60s version.

Boy: Correct ka dyan, Krissy. Anyway, Ellen, you mentioned you are a first-time aquathlon. What drew you into the sport? What is an aquathlon anyway?

Ellen: Aquathlon is a form of multi-sport where you do a combination of swimming and running. In the Corregidor Aquathlon, we were required to do a 400-m ocean swim, 7K run on hilly roads, and a final 400-m ocean swim. What drew me into the sport? Actually it started with my good friend Raff. He always wanted to try aquathlon. Being a good friend, I supported him. We have been running for more than a year now, when we would hear/learn about aquathlon.

Boy: Totoo ba ito, Raff? You have a good friend in Ellen here then.

Raff: Yes, in a way ako nga ang humila kay Ellen sa aquathlon. I wanted to learn swimming so much I enrolled in Total Immersion even if it is expensive. I ended up passing on what I learned to Ellen and other friends Pepsi and Carina.

Pepsi: Totoo yan, Tito Boy, Ate Krissy. Si Raff ang swim coach ko. He was strict, firm and gentle with us. In a matter of weeks we learned to swim confidently enough to join the aquathlon.

Carina: I agree. Raff also taught me. In the next aquathlon event, sasali na ako for sure. In the meantime, photographer ako and support to friends.

Ellen: Naku Tito Boy, addict yan si Raff. Days before the race sinuyod niya ang Speedo stores sa BHS, Glorietta at pati sa SM Makati at Cinderella para bilhin one particular model of swim trunks. He ended up finding his right model and size in Speedo Trinoma.

Raff: Sabi kasi ni Jonas invest daw ako in tri-shorts, kaya ayan ubos ang race fee money ko, at cup noodles ako for a month.

Kris: Pero ang parang Best in Swimwear sa inyo ngayon ay si Running Diva. Divang-diva ang dating! What are you wearing RD? It looks expensive. With your asymmetric haircut and little black dress, err suit pala, you look like the Star of the Night.

RD: (Blushing) Thanks Kris. Actually, I got this from Arena. By God's grace I was able to register for the race and secure for myself this tri-suit.

Kris: It really looks expensive, RD. I like! Look Tito Boy, oh!

Boy: How about the guys? What are they wearing? You are Ziggy, right? (looks at Ziggy from head to foot) Where did you score that racy, I meant, race suit?

Ziggy: Na-conscious naman ako doon, Tito Boy, pero daghang salamat. I am a member of Sugbu Triathlon, a group of triathletes from Cebu. Our group had this made for forum members.

(James to Rico: Ano ba itong line of questioning dito sa SNN. Panay tungkol sa damit. Tanda mo tinanong kita before race kung ayos lang kung isuot ko itong Transtion One upper jersey ko.)

(Rico to James: Ayos naman sagot ko, di ba? Oks lang yan tingnan sa 'yo. Yung Epic upper jersey ko, pag sinuot ko, para akong bochog na guppy or butete. Baka di rin ako makahinga, kaya topless at tri-shorts muna ako. Actually, running shorts ito ng Mizuno! Overexposed na kasi sa previous aquathlon photos yung Speedo at Arena swim shorts ko. Haha!)

Kris: Wait, wait. I noticed this interview is becoming a fashion editorial na. Let's go back to showbiz sports. Who are the newbies ba and the intermediate aquathletes, and how did you fare in the race? So we know na it's the first time for running buddies Ellen and Raff. Let's ask Glen. You look shy but I bet you are fast, right?

Glen: Good evening Miss Kris. I am one of the newbies actually. Medyo ok naman ako sa takbo. Nakapag-ultra trail run na ako at nanalo na rin minsan sa short distance in a small race, pero first time ko ito sa aquathlon. Actually kinakabahan pa rin ako until race start. But after the swim, nakabawi ako ng husto sa run. I think I came behind Ziggy and Ian.

Kris: Wow, come from behind. Nice. How about you Mitch?

Mitch: Yes, Kris, it was my first. Nahila lang ako ng kaibigan kong si Jonas. Ayos naman race performance ko. Enjoy ako dito. :-)

Kris: How about you Jonas? You look serious and competitive, and well-tanned. You must be outdoors always and doing this for a while.

Jonas: Actually Kris, it was also my first. I may have joined a sprint triathlon in Subic before, but officially the Corregidor event is my first aquathlon and second taste of the open water under race conditions. Unlike the deep but calm Subic bay, the waves near the Corregidor recreational beach was strong and high during the race. Matatangay ka talaga. It was a challenge for everyone - newbies and experienced swimmers alike.

Pepsi: It was also my first, Ate Kris. I actually registered as participant on the last day for registration, but only decided to race it when I figured out that the swim depth is manageable naman. Raff did a good job of teaching me, but I need pa confidence in open water swim. Eh carry naman pala ang swim, so Go! Pero kakaloka yung waves. Medyo cadillac-lakad ako in some swim parts, at groggy after the final swim, pero wagi, wagi ang olive-skinned beauty ko sa aquathlon na ito. Yes, I did it!

Kris: How about you, James? I like you na because you have the same name as my hubby and baby. You are also chinito. If you are not outdoors as much you would have been fairer. I would have mistaken you as a Korean telenovela actor, but with your tan now mas mukha ka nang Vietnamese farmer. By the way, your white jersey looks good on you. Pwede ka nang huminga...

James: Haha Kris, lab na rin kita....Seriously, first ko rin ito. The weekend before I was supposed to do my first triathlon but it got postponed because of the storm warning. Hopefully next year I can do a Half-Ironman like your friends Anthony Pangilinan and Tessa Prieto-Valdes. Pamatay yung waves at hirap nung hills, pero sa awa ng Diyos natapos naman ako ng may ngiti.

Boy: Pakinggan naman natin si Ian. Anong masasabi mo sa race performance mo? Wagi rin ba ito tulad ng kay Pepsi?

Ian: Hello Boy at good evening sa mga viewers. Good evening na rin sa people listening/watching thru podcast, TFC or Bombo Radyo. I understand this interview is also cross-posted via Sheerwill's blog. Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat. While I am at it, i-plug ko na rin ang aking blog: Seabiskwit.

Ian: Yes, Tito Boy, ok naman ang aking performance. Grabe yung alon at ang tarik ng hills pero nakaya namin. Suwerte kasi I ended up 5th among males and 8th overall. Not bad, bi ba Boy, considering I am also doing bit roles in Dahil Meron Isang Ikaw, and like Raymart, Ryan and Gerard, lumusong rin ako sa baha. My only training was carrying my young son out of the floodwater. But we are ok, as we say in showbiz/sports, the show/race must go on.

Boy: Ok, let's go back to Ziggy. Our researchers said when you were younger, you moonlighted as a lifeguard in the posh Shangri-la Mactan. So you were like David Hasselhoff in Baywatch? Hoff na hoff ang dating! Did that experience help you land that silver medal?

Ziggy: Yes, Boy, best memories of my young life! Haha! Correction lang, Boy, I am so much younger than David Hasselhoff. Anyway, the brief stint made me very comfortable with the sea and its waves. In Cebu, I developed a feel for the water and regularly practiced sighting or the art of seeing/knowing where you are heading, an important skill in swimming through open water. Boy, how I enjoyed the sights on the beach! Haha! By the way, I share this medal with my SWAC friends and Sugbu Triathlon co-members.

Ziggy: And correction lang Ian, Tito Boy, it is actually me who played a bit role in Dahil Meron Isang Ikaw. Check out the tall, dark man who kidnapped Christine Hermosa when she was a baby and who harass Chin-chin Gutierrez, that screen image certainly looks like me!

Boy: How about your Rico aka Sheerwill? How did you fare in the race?

Rico: Wow, Boy, it was quite an experience. Like I always say, the fun starts at the beginning of the journey, not just the race itself. The series of simulations we did for this race not only physically and mentally prepared us for the main event, but also bonded as a group. In the race I must admit I got shocked a bit that I had had so much difficulty in the first round swim. From Camaya I learned the hard way that swimming across the wave line and away from/towards the shore is easier through breaststroke. I tried the same thing in Corregidor but in turned out that swimming along the wave line and parallel to the shore is better done free-style or crawl. I frog-kicked and breaststroked, but I was just tossed and played with by the waves. The hills were also a killer on The Rock, and at one point of seemingly endless downhill I wanted to quit because of the tremendous pressure on my right foot, but I persevered and finished it by sheer will as I usually do.

Rico: My brightest spot in an otherwise challenging race was when I free-styled my way through 2-feet high waves in the second round swim. I could have stood up and walked like what a few did, but I swam through all those waves. I front-sighted and kept an eye on the buoy line just like in training. I am an Aquarian I reminded myself, and water is my element. I need not fight the waves, I only have to find my way through them. I swam through the chaos of the waves. Find my way I did. Always have, always will. It may take time, but it gets done. By sheer will, by God's grace.

Kris: Aawww....You know what Rico, I may not be a runner, but I follow your blog. Where do those thoughts come from? And how do you manage to write them that way?

Rico: Haha, Kris...parang di tayo college batchmates. If I enrolled in Ateneo, we would probably be classmates, maybe even friends...Where do the thoughts come from? The words? Simple. From running, cycling, swimming. From subjecting myself through these physical feats and coming out of it a much better person. Try it.

Boy: Like Kris, I am also a fan, Sheerwill...But let me ask the whole group? What' s next for you guys and gals?

Everyone: More aquathlons! More aquathletes!

Ateneo? Speedo? Camaya? SWAC 3,4,5 ?

The water beckons to all would be aquathletes

Photos by Carina Manansala, future aquathlete

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The Glory that was Greece, The Splendor that is Subic

Subic's 300

On October 24, 2009 in Subic,

thousands of men and women will engage in a road battle of body and mind.

Among them are 300 brave runners doing the marathon for the first time.

I am fortunate to know some of the 300 brave men and women,

and to run alongside them that fateful day.

My friends, Prepare for Glory ... for that night we run and dine in heaven!

The call of the marathon proved too strong

To warriors who delight and thrive in competition

In Subic we battle the toughest foe - the animal within,

wanting to surge ahead, yet needing to be reined in.

EO

On the Battle of Milo he should have fought,

but runner's knee left him dejected, distraught.

Wiser, more prepared, he stands among the rest,

In Subic we hope he'll set a personal best

MARK

The warrior from Manila has a simple plan

And the goal sought is not a fast run

For to finish in itself is sweet victory

Full mary comes before fully marry

CHIPS

(in white Unicef singlet)

Light on his feet, fast with his stride

Silent waters run true and deep

Diligent disciple of Mizuno Running Clinic

In him I foresee a strong finish

EDU

The true measure of a man is not the size of his biceps,

his charm with the ladies nor speed at which he runs.

Rather it's his ability to laugh amid the flood and storm,

to press on and complete life's marathon.

ARGONAUT

His Quest for the Golden Fleece brings him to Subic

where he hopes to vanquish the many-headed Hydra that guards it.

Prophet Phineas gives him an amulet to slay the little hydras,

stating the enemy are really the tiny, doubting voices within his heroic self.

CRAIG & JUSTIN (Team Logan)

On the hills of Baguio Craig pushes son Justin on stroller,

building the strength and stamina to complete a marathon.

But the real ace on the sleeve of Team Logan

Is parent's love for their beautiful, innocent son.

GAB

Some men live in delightful nonchalance

With light humor and carefree demeanor,

But faced with a challenge, they stand and suit up

Ready to do battle, to the finish line they shall go!

DOC ART

With the seriousness of a child building his Lego City,

Pediatrician Art believes the task can be done.

For what is a marathon but a battle of the body, mind and heart

Where one begins the run with his body, and finishes with his heart.

GERARD

Forty-two kilometers to prove one's worth

To the harshest of critics which is oneself.

The battle begins the moment one decides to run,

and ends when he reaches the finish line.

JET

The smart runner battles with his mind

Strategizing, reconnoitering, like in the Art of War

Measuring, tabulating, charting the course

Victorious is the runner who give his marathon utmost thought.

NAO

Fair Nao is child of Hera with Mercury

Light, swift, smart and enduring

Child of the Gods, she is marathon-born

If only she would heed its call.

Humble Nao says descendant of Gods she is not

Whatever gifts she had, she sowed and slowly nurtured.

Marathon is a decision that should not be rushed

She will run in Subic if her heart so desires.

Half-marathon Virgins

RJ

Good things come to those who give and wait.

For RJ, time has come to do his first half-marathon.

Blessed is he for an army of friends will cheer him on.

Those who support runs supported.

MARGA

A hand that soothes, a heart that cares
Shining Light of the Angel Brigade
On the roads of Subic she shall reap
Fruits of her labors and innate kindness.

JULIE

It was not so long ago when she did her first LSD in Montalban,

And when she did her 10K in the steep hills of Baguio.

The seemingly shy girl has come out of her shell,

Brave, boisterous, laughing on her way to her 21K.

TRACY

A dash of speed, a dollop of charm

Big eyes and lips that smile;

Endurance and speed that belie her looks

plus all the wits for that 21km dash.

PNP's Finest

Photo source

A few good men is many enough
to transform an institution into a beacon of hope.
Running ennobles, transforms and molds
Scalawags to do-gooders, young men into heroes.

To run along with these men and women
Is to salute the good and discourage the rotten
On their graduation day, their 21k Achievement Run
Our cheers, our thanks, to our Nation's Finest!

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Every Runner a Hero

Where I come from, everyone is a hero.

People use their talents to rally a nation.

cool logo design from here

The average runner can a rescuer.

Poster from Eric Pasion

Ironmen have hearts of gold.
Photo credit: Children's Hour

Team Hardcore is soft at the core.

A group of able-bodied men and women run the equivalent of 5 marathons to raise funds.

Photo credit: Jonel Mendoza

Military athletes put others ahead of themselves.

Rayzon Galdonez saves lives while worrying about his parents.

Photo courtesy of Maki Omega

Takbo.ph runners moonlight as Angels.

Photo credit: Marga Baula

People bravely pick up from where the storm has left.

Marikina-boy Erick (in yellow orange) preparing for pacer duty at QCIM,

as well as the rest of his life's marathon.

Photo courtesy of Vener

People choose to be cheerful rather than morose.

Edu (in white singlet) laughs off the hardship of cleaning house,

mourning the death of a toenail chipped off by fallen furniture,

never letting discomfort mar a long run leading to his dream Subic marathon.

Photo courtesty of Vener

Where Erick and Edu come from, residents are heroes of their personal struggles.

We can't all be like Ironman Fred, Team Hardcore or Triathlete/Army man Rayzon,

but we can all become Rescue Runners.

On Saturday, let us all be Heroes.

RESCUE RUN (3K, 5K, 10K)

Assembly: 5:30 am MOA

Race start: 6:30 am

Donations:

Individual Php200 for any distance

Corporate: Php5,000 for 20 runners

Rescue Runners: 0917-8374204 / 02-2168521

rescuerunners@run4change.com

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Need to Run

Tonight I intend to run.

Even for just 5k.

Ondoy robbed me of the chance to do the New Balance 21k. The chance to relive that day when I fell in love with running. That day in Clark I realize I love running not only because it gives me a high and keeps me trim, but because the instrinsic motion it entails is a joy in itself. Until now, the last 5kms of my 25K NB Power race remains the best 5kms of my running life.

Tonight in a week of challenges I wish to revisit that joy.

I spent the weekend updating myself on the storm scene and touching base with friends. The first two nights of the work week, a couple of friends and I visited two runner friends affected by the storm flood. The analytical, obsessive-compulsive me thought our group had the financial and material support all planned and coordinated. There was a well-spring of support from fellow runners that you could not help but be energized and inspired by it. Just when we thought we could rest for a while after our initial support efforts, news came that more help for greater number of people was needed. Suddenly I felt overwhelmed. Suddenly I felt powerless.

I spent the entire day yesterday coordinating and drumming for more support - trying to be calm and collected when inside I was also running dry. I used last night's 40-th day of remembering for the death of a friend's father to ponder on things. Sometimes, to run away is to find your way back to what is essential. There I go again, I realize. Trying to do things on my own, or at best doing it with a few friends, when some things are best left to a Higher Power. So tonight I surrender and submit myself to the Angel Brigade, enlisting to be an Angel Packer wrapping gifts of food, clothing, compassion and hope.

But before the packing job I want to run. I feel I must run. I feel must bring back some sense of normalcy. Not that I am affected by the flood directly. It's just that running is part of who I am and what I do. Running is my personal statement that despite the difficulties, life goes on. It is not an expression of apathy; it is the embodiment of action. I want to feel joy so I can radiate joy.

Life is indeed an marathon. It only ends when you reach the pearly gates of the Finish Line. In the meantime, you run, walk, rest or eat. When things go tough, you persevere. Nobody wants a DNF (Did Not Finish). You find yourself creating characters in your mind. Even singing Ate Shawie's "Unti-unting mararating, kalangitan at bituin, " or Aegis' "Heto ako, basang-basa sa ulan". You either seek meaning in your difficult undertaking, or draw humor from the pain you feel inside or out.

Spirituality & Laughter. These are what we are good at, and with these we shall overcome all trials.

Tonight I hope to see a lot of runners in our collective playground that is Boni High Street or McKinley Hills.

I say we run. Run, because our bodies need to laugh, and our spirit longs to soar.

Angel Brigade:

Address: (old Shang Palace showroom, across Pacific Plaza Towers): Rizal Drive corner 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City . For details, you may call Marga 0922-8962742/ 0917-5062742

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