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!