Kaya mo yan, Walang iwanan

(2015 Milo Marathon account)

At the marathon starting line, Rico rehashed the game plan with Kazu. "Pare, samahan mo lang ako sa first 5K please. Sasabit ako sa pace mo para hindi ako masyado maiwan. Sa last 5K, hopefully, ako naman ang hahatak sa iyo." Good and considerate person that he is, Kazu agreed.

Like old times, the first 2K was a struggle for Rico who takes an eternity to warm up - like a diesel engine. He and Kazu were supposed to run at 8kph, but Rico was already struggling at 7.5kph, maybe even less. Rico has learned to apply hot muscle rub to speed up the warming process, but this time, his full stomach laden with longganisa rice meal was literally weighing him down. The running crowd was fast slipping by.

Rico and Kazu both has GPS watches, but the former requested the latter to keep track of speed and time. The Galloway run-walk ratio was supposed to be 7:1 at 8kph. Many times, Rico would lag Kazu by a few meters. Kazu would look at this watch, but would patiently wait for Rico to catch up. This game of catch up would occur frequently. It was still a struggle for Rico, but he held on by listening to Kazu's footsteps as if they were a metronome. 

Kazu:  Below target na tayo.

Rico:   First 5k lang pare. After that, you can surge ahead. 

          Mas mabilis ka sa akin.

Rico finally digested his breakfast meal and ran a bit faster. In an hour of running, they covered only 7kms instead of the planned 8kms, but that distance was still better than Rico's solo performance in his last two half-mary's. During training on treadmills, Rico could run 8kph steadily, but stress-related blips in his blood pressure coupled with his weight concerns often subconsciously slow him down during races. Fact is, he hesitates to stay within 140-150 bpm heart rate. Kazu said they were below target, but Rico is already grateful that 7kph is still on track with the 6hrs cut-off time.

Shortly thereafter, Kazu excused himself to grab a bite in Family Mart and take a rest room break. Rico agreed knowing that Kazu could easily catch up with him. Left on his own, Rico settled for a slower 7.5kph pace, but with longer run in between breaks. Slowly, he caught up with other runners. He reached 14kms slightly below 2 hrs, so he was actually gaining speed and was still in the game. 

But Kazu was still nowhere in sight. Rico thought Kazu threw the towel early on account of ITBS or bum stomach. That would have been unfortunate for Kazu who has yet to complete his first marathon, but Rico was still grateful for Kazu's pacing on those first 7kms. That gave the slow Rico a fighting change to meet cut-off time. Thankfully at km16 for Rico, Kazu reappeared from the other side of the road. Kazu looked okay at that point, and the gap between them appeared to be just around a kilometer, so Rico kept with his run steady strategy. Surely, Kazu would overtake him.

Minutes and meters passed, but Kazu was still nowhere near Rico. From km 16 to 21, Rico would repeatedly pause and look back. Again, he was worried that Kazu was having trouble. Cramps possibly, maybe ebbing morale. Early in the race Rico reminded Kazu not to worry about lagging behind other runners, for the real race begins at km21. Rico was all pumped up at that time but his running partner was nowhere in sight. Rico was ecstatic that his 3-year quest to break through 3 hrs for a half-marathon (his personal best made in 2010 is 2:28) seemed within reach, but his moral compass nagged him to wait for the guy that actually made this possible through a faster, externally paced, start. After repeated pauses and crowd-searching, Rico decided to stop at 21km, reached it in 3:02 which was still minutes better than his last half, and waited. 

Rico would remember that in their Mt. Pulag run last March, Kazu and Mark waited for and paced with him during the first 2kms. Despite layers of clothing, the slow-to-warm up Rico was still having chills and had difficulty adjusting to the thin, cold air. He contemplated on stopping and giving up his dream of reaching the Pulag summit, but thanks to friends Kazu and Mark, he didn't. For accompanying him to the summit, Rico would forever be grateful to these two.

Three hours and 4 minutes into the marathon, the running partners finally reunited. Finishing within 6 hours was still a possibility. The two went back to the run-walk Galloway strategy. While they were running at 7.5-8kph with Kazu dictating pace and Rico coping with it, their running period shortened. The walk and rest periods became more frequent. More experienced Rico could still maintain the pace, but muscle fatigue was getting into the less experienced Kazu.

They reached km28 several minutes past 4 hours. The pauses for muscle stretching slowed them down. Making it within cut-off time of 6 hours was becoming remote. Rico encouraged Kazu to at least finish the distance, no matter how long it took. It would still be an accomplishment, especially for Kazu. But if they could do it in less than 7hrs, that would still be an improvement from Rico's 2015 Condura run. It would not be a personal best (his was 5:16 in 2009 Milo), but it would be a 3-year PR. Pumped with the prospect of giving Rico a short-term PR, Kazu surged on his run and the two gained mileage.  Rico knew his friend enough, that the latter could readily make personal sacrifices if those meant advancing the interest of others. Tara, habulin natin ang PR na yan, Kazu muttered.

Eventually, the motivation to help the other reach his goal was overtaken by physical pain. At km 34, Kazu could no longer run. Many runners were giving up at this point, and a number already rode the Milo bus, but Rico prevailed on his friend to at least finish the distance, even if that meant more than an hour of walking. It was actually physically and mentally harder for Rico to walk, but he decided hours ago that he would finish this with his friend. The good first half was enough reward for him. This second half was for Kazu. He may not appreciate it at that moment of exhaustion, but Rico was firm on his belief that Kazu would eventually find meaning to completing still the distance. For Kazu, this whole running thing was simply for maintaining health. By sticking around and walking till the finish, Rico hoped his friend would see the marathon the way he sees it - a metaphor for life.

The two running buddies were eventually joined by a young man from Bicol named Kim, a marathon virgin. In the heat of the sun and on now empty roads, the three patiently walked, shared drinks and food, and light banter toward the cherish goal. Three minutes before 7 hrs, they all crossed the finish line. There was no more funfare, no more crowds, no timers nor medals. But in their hearts, in their minds, only one thing mattered. They finished despite the odds.

Running buddies Mark, Kazu and Rico

P.S.  Congratulations to Kazu and Kim for going the distance. Kudos too to Mark who did his first 21K and who patiently waited for us with another friend Hanna.

Running the Milo Marathon: Was it worth it?

When I registered for the Milo Marathon, I had the following stated goals:

1. To acquaint myself better with the workings of my body and mind. I am treating the marathon as integral part of my half-ironman training. I do not care how long I finish, but I simply want to let my body know that 5hrs or so of exertion will not kill me.

2. To remind myself of what is important. Discipline, selflessness, helping others, community spirit, friendship, mastery of oneself.  I hope to get back to those values that make me do and love all these sports activities in the first place.

3. To keep a promise to friends. To Noelle whom I convinced to run her first marathon on her birthday, and to EO who was sidelined from running the Milo marathon last year.

Have I achieved my goals?

It took 42.195kms and 6:15hrs for me to rediscover what I have long known. The marathon is a distance to be respected and it demands training dedication. For this marathon, I only had three long runs (21k, 26K and 30K), completed 3 weeks before the race, with the last two done 3 days apart with one sprint triathon in between.  Fool-hardy I know, but I had my reasons.

I had to work around training partner, marathoner-wannabe Noelle and I's schedule.  Noelle is a  busy, active woman and I am a harassed employee and half-ironman wannabe. We took advantage of the Thursday Adination Run schedule to do our first very long run. Thanks to Jix, Argo, Allan, Bongski and Bong, Noelle and I had company for the first 21K of our target 30K. Just before midnight, Noelle completed her 30K and I survived my jump to 26K from 16K. Surprisingly, I was able to apply my new run form (fold the legs, butt kick) honed through what I call my "form intervals" and keep up with the others, all of whom are stronger and faster than me. I had to take longer breaks and slower pace though in the last 5km to avoid injury. I was bent on supporting Noelle on these training runs, but I was very cautious and listening to my body all throughout. Noelle - she was strong and showing good form.

I was still investing on sleep and recovery when 2 days after my first long run, I had to participate in the Animo Triathlon to support newbie friends. In the swim, bike and run, all my newbie friends overtook me. Haha. I swam at my half-ironman race pace, had my worst bike ride, and had to run-walk the last leg. I had a good 300-meter butt-kicking sprint to the finish though. Well, that was actually a celebration that my temporary insanity is momentarily over. My friends had fun; I had fun. I was slow but not injured.

I was good until I had to wake up for a 4am supposedly 35Km long run the following day with energetic Noelle. What am I doing? I asked myself. I should be resting and not training for a marathon. I only had one aim that morning: survive that last long run. The key to survival was form under fatigue . TUF. Technique under fatigue was my mantra, borrowed from Happy Hour Levy. Run from my core, fold the legs to lessen the torque. I was able to keep up with faster runners Noelle and Jun for about 21kms I think. At many points I knew I was slowing them down so I just let them go ahead. What I did were my form intervals. When I get too far back I would mentally focus on form and miraculously I would speed up without effort. Eventually I had to rest and Jun would run ahead. Along the way Noelle and I stumbled upon EO. In the last 12-15kms it was just Noelle and I. Noelle would support me by slowing down and waiting for me. I would like to believe I was supporting Noelle just by sticking it out there.

My three long runs helped me last the Milo marathon and not injure myself. But clearly, I lacked mileage and adequate recovery from the long runs for a decent marathon finish. At the starting line I entertained dreams of a sub-5hr finish, but I threw it away as early as km21, which I reached at about 2:35.  I realized it was hard to have a goal of "just finish". There has to be a time goal and a target marathon pace attached to it. I told myself the marathon was just a training run, where the process was more important than the time. That all I had to focus on was maintaining my running form all-throughout and perfecting my nutrition and hydration tecnhniques. That I shall run by feel, do programmed Galloway walk-breaks, listen to my body, and stop if necessary.

And that's what I did. I run well when I was running. I no longer had my Garmin, but I estimated I finally lowered my comfortably hard long run pace to 6:30. I Gallowayed at water stations. I listened to my body. Perhaps I took the run-by-feel and listen-to-my-body too seriously. I do not know if the mind-numbing loops, humidity, or lack of hunger for a specific time goal got into me, but I was walking more than I should. I was not cramping, I was not exactly tired, I was well-fed and hydrated. But I felt like walking more than running. I supposed what I lacked was motivation. I tried to recall how much I loved running over those Roxas flyovers, but going a zillion times over them was a chore. On the second half I tried to summon my half-iron dreams mantra, hoping I would at least maintain my first half pace. It never came the way I wanted it to be. It only told me that this drudgery must be endured if I wanted to get stronger.

At km32 with about 4.5hrs of aimless running, I wondered how Noelle and EO were doing. I scoured the runners corral about 3 times looking for Noelle at the start but I failed to find her and wish her luck. But I was confident she would do well. I saw no sign of EO too. I figure both have finished by then. My role as a marathon friend was done. I simply had to survive the drudgery of the last 10kms. I knew from my Singapore Marathon experience that the last 10K could stretch for hours. But I told myself that while I may be a little fatigued, I was far from cramping. I could still afford my leisurely walks and occasional runs at 6:30-7min/km and make it to cut-off time. I may have no definite time goal, but on my second milo marathon, I wanted to make it to the official list of finishers.

I was within my impromptu sub-6hr goal when I asked someone with Garmin how long do I have to endure. The person told me just about 4-5kms. With about 50 minutes to spare,  I decided to simply walk and not rush myself to the finish line.  I was surprised at that point why my Gallowaying friend Carina with whom I have been alternately leading and lagging behind suddenly decided to run. I kept walking bored thinking I probably had just about 3kms to endure, when I saw a km4.5 marker. WTF!!! I just have about 30minutes to make it within cut-off. I could probably run a sub-30 4.5kms, but I refused to risk injury and my mind shut down many kilometers ago. So I walked in defiance of the time. I stayed by the sidewalk and tried to amuse myself with the bay view. I was tempted to stop first for a cold drink from vendors seeing all water stations have ran out of supplies at critical time, but I figured friends might be waiting for me at the finish line. I think I saw about 5 people who were several hundred meters lagging behind me before suddenly appearing. I could still actually outrun them but I didn't bother. It was only in the last 200m that I found my motivation to run. I remembered my first marathon and how pacer Migs selflessly got out of the lane for me to have my moment in the sun. A marathon deserves a strong finish, so I got out of my lethargy and gave it a sprint. I finished my training run in 6:15.

Have I achieved my goals?

Yes I know my mind and body better now. I know more now that my body is capable of great feats if sufficiently motivated. By the power of wanting to support a friend I was actually able to will my body to do long runs.

Yes I touched base with the people and values that really matter to me.  I was extremely happy to see friends from takbo.ph once again -  on the road, on support stations and at the finish line. The only bright moments of my 42km of drudgery were greeting fellow runners and giving my widest smile and heartfelt thanks to supporter friends.

In last year's Milo, I gave myself in support of others and I was rewarded with the most memorable race experience thus far. It was so memorable an experience I wanted friends like Noelle to experience it. Noelle finishing and qualifying for the Milo finals is her achievement alone, but part of me feels glad I was part of her journey. EO told me after the race that he decided to stop the race  at km18 due to cramps. We shall have our moment of greatness, buddy. July 4, 2010 was for Noelle =)

Self-mastery. Good Old Values. Friendship. For these alone, the 6-hr, 42km ordeal was worth it.

As I sit down and type this, I try to assess my recovering body. I can swim now and just this morning I did an easy ride. I am optimistic that my feats of endurance and sacrifice will continue to reap dividends. Within the next few weeks I hope to get stronger. In Camsur 70.3, I hope God will look kindly at what I 've done and strive to do. On that day, may He smile back at me.

42.195 kms to find the answers

Should I run the Milo Marathon or not?

Start of the year I already have an answer. Yes, I should! By July I should have lost a lot of weight, my quadriceps and hamstrings would have been so taut from all the half-iron prep biking, and I should be in fighting form. The ambitious dream was I would not train specifically for a marathon but with my improved fitness from half-ironman training, I would do better than my milo debut (5h:16m).

It's June now and I am still around 180lbs. I have lost enough weight and lots of fat to clinch third place for BLC 2, but I am still far from my target weight of 165 lbs. I can feel my quads and hammies are a lot stronger with the regular long rides I've done, but all those rides robbed me of the time and energy to run long. At best, those stronger muscles developed by biking allowed to me run better at short intervals of 800m. Would these qualify as Yasso 800s and training for a marathon?

Triathlete friends tell me that running a marathon will take away weeks from my training. They are right. I simply cannot do a long run and a long ride within a space of 3 days. I need time to recover. From experience, I need at least two weeks of no running to recover from a marathon. Two precious weeks!

I also treat the marathon distance as sacred. In my book, one should not run it just for the heck of it. The marathon has a purpose, and its walls disappear only to those who respect it enough to prepare well for it.

But I am running the Milo marathon just the same. By doing so I hope to achieve the following:

1. To acquaint myself better with the workings of my body and mind as it exerts effort beyond 3 hours. I am treating the marathon as integral part of my half-ironman training. I do not care how long I finish, but I simply want to let my body know that 5hrs or so of exertion will not kill me. Instead, it will uplift me and make me stronger.

2. To remind myself of what is important. Discipline, selflessness, helping others, community spirit, friendship, mastery of oneself.  I hope to get back to those values that make me do and love all these sports activities in the first place.

3. To keep a promise to friends. I told friend Noelle months ago that a marathon is a great way to celebrate a birthday. I still believe that. I may not run the marathon as fast as my friend, but I will be there on the road to celebrate that milestone. Months ago I told Milo training buddy EO that I will do the Milo marathon and do my best to legitimize my Milo marathon completion. I cannot guarantee my finish time my friend, but I will be there on the road running and cheering you on, just like the way it should have been last year.

I have barely a month to extend my new found short run form to a long run of a marathon. I have about two weeks to re-acquaint myself with the mind- and body-numbing very long run I espouse for a marathon.

Am I a fool to go for the full? On the familiar roads of Milo I will soon know.

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!

First-timer Ponders on the Marathon

The road to marathon is paved with good intentions, but it can littered with bitter lessons. Here are the things I learned as a newbie traversing that road:

1. Lure of marathon. There is certainly romance (melodrama) in the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger being sent from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon, and dying on the spot after conveying the message. In fact, Robert Browning even made a poem entitled "Pheidippides," melding into popular culture the legend. In recent times one hears of stories of runners crawling or at the brink of collapse towards the finish line, of grown men and women crying at the end of 42.195kms, and marathoners testifying that the distance changed their life perspectives.

I must admit was lured by the romance as well. I knew that the marathon would have a profound effect on me. Months before my first marathon - in long runs and races - I would play in my mind how my marathon ought to be. I wanted my marathon dream to end with me sprinting towards the finish line and with a big smile on my face. I wanted to end my marathon like a Greek or Roman hero coming home from a battle, not a messenger on the verge of collapse. I suppose that is why the Quirino Grandstand was perfect marathon finish venue for me: in many ways it is like the Grecian amphitheater or Roman coliseum.

2. Romanticizing the distance. We runners tend to be lured by lore of marathon, so much that we forget that romance alone cannot bring us to the finish line. The dream must be backed by preparation. Not many people realize that. In fact, when newbie runners develop cramps or are forced to walk at later stage in the run, they view that as noble suffering or sacrifice, and not a result of inadequate training. And when they triumph over that suffering or sacrifice, they consider it a triumph of the human spirit, not the correction of the human folly that it really is - that of coming to battle ill-prepared.

I was such a runner myself. Twice, on the mistaken notion that mind always triumphs over matter, I signed up for 25K race only to develop cramps and be forced to walk. I did finish - beyond cut-off time. Yes it was a triumph of will - of stubborn will and nothing else. Certainly not a triumph I am proud of.

In my opinion, the true triumph of the human spirit is exhibited by dedicated athletes who live on the edge and push the limits of their physical capabilities. When they hurt or suffer, it is not for lack of dedication or discipline, it is for attempting to come closer to their true potential, to bring honor to family or country, and to promote the sport they love. When they do triumph, the rest of mankind rejoices in the victory, for they show everyone that individuals can be bigger than what they think they are.

3. Respecting the distance. It is said that while many are lured by the romance of the marathon, few actually respect the distance. Some sign up for the marathon with the mantra: "Bahala na si Batman". I could get away with running the 10K lacking sleep or recovering from a hangover. I managed to finish a 21k coming from an injury and with only two instances of 10k practice runs. I managed to finish within cut-off time a 25K race - without walking nor experiencing cramps, and with just a month to peak and taper. But I would not recommend that 25k training plan.

I have always imagined my short and long runs from the onset as all preparatory to my marathon, but my formal marathon training plan was just two months after doing a series of 21Ks. I somehow managed to pull through, but on hindsight, I should have had at least 3 months of training, preferably 6 months had I not been injured. I should have allocated more time for very long runs (30kms up), more intense speed intervals, and for recovery days these hard training activities entail.

4. The Wall. In it purest form, The Wall "is the appropriately-named term used to describe an event which happens to many marathon runners when they have crossed a point in the race where they have no more glycogen reserves and when hypoglycaemia ensues. At this point the body, having run out of fuel, starts using fat reserves as a fuel source, much to the detriment of a runner's performance." (Reference)

Fortunately for me, I did not hit the wall. I suppose because I love to eat, even during a run. In all of my long training runs I realized that so long as I take food & drink breaks, I felt I could run for hours. More often than not, I ended my long runs at 3-4hrs not because I could no longer run, but because I had to go elsewhere. I do have a life apart from running :-). I have learned that energy gels can upset my stomach on first use, that they could give me a sugar high that induces me to daydream and slowdown, that sweet choco bars drive me through highs and lows, and that complex carbohydrates (like the 2 packs of hopia cubes I consumed on my marathon) are the best source of even and continuous nourishment. I suppose like the ultramarathoners eventually getting weary of energy gels, I prefer real food.

In my opinion, another wall exists. This Brick Wall exists only for those who do not respect the distance, or those who came to the race proud or ill-prepared. The brick wall manifests itself usually in the form of leg cramps. These cramps can arise from the the belief that "I am a fast 10K/21k runner; surely I can nail down a marathon" or "The half-marathons I have done should suffice for my long run." I am reminded by a quote I see on Wilson's blog:

Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want something badly enough. They are there to keep out the other people. - Randy Pausch ( 1960-2008 )

5. The importance of the long run. I made it a point to run at least 32km during my training. Km32 or mile 20 is said to be that point where the body's glycogen stores are depleted rendering the marathoner susceptible to the Wall. I had no intention of meeting the Wall on race day so I ran pass it during training. I also did not want to meet the Brick Wall and the only way for me to avoid it was to subject my body to the slow agony and tedium of running 32km and beyond. My body must know how it felt to run that long - to feel the agony during training, recover and get stronger because of it, and cruise through the distance on race day. I managed to do one 32K and one 35K. I would have wanted to do more long runs - preferably reaching 37K or even 40K, but I lacked time to build up to these distances and recover from the stress they inflict on the muscles.

6. Marathon is in the pacing. One thing I like about the marathon distance is that it plays up to my strength. I am a slow runner but I know how to pace myself. Experience has taught me to be more aware of my capabilities and developed in me the discipline to stick to my pace plan. The marathon is tricky. Run faster than ideal in the early stage and you will most likely suffer from cramps or fade sharply towards the end. Run too slow and you will end up prolonging your suffering on the road. My trick was to find that aerobic pace that allows me to run fast enough, at an even pace, without the dreaded lactic acid build-up. In my case, that aerobic pace is roughly 7min/km - a little slower than my 10K personal best, a little faster than my 21k PB, the average pace for my fast/slow interval work-out, and the pace at which I did my long tempo runs.

I did toy with the idea of setting my target aerobic pace (marathon pace) a little faster at 6:30 or 6:45min/km. I could comfortably run 10k at those paces anyway. But I knew the kind of endurance I have is just slow endurance. I still do not have enough tempo runs to build up speed endurance. My instincts warned me that if I go any faster in the first half, I would surely suffer in the second half of the marathon. I was glad I followed my instincts and pace plan.

7. Pace decay. If a runner is not used to a particular long distance, he will inevitably slow down as he completes the distance. Sounds common sensical, right? I learned this first hand during my 32K and 35K LSDs. I would start deliberately slow at 8min/km, sustain this for 21-25km, then sharply dip in pace to an excruciatingly slow 9min/km. The dip was sharp and dramatic - about a full minute from my starting pace. And I was not even running fast! I call this phenomenon pace decay. Decay ensues simply because the body is not used to running that long. I suppose pace decay was the body's deliberate and conservative way of coping with this venture into distances unknown. It could also be that the body's present ability to absorb wear and tear extends only to that point where pace decay begins. The phenomenon of pace decay only highlights the need to do more long runs.

To postpone the onset of pace decay, I decided to take planned short walk-breaks every aid station throughout the marathon. Following Galloway's philosophy, I would use the short (100m) walks as recovery periods. I was able to sustain pace past km21 and decelerate the pace decline.

On actual race day I experienced the full-minute decay in pace beginning around 25k. What was interesting was that the decay was from 7min/km to 8min/km. The conclusion I drew from this was that full recovery from a prior exposure to an unfamiliar distance - even if ran at slow pace - gave the body enough confidence to tackle the same distance at faster pace.

8. Physical and mental taper. With my limited training time, I only managed to have a one-week taper. It was a short, drastic taper - something I do not recommend. On hindsight I think two-weeks would have been better. My short taper period had me anxious whether I have rested and recovered enough. I tried to make up with the shortness of the taper by the drastic cut in mileage - with me barely running in the last week and focusing instead on stretching, self-massage and adequate sleep.

Mental tapering is normally not given as much attention as the physical taper. For me, the mental taper is more important. One must come to the race with excitement and anticipation, free from doubt and anxiety. In my case I was lucky to have stumbled into an elaborate marathon psychological plan. I knew the odds against me was high, so I conscripted the universe to work with me. I tried hard to be good for my maiden marathon. I organized long runs, paced a friend, volunteered in aid station and coordinated a marathon support group. I helped generate a pandemic of marathon goodwill. That same goodwill would help me run my marathon.

The night before the race I learned to let go of all my worries. On race day I had my plan, my God and my friends by my side.

Running on Faith (Final Half)

Bayani Road was named for a reason. On this long, sloping stretch Rico would see a line of runners struggling to be heroes of their personal running sagas. On his way down the road of heroism Rico would see his training buddy Bong Yu already on his way back. Buddy was doing great, smiling and cheering his friend to "Push, Push." Rico smiled. If there was another runner whom he wanted to do well on this marathon apart from himself, it was his buddy Bong. They probably met in the Condura run when both ran their first half-marathon, but Rico remembered Bong when the latter gave his Gatorade bottle just when Rico was about to black-out from dehydration after their Botak half-marathon. Funny how friendship can be sealed with a bottle of Gatorade. From then on, Rico would often jokingly tell Bong, "I still owe you a bottle of Gatorade."

On Bayani Road Rico would catch up with takbo.ph friend Steven. Rico asked the latter, "Are you ok? Would you like some Gatorade?" Steven took a sip, and Rico and pacer Migz went ahead. It was at this heroic road when Rico felt just how lucky a virgin marathoner he was. On this road where people were valiantly suffering for their sport, friend Migz was beside him - even holding a Gatorade bottle for him and a requested pack of hopia cubes. Initially Rico was hesitant to accept the offer of help of holding his stuff, but his personal experience of paying it forward taught him that acceptance of help brings joy to the giver. Those are the rules of paying it forward - to accept and enjoy the experience so one is inclined to give to the next. And this run was not Rico's run alone anyway. He was running for himself, his pacer and his friends. He was not competing for any time nor prize. The prize sought was the shared collective experience.

On the uphill climb back to Lawton Avenue Rico heard his phone ringing. Who the hell would be calling him at such an hour (probably 7:30am)? The man was in the thick of his marathon! It was Luis trying to cheer his friend and checking on him. Rico paced Luis just last week on the last 5kms of the latter's first (50K) ultramarathon. With labored breathing because of the incline, Rico happily reported that at about km26/27 he was still on track on meeting the 5 hr cut-off. Luis would call again at Rico's last 5 kms. Pacing by phone - that was the new way of returning the favor :-)

The climb back from Bayani Road did sap some of Rico's energy, just like with all the runners. Rico would still follow his strategy of taking short recovery walks along very steep inclines and aid stations. He would somehow still catch up wtih a few runners, but clearly runners were already feeling the heat and fatigue. Here he would catch up with Rod with whom he would alternately pull one another till the end of Buendia Avenue. What sustained Rico's spirit though was the anticipation of meeting his takbo.ph friends at km 32 prior to attacking the flyover.

Finally he saw them - the takbo.ph support volunteers. He remembered getting a Gatorade bottle from Pepsi/Girly, who was pretty sight in red garb just like many of the volunteers. The cheers and mere presence of the takbo.ph group invigorated him. He felt strong and inspired that he had to proceed and run before the energy dissipated.

Atop the flover Rico and Migz were conversing. 

Migz: The view from here is spectacular.

Rico: Yeah, it is. Amazing!

Migz: How are you feeling?

Rico: Except for a very slight pain in my right mid-foot, I am doing ok.

Migz: How would you like to run the last 10 or so kilometers?

Rico pondered for moments. At this point he knew he could finish the marathon. At this crossroad he was wondering how he wanted to finish it. He looked at the time, distance and pace on his Garmin. If he ran the last 10K the way he runs the usual 10K race, he might still make it to the 5 hr cut-off time. But he knew he was not running a 10K fresh. He knew that he will inevitably slow down towards the end. He was actually surprised that his legs were still holding up at this point. The last 10K of his last 35K LSD just 1.5 weeks ago was sheer will at its best. It was achingly slow (sub 8-9min/km), with his shins shouting bursts of protest in the eerie silence of the deserted Boni High Street. That agonizing finish was not the way he want to finish his debut marathon. He deserved something better, and so did his supporters.

Rico wanted this run for himself. To prove to himself that he could push his limits if really wanted. And push he did. During training, he ran longer and faster subject only to his body's ability to recover. That he was still running at that point in the marathon was all the proof he needed. Rico also wanted this run for others. To run well for those who think they can't and to run well for all those volunteers and donors. To go for broke by sprinting the rest of the kilometers is to gamble the gains of the first 32kms. Rico wanted to remember this run with him finishing strong and with a big smile on his face.

Rico: Migz, I hope to do a steady, relaxed run till the finish. Just run with me please.

Migz: This is your race man. You can finish it the way you want it.

For most of Buendia Avenue, Rico and friend Migz run steadily. Rod with pacer Pat on bike would join them every now and then. Without saying much, Rod was pulling forward Rico who was trying to do the same to Rod. Pat and Migz were big help in stopping traffic for Rod and Rico. Rico remembered his recent Baguio half-marathon race, where he realized that the bike patrol could be a runner's best friend on the road.

Towards the end of Buendia Rico saw figures in red. He ran towards the vision like a moth to a lamp. Before he reached the figures he was welcomed by a cloud of mist, thanks to enthusiastic volunteer Brian and non-runner friend Francis. Former golf buddy and still current gulp buddy Francis was supposed to be Rico's lone private support for his maiden marathon. Little did Rico foresee that a support group would grow like this and that his buddy Francis would have the time of his life spraying mist, cheering and watching the human drama of runners unfold. Rico felt good to see not only his best bud but also the takbo.ph people cheering wildly for runners like they were rockstars. The cold towel given by Marga was a balm for Rico's overheated head and face. These people showed why they are the best support group in the city. Take a bow friends.

The last 4kms along Roxas Boulevard was the hardest part. The sun was shining brightly at that time and the breeze from the bay was salty and hot. If pacer Migz was already feeling the heat, what more Rico who had been running close to 5 hrs now? But Rico kept on running, pausing only at water stations as planned. He kept searching for the landmark that was Manila Hotel. Finally he was at kilometer zero. Never was the last few hundred meters of a race felt so long and slow. Not that he was melting like candle. It was just that he wanted the race to end so he could celebrate his achievement sooner.

Finally he veered away from Roxas Boulevard and entered the park compound. Migz was telling Rico that he would run ahead and wait from that last corner before the finish line. For a moment, Rico was confused. Why leave, Migz? You are my pacer. Share with me this triumphant moment. But Rico finally understood his friend. Migz wanted Rico to have his solitary shot at glory. But before Migz vanished at the corner Rico called him once more. He shouted his name and gave him a salute.

After his salute Rico made his last turn and saw the finish line. Looming large ahead just about 100m were the finish line and the race clock. No, not yet, Rico's mind screamed. He did not want the race to end just yet. Normally Rico would sprint the last few hundred meters of every single race. Finish strong he would often say. This time around Rico took his sweet time to the finish. In those last few meters and minutes he asked himself. Have I done what I came here to do? 

Has he run with the best? Yes, not only has he run with the city's best runners, he also ran with the best of friends and supporters.

Was he able to meet the Competitor and the Athlete within him? Yes he discovered what true competition is and appreciated his maturity and discipline as an athlete?

Has he reached the stage of a Runner? Not only has he become a Runner in a fuller sense, he has become a better person in the process.

Satisfied with the answers, Rico sprinted the last few meters with heart leaping with joy.

In cloud 9 for finishing his first marathon in 5hrs 16mins
Photo by Marvin Opulencia

Veteran marathoner Vener told Rico that the latter would cry as he crossed the finish line. But Happy Rico was wiping perspiration, not tears, from his eyes as he stood for a photo at the finish line. Rico was misty-eyed only when he was about to finish this blog entry. Vener told Rico that when the latter crosses the finish line, his life would change forever. The change actually happened earlier for Rico. It happened that moment he threw away his reticence to push and made his marathon a race not only for athletic achivement, but also for personal growth.

To everyone who was part of my journey, my eternal gratitude is yours.

I share my finisher's medal with you all.

To God be the Glory.

Running on Faith (First Half)

Rico was surprisingly calm on race morning. This demeanor was a far cry from previous days’ worries about having adequate taper, and his anxiety in seeing that the support group details are adequately addressed. The secret lied in one bible verse shared by a newbie in the takbo.ph forum. It turns out this is the favorite verse of marathoner Ryan Hall:

Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength
The will soar on wings like eagles
They will run and not grow weary
They will walk and not be faint.

Just the Friday before Rico was on a delicate balance. He was overwhelmed both by the outpouring of support by volunteers and donors, and by the task of collecting and distributing all donations for the support group. There was also the Carbo-loading Party to worry about. Personally he would be content to just have a support group on race day, but for many runners doing their first half-marathon or full marathon, a CLP would make the experience more memorable. By grace of God it did turn out to be special, not to mention hilarious. The presence of many runners and supporters, the impromptu picture-taking by groups of runners/supporters, those hand signals for support over which the people all had laughs, and the simple prayer towards the end made it a CLP to remember. Not bad at all for something finalized just days before.

Impromptu CLP at The Old Spaghetti House (photo by Marvin Opulencia)

That CLP reminded Rico that sometimes you just have to let go. That you need not fuss over every little detail. That at times, the impromptu works better than the planned. That a little spontaneity could make the difference. That when you have done your best to train and work out a support plan, all one needs to have is faith in the plan.

It was faith that Rico brought to the starting line. Faith that he had done his part and whatever he might be lacking would be filled in by his friends and his God. Rico knew his capabilities. He knew that while he could muster the courage to push his training further, he might not have enough time to recover. He knew he invested enough time running: that the more than 5hrs he spent pounding the road to do a 32K or a 35K run till the lonely hours of midnight at the Fort, and the grueling tempo runs he did in Ortigas and Alabang with friends would be enough to bring him close to his goal of finishing near the cut-off time of 5 hrs.

Faith would bridge the gap he comforted himself. On race day he knew he would not be running alone. He knew that the pressure of completing the marathon on such a daunting cut-off time could blow the lid off a virgin marathoner like himself. He knew that to rely on his abilities alone could make him boastful if he succeeded, and insecure if he failed. He remembered his oblation run (offering run) last December during the UP Ictus Run. He remembered he could have pushed himself to break his mythical sub-60 barrier for a 10K, but he choked. In the middle of the run he realized he was running not for UP as he proclaimed, but for himself so he could banner a sub-60 PR. At that time he could not remember why he was crying as we wrote his race account. Now he knew: he cried because the oblation run he offered was clothed with pretense. He could have offered something better.

For his marathon Rico promised to offer something better. Whereas before his plan was to finish a marathon, work on his 10K PR and then try to give something back to the running community, he decided to pay if forward by helping a friend with his ultramarathon and joining the takbo.ph-Reinier Pacific aid station for the Botak Ultra. It was part of the marathon purification process he reasoned out. Whereas before he privately planned his personal support for his first marathon, he eventually joined the suggestion for an unofficial Milo support group. Support coordination was hard and frustrating at times, but the hard work and faith that an all-volunteer support group could work paid off in the end. It was hard to get volunteers and donations initially, but eventually the Filipino’s innate bayanihan (community heroism) prevailed. Volunteers and donors came in droves. It was overwhelming. It was heart-warming. In those few weeks, days prior to the race, new friends were made and old ones were strengthened.

It was this warm-fuzzy feeling that Rico hoped to muster during race day. Rico knew that if he ran only for himself, he might not be inclined to work harder. To slack off when many had take pains to support you and others is to be shameless and thick-skinned. He particularly wanted to run well for the likes of Mike, Neil and RJ, average Juans like himself – all taking major roles in the support group planning and execution. Rico thought that if he could do this, these friends would soon muster the courage to do the same. Rico sensed that something big was happening and that he wanted to be part of it. Here was a chance to inspire and be inspired. He wanted to be part of this divine script called Milo Marathon. To play a major part. The only thing holding him back was this Greek sense of hubris – an overweening pride often resulting in fatal retribution. He prayed that he be used in this morality play but let no sense of personal importance go into his head. Many a Greek hero suffered because of hubris. Rico did not want the same fate.

For his maiden marathon, Rico enlisted the help of others. It was humbling for him to ask for help but he did. The pursuit of one is the pursuit of all, he said. Rico would run this marathon for himself, for his friends, and for his God. And when he would run, he would run with all of them in spirit. There was no way he could do this alone. The odds were too great against his favor. But with Him miracles happen. When he does well, it will be the victory of everyone and not of him alone. If he fails, it is hopefully not because of hubris, but because it was part of the divine script.

He started the race with new friend Aries beside him. A fellow marathon virgin, Aries was one of the many kind souls who donated drinks for runners. A cold, slow starter, Rico was not used to have someone running beside him in the early part of a race. Almost all of his friends would zoom away from the start. Rico’s “defense mechanism” during this phase is to go into a dream zone until he eventually warms up. But Aries kept him from sliding into dream zone, and actually made him ran at the planned pace of a little below 7/km. Thanks, man. The two men paced each other for 7-8kms until the first turnaround near the NAIA road.

Sufficiently warmed up, Rico was rearing to pick up pace after the turnaround. He slowly overtook a few runners. Here was the part where he exhibited his maturity and discipline as an “athlete”. The marathon is all about pacing, the athlete in him said. You can go to as fast as 6:30min/km, but save most of your energy for the harder second half of the race. Run light, with even breathing and power emanating from the quadriceps. Follow your strategy of taking short walks every aid station. Lactic acid must not build up. You would thank yourself for diligently following your plan later on.

Rico was very excited as he exited Roxas Boulevard and entered Buendia. He ran faster in anticipation of friends waiting at the support station at km12. At last he would savor the support of the group of which he was also a part. He was so inspired and running strongly that he totally forgot the aid signals he suggested the previous night and almost forgot to get a Gatorade. Snapping out from his dreamy state, he called for Gatorade from alert Rachel and shouted back that there were just 2-3 takbo.ph runners behind him.

The run along Buendia avenue was a steady one. Rico would find himself pacing just behind a presumed triathlete (he was wearing a club tri-suit) and a couple of meters more from an ultramarathoner. He was steadily running at or better than 7min/km. By this time he had developed the planned habit of taking a short walk while drinking from aid stations. He would be nibbling on the hopia cubes along the way and would finish the cube before a water station. He would walk and eat as he brisk walked the Kalayaan Flyover climb.

At the downhill part of the Flyover Rico would meet one of his takbo.ph friends. Rico was both happy to catch up with him and worried at the same time. This friend is known for his fast starts. He was having stomach trouble, so Rico told him about the official portalets and public rest rooms along the way. The competitor in Rico wanted to zoom past this friend; the runner in him prevailed and he ran beside long enough to have a photo taken with him and for the friend to go to a nearby rest room.

Sam and Rico at the foot of the Kalayaan Flyover (courtesy of photorunner Josiah)

At the foot of the Flyover was Rico’s other group of supporter friends. He was glad to see pacer Migz who would soon join him at km21, as well as the volunteers of that station led by Mike. He felt stronger once more seeing his friends. He proceeded to the Fort to conquer the rest of the kilometers.

It was starting to get warm when Rico reached the Fort Strip. On minor ascents he would take short walks to conserve energy and recover. It was on the relatively flat Lawton Avenue that Rico began to pick up pace again. Here he would see more of the elite runners coming back and live his dream of running with the best. Inspired he ran a bit faster. It was also at this point where it began to rain. This was the exact point where hard rain came down upon them running friends one soakin' wet LSD. Rico remembered how fun that was and smiled. He took the rain as God’s blessing. He gave it at the precise moment his body was heating up.

At km21 near McKinley Hills he met Migz, volunteer pacer, and Josiah, who wanted to run along. Rico smiled: he just finished 21kms at 2:30 hrs – his best time ever for that distance. He was running well, with no pains, and surrounded by running buddies. What more could a marathoner ask?

Josiah and Migz waiting for Rico at km 21 (photo by Mike Antigua)

It was at the midpoint of the marathon that Rico would thank his diligent self for following the pace plan. From km 21-28 he would catch up with and pass by friends. He caught up with Ziggy who had been suffering from runner’s knee injury. Josiah offered to accompany Ziggy. Rico told Ziggy before he moved on: Remember Isaiah 40:31: (“those who hoped in the Lord will renew their strength…”). As he ran past some runners Rico wondered: Is this what competition is? To overtake fellow runners and friends? Rico refused to accept this. Competition is to run with the best, and to inspire and be inspired in the process. So every runner-friend he passed he greeted with a smile from within – a smile hoping to say that they could pull one another to the finish. That the runner moving ahead does so not to leave the others behind, but to show the way and inspire others to follow.

Paying It Forward

Migz on his way to the Takbo.ph/Reinier Pacific support station
(photo by Marving Opulencia)

Migz started it all. This guy approached friend Rico after the last Running Aid session in R.O.X., gave a disc bearing a requested copy of the movie "The Spirit of the Marathon" and blurted the line, "I read you are doing your first marathon this Milo edition; I can pace you for the second half." Rico's mind was screaming "What? Are you serious?" but he was shocked and silent for a few seconds that seemed like an eternity. Once back into his senses, Rico grabbed the offer lest Migz change his mind.

Rico met Migz and many other newbie runners that fateful day of Mar 8 when a small motley crew of Takbo.ph old timers (Jinoe, Quennie, Lyndon, Natz, Cathy, MJ and Rico) decided to organize an LSD (long, slow distance) run for runners wanting so badly to join the Condura Run, but were afraid of the distance. During the LSD break, Migz mentioned to Rico that he reads the latter's blog. Rico was pleasantly surprised - someone does appreciate his ramblings. Wow. Even more 'wow' was how newbie Migz ran the Condura Half Marathon in 2:22 thereabouts. Migz is known in takbo.ph circles not only as shutter_speed (he is a professional photographer), but also as the 5K newbie turned 21K finisher.

Rico actually had another friend who volunteered to pace him and/or common friend Ziggy in the last 10kms of the marathon. This is BongZ, whom Rico first met also in the March 8 takbo.ph LSD and with whom he would do several aquathlons. BongZ will do the pacing after his running his half-marathon. Timmy will follow BongZ's example if he still can. EO will come out from his tendinitis sabbatical to pace Bong Yu also on the last 10kms of the marathon. Gene and some other runners I heard also volunteered to pace. Unbelievable. Strangers a few months back, now good friends. Running has made them a band of brothers.

-o-

Wanting to run faster so he can meet the Milo marathon cut-off of 5hrs, Rico tried to latch onto the go-go-go spirit of the Gingerbreadman Luis. Rico noticed that this new runner Luis - who is far from the aerodynamic runner - seems to get faster and stronger after each race. The guy is on some form of drugs he calls "breaking stereotypes" and "pushing one's limits". Rico cannot understand his friend at times but Rico knows Luis can help him get the speed he seeks. Along with other friends (e.g. fellow marathon virgin Bong Yu), they came up with 'long tempo runs'. Tempo runs are normally short periods of speed, but for Rico, 20-25kms of race pace running is long tempo run. Maybe for monster Luis it is merely long slow distance.

In one of those long tempo runs, Luis casually mentioned his apprehension about his ultramarathon debut (Botak 50K) and his possible support crew, or lack thereof. It so happened that the Botak Ultra fell on the same day as the Powerade Duathlon 2nd Leg. A duathlon is one of Rico's goals for the year and he already missed the first one. The third and last leg for the year will coincide with the New Balance Power Race, a race he likes for sentimental reasons. Two of Rico's triathlon newbie batchmates will also join the Powerade duathlon for the first time.

Rico was in a quandary: Could he support all friends and do what he wanted at the same time? He even thought of supporting Luis from a vehicle during his pre-dawn ultra in UP and going straight to Mall of Asia to do the duathlon with other friends? A killer actually but it could be done. Or so he thought. Eventually he realized something's got to give. "Practice what you preach", he told himself. He gave up the duathlon and would skip the NB Power Race. He knew his tri-batchmates would still have each other for company and that they would survive the short but tough race. Daredevil Luis who had never run beyond 35 kms and who sometimes veered towards the center of the road needed more help. It was payback time. Time to pay back pacer Luis who ran despite fevers and lack of sleep so he could pace Rico and Bong Yu. Bong Yu himself, Rico would later learn, would pace ultramarathoner Pat for the last kilometers of his 100km. It appears this pay forward phenomenon is really contagious.

Rico found out that paying it forward has a price. When you decide to support someone, you support all the way even if you think you should stop, or you do not feel like doing it anymore. Twenty-four hours before race time, Luis announced in the takbo.ph forum and later in his blog that although he was registered for the 50K, he would try to go for 100K. "What got into you?" was Rico's first reaction to his friend. Rico himself also admires Botak founder Cesar Guarin and firmly believes in the power of the human spirit, but for him, to run beyond what you train for is suicide. But Luis had his reasons, and determined men respect one another. What do you do when you think a friend is contemplating a risky gamble? You stick with him and pray that he passes through that phase unscathed.

So Rico went to the grocery to stock up on food and drinks should Luis decide to push through with what could possibly be an 18-hr ordeal. Yes, paying it forward has a price. Here he was in the grocery temporarily setting aside worries about next week's budget, and doing cost-benefit analysis for every item he decided to put in the cart. His subsconscious was grumbling, "Why go through all the trouble, will you be assured of the same support when your time comes?" To give and not to count the cost. Timmy put if perfectly.

So Rico paid for the stuff, loaded the drinks in the freezer, and set the alarm clock at 3am, hours earlier than he committed. It turned out Rico could not trail behind Luis on the way back from SM Fairview because of the counterflow. He had to wait for Luis at UP and start supporting there. To kill time, he ran along with the G.I.G. runners.

Paying it forward also has its prize. At mid-morning while waiting for Luis in UP so he could finally trail behind the runner, Rico got a message from his kennel hand. A dog he wanted to re-home in line with upgrade of his breeding stock got sold. He now had cash to buy a running vest from Ronald and a second pair of Asics Gel 1130 from Second Wind. From experience Rico would always get blessings when he makes sacrifices. The pattern held true once again. The old shoe model and size he has been seeking for weeks already is now reserved at Second Wind. Hopefully this shoe along with the running vest will power him on his marathon this Sunday.

But the bigger prize really is to be part of someone else's significant life experience. Last five kilometers and a friend joins the brotherhood of ultramarathoners. Rico thought he is good enough with words, but words do not capture the experience of supporting someone on the last few, painful kilometers of a journey pursued with so much passion and longing. One simply has to be there to understand. The beauty and irony of it was: that was all Rico did. To be there.

Last 200 meters and Luis becomes an ultramarathoner
Rico pacing behind
(photo courtesy of Marvin Opulencia)

-o-

Rico was killing time in the hot tent along with other volunteers from the takbo.ph at km80 of the Botak ultramarathon. To pass time some volunteers finally decided to play Cranium. In the middle of the game, someone shouted: there are runners on the other side of the riverbank. From where he sat playing Cranium, Rico spotted a familiar silhouette. Those tights and shorts ought to be Ronald the Original Hoff. Rico and the rest of his takbo.ph friends waved and shouted cheers from the other side of the river. An hour more and Ronald and his companion runner would be passing the takbo.ph/Reinier Pacific aid station. Minutes later the group saw Pat with pacer Dennis. Jinoe, Bongz, Bongyu, Migz, Edu and Doc Eric grabbed bottles of water, food and cold towels and crossed the bridge to deliver aid to the runners. It was not part of any script. The people simply followed their heart and did what they could.

Doc Eric, Migz and Bongz: delivering aid where it was needed
(photo by Marvin Opulencia)

At the station the volunteers would offer towels, bananas, egg, bars, Gatorade and drinks. Runner Isko asked for some liniment and it was promptly handed over. On the verge of cramping, Isko asked if someone could please apply the liniment on his ankles and shins for he could no longer bend. There were seconds of hesitation, until volunteer Marga knelt down and applied Bengay on the aching runner. After the initial discomfort people eventually made fun of the act and hammed away for the cameras. But at some level it was really surreal. Marga would repeat the act for the other runners. She would assist the cramping runners in removing their shoes and socks, and without inhibition, apply liniment on their feet. It was like Mary Magdalene washing the feet and applying oil on the feet of Jesus. Marga just happened to be way more boisterous than Magdalene.

Marga applying liniment on Isko's ankle
(photo by Marvin Opulencia)

What was with these volunteers? Some initially planned to just pass by but ended up hanging on for hours. Yes, there were lots of laughter but there were also hours of passing time. But hang on they did. Something was happening. The volunteers understood it at some primal level although they may not know it consciously. Words do not do justice to the experience of supporting ultramarathoners on the last kilometers of a journey that brings them so much pain and ecstasy. One simply has to be there to understand. To be there - sometimes that is all that matters.

I Have A Dream

In my dream I was running a marathon – all 42.195 meters of it. I was at the 21km turnaround, momentarily pausing for a banana and gulps of sports drink. Minutes later I was running ecstatic and focused. My mind dwells on nothing but the exhilaration of running and keeping within my goal pace. At km 32 where the old notion of The Wall was supposed to be, I stopped again to take another packet of energy gel provided for by the race organizer. I downed the gel with liberal sips of sports drink. I then resumed my run. Ten kilometers more and my dream to be a marathoner will come true.

I woke up 2kms before the dream finish line. In the real world I was just off the phone with the Milo race organizer. About a week ago I was told the community of runners in takbo.ph will be allowed to have a few support vehicles alongside the official water stations. I was happy with the reasonable compromise between a group of ordinary runners wanting to have peace of mind in the form of support vehicles and the race organizer espousing fairness among runners and race orderliness. A few hours ago I was told that the private support vehicles would no longer be allowed. They would no longer be necessary; the race organization would provide for all the runners needs. That was the premise and promise.

The race organizer said the 33rd Milo Marathon is envisioned by the sponsoring company and the race organization to be a model for all marathons in the country. With its long history and tradition, indeed the Milo Marathon is the premiere marathon event in the country. The founder of the Milo marathon will be an observer of how his idea has grown into what it is now. The Milo executives will run the 21K course. Like the Boston Marathon after which it was patterned, the Milo Marathon continues to attract the cream of the country’s runners. Has it also approached the Boston Marathon in terms of runners’ support provision? I can only hope so for I will soon be part of this race too. One welcome development is the planned provision of bananas at mid-point for all 21k and 42K runners.

I do not know what to make of these pieces of information. Fiercely independent, I have usually believed in providing for my own needs in pursuit of my personal dreams. What I cannot provide myself, I am willing to pay for. When I pay a marathon fee, I pay on the assumption that the fee covers not only the race certificate and singlet, but also intangibles like road security and basic needs like water and nutrition for very long distances. When I read accounts of marathon done abroad, I only sigh with longing at the energy gels, drinks and liniments given as part of the marathon package.

I find it ironic - perhaps actually auspicious - that the independent me ends up part of race support groups. First in the Condura Run; now in the Milo Marathon. I realize people do need support. Despite our varying levels of independence, we are social beings thriving on social interaction. Running is both a pursuit of one and a pursuit of all. In Condura I have personally witnessed the power of positive thought and collective support in allowing new runners to achieve what they otherwise thought was impossible. Morale support from family, friends and the crowd continue to permeate even the most historic and hallowed of all marathons.

But is private provision of hydration and nutrition the solution? The takbo.ph experience during the Condura Run has shown that the private provision of public race support can have real challenges. The main challenge is appropriate access. Despite provisioning for all 21k runners, the support vehicles run out of supplies for a few of the slower runners because the general public (i.e. non-runners) could not be effectively and peacefully denied access to private hydration stations. Other small private support groups were able to solve this access and availability problem by knowing personally whom they were supporting and discreetly limiting access to these known members. For a larger group, it can be a logistics nightmare.

In my heart I dream that private race support groups will be a thing of the past. That all that will remain are pockets of cheering families and friends. That in its place will rise a marathon-loving and supportive public crowd. I dream that runners need not fret about adequate hydration and nutrition along the way for these have already been considered by the race organization. In my case, it is tremendous pressure enough to finish my first marathon within 5hrs. I personally hope that I would not have to worry about having water towards the finish line. I am hoping Milo the energy drink will power me all the way to the finish. I have seen how race organization in the Philippines has progressed through the years. For my maiden marathon, I hope we are getting real close to the level of support runners have come to expect. After all the preparation and training, all I can really do is hope and pray. This is what we Filipinos are really good at: preparing for the worst, but always hoping for the best.

I am trusting my childhold drink of choice will not fail me. As the singlet I will be wearing says, “Kaya natin ‘yan”

Only then will the dream become a reality.

Great Things Start From Small Beginnings...

In my case, it began with a 5K.
In Baguio. September of 2003
Milo Marathon Provincial Elimination

A female friend and rowing mate wanted to qualify for Milo marathon (half-marathon?) finals and the remaining chance she had was to do it in Baguio. She was pestering a few of her dragonboat teammates to accompany her in Baguio. I was one of the unfortunate few. When my dragonboat carpool mate said she had 2 free room accommodation in Camp John Hay, I immediately said yes for I haven't stayed there yet. In the end five of us went to John Hay - our race 'promoter' friend A, two party loving girls W and her friend (both intent on enjoying Baguio), and two guys fooled into joining the Milo 5K - myself and teammate C.

I was not sure about my buddy C, but my 5k race was just incidental to our Baguio trip. For me it was just one item in our itinerary - like visiting the butterfly garden or eating by the Cafe By The Ruins. Night before the race, I think our serious running friend A was sleeping early, while two party loving girls and their willing escorts (C and I) were surveying the Baguio night scene in some club imbibing music and sipping beer.

My first ever road race was a disaster. Designated driver, I woke up late and arrived late. Sorry A, because of us, you probably lost an opportunity to qualify. Without warm-up and scurrying to catch up, I ended up spraining my ankle in the first 500m (uphill climb out of Burnham park) and had to limp my way - through killer hills of Baguio - for almost an hour (59 minutes to be exact - how's that for a 5K PR?).

But what that 5K did was to plant a potent seed in me. Sheer will was probably discovered there as I forced myself to finish despite the sprain. Disappointed with my time and irate that I had to argue my way to get my finisher shirt (because the shame-faced and ignorant I did not pass through the finish line chute), I vowed to race again. On hindsight Mr. Rudy Biscocho, thank you for being a stickler for rules and refusing to give me the shirt. It made me badly wanting to redeem myself. Mr. Pat Goc-Ong of Milo, thank you too for relenting to my persistent "But I finished the race so I deserved the shirt" line and giving me a finisher shirt and a certificate.

In a few hours I will be going up to Baguio once again for a race. It is a Botak 21K race actually, but when I run the hills of Baguio once more, I will have my Milo 5K in mind. I am not aiming for a faster half-marathon time, I simply want to redeem myself in Baguio. This time, I hope to run. This half-marathon - my fourth in a span of 3 months - is also preparatory for a bigger and loftier aim. In July 2003, I hope to cap my six-year on-off-on-off love affair with running with a full marathon. It took a long while, I know, but I am ready this time. I consider my Baguio trip as my pamamanhikan.

A Celebration of Life (Milo Race Account)

I have sentimental attachment to Milo races. My first ever road race was a Milo 5K. However, I have mixed feelings about joining the Milo 10K on Sunday. For one, it is inconvenient for me to troop to Greenhills to register. Second, none of my regular running buddies are interested in joining. One group was even trying to entice me to join them in Clark up to the night before the race. I gave my caller friend the tentative answer that I would join the Milo 10K. Perhaps an online acquaintance was right, here was a chance to unofficially improve my 10K PR - if I manage to wake up for this.

In any case, the night before the race I scouted Boni High Street for something green I can wear to blend in with the Milo crowd (Forgive me, Milo and Mr. Biscocho, but I would be running as bandit this time. I promise to bring my own water and purchase a big can of Milo after the race). As I strolled on the grass I realized that the heel pain I have been puzzling over is plantar fasciitis, caused either by my excess weight, bad foot strike or anatomical imperfection. For a moment I was disheartened: there goes my quest for better PR and breaking the 60-minute barrier. Good thing the optimist in me prevailed and I end up going home with a green singlet and a resolve to rise above my imperfect feet.

Suddenly, I was excited about the race. Racing for a better PR was replaced by a more noble calling. It would be a celebratory run for me - a thanksgiving for being shown answers to issues bugging me, and for being granted a chance to transcend my physical liabilities.

Witnessing a Marathon. I set the alarm at 4am, got off the bed at 4:20, and was driving off by 5am. I had to hurry - crowds would be massive and parking would be a nightmare. I was a little annoyed that I was stopped before Gil Puyat. It was 5:20am already. Don't the cops know I have a race to run? Well, the cops were fully aware, but your race aspiration was small fry compared to those marathoners passing by. Hey, wasn't that Buenavista I saw across my windshield? Oh my God I was actually witnessing the Marathon finals!

Bloggers galore. Finally the cops allowed me to enter Gil Puyat and see the rest of the marathoners. I was trying to look for Vener (run unlimited) whom I know was running his 3rd marathon, but it was still dark and Vener has the built of most elite runners out there. He can be anyone among them. Then I saw a tall white man. Go Philip!!!! I shouted from my rolled down window. I hope you heard me - it is not often that I shout out to people. I remember reading your intention to run the marathon just last night. Mate, you were doing well at that Gil Puyat stretch before SLEX - halimaw you was probably just 5-7 minutes behind Buenavista if my eyes and calculation did not fail me. Then I saw other familiar faces; I thought they belong to the Hardcore group of Bald Runner. True enough, BR was there looking strong. There was also this guy I saw last week after the Animo run still doing rounds in MOA hours after the running the 10K. I thought he was crazy running in that hot sun, until I realized I was also biking in the same hot sun after my own 10K. So that's the level of training/craziness required for a marathon. Well, I am crazy myself.

20,000 runners. I heard the announcer say this as I looked for a place to park. Luneta park, Roxas Boulevard and Quirino grandstand were pulsating with life. You can taste the energy in the air. The atmosphere was so festive you couldn't help but be excited yourself. Here's a shot from my camera phone, the sole shot I managed to take (Note to self: If you are going to run with a phone, make sure it's fully charged.)

This was just half of the 10K crowd; the 3K/5K crowd was more!

Into this crowd I slipped myself. There was no space to warm up nor stretch but I never complained. I was so high just like the rest. Alfredo Lim gave the race signal and the 10K crowd marched on excitedly. People all around me were joking and hamming for the TV camera. Baduy as it may sound, I also did. It was a celebratory run, and celebrate I did.

Baywatching. The crowd eventually settled and I found myself daydreaming again for the first 2 kilometers. I was craning my neck towards the bay, where for three years I would spend my weekends (and sometimes weekdays!) with teammates preparing for dragonboat regattas. Sadly I didn't see any boat. Maybe it was still early. Maybe they were also in the race. Most of my mates have assumed higher responsibilities in the sport or moved on to other sports, but I would love to row once more with the few that remain or with the new faces. Pwede bang once-a-week leisure rower na lang ako, Captain?

More familiar faces. As I was in no pressure to beat a PR, I had an easy run and had a blast observing people. White guy with baby in stroller was there again. A lady came with her lab in costume, and finally I kept my promise to greet both the dog and its owner. Zorro the cool tramp was in costume and clad in shoes probably given by Bald Runner. Running Fatboy, I actually saw you and your girlfriend, but as I was in my nostalgic mode, I couldn't remember your name! Blurting out "Fatboy" did not seem nice. Zixednats, I also saw you after your turn and recognize you from your Takbo.ph visor and forum avatar, but I also couldn't remember your name! All I could recall was your forum handle, which was really hard to shout out. There was a familiar Filipina-Chinese girl whose face I probably see in blogs. For a moment I thought it was Janine+ but I was not certain. There was also a Filipino-Chinese guy who I also usually see in races. Maybe next time I should introduce myself.

Smooth roads and flyovers. I really liked the smooth asphalt lanes of Roxas boulevard. I approached the flyover with childlike anticipation. For some reason I like running over flyovers. You get that Superman feeling that you are soaring over the metropolis. There was only one now but I would have my fill in the Yakult race.

How did I fare? For someone looking only to celebrate one's ability to run against pain and rise over his physical imperfection, I actually did well. I have a new 10K PR now at 1:06:58 (ting, ting, ting!). It was still far from my year-end goal of 1:00:00, but it was still better than my 1:07:44 a week ago. The irony in it was that I was not in race mode. My first 2K was a stroll in the park and memory lane. Kilometers 3-5 were easy runs. I actually fought the temptation to race kilometers 6-8. I would repeat the mantra: You would have another time to chase after PR and year-end goal.That day will come in a manner grander than your wanderlust mind can conjure. Today you are here to teach your left foot to run with strength, but without pain.

The temptation got even wilder in the last 2 kilometers. I would hear a motorcycle announcing the passage of a 3rd place marathon contender, and suddenly I would have the urge to ran faster, figuratively draft by him and be pulled by his power till the finish. In the excitement of the impending marathon finish I accidentally glanced at my watch. This watch that I was intentionally avoiding was telling me that I could still hit 1hr dream if I just bolt out and try. Then I would hear my body's mute cry of pain. The tell-tale sign began at the back of the knees. Something felt like it was being pulled very mildly. I might not feel pain in my heels yet because of the shoe cushioning, but I know it could haunt me later. I could ignore the signs and take my shot at glory, but I remembered the mantra: Run strongly without pain.

The inner voice continued: If your really want to run the marathon someday, you have to take this mantra to heart. Remember, the small aches you feel at 10K will be knife stabs at kilometer 35. Listen to your body and run without pain. True marathon victory does not lie in getting a good time and being knocked dead days after . That sad fate belongs only to the original messenger-runner of Marathon, Greece. Glory lies in finishing honorably and living to tell everyone about the great triumph of the human spirit.

As I write this blog I remembered my left foot. Gingerly I reached for the heel and waited for that "Please don't touch me there" yelp. Plantar fasciitis is gone. I have a new PR. God is good.