10 Things I Am Thankful For

There are many things that we are thankful for the year 2010. For some, it could be for good health, good business, good education, prosperous year, great career, or even having a great relationship. Let me thank some things that happened to me in the year 2010 especially in this sport that we all love - RUNNING!

Here are my 10 things that I am thankful for:

my first race

1. CCM 01-10-10 - this was my first race. Kumpare Kirk Milan invited me in September 2009, I wasn't able to join one race for that year. But luck is on my side. I was able to ran the first ever Cebu City Marahon in its 5K race. Since then, I was hooked! CCM 01-09-11 will be my Runniversary and will ran my very first Full Marathon! 

2. 19 Races for 2010 - Yes! I have completed 19 races for this year. I actually signed up for more than that but I missed Run for IT, Run for the Footure, Hearts Run, MO Plus Run and RunRio Leg 3 due to time constraints and family emergency. But all in all, I've finished all 19 races (16 of these races are held in Cebu City, one at the Fort Bonifacio in Metro Manila, one in Danao, Bohol and another one in Dumaguete City) were done with sweat and tears and had my personal bests at that!

Ungo runners after the CDU 5th University Run

3. A Shoe Story: Running with Nikia - this is my blog which I started last May 2010. The blog title came up when I had my new shoes -- New Balance 749; got it from a friend a few days before the SRP Sundown Run and named her Nikia which means "people of victory".

 4. Ungo - I am very thankful for my Ungo family. These runners have been very helpful and motivating all the way. I first joined last April and been active for a few months till I was into that Friday night running hiatus due to schedule constraints. Last August, I was able to run each Friday with this group. The Friday Night Runs from SunStar to IT Park is keeps us Ungo Runners bond together. Thanx to Max Limpag and the Ungo family for welcoming me.

5. Dailymile - I joined dailymile last April and since then, I was addicted to it. I already deactivated  my Facebook page but now I am logging my miles in dailymile. Met new friends from here and abroad thru this social networking site for athletes and runners like me. Thank you DMers!

me at the Milo 21K

6. Two Pikermis - Yes! I've ran two half-marathons this year. My first was during the 34th Milo Marathon Cebu Eliminations last September 05. My second was last October during the CitiGym Halloween Run. I beat my personal best and I am thankful I was able to pace with Agz the whole race. 

7. VFFs - I purchased my first Vibram Five Fingers (KSO Flow) last August and since then I was hooked to being a minimalist runner. I still use Nikia (NB 749) during transition running but most of my runs are with Phalangging (name I coined to my VFF. Thanx to Doc King2x Perez and Jacob Ong). I also purchased a second pair of VFFs (KSO Trek) and named him Spock (name courtesy of Doc Ling2x Abella). I will be running with Spock this CCM 2011.

TTB after the CitiGym Halloween Half Marathon

8. TeamTytsBogdo - ah! my ever fun-loving TTB family! Who can forget this group emerged because of the love for running tights! Well, I got two tights now and I got a TTB family to motivate me every single run! Thank you TTB!

9. Unofficial Full Marathon and Beyond - I had the courage to finish 46.15 kms from JY Square to Balamban with my fellow Ungo runners. This was my longest run so far and I was running with Phalangging. Yes, on VFFs! See story here.

@KM34 marker in Danao

10. 34K Birthday Run - Since I wasn't able to join the RunRio Leg 3 32K Run with my fellow TTB mates in Manila due to Dad's hospital confinement, I opted to ran from Cebu City to Danao City for 34 kilometers -- that's 1KM per year of my existence. Next year, I will do it again. Of course, adding 1KM!

"Sayang ang Miles" - as quoted by TTB mate Eric Agaton, sayang jud ang miles! From my first 5K race in 01-10-10 up to this afternoon's year-ender run, I was able to run a distance of 838.52 kilometers. Since I joined Dailymile in April, I was able to log 804 kilometers. 

These are just 10 things that I am thankful for. I know there are still lots to thank for but I'll just keep it this way. But most of all, I am thankful that the Lord gave me the strength and the courage to finish all the races, all the training runs, for all the blessings, the pains, the sores, the heat, the friends, the love, the spirit, the faith. Without Him, I am nothing. Thank you Lord!

Thank you all! May each of us be blessed with good health as we enter a new year. All the best for 2011!

WE MADE IT!

Our first 21K was a blast! Inspite of the pain that I'm suffering since Thursday, Nikia and I finally endured our first half-mary this morning at the 34th National Milo Marathon Cebu Eliminations.

Ang Milo Medal, bow!

The weather was great that early morning. Nikia and I were pacing with Jaymarl and Weng of Accenture Running Club on the first few kilometers. And the first 8K was just perfectly fine - pacing was good and hydration is abundant. Ungo supporters like Dan and Bikik and Louie were there to give us extra water and Gatorade. Tito and wife Irene as well as Axle and Richelle were there to take pictures and motivated us.  I also had the chance to pace with Coleen on a few kilometers. Sir Jerry Chua and Popoy also paced with me for a few kilometers.  I also saw Team Yellow Jersey’s Manny Camacho and his running mate. 

Coach Jobert & Friend, Emily and Jay

The grueling part was the run to SRP - it was sooooooo freakin' HOT! After the turning point just a few hundred meters in Sugbu, I was able to catch up with Utramarathoner Atty. Haide Acuna. Aside from the fact that I was star-struck (as always!), I was still able to ask her the distance and she gladly said, "13.8 na! Gamay nalang! And it's less than 2hours pa!". So I decided to pace with her and she reminded me of the distance every 500 meters and motivating me to continue with the pace. Until we reached KM15 and she said, "6K nalang! You can do it!" That motivated me to push further. I also saw Micke Sumampong just a few meters away from me.

Pam with running mates

But the heat has vaporized all my energy so I had to walk and run and walk and run. Jack of ARC says he had cramps already. I also felt the pain again with my left calf. Atty. Haide sped off and my mind was telling me to just stop and just walk and think of not finishing the race. But after enduring the SRP route, I finally came to my senses again to finish the run. The waterboys also helped in refreshing my body – though all wet but at least refreshing!

Doc King2, Adz and Agatha

The last 3kms was the deciding factor. I looked at my watch and it’s just a few minutes away from the cut-off time. I had to push it. Fellow Ungo Runners shouted at me and motivated me to finish the race. On the last 100meters, Master Ungo Max Limpag gave me a 1-minute hand signal and encouraged me to rush until the finish line. I can feel goose pumps when the spectators, race officials, and some guards at the back entrance cheered at me.

Alas! A sight to behold! The finish line was just a few meters away. Coach Boying Milan at the sidelines says I can make it! I looked at the clock and I saw 1 hour and 30mins. Finally, I stepped on the mat at the finish line with 1:30:17. This is an unofficial time as we will still wait for the official results from Milo.

Milo snapshots

Much has been said but finishing my first half-marathon is one of the best things that happen to my life. And I’ve got a lot of people to thank for: to my family who always supported me all the way; Aijeigh who also ran with me in some occasions and even though she wasn’t at the finish line, she will always be in my heart; to the Ungo Runners headed by Max Limpag – they have been an inspiration!; the members of Team Tyts Bogdo or TTB and RH Runners – for all the motivations; members of Dailymile Team – for creating this running social site wherein we can track our mileage and training – a very big help in pushing for more miles; to the Dailymilers for the friendship, the fun, the endless postings of motivations – you guys are amazing! Special mention to Doc Porfie Amboang and Doc King2x Perez for assisting me when I so pale and almost fainted after the race. Thank you!

Of course, to Jah who gave me the strength and presence of mind to endure the pain and the heat; and for giving me the courage and the will to finish the race.


For the complete album, please see this link and click on the slideshow.

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Love your Heart

Yeah... it's just one of those Friday nights. I never thought I'd be running again on a Friday night. I used to be with friends and drink and party just like any yuppy out there. But things were different now. As you grow older and wiser, you'll be thinking about your health and be proactive about it.

But last Friday night was a different night for many Ungo Runners as we were motivated by someone who know too much about the heart and all the sense of that word. I am referring to Dr. Alex Junia, a practicing Cardiologist, and has been running for a one good reason: his Heart. Doc Alex started running in 2007 and has 6 marathons in his belt: two in Hongkong, two in Singapore and two Milo marathons.

Doc Alex spoke about listening to our hearts; about how it works and how it also stresses out. Just like the body, the heart will also bug down due to stress-related activities like drinking, smoking and too much work. He encouraged everyone to take a stress test at least once a year. This, he says, can help us monitor the heart condition. He added those who have parents and/or relatives that have heart problems i.e. hypertension, stroke, cardiac arrests, must seek a Cardiologist and see how far can they do strenuous activities. Doc Alex says we need to listen to our bodies. And that we should love your heart.


After the short talk comes the usual stretching before the actual run and of course camwhoring. Last Friday's Ungo Run was also unique with the presence of Trackers from the Cebu City Police Office. Three Trackers escorted the whole duration of the run - one escorting the lead pack, another in the middle and one sweeper. We are very thankful to Mr. Kenneth Casquejo who initiated this saying safety is always a concern for every runner.

Well, actually, I decided not to run last Friday but instead brought Mikaela and took photos of the whole run. Ungo Walkers Coleen, Irene, Richelle, Dexter and me were escorted by the sweeper Tracker from Sunstar till I.T. Park. But since Coleen can't resist the temptation to run, she made a few strides and run a few meters. But Richelle, who also most had a herniated slip disk, decided to take a rest and hop on to the motorcyle with the Tracker.

While most of the Ungo Runners were at the I.T. Park already, were were still doing our brisk walking and occasional runs. We even did the caterpillar run (term coined by Irene)... it's just simply having fun while we run.


Last Friday's run was indeed a unique one and I can say I did learned a lot from the whole experience. The Friday Night Runs may be an ordinary Friday night for me but with there will always be a twist.


So, if you love your heart, come run with us. Join the Ungo Friday Night Run!




**See all the photos thru PicasaWeb here. Alternatively, all photos were sent to Max Limpag. I asked him to upload the photos in the CebuRunning Facebook page. Feel free to tag yourselves there.

Happy 109th Birthday Silliman University

Today, my Alma Mater Silliman University is celebrating its 109th Founders Day. 


It's just sad that Nikia and I will not be able to go home in Dumaguete City to celebrate this year's founders' day. 


Damn! I missed the school. I missed the very laid back atmosphere. I missed walking from my house to the Boulevard. Well, I just missed everything about Silliman and Dumaguete.


Anyhow, last August 22, 20101, the Silliman University Cebu Alumni Association Inc. successfully hosted the Silliman Run 2010 held at the Ayala Terraces. It was a reunion of fellow Cebu-based Sillimanians. Nikia and I ran 10K in this race.


Consequently, the Alumni group also sponsored the Silliman Dinner For A Cause held at Wang Shan Lo Restaurant at the Crown Regency Tower Hotel along Jones Avenue in Cebu City. It was a night filled with friendship, camaraderie and music. 


Guests include Judge Candelario V. Gonzalez (Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees); Judge Cresencio Tan and Atty. Mik Maxino who is current Dean of the College of Law. Ate Inday Maxino who is currently the Director of the Alumni Affairs also graced the night and welcomed all Cebu-based Alumni. 

It was a reunion of friends from Silliman Univerity. My good friend Natasha Cang was one of the invited guests. She was crowned Miss Silliman in 1994. She graced the night with two beautiful songs. We had a great time talking and sharing those old stories. Imagine, it was 15 years ago when wen last saw each other.I must admit, she is still stunning and beautiful. 

Also, Sir Manoling Saldivar (my very own Physical Education teacher and family friend) was also invited to grace the affair. Sir Manoling was a semi-finalist of the Pilipinas Got Talent last Summer. He actually got three Yeses from the judges when he sang a version of Nessun Dorma by Luciano Pavarotti. (you can check out the youtube video clip here courtesy of my brother jonluigi).


The Silliman University Cebu Alumni Association Inc. is headed by Engr. Siegfred Sia and we thank all its Officers and Board of Directors for supporting all the the activities of the organiztion. The Silliman Run 2010, Dinner for a Cause and Alumni Caravan were surely a success!


For photos of the Dinner for a Cause, please see the picasaweb link and click on the slideshow.


Happy Birthday Silliman!

Loyal will we be to Silliman

Jack and Katol after running 10K.

Loyal will we be to Silliman.
Here's a cheer, boys three times three
Silliman our Alma Mater
Silliman beside the sea.


We sang this second stanza of the Silliman Song before Pastor Haniel Taganas prayed for the sucess of the first ever Silliman Run 2010 - Run to Educate. This run was made possible by the Silliman University Cebu Alumni Association Inc.


Nikia and I ran 10K again. This time I paced with good friend Jack Morilla in the first 2kms of the race. I felt heavy so I slowed down a bit. The race was great... especially when I was on my last 2kms, I did saw some friends running on the other side of the road (and from the other race - Aboitiz Race to Reduce).


I saw Doc Izzy aka Fafa Fiolow and then Max Limpag of Ungo. The rest of the TTB runners followed: Eric, Charles and Chaho pacing together, Ken8, Coleen, Doc Tata, Micke, Doc King2x and Adz. RH Runners were there too.


Well, all of these guys were running their half-mary and some of them had their new PRs. As for me, I chose to ran for the Race to Educate as a support to the scholarship program of our alumni association. Our alumni president Siegfred Sia and the rest of the organizers did a great job in putting up this race inspite of the competing race in the different side of the city.


After the race, I also saw some familiar faces from Silliman University - long lost friends, batchmates and contemporaries. It was a reunion of some sort for all Cebu-based alumni as we also celebrate our 109th Founder's Day.


I am proud to be a Sillimanian. Loyal shall we e'er remain.


I brought Mikaela with me so we took some post-race photos: Silliman Run 2010


Next stop: 34th Milo Marathon Cebu Eliminations - my first 21K

Sayang ang Miles

I didn't realize Nikia and I had 44kms in our mileage this week. Felt great on this feat. For me, this is so far my longest distance training for an entire week. Having been running two 11-km hi-way runs and an Ungo Friday night Run... feels really good. A lot of my friends from dailymile have been inspiring me all this time. So to all of you... 

THANK YOU.

So to quote Eric Agaton of Team Tyts Bogdo (TTB) --  

"SAYANG ANG MILES".

Keep on running. See you on the road!

Note: previous post's image was 34kms. dailymile's week starts on a Monday.

10-10-10

The date 10-10-10 only happens once in a thousand years. So this year's 10-10-10 would be very special to couples getting married; babies born on this date; and to some runners - a special day to run for a cause and be counted.

It was the El President of BRC (Buang Runners Club) Jack Morilla who mentioned to me one time that he will in Manila to take part of 10-10-10. It will be called the Run for the Pasig River 10-10-10.  Jack, who is also a member of the Accenture Running Club (ARC), encouraged me to join as well. Accenture committed to bring 3,000 runners to the 10-10-10 race and aims to be the largest delegation in this fun run.


The organizer of this race is the ABS-CBN Foundation's Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig and they will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the largest number of runners/participants joining a footrace. The organizers are aiming to have 120,000 runners on this day to surpass the world record of 110,000 runners in the Bay to Breakers Run in San Francisco, USA. 


There will be 4 running locations: 3K at SM Mall of Asia; 5K at the CCP Complex; 10K in Makati and a special 21K race for members of the military and police at the Luneta Park.


Aijeigh, Nikia and Katol decided to join this race. As promised, we will pace together in 5K Race. 

Those who are interested to join, you may register online thru: http://www.101010runforpasigriver.com/


See you there!

5th University Run

I'm so excited for this race on Sunday. This race will be my first University Run and will be supporting Doc Yong's Run for Sight Foundation. My last race was the Energizer Nite Race held at the Park Mall in Mandaue.

After 3 weeks of running hiatus, Niki and I will ran 10K with race bib # 501. Sayang la lang ko kapa-register beforehand... I could've one of those personalized race bibs... :-D

See you at the race!

Run for the Footure

Now this is one good run for a cause! Today's Run for the Footure was organized for the benefit of Congenital Clubfoot Babies and the Cancer Institute of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. 

Nikia and I were supposed to participate in this run but I just got out of the hospital and had strict doctor's orders not to do strenuous activities for at least a week.

But anyway, Nikia and I brought Mikaela to the Ayala Terraces this morning and took some pictures. We saw some familiar faces and regular runners and of course friends from different running clubs and social networking sites.

I'd like to highlight Team Yellow Jersey headed by good friend and fellow blogger/runner Manny Camacho. They're a good bunch of active and perky runners eh!

See some photos below:

the kids were great!

and so goes the photo-ops...

Richel Comabig and Jaymarl Padreganda of Accenture Running Club

Doc Porfie Amboang who placed 10th in the 10K Men's Open - Congrats Doc!

like father like son - oldies but always goodies!

Doc King2x and Adrian 

Doc Mitty running 10K

The Guardo Running Bothers

And... Team Yellow Jersey... drum roll please!

The proud owner of the Yellow Jersey himself - Manny Camacho.
But he's not wearing one coz gi-harbor sa iyang kauban! :-D 

And who wouldn't miss the ELITES! 

Doc Reel Bontol (right) and his fellow Reborn teammates!

Goodluck Team Cebu for the Cobra Ironman 70.3 this August 22, 2010 

And after the race...

Doc King2x with SO Adz. Salamat sa picture!

pumping up with some aerobic and taebo routines

and of course, Team Yellow Jersey who were cam-whoring after the race.
Nice to meet you guys. I'll run with you soon!

Well.... that's just about it. The Run for the Footure was a great success!
Let's continue run for a cause!