Birthday Run

I really wanted to ran on my birthday.... and to ran  1 kilometer per year of my life. 

I was invited by fellow TTB members for the RunRio Leg 3 November 21 and ran 32K at that. I said to myself that this race will be very timely as I will turn 34 by the day before the race. But to back track, I was supposed to go home to Dumaguete and ran at the Dumaguete City 3/4 Marathon. Anyhow, I was fully prepared for the RunRio 32K run. But luck isn't on my side as my Dad was confined at the hospital a day before my birthday. His blood pressure shoot up. So there I was throwing away the excitement of running for the 2nd time in Manila.

But I realized that family comes first. Of course I had to take care of my Dad and I decided not to join RunRio and gave my race bib and D-Tag to RH Runner Daryl Igot. Later I knew it was fellow Ungo Runner April Dagandan who ran for my race number (thanx April!). So yeah! Family always should come first!

And while all of my TTB running mates were excited in their Manila trip, I was at the hospital to take care of my Dad. But the itchiness of my feet prevailed as I decided to ran on my birthday as my dad was resting at the hospital. He actually knew first hand that that was my goal that day. So I decided to use Nikia and ran on my birthday!

Katol @ pan break

What made it more special is that I was able to ran with friends who supported me in my birthday run. I ran with Agz from KM0 to Consolacion while Doc King2x and Adz waited for us. We had a short pan break at Julies and ran again. We were heading North and hoping to reach the KM34 mark in time for lunch. 

Doc King2x & Agz at Km17

Adz decided to be our support crew along with his cute dog. The 3 of us ran and did some "find the kilometer marker" game. It was basically a very relaxed run -- lots of walk breaks, re-hydration, chi (ka) running and buko juice break. We are even laughed our asses off when we see signs of food like lechon or local delicacies. We can't help but envy and feel hungry!

Each kilometer marker was an achievement for us as we slowly paced on the road amidst the dust, the heat and some reckless drivers of vehicles passing by. But inspite of all these, I was determined to finish the run and grab hold of the KM34 marker.

Most of the time, we are just goofing ourselves and take photos when we reach a significant marker. Adz gladly waited for us every 2kms to offer water. He was indeed a big help.

Doc King2x @ buko juice break -- Adz giving water to sweetyms Dockie

Reaching the Goal

The last 2 kilometers was very sloooooow as we are already dragging ourselves. I felt slight pain in my right big toe already. I said to myself that someday I will say goodbye to my big toe. My left big toe said goodbye to me when I conquered the 46.15kms ran from JY to Balamban last September.

I was so excited to see the KM32 marker. Inspite of he heat, we were still able to smile to get a photo of ourselves. And we know that the last 2 kms will be another achievement for us. And of course, we can't help but getting hungrier as we pass by some food stands.

Seeing the KM34 marker past Danao City was a sight to behold. I can't explain the exact feeling at that very moment. All I can think of is how happy I am to reach my goal that day and I am very happy to achieve it with my friends. 

Happy Birthday to me!

A very yummy lunch awaited us at the fish port. A nice treat to ourselves. The long run paid off. My birthday run was a success. 

Thank you to Agz and Doc King2x and Adz for their warm support during my birthday run. Another tick off in my bucket list. Another personal achievement. 

Thank you Lord for giving me more life to my years and more years to my life. 

I turned 34 years old last November 20, 2010. I figured... my age is just a number. :-)

NEXT STOP: Adrian Catingub's 33KM Birthday Run on December 19, 2010

Wayne's World

It's been almost a month that I haven't posted a write-up. So please bear with me as I will make a series of write-ups in the next few days or so.

Wayne with Doc Reel

The month of November was one of the best months ever for me... not to mention the fact that it was my birthday month but also because a good friend was here in Cebu to visit us and give motivation and inspiration to the running community.

Wayne Plymale hails from San Francisco and was here in Cebu last  November 16. I had the opportunity to see him first as I fetched him at the airport. Thanx to Sir Jerry Chua and Epoy Perral for setting up the transportation needs for Wayne's arrival. Wayne was donning his PAU orange finisher's t-shirt. He was so proud to share his experience from his first ultramarathon. He joined the 50K run from Nasugbu to Tagaytay Sunday before he arrived here.

Dinner with TTB

The sumptuous meal at Spice Fusion made Wayne love Cebu more. Thanx to Epoy (again!) for hosting the dinner. We were so lovin' the food. Wayne shared his experience with the running sport with the members of TeamTytsBogdo. 

Wayne with TTB (photo courtesy from Doc Tata)

Run for Wayne

Wayne with his Yogo

Eric Agaton and I had a previous ran with Wayne from Mango Park Hotel to IT Park in Lahug on Wednesday. A Run for Wayne was held on Thursday with TTB and some friends in the running community. We started at the Coffeecat in IT Park and ended at Onze (TTBs and Ungo's tambayan!). Wayne had fun and he admitted he isn't used to running at night. After the run, we had some re-hyrdration Cebuano-style! The RH really had a kick at Wayne. He drank 2 bottles of Red Horse beer while also trying out the local Balut (duck embryo).

Friday Night Ungo Run

I had the honor to introduce Wayne to the members of the Ungo Running Cub during the Friday Night Run. It was a short but simple introduction. But it was Wayne who was actually nervous in his inspirational talk. He just went ahead with a short talk and a Q&A after that. He answered one question from Bikik Besavilla that made every jaw dropped. The questions was "How many pairs of shoes do you have?". Wayne's answer was "Ive got more than 90 pairs of shoes already since I started running!". I'm like.... what?!? I  only have 2 shoes and 2 VFFs since I started running last January. Amazing isn't it.

Wayne with the Ungo Runners

The usual run ended at IT Park with all Ungo making all smiles during the photo ops with Wayne. Of course, another round of Yogo at the Coffeecat ended the night. I also celebrated the first minute of my birthday with Wayne and some Ungo friends.

Well, I hope I got my stats right for Wayne:

• started running since he was in middle school
• ran more than 70,000 miles
• had more than 90 pairs of shoes
• ran 24 full marathons
• ran 25 half-marathons
• ran his first 50K Ultramarathon from Nasugbu to Tagaytay
• RunRio 32K was his 1000th race to date
• need I say more?

Check out Wayne's blog: Crossroads Of A Long Distance Runner

Thank you Mr. Wayne Plymale for the inspiration. Till we meet again on CCM2012.

Next Stop!

Next Stop!

TeamTytsBogdo and RH Runners
will join forces to endure 32K!

www.runrio.com

New PR for my 2nd Pikermi!

CitiGym Halloween Half Marathon 20.59 km 02:28 07:10 pace

New PR and running with VFF at that! It's Phalangging first official Pikermi and we paced with Agz from start to finish. Treated the run as LSD at very chillax pace.... but we are also excited to finish it strong and get a new PR. The weather really cooperated and the route is very nice. Finally met Doc Marc before the start of the race. Members of TeamTytsBogo finished the race with new PRs and a medal to be proud of. Thank you Lord for giving us the courage and the strength to finish the race! 

Congrats to all members of TeamTytsBogdo for their individual personal records. 

Ungo Runners Think Pink

The Ungo Run last night had a different twist -- same color but with a different taste. Ungo Runners donned their new t-shirts courtesy of Ayala Center Cebu. At the back it says, “Ungo Runners Think Pink”. Yes! We Ungo Runners think Pink not just because it is our official color but it’s also our cause.

Left Photo: Ungo Ladies Think Pink: Doc King2x, Belle, Coleen, Micke and Bikik
Right photo: Nice Ungo shirt front and back design courtesy of Ayala Center

Ayala Center Cebu sponsored the Think Pink campaign and is now on its third year. This collaboration is also made possible thru the Rotary Club and Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente and also with the ICanServe Foundation Cebu Chapter headed by Ms. Mary Anne Alcordo-Salomon.  The Ungo Runners were honored to be part of this campaign.

Pre-Run Motivational Spreaker

Raul Cepeda

We had the usual motivational speeches before the run. Our motivational speaker is no stranger in the running community. Raul Cepeda shared his stories about how he gets into being fit and healthy at the age of 77. Yes – 77 freakin’ years! And he’s been drinking papaya juice all this time saying it is his own anti-oxidants.

At 77, Raul Cepeda was the oldest runner to register in the 34^th Milo Marathon Cebu Eliminations held last month. He ran a Pikermi! But guess what, he doesn’t want to stop there. He says he will be running his first ever full Marathon come CCM 2011. Amazing!

I Run for Life

Me'anne and Joy

Me’anne Alcordo-Salomon graced the post-run activity and shared her story as a breast cancer patient and her passion in empowering other breast cancer patients now as a breast cancer survivor.  She shared a very inspiring video. See video in this link.

Missing Mom

Watching the video was very heart-warming for me and I’ve been teary-eyed as I get to see the courage of those survivors in the images. Suddenly my Kumpare Boying Milan tapped my shoulder and said, “I ran for your mother…” Indeed, he ran for my mom the late Rev. Sally Villagante in last year’s October Pink Run. Thanx again Boying!

After the activity, I approached Maam Me’anne and shook her hand and said thanks. I had a short chat with her and Ms. Joy Polloso and shared the story about my mom. I thanked them for organizing this campaign.

Photo-ops

Again, of course, nothing can stop the Ungo Runners to smile and be crazy during the pictorials.  And just like in my previous posts, there are only two things that will make the Ungo Runners go crazy or silent: Food and Photo-Ops. Cheers to the Ayala Center Cebu for sponsoring this event and for sharing food courtesy of Max’s Restaurant.

We Think Pink!

Sightings

TTB Rocks!

Members of TeamTytsBogdo were also there to join the campaign. Although we didn’t run and we tagged ourselves as part of the “injured” list, we were still able to make quite a few photos together and just have fun.

TTB Sightings: Richard (our official chauffer for the event); Coach Boying who donned his Milo 42K Finishers Singlet; Christian who always wear that great smile; Bogdonator Eric who can’t get his offense on the sweetytums; KingBogdo Jorge and sweetytums Ramonita; Coleen who was always ready to run and pose at the same time; Richelieu and Katol took part as the PhotoBogdos of the event.

The RH Runners and SK Runners were also there as always. 

Think Pink

We shall continue to wear Pink. We shall continue to do our part. As runners, we will be running for life. Next week, all Ungos are encouraged to bring a friend and turn them into an Ungo.  See you there!

More photos in the PicasaWeb Album: Ungo Runners Think Pink

More Think Pink activities in this site: EatandShop

Birthday Run

Today is a good day. With so many blessings in her life, Dr. Cecille "QueenBogdo" Milan celebrated her birthday with a run. Members of the TeamTytsBogdo donned their official singlet and ran with their, well... tights! 

TeamTytsBogdo with QueenBogdo Doc Tata (in white singlet)

Doc Tata got her wish for everyone in the team to run on her special day. The route was about 10K and the weather cooperated throughout the run. Present during the run were RH Brothers Chard and Chill, Eric Bogdonator, Pastor Jack, Christian (nice bike bro!), Superman Doc Izzy, Abi Glamorosa, Wonder Colili, Cadjing, Benjchz and Kalbogdo. RH1 paced with her wife Ivy (how sweet!) while Axl and Richelle joined the group when we reach McDo at Fuente. Coach Boying was the photobogdo for the day. :-)

Saw some runner friends during the run. Jaymarl Padreganda of ARC had his early Pikermi today. Elite Pam Juday also had her quad zip code run this morning. Hanep!

Of course, the run won't be complete without some funny moments courtesy of Pastor Jack and foodie courtesy of Doc Tata. The moron from Baybay really tastes good. Thanx to Doc Tata and Boying's mom for bringing home some delicacy. :-)

So cheers to you Doc Tata! May Jah bless you and keep you. May you have more years to run and more runs for your years ahead. Happy Birthday!

By the way, I can't help but laugh everytime you say "Gorilla Feet!" at me and Phalangging! :-)

So who's next?

More pics courtesy of Coach Boying:

TTB Rules!

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

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.