U.P. Does Not Need Another Runner

I have been a runner for almost 3 years now and there are places that I wish i could run at. There's New York, Boston, California, Singapore, Bangkok. And then there is UP (Diliman). Yes, Im a UP virgin up until now. Last Sunday, January 29, I went there with my friend Jeck. He picked me up at around 5am and got to UP at around 5:30. We parked at the side street near the UP Police Station since alot of the cars in front of us parked there. Later on, we found out that theres plenty of parking spaces around, you just have to go to the side streets since the main road is closed for motorists. At that time, there were already alot of runners, after our warm-up walk, we started running at an easy pace. Slowly, as the sun was rising, light began shining through the towering acacia trees embracing the streets around "Peyups". As the sun rose higher, people were piling up.





We were too busy taking in the sights and sounds of the place that we didnt noticed that the place was packed with runners. Like there was a fun run event already. After running 6km with a steady pace of 7mins /km, I noticed Jeck gassing out and my stomache rumbling, asking for breakfast, I started walking. Since Its the week before the Skyway Marathon, I didnt want to put too much stress on my legs so i had to restrain myself from getting more mileage. While walking we had the chance to see the famous "Zorro" guy who is very well-known around the area. After cooling down, we stopped and got ourselves some fresh, hot and yummy servings of taho. Going home we promised ourselves to go back in UP and bring our family there while we, together with our wives, run around the "ikot" route. Its something that is just waiting to happen some time this coming months. But until then, happy trails to you! Whenever, wherever you run, just remember to be safe and to reach for your goal! See you guys in Feb 5!

• thanks to Liz Anne Karen for tha fab photo!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Timex Time is Running Review

I was at the starting line at 4:50am. Stretched, warmed up, hydrated and raring to go. People near Riovana were piling up to have a glimpse of Papa P (I was wondering why, when all they had to do is look behind them and they'll see the Boo in all his glory). Then came the National Anthem and the prayer. After that, they let us look at the screen for the video presentation while the spotlights beside the screen were pointed at us, I know right?! Useless. Come gun start at exactly 5:10 am, all of us were pumped and excited. Me and Monti started slowly due to heavy traffic, there were like less than a thousand 16k runners thats why.

Approaching the 1st turn I was surprised to see a hydration station right away. I told myself that this run wont disappoint us in terms of hydration. Truly, after running 7 km, hydration stations were strategically present with water and powerade drinks.


Nearing my 8th km, I spotted this girl who had nice running form (and a pretty decent behind) and were accompanied by big runners. And then I realized that this girl might be my running crush and idol, Jaymie Pizarro aka the Bull Runner. To my delight after passing them in the 8th km, ahem, I was right, it was her and that moment gave me a bit of a push to either run with their pace and/or run faster than theirs. But I had to focus my mind on the race so I did. Going up the Buendia flyover was ok, I shortened my stride while going uphill to conserve energy and took advantage of gravity while going downhill to go faster with less effort. By this time I was expecting to see banana stations since by now some runners are probably exhausted and need that extra burst of energy from the banana to make it through the 16 km race. Unfortunately there were none so we had to rely in hydration and use our remaining energy wisely. Now came the biggest, hardest part of the race for me, that steep, long uphill climb from Buendia going back to BGC. Wait. Hold up. Rewind. Let me take you back prior to approaching the flyover, as I was about to approach the U-turn in Malugay St., I saw Monti minutes ahead of me. I had to pick up the pace and run harder. Thats why when I reached the flyover, I ran faster notwithstanding the energy I was spending while doing that. As I reached the top of the flyover, I was gased out and was about to just stop and walk. But i knew that if I walked even for a while, I might like the feeling and give in to the temptation of walking rather than running with a slow pace. So I dug deep, breathed heavily a few times and managed to get my second wind and started running with a steady pace. With tired and heavy legs, I have reached the final kilometer of the race. At the last turn, I used all the remaining strength i had to be able to sprint to the finish hoping to just cut the gap between me and my buddy Monti.



And so I finished the race with an unofficial time of 1:43:xx. I finished 3+ mins apart Monti. I was happy with my new record nevertheless. After cooling down, me and monti got our loot bags which were obviously recycled stuffs from Run United Races. Pero, mabuti narin kesa sa wala ika nga.




After that, we met up with Jeck to talk more about the race, etc. We even saw another high school friend along the way which is always cool to see old friends making the choice to be fit and healthy.

To sum it all up the run was indeed fun. Hydration stations were packed but the bananas and the water sponges were the only one's missing. It would have been better if they threw in a finishers shirt even for the 16k runners only considering the hefty price tag of joining. Besides all that, I'd say its an 8 in a scale of 1 to 10. Another year, another score, another great run for the Runrio Organizers and Timex!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Bautista,Makati City,Philippines

Little Things to Thank For

There are a lot of things Im thankful for. But there are also those little things that we always forget to appreciate and thats what I want to blah-g about. I made a list of some of them, feel free to add your thoughts below.



• I am thankful for the coins that I usually take for granted. They actually get me through the day and its such a hassle paying fare without them.
• To the Metro Aides or street sweepers, imagine walking the streets without them doing their work.



• The Water Dispenser in my office. Whether hot or cold, she's game for anything. Without her i'd be shelling out 50 bucks a day just for hydration.



• My hair (up there). Now that they're not growing back too fast, I wish I took care of it more when I was younger.


• My knees, especially when their healthy. Together with the rest of my legs, they take me places by running, walking, climbing, etc.


• My sling bag and its anti-theft feature.
• Ang sabitan sa jeep. I once rode a jeep without em and believe me, its different. Plus having them around makes me feel a wee bit safer.

I know theres more. Writing this blog made me more aware of little things and be more appreciative. Next time, may we all have time to stop, reflect and have time to thank the Lord for everything he has given.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Bautista,Makati City,Philippines