March 27, 2009

The Wind Beneath Thy Wings

Feb 17 - the condura run for the whale sharks was launched
Feb 19 - an e-mail from runningshield to register asap
Feb 22 - registered at nike park trinoma
Mar 15 - lsd at south triangle route
Mar 20 - pasta party at greenhills
Mar 22 - race proper

It must have been cold there in my shadow,
To never have sunlight in your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.





Part of the long slow distance training prior to the race. The two sundays were full of enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming race. She's on a mission for her first half marathon.

So I was the one with all the glory,
While you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.






The race at the skyway, a one in a million experience for someone dreaming and enjoying the benefits of running. For someone who share the passion with everyone. What a great place, a feeling of tranquility as you run close to the skies.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings.






The road leading back to where it all started, a slow descent towards the end. A course that will end the trance but with satisfaction within the heart. After a moment of running joyfully, tiredness is looming on weary bodies. The mind refusing to go home and end the pace from a lovely place. But worry no more, for the dream was fulfilled.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
But I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.





Everyone is in a hurry, to finish what they started earlier. Forgetting the experience somewhere near the sky for just a moment, to mark the time that they should be. A best finish witnessed by many.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
So high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
Thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.





The spirit soaring high after accomplishing an almost impossible feat. Raising both arms in jubilation and in thanksgiving for the One above, praying that there'll be another one of a kind.

The condura run for the whale sharks, a once in a lifetime experience. I ran just behind, a step behind someone who needs my guidance. My wings were spread to watch her progress as she fulfills a dream for many, to run a distance as long as 21km. For every footstrike that she makes, for every journey that she takes, I am the wind beneath her wings. Thank you to everyone for making it happen, until next time as we cross path again.

I may not be a hero for everyone, but I am a hero for someone.

A dedication in celebration of the Women's Month.
Music by Celine Dion

March 22, 2009

Running Behind : The Condura 09 Race

A runner runs through it. This was not the movie produced and directed by Robert Redford sometime in 1992. This was not about the two Montana boys who became different under the influence of their father, but rather a story about the skyway which was conquered by many during the condura run for the whale sharks. Here are some of the teasers that took place somewhere close to the sky.































A runner runs through it. A story of a runner who ran behind a camera.
More pics at rununlimited.multiply.com. Feel free.

March 18, 2009

The Long Wait : The Condura 09 Race

Last year's condura race was a DNS for me since it happened shortly after my 42km event at the Intl. Philippine Marathon and those weeks ahead were part of my recovery program. Even though I did not run, I graced the event to support xty who participated in the race, at that time she was just starting to join races. And because it was one of the most sought after, most anticipated race event of last year, we went there to cheer and support our running friends. It was a great race, the attendance was superb, the route was fantastic and the loot bags & freebies were good.

a fish clowning around during the tubbataha ed.

On this edition of the condura race, I will be joining the event, hand in hand with thousands of runners and friends who are participating as well. I am eager and kickin' to run the skyway route as presented by the organizers in their 21km distance. This route is exhilarating for this is the first time that a running event will run through the skyway. One more thing that add to the excitement is the participation of the takbo.ph group in this event. They will organize a carbo-loading party, a support group during the run and a post race get-together in their tent afterwards. This adds a great anticipation and enthusiasm for many in the upcoming race. (please check the takbo.ph site for more details).


Now, the long wait is over, on Sunday, March 22, 2009, I will run the Great Condura Race. Let's gear it out and run for the whale sharks. See you at the starting line.

March 10, 2009

Running with Feb

I close my day by sleeping early whenever there is a run on the following morning. That was my routine few years back since I started and got hooked up in running, and it really changed my life. One fine morning after my run when I was about to log my running entry for the day, I was surprised to know that Feb was gone. How time flies. I love Feb because she gave me the best time of the year for my long tempo runs, weatherwise. I love Feb because she was part of my rigid trainings and intervals. I love Feb because she gave me the best results in my racing journals, being instrumental in my lung-busting and adrenalin pumping races. Thank you Feb, but although you've outrunned me, I know you'll be back again.

my running journal;
I used this to log mileage since I started running in 2006,

Moving on, here comes March. The first sunday of march was a rest day for me, no running; but just the same, I spent it with the running community. I went to the docfit run to support xty and my pr-busting friends who joined the race. Meeting with friends is already a habit, I make sure I find time to chat with them and exchange news regarding the running world, just like a post race practice for everyone.

I had a wonderful time spent with my kids too at the u.p. grounds on that day. I enjoyed their laughters and the joy of being with them. I missed this moment in a long while since I was with Feb dealing with my previous commitments. My journal is a witness of such undertakings.

Running is just a part of our life, the family makes the most of it. Since school break is fast approaching, I'll spend quality times with my family and forget Feb in a while until her next return.

family day at the u.p. grounds