This Day You're Not Running

I thank God, for you were born,
To bring these two into this world.
I will sing and light a candle,
Together we will dance around.

I love you and I'm proud.

Marathon Raceday Checklist

Good luck to everyone joining the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.

Be ready on race day.

Get the most mileage out of all that time and effort you’ve spent training: Take a few moments to make sure race day itself goes as smoothly as possible!

The night before/ checklist

• Plan your transportation
• Check the weather forecast.
• Select your running outfit.
• Pin your race bib / number to your shirt.
• Attach your timing chip to your shoes.
• Make a plan for your belongings.
• Know how far the bag check area is from the starting line.
• Coordinate with your family and/or friends.
• Pack your bag with the day’s essentials.
• Weather protection: Sunscreen, hat, gloves, etc.
• Additional layers (or rainwear, as appropriate).
• Chafe protection (for long distances).
• Any additional registration needs (confirmation card, T-shirt voucher, running club card etc.).
• Money.
• Food: Energy bars, gels, or post-race snacks as appropriate.
• Cell phone.
• Directions.
• Contact numbers.
• Coordinate any pre- and post-race meet-up with family and friends.
• Plan out your post-race snacks or meal.
• Set your alarm—and check it twice!
• Plan to be awake for at least 2.5 hours before the race begins.
• Give yourself ample time for travel, parking, warming up, etc.
• Plan to arrive at the starting location 30 minutes before the start time.

Start the morning right

• Jump-start your metabolism.
• Take a warm shower.
• Replenish your blood sugar.
• Eat a small meal consisting only of familiar foods that you’ve consumed prior to running; don’t eat any closer than two hours from the start.
• Hydrate properly.
• Make sure you’ve had at least 6 oz of water for every 20-30 minutes you’ll be on the road.
• Leave on time!
• Give yourself ample time for travel problems, parking, and to:
  • Drop off your bag
  • Use the bathroom
  • Apply sunscreen, chafe prevention, etc
  • Familiarize yourself with bathroom stops and locations
  • Warm up

Get set and go

• Warm up.
• Walk or jog slowly for at least ten minutes before the start.
• Stretch lightly.
• Confirm your pace plan.
• Focus on your goal times:
  • An acceptable time based on normal weather conditions
  • A finish time you’d be very proud of
• Be ready to shift between goals if unexpected factors warrant it.
• Practice a few “race pace” starts.
• Line up behind the appropriate pace marker.
• Position yourself based on your actual ability. Don’t start in a faster group.
• Don’t start out too fast!
• Be careful not to get carried away by the excitement or start running with faster pace groups.
• It’s best to start on the slower side so the second half is faster.
• Hydrate as needed at aid stations (distance races).
• Run your own race!
• Don’t let others slow you down or speed you up. Keep your own focus.

Once you cross the line...

• Keep moving.
• Walk for 15-20 minutes. If you’ve just completed a marathon or half-marathon,
  don’t stretch immediately; wait until after you’ve had something to eat and drink.
• Replenish your fluids; drink at least 6 oz for every 20-30 minutes spent running;
  you’ll know you’re rehydrated when you pee light yellow.
• Eat something; try to consume some carbohydrates within 30 minutes of your finish
  (most important for distance runs).

And finally... Celebrate!

source: NikeRun

Missing Something

Although my blog is missing me, my running does not.

I even doubled-up.

Doing it for a purpose.

There are races being lined-up, I hope to join you there.

Secondwind Running Store

The second of the secondwind running store is now open. Visit their newest branch at Ortigas Home Depot, Dona Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City and take a closer look at their gallery of top of the line running shoes including the new K-Swiss tube runs cushioning shoe and lightweight trainer.

Run yourself to secondwind and experience the ambiance of their newest store; a store for runners made by runners.

The Philippine International Marathon: Bridging Everyone

After a series of debacle at the recent International Marathon hostings here in the country I made myself available for the Philippine International Marathon, a run for Pasig River. The then International Philippine Marathon was my first full marathon race and this edition is a commemorative race for me. With the same advocacy of restoring the beauty and grandeur of the Pasig river, this year's event was again participated by thousands of runners. A different route was designed but the same theme of crossing the Pasig River through different bridges is still there. From the previous five bridges traversed last year, the Delpan, Jones, McArthur and Guadalupe bridges were included adding toughness to this course.

I ran the first part of the race together with friends Rod and Noel maintaining a relaxed pace until km.11 at Lambingan bridge. It's great to see people cheering on top of these bridges giving us extra boost and inspiration. Hydration stations of water and gatorade were also stragetically located on these bridges. Additionally, a crew of a giant tv network were present covering the race with live feed on their channel. Early birds watching tv had that experience of seeing a marathon race live; one of my friends told me that I was running live on tv that early sunday morning. A replay was aired on the late evening news of the said network.

After Lambingan bridge, Noel and I increased our pace and left Rod behind, who's having trouble with his pace. Realizing that something's wrong when he took his food supply at the bridge, he told us to go ahead and play with our game. I could see him trailing us from most of the time until km.14 at Guadalupe bridge. After reaching Pioneer Avenue, Noel bid to slow down as he have to stretch-out his knee. From km.24 I went on alone soldiering the rest of the course, maintaining an increased pace as I caught-up runner after runner. Running alone under the scorching heat of the sun was terrible. Besides, just a few runners were on sight, I could see only about one or two ahead of me, making it a little bit of a boring race.

During last year's edition was a battle of the champions. For the first time in its eighth annual staging and four years history as an international marathon, the 2008 staging gathered the country's long distance running heroes and some formidable international campaigners in one battle of greats. I was a rookie then and just getting the feeling of a full marathon experience. I was making a 06m07s mpk pace then together with lots of runners side by side with me. That made it an enjoyable run from start to finish. This time I'm doing a 05m15s mpk.

In this kind of situation, I just did what veteran marathoners do; shift to mind game. It was a proven strategy in running a full marathon especially when you're getting weaker and alone. I entertained myself to take my mind away from this marathon thing. I played math, greet everyone around, talk with fellow runners and did my usual thing, pray, as I continued my journey until I inched closer to the finish line.

Three hours and forty one minutes later I made myself at the finish line. I finished again another edition of the Philippine International Marathon. With the thrills of crossing the river through different bridges; the cheers of the people along the way; the spirit of volunteerism; and the advocacy that this project brings to save the Pasig river from its slow demise, this event is truly a memorable race for me.

Indeed, no other running event feels more worthwhile. And no other environmental event is as storied, invigorating and colorful. Things like these only happen at the Philippine Marathon for the Pasig River.

Click here for the gallery.

The Heritage Marathon

Are you ready for this?

After 260+ days of waiting, The International Philippine Marathon (Pasig Heritage Marathon) is set on November 8, 2009 at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila. This famous 42.195km race annual event is held as an advocacy run to save the Pasig River. Enjoy the pride and prestige to run the different bridges of the Pasig River. Run along and experience the thrills and cheers.

See you at the starting line.

Hakuna Matata: Running a Marathon Dream

As the gun went off, hundreds of runners make their way through the starting line for the first quezon city international marathon. Xty and I positioned ourselves at the back since we will be doing a slow start. The program is to maintain a sustained pace for the first 3 kilometers and add speed little by little as we go along. That was a good start. I saw a loose timing chip on the road about 20 meters from the start line and immediately picked it up. I held on to it for a few meters before I decided to clip it on my shoelace, this thing will make itself to the finish line with me, somebody who lost it might have a stressful run ahead if he realize he'll be running without one.

We headed to up diliman for the acad oval loop covering the first 5km of the race. My veteran milo pacemate rod was with us. The place was still eerie at this darkest time and the winds were still cold. I thought it would be perfect if this route was placed at the latter part of the race to give the runners ample breather from the gruelling earlier route. We held on to our slow steady pace until we exited the university avenue towards commonwealth avenue. Rod stepped up on his gas and slowly pulled away from us. It was a delight to see the 8-lane stretch of the avenue exclusively opened for the runners alone. This road is heck the busiest in qc thus, known as the killer highway; accidents are prone in this road particularly at night. Somewhere near km.6 is the start of the up and down terrain that stretches until the end of commonwealth avenue. This would be a killer on the way back, I thought.

At km.7 a cheerful lady shouted "mabuhay ang kababaihan" as xty and I ran past her, she's maybe a fixture of a women empowerment movement. As mentioned by the good senator Pia Cayetano, this race was a beneficiary of the magna carta rule for women wherein all accolades including prizes for the women's category were equalled with that of the men's. A few more meters and we heard the sirens of the police bikes escorting the lead runners of the 21km event, two kenyans throttled past us. I recomposed and shouted "hakuna matata, kenya" and the two waved their arms as if they're returning the compliment to us to have a better day ahead. Toe to toe with each other they were gone in no time, they're strides were choreographed as if they're running with the wind.

As we approached km.10 we reached chito and passed by him after a short greeting. We're just on time, I reminded xty as we entered the batasan road for an out and back course for km.11 to km.14. First gel for xty at 01h05m. Cheers and words of wisdom were exchanged as we met friends and fellow runners who are on their way back to commonwealth avenue. Bards was there as well as the pacers leading the runners. At km.13 we caught the combo of jay, jaymie and raymund, they ran the first 10km faster than us. Jay and Jaymie will be doing a 32km long sunday run and raymund his first full marathon on his natal day. We went ahead as we increased our pace and headed back again to commonwealth avenue.

The litex area was swarmed by throngs of people along the way. It's exciting to see all folks, young and old lining up along the route cheering-on whenever a runner pass them. Clapping and shouting for you were a delight that somehow lessen the fatigue and boredom. There was an instance when a lola suddenly cheered on xty as she passed by her. Drum and bugle corps from different schools were present adding a fiesta atmosphere as the city celebrates its founding anniversary. A teen bystander even told me "kuya, yosi ka muna, pampalakas", "mamaya na lang, pagbalik ko", I replied. It's odd reminiscing this kind of invectives even though you came from that situation one point in your life. If he meant it as a joke, I returned it as well, para malibang naman tayo. These gestures should always be present, exchange high fives, run with the kids, greet the expectators, even the trees around you, believe me, it works.

Excitement looms as we entered the la mesa ecopark, a nature forest reserve in the metropolis, the most anticipated and the most advertised part of the route. At the entrance of the park xty took her second gel at 01h45m before we head on to the undulating, totally uphill course of the park. It's a bliss running here; cool winds, asphalt roads, trees and water surround you, with military guards spread meters apart, we were treated with extreme safety. Certainly we had our day here, we increased our pace and eventually reached our target time for the first half of the race. At the ecopark exit, I took my first gel, xty her third. It was km.22 at 02h15m.

One lesson I realized here is to carry a hydration with you if you'll run or pace with someone. I don't carry a water bottle on my runs but a valuable dream is with me during this race, that's why I took the initiative. Oh boy, that was a difficult task carrying that thing for more than 4hours, but I didn't mind until I let go of it at the last bend to the finish line. I refilled my water bottle at every station because it's difficult to rely on water stations alone like the stretch of the ecopark wherein drinking water was scarce.

Three hours earlier we arrived at the starting line, and chatted with friends and fellow runners. The atmosphere was festive and the area well lit, the booming sound of music reverberated as far as a kilometer away. The whole of qc circle was closed exclusively for the event. Our pre-race strategies were laid out weeks ahead, so we just made ourselves cool and relaxed during the wait of the gun start. I took xty on a 15min warm-up jog before we headed on our pre-race stretches. She was loose all the time as I wanted her to be. Hakuna matata; no more worries, we left the past behind and looked forward to a brighter day. After a short while we were off.

As we exited the ecopark, monster noise and thick smog billowed upon us. Xty and I braced for another rendezvous with this buses and jeepneys that ply this route of quirino avenue. T'was the first time too that we ate a boiled saba courtesy of fairview running club member. I felt xty went fast at this downhill part, she's doing a 5:30mpk at this juncture, as I kept on reminding her to slow down. Ben snapped us somewhere here. A group of female runners infront of sm city fairview cheered us and told xty, you're the eleventh female runner, lalo pa siyang bumilis nung marinig 'yun. We caught up willie at this point, limping his way through but still in running mode. He told us he's okay and whispered us to go ahead.

I met willie guevarra during the milo 2008 finals, a veteran of 70 marathons with 17 boston qualifications under his belt. He's now retired but still practice active participation in running. He's open to conduct public speaking, guesting or conduct training for running enthusiasts on how to run a marathon and/or qualify to the prestigious boston marathon.

Up ahead we saw the 04h30m pacers, jonel and lester, with their balloons swaying up above them. We're just in time I reminded xty. It was a downhill as we exit mindanao avenue and headed to don mariano marcos avenue, an uphill course that link to commonwealth avenue. At the water station by km.26 xty took her fourth gel, 02h45m. We caught up on jonel somewhere at km.28 and have a short run with him. He handed me a gatorade drink from their tko vehicle and bid us good luck as we moved ahead. Heading back to commonwealth market I feel my quads are going down my knee level. This is reminiscent during my first full marathon run at the philippine international marathon in 2008, I was lacking energy gels I suppose. My supplies were reserved for xty's use. I just kept on dousing them with iced water from noel of frc to let them cool, parang kotse na gustong mag overheat.

I kept on thinking who was the lost soul who dropped his timing chip earlier as we go along. Maybe he already finished the race or otherwise, still lingering behind us, I never know.

We walked break at every water station to give us fresh legs in the long run ahead and made sure that my bottle is always full. Walk breaks are proven effective during marathons. My strategy of mark, trail and pass a runner was still effective as we overtake each runner ahead of us. These strategies, I relayed to xty as we continue to run and exchange talks. "How's your legs, how's your breathing, how's your back" are my constant and repetitive questions to her. "Everything's good" she nodded. "Great! We're gonna be fine." She took her fifth gel somewhere near sandigan 30 minutes later. We were surprised to see miss kim in one of the hydration station handing us water cups.

As we walked break at the 03h15m mark, I saw her stare became blank, probably dehydration took place. She hadn't been hydrating properly for quite sometime as she contented herself to just sips of water. Staying cool, I talked to her as we walk and wrapped my arm around her for support (just in case she fall). I told her to stay sharp, focus her eyes on the horizon, while she takes her sixth gel and drink water. I immediately poured water to cool her down. Support should be by your side at this distance. I clearly remembered a fellow runner who collapsed during the condura race. I could see him staring at me point blank as I attended to him while he laid down flat on the sidewalk. He ended up in the hospital after that.

After a while we were back on the course, with the qc monument on sight, there's the end of the line. Mesh of t2 running was up ahead with ray who handed us frozen gatorades, ala ice candies, the coldest so far. Before entering the qc circle a male runner said "number 11 ka sa local female runners", na inspire na naman at gusto na namang magpabilis.

This last 4kms had been the longest stretch of the route as we struggled to cover this distance, but was one of our strongest run. We overtook runner after runner from different categories, there were still some doing a 10km and 21km finish. We spotted on fellow newbie sylvia running strong and alone on her way back. Xty was still willing although I can feel that our strides are slipping down, I guided her at this pace because I know she'll finish strong with this. We ran with dingdong from trinoma en route to the finish line until he moved past ahead of us, new york is within sight for you doc. What surprised us a lot was when we saw jaymie still running at this point. She had been on a 32km long run earlier but decided to finish the course, one tough woman too. Running really makes a difference.

After our last walk break, we regained our rhythm and ran our way through the finish line. With the loud cheering and clapping we made it to the mat. Not just the two of us, but with my guest timing chip included. Exhausted but stronger in the end, she did her first full marathon. Her dream is now a reality.

For some other photos click here.

Thanks to junrox and marivic for some pictures.

It Started Once as a Dream

The First Quezon City International Marathon is set. This event will be participated by thousands of running enthusiasts and will be showcased by foreign and local elite runners who will vie for the highest awards.

Not so long ago we were witnesses as to how these elite runners from Kenya dominated our local races. We got a close encounter of them during the Clark International Marathon and Subic International Marathon in 2008 wherein they captured the top awards. During the Philippine International Marathon 2008, I ran amongst them.

Xty with the winner of the 2008 SIM

I have been running for quite some time. During my first strides, my goal is simply just to have a fitness program for my body and have fun. Since my better half is supportive of my endeavors, she assisted me in my adventures in running and patiently waited for me at every finish line until she knew she's into running too. As we progressed, we developed a passion in running, hence reaching this level of fitness. Read part of our story here.

This time during the first qcim, it's not only I who will join these Kenyans in the 42km distance course but Xty as well. After witnessing those runners crossing the finish line in jubilation, after countless time of waiting for me at the end of every race; she set herself on a journey. Now, she's ready on her first full marathon. It started once as a dream.

"I'm not hoping for a rain, I'm not looking for a good weather, I don't need new shoes;

I just want a decent finish."

-Xty on her full marathon debut

Being Champions in Life

You passed eight runners and no one passed you.

The finals was ran, the full marathon distance was won. Another milo marathon story unfolded. Two hundred thirty seven finalists braved themselves running the distance to carve their names unto the pages of the premiere running event in the country. This is the 33rd Milo Marathon Finals. This is one of the many stories.

you're on the gallery, witness some of the events here.

This notion of excellence was ultimately bound up with the notion of the fulfillment of purpose. You relied on the act of living up to one's full potential. You showed the courage and strength in the face of adversity. And it was what people aspired to. You showed superiority, you denoted nobility, you showed excellence.

That was arete; unleashing the champion within by being the best that you can be.

Arete 222

Arete, be the best you can be.

arete (Greek: ἀρετή; pronounced /ˈærəteɪ/ in English).

LSD: Long Steady Distance

Fourteen weeks ago xty embarked on a journey in preparation for her first full marathon race. Running this distance is a no walk-in-the park so we derived a training plan from runner's world. Having this kind of training and following it make you feel gratified as you go along and increase your distances. This make you feel secured and eager, and increase your self-confidence as the race day draws closer.

Ten weeks before the race, we started to do the lsd's as part of her training and for her to adapt and know the feeling of how to run longer. And she did enjoyed each and every run we did, a good sign that we're on the right track. An added bonus was the triumph in conquering her 1,000th kilometer for the year that came at the end of September.

The following are the distances that we covered as part of her lsd training. Since we have to train smart, we did a long-steady-distance. We used to incorporate a steady run every time we did these lsd's.

week 6 - 20km

week 8 - 26km

week 10 - 29km

week 11 - 33km

week 12 - 26km

week 14 - 32km

week 15 - 19km

week 16 - race

along katipunan flyover during the 33km lsd

more of the pics in my multiply gallery

Time flew fast, days came to week, and weeks came to month. Just recently, I have changed my didache, another quarter of the year had passed, and at the month of September this blog turned a year older. At exactly two weeks from now, we will do the first Quezon City International Marathon.

See you at the starting line.

Signs of the Times

What's on the dates?

26-04-1986 - The Chernobyl Explosion, Russia

26-08-1992 - Hurricane Andrew, Louisiana USA

26-12-2004 - The Indian Ocean Tsunami, Indonesia

26-09-2009 - Tropical Storm Ondoy, Philippines

In the face of these disasters, we still survive. The Filipino way of lending a hand stands out in this kind of unfortunate situations. There are so may ways to help. So many ways to share. Just visit your nearest aid/relief center and donate something. Volunteer if you have time. You could help, even in the least thing possible. Everything will come out to be big, trust me.

I Did a Lemonade Today

I was home battling this cold for over a week now. Today xty is on the streets doing a 32km long run. I should be running with her if not for this cold that got aggravated after I travelled 17 hours from Batangas at the onset of typhoon ondoy. After weeks of medication it seems that this cold doesn't want to leave me. Three typhoons had visited and left the country, but this thing is still with me. I sacrificed not to run just to get rid of it.

After I bought a kilo of these little green things at the mercado early this morning, I was home making myself an alternative for those gatorades and energy gels. For this time being, I will indulge myself with this organic calamansi juice. After four hours of running xty arrived, and grabbed not the juice, but the powerade. Ouch! Kaysarap tumakbo. Kailangan gumaling na, kailangan tumakbo na. She's made herself ready for the qcim.

Today, I am home. Today, I made myself a lemonade.

Timex Presents

Run fast since the Time is Running. "The 2009 Timex Run with Coach Rio and Piolo Pascual,” is a 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km run on November 15, 2009 at the Bonifacio Global City. Get a chance to run with everyone’s favorite running guru and one of the hottest male actors. Beat the mad dash for these limited and highly-coveted slots. Only 3000 race kits will be up for grabs, which includes a singlet and timing chip, complete with professional action shots by Photovendo and analysis from RunPix.

Regular registration is from October 4 to November 1 at Timex shops (SM North, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, and Glorietta 3), Nike Park Bonifacio High Street, The Trion Towers Site Showroom, Robinsons Land Corporation Grand Showroom (Robinsons Galleria), and AmiSa Showroom (Robinsons Place Manila).

Late registration is from November 2 to 9 at the Timex shop SM North Edsa, and Trion Towers Mckinley Parkway corner 8th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City.

Part of the proceeds goes to the Timex-UNICEF school in Masbate.

For online registration, visit http://www.runrio.com/.

For more information, call 703-1736.

On the Lighter Side

For sure nabasa nyo na to, pero sarap basahin lalo at nakaka-relate.

Heto ang kapayapaan na alam natin, noong wala pang kaunlaran.
Si nanay ay nasa bahay pag-uwi namin galing sa paaralan,

Walang mga bakod at gate ang magkakapit-bahay, kung meron, san francisco o gumamela lang.
Diyes sentimos lang ang baon; singko sa umaga, singko sa hapon;
Merong free ang mga patpat ng ice drop, buko man o munggo.
Mataas ang paggalang sa mga guro at ang tawag sa kanila ay Maestro.

Di binibili ang tubig, puwedeng maki-inom sa di mo kakilala.
Malaking bagay na ang pumunta sa ilog para mag-picnic, o kaya sa tumana;

Grabe na ang kaso pag napatawag ka sa principal's office o kaya malaking kahihiyan kapag bagsak ka sa exams.

Simple lang ang pangarap: makatapos, makapag-asawa, mapagtapos ang mga anak.

Pwedeng iwan ang sasakyan at ibilin sa hindi mo kakilala; wala namang lock ang mga jeep na Willy's noon.

Mayroon kaming mga laruan na gawa namin at hindi binili: trak-trakan (gawa sa rosebowl ang katawan at darigold na maliit ang mga gulong, "sketeng" (scooter) na bearing na maingay ang mga gulong at de-sinkong pako para sa preno.

Patining na pinitpit na tansan lang na may 2 butas sa gitna para suotan ng sinulid (pwede pang makipag-lagutan)

Sumpak, pilatok, boca-boca, borador, atbp.

Di nakikialam ang mga matanda sa mga laro ng mga bata: kasi laro nga iyon.

Maraming usong laro at maraming kasali: laste, gagamba, turumpo, tatsing ng lata, pera namin ay kaha ng Philip Morris, Malboro, Champion (kahon-kahon yon!)

May dagta ang dulo ng tinting na hawak mo para makahuli ng tutubi, nandadakma ka ng palakang tetot, pero ingat ka sa palakang saging dahil sa kulugo;

Butas na ang sakong ng Spartan mong tsinelas - suot mo pa rin;

Namumugalgal ang pundiyo ng karsonsilyo mo kasi nakasalampak ka sa lupa.

Sa modernong buhay at sa lahat ng kasaganaan sa high technology,

Di ba minsan nangarap ka na rin.

Mas masaya noong araw!

Sana pwedeng maibalik...

Takot tayo ngayon sa buhay.

Kasi maraming napapatay, nakikidnap, maraming addict at masasamang loob.

Noon takot lang tayo sa ating mga magulang at mga lolo at lola;

Pero ngayon, alam na natin na mahal pala nila tayo kaya't ayaw nila tayong mapahamak o mapariwara.

Na una silang nasasaktan kapag pinapalo nila tayo.

Balik tayo sa nakaraan kahit saglit.

Bago magkaroon ng internet, computer, at cellphone;

Noong wala pang mga drugs at malls.

Bago pa nauso ang counter strike at mga game boys.

Tayo noon...

Doon.

Tinutukoy ko ang harang taga o tumbang preso kapag maliwanag ang buwan;

Sikyo, baril-barilan, bending, ungkot-manok, luksong tinik at luksong baka.

Ang pagtatakip mo ng mata pero nakasilip sa pagitan ng mga daliri pag nanonood ka ng nakakatakot sa "Mga Aninong Gumagalaw".

Unahan tayong sumagot sa multiplication table na kabisado natin, kasi wala namang calculator.

Pag-akyat natin sa mga puno;

Pagkakabit ng kulambo, lundagan sa kama;

Pagtikwas pagtitimba sa poso; pingga ang pang-igib ng lalake at may dikin naman ang ulo ng babae.

Inaasbaran ng mga suberbiyo;

Nginig na tayo pag lumabas na ang yantok o buntot-page.

Nai-sako ka rin ba?

O kaya naglagay ka ba ng karton sa pwet para hindi masakit ang tsinelas o sinturon?

Pamimili ng bato sa bigas; tinda-tindahan na puro dahon naman;

Bahay-bahayan na puro kahon.

Naglako ka ba ng ice-candy o pandesal noong araw?

Karera sa takbuhan hanggang maubos ang hininga; pagtawa hanggang sumakit ang tiyan;

Meron pa bang himbabao, kulitis at pongapong? O kaya ang lukaok, susuwi at espada?

Susmaryosep ang nadidinig mo pag nagpapaligo ng bata;

Estigo santo kapag nagmamano.

Mapagod sa kakalaro, minsan mapalo; matakot sa "berdugo" at sa "kapre";

Tuwang-tuwa kami pag tinalo ang tinale ni itay kasi may tinola!

Yung crush mo?

Pag recess: mamimili ka sa garapon ng tinapay-alembong, taeng-kabayo o biscocho?

Pwede ring ang sukli ay kending Vicks (meron pang libreng singsing) o kaya nougat o karamel;

Kung gusto mo naman - pakumbo o kaya kariba, mas masaya kung inuyat.

Puriko ang mantika, at mauling na ang mukha at ubos na ang hininga mo sa ihip kasi mahirap magpa-rikit ng apoy.

Madami pa...

Masarap ang kamatis na piniga sa kamay at lumabas sa pagitan ng daliri para sa sawsawan;

Ang palutong pag isawsaw sa sukang may siling labuyo; ang duhat kapag inalog sa asin.

Ang isa-sang isubo ang daliri kasi puno na ng kanin.

Halo-halo: yelo, asukal at gatas lang ang sahog.

Sakang ang lakad mo at nakasaya ka kasi bagong tuli ka;

O naghahanap ka ng chalk kasi tinagusan ang palda mo sa eskwelahan.

Lipstick mo ay papel de hapon;

Labaha ang gamit para sa white-side-wall na gupit.

Naglululon ka ng banig pagkagising; o matigas na almirol ang mga punda at kumot?

Madumi ang manggas ng damit mo kasi doon ka nagpapahid ng sipon, di ba?

Pwede rin sa laylayan.

May mga program kapag Lunes sa paaralan;

May pakiling kang dala kung Biyernes kasi mag-i-isis ka ng desk.

Di ba masaya?

Naalala mo pa ba?

Wala nang sasaya at gaganda pa sa panahon na yon...

Masaya noon at masaya pa rin tayo ngayon habang ina-alaala iyon.

Di ba noon...

Ang mga desisyon ay ginagawa sa awit na "sino ba sa dalawang ito? Ito ba o ito?"

Pag ayaw ang resulta di ulitin: "sino ba sa dalawang ito? Ito o ito?"...

Awit muna: Penpen de Serapen, de kutsilyo, de almasen, haw haw de carabao batuten...

Presidente ng klase ay ang pinakamagaling, hindi ang pinaka-mayaman;

Masaya na tayo basta sama-sama kahit hati-hati sa kokonti.

Nauubos ang oras natin sa pagku-kwentuhan, may oras tayo sa isa't-isa;

Naaasar ka kapag marami kang sunog sa sungka; kapag buro ka sa pitik-bulag o matagal ka ng taya sa holen.

Yung matatandang kapatid ang pinaka-ayaw natin pero sila ang tinatawag natin pag napapa-trouble tayo.

Di natutulog si Inay, nagbabantay pag may trangkaso tayo; meron tayong skyflakes at royal sa tabi at pahihigupin ng mainit na royco.

Kung naaalaala mo ito... nabuhay ka na sa kapayapaan!

Pustahan tayo nakangiti ka pa rin!

Kung naka-relate ka sa lahat ng nabanggit sa itaas, ibig sabihin lang niyan ay...

May katandaan ka na! he he he...

Pero kung hindi ka maka-relate, ikuwento mo na lang sa akala mo ay kapanahunan nya ito para maalala din niya at mangiti rin siya.

Cheers.

Live life.

Run!

Overspeeding: Violation or Not

Overspeeding kills. It doesn't shorten your way, but it shorten your life, at least in the motorists perspective.

In our world of running, speed plays an essential part. Many of us aspire to be one of the best when it comes to speed. We train hard to eventually break a personal best, to exact revenge from those who outrun us before, or to outpace those that makes us a target during the race. We even research and apply several running programs. Some attend and participate in a running clinic, and some even hire personal coaches. Everyone of us is an athlete in the making, all we need is to persevere and dedication on our chosen craft.

What separates Hamilton from Gebrselassie? Rossi from Armstrong? Nothing really. They're all speedsters, they're all winners in their own field. They're all world champions. But what stands out is the speed of Haile. Arguably!

I always take a glimpse of this sign whenever I run close to it in Fort Bonifacio. It kinda remind me how fast I am going. For us runners, it inspires; for motorists, it cautions. Whether to motivate or to enforce, it was installed to serve a purpose. There were six of them strategically placed at the vicinity of Bonifacio Global City, I knew, because we made them. I'm in the industry.

If you speed up, be cautious. If you do, inspire. And don't forget to light-up especially if its dark. See you at the starting line.

Underwater Marathon

Lloyd Scott has just spent 12 days at the bottom of Loch Ness, but he reported no sightings of the lake's legendary loch ness monster.

In what has been billed as the world's first underwater marathon, the British man walked 26 miles along the loch bottom wearing a 1940s diving suit, complete with a 40-pound metal helmet.

The experience - despite frequent rest breaks, was "very cold and very lonely," Scott said on finally emerging at Loch end, near Inverness. "You don't know what's underfoot - sometimes it's mud, silt, rocks or nothing. The air line also kept getting caught and I also had to deal with a build-up of carbon dioxide in the helmet," he said.

It was the first time that Scott, who is known for wearing the suit in land marathons, has used it for its proper purpose. "It's definitely been far more difficult doing it underwater," he said. "I've had to cope with poor visibility, which has at times been nil, I've had to work against the resistance and the pressure of the water."

Scott, from Rainham, east of London, began his journey at Fort Augustus on the opposite end of the loch. A former firefighter and professional soccer player, he spent more than a month training for the marathon, which raised money for children with leukemia.

For decades, people have reported seeing a sea monster in the picturesque lake; the existence of such a creature has never been proven.

The Loch Ness Marathon is an annual monster race held along the famous Scottish loch, Loch Ness. The event is part of the festival of running and attracts 1500 participants for the main event. The marathon supports several charities.

The local counterpart here is the Philippine International Marathon (Pasig Heritage Marathon) which traverses different bridges crossing the Pasig River with an objective to raise fund for the river's rehabilitation. This year's event will be held on November 8, 2009, that will start and finish at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.

If there will be a challenge to do a Pasig River Underwater Marathon, will you do a Lloyd Scott?

Festivity at the Kenny's Open

The recent Kenny's Open 2009 Urbanite Run was my first to race at night. The excitement from the participants added to the already high humidity that night making the venue hotter. With 3,000 runners, the place was surely on fire. People from all sizes came to participate, and some, to witness this first of a kind running event at the metro. Running enthusiasts with their reflective bib numbers and glow in the dark bracelets are fun to watch. I could feel the festive mood from everyone.

Two days before, I received my race packet from the organizers at the same venue. I registered for the 5km race to give myself time to recover for an lsd run with xty some eight hours after. It was a totally different experience because I will be running late by as much as 45 minutes as compared to other races where I usually start first. I have time capturing friends' excitement through photos and have a brief talk with them before they went off. Some pics here.

The heat is on, will I start the fire?

Since I'll just be doing a 5k, I made a short warm-up for myself to rev-up and inched my way afterwards to the front of the crowded coral. Humidity is on a high level at the place, my sweat kept on pouring even I'm just standing idle. After a while we were off, thousands of feet shared the road towards mckinley area, with elbows rubbing against each other. Running down near essensa the road widened as I slowly paced ahead. Running at dark is difficult, especially if your racing. The route down and up at mckinley hill was one of it. But the most difficult is to weave your way through hundreds of runners going towards you. It happened at lawton avenue on my way back wherein we shared a single lane. I ran at the left lane together with the vehicles just to avoid the runners going against my direction until it cleared somewhere at essensa. Running with my instinct, I finished my first night race. Somehow I knew, I started a fire and was burning after.

The race was a success, with celebrity hosts gracing the occasion, runners were treated to a wonderful experience. Everyone had their own time celebrating and partying with teammates and friends. Food and drinks were shared together with a live concert. I wish I had the time.

Six hours later, I did run again.

A Run for Cory

In memory of the late Tita Cory, we held a run at the academic oval of UP Diliman and made headway towards her home at Times Street to pay our respect and prayers. We were part of a group of runners who paid a tribute run for her. There are groups who ran at Alabang, Taguig, Makati, Mandaluyong and the Manila Roundabout. Together with takbo.ph forum members and other running friends we made it possible even the rain poured incessantly. This act is not enough in comparison of what she did to us, to our country and the world. Her greatness and legacy will live forever.

After the run, I went to Roxas Boulevard to be one among the thousands of people who gathered to witness her funeral procession. Waiting for so long was a no problem for these people from different sizes of life just to be part of this historical event. I'm proud, I was among who did.

I ran for Cory. I ran for history.

Adidas Running: Lace Lite

A new line of adizero products is now on the market and adidas running is inviting everyone for an Adizero Gram Challenge promo.

Here are the mechanics:

Baseline weight is 265g based on adiZero Aegis Men's UK size 8.5. For women's running shoes, the weight to beat is 245g based on adiZero Women's UK size 5.5. Promo is valid from August 1-31, 2009.

If shoes are lighter than 265g for mens and 245g for womens you automatically get 20% discount on your adiZero purchases. If shoes are heavier than the baseline weight given, please see grid below:
01g to 20g heavier = 5% off
21g to 40g heavier = 10% off
41g to 60g heavier = 15% off
61g to 80g heavier = 20% off

Being a big fan of adidas adizero shoes, I am excited to witness another innovation of their new line of adizero products. I have been lacing and running with either adizero cs or adizero boston during my races for long and I am looking forward for a review of this new adizero aegis.

Adizero Tempo

The lightest shoe in its class, adizero tempo gives you everything you need and nothing you don't. Pure and simple in appearance and function, this is the ultimate running shoe. Airmesh upper for maximum ventilation. Perforated EVA tongue for lightweight comfort and breathability, dual layer adiLITE/respoEVA sockliner for great step-in and motion comfort (antimicrobial). Non-slip lining for comfort and performance, adiPRENE+ maintains forefoot propulsion and efficiency. Dual density midsole for pronation control. ForMotion for motion control and ground adaptability adiWEAR outsole for best durability in high wear areas. Blown rubber outsole for lightweight grip and cushion.

Adizero Boston

A serious lightweight distance trainer that is built for speed. Made to stay responsive and fast through the hardest training. You feet will be flying. Airmesh upper for maximum ventilation. Moulded respoEVA sockliner for anatomical fit and great step-in comfort. Non-slip lining for comfort and performance adiPRENE - maintains forefoot propulsion and efficiency. AdiPRENE provides protection from harmful impact forces. Torsion system for midfoot integrity. Forefoot blown rubber combines lightweight with grip. Ventilation zone in the shank area and adiWEAR outsole for best durability in high wear areas.

Adizero Aegis

A faster, sleeker, lightweight trainer. Designed with ForMotion upper and ground-adapting 3D ForMotion unit for smoother, more natural touchdowns at high speed, airmesh upper for maximum ventilation. Assymetric upper construction to avoid forefoot pressure. Moulded respoEVA sockliner for anatomical fit and great step-in comfort. Non-slip lining for comfort and performance. Extended Torsion System bar for heel and midfoot stability. Full forefoot adiPRENE+ for forefoot propulsion and efficiency adiWEAR outsole for best durability in high wear areas. Forefoot lugs for traction on road surfaces.

Democracy Mourns

Corazon C. Aquino

1933 - 2009

Thank you Madam President.

photo from giannerory/myspace.com

Gone Too Fast

It's 4:30am, I was about to rise from my slumber when it rained. It's a downpour, I decided to skip my early 10km scheduled run and went back to bed to continue my sleep. At 5:30am I woke up to find out it was not raining anymore. At 6:30am, after I brought my son to school I headed to the amoranto oval with a 6min warm-up run.

After a little stretching routine I went to work. My program is to run at race speed for 5km. The first kilometer went fine with a split time of 04m19s. The second kilometer was faster as I clocked at 04m11s. My breathing was normal, I could feel I'm back after the recovery period from the recent milo eliminations.

The Ordeal

On my sixth lap, I stared at my watch to see my split when suddenly I felt a twitch in my left eye. The twitching continued and shut down my left eye. Worried, I halted as the sensation exaggerated, now including part of my left face. It was at this moment that I felt that the twitching is severe. Serious enough that I was terrified, I thought of having a symptom of stroke. I did not panicked though and even shouted to my peers for help. My mind was lucid as I was anticipating a fall, which luckily didn't occur. After a brief walk, uttering prayers, it went out and returned to normal. Saying thanks and praises to God, I continued my walk to the bench and drenched myself with cold water. I called it a day.

The Discovery

During the afternoon I went to the doctor and had my check-up. The diagnosis; it was a muscle twitch. Fasciculation (wikipedia) is a small, local, involuntary muscle contraction (twitching) visible under the skin arising from the spontaneous discharge of a bundle of skeletal muscle fibers. Fasciculations have a variety of causes, the majority of which are benign, but can also be due to disease of the motor neurons. More of this here.

The check-up went well, I had a good dialogue with the doctor, an internal medicine/cardiology specialist. My neuro tests conducted were all normal but I have to have a blood test examined in a couple of days. I hope it would end up well. The good news was "you're good to go, you're good to run", she said.

A Day at the Office

Ran out of words, got nothing to write, got nothing to do, but ...

Will you hit ENTER?

hooked |hookt|

adjective

informal captivated; absorbed ; addicted

formal keen on, enthusiastic about, addicted to, obsessed with, infatuated with, fixated on, fanatical about; informal mad about, crazy about, wild about, nuts about.

Three's a Charm

Not long ago, Xty prepared herself to run her first half-marathon race and aimed for a 6mins per kilometer pace. The two previous races were close until she nailed it on her third try. At the recent globe run for home, she coasted to her victory. A feat equivalent to more than a mile long was transformed from every fraction of time won.

Condura Run for the Whale Sharks

02h07m51s

33rd Milo Marathon Eliminations
02h08m30s

Globe Run for Home
02h06m15s

View more photos here.
Milo photo courtesy of Marvin O.

Kenny's Open 2009

Calling all Manila urbanites! Come join the Kenny's Open 2009 Urbanite Run, a one-of-a-kind night run that will not only raise funds for Hands On Manila Foundation but promote deliciously healthy eating too!

Event Details:

1. The Kenny's Open 2009 Urbanite Run will be held on August 15, 2009 at The Fort. Official time will be at 8:00pm.
2. The run will accomodate a total of 3,000 runners, 18 years old and above, with divisions of 5km, 10km and 15km distances.

How to Join:

1. Purchase the Urbanite Run ticket.
To join the urbanite run, interested participants must purchase an urbanite run ticket for P600 at any Kenny Roger's Roasters branch or through the web by visiting www.kennys.com.ph. An electronic claim voucher will be issued to registrants to claim their urbanite run ticket at any Kenny Roger's Roasters branch.

Urbanite Run tickets will entitle participants to:

a. Eat: Bearers are entitled to an Urbanite meal form Kenny Rogers. Simply present the urbanite run ticket at any Kenny Rogers branch to claim the urbanite meal. Redemption period from July 15 to August 15, 2009.

b. Run: The urbanite run ticket will serve as the runner's registration voucher, to be attached to their registration form, if they register manually. See below for registration details.


c. Donate: Serve as runner's donation to Hands On Manila Foundation. On the day of the run, bearers are to drop the "donate" portion of their urbanite tickets at the designated box on-site.

2. Register on the Run.
Registration will be from July 15 to August 11, 2009. Participants may register online, just follow the urbanite race link at www.kennys.com.ph or through designated registration sites at Nike Park and Runnr and claim materials on-site. Manual registration will also be available to last-minute participants on the night of the run - within one hour before call time.

Event Day:

1. Call time. On the night of the run, participants must arrive at 8:00pm. Gun start times are 8:30pm (for 5km), 8:45pm (for 10km) and 9:00pm (for 15km).

2. Prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place finishers of each division, to be awarded after the run finishes.
3. EventActivities:
At the end of the run, participants will be invited to relax and socialize, and cap off the evening with a bang with percussions group, Tribo Manila.

... A night of fun entertainment and, of course, deliciously healthy eating!

Why join the Urbanite Run?

The urbanite run, fashioned to cater specifically to the fit and active urbanite crowd, will promote the commitment to deliciously healthy living through Kenny Rogers!

... And true to its name,
our run will be at night!

Clarifications:

1. Only Kenny Roger's Roasters outlets and the Kenny's Roast and Grill Restaurant at the Powerplant serve as registration sites.

2. You can claim your run kit only at the Kenny tents to be installed infront of the Nike Park in Bonifacio High Street on August 13 & 14 only, from 3:30pm to 11:00pm.

For more details log on to www.kennys.com.ph.

Run Radio

For the past few years, running as a sport has increasingly become popular among Filipinos, leading to the prevalence of road races around Metro Manila. The aforementioned races have become a congregation of people from all walks of life united in their love for running and their resolution to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle. From elite athletes to weekend warriors, from multisport enthusiasts to the weight-watcher, running has become an integral part in the public's efforts to keep fit.

With running at its peak, the idea for producing a viable medium to promote and sustain the sport's presence in the public eye came, hence the idea to produce Run Radio.

The show will be hosted by Jaymie Pizarro, thebullrunner, a known catalyst for influencing people to take up running as a lifestyle choice, and Jay Nacino, prometheuscometh, a former Ateneo track team member who has rekindled his love for running. Both hosts are known figures in the running circuit through their blogs where they give detailed accounts of their training, their races, and running in general.

Run Radio will start airing on July 24, 2009 at NU107, and will continue to air every Fridays, 9-10pm.

For the latest updates please visit www.nu107fm.com/profile/runradio.