21 October 2012 is Livestrong Day

Indeed, there is unity in strength.

By now, you know that spokesperson and 7-time Tour de France (before it was stripped from him months ago) Lance Armstrong stepped down from Livestrong. But I would still encourage people to join the Livestrong Day on 21 October 2012.

Lance Armstrong is one of the people that I admire, not only because of how he spends each day for his passion, but also of how he fought the toughest enemy of mankind to date: cancer. I recently saw a very good friend died from it. Moreover, in the last three years, three people (including my friend) that I knew died from cancer.

I encourage everyone to join this so that we could participate in finding a way for cancer cure.

And as what Livestrong says, there is unity in strength.

Details on the Livestrong Day event can be read here.

A Better Run for the Veterans - August 4, 2012

Too bad I didn't see this. I bet it would have been a proud moment for me - seeing veterans honor our flag (photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - Mar Espique)

I know. It's been close to two months since I ran in A Better Run for the Veterans. I have been busy so I was not able to post my thoughts on the run. But anyway, better late than never.

It was one of the running events where I came in late. I swear I left the house early because I was afraid that I might encounter some flooded areas and marketing people (people going to the market - it was a Saturday). Well, there were no flooded areas and I got to pass through marketing people with ease. What I did not expect was when the jeepney driver pass through a gasoline station. I wanted to go down and start my warm up.
 

The veterans (and their dependents) waving before the 1K gun start. Also in the picture are Coach Alvin and Joy Mendoza. (photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - TL Ponce)

When I arrived at the venue, the gun start for the 5K just happened. I contented myself with looking at the runners on my category. To cut the long embarrassing lateness story, I ended up running after the veterans have started their 1K race.

Running late - literally. :D (photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - Mar Espique)

But it seemed like it was meant to be that way. As I was starting my first few meters, I passed through veterans and their family members. Yes, they are old, but their brave spirits are still within them. It was inspiring to see them run or walk.

The 1K participants on their way. (photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - Mar Espique)

photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - Mar Espique

photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - Mar Espique

photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - Mar Espique

 It may have been six decades since our veterans fought a war that they did not want to join. Running (and walking) with them is also hoping that they will enjoy the rest of their lives; and for us to never forget the scars that they bore.

As for me, running lessons are ever lingering: one, never run a 5K without training. Two, never arrive late in a running event.

Or rather, tell the jeepney driver to fill in the tank after I have gone down from the vehicle.

photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - TL Ponce

photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - TL Ponce

I made it! (photo from God's Wind Events Facebook Page - TL Ponce

)

Rexona Run 2012: undoubtedly my best run ever!

Me and the Rexona ball in my hands!

I have been running for the past two years, but I have never been so glad about Rexona Run 2012.

Well, all the elements of Runrio events are there: booths, entertainment, big tents for baggages, finishers' kits, and finishers' shirts (for 21K), many water stations, great security, many portalets, and Rio himself doing his rounds on a bike (I couldn't keep my eyes off from his flowing Afro hair).

I was glad about myself.

For the first time since I started running, I had the following:

1. I had 7 hours of sleep the night before the race. It was the first time it happened. Before, I was so stressed out counting the remaining hours of my sleep.

2. I arrived in the venue way very early for the gun start. I used to arrive 15 minutes to gun start (worse, I was late). I was able to check out the booths and had my photo booth picture with my brother (he came with me to try if he would see some celebrities).

I think I surpassed myself by arriving early! Hooray!

Stretching it out before the gun start!

3. I experienced (and savored) my 5K warm up! Stretching, jog in place, knee high, butt kicks - name it, I got to do it!

4. I got to see runner friends after crossing the finish line. I know it was impossible to see my friends in a big running event. But I guess it was meant for us to cross paths.

Nice to see Vinny Tongson of Team Century Tuna. He was my classmate in Education Units (and he's my future marathon coach - I told him that!)

The idea of Outrun, Defy, and Surpass Yourself from this guy and his team - and he happened to be my college classmate/friend. Glad to know Roman Carlo Olivarez is now running, too!

5. I envisioned myself enjoying my run. No rushing on creating records. I have learned my lessons on the past two runs. And enjoyed the run I did!

I may not have defied myself in cutting my 5K record, but Rexona Run 2012 is undoubtedly my best run ever!


All photos courtesy of Marc Raphael A. Peñaredondo

I did not realize that Rexona Run 2012's blue theme will match my brace rubbers. What a coincidence!

CSC R.A.C.E. to Serve Fun Run II - September 8, 2012

R.A.C.E. to Serve II brought together runners from the government service.

This race has its fair share of pros and cons, but what surprised me was that I got to beat my personal record! Well, more on this later.

Pros

1. The staff in-charge of baggage had a hard time getting our bags since their only vehicle (an L300 pick up) was already filled with bags. But they were reassuring that another vehicle is coming to get our bags. Also, they made sure that some participants get to have straw ropes for us to tie our baggage stuff to our bags. By the finish line, the baggage staff were very strict in giving bags. They were only few but it seemed like they worked as if they were many. Kudos to those guys!

2. Visible ambulances. We saw them almost every kilometer.

3. The people giving away certificates of participation. And there's a lot of certificates for everybody!

Thank goodness I got to finally pass the 1.5K mark. I saw the road with less runners! Here I go!

Cons

1. Cars were parked beside the starting line, also along the road in front of The Manila Hotel! There was even one car who was almost allowed to go inside the running area, a few meters from the finish line!

2. I only saw ONE water station along Roxas Boulevard, a few meters before the turnaround for the 3K run. I can't speak for the 10K route since I ran 5K. I do hope there were water stations available there.

3. Some 3K runners went to the other side of the road to run, because the people in front of them kept on walking. This happened in front of the United States Embassy. Policemen guarding the area just looked at what had happened. Since the policemen did not do anything, I also followed the runners. I know it's bad. I learned a lesson right there: do not join the 3K gun start when you're late.

Despite and in spite of all of these, I was surprised to see that I managed to finish my 5K in 46 minutes. I had a good feeling I'm topping my current record when I crossed the 1.5K mark. Unfortunately, I got too excited in finishing my run faster that I felt tired along the way. My lungs and legs felt heavy, I would have opened myself and take out my lungs and muscles if I could. I also felt my right knee aching along the way, so I walked for a few minutes. I finally finished the race with an unofficial time of 46:33.

Honestly, I was glad the race was over but I was not really happy with how I performed.

Oh well, life has its share of pros and cons.

All smiles even if the right knee's aching!

Get Moving!

Tadaaahhh! If this will not push me to do my runs, then I don't know what else.

I was so proud of my accomplishment on the first day of September: I made a collage of few pictures and posted them in front of my room table.

I know, I am so traditional, cutting and pasting and posting something that may look like an output of a grade one. Some of you may have been shouting, "You have a Pinterest!"

Honestly, I don't see my Pinterest boards every minute. Moreover, I am not for the look of my work of art. I am for it's warning: GET MOVING.

Get moving towards taking one step at a time - literally.

Get moving towards taking action of my dreams.

Get moving towards better health.

And so, I am proud of my work of art.

But I look forward to what my work of art will do to push me to my limits.