CEBU CITY MARATHON: MEDAL TALES

I am one of those runners whose always attracted to running finisher's medal.  I carefully choose my races and medal are always part of the consideration to run or not.  For a medal hungry runner like me, it symbolizes achievement.   I believe, medals last longer than pain. 

Cebu City Marathon or CCM now on its 12th edition this 2018 is one of the races with beautifully designed and unique medals.  I doff my hat to the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) for coming up with designs and concepts that beautifully depicts what CEBU is all about. 

Let's look back, revisit the past years and try to learn the story behind each design.

2010 - MANGO DESIGN

The famous Cebu mangoes - sweet, delicious and juicy.
Photo Credits: www.everythingcebu.com

2010 Design - Inspired by Cebu Mango

Who doesn't like Cebu Mangoes?  Perhaps this is what Meyrick Jacalan of Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) had in mind when he came up with the brilliant idea to have the famous Cebu Mango for the design.  Engraved in it are the words "CEBU CITY MARATHON", the famous landmark MAGELLAN CROSS, the date of the event 01-10-10 and CERC, the running club organizing the event.

2011 - 2-MANGO DESIGN

I can surmise the mango design earned beautiful feedback and review from runners reason why Cebu Executive Runners Club decided to keep the mango-design.  This time around they added the words "Race Through The Streets and Colors of Cebu", which is an apt description of what CCM should be - a prelude to SINULOG, which is the grandest of all festivals in the Philippines.

2012 - 3-MANGO DESIGN

SOURCE: www.runningpinoy.wordpress.com

For the third and last time, Cebu Marathon 2012 medal still retained the Mango-design, however, it added the engraved branding words "Feel The Beat and Get On Your Feet".  With the branding, the organizers wanted the CCM to goes back to its Sinulog roots, bringing the festive, lively and fun vibe, highlighting the reason to take part in Sinulog.

2013 - PUSO DESIGN

Cebu's Puso, the inspiration for the 2013 medal design
Photo Credits: www.everythingcebu.com

2013 Design - inspired by Cebu's puso or hanging rice

PUSO, is heart in Filipino/Tagalog.  In Cebuano, it is pronounced PU-SU or the Bisaya term for Hanging Rice.  The hanging rice which is distinctly Cebuano is best paired with grilled barbeque meat, siomai or any street food.  

For 2013, the organizers highligthed PUSO to brand PUSO as the The Heart of the Cebu Marathon.   Aside from the usual Cebu landmarks engraved in the medal, this is the first time that an image of the Child Jesus, Sto. Nino is incorporated.  I find this noteworthy as Sinulog Festival is supposedly a religious event.  Amidst the festivities, its is nice to focus on the reason of the celebration which is to give thanks, honor and adoration to the Blessed Child Jesus.


2014 - GUITAR DESIGN

Cebu is home to world-class guitar.  Guitar making is a flourishing industry and most of the manufacturers are found in Lapu-Lapu City or Mactan Island.  Accounts on how the industry started can be traced during the Spaniards time when they trained villagers on the craft, so they no longer have to send their guitars to Mexico for repair.  The music loving villagers took the livelihood by heart until it grown into a thriving industry.  This livelihood was passed on from generations to generations.

GUITAR, the inspiration for CCM 2014 medal design.
Photo Credits:  www.everythingcebu.com

2015 - LECHON DESIGN

If you ask any Filipino what is the most popular dish in the Philippines, I bet their answer would include lechon.  And if you're follow up question will be, "where can we have the best lechon, the answer is crystral clear:  Cebu lechon is the best!

No wonder the famous TV Personality, Chef, and Food Adventurer Anthony Bourdain describes Cebu Lechon as "The Best Pig Ever".

Cebu's Lechon or roasted Pig, CCM's inspiration for its 2015 medal design
Photo Credits:  Out of Town Blog

2016 - LAPU-LAPU DESIGN

Cebu is rich in history and culture.  History books tells us that in 1521, the brave island chieftain named Lapu-Lapu fought against Spanish conquerors led by then Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan in a fight called The Battle of Mactan.  Lapu-Lapu defeated and killed Magellan in that historic event.  It was victory for Lapu-Lapu.

Running a marathon is like raging war with oneself.  Along the race you will encounter challenges and difficulties that's hard to combat.  Once you'll diminish self-doubt and conquer one self, you will be victorious and just like Lapu-Lapu, you are a true heart road warrior.

This finisher's medal is fitting for a road warrior.  

Mactan Island's chieftain, LAPU-LAPU - the inspiration for the CCM 2016 medal design
Photo Credits: www.ebtenorio.wordpress.com

SOURCE: www. takbo.ph

2017 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY MANGO DESIGN

CCM started in 2008.  It was then called Sinulog Half Marathon and not CCM yet.  It was organized by the Cebu Executive Runners Club or CERC, the same group who is still backing up the event every year.

On its 10th edition, CCM went back to the original Mango design but this time around highlighted its 10th year anniversary. This race is also called Tri-City Marathon as this is the first time that race route covers the three cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.  That makes this edition extra special.

2018 - "CEBU NOW" DESIGN

Less is written on the why of the medal design.  In my opinion, it depicts the modern Cebu.  That is why unofficially call it "THE CEBU NOW" design for the reason that it highlighted the modern and present Cebu.  As with the previous medals, it still showcased the famed landmark of Cebu, The Magellan's Cross.  This time around they included the Basilica Minore de Sto Nino, a landmark that symbolizes Cebuano deep religiosity, devotion and unwavering Child-like faith to the Child Jesus.

Since CCM was born, a lot had change in terms of the city's landscape.  Cebu is definitely not the same as it was since 2008.  This is perhaps the reason why the medal version this year is a modern representation of the city.  Its background are tall rise buildings or skyscrapers in all forms and sizes - condominiums, commercial centers, malls and modern infrastructures and structures that sprouted like mushrooms at almost all parts of the metropolis.

With all the infrastructure development, worsening traffic woes and visible sign of economic progress, this is the CEBU now.

Cebu's Skyscrapers - inspiration for the 2018 design
Photo Credits: Pinterest

SOURCE: www.cebumarathon.ph

MY FIRST TRAIL RUN

Columbia Eco Trail Run 5th Leg
February 5, 2012, Sunday
Brgy. Mulao, Liloan Cebu
Distance: 12.6KM

If someone would ask me about my Columbia Eco Trail Run experience, I would borrow the words of the author and professor Michael Josephson when he said, "Don't ask me if it was easy, ask if it's worth it".

The Columbia Eco Trail was my first trail run.  Now on its fifth leg, I've heard that the first four editions were equally adventure-packed races held at different eco-tourism destinations in Cebu . Columbia and R.O.X, who were the organizers said that the fifth leg is the most challenging race ever.  True enough, it was an extremely difficult, risky and challenging route that covers a total of 12.6KM distance along the beautiful scenic mountain barangay of Mulao, Liloan, Cebu. The adventure-filled trail run is a combination of mountain climbing, hill walking, two river trail crossing, massive boulder srambling, hurdling rocking faces and ridges, suspension challenge in a hanging bridge, muddy run, and of course technical ascents and steep down hill challenge. 

The First Hurdle

The first hurdle for me is climbing Mt Lanigid.  As a newbie, reaching the hill top is pure torture.   I had to stop several times to rest, take a deep breath and regain strength to make that next step uphill.  After a long ordeal of getting to the top of Mt. Lanigid, it was all worth the pain.

Malipayong Runner at Mt. Lanigid's peak

The fresh air, lush greens, the beautiful scenery was pure heaven and communing with nature was such a divinely beautiful experience.

But much when I thought I'd overcome the hardest part, I am clueless that there are still more to come.  

Second hurdle?

Getting ourselves down. 

Here comes the downhill trail.  If going to the top is hard, getting oneself down is equally difficult.  At the middle point going down from the top, we got stuck in a queue.  We were forced to stop and wait for the queue to progress.

Runners going down Mt. Lanigid

Looking down, we noticed that the way was so narrow and the downward slant is extremely difficult that one had to be careful and endeavor to make calculated move going down.  If one slipped, it will create a domino effect on runners ahead of the queue and one wrong move would make one go down deep.  Adding fear is the reality that we don't know what await us down.  Getting slipped is nobody's option.

That challenge demonstrated our selflessness, when we've shown genuine concern and teamwork with other runners.  It was a beautiful sight to see all of us helping each other getting down.  Extending our hands to the runner behind us for them to have something to hold.  Telling each other to be extra careful so as not to be slipped.  The bayanihan spirit is alive in each one of us.

When we've passed that challenge,  I cannot help but mumble a little prayer.  Thank God we were safe.  We all boisterously laughed about that crazy and scary experience.

River 1

River 1 

When we were fast approaching the first river, I got to see it from afar.  It was amazingly beautiful.  The rocks are crazy big and humongous.  From the mountainside viewpoint where I was trekking, I also got to see the runners few miles ahead of us.  It reminded me of my slow pace and that it would take a miracle to catch up.  But it didn't matter to me.  After all, I came not to compete but to enjoy the beautiful scenery and breathtaking view.  I wanted to savor every moment of it.  That alone already makes me a winner.

It was good that the organizers did not allow us to cruise the entire river, but instead required us to trail a portion of it.  I can surmise that because there were less rocky points in the first few kilometers of the river that passing the entire stretch would forced runners to be submerged in the water.  Wet runners would mean more likely to be exposed to accidents.  But even with that security measure in mind, I later learned than an Air Force runner who participated the race accidentally slipped himself while passing those rocks, thus unable to finish the race.

Malipayong Runner hurdling massive boulders

River 1 was one hell of a never ending boulder scrambling experience.  We have to hurdle giant-sized boulders, rocks and stones to pass.  We have to slide and glide our body, embrace and cradle the rocks, climb and roll our bodies, passed by an improvised bamboo bridge - all these just to survive the race.  It was risky, yes, but it was an experience I wouldn't trade for the world.

Photo credit: Columbia Official Facebook page

When I almost reached the end part of the river, I looked back several times.  I wanted to vividly capture the beauty of the place in my mind.  I cannot help but be drawn in awe and fascination by the beauty and magnificence of God's work of art. I've never thought Cebu has it's own share of paradise in Mulao.


Hanging Bridge

Malipayong Runner at the hanging bridge

The suspension challenge by passing the hanging bridge isn't that difficult.  Except that you have to be extra careful with your wet shoes on, the possibility of your feet getting trapped in between bars or getting an accident is not remote.  But to secure yourself you can get hold of the wires on both sides of the bridge.  The hanging bridge was not elevated enough to scare passersby and the river below doesn't send shivers on my bones. But for others who have fear of heights, like my runner companion, Che-Che, that challenge might be another dreadful point to overcome.

River 2

River 2 is smaller compared to the first river. It has smaller rocks which makes it obviously less risky.  But the difficult part is it has longer route compared to the first one.  We spent several hours cruising the circuitous route of the river draining our energy and causing our feet to become tired and exhausted. The river is the last route leading to the uphill road climb to the finish line.

The End Is Near

The  signage "Welcome To Barangay Mulao" signals that we are nearing the finish line.

Stationed marshalls in the area told us that it is the last leg of the race, with few kilometers left before reaching home base.

Malipayong Runner doing power walks few kilometers to the finish line

For me this part is the most difficult in the entire route.  Imagine having been in a "jungle" for almost four hours. My legs were already tired, exhausted and shaking.  I have been trailing for several hours and had to endure the scorching heat of the sun.  Not to mention by being deeply aggravated by a super dry throat with no more water available to quench my thirst.  I was craving for water. Sadly, no water station is in sight.

I almost gave up.   I can't barely push myself any further.  There was a point when I wanted to drop my body to the ground because I can't take it anymore. I told my running companion Che-Che to just leave me and continue because I thought I can't make it.  She insisted I take some rest to regain strength.  Luckily, we spotted a bahay-kubo nearby and the girl in the house was kind enough to provide us cold water for free.  I was able to refresh myself again.

I am thankful to Che-Che for being my inner voice who kept telling we can make it 'till the finish line.  True enough we did.  We did not make it to the 4-hour cut off time as we both arrived beyond, but we arrived with smiles on our faces just like any victor.                      

The experience? It sure wasn't easy but it was truly worth it.  Having landed our feet on such amazingly beautiful place in Cebu is worth all the pain, bruises, and discomfort.

If given the chance to do it again, I surely will, because it was an experience I will treasure in my memories forever.

THE RUNNERS' HIGH

- Source: www.facebook.com/BenefitsOfGiving

ALL IS WELL: MY RUN UNITED CEBU EXPERIENCE

Photo credit: Larsen Inc Official Facebook Page

Run United Cebu Leg is one race I said to myself I won't surely miss no matter what.  


In fact, with a heavy heart, I begged off attending the fun run of my high school Alma Mater to be at Unilab's running event.

Several of my running friends also waited in anticipation .  After its successful series in Manila, Cagayan, Bacolod and Baguio, Cebu runners are very excited to be part of this biggest running event of the month with Cebu being the last leg of the Regional Series.

But because it was slated in December which is the busiest month of the year - with christmas parties left and right, reunions and gatherings, holiday shopping and other pre-Christmas commitments, I didn't have enough time and focus for training.

But I didn't care - after all I am not competing and not aiming for a podium finish.

My heart's desire is just to cross that finish line and bring home that very nice 21k finisher's medal.

The UnDisciplined Runner

A night before the big day, we had our Metro Cebu RCBC Christmas Party at Harolds Hotel, Cebu City. When I learned that the party will be a night before the race, I'd thought of skipping it to prepare for the next day's event.

But two days before the party, I got a call from the party organizers that I'll be one of the hosts.

I had no choice but to stay and wait until the party ends.  It ended at past 12 midnight.  Though tired and exhausted, I am still confident that I can wake up early even if I slept at 1:05 AM.

But things didn't turn out as expected.

I woke up at 4:57 AM without the aid of an alarm clock or my wife's gentle whispers.

When I saw the time, I simply panicked. Oh My God ! I didn't know what to do.

With three minutes left before the 5 AM gun time , in my mind I asked "How will I catch up the race?".

All is Well

When the 21k race started in Asiatown, IT Park, Cebu City.  I am still at home in Cordova, Cebu contemplating whether to push through or not.

But for me quitting is not an option. I never quitted on things I'm passionate about.  And I can't accept the thought of missing that finisher's medal.  It would be my fourth and nicest medal.   I would regret giving up the race for the rest of my life.

Fortunate enough to have found a cab driver who drove me so fast that I arrived at the venue at exactly 5:35 AM.   The baggage counter attendant informed me that im 35 minutes late and have to do a lot of catching up.

At the starting line, the 10k runners are about to be dispersed.  I have to pass the starting line for my chip to read my time, so I joined them.

"All is well" was my mantra.  Positive Thinking.  In my mind I thought everything will be ok.

True enough, everything turned out well. I was surprised I was not the last runner to cross the finish line .  Along the way, I passed by tired 21k runners making walk breaks.

I clocked at 2:51. Few seconds better than my first 21k.

Not bad,  after all  I felt proud of myself by not quitting, not making shortcuts along the way and my sheer determination to finish the race no matter what.

All in all,  my Run Cebu United experience taught me three important lessons:

1.  Never be late again.  If I have to take running by heart, I have to develop the discipline of a runner, go back to basics and strive to know how to balance my priorities.

2.  Be positive.  Don't panic. Chill and think of the best thing to do at the moment.  Amazing things can happen if you stay cool, focus and think that everything will turn out good.

3.  Never quit.  A runner will never conquer impossible roads if he'd entertained the thought of quitting at the start.    As an overused cliche puts it "Winners never quit".

Happy Running !!!

MISSED GRADUATION

Few years ago I missed attending my college graduation.

I have no choice because I have to attend an awarding ceremony organized by the  City  of  Lapu-Lapu  where  I  will  be receiving an award and the plum comes with it a ten cash  prize .  I pleaded the organizers if possible for me to prioritize my graduation, but to no avail.

Looking  back, I guess it was a decision I’ve regreted.  I shouldn’t  have traded  off  my  graduation  for money.  For anyone who have toiled hard to finish  college,  graduation  means  a  lot  and  no  amount  of  money can compensate  the  feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment one can experience in a graduation ceremony.

Last  Nov 23, 2011,  I missed graduation the second time around – this time our  RUNNR  Academy  graduation.  I had to be with my wife YhanYhan and my baby  girl Mandela who were both ill on that day.  I have long been waiting for  the  graduation  and  in fact very excited about it,  but I know that my

family  is  more important than anything else. As runners, there are myriad running  events  or  activities  that  excite us and take most of our time. Being  a  family  man,  I  guess the key is just to know our priorities and

strive to attain balance.

I  texted  my  friend  Jowy  who  was  kind enough to get my Certificate of Completion and Newton  Commemorative Shirt. 

I was very happy when he handed it to me the following day.

My RUNNR Academy Certificate of Completion

True  that  I missed the graduation but the insights gained will be forever kept in my mind and heart.  The time and effort that I invested into it will not be put in vain.  The academy led me to meet people who shared they same love and burning passion for the sport.  Beautiful people whom the privilege of knowing I deeply treasured.

MY FIRST HALF-MARATHON RUN

It was a grueling 21KM run.

Crossed the finish line after 2 hours and 50 minutes.  For a first time half-marathoner, I guess my time is understandable.

I planned of running 21KM come Cebu City Marathon this January 2012.  But I'd thought January is too long to wait.  After running several 5K and 10K, I can't wait any longer to challenge myself to go further.

So I registered myself for the 21K category at Citigym's Half Marathon Halloween Run on Oct., 30, 2011.

My motivation for the run?

Aside from pushing myself to defy limits, I aimed for the finisher's medal - my first, after several months of taking running seriously.

Organizers say they will be giving medal to top 500 finishers only so I motivated myself to be on the top 500.  Though seemingly impossible, I am still positive that I'll joined the ranks not because I run with speed but due to my consumed desire to have that first running medal.

True enough, I didn't make it to the top 500 finishers but a lovely Citigym staff cheerfully waited me at the finish line - ready to give my much-coveted finisher's medal.

A heartfelt "THANK YOU VERY MUCH", was all I uttered.

Afterall, that first running medal means so much to me.

My first running medal

With ultrarunner, Rommil Garces of Pentax

With running friends from Pentax Cebu

Post-run souvenir shot

My running buddy, Roger Baynosa, the very first person who believe  I can make it

6TH MEPZCEM FUN RUN

October 16, 2011 wasn't an ordinary Sunday for me and my officemates at RCBC.

For one, we had to wake up at 4am to be at the PEZA  grounds to join the 6th MEPZCEM Fun Run, which is an annual running event organized by the Mactan  Economic  Processing  Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturers (MEPZCEM).

Dubbed  as “Dagan Alang Sa Kahimsug” or Run For Health, the activity is not only a jumpstart to  an  active  and  healthy  lifestyle  but  also for a worthy cause since proceeds  will  be used for MEPZCEM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, specifically for its adopted schools namely Timpolok Elementary School and Sudtonggan Elementary School.

For  the  past  six  years,  RCBC  MEPZ  I and 2 Business Centers have been actively  supporting  this  annual event. Amongst banks situated inside the zone,  RCBC’s  presence  and participation is always highlighted being the lone  bank  supporting the activity.  This in return,  creates goodwill and projects a positive corporate image for the bank.

This just shows that we're not only corporate rat racers but socially aware citizens as well.

Cheers !!!!

RCBC MEPZ I and 2 Officers and Staff before the 5k run

Leslie, Rosalie, Marivic and Malipayong Runner

Post-run souvenir shot

RUNNR ACADEMY

The  Runnr  Academy  is a joint project of Ayala Center Cebu and Runnr, the

running/sports apparel store located at Ayala Center Cebu.

It  is  a  10-Wednesday free running program aimed at promoting the sports

through  a  series  of  clinics with one-hour talk and a 5k run in the next

hour.

This  is already the second time that Runnr and Ayala Center Cebu organized

the academy.  The first batch yielded 178 graduates and shall be culminated

in  a graduation ceremonies on Nov 23 (together with the batch 2 graduates)

and will be attended by Runnr President Toby Claudio.

RUN ONE PIECE AT A TIME

“Eat  your cake one piece at a time”, were the words of advice of Bro Carlo
Bacalla  of  the  Don  Bosco.  Together  with  Atty  Haide  Acuna,  the two
ultrarunners  graced  the  opening  of  the second installment of the Runnr
Academy at the Ayala Center Cebu Active Zone.  The two were the first ever
Cebuano runners who made it to the 160K Bataan Death March Run, putting the
name of Cebu in the local running scene.

Speaking from his wealth of experience as a runner, he  encouraged  us neophyte runners 

to take our time with running and start with  a  smaller distance until we increase our mileage.  

And that like any other  sport,  it  pays  to practice running.  He recalled that just as any
beginner  they  started  with 3K, 5K until they reach the 160K.  They never
thought they could reach 160K until they tried and conquered what others might thought impossible.

WE ARE BORN TO RUN

“All  of  us  were  born  to run”, says ultramarathoner, media personality,
newspaper  columnist  and  lawyer  Haide  Acuna,  when she graced the first
session  of the Runnr Academy last September 7, 2011 at Ayala Center Active
Zone.  

She said that running is instinctive in each of us, and like her, if
we  put our heart into it, running can lead us to a healthy lifestyle.  

She encouraged  us  to  do  the  same  and  take  running  as our passion.  

 She reiterated  that  we are lucky enough that with the present times there are
readily  available  information  about running with the presence of running
magazines,  blogs  (The  Bull  Runner)  and websites available at the net (
www.runnersworld.com,  www.competitor.com., etc.  

She also did mention that unlike  other sports where there will be declared winners, with running you
can  have  a  sense of accomplishement of being a winner when you cross the
finish line.  

Nothing beats the feeling of crossing the finish line.

Admittedly, Atty Acuna is one of the famous Cebu runners I'm dying to see in
person.  Listening  to her words of encouragement  is like having a pat in
the back.  It was such a once-in-a –lifetime opportunity to learn from her.

For  a  beginner  like  me,  those  words  were  a source of motivation and
inspiration.

After that first session, I was compelled to run.  My mindset dictates I am born to run and so I am made to conquer the road.

FUN RUN 4 JAPAN

Lapu-Lapu City Kadaugan Street Party
FunRun4Japan
April 29, 2011, Friday
Assembly Time: 9PM
Venue: Lapu-Lapu City Hall

I learned about the event from a flyer handed out to finishers of the 3rd Great Lapu-Lapu Run. Since registration was done at Facebook, I wasted no time to register myself. It is actually a charity event, with running participants being voluntarily asked to donate an amount of money for the Japan tsunami victims. It was a run for a cause organized by the able and dynamic Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Don Radaza.

The fun run was just one of the events highlighting Lapu-Lapu City's Kadaugan Street Party in line with the annual celebration of Kadaugan sa Mactan. The main event of the night was the Rampada Showdown,

similar to Rio de Janiero's festivities in Brazil, wherein gorgeous ladies clad in sexy and revealing outfits and beautiful headdress battled each other to become the ultimate Rampada Queen.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza together with Rampada contestant (Photo credit: Lapu-Lapu City Official Facebook page )

Harry Don Radaza and Mayor Paz Radaza during the awarding ceremony (Photo credit: Lapu-Lapu City Official Facebook page)

2011 Kadaugan sa Mactan Street Party Rampada Showdown jampacked crowd

No wonder the place was jampacked with spectators of all ages.

I arrived at the site past 7pm. A bit worried, thinking I am a few minutes late. I hated the thought of not arriving on time and missing the race. I am very excited because this is my first night race.

Only to my astonishment - I was the only one in the crowd in full running gear. In my
mind, I asked, "Where on earth are the runners?".

I am about to gave up and about to go going home a woman in black running attire fast approaching. I inquired with her and was told the race was actually scheduled 9 PM. I was agitatingly disappointed.
Imagine having to rush things at work just to be there on time. I am also worried because this would mean having to go home late.

The woman was very receptive and friendly. Judging by her appearance, I can tell she's in her forties. I found out she just came from Canada and been living there for years. Just decided to go home to take a break fromwork. She was bit early for the race because she anticipated the heavy traffic and thought of evading the parking difficulty if she'd came in late.

I later found out she's a member of a running club based in Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu.
 The Nocturnal Runners Club.

Why Nocturnal?

Just like nocturnal creatures, I thought maybe they'll only run at night races.

But I didn't bother to ask.

I told her I had been looking for a running group to associate myself with. She'd gladly offered that she'll introduced me to her running mates once they'll arrived.

But when her companions came in, she must be so excited she'd forgotten me.

I was left alone in the side. No one to talk to.

I decided to go around to look for sensible chat and not get bored.

Until the race started.

A few minutes before the gun shot, celebrity runners Dr. Yong Larrazabal and wife Donna Cruz arrived to join and grace the event.

Dr. Yong Larrazabal and wife, Donna Cruz-Larrazabal with Harry Don Radaza and some runners at the starting line

Much to the delight of the participants.

Though, Im a newbie runner, I can tell that the race was a bit disorganized due to the following reasons,

1. There were no marshalls showing the actual venue of registration.
2. The road was filled with spectators making if risky and difficult to run. It is very awkard running with all eyes on you.
3. There were no marshalls or markers to guide runners for the 3k, 6k and 9k route making it confusing. I later found out that instead of 6k,I was able to run 3k only because there were no markers.

But all in all, it was for a cause and even it's a night race, I had sweat it out.

For me, that alone satisfies my hunger for running.

MY FIRST RUN

Photo Credit: My Chase Fun Run Official Website

Finally, I was baptized to run.

Though I've tried joining fun run at MEPZCEM's annual running event, it's only last Sunday that I've made a self-declaration and commitment to take running seriously,  for three reasons.

1. To stay fit

2. To stay fit

3. And to stay fit

I was never a sports buff.  In fact, I dreaded ball games in college and I most dislike PE subject.

At 32, I've not even entertained the thought of embracing an active and healthy lifestyle. But thinking about my age and my family made me realize now is the right time to take good care of my health.  Being a father, I have to be in tip top shape to better provide for my family. And the only healthy regimen I could think of is running.

So when an invitation for My Chase Fun Run organized by our client, Philippine Iino Corporation came in, I didn't hesitate to give my nod. 

On the first place, who could resist a free registration that comes with it a nice running shirt?

I didn't exactly know how far 6k was. Didn't even thought if I can bear the distance.  I just signed up under 6k category to be with my boss.  

So I was with him when the run started. A man whom I admire and respect so much, sharing that running moment with him is such a precious and priceless moment.  

Malipayong Runner during the start of the race

In the middle of the race, I was lost in the crowd and did not see my boss anymore. I decided not to look for him and run on my own. 

I ran and ran.

Decided to finish the 6k that I have set for myself.  

Though it's only a fun run, I considered it as a personal accomplishment for me – a personal record I've conquered myself . 

Not bad for a first time serious runner like me.

Malipayong Runner doing power walk

                                    

This is the start of my running stories.

Beautiful and inspiring stories behind every running adventures that are yet to unfold.