Sorry, this post is long overdue.
Make Love Run 4: Bataan Para sa Kabataan Project was only able to raise P3,000.00 for the children of SAGIP.
Special thanks to my friend, Topher Montaos, MD, who shared my advocacy.
Thanks to the following who donated P1,000 each:
1. AK&JK
2. RV
3. APLP
Yep! That's how I want to put it!
Last weekend, 142 marathoners of all levels were branded as "warriors" of the 2nd Bataan Death March 102 kilometer Ultra-marathon (BDM 102). And with the warriors are their family and friends, who painstakingly looked after them, as they battle the daunting route our Filipino heroes braved some 68 years ago.
The Warriors of 2nd BDM 102
With Doc Art, Pat, Glenn, Rod, Mar, Sam, Gab, Doc Topher, and Dhenz
With Pat, Doc Sherwin, Joen, Junar, Sir Jovie, Mark, and Doc Art
Takbo.ph Class Pic (teka, iba ata ang banner??)
With Jigger
With support crew Tin Sayson
With support crew Marvin Pangan
Bataan Death March (BDM)
Bataan - the place where bravery at its finest was shown by Filipino and American soldiers who marched 102 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga under the rule of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War 2.
While we Filipinos have April 9 as our date to commemorate their bravery, marathoners of all levels will re-trace the route on Mar 7, 2010 to pay tribute to our heroes, via the 2nd BDM 102k ultra-marathon event.
Image Source: http://bugobugo85.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/bataan-race-route-919x1024.jpg
Image Source: http://baldrunner.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/dsc052751.jpg
Image Source: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/romela/cal_01copy.jpg
Image Source: http://www.wya.net/i/Gawad%20Kalinga%20306.jpg
Image Source: http://bugobugo85.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/52k-test-run-22feb2009-0593.jpgThis is part 2 of my 1st marathon story. Please click here for part 1. Thanks!
Everything changed the day I understood that if I was to become a runner, I would have to run with the body I had. - John Bingham, The Courage to Start
Having the above in mind, I accepted that only way I could finish my first marathon is to run to the best of my ability. For 3 months, I ran at night inside the Mall of Asia complex, at different weather conditions, to prepare myself to what the Smart Subic International Marathon has to offer. I adjusted my pace, nutrition, and sleeping habits according to the present body that I have, to push the wall and finish strong come race day, even if it would take me X number of hours. I read stories of fellow runners, and tried to learn from them.
Flight JP104 ready for boarding
Henry (with wife Mia) and I went to Subic as early as Friday afternoon to spend the rest of the day relaxing. Nicky, Rafa, Cesar, and Ven followed after, arriving late Friday night. We stayed in a house in Forest View. We brought along groceries for our stay until Sunday lunchtime.
I went to bed around 10 PM, and woke up around 9 AM. I can say I have a good night’s sleep. We all shared a hearty breakfast of pancakes and bread. Pasta and barbeque chicken lunch followed shortly.
Cabin crew, prepare for gate departure
Henry, Nicky, and I then prepared ourselves for our very first marathon. The race will start at 4PM, and I knew that I would be hungry by then. I brought with me a banana for my afternoon snack.
We left the house at 1:45 PM, and arrived in Remy Field at 2:10 PM. We board bus number 9, together with the Kenyan runners. While waiting for the bus to leave, I was drinking the water in my flasks to keep me hydrated, thinking that there would be enough water every 2.5 kilometers, as promised by the race organizers. We left Remy Field around 3 PM. The bus driver lost his way, leading us to as far as the airport. We arrived in Floridablanca Exit at 3:45 PM.
Upon arrival, I looked for the portable toilets and tents near the starting line, but I saw none of these. I am starting to feel annoyed with the organizers, because they promised me this, but immediately shrugged it off, trying to concentrate on the race. Basking in the beauty of Mother Nature, I took a leak and I pity the female runners who wished to pee as well before the run.
After a while, I finally saw my Takbo.ph friends and shared a couple of wishes and inspiration. Craig Logan then led us to a short prayer.
All the runners were advised to dip their index finger in a cup full of indelible ink, as a mark that all were present in the starting line. Invocation followed shortly. Sir Jovie aka Baldrunner led us to the recite the Runner’s Oath. At this moment, I knew that I transformed, that I became an athlete. I have meant every single word of that oath, taking seriously the promise of not cheating, that I will run the full distance.
Ready for take-off
At 4:22 PM, we took off. My flight plan was to run and take 1 minute walk breaks every 2.5 water station, at an average pace of 8:31 min/km. At this rate, I will comfortably finish at 6 hours.
Plan was working from KM 1 to 20. I was running within my aerobic heart rate. I knew that I would finish strong. I did not mind not seeing the kilometer markers the race organizers promised, and used the water stations as my marker instead. I also did not mind the runners who were overtaking me, thinking that I will overtake them at the latter stage of the route. In this stage, I prayed the rosary, marveled in God’s creation, thought of the people who made a mark in my life, and made new friends with people who recognized me through this blog.
Houston, we have a problem!
Approaching KM 22.5, I was looking forward to refilling at least 2 of my flasks with water. To my dismay, there is no water! I’m starting to panic, and while running, I texted Chona of Eventologist (forgot to save Adi delos Reyes’ number) and told her of the problem. I carried on, hoping that the problem was isolated, and that water is available in the next water stations.
To my full disappointment, water ran out too in KMs 25.0 and 27.5 (learned that other runners were not able to hydrate starting KM 10). I texted Chona again. I shouted to the people who were dismantling the water stations, and asked them where’s the water?? Do they expect the runners to stop and wait for water to arrive?
At this point, I started to feel some cramps, and had no choice but to slow down. I was still on target, but I need to switch to survival mode. Good thing, a fellow runner with a support vehicle generously shared to me his sports drink. Thanks comrade!
It was also along this route that I was running alone, with only the moon and the stars guiding my path. I prayed again. And in my prayer, I realized, that I am just but a tiny speck in the universe, and yet God loves me, that He is closely watching over me.
Water finally arrived via delivery van at KM 29, and I fully filled all my flasks.
Descent in preparation for landing
It was almost KM 30 (SCTEX exit) when I saw Bong Yu and Mary Genie and decided to join their walk, for I have lost hope with the organizers. I really felt cheated!
They promised ample supply of water, sports drink, lights, food provisions, portable toilets, kilometer markers, motivational markers. Over-promised, under-delivered!
Entering Subic was horrifying! No marshals! And the lane for runners (shoulder of the opposite lane for Manila-bound vehicles) was too narrow and too dark! The 3 of us can’t help but to watch over one another.
Approaching Total Gas Station was heaven! Takbo.ph crew was there, to provide us with some refreshments (complete with cheering posters! Now, that is what I call support! Effort!)
In our long march, a guy in white SUV with diplomatic plate stopped and offered us a ride. It was very tempting! But we don’t want to add insult to injury. As for me, I remembered Tita Padima, whom I am running for. We thanked the guy and bid him goodbye.
Final approach
Reaching the well-lighted SBMA, Mary Genie ran ahead of us for a strong finish. Bong Yu and I resolved to walk to the finish. We are strong, very very strong! But speaking for my self, my drive to finish strong is no longer there. I was very disappointed. I am optimistic for my first marathon. I wanted it to be very memorable, cherishing every single moment of anguish and victory, envisioning that I would cry at the finish line. But these were stolen away from me by the race organizers.
Entering Remy Field, my SFC and Takbo.ph friends welcomed us, and tried to push us for a strong finish. They really know how to cheer us up. Thank you dear friends! You made everything worthwhile!
Make Love Run 3
We were aiming to raise P10,000.00 for Tita Padima. As of this writing, we only have P2,500.00 pledges. May I appeal for your generosity to make love run for Tita Padima Suleik. No amount of love is too big or too small for a simple miracle to happen.
Acknowledgments
Photos courtesy of Prof Luis Arcangel, Atty Venice Bayongan, and Doc Marvin Opulencia.
Smile courtesy of SFC and Takbo.ph Friends.
For the upcoming Smart Subic International Marathon, me and my running buddies - Henry, Nicky, Rafa, and Cesar are going to run for Mrs. Padima Suleik.
Tita Padima is presently confined in Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center. She has a large wound on her right leg. Her wound got worsened by her diabetic condition, that her doctors recommended amputation since last week to prevent the spread of infection to her whole body. Unfortunately, Tita Padima and her family can not raise the much needed money, estimated at P 10,000, which does not include the other costs relative to her stay in the hospital.
Image Source: http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Infinity.MC.408-251-3333/picture/view/1793258I ran my 2nd half-marathon through Run for Home of Globe-Ayala Land, Inc. last Sunday, 19 July 2009. Since I'm now into my full-marathon training program, my goals are simple, as follows:
1. Treat the race as a long run, limit pace to 7:30 to 8:00 -> CHECK
2. Do not to walk -> CHECK
2. Try my CW-X Stabilyx Conditioning Wear -> CHECK, perfect! more reviews later...
3. Try running with shades -> CHECK, vision generally ok
4. Try Hammer Gel -> CHECK, stomach not upset, generally ok
The event features the use of the ChampionChip, where the results of every runner may become available upon crossing the finish line. Apparently not in the case of last Sunday's race. Perhaps, the race organizers attended to some concerns which requires some more days to release the results. Wild guess... How about website development? Photovendo uploads? Hmmm...
Anyway, I find the ChampionChip very effective, accurate, and informative. Here's my stats:
787th overall
671st male
236th m 30-39
7:35 ave pace/km
2:42:26 (gun) / 2:41:09 (net)
And finally, I got a taste of Photovendo running pictures:
In Makati CBD
Homestretch inside BGC. On Sunday, July 19, 2009, Nicky, Henry, and I will run our 2nd half-marathon via Run For Home of Globe-Ayala Land, Inc.
This time around, we will Make Love Run for Mheng Torres.
Mheng was diagnosed last June 2002 with Pott's disease that involves his spinal cord which paralyzes him from the waist down. He was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus, and was blessed to be treated from time to time due to a shunt in the brain that allows doctors to regulate the fluids. Please click here to read more about Mheng and his condition.
Despite his condition, Mheng continues to love God and His people, through the various service opportunities that come his way. He gives talks, builds houses (yes!), and do mission work in the prisons, provinces, etc. All these he does while undergoing rehabilitation and medication, which costs him way beyond the combined income of his family members. Imagine what else he could do if he's restored to excellent health and condition.
Mheng is truly inspiring, and is a living testimony that God provides for His people. Help us help him to sustain his needs for medicines, vitamins, and physical therapy sessions.
Nicky, Henry, and I appeal for at least P10 per kilometer that each of us covers for Mheng.
Should you wish to Make Love Run for Mheng, please email me at jetpaiso@yahoo.com indicating the following details:
EXAMPLE
Name: John Doe
Runner: (Choose either Nicky, Henry, or Jet)
Pledge/Km: P10 or higher
I will update you after the run through this blog. Here is Mheng's bank account details: BDO 2370113258, Rommel R Torres.
Thank you in advance and we look forward to your love.
Keep the love running!
FRIDAY
I'm already in my Milo mode, singing "I'm getting ready, getting ready..." on my mind the whole day at work.
After work, I planned to go home, get my car (color-coding) and head to the carbo-loading party of takbo.ph in the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. While on my way home, I remembered it was Nikka's birthday. I called her for my wishes, and ended up being invited to a simple gathering. My plan got busted, but I enjoyed spending the night with my friends, singing our hearts out to familiar tunes with a guitar, sharing food, drinks, stories, and laughter. Went home and slept at 2AM.
SATURDAY
I woke up 10AM. I planned to stay at home, watch TV, read books, surf the internet, eat, and chat with Dad. No serious physical and/or mental activity. No sleeping in the afternoon too, to ensure that I sleep early in the evening.
I'm almost successful. Not! I forgot to calibrate my newly arrived Suunto Foot Pod! At 4PM, I took it for a spin, running easy 2k inside our village.
I then bought some bananas and cheese spread for my breakfast. Ate dinner at 5PM, took a bath, prepared my running gear and nutrition, and went to bed at 7PM.
Had a hard time sleeping. Was too excited, I guess for the very big day. I remembered I felt exactly the same the night before my first 5k last March in Condura. And my phone keeps on receiving various SMS/text messages from my friends. I think I fell totally asleep around 9PM.
SUNDAY
My alarm went off at 2:45AM. I prayed, and ate 2 cheese sandwiches, 2 bananas and cold Milo for breakfast. I'm singing "Great things start from small beginnings..." while in the bathroom. I then lubricated with petroleum jelly my inner thighs and biceps, wore my running shorts, dry-fit socks, hrm, Phiten air, Livestrong band, Crocs, and Milo singlet.
I slid my running shoes, exchange clothes, race belt, bib number, and towel inside my bag.
Nicky, Henry, and I planned to go to Luneta together, thinking that we might have a hard time looking for a safe car park place. Nicky and I drove to Henry's, and left our cars in his place. Wow! This will be the 1st time I'm going to a running event in a very relaxed and comfortable mode.
2km away from Henry's place, I remembered I left my running cap at the backseat of my car. Darn!
We arrived in Luneta around 4:30AM. We parked infront of a building that is well-lighted and with a security guard (thanks Manong!). We took our time for our final preparations, wearing our shoes and other running gears.
We brisked walked towards the assembly area as warm up. Upon reaching the assembly area, we looked for the portable urinals. Nothing! I guess we're just so excited not to see it, and we resolved our bladder issues by loving nature hehehe =)
While in the assembly area, I met Bro J and was generous to invite us for some pictures (thanks Bro J!). I also met Ms. Cristy (wife of Vener/RunUnltd) and Craig Logan. I also saw the 21k runners of takbo.ph, but was too shy to approach them. I guess my emotions are just unbalanced at that time, mixing feelings of excitement, fear, and joy. Perhaps, I also felt a bit guilty, not being able to attend the carbo-loading party last Friday.
After some warm-up exercises led by the organizers, the start gun went-off early than the 5:30AM schedule. I simply planned to keep a 7min/km pace, just to meet the 2:30:00 cut-off time. I forgot about the negative split thing. My plan also includes eating two Jelly Bean sports beans every kilometer, and finish 1 pack every hour, and hydrate every 15 minutes.
I was successful up to 16km. My legs are still strong, but I feel like I'm running out of gas. I'm beginning to feel exhausted. I was too focused on keeping a steady pace the whole time, I forgot about my heart rate. I realized I was running 85 to 90% of my HRmax for almost 2 hours already.
At this point too, my dri-fit socks aren't dry anymore. I perspired a lot, and perhaps the water shower in Buendia could have aggravated the case. Need to switch to another plan, quick!
I then remembered the Galloway walk/run strategy, modified it a bit, taking a 2 minute walk break every km thereafter, then resume running to the next kilometer. At this point, my mind is already playing tricks on me, but I stayed focused, and remembered the lesson from the scene in the Disney-Pixar film "Cars": it doesn't matter how you finish the race, just finish it! Patiently, I walked, ran, walked, ran, and walked again, and ran again, very very tired and I'm beginning to feel my feet starting to blister.
While walking, fellow runner motivated me: "Bok, malapit na! Masarap ang feeling pagdating sa finish line." I praise and thank God for sending angels for affirmation.
Alleluia! I finished my 1st half marathon and crossed the finish line in 2:35:32 (unofficial, based on my Suunto HRM). It was like getting out of hell and cherishing the victory in heaven when I received my certificate, Gatorade, banana, and Milo loot bag.
Nicky, Henry, and I became instant celebrities, as students from New Era University interviewed us as we do our recovery stretching.
On our way to line up for free Milo, 42k finisher Vener/RunUnltd recognized me and I was so proud to shake his hand, and introduced him to my friends. We were also blessed to be invited for some pictures. Thanks Mr. Vener!
I also met and congratulated my friend Mari Javier for finishing another marathon since being serious about running last October 2008.
Before going home, Nicky remembered that I have my cellphone with me in my pouch. Hahaha! And so, we finally took our pictures at the finish line.
We then went to Jollibee-Santana Grove in Sucat to meet our friends who ran 10k and 5k, for our recovery meals.
I learned so many lessons in my 1st half marathon. In my next run: I'll never forget to bring my cap, I'll be more courageous and introduce myself to new friends, I'll negative split, I'll never forget to put powder in my socks, I'll keep my shoes away from the water shower, etc etc etc.
Oh boy, what a day! Praise God! Praise God!
Here's my stats:
Post Script:
Our Make Love Run campaign was able to raise P7,350 pledges for the benefit of the detainees in the medium security compound of the New Bilibid Prisons. You may deposit your pledge to BDO S/A 6340002985 Elvie Elumbaring. Please text Nicky 0916-2454034 / 0923-4899211 upon deposit. Thank you for making love run!
Photo source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Bilibid_Prison
Date: March 6, 2010
Event: Bataan Death March Ultramarathon
Distance: 102 Km
Runners: Jet Paiso and Topher Montaos
Beneficiary: SAGIP of Gawad Kalinga South A & B
Amount Raised: P3,000.00
Date: October 24, 2009
Event: Smart Subic International Marathon
Distance: 42.195 Km
Runners: Jet Paiso, Nicky Tuason, and Henry Manas
Beneficiary: Tita Padima Suleik
Amount Raised: P10,000.00
Date: July 19, 2009
Event: Globe-Ayala Land, Inc. Run For Home
Distance: 21 Km
Runners: Jet Paiso, Nicky Tuason, and Henry Manas
Beneficiary: Mheng Torres
Amount Raised: P9,850.00
Date: July 5, 2009
Event: 33rd National Milo Marathon (Eliminations)
Distance: 21 Km
Runners: Jet Paiso, Nicky Tuason, and Henry Manas
Beneficiary: Medium Security Detainees of the National Bilibid Prisons
Amount Raised: P 7,350.00
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