20th Anniversary Run Gaisano Country Mall

20th Anniversary Run Gaisano Country Mall
Venue: GCM Talamban, Cebu City
Distance: 15k   2:17 with finishers medal and loot bag
5:00 am

For some reason, my body wasnt in the mood for this run. On Saturday, Oct 12, I slept most of the day. The weather was alternate rainy and sunny becoz of Storm Santi,  a good time to just sleep. I got a headache after watching TMZ so  I decided to take some medicine. Hooboy, now my body just felt lazier after the medicine. Anyways,  since I registered there's no choice but to prepare for the run. Good thing the rain stopped. Santi didnt affect Cebu much, thank God.
Dawn came, I woke up very early at 3:15 am, so I came down and ate some snacks, hopia and water.I really felt full at that time after just one hopia. When i went out of the gate, I was thinking of padlocking the gate but I saw this old guy stopped in front of the gate and started to pee, so I decided not to padlock the gate and walked as quick as I can. I was able to get a pedicab and taxi ride right away. Two minutes after I got inside a taxi, all the lights were off..as in brown out...ohhhhh that was scary... But it came back a minute after. I arrived at GCM at 4:30, I had enough time to prepare for the run.  The zumba warmup started but the instructor was too energetic. Too many jumps.. Joel Baring was there again to give instructions, again he had to look at the tarpaulin before announcing the name of the run... And then were off..Fireworks everywhere. Then I remembered that I have to turn on my 2 blinkers..grrrr..i forgot AGAIN!
Good thing I brought my blinkers becoz  there was brownout in salinas drive. Some of the buildings have generator but there were no streetlights..I love my blinkers! They are a lifesaver!
The run was just like my other runs... Gorordo, Escario and Banawa is really a tiring route so I walked more than I ran. I wasnt the last runner, but there were only few runners behind me. When I was near the finish line, I heard somebody shout behind me but I ignored it and ran.Then when I looked at my water bottler, the cap was gone.  I went back and a lady shouted that she has it. I asked if it was her behind me who was calling Ate..she said yes and I thanked and apologized to her. Lesson: Make sure the cap in my water bottle is tightly closed. It costs P299.00 . Going back for the cap cost me a minute.  My time 2:17 minutes...hmmmm not happy with it, but not surprised..I got to stop thinking about my PR and just enjoy the run.
Good stuff: Gatorade and Banana stations at turning point for 10k and 21k. Hurray! Loot Bag has lots of great stuff I can use, mostly food but i love it and the bag. Thanks GCM and Happy Anniversary. Hope you have another run next year.

                                tired selfie after the run. need more practice with the selfie thing :D

Next Run: Bradford church centennial run 21k

One run One Philippines Cebu

Kapamilya Run (One Run One Phils Cebu)

Oct 6, 2013 SM Northwing 4:30

21 k 3 hours 8 minutes and 7 seconds

First of all, happy 60^th anniversary ABS-CBN! Thanks for including Cebu in One Run One Phils. Hope you have another nationwide run in the future.

Also, thanks for the dark clouds that covered the scorching sun while I was in SRP. The sun came out when I was 3k away from the finish line. Thank God.

It was two months ago, after my usual googling that I found out about this event. But the registration started about 2 weeks ago. As soon as Leo Lastimosa thru his facebook announced that Cebu City Sports Center was one of the registration sites, I rushed to the venue and registered, and got my race pack right away. I'm so grateful for abs-cbn for choosing CCSC as one of its registration centers.

Why did I want to run for abs-cbn. 2 words?“Finisher Medal” I want to collect as many as I can from different race organizers. Second reason: SRP route. Its my fave route, I dont know why other organizers just chose this route instead of talamban. Much safer. Although when the sun comes out, the heat can be unbearable.

The day came, I used my new fave bagbelt with 2 SNS water bottles and sunglasses. I also have 2 small bars of chocolates for energy booster. When I arrived at SM Northwing, there were already runners there, the courtesy booth just opened. I've noticed there were no portalets, good thing I dont pee a lot during runs.

After the zumba warmup, the 21k runners went to the starter line, there were a lot of us..probably a thousand..just my guess..Then the emcees just kept on talking ..suddenly the gun went off..then off we go.. We are blessed to have such a nice morning to run. No rain, the air was cool..I felt good running to SRP. I didnt think about PR or finishing. I just enjoyed watching the sea, feeling the cool air. My legs just went on autopilot while I medidate.

Our turning point was just a few meters from Gaisano (again!) Capital, first time i've gone this far in Talisay City. As expected, some hydration stations ran out of plastic water. No bananas, no chocolates.. Good thing I had my baon. I heard there were already some runners giving up and asking for a ride back to SM..tsk tsk..

One thing that kinda pissed me off was when I was about 2.5k from the finish line. The truck from SAFE arrived carrying 21 runners that DNF. After the DNF runners were dropped, they mixed with us and continued the race...WTF...if the organizers run out of medals, I'm gonna race hell.

This is the biggest surprise of all, my time is 3 hours 8 minutes..WOW! Are you kidding me...My last 3 21k runs were 3 hours and 30 minutes.. I was having doubts about the distance..was that really 21k? Was that really my time? Maybe its a fluke..Maybe I just had a good day ..Maybe I should run in the Bradford Church centennial run to check if its still my time..... hhmmm You know, if my improvement continues, its possible I could qualify for the Milo 21k run.....Naahhhhh hehe

p.s. Abs-cbn has promised to send personalized certificate of finish sometime after the run when you register online.  This is so cool.
updated: my certificate of finish/participation from abs-cbn

Salamat abs-cbn.

Run to the Max 4

Run to the Max 4

Holiday Gym and SPa 8th anniversary run

Sept 29 2013 16k 2:23

5:00 race bib 1111

September seems to be green month for fun runs.

I  really wasnt planning to join this run, they dont give out medals to all 16k finisher, I didnt like the banilad, talamban, then salinas drive route but since I missed recoletos run which had a MEDAL, what choice do i have. I need to run at least 2 long runs a month and I have to prepare for 21k kapamilya run.

For the first time in history, I asked sukli from the driver of the taxi hehe..the taxi cost was P89.00 and I dont want to give my precious small bills. Thanks to the taxi driver who gave me the exact change, sensya na walang tip, I am poor so I need to save my pennies.

My race bib no. 1111 is ironic because I am a slow runner, the chances are high that I will be the last 5 or 6 finishers. The weather during the run was nice, it was cloudy, the sun didnt appear until the last kilometer of my run. Some of the marshals are non-existent in talamban, but thats okey, since I am familiar with the route and the cars/pujs and habal habal drivers are used to runners. There was a  korean guy riding a very big and noisy horse. That scared me.

I was surprised with my time. My 16k time is usually 2:30 minutes, but i finished earlier by 7 minutes. Unbelievable, I really didint feel I  ran faster.. I still walked a lot whenever I got tired. Maybe I am improving. Lets hope I finish my 21k in 3:15,  anything is possible. Thanks HGS for the sandwich and water. More power to you.

Will I join next year's HGS run...ahhhh no for now. I will still look for other alternatives runs that give medals. Off topic: Congrats to Megan Young for winning Ms. World. Is about time.

I've thought of a slogan while running: I may not be fast, but I will ENDURE.

Milo Marathon Eliminations Cebu Leg

22 September 2013 infront of CNU
10k  1:24:

First of all thanks to Milo for organizing this run in cebu for so many years. I still dont like the requirement to submit 300 grams milo, I really wish that you would just require the sachet. I once said that I will join the milo run next year, now i'm having second thoughts.

Stuff that happened

1. CITOM  closed the Osmena Blvd road again, I had to jog from Chong Hua Hospital to the starting point. The 21k was released before i got there. I saw some people carrying their luggage, i guess they were pissed by the closure,

2. I didnt find the courtesy booth right away. I asked the marshalls and the people involved, they dont know. Finally i asked a runner who knows, it was inside the cebu sports center. I had to run over there so i wont get late. They should have announced it, grrrr

3. I really had a hard time running from start to salinas drive. I was having doubts in my abilities, its been three weeks since my last run. I didnt think I would meet the cut-off point. But after Salinas drive,  suddenly, my body adjusted to the running. I was breathing normally. No matter how many times I run, when you think that your body gets used to long distance running..NOPE, you still get tired..my impromptu warm-up/jog didnt even help.

4. Didnt get the foam. I dont know where  the station for the cold wet foam was.

5. When we got to escario, there were vehicles that was able to get inside the road...grrrr
6. Saw Rio, or his back.. he passed by near where I was, maybe checking some stuff. Wish I could hear him speak.

I guess thats it, Thanks for the experience Milo. I'll see you next year, MAYBE

Recoletos Run on Sept 18 2013

I registered for the 15k last Saturday at USJR Main and I was so excited to learn that they give out finishers medal. Unfortunately I have to travel this weekend so I'm gonna take a raincheck on this run. Cant help it, work comes first. But I dont plan to request for a refund, I will donate it for the scholars of  Jose. Anyways, below is the info of the run. The run is open to all, alumni, faculty, students and the general public who love to run for a cause. Call the number below for more info. Have fun this Sunday Sept. 8 2013  I can only be there in spirit,  I hope theres another recoletos run next year.

After a three-year hiatus, the fund-raising run of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) dubbed as “Recoletos Run: Takbo Para sa Iskolar ni Jose” returns on Sept. 8 at the Plaza Independencia.

The race is organized by Josenians Inc., the alumni association of USJ-R and aims to raise funds to support the school’s academic scholars.

The run was officially launched yesterday at the Baseline Recreation Center by Josenians Inc. president Engineer Norberto Flores along with past immediate president Engr. Antionio Esmero, organizer Engr. Roel Militar, Executive VP Belmore Mejares and race director Joel Juarez.

“Last 2010, the first Recoletos Run attracted 1,200 runners and we generated P240,000 which was equally divided among three beneficiaries. This year, we are aiming to help more students of USJ-R to finish their college education through our full scholarship program from first year up to the final year of their chosen course,” Flores said.

The charity run will feature the 15-kilometer open category, 5k, USJ-R students category, faculty and alumni and a 3k race. Organizers are hoping to draw 2,000 runners.

The race was stopped in 2010 after organizers found it hard to find a schedule that will not be in conflict with other races. But since race schedules are now regulated by the city government, they decided to revive the run.

The official route will traverse the South Road Properties (SRP) up to the boundary of Talisay City and Cebu City. They chose Plaza Independencia as the official venue because it is where the monument dedicated to the first Recollect priests who arrived in Cebu a century ago was erected.

The run will also open the school’s week-long intramurals.

The top three winners in the 15k open category will receive P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000 respectively while the 4th to 10th placers will receive medals. Winners in the 5k and 3k divisions will receive certificates.

Registration fee for the 15k is P500 while the 5k regular fee is P300. Alumni and student runners will get discounts. The fee is inclusive of the race singlet, bib and post-race refreshments.

Registration is ongoing at the RUNNR in Ayala Center Cebu, at the Josenians Office and at the USJ-R Basak campus.

UR 8 @ CDU

13K 1:51

August 25, 2013

CDU

Thank God for the nice weather! At first I was worried because of the news reports of the low pressure area in Surigao. It even rained at dawn. It turned out to be one of my fave runs, perfect weather..cloudy, not humid and a bit windy. The reason I joined cdu's run was because of the venue, I wanted to conquer 2 bridges. I'm not really fond of running in Mandaue because I am unfamiliar of the streets and since I'm a slow runner, I usually get left behind. But UR8 was an exception, I think I'm gonna join the 13k run every year. Lets hope for nice weather for every run.

Some points:

Love the shirt.

Love running at the mactan bridge (old and new) so cool and windy. I think all runners should experience it. You just wanna do it again and again. I wish someone took a pic of me at the bridge.

One of the hydration station ran out of plastic cups, its a minor thing coz may baon akong water. One tip though, if you are wearing a belt bag like I do,I usually put a plastic cup on my bag in case they ran out of cups. Helps me a lot esp. during longer distances.

Freebies: Pocari for 13 & 25k. Yey! Band aid at the finish line and a granola bar on the second bridge, although the lady didnt want to give it to me, I wonder why. If she didnt want to give it to a 13k runner, then they should have distributed it at cansanga bridge where only 25k runners can run. Also, they gave iced cold drinks with meatrolls for snacks. Just what I need.

See you next year for UR9. Salamat Doc Yong and Run for Sight

pic uploaded on 6-26-14. after 3 years of running, this is the only pic taken while running . so sad hu hu

R399 Live for Your Dream

August 11, 2013 Cebu Business Park
6k 45 minutes  with finishers medal.
Note: no singlet, but all distances get finishers medal. the 12k runners get a finishers shirt. #sulit

I really wasnt too keen on running this R399 run since Cebu Business Park is not my fave running route ( concrete road is not good for my knees) but what the heck, its a day before my b-day, might as well get myself a medal for 6k.

The run was okey, it was participated by  the aheeemmm "old and experienced runners" &  a-listers. I wasnt performing my best, for some reason I got tired easily. The run started late, but it doesnt matter, the run was for Ramie, the triathlete who died while cycling during the  2012 Cobra Ironman. I didnt know the guy but I feel bad that he didnt finish. He must be a really great guy because he is well loved by the running community.

Maybe I will be participating next year. Lets wait and see.