Thoughts for the Road: On Faith

On faith,

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" ~Philippians 4:13

Race #29: Milo Marathon

Race #29

Milo Marathon ~ Davao City Leg

November 6, 2011

5K

Roxas Avenue

Davao City

The Milo Marathon… one of the country’s most prestigious running events. They travel and organize “Milo Marathon” races in different cities all over the country, culminating in a National Finals in Manila. They help with a good cause too: the “Help Give Shoes” Advocacy ~ in which the proceeds from registering for the race helps donate shoes to young runners who can’t afford them. These especially target those in the far flung areas in the provinces.

Well, I was wondering what the fuss was about back in 2010 when Ryan invited me to join the Milo Marathon. And when I went with my friends for this one, wow! I have never been to a race with so much people! They say over 10,000 people joined! 

This was a simple route for a 5K ~ a loop around the Chinatown area. I am glad I was able to join my friends for a 5K rather than going for a longer distance. One bonus in joining a shorter distance is that you get to the finishing area faster ~ meaning shorter lines for the food and free stuff!

J-Cel, Alex, Kristin and Me ^_^

Oh, one last parting shot to my friend (this is my blog after all hehe). To JM: “It doesn’t matter whether you win by an inch or a mile, a win is a win.”

>>> Race Time: 5K (30 min)

Thoughts for the Road: On Being a "Real" Runner

"I often hear someone say I'm not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner." 
-Bart Yasso

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."

--John Bingham

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that." 
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

Race #28: Twilight Run

Race #28

Twilight Run

October 30, 2011

5K

SM Davao Parking Area
Davao City

After about a month of no fun runs, it was time to get back to the race field. I had done some training in the gym, so even without fun runs (they were getting a bit expensive at this part of the year), I was feeling confident to be able to do a no-walk run. So why did I choose this race? And at night too? Well, maybe I wanted to give a night race one more try. Besides, who knows what events might occur on Halloween?

My little sister, Therese, had to back out due to a cold, but I had Kirby and Joshua to keep me company. This was one crazy race with the damp weather, the spooky concert, and of course, crazed runners running in costumes of different kinds. From classic costumes like Dracula and werewolves, to anime characters like Naruto, people came in all sorts of outfits. One runner even wore a wig to resemble Coach Rio dela Cruz. No, of course, I didn’t run in a costume. Haha. J

Just a simple route around SM and Ecoland area was our race route. Not too bad. I finished it in about 30 minutes. Joshua and Kirby followed soon after. As an added bonus for all runners, every finisher was given a 5K finisher’s medal. Somehow, a part of me doesn’t feel that lower race categories should have finisher’s medals, yet when I look at the faces of acquaintances and strangers all happy finishing the race with their tokens, I changed my mind. After all, it takes a lot of effort for anyone to start running, so if you can help encourage others, go for it… ^_^


>>> Race Time: 5K (35 min)

Race #27: Insomniac

Race #27

Eagle’s Run

September 18, 2011

10K

People’s Park

Davao City

Due to some events the night before, I was in no condition to run this race. Yet somehow I did it anyways. I’m not even certain on how I managed to survive this, so I can’t do a detailed recap of this run. An important lesson learned: If you lack sleep, you are screwed. So take a break instead of forcing yourself like I did. There is more to life than running races after all.

Worst 10K I ran (and its my fault too). Still, I got me a consolation prize.

>>> Race Time: 10K (1 hr 49 min)

Race #26: Bonding Time

Race #26

Heart Run

September 17, 2011

3K

People’s Park

Davao City

Hey, I still do 3Ks too! They don’t tire you much as the other categories do… Besides, I’m lazy, slow, and I needed a break. Kidding, kidding. I picked the 3K for this race, because I wanted to show my younger cousins what its like joining a fun run. And while not necessarily underestimating them, joining a 5K immediately and not enjoying the experience after, may turn them off to join other future fun runs. So better be safe than sorry. ^_^

This run organized by Holy Cross of Davao College was for the benefit of people with heart ailments, hence the name “Heart Run”. The route for the 3K was simple, start at People’s Park ~ head down to Gaisano Mall ~ then to Victoria Plaza Mall at J.P. Laurel Avenue (turnaround) ~ then back to People’s Park.

We were a bit late, but we still ran anyways. I had a good time bonding with my younger cousin. My, they grow up so fast. I can’t believe he is going to be a high school student next year. We did a mix of run/walks throughout the race, and we finished strong. ^_^

>>> Finish time: 3K (51 min)

Race #25: Counter Aging

Race #25

Counter Aging, Keep On Running

September 11, 2011

10K

SPMC Hospital Parking Area

Davao City

Counter Aging, Keep on Running… they are getting more creative in making up names for fun runs these days. But they probably have a point with their "slogan". Who doesn't want to be told they look young? So to counter aging, keep on running. ^_^

On this run, they are raising funds for the Hospital; the burn unit in particular. As my friend Dina said, “I’m going to run anyways, why not help a good cause?”

The route wasn’t too bad for a 10K. Just go from the Hospital to the Old Airport Road and back. I’m feeling a bit slower than usual but I still managed to run the whole way and finish strong.

Well, it looks like a small glass key chain instead of a medal. But when they only give this to the first 100 finishers, who's complaining?

>>> Race Time: 10K (1 hr 11 min)