The Sixth Midnight Run

The much-awaited Cebu Midnight 5K Run will again be staged on Dec. 17 in front of the City Sports Club Cebu in the Cebu Business Park. As early as last month, City Sports Club Cebu sports manager Rey Fuentes said the club has been bombarded by lot of inquires on the date of the run. The race is the only one of its kind in the country which has become the envy of other cities. Manila Mayor Lito Atienza even asked me once if I could organize a midnight run along Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard. I have to turn it down as security would be a problem at the Baywalk unlike the compact Business Park. The race will again be limited to 400 runners on a first-come-first-served basis for better management. Rey and I wanted to discontinue the run due to our busy schedules but we just can't ignore the clamor of the runners who are one in saying the run is already traditional. All set to play a major part this year is Arthro Capsules, the latest product being promoted by sportsman Jonathan Guardo. Helping me this year will be Harry Mann, Iworks managing director and also local manager of Rudy Project eyewear. Also confirming their continued support are Waterfresh Purified Drinking Water, Ben Café Brazilian Coffee, Island Grill Express, Cebu Holdings Inc., Skygo Motorcycles, Stocks R Us and Casa Ilongga Robinsons Place. Registration starts on Thursday at the City Sports Club Cebu c/o Rey Fuentes and at the PSC Office at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Your First Marathon Part 2

My column on how to finish your first marathon (6 months training program) was interrupted briefly when I wrote about Casa Ilongga's re-opening at Robinson's Place. In my last marathon tips, we were at the point where you are running one hour three times a week for three months. Now let's look at the next three months leading to the marathon. Increase your long run to one hour, five days a week. Remember, never run more than five days for your first marathon. Although you can train for one hour, the best training time is a 2-hour run at least once a week during the final two months before the big day. In fact the more you train for two hours, the easier for you to finish. Training on a slow two-hour runs every other day give you a better endurance workout while the every other rest day reduce your chance of injury. Remember, stick to the two hours, that's all you need. Now you are ready, so see you at the starting line of the Cebu Sinulog Marathon on January 14 next year. Registration is now on going at the PSC Office at the Cebu City Sports Center.