He is a fixture at the Cebu City Sports Center Track Oval. It would seem unusual if you don’t see him there for a day. He used to be the country’s oldest, fastest runner. Although a late bloomer, only running his first 10 kilometer run. At 60, he has completed seven full marathons including the Pasig Heritage International Marathon and the Davao Marathon. His best time is 4 hours and 26 minutes. He was also fast on the tracks. When I organized the National Masters Track and Field Championship here in Cebu a few years back, he won 3 gold medals. Lately however, he’s no longer visible at the track oval. Yes folks, at 72 Rening Ylaya has probably reached the final finish line. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, Rening has really slowed down and is less than a hundred pounds. Because of health conditions, he is currently out of a job and just survives by getting dole outs from runner-friends and politicians. A few weeks ago, Rening suffered a severe asthma attack collapsing at the sports center. He landed at the Cebu Medical Center. With the miserable condition of the hospital, Rening said he had to sit down the whole night holding the dextrose since there was no more bed available. Then just last week, Rening was back at the hospital for severe diarrhea.
Desperate
Rening was in the house the other day to voice his woes. He was so desperate he said he’s better off dead (he even thought of suicide). He also said “mang hold-up na lang ko.” However I know I’m one person Rening looks up to, being his counselor. I told him he has many friends. In fact, the Cebu Executive Runners Club doled out a few hundred to help him on his food, his main problem. If you don’t know, Rening now lives with his jobless son in Buhisan. The other day, sportsman Atan Guardo spared a thousand when I accompanied Rening to his majestic turf at Tisa South Hills over looking Cebu City. With the kind response from friends, Rening is now bent on not giving up. Like a true marathoner, let’s finish the race. Life has a roller coaster route and Rening has been to that route several times.
Mission Possible
While visiting Atan, the former chair of the Cebu SEAG Organizing Committee asked me to assist him in his drive to finish his first-ever half marathon. Yes, Atan has ventured and excelled in other sports like the triathlon, duathlon, tennis, basketball, badminton, scuba diving and oh yes, even skydiving. I told Atan I would like to test my injured knee if I could now tackle the half-marathon. My last run was in the ABS-CBN race where I clocked just over an hour. I gave Atan all the tips needed to finish the race like taking power bars and sports drinks in the last 5 kilometers. I also quoted what Confucius said, “It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you do not stop.” True indeed, because even the snail arrives at its destination. Atan will be join by his brother Jerry, Sambag II Barangay captain. Two other brothers Jeson and Lito will run in the 5K. If Atan starts very slow and follow my instructions, the mission will be possible.
NOTE: Entry forms to the Cebu Doctors University Hospital Run for Sight set on August 17 in Mandaue City will soon be available at the PSC Office at the Cebu City Sports Center.