Cebuano invaders

When Kap Joel Garganera told me i’m going with the Atan Guardo Running Club to the Quezon City International Marathon, I wanted to say no. It’s no secret that i’m up to my neck directing races that has reached pandemic proportions here in Cebu. With these races sprouting from all directions, my training suffered a lot. I couldn’t even do a long run (my longest run was 10 kilometers). but thanks to the over 100,000 kilometers i’ve logged in 30 years of running,it always bails me out. Joel also told me i’m already registered in the 21 kilometer- event and that he’s got my plane ticket. Before i could look for alibis again, i was in a plane bound for Manila with the Guardo brothers, Atan and Jeson , Ian Baguio, Ariel Genogbiagon, Mario Biscocho, Bebot Ignacio, Audrey Garganera and Lovena Guardo. After touchdown at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a Starex van whisked us to the Horizon Condos at the Tagaytay Highlands. Well, Atan said going to Tagaytay is one way of taking off the jitters and tension of finishing a marathon. While Atan and Joel finished a marathon in Hongkong last February, the rest were attempting to finish one. We spent the day sight-seeing while savoring the mushroom burger that intrigued Jeson. Dinner was at Leslie’s where we devoured the house specialty “bulalo”. We slept early and after brunch at the Tagaytay Highlands Golf and Country Club the next morning, we headed for Manila. 

More Cebuano Runners Arrive

On our way down we were told that more Cebuanos have landed especially the Cebu Executive Runners Club headed by President Jesse Taborada, John Pages, Bro Carlo B acalla, Steve Ferraren, Dodong Sulatre, Joel Juarez and Haide Acuña. Annie Neric, Millette and Frederick Chongbian, Jr. and Rovie Agiuillon arrived earlier. At exactly 4:30 a.m the full marathon runners answered the starting gun, then at 5:00 a.m it was the turn of the 21k runners including yours truly. The 42k runners complained that there was no water station at the La Mesa Dam and at two more supposed- to be- water stations. At this time the heat was slowly creeping on the runners while traffic was getting heavy despite most of the streets of the roller- coaster route (lots of hills). The runners said it was worse than the uphills of Hong Kong.

Mission Accomplished

My mission was to instill “Never-say-die” attitude on the Guardo team. I told them to finish the race even if they have to crawl. and crawl they did as Joel hit the finish line in 5:26 (Joel said he walked half of the entire route) Atan, Ian, Jerry, Jeson, Ariel, Bebot and Mayong all arrived over 6 hours. Haide finally vindicated herself when she finished in 5:47. The night b efore, Haide said she was scared and that it was like taking the Bar exams all over again. But i said i think she was ready and must go for it or else its now or never. despite little training, i managed to finish the half marathon in the 2:32. On the other hand , the Cerc runners improved their performances. Steve was the fastest in 4:07, Dodong 4:52, Jesse 4:56, John and bro Carlo 4:57, Joel Juarez 4:58 and the much- improves Annie in 5:18. Jr and Rovie finished their first marathon in 6:27. Milette and Frederick also made impressive clocking with the former almost landing in the top ten of the 21k category. Milette was paced by coach Bert Banzon. 

Amsterdam Marathon

As i was finishing this column, Annie’s text message blinked. The Cerc runners competing in the Amsterdam Marathon also accomplished their mission. The 3 o’clock a.m running habit of Dr. Vic Verallo really paid off when he clocked 4:21. Jacs Jacalan followed 30 seconds later. Jane and Nica Ong finished in 4:29 while sibling Andrew hit the tape in 4:24. Dr. Albert Santos Improved to 5:02. Congratulations guys for a job well done.

Note: We would like to thank pretty nurse volunteer my “kababayan” Kat Siasico who sprayed our weary legs with herbal medicated spray to ease the pain.   (BANATNEWS)