Singapore marathon

When Atan Guardo and Joel Garganera invited me to the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, I initially begged off. The monthly races I’ve been directing had taken its toll. It has devoid me of rest and has prevented to even go on a vacation. In between, the Elvis performances also added to the seemingly non-stop activities. But Atan said just like in the other races, I could go as their coach and don’t even have to run.

So I finally said yes on the condition that I will just run the half marathon. The week before we left, I attended the Aboitiz party and aped Elvis the following night at Marco Polo Media Appreciation party.

The next evening we were on an early morning flight to Singapore. The Cebu contingent included Atan, Jeson and Genito Guardo, Joel Garganera, Mark Laus, Alan Delantar, Arnold Palma, Boying Rodriguez and me.

IBP president (province) Ramsay Quijano and Wife Renee left on an earlier flight. The wives were also on the same plane. Clarissa and Lovena Guardo, Jenny Delantar, Aubrey Garganera and Jing Laus. A miscommunication on our accommodation landed us on Singapore’s notorious red-light district, the Geyland. As we near our hotel, we could see the hookers on every street corner. I was told they operate even in broad daylight.

It was lucky, the wives were around. After resting for a few minutes, we took a light train to the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Expo to claim our race numbers. Boying and I agreed that we will just run the half marathon although we were registered in the full. A little relaxed compared to the first time in Hong Kong, the group trooped to the starting line where Singapore-based architect Duever Durano, waited for us.

Going The Full Route

After completing the half marathon in less than 3 hours, Boying and I started to walk and wonder if a bus (sweeper) will pick us up. After 10 or 15 minutes, no vehicle appeared prompting us to walk until we could find a ride. We even waited for a taxi to no avail. While Boying rested, I told him I’ll just walk a few more kilometers.

Soon it was 26 km, and finally 30. Just when I was about to sit down as cramps was slowly creeping on my leg, a pretty Singapore asked me if I was finishing the race. When she said she will walk the final 12 kilometers I said maybe we could walk together. By this time the sun was starting to melt us. We kept on talking and before we knew it, the last 3km mark appeared.

Duever said “Sa kadugay ninyong kuyog, gisugot ka ba?” Almost, until I started to pull away when the Pinoy Blade Runner ran alongside. For a dramatic effect we sprinted the last 100 meters to the finish line at City Hall. I couldn’t believe my feat.

Imagine I never ran more than 10km and yet I was holding a finisher’s medal and shirt. It was my first marathon after 22 years. For his part, Alan Delantar burst into tears when he arrived at the finish line in over 8 hours. He had to stop several times when cramps hit him. Atan who said he had to take off his singlet due to the heat finished in 6:30 together with Ian Baguio. Joel Garganera improved to 5:02 while Jeson clocked 5:56. Among the group, Mark Laus was the fastest in 3:56 followed by Arnold Palma in 4:44. I lost track of Boying but later learned he finished in 7:40. We also got word that Ramsay Quijano finished his first 21K while Jing Laus and Genito Guardo also completed the 10K. Congratulations to all of us!

How To Finish A Race…

I was one of the speakers in the CERC’s two running clinics to drumbeat the Cebu City Marathon. I talked on how to finish your first marathon. In that clinic, I stressed the importance of a six-month training program going to your first marathon. I also lectured on the importance of rest and nutrition. So when Raffy Osumo learned that I decided to finish the race without training, he said “buang ka gid kayo”. Of course he was right. I haven’t run a marathon in 22 years.                    The longest I ran was 21K in the October Quezon City International Marathon. The week before, I was in 3 parties going home in the wee hours of the morning while basking on the lechons and the beers every time out. But when I felt good after 25 kilometers, I said I’ll try to finish a marathon one more time. Now I’m advising participants to the Cebu City Marathon on January 10, 2010. PLEASE DON’T FOLLOW WHAT I DID.

I was the lawmaker yet I broke my own rules. My tokayo however said maybe I’m an exception to the rule. Well, I told “tokayo” the over 100,000 km mileage covered in my 32 years of running really bailed me out. Again, please don’t try this at home it is hazardous to your health.

NOTE: Registration to the Cebu City Marathon is now in full swing at the PSC office and at the Active Zone of the Ayala Center Cebu. – Register now!