Filipino ream

In the early Nineties, a skinny girl who’s probably into her first 5k run, approached me for tips on how to complete the distance. Although I was coaching another beginner, I obliged by giving her instructions. She finished that 5k run. Soon she was always at the starting line whenever there was a race and every time she would approach me and said she just wanted to shake my hand for inspiration. At that time, my team the Nike Running Club, was the toast of the running circle after winning a grand slam in the Pal Manila Marathon. (Running Club Category). We won a total of 12 straight championships. I went back to Cebu after the Pal Marathon folded up in 1997. I lost track of the lady runner. Then I got word that she’s embarking on benefit runs that covered thousands of kilometers. I just couldn’t believe that Joy Rojas, that skinny girl now 44, would make waves by running 3,000 miles from Los Angeles to New York City. Yes folks, Joy a former tuberculosis patient and her boyfriend, an open heart surgery survivor Mat Macabe completed the run dubbed “Takbong Pangarap Trans - USA Run 2009”. They started in May and finished on November 22. Joy could have completed the run earlier if not for a stress fracture that sidelined her for six weeks. Well, Joy I’m the happiest person having inspired you to realize your dream. Joy to the World!

Rotary Run Ii

After surviving the year organizing or directing 10 road races, I promised to go on leave next year, at least for six months. But would you believe this early, I’m preparing for a race in February next year? Rotarians Kenneth Casquejo and Ricky Poca pointed a gun on my head and told me to organize the second Rotary Run on February 21. It was too late to realize that the gun was a toy. I said yes. You see, I’m trying to give myself more time for my Elvis gigs with a Valentine’s show scheduled in February of course. But since the “die is cast”, I’ll probably organize this run before I go on vacation. Ken said the run will be 15 kilometers and will start at SM City. There will be a 5K and 3K categories while a Kiddie dash will also be staged at the mall’s parking lot. Last year, Rotary organized a race at the Cebu Business Park that drew over 1,000 runners. Keep tuned for more details.

Alarming

With races being staged almost every week, two sometimes, runners will soon be on the losing end. Frankly, I’ve already stopped giving advices as it seems some runners just won’t listen. I’ve known of runners who ran two marathons in as many months. “Murag okay lang akong paminaw” was the usual response. I said yes, it’s alright for now, as it won’t affect you right away. I’ve also known of runners who gave me the same answers 3 years ago and where are they now? Some could hardly walk while some suffer an array of ailments. Worse, one is six feet under. I’m not scaring you I’m just telling the facts. Since we cannot control the runs anymore, just select one and try to get some rest. Even machines break down. HAPPY NEW YEAR!