New ball game

After decades of practically making running my way of life (and still is), I’m slowly drifting to a new ball game. Well, actually it’s not really new at all as I’ve been in this business for almost the same year as I’ve been with the sport. Yes, I’m talking about Casa Ilongga, the biggest foodchain in the country specializing in authentic Ilonggo delicacies like Lapaz Batchoy, Pancit Molo and KBL (Kadios), Baboy, Langka) among others. Just two weeks ago, we opened a new branch at SM City Consolacion. We have to rush constraction of our outlet as the offer sheet from SM Leasing got lost along the way. So from the usual race set up where we talk about timers, scaffoldings,chute,arc, etc...we were talking about exhaust system, ducting,grillers, grease trap and gas lines. Uniforms? From singlets we were now talking about chef’s caps, aprons and Chinese-Collared Attire. I’m a bit uncomfortable from the shift but I believe It’s less stressful than staying all night or even 24 hours to watch over an ultramarathon. After organizing some 14 running events last year, it’s really a relief. But as I always answer question as to when will I stop running, I always say as long as there are roads to pound. 

Sports in Consolacion

Councilor Julius Alegado of Consolacion was quite excited when we met during the SM City Consolacion opening. I’ve worked with Julius in some running events where the route passes through Consolacion. Julius assisted us in the Aboitiz Race To Reduce last year and the Century 100K Ultramarathon where runners passed by Cansaga Bridge. This early, Julius and I are planning some sporting events for Consolacion and SM City. On the other hand, I’m also coordinating with Foodcourt manager Emma Salde for events in the Foodcourt like a chess tournament, karate exhibition, magic show and an Elvis concert. Watch out for the schedules.

Kenyans

In previous columns I made funny solutions on how to stop the Kenyans who are making the lives of elite local runners miserable. Well, who can beat the Kenyans? Just look at the race results world wide and its always the Kenyans or Ethiopians occupying the first five places or even sweep the top ten. In my comical suggestions, I wrote that some ways to stop the Kenyans are, slip sleeping pills into their drinks so they’ll dose off, spill oil on the road when you see them approaching, give them race bibs that are not theirs and if all these things don’t work, look for a bat and batter their knees that way they will never run again. But lately, the Kenyans seemed to have disappeared. Well, one reason is not giving cash prizes to foreign runners. Some entry forms now carry this provision “Foreign and professional runners may run but will not be entitled to the cash prizes”. So that’s the answer we have been waiting for. And by the way do we have professionals in athletics? The IAAF doesn’t think so. (FREEMAN)