Why Drew can’t stop running

Running is addicting. Ask Artemio “Jun” Engracia, news editor of Inquirer, who’s an incurable runner who feels sluggish if he doesn’t run.

Or Drew Arellano who is set to compete in the Xterra World Championship, a prestigious global triathlon meet slated for Oct. 28 in Maui, Hawaii. Xterra is an off-road triathlon which combines a challenging 1.5-kilometer (one mile) rough-water swim, a 30.4-kilometer (18.89 miles) mountain bike race and a 9.5-kilometer (5.9 miles) trail run.

Funfare did a “running” interview with Drew, host of GMA News’ AHA, at Komrad restaurant in Il Terrazo (near Timog-Morato Rotunda, Quezon City).

What’s so addicting about running?

“Personally, ha, it’s my time to reflect on life. I love running alone. That’s my down time.”

Does your mind work as fast as or faster than you run?

“My mind works faster after exercising. It’s very helpful especially in my kind of work, hosting. It makes me quicker and snappier.”

How long have you been running?

“Probably six to seven years.”

More or less, how many miles have you covered so far? Are you a million-miler?

“Hmmmm, come to think of it, I haven’t started counting. Let me see…I do a marathon every year, which is a 42-kilometer race. Basta, an average of 30 kilometers a week ang tinatakbo ko.”

Do you run every day?

“No, not every day. You can be injury-prone if you run every day.”

Do you run on the treadmill?

“Not that often. I’d rather do the triathlon which helps you run better. When you do bike, you run and you swim, you recover faster. It’s called an active recovery.”

What makes you more high, running or sex?

“You know, I’ve totally forgotten about sex, so I guess…yes, running.”

Do you run with Iya?

“Hmmmm, not really.” (Adding) “She should be here in a while to fetch me.” (Iya did arrive.)

(To Iya) Drew said that you don’t run with him. Why not?

Iya: Because I’m competitive. Gusto ko kasing-bilis ko na siya. I don’t want him to slow down just to let me beat him. I will train and when I’m good enough, I will challenge Lovey (Her term of endearment for Drew. — RFL) to a race.

(Back to Drew) Do you run after her?

(Deadpan) “Yes, all the time, all the time!”

What do you do after running, eat?

“Yes, I have to eat — a huge meal! But it really depends on how far and how intense my workout is. There’s a specific post-running formula, usually 60 percent carbs, 20 percent protein and 20 percent fat. It’s what I call a ‘recovery meal’.”

You and Iya have been together for eight years. It seems that you’re running away from marriage. Right?

“Running away from marriage? On the contrary, ahhh…” (Stammering)…”Marriage is nearing, hahahaha! Marriage is catching up and it will cross the finish line with me soon.” (Iya: I’m lucky to have him but he’s luckier to have me, hahahaha!”)

What are the do’s and don’t’s of running?

“Nutrition is very important in running just as it is in any endurance sport. So always be conscious about what you eat before a race, during a race and after a race. I eat a full meal three hours before a race, and it helps if you take sodium and potassium.”

What preparations do you do before running?

“Again, it depends on the runner. The running shoes depends upon what kind of feet you have and how you run and the length of the race. Wear the appropriate running outfit that should be suitable to the weather. Get enough sleep the night before running, at least eight hours.”

Is having sex not advisable before you run? (In an interview, Manny Pacquiao said that he and wife Jinkee “abstain” from it before a fight; while some basketball players said that it’s okay to do it even the night before a game.)

“Hmmmm, I haven’t thought of that, really. Tingnan ko nga.”

How are you preparing for the Maui event?

“We’ve been training on a daily basis. Before I came for this interview, I have just finished training.”

You keep on running and running, so why don’t you run in 2013 like other showbiz guys?

“Because politics is not for me.”

If you have to run for your life, what would make you?

“Run for my life? Probably, when my family is in need of my help.”

Have you ever run away from a girl?

“Never!”

Do you hit and run?

“No, I don’t. I eat and run. After this interview, I will eat and run, hahahaha!”

What’s your “aha” moment in running?

“As I said, I reflect a lot when I’m running and that’s when my ‘Aha’ moments happen — you know, ‘Aha, you cannot do that.’…’Aha, I can be more romantic to Iya if I do this or that.’ Aha!!!”

What happened backstage before the Maroon 5 show

Now, it can be told (by Funfare’s “food-tripper” DPA who was backstage during Maroon 5’s recent concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum):

Maroon 5’s performance was awesome. Aside from the band being naturally zestful, I wonder what further boosts their energy… a restful sleep the night before? Adrenalin rush? Or perhaps the food they ate just before the concert? Since I’m a certified foodie, I wanted to know what they ate before their big show.

Adam Levine, the band’s frontman, got himself some soup and Baby Back Ribs from Tender Bob’s. The baby back ribs looked so flavorful, I think he enjoyed it. I found out that Adam’s favorite food is steak. James Valentine, the guitarist, loves corn. One band member gobbled up not just one but three burgers! And came back for more.

The rest of Maroon 5, The Cab and the whole entourage had a choice of soup, salad, ribs, US Angus steak, burgers, pasta and yummy desserts, all from Tender Bob’s. I bet they had an enjoyable, filling meal. In fact, one person from Maroon 5’s entourage asked who Tender Bob was and if Bob was a real person. The room was filled with laughter and I remember Adam humming a tune after that.

Maroon 5 and The Cab spent some time talking about their lives as musicians. When it was time for them to go back to their dressing room in preparation for the show, they left the dining area with pleasant smiles.

After the concert, I had hunger pangs. Still, all I can think about was Maroon 5, and yes, Tender Bob’s.

Burp, burp, burp!!!

(Tender Bob’s outlets: The Block - SM City North EDSA, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Greenbelt 2 and Greenhills Promenade.)

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