takbo.ph invades ateneo aquathlon

finished my official second aquathlon last March 7 with unofficial time of 51:19.  swim time - 16:09, transition time – 1:23, run time – 33:47.  it was so much fun.  had a blast with the rest of takbo.ph seamonsters.

wall photo

nice form!

bagged a third =)

thanks, dhenz for the pics!

results posted here: http://www.ateneoswimming.com/assets/Ateneo-Aquathlon-2010-Unofficial-Results.pdf

Bataan Death March

To all those who are part of this race, hats off to you specially to all the takbo.ph runners and supporters…To God be the glory!

Yeah, jologs as it may sound..this was a run for Derek.  I don’t need to go on that he’s really a hunk – handsome face with a perfect body, athletic (not your typical gym boy) and one that has a good head on his shoulder too…Yep, this is really for Derek (with matching tili and kilig…aww!!)

Papa Derek

And for me…This was the coolest race ever! Were it not for the fact that me and my officemate/SMS member Sir Bhrein were late.  We have decided to pace each other.  I was a little bit hesitant because I really don’t know if I have recovered enough to do this. He has set the target finish time which was 2:10:00.  I told him we’ll find some takbo.ph peeps (roselle and monsunday) who has that target time as well..Yeah, I’m not confident I can lead him on.

with Bhrein (SMS)

Anyway, we were just on the way to the parking lot when we saw runners for 21Km already passing us by…  Away goes the plan to have a nice warm-up and stretching prior to the race.  I said to myself “Yep, this  race goes to the “non-halimaw” mode and I’ll just run my own”.  Sir Bhrein on the other hand, is a little stressed already.  I kept reminding him that this one has a timing chip so, it’s ok for us even to be late.

There are already throngs of 10kers on the start area so we have to weave ourselves inside the starting chute.  Again, I was grateful that this one has timing chip, otherwise, imagine how stressful it would be to look for a marshal to have your BIB signed. 

So, Bhrein and I ran side by side.  I just remembered that I need to start slow as a warmup.  A few kilometers and I’m all set. When I looked back, I could not see Bhrein. I thought for sure he is just behind me.  Anyway, I continued to just run enjoying the people around me, the almost dark areas, the superbods who gave us water and best of all, the feeling that this is just 21K.  Yeah, I’m a little bit boastful when I say this…But Bhrein was right when he told me at the finish line that yeah, when you already did the marathon, you’ll have the mental endurance to finish the “pikermi”.  When I saw Km16,  I felt ecstatic, knowing that I haven’t felt yet any kind of negative thoughts/feelings/injuries whatsoever.  I can still smile.  I’m really happy on the turnout of this event.  Aside from the medal, the sumptuous breakfast and the overflowing water/hydration drinks, I’d say this is the best race I have the chance of running.  To sum it up, “I expected less and achieved more”. 

having a blast!! woohoo!

Except for the fact that I didn’t get to have that shot taken with Papa Derek and of course, I gave away my cellphone (aww!)

Official results here. http://runrio.com/2010/02/century-tuna-superbods-run-race-results/

A few years back, had you ask me what a marathon is, I wouldn’t have any notion except that it is a race for runners.  But the distance? Naaahh..anything that involves running (or jogging as some may call it) with a mimimum distance of 3kms,  I would often think that they are already running a marathon.  And that I couldn’t do it..or more pressing, why would I do it?…

And yeah, eventually of course, I got hooked with running.  Just like most runners would tell you, they couldn’t help but fall in love with it.

October of 2009 after SIM—that was when I decided that yes, I would run my first marathon at Condura.  This was a special race for me since this race was also my debut as a half-marathoner.

It made me remember what  Ziggy has told me on one of our conversations (quoting a Pharmaton ad): “What your mind can conceive, your body can achieve.”

Certainly, with proper training and preparation, crossing that finish line was a well-deserved feat.  After three months of training with my formidable running mates Bongz and Joyce, the fruit of our training finally paid off.

Thanks to:

The One Above - for all the blessings and inspiration.  Truly, it was an honor to have accomplished this feat for your honor and glory because You deserve it.

My family – specially nanay, who came and supported me.  Love you!

Kuya Bongz being our coach/leader/confidante/tatay/nanay/kuya (lahat na!) who plotted our strategy for the Condura race..hahaha!  Kuya Bong surely knows what he’s doing.  I really am grateful that he was able to impose such discipline particularly on me (pasaway kasi ako).  I surely wouldn’t forget this Skyway run…when Bongz  took my watch because I kept on complaining about the pace, hahahah! Tama bang mag-away sa race?..ang kulit ko kasi pero mas matibay sya..hahahah! Kuya, I wouldn’t have done this without you. Hats off to you!

Joyce – I so love this down-to-earth-gal.  I’m really glad that I have gotten to know you.  More than the training, it’s the friendship that was built that I cherish more.  She was easily the strongest on our team and was the first to finish. So proud of you, girl! So, pano, milo ba? Wahahah!!!

Trace – I’m so proud of you girl.  Super galing! You have come a long way.  Strong finish!  Buti walang “nadapa” experience..hehehe.. Thanks for everything, the friendship and also, on being our gracious host during our San Lorenzo runs J…Run for Amici!

Takbo.ph family – specially to the people on our aid station (jinoe,que) and sir reinier.  Mac, thanks sa liniment. Pepsi and Z, our beautiful lady bikers. Thanks!

The Race (as I may have seemed to recall it)

Although Bongz already had the strategy in mind, secretly, I’m trying not to think much of it..hahahah!  I guess that’s where the “pasaway” in me comes in..When we reached 10kms at sub63mins, I was telling BZ that we’re fast and kept on complaining that this is fast for me.  And I walked.  I told them that they can go on without me.  In my mind, I was a little bit anxious as well coz this was just barely a fourth of the entire race, and here I am, complaining that I’m out of breath.  I can feel that we’re really not in synch with each other that’s why I keep telling them that they should go on ahead. I wouldn’t want them to be slowed down by me.  But of course, being kuya bongz, he wouldn’t give up on me.  He and Joyce repeatedly slowed down for me to catch up. At Km15, I was really out of breath and walked again..Oh man, this is not how I envisioned my marathon would be.  That’s when kuya demanded that I should hand him over my watch so that I would just follow them.  In truth, though, during long runs, I always conserve my energy.  Being slower even 2/3 of the entire distance so that I would have reserved strength to the end.  That’s why the early burst of speed is not good for me. (Ano nga yung sabi ni Tim dati, para syang diesel, pinapainitan muna).  That’s me, I guess.  I’d rather be slow and steady. J

When Markhernz passed us by, Joyce came along him and kuya stayed with me.  He saw that I was not really in good shape, touched my arm, felt that I have goosebumps and a little bit cold..oh-oh..not good. So, he stayed with me (kuya, thanks talaga!).  When Raff, passed us by, Kuya told me, “oh, ayan, sabay na kayo ni raff”.  But I know Raff also has a different strategy and target.  So eventually, I convinced kuya, that he really should go on and he gave me my watch back (wahaha, ang kulit talaga!).  Then, I met Sir Butch Jimenez and was able to run with him for a few minutes (he was also fast!). 

Eventually, I was running on my own, a little bit disoriented but telling myself that I should be steady with my pace.  Finally, the team of Joseph aka Prince caught up with me and paced me for a few meters before the Skyway turnaround (his friend had to pee so I left them).  Thanks to you guys.  His words “Kelcy, ganito lang tayo 630-7 pace, steady lang pero maaabutan natin yang sila bong.”  Those words gave me the strength to go on and I finally found my groove back and I was running happily enjoying the Skyway view.  It really was just me and somehow I did not feel saddened by it. Me, my shoes and the Skyway are one. Pure joy.  I am confident that I’ll be able to finish. J

At heartbreak hill, that’s when I saw Kuya and Joyce and Markhernz.  Magyayabang na ko. To quote earl: “Grabe ang galing ko, alam mo yung Heartbreak Hill? Tinakbo ko yun!”. Pure bliss!

I was finally able to caught up with Kuya and Joyce before KM30.   When we went down the Skyway, along Buendia, Kuya, told us that we should go ahead, because he’ll just maintain a steady 7 pace.  So Joyce, Arvin (Smart) and I carried on and decided to trudge the long way of Buendia.  Joyce easily went ahead of us and I eventually left Arvin. 

The last 7km stretch before the finish line is very difficult.  The sun is already up by then (it’s a killer at Kalayaan flyover as always) and we have to pass that area we call “no man’s island” (no shade to shelter us,huhuhu!).  I thought for sure I wouldn’t have the strength to go on. The only motivation for me to run is that I can feel my feet getting burned by the heat of the pavement.  I told myself “konti na lang yan len, one foot at a time.”  The Gatorade from mommy E was heaven sent.

I got inspired when I saw fellow takbo.ph runners (who I might add, were ahead of me all throughout the race).  I saw Carly, on her way to the finish line and yeah, was so proud of her.  I saw Roselle, Vicky, Luis, Rodel and Jason on the way to international school.  I was even ahead of Ian (onemelc) with less than 1km to go.  Sabi ni Ian, di daw sya papayag  na maunahan ko sya..True enough, he went ahead of me with eric (rico99) to the finish.  I specially felt good when I saw Carina and Trace (ang galing nyo mga sis!), Earl and Doc Marvs.

Wheew! Quite an experience.  The feeling again, is surreal..Would you believe I went bowling (2 games) with friends (taas pa ng score ko! Yabang na talaga!), went to church, had dinner and went for a drink after?!  Walang pahinga.  Hahahah..well, may mayabang kasi akong nameet..so, nagyayabang na ko. Hehehehe..(minsan lang to..)

I feel good! Tene-nene-nene-nen J

hard earned medal

condura gears

-  a military prison

- when I was a kid, I seem to recall that this is the  name of the haunted house at Star City (I think)

So today, I have decided to banish myself to this so-called  “alcatraz”.  When I did that, i felt like little Alice when the Queen shouted “off with her head!!” – a feeling of doom fell upon me. Sadness.

Oh well, this is me, trying to seep it in my brain, heart and soul that….(drumroll please)…

I SHOULD STOP RUNNING!

for at least a week, that is!

Why, oh why? It’s because I have this pain at the back of my left knee.  A result of that so-called achilles tendinitis I had because of the over-sized lunar glide…haaaayyyssst.  I shifted stance to protect my heel, that’s why.  And so, being me, (a psychosomatic as Basti would have called me), I immediately went to our company’s clinic.  The doctor (i woulnd’t mention his name) just gave me Skelan and Myonal witgout bothering to ask me how i got the injury and things.  I felt that he’s scratching from memory what he’s gonna give me as medicine.

And so, I braved the streets of Espana and went to UST to visit my sister’s brother who’s an ortho.  Lo, and behold, I immediately felt that he’s an angel (sent to give me the good and the bad news).  He told me, after my monologue that what I felt now is the early stage of a “pulled hamstring” (oh no!).  Of course, he advised me to take a much needed rest (should be minimum one month).  But, of course, that’s not gonna happen..pasaway! I told him that I’m preparing for my first full mary which will be on Feb 7.

So, I then compromised that I won’t run…but will swim instead. woot woot! Buti na lang, I love swimming too

So, for the Condura Run, it’s gonna be,  BNSBZ…(Bahala na si BongZ).

Hope to jail-break soon….

First off, I was a little bit anxious ’bout Jix.  I know he was a fast runner and that maybe, he’ll get tired of our “easy pace” (continuous nonetheless).  I remembered the first LSD I joined which was the infamous “March LSD”  in preparation for Condura.  That run taught me how to be patient and yeah, endure.

And so, eventually  as the run progressed, the quadros became duos (guess who were left)…The heat on its intensity made me want to give up.  I can feel the coolness of the shades beckoning me to stop..It really was tempting!

…One thing I learned from Galloway is this: “One shouldn’t mix and match.  Don’t add speed-training elements to your long runs. ”

I do hope and pray that with Condura Race looming on the horizon, yours  truly will come prepared not to battle the race but to “be in one” with the sports that I have come to love and enjoyed.

Crossing that finish line would be all worth it. I know… it will.

before

after

ooohhh! I forgot to take the after-after pic..but of course, it’s gonna be a clean plate..hehehhe! burp! 

When I first heard about this one, I was quite hesitant.  For one thing, I wouldn’t want to be injured knowing that Condura is looming along the corner (barely a month to go, whew!).  Anyway, I just tried it out and basically joined to have FUN, FUN, FUN…and what fun it was.  Definitely a different kind of adrenaline rush.  Coming from a family of four girls, we don’t really had the time to play with toy guns.  Some of us got injured really (scary!) but basically, the rest are all smiles.  Cheers to the organizers!

with core peeps (warmup game)

si kuya, at ang mga baril

team PEB (Sir Pat)..we lost, awww!

oh, by the way..i don’t like our uniform…we look like soldiers from WW1 (the suits are jjjuuurrrassssiiiccc!!)