November has been a busy month for running events. Although the race sked wasn’t as busy as October’s, this past month still presented a pretty full schedule for runners. Other than that, I’ve been busy with a lot of other things, which is why I’ve had some backlogs of stories and updates lately.

Pushing Justin along Buendia. (Photo by Doc Marvin)

What I shouldn’t miss writing about here was the Philippine International Marathon, also called the Run for Pasig River, held November 8, 2009. No, I didn’t run any of the events, but I did volunteer to run as part of the team relay for Team Logan.

Forty runners from Takbo.ph and friends volunteered to run a distance of 2km in pairs while pushing Justin Logan in his stroller. The 42km route was split into 2km stints made up of two runners each, 20 teams in all.

My stint was in Leg 17, which was at the 34km point, located at the Petron station along Buendia and Makati Avenue. The first relay team would start the 42km distance from Kilometer 0 in Luneta, and run along a challenging route that would traverse most of the bridges that crossed the Pasig River.

I arrived at my starting point a little after 6:30am, which was early, considering that the relay began at 4:30 am, and would still take a couple of hours until they got to our part of Makati. Fortunately, our location would also be the spot where Marga volunteered to set up an aid station for the other members of Takbo.ph who would be running the full marathon.

This was the first time for me to join a relay race. Ironically, my first ever competitive race event was also the PIM back in 2008, where I did my first 3k with a finish time that I deliberately erased from memory. It wasn’t something to talk about.

Anyway, at a little past 8am, we saw Justin and his mom Michelle surrounded by a big group of runners coming down Buendia Ave. My partner, Carina, and I got ready for our turn to push Justin. It was exciting to see the gleeful smile that Justin beamed when he saw all the runners around him. It was exciting for us as well, to do our bit in supporting this relay team, and symbolically providing support also for Team Logan and what they stood for and believed in.

Edu takes his turn pushing Justin. (Photo by Doc Marvin)

Our two-kilometer run to the next relay point felt kind of short, so as soon as we handed Justin to the next pair of runners, we kept on going with the group, providing additional support and traffic control because at this time, most of the streets on the race route had been opened to traffic. It was less than 10km to the Finish line at Quirino Grandstand so might as well run the rest of the way.

The group steadily made its way across SLEX and on to Taft Avenue. A few traffic policemen provided vehicular control at the crossings so we didn’t need to stop unnecessarily.

I was able to keep up until the last relay point on Roxas Blvd., where Justin was handed to the last team made up of Jinoe and Que. But the heat got to me so I had to slow down and let the rest of the group continue ahead. I guess having a fresh pair of legs pushing Justin made sure that he “ran” the 42km course at an eager pace that wouldn’t let up!

In the end, it was a good feeling to be part of something as meaningful as this. The Logan family has always provided the inspiration, indomitable spirit and undying passion that has pervaded among the Takbo.ph community this past year! It really is contagious!

A few days after the race, I got an SMS from an unknown sender, probably from one of the Logans. It simply said,”a belated personal thank you from Team Logan. We are most grateful 4 your special part in our race last Sunday. Thanks so much.”

Thank you, too, Team Logan, for allowing us to be part of this Dream Relay Team!

Members of Team Logan relay at Quirino Grandstand. That's the Running Diva (orange top, race#1071) who finished her first-ever full marathon!

Group shot at the Finish!

**Thanks to the photos by: Doc Marvin, EduFabian, and Gerard Cinco!

Volgens mij zitten alle ouders van een dochter met hetzelfde probleem. Hoe ga je (later) haar geslachtsdeel noemen? Ik ben zelf van mening dat je er wel iets logisch van moet maken, maar vagina klinkt meteen zo volwassen. Bij jongens is dat toch wat makkelijker. Piemel(tje) klinkt leuk voor een kind en je noemt het beestje toch bij de naam. Pim constateerde al dat Femke er niet een heeft. Gelukkig vroeg hij nog niet wat het wel was. Heeft iemand suggesties?

Today I attended a Privacy & Information Management session in London which was a good learning experience.

The session began with an opportunity to to view some of the 8 training videos that have been prepared for use in Ontario school Boards. The video series was designed for 3 target audiences: teachers, administrators and IT staff. Key areas of best practice addressed in the videos included:

• physical documents
  • security
  • office practices
  • classroom practices
  • destruction
• digital data
  • server locations
  • implications of outsourcing storage
  • laptop and USB key use
  • destruction of digital data (hardware recycling)
• visual privacy
  • use of cell phones, smart phones, digital cameras and video recorders
  • guidelines for posting content on Board sites as well as uploading to public internet sites

Following the preview of the videos, the balance of the day provided opportunities to review strategies for implementation of Privacy and Information Management strategies and further discussion of the 3 areas identified above.  I found the discussion rich and in depth. My note taking included the following points:

• laptop setup should include a BIOS level password, OS password and an encrypted area to store confidential data
• recycling of hardware must include data destruction on the hard drives
• prevent the use of peer to peer sharing tools such as Kaza and Limewire
• enforce password format and change policies
• key corporate level data stored locally where you can control access (information knows no boundaries)
• store email in a centrally hosted system

Key implementation strategies should:

• create a culture of awareness
• update and/or write policies to reflect needs and goals
• sustain energy and interest in this area (it is not a one time item)
• make best practice strategies relevant to key user groups (teachers, admin, support staff etc.)
• be shared as a team, this is not just one person’s torch to carry.

Drifting off a little as I was sitting in the sessions, my mind was flitting to other connections. After all, creating a culture of P & I Management awareness is connected to Digital Citizenship.  In some ways, there are interconnected tensions between privacy culture, digital citizenship, suitable access to K12 content for curriculum delivery (content filtering/open internet) and copyright. Somewhere in the middle of all of this is a sweet spot – establishing the required culture is the challenge. I am looking forward to my involvement on our team.

Related Reading

PIM Taskforce
Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

~ Mark

Bijna december. De laatste najaarstraining onder lente-achtige omstandigheden. De bootjes van Pim en Piet Hein kregen de lentekriebels.

Femke en Sint

Hier heb ik me al jaren op verheugd. Sinterklaas vind ik zelf het leukste feest van jaar. Ik zit me dan ook al enkele jaren te verheugen op het jaar dat mijn kinderen het gaan snappen. Eindelijk is het dan zover. Al een week voordat de goede oude man in Nederland aan zou komen, deelde Pim het ons al mee:’Sinterklaas komt!’ Waarschijnlijk heeft hij op het kinderdagverblijf iets opgevangen, want de naam van mijn idool was hier in huis nog niet eens gevallen (voor zover ik weet). Na het eerste Sinterklaas-journaal was Pim ook helemaal enthousiast:’Sinterklaas komt! Pim ook cadeaus hebben!’

Pim en Piet

Afgelopen zaterdag bezochten de familie Koning het mooie Achterhoekse Eibergen. Samen met mijn moeder, zus, zwager en nichtjes begroetten we daar de bijna jarige job.Ik vond het best spannend. Hoe zou Pim het vinden? De taken waren al snel verdeeld. Johan en ik zorgden voor het foto- en filmgebeuren en ondertussen bekommerde oma zich over Pim. En als ze dat doet, dan weet je zeker dat het goed komt. Oma ontpopte zich als een ware ijsbreker en baande zich samen met Pim met gemak door de mensenmassa. Johan en ik hadden moeite om haar bij te houden. Dit had wel tot gevolg dat Pim overal met zijn neusje vooraan kwam en dus goed zicht had. Een mooie bijkomstigheid was, dat hij helemaal niet bang bleek te zijn voor het spektakel en de mooi uitgedoste mensen. Hij genoot van alle kunsten, muziek en nieuwe indrukken.  En ik genoot omdat ik door Pim, de wereld weer door zijn ogen bekeek.

’s Avonds mocht Pim natuurlijk zijn en Femkes schoen zetten. Hij zong op zijn best:’Sinterklaasje, bonne, bonne, bonne.’Dat werd natuurlijk beloond met een heerlijke chocolade-Sint. Femke had een choco-Piet gekregen. Natuurlijk mag Pim die opeten !

]]> http://renatomusic.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/prova-2%c2%ba-bimestre-prof-lucas/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:19:06 +0000 RenatinhO http://renatomusic.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/prova-2%c2%ba-bimestre-prof-lucas/

VERSAO EM TXT

Estava eu na sala, sentado no meu sofá verde, de pernas para o ar, tomando um suco de laranja e assistindo a um filme no HBO2 em HDTV na minha televisão, um filme bem porcaria, quando meu telefone tocou em cima do Hack, e logo pensei “quem será que esta me ligando essa hora?”
 Era o Leonardo me ligando… na hora eu já pensei – “Ferrou, deve ser B.O.”
Falei com ele no telefone:
- E a e Leonardo beleza?
Ele mal me cumprimentou e já foi indagando:
- Renato, você não esqueceu do projeto a ser apresentado hoje, né?
Levantei o mais rápido que consegui e corri pro computador, pois ainda não tinha terminado o projeto eo pior, não me lembrava do tal projeto, mas eu já fui respondendo:
- NÃÃOO, imagina… eu esquecer? Só vou fazer uma copia de segurança aqui, mas já está tudo 100%. Nos vemos lá… abraço.
Corri pra frente do computador, e pensei “- Tenho que terminar logo isso…”
Mal passou o tempo o telefone já não parava mais de tocar, na quinta vez eu nervoso pensei “- Ôo telefone que não para de tocar … Ixiii, é o chefe”, quando vi quem era que estava ligando atendi bem rápido. Era o chefe.
O chefe não parou de falar durante uns 5 minutos, e eu pensava “Ô… já falou d+…”
- Relaxa, vai dar tudo certo         -              Respondi
- Espero que o seu projeto nos surpreenda … Pra seu bem na empresa! Disse o Chefe.
- Ih… Chefe, quando eu te decepcionei? Pode confiar, e espero um aumento salarial. Rsrs
- sei… responde o chefe !
- Bom… Logo logo estarei ai !!!
No MSN mandei uma mensagem para Willian do Dpto. De T.I. dizendo que já estava indo para a reunião, mas não tinha não tinha nem terminado o projeto ainda.
Depois enviei outra mensagem dizendo que o projeto estava ótimo, mas, na verdade estará quando eu realmente terminá-lo.
Com alguns minutos passados, enfim eu estava terminando o projeto, só faltava mais uma mascara e por fim a renderização daria o fim a essa tortuante tarde.
Pronto…!!! Aleluia, terminei , exclamei. Fiquei muito contente com o que eu fiz, afinal foi muito tempo de muita pressão.
Desliguei o meu computador e fui atrás de meus notebooks para levar para a reunião, pois todos já estavam a meu aguardo, anciosos para ver o tão esperado vídeo institucional da empresa contratante. Fui até a mesa onde estava um de meus notes, o coloquei na pasta e fui atrás do outro, achei e me preparei para sair.
Quando já estava de saída, mais precisamente na parte dos fundos de minha casa, pois ia colocar as coisas no porta mala de meu Honda civic preto, com faróis de chenom, vidros escuros e neon, o Leonardo me liga para saber onde eu estava, pois estava preocupado com a reputação de nossa empresa, pois a contratante era uma potencia na cidade. Ele me perguntou “ – RENATO, onde você esta??!!?!!”.
Eu sem nenhuma preocupação respondi: “Já to chegando… Vai deixando tudo no jeito pra mim ai Léo !

We hebben de oproep binnen. Pim ‘mag’ ingeënt worden tegen de Mexicaanse griep. Maar wat is wijsheid? Doen we het wel of niet? Johan en ik twijfelen allebei, daarbij neigt Johan meer naar niet en ik meer naar wel. Tja… Alles lijkt veilig, maar zo lang (en goed?) is het vaccin nog niet getest. En wat als ze er later wel wat aan over houden? Opeens voel ik me echt ‘moeder van’. Een ouder die voor een belangrijke beslissing staat. Wat zou jij doen?

Een brief van Ab Klink in de deur. Pimmetje kan zijn Mexico-prik ophalen. En wel op volgende week donderdag.

Probleempje: wij gaan aanstaande vrijdag weg voor een weekje Drenthe. Dus: vrouwlief belt de GGD. Of Pim eventueel een andere dag kan worden beprikt. Antwoord: ‘Nee, er komt geen herhaaldag. Naar de huisarts is ook geen optie, die mogen jonge kinderen niet prikken.’ Of we mogen volgende week naar Wierden (of all places), of Pim moet het met één prik doen.

Dan denk ik: als die prik zo belangrijk is, dan zouden Klink & Co er toch alles aan moeten doen om de mensen in ieder geval de kans te geven om de prik te kunnen halen?

Pre-race

November 8, Sunday, marked the day of the Philippine International Marathon, the largest organized race in the Philippines. I was due to run a full marathon. Yes, a full marathon…relay (gotcha! ). As part of Team Logan, we were to take turns pushing Justin Logan from the starting line to the finish line. It will be Justin’s 1^st full marathon and we are all excited for him.

I teamed up with Timmy (the makulit….hahaha!!!), to take relay point 12 (km24) which happened to be in the corner of EDSA and Pioneer (Robinson’s Pioneer). We were scheduled to be there by 715am, the approximate time Justine will be arriving with his mom Michelle and the Takbo support team. Since the singlets were still not with us, we were supposed to don our Takbo.ph singlets. I am a meticulous runner. I make sure that I prepare everything the night before to ensure that everything (except the race) is not on rush pace. While dressing up, I noticed that the Takbo singlet I prepared was my hubby’s. I desperately looked all over the room for my singlet but couldn’t find it. Timmy then texted me saying that Craig (Justin’s dad) was running faster than usual and he is expected earlier than scheduled. Panicked, I rummage for my next favorite running shirt, my iamninoy jersey. Noy and I hurried to leave.

We made it to the meeting place at 645am. Timmy arrived 8mins later. As we were waiting for the Team Logan to arrive, we saw friends who joined the full marathon, Running Diva Roselle with pacer Coach John, Sam the Running Ninja, Prince, Bald Runner etc. I was getting really excited to start our share of the relay.

Finally we saw the sizeable Team Logan approaching us. Our race begins.

Race proper

Pioneer street was a mostly uphills although the start was a steep incline downwards from EDSA to Legend Hotel. Timmy took hold of pushing Justin’s ride while I kept an eye on Justin to see if he was comfortable, if he needed anything or if we needed to slow down. Dhenz ran with us to ensure that Justin is safe from any vehicular traffic. It was a short, fast run for us before we handed Justin over to Pepsi and Marky. By this time I really needed to go to the little girl’s room. Since no establishments in the area seemed to be open, I pushed to run with the team down to Canley road and right to C5. Along C5, a nice guard let me use their building’s toilet. Finally, I am able to concentrate on enjoying my run.

Rushing to catch up with my team, I saw fellow runner, Mikko running for Team Lopa, along the C5 bridge. It was probably 830-9am by the time we reached Fort Bonifacio. The sun was emitting scorching heat. I was thinking if I should just let hubby pick me up in Fort as running in this intense heat was not my cup of tea. Then I remembered Carina telling me to meet them at the Buendia Takbo.ph aid station. With the help of Pepsi and Marky, I decided to push on.

Running through Fort and up the Kalayaan flyover was uneventful. I remembered that I used to be intimidated by this 2k uphill-downhill stretch but I guess I was thinking more of the heat than the course. When we got to Buendia, I decided to run on the sidewalk as it provided a bit of shade. Finally making it to the Takbo.ph aid station, we were greeted by loud cheers from the support team. I couldn’t recall everyone who was there. I could remember Luis holding pompoms (was that him), Carina, Gerard, someone handing me a banana. My memory fails me when I am this close to having a heatstroke. Pepsi poured water on my head and back to relieve me of the searing temperature. This was it…I made it to the aid station so what’s next? Do I push ahead or do I wait for hubby to pick me up? My thought balloon: Roxas was only a few kilometers away. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to run a few more kms. Okidoki then, I sent an SMS to hubby to tell him to pick me up at the Quirino Grandstand. This was it…bring it on…

Enjoying Makati

I never appreciated the stretched of Buendia as much as I did that morning. It was one of the most pleasant road runs I have experienced. Buendia was lined with trees. The road was well-maintained. My lower ex appreciated the run on the asphalt ground. There were very few vehicles crossing. It was a very pleasant experience. Almost surreal to seeing one of Makati’s busiest streets almost empty.

About halfway through the Buendia side of Makati, I saw Roselle and Coach John. Roselle’s lower extremities were cramping big time. I offered to stretch her legs to relieve the pain. I haven’t practiced my course since doing volunteer work back in 1997. As soon as I passed the Physical Therapy licensure exam, I concentrated on building a family and a life for my, back then-only child, Ben. But I guess when it’s needed, what they taught me during my 5 years stint in Rehab Sciences all came back to me. I used the contract-relax method of stretching to Roselle and it worked wonders. She was up and about in no time. As I promised the Diva, while pushing her to run her 1^st FM, if ever she runs her 1^st FM I will do 2 things for her…1. Lend her my Garmin 2. Be one of her support personnel. I now have the opportunity to do both

A Dilemma

Running along side Roselle, Coach John, Pepsi and Mark, we were now able to cross South Superhighway. A different scene welcomed us. There were no km markers, no direction signage, no aid station, no marshals and there were tons of vehicles on the road.  Sensing pollution on the air, I felt that my waterloo was nearing. I was tired, parched, sunburnt…the heat emanating  from the cemented road and the sun above plus vehicles buzzing their way through heavy traffic made me think if I should just quit. Besides, I did my part of the race, I said to myself. However, not the type to break promises, I trudged on as I was determined to see Roselle through her 1^st FM.

A Run along Roxas Blvd

Finally! After running through traffic, getting almost hit by a CRV, not knowing where to go…we made it to Roxas Blvd. It should be a better run from hence onwards. The sun was high and the heat intensified. I always thought that running along Roxas would be pleasant. With the bay beside you, trees along the blvd, you would think that it would be an easy run. Not with this heat. Oh well…a few more kms to go.

The Finish

After passing Museo Pambata, Philippine Navy HQ, US Embassy…we were finally nearing our destination! We were all tired but we told Roselle that it’s important for her to finish strong. So even with blisters between my toes and tired legs, I pushed myself to run as to encourage our dearest Diva to finish strong.

Roselle finished her 1^st Full Marathon in 5:27 if I am not mistaken. This marked the longest run I have ever done in my lifetime…19km. Not bad. Enough to know that I can go for my 1^st half mary soon.

Congratulations to Justin and Roselle for their 1st Full Marathon!

No barriers…

Is Ernie (van Bert) nu een jongen of een meisje? Pim weet het wel. Hij maakt een puzzel van Ernie in een rubberen bootje. ‘Hé, das de piemel!’, roept Pim enthousiast. Ik snap niet waar hij dat vandaan haalt. Hij wijst naar de roeispaan waar Ernie zijn bootje mee rondpeddelt. Nu snap ik het… hij bedoelt de ‘peddel’ !

“Fitness is like a blade of a knife; you want to sharpen it without ruining the blade.” -Sally Jenkins, The Washington Post

As another Kenyan ruled the Timex half-marathon yesterday, my running friends asked me if they (Kenyans) will stay here in our country for good just to join and win all the  races. I told them I don’t know but there’s nothing wrong about it. It’s a Democratic country and they can compete in as many races as they want.

However, one of my running buddies told me that during Philippine International Marathon last November 8, 2009, special treatment was once again being given to our Kenyan counterparts. As he waited for me in Buendia Water Station exactly at  Km 34,  and while those Kenyans were fast approaching on their site, some marshals ran towards those Kenyans with a bottled water on their hands. There’s nothing wrong about it for they were the frontliners of this 42k race, but to his amazement, when our very own Cris Sabal and another Filipino elite runner came very near to that Water Station, there’s no more assistance such like that. In fact, according to my friend, those marshals hid those  bottled water in a box underneath their table, just waited for our hapless runners to come  and gave them  ‘cup with water’ instead. That act can really help those Kenyans improved their time.

Many runners came to that Aid Station after that, including me but no bottled water was given  to us  by those marshals, and I can’t recall a moment where there was a bottled water being offered in the entire race.  That bottled water is very important particularly in a race like that where the sun was so unforgiving. You can use it to sprinkle on your head along the route preventing heat stroke and dehydration.

That friend of mine  reiterated that his observation was true and he’s willing to prove it.

Special treatment?

What do you think???

See you in NB 21k next next Sunday.

God be Praised!

*PIM – Philippine International Marathon, also known as Run for Pasig River

**ADMU – Ateneo de Manila University, also home to the Confucius Institute in the Philippines

***HSK – Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试 ) or the Chinese Proficiency Test

When I decided some years back that I would make it an effort to exercise to keep not only my body in shape but also my mind, I never imagined that my journey would take me to what I experienced last Sunday, November 8, 2009.

Meet Ogawa-san

Mrs. Ogawa is a character in the textbook I use when I teach Nihongo.  She appears on Lesson 36 talking about how at the age of 80 she manages to stay healthy by using both his body and head–she swims, learns the tango, and has recently started to study French to prepare herself for a trip to France.  I would stop short of calling her an idol but despite the fact that she is a fictional character, I guess it won’t hurt if people try to follow in her footsteps.  But I never imagined to do one after another with almost no time to breathe in between…

PIM and HSK

Marathon...

After I had found out that the HSK and the PIM were scheduled on THE SAME day and only 4.5 hours apart (PIM gun start was 4:30 and HSK started at (9:00,  yes, AM), I spent days agonizing which one to choose and which one to drop.  Until one morning, an epiphany!  Based on my Milo National Finals time and knowing that any race organized by Rudy B. starts on time or usually earlier, I would be done with the marathon “stage” by 8:30.  The tricky part was to get from Quirino Grandstand to Ateneo in time for the test.  Of course there was always this fear in me that I might get cramps, injured or, worse, DNF, everytime I’d run a full marathon.  It sounded mission impossible to my friends.  All the more reason for me to try and pull it off…

Decisions, decisions

... or Chinese proficiency test???

Two days before Marathon and Test day, adding more challenge and difficulty to decide whether to make a go for it or just quit altogether, I was suffering from indigestion and slight cold.  I made a conscious effort to eat food which was both good for the cold and easy on my stomach.  I can’t remember ever drinking more fruit juices in my life!  One more obstacle was the second hand smoke I was getting at work which almost canceled everything I was doing to be able to get close to, if not be, a hundred percent and be ready for a demanding day to say the least.  And as if it wasn’t enough, my brother, who had agreed to transport me (while I’d do my stretching as planned) changed his mind due to some concerns on “logistics.”  I didn’t know what to do.

11 p. m., November 7.  I was doing some yoga and preparing to go to bed.  I had set the alarm at 3:15.  I was staying in Malate for the night so that I would be close to kilometer 0 and thought that I would “listen to my body” and decide on the morning of November 8.

D-Day

When I woke up, I wouldn’t say I was feeling 100 percent but close enough so I decided to do it:  Grabbed my things for the 3 “stages” of my first (and I’m sure the most unique and never to be duplicated ever) “triathlon.”

1. Marathon stage:  race bib no., sports drink and water
2. Transport stage:  money and something to change into (lest all the examineed would stare at me should I decide to take the test in my race outfit)
3. Test stage:  test permit, HB pencils, eraser, Chinese textbook

I put everything that I wouldn’t need for the race in my bag and made my way to the baggage counter at the Quirino Grandstand (I planned to leave as fast as I could after finishing).  It was about 15 minutes before gun start so I didn’t waste any time and went to the starting line.  Seeing and greeting runners like Bald Runner, Junrox and Jonel definitely eased some nerves I was feeling.  Like the Milo Finals, Junrox and I decided to run together.  We were later joined by Joms, another tall runner.

Running along the river

It was still very dark as we negotiated Delpan Bridge, the first of 9 bridges scattered along the Pasig River we had to run for the race.  There was the usual “different” smell near the river but it was an interesting experience to run through Taft Ave., the Escolta area going to Mendiola Bridge, Nagtahan area all the way leading up the narrow and narrower streets of Mandaluyong early in the morning.  It was fun hearing the early morning “tambays” talk about the Kenyan runners and kids offering if we wanted water. 

Nice run and route

The three of us were enjoying talking and running in a “controlled” pace of 5:15 to 5:45 minutes per kilometer.  Conversation shifted from our jobs, to hobbies and interests, the migratory birds we saw.  We weren’t talking the whole time and we didn’t feel the need to.  We understood when one would stop talking, then take the lead, or yield to the other runners.  Running in the area of J. P. Rizal in Makati going to Guadalupe, where I once lived, not far from where I attended elementary and high school, brought back a lot of memories.  The only difference is I now run along the roads I used to pass by going to and from school.

One down, two to go...

Unlike the Milo marathon where you basically run the same route a second time on your way to the finish, the Pasig River route was different since the only turn around point was in Delpan Bridge and from there, we went “around the river” covering the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Taguig, Makati again, Pasay and then back to Manila.  It seemed longer but I thought it was an easier run for me, many thanks to the ample aid stations, cheer leaders and bands.  I thought of finishing stronger for a PR but I tried to save some of my strength for the next “stages.”    Special thanks to my ever dependable “support team”, Grace, who waited for me patiently in Mandaluyong somewhere in km 20 and then again in Makati 13 km later.

Transition

After finishing and posing for a finish line shot taken by Junrox’s wife Arlene, I wasted no time and proceded to the Baggage area (after saying hi to ABS-CBN’s Karen Davila  ).  I was surprised to find a cab IN the grandstand so I rushed in and asked Manong to go to Ateneo as fast as possible.  Within traffic rules of course.  It was almost 8:30 and I thought I would have seen Junrox and Joms finish had I stayed since they must have been done by that time but I was really in a hurry.  Would have also loved to see Argonaut finish (who called out in the earlier stages of the race).  Manong was very kind to let me ride despite my soaking wet clothes.  As we were on our way, I saw a regular marathon face so I shouted, “Go Ben!”

For those who haven’t tried changing your entire clothing in a car, you should try to see how challenging it is.  In broad daylight!  I had no choice but to do it as the only stop over I could afford was to get water from a nearby store and at an ATM machine when I found out I didn’t have enough money for the taxi fare!  I think I have mastered the art of quick change because I still had time to stretch while reading a few Chinese characters (which fortunately I was able to recognize during the test!) after changing into a ”regular” set of clothes.

The eagle has landed

The test was supposed to start at 9 but I got there at 9:15, some 2 minutes just before the first part, listening test, actually started.  Whew, that was close!  Then came the hard part.  Even as the test continued to the grammar and reading comprehension parts, I could still feel the stiffness in my legs of course and could not get my mind off the highs and lows of the race so I could not focus very well on the task at hand.  The important thing for me was I finished the test!

My times:

• Marathon leg:  42 km, 3 hours 49 minutes (unofficial)
• Transport leg:  13.5 km, 45 minutes (official)
• Test leg:  150 items, 2 hours 15 minutes

So there was my one of a kind “tri,” 6 hours and 49 minutes of great running experience, stressful taxi ride, and a gruelling Chinese exam!

Now where can I sign up for something like this again…

What a race! Thanks Arlene for the finish line photos

Kewell reveals he is happy to be the Socceroos’ solo striker, writes Ray Gatt… From The Australian. Full story

This site may contain information about: english scores. The blog is also related to: soccer prediction.

“Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you’re young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don’t let worn out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself.” -John Bingham, “Tools and Rules,” Runner’s World

Here are some of my observations in last Sunday’s 42k event:

1. Although there were so  many Finisher’s Certificates, it was not properly given to all deserving runners. A limping runner, tired and lapsed, was even forced to go to the Technical Committee to get his Certificate because there was  no staff  to give that  right there at the finish line. I saw one runner got more than 10 pieces, for a reason I don’t know. He  did it because the staff in charge was not even looking. Not Mr. B’s trademark of handling a race.

2. Musicians abound everywhere as well as ‘well wishers’ too. However, you can’t see them where it mattered most- in the finish line. Those first timers were stunned and even veteran Marathoners for as they  reached the finish line, there was a deep silence. If not for the presence of Takbo.ph group and team Hardcore, that place can be mistakenly perceived as not a race venue  but an abandoned area. The sound system was no longer playing even if there was still plenty of time to spare for the cut-off period.

3. Once again, those 42k runners were not entitled for some novelty items. One of my friends, Allan, who joined the 10k event was given a loot black bag, many deodorants, and galore of  refreshments. I only got a 250 ml. mineral water, not even enough to quench my thirst. Organizer must prioritize those runners who joined the 42k, in terms of novelties and other benefits. While we are not running for that (novelties, giveaways etc), it is a wonderful feeling to receive those, as complimentary for a difficult and very hard task. While some of those fast  marathoners did receive something, those slower ones  were neglected even though they still beat the cut-off period.

4. My singlet although large in size, is small in reality. Just a wrong tag? Well…

5. There was no water station in the first 2 kms of the race.

6. At the last water station, those marshals gave their spare to bystanders and onlookers, leaving us runners empty handed.

7. No more traffic enforcers in the last 8 kms of the race specially in the intersection area. Runners just ran by themselves, with perils and dangers in front of them.

8. I’m expecting a ‘fire truck’ to shower us ranging from km 30 onwards, but there was none. Whew! That blazing heat almost knocked me down. Also, there’s no sponge or foam- an essential tool in every marathons.

I’m glad to survive another  horrifying ordeal. It taught me again many lessons.

Once again, congratulations to all who joined and finished this race. And even for those who did not finish, I also salute you all.

May I acknowledge the following people…

This was the actual time when I reached the finish line…

Dennis Enriquez

Romy Irevera. He got his race bib number from a runner who DNF at the last 7 kms of this race.

Emyl at the sideline. He came all the way from Pasig to watch me. Thank you bro.

Dennis, Ferdie Valdez with a time of 4.17, Romy and Jack Marcos 4.58

lester and kim of team HC

with Kim.

Baldrunner who was injured at Km 19, was still able to finish this race ‘brisk walking’ just like what happened to me in SIM, a mark of a true warrior. With that,  Sir finally, I beat you. hehehe

BR with some of the members of team HC.

See you in Timex 21k this Sunday. Go Team HARDCORE…Run for HIS glory!

God be Praised!

Did you know…

… that today, besides being Veteran’s Day in the US, is also
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Day? In 1921, President Warren
Harding dedicated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington
National Cemetery. Trivia buffs: The Guard takes 21 steps
during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns; it alludes to
the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given any
military or foreign dignitary. There has been a Sentinel on
duty in front of the Tomb every minute of every day since 1937.

Philippine International Marathon (‘Pasig Marathon’)

8 Nov 2009  |  Km 0, Roxas Boulevard

And so I went to PIM excitedly, but shamelessly training-less.  I’ve read somewhere (and from almost everywhere, actually) that the fastest and most sure way to get prepped in running a race is precisely to run.  No close substitutes.  And that renders my volleyball (ahem) and badminton games futile in compensating for my zero run training.

But I had high hopes of enjoying my racing time at PIM.  Afterall it’s been quite some time since I joined a Manila-based major race.  And whoa!, MAJOR it is.  If you were there at PIM last Sunday, you know exactly what ‘major’ meant.

Come race day, I committed another major ‘blunder’  (at least among runners who join races) –  we arrived 20 minutes late!  I said to myself, ‘this is it!, Brother is in for a weird start..’   The other 10K runners would have gone past the second water station already while we acted like lost little puppies, helplessly searching for the checker (who apparently left his post already) to send us off and ‘try’ catch up with the other 10Kers.  As if.

If I may just mention –  it didn’t help too that my brother needed to visit the portalets and that he found my suggestion (of a crude solution to his concern) frustrating to hear, hahaha!

Claiming our race kits had me do some minor ‘pambabraso‘ at ABS Foundation office (got mine in just around 5 mins), but on race day, I was pretty much impressed with how BIG and HAPPY the race venue appeared to be.  To my mind, it was ‘Fiesta!’

Some new personal learnings from this race:

1)  Running fundamentals don’t change.  Training-less and all, I ran the entire course continuously and rather stably strong (read: stably slow, hahaha).  Well, I only wanted to stress on pacing.  Again at PIM, I’ve seen plenty of runners quickly get back to running mode (and speed up!) after I overtake them.. only to succumb to premature exhaustion and resort to walk breaks again.

2)  Unlimited Gatorade drink is always a welcome treat to runners, especially for a newbie like Brother who can’t believe it that ‘Gatorade is unlimited, I’ve finished 10 cups already!!’ (post-race).

3)  Oh music is such a pacer –  it makes you speed up and it slows you down.  I’ve noticed that my pace was sort of partly synched with the tempo of the song playing on my iPod.  Norah Jones and Jack Johnson caused my legs to get bit lazy while classic MJ got me upbeat and feeling invincible, haha.  (You should know this is the first time I wore music on a race, as I’ve seen it ruin my pace from previous trainings.)

And so item 4 is related to above..

4)  Life is like an iPod shuffle –  You never know what’s playing next.

Save for the race kit claiming hassles (we registered at Gold’s Gym, Rob- Gale), I’m grateful to PIM for another memorable race.  My brother had a great time, even if he got lost (‘major’ lost!) in finding his way to the the finish line.  The man thought the finish line was at the starting area so he stopped as soon as he reached the flagpole area (dang!).

Thanks PIM.   I enjoyed my Kenyan-runners sightings.

(The Kenyans looked horribly lean and dark, and incredibly fast!)

Eventually Team Logan was able to catch up with us with their consistent pace for a five-hour finish.  For a good distance we were all running with Team Logan, until fatigue set in.

Team Logan was on a 40-man marathon relay, two persons pushing Justin’s stroller for two kilometers with of course the presence of his loving dad Craig.  As such the team was able to set a consistent pace.  These fresh legs are great for pacing, but wreak havoc to those who have already run the miles.  Some relay members run much longer than their required distance and as such runners come and go intermittently and before I knew it I gradually lost my original stakeholders.  I was a big failure!  Now I’m no longer qualified to call myself a pacer—at that point I became a regular runner—being paced by Team Logan.  It was a humbling experience, but I learned a lot.  Once again my dilemma haunted me—should I have stuck with the plan, or should I have stuck with the people?  I felt like soldier abandoning his post.  It was a run of shame for me; at least I was at the company of good people.

Running beside Pasig River; Rockwell skyline at the background

The Band of Runners

Running is a solitary sport—or so they say.  It’s a sport that is not for spectators and is usually done for one’s self.  Being with Team Logan and takbo.ph made me believe otherwise—it was more than just “passing a baton”—it was camaraderie at its finest.

Team Logan along Buendia

The Heat of Competition

By the time we reached C5 we were really feeling the heat as there were hardly any clouds in the sky.  It was very commendable for the organizers to have provided runners ample supply of water so we were able to douse ourselves with it without worrying for the other runners’ supply.  Of course each water station marks changing of runners, fresh sets of legs.

Buendia Ave. was very pleasant for two reasons: first, there was shade from the skyscrapers that line the road; and second, the lively takbo.ph gang was there to cheer us up!  It was like an instant charge of energy—it felt like their enthusiasm was transferred to us in an instant.  The same energy boost was given to us by another set of the gang approaching Roxas Blvd.  Their rowdy cheers, encouraging banners, and loving support really was a refuge to the hardships we were facing.

Finally we arrived at Roxas Blvd.  This was one of the toughest parts of the race, despite being flat and straight, because there was hardly any shade there, and the scorching sun was very high in the sky.  We had some issues at this part as well because of the number of vehicles and bikers we had to divert (a biking event was being held on the road as well and a dragon boat regatta on the bay).  For the final four kilometers, at the last water station before the finish, it was takbo.ph’s first couple, the Gavans’ turn to push Justin to the finish.

The gang at Roxas Blvd.

The Finish

After more than five hours Team Logan crossed the finish line complete with Justin, Craig, Michelle, and the rest of the relay team.  Finally Justin had just completed his first marathon and I’m glad to have witnessed it firsthand.

Minutes later, one by one, the rest of my friends arrived at the finish including Running Diva who had just completed her marathon debut.  She had an unexpectedly difficult ordeal with PIM, but then again I’ve never heard anyone said that marathons were easy.  Surprisingly even Sir Jovie (Bald Runner) had problems with this race as for the first time I was able to see him finish the race (as he’s usually long gone by the time I finish my marathon), together with Sam (Running Ninja) who also had another mishap.

PIM actual route

Another Surprise

Arriving beyond the five-hour cutoff I wasn’t expecting that we’d have any finisher’s medal, but to my surprise even those who finished in sub-four hours didn’t have any as well!  It was the first marathon that I’ve joined without any finisher’s medal!  It was a very disappointing moment for me as it would’ve been my seventh medal from running, three from half marathons and three from full marathons, and this was my birthday marathon!

Why Do You Run?

Later on I kept asking myself why I did this marathon—had I known beforehand that there won’t be a medal would I still have gone through all that effort just to register for this race?  What was my goal for this race?  Was I only driven by the medal, or PR? – No.  I joined this run because I wanted to.  I was ready to run “bandit” just to run.  I was ready to be a pacer to make for a more meaningful “bandit” run.  I was even prepared to be envious of my friends receiving their finisher’s medal had I not been able to be an official runner.  Should I be affected by a medal that I may or may not receive?  Then I figured that I already received the medal I was hoping for—it came in the form of my family from takbo.ph.  For that I am very thankful, and I know this was one of the best birthday celebrations I had.

Pim op zijn best, maar vooraf moet je weten dat wij een vriendenstel hebben die Wendie en Peter heten.

Johan leest met Pim een boekje. Hierin staan dieren en Pim kan op een knopje het bijbehorende dierengeluid laten horen. Als Johan bij de bladzijde van de pony is vraagt hij aan Pim hoe de pony heet. Pim weet het niet meer en Johan vertelt dat de pony Peter heet. Het is even stil en dan zegt Pim triomfantelijk:’Of Wendie!’

Ondanks dat mijn vader er een hekel aan had, keek ik toch altijd graag naar Sesamstraat. En Pim is er nu ook al verzot op -hopelijk geldt straks voor Femke hetzelfde. Met name Bert & Ernie kan Pims goedkeuring wegdragen. Same counts for me! Nu bestaat Sesamstraat deze week precies 40 jaar. Tijd voor een feestje, vond ook Google.

En voor de historici: dit schijnt het eerste filmpje te zijn waarin Bert & Ernie samen optraden:

Getting complimentary race kits literally just hours before race day comes with a price.  We were surprised at what we saw: a decent singlet, a piece of paper that looked like an event flyer, and… wait, that’s it?!  Apparently we were just a singlet away from a “bandit”—no race number to distinct us and for use at the finish.  The “flyer” served as a “generic bib”—if it was a cinema ticket it would be a gate pass.  It became official—we were complimentary runners!

Fortunately I still had some tricks under my sleeves—I still have the regular race kit from a fellow runner who incidentally registered twice so I’m still “officially” in the race.   The problem was that I need to get it on race day itself—another scenario for trouble.  I hate it when I’m right.

Pre-Race

Before 4AM the gang met up at a 24-hour fastfood a few hundred meters from the starting line.  We had our last minute “carbo-loading” and after a few minutes we were off for the assembly area.  It was such a quick stay that I only had a sip of my coffee, literally.  The trouble now is I still have yet gotten my race bib—the one with a number, that is.

Assembly

It was one of the most attended races so far, and with the backing of ABS-CBN, the assembly area was very lively.  In fact, the race was being broadcasted live nationwide.  The trouble is with all the runners around, I can’t seem to find my friend to claim my race bib.  Frustrating.

Gun Start

Just before 4:30AM the race officially commenced.  I still wasn’t able to get my race bib so I checked in my “generic bib” (prior to gun start of course) as proof that I started at the right place.  I even forgot to start my GF405 after gun start.  I thought that my friend was with Team Logan at that time so I waited for them to start, but after virtually walking for a while I got really bored and just decided to proceed without the race bib.  It turned out that Team Logan started a few minutes late, and my friend wasn’t with them.

Due to all the confusion I broke my targets so early in the race.  I decided to try to catch some time but unfortunately those that I was supposed to pace seemed to start slow as well.  As I mentioned earlier I decided to join this race as a pacer to have a more purposeful “bandit” run but apparently even that plan would fail.  I sure would love to correct my early mistakes but I know that I can’t force it to my “stakeholders” because that would mean doing a five minute per kilometer pace until delays were compensated—too fast, too early.   I also felt somewhat responsible because they probably waited for me.  Plans are being messed up, time for some compromise.

Back in the Game

What I didn’t realize was that my friend who had “my” race bib was indeed part of the relay team but would be starting not from the starting area but on the next relay station.  While approaching the area I heard someone call my name and to my delight it was the person I’ve been looking for all this time! Finally I got “my” race bib, and I’m an official participant of the race.

Running along Mendiola

The Grim Reaper’s List

The ETA list that I mentioned in a post a while ago is back.  That was when I realized the gravity of the situation—we were way off target.  The original plan was to set a pace of 6:30 (per kilometer) but we were running much closer to 6:55—even slower than the average pace needed to finish in four hours and 50 minutes.  We had a dire need to compensate!  My mind was getting nuts thinking of how I can effectively set the pace that would not burn my stakeholders out too early, while catching up for lost time, while still being able to give them their walk break!  If I was a calculator I would probably yield “E”—Error.

Sunrise over Manila

Confessions of a Grim Reaper

I wasn’t about to give up hope so early.  While I still can cover up the severity of the situation (we were gradually losing more time away from target) I would, if it would help motivate my “clientele.”  In fairness we were able be as little as a minute off schedule by skipping a walk break for kilometer 4-5, but eventually I had to give us a walk-break.  It was very difficult to tell them how much time we lost by not adhering to the 6:30 pace but I totally understand because even though the route was virtually flat and at sea level, bridges that we cross aren’t.  The consistently spaced water stations (that also served as relay stations for the 42K relay) didn’t help us get any faster as we tend to stop.  Eventually even the 10-minute buffer I planned to finish within cutoff of five hours ran out—and I can’t set the pace any faster.

The gang (like some mafia) met early at McDonald’s in U.N.Avenue. Doc Topher was already there when I arrived. Soon, the guys came altogether. We’ve had some light meal and hurriedly proceeded to walk to the starting line of the Philippine International Marathon in KM 0 Luneta.

As expected, the race started on time. The atmosphere was just fun and excitement for all the runners. There was just a flood of smiles everywhere.

We started just fine. Negative and slow. After 5 kilometers, we catched up with the plan. And so the run was plain and pure in good speed. Until we reached Hulo. The relay team, who has maintained a good pace all-through-out the run, is way ahead now. We’re a bit slow at this point. Indeed, by the time we reached Pioneer Street, we’re on our own. The relay team cannot be seen now.

The route of the Philippine International Marathon is not for the faint of hearts. The goind up and down the bridges, the stretch of Pioneer down to C5, and the uphill turn to Buendia-Kalayaan Flyover is some kind of a killer trail. (for the likes of us, I guess). But generally speaking, it’s a laudable feat for the Organizer to have maintained a water station up until KM 38. It is good to note the presence of marshalls and medics along the way. For some runners threading the route alone, it means a lot. For us three (3), Gab, Me and Neil (who surprisingly stayed with us to the Finish LINE from the relay point in Lambingan Bridge where he started), reaching the Support Station of TAKBO.PH in KM 34? is bliss!

There was just the old-loud-but-effective-cheers, and some banners this time, coupled with a lot of questionings on what you need – what you want – kaya pa? – are you alright? – and other things i can’t recall. But I shall never forget the ICE-cold-GATORADE. That blue-colored thing straight from the ice-chest served by NEIL in a plastic cup…IT WAS THE BEST! Next to it is the unforgettable Bengay applied with care by Cindy on my calf muscle. It helped a lot in preventing the full on-set of a painful cramps. I was able to cross the finish line just fine!

Thanks to Luis the Gingerbreadman for the nice spray of water on my nape…that’s some relief. It was really hot. I recall a relay-team member saying a 90-degrees of humidity. Wow.

Thanks also to everybody in the Support Station. Just seeing you guys smile is enough to lift our spirits.

But wait. Why the title?

That’s because, FOUR (4) marathons after, I retired my most reliable Pegasus +25. I have no choice but to use my NEWTON. So far, the run was just fine. The lugs heated, and my forefoot in heat, but still manageable. This 5th Full Marathon is the longest run for this new shoes. I guess, running a full marathon and finishing it well is not about the shoes. It’s the runner!

The runner who will not easily surrender.
The runner who knows when to give up, and when to let go.
The runner who is determined to cross the finishline, in pain or not.
The runner who is willing to take on the heat no matter what.

That’s us. That’s how we are. And that’s how we will always be.

Congratulations to everybody who finishes, and to all those sidelined by injuries! There’s always next time, guys!

“I really look forward to a hearty long slow run. You feel good while you’re doing it, and get to feel good about yourself all day long after you’re done.” -Jennifer Van Allen

KM 0- KM 4 (Quirino Grandstand- Delpan Bridge)

The first 4 kms of this race was an acid test for me. As I recalled what  happened to me in SIM 42k where I incurred a hamstring injury, I’m so sensitive if there’s a pain build-up early on this race. My original plan was to walk the first 2 kms and then slowly jog the next 2 kms, but as I tried to run when I heard the gun, I discovered that I can run slowly, and so, that I did. However, as I attempted to increase my pace, I felt a pain on my hamstring and so I decided to keep my tempo at 7.85 mins/km since I heard that the cut-off time for this race was reduced from 5 hours to 6 hours. If I could maintain that pace, I could finish this race at 5 hours and 30 minutes. At this point, I was greeted by a lovely couple, Maru and her husband who was with me too at the QCIM. Later, I haven’t seen them again for they were both strong runners.

It’s so ironic that I peed so early at the first km of this race.

There was no problem for me reaching Delpan Bridge, although some areas were so dim and the road was uneven. One mistake, and it could make one injured or it can aggravate an injury if you have one already. Here, I’m so careful and decided to walk whenever I’m in doubt of those uneven surfaces.

My BDM classmate and buddy, Dennis Enriquez overtook me in KM 3 and since then, he decided to be with me, until km 41.

KM 4- KM 6 (Delpan- Planetarium)

Whenever there’s an uphill, I walked to rest my feet and reserve my energy. Coming from 2 weeks lay-off and no running at all, I’ve found myself that I’m a little bit out of synch and rusty as early at  that  stage. My breathing was not normal, hearbeat as well. But my legs were still okay, no pain. Perhaps, a great consolation at that point.

KM 6- KM 8 (Planetarium- Mc’Arthur Bridge)

The route of Padre Burgos to Escolta was a sight to behold, my second time since PIM 42k in 2007. As I reached the Mc’Arthur Bridge, I’m now hungry. But this time, I’m ready, as I brought with me 3 Powergels, a Tuna sandwich courtesy of Willy from Sofitel Hotel and 2 pieces bananas. I’m also loaded with gatorade placed on my hydration belt (3 pieces 250 ml. canisters). I ate one banana but that was not sufficient to ease my hunger, so I ate the other  one.

KM 8- KM 10 (Mc’Arthur Bridge- Ayala Bridge)

As a long time ally, Dennis and I have been to so many races, but none was so sweet than the BDM 102k. Here, in the route from Arroceros to P.Casal in Quiapo, we recalled our quixotic quest in finishing that Ultramarathon which took us more than 17 hours. We laughed outloud remembering that day, and once again, here at PIM, we have finished the first 25% of this race as we reached the Ayala Bridge. 32 kms more…

KM 10- KM 12 (Ayala Bridge- Nagtahan Bridge)

From bridge to another bridge, that was this race was all about. As we approached CEU in Mendiola, I remembered my College days. Here in this place, I scorned those runners  long time ago, not knowing that I too will become a runner someday.

KM 12- KM 14 (Nagtahan Br.- Zamora Pandacan)

Quirino Avenue was a memorable place for me since I rented a small room here in Pandacan wayback in the late 80’s as a freshman College and as I ran that place now, I’m now in insipid mood. Nostalgic feeling filled my air, reminiscing those days. Until this point, my legs were all fine, no pain, no cramps but there was a prurience on my toe, signaling a slight blister. I applied a Petjelly lavishly before this race but even with that, it’s no assurance that you’re immune afterall  to any bulla or canker.

KM 14- KM 16 (Pandacan- Icasiano)

Due to my very slow pace, some of the runners  overtook me already but it’s no big matter for me. Those three (3) Ultramarathons I have joined in just 3 months within this year made me a slower runner, plus the fact that I have  back to back marathons prior to this one. What can they  expect from my legs? It’s now  like a glass full of cracks. I envied those fast runners, how I wished that they too have conquered  the same route that I did. But it was my choice. No frills. I have to fight back also on that negativity  behind my mind. Ultra-runners do’nt brag for those accomplishments. While some of my co HC were still strong even with Ultra-running and TKO 250, I’m the reverse and at times, I’m disappointed about myself and how I fared up for this race.

KM 16- KM 18 (Icasiano- Lambingan Bridge)

From Pedro Gil to New Panaderos, I encountered some numbness on my left leg so I decided to walk for 3-5 minutes. Here, I opened my PowerGel and I gave one to Dennis since I owed him  in the QCIM. Dennis won’t accept it but I insisted and so, he took it. We walked steadily and decided to run again after that.

KM 18- KM 20 (Lambingan- JP Rizal)

At this point, I can felt already  the torridity of the sun. Good thing that I was able to bring with me my HardRock Sunvisor and Spyder Sunglass. I knew from there that that day would be smoking-hot and blazing. But I forgot my sunblock, one of my few mistakes here in this race. Many people watched us as we entered the Pasig River route, some cheered for us while others were curious what’s going on.

KM 20- KM 22 (JP Rizal-Rockwell)

As I reached the half-point of this grandiose race, I sipped another Powergel but half only. I have to reserve the other half for km 30. Here, my time was 2 hours and 40 minutes. Also, I have to walk for 4 minutes as I took that Powergel.

KM 22- KM 24 (Rockwell-Robinsons Pioneer)

What an opportunity again to run in one of the busiest Highways, the Efipanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). Although so short, but so amusing and gratifying. With my little steps, I’m not tired. With this kind of stride, I can finish even a 102k that day.

KM 24- KM 26 (Pioneer- Oranbo)

If my memory served it right, this was where there were plenty of motels situated along the area  and a long downhill route  caught me by surprise. I was tempted to run with speed, only to find out that I can’t. Pain hindered me once again. And so, since speed eluded me during  the entire course of this race, I just maintained my slow pace. It was at the downhill section at SIM where I incurred my injury, a good reminder for me not to repeat the same mistake here.

KM 26- KM 28 (Oranbo- C5 Bridge)

Probably the steepest and sharpest elevation happened here and I just walked to protect my legs. I can no longer waited  for km 30  to consume my remaining Powergel and so I ate the last half. Also, here I peed again.

KM 28- KM 30 (C5 Br.-Market Market)

Scorching heat was now upon us and not even our hydration can save us from this inescapable daylight. I told Dennis that it’s nothing compared to BDM 102 where we’ve been baked and toasted last April 5 from 9am until 4pm, the hardest at the last 22 kms of that race. Sometimes, those extraordinary experiences made us a little bit stronger and confident.

KM 30- KM 32 (Market Market-Buendia)

The last part of those bridges, the Kalayaan Bridge was conquered here. the day was too hot and ruthless. We’re so exposed and little bit weak. With sheer determination, I ran, walked, jogged. More than 10 kms left and this race will be over.

KM 32- KM 34 (Buendia- Petron)

As I reached the Aid Station, I fortunately was able to find an empty 500 ml. bottle. I refilled that and used that to sprinkle my head and face along the route. That helped a lot. Heat stroke can attack any moments and I have to guard against it.

KM 34- KM 36 (Petron- Grepalife)

At km 35, I was overwhelmed with a familiar figure waiting for me. It was Romy. And he handed me a bottle of Cobra Energy drink. From there, he paced with me all the way to the finish line. His presence added some stamina and my moral fiber was strengthened. He just went there to see me. Thank you once again, Romy.

KM 36- KM 38 (Grepalife- Buendia)

At this point, Romy told me that he was supposed to be with me at the starting line but since it was his birthday last Saturday, November 8, he had a hard time waking up so early that Sunday. I greeted him and I told him that after that race, I’ll treat him for a lunch.

I munched my Tuna Sandwich as I prepared to finish the last 4 kms of that race.

KM 38- KM 40 (Buendia- Qurino Intersection)

I’ve found some relief as I approached the Quirino Intersection in Roxas Blvd. to tall trees and high edifice. I hid myself on those shades from sadistic heat that tormented my whole body for more than 3 hours. As I  realized  that I’m so near at the finish line, I’m so amazed with the thought that, ‘nothing in life is impossible, If you will believe.’ Injured or not, I was able to conquer this race, another 42k.

KM 40- KM 42 (Quirino- Finish Line)

Nearing the finish line, I saw many wonderful events that also happened simultaneously  that day, The Paddlers competition and after that, the Bicycle race. Some bikers gave me a high 5 while few at  the audience side, they cheered. That lifted my spirit to sprint a little bit but again, there’s no power on my feet to increase my speed.

As I entered the The last 50 meters of that race, someone yelled, “No more medal.”

I said to myself, ‘that’s okay, with or without medal, nothing and no one can take what I have accomplished that day.’

I reached the finish line with not that so impressive time…

…5.32+! But I’m so proud of it.

I’m a conqueror even with a limited power. I pray that my speed will return to me, but right now, I’ll accept what life has to offer.

“Godliness with Contentment is a great gain.”

Let’s run for HIS GLORY!

God be Praised!

It started in the spring of 2003 and has been going on since then. I am referring to the consolidation among the enterprise application vendors.

I remember the good old days of ERP when there were a handful of vendors- BaaN, QAD, SAP, JD Edwards, PeopleSoft.  BaaN was the market leader in the beginning and boasted of clients like Boeing. The technology was client-server, clients belonged mostly to manufacturing, consumer goods sector and were FORTUNE 500 firms.

It’s interesting to see that almost all technology trends, at least in the enterprise app domain, start from the big FORTUNE 500 firms and then everyone else jumps on to the bandwagon.

Anyways, almost all the big 8 (BIG 5 later) audit firms opened an ERP consulting arm and body shopping for developers was rampant. New types of applications were launched by many small vendors- SCM like i2, manugistics; CRM like Siebel; Datawarehousing/BI/BW etc…..

So, all was hunky dory till the market became saturated towards end of the 90’s. Almost all FORTUNE 500 firms had implemented ERP and the days of astronomical billing rates per hour were over. BaaN disappeared without a trace and so did one of the BIG consulting firms. Outsourcing, off-shoring was in demand. SOX came in and audit firms had to divest their consulting arms. The clients were now SMEs and wanted value for money solutions.The left over ERP vendors responded by going on a mad consolidation spree.  Kind of like Megatron chasing the “AllSpark” cube . It started when Oracle made a hostile bid for Peoplesoft,  JD Edwards merged with Peoplesoft and so on…..More than 50 acquisitions happened in a span of half a decade. SAP responded with counter bids in a few cases. And all this did not happen due to an economic recession. Enterprise applications market has been in a recession of its own since 2000.

When the dust settled, only four big vendors were left in the enterprise app space: IBM, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft. And now they sell everything from database to middleware to GUI and even hardware.New licence sales is down and they are surviving on maintenance revenues (part of the reason why JDEdwards, Peoplesoft are still surviving as products). These BIG 4 have a plethora of products some of them meant to do the same thing. Whoa!! their sales force must be a confused lot…One of them sells 3 MDM solutions all meant for PIM , another is targeting SMEs with 3 acquired and one in-house product…. and still clients aren’t happy. Why ?

Is creativity and customer-centricity dead? These BIG 4 do not listen to customers? They are just happy pushing their fancy possessions down the throat of hapless customers? Or is it the other way round: customers have become so cost conscious that they have stopped supporting new and better ideas/products.

I can see a ray of hope. Customers are still willing to reject the solutions put forward by the BIG 4 vendors and buy enterprise software from small niche players. A look at any of the Magic quadrants reveals an interesting story. Even though the big fish gobbled up the smaller ones , new fish are still being born and they are surviving. Hope is alive.

LONG LIVE CHOICE…..

“No matter how old I get, the race remains one of life’s most rewarding experiences.” -George Sheehan

The Philippine International Marathon 2009 was now part of history but nonetheless, one of the most illustrious  races to remember. Those who decided to join this gargantuan event specially the 42k can attest that it’s a wise decision and worthy of doing so.

I can’t forget this race for the following reasons:

- A personal triumph. I’m afraid to join this due to an injury I incurred last SIM 42k barely just two weeks only prior to this one. Some of my friends advised me  that it’s not astute volition for they thought joining another 42k can aggravate my injury.

- A once in a lifetime experience  for those places ‘less ran by.’ Who can run in the Lagusnilad in Manila City Hall?Those bridges in Delpan, M’cArthur, Ayala, Nagtahan, Lambingan? And how about that Bridge in the FEATI University, Escolta, Arroceros going to P. Casal in Quiapo? The Pandacan and Paco route, Edsa Road, Robinsons Pioneer going to KFC Oranbo? This PIM 42k toured us to those nook and niche which  seemed impossible to conquer.

- An almost flawless marathon. If not for that late distribution of race bib number done on the race day itself that caused some runners to run late and no medal given  for 42k finishers, I can give this Marathon a 100% rating.

Ferdinand Valdez, Jack Marcos and I traveled all the way from Laguna to Quirino Grandstand at 2am yesterday. We arrived in the vicinity at around 3am too early for Jack to get his race bib number. At that time, there was already a massive build-up of runners who lined up just to get their stuff.

At 3:45am, I met some of the members of TEAM HARDCORE, Camanava runners, some old pals, runner-blogger and the likes.

At 4:05am, we checked in as we entered the starting line area, there I saw Baldrunner and I approached him to give my homage.

After a brief stretching exercise, I went to a dark corner and I prayed. To be honest, I’m worried about this race, for my plight and my injury. I didn’t have any running sessions  since SIM 42k last October 24, 2009 and if my condition worsens, I have no one to blame but myself. I don’t know if it’s  an addiction or mere foolishness.

At 4:29am, I heard the countdown….and the race was now on!

With a runner from Binan and jack.

with SOFITEL hotel relay group headed by Master Chef Willy and Cas.

Below… with Jack, Ferdie and Willy.

with CAMANAVA group.

Below: with Ferdie and Jack

With Coach Titus Salazar of team Baldrunner.

with those Kenyans…

God be Praised!

Just about every plan I had with this race didn’t come to fruition—from registration to meeting targets.  At the same time some of the unexpected came to be, both pleasant and repulsive, making this one of the most stressful but interesting races I’ve had.

Decision at the 11^th Hour

The previous “prestigious” event that I was really preparing for found me flabbergasted—with so much disappointment at that race I felt like I had to get redemption somehow.  Prior to the said event I wasn’t really thinking of sweeping all the “International Marathons”—all I was aiming for was to support our city’s initiative (QCIM) without sacrificing my dream of running at the SCTEX in a decent manner.  For the latter the goal was simple: aim to run my marathon with hardly any walk breaks.  Unfortunately even though I got a new PR I didn’t fulfill my “simple” goal.

By the time I truly decided on joining the race registration was already closed.  It really took me a while to decide to sign up because the day of PIM was the day after my birthday—would you run a marathon the day after your birthday after you had just finished two marathons back to back?

Desperate Runner

Knowing that registration was already closed I was seriously considering a last resort—yes it’s doing the “B” word that I don’t encourage.  It’s not a matter of not wanting to register; it’s just that I can’t.  I was so desperate to join that I event filed a leave from the office to go to ABS-CBN Foundation to try to register, but failed.  So when life gives you lemons make lemonade—in this case if I was to run as a “bandit” might as well make it a more purposeful act—be a pacer… again!

Meant to be

Heaven was hearing my prayers—I found a “legal’ work-around to my “B” problem by getting the race number of a fellow runner who registered double, one for the full marathon and one for the marathon relay with Team Logan (more on this later).  Although race bibs are not transferrable it at least allows me to join the race “legally.”   At that moment I was just ecstatic!  Finally just a few days before the race I’m “legal.”

Another “But Wait, There’s More” Moment

Barely 48 hours before the race I was offered complimentary race kits by Sir Rene courtesy of Quezon City Hall—at first I was reluctant because I already have a kit and didn’t know it was complimentary but due to the urge of fellow runners I again signed up with the idea that I’ll have a kit under my name—full legality and not just a workaround.  But wait, there’s a catch.

(To be continued)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my friends who greeted me for my birthday yesterday, November 07.  I was really overwhelmed and am sorry if I wasn’t able to respond to your greetings individually (greetings on my Facebook wall exceeded way beyond what can be conveniently displayed) but rest assured I read them all (through my email).  I’d like to thank as well Microsoft Philippines for giving me a licensed copy of Windows 7 Professional as a birthday present.

To my takbo.ph family as usual I’m deeply honored to have known you guys and one again was overwhelmed with the overflowing support you give me, fellow runners, and the running community as well.  I really appreciate all the efforts and the love you gave us earlier during the race.

To Craig, Michelle, and Justin of Team Logan once again you truly are an inspiration to a lot people, myself included, and thank you for giving me the honor of letting me run with the team.  We’ll miss you for the time being and have a safe trip!

God bless!