Just wanted to share this video of US Marathon Runner Ryan Hall giving back the glory to God through the talent God gave him.

The Faith of Olympic Runner Ryan Hall - CBN.com

Ryan Hall: How does running glorify God?

To God be the glory!

Step-up for a Cause: Swthrt setting a new 10K PR

Swthrt, who is used to run the classic 10K distance, set a new personal record breaking her old 1:10 time during the Takbo Para sa Kalikasan Year 10 at the Quirino Grandstand. This time, she was able to shave off 5 minutes setting a new PR of 1:05:25. We arrived at the Fort at around 5:20 and met Bald Runner, who was there not to run but as a spectator and supporter especially to the Team Bald Runner members. We were joined by Leng, one of Swthrt’s staff at the office.

We immediately had a warm up run and stretching. Afterwards, we proceeded to check-in to our respective coral. The race started a little over than the announced starting time of 6:00 am. The 10K and 5K runners were released simultaneously which made it harder to run fast at the start. There was a good number of participants considering that it was preceded by a Saturday Sun-Fest race at Alabang. Swthrt and I had a fast start up until the 5K turn around point at the University Avenue. We were glad to see Bald Runner taking pictures in front of Market Market.

Picture courtesy of Sir Jovie a.k.a. Bald Runner

We reduced speed as we crossed 25th Street as we have to be extra careful of the motorist along this part of the route. They did not actually close this section and only had marshal manning the traffic. We made a steady and comfortable pace, until the turn around point. As we made our way back, we pick up our pace but tiredness begun to set in. I have to constantly ask Swthrt if she wanted water or sport drink I brought along. The heat was Swthrt’s primary opponent in every race we joined. It was a blessing God gave a fine weather that day. After passing the 8K marker at 52:37 we started to gain speed again all the way to the finish.

With IceOne and Lito of NAMRIA Running Club

Over-all, I think it was a well organized race. There was enough water in every hydration station. There was also an orderly distribution of finisher shirts and other freebies. And the best part of all, runners were able to share their resources to the needy patients of the Fe Del Mundo Children’s Hospital.

Running with a new rider

Since I started running in May last year, I’m contented with my pair of regular running shoes. Then, Nike+ Human Race was held and my brother, Relly, and his wife, Gem, sent me a Nike+ Turbulence complete with nike+ipod. The package arrived just in time for me to register for the said event. Later, the week after the Condura Run, Relly sent another package of running shoes not only for me but for the whole family. This time, it was a Nike Air Max trail running shoes. God has truly blessed me with generous and loving family. Last April 14, I celebrated my nth birthday and wanted to do a birthday run of my age but then it will have to be more than a full marathon, hehehe. As a birthday gift for myself, Swthrt and I visited the Second Wind specialty store and we were gladly welcome. Hector and Neville helped us in selecting the running shoes suited for my foot type. I found out that I had a neutral pronation, which means I can wear any type of shoes. Hector suggested several top of the line models and brands which I found very comfortable to run with. What is good with the store set-up is that you can actually try running with the shoes on because they have a treadmill. The next thing to do then was to decide which one I am going to buy. It was really a dilemma for me in selecting what shoes to buy considering my budget. What helps me decide was the assurance from Neville that whatever I chose from the recommended ones, I will not go wrong? So finally, I bought Mizuno Wave Rider12.

Mizuno Wave Rider 12

As to the performance of the shoes, I tested it in the recently concluded Step-up for a Cause Race at the Fort Bonifacio sponsored by QTV11. I felt comfortable running with it since it has roomy toe box. It’s perfect for me because I observed that my feet expand during long runs. The cushioning was good enough for me, too. I was very much satisfied with it. It was really a big help to get advice from experienced runners like Hector and Neville of Ultra Pinoy Runners. Thank you very much guys!



Today, Turby (Turbulence) will be retiring from road races because of worn out soles. The last battle we fought together was the Condura Half Marathon (2:25). I will now be having the Nike trail running shoes for training and hopefully a trail run (who knows?) and the Rider 12 for my racing shoes especially longer distances.

Nike Air Max Trail

To Relly and Gem, thank you very much for the support and another pair of shoes coming from you will be certainly most welcome. It will also be nice to hear that you will be running too (soon?)!

Half marathon in Batangas

I love travelling and one of our destinations this summer is Batangas… Swthrt’s home province. What made our recent trip to this place very exciting for us running couple was that, we had the opportunity for LSD.

We were actually invited to the house warming of Swthrt’s brother, Ed at Avida Residence in San Isidro, Batangas City. We arrived there Saturday afternoon and stayed overnight. At dawn Sunday, Swthrt and I scheduled a run from Barangay San Isidro to Barangay Tulo (Swthrt’s place) since we will be missing weekend races scheduled on that date. The distance was estimated to be more than 10K (~10.6k). We started at around 5:00am from Avida Residence and we were joined by Ed who also ran with us during the last Christmas break.

at the boundary marker of Barangay San Isidro and Barangay Libjo

Swthrt with Ed running behind

The early part of the course was new to us up until Sitio Gulod. Swthrt felt early a slight pain on her shin but still opted to continue on. We had a comfortable pace as compared to our usual long runs since we have to follow Ed’s rusted pace (his last run was in December).

in front of SM Batangas City

uphill road at Barangay Pallocan

We reached our turn-around point which was Swthrt’s residence in Barangay Tulo in 1:25:00 without any problem. After refilling my hydration bottles, I went on my way back to our starting point. Swthrt and Ed decided to call it a day and went back home with my parents-in-law. This time I decided to pick up my pace but was slowed down from time to time because of the summer heat. I even have to pour water to my head to keep me cool. Upon reaching the Shell station beside SM City Batangas mall, I decide to buy Pocari sweat to refill my bottles. It was good thing I carried some money for contingency measures. It took me 1:10:29 to finish the second half completing my 21K run. It was a fulfilling run, simulating with the 21k runners in Greenfields City Run last Sunday, hehehe.

Prior to this run we had a 6.6K run at UPD last Saturday with our friend Chiqui. It was another fruitful weekend for us in running.

Since my last post

I may have slow down with my blogging but not in my running. After the much celebrated Condura Run, I became busy with work and other personal matters to attend to, one of them is the graduation of our eldest son, JM. I still was able to squeeze in a few runs, like a 5K easy run at our office compound with some of my officemates, weekend back to back 11K runs at UPD (4-5 April), highlighting with our Black Saturday 16K run in Batangas. The latter being significant since it was Swthrt’s longest run. We started in her hometown at Barangay Tulo going to city plaza in Batangas City. It was the same course of rolling hills we ran last December but this time we extended it up to the city proper. Hopefully Swthrt and I will be back to serious training soon in preparation for upcoming major races.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the brave and strong runners of the Bataan 102K Death March Ultramarathon. I salute you for your gallant effort in commemoration of our Bataan heroes. To Sir Jovie, the Baldrunner, Congratulations for a great run !

See you all at the upcoming races!

Photo Talks - Condura Run with a friend

Photos courtesy of high school batchmate and friend Erlito!