Tin and I as the banner girls last year...

                  It was a steady first fifty kilometers. Our goal is to be at the Km50 in about seven hours or so. It was dark and nippy. Mark, Jerry, and I stayed together. We took turns in leading the way… sometimes encouraging other runners to join us especially on the really dark parts. Jerry is a very good timer and pacer; very disciplined. I really have to give it to him. Mark and I really just followed his lead. I really enjoyed the whole stretch despite early signs of knee pain. I took my pain reliever and something for the tummy at Km 10. I also had some dysmenorrheal symptoms. Of all times, why am I having all this kinds of discomforts now? 

                It became apparent at Km 35 that we will be able to reach Km50 right on target. I started feeling better from then on but it was getting hot. It was about that time that the idea of doing a Paula Radcliffe crossed my mind. Since it’s really dark, I guess no one would even dare pore over me in that attire. So without so much fanfare, I went like this from Km41 to Km 50.

                 I was walking ahead of Jerry and Mark at around Km 45 when I heard a runner trying to make small talk. I can’t remember what we talked about but I clearly remember part of what he said… “sa style mong yan malalaspag ka”. I just looked at him and told him “ok lang po ako. ang balak lang po namin ay makarating sa Km 50 in seven hours or more”. I stopped and retraced my steps back to where Jerry and Mark was. Jerry told me “ok ka lang maglakad, huwag mo kaming antayin para hindi sayang oras mo”. I did not say anything. I just stayed with them from then on. I don’t know why but I kinda felt the sarcasm in that man’s voice. It’s my first time to see him in any race. He was one those guys wearing the singlet that looked like a camouflage. Oh well, that’s your opinion. I’ll do my thing the best way I know how, wether you approve of it or not.

                 We reached Km50 at around 060530H. We decided to stay a bit to change, eat and do some personal necessities. I was still feeling good. I reinforced the plasters of my feet, changed into new pair of socks and shoes then donned a singlet. It’s already daybreak so there is no way I would run in my Paula Radcliffe attire hehehe

                 I left ahead of Jerry and Mark because I am already getting cold. I still ran with the boys until Km53. I told them to just go ahead and I will try to catch up with them if I still can.

                 Words are not enough to thank the two of you for that first leg. Blood compact it is, brothers! I will gladly do it again in our next races.

Km 53-60

                I was generally on my own after this. With the rate I am going, I am sure that I have enough time to cover the remaining distance even if I walk a little longer. I was trying to conserve my energy. Being alone is also a welcome respite. I had time to just reflect and pray. There is not much that I can remember during this time. It was just run-walk. No issues or whatever. I was still able to say hello to some very kind runners and supporters.

Km60-70

                 The pain in my left knee became evident at Km63. It was so painful I had to stop several times before I saw my support crew. I was on the verge of crying when I remember this converasation I had with a friend :

                 Tere: I am getting really nervous. Friend: It’s just 102. Don’t die.   Tere: I am not going to die, but is it ok if I emote? Friend: No. That is worst than dying. With that statement ringing in my ears, i suppressed the urge to cry.

                 I started complaining to my support crew that my knee is giving up on me. I then started to request for some massage and if they can somehow stay close by.

                 I saw Mark at the vicinity of Km64… We are both ready to give up. We tried to encourage each other but in my heart I felt that if we stay together we might just decide to finally throw in the towel and declare a DNF.

                  I wasn’t able to contain my emotions when i saw JJ and Joen on my next stop. I really didn’t expect to see them there. You can see from the way i hugged him that I don’t want to let go anymore. At that point it was all  downhill… I wanted to stop.

Thanks much, JJ! It meant a lot to me...

                  I was in so much pain. I was whining; I didn’t even want to take anything. My crew is now trying to encourage me… but at that time I didn’t even want to listen to it. It was all garbage to me. I left them without saying a word then i cried. I was so desolate.  Every part of my body is screaming of pain. Not even the thought of finishing the race lifted my spirit. I felt I was dying…

Km70-85

                I reached Km70 before 0800H. It means I have eight hours to cover the last 32Kms. I was trying to convince myself that I can do it even if I walk all the way to the finish line. But that was easier said than done… The following photos will tell you how I struggled.

                    I can’t remember how many times I asked my support crew how far I am from the finish line. What’s funny was that they told me several times not to mind the kilometer markers since it was not accurate. They always say its 74, 76, 78 instead of 72, 74, 76. I just nod when they tell me that. But at the back of my mind I was like “sino niloko nyo?”

                   I was painfully walking when another runner caught up with me. He asked where my companions are referring to Jerry and Mark. I tried to mumble a reply. He asked my name and he told me his.. The next thing I knew he was extending his hand for a handshake… I took it without saying a word. In normal circumstances I would have made a witty remark, compliment him with that formality but I was not under normal circumstances.   

                   It was in Km74 when I began to throw tantrums at Maridol since she was forcing me to eat and drink. I know she has all the good intentions and it was what I really need, but I just can’t tolerate it anymore. I so wanted to tell her “eh di ikaw nalang kumain”, but I don’t even have the strength to speak. My toes are also beginning to irritate me. They are throbbing like hell. The thought of dying toenails should be the least of my worries, but when you are so tired and weary, little nuisance like that are magnified. Titanium Runner was even trying to make fun out of it by telling me to just offer mass for those little toes.

                   I promised my friends that I will make them proud of me in this race. I know they will understand if i decide to do a DNF, but I don’t think I can live with it. I tried to compose myself at Km 76; though I was still not in my element I tried to imagine wonderful things rather than focus on all my pains. My mind went as far as you know where…

                 Bruno Mars provided relief beginning Km78. I was now able to laugh at Grenade and feel the beat of Marry You.

                  I started running slowly, stopping after every song. It went for a while until it became two songs then three then four… I am getting my groove back. Let’s go back to road, baby!

                The four things that made me oh so happy when i reached KM 102. The flowers is totally unexpected from Marga. I promised not to cry, but the bouquet got me. It is only the 4th that I ever received in my 34 years of existence. The crown is from Master Cindy

                Allow me to brag, people… I earned it. Yes; I am a certified BDM finisher. I repeat… I am a certified BDM finisher!  I got a huge medal, a really nice trophy and a finisher’s T-shirt. This feat will now be included if somebody asks me to say something about myself. It will go this way… “On a personal note, I consider being a mom and finishing the BDM 102Km race my greatest accomplishments”. 

                 My bib number…

                   When I was still a P2Lt undergoing training somewhere in Rizal, I am always reprimanded due to my stubbornness. My classmates will always tell me that I don’t have the attitude since I collapse in every PFT and I really had a hard time coping up with the physical demands of the course. Yes, I was never athletic. I can talk really fast but I really can’t run!

                  I started running in 2007 because of too much personal stress. My life was in shambles and I can’t pay the bills. I found solace in running… it became my own version of stresstab. Globe Run for Home 2009 jump-started my official foray to weekly fun runs at the Bonifacio High Street. Those 5Ks became 10… 21… 42… 50… 70 then came the 102.

                 I never thought I would go this far… the BDM 102 is by far the craziest thing I’ve ever done. Crazy as it may, it became one of my greatest accomplishments. 

                   I seriously considered joining this event as early as first quarter of 2010. I had it all mapped out. A slight diversion was made on the last quarter, but I bounced back early this year to concentrate on my preparation. There were set-backs, but it only strengthened my resolve to include the BDM 102 in my running resume.

                   One week before the BDM, I visited the Ortho to finally have my left knee checked. I was cleared to join but I have to rest. I was put on Celebrex TID for three days.

                  Maridol, my Chief support crew and I met on Thursday to finalize my supplies and some other stuff that needs to be addressed. We were laughing so hard trying to compose her FB status in all the critical KM markers. I asked her to make sure that I am pretty when I reached the finish line; for the first time in my entire running career, I wanted to look good. Unfortunately, my finish line photos says otherwise hahahaha

i brought my house

some of my supplies... i am having a picnic!

                  After giving a short briefing to my support crew compose of Maridol, my dear friend Jaq and Toto, our driver; we left Camp Aguinaldo at 0900H on Saturday for San Fernando, Pampanga. The plan is to stay at Maridol’s place in Sindalan then proceed to Bataan at around 1800.

                 We met a friend at SM San Fernando and had lunch at a really nice joint thereat. We did last minute shopping for more supplies then it was rest. I wasn’t able to sleep, but I rested and tried to visualize all the things that I will do in a few hours. I don’t have any plans of a podium finish; I really don’t have a chance on that one. All I wanted is to finish within the cut-off time of 18hours. A friend also just asked me not to die hehehe

062015H March 2011

                We are a 30Kms to Mariveles when it started to rain. I got nervous… it will be cold. I am not prepared to run in that kind of weather. I silently prayed for the rain to stop. I received text messages from Iah and Helen just about this time talking about the weather. They are also both wishing me good luck. Thanks, guys! I truly appreciate it. It was also about this time when I remembered to ask Maridol about the reflectorize bib number for the vehicle… she’s more nervous than I am; she forgot to bring it

062045H March 2011

                We arrived at KM 00 in Mariveles, Bataan. The place is chaotic! I was trying to contain my anxiety and tried to relax. I visited with friends and did what I know best… talk! I talked to just about anybody who wants to talk to me hehehe

062015H March 2011

                After checking in and picture taking we settled to wait for the short program. I will be pacing with my Team BR-P friends Mark and Jerry. Our plan is to maintain a 7 to 7:30 pace. I am glad I have somebody to run with in the dark. It will be a long day ahead so I really need company to see me through the whole stretch of 102. We would have wanted to have Tin with us, but she’s fast and the three of us wouldn’t want to slow her down. We keep on talking about you, sis… there was one time when it was so dark, Jerry said “sana may kasabay si tin ngayon… ang dilim”.

my team BR-P

                          It was 2200H in my watch when the short program started. The prayer was led by Tess Geddes. It was followed by the singing of the national anthems of Japan led by Alfred, USA led by Camilla, and the Philippines led by the RD himself.

                A class picture was taken before we finally went to the starting line…

class picture

062210H March 2011                               One hundred forty-two crazy runners took off from KM OO in Mariveles, Bataan. We were one big happy group! It was a wonderful sight; headlamps blinking, the road looks so cheerful with all those reflectorize blings and apparels of runners.

                     My support crew is already at KM 7 at this point in time. I will see them in a while. In the meantime, I am taking it easy with Jerry and Mark. The first 7KM is rolling so we decided to walk all the hills.

Mark, Jerry and I

i love my team CB singlet!

                  The first 7Km is uneventful… it was cool. The three of us were running with the group of Sir Willy Yao. Bruno Mars is singing in the background as we were negotiating those steep hills.

                   Watch out for Part 2…

                 This race could very well be my resurgence from oblivion… my revenge from all the negativities and other whatsoever’s of 2010; it will also be a reunion with the other members of Team BR-P whom I haven’t seen for months!

                 Initially, Condura is not on the list of races that I am supposed to do this year; I wasn’t even supposed to do any race this year. So when I decided that I want to do it, the registration was already close. I had to enlist the help of a friend who personally know Sir Patrick Concepcion if I can still get through. Luckily, they opened additional slots – I got in, but I had to pay more than the regular registration fee and my medal and finisher’s T-shirt will be delivered to me two months after the race. 

this came in the mail a week before the race with a hershey's bar

                  I am pretty sure that I am more prepared for this race than when I did the CCM last month. Deep inside I want to race it and establish a new PR. Unfortunately, I got sick three days into the race. I took meds alright, but it wasn’t enough to pull me through.

                   I went to bed early and made sure that all my gears are ready for the next day. I wasn’t worried about waking up on time since somebody promised to make sure that I’ll be there before the gun start. Well, I had the most efficient alarm clock. Thanks so much!

                  I arrived quite early at BHS. I had ample time to visit with friends. It was a happy occasion! It was so good to see some friends from takbo.ph, the UPLB Mountaineers led by Coach Jan, Team CB, the TFC boys, and of course the Team BR-P! It was a blast; I haven’t seen these guys for ages!

                   I was anxious; apart from the fact that I am not really feeling well, I felt the pain in my knees before I even went to the starting shoot. I usually take my pain reliever somewhere between Km 10 to 15 but at that particular instance I took it before the race. Oh dear! This is not a good sign…

                There were lots of ribbing on our way to the starting line. It actually helped in my growing anxiety. There were so many runners! I was guessing that there might be more than a thousand of us. The race started at exactly 0330H with fireworks and a simple countdown.

                    My friends took off at the sound of the gun… I had to take my time. In as much as I wanted to race it, I had to play safe. I have a marathon to run; the best thing I can do given my current circumstances is to just enjoy and to make sure that I finish.

                    Surprisingly, the route was well-lighted. Generators are positioned in critical places. The hydration tables are strategically located; the problem is I don’t drink 100plus so I had to save the Gatorade in my race belt in the latter part of the race. I had 5 gels, three of which are the Roctanes that Kenneth gave me after the CCM. I also brought some chocolate bites and some Hydrite. I was hoping that these provisions will bring me safely to the finish line.

                   I leave in Laguna so I traverse the Skyway almost every day… I also know that the Sucat Exit is already open since 15 December 2010, so I assumed that it will be part of the route. The foot of the Skyway started at KM 11, I was then running for more than an hour. I was still good although my breathing was a bit labored due to my lingering cough and colds. We were approaching Magallanes Exit when the 21Km runners came into view. There were so many of them! I strained my neck looking for Helen but I didn’t see her. I was happy to see Maridol and Gail cruising steadily.

                  As usual I was on my own until Gab caught up with me at Km18. He paced with me until Km21 where I sprinted to a new PR at 2:13. Thanks so much, Gab! I was still 3Kms away from the turn-around when I saw my friends already coming back. Wow! They were fast… I can already smell PR for most of them.

                   I was having a good time until I felt the dreadful chafe on my armpit at Km 27. It definitely slowed me down. Ang hapdi! I am just so glad that there was a petroleum jelly in the ambulance! I was literally saved by that unassuming lubricant! I saw Rodel at Km30 or more. He was my motivator and timer until we reached the support station of the Takbo.ph.  

skyway robbery! i miss photovendo...

thanks much team boring!

all smiles approaching the support station of my takbo.ph family

thanks so much, takbo peeps! you are the best!

                      I thought I will be able to break my PR from here… but the Berlin wall came uninvited at KM 38… my split time showed that I was at KM 38.2 at 4:12:37; I arrived at Km40 at 4:31:41… Can you believe that?! Atty Cyrus saw me a few minutes after that. A much needed pacer during the most critical moment. Thanks so much, Cy! It means a lot to me…

                    You think I should have just closed my eyes and run like somebody is running after me? No, I didn’t… I increased the pace alright; but I took walk breaks! I took three in the span of that last 2Kms. Oh well…                   

all of them broke their PRs... Congrats! i missed my PR by 8minutes...

                  Still happy with the results though; no justifications or excuses…

medal number 4! thank you, junrox for the picture

cool isn't it?

                   We had breakfast at Conti’s after the race. It was a classic TFC and BR-P moment. Lots of laughter and the likes. It was doubly special because it was the birthday of Iron Mari.

Happy Birthday, Mari!

                   The dreaded flu virus unleashed it’s powers the next day. Really now, a week before the BDM test run and the Captain is on sick Bay…

                    Goodluck to me!

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               Since I wasn’t able to write anything about my Condura experience last year, allow me to somehow go down memory lane and recount some of  the things that I can still remember about it.

             1. It was my very first half-mary and I came in wearing my orange takbo.ph singlet. I was generally orange during the race

me with THE Hotlegs Julie

                   2. It was my first time to run on the skyway and it was the first race of my then over-rated lunar glide.

time of the Glides

more Glides

                    * The Glides were relegated to short distances when Bubbles proved to be more effective in long distance races. Both shoes are now with a good friend who was just happy to adopt them when i realized that I have already taken full advantage of their mileage and services.

                   3. When i finished the race, i positioned myself at the finishing shoot waiting for all my friends who did their first marathon. I was their first hug upon reaching the finish line…

with my partner, Tin

Joyce

Carly

Bryan

                   * I can’t find the other pictures… but that is basically what I did. I guess i also had one with earl, argo, and the others  

                   That race started my love affair with longer distances. Who would have thought that this year’s Condura Skyway Marathon will be my fourth marathon after signing up for my first 5K during the Globe Run for Home in July 2009.

More Pictures:

Vicky, Doc T, Tere, Junar

Tere and Tin

Friends

The family

Condura Skyway Marathon 2011, coming up!

*****

                Last year my heart was overflowing with love and gladness… I am not saying that I don’t have it at this point in time; it’s just that I had to let go of bullet number 10. Not because I want to, but because I have to. I know you’ll come across this page… I am hoping that when you do, you’ll know that I thought of you in the nicest and most loving way. You were the first person who really made me feel that I am the most wonderful woman there is. You accepted me for who I am… just the way I am. I hope you understand why it has to be this way, although I know that at this point in time you don’t. I want to tell you why, but I have always believed that there are things better left unsaid. Thank you for letting me go; it’s hard for both of us… but then and again it was the right thing to do given the circumstances we are in. How I wish we met at a different time.

*****

                 It was also in 2010 when I finally made peace with the father of my children. It’s not that we’re not on speaking terms – we actually do; civil, pero “pilit”. I made the move to befriend him not for the sake of my kids but for my own sake. I don’t want to live my life bearing grudges. It was a terrible phase; one that almost took my will to survive, but I learned from it. I can honestly say that I am over that chapter. I just have to give it to Jonathan; besides that union produced my two adorable rascals. Hindi naman ata ako pwedeng bumuo ng bata mag isa and I also have to thank him for leaving me. Because when he did, I found myself.

*****

                 Life took another turn when in April I finally decided that I can no longer endure the thought of being away from my boys. I know it was hard for my parents, but I guess I need them more beside me. It was a very trying time for the three of us and I know that I can never take back those two years. It wasn’t what I wanted way back in 2007, but it was what I can afford. I am happy to say that my boys and I are doing well. I am making up for all the lost times and sinasamantala naman nilang dalawa I’m not complaining; I actually love it. Motherhood defined me and its one thing that I can truly be proud of.

*****

                 My sister and I also had a falling-out. We’ve always been close because it’s just the two of us. I’d rather not discuss the reason behind it, but suffice to say that I was hurt and I felt betrayed. I so wanted to stand for her but I had to let her go so that she’ll realize her shortcomings and she will learn to be responsible and accountable for her actions. I guess I also have myself to blame why she turned out that way… I was such a spoiler and I always sided with her even when she was wrong. You could just imagine my frustration when despite everything… she chose the other way.  Everything is ok now between the two of us. I am still glad that we had that falling-out. I can still feel a tinge of sadness when I look at her now but I know that her experience thought her the hardest lesson; she’ll still need more guidance in the face of what she has right now, but I am sure she learned her lessons well… besides, ate will always be there for her no matter what.

*****

                 Mother’s day saw me finishing my ultra-dramatic first ultra marathon. I did the 50Km race of Sir BR right at the backyard of the former address of the Officer Candidate School.  That route was a silent witness to all that I went through from 06 April 1999 to 08 April 2000. Who would have thought that ten years after I was commissioned as a 2LT I will go back to that place just to run 50K? I loved it! I’m sticking out my tongue right now to those who use to tease me because I always collapse during our road runs hehehe

*****

                I went back to school in June for my second year of MC D at the UP-D. How I love school… it gave me another perspective in life and I just love my classmates and my Professors. They are the best! I miss them now since I wasn’t able to enroll for the second semester due to that deployment (more on that later). I wish to go back very soon!

*****

                  When I started running, my only wish was to finish a marathon before I turn 35. I finished the Milo marathon in July in 4:38. Not bad for a first timer, but as they always say the first time hurts like hell… it was. More so because I didn’t qualify for the finals; it broke my heart, but that’s the way it is. Despite the horror of Milo, I still want to run that one and settle the score I will come get you this year, I promise you that.

*****

                I closed August with the sensational P2P finish. Thanks you so much Team BR-P! You are simply the best… TFC, till next time…

*****

                September was Viva La Virgen… I signed up for the Camsur Marathon despite the injury that I sustained during the P2P. I finished that one in 5:03. I actually planned to run all the marathons in 2010 as my preparation for BDM. I also planned to do all the Ultramarathons that Sir BR will stage prior to BDM. Oh well…

*****

                I was so stressed in October due to several school turn-ins and other matters. It was also about this time when I received a message from the Personnel Office of the Army that I was considered for a UN posting in New York in January 2011. That one was a dud though since I was informed way after the deadline of submission of requirements to the UN Headquarters in New York. I wasn’t that affected with it since I wasn’t really prepared for it anyway, and besides that will still be deliberated by the UN along with the recommendations from the other member nations so it will be “suntok sa buwan”. I was at the right place at the right time when the candidate for the PKF-Staff in Golan Heights wasn’t able to meet the requirements of the United Nations. I was asked to submit my application since I am somehow qualified for it.

*****

                I was so ecstatic when I learned in November 4 that I will be the primary candidate for the PKF-Staff. This is so unexpected; but it was a welcome development to my career and to my financial status. It will be a great help to me and the kids and it will surely go a looooooooong way. I then applied for a leave of absence in my Masteral Class since I was supposed to leave in November 25. I went through the mandatory Physical and Medical Examination. I was all set to go. Only to be told that I am not fit to be deployed… what happened after that was torture – physical and emotional torture at its best. I even had to forego running the Tagaytay-Nasugbu 50Km run. I retreated to my cave and dealt with the pain away from the prying eyes of some people. I also hid it from my friends until I realized that I had to let it out. I learned so much from that experience; but one thing is sure, it didn’t break me. Yes, I was devastated for a while but life is how you make it. I don’t have any choice but to bounce back… after all, this is nothing compared to all the things I went through in the past.

*****

                I ended the year with the RDR 32Km run inside my playground in Camp Aguinaldo without any training. I slacked to the nth and was brought to my senses that I need to get back on my feet and start pounding the pavement again if I really want to join the BDM. The holidays were doubly special owing to the fact that after five years we spent the holidays together as a family. Jonathan and I both know that we can never go back to where we were five years ago, but we can at least be the best parents for our children. It felt good and somehow it gave us a semblance of what a family is. It was also in December when I finally decided to run the CCM…

*****

                If there is one thing that I learned the past year is that patience indeed is a virtue. Those who know me could attest that I am the most impatient person there is. The deferment of my deployment strengthened my resilience. Come to think of it, maybe the reason I wasn’t deployed is that I was meant to run CCM and meet amazing people in Cebu. Then it dawned on me – I am therefore destined to run the BDM 102 in March. Don’t I just love my life?

                HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

              I wasn’t supposed to run CCM because I presumed that I will be out of the country the whole of 2011. I also missed out on the Tagaytay-Nasugbu 50Km and the QCIM last year because well-meaning friends advised me against it lest I hurt myself and spoil my pending deployment.

             Most of the Team BR-P has other plans for Jan 9. That left Helen and I signing up for CCM while Maridol will be on vacation mode. I was hesitant to do the marathon because I am not prepared for it. If I am not mistaken, I only had a total of 70Kms in the past two months to include the 32Km Rizal Day Run, which was my year-ender for 2010. I am not also sure if I can get away from work so it took me a while to decide. I can’t remember who finally convinced me, but I finally relented to the pressure with a plan that it will be my first LSD to kick-off my BDM training.

              I am not a first timer in Cebu as my BSN Class, the Lorenz Maries ’97 stayed there for 30days way back in 1996 for our OJT at the Perpetual Succour Hospital. My kids are also half-Cebuano so that makes me a Cebuana by affinity (tama ba?) I therefore looked forward to this trip; it’s been quite a while since the last visit.

January 8, 2011 – Sights and Foods

                I was supposed to leave Manila at around 12:15 but my flight was delayed due to airport traffic (whatever that is). Sharon, one my best buddies, met Helen and I at the airport. It was Helen’s first trip to the Queen City so we decided to do a windshield tour after our late lunch at the Da Vinci, great food at very affordable price!

good food and good company

            Helen has a list of places to go so we decided to start at the Lapu Lapu Shrine on our way back to the City from the airport. This day was all about sightseeing and food! I am just glad that I will be running a marathon the next day; at least I have all the reason to eat.   

with Lapu Lapu

              We had dinner at the famous Casa Verde in IT Park. The place didn’t disappoint and the “monster” burger was the biggest burger I’ve ever seen!  

monster burger!

                 We met Kenneth shortly after dinner but I have to beg off for coffee because I really want to sleep early and I still have to prepare my gear and other stuff.

                 I finally called it a night at 2200H… Darn!

January 9, 2011 – Race Day

number 1 for the year... 3rd on my list

               My day started at 0330H. I was at my element, I am not pressured. I was just hoping that my left knee will be fine during the whole 42Km.

I left the hotel at 0400H, all set to run my first marathon for the year… the starting line was already full of life when I arrived. I saw friends from takbo.ph and Team CB.  Up until that moment I was still not sure how to run it. I just told Helen that I will finish it at 5:30; how? I don’t know…

The race started on the dot and the fireworks display was grand! There were so many runners.

I was cruising steadily, careful not to put too much pressure on the left knee. I was having a good time but it was humid. I started to douse myself with water at Km2. I was at Km 6 when a familiar figure passed me by; I said hi and the next thing I knew he decided to pace with me. There goes my plan of an easy pace…

Kenneth was with me until the turn-around… it was fun alright, but it was crazy! I was going too fast. I felt the click on my left knee at Km 15 and I knew that I had to slow down because if I will maintain that pace I am pretty sure that I won’t finish.

Ikaw na talaga ang bida

               The route was amazing! I loved the tunnel… the band, the cheerers, the never-ending shower, the sponges… it was just awesome!

              We reached the turn-around at 2:09. Wow! I can’t believe it! I had to literally beg Kenneth to just go ahead because I really can’t keep up with the pace anymore. It was nice running with you, dude ;) I was relegated to the background but that was ok; now I know how it feels to be running with the international celebrity runner

             I was practically on my own after that… it was painfully hot and it’s really taking its toll on me.  I was also able to catch up with Rej of Team Boring on my way back to the SRP. We paced for a while but I also had to hold back. Boy, did I already tell you it was hot?!

             I made it to Km 36 at 4:26:38 by that time I was one lonely runner who ran out of Gerber! I was desperately looking for chocolate and Gatorade. I could just have closed my eyes and did Yasso to get it over with; but my legs were sore and already getting heavier by the minute. I was just comforted by the thought that it will be over in a little while and I can eat all the lechon that I want.

              I finished my first marathon for the year in 5:14:42… It felt good but I was tired.

              I am glad I signed up for this one… I will never trade it for anything. I had fun; I met wonderful people (who will surely take pictures of me next year), and I had another reason to smile and to just enjoy life. Till next year, CCM!

Doc, Miss B, Ken, and Mel

at 1634...

              In lieu of a picture which I really don’t have (bitter!) I attempted to prettify my medal…

my pretty pretty medal

January 10, 2011 

                Day Tour – Bohol

the girls

 

at the man-made forest in Bilar

River Cruise

                 My heartfelt gratitude to Sharon for being a good host… I will be back, Nang – soon!

                  To Giant and Jewel – I am so sorry for your lost. I am glad to be there with you even for just a little while.

                  To Mel, Doc G, Hazel, Miss B, Ivan, and Brendon – Thank you so much for the fun that we had at 1634. I will definitely see you again!

                   To Kenneth – Thank you…

                   To my dearest Helen and Maridol – To all that has been and to all that will be, Thank you! I love the two of you dearly.

          Aside from the fact that it was my first time to be in Ilocos Province, P2P is by far my longest race… and due to the injury that i sustained, it was also the most painful. I can still remember how I wanted to hit the person who told me to just ride a motorcycle since I am still too far from the finish line. How I cried when I saw Pepsi and Maan at Km 65 because I was just so hungry and my left knee is giving up on me. I also wasn’t able to contain my emotions when Craig Logan appeared behind me and asked how I was and when I told him that I am not ok, he stopped and prayed over me. That act of kindness was just too much for me to handle given the situation I am in. 

          Tin and Iah came back for me at Km66… I know they are already spent but Tin walked with me the rest of the way until Doc T caught up with us. At some point I even asked her ”Tin, pwedeng hawakan mo nalang ako, pipikit nalang ako habang naglalakad?”

          After more than twelve hours I arrived at the finish line… Allow me to borrow the words of Rob, Jeff Avellanosa’s friend who is one of the photographers during that event: 

                 “The case of one of the female runners of “Team Ultra” is what I could call the most sensational. She came in walking, her face a grim mirror of pain. Obviously, the very long distance had inflicted unbearable pressures on her knees, ankle and feet. When she crossed the finish, she just stood there bent down double. Her teammates aided her to a seat and applied first aid. She screamed as the pain intensifies now that she is not running anymore. They put ice pack on her legs and knees. Her face distorts amidst her groan and subdued scream. She grabbed her friends shirt in the back. I caught that on cam. But I’m sure she’s just as happy in finishing as she was hurt in the process”.

Thank you, Rob!

we are about to check-in

they're fine, just tired from the looooooooong travel

          Playing tourist before race day…

          Race Day…

          In pain…

The walk

          At last…

          So there… It’s better late than never

                It took me a while before I told my friends what I am going through… I was having a déjà vu especially when I was subjected into something that brought back all the sad memories of an event that happened almost five years ago. It was like rubbing salt to injury. I so wanted to walk-out and never come back, but I stayed. I stayed through the humiliation and clenched my fist whenever the urge to reason out arises. I learned that patience is indeed a virtue… and for a while there I thought I’d become a Saint for enduring it.

                I learned a lot from that experience… cliché as it may seem but I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason. I had to go through that so I’d appreciate that I am still blessed and that the good still outweighs the bad. I am still grateful for everything that I have. What’s important is I am still here and I still have the time to rectify the mistakes and be a better person altogether.

                At this point, I can honestly say that I am beautiful, I am loved, and I am enjoying life

                Watch out for my succeeding posts and I do hope that you will again visit this page to see what I have been up to and for you to once again be entertained by my antics and never-ending quest for adventure.

                 I love you all!

In a few days changes will be implemented in this lowly page to make it more ME It will also be transformed into a personal journal where I will write about things that I want to share or just about anything that will catch my fancy.

So what’s with the title? I don’t know hehehe I watched it with the kiddos yesterday and I liked it. Megamind = Change or maybe when bad becomes good. So I am thinking that I can make this page better, more informative, and more fun to read. But please don’t expect too much, this is still my page and I’ll write whatever I want.

                I am not a prolific writer… I wish I am! It usually takes me a lot of effort before I could even finish an entry. During a race my head is usually full of ideas, the title of the blog entry, its contents, its focus; I always want it to be entertaining, but as you can see all those thoughts and ideas are sometimes just that –  thoughts that crowds my already clogged brain.

                My last entry is about my sorry finish during the Milo Marathon.  I joined a couple of races after that but dedicated most of my Sundays to long runs with my team as we were seriously preparing for the second leg of PAU in Ilocos Norte.

                I had high hopes that I will be stronger come race day; I was even dreaming of third place since I learned that Tina will not be joining. That makes Michelle the eventual winner, my partner Tin in second place then me (it was a wish, ok? Don’t raise your eyebrows just yet).

Flashback:

               Three weeks before P2P, the TGIS group decided to have a long run in Clark; since there was a scheduled race on that particular Sunday being organized by Atty Jon for the IP in the area, we decided to register. The plan was to do 10k before the race then 10k after to cover the planned 30K for the day. It was a balmy morning, the pre-race run was fun.

                The no frills “Takbo Para sa Katutubo” started a little after 6am. I didn’t have plans on racing it since it is just suppose to be part of the LSD. It was a good race, very simple, and the route was nice. I was having a good time chasing after my team mates when I suddenly felt something on my left knee… it was a sudden click. I slowed down then it hurt even more. I didn’t want to walk or stop until I saw Jan waiting by the water station. He paced with me for a very slow jog then he told me that it is ok to walk. The “fight another day” line brought me back to my senses. There is no way that I will jeopardize my P2P plan so I listened to him. I didn’t push it and finished the 10k in 1:03.

                The week after was a flurry of events, I continued with my training plan but I was more cautious since the knee was bothering me. I don’t understand what it was, just a nagging pain that gets worse when I go up and down the stairs.

                The following Sunday was another LSD from Amadeo, Cavite to Tagaytay. I didn’t finish that one either; I only managed 25K. It’s about time I admit that I am INJURED and my left knee is giving up on me. Well-meaning friends advised me to see a Doctor but then I realized that if I see him at this point in time he might tell me to rest or not to run in the next few weeks… That’s a big NO-NO! I have a big race ahead of me. Come hell or high water I am running that one. So rather than consulting a Doctor, our friend and elite “Bandit” prescribed Celebrex 200mg twice a day for three days. Being the hard-headed not practicing RN that I am, I took his advice hehehe  

                To make the long story short – I didn’t run for two weeks leading to P2P. I was worried; I was afraid and my third place finish was shelved for the time being. My goal at that point was to finish it within the cut-off time of 12 hours. Armed with a heart full of hope, attitude that has surpassed several debacles and encouragement and inspiration from Team BR-P, TGIS, and friends from the running community, i prepared for race day.

Team BR-P during the CLP and briefing at AFPCOC

                   That’s how we look like when we’re not in our running gear I am glad the CLP was on a tuesday, I am not sure how other runners will react if they see me in my BDU.  The CLP unveiled more surprises… aside from the scenery, the Baldrunner revealed that the route is longer – 3Kms longer. Oh Dear! I am in deep trouble… How will I finish 68Kms in 12hours with my current condition? Honestly, I don’t know.

                    Two days before the P2P I received a message from a very dear friend informing me that they won their legal battle. Thinking at how hard they fought for that, I dedicated my P2P to them. I told her whatever happens, I will finish the race no matter how hard it will be. With that added inspiration I know I am ready.

                 I’ll see you all at the starting line!