“RECEIVE HIM”

“Yet to all who received [Jesus Christ], to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

In football, think of all that has to happen for a pass to be completed. The center and quarterback have to handle the snap correctly, the offensive line has to block the defenders, the receiver has to run his pattern, the QB has to make an accurate throw. The timing has to be right. And, of course, the receiver has to catch the ball or the team gains
nothing.

We can relate that entire offensive scenario to our spiritual lives. John 1:12 says, “yet to all who received Him (Jesus), to those who believed in His name, He gave them the right to become children of God.” Like the wide receiver or tight end, we must receive—we must receive Jesus into our lives by believing in Him. But there’s more. When a receiver catches the ball, he doesn’t just stand there; he tries to gain as many yards as he can! Similarly, once we receive Jesus at salvation, God wants us to “do something!” He wants us gain new ground spiritually. Receive Him and keep going. That’s a good offensive strategy.

—Darren Adams

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Photo Talks - Running Couple

Bro J and Swthrt

Cool Race Result _ Run for Home

The case of the missing comments

Since my last two posts, i have been wondering why no one posted any comment especially on the Run for Home with Swthrt. I know i don't have that much comments in my postings but at least i got one or two comments from friends who regularly visit my site. Thanks to Nora (life begins at 50) who commented on Swthrt's 21k Globe run on my Milo postings and noted that the comments button were missing on my recent post. I must have mixed-up the settings when i changed the layout of this blog. Now the comments button were back! Hope to hear from you!

Run for Home with Swthrt

Much has been said about the pros and cons of a successful but intriguing Run for Home race. I also have my two cents of comments but would rather save it for another posting. Today, I want to focus on Swthrt’s quest in finishing her first ever half marathon. Since we registered for the 21k category for this event, Swthrt had ask me for the nth time if she could really do it. And again and again, I would give her the assurance that she could do it and finish a half marathon. Last Sunday was the proof that she really can.

with Mesh at the starting line

Even with a late night sleep before the race, we woke up at 3:15 am for the big event. We got ready for the D day and forced ourselves to eat breakfast (which we do not normally do in a race) of rolled oats with milk. We then left home at around 4:00am and arrived at the venue 15 minutes later. To my surprise, the parking area where we usually park was reserved for Globe VIPs ( I’m sure other bloggers have their hot posts regarding this issue) and so we parked somewhere else. We finally get ready for the race at around 4:30 and met with bloggers/friends at the starting line. It was my first time to meet in person, Johnny Sy and Sir Ipe (Kinderdorf). It was quite unusual not to have our race numbers check-in by marshals because of the use of timing chips. The starting gun was fired on time with the runners running smoothly as they cross the mat sensor at the starting line. It was also a good start for me and Swthrt.

Fast and Furious

In our run together in a race, I would normally let Swthrt run in her comfortable pace at the start. I would constantly remind her to keep it and not be pulled by the fast runners. It was an easy run at the start and we reached the Kalayaan flyover without a hitch. It was Swthrt’s first taste of the Kalayaan flyover and she ran it with ease. It was a different experience for her. We continued to run at Buendia Ave. with short stops at hydration stations along the way. We refrained from drinking the carbonated sports drinks provided by a sponsor because we find it hard to run with air-filled stomach. Anyway, we brought our own sports drinks (you know?) to compliment the water provided at the hydration stations. We had a great run along Ayala Ave. We have always enjoyed running a new route to break the monotony of running a common route. This is probably the reason why we have not run a race held in UP. It happens to be our training ground during weekends. Along Paseo de Roxas and Makati Ave, we started to see familiar faces making their way back to Bonifacio. I would either give a high five sign, clap or cheer and shout their names (if I still have the energy) to give encouragement on them. As we make our way back to Bonifacio, pains on the shin and calves begun to set in on Swthrt and walk breaks became frequent. A runner approached me and kindly offered to take a picture of me and Swthrt while running. Unfortunately, the battery of my camera was already low. Anyway, to give our gratitude, we keep pace with him along Buendia and had a few chat with him. It was nice meeting you Raul. I have been regularly checking on Swthrt and offered sports beans and drinks as we continued our run going to Kalayaan flyover. Upon reaching the top of Kalayaan flyover, it's time to have a break, we have Kitkat, hehehe. The pain on her shin continued to persist and there was also stiffness in the calf muscles. Walk break intervals became shorter. At one point somewhere near McDonalds, Swthrt had to walk and we heard a voice from a lady runner shouting "Come on runner in green, i have been following you since this morning. Don't stop now...."'It became a challenge and a pressure on Swthrt's part. I even teased her that she's now a real runner being targeted by other runners,hehehe. Swthrt continued to run and tried to focus on the remaining kilometers of the race. The cheers from other runners like Mesh and Mama Ting whom we met along the way surely gave Swthrt the needed encouragement. We even ran along with Hector (of Second Wind), who's a pacer at 7:30min/k along Lawton Ave.. The last kilometer seems to be the longest kilometer for Swthrt but the sight of the finish line as we make the final turn gave the needed boost to run and finish strong with the time of 2:47:+ (unofficial). The official results will be out by July 23 to be published at the Globe website as stated in the flyers given after the race. Congratulations Swthrt! I love you and I am very proud of you!

With Christy, photo by Johnny after the race

Run for Home Ready

I'm almost sure that excitements starts to shoot up among runners as the race kit for the Run for Home Race on Sunday were out yesterday. We were part of the runners who have pick up their race kits amidst strong rains at the BHS yesterday. The addition of the timing chip makes it more exciting for the runners because it will be the first time that such timing chip will be used in races here in the Philippines. We just hope that it will be a fine weather come race day... not to hot but not raining hard either. See you runners at the starting line!

Swthrt **** ***** ****Bro J

July 9, Sports Spectrum - Training Table

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” Colossians 3:23

WHO ARE YOU RUNNING FOR?

While I was running track, there were many times when practiced was unsupervised. One time I remember in particular was on a freezing, rainy Saturday. The practice was twelve 300m repeats and was a relatively easy one. But the thought of being on the track for over an hour in the rain wasn’t too enticing, so we decided, as a team, to cut the workout in half. The coach was not there—he wouldn’t find out. Well, he never did. But we still made the wrongdecision!

Although the choice of whether or not to finish the workout isn’t very significant in the whole scheme of life, the implications of that decision are important. We showed ourselves not to be trustworthy on that cold Saturday. The decisions we make are a true measure of our character, because ultimately everything we do should testify of the love we have for God!

If you have the choice between taking the easy way out or doing the right thing—take some time to think. What if God was your coach, your teacher, or your boss—which choice would you make? In reality, God is our ultimate coach, our ultimate teacher and our ultimate boss.

We must follow His instructions.
—Brooke Thompson

Another Home to UP Runabout

Last Saturday, July 11, Swthrt and I had another runabout from our place to UP Diliman via Katipunan Road and then C.P. Garcia. We then ran a bigger loop (not the usual academic oval)inside UPD before having a 3 minute pitstop at the bikers tambayan near Palma Hall to replenish our hydration bottles. We then proceeded home via Katipunan Road then Boni Serrano Road completing a 17K run in 2:25 (including the pitstop). Hopefully this practice run will boost Swthrt's confidence on Sunday's Run for Home 21K.

Our route, distance calculated using Google Earth.

My 33rd Milo Marathon experience

This edition of the Milo Marathon was my second time to join and have experienced many firsts. This was the first time Milo have placed a 21K event for the Manila elimination which I joined. My first time to drink my cup of Milo after the race. It was also my first time to receive freebies from them. The last time I joined the Milo marathon was during the finals of the 32nd edition where I only joined the 10K event category. It was really a great experience to join this race.

The race plan
There was not much race preparation or game plan for me on this race. All I wanted was to beat the cut-off time of 2:30 set for the 21K event. This was my 2nd half marathon race and looking back, I was not as prepared as my first half marathon, the Condura Run 08. I once told Swthrt that I was never tensed coming into this race. 2-3 days before, I was already mentally preparing myself imagining how the race should be.

with Alwyn before the race

The race day
My cousin Alwyn, who will also be running the 21K agreed to meet us ( Swthrt was with me to give the moral support) at Honda Cars Pasig. We decided to just take a cab going to Roxas Blvd. This would take away the hassle of finding a safe place to park a car. We arrived at the place at around 5:00am. We met with friends who will also be joining the race.

with Jet Paiso and friends before checking in

The race started on time and it was a good start for me. I was at pace with Alwyn and Christy (Run Unlimited’s better half) up to EDSA flyover. I was on my own after the first turning point for 21K at the intersection of Roxas Blvd and NAIA Rd.. I tried to maintain a pace of 7min but I was not able to do it. I had an erratic pace ranging from 6:40 – 10:20 min/k. Anyway, I was still keeping track of my total time while I was running. I reached Km 10 after 1:05:44 and was quite confident that I can make within the cut-off time. As I reached the Osmena Hi-way, I began to feel that my right calf was starting to cramp. I felt slightly worried about it and slowed down on my pace. I kept away from the shower station along the way at Buendia thinking that this might aggravate the cramp I felt on my calf. I was running along Buendia Ave. singing praise and worship song to God. As I ran back to Roxas Blvd, I tried to speed up to the point where I would felt stiffness on my calf. Every time it happened I either slowed down or took a walk break. After turning right at Roxas Blvd going to the finish line, I started picking up targets (sorry guys but this would help me push my self) to catch up with. I reached the area where we started at 2:23:52 knowing that a still have 6 min to make it to the finish line. As I took the final turn and saw the finish line I knew I can beat the cut-off time. I tried to push more and heard Swthrt shouting as I entered the shoot. I finish with an unofficial time of 2:26:+.

approaching the finish line

After the race
It was a relief reaching the finish line within the cut-off time and being handed the finisher certificate and the freebies. I think this was also the first time that they have this generous giveaways for the finishers. It was also handed out orderly as they were given upon crossing the finish line. I also had my first cup of Milo after the race. Hooray for Milo!

after the race

with Roselle (aka Running Diva) after the race

with Swthrt, Thank you for the support, I love you!

To God be the glory!