Run for Clean Air

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) joins the country in celebration of the National Clean Air Month this November. One of the highlight activities is the staging of fun run/walk dubbed as “Run for Clean Air” yesterday, November 26, 2009. Our office, the Media Production Division whom many employees are runners, organized the said event. A good number of participants gathered in front of the main building at around 6:30 am for stretching/warm-up before the start of the run. George, a marathoner in our division, acts as the race director while I led the pre-race stretching and served as the head race marshal. It was our little way of promoting running in our agency.

The participants were composed of members of the NAMRIA Running Club and other employees who regularly walk or run around our compound. It was really a blessing that we have a big compound (about 500 meters loop driveway) wherein we can run. The agency also support and promote the advocacy of having a healthy living by exercising regularly. We have Tuesdays and Thursdays as our athletic days wherein employees are allowed to joins in various physical activities such as basketball, volleyball, tae-bo, table tennis, running, etc. This is of course with the condition that an employee should have no pending works before joining any of these activities.

After the run, runners were treated with breakfast of pandesal, hard-boiled eggs, bananas, ponkan and juices in tetra packs donated by some of our officials.

There was also a public clamor that we conduct races in the office regularly for at least once or twice a month. It is an indication that people are now starting to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

The joy of running

Many have been written about the "boom" of running as a sport in the country. More and more people are considering the sport as a better alternative. New runners are having the courage to try and conquer thier "initiation" road race whether it is 3K, 5K or 10K. With more than of running experience, I have been encouraged to continue and finish a race by the other runners and marshals during races. Last Sunday, was our turn of giving encouragement to a friend who wanted to experience joining a road race.

Swthrt's workplace has been a place of budding runners wanting to try the sport. Almost every month a warm body is added to their group. They can even start a running club with a good number of founding members. The Timex Run was another race wherein, one of her officemates, Jane wanted to run her first 5K. Swthrt and I decided to give support and even pace Jane to make sure that she will finish her first race strong.

Swthrt with Officemate, Jane

We wanted to make sure she can do it and experience the joy of running. We don’t want her to be discouraged and not to join any races again. We are glad we have given the support she needed. Jane finished her first 5K race and hopefully will join more races soon. After finishing 5K, Swthrt and I then ran towards Bayani Road to pace again her another officemate, this time doing his first 21K race. Along the way, another officemate, Ritchie, suffered from a knee injury but was determined to finish the 21K race.

With another officemate, Ritchie

We ran with him along Lawton Avenue and told him not to run anymore because it might aggravate his injury but he wanted to continue and finish the race. I was really amazed by his determination and he did it.

We were able to catch up with Ronnie at the Heritage Park and ran with him back at the finish line.

and another officemate, Ronnie

During the race, we have seen groups running together. We even saw couples running side by side. It only showed that the joy of running comes not only in breaking personal records or conquering longer distances but also in giving support to a friend or a loved one.

Randy and his wife

group run

brother-in-law tandem - Alwyn and Hector

This will encourage more people to run! Happy running and see you at the next starting line.

All Saints Day Long Run

Swthrt and I just finished a 21K long run at Batangas City. We started at Avida Residences San Isidro at around 5:30am. Our destination was at Swthrt's home at Barangay Tulo and back. We were joined by Swthrt's brother Ed who was road testing his new mountain bike. This was the usual course we take every time we visit our relatives in Batangas. It was challenging course with lots of uphills. The run could have been a new PR if it was a race. Actually, Swthrt could have made it to cut-off time of Milo marathons of 2:30 for the half marathon. Our Time was 2:24:50 with an average pace of 6:53min/K. Swthrt expereienced pain on her left knee on our way back but managed to finish the run. We also need some suggestions on how to minimize chafing on her chest due to singlet rubbing.