Who Moved?

“If from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

My personal walk with Christ has never been easy. I’ll be the first to admit that I have fallen more than once. Still, as unsteady as I once was in my servitude for the Lord, His love for me was always pure and perfect. Christians, like athletes, are prone to slumps—times when things aren’t going the way the athlete would like it. The difference between a slumping Christian and a slumping athlete is that we as Christians can always know who is at fault. We are.

As Christians we must remember that God’s love for us remains unconditional through our spiritual wins and losses. Even when we stray from him, he knows every secret of our soul. God is everywhere and the temple of the Lord has a permanent address in our hearts.

So when we feel we have lost touch with God, we must ask ourselves: Who moved? The answer. We did. We caused the slump.

—Emily Briggs

Back in training for another full marathon

Last Thursday, February 11, I was back on the road again for the first time after Condura. I started with an easy 3K run with Josiah, my younger son at the BHS while waiting for Swthrt who will be starting her training for her first marathon, TBR Dream Marathon. The following Saturday, Swthrt and I did a 55 min run that was scheduled for her training. And on Sunday, we did another 4 rounds of the UP academic oval. It was a great feeling to be back on training. I was just glad that I had a wonderful experience on my first marathon that I wanted to run another one. Just as I was thinking about it, I come across Bull Runner’s announcement that the Dream Marathon will also be open to second time marathoners, an additional 100 slots. It was really a dream come true for Swthrt. She really wanted me to run with her on her first full marathon. So from here on, I am back in training again.

Running in a marine sanctuary, a natural high

The nature of my work requires me to travel to places seldom visited by people. I’ve been documenting on video and making audio-visual production of our agency’s projects. And since I started to run two years ago, I have managed to squeeze in some run in my official travels whenever possible. I’ve been in this kind of work for more than ten years now. But my travel last summer of 2009 was truly different. I had a chance to go to the Tubattaha Reef. Surprised? Me too!

Our agency has an on-going project on the densification of geodetic control points or GCP (commonly called mojon) to be the basis for all surveying and mapping needs in the country. One of the sites identified to have this mojon is the south islet of the Tubattaha Reef. With its uniqueness of the location, a team from our office was sent to document the activity. We went to Tubattaha via our survey vessel, Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Hydrographer Ventura.

The place is a sanctuary not only for fishes and other sea creatures but also for migratory birds. There are no inhabitants in the place. Neither tourists nor scuba divers are allowed to set foot in the small island. We were only allowed to go there for official work. It was a small island with a sand bar portion that appears on low tides and vanish during high tides. On our first day, we went to the islet using our skip boat from our vessel to have a reconnaissance of the place and look for the GCP that was previously established in the area. This early, I have noticed the sand bar and have made a plan to run on it the following day. On the scheduled day of surveying, the whole process of Global Positioning System surveying would require us to stay there for the whole day. While our surveyors were setting up the equipment, I was also busy shooting on the activity. When everything was in place, we will have to wait for 8 hours for the equipment to read the data it received from various GPS satellite passing along our country. These allowed us to rest or do anything to avoid boredom. For me, this was the best opportunity to run… a place where no one (I mean, documented) has ever run yet… the south islet of Tubattaha Reef.

J Running (photo by Nato, my officemate who is also a runner)

related postings :

J Running video shot in south islet, Tubattaha (http://brojrunning.blogspot.com/2009/05/j-running-video.html)

a preview of work and play (http://brojrunning.blogspot.com/2009/05/preview-of-work-and-play.html)

Hail to my first 42K medal

Today, the Condura 42K finisher’s medal has just arrived! Yes, I was one of those runners who have reached the finish line (in 5:32) when the medals ran out of stock. But the overwhelming joy in me finally overshadowed all my frustrations. Don’t get me wrong, I still wanted a medal. Last Tuesday, I emailed the secretariat of Condura to add me in their list of runners who have not received a medal yet. After two days, the package finally arrived in our office.

To the delight of my officemates, we did some photo ops.


and with George, a 12-time marathoner

and Josiah, future marathoner, anak ni bro j

I would like to thank the Condura Secretariat for their quick response.

Thank you very much to Patrick and Ton Concepcion for the wonderful experience of running the Skyway. Rest assured that I will continue to support the Condura Run and its advocacy in their future endeavor.

Lessons learned from my first full marathon

Taking on the challenge of running a marathon is really, really tough. After a gradual mileage build-up for two year s, I felt it’s about time to run the full marathon. I am making this post not to justify the outcome of my performance but rather to gain insights and see areas of improvements for me to become a better runner.

Pre race
Great physical challenges require great physical preparations. In the 2010 Condura Run, though I may not have a rigid training program, Swthrt and I regularly run longer on weekends and would try very hard to squeeze in weekday training whenever possible. Our usual goal for our weekend runs would be 10-15K or we would sometimes aim for one hour to a maximum of two hours run. These may have been a factor since my legs were not accustomed to run more than three hours. I got two long runs that last for four hours that made me confident, but it would have been better if I have more long distance runs. As they say, Consistency in training is the key to a better performance. The best way to strengthen our leg muscles is to run, run and run. Another issue with regard to physical preparation is the body weight. I have read once that there is an equivalent reduction in time for every lbs lost in the body weight of a runner. I just don’t remember the proportion. After losing weight from 198 lbs to 180lbs, my body weight plateaud at this level. 180 lbs for a 5 feet seven frame was still way above my BMI. There could be two ways to improve on this. One is to have a strict diet and the other one is to increase on training in terms of mileage, intensity or incorporate cross training program.
With regard to mental preparedness, I think it is one’s will and determination that matters most. If I may quote a line from the movie Spirit of the Marathon, “sometimes what challenges us the most, defines us. The question of whether or not I will continue and finish the race may not come across my mind as a newbie marathoner. The last 10K of the full marathon really defines whether I will continue the race or not. All factors such as fatigue, heat exhaustion, and hunger would lean towards quitting and only great determination and trust in God, who has given me the ability to run this far pushed me through. On the practical side, watching motivational movies on running such as Spirit of the Marathon, reading success stories of first time marathoners, the encouragements of friends and family, and the 100% support of Swthrt helped me in my mental preparation.

Race Day
A good game plan plays an important factor on race day. Several days before the race, I have layout a plan on how I will run my first marathon. I had my target time consisting of several options.

5:00 target – aiming high, a “dream target”
5:15 target – a tough challenge considering the type of course
5:30 target- still tough but doable


I even had my splits time tables for all these target options.

But one big issue here is that, did I follow the game plan? The answer is “NO”. Though I am very much happy with my finish time, it could have been better if I stick to my plan. It could have made the difference. My actual split time was



I was too fast on my first 30K. Anyway, there is still a room for improvement. I have to learn how to distribute my energy to last the whole 42K course. But for now let me savor the joy of finishing a marathon.

right after finishing the race ( photo by Xty)

with Vener and Jonel

To all my friends who have made my dream of running the marathon a reality – Thank you very much for the support and encouragement.

To all the runners who greeted me before and after the race, and to those who ran with me even only in some portions of the course – Thank you for keeping me sane, hehehe

To my personal running coach at the office, George – Maraming Salamat Guru George for introducing me to the sport of running.

To our Hosanna family who prayed that we may have a safe and enjoyable race- Maraming Salamat!

To the organizer of the Condura Run 2010 – Thank you for making my first marathon race a reality. Congratulations and more power to you!

A Run in the Sky by Swthrt

“We never know how high we are till we are called to rise; and then, if we are true to plan, our statures touch the skies.” – Emily Dickinson


The last Condura 21K run was my first long run without my “dream-chaser” (word borrowed from TBR) by my side. I know that this is something cheesy, but BroJ is my personal coach, my motivator and my “pusher” with regards to running. And when he decided to try his first full marathon on this year’s Condura, I was left with the decision to run without him or never run at all. But love for running prevailed. I decided to run by myself. I was able to convince one of my office associates to run with me. And we did run together from starting line up to ramp of Skyway. But later, she started to slow down. I tried to wait for her but eventually she let go of me. Then I have to run by myself. I have to conquer my fears!

Running in the Skyway was something new to me. I have ran the McKinley Hills several times, same with Kalayaan Flyover. Both are very challenging, but I was not sure what to expect in Skyway… Yes, of course, I have heard a lot of stories from previous Condura Run. But to have a personal feel and experience about is something I’m not sure whether I will enjoy or condemn it. Along Skyway, I started to run at an easy relaxed pace, too cautious not to bonk. I guess that was when I missed the “pushing” of my “coach”. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the sight of early morning sunrise. I have to enjoy the slopes. I enjoyed waving to all the returning runners whom I know, in the other side of the road. I was even thrilled to see our big man in the company, FZAyala, running in the opposite direction. I also enjoyed looking down at EDSA, trying to calculate how far more was the Honda Makati (one of our branches). I was also delighted to see the “shower station” provided by Manila Water but refused to get wet for the fear that I might get blisters and chaffing. In no time at all, (at least, I’ve never noticed the distance), I was already at the 21K turning point. The 1st half of the race was just completed!

And here came the challenge! The thought of having to run another 10K+ going back was something to deal with. But I have resolved to finish strong. I have to embrace each moment. I started to feel the stiffness of my calves and legs. But the thought of backing out never dawned on me. Good people from Takbo.ph and Reinier Pacific Aid Station were giving spray liniment. That was a blessing! Plus, the banana given by the girls and the encouragement from Mr. Amado and Jinoe all helped. While I was threading the stretch of Buendia, I was already contemplating on the challenge of going back to Kalayaan Flyover. Based on my previous races, returns via this hilly route were really tough. And indeed, that was tough. I have to run in small steps, and walked several times. But I was already looking forward to the finish line which was around 1K to go. And those pains and difficulties became surmountable. What mattered to me at those moments was the thought of completing my goal. And the experience was made even wonderful after receiving my medal! This was something I offered up to God for His Glory. Since all of my races are dedicated to Him!

Afterwards, I waited for my other officemates and eventually waited for BroJ to witness his first Full Marathon Finish! Thank you for the inspiration!

The story of my first marathon: Condura Run 2010

Our day started at 2:00am. Swthrt and I had a pouch of instant oat meal and soft boiled egg (actually intended to be hard boiled, he he he) for breakfast. We then prepared our hydration gears(vitwater endurance and GU gels) and the food we prepared for my post race meal. This was the first time that we have prepared foods such as bananas, pocarri sweat, vitwater, nature valley energy bar for a post race meal. Before we left our home, we had a short prayer for protection and the strength from our Lord Jesus Christ.

We arrived at the venue at around 3:00am and after a brief parking, we immediately had our warm-up run and stretching. We met friends who gave encouragements for they knew this was my marathon debut. After having the power kiss from Swthrt (she ran the half marathon) I checked in as soon as I heard the announcement for the 42k runners to check in. At the starting area, more friends have given their encouragements. I also met runners from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur who was introduced to me by my officemate George. Soon after the opening ceremony and fireworks display, we were off to a good started.

My target time for this race was 5 hours and 30 minutes. The truth was, I had other hidden targets such as best time of 5:15 and a dream target of 5:00. I even scheduled my lap time per 10 km. I had a good start and have keep in mind not to be carried away by the fast runners. I kept on echoing in my mind that I have to run this on my own pace. Going to Bayani Road was no problem as I was familiar with the area. I reached 10K mark at 1:08. This was faster than my target time and so I have to slow down. For the next 10k, I was enjoying my run and had to remind myself not go too fast. When I reached the 21K marker it was 2:29.07. The run at the Skyway was a different experience. Half of the road was all for the runners. You just have to enjoy the moment. When I saw the next kilometre marker which is 25K, I knew the challenge will be up ahead. I had only run twice in my training the distance over 25K. As I made my turn around at the Bicutan Skyway exit, I was beginning to feel tightness with my leg muscles. I had to take a walk every time I felt my muscle was starting to cramp. The greatest challenge was the Heartbreak Hill of Skyway which was along the NAIA 3 interchange. I was planning to take it running with short strides at slow pace but like a car with low power engine, I cranked up and had to run-walk alternately. As I made my way back to Skyway heading for Buendia, I was able to hold my sanity by following the pace of a group of runners in Timex Ironman singlets as they run-walk the remaining part of the course. Upon reaching the Takbo.ph and Rienier Pacific Aid Station, I was graciously handed a banana by a young child and was given a liniment spray and massage by mckoy of Takbo.ph. The cheers and encouragements of the volunteers in this station really kept us runners going. I continued to follow the group of runners up until Makati Ave. I reached Km35 at 4:26.33, and the last big challenge of the course is the Kalayaan Flyover squeezing all the strength left in me. When I reached Fort Bonifacio, I was already struggling with the heat and the pain on my legs. I was praying that God would sustain my energy. My fear then was I would have a muscle cramp that would really prevent me from running or even just walking. So I have to walk every time I felt my legs are tightening up. I picked on another runner to keep pace. When i saw the marker that has the last 2 km sign, I said to myself, “Kaya mo yan, malapit na!” And I did it over and over. And it was the longest 2km of my life. And when I reached the final kilometre mark, I looked at my watch and saw that it was 5:22.26. And to hit my target I needed to run it within 8 min or faster. With all that I have gone through, there is no way that I can run that fast. As I made my turn at 5th Avenue I made the final push until the finish line. And there’s no better way to finish it than by seeing Swthrt waiting at the finish line. I did it in 5:32:12!

For all that I have experienced throughout this race, I thanked God for the strength He gave me to finish the race! To God be the glory!

My Condura 42k Experience

This year’s edition of the Condura played a significant role in my running experiences. I took on the challenge of running my first full marathon. Preparations have been tediously made physically and mentally. Swthrt and I arrived at the venue at around 3:00am and did warm up run around BHS, did some stretches and proceeded to check-in for what I considered… the race of my life. The race started at 4:00am and the rest was history. It was a great experience for me. My target time was 5:30. It was painful but fulfilling as I crossed that finish line in 5:32.

Congratulations to Condura brothers, Patrick and Ton Concepcion!

More stories to come as I recover…

What is your pre-race ritual?

Today is the start of the race kit redemption of the much-awaited Condura Run 2010. This year’s edition of the race opens the skyway to marathoners including the skyway heartbreak hill portion which the NAIA3 interchange (200 meters incline, ouch!). I’m quite sure that many runners will dare the challenge of running the full marathon for the first time, me included. And so this makes me curious on what marathoners do on their last minute preparations. I’ve heard of some runners having their own personal pre-race rituals. For some they eat certain kind of food (like their own way of carbo-loading), others have body massage, or simply say a little prayer and sleep early the night before the race. As for me, I still don’t know. I’m not even sure if I can sleep early because of excitement or fear. One thing is sure, I will lift up my race to God in prayer and ask for his protection and blessing for the strength I will be needing to finish the race.
How about you? Share your secret last minute preparation.

God bless you all runners!

Jitters

It will only be a matter of days and the Condura2010 will be hosting many first time marathoners in the country including myself. At this stage, many of us may feel anxious, excited, tensed, afraid or mixed feelings. As I told Swthrt, I have never felt this way since my very first road race (my first 5K at Mizuno Run 2 years ago). I just pray and hope that this feeling of uncertainty, excitement and whatever will do me good on my first step to my first full marathon race. In line with this, let me share you this insight from Sports Spectrum Devotional. The World Series is like the Condura 42K (or your first 5K, 10K, 21K). All the people you know are keeping their eyes on you. Here it is,


“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”
Psalm 40:3

BIG LEAGUE JITTERS

It’s the World Series—the epitome of the “best” in baseball. You are a key pitcher in your team’s lineup. All eyes are on you. It’s a situation that just begs for your nerves to take control. How do you get rid of those big league jitters? If you are Orel Hershiser in the 1988 World Series, you sing hymns.

Not exactly your normal sight in a major-league stadium. That’s what calmed Hershiser down, though, singing praise to his Lord. We all have what we consider “big league jitters” now and again. What calms you down in your times of stress? Maybe you run, or read the Bible. I know when I get to the point of “What now?” I take a moment and just pray. If I’m scared, I can feel my fear melt away. If I’m worried, suddenly the problem doesn’t seem as bad. It’s just the simple fact of knowing that God is there and listening to me—no matter what I’m going through. I am not alone—and neither are you! —Natalie Creech