Joseph the Dreamer (TBR Dream Marathon Story)

I may not have a multi-colored coat and certainly not a biblical character but I also have a dream. When I started running two years ago, I dreamed of joining a race and it came into a reality. I joined my first 5K race at the Mizuno Infinity Run last July 29, 2008. Afterwards, 10K races. And then a dream of running a half marathon and I did it in Condura Run 2009. And from then on, I joined numerous races not alone but together with Swthrt. She completed the cast of my wonderful dreams in running. Soon after, I had a dream of running my first full marathon. And God was so gracious to have allowed me to experience it and I owe it to Him. I ran solo at the Condura 2010 marathon. Swthrt was still reluctant to try the distance. It was a magnificent experience to finish one but it could have been the greatest if Swthrt was with me. When The Bull Runner made an announcement on the Dream Marathon I knew this was the realization of yet another dream not only for me but for Swthrt as well. Swthrt will be running her first full marathon. The dream was made sweeter when it was open to second time marathoners. Without any second thought we signed up for the race and the rest is history.

The BullRunner Dream Marathon was undoubtedly the best and most organized race designed for first time marathoners. It gave all the support a runner should need from the training guidelines to nutrition and logistical needs of each participant. The whole team headed by Jaymie (The BullRunner), Coach Jim Lafferty of P & G and Neville Manaois of Second Wind were very supportive. The group runs held at BHS and Nuvali gave runners the needed confidence coming into the race. And on the day itself, you couldn’t ask for more. If there were any glitches, it was so minute that no one would even bother to notice them. It was a dream in reality and a tough act to duplicate.

On the Race

We checked in at El Cielito Hotel, Sta. Rosa the day before the race. We saw Anna and Jun also checking in. After taking some rest, our plan was to have an early dinner at around 5:00pm at the Paseo de Sta. Rosa. We chose Kanin Club, as we wanted to have rice and we chose adobo as our viand. We wanted to be safe in choosing our food as we don’t want any unwanted revolution in our stomach. We went back at the hotel hoping to sleep as early as possible. We actually forced ourselves to sleep. The excitement was keeping us awake.

At twelve midnight the alarm went on and we prepared ourselves for the challenge ahead.

We have cereals and Milo for breakfast after which we texted our friend Anna that we will be going to the venue.It was a festive ambience when we arrived at Nuvali. You can feel the excitement in everyone. Runners were being called to check in few minutes before gun time. The runners were more excited when Coach Jim announced that everyone will be a marathoner before noontime.


The race started on time with all the runners sticking together as we run on the opposite side of Nuvali. We kept pace with Anna and her daughter and with Team Logan for awhile. Swthrt and I planned to stick to our agreed pace of 7:00-7:30 doing a 9-1 Galloway method. Our main goal was to finish and for Swthrt to enjoy her first marathon. And for the first loop of the course we were just have fun running. We even decided not to use our ipods though we had them with us. The course was full of surprises for us since we did not join the long run held here at Nuvali. There were uphills and downhills, there were also portions which looks like the ones used for trail runs.

It was a good thing we have some hill trainings during our runs at UP. All these things add up to the amazing experience we had. Water and Gatorade stations were strategically located not to mention the fruits and cold sponges located where a runner would need them most. Starting on the second loop, the sun started to shine. The bigger challenge lies ahead on running under the heat of the sun. Upon reaching KM25, Swthrt started to feel the onset of cramps on her calf. I adviced her to take it easy and slow down as we don’t want it to reach a point where she won’t be able to move her legs. It was a good thing she was able to shake it off. We were able to reach KM30 without any problem. We even had a time to take a photo of the marker knowing that this will be the start of the unfamiliar territory (her longest run being a little over 30Km).

Beyond this point, stiff leg muscles started to creep in. The heat of the sun also started to take its toll on us. We have to change strategy as we could not sustain the 9-1 run-walk ratio. We would walk if Swthrt feel any on-set of leg cramps and would run as far as we could. The cheers from people on the vans who would occasionally pass along runners certainly gave encouragement. The loud voice of Coach Jim from his van just did the same. It was a joy to hear “you’re doing great, you’re running a marathon! Don’t forget to hydrate!” All these are music to our ears. Also, the cheers and words of encouragements from the Second Wind Team were very much appreciated. Thanks Timmy for those cups of water. Even the runners were giving encouragements to one another.

Just before reaching the rotunda area, the sight of Junrox and his teammates holding those canisters of liniment sprays gave us an immense relief. It was just what we needed. Junrox sprayed those liniments on our legs. Thanks Junrox for the help. Starting at KM37, we started to rejoice on every kilometer we covered. Nearing the final 3 km of the race we saw George (my officemate and personal running coach) running towards us.


He paced us for the remaining kilometers but went ahead of us upon reaching the Solenad area and position himself to take a good shot of us crossing the finish line. We did it in 5:58:+.

Our split time: 01-10Km: 1:24
10-20Km: 1:20
20-30Km: 1:26
30-40Km: 1:34
40-42Km: 0:14

It was really a superb experience to finish a marathon. It was even made best if you’re doing it with the one you love. Congratulations Swthrt! I am proud of you! You are now a marathoner! I love you Swthrt!

After the race
Upon crossing the finish line, every finisher was handed their medal and an ice cold towel (which I called lumpia, hehehe) for us to freshen up. We have some photos taken by Photovendo which you could readily get a print out copy. Thanks Ben for the nice photos. There were big smiles in everyone’s face especially the finishers. All were in high spirits! After a few minutes rest, we went back to the hotel for breakfast!

Thank you once again to Jaymie, the BullRunner, Coach Jim, Neville,and the rest of the Team and the volunteer runners who have given their full support for the realization of our dream. God bless you all!

To all the finishers/marathoners CONGRATULATIONS!