Reliving the Dream Marathon

The TBR Dream Team Run last November 17, 2012 was a blast for Team JRunning. It was our first race to run with a new team member and in a uniform singlet. For our teammate Mae, it was a wonderful experience finishing her official 21K race. For us, it was a time of remembering our first run at Nuvali as we recall every road we took of the 2010 Batch of the TBR Dream Marathon.   

Our first journey

When I started running sometime in 2008, it was all for health reason. As I begun to love the sport, it brought me to a higher level. I progressed from a 5K fun runner to a marathoner at Condura Run in 2009. It was an ecstatic experience for me but it was nothing compared to running a full marathon side by side with Swthrt. When the Bullrunner, Jaymie, organized the first Dream Marathon for beginners and first time marathoner, Swthrt immediately signed up. It will be a dream-come-true for her to finish a marathon just like I did. Little did we know, it will be our first marathon running together? Jaymie opened the event to second time marathoners and the rest is history (click here for our Dream Marathon story).

Going back at Nuvali

The TBR Dream Team Run allowed us to trace back memories of our first marathon together. Not only that, it also allowed us to share the experience with a friend whom we knew also like running. Team JRunning arrived at Nuvali quite early. As they say “the early bird catches the early worm”, we had the first chance of a photo shoot with the BullRunner. 

With a few runs as preparation prior to this race, we came determined to have fun and finish the race. As we returned to Nuvali, it brought back memories of our first Dream Marathon. The Dream Team Run had a different course than our race back then in 2010 but it was the same as last year’s race route as it was announced before the gun start. Our team was led by Swthrt as she was the strongest among the three of us and with me at the tail end (that is the reality), hehehe. We have a great start with a cool morning breeze but the route was tough especially on those long inclined roads. We tried to encourage one another and were able to run/walk alongside each other in most part of the race. As we came near the finish line, the sun was up and it became hotter and hotter. I had a burning sensation under my feet. I felt I was having blisters. It was painful and I was really feeling uncomfortable. Everyone in the team was already tired and had to master all remaining strength in us to run the last 1K to the finish line where our son, Josiah was patiently waiting to take photos of our final push to end the race. We felt great as we were handed the finisher medals. We immediately proceeded to the event area and savor our victory of conquering another race. The Krispy Kreme donuts and Evervon Activ Recovery drink was a wonderful treat for all the runners. We also got our finisher’s shirts and freebies.  As a reward, Swthrt and I bought for ourselves new pairs of Thorlos socks.

A great reunion race for TBRDM alumni

As expected, it was a well organize race with Jaymie, Jun and Neville on top of it and the rest of the TBR team efficiently manning their post. The fun continued with the full support of Unilab Active Health, Krispy Kreme, Thorlos and other sponsors with their booth at the venue area.

Congratulations Jaymie and thank you for allowing us alumni of TBR Dream Marathon to relive the day when our dream of finishing a marathon became a reality. God bless!

The joy of running with a buddy

This year’s edition of the Fit n Fun Buddy Run by Robinsons Supermarket will be our first couple run since this kind of race was introduced. Swthrt and I usually run together during races ever since she was hooked. We always finish major races in identical times, like more recently, the Globe Run for Home and the TBR Dream Marathon. It does not mean though, that we do not want to run alone. In fact we run separately during the 2010 Condura Run. Swthrt ran the 21 K solo while I ran my first full marathon. Running with someone close to you is really great.

2010 Run for Home

TBR Dream Marathon

Running with a buddy is fun, much more if he or she is the love of your life. I have noticed lately that there were lots of couples running in various races around the metro. We have friends who started running alone and later on convinced their partner to run with them. In UP, which was our favorite running ground, more and more couples are seen running together. The TBR Dream Marathon also registered several couples ran their first marathon like our friends Anna (Meekrunner) and Jun, Eric (RunningBeyondAir) and his wife Ems and more. Not to mention Mariel who was paced by Jun in the second loop of the race. The best thing here is that, couples share each other’s passion in running. You may have known great love stories developed while running together. The unforgettable and sweet marriage proposal in a running event by Hector was a sure winner. Swthrt and I have always enjoyed the site of seeing couples running together or even holding hands while walking. This year’s buddy run will surely be a great event to be with. And definitely more love stories to unfold! See you couples at the starting line.

Photos Talk by Photovendo - TBR Dream Marathon

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!

Photos Talk - TBR Dream Marathon

Full story coming soon!

The final week to Dream Marathon

This will be our final week of preparation for “The Bull Runner Dream Marathon” scheduled on the 22nd of this month. Last Saturday, Swthrt and I got our race packets at the Bull session (group run with fellow dream marathoners) at Bonifacio High Street. We actually arrived 30 minutes late for the run and the group was already out on the road. Instead, we claimed our race packets and proceeded to do our one hour easy run as part of our tapering. As promised, we received our 3 pcs of hammer gel, nature valley bar and more.



This marathon is really one of a kind. It is the only race I have known in the country that help runners prepare well for the event. This race is really designed for first time marathoners to fulfill their dream of finishing one. They even have Runner's Handbook for the participants.


It has several sessions of lectures on different topics that would be beneficial for the runners. It also conducted group runs that would encourage runners and build camaraderie among participants. Another unique feature of this race is the starting time of 2:00am to protect runners from the heat of the sun. The organizers really knew how to pamper their runners. Thanks to Jaymie and her team!

Easy Sunday Run
Last Sunday, we did an easy run at the UP Academic Oval in Diliman. It was fun as we don’t have to exert much effort so as not to strain our leg muscles. We even have time to take some photos, hehehe. Monday was a rest day.

Last Long Run before taper

It was a personal choice not to join the last Bull Session of the TBR Dream Marathon held at Nuvali last Sunday. Swthrt and I opted to reserve the run at Nuvali on race day to add excitement and adrenalin pump. Swthrt was a kind of person who easily get bored when running around familiar route or running around in circle (like in the UP Academic Oval). In lieu of this long run schedule, we planned to run 4 hours around the Metro last May 3 since it was a holiday.

Our run
We started our run at 10 minute to 5:00am. From our place in Manggahan Pasig we proceeded to Eastwood via Calle Industria and went to Boni Serrano Road. The steep incline in Libis area caused us to take small steps running to get us through. Whew! Mckinley hills suddenly became effortless! We then took a right turn at 20th Avenue then went through Ermin Garcia Road, turned right at Kalayaan Avenue and ran all the way to Q.C. Circle. At this early, QC hall personnel were already removing all politician's tarps and posters posted in unauthorized areas. They had tons of bamboo sticks filed up along Kalayaan near city hall. Those can be re-used for to make lanterns anyways. In less than ten minutes, we were in EDSA footbridge heading toward Quezon Ave. We took a short pitstop at 7-11 store for water refill and banana. We then traversed the stretch of Quezon Avenue all the way to UST. Along the way, we were delighted to meet one runner going on opposite direction. It is really a joy to see people of the same passion as yours. Running along Espana was quite challenging because of the street vendors blocking our path. But we survived the maze! We arrived at UST after 2 hours and 40 minutes of running. We decided to enter UST campus and continued our course with additional six rounds around the football field. We had to stop after 3 hours 30 minutes of running because Swthrt was on her second day of monthly period and was tired at this point. Then we went to the place of our BFFs, who graciously prepared sumptuous breakfast meal for us. It was indeed a great run. We then took a cab going home to join the kids in our much awaited bonding time via a movie “ Iron Man 2”.

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.