The Yellow Jersey

Random Thoughts

2011-08-28T17:32:00.004+08:00

For people who aren't on a 5-day-work-week like me, the long weekend officially begins today. There's nothing much on my itinerary though - blame it on a week-long battle with cough and colds. The past couple of days had been rainy, cloudy and windy. But today, sun's out and I thought I'd give my trainers the much-needed scrub. Someone has just wished on his wall for a sunny day - you're in luck buddy!

Vegan Not Yet

I thought I'd be loyal to paperbacks and hard-bounds. Now, I'm reading a third book from a tablet. The first one spoke about genetically modified foods, organic products and L-tryptophan. The book offers a wide range of easy-to-prepare and mouth-watering recipes, all healthy and yummy. But I am not ready yet. I will just continue with my no-red-meat diet, for now. The whites will still be a regular on my plate.

photo by lulu.com

Segue: went to buy my favorite vegetable lumpia from Orange Brutus and guess who I saw? The Omerta! Just read the full article where he lambasted his critics over a race he helped organize some three weeks ago. I still couldn't believe such reaction from a revered person, from the same one who a year ago called for harmony in the running scene. Some quarters vowed, including myself, that if he's the one behind a race, we'd rather go bandit!

Aaron's Game

I sat beside Aaron while having a chi-noy dinner last night. Her lola is in town for a short vacation, the dinner capped her long-day tour of Cebu. While we munched on a whole-carbo entree, Aaron was also working on his own menu - the Kung Fu food game. We ate, he played. And he giggled and giggled some more! Lola will be preparing a hot pot tonight and we will sit together again. Aaron will be in cloud nine once more. The child's joy is just priceless!

photo by itunes.com

Gutsy!

A few days ago, I bumped into a fellow runner at the mall. Looked like he came from another workout. I asked him about his sore ankle from a few weeks back and he responded smilingly, pointing down. Yesterday, he joined the 1st USC Warrior's Run and completed this morning another half marathon in Panglao, Bohol. Unstoppable or simply a warrior? I am just amazed at how sometimes the heart and mind can overcome a physical ill like parang wala lang. Here in this photo, Al Raymond's enjoying a 42K run amidst the pain, a full marathon through the rain. Yes, I will say it again - injury is only for the strong!

photo by jameslgo

Shout-outs!

Today is the big day of a big boy who's still somewhere in Mindanao, helping, keeping insurgents at bay. Happy Birthday, Marine Officer Romel Robles! On Friday, our little boy turns into an adult as he turns 18. Party in advance while enjoying the temporary break from the Academy. Happy Birthday, Cadet Praise Camacho Bisleg! All the best, guys! Make the country proud!

Have a blessed Sunday, everyone. Enjoy the long weekend! Paminsan-minsan lang 'to!

KFM 07.24.11

2011-08-01T14:48:00.000+08:00

It was the most anticipated race after the Cebu Marathon. It only featured two distance runs - 21K and 42K. It was participated in by close to 800 enthusiastic runners. It was held in SW Cebu covering the towns of Badian, Alegria and Malabuyoc. The coastal view was a perfect setting. It was not for the weakest of hearts. It was the Kawasan Falls Marathon or KFM.

A spectator, supporter, photographer - these were my key duties for the day. With a sore toe and barely three hours of sleep, I rushed to the bus terminal in the hope of catching the first trip to Badian. At 4AM, buses were still almost empty so I thought the yellow bus would not be hitting the road soon. And I knew that by the time we reached Kawasan, almost half of 21K runners would have crossed the finish line.

Today, TYJs June-Marq Briz, Brandon Niala and Bong Acebedo ran their 1st 42K and became certified marathoners. Woot woot! Richard Ytac debuted at his 1st 21K. Lor Solon, Liezl Vallente, Alex Arong and John Acebedo were simply mastering the art of completing this race category. Today was filled with memorable experiences. And missing this event for anything would be a faux pas.

Got off the bus at nearly eight and hopped immediately on a rented habal-habal that took me to the entire race course. Overcast skies and ocean view provided complete backdrop. Rolling hills. Rains here and there. Supportive locals. Caught up with elite runners, barefoot runners, seasoned runners and club runners - Ungos, TTBs, Lasangs, FRCs, TWRs, PS BPs, Soushas. Made a u-turn upon taking a photo of the last marathoner.

Congratulations to all runners, finishers, winners and first-timers. Props for our TYJ June-Marq Briz for placing 10th in the Female 42K category. We are truly proud of you!

Finally, the whole KFM experience wouldn't be complete without sampling what Kawasan was famous for - its marvelous falls and cold waters!

See you at KFM 2012!

Additional photos by Sydney Delos Reyes

Milestones!

2011-06-22T01:20:00.003+08:00

It is a significant stage for people who track their progress. They call it a landmark run. It sums up the distances in kilometers and miles, the long countless hours spent on the road and the buckets of sweats and sometimes, of tears. Some take it too personal, they call it their run-niversary. And such is the case for most Team Yellow Jersey'ers. But more than an anniversary, it's also a celebration!

The 2011 edition of Citirun held on March 27 marked my first year of being in the running scene. It was my fourth appearance at a half marathon and as if all the life forces were with me on that part-rainy sometimes-sunny red-letter day, I crossed the finish line with a new PR. And who would have thought that a year later, for a baby team like TYJ, eight would be full-pledged half-marathoners? Whoa!

Almost three weeks later, the rest of the pack took their turns. The Great Lapu-Lapu Run 3 happened on April 17 as part of the yearly Kadaugan Sa Mactan festival. The perky marked their anniversary by virtue of their favorite distance, the 10K. The adventuresome, on the other hand, took the more challenging, the 21K. Nevertheless, everyone had fun. It was a worthwhile year one and everyone's poised for an exciting year two!

More milestones at MIM and KFM, later...

Run Rewinds

2011-06-13T23:07:00.001+08:00

I had to heed doc's advice, otherwise, I'd be sidelined for life. No impact exercises for one month - that's what the exact prescription said, nothing else. Wait, he offered two alternatives, either I go spin or swim. Bending is good he quipped, pounding is not. Tough!

It's only been two weeks since being detached from my actively functioning self but it felt like reprising that role I played at a recent leadership boot camp - blindfolded, crippled, totally useless. But who knows, this long layover may do me some good, eventually. Think positive!

And since I can't be in the scene an awful lot these days, I will reminisce and backtrack a bit and relish those good running moments with TYJ and friends...

02.20.11 - Operation Smile Charity Run (Cebu)

02.27.11 - Edsa Run (Manila)

02.27.11 - People Power Run (Cebu)

03.06.11 - Fire Run (Cebu)

03.20.11 - Run For Youth (Cebu)

See you soon, guys!

additional fire run photos by iamkatol

The Love Run 02.13.11

2011-03-11T15:13:00.004+08:00

The race happened on the Sunday closest to the day of hearts and it featured a couple's category, thus, it was dubbed the Love Run. But the main attraction of SM2SM Run organized by Run for Sight was of course the half-marathon that took runners from SM City Cebu to the future SM site in SRP and then back. It could have been my fourth 21K since I started running and my second for the year but I just couldn't pass up a rather more important occasion in Manila, family first ayt?

But hey, five TYJs ran half-marathons on this day - June Marq, Alex, Brandon, Liezel and (drum roll) Lor Solon, her first. That's 105 kilometers in total! Props for you, guys! Flying under the radar for a while but six half-marathoners in less than a year is really something. Another TYJ will make her 21K debut on March 27 (here's hoping). Our seasoned 5Kers are also getting more comfortable with 10-12K. And we are growing. And things look brighter and better (an observer/friend said). So let's keep on running.

photos courtesy of liezl and gracia

PLDT Smart 10-Miler 01.30.11

2011-03-11T00:05:00.000+08:00

I'd go by the saying "if you have nothing good to say about anything or anyone, better not say anything at all". So here are the photos instead.

additional photos courtesy of katol v. and victor b.

2011 Subic International Marathon

2011-02-24T16:31:00.004+08:00

The word "ends" in the previous post may have casted a not so good spell for the incoming year it took me almost 2 months to return to blogging. Not that there's nothing newsworthy since 2011 ushered in. In fact, there's plenty. It's just me probably. The writing fingers may be in an extended holiday but the running feet are not, for sure.

First stop for the year - the 2011 Subic International Marathon at SBMA in Olongapo on January 9. It was a reunion of sorts with our running friends from Manila. They had initially planned to run the CCM but since it's happening a week before the Sinulog Festival (the real motivation to fly to Cebu), we had to look for an event as huge and equally exciting. So from the takbo.ph calendar, we picked SIM.

SIM treated us to a whole new route. From the get-go at quarter past 5 in the morning, the stretch of the Subic Freeport was a sight to behold. We had the view of the ocean on one side and green sanctuary on the other. Literally, runners dominated the roads and worried less about speeding vehicles. And running with platoons of soldiers and trainees made us feel a lot safer.

We were specifically excited for June Marq because it's her first attempt at 21K and voila! She completed it in great fashion - 2:20. Likewise, it's another PR for me and Alex. Rodel, Jojo, Lor, Leonette and Tina ran another comfortable 10K race (my hunch tells me they'd do 12 or 15K next time). And too bad, we missed Mildred's second(?) 5K as the short distance runs were scheduled for late afternoon but good for her she was able to go swimming.

Finally, the journey up north wouldn't be complete without the side-trips. The Geraldinos who served as our excellent hosts showed us around town - from the shopping havens to the only tiger safari in the country, the Zoobic Safari. In our next visit, we'll explore Subic some more. So again, thank you to our newfound friends - Mr.& Mrs. Geraldino and our tour guides Fitz and BJ. See you soon!

3rd photo courtesy of aadc

TYJ 2010 Running Season Ends!

2010-12-31T18:15:00.001+08:00

Capped it weeks ago, actually. But with December being the busiest, the attempts I made earlier to document our last race for the year has proven futile. So today, in the occasion of the new year, I am juggling between composing this post and cooking my kitchen specialties (menudo and sopas) for the family's get-together later. Multi-tasking, in short. Hope I don't screw up big time.

What was supposed to be a one-man contingent for TYJ considering the venue (outside of Cebu), the event ended with 6, complemented with an eager TYJ support group. Half ran, more than half cheered. That's double the fun at the 2nd edition of the Quezon City International Marathon. QCIM2 also marked my 2nd half-marathon, with a couple more extra (23.3K). Completing my sophomore 21K run, the feeling's different but it's sweet, still.

The race began on the Philcoa area, just a few meters from the city's most revered landmark, the QC Circle. In the first and last 4 kilometers of the race, runners were treated to the grandeur of The Oblation as we did a quick tour of Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, a UP-Ikot literally. Almost a decade ago, the Melchor Hall of the Diliman campus used to be home on weeknights. Memories. Memories.

Considered as the widest freeway in the country, runners took the uninterruptible 6 lanes of the Commonwealth Avenue for the most part of the race. Among its many highlights, it's the route I liked the most. The roads are well-manned, hydration stations were available every 1.5K and yes, energy drinks flowed. With overcast skies, even the weather cooperated that early Sunday morning.

2010 has been a good running year for Team Yellow Jersey. I ran the streets alone back in March. Today, I share the same passion with not just plain runners but fun and happy bunch of people. From this point on, we'll continue to abide by one simple and basic rule - we will run for fun, first. For something else, second.

From TYJ and Friends, here's wishing everyone a Prosperous New Year and an exciting and healthy running season in 2011!

(collage courtesy of my TYJ Family, thanks for the autographed copy.)

Next stop: Subic International Marathon and Cebu City Marathon - January 9, 2011.

5th Seminary Fund Run

2010-12-08T09:30:00.033+08:00

Seminario Mayor de San Carlos hosted this 5th edition of Seminary Fund Run on 11.28.10 for the ongoing rehabilitation of its facility. And although that Sunday morning was marred by rains, it still generated decent numbers in terms of head count. Of all the races I have run, it's the most wet (if there's such a term). From the starting point on Dela Montana Street all the way through the 10K turning point in Banawa, the roads were literally damped. Running under this condition, complete with overcast skies, was a lot better than when the sun's out. For me, I think.

For TYJ Amy, Brandon and Leonette, this was a milestone run. On this day, the bar was set higher as they ran their first 10K and they completed it convincingly. Congratulations, guys! We hope to see you in a couple more 10K races before kicking it up a notch (12 or 15K?). One step at a time remains the key though. And it won't be long when all of TYJ are running the same distance, pacing together and still having fun. That will be D day.

'til our next run!

Oops!...I did it again

2010-11-24T20:39:00.006+08:00

It would have been a good prep run for my upcoming half-mary. But lady luck wasn't on my side probably and she didn't want me on the road that morning. In the same way she kept me from joining that race with the pink casket as main attraction several weeks ago. To describe this simply, I goofed up again. Who in his right mind would set his mobile phone alarm while it's still on a quiet mode? Nobody But Me! They said it comes in 3s so if it happens the 3rd time, don't blame me. Tao lang po!

Anyway, my co-TYJers were at M-O Plus Run held last Sunday, 11.21.10 at the Asiatown IT Park. It was the "Labanan ang Malnutrisyon" campaign by the producer of M-O Plus, a natural food supplement made from today's miracle tree - moringa oleifera or malunggay. Alex, June Marq and Lor delivered three 15Ks and Amy, Brandon and Ching the other three 5Ks. So that's 60K total for TYJ and about 4,000+ calories. Way to go, guys!

And here are random photos from the event...

Next stop: 2010 Seminary Fund Run this Sunday, 11.28.10.

additional photos: sydney delos reyes and m-o plus on fb

The Bottle School Run 11.14.10

2010-11-20T02:54:00.001+08:00

He spearheaded building structures in various shapes and sizes. Illac Diaz, the prime mover of MyShelter Foundation is at it again. Only this time, he's constructing school from yet another unconventional source - polyethylene terephthalate bottles. Plastic bottles in short. This was the main thrust of last Sunday's Eco Dash - The Bottle School Run held at the Ayala Terraces here in Cebu.

I was battling a terrible cough late Saturday evening and I thought a 10K run may just be the right remedy. So when my alarm went off at quarter past 3 the next morning, I got up albeit with a bit of hesitation. Hours later, I was among the finishers, feeling tired but delighted, wet but definitely not sick. Joining the race was indeed a healthy choice.

In terms of the numbers, it was unlike the previous races. This one, however, was one of the well-organized and the only one in my mind that offered a real post-race entertainment. Veteran runner Mr. Raffy Uytiepo strutted his stuff on stage ala Elvis Presley. Eat Bulaga's Julia Clarete was a hit with the crowd via the Shembot number. And Barbie Almalbis was just thrilled to dish out a string of songs to a tropa of "gising" and not to the usual "lasing".

As for Team Yellow Jersey, only 4 of us were around this time. Nonetheless, the absence of others was augmented by June Marq Ocana as she placed 7th in the overall 10K Female category . She clocked 1:00:38. Likewise, Alex "Diosa" Arong did another impressive sub-1 (0:57:44) finish in10K Male. And Lor Solon completed another 10K race. Congratulations, guys!

Labanan ang malnutrisyon, kitakits sa M-O Plus Run ngayong linggo!

photo credits: first 2 and last 3 by lorebelle joy

iMAgeS FrOm 2 HaLLoWEeN eVeNTs

2010-11-18T00:59:00.000+08:00

<10.24.10> St. Peter's Run, 3K-5K-10K, SM City Cebu

<10.31.10> Citigym's Halloween Run, 3K-6K-12K-21K, Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Lahug

additional photos: norwindetalla & sydney delos reyes

Testing The Limits

2010-11-16T02:22:00.005+08:00

It's becoming a habit already, the penchant for extraordinary adventure. Nearly eight months ago, on my first ever official foot race, I braved and conquered an extreme 8-kilometer uphill run. Shortly after my first stint at a half-marathon in September, we trooped to a neighboring island for a great outdoor experience only trail running could offer. And four weeks ago, I obliged to yet another test - The Columbia Trailmasters Duathlon in the rugged mountains of Balamban in Central Cebu.

Yes folks, it's my first duathlon. My what? Many still give me that blank look every time I utter the term so here's a little trivia. A duathlon is a sports event that involves two disciplines, running and cycling (or biking). It is commonly a run-bike-run format where athletes first run a set distance, bike a set distance and finally run another set distance. This combo sport usually occurs on public roads but to put a more extreme element to the race, duathlons are now held off-roads. And such is the case of the October 17 event.

The day before the race, on a gloomy Saturday afternoon, we headed up the mountain and camped out in our tents on an uneven grassland courtesy of the generous owners of K33 Zipline, one that has the reputation for Cebu's longest. Got settled in our temporary homes, the guys readied the burners and the ladies cooked their specialties - chicken barbecue and spaghetti (pasta on the mountain, who would have thought?). Moments later, it's carbo-loading indulgence for everyone (even if I'm the only one competing, LoL!).

I signed up for the executive individual category which they said was designed for novices, beginners and weekend warriors. It meant I had to run 5K on the first leg, bike 10K on the second and run another 5K on the final leg. Really sounded easy! At quarter past four in the morning on Sunday, we began to ascend from our camping ground, proceeded to the bike transition area, deposited my equipment, then went back to the assembly point and prepped.

Minutes past six, we were released from the get-go. It was all good the first five minutes but when we shifted from the road to the hill with less than two feet of brown clay to step on, the agony began. It was nothing I had expected. The tranquility in lush greens and vegetation was an outright contrast to the adrenaline rush everyone was into. We scaled mountains then sloped down the trail, then went up again and down again. It did not occur to me that the first leg could be that punishing. The subsequent stages couldn't be a little gentler.

It sure wasn't. The bike part was brutal. The one who mapped out the course was a Nazi! If the tracks were meant for bikes, we wouldn't be on our feet for the most part. I slide, fell hard on my butt and held on to my bike countless times. Within that hour of absolute misery, I had to cross a very narrow path, slated and damped. One mis-step, maybe I wouldn't be here blogging about it. Inside my head at the time were regrets and remorse. Had I only known.

The final 5K run leg was a bit forgiving. At this juncture, only exhaustion was standing in my way of completing my first crack at a duathlon. Well, believe it or not, I did graduate in my category. There were moments though when quitting came knocking but the door's completely shut the entire time. What didn't kill me made me stronger. Going into the event, I only had the will, my tried-and-true TYJ support crew and the grace from Above. When it ended, I gained an awful lot.

So what's next, a Tri?

photo credits: 2nd & 8th - lorebelle joy, 7th - estan cabigas

Quezon City International Marathon 2

2010-10-26T01:02:00.000+08:00

Capping TYJ's 2010 running season with a bang! We've just signed up! TY Rodel!

Conquer The Hill: Snapshots

2010-10-23T02:05:00.000+08:00

10.10.10. While Manila hosted the Guinness worthy "A Run for Pasig River", Cebu witnessed another milestone event for Holiday Gym and Spa when it presented the 3rd edition of "Run To The Max." It featured 4K, 8K and 16K runs and offered participants a taste of the uphill via the Busay route. Team Yellow Jersey was there!

Additional photos by Sydey Delos Reyes

Citigym's Halloween Run

2010-10-13T21:57:00.013+08:00

This is the coolest thing that could ever happen this side of the planet. I am talking about Citigym's Half Marathon dubbed "A Halloween Run" happening on October 31, 2010. Forget about ghost-hunting, instead go 21K-chasing. Skip trick or treating but indulge on 3K-6K-12K fun running. Come in your hippest, scariest and craziest and assemble at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino lagoon area just before the break of dawn.

As a added treat, a ChiRunning workshop will be conducted by a ChiRunning expert on October 29, 2010 also at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino. This is to better prepare runners, particularly the half-marathoners. There are limited slots so reserve a seat early, refer to the poster below.

Save the date, register now! TYJ and Friends will be there! Thanks to Julia Siscar of Citigym for the event specifics.

The Glam Run

2010-10-03T17:56:00.004+08:00

It was the morning the roads figuratively turned into ramps. Regular runners took the runways, err, the streets side by side with fashionistas who added pizzazz to the event, a welcome change. It was the Glamour Run, organized by STC High School Batch 87, directed by Runcheck, held on September 19, 2010 at the Ayala Terraces.

Glam Mom June Marq placed 10th in the 5K female category, a success on the third try. Glam Diosa was sub-1 in the 10K male, a consistent feat. Glam Friends dominated their respective events, a real class act. Congratulations, guys! TYJ is very proud of your achievements. Cheers!

Been out of the running circuit for awhile, on purpose. I missed last weekend's World Heart Day Run and today's Pink October Run. But I made up for that with more - a total 44K on the bike. The Columbia Trail Masters Duathlon on October 17, that's what.

See you on 10.10.10 when we Conquer the Hill!

Additional photos: James L. Go on FB

Fifty-One Thrills

2010-09-25T02:27:00.001+08:00

In the occasion of the first blog past the 50th mark and the recently concluded Thrill of the Trail in Danao, Bohol, here's a rundown of 51 cool things from that truly awesome experience.

The North Face. E.A.T. Danao. Chocolate Hills. Carbo-loading. Suislide @ 600 Ft. Close to 400 Trail Runners. Two Rivers. My Garmin's Debut Run. 80-KM Boat Ride. Luduvese Family.

Rice Paddies. Cornfields. Muddy Shoes. TYJ Tarp. Bellyboom YL. Well-water Bathing. Braided Hair. 11K & 22K Extreme Running. Wiena of Danao Park. Katol V. & the Ungo Runners.

Mountains & Valleys. Boholano Hospitality. Ube-flavored Kalamay. High Sierra. Habal-habal Ride. Overflowing 100 Plus. Lor's Bam-i & Humba. Pomelo Tree. Dirt Roads. 300-peso Accommodation.

4AM Breakfast. Atty. Haide. 300-plus Photos. Carmen-Danao Trip. Camacho Road. Granola Bars. Green Municipal Hall. Dagohoy Monument. Roosters' Early Morning Greetings. The Plunge.

Breath-taking Views. Friendly Neigborhood. Clean Fun. Pure Excitement. Unadulterated Jokes. Trivial Talks. Girlish Giggles. Unbridled Laughters. Great Company. Bayanihan.

And...Team Yellow Jersey.

Until the next adventure...

Sweet Victory

2010-09-22T02:54:00.000+08:00

My 20^th race was a 21K. On 09/05/10, I joined the 34^th Milo Marathon and completed my first ever half marathon. It was the second best thing for a newbie runner like me, next only to the ultimate runner’s goal – the full marathon. It was a landmark run after being in the sports for six months. It just seemed like a short while. One race at a time I always said. I would get there in time and I did.

Living up to its reputation, the annual Milo Marathon remains the nation's longest-running and biggest foot race. With close to 23,000 participants, the Cebu eliminations was one of the well-attended in the provincial legs of the yearly event. For 400 children, it meant new pairs of running shoes, for countless others, it's taking part in a historic event. For me and a host of 21K first-timers, it's about fulfilling a dream.

There were lots of stories to tell, lots of drama. I had my own share. In all my previous races, only exhaustion pallowed me to shift gears. Back there, fatigue met a new partner in pain. Past the turning point at SRP, my right leg started to cramp. I had to do short and slow run and complement it with long walking strides. On a momentous day while traversing what seemed to be an endless bridge, the runner in me was on the verge of quitting. I folded my hands and looked up. Then I whispered quietly "Kaya Ko 'To".

Reaching the foot of the bridge, I obliged to the hydration station. Twinkle caught up with me and said hello. Moments later, I was slowly pacing again. Kaya Mo Yan! That three-word slogan worked to a tee. Ain't that a work of a genius? Along P. Del Rosario, in the last kilometer or so, I gave in to another cold water quench courtesy of Doc Lan and Ms. Jojo Osorio. Their water booth at SRP was the best. I am not an Ungo runner but they treated every runner like one. Thank you.

As I approached the final stretch of the race, I really had to stop. Pain struck again. A biker on standby helped me get back. Fifty meters. Steadily I walked, ran and finally crossed the finish line victoriously. I may have been bruised in the process but my spirit was whole, alive and rewarded. I may not have ended it in fine form but it was sweet, still.

Thank you TYJ and friends for patiently waiting in the stands. Thank you fellow runners, bloggers and well-wishers. Thank you Milo for the unforgettable experience. And most of all, thank you for the spiritual hand that led me through. None of these would have been possible if You did not will it. The glory is all yours.

additional photos: joy polloso, sydney delos reyes and katol v.

The Columbia Trail Masters Duathlon

2010-09-17T08:28:00.000+08:00

Thinking of going up a notch? Here's a good one. I am contemplating...

1st Recoletos Run Goes Green!

2010-08-30T12:37:00.015+08:00

Hours before the race, heaven sent showers, long and heavy. That underscored the soothing attribute that is in the color green all around. You see, green occupies more space in the spectrum evident to the human eye. And when people showed up in droves, in green singlets, everything just got refreshingly greener! So, it's only apt to call the 1st Recoletos Run on August 29, 2010, the Green Run.

The event had a dripping start but a sunny finish. Thanks to the good weather turnaround and the positive spirits of the eager crowd - elite runners, recreational and fun runners. Great to see Twinkle again in her best costume, to date. And the Viking runner who's making quite a name for himself. It's also a refreshing change to see more young people getting into this sports. Proof to this was that very young girl who was among the top finishers in her category. Atta girl!

As for Team Yellow Jersey, we came and ran to support. We may not have sported the color motif (hey, mine had a dash of green) but green and yellow go together perfectly, always! TYJ congratulates Josenian Inc. for staging a successful 1st Recoletos Run. We'll look forward to the next edition.

The Green Run was just a prelude to a much greener event happening next week. And I know you guys know what I'm talking about. See you all there!

Ciao!

additional photo credits: jang samson & james go @ fb

We Ran Miles for Smiles

2010-08-27T17:35:00.003+08:00

It's an annual event that began in 2003. Miles for Smiles - Run for Cleft Care benefits children with "bingot" or cleft palates. It is a brainchild of Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines, Inc., a team of surgeons and doctors who endeavor to raise awareness that this condition is treatable and for free. On August 22, 2010, the 8th edition of Miles for Smiles took place at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig which featured 3K, 5K, 10K, 16K race categories and a 400-meter kiddie dash.

HOMECOMING RUN

I was back to a familiar place. Fort Bonifacio used to be our playground back in the days, having spent my younger years here. What was formerly a golf course and a training ground of the Philippine Army is now regarded a premiere business hub and known today as Bonifacio Global City. A domain of the city of Makati before but now forms part of the city of Taguig. Surveying the race route prior to the event gave me an exciting feeling, thinking I would be traversing again a territory which was home to me decades ago.

REUNION RUN

In 1996, we were a bunch of twenty-somethings assigned to D&B, a financial project. We are not accountants by profession but a two-week training transformed us into balance sheet and profit and loss experts. Since then, we have walked different paths - Mildred (legal), Ate Letty (consulting), Rodel (financial), Jojo (health) and Derick (outsourcing). As for me, you know how I have been. We have stayed in touch though through the years, thanks to an innovation called mobile texting and a phenomenon called Facebook. And thanks to running, Miles for Smiles provided a venue for us to get together after ages. As I write this post, they're already planning for the Oct. 3 Avon Run - splendid! BTW, it's the same team that bestowed on me the BossMan or BM moniker way back.

MY FIRST 16K RUN

Another milestone run for me since it's my first 16K. I had intended to advance further one step at a time because I firmly believe that still, timing is key. It's the second of my 3 preparatory runs going into my first ever half marathon in early September. I can't believe that's eight days away. After six months of being in the game, my D-Day is almost here. I want for that moment to be sweet, memorable, and me feeling and looking healthy as I cross the finish line. I’m getting ready, getting ready...Oh boy, what a day it's gonna be...

RUN & EAT!

It's the second most fun part in every race, next only to saying "cheese" or "eight" in front of the cam. It's chow time! I had a simple breakfast in mind but the gang thought otherwise. We ended up along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay, in one of the dampa-style restos and feasted on sinigang na salmon sa miso, buttered chicken, pinaputok na tilapia, adobong kangkong and pansit, for (the celebrant's) long life. Coupled with good laughs, a videoke and free Starbucks frappuccinos - indeed, it was a perfect Sunday! Until our next run.

Next stop: 1st Recoletos Run (back to Cebu!).

Images From Pilipinas 25K International Marathon

2010-08-25T21:57:00.000+08:00

Event: Pilipinas 25K International Marathon
Race Date: August 15, 2010
Organizer: IPI
Categories: 5K, 10K, 25K
Start/Finish Point: Asiatown IT Park
Sightings: PBB Double Up Alumni
TYJ Rating:

TYJ in Run for the FOOTure

2010-08-17T19:17:00.008+08:00

Of the many races we've run, this one's special. After fifteen events, The Yellow Jersey finally launched the official Team Yellow Jersey shirt. And it's only fitting to see TYJ paints the roads yellow on an occasion dedicated to people with congenital deformity - the clubfoot babies. Yellow symbolizes hope and that we aspired to give them when we RAN for the FOOTure last August 1, 2010.

Team Yellow Jersey is a happy bunch of people. Shiny, happy people! We are a group who don't mind whether we're in the lead pack or last in the race. We don't care about the numbers - these are not the be-all and end-all. If we excel in what we do, that's an extra. We will run in just about anything - fashion's so trivial. And most importantly, We Run for Fun - this is the TYJ statement.

On its maiden run, TYJ the shirt made a splash. Here are the proofs:

For the following photos, TYJ would like to make special mention of Katol V., runner/blogger friend and a supporter, for capturing TYJ in action and for pimping us enormously in his blog. Thanks, Katz!

Sa uulitin.

Until the next race!

Run for Life 2010 in Photos

2010-08-05T18:27:00.000+08:00

See you August 8 - Run for the Footure!