I joined James Betia’s (aka Journeying James) Contest for the free race kit, and I just got the information Friday night while I was in SM Mall of Asia with my friend Ziggy while waiting for Running Diva. Without thinking twice I told Ziggy that I need to go home at 10pm because I have a fun run early Saturday morning. I need this race because it’s FREE! And it’s part of my training.

I woke up at 3am early on Saturday morning, without even knowing where in Alabang Town Center is the starting line. So I just follow the couple that I saw because they are also wearing running attire. And it was a success! The starting line is near Rustan’s Supermarket at Alabang Town Center.

I saw few people from Takbo.ph and some of my few friends that I met in Atulayan Island in Naga City. It’s nice to run from a different location, and it’s not too crowded. The race route was inside Ayala Alabang Village, few up hills but mostly composed of flat course.

My goal for this run is just to run at my own pace and finish the course without walking. And to my surprise, as I approach the last water station where I saw Ms. Nao, she told me that I was the 2^nd female to pass by for the 5k distance. I was so overwhelmed when she informed me that I was running for 2^nd place. I finish my 5k with a time of 36:45; I am not really at peace with the result because during the awarding they are mixed up with the result for the 5k category.

Overall I am just thankful that they gave me the same price, and for the official result I was in 3^rd place for the 5k category. I am thankful for the free race kit, 3^rd place on the 5k category, and to the race organizers that are very considerate and open when I told them that I was on 3^rd place after they announced the winners for the 5k category.

Race Bib - got it from JourneyingJames ContestRun with the Light 2011

Prices - 3rd Place Women's 5k Category

Join us! When you get to be part of a huge event where running groups, athletic teams, health-minded social, commercial, and caring communities will merge and synergize, while investing in a worthy cause, you’ve already won! Let’s join hands helping change lives and inspiring our youth. We at LIFELINE Foundation Support Team, Inc. invite you to take part in what is simultaneously a worthy cause and one of the biggest running events in the South this summer. We invite you to this year’s RUN4LIFE 2011 RUN FOR A CAUSE on May 15, 2011 at Filinvest Westgate, Alabang.

Mark MAY 15, 2011 in your calendars.

Registration period has begun and is up until May 6, 2011.

We at LIFELINE Foundation Support Team, Inc. invite you to take part in what is simultaneously a worthy cause and one of the biggest running events in the South this summer. We invite you to this year’s RUN4LIFE! RUN FOR A CAUSE on May 15, 2011 at Filinvest Westgate, Alabang.

After RUN4LIFE 2010’s huge success last July 2010, and we’re expanding this year!

We received numerous positive feedback from our runners, sponsors, and other participants, and asked for the next run.  Well, here we are.

The proceeds of this year’s fun-run will go to the following Lifeline Foundation initiatives and supported projects:

• Satellite School Program
• Patient of the Month and Medical Missions

• Community Library
• Youth Soccer Program

We invite you to partner with us in our efforts toward the betterment of people’s lives by participating in RUN4LIFE 2011 RUN FOR A CAUSE.  There will be four legs in the run: 3k, 5k, 10k, and 16k.  We’re opening the race to everyone:  young and old, beginners and experts, enthusiasts and supporters, individuals and groups.

We are expecting participation from the large establishments, institutions, and communities, and running groups in the vicinity.  So tell your friends, family, neighbors, team mates, colleagues – tell your village!  This is indeed a praiseworthy objective to put together our time, energies, and resources for.

   YOU MAY REGISTER ONLINE AT:    http://www.ineedalifeline.org/run4life/    OR
                                                 
REGISTER IN PERSON AT OUR REGISTRATION PARTNERS:

    ·         Chris Sports

              – Chris Sports 3/F SM City The Annex (+632 441-1889 and +632 441-1075)
– Chris Sports 4/F Market! Market! @ The Fort (+632 886-7467 and +632 886-7468)
– Chris Sports SM Megamall 2F Bldg. B (+632 633-4946 and +632 633-1659)
– Chris Sports 2F Glorietta 3 (+632 818-6124 and +632 818-6136)
– Chris Sports Mall of Asia Main Mall 2/F (+632 556-0260 and +632 556-0261)

·         Lifeline Foundation Headquarters
#86 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes Parañaque (+632.836.2514)

·         Sujiivana Salon
The Serenity Place, Westgate Center, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang,
Muntinlupa City (+632.771.2386 to 87)

·         Guhit kamay
G/F Cinema Area Alabang Town Center, Zapote Rd., Alabang, Muntinlupa City

REGISTRATION FEES:

·         3k  course – P450           ·         10k course – P550
·         5k  course – P450           ·         16k course – P550

* Fee is inclusive of singlet and race number.
* Singlet availability is subject to a first register, first serve basis.
* An on-site registration will be open on the race day at 4:00am,
but no guarantee on the availability of race kits.

About Lifeline Foundation

LIFELINE Foundation Support Team, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization made up of doctors, nurses, dentists, educators, musicians, engineers, counsellors, graphic artists and writers who are all friends living in the city of Manila, dedicated to the relief of the oppressed and the empowering of the victim-minded.  We began with a suicide prevention hot-line in 2003, and within the same year started giving free medical, dental assistance, along with free food and groceries, clothes and blankets to several Mangyan tribes of Mindoro. As Filipinos we began to sense a greater call to a global responsibility to the human need.  We were proud to send a mission in December 2005 to war-torn Rwanda in Africa – third world helping third world, proving we have a lot to give.

Since then, our foundation has given birth to several initiatives to help empower and change people’s lives: Medical & Wellness Outreach Missions to different barangays and municipalities in the Metro extending up to the provinces providing free medical consultations and medicines to several hundred policemen, firefighters, tanods, barangay workers, traffic enforcers, sanitation workers and their families; Patient of the Month program, where we sponsor surgery, therapy or other treatments to people who cannot afford it, to restore them to productivity once more; Animal Welfare school tours; Satellite School program for the underprivileged children of Barangay BF, Adoption Advocacy, Prison Cottage Industries, and many more. Get to know more about Lifeline Foundation Support Team Inc. by visiting http://www.ineedalifeline.org

 

I decided to run at Takbo.ph because it was I’m a member of the organization, and of course I don’t want to miss this event. It was opened for 2,000 runners, limited slots only.

This is my 2^nd race event after 3 months of no run. I’m excited because I can finally run at Filinvest Alabang. New route for me, and I did not expect anything from the route but all I know that this is a road race.

The gun start for 5kms is 6:10pm. And we’re late for 1 minute. So we’re the last one who crossed the starting line. I was with Daniel and Clarence. As I crossed the starting line, Sir Jinoe saw me walking and he shouted at me, “Takbo na! Naka takbo.ph singlet ka pa naman tapos naglalakad ka!” I laughed to what he said. I started the run slowly; the race for that night was very nice because it’s not hot. And the wind breeze was cool. One thing that I did not expect from this run is the up hills. I thought everything was flat course. But at the end I was able to push myself and manage not to walk for my 5k run. And my finishing time is 34:34. I am satisfied with the result. As I reached the finish line, I was so thirsty. I did not hydrate myself to push myself and I am doing it as a part of my training. At the finish line, there’s a Pocari Sweat booth for the finishers, multi sport magazine, and certificate for the finisher, Gardenia bread and a Magnolia drink.

I enjoyed the run, and the photo booth. The entire race was fully organized and Congrats to Boss Jinoe and to all the volunteers and crew of Takbo.ph, you did a great job! I am looking forward for the next takbo.ph run!

Aristocrat Food - For Purchase

Sponsor: GSM Blue

Gardenia Raisin Bread

Chris Sports

Thanks to Junrox for this shot

Photo booth One

Photo Booth Two

Thanks to Marvin “Nutty Bunny” Opulencia and Junrox “tigerboy” Roque for allowing me to use their images.

Last September 2010 I went to Naga City because of two reasons: one is for Camsur Marathon 2010 and second is for “GALA” mode.

It was April 2010 when I’ve decided to join Camsur Marathon.  Since then, I’ve always check on seat sales of Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines because I don’t want to take the bus going to Naga City because of long hours of trip. I want to enjoy my stay at Naga City and make gala with the best that I can.

And it was May 2010 when I bought my plane ticket at Cebu Pacific for 1,300php (back and forth) together with my friend Ross of Takbo.ph. Since she’s a free lancer and I really want to avail a cheap fare, we both decided to stay in Naga from September 23-28, 2010 (super gala talaga). And to add on my College friend Mau joined us too.

September 23 at 11 in the morning is our flight to Naga City. We arrived to Naga at 12 noon and we took a tricycle from Naga Airport to the main road and the fee must be only 7-8php per head. But the first time we asked a tricycle driver regarding the fare from the airport to the main road, he said 200php (grabe manong, sobra sa tubo). From the main road to Naga City we took a jeepney ride for 13php/head. We booked at the Old Sampaguita Inn for 500php/night; our room was air-conditioned, with television and hot and cold shower.  We booked at the right hotel because it is walking distance to SM Naga, and also to different fast food chains.

With Ross at NAIA Airport

Arrival at Naga City Airport (Mau. Mark and Clarence)

On our 1^st day at Naga, after we checked in at the hotel we had our lunch at Jollibee since we’re so hungry. After that we went back at the hotel to take a nap and rest to be able to go out late in the afternoon and explore the place. We went out at 6pm in the evening and had our dinner at the back of the Cathedral near Sampaguita Inn, we ate at “Jing Jing’s Eatery”, the food was delicious and it’s super cheap. I ordered half laing, beef steak and 1 cup of rice for only 29php (naisip ko nalang, ang sarap tumira ditto ang mura ng pagkain). After our dinner we had coffee at Beanbag Coffee (Starbucks Version of Naga City), the price of their coffee and pastries are way cheaper (and may Wi-Fi pa). I ordered White Mocha Ice Blended for only 75php (tall size of Starbucks). After our coffee session, its bedtime na.

Laing and Beef Steak

 

Starbucks Version at Naga City

with Mau and Ross at Beanbag Coffee

And for our 2^nd day we had our breakfast at Biggs Diner, one of the famous places to eat at Naga City. I had Spaghetti for my meal and Molten Lava for my dessert. After our breakfast we’ve decided to go to Cagsawa Ruins to see Mount Mayon. From the Van Terminal we rode a van going to Sabang for 1 and ½ hour and just asked Manong Driver to drop us at Cagsawa Ruins and the fare is 60php per head. From the main road we rode a tricycle going to Cagsawa Ruins for 7php per head. As we reached Cagsawa Ruins, the weather was cloudy (oh no! NO perfect cone for us?!). We met one of the tour guides at Cagsawa, his name is Enrique Ocleana but we call him “King” for short. He’s a very nice, approachable and hospitable tour guide and very gentleman also. He toured us to Cagsawa Ruins and told us the history of it and we’re currently standing at the 2^nd floor of the church that sunk in because of Mount Mayon lava. He told us that he can take us to Daraga Church and Ligñon Hills thru his Honda Wave Motorcycle. It’s a Habal Habal ride for all of us. Our second stop is Daraga Church; according to King the church was called Daraga church because it was build by all Filipinas who are Dalaga. And Daraga is the Bicolano translation of Dalaga. And our 3^rd stop is Ligñon Hills; it was an uphill road going there. And at the top you can have a Zip Line activity; I just didn’t asked how much it is. We just waited for the rain to stop and still No perfect cone of Mayon for us. After that, we just decided to eat at Camalig and we ate their famous viand which is Inolukan and Pinangat. Bicol is one of the best places to eat. It was all worth it, because they have good food and the price is way cheaper compared to other places that I’ve been. We asked King to join us at our early dinner because it’s his birthday. He did not ask for any fix amount when we asked him how much we need to pay him. He told us, “mam kayo na po ang bahala”. So we gave him 400php as our payment and birthday gift for him. You can contact Enrique “King” Ocleana thru his mobile number +639995574164.

Biggs Diner

Molten Lava for 55php

Cagsawa Ruins

Daraga Church

Lignon Hills

Habal Habal with King

Famous for Inolukan and Pinangat at Camalig

On our 3^rd day Mau and I decided to go to Atulayan Island, we have no idea where it is and how long the travel time is. We researched at the internet to take a Van going to Tigaon (for 60php/head), we just asked Manong Driver again to drop us at Sangay. From Sangay, we rode a tricycle (for 25php) going to Nato Beach and from Nato Beach we rode a boat going to Atulayan Island (for 200php/head). Atulayan Island is a 30 to 45 minutes ride from Nato beach. A very serene place, clear water and fine sand. We went to the island with just bread at water on our bags. No plans of getting a cottage. We just had our malong, placed it under the tree and left our things. God blessed us as we bump into a big group with approximately 15-25 people and just invited us to join the in their lunch. We had squid, tuna and rice sa dahon ng saging. The group traveled from Manila to Bicol via road. And they’re also joining the Camsur Marathon. You can contact “Mang Koding” thru his mobile number +639094072846 for the boat ride. He’s very approachable and pwede ka tumawad sa fare lalo na when you’re a big group. And the care taker of the island is “Ate Lanie” +639074527566 you can ask her to cook for your food and their very hospitable and kind to their visitors. Mang Koding and Ate Lanie know each other, and have a contact regarding the visitors who are coming in to the island.

Atulayan Island

Atulayan Island

The people who feed us and our new friends

On our 4^th day, it’s Camsur Marathon. I am one of the participants at the 21km distance race. I was so tired and lazy to run because of my activity at Atulayan Island. I woke up at two in the morning to prepare for the race, and we also need to catch the bus schedule going inside CWC. Every distance has different starting points and one finish line. Running at Camsur was one of the greatest experiences that I had. The people are very supportive, as I ran the 21km distance minsan gusto ko ng maglakad. But the route is bayan-bayan, so all f the residents are outside of their houses waiting and cheering for the participants. So minsan I just thought nakakahiya maglakad. The weather at Naga City was next to Cebu City. It was very humid at that time, buti nalang di nauubusan ng sponge and water sa mga stations. And the residents are very helpful sila mismo ang nagbibigay din ng sponge sa runners. I had cramps for the last 5kms of the race, but I had no choice. I have to finish the race even if I have to walk. NO DNF’s for me. When I reached km 19, I said, “This is it! Malapit na!” but it was the longest to kilometers that I ever had! It was so hot and I am exhausted and still I pushed myself to finish my 21km run. As I approached the finish line, I saw my takbo.ph friends and they cheered for me and it was so good na there are times that you want to give up BUT you have friends to encourage you to finish it. For takbo.ph peeps, love you and for the residents of Naga saludo ako sa suporta nyo.  I am very happy too that Ross did finish her first full marathon, after all the sentiments na kinakabahan sya. Sabi ko nga it was normal, and besides she has training, e ako walang training when I had my first full marathon. Cheers to us sister! We’re a marathoner!

Approaching the finish line

With My Precious Medal at Camsur Marathon 2010

And on our 5^th day, after Ross had her first full marathon and I had my half marathon, we both decided to try wake boarding. We just both said, “bahala na sis, andito na tayo. We need to try it!” so we went to CWC, and had our wake boarding experience even though we’re having a difficulty sa paglalakad. Still we managed to stand sa board. It was all worth it! And ang sarap mag swim the day after ng run, magandang recovery run. Later that night, we prepared our stuff because our flight to Manila is nine in the morning. We’re both wasak sa pagod and haggard but the experience was so sulit. We’re both tight sa budget but still God stretched our budget from the hotel, food and to the places that we’ve been thru. Ang galing ni God, because He gave us finances for this run and pasyal and nakabili pa kame ng pasalubong. I can’t imagine that we only have 4,500php for 6 days for all of these. One of the best souvenirs that I had is the ref magnet that was made out of Mount Mayon Lava.

Special thanks to Suzi Bermudez and Brando Losaria for my race pics.

My dream to become a “MARATHONER” started when I supported BDM102 last March 2010.

I know it was an impulsive decision but I want to run my 1st full marathon by the month of May 2010. And by the time that I was decided someone told me, “Tin, ubos na ang slot sa Dream Marathon”. And I know I can’t do anything about it so I said, “Sa CAMSUR Marathon na nga lang”.

Then one day (1st week month of April 2010) I received a message on my Facebook account from Rachel and she’s asking me if I’m interested to buy her slot kasi she won’t be able to run sa Dream Marathon. Before I replied on her message it took me two hours to decide whether to run or not because I know my training time will not be enough for the preparation.

So I replied, and told her that I am interested to buy her slot. And after that I told myself, “Bahala na, basta tatakbo ako”.

What I did on my training program is I joined all the trail runs. I joined All Terra King of the Mountain 10kms, Merrell Adventure Run 15kms, TNF Baguio 22kms, and one road race which is Mizuno Infinity Run 15kms, Mount Batulao climb for TNF preparation.  That’s it! I’m just taking the risk on my full marathon. My increase of mileage since last February was a blast!

After my trail run at TNF 22kms, I had my recovery run a day after. After my recovery run, I begun to feel the pain on my right knee. So as a usual remedy, I had RICE for Wednesday and Thursday then run another 15kms at the Team Boring LSD at MOA.

The pain stayed on my right knee and it went up on my upper leg and I’m so worried that it might get worst if I pursue to have long runs before my marathon day. So I decided to rest for two weeks and had a 3kms run but still the pain was still there. So I told myself, “It’s all or nothing on my marathon day!” I rested for a couple of days before Dream Marathon. But every night I do my leg strengthening exercises and put ice on my right knee. That’s my only hope! I don’t want to take the risk of having long runs before my marathon day because I’m afraid that it might get worst and won’t be able to run on my marathon day.

So finally, after weeks of waiting I am going to take a huge risk for myself. I went to Sta. Rosa on Friday afternoon to have a good rest in the evening for my full marathon. But guess what?! I can’t sleep! I’m excited, nervous because of my right knee, anxious all the time because I know physically I am not prepared for this. My longest run is 22kms.

So here’s the question that may pop into your mind while reading this blog, “How did she survived her 1st full marathon without complete training?”

How did I survived my 1st full marathon? Here are my answers:

1. I PRAYED. I prayed for my 1st full marathon. A week before the event, I asked Pastor John (pastor from VCF Alabang) to pray for me as I run my 1st full marathon on May 22, 2010. I asked God for strength, determination, strong threshold over pain, patience and I promised God that I will bring back all the glory to Him.
2. I CONDITIONED MY MIND. I conditioned my mind that I CAN and I WILL finish my 1st full marathon no matter what it takes. I told myself that, “Even the pain can’t stop me from running”.
3. I ASKED. I talked to only one Ultra Marathoner and asked for advice, he told me to: “start slow, stay strong, welcome the pain, listen to your body and say a prayer everytime you reach each kilometer marker”.
4. I PRAISE GOD. I listened to Hillsong and Chris Tomlin’s songs as I run the race.

As the race started, I walked then slow run after 3 kilometers. I did the Galloway technique until I reached kilometer 22. As I reached kilometer 23, I started to feel the pain on my right foot. Then, I kept on doing Galloway technique until kilometer 25 but the pain was getting intense so I walked until kilometer 30-ish. It was so hot and the pain was so intense but I walked and walked and run a bit and kept on singing the songs that are playing on my iPod.

For my last eight kilometers, Carly paced me and I really thanked God because she was right on time. She encouraged me to walk faster and run a bit if I can. I want to cry every time we reach a kilometer marker.

Before we reach kilometer 40, someone’s waiting for me (na-touch ako). He didn’t break his promise that he will come back for me after he finish pacing one of the participants of Dream Marathon (I’m sure marami nag iisip kung sino sya, hehe!).

… KM40, KM41 and then nakita ko na ang bridge going to Solenad.

approaching finish line with pacer Carly

 

Yahooooo! As I approached the finish line, all my worries and pain are gone. And as I reached the finish line and had my medal I whispered, “Thank You God for Everything!”

Dream Marathon finish line!

To sum it up, The recipe of my 1st Full Marathon is Prayer, Faith in God and 100% of my heart! God is with me as I conquered my 1st Full Marathon and the label “MARATHONER” belongs to Him!

*** Thanks to Takbo peeps for the support and the banners!

poster for Dream Marathoners! - thank you so much guys!

 

Adination Alabang

 

Takbo.ph support

my banner, posted inside my room