Archive for July 2009
Being injured sure does suck
You'll start to think you're running out of luck
When used to running to start your new day
Being deprived of what you love sure ain't okay
Surely the injury must have been your fault
Like a wound that needs a bit more rubbing with salt
But who else should go out and take the blame
The only question you ask is "Will I ever be the same?"
Being in recovery ain't very nice
You're slowly getting fat from eating all that rice
Boredom is horrible, every second, minute, and hour
Please change the channel, I'm sick of Gandang R
You're envious of your friends and their LSD's and races
If you're gone for any longer you'll start to forget their faces
You may even need to start looking for a brand new hobby
Knitting or coin collecting now seem none too shoddy
Trying not to run is the worst thing ever
The more you force it, the more you may run never
You're going cold turkey, your head light and hazy
A few more weeks of this and you'll go completely crazy
In your lonesome you think "maybe it isn't for me"
Guess that's what happens when you badly injure your knee
Boredom pervades, you resort to creating rhymes
But even your dog would agree it's a lot of wasted time
When all things are said and are done
All you ever wanted was to really just have fun
You look at the happy times that happened way back then
And you eagerly await
The day you run again.....
You'll start to think you're running out of luck
When used to running to start your new day
Being deprived of what you love sure ain't okay
Surely the injury must have been your fault
Like a wound that needs a bit more rubbing with salt
But who else should go out and take the blame
The only question you ask is "Will I ever be the same?"
Being in recovery ain't very nice
You're slowly getting fat from eating all that rice
Boredom is horrible, every second, minute, and hour
Please change the channel, I'm sick of Gandang R
You're envious of your friends and their LSD's and races
If you're gone for any longer you'll start to forget their faces
You may even need to start looking for a brand new hobby
Knitting or coin collecting now seem none too shoddy
Trying not to run is the worst thing ever
The more you force it, the more you may run never
You're going cold turkey, your head light and hazy
A few more weeks of this and you'll go completely crazy
In your lonesome you think "maybe it isn't for me"
Guess that's what happens when you badly injure your knee
Boredom pervades, you resort to creating rhymes
But even your dog would agree it's a lot of wasted time
When all things are said and are done
All you ever wanted was to really just have fun
You look at the happy times that happened way back then
And you eagerly await
The day you run again.....
Some days you just don't have it.
As my previous post stated, I was harassed to death last week. Zero mileage. Didn't run at all. Still in iffy recovery from Botak Ultra. But me being me, I just had to take a swipe at it. A shot at a 21k PR on a chip-timed raced cutting through Ayala was way too juicy for me to resist. Just had to. Recipe for Disaster? Let's see how this morning's proceedings unfolded.
Not today GBM.
Pre- Race, 4:30 am
GBM : Tito, wake up!
Tito Caloy : Gising na ako!
GBM: Seriously?
Tito Caloy : Eh di pa ako natutulog!
GBM: Why would you do that? We have a race!
Tito Caloy : Ang ganda nung palabas sa Cinema One alangya yung kay Richard, Eskapo! Di ako natulog eh!
GBM:!!! Ugh, see you in ten.
Tito Caloy : Ayos cge ipapakita ko sayo ung bagong sapatos ko Adidas running na running ang dating! 6 tawsan bili ko!
GBM : !!!
He'd rather sleep in the car
Km 1 - 10 . Great things start from small beginnings?
When we got to the starting line, the race was just minutes away from starting. The rowdy gang helped fuel the electric atmosphere, the looming excitement of an actual chip-timed race bursting through the seams. It was funny really, because you saw people sprinting, then stopping, at the mat.
I though I had the strategy down pat. But I was wrong. Obviously, barely running in the two weeks prior took its toll. Also, something I read in BR's blog was nagging at me as I was racing through the first 10 kilometers. After an ultra, you will definitely lose some speed. You need to get back to tempo training. Well, not only have I NOT done any tempo training. In fact I haven't run at all. So logically, it's going to turn out pretty badly. My wind wasn't there. But it still wasn't half bad though.
At the 5k mark, I registered 25:32. At the 10k mark, slight fade at 55:30 but pace was still in contention for my goals. I'm at least 4 minutes off my usual 10k pace but I was thinking (or at least trying to convince myself) that I was merely "pacing". Since when did a positive splitter "pace" the first half of the race though? Still, I felt I could hang on. Seeing the rest of the team on the initial loop had me thinking I'm doing decently. I thought I was on the way to a good day....
10k - 14k. Disaster strikes.
At the 10k mark I'm starting to slow down. Oh no. But not a major dropoff. Noticeable. Come Kalayaan flyover , my "vaunted" incline skills had deserted me. Then I realized it has been nearly a month since I have hit the St. Martin slopes. So much for that. Still, I felt I could ride the fade. Second wind would push me through. Just get me past the Kalayaan flyover and I'll take care of it in the flats.
Then IT happened. At the 14k mark, I stopped for some 100 Plus on the water station, then sprinted away. The abrupt start/stop brought about a searing pain on the side of my knee that was too great too ignore. I tried to run it off, but I couldn't put any weight on it. I tried walking it off, the pain was just exacerbated. I tried stopping and stretching. It went from bad to worse. My pace had dropped down to 7/km now. Oh no. This ain't happening. We are doing so well. Just 7 k more to a new PR! My pace was down to a 5:45 now. Still salveagable. But the pain. Oh the pain. Add to this the mental strain of people passing you. So many people. I had to stop. Walk. Ouch. More ouch. When Takbo.ph rookie and Jumbo Liempo friend Pio overtook me, I was both happy for him and panicking inside. My hard earned lead was slipping away. Big Time. I saw main man Bong Z, slimmed-down Timmy and monster Ed pass me. When rookie/nice guy James paced with me for a while, and when I couldn't even sustain what felt was an 8/km pace and he had to leave me behind, I knew that was a veritable death knell. As I entered the inclines of Bayani Road, a site of successes past, a former sanctuary turned Death Valley.
I can't run anymore. Dammit. I want to cry. But then that would affect my macho image. Arrgh. I want to run! I can't! Everyone's asking what the crap happened to me. Rod and Carlo just passed me. Ain't it great when you have friends who show genuine concern for you? But argh. I'll try to run again... ARGH ouch ouch. I can't. Sob. This sucks. I want ... to... quit? =,(
The spectre of my first ever DNF was very much real. The pain was pretty significant at this point. Each attempt to try and gut it out ended up bringing more pain. At least the last 5k of Botak ultra I was still able to run. This.... I simply couldn't. Add to this the strain of everyone passing my sorry carcass. Let me let you in on a little secret. I hate being passed. It gets to me. I'm a competitive guy, not just in running. But here, I was crumbling amidst the throes of my own mortality. It's hard to express in words the combined feeling of frustration, disappointment, exhaustion and pain that I was going through. It's barely 14k and change. How the heck can I get to the finish line when I can barely even walk anymore?
14k-21k. A friend in need.... is a friend indeed.
As I was losing hope exponentially by the minute, I was suddenly witness to the fact that life's little blessings come when you least expect it. As I had completely given up hope, along came training/pace buddy/carpool mate Bong Yu. He saw me struggling. Told him I wanted to quit. He could have left me, he has his own race to run. But in the spirit of friendship and supreme sacrifice, he told me he would keep me company! Unthinkable! You would sacrifice your race for me? Yeah why not, I'm still in recovery from Milo 42k anyway.
Oh man. I was overwhelmed. Bong encouraged me to just keep my head high. There are other races. Stop trying to run, what will you achieve? It ain't even worth it. You don't have to keep on proving yourself over and over again. You need a break anyway. Stand straight when there are girls passing by so that you keep your poise and still look macho. Maybe they'll think we're 8 minute pacers or something. Ran into a real pacer, Second Wind proprietor/running sage Hector who stopped and gave me some advice on the injury along with some words of encouragement.
The 7k trek to the line was painful. The encouragement and light conversation made me feel so much better. Everyone was passing us at this point. Even Mary Genie passed us. We found it amusing that she was ahead of Tito Caloy, Coach and Neil . Good ol' Tito Caloy was gloating over the first ever time he would get ahead of me in a race. Okay maybe not. But he was genuinely concerned. Didn't matter anymore. I was good. Happy that a friend was actually there for me. As the sun was beating down, a 15/km walk pace told me that we would cover a mere 3k in 45 mins. Eek. As we neared the finish line, the rest of the Takbo.ph boys helped us pace the final km for added support. It looked like a scene from the Beat It video as we were approaching the finish line.
Now that's what you call team support!
Couldn't have done it without this guy.
As racuous cheers from the Takbo.ph gallery met two fallen gladiators, I couldn't help but wonder that in spite of my worst-ever finish, in spite of having to suffer the ignominy of walking the last 7k and limping through the finish line, I was actually happy. Happy that I didn't DNF when it was the easiest choice I could have ever made.Happy to see that in actuality, the spirit of friendship trumps the spirit of competitiveness when circumstances call for it. Lessons will be learnt from this race, and while my injury is showing blatant signs of ITBS I am hopeful for a strong comeback. I am truly thankful for being blessed with good friends who keep on popping up at an opportune time and help me get through. One day I'll make it up to you guys.
Some days you just don't have it.
But on some days....
It doesn't really matter at all.
Tito Caloy Quote of the Day:
"Habang tumatakbo ako meron kaming dalawang chiks na nakasalubong sabay sabi 'Hi Tito Caloy'! Ayos diba? Kahit di ko kakilala nag hi na din ako eh!"
- On enjoying the trappings of newfound internet fame
Philippine Blog Awards Verification Code : PBA09r4qqo72
As my previous post stated, I was harassed to death last week. Zero mileage. Didn't run at all. Still in iffy recovery from Botak Ultra. But me being me, I just had to take a swipe at it. A shot at a 21k PR on a chip-timed raced cutting through Ayala was way too juicy for me to resist. Just had to. Recipe for Disaster? Let's see how this morning's proceedings unfolded.
Not today GBM.Pre- Race, 4:30 am
GBM : Tito, wake up!
Tito Caloy : Gising na ako!
GBM: Seriously?
Tito Caloy : Eh di pa ako natutulog!
GBM: Why would you do that? We have a race!
Tito Caloy : Ang ganda nung palabas sa Cinema One alangya yung kay Richard, Eskapo! Di ako natulog eh!
GBM:!!! Ugh, see you in ten.
Tito Caloy : Ayos cge ipapakita ko sayo ung bagong sapatos ko Adidas running na running ang dating! 6 tawsan bili ko!
GBM : !!!
He'd rather sleep in the car Km 1 - 10 . Great things start from small beginnings?
When we got to the starting line, the race was just minutes away from starting. The rowdy gang helped fuel the electric atmosphere, the looming excitement of an actual chip-timed race bursting through the seams. It was funny really, because you saw people sprinting, then stopping, at the mat.
I though I had the strategy down pat. But I was wrong. Obviously, barely running in the two weeks prior took its toll. Also, something I read in BR's blog was nagging at me as I was racing through the first 10 kilometers. After an ultra, you will definitely lose some speed. You need to get back to tempo training. Well, not only have I NOT done any tempo training. In fact I haven't run at all. So logically, it's going to turn out pretty badly. My wind wasn't there. But it still wasn't half bad though.
At the 5k mark, I registered 25:32. At the 10k mark, slight fade at 55:30 but pace was still in contention for my goals. I'm at least 4 minutes off my usual 10k pace but I was thinking (or at least trying to convince myself) that I was merely "pacing". Since when did a positive splitter "pace" the first half of the race though? Still, I felt I could hang on. Seeing the rest of the team on the initial loop had me thinking I'm doing decently. I thought I was on the way to a good day....
10k - 14k. Disaster strikes.
At the 10k mark I'm starting to slow down. Oh no. But not a major dropoff. Noticeable. Come Kalayaan flyover , my "vaunted" incline skills had deserted me. Then I realized it has been nearly a month since I have hit the St. Martin slopes. So much for that. Still, I felt I could ride the fade. Second wind would push me through. Just get me past the Kalayaan flyover and I'll take care of it in the flats.
Then IT happened. At the 14k mark, I stopped for some 100 Plus on the water station, then sprinted away. The abrupt start/stop brought about a searing pain on the side of my knee that was too great too ignore. I tried to run it off, but I couldn't put any weight on it. I tried walking it off, the pain was just exacerbated. I tried stopping and stretching. It went from bad to worse. My pace had dropped down to 7/km now. Oh no. This ain't happening. We are doing so well. Just 7 k more to a new PR! My pace was down to a 5:45 now. Still salveagable. But the pain. Oh the pain. Add to this the mental strain of people passing you. So many people. I had to stop. Walk. Ouch. More ouch. When Takbo.ph rookie and Jumbo Liempo friend Pio overtook me, I was both happy for him and panicking inside. My hard earned lead was slipping away. Big Time. I saw main man Bong Z, slimmed-down Timmy and monster Ed pass me. When rookie/nice guy James paced with me for a while, and when I couldn't even sustain what felt was an 8/km pace and he had to leave me behind, I knew that was a veritable death knell. As I entered the inclines of Bayani Road, a site of successes past, a former sanctuary turned Death Valley.
I can't run anymore. Dammit. I want to cry. But then that would affect my macho image. Arrgh. I want to run! I can't! Everyone's asking what the crap happened to me. Rod and Carlo just passed me. Ain't it great when you have friends who show genuine concern for you? But argh. I'll try to run again... ARGH ouch ouch. I can't. Sob. This sucks. I want ... to... quit? =,(
The spectre of my first ever DNF was very much real. The pain was pretty significant at this point. Each attempt to try and gut it out ended up bringing more pain. At least the last 5k of Botak ultra I was still able to run. This.... I simply couldn't. Add to this the strain of everyone passing my sorry carcass. Let me let you in on a little secret. I hate being passed. It gets to me. I'm a competitive guy, not just in running. But here, I was crumbling amidst the throes of my own mortality. It's hard to express in words the combined feeling of frustration, disappointment, exhaustion and pain that I was going through. It's barely 14k and change. How the heck can I get to the finish line when I can barely even walk anymore?
14k-21k. A friend in need.... is a friend indeed.
As I was losing hope exponentially by the minute, I was suddenly witness to the fact that life's little blessings come when you least expect it. As I had completely given up hope, along came training/pace buddy/carpool mate Bong Yu. He saw me struggling. Told him I wanted to quit. He could have left me, he has his own race to run. But in the spirit of friendship and supreme sacrifice, he told me he would keep me company! Unthinkable! You would sacrifice your race for me? Yeah why not, I'm still in recovery from Milo 42k anyway.
Oh man. I was overwhelmed. Bong encouraged me to just keep my head high. There are other races. Stop trying to run, what will you achieve? It ain't even worth it. You don't have to keep on proving yourself over and over again. You need a break anyway. Stand straight when there are girls passing by so that you keep your poise and still look macho. Maybe they'll think we're 8 minute pacers or something. Ran into a real pacer, Second Wind proprietor/running sage Hector who stopped and gave me some advice on the injury along with some words of encouragement.
The 7k trek to the line was painful. The encouragement and light conversation made me feel so much better. Everyone was passing us at this point. Even Mary Genie passed us. We found it amusing that she was ahead of Tito Caloy, Coach and Neil . Good ol' Tito Caloy was gloating over the first ever time he would get ahead of me in a race. Okay maybe not. But he was genuinely concerned. Didn't matter anymore. I was good. Happy that a friend was actually there for me. As the sun was beating down, a 15/km walk pace told me that we would cover a mere 3k in 45 mins. Eek. As we neared the finish line, the rest of the Takbo.ph boys helped us pace the final km for added support. It looked like a scene from the Beat It video as we were approaching the finish line.
Now that's what you call team support!
Couldn't have done it without this guy. As racuous cheers from the Takbo.ph gallery met two fallen gladiators, I couldn't help but wonder that in spite of my worst-ever finish, in spite of having to suffer the ignominy of walking the last 7k and limping through the finish line, I was actually happy. Happy that I didn't DNF when it was the easiest choice I could have ever made.Happy to see that in actuality, the spirit of friendship trumps the spirit of competitiveness when circumstances call for it. Lessons will be learnt from this race, and while my injury is showing blatant signs of ITBS I am hopeful for a strong comeback. I am truly thankful for being blessed with good friends who keep on popping up at an opportune time and help me get through. One day I'll make it up to you guys.
Some days you just don't have it.
But on some days....
It doesn't really matter at all.
Tito Caloy Quote of the Day:
"Habang tumatakbo ako meron kaming dalawang chiks na nakasalubong sabay sabi 'Hi Tito Caloy'! Ayos diba? Kahit di ko kakilala nag hi na din ako eh!"
- On enjoying the trappings of newfound internet fame
Philippine Blog Awards Verification Code : PBA09r4qqo72
I just had the busiest week ever with no relief in sight for the next 3 weeks. Sample Gingerbread Day :
6am - 73o - Travel
8am - 10 am - Lecture
10 am - 12nn - Meeting
12nn - 1230 - Rushed Lunch
1230 - 230 - Meeting
230 - 400 - Lectures/Consults
400 - 900 pm - Training for students
900 pm - Gets home and falls asleep while still wearing barong
Of course, not once do you see the words "Running" or "Training" there. With the Globe Run for Home Race holding running denizens captive with the prospect of a chip-timed race, here I am working 13 hour days while the rest of the gang is busy training and strategizing! I was barely able to haul my carcass over to the Runnr launch last night to get my new Takbo.ph singlet and the race kits for myself and Tito Caloy. Couldn't stay long because had to bring Gingerbread Gal to watch Harry Potter (it sucked if you don't read the book BTW)
So in relative comparison :
Usual Gingerbread Mileage - 65 km
This week's Mileage - 0 km
Usual days with Gingerbread Gal - 5 days
This week's mileage with Gingerbread Gal - 2 days
Which brings me to a more serious question - How do you guys and gals actually train and hope to race somewhat competitively when your work is taking over your life? How do you squeeze it in? Reconcile your schedules? And yet hope for a somewhat half-decent time come raceday Sunday? Please do enlighten me. I am so busy that I am only giving myself 30 minutes to complete this entry. Yes, it's that bad. So come give me your inputs, let's discuss this pertinent matter which I think a lot of us could relate to.
0 km. Wow. Surely not the best way to train for a big 21k race.
Let's see how it pans out in a few hours.
6am - 73o - Travel
8am - 10 am - Lecture
10 am - 12nn - Meeting
12nn - 1230 - Rushed Lunch
1230 - 230 - Meeting
230 - 400 - Lectures/Consults
400 - 900 pm - Training for students
900 pm - Gets home and falls asleep while still wearing barong
Of course, not once do you see the words "Running" or "Training" there. With the Globe Run for Home Race holding running denizens captive with the prospect of a chip-timed race, here I am working 13 hour days while the rest of the gang is busy training and strategizing! I was barely able to haul my carcass over to the Runnr launch last night to get my new Takbo.ph singlet and the race kits for myself and Tito Caloy. Couldn't stay long because had to bring Gingerbread Gal to watch Harry Potter (it sucked if you don't read the book BTW)
So in relative comparison :
Usual Gingerbread Mileage - 65 km
This week's Mileage - 0 km
Usual days with Gingerbread Gal - 5 days
This week's mileage with Gingerbread Gal - 2 days
Which brings me to a more serious question - How do you guys and gals actually train and hope to race somewhat competitively when your work is taking over your life? How do you squeeze it in? Reconcile your schedules? And yet hope for a somewhat half-decent time come raceday Sunday? Please do enlighten me. I am so busy that I am only giving myself 30 minutes to complete this entry. Yes, it's that bad. So come give me your inputs, let's discuss this pertinent matter which I think a lot of us could relate to.
0 km. Wow. Surely not the best way to train for a big 21k race.
Let's see how it pans out in a few hours.
The Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run was supposed to be an opportunity for friends and family to come together, take a brief respite from the trappings of everyday running and just go out there and have a blast by running as a pair. While this doesn't beat the novelty of having to eat six donuts over the course of a race (yum) it was supposed to give a fresh take on your usual weekend race. I had my sights set on Tito Caloy as my buddy (think of all the fun comedy anecdotes I could have used as material) but alas...
Lady at Robinson's Pioneer Customer Service : Ay Sir wala na pong slot
GBM : Pero.... last day ngayon diba? *sob*
LRPCS : Oo, pero ubos na ang slots eh.
GBM : *sob*
Thus, I had to grimly relay the info to Tito Caloy.... He must be crestfallen.
Tito Caloy : O, naicancel ko na lahat ng gimik ko! Kundisyon na ako! Game !
GBM: Tito, naubusan tayo ng slots . Sigh.
TC : Ay sakto kakatext lang ni pareng Ambo diyan sa may Griarte bertday daw eh! Cge txt2 na lang!
GBM: (well that didn't take long)
So great. I'll be stuck without a race for the weekend. As much as I wanted to pace Tito Caloy, my ulterior motive was to somehow whip myself back to shape coming from the layoff necessitated by the Botak Ultra. So imagine how happy I was when Takbo.ph denizen Lucille/ Ohm Runner had advised me that her hubby's partner had backed out. I felt fortunate that amongst those who had offered their "services" as a late sub she picked me :) We met the day before at Go Nuts Donuts for the bib and singlet , a veritable EB of sorts as I have never met her before.
Lucille : It's up to you to take care of my hubby
GBM : Of course! Any targets?
Lucille : His best time was a 1:10....
GBM : So it's a sub 70 then! Game !
Lucille : Thank you. Any PR wold be a tremendous bonus.
GBM: I will try my best.....
To make a long story short, I would be running the buddy run not with a buddy... but with a total stranger...
Pre-Race
I'm running late. I cannot be late for this. I have a buddy. I don't know him. But it should be fun. I just drove from Ortigas to Fort in 5 mins. I could have sworn the cops would have given me a ticket. Whew. Made it. It's starting late apparently. The usual suspects here. And... hey! It's Doc Iris! Finally meet her! She's... tall in person! Someone's calling... wait.... It's Argow...
GBM : Yes Argow?
Argow : Shet man!
GBM : Wha?
Argow: I just woke up!
GBM: Yeah, sad. Why you calling me?
Argow: I hooked up on the board! Last minute sub! And I'm here! He's there! Waaaaah! WWaaaaah! WAAAH! Um, is there anyone who could sub for me? WAAAAH!
GBM: Geez, I don't know man. We're starting in like 5 mins....
Argow : Waaaah!
I finally met my buddy minutes before we were to start. Until that point he was only known as "Lucille's Husband" . I must have repeated this a gazillion times to the Takbo.ph gang...
Takbo.ph friend : Hey who's your buddy?
GBM: Lucille's Husband! I'm a late sub!
TF : Who's Lucille?
Carlo was his name. Much better than "Lucille's Husband" right? . I asked him his targets, he said he just wanted to treat it as his long run. He didn't want to push because he wanted to run the Globe 21k next week. But Lucille said sub 70... And how can he finish 21k if he doesn't push on a mere 10k? My competitive juices started flowing, a diabolical plan was hatched to tow my new buddy into new running heights.
"Lucille's Husband" now had a face behind the name
We're Going Too Fast! Km 1 - 5
So it's my first time to ever pace someone at an actual race and it's my first time to run at a significantly slower pace. My adrenalin was killing me. As you may or may not know, I'm a notorious positive splitter for short to medium distance races. This rubbed off on our pace, and as much as I was trying to take it slow, it still resulted in a 6:24 pace that was too fast for my new friend. He was doing quite well first 3 - 4k, then was starting to gas already. We had passed Takbo.ph first couple Jinoe and Que, injured diva Vicky and matinee idol Bong Z as well as Timmy and Joyce so I figured heck , we must be going a bit fast.
Bong and Vix on their "leisurely" pace
Wait, did they just stop in the middle of the road for photo-op?
Buddy Carlo was starting to grumble already, much to my consternation and embarassment.
"This is hard!"
"This is too fast this ain't my pace!"
"You're a maniac!"
Little did he know, it was all part of the plan.....
A Final Push. Km 6- 10
In order to diffuse any unneccessary weirdness, I resorted to humoring buddy Carlo with mundane, useless questions to take his mind off the pain and exhaustion. Things like...
What's your wedding date with Lucille?
Where was your first date?
What's the zodiac sign of your kid?
When was your first kiss?
If someone were to play you in a movie, who would it be and why?
Who you like better, Rustom or BB?
Think Doc Hayden would come up with new material soon?
Despite my best efforts, best buddy Carlo said he was gassing. He was not enjoying this at all! He had to take a walk break. Which was great because.... that was part of the plan. Aha! Pacing with positive split people has its advantages... like slacking off during the 2nd half. The walk breaks , the rest pace splits - all were taken into consideration *evil grin*. We actually had a 31 minute 5k. More than enough to time to recover. *moral victory* After a kilometer or so of walking, we were back on track. A run/walk strategy lowered our pace to about 6:47, but were right on track. He was feeling much better, which was a good thing...
I am not liking this Gingerbread charcter ...
Evil Gingerbread pacer dude
I survived the GBM Pace Experience!
Overall, the race was an organized success. Extribe did a wonderful job with it, we should see them more often. Generous goodie bags at the end were pretty impressive as well.
Niceties were given, congratulations exchanged. Old records fell by the wayside. The essence of the Buddy Run is reflected in a synergy of enthusiasm....
Love....
Smiles.....
Fun.....
and the pursuit of excellence....
We may have not breached any of those in an hour, but rest assured the fundamental element was built that day.....
I started the race with a complete stranger. I ended it with a complete stranger. I just so happen to know some weird things about him now.
Goodbye Carlo. We ran the good race. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. See you around...
Buddy. :)
Lady at Robinson's Pioneer Customer Service : Ay Sir wala na pong slot
GBM : Pero.... last day ngayon diba? *sob*
LRPCS : Oo, pero ubos na ang slots eh.
GBM : *sob*
Thus, I had to grimly relay the info to Tito Caloy.... He must be crestfallen.
Tito Caloy : O, naicancel ko na lahat ng gimik ko! Kundisyon na ako! Game !
GBM: Tito, naubusan tayo ng slots . Sigh.
TC : Ay sakto kakatext lang ni pareng Ambo diyan sa may Griarte bertday daw eh! Cge txt2 na lang!
GBM: (well that didn't take long)
So great. I'll be stuck without a race for the weekend. As much as I wanted to pace Tito Caloy, my ulterior motive was to somehow whip myself back to shape coming from the layoff necessitated by the Botak Ultra. So imagine how happy I was when Takbo.ph denizen Lucille/ Ohm Runner had advised me that her hubby's partner had backed out. I felt fortunate that amongst those who had offered their "services" as a late sub she picked me :) We met the day before at Go Nuts Donuts for the bib and singlet , a veritable EB of sorts as I have never met her before.
Lucille : It's up to you to take care of my hubby
GBM : Of course! Any targets?
Lucille : His best time was a 1:10....
GBM : So it's a sub 70 then! Game !
Lucille : Thank you. Any PR wold be a tremendous bonus.
GBM: I will try my best.....
To make a long story short, I would be running the buddy run not with a buddy... but with a total stranger...
Pre-Race
I'm running late. I cannot be late for this. I have a buddy. I don't know him. But it should be fun. I just drove from Ortigas to Fort in 5 mins. I could have sworn the cops would have given me a ticket. Whew. Made it. It's starting late apparently. The usual suspects here. And... hey! It's Doc Iris! Finally meet her! She's... tall in person! Someone's calling... wait.... It's Argow...
GBM : Yes Argow?
Argow : Shet man!
GBM : Wha?
Argow: I just woke up!
GBM: Yeah, sad. Why you calling me?
Argow: I hooked up on the board! Last minute sub! And I'm here! He's there! Waaaaah! WWaaaaah! WAAAH! Um, is there anyone who could sub for me? WAAAAH!
GBM: Geez, I don't know man. We're starting in like 5 mins....
Argow : Waaaah!
I finally met my buddy minutes before we were to start. Until that point he was only known as "Lucille's Husband" . I must have repeated this a gazillion times to the Takbo.ph gang...
Takbo.ph friend : Hey who's your buddy?
GBM: Lucille's Husband! I'm a late sub!
TF : Who's Lucille?
Carlo was his name. Much better than "Lucille's Husband" right? . I asked him his targets, he said he just wanted to treat it as his long run. He didn't want to push because he wanted to run the Globe 21k next week. But Lucille said sub 70... And how can he finish 21k if he doesn't push on a mere 10k? My competitive juices started flowing, a diabolical plan was hatched to tow my new buddy into new running heights.
"Lucille's Husband" now had a face behind the name We're Going Too Fast! Km 1 - 5
So it's my first time to ever pace someone at an actual race and it's my first time to run at a significantly slower pace. My adrenalin was killing me. As you may or may not know, I'm a notorious positive splitter for short to medium distance races. This rubbed off on our pace, and as much as I was trying to take it slow, it still resulted in a 6:24 pace that was too fast for my new friend. He was doing quite well first 3 - 4k, then was starting to gas already. We had passed Takbo.ph first couple Jinoe and Que, injured diva Vicky and matinee idol Bong Z as well as Timmy and Joyce so I figured heck , we must be going a bit fast.
Bong and Vix on their "leisurely" pace 
Wait, did they just stop in the middle of the road for photo-op?Buddy Carlo was starting to grumble already, much to my consternation and embarassment.
"This is hard!"
"This is too fast this ain't my pace!"
"You're a maniac!"
Little did he know, it was all part of the plan.....
A Final Push. Km 6- 10
In order to diffuse any unneccessary weirdness, I resorted to humoring buddy Carlo with mundane, useless questions to take his mind off the pain and exhaustion. Things like...
What's your wedding date with Lucille?
Where was your first date?
What's the zodiac sign of your kid?
When was your first kiss?
If someone were to play you in a movie, who would it be and why?
Who you like better, Rustom or BB?
Think Doc Hayden would come up with new material soon?
Despite my best efforts, best buddy Carlo said he was gassing. He was not enjoying this at all! He had to take a walk break. Which was great because.... that was part of the plan. Aha! Pacing with positive split people has its advantages... like slacking off during the 2nd half. The walk breaks , the rest pace splits - all were taken into consideration *evil grin*. We actually had a 31 minute 5k. More than enough to time to recover. *moral victory* After a kilometer or so of walking, we were back on track. A run/walk strategy lowered our pace to about 6:47, but were right on track. He was feeling much better, which was a good thing...
I am not liking this Gingerbread charcter ...
Evil Gingerbread pacer dudeWith the finish line in sight, buddy Carlo was seriously gassing. He wanted to walk last hundred meters. I told him just 300 meters to go! 200! It's just one more minute of misery in exchange for a week of glory! I shared the mantra that pushes me through the last 500 meter fade. Must have struck a chord, as me and best buddy Carlo finished strong to a 1:08:50 finish on our Garmins, a new PR for him! Mission accomplished! Congratulations to main man Carlo! Wohoo!
I survived the GBM Pace Experience!Overall, the race was an organized success. Extribe did a wonderful job with it, we should see them more often. Generous goodie bags at the end were pretty impressive as well.
Niceties were given, congratulations exchanged. Old records fell by the wayside. The essence of the Buddy Run is reflected in a synergy of enthusiasm....
Love....
Smiles.....
Fun.....
and the pursuit of excellence....
We may have not breached any of those in an hour, but rest assured the fundamental element was built that day.....
I started the race with a complete stranger. I ended it with a complete stranger. I just so happen to know some weird things about him now.
Goodbye Carlo. We ran the good race. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. See you around...
Buddy. :)
The Takbo.ph team once did some carbo loading
There was a fair amount of jokes , sunny laughs and goading
With the words "Milo Marathon" on everyone's lips
The prevailing conversations saw people exchanging tips
There was a fair amount of jokes , sunny laughs and goading
With the words "Milo Marathon" on everyone's lips
The prevailing conversations saw people exchanging tips
TOSH was the venue, that one in Market Market
Once the gang was there we made such a racket
The guys were dashing, the gals all charming
But the sessions still culminated in how to use this Garmin
Newbies and vets all mingled and conversed
Too many conversations, just a few of them perverse
People were nervous over the cutoff time
While Gingerbreadman was chilling, enjoying his iced tea and lime
Bong Z was in his element, his usual charm pervading
Whatever effect that has on women goes without saying
Bong Yu was focused, all primed for a win
Little did he know he had a secret twin
Rico had trained hard for this, he will succeed by sheer will
He ran hard through every trail, every road and every hill
Doc Lyndon was a steadying presence as much as any other
Although he fended off accusations that he had a long lost brother
Speedy Natz arrived shortly after along with his girlie
With all the training he put in he's sure to finish early
How'd he get so fast one must wonder
His cameo appearances on the boards makes our hearts grow fonder
Argow was strapping in a his long sleeved shirt
If you didn't know better you'd even think he's a flirt
He had to make the 21k cutoff, there was no other way
But judging from this scene he sure had a good day
The food was overflowing as Neil would attest
Even Ian had to concede that it was a huge pig-out fest
But Doc T was uneasy, he fought the urge with all his might
He sure found solace in a bottle of San Mig Light
The Kenkoy Runner was all psyched and ready to go
He was all smiles with his lady friends in tow
A 21k PR was certainly in the works
Judging from his smile, he's having fun with his kaberks ( okay okay that was horrible )
Our one and only Coach led the solemn invocation
The runners needed some prayers to bolster their motivation
"We will finish if we put our minds to it" professed buddy Rod
When we have nothing left to give let's just leave it up to God
Amidst the racket had emerged a precocious newbie
In relative running terms she was more or less a rookie
Not much was known, except that her name was Shel
When she saw Doc T - "Ay ang laki ng masel!"
We thank Boss Jinoe and Queenie for giving us this chance
Providing us with an avenue where relationships are enhanced
Everyone had so much fun, I'd rate it a perfect ten
Just give me the time and date....
And I'd unflinchingly do it again :)
Philippine Blog Awards Verification Code :PBA097r6n41p
Once the gang was there we made such a racket
The guys were dashing, the gals all charming
But the sessions still culminated in how to use this Garmin
Newbies and vets all mingled and conversed
Too many conversations, just a few of them perverse
People were nervous over the cutoff time
While Gingerbreadman was chilling, enjoying his iced tea and lime
Bong Z was in his element, his usual charm pervading
Whatever effect that has on women goes without saying
Bong Yu was focused, all primed for a win
Little did he know he had a secret twin
Rico had trained hard for this, he will succeed by sheer will
He ran hard through every trail, every road and every hill
Doc Lyndon was a steadying presence as much as any other
Although he fended off accusations that he had a long lost brother
Speedy Natz arrived shortly after along with his girlie
With all the training he put in he's sure to finish early
How'd he get so fast one must wonder
His cameo appearances on the boards makes our hearts grow fonder
Argow was strapping in a his long sleeved shirt
If you didn't know better you'd even think he's a flirt
He had to make the 21k cutoff, there was no other way
But judging from this scene he sure had a good day
The food was overflowing as Neil would attest
Even Ian had to concede that it was a huge pig-out fest
But Doc T was uneasy, he fought the urge with all his might
He sure found solace in a bottle of San Mig Light
The Kenkoy Runner was all psyched and ready to go
He was all smiles with his lady friends in tow
A 21k PR was certainly in the works
Judging from his smile, he's having fun with his kaberks ( okay okay that was horrible )
Our one and only Coach led the solemn invocation
The runners needed some prayers to bolster their motivation
"We will finish if we put our minds to it" professed buddy Rod
When we have nothing left to give let's just leave it up to God
Amidst the racket had emerged a precocious newbie
In relative running terms she was more or less a rookie
Not much was known, except that her name was Shel
When she saw Doc T - "Ay ang laki ng masel!"
We thank Boss Jinoe and Queenie for giving us this chance
Providing us with an avenue where relationships are enhanced
Everyone had so much fun, I'd rate it a perfect ten
Just give me the time and date....
And I'd unflinchingly do it again :)
Philippine Blog Awards Verification Code :PBA097r6n41p
The runners were all hyped up and ready to go, the excitement and anticipation of months of training reaching fever pitch. As the organizers counted down the seconds, you could feel the palpable tension amidst the..
81 runners. How many will make it?
Wait.
We're getting ahead of ourselves.
There's always a story behind the story. And isn't that the interesting part?
Prologue
Gingerbreadman with Gingerbread Driver, 4 pm Saturday.
GBM: Let's go to Libis, I need to buy a blinker from a bike shop.
GBD: Okie ser! You go biking biking?
GBM: Nope not biking, the blinker was just required for my race, it's at 1 am later.
GBD: Ah! So you go biking biking at 1am? Dat is so eeshcary!
GBM: We're not going biking, it's a run.
GBD: Yes ser, biking run!
GBM: No, I mean, running, two feet.
GBD: Ah! JAGGING! Wow ish so erly por jagging ser!
GBM: Quite a long jog indeed, about 50k .
GBD: WAW! R U SERYOS SER??
GBM: GBD, Magtagalog na lang tayo...
GBD: Hay salamat ser! kamao pala kayo mag Tagalog!
GBM: Teka, iba na un ah....
Sleeplessly Anticipating
"Excitement" would be an understatement as I counted down the seconds, minutes, and hours before the single greatest challenge of my relatively nascent running career. During the time I was supposed to be sleeping, I was frozen in a zombie-like state. Everything seemed to be moving in freeze frame. I was glued to my laptop, the Takbo.ph shoutbox a looming rhapsody in motion, all but frozen in time. I was bored. Antsy. Couldn't sleep. And everytime I did try to sleep, the Gingerbread Dog was all over me. Bad dog. His birthday is coming up by the way, 2 years old this August 21. I'm planning a CLP and all of you are invited. Yeah. As I said, I'm antsy. Next paragraph please. Sorry for the 30 seconds of your life you'll never get back.
I'm just trying to help! HBD to mehhh! You're invited! 8/21!
Of Support Crews and the Ultimate Emperador Sacrifice
On the path to fulfilling my dreams, I ran into a major obstacle - who the heck would support me? No way I could survive the distance without any form of help. My college friends are either getting married ( Note to self : Tick tock.... Tick Tock...) or being stationed abroad. No way could they support me. I don't wanna hassle Gingerbread Gal, that's too long of a grind. So looks like I need to call on the last people on my list, the ones that I really didn't want to bother - the Gingerbread Dad and no less than internet legend/favorite uncle Tito Caloy. They had given up their commitment to support me on the journey, and Tito Caloy cancelled his Emperador LCLP with the kumpadres. Sob. Imagine, he gave that up for me? Must have been torn. Poignant moment right there.
GBM : Thanks for helping me out Dad.
GD : No problem son. I will just bring you there and meet you in the morning, am no spring chicken anymore . Tito Caloy will take over.
TC : Gigimik lang yan......
GBM : !!!!
TC: Gano tayo katagal dun?
GBM: Max of 9 hours?
TC: May chicks ba dun?
GBM: !!!!!
Gingerbread Dad and internet Legend Tito Caloy all set
Official Gingerbread Support Car
Yellow Cab, 11:20 pm Saturday
I am nervous. Really. I mean, I am gunning to run a distance that I have never tackled before, not even close. A lot of people would not subscribe to that. But hey that's just me. It would kill me if I didn't try. Classic Gingerbread hard-headedness there. Meeting place is Yellow Cab Julia Vargas and the two elder Gingerbread folk are early. Early but.... they ordered a Pizza! Whaaa? It's 11:30 already! We might be late! Gingerbread Dad bought like 40 Gatorade bottles along with oreos, chocolates, and ... pizza. You'd think we were going on a children's party or something instead of an ultramarathon. Children.. hmm. Just made me remember a conversation with Gingerbread Mom over the phone while chilling from her lofty perch.
GBM: Yes Mom I'm running a 50k ultramarathon. I may even go for 100 if I'm still alive.
GM: Aww that's so great son!
GBM: Uh, yeah? It's running from UP to Commonwealth then SM Fairview then retrace the whole thing back to UP! It's a big deal you know! I'll be famous!
GM: Awww that's wonderful! How long will you be away?
GBM: I'll be running for 8, 9 hours straight! Very few runners are crazy enough to do it!
GM: Wow, very nice! Very nice! Make sure you won't run come nightfall it's dangerous!
GBM: Ugh, its at 1am Mom.
GM: Well then make sure you're home in time for lunch! It's Sunday and you rarely go here! Take care! Do you have money?
GBM: (The way our conversation is running you would think I'm just going out to the mall to watch a movie or something. Old people. What fun. )
Starting Line, 12:59 am
The runners were all hyped up and ready to go, the excitement over the culmination of weeks and months of training reaching fever pitch. As the organizers counted down the seconds, you could feel the palpable tension amidst the crowd. There was a definitive buzz. Neville and Ian had given last minute instructions, car stickers and banners already distributed. Class pictures were taken. Niceties were exchanged among the brave souls, a pall of both uncertainty and anticipation slowly falling over the group. 81 have come to defy the odds and enter the hard-knocks, no-frills world of the ultramarathon. As the starting gun went off and the group started going en masse past the utilitarian starting line banner, you get to think... how many of them would be here to cross the finish?
Newbies getting tips from the ultra vets
Sir Ronnie aka Runnerforchrist and Takbo.ph running bud Doc Sherwin pre-race
They will keep us safe
Pat's lucky charm
Race directors par excellance Ian and Neville for last-minute instructions
The starting line beckons....
Kilometer 10, 2:10 am. What's the Rush?
Amidst the helter skelter start, me and TNF 100 vet/ Takbo.ph buddy Pat were left bundled together for the first 10km of the run. For some insane reason , we thought we were way behind the pack. And for an even more insane reason, we ran the first 10k in 70 mins. Apparently, for runners of our skill level, that is tantamount to a virtual death knell in ultra terms. As you see the story unravel, the implications of such a brazen move would have significant ramifications on the two of us as the race wore on.
I can do this...
The bunny is the key
The 1st and 2nd placers of GIG Run pose for a bit
Km 11 - 20 , 3 am. The Endless Roads of Commonwealth Ave.
The route looped back to base camp at Ylanan before we set out to go to Commonwealth. I was starting to think that this breakneck pace was not prudent at all if I was to go the distance. So I signaled to Pat to leave me behind. As I went out to Commonwealth, I realized that the road to success would be a solitary one.
Mundane sights on a road that doesn't end
The very same route I have traversed endless times in the past by car didn't seem like it would end. An interesting twist was that I had to pass by the Quezon CIty circle as well, going through the overpass twice.
The sight that greets tired wannabe ultramarathoners
I never realized that thing was that long. Once you had completed that part, you would be passing what seemed like a never ending road. Twists along the way - Tito Caloy finally tracked me down, gave much needed support. I was expecting him to look sheepish or bored to death, but he looked genuinely concerned. Naks. Scene after Tito Caloy had given me some much-needed refreshments :
Unknown Oldie Runner : May tubig ka ba diyan?
Tito Caloy : Ah, eh, meron
UOR : Pahingi naman
TC: Ah, eh, cge eto
UOR: Gatorade meron?
TC: Um, oo, pero.....
UOR: Pahingi na din. Baon. Malayong bakbakan to.
TC: !!!
GBM:!!!
(runner speeds off)
TC: You're welcome!
GBM: What the fudge was that all about?
Sight for sore legs
Generous Guy Tito Caloy having a drink. No not that kind.
Along Commonwealth I also repeatedly ran into veteran ultra dude Kiko (who actually went on to finish the 100k. Kept on offering him an Oreo or Gatorade. Or something. Refused every time. "I'm good, thank you." Classy, nice guy. Ultra Marathon tips on-the-go that I got from him :
1. Walk the inclines. Always. Don't even think about it.
2. You should have no injuries or funky feelings at the 50k mark. If you do, don't even think about it.
3. Eat real, whole meals. Planning on eating Oreos and chocolates the whole time? Don't even think about it.
Sage advice from ultra vet Kiko helped me survive
I took his advice to heart.... thus I ended up not thinking at all :)
Km 22 - 30 , 530 am. The long uphill to SM Fairview.
Upon reaching the very end of Commonwealth and hitting the turn to SM Fairview, evil voices in my head were slowly picking on my psyche in the dark solitude of that fateful Sunday morning.
You gotta be crazy dude. This is a route that BUSES take. You are so far off. You're alone. It's so dark you could get mugged. In your excitement to maintain an "ultra pace" your friends are at least an hour ahead of you. You're slow. Just quit and get back to your pampered , softie lifestyle. Go... go ride your support car and go home to Daddy.
Thankfully, I did my best to tune out these thoughts that would make Norman Vincent Peale turn in his grave. And Tito Caloy was resolute in not letting me rot on the road. He would show up every 10k or so, and just the mere sight of someone to talk to would sustain reanimate me. Thank God, he didn't desert me! Blood is thicker than alcohol! I've been running for nearly 5 hours straight already. Must not quit.
Just as I was completely losing my sanity, I ran into the group of veteran ultraman and Takbo.ph buddy Ronald. Was a big group, and we ended up pacing until the aid station at SM Fairview where cold water and camote nourished us. The last sigh of fresh air before the final push. Its much akin to that slight lull before the Battle of Helm's deep in LOTR.
SM Fairview will never look the same again
Brief respite before the final push
Km 30 onwards. What happened??
The events of what happened from this point on were all a blur to me. It's like a lucid dream. A real, live one (to the younger readers, kindly google "Vanilla Sky"). Essentially, the absurdity of a quick start combined with running for what was to eventually be eight hours began to catch up with me. Laundry list of what happened to me until the finish line :
9. Openly considered quitting at 41k after seeing Grimace
10.Became fast friends with two gentlemen of an advanced age who were ditching the 100k ultra because they couldn't go on any further . Sakit ng tiyan ko hijo, masakit!
11.Quick fist pump at 42k mark. First full marathon. Wohoo! Oh great 8k more to go
12.Received encouraging phone calls from Takbo.ph pals Rico, Rod and Edu at 42 mark,
reviving me from a semi-comatose state
13.Decided with finality that shooting for a 100k would land me in the hospital. I need the money from my job. Hospital would TAKE money I don't have away from me. Easiest choice I ever made.
14.Tito Caloy gives encouraging advice to call it a day with a smile.
15.Met by the most raucous ovation one could ever ask for at the 45k mark from the Takbo.ph family. I almost cried. Oh wait hold the tears. 5 more kilometers to go.
16.Bromance partner Rico aka Sheer Will paced me for the longest 5k of my life. Would possibly wilted if I was alone.
17.Best finish of my relatively nascent running career - screaming friends, a medal, parent and fun uncle in the crowd. Tons of cameras clicking away. With the racket going on you would think I won the damn thing. Felt like a gazillion bucks.
Eternally grateful for the 5k push
A final, painful run for glory
Happy Gingerbread Dad
Tito Caloy comes through for the Gingerbread Clan
It was all worth it....
Because of these guys and gals
So there. Whew. That's my story. A dichotomy that unraveled as the layers of my soul were stripped down to its barest, purest form. A guy who yearns to be on top of the list ends up on the bottom. One who yearns to be fast ended up taking it very slow. Who went through the entire journey in independent solitude, only to rely on the kindness and thoughtfulness of others in order to finish.
I came in to test my limits, to prove that the mental faculties of an individual trump the physical every time. I came in with a chip on my shoulder, to show that I have the ability to go over and beyond what people expect of me. I came in.... with lofty expectations.
81 hopefuls. 47 made it.
In the end, when everything was said and done, amidst the warm company of family and friends...
I was just so happy to be there and savor the moment with them.
There's always a story behind a story. Isn't that the interesting part?
81 runners. How many will make it?Wait.
We're getting ahead of ourselves.
There's always a story behind the story. And isn't that the interesting part?
Prologue
Gingerbreadman with Gingerbread Driver, 4 pm Saturday.
GBM: Let's go to Libis, I need to buy a blinker from a bike shop.
GBD: Okie ser! You go biking biking?
GBM: Nope not biking, the blinker was just required for my race, it's at 1 am later.
GBD: Ah! So you go biking biking at 1am? Dat is so eeshcary!
GBM: We're not going biking, it's a run.
GBD: Yes ser, biking run!
GBM: No, I mean, running, two feet.
GBD: Ah! JAGGING! Wow ish so erly por jagging ser!
GBM: Quite a long jog indeed, about 50k .
GBD: WAW! R U SERYOS SER??
GBM: GBD, Magtagalog na lang tayo...
GBD: Hay salamat ser! kamao pala kayo mag Tagalog!
GBM: Teka, iba na un ah....
Sleeplessly Anticipating
"Excitement" would be an understatement as I counted down the seconds, minutes, and hours before the single greatest challenge of my relatively nascent running career. During the time I was supposed to be sleeping, I was frozen in a zombie-like state. Everything seemed to be moving in freeze frame. I was glued to my laptop, the Takbo.ph shoutbox a looming rhapsody in motion, all but frozen in time. I was bored. Antsy. Couldn't sleep. And everytime I did try to sleep, the Gingerbread Dog was all over me. Bad dog. His birthday is coming up by the way, 2 years old this August 21. I'm planning a CLP and all of you are invited. Yeah. As I said, I'm antsy. Next paragraph please. Sorry for the 30 seconds of your life you'll never get back.
I'm just trying to help! HBD to mehhh! You're invited! 8/21!Of Support Crews and the Ultimate Emperador Sacrifice
On the path to fulfilling my dreams, I ran into a major obstacle - who the heck would support me? No way I could survive the distance without any form of help. My college friends are either getting married ( Note to self : Tick tock.... Tick Tock...) or being stationed abroad. No way could they support me. I don't wanna hassle Gingerbread Gal, that's too long of a grind. So looks like I need to call on the last people on my list, the ones that I really didn't want to bother - the Gingerbread Dad and no less than internet legend/favorite uncle Tito Caloy. They had given up their commitment to support me on the journey, and Tito Caloy cancelled his Emperador LCLP with the kumpadres. Sob. Imagine, he gave that up for me? Must have been torn. Poignant moment right there.
GBM : Thanks for helping me out Dad.
GD : No problem son. I will just bring you there and meet you in the morning, am no spring chicken anymore . Tito Caloy will take over.
TC : Gigimik lang yan......
GBM : !!!!
TC: Gano tayo katagal dun?
GBM: Max of 9 hours?
TC: May chicks ba dun?
GBM: !!!!!
Gingerbread Dad and internet Legend Tito Caloy all set
Official Gingerbread Support Car Yellow Cab, 11:20 pm Saturday
I am nervous. Really. I mean, I am gunning to run a distance that I have never tackled before, not even close. A lot of people would not subscribe to that. But hey that's just me. It would kill me if I didn't try. Classic Gingerbread hard-headedness there. Meeting place is Yellow Cab Julia Vargas and the two elder Gingerbread folk are early. Early but.... they ordered a Pizza! Whaaa? It's 11:30 already! We might be late! Gingerbread Dad bought like 40 Gatorade bottles along with oreos, chocolates, and ... pizza. You'd think we were going on a children's party or something instead of an ultramarathon. Children.. hmm. Just made me remember a conversation with Gingerbread Mom over the phone while chilling from her lofty perch.
GBM: Yes Mom I'm running a 50k ultramarathon. I may even go for 100 if I'm still alive.
GM: Aww that's so great son!
GBM: Uh, yeah? It's running from UP to Commonwealth then SM Fairview then retrace the whole thing back to UP! It's a big deal you know! I'll be famous!
GM: Awww that's wonderful! How long will you be away?
GBM: I'll be running for 8, 9 hours straight! Very few runners are crazy enough to do it!
GM: Wow, very nice! Very nice! Make sure you won't run come nightfall it's dangerous!
GBM: Ugh, its at 1am Mom.
GM: Well then make sure you're home in time for lunch! It's Sunday and you rarely go here! Take care! Do you have money?
GBM: (The way our conversation is running you would think I'm just going out to the mall to watch a movie or something. Old people. What fun. )
Starting Line, 12:59 am
The runners were all hyped up and ready to go, the excitement over the culmination of weeks and months of training reaching fever pitch. As the organizers counted down the seconds, you could feel the palpable tension amidst the crowd. There was a definitive buzz. Neville and Ian had given last minute instructions, car stickers and banners already distributed. Class pictures were taken. Niceties were exchanged among the brave souls, a pall of both uncertainty and anticipation slowly falling over the group. 81 have come to defy the odds and enter the hard-knocks, no-frills world of the ultramarathon. As the starting gun went off and the group started going en masse past the utilitarian starting line banner, you get to think... how many of them would be here to cross the finish?
Newbies getting tips from the ultra vets 
Sir Ronnie aka Runnerforchrist and Takbo.ph running bud Doc Sherwin pre-race
They will keep us safe 
Pat's lucky charm 
Race directors par excellance Ian and Neville for last-minute instructions 
The starting line beckons....Kilometer 10, 2:10 am. What's the Rush?
Amidst the helter skelter start, me and TNF 100 vet/ Takbo.ph buddy Pat were left bundled together for the first 10km of the run. For some insane reason , we thought we were way behind the pack. And for an even more insane reason, we ran the first 10k in 70 mins. Apparently, for runners of our skill level, that is tantamount to a virtual death knell in ultra terms. As you see the story unravel, the implications of such a brazen move would have significant ramifications on the two of us as the race wore on.
I can do this...
The bunny is the key
The 1st and 2nd placers of GIG Run pose for a bit Km 11 - 20 , 3 am. The Endless Roads of Commonwealth Ave.
The route looped back to base camp at Ylanan before we set out to go to Commonwealth. I was starting to think that this breakneck pace was not prudent at all if I was to go the distance. So I signaled to Pat to leave me behind. As I went out to Commonwealth, I realized that the road to success would be a solitary one.
Mundane sights on a road that doesn't endThe very same route I have traversed endless times in the past by car didn't seem like it would end. An interesting twist was that I had to pass by the Quezon CIty circle as well, going through the overpass twice.
The sight that greets tired wannabe ultramarathoners I never realized that thing was that long. Once you had completed that part, you would be passing what seemed like a never ending road. Twists along the way - Tito Caloy finally tracked me down, gave much needed support. I was expecting him to look sheepish or bored to death, but he looked genuinely concerned. Naks. Scene after Tito Caloy had given me some much-needed refreshments :
Unknown Oldie Runner : May tubig ka ba diyan?
Tito Caloy : Ah, eh, meron
UOR : Pahingi naman
TC: Ah, eh, cge eto
UOR: Gatorade meron?
TC: Um, oo, pero.....
UOR: Pahingi na din. Baon. Malayong bakbakan to.
TC: !!!
GBM:!!!
(runner speeds off)
TC: You're welcome!
GBM: What the fudge was that all about?
Sight for sore legs 
Generous Guy Tito Caloy having a drink. No not that kind.Along Commonwealth I also repeatedly ran into veteran ultra dude Kiko (who actually went on to finish the 100k. Kept on offering him an Oreo or Gatorade. Or something. Refused every time. "I'm good, thank you." Classy, nice guy. Ultra Marathon tips on-the-go that I got from him :
1. Walk the inclines. Always. Don't even think about it.
2. You should have no injuries or funky feelings at the 50k mark. If you do, don't even think about it.
3. Eat real, whole meals. Planning on eating Oreos and chocolates the whole time? Don't even think about it.
Sage advice from ultra vet Kiko helped me survive I took his advice to heart.... thus I ended up not thinking at all :)
Km 22 - 30 , 530 am. The long uphill to SM Fairview.
Upon reaching the very end of Commonwealth and hitting the turn to SM Fairview, evil voices in my head were slowly picking on my psyche in the dark solitude of that fateful Sunday morning.
You gotta be crazy dude. This is a route that BUSES take. You are so far off. You're alone. It's so dark you could get mugged. In your excitement to maintain an "ultra pace" your friends are at least an hour ahead of you. You're slow. Just quit and get back to your pampered , softie lifestyle. Go... go ride your support car and go home to Daddy.
Thankfully, I did my best to tune out these thoughts that would make Norman Vincent Peale turn in his grave. And Tito Caloy was resolute in not letting me rot on the road. He would show up every 10k or so, and just the mere sight of someone to talk to would sustain reanimate me. Thank God, he didn't desert me! Blood is thicker than alcohol! I've been running for nearly 5 hours straight already. Must not quit.
Just as I was completely losing my sanity, I ran into the group of veteran ultraman and Takbo.ph buddy Ronald. Was a big group, and we ended up pacing until the aid station at SM Fairview where cold water and camote nourished us. The last sigh of fresh air before the final push. Its much akin to that slight lull before the Battle of Helm's deep in LOTR.
SM Fairview will never look the same again 
Brief respite before the final pushKm 30 onwards. What happened??
The events of what happened from this point on were all a blur to me. It's like a lucid dream. A real, live one (to the younger readers, kindly google "Vanilla Sky"). Essentially, the absurdity of a quick start combined with running for what was to eventually be eight hours began to catch up with me. Laundry list of what happened to me until the finish line :
- Cramped up both legs at 35k mark
- Knees tightened at 37k mark
- Couldn't run well at 37k mark
- Lost Tito Caloy until QC Circle Part Deux. He was ensnared in a running conversation with an old lady along Fairview on magnets (huh?) and he couldn't extricate himself. Ugh.
- Was escorted by two scooters at 35 k mark. Seriously thought I was the very last runner. For someone who takes solace in the fact that he cracked the top 60 of his last 10k race, this was a terrible blow to the psyche that added exponentially to the mental strain he was already going through
- Ipod went dead at 40k
- Voices in head became louder at 40k
- Saw Mcdonald's icon Grimace running in front of him at 41k mark
9. Openly considered quitting at 41k after seeing Grimace10.Became fast friends with two gentlemen of an advanced age who were ditching the 100k ultra because they couldn't go on any further . Sakit ng tiyan ko hijo, masakit!
11.Quick fist pump at 42k mark. First full marathon. Wohoo! Oh great 8k more to go
12.Received encouraging phone calls from Takbo.ph pals Rico, Rod and Edu at 42 mark,
reviving me from a semi-comatose state
13.Decided with finality that shooting for a 100k would land me in the hospital. I need the money from my job. Hospital would TAKE money I don't have away from me. Easiest choice I ever made.
14.Tito Caloy gives encouraging advice to call it a day with a smile.
15.Met by the most raucous ovation one could ever ask for at the 45k mark from the Takbo.ph family. I almost cried. Oh wait hold the tears. 5 more kilometers to go.
16.Bromance partner Rico aka Sheer Will paced me for the longest 5k of my life. Would possibly wilted if I was alone.
17.Best finish of my relatively nascent running career - screaming friends, a medal, parent and fun uncle in the crowd. Tons of cameras clicking away. With the racket going on you would think I won the damn thing. Felt like a gazillion bucks.
Eternally grateful for the 5k push 
A final, painful run for glory 
Happy Gingerbread Dad 
Tito Caloy comes through for the Gingerbread Clan
It was all worth it....
Because of these guys and gals So there. Whew. That's my story. A dichotomy that unraveled as the layers of my soul were stripped down to its barest, purest form. A guy who yearns to be on top of the list ends up on the bottom. One who yearns to be fast ended up taking it very slow. Who went through the entire journey in independent solitude, only to rely on the kindness and thoughtfulness of others in order to finish.
I came in to test my limits, to prove that the mental faculties of an individual trump the physical every time. I came in with a chip on my shoulder, to show that I have the ability to go over and beyond what people expect of me. I came in.... with lofty expectations.
81 hopefuls. 47 made it.
In the end, when everything was said and done, amidst the warm company of family and friends...
I was just so happy to be there and savor the moment with them.
There's always a story behind a story. Isn't that the interesting part?
