Random Thoughts

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

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