The Bull Runner Dream Marathon - My First 42K - The Will to Finish

“Marathon is a Test of Patience....“ Jim Lafferty speaking to 300 aspiring marathon runners convincing themselves they could finish the 42K mark.

I’ve seen about The Dream Marathon earlier
this year from race lists all around and me, being always wanted to expand what I have, fixed myself to run this specific race. I only started running September of last year, as I was engaged to a weight loss program in the gym. My dietitian and trainer deemed it necessary to have extended cardio work outs, so I befriended my humble treadmill at home and the de luxe treadmill in the gym. Results came and it was good and I thought to myself, I think am ready for some serious action. So I joined races. Now am a ‘Racist’---someone who runs at races. kidding. And it was fun! Checking again the website for the Dream Marathon, it was already closed…..BUT! They were still adding a hundred slots more [thinking this was really meant for me]. So I reserved and registered the day after.

Time wasn’t a valuable resource for me since I am overseeing our business operations. It was tough. I wasn’t able to attend any bull sessions or bull circles---I attended one, actually, but I made it only to the photo opps [call time is at 5am, I got in at 7:30, way to go!] so I missed valuable information about running how-to’s, nutrition, hydration, rest etc.---I was only catching up with the web, watching youtube videos and all. They were all helpful but I long to grasp the experience firsthand. After more than a month of not running, [1 week before the Dream Day], I started running again. Then 4 days before the Dream Day, I did my final long run which is not really a good idea. [it is recommended to do your final long run 3 weeks before the marathon day---data are very clear]. I only did 20K++ then hoped and prayed to make it to the finish line on the Dream Day. Then Friday came, May 21. You guessed it right! I had a hard time sleeping. I took care of business until past lunch then forced myself to sleep until 7pm. I wasn’t able to sleep. I don’t like sleeping when the sun is up and running. All I could ever think of was, what kind of trail could that be? am I gonna be there on time? Whom will I pace with?---you have to understand that I wasn’t present in any bull session so I barely recognize anyone’s face.

10PM. After closing the main store, I did my prep then off we go Nuvali. 12:30am I was there and all I can think of was ‘I need to get some rest.’ Wasn’t able to sleep since marathon runners near my parking spot was preparing their stuff and so they were all loud. 1:30am. I head straight to the starting line after 30mins of kinda-sleeping in the parking. I’ll pace with someone my pace.

I brought a pentel pen marker with me thinking I’d scribble some in my arms to motivate me and here it is: Kept asking myself whenever my legs hurt: “Jem are you giving your 100%?” Ive learned the 100% Rule from one of my mentors that if I give my 100%, I’d receive a 100%.

Great thing to see my running bud, Dhemz. I met Dhemz in one of bull clinics---one that I came very late---we were both late actually.

“Marathon is a Test of Patience....“ Jim Lafferty speaking to 300 aspiring marathon runners convincing themselves they could finish the 42K mark. “You need to walk even though you don’t feel like walking.” I’m a natural speedster. My pace increases without me noticing, only my legs know that. And some intros with Ecachos or Aifofot? The guy. I don’t know, basta he’s one of those aliens in Eateria with Grace Lee. Aifofot, I think. Funny guy with a funny suit. Then Gunstart. I was pacing with Dhemz, then I found myself pacing with the big boys: Lit, the Chi Running Guy; Miguel, the Hubby [Jaymie’s]; Jun Bisnar, the GM, and some pacemakers. I thought I’d pace with the big boys, in their 9-1 interval. I did it until 24K. First leg feels normal. Slow pace, not yet tired. But I was wondering, what wisdom will God reveal/prove in this specific race. In my first half marathon, God revealed the psychology of achievement---it doesn’t matter whether you start running slow or road rage; what matters is whether you’ll hit the finish line or not. Doesn’t really matter when you will finish, but will you finish?

I always relate my running to my career/life. I’ve seen people who are very fired up in the beginning but burning the past steps as they reach their breakthrough point---result, DNF [did not finish], they fell, they fail. In this specific race, God revealed to me to: “Run your own Pace, Finish your own Race.”

In running just like in business, I have to make the most of what I have--and to make the most of what I have, I need to be the man I need to be. Just like in scriptures: “be trusted with the small things.”

Some people start fast---that’s their pace. Some start slow and some start like a pro. That’s their pace. Still it doesn’t matter how grand your start is, what matters is how great your finish is. I started running all fired up with my ever changing pace, usually increasing---not a good idea. I see people running as if they’re being chased by a dog. Some are running chillax-ly, some are running easy---they even do some chit-chat. As I paced with Dhemz in the beginning, I was actually bored, I was like ‘hey I need some serious strides.’ Then I went on ahead and there to overtake me were the big boys. Man, this is what am talking about. Then I went with the pack. It was great to pace with them. Am actually learning about running while running.

I heard people saying that life/business/ is like a marathon. And that old adage is very much used already. Yes, and indeed life is and business is a marathon. The question is “Will you finish? Will you reach the finish line.” Life-wise, means not to die but to reach your highest potential. Business-wise, how much of an empire can you create? Ministry-wise, Will it greatly impact the next generation?

Being in business right after college, I can prove this right. Life is a marathon. How much of a person that God created you to be would you be? [grammar check, but it sounds nice! :) ] and it doesn’t matter how much your legs hurt [how much opposition/distraction you must face] but will you emerge victorious? Will you overcome?

I heard someone say, “If your legs hurt, run with your heart.”

While running with the big boys, I noticed that they really stick to their disciplines. They run exactly their intervals, take their gels on time, do water breaks at proper times. Wow. And I think any runner, pro or beginner should do the same. As for me, I don’t do that but I will have to if I wanna last. and yes, am not a virgin anymore :p …………………………………………..[marathon-wise]

I finished my First Full Marathon in 5:30 min, by the Grace of God! It was one awesome experience. Big thanks to Jaymie, The Bull Runner and the The Bull Runner Dream Team for connecting bridges between runners and goals. Kudos to the Bull Runner. did i say it was my birthday that fateful day? Finishing 42K is a perfect birthday gift. Thanks also to Maricel Laxa Pangilinan and Millet, the Boston Qualifier, for putting up with me, pacing with me encouraging me on the 31K.

Learnings:

1. BBe Certain at all times.

Remember, you registered for this certain race because you have a certain goal. To reach that certain goal, you have to be certain with your every step. Especially in your training and nutrition. 1 untimely break of not running can cause a lot of trouble. I did my Final Long Run 6 days before the marathon day and man, it’s never advisable since it takes 3 weeks for recovery.

2. RRun at Your Own Pace.

Some runners may have started fast or some may have started easy, no worries, never compare yourself to others. Listen to your body. You have your own pace, run at your own trained pace or it will backfire on you in the final stretches. That’s what happened to me when I paced with the big boys. Once again, Never compare yourself to others, you have our own battles to win.

3. AAlways Finish What You Started.

You’re in that race because you signed up and challenged yourself. If in the middle of the race and you got some delaying strikes [injuries, exhaustion], still, Run the Race. Running is not a sport, it’s a state of mind. You’re not a failure. Forget about that DNF thing, you shouldn’t be thinking about that. Doesn’t matter if you came in last as long as you finished. Next time, am sure you’ll set a new PR.

4. RReinforce your Physiological Needs.

Running long distance may require your full energy. Be one with it. Take things seriously. Take your meds on time, eat a balanced diet also on time. You need to be flexible. Sleep well, rest well. You need to be in a very conditioned state before fighting one of your biggest battles. And the most exciting thing. Don’t forget to carboload 2 days before the race.

5. EEndurance is Key

Work on your endurance and build up your stamina. You need reinforced stamina to endure long distance running. I take stamina boosters, Cordymax, as part of my everyday nutrition. As a result, I don’t get tired much. My heart pumps normally with a slight interval increase. Same thing in business, it’s not the size of the enterprise that matter, what counts is strength.

*Looking forward to 34th National Milo Marathon

Giving Up Luxury

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly
dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of
dollars for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, "If I give you
this money, will you buy wine with it instead of dinner?"
"No, I had to stop drinking years ago", the homeless woman told me.

"Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?" I asked.
"No, I don't waste time shopping," the homeless woman said. "I need
to spend all my time trying to stay alive."

"Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?" I asked.
"Are you NUTS!" replied the homeless woman. I havent had my hair done
in 20 years!"

"Well, I said, "I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, Im
going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight."
The homeless Woman was shocked. "Won't your husband be furious with
you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty
disgusting."

I said, "That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman
looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and
wine."

$20.00/hour

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son
waiting for him at the door.

SON:   "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"


 
DAD:   "Yeah sure, what it is?" replied the man.

SON:   "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"

DAD:   "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily. 





SON:   "I just want to know.. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"

DAD:    "If you must know, I make  $
20.00  an hour."

SON:     "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down.


SON:     "Daddy, may I please borrow  $10.00 

The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behaviour."


The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money? After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that  $
10.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

"Are you asleep, son?" He asked.

"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.




"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier" said the man.

"It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the  $
10.00 
you asked for."

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!" He yelled.



Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. 
 
"Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father grumbled.

"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.


"Daddy, I have $



20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?


 
Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged
for his forgiveness.

The Fern and the Bamboo

One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the
floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo". He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was
nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But
just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose from the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come, "God said to me. " You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness. Bad days give you experiences. Both are essential to life.

Keep going.....

Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
but Only God keeps You Going !

"All things work for good for those who
love God, and are called according to His purpose "

Romans 8:28

How small are you?

it's rather dazzling to see it presented this way.

I CERTAINLY THOUGHT THIS WAS ENLIGHTENING.

BEYOND OUR SUN .

IT'S A BIG UNIVERSE.





ANTARES IS THE 15TH BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY .

IT IS MORE THAN 1000 LIGHT YEARS AWAY.

NOW HOW BIG ARE YOU?

NOW TRY TO WRAP YOUR MIND AROUND THIS.........

THIS IS A HUBBLE TELESCOPE ULTRA DEEP FIELD INFRARED

VIEW OF COUNTLESS 'ENTIRE' GALAXIES BILLIONS OF LIGHT-YEARS AWAY.

HUMBLING,ISN'T IT?

And yet, Someone

knows how many hairs are on your head,

and not even a single sparrow dies apart from His will


(Mt. 10:29-31)!

NOW HOW BIG ARE YOU?

AND HOW BIG ARE THE THINGS

THAT UPSET YOU TODAY?

AND HOW BIG IS YOUR GOD?

KEEP LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE.

AND DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!

IT'S ALL UNDER CONTROL (Job 38)

4 Wives

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.

He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confi dant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him.
 
Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."

Thus, he asked the 4th wife , "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will!  You follow me and keep me company?"

"No way!", replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word.

Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!"

His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me.  When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go."

The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
 
Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:

Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.

Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.

Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.