34th Milo Marathon - My 2nd 42K - The Grace to Finish

It’s Milo. The most prestigious marathon in the Philippines. Been wanting to run this marathon since I got into this running thing. For me, you’ve never really experienced running if you haven’t done a Milo marathon/race. I mean, since I was a little kid, I’ve been hearing about this Milo race thingy that everyone’s excited about. It was just another event I would never care about joining since most of the runners are seasoned veterans---the kind with white long beards, grey hair, muscle legs. Imagine the photo of the muscular system man in your elementary science [just add some beard and gray hair or even bald head]. Never thought I’d be interested in running this race. This is, by far, the most excruciating, exhaustive race i had.

With all these races and with all these crazes, I registered in park square. Never thought they’d be serious with the empty Milo pouch. [it’s my first time to join Milo, that’s why]. I had to buy at SM supermarket then registered. I secured my desk calendar and planned my runs ahead from 3 week final long run and all. Thinking that I can make my final long run on time, I still didn’t. My time is consumed in business operations and all. Did my long run 2 weeks before the marathon day. Guess what, it’s still not a good idea to do your final long run 2 weeks before the race. It has to be 3 weeks prior to race day. Now I know that it’s true when Jim Lafferty said that “the data are very clear… it takes 3 weeks to recover..."

And so I did my weekly long runs and maintenance and also my easy pa-cute runs haha ['easy pa-cute runs' are short 5-8K runs around the highschool oval where the pretty young girls are]. Then come Saturday, July 3, I still went on with business, a bit stressed since am jumpstarting the café bar again little by little. Loved the new patrons. They loved our coffee---“..amoy pa lang ng kape alam mong barakong barako..” they said. Put up some Bryan Adams and house music with it. Did my usual routine to stand by at the store and gym talking to customers how we can serve them better---actually I was waiting for that pretty girl to pass by our café bar then play her favorite song, Honestly by Harem Scarem. She's a puzzler, she completes my day. Haha kidding. Business hours done by 9:30pm, time for me to go home, get some sleep and prepare for the race.

Left home at 2am. I usually get some sleep while in the car but not this time. It’s my new driver’s first time to go to Manila so I had to guide him. 3am, we’re in the parking already, preparing. I thought I could get some time to sleep but the cars went in and runners warming up. Did my final stretches and off to the race track. 42K runners are assembling, they look excited. I see a lot of seasoned veteran runners, oh man. I think they’ve been running ever since the world began. I mean, you should see their legs.

Then gun fired. Enjoying the easy pace with Dhemz, running buddy from P&G. Lots of excited runners ahead. I enjoyed the first and second leg really, since I didn’t feel any pain or exhaustion until the third loop. Thanks to P&G support group and the P&G manong for providing medicated spray for our legs. He’s just a text away. My pacing was ok, my breathing rhythm was fine. I never really had a problem with my respiratory system but my legs were starting to fail. I felt it. I just kept on saying “Am not a failure, if my legs hurt, I’ll run with my heart, Remember your primary strength: Focus [from Strength Finder 2.0]”

It’s also my first time to run without my iPod. It was fun as I was able to appreciate the breaking of dawn, passing through pretty runners, Manila morning breeze, encouraging other runners especially veteran runners “Galing nyo po! Go Go Go!" The only hateful thing is the pollution. Hate it. On my second loop now headed to edsa, there was Sir Paul Pajo, one of the ENCM Leaders in La Salle. Chit chat for a while then we parted ways. Man he's one strong runner. We're also together in our first 42K with TBR in Nuvali. Run for health. As I go about the third loop, 30.6K, my right leg failed, can’t run anymore. I told Dhemz to go ahead since he’s trying to check in a new PR. Now I’m left on my own, I thought to myself, this is the part where am gonna be tested. “...Fire will test the quality of each man's work. If the work survives, he will receive a reward,” Paul of Tarsus.[1 Corinthians 3:13-15] I guess I did something wrong with my final long run. Prayers and self talk. Kept telling myself: “if my legs hurt, I’ll run with my heart.” And it helped me move about a kilometer or two then it hurt really really bad, I had to stop every once in a while to stretch. “Pain is Weakness leaving the Body!” seen the EMTs near Aliw Theater, they helped me ease the pain by putting omega pain killer. Thanks to you guys. They told me, “Sir, pwede ka naman magpa-pickup sa ambulance going to the parking lot, wag mo na pilitin baka magcollapse ka.” I hated that, those are the words I never expected to hear especially in a marathon. Those are for weaklings. I told them, “ngayon pa ba ko susuko, am on my last loop, i’ve gone this far, there’s no way I’ll quit” [parang anime lang] Remembered Dr. House, if House were there he’ll say “Quitters are sissies.” After recovering mildly, I tried to run again but my legs really can’t. "The spirit is willing but the body is weak." I walked until I reached the right turn to Roxas Blvd. there to meet me were the Takbo.ph guys. They were all helpful, thanks to you guys for providing liniments, massage and water and encouragements! Big help guys, way to go! Thanks also to the EMTs near Libertad for wrapping my injured leg. thanks much! [see picture <------ Me in pain, struggling to make it to the finish line]

I was headed now to the last turn around in edsa when while trying my best to walk uphill buendia flyover, some stupid freak from the other side of the road where the cars are shouted “Ang bagal n’yo!” He got my attention for a split second then I was about to raise my middle finger but thought otherwise, “I’ve got my own battles to win!” kept on praying: “sabi mo diba You’ll never leave me, You’ll never forsake me! I’ll finish what I started, only You be my legs.” I was thinking of business while trying my best to walk and beat the curfew. I don’t wanna to think about walking or running or even listening to my body, I learned to focus on the good things. “...Whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things...” Running is not a sport, it's a state of mind.

Life is a struggle, business is a struggle. But it’s what you’re made of that will springboard you to the next level. “I can make this, am not a failure.” Then off I walked northbound headed now to the finish line. Limping, conserving energy as I plan to run the last few hundred yards. I’ll MYFGP---Make My Father God Proud. When I reached Vito Cruz, “4 na kanto na lang, aabot yan!” I heard from someone before that if you’re in deep sh*t, keep your mouth shut. I negate that argument. If you’re in trouble, Trust in the Lord and do good. Praise always precedes victory. Thinking of the great things God’s done for me.

I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. [my favorite passage] thank you LJ for the Grace to Finish.

Kalaw St., a few hundred meters away from the Finish Line. Met this guy who just finished, “C’mon run faster, konti na lang!” showing me his medal. That’s the kind of encouragement I need! I’ll take my portion, I’ll take my place in history. Then I saw the finish line from afar, I tried running and yes I was able to run, painfully running overtaking the runners ahead of me. And there to meet me was Coach Rio, grabbed my hand, “Congrats pare!” “Thanks man! Been walking since the last 12K” “Buti natapos mo!” got my medal, got my certificate, looked for the free Milo drink and my finisher’s shirt. Then off I went home. Didn’t bother to take any pictures. I want to go home.

Learnings:

Grace Abounds

God’s grace is sufficient, He’s never lacking. You just need to ask. I can’t finish that race on my own. Well maybe I can, then collapse after then wake up in the hospital. But with God’s grace, I was able to finish gracefully, limping but satisfied. I was even able to go about business and close at 9:30pm. Loved every second of it. Maybe that’s what it’s like to live by faith and not by sight. You give your life to someone you don’t even see but loves you more than you’ll ever know, whatever in the world you’ve done. Thanks LJ. Thanks much. Btw, LJ is Lord Jesus, haha gotcha! Yeah we’re kinda close, were tight! \m/ [see picture: Me, limping but still in form, making the most of the conserved energy to make it to the finish line ------> ]

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ~ Paul of Tarsus

Never Ever Overlook a Maintenance Run.

Do your maintenance run especially your long runs and most importantly your final long run ON TIME. It takes time to recover. Failure to do so may result to overused legs leading to cramps that will eventually ruin your attempt t check in a new PR. Hero training is everything.

Carboloading is Bliss, Never Replace it with Your Busyness in Business.

Been swamped the last 2 weeks prior to race day. I was only eating single servings of rice, bread or noodles. Not enough carbs, not enough energy. Work on you health. Reinforce your nutrition.

When you’re in deep sh*t, don’t keep your mouth shut. Praise Precedes Victory.

Praise God always, that’s what them people did [2 Chronicles 20]. They made it. Am not religious, don’t even know if I have a religion. It’s just that Jesus and I, we’re close [crossing index and middle finger gesture] we’re tight!

Don’t Take Anything Personally

One of the four agreements of Don Miguel Ruiz. Had I taken the mocking of that stupid freak on the other side of the flyover seriously, I would have not finished the race and ruined my day. You may take it as a challenge or focus on the bigger picture.

My race result was very unacceptable. i need to check in a new PR if am gonna go Ultra.

Will now train for 42K Subic, 42K QCIM and 42K Condura 2011. Next stop. BDM 102K.

34th National Milo Marathon TVC

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