Running Somewhere in Cebu City

Pastilan! Dili man ako makasabot ng Bisaya, gamay lang.

(I do not understand Bisaya, a bit maybe)

I had a very quick stop over at Cebu City from Surigao del Norte on board the Cokaliong Ship last May 20. So I arrived at Cebu Port, 6:00am (Thursday). I didn't brought my running shoes this far just to sit there and relax while waiting for my flight to Manila. JourneyingJames must test all roads he steps onto.

After some puto maya (P5/serving) and local tsokolate (P5/cup) from the sidewalks, I'm off to run.

The problem is I don't know where to run. 6:30am running is dehydrating if I do more than 3K. I run anyway, 3K only as I have to be back soon to catch my 10:30am flight back to Manila.

I don't know where is this exactly, I just brought my camera and took some pics.

A Runner is Siargao

Two days after my barefoot runnin’ at Sta. Monica, I met a runner in Gen.Luna, Siargao Island. I still cannot believe I saw someone running while we are headed the surfing site- Cloud 9.

Wooden bridge to the view deck, the Famous Cloud 9, Gen.Luna, Siargao, Island

On our way to GL (General Luna, where the famous Cloud 9 is) I saw a girl running , after some more meters I saw another one a guy this time, running too. I can’t believe what I just saw- runners in this part of the island. I look at their shoes and they were Asics. I concluded that they are indeed runners (and not occasional joggers).

This was two days after my unforgettable barefoot runnin’ in a virgin beach at the north part of the island where running is unheard of. People look at me in amazement of what I am doing.

So we arrived at Cloud 9, checking the waves for a short surfing session that late afternoon. After some time, I saw again the girl runner then followed by the guy, a foreigner actually. I was really getting curious so I approach the guy and asked him,

Note: Of course, I did not record the conversation, duh?! What I write here is the best that I can remember how our conversation went

James: “Hi, how’s the run? How many miles did you cover?”

Foreigner: “I don’t know, I just run for about 30 minutes…” (eager to leave, then left for his place)

James: (thinking in his mind 'suplado nito ahhh' and continues to survey the place)

-------

After some seconds

Foreigner: (looks back at me from about 10ft. approaches me) You’re a runner aren’t you? I can see those runner’s calves (pointing at my gastronemius muscles or calves)

James: (proudly) Yes, I am.

Foreigner: I was eager to leave because of my injury, (Pulled right hamstrings) but when I looked back I thought maybe you’re a runner too (pointing at my calves). So, I said to myself we might have a good conversation.

------- 

He tells me about his plans of joining a race. He also told me of how we Filipinos call 5K and 10K races in the provinces a marathon. I agreed on that, as I know of small provincial towns calling 3K and 5K fun runs 3K and 5K marathon. But, I told him that in Manila, not anymore. Running scene has changed a lot in Manila.

He also shared to me that he reads Takbo.ph and Baldrunner regularly. He asked me if I know those sites. I believe all serious runners in Manila know about those two popular running sites. 

(How I wish he knows that I blog too)  =)

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Foreigner: Do you know anyone from Takbo?

James: Actually, I know the owner of the site. I run with him several times in Manila (Alabang).

Foreigner: I’m actually training for a marathon this July in GenSan.

James: Is there a 42K race in GenSan? (I know there are 42Ks in Cebu but in GenSan, I don’t know).

Foreigner: Do you have minute, come over our house, I’ll show you something.

James: Hmmmm, actually, I’m going to surf. Is it far?

Foreigner: Just 30 meters.

James: Okay (Walks with the foreigner). What’s your name again? I’m James.

Foreigner: Bones

Bones brought me to his place ‘coz he wants to inquire about that marathon. In his laptop, he showed me Takbo.ph website bookmarked. He showed me the schedule, it says, 

“7/25/2010 34th National Milo Marathon (GenSan).” 

So, I told him, in the provincial races its only 21K not 42K. The Full Marathon is only available in Manila and that’s on July 4.

We talked some more about running. He showed me some of his notes and some stories when he started running. I learned that he has been running 42 1/2 years already. 4 years running in Siargao. The girl that I saw earlier was his wife, Lorna, whom he encouraged to start running too. She will also join the Milo Provincial Race at GenSan for her first 5K. 4 ther friends are encouraged into running/jogging, they do some 3K runs in the island. The meeting was brief. We exchanged contact infos and I promised him an email about the details of the race in GenSan.

As I leave his nice place, I said:

James: I’ll be back in Siargao, see you again, let’s run together here or when you visit Manila.

Bones: Sure. L-M-U-R mate (in Autralian accent).

James: What’s that? (American accent)

Bones: L-M-U-R

James: What does that mean?

Bones: Long May U Run mate (in Australian accent again).

James: Thanks a lot mate! Hope to see you again. (waves good-bye)

Bones: (Waves back)

JourneyingJames meets Bones, an Australian runner living in Siargao Island. He owns a cozy bar too.

I could have not met this cool guy if I’m not a runner. Well, I guess runners understand each other. There is something runners commonly share, I do not know what. The love for the road and trails? The fulfillment and satisfaction it makes after the run? I don’t know. What do you think?

Nice meeting you Bones! See you in Manila or in Siargao. LMUR!

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Running Without a Garmin

Never did I entertain the idea of buying a Garmin. Reason being? I think running is the most simple of all sports. You just need a pair total fit running shoes and viola, run, run, run longer, and run faster! One thing more, its expensive and I cannot afford it. 

Kailan ka magiging PhP2,500?

But I have to measure my runs especially the long ones. So here's 2 things I usually do:

1. Plot a course from the net using Run.com. You don't have to log in, just select where you want to run and create your own route. Click here if you want to start making one. Its free too.

2. Follow the kilometer markers. I do this in all my long runs. I sometimes tap those yellow markers and say, "I'm done with you, where's your next KM friend." I actually look out from the bus window to view the kilometer markers when I travel. I appreciate those yellow markers now.

These markers proved to be a BIG help for me. It not only measures my runs it actually guides me what's the next town and how many kilometers are left for it. Just remember where you took off and where you ended and you measure your run without using a Garmin. I still have to know if those eon-old markers are indeed accurate.

Now the problem is if you want to run on trails and still want to measure the distance you covered. I still have to find out how to do that. Any suggestions?

For those who own a Garmin, try doing this sometime. 

PS. Question? Do you know what kilometer you live ? 

I live near UPLB and I am in between KM63 and KM64.

KM0 is in Luneta Park, Manila where the Milo Marathon is held.

Btw, Boss Jinoe has an interesting and insightful post on what to do when you don't have a Garmin. Be sure to read that too!
The longest run I did this was during my 32K training for dream marathon, I actually passed 6 towns in Laguna during the run. I also tapped a lot of yellow markers.

Barefoot Running in Sta.Monica, Siargao Island

Remember my post on Running or Surfing in Siargao Island? I was able to do both! This is one of the perks of being a youth minister- I am able to travel (and run) while helping young people by sharing them God's purpose in their lives. 

This is one of my rave runs in Siargao Island. Lot of things I love in one setting: Running, Beach, Travel, Experience, Youth, Sunshine, Breeze and Being Free.

Half-Naked and Barefoot Runnin' at Garcia Beach, Sta.Monica

My youth group watching me run after our prayer time.

Since I started running, it would be impossible for me not to try the grounds of which I am standing. Call it addiction to running? I call it a way of life. I feel free when I run. I experience God in every step that I make, appreciate God's design for my body in every stride I make. I am thankful because I can run.

Runnin' Barefoot makes me free. I love to step on the sand feel the earth. I love the waves on my legs, the fresh air, the coconut trees that add green, the summer breeze, the sunshine over my face, the perspiration all over my body, the parked boats, the drift woods & dried seaweeds and the picturesque clouds. How I wish there are beaches near Manila or Laguna where I can run barefoot too.

I want to tell more stories but I guess the pictures would better tell them:

Look at the sand with all the dried seaweeds and drift woods- so virgin!

I love my form here plus the small waves kissing my legs and feet

Even I ran back and forth a lot of times, "boring" never came to my mind.

My footprints in the sand. How I wish I'm with someone special during this rave run.

- - - o 0 o - - - 

Stats during the Run:

Place: Garcia, Sta.Monica, Siargao Island about 250meters of sand.

Date: May 15, 2010 (Saturday AM)

Distance covered: 2.5 kilometers

Time: 20:43

Pace: 8:17/kilometer

Running Surface: The Beach dude! Powdery White Sand.

Temperature: 29-30°C

Thanks Imo for lending me your digicam.

Running in Cebu: IT Park or Mandaue-Mactan Bridge

I will be having a short stop-over at Cebu City this May 19-20. This is my second time visiting the Queen City of the South and I hope that during this very short stop-over I will be able squeeze in a short run. Now I do not know where. Is it the I.T. Park or on the Mandaue-Mactan bridge while viewing the city lights.

Here

or here?

Any suggestions? A nice 5k run would really make this trip unforgettable. This will also be the last run that I will do before the TBR Dream Marathon come May 22. I would love to meet some runners in the area too. Please text me if you know of a nice 5k route. This I believe is another exciting journey for James.

Actually, I'm in Mactan Airport at the time of this writing waiting for my flight to Siargao. Im so stoked to ride the waves and surf. Check the swell here.

Photo credits: Ayala Malls Cebu and MarcelinoRapaylaJr blogsite.

Causes: My 1st Marathon is for the benefit of SMF and SBGCCC

I thought of putting into pictures my post dated April 21, here are 25 photos that would take 2 minutes of your precious time. I hope you can take a look. 

Snapshots Thursday: Is Running A Lonely Sports?

Snapshots Thursday now on its 2nd week! I have to tell you that its hard to choose a shot. So I decided to pose a question:

WATCHATHINK?

By the way, there is actually a book, a song and a film entitled 'The Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner.' Hmmmm.....

Note: I hope Adidas will be able to read this. I have promoted them (unintentionally) twice in just a week's time. Hey Adidas, I would love to do a shoe review for you, for free of course!

I would run away...

 ADRENALINE RUSH, ANYONE?
adrenaline rush, sweat all over your body, creating a personal record, self discipline, nutritious diet, healthy heart and a new sports- who doesn't want these? hmm, okay take away the sweat.


ON BEING ATHLETIC

i consider myself athletic, i tried every sports possible- basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess, soccer, frisbee, wall climbing, skimboarding, etc. but i got hooked into running. i jog occasionally over the past 5 years because i want to be healthy yet last year of december i started to join a race. that was the start- a 5-km race at UPLB. after a week i saw myself running at The Fort (the haven for runners, with almost every Sunday races are held) for another 5k. then i registered for two 10k January of this year. right now, i found myself training for my first half marathon. 21k- i would definitely run away!