RUN IN PEACE, MELINDA PONCE

I don’t usually run on a Sunday.

This Sunday, I’ll break protocol and join the Run in Peace, Melinda Ponce, a tribute run for a fellow runner whose life and those of her three children were snapped in a gruesome massacre last Sunday by her husband Emmanuel, right in the confines of their own home.

I’m running a fever as I write this blog. But come Sunday, even if I have to drag myself to run or help to make the run successful, in any way I could, I’ll do it.

Ma’am Melinda, as we fondly call her, every time she visits Runnr in Ayala, would come with a smile on her face. You could never find a trace of suffering or abuse on her face. Now after what happened, we know that running was her diversion – the only reason why she could wake up in the morning and run furiously along the streets of Cebu – whether she’s preparing for a race or just keeping herself in form.

We would cross paths along Jones Avenue during my early morning runs, she in those running shorts she wore when she was gunned down. I would usually take the center island along Jones Avenue and Ma’am Melinda would be running towards me on my right, on the other side of the road. Every time she sees me, she would wave her hand! She would always be the first to wave at me!

I will miss that familiar figure on the road, a fleeting figure that would dart towards me! Now that we have a little glimpse of the life she lived, I even miss her more. If there’s an example of rising above your trials, Ma’am Melinda is the unanimous choice as a poster girl. I have asked our store supervisor that we retain the picture of Ma’am Melinda posted on our Runner’s Central at the office as our loving, lasting tribute to her.

The fun run on Sunday will start at 5:30 am at the Terraces. The route will traverse Cardinal Rosales Ave., Gorordo Ave., Gen. Maxilom Ave., Fuente, Osmena Blvd. going to Capitol, Escario and back to the Cebu Business Park. After the run, there will be requiem mass in honor of Ma’am Melinda.

I understand there are two races scheduled on Sunday and most of the runners have registered in those races. I say those races you could MISS but not the Run in Peace, Melinda Ponce.

Registration is now on going at Runnr Ayala and Clinica Melgar (The clinic of Dr. Humility Melgar Egana on top of KFC Fuente). Registration is P150 pesos and bibs are now available as you register.  

FAIR PLAY

 

Weeks after the Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge, I still get feedback about the race. Some of the comments I brush aside but then some just rubs in. The other day, a friend told me there were runners who made shortcuts specifically on the way to the finish from the foot of Marcelo Fernan Bridge. He said a runner coaxed him to just go straight from the foot of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, and bypass the turn in front of Mandaue Metro because there were no marshals there!  He said he ignore the invitation knowing he will be fooling himself if he made the shortcut.

To those who, in any way possible still think of getting a little advantage, whether in running or other sport or endeavor, should learn from a recent incident in the World Cup of Chess 2011 at Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

Czech GM David Navarra and Ukraine GM Alexander Moiseenko were the only ones playing a tiebreak match in the third round of play as they other players have finished their games. It was already very late in the evening. Navarra was winning the match having gained material advantage over his rival. On his 35th move, however, he touched his king when he was trying to move his bishop! In chess, when you touch a piece, you must move the piece. Moiseenko reminded Navarra of his error but then both players played on. The game was already more than 100 moves and in the final position, Navarra had a queen and king while Moiseenko had a rook and a king – obviously a win for Navarra! But in a twist of events, Navarra offered a draw, after working so hard to attain a winning position, because he felt he had no moral basis for the victory! (The whole story is here: http://www.fide.com/component/content/article/1-fide-news/5517-moiseenko-and-navara-reminded-the-world-about-the-fair-play.html)

Now that is FAIR PLAY!

NOTE: Those who want a print or soft copy of their picture in any running event in Cebu that are seen in the FB account YENDYS PICS may order them. Just visit the said FB account. An 8"x10" print is P150.00. Those who want a soft copy of a picture will be asked to pay an additional P50.00. Seems like a good deal.

IS "VERTEK" ONLY GOOD FOR 4TH OR 5TH PLACE?

Eduardo "Vertek" Buenavista, left, holds the champion's trophy after topping last year's Milo Marathon grand finals. At right is Hitler Dulay of Sports Resources Incorporated (SRI) which is marketing Brooks shoes and apparel in the Philippines. Buenavista will be available to pose for photos and sign autographs at Runnr Ayala Center Cebu from 7-8 pm August 12.

If you believe Willie Tanui, then Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista, the Philippines’ fastest marathoner will only be contending for fourth or fifth place in this weekend’s Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge.

            Tanui, who has been staying in Cebu since the Kawasan Falls Marathon, said his compatriots – namely: James Tallam, Douglas Mwiti and Abrahm Missos – are a cinch to finish 1-2-3 in the centerpiece 42k event of the said race.

            I interrupted Tanui and told him that a few weeks back, Buenavista outsprinted Tallam to win the MBC Manila Clean-up Run over 21 kilometers. His answer stunned me a bit.

            He revealed that they instructed Tallam before the race to give way to Buenavista because Filipino runners have been complaining about them Kenyans dominating races in Manila or somewhere else in the country and taking all the money. He said, Tallam, in that race was running shoulder to shoulder with Buenavista and could have outran him but held back.

            He further said that they (Kenyans) could run the pace of Buenavista and could wear him down.

            These Kenyans would usually set a blistering pace to start a race. Then after a few kilometers, they would look back to see if there is anyone giving chase. If there’s a runner, they will tire him out by increasing the pace. Like clockwork, those in the breakaway group would take turns in maintaining or making faster the speed of the lead pack.

            They would wait until the other runner tires out then make their move. Usually, these Kenyans would only race against each other in the last seven or five kilometers.

            If Buenavista plays catch up with these Kenyans, he would definitely lose. I didn’t tell Tanui that Buenavista would like to set a blistering pace himself.

            The way I see it: whoever could set the fastest pace and maintain it in this Sunday’s full marathon would be in a better position to win.

            We know that Buenavista is well-rested. Nevertheless, we also know that he is preparing to defend his marathon title in the SEA Games, which is just three months away. Now, will he give his all and risk injury or will he just coast along?

            Buenavista is competing in Race to Reduce because his coach is asking for “quality” performance from his wards. Jo-Ann Banayag, Mary Grace Delos Santos and Eileen Tolentino competed in the Manila leg of the Milo Marathon just for that.

Buenavista signed up for the Manila International Marathon but the event was postponed due to poor weather. He mulled joining the Manila leg of the Milo Marathon but then decided otherwise. Then Race to Reduce Challenge came along.

            I would love to see Buenavista show his true form and beat these Kenyans. I have always preached that these Kenyans are beatable. If there’s any runner that could beat the Kenyans that’s Buenavista.

            By the way, Buenavista will be available to pose for pictures and sign autographs at Runnr Ayala Center Cebu from 7-8 pm tonight (August 12).

                       

           

             

JAPANESE WOMEN WINS WORLD CUP

Japanese women's soccer team celebrates after winning FIFA Women's World Cup 2011. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Japanese women’s soccer team made history yesterday after beating the US 3-1 in penalty shootout in Germany to win the 2011 Women’s Soccer World Cup.

            Japan became the first Asian country to win the coveted trophy, thwarting the USA’s attempt to win its third world cup. The US women have won the cup in 1991 and 1999.

            Japan’s remarkable comeback victory, when the US were just playing superb soccer and getting into a 2-1 leads in the first half.  The Japanese women, however, fought back to equalize with Aya Miyami tying it 2-2.

            The glorious moment came during the shootout when Saki Kumagai blasted the ball high into the net relegating Hope Solo’s effort to make it 3-1 to give Japan its first World Cup crown.

            The win gave Japan something to cheer about after the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the country some months back.

            Earlier, Japan beat Germany 1-0 in extra time and then routed Sweden 3-1 in the semifinals.

            They were the clear underdogs when pitted against the US team that had a fantastic run during the tournament.

            "This is a breath of fresh air, because everything out of Japan has been negative over the last few months," said Tom Byer, a few days before the finals against the US. Byer has coached Aya Miyama, a starter in the Japanese team.

RACE TO REDUCE CHALLENGE 2011

 

The Aboitiz Group and the Province of Cebu had joined forces to organize Race 2 Reduce Challenge 2011 on August 14, 2011 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

            This year’s edition is bigger what with the inclusion of a full marathon to complement the 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K distances.

            Runners who have inquired with about the race were even more excited after learning that the race singlet is optional and the registration fee is within the budget!

           

Here’s the breakdown of fees:

           

42K - P700 with singlet and timing chip (D-tag).

                       P550 no singlet but with timing chip.

            21K – P600 with singlet and timing chip,

                        P450 no singlet but with timing chip,

            10K – P600 with singlet and timing chip.

                       P450 no singlet but with timing chip.

            5K – P550 with singlet and timing chip.

                     P350 no singlet but with timing chip.

                     P300 singlet only.

         P150 fun run (Those who doesn’t want to compete, just want to run or walk and have fun!)

            3K – P300 singlet only.

                     P150 fun run.

(NOTE: ONLY RUNNERS WITH TIMING CHIP WILL WIN THE PRIZE)

            The route of this race will be the northern part of Cebu beginning at CICC. Runners (42K and 21K) will pass through the north reclamation area going through Mandaue, Consolacion, Liloan (via Cansaga Bridge) and part of Compostela. The course is flat thus the race is ideal for setting PR’s or personal record. The official race map will be available soon.

            I won’t mention the prizes yet because I don’t want to preempt the organizers. I assure elite runners, however, that top ten finishers (42k, 21k, 10k and 5k distances) will receive cash prizes and other perks.

            With the Province of Cebu, collaborating with Aboitiz Group the race will be the best. I just don’t have the green light to divulge what the organizers have in store for those who will join the race but they told me that the reception would be better than those who participated in the recent Xterra Race that involved the Province. The organizers will spell out everything during the press conference slated in early July.

            With some eight weeks more to go, I think it’s about time to pick up those running shoes again to begin the long runs.

           

VIBRAM BIKILA LS: GOOD AS ADVERTIZED

Vibram Bikila LS

No, I haven’t stopped writing…not yet!

For weeks, at least two things needed my utmost attention. There was the Jubilee Celebration or the 50^th anniversary of The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints. The practices for the cultural presentation, despite me not participating in any dances, needed my attention.

The youth needed encouragement as the date drew near and it was like a big rush. The practices where at Labangon Meetinghouse meaning the youth and SA need fare and food for their practices.

Most of the SA’s joined Singkil, Dandansoy, and Harana. Then Kiyo and Nathan were part of Eskrima. Then there was choir! I sing tenor but this time I have to beg off. My sked didn’t give me any leeway.

To cut it short, the celebration of Philippine culture from this part of the Philippines at the USJ-R gym was heartwarming!

For those who don’t know - my Church – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints had its beginnings in 1961 when an Apostle Elder Gordon B. Hinckley rededicated the land for preaching of the gospel one cool morning at the American Memorial Cemetery in Makati.

Fifty years later, we have more than 600,000 from all over the archipelago! We have two operating temples, Manila and Cebu, and third in Urdaneta, Pangasinan is on the works. By July, we will have 17 missions. When I served my mission way back in 1979 there were only 4 missions!

It was simply a time for celebration…looking back and looking ahead.

The other thing that took most of my time is my new pair of Bikila LS given to me by Cherry Ermita, marketing manager of Barefootwear, Inc., the distributor of Vibram Five Fingers footwear in the Philippines.

Frankly, when I first put them on, it felt weird. It took me a few days before I could even ran with them as the instruction says "walk with it" for the first week. The last time I dilly-dallied like this was when I got my pair of Newtons.

Finally, one morning, while I was waiting for my son James to finish his swimming lesson, I mustered enough courage to run with my Bikila LS in the oval. I thought the oval because it’s softer will be a good place to test my new pair.

At around 9:30 am, with the sun shining, I ran my first 5 kilometers with my Bikila LS.

The things I discovered were amazing!

The added padding helps a lot as at first I struggled to adjust to almost barefoot running. My metatarsals were “cushioned” as I landed almost midfoot or forefoot at times.

Talking about landing, the Bikila LS (or any Vibram model) forces you to land on either your midfoot or forefoot without even trying. As your foot hits the ground, it automatically adjusts to the environment!

The reaction time to the surface is almost spontaneous! I couldn’t help but step on the portion of the oval where the track is wavy but then my foot reacts quickly. Padded shoes masks the true condition of the road making the foot react late to surfaces.

 The other feature of Bikila LS that I truly like is the speed lace systems. This enables my foot, although slender, has a higher instep. It allows my foot flexibility both in putting on the shoes and during running.

Last week I ran 5K with my Bikila LS during Runnr Academy’s paced run portion without any problem.

A few hours ago, I ran 10K (along Jones Avenue) with my Bikila LS. One thing I could say: these Bikila LS are good as advertised!

DAYTON'S LEGS

This video of a 13-year-old boy, who participated in a triathlon event with another boy with cerebral palsy, made me remember my “running mate” Dr. Renald Peter Ramiro when I ran my first half-marathon in 2009. I needed all the help then as I was running on unfamiliar territory.

Before this race, the longest I’ve ran was 16 kilometers and it was a struggle.  Doc Ramiro’s presence was enough to keep me going. As we were running, it helped me tremendously to find him on my side as I struggled in the last 2 kilometers of the race. He was my extra eyes, ears and figuratively my legs!

In my first marathon, the Cebu City Marathon in 2010, I had Eugene Cabusao, Cliff Abraham and Ray Wagas going stride-by-stride with me as we tried to finish our first marathon with bad back, cramps, blisters and all.

Now flashback to about 1992.

We were living in Guadalupe, Makati then. Our 1-year-old son Jason was struggling with high fever as we were going to bed. When the fever didn’t subside despite all our efforts, my wife decided that we bring him to the hospital. It was around 2 pm in the morning and it was raining hard because of a tropical depression.

I carried Jason and my wife held the umbrella as we went out to the street to get a cab. There was no cab! There was no choice but to walk up to EDSA. As the three of us struggled under heavy rain and gusty wind, a car stopped. The driver lowered the passenger window and asked where we’re headed. We told him we’re trying to bring our son to a hospital but couldn’t get a cab.

He immediately got out of the car, and opened the door and let my wife and me.

To make a long story short, we made it to Makati Medical Center and thanked the driver only to realize later that we didn’t ask his name.

To that unknown driver who helped us that stormy morning, I’d like to THANK YOU! We haven’t forgotten what you did for us after all the years!

May this extraordinary deed by an ordinary young man, inspire us…

FIRST PRESIDENCY EASTER MESSAGE

The painting "The Doubting Thomas," by Carl Bloch accompanies the annual First Presidency Easter message by President Thomas S. Monson and his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Article and photo courtesy of Church News.

 

Among the most cherished thoughts and writings in this world is the divine statement of truth: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

            This precious Son, our Lord and Savior, atoned for the sins of all mankind. That memorable night in Gethsemane His suffering was so great, His anguish so consuming that He pleaded, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

Later, on the cruel cross, He died that we might live, and live everlastingly. Resurrection morning was preceded by pain, by suffering in accordance with the divine plan of God. Before Easter, there had to be a cross. The world has witnessed no greater gift, nor has it known more lasting love.

The message of Easter is that the Savior lives! And because He lives all shall indeed live again. This knowledge provides the peace for loved ones of those who have passed on, "Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: 'I know that my Redeemer lives!'"

  

Happy Easter to ALL!

MILLETTE CHIONGBIAN FINALLY CONQUERED BOSTON

Millette Chionbian and her husband Frederick in this file photo of the 2008 Mizuno Shell Half-Marathon organized by the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC). Photo courtesy of John Pages

 

She finally conquered Boston!

Millette Chiongbian ran the 115^th Boston Marathon yesterday April 18. She finished in 4:02.58 – her official time – as posted in the Boston Marathon website.       

We all know what she went through to qualify, run and finish the Boston Marathon - the marathon of all marathons. At first try, she missed the qualifying time by a couple of minutes. Last year, in LA, she finally nailed it by finishing in 3:43:06.

            That wasn’t over yet for Millette as far as running the actual Boston Marathon. She qualified but registering was another challenge.

            Millette (and a lot other runners) had to agonize through some rule changes arbitrarily imposed by the BAA. They flip-flopped on qualifying procedures and received a ton of criticisms for it.

            Yesterday, however, we finally could write it in our running record books – Millette Chiongbian – the first Cebuana runner to run the Boston Marathon.

Goeffrey Mutai crosses the finish in a blistering time of 2:03.02 in this year's Boston Marathon. Photo courtesy of Boston Athletic Association.

             Goeffrey Mutai of Kenyan won the men’s division with the fastest time of 2:03.02! So fast that it broke the record of 2:03.59 set by Haile Gebrselassie in Berlin in 2008. But here’s a catch. Mutai’s time isn’t recognized as the new marathon record. Boston Marathon’s terrain, according to officials, is a downhill course dropping to at least 16 feet or well above the regulation 1 foot per kilometer drop.

            But the blistering pace by Mutai is no joke. Officials could say whatever they want to say but to break the existing time by 57 seconds is no walk in the park. Moses Mosop, another Kenyan, came in second with another record-breaking time of 2:0:06.

            This brings the question: Will any man ever run a sub-2 marathon? Let’s discuss that in another blog.

            Here’s the top ten men’s finishers.

1.      Geoffrey Mutai KEN 2:03:02

2.      Moses Mosop KEN 2:03:06

3.      Gebregziabher Gebremariam ETH 2:04:53

4.      Ryan Hall USA 2:04:58

5.      Abreham Cherkos ETH 2:06:13

6.      Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot KEN 2:06:43

7.      Philip Kimutai Sanga KEN 2:07:10

8.      Deressa Chimsa ETH 2:07:39

9.      Bekana Daba ETH 2:08:03

10.  Juan Carlos R. Cardona, Sr. COL 2:12:17

Caroline Kilel outsprinted Desiree Davila of the US to rule the women's division with a time of 2:22:36. Photo courtesy of Associated Press (AP).

 

Caroline Kilel made it a sweep by the Kenyans as she crossed the finish line in

2:22:36 out sprinting Desiree Davila of the US by merely .02 of a second! Davila gave it all but couldn’t keep up with Kilel in the last 200 meters where Kilel dashed to the finish line. The last time an American (man or woman) won in Boston was in 1985.

            Here’s the complete women’s result.

1.      Caroline Kilel KEN 2:22:36

2.      Desiree Davila USA 2:22:38

3.      Sharon Cherop KEN 2:22:42

4.      Caroline Rotich KEN 2:24:26

5.      Kara Goucher USA 2:24:52

6.      Dire Tune ETH 2:25:08

7.      Werknesh Kidane ETH 2:26:15

8.      Yolanda B. Caballero COL 2:26:17

9.      Alice Timbilili KEN 2:26:34

10.  Yuliya Ruban UKR 2:27:00

For the benefit of those who want to run the next Boston Marathon, here are the qualifying times for 2012 and 2013.

Minimum Boston Marathon Qualifying Times 2012

Age - - - - - Men - - - - - Women

18-34 - 3hrs 10min - 3hrs 40min
35-39 - 3hrs 15min - 3hrs 45min
40-44 - 3hrs 20min - 3hrs 50min
45-49 - 3hrs 30min - 4hrs 00min
50-54 - 3hrs 35min - 4hrs 05min
55-59 - 3hrs 45min - 4hrs 15min
60-64 - 4hrs 00min - 4hrs 30min
65-69 - 4hrs 15min - 4hrs 45min
70-74 - 4hrs 30min - 5hrs 00min
75-79 - 4hrs 45min - 5hrs 15min
80&up - 5hrs 00min - 5hrs 30min

Minimum Boston Marathon Qualifying Times 2013

Age - - - - - Men - - - - - Women

18-34 - 3hrs 05min - 3hrs 35min
35-39 - 3hrs 10min - 3hrs 40min
40-44 - 3hrs 15min - 3hrs 45min
45-49 - 3hrs 25min - 3hrs 55min
50-54 - 3hrs 30min - 4hrs 00min
55-59 - 3hrs 40min - 4hrs 10min
60-64 - 3hrs 55min - 4hrs 25min
65-69 - 4hrs 10min - 4hrs 40min
70-74 - 4hrs 25min - 4hrs 55min
75-79 - 4hrs 40min - 5hrs 10min
80&up - 4hrs 55min - 5hrs 25min

             

            The BAA allows only 25,000 runners thus qualifying and actually running the Boston Marathon could be tricky. I included the 2013 times because the start of registration for 2012 is September 2011. I’m not sure if any of us here in Cebu could beat that schedule. Aside from that, you need to run in a Boston qualifying marathon such as the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon to qualify. You can’t just run a marathon and say you had this time.