Today’s Run: Just When I Thought Typhoon Maring is Gone

It’s been days that my foot is itching to hit the road.  For someone who loves to run under the rain the weekend rain was inviting… but not until it became a cruel typhoon named Maring!

Not only that it’s cruel but it is also one real scary typhoon!  No thunder and lightning but tons and tons of rain for two straight days flooding the Philippines almost nationwide.  All you can see are floods, floods and more floods everywhere!  Be it on television, in print, in social media and in person.  It makes you think about “Noah’s Ark”.  There was no where to go but to stay put.  There is no way to run…literally no way to run!

Thank God Almighty that the weather bureau announced today (Wednesday) that cruel Typhoon Maring is leaving PH area of responsibility but still with a threat of southwest moon soon (Habagat).   At least we woke up today without the scary rain.

We were so opportunists because when we saw this early morning that it did not rain for  an hour we geared up and headed out.  It was drizzling while we are on the way to PICCC but at least there’s no more flooded area along our way.  After some few minutes of running it suddenly rained stronger.  Oh my God! Maring is back! 

I was about to run back when the bay caught my attention.  The perimeter fences were all securely closed so no one can get near.  But even from a distance I can see the waves ramming violently against the sea walls.  The wind was fierce.  I took a video of the scene.

This video may look calm at the first few seconds but wait until the 38th second.  The wind was scary it made me run back and faster than usual. LOL!

The wind was fierce slapping hard on my face as I ran back.  More so I was running against it  that it almost knocks me off for several times. I was protecting my cap not to be blown away  and the gadgets that I brought along.

I was scolding myself as I ran back.  Then scold myself a little more when I thought about my gadgets.

I:  “Are you really nuts to think that the weather will be fine instantly?”
Me: “I know right?”
Myself: “Then why did you go out to run more so bring your gadgets?”
I, Me, Myself: “Because it’s fun ok?”
I, Me, Myself: Ok!

Well since I risked my gadgets for this run I might as well share some of the photos.

Most of the small sailboats are out of the water. They were not anchored by the shore but parked up the cemented land. 

Dampness everywhere

Today’s Running Wear:
My 2012 “Race Against Raze” singlet topped with my waterproof Reebok windbreaker, a Nike compression shorts, my worn out but reliable New Balance shoes that I usually wear when I’m running under the rain and a waterproof baseball cap.

This is not a camera pose.  I am cold and feeling like peeing soon.  The bulge around my stomach is my digicam which I’m trying to protect from getting wet by hanging it in my neck and inserted on my waterproof wind breaker.

  

 Today’s Song:
”I’m Walking on Sunshine”.
No kidding!  It’s a funny coincidence that after taking the video and was running back to our meeting place this song played!

Today’s Eat:
Three pieces BIG Pandesal, beef noodles and a mug of hot hot chocolate.  I had coffee before the run.

Today’s Feeling:
Cold! We arrived home soaking in wet and dripping!

A blogger friend was asking if running under the rain can ruin your shoes.  I believe so yes but I am using my old running shoes when I’m running under the rain.  And I noticed that as long as the shoes are of good quality they can stand being wet from time time.

Now what I’m worried about is that my mobile phone and digicam has a huge chance of being damaged. Aaaw!

Today’s Run: Stormy Morning By The Bay

It’s been two weeks since my last 10K race and this is the first time I went back to my regular run.  Funny that I chose this stormy morning to gear back my rusting legs. But obviously it is because of my love for running under the rain.  I’m excited to feel the wind on my face again.  Only that this morning is more windy than usual – Tropical storm Labuyo is definitely here.

Classes were suspended almost nationwide so our morning is a bit less hectic compared to when kids are rushing for school.

We drove out of the house with some drizzle but it started turning into real rain as we near our destination.  The traffic is lighter also which is very different compared to a regular Monday in the city.  We plan to have just a short run and back.  We don’t want to be caught up with rain storm.

I was surprised to be feeling lighter after a long break. I’m sure it’s going to be tough if I go back to regular runs longer than two weeks.  I already know the consequences of that and I hope and will really try that it won’t happen to me again.

I found the CCP grounds today a bit slippery also.  Probably because of the continuous raining.  The sun has not been given the chance to dry the grounds for the pat two weeks.  The park maintenance people are cutting the trees over grown branches.  They are trimming the branches within perimeters for safety I guess.

After tackling the whole grounds in a light run and had two sprints at the ramp I succeeded to produce some sweat out of the cold weather.  I think I’m done.  I did my cooling down by stretching while walking heading to the bay.  How I love the bay during storms.  I’m not sure why I am fascinated with the sharp waves kissing the shore then producing bubbles that pops out as fast as they formed.  The same with the view of the dark horizon.  I love the dancing boats anchored by the shore and the sprinkle of sea water on my face.  There’s something mysterious with such scenes that always drawn me into it.

My phone camera is unable to perfectly capture the windy morning by the bay where the waves were kissing the shore more aggressively that caused the anchored boats to dance.  I should have taken a video but the rain is limiting my capacity to do so.

The dark horizon that never fails to magnetize me.  I don’t know why I love seeing this.  Maybe I find it mysterious.

I so much want to be a part of the scene that I tried to capture the moment with me on it but this what happens when you are not equipped to take “selfie photo”.  LOL to myself but I haven’t taken selfie photos for quite some time.

Today’s Running Wear:
What I usually wear when running under the rain – my “hoodie” tops except that I didn’t pair it with my hideous shorts today but with an old green Adidas dri-fit running shorts plus my worn-out New Balance shoes.

Today’s Song:
“It Will Rain” by Bruno Mars.  It’s a bit slow song for running but I’m not into a punishing run today.  I’m just waking up my rusting veins.

Today’s Eat:
Hot cereal added with chocolate.  A sunny-side-up egg eaten with three slices of bread with cheese pimiento.

Today’s Feeling:
Cold from the wind but loving it very much so I took another chance shot for a “selfie photo”.  This time it seems like I succeeded only that I am definitely looking ugly!

This photograph is in “Sepia Tone” – thought it may hide the ugly face from this beautiful scene.

We headed back home not too wet.  The heavy rain did not push through until we're back home.

Be safe everyone!

37th Milo Marathon: Dumaguete Elimination Leg Result

Rodil Quilab and Mereeis Ramirez swept the 21-K division top honors at the 37^th National MILO Marathon in Dumaguete. Both runners received a cash prize of P10,000.00 and a trophy while clinching an all-expense trip to the National Finals set in December at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

Rodil Quilab and Mereeis Ramirez lead 12 others to the 37th National MILO Marathon National Finals

Of 3,496 runners who competed in the race, 12 other marathoners had qualified to National Finals to join victors Quilab and Ramirez. This season’s MILO Marathon King and Queen will get the chance to compete with the world’s finest athletes at the esteemed Paris Marathon in 2014.

3,496 runners joined the thrilling 7th regional qualifying race of the 37th National MILO Marathon in Dumaguete

Despite today’s difficult terrain, Quilab prevailed in the half-marathon distance at an impressive 1:15:05, followed closely by resilient contenders Riez Enriquez (1:15:33) and Romulo Jr. Balinas (1:16:31). The 22-year old Iligan bet bagged the third award at the Cagayan de Oro Dahilayan Trail 55K Ultra Marathon in 2011 and drew a second place finish at the Kagay-an Festival Marathon in 2012.
Rodil Quilab is a college student from Iligan City Technological Institute Polytechnic College.  He said:  

“Engaging in the sport has developed my discipline and determination and I aim to help frame characters by setting a good example for my four siblings and other young athletes.  Today’s race landscape was difficult but I remained just as driven to beat my personal target and prove myself in the National Finals track.”

In the distaff side, 34-year old Ramirez proved her dominance by clocking in at 1:37:57, trouncing female counterparts Iresh Belleza (1:48:01) and Nelfa Bayonado (1:52:10). Ramirez reclaimed a regional lead title after a second place finish at last year’s MILO Marathon Bacolod 21-K female eliminations race. She copped the 2010 MILO Marathon 21-K division run by besting fellow elite tracksters in Dumaguete.
Mereeis Ramirez, a native of Dumaguete City and a mother of three has been running the MILO marathon since 2007.  She expressed her passion for running and hopes to earn a place in the top ranks of the MILO Marathon National Finals.  She said:

“I briefly put off my aspiration in high school to start a family but I never seized to develop my passion for running. Getting back on the race track gave me an opportunity to fulfill my life’s dream and support my children.  Compared to today’s familiar trail, the running course in the National Finals should present a bigger challenge to my strategy. I will focus on improving my speed work and building my overall performance to match my opponents at the finals.”

MILO not only expects to see an action-packed culmination in December after a remarkable series of regional race events but also a post-season growth in the Philippine sports community.

 “We continue to see the rise and international recognition of Filipino talent in basketball, boxing, and other sports. As we lead our champions to the National Finals, MILO also endeavors to create a higher level of competition in athletics to shape local athletes for the global stage.”  ~Andrew Neri- MILO Sports Executive~

As an ongoing commitment to develop sports in the country, MILO’s Help Give Shoes advocacy provides pairs of rubber shoes to various public schools across the country. A total of 500 pairs were delivered to beneficiary schools today in Dumaguete, namely North City Elementary School, San Jose National High School, Calindagan Elementary School, Dumaguete City High School, and Junob National High School. With the invaluable support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO has given a total of 27,700 shoes to date.

MILO's Help Give Shoes Advocacy aims to deliver bright opportunities by distributing shoes to young Filipino athletes across the country.

The qualifying race will resume in Tagbilaran on September 15, before advancing to the Queen City of the South Cebu (September 22), Cagayan de Oro (September 29), Butuan (October 6), Davao (October 13), General Santos (October 20), Baguio (November 3), Dagupan (November 10), Tarlac (November 17) and Angeles (November 24). The 37^th MILO Marathon National Finals will then be on December 8 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

Click this link to view the complete race result.

Kudos Gilas Pilipinas!

A special post just to say

 Congratulations and Mabuhay Team Pilipinas!

Gilas Pilipinas is advancing to the 2014 FIBA World Cup after beating South Korea in the semifinals of the 2013 FIBA Asia with the score of 86-79.  Gilas will take on the undefeated and two-time champion Iran on tomorrow’s championship game.

“GUMILAS ka pa PILIPINAS!”

37th Milo Marathon: Iloilo Elimination Leg Result

15,192 runners finish despite inclement weather in Iloilo race

Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of the 15,192 athletes, students and running enthusiasts who competed in the sixth qualifying race of the 37^th National MILO Marathon Sunday in Iloilo City. Athletes Maclin Sadia and Adjennie Delos Santos dominated the 21K division run and each received a cash prize of P10,000.00 and a trophy. Both runners are set to lead 34 other qualifiers to the National Finals in December, but only Sadia earned himself an all-expenses paid trip.

Maclin Sadia and Adjennie Delos Santos conquered the Iloilo tracks against veteran contenders.

As an added incentive to the prestige of winning the country’s premier footrace, MILO will be sending this season’s MILO Marathon King and Queen to compete with the world’s finest athletes at the Paris Marathon in 2014.

20-year old Sadia persevered through heavy rains and clinched victory at a swift 1:14:20, the fastest time posted for the 21K track so far this season, followed by Rowell Hulleza (1:16:21) and Bennie Murillo (1:20:11). Last year, the Cadiz City native placed second behind Manila race winner Panique in the Bacolod leg of the MILO Marathon, and went on to place eighth in the local 42K category of the National Finals.

“Today’s race was quite difficult, but I managed to pull through at my best time to date. I’ve seen a lot of progress since I started running competitively, and my ultimate dream is to become a champion.  I know I can reach my goal through discipline and training and also through my trust in God, who is the source of my strength.” ~ Maclin Sadia~

Sadia has only started taking running more seriously in 2011.

In the distaff side, 26-year old Delos Santos treaded unfamiliar terrain and crossed the finish line at 1:37:44, way ahead of counterparts Stepanie Cadosale (1:39:21) and Janine Arrey (1:42:46). Delos Santos won the 10K category race of the POCARI Sweat Fun Run II in 2010 and placed ninth in the 42K local category race of the 36^th MILO Marathon National Finals.

Delos Santos expressed that she will maximize the four months that she has before the finale by following a strict regimen.  She is a fitness instructor in Abu Dhabi

“Fitness is both my passion and profession. My job inspires me to practice health and fitness even outside of work,”  ~Adjenie Delos Santos~

To inspire working adults to make exercise a part of the work-life balance, MILO also opened a nationwide inter-company running competition for workers and employees. Ledi Supermart was given the Biggest Delegation award earlier today for having the most number of 5K and 10K finishers from its company.

“Race after race we discover outstanding talents that bring an inspiring showcase of athleticism to conquer the tracks. Beyond these performances are stories of Filipino willpower and strength to balance work and life after work.  The National MILO Marathon does not only strive to deliver a challenging athletic experience for Filipino runners, but also aims to inspire them to embody the core values of the race like perseverance, determination and discipline. We at MILO have and will continue to encourage the Filipino workforce, as well as the youth, to reach their highest potential and become champions past the race track. ” ~Andrew Neri/MILO Sports Executive~

As an ongoing commitment to develop sports in the country, MILO’s Help Give Shoes advocacy provides pairs of running shoes to various public schools across the country. A total of 500 pairs were delivered to beneficiary schools today in Iloilo, namely Baluarte Central Elementary School, For San Pedro National High School, Jaro National High School, Zarraga National High School and Bolilao Elementary School. With the invaluable support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO has given a total of 27,700 shoes to date.

The qualifying race will resume in Dumaguete on August 11, before advancing to Tagbilaran (September 15), Cebu (September 22), Cagayan de Oro (September 29), Butuan (October 6), Davao (October 13), General Santos (October 20), Baguio (November 3), Dagupan (November 10), Tarlac (November 17) and Angeles (November 24). The 37^th MILO Marathon National Finals will then be on December 8 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.