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Who are the “Real” Runners?

Here’s a note I received last night from a certain JimS regarding the latest issue of TBR Magazine with Karylle on the cover. I appreciate his candor and I admire his support for our elite athletes, but I certainly don’t agree with the way he belittles the non-elite. Thank you JimS for your feedback!

Hector Yuzon on your magazine, for what? Their were three more other Filipinos who finished LA Marathon way better that Hector. All three performed impressively and qualified for Boston. Milet, a female runner from Cebu has a more compiling story than Hector. Stop featuring so called pa “pogi” runners and instead feature the accomplished and real athletes. But you wont do that don’t you. Keep doing the same practice and you will lose credibility as a real runners magazine. Yong Larrazabal? This guy can’t even qualify for Boston and he is your cover story? How about the Sabals and the real runners in the country? Feature them and help them get sponsorships to run international races instead of promoting the wannabes.

Thinking aloud, guys. Here are my questions and it would be great if you could answer them:

If you are not an elite runner, does that mean you do not have the right to be featured in a magazine or obtain sponsorship due to your achievements or contributions to the sport?

Yong Larrazabal stages races in Cebu and donates all profits to charity. Hector Yuzon guided a group of TBR Dream Marathoners without expecting anything in return. Is Hector or Yong less of a runner than Eduardo Buenavista?

If our latest TBR Cover, Karylle, only started running two years ago, and she does not run as fast as the elite, does she have a right to call herself a “real” runner?

We featured TBR Dream Marathoners in the same issue, three runners hoping to accomplish their first marathon, did they not have the right to be featured in our pages?

If your PR for a 10km is 1 hr 30 mins, does that mean you are not a “real” runner?

If you never won a medal in a race, can you call yourself a “real” runner?

If you never qualified for Boston or never won in a national competition, does this give another runner the right to tag you as a “pa-pogi” or a “wannabe”?  Shouldn’t some runners pay just a wee bit of respect to regular people who juggle running with other responsibilities in life and still manage to perform relatively well?

Who are real runners anyway?

More importantly, what is a “real runner”?

To my mind, real runners are those who have a serious passion for the sport. Real runners are those who make running a part of their lives regardless of the number of races they’ve run, the medals they’ve won, how far they’ve covered or how fast they can go.

Who’s a real runner for me?  He’s the loner who does not join races and has no running friends, but he laces up every 5 a.m. to run 10km.  She’s the mom who just gave birth, but commits to spending 30 mins. thrice a week to run while her newborn is sleeping.  He’s the 50 year old divorcee who picked up running a few months ago as a symbol of starting a new chapter in his life. She’s the newbie who picked up a free magazine last month, got inspired by the story of Donna Cruz (another “real” runner in our book), and finally got the guts to run a 5k this weekend.  Those are real runners.  And they deserve the same attention and exposure as the elites of our world.

TBR Magazine is a lifestyle running magazine. It is a resource for training, gear, nutrition, race calendar, directory, and so much more for runners.  Needless to say, we feature real runners based on the definition stated above.  We choose to feature real runners, whether they are artists, CEO’s, housewives or just like any “Juan” out there because we believe that each runner can be an inspiration to another.

Having said that, we have a high respect for our elite athletes and encourage companies to sponsor them so they can do our country proud.  It is a sad fact that our elite have little support and means to join races abroad to gain recognition.  I know there are runners who are helping them gain exposure and I applaud them for that.

I told a friend before that my criteria for choosing the cover of TBR Magazine was this: the cover runner must LOVE running. I could feature the President of the Country, the no. 1 runner of the world, or the most popular matinee idol, but if we asked them this: “Do you love running?” and they replied with a “No.” then I would rather feature the “wannabe” who seriously loves the sport.

P.S. JimS, I wrote Millette, a good friend, hoping to feature her Boston-qualifying LA Marathon along with Hector.  Unfortunately, her story didn’t reach our print deadline.  I’ll be featuring her here on thebullrunner.com instead.

Posted on 05.29.10 to 01 Bullish Insights. Tags: . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 71 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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71 Responses to “Who are the “Real” Runners?”

  1. agree with you 100% on the above, jaymie. And I wouldn’t take anyone who doesn’t know the difference between “their” and “there” (first sentence) seriously anyways ;P keep up the great work, Bull Runner! :)

    Angeli said on May 29 10 at 6:26 PM Reply

  2. Hi Jaymie!

    Thank you for defending the real runners out there. I believe that average people who picked up the sport and love it so much can inspire others to join the sport and make it popular than it is today. And it is because of this new-found popularity of running that more companies can take notice and sponsor our elites to improve and fare well in international competitions. In the end, the ordinary/average ones are the real runners which can make a difference out there. :-)

    Chris A., an average runner said on May 29 10 at 6:42 PM Reply

  3. Si Hector pogi??

    mickymac said on May 29 10 at 6:51 PM Reply

  4. I read TBR because, as I told you before, you keep it real Jaymie. I like reading stories about people I can relate to. While the stories of elite runners are inspiring, I love hearing stories of regular runners like me. Those stories speak to me more. It makes me feeel that running is for everyone.

    Claribelle Bautista said on May 29 10 at 7:08 PM Reply

  5. I’d try to defend Hector but everyone in the running community probably knows what he’s done and is still doing for runners everywhere. And although some people may not consider him to be an elite athlete, atleast we can all agree that he is pogi! :)

    Mai Mai said on May 29 10 at 7:45 PM Reply

  6. I certainly can respect that anyone can have an opinion. But I also then have the right to disagree. I think the sentiments of this person are a shame and undermine the entire sport. Who gave him the right to define what a “real runner” is? Where is the definition cast in stone? Anyone who runs is a real runner, no matter how fast or how slow.

    The average runners keep the sport alive for the “elite”. When 45,000 people sign up for chicago marathon, the world’s largest marathon, only a handful qualify for Boston. How do you think this race stays afloat financially? Or the running stores? Or the entire industry for that matter? On the backs of several thousand Boston Qualifiers? Absolutely not. The everyday runners, the moms juggling kids, the overweight trying to improve fitness, keep this sport alive. If it was not for these masses, there would be no Boston Marathons for the “elite” to even run in.

    Finally, one should be careful to cast stones. The writer has defined a “real athlete” as someone who can qualify for Boston. I have met such elitist runners previously, and coached a few. What I have always said is, be careful. Let’s take me for example. I have run 25 marathons. I have never qualified for Boston. I guess I am not a real runner. But I am a former champion powerlifter. Fast twitch and slow twitch muscle endowment is god-given, and some people are just better in some types of athletic endeavors than others. I am blessed with much more fast-twitch fibers making me more prone to success in explosive sports. Now, let’s say I want to define a “real athlete” as someone who can only bench press 150 Kilos. I can. Or let’s pick shot-putting, high jumping or any other sports I was at the top of the performance charts. Now, I would ask this gentleman how he would feel if I suddenly defined “real athlete” according to meeting my criteria, what I am good at? What if I suddenly decide, as a former Olympic athlete coach, that the definition of a “real athlete” is someone who can high jump 2 meters, throw the shot put 15 meters, and bench press 150 kilos? Can he do it? I suspect not.

    Running is just a sub-segment of life and we get all types, fortunately and unfortunately. I certainly never wanted to judge people, and drag others down, but build them up, support them, cheer them on. Celebrate the effort not the time. And NEVER LABEL anyone or judge them. This is playing GOD and none of us should do it. Why? Because none of us are very good at it. And secondly, the job is already taken.

    Let’s applaud anyone who gets out and gets moving and runs. No matter the pace. Because like all of us, we all have our skills and talents. But we don’t begrudge effort.

    This is what makes TBR so great. It supports people instead of tearing them down! More power to you Jaymie! And don’t worry, if a few elites don’t read your magazine, well the masses will–and do!

    Coach Jim said on May 29 10 at 7:57 PM Reply

  7. jaymie, last issue na ba ng TBR magazine? bakit parang nagmamadali naman ang ibang tao at gusto ka pang turuan kung sino ang gusto mo ifeature? gusto pala nila makita sa magazine si Sabal, why not buy frontRunner magazine. Si Sabal kaya ang cover ng current issue nito. Except lang kung ayaw nya gumastos kaya atat sya na sa magazine mo makita, kasi LIBRE. well… patience is a virtue. or rather baka mas bagay, beggars cannot be choosers… :P

    continue lang kung ano ang nasa TBR magazine. sa akin, gusto ko yung nababasa ko kasi i take inspiration from it. alam ko forever na hindi ako magiging elite na runner. or magiging REAL runner as some might want to put it. pero alam ko na if i continue to love the sport the same way as those you have featured do, i will be able to attain little triumphs from it and realize the accomplishments of my humble targets.

    vima said on May 29 10 at 8:39 PM Reply

  8. Mag tbr marathon part 2 na lang ulit para masaya!!!

    Neville said on May 29 10 at 9:31 PM Reply

  9. Hi Jaymie, we, the non-elite (but still real) runners are grateful for your contribution to the running community. I am sure many, like me, were inspired to started running because of the example that you selflessly set. I say this because I believe in the advocacy of the TBR Magazine and the way I perceive that advocacy is one that seeks to show that “simple folk” like us can take up a sport, dedicate a good portion of our lives to it, because we simply love it and for no other reason. It is unfortunate that our elite runners do not have the sponsorship of corporations to augment the meager support that they are getting from the government. But I do not take these two things – getting sponsorships for elite runners, and showing how pure love for a sport causes simple people like us to live better lives – are mutually exclusive. Perhaps JimS is overzealous in his desire to see our elite runners get the sponsorship they deserve, but I do not see how that zealousness has to eat away at the value of running as a sport both accessible and loved by most people. I hope we all eventually see that happening so our runners can compete at the world stage and showcase the skill, talent, and heart of the Filipino… But I also believe we should not shy away nor sacrifice reaching out to the many who continue to live sedentary lives. The inspiration that the TBR Magazine brings in that regard is amazing. I have my story, and the story of countless others, to validate that… For that, we are very grateful. And because of that, we support and admire your efforts.

    PS. I ran my first marathon last weekend, because of TBR. :D I could never have done that had the TBR magazine perpetually talked of 35min 10k PRs, sub 3-hour marathons, etc.. I would have been scared to death. Only because TBR chose to be true to the many who just run for the love of running did I find the courage to chase my marathon dream. :) If you ask me, that counts for something.

    sam said on May 29 10 at 9:51 PM Reply

  10. JimS,
    Maybe when you have your own running magazine, you can decide who to feature in your cover. Jaymie has done the running community a world of good with TBR Magazine and this blog. I am proud to have finished my first marathon last week in Nuvali–something I could never have achieved if not for Jaymie, Jim Lafferty, and the rest.

    Jojo said on May 29 10 at 11:03 PM Reply

  11. TBR magazine is a lifestyle running magazine. I do hope these so called “elite” runners know the contents and features of the magazine. If they don’t grasp the content and context of the magazine then they’re better off reading other hardcore running magazines instead. What I don’t understand is TBR is already promoting running as a lifestyle and yet we have ( people like “elite” runner) this kind of attitude towards people who want to promote something good. “Elite” runner or not, he should even be critical of the TBR magazine. Has he been able to do something good for the running community, the way TBR has? Just goes to show that even in running, we have people with these kind of crab mentality.

    Gino Vineli said on May 30 10 at 8:25 AM Reply

  12. I must confess that I have yet to read an issue of your TBR magazine. However, judging from the Bull Sessions and the Dream Marathon that I was able to join (as a Personal Pacer), your approach and “concept” of running is very refreshing. I believe that by putting running in a more “reachable level” more people are encouraged to take up the sport – and stick to it. Keep it up! Keep running!

    Question: Any plans of starting an Ultramarathon, TBR style?

    Doc Didoy said on May 30 10 at 9:03 AM Reply

  13. Hi Jaymie,
    I agree with you real runner are the one who loves running and not winning. Winning is nice but we are featuring runner. Kidding aside, I just started running this summer and I was inspired by the story of Donna. No diet and in perfect figure due to running. For me my cholesterol is not good before and because of running these are back to normal level. My goal is to run and neither because of winning a race nor qualifying on the elite races. But my goal is to stay healthy and fit until I reached my senior years and I still have 30 years to do it and maintain it. Currently I am under 50 minutes on a 5K run, and I am much appreciated that you feature normal people that can serves as an inspiration for others to change their lifestyle, from a couch potato to a healthy one.
    Once again thank you.

    Jameson said on May 30 10 at 9:47 AM Reply

  14. JimS should run to experience happy hormones…

    LYN said on May 30 10 at 9:50 AM Reply

  15. Personally, its a classic example that you cannot please everybody. Sayang, if JimS had only joined the TBR Dream Marathon, he could have read a great reminder to the participants, “Its not about the legs, its IN the heart”

    Jaymie and the TBR staff, please keep it soaring.

    Btw, same with Hector, I consider myself a real-runner, mas pogi lang sya:)

    hinlog said on May 30 10 at 9:58 AM Reply

  16. To quote: “YOU GOTTA LOVE IT!”

    Paolo Manuel said on May 30 10 at 10:45 AM Reply

  17. Keep up the good work Jaymie. You, along with the people you feature, elite athletes or not, are inspiring so many people to run, and that in my book means you are on the right track :)

    Ani de Leon said on May 30 10 at 12:05 PM Reply

  18. Indeed, beginners like me are more inspired in reading articles which we can easily relate to when it comes to experiences and etc. It doesn’t have to be words from an elite runner. Take my dad for example, he has never won a race, all his running friends have all “retired” and yet, he eat, lives and breathes running. I don;t think a real runner has to have won its the passion. thanks Jayme

    blanche said on May 30 10 at 1:16 PM Reply

  19. hey, even JimS is reading the TBR magazine! hehehe…thank you jaymie for letting this guy know who the real runners are.

    And for JimS, live and let live na lang bro! :)

    Joel, tbr #003 said on May 30 10 at 3:18 PM Reply

  20. Hi Jaymie,

    Thanks Jaymie for defending us (non-elite), sure I have not yet won any medals yet, I do not run that fast, but I know in my heart that I have grown to love running, and will continue to do my best, train hard to reach my personal best record. We have high regards for our elite athletes, but didn’t all of us started as a ‘newbie’? Cheers to more mileage. :)

    Let Guieb said on May 30 10 at 5:08 PM Reply

  21. that’s very similar with the saying “BEAUTY IS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER” but who usually say that? actually there’s no need to identify them. ’cause most of you know who they are. But you never hear it from individuals who are.. lets just say “physically blessed”. that’s the same with running. individuals that says a lot of things how they ran or trying to prove what a real runner they are. those individuals are more or less.. well same thing, there’s no need to identify what kind of a runner they are. but you never hear anything from runners that are, lets say blessed. Ok, elites or aspiring elites. you don’t hear anything from them. they just run. So i suggest follow the saying “ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS”. Let your skills do the talking.. Don’t say it, do it..

    deacon frost said on May 30 10 at 5:10 PM Reply

  22. I don’t know about the “Pogi” part..but I greatly credit Hector along with Neville on fostering my love for running..they taught me to run..even before Secondwind shop is up; they are already like that (run freaks that is). so i can’t say that it is about anything other than running… but it’s a great issue…we need more people like JimS..pasikatin natin ng husto si hec…Hec should be thanking this guy!..haha

    by the way, I consider my self an “elite” runner in my own right…

    Carlo said on May 30 10 at 5:21 PM Reply

  23. This “JimS” is a misrepresentation of our national athletes! These elites are the most dedicated and down to earth people I’ve met. The last thing they want is to be on a cover of a magazine unless requested.

    Your magazine caters to the majority of runners who are passionate about the sport and the people who are yet to discover the joys of running. TBR magazine has contributed significantly to the running community & I have yet to hear anything negative about it. Thank you Jamie and keep up the excellent work!

    To JimS, dude the magazine is free so quit your whining!

    Iah said on May 30 10 at 7:19 PM Reply

  24. mabuhay ang mga magaganda at mga poging tumatakbo, mabuhay tayong lahat!!! bow :)

    hector said on May 30 10 at 9:24 PM Reply

  25. I don’t really know whether to be insulted or be flattered by the “pa pogi” reference, haha! :-)
    I also think “their” is a special place for people who feel there are more “compiling” stories than those of Hector & the other wannabe runners/athletes.
    Jaymie, your blog, your magazine & your “bull-headedness” have inspired an army of wannabes who dream of a taste of a runner’s heaven. But just as you have us loyal army recruits, you’ll also encounter the occasional “elite” general who will question your populist (& very effective) strategies.
    I think that JimS, in his zeal to want to encourage more support for elite athletes via sponsorships, has gone overboard with his comments. We all know you are above that and won’t follow his lead. (But) you won’t do that, don’t you?
    (Sorry Jaymie, I just couldn’t resist :-) )

    Melfred L. Hernandez said on May 30 10 at 9:51 PM Reply

  26. This was a big issue a couple months back in Runner’s World and other running sites because of a similar letter sent to the NY Times, “Plodders Have a Place, But is it in a Marathon?” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/sports/23marathon.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Adrienne%20Wald&st=cse The responses to the article are telling of the general sentiment. Basically, the response of the running community was to say that the elites inspire, but that it is the majority of ordinary runners, those with speeds some would consider so-so to slow, whose enthusiasm, support, and dollars sustain this running boom and all the benefits we enjoy from it…including the incredible amount of races being organized, the running stores that have cropped up, the magazines, blogs and all the options and resources available to us.

    Michelline said on May 30 10 at 11:37 PM Reply

  27. Basta alam ko pogi ako. Pero mas pogi sa kin si Hec. :-) )))))

    Edward said on May 31 10 at 12:53 AM Reply

  28. …”Who’s a real runner for me? He’s the loner who does not join races and has no running friends, but he laces up every 5 a.m. to run 10km.”….parang ako yun ah…..thanks jaymie, for defending the “real runners”…more power to the bullrunner magazine :)

    vladz said on May 31 10 at 7:24 AM Reply

    • vladz, you are not alone. sa tingin ko marami tayong “loners” sa running. not all friends naman kasi share the same passion for the same thing. but i admire those loners who still find the dedication to pursue their passion “alone” without external pressure from anyone. more power to you! :)

      giddyyap said on Jun 01 10 at 12:45 PM Reply

  29. i agree with Coach Jim – CELEBRATE THE EFFORT NOT THE TIME!!!! one’s PASSION for running is the REAL thing!

    odie said on May 31 10 at 7:55 AM Reply

  30. Keep it up Jamie! You inspires us! you give us a room in running community specially yung Dream Marathon event…

    francis tuazon said on May 31 10 at 8:39 AM Reply

  31. By the way, Hector Yuzon is the owner of Secondwind Running Store. You can visit him at:
    88 Maginhawa St. UP Teacher’s Village Quezon City during Tuesdays and Wednesdays and at:
    Unit 03A Ortigas Home Deopot,J.Vargas Ave. cor. Meralco Ave. Pasig City

    See for yourself how “POGI” he is!

    mickymac said on May 31 10 at 9:42 AM Reply

  32. Baka gusto rin sumikat ni JimS? Uso ngayon yan! JimS, why not make your own “free” running magazine or better yet, create your own running group and organize a marathon. Or maybe, have your own running store so you’ll also be “pogi” like Hec…who knows, he might give you an autographed pic and a kiss from mikey hahaha…peace guys! ;-)

    Bobby said on May 31 10 at 10:04 AM Reply

  33. I don’t think this guy has ever met Hector. Aside from being pogi (naks), Hec is one of the nicest guys I know. I remember when I just started running, he would invite us to Thursday group runs. I was only a 5k runner that time. He would entertain my every question on what to do, what not to do before, during and after runs. He inspired me to try to achieve more and this is why I believe you featured him so that he can continue to inspire more people. Keep it up Jaymie! :)

    Gail said on May 31 10 at 10:14 AM Reply

    • hi gail, salamat for your kind words. congratulations on your marathon – i hope your ankle is better by now. keep those questions coming!

      hector said on Jun 06 10 at 10:28 PM Reply

  34. JimS, i think you should address your concerns to our new president =)

    Noynoy should help our athletes

    Michael Antonio said on May 31 10 at 10:36 AM Reply

  35. i am just your average weekend runner, not your so called ‘elite’. If it was not for TBR, i would not have enjoyed running more. Jaymie, & Hector have helped motivate & inspire myself as well as other average runners out there. Keep u the good work.

    Rich A. TBR bib #024 said on May 31 10 at 12:37 PM Reply

  36. I am not an elite runner.
    I run 3 days a week after office to destress.
    I wake up at 5AM on weekends to continue doing what I love doing.
    I travel from Cavite to BHS to join the half-marys.
    I am not an elite runner.
    Shame on you, JimS.

    Eric said on May 31 10 at 12:48 PM Reply

  37. I never realized that there was an exclusivity clause in running- that you had to be elite to be called a runner!

    In the same way that JimS is entitled to an opinion then I am entitled to mine. JimS, you are wrong about your definition of what a ‘real’ runner is. And you are wrong about Hector being pa-pogi because he already is!

    Bic said on May 31 10 at 12:53 PM Reply

  38. Kudos Jaymie! Very well said, as always. Equating real runners with medals won or great PRs is so elitist. If there’s anything I love about running, it’s that it’s inclusive. I’m an NGO worker fighting for the right of the marginalized through good governance and I would hate it to realize that the other world which I think is a escape from this social and political reality is also mudded with the same illness. I think that in running, we all stand on equal footing and that is we love running. That’s why I loved the TBR Dream Marathon and the magazine so much. No one is belittled or alienated. The elite ones, those who become great and known for the awards they get, etc, while worthy of being admired and supported definitely do not draw the line between who the real runners are and who are not. At the end of the day, what matters is what kind of people we become out of everything we do. We each have our own stories in relation to running that goes beyond what medals and PR tell of what kind of runner of people we are. If we romanticize the word “real” its definition will eventually be absurd. We should sometimes take some words as it is. Real runners are the ones who love the sport. Awarded and fast runners are real runners just like the rest who love the sport. I feel sad about this comment.

    Reylynne said on May 31 10 at 1:11 PM Reply

  39. I’m a runner wannabe and proud of it and for me TBR has shown the way for ordinary people like me to enjoy and be inspired with running.

    In a perfect world elite runners in our country should be up there with the Manny Pacquiaos, James Yaps, Efren Bata Reyes and other famous Filipo athletes who garner not just sponsors but recognition. I say this becuase what other sport in out country could gather thousands of participants week after week? This is how popular running has become. But despite of these we often times forget the people who really excel in our beloved sport. To stress my point ask a 10 year old kid playing Basketball who is his idol he’ll probably say Kobe, James Yap etc…Ask a runner who participates regarlary in weekend races and ask hime who’s the no.1 runner in our country, he or she would probably give you a blank stare or even blurt out Papa P….Another think despite the number of participants on a race, how many of us really stay and watch the awarding ceremonies? Do we even greet them or take picures with the winners? I think it’s not just the sponsorship our elite runner need, I think they also need our recognition.

    Haste said on May 31 10 at 1:12 PM Reply

  40. i-takbo na lang natin ‘to! :)

    superbonngg! said on May 31 10 at 1:40 PM Reply

  41. when started running a year ago, was amazed to discover this community of people who were at races and fun runs to celebrate the simple joys of running and, even as a loose community, help bigger communities in causes and fund-raisers. it was fun until read a post similar to that of jim’s in another running forum. for someone like me who just run for run, elitist comments made me feel like was gate-crashing, descerating their sacred sport, made me feel unwelcome, and think that maybe i belong at the sidelines rather than on the road. not that agree with their opinion, but thought maybe finishing a marathon would change things, make me a real runner, and get accepted. but guess it’s never going to be enough for the jims out there.

    noobie said on May 31 10 at 2:10 PM Reply

  42. You cannot please everyone.

    Sting aptly puts it: “Be yourself no matter what they say.” (Englishman in New York)

    Atty. Jon said on May 31 10 at 4:32 PM Reply

  43. JimS should come out in the open. Don’t be a “Koala Bear.”

    eas said on May 31 10 at 5:15 PM Reply

  44. It’s a very disappointing judgmental comment from Jims. I’d say, just keep up the good work jaymie. Your blog and magazine has been a good source of info and inspiration since I started to embrace the sports.

    tin said on May 31 10 at 9:22 PM Reply

  45. …by JimS definition, TBR mag did feature a “real runner” on the previous issue, March-April. I think Willie Guevarra ran Boston Marathon repeatedly.

    It’s funny that now it is Jaymie’s obligation to provide sponsorships to the elites. Isn’t that the problem of somebody else?

    TBR could easily cease to give out FREE magazines. I’m guessing that the TBR Dream Marathon took a lot of her time and effort so it is possible that there wouldn’t be a TBRDM 2011.
    TBR can easily stop blogging just because she wants to stop.
    Are we taking TBR for granted?

    Imagine if there was no thebullrunner.com

    By JimS definition, imagine if no wannabe runners joined races. Would there even be NY, Chicago, Boston Marathon??? What is the essense of qualifying for Boston if only those who aspire to join are the only ones who can easily qualify? Who are the people that tries countless races to have that BQ to simply fail and to luckily succeed? Through elitist remarks, wannabes like me would stray away from BostonM. The Boston Marathon would lose its selling proposition.
    It would become just another marathon. Seems like NY Marathon lottery would become more exciting then.

    Would sports companies just freely give out sponsorships, free shoes etc. to elites, if the companies didn’t profit from patronizing wannabes? The wannabe runners are PAYING for the so-called real runners.

    enzoenzo said on May 31 10 at 9:29 PM Reply

  46. on hector-whenever I buy my gel supply at the second wind, he would always give a piece of advice for free re the race or long run I’d have. Ill check out the pogi part when I visit the store this week Hahaha…

    tin said on May 31 10 at 9:30 PM Reply

  47. Oh, and on the elites – I guess JimS is a misrepresentation of most of them. I know some of them personally and they’re one of the most humble and helpful persons I’ve met-Not in any way discriminating. JimS-chill! Let’s just run.

    Tin said on May 31 10 at 9:47 PM Reply

  48. Have pity on JimS..kawawa naman sya:-)

    Punta ka na lang JimS sa TBR DM dinner party sa Wed at BHS para ma______ ka!

    Wag kana magdala pera kahit KKB ha?

    friends said on May 31 10 at 10:16 PM Reply

    • I don’t WANNA BE in a Boston Marathon
      I don’t WANNA BE in an IRONMAN either
      but i read your magazine and blog regularly and even follow you on facebook and twitter :) let’s just say you will listen to JimS, which I’m sure you won’t and feature Sabal and Elite runners on TBR magazine what good will it bring us “unreal runners”?? mukhang hindi yata ako makaka relate. JimS said “keep doing the same practice and you will lose credibility as a real runners magazine” I say… just continue with what you’re doing and we will continue to “run” with you

      yopips said on Jun 01 10 at 2:45 AM Reply

  49. Dude (JimS) you made a valid point on the lack of support and corporate sponsorships for the elite runners in the Philippines to gain exposure at international races but you don’t have to go that far in trashing other runners and the TBR magazine for that.

    Who cares if TBR still has to feature an elite runner in its cover. The last time I check Philippines is still a democracy and any editor-in-chiefs is free to run any story they want. You don’t like it then don’t read it. FRONTRUNNER or RUNNERSWORLD might be an option to you.

    TBR magazine caters to a segment of the running community and might not fit your definition of a real running magazine. Get over it and go find one that suits your reading needs.

    Now back to sponsorships and probably a government run program to send runners overseas and hopefully compete with the worlds elites. I am up for that and it can be done.

    For a start, I’ll pledge $1,000.00 to sponsor an elite runner from the Philippines to run an international marathon next year. I live it up to Jaymie to work on the criteria in selecting who gets sent and to what race.

    I run a marathon a month and its true that international marathon running is expensive. I’ll sacrifice a marathon in my schedule for next year and will donate $1,000.00 for any Filipino athlete to run overseas.

    On that note I am also challenging any corporate CEO’s, politicians, NGO heads and anybody reading this blog who has the means of helping our country’s elite athletes gain international exposure and make the Philippines proud to set up a program that will help our talented but financially strapped runners race overseas.

    For the love of running, whose up for the challenge? Lets get it on and start sending more Filipino runners overseas representing the country.

    Kenneth (FB: Just Running) said on Jun 01 10 at 3:35 AM Reply

  50. I am not an imaginary runner.
    Therefore, I am a real runner.

    Cougcat said on Jun 01 10 at 9:10 AM Reply

  51. Jaymie, when you receive emails from people like JimS who seem to think that the average runner doesn’t inspire and doesn’t deserve recognition, please ignore them.

    Keep doing what you’re doing because I’m sure you contribute more to the sport than all the crab-minded JimS’s of this world.

    Migs said on Jun 01 10 at 9:21 AM Reply

  52. Agree with you Jaymie. Real runners are the runners who love running whether they win a running race or not, whether they get paid to run or not. Real runners are runners who help others or inspire others to take up running and Hector is certainly such a person who has a done a lot for the local running community. Thank you very much Jaymie for keeping it real.

    Macky said on Jun 01 10 at 10:33 AM Reply

  53. i was about to post some nasty remarks for Mr. JimS. but after reading Kenneth’s post and pledge, i cannot help but hold back.

    i think we all share the same sentiments for Mr. JimS so i won’t add anymore. instead, i would like to commend Kenneth for his generous gesture. i hope the running community can also come up with something to help support the “deserving elites” in their chosen profession. if it takes joining a race for their benefit, then i’m all for it. happy running everyone! let’s keep the human spirit alive by running. :)

    giddyyap said on Jun 01 10 at 11:55 AM Reply

  54. Hi Jaymie. I read your blog but I rarely post a comment. I can’t help but post a comment now. I’m one of those wanna-be runners. I started running when my bf broke my heart and I didn’t know what to do with myself. I bought my first running shoes on impulse and just started running. It’s been 2 years. I’ve run several 5KS and 2 10Ks and I’m one of those people whose PR for a 10K is around 1 hr 30 (1 hr 24 mins to be exact). It’s been two years on and off and I should be better I suppose, but I’ve learned not to put a premium on my PRs. I just really like running. It helps me deal with stress (My job is super stressful) and I love how I feel when I run. I feel strong and powerful and it makes me feel I can do anything.

    I write now cause I just really dislike comments like Jim’s. I’ve encountered people like that before, especially when I was still starting, and I’m tempted to say, you don’t know anything about me or why I started running. Not everyone’s into running just cause it’s a popular sport, and even then, so what? What’s so bad if people just wanna run to have fun, to try what’s “uso?” People have their own reasons for running and no runner, wanna be or otherwise, should be made to feel like they don’t deserve to be engaged in the sport.

    I love your mag and your blog because it highlights runners, elite or not, “Real” or just wanna-be’s because that’s precisely what the running world is made up of. We’re not all elite, we’re not all gunning for Boston or for a medal. But we like running and we like to read about other running and about other people who like running. I understand his point about getting support for our athletes, but there are other ways to get that point across without disparaging other people. I suggest to JimS to just go running instead of spending his time making snide remarks that could turn people off from something that could have been good for them.

    Mia said on Jun 03 10 at 11:56 AM Reply

  55. guys, bakit puro JimS? pwede ba natin balikan yung statement na POGI RUNNER si hector Yuson? i mean, come on, si hector pogi!runner na pogi pa? grabeh san ka pa!

    ok just making things light…i agree that JimS guy has no right to impose who should be featured as a real runner. at the end of the day, there are two important things– 1) passion for running, and 2) HECTOR IS A POSI RUNNER

    PennePasta said on Jun 03 10 at 4:42 PM Reply

  56. I agree with you, Jaymie. I was once a sprinter in my grade school and early high school days, but broke my left clavicle in a motorcycle accident and stopped running when I fully recovered. Last January of 2010, my wife invited me to run with her, as part of my cross-training of my football(soccer). And I love running again… especially when my wife and I found a family of ‘wannabes’ in Ungo og Dagan which is founded by Max Limpag. I joined few 5Ks, 10Ks, and one 21k race. I even ran alone from Carcar(40km+) to Cebu City at 10am to almost 4pm. That’s how I got myself addicted to running. Just last November, I finished my first Ultra 50km in Cebu, got the finisher’s plate and was very happy to find out that quitting smoking, a couple of months after I started running again, was a big help, too. Gradually, old bad habits(smoking and weekend-barkada drinking) were replaced by this new and healthy habit called running.

    I haven’t even joined any of Cebu City Marathon or TBR because I don’t think I’m ready yet for my marathon time goal of 4:30, though the finishers’ medals are that tempting. With injuries on both knees and ankles due to football, I still run because I love to.. and it makes me stronger!

    Thanks for sharing this nice article, Jaymie!

    Tito Vildosola said on Mar 21 11 at 12:36 PM Reply

  57. ahem…sama ingles ng reactor mo teh…

    Roy Tan said on Dec 19 11 at 10:28 AM Reply

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