Runner’s Interview: Joy Rojas Runs Across the USA

Wednesday, 23 December 2009  |  Interviews + Features

Joy Rojas was the first woman to run across the Philippines in 2005 covering 2000km in 46 days from Mindanao to Luzon. She recently returned from the USA for Takbong Pangarap Trans-USA Run 2009 where she ran 16 states in 196 days, from Los Angeles to New York. She is the first Southeast Asian woman to run across the USA.

Central Park, NY4

– Joy with members of the Philippine American Triathlon Club and Western Union employees at the “finish line” in Central Park –

There are only a handful of local runners who I look up to, not just because of the miles they’ve covered, but because of their pure passion for running; Joy Rojas is certainly in that list.  I was fortunate enough to have met her from whom I learned a thing or two about determination, humility, and integrity.  Here goes our interview…

Starting point: May 10, 2009, Eagle Rock Plaza, Los Angeles
Ending point: November 22, 2009, Central Park, New York
Total distance ran: 2,761 miles
Ave. distance per day: 26-30 miles
Running days: 113 days.
Rest days: 83
Total # of days for entire trip: 196 days

What made you think of taking on this incredible journey of running across America?  How did the idea come about?

After my running partner Mat Macabe and I ran across the Philippines (Davao City to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte) in 2005, I felt such great happiness and longing to be on the road again. More and more, I really felt that I still had a long run left in me. So after much introspection, I decided that running across the Philippines (which was a dream I carried in my mind and heart for seven years, after running across the Visayas in 1997), shouldn’t be the end of a dream but the start of many others. We thought of running across the US for many reasons: at least 200 people had done it, language shouldn’t be a problem, and with all the Pinoys scattered all over the States, the potential for support was there.

How did you plan your route across the USA?

I read the websites of transcontinental runners and I was drawn to the routes of two runners (Martin Illiot and Jackson Williams) who both recently crossed America. I figured, if they were able to run their routes, then they’re passable. Originally, I wanted to start in San Francisco, because I wanted to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, but contacts were established in Los Angeles, and that’s why we started where we did. The route continued to evolve as we ran. There was the request to include Washington DC, so states like West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland were added into the mix. And when we had to be in Denver for an event hosted by our sponsor Western Union, we were advised by friends to enter Colorado by way of Arizona, not Utah as originally planned, because it was a slightly shorter (and less hilly) route.

Running in the fog Fairview IL

– Joy and Mat running in the fog in Fairview Heights, IL –

You were running over a marathon daily for nearly six months, how did this feel physically and emotionally? Amazingly, I felt good in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I was running at my best: although my legs felt tired at the end of the day, I experienced no lactic acid (thank you, SportsAde!), and I had more blisters on my lips than my feet due to windburn. Once I got the injury in Kansas (excruciating pain in my left pelvis which was misdiagnosed as a pulled muscle and bursitis along the way; an MRI in St. Louis, MO, revealed it was a stress fracture), I slowed down considerably to the point that I would walk 30 miles for many days. The month-and-a-half break plus the daily doses of calcium and vitamin D helped, but because we had very little time left to finish before snowfall and Thanksgiving hit New York, I had to run almost 26 miles daily from October 7 to November 22.

Getting back into high-mileage runs after weeks of relative inactivity was painful. My right leg swelled up like the Michelin man’s, and my pelvis was so sore, I limped and held on to Mat for support at the end of the day. From Ohio to New York, the soles of my feet were so sore, I felt like I wasn’t wearing shoes when I was running. And for the first time in my years of running, I felt such incredible pain pulsating to the tips of my toes, I was afraid to remove my shoes and socks after each run because I worried about what my feet would look like. To this day, my feet are still sore and my left hip hurts a bit during short, easy runs. I think it’ll be a while before I can run the way I used to. But that’s okay; I demanded so much from my body, it deserves the rest.

For most of the run, I was okay emotionally, but I have to admit, the last stretch from St. Louis, MO to Central Park, NY was very stressful. When you’re running slow because you’re in pain and the days are becoming shorter (it’s dark by 4:30 pm), you can really feel the pressure to finish. I don’t know how many times I cried before, during, and after a day of running, but thank goodness for Mat, Danny Titus (the American photographer who acted as our coordinator during the run), and for family and friends who called or texted to cheer me on and assure me of their prayers.

Did you run alone most of the time? What do you think of during your long, solitary runs?

Yes, I ran mostly by myself. Mat underwent open heart surgery (mitral valve replacement) in March 2008, and although he ran many parts of the route (at an easy pace) with me, Danny and I prevented him from tiring himself. My thoughts were random and varied: I thought about what I wanted to eat at the end of the day, made up stories about how various debris (from cellphones to clothes and toys) ended up on the side of the road, and recalled family, friends, and situations that we had just been through.

I also prayed a lot. Once, when I was in such pain in Missouri, my mom texted me from out of the blue and told me about all the priests and church friends she recruited to pray for us. She also told me to say the rosary while I ran, and I did, chanting Our Fathers and Hail Marys under my breath, and counting them with my fingers. I’m not religious but I have to say it had such a calming effect on me. Before I knew it, I had recited several cycles and we had reached our destination for the day.

With Danny Titus2

– “Best travel companions: Whether I was running at my best or my worst, Mat Macabe and Danny Titus never left my side. These two true gentlemen were the height of patience, understanding and encouragement.” –

What was the highlight of the entire run?

At first I thought it was watching the landscapes and colors changing right before our eyes, but for Mat and I, it was America’s big heart that proved the highlight of the run. Everybody was just so kind to us; strangers took us into their homes, gave us water, honked their horns and pumped their fists into the air to cheer us on. This was our first time ever in the US and we never expected Americans to be this friendly or supportive.

What was the most challenging portion for you?

Physically, it was running from Beltsville to Baltimore. We were on the fringes of Typhoon Ida, but even then, it felt like we were at the center of the storm. Imagine running—or in my case, walking—under 5°C rains, 23 mph headwinds, and on a very busy highway with a shoulder that comes and goes.

You suffered a stress fracture midway through the run.  How did you deal with it?  Was quitting ever an option?

Thankfully, we caught it in time where rest, calcium and vitamin D were the only things needed to make it heal. Had I continued, my doctor warned me, I would have broken my hip. Danny drove us back to the west coast to recuperate because he felt that being surrounded by friends would hasten my healing.

There was never a moment when I thought of quitting. For one thing, this was just too rare an opportunity, I knew we would never be able to do it again. For another thing, we had come so far! We covered 2/3 of America, New York was already within reach, so it would be such a waste to end it abruptly. More importantly, so many people’s lives were affected by my decision to run across the US, I really felt it would be such a great disservice to Mat, Danny, our sponsors, family and friends, if I decided to quit because I didn’t have the patience to sit it out for a month and a half and heal.

Lake Mead, NV5

– Joy running on the dry part of Lake Mead, Nevada –

What gadgets did you use to track your mileage and ensure you covered an accurate distance?

Danny Titus used a road atlas, maps of each state, Google Maps, and a GPS to track our mileage. Before Danny officially joined us in Arizona, Mat and I relied on an atlas, state maps, and a GPS. Two Filipino friends from Los Angeles who were familiar with US roads and had Internet access, Dr. Jing Mercado and Bert Jaurigue, served as our advisers while we were still in the West Coast. They would call daily to check on us, and Bert, in particular would call several times a day, often while I was still running, to ask of our whereabouts. He and his wife Ces literally went the extra mile for us: they crewed for us from Barstow to Yermo Road, CA (30.7 miles) and from Mesquite, NV to the Shivwitz Indian Reservation, UT (31.4 miles). They were also present in our events in Las Vegas, NV and Denver, CO

I’m pretty old school when it comes to gadgets, so the only gadgets I used were a runner’s watch, iPod and cellphone. To get perspective on how far I ran, I relied on road signs (those green and white ones that report the mileage from town to town), mile markers, and updates from Danny, who advanced 3 miles at a time after I caught up with him. Sometimes, there would be no mile markers along the way, and at first it felt weird not knowing how much I already covered. Eventually, I kind of liked not knowing; it felt liberating to just run. But of course, Danny and Mat were always there to remind me.

You called this run “Takbong Pangarap.” Is this your biggest dream?  Are there any more dream runs you would like to achieve?

Bainbridge, OH9

– Catching the changing of the leaves in Bainbridge, OH –

Our friends in the States, people we met because of this project, are already dreaming up other runs for us, but Mat says he doesn’t want me to put any more runs together because it hurts him to see me struggle, both physically and emotionally. Personally, I say never say never, but for now, what I really want to do is go back to work, and spend time with family and friends. And go on some short and easy runs.

Win Slots to a Free Chi Running Intro Session

Wednesday, 23 December 2009  |  News + Promos

As mentioned in this post, Lit Onrubia has introduced Chi Running to the Philippines. As a Christmas treat (and a reward for those who actually have time to surf the web through the hectic Holiday season), I am giving out FREE slots to a Chi Running intro session with LIt Onrubia.  3 winners will win 2 slots each!  Here’s how to join:

Answer this question in 1 to 2 sentences:

WHY SHOULD YOU WIN A FREE SLOT IN TBR’S FREE CHI RUNNING INTRO SESSION WITH LIT ONRUBIA?

Post the answer in the comment section below.

RULES:

  1. Answer should be maximum of 2 sentences.  Any longer will lead to disqualification.
  2. Commenter can only submit one entry. Double or more entries will lead to disqualification.
  3. TBR will choose 3 winners.
  4. Each winner will be entitled to 2 slots.
  5. Intro session will be in 2 sessions. First session will be on Dec. 28, 2009, Monday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Bonifacio High Street. Second session date and venue to be announced during 1st session.
  6. Prize is transferable.
  7. Contest is open on December 23, 2009 from 3;30pm to 11:30pm only.

May the best runners win!

Garmin in Manila by 1st Quarter 2010

Tuesday, 22 December 2009  |  Gear + Gadgets

Guess who’s coming to town by January 2010…Garmin!  A local company has just obtained exclusive distributorship of Garmin products—from car GPS devices to…you guessed right…running watches! Finally!

In 2007, before we saw a Garmin on every other runners’ wrist, I had to order my Garmin 305 online. And, only a few months back, I still had to order my Garmin 310XT through a friend. By 1st quarter of 2010, no need to pay shipping fees or beg a friend to hand carry the watch home, Garmin products will be readily available in Metro Manila.

For now, they are definitely bringing in the Garmin Forerunner 310XT and Garmin Forerunner 405.  I’m hoping they can bring in the Garmin Forerunner 305, too.  Hopefully, they can also have a service center to replace our dead batteries instead of us having to ship them out to Taiwan.

By the 1st Quarter of 2010, the Garmin showroom will be open to the public.  For now, they can accept orders for the watches.  If you are interested, just comment below and I’ll make sure to forward your email.

Chi Running Now in Manila! Win Slots to a FREE Intro Session

Monday, 21 December 2009  |  News + Promos

I discovered Chi Running almost two years ago and wrote about it here.  Shortly after that post, I borrowed the Chi Running book by Danny Dreyer and a friend gave me the Chi Running DVD. I eagerly attempted to practice the techniques I learned, but I was never too sure if I applied it correctly. As time passed, I ended up practicing one basic principle, which I believe helped me recover and further prevent injury: midfoot landing.  All the rest, I simply can’t remember!

Thank goodness then for this guy: Lit Onrubia, who has brought Chi Running into the Philippines. (If his name rings a bell, he’s the famous boyfriend who proposed to his fiance at the Julia Fordham concert years ago. Yes, he was also the Philo teacher at AdMU.)  I had the pleasure of meeting Lit after the New Balance Power Run and, when I found out he took a Chi Running instructor course in the U.S., I knew I had to learn more about Chi Running from him. Below is my interview with Lit:

Note: On Dec. 28, 2009, Lit will give a FREE 2-hour intro session exclusively for TBR Readers. Wanna join? Details at the end of the interview below.

What is Chi Running? How will it benefit runners?

Chi Running is a revolutionary running technique developed by Danny Dreyer that combines the inner focus and balance of Tai Chi with the power and energy of running. The central themes of Chi Running are energy efficiency through relaxation, and injury prevention through proper form and alignment. The end goal is to learn a practice that leads to a lifetime of enjoyable and pain-free running!

I firmly believe that Chi Running benefits anyone who wants to run with ease, efficiency and without injury. It’s a fantastic starting point for beginners and for anyone returning to running after an injury. And experienced runners and triathletes have much to gain from Chi Running because it helps them run longer and faster without necessarily exerting more effort or exposing their bodies to potential injury brought about by a heavy training schedule. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a lot of Chi Running practitioners — both new and experienced runners alike — and all of them really only have good things to say about what Chi Running has done for them.

How long does it take to learn Chi Running? Is it difficult to learn and apply?

This is a great question and is one of the most common questions asked about Chi Running. It is actually very easy to learn, but almost impossible to master. I could teach somebody the basic principles and start having them apply it in 2 hours, but it takes even Chi Running Master Instructors (including Danny, there are only 7 certified Master Instructors in the world) years before they understand all the nuances and consistently feel all the principles in their bodies. And I suppose that’s what makes the practice of Chi Running so wonderful and challenging! The goal is not to run longer or faster each time but to run better by gaining a deeper understanding of how your body moves and how the physical forces of nature around us work while we run. Chi Running is not at all difficult to learn and apply, but one must be willing to constantly listen to one’s body and adjust as he/she gradually sets higher goals.

CR005- Rotation
– Lit teaching pelvic rotation –

KneeBend2
– Lit teaching lower body relaxation (knee bending and ankle lift) –

How did you learn Chi Running, how long have you been practicing it?

I first heard about Chi Running back in 2004. This was shortly after the first edition of the book was published. At that time, all I knew about Chi Running was that it was this natural running technique that promoted a forward lean and a mid-foot strike. And it resonated with me because I always ran with a slight lean ever since I started running 12 years ago and was already mostly a mid-foot runner. Still, I never bothered to learn more about it or buy the book. Fast forward to 2008 — I read on a website that the revised edition of the book was released and planned to finally buy it. But as luck would have it, a good friend of mine gave me the book as a present. I started reading it and I was hooked by page 8! It just totally blew my mind! Danny’s book articulated all the things that I had thought
about on how to run properly but could never fully understand. Applying the things I learned from the book and feeling the positive changes in my running inspired me to learn more about Chi Running because I wanted to share it with others. So in late 2009, I decided to get certified as a Chi Running Instructor and went to San Francisco and San Diego to learn from two Master Instructors and immerse myself in it. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed both experiences.

CR002- Class Picture
– Chi Running Instructor Certification class with Master Instructor Kathy Griest: Lit is in the front row, right –

How has Chi Running helped you?

Chi Running has made running a hundred percent more enjoyable for me! I’m able to run as often as I want without any soreness, And though I’m now much fatter (double sigh — haha!), I run better now in my late 30s compared to when I was in my late 20s. And I believe that my mind has connected with my body like never before. I’m just now more aware and have a better understanding of how our bodies work and this leads to me setting appropriate goals which I’m enjoying meeting and hopefully exceeding. I used to be very ego-centric with my running. Like how my enjoyment was directly tied to how fast or how far I could run. That’s completely changed. My enjoyment is now a result of being able to run more frequently with the confidence that I could probably and hopefully run forever. (And 
I hope it stays that way!) Still, I find that there’s still so much about running that I’m discovering and I absolutely cannot wait to share this with people. By the way, Danny is aware of the running boom in our country and he told me that he’s absolutely thrilled that we’re formally bringing the practice to the Philippines! After all, it’s only fitting that we bring a running technique inspired by eastern principles over to Asia!

CHI 
RUNNING SESSION DETAILS:

Instructor: Lit Jose Onrubia

Program: 
Chi Running is a revolutionary running technique that focuses on running with the correct form for efficient and pain free running. Chi Running is ideal for beginners, for runners coming back from injuries, and for experienced runners looking to improve their skill.

Dates: TBA. Stay tuned to www.thebullrunner.com for updates!

Venue: Bonifacio High Street or Ultra

Prices:

For Private Sessions (By appointment)

  • Php1,000/hr for a one-on-one session
  • Php1,500/hr for 2 people
  • Php2,000/hr for a group of 3 
people
  • Arrangements could also be made for a private Chi Running Basics course for up to 12 people

For Public Sessions (Dates TBA)

  • Php2,000/person for the 4-hr Chi Running Basics course. (Maximum of 12 people per course)

Contact details: Call Lit at:

  • Cell: 0917-537-6870
  • Email: lit.onrubia@gmail.com

WIN SLOTS TO AN EXCLUSIVE CHI RUNNING INTRO SESSION FOR TBR READERS! Details below:

  • Number of slots available: 3 pairs or 6 slots only (4th pair is for hubby and myself) since Lit wants to focus on each participant
  • Exclusive TBR Chi Running Intro Session:
  1. DECEMBER 28, 2009, MONDAY, 6:30 TO 8:30 PM, BONIFACIO HIGH STREET (near Runnr/ Mizuno): 2 hours for the intro (mostly getting the form right — proper posture and “the lean”), understanding running efficiency and injury prevention, and then spending a few mins running
  2. TBA: 2-hr follow-up session would be best (mostly running, applying the forms and talking about the other elements: foot strike, arm swing, gears/cadence, pelvic rotation, uphill/downhill running)
  • How to win:
  1. Wait for my post entitled WIN SLOTS TO A FREE CHI RUNNING SESSION anytime before Christmas.
  2. Contest will be open only for 8 hours from time of posting.
  3. 3 winners will be chosen by TBR based on the answers provided to a specific question.
  4. Each winner will be entitled to 2 free slots to the Chi Running Session.
  5. Chi Running slot is transferable.

Condura Run 2010 Website is Up

Saturday, 19 December 2009  |  Race Announcements

The Condura Run is always one of the most anticipated running events of the year.  It is known as THE run for runners, by runners as the brains behind the event are two passionate running brothers, Ton and Patrick Concepcion, who will stop at nothing to ensure that the race they offer is at par with the many races they’ve run themselves.

The Concepcion brothers are hands-on with race organization from conceptualization (they started sending out surveys as early as May 2009! Click here to read what most runners wished for!) down to implementation (for Condura 2009, I met Ton during set up on the eve of the race!)  So, it comes as no surprise that, as early as two months prior to race day, the website is up with all details laid out for runners to go gaga over.

Condurasite

– I found myself as an “extra” on Condura’s website! Cool! –

Just like last year, the website is one of the best race websites I’ve seen providing complete and relevant information designed in a simple, visually appealing, and easy-to-read format.

Click here to view the Condura Run 2010 – Run for Dolphins website.

My advice to all those who want to join this race:  Train NOW.  Register NOW.

See you on the Skyway on February 7, 2010!