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…our cover runner Apl.de.Ap of Black Eyed Peas of course!

This goes into my collection of other TBR Magazines autographed by Jeff Galloway and Piolo Pascual!  Thanks to Jamike and Mayi Lopa for not being too shy to ask him for me hah!

Download the latest issue of TBR Magazine with APL.DE.AP on the cover by clicking HERE.  It’s FREE!

To download other issues or find out where you can get a hard copy, please click HERE. (Other past issues—Mark & Doray Ellis, Piolo Pascual, Coach Rio de la Cruz, Maricel Laxa, Christine Jacob will be uploaded within the week. Thanks for your patience guys!)

I received this comment from Wonderwall on one of my most popular posts: Date a Girl Who Runs…

I always feel like runners are running away from something- don’t like this article at all. Blah.

No worries if Wonderwall didn’t like the post; each one is entitled to his/her opinion.  But, I think his/her first line is worth discussing.  It’s a question I’ve asked myself in the past (hey, you never know what goes on in our subconscious, right?) and raised with friends a couple of times.  Have you asked yourself the same?

“Do I run because I’m running away from something?”

My answer: Every time I hit the road, I’m almost beaming with joy.  There’s no doubt that I run simply because I want to.  Most of the time, I am running TOWARDS something and not away from anything at all.  I run towards a goal: a race I’ve targeted months in advance with a training program that I follow to a tee, a new PR, or a specific distance to achieve that day.  Sometimes I run for what others may think are more mundane reasons but are important to me just the same: to be with friends or even to enjoy the breakfast and great conversation after.  And, yes, there are times when I also run to burn off the Cheetos I munched on the previous night and, if possible, to flush out the guilty feeling that comes with it.

Admittedly, sometimes I do run to get away.  To escape.  To unburden myself of the loads of life.  It’s no different from an artist painting on a blank canvass to express his despair or a musician banging on his drums to ease the pain.  It’s simply a way to cope.

When my dad had his surgery, I ran like there was no tomorrow and, when he passed away, I ran even harder.  I run when there’s too much work, when there’s conflict with a relationship, or when I’m just fed up with something or someone.  I run hoping to leave behind all these issues and problems and hope to the high heavens they can never catch up with me.  Is this wrong?  Not at all.  For some reason, I end the run feeling empowered, energized, and ready to take on the world.  Eat my dust, I usually say to all of life’s challenges.

I guess the only way to really know if you’re running TOWARDS or AWAY from something is to look at where you’re standing now.  Ask yourself: Has running taken me farther than I could have ever imagined?  Or has it driven me to isolation and cowardice? Has running made me stronger, fitter, and better?  Or has it made me more arrogant, obnoxious and self-centered? Has running transformed me into a better person?  Or has it taken me further away from who I really should be?

So, what’s your answer?

I heard Laguna Phuket International Marathon was a huge success. I’m still pounding my head against the wall for getting injured weeks before the race, but hey there’s no point in crying over spilled milk, or in this case, a missed international 42k race in paradise which my legs were absolutely ready for…tsk tsk.

Overcast skies and a gentle sea breeze made perfect running weather for the Laguna Phuket International Marathon last June 12, 2011.  It was the marathon’s biggest-ever field in its six-year history, with some 5,000 runners from 45 countries signed up for a full marathon, half marathon, 10.5 km run, 5 km Community Charity Walk or a 2 Km Kids’ Run.

The 42km winner for men was Russian Vsevelod Khudyakov who finished 2:33:51.  Would you believe he ran the 42km just 24 hours after arriving in Phuket from Russia to make a last-minute race registration?  Winner of the women’s marathon was Mari Kauri of Finland with a time of 03:30:46.

Spotted in the race were Filipino runners!  (I checked results and there were only 6 male runners in the 42km.  Next year there should be 1 vindictive female, right? Hah!) Here’s a photo sent by the race organizer capturing Pinoys leaving the monks behind…

Today is the first day I could walk again without limping, discomfort, or pain. I didn’t know how much I took walking (and running) for granted until now.

After 25 days of wobbling like Erap, I can finally say good riddance to my cane and meds!

– I had to buy a cane in Megamall just to get around during the first week of injury. Our rolling computer chair came in handy too as my makeshift wheelchair hah!. Yes, that’s how bad it was –

– Arcoxia – my best friend in times of injury –

– Fastum Gel – I’d put this on my foot after hot compress twice a day –

Next goal: Trying to run again. (Insert sign of the cross here!)

So it’s been three full months since you—our TBR Dream Marathoners Batch 2011—became, well, marathoners?!  How time flies!  What have you been up to?  How has the marathon changed your life?  Have you maintained your fitness, built your mileage base, or pursued other activities?  Let us know!

For now, I’d like to leave you with this little present: this video from my adorable niece (and dearest sis who gave me permission to post) which should bring back fond memories of the music blazing in the background as you started your first (or second marathon) in NUVALI last March 20, 2011 under the super moon.  Enjoy!

P.S. Check out her hand movements midway through the video!