Author Archives:

They say “You’ll never forget your first.” And, when it comes to my first marathon, it is definitely true.

When I crossed the finish line at my first marathon at QCIM, the feeling was overwhelming and unforgettable.  Going a step further, I would say it was life-changing. I found a new confidence and strength that I never knew existed.  I realized how through plain old hard work I could do the impossible.  Now, when the going gets tough, I just look back at that first 42km and think: If I survived that, I can do anything.

Thus began my dream to inspire others to run their first marathon, or their second, or their third.  To make others feel the same way I did.  To help them effect change in their own lives.

For the past few months, I met with key people in the running scene, the best of the best, who I thought could help me offer the best of the best for others.  And, now that dream is coming true.

By next week, I’ll tell you all about it.  It’s so good you’ll think you’re dreaming…

* Photo by Levi Lakandula

THE ROUTE

11KM & 11KM COUPLES

22KM

THE SINGLET

UPDATE: AS OF JAN. 29…THIS IS THE FINAL ROUTE OF CONDURA 42K:

START (28TH STREET)
RIGHT AT 11TH AVENUE
RIGHT AT 26TH STREET
LEFT AT 5TH AVENUE
GO STRAIGHT TO LAWTON DRIVE
LEFT AT LIBINGAN ROAD
TURNAROUND AT (BLACK GATE) PHILIPPINE ARMY OFFICERS LADIE’S SCHOOL
RIGHT AT LAWTON DRIVE ALL THE WAY TO 5TH AVENUE
LEFT AT 32ND STREET ALL THE WAY TO KALAYAAN
DOWN BUENDIA
LEFT AT ESTACION ST. (BEFORE RAILROAD TRACKS)
RIGHT AT DELA ROSA STREET
UP BUENDIA SKYWAY OFF-RAMP
STRAIGHT TO BICUTAN
TURNAROUND
EXIT AT NAIA 3 INTERCHANGE
TURNAROUND 50 MTRS OFF TOLL BOOTH
BACK TO SKYWAY NORTHBOUND
EXIT BUENDIA OFF RAMP
RIGHT AT DELA ROSA STREET
LEFT AT ESTACION
RIGHT AT BUENDIA
UP KALAYAAN FLYOVER
DOWN 32ND STREET
LEFT UNIVERSITY PARKWAY
RIGHT AT TRIANGLE DRIVE
LEFT AT 10TH AVENUE
LEFT AT UNIVERSITY PARKWAY
RIGHT AT 32ND STREET
LEFT AT 5TH AVENUE
LEFT AT 29TH STREET (FINISH LINE)

(more…)

I was happily chewing on my holiday indulgence (even if the holidays are over), chocolate almonds from Classic Confections, when I bit into something much harder than an almond. To my horror, it was a quarter of my molar!

By the next day, I was at the dentist’s clinic having it mended. I thought a simple filling or “pasta” would do the trick. But, after much draining and poking around, the dentist delivered the bad news: You’ll need a root canal.  Even worse news: it would cost P12,000.  What?! That’s the price of a new running watch, or two pairs of running shoes, or a ton of new apparel! (If you’re asking: Must everything be associated with running? The answer is YES!)

I have no choice but to push through with the root canal next week. But, I also asked the dentist what the cause was so that I could prevent all my other teeth from chipping.

Could it be old age?  Or calcium-deficiency?  The dentist’s answer was unexpected.

My dentist’s guess is it’s running-related.  She said I may be gritting my teeth when I run or lift weights.  She even suggested I get a mouthguard to wear while I’m running and sleeping.  Oh boy.  Who would’ve thought a mouthguard would be my newest running accessory?

On Monday, 25 January 2010, it would’ve been the birthday of our dearest President Corazon Aquino or Tita Cory. To honor her, the iamNinoy Runners Group will have a group run on the same day followed by a little gathering after.

We look forward to seeing you there!

– iamNinoy Launch at Condura 2009. I look like I’m dying –

BIRTHDAY RUN:

DATE: Monday, 25 January 2010
TIME: 5:30PM
PLACE: R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street
ATTIRE: Wear your yellow iamNinoy shirt

GATHERING:

PLACE: 180 Restobar, 3rd floor, above Cebu Lechon and next to S&R
WHAT TO EXPECT: Food, raffle prizes (5 Phiten bracelets, 5 Phiten necklaces to be given away), plus a lot of fun

* Photo courtesy of Jamike Lopa.