I woke up in my hotel room to view the Boston skyline before me. I was in Boston! Oh man, I really was in Boston! This was to be a quick 6-day trip with one goal in mind: to run Boston Marathon and subsequently complete all six World Marathon Majors. As far as I knew, I would be the first runner from the Philippines to do it. (more…)
I am a Boston Marathon finisher! It was both heaven and hell at the same time! The weather conditions were challenging. Think pouring rain, chilly headwind, and a temperature of 5 to 8 degrees through a hilly course wearing soaked socks and clothes. Eek! Yet, it was the best race ever! I gained a deeper admiration for all the strong and fast runners that qualify to run Boston every year and finally know for myself why Boston is one of the most prestigious races in the world.
Right after crossing the finish line of Boston Marathon
Finishing Boston Marathon also completes my goal of running all six World Marathon Majors: New York, Berlin, London, Tokyo, Chicago, and Boston. It’s been an amazing journey and I thank all my sponsors for helping me achieve this. Thank you to Gatorade for giving me the opportunity to run Boston Marathon and New York. Thank you to Unilab Active Health for taking me to Berlin, London, and Chicago. Thank you to all my other sponsors: Fitness First, Specialized, Tenkiebox (Otterbox), Peak Form, and Oakley. (more…)
Last month, I received the biggest news of my running career: Gatorade had locked in a slot for me to run the prestigious Boston Marathon!
If you know me, you know that since I first run the New York City Marathon in 2010, my greatest dream has been to run the World Marathon Majors. In the succeeding years after New York, I ticked off those marathons from my list: I was fortunate enough to run New York City Marathon again in 2011 thanks to Gatorade, Berlin Marathon in 2012 courtesy of Unilab Active Health, London Marathon in 2013 because of Timex and Unilab Active Health, Tokyo Marathon and Chicago Marathon in 2014 with the full support of Unilab Active Health. (more…)
This was the scene at the finish line of Boston Marathon on CNN when one of two bombs exploded and killed two people and injured many. It’s almost confusing to watch. The portion of the marathon that celebrates the strength of the human spirit suddenly marred by screaming, smoke, and fear. How does one make sense of this? Who does this? Why?
It’s disturbing and saddening. My heart goes out to all the victims of the horrific attack.
As I leave tonight for London to run the London Marathon on Sunday, I pray that the event be safe and that we can all go out there and, as good friend Drew Arellano tweeted, show these people that they cannot kill the human spirit.
Something big is happening this Monday. Aside from my much needed makeover (I’m finally going to get a haircut and coloring, something I haven’t had time to take pleasure in as running and therapy comes first in this woman’s life), the prestigious Boston Marathon will take place in the U.S.
I’ll be rooting for my idol, Kara Goucher. Just love the way she runs and carries herself. I’ll keep myself updated via Runner’s World early next week and pray that they feature it in Balls channel. Phew, good thing the sched doesn’t conflict with American Idol..hah.
Good luck to sisters, Leica and Amanda Carpo and a new reader of this blog, Raffy, as well as other Pinoy runners who made the cut! We’ll be cheering for you in spirit!
