"Interconnectedness"

The club’s Nike We Run experience was incredibly awesome.

Coming from different agendas before the race, they took the challenge and went head on.

In the previous races, the club often come late and was always in a hurry to the starting line. Last year's Nike: We Run Manila, was jam-packed with people and parking was hassle. Since they were not familiar with the traffic in Marikina and didn't want to come late again, they left early and set their ETA at 2:30pm.

The pick-ups were easy and everyone was on time. Those who were in the van were Jemai, Jeff, Kevin, Don, Mico, Ray, Karen, Eya(+2 friends), and Rap.

Around 2:30PM – They arrived and found a good parking spot right beside the entrance. The DJ can already be heard blasting some good beats. They went inside the Nike Village while waiting for the other club members who decided to go to Marikina on their own.

2:50PM - Don initiated the stretching and warm-up exercise. They did the regular leg-swings and high-knees. Ronald, Lalaine, Gege, Nora, and Emille joined us. Some took a few laps beside the oval to break some sweat.


3:20PM - The "starting pen" was already open. They squeezed in the sea of runners until they reached other Road Eaters at Wave 2. They met Jigs, Alfred and Bogs. All of them were compressed. The weather was hot even though there was a drizzle. They were lucky that a few cold winds passed through them and they were under an Acacia tree. Breathing was difficult. They gasped for air like Koi fishes trapped in the ponds. While waiting for gun start, they took some group selfies and photos of their running shoes in a circle.

The emcee was cheering them up, holding the crowd's energy on high. Everyone was amazed by the flying Gyrocopter Camera. Also, Jeron Teng was holding a flag at the starting line.

3:45PM - The official warm-up for the runners began. As in every race, it was nearly impossible to copy the leader of the warm-up because of the tight space. They can only stretch their arms up.


3:55PM - Countdown & Gun Start- The music was intense and everyone was cheering and shouting. Confetti started to blast all over the starting line. On gun start the first wave of runners were released. Road Eaters in the second wave marched to the starting line and waited for their turn. After 8 minutes, they had the second go signal and that's when the battle started:

In the beginning Don tried to pace with Jemai and Kevin but they got separated at the first kilometer. Kevin was ahead of the club. The first 3-4km was a bottle-neck! The road was on a residential area and there were only two lanes.

Bystanders were all over the place, some were cheering and while some were criticizing the runners. We heard a bystander who yelled to a runner beside me saying "Ang taba mo!” Then he quickly replied, "Kahit mataba ako at least tumatakbo ako! Eh ikaw??" Haha. The early moments of the race was funny and a bit frustrating. Frustating because of doing "patintero" on the narrow road. So they ran on the sides, on the sidewalks, jumping over dog feces, dodging concrete posts and avoiding bystanders. They were like a stalling car, pushing forward then stopping, forward, then stopping again. The rule set by the organizer was not followed: slow runners still walked on both sides of the road and blocked the runners who were overtaking.

There were a lot of corners along the route but they stick on the shorter radius. When the road widened and the residential area was gone, some picked up speed.

Though there were still walkers everywhere they could now move freely and pass on both sides of the road. The first hydration station had adequate supply of water for the runners. They had very long tables but the newbies still grabbed their drink on the front end. The rear end was full of cups but nobody was getting a drink there.

As they headed for an incline, everyone was challenged. On the top of the incline was a narrow left turn which led to a long decline going back to the intersection.

Some took advantage of the downward road, keeping their pace on a high level. Barefoot runners were also noticed in the race.

They also ran on a peeled road where the gravel are exposed on the cement. Even with shoes, it still hurt. Bystanders were still cheering on and the kids were begging for high-fives to encourage the runners. Some bystanders who had smart phones kept taking pictures and videos of the event. They were happy to see a huge running event in the town.

Last 2KM - On the last part of the race, all runners were headed back to the oval of Marikina Sports Complex, and had set up a few sound system. It encouraged runners to stride with the music--their feet landing on every beat of the bass.

Last 500m - The row of photographers on the street signaled that it was in the last part of the race route. Every Road Eater finished with glory and victory!

**POST-RACE** Most exciting and fun experience:

Everyone got their loot bags, and then went back to the van to freshen up. They met other Road Eaters: Angie, Jane, Thelsa, and Marlon.

Road Eaters went to the grandstand and had photo ops in front of the stage. Funny how they maximized the banner as props for the pictorial.


Everyone was given neon glow sticks and some made it a necklace and a bracelet.

Then the hosts announced that QUEST is up next. Though not everyone knew him, he was a certified crowd pleaser. He will sing a tune and let the audience repeat after him. The runners were fools so they just sang along.
In the middle of his song, he requested all runners to raise their glow sticks up. He said: just follow my lead this is gonna be different. Then on the last part of his song, he gave an inspirational talk about the survivors of Yolanda. He talked about them rising up and us helping each other. Everyone was shouting and clapping. Things were getting emotional. Then the beat kind of slowed down. Quest requested the runners to give their loudest shout on the count of three. A shout that could reach the Visayas! A shout that would scare the hell out of the coming storms on their way! A shout that would tremble the land of Tacloban and all affected areas... So that the survivors will know they are not alone and they are there to help. A shout that says “Hindi niyo matitinag ang Pilipinas!” Then the beat was on a mellow trance, he started counting 3....... 2......... 1!!!!!!!

All the lights went off. The entire crowd shouted so loud--it was penetrating to the soul. The runners kept shouting and yelling and screaming all at the same time.

The glow lights lit up and camera phones were like stars all around. The club was so high! They were on a trance. Some caught them selves teary-eyed. They were grateful for the run and because they are alive. The mood quickly changed when the DJ played Clarity by Zedd. The Road Eaters formed a circle and started doing cancans.


Everyone was on party-mode. Even strangers joined our circle and danced with the club. The DJ even pointed the club because they became the life of the party!

All were tired and hungry so they stopped dancing. They shouted “Kainan na!! Kainan na!”


Road Eaters had a good dinner at Tapsi Ni Vivian. After eating they said their goodbyes and went home. They got home feeling happy and grateful. The whole experience was certainly a treasure that each of them will keep.

Writer/Contributor: Don Santillan

Unlike the anniversary run, NB Power Run’s participants were lesser in number because the club devoted its time and energy on RUPM. The registered participants were Winsor, Jerome, Luther, Mico, Jigs, Alfred, and Walter for 25K. However, Winsor and Jerome couldn't join the race so BJ and Arjay replaced them.

Kirk and Jeck participated the 16K. The two of them won free race slots for the NB Power Run. How lucky they were!

The support crew were Jemai, Josh, Ronald, Lalaine, Gege and Marvin. But Marvin turned into a 10K participant after receiving a free race kit from Zharmee Cabuago, a friend of Josh. Gege should have been a turned runner, too (because Josh received 2 race kits from Zharmee), however, she really couldn’t because of “a girl thing”. Good thing, Marvin was ready to run, even if he didn't have his running shoes for he is a skilled barefoot runner.

Ronald and Jemai acted as photographers. It was Jemai’s first time to take photos of running people. Celebrities like Solenn Heusaff, Erwan Heusaff, and Isabelle Daza joined the race too. Josh told Jemai that if he could capture all those celebrities, his venture for photography would be a success!

At exactly 4:30 AM, the 25K race started. The route in BGC was a usual one but it was difficult to run up the flyover to Makati. Runrio organized it well, complete with hydration stations, fruit stations, stand by ambulance, and marshalls. The weather was fine all throughout the race.

Every Road Eater has his own story and everyone finished completed the race successfully. First to arrive was Jeck (leading for 16K). Followed by Marvin (lone 10K), then Alfred (leading for 25K). Next were Kirk, BJ, Jigs, Arjay, Luther, and Mico.

Alfred and Jigs introduced their friend, Bogs to the club, and the club welcomed him cordially.
Right after the race, Lalaine and Gege had to go since they had office work on Sundays. The club really appreciated their time to support the runners.

All were waiting for Walter until he called that he already crossed the finish line! So the club went to the finish line for their traditional group photo. However, they were not able to see Walter, so they proceed to the photo op without him.

Since everyone was hungry, it’s time for breakfast! The first batch of club members was accompanied by the service van to Makati. While the second batch is waiting, Walter and his friends came. Walter introduced Oddy and Leon and the club welcomed them cordially as well.

The club dined at KFC in Aegis People Support Center. They shared their own experiences during the race. Bogs, Oddy and Leon were formally introduced to the club as well. The club talked about their future races, and everything under the sun.

NB Power Run was another great experience of the club to share.

Writer/Contributor: Josh Asence

“Running is a road to self-awareness and dependence.. You can push yourself to the extremes and learn the excruciating reality of your physical and mental bound or coast quietly down a unique path watching the world spin beneath your feet. But when you are through, exhilarated and exhausted, at least for a moment everything seems right with the world.”

October 26-27, 2013

The service van started picking up each member of the team at exactly 5 in the afternoon. There was a little bit of delay with the itinerary because of the DPWH’s infinite road re-blockings. But when we already got out of the metro, reaching Pililia, Rizal was already airily.

At exactly 1:27 in the morning, the Road Eaters Running Club’s service van finally reached Pililia Municipal Hall. This is where the participants had to verify their registration for the race and also for claiming their bib. Immediately after the registration, all the Road Eaters’ participants conditioned themselves and prepared their running paraphernalias from headlamp to hydration bottles to their energy gels; they are now ready.

The grounds where the gun start took place is full of enthusiastic and voracious runners. From the “elites” down to the “rookies”. Few minutes before the start, we had the chance to take photos while sending them well and goodluck wishes!

The club’s representatives for the first Rizal to Laguna 50K Ultra Marathon were BJ, Jeck, Jerome, Kevin, Kirk, Luther and Marvin.

The support crew were Josh, Lyvia, Jessica and Ray.
 

KM 7: GPS FAIL

The support crew immediately moved inside the van as soon as the race started. They were supposed to stop at KM 5 but ended stopping at KM 7. The GPS (Global Positioning System) failed to assist them because there was no internet connection in the mountains of Rizal. The option of the team was to rely to ‘Kuya Ake’, the service van driver. He uses the van’s speedometer to measure the road’s distance. Now that they have a human GPS, they were now patiently waiting for the first Road Eater to come. But guess who did they saw first? As usual, it was Amos of the Ultra Snail Brotherhood (Team USB). Lyvia was really happy to see him (well, she’s always happy to see him); the first Road Eater to cross the 7th kilometer line was ‘Ultra-robot’ Kevin.

Immediately after Kevin left, Jerome and Jeck came. Third were BJ and Marvin. Fourth was Luther who felt slightly knee pain and last but not the least, the stronger-than-ever, Kirk. Now, they can move to the next stop.
 

KM 15: DIFFERENT PACE; DIFFERENT NEEDS

As a tradition, when the support van moved to the next stop and saw a running Road Eater, it’s either the van will honk or cheer them loudly.

Jerome and Jeck came in first followed by Kevin. The three Road Eaters decided to run together after this stop. After several minutes, BJ and Marvin came. BJ asks for pizza while Marvin tried to take a nap beside the road… in supine position. Fourth was Luther, who felt knee pain, so Ray decided to put some heat liniment on his knees and then Kirk.
  
KM 26: HALFWAY THERE

The support crew also needed to take a rest, so Lyvia and Ray took in-charge of the support team while Jessica and Josh soundly sleeps. Lyvia and Ray sat on the road while eating, talking and laughing while waiting for the first Road Eater to pass by.

After 30 minutes, Jerome and Jeck came, and then followed by Kevin. Cramps and sprains were already felt by our dear Road Eaters. Lyvia offered food while Ray sprayed heat liniments to their legs and knees to prevent further injuries.

BJ and Marvin came and they stayed a little longer, they needed to eat and charge up for the next half of the race. After they left, Luther came and asking for some iodized salt. But unfortunately, the crew doesn’t have any salt with them. He stayed a little bit longer also to charge up.

After a while, the mighty Kirk came. The support crew noticed that this guy is getting better and stronger. He actually runs effortlessly. He didn’t stay longer because he wants to reach BJ and Marvs. He also asked for iodized salt which is unfortunately the crew doesn’t have.

KM 36: PHANTOM OF PAIN

It was already pass-6 in the morning when the support van reached KM 36. Josh and Jess were already awake. Josh prepared the breakfast for the support crew and service van driver. He wants everyone to eat their breakfast so that they will have enough energy until the end of the race. Lyvia and Ray are still hunting iodized salt. Luckily, they found this mini sari-sari store nearby that sells salt.

This is one of the hardest stop as the support crew saw their fellow club members suffer in pain. Now, the support team are working hand in hand for the runners’ different type of needs. Lyvia and Jess in charge for the food and refreshments while Josh and Ray acted as the Physical Therapist of the team.
 

KM 46: ALMOST THERE

The support van stopped in between the town of Lumban and Pagsanjan. The crew doesn’t want to waste every single minute; they offered pizzas, sandwiches, water and Lyvia’s cold jelly to all passing runners.

They also had time to take some photos within the area while waiting for the first Road Eater to come.


Jerome and Jeck were the first Road Eaters who reached the support van’s last stop. These two needed less attention as they looked completely okay. Several minutes after they left, Kevin came. Josh offered to change his water and sports drink, Lyvia offered pizza while Ray offered him a massage.

Third were BJ and Marvin who also needed some stretching and massage. They stayed a little while as they have 3 more hours before the cut-off. Josh and Ray rendered massage to both of them.

Kirk was the fourth one who came and asking for immediate attention. His blisters appeared again (Yes, like the ones appeared during T2K Ultra Marathon) that prevents him from running properly. Ray immediately applied antiseptic solution on the blister area and covered it with sterile gauze. But Kirk noticed that it was too bulky so he asked if it can be covered by leukoplast alone.

Lastly, Luther came with visible pain all over his face (But mind you, he still manages to smile. Incredible, isn’t it?) Even though he is not in good shape, he is still determined to finish the race.
  
KM 50: THE FINISH LINE

Before the support van arrived at Sta. Cruz Municipal Hall, three strong Road Eaters already finished the race. The first one was Jerome (6:55:26), runner-up was Jeck (7:35:57), and the third one was Kevin (8:00:53).

Josh had to leave the other crew to find the Jerome, Jeck and Kevin. Lyvia, Jess and Ray decided to clean and arrange the service van so that later on, all the finishers can relax and sit comfortably.

After a while, they saw BJ and Marvin running towards the finish line. Everybody was cheering for them. Fourth place goes to BJ (8:20:07) and fifth goes to Marvin (8:20:46).


Now, the Road Eaters gathered near the finish line patiently waiting for Kirk and Luther.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It was Kirk running towards the finish line! Everybody was really proud of him! He’s at 6th place (8:54:30).


The Lanzones Runner is coming! Luther finishes the race (9:17:28) and ranked 7th among the other Road Eaters!



This race only proves that this team is really competitive (despite of their lack of training and sleep). All the participants were able to conquer their fuss and throe towards their triumph and that is something this team can be proud of. Now, everyone is looking forward for the second leg of this ultra trilogy.

Congratulations to all the finishers! Rest well and recover!


Writer/Contributor: Ray Sarmiento

More or less 46 Road Eaters Running Club (RERC) members got ready in the wee hours of October 6, 2013 for the club’s official race for the third quarter of 2013, the Run United Philippine Marathon (RUPM). In line with its objective to promote running, RERC – through their officers – pinpoints one major race every month and encourages their members to participate in it.