After watching CSI:New York at 10-11 PM last Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 I patiently waited for the Correspondents to be aired knowing that Karen Davila would feature the 32nd MILO MARATHON where I ran 5k. Had I known that Karen would also be running 5k, I would have run side by side with her. That way, I could have earned the fastest ticket to fame (hah hah ...).
My mother dearest who just arrived from a prestigious awarding ceremony surprisingly waited with me (I had this weird feeling that maybe she wanted to see for herself if I did run the Milo Race). Fearing that her chinky eyes would pop out in search of her only daughter in the midst of a multitude of runners, I pointed to her that I was the one in Nike blue cap and maroon jacket. Although she didn't actually see me, she believed me anyway (oh, the love of a mother for her child).
I didn't jot down any notes while watching the one-hour episode so I'm relying on my good, old memory on this special episode of the Correspondents.
As I remembered, Karen featured the following:
1. The runner who came all the way from Puerto Princesa to join the Milo Marathon
He was 236 lbs. before (but have a lovely wife as flashed in the picture) and used to have a 46" waistline (proven by the pants he actually wore when he was still obese). One single stroke which almost claimed his life changed it all. He started to watch his diet and incorporated brisk walking in his daily exercise. His walking eventually led to running. Once, while he was running around the oval in Palawan, a running coach spotted him and offered to train him. I guess their efforts paid off because this man is now lean and slim at 135 lbs. with 29" waistline (just like mine!).
2. The youngest runner in the 10k Race
He was only 8 years old but joined the 10k Race with his running coach--his father. When asked why he trains and runs, he answered that he wanted to win. His father gave the same answer. According to him, it would be a great honor if his son wins the race.
3. The oldest Marathoner
This is where my tears began to drop. Lolo Alfredo Fototana goes to the wet market every morning at 3:30 AM to sell meat. After his work is through, he goes home, change his outfit from meat vendor to a professional runner. He runs around the oval for 2-3 hours then go back home to take his nap. Karen tried to catch up with him in one of his practice runs but she just couldn't reach him. How could she? At a prime age of 72, Lolo Alfredo finished the whole 42k at the 32nd Milo Marathon at 4:01. Although his Official time was 4:06:09, this is quite an achievement for a 72-year old runner--don't you think so?
So Johnny Sy, malaki pa ang pag-asa natin. 50 pa lang tayo!
Sabi nga ni kaibigang Lonerunner, Run On Friends!
4. Coach Rio
I couldn't believe that it was Coach Rio being interviewed by Karen. He looked different. If I may say so, he was telegenic. Okay, cute. He gave some tips on proper form when running like the position of the arms and the feet when landing on the ground. Very helpful to viewers who would like to start training and also for runners who were not sure if they're doing the right thing(like me).
5. Pinoy Ultra Runners
I think 5 of them said something but one comment caught my attention: "Takbo tayo ng takbo, wala namang napapala." (We run and run but we don't achieve anything).
According to them, they are not a competitive organization. They are here to promote running 100k or more. They run to help cancer patients through the KYTHE Foundation, the beneficiary of their runs. So far, they have already contributed almost P500,000 to this foundation.
In my 2nd post last year, I invited my friends/relatives to run 5k with me on my 50th birthday for the benefit of DSAPI (Down Syndrome Assn. of the Phils. Inc.). Most of them couldn't make it but some of them offered financial assistance to the association. Last week, I formally submitted my proposal to DSAPI to organize a Fun Run/Race on Feb. 22, 2009 in observance of the Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. Will let you know of the details if the Board will approve my proposal.
