Rain4Africa
A Lifeline to Africa Run
Rain4Africa, Lifeline Foundation’s response to the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time
On July 20 of this year, the United Nations officially declared the crisis in the Horn of Africa as a famine. Tens of thousands have died, in fact more than 29,000 children under the age of 5 have died in the months of June to August. This famine was caused by excessive drought, back-to-back failed crop seasons, the 20-year civil war in Somalia and rising food and fuel prices worldwide. More than 12 million people are affected in three countries and are in need of aid. It is hard to wrap our minds around that figure; the idea of 12 million hungry people is almost too large to comprehend. With the amount of bad news we get on a daily basis, it may just be too easy to turn a blind eye, especially because of the sheer numbers involved. Some people may prefer not to face this horrific reality. But face it we must. We must choose to do just the opposite—we must choose to get shocked and horrified at these unthinkable statistics. They must keep us awake at night. They have got to bring out the best in humanity and spur us on to action.
Someone once said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” That’s exactly what Lifeline Foundation is doing, we are responding to the call for global aid. We’re people who are just like you—students, businesspeople, doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers, musicians, engineers, counselors, graphic artists and writers who are all friends living in the city of Manila. One of the things we live by is “Third world helping third world;” as we believe that the Philippines should not only be on the receiving end of aid.
On November 13, 2011 Lifeline Foundation is holding Rain4Africa, A Lifeline to Africa Run in Westgate Filinvest Alabang. 100% of the proceeds from this run will go directly to the World Food Program (www.wfp.org). Race categories are 3k, 5k and 10 k, and registration is Php400 for all categories, inclusive of timing chip and race bib. No loot bags, just care. No singlets, but we do ask all participants to wear bright colors in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Africa.
According to the World Food Program, “50 cents a day is enough to feed a hungry child or a mother on the edge of survival.” We can do this. We can raise what is needed to save lives, to save the future. Join us on November 13! Call 8362514 or visit www.alifelinetoafrica.org for more details about Rain4Africa.
After attending the blogger’s night and hearing about what is written above i felt so sorry for the people experiencing these droughts and famine. We really can never compare (by way of imagination) how it is – when death is most prevalent.
The Initial Info
50 cents ($) is equal to about P 25.00. That is the amount needed to feed a person. They die of hunger. Hence, the response from Lifeline Foundation, and the call to all runners. What is 1 day of race and registration sent to a donation? It’s worth more than we can only imagine. For one, P 400.00 could feed more than 1 or 5 lives. For whatever it’s worth, I’m sure – the registration will save lives. If that’s not enough for a good reason…I don’t know what is.
See you there!
Let’s support this event.
It’s pure caring…
…in it’s simplest form.
Run 4 Life 2011
There are many races to choose from on May 15, 2011. All would offer the same health benefit of running.
But then, given a choice, I’d support the one with a true advocacy.
Run4Life is a fun run organized for cause which aims to raise funds for Lifeline Foundation’s projects and initiatives.
Among these are the following: (click to see details of the program)
Satellite School Program (click TO SEE THE RACE ROUTE FOR 3K)
Patient of the Month Initiative (click TO SEE THE RACE ROUTE FOR THE 5K)
Community Library
(click TO SEE THE RACE ROUTE FOR THE 10K)
Youth Soccer Program (click TO SEE THE RACE ROUTE FOR THE 16K)
As for me, I’m supporting the Youth Soccer Program. Thanks to RUN4LIFE for the oppportunity!
To go to the RUN4LIFE webpage, click here.
DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORMS:
Immortality – UPDATED
This is an EDITED and UPDATED RePost
Sometime in October, 2009, I retired my shoes at about 1,200 kms ++ of mileage. I intended to use it on casual walks by then. See the old blog here.
However, upon various travels and adventures at races with my NEWTON, I noticed how painful my feet are after the FULL Marathons. So it made me want to try again the retired one. I will definitely not use the NEWTON on an ultramarathon – my mind keeps on shouting…
…so I ended up reactivating in full service my retired shoes. And I am awed at it’s performance. Add to the 1,200++ the 102K, the 50K and some small races ranging from 5K to 21K. The shoes now have a whacking 2,328 mileage.
7 (now 8 and counting) 9 Full Marathons to date, and 2 Ultra Marathons (now 4 ultras namely – BDM, 1st PAU and 2nd PAU, Err…2nd BDM, 1st, 2nd and 4th PAU (that’s 50-70-50) I could only look back. I don’t change shoes in a race. No matter the distance. I start and end with what I wear. Happy to brag that in both shoes, I dont get blisters.
See the events with my shoes.
For the 4th PAU 50kms, I used the Pegasus +25 again.
Jumped and Stomped the Finish Line
For the 2nd PAU 65Kms + 5K Ultramarathon, I used my Anta Running Shoes.
50KMS 1st PAU Run 05.09.10. Finished in 7:47:50. In my NIKE Pegasus +25 at the finish line.
Biggest event: 102KMS Bataan Death March 2 International Ultramarathon 03.06.10 to 03.07.10 @ 17:54:10. In my NIKE Pegasus +25 a few meters to the finish line.
#09 42.195KMS 2nd QCIM December 5, 2010. IN my NEWTON Shoes. Easy run. Fast Time. No cramps. Just some minor build-up in my tendons.
Commercial RUN: @ the UNILAB 2 32K last November 21, 2010. I used my ANTA shoes.
Personal Pacer duty for Atty Morgan
#08 42.195KMS 34th MILO Marathon Manila Eliminations July 4, 2010. In my NEWTON Shoes. Again, the cramps.
#07 42.195KMS Condura Run 2010 Marathon February 7, 2010. In my NEWTON shoes. See how I cramped.
#06 42.195KMS Cebu Marathon – January 10, 2010. In my NEWTON shoes. See how I jogged while Ge is sprinting a few meters to the finish line.
Commercial: 32KMS Bald Runner’s RIZAL DAY RUN – December 30, 2009. In my NEWTON shoes. Near the finish line with Ziggy.
#05 42.195KMS Philippine Int’l Marathon – November 8, 2009. In my NEWTON Shoes. With the gang at a nearby fastfood after the race.
#04 42.195KMS SUBIC Int’l Marathon – October 24, 2009. In my NIKE PEGASUS +25. With the gang a few minutes and meters at the starting line.
#03 42.195KMS Quezon City Int’l Marathon – October 18, 2009. In my NIKE PEGASUS +25. With the beauteous Nene a few meters after crossing the finish line.
#02 42.195KMS 33rd Milo Marathon – July 5, 2009. In my NIKE PEGASUS +25. While passing the Takbo.Ph aid station…a triumphant sound of excited friends!
#01 42.195KMS BOTAK PAA-BILISAN – May 10, 2009. In my NIKE PEGASUS +25. A classic shot with Doc’s Sherwin and Roy.
Lessons LEARNED (not necessary remembered)
Pause for a while to enjoy the view. I did just that in the 1st PAU Run.
This shoe is immortal. Like the deity in it’s name.
Eat this in your run – it will save your life.
Yes. That is Marby’s DICED HOPIA. My favorite. (Am I seeing a sponsorship now?) It’s soft, and bite-sized. Easy to carry. Yet, filling! (Music played on the background)
Focus. It’s as important as the training you’ve done for any race. Play the video in your mind. All the recorded trainings you’ve done. Try it. It’s just in your head!
Consistency in training is the key to long-term success. Gradually improve. Gradually train. No injury is always a priority.
To taper? Reduce mileage, but not intensity.
Use the shoe you are comfortable running with. It’s really a romance of comfort and durability.
Don’t be intimidated by long distances but don’t underestimate it too. Preparation is the key. If you are not prepared, and you feel it – don’t go. There’s always next time.
Special Acknowledgement
Before it slips my mind. A great big thanks to the following:
For Sponsoring my Runs. Nat Geo to PAU.
#01 Dennis Ravanzo (for the free Nat Geo bib)
#02 Cristina Estrada
#03 Mary Grace de Lara
#04 Chever Eklavu (aka Doc Roy)
#05 Jinoe Gavan (for the free PGH RUN bib)
With Doc Sherwin and my big tummy
With Team Boring posing as newbies
At the finish line in Tanay
May the good Lord bless and keep you always.
Race Review: Takbo para sa PGH
Weeks ago, and even before we (TEAM BORING) even register, we have already announced and pronounced our support for this event. See the previous blog here.
We decided to be early at the race venue to claim the race kits of Rod and Jet. After, we ate breakfast at a nearby ChowKing.
It was already a clear morning by the time we entered the starting line. Mon Sunday greeted us. For some reason, we are surrounded by 5K runners as the countdown for gunstart is started. Newbies. They’re everywhere…and enthusiastic.
Bam! The race is started (on time!) and off we go for a short walk. We were able to start jogging just right before the turn from the startling line. It was quite a fast start. I thought. The 1st kilometer marker is already visible and the road is still packed. We then took the reckless side of the road (that side near the pack where the vehicles drive) to catch up some lost time. We started evenly at near 6-minutes-per-kilometer-pace.
Not one of us knew the actual race route. No one even bothered to check it out even before. All we know is that it will be in the CCP complex and that this is our regular running route. As we progressed, and followed the maze, it’s surprisingly a nice twist for a race route. For one, while the U-turns would lead the runners to the same road where you came from, the route is clear and easy to follow. Thank the marshalls and the road signs – they both did their jobs well.
Seeing some runners start walking after 35 minutes of running I also noticed how energized the marshalls are. They just dont fail to cheer the struggling runners. The water-station boys should be commended for a job well-done. Pocari on the 1st lap. Water on the 2nd. It’s always nice to see an offer of a drink right at a time when you are struggling.
Speeding-up for the last 1 km has always been my style. Strong finish is a way of life for me. What better time to note than now that the policemen stationed at the cross roads where the runners and vehicles meet proved themselves effective. I encountered no delay at the rate I progressed from Buendia to the finish line. The marshall’s chant of encouragement is music to my ear.
One thing though, which might have caused a bit of confusion. The straw-lace at the lap-turns are not color-coded for easy identification by the 10K and 5K runners.
Pushing at the last few meters to the finish line I encountered another potential problem (not to me though) that might cause unnecessary delay to the runners. People are nonchalantly crossing the way to the finishline. These include non-runners. Well, I was a few steps ahead of them that’s why I am not bothered. But the runners coming after me might get to them.
Over-all the race is almost perfect. Pending the race result. Well-measured route. Welll-marshalled. Well hydrated. Pocari and Water abound. While CCP has paved roads, a portion of it is asphalted.
The Banana Boat sun screen lotions might have really “screened” the sun. A lot of runners stayed and lined-up for some freebies. The lootbag has the longest line next to the Pocari and water. There’s also a DOLE juice drink booth. You could see a lot of smiling faces around. It was a joyous sunny morning. Humid as it is to some, but still, a nice morning for running.
Here’s the only picture we got courtesy of Aaron’s sister?
That’s Aaron, Rod, Jet, Me, Doc Pinky, and Doc Marco.
Looking forward to some few races as nice as this one.
Looking Forward
March 5 to 6, 2011 : BDM 102 or 151
February 6, 2011 : Condura RUN 2011
January 16, 2011 : Manila International Marathon
December 5, 2010 : 2nd Quezon City International Marathon
November 21, 2010 : 3rd LEG – Run Rio Trilogy 32K
November 13, 2010 : 3rd PAU Run – Tagaytay to Nasugbu 50K
November 7, 2010 : National Milo Marathon 21K – TARLAC or
November 7, 2010 : New Balance Power Race 25K – CLARK
October 10, 2010 : National Milo Marathon 21K – SAN PABLO
August 29, 2010 : 2nd PAU RUN 65K – Ilocos
July 25, 2010 : RUNFest: TAKBO.Ph Anniversary FUN RUN 10K
July 4, 2010 : National Milo Marathon 42K – Manila
June 2010 : STILL OPEN
May 30, 2010 : 2nd LEG – RunRio Trilogy 21K
May 23, 2010 : San Mig Coffee Run 15K
May 16, 2010 : LONG RUN
May 9, 2010 : 1st PAU RUN 50kms – Tanay
April 30 to May 1, 2010 : TEAM Boring’s Ultra LSD @MOA.
God willing, I will conquer everything as listed. So help me, God.
The True 1st
It’s been long since I get to write again. Not for anything but because I am looking for something. Something else. Something new. Googling helps though. I got new infos.
Beatles did have an album like this. I bet not a whole lot of you can guess what songs made it to the top of the charts eh? I can.
Here’s another.
Nah. I have not seen this movie. But i do intend to find a copy of it On-Line. I prefer e-books, you know.
Now here’s the best find. Real something. Real New. And it’s the first of it’s kind.
It will be the 1st Race in Ortigas Center. Organized by The Ortigas Center Association, Inc. (OCAI) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center (RCOC) for the benefit of the various humanitarian projects of RCOC. OCAI and RCOC have in turn joined hands with Balance Lifestyle Fitness Club of Discovery Suites to promote the South Pole Expedition 2010, the very first expedition to be undertaken by a Filipino extreme outdoor sportsman and quintessential climate change advocate, Coach Bobby del Castillo.
With Rudy Biscocho as the run’s race director, all the people behind the event are aiming to accomplish the goals of the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center and Balance Lifestyle Fitness, and thus for the first time, this 27th of June, 2010, at 5:00 in the morning, more than four thousand (4,000) runners will run along the streets of Ortigas Center and surrounding areas, for the 3k, 5k, and 10k distances of the first ever *OCAI RUN*.
Nota Bene: On the night before the running event, June 26, 2010, there will be a kick-off benefit concert at the Discovery Suite’s Frontage, where the admission is free.
Now this one is inviting. Eat but dont drink. Err drink, but not be drunk.
It is good to note that
all the proceeds of the OCAI Run and the benefit concert will go to the humanitarian projects of the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center and the South Pole Expedition 2010.
Come. Let us support the 1st OCAI run!
Baller Bands and A Finisher’s Shirt will be given. No singlet, though.
Team Boring Supports PGH RUN
FB Status before this writing (from the Team Boring FAN Page): TEAM BORING supports The 1st PGH Medical Foundation Fun Run 2010. For the benefit of the Charity Patients Medical Fund. See posters for details.
And so it is.
The poster pretty much covered almost every detail except the run route. If you wish to visit their site, click : www.pghmedfoundation.com
I have always been a follower-fan-supporter of charity runs. I could clearly recall my first 10K medal – a Charity RUN called RUN FOR THEIR LIVES – as my first fastest 10K.
Prizes for this race shall be announced by the Organizers.
Registration Form may be downloaded from the website and takbo.ph.
Payments may be deposited also.
Accnt Name: PGH Medical Foundation, Inc.
Account No.: 8291-006036 Bank: BPI – Ayala Alabang Branch (Current Account).
Fax registration form and deposit slip at 856 1318.
Here’s the catch. REGISTRATION PERIOD: FEB 21 TO APR 15, 2010
LATE REGISTRATION: APR 16 – RACE DAY – ENTRY FEE IS PhP 450.00*
Here’s what’s nice. The REGISTRATION OUTLETs.
- ATRIUM of PHILIPPINE GENERAL HOSPITAL, TAFT AVE., MANILA – MWF 2PM-6PM OR SAT/SUN 6AM-10AM
- IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LRTA, Registration booths will be visible on
5 Stations starting April 5, Baclaran/Vitocruz/central/Monumento
M-F 8AM-11AM 4PM-8PM OR SAT/SUN 8AM-11AM
Here’s the work.
Claiming of Race Kits will be on April 12 – April 21, 2010. Present your claiming stub.
FOR MORE RACE INFO, CALL 994-9730 EMAIL takbo@pghmedfoundation.com or visit their website.
Echoing the poster’s chant:
Some do it for glory…
Others for the experience…
Some for the thrill of the run.
This time…DO IT FOR CHARITY.
In Latin:
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.
Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur.
Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.
Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur:
Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus.
Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites.
Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus.Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Simul quoque cum beatis videamus,
Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus:
Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum,
Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen.
As translated in the English context:
Where good and love are, God is there.
Christ’s love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.Where charity and love are, God is there.
As we are gathered into one body,
Beware, lest we be divided in mind.
Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,
And may Christ our God be in our midst.Where charity and love are, God is there.
And may we with the saints also,
See Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:
The joy that is immense and good,
Unto the ages through infinite ages. Amen.
For more info, call UNIPAS, Inc. – The Official Organizer & Marketing
Group of the PGHMFI 994 9730 or 0919 4957666/0915 5010874
2 weeks hence – My First 10K.
2 weeks after BDM 102 International Ultramarathon, I was able to run my first 10K – a recovery run.
About at least a few days before the race event, BDM classmates talked about running at Globe Run for Home 2010. While only a few were able to register, a handful is willing to run along unregistered. Luck did smile a lot on us. We were able to get a free registration – with a free high-end singlet!
Thanks to Timmy. The Kenkoy Runner – The catalyst of the free race kit and singlet!
I was able to get to the Runner’s World Booth earlier than Gunstart to get my kit from Dennis aka Runningpinoy. After a few talks about how we are going to run as a group, we then proceeded to the Starting Line.
Off we go…in our agreed block-of-9 formation. That would mean, Que, Dennis, Abby in the lead row, me Tracy and Mike in the next, and Ross, Chris and Carly at the rear. It was an easy fun run for us. We were running like we hold time in our hands!
Mike – Chris – Dennis – ME
We even took some time for the above pictures – wiwi break for some.
Unfortunately, after some few vain searches, nobody was able to take some picture of the group crossing the finish line in one horizontal line.
Anyways, at the finish line where majority of the Takbo.Ph guys and gals stayed, is where most of the group picture taking took place. (Ano daw?) LOL
Thanks to the roving cameras of Carlo, Argo, Brando, Que and Others (this covers all!)
Recovery Running …
It was a good recovery run for me. We crossed the finish line in an hour and about 27 to 28 minutes.
As of this writing, result for the Globe Run for Home 2010 is not yet posted. I could only wonder why.
It’s not the shoe…it’s the runner!
The gang (like some mafia) met early at McDonald’s in U.N.Avenue. Doc Topher was already there when I arrived. Soon, the guys came altogether. We’ve had some light meal and hurriedly proceeded to walk to the starting line of the Philippine International Marathon in KM 0 Luneta.
As expected, the race started on time. The atmosphere was just fun and excitement for all the runners. There was just a flood of smiles everywhere.
We started just fine. Negative and slow. After 5 kilometers, we catched up with the plan. And so the run was plain and pure in good speed. Until we reached Hulo. The relay team, who has maintained a good pace all-through-out the run, is way ahead now. We’re a bit slow at this point. Indeed, by the time we reached Pioneer Street, we’re on our own. The relay team cannot be seen now.
The route of the Philippine International Marathon is not for the faint of hearts. The goind up and down the bridges, the stretch of Pioneer down to C5, and the uphill turn to Buendia-Kalayaan Flyover is some kind of a killer trail. (for the likes of us, I guess). But generally speaking, it’s a laudable feat for the Organizer to have maintained a water station up until KM 38. It is good to note the presence of marshalls and medics along the way. For some runners threading the route alone, it means a lot. For us three (3), Gab, Me and Neil (who surprisingly stayed with us to the Finish LINE from the relay point in Lambingan Bridge where he started), reaching the Support Station of TAKBO.PH in KM 34? is bliss!
There was just the old-loud-but-effective-cheers, and some banners this time, coupled with a lot of questionings on what you need – what you want – kaya pa? – are you alright? – and other things i can’t recall. But I shall never forget the ICE-cold-GATORADE. That blue-colored thing straight from the ice-chest served by NEIL in a plastic cup…IT WAS THE BEST! Next to it is the unforgettable Bengay applied with care by Cindy on my calf muscle. It helped a lot in preventing the full on-set of a painful cramps. I was able to cross the finish line just fine!
Thanks to Luis the Gingerbreadman for the nice spray of water on my nape…that’s some relief. It was really hot. I recall a relay-team member saying a 90-degrees of humidity. Wow.
Thanks also to everybody in the Support Station. Just seeing you guys smile is enough to lift our spirits.
But wait. Why the title?
That’s because, FOUR (4) marathons after, I retired my most reliable Pegasus +25. I have no choice but to use my NEWTON. So far, the run was just fine. The lugs heated, and my forefoot in heat, but still manageable. This 5th Full Marathon is the longest run for this new shoes. I guess, running a full marathon and finishing it well is not about the shoes. It’s the runner!
The runner who will not easily surrender.
The runner who knows when to give up, and when to let go.
The runner who is determined to cross the finishline, in pain or not.
The runner who is willing to take on the heat no matter what.
That’s us. That’s how we are. And that’s how we will always be.
Congratulations to everybody who finishes, and to all those sidelined by injuries! There’s always next time, guys!
