Overdose

Twenty years ago, I swore I was one of only two or three marathon organizers in Cebu. If I remember right, the only regular runs then were the Nike Pharmaton Classic, the Tri City 25K Marathon, the then off-and-on Milo Marathon and the Halad Kang Mano Amon held in Danao City. Recently however, running events have mushroomed.

Would you believe we sometimes have two races in a week? With this running boom, I’m a bit flattered when some people say I’m part of this phenomenon having pioneered some races.

I’m glad a lot of people are finally physical conscious. But when you eat what you can’t chew well, it’s another story. With races popping out left and right, there will come a time when people will just have enough of it, a case of overdose. It’s not only “harmful” to the pocket (imagine you have to shell out P 200.00 per race) for the ordinary person but physically as well. If you run almost every week, you will soon be a case of “burned out”.

When that happens, you will no longer have the desire to run. You could also get injured. A few months back, organizers in Cebu got together and formed the Cebu Association of Road Race Organizers (CARRO), a body that will schedule races while promoting cooperation and harmony among organizers. But it seems “walay” effect.

In my case, I’m now trying to politely turn down some offers to direct races. Some sponsors say they are contented with the way I conduct my races. Well, it’s because I really find enough time say, 2 or 3 months to put my act together. Now if you want me to organize runs weekly, I’m sure I could not deliver a good race that is expected of me. In other words, the quality suffers. So before we get an overdose, let’s just limit our races so our runners could also rest though not in peace.

As I write this column several races have been scheduled. On August 30, the Diamond Lions Club will hold a run at Sumilon Road at the Cebu Business Park. September is fully-booked. On September 6 is the Canduman 10K Run, September 9, the Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. 10K Run, September 13, the IBP 5K Run and the Cebu Normal University Run, September 26, Press Freedom Run (exclusively for the media) and September 27, the World Heart Day Run. “Wa pa mo ma purga?”

Atan Dancers And Qcim

I thought the Atan Guardo Runners Club has changed “careers”. At the awarding ceremonies of the Cebu Doctors University Run last Sunday Atan, Jeson and Jerry Guardo together with Joel Garganera and Allan Delantar performed a hip hop dance number. Well, they got a big applause leading me to believe they could give the Knapsacks, a run for their money. Speaking of Atan, the Guardo Running Club is training its sights on the Quezon City International Marathon on October 18. I didn’t entertain thoughts of joining the marathon since I was supposed to accompany one-legged Rudy Fernandez to the Ford Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii, but too much work here made me decide to skip the prestigious event. Besides, Rudy and I were to stay in Hawaii only. While I intend to fly to Los Angeles and New York after the triathlon. I’ll need at least two months to go around the West and East Coast. After the Cebudoc race, Atan and Joel asked me if I could join them in the Q.C. International Marathon. At first, I was hesitant as I know I really lack mileage considering my crazy schedule. But Atan said they just want me there as their spiritual leader and coach being the most experience among the group. I was with Atan and company in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon last February where only Atan and Joel finished. For the good times, why not? We are also scheduled to compete in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon in December.

NOTES:

I would like to congratulate my partner Noy Jopson for finishing in the top 10 of the grueling Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Camarines Sur last Sunday. Noy, a former national triathlon record holder clocked 4:38:32 to also become the first Filipino finisher. Congrats also to Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) members Bro. Carlo Bacalla who finished in 7:40 and Jane Ong and Annie Neric who finished the run leg of the relay in 2:05 and 2:18 respectively. One-legged triathlete Rudy Fernandez, and another one-legged Arnold Balais and yours truly could have made waves in the relay but have to back out in the last minute as Rudy is competing in the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii on October 10. We cannot risk injury.   (THE FREEMAN)