Original Barefoot Runner

In the early Nineties, I had the honor to coaching one of the country’s best female marathon runner, Arsenia Sagaray of Zamboanga. Archie, a former women’s national marathon record holder has won the Milo Marathon several times and was a member of the fabled Nike Running Club. People remember her as the barefoot runner, but do you know the original barefoot queen of the tracks? Well she’s no other, than Rosalinda Catulong whose record of 10 minutes 09 seconds in the 3,000 meter- run still stands to this day. Rosalinda blew into town the other day after 26 years abroad. We bumped into each other the track oval and it was evident she’s gained a couple of pounds. Linda is now married to American Jim Gietl and is currently residing in Goodyear, Arizona. We wanted to bring back the memories but it would take forever and I have to get ready for Dumaguete City where I’m invited to sing (as Elvis of course) in a wedding. Rosalinda was part of the National team that included Lydia de Vega and Elma Muros. So long Linda, it was great seeing you again.

Elvis in dumaguete

By the time you read this column, I’m probably singing “the Hawaiian Wedding Song” in the reception of the newly-weds Archie Oracion and Janrose Paguntalan,. Coming from another singing engagement in Bacolod of our successful Uytiepo Clan reunion, I barely had time to unpack my bags and presto, I’m here in Dumaguete. How could I say no to a wonderful couple like Archie and Janrose. Besides, another buddy Jr. Aguilon threatened not to go if I don’t. Anyway I’ll be seeing some familiar faces like Arch. Mari Canizares and Tetta Baad who are both sponsors.

Move iloilo

From Dumaguete City, I’ll be moving to Iloilo City to launch the M.O.V.E. 10K Run set for July 18. This will be a welcome respite from the running drought, Iloilo is experiencing at the moment. Would you believe Iloilo has only two running events the whole year? That’s a far cry from Cebu which has weekly races that’s getting to be a bore. Dr. Renald Ramiro the prime mover of the circuit that had stops in Bacolod, Cebu and Manila, said we are expecting a good number of participants coming from the different medical and nursing schools in Iloilo, Antique and Bacolod. While the MOVE races in Cebu only had the 5K distance, Iloilo will have a 10K division as well.

End of the road?

When I saw Rening Ylaya the other day, I was shocked. The once fastest oldest runner in Cebu could hardly walk even if he had a cane. Rening said he was hit by a motorcycle two weeks ago and was bed ridden for a week. At 74, it looks like it will take some time for Rening to be back in the road. As I’ve been telling him, there’s nothing to prove. Maybe it’s about time Rening hangs he’s blue suede shoes este…running flats.

Notes

Greetings to Robinsons Bank pretty O.IC. Vangie Taborada (probably a relative of CERC prexy Jessie Taborada). Vangie used to be a sprinter at Cebudoc and promised to get back on the tracks again.