“Conquer yourself”, “Defy your limits” and “Kaya mo yan” are just few of the many inspirational words that gives a little boost to a competitor who’s almost spent. However, I’ll never forget what Clint Eastwood said in the Dirty Harry movie, “Man must know his limitations.” I know of people who run marathons every month, sometimes even just a week apart. When I was coaching the likes of Olympians Herman Suizo (2:19:50) and Roy Vence (20:12), I made it a point that they only join a marathon 3 times a year. The spacing or rest between the races worked wonders for my wards. Of course, some have their own thinking. “I ran a marathon last month and also this month, yet I feel okay lang.” said one runner. Some runners also said that, five years ago when I advised them to take it easy and where are they now? They are too weak to run. Actually, payback time doesn’t come immediately. When one abuses his body at a young age, he or she will soon realize that muscles need to rebuild. Look what’s happening? It’s been years since Vertek Buenavista clocked 2:18:45 and nobody has come close. The winning time of most marathoners today are 2:30. Some critics say we belong to the old school but we are challenging them to produce runners in the mould of Jimmy de la Torre, Suizo and Vence. When we made these records, we were not wearing dri-fit singlets, compression tights or Garmin watches. And where are all these products of the new school, not in the record book for sure but maybe at Facebook.
Close call
Frontrunner Magazine editor-in-chief and publisher Jonel Mendoza has finished several ultramarathons including the Cebu 50K Ultramarathon from Mt. Manunggal in Balamban to the Cebu Provincial Capitol. In the just-concluded Bataan to Capas, Tarlac 160 km ultramarathon, Jonel collapsed 16 km to the finish line at Camp O’Donnel in Capas. Jonel, the prime mover of the Cebu ultra, probably afraid of dehydration, took lots of fluids and sodium that resulted to hyponatremia, a condition of sodium and water retention that could possibly lead to a stroke, coma or even death. Jonel who texted me from his hospital bed in San Fernando, Pampanga said he suffered a stroke and could have died had he not taken medicine after 10 minutes.
Even while resting, Jonel kept on texting me on the updates of the Coast to Coast 64 km ultramarathon on May 1. I told Jonel to just rest and leave things to me as it’s all systems go. I even jokingly told Jonel that had he not wake up, I would still continue with the ultra but with a new title, “ The Jonel Mendoza Memorial Ultramarathon”, “simbako” (God forbids). But Jonel is made of iron that doesn’t bend easily. In fact, he will be here on March 25 for our presscon at Parklane International Hotel.
Mt. Manunggal
Councilor Dave Karamihan informed me that the Paghandum ni Magsaysay Annual Adventure Trek fires off at the Balamban Oval on March 19. A big bike race will also be held from Balamban Sports Complex to Mt. Manunggal. Dave said everyone is invited to pitch their tents at the campsite for the rock concert with free flowing San Miguel beer. For details call 3332190 local 101 and look for Ceres Lozano.
Notes
Speaking of ultramarathons, although I’m not a priest, there’s one person that I’m baptizing today. Yes folks, Bro. Carlo (Bakal – for iron) Bacalla who finished last month’s BDM 160 km ultra in 26 hours. Well, if he’s not made of steel, then what?