Two years ago I told ultraman Bro. Carlo“Bakal” Bacalla and Iron lady Haide Acuña, I’m slowing down on my activities, especially organizing running events. It seems 30 years is long enough. My New York City-based brother Dr. Jun Uytiepo even warned that he will shoot me with a tranquilizer gun, the same one he shoots out- of-control elephants. That year I organized 10 events and and this year I “slowed down” to 14 events including 3 ultramarathons, a full marathon, 3 half-marathons and a couple of 15Ks, 10Ks and 5Ks. Now, Bro. Carlo doesn’t believe me anymore, but this time I’m a bit serious. With the emergence of several race organizers (some fly-by night), I think it’s time I’ll slowly dissapear from the running scene and just do the big ones. I promised my siblings I’ll just do about 6 races this year since I’m training my sights on the USA. Yes. It’s about time I’ll do other things that I enjoy like being an Elvis impersonator. Yes my friends in the music circle are planning a series of concerts (like legends of rock and roll). Infact several big sponsors already gave me a call. Well, thats quite a welcome development for my siblings, who want me to give more time for our business being the president. Yes, I believe that ive’ been devoting a lot of my time to running but I’m not complaining either. My compare Relly Mercado said that i can never escape my image as a running man whether I like it or not. Well I’m really excited I’ll get to visit my “grave” at Graceland in Memphis and probably run the New York City Marathon next year. Some relatives in Las Vegas said I could give some Elvis impersonators there a run for their money in the event I get to join one. I’m therefore looking forward into keeping my promise although almost always they are broken. Oh yes, the hectic schedule of organizing races also took its toll on my training. Would you believe I’ve not run 20K in training or competition this year!
Christmas with Rudy
I got a big surprise last Christmas eve when one-legged triathlete Rudy Fernandez blew into town. Rudy was in Cebu upon the invitation of his son Capt. Fritz Fernandez of the Phil. Army. Rudy and I discussed plans for our Rock and Roll Quarter Marathon series next year where I will run as “Elvis” while Rudy run as “The Ironman of Asia”, his Pinoy Big Brother monicker. A mini-concert follows every run with Elvis belting the classics while Rudy performs “Pinoy Ako”. This early, the event is anticipated with a lot of corporations showing their interest. We will also conduct a photo exhibit either in Ayala or SM. Watch out for more details. Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!