In the late 80’s, my team,the Nike Running Club, was almost unbeatable. How can we lose? The team was led by my protege’ Herman Suizo, who would eventually hold the national marathon record for 10 years and represent the country to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Other members were Jimmy Dela Torre 1981 Sea Games Marathon champion and 3-time Milo Marathon champion who went to Boston twice, Arturo Angel. Pilipinas International Marathon titlist and Magnolia 20K champion Alvin Miraflores. The second batch included eventual Atlanta Olympian and six-time Milo Marathon champion Roy Vence, 1988 Seoul Olympian Hector Begeo, Sea Games champion Allan Ballester and PAL Marathon back-to-back champion Rey Antoque, also known as the “Old Warrior”. We were so dominant that other teams would say “we are only playing for second place.” Speaking of oldies, I was asked several times if people past forty could still train for the marathon. Actually, it’s never too late to get in shape. People who start running in their 70s will see the same kinds of games that people in their 20s do. Rening Ylaya started running when he was 60 years old and is still pounding the streets or 80. “Wa nay kontra si Rening kay hurot na nangamatay.” In my case, people are asking when am I going to stop running. I said as long as there’s streets to run and as long as my legs could still carry my body. Running is not just all excercise, it’s a lifestyle. The benefits of exercise as well the goals of obtaining these benefits are the same no matter what your age. My good friend John Campbell of New Zealand placed fourth at the 1990 Boston Marathon at age 41, with a time 2:11:04. Ed Benham of Maryland began running at age 63 at the urging of his sons to help deal with being a widower. In 1989, at age 81, he ran 1:13:23 for 10 kilometers. Warren Utes of Illinois, began running in 1978 at age 58, when he was 74, he ran the 10K in 39:41. So folks, throw away the cane and let’s run.
Guv’s Cup Marathon
Southern Leyte’s provincvial tourism officer Nedgar Garvez called the other day to inform that all is set for the Guv’s Cup Marathon Relay on July 1, the highlight of the province’s anniversary. I’ve been tasked to direct the race that will involve 20 towns of Southern Leyte with Maasin City as guest participant. The race will start in Malitbog with 10 runners each, running four kilometers. Nedgar also said an Elvis concert is also being planned. Speaking of Elvis, we are set to perform in General Santos City middle of this month with no less than Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao as guest. I was informed that Mommy D is excited and will sing a duet (Love Me Tender) with Elvisaya and will dance to the rock and roll hits. This early, we are expecting a big crowd. Who knows, Manny might even appear and sing himself.
NOTES: Belated birthday greetings to two Expression (Robinsons Place) sales personnel Remy Alburo and Lyka Manacap who celebrated their birthdays last February 4.
Did you know?
In the 1988 Olympic Marathon, American Mark Conover dropped out at 12 miles because his socks had given him bloody blisters. His socks were made of high-tech synthetic fiber. Conover should have worn his usual socks when he worn the Olympic Marathon Trials early that same year wearing socks costing 3 pairs for $4 from J.C.Penny.