Mizuno Infinity Run Falls Short

Last Sunday (March 30, 2008) was the first Mizuno Infity Run at the Fort Bonifacio. I was excited-- it was my first attempt at 10K. At first, I did not mind the lousy registration process- okay so there were no race packets distributed, just race numbers.... with NO PINS! I asked for a map of the race course-- was informed that maps will be available on race day itself-- what the?! What good is a rece map minutes before the race??!!! I should have been warned-- the chaotic registration process was an indication of how the race would go. And it was a LOUSY race -- poorly organized and implemented. Much have been written about the race mostly complaints:

- Where is the water?!!! Not a single drop was in sight in any of the stations. At a station, as a marshall announced "This is your 2.5KM marker". Runners shouted back "Wala kayong K-- wala kayong tubig!" Tsk, tsk! I had to run the whole 10K with not a single drop of water-- and not even at the finish line!! My dehydration story is another tale worthy of another blog.

- Uncontrolled traffic. The organizers failed to control the traffic-- there were no clear cut directions. Throughout the race-- runners went cris crossing on the streets. Sometimes jockeying for positions versus jeepneys and tricycles and cars. Ang gulo talaga!

- Unhelpful marshalls. We all heard the story of runners being given wrong directions and being led to the wrong tracks. Hay!

The organizers and sponsors have issued a letter of apology-- and promised to do better next time. I remain hopeful.

As for my finish, I clocked in a decent 1:13 in my first 10K! Hmmm, ofcourse I am proud! And mind you, that is my 'dehydrated' time... I imagine I could have done better with water---Hahaha!

Lesson in Life

"I can't stop growing old but I don't have to get old."
-- Patrick A. Hirth

I met an unforgettable 80-year old man last weekend. He is the younger brother of my husband's late grandfather. He looks frail and shrunken but I tell you, this old man is younger than his age and his looks in many ways. He told us his stories, chuckled at his own jokes over lunch of "bulalo" and "pancit" (btw, he does not eat pancit-- so whoever said that pancit and noodles are for "long-life" better think again!).

He told us that he is as healthy as can be -- no major illnesses and in fact still enjoys his pork chops and chocolates occassionally without worrying about his blood pressure. His secret he said is strawberry juice - drink it everyday instead of coffee!

He said he had maintaned his built and weight all these years - not even a pound heavier or lighter since he was 20 years old (that's some 60 years back!). This he attributed to exercise and being active- he worked as a gardener and rode a bike to and from work. And today, he still drives a pedicab to bring his grandchildren (all three of them) to and from school everyday. AMAZING!!

He talked about his pride in life -- his children (six boys and one girl!). Then he talked about his wife and how they brought up all their children and how all the children managed to secure college degrees. His wife passed away last year-- and it surprised me when he took his wallet out from his pocket and showed us a picture of himself and his wife. Then happily he said " she is not dead, look at her still smiling."

The picture was taken in 1930s when he was 20 and she was 17, and they just came from a movie date in Quiapo. It was faded with no colors but BEAUTIFUL because all these years it had stayed with him in his pocket, in his heart.

Who's Got The Best Dad?!

Over lunch one day, I had a discussion with my 5-year old son on the best dedication that he could write on his Dad's birthday card:

DIEGO: I will write "You're the Best Dad!"
ME: How about "You're the Best Dad in the World!"..?
DIEGO: "You're the Best Dad in all the planets!"
ME: "You're the Best Dad in the Universe!"
DIEGO: "Youre' the Best Dad in the Solar System!" ... or maybe I should write..."You're the Best Dad in the Milky Way!"

There, I rest my case.