TBR DREAM MARATHON 2014: Bull Session 5

Running in a herd is such a fascinating phenomenon for me.  

One can see the power of unity in numbers. A single bird or a single wildebeest -- neither can survive on their own long, but each within its  herd is part of a mighty force. This phenomenon is true also in running. It is less tiring when one runs in a group as opposed to running solo. There is that connection of moving your muscles with the others that you lose track of your own flesh within the multitude.

I got to experience this benefit of running in a group at the TBR Dream Marathon 2014:  Bull Session 5 last Saturday (January 25) morning at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa where I joined First Balfour officemates Iya Pe and Joy Castillo go for their last long run before their first marathon this February 16. Also joining the weekend LSD was  Mau Gines (aka Wandering Jouster), who is training for the Mayon 360 and another FB officemate, Icar Hombrebueno, who was accompanying a friend Jamie Reyes, also an aspiring TBR Dream marathoner.

The Bull Runner with Jamie, Iya and Joy

The BP with Iya and Joy

The Wandering Jouster with Little Running Teacher

At the Bull Session 5, the runners were divided into several pace groups 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 fast and 2:1 slow. We 6 attached ourselves to the 2:1 slow group which was headed by a TBR Batch 2012 alumni named Mike. Understandably, the 2:1 slow had the most number, exceeding 50 runners. The pace was just right and many of the runners got to converse on the walk breaks. One such runner I got to commune with was Ryan, a Bicolano from Oas. He inquired about the Stinson Tarmac  I was using and I told him that once you go Hoka you never go back.

With the 2:1 pace and the fact that we were a big group, the run was the most effortless I have had in years and pretty soon we have  covered 25 kms in 3 hours & 25 kms. The runners enjoyed it and the coaches had their contented look. Truly, running in a herd or pack is an effective way to cover long distances. May this lesson serve us well in our running adventures. 

The persons behind the TBR Dream Marathon  led by Jaymie Pizarro (the Bull Runner), Jim Lafferty and Lit Onrubia are to be commended for doing a great job in “teaching” the hundreds of marathon aspirants of the many coaching lessons  and practical tips.  One thing that makes the TBR Dream Marathon an enduring franchise (it is now on its 5th edition) is that it is not only about the running but the learning and community building as well. It is one fun running booth camp. 

Jaymie giving a pep talk to the dreamers

Coach Lit Onrubia giving last-minute pointers

Drill sergeant Coach Jim Lafferty sharing some jokes

The popular Bull Runner entertaining  photo requests

Graduation time for the TBR Dream Marathon 2014 is the early morning of  February 16. Good luck to all the marathon dreamers. They have been well-trained and well-supported.It is the dawn of a new beginning for their passion for running.