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.
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| The Bull Runner with Jamie, Iya and Joy |
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| The BP with Iya and Joy |
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| 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.
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| Jaymie giving a pep talk to the dreamers |
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| Coach Lit Onrubia giving last-minute pointers |
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| Drill sergeant Coach Jim Lafferty sharing some jokes |
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| 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.
3 comments:
hello sir Macky! finally found your blog... it was nice chatting with you during our bull session. I'll definitely give Hoka a try :) good luck to you and Mau sa Mayon 360!
salamatunun tabi, ryan. bumping into you and exchanging pleasantries did prove that bicolanos are very friendly people. hehehehe.
hope to see you in our future runs again. :-)
nail your first mary on february 16. may the force be with you!
Kamusta Ryan. Garo preparado ka na kang TBR. Hirilingan kita kayan sa Feb 16. Kung mayo kang kasabayan sa pagdalagan sa marathon, puwede ka man mag iba uli samuya.
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