NAGA TO LAGONOY ULTRA: The Pioneering Batch

The etymology of the word "pioneer" is the French word "pionnier" which means a foot soldier.  How apt indeed to hear the race director of the Naga to Lagonoy (N2L),  greet us 50+ runners assembled in front of the historic Quince Martires Monument in downtown Naga City on that early morning of April 29, 2017 as the "pioneering batch of the N2L."   For indeed, we are honest-to-goodness foot soldiers in the many glorious battle(s)  on the road  we call ultra marathon(s).

VISITA IGLESIA: 7 Churches on Foot (34kms)

For centuries Catholics in many parts of the world have been visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday.  In the Philippines, the tradition is known as Visita Iglesia. The Holy Thursday visitations are an excellent grace-filled way to end Lent and enter into the Triduum.

2017 TBR DREAM MARATHON: Pacing the Wolf Pack

2012, 2013, 2014, &  2015. These are the years I volunteered as a pacer at  The Bull Runner Dream Marathon. Come the early morning hours of Feb. 19, I was gunning for my 6th deployment as a pacer at the 2017 TBRDM.  Although a graybeard already, I continue to have that high sense of excitement everytime I go on pacer duty.  Perhaps it has something to do with the special opportunity of  paying it forward, in the words of its founder Jaymie Pizzaro.  Most definitely, the idea of helping a fellow runner chase his or her  dreams is very appealing.

RUNNERS IN OUTREACH: Reverse Caroling in the Aftermath of Typhoon Nina

To the run-of-the-mill kibitzers, running is just an exercise.  But for those who are actually living and breathing it, running is more than just a physical sports.  It is actually a way of life that encompasses the physical, emotional, social and even moral aspects of one's being.  Running offers an avenue to meet new friends and deepen ties with old friends. Running too offers the opportunity to be able to help others. Runner's high and helper's high seem to go hand in hand.

RIZAL DAY 2016: Runnin in the Wind

How many roads must a man walk down

Before you can call him a man?

How many seas must a white dove sail

Before she sleeps in the sand?

yes, how many times must the cannon balls fly

Before they're forever banned?

The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind

The answer is blowin' in the wind.