Running mom’s choice: University Run 8

In 2009, I ran my last University Run. A 10-K fun run along the dusty reclamation road surrounding the Cebu Doctors University campus in Mandaue City. Back then, I could run and train under the sun and rain at any time of the day and night, especially on weekends.

Then life happened. As a hands-on mom, there’s hardly any time for training and running. So, when I do run, it has to be worth my time away from my baby. The 2013 edition of the University Run or UR8 – the Bridges Challenge proved to be one race worthy of the race registration I paid (P550 for 13K), and more importantly, worth the hours of training and running spent away from my precious Vera.

UR8 had two major categories – the 13K which challenged runners with two bridge climbs at the 1st Mandaue-Mactan Bridge and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge; and the 25K which had runners running on both bridges plus the Cansaga Bay bridge going to Liloan town then back to the CDU campus in Mandaue. Finishers of both categories got medals for their efforts, which I think is a perfect motivator for anyone, whether you’re hardcore, newbie, or like me who’s just trying to get back into the sport.

I ran at the back of the 13K pack and there was plenty of water for everyone, even sports drinks, energy bars and enthusiastic cheering from CDU students at the water stations.

But what really impressed me most was the superb marshaling along the race route. When you run along the streets of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, you deal with cars, jeepneys, multicabs, tricycles, motorcycles and the dreaded north-bound-buses. It is hard to feel safe. As a new mom getting back on the road, this is a priority for me. I’d like to enjoy my fun run, but I’d like to feel safe on the road too and get back to the finish line in one piece.

The UR-8 did exactly that for me and the hundreds of runners that day. The marshals, policemen and traffic personnel were at every corner and crossing and along the narrow lanes on the bridges we crossed, making sure that runners were safe and get priority in crossing busy intersections.

I’ve lost count of all the finish line I’ve crossed in the years I’ve been running, but UR8 I will remember as one of the most special because for the first time ever, my 8-month old daughter was waiting for me to cross. She’s the best motivation to run a little bit faster, stay a little bit stronger and never give up. I can’t wait to race with my daughter, probably at UR18?

Congratulations to Dr. Yong Larrazabal of Run for Sight Foundation and his new technical director Joel Juarez for a job well done.

Ironman 70.3 Philippines, one of the best in the world

In fact, the second best in the world next to the Ironman 70.3 Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada.

Online news website tenminutes.ph reports that the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), which owns all Ironman brands and issues licenses to all Ironman events, has given the 2013 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines a score of 97.60 making the annual international triathlon race second best among all the Ironman events in the world. The report said that the WTC rating was based on feedback from more than 2000 participants who competed in Cebu last August 4. The event reportedly received high marks in terms of participation and their experience and low marks in road conditions, especially portions of the bike course along Cebu City roads.

Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines is organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. The 4th and 5th editions of this international triathlon were held in the Island City of Lapu-Lapu, as well as in the cities of Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay.

The 6th Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines will be on August 3, 2014 and it will still be held in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay, this time hopefully with much better roads.