I just finished reading the initial race report of California based Pinoy ultramarathon runner Rick Gaston on the recently concluded San Diego 100 Mile (almost 4 full marathons) Endurance Run, one of the most difficult ultramarathon races in the world held at the Cuyamaca Mountains, San Diego, California, 12,300 ft. elevation gain, June 06-07. It gave me goosebumps just to know that he placed 6th with a time of 20:00:25 in this race where close to half the participants fail to cross the finish line as last year's race results show. I am still waiting with anticipation for this year's race results and Rick's complete race report and pictures.
There is no doubt in my mind now that Rick Gaston with this crowning achievement is arguably the new pride and joy of the Pinoy long distance running community. Anybody disagree? And he will only get better and better as his race times show. What's admirable about Rick is not only his achievements in long distance running, but also his generosity in helping new people just entering the sport by giving them sound advise and imparting to them practical knowledge he's learned from his long years of running experience on top of doing valuable assistance to long distance races either as volunteer, pacer or crew. Cheers to Rick!!
Now let's all go back to our own "little" training run programs. I'm into my 3rd week of my marathon clinic training program. Tonight is 6k easy, Wednesday 10k tempo, Thursday 6k easy, Saturday 6k easy and Sunday 13k "long distance" ( I hope Rick doesn't read this, ha ha ha, call 13 k long distance?) :)
Bong, I am very red underneath my brown tan, hahaha. Thanks for the support and kind words. I love the sport and I'm just doing my best to see and discover how far I can go. I'm encouraged that I'm still getting faster and stronger. My involvement in triathlon, running, especially the ultra running community has really made me appreciate my fellow athletes as well. As you know from your involvement with running groups that it's not a solo effort. I'm glad you guys are out there enjoying these activities with me and if I have something or know something that will help you in your goals then I'm more than happy to share it.
ReplyDeleteHope the running is going well and don't forget to build enough rest in your program so you can keep running strong and motivated.
Great blog .. good luck on your training
ReplyDeleteBong, I'm impressed with what Rick, BaldRunner, Ronnie, QS and others have done in the ultras. Certainly, it's getting in the miles.
ReplyDeleteContinued success in the training!
Good luck on your training Bong, carry on. And, congratulations to Rick, he's amazing and doing wonders. Go pinoys!
ReplyDeleteHey Rick, you deserve all the compliments and accolades, you worked hard for it. As for me, I'm just trying to follow my program to achieve my goal of just finishing my first within the cut off time (the marathon).
ReplyDeleteI dropped by your blog too Chris and your posts are great reading, and helpful for me too who's not as experienced as you yet. Your times are quite fast.
What Rick, Jovie, Ronnie and other Pinoy ultra marathoners have accomplished are worthy of admiration Wayne, and with the increase of popularity of the sport in the Philippines, more strong young runners would surely come out of it. Your team (the Lakers) looks like it's going to win the NBA championship with Kobe playing like an MVP. :)
Thanks Vener. Truly, Rick is one Pinoy runner we all can be proud of. Good luck on your running and just to let you know that i'm a regular reader now of your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteHi sir Bong, thanks for dropping by on my blog. Great pics you have here and nice to see what the Pinoy running community looks like in Ontorio (hehe, kahit na nag-iisa ka lang). Happy running!
ReplyDeleteHi Bong, God bless on your marathon training. Hopefully i can get back too on my training after what had happened. Keep on running!
ReplyDeleteI am very proud to know Rick personally. He is such a great athlete. And a very nice guy to boot!
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by my blog today...it's the Philippines' independence day.
ReplyDeleteNice to read a bit about the Filipino running community in your part of the world.
Hi Gene! Thankfully there are 4 other Pinoy runners in my run club, so I'm not the only one. I know of a few others in neighboring towns here in Ontario. Maybe, we can organize a Pinoy group of runners here in Ontario. That will be great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bro J. I think God gave us a great stress reliever in running, so that the emotional pains and aches that we experience in our lives are not just kept inside but are expelled from our body thru sweat, loss of body fat and aching muscles. Isn't it so amazing that after a long run we runners seem to feel so relaxed, calm and peaceful.
Hey, Jo Lynn! Haven't met Rick yet, but I believe you. He must be a great guy to have a friend who is also great person like you. Glad to know the ankle is better. Good luck on your 50k race.
To Crown of Beauty,the few posts that I read from your blog are such gems that I promise to read them all from the oldest to the newest. I consider myself more spiritual than religious, leaning more on doing good deeds rather than performing church rituals. I try my best anyway.
Take care everyone.
You train 5X a week Bong? Isn't that too much for us (you know, the not-so-young-anymore age group: 50 and above)? Aren't you exposing yourself to a higher chance of injury? Are you dreaming of becoming another 'Rick Gaston' someday? Of course, the only person who'll know your limits is yourself. If you feel you can do it, then I'm here to support you Bong. I wish you luck in all your trainings and future races. I still dream of running side by side with you when you visit us here in the Phils.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Bong!
Hey Nora! I can never be like Rick, he's not human. The guy just ran 100 miles (about 160 ks) and he was still all smiles at the finish line. When I crossed the finish line in my longest race, a 30 k, I was almost dying, grimacing in pain (but still upright, he he). Have to put more time and mileage to my training to be able to finish the big one. I'm just so glad to hear from you again and can't wait for the day when we'd be running together, maybe next year.
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