It was Thursday last week and I had to rack up some very needed mileage for my Smart SIM training. I also needed to do some training runs for the upcoming Rota Run the coming Sunday. What better way to train than to join some Takbo.ph peeps in their LSD.

I have heard a lot about the famous Liempo Run. It was a gathering of tremendous running talent and skill. It was a gathering of the greatest athletes that ever set foot upon the Philippines’ running soil. It was a gathering of friends that were on set on a common goal. A second Liempo run was due and it was about time I shed my overly introverted skin and joined a Takbo.ph gathering.

It was a Thursday and I left early for work to make it to Mcdonald’s Pearl Drive by 6:30 pm. It was a very easy drive and I got there with 30 minutes to spare. I was early. I went to Mcdonald’s and saw a lone runner sitting by the smoking area. I humbly introduced myself and later on found out that I met the very generous Pio and the famous coach Mar. Not long after, more runner started coming in. Much to my dismay and disappointment, I couldn’t remember all their names but rest easy that you guys made a big impact on the running experience and I will cherish it forever (How cheesy can you get?).

Luis came and the suddenly invited me and Win for a warmup. We did a loop around UA and P. It was a very easy warmup but that was only until Luis said “Tempo Run”. As soon as we ended the first loop, we sprinted the second one. Fast. Very very fast. I couldn’t keep up with the two. Win and Luis literally made me eat their dust. I was left behind. I tried my best to keep up. I finished the 1 kilometer loop at around 4:45. Respectable was what Luis and Winlar said. Compared to Win’s sub 4 and Luis’ 4:15, would you call that respectable? I bet they were just being “kind”.

“Napasubo ata ako dito.”

Was what I messaged my girlfriend after I was able to catch my breath. I hope I could keep up with these monsters. On our way back from our warmup, we were greeted with the rest of the runners. As soon as everybody was ready, we made our way out into the streets. We were waiting in front of Rico’s car and it felt like everybody was waiting for something. A prayer perhaps?

“Have mercy on our soles.”

Was what I prayed to myself as a looked up into the sky. I also hoped for some rain. A little rain never hurt and a lot really felt good.

The run started out easy and fun. We made our way to Julia Vargas. We went down the road to make our way to Tiendisitas where we met up with one more runner whose name still evades me like that green mushroom that Mario suddenly crosses path with making him lose track of what he was really doing and then eventually making him stumble and fumble on the level probably losing a life because he was too greedy for trying to catch that elusive hallucinogen.

As soon as we were complete, we started our run back up Julia Vargas. We made a left at Lanuza and then made our way up St. Martin street. It was a long uphill that would put butterflies in the stomachs of even the most experienced runners. I almost hurled when I saw the steep uphill but the aroma of sisig from Aysees helped keep the spaghetti lunch in. One by one we sprinted to the top of St Martin.

“Have mercy on Our Soles.”

Was what I kept on whispering to the departed Saint but our prayers weren’t really answered. The first climb was the hardest. I have passed St. Martin before but always slowed down for the fear that I wouldn’t be able to make it back home. Luis, Winlar, Coach and the others were real monsters going up the hill. It was a long incline and they made it look real easy. What coach made look really easy was going down hill. From his perfect forefoot strike, we would switch to heel strike going down. He made sure his knees were straight so that the impact would be absorbed by his ankles. Sweet and tender grace was what you would notice as coach showed us how easy the technique was. Fumbling fools was what we looked like trying to imitate him.

With 3 climbs up St Martin down the books and we made our way back to Pearl Drive to cap the run off with the famous Liempo from Chiggy’s. I wasn’t able to join the celebration because I had to report to the higher power. Albeit missing the celebration, I was greeted with a pair of donuts from Krispy Kreme and a very much awaited game. Skipping the Liempo celebration was kind of worth it. Thank you my love!

Thank you guys for a very fun Liempo Run. I am still a Liempo run virgin because I wasn’t able to feast at chiggy’s, please don’t hesitate to invite me again!