19 January 2008 (8:30 PM)

I arrived at Subic Freeport on or about 4:00 PM today (Saturday) with my driver and security. I was able to keep in touch with the Philippine Army Team runners at the parking area of the Subic Oval Track where the registration office is located. I was able to register as VIP Runner and got my reserved race number and singlet. Thanks for the help and involvement of the Philippine National Police as one of the Organizers/Sponsors of the event. A Police Officer facilitated my registration without any problem. He even invited me for an informal dinner at the Oval Track/Finish Line area.

I was happy to see Kilometer Markings (to be placed along the route) being prepared near the registration office. Three days ago, I sent a text message to PNP Chief Superintendent Samuel Tucay suggesting him to place mile/kilometer markings along the route of the Subic Marathon and told him also that I am going to run the Half-Marathon.

Learning from my past mistake from the Clark 10K Run last weekend, I immediately oriented myself with the route by slowly driving along the roads where the marathon will pass. The first 6-7 kilometers is relatively flat with the next two kilometers as gradual uphill going towards the airport. The last 1-2 kilometers going to the turn-around point is a “roller coaster” terrain. I could see that going back to the finish line will be an easier task in terms of the terrain but the heat of the rising sun will a harder task to overcome.

I am bringing along my Nathan Water Belt for my water supply and instructed my driver/security to be ready to replenish my water supply at the 12-km mark.

We had dinner/”carbo-loading” at Aristocrat Restaurant (spaghetti, pancit canton, boneless chicken barbecue w/ java rice, & SMB Light Beer) and presently staying in one of the hotels/inns near the SBMA Office which is few meters away from the starting line.

I was informed that another group of Kenyan runners (a different group from the Clark Freeport Marathon’s Kenyan runners) will be joining the race.

Assembly time will be 5:00 AM and Start of the Race will be at 6:00 AM tomorrow.