The following is a comment from “Fuerza Armada” on my post regarding Mr Pompey Crisologo of North Star Run and owner of North Star Marketing, Inc. in Laoag City.

I’m a frequent visitor of your blogsite and this is my first time to post a comment. My memories travel back 20-25 years ago upon reading this artcile of Mr. Pompeo, considered as the Father of Local Running in Ilocandia. I have also joined once in the North Star 10K Fun Run when I was in Grade 5, that was in the early 80’s, and one Biathlon (Duathlon). Both events I DNFed. The races are usually held near the scenic Paoay Lake or Currimao Port Area near the beach and my father would usually win in the age category. Now, he’s in his early 60’s and can still run short distances.

When I begin working in the government here in Fort Bonifacio, I ballooned into 176lb frame with 5ft 4in height and would be diagnosed with mild hypertension. Until I started going back to life through running in 2005 and losing 54 lbs. My DNF events two decades ago in the North Star haunted me. Something in my life was lacking. And I am very much determined to experience finishing a 10K. After months and years of training, I did 5Ks, then 10Ks, 10-miler, half, then the ultimate full marathon which I already did 9 times (with 6 sub-4hrs).

Though dozens of race numbers and medals adorned in our living room in our home in Lapog, Ilocos Sur, my father never had a medal for 42K and his dream was only fulfilled through me. I cried when I crossed the finish line during my first 42K in the 3rd Manila Marathon since I devoted the race to my father.

Maybe this is the perfect time to thank Mr. Pompeo. Thanks for being the ambassador of good health in the region. We have discovered and produced national class runners during the North Star’s grandeur. The North Star Run will forever be cherished. I know the baldrunner is the perfect figure who could continue the legacy. With the general’s love and passion of the sport, I am very sure he can handle it well. I can also encourage my father, his group and my running buddies in the City Government of Vigan to support your planned races.Then we can have more interesting stories to tell…

Thank you very much, “Fuerza Armada” for sharing to us about your passion in running. I hope more people will be inspired to run/join road races and that “failures” are just small part of our life that would challenge us to surpass our capability to do some more and be a better person.