This question had been asked repeatedly by Ronnie De Lara aka Runner For Christ and Dennis Enriquez when they saw me at the ULTRA Oval Track last Wednesday afternoon for my running workout. They were surprised to learn that I’ve been back to my running workout after finishing the BOTAK 42K Paa-bilisan last Sunday with a 35-minute active recovery run last Monday, a day after finishing the marathon race.
I seriously told them that I placed a lot of patience, hardwork, determination, and discipline into my legs whenever I am preparing for any race. Such answer led in telling them on how I prepared for my first two marathon races in the early 80s. They were surprised to know that I prepared for a marathon race for almost one year by running almost everyday. My daily runs would consist of “doubles”, 10K run in the morning and another 10K run in the late afternoon, with a constant regular pace without any speed run training in the oval track. My long runs during weekends would cover a distance of at least 20 kilometers. Speed runs would be limited to “fartlek” runs in between electric posts along the road or in between kilometer posts. My preparations/training were done when I was assigned in the Ilocos Region and I was able to strengthen my legs and develop aerobic capability of my lungs and heart. During those days, I did not join any road race in Metro Manila in preparation for the marathon event.
I was then in my early 30’s and my marathon finish times were within 3:30-3:40 hours. How I wish I could bring back those times when I was fast in my finish times and my legs have those strength to run everyday. I also told them of my injuries before but I learned from these injuries to appreciate the need of rest/recovery and be able “listen to my body”.
Ronnie, thank your very much for those donated “finisher’s t-shirts” which you gave to me during our meeting. Good luck on your TNF 100 Sacobia.
Bald Runner 
Sir BR, thank you very much too…Hoping our feet will be like yours’ and if ever I can’t run this Sunday, kindly reserve one 1,000 kms club tshirt for me, but I’ll try to still register.
God bless.
LikeLike
ok. hope to see you this sunday.
LikeLike
Very inspiring!
You really inspire me to go for 3:30 to 3:40 in my next marathon.
Keep it up!
So, what’s inside your legs? 🙂
LikeLike
lots of “tired” but strong muscles and thousands of kilometers covered since then. good luck
LikeLike
Thanks!
Sorry, one more question, who can join the “1,000-Km Club” & Finishers?
LikeLike
anybody could join the 1,000-km club. all you have to do is to place a widget in your blog and indicate how many kilometers have you run or create a page where you can tabulate your mileage. if you are not a blogger, you can keep a runner’s diary & log in the number of kilometers you ran. good luck!
LikeLike
Pingback: “Sir, What Is Inside Your Legs”? | Long Distance Inc
Ah that’s easy. Clearly it’s “perseverance” and “hard work”. I’m more curious about your diet. How have you kept the same waistline all these years? Filipino food is very good but can also be very fattening.
What does the BaldRunner use to fuel his legs, endurance activities?
LikeLike
rick, i am from the north, an ilocano and i eat a lot of pinakbet, chicharon (bagnet), seafood, pinapaitan or dinuguan, longganiza, kilawen, caldereta, & adobo..but i don’t drink any alcohol (beer, wine, brandy, whiskey, etc). i have a very high metabolism that i spent/burn a lot of calories through my gym workouts & running. however, since i discovered that i have gout last year, i am limited now to vegetables (no legumes/beans), pasta, fish, and chicken. i take my regular supplement of minerals & vitamins and daily “ensure” drinks. i drink a lot of protein drinks and eat a lot of soya bean curd (tofu) after my races. not to forget is my regular massage and at least, 8 hours of sleep every night.
LikeLike
Aba Br, parang pareho kayo ni Mari. Im 35, gotta keep on running… smartly. 🙂 Thanks for continuously inspiring us, esp me.
LikeLike
mark, keep on running. one of the basic principles in running is consistency…consistency in training. see you soon!
LikeLike
Sir Jovie,
How can we join the 1,000-Km Club?
Also, I hope you don’t mind that I made a link reference to your post
in my blog.
Thanks!
Rod
http://rod-runner-888.blogspot.com/
LikeLike
rod, create widget on your blog and indicate the number of kilometers you run. you have to reward yourself with simple gifts or treat yourself with anything nice for you in running every time you finish 100 kilometers.
LikeLike