Back in 2009, i never appreciated let alone understood why our city government would spend so much money on building a highway in which most Kagayanons felt was too far or out of the way to go to. Add to it the construction of a bridge to connect the said road and many were left puzzled. I remember the first time i passed by this alternative road going to CdO's "uptown" was when my best friend took us out for a joyride after a nightcap and he would tell ghost stories while driving in near total darkness. I kept telling myself that i would surely never take this route for whatever reason. Then again, i never thought i would be running! So, here i am, writing this piece about why runners in this part of the country are so fortunate to have this road network to our disposal.
The Taguanao Route features a wide paved road, rolling and winding terrain highlighted by a 1.2 kilometer steep winding uphill climb. Along this route you can find several other uphill climb roads. Most notable of which are: a 1.5 kilometer never ending uphill climb leading up to the unfinished Cagayan de Oro Int'l Convention Center & Nanuri Int'l School, and a 1 kilometer uphill climb going to Abba's Orchard.
Runners, hikers and bikers are sure to run to their heart's content in this place which is a mere 10minute drive away from the city proper. There are just a few jeepneys plying this route, same goes with cars and motorcycles, and best of all, practically no big trucks! Once you reach Taguanao Bridge, the sights and sounds of nature will surely take your breath away. In case you forgot or did not bring any hydration, there are many "sari-sari" stores which you will see along the way selling softdrinks, bottled water, ice water, local pinoy delicacies like puto, suman and the like. You can even indulge in pancit canton from an eatery nearby which is just perfect while having an LSD (long slow distance) run! However, if you or your group did not bring money or loose change, no need to worry as after the dreaded long 45 degree uphill climb, you will find Rio Verde Water Consortium's metering house. Here you will find a treated water outlet which is open to the public. It is like having your own water station!
This route is perfect for those in deep training, whether it be a half or full marathon as it offers long steep uphills, steady rolling downhills, heat training in a perfect natural setting as you are surrounded by trees, pass through rivers, work your way up to hills. And it is all within the city. The Taguanao Highway- my running haven. Now RUN to discover and see for yourself!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Cebu City Marathon 01-09-11
Going back to Cebu for the 2nd Cebu City Marathon(CCM) was one event I did not plan to join at first. But when I learned that most of my running buddies here in CdO will attend, I told myself that I also did not want to pass up the chance of being part of such a big delegation(I think we numbered 130plus participants). And boy, was i glad to be there!! After all, CCM is where i ran my first full marathon exactly a year ago today.
The Cebu City Marathon is a great way to explore the city on foot! The race route offered sights and sounds of the famed Sinulog Fiesta, from the starting line at the I.T. Park to local city landmarks such as the Fuente Osmena Circle, the Sto. Nino Church, the Malacanang sa Sugbo just to name a few, to the South Road(s) Project(SRP) and back. There were cheering squads, live bands, street dancers, and warm smiles from the locals encouraging the runners to push themselves and keep on going. One can smell breakfast food aroma up in the air along Escario St., there were motorists waving at the busy intersections of Carbon, motivational banners lining up the route- one particular sign that caught my attention read "mas agpas pa mudagan akong lola kanimo!"- which translated, meant "my grandmother can run faster than you!". One of the new additions and highlights for this year's race is the SRP Tunnel. Runners were surely pumped up with the blaring "Lady Gaga's Bad Romance" song being played inside the tunnel- which also made a welcome respite from the heat of the sun. Then there is the breath taking view along the stretch of SRP, where runners witnessed a magnificent sunrise to welcome the break of day! And as expected, there were ample water and 100 Plus drinks stationed at every 1.5km to 2km intervals. Bananas and chocolates were also provided. Volunteers offering ointments and pain killers were more than willing to assist all of us.
On the negative side, the food at the Carbo Loading Party was mediocre & in small servings that it did not live up to expectation. There were few portalets placed at the Starting Line. Also, no certificates of participation were given to the finishers this year. And like all other events, there were also some not so bright moments. A fellow participant relayed to me an unfortunate accident when a 42k runner incurred bruises after being hit by a motorcycle. Then there is one strange incident which i myself witnessed when a 'snatcher' was being chased by CERC member Raffy of RUNNR Cebu. Good thing he can run fast so the culprit was eventually captured!
All in all, kudos to the Cebu Executive Runners Club for organizing such a grand and momentous event. It is always an unforgettable experience to be part of this festive run. For now i can only dream to one day realize a marathon being held in my native Cagayan de Oro with a local touch like the CCM. With these great memories, I now plan to make Cebu City Marathon an annual pilgrimage run cum food trip with my wife in the years to come!
The Cebu City Marathon is a great way to explore the city on foot! The race route offered sights and sounds of the famed Sinulog Fiesta, from the starting line at the I.T. Park to local city landmarks such as the Fuente Osmena Circle, the Sto. Nino Church, the Malacanang sa Sugbo just to name a few, to the South Road(s) Project(SRP) and back. There were cheering squads, live bands, street dancers, and warm smiles from the locals encouraging the runners to push themselves and keep on going. One can smell breakfast food aroma up in the air along Escario St., there were motorists waving at the busy intersections of Carbon, motivational banners lining up the route- one particular sign that caught my attention read "mas agpas pa mudagan akong lola kanimo!"- which translated, meant "my grandmother can run faster than you!". One of the new additions and highlights for this year's race is the SRP Tunnel. Runners were surely pumped up with the blaring "Lady Gaga's Bad Romance" song being played inside the tunnel- which also made a welcome respite from the heat of the sun. Then there is the breath taking view along the stretch of SRP, where runners witnessed a magnificent sunrise to welcome the break of day! And as expected, there were ample water and 100 Plus drinks stationed at every 1.5km to 2km intervals. Bananas and chocolates were also provided. Volunteers offering ointments and pain killers were more than willing to assist all of us.
On the negative side, the food at the Carbo Loading Party was mediocre & in small servings that it did not live up to expectation. There were few portalets placed at the Starting Line. Also, no certificates of participation were given to the finishers this year. And like all other events, there were also some not so bright moments. A fellow participant relayed to me an unfortunate accident when a 42k runner incurred bruises after being hit by a motorcycle. Then there is one strange incident which i myself witnessed when a 'snatcher' was being chased by CERC member Raffy of RUNNR Cebu. Good thing he can run fast so the culprit was eventually captured!
All in all, kudos to the Cebu Executive Runners Club for organizing such a grand and momentous event. It is always an unforgettable experience to be part of this festive run. For now i can only dream to one day realize a marathon being held in my native Cagayan de Oro with a local touch like the CCM. With these great memories, I now plan to make Cebu City Marathon an annual pilgrimage run cum food trip with my wife in the years to come!
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