Not My Typical Bantayan-Sta. Fe Run

Road running has become part of my things-to-do when I visit my island hometown, Bantayan. Last Friday was the fourth (I am not really sure, could be fifth) of those road runs but it wasn’t the typical, uneventful 10k jog to the beach area. 

This time I was with Momi, Alex and Kuya Juko. Before we covered a kilometer of a warm-up walk from home, the guys decided to speed up to a run while I was left hiking with Mom. But when I saw the steep incline to Combado, I told her I’ll jog the part and just run back for her.  I suck at uphills so I wanted to conquer that ascent bad. Instead of agreeing to my plan, Mom told me to proceed and not go back for her since she is stopping by her vegetable garden anyway. She'll just join us at the beach later, she added.

So off I went, way behind the brightly-clad guys. Yes, Alex and Kuya J were wearing bright running shirts as if they were off to a pictorial or some major race that attract photographers. Little did they know that it'll be yours truly who'll be in an impromptu photo shoot.

Running the first few kilometers wasn't so  fun as I didn’t feel the usual coolness of the morning air. Also, the heaviness from previous days overeating slowed me down. So I kept my mind entertained with something else: counting road kills (yep, a bit icky but it took off my mind from early exhaustion and thirst). I found at least 10 flattened frogs in various state of decomposition. No snakes this time.

As I was just feeling the start of the heaviness in my arms and legs, I saw someone inside a speeding tricycle wave at me. It was Momi. Oh, well, I guess I'll be the last one to reach our pretend finish line. As soon as the three-wheeled vehicle faded into the distance, a shiny Strada pickup truck slowed down beside me. Driver's window slowly rolled down to reveal a cousin: Joel. After he learned that the brother was way ahead of me, he sped up.  But less than a hundred meters, he suddenly stopped. When I was near his truck, he got out toting his camera. I was about to burst out laughing as soon as I knew what he's up to. But before I could manage a snicker, he comfortably positioned himself in the road and shoot, clicked, snapped.


"I hope my hair isn't a mess, I hope I don't look pale, I hope my stride looks nice," the vain part of me thought  while I tried my best to smile. This is one of those moments that smiling is as complicated as tying your shoe laces while in the middle of the race.

After that, he and his truck zoomed ahead and once more stopped to take more shots of the struggling Tapots. A road in Sta. Fe in a Good Friday morning is far from deserted so I was taken out of my comfort zone. Imagine cars and trikes passing by, locals and cows staring at you.  Okay, maybe just one cow...  But I wanted to have a good running shot to show off later so I tried my best to smile. I had a bit of inspiration too from the thought that the guys would be jealous of my little luck (they’re quite camera hoggers themselves).

Now, I have to get a copy of the photos as evidence. :-)


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Edit: Photos here:

I'm not too fond of posing for solo shots so here's an awkward smile for the camera.

Here, I'm probably thinking: I hope my stride will look good in the picture. :D

Getting the hang of it. 

Because I don't know what else to do, I raised my hands to give the V signs.  :P

Off to Talisay, Sta. Fe.

Finally met up with the guys. BTW, this is the beachfront area of La Bebe's house. 

Who can resist those clear-blue waters? I can't. 

Being ahead of the run/race isn’t always where the fun is, no?

Oh, and after I met up with the guys and Momi in Sta. Fe, and after a group shot or two, I took off my running shoes and socks for a post-run swim in the clear waters. Wow, the cold water was such a welcome relief especially to the stiff legs. I'll be including the swim-after-run part in my To-Do's when I'm back in the island. 

Good Friday, Good Run

Holy week, long vacation, Bantayan Island beckoned.

More than a month before the religious festival, I knew semana santa would be the perfect time to conquer the Sta. Fe-Bantayan route--I will have me some company (planned to drag along running buddies) and I got more than a couple of days (the family would not be happy if I just visit for a day or two and yet still sneak in time for running).

Lex and Pol were as excited as I am. I decided to have it on Good Friday so the brother and sister in law can join (they will arrive a day before). When we picked them up from the pier on Maundy Thursday, the bro hinted his preference for trail running(he brought trail-specific shoes). No, thank you, my shoes are dirty enough. His wife, Anne, didn't bring her pair so maybe she could just drive behind us and provide the needed hydration, I jokingly suggested.

Early morning Friday, I got the sleepy "diliiiiii" reply from Kuya when I told him it's time to don those running shoes. Tsk3x, enough for the planning.

I and Lex met Pol as we were walking from the town plaza towards Brgy. Ticad. We were officially off and running as soon as we stepped on that bridge fronting the old movie house.

Except for the flattened-out frogs, snakes, and other roadkill, I am loving the change in scenery; no other joggers/runners, just a few trisikads and tricycles.

We were halfway past the cemetery when we saw a man bolting out of Village. He donned the same running singlet I had on--that of the recent Citigym fun run. Pol sprinted and overtook the guy who did not hesitate to join us to Sta. Fe.

To make the long story short, I made it the around10 kilometer (just the boys' estimate considering the time) of cemented road in one piece. Enough with estimates, I have to have a Garmin! One hour and seven minutes without walk and water breaks. Not bad, eh? It was our new friend's (Ronald or Roland?) first time to run for about an hour, too.

Next time, we should try the more scenic Okoy route--Kuya's suggestion but of course we took it to mean that he won't be joining us. He seems to enjoy more the planning and suggesting. But I'm not giving up on him. =)