The following post is quite a bit overdue but wanted to get this out before leaving for Asia next month (September).
I've known Carlito Buenaventura from the Philippines for a little while now (not quite as long as Wilbert, Dennis or Jennifer). However, Carlito and I have a couple of things in common such as the local pro wrestling scene and running.
Earlier in the month, he shared a copy of a blog post that was inspiring back in 2008 with Jaymie Pizzaro (The Bull Runner) and Sir Jovie Narcise (Bald Runner). It was at a time when running was booming in the country and this runner being a very small part of it.
Carlito was very inspired about the running blog I had until some time ago when the blog was deleted. What this runner didn't realize was the impact the blog did for people, especially in the Philippines.
He had been a runner for several years until having heart surgery. His time away was roughly four years from 2015-2019.
He got back into it by power walking and eventually running during the pandemic years. There was depression and anxiety at the time. However, Carlito channeled it beautifully into something very positive. Today, he's back to running but not racing.
He's doing some amazing stuff. Looking at a reel, Carlito just completed his 1081st straight (three years folks!) ultra distance (50 kilometers)! When I hear about ironmen in sports, I think of Cal Ripken (baseball) and his streak of 2632 games without missing a game. Carlito's streak is even more amazing because he's doing it at least seven-eight hours each attempt!
We talked about various things such as Wilbert and Dennis who run races with him. Wilbert and Dennis are runners that I've known for several years. Carlito also mentioned a race that will take place while in Metro Manila. The Rexona 10 Miler starts at one of my favorite training spots in Makati, the Ayala Triangle. He's shared other things such as marathons, 90+ year old athletes that continue to run, etc.
With numerous people encouraging to get back into shape, and learning about Carlito, the attitude and motivation has changed dramatically here. After getting off the rear end, and doing a couple of training walks, this runner registered for the event. It is on Sunday, September 14th, beginning at 2am. It will be part of a big day in which this runner will be at two other events, both local pro wrestling shows.
Back to Carlito, this runner is humbled and honored to be at the same start line with him, Dennis and anyone we both know on September 14th. Doing a Run Rio event is also a bonus for those who have done one of his events! Right now, the plan is to walk and jog a little. The cutoff time for the 5K is one hour. Walking-wise, I'm around that right now (within about 15 seconds walking).
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