In purSUIT of Fun & Speed

Last Friday, May 1, 2009, the first ever invitational Nissan Navara purSUIT was held. The race was a combination of Run, Bike, and Drive.
It was an honor for me to be a part of the two teams representing Takbo.Ph. Our admin, Sir Jinoe, offered it and without thinking twice, I said yes!. I was assigned to drive the Navara which made me excited because it will be my first time to participate in such kind of event.

Here's how it was played.

Challenge 1: Treadmill and Bike Time Trial

Challenge 2: Navara Track | Driving Accuracy Time Trial (Team must complete the course as closely as possible to a benchmark time. Time over/under the benchmark will be ADDED to their overall time)

Challenge 3: Mental & Physical Challenges

This is a Time Trial event. Clock will stop only when ALL required challenges are completed.

*Teams will be released on time. However, Organizer reserves the right to adjust schedule in the interests of racers' safety in case Navara Track is still occupied by a preceding team. Affected teams will be duly notified should this occur. Organizer will NOT adjust schedule to accommodate late team sign-in.

Fastest time wins (ofcourse )


Takbo.ph Line-up

Team 1
Graciano Santos - Run
Ronald Rei Declarador - Bike
Marco Christopher Montaos - Drive
Marvin Opulencia - Team Capt.

Team 2
Patrick Alcomendas - Run
Sherwin Botabara - Bike
David Viray - Drive
Jinoe Gavan - Team Capt.

We competed with other sports club such as Fitness First, Pinoy Ultra Runners, X-Terra, Fort Striders, Second Wind etc.
It was my first time to drive off-road, a race at that, and I must admit, it really felt good to abuse a 4x4 :), not because it wasn't mine :) but because it was really meant to be abused. As they say, it's tough and sweet! And will I do it again?....'hell yyyyyeeeah!!!

We were there for fun...and that's exactly what we got!

in the AYER!!! Airspeed Runs for a Cause

It was my first race in MOA and I must say that it's a nice track specially for those who want nothing but a nice smooth run minus the challenge of uphills and breathtaking views.


The race started on time which is a good thing, except for me who arrived at the venue quite late :). I had to excuse myself to get to the starting line because the 5k runners are already in position. I am to run 10k :). When I reached the front, I was a bit hesitant to start running because I was embarrassed to take on the spotlight of shame for coming in late, having to run all by myself with the entire mob of 5k runners behind me, but what the heck, I've got a lot of catching up to do and so I ran...minus the gunshot.
The track was not that tough so I managed to run faster. I had to stop for a few sec at every turn to ask the marshals for directions because I was all alone, looking like a lost ant lacking of Pheromones wondering where the rest of the gang may have turned.

After the first loop, I was able to catch up with the tail of the pack and was relived that I am finally running amongst those wearing the same bib color as mine :).


I reached the finish line at 1:07:09 (not a 10k PR for me, ofcourse!), my official time after having to start just two minutes before the gunshot fired for the 5k runners.
Overall, the race was well organized, as expected of a "Rio Race", and fun (specially the "Taho" session after the run with "Takbo" peeps).










Original Photographs by Argonaut, Luis "Gingerbreadman", Karlo (http://karlosports.wordpress.com/ ) & Edufabian.