My Road to Boston 12 January 2010
It’s been almost four years since my life as a competitive athlete ceased to be what it was before. From childhood to adolescence, up to my years as a young adult, the track and the road have been my playground, my home, a source of income, and at times, my escape from the troubles of the world. But as I came towards the end of my allowable stay at the University of the Philippines, College of Human Kinetics, it suddenly occurred to me that running would not put food on the table. I needed a fallback plan, in case my running career didn’t take off, or I become debilitated either by a running injury or old age. While I probably won’t go hungry working as a Physical Education professor, I felt that life had so much more to offer. And so, with nothing but my ambition, passion for running, some start-up money, and my saliva, I dabbled into the world of events organizing. And with that major shift in priority, my running career has taken a back seat since then. Well, at least until I was welcomed into the loving arms of the Timex family and became one of their product ambassadors. Soon after that, I rekindled my love for running and found myself once again sleeping in my running clothes and waking up as early as 4 in the morning to run up the treacherous hills of Sierra Madre.
Although I still continued to join run races once in a while, my breakthrough race was when I did the run portion of the Cobra Camsur Ironman 70.3 with my relay teammates Timothy Yap doing the swim, and Mark Bonzo on the bike.
I only had a few months to prepare, and training while being swamped with meetings and deadlines, and organizing races almost every weekend, proved to be much of a challenge. But luckily, the minimal training I was able to squeeze into my jam-packed schedule, coupled with the amazing talent of my young comrades, was enough to pull us through to a top podium finish in the all-male relay category.
And before I even knew what hit me, Timex instantly offered to send me to any Boston-qualifying race in the US and eventually to the Boston Marathon, IF I qualify. At that point, there was no turning back. I couldn’t let Timex down so I did what I had to do. I managed my time during the day, lessened late night dinners, and gave up last full shows so that I can sleep and wake up earlier. And again, thankfully, it was enough to earn me an unexpected fifth place finish for the 21K distance at the San Francisco Marathon, with a time of 1:17 – enough to qualify me for the New York Marathon – and to finish a mere 5 minutes faster than the Boston qualifying time for my age group at the Fresno Marathon. But that memorable experience was not without a lot of excruciatingly painful suffering during the last 10 miles. I don’t remember ever praying so hard as I cried out to God in pain and literally survived through prayer and the thought of not wanting to disappoint Ms. Gemma and my Timex family. It was, inarguably, the longest 10 miles of my life!
But the experience has definitely pushed me to train more seriously and regularly so as not to suffer the same painful fate. I’ve sought the help of my good friend and former classmate in UP and former running coach, Lemuel Dela Cruz – who is now based in Canada – for my training program, with no less than champion-marathoner and Boston-marathon-finisher Allan Ballester as my trainer and running partner. With my coach’s scientific principles backed by Kuya Allan’s wealth of experience, I know I’m in good hands. Now, I have no excuse but to do well at the Boston Marathon in April, and hopefully follow it up with a respectable performance at the New York Marathon in November. I’ve still got a long way to go, with hundreds of intervals to run, challenging target times to meet, and many hills to pave. This is my road to Boston.
wow! all the best Rio! make us proud in Boston!
Hi coach, you already ran your road to the boston marathon, the only thing left is the way leading to the finish line. Congrats and best wishes.
Vener – run unltd.
good luck coach!
I met Rio early 2008 when he was still selling running singlets and riding his motorcycle. He has come a long way, now he has 2 cars a beautiful home a promising career and a successful Running Business organizing races. he is the most sot of running guru in the Philippines.. He has also taken the initiative to help the poor or the people affected by natural disaster like typhoon Ondoy etc. Rio is the perfect example of the “Successful Entrepreneur “and I am very happy for him he makes us Filipino very proud.
But most of all he is a Runner and I believe if you are a runner you are above the norm in a positive way.
Congratulations Rio! You are not only a humble friend but a true Filipino who has dreams and made it reality.
I admire you.
Thank you
Raul Patrick Concepcion
http://runningshield.blogspot.com/
Wow… Thanks, Patrick, for your kind words. While it is true that I was driving around the Metro with a stack of singlets as high as my eye level, owning a beautiful home is something I have yet to tick off on my wish list.
Please allow me to take this opportunity to thank you and Ton for your continued enthusiasm in organizing races. As runners, you are able to capitalize on your first-hand racing experiences to bring forth a running event that keeps us coming back for more year in and year out. Thank you and more power to you both and the Condura Run!
Good luck Coach Rio! I’m sure the Philippine running community will be following your progress. Do it for your country, yourself and the millions of runners out there who could only dream of qualifying for Boston.
A very inspiring read Coach Rio! Goodluck in Boston!
You are filled with awesomeness Coach Rio. One day, someday, I wish to run like a wind…
See you soon!
You are amazing, Coach, as always! Best wishes and good luck to your training and we’re behind you all the way! God bless Coach! Show ‘em what RunRio is made of! =)
You never fail to inspire me Coach Rio. Thanks for sharing this one. Have a safe “Boston bound” run!:D
I hope to run alongside you someday… my pace..:p hehehe..
thanks coach rio… hope to see you soon…
Thanks to everyone who sent their well-wishes. Really appreciate your encouraging comments. It’s always a pleasure to share with you my personal experiences in the hopes of inspiring and motivating you to go out and create your own running stories. See you guys on the road!
Thanks to everyone who sent their well-wishes. Really appreciate your encouraging comments. It’s always a pleasure to share with you my personal experiences in the hopes of inspiring and motivating you to go out and create your own running stories. See you guys on the road!
I admire Coach Rio’s aspirations! Kudos to you coach Rio! See you at the trilogy! Can’t wait!
Thanks for a very inspiring story! I am still in awe at your 1:17 finish in SF. You are truly an inspiration and an example of what a fellow Pinoy can accomplish with hard work and grit. I will be be closely following your story as it unfolds because I know I can draw inspiration from you every step of the way…
I am very much honored to be a source of your inspiration. Hope to see you running for many years to come!
Coach, your story really inspired me. I ‘was’ not an athletic person until I joined running events. And, I am really hooked into it now.
I wanted to Congratulate you for your success in running. As for me, you are part of that force that’s pushing me to keep running – until I can run a full marathon.
Hope to see you in the succeeding races that I will join. And I would definitely complete the RunRio Trilogy.
More power and God Bless!!!
Thanks for your support MinnieRunner! I wish you all the best in your new-found love for running. See you at the Century Superbods Run!
Hi rio, i wish to see you in ING NY Marathon in November! We’ll have our photos taken in the FINISH line!
Regards & best of luck to us!
Thanks BanditRunnr! Would love to see a friendly face at the end of a grueling marathon. Please don’t hesitate to approach me so we can have our photo taken. Just look for me and my afro. =)
Good luck to us!
Hi Rio,
Really enjoyed reading your blog. I’ll definitely follow your quest. You told me about the Unilab Running Clinics, would you mind giving me some details as to schedule or if you can direct me a website link, that would be appreciated. Thanks and good luck!
Hi Jim M,
I got this a little info from Unilab website:
************************************************************
Join the free running clinics with Coach Rio: *
Track & Field Oval, PhilSports Arena (ULTRA), Pasig City *
Every Monday and Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m. *
Starting February 11 to March 4 *
Slots available: 100 persons, first come-first serve basis *
************************************************************
http://www.unilabwellnessevents.com.ph/gettingReady.php
Coach Rio can then guide us in these sessions.
See you around!
BanditRunnr
Hi guys,
Please be advised that since the Nike Running Training Clinic is temporarily on hold, we are moving our Unilab clinic schedule on Mondays to Tuesdays instead. So the Unilab Running Clinics will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time and venue.
Thanks and see you there!
Hi Coach!
Goodluck to your journey to Boston. Continue inspiring other runners especially the beginners like me. More power to your career. Thanks for a photo shot last bookrun at the fort. God Bless you Idol!
Hi Jaycee,
You’re most welcome! Keep on running and God bless you, too!
good luck coach! thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions in multiply and for encouraging me to run again! thanks!
Hi 2×79,
Thank you! You know what they say, “love is better the second time around.” Hope you feel that way about your love for running. Good luck to you, too!
Coach, I have a question about your Trilogy runs. Does one have to run all three or any one of the three is OK? I’m from Chicago and will be home by May 30 and would love to run in the second Trilogy. Any info on how to register? Please reply. I’m an avid runner, wishful to qualify for the Boston in 2011. More power to you!
hello there coach rio if im not mistaken last year ive run in milo thats the first time i see,then on addidas also. it gives me courage to run and be in this sport. can you send me some tips and routines and if you know some healthy diet etc. to keep me healthy just a little bit herwe`s my email slimer9282@gmail.com a thank you advance it will be a good help to me thanks.
Hi Emmanuel! Please check out the section on my website called K’s Blog. You’ll find all the info you need there on training and diet. If you have specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment. Thanks and run safely!
Ey coach Rio! I’m just a starter but after reading your blog and your life story, i’m now more motivated to continue & invest on running! Ran my first 5k this morning in Condura (38min..slowly but surely=1 ) and it really felt great, a different sense of fulfillfment! We saw you and had our picture taken hehe, and we are excited as ever to join future runs, esp. those that you organize (support to RunRio!) ..hope to get to meet you during the Unilab clinics. Goodluck and Godspeeed indeed with your dreams! Be inspired to inspire! =1
hi coach rio wow i cant believe im gonna see you again running on condura ahahahaha yeah i`ve seen you running alone while seeing at your wrist watch well can`t wait to run at century tuna to see you again running and hoping i can take pix we together on eof my wishes that i want to be true is that. everytime races is finish i cant find you wahahahaha i hope on century tuna superbods i can see you there alone so i can take a photo of us together keep safe coach rio many of us here loves you. god bless to all of us!!!!!
Hi Coach,
you are an inspiration indeed, still humble and grounded despite ur roster of high profile “students’…u deserve to be there at the Boston and New York marathons…we will pray for you as u run each stride to the finish line…
i told others that you are one famous coach but very humble , very nice and approachable…and it inspires others to run and keep on dreaming…
i never finished a five minute run on the treadmill until someone name Lorenz told me to train under u…and it was a real first day training shocker!!! to run 8 times around the oval…i thought i will drop dead that night , but ur coaching staff Roel said ” nobody has ever dropped dead running around the oval, if it happens i will be the first…”……but today i finished running 1 hour and 30 minutes non stop…i have been telling people this – its under rio and his team that a relatively “mature” person like learned how to run …
GO for THE BOSTON AND NEW YORK and RIO,,, Coach..the world is for you to conquer and nobody deserves it more than you do….and maybe someday i will tag along in one of your runs..
edith
Wow! What a great journey you are having – full of zest and adventure. Go, go, go!
Coach Rio
Congratulations!!! For us newbie in running, your one of the inspiration. I’m looking forward in meeting you personally to get some advise. I’m new to running but not in active sports. I always saw you @ Ultra and even say Hi once in a while. I’m hoping that we can sit down one day to give me some tips for Running. more Power
I admire coach determination and discipline, I’m so inspired, I wanna be coach Rio’ IDOL!!!
Coach Rio,
I read your life here which made me wow for many times. You are such a determined running monster haha! and I’m inspired how you made it through the rocky tracks of life, salute to you Coach!
Seeing you for the first time in person this morning in Century Tuna Superbods race was a refreshing scene after a tiring 10km run. My support and prayers are with you on your Boston and New York Marathon and all your endeavours in the future.
God Bless!
Hi Coach Rio,
I admire you for your determination and dedication. I truly look up to you and you serve as an inspiration to me to run further.
Every run you organized by you and your team is worth joining. It is truly organized and there is system. Wishing you the best in your Boston run.
Good luck!
P.S. I am planning a run some time this year, I hope you can help me, please email me if possible. Hoping for your email. Thank you!
nice work on the SuperBods Run, well too bad im too far from the clinic you are going to coach.
Good Luck Coach Rio to your Boston and soon New York
Hi Coach!
My first race was your first race as an organizer (Great UP Run). From there, I saw you rose to fame pero lagi mo pa rin akong binabati pag nagkikita tayo sa UP, sa McDo at kung saan man. My kids admire you and can’t help but shout “Ayun si Coach Rio” when they see your posters and billboards. Good luck to your running and business careers.
Cheers.
Hi Coach Rio,
First and foremost, I want to congratulate you on your achievements. You have set a very good example and you always give us such great inspiration from your experiences.
Before the Timex Run, I’ve been overwhelmed about your running story which started from your childhood. The first story that I actually drawn out an inspiration about running. I have never idolized any actor/actress or personality before until I get to know about you from those running events.
We wish you good luck and best of prayers from us on your Boston Marathon. I know you’ll mark another legacy for all of the runners.
hi rio!
goodluck!
you’re an inspiration
Just now that I’ve read your story.. and really, I was amazed….
I’m very happy for you sincerely and grateful…
I’m new to running… but then this is one decision to stay with me forever…. mag stop na lng ata ako pag hnd na ko makatakbo.. hahaha….
My 1st official run was book run 2010 (5k)-37 mins…
2nd run is your Century Superbods (10k)- 1:12:01
And planning to hit (21K) in May for your Leg2….
All the best for you COACH RIO!
its meeh,
chriz =)
coach,
i hate running!..
but when i read the article about you on that entrepreneurial magazine i was amazed and think i will face my fear…
tnx..
you’re the reason why i want to run again after a long time..
hope to see you soon..
God speed
hope you the best of health in all circumstances… always…
Pilipinas Reprazent!
Run Coach Rio Run! 
Hi Rio!
I’ve been with Rio since 2001 as a teammate and batch mate in UP. He used to call me Father because of my mellow voice and prim and proper clothing. I would never forget the times when we’d run into each other running along sdumulong highway on an eary Sunday morning.
You’ve gone a long way my friend, and I’d like to congratulate you. I hope we can run together again
Edsel