I’m finally back on official race ground. It had been almost 13 years since my last 21K, and it felt so good to lace up again. To put those 13 years into perspective, I had no child during my last run - now I have 3!!!
Pre-Race
This race wasn’t just any race for me - it was the OMNHS L.O.V.E Fun Run 2026, celebrating the 105th Founding Anniversary of Oriental Mindoro National High School.
The race started by the OMNHS grandstand which held extra meaning: this is where my wife graduated, and also where, 21 years ago, she said “Yes” when I asked her to be my girlfriend. So yes, my comeback race here brought back memories and a cheesier meaning to the LOVE theme.
 |
| Going 21 years |
The event kicked off at 5 AM, though we only started around 5:30 after what I thought was an unusual warm-up: Zumba! Three songs! Haha. Nothing like shaking off some sleep and pre-race jitters with a bit of dance cardio.
 |
| Tey and Mara |
 |
| Three Wheels :D |
New Running Era
The run felt amazing. I had trained for three weeks straight, kicking it off with a 10K walk from our house to an expensive footbridge and back. During training, I focused on building my aerobic baseline and keeping my heart rate (HR) in check. (Maybe I’ll share that next time in another post.)
Running with an HR monitor is insane, and in the best way possible. It’s like gamifying cardio. Years ago, I used to run with a basic Timex 1440 (which I bought because it was marked SALE haha). I relied purely on “feel”: breathing, legs, and survival instincts. Now, it’s all numbers, metrics, and nerdy joy.
 |
| Nerdy Joy |
Happy to report I was able to hit my target pace. I felt heavy legs briefly at around 8 km, but it was manageable. In fact, I had enough for sprints from 9.5 km onwards.
But let’s be honest: I’m not fast. And compared to my 140 lbs of 13 years ago, I’m now 90 kg (you do the math 😅). But every step, every sprint, every heartbeat felt worth it.
The course surprised me in the best way. Running along the road from Donnyland up to the U-Turn (and back haha), the sea view was a delight. I had run plenty of city races before, mostly in BGC, but nothing beats the feeling of waves stretching beside you. I’m quite new to Mindoro. What was that beach? Parang “Parang Beach”, pero beach talaga.
Unlike my previous Skyway experience with music (which didn’t quite work for me), this time I ran only with a metronome at 163 bpm. I might increase it to 165 bpm next time as my base tempo. Every step in sync with the beat; every stride measured. The musician in me loves the clack of the metronome.
 |
| Parang Beach |
Registration was a pleasant surprise too. Only ₱200 - with a singlet! Compare that to ₱2,500 for my last race, and you’ll see why the joy of running comes first, money comes second. Finishing here felt just as sweet, if not sweeter, than the pricier international events. (OK, they're not exactly comparable, but this run's 92% cheaper so that's something.)
Happy Ending
Sharing a funny experience. I had no idea where the Finish Line was. Hahaha.
There was no giant arc, no throng of crowds. Just a quiet sense of accomplishment.
But that’s the beauty of it. Sometimes the finish line is less about ceremony and more about personal victory.
And for my long-time readers who patiently waited 13 years for the next entry.
Yes - the Superposition lives on!!! Some things never change, and some things are better for it
13 years. Countless steps. One heartbeat at a time.
It feels incredible to say - I’m back on the road, still chasing the rhythm, still finding joy in every stride.
And after today, I know: the love for running is timeless… just like the love that started on this very grandstand ~21 years ago (which is 20% of 105. Galing sa Math.)
 |
| Pumapag-ibig |
~ END. ~
Consider following for more running blogs! I'll try to space them closer than 13 years this time. 😅
I have a short video of this experience on my Facebook page.
If you like watching music-related videos, check out and subscribe to Earl Royce Music!
