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Who doesn’t know the brand BOTAK? We practically grew up wearing BOTAK apparel while playing in our local barangay basketball league, but there’s more to know about this local icon and the person behind it.
Cesar Guarin is responsible for clothing our local hoop stars to become the next Lebron James or Kobe Bryant. Skill-wise, we may be far away from these superstars, but style-wise, we definitely look good. Thanks to BOTAK. Thanks to Cesar. Another interesting info on Mr. Guarin is that he has been into running even before the running culture started its boom in the 80s and at present. In fact, he has been into running as early as the 70s. Not just your typical jog, 5k, 10k, half-marathon or full-marathon but more of running across a country. Name a country and most probably he has run it or is about to run it.
Cesar has also been sharing his knowledge and experience on long distance running to local runners. He has been instrumental in mentoring Fr. Robert “The Running Priest” Reyes in his Trans-Pilipinas run and Joy Rojas in her upcoming “Takbong Pangarap”, a Trans-USA run from the West Coast to the East Coast.
Pinoy Runners was given an opportunity by the local running legend to sit-down with him and share his personal experiences on running.
What got you into running?
I was 21 at that time and looking for my own identity. As a fine-arts graduate from UP, I wanted to immerse myself in sports and become a sports-oriented artist.
I was watching the marathon event of the 1976 Summer Olympics (Montreal) and our country’s delegate was Victor Idava. This inspired me to dream of someday becoming an Olympic gold medalist. I started training and my initial goal was to qualify for the Milo Marathon.
What was the first race you joined?
The first competitive race that I participated in was the Milo Half-marathon. This was held on November and I had around 4 months of training. I did not set a target time to finish the race. I just wanted to experience the thrill of competitive running and finish the 21k route. After this race, I already got hooked to running and joined several fun runs and short races.
How did you do in your first full-marathon?
The first full marathon that I joined was the Batulao Marathon in 1980. The route was from Nasugbu to Tagaytay. After 4 years of joining a number of races, I was aiming to finish the uphill route in 3 hours or less. I finished the marathon in 3:11 and was the 11th overall finisher.
How did you get into Ultramarathon?
I was eyeing a spot in the national team for the athletes that will participate in the marathon event and represent Philippines in the 1980 Summer Olympics (Moscow).
However, after the Batulao Marathon, my knee got injured because of over-training. Because of this injury, I wasn’t able to participate in the national open qualifiers.
My quest to be an Olympian never waned though. I wanted to be part of the national team for the 1984 Summer Olympics (Los Angeles). However, I felt that ever since the knee injury, my body has been prone to various injuries already.
While doing long slow distance (LSD) training, I enjoyed it more compared to the rigorous and fast-paced training required for a full-marathon. I also found that slow running over longer distances is friendlier to my body and helps me avoid injuries.
This is how I got into ultramarathon. I first tried 50k, then 75k, 100k, and then cross-country running.
What cross-country runs have you done?
In 1983, I did Trans-Pilipinas for 39 days. In 1985, it was Trans-USA for 87 days. I ran from the East Coast to the West Coast. In 1992, I did Trans-Europe for 63 days. The route was from Spain to Italy.
During my cross-country runs, I ran an average of 8-10 hours daily which equates to approximately 60-80kms.
What is your most memorable run?
The Trans-USA was the most memorable run for me. The 87 days I was on the road gave me a chance to do a lot of soul searching. After that experience, I felt that I have already lived a complete life and could not ask for anything more. During the last 10 days of the Trans-USA, the feeling of sadness sunk in because I knew that the experience was about to end.
Who are the runners that you look up to?
I was inspired by Frank Shorter’s marathon win during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Frank was an endorser for Nike and when he won, he raised up his Nike shoes. This propelled Nike’s popularity. BOTAK is emulating Nike’s business model and we envision becoming a world-renowned brand for sports apparel. Among the local runners, who do you think has the potential?
I think that the diminutive Eduardo Buenavista has the potential of competing at par with the world’s elite athletes.
Where do you do your practice runs?
You can see me running every Sundays around Bonifacio Global City.
What do you think of when you run?
I think of anything and everything that crosses my mind as I run. I never get bored when I do cross-country runs. For me, long distance runs are a form of meditation and I like calling it as meditational running.
Who was your running buddy during your cross-country runs?
I run solo. I just have a support group that catches up with me every 5km.
What sense of fulfillment do you get from cross-country running?
I get to see several wonderful places and meet different kinds of people. There is a spiritual aspect in my runs and I feel very enlightened while doing it. I get to see and experience natural scenery and feel HIM in very step and heartbeat.
What apparel do you wear when you run?
BOTAK of course!
What is your dream run?
My goal is to complete the Global Run. The ones in the red are already complete. The ones highlighted in black is the route I have yet to complete.  This goal will take some time to complete because I have to juggle my passion for running together with other personal responsibilities.
What can you say about the running culture in the Philippines?
It’s great to know that there is again a boom on the sport similar to what happened in the 80’s. There are several fun runs and race events being held which give an opportunity for others to get into running.
What advice can you give to wannabe runners?
Running is an inexpensive yet very productive and life-enhancing sport. Some people get into running just for fitness but once you start running, you’ll feel its spiritual aspect. Running gives you time for yourself to do some meditation.
Local runners have what it takes to become world champions. The physical conditioning of our local elite runners is very good. What lacks is mental conditioning and the determination to finish strong.
For those who are interested in ultramarathons, mental toughness is very important. If you plan to do cross-country runs in USA or Europe, let the Philippine embassy know of your plans. Also, try to get some sponsors who will help you get through your run.
The running stories of Mr. Cesar Guarin is truly admiring and worth emulating. What started as a dream of becoming an Olympic Gold Medalist has become an obsession. He may not be the person to bring home the very elusive Olympic gold medal, but in his own way is helping bring our country’s dream into a reality. He is a hall of famer when it comes to running and someone that deserves high recognition. Hopefully, there will be other Cesar Guarins out there who will give pride and glory to the Philippines.
For all running enthusiasts out there, BOTAK lang ng BOTAK! |
