Rama's Screen

Not movie-related I know, but it’s weekend and I’d just like to share the one thing I love doing besides watching movies and that is running long distance. This morning, I finished the Riverside/Mission Inn Half-Marathon in 1 hour and 59 minutes. For those who might not know, half-marathon is 13.1 Miles…
I figured this would be a good warm up before I tackle the next full marathon in Spring 2010 in Napa Valley, Northern California. Full marathon is 26.2 Miles
This is my 8th run (Half and Full) since I started back in March 2008

In the image above are my beautiful friends Krystal and Geisa who also finished the run today.
I’d like to dedicate this simple achievement to all of my fellow immigrants out there! Stay strong my people! Keep on believing! Peace!

I’m planning to do Iron Man (swimming, biking, running) in Hawaii hopefully 5 years from now but I need to take up swimming lessons. I’m the only Asian/Pacific Islander who can’t swim.

Usually Rama’s SCREEN would have updates for you even on weekends because that’s how we roll, yo! Just for you guys! But these past couple of days, I have to apologize for not being able to entertain you, only because yesterday was the preparation for the 2009 Napa Valley Marathon and today, I, your movie aficionado, ran the marathon through the scenic route of vineyards, winery and rich people enjoying their merlot and pinot on their front porch like we common people would do with our Dr.Peppers and Coke.

It was my 4th Marathon ever and boy was it challenging! From the starting line, I was literally on a hot streak, I got my pace and it took me to mile 18 on the 3rd hour with no problem and then bam! Frostbite hurt my arms real bad, I had no problem moving my legs but I couldn’t feel my fingers and they were turning purple. Wanna you know why?
Because the marathon was held on the morning where it was raining hard, ridiculously cold weather (40 degrees) with wind gushing at about 9 miles an hour constantly hitting my face.
And so the medical team took me to a car where they turned up the heater and so I lost about 40 minutes just to get myself warmed up again.
I finished the race in 5 hours and 35 minutes. A bit disappointing, I know but I’ll do better in the next stop, OC Marathon in May, baby!
I always find myself coming back to all these marathons without knowing why. Maybe it’s the adrenaline, maybe it’s the ego trip, or maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment. Whatever it is, it has helped me lose my ‘love handles’, so that’s a good thing.

Two weeks ago, March 2nd of 2008, your movie buff, Rama’s SCREEN participated in one of the most grueling marathons in the world. And on top of that, it was my first marathon ever! Ever! I’ve never done anything as crazy as that before in my entire friggin’ life. All the while as I ran, I was thinking “What the hell am I doing here??”
I should’ve trained better.
I managed to get to the 14th mile in two hours but as soon as I hit mile 17, I got cramps attacking my legs like crazy!
But perseverance prevailed. Once I made up my mind, there’s no turning back. I finished the whole thing in 6 hours and 17 minutes.

I know, I know… the time is not that impressive. But I’ll do better next time, I promise…. and by that I mean I’ve signed up San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon this coming June and Las Vegas Marathon in December.
I’m not in this to break any record… just to lose my Christmas pounds and for the medallion.
Have I lost my mind? Maybe so… but losing my mind in something as awesome as this experience… I’ll never trade it for anything in the world.
Wanna know what it feels like to run 26.2 miles? Why don’t you sign up and find out for yourself

Here are clips of me running, the video was taken by my friend , Dean, who’s done 5 marathons so far.
The first one was the beginning miles, the second was me struggling to run some more, and the last clip is the the triumph of the finish line. Enjoy and let me know what you think.