My Day With the Senator and Triathlete Mom

This is her blog: My Daily Race. This is her twitter account: @piacayetano and her recent success: doing her first skyrun at Mt. Ugo!

As part of the Newton Running Philippines, Senator Pia Cayetano invited us in the book signing of her book, My Daily Race at Slice Cafe at C2 BHS (see previous post). Together with Coach Jay Valencia, Senator Pia (SenPia) shared her running experiences and about her book.

On Running

She shared that she started running since she was 15. After her first marathon, she promised herself not to run again until her competitive self urged her to run after 11 years! Later on she has been running marathons and after being a senator, she made it to a point that every trip that she went, she looks for a race so her trip can be more enjoyable.

She mentioned that one thing that she remembered what Coach Ani de Leon mentioned, “When doing your first marathon, remember to enjoy it!” The competitive in you for sure would want to perfect what you trained that at times, you miss out on the fun and you’ll end up not having a memorable first marathon.

She also said that for every race that she does, she makes sure that she prepares for it. Just as I learned from my recent seminar I attended, “Train the Trainer”, failure to prepare is to preparing for your failure.

On Losing Her Son and Father

She mentioned her experiences in her book, My Daily Race about dealing with the loss of her son Gabriel and father (Senator Rene “Companyero” Cayetano). Running became her outlet and eventually she graduated from running to doing triathlons together with her brothers Lino, Ren and Sen. Alan. She holds an annual multi-sport event entitled “Gabriel’s Symphony” in memory of her son and for the benefit of the Gabriel’s Symphony Foundation to help differently-abled children.

On Being A Mother

A lot asked how does she balance being a senator, being a triathlete and especially being a mom. She mentioned that it’s hard at times how will she distract her youngest Lucas as now he would made a growling sound when he doesn’t want her to go. She urged moms to be there for their children as much as they can. As her family has a different setup where everyone has their own time, the kids also understand it but it doesn’t mean they don’t find time to have fun and bond together. They usually enjoy hanging by the beach or have an active lifestyle.

She mentioned she does not impose on her children what she wanted them to do but she is thankful that her kids find fun in activities and hope that they enjoy running as well and soon join her in her biking trips.

After her talk and more cookies and yummy cupcakes from her new baby, Slice   (soon to open!), on to our book signing!

Slice to Open Real Soon!

Bull Session

I thought that’s it until Ms. Apple told us that we have a short bull session with SenPia after the event! Like a kid who got giddy knowing he’ll have a big Lego set (that’s my childhood dream), I found myself with other really known runner-bloggers!

I think this is the part how I really felt how approachable SenPia was. She gushed and relived her excitement on her first skyrun and how she conquered Mt. Ugo! She mentioned how she texted Ms. Faw to recount her experience as Ms. Faw in turn updates her tweets on Mt. Ugo.

SenPia describes how Ms. Che endured Mt. Ugo as well!

SenPia said how she actually ran there with a mission: not only to enjoy her first skyrun but to reach out to the those who actually live there. She did not only bring her hydration bag but gifts for these families! And she mentioned her cause on Reproductive Health Bill that how do the women who are pregnant go up and about in the steep hills just to go to the Health Center and not even a decent hospital!

She joked how Ms. Che actually went there bringing in chocolates and treats to families and endured keeping up with their pace like she was also part of the race. They joked that soon she can also run her first marathon.

SenPia recounts her Mt. Ugo experience.

Something that bothered SenPia was when she was in the verge of blacking out in the Mt. Ugo skyrace, she thought of a word that she can focus on to and there it was; of all the words she can be inspired– subpoena duces tecum! Currently, the Senate is having their hearing for the Chief Justice impeachment.

SenPia lastly said with all the opportunities given (races are here and there), you just need to know where you can be good at. Do not force yourself into a sport where you’ll end up being injured and you won’t enjoy the sport. Once you found your strength, be good at it and soon everything will come into place.

The night was one of the most memorable experience as a blogger and I am grateful for the opportunity SenPia.

My Daily Race is available in all bookstores for only PhP499!