Marathon Friend’s Running Tips – Stay Positive – Raul Concepcion aka Running Shield

Besides the “Runner’s High” one of the joys of running is meeting and making friends with other runners. You get to meet some amazing people from all walks of life who are united in their love of running. You learn a lot from these inspiring individuals and we are delighted that Raul Concepcion aka Running Shield has passed on some marathon racing tips for us all for the first part of our series of Marathon Friend’s Running Tips.

Inspirational Words from Raul Concepcion

“Marathons always pose many difficulties and I have had my share of those but frankly, I am not one to dwell on the negative and just try to look at each obstacle as a challenge. I just keep my eye on goal and aim for that finish line. The challenges only make the victory of finishing a marathon so much sweeter in the end.”

Raul Patrick Concepcion, Exec. Vice President Service Dept. Concepcion Durables Inc., RunningShield

Positivity Personified

“The Macau International Marathon in 2012 was very memorable for me. I was 49 then and I knew my body is slowly giving in to age. Any form of PR would be difficult to achieve now that I was pushing 50. To my surprise and in spite of my anxieties, I felt pretty good and was literally flying through the course. I was attacking the inclines, jumping over puddles and sprinting on the curbs. I clocked in at a time of 4:36:17 which was quite disappointing considering I thought I did pretty good. It was only revealed a few days after that the Macau International Marathon Organization had made a course error and the runners had to run an additional 3 kms. Given the situation, I estimate I would have finished in a time of 4:17. Nevertheless, it was a still a great experience for me.”

Condura Skyway Marathon for Chad on February 1st, 2015

I will definitely be aiming to stay positive and get my personal best this coming February 1st, 2015 for my second Condura Skyway Marathon. I love the message of the run of Run for a Hero! in honor of Filipino fallen soldiers. Hero Foundation is next years beneficiary. Register here.

It will also invoke special memories of my Normandy Marathon in Caen, France on June 15, 2014 which commemorated the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landing of the allies along the coast of Normandy.