This morning I checked my e-mail and found a message from Runbu-Coach Rex de Guia. It looks like the Runbutans are out of commission. Currently, I'm not sure how I feel about this. I'm sad, but another part of me understands. Please note that although the Runbutans are closing shop, I will still maintain this blog. Here's Rex's letter.
End of the Runbutan Road, Thank you
Wed, 1 Feb 2006 09:51
Dear Runbutans:
I hope this note finds you all in good spirits and in good health. I would just like to let all of you know how much it has been an honor and a privilege getting to know you all through the Manilatown Running Collective (a.k.a. Runbutans). It has truly been a great experience for me to lead such wonderful groups of people in marathon training. The Runbutans have raised a great deal of money and have participated in many Manilatown events over the years. Your dedication and support has helped Manilatown open its doors to the public in the New International Hotel. Thanks for your support and hard work over the years.
It is with great sadness that I announce that the Manilatown Running Collective (a.k.a. The Runbutans) will not be continuing in 2006 and beyond. After negotiations with Manilatown, I have realized that Manilatown Heritage Foundation does not have the capacity to support the running collective in a fashion that will allow the program to be fully appreciated and sustained in the future. As a result, we will be discontinuing the program. The Manilatown Heritage Foundation has a great future with exciting programs that hopefully will grow and commemorate the spirit of the International Hotel. Please know that you played a great part in its growth. I encourage everyone to continue to support Manilatown and help its continued development. At this current time, it just does not have the capacity to ensure the continued success of the running group.
As we discontinue the program, I believe it is important to not allow the end of the program to diminish the great friendships and ground breaking feats that have characterized the program in the last three years. You raised a great deal of money to allow Manilatown to open its doors. You participated in many events in support of the growth and celebration of the on-going story of the International Hotel and Manilatown. You pushed yourself beyond what you thought was possible and joined a select group of the population that can say that you've gone the 26.2 mile distance. Although we end an era of running for Manilatown, we must no allow the end of the program to diminish all of the wonderful blessings that have resulted in the past three years of Runbutan Running. There was a great deal to celebrate and we must not let the end of the group take away from the beautiful moments of running that made the past three years so special.
This is a difficult time for Alex and I because the development of the running collective was truly a labor of love. Many people think that they can just take a 30-week schedule and run a group of people through it. Alex and I know that this is simply not the case. Two years before starting the running group, we ran several marathons to get more experience. We then helped to train friends to do the 26.2 mile distance which went well. We then took a group to do Bay to Breakers in 2003. Then we took a pilot group, the first Runbutan Team, to the Honolulu Marathon in 2003. We then proceeded to take three more teams (OGG 04, HNL 04, and OGG 05) to marathons while adding a successful fundraising components that helped Manilatown through critical years that led to a successful opening last year. We have really felt a great deal of joy in meeting wonderful runners along the way who we now consider family. Best of all, we remain perfect. All of our runners who have completed the 30-week training program went on to marathon day to run to victory. We are very proud of this, and we worked extremely hard over many years to make each runner's 30 week journey a successful one.
I would like to thank all of the coaches over the years especially Alex de Guia, Cici Ambrosio, and Patrick Cabebe who helped with all Runbutan Teams over the past three years. No one can truly appreciate your dedication and love as I have over the years. There would be no Runbutans without them. Although Alex and I are deeply saddened by the end of the group, we are very proud of all of the Runbutan Teams over the years. You honored your families, our community, and the Manilatown/International Hotel struggle as you ran with conviction and integrity in Emeryville, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Maui. Thank you so much.
As we discontinue the group, it is my hope that we not be saddened by the end, but rather celebrate the great life and spirit of the Manilatown Running Collective. I will take the hilarious moments, the great love and camaraderie within our team, and your many acts of courage to the end of my days. I am truly enriched to have taken the Runbutan journey with you. As I have said many times over the course of the past three years, it has been an honor and a privilege to have run along side you. Keep running. Don't stop. Go Runbutans.
Sincerely,
Rex de Guia
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