Day 2 of our Pacquiao coverage here in the US was off to a slow start.

Hampered by a slight cold, Manny and company arrived later than usual for his morning jog up Griffith Park.

Manny was accompanied by up-and-coming Pinoy boxers Aaron Melgarejo, Bernabe Concepcion, and Bernie Torres, and his newest training partner
- a Jack Russell Terrier named Pacman.

The jog up Griffith Park was no laughing matter. By the time you reach the top (elevation approx 1,600 ft), the city fades away into the distance, and you are much closer to the famed Hollywood sign.

The entire run lasted about an hour, Pacman the dog completed the entire course and looked like he had much more energy to spare.

I on the other hand joined Abe on the last leg. Although I was able to keep up, I could feel how tired and out of shape I have become. Tomorrow when Manny runs the flats down at the Pan Pacific Park, Lei and I have been invited to run alongside him.

Will let you know how that goes tomorrow.

After shadow boxing and his intensive abs circuit we got the chance to speak to Manny. He spoke candidly about the loss of friend Rudy Fernandez who he actually spoke to on the phone a few days before his death.

Rudy was an avid fan, who hardly missed one of Manny's matches. Manny expressed his grief over the loss.

Later in the afternoon Manny hit the gym for a regular workout. Manny showed good form, he appeared prepared for the fight next week.

Tomorrow, he told us, he will engage in a 10-round sparring session.

The 12-rounds he did last Saturday was the most intense of this camp. He will be tapering down in the next few days leading up to a 4-round spar next Monday.