Last November 23, I posted my comment about the Salomon X-trail run held at the Pamulaklakin Forest Reserve, SBMA. In that earlier posting, I gave my reasons why I considered this run a 2-star race only despite the very challenging route. After a long wait, the results are now out. Just click any of the icons below to view the results.
Men's 24K
Women's 24K
Men's 12K
Women's 12K
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
CORREGIDOR INTERNATIONAL HALF-MARATHON [DEC. 19, 2010]
A day before the race
I was excited to run this race because this is the first time that I will be able to step in Corregidor Island.
From what I’ve heard from those who already went to Corregidor, I was more excited to ride the ferry boat than anything else.
We were at the terminal by 9 A.M. on 18 December 2010. The ferry left Manila a few minutes past 10:30 A.M. I was amazed with how beautiful the inside of the ferry was. We got nice seats at the upper deck near the refreshment area where passengers can buy food and drinks. It took us less than 2 hours to reach Corregidor Island.
Along the way, we met two lady runners [Rhea and Karen] who were also booked at Corregidor Inn. All the rooms there had no TV sets and refs. I also know that there are no internet connections. I had to prepare myself for the boredom that goes along the way with the lack of these hi-tech amenities. That was the reason why I brought a luggage bag where I could place some of the office folders I could work on. Business goes in handy when you are trying to kill boredom.
Corregidor Inn's resto
registration area for the hotel booking
nice view outside the Inn
By 4 P.M. after I’ve taken a short nap, we went out of the hotel to take some pictures. The big cannons were there. McArthur’s statue was a welcome site for photo-ops. I could have gotten farther into the steep uphills but rain began to pour. We then had to hurry back to the hotel to while away our time.
Large cannon pointed towards the sea
one of the uphill routes
McArthur's statue
After working on a few cases I brought along with me, I prepared myself for a long night sleep.
During the run
We were at the starting line a few minutes before the 8 A.M. gun start. Pics were taken with friends, snapping photos here and there, and bantering with the members of Slimmers Adriatico until the organizers announced that the race would start in a few seconds.
With Attys. Alex Martin and Audi Samar
From L-R: Rod Sollesta, Quintin Atienza, Dr. Kenz Cancio, myself, and Dr. Teody Del Mundo
This was one race where I felt very heavy right from the very start. Attending Christmas parties where food and drinks were abundant has taken its toll on me. This is not to offer any excuses for the dip in my performance but just part of how I explain to myself that there is really no way to improve one’s performance unless you try to discipline yourself mentally and physically.
This Corregidor Run I would not classify as a trail run. About 5% of the route consists of a well-trimmed trail and nothing else. The remaining 95% was actually road running that is composed of very steep uphills and downhills. The last uphill climb [around the 17k point] was the one where many had to walk, forward or backwards, whichever form fits the runner.
The CHIM route was excellent. This is actually a good training ground for anyone who wants to improve their performance both in speed and endurance. The drawback is that you have to spend a few thousand bucks for every trip to the Island [P1,900 for the ferry ride; P1,900 daily rate for the hotel; P600 bucks for food and drinks daily].
I finished the 21k in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 43 seconds [02:10:43] which is good enough for the 57th ranking overall.
After the run
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give this race a perfect rating, not because I am generous with ratings but because the organizers really deserved to be congratulated. Kudos to the CHIM organizers! Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Here are some of the reasons why this race deserved a very high rating:
[a] The medal was the largest brass medal I’ve ever received. The Mayon Trail run medal was larger but this was made of lava material and not brass. As most runners commented, “sulit na sulit sa medal pa lang.”
[b] Very challenging route which is comparable to the Biodiversity route.
[c] plenty of water stations, with bananas, honey, energy drinks;
[d] marshals were located at strategic points of the race route;
[e] very friendly and accommodating staff;
[f] the scenery was like no other place I’ve run before; and
[g] lots of food after the race.
Our group submitted a very decent performance [Rod Sollesta, 01:55:30; Quintin Atienza, 02:01:22; Dr. Ma. Encarnacion Cancio, 02:19:22; Atty. Red Samar, 02:20:59; Atty. Audi Samar, 02:21:35; Atty. Alex Martin, 02:21:39; Dr. Teodoro del Mundo, 02:30:16; Mary June Villamor, 02:31:12]. Dr. Kenz Cancio garnered 3rd place in the women’s overall. Michelle Estuar was the QUEEN OF THE ROCK. First placer got P15,000 cash prize while 3rd placer Kenz received P5,000.00 for her first 21k. She also received a P1,600 gift certificate.
June Villamor - podium finisher in RUNEW Alabang 16k [3rd place], Biodiversity 21k run [4th place], Makiling 16k trail run [4th place]. Suffering from an ITBS, finishing the Corregidor 21k run was more than an achievement.
Dr. Teody Del Mundo - Before the race, Teody was worried that Dr. Kenz would have a difficult time finishing the 21k race but it turned out that the latter was actually the sister of SHEENA, queen of the amazon.
Atty. Alex Martin - he tried to overtake Atty. Audi in the last 50 meters.
Atty. Audi Samar - just would not allow Alex to cross the finish line ahead of him. Not this time, bro!
Atty. Red Samar from the Court of Appeals - the ultramarathon guy! Very humble despite his incredible credentials.
Introducing the BLOODY MARY [you have to ask her why] or the BLONDE RUNNER, Dr. Kenz Cancio - a very successful dentist who took 3rd place overall among female participants. Dr. Kenz received P5,000.00 and a gift certificate worth P1,600.00. Not bad for a first timer in the 21k level. Congratulations to Kenz. She now plans to be a full time runner and a part-time dentist[lol]. You can view the results by clicking any of the icons below:
Corregidor International Half Marathon - 21K Overall Results
Corregidor International Half Marathon - Male 21K Results
Corregidor International Half Marathon - Female 21K Results
I was excited to run this race because this is the first time that I will be able to step in Corregidor Island.
From what I’ve heard from those who already went to Corregidor, I was more excited to ride the ferry boat than anything else.
We were at the terminal by 9 A.M. on 18 December 2010. The ferry left Manila a few minutes past 10:30 A.M. I was amazed with how beautiful the inside of the ferry was. We got nice seats at the upper deck near the refreshment area where passengers can buy food and drinks. It took us less than 2 hours to reach Corregidor Island.
Along the way, we met two lady runners [Rhea and Karen] who were also booked at Corregidor Inn. All the rooms there had no TV sets and refs. I also know that there are no internet connections. I had to prepare myself for the boredom that goes along the way with the lack of these hi-tech amenities. That was the reason why I brought a luggage bag where I could place some of the office folders I could work on. Business goes in handy when you are trying to kill boredom.
Corregidor Inn's resto
registration area for the hotel booking
nice view outside the Inn
By 4 P.M. after I’ve taken a short nap, we went out of the hotel to take some pictures. The big cannons were there. McArthur’s statue was a welcome site for photo-ops. I could have gotten farther into the steep uphills but rain began to pour. We then had to hurry back to the hotel to while away our time.
Large cannon pointed towards the sea
one of the uphill routes
McArthur's statue
After working on a few cases I brought along with me, I prepared myself for a long night sleep.
During the run
We were at the starting line a few minutes before the 8 A.M. gun start. Pics were taken with friends, snapping photos here and there, and bantering with the members of Slimmers Adriatico until the organizers announced that the race would start in a few seconds.
With Attys. Alex Martin and Audi Samar
From L-R: Rod Sollesta, Quintin Atienza, Dr. Kenz Cancio, myself, and Dr. Teody Del Mundo
This was one race where I felt very heavy right from the very start. Attending Christmas parties where food and drinks were abundant has taken its toll on me. This is not to offer any excuses for the dip in my performance but just part of how I explain to myself that there is really no way to improve one’s performance unless you try to discipline yourself mentally and physically.
This Corregidor Run I would not classify as a trail run. About 5% of the route consists of a well-trimmed trail and nothing else. The remaining 95% was actually road running that is composed of very steep uphills and downhills. The last uphill climb [around the 17k point] was the one where many had to walk, forward or backwards, whichever form fits the runner.
The CHIM route was excellent. This is actually a good training ground for anyone who wants to improve their performance both in speed and endurance. The drawback is that you have to spend a few thousand bucks for every trip to the Island [P1,900 for the ferry ride; P1,900 daily rate for the hotel; P600 bucks for food and drinks daily].
I finished the 21k in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 43 seconds [02:10:43] which is good enough for the 57th ranking overall.
After the run
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give this race a perfect rating, not because I am generous with ratings but because the organizers really deserved to be congratulated. Kudos to the CHIM organizers! Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Here are some of the reasons why this race deserved a very high rating:
[a] The medal was the largest brass medal I’ve ever received. The Mayon Trail run medal was larger but this was made of lava material and not brass. As most runners commented, “sulit na sulit sa medal pa lang.”
[b] Very challenging route which is comparable to the Biodiversity route.
[c] plenty of water stations, with bananas, honey, energy drinks;
[d] marshals were located at strategic points of the race route;
[e] very friendly and accommodating staff;
[f] the scenery was like no other place I’ve run before; and
[g] lots of food after the race.
Our group submitted a very decent performance [Rod Sollesta, 01:55:30; Quintin Atienza, 02:01:22; Dr. Ma. Encarnacion Cancio, 02:19:22; Atty. Red Samar, 02:20:59; Atty. Audi Samar, 02:21:35; Atty. Alex Martin, 02:21:39; Dr. Teodoro del Mundo, 02:30:16; Mary June Villamor, 02:31:12]. Dr. Kenz Cancio garnered 3rd place in the women’s overall. Michelle Estuar was the QUEEN OF THE ROCK. First placer got P15,000 cash prize while 3rd placer Kenz received P5,000.00 for her first 21k. She also received a P1,600 gift certificate.
June Villamor - podium finisher in RUNEW Alabang 16k [3rd place], Biodiversity 21k run [4th place], Makiling 16k trail run [4th place]. Suffering from an ITBS, finishing the Corregidor 21k run was more than an achievement.
Dr. Teody Del Mundo - Before the race, Teody was worried that Dr. Kenz would have a difficult time finishing the 21k race but it turned out that the latter was actually the sister of SHEENA, queen of the amazon.
Atty. Alex Martin - he tried to overtake Atty. Audi in the last 50 meters.
Atty. Audi Samar - just would not allow Alex to cross the finish line ahead of him. Not this time, bro!
Atty. Red Samar from the Court of Appeals - the ultramarathon guy! Very humble despite his incredible credentials.
Introducing the BLOODY MARY [you have to ask her why] or the BLONDE RUNNER, Dr. Kenz Cancio - a very successful dentist who took 3rd place overall among female participants. Dr. Kenz received P5,000.00 and a gift certificate worth P1,600.00. Not bad for a first timer in the 21k level. Congratulations to Kenz. She now plans to be a full time runner and a part-time dentist[lol]. You can view the results by clicking any of the icons below:
Corregidor International Half Marathon - 21K Overall Results
Corregidor International Half Marathon - Male 21K Results
Corregidor International Half Marathon - Female 21K Results
Monday, December 20, 2010
BACK TO BACK RACE - the ING Running 20 and the Milo Half-Marathon
This was pure bravado which is not advisable for non-elite runners. It’s definitely a no-no for newbies like me. I had to find this out the hard way. Unless you are an elite runner, it is very difficult to have the same pace for 2 races in 2 consecutive days. Your performance in one race will really have to suffer. Besides, you may be courting injury if you insist on doing back to back races. So let me share my experience with these events held on December 11 & 12, 2010.
ING RUNNING 20 – Dec. 11, 2010
After the QC full marathon last week, I joined this race upon the prodding of my friend, Atty. Audi Samar though the registration fee was high compared to other Metro Manila races. This was supposed to be our recovery run.
Overall, the race was just a little over the middle of the rating scale, at least insofar as the 20K runners are concerned. After the race, many 10k and 5k runners complained, at the point of cursing the organizers, because some of them got lost or were misdirected by marshals who probably lacked the proper orientation in how they should function during running events. There were also hate mails in the internet. This only goes to show that everyone is entitled to his own opinion in a democratic country.
From an objective point of view, the race would have been better if the organizers asked for some pointers from Coach Rio. The participants’ safety should always be the primordial concern of the organizers. It isn’t a pretty sight that runners would be just inches away from vehicles passing by Lawton Avenue, with no specific designated lane for the participants. That is what happened in ING. It isn’t a pretty sight either that runners would be crossing Lawton Avenue without any marshal to guide them and direct traffic for passing vehicles.
Despite everything, the 20k runners had fun. A large tent was in place for 20k runners for their free breakfast.
The route was almost identical to the ones used in runrio events. After the race, my GF 305 indicated a total distance of 20.2 kms. One thing good with this race is that results were texted just a few hours after the race. Very fast, indeed. I landed at 22nd overall [20th among male participants] with a time of 1 hour, 43 minutes and 8 seconds [01:43:08]. My friends also had improved clockings: Jerome Bautista [01:45:38]; Atty. Red Samar [02:05:37]; and Atty. Audi Samar [02:11:18].
10K runners who submitted very good clockings were the following: Chad Davis [11th overall, 00:39:53], Natasha Davis [19th overall and 4th among female participants with a time of 00:48:57]; Quintin Atienza [27th overall, 00:49:45, just his recovery run]; and my daughter Christine Marie [83rd overall and 8th among female participants with a time of 00:57:17].
On a scale of one to 10, I would give this race a rating of 7 [a 3-star race]. I would have given a higher rating if the organizers thought of the welfare of the runners above anything else. Just press on the links below to access the results:
20K Overall
20K Male
20K Female
10K Overall
10K Male
10K Female
5K Overall
5K Male
5K Female
3K Overall
3K Male
3K Female
MILO HALF-MARATHON – December 12, 2010
The organizers of this race made sure that there will be no untoward incidents from start to finish. Water stations were placed not at every 2.5 kms. but at an interval of less than 1.5 kms. A fellow runner remarked that hardly had he drank one cup of Gatorade when he saw another water station just a kilometer away. If the organizers are trying to impress the participants, I am one of those who were definitely impressed!
The route was much better than the one used during the July eliminations. I ended up with a time I deserved because of my folly – doing a back to back race. This was pure bravado with nothing really to gain on my part. My time was 01:56:10 with a 156th ranking. My lawyer friends submitted decent clockings: Atty. Alex Martin [02:07:28], Atty. Red Samar [02:10:29] and the vastly improved Atty. Audi Samar a.k.a. the AYORN MAN and WHIRLPOOL RUNNER [02:15:35].
On a scale of one to 10, I would give this race a rating of 9 [a 4-star race]. Why not the perfect rating? Would you give a perfect rating if you have the same medals and the same singlets just like the ones given during the eliminations? What do you think? Just press on the links below to access the results:
34th National Milo Marathon Finals - 21K Race Results
34th National Milo Marathon Finals - 10K Race Results
34th National Milo Marathon Finals - 5K Race Results
34th National Milo Marathon Finals - 3K Race Results
ING RUNNING 20 – Dec. 11, 2010
After the QC full marathon last week, I joined this race upon the prodding of my friend, Atty. Audi Samar though the registration fee was high compared to other Metro Manila races. This was supposed to be our recovery run.
Overall, the race was just a little over the middle of the rating scale, at least insofar as the 20K runners are concerned. After the race, many 10k and 5k runners complained, at the point of cursing the organizers, because some of them got lost or were misdirected by marshals who probably lacked the proper orientation in how they should function during running events. There were also hate mails in the internet. This only goes to show that everyone is entitled to his own opinion in a democratic country.
From an objective point of view, the race would have been better if the organizers asked for some pointers from Coach Rio. The participants’ safety should always be the primordial concern of the organizers. It isn’t a pretty sight that runners would be just inches away from vehicles passing by Lawton Avenue, with no specific designated lane for the participants. That is what happened in ING. It isn’t a pretty sight either that runners would be crossing Lawton Avenue without any marshal to guide them and direct traffic for passing vehicles.
Despite everything, the 20k runners had fun. A large tent was in place for 20k runners for their free breakfast.
The route was almost identical to the ones used in runrio events. After the race, my GF 305 indicated a total distance of 20.2 kms. One thing good with this race is that results were texted just a few hours after the race. Very fast, indeed. I landed at 22nd overall [20th among male participants] with a time of 1 hour, 43 minutes and 8 seconds [01:43:08]. My friends also had improved clockings: Jerome Bautista [01:45:38]; Atty. Red Samar [02:05:37]; and Atty. Audi Samar [02:11:18].
10K runners who submitted very good clockings were the following: Chad Davis [11th overall, 00:39:53], Natasha Davis [19th overall and 4th among female participants with a time of 00:48:57]; Quintin Atienza [27th overall, 00:49:45, just his recovery run]; and my daughter Christine Marie [83rd overall and 8th among female participants with a time of 00:57:17].
On a scale of one to 10, I would give this race a rating of 7 [a 3-star race]. I would have given a higher rating if the organizers thought of the welfare of the runners above anything else. Just press on the links below to access the results:
20K Overall
20K Male
20K Female
10K Overall
10K Male
10K Female
5K Overall
5K Male
5K Female
3K Overall
3K Male
3K Female
MILO HALF-MARATHON – December 12, 2010
The organizers of this race made sure that there will be no untoward incidents from start to finish. Water stations were placed not at every 2.5 kms. but at an interval of less than 1.5 kms. A fellow runner remarked that hardly had he drank one cup of Gatorade when he saw another water station just a kilometer away. If the organizers are trying to impress the participants, I am one of those who were definitely impressed!
The route was much better than the one used during the July eliminations. I ended up with a time I deserved because of my folly – doing a back to back race. This was pure bravado with nothing really to gain on my part. My time was 01:56:10 with a 156th ranking. My lawyer friends submitted decent clockings: Atty. Alex Martin [02:07:28], Atty. Red Samar [02:10:29] and the vastly improved Atty. Audi Samar a.k.a. the AYORN MAN and WHIRLPOOL RUNNER [02:15:35].
On a scale of one to 10, I would give this race a rating of 9 [a 4-star race]. Why not the perfect rating? Would you give a perfect rating if you have the same medals and the same singlets just like the ones given during the eliminations? What do you think? Just press on the links below to access the results:
34th National Milo Marathon Finals - 21K Race Results
34th National Milo Marathon Finals - 10K Race Results
34th National Milo Marathon Finals - 5K Race Results
34th National Milo Marathon Finals - 3K Race Results
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
QCIM 2010 - NO DÉJÀ VU THIS TIME
After my first full marathon experience at CAMSUR last September 2010 where I clocked a slow 5 hours and 9 minutes, I was worried about how I would fare at QCIM, my second full marathon. Tons of workload came in between the last week of September and the end of November. Still, I was able to squeeze in several good races before the QCIM [Mayon Trail 21k Run, Oct. 24; Salomon 24K trail run, Nov. 13; UNILAB 32K run, Nov. 21; RUN BGC 21K, Nov. 28].
Being able to finish two of the hardest trail runs in the Philippines [Mayon and Salomon] gave me the mental strength and will power to overcome the odds of another full marathon. No guarantees of a good finish though, but at least, I have a fair chance of beating my CAMSUR time. The UNILAB 32 K and the RUN BGC 21K, both races organized by Coach Rio, served as my long runs before the QCIM. I was thankful that I had these runs. Better have two races before a full marathon than none at all! Moral booster, fellas, that’s what I need before my 2nd full mary.
Come race time, I was confident that I would be able to break the sub-5 barrier. I was actually aiming for a 4:30 mark. From the very start, I maintained a pace of 6 minutes per kilometer or 10 kilometers per hour. At the 30 kilometer mark, I was right on target with a time of 2 hours, 59 minutes and 39 seconds. If only I could maintain the same pace, I would be able to finish and even break my goal, or so I thought. Mixed thoughts crossed my mind. I thought that I have 1 hour and 30 minutes to finish the last 12 kilometers and still achieve what I was aiming for.
At the 34th kilometer mark, my legs were feeling the first signs of cramps. I had to walk for a minute or two, even striding and talking side by side with non-participants who were also walking along Commonwealth Avenue. They were forced to walk towards Elliptical Circle because of the traffic situation. After the stiffness in my legs seemed to have withered off, I ran at a much slower pace – 07 to 07:30 minute per kilometer. After every 5 minutes of running, I had to take a 30 second walk break just to prevent cramps from again creeping in.
When I entered the UP oval, barely 6 kilometers away from the finish line, the Baldrunner overtook me. I was never able to catch up with him the rest of the way. I was right on his tail up to the MALCOLM building but I was slowly fading and he was gaining strength. Parang diesel si Baldrunner, habang tumatagal, lumalakas! I admire him for his strength and stamina. Just like in so many races, he was able to beat many younger guys, even those half his age.
The last 4 kilometers was the most difficult part. At the turn-around point at CP Garcia, with 2 kms. to go, a pretty lady cheered: “kuya, 2 kms. na lang.” I replied in jest, “2 kms. na lang ha, halika, sama ka at makita mo kung gaano ako nahihirapan.”
A few meters away from the finish line, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to reach my goal of 4 hours and 30 minutes. The clock indicated a time of 4 hours and 32 minutes. But when the results came out, it was 4 hours and 38 minutes. My friends Alex Martin, Red Samar and Audi Samar also had 5 or 6 minutes added to their final results. Whew!
But never mind, whether I finished it in 4:32 or 4:38 doesn’t really matter that much. What matters is that I was able to beat my 5:09 clocking at Camsur. That was a 31 minute improvement! Mission accomplished!
This QCIM experience was memorable in so many ways. I met new friends in this race. I was able to meet in person my facebook friend, the pretty ultramarathon girl Michelle Estuar. Of course, I would not allow the brief meeting with Michelle to end without our pics taken. Thanks Michelle!
Noel Ko and Lana Jacel Mercado were also there. Noel and I sprinted at the last 200 meters going to the finish line in UNILAB 32K. He beat me there because he had these long strides for his 6-foot frame. In QCIM, Noel was miles ahead of me because he finished in 4:15. On the other hand, Lana Jacel Mercado is a petite lady who is stronger than me when it comes to finishing long distance races. I could beat her in 21k races but in long distance, I end up always eating her dust.
Then there were other guys whom I met - Will Veluz and Celma Hitalia. I know that both are very strong runners. They were just pacing themselves at QCIM because Celma just ran a 50K ultramarathon [T2N] where she finished 1st runner-up.
Finally, I will never forget how the old runners I was pacing with during the first 30 kms. made my day. We were barely 7 kms. from the starting line when they started farting alternately to their hearts’ delight. I could have remarked then by saying “feeling niyo po talaga close na tayo ha” but I did not. What I told them was that it was okay, and that we will just treat their farting as “change gear” o kumakambyo papuntang segunda. This drew laughter from the group and from then on, they felt they were at a liberty to blow the air off their butts!
Being able to finish two of the hardest trail runs in the Philippines [Mayon and Salomon] gave me the mental strength and will power to overcome the odds of another full marathon. No guarantees of a good finish though, but at least, I have a fair chance of beating my CAMSUR time. The UNILAB 32 K and the RUN BGC 21K, both races organized by Coach Rio, served as my long runs before the QCIM. I was thankful that I had these runs. Better have two races before a full marathon than none at all! Moral booster, fellas, that’s what I need before my 2nd full mary.
Come race time, I was confident that I would be able to break the sub-5 barrier. I was actually aiming for a 4:30 mark. From the very start, I maintained a pace of 6 minutes per kilometer or 10 kilometers per hour. At the 30 kilometer mark, I was right on target with a time of 2 hours, 59 minutes and 39 seconds. If only I could maintain the same pace, I would be able to finish and even break my goal, or so I thought. Mixed thoughts crossed my mind. I thought that I have 1 hour and 30 minutes to finish the last 12 kilometers and still achieve what I was aiming for.
At the 34th kilometer mark, my legs were feeling the first signs of cramps. I had to walk for a minute or two, even striding and talking side by side with non-participants who were also walking along Commonwealth Avenue. They were forced to walk towards Elliptical Circle because of the traffic situation. After the stiffness in my legs seemed to have withered off, I ran at a much slower pace – 07 to 07:30 minute per kilometer. After every 5 minutes of running, I had to take a 30 second walk break just to prevent cramps from again creeping in.
When I entered the UP oval, barely 6 kilometers away from the finish line, the Baldrunner overtook me. I was never able to catch up with him the rest of the way. I was right on his tail up to the MALCOLM building but I was slowly fading and he was gaining strength. Parang diesel si Baldrunner, habang tumatagal, lumalakas! I admire him for his strength and stamina. Just like in so many races, he was able to beat many younger guys, even those half his age.
The last 4 kilometers was the most difficult part. At the turn-around point at CP Garcia, with 2 kms. to go, a pretty lady cheered: “kuya, 2 kms. na lang.” I replied in jest, “2 kms. na lang ha, halika, sama ka at makita mo kung gaano ako nahihirapan.”
A few meters away from the finish line, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to reach my goal of 4 hours and 30 minutes. The clock indicated a time of 4 hours and 32 minutes. But when the results came out, it was 4 hours and 38 minutes. My friends Alex Martin, Red Samar and Audi Samar also had 5 or 6 minutes added to their final results. Whew!
But never mind, whether I finished it in 4:32 or 4:38 doesn’t really matter that much. What matters is that I was able to beat my 5:09 clocking at Camsur. That was a 31 minute improvement! Mission accomplished!
This QCIM experience was memorable in so many ways. I met new friends in this race. I was able to meet in person my facebook friend, the pretty ultramarathon girl Michelle Estuar. Of course, I would not allow the brief meeting with Michelle to end without our pics taken. Thanks Michelle!
Noel Ko and Lana Jacel Mercado were also there. Noel and I sprinted at the last 200 meters going to the finish line in UNILAB 32K. He beat me there because he had these long strides for his 6-foot frame. In QCIM, Noel was miles ahead of me because he finished in 4:15. On the other hand, Lana Jacel Mercado is a petite lady who is stronger than me when it comes to finishing long distance races. I could beat her in 21k races but in long distance, I end up always eating her dust.
Then there were other guys whom I met - Will Veluz and Celma Hitalia. I know that both are very strong runners. They were just pacing themselves at QCIM because Celma just ran a 50K ultramarathon [T2N] where she finished 1st runner-up.
Finally, I will never forget how the old runners I was pacing with during the first 30 kms. made my day. We were barely 7 kms. from the starting line when they started farting alternately to their hearts’ delight. I could have remarked then by saying “feeling niyo po talaga close na tayo ha” but I did not. What I told them was that it was okay, and that we will just treat their farting as “change gear” o kumakambyo papuntang segunda. This drew laughter from the group and from then on, they felt they were at a liberty to blow the air off their butts!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
December 5, 2010 - 2nd Quezon City International Marathon
PRE-RACE JITTERS
I am again having the jitters. Is this a good sign? Last Thursday, I started preparing all my things. I had to be sure that everything in my checklist is ready. And in my desire to improve on my Camsur 42K performance and to avoid a déjà vu, I had to follow some very important reminders given by experienced marathoners and authors of books containing everything you need to know about running a full marathon. Here are the tips I got:
WEEK BEFORE THE RACE
[source: http://www.mindfulness.com; Before/The Month After@2001 Austin “Ozzie” Gontang, Ph.D.
1. Carbohydrate loading the right way. By eating normally on days 5, 4 & 3 before the marathon plus hydrating well, you will have stored the energy needed to complete the marathon. Eat early the night before the marathon so that you have enough time to have a good bowel movement. Make sure that you have plenty of bulk/roughage in your meal so it is digested and you are ready to have a good bowel movement several hours before the marathon.
2. Sleep-Get It Early. The sleep you get on days 5, 4 and 3 before the marathon, especially days 4 and 3 will get you through the marathon. Even if you were to be up all night before the marathon or even if you only get 3 to 5 hours of sleep, it will be due to the energy your body has stored by your minimal running 4 days before the marathon. Knowing the body is on a 36 hour cycle, will allow you to run the marathon no matter how little sleep you had the night before the marathon. That is one less worry you have the night before the marathon.
3. Hydrate! It Needs Repeating: Hydrate! Knowing it takes 3 grams of water to store 1 gram of carbohydrate in your liver and the muscles, the water you drink on days 5, 4 and 3 before the marathon is very important. Should you not drink enough water, your body will use water from the body to store the carbohydrates. So it would be possible to be carbohydrate-loaded but not well hydrated. If you are flying to your marathon, bring a liter of water for every 2 hours of flight time. Even then that might not be enough, but it will keep you from getting too dehydrated from being in a pressurized cabin.
4. The day before the marathon, you will do nothing but hang around. Remember that if you go sightseeing by walking around, each mile you walk is costing you 100 calories. Should you walk 8 or 10 miles, you will not be able to replenish your energy stores in your legs by next day. Even then you possibly wouldn’t feel it until the last 4 to 6 miles in the marathon.
Am I prepared for this QCIM full marathon? Your guess is as good as mine. Well, there is no other way to assess my readiness and performance until I cross the finish line on Sunday, Dec. 5. Good luck to all runners and may God bless us all!
I am again having the jitters. Is this a good sign? Last Thursday, I started preparing all my things. I had to be sure that everything in my checklist is ready. And in my desire to improve on my Camsur 42K performance and to avoid a déjà vu, I had to follow some very important reminders given by experienced marathoners and authors of books containing everything you need to know about running a full marathon. Here are the tips I got:
WEEK BEFORE THE RACE
[source: http://www.mindfulness.com; Before/The Month After@2001 Austin “Ozzie” Gontang, Ph.D.
1. Carbohydrate loading the right way. By eating normally on days 5, 4 & 3 before the marathon plus hydrating well, you will have stored the energy needed to complete the marathon. Eat early the night before the marathon so that you have enough time to have a good bowel movement. Make sure that you have plenty of bulk/roughage in your meal so it is digested and you are ready to have a good bowel movement several hours before the marathon.
2. Sleep-Get It Early. The sleep you get on days 5, 4 and 3 before the marathon, especially days 4 and 3 will get you through the marathon. Even if you were to be up all night before the marathon or even if you only get 3 to 5 hours of sleep, it will be due to the energy your body has stored by your minimal running 4 days before the marathon. Knowing the body is on a 36 hour cycle, will allow you to run the marathon no matter how little sleep you had the night before the marathon. That is one less worry you have the night before the marathon.
3. Hydrate! It Needs Repeating: Hydrate! Knowing it takes 3 grams of water to store 1 gram of carbohydrate in your liver and the muscles, the water you drink on days 5, 4 and 3 before the marathon is very important. Should you not drink enough water, your body will use water from the body to store the carbohydrates. So it would be possible to be carbohydrate-loaded but not well hydrated. If you are flying to your marathon, bring a liter of water for every 2 hours of flight time. Even then that might not be enough, but it will keep you from getting too dehydrated from being in a pressurized cabin.
4. The day before the marathon, you will do nothing but hang around. Remember that if you go sightseeing by walking around, each mile you walk is costing you 100 calories. Should you walk 8 or 10 miles, you will not be able to replenish your energy stores in your legs by next day. Even then you possibly wouldn’t feel it until the last 4 to 6 miles in the marathon.
Am I prepared for this QCIM full marathon? Your guess is as good as mine. Well, there is no other way to assess my readiness and performance until I cross the finish line on Sunday, Dec. 5. Good luck to all runners and may God bless us all!
Friday, December 3, 2010
TWO IN A ROW - Run BGC, The Fort, Bonifacio Global City
If this wasn’t a RunRio event, I would not have joined this race. If there was no Chevrolet Cruze at stake, I would not exchange a much needed rest in preparation for my next 42K race [QCIM 2010]. But the challenge was there, the stake was there, the fun was out there – I told myself that this was just another 21k and I would be able to run this and bring home that chevy. At least, praying and believing that one would win a raffle prize doesn’t carry any price at all! The only problem I had is that everyone in my group has the same prayer and belief – to bring the first prize. We can’t divide one prize which is indivisible. Only the one who prays real hard will end up with the windfall!
From the thousands who waited up to 9 A.M., only one person found his prayers answered by the God Almighty. The winner, a tall guy, probably did not even drop that many sweat when he ran his race and when he won the chevy. He was a 5K finisher! Had God given me that sign that he will give the chevy to a 5K runner, I would have joined that short distance race! With a heavy heart, I have to congratulate the winner [lol]! Don’t forget to pay the taxes, bro, lest the BIR would be coming right after you.
Back to the race
This was two in a row for me - 32K a week ago and another 21k in Run BGC. This is what my friend Atty. Audi Samar referred to as “tinuhog” or “binarbeque”. That doesn’t end there, though. Next week will be the QCIM [Dec. 5] and the week after that would be RUN ING 20K [Dec. 11] and MILO 21K [Dec. 12]. Wrapping these weekly races would be the CORREGIDOR 21K trail run [Dec. 19].
With a very controlled pace, I was able to finish the 21K race with a time of 1 hour and 49 minutes [01:49:35.76], good enough for 39th place.
The route was nothing new. Some runners I talked to said that they can ran this same route even with their eyes closed! That’s how bored some runners may have felt because the same route is being used in races held in the FORT. Well, at least, in RUN BGC, a new route was introduced – a short stretch after you turn right at 34th Street. After that short stretch, runners had to run the same old route.
This is not to take anything away from the race organizers. They did a very good job no doubt! These are some of the plus-factors: [a] Plenty of water stations; [b] good traffic management; [c] use of D-tags for accurate time; [d] nice medals handed to 21k runners right after crossing the finish line; [e] loot bags filled with so many goodies; [f] no long lines in getting the loot bags; and [g] expensive raffle prize that went to a 5K runner
Runrio Leg 3 – RUNunited2
As far as I know, this is the first race in year 2010 [or perhaps in all running events for this decade] that a race organizer held back to back races for two consecutive days [Nov. 20 and 21]. There were 12,946 runners who participated in this 2-day event.
Why do I have to thank Coach Rio for this race held on November 21, 2010? Two important reasons come to the mind.
One, this is the first time that a 32k race was held in the Philippines. Experienced marathoners would find this race a walk in the park. But for newbies like me and the relatively inexperienced, this one was a good preparatory race for a full marathon. To survive a full marathon, elite runners and coaches say that long runs must be incorporated in the training. Again, long runs are a must! Running 32 kilometers under a race atmosphere is what I need before I ran another full marathon this December. I enjoyed my first marathon last September – well, every bit of it despite the fact that I conked out like a car with a broken engine. I must get over this haunting experience insofar as performance is concerned. I told myself, never again! That is why when I ran the 32k, I was pacing myself from the start up to the finish line. I finish my first 32k race with no cramps or any injuries. I was actually planning to finish the race in 3 hours and 20 minutes. With a very controlled pace, I was able to chop my expected time by 11 minutes. My chip time was 03:09:07.73.
Two, Coach Rio’s trademark was all over the place - before, during and after the race.
i. Finish times were accurately recorded in the computers because of the presence of the D-tags. Starting time for the 32k runners was perfect. Countdown before the gun-start gives another brief excitement to the runners.
ii. Water stations were plenty. There was no need to bring hydration belts. I still brought mine, though, well, let’s just say because “old habits die hard’. Power gels were given to 32k runners at a certain point along the route. Marshals were all over the route. Except for some marshals’ boo-boo that may have caused the leaders [Kenyans] their rightful place in the podium, everything went well with the majority of the runners.
iii. Right after reaching the finish line, 32k medals were handed by pretty gals to the 32k finishers. This was a luxury! Coach Rio knows that after a long race, finishers would not want to fall in a long line just to get their medals. No long lines at all in any of the tents where one gets the loot bag. Loot bags for the finishers were filled with goodies [i.e., cap, canned goods, medicines, enervon milk powder, bottled water, finisher’s certificate, water container, and so many more]. What else could you ask for? Kudos to Coach Rio, his team and all the sponsors!
Without doubt, everyone enjoyed this race. My rating for this race: a 5-star race because of the reasons above-mentioned. Here are some more photos:
With one of my idols and ultramarathon director,the BALDRUNNER
My friend Quintin Atienza from St. Benilde - a future threat to the Kenyans
With Atty. Audi Samar who is aiming for a sub-5 finish at the QCIM
With Atty. Alex Martin, another guy aiming for a sub-4 finish at the QCIM
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
TO HELL AND BACK – The Salomon X-trail run experience
Whatever I write in my blog is my own account of what I experienced during a particular race or event. I always show my admiration to good race organizers as well as to all finishers of long distance races. If ever I rate a race highly, that would be because I feel that the organizers must get the accolades they rightfully deserve. I critique some races that were poorly organized but I never disrespected the organizers. Constructive criticism, fellas, is the least that I could throw to these organizers. For the first time, however, I have to say something about the Salomon trail run held last November 13, a Saturday. And for the first time in this blog, I have to call a spade a spade. Here is how I saw this race from my vantage point.
Overall, I am dissatisfied with how the organizers presented the race and with how they conducted the race. This was supposed to be the first Salomon trail run in Subic but the “wisdom of Solomon” was simply not there.
Before the race
I was intrigued with what the Pamulaklakin forest reserve can offer to trail runners. There was no other way to find out how good the trail is unless one joins the Salomon race. While one can see the posting of the Salomon trail run in Takbo.ph, accessing it would require you to look at more postings only in Salomon’s facebook account.
Despite our initial apprehensions, we still registered for the race because of our passion for trail runs. The registration fee was quite high. You get a plastic Salomon bottle, 3 small stickers, a small face towel, a race bib and an ID lace for a registration fee of P700.00. But we didn’t mind the fees. What we mind before the race is whether or not the race organizers would deliver their promises.
This was how the race was presented to us at the time we registered at R.O.X. First off, they said that the trail route is for newbies. Second, exposure to the sun would be minimal since runners would be entering the forest reserve a few minutes after the gunstart. Third, the 1 P.M. gunstart was perfect because the forest reserve offers enough shade to runners while traversing the entire route.
During the race
Route
For sure, the route was very challenging, even more challenging than some of the trail runs I’ve been through. For year 2010, I’ve done two Nuvali trail runs [Feb. 14 and June 20], the Biodiversity Run and Makiling Challenge 9 in Los Baños, and the Mayon trail run]. Perhaps, the Salomon trail is just a shade lower than the Mayon trail insofar as level of difficulty is concerned.
Very steep uphills greeted the runners as soon as they entered the forest reserve. Runners had to endure steep climbs and dangerous downhills for more than half of the route. This would have been perfect for me and the rest of my group had the race been done in the morning. Even if we have to crawl these climbs, we won’t budge and we won’t complain. But climbing these uphills under the intense heat of the sun from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. makes this race one hell of an experience. The relief came only during the last 5 kilometers where the participants passed through narrow paths surrounded by bamboo trees. Just imagine going to hell-like heat for three-fourths of the race and back to sanity during the last quarter of the race, only to be greeted with ankle-deep mud a few hundred meters before the finish line. Not really a good choice, if you ask me.
After the race
I met Neville Manaois [my daughter’s prof at the Ateneo] at the finish line. Seeing that I was dirty with mud all over my shoes, he pointed to one direction and told me that I could take a shower. What he did not tell me was that it was a public shower, with a hulking marshall holding a hose and spraying water towards the runners who had just finished the race!
We were not given any finishers’ medals. When I asked Neville about the medals, he simply shrugged off his shoulders and gestured that he had no idea.
How I rate this race: a two-star race because of the following:
1. The challenge that the route had to offer was overcome by so many negative factors.
2. Why expose the runners under the intense heat of the afternoon sun when the race could have been done in the morning?
3. Contrary to the postings in the internet by the organizers themselves, there were no medals given to the participants. Medals were given only to the podium finishers.
4. Water stations were located at very long intervals. No water station anymore throughout the last 5 kms. of the race.
5. Lack of marshals who actually knew how to instruct the participants.
6. At the middle part of the route, we met some runners on their way back. I was surprised to find out that there was actually no “U-turn”, otherwise I would have met my friends along the route. Either the runners we met were lost/were misguided by the race marshals or we were the ones who erred. But why is it that the route we took was the same way taken by the majority of the participants?
7. No freebies or lootbags.
8. No certificates for finishers.
Just a few photos from the trail run. I will publish some more photos soon.
Overall, I am dissatisfied with how the organizers presented the race and with how they conducted the race. This was supposed to be the first Salomon trail run in Subic but the “wisdom of Solomon” was simply not there.
Before the race
I was intrigued with what the Pamulaklakin forest reserve can offer to trail runners. There was no other way to find out how good the trail is unless one joins the Salomon race. While one can see the posting of the Salomon trail run in Takbo.ph, accessing it would require you to look at more postings only in Salomon’s facebook account.
Despite our initial apprehensions, we still registered for the race because of our passion for trail runs. The registration fee was quite high. You get a plastic Salomon bottle, 3 small stickers, a small face towel, a race bib and an ID lace for a registration fee of P700.00. But we didn’t mind the fees. What we mind before the race is whether or not the race organizers would deliver their promises.
This was how the race was presented to us at the time we registered at R.O.X. First off, they said that the trail route is for newbies. Second, exposure to the sun would be minimal since runners would be entering the forest reserve a few minutes after the gunstart. Third, the 1 P.M. gunstart was perfect because the forest reserve offers enough shade to runners while traversing the entire route.
During the race
Route
For sure, the route was very challenging, even more challenging than some of the trail runs I’ve been through. For year 2010, I’ve done two Nuvali trail runs [Feb. 14 and June 20], the Biodiversity Run and Makiling Challenge 9 in Los Baños, and the Mayon trail run]. Perhaps, the Salomon trail is just a shade lower than the Mayon trail insofar as level of difficulty is concerned.
Very steep uphills greeted the runners as soon as they entered the forest reserve. Runners had to endure steep climbs and dangerous downhills for more than half of the route. This would have been perfect for me and the rest of my group had the race been done in the morning. Even if we have to crawl these climbs, we won’t budge and we won’t complain. But climbing these uphills under the intense heat of the sun from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. makes this race one hell of an experience. The relief came only during the last 5 kilometers where the participants passed through narrow paths surrounded by bamboo trees. Just imagine going to hell-like heat for three-fourths of the race and back to sanity during the last quarter of the race, only to be greeted with ankle-deep mud a few hundred meters before the finish line. Not really a good choice, if you ask me.
After the race
I met Neville Manaois [my daughter’s prof at the Ateneo] at the finish line. Seeing that I was dirty with mud all over my shoes, he pointed to one direction and told me that I could take a shower. What he did not tell me was that it was a public shower, with a hulking marshall holding a hose and spraying water towards the runners who had just finished the race!
We were not given any finishers’ medals. When I asked Neville about the medals, he simply shrugged off his shoulders and gestured that he had no idea.
How I rate this race: a two-star race because of the following:
1. The challenge that the route had to offer was overcome by so many negative factors.
2. Why expose the runners under the intense heat of the afternoon sun when the race could have been done in the morning?
3. Contrary to the postings in the internet by the organizers themselves, there were no medals given to the participants. Medals were given only to the podium finishers.
4. Water stations were located at very long intervals. No water station anymore throughout the last 5 kms. of the race.
5. Lack of marshals who actually knew how to instruct the participants.
6. At the middle part of the route, we met some runners on their way back. I was surprised to find out that there was actually no “U-turn”, otherwise I would have met my friends along the route. Either the runners we met were lost/were misguided by the race marshals or we were the ones who erred. But why is it that the route we took was the same way taken by the majority of the participants?
7. No freebies or lootbags.
8. No certificates for finishers.
Just a few photos from the trail run. I will publish some more photos soon.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Filipino finishers - Chicago Marathon 2010
So much has been written about the NYC Marathon. Equally popular though is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon held on October 10, 2010. This posting may have been a little bit late but as the saying goes, "better late than never". There were 31 Filipino participants in that race. My classmate and fraternity brod, Atty. Bayani Chua, together with his partner Atty. Rudolph Capuchino [a regular runner at the UP Oval], submitted very decent clockings of 05:25:44 and 04:36:06. Congratulations to these 31 road warriors! Click on the icon below to see the list of our kababayans.
BACM Results: "Bank of America Chicago Marathon - Marathon Participants"
BACM Results: "Bank of America Chicago Marathon - Marathon Participants"
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
COMPLETE RESULTS OF THE MAYON TRAIL RUN 2010
In my own humble opinion, the level of difficulty in this race is so high that it is actually 20 times tougher than the biodiversity, makiling and nuvali trail runs combined. Even the Kenyans and the other elite runners had a hard time in this trail run. When I asked the overall winner [a Kenyan] what he can say about the race, he sheepishly answered that "it was like hell".
During the pre-race briefing the night before the race, all runners were informed that there would be no cut-off time and that all finishers would be given their respective medals and certificates. Ironically, the race organizer added that only those finishers who would be able to reach the finish line in four hours would be included in the list. Talk about cut-off times! Those who fail to do it in 4 hours would not be included in the list anymore.
Our bib numbers, 121 and 122, were there in the list with respectable clockings of 03:42:52.70 [ranked 91st] and 03:58:55.01 [ranked 105th].
Here are the complete results of the toughest 21k trail run in the Philippines.
21k TRAIL RUN
Sunday, October 24, 2010
CAMSUR CHRONICLES – CONCLUSION
It took me a long time to update this blog about my CAMSUR experience. Work consisting of the almost daily hearings, preparation of pleadings and other legal documents, professional commitments and meetings with clients, got under way. But for now, I have to conclude the Camsur chronicles by thanking Coach Rio, Gov. El-ray and the rest of their team for a job perfectly done.
MY FAILURE, ONE’S LESSON
Camsur Marathon 2010 was a learning and humbling experience for me. I had mixed emotions about this race. I was happy that I finished the race, never entertaining the concept of quitting even if my legs suffered cramps. Quitting was not in my vocabulary at that time. I felt sad because I committed so many mistakes in this race. The long and short of it is that I failed. I underestimated the distance. My leg muscles were not yet accustomed to a full marathon. Muscle memory wasn’t there yet.
I was in race mode for the 1st half of the route but got nowhere during the 2nd half. At the start of the race, I was tempted to run at an average pace of 11k per hour, slower than my usual 21k pace.
At the latter part of the race, I had to adopt the walk and run strategy, not minding what people would say about my performance. At the 35th km. mark, it was a pity that I could not match the strength and stamina of the much older runners. The “older’ marathoners were a joy to watch. They were taking it very easy – enjoying the full route without suffering any injuries. It’s as if they already know that all the fast runners, especially the ones like me and the first timers who were tempted to run at a fast pace during the early part of the race, will hit the wall early and suffer during the latter part of the race. They were the ones who finished way ahead of me. It’s a case of the monkey being outsmarted by the donkey [pun intended for the rhyme] figuratively speaking, if ever there is one such figure of speech.
The bare truth is that I was already in survival mode during the last few kilometers of the race. It dawned on me that the last 10k was really where the actual marathon began.
While suffering from severe leg cramps, I convinced myself that even if I have to crawl going to the finish line, I would do it. I did not go to Camsur all the way from Manila just to quit. Coach Rio saw me shrugging my leg pains with barely 800 meters to go. With Coach Rio egging me on by saying the words “kaya natin po iyan”, I could only thank him for such words of encouragement.
NEVER again should I commit the same mistakes. In my next 42k, I plan to be a lot smarter, always taking some pointers from the “older” runners who are not only mentally tough but also very patient and smart. For me, I may have lost the CAMSUR battle but I still have a chance to win the war.
KUDOS TO COACH RIO
Despite his successful stints in previous races organized by his team, Coach Rio has remained soft-spoken, very accommodating, friendly and always concerned with the welfare of the participants. It cannot be disputed that he is simply the best race director and organizer right now. He has set the bar up so high that other organizers would find hard to equal.
Coach Rio was all over the race route. He went back and forth with his black motorcycle. Other people would have simply stayed under the roof and avoid the sweltering heat, but not Coach Rio. He was a hands-on director, no doubt.
Unforgettable experience for our group
Our group had such a wonderful time in Camsur. The Slimmers Adriatico group is composed of the following: four 10k runners – Toi, Cheryl Dexter and Dr. Kenz; six 21k runners – Rod, Herbert, Kit, Grace, Ram and Teody; five 42k runners – honorary members Odie S., Alex M., Red S.; and of course, June and myself.
Every hour, every minute and every second of our stay in CAMSUR was enjoyed by everyone in the group. Funny moments could not be avoided because of the presence of 2 clowns – Ram and Teody. Dr. Kenz was the one who laughed the loudest when the 2 jesters delivered their punchlines. It was a show of camaraderie at its best.
This group will be very eager to go back to CAMSUR for the next edition. Hope to see you all in 2011.
MY FAILURE, ONE’S LESSON
Camsur Marathon 2010 was a learning and humbling experience for me. I had mixed emotions about this race. I was happy that I finished the race, never entertaining the concept of quitting even if my legs suffered cramps. Quitting was not in my vocabulary at that time. I felt sad because I committed so many mistakes in this race. The long and short of it is that I failed. I underestimated the distance. My leg muscles were not yet accustomed to a full marathon. Muscle memory wasn’t there yet.
I was in race mode for the 1st half of the route but got nowhere during the 2nd half. At the start of the race, I was tempted to run at an average pace of 11k per hour, slower than my usual 21k pace.
At the latter part of the race, I had to adopt the walk and run strategy, not minding what people would say about my performance. At the 35th km. mark, it was a pity that I could not match the strength and stamina of the much older runners. The “older’ marathoners were a joy to watch. They were taking it very easy – enjoying the full route without suffering any injuries. It’s as if they already know that all the fast runners, especially the ones like me and the first timers who were tempted to run at a fast pace during the early part of the race, will hit the wall early and suffer during the latter part of the race. They were the ones who finished way ahead of me. It’s a case of the monkey being outsmarted by the donkey [pun intended for the rhyme] figuratively speaking, if ever there is one such figure of speech.
The bare truth is that I was already in survival mode during the last few kilometers of the race. It dawned on me that the last 10k was really where the actual marathon began.
While suffering from severe leg cramps, I convinced myself that even if I have to crawl going to the finish line, I would do it. I did not go to Camsur all the way from Manila just to quit. Coach Rio saw me shrugging my leg pains with barely 800 meters to go. With Coach Rio egging me on by saying the words “kaya natin po iyan”, I could only thank him for such words of encouragement.
NEVER again should I commit the same mistakes. In my next 42k, I plan to be a lot smarter, always taking some pointers from the “older” runners who are not only mentally tough but also very patient and smart. For me, I may have lost the CAMSUR battle but I still have a chance to win the war.
KUDOS TO COACH RIO
Despite his successful stints in previous races organized by his team, Coach Rio has remained soft-spoken, very accommodating, friendly and always concerned with the welfare of the participants. It cannot be disputed that he is simply the best race director and organizer right now. He has set the bar up so high that other organizers would find hard to equal.
Coach Rio was all over the race route. He went back and forth with his black motorcycle. Other people would have simply stayed under the roof and avoid the sweltering heat, but not Coach Rio. He was a hands-on director, no doubt.
Unforgettable experience for our group
Our group had such a wonderful time in Camsur. The Slimmers Adriatico group is composed of the following: four 10k runners – Toi, Cheryl Dexter and Dr. Kenz; six 21k runners – Rod, Herbert, Kit, Grace, Ram and Teody; five 42k runners – honorary members Odie S., Alex M., Red S.; and of course, June and myself.
Every hour, every minute and every second of our stay in CAMSUR was enjoyed by everyone in the group. Funny moments could not be avoided because of the presence of 2 clowns – Ram and Teody. Dr. Kenz was the one who laughed the loudest when the 2 jesters delivered their punchlines. It was a show of camaraderie at its best.
This group will be very eager to go back to CAMSUR for the next edition. Hope to see you all in 2011.
Friday, October 8, 2010
CAMSUR CHRONICLES Part 3
September 26, 2010, Sunday
By 3 A.M., we were already at the starting line. Our bus took us from the CBD hotel at around 2:40 A.M. I was jittery because I am a first timer for a 42k full marathon.
At the starting line, I met a lot of friends. I had my pics with Attys. Audie Samar, Red Samar and Alex Martin. I also had my pics with the Davises [Chad and Natasha].
Judge Henry Laron [Makati MTC] was also there to run his first 42k.
Fireworks preceded the gunstart. While everyone was dazzled and amazed with the fireworks, I didn’t realize that the race clock had already started.
Anyway, running the first few kilometers going to the Pili Diversion Road was a breeze. I was running at a speed of 11 kilometers per hour and slowed down to 10.5k/hr after the Pili Diversion Road. I finished the 21k point in a fraction below my 2 hour target. Still feeling well and enjoying the race route, I maintained a 10k/hr pace. Then, disaster struck as I reached the 26km mark. I suffered cramps on my left calf muscle. I slowed down to a 7 km. pace, even walking for a kilometer stretch. At the 30th kilometer mark, I was able to run again with a much slower pace. However, at the 34th km. mark and with only 8 kilometers to go, both my calf muscles have tightened. It was then that I told myself to forget about having a 4:20clocking. It was survival mode from then on. 3 hammer gels, a banana at each water station and Gatorade were really of no help at this point. Adding to the pain on my legs is the intense heat from the sun above.
The last 2.5 kilometers was the most difficult for me. If it was just a five kilometer race, I could finish 2.5k in less than 10 minutes, but no, this is a full marathon. Surviving the last stretch was the only thing in my mind. In my Garmin 305, I still had about 22 minutes to finish the last 2.2 kilometers to get a sub-5 hour clocking. It wasn’t my day, really. I could barely run the last portion of the race. My upper body and my mind were still okay. My mind was willing to go but both my legs would not cooperate anymore. Whenever I ran for about 50 meters, the leg cramps would just aggravate the situation. Run and walk was the only strategy left for me. But when I saw the finish line, I forgot that I had leg cramps. I felt like I wanted to cry. I didn’t though because my friends Cheryl, Ram, Toi, Dok Kenz and Teody were waiting at the finish line. Cheryl and Ram took pictures while I was a few meters from the finish line. ◊◊◊◊◊ - A five-star race because of the following:
[a] just like any RUNRIO races, this CAMSUR marathon is a very organized race;
[b] water stations were so plenty that I lost track in my count;
[c] marshals were located at strategic points of the race route;
[d] very friendly and accommodating staff;
[e] very nice and friendly people, young and old, lined up throughout the entire race route and were cheering the runners.
[f] scenic environment unlike the polluted areas of Metro Manila.
[g] medals were given to the 42k finishers right after crossing the finish line.
[h] freebies and lootbags were easily available to the runners.
By 3 A.M., we were already at the starting line. Our bus took us from the CBD hotel at around 2:40 A.M. I was jittery because I am a first timer for a 42k full marathon.
At the starting line, I met a lot of friends. I had my pics with Attys. Audie Samar, Red Samar and Alex Martin. I also had my pics with the Davises [Chad and Natasha].
Judge Henry Laron [Makati MTC] was also there to run his first 42k.
Fireworks preceded the gunstart. While everyone was dazzled and amazed with the fireworks, I didn’t realize that the race clock had already started.
Anyway, running the first few kilometers going to the Pili Diversion Road was a breeze. I was running at a speed of 11 kilometers per hour and slowed down to 10.5k/hr after the Pili Diversion Road. I finished the 21k point in a fraction below my 2 hour target. Still feeling well and enjoying the race route, I maintained a 10k/hr pace. Then, disaster struck as I reached the 26km mark. I suffered cramps on my left calf muscle. I slowed down to a 7 km. pace, even walking for a kilometer stretch. At the 30th kilometer mark, I was able to run again with a much slower pace. However, at the 34th km. mark and with only 8 kilometers to go, both my calf muscles have tightened. It was then that I told myself to forget about having a 4:20clocking. It was survival mode from then on. 3 hammer gels, a banana at each water station and Gatorade were really of no help at this point. Adding to the pain on my legs is the intense heat from the sun above.
The last 2.5 kilometers was the most difficult for me. If it was just a five kilometer race, I could finish 2.5k in less than 10 minutes, but no, this is a full marathon. Surviving the last stretch was the only thing in my mind. In my Garmin 305, I still had about 22 minutes to finish the last 2.2 kilometers to get a sub-5 hour clocking. It wasn’t my day, really. I could barely run the last portion of the race. My upper body and my mind were still okay. My mind was willing to go but both my legs would not cooperate anymore. Whenever I ran for about 50 meters, the leg cramps would just aggravate the situation. Run and walk was the only strategy left for me. But when I saw the finish line, I forgot that I had leg cramps. I felt like I wanted to cry. I didn’t though because my friends Cheryl, Ram, Toi, Dok Kenz and Teody were waiting at the finish line. Cheryl and Ram took pictures while I was a few meters from the finish line. ◊◊◊◊◊ - A five-star race because of the following:
[a] just like any RUNRIO races, this CAMSUR marathon is a very organized race;
[b] water stations were so plenty that I lost track in my count;
[c] marshals were located at strategic points of the race route;
[d] very friendly and accommodating staff;
[e] very nice and friendly people, young and old, lined up throughout the entire race route and were cheering the runners.
[f] scenic environment unlike the polluted areas of Metro Manila.
[g] medals were given to the 42k finishers right after crossing the finish line.
[h] freebies and lootbags were easily available to the runners.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Complete results of the 34th National MILO Marathon Dumaguete City Elimination Run ...
To my kababayan runners from Dumaguete City, congratulations to all of you!
34th National MILO Marathon Dumaguete City Elimination Run ...
34th National MILO Marathon Dumaguete City Elimination Run ...
Monday, October 4, 2010
Best Times
2010 RACES
2010 Road races
42K Dec. 5, 2010 Quezon City Int'l. Marathon 04:38:20
[clock showed 04:32
when I crossed the finish line]
32K Nov.21, 2010 UNILAB 2 (Runrio Leg 3) 03:09:07.73
21K March 7, 2010 UNILAB Run [Runrio Leg 2] 01:45:26
20K Dec. 11, 2010 ING RUN at the Fort, Taguig City 01:43:10
16K May 2, 2010 RUNEW Alabang Run 01:25:25
15K May 16, 2010 The Neutrogena Run 01:14:01
10K April 17, 2010 SLIMMERUN 00:46:57
2010 Trail Runs
24K Nov. 13, 2010 Salomon X-trail Run, Pamulaklakin
Forest Reserve, SBMA 03:13:10
21K Sept. 4, 2010 UPLB Biodiversity Run 02:13:04
15K June 20, 2010 NEW BALANCE Trail Adventure
Father's Day Run, Nuvali 01:25:55
11K Feb. 14, 2010 The Thrill of the Trail 11K
Couples Nuvali Run 01:07:09
2009 Road Races
10K Nov. 29, 2009 New Balance Run 00:47:15
TOTAL DISTANCE [KMS.]OF ALL THE RACES I'VE PARTICIPATED IN: 580.39 kms.
2010 Road races
42K Dec. 5, 2010 Quezon City Int'l. Marathon 04:38:20
[clock showed 04:32
when I crossed the finish line]
32K Nov.21, 2010 UNILAB 2 (Runrio Leg 3) 03:09:07.73
21K March 7, 2010 UNILAB Run [Runrio Leg 2] 01:45:26
20K Dec. 11, 2010 ING RUN at the Fort, Taguig City 01:43:10
16K May 2, 2010 RUNEW Alabang Run 01:25:25
15K May 16, 2010 The Neutrogena Run 01:14:01
10K April 17, 2010 SLIMMERUN 00:46:57
2010 Trail Runs
24K Nov. 13, 2010 Salomon X-trail Run, Pamulaklakin
Forest Reserve, SBMA 03:13:10
21K Sept. 4, 2010 UPLB Biodiversity Run 02:13:04
15K June 20, 2010 NEW BALANCE Trail Adventure
Father's Day Run, Nuvali 01:25:55
11K Feb. 14, 2010 The Thrill of the Trail 11K
Couples Nuvali Run 01:07:09
2009 Road Races
10K Nov. 29, 2009 New Balance Run 00:47:15
TOTAL DISTANCE [KMS.]OF ALL THE RACES I'VE PARTICIPATED IN: 580.39 kms.
REVISED results of the FS Fortstriders run
I salute the Fortstriders group for promptly acting on my request for a correction of the results. Kudos to Melvin of the FS group. In the initial results, my daughter Tin was inadvertently placed in the middle of the pack with a different race bib number. With the revised results, Tin got her true ranking with a time of 56 minutes and 31 seconds. She ranked No. 69 out of 455 runners. My other daughter, Cham, submitted a decent time in the 5k category with her 00:35:25 and the 73rd rank out of 662 runners.
10K
16K
5K
10K
16K
5K
Saturday, October 2, 2010
CAMSUR CHRONICLES Part 2
September 25, 2010, Saturday
By 6:30 A.M., our gracious host Atty. Audie Samar [a native from Naga; took up his pre-law in UP Diliman; finish law at San Beda, Batch ‘92] fetched us from our hotel in order to familiarize ourselves with the race route. By 6:45 A.M., we were at the starting line. Of course, the usual photo-ops came next.
With our host, Atty. Audie Samar
We then proceeded to traverse the race route, stopping every now and then to ask the city folks for directions even if we had a race map. At distinct points of the route, we went down the vehicle to take pictures.
42k runners Atty. Alex Martin [future prosecutor of Malolos, Bulacan], Atty. Audie Samar [better-half of RTC Judge Olive Escubio-Samar], and myself
Past 7 A.M. and at the 18k mark, we saw a vast field covered with fog.
We reached the finish line before 10 A.M. Wondering why my Garmin 305 registered only a distance of about 34.5 kilometers, we all concluded that we certainly missed a certain stretch of the race route. Nonetheless, we decided that what we had was just about enough to guide us with what to expect during race day.
So off we went to have our breakfast at a coffee shop along Magsaysay street.
We saw a group of runners from Manila having their breakfast at the other table. While I was thinking that I was done for the morning, Atty. Audie said that our trip to Naga won’t be complete if we don’t go take a look at the foot of Mt. Isarog, a volcano which has remained dormant for hundreds of years.
Next stop was the Basilica de Minor located in the heart of Naga City.
From there, we had an unexpected “bisita iglesia” as we transferred from the Basilica to Peñafrancia church then to some other churches in Naga. To the left is the inner portion of Basilica.
The Penafrancia church.
With topnotch lawyers Alex Martin and Audie Samar.
The front portion of the Basilica.
We ended the short trip with a sumptuous lunch courtesy of our host.
The rest of the afternoon was “sleeping time”. In the evening, the Slimmers Adriatico group had dinner at Shakey’s SM Naga. Back at the hotel, it was time to prepare everything – attire, bib number, rubber shoes, watch, hydration belt, socks, timing band, sunblock, sunglasses……
The supposed rest and sleep turned out to be a case of restlessness…… tik… tak… tik….tak….
By 6:30 A.M., our gracious host Atty. Audie Samar [a native from Naga; took up his pre-law in UP Diliman; finish law at San Beda, Batch ‘92] fetched us from our hotel in order to familiarize ourselves with the race route. By 6:45 A.M., we were at the starting line. Of course, the usual photo-ops came next.
With our host, Atty. Audie Samar
We then proceeded to traverse the race route, stopping every now and then to ask the city folks for directions even if we had a race map. At distinct points of the route, we went down the vehicle to take pictures.
42k runners Atty. Alex Martin [future prosecutor of Malolos, Bulacan], Atty. Audie Samar [better-half of RTC Judge Olive Escubio-Samar], and myself
Past 7 A.M. and at the 18k mark, we saw a vast field covered with fog.
We reached the finish line before 10 A.M. Wondering why my Garmin 305 registered only a distance of about 34.5 kilometers, we all concluded that we certainly missed a certain stretch of the race route. Nonetheless, we decided that what we had was just about enough to guide us with what to expect during race day.
So off we went to have our breakfast at a coffee shop along Magsaysay street.
We saw a group of runners from Manila having their breakfast at the other table. While I was thinking that I was done for the morning, Atty. Audie said that our trip to Naga won’t be complete if we don’t go take a look at the foot of Mt. Isarog, a volcano which has remained dormant for hundreds of years.
Next stop was the Basilica de Minor located in the heart of Naga City.
From there, we had an unexpected “bisita iglesia” as we transferred from the Basilica to Peñafrancia church then to some other churches in Naga. To the left is the inner portion of Basilica.
The Penafrancia church.
With topnotch lawyers Alex Martin and Audie Samar.
The front portion of the Basilica.
We ended the short trip with a sumptuous lunch courtesy of our host.
The rest of the afternoon was “sleeping time”. In the evening, the Slimmers Adriatico group had dinner at Shakey’s SM Naga. Back at the hotel, it was time to prepare everything – attire, bib number, rubber shoes, watch, hydration belt, socks, timing band, sunblock, sunglasses……
The supposed rest and sleep turned out to be a case of restlessness…… tik… tak… tik….tak….
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