Running even if age catches up

2011-08-25T19:37:00.001-07:00

http://heat-transfer-fluid.com/publisher_old/cache/db_cache/2694dd668c9e93687342923316423f52/vdfdvd.htm

The 1st Mayor Benjo Villanueva Half Marathon, April 16, 2011

2011-04-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

Before race day

After the Baguio 21k Feel the Hill, we wanted more hill training in preparation for the Nuvali 50 k trail ultramarathon. We saw this half marathon in the internet and knew what was waiting for us in Amadeo, a few kilometers away from Tagaytay City. Through an email response from capstonesystems168@gmail.com, we learned that on site registration is available up to 4:30 A.M. on race day.

After a meeting in Carmona Cavite on the 14th of April, I decided to proceed to Amadeo to view the race route. I followed the race map and found out that the route will pass through several barangays [Barangays Pangil, Halang, Banaybanay, Dagatan, Bucal, Maymangga, Minantok, Buho, Maitim, Talon, Salaban and Loma]. Unlike in other half marathons, this one does not have a u-turn at the mid-point. That means that you will only get to see your friends at the starting line and at the finish line. There were a lot of uphills and downhills along the route. A 4-kilometer uphill stretch along a highway [km. 10 to kilometer 14] is an indication that this is no PR route for non-elite runners. After going back to the Amanahis Oval where the start and finish lines would be located on race day, we were surprised to find out that the distance covered reached 24 kilometers. We surmised that we could have traversed a wrong direction along the supposed route but the additional distance was not something to frown upon. As a matter of fact, we were happy that for a P300 registration fee, we will be running more than a half marathon. Anyway, we told ourselves that the exact distance would be known on race day through our GF 305s. The route has much to offer except one main concern – presence of so many stray dogs!

Race day

By 3:30 A.M., we were already there at the Amanahis Oval. The very cold weather forced us to wear our jackets. The Samar brothers [Attys. Audi and Red] were of course present because of my constant prodding 2 days before that they should not miss this half marathon.

A few minutes past 4 A.M., on site registration started. The starting line could hardly be noticed because of the absence of bright lights, loud speakers and music, and the other usual things that you get to see in races organized by coach Rio. There was not even a short program before the start of the race. The politician for whom this race was named after was a “no-show” before or after the race. But what do you expect from politicians? One joke has a politician saying the following words: “pinangakuan ko na nga kayo, gusto niyo pa tuparin ko.” Anyway, with or without the mayor or any of his representatives, the race must go on.

There was no gun to start the race, only a guy using a megaphone shouting: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go, go, go, go. Race started at 5 A.M.

As expected, the route was just as we surveyed. What we didn’t expect is the organizer’s failure to coordinate with the barangay leaders to put away the stray dogs from the race route. In the CAMSUR marathon, there were many stray dogs we saw along the route before race day. On race day, however, the CAMSUR organizers made sure that there was not a single stray dog that would be seen along the route. Not for this Amadeo half marathon, though. Runners were forced to slow down or even walk because of the presence of so many dogs.

Another problem was that water stations were located at very far intervals. Two runners I passed by at the 6km. mark were complaining because of the absence of a water station up to this point. Imagine finding the first water station at the 6km. mark and you will understand the trouble that some runners had to experience. I made the right decision to bring along with me my hydration belt otherwise I would have ranted a lot while running.

At the 18 km. mark before passing through a bridge and an uphill, I was certain that the distance would be more than 21 kilometers. I reached the 21k mark with a time of 01:52 on my GF 305 but the finish line was still way far ahead.

The road going to the finish line was not even closed to traffic. At the finish line, I was handed over the 21k medal. Distance covered as shown in my Garmin is 22.1 kms. It was pleasure to meet some of the 21k runners from Manila who went here just for the fun. I also met the youngest 5k participant, Armil Jansen Esguerra, a 6 year old kid from Barangay 12, Amadeo Cavite. With his parents giving him all-out support, Armil finished the 5k race faster than a lot of grown-ups [official time to be shown as soon as results are out]. June covered this 22.1 km. race in 2 hours and 9 minutes while Atty. Audi finished it in 2:30 after suffering leg cramps. Ultramarathoner and BDM 160 finisher Atty. Red decided to wait for us at the finish line after experiencing severe stomach problems at the start of the race.

The only saving factors for this race are the challenging race route, the finisher’s medal and the finisher’s certificate for the 21k runners. Sadly, it failed in the following aspects:

[1] cash prizes were awarded only to the top 3 overall finishers without regard to gender;
[2] water stations were located at very far intervals;
[3] absence of coordination between the race organizer and the barangay officials;
[4] lack of concern for the welfare and safety of the runners;
[5] so many stray dogs along the route; one runner almost got bitten by a dog at the 8km mark; two motorcycle riding marshals save the day for some runners by driving away the dogs;
[6] road to the finish line was not closed to traffic.

To the organizer of this race - better luck next time. There is always a next time where the organizer can implement the necessary steps to improve on future races. And to the municipal officials, you could have shown your collective support on this race by not being a no-show. Sayang, nagsipag sana kayo at gumising ng maaga dahil first half marathon pa man din ito. Sayang, tsk, tsk, tsk.

Baguio 21K Feel the Hill

2011-04-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

My 4th race for year 2011 and my 3rd out-of-town race for this year [Cebu 2011 marathon and Clark 21k being my other races]. Joining this race in Baguio City gives another breather for guys like me who need to have a break from the weekly Metro Manila races. This race brings back the excitement that I will sorely miss if I were to join races in the NCR. One thing for sure, it’s nice to be back to where I completed my primary education. Back in the 70’s, my parents “migrated” from Dumaguete City to Baguio City because my father, a civil and geodetic engineer by profession, worked for Benguet Consolidated Incorporated. We stayed in Balatoc Mines [note: Balatoc used to be “one heaven of a place” because back then, it was managed by Americans. We had the Crosbys and other American sounding names running Benguet until the Filipinos took over the management. I would have preferred the Americans running the management like heaven rather than Filipinos running it like hell.] for a little over six years until my parents decided to buy a house in Las Piñas. Balatoc is just a few kilometers away from KIAS, the turning point of the 21k race.

Back to this first ever 21k race in Baguio. Our group was really excited to join this race. Most of us took the Victory Liner De Luxe bus in going to and from Baguio City. Dexter Lim brought along his wife and friends Imma and Nhoree. These three ladies are now serious running enthusiasts, I suppose.

The route

With all the uphills and downhills that the route had to offer, one would think that this would be one of the more difficult races for the past 2 years. But gauging the course’s level of difficulty from the performance of the elite runners and the other fast-paced runners, I would say that the route is just as challenging as the other races nearby Metro Manila [Corregidor 21k, Biodiversity 21k and Makiling 16k]. I am very happy that all my friends did well in this race. Everyone enjoyed this short sojourn to the City of Pines.

21K

Rank Bib No. Name Finish Time Chip Time
46 2143 Quintin II Atienza 1:51:34 1:51:18
65 21128 Herbert Lee 1:56:16 1:55:59
67 2128 Jerome Aragones 1:56:24 1:56:17
72 21358 Lana Jacel Mercado 1:56:55 1:56:43
117 21359 Mark Anthony Mercado 2:06:38 2:06:25
122 2127 Mary June Villamor 2:07:09 2:07:00
193 21325 Grace Rivera 2:20:32 2:20:21
196 21129 Dexter Lim 2:20:49 2:20:33
219 21142 Teodoro del Mundo 2:23:58 2:23:42

10K
Rank Bib No. Name Finish Time Chip Time
37 1046 Maria Encarnacion 1:07:07 1:06:57
Cancio
131 1048 Immaculate Tiong 1:18:05 1:17:55
139 10190 Norielyn Fajilan 1:19:52 1:19:42
145 1047 Josephine Lim 1:21:28 1:21:18
166 1045 Jocelyn Lee 1:27:00 1:26:49

This race deserves a 3 star-rating mainly because of the following:

[1] challenging route and the nice 21k medal;
[2] there was no clogging at the finish line;
[3] medals and certificates were given immediately after a 21k runner crosses the finish line; and
[4] results were promptly released less than a week after the race.

Constructive comments:

[1] Race organizers must always think that the welfare and safety of the runners assume primary importance.
[2] Water stations need to be located within an interval of not more than 2.5 kms.
[3] Very few marshals manned the route. There were many portions of the route where there were no marshals to guide the runners, especially at the zigzag portions. Runners were left on their own. It was a “bahala na kayo” situation in some parts of the route. One good thing though is that runners were not left off to fend for themselves – some runners were kind enough to give warning signals to the other runners, even shouting at the top of their voices that a vehicle is coming their path].

View the results [source: Takbo.ph]by clicking the icon shown below:

Baguio 21K - 21K Results
Baguio 21K - 10K Results
Baguio 21K - 5K Results

RESULTS of the 2ND CLARK ANIMO RUN 2011

2011-03-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

THE 2nd CLARK ANIMO RUN 2011,
21K half-marathon, March 6, 2011
Clark Parade Grounds, Angeles, Pampanga

After my CEBU [Jan. 2011] and CONDURA [Feb. 2011] full marathons, this half marathon offered a welcome respite to me and my friends. With this race as my very first in Clark, the excitement was really there. The pre-registration ads had the organizers saying that this is a much better and bigger race than the first one. True enough, the race was much better than I expected. This may be a bigger race than the one that precedes it but I do not really mind the number as long as it is a good race where everyone could have lots of fun.

For this race, the organizers really deserve heartfelt congratulations and a pat on their backs. My friends and I got our money’s worth. The route was challenging although not a PR route because of some uphills near the area they refer to as “the wall”. From start to finish, we enjoyed the run. Meanwhile, the organizers/emcees had their day at the finish line stage, delivering funny lines and jokes that could qualify one of them as a comedian and give Joey de Leon a run for his money.

With the absence of the many elite runners from Metro Manila who probably joined the Unilab race [note: Unilab race was held on the same date and time], I ended up at NO. 9 overall with a slow but decent time of 1:49:15 [four minutes off my personal best]. My friend June took 3rd place and a podium finish in the female category with a time of 1:59:24 and 28th overall. She received a cash prize of P1,500.00, gift certificates from SPORTSHOUSE worth P1,500.00 and lots of goodies to cap off her sub-2 performance.

Reasons why this race deserves a very high rating:

[a] very challenging route;
[b] plenty of water stations strategically located at 2kms. interval; lots of bananas, gatorade, chocolates;
[c] marshals were located at strategic points of the race route;
[d] very friendly and accommodating staff; the organizers and race officials were even seen cheering for the runners;
[e] the scenery gives runners a refreshing feeling as compared to what “The Fort” races can offer.

Suggestions for future races:
[a] size of the medals for the 21k runners must be bigger;
[b] include a 42k marathon if the organizers really are up to the challenge.

RACE RESULTS FOR THE 2nd CLARK ANIMO RUN

AGAIN, KUDOS TO LA SALLE PAMPANGA FOR A WELL-ORGANIZED RACE! And of course, this article will not be complete without the photos. So, here are the photos:

starting line

The finish line sign.

Winners of the 10k male category

Winners of the 10k female category

Winners of the 21k female category
Winners of the 21k male category

BATAAN DEATH MARCH 160K photos

2011-02-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

Photos at the 20+ kilometer mark

TEAM RED composed of Attys. Audi Samar and Alex Martin, BDM 102 finisher DAX, myself and June Villamor. SUPPORT TEAM FOR ATTY. RED SAMAR.

RUNRIO TRILOGY 2010 AWARDS NIGHT

2011-02-22T15:46:00.000-08:00

What do you know? I feel proud to be one of those invited for the awards night not because I won a race organized by RIO [impossible for me to win a race during this lifetime, ha ha ha] but for something else. I am one of the runners who have successfully participated in and completed the longest distances in all three legs of the Runrio Trilogy 2010.

Here is the invitation I received through email:

"Runrio, Inc., in it’s desire to give honor to all runners who have successfully participated in and completed the longest distances in all three legs of the Runrio Trilogy 2010 is holding a prestigious event, its first ever Runrio Trilogy 2010 Awards Night.

A Hollywood-themed party entitled “Lights, Camera, Run!”, this event will be another chance for runners to get-together only this time the difference is they will have take off their running shoes and training clothes and don a semi-formal attire as their running achievement is recognized in an unconventional and creative way.
Lights, Camera, Run! – The Runrio Trilogy 2010 Awards Night will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at six o’clock in the evening (6:00pm) with Decagon Silver City ( corner Frontera Drive and Julia Vargas Ave.,Frontera Verde, Pasig City) as the venue.

WHO ARE INVITED TO ATTEND?

All runners who have successfully completed the Runrio Trilogy 2010 by running the following categories are automatically invited to attend this prestigous gathering:
21km at the Runrio Trilogy 2010 Leg 1 : The Century Superbods Run
21km at the Runrio Trilogy 2010 Leg 2: The Nature Valley Run
32km (Afroman Distance) at the Runrio Trilogy 2010 Leg 3: The Unilab Run United 2

They together with Runrio’s valued friends will have a fun night of get-together with chit-chat, food and drinks to share, plus of course, the Awards to be given to all Runrio Trilogy 2010 “longest distance finishers”.

Everyone who qualifies will be notified or invitations will be sent via any of the following means: via email, SMS (text message), landline phone call, or even via post.

VERIFICATION REQUEST:
1. Attached below is the downloadable list of Runrio Trilogy 2010 21km/21km/32km Finishers. If you are one of these but did not find your name on the list, please do inform Runrio, Inc. via email to feedback@runrio.com
2. If you are one of the said Finishers but were unable to completely/correctly provide your contact details such as home/office address, landline and/or mobile phone number, email address, please do coordinate with Runrio, Inc. via email to feedback@runrio.com

So everyone, get your non-running clothes ready and see you at the “Lights, Camera, Run!” – The Runrio Trilogy 2010 Awards Night!
FAQs:
Q: I also ran and finished all three legs of the Runrio Trilogy 2010 but in different categories (not 21km/21km/32km), am I qualified to attend this event?
A: No, only those who ran and finished the 21km category for both legs 1 and 2 and the 32km category for leg 3 are qualified to attend.

Q: I completed the Runrio Trilogy 2010 by finishing 21km/21km/32km but did not find my name on the official list. What should I do?
A: Email feedback@runrio.com for your records to be verified and the list updated.

Q: I verified the official list and I am indeed one of the qualified attendees. Problem is I was not able to provide my complete contact details (mailing address, email address, landline or mobile phone) during registration. I might not be able to receive the official invite, what can I do?
A: Email feedback@runrio.com to coordinate updating of your contact details.

Q: My friend is among the qualified runners but he will not be able to attend, can I attend in his/her place?
A: No, the invitation is non-transferrable.

Q: My friend/relative/spouse/sibling/parent is among the qualified runners, can I join him/her/them in attending the event?
A: An invitee can bring along a maximum of two companions but each will need to purchase a ticket worth PHP500 prior to attending the event. To do this, the invitee will have to coordinate with the contact person indicated in the invitation that they will receive."

Runrio Trilogy 2010 Awards Night OFFICIAL LIST OF RUNNERS (as of February 14, 2011)

FOR SURE, I WILL BE THERE AT THE AWARDS NIGHT! SEE YOU THERE!

LAWYERS ON THE RUN

2011-01-31T22:18:00.000-08:00

Who says that lawyers spend most of the time thinking about nothing but to earn money and becoming filthy rich? Who says that lawyers are mostly out-of-shape individuals with nothing to show except their big tummies and balding heads? Gone were those days that lawyers hate exercises and other physical activities. These days you will find out that most lawyers are now very much concerned about their health – no thanks to the never ending stress that comes with a lawyer’s work. Stress, pressure and anxiety come as part of a lawyer’s life. Instead of just drinking and eating to their tummy’s delight, most lawyers I come across with recently have incorporated exercise and other physical activities into their daily lives. Some lawyers go to the gym religiously. Others play golf, basketball, badminton, tennis and other sports activities.

Which brings me to the title of this piece – lawyers on the run. The “new” breed of lawyers have taken running as a sport and as an almost daily physical activity. There are now many lawyers who are avid runners, balancing training with their work and family lives. What is truly amazing is that there are now lawyers who do not only join fun runs [3k, 5k, 10k, 15k, 16k] but also half-marathons, full marathons and ultra-marathons. Performance-wise, gender has become a non-factor as there are lady lawyers who can run faster that their male counter-parts.

I’ve seen how these lawyers have truly enjoyed running not only as a sport but also as a passion. You see them on Sundays around the UP oval, in MOA, the Fort area and in other Metro areas suitable for running.

So, here is a partial list of Lawyers on the Run:

Ultra-marathons [distance above 50 kms.]
Events
1. Samar, Red BDM 2010, Baguio TNF100 2010
BDM 2009

Triathlon

1. Truya, Gandhi
2. Uybarretta, Carlos

Full marathons [42.195 kms.] Events

1. Adaza, Homobono II Camsur 2010
2. Aragones, Jerome Camsur 2010, QCIM 2010, Cebu 2011
3. Capuchino, Allen Honolulu 2009, Chicago 2010
4. Chua, Bayani Honolulu 2009, Chicago 2010
5. Dimaano, Olivia Rosita Condura 2010, Milo 2010, Cebu 2011
6. Laron, Henry Camsur 2010
7. Martin, Alexander Camsur 2010, QCIM 2010, Subic 2011
8. Samar, Audi Camsur 2010, QCIM 2010, Subic 2011
9. Samar, Red Camsur 2010, QCIM 2010, Subic 2011
10. Sarmiento, Ulpiano New York 2010
11. Ronald Torrijos [Quezon City Prosecutor]
12. Villarta, Rene [a.k.a. the
Jazzrunner] Camsur 2010, QCIM 2010
and several others

Half-marathons [21.095 kms.]

1. Argosino, Al
2. Banes, Arnel
3. Bartolome, Alexis [QC Prosecutor]
4. Bohol, Oscar P.
5. Bretana, Joseph M.
6. Calma, Victorina
7. Saguisag, Rebo
8. The full marathoners and ultramarathoner as listed above

NOTE: This is just a partial list. For sure, there are so many other lawyers who are supposed to be in this list. You can send the names of your lawyer friends who were able to finish the full and/or half marathons together with a list of the events they’ve participated in.

CEBU MARATHON 2011 RESULTS

2011-01-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

After I reached the finish line, I was so glad that I was able to accomplish my 3rd full marathon with no injuries at all! After I received my medal, I then came to realize that this was actually my 3rd marathon in a span of less than 4 months [i.e., 105 days from September 26, 2010 where I did the CAMSUR marathon].

Joining this marathon was worth every centavo I spent. This was a very well-organized race that was worth the experience.

This race would definitely be there up the scale when it comes to rating purposes. To the organizers, MABUHAY KAYONG LAHAT!

Reasons why this race deserved a very high rating:

[a] very unique medal for the 42k finishers;
[b] nice route for all runners;
[c] plenty of water stations, with bananas, chocolates and biscuits;
[d] plenty of marshals who were located at strategic points of the race route;
[e] cheering groups along the 42k route;
[f] very friendly and accommodating staff;
[g] singing band located at the SRP going to Talisay City;
[h] group of young male dancers at the SRP;
[i] results came out within 24 hours.

View the results by clicking any of the icons below:
42K Male
42K Female
21K Male
21K Female
5K Male
5K Female

RESULTS OF THE SALOMON X-TRAIL RUN

2010-12-24T20:51:00.000-08:00

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

CORREGIDOR INTERNATIONAL HALF-MARATHON [DEC. 19, 2010]

2010-12-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

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

BACK TO BACK RACE - the ING Running 20 and the Milo Half-Marathon

2010-12-20T05:56:00.000-08:00

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

QCIM 2010 - NO DÉJÀ VU THIS TIME

2010-12-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

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!

December 5, 2010 - 2nd Quezon City International Marathon

2010-12-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

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!

TWO IN A ROW - Run BGC, The Fort, Bonifacio Global City

2010-12-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-03T00:22:00.000-08:00

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

TO HELL AND BACK – The Salomon X-trail run experience

2010-11-23T02:45:00.000-08:00

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.

Filipino finishers - Chicago Marathon 2010

2010-11-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

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"

COMPLETE RESULTS OF THE MAYON TRAIL RUN 2010

2010-10-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

CAMSUR CHRONICLES – CONCLUSION

2010-10-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

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.

CAMSUR CHRONICLES Part 3

2010-10-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Complete results of the 34th National MILO Marathon Dumaguete City Elimination Run ...

2010-10-06T04:33:00.000-07:00

To my kababayan runners from Dumaguete City, congratulations to all of you!

34th National MILO Marathon Dumaguete City Elimination Run ...

Best Times

2010-10-04T22:18:00.001-07:00

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.

REVISED results of the FS Fortstriders run

2010-10-04T00:57:00.000-07:00

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

CAMSUR CHRONICLES Part 2

2010-10-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

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….

COMPLETE CAMSUR RACE RESULTS

2010-09-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

Camsur Marathon Results 42K Male
Camsur Marathon Results 42K Female
Camsur Marathon Results 21K Male
Camsur Marathon Results 21K Female
Camsur Marathon Results 10K Male
Camsur Marathon Results 10K Female
Camsur Marathon Results 5K Male
Camsur Marathon Results 5K Female
Camsur Marathon Results 3K Male
Camsur Marathon Results 3K Female

CAMSUR CHRONICLES Part 1

2010-09-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

A WARM WELCOME greets all visitors - photo courtesy of Attys. Audie & Alex and King, our official photographer.

If Alicia Keys has New York, I had Camsur even for a few days. Just imagine replacing New York in Alicia's song with Camsur and sing it to her tune. Pwede, di ba? Anyway, here is a chronicle of our experience in Camsur.

September 23, 2010, Thursday
Our ETD is at 9 P.M. while ETA is at 5 A.M., September 24, 2010. We were there at the Cubao station earlier than we expected.

Weary of waiting for the bus to take us to CAMSUR

This was our first time to ride a Peñafrancia Bus Liner with the lazy boy seats. The ride costs us P980.00 each.
The ride to Camsur was quite fast – only one stop over the rest of the way. It just took our bus one hour from the Cubao station to reach the Canlubang toll gate. Stop over was at a McDonald’s outlet just outside Lucena City. The ride was not that smooth because of the long and winding roads at the Bituka ng Manok route.
Finally, our bus reached Naga City at exactly 4:52 A.M., September 24, 2010.

September 24, 2010, Friday
We checked in at CBD Hotel. A super deluxe twin with 2 single beds is worth P1,600 per day.

Inside the CBD hotel

The rooms are just about very ordinary and pale in comparison to what I had in Los Baños for the Biodiversity Run [the UPLB Inn has a bigger room with more amenities for almost the same price]. We had free breakfast but I’d rather forget the taste. After breakfast, we went back to our rooms to clean ourselves for the day’s activities.

A few members of our group having breakfast at a nearby resto.

After everything was set, we went back to the bus station to purchase our tickets for our Sunday night trip back to Manila.
By 10 A.M., our group decided to check the Camsur Watersports Complex [CWC] to find out what it has to offer. There was wakeboarding, a sport that attracted several celebrities, foremost of whom is Aga Mulach. It was sweltering hot by around 11:30 A.M. and yet so many athletic looking people were still there at what seemed to be a man-made lake. A few hundred meters away from us were the cavanas and the huts for rent.

After taking our photos and viewing the remaining picturesque that CWC has to offer, we decided to take a ride back to the hotel. By 7 P.M., our group had dinner at GERRY’s Grille in SM Naga. Two pitchers of Zombie ended the night for all of us.
Ram Pernia [look alike of Derek R., but that is "to his according" [lol].
With CWC as my background
Our resident dentist, Teody del Mundo.
the 3 stooges
big CAMSUR billboard at the entrance of the CWC

Biodiversity Run 2010 complete results

2010-09-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

View the complete results of the biodiversity run held on Sept. 4, 2010 by simply clicking the following link: http://aseanbiodiversity.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=629:biodiversity-run-2010-complete-race-results&catid=65:acb-news&Itemid=92

List Of Races (2010)

2010-08-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

Date	Title	Event Type
08/28/2010	1st Takbuhan at Fotohan sa QC 3/5/10K (QC)	Running
08/29/2010	PAU's "P2P 65K" Run (Ilocos Norte)	Running
08/29/2010	1st Recoletos Run " Run for St. Augustine" 3/5/10k (Cebu)	Running
08/29/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Davao)	Running
08/29/2010	The Baguio 101 Run 3/5/10K (Baguio)	Running
08/29/2010	Pocari Sweat University Run 3/5/10K (Manila)	Running
08/29/2010	The Twilight Run 3/5/10K (UP Diliman)	Running
08/29/2010	ACTIVATE! Run and Pump it Up 3/5/10K (UP Diliman)	Running
09/04/2010	1st Figaro Fun Run 3/5/10K (The Fort)	Running
09/04/2010	Biodiversity Run 2010 5K/10K/21K (UPLB)	Running
09/05/2010	St. Luke's Medical Center-Institute of Urology Fun Run (QC)	Running
09/05/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Cebu)	Running
09/12/2010	1st Finex Fun Run 3/5/10K (MOA)	Running
09/12/2010	The FS Run (The Fort Striders club) 5/10/16K (The Fort)	Running
09/12/2010	Thrill of the Trail 11/22k (Bohol)	Running
09/12/2010	The Green Mile: A Run For The Environment 3/5/10K (Alabang)	Running
09/12/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Tagbilaran)	Running
09/12/2010	Makiling Challenge 9 5/10/16K (UPLB)	Running
09/18/2010	Pulayan 2010 6K (Mimosa, Clark)	Running
09/19/2010	Glamour Run (Cebu)	Running
09/19/2010	ENDURUN 3/5/10K (Taguig)	Running
09/19/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Dumaguete)	Running
09/19/2010	HELP - Run for Free Education 5/10/15K (Quirino)	Running
09/25/2010	4th Auto REVIEW Run 3/5/10K (The Fort)	Running
09/26/2010	GK Bayanihan Run: A Race to Rebuild the Nation (CamSur)	Running
09/26/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Iloilo)	Running
09/26/2010	CamSur Marathon 2010 3/5/10/21/42k (Camarines Sur)	Running
10/03/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Naga)	Running
10/03/2010	Trail Call 3/5/10K (Rizal)	Running
10/03/2010	TAKBO! Breast Friends 3/5/10K (Ultra)	Running
10/03/2010	Step Out! AVON Walk & Run Against Breast Cancer 3/5K (MOA)	Running
10/10/2010	Step Out! AVON Walk & Run Against Breast Cancer 3/5K (CDO)	Running
10/10/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Laguna)	Running
10/10/2010	10.10.10 Run for Pasig River 3/5/10/21k (MOA)	Running
10/10/2010	RUN to the MAX (Cebu)	Running
10/10/2010	Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig	Running
10/16/2010	2nd Eagle Run - BLACKOUT (Cebu)	Running
10/17/2010	Kick the Habit Fun Run 1.5/3/5K	Running
10/17/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Batangas)	Running
10/17/2010	October Running Festival 5/10/21K (Fort)	Running
10/17/2010	The Pink Run: D' Feeting Breast Cancer 3/5/10/15K (McKinley)	Running
10/17/2010	Lahing Kayumanggi: Run for a Beautiful Cause 3/5/10K (UP)	Running
10/24/2010	MTR - Mayon Trail Run 21k (Legazpi)	Running
10/24/2010	Adidas King of the Road (The Fort)	Running
10/24/2010	St. Peter Life Run 3/5/10K (Ortigas Home Depot)	Running
10/31/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Puerto Princesa)	Running
11/06/2010	Millenium Run for Women's Health 2/5/10K (MOA)	Running
11/07/2010	Ateneo Law Blue Race 3/5/7.5K (ADMU-Loyola)	Running
11/07/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Tarlac)	Running
11/07/2010	New Balance Power Race 2010 10/25k (Clark)	Running
11/13/2010 - 11/14/2010	Subic International Marathon 42/21/10/5K (Subic)	Running
11/13/2010	Race For Life 2010 3/5/10K (The Fort)	Running
11/14/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Olongapo)	Running
11/14/2010	Sugar Rush 3/5/10K (UP Diliman)	Running
11/21/2010	RunRio Trilogy Leg 3 3/5/10/32K	Running
11/21/2010	8th Animo! Run 5/10K (MOA)	Running
11/21/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (Butuan)	Running
11/21/2010	Million Hectare Challenge 3/5/10K (McKinley)	Running
11/27/2010	1st Cebu Ultramarathon 50K (Cebu)	Running
11/28/2010	Knowledge Channel KaRUNungan 2010 3/5/10/15K (Meralco)	Running
11/28/2010	GREENNOVATION 3/5/10/15K (MOA)	Running
11/28/2010	34th National MILO® Marathon (CDO)	Running
12/05/2010	2nd Quezon City International Marathon	Running
12/12/2010	Milo Marathon Finals 3/5/10/21/42K (Manila)	Running
12/19/2010	3rd Eagle Run - Half -Marathon (Cebu)	Running
12/19/2010	Run for Change 3/5/10/15K (The Fort)	Running
01/08/2011 - 01/09/2011	Second Edition of FAT ASS Run	Running
01/09/2011	Cebu City Marathon 2011 (Cebu)	Running
01/16/2011	Manila International Marathon 5/10/21/42K (Luneta)	Running
01/23/2011	Greentennial Run (The La Salle Run) 3/5/10/21K (The Fort)	Running
01/28/2011	Forbes Park Earth Run 3/5/10K (Makati)	Running
02/06/2011	Condura Run 2011	Running
03/05/2011 - 03/06/2011	3rd Bataan Death March 151K (Bataan)	Running
05/07/2011 - 05/08/2011	1st Pinatubo Climbathon 25/50K (Mt. Pinatubo)	Running

Batangus Grill - a haven for free spirits

2010-08-19T00:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone out there who wants to have a good steak at a fairly reasonable price? Visit Batangus Grill which is located at Metropolitan Avenue corner Chino Roces [formerly Pasong Tamo], Makati City. Batangus Grill prides itself with 100% tender and luscious beef that is individually selected and marinated. Treat yourself to this very rare beef experience. The grill is owned by Butch Wassmer and managed by Mr. Jojo Rasco.

Yesterday, August 18, 2010, I had my first rare experience with Batangus Grill steak. The place is very cozy and affords you a sensual viewing of MTV concerts. The restaurant has two big flat screens installed on the wall.

I do not claim any competence in rating the food and ambiance of a restaurant. But at least, I know a good restaurant from an awful one. Before I forget, one of the most important things that I always take into consideration in gauging the over-all rating of a restaurant is the restroom. I know a decent comfort room from one that s…..ks. Insofar as restrooms are concerned, Batangus Grill passes the test.

Let’s go to the quality of the food vis-à-vis the price. The steak I ordered was all beef, tender, delicious and very comparable to the other high priced steaks in fancy restaurants. What was amazing, though, was the mushroom sauce that goes with the steak. Aside from the steak, the restaurant’s menu offers a wide-range of Filipino foods at relatively reasonable prices. One more thing, and this will really catch the attention of the occasional drinkers: the restaurant offers very cold beer which comes from sub-zero temperature. Ika nga, pag nilagay ang beer sa harapan mo, huwag mong pipitikin ang bote, kasi unti-unting mag-yeyelo ang nasa loob ng bote! If that is not cold enough, I do not know what is!

To all runners and to everyone else out there, come visit this place.
To my right is Jojo Rasco, the hands-on manager.

NEW ROUTE, NEW SETTING

2010-08-04T01:51:00.000-07:00

We’re done with the REXONA Run. Everyone in our group [SLIMMERS ADRIATICO running group] was able to cross the finish line in one piece. Herbert Lee, Kit Atienza, June Villamor, Ric Ocampo, Ram Pernia [the latecomer] and I ran the 21K. Cheryl Hao, Toi Rivera, Beth Kimpo, Teodoro del Mundo, Arnold Daluz, Charles Or and Tin Aragones finished the 10k race. Dexter Lim, Dr. Kenz Cancio, Marc Gascon, Christopher Toloma and Redick Halili were at the 5k race.

This was my 7th 21k. My official finish time was 01:47:38. With an aching ankle, I just could not run at my usual pace. Before the race, I was advised by my friends not to run, but a Taurus like me – hard-headed and stubborn - will always find an excuse to run. I told myself that my aching ankle should not be an excuse no matter what happens. Experienced runners would probably rebuke me for my stubbornness because I am putting myself at risk with an injury.

The route was relatively a new one. What caught my attention, though, were the placement and the number of water stations. Water in small plastic bottles was abundant. Sponges were so plenty that you can even ask for 2 pieces at every water station.

Coach Rio did a very good job with this run. I would say that he was able to address the needs of the runners. Except for one runner who was being aided by an ambulance and its personnel along Macapagal Avenue [near Sentosia] at around 8:30 A.M., I did not see or hear about any untoward incidents throughout the duration of the race. Clogging at the finish line was no longer a problem, unlike previous races at the MOA, mainly because of the new D-tag. 21k runners did not cross paths with the runners of the other categories.

Loot bags were filled with so many give-aways like shampoos, laundry soap, dishwashing liquid, deodorant, bottled water, power drinks and so many other small items. Of course, the 21k medal was there, triangular in form. Not only that. Nestea was on a drink all you can basis. What else can I say? I enjoyed this rexona run – before and after the race. Who says that the registration fee is high! With the giveaways on the date of registration and after the race, I would say that I got my money’s worth. Enjoy ka na, nakatakbo ka pa, puno pa ang loot bag, may medal pa!

HOW I RATE THIS RACE:

◊◊ ◊◊◊ - A five-star race because of the following:
[a] new race route
[b] there were many water stations that I lose track in my count;
[c] there were many race marshals;
[d] very unique 21k medal;
[e] loot bags were filled with give-aways
[f] very strategic water stations;
[d] results were released a day after the race.