6.72KM Run, 25KM Bike, 3.36KM Run

Duathlon, anyone?  Sounds nice but @ P200? You must be kidding me, this sure would be one of those cheap races waiting to have a disastrous outcome.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost but not quite

While waiting for the official result, thought of posting this blog while it’s still fresh from my memory.

I finished my 3^rd Milo Marathon 21K yesterday but failed to accomplish my aimed sub-2 finish on KAI sandals.

 
Last week, I hesitated on the idea of running the whole route on sandals.  Not just because it might rain on the race day but also because I have never practiced running more than 15K on KAI.   

Midnight Beer Run

FUN Run indeed!!!

With this year’s fun run registration fee peaking, I thought joining such event would be history for 2012.  I have my daily (almost) 5K run instead while trying to follow my schedule of doing long runs every weekend.  I only planned to run in marathons and ultra-marathons because of this reason (unreasonable increase in registration fees).  But when I read about a fun run to be held in Lapu-lapu City, dubbed the Midnight Beer Run, I did not hesitate and went to the nearest registration center immediately (mind you it was not the beer that really struck me but the P150 reg fee) on the 1^st day of registration --- even if at the time, my youngest was still in the hospital.  I also listed my wife (good opportunity to share with her my passion at the same time “bonding moments” together) plus a friend who was up for the “beer” challenge, unfortunately he had to back-out at the last minute because of a fatherly obligation that he needs to tend.  So I informed my brother, Niel Roy, and asked if he’d like the idea of doing this run and he said yes (he came all the way from the province) for this run.

By the way, the fun run was set to be held simultaneously with Opon’s yearly Kadaugan sa Mactan set of activities.  So hours before the run, Rina, me, and some officemates strolled the area where lots of people partying, eating, drinking and all those things you usually see during Sinulog.  We even bought from a bargain stall some slightly used, but really nice stuff.  It was not an ukay-ukay but more of a rummage or garage sale, since the items being sold was their own personal possessions.  We went home exactly two hours before the scheduled gun-start.

I doubt if the organizers realized the vast number of people in the route and, by the time we got back, they only had minutes left to clear the area for the runners.  But anyway, it was explained later that the crowd is part of the challenge.  Minutes before the run started, we were instructed about the route, the water stations (or shall I say beer station but water is still available just in case you haven’t bought on the idea that beer is okay sometimes), the freebies, the 3 meter crawl to the finish line, the one shot of mild brandy + a “chaser” of cold beer and lastly to remind us that the 1^st 1000 participants get a “I survived the Midnight Run” shirt.

I was praying that hopefully someone I know (with a camera) is present in the said fun run and would take pictures of us enjoying the run.  Just a hundred meters from the starting area I saw a good acquaintance who has taken pictures of me from my previous run and I was very happy to see him.  I called him, posed and thanked him for being there. 

There were times when we slowed down to walking mode because of the number of party goers cheering for the runners, some even giving high fives, some crossing the runner’s lane, etc…  The first beer station was comical since some already-drunk teenagers were also lining up to get some free beers but were later advised to leave since only those with race bibs are allowed.  But some are hard-headed though, started begging the attendant to spare a cup.  Saw few runners also (co-finishers in ultra-marathons) filling empty long-necked-brandy bottles with beer at the beer stations.  It was illegal but who cares, they were there to enjoy the run and even danced every time they passed a “rock band” performing along the route.

The run ended with a 3-meter crawl where that same friend was there; taking pictures  of us (I haven’t seen the picture though).  We then took a sip of that brandy followed by a glass of beer; received some corn chips (pulutan daw) and then the nightmare in that long line to receive our finisher’s shirt.  People started barking at those who just came and tried to overtake everyone else.  Smells like a PE room in college since the line by now has become a big dense circle.  Even saw a man in Lapu-lapu outfit raising his race bib and saying he should be prioritized because he’s Lapulapu. With that declaration the crowd started laughing again.  Eventually we received our finisher shirt which I kiddingly read it as “I Survived that Smelly Line”.  We went back to the starting area to meet my brother Niel (who finished way ahead of us), and then found out that there were prizes being raffled that included over-night-hotel-stay coupons, boutique discounts and items from a brand New Balance (2 running shorts and a new shoe) as the final major prizes.  The emcee decided to stop raffling the bib numbers because either the bib owner is no longer there or they are still busy lining up for their finisher’s shirt.  So to save time and get a definite winner they started looking for items and the first person to arrive with that item wins the prize.

We were standing near the stage when the emcee said, “To win this men’s New Balance short, who could show me his new balance shoes first?”  I wasted no time, two of us came running but I was the first one to arrive and stretched out my right leg on floor of that elevated stage.  Luckily I won the prize.  I was so happy that I did not bother listening to the next prize which was a New Balance women running short (won by my wife).  The emcee asked “Who could come first and dance on the stage?”  My wife (who’s a very good dancer) also did not waste time. Seeing her dancing alone in the stage made me said to myself, “wala na jud makalupig sa kabaga” which by the way is a positive compliment.  I love you Lalang!!!

So was it a fun run?

ABSOLUTELY!!!

Goat-on-the-Run comments:

·         Why ask for a 3K or a 6K category when there was only one category?

·         Better crowd management next time (route and freebies line).

Overall Remark:

·         Very fun-filled event that lives up to category of a true “Fun Run”.

A Year After My First 21K Run

I finished my 4th 21K run today wishing and hoping that all my other runs will be the same as this one.

pacing with Jordan

No, I did not beat my PR (02:04:15) but the most important thing is that I did not experience my after run agony/ies.

It's just been 2 weeks since I started running again and it's the first official run that I joined (3rd Great Lapulapu Run).  After months of almost daily overtimes at work, I feel bloated and lazy.  I'm just glad I found the new courage to start over again.

 Yes I thought training religiously for the supposed to be my 2nd UltraMara was the key to have a better result but I just have to swallow my pride and take back what I've said before that I'll won't be joining the said 65K Coast to Coast Ultra.  Each day that I trained, I always felt a very sharp pain at my left foot so I allocated some training days for recovery but the pain always follows each time I ran even for shorter distances.

For for the last two weeks, I increased my mileage gradually and always focused on my foot landing.  I did not included speed training but focused more on making sure that I'm I landing my foot pain free.  I did not panic that I only have another week for the "My 1st Anniversary 21K Run", rather I was more happy to know that I might have found the formula for a pain free run.

I followed almost exactly my game plan for today, 1st 13 minutes of slow jog and increased my pace later in the race...  Was it a negative split?  I thought so.  I did just that because I know the return route will be more on slightly downhills.  On Marcelo Fernan bridge, I did not tried running on the uphill part because I know I did not have the proper training.

I finished 02:23.26, better than my 1st 21K a year ago but way below my PR last October.  I did not have cramps, well, almost at the last 5 meters to the finish line.

But more importantly, I don't feel sharp pains in my foot.  By the way, we won second yesterday in yesterday's Amazing race at the openning ceremony of Chicago Joe's resto bar.  We're the only 3 women 1 men group which includes my wife and 2 of my Lear Runner friends.  I'm very proud of what we've accomplished yesterday.  It was almost 4-hour race and that proves to show that indeed I found my foot pain's Antidote.

(L-R Scarlet, Jannes, Rina, Jurein)

See you in the next runs.

New 21K PR

....2:04:15....

I wasn't expecting a good finish in this race after I failed to complete my pre-race stretching routine.  I was just starting when the gun-start sounded.  I was afraid I might have muscle cramps in the middle of the race.

I was already catching my breath when nearing the exit of Cebu Memorial Park, and when I checked my "improvised" watch  :-) I've been running for 25 minutes already so I immediately stopped to take my walk break.  BTW, I am practicing a "20min-2min Run/Walk" method. 

I hit the turning point at 1:02:00 and ate my first "cloud 9" mini pack.  I brought 2 of them.  :-) "power bar na pang MASA" as I call it.  Some water stations has no water left, only Powerade energy drink.  I don't know if its a good thing or not but I'd prefer both in every water station or else they might want to change that to Powerade Station.

I was able to execute my "Last Kick" in this race. (see below)  (Last Kick - My own top speed for 200 meters or so).

All in all I could say that the race was a well-organized one and I am very  happy to beat my old PR.

34 Milo Marathon : Cebu Elims

Last September 5's run was full of surprises.


Fresh from my 21K Aboitiz Race to Reduce run, I thought I'd be able to beat my 2:11 hour PR this time since I had more practice coming into this race than the latter. I was really excited going into this race. I sleep earlier compared to my regular sleeping time, took pictures of my shoe, race bib and my singlet before closing my eyes. I woke up earlier knowing that I have to ride a jeepney since parking lots should be scarce at the venue. By the way it’s my first time to join this Milo marathon event and was very overwhelmed to see thousands of people joining the race.


I went to the 21K runners waiting spot to see if I would meet someone that I could pace up with. Unexpectedly, I meet Engr. Jasper Pareja, a college organization brother. He came to Cebu just to participate in the Cebu Elimination. BTW, he's working with Procter and Gamble in Laguna. So I immediately asked him for his PR. "Its 2:10", he said. "Duol ra, cge dungan lang ta bai", ingon pud ko.


Race started.


I planned to have faster first half pace as compared to the Aboitiz Run for me to be able to have a sub-2:00 time which was the ultimate goal, but as soon as we entered the SRP road, the heat of "Mr. Sun" changed everything to at least beat my own PR. Fearing that I may toasted alive, I increased my pace even more thinking that if I could just leave this place “I'd be okay”.

I did left the dreaded SRP route alive but it was just the beginning of the much more painful problem. Along Sikatuna road, I felt some kind of tightening just above my right knee. So I stopped to try to alleviate the pain and attempted to massage it, unluckily the pain grows ever more. I have to stop and thought of quitting. Just leave the place and go home. But even a slight movement of my legs feels an unbearable pain. So I prayed that it would just go away. I don't know what made me jump a bit but I did feel relieve so I hop forward again and ALAS, I can run again. I know I cannot push longer strides but can now move forward. It took me a lot of minutes to figure it out or shall I say God hoisted me up to let me know He's there and I can still finish the race. If I have not started faster I would be much surprised to see that I still clocked at 2:15:43.



------Luoya'g nawng oi-------

What a wonderful surprise. Thank you for watching over me always.



mao ni gipasingotan???

7th World Heary Day Fun Run 2010 : Redemption Run

It’s almost two years now since I joined my first fun run here in Metro Cebu. World Heart Day Run 2008. My 1st and last run for year 2008. Me and my wife, Rina, arrived at the venue (Cebu Doctor's University) past the gun-time and we need to at least get by the slowest 10K runner so we could say that we’re still part of the race. When we arrived at the 10K turning point (Gaisano Country Mall) we realized that the race officials started packing up. Tables in the water stations were already turned upside down so I asked Rina to ride a jeepney instead and we would just meet up at the finish line. When I arrived at the finish line, there was no marshal left to record my time and my rank number. Obviously I was the last one to arrive.


"lonely alley", October 2008

The time I was about to register it was already past deadline, so I immediately texted Dr. Alex Junia and asked if we could still register even if the singlets are to follow. He was still in CamSur then preparing for his 7th Marathon I believe. Fortunately, he was able to contact a certain "Em-em" and we received our race bib to officially take part in this year's World Heart Day run. I badly wanted to join this race to redeem myself from the unfortunate event happened two years ago in this same race.

Usually I would ride my motorcycle to get to the race venue, but since I needed more mileage for my Ultra Marathon preparation, I decided to run from Mambaling to Ayala Terraces via Banawa road. It was also a 10K run. When I was near Ayala, I checked the time and it was still 4:40AM so I decided to buy a cup of coffee and a piece of bread to replenish the calories I’ve lost from my first 10K.

I have a great run, though I wasn’t able to break my PR. I clocked at 1:01:31 and was # 68 for the 10K category. I was happy to know that even though I have ran 20K for that day I still feel fresh. Instead of commuting going back to Mambaling, I decided to run again up to Citilink where I would be able to pass the “Alay Lakad” event for that day that was also causing a long traffic jam. All in all, I believe I have run 25K.


Still wearing the same singlet from 2008, thanks Syd for this wonderful shot

Positive: The race started on time. Not too crowded as compare to most of the fun runs I’ve attended. Lots of frebbies.
Negative: One water station ran out of water. One 10K runner collapsed. Later diagnosed with severe dehydration and has to be taken to the ICU.

Later Today: Day 1 of My First Back 2 Back Long Runs

Huh!!!

Hope I'd be able to accomplish it so I can build confidence for the coming weeks...


Fun Runs I've joined this year + (1 in 2008 and 1 in 2009)

Run for the Footure

"A clubfoot, or congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV),[1] is a congenital deformity involving one foot or both.[2] The affected foot appears rotated internally at the ankle." - Wikipedia


Run-for-a-cause: Part of the proceeds goes to these poor little kids with club foot

What a day today!!!

I joined the CERC regular Sunday long run and ended up joining this Sunday's "Run for the Footure" race. It was an unplanned run but a well appreciated opportunity in preparation for the "Aboitiz Run to Reduce" this coming August 22, 2010. I won't be running the 21K for the Milo Marathon because I wasn't able to register on time and the 400 limit has been reached already. So I'm just preparing now for the Aboitiz Run instead.

Dr. Junia invited me to join their Sunday run, and since I was also planning to have a 21K today, might as well join with a group and that group happened to be the team who organized the Cebu City Marathon 2010. We started at 4AM from Sug-angan restaurant near Anitas Bakeshop in Fuente, right turn to Capitol building, turning right again to M. Velez Street. Going straight to Banawa, Dr. Junia told me that a lady doing her morning jog alone was robbed by men also in running attire. So I guess, I was fortunate that I did not forego with my plan of doing a long run alone. When we reached Labangon crossing, we took another right turn going to Tisa and then making a left turn to Punta Princesa. We stopped at McDonalds Labangon to wait for the other runners and to have our first water station, btw we were 12 all in all that morning. It was also my first run wearing a belt bag where I placed my ID, liniment, alcohol, a small amount of money and a nutri-bar snack just in case I go hungry. After our stop-over, we trailed the highway going to the city. When we reached CIT University, Dr. Junia got a call from Dr. Igana saying that the "Run for the Footure" is about to start. Little did I knew Dr. Junia registered to that race in support to his friends who oganized it. So when he asked me if I wanted to join, I was hesitant at first because i did not register for the race, but when he later said that i will have a race bib (his driver isn't around yet at that time), I immediately said "yes". When we reached V. Rama, we told Barry that we're gonna split from the group. Barry is such a nice guy. He's already 59 years old, joined a marathon only once, but plans to run until he'd reach 70.

When we arrived at Ayala, the 10K runners were already released and we were forced to stay a bit to joined the 5K and 3K runners releasing. Since we already had our "long" warm-up, I thought it would be okay to speed up. When we reached IT park, I had to tell Dr. Junia if we could have a break at the water station because I felt I was already catching my breath. After we had our drink, or shall i say "sip", we walked for about 1 minute and we ran again. I felt some tightness in my left knee going thru the downhill part at UP. So I now begun to listen more to my body and will quit immediately if I feel it's getting worse. We catched up with the 10K runners near SSS, that's where I understand that indeed we were really going too fast.

About 2 kilometers left, Dr. Junia told me that we should start cooling down by taking easy jog. I insisted that we'd continue with our pace but he explained that I might forced myself too much and might require a longer recovery period. Since he's the experienced one, I obliged.:-) We crossed the finish line at 1hour and 20mins.

After the race, Dr. Junia said that we'd run again going to Fuente Osmeña, 'coz that's where I parked my motorcycle. I was already planning to commute going to Fuente, but out of "ka-ikog" I begged if we could just walk. So we did. We parted ways along Juana Osmeña extension. When I checked my phone, it was only 7:00 in the morning.

Best part: Pungko-pungko breakfast. Burp!!!
4 puso (hanging rice) + 4 lumpia + 1 longanissa + sibuyas sinili-an

Mandaue Run for Life 2010

I just had my PR for 15K so far today.

--01:26:36 HRS--

It was a good run for me, who only practiced 2 days over the weekdays (it rained almost everyday). I believed that I could have been faster but still felt great about my current accomplishment.

I ranked # 90 today.

I also saw several local personalities today running for 15K. There was Yong Larazabal and his beautiful wife, Donna Cruz. There was former Cebu City councilor and a marathoner Mr. Joel Garganera along with Mr. Atan Guardo and many more familiar faces.

I saw a high school friend, Ivan, who was running for 10K. I believed it was his last run for this year since coming August 11, he and his wife will be going to Canada for good. I wish you good luck my friend.

I thought I was the only Lear Runner participating in the race but Mr. Toto Damandaman passed me by after our short chat. He said he was late when the 10K runners where released. But anyhow he was way faster than me, 15K where released about 5 minutes earlier than the 10K runners and considering that Toto was late. Wow!!!

About 2 kms left, I sensed there’s a lot of air left in me so I tried to run faster. I believed I even overtake a least 10 15K runners and to see the clock way earlier than my expected time, I was so happy. I just wish the route was correctly measured to 15 kilometers or more.

The best part of today’s run was the “free” massage after the race sponsored by IPI. I waited for about 15 minutes for my turn but it was worth the wait.

Ungo Runner at last

Finally!!!


Dr. Mitty (blue), Dr. Alex (orange), Me (white)

At long last, I was able to join the Ungo Run last Friday, 16th of July 2010 for the 1st time. I met a lot of new acquaintances including Angel(Med Rep), Dr. Kim and Dr. Alex(Cardio). They are all Doc Mitty's friends. BTW, Dr. Mitty Igaña is my wife's OB Gyne and she was the one who invited me long ago to join this Ungo running group.

From IT park, we rode a cab to Sun Star Cebu office. When we arrived there, I saw quite a number of people (mostly first timers also) listening to the speech made by Dr. Toledo. I couldn't hear anything because the room was so small to accommodate almost 60 people who crowded the place.

After the short "talk", we headed down to the alley of Don Pedro Cui Street. "Sherwin please lead the stretching exercise", Max Limpag politely asked. He was referring to Mary Grace delos Santos' (Cebu's Top Female Runner) coach and running buddy. It was a new routine that I tried to memorize hoping to share it with Lear Runners. Max distributed the safety blinkers to the pacers and some regular Ungo Runners and off we go. Just 100 meters from the starting point, raindrops started pouring. "Modayon pa ta?", says one chubby mother. :-) "Ang-ang noh, dugay na nakong plano moapil, dili pa jud madayon", I thought to myself. When we passed through the hilly R. Landon Street, Doc Mitty introduced me to Dr. Alex Junia, a 6-time marathoner and a fun-runner. He said, "Running frees my mind and lets me gather bright ideas". BTW, before the run, I asked Doc Mitty to refer me to a person who could give a talk regarding "safe running". Dr. Alex is over-qualified to do the job but he did not refused when I asked him if he could possibly give us (Lear Runners) a sort of seminar.

I believe Dr. Alex was a big Holland team fan. He would shout "Go Orange" every time he saw some of his buddies especially if they were supporting team Spain. Too bad Team Orange lost that final match, a very close one.

When we arrived at "Bread and Butter" bakeshop just across SSS building, we stopped to wait for the other runners. It was a simulated water station as if in actual fun runs, but this time you need to buy your own water. I brought with me a small water container but it was emptied even before we passed the Capitol building. I forgot to bring money and was too shy to borrow from anyone including Doc Mitty. Too bad, we're still half way to IT Park. I just wished silently for the rain to pour again. Heavily!!! :-)

When the last group had their drink, we carried on. One thing I found out in this run is that there was a lot of running pace that you could follow depending on your own comfy speed. So anyone who would want to join Ungo Runs soon should not be afraid of being left alone. I was comfortable with Doc Mitty's pace which I believe was at 6km/hr. Some group scale up to Marco Polo Hotel but I decided not to because I was already thirsty. I was already thinking of buying a liter of water once I reach the finish line since my motorcycle, where I left my money, was parked near the area. I was glad when I got there because I wasn't able to spend my money. There were free "St. James" bottled water for everyone. I was just informed that Mr. James, owner of St. James mineral water, promised to provide free drinking water in every Ungo runs from that day onwards.

After the pictorials, I asked for Dr. Alex's number hoping to give him the details regarding the possible seminar soon. I thanked Angel for allowing me to leave my bag on her car and Doc Mitty for the invitation to the Ungo run... at last, I was able to come!. :-) It was already past 1AM when I left. I still needed to sleep and wake up early for Lear's tree planting activity that very morning.

Energizer Night Race... NOT what I've Expected...

...Last night's Energizer Night Race was a well-organized running event. Though it has its lapses but for me, who doesn’t run to win prizes (even if I try to, I know I won’t), it’s a success…

Weeks before the said event, I received an invitation in my FB account about the Energizer Night Race. It said that the number of participants will be limited to only 2000 registrants so on the 1st day of registration, I was one of the “early birds”. After seeing the route map, I said to myself “Is this for real? Ngano gud nga tuyok-tuyok man ni?”. That’s what you get for being so impulsive, registering without getting the details first. BTW, I joined only because I thought it would be a new experience aside from the usual Sunday’s early morning races. The headlight and the baseball cap were just consolations but my wife thinks that so far it’s the first race that I had my money’s worth.

Then another message I received in FB saying there’s a change-o’-route, and then the limits were stretched to 2500 participants. From that moment, I felt that this race would be a disaster. Seeing the route, it would pass through: one of the busiest streets in Mandaue City, then to areas never was used before as race route, then to poorly-lighted streets, then to a very populated street. Most of the ingredients of “How to Create a Complicated Race Route” recipe are in. My fears grew upon hearing an advice from a friend that we need to be extra careful and should run in groups and since it would be our club’s biggest number of participants in a single race so far, I was more worried. I decided to run as a “sweeper” for this race because of these worries. We also advised all Lear Runners about the unseen possible dangers and told them to have a running partner and be alert always.

Then race day came. It started just 5 minutes late and off we go.

I was very happy to see that roads for the race route were closed to vehicles and thank God, police and tanods were present in areas I’ve just mentioned above. I could see the traffic jam on the other side of the highway (2 hours would be a long wait) hope they have taken their dinner already. I think I did have a 12K run last night (sweeper) but it was indeed a FUN run for me.

My OPINION: their were many holes and lapses in that said event that would matter most to those runners who are aiming to win the prizes but most were there to enjoy the experience and I believed the organizers have addressed their most important task which is keep everyone safe.

First impression doesn't always last - Rexona