Conversation With A Champion

9 07 2011

One hour before the first runner to arrive at the Finish Line of the 2011 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Race, I was already on the gallery/grandstand area of the Placer High School Oval Track which is a few feet away from the finish arc. Volunteers for the race were mixed with lots of spectators whom I believed were family, friends, and other ultra runners from all over the neighboring States in USA and from other countries around the world.

As soon as the Emcee, John Medinger, publisher & editor-in-chief of Ultrarunning Magazine, announced that Kilian Jornet was a few meters aways from the entrance of the Oval Track, I purposely went down to the sides of the Finish Arc and positioned myself on the left side of the gallery.

I was standing on the gallery and on my left was a guy who was wearing a Hawaiian Shirt and denim pants. There was no way that I could see his frontal appearance as we were standing side by side. As soon as Kilian Jornet crossed the Finish Line, I must have said something about the physical description of the Champion. In my recollection, I might have said, “He’s small as an ultrarunner”! And then the guy on my left said something and our conversation started.

I will mention him in our conversation as the Hawaiian Guy and our conversation went this way. (Actually, he did almost all the talking and I could hardly comprehend/understand some lines that he said. I hope I can accurately relate what transpired in that brief talk with this guy).

Hawaiian Guy: Kilian Jornet is a kind and sweet person. We had been “twitting” with each other months before this race. I knew what he went through in his training and preparation.

Bald Runner: He’s too small and light to be an ultrarunner. He came prepared for this year!

HG: Kilian Jornet is a honest man and he was very transparent on his preparations towards this prestigious event.

BR: Yes, I’ve seen his Kilian Quest Videos in the Internet and he is really good. And he has the full support of Salomon.

Our conversation was interrupted with the announcements of the Emcee and some moments of taking some pictures of the Champion. As the second runner, Mike Wolfe, crossed the finish line, we continued our conversation.

The guy kept on talking about the challenges and the hardships that the elite and the average runners had gone through in their training and most of all, to come up with their respective goal in finishing the race on hand. I just kept nodding my head and sending the message to the guy that I understood all the things that he was teling me.

And suddenly, I’ve asked the following questions:

BR: Did you have the chance to participate in this race? Are you waiting for a particular runner to arrive at the Finish Line?

HG: I finished this race for THREE times! And this is the only time I came to be an spectator in this race for the past 22 years. I was the CHAMPION in the 1989 Edition and my name is Mark Brotherton! This is the old WS 100 Belt Buckle that I won as the Champion then. (Showing me his BIG Champion SILVER WS100 Belt Buckle as he turned his body to his right!)

BR: Ohhh…Wow!!! Awesome!!! (Surprised with BIG eyes!!!) I am Jovie and I am from Manila, Philippines. This is my first time to watch this event and see the terrain of the route. I came here to run for MIWOK 100 but I was injured and I extended my stay here to see the real action of the top ultra trail runners in this event.

Mark Brotherton: Very nice! I have friends who are Filipinos and they are the “best” Registered Nurses in the whole world. As a Medical Doctor, I’ve worked with them. They are kind, loyal and industrious. Do you have plans of participating in this race in the future?

BR: Thanks for that nice compliment to our nurses. Well…I hope I am still strong to finish a 100-mile run in 30 hours with my age of 60 years old by next year. I have to qualify first. I have to improve my 50-mile finish time.

MB: You can finish it. Just prepare and train for it. Wait…I think there is a famous ultramarathon race in the Philippines which I discovered while I was browsing the Internet 2-3 nights ago. I think…it’s the BATAAN DEATH MARCH!!!!

BR: (Surprised…Smiling…with both Eyes wide-open!) Oh, yes…we have that race in the Philippines and I am the Creator and Race Director of the said event and we had this year’s 3rd edition last March. This year, we did the first BDM 100-Mile Run where the finish line is the very same place where the POWs Concentration Camp was located in Camp ODonnell, Tarlac.

MB: Wow! It’s a honor to meet you!

BR: It’s my pleasure also to meet and talk to a Legend and Champion of the Western States 100!

MB: We have to look where Kilian Jornet is right now and I have to meet him.

BR: OK, I have to look for my wife, too! And then try to have a picture with Kilian.

As we were going on a separate direction, Mark said something which I could vaguely understand…but there were words which I could understand.

Mark Brotherton: Jovie, thanks for the conversation. I hope you will not say I am “Mr GAGO” if you relate this story to your friends.

Bald Runner: No! I will not do that! Bye..Thanks! (At the back of my mind, I was thinking that Mark B must be fluent in Tagalog as he is associated with Filipino nurses in the hospital. Well, I just said to myself…if there is “LADY GAGA”, why not for a “GENTLEMAN GAGO” as a name of a male singer? hahaha! I am sure, he should be a Pinoy!)

As soon as I was back at the Hotel, I immediately opened my laptop and browsed the Internet to find out more about Mark Brotherton. This is what the results are: 1985 WS 100; 1987 WS 100; and 1989 WS 100.

As the Champion in the 1989 edition of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Race, his finish time was 16:53:39 hours. In this year’s edition, his time would land on the 13th position which is still considered as solid, heroic, fast, and strong finish.

He is now one of my “friends” on Facebook and we exchange “comments” with one another. I know he will be the first one who will read this post as soon as I publish it.

With his permission, I am posting some of his pictures that I “grabbed” from his Profile at Facebook.

Janelle & Mark Brotherton (Note: The Hawaiian Shirt & WS100 Silver Buckle)

WS 100 Champion Mark Brotherton In Action

Yes, he is also sporting a “Bald” look!!!

This confirms my theory (again??) that “Bald Runners” are the best Ultra Runners!!!! (Joke!)


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Categories : Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Race Results, Races, Running, Running Heroes, Trail Running, Travel, Ultramarathon

BR & Kilian Jornet @ WS 100

28 06 2011

There were three reasons why I went to the US. First, to join/participate in the 2011 Miwok 100K Ultra Trail Run in Marin Headlands where I ended as one of the Volunteers. Second, to make a recon on the route and watch the top finishers of the prestigious 2011 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Race. And, third, to have a rest and vacation from running. It is a blessing in disguise that I was injured last March during my adventure from from “West to East”.

Looking Like A Lost Tourist At Foresthill

Last weekend, I drove from Los Angeles to Foresthill, California and later to Auburn’s Placer High School Oval Track where the finish line of the Western States 100-Mile Race is located. The distance I’ve traveled was about 450 miles which took me for about 10 hours to include my pit stops along the way. After not being able to locate the exact location of the Foresthill High School where one of the Aid Stations was located, I opted to finally wait at the Finish Line.

While Waiting At The Finish Line

After one hour of waiting, the 1st runner arrived and it was Spain’s Kilian Jornet in 15:34:23 hours. He was followed by Mike Wolfe after 4-5 minutes and then Nick Clark, Jez Bragg, and Tsuyoshi Kaburaki of Japan. I left the place after Kaburaki finished the race.

After Crossing The Finish Line, Kilian Turned Around To the Cheering Crowd

While Kilian Jornet was interviewed by the Race Director Greg Soderlund, I had a chance to have a conversation with a nice guy who was standing beside me on the gallery. I was surprised to know that he was the Champion runner in the 1989 Western States edition! I guess, we talked for about 30 minutes that I forgot to track down Kilian Jornet with the crowd. My conversation with this interesting guy will be reserved in a dedicated post in this blog.

Finally, I tried to locate Kilian by trying to find his support team’s vehicle at the parking lot and I thought I missed the opportunity to talk and have a picture with him. But I was surprised to find out that he was still inside the perimeter of the oval track. I was able to track him as he came out from the bathroom!

If I am 145 lbs, Kilian Must Be 135 lbs!!!

I talked to him and wished him with a big congratulations! And he replied positively and he was smiling. We had a brief conversation and he was still fresh and looked like he did not run for the past 15 1/2 hours for a distance of 100 miles in the mountain trails. I requested for a picture with him and he was very cooperative. We talked briefly after the shots and other people from the audience requested also for some pictures with him before he left the oval track compound.

Let me describe how he ran the last 50 yards to the finish line. He started to brisk walk and had “high fives” with the audience on the right side of the oval track. He was also congratulated with handshakes with the people before the finish line. After those handshakes and “high fives”, he simply walked and crossed the Finish Line and turned around and raised his hands towards the cheering audience on the track and on the grandstand. He was smiling and he was looking fresh!

Another Picture With The 2011 Western States 100-Mile Run Champion

After standing on the weighing scale to get his weight, he was awarded with his medal and congratulated by the Race Director. Immediately, he was interviewed by the RD and his answers were heard by the crowd. He was simply a humble and happy guy!

Looking at him within a distance of 5-7 meters, I could see that he is as tall or short like my elite runners with Team Bald Runner. It appears that the has the same size/built and height with Alquin Bolivar and Alley Quisay. I have the notion that our size as Asian has the potential to train and excel in this kind of race. Knowing that Kilian is considered as the youngest winner in this race at the age of 23 years old, it defies the odds that ultra runners are best when they are more matured or older in age.

As he left the oval track’s compound towards his support vehicle, I could see that he was walking normally without any sign of limping.

It was an amazing sight of a young, strong, and fast ultra mountain trail runner.


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Real LIFE Foundation: Serving The Poor

13 04 2011

Over a breakfast meeting at the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course Restaurant in the early part of January 2010, Joshua Suarez, a runner-applicant who was invited to run the 2nd edition of the BDM 102k Ultra Marathon Race, explained to me that he is going to run and finish the BDM 102K Ultra Marathon Race to raise funds in behalf of the scholars of the Real LIFE Foundation. It was in this meeting that he explained to me about the programs and projects of the said foundation.

I immediately approved on the request of Joshua and he was able to finish the race. He was cheered and supported by the scholars/students on those hot, humid, dusty, and exposed kilometers of road on the last half of the course. I guess, he was able to raise a lot of funds to support the scholarship of those students who belong to the marginalized families in Pasig City and other parts of Metro Manila.

Little did I know that Joshua recruited another four (4) runners immediately after he finished the BDM 102 and asked them to train for the 3rd edition of the BDM 102 with the same purpose of raising some funds to support the scholarship of selected students under the administration of the Real LIFE Foundatioon.

Paul Pajo, Ferdie Cabiling, Junn Besana, and Alden Meneses diligently atttended the Ultra Marathon Clinics/Lectures and participated in some of the PAU Races held last year as part of their preparation for the 2011 BDM 102K Ultra Marathon Race. Joshua Suarez became their point man and leader of what they dubbed as the “Bataan LIFE March 2011″, a charity project to raise funds for the scholars of the Real LIFE Foundation by running and finishing the BDM 102.

BDM 102 "Heroes" For Real LIFE Foundation (Ferdie, Alden, Junn, Joshua, & Paul)

These five runners were able to finish the race and were able to raise funds amounting to P 500,000+ from pledges and contributions from donors, here and abroad. I am sure this money will go to the projects and programs of the Foundation with the main aim to provide hope and better future for less-fortunate and poor children for them to attain education and develop good values in the process.

These 5 runners became instant “heroes” to the scholars of the Real LIFE Foundation. And in a fitting ceremony, each of them received medal and plaque of appreciation from the Board of Trustees of the Foundation as represented by the Executive Director, Lynn Nawata.

I was also awarded with a plaque of appreciation and a gift for being the Founder and Race Director of the BDM 102K Ultra Marathon Race. My heartfelt thanks to the Board of Trustees for having me invited to such memorable event and for the award accorded to me.

Joshua Suarez Being Awarded With Jekoy Valle and Lynn Nawata

Junn Besana Being Awarded With Jekoy Valle & Lynn Nawata

I will always remember this program/ceremony. The testimonials of the graduates of the foundation’s scholarship program made me cry! It later sink in to my mind that I created an event, the BDM 102K, as a platform and instrument for people to be able to help the poor.

It is a motivation that will keep me doing my best to sustain the yearly conduct of the BDM 102!

Thanks To The Real LIFE Foundation!!!

If you want to be a part or donor to this foundation, please visit www.igivetolife.com.


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Paul Tergat’s Book: Running To The Limit

13 03 2011

“Paul Tergat: Running To The Limit” by Jurg Wirz

This book was published in 2005 by Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd. Obviously, the book is about the life, training “secrets” of Paul Tergat and his tips for runners for them to excel and adhere to running as a way of life.

Cover Page of Paul Tergat's Book (Photo Courtesy of Google)

He was not yet a runner when he entered the military service in 1990. With his assignment in Nairobi’s Air Force Base, he started to run with a big group around the Air Force Base with a distance of 15 kilometers in the morning and sometimes running also in the evening on a daily basis. In one of their inter-unit running events, although he finished far behind the leaders, a coach was impressed on his running form. The coach invited him to the training camp where the “top guns” are preparing for three months for the Armed Forces Cross Country Championships. He managed to finish third in the said event. After two months, he won the National Cross Country Championships and he was on the top of the Kenyan running scene at the age of 22 years old. And the rest is history.

He set the World Record in 10,000 meters in 1997 with a time of 26:27.85 minutes; World Record in Half-Marathon in 1998 with a time of 59:17 minutes; and a World record in Marathon in 2003 with a time of 2:04:55 hours. Epic rivalry in the 10,000-meter run between Haile Gabrselassie and Paul Tergat had been displayed during the 1996 & 2000 Summer Olympics and in the 1995, 1997, & 1999 World Championship where he won the Silver Medals on these events.

Tergat's WR Time in Marathon (Photo From Google)

Epic Rivalry Between Haile & Paul in the 10,000-Meter of the 1996 & 2000 Summer Olympic Games (Photo From Google)

It is unfortunate that he was not able to win any Gold Medal in the Olympic Games within the span of his running career. He tried his best to train for the 2004 Athens Olympics’ Marathon but things did not turn out within his expectations as he finished #10.

Paul Tergat mentioned his roots and the poverty prevailing in his country which he considers as the number one “motivator” for them to excel in long distance running. There are other reasons why the Kenyans excel in long distance running but on how he refined his competitiveness and being on top among the elites in the world were mentioned in detail in his book through his training and tips.

What is most significant in this book is how the international corporate shoe brands helped to finance and support the establishment of “training camps” for runners in Kenya aside from the traditional Armed Forces “training camps” for the military elite runners. With the support and guidance of their Italian Coach Gabriele Rosa, the Kenyan runners were able to train for the best in long distance running.

Obviously, Paul Tergat is already rich and famous even without winning a Gold Medal in the Olympic Games. He is now an athletics promoter for running events in the eastern part of Kenya which is considered as the driest and poorest part of the country. With the support of a corporate food brand, he is bringing the awareness of running to the “grassroot” level to develop more competitive runners. He is a philanthropist and a member of the IAAF Athlete’s Commission.

There are two things that we could learn from this book. In order for the country to excel in long distance running, there is a need for a dedicated corporate support for the athletes and the establishment of “training camps” to continously develop athletes to elite status and at the same time, discover potentials from the grassroot level. It happened already in the past and it had been proven to be successful. It easy to say it. We know the supposedly “secrets” of the Kenyans and the Ethiopians but nobody is doing about it in an organized manner. When will our sports officials ever learn and put the sports “money” where it is supposed to be? I am still wondering what is happening to our elite sports program and sustainable “grassroots” program. 

This book is a nice reference if you want to train like the Kenyans in long distance running.

(Note: This is a part of this blog’s program/project to feature at least one book about running every week which started with the book, “Once A Runner”. Due to the “back-to-back” BDM Races for the past weeks, I was not able to publish this post as scheduled.)


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Once A Runner: A Novel

18 02 2011

“Once A Runner” by John L. Parker, Jr.

The author has written for Outside, Runner’s World, and numerous other publications. He was the Southeastern Conference Mile Champion three times, and the United States Track and Field Federation National Champion in the Steeplechase, and was teammate of Olympians Frank Shorter, Jack Bacheler, and Jeff Galloway on several championship cross-country teams. He is a journalist, practicing lawyer, and had been the Editorial Director of Running Times Magazine. (Note: The author should be as old as Jeff Galloway!)

This book was first published in 1978, at least one year after the “Complete Book On Running” by Jim Fixx was published, and it was written as a novel about a mile-runner, Quenton Cassidy while he was studying to earn a College Degree with a time setting in the mid-70s. It was mentioned that the author had sold copies of this book on the back compartment of his car every time he attended road races during weekends and copies of this novel had been circulating from one runner’s hand to another.

Looking at the profile and background of the author, this novel could be easily analyzed as the author’s personal account of his life as a college student and a passionate runner who would like to cross the barrier of sub-4-minute mile during those times.

Elite runners, ultra trail runners, and runner-authors/writers have considered this book as the best book ever written about running. I’ve read this book’s title being mentioned by most of the runner-authors who considered this novel as the best story being written about a runner. They say it’s a “classic”. Others would say that you are not a full-blooded runner if you don’t have a copy or have read this book. It is also being mentioned as part of the Runner’s Etiquette/Rules for a runner to have read this book if he is really a true runner. It is for this reason why I had to buy this book when I had a chance to see one at the Zombie Runner Store in Stanford, California.

I was not frustrated when I found out that the book speaks for itself. It is really the best book for a runner and every runner should be able to read it.

I’ve repeatedly read this novel for three times already. This is always my companion whenever I travel from Manila to other parts of the country when I board the local flights.

Cover Page of Older Publication of the Book (Photo From Wikipedia)


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Jeff Galloway’s Lecture @ Oakwood

15 02 2011

Weeks before the arrival of Jeff Galloway to the country, I was invited by Lit Onrubia after he crossed the Finish line at the Rizal Day 32K Run to attend in one of the scheduled lectures. On the other hand, a few days after,  Jerome Cartailler, BDM 102 veteran/PAU runner and resident chef of Oakwood Premier also extended his invitation for me to attend a “shorter” version of Jeff Galloway’s Lecture at the said hotel. I learned later that Jeff Galloway stayed at the said hotel during the duration of his stay in Manila.

I opted to join the lecture at the Oakwood Premier as it suited to my schedule for the said weekend. Twenty minutes before the scheduled start of the activity, I was already at the venue with another runner. Jonel Mendoza of FrontRunner Magazine joined later and Lit Onrubia of Chi Running was also there as he acted as the host and moderator of the event.

As soon as Jeff Galloway entered the lecture area, Jonel and I approached him and we started a conversation with him. As usual, Jonel was the more articulate and talkative one for the introductions and Jonel “trapped” Jeff Galloway with copies of his FrontRunner Magazine as he gave Jeff lots of them. The “blitzkrieg” approach led to a special pose for picture with the guest lecturer!

Number 1!!! BR, JG, JM

I could sense that Jeff Galloway knew things about me and Jonel (He could have visited my blog or had been well-informed by his Hosts about the running community and the running magazine of Jonel). He started a topic where he informed us about his son, Brennan Galloway, a running film producer who made lots of running films about the famous “minimalist” ultra trail runner, Anton Krupicka. There you go, Jeff knows that we are ultra marathon runners!

After a few conversations with the guests and Jeff, the lecture started at least 10 minutes late from the schedule which was okey with us as more interested guests were entering the venue. At least, 40 guests were present during the lecture.

Jeff Galloway had been in the country when he was still in the active military service as he was with the US Navy in his younger years. He knows about Subic and Olongapo, of course! He did not mention the particular year when he was here in the country. I could only guess that he was here during the Martial Law years under the administration of former President Marcos. (Note: Dr George Sheehan, a runner, writer and lecturer was also with the US Navy rising to the rank of Navy Captain).

One Hour Lecture Full of Information About Run-Walk Strategy

Jeff Galloway Lecture was geared towards his “The NO PAIN Marathon Program”. Let me quote the brochure which was available for all of us that explains the Jeff Galloway Method of Training:

  • Minimum workouts needed: 20-30 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday plus a weekend run.
  • Weekend Run gradually increases to goal distance in gentle increases, followed by short runs.
  • Walk breaks are inserted into every run, from the beginning, to erase pain and fatigue
  • Avoid running too fast by using a “magic mile” prediction exercise (MM).
  • Many surveys have shown that taking walk breaks early and often result in faster finish times.

The “Magic Mile” can predict current potential and set long run pace. You should be able to time yourself for one mile (4 laps around the oval track) about every 3 weeks and the following Run-Walk-Run Strategies should be followed depending on your pace (per km or per mile).

Pace Per Km Pace Per Mile Run/Walk Amount
4:58 8:00 4 min/30 sec
5:16 8:30 4 min/45 sec
5:35 9:00 4 min/1 min
6:12 10:00 3 min/1 min
6:50 11:00 2.5 min/1 min
7:27 12:00 2 min/ 1 min
8:04 13:00 1 min/ 1min
8:41 14:00 30 sec/ 30 sec
9:19 15:00 30 sec/ 45 sec
9:56 16:00 20 sec/ 40 sec
10:33 17:00 15 sec/ 45 sec
11:11 18:00 10 sec/ 50 sec

 More interesting insights and information were gathered during the “Open Forum” where Jeff Galloway was able to answer questions from the guests. Some of the pointers were the following:

  • He does not recommend stretching exercises  for long distance runners
  • Extensive Long Slow Distance Run (LSD) every 3 weeks in the Marathon Program
  • More Long Runs For Endurance rather than Speed runs
  • “Speed Training” is NOT recommended for the 1st time Marathon runners. They should simply enjoy the experience and have fun
  • On Core Strengthening, he recommends two (2) workouts: “Arms Swinging with Light Weights” (natural form when running) and Abdominal “Crunches”
  • Running is controlled by the Brain Function
  • On running compression tights, no benefits on the performance of a long distance runner. However, there are studies that compression calf sleeves are the most beneficial to runners. He highly recommends such apparel to long distance runners.
  • Water hydration during the race is the only thing that is needed during a marathon race.
  • It takes 24-48 hours for the body to absorb the replacement electrolytes from Sports Drinks like Gatorade, PowerAde, Propel, Pocari Sweat, and others.
  • Carboloading from foods rich in carbohydrate taken a day before the race is beneficial.

On a personal note, I don’t agree with his answers about his view on the unnecessary need of sports drinks and food being ingested during the marathon race. In a country like ours, the heat and humidity make our body metabolism faster and there is a need for sports drinks and food to be taken in somewhere along the marathon distance. He thought that Philippines is like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan or the United States where the temperature is too low that a runner could hardly perspire during a marathon race.

I could follow the Run-Walk-Run Galloway Method in an ultra running event to last and finish the distance but I will never walk in a Marathon Race where my goal is to finish a better PR best time.

Ironically, in my collection of running books, I found out that I don’t have any of the books written by Jeff Galloway.


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One Hour With Jeff Galloway

5 02 2011

Jeff Galloway is in town! He is lucky to meet the Bald Runner and FrontRUNNER Magazine’s Publisher!

BR, JG, & FR

Details of his One-Hour lecture and meeting will be posted soon!


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“Classic” Running Books

3 09 2010

 Aside from being “classic” and being sought after, the following books are considered as the best books in running that greatly influenced people from their sedentary life to being active through running. These books contributed in the resurgence of “running boom” in the United States and in other countries.

Few minutes before the start of the 2nd PAU “P2P” 70K Run last Sunday, Paolo Osmena, a PAU member and BDM 102 veteran, gave me these three (3) “classic” running books which I consider as “collectors’ items” for seasoned runners. I was surprised and humbled by the generous gesture of Paolo of giving me these “treasures” among runners. Thank you very much, Paolo!

1st Book That Started The Popularity of Running

 The Complete Book of Running by James Fixx was published in 1977 and it became as the best selling book for that year. I tried to look for this book in the 70s and 80s in the local bookstores but it was not available. While I was on schooling in Fort Benning, Georgia in the mid-80s and during my stay in Los Angeles after my schooling, I was not able to buy or look for this particular book, to include the other two books. There was no Amazon.com at that time yet. So, when Paolo gave  me this book, it was my first time to actually hold and browse the pages of such book.

The red color of the cover, the running legs of the author, the red running shorts, and the red ASICS racing shoes were properly conceived as a “marketing” ploy for the book and it was a success. Nowadays, you seldom see red running shorts, red ASICS racing shoes, and running without socks!

2nd Running Book By James Fixx

The Second Book of Running by the same author was published in 1980 but it did not create the same magnitude of popularity of the first book. It would be noted that the color of the cover page was in blue—blue running shorts, blue Adidas running shoes, running without socks, and the same running legs of the author. Four years after this book was published, the author died due to heart attack after completing his daily running workout. He was 52 years old. 

One of the Books Written By George Sheehan

 Dr George Sheehan is considered as the modern day “philosopher of running”. He was a cardiologist in profession but became popular due to his writings about running with an essay he wrote every week in local newspapers and later with the Runner’s World Magazine. He died at the age of 75 due to prostate cancer. This particular book was the second to the last book that was published before he died in 1993. This book is a compilation of the essays he wrote and published in his column/page with the Runner’s World Magazine.

On a personal note, Paolo is sending me a “message” by giving these most treasured books about running. He is telling me to write and publish also a book about my entries in this blog which had been my plan for the past years. It is a dream to write a book as a compilation of all the entries of this blog and it is a matter of organizing them from one general topic to another. I know that this dream will become a reality.

Thanks, Paolo!

 (Note: Photos of the books were taken from Amazon.com)


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Official Result: 2nd PAU 70K Run

1 09 2010
  2nd PAU 70K Run Official Result
  Pasuquin to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
  August 29, 2010
       
  NAME TIME  
1 Reynaldo Pascua 6:29:10 Champion (Male)
2 Moses Moreno 6:46:57 1st Runner-up (Male)
3 Raul Patubo 7:14:20 2nd Runner-up (Male)
4 Hermogines Olvis 7:20:25  
5 Rizaldy Juan 7:49:13  
6 Jonnifer Lacanlale 7:53:11  
7 Christopher Rodriguez 7:56:32  
8 Jose Mari Javier 8:00:18  
9 Eduardo Madariaga 8:03:13  
10 Michelle Estuar 8:06:46 Champion (Ladies)
11 John Frederick Abenina 8:16:12  
12 Jonel Mendoza 8:20:37  
13 Sandy Alentajan 8:29:10  
14 Graciano Santos 8:32:52  
15 Armand Fernando 8:38:08  
16 Alfred Delos Reyes 8:45:06  
17 Junrox Roque 8:45:13  
18 Julius Savella 8:45:14  
19 Wilnar Iglesia 8:45:15  
20 Siosan Baysa 8:50:15 1st Runner-up (Ladies)
21 Paolo Osmeña 8:51:47  
22 Carly Dizon 8:52:16 2nd Runner-up (Ladies)
23 Camilla Brooks 8:59:00  
24 Albert Sama 9:12:38  
25 Raul Tapia 9:13:58  
26 Dennis Ravanzo 9:27:07  
27 Jose Dueñas 9:32:07  
28 Albert Henson 9:45:38  
29 Bonifacio Dalisay 9:45:39  
30 Simon Miranda 9:46:20  
31 Jereven Adriano 9:47:00  
32 Rodel Cuaton 9:51:54  
33 Jose Wacangin 9:51:55  
34 Lymuel Pascua 9:55:59  
35 Berns Tan 9:56:21  
36 Jade Lee 9:56:22  
37 Mark Adrian Hernandez 9:56:59  
38 Jeffrey Avellanosa 10:01:28  
39 Oscar Sañez 10:07:27  
40 Christine Ferrera 10:09:44  
41 Jeremiah Isip 10:09:45  
42 Chips Dayrit 10:17:21  
43 Roberto Delos Santos 10:18:45  
44 Henry Realgo 10:24:07  
45 Mon Marchan 10:26:26  
46 Earl Quero 10:27:48  
47 Carl Noel Balagot 10:29:48  
48 Ria Go Tian 10:31:40  
49 Wellington Yao 10:32:32  
50 Chester Puno 10:38:43  
51 Emerson Go Tian 10:39:23  
52 Allen Aguilar 10:39:48  
53 Michael Angelo Fabian 10:40:31  
54 Joseph Baltazar 10:41:08  
55 Ronnel Go 10:41:09  
56 Precy Hernandez 10:45:29  
57 Noel Hernandez 10:45:30  
58 Edward Villareal 10:49:12  
59 Warren Earl Navor 10:49:13  
60 Faivo Bartolome 10:49:55  
61 Shiela Compendio 10:50:14  
62 Charit Agana 10:51:13  
63 Allen Gaspar 10:52:51  
64 Christian Oting 11:04:40  
65 Rogelio Alejandro 11:12:53  
66 Frederick Gabriel 11:13:04  
67 Francisco Lapira 11:13:11  
68 Grimaldo Anecito 11:18:05  
69 Kessel Que 11:21:45  
70 Cecil Morella 11:23:19  
71 Chito Carreon 11:26:10  
72 Mel Severino 11:26:13  
73 Yul Antonio Almayda 11:32:56  
74 Nicomedes Jaranilla 11:35:05  
75 Blas Ople Tiangco 11:37:16  
76 Reynaldo Jimenez 11:37:30  
77 Jael Wenceslao 11:37:36  
78 Jeff Adriatico 11:45:10  
79 Mikko Barranda 11:45:10  
80 Ivy Macainan 11:45:45  
81 Camillo Kagaoan, Jr 11:48:17  
82 Elma Gabriana 11:48:24  
83 Bhrein Salazar 11:48:43  
84 Ronnie Gabriana 11:49:15  
85 Chinky Tan 11:49:26  
86 Lemuel Narcise 11:51:56  
87 Junar Layug 11:54:48  
88 Benedict Meneses 11:58:18  
89 Randolph Camalig, Jr 11:58:36  
90 Edwin Rara 12:00:31  
91 Samuel Narcise 12:03:52  
92 Rosgar Apolinario 12:05:01  
93 Ricardo Cabusao, Jr 12:05:23  
94 Karen Kate Pascual 12:06:24  
95 Craig Logan 12:09:31  
96 Emil Ancheta 12:13:23  
97 Aaron Anievas 12:14:32  
98 Emiliano Burgos 12:19:14  
99 Vic Viola 12:31:21  
100 Angel Henson 12:31:22  
101 Jose Lorenzo Mina 12:32:50  
102 Marlin Marilag 12:35:04  
103 Roselle May Dadal 12:36:44  
104 Crisanto Ubungen 12:42:54  
105 Teresa Ybañez 12:50:54  
106 Marco Christopher Montaos 12:50:55  
107 Don M Co 12:55:26  
108 Francis Acop 13:00:38  
109 David Buban 13:04:24  
110 Arturo Virata 13:05:54  
111 Raymund Anthony Abenojar 13:13:54  
112 John Vincent Ong 13:16:34  
113 Galo Pira 13:26:20  
114 Carina Manansala 13:37:56  
115 Alfred Paul Paiso 13:57:40  
116 Ayette Padua 13:59:09  
117 Jimmy Ong 13:59:09  
118 Joseph Frederick Calulut 14:00:03  
119 Eugene Tariaga 14:29:33  
120 Norberto Mortel 14:30:08  
121 Ellen Abegail Castillo 15:19:16  
122 Yan Dizon 15:19:16  
  Angela Jacinto DNF  
  Grace Jacosalem DNF  
  Ryan Marquez DNF  

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Categories : Jogging, Places to Run, Race Results, Races, Running, Running Heroes, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon

Rey Antoque: The “Old Warrior”

4 09 2009

Rey Antoque is presently one of the Coaches of the Elite Team Bald Runner. His credentials as a runner speak for itself. He had been with the Elite Team for the past ten (10) months. What I like with him is that he started to train hard for the Marathon Race at the age of 33 years old, an old age for an elite runner for the Marathon distance.

His performance in Marathon Races in the 1990′s and early 2000′s speaks well of his focused training, dedication, perseverance, and determination.

On his first competition on Marathon Road Racing, Rey placed No. 4 in the 1990 Pilipinas International Marathon with a time of 2:24:06 hours which was considered at that time as the fastest time for a Filipino in a marathon race held in the country. He was 33 years old.

After one year of training for the Marathon distance, he placed #3 Overalll in the 9th PAL Manila International Marathon in 1991 at the age 0f 34 years old.

In 1992, the following year, he won as Champion in the 16th MILO Marathon with a time of 2:28:47 hours at the age of 35 years old. At that time, he won a Cash Prize of P 60,000.

Picture Depicts The Intensity of Rey's Race & Finish

Picture Depicts The Intensity of Rey's Race & Finish

In 1993, he was the 1st Top Filipino and 2nd Overall in the Pilipinas International Marathon where a Belgian runner won as Champion. Rey Antoque improved his time at 2:27:32 hours.

In 1994, he was the Champion in the 12th PAL Manila International Marathon on March 13, 1994 with a time of 2:28:24 hours. He was able to beat and overtook the younger Guiseppe Veletti of Italy who was then 25 years old on the last kilometers of the race. Antoque was then 36 years old.

Guiseppe Veletti of Italy & Rey Antoque

Guiseppe Veletti of Italy & Rey Antoque

In 1995, the following year, he was able to defend his title as the Champion in the 13th PAL Manila International Marathon on March 12, 1995 beating again a younger Lucio Danza of Italy (28 years old) who was with Guiseppe Veletti. He registered a time of 2:28:02 hours at the age of 37 years old. He won P 100,000 as the Champion and additional prize of P 50,000 for being the Top Filipino Finisher.

Women's Champion Praskovia Gregorenko of Russia Gives Rey a Buss

Women's Champion Praskovia Gregorenko of Russia Gives Rey a Buss

On July 30, 1995, he was the Champion in the 1995 SIJORI (Singapore-Johor Bahru-Riad) International Marathon Race held in Johor, Malaysia with a time  of 2:33:16 hours. He won a prize of RM 10,000.

Malaysian Newspaper With Rey Antoque in the SIJORI Marathon

Malaysian Newspaper With Rey Antoque in the SIJORI Marathon

In November 20, 1994, he was the Champion in the 5th 10-Mile YAKULT Run with a time of 1:03:15 hours.

In 1996, he was the Champion in the 9th Annual PUMA Half-Marathon with a time of 1:08:46 hours.

In 2004, he won the Gold Medal in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter runs in the ASIAN MASTERS Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rey Antoque, 54 years old @ BOTAK's 1-Street Mile Run

Rey Antoque, 54 years old @ BOTAK's 1-Street Mile Run

He shared some of his “training secrets” of which I am going to divulge in this post.

He trains and prepares the whole year only for ONE Marathon Race Event.

He spends and stays in Baguio City at least 6 months during his training. Kennon and Naguilian Roads were his training routes.

He applied what he learned from a Kenyan elite runner—running three (3) times with a distance of 5,000 meters in 15 minutes with 3-5 minutes of rest/interval in between repetitions in his speed workouts at the oval track. I did this speed workout once (in 23 minutes) and I had to rest & recover for two days!

He runs twice a day, morning & afternoon, reaching up to 200+ kilometers mileage per week. His long run workouts exceeded the marathon distance!

He is a disciple of Arthur Lydiard.

(Note: News Clippings Courtesy of Rey Antoque’s Files & Memorabilias)


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Categories : Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Races, Running, Running Heroes

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