My staff was able to display three (3) tarpaulin signs to warn the users of the ULTRA Oval Track on the proper use of the track. Two of the signs were positioned on each of the entrances towards the Oval Track after one has to come down from the uppermost level of the Oval Track Grandstand. The other sign was located at the edge of the Oval Track where the members of the Team Bald Runner usually start their “interval” speed training.
With all those three tarpaulin signs I had my staff ordered, made and displayed for the past days, I am happy to note that there was a “big” improvement on the orderliness among the users of the oval track. Last night, Tuesday, can be considered as the busiest day/night of the ULTRA Oval Track where you could see the participants of the NIKE Running Clinic and the Team Bald Runner’s “Speed” Training sessions busy with their warm-up, drills, and speed runs. In addition, the oval track was filled also with high school track & field athletes, corporate runners and joggers, triathlete, muay thai practitioners, soccer players, and simply slow runners and walkers. Despite the full capacity of the Oval Track, I was glad that Lane 1 was free from anybody except for the fast runners who are doing their “interval” speed training.
The members of the Team Bald Runner were happy to experience that their speed runs were no longer distracted or obstructed with people jogging slowly and walkers on Lane 1. Seriously speaking, I was able to reduce my average pace and speed in my speed runs by 5-8 seconds per lap. I am sure that the other members of my team were also able to reduce also their time, pace & speed because of a clear Lane 1.
Yes, the audience (users of the oval track) is now listening and I know that other groups of runners had benefited the proper use of the oval track as their speed runs were not distracted by people who are “ignorant” on the proper use of the oval track. As I left the premises of the Oval Track, I told the lone female security guard stationed at the Grandstand that I am donating and leaving the two tarpaulin signs placed on the two entrances to the oval track and requested her to advise every user of the oval track to read the posted signs before he/she enters the track.
Bald Runner 
The audience is listening and the Interval training runners are happy.
Thanks BR!!!
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mark, thanks!
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My hunch was right, those tarpaulin signs came from you. Thank you Sir! There really was a noticeable improvement despite the volume of people at Ultra last night. At least now we can say that people are just unaware of the track etiquettes.
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dhenz, thanks! i hope more people will be informed about the proper use of the oval track..my next target now are those drivers who smoke cigarettes within the vicinity of the oval track!
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There was a VERY noticeable difference.
My experience was this – I was doing 80% of my speedwork on LANE 2 – which was not even possible then. I was using Lane 1 to overtake, when Lane 2 was occupied. This is a HUGE difference from the time when not even Lane 1 was open.
Kudos to you and to everyone who have been cooperating.
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javy, thanks. all runners and walkers using the oval track are happy…
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Good job BR, i guess “inform” and not “warn” is the more proper word since there really is no danger in running at the ULTRA in case you are not aware of the “unwritten track rules and etiquette”, or is there…? I also think that these people are not “ignorant” but are merely “un-informed”, and I’m pretty sure that with the placements of your tarps, a lot of runner’s are now “aware” about the proper use of the track oval. We all know that your intentions are good Sir, but sometimes, using strong words like “warn” and “ignorant” might scare off/offend other people and get negative reactions.
Don’t get me wrong Sir, but this is just to remind everyone to be more sensitive next time. And by doing so, you would be getting more positive reactions about the things you want to do to the sport. People will now forget about the “a$$h0l3” and will now remember you as the “Baldrunner: The Gentleman”.
Keep it up Sir!
Greaseboy
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greaseboy, thanks for the comment..with the tarpaulin signs i provided at the ultra oval track, i hope every user of the track will be aware and informed about “common sense” and courtesy in the use of the oval track.
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Jovie- I saw it. Not only does it looks great, but, it does served its purpose. However, in the mornings unlike before the UAAP track and field events last 5Feb09, Ultra is so lonely (very little crowd) without the teams doing their training there. So those who wish less congestion in the oval, try the early morning session.
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amado, thanks. those signs are now permanent fixtures of the oval track and they really work and visible to everybody.
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hi bald runner,
my name is chris. i’m a runner, checking out your blog frequently. i’ve posted
a couple of comments in your blog. I think your site is great. i’m going home
this march from th 4th to the 13th . i ‘d like to be able to get some long runs in
and to network with other runners. i will be staying in paranaque. i can donate
a couple of running shoes and some race shirts. hope to connect with some runners. anybody in my area? chris
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chris, please update me with your trip to manila and just leave a comment in this blog. you can join us in one of our regular “speed” training sessions at the ultra oval track or we could join you for a long run at the MOA Grounds. you can join us in our 42K “runabout” on March 8 whch will start at the UP Campus in Diliman at 5:00AM..thanks
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Hi Jovie. Yes, the audience is indeed listening. I’m glad it’s better for Team Bald Runner, Coach Rio’s group and whoever else is using the track there.
I was at our workout last night and it was very somber. There’s a possibility that the Kezar track may close down because of budget cuts. The track is part of SF Park and Recreation Department and their plans are to slash many of its workers and volunteers. I’ll be at a Board Of Supervisor’s meeting this afternoon to voice my opinion on the matter. A number of runners will be joining me.
I’ll let you and the readers know what’s happening. Take care Jovie and have a great weekend. – Wayne )sfrunner)
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I hope the signs dont get stolen any time soon. There are some peole who are just fond of collecting these.
We’re glad the sign put up by BR is effective. : )
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