Feb 22, 2009: Bataan 102 “Test Run”

On February 16, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Practice Runs, Running4 Comments

This is the first pre-requisite for each participant for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race to undertake and complete and as such, this will be a “test run” for everybody. A “test run” in the sense that it will determine if each of the participant has the endurance, will-power, and attitude to finish a 52-kilometer distance run under the heat of the sun. For those who had been training for this ultramarathon event since last year, you will be running along the last half of the distance of the ultramarathon event on the very exact place or route of the race.

The assembly time will be at 6:30AM on 22 February 2009. The meeting place or assembly area will be at the Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 50 located along the old National Highway in Abucay, Bataan. To be specific, the assembly area will be at the vicinity of the GAZ Xpress Gasoline Station and the Abucay Mega Market in Abucay, Bataan. If you will be coming from Balanga, Bataan, just take the old National Highway from the City Plaza and proceed towards eastern direction for about 6 kilometers and the Km 50 Post would be visible on the right side of the road. The “test run” will start at exactly 7:00AM. Why? This is estimated time that most of the runners/participants must have finished the first 50 kilometers of the race, from Mariveles to Balanga or Abucay, Bataan.

The finish line of the “test run” will be at the Old Railway Station in San Fernando, Pampanga which is the same finish line during race day. The Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 102 is located near the old building of the railway station and near the National Historic Institute’s Marker which is a red-painted big rock.

For those runners who have the capability to have their personal support vehicle/crew and pacers, they could bring such support with them during the “test run”. However, they are discouraged from riding to their vehicles and “leapfrog” from one place to another up to the finish line. We will adopt a “honor system” during this run. Better yet, as agreed, this will be a “group run” where the faster runners would wait for the slower runners up to the finish line. The purpose of this run is to acquaint yourself with the terrain, weather, and the actual route of the race.

There will be road marshals on specific road turns most especially when the runners reach the towns of Lubao, Guagua, Bacolor and the City of San Fernando. Extra safety precaution will be observed by each runner while running along the route as there is a limited space along the sidewalk. Runners are encouraged to run on the left side of the road, facing the incoming traffic.

With the benevolence of some of the runner-participants, free water and sports drinks will be available along the route. If plans permit, boiled sweet (camote) potatoes and boiled bananas will be available also to all the participants along the route. However, for contingency purposes, participants are encouraged to bring with them cash as there are available convenience stores along the way.

Ladies & Gentlemen, treat this “test run” as one of our Sunday’s “runabouts”. Good luck & see you at the Assembly Area this Sunday.

“Don’t Waste Your Strength “Whining”, Just Finish The Race”

On February 15, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running26 Comments

6:00 AM 15 February 2009/Power Run 15K/10K/5K @ SM Mall of Asia & PICC Grounds

Yesterday, I posted my predictions about today’s road race. Actually, I forgot to mention the lack of kilometer markings for the said race and instead posted a corrected version of my post in my blogger site (www.baldrunner.blogspot.com). I made those predictions to warn other runners to expect that this race will not be as perfect as they wanted to be. Except for the “perfect weather” for the race which I did not specifically stated, although I was expecting a hot, sunny and humid on the last half of the race, all the things I’ve predicted about the road race came true!

The Good

1) Simple Program & Punctual Start—This is what I like with road races managed by MX Sports. The Emcee just simply announced the remaining minutes before the race starts and repeatedly informed the runners that the race starts at exactly 6:00AM. The race started at exactly 6:00AM as registered in my GF 305 watch with a simple countdown from the Emcee and a simple “fire” sound from a track pistol.

2) No Problems & Hassles During Registration—I registered last Saturday and it was so easy. I observed also that the race organizer was accepting the registration of participants minutes before the start of the race within the assembly area. However, I was not able to get a hard copy of the road race route which I expected to be a part of my race packet. I depended much on the race route published by runner-bloggers and takbo.ph download copy of Jinoe. By looking at the race route, I was already expecting some “chaos & confusion” during the said race.

3) Nice Emcee & Sound System—So far, I like the way the Emcee delivered his message in order to inform the runners about the start of the 10K & 15K races. The sound system was also pleasing to my ears and the background music made me sway and stretch my body and legs.

4) Fast Course—This is a flat and fast course and I predicted a PR best time to the students (“speed” training) and members of the Team Bald Runner in their respective road race.

The Bad

All my predictions were true! There was “chaos, confusion and lots of whining” along the road from the runners. Running two loops at the PICC Complex created the first confusion among the runners. When the runners were back to the MOA Grounds after coming from the PICC Complex and Macapagal Highway, another confusion occurred where I saw two top contenders for the 15K were lost. Instead of being ahead of us, they were actually going opposite to our direction. It was too late when they realized that they were on the wrong road as they joined us. On the last stretch of the race, all the runners were complaining about the extra distance they had to run.

Some of the runners were confused as most of the roads at the MOA Grounds did not have road marshalls. One runner who was mad about the situation, when he saw me coming, shouted and requested me to write a very long critique for this race. Another runner even shouted, “we just follow Bald Runner and for sure we’ll not get lost to the finish line”. Hehehe! I really like that! Another runner would always shout to every Security Guard and Road Marshall manning in some of the intersections that their race was confusing and he was complaining of the high cost for the registration fee. A lady runner (who was running third overall in the women’s category) ran beside me and she was also loudly cursing for the confusion and lots of turns along the way. I spoke to her in a nice manner and said, “Don’t Waste Your Energy Complaining, Focus Your Mind On Finishing the Race With More Strength”. Another runner who ran beside me even suggested for me to organize a road race and bring back those road races I had conducted when I was the Chairman of the DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half-Marathon Road Races. Thanks, dude! You can experience how the Bald Runner conducts a road race if you join the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race this coming 05 April 2009.

Since I’ve predicted those things that will go wrong on the day of the race, I just concentrated my mind in finishing the race. Just when I’ve expected to have a dash on the last 700 meters before the Finish Line as my GF 305 registered a distance covered at 14.3 kilometers, a road marshall directed us to turn right to a road where the 15K runners had to get their 3rd and last straw at the end of this road and then back to the road that leads us to the Finish Line. I was sorry to frustrate the lady runner beside me when I told her that we still have 700 meters left to go before the Finish Line.

No pictures of me (running along the route) taken by my staff. Even my staff who had been taking my pictures during road races was also confused about the route of the race. Because of those so many turns and roads we had to go through inside the MOA Grounds, my staff was not able to locate me and decided to just wait for me at the Fnish Line.

The Ugly

1) Longer Distance—I predicted that these race would lack a hundred meters for the supposed 15K distance or at least, accurate to the nearest 50-100 meters, plus or minus. However, my GF 305 registered a distance of 16.8 kilometers! We ran an extra distance of 1.8 kilometers.

2) Runners Competing With Vehicles On the Route—I thought I would not experience what other runners had experienced before in road intersections where pubilic utility jeeps would just cross your path and stop infront of you. I exactly experienced that kind of situation at the vicinity of the “Globe” fixture infront of MOA. There was no road marshall on that particular intersection and the driver of the jeep “competed and raced” with us to cross the intersection and made a quick U-turn. Instead of making a quick U-turn, the driver simply stopped and his jeep blocked our way few inches from us. It could had been a case of a “runner bumping a jeepney vehicle” and not the other way around if we did not stop! Sometimes, such case distracts one’s momentum and pace.

3) No “Freebies” At The Finish Line—After finishing the race, I was trying to look for bottled water or sports drinks at the vicinity of the Finish Line but my staff informed me that there was no water or drinks available. I did not see any “Certificates” being given to the runners at they complete the race.

4) “Donate A Shoe” Booth Got Bumped-Off (Again!)—While I was busy distributing the donated shoes to those runners with “old and tattered” shoes, our “makeshift” booth was surrounded by Security Guards of DJA Security Agency of MOA for the simple reason that the race organizer was following/implementing a “policy” where my booth was not allowed to operate in the said area. I really did not understand why “these people” would question the presence of my booth even if our intentions/objectives are clear and noble (to help other people) and that we don’t earn any income from this advocacy. Hey, guys, your actuations will not stop us from pursuing our advocacy (even without media exposure) as we have plans of going to the suburbs and provinces around Metro Manila in order to help other runners. To the Race Organizer, if we made some “lapses” or did not coordinate with you in our desire to distribute those donated shoes we received from our benefactors, we are sorry for not coordinating with you but a simple consideration for allowing us to distribute those shoes would had been a very positive points for you. Guys, my project had been around for the past one year and if you don’t know about this “Donate A Shoe”-thing, you probably do not read or visit this blog. Well, if you want to improve the way you conduct your races and know the “voice” and feedbacks of your paying runners, you better start visiting/reading this runner’s blog.

5) Quality and Smell of Air—The quality and smell of the air each runner breath while running is very poor.

6) Lastly, very expensive registration fee—I usually hear this feedback from the runners beside me during the race. I really don’t mind the cost of the registration fee if the race organizer provides safety along the route, abundant clean drinking water, and for the benefit of a certain “cause” to help the less-fortunate ones or for some “noble” programs/projects.

The Best

1) Thanks For the VIP Treatment—As I entered the Starting Area, runners came to me for “photo-ops” and I received more greetings from the other runners as we waited for the race to start. As I was running, more runners would greet me whether I was trying to overtake them or while the runners would pass on me or while these runners were staying/running beside me. Guys, thanks again for those greetings while we are on the road race. I hope my “hand wave” and simple words of “thanks”, “banat!” and “malapit na ang finish line” to you would be enough to acknowledge your greetings. As a matter of request though, please stop calling me “General”, just simply call me “BR”, “Bald Runner”, or “Sir Jovie”.

2) PR Best Time For 15K—My running friends would always ask me when will I stop registering a new PR every time I join a road race. I always answer them with a smile and tell them that I am doing my running workouts regularly and prepare for a marathon or an ultramarathon race to come. My last 15K road race best time was 1:14:43 hours during the VSO Bahaginan 15K Run held last November 2008 at The Fort. For this morning’s 15K Race, I finished with a time of 1:20:03 hours with a distance of 16.8 kilometers as registered in my GF 305. The average pace was 4:45 minutes per kilometer which was within my target goal for the race. By simply deducting my elapsed time for the excess of 1.8 kilometers, my unofficial finish time for the 15K race would had been 1:11:14 hours which is an improvement from my VSO run by almost 3:30 minutes.

Lessons Learned

1) “Speed” Training by Team Bald Runner works well and slowly adapting to my body capability.

2) There is a need to continue with my supplementary weight training and have my gym workouts at least twice a week.

3) There is no “secret formula” for runners to improve on their finish times as they grow older. As the famous Dr George Sheehan would say that running is an “experiment of one”, I am still on the process of “experimenting” on how I could improve my finish times as I add more year/s to my age. Since I don’t follow any training program, a combination of speed, endurance and hardwork are the key ingredients to my preparations. Whether it is on the training, nutrition, medicine, supplementary weight training, Cross Fit, P90X, and mental positive attitude, what is important is to allow the body to adapt and recover from training and actual road race competitions.

4) Stay Cool & Relaxed but Fast in Road Races. I have already an inkling on what to expect during the road race through my predictions. I have already conditioned myself that the things that I’ve experienced during the Resolution Challenge which was held last month would happen again because of my impression that the race will be managed by the same race organizer. After running for the first few kilometers, I already knew that my predictions were coming true and just maintained and focused my efforts in coming up with another best finish time for the 15K distance.

To the members of the Team Bald Runner, congratulations on your respective PR best time on the said race. Everybody is getting faster!!!

My Predictions For Tomorrow’s Run

On February 14, 2009February 14, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running4 Comments

I just finished my 30-minute “active recovery” run on the ULTRA Oval Track and along the roads surrounding the track and my mind was busy thinking of the race tomorrow at the MOA Grounds & PICC Area. Based from my experience and observations during the Resolution Challenge 10K Run, I am anticipating that the same experiences will be repeated and I just hope that the race organizers were able to correct their deficiencies in the said run. I am coming up these predictions:

1) More Runners Attending This Race—As this is the only race scheduled for this weekend, I predict that more runners will participate in this road race. More runners means more excitement and fun!

2) Chaos, Confusion, & More “Whiners”—Reviewing the published race route for the 15K & other distance races, a runner will be confused following those arrows along the streets at PICC Complex and MOA Grounds to include some portions of the Macapagal Avenue. If the road organizer will not deploy more road marshalls and signs, I predict that most of the runners will get lost. I encourage the participants to review the route or if not, go to the exact route and conduct a visual “reconnaissance” or run/walk through.

3) Nice Sound System & Emcee—This is what I’ve observed when I ran the Resolution Challenge last month, the “sounds” are tolerable and the Emcee’s voice was pleasing to my ears.

4) Water & Hydration System—There will be water stations along the route but I predict that the water supply will not be enough. So, for those running the 15K race, I suggest you bring your hydration belt aside from the fact that the race will be starting at 6:00AM which I think will be a late start time for the 15K runners.

5) Road Race “Cheaters” or Road Race “Shortcut” Runners—I hate to mention this but I’ve observed that some runners with the “middle group” are making some “shortcuts” at the PICC Complex area. I predict that this thing will happen again as the runners will be doing two loops at the said area. I hope the race organizers will have a way to determine if runners had completed two loops on the said portion of the route.

6) More Ribbons or Straws—I don’t want to count the number of turns a runner would pass on this race. I think the route has more turns than the number of kilometers that each runner will run. I really don’t know how the race organizer will determine if a runner had passed the numerous turns along the route. I am expecting that more straws will be placed on my neck before finishing the 15K race.

7) Runners Competing With Vehicles—Even if the roads will be wide for all the runner, I predict that vehicles plying on these roads will be there competing with the runners. I suggest that runners should be extra careful during the race and be vigilant/observant on their surroundings. This is the very reason why I don’t use my Ipod or MP3 player while running. Macapagal Avenue is a wide road but every runner should be extra careful while running on this road and crossing on its intersections as there are no prescribed speed limits on this road.

8) Accurate Race Distance—I just hope the race organizer had corrected this problem. Anyway, I still predict that the race distance will not be accurate.

9) Record-Breaking PR Road Race—As most of the runners of the Team Bald Runner’s “speed” training and the Hardcores/Power Runners will be participating in this road race, I predict that the students of our “speed” training will be proudly “barking” their new PR best for the 15K race after the race. Guys, I am really proud of you and advance Congratulations! Prepare to treat us for a Jollibee breakfast after the race!!!

To all the runners, Good Luck and Have Fun. Happy Valentine’s Day to Everybody!

“The Audience Is Listening”

On February 11, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running14 Comments

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.

Lessons Learned: 12MN-6AM Run

On February 11, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon8 Comments

Lessons Learned: 12MN-6AM/Midnight To Sunrise Run

1) Sleep Before the Run—I admit I was not able to sleep in the afternoon and early evening of Saturday, although I planned and forced myself to sleep and lie on my bed. But the excitement of running my first midnight to sunrise/6-Hour run made me awake thinking of how I would be able to last the run during the time where I am used to be sleeping and snoring soundly. The last few hours before going to the assembly area were used in thinking all the detailed preparations for the run from the running attire to what I was going to use for my hydration pack and the food to take. It was only in this run where I did not write a list of things to prepare. In almost all my races, I prepare a checklist and have each item checked if it is already in my bag or already worn them on my body.

2) Ultra Running Needs A Lot Of Logistics—For this particular run, I did not bring my support system. I depended much to my hydration pack with water and cash to buy food and other needs in open convenience stores. I was fully concentrated in running that I forgot to take or buy any sports energy drinks and brought along with me my GU ROCTANE sports gel which had been very effective to me in my long runs. After eating a Jollibee Spaghetti & Yam Burger at the 21-Km point, I forgot to drink any sports drinks and just drank water every time I completed two loops of the 4.25K-loop at the MOA grounds. I really appreciate the other runners who brought their own vehicles with their coolers filled with bottled drinks & water and bananas. Guys, thanks for sharing me your “baon”.

3) Slow Start, Strong Finish—I need to discipline myself on this one. I have the tendency to pick up the pace when I am running with somebody on my sides. Norio Tanaka, a Japanese married to a Filipina, is a very fast and strong runner at the age of 61 and he just had his angioplasty last November 2008. Norio had been with me for at least two loops and he ran very strong. Charlie Chua was also strong and the rest of the members of the Team Bald Runner and Power Runners. The presence of these runners made me ran faster to catch up with Ralph and Albert who were steadily maintaining a pace of 5:20 minutes per kilometer. But in the end, my pace became slower as I tried to observe my body and leg muscles if there are any aches, pains, and soreness while running within the 32 to 38 kilometer distance. With 15 minutes remaining before the deadline at 6:00AM, I decided to brisk walk for one loop as my cool-down exercise. Next time, I need to start slow and preserve my energy for more strength on the last phase of an ultra run event. I will let the faster runners get ahead of me with the thought of catching them on the last segment of the run.

4) Running Apparel—I anticipated that the running weather would be cooler and windy at the Seaside area and that was the reason why I wore a NIKE with semi-turtle necked collar & long-sleeved shirt. The shirt kept me warm throughout the run even if it was completely wet and damped with my sweat. I really liked the shirt because it maintained my body temperature and I did not feel any coldness even if the wind would blow towards my body. However, the shirt produced some rashes on my armpits and on the inner parts of my upper arms. I need to apply Body Glide on my upper arms if I will be using this running shirt again. The ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 gave me the much-needed comfort to my feet during the 6-hour run and I did not have any blisters or soreness on my legs.

5) Always Think That This Was Supposed To Be a Group Run—The Midnight To Sunrise Run was supposed to be an easy, slow, practice, and group run. Initially, it was a very relaxing run on our way to Luneta Park and back to Blue Wave where people along the way would be surprised to see us running along Roxas Boulevard. However, when we started running around the MOA grounds, it was already a test of endurance and sometimes, a test of speed among the runners. I am guilty of that kind of tendency of running faster or picking up the pace when running side by side with somebody. Whenever this happens, the strategy in finishing an ultramarathon event is always in jeopardy and I hate this to be happening. This was supposed to be a group run where everybody would be talking and sharing experiences with one another. I hope that such runs would be more time to know more about us and be able to think of ideas for better running performance and plans for our future “crazy” running events.

6) “No Retreat, No Surrender”—Running an ultramarathon event is not an easy walk in the park. Finishing an ultra running event is something you could be proud of because not everybody could run as “crazy” and strong as you are. This is where you will test the limit of your endurance and mental attitude. So, don’t ask yourself, why you are running an ultramarathon event whenever you are preparing for it because the answer of the “why” is that we are all “natural-born runners”. Ben Gaetos mentioned that ultramarathon is running in a “dark world” because of its purity and simplicity as one could imagine a lonely runner treading its way in the middle of a mountain trail or forest in the middle of the night as he/she spends more hours running/walking before reaching his destination. The other point is that running under the heat of the sun will somehow make us darker in complexion. In short, ultra runners don’t “whine”, they just run to fnish the race and have fun!

To: Albert aka Run2Dmoon, I will see to it that I will finally award your “1,000-Km Club” Finisher’s T-shirt the next time we see each other. Due to my excitement to join your workout, I forgot to bring your T-Shirt.

08 Feb ’09: Team BR Performance

On February 10, 2009February 10, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Race Results, RunningLeave a comment

Following were the results of our team performance last Sunday, 08 February ’09:

a. Milo Marathon Subic Elimination (21K):

Cresenciano Sabal, Champion (Time: 1:09:42)

Bernardo Desamito, 2nd Place (Time: 1:10:47)

b. Deltan Run @ UP Campus:

Elmer Sabal, Champion, 10K Open

Michael Embuedo, 2nd Place, 3K Open

c. Deltan Run @ UP

“Ting” Pascual, 5K @ 26:05 (PR Time with 4+ minutes improvement)

d. 12-6 Midnight To Sunrise Run with Albert aka Run2Dmoon

All members of Team Bald Runner finished the 6-hour run.

(See previous post on Mignight To Sunrise Run)

Advise From The Expert: Ultramarathon 101

On February 9, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running3 Comments

To my readers and participants in the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race to be held on 05 April 2009, I am posting the comment of Ben Gaetos, a Pinoy Ultramarathoner based in Los Angeles, who joined us in our 12-6 “Midnight To Sunrise” Run last Sunday.

Greetings to all,
I had a blast running with all of you. I arrived Friday night and still getting my body to adjust. Shazam…found Run2DMoon run. It’s nice to know that ultramarathon has arrived in the Phils. I was thrilled all the way talking/running with everyone. You’re all on the right track. It’s not the distance that would kill you, it’s the pace that kills. My strategy has always been to start slow (even start my walk early), then slowly pick up my pace. I also try to divide the distance of the ultra race in 10K segments and finish the race 10K at a time. Ultra is 2/3 physical. The other 1/3 is purely mental toughness. Expect down times. Your mental prep will get you overcome this. Just remember once you enter the dark world of ultras, it would be on your veins forever. It’s difficult but the feeling is priceless at the finish line.

Ben

Ben, thanks for the comment/”tips” and we hope to see you again soon. You are invited to join us for the 52K “test run” on February 22 which will start in Balanga, Bataan. It will be nice for the participants to hear some “tips”, advise and experiences from you before we finally start the run.

(Note: Details of the 52K “test run” will be posted in this blog soon)

08 Feb ’09: Midnight To Sunrise Run

On February 8, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon12 Comments

This run was really for the hardcores and “crazy runners”. This was my first time to exprience this kind of running from midnight to sunrise and this event had brought us to another level of running experience.

Albert aka Run2Dmoon (http://run2dmoon.wordpress.com) had invited the participants of the 2009 Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race for a Midnight To Sunrise Run/6-Hour Run for the past weeks at the MOA-PICC-Luneta and Back Loop. The Hardcores missed the first scheduled run as the group had a “runabout” from UP Campus to Antipolo and back. So, the next scheduled practice run of Albert for the midnight run was fully attended by the registered participants of Bataan 102K and “guests” from across the seas.

As scheduled, the participants were already at the Blue Wave along Macapagal Avenue at 11:30 PM last night. I observed that the hardcores were punctual this time even if Jerry aka High Altitude had to come all the way from Silang, Cavite. The companions of Albert in last week’s Midnight Run were already at the assembly place. For the first time, I met Norio Tanaka, a 61-year old Japanese runner, who had been a permanent resident in the country for the past 10 years and married to a Filipina. Runner Rollie, who came from Tagaytay, was also there. The CAMANAVA Runners, Atty Jeffrey Abenina and Francisco Lapira Jr were there ready to run at least 10X around the loop. And for the first time, I met in person, Albert aka Run2Dmoon, the author and host for the said run. Kim O’Connell and Coach Jo-Ar were also there complete with their support vehicle. Of course, you would not miss the Hardcores/Team Bald Runners & Power Runners led by Jonel aka Bugobugo85 who had been always present in our past “runabouts”.

Of all surprises, my Pinoy Ultramarathon Trail runner friend, Ben Gaetos was also there ready to join us for the said run. Ben Gaetos and his wife just arrived last Friday evening from Los Angeles, California and with only two hours of sleep, he was with us for the 6-hour run. This guy is really “hardcore” par excellence! Just imagine how this guy (51 years old) finished the famous and challenging 100-Mile Angeles Crest Endurance Trail Run last September 2008 in 30 hours! (with 3 hours more to spare for the 33 hours cut-off time). The Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Trail Run is one of the four “Westerm Slam” ultramarathon trail running events in the USA.

After a briefing from Albert and myself, we started the run at exactly midnight. From Blue Wave, we ran along Macapagal Avenue towards the PICC area, passing at the Film Center Building, Sofitel Hotel, Coconut House, Folk Arts Theater, CCP and towards Roxas Boulevard. At Roxas Boulevard, we passed by Baywalk and the US Embassy Area. We turned left to Quirino Grandstand at Kalaw Street and passed infront of Manila Hotel and waited for the slower runners at Km Post #0. After some photo-ops, we were back to our run towards Manila Hotel-Quirino Grandstand and back along the Roxas Boulevard. After running a distance of 13+ kilometers, we were back at the place where we started, Blue Wave.

After a few minutes of replenishing our water in our hydration packs, we decided to run along the MOA Grounds. At first, Albert led the group with what he calls the C-loop covering the perimeter roads of the MOA. The said C-loop had a distance of 7+ kilometers and after running through it, my GF 305 registered a distance of 20+ kilometers. After running 20K, we decided to have our first “pit stop” and ate spaghetti & yam burger at Jollibee. After our food & water stop, we were back on the road and ran along a loop at the MOA grounds which has a distance of 3.85 kilometers. At this point, I missed counting the number of rounds on this loop as my mind was focused in finishing at least 42 kilometers for the run.

Two of our hardcore runners, Dr Joe aka The Loony Runner and George Dolores aka The Talkative Runner, joined us while we had our first C-loop run at the MOA grounds. All in all, there were 23 participants in this Midnight To Sunrise Run.

Jose Mari Javier & Charlie Chua of Team Bald Runner, Tanaka, Raffy, Albert, Ben Gaetos, Rick Cabusao and the CAMANAVA runners were with me during the early rounds but they later increased their pace and went ahead running along the said loop. As we got nearer to our 6:00 AM deadline, we were also nearing our goal of finishing 42K. With only few minutes left before the deadline time, I decided to walk along the loop for my cool-down until we were back to where we started. I was able to finish (by running & brisk walking) a distance of 46+ kilometers with an average page of 6:30 minutes per kilometer. All of us did not complain of any “cramps” during the run which was a good sign that we could last for more kilometers after running six hours.

Ben Gaetos Giving An Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Trail Run Finisher's T-Shirt

To all the participants in this run and to Albert, thanks for the company and the invitation. Congratulations for a good and fufilling run! Guys, if we were able to run at least 45 kilometers for the past 6 hours, I am assuming that we could also finish another 45 kilometers in 7-8 hours! This means that you need to finish the remaining 12 kilometers in less than 4 hours in order to finish the 2009 Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race within the cut-off time of 18 hours. To Kevin and Anne, thanks also for being the “official photographer” of the group.

To Ben Gaetos, thanks for the “gifts”, most especially to the 100-Mile Angeles Crest Endurance Run T-Shirt. This morning, you met the future ultramarathon runners in the country and I am sure some of these runners will be joining the ultra trail events in the USA in the future. These guys consider a marathon race as their “snacks” and I could see in their eyes for more running challenges and ultra run adventures in the future. We look at you as our “inspiration” in ultramarathon running. See you on the Bataan 52K “test run” on 22 February 2009 in Balanga, Bataan. Enjoy your stay in the country!

As I’ve Promised…

On February 6, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Running9 Comments

As I’ve promised on my answers to the different comments of my readers regarding the availability of a Tarpaulin Signage to remind the runners, joggers and walkers using the ULTRA Oval Track, I am showing on this post the pictures of the signage. I think there is no need to explain about the following pictures. I would like to take this opportunity to thank QuickSilver Running for the suggested idea. Also, to those who commented positively and negatively for my actuation as the “oval track marshall” sometime this week, thanks for your comments and I got your “message” and hope that you got my “message”, too!

Two More of This Signage Had Been Ordered To Be Placed On The Entrance To The Oval

Coach Salazar Will Be Responsible In Displaying This Signage

Ting, GiGi, Maj Ferdie Espejo & Coach Titus With The Signage

Once the two other signages will be available, they will be officially donated and turned-over to the caretaker/administrator of the ULTRA Oval Track.

To: Pinoy Runners of SC Hongkong Marathon

On February 6, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Running, TravelLeave a comment

My best wishes to those runners who are leaving today and to those who will participate in this Sunday’s Standard Chartered Hongkong Marathon. If you are leaving today, find time to see and if possible, trace the route of the marathon. I’ve posted so many articles on the things you should do before, during, and after a marathon race and I hope you have reviewed them.

Depending on your preparation and level of competency in running, stick to your race strategy and try to finish hard. Victoria Peak is waiting for you! Good luck & Happy trip!

P.S. As you are about to start your marathon race, your hardcore running friends here in Manila have just finished their 6-Hour Midnight To Sunrise Run.

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