Response: 1st BDM102 Request For Support

On September 18, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon18 Comments

Months and weeks before the conduct of the first BDM 102, I sent letters of request for support to almost everybody in the government, most especially to politicians whom I know, could support such a sports endeavor. Not one of the politicians gave me a positive response on my request. The Philippine Sports Commission which I depended to be supportive in any sports development gave me a negative response. At least, the PSC gave me a letter of response indicating that they don’t have any budget for the said request. Guys, I am not asking for hundreds of thousands or millions of pesos for this event, I just wanted a “token” for the additional support for the Aid Stations along the route.

Actually, these letters that I’ve sent to these personalities were just a “test” on how far can they support a sports event that commemorates a celebrated part in the history to honor our heroes who fought for freedom and democracy that we enjoy right now. Most of the “politicians”/Senators did not send any letter of response but a number of them sent a written negative response on the said request. Unfortunately, I received the following letters from them.

On the brighter side, one of the politicians whom I know personally gave me P 5,000 as support, five (5) weeks after the conduct of the race. The support was too late, however, I immediately contributed the said money to the Charity to help the hundreds of families affected due to a typhoon in Cagayan Valley on that very week that I received the money.

As for the other politicians who, most of them are running for the highest political position of the land next year, they did not answer those daily calls for us to follow-up our request and some of them whom we talked would tell us that they could not support our event. So, these politicians did not pass our “test”. They are only good for their “soundbytes”, “appearances” and “pronouncements” that they support sports up to the point that you see them and read their news releases printed on the broadsheets. I hope and pray that these “presidentiables & vice-presidentiables” will not win in the next election and for the other “politicians” not to be able to be re-elected in their positions.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Response To Rquest — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Response To Request

Department of Tourism's Letter of Response

Senator Panfilo Lacson's Letter of Response

In one of the posts I’ve read in the Internet, I came up with the following allegations about how much “these politicians” would receive during their stint in their positions. Based from the “source”, these allegations could be true!

GUSTO KONG MAGING SENADOR NG PILIPINAS

ANG SARAP MAGING SENADOR!

Miriam Defensor Santiago was featured in Correspondents last week.

Maganda rin naman ang naidudulot ng pagiging prangka ni Senador Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Ayon kay Santiago , marami ang tumatak-bong Senador dahil sa laki ng budget na ibinibigay sa kanila kada buwan.

Lumalabas na P35,000 suweldo nila kada buwan ay pakitang-tao lang sa milyun-milyong budget ng bawat senador. Kada buwan ay may Fixed Monthly Budget ang bawat Senador ng humigit-kumulang P2 Milyon.

Sa opisina pa lang nila ay humigit-kumulang P500,000 ang budget nila sa Maintenance and Operating Expenses (Rental, Utilities, Supplies at Domestic Travels) at P500,000 para sa Staff at Personal expenses. Kaya para makatipid ang ibang Senador, kaunti lang ang staff na kinukuha nila. Nagtataka ka pa kung bakit mayroong mga Ghost Employee?

Bukod diyan, may P760,000 allowance pa sila kada buwan para naman sa Foreign Travel. At ang masakit pa nito, hindi na kailngan i-liquidate ang mga resibo ng mga gastusin ‘yan kundi Certification lang ang Requirement.

Heto pa, lahat sila ay Chairman ng mg Komite sa Senado. Ang Committee Chairman ay tumatanggap din ng budget na sinlaki ng tinatanggap ng mga Senador na humigit-kumulang P1 Milyon din! Hindi sila mawawalan ng Komite dahil 24 lang ang ating mga Senador at 37 naman ang Committee sa Senado. There’s food for everybody ‘ika nga! Lumalabas na doble ang kanilang benepesiyo at kita kapag sila ay nabiyayaan ng Committee Chairmanship.

Sa P200 milyon na Budget para sa Pork Barrel ng mga Senador bawat taon, awtomatikong may 10% na S.O.P. o kita ng Senador na P20 milyon. Ito ang porsiyento na ibinibigay ng mga kontratista sa mga Senador na nagbibigay sa kanila ng mga Infrastructure at Livelihood Project.

Bago matapos ang termino ng isang Senador, kumita na siya ng P100 milyon sa Pork Barrel pa lang. Yung ibang Senador mas gahaman, hindi lang 10% kundi 20 – 30% ang komisyon hinihingi sa mga kontratista.

Pansinin niyo na lang ang pagbabago ng buhay ng ilan sa ating mga Senador simula nang manungkulan sa puwesto. Kung dati ay simple lang ang kanilang pamumuhay ngayon ay nakatira na sila sa mga eksklusibong subdivision, maraming bahay sa Pilipinas at abroad at mahigit lima ang sasakyan.

Ngayon nagtataka ka pa ba kung bakit gumagastos ng daan-daang milyong piso ang mga Senador sa kampanya para sa isang posisyon na P35,000 lang ang suweldo kada buwan? Bawing-bawi pala ang gastos kapag naupo na!

ANG SARAP MAGING SENADOR! ! !

I wonder how much is the budget for a Cabinet Secretary or in a Department under the Executive Branch of the Government.

“Bakit kaya hindi nila maisipan na magdagdag ng Cabinet Position para sa Department of Youth and Sports Development (or Excellence) para mawala at palitan na ang Philippine Sports Commission?”

For next year’s edition of BDM 102, we will never send any letter of request to these sports institutions and “politicians”. We will try to seek support from the private and corporate sector this time and from the “usual friends” who have the “heart” to support us and who believe in our advocacy.

Water Station, Any Questions?

On September 16, 2009September 17, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Running4 Comments

This is how long a typical water station during the 2009 Los Angeles Marathon. This was supposed to accommodate 12,000 runners for the Marathon distance. If there are 5,000-6,000 registered runners for the Marathon and other side-event races, then, at least, one half of this water station would be a typical water station for our Road Races in the country.

The following pictures were linked by Ultrarunner Rick Gaston as part of the many Water Stations for the annual NIKE Women’s Marathon held in San Francisco where he is the Captain (In-Charge) in these Water Stations on the Mile-17 & 25. Thanks Rick for the pictures!

NIKE Marathon Water Station (Courstesy of Rick Gaston) — NIKE Marathon Water Station (Courtesy of Rick Gaston)

Another View of a Water Station in a Marathon Race (Courtesy of Rick Gaston) — Another View of a Water Station in the NIKE Women's Marathon Race (Courtesy of Rick Gaston)

A Well-Stocked Water Station (Courtesy of Rick Gaston) — A Well-Stocked Water & Gatorade Station (Courtesy of Rick Gaston)

Any questions?

SMART Subic International Marathon ’09

On September 15, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Races, Running31 Comments

The following are the reasons why I am going to join the 2nd Subic International Marathon where SMART is the Major Sponsor of this running event:

1) Location of the Route—If you want a variety of running route in your Marathon running experience, then the route of the SMART Subic International Marathon is the best! The new SCTEX’s Floridablanca’s Exit/Entry will be the starting area and the finish line is located at the Remy Field’s Oval Track, inside the Subic Freeport. This is a chance to leave Metro Manila for awhile in order to change your running environment. As compared to the route in last year’s Marathon Race, this year’s route is more pleasing and better for the runners, most especially to those who are intending to finish their first Marathon Race.

SCTEX Pictures (Courtesy of bittersweet@www.bittersweetdamsel.blogspot.com)

2) Pollution-Free—Unlike in Marathon Races held in Metro Manila, the SMART SIM offers a race route that is free from pollution—air and noise pollution. The route is devoid of heavy traffic of vehicles, no buildings, no populated areas, and no distractions. No crazy or yelling drivers at you while you are running. No intersections and no pedestrians! Everything that you see around you along the route is the long asphalted road infront of you; the rice fields seen on both sides of the Expressway; hills and mountains on your front and right side and sometimes on your left side when the highway cuts through a hill.

3) Running Surface—The expressway is made of asphalt which a softer and more forgiving surface for our running legs than the concrete-paved roads. Runners would not notice it but the running surface in a marathon race gives a big factor on how our running legs perform in a long distance road race. However, since the cross-section view of the highway is curved on its edges, it is advisable for the runners to shift to the more level part of the highway. I am sure I will be running along that white paint protion on the edge of the road because it is softer than the asphalt.

4) Time of the Race—The race starts at 4:00PM which I think will be the first full Marathon Race to be held on such time of the day in the history of Road Racing in the country. The North Star 10K Run in Laoag City & Paoay, Ilocos Norte is the only Road Race then that starts at 4:00PM on the 3rd Saturday of December. I am sure the sun is still on the west horizon and about to set. This is the time when the heat of the asphalt road and the cooler air that is brought by the setting of the sun would meet. It is expected that the temperature and humudity will still be high but this will be compensated with winds/breeze coming from the mountains and the rice fields. Runners would have a chance and expect to see the sunset on the horizon while running which in contrast with the usual morning road races that we join in Metro Manila.

5) Registration Fee is Cheap!—As compared to the other Marathon Races, this race is very cheap and the singlet that goes with it is nice and of good quality. This is one of the few Marathon Races where you can have your Race Packet (with singlet) given to you once you submit your registration form.

6) Prizes Are Very Attractive—For the elite and international runners, the prizes at stake are very attractive and SMART has really invested in this Marathon Race for the promotion of long distance running competition in the country. Hopefully, this race will put the Philippines in the map of world’s famous marathon races. This race will also promote Sports Tourism for the country.

7) Race/Event Organizer & Race Director—Without a doubt, the people behind this race are very responsive to suggestion and/or comments from runners. In short, they are considered “professionals” in the world of road racing events. Adi De Los Reyes and his team had been in the sports corporate and events management for years and he had conceptualized a lot of ideas for the running community. Chief Superintendent Samuel Tucay of PNP who just retired few months ago is also a seasoned marathon runner, a friend, will be the Race Director for the said event. Actually, the Subic International Marathon is the “brainchild” of C/Supt Samuel Tucay and he maintained to be the Race Director since last year’s edition.

SMART 2nd Subic International Marathon Poster

8) Advocacy of the Event—While C/Supt Samuel Tucay was the Chief of the PNP’s Training and Education Command based in Subic Freeport, he advocated the adherence to running to all PNP personnel who are considered as “scalawags” in the service as they were transformed from “bad eggs” to “good models of policemen” in his Command. C/Supt Tucay was very successful in his program and later adopted such program for the whole PNP and to the different regions. It is through running and adherence to physical activity that anybody could be transformed into a “productive” individual to the community.

9) Dedication to My Bereaved Mom—I joined this Subic International Marathon last year but I was registered for the Half-Marathon as part of my training for the 2008 Pasig River Heritage Marathon. It was January 20, 2008. I will never forget this date as few hours after I finished the race, I got the news from my youngest sister that my Mom died after eating her lunch. She was 82 years old and she died due to cancer. Since then, I made a promise to myself to run the Subic International Marathon annually as a dedication and tribute to my Mom.

10) My Picture On My Blog’s Title—Yes, that picture on top in my blog’s Home Page Title was taken while I was running the 1st Subic International Marathon. I never changed my Blog’s Presentation/Theme with the said picture for the past year & months. So, every time I see my blog, the Subic International Marathon is always recalled and remembered. By the way, I don’t intend to change the Presentation/Theme & such picture on the title of this blog and that is what I call “Consistency”!

And lastly, I am a loyal subscriber of SMART since 2000 and I never changed my cellphone number!!! That’s another example of “Consistency”!

Good Luck on your training and See you at the Starting Line!

(Note: For particulars, visit www.subicinternationalmarathon.com)

Ben Gaetos & Project Donate A Shoe

On September 14, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Running, Running Shoes2 Comments

Ben Gaetos, an ultra runner friend from Los Angeles, California sent me a Balaikbayan Box full of used donated shoes from his ultrarunning friends in California. I received the said box last Friday and it contained 34 pairs of running shoes.

Thanks again, Ben! Hopefully, these shoes will be given to our less-fortunate runners on the day of MILO Marathon Finals which will start and end at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park on October 11, 2009.

Filled With Neatly-Packed 34 Pairs of Running Shoes

34 Pairs of Running Shoes Displayed On The Floor

Ayala Malls’ Eco Dash 21K Race

On September 13, 2009September 13, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Half-Marathon, Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running18 Comments

My rule of thumb in selecting a road race to join when there are two or more road races in a particular day is to select the road race with the farthest distance! So, I’ve chosen the Eco Dash: The Ayala Malls Environment 21K Run as my race run early this morning.

I was already at the starting area 15 minutes before 5:00 AM (the scheduled start of the 21 K race) and I was hoping that the 21K race will start on time. However, the 21K runners are not yet in the corral/starting area and I knew already that the race will start later than the time it was scheduled. While waiting before going to the corral, I did a short stretching and slow jogging drills just to warm up my body as it was raining. I was able to see familiar faces who are “die-hard” and “hardcore” runners belonging to the MASTERS group and from the younger ones. I had a brief chat with the HING’S Running Club, the Hardcore Group, the takbo.ph group, the MASTERS runners who joined last week’s 15K race in Camp Aguinaldo, my brother General Samie with Babette & nephew Lemuel; Sir Amado aka Reinier6666, and the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner. Simple words/statement of guidance and encouragement to my elite runners before the start of the race had always been a part of my ritual to boost their morale.

At The Starting Line With Elite Team BR's Rene Desuyo

The race started at 5:30 AM after 3 “demonstrators” conducted a simple stretching exercises infront of the runners with the beat of music at the background. And all of a sudden while I was talking to my Elite Runner Rene Desuyo, I just heard the sound of the starting gun and we were off.

My race strategy was to maintain an even pace of 5:00 mins per kilometer or faster and “attack” the uphill climbs at the Kalayaan Flyover and Bayani Road with “surges” or “fartlek” runs with 1-minute duration which I repeat until I reach the top. I usually count my strides as my left foot strikes the ground up to 90 or 100 and repeat the process by counting back to 1. I usually do these “surges” and “fartleks” when I want to overtake and pass someone who is a faster runner infront or beside me. This is a good technique which anybody could do to improve their time and performance in road racing.

On the first 2 kilometers of the race, the runners’ distance with one another stretched out and I was happy to maintain my average pace at 5:00 mpk with ample space on the road but a “newbie” runner kept on making “surges” on me and made criss-cross cutting on my lane/direction as he overtook me for so many times before we reached the Kalayaan Flyover. I did not mind him and continued with my pace but as soon as we hit the uphill climb, he slowed down and did not bother me anymore.

The rain kept on pouring and the road was full of flowing water and some areas were with “potholes” but the runners were not deterred from the adverse condition but for me, it was very comforting that I felt refreshed with the cold rain and seemingly fresh air. I really appreciate the presence of so many water stations and Gatorade Stations along the route and I observed that our Race Organizers had improved on this but I still have to wish the presence of longer tables for these water stations in future races.

I enjoyed running along the wide streets of Makati Business District—Paseo De Roxas; Makati Avenue; up to the turn-around beside the Shang-rila Makati Hotel, without any vehicles. The road marshals were very efficient in controlling the vehicles in all the crossing/intersections. I was running alone while I was running along those wide streets.

On my way back at the Kalayaan Flyover, I met the bigger group of the 10K runners and I had to take a limited space at the right side of the road and I was hearing a lot of greetings from the runners I met on this part of the route. Despite the blurred images of runners I saw through my peripheral vision, a simple wave or “high-five” to these runners was enough to acknowledge their greetings. Thanks, guys! Your greetings kept me running at a faster pace!

Turning Right At Rizal Drive After Coming From Kalayaan Flyover

As I turned right at Rizal Drive (the street along the old Jollibee and McDonald at The Fort), I saw a lot or 3K & 5K runners & walkers who filled the whole street and I could not see the 21K runners ahead of me! Knowing the route for the 21K race, I kept on passing and weaving through the slower runners until I reached 5th Avenue. Once I turned right on this street, I saw that the 21K runners infront of me had gained so much distance from me and I started to “surge” on the uphill portion until I reached the McKinley Road. As I reached Lawton Avenue, I was able to pass more runners and I was surprised that almost all the HING’S runners were infront of me. These MASTERS runners are really good and fast runners! I think their Ice Cream & Ice Buko and other Ice Candies mixed with Ice Cold Beer is their “secret” in running and road racing!

Running along Lawton Avenue up to the end of Bayani Road-C5 turnaround was a lonely one but I kept on looking on my watch just to be sure that I kept my average pace and I observed that I became slower when I attacked the uphill climbs at the Bayani Road by 10 seconds. However, I made sure to pick-up my pace when I reach the downhill/plain portion of the road. More “surges” or “fartleks” along the way and more counting mentally until I was back at The Fort area and up to the Finish Line.

For the last 4 kilometers, my GF 305 registered an average pace of 4:35 minutes per kilometer, a pace faster than my 5K average pace at the Mommy Milkshake last week, and I found out that I have more strength left after completing the race. I finished the 21.06K distance in 1:45: 25 hours, registering an average pace of 5:00 minutes per kilometer based from my GF 305 watch.

After a brief rest to drink two cups of water and some “photo-ops”, I ran another 3.6 kilometers around the BHS loop and extending the distance up to 5th Avenue as my “cool-down” run. It was nice to know and witness the awarding of the members of the Elite Bald Runner as Champions in the Men’s & Women’s Champions in the 21K Race ( Rene Desuyo & Anna Vargas) and Champion in the 10K Race (Jujet De Asis).

I am satisfied with the result of my run in this race. Based from my previous post on how to predict finish time for the Marathon Race, my finish time for this Half-Marathon (after adjustments) could, hopefully, give me a finish time of sub-3:45 hours.

See you in next week’s Half-Marathon Race!

ST Microelectronics’ Running Clinic

On September 12, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program2 Comments

Maia Lazo is an avid runner from the ST Microelectronics. Her office is located in Calamba City and started to send me e-mail messages if I could conduct a Running Clinic in their office in time for the General Assembly of a running club in their office/plant which was created few months ago. We agreed on a schedule where the running lecture and the demonstration/practical portion will be done in one meeting/session.

The running clinic was scheduled on 28 August, Friday, at 5:30 PM as part of the General Assembly of the said running club. This was our 10th edition of our Running Clinic to a corporate company ever since we started this program.

I brought my two Coaches and top runners of the Elite Team Bald Runner as part of the running clinic team as we left Manila at 3:30 PM. A two-hour travel time was enough to anticipate the bad weather prevailing at that time and the traffic along the SLEX and we arrived at the premises of the plant on time. Another 30 minutes were devoted to security protocols imposed on us by the Security Guards/personnel of the establishment ranging from AN1H1 medical check , photo scan, ID check, and camera inspection. The security personnel did not allow to bring with us our digital cameras to the venue of the running clinic. That’s how strict and tight the security protocol of this place.

We understand such protocols most especially to such plants/offices which have high standards in cleanliness and the sensitivity of the operations involved in the place. We did not expect that the running club members almost filled the big room which served as our venue. In my estimate, there were almost 60 runner-employees in the audience. It was really a big audience as compared to our past running clinics.

Maia Lazo acted as the Moderator & Emcee of the General Assembly and the activity started with a slideshow presentation of the pictures taken during the club’s daily runs and participation in weekend road races in Metro Manila. The highlight of the presentation was the pictures of its members who joined the Kenny Roger’s Urbanite Run at The Fort. One of the members talked to the audience about his experience during the said race. In short, these runners had fun and enjoyed the experience of joining the said race.

Due to the limited time, I was immediately introduced and I was able to deliver my brief lecture without the aid of a Powerpoint presentation with emphasis on the Basics; “Tips”; and Principles involved in training for Running. It was followed by demonstration on the technical aspects of running with the members of the Elite Team Bald Runners as the demonstrators. Stretching Exercises; Running Drills; Running Form; Forefoot/Midfoot Strike; and Training “tips” were presented and delivered by Coaches Titus Salazar and Rey Antoque. More information were imparted to the audience during the Open Forum where we answered their written questions and concerns. Other topics discussed were about running injuries, sports nutrition, selection of running shoes; and running/training programs for the marathon and lesser distance runs.

STREAK (ST Running Club) & Elite Team Bald Runner

The picture above only showed one-half of the audience during the running clinic as most of them left after they finished their dinner.

The running clinic and demonstration/practical exercises will surely give better training and preparation for these runners and for sure, most of them will be competitive in the races they will join in the future. For a company located outside Metro Manila to organize a running club is a good sign that running has been slowly spreading as a form of adhering to a healthy and active lifestyle. I always emphasize to my audience that the human body needs to exercise and bring out the sweat so that we can develop a stronger body that could resist diseases and illness.

To Maia Lazo and to the members of the STREAK, thank you very much for supporting my advocacies. Despite the 3-hour traffic along the SLEX on our way back to Metro Manila, our experience and sharing you our knowledge on running gave us the opportunity to know more of the active running clubs outside Metro Manila.

Mommy Milkshake 5K Run

On September 12, 2009 By kingofpotsIn RunningLeave a comment

The members of the Elite Team Bald Runner usually meet regularly in a formal meeting together with their Coaches and myself after lunch after a Road Race during Sundays. The other meeting for the week is usually held after our Thursday morning long runs (20-km+ runs). In these meetings, we discuss each member’s training and progress towards a certain race and we also discuss where the members would race, making sure that the top 3 slots will be taken by its members. In one of the meetings, we decided to run the 3rd Mommy Milkshake because it was FREE and we have one of our uniform/T-shirts colored pink/fuschia, the required color of the runner’s apparel for those joining this race.

For the first weekend of this month of September, there was only one road race where the members would race and it was the 3rd Mommy Milkshake Run as the next day’s race would be our 1st MASTERS 15K Run where we are the Race Event Organizer. And so, the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner and Coaches were 100% present in this run. This race was supposed to be a “test run” for me in order to find out if I can run faster and improve my average pace for such distance.

What I liked about this race was the simplicity and the “relax” mood among the runners. Almost all the runners knew each other and there were lots of conversation and “photo-ops”. The atmosphere was very relaxed and I had time to make a prelimary run around the BHS loop prior to the start of the race. Due to slight rains and cool weather, I did not notice that I was able to run a distance of 6 kilometers.

BR, Lester, Mari, Jonel Before the Halfway Mark (Photo Courtesy of The Bull Runner)

At the start of the race, I was in the company of the Hardcores led by Jonel aka Bugobugo85 and Lester. Our pace was slow on the first half of the 5K and we agreed to increase our pace on the last half. However, it appeared that we were running at an average pace of 5:13 mpk on the 1st kilometer and later increasing to 4:58 mpk. Before we reached the halfway mark, the Hardcores just increased their pace and slowly left me for good. I was already registering an average pace of 4:30 mpk on the last two kilometers but the guys infront of me kept on going fast and gaining some distance away from me. Finally, I reached the finish line with a time of 23:32 minutes with an average pace of 4:45 minutes per km. I was satisfied with the result of this run and I knew my speed and tempo runs in my workouts were leading to something.

Fuschia-Pink Shirt with Pink Bandana For Mommy Milkshake (Photo Courtesy of Ivy Macainan)

Where can you find a road race without a registration fee and each runner was served with a “healthy” food (sandwiches, DOLE ripe banana, & fruit juice) after the race? And more “freebies” were given in bags to every runner! I think I got a bag full of Nivea products and bottles of mineral water. As this was my first time to join this event, I really appreciate the preparation and the dedication that the Race Organizer had to put in in this kind of event in order to promote running and its advocacy. How I wished I knew the details of what Mommy Milkshake stands for. The race was fun and we enjoyed the camaraderie among the runners.

2nd Running Clinic @ HP

On September 10, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Pictures, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program4 Comments

This was the 2nd time that Hewlett-Packard requested me to conduct a lecture to its employees on the basics and principle of training in running. This was the 9th occassion that the Team Bald Runner conducted a running clinic. This time, the lecture was conducted at the HP Branch at the San Miguel Corporation Properties Building in Mandaluyong last 25 August 2009 after office hours through the invitation of Celyn Trinidad of HP.

Lecture at HP, San Miguel Properties Branch

The lecture was attended by 6-7 personnel of HP and the lecture lasted for 1 1/2 hours which was followed by an Open Forum. The questions of the participants were answered by Coach Titus Salazar and myself.

My personal thanks to Celyn for taking the extra effort and time in allowing us to spread our advocacy in running through our lectures/clinics.

Predicting Your Finish Time

On September 9, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Half-Marathon, Race Results, Runners' Training, Running5 Comments

To predict your finish time for the 10K Race using your 5K finish time, you have to multiply your 5K finish time by 2 and add 1 1/2 minutes. Example: If your 5K finish time is 25 minutes, then your predicted finish time for your 10K Race is 51:30 minutes.

To predict your finish time for the Marathon using your Half-Marathon finish time, you have to multiply your Half-Marathon finish time by 2 and add 10 minutes. Example: If your Half-Marathon finish time is 1:45:00 hours, then your predicted finish time for the Marathon is 3:40:00 hours.

To predict your finish time for the Marathon using your 10K finish time, you have to multiply your 10K finish time by 5. Example: If your 10K Race finish time is 50 minutes, then your predicted finish time for the Marathon is 4:10:00 hours

(Source: The Competitive Runner’s Handbook by Bob Glover & Shelly-lynn Florence Glover)

Race Organizer’s Report: 1st MASTERS 15K Run

On September 8, 2009September 9, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running14 Comments

Don’t be surprised again, as I am the only Race Organizer who is doing or submitting a Race Organizer’s Report to its runner-participants and readers of this running blog. This is my 2nd Race Organizer’s Report as the 1st BDM 102 Race was the first time I made such report about my insights and observations after the conduct of such event.

It is worthy to mention the reasons why I came to organize a run for the MASTERS. The first reason was the presence of at least 15 cases of assorted beer donated by the Hardcore Runners led by Jonel aka Bugobugo85 which was supposed to be intended to be used for the participants in the GLOBE’s Run For Home 21K Race as part of one of the Water Stations but the Race Organizer did not give me a feedback after verbally asking him of the possibility of putting up a Beer Station along the route of the race. It started to play in my mind that the MASTERS runners would be the appropriate runners to drink the said beer after a race exclusively for them, I mean, for us!

The second reason was to expose a better running environment to runners devoid of vehicular traffic and pollution. The third reason was the interest of the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner to assist in the conduct of a race for the MASTERS. And the last reason, the presence of of friends and supporters who believe in our advocacy to promote running to everybody.

After getting the commitment of support from Mr Amado Castro, Jr aka Reinier6666 for the payment of the Digital Clock/Timer from PATAFA amounting to P 5,000 + P 1,000 for the operator, the race was published in my blog and the implementation of the race had started. It took me and my staff/elite Team Bald Runner to prepare all the works and coordination needed for a period of less than a month, to be exact, in 26 days!

After I posted this race in my blog, a friend of mine who remains not to be identified and a regular visitor of this blog, called me and offered an amount of P 5,000 as support for the said race and the money was used to purchase the Winners’ Medals we ordered from BERNAL Engravers, Inc.

After the BOTAK’s 10-Mile Race at UP iliman Campus, Ultrarunner Francisco Lapira, Jr aka Isko introduced to me a couple, Carrey and Eugene, and they told me that they will be donating the Gatorade Drinks for the race. Two days before the race, Carrey was kind enough to give us 75 bottles of 1.5-Liter Gatorade Drinks!

During one of our “speed” training workouts at ULTRA, Tin Ferrera, one of our students, voluntarily offered us 20 containers of 5-Gallon Mineral Water for the said race.

In one of the comments posted by runner Gregorio Ocampo in my blog, his running group, HING’s Running Club, had offered ice-tubes and beer in cans for the said race. But in reality, just before the start of the race, the whole running club brought with them lots of Ice Buko, Ice Mango, Ice Ube, Ice Cream, & Popsicle aside from the ice-tubes and beer in cans!

Friends of BR, like Randy San Miguel gave me a Cash Support of P 1,000 and runner Rayabe handed me also P 300. Guys, even if I did not mention you in my previous post in thanking the other supporters, you had been a great help in this race.

I am not being corny and cute here but I want to be transparent on how we accounted for the support and the registration fees intended for the said race. And here were the expenses incurred:

Water Cups———————————————P 660.00

Race Bibs Material———————————— 500.00

Race Bibs’ Printing———————————— 1,240.00

Permanent Ink Pens———————————- 155.00

Ropes————————————————— 800.00

Tarpaulins——————————————— 2,100.00

Trash Bags——————————————— 400.00

Pack Meal For Race Marshals———————- 1,500.00

Certificates——————————————– 500.00

Brown Envelops————————————– 400.00

Water Pitchers—————————————- 150.00

Safety Pins——————————————— 240.00

Bond Papers for Registration Forms/Route/Etc- 700.00

Gasoline———————————————— 600.00

Expenses For Rehearsals/”Dry Run”————— 500.00

Taxi Fare For Clock’s Operator———————- 400.00

TOTAL EXPENSES————————————P 10,845.00

From our Cash Collections from Donors/Supporters and Registration Fees, Mr Castro’s contribution went to PATAFA’s Timer & Operator and the P 5,000 donation from a friend was used for the Medals. We had a collection of P 12,100 from Registration Fees and other Cash Donations. By the way, the registration fee for this race was P 100.00 without any singlet.

The bottomline? We earned P 1,195.00 on the said race. Good enough to support the training for the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner. We were able to save for any payment for the permit to use a running venue; we did not pay any fee to the road marshals & security/safety to our vehicles; we did not pay for the rent of a generator & Public Address System; no paid EMCEES and entertainers; no paid ambulance; and no insurance fees! A lot of savings as compared doing a race in other venues!

But what is most important are the “intangibles” that we earned in this race. We earned a lot of friendships; a lot of fun; a lot of stories; a lot of experiences; and a lot of opportunities for our future endeavors. And most of all, we earned the reputation of not postponing our scheduled race even in the middle of an inclement weather. And of course, the beer will always be there with the support of the Hardcores and BDM 102 ultrarunners!

Now, let me challenge those other Race Organizers to open their accounts and show to the running community where our registration fees are going and how much they are earning from the races we join.

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