First Day

On February 9, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Running, Ultramarathon13 Comments

1. Today is the first day of my “adventure run” from Manila to Baguio City. I started at Km Post #10, which almost one kilometer away from the Bonifacio Monument in Calocan City, at 6:20 AM. I started late in the morning purposely to have a clear view of the road and the environment while I started my run.

"Adventure Run" Dedicated To The Team Bald Runner

2. After a few kilometers, I was approaching the City of Valenzuela. At first, I was running against the traffic but because of the sunlight and the heat of the sun, I transfered to the other side of the road, taking advantage of the shade provided by the buildings along the road. The city streets are dirty and dusty. The traffic along the McArthur Highway was too slow because of the jeeps and cargo trucks. Almost all the restaurants and bars along the road are named after the late General Douglas McArthur!

3. The City of Meycauyan, Bulacan came next and the streets are far cleaner than the streets of Valenzuela City. All the drainage covers along the sidewalk were properly marked with “Project of Mayor Win”. Nice project and projection on the accomplishment of the City Mayor!

4. What reminds me of Marilao, Bulacan is the SM Mall which I had the chance to drop by at the said establishment when I was still a Brigade Commander in Central Luzon, six years ago. At this point, the road became wider and the traffic was no longer busy.

5. I had my late breakfast at McDonalds in Bocaue. I ordered burger with pancake and hot chocolate. I rested here for one hour and read the daily newspaper. No worthy news to read. Everything was about politics and the national election/presidentiables blah, blah, & blah!

6. Almost all the electric posts along the way are full with posters of candidates for the president and local government officials. I’ve noticed that you see the faces of the candidates with their “best smiles” in their campaign billboards and posters but in reality when you meet them in person, you seldom see them in their “campaign smile”.

7. In Bocaue, Bulacan, I’ve noticed that the game of Jueteng is prevalent. In one of the street corners, I saw a collector of bets accepting money from one of the bystanders.

8. So far, these are my expenses and consumption:

Gasoline—-P 1,500.00 (Full tank which will last up to Baguio City)

Gatorade—2 Bottles—P 32.00

Water For Drinking—2 Liters—P 30.00

Breakfast @ McDonalds—P 150.00

One Pack of SkyFlakes—P 5.00

Cloud Nine (2 Bite Sizes)—P 3.00

Lunch @ Malolos, Bulacan with Softdrinks—P 100.00

9. For this morning run, I was wearing an Under Armour Runner’s Cap, one ala-Buff by Armando Caruso (P 69.00) as my head sweatband, NIKE White Long-sleeved shirt, NIKE Compression Shorts, ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 with Hane’s Athletic Socks. On my left wristband is my GF 305 while my right wristband is my GF 405. The GF 305 tells me the elapsed time and distance while my GF 405 tells me the actual time of the day. My hydration is my old and trusted Nathan (SOB) Hydration Belt.

10. I ran through the following places along McArthur Highway: Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, and Guiguinto, all of the province of Bulacan.

11. I just had my lunch and I am now resting while singing the Karaoke in one of the retaurants here in Malolos, Bulacan. I will resume my run later this afternoon.

Run For The Dolphins

On February 8, 2010February 8, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Running9 Comments

Condura Skyway Marathon: February 7, 2010

I’ve never missed the Condura Run since the time such road race was conceptualized by Patrick and Ton Concepcion and you can consider me as an avid fan and supporter of this run. Even if I was injured last November’s Pasig Marathon and sidelined for almost six weeks of no running workouts, Condura Run was scheduled as my first Marathon Run for the year.

The Cebu City Half-Marathon last January 10 and the Midnight to Sunrise Run for the BDM 102 participants last January 31 were my “training runs” in preparation for the Condura Marathon. I set my mind that the objective of this run was to be able to finish it in less than 5 hours or better, in less than 4 hours & 30 minutes. Condura Marathon is my preparatory run for my incoming “adventure run”.

I checked-in at the coral area 20 minutes before 4:00 AM and I was able to meet the BDM 102 “veterans”; the “usual” faces in marathon races; Officers & Enlisted Personnel in the AFP; the “newbies”; and brothers Patrick and Ton Concepcion. Actually, it was my first time to meet Ton in person after so many exchanges of e-mails as I tried to impart some of my insights about the Condura run few months ago. I greeted most of the runners, smiled, and wish everybody good luck for the run.

First thing that I admire in this race is the punctuality of the gun start! The race started at exactly 4:00 AM after a brief “fireworks”. My plan was to maintain a pace of 6:00 minutes per kilometer for the whole run and expected to finish the race in 4:15 hours.

The second thing that I like in this race is the challenge of the race course. Everybody who finished the marathon would agree that the course is far more challenging than the race course of marathons outside the country. I think the Condura course is more challenging than the San Francisco Marathon! The course will always be in the minds and the “main topic” in the sharing of stories among the marathon finishers. The uphill climb towards the Camp Villamor/NAIA 3 Exit of the Skyway was the “killer” in this course!

The first time that I glanced my GF 305 is when I reached the 10K mark and I found out that my time was 1:02 hours. My 10K run was slower than what I’ve planned by 2 minutes but it did not bother me as I maintained my even pace. When I reached the 20K mark, my time was already 2:01+ hours and I was able to pick-up my pace. However, once I hit the turn-around at the Skyway, I made my pace faster and I was passing one runner from another.

It was funny that whenever I join a runner or a group of runners, somebody always asked me what was my prevailing pace and I immediately told them that the pace was 5:45 minutes per kilometer (as what I saw on my watch)! But I became guilty of not telling them the accurate pace when I came to realize that after uploading the data from GF 305, my average pace on my way back at the Skyway was a blistering 5:05 minutes per kilometer!

The third thing that I like in this race is the abundance of Water/Sports Drinks Station and long tables full of water cups. I am just happy that, slowly, the quality of races are getting better with regards to the basic support for the runners. I can consider the influence of the runner-bloggers as the main reason for this improvement. The Race Organizers and Sponsors are already “listening” and “reacting” to the basic needs of the paying runners! As for the Condura Run, they did a wonderful job on this matter. I hope they will remove those unnecessary guys who are handing those cups to the passing runners. It would be better to just simply leave those cups with water on the table and let the runners approach the table and grab their own water. With regards to Sports Drinks, I am a Gatorade-user and I am not used to Carbonated Sports Drinks during the run and so I was not able to drink the 100 Plus Sports Drinks offered at the Aid Station.

Condura Pics 02 — Passion, Patience, Focus & Determination (Photo Courtesy of Jaja Galvez-Suarez)

At the 30K mark, my GF 305 registered a time of 3:00 hours flat and I was happy! No cramps, no issues, no pain, and no problem about my support. I stopped briefly to eat my instant oatmeal, fresh banana, and hard-boiled eggs as these will serve as my “fuel” for the last 12 kilometers of the run.

The last 10 kilometers was a long steady run pace with my Elite Team Bald Runner who finished their respective races. My Elite Team Bald Runner lone entry for the Marathon Race, Elmer Sabal, won 1st Runner-Up with a Cash Prize of P 40,000. Other members of the Elite Team; Alquin Bolivar won 1st Runner-Up, Alley Quisay won 2nd Runner-Up, and Crifrankreadel Indapan won the 3rd Runner-Up for the Half-Marathon; and Cora Salcedo won 2nd Runner-Up in the 5K Race, Women’s Category. My Elite Team had improved a lot since I transfered their “training camp” in the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Due to the heat of the sun, I slowed down and there was no reason to speed up my pace on the last 5 kilometers. I have to preserve my body and not to exert a lot of effort on this part of the course. I need to recover quickly after this Marathon race and be able to prepare for my “adventure run” which I intend to start in the coming days.

I finished the Condura Marathon in 4:17:12 hours (Official Time) with an average pace of 6:08 minutes per kilometer and average heart rate of 153 beats per minute. I finished #130 out of 593 finishers. I ranked #11 for the runners 50+ years old. I was able to attain my objective for this race and ready to embark on my “adventure run”.

Condura Pics — @ The Finish Line With Macky aka Gleeman's Tale (Photo Courtesy of Macky)

To those who experienced their “first” marathon, congratulations for finishing the race, most especially to those who were trained under our running clinic and BR’s “speed training” at the ULTRA Oval Track. Our coaches, elite athletes, and staff are proud of your accomplishment.

Lastly, my congratulations to Patrick & Ton Concepcion, Condura, sponsors and to all the volunteers for a great job!

Go Slow

On February 6, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running3 Comments

Yes, I am going to run the Condura Marathon at a slow pace! Hopefully, I could finish the distance in less than 5 hours or better yet, in less than 4:30 hours. There is nothing to prove this time as my mind is fixed to enjoy the experience and be a part in the history of the first Condura Marathon.

My last Marathon Race was the Pasig River Marathon last November 8 and I got injured before the halfway. Despite the injury, I finished the race in sub-6 hours barely walking more than one-half of the course. Practically, I only have 6 weeks preparation for this race where my training was geared on my recovery and trying to regain the strength of my legs.

I have no pressure at all for this race. I know the “drill”. I know the limits of my body endurance and I can easily “listen to my body”. My last long run was in last Sunday’s Midnight to Sunrise Run with the 2nd BDM102 participants at the UP Loop where I was able to run almost 43 kilometers with brief “pit stops” and water breaks. And for the past days, I’ve been tapering and controlling my urge to run farther.

The Condura Marathon will be my preparatory run for my incoming “adventure run” from Manila to Baguio City. I hope I could recover fast so that I can start my run immediately.

The PMA Alumni Homecoming Week is fast approaching. Most of the alumni will be going to Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City where all the classes of the Academy will be honored by the cadets. While the rest of my classmates and my Co-Cavaliers will be riding in the comfort of their Vans, SUVs, and cars, I will be running & walking all the way to Baguio City!

The adventure run is not a “popularity gimmick” or a charity “gimmick”. I just want to prove that I can record or “journalize” such event in this blog on near “real-time” with the advent of the wireless Internet connection using my old notebook, digital camera and my GF 305 watch. I will post my location, my experience/story, and pictures on the course. It means that publishing my post in this blog will be my “rest/break” during the run.

I published my proposed schedule in my previous post but it will just serve as my “guide”. I might run further than the scheduled number of kilometers for the day. Do not think or have the impression that I will be running the whole day. The plan is to run early in the morning, rest at the middle of the day and then run again late in the afternoon. I might also incorporate an evening run in one of the days of my run.

I don’t mind if my friends and readers will join me in one of the “legs” of my run as long as they bring their support system with them. Or maybe, it would be better if they run with me and leave their support for the run.

Let me take this opportunity to thank those who sent me words of support and for those who made their “pledges” to support this “adventure run”. For those who are interested to send their “pledges” of support for this run, please send your e-mail at jovie75@hotmail.com.

See you at the Condura Run!

(Note: Don’t forget your Immodium)

Prizes @ Condura Run

On February 6, 2010February 6, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Races, RunningLeave a comment

Good luck to those who are aiming for the podium finish!

See you at the Starting Line!!!

(Source: www.condurarun.com)

34th MILO Marathon Schedule

On February 4, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Marathon Race, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program10 Comments

This is it! This is the most prestigious marathon race in the country which everybody should prepare!

I received the list of schedule from Mr Andrew Neri of MILO/Nestle, Philippines yesterday and I tried to analyze their race schedule for this year. And the following are my observations:

1. The opening “salvo” for the 34th MILO Marathon will be the conduct of elimination race in Metro Manila on July 4, 2010. And every month, there will be a scheduled elimination race.

2. There will be only one elimination race for the month of August which will be held in Davao City. I wonder why MILO scheduled only one race for this month. I would suspect it is the month of CAMSUR’s Ironman Philippines activities (?).

3. Last year, there were 27 races to include the Finals and the elimination races. This year, MILO/Nestle, Phils reduced the number of races to 18. I suspect that less races means more “improvements” in this year’s Elimination & Final Races.

4. The early announcement of this year’s schedule is very commendable as runners would be able to have enought time to consider their training cycle and focus their preparation for the Metro Manila Marathon Elimination on July 4, 2010. A 5-month preparation or training cycle geared to qualify and have a finish time of sub-4 hours for this race is an ideal length of period to attain such goal.

5. It is not impossible if MILO/Nestle, Phils will double the cash prize for the Champions in the Final Marathon this year. A Cash Prize of P 150,000 for the Men’s and Women’s Champion and a Free Trip to a Prestigious International Marathon Race in the US would be a “quantum leap” in the development of running excellence in the country. I’ve been suggesting this idea before with the people of MILO and bring back the “glory” of MILO Champions when Champions would participate in the Boston Marathon and other international races as part of their prize. (Sa palagay ko ay wala ng mag-TNT sa Amerika ngayon basta bantayan natin ang atleta!!!)

6. Lesser races this year would mean better monitoring of runners during the conduct of races, most especially in Metro Manila. Reports of “cheating” during the Metro Manila Marathon Elimination Race had been an issue among runners as well as bloggers. I hope this bad practice will be finally eradicated in this year’s races. RFID timing devices should be a “must” to such a race with qualifying times.

7. Five (5) months to train for the Marathon Elimination Race in Metro Manila and another five (5) months to prepare for the Final Marathon Race on December 12, 2010 is a good and well-balanced spacing in between two training cycle for the marathon race. Whoever thought of this spacing of races is really a competitive runner! Thanks, Mr Dennis A and the MILO/Nestle marathon team!

Runners, what are you waiting for? It’s time to go back to the drawing board for your training program for the MILO Marathon this coming July 4! Good luck to everybody!

Adventure Run

On February 2, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Running, Ultramarathon28 Comments

Adventure run is a multi-day/stage run from Point A to Point B. For this particular run, there will be no deadline as to the number of days and hours I will cover the distance. This will be my first adventure run as a runner. It will serve as my training/preparation for another adventure run in the future. It is also a way to test and show to other runners on how to document an adventure run in the Internet through this blog and other social network platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

There had been reported adventure runs in the past but I am not satisfied with the way they document their daily activities. In this age of fast information through the Internet, Mobile phones and GPS access, any runner would immediately send feedback or share his/her experience on a daily basis, if not, on “real-time”. So, I am doing this adventure run to prove that any runner who plans to involve himself in this kind of event could easily show to his readers what transpired during the day or night that he/she was running on the road.

The adventure run will be a travel by foot from Manila (Monumento in Caloocan City) to Baguio City, an estimated distance of of 250 kilometers or 156 miles, and this will be a multi-day stage run with the plan to run at least one full marathon distance a day or more. And the following are the proposed legs/stages for the said run:

1st Day—Monumento, Caloocan City to Calumpit, Bulacan—45K

2nd Day—Calumpit, Bulacan to Mabalacat, Pampanga—42K

3rd Day—Mabalacat, Pampanga to Tarlac City—30K

4th Day—Tarlac City to Urdaneta, Pangasinan—53K

5th Day—Urdaneta, Pangasinan to Baguio City (via Kennon Road)—74K

I will be using five (5) pairs of running shoes and ten (10) sets of running apparel. I hope to use my CW-X compression tights on my last leg to Baguio City. I will be supported with only one vehicle.

I will be hydrating myself with water and Gatorade every 2.5 to 3 kilometers and ingesting some solid foods every 12-15 kilometers. I admit, I will have “walking breaks” along the way.

My running time schedule will vary during the day or night. I might run early in the morning and then run again in the late afternoon. However, during my brief rests and “pit stops”, I should be able to make a post on this blog and upload my pictures through my wireless Internet connection by Smart & Globe. Aside from regular posts in this blog, I will also make entries to my Twitter account. I expect that my last leg will be a whole day running event!

I will be sleeping in pension houses/apartelle/hotel in key cities/municipalities along the way.

Why am I doing this? Because if you want to accomplish a running adventure, you must be honest and transparent!!!

31 Jan 2010: Midnight To Sunrise Run

On January 31, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon8 Comments

Last year, I joined a “Midnight To Sunrise” Run with the rest of the 1st BDM 102 participants through the invitation of Albert Salazar aka Run2DMoon. My account on this running experience with 20+ other runners could be reviewed in my post last year.

For this year, the running experience was initiated by Jonel aka Bugobugo85/FrontRunner Magazine with the UP Diliman Loop as the venue. A group of 30+ runners joined the said run as part of their preparation for the 2nd BDM 102 which will be held on March 7, 2010. The run started at 12:08 AM after a briefing and photo-ops courtesy of FrontRunner Magazine.

Although I will be the full-time Race Organizer and Race Director for the 2nd BDM 102, I joined this run because of the following reasons:

1) My last LSD before the Condura Marathon—Yes, I am joining the Condura Marathon this coming Sunday. I am not thinking of any PR this time as I will treat this Marathon Race as another LSD run.

2) To Assess My Recovery From Injury—As part of my recovery from my injury, I’ve been building-up my endurance base and sthrengthening my legs. My running workouts are limited to long runs and tempo runs. I only did one session of interval training since I recovered from my injury. In this run, I was able to prove that my legs are in good condition.

3) To Assess The Need of Supplementary Weight Training—During my recovery, I renewed my regular visits to the Gym. My workout at the Gym were geared towards strengthening of the leg muscles, core muscles, and my upper body. After two weeks, I could feel I am becoming stronger.

4) Preparation for an “Adventure” Run—This run is a part of my planning/preparation to an “adventure run” which will start after finishing the Condura Marathon. I would be running a distance of a full Marathon Race everyday which I think is “doable”.

At 6:08 AM today, I was able to run 43 kilometers and my running time was 5:07+ hours. The rest of the time was spent for “pit stops” to eat, hydrate, and attend to the “call of nature”. I strictly followed my strategy for a slow steady pace, drink water/Gatorade every loop (2.2 kilometers), and eat solid food (boiled eggs, boiled bananas, and bread) every 12-15 kilometers.

Now, I need a “cross-friction” massage and sleep!

Right & Wrong On Running Tights

On January 29, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners Accessories, Runners' Training, Running21 Comments

1. For those who are fond of using those expensive running tights, please don’t get offended with this post. I really don’t care if such tights looks good on you or they treat your injury or they help you in your recovery or they make you run faster, I just want to voice out my opinion and observation.

2. Don’t get me wrong. I have a CW-X running tights which I bought last year in the US but up to this time, I have not used it even if I was recovering from an injury. I used to have running tights which carried the name of the famous triathlete, Scott Tinley, during the 80’s and the 90’s but I only used them when I was visiting or staying in the United States during winter time.

3. The following articles or posts were copied from CW-X, 2XU and Skins websites explaining the advantages of using their running compression tights:

From the CW-X website:

Running: Extensive studies show that wearing CW-X tights results in 26% less energy expenditure than running in regular tights and 36% less energy than running in shorts. CW-X’s patented Support Web brings the hips, knees and ankles into proper alignment, reducing impact and load to the legs. The Support Web™ also provides a suspension system for the hamstrings and quadriceps, reducing workload in both the pull and push phase of the running motion. With more efficient strides, your muscles don’t have to work as hard over time and your legs will feel fresher.

Snow Sports: CW-X’s patented Support Web™ bands muscles and ligaments together to support and stabilize the knees, quadriceps and core. The result: increased power output in turns and decreased vibrations for greater edge control. The Support Web also provides targeted compression to key circulation areas to improve blood flow, keeping muscles warm and speeding up recovery, so that your 4pm run feels more like a 2pm run.

Yoga/Pilates: The middle of the body is vital for balance and stability, two things that are very important in yoga and pilates. The CW-X Support Web™ offers optimum support to the core and lower back while also stabilizing the hip flexors and gluteal muscles, so you can perform more strenuous poses with greater ease.

Recovery: After strenuous activity, CW-X tights can hasten recovery thanks to the anatomically designed Support Web™. By providing extra compression in key circulation areas, the Support Web increases circulation for reduced muscle fatigue and quicker recovery.

From the 2XU Website:

Building on 2XU’s market leading compression tight, 2XU’s elite tights are for the athlete who wants even more. Combining a new generation 70 denier fabric with our existing high power 50 denier fabric, 2XU elite compression tights offer superior compression to enable greater muscle stability and injury prevention. The new generation 70 denier fabric, with 15% more support and 25% more power than the 50 denier fabric, has been designed to support the calves and hamstring muscles – areas which are particularly prone to fatigue, injury and muscle soreness. From SKINS Website:

Skins™ BioAcceleration Technology™ has been developed over years of scientific research. Ongoing testing of elite athletes have proven that Skins™ BioAcceleration Technology™ creates marked improvements in reducing the build-up of lactic acid immediately after periods of sustained exercise (2hrs and 15 mins up to 37% ), and allows for more rapid return to normal levels (up to 38% at 20 minutes). You experience less fatigue, minimise soreness and recover faster.Skins™ is body-moulded compression performance equipment manufactured from the finest Lycra and Meryl Microfibre, scientifically engineered to provide support and muscle alignment to the smart-fabric covered area of your body. Skins™ will definitely change the way that you train and play as well as speed your recovery. You will feel fresher after heavy bouts of exercise and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) will be minimised.

4. I have yet to experience wearing one of these running compression tights during my running workouts and races. Moreso, I have yet to find out or read from the runner-bloggers about their “honest-to-goodness” review on the running tights they are using. But from the conversation and first-hand experience from my brother, General Samuel and nephew, Lemuel, they gave me a positive review of the CW-X Compression Tights. This could be the reason why they comfortably finished the Subic International Marathon and their first BDM 50K Test Run, their first ultra run distance, without any issues or injuries.

5. Maybe, I am with the “old-school” in running as I prefer to run with the “old-fashioned” running shorts in full marathon and ultra running distances. In the lesser distance races, I usually use those compression shorts like CW-X, NIKE, and Adidas.

6. The following are my insights about running compression tights:

a) These compression (full) tights are better if used in temperate/cooler countries. There are tights made for warmer countries like “ventilators” that releases warm temperature of the legs and at the same time provides ventilation for the air to enter through the tights or fabric. Running in tights is like running with “arm warmers”. Is it possible that runners are using tights because they don’t want their legs to be “sunburned”? On the other hand, I am still wondering why runners in a tropical country like us are using those “arm warmers” popularized by Moeben. Are they being used as “arm warmers” or protection from being “sunburned”? Since I perspire a lot, the running tights would make me perspire some more!

b) I find male runners in tights as “gayish”. Sorry, guys! If you can have those long legs and ballet/dancing prowess of Rudolf Nureyev, maybe, it would be nice to see you on such tights. However, if your legs are short, I think wearing running shorts would be better to look at.

Fonteyn-nureyev1 — Nureyev & Fonteyn In A Ballet Performance (Source: Wikipedia)

c) I’ve never seen top elite athletes and any “record-breaker” in marathon races using running tights. In short, champions in road races are not seen in running tights during their competitive races. I have yet to see Haile, Tergat, Wanjiru, Paula Radcliffe, Kara Goucher, Ryan Hall or Grete Waitz using running tights while they are crossing the Finish Line.

d) A compression tights is heavier than a running shorts. Comparing these two after they get wet from your perspiration and sprinkle of cold water to your head, the compressions tights becomes heavier than a wet running shorts. In running, the lighter you are, the faster your finish time is.

7. In the end, if you have the money to splurge and have the “guts” to wear these running compression tights, go ahead, get all the colors available in the market and proudly wear them during your workouts and competitive races. Wearing one is a “head-turner” and a “fashion statement”!

8. I hope to use my CW-X running tights for my “adventure run” to Baguio City in the near future to prove their advertisement. We will see.

More Pictures; Violations of Rules @ BDM 50K Test Run & Reminders

On January 27, 2010January 27, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Ultramarathon7 Comments

1. On D-Day, all the Support Vehicles will proceed at vicinity Km Post #7 to wait for their respective runners once they drop off at the Starting Area at Km Post #00.

2. All runners should maintain a single file along the route of the race. This rule was violated on the first 7 kilometers of the route.

3. Runners are not allowed to approach their support vehicle, except when they want to rest. Their support crew should be able to hand in their needs while they are on the left side of the road. Proper coordination between the runner and his/her support crew spells a lot of difference in an ultra race like the BDM.

4. It is no longer allowed to leave the route to eat and buy drinks in convenience stores and fastfood restaurants during the race. Advise your support crew to buy the needed food or items and let him/her give you along the way. Better yet, plan ahead for your hydration and food intake and have these items stocked in your support vehicle. However, in case of emergency, like going to the restroom, this will be an exemption.

5. The race on D-Day will start at exactly 12:00 Midnight of Saturday, March 6, 2010.

6. Each runner shall be responsible to provide its own first aid kit, headlight, flashlight, reflectorized vest, and extra batteries during the race. The use of reflectorized vest and flashlight/headlight is highly recommended on the first 5 hours of the race as it will be dark along the way.

7. Train your bowel movement for the early part of the race as most of the gasoline service stations and restaurants will still be closed. We don’t have the luxury to deploy portalets along the route. Better yet, take some immodium/diatab tablets before the start of the race.

8. We intend to have an Aid Station at Kilometer Post #50 where we will serve hot arroz caldo, hot noodle soup and boiled sweet potato/banana/eggs exclusively for the runners. The halfway mark will serve also as the only “drop bag” area along the route.

9. We don’t intend to impose any proper attire for the race. Runner can use his/her prefered apparel for the race. The Race Organizer will not be giving race shirt or singlet for the event. Make sure that the race bib will be displayed visible on the front of the runner’s shirt or shorts. Runner will not be penalized for running without a shirt, provided that his race bib is pinned on the front part of his shorts.

10. It is suggested that runner can use light-colored or white shirt during the race as these colors don’t absorb so much heat from the sun. Provide yourself also with lots of sponge which can be soaked to cold water and used as sprinkler of cold water to your head and body. Better yet, get a bottle sprayer which you can fill with cold water and have your support crew use it to spray you with water while you are running. This is not a joke, from time to time, spray or pour cold water on your core & groin areas, too!

11. For further advise and tips in order to finish the BDM 102, please refer to my previous posts on my experience about this race. Browse also the blogs of Bugobugo85, run2dmoon, runnerforchrist, and other runner-bloggers.

12. Remember, your main objective in this race is to be able to finish within the 18-hour cut-off time and enjoy the experience.

Good luck and Have Fun!!!

2nd BDM 50K Test Run: Insights, Pictures & Results

On January 24, 2010January 24, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running, Ultramarathon19 Comments

BDM Km Post #00 to Km Post #50/6:00 AM 23 January 2010

1. At exactly 6:00 AM yesterday, a group of 70 runners and their support crew assembled at the BDM Shrine where Km Post #00 is located. It took me at least 30 minutes to brief the runners on the rules and regulations and the “critical” Km Posts to be aware of along the route so that they will not get lost.

2. I was overwhelmed by the number of runners as less than 30 runners signified in this blog to join the test run. Those who are registered to run on race day were given the priority for the prepared race bibs and the 50 race bibs that I prepared were not enough. Some runners who were not registered to run the BDM 102 were allowed to run during the “test run”.

3. After some pictorials and last instructions, the test run started at 6:35 AM. The 1st 7 kilometers of the course was very challenging to everybody because of the continous uphill zigzag route for about 4 kilometers and the strong winds on top of the mountain posed another challenge that forced the runners to run slower.

Combination of BDM Veterans, BDM "Newbies" & LSD Runners

Veteran Gene Olvis Leading the Group Only To Get Lost at Km#32

1st Timer Oscar Sanez & Veteran Jonel aka FrontRunner Mag

This is a Violation During D-Day! Runners Should Be On Single File

4. Kilometer Posts #14, 23, and 32 are the “critical” points that every runner should remember. It is on these kilometer posts where every runner should turn right in order to trace the actual BDM route. I made sure to wait for the runners on these critical points along the route and guided them. Six (6) runners on the lead group did not notice the marked Km Post #32 and I was able to catch up with the 5 runners and directed them to go back to the crossing on the said Km Post.

Strong Winds Met The Runners at Kms 7 & 8

5. On race day, these “critical” points shall be manned with marshals and they will be marked with lighted orange cones. Another marshal shall be positioned at least 50-100 meters before these crossings to warn every runner to turn right on the road with a lighted orange cone.

Arman Fernando Edged Junrox Roque Before Km Post #50. Top 4 Runners are from "Team Hardcore"

6. As I said in my briefing before the test run, every runner’s finish time shall be recorded and posted as this will serve as their “guide or benchmark” on how they would be able to deal with the last half of the BDM 102 ultra race on 6-7 March.

2ND BDM 5OK TEST RUN
23-Jan-10

	NAME	TIME

1	Arman Fernando	5:14:29
2	Junrox Roque	5:14:30
3	Jonel Mendoza	5:22:00
4	Gene Olvis	5:27:40
5	Chris Iblan	5:29:32
6	Wilnar Iglesia	5:29:32
7	Ralph Salvador	5:37:50
8	Mari Javier	5:59:40
9	Oscar Sañes	5:59:40
10	Jay Nacino	6:01:20
11	Totoy Santos	6:02:23
12	Ben Saludario	6:02:30
13	Vener Roldan	6:03:15
14	Isko Lapira	6:09:50
15	Tina Narvaez	6:10:42
16	Dennis Ravanzo	6:15:09
17	Jomar Galauran	6:20:00
18	Alvin Adriano	6:25:40
19	Albert Salazar	6:25:50
20	Wency Jael	6:28:44
21	Eric Bullena	6:33:00
22	Jerome Cartilier	6:41:03
23	Ed Yonzon	6:59:32
24	Richard Poquiz	7:07:25
25	Willie Suarez	7:12:25
26	Ramon Gillego	7:19:36
27	Francis Santiago	7:27:49
28	Francis Hortelano	7:27:49
29	Rod Apolinario	7:30:15
30	Glen Tañag	7:31:00
31	Joseph Soriano	7:36:36
32	Mylene Buenafe	7:37:44
33	Aya Isip	7:42:30
34	Raiza Tulan	7:42:30
35	Jay Cu Unjieng	7:42:30
36	Odessa Coral	7:42:30
37	Ric Cabusao	7:42:44
38	Ernesto Balolong	7:43:00
39	Gregorio Torres	7:56:20
40	Eugene Tariaga	7:56:40
41	Jag Irasga	7:57:09
42	Ray Jimenez	7:59:49
43	Jeff Avellanosa	8:00:47
44	Francis Esteban	8:02:08
45	Samuel Narcise	8:02:10
46	Abby Jocson	8:11:18
47	Mara Montaos	8:22:45
48	Benedict Meneses	8:31:23
49	Emiliano Burgos	8:31:23
50	George Dolores	8:44:40
51	Nicko Nolasco	8:44:40
52	Kim Oconel	8:48:32
53	Roel Anu	8:48:32
54	Lemuel Narcise	9:08:00

7. Out of the 70 runners, 54 finished the test run. I did not announce this before the start of the test run but I have planned this all along. All the Finishers will be awarded with their respective “Certificate of Achievement” for having the “guts and mental toughness” to “go beyond their limits”.