Category: Insights

The Running Priests & Adventure Runs

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Running, Running For Cause, Sports Program4 Comments

I’ve been trying to browse the Internet if there are “documents” or “daily accounts” available to back up the running experiences of Fr Robert Reyes and his running mates in their “adventure runs” throughout the country in the past.

In one of my meetings with the Race Organizers/Directors at the PATAFA Office, Mr Ben Alacar, father of ultrarunner Ian Alacar. mentioned that he was among the runners that accompanied Fr Reyes’ ultra runs in the country. I was surprised when he told me that it took them 8 days to run from Laoag City to Manila in 1998. WhenI asked him about their daily accounts/documentations, he told me that the GOMBURZA group which Fr Reyes led, was the repository of these running accounts.

Anyway, I still persisted to browse the Internet and I was able to find this link of a document written by Fr Robert Reyes which is worth reading about the running priest’s story. In the said article, I found out that he did the following:  

“I have run and biked in Europe, the United States, Australia, China and now Hong Kong. I ran across the Philippines in three phases from 1996 to 1998 (1996, from Cotabato City to Cagayan de Oro; 1997, Across Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros and Panay; 1998: from Laoag to Manila and Sorsogon to Manila).”

Among the runner-bloggers, we have also Fr Amado Picardal who is presently based in Davao City. His blog is a repository of his daily running adventures in the South/Mindanao which is worth reading because he features his training/preparation, nutrition, and all the details about his runs with the appropriate pictures. His personal story and beginnings in running is featured in the latest edition/copy (3rd) of the FrontRunner Magazine.

I have yet to find out who was that Candidate For President in the past elections (in the 80s or 90s) who did his campaign throughout the country by running from one town to another with only one support vehicle! I hope he did not cheat in his running adventures during those times! Although this running-candidate for President did not win, I really do not know if he was able to get votes after the ballots had been canvassed then by the COMELEC. (Note: If somebody among my readers know the name of this candidate, it is worth meeting this guy for an interview!)

Going back to Fr Reyes & Fr Picardal, these running priests are also “cycling priests” and their “feats” had been admirable. I salute them for their cycling and running achievements! But personally, I don’t buy or use running as a means “to create awareness on political and economic issues” confronting our country and people.

In my analysis, these priests could easily plan for these “adventure runs” because they have an “in-place” organization that supports them along the route they take. Every town has a church and a priest or priests in them. Sometimes, every city has a cathedral, group of priests and a seminary. These in-place facilities are easily accessible to these priests as their “pit stops” and “transient homes” for them during their adventure runs. They are really blessed!

If I have a plan and means to do what these famous “running & cycling” priests have done in the past, it would be best for me to stop in every capital city of every province to lecture to elementary and high school children about running and I might also include colleges and universities, too! But my planning would take longer as I need proper coordination as to where I will have my “rest over night” during my adventure run. I have yet to look for some sponsors for my future adventure runs! Wish me luck!

No More Laoag MILO Elimination Race

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Races, Running8 Comments

Yesterday, I received an e-mail from Mr Andrew Neri of MILO/Nestle Phils with the following message:

“Due to the recent change in the political environment, we’d like to inform everyone that we will be transferring the 34th National MILO® Marathon Laoag Elimination race to Dagupan slated on July 11, 2010.”

Being a native of Laoag City, I was surprised to receive such information. Although, I don’t have plans to join this MILO Elimination Race in Laoag City, I am “intrigued” with the reason stated why MILO had to transfer the race from Laoag City to Dagupan City.

As a result of the May 10 elections, former Senator Imee Marcos won over the incumbent Governor Michael Keon for the Governor of Ilocos Norte. I could only surmise that the change in the leadership of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte has made some changes in the “organizational” preparations for the said race. With the limited time between the assumption of the new provincial administration and the date of the event, the organizers of the race do not want to compromise the preparation and conduct of the race with another coordination with the new administration.

However, in my own experience in attending this Laoag Elimination Race two years ago, I found out that there was a dismal turnout on the number of runners for the 21K elimination race. Despite the fact that you have a Governor who was a former Director of the Project Gintong Alay, POC Chairman, and PATAFA President, I could only see few runners (less than 30) who competed for the half-marathon distance. I guess, this could be the actual reason why MILO has to transfer the venue to Dagupan City.

This is a good chance for the people of Pangasinan to shine in long distance running. 

Good News!

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Sports ProgramLeave a comment

This is a good news to our athletes. Knowing that Athletics, Swimming, and Boxing had been the consistent medal-earner for our athletes in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian Games, it is about time to develop the full potentials of our citizens to these sports. I do hope that the following pronouncement of Representive-Elect Manny Pacquiao will lead us to another level of sports competitiveness with other countries knowing him as a world’s top boxer that the country had produced so far!

With the following news & statements coming from a world-top elite athlete and now as a politician, I might be eating my words when I said that “Politics and Sports do not mix”.

Having been the Project Director of the DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap-Marathon (RP’s 1st Olympic Gold in Marathon) for more than 3 years before my retirement from the AFP and as the Head of the Elite Team Bald Runner Distance Project for the past 2 years, I think it will take Representative Manny Pacquiao for the remaining years and months before the 2012 London Olympics to produce our first Olympic Gold Medal, if not, up to the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics with the hope that he’ll be re-elected for his 2nd term.

Rep. Pacquiao’s priority: Help RP win 1st Olympic gold
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 05/18/2010 10:12 PM | Updated as of 05/19/2010 2:58 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has yet to take his seat in Congress as Sarangani province’s lone district representative, but he already has in mind several projects he wants to pursue.

Foremost among his priorities is to help the country win its first Olympic medal.

“’Yan ang pangarap natin na makakuha tayo ng gold [sa Olympics],” said the congressman-elect.

Pacquiao said this goal will be one of his priorities in Congress, aside from providing livelihood to fishermen and farmers in Sarangani.

The Philippines has yet to win an Olympic gold medal since it joined the quadrennial event in 1924.

Pacquiao said it doesn’t matter which sport he will prioritize as long as it generates the elusive gold medal.

“Sa boxing, kahit ano, basta tutukan lang natin at kelangan lang ng suporta ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.

Pacquiao is also optimistic the party-list group Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA), which he chairs, will eventually secure a seat in Congress.

He said PBA, which aims to represent amateur athletes in Congress, will help him realize the Filipino people’s Olympic dreams.

The closest the Philippines has gotten to an Olympic gold medal was during the 1964 Tokyo and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Anthony Villanueva reached the gold medal round in the 1964 Olympics, but lost a controversial decision to Soviet Union’s Stanislav Stepashkin in the featherweight division. He took home the silver medal.

Thirty-two years later, in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco took home a silver medal after also losing a controversial decision against Daniel Petrov of Bulgaria in the final round of the light flyweight division.

The Philippines has also won 7 bronze medals in the Olympics.

The Filipino Olympians who have won bronze medals are: Teofilo Yldefonso (2), Simeon Torribio (1), Miguel White (1), Jose “Cely Villanueva (1), Leopoldo Serrantes (1) and Roel Velasco (1). — With a report by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

Coke, Salt, Ice Water, Etc.

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Races, Runners' Training, Running6 Comments

How I wish I could be a part among the “volunteers” in The Bull Runner’s Dream Marathon this coming weekend. Due to my scheduled meeting with people outside Metro Manila which is connected with my recon activities for my next “adventure run” and incoming PAU road races, I could not be a part of the said event. However, I am coming up with the following suggestions and tips for the runners who will be experiencing their first Full Marathon:

1. Ice Cold Coke—It does not matter if it is Coca-Cola, Pepsi, RC Cola, or Sarsi, you need to drink at least one can, one bottle up to one liter of Coke if you feel exhausted or before you think you are at the verge of hitting your “wall”. You will be surprised that this sweet ice cold drink will give you the much needed “kick” on your last few kilometers. In all my road races that I’ve organized, there is always a Coke in every Aid Station, to include the usual water and Gatorade drinks!

2. Salt—It could be the ordinary table salt, rock salt or iodized salt or if there are available commercial salt tablets, you have to bring some in your packet or in one of the zippered pockets of your hydration belt. If you are going to finish the full marathon in 4 hours or more, you have to take some salt or salt tablets to maintain the sodium level of your blood. For the ultrarunners, they mix salt and ice cold coke for their hydration intake in the last 10-20K of their ultra races.

3. Ice Water with Sponge—If the heat of the sun is too much to bear on your skin or body, you need a sponge soaked in an ice-cooled water to use in rubbing the parts of your body being exposed to sunlight. You can also douse some of the absorbed ice water on the sponge to your head. Ice cold water poured on your head  and back gives refreshing sensation to your body.

4. Immodium—Don’t forget to take immodium capsule or diatab tablets at least one hour before the start of the race. This will give you the confidence to run without any GI issues even if you eat some foods or drink a lot of water/drinks during the race. However, it is advised that you should have your pre-race “bowel movement” before taking this medication.

5. Massage—Be sure to have your last body massage at least two days before the race/event. Don’t have your massage a day before the race as your body muscles will not have enough time to rest & recover before the race.

6. Alaxan FR, Pain-Killer Medications, & others—I know of some “hardcore and competitive” runners who take Alaxan FR with Immodium before the start of the Full Marathon for obvious reasons. The Alaxan FR will anticipate the “arrival” of pain to your leg muscles and joints during the race. Other runners would say that Viagra make them stronger, faster, and can extend their endurance limit in long distance running events but there is a need for advise from your physician. My elite athletes will always remind me to take Pharmaton tablets at least 3 days before the marathon run.

7. Candies—Most of the ultra runners crave for candies during the second-half of the race as they are sweet. It is worth trying with a candy in your mouth while you are running. Be careful not to experience being “choked” when you swallow your saliva with the sweet extracted from the candy while you are breathing with your mouth! In my road races which I organize, runners are always served with Cloud 9 bite size chocolate candies in every Aid Station.

8. Kinesio Tapes—I have a lot of Kinesio Gold Tapes (Black in Color) For Sale and I only used them once when I had an injury on my lower left leg and it gave me some comfort in my recovery runs. When I participated in the Jeju International Ultramarathon Race last March, I’ve seen a lot of the Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese and US runners using this kind of tape on their legs. Michelle Estuar, the Lady Champion in the 1st PAU 50K Race, was sporting a lot of Kinesio tapes during the race. The way I looked at her during the run, she looked like a running “Robocop”!

Good luck to the TBR Dream Marathon Runners!

Travel Advisory

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running, Travel4 Comments

Do not travel along the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) from Subic to Clark or vice-versa during nighttime. There are unidentified persons along the expressway who throw stones at your car. If your car’s windshield or one of your window panels is broken, it creates shock and panic to the driver and to the passengers! The breaking of a glass of a car at a speed of 80-100 KPH is a horrible experience. It seems that somebody had shot you with a gun or a rifle. And the burst of those tiny glass fragments inside the car landing on your body seems that you were hit with shotgun pellets!

But what is worst is when you are shocked and get panic, it is either you suddenly stop your car or bump your car along the side railings of the expressway. Either way, you will end up as a casualty. There were reports that these unidentified persons who threw stones to passing vehicles are members of  a “hold-up” syndicate. Once you stop your car at the shoulder of the highway, this is a chance for these persons to approach your vehicle and divest you with your things. In a few seconds, they could escape along the fields and trails leading to the hills beside the highway under the cover of darkness.

Last week, I was a victim of these “stone-throwers” but I did not stop along the expressway even if I was in the company of Mr Sig Sauer. It was 7:30 in the evening when I heard a loud explosion of a broken glass and knowing that my windshield was untouched, I continued driving until I reached the Clark Exit to NLEX. I found out that the quarter panel glass on the side of my car was broken and there was a trace that a stone had hit it. I am glad the stone did not hit my windshield or my window glass panels.

After the broken glass was replaced by the car company’s repair service, I went back to the place where I believe the incident happened. It is the place in between Dinalupihan & Floridablanca Exits. This was the very same place of the first 10K of last year’s Subic International Marathon! One of these days, I’ll have that hut/nipa house situated on a hill and the rock-crushing facility inspected by the soldiers during nighttime.

So, if you have plans of travelling along the SCTEX from Clark to Subic or vice-versa, do not do it during nighttime! Stay safe!

Too Many Road Races

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running14 Comments

1. Yes, there are too many road races on a Saturday and Sunday up to 4-5 running events for each day for this month of May. It is surprising that we have the most number of road races in a month which is considered as the hottest month of the year for us. On the other hand, this could be a sign that it is about time to declare the Month of May as the “Month For Running” or “Month For Runners” in the country. If any of the newly-elected Senators and/or Members of the House of the Representative would read this blog, at least, they have a proposal for a Bill that could be enacted into a Law. This will encourage more of our countrymen to be involved in an active healthy lifestyle through running. I hope the member of Congress who will propose this bill is also a runner!

2. Is it good or bad to have a lot of Running Events in one day or during the weekend? If there are Cash Prizes for the top runners, it will be good for the “visiting” Kenyans and to the local Elite Runners, to include my Elite Team Bald Runner! If there is none, it will be good for the competitive/average runners (to improve their PRs) and receive their “loot bags” and a “winner” to the corporate sponsors for their marketing exposures.

3. Too many road races means that there are also too many race directors & race event organizers around. It also means that almost all the corporate products are dipping their money to promote their products through the road races. I just wish that the Race Organizers will get a profit out of their running events even if they are competing with other road races being conducted on the same day. It is good to “spread” the economy, too.

4. If there are two or more road races in a weekend, what would be the most important factor to consider in selecting one? Is it the registration fee (lower or higher), the route, the reputation of the Race Organizer/Race Director, the singlet & the “loot bag” at the Finish Line, the brand or product being endorsed, or the popular personality who is endorsing the race and the product? Whatever your choice is, you are the one making the decision and above all, it’s your money!

5. There are more road races being conducted outside Metro Manila and I hope that there are more runners being developed and/or discovered as a result of these races. Aside from the MILO Elimination Runs in the Regions and key cities in the country, I hope more of the established companies/corporations would be able to sponsor local road races and fun runs. In addition, it is about time that the local government units should be in the forefront in encouraging their consituents to be involved in sports. Running would be the least expensive sports that they could plan & implement.

6. Last Sunday morning, I was at The Fort and I observed the Start & Finish of the Neutragena 15K/10K/5K/3K Road Races. I was an spectator of the event and I was surprised that there are only “few” runners (as compared with the previous races with 5-8 thousand runners!) It appears that there were less than 2,000 runners in the event based from the published results. This could be the effect of too many road races in one weekend where runners have a choice depending on the factors to be considered in a road race. On the other hand, this was the first time that I also observed the presence of “tall & muscular” security guys dressed in all black. “Bouncers” in a Road Race? What is their job description at the Start & Finish Line? If I may suggest, these “security guys” should be posted in key intersections along the route of the runners where they could “bully or intimidate” those undisciplined jeepney drivers/motorcycle riders and “angry-shouting & honking” taxi drivers! I wonder if they are “volunteers” or get paid by the Race Organizers/Sponsors?

7. With the new administration of government preparing to take over the reign of leadership for the whole nation, I’ve been reading a lot of news about the same personalities who brought our athletes in our past international sports competitions (2008 Beijing Olympics & 2009 Laos Southeast Asian Games) with dismal performance as the ones reportedly recommended to be leading again our government’s sports institutions. Politics & Sports will never mix in order to get the best from our athletes and win medals in International Sports Competitions.

8. Lastly, I am planning to tender my resignation as the PATAFA’s Chairman of the Road Race Committee. Nothing had been done to my recommendations on the conduct & protocol of road races to include the conduct of seminar among road race directors and organizers. I would rather concentrate my effort in promoting ultramarathon races through the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) as the President & Founder by bringing more of the ultra races outside Metro Manila.

Some Pictures…

On By kingofpotsIn Food & Dishes, Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Running, Travel, Ultramarathon7 Comments

 1. On April 6-8, 2010, I was in Laoag City to celebrate the 85th Birthday of my Mom. I had a chance to run at the Laoag City Oval Track and meet the local runners & friends. I told them of my plan of coming up with an ultramarathon road race from Laoag City to Pagudpud in the future. Everybody was surprised as most of them have never tried running beyond the marathon distance. They told me that the estimated distance is 80-85 kilometers. Anyway, I told them to train and prepare as I will bring more ultrarunners from Metro Manila to run in the province.

Bangui's (Ilocos Norte) Windmills

 2. On my last day in Laoag City, I asked one of my nephews to drive me to Pagudpud to initially measure the route with the use of my GF 305. The measurement of distance started infront of the Provincial Capitol in Laoag City and we took the Bacarra Road, going North to Pagudpud. As soon as we reached the town of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, my GF 305 registered a distance of more than 50K and I have yet to reach the Municipality of Bangui. Based from the Kilometer Posts, I need to travel another 30K to reach the town of Pagudpud! Instead of going to Pagudpud, I decided to visit the Bangui Windmill Project Site and the Burgos Lighthouse.

3. Through my calculation and assessment of the route, it would be nice to start the race at the Municipal Hall of Pasuquin where the runners would start to have a glance on the seashore! Laoag City to Pasuquin is 18-19 kilometers. The route will take the runners to pass along the Bangui Windmill Project (on the beach) and then back to the Highway. They will also have the chance to run uphill towards the Parking Area of the Burgos Lighthouse and then back to the Highway. The uphill climb is nothing compared to the uphill climbs in Tanay. The Finish Line will be at the Saud Beach in Pagudpud! Hopefully, a distance of 65K will be measured for this run.

Big Mangoes!!!

4. These could be the biggest mangoes I’ve seen in the country or in the whole world! The smaller mangoes are the Indian mango variety and they look like “dwarfs”. These mangoes are not available in Ilocos Norte! The biggest of them would weigh 3 kilos each! The biggest one in the picture weighs 1.5 kilos! The mango when it is ripe tastes like a papaya! They are sweet and juicy! They are good to eat after finishing a 20K easy run!

The Story Behind The Race

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running, Ultramarathon18 Comments

There is a story behind in every road race that the Bald Runner’s Events had been organizing and implimenting for the past years. The BDM 102 was a “dream” ultramarathon event to honor our heroes which is ultimately becoming the “Holy Grail” of running in the country. The MASTERS 15K was a “test run” being conducted inside a secured environment and in preparation for the RIZAL DAY’s 32K Run last December 2009 at Camp Aguinaldo. Now, we have prepared a series of ultramarathon events which will be held in the different parts of the country.

The story behind the 1st PAU (Philippine Association of Ultrarunners) 50K Run was a combination of the following factors:

1. Jeju Ultramarathon Experience—My exposure/attendance in a Regional (Asian) IAU Ultramarathon Race provided me with more information and techniques on how our neighbors do their ultramarathon events. Our neigbor countries almost have ultramarthon races in their different regions every month which is being sponsored by their Ultramarathon Sports Federation and the Local Government where the event is being conducted. If there are corporate sponsors, these are companies where the ultrarunners are working or personally managed. 

2. Tanay Route—The Tanay-Sampaloc-Sierra Madre Route had been the training ground of the Elite Team Bald Runner in preparation for the January 10’s Cebu Marathon. They trained in the said route for almost 4 months. I had also the chance to run on the said route last year and it gave me the idea to hold the first series of ultra distant road races on the said route.

3. Mountain Trail Route—Through my instructions, the Elite Team Bald Runner was able to locate a 20K-loop in Tanay’s Sierra Madre Mountain’s Trails with a plan to conduct a 100-miler ultra trail run within this year but I had to put it on hold status due to security and logistics reasons.

4. BDM 102/151 Training—A year before the BDM 102/151 would be an ample time/period to expose and train runners who would like to participate in the said ultramarathon event. The PAU races are scheduled every 3 months which will serve as “test runs” for heat training, hydration & nutrition strategy, and pacing strategy. The Tanay 50K Run is considered has the “hardest” route in this year’s PAU’s road races

5. Get Out From The Runner’s “Comfort Zone” & See Other Places—Running along the “usual & familiar” routes in Metro Manila is becoming “boring” to the “crazy, purist & hardcore” runners. Yes, I am bored, too! These kind of “warriors” need a different kind of challenging & “pain-inducing” route that would be a “never-ending” source of topics/stories in one’s running experience. Just look at the “status” and pictures of the Finishers at Facebook and stories in their Blogs and you will know what I mean. Seeing other places and running along “pollution-free” areas outside Metro Manila is also something worth experiencing.

6. Reason To Bring Friends & Family—When I set the date of the Tanay’s Race, I really did not know that it was “Mother’s Day”. I thought it would be a nice day to schedule a race because of the 3-day weekend due to the Election Day on the following day. Monday would serve as a rest day for all the runners. But I was surprised that most of the runners brought their respective family with them as their support crew and cheerers! It was an appropriate time to bond and share the day with the whole family.

7. A Test of our Race Operations’ Efficiency—All of our marshals and Aid Stations’ Personnel are competitive and elite runners but we need to make some adjustments due to the distance in-between Aid Stations in ultramarathon races. We have to mobilize and transfer our first two Aid Stations which had been passed by all the runners to the turn-around point at Km 35 and at Km 45. We are glad that making the distance in every 5 kilometers for the Aid/Water Station on the last half of the race had greatly contributed to the safety of the runners from the intense heat of the sun. Our mobile marshals with water supply to the runners had contributed also to the success of the race.

8. Keep It Simple, Sir Jovie! (KISS)—The START & FINISH tarpaulins on the ground were “copied” from ultratrail race events held in the US. It is something different but nice for “photo-ops”. No Emcees, No Corporate Sponsors (who control the Race Director), No Lights, No Fireworks, No Loud Music, No VIP’s (The runners are the VIPs!), No Formal Program, No Digital Timer/Clocks, No Timing Chips, and No “circus” atmosphere. PAU races are simply races where one would test his/her endurance limits through running. These are races where the experience, scenery, and friendship among ultrarunners are priceless!!!

Now, another story is about to unfold as we are starting to open the registration for the next PAU’s Road Race dubbed as the “P2P 65K” (Pasuquin to Pagudpud) Run which will be held on August 29, 2010. The Registration will start on May 17, 2010 (Monday). Last Day of Registration will be on August 1, 2010. The race will be limited to only 200 slots. The registration fee is P 850.00. There will be no distribution of Race Packets on Race Day.

The 1st PAU 50K Run (Tanay) would not be a successful event without the support of the runners & their support crew, BR’s friends & donors/sponsors, BR’s Events’ Staff, Elite Team Bald Runner, 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and our “friends” from the Philippine Army & Armed Forces of the Philipines. Thanks to everybody!

Final Instructions: 1st PAU 50K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running, Sports Program, Ultramarathon5 Comments

1st PAU 50K Run

Tanay, Rizal (Intersection East Road in Tanay & Road going to Sampaloc, Tanay. Look for the Shell Station)

5:00 AM May 9, 2010

Rules & Regulations:

  1. This is a 50K Road Race. Every runner must be able to maintain the Integrity of this Race. “Cheaters” are automatically disqualified and removed from the race.
  2. Support Vehicle is NOT a MUST for every runner. If a runner has the capability to have his/her support vehicle, he/she can bring a support vehicle. However, the support vehicle should “leap-frog” the runner. Support vehicle “shadowing” the runner is not allowed. Only four-wheeled support vehicles will be allowed. Motorcycles and Bicycles will not be allowed as support vehicles for the runners.
  3. Pacer is not allowed in this race. If a runner wants to have a pacer, he/she must register his/her pacer as one of the runner-competitors in the race.
  4. All runners are required to have their hydration belt or system with them while on the run. A participant can use the usual Hydration Belt, Camelbak Hydration System, or Hand-held water bottles. The month of May is a part of the Summer Season of the country and the running weather will be hot and humid. Every runner is advised to hydrate themselves based from their training/preparation for this race.
  5. Runners are allowed to run on any side of the road provided they are vigilant of their surroundings. Registered/Competing Runners can pace with each other.
  6. Runners are highly encouraged not to wear headsets/earphones and MP3s & Ipods during the race. If runners think that such gadget would motivate them to run, it will be permitted, however, they should be aware and vigilant of their surroundings.
  7. Runners will be given the option to use “drop bags” for their special hydration fluids,  food and running apparel during the race. Five (5) plastics bags will be given to runners who will opt to use this system of fluid & food replenishment. Each of these bags shall be marked properly as to what Kilometer Mark they will be pre-positioned. Drop Bags will be positioned at the 10K, 20K, 30K, 40K, and Finish Line points.
  8. Race Bibs shall be displayed or pinned in front of the singlet or running shorts. Race bibs should always be visible to the Race Officials.
  9. There will be limited Road Marshals along the route. Please take note of the “directional signs” on the road/ground with the inscriptions “PAU 50K” with an arrow pointed at the direction of the route.
  10. There will be no tie in the ranking of finishers in this race. Every runner must exert his effort and perform as a competitor. This event is a race to the finish line.
  11. Dispose your waste or litter properly. A runner will be disqualified for throwing along the road with their litter or waste.
  12. The race will start at 5:00 AM or earlier. Runners are highly encouraged to be at the Starting Line at least one hour before the Start Time. There will be no Formal Program prior to the start of the race as this will be a “fun run” and at the same time a competitive race.
  13. Runners should meet the following requirements/qualifications:
    1. Should have finished a registered Marathon Race.
    2. Must be physically healthy and don’t have any heart-related ailments
    3. Must be at least 18 years old.
  14. There will be no Cash Prizes for the winners. Instead, Top Three (3) runners in the Men’s and Ladies Categories will receive Trophies.
  15. Duly registered members of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) will be ranked based from their finish times in this race. Their ranking will be published at www.baldrunner.com and/or www.philippineassociationofultrarunner.blogspot.com
  16. Runners who will finish within the cut-off time of eight (8) hours will receive Individual Trophy, Certificate of Achievement, and a Finisher’s T-Shirt.
  17. Always “Listen To Your Body” during the race. If you experience some pain in your body, observe and slow down with your pace or better, start walking. If the pain persists and if you think that you are injured and could not finish the race, please approach the nearest Aid Station and wait for the Ambulance, if you need one. Contact the Race Director at Cell Phone# 0918-910-0825 if you declare yourself as Did Not Finish.
  18. The use of “pain killer” medication is not prohibited during the race. Bring your own salt tablets and glucolytes.
  19. “Bandits” are not allowed to run or walk along the route during the conduct of the race.
  20. Aid Stations will have Water, Sports Drinks (Gatorade), and Food for the runners. The Water Aid Stations will be located every 10 kilometers. The Aid Stations will serve as the hydration replenishment point to every runner.
  21. Although this Race is a competitive event, treat your co-competitors as your friend/partner during the race. Try to assist or ask a runner who stopped along the course about his condition or if he/she needs help/assistance. Who knows, this runner whom you helped in this race will be the one who will help you in case you need assistance in your future races.
  22. Hiking “poles” or “sticks” are not allowed in this race. Runners should finish the race unaided with any equipment.
  23. Running “half-naked” is allowed in this race, provided, the race bib is visible in front of the runner. However, runners are warned that the weather along the race route is unpredictable.
  24. There will be no portalets provided along the race route. Make sure to make the necessary adjustments on this matter. As for the ladies, they could ask the residents of houses situated along the road for them to use their toilet/s. Use you initiative.
  25. The display of corporate logos of runners’ sponsors on tarpaulins is not authorized. Runners can display their sponsor’s logos on their running apparel only.
  26. The decision of the Race Director is FINAL.

Note: For those who reserved their slots and have not paid their registration fees, they are advised to be at the Starting Line at least One Hour before the Start time. This is to include those runners who will be leaving their “drop bags” at the Starting Area for distribution to the different designated “drop-off” points. There will be no registration on-site.

Good Luck To All The Participants & Support Crew!!!

Running Under The Sun

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running3 Comments

1. Last week, I had a 10K easy run at the Ultra Oval Track wherein I started my run at 8:00 AM. It was too hot already and I could feel the heat of the sun while preparing myself under the shade of a tree. Nevertheless, I started my run as I was the only “crazy” runner along the track. Well, there were other people under the heat of the sun at the same time at the Oval Track but they were not running, they were there for a location-shooting. Actually, there were two groups complete with their cameras, equipments and props. From a distance, I saw Ben Chan of Photovendo, Jaymie-The Bull Runner, and Kim busy doing their shooting. At the other end of the Oval Track, I saw Lester Castillo of Nestle, Phils/MILO with another group of photographers. I did not ask what they were doing as I concentrated with my running.

2. I felt good running under the heat of the sun at the Oval Track. I have to drink water every time I finish 3 kilometers. Since I sweat a lot, I could feel that I need to hydrate some more and eat some food. After running for about 6 kilometers, I went to my car and brought out a bottle of Gatorade and 3 pieces of banana. As the heat of the sun became hotter, I hydrated myself every two kilometers, instead of 3 kilometers and ate the food I had with me. I seldom use sports gels in my running workouts as I prefer to eat something solid. However, I use them only during marathon & ultramarathon races.

3. After running for about 8 kilometers, a guy entered the oval and started his run, too! He is heavy-built and I guess he was there to shed some fats from his body. Later, two runners started to run also but after one lap, the older runner stopped while the younger one continued with his run. There were at least 4 “crazy” runners at the Oval Track, running between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. I completed 25 laps but I felt I was still strong to run some more laps.

4. I talked to the guy who stopped after running one lap. I introduced myself and his name is “Joey”. He told me that he can not withstand the heat of the sun. Our conversation led to something more fruitful—he is inviting me for a FREE Running Lecture & Clinic with his officemates. I had also some time to talk to Lester after my run and to some of his crew. Of course, I was able to talk to Jaymie, Ben Chan and Kim before they left the Oval Track.

5. This morning, I ran 30 kilometers in 3:41+hours along a rolling terrain under the heat of the sun. It was a slow and easy run but the heat was too much that I had to buy some cold bottled water along the way to pour to my head and body. This run is nothing if compared to what the runners of last weekend’s Laguna Lake 200K Ultramarathon Relay had gone through, to include the lady runners. I salute these runners and participants even if some of them were told that they could not make it within the cut-off time for the 2nd day. I could only blame the Race Organizers who are not runners themselves who gave “conflicting” instructions to the Race Marshals. The race was commendable but the presence of “ignorant” Race Organizers made things harder for the runners. I consider the runners & participants of this ultramarathon relay race as “road warriors”—the “purist and hardcore” runners, most especially to the non-elites.

6. I was frustrated to see a lot of litter along the road where I ran today. There were lots of empty sports gel plastic containers/packs and empty water & Gatorade/Powerade bottles littered along the side of the road. I really do not know who were responsible with such irresponsible littering of wastes. However, I am sure that they could be runners and cyclists passing through the same road where I’ve ran. It is about time to disqualify cyclists and runners in a race who litter their wastes along the road. It should be also the responsibility of the Race Director and Race Organizers to inspect the route after the conduct of the race in order to find out if there are litter/wastes along the road and it’s their duty to clean and dispose them properly.

 If you hate running under the heat of the sun, then go out and run in the evening! Bring lots of water and sports drinks and remember to hydrate!