“Alay-Sikad Sa Kagitingan” (BDM Bikeathon)

On March 22, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Running, Sports Program, Travel3 Comments

1. The Head of the Multi Agency Task Force (MATF) for the Observance of the 2010 Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week and Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Honorable Ernesto G Carolina, sent an official invitation to me as the Special Guest during the Culminating Ceremony of the 2010 “Alay-Sikad Sa Kagitingan”: Retracing the Bataan Death March Route Bike-A-Thon held last Saturday, March 20, 2010, at the Capas National Shrine in Camp O’Donnell, Capas Tarlac. The Bike-A-Thon event is a part of the activities that commemorates and provides awareness to the infamous Bataan Death March.

Bataan Bikathon 01 — Program of Activity

2. I was chosen as the Special Guest for the said event because the MATF have been informed that I’ve been conducting the BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race for the past two years without their support. In the said program, I was introduced as the Founder of the BDM Ultramarathon Race. I am glad that my invitation to this event have finally recognized the efforts I’ve spent to create awareness on the heroism of our forefathers during World War II.

A Pose With Hon. Carolina (left) & Veterans

3. A group of almost 100 cyclists from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other Bike Clubs in Metro Manila and other nearby provinces started the Bikeathon at the BDM Km 00 in Mariveles, Bataan at 6:30 AM last Saturday. A Ceremonial Send-Off Program was led by Hon. Jesse Concepcion, Mayor of Mariveles, Bataan; Hon. Espiridion Calara, Provincial DILG Director; and Ms Samsia Bonoan, Head of the MATF Sub-Committee on Bikeathon. The number of cyclists increased in numbers up to 200 as they passed along the towns of Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. More cyclists have joined the group as it got nearer to the Finish Line at the Capas National Shrine. The cyclists arrived at the Finish Line at 4:00 PM. Aid Stations/Checkpoints had been pre-positioned every 50 kilometers where cyclists were provided with water and food.

A Pose with Mayor Catacutan, BGen Ojeda, & Hon. Carolina

4. During the Culminating Ceremony, the Finishers were awarded with “loot bags” courtesy of MATF and PVAO. The activity was graced with the presence of Hon. Reynaldo Catacutan, Mayor of Capas and some of the veterans of World War II. I was able to deliver my message/speech with emphasis on the sustained awareness of the BDM through activities on sports, arts, tourism, and written publications/researches.

Finishers Getting In Line For Their "Loot Bag"

5. Hopefully, the MATF & PVAO will be able to support the conduct of future BDM Ultramarathon Races.

good news to all “baldies”

On March 19, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running3 Comments

Baldness ‘could be good for your health’ say scientists

Baldness is a result of high levels of the male hormone testosterone

A receding hairline can be a good thing, according to US scientists, who say men who go bald by 30 appear to be less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine studied 2,000 men aged between 40 and 47.

They were able to link high levels of the male hormone testosterone in those who lose their hair earlier with a lower risk of tumours.

The findings are published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology.

Half of the men in this study had suffered prostate cancer.

Researchers compared the rate of tumours in those who said their hair had thinned by the age of 30 with those who did not suffer hair loss.

Men who had started to develop bald spots on the top of their heads as well as receding hairlines had a 29% to 45% reduction in the risk of prostate cancer.

Roots of baldness

By age 30, approximately 25-30% of men will have some baldness, researchers believe. Half of all men suffer significant hair loss by the age of 50.

If these results are correct, they could be useful in providing us with a greater understanding of how testosterone behaves in the body

Dr Helen Rippon, The Prostate Cancer Charity

Baldness is caused when hair follicles become exposed to too much dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is a chemical produced by the male hormone testosterone.

Experts believe that men with high levels of testosterone are more likely to lose their hair, especially if baldness runs in the family.

Prostate cancer sufferers are often given drugs to reduce testosterone levels because they can accelerate the growth of some tumours once they develop.

But this study suggests that high levels of testosterone from a young age might protect against the disease.

Dr Helen Rippon, head of research management at The Prostate Cancer Charity, says: “Clearly, the age at which a man begins to lose his hair is unfortunately not a risk factor for prostate cancer over which he has any control.

“However, if these results are correct, they could be useful in providing us with a greater understanding of how testosterone behaves in the body and how it can affect different tissues.”

Dr Alison Ross of Cancer Research UK said the link between baldness and prostate cancer is still unknown because previous studies have found the opposite to this one.

“The results hinge on asking men between ages 40 and 70 to remember whether their hair was thinning when they were 30, which does not provide a very reliable measurement, ” she added.

(Note: Copied from PnC Group Forum)

Stadium To The Sea: XXV LA Marathon

On March 18, 2010March 21, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Marathon Race, Races, Running3 Comments

Who is going to join/participate in the 25th LA Marathon to be held this coming Sunday, 21 March 2010 which is dubbed as the “Stadium To The Sea” Marathon? I am sure my son John and daughter Jovelle will be joining this race as they had been participating in this event for the past years.

I finished the 2009 edition of the LA Marathon last year which was held during Memorial Day on May 25, 2009 with a finish time of 4:09+ hours. But due to numerous complaints from runners because of the heat and overtraining and later, pressure from the LA City Government, the Race Organizers will be bringing back the usual schedule of the race on the month of March for this year’s edition.

What is unique about this year’s marathon race is the change of the marathon route. The road race will start at the Dodger’s Stadium which is commemorating its 25th Anniversary and the runners will pass along historic and tourist attraction sites which are very unique in Los Angeles. From the Dodger’s Stadium, the runners go to the City Hall area and then proceed/pass along Echo Park (one of my favorite running parks) and then to Sunset Ave up to Hollywood Boulevard.

LA Pictures — Scenic Views Along the Route (Photos by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

What is nice about the route is that the runners will pass along the Hollywood Avenue where you could see those famous theaters, recording studios, the Avenue of the Stars (Actors & Actresses) where you could see their names/handprints and brass Star on the pavement on the side of the road. The runners will pass along famous Fashion Shops and business/high-rise buildings and condominium areas in Century City

Well, if you have the time, you can drop by in one of the Fashion Shops at Rodeo Drive and do your shopping while running the marathon. But having a camera while running this marathon would be a nice experience as you can take pictures on the sights of Fashion Signature Shops and flashy cars/sports cars parked on most of the roads where the route passes through. I guess, there is no need to run this Marathon Race in a PR pace. The joy, experience, fun, and the sights are the most important aspects why you paid and joined this Marathon Race.

But what will be the most memorable experience in this Marathon is the presence of almost 1,000,000 spectators along the route who will cheer, offer water & sports drinks, some would be offering ice cold beer, and some would be offering food to the runners. I am sure that some rock bands will be along the route as what the race organizers had offered in the past editions of the race.

The Finish Line will be at the Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica Beach. Finishing at the beach area in the Los Angeles Marathon will be a nice experience to all the runners.

So, whoever will be leaving the country to join this memorable edition of the LA Marathon, enjoy your run and experience in this new route of the race. Have fun!

Running Clinic @ Aboitiz (Times Square)

On March 16, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Running For Cause, Sports Program1 Comment

For two consecutive running clinics within a span of one week, the Elite Team Bald Runner conducted another running clinic to the personnel of Aboitiz Company whose offices are located at the Times Plaza Building at Taft Avenue corner United Nations Avenue in Manila last February 24, 2010. The running lecture started at 2:00 PM

As an introduction, Jerome Sese, the Chief HR of Aboitiz Company emphasized to the personnel the need to adhere to an active and physical lifestyle due to the prevalence of lifestyle sicknesses among its staff and personnel. In a briefing, he presented a graph on the percentage of illnesses of the people working with the company. Such illnesses include hypertension/high blood, arthritis, high BMI, asthma, and others. He stressed that it is highly recommended that each personnel of the company should engage themselves in physical activities like walking and jogging, and later to running with the goal to be healthy and reduce the “numbers” in their statistics.

Hopefully, with the conduct of such running clinics from the Team Bald Runner, Jerome stated that the company will formally organize its company’s running club where its members will be able to compete and participate in weekly road races in Metro Manila.

After the briefing of Jerome, he introduced me to the participants which was reported to be more than 50 personnel of the company. As usual, I presented a lecture with a presentation which lasted for one hour and thirty minutes. I brought with me some of my running shoes—from my trainers, racing flats, and my trail running shoes. I even showed to the participants samples of hydration system that I’ve been using in my training and road races for the past two years.

Practical Demonstration & Clinic were done at the Roof Top

After the lecture and open forum, the whole team and participants were led to the roof top of the Times Plaza Building for the Actual Demonstration and Practical Exercises/Running Demonstration.

Coach Titus Salazar's Turn To Demonstrate Proper Running Warm-up & Form

Coach Titus Salazar of Team Blad Runner explained and demonstrated to the participants the technical aspects of running from the proper stretching, running drills, running form & strides, up to the cool down exercises. All the participants were encouraged to do what the Coach was demonstrating to the crowd. The Elite Team Bald Runner athletes were there to demonstrate the proper way to do the running drills and perform the correct running form.

After about one hour and thirty minutes, the participants were able to learn how to stretch properly before and after their running workout. Running drills were fun to everybody. And running around the space the rooftop of the building can offer for about 15 to 20 minutes brought some perspiration to the runners even if the place was windy. After a short guidance and parting words from the Coach and from myself, my team was awarded with certificates and gifts from Aboitiz. Thanks, Aboitiz. We hope to be of service to your company and may your Running Team prosper and its members be good examples and models to your company.

The Elite Team Bald Runner is also scheduled to conduct another Running Clinic to another branch of the company and set of “newbie” runners in the future.

Planning Is Everything (Adventure Run)

On March 14, 2010March 15, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon4 Comments

In the military, planning is the most important aspect before the conduct of any operation or any activity. Being a former military officer, planning is already a part of my system. In every thing or activity that I do, there is a thorough planning involved as a guide for the execution of an operation or activity. Without any good planning, mistakes, errors and lapses occur every step of the way during the execution of your intended action or operation.

When I finally executed my “adventure run” from Monumento, Caloocan City to Baguio City, I prepared an operational plan for the said activity. In the military, every planner is guided by the letters S-M-E-A-C. These are five letters of each of the following words—Situation; Mission; Execution; Administration & Logistics; and Command & Control. In the said run, I used these words as my guide for my planning.

Situation guided me to find out the prevailing situation along the road from the starting point to the finish line. The weather, road condition, security and peace & order, pollution, noise, and traffic/density of vehicles along the road. Situation simply answered the question—who/which are my friends and enemies along the road? Mission is very simple, to run from point A to point B and be able to document the activity in near “real time” so that my readers could read and see what I did along the road as soon as I had a break or rest. Execution involved my schedule guide to run from Monumento, Caloocan City to Baguio City on a daily basis with an average of 50 kilometers covered within a day. This includes my strategy for my food & fluid intakes and the expected towns/cities where I would end my daily runs or take a mid-day break. Administration & Logistics would deal with my support system from my financial support up to my logistical support in terms of food, accommodation, gasoline, running attire, shoes, supply of ice, availability of Internet load to my SmartBro connection and what hydration system to use in every leg of the run. Command & Control would deal with Communications & Coordinating Instructons with my Support Crew/driver and the availability of access and signal to the Internet. during my “breaks” and rest over night (RON).

As I am used to be travelling to the North through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) since it was constructed, I did not know what the old MacArthur Highway looks like nowadays. Pedestrians are not allowed along the NLEX and the only option is to run along the old MacArthur Highway. I had to recon the road/MacArthur Highway from Caloocan City up to Mabalacat, Pampanga for two times just to be sure of the exact road to take and to pinpoint towns/cities with convenience stores/fastfoods along the road. I had to make sure that my designated driver/support crew will not get lost along the road as there are tricky overpasses, road crossings and U-turns along the way. My support has to “leap frog” as far as 2 kilometers during daytime and at least 500 meters during nighttime. Driving through or travelling along the route is the best way to orient and find out the situation along the road as part of the planning process. Studying the route through maps is not enough!

In my execution of my plan, I was guided with the two most important Principles of War—Simplicity and Surprise. Simplicity means running alone. I was responsible for myself only. Surprise is exemplified when I did not warn or give any hint as to when I am going to start my adventure run. Nobody would believe that I was capable of starting this event a day after I finished the Condura Marathon. My security along the road was my most concern as I did not want to advertise this event. What was most important in this run is to be able to journalize or document my run through this blog/site on a near “real time” through my accounts and pictures.

I really don’t care if somebody in the future would run this distance in one day or two days. What I’ve proven here in this adventure run is that I could immediately inform my readers what transpired in my run immediately during my “breaks” or rest periods within the day or before I start another leg of my run. If you can run this distance in two or three days and then publish your account in your blog after you finish the whole adventure run, then that’s another view/perspective of the said experience.

Rest Over Night (RON) was the most important factor to be considered in order to have a rested and recovered body before the start of the next leg of the run. During the two occassions that I conducted an actual drive/recon up to Mabalacat, Pampanga, I pinpointed and planned to rest overnight (RON) at the MacArthur Hotel in San Fernando, Pampanga which is located along the highway. However, on the night I stopped my first leg, there was no available room and I opted to look for a hotel at the very center of San Fernando City. I was able to look for one but my standards for a decent sleeping facility/room was not met but I was able to rest/sleep for 7 hours.

On my second night, Mr Blue Pension in Capas, Tarlac was a perfect place to rest. The place has big rooms and I was able to use the Butane-fed Stove I brought to cook additional foods and prepare hot water for my instant oatmeal, coffee, and mami noodles.

On my third night, I checked in at Jijis Pension/Hotel in Carmen, Rosales, Pangasinan. There was a brownout that time but the electricity was restored after 20 minutes. The available room was cozy without any windows but the air-conditioner was perfect. I overslept in this hotel because of the lack of natural light coming from the outside but I was able to sleep the required 7 hours for the night.

On my last night along the road, I stayed at the Five Star Apartelle in Urdaneta, Pangasinan. So far, this was the best place where I had my rest overnight. The place is spacious and each unit has two bedrooms upstairs with laundry & drying areas on the first floor.

As for my meals, I was a loyal customer of Jollibee for the first two days. I had my lunch at Isdaan Restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac on my third day. I had my lunch and dinner at Matutina’s Restaurant in Urdaneta City on my fourth day. And had my breakfast at the Rivervue Restaurant at Saitan, Rosario, La Union.

I had a daly intake of Multi-Mineral & Vitamin tablet, Vitamin C, and Glucousamine. Before going to bed, I had to drink one glass of Ensure.

Lastly, I was protected by Mr Heckler & Mr Koch USP9 from Germany with their 19 powerful 9mm rounds and a spare of two magazines in case of extreme emergency. However, my daily prayers to the Lord had greatly protected me from any harm or injury.

For those who are intending to experience an adventure run, good luck and I hope you can document your experience on a near “real-time” on your blog or site. Always be safe on the road.

BDM 102 CLP & Final Briefing

On March 5, 2010March 5, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon2 Comments

An addition & improvement from last year’s edition of BDM 102 was conducted at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. A Carbo Loading Party and Final Briefing was held to meet the runners and support crews of the 2010 BDM 102. This activity was intended to distribute the race packet (race bib, instructions, & banner/tarpaulin) to the runners in order to lessen the administrative activities before the start of the race at Km 00 in Mariveles, Bataan. This activity started at 5:55PM, 5 minutes earlier than the scheduled time of 6:00PM.

@The Patio, AFP Officers Clubhouse, Camp Aguinaldo, QC

The event was held at The Patio, AFP Officers Clubhouse in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. It started with an invocation from Ronnie De Lara aka RunnerFor Christ; Singing of the National Anthem; Carbo Loading Activity; and the presentation of the Final Briefing. There were some adjustments made on the Rules & Regulations and Critical Points along the route were explained and presented. However, these points along the route will be manned by Race Marshals.

All Carbo + Protein + Fats Party For Everybody

It was not an All Pasta Carbo Loading Party as my brother, MajGen Samuel of the Light Armor Division of the Philippine Army who is also one of the runners, together with his son, Lemuel, donated two (2) big lechon for the party. I just hope all the participants were able to eat their share of the foods served last night.

Final Briefing For All The Runners & Support Crews

All of the runners were excited to meet other participants of the race. Foreign runners mingled with the local runners and the “first-timers” for this race were all attentive to the briefing. I can see “strong determination” and “positive attitude” on the faces of the participants. I hope all the starters will be able to finish the race within the cut-off time of 18 hours considering the arrival of early summer in the country. I wish all the runners will have the best condition for them on the day of the race.

For those who were late in coming to the party, please don’t be late during the start of the race and during our Awarding & Get Together Party, few days after the race. As a reminder, the assembly time at the BDM Shrine at Km 00 in Mariveles, Bataan is 10:00 PM of March 6, Saturday. And for those who have not yet received their race packet, they have to be in the assembly area earlier than the scheduled assembly time. As I have announced, the race will start early as soon as we can account for everybody to be present at the starting area.

For those who were not able to get their banner/tarpaulin last night, we will give you whatever is available. It will be given on a “first come, first serve” basis. My staff will be at the Assembly Area at 9:00 PM of March 6, Saturday.

Good luck and have a safe trip to Bataan! See you at the Starting Line!

carbo BDM — CLP Group Picture (Courtesy of Mark Fer Castillo)

Race Organizers Meeting @ PATAFA

On March 3, 2010March 3, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Running, Sports Program7 Comments

In a short notice and invitation to all Road Race Organizers, the first official meeting with PATAFA was successfully held yesterday morning at the PATAFA Office from 8:30-10:30 AM.

The objective of the meeting was to discuss “concerns” that were brought to the attention to Mr Go Teng Kok on the conduct of Road Races in the country. The meeting started at exactly 8:30 AM even if only two of the representatives were present. However, in a few minutes and during my presentation/discussion, the meeting was attended by most of the Road Race Organizers. In the absence of the President of PATAFA, I presided the meeting and the following personalities were in attendance during the said meeting:

Vic Pielago III—-Race Organizer from Condura Durables, Inc

Froilan Carnay—Assistant Race Organizer from Condura Durables, Inc.

Jo-Ar Calvadores—Representative of Coach Rio De La Cruz of Finishline

Ben Alacar—-Father & Representative of Ian Alacar

Melvin Bolus—Owner of MLB Road Race Specialist

Tia De Guzman—Pep Squad Events & Marketing Co.

Marj Dayrit—Pep Squad Events & Marketing Co.

Gay Maddela—Argent Network

Joselito “Joey” Santos—PATAFA Staff on Road Race Measurement & Timer

Out of these Road Race Organizers, the following were absent and were not represented during the meeting: Mr Rudy Biscocho of RACE; Mr Imperio of EXTRIBE; The North Face Race Organizer; Thumbie Remigio; Maryanne Ringor; and Mr Adi De Los Reyes of E-ventolists, Inc. However, I hope they will be able to attend the next meeting.

The following concerns of the President, PATAFA were presented to the attendees and each of them were discussed:

1) Increase in the Number of Road/Trail Races and Number of Runners in the past two years.

2) Increase in the Number of Road Race Organizers

3) Corporate’s & Private Sector’s Involvement in the Conduct of Road Races

4) Foreign Runners in Local Races (Presence of the Kenyans in short distance road races)

5) “Standards” & Protocol In the Conduct of Road Races (Accurate Distance, Aid/Water Stations, Timing & Results of Races, Density & Volume of Runners vs. Width of our Roads; Safety; Traffic of Vehicles; and others)

6) Role of PATAFA in Road Races (Race Sanction and Accreditation of Race Organizers

7) Role of PATAFA in the Schedule of Road Races

8) Increase in the Amount of Registration Fees

Attendees Increased To 9 During The Meeting

As a result of the discussions, the following recommendations to the President of PATAFA were formulated for his approval:

1) PATAFA shall conduct a one-day seminar to all Road Race Organizers at the PATAFA Office with the objective of presenting the Guidelines For The Conduct of Road Racing based from IAAF standards and protocol.

2) Road Race Organizers who will complete this Road Race Seminar will be automatically accredited by PATAFA and should adhere to its policies. It is therefore advisable that all Road Races shall be supervised by PATAFA from their planning stage to their execution.

3) Organize a formal group or association among Road Race Organizers in order to instill open communication and teamwork among its members. This group will elect their officers and the PATAFA will act as a supervisor/consultant/adviser of the group.

4) Maintain a Regular Monthly Meeting among the Road Race Organizers.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.

On a personal note, I think this first meeting of the Road Race Organizers was a success where the role of PATAFA in the conduct of any form of Athletics (track & field) and road races was emphasized. Let us support PATAFA so that running will sustain its impact in promoting an active lifestyle down to the “grassroots” level.

My sincerest thanks to all those who attended this first and significant meeting among the Road Race Organizers. Let us cooperate with one another and remember always to provide the best quality service to our paying runners in every road race.

FREE Corporate Running Clinic Is Back!

On March 1, 2010March 1, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program1 Comment

2:00 PM February 19, 2010 @ 2GO Office, Old Domestic Airport, Pasay City

Last May 2009, I was invited by Jerome Sese, HR Executive of Aboitiz, Inc as one of the guest speakers in their corporate’s 3K Fun Run at the La Mesa Dam. I delivered a brief speech and suggested to the employees to conduct a running clinic for all the officers, staff & employees of the company in the near future for them to appreciate and learn the scientific approach to running.

After 6 months, I received an invitation from Jerome Sese to pursue the conduct of a running lecture & clinic to all the officers. staff and employees of Aboitiz, Inc as soon as possible. Jerome explained to me that he was assigned outside the Metro Manila area (Mindanao) after the 3K Fun Run last May 2009 and that was the reason why he was not able to make a follow-up on the conduct of running clinic last year.

The first phase of the running clinic was conducted among the personnel of 2GO whose office is located in one of the hangars-turned offices at the old Domestic Airport. The running lecture & clinic started at 2:00 PM with Jerome introducing me to the 36 participants.

Jerome Sese of Aboitiz Inc During The Introduction

My lecture featured the “basics” and principles in training and running. Phases and Tips of Training for a running distance event were explained. However, what is important in this introductory lecture in running is my emphasis on the development and enhancement of good values to each of every participant if they want to engage in a sports called “running”. In essence, I want everybody to set the example to their family, relatives and friends and a source of inspiration if they decide to be serious in running.

36 Participants Attended The Lecture/Clinic

After 1 1/2 hours of lecture, the practical demonstration on the warm-up, stretching exercises, and technical information about running was led by Coach Saturnino Salazar and the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner. All the participants were requested to stand-up and follow the demonstrations being displayed by the Team. Due to the intense heat/temperature outside the office, the actual drills and running form demonstrations were done inside the lecture room.

Coach Salazar Took Over the Practical/Demonstration Portion

After the practical demonstrations, an open forum was conducted. The Team BR answered questions about running shoes, running apparel, nutrition, and other cross-training sports related to running. After the lecture, the members of the BR Running Clinic Team were given gifts and certificates for the services rendered to the employees of the 2GO Company.

Thanks, Jerome and to the 2GO personnel for the wonderful reception and interest in running! Hope to see you on the next road races in the future.

DZMM’s Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan 10K

On February 28, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running2 Comments

As far as I can remember, this is my first time to join this yearly road race whose advocacy is to protect the environment. Basically, this is the yearly road race that promotes the improvement and cleaning of the Pasig River which started in 1999. This road race is sponsored by the ABS-CBN Foundation.

I decided to join this race last Wednesday as my “diagnostic test” run to evaluate my speed after finishing my “adventure run” from Caloocan City to Baguio City on the 2nd week of this month. I realized it is my first time to run a 10K road race in Luneta-Roxas Boulevard area since I started this blog. My previous races in Luneta-Roxas area were part of full Marathon races that I’ve joined in the past.

Having arrived at the Luneta area very early (one hour before the scheduled starting time), I had my warm-up and stretching with a plan to run at my best effort for this race. I was able to brief the members of my elite team and then proceeded to the starting area. I was surprised to see a lot of runners for the 10K, 5K and 3K races. I heard that there were 8,000 runners who registered for this event. I was able to meet also other runners like Sir Amado aka Reinier 6666, members of the takbo.ph, and “newbie” runners who are expecting me to conduct their Corporate Running Lecture and Clinic in the coming days.

A simple program was conducted before the start of the race with no less than the Vice-President Noli De Castro as the highest government official promoting this race. Ms Gina Lopez, President of the ABS-CBN Foundation, was also there to grace the occassion. Well, it was a running event where the “stars” of the said network were also in attendance. Piolo Pascual, Jake Cuenca, Maricar Reyes, Enchong Dee, Nina Corpuz, Ariel Oreta, Cory Quirino, and Winnie Cordero were there to participate in the event. Piolo Pascual ran the 10K race; Jake Cuenca ran the 5K race; and the rest joined the 3K run.

After some short speeches from the VIPs of the ABS-CBN, warm-up/stretching exercises, and briefing from Mr Rudy Biscocho, the race started at least 3 minutes before the scheduled time. You expect an early or a punctual start of the race if Mr Rudy Biscocho is the Race Director of a running event.

As the gun was fired (actually, a sound effect of an explosion), I immediately placed myself infront and tried to find an ample space among the front runners. After one kilometer, I glanced at my GF 305 and it registered an average pace of 4:47 mpk. It was a good start and an early pace before I started to perspire. I tried to maintain my pace and never glanced at my watch until I reached the halfway/turn-around. Few meters away from the turn-around point, my watch registered a time of 24:18 minutes and again tried to increase my pace.

As soon as I reached the 5K Race turn-around (2.5K from the Finish Line), the road became full of runners & walkers. Moreso, when I reached the 3K Race turn-around point, more runners would fill the road that I had to look for a way or space to overtake these slower runners. The presence of the slower runners and walkers in the lesser distance races made my average pace slower.

I finished the 10K race in 47:37 minutes based from my GF 305 (unofficial time). The following were the kilometer splits for the 10K race: 4:47/4:30/4:39/4:40/4:51/4:50/4:57/4:56/4:53/4:46. The distance was measured accurately at 10K with my GF 305. My average pace was 4:45 mpk with an average heart rate of 168 beats per minute.

I am satisfied with my performance with this race. I know I could be faster if I put more time with my speed-endurance workouts. From the result time, my average pace per mile is 7:40 minutes. With progressive training and additional time for my supplementary weight training, I will be focused to qualify for this year’s MILO Marathon Eliminations on July 4, 2010. My finish time at the Century Tuna Half-Marathon of 1:47:51 hours and my time in this race are already good references for my training program in my next Marathon Race.

Alley Quisay of the Elite Team Bald Runner won as Champion in the Hall of Fame Special Award for winning and defending his title as the winner in last year’s 10K Race with a time of 32:13 minutes in the Men’s Division. Jujet De Asis and Frank Indapan of Elite Team Bald Runner won the 1st & 2nd Place in the 10K Race. They received their awards and prizes from Vice-President Noli De Castro.

The road race was orderly conducted with part of the Roxas Boulevard closed from any vehicle and all the basic amenities/support for the runners were available. Instead of the water being served in cups, bottled water was available and given to all the runners in every Water Station which was located every 2.5 kilometers.

Congratulations to ABS-CBN Foundation, Mr Rudy Biscocho & staff, and to all the Finishers for a nice and orderly running event.

Invitation: To All Road Race Organizers

On February 26, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Sports Program2 Comments

I just received a telephone call from the President of PATAFA, Mr Go Teng Kok, this morning. Being the PATAFA’s Director for Road Races, he relayed to me the need to meet all the Road Race Organizers in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country to discuss important matters related in the conduct of Road Races in the country.

In view thereof, all Road Race Organizers are invited to a meeting at the PATAFA Office, Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on March 2, 2010. The meeting starts at 8:30 AM and it will be presided by the PATAFA President himself. Trail Race Organizers are also invited to join this meeting.

If you think you are a road race organizer and had never applied for accreditation with PATAFA, you are highly encouraged to join this meeting.

See you at the meeting/conference.

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