1st Metro Manila International Marathon

On August 18, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Marathon Race, Marathon Race Results, Pictures, Running6 Comments

5:30 AM January 31, 1982/Start & Finish @ Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park

The 1st Metro Manila International Marathon was held under the auspices of the SIGLAKAS, a mass-based Sports Program of Minister Elpidio Dorotheo of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and the Marathon Association of the Philippines. Coca-Cola and Lagerlite Beer were the major corporate sponsors of the said marathon race.

A Marathon Exposition was held at the Century Park-Sheraton Hotel where famous Marathon Champions Bill Rodgers and Katherine Switzer were invited to speak and deliver lectures to the running community. Dr John Wagner of the Honolulu Marathon Association was also one of the invited speakers. The Expo was officially opened and sponsored then by Miss Imee Marcose as the Kabataang Barangay (KB) National Chairman. The said Expo was conducted two days before the date of the Marathon Race. On the morning of the day before the opening of the said Expo, a short run from Luneta Park to Malacanang Palace dubbed as “International Friendship Run” was held in the presence of Bill Rodgers, Katherine Switzer, Waldemar Cierpinski, Peng Jiazheng of People’s Republic of China, Minister Dorotheo, and other Sports Officials. The said run culminated with a breakfast at the Palace with then President Ferdinand Marcos.

This Marathon Race was a well-planned event that the prevailing ratio of the Runners and the Officials/Marshals and Aid-Station Volunteers was 1:1. With 1,000 runners in the said race, there were also 1,000 Officials/Marshals & Volunteers who were involved in making this race a success.

This race was well attended by graduates of a 9-month Scientific Fun Run Clinic sponsored by San Miguel Corporation (SMC). The running clinic was held every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 5:30-7:30 PM at the periphery of Ugarte Football Field in Ayala and Long Run sessions at the Quezon Circle on Sundays. A Lagerlite Beer Running Club headed by Angel Colmenares was also one of the famous/active corporate running teams fielding 41 marathon runners in the said event.

The top 3 runners of the (Men’s & Women’s Categories) received Presidential Trophies and the top 200 runners were awarded the Presidential SIGLAKAS Medals. The awarding ceremony of the Winners was done at the Malacanang Palace at 3:00 PM on the same day of the race with no less than the President as the Guest of Honor. At the finish line, every runner received a Finisher’s Medal, Singlet, Finisher’s Certificate, and every runner drank lots of Free Coke and Lagerlite Beer!

Waldemar Cierpinski of East Germany, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Marathon (1976 & 1980), won the 1st Metro Manila International Marathon with a record time of 2:14:27 hours which up to this time is the “all-comers” record time in a Marathon Race in the country. Cierpinski adapted to the weather and humidity of Metro Manila by arriving in the country three (3) weeks before the race. I think this was the primary reason why Cierpinski was smiling and running at a steady pace when I met him going back to the finish line at the Guadalupe Area (infront of the Loyola Memorial Park) as I was going to the Ortigas turn-around (infront of the Robinson’s Galleria).

The second runner who arrived at the Finish Line was a certain Ricardo Carillo, a Filipino runner with a time of 2:35+ hours.

The race route was very simple then as it started at Quirino Grandstand and went all the way along Roxas Boulevard up to the Paranaque Coastal Road and back; turn right at Buendia Blvd; right at Ayala Avenue; left at EDSA until the turn-around point at crossing Ortigas Ave & EDSA and retrace the same route back to the Quirino Grandstand with runners immediately turning right a Roxas Blvd at the end of Buendia Ave. Runners had to go at the underpass of Shaw Boulevard and at that time one lane of EDSA was devoted to the runners.

1st Metro MIM Newspaper Ads With The Picture of Cierpinski

: (Fm Left to Right) Katherine Switzer, Gail Swain, Bill Rodgers, Angel Colmenares, & Waldemar Cierpinski

: “The Graduates” of the Quezon City’s Class ’81 of the Johnsons & Johnsons “Band-Aid” Family Marathon Clinic @ UP Diliman

What are the things we learned from our past road races during the early 80s when the first “running fever” hit the country? In my opinion, the following are some of the “pointers” and my personal assessment of the road races then:

1. First, the National Government, through the MYSD, was the overall race organizer of this Marathon Race with the direct involvement of the President of the country down to the MMDA and different cities in Metro Manila.

2. If a road race was a Full Marathon, then, it was solely a Marathon Race. There were no other lesser-distance road races on the sides.

3. There was full support from the private sector due to the presence of different corporate running clubs and their sponsorships.

4. World-known Marathon Champions were invited with the proper Exposition and Lectures from them and from sports & medical experts and this was indicative of a well-prepared Marathon Race. It also means that money were spent to invite such “international stars” in running. No Cash Prizes were published for the winners.

5. The 1:1 ratio of the runners and the officials/marshals & volunteers was really a “big” task then to make sure that the runners were safe and secured. The volunteers then were well-trained and prepared.

6. If my memory is still right, the registration fee then was One Hundred Pesos (P 100.00) and the runners were well-supported with hydration and fresh fruits in Aid/Water Stations along the route.

7. Runners did not have any complaints about registration as every applicant got his/her race packet upon registration. There were no complaints on route distance accuracy; race results; and traffic during those days. I wonder how the SIGLAKAS and the Marathon Association of the Philippines did to make our road races then without any problems! I guess, the people behind these races were then well-trained, coordinated, and matured, in short, they were “professionals” & experts in their field.

8. Marathon Races and other Running Events were given “preferential” and favorable exposure through news stories in Sports Pages in Daily Newspapers then, up to the point of relating dramatic stories of top competitors and predictions who will win the race. At this time, except for the annual MILO Marathon Eliminations and FINALS, all the other running events are featured in the Lifestyle Section/Pages of our Daily Newspapers (days and weeks after the race). For almost two years of being a runner-blogger, I have yet to see a picture of a Top Finisher/Champion of a Road Race running towards and crossing the Finish Line Tape in the Lifestyle or Sports Section in any of the broadsheets!!!

9. Running Clinics which were sponsored by Corporate Offices had a training period of Nine (9) Months in preparation for the runners’ first Full Marathon Race. These running clinics were supervised by trained coaches and conducted at least, three times a week. These running clinics were fully advertised in the local newspapers. Experts on sports injuries, nutrition, and past Marathon Champions were invited to speak before the runners. I was not able to join these clinics before as I was assigned in the Ilocos region, however, I trained for my first marathon race for almost one year, running at least 10 kilometers everyday and 20-30 kilometers in my weekend long runs.

(Note: Photos Taken From the Philippine Daily Express dtd 31 January 1982)

BR’s Visit & Meeting @ NESTLE, Phils.

On August 17, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program9 Comments

In the early morning of July 16, 2009, I was invited for a meeting with the leadership of NESTLE, Philippines in the presence of his staff and Mr Jim Lafferty of P & G Philippines. The discussion was centered about my Elite Running Team Program which I had organized 14 months ago. Being the most consistent corporate entity in the country which had been supportive to running events, I was also informed that NESTLE has been closely looking for “ways and means” to contribute in the country’s quest for our first Olympic Gold Medal in any of the Sports events. Since my Elite Running Team Program was also in conjunction with NESTLE’s objective, the meeting resulted to positive efforts to enhance the training and exposure of the Elite Team Bald Runner in running events within the country and the possibility of exposure to road running events outside of the country.

As Mr Nandu Nandkishore, Chairman & CEO of NESTLE, Phils., had said during the meeting, “We have to start “walking” together towards our destination”. For almost one month since our first meeting, NESTLE, Phils and the Elite Team Bald Runner had been “walking” together.

To Mr Nandu, his staff, and Mr Jim Lafferty, thank you very much!

Let the following pictures describe the said visit & meeting at NESTLE Philippines.

Mr Lafferty, Mr Nandu, BR & Coach Salazar

Details of the Meeting Were Discussed With Mr Dennis Austriaco, Sr VP of NESTLE

Mr Pat Goc-Ong & Mr Lester Castillo of NESTLE Were Also Included In The Discussions

“Runabout” For My Former C-I-C

On August 11, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Running, Running For Cause7 Comments

It was a sudden invitation to the Hardcore Runners to offer a “runabout” for President Cory Aquino on the day of her burial. It was supposed to be a minimum of 50-Km run around Metro Manila but due to sudden “meetings” for the day and plan for the runners to conserve their strength in preparation for the Baguio City MILO Eliminations this coming Sunday, it was decided to have a run of about 20 kilometers, rain or shine! The assembly time was set at 5:00 AM of August 5 at the ROX, Bonifacio High Street and the runners arrived one by one. Finally, we assembled a group of 7 runners—Jonel aka Bugobugo; Jerry Karundeng aka High Altitude; Lester Choayap; Francisco Lapira; BR; Mari Javier; & Kim O Connell. Our run started at 5:20 AM with the plan to run at least a 20K distance.

Goodbye To The 1st Lady President of the Country (Photo From LA Times)

After running for about 1 1/2 kilometers, we met Sir Amado aka Reinier6666 whom I thought to be going back to where he started already. He was too early for his daily workout and I thought he was at the ULTRA Oval Track as it was his weekday run. I guess, he was also doing his personal tribute run for the former President. We continued our slow and steady run at Lawton Avenue despite the strong rains and wind. Our plan was to reach NAIA 3 and have our turn-around point at the “big circle/rotunda” before the entrance of the said airport terminal. Since it was a “runabout”, we expected to have “stops” for photo-ops and we did just like that.

While passing along the Headquarters Philippine Army along Lawton Avenue, I tried to recall those times when the former President Cory Aquino was still a housewife when she arrived from the United States after former Senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated in August 21, 1983. One thing led to another— Agrava Commission was created to investigate the killing; RAM-AFP was silently organized within the military & constabulary; former President Marcos was secretly treated for a kidney illness that he needed to have his regular dialysis treatments; former First Lady Imelda Marcos & AFP Chief of Staff Fabian Ver were suspected to be the ones holding the power of the government; former Pres Marcos was being suspected as the “mastermind” in the killing of Sen Ninoy; a campaign period for a “snap election” for the Presidency was declared; Cory Aquino was pushed by the people & opposition and challenged Ferdie Marcos; Scandal in the NAMFREL canvassing of votes; Marcos was declared the Winner but Public Protests & Rallies started to grow; Cory visited Cebu & Mindanao while an attempted Coup D’ Etat was discovered by the Palace; Senior Officers of the AFP were presented to the Media as Coup Plotters; Defense Secretary Enrile, as the Suspected Mastermind of the Coup, asked the Public and the Church to protect him and the “coup plotters” from being arrested; PC Commanding General Fidel Ramos joined Secretary Enrile; sea of people occupied EDSA and finally, it culminated to the very famous “People’s Power Revolt of 1986”. Former Pres Marcos, Family & entourage left the country for Hawaii and Pres Cory Aquino took her oath as the new President and later declared a “revolutionary” government. And the rest was history.

I am proud to recall that I was then an intelligence officer assigned with the National Intelligence & Security Authority (NISA) in Region 1 covering the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, and Mountain Province. After Ninoy’s assassination, I was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia for my “foreign schooling” and I was promoted to the rank of Major before leaving the country. When I arrived back to the country, the RAM-AFP was already active in its recruitment but I stayed to my duties in Region 1.

After the People’s Power Revolt of 1986, I opted to be assigned to the Philippine Military Academy as Tactical Officer & Instructor together with almost 40 officers formerly assigned with units/offices identified with the former President Marcos. My assignment at the Academy brought back my passion in running after a year of complete rest. It was here where I introduced the “1,000-Km Club” to my officers and men and I can still recall those weekend runs we did from PMA to San Fabian Beach in Pangasinan via Kennon Road or to Bauang Beach via Naguilian Road. Those were good 35-50+Km runs with limited water and food supply along the way! But lots of food and beer at the finish line!

The following were the things that kept coming back to my memory while I was running last Wednesday and the things I could remember during the administration of President Cory:

1) I’ve never been assigned to a unit in the AFP to personally meet or shake her hand up to the point that I’ve never seen her in person! I guess, she limited her exposure to the military due to the coup d’etat attempts to her administration.

2) I was then the Chief Intelligence Officer of PMA when the PMA Bombing Incident happened, six days before Pres Cory’s visit to PMA for the Graduation Ceremony of PMA Class 1987. It resulted to the death of one Senior Officer ( a Colonel & a graduate of the US Air Force Academy) and the injury of other officers and civilian employees. It is still unsolved. If not for my love in running, I should had been in the place where the bombing incident happened. I was then the Officer-In-Charge of the PMA Running Team that participated in one of the weekend runs in Manila and my team arrived at the camp in the morning of the day of the incident. Instead of going directly to the Grandstand for a Graduation ceremony rehearsal, I dropped by my office to sign or act on documents and clearances. I was in my office when the bombing incident happened. Since the security of all the places/venues where the President would be going as scheduled were turned-over to the Presidential Security and security people from Camp Aguinaldo, the responsibility of providing security on said places were not given to the authorities of the Academy!

3) Seven (7) Coup D’ Etat attempts of the military tried to unseat Pres Cory during her administration but I’ve never been a part of any of these destabilization moves. While I was assigned in PMA, one of the “RAM leaders” who was then assigned also in PMA, tried to recruit me as part of his team from Baguio City. I refused to join his group. The said officer led a group of officers and PMA cadets in an attempt to provide support to the “raiders” of Camp Aguinaldo in 1987 while I remained at Fort Del Pilar with the Commandant of Cadets and the Superintendent. Since then, I got the trust and confidence of the PMA’s leadership.

4) I was re-assigned in Mindanao in the middle part of 1989 and I thought it was the end of my running. I was fortunate to be assigned to a senior officer who goes out every night to “eat & drink”; sleep at midnight or 1:00 AM; and wake up at 4:30 AM to run the mountain trails of Pulacan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This was my daily ritual until the December 1989 Bloodiest Coup Attempt against Pres Cory.

5) The Area Commander in Mindanao was designated as the Commanding General of the Philippine Army as a result of a massive relief of Commanders involved in the December 1989 Coup attempt. As most of the key leaders of the coup attempt went “underground” and due to the need to counter the efforts of the military destabilizers, a “special unit” was organized to locate and arrest these suspected destabilizers within the military. I was made to report to Manila by the newly-designated Commanding General and he designated me as the deputy commander of such unit and later became as its Commander until such time that Pres Cory turned over her administration to the winner of the Presidential Elections in 1992. Since the creation of this “special unit”, there were no longer destabilization plots within the military against Pres Cory’s administration up to the time she ended her term.

Waiting For The Other Runners @ Bayani Road

On hindsight, we, the Filipino people gained so much freedom and democracy after the people deposed the dictatorship and “iron-fist” administration of former President Marcos and we accepted the leadership of former Pres Cory which is the embodiment of transparency, honesty, understanding, humility, and efforts to look for the welfare of the greater Filipinos. The freedom we gained resulted to the following personal opinion and observations that happened during President Cory’s administration:

1) The resurgence of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army was attributed during the administration of Pres Cory when he brought back Jose Ma. Sison to the country from exile.

2) The MNLF Faction of Nur Misuari was revived and he was made to return to the Philippines after a self-imposed exile in the Middle East.

3) Her administration never attempted to use the Bataan Nuclear Plant despite its approval to use it by experts (according to the book of the late former Secretary of Energy Velasco)

4) Do you still remember those months of daily “brownouts” and “blackouts” where almost all the establishments were forced to buy their own generators?

5) Have you observed that The Urban Poor and “professional” squatters in Metro Manila grew exponentially because of the Lina Law enacted and passed during the term of Pres Cory?

6) It resulted to the death of those efficient “Love Bus” plying in almost all parts of Metro Manila & Suburbs. The demise of the PNR System also followed. If we could have prevented those bus transportation franchises with second-hand buses from China plying on our main streets in Manila, we could have a better traffic flow of vehicles.

7) Of course, it was the end of the very successful Project Gintong Alay in Sports. Winning as Overall 1st Runner-Up in the 1986 ASEAN Games was a result of athletes produced by Project Gintong Alay of the former administration.

8) We fought against nepotism during the dictatorship of Pres Marcos, but look what is happening around us with the members of the family of political clans being elected and/or designated to government positions. When will we stop those “Kamag-anak Inc.”?

9) Too much freedom of speech and freedom of expression to the point of accusing somebody through the media. There are times when news are just plain “gossips” where we “judge” the accused through public opinion.

10) Too much laws, ordinances, rules & regulations enacted but weak in their implimentation.

11) We had a new Constitution in 1987 which up to this time we are trying to change. The Constitution gave us more freedom and it gave us also more Congressmen!

12) Have you observed that those “big shopping malls” started to grow like mushrooms during the administration of Pres Cory? I am not insinuating that Pres Cory was connected with these Malls but I have a strong suspicion that the money used were money left behind by the Marcoses with their “dummies”. Since I am from the North, I always think that the only road/infrastructure she made during her administration was the Dau-Sta. Rita Extension of the NLEX.

13) There was no MILO Marathon for four (4) years during the administration of Pres Cory.

14) Lastly, it was Pres Cory Aquino who signed the law on the Bases Conversion Act which created the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) whose primary mission was to sell all the military camps within Metro Manila with the end-view of relocating the Headquarters of the different Major Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines outside Metro Manila for the simple reason that the AFP was suspected to be a “threat” to her administration due to the numerous coup attempts. The proceeds of these sales were supposed to go to the “modernization” of the AFP. That’s the reason why we have “The Fort”/Market! Market!/new St Luke’s Hospital/International Schools/Heritage Park/McKinley Hill at the former Fort Bonifacio AREA and Marriott Hotel & NAIA 3 at the Camp Villamor AREA. As to where those proceeds of the sale went, I really do not know where did they go! In fairness to Pres Cory, such sale transactions were made after her administration.

In the end, despite those imperfections and observations, the administration of Pres Cory gave birth to the “professionalism” in the military and police. Our present AFP/PNP Retirement Law enacted during her time, limited the age of every men in uniform up to the age of 56 years old as the retirement age. If not for this law, I could not have made it to the rank of Major General (Two-Star) rank when I retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. There was no way where retirable Generals were extended in their military active service.

We gained so much freedom and democracy since the time of Pres Cory but it is up to us to contribute in our own way so that freedom will live on forever. Freedom does not mean cheating in road races; not being responsive to some “lapses” during road races as observed by runners; taking advantage of others; or being divisive with one another. Freedom to me simply means doing what is right; being fair to everybody; being honest/transparent; and sharing one’s blessings to those who are in need and less-fortunate.

Goodbye, President Cory! (Photo From Inquirer.net)

Thank you very much, President Cory for giving me a chance to have served you as my President & Commander-In-Chief!!! The 20.5 Kilometers that I and my friends had offered to you may not be enough to equal the pain you have gone through on those last few days and for those years you served the country but I know that such distance and effort for the said run is enough to pay tribute to what you have contributed to the country as well as for the whole world and humanity.

My snappy salute!

(Note: Photos During the “Runabout” Courtesy of Bugobugo85 & High Altitude)

Comment From Brian Stark

On August 10, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon1 Comment

Hereunder is the comment from Brian Stark, the Ultra Trail Runner Across America, from my post about his book and experience in running along the trails across America:

Dear Jovie,

Thank you so much for your kind words and promotion of my story. Many times during that run and even still today, I feel that I was just a messenger for hundreds of strangers to connect and the message is still being delivered today, thanks to you.

Best Wishes and Many Happy Runs,

Brian Stark

The message of Brian Stark is very clear. If you want to endeavor yourself to an event which is worth being known by others and if it is an extraordinary feat for an ordinary individual, you have to document it so that others would be inspired to challenge themselves to do the same. If the reader has no intention of doing the same activity, at least, it would be known that the human body can have the capability to endure pain and fatigue and slowly can adapt to whatever stress being introduced to the body, thus, making one’s body stronger.

In this age of high-technology/Internet and in the advent of “real-time” webcasts & social networking platforms, one’s activity can be known anywhere in the world in a split of a second!

Lunch Hosted By Reinier6666

On August 9, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, RunningLeave a comment

I was taken by surprise when Mr Amado Castro, Jr, popularly known as Reinier6666 among the runner-bloggers, called me on the day after the Ateneo 5K Team Run and asked me if it is possible for him to invite the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner for a lunch at Jade Palace along Shaw Boulevard on Thursday. I immediately approved his request and we had the said lunch on the scheduled date.

Mr Castro had been very supportive to the Elite Team Bald Runner as he sponsored the registration fees of the elite athletes in his racewalking feats in most of the road racing events in Metro Manila and lately, even went to the extent of coming up with a running uniform for the 5K Team runners in the last Run For M.E. held at Ateneo De Manila University Campus.

In the said lunch, we discussed “ideas” and projects/programs that will continuously enhance and promote running and racewalking in the country. I believe these plans will be realized as we are both dedicated to the sports we love.

Coach rey Antoque, BR, & Sir Amado — Coach Rey Antoque, BR, Sir Amado, & Coach Titus Salazar

Thank you very much, Sir Amado. More power and blessings!

Lessons Learned: 33rd MILO 42K Elims

On July 30, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Running10 Comments

This had been my third marathon race for the year and and I joined this race five weeks after participating in the 2009 Los Angeles Marathon. I did not expect a good finish time for this race ( sub-4 hours) as I knew I was not yet fully rested and recovered from my past marathon races and one ultramarathon race (BDM 102) since April of this year.

On hindsight, I could see the following lesson learned which I kept on violating whenever there are major races and there are also good observations that I could maintain as a result of the race:

1) Easy Long Runs—Marathon race is an endurance running sports. A runner must be able to run a minimum of 32 kilometers in his/her long runs. Better yet if he/she could run the full distance of 26 miles/42 kilometers at least 3 weeks before marathon race day. I never had any long run (32K) as far as the said distance 2-3 weeks before the marathon as I concentrated in shorter distance and hill workouts. Those runs were not enough to develop the endurance capability of my leg muscles and this was the reason why I was already having “muscle cramps” before reaching the half-marathon point. As an advise, let your legs experience what it takes to run the distance (42K) no matter what is your pace is, the more time you keep your feet running on the ground, the better for you to survive in a marathon race. Remember, in a marathon race, the race starts on your last 10 kilometers before the finish line!

2) “All Running Shoes Are The Same”—There had been a lot of arguments about the appropriate shoes you should use in running for training and/or racing in a road race. For the “newbies”, they have to take advantage of the running specialty stores that we have right now in Metro Manila which have those “high-tech” stuffs that determine your own gait/stride/foot strike analysis. But for me as an “old” runner, I’ve been a consistent ASICS and New Balance Shoes user. Lately, I’ve been using the lighter racing shoes in my full marathon races and I did not have any problems.

3) Weather Affects One’s Performance—I have observed that running in colder countries improves one’s running performance. If you have plans of running a marathon in colder countries like United States, it is highly recommended to train in our country and allow some time to acclimatize at least one week or few days before race day on the locaton of the race. I am sure you will have a better marathon finish time if you run your race in colder countries.

4) Rest & Recovery—In the book, “Lore of Running” by Dr Tim Noakes, he is recommending to all serious runners to run at least one or two marathon races a year or one marathon race and one ultramarathon race per year which are spaced in between with rest and recovery before training. I guess, I have already violated this recommendation for this year. He also stated in the book that “the more you race frequently, you will never achieve the fastest time your body is capable of”.

5) Finally, I’ve accepted that my best in the marathon race is already past—I would never attain my best time of 3:30+hours when I was in my early 30s. However, my training preparation for my next marathon is geared towards a finish time of 3:45 hours or less. I hope I could make it to the Boston Marathon.

Insights: 2009 Tour De France

On July 28, 2009July 28, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures2 Comments

The 2009 Tour De France started last 4 July and ended last Sunday, 26 July 2009. It is considered as the world’s most famous and prestigious cycling event of the year. I will not bother to tell you about the results as you already know them from the news stories. I will not also bother to tread on my personal analysis about the performance of Lance Armstrong and about his future as an athlete or his possibility of winning in future cycling events.

For the past three weeks, I’ve been regularly watching the Live Telecast of the daily stages through the Eurosport Channel. The following were my observations and insights about the said event:

1) Scenery of the Route—By watching the Live Telecast, you seem to be a part of the cycling tour. You seem to be a “tourist” also as you got to see the cities/communities where the route would pass through. I’ve been observing a lot of details along the route like the architecture of the houses and buildings as most of the structures are made of concrete & rocks. The structures made during the Middle Ages and castles were preserved and maintained in their original structure. Even the roads are well paved with asphalt with the proper paint-markings and almost all the roads are very clean and well-manicured. I’ve never seen a single trash or even a trash bin along the roads even if they are inside the towns or cities. The scenery of the mountains and their forests were very refreshing. Watching the Tour on the TV was an experience of being a “tourist” in France, Italy, Spain, and other countries where the event was conducted.

2) Cycling Apparel/Uniforms & Technology—If you want to see the latest in cycling technology and cycling apparel, the Tour is the best place to see them. I was impressed on the uniform of each team which is well color-coordinated with the other accessories like sunglass, helmet, shoes, gloves, socks and even the color of their bikes! I wonder how many set of jersey cycling uniforms each participant has for the 3-week event. In order to gain speed, the bikes to include the helmets, had become lighter and air-resistance-proof. Even their “cycling form” and jerseys are very unique in their Team Time Trial and Individual Time Trial in order to shave off few seconds from their time and fight air-resistance. What made me laugh was an observation made by one of my runners in my team when he said that there are no “not so good-looking” cyclists in the Tour! Lahat daw ay puro guwapo!!! hahaha!

3) Excellence In Endurance and Logistics—These endurance athletes are really good in their sports and they really trained well for the event. I remember when I was in my younger years, the Tour was a competition of the best cyclist in each country being invited by the Race Organizer and the pride of the said country was at stake. However, the competition later transformed into corporate team competition and I could see how millions of resources/funds had been used to finance each team and their support/logistics that follow each cyclist. In the last Individual Time Trial, I saw Lance Armstrong threw his $ 300 worth Oakley sunglass while trying to gain more speed as the frame of the sunglass was obstructing his sight. Cyclists would threw their plastic water bottles on the side of the road after there is no water left in them! If there is a flat tire, a support vehicle & mechanic are ready to respond to the problem in few seconds. If a worse problem is ever present to a bike, the whole bike of the cyclist is immediately replaced! In the ITT, each cyclist was provided with a support car with bikes stacked on its top rack. Everything was so perfect that you could see how the logistics people do their job efficiently. I wonder how much is the registration fee for each team to participate in this Tour.

4) Discipline & Applause Of The Audience—All the spectators were in support to the cyclists as you see them shouting, cheering and clapping their hands as the cyclists and “peloton” pass them. You don’t see anybody from the spectators throwing a pail of water to the cyclists or offering some food along the way. Of course, you see some of those spectators running with the cyclists in the mountain stages but they don’t distract the route and it is already a part of the practice of encouraging the cyclists to push some more! The cars of the spectators were all parked away from the street or road where the Tour passes. Even the Starting and Finish Lines are free from spectators. However, you can not avoid some accidents or “lapses” during the Tour as some of the spectators would be involved in accidents which even resulted to death. Last July 18th stage, one of the spectators was killed by a speeding Police Motorcycle Marshal when he immediately crossed the road where the Tour was passing through.

How I wish these personal insights and observations about The Tour will be translated or applied to Running in Road Races in the Philippines.

(Note: Photos were taken from www.boston.com/bigpicture.)

Comments From 1st BDM 102

On July 28, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon3 Comments

The following are the latest comments sent to me by the Moderator/Administrator of BDM 102 website (www.bataan102.com), Eric Pasion aka Run For Change as a result of the conduct of the 1st BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race:

All of you great athletes have much to be proud of and a job well done to all of you. Last year, April 8-9 2008, myself and my good friend Ariel Lesap from Panay Island marched this same route which took us 2 days. The heat and sun was relentless and how happy we were to put our hands on the 102 km. marker! So it astounds me to see your website ! Not only did you run it, you ran it in hours ! I am 50, but some of your ages are unbelievable ! Younger generations will be inspired by your run ! Thank you for bringing much needed awareness to Bataan and the infamous Death March where so many brave souls perished and still sleep beneath the hallowed ground of Bataan. God Bless you all,….Paul Dillon

Hi,
I am very thrilled to know that there is some kind of a memorial marathon for the Bataan Death March. I would however would like to make a couple of suggestion:

1. Make it a two day walk with a campout somewhere inbetween the start and the finish.
2. Create a foundation to honor the Bataan Death March participants in the Bataan such as erecting some kind of a monument and museum.

My father was a survivor and even before he passed away two years ago, could not discuss the details of the ‘death march’.

If this was made into a two day walk and advertised in the Philippines and the U.S., I’m sure that you will receive quite a number of applicants, including me and my family. I would like to walk my father’s walk and do it in his memory as well as his grandchildren. This can also help the economy of Bataan for it will need hotels and restaurants and maybe tour guides.

This is not to commercialize the horrific experience of those that walked to their death and those that survived but to let us, the living experience what they went through and how they dedicated their lives for Freedom, and what it stands for.

Thank you.
Terry Kelley

First 5K Run At Ateneo Campus

On July 26, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Running10 Comments

Run For M.E. @ Ateneo De Manila Campus; 6:34 AM 26 July 2009

Almost 5 weeks before this race, Sir Amado aka Reinier 6666 called me through the phone asking me my approval for him to finance the registration fees and uniforms of my Elite Team Bald Runner to join and compete the 5K Team Run at the RUN FOR M.E. I immediately accepted the offer and gave him the personal data of the team members for their registration. Coach Salazar was able to organize two (2) teams of 5K runners and the members prepared for the race.

I was a member of the Team Bald Runner (Reinier) and Mr Amado Castro, Jr was a member of the Team Bald Runner (Pacific). Some of the elite members of Team Bald Runner ran the 10K distance. Actually, I had some reservations for me to run the said distance as I never ran a 5K road race race since I started this blog.

Days before the race, we received the team’s race packets and uniforms. The aim of the team was to get the first place despite the fact that the college and university’s varsity track & field teams will field their respective runners. The pressure was on us to make sure that we are fielding our best runners for each of our team.

The teams were already at the starting area one hour before the start of the race and had their respective warm-up and stretching exercises. It was also a time to meet friends and other runners while waiting for the signal to assemble at the starting line. The 5K Team Run was scheduled to start 5 minutes ahead of the 10K and 3K Run Run. And after a brief explanation of the race, the race started as scheduled.

Knowing that the race will cover the roads inside the Ateneo Campus, I did not bother to ask or look for the route of the race. I knew that the 5K distance will take one loop of the different roads inside the campus. I was also confident that the Race Director of this run knew how to properly manage the said race. The race strategy for me was to just follow the faster runner infront of me and maintain an even pace as fast as I could.

Teams Bald Runner Before The Race With Reinier6666 (2nd From Left)

Hardcores & Reinier 666 (On my Left side) — Hardcores & Reinier 6666 (On my Left side)

At The Starting Line With The 5K Runners

The first 3 1/2 kilometers consisted of rolling uphill & downhill roads; a flat run along the campus’ grassy oval track; and the remaining flat roads towards the finish line. There was only one problem along the course—slippery roads most especially on the first two kilometers of the route. I had to shorten my strides as the lugs protruding on the front sole of my Newton shoes had the tendency to be slippery on the wet roads. I saw two of my running friends who were victims of those slippery wet roads along the course trying to finish the 10K race despite their wounds and painful rashes.

I can recall that I was able to pass runners along the rolling hills; along the oval track; and later on the last 800 meters to the finish line. I finished the 5K run in 22:57 minutes (based from my GF 305) with an average pace of 4:47 minutes per kilometer. I placed #41 among the 5K runners and I was entitled to receive a T-Shirt for the first 50 runners in the 5K race.

The Far Eastern University Track & Field Team won the First Place and received a Trophy and a Cash Prize of P 10,000. The Team Bald Runner (Reinier) where I belong, won the 2nd Place and it received a Trophy and a Cash prize of P 7,000. The Team Bald Runner (Pacific) was awarded the Third Place Trophy and a Cash prize of P 5,ooo. However, after some time, it was found out that the Race Organizer and Race Officials admitted that they committed some “lapses” as there were other runners from other teams whose finish times were not properly recorded and included in the master list of finishers. It turned out that a running team from Marikina City registered a faster aggregate time than the Team Bald Runner (Pacific). Even if the Trophy and Cash prize were already awarded during the ceremonies, Coach Salazar and I immediately brought back the Trophy and Cash Prize to the Race Organizer/Officials so that these award & prize would be awarded to the deserving winners. Our other team landed in fourth place without any prize. The Race Organizer of the Race would call us “The Gentlemen & Honest Runners” Team.

In the 10K race, Alcuin Bolivar and Marecil Maquilan, won 4th Overall (Men) and 2nd Overall (Women), respectively.

After resting for 5 minutes after I finished the 5K race, I ran another round of the 5K course for my easy run with an average pace of 6:30 minutes per kilometer.

After changing to my dry shirt and shorts, I had a chance to meet and talk to other runner-bloggers and awarded the BR’s “1,000-Km Club” Finisher’s T-shirts. Finally, the best part of the day was the moment I received my prize for winning a pair of NIKE Zoom Structure Triax+ for my comment on The Bull Runner Magazine from The Bull Runner herself! Thanks, Jaymie!

Receiving My Prize From Jaymie (The Bull Runner)

TBR Receiving BR's "1,000-Km Club" Finisher's Shirt

This race was memorable because of three reasons:

(1) For the first time, my team was fully supported through the initiative of a Corporate Head, in the person of Mr Amado Castro, Jr aka Reinier666 of Reinier Pacific. I hope more Corporate Heads would also involve themselves in supporting our elite long distance runners. Who’s next?

(2) My first time to enter the Ateneo de Manila University Campus and get to have a tour inside through a 5K run.

(3) My second 5K road race since 1984 (after 25 years) and my first 5K road race since I started this blog.

Overall, the conduct of the race was satisfactory.

The “Best” Sponsor & “Corporate Head”

On July 24, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners' Training, Running9 Comments

Who among the “corporate heads” who have the “heart” and initiative to help the elite athletes in their plight to give honor to the country in international competitions? I know there are corporate heads who are helping elite athletes in other sports but I am not sure of those who are presently helping our elite athletes in long distance running.

"Corporate Head" @ Fig+7th Building in LA

The statue above is located at the Fig+7th Building along Figueroa & 7th Streets in Downtown Los Angeles. It is called the “Corporate Head” which depicts an “executive” guy whose head is stucked to the building. I really don’t know if our Corporate Heads are like this guy who really have their heads stucked permanently to those high-rise buildings whose offices have the “best” view of the whole city. How I wish they would also embrace an active & healthy lifestyle and be able to help/support promote the sports they love and at the same time help our elite athletes. A small help/support from them means a lot to our elite athletes.

I have an answer to my question in the person of Mr Amado Castro, Jr who is the President & Owner of Reinier Pacific and fondly called as Reinier6666 among runner-bloggers. Aside from being a passionate racewalker and runner who had already exposure in international racewalking competitions and international marathons, he is silently helping and supporting our elite athletes. And he had done a lot in helping our athletes for the past months.

Surprisingly, he came up with an initiative to finance the registration fees of two (2) teams for the RUN FOR M.E. 5-Km Team Run this coming Sunday consisting of our Elite Team Baldrunner. He also came up with the idea of designing and financing for the teams’ running uniforms. And yesterday, I was able to receive the teams’ race bibs and running uniforms. They are nice and they have the color of “green”!

What else can I say? This “Corporate Head” is somebody who has the passion and dedication to help and try to alleviate the plight of our elite athletes. Such deed shows what “Leaders” are made of. Mabuhay ka, Mang Amado!

The following are the pictures of the new Team BR running uniform:

Thank you, Sir Amado! So far, you are the “best” sponsor to our elite long distance runners and future racewalkers! God bless and may you have more blessings to come!

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