Category: Jogging

193 Days: Insights On Milo Run (Laoag City)

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running2 Comments

I have the folowing insights and observations on the conduct of the Milo Elimination Half-Marathon Race held in Laoag City last 21 September 2008:

1) Local Government and Sports Development—My impression during the race was that the local government was used as a “contact point” for the Milo Run Organizers to conduct such race in Laoag City.  Local government officials were at the Start and Finish Line to Fire the Starting Gun and to present awards to the winners. In short, they were there for “exposure” and the “image” that they were promoting sports awareness to the people in Laoag City and Ilocos Norte. These local government officials were also late for the scheduled start time of the race.

2) Lack of Runners—I can not believe that there were only about 40 runners for the Half-Marathon Elimination Race. Out of the 40 runners, five of us came from Baguio City and Metro Manila; one female runner; at least 15-20 runners belong to the 40+ age group; and the rest were local runners. This is a sign that physical fitness or running is not well-exposed in Laoag City/Ilocos Norte. There is a need to develop more runners and promote physical fitness awareness for the province. In contrast with the lesser distance races during the Milo Run in Laoag City, 90% of the runners where children with ages 10-14 years old. About 200 children joined the other races to include some beginners among the adults. It seems that these children were obliged by the school authorities to join the race and be at the starting area at 5:00AM. Some of these children even came from the neighboring towns of Laoag City. Continue reading “193 Days: Insights On Milo Run (Laoag City)” →

194 Days: “Plyometrics” & 16K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Runners' Training, Running5 Comments

5:10 AM 23 September 2008 at The ULTRA Oval Track

It was my first time to wake-up so early for a practice run this morning at 4:30 AM. It was still dark at the ULTRA Oval Track when I reached the Grandstand but I had observed that there were two runners already making laps around the oval. “Prometheus” and another guy within my age bracket were already there. After doing my stretching exercises, I started my running workout, taking the outermost lane, as I intended to have 2 sets of 6K run around the oval track which served as my recovery run after my Milo Half-Marathon  Run in Laoag City last Sunday. My plan was to do a tempo run for 6K and then do some “pylometric” exercises in-between sets of 6K runs.

My first 6K was timed at 30:38 minutes with an average pace of 5:05 mins per km. My average HR was 163 bpm and maximum HR at 171 bpm. I slowed down for the next two laps and stopped to do some “plyo” exercises. It took me at least 30-40 minutes to perform selected exercises I got from my P90X program. Doing such “jumping exercises” made me sweat some more!!! I was glad I brought a bath towel this time to wipe my sweat. I am sure the other runners at the oval track were thinking that “I am crazy” doing all those weird jumping movements. Continue reading “194 Days: “Plyometrics” & 16K Run” →

196 Days: Laoag City Milo 21K Elimination Race

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running, Ultramarathon9 Comments

6:00 AM 21 September 2008 in Laoag City

Instead of starting infront of the Provincial Capitol (as published in the newspapers), the Milo Run started along the Ablan Avenue near the Provincial Sports Complex. About 40 runners for the 21K waited for the arrival of the Governor of Ilocos Norte, Hon Michael Keon, the former Director of the Project Gontong Alay and President of the Philippine Olympic Committee as he was late for almost 40 minutes for the 6:00 AM scheduled start of the 21K Race. Anyway, the race started without any problems and the road marshalls were all posted in key intersections as the race proceeded to the main street of Laoag City, Rizal Street, going all the way to the east, towards the direction of the Municipality of Sarrat. Continue reading “196 Days: Laoag City Milo 21K Elimination Race” →

198 Days: 16K @ Mall Of Asia & ULTRA Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running6 Comments

Yesterday afternoon, I visited The North Face Store at the Mall of Asia Mall and bought the “Escalada” backpack with provision for a hydration pack. I intend to use this small backpack for my “runabout/walkabout” which could carry my food provisions, water/sports drink supply, windbreaker/jacket, towelette, extra socks and dry clothes, cellphone, sunglasses, medical first-aid kit, and my Sony Vaio Notebook just in case I decide to bring it with me. This will be useful in my ultra run practices in the North, in Antipolo & Tanay, in Tagaytay, and within Metro Manila area. (Note: To High Altitude & Aldz, I’ll be joining your mountain trail run soon!!!) Continue reading “198 Days: 16K @ Mall Of Asia & ULTRA Run” →

199 Days: Oval Track Etiquette

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running6 Comments

As it was my first time to run inside the ULTRA Oval Track, I was able to observe some actuations of the users/runners in the said facility. I am suggesting the following oval track etiquette in order to promote discipline and orderliness among the users:

1) Slow runners/Novice runners should use the outer lanes—Lanes #7 & #8

2) Oval tracks are primarily used for speed runs and tempo runs. Priority for the use of the inner lanes, Lanes #1-#3, should be for runners doing speed intervals and/or tempo runs. Lanes #1 & #2 are usually used and given priority to the fastest runners. Continue reading “199 Days: Oval Track Etiquette” →

199 Days: Libingan; ULTRA Track; & “Running Shoe Guru”

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon2 Comments

Yesterday morning, I called up the Commanding General of the Philippine Army’s Support Command (ASCOM), who happens to be my underclassman in the Philippine Military Academy, to reconsider their policy of preventing runners from using the streets inside the Libingan ng mga Bayani. His command is the one directly supervising the upkeep of the Libingan through a Council Board. I requested that runners and walkers must be allowed inside the cemetery as the rolling hills and streets are very challenging and the most accessible route to civilians, soldiers and retirees who would like to engage in physical activities. I told him also that the runners are very responsible people who are just after a quiet road, free of traffic, and full of challenging hills and don’t have any desire to litter or conduct informal picnics/meeting inside the establishment. I was assured by the Commanding General of ASCOM that he will bring this matter to the Libingan ng mga Bayani Council Board for their consideration. Continue reading “199 Days: Libingan; ULTRA Track; & “Running Shoe Guru”” →

201 1/2 Days: 16K @ The Fort

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon10 Comments

6:00 PM 15 September 2008 @ Fort Bonifacio & The Fort

Yesterday, at 6:00PM, I did 16K run along Lawton Avenue and along the outer streets of The Fort up to the old Gate 1 of Fort Bonifacio and back to the main streets of The Fort. I finished my last 4 kilometers running along the Bonifacio High Street (BHS) Loop. I was able to join other runners in the said loop. I was happy to see more runners this time doing their practice runs in the said loop, most especially during nighttime.

I started to have some conversation with a guy (mid/late 20s) who tried to overtook me but I was able to keep up with his pace but when he started answering my questions, he just peeled off and took another route in one of the cross streets of BHS. I later found him looking tired after few minutes and could not keep up with my pace when I passed him. I later found out that he is preparing for a duathlon race this coming October. Continue reading “201 1/2 Days: 16K @ The Fort” →

202 Days: 1st Day of Training For Bataan

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon11 Comments

I am formally starting my ultramarathon training for the Inaugural Bataan Death March Memorial 100K Ultra Run which will be held along the route where the event happened in World War II, not in any other place in the world, on April 5, 2009.

All my incoming road races on weekends will be part of my ultramarathon training. I should be able to run 50-60 kilometers this week.

The Bald Runner is back!!!

5K Tempo Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

After a rest and recovery for four days, I did a 5K tempo run yesterday early evening around the neighborhood. For my warm-up first kilometer, I did 5:38 mins. I did my 2nd Km in 5:05 mins; 3rd Km in 5:01 mins; 4th Km in 5:04; and ending my 5th Km in 5:12. Overall, I finished the distance of 5.02K in 26:09 minutes with an average pace of 5:12 minutes per kilometer.

Not bad! On Monday, I will be starting my 30-week ultramarathon training for the 2009 Inaugural Bataan Death March Memorial Ultramarathon Run. My next ultramarathon training will be geared towards my first 50K/50M Mt Disappointment Endurance Run in August 2009.

My prayers and best wishes to Ben Gaetos and Carmela Layson, our Pinoy Ultramarathoners residing in Los Angeles, for their 3rd/4th (?) participation to the Angeles Crest 100-Mile Ultra Trail Endurance Run which will start at 6:00 AM tomorrow. GO, GO, GO, Pinoy Ultra Trail Runners break the 30-hour time!!!

How About “Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run” In The Philippines?

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running, Ultramarathon25 Comments

The reason why I conducted the “first and only Bataan Death March Challenge” in April 2000 held along the exact route where the event occured because I was challenged why in the world would the ROTC of White Sands, New Mexico, USA celebrate such event in their desert where a handful of US World War II survivors from that State would be supported and commemorated. Also, there are three other places/States in the US where they commemorate this famous Bataan Death March. Continue reading “How About “Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run” In The Philippines?” →