“Minimalist” Running (For Men Only)

On February 20, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon11 Comments

“Minimalist” Running is running only with your running shorts or running without a shirt/singlet.

Except for the long hair and the beard of “minimalist” ultratrail runner Anton Krupicka (www.antonkrupicka.blogspot.com), I tried to run at the ULTRA Oval Track yesterday morning “half-naked”, wearing only my running shorts and shoes! Well, after finally completing eightt (8) laps, the lady Security Guard came down at the oval track and cautioned me that it is prohibited to run “half-naked” at the ULTRA Oval Track. Being a “good soldier”, I immediately picked-up my singlet on the sideline and wore it. And continued my run for anothe 5 laps.

I did not bother to argue with the Lady Security Guard asking her as to where her source of authority came from as I don’t see any written rules and regulations in the use of the oval track displayed around. However, I suspect that the “seniors” (men & ladies) walking around the oval track made some complaints with the Lady Security Guard. This is the same experience I had when I ran counterflow with the rest of the runners where a “beginner/newbie” runner complained to the Security Guard that I was running the opposite way.

Is there any rule or regulation or provision from the etiquette of running that it is prohibited to run “half-naked” in road, oval track, and trail runs? I think in all track and field competitions in the oval track, all the athletes should be wearing a singlet or shirt where they could pin their race bibs/numbers in order to identify them during the competition. However, in road and trail runs, I don’t see any provision from the race organizer’s rules and regulations that it is prohibited to run without any singlet or shirt. Most of the ultratrail runners pin their race numbers on their running shorts.

Pb_Hope_2009 — Tony Krupicka (Photo Taken from http://www.antonkrupicka.blogspot.com)

I saw some runners in our local races running on barefoot but nobody is prohibiting them from running. But running without a shirt is something that should be “tested”, most especially running in a country like ours which is hot and humid.

I may not be as young, tall, handsome and fast like Anton Krupicka or have a nice body physique like Derek Ramsey, but we will see if I can run as the “Bald Runner” and at the same time the “Bold Runner” during the Century Tuna Half-Marathon.

See you at the Starting Line!!!

getting back my speed

On February 18, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running3 Comments

The first thing that I did after arriving in Manila last Monday afternoon was to have a “deep-tissue” massage for two hours. During my adventure run, I did not have any massage along the way and just rested my legs overnight in every leg of the run.

On the following day, Tuesday morning, I had my active recovery run at The Fort lasting for 30:54 minutes and was able to cover a distance of 5 kilometers. My average pace was 6:09 minutes per kilometer but at the middle of the run, I was able to maintain an average pace of 5:32 minutes per kilometer for about 2 kilometer. It was my first step to shift my LSD legs to a faster pace to regain some speed in preparation for the 21K Road Race this Sunday.

In the afternoon of the same day, I joined the BR “speed” training at the ULTRA Oval Track but I was ahead in doing my workouts with the rest of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group. I did a warm-up run, stretching, and speed drills. Later, I tested my speed by running two repetitions of one-mile run. The first rep was timed at 7:51 minutes with a distance of 1.7 kilometers as I was running on Lane 3 of the Oval Track. The average pace was 4:37 minutes per kilometer. I was surprised that I was not trying to catch my breath after running one mile. After one minute of rest, I did my second repetition on the same Lane 3 with the same 1.7 km distance and I registered a slower time of 8:41 minutes, an average pace of 5:02 minutes per kilometer.

Due to the heavy traffic of runners who are attending a running clinic and the usual runners at the Oval Track, I decided to stop my interval workouts and concentrated on doing stretching and Pilates exercises. Later, I was able to meet and talk about my experiences during my adventure run with the members of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group.

I did not run on Wednesday morning. However, in the afternoon, I went to the Oval Track very early to continue my speed workout. First, I did my 1.7K warm-up run in 10:04 minutes with an average pace of 5:48 minutes per kilometer. After stretching and short speed drills, I did 5 X 400 interval runs with one minute rest on Lane 2 of the Oval Track and the following were the results:

1st rep—1:46 minutes—4:13 minutes per km

2nd rep—1:47 minutes—4:19 minutes per km

3rd rep—1:45 minutes—4:17 minutes per km

4th rep—1:40 minutes—3:55 minutes per km

5th rep—1:44 minutes—4:13 minutes per km

After a 3-minute rest, I finished my run with a 30-minute steady run where I was able to cover a distance of 5 kilometers. My average pace was 5:55 minutes per kilometer.

Early this morning (Thursday), I had another run at the ULTRA Oval Track with a tempo run. I was able to run a distance of 6 kilometers with a time of 31:08 minutes. It was a good run with an average pace of 5:11 minutes per kilometer.

With all these speed and tempo run workouts after finishing my adventure run, I think I could predict/produce a decent finish time on this Sunday’s Century Tuna Run. It could not be a PR but I am sure that I am getting my speed back again. The goal is to improve my latest half-marathon finish time I’ve registered in the Cebu Marathon last month.

See you at the Starting Line!!!

Adventure Run Stats & Figures

On February 16, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon5 Comments

The following are the statistics and figures taken from my GF 305 watch during my adventure run from vicinity Monumento, Caloocan City to Baguio City. The GF 305 readings could be more accurate than the kilometer post markings but it could be the other way around. I really don’t know. But there are kilometer posts which are accurately in sync with the distance registered in my GF 305. The Province of Pangasinan has the most accurate distances in-between kilometer posts. Pampanga & Tarlac kilometer post’s placements are not accurate as this may be a result of the Mt Pinatubo eruption.

1st Day (February 9, 2010): From Km Post #10 to Km Post #56

Morning Run

Time of Start: 6:25 AM

Distance: 26.34 kilometers

Time: 4:17:09 hours

Average Pace: 9:45 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.1 kilometers per hour

Total Calories Burned: 1,680 cal

Average HR: 119 bpm

Maximum HR: 147 bpm

Afternoon Run

Time of Start: 4:00 PM

Distance: 20.57 kilometers

Time: 2:42:45 hours

Average Pace: 7:54 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 7.6 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,353 cal

Average HR: 130 bpm

Maximum HR: 152 bpm

2nd Day (February 10, 2010): From Km Post #56 to Km Post #102

Morning Run

Time of Start: 6:13 AM

Distance: 30.61 kilometers

Time: 4:47:19 hours

Average Pace: 9:23 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.24 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,961 cal

Average HR: 118 bpm

Maximum HR: 139 bpm

Afternoon Run

Time of Start: 4:36 PM

Distance: 15.74 kilometers

Time: 2:16:12 hours

Average Pace: 8:39 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.9 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,047 cal

Average HR: 122 bpm

Maximum HR: 146 bpm

3rd Day (February 11, 2010): From Km Post #102 to Km Post #160

Morning Run

Time of Start: 6:37 AM

Distance: 35.12 kilometers

Time: 4:50:37 hours

Average Pace: 8:16 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 7.3 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 2,397 cal

Average HR: 124 bpm

Maximum HR: 146 bpm

Afternoon Run

Time of Start: 4:53 PM

Distance: 23.47 kilometers

Time: 3:55:59 hours

Average Pace: 10:03 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.0 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,402 cal

Average HR: 113 bpm

Maximum HR: 137 bpm

4th Day (February 12, 2010): From Km Post #160 to Km Post #192

Morning Run

Time of Start: 9:31 AM

Distance: 20 kilometers

Time: 3:04:06 hours

Average Pace: 9:13 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.5 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 1,263 cal

Average HR: 118 bpm

Maximum HR: 146 bpm

Afternoon Run

Start Time: 4:30 PM

Distance: 12.40 kilometers

Time: 1:41:34 hours

Average Pace: 8:11 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 7.3 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 852 cal

Average HR: 123 bpm

Maximum HR: 135 bpm

5th Day (February 13, 2010): From Km Post #190 to Km Post #250

Time of Start: 5:45 AM

Distance: 58 kilometers

Time: 9:17:35 hours

Average Pace: 9:45 minutes per kilometer

Average Speed: 6.1 kilometers per hour

Calories Burned: 3,512 cal

Average HR: 118 bpm

Maximum HR: 142 bpm

Total Ascent: 3,394 meters

Total descent: 2,102 meters

BOTTOMLINE:

Total Distance Covered: 242.25 kilometers

Total Time (Run/Walk): 36:53:16 hours

Total Calories Burned: 15,467 cal

Weight Before The Run: 140 lbs

Weight After The Run: 145 lbs

2nd Day: Redux

On February 15, 2010February 16, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon3 Comments

Coversation With The “Padyak” Boy

On my second day while I was running in San Fernando City (Pampanga), I was surprised that a boy in his early teens, while driving the local version of their “padyak”/tricycle, started talking to me in the local dialect. I will try to translate to English about our conversation and it went this way:

Padyak Boy: Sir, did your car break down along the road? (While pedaling his “padyak”)

Bald Runner: Yes! (While I was smiling at the boy)

PB: Where is your car?

BR: Angeles City!

PB: Do you want me to bring you there instead of you running on the road?

Instead of anwering his question, I answered him with another question.

BR: Will it be a free ride because I don’t have any money with me?

PB: Yes, of course! No problem! I just want to help you.

BR: Thanks. Don’t worry, I need this run for my daily exercise.

The Padyak Boy slowed down and I went ahead as I continued my pace.

This story speaks well of the character of the boy who is trying his best to earn an income for the day but because he wanted to help, earning some cash was not his priority. I like his attitude and I was inspired that there are still kids on the road who are ready to help. I hope this kid will be successful someday and be able to earn an education.

"Padyak" Version of San Fernando City (Pampanga)

On Business Establishments:

On the provinces of Bulacan & Pampanga, the following business establishments abound along the National Highway:

1) Spare Parts Stores for Trucks, Vehicles, and other machineries/engines.

2) Hardware Stores as a sign of continous housing construction, building structural developments and development of commercial establishments.

3) Car Washing Using Pressured Water Pumps had been observed in almost all the towns of Bulacan and Pampanga.

4) Home-Cooked Eateries For Truckers and Provincial Buses. If you see a part of the National Highway with a wide space on the sidewalks, for sure you could see eateries lined up beside the road. Almost all the eateries has Karaoke machine!

5) Repair Shops and Vulcanizing Shops.

6) More Jollibee Fastfood Stores than McDonalds along these two provinces.

7) Cottage-Making Industry. Practically seen along the National Highway on how our people construct these bamboo-nipa huts.

It Could Be A Studio or 1-2 Bedroom Cottage

These Huts Are Seen On Both Side of the Road

5th Day: Final Climb To Baguio City

On February 14, 2010February 14, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners Accessories, Runners' Training, Running, Running Shoes, Ultramarathon51 Comments

1. The plan for the 5th Day was to finish the “adventure run” to Baguio City. It will take me 58 kilometers to run/walk for the this “leg”. I knew that Kennon Road covers a distance of 35 kilometers and the uphill road starts from Barangay Saitan, Rosario, La Union which is the road that intersects with the Main National Highway.

2. For me to finish this “leg”, I need to have a longer time to sleep the night before the 5th day, wake up earlier than the previous days, and start the run before sunrise. The 5th leg is planned to be a continous run/walk from Kilometer Post #192 to Kilometer Post #250. So, I woke up at 4:00 AM; did the “drill” as if I am going to join a road race; and packed my things.

3. It was still dark when I started my run at Km Post #192 in Binalonan, Pangasinan at 5:45 AM. The sidewalk is still the same—full of stones/gravel and sand which made my run slower and had to use my flashlight. I was wearing my TNF Trail Running Shorts; TNF Long-sleeved shirt; TNF Hand-held Hydration bottle; Under Armour Cap; ASICS Gel-Kanbara 4; PUMA Socks; Armando Caruso Buff as headband; Oakley sunglass; and two Bandanas tied around my neck. From where I started, I had to run/walk at least 23 kilometers to the Rivervue Restaurant where I plan to have a decent breakfast with steamed rice! The restaurant is 400 meters away from the intersection of Kennon Road and the National Highway.

@ Sison, Pangasinan Bridge With Rey Jimenez

4. At Km 21, Rey Jimenez of Dagupan City met me along the road and we started to run together. Rey finally believed about my description on the sidewalks of our National Highway as he had seen stones and gravel & sand. After running for two kilometers, we stopped for our breakfast and rest. I ate “tapsilog” with their native chocolate/cocoa hot drink. I really liked the hot native chocolate drink! We stayed at Rivervue Restaurant for about 45 minutes and I think we were the first customer for the day.

5. What is good about running on the road is that you are not affected with those traffic brought about by the repair of some bridges and parts of the road where only one lane is usable by the vehicles. We have to pass vehicles which were waiting for their turn to pass the only lane for both traffic. I am sure the people inside the vehicles were talking about us that we are “crazy” running along the Kennon Road towards Baguio City.

@ Our "Pit & Pee" Stops Along Kennon Road Near The Bridal Veil Falls

6. Cyclists from the South would pass me while I was running on my first 20 kilometer and I know that they are also on their way to Baguio City. We would meet a lot of cyclists also coming from Baguio and later see them going back again to the city. I always wave my hands to these cyclists and they respond also. These “cyclists” are the real ones—they are thin, flat-chested, and with very DARK skin! I just laugh to myself when I compare those regular cyclists I always see doing their “circuit” workouts at the BHS loop.

Rey Leading The Way During Our Walking Breaks

7. Running along the Kennon Road is very tricky and you need to be always on the safe side. Take advantage of the limited space at the sidewalk where you could run/walk. I don’t advise runners to use their Ipods/MP3 when running in Kennon Road or for that matter, when running along the National Highway. A runner should have a keen sense of hearing from the incoming vehicle on both lanes of the road. During this adventure run, I could guess what type of vehicle was approaching from behind based from the sound of their engines, mufflers, and tires!

Rey Jimenez 04 — "Where is the toll booth?" (Courtesy of Rey Jimenez)

Where is the roadside eatery for my lunch?

8. Rey and I ran together on single file. On the first 10 kilometers, I was leading the pace but on the next 10 kilometers, Rey was already the one who was trying to pull me along the road as he would lead me for about 5-10 meters. We had occassional “pit stops” where we replenish our water for our hydration; drink sports drinks; and ate Fita/SkyFlakes with Cloud 9 Chocolate. Each Kilometer Post along the road was a sight of relief as the number of Kilometers to my destination slowly became lesser until it bacame single digit.

Plate of Table Salt with Coke ;"Chicken Joy" & Kennon Pork Sinigang For Lunch

9. After passing the long bridge at the Toll Station, we stopped for our late lunch. Rey and I ate the available food in one of the eateries for “truckers”—home-cooked sinigang na baboy, “chicken joy” & dinuguan with steamed rice. After our lunch, Rey prepared to go back to where he parked his car in Barangay Saitan as he was scheduled for a social function in Dagupan City late in the afternoon. Rey took a ride in one of the jeepneys and I was left alone for my last 11 kilometers to Baguio City. Thanks, Rey for the company and the pull/push for the 26 kilometers that we’ve run together! (Do I have to tell you again that I sang some songs with a Karaoke machine in that truckers’ eatery? hahaha!)

10. The last 10 kilometers took me two hours to run & walk. The “zigzag road” has steep uphill climb and I have to walk and then run again along the flat area. The technique was to brisk walk on the steep climb and then run on the flat part of the zigzag road. The technique had been repeated all the way to Baguio City. On my last 5 kilometer, I was received and met by Carlos, photograper of The FrontRunner Magazine and later was greeted by the family & relatives of Jonel aka Bugobugo/The FrontRunner Magazine. Thanks, Jonel for arranging a simple but meaningful reception as I reached my destination for this “adventure run”. I was informed that you arranged for a welcome party consisting of a band and group of runners from Baguio City to join me on my run/walk from the Rotary’s Lion Head to Baguio City. Though they were not able to wait for me, thanks again for the effort & gesture.

My Vanishing "Breasts" (I mean, "Chest")

11. Reaching the Baguio General Hospital (BGH) was a realization that I’ve finally reached Baguio City. I am glad that the “Slide” area before reaching the BGH have been fixed as this was the “headache” of motorists and truckers going to Baguio City. You always find a vehicle or truck stucked at the middle of the road on this area almost everyday and such occurence always result to a traffic on both lanes of the road. However, I was not spared on this occurence during my run as one of the jeepneys got stucked at the bottom of the steep uphill climb!

12. I finally reached the Rizal Park infront of the City Hall of Baguio at 6:15 PM as I walked entirely along Burnham Park with heavy traffic of vehicles and people coming out and going to the Park and to those who are audience to a political rally at the Burnham Athletic Ground. Practically, I was on the road for 12 1/2 hours for my last day. I ran the 58-kilometer distance for the day with a running/walking time of 9:15 hours. Finally, I reached my destination. I did it. I was able to prove to myself how far I can push my body’s capability beyond its limits where I could run an ultramarathon distance almost everyday for 5 days. I was able to prove it also that I can inform my readers on a “near real-time” with pictorials through the Internet with what is going on with me in my “adventure run”.

Finally, At The Rizal Park in Baguio City

Reward For The Day: Pata Tim, Pancit Canton & Fried Rice

Better View of the "Soft Version" of Crispy Pata

13. This post will not be the end of my “adventure run’s” journal/diary. There are so many untold stories to tell which I experienced along the way and I will try my best to recall them and bring them to you on this blog. I did a lot of things along the way and I hope that such experiences will guide future runners/pedestrians who will embark on such challenge. The challenge is, “if I can do it (at the age of almost 58 years old), you can do it, too”!

14. My sincerest thanks to those who supported this “adventure run”. Your prayers, best wishes and words of encouragement pushed me to my limits. Lastly, my thanks to the Lord Almighty for giving me the strength and “vision” to inspire others. What is next? Keep on reading this blog for more interesting stories and surprises.

4th Day: Evening Edition

On February 12, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runners' Training, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon5 Comments

1. I started my run this morning at 9:31 AM. It was late already but I had more time to sleep last night. As seen in the pictures from my previous post, the sun was too hot and it felt like it was a repeat of the 1st BDM 102. From Km Post #160, I stopped at Km Post #180 at Poblacion, Urdaneta City. I had my lunch and had some rest. I was able to run/walk a distance of 20 kilometers in 3 hours!

2. At 4:30 PM, I resumed my run from Urdaneta City and I was able to end my run at Km Post #192 at Binalonan, Pangasinan. I was able to run a distance of 12 kilometers in 1:41 hours. For the whole day’s run/walk, I was able to cover a distance of 32 kilometers.

3. Rey Jimenez, a marathoner from Dagupan City and a 2nd BDM 50K Test Run Finisher, linked up with me in Urdaneta City and he hosted an all-seafood dinner in one of the famous restaurants in the city. Thanks, Rey for the hospitality. He even asked me if he can join me in my run along Kennon Road sometime tomorrow. I hope Rey would be able to push me reach my destination before the end of the day.

5. I still have 68+ kilometers to go before I reach Burnham Park in Baguio City. The last 10 kilometers will be the “killer” leg of this journey. It is equivalent to a “half-marathon” distance because of the steep ascent towards the city. I’ve experienced running from the former Black Mountains Mining Area to PMA when I was a cadet and I am confident that I still know the curves and ascending portions of Kennon Road.

6. Good night & wish me luck & prayers for a safe arrival to my destination.

Third Day: Evening Edition

On February 11, 2010February 11, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runners' Training, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon4 Comments

1. It was almost 5:00 PM when I started my afternoon run from Isdaan Restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac. Due to the narrow asphalted National Highway, I had no choice but to run along the dirt road on the sidewalk. Both sides of the road is filled with small stones/gravel & sand. Whenever I stepped on a gravel, my feet would absorb some pain brought about by the uneven ground. It’s really hard to be running on a gravel & sand.

Running Along The Sidewalk Filled With Gravel & Sand

I am Calling This Event as "The Adventure Trail Run" to Baguio City

2. Eventhough I had my flashlight with me, it was so hard to choose where your feet would land on the ground. From Gerona, Tarlac all the way to where I stopped for the day, both sides of the road were filled with sand & gravel. I had to stop my run to prevent myself from being tripped or from any accident that may lead to dislocation of my ankles. I don’t recommend future pedestrians to run along these sidewalks of our National Highway during nighttime.

3. I was planning to reach the Tarlac-Pangasinan Boundary before I stop running for the day. I was short by almost 10 kilometers. I was able to end my run/walk at Km Post #160 which is one kilometer away from the Municipality of San Manuel, Tarlac, the last town of Tarlac before reaching the Province of Pangasinan. It was already past 8:00 PM and the road was too dark when I ended my run/walk for the day.

4. For the afternoon-evening run, I was able to run a distance of 23 kilometers with a pace of 10 minutes per kilometer. I was practically walking on those gravel & sand sidewalk on my last 10K. For the third day, I was able to complete 58 kilometers. And for the past 3 days, I was able to cover a distance of 150 kilometers!

5. More stories & pictures to be posted soon. Good night!!!

Third Day: Morning-Noon Edition

On February 11, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Running For Cause, Running Shoes, Ultramarathon5 Comments

1. One thing that I forgot to bring in this “adventure run” was a weight scale! However, I know that my weight before I left Manila was 140 lbs. I am sure I will have reduced my weight once I finish this run. The first thing that I will buy at SM Baguio City once I arrive to my destination is a weight scale.

2. One of my readers was able to observe that I am not ingesting any Energy Bar or Sports Gel during my run. The only time I use Sports Gel is when I join Half-Marathon and Marathon Races. Since there are so many eateries along the way that offer freshly-cooked foods, I think such cooked food in restos along the way are better source of food nutrients than eating/ingesting processed/synthetic foods.

3. On the first & second days of my run, I just drink hot coffee and eat one serving of oatmeal for my breakfast before embarking on my run. I observed in my morning runs that I run sluggish and would not last a continous run of more than 10K. Before I eat my lunch, I could only run a maximum distance of 29-30 kilometers. After eating a complete meal for lunch with steamed rice or pasta, I observed that I could run faster in the afternoon with more endurance.

4. This morning, I ate breakfast with steamed rice & fried chicken (my left-over in last night’s dinner) and later ate one serving of oatmeal with fresh milk & banana before I started my morning run for today. I observed that I was able to run continously up to a distance of 15 kilometers. I become stronger in my morning run if I eat steamed rice for breakfast!

5. I was able to sleep for 7 hours last night. The hotel/traveller’s inn where I stayed overnight is more expensive but the room is bigger, cleaner, and well-maintained. I will mention the names of the hotels and the restos where I ate on this run in my concluding post about this running event.

@ Km Post #102 (Feb 11, 2011) on the 3rd Day

6. I started my run at 6:37 AM at Km Post #102, 6 kilometers away from Capas, Tarlac. I was able to cover a distance of 35 kilometers with an average pace of 8:17 minutes per kilometer. I was able to burn 2,400 calories! My running time to include my “walking breaks” is 4:50 hours. My average heart rate is 124 beats per minute. For the meantime, I stopped at Km Post #137 in Gerona, Tarlac.

@ Km Post 104/The "Old" BDM Capas Shrine

7. On my last 5 kilometers, I started to use my Salonpas Spray in order to anticipate any pains on my calves. The spray gave relief to the tired muscles of my legs as it brought refreshing cool sensation. The feeling is like my muscles are being massaged with an ice!

8. Today is too hot that I needed a third bandana to wrap my neck on my last 15 kilometers. What I do with the 3rd bandana is to roll up 4-5 pieces of tubular ice in it and then tie the rolled bandana on my neck, making sure that the rolled ice is placed/positioned on my nape. The cold sensation on my nape serves as a coolant for the blood that flows to and from my head! Instead of using a sponge to absorb cold water from the ice chest, I use at least two of my bandanas as my sponge. I dip them in the cold water and use them to wipe my face, neck, and legs.

9. If I remember right, based from what I read, the Marathon Des Sable in the Sahara Desert starts with a 20K run on the 1st day, the 2nd day covers a distance of a marathon race (42K); and the 3rd day covers a distance of 80+ kilometers which is an ultramarathon distance. From where I am right now, I am 30K from the Tarlac-Pangasinan boundary. If there is a need to run up to midnight, I will do it just to be able to run through Tarlac in one day!

10. For those of my readers who are asking the number of running shoes I brought for this run, I brought with me five (5) pairs. For the past 2 days, I used my ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2, ASICS Gel-Kayano 14, and The North Face (TNF) Arnuva 50 BOA. The TNF Arnuva 50 BOA is a very versatile running shoes as it can be used as a trail or road running shoes aside from the fact that the BOA Lacing System is quick in releasing and tightening the shoe laces. I still have to use my ASICS Gel-Kanbara 4 & NIKE Triax.

11. Today, I am using my Armando Caruso Buff (they are available at Landmark Makati) as my head sweat stopper; Under Armour Runner’s Cap, Patagonia White Long-Sleeved Shirt which is very comfortable under the heat of the sun, CW-X Compression Shorts, TNF Arnuva 50 BOA Shoes, 3 Bandanas, Nathan Hydration Belt, and black PUMA Socks.

12. I see to it to take a sip of water every 2.5 kilometers, drink half-bottle of Propel/Gatorade every 10K, eat biscuits (Fita & SkyFlakes) every 10K, and eat two (2) bite-size of Cloud 9 Chocolate every 10K.

13. In order to break the monotony of running, I vary my running stride and form. Sometimes, I run with “high knees”, shift it to regular strides and then “shuffle”. After the “shuffle”, I do the “pose method” and then later shift my stride by overdoing the sway of my hips. This technique of shifting to different running forms and strides is known by runners who are attending the BR “speed” training. Better yet, ask my good coach, Coach Titus!

14. This is serious stuff. In Tarlac, I could hardly see the Campaign Posters of the Lady Senator who is running for Vice-President. And it is funny to see that Senator Roxas’ Posters are attached below the Campaign Posters of Senator Villar. I am confused!

15. So far, there are pains on my body and I “love” them, but there are no “issues” and injuries that would prevent me from reaching my destination.

16. To my readers and friends, thanks for your greetings, wishes, and prayers.

Lunch For The Day (African Beef Stew & "Crunchy Flowers")

2nd Day: Evening Edition

On February 10, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runners' Training, Running, Running For Cause, Ultramarathon5 Comments

1. The ADIDAS Climalite Response Compression Shorts gave me some chafing on my left groin area and I have to change my shorts for my afternoon run. I advise the runners not to buy this kind of compression shorts because the stitches on the groin area keep on rubbing the skin as the runner moves his legs. I have to change to my NIKE regular running shorts.

2. I started my afternoon run at 4:36 PM after some ice cold coffee, pasta with chicken and a slice of cheese strawberry cake! I started infront of the entrance to the Clark Freeport (where I stopped after the morning run) and finished at Km Post #102. I was able to run a distance of 15K with a time of 2:10 hours. I was able to consume 1,067 calories. My average pace was 8:39 minutes per kilometer with an average heart rate of 122 beats per minute.

3. For the second day of my “adventure run”, I was able to cover a distance of 46 kilometers, same as of yesterday’s total distance. The total mileage for two days run is 92 kilometers in 14+ hours as running/walking time. So far, except for the slight chafing, I don’t have any blisters, cramps, pain or problems with my body.

4. For the 1st day, I was able to run across the province of Bulacan and for the second day, I was able to run along the towns of Pampanga. As of now, I am in the territory of Tarlac Province. Hopefully, before the end of the third day, I will be running in the province of Pangasinan.

5. As usual, I have my dinner with a big serving of hot La Paz Batchoy which I find to be complete with everything. It is salty, it has noodles, meat, fried pork and brooth! I also ate fried chicken & rice. I have taken my Vitamin C, Pharmaton tablet, and Alaxan FR before going to bed. Of course, I have also a glass of fresh milk to complete my food intake for the day. One liter of water is a must also before going to bed.

6. The following pictures will do the talking for the meantime. Good night!

About To Cross the Bamban Bridge (Pampanga-Tarlac Boundary)

2nd Day: Noon Edition

On February 10, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon13 Comments

1. I finally stopped infront of the Clark Air Base entrance along the McArthur Highway in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga after finishing almost 31K from Apalit, Pampanga. I am now resting in one of the popular coffee shops in Dau with a free Wi-Fi connection and making an update about my run this morning.

2. With all the “walk breaks” and “pee stops”, I was able to finish the said distance in 4:47 hours with an average pace of 9:20 minutes per kilometer. It is a very slow pace but I think I am becoming stronger and more resilient to the heat of the sun. My average heart rate is 118 beats per minute and was able to burn 1,961 calories. I feel relaxed with my pace but I am gaining distance.

3. Last night’s dinner consisted of spaghetti, fried chicken, rice, 2 kinds of soup (la paz batchoy & macaroni soup) and fresh bananas. I guess, I was able to satisfy the ratio of 50%-25%-25% (carbo-protein-fats, respectively) for my intake of food. Before I went to bed, I was able to drink 1 Liter of water.

4. In today’s brunch, I ordered Pancit Palabok, Sisig with Rice, one Coke in Can taken with half teaspoon of salt. I felt bloated after my brunch that I could hardly maintain my pace plus the fact that the heat of the sun was already intense to the body.

5. From Apalit to San Fernando, I ran along the left sidewalk as I was facing the traffic. Instead of running along the paved road, I was running on a dirt road filled with stones and lahar. All the way, the rugged road gave comfort to my feet as I had soft landing with the ground. However, on the other side, the sidewalk is paved. But from San Fernando to Mabalacat, both sidewalks are not yet paved. I am glad the acacia trees along the highway were not cut as planned by the DENR and Department of Public Highways. I could see that there is an ample space for expansion of the road but cutting those acacia trees will not justify the intended infrastructural development.

Totally Covered Under The Heat of the Sun & Pollution

6. It is funny that I could see the campaign activities of the national candidates are on full swing! I think I was able to count a half dozen of brand-new pick-ups and vans painted with the campaign color & slogan of Senator Lito Lapid with blaring “jingle” and message for the people to vote and re-elect the Senator. I am sure more of these brand-new vehicles are already on their way to the Visayas and Mindanao as part of the campaign caravan for the Senator. I wonder why Senator Loren Legarda has to use the acacia trees as her campaign display instrument by using nails/staples to keep her posters from being removed. If only those acacia trees are humans, I can just imagine the pain they feel with those nails/staples used to display her campaign posters. I thought the good Lady Senator’s advocacy is to preserve the environment? Do you still remember those road signs with the poem “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer sponsored by the Lady Senator?

7. Before I finally went to bed, I briefly watched the local TV station where local government officials were discussing the things and accomplishments they have provided to their constituents. They talked about social services like free education, free health care, free medical attention & medicines and other services to the people. They even talked of their plans of making their town as the future Taguig City or Makati City where more jobs are generated and thereby, more income to the local government. I said to myself, it’s a waste of time watching the TV!

8. There is a lot of commercial and housing developments in San Fernando City. I’ve seen properties of the Vista Group and the Ayala Land along the route I’ve taken. How I wish these land developers would build parks where people would be in touch with nature; where they could exercise and play their sports they love and build “rest areas” along the national highway. It is sickening to see our concept of “rest areas” in the country—a gasoline station with fastfood chain of stores attached to it! In more advanced/industrialized countries, the “rest area” along the highway is totally different from the convenience-commercial stations along the crossroads with the highway—this is where the gasoline stations, hotels, motels, restaurants, and factory outlet stores are located. The “rest area” is where the motorists could have a brief stop to park their cars, take a nap, and relieve themselves from the call of nature. The “rest area” has two separate parking areas for the big trucks and cars & vans.

9. While I was running, I saw a lot of vehicles parked infront of a fenced property and inside the said property were groups of people doing their morning jog. When I read the name of the establishment, I found it to be a Memorial Park!

10. There is no political connection on this “adventure run”. It is coincidental that I started this run on the first day of Campaign Period for the National & Local Elections. These are the reasons why I am doing this run:

a) I love to run!

b) I have nothing to do except to run and document my running experience through this blog.

c) I want to inspire others to excel and be positive in their respective field.

d) I am retired, want to do what I liked most and be responsible to myself. I want to be the “boss” to myself.

e) I want to document or “journalize” my running experience so that others could gain lessons from them.

f) I want to be active and healthy.

g) There is no more “running training ground” in Metro Manila which is worth trying or repeating. My training grounds are becoming boring! Going to the mountains to look for trails will be the next project.

11. The following were consumed and paid for during this morning’s run:

2 Liters of Water—-P 54.00

2 Bottles of Propel—-P 36.00

2 Bottles of Gatorade—-P 36.00

Brunch at Razon’s—-P 300.00

3 Hours of Internet (SmartBro since yesterday)—-P 60.00

1 Pack of SkyFlakes—-P 5.00

1 Cofffee—-P 5.00

12. The color for the day is Red.