I got qualified for the MILO Marathon FINALS to be held on December 12, 2010.
I registered for the MILO Provincial Qualifying Half-Marathon Race in Tarlac City which was scheduled yesterday, Sunday, November 7, 2010. My plan was to use the MILO Half-Marathon as my Performance Evaluation Test for the training adjustments I’ve made after my 4:39+ hours Marathon Finish at the CAMSUR Marathon last September 24th.
Training Adjustments
After comparing my past marathon times for the past years, I was able to make some conclusions and observations about some flaws in my training since I’ve started doing ultramarathon races. I decided to return to my training workouts during the year 2008 and strictly followed Jack Daniels Running Formula. One of the salient points in my adjustments is to make sure that my “Easy Runs” should have an average pace of 5:45 minutes per kilometer and gradually decreasing it by 3-5 minutes every week until I was able to reach 5:12 mins/km pace few days before race day. Obviously, my tempo runs’ and interval training average paces had been adjusted, too! My tempo runs would average to 4:55-5:10 mins/km pace through my regular 5K tempo run repeats.
Results
After six weeks of consistent training and being focused to my average pace in my workouts, I was able to finish the MILO Half-Marathon in 1:47:47 hours (unofficial) with an average pace of 5:07 mins/km. I still have 12:13 minutes to spare within my qualifying time of 2 hours for the said distance. I think I am in the right track again with my training to become faster and stronger in my future races. I was satisfied with the result of my Performance Evaluation Test on this race.
Hands On
I was surprised to see that there were a lot of runners in the Tarlac City MILO Qualifying Leg. My ultra running friends were also there to include some of the BDM 102 “veterans”. But what made me amazed and impressed was the presence of MILO/Nestle, Phils Executives/Managers who were directly manning the Start/Finish Area making sure that control and orderliness were being followed. MILO’s Andrew Neri and RACE’s Rudy Biscocho were there to see to it that the schedule of activities was being followed on the dot. At the turn-around point (10.5K), I saw MILO’s Pat Goc-ong who was personally handing out ice-cold Gatorade drinks to every runner that approached him. He even cheered each runner! I could not believe my eyes seeing these top executives of MILO/Nestle, Phils., doing such stuffs to the runners! To MILO/Nestle, Phils., my congratulations for another successful MILO event!
Finally
I have to admit that this is my first time to be a “legitimate” MILO Marathon FINALS qualifier. In the past, I failed to qualify as I joined the Full Marathon Qualifying Races and failed also when I tried to qualify in the Half-Marathon which was held in my hometown, Laoag City in 2008. It was an accomplishment to be finally qualified to the most prestigious marathon race in the country.
Congratulations to all the Qualifiers!
Before The Race With MILO/BR SingletBefore Reaching The Finish LineThe "Usual Suspects" (The Young & Old Ones)
Three years after started blogging religiously about my running workouts, I would like to assess and evaluate myself if I am getting faster or stronger.
Looking back on my past races for the past three years, I could see and feel that I had my fastest times immediately after I’ve retired from the military services. This was due to the fact that I had more time to run and I was focused to improving my best finish time in every race. However, the main factor that was instrumental in my fast times was due to my attendance to our BR “Speed” Training at the ULTRA Oval Track.
I was able to attend at least 3 sessions of “speed” training in every week at the oval track with the close supervision of our coaches. The first session for the week was done on Tuesday evenings. The Tuesday workout consisted of the usual warm-up run of one mile and then stretching exercises. After stretching almost all the muscles involved in running, we were told to do at least six (6) sets of running “drills”. These running drills prepared us to what in store for us for the evening workout.
The main menu of the Tuesday workout was a minimum of eight to ten repetitions (8-10) of 400 meter run with a time of at least 1:42 minutes. We made sure that our last four reps were becoming faster than the average time we had for the first six reps. In between these reps, we had one minute of rest. This rest was followed strictly. After the required number of reps for the day, we were told to do another 30-minute of easy run around the oval after a 3-minute rest from the last 400 meter repetition. After a period of time or months, we were able to finish a maximum of 20 repetitions for the 400-meter run at the peak of our speed training.
On Wednesdays, we do “pyramid” distance speed training. After the usual warm-up, stretching exercises and running drills, we do 3,000-meter, 2,000-meter, 1,000-meter, 2,000-meter, 3,000-meter runs at our 90% effort with 3-minute rests in between distances, in that order. This was followed with a 30-minute easy run.
On Fridays, we do 100% effort of the ¾ distance (75%) of the road race we are going to compete for the weekend or on Sunday. However, the distance we have to race for the weekend should not exceed a half-marathon race.
On weekends, if there are no scheduled road races, we do long slow distance runs, maintaining at least 85% of our effort.
These weekly workouts made me break my PRs every time I joined road races. Results? I was able to register a 3:48+- hour marathon finish time on the later part of 2008. And later in 2009, I have registered another 3:58+-hour finish at the Subic International Marathon. These best times in my Marathon Races were the results of the consistent attendance to the BR “Speed” Training at the Oval Track.
Since I got “hooked” on ultra running events, I tend to slow down and concentrated more on my easy long runs without thinking or knowing the degree of intensity of my training. Slowly, I forgot about those “speed” training workouts and it never occurred to me to try those 3x a week speed workouts. My specific goal in my ultra running events was to finish the race within the prescribed cut-off time.
Whenever I have plans of joining a full marathon race these year, I only need to run at least three (3) long runs that exceed 32 kilometers within the span of two-month preparation and just do some “Yasso 800s” at the oval track at least 2-3 weeks before the scheduled race and all those intensity-filled running workouts were forgotten. However, I always finish my marathon race with a decent time based from the short and lesser-intensity preparation workouts. This kind of approach to my training and goal in every marathon and ultramarathon events kept me away from any kind of running-related injury.
However, after my finish at the CAMSUR Marathon last September, I started to bring back the time-paced and Jack Daniel’s Formula of Running concept in preparation for an ultra running event which I plan to join in the middle of next year. I have to see again that strip of coupon bond where my “target pace” workout was written as my reference in those BR “Speed” Training workouts. After a few weeks of training, I feel that I am slowly regaining my speed and stamina/endurance. I observed this kind of feeling during the Mt Mayon Trail Run last week. I am back again for my race-specific training workouts.
Running "Half-Naked" at the Oval Track
For the past weeks, I’ve been going back to the Oval Track at least 2-3 times a week. The tartan surface is more forgiving to the knees and legs; it is entirely flat; accurately measured; the place has a good air quality; and I could run half-naked under the heat of the sun. I have started eight repetitions of my 400-meter runs two weeks ago and had been doing 3 X 5,000-meter runs as my tempo runs since last week. My target average pace in my 400-meter runs is 1:36-1:40 minutes and my 5K tempo runs has an average pace of 5:00-5:10 mins/km. Most of my speed runs are done at 7:00 AM up to 9:00 AM.
So far, I don’t have any soreness on my legs and I could easily recover. This proves that my leg muscles are becoming stronger due to my past ultra running events and they could withstand the speed training that I am trying to re-introduce to my body system. I may not be faster as compared from the time I was religiously doing and involved in the “BR Speed Training” but I knew that I am stronger this time as I could easily bring back my level of competitive status within a short period of time.
As part of the training, I will be joining again those weekend races as part of my “feedback” or evaluation if I am improving with my finish times. So, if you see me around on these races, you are sure that I will be focused on my strides, my running form, and the goal to be attained for such particular race.
In a few days, I will embark on a multi-day adventure run (again!) for the second time this year. It is my objective to run more kilometers every day and find out how my body recovers from the effort on a day-to-day basis. In my Manila to Baguio Run, I controlled my daily mileage to 50 kilometers. However, with this future plan, I will try to increase the mileage to 60-70 kilometers a day with more intensity (faster pace) this time.
For my age of 58 ½ and after three years of maintaining this blog, I could no longer bring back those finish times when I was in my 30s. But if there is a way I could scientifically measure or translate my finish times as compared when I was younger, I have the suspicion that I am faster and stronger this time.
For the past three years, my Elite Team and I had developed a very good relationship with the Team Jaycees of Legazpi City through Yves Yu, the Race Director of the Mt Mayon Trail Run (MTR). Yves is also a runner-blogger who is called the “Be Cool Runner” and one of the avid followers of this blog. It is always a “must” for the Elite Team Bald Runner to join this running event in Legazpi as a part of their City Fiesta and Ibalon Festival.
Mayon Trail Run Ads
The Elite Team Bald Runner and I joined the 1st edition of this event in 2008 and I had already a feeling that this trail running event will have its potentials to be a famous one in the Bicol Region. The 1st edition was very challenging despite the fact that it lacked the distance for a half-marathon distance as the race was short by 4-5 kilometers. However, the second edition came out with a vengeance, so to speak, as the Race Organizers had added more challenging route to make the race as a half-marathon distance. I did not run the 2nd edition but my elite athletes had nice stories about the race and description of the added places where the runners would pass through. But the Race Organizer is not yet contented for this year’s edition as they added more “surprises” for the runners. I will explain this matter later.
The Elite Team Bald Runner had been consistently dubbed as the “King of MTR” for the past two editions of the race and it is for this reason that the team has to defend its title by joining in this year’s edition. It is also for the same reason that we believe in the advocacy of Yves Yu to promote running and tourism for the Mt Mayon Volcano and its city of Legazpi. MTR is our way of supporting running events being held outside Metro Manila.
Toughest 21K Run In The Philippines
1. The 3rd MTR had attained its highest record of runners for the 21K to 240+ runners from about 80+ runners in 2008 and another 160+ in 2009. The registration fee is very cheap, P 500, and the Cash Prizes are very enticing to every elite runner. For this year, the Race Organizers had to split the past $2,000 Overall Winner’s Top Prize into $1,000 for the Top Male and another $1,000 for the Top Female. And as usual, the top 50 overall finishers receive some cash prizes. It was not “tough” to register in this race as a short call to Yves gave us reserved slots for the team.
2. Travelling and going out to Legazpi City with my staff and my elite team entail a lot of logistics and expenses. But with the help and support of friends and my former subordinate officers when I was still in the active service, we were able to minimize our expenses. This is one of the reasons why this race is a “tough” one to attend to—you have to save some money or program this activity so that you can anticipate and plan for the expenses to be incurred. During the first edition, we spent a lot of our resources as we stayed in one of the hotels for 2-3 days without any support from from any sponsor. On the second edition, a big help from one of our running friends, Mesh Villanueva, who is from Daraga, Albay provided us the much-needed accommodation for the team during its stay in the place.
3. For this year’s edition, the team stayed inside Camp Simeon Ola where the 5th RCDG of the Philippine Army is located. The Commander, Colonel Nestor Porlucas, had been one of my Battallion Commanders when I was the Division Commander in the Visayas and he offered his place/office as our “transient facility”. The place is nice and conducive for us to cook our own food and at the same time enjoy a secured and free from noise pollution place.
4. The hospitality of the people and the Race Organizers was overwhelming. All the runners were treated with a FREE Carboloading Party with lots of “Bicol Express” during the Race Briefing which was held at the famous Embarcadero, the latest mall/commercial establishment along the Legazpi Port. Yves Yu was able to present a detailed briefing about the race and the description of the route. The pictures presented were “scary” for runners who are “newbies” to this trail race as muddy and slippery trails, caves, rocks to climb, stairs, lahar (sand), lava rocks, river, wet trails, and almost 90 degrees trail, and freshly-made single track trails inside a forest were presented. Hydration/Aid Stations were evenly distributed along the route. In summary, there are four (4) peaks/summits to reach in order to finish the race.
Briefing & CLP @ Padi's Point, Embarcadero, Legazpi CityExcited Crowd During The Briefing & CLP
Details of the Race
I have to describe the details of this race (as seen with my own eyes and through my personal experience) for the benefit of those runners who would like to experience what is like to finish the “toughest half-marathon race in the country” in its future editions. Let this be a “guide” and “journal” for everybody. This will be a very detailed account of my run last Sunday.
Penaranda Park
Penaranda Park had been always the Starting Area of the MTR. It is bounded by the City Hall of Legazpi City; Provincial Capitol of Albay; and the Cathedral of Albay. The place has a Grandstand/Elevated Stage; some concrete bleachers; comfort rooms; and an ample space for joggers and walkers.
My elite team and I arrived at the Penaranda Park at 5:15 AM and I was able to observe that there are already runners doing their stretching and warm-up exercises around the park. The weather was fine and there were no clouds in the sky. Mt Mayon Volcano was very clear from any clouds and its form and shape was majestic. The weather was cooperative for another nice staging of the yearly Mt Mayon Trail Run. In a few minutes, more runners arrived at the place and I saw familiar faces among the crowd. As I did my warm-up jogs, I was able to see more elite local runners coming from Manila, my loyal friends and runners of my PAU races, the top “Lady Warriors” of BDM 102 and BDM veterans, FB friends, avid readers & visitors of this blog, Kenyan runners, and some runners from other Western countries. I was impressed with the crowd as the number of runners to this yearly event is growing in numbers. I am not surprised if the 240+ runners who joined this year’s edition will be doubled by next year.
The start of the race was reset to 6:00 AM from the stated 5:30 AM start on the event’s ads and it was a good decision on the part of the Race Organizers as some parts of the route were not fully visible with an earlier start. I could feel the excitement of every runner as the starting time got nearer. While waiting for the race to start, I had the time to talk to some of the runners and have photo-ops with them. Talking/Chatting with the runners is one way to relax oneself before the start of the race. Basically, I thought of being conservative in this race and just play along or take my time to have fun and enjoy the race. I did not have any targets or goals for this race. I just wanted to evaluate my performance and need to know if my training for my future races is on track. However, the bigger picture is for me to see the performance of my elite team and at the same time be seen by them along the route.
It is common that the main reason why the start of every event is delayed is due to the fact that the arrival of the Guest of Honor is always late, most especially if he/she is a politician. The Guest of Honor is the one who will fire the Starting Gun! It is customary that the local executive, City Mayor, is the one who should be firing the gun. However, it was already 6:00 AM when the word arrived at the Starting Line that the City Mayor will be no longer coming. Instead of standing along with the other runners at the corral, I decided to sit down on the concrete bleacher at the side of the corral while waiting for the race to start. A simple program started with a prayer, and it was followed with a welcome remarks from the Chairman of the MTR, Councilor Celoy Chan. Brief additional instructions were delivered by Yves Yu, Race Director and the race was ready to go. After a countdown from 10 to 0, the race started and we were off. It was my first time to experience starting a race from a sitting position, instead of the usual standing position with the rest of the runners. It was the most relaxing experience to start a race.
At The Penaranda Park Before The Start Of The Race
Km 0 to Km 1
The front runners darted to the National Road and turned right towards the Cathedral. As they approached the Cathedral, the runners were led to a paved road as they turned left from the National Highway. This paved road will lead all the runners to the peak of Mt Bariw at Barangay Estanza. I started at the middle of the pack with a very slow pace as I saw most of the runners speeding up in front as if they are going to race a 5K run. I was smiling as I saw most of the runners did a sprint from the starting line. I maintained my slow pace as I was trying to warm-up for the race and stayed on the left edge of the road with much space around me. Suddenly, a lady runner stopped in front of me and tied her shoelaces! WTF! It was good I was quick to evade her. It was a near accident which could hurt her or hurt me if I collided with her. I just kept my cool and maintained my stride. It made me think that this lady runner made a mistake of choosing the 21K as her race. This is a sign of a “newbie” runner. In one of the Rules of Running, it states that “a runner should remember to “double knot” his/her shoelaces before the start of the race”.
The first kilometer is paved and very flat. This enticed most of the runners to be fast as we were released from the starting line. After a few turns, the route started to be more interesting and the first kilometer was history.
Km 1 to Km 3
This is where the signature of the race as the “toughest 21K Run” started. This part of the route started to go uphill gradually. The next two kilometers up to the peak of Mt Bariw made most of the front runners to slow down as most of them were already slowly jogging or walking. I maintained my slow pace while “shuffling” but I consistently run up to the peak of the mountain as the road was winding and there are small parts which are flat. This part of the route was the place where I was able to overtake most of the runners who darted fast from the Starting Line. I think a hundred of them were overtaken on the first uphill climb. This part of the course separated the competitive ones from the recreational runners. At Km 2, I was able to see the back of Cesar Abarientos and slowly kept in pace with him up to the peak of the mountain. As Cesar and I reached the peak of the mountain, we were able to reach an elevation of 220 meters. This is the turn-around point where each runner would receive his/her 1st straw necklace.
Km 3 to Km 5
After receiving the 1st straw necklace which is color-coded, the runner was led to a single track trail on the side of the mountain which was all downhill. At first, you could see grasses and then follow a single track trail that appears to be made by the flow of rainfall or flow of water from the peak of the mountain. The trail was slippery but my Adidas Adizero Adios (with much caution!) was able to pass the test of running along a slippery and muddy single track trail. The trail track was more direct/straight towards the foot of the mountain than the winding & uphill paved road towards the peak. There were lots of foot brakes as I managed to run a steeper downhill terrain without falling on my knees or butt. The trail led us to the backyards of some houses on the side of the mountain and finally reached the foot of the mountain where it led us to a paved road that connects to more houses. This is where people made “high fives” and cheer us as we passed them. Cesar was nowhere to be seen as he overtook me once we went downhill from the turn-around point. I think 3-4 runners overtook me on the downhill portion of this mountain. However, I was able to catch up with them and tailed them once we reached the populated area. As we reached the flatter section, the street led us back to the Penaranda Park. As I passed the Capitol Building of the province, the first 5 kilometers of the race is done. From the start up to this point, I was carrying a small bottle filled with water as my hydration system.
Km 5 to Km 7
This part of the route is a paved road and very flat. I placed my small bottle of water on my back tighly tucked with my Racing Ready Running Shorts. The pockets of my shorts were filled with one sports bar and one sports gels ( I took one sports gel before the start of the race!). With my hands free from the bottle, I started to swing my arms with faster frequency and I was able to run at a faster pace. On this flat part of the route, I was able to overtake another three runners but after a kilometer, I was overtaken by a smaller and younger runner. Before I reached the vicinity of Legazpi Airport, I was able to overtake Cesar as he started to slow down. From the Airport, I could see more of the slower 5K runners approaching another hill which is the dreaded Lingnon Hill but I was already running alone with the rest of the 21K runners. After a few turns, I passed by the 5th FSU Compound of the Philippine Army and with another left turn, I was on my way to the foot of Lingnon Hill. This is where the RACE and fun starts as this hill is another signature that this race is the “toughest” to finish.
Approaching Legazpi Airport On Cruise Mode
Km 7 to Km 10
From afar, you may think that Lingnon Hill is just a hill to be easily reached at its peak, you have to think twice as the body starts to be exhausted after finishing the first 7 kilometers of the race. I could say that this is the hardest and trickiest part of the race. After a slightly uphill paved road as you enter the foot of the hill, the 21K runners were led to a trail that consists of ascending steps/stairs. What makes these steps unique and different is that these ascending steps have a height as high as above your knees in between steps. You have to plant your leading foot firmly to the higher step and propel your body upwards with the help of your foot behind you. This is repeated as you manage to go to the highest step of the trail. Once you overcome the first trail on this hill, you are being led to an uphill climb along the paved road towards the peak of the hill. But this is not the easy way to the peak. As soon as you overcome the first uphill part of the road, you are being led to another trail that goes to a cave! The cave is called the Japanese Cave and you have to bend down as you enter the cave/tunnel. Actually, I crouched and nearly crawled just to be sure I will not scratch my head on the sharp rocks that surround the cave. It was a short 20-30 meters of bending and crouching but I admit I was practically crawling as I went out from the exit of the cave. It was a great relief to be out and crawling from the cave.
Another trail led us to the paved road and after a short jog, each runner was led to an improvised ladder. This part of the route will test how strong your upper body and arms are. In order to propel yourself upward towards this ladder, you have to hold the next step and pull yourself up while you push your leading foot. This is done repeatedly after a height of 20 meters. It is better for you to look straight forward and be focused where the steps of the ladder would lead you. Never look behind you! Always be focused to what is in front of you. After this ladder, another type of ladder will test your balance as you up to the ladder. At this point, the race is becoming an obstacle course but this is the part of the course where you could take a brief rest/pause from running.
Now, for the last obstacle, the Kapit Tuko Rock. There are no steps or crevices or cracks of the rock where you could plant your leading foot which you could use as the one which will propel you on top of the rock. When I first joined this race, there was a rope which you could hold and do a short rappelling technique but for this time, we were depending on a vine that hangs on the side of the rock. By slowly holding the vine firmly and propelling the body upward towards the top of the rock is the safest thing to do. There is no point to be fast on these obstacles, more caution and slower tempo is needed to overcome these obstacles. If you are on top of the Kapit Tuko Rock, the peak of Lingnon Hill is a few meters ahead. As I got nearer to the next Water Station, I slowly jogged and had a brief walk. I got some water cups to clean my hands from mud and soil that got stuck and at this point, I was at the peak of the hill and I’ve covered a distance of 10 kilometers. You must have to receive your 2nd string necklace before leaving this place.
Km 10 to Km 15.5
At this point, you will think that “what comes up, must come down” as you need to go down at the northern side of Lingnon Hill to reach the Lava Wall of Mt Mayon which is the next turn-around point. I took out my sports bar and put it in my mouth and chewed it as I approached the steep descending part of the trail. This descending part of the hill is not a “walk in the park” thing! The elevation of the hill is 160 meters but going down is another signature that this race is the toughest. The descending part is too steep that I have to slow down as I stepped from one level to another level of the steps of the trail in going down. It is a short 100 meters long but an extra care in going down was needed. I had to go down on side wards just to be able to apply brake with my leading foot. This was done on the most part of the descending part of this trail. I was already imagining how to climb this trail on my way back to the finish line at this will be part of the last kilometer of the route!
After almost 100 meters of the steep descending trail, the trail became more gradual as I was led to the bank of the Yawa River. It was time to drink some water from my bottled water in order to swallow the sports bar that I was chewing. As I got nearer to the bank of the river, I increased my momentum and crossed the river while I was brisk walking. The river was knee-deep and the current was moderate. The river was about 25 meters wide and as soon I crossed the river, it was the start of a gradual climb towards the Lava Wall near Mt Mayon Volcano.
It was a relief to the tired feet when I crossed the river and along the way, more trails covered with flowing water gave some cooling effect to the tired feet. I maintained my “shuffling” towards the turn-around point making sure that I would not take any “walking breaks” before I reach the Lava Wall. I said to myself to take some rest while slowly walking on top of the Lava Wall as nobody would dare to run on those sharp rocks.
After running for about one kilometer, I met the two Kenyans who were leading the race and after another 100 meters, I met the 3rd runner who is another Kenyan. The first Filipino runner whom I saw trailing at the back of the last Kenyan was Cris Sabal. I cheered him to catch the Kenyans. After a few seconds, Gerald Sabal was approaching followed by Alquin Bolivar, Alley Quisay, and later Frank Indapan. My Elite Team Bald Runner were trying to catch up with the leading Kenyan runners. I was hoping that they could make some “surprises” on the last kilometer of the course as they are more familiar with the course than the foreigners.
Alley Quisay In Action (Photo Courtesy of Tom c/o WOW Legazpi Website)
At this point, I was able to overtake some runners as I’ve seen them tired and slowing down due to the heat of the lahar and the sun. At this stretch of the route, I was able to overtake at least 12-14 runners by consistently “shuffling” and never stopping to cross those stream of water along the way. I knew the terrain of this place and a consistent “shuffling” will push me towards the turn-around point. I had to take advantage of the water stations along this part of the route as I used the water placed in ice candy plastics to douse my head. This repeated dousing of water to my head in every Water Station made me more relaxed and focused while going uphill towards the turn-around point.
As I met the other runners that have reached the turn-around point and are on their way to the finish line, they would tell me how far the turn-around point is. I just smiled and thanked them for their information. From afar, I saw the Water Station at the foot of the Lava Wall and I started to increase my pace. I took a bottle of water and drank the whole of it before I climbed the Lava Wall. The climbing towards the helipad at the turn-around point was my rest period plus the walking on top of those lava rocks. I had a brief pause just to see the whole Mt Mayon before going back to the trail where I came from. As I came down from the Lava Wall and started my run back to Lingnon Hill, 15.5 kilometers was done and the last 6 kilometers was ahead of me.
That was a good gradual uphill climb with an elevation of 275 meters from the Yawa River to the Helipad on top of the Lava Flow. Phew! That was hard and tough! Two hours had elapsed already when I was about leave at this point. You make sure you receive your 3rd and last straw necklace at this point.
Priceless!! At The Mt Mayon Volcano's Lava Wall (Photo Courtesy of JCI Legazpi)
Km 15.5 to Km 20.5
This part of the route was the start of going back to the Finish Line—on top of Lignon Hill again! I took advantage of the downhill terrain and the gravity of my body in order to increase my pace. I was trying to do a tempo run on those lahar sand but ultimately had to slow down when I started to hit those rocks and flowing streams along the route. I commend the Race Organizers for deploying more Race Marshals on this part of the route and the red-colored arrow signs painted on the black rocks along the route made me focused to follow the direct route towards the Yawa River. At this point, I was already alone and could hardly see anyone in front and at the back of me. It is just a matter of time that I would be able to reach the river.
As you run downhill from the Lava Wall, you meet most of the middle pack runners and there were so many greetings that I received from them. I have to cheer them when I see them walking and encourage them that the turn-around point is already near. However, I could see on their faces the hardship, pain and suffering they are experiencing. This is the challenge that the Mt Mayon Trail Run has to offer which is too different from other half-marathon trail runs in the country. However, the Mt Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge is, I think, so far, the toughest ultra trail run in the country.
After a lot of skips, jumps, water crossing, shuffling, and downhill running, I could see that Yawa River is getting nearer. Before I reached the bank of the river, two of my elites approached me and offered me water and sports drinks. I was still strong at this point that I was able to do a “brisk walking” while crossing the river. After I crossed the river, I knew that the last “toughest” part of the race was in front of me! It’s the last kilometer of the race!
Another "Priceless" Picture Courtesy of Estan Cabigas!
Km 20.5 to Km 21.5/Finish Line
This is where you curse the Race Organizers! The uphill climb consists of ascending trail steps that has an inclination of almost 80 degrees! The stair/steps on the last ascent to Lignon Hill are the dreaded “killer” of this race. I have to place my hands just above my knees and hold them firmly to push my body in going to the steps. The steps are also too high for the tired legs to overcome. I have to take a brief rest every time I finished scaling at least 10 steps! I was already tired and exhausted that I forgot my plan to count the number of steps on this part of the trail. I thought I could finish this race in sub-3 hours as I still have 4 minutes to overcome the last 50-60 meters up to the peak of the hill. I was wrong!
As I pushed my arms & hands on my upper legs and drive them upwards to those steps, I felt my legs are getting weaker. How I wished that the height of the steps would be lowered and an improvised railing on the side would be available to make this part of the route with lesser difficulty and safer to the runners. It is just a recommendation though. This short distance made me tired, the same way that I experienced on the 1st edition of this race.
As I reached the peak, I was directed by a Race Marshal to follow a downhill route which was a newly-made trail that goes towards the forested part of the hill. I was again “cursing” everybody to the point that I was not focused to my footing placements. Then, my legs just became weaker until my feet could no longer hold on those descending steps. Then the worse happened, I fell down with my butt sliding down a few steps of the trail!!! It was my first time to fall (on my butt!) in a trail run! I was glad it was not the other way around as I could be landing on those cliffs of the hill.
On my last ascent, about 10 meters, to the peak (again) of the hill, I was already laughing and cursing telling to my elite runners who were on my back that this race is no longer a trail run but a “mountaineering” event! I allowed one runner to pass me along this point as he is much very young compared to me. As I reached the peak, I could see already the Finish Line & Banner but Councilor Celoy Chan, the Chairman of MTR, met me and jogged with me for the last 50-meter run around the peak of the hill, passing through its paved walks. Finally, I crossed the Finish Line with an unofficial time of 3:01:40 hours based from my GF 305. I was awarded with the “heaviest and biggest” Finisher’s Medal in a running event and my Finisher’s Certificate. (Note: I will be back to improve my finish time to sub-3 hours!)
Approaching The Finish Line!3rd Mt Mayon Trail Run...Done!Lahar On My Feet But No Blisters. Dry Max Works All The Time!
Post-Race Activities
It was time to socialize and talk to the Race Organizers, JCI Legazpi members, other Finishers and runners after I finished changing my wet running kit with dry clothes. I was able to meet old and new friends. I was able to congratulate Yves Yu for the successful conduct of the said race and I also told him about my recommendations on how to improve the conduct of the race. I hope Yves would be able to accept my suggestions in a positive manner. To the JCI Legazpi, Councilor Celoy Chan, Yves Yu, and to the Volunteers, you have done a splendid job in this race. Congratulations to everybody!
Well, the Kenyans were able to dethrone my elite team as the “King of MTR” for this year but we will be back with a vengeance! What is good is that the record time of Finish in last year’s edition made by Alquin Bolivar with a time of 1:28+ hours was not erased. All the members of my elite team who ran the 21K race placed on the top 10 ranking of the race and won some cash as consolation prizes. On the 5K Race, Rey De Los Reyes of my elite team placed 3rd Overall, winning a Cash Prize, too!
What is good in this race is that the Race Organizers give a consolation cash prize for the top 50 runners! I was surprised to be called by the Emcee as I placed # 49 finisher out of the 240+ runners that started the race! I received an envelope with a cash prize of P 250! Not bad, it was good for a Jollibee meal after the race!
Maybe in the next editions to come, I would be able to grab the “Oldest Runner Award” with a Cash Prize of P 5,000!
Once again, MTR has proven that it is the toughest 21K run in the country today. I am highly recommending this race for the PAU loyal fans & members; BDM 102 veterans; and “hardcore/warrior” runners. The experience is good for your “running record” and be able to see the beauty of our own Mt Mayon Volcano.
Councilor Celoy Chan, Chairman of MTR & Administrator of Lignon Hill ParkTeam Kenya as the 2010 "King of MTR"Yves Yu, MTR Race Director & BR
See you at the Mt Mayon’s Lava Wall and Lignon Hill next year!
Note: For more “pictures in action” on the MTR, please visit Estan Cabigas website at www.estancabigas.com.
1. I thought of this idea to conduct FREE Fun Runs for the benefit of the new runners who have the patience to learn the “basics” of running. And at the same time remove from them the burden of paying any registration fee in order to enjoy the benefits of running. It was through this blog that this running event was known as I decided not to request from my good friend, Jinoe & Quennie of takbo.ph, to post this in the List of Races. However, on the day before the event, a certain “boy kuripot” at www.boykuripot.blogspot.com reposted my blog about the FREE Fun Run. Thanks, Boy!
2. Despite having 5-6 scheduled road races in Metro Manila and another Milo Qualifying Race in Batangas City, I decided not to postpone the activity as it was my way of trying to find out the response of my readers to this event. Even with the impending approach of the super-typhoon “Juan”, I made it a point not to be deterred with such development about the weather as I knew the course of the typhoon will not greatly affect Metro Manila on Sunday. I’ve been consistent with my events—it was always been RAIN or SHINE and no posponement/cancellation of event
3. At 5:00 AM of Sunday, a group of cyclists from the AFP, led by the Chief of Staff, AFP, were having their warm-up exercises for their regular “Bike For Peace” activity. This is a physical activity of the Officers and Men of the AFP based in Camp Aguinaldo which is composed of cyclists and they conduct their workout around Metro Manila with the slogan, “Bike For Peace”. After these cyclists left the GHQ Grandstand at 5:40 AM, it was our time to conduct the activities for the FREE Fun Run.
Group of 32 Runners Attended The 1st FREE Fun Run
4. A group of 32 runners joined the 1st FREE Fun Run. It was a combination of runners coming from the ST Microelectronics Running Club from Los Banos, Laguna; AFP Officers and their dependents; some takbo.ph members; new runners; ex-PMA cadets; and “first timers” in Camp Aguinaldo whom I had a chance to talk to. After a short welcome remarks, I led the stretching exercises and we were off on the road for our 8K Fun Run.
5. For the faster runners, it was a tempo run for them. For the “first timers” in Camp Aguinaldo, it was a tour experience for them as they were able to see the different structures and buildings inside the camp. The hilly portion at the back of the camp was a challenge to the new runners. In less than one hour, all the runners were back at the Grandstand and they were given bottled water and their copy of their Certificate of Finish for the run. Everyone had their own post-stretching exercises after they crossed the finish line. A digital clock was displayed at the Grandstand for the runners to see as soon as they cross the Finish Line.
6. I conducted a post-briefing for everybody as I accounted for all the runners. I announced that all FREE Fun Runs will be conducted at Camp Aguinaldo as my request for the use of the Philippine Army’s Grandstand & Parade Ground was disapproved due to activities being held in the said place on Sundays. Well, the “decision makers” at the Philippine Army did not see my “vision” for conducting FREE Fun Runs in their “turf” as I wanted more of their dependents and the involvement of the civilian sector in exposing the youths in 3K or shorter distance runs. I really wanted these runs at Fort Bonifacio to be short, quick, and fast as the whole activity should be finished within an hour. If the runs start at 6:00 AM, the activity should be finished before 7:00 AM.
Jeff Tamayo of POC Delivering A Short Lecture
7. The runners were fortunate to have my friend, Mr Jeff Tamayo, the ASIAN President of the Soft Tennis Sports Federation and member-officer of the Philippine Olympic Committee, who was a part of the Disaster Readiness Display activity in preparation for the incoming Super Typhoon “Juan” being held at the GHQ Parade Ground. He conducted a short lecture to all the runners on Sports Nutrition. The brief and concise lecture of Mr Tamayo was very constructive and helpful to all the runners. Thanks, Jeff for that “on the spot” lecture!
8. Before 8:00 AM, the activity was terminated after some photo-ops with the runners. To all the runners and supporters, thank you very much and I hope more of our new runners will join these FREE Fun Runs.
Two years ago, I donated my New Balance 902 thinking that it was the cause of my Achilles tendon pains not knowing that I was already attacked with gout. Since then, I never bought New Balance as my running shoes. Instead, I used ASICS for my training and competitive road races.
In almost two years, I’ve started reading the blogs of famous trail ultra runners and I shifted slowly to trail running. I started to buy trail shoes and apparel from The North Face/Patagonia and I was satisfied with their performance. I have two Arnuvas; one Hedgehog; one Single Track; and one new Sentinel (courtesy of July Oconer). However, in almost all my trail runs to the “Brown Mountain”, I’ve been using the lightweight Adidas Osweego and Adizeros (Mana & Adios) and I did not have any problems with them on their traction and thin soles. Using these lightweight Adidas Adizeros for the past months gave me the confidence to try more “minimalist” trail shoes.
Top View
I had the chance to buy the popular New Balance MT 100 from Zombie Runner when I ran the Headlands 50 last July 2010 but I hesitated due to the fact that I suspected that a newer version is coming out soon. Reading from the blog of Anton Krupicka, he mentioned that he was invited and made a trip to the Corporate Office of New Balance for a meeting with their Research & Development Division and I suspected that there must be a significant importance to such meeting.
Side View With The "N" (Narcise) Letter
I personally guess that this new version or improvement of the New Balance MT 100 (trail shoes used by Anton Krupicka in his Miwok 100 and WS 100 this year) is the product of such meeting or for a more “minimalist” shoes to be released soon.
Well, I could not compare between the NB MT 100 from the latest NB MT 101 as I have not seen intently and used the MT 100. But I am sure that this is the improved version of the “minimalist” trail shoes that is available from New Balance. This could also be the answer of New Balance to the popularity of shoes that mimics barefoot running which is becoming popular for the past two years.
Another Side View Showing The Thin Sole
Anyway, I am still trying to find a place where I could “break-in” this new toy. Definitely, it will be a choice between the Bataan/Mariveles or the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. We will see how these shoes will perform in our mountain trails.
Another Side View With The Sole Traction
For those who are interested to purchase this trail shoes, you can visit the website of Zombie Runner or wait for early next year for its availability in our local New Balance Stores. At www.zombierunner.com, all the things you need to “play” and run in mountain trails are called “toys”.
Mike Panlaqui, a passionate runner, is the HR Head of Wrigley Philippines, Inc and he is a regular visitor of this blog. If I can still remember right, he posted his first comment to this blogsite and sent me an e-mail when I was asking for journals and documents that will attest and support the claims of past multi-day runners of running along the different islands of the country. He revealed to me that he was once a part of the Planning Group of the GOMBURZA which was a group of priests and laymen who did those multi-day running events in the country.
It is unfortunate that he does not know if GOMBURZA had a daily journal on those multi-day runs. What he knew were the schedules and arrangements made for the runners before they started their multi-day runs from Manila.
In one of our exchanges of e-mails, he invited me to conduct a running lecture and clinic to the personnel of Wrigley Philippines’ Corporate Office which is located at the Bonifacio Global City. The running lecture and clinic was conducted o/a 4:00 PM on September 22, 2010. Mike’s overall objective in this lecture is for him to organize their corporate office’s running club and for its officers, staff, and personnel to adhere to a healthy and active lifestyle through running.
Mike Panlaqui's Introduction to the Running Lecture"George Sheehan" of the Philippines?
After the running lecture, the participants were encouraged to perform the different stretching exercises which we advised them to do before and after their running workout. The members of the Elite Team Bald Runner led and demonstrated the different stretching exercises.
Stretching Exercises After The Lecture
Aside from the stretching exercises, we also demonstrated to the participants important running “drills” which they could do before they do some “speed” training workouts at he Oval Track or during their running workouts. The lecture room was very spacious for the said “drills”.
Running "Drills" Inside The Lecture Room
What is good about the timing and scheduling of this corporate’s running lecture is that, Mike made it a point to conduct this activity during the company’s quarterly celebration of the employee’s birthday for the 3rd quarter of the year. It means that we were able to partake of the food and drinks for the party.
Group Picture For The Future "Wrigley's Running Club"
To conclude the event, Mike and the rest of the staff of the company had a group picture, presented to us some “gifts” and support to my Elite Team BR, and be a part of their quarterly birthday party celebration.
To Mike and Wrigley Phils, Inc, thank you very much for the warm reception and interest in spreading the benefits of running to your officers, staff and employees. Please continue supporting our elite athletes in long distance running.
Two weeks before this story was published at the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s (PDI) Sunday Inquirer Magazine, I received an SMS from Eric Caruncho introducing himself as a writer for PDI asking me for an interview in relation with his assigned job to come up with a story on extreme sports. He specifically mentioned about the Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race.
I told him that I don’t want “e-mail interviews” as I prefer to have a “face-to-face” interview with him and other journalists. I could be the conservative type on matters like this but I know that this is the proper way for a writer to actually feel and get a full knowledge about the topic from his source. I would like again to experience those “eye-to-eye” contact while talking to a journalist as I have experienced when I was still in the active military service.
I asked Mr Eric Caruncho to send me “guide questions” through e-mail so that I could prepare for our meeting/interview. I was glad he sent me a list of questions immediately and we set for a meeting a few days after.
So, the meeting was set and Eric arrived ahead of schedule but I was there already at our meeting place before he arrived. I was happy to see him carrying a tape recorder, writing pad, and a ball pen. Great! I have the impression that I am dealing with a real and professional journalist. Over a cup of coffee and a simple Filipino breakfast in one of the Military Golf Courses in Manila, the following story was the result of our meeting-interview.
Thanks, Eric for the nice story! I hope you will regain your love for running with his story.
THERE are marathons. There are ultra-marathons. And then, there’s the Bataan Death March.
Quickly gaining a reputation as the toughest race in the Philippines, the aptly-named Bataan Death March (BDM) is an annual 102-kilometer slog that retraces the route of the infamous World War II debacle from Ground Zero in Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.
Now on its third year, BDM promises to be an even greater challenge for “the few, the proud, the brave” next year. The race organizers plan to extend it to 151 kilometers, retracing the final journey of the original survivors of the death march to the Japanese concentration camp in Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.
If you have to ask “why,” you’re obviously not ready. But if your question is “why not,” then perhaps you have the makings of an ultra-runner, for whom the full marathon distance of 42 kilometers is just the starting point.
The Bataan Death March is the brainchild of retired Major General Jovenal D. Narcise, better known to the local running community as the Bald Runner through his blog “Bald Runner” (www.baldrunner.com).
“We wanted a nice gesture to remember our Filipino heroes,” says Narcise, who at 58 has a blood pressure of 110/70, a resting pulse rate of 50 to 60 beats per minute, and the same 29-inch waistline he had when he was a cadet at the Philippine Military Academy – all thanks to his high-mileage, clean living lifestyle.
“In the States, they have been holding the Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon in White Sands, New Mexico for the past 20 years, to honor veterans from the state. It has become internationally popular, and they have a ‘heavy’ category where runners run with a 35-pound backpack.”
Back home, local runners had been competing in the Araw ng Kagitingan ultramarathon relay on the anniversary of the Fall of Bataan.
“With the advent of ultramarathons worldwide, I thought, why not an ultramarathon?” says Narcise. “To make it more competitive, I thought of making it a 100-kilometer run.”
Under the International Association of Ultra Runners, the federation that regulates ultramarathon events, the standard ultramarathon distances are 50 kilometers, 100 kilometers and 100 miles. Narcise had had a bit of experience organizing races as an army commander, when he was in charge of the AFP’s Gintong Pangarap marathon. With his own funds (taken out of his retirement benefits), Narcise organized the first Bataan Death March in 2009.
“The standard cut-off time for a 100-kilometer race is 15 hours,” he says. “We decided to make it 18 hours for the BDM.”
To avoid the hottest part of the day, the race started before midnight. Out of 85 runners, 82 managed to make it to the finish line, with the fastest runner finishing in a little over 9 hours.
The second BDM held last April had even more participants, with 120 finishers, including 13 international competitors from the US, Singapore, Japan and France – all of whom heard about the BDM and signed up for it through Narcise’s blog. Despite the absence of any corporate sponsorship, the BDM is shaping up to be one of the premier annual events on local runners’ calendars.
Narcise isn’t just dreaming, however. He has organized local endurance athletes into the Philippine Association of Ultra Runners (PAU), which is federated with the International Association of Ultra Runners based in Morocco, a group that includes 40 member countries. Under its auspices, he has organized monthly ultramarathon events. He even sponsors his own Team Bald Runner, a core group of 15 elite athletes.
“My cause is just to promote the sport and raise funds for my athletes in Team Bald Runner,” he says. “I have 15 elite athletes I’ve been training for events. I support their registration fees, some subsistence, some out of town trips. They have been consistent in the top 3, top 5 in road races here. I brought two of them to South Korea last month for a 100-kilometer race. One of them placed sixth in the Jeju International 100K Run, setting a national record of 9 hours and six minutes. This is a good start.”
Through his blog, Narcise has become a pied piper of sorts for local endurance athletes and enthusiasts alike, providing training advice, anecdotes from his own experiences, commentary on local races, and miscellaneous information on diet, nutrition and training.
Originally from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Narcise’s own running path started in 1968, when he was a pre-med student in Baguio dreaming of entering the Philippine Military Academy.
“The university doctor examined me and found that I had weak lungs and a heart murmur,” he recalls. “He advised me to start running. My original motivation was to pass the physical exam so I could enter the PMA.”
The running seemed to help his constitution, and he continued to run as a cadet.
“In the PMA, I had no talent for sports, just running,” he says. “I placed in the top 20 in a 20- kilometer race, out of 80 cadets.”
His running was interrupted, however, when he was assigned to Mindanao as a fledgling army officer, right in the middle of the MNLF rebellion in the mid-1970s. By the time he returned to Manila three years later, the first running boom was in full swing.
“I was running only 30 minutes a day when I entered a race from Camp Allen in Baguio to Fort Del Pilar in 1980,” he recalls. “I placed in the mid-pack but my brother, a sprinter, placed in the top 6. I asked him how he trained and he said he ran from his house in Diliman to Fort Bonifacio every day. I went and bought several back issues of ‘Runner’s World’ magazine, and that’s how I learned about scientific training for long distance running.”
He paid particular attention to the work of Arthur Lydiard, the legendary New Zealand coach who basically wrote the book on training for long distance running.
The following year, he placed second in the same race. “I began to appreciate the scientific approach to training – you have to develop endurance first, then speed.”
His career path took him through various commands in the military, but physical training became a constant in his life.
“When I became an army commander, I decided to set the example. Soldiers drink, smoke and indulge in other vices, but once you introduce running to them, they become disciplined. But for them to do that, you have to set the example. Clean living was the reputation I had among the soldiers.”
Narcise ran his first full marathon in 1980, and from then, there was no looking back. He continued to run local and some international marathons until his retirement three years ago, when he discovered the wonderful world of blogging. He started Bald Runner in 2007 as a way to share information and experiences about training. It has since become one of the more popular sites for local runners, especially on ultra distance events.
“In an ultramarathon, you are trying to find your limits physically, mentally and psychologically,” he says.
Obviously, a 100-kilometer run isn’t for everybody, but for those who are willing to put in the necessary training mileage, ultramarathons can often be easier than the marathon.
“In a marathon, you’re trying to finish the race within a set time,” he says. “In an ultramarathon, it’s different. You need somebody to talk to. You share food. You socialize. You develop camaraderie. The atmosphere is less competitive. You compete with yourself, the route and the elements, not against the other runners.”
In ultramarathons, it is also necessary to eat during the race to replenish the body’s nutrients, to hydrate, and to take walking breaks in between running. The Bataan Death March provides typical Filipino fare, including boiled bananas, boiled sweet potatoes, and a bowl of steaming mami or arroz caldo at the 50-kilometer mark, although many runners also bring carbohydrate gels, power bars and sports drinks.
All of these make ultramarathons less of a grim and determined death race and more of a shared bonding experience. Be that as it may, Narcise says prospective ultramarathoners should build up their weekly mileage to at least 50 kilometers a week, slowly building up to 80 to 100 kilometers a week as they near the event.
“I encourage my runners to have back to back long runs on weekends, ideally 15 to 20 kilometers on Saturday and a longer run of 30 kilometers on Sunday, or vice versa.”
“My vision for the sport is that maybe in eight years, the ultramarathon will be a regular Olympic event. By that time, maybe we can develop good ultramarathon runners. The Japanese are now the number one ultramarathon runners in the world. Why not Filipinos?”
That would be sweet revenge indeed for the original Bataan Death March. •
CAMSUR Marathon/Pili, Camarines Sur/4:00 AM September 26, 2010
1. This is my 3rd Marathon Race for the year and I prepared this race without any training plan or program. Everything was done by “feel” and “instinct”. All my runs after the 34th MILO Manila Marathon Elimination were easy long runs; mountain trail runs; and a limited once a week tempo runs. Basically, I did not train for “speed” on this marathon race. I concentrated more on my “back-to-back” weekend easy long runs and decided to have the CAMSUR Marathon Race as part of my easy long run in preparation for another “epic” running experience in the future.
One of My Finish Line Pictures (Courtesy of Babes Guloy)Having Two Escorts At The Finish Line (Courtesy of Babes Guloy)
2. I finished the race in 4:39:33 hours (unofficial) as recorded in my GF 305. It is not a “shabby” finish time but I was able to learn a lot of what my body is capable of with my age of 58. Comparing myself with my friend and BDM 102 “veteran” Victor Ting who is already 62 years old, he was faster in reaching the Finish Line and I think he was ahead of me by 3 kilometers, I think I still have the chance to reach his age and run as fast as he can. But I think Victor is getting faster as he grows older. But for now, speed will remain at the back burner up to the end of this year and I will slowly introduce it again in my workouts at the start of the new year.
1st CAMSUR Marathon Logo
3. So far, this Marathon Race is the third major running event in the country that is fully sponsored and supported by a local government unit. The City Government of Quezon City came first with its own version of an International Marathon Race on the later part of last year and it was followed by the Cebu City Marathon last January 10 of this year and now it’s the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur. These local government executives in these cities and province are commendable for promoting the sports of running with their own resources without the support of the national government. How I wish more of these kind of local executives should come up with such sports events in their respective provinces and cities in order to promote their place through sports tourism. With cash prizes at stake on these running events provided through the efforts of the local executives, it will give more incentives to our elite athletes to train some more and at the the same time inspire the local folks and “grassroots” to develop themselves as competitive runners in the future. My salute and congratulations to the good leadership of these “pioneers” in promoting international running events in their own cities and provinces.
4. Camarines Sur Marathon is showing an example of the trend of marathon races in the country. It is no longer possible to have an ideal environment for a marathon race within the confines of Metro Manila and its immediate environs because of the problem of vehicular traffic, pollution, poor quality of air and the “no concern attitude” of the residents to people who are competing in a road race. It is only in the province and cities outside Metro Manila where you see spectators cheering and saying best wishes and good greetings to runners along the route of the race. Moreso, you can feel the hospitality when you see the barangay officials and folks manning the different Aid Stations offereing some food and water to the runners as Volunteers. I was informed that the Race Organizer had fielded almost 1,500 volunteers for this running event.
Relaxing Moments at CWC
5. Going to Naga City and Ipil by land and air from Manila was so easy. By land on our own vehicle, it took us an easy 8-hour ride on the late evening from Manila and arriving at Naga City on daybreak. Travelling by bus, I heard it was more comfortable by sitting on “Lazy Boy” seats with a Comfort Room inside. And by plane, after a short 45-minute ride, you are already in Naga City.
6. Having registered to run the Marathon Race last June, I had a lot of time to plan for the trip and for the accommodation for my Elite Team. I was lucky to know that one of my officers assigned as one of the General Staff of my Command when I was the Division Commander in Panay Island is now assigned with the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based at Pili, Camarines Sur. Col Ace De Asis took upon himself to look for a place for us to stay. I was surprised to find out that another officer who served as my Camp Engineer in Panay Island is also assigned in the said place. Through the transient facilities of the Philippine Army, my team and I were “billeted” at the VIP Transient Facility of the 565th Engineer Battalion of the Philippine Army for almost 3 days.
7. We arrived in Pili, Camarines Sur on the early morning of Friday and went around the facilities of the CWC and later proceeded at Camp Martillana where our the Philippine Army’s Transient Facility is located. We were received by our host, Lt Col Tony Celoso ( my Command Engineer in Panay Island) and led us to their Battalion’s VIP Transient Facility. The facility has two big bedrooms with two bathrooms; a big living room with TV and cable connection; and dining area. We were able to buy fresh foods at the Pili Market and cooked them in the facility’s kitchen. My elite team’s members were the cooks, dishwashers, and the ones going to the market to choose what food to eat for the day.
8. My elite team and I attended the scheduled briefing on Saturday morning at the CWC and I was impressed on the preparations made to make this running event a success. I observed that a lot of international runners attended the briefing and I saw new faces from the Kenyans. I even saw athletes whom I was informed to be from Russia. I was able to meet other runners who are regular participants of my PAU races as well as runners who came all the way from the Visayas and Mindanao. Definitely, this running event was a meeting place of the avid and passionate runners from all over the country.
42K Runners at the Briefing
9. A day before the Marathon Race, I requested the Battalion Commander of the 565th Engineer Battalion to assemble his officers and men for an “impromtu” Running Lecture which will guide them to a more scientific way of training in preparation for a running event. The running lecture was done after one hour with the hope that the soldiers of this unit would be able to train properly. I gave them the challenge for them to join the next year’s half-marathon race after imparting to them the basic principles in training as well as tips in running. I told them that they are lucky and fortunate to have the Provincial Oval Track located just in front of their camp. In conclusion, the most important thing that I emphasized to them are the good values each one of them to develop while they are preparing for a running event.
Running Lecture With The Army Engineers
10. The race was conducted perfectly as the race started promptly at 4:00 AM; there was a “festive” mood at the starting line which was highlighted with fireworks; lots of photo-ops with runners; greetings from the “usual suspects” in marathon races; lots of hydration points; proper markings along the road; presence of volunteers and marshals along the route; fresh bananas, sports bars & sports gels (although some were “expired”) were available to the runners at the 2nd half of the marathon route; and most of all, the presence of spectators who were cheering and greeting the runners!
My Favorite Racing Shorts & Singlet For Marathon Races!"The Usual Suspects" In Marathon RacesMy Walking "Breaks" On The Last 3-4 Kms
11. Kenyan runner Richard Kemeli Kemboi won the Marathon Race with a time of 2:19:40 hours. In the women’s category, Ethiopian Ayelu Lemma Geda won the race in 2:40:05 hours. The Champion received a Cash Prize of $ 7,000. This could be the highest paying marathon race for this year in the country. My Elite Team managed to win First Place & Third Place (Local Category) for the Half-Marathon Race with a Cash Prize of P 20,000 and P 10,000, respectively and 3rd Place (Local Category) for the 10K Race. My team did not make good in this running event due to sickness and flu weeks before this race.
Don't Worry, Guys..There Are More Races To Come
12. Successfully finishing a Marathon Race this year is becoming a “trigger” mechanism for me to do something more challenging in the coming days. Few days after my Condura Marathon last February, I did my 5-day multi-day run from Manila to Baguio City covering a distance of 240 kilometers. Two weeks after my July 4th MILO Manila Marathon, I ran the Headlands 50-Mile Mountain Trail Run in San Francisco, California. And now that I’ve finished the CAMSUR Marathon, I am supposed to run the Dick Collin’s Firetrails 50-Mile Mountain Trail Run on October 9 in California but I had to cancel it due to some commitment which I could not refuse. But instead of the Firetrails 50-Mile Run, I am coming up again with another multi-day run in the coming days (with the message that you can “journalize” your multi-day runs on near “real-time”!)
Days before the conduct of the PAU’s P2P 70K Run in Ilocos Norte, Frederick Gabriel and Vic Viola of takbo.ph approached me with the request for their company to conduct a running lecture and clinic to their staff and employees numbering to about 200. It was only during these conversations that I have found out that these two ultra runners and consistent PAU runners are connected with the company called AIR 21. Their request was very noble that it was worth making it as a priority because of the number of participants plus the interest they put into the importance of running as part of the company’s sports program and the company’s program to look for the welfare of their subordinates through running as part of their active lifestyle.
In addition, one of the objectives of the running lecture and clinic at AIR 21 is for everybody at the said company to know the basic and scientific way of training in running. It is a part of the company’s training and preparation for their participation in this year’s October 10 A Run For Pasig River. I was informed that almost all the staff and employees will be joining the said running event. Days before the conduct of the lecture & clinic, I have already the impression that the owners are sports-minded and health buffs. (Note: Mr Lina is a golf player while his wife has progressively finished her first 5K run)
The lecture and clinic was decided to be conducted on the Company’s Health & Medical Expo Day which was held on the Birthday of Mrs Sylvia Lina, co-owner of the company and wife of Mr Alberto Lina, President & Owner of the Company. The lecture and the first session of actual running was conducted at 3:00 PM of September 6, 2010 at the Company’s Cargohaus near the NAIA Airport Complex.
Birthday of the 1st Lady of the Company
I was impressed that the owners of the company, Mr & Mrs Lina and their two daughters attended the lecture and the practical part and actual demonstration of the stretching exercises, running drills, and a 30-minute run.
Lecture Room Filled With Staff & Employees
The lecture room was “jampacked” with the staff and employees of the company that most of them remained standing during the 1 1/2 hours of lecture and open forum. Basically, the lecture covered the “Why’s” of Running, Steps To Follow, Laws of Training in Running, Practical Tips In Running, Phases of Training, and lastly, Etiquette In Running. Some concerns and apprehensions from the participants were answered during the Open Forum.
Lecture On Running Basics & Principles
The lectured was followed with actual involvement of the participants in the conduct of stretching exercises, running drills, and a 30-minute steady run. The clinic is scheduled to be conducted every Monday afternoon up to October 10 with the hope that every participant will be able to finish the scheduled 3K and 5K runs on race day.
The following pictures will best describe the activity on September 6 with Mr Alberto Lina; Mrs Sylvia Lina; their daughters and the rest of the staff and employees of AIR 21.
Mrs Sylvia Lina & Children Listening To The LectureMr Lina & Daughters Preparting For the Stretching ExercisesAlmost 100 Staff & Employees Joined The ClinicLeadership By Example Is The Key To A Healthy & Progressive CompanyCool-Down Exercises After A 30-Minute Steady Run
For a related story about the AIR 21 Running Lecture and Clinic and more pictures of the event, please visit www.lina-group.com.
Early this week I received an e-mail message from Atty Jon Lacanlale of Team Clark inviting me to join their group for a mountain trail run in Porac, Pampanga. I was specifically mentioned in the invitation by the host of the event, Jerry Guiao, a BDM 102K veteran, to join the said run. I immediately confirmed my attendance to this trail run as my training ground is near the place. I was actually invited also for another run to the peak of Mt Arayat in Magalang, Pampanga on the day after the run in Porac. But, I begged off not to join the run to Mt Arayat as I have another commitment for another long run at the Subic Freeport on the following day with Team Bald Runner-Professionals.
One Of The Uphill Climbs
The Team Clark was already waiting for me at the Porac Exit of SCTEX as arrived thereat at 5:00 AM. I was a part of a 4-vehicle convoy to a 2-3-kilometer distance from the SCTEX as we proceeded to the center of Barangay Sapang Uwak of Porac where the start of the run is located. After a short trip, we parked our vehicles and started to check and wear our respective hydration system.
Our run started at 5:40 AM and the visibility was already clear. The running group consisted of Atty Jon, Jerry, BR, and two elite runners of Team Bald Runner. The rest of the Team Clark served as our support crew. We started with slow jog, then to slow run until we reached the first uphill climb. The first uphill climb was so steep but we tried our best to slowly jog up to the crest but after a few meters, we were met again with another climb.
Jerry & Frank Attacking The Uphill
I could no longer count the number of uphill climbs we encountered during the run. I could say that this route is more challenging than the route that I considered as my training ground in the “Brown Mountain”. Admittedly, this place is more scenic and the air is cooler and more refreshing.
Jerry prepared for this run as he prepositioned our water station with a 5-gallon water container at the 5-Km mark a day before our run. With a cooler temperature early in the run, I only consumed one-half of the water in my Nathan Bottle and had it refilled in anticipation for more uphill climbs and hot temperature later in the day. As informed by Atty Jon in his invitation, our one-way trip of 10K with take us 2 hours and there is a side trip also to a waterfalls near the turn-around point. He was right as we reached the 5K point in one hour of run and brisk walking.
As if we were running a trail race, we have to brisk walk on steep uphill climbs and then run on the level parts and run faster on the downhill parts of the route. Atty Jon and I had a lot conversation while running as we exchanged tips in ultra trail running training and races. It seems we have the same insights and race strategy in ultra trail running and I am confident that he will make good in his next ultra races here and abroad.
Atty Jon of Team Clark & BR @ Few Meters From The Waterfalls
After walking and running for almost 2 hours and after my GF 305 registered a distance of 10.5K, we turned left to a single-track trail which is covered with grass and wild plants. From this point, it was time to “bushswack” for a distance of 1.5 kilometers down to the waterfalls. Practically, we were walking along a cliff but the sound of the waterfalls made us more excited to reach the place.
Waterfalls In The Mountains of Brgy Sapang Uwak, Porac, Pampanga
I was amazed with the beauty of the waterfalls. After my picture was taken, I immediately removed my singlet, shoes, socks and my watch and submerged my core and legs into the cold water of the lagoon. The feeling was relaxing and soothing to my tired legs. We stayed in the area for about 30 minutes and prepared for our run back to where we started.
More Trail Runs In The Future
Our run back to the center of the barangay was a challenging one as the heat of the sun was on us. I had only half-filled water bottle for the next 5 kilometers and I made sure that my water was enough before reaching our water station. As I reached our water station, I was able to drink one-half liter to recover the loss of water due to perspiration.
After the 22-kilometer run in 4 hours and 20 minutes, we had our late breakfast with stewed native chicken and steamed rice wrapped/cooked with banana leaves, fresh ripe banana and ice-cooled Gatorade. The food was perfect for runners!
I was informed later by Jerry that the trail will be finally connected to Mt Pinatubo by next year. The construction of another 4-kilometer distance of dirt road from our turn-around point to the base of Mt Pinatubo will start before the end of the year. Atty Jon and I were already discussing for a possibility of a trail run from Brgy Sta Juliana, Capas, Tarlac to Brgy Sapang Uwak, Porac, Pampanga and back or vice-versa. This trail run experience will be exciting for ultra trail runners.
My sincerest thanks to Jerry as our host, Atty Jon and Team Clark for a wonderful and exciting trail run and visit to the beautiful waterfalls in the area. I promised to myself that I will be back to the place for more trail runs and relaxing moments at the lagoon of the waterfalls.
(Note: I am sorry I could not download the pictures sent by the members of Team Clark and have them posted in my blog. My laptop must have some problems. However, I hope Atty Jon would be able to post the remaining pictures in his blog).
Bald Runner 
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