Note: All pictures are courtesy of Ysmael Ilagan, a member of Team Bald Runner-Professional Group
Pictures: Bataan 102 Ultramarathon/Part 1
Category: Pictures
Race Report: Bataan 102 Ultramarathon/Part 1
04-05 April 2009 @ Km 00 Bataan Death March Heroes Park, Mariveles, Bataan
The race started with administrative processing to all the participants to include the signing of Waivers and accounting to find out the presence of the runners. I wanted everything to be simple during the starting ceremony. I finally started the starting ritual by asking all the participants to get inside the Bataan Death March Heroes Park for the simple program and final briefing.
I requested Ronnie De Lara aka Running For Christ to deliver the prayers before the race as he is celebrating his Birthday on the day of the race. It was followed by my final briefing to all the participants and later with a group pictorials at the Km 00 marker post.
The race started at 12:33 AM of April 5, 2009 after a slight drizzle of rain and the elite/faster runners left the Park ahead than those most of us who participated to experience what it takes to run a 102K ultra run with a cut-off time of 18 hours.
Running the first 40 kilometers while it was dark and cold was just a warm-up run in preparation for the next 62 kilometers running with the heat of the sun. It’s true, the actual race started after the 50-Km mark at Abucay, Bataan when it was already 7:30 AM with the sun starting to rise up in the horizon. From this point, it was a battle of the mind, body and the environment. PAGASA made a wrong prediction of a cloudy skies for the day. Instead, it was a typical summer-hot day for the race.
After running for 92 kms, my brother, Samuel met me along the way as I was already walking and trying to switch from one side of the road to the other for the much needed shade. I was glad that I was able to use my power walking practices under the heat of the sun on the last few kilometers of the race. My brother and I took us almost one hour and half to share stories and he informed me of the news story written in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s. So, at the Finish Line, people there were informed that I was reading the newspaper while I was brisk walking at Km Post 97 towards the finish line. Finally, on the last 2 kilometers, I alternately jogged and walked until I finally reached the Finish Line! I finished the race in less than 15 hours, placing # 30 among the survivors!
Out of the 81 brave warriors who started at the Starting Line, 65 Survivors finished the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race within the cut-off time of 18 hours. More detailed story to follow in my next posts. And more pictures, too!
Once again, my sincerest thanks to all the participants, to the sponsors of this project, my relative and friends who are dependable, and to those unknown runners and non-runners who voluntarily gave their time and resources to make this event a memorable one.
“A Salute To Our Heroes…Run, Endure, and Survive the Bataan Death March”
The North Face: The Best Customer Service
It is amazing to be wearing the best and the latest trail shoes from The North Face for FREE! The following is my story.
I bought a TNF Arnuva 50 BOA running shoes last August 2008 in Beverly Hills, California. I used it during my training runs and on the day of the competition for the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run. I also used it during my two trail running workouts at Mt Wilson with my kids and other “runabouts” at Griffith Park and Los Angeles. It is a versatile running shoes as it could be used as trail shoes and a road running shoes. Aside from being durable and light, it has a BOA Lacing System which is dependable for quick tightening of its shoe laces or quick removal from one’s feet. It takes few seconds to wear or unwear it due to the presence of a screw knob at the rear heel portion of the shoes.
Last November 2008, I joined the members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners with Jonel aka Bugobugo, George aka The Talkative Runner, Nickko & Maj Ferdie Espejo for an ultra run from Brgy Sta Juliana, Capas to Mount Pinatubo and back. Since I expected that the run would be on trails along the lahar areas, I used the TNF Arnuva 50 BOA. At first, it was very fast and comfortable removing it before crossing a river and then wearing it as soon we are on a dry land. But later during the run, I opted not to remove my shoes whenever we crossed rivers along the way. I was happy then that the shoes would easily dry up, after having it wet on those dozens of river crossings, while running on the dry lahar area.
We finished the 55-Km ultra run and I did not encounter any blisters with my feet and I was satisfied with the performance of the shoes. After washing it and having it dried, I observed that the left shoe’s screw knob could not tighten the shoe laces and it was very hard to turn it. I immediately brought to the attention of the sales staff in one of the TNF Stores in Metro Manila and they requested me to have it repaired/brought to their store. So, sometime in December, I gave my Arnuva Shoes to one of the TNF Stores in Manila.
After a few weeks, I received an update about the situation of my shoes through SMS and they need to replace the BOA Laces. Later, they told me that they were able to acquire or find replacement laces for my shoes which I thought would cost me for $ 10.00 a pair. Last February, TNF told me that there is something wrong with the tube where the laces would pass through but they were trying to fix the problem. After few exchanges of SMS with TNF, the service/sales staff of TNF finally informed me that my shoes has no chances of being repaired and there is no way that it would be given back to me! But, they told me to proceed to any of their TNF Stores and choose any of the available shoes on their display/stock for a FREE replacement of my Arnuva 50 BOA shoes! Very nice!
And so, I got the lastest and the best trail shoes of TNF with the BOA Lace System…The Hedgehog GTX XCR BOA!!! I can safely call it the “HUMMER/HUMVEE” among my trail shoes. It is WATER-PROOF as it is made of GORE-TEX/XCR breathable membrane and its upper/outer materials are abrasion-resistant.
If you want the best customer service in your running shoes, get the best, The North Face!
Note: I am not an official product endorser of The North Face. Even if TNF did not support or sponsor the Bataan 102, I still believe in the quality of their products and its superb/outstanding customer service.
Have You Noticed My Latest Pictures?
Finally, my 3-year old SONY Cyber-shot 6.0 MegaPixels camera has retired. I replaced it with a CANON Digital IXUS 960 IS 12.1 MegaPixels Camera with Titanium body. I used the new digital camera in yesterday’s 2nd Men’s Health 10K Run at the UP Diliman Campus.
My running and group pictures were taken by the new Canon Camera. I could see the difference in the quality of the pictures taken by SONY and CANON. The pictures taken by CANON were crisp, clearer, and with no distortions/blurred images. The lens has a wide range adjustments with automatic settings and a clear depth of field.
The following pictures were taken through my new CANON Digital camera in my last week’s “runabout/walkabout” and other activities:
Race Report: 2nd Men’s Health 10K Run
6:20 AM 29 March 2009 @ UP Diliman Campus
The missed the first edition of the Men’s Health 10K Road Race last year as I was still in tha active service as the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army stationed in Jamindan, Capiz in Panany Island. I did not want to miss this year’s edition this time even if I was already on my tapering stage for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race. Upon hearing most of our Team BR members joining this weekend’s event, I decided to register in this race last Wednesday with the intention of maintaining a certain level of speed for my 10K and half-marathon races.
Immediately after the Condura Half-Marathon last Sunday, I scheduled a program as my last training preparation for the Bataan 102 for the remaining days before April 5. Actually, most of the seasoned ultramarathoners would suggest a 3-week tapering period before the race day but in my own way, I have some apprehensions about the long period for me to taper. Reducing my mileage for three weeks would make me “sluggish” on race day and I have a lot of experiences from past races where I took time to rest before the race day. I always smile and just tell to most of the runners that I don’t believe in taking some rest from running as part of tapering before the race whenever they asked me if I am already tapering for the ultramarathon race.
Since last Monday, I had one (1) “runabout” with my feet on the ground for 5 hours with most of the time under the heat of the sun; one (1) running workout at the oval track trying to condition my legs to an average pace of 6:45-7:30 minutes per kilometer which took me 3 hours and 30 minutes; two (2) sessions of “speed training” at the oval track (Tuesday & Friday) with an average pace of 4:35-4:50 minutes per kilometer; one (1) session of coming up with an average pace of “brisk/power” walking which brough me to an average pace of 8:30 minutes per kilometer; and one (1) “walkabout” under the heat of the sun for 6 hours with an average pace of 10 minutes per kilometer. It should be noted that “brisk/power” walking is entirely different from the “racewalking” style of Amado aka Reinier6666 wherein the latter generates a faster pace but with entirely different legs muscles at work and lots of hip swaying. The “brisk” walking I will be adopting for my ultra race would be the slower version of jogging.
This morning’s Men’s Health 10K Run was purposely for maintaining my competitive level of preparation for the Bataan 102. I was thinking of finishing the race in sub-50 minutes would be a satisfactory gauge for my training as a result of this week’s activities. I arrived at the UP Campus at 5:10 AM and I saw a small group of runners at the assembly area while more of the runners are still trying to register for the race. I assumed that there were no lady runners in this race as there was also another race for the ladies at the Mall Of Asia (MOA), Pinay In Action Road Race. I did some stretching and warm-up run near the place where my car was parked. But after about 20 minutes, I started to join the other runners at the Starting Line. The Team BR-Professional Group members were there and we had conversation about the race and about the incoming Bataan 102.
Finally, the race started at 6:20 AM, 20 minutes late from the scheduled start and I observed a number of ladies at the front of the starting line. I knew these ladies will slow us down once the race started but I did not mind them because I did not have any intention of having a PR in this race. My starting pace was slow because of the crowd infront of me and tried to overtake the ladies infront. After running for about 150 meters, I started to look at my watch and I saw that I was running at an average pace of 5:00 minutes per kilometer. I maintained such pace as I looked for the other members of Team BR way up ahead of me. The first kilometer was flat but I had to be careful with the asphalted road as there were uneven portions of the road. I observed that, despite my warm-up and stretching exercises, I still feel some pain on my ankles whenever I use my Newtons. But these pains are just temporary as they disappear after a few minutes of running. It could be that the Newtons would force my feet to use my midfoot when running after days of using my ASICS Running shoes. As I turned right at the curve portion as we go for our first downhill, it marked the end of our first kilometer.
Kilometer #1 Split Time—4:56 minutes
The downhill portion made me ran faster as I overtook some of the runners. After some turns, I was able to see the 1st water station and I immediately grabbed one cup and drank almost its contents. It was a nice move on my part. The downhill portion levelled off and we are already near the intersection of the main road towards the Oblation. Crossing the main road was no problem as there were lots road marshals manning that very sensitive place where lots of vehicles would pass in going into and going out of the campus. After about 150 meters from the intersection, the road started to have slight uphill terrain. Two hundred meters away from the corner ahead marked the end of Kilometer #2.
Kilometer #2 Split Time—4:23 minutes
The start of Kilometer 3 is an uphill portion of the route and it takes about 200 meters before you reach the portion of the route where it levels off. This was where I had to overtake more runners. Before going downhill at the front of the UP Cinema (?), this was where I saw the next water station and I grabbed one more cup of water and that was my last chance to drink water for the duration of the race. From here, it was a slight downhill and I took advantage of it to increase my pace in order to compensate the time lost in the previous uphill part of the route. As I started to go uphill again, it marked the end of Kilometer #3.
Kilometer #3 Split Time—4:47 minutes
The uphill part was short and I was able to overtake at least two runners as we turned right towards the Academic Oval. I tried to run at the middle of the road along the Academic Oval and the runners were mixed with the usual weekend joggers,cyclists, and walkers. The road was slight downhill and I tried to increase my pace while avoiding lots of the walkers along the way. The curved portion where we had to turn left towards the Oblation marked the end of Kilometer #4.
Kilometer #4 Split Time—4:38 minutes
The curved portion towards the Oblation is a slight downhill and I maintained my pace as I weaved from one walker to another just to have my running space along the route. As I passed the Oblation, going back to where we started was a slight uphill and I was surrounded by runners and cyclists. You can no longer determine who were part of the road race or not because of the sight of lots of people on the road. I am not complaining for those slower walkers and joggers and cyclists but the race marshals must be able to warn those who are not part of the race to keep a portion of the road. Orange cones would had been helpful as a dividing line for the road racers and the weekend walkers/joggers at the Academic Oval. The starting line marked the end of Kilometer #5.
Kilometer #5 Split Time—4:47 minutes
Since the 10K run consisted of two 5K-loop, I imagined that I was starting my second 5K run but with a plan to finish the second loop with a faster average pace. I increased my pace as I started the second half of the race.
Kilometer #6 Split Time—4:33 minutes
Kilometer #7 Split Time—4:22 minutes
Kilometer #8 Split Time—4:44 minutes
Kilometer #9 Split Time—4:32 minutes
Kilometer #10 Split Time—4:41 minutes
Definitely, I registered a “negative split” time where I had a faster time for my second half of the race. I was able to finish the race with a time of 45:12 minutes based from my GF 305 watch with an average pace of 4:38 minutes per kilometer. This is my fastest finish time in a race done at the UP Campus since I was joining races here. I registered an average Heart Rate of 156 beats per minute which I think is a very comfortable activity to my heart in the said race.
Tomorrow, I will come up with my Chairman’s Report about the Road Race which I need to be brought officially to the attention of the Race Organizer and the Race Director or even for the information of the Race Sponsors. If you have any comments about the race, feel free to leave your comments on this post.
Congratulations to those who finished the race and most especially to those who registered their PRs.
Running Clinic @ NAMRIA
1:30 PM 17 March 2009 @ National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)
It was last January of this year when Jay aka BroJ verbally requested me for the Team Bald Runner to conduct a running clinic among the members of their office’s running club and to their staff & employees. After a few weeks, I received and e-mail with the e-copy of the letter of request signed by their boss, Undersecretary Diony A Ventura, who is a retired General of the PC/PNP and member of PMA Class 1967. It was followed with the hardcopy of the said letter of request in a few days.
I immediately approved the request and the scheduled date and NAMRIA had lined up the running clinic as part of the office’s national celebration of the Women’s Month of March. The running clinic was part of the scheduled “Fitness Day” for 17 March 2009 and the activity has an objective “to provide knowledge to their employees on the basics of running as a physical activity and to help create awareness on the need for a healthy lifestyle”.
Upon my entry to their compound (infront of the Philippine Army Gymnasium, across Lawton Avenue), I was received as a VIP by their guards and led me to a spacious lecture hall with at least 50 persons assembled for the running clinic in the presence of John Fabic, Bro J, George and the rest of the staff. The program immediately started with an opening remarks and introduction about me from George aka Fuerza Armada. The people from NAMRIA and the organizers of the program/event made their research about me as I was introduced properly as a former military officer with my past positions and as a runner-blogger with my past exposure in ultramarathon, marathon and lesser distance races.
My lecture was concentrated on the basics of running, benefits of running, principles of training, and “tips” and suggestions in order to enjoy an injury-proof training in running. My lecture was followed with the lectures of Major Ferdie Espejo to answer the question of the “How” in running and the actual demonstration from MSgt Satur Salazar on the proper form of running. Proper warm-up, stretching exercises and drills were demonstarted by the two IAAF Level IV-trained Coaches to the audience. The lectures and demonstrations were followed with an Open Forum and questions were asked by the audience. More “tips” about injuries, nutrition and training for the marathon were clearly explained to the participants.
My staff and I were surprised that NAMRIA, as the Host was well-prepared and fully-funded for the event. During the closing program of the event, each of us were given a framed Certificate of Appreciation signed by Undersecretary Diony Ventura, loot bag full of “goodies”, a basket full of fresh fruits and calendars of the office. I discovered that one of the calendars being distributed by their office is an exact replica of the First Published Map of the Phlippines which was cartographically compiled by Spanish Priest Father Pedro Murillo Velarde in 1734 with a Calendar which is good for 200 years. I was able to find out that I was born on a Friday, 56 years ago.
After the closing program, the members of the NAMRIA Running Club donated a bagful of Finisher’s T-Shirts from Road Races for my Project Donate A Shirt. A group picture was taken before we ended the activity.
In behalf of my staff/coaches, I would like to extend my thanks for the warm accommodation and support of the office in our advocacy to spread awareness about proper running to the members of the NAMRIA Running Club, to its staff and employees, and most especially to Undersecretary Diony Ventura. Mabuhay po kayong lahat at Salamat!
Note: This is the 4th Edition of BR’s FREE Corporate Running Clinic.
Race Report: The Rotary Gift of Life Charity 10K Run @ The Fort
5:58 AM 15 March 2009 @ The Fort
After running for almost 51K in our last Sunday’s “Runabout”, I did not have any intention of running a short road race except for the Condura Half-Marathon on 22 March before I finally taper for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race which will be held on 05 April. However, last Friday morning, I finally decided to join this race and test my speed as part of my final preparation for the Condura Run and the ultramarathon event. I went to the New Balance Store at the Shangrila Mall to officially register and get my race packet.
As part of our regular Friday afternoon speed training at the ULTRA Oval Track, our coaches would always instruct us to run 75% of the distance of the race we have to compete for the following Sunday morning, running within our 100% Lactate Threshold or 100% of our Total Effort. And so last Friday’s speed run resulted to a time of 34:52 minutes with a distance of 7.65 kms at an average pace of 4:33 minutes per kilometer. Such pace was actually 106% of my Lactate Threshold. But at the back of my mind, I was hoping I could reach my 110% Total Effort during the race which is a pace of 4:21 minutes per kilometer. At least, I hope also that I would be able to improve my time during the PSE Bull Run 10K at 46:17 minutes.
The Elite Team Bald Runner and I arrived at the Starting Area at 5:15 AM and I started immediately with my warm-up jog together with Totoy Santos of Happy Feet and later on with other members of Team Bald Runner. After 15-20 minutes of warm-up, I did my stretching and made some speed drills just to loosen my muscles. As the Emcee announced for the remaining 10 minutes before the start time, I entered the corral and joined the other runners for the 10K race. I was positioned at least one meter behind the elite runners at the front.
The race started at 5:58 AM and it went smoothly. The first kilometer covered a part of 6th Street as the runners turned right to the 26th Street. Along the 26th Street, I thought I was on a relaxed mode with my pace as other runners would pass me and I tried to settle for my running space. At the end of the 26th Street is the old McDonald’s as we turned right to Rizal Street towards Jollibee and St Luke’s Hospital. More runners would overtake me while I was running along Rizal Street. Calvin’s Restaurant marks the end of Kilometer #1.
Km # 1 Split Time—4:20 minutes
From Calvin’s Resto, there is a slight ascending portion towards Jollibee. As runners turned right at 32nd Street where St Luke’s Hospital and Home Depot are located, the space in between runners have stretched out and my running space had expanded. The road seems to be so flat but after crossing 5th Avenue and running towards Home Depot, I felt that the road is slightly ascending again and I started to breath heavily and my sweat was starting to drip from my head and arms. It was a sign that my “second wind” has just arrived where I could maintain my prevaiing speed or speed up some more. A few meters before turning right at the 11th Street (Serendra) marks the end of Kilometer #2.
Km # 2 Split Time—4:24 minutes
The 11th Street which is the road that separates Serendra and Bonifacio High Street Mall is a very familiar place for me as I extend my running route to this road when doing my workouts at the BHS Loop. The distance in between runners was already overstretched up to five meters and I was alone trying to pace myself. Instead of turning right at 26th Street (based from the original route provided in the race packet), a road marshall was at the intersection of 11th & 26th Streets telling the runners to go straight along 11th Street and towards McKinley Road. I observed that at least 10 meters before runners would turn right at McKinley Road, the lead runners would run along the sidewalk and cut corners. I decided to run along the road as I turned right towards McKinley Road. A few meters before I turned left towards an uphill road going to the American Cemetery Circle, it marks the end of Kilometer # 3.
Km # 3 Split Time—4:32 minutes
As I turned left towards an uphill road going to the American Cemetery, I prepared myself for my first uphill run along the course. I shortened my strides but made them quicker and swing my arms faster. The short uphill portion was a “test” for me and I conditioned my mind that I could easily go through the ascending portion of the McKinley Hill. After passing the American Cemetery Circle, the runners were directed by a road marshall to take a road that directly connects to Lawton Avenue. The road is slightly downhill from the American Cemetery but it goes slightly ascending once the road reaches to Lawton Avenue. The fruit store on the right side of Lawton Avenue marks the end of Kilometer # 4.
Km # 4 Split Time—4:34 minutes
As we reached Lawton Avenue, the lead runners would initially run along the right side of the road and I followed them but after about 50 meters, the lead runners would shift running along the left side of the road. The reason for the sudden change was a sight of the other faster leading runners turning left towards McKinley Hill. The race route had entirely changed as runners would no longer go to Bayani Road but going inside the McKinley Hill and running along its roads would be harder than running along the ascending and descending parts of Bayani Road. My pace became faster as I was running along Lawton Avenue and it became faster when I was going downhill at the entrance of the said establishment. I thought that my faster pace in going down would compensate for the slower pace during my uphill climb back to the finish line. A few meters after reaching the bottom of the downhill road marks the end of Kilometer # 5
Km # 5 Split Time—4:21 minutes
After looking at the Kilometer Markings on the side of the road and knowing that I finished the first half of the race, I looked at my watch for the first time during the race. I was surprised to see that I had a half-split time of 21:52 minutes. From here, I decided not to look at my watch not until I reached the finish line. The running along the roads on the right side of the McKinley’s main road was my second time experience and tried to look around as I passed the eastern side of the remaining cantonment area for the Philippine Army Headquarters. I used to be the Camp Commander of the remaining 102 heactares for the Philippine Army and I could see the high-rise Transient Housing Facilities on my right. At this point, I was smiling as I looked upon the lady runners wearing ballerina/tutu dresses. These ladies really run fast! I am just wondering if they should be holding their “magic wand” while they are running! As I go up to the main road of MacKinley Hill and before turning right towards the British Embassy, it marks the end of Kilometer # 6.
Km # 6 Split Time—4:34 minutes
The road towards the British Embassy was an uphill one and the sight of the runners going back to Lawton Avenue was a motivation to run faster. I thought the turn-around was placed at the vicinity near the C-5 Highway & British Embassy. I was running slower at this part of the route and I knew most of the runners were also running slower. The air and smell in the surroundings of McKinley Hill affected my breathing. I could smell a mixture of cigarette smoke and smoke coming from the different contructions around. It could be the smoke of the welding jobs being made on the steel foundation and concrete reinforcements. At this point, I could hardly breath but my legs were still strong. The downhill portion from the turn-around point going to the McKinley Hill Commercial marks the end of Kilometer # 7.
Km # 7 Split Time—4:49 minutes
The “cursed” uphill climb from McKinley Hill back to Lawton Avenue almost covered the entire length of Kilometer # 8 of the route. My problem of breathing due to the quality of air at McKinley Hill plus the steep uphill climb towards Lawton Avenue slowed me to a great extent. I usually cough when I smell smoke and I was trying to control it. I tried also to quicken my leg strides and swing my arms faster but my breathing was not synchronized with leg strides. At this time, I knew I slowed down and I thought I reached the 5:00 minute/km pace. Once I reached the Waiting Shed & Jeepney Stop at Lawton Avenue, I tried to breath deeply and quicken my pace. I was no longer attentive to those runners who were passing me and those lady runners in “tutu” dress attire. My goal from this point was to focus on my strides and make my average pace faster. A few meters after the Waiting Shed marks the end of Kilometer # 8.
Km # 8 Split Time—4:53 minutes
As I quicken my pace along Lawton Avenue, the smell of the smoke was still there and later disappeared before reaching the Robinson’s Condo Building. I tried to run faster on the downhill portion before reaching Essensa and I was back on business with my pace. However, the uphill climb along 5th Avenue at Essensa slightly slowed my pace. After passing the Essensa area and a few meters before the crossing with McKinley Road, it marks the end of Kilometer # 9.
Km # 9 Split Time—4:40 minutes
Crossing the intersection of McKinley Road and 5th Avenue was a relief as the road towards the finish line was downhill. I knew I was running hard and fast on the last kilometer of the race as if I was running at my pace during my speed runs at the oval track. As I turned right along 26th Street, I just imagined that I was running my last lap around the oval track as I got nearer to the finish line.
Km # 10 Split Time—4:24 minutes
I finished the race in 44:17 minutes with an average pace of 4:33 minutes per kilometer. My race pace was the same with my last Friday’s “speed workout” and I was not able to lower my average pace for this race as what I have planned. Despite my failure to reach the 4:20 min/km pace, I was able to improve my finish time from my 2009 PSE Bull Run 10K held last January (46:17 mins), a 10K race which was held within the same race route without the McKinley Loop.
As I assess and evaluate my performance on today’s 10K race, there are still things to do with the remaining days before the Condura Half-Marathon and the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race. Initially, starting tomorrow, I will have to do my hill repeats and hill runs. The flyovers at C-5 Highway, the rolling terrain of Bayani Road and the roads surrounding the Ortigas Complex would be nice spots where I could test my legs and lungs! I need to go back to the gym and do more strengthening exercises on my legs, arms & core muscles. Finally, come up with a race strategy to catch up with those lady runners in “tutu” dress!!!
Overall Race Rating—96%
P.S. No running photos this time as my old SONY Digital “Cyber-Shot” Camera is about to be retire and replaced. I need a handy digital camera with a faster shutter speed and faster memory processor.
5th “Runabout”: 51K For The Pasig River
5:23 AM to 1:45 PM 08 March 2009 in Metro Manila
After posting the details of the 42K “runabout” last Saturday, I expected that at least 30+ participants will be joining the said event. This is the 5th edition of the Hardcore & Power Runner’s adventure in Metro Manila and the last practice long run for the participants of the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race which will be held on 05 April 2009 from Km 00 in Mariveles, Bataan to Km 102 in SanFernando, Pampanga.
Having announced that the assembly time was 4:30AM at the Oblation in UP Diliman Campus, I arrived at the place at 4:10AM and it was followed with the arrival of Sid Vildosola, one of the elite members of Team Bald Runner, who ran all the way from ULTRA, Pasig City to UP. He told me about a car with drunk teen-agers trying to follow him while running along the road fronting the Corinthian Gardens which he didn’t bother to notice or get attention to it.
The number of runners increased as we neared the time of jump-off from our assembly area. Once the ABS-CBN TV crew arrived led by Ms Amor Reyes of the ABS-CBN Foundation, the camera started rolling towards the group of runners as we started to give a briefing to them. I started with the background and purpose of the “runabout” and gave a welcome greeting to those who are new in the said adventure. Jonel’s & Rico’s briefing followed with the description and details of the route and the pre-designated “pit stops” and “assembly areas” for the faster runners to wait for the slower runners. Accounting was done before we finally started the run and we had twenty-nine (29) runners. From 23 runners in our last run adventure, we increased to 29 runners. I was happy to note that the participant on the Bataan 52K “Test Run” were there to join the event. Guys, you are really hardcores and strong “warriors”! There is no doubt that you are ultra runners!
We started the run at 5:23AM and we proceeded towards the Balara area. It was my first time to run in the said area and passed in this upscale subdivision. The average pace was 6:45 to 7:15 minutes per kilometer. It was a “talking” pace and I enjoyed the company of Jay aka Prometheus on the first 5 kilometers. Later, we left the subdivision and were headed towards the Marikina Riverbanks. I remember this place as the running route in last year’s Champion Run which was organized by Coach Rio. From the Marikina Riverbanks, we proceeded to C-5 Highway running on the left side of the road. We had our first “pit stop” at the Petron Gas Station near Brgy Bagong-Ilog, Pasig City. At this point, we had covered 17 kilometers. It took us 15 minutes After 15 minutes to replenish our water & electrolyte drinks and for us to wait for the slower runners to arrive, we were ready again for the continuation of our run. The ABS-CBN TV crew was with us from the Marikina Riverbanks to the C-5 Highway and in our “pit stops”.
The heat of the sun was becoming a great challenge for every runner as we continued to run along C-5. We ran along the flyovers and the TV crew was waiting on top of the Pasig Bridge along C-5 for more “running shots” with the participants. From C-5, we turned right towards the Heritage Park and went along the Bayani Road and later to Lawton Avenue. The 7-11 Store at the McKinley Hill Commercial Area became our 2nd “pit stop” for more water and electrolyte drinks. At this point, we were able to run a distance of 28 kilometers. After waiting for the other runners, we had our breakfast at McDonald’s and I was able to meet some “friends” who were also having their breakfast. After eating my breakfast, I tried one of the “tips” given by Ben Gaetos of taking salt with Coke. Most of the runners would also take salt as they drink their water. They also placed some ice on their heads with their running cap just to “cool off” the effects of the sun to their bodies.
We resumed our run inside the roads of McKinley Hill and towards the British Embassy and later back to Lawton Avenue. From Lawton, we proceeded to The Fort, passing along Essensa and towards the Serendra area and to the road infront of the International School. I thought we would go directly to Kalayaan Avenue and JP Rizal but the front runners decided to stop in one of the 7-11 Stores for more water and sports drinks. It was already 10:30 AM and the group was starting to run slower.
From the JP Rizal Road, we crossed the Guadalupe Bridge going to Mandaluyong and had another “pit stop” at the Caltex Gas Station for about 5 minutes. From there, we had to compete with the pedestrians on the use of the narrow sidewalks at the crossing Shaw & EDSA and the heat of the sun became hotter as we ran along EDSA fronting the Camp Aguinaldo area. Some of the runners beg off to finish the run since they were able to cover the distance of 42K when we reached the Petron Gas Station at the North Greenhills area. It seems that running along EDSA was the hardest part of the run as we exceeded the 42K distance of our run plus the heat of the sun and pavement was really a big challenge for everybody.
It was a relief when the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner and staff of the ABS-CBN Foundation were waiting for us at the GMA TV area along EDSA and joined us for the last stretch to the office of the ABS-CBN Foundation. After another kilometer or more of running, we finally reached ABS-CBN and we were warmly received by the Deputy Director of ABS-CBN Foundation, Girlie Aragon and her staff together with Amor Reyes and the TV Crew. At this point, my GF 305 registered a distance of 48.4 kilometers. The ABS-CBN Foundation staff prepared cold drinking water, lots of bananas, and cold sliced Valencia Oranges for all the runners. We were able to collect an amount of P 9,047.00 from the participants for our contribution for the Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig Project which was officially received by Ms Girlie Aragon in the presence of all the runners and Elite Team Bald Runner.
After an interview about our “runabout”, the advocacy of Team Bald Runner and the projects this blog with the staff of ABS-CBN Foundation, we resumed our run towards EDSA and turned right along Quezon Avenue until we reached where we started our “runabout”. We were able to run a distance of almost 51 kilometers for about 8 hours on the road to include our “pit stops” and activity at the ABS-CBN Foundation Compound.
I would like to express my thanks to all the runners who joined in this “runabout”, to Girlie Aragon, Amor Reyes, Josow, and the rest of the staff and TV crew who warmly received us during our brief “pit stop” at the ABS-CBN Foundation. We hope that the TV network will continuously cover our running events as we promised to support their “Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig” Project as part of the advocacy of this blog.
At the finish line, Maj Espejo and I awarded the Cerificate of Achievement to all the runners who completed the Bataan 52K “Test Run” held last 22 Feb 2009. Congratulations to all of you!
I am glad that the participants of the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race learned their lessons as a result of our “Test Run” and this final practice run validated whatever problems or concerns they have for the final race. I consider this “runabout” as a success as our runs are starting to support a “cause” for the improvement of the environment.
Balikbayan Box & Ultra Running Advise From Ben Gaetos
A week before Ben Gaetos left for Los Angeles, California, I received the Balikbayan Box (BB) he sent in the middle of January 2009. The BB contains nineteen (19) pairs of slightly used running shoes, lots of finisher’s t-shirts, lots of basic neccessities for ultra runners to include “noodles”, copies/back issues of Trail Running Magazine and red wine for Major Espejo & staff of the office.
Ben, thanks for supporting my projects—Project Donate A Shoe; Project Donate A Shirt; and my Ultra Running Events. Extend my thanks also to Carmela Layson who contributed and sent her running shoes through the Balikbayan Box. Good luck on your future ultra running adventures!
I might as well mention in this post what Ben Gaetos had written in one of his comments about his experience running in ultramarathon events and his advise to the participants in the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race.
First, thank you Sir Jovie for conducting the training runs. I wouldn’t want to miss both night run and the test run. I ran both with a couple of hrs sleep coming from international flights. In the words of Jeff and Jun, “I’m also in need of serious psychiatric treatment”.
I myself suffered heat stroke at ‘07 Mt Disappointment 50M (80k). I took off early and on the crucial part may have taken contaminated (mold) Cytomax. From M38(60k) to the finish, I threw up. My blue shirt turned white due to electrolyte loss and finished almost dead last due to dehydration. Lots of DNF in the race. My will got me to finish. We had a 100 deg temp. Last year, I redeemed myself finishing 1 hr 40 mins faster.
At the Bataan Test Run, aside from my hydration I kept drinking every opportunity I had. I thank TBR and other support crews who offered. I poured water in my head all the time. Use Gatorade or any stonger drinks such as HEED, etc. You may also mix your energy gels with water. Avoid wearing dark clothes. The albedo (reflectivity ratio) of concrete is much higher than dirt. Our body generates all those heat. Some of you must have noticed me running on the dirt shoulder. It lessened the pounding on the joints at the pavement and at the same time less reflection. A high spf lotion is also ideal + application of body glides at your nipples and sensitive body parts (below under arms, crotches, butt, toes). All these are susceptible to blisters on a hot day. Remember the first part of Bataan is hilly. You should pace properly and start slow as possible. Throw away your marathon pace splits. You don’t have to be a speed demon to complete an ultra. You just have to run a smart race. I divide my race in 3 segments (warm up, target pace and finishing kick). The last one I even divide in 2 parts. Lots of psychological game here so you need to be mentally tough too. There will be lots of down times and ready to give up. Just imagine how you always bounce back whenever you’re down.
Check http://www.badwater.com and http://www.run100s.com for heat training tips. You won’t believe this but sometimes during summer, I turn the heater on my car or don’t open the windows at all. That’s my self improvised sauna.
Again, thanks for a wonderful time running with all of you. I can’t remember all your names but you showed the determination and fun of running an ultra. The camaraderie at ultra is uncomparable. I’ll be cheering for you at the Bataan 102. Lastly, don’t forget to taper 3 wks prior to Bataan 102. From this point do your long runs and possible back2back long runs. Walk or easy run on one of the two using “time on feet principle”. Good luck!!
Feel free to email me at bgaetos@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Ben
Once again, thanks Ben for everything. As they say, “ultramarathon could be a stupid sports but it does not need a stupid runner to finish one”.
Running Clinic @ BDO
After weeks of coordination with the HR Executives of Banco De Oro, Bald Runner & Coaches of Team Bald Runner conducted a Running Clinic among the employees of BDO at their Central Office in Makati City from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on 26 February 2009. It was attended by more or less 25 employees who some of them are intending to start joining the weekend road races in Metro Manila. The clinic consisted of lectures on the “why” and “how” of running. The running coaches presented and demonstrated the stretching/warm-up exercises needed in running; correct running form; running injuries and their prevention/cure; and proper nutrition. More of this running clinic will be conducted in other BDO offices/branches in the next weeks to come.
It was indeed a nice experience to spread our advocacy to the corporate world on the benefits of running and the scientific approach to training on running. I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the following HR Executives of BDO–Mrs Alma Saplala, Rose Espinosa and their staff, for their support on this program.
We offer this running clinic for free.
Bald Runner 
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