Urban Runners @ EDSA

On January 5, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running9 Comments

This Sunday’s running adventure was simply as a result of a simple question from one of the new members of Team Bald Runner asking us what is the exact distance/length of EDSA (Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue) which was known before in the 60s to 70s as Highway 54 from Roxas Boulevard to the famous Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan. A decision had been nade to run along the length of the said main thoroughfare in order to find out the exact distance through Garmin watches.

As I posted this running plan in this blog, some of the commenters gave their experiences and estimate of the distance as they had experienced running along the avenue in the past. Another commenter just simply told us what he read in the Wikipedia about EDSA stating that the avenue has a distance/length of 35 kilometers from the SM’s Mall of Asia Roundabout up to the Bonifacio Monumento in Caloocan City. As decided, we knew that EDSA starts at Roxas Boulevard and ends at the Bonifacio Monument. There is only one way to prove the length and that was to run along the road.

And so, at 6:00 AM last Sunday, 04 January 2009, Jonel aka Bugobugo, Lester, Kevin, Dess and I started our run at Roxas Boulevard after a brief stretching and coordinating instructions where to have our “pee & pit stops”. Rico was late and opted to meet us at the Shell Gas Station at the corner of EDSA and Gil Puyat Avenue, 5K distance from where we started.

It appeared that Pasay City has the dirtiest streets and parts of EDSA with all those garbage & trashes scattered along the road and even “homeless” people sleeping along the sidewalk, not to mention those ambulant vendors and unsanitary eateries along the sidewalk. MMDA is not doing a good job at the Pasay City area.

Makati City has the cleanest sidewalk along EDSA. I did not see any garbage or trash or “homeless” people sleeping along the road. I was impressed to see that underneath the Magallanes Flyover has a lot of fountains and garden where people could sit and relax.

The only portion in Mandaluyon City where the sidewalk is dirty is the part at the Shaw Crossing commercial establishment area before we crossed towards the Starmall.

In Quezon City, it is only in Cubao Area where I observed the sidewalk to be dirty and full of ambulant vendors and lots of eateries.

We had our brief breakfast with pancakes at Jollibee Kamias where we had run a distance of 14 kilometers from the start. From the GMA-TV Building to Bonifacio Monumnt was just an easy 10K run for the urban runners.

In the end, we reached our destination, the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City in 2 hours & 37 minutes. My GF 305 registered a distance of 23.94 kilometers. The last leg of our Sunday running adventure was riding the LRT back to where we started. Yes, for so many years that the LRT was operating since the early 80s, it was my first time to board and experience riding an LRT. Jonel and the rest of the Urban Runners, thanks for the experience!

On hindsight, I have the following observations and assessment of the experience of running along EDSA and comparing my impressions how the cities where this avenue passes through administer their respective areas of influence or territory:

1) MMDA—EDSA is supposed to showcase the efficiency of MMDA but it falls short of its objective of showing an orderly, clean, safe, and beautiful Metro Manila. As an authority under the Office of the President that is mandated to administer the different cities in Metro Manila on matters about waste management, security, traffic control, street maintenance, pollution, and other, I could see that MMDA is not exercising its full authority to implement its mission/tasks. MMDA is only seen as efficient along the walls and tall fences of subdivisions of the “elites” along EDSA.

2) Pasay City—This city has never changed its impression to the public. This city still stinks!

3) Makati City—I am glad the City Government is paying back to its constituents in terms of good services and administration from the taxes it gets from the rich residents and corporations located in the said city.

4) Mandaluyong City—Except for the commercial establishments at the Shaw Crossing area, Mandaluyong City is clean and orderly.

5) Quezon City—Cubao Sidewalk is the only eye sore along EDSA.

6) Caloocan City—Central Market is the only place I could see along EDSA that is dirty and where parking of vehicles along the market is not properly supervised by traffic enforcers.

7) I could see that anybody could run or walk along EDSA by using the sidewalk. If you want to save on your gas or money for your fare and let your body perspire, you can run/walk to any place in Metro Manila through EDSA. If you are from Quezon City and your work is at Makati City, you may consider trying to jog to and from your office. Pollution is not a problem as pollution and poor quality of the the air is entirely engulfed on the whole city of Metro Manila. Aboard a Huey Helicopter from Manila to Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City (Nueva Ecija) two years ago, I could see a thick “smog” that covers the whole of Manila to include parts of Bulacan & Laguna. Such “smog” disappears once our helicopter reached Mt Arayat in Pampanga. So, there is no place in Metro Manila where there is no pollution, not even inside your homes, offices and condo units! The said “smog” that I saw two years ago is still there and I think it became thicker and more widespread.

The next question is: How far is the NLEX, from Caloocan to Dau Exit?

Note: Check for more pictures at www.bugobugo85.wordpress.com

Preview: 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race

On January 4, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Running, Ultramarathon7 Comments

I am dedicating this post to Kim O’Connell of the Fort Striders Club who, together with her husband Patrick, hosted a Christmas Dinner last month to runner-bloggers in her residence in Metro Manila. Kim, after finishing the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon last 7 December 2008, had told me that she is seriously considering of joining this first ultramarathon race event to commemorate the famous Bataan Death March where it really happened.

The following pictures will show a glimpse of what to expect and see along the route of the Bataan Death March:

Last 27 December 2008, I went to Mariveles, Bataan in order to trace the actual route of the famous Bataan Death March. Mariveles is 164 kilometers away from Manila and it took me two hours and half to reach the memorial shrine & park where Km 00 marker is located. The park is located adjacent to Mariveles Jollibee and the Municipal Hall. Inside the shrine/park are two big metal plaques/markers from the National Historic Institute where the story of the event is inscribed. The markers are flanked with the flags of the United States and the Philippines.

Out of the total 70,000 prisoners of war (POW), about 10,000 were US forces and the rest were Filipino defenders/soldiers who were all forced to walk from Mariveles & Bagac, Balanga, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.

This is Km 00 marker and the actual route of the Death March is properly marked with this kind of structure from Mariveles to San Fernando, Pampanga to Camp O’Donnell, Capas Tarlac. This marker is located on the right side of the road as one goes from Mariveles to San Fernando, Pampanga.

This is the 1st kilometer of the route. The first seven kilometers and half is an uphill climb to traverse a mountain and the rest of the route to Hermosa, Bataan (Km 65) has a rolling terrain.

This Km 8 post/marker is located infront of a residential house. This was the only km post where I saw two flagpoles on its sides. On the back of eash post along the route is an inscription/dedication of one of the fallen heroes of the Death March and the specifc person or organization who sponsored/supported the construction of the said marker.

I was surprised to see that FAME (Filipino-American Memorial Endowment) was the one that constructed these obelisk kilometer markers and presently maintaining them. FAME is under the auspices of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

This is Km 101 which is the 2nd to the last Km marker before reaching the old San Fernando Railway Station (Finish Line of the Ultramarathon Event) where the prisoners boarded a train to Capas, Tarlac. I was surprised that this is the only post which is painted with blue color. Take note that beside the Km marker is a waiting shed which is almost buried due to the lahar from Mt Pinatubo’s eruption.

The “trial run” for this ultramarathon event for participants will be on 22 February 2009 (Sunday) which will start in Balanga, Bataan (vicinity Km 50) to the Finish Line, covering a distance of 52 kilometers. Details of this “group/trial run” will be announced later in this blog.

To all the participants of this ultramarathon event, I suggest you start running under the heat of the sun, preferably during noon time! Good luck on your training!

94 Days: Last Run For 2008

On January 1, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runners' Training, Running2 Comments

8:30 AM 31 Dec 2008 @ Rizal High School (Pasig) Oval Track

There were three other joggers/walkers when I started my warm-up run at the Rizal High School Oval Track. After four laps, I had my stretching and speed drills. I decided to have my speed/interval runs in order to correct the defect that Captain Espejo had noticed on my strides and footstrike during my previous run.

I did 10 X 400-meter runs with one-minute recovery in between repetition within my 110% effort. On my 1st to 5th laps, I clocked in 1:35 minutes; 6th & 7th laps at 1:40 mins; 8th lap in 1:38 mins; 9th lap in 1:36 mins; and 10th lap in 1:40 mins. During these repetition runs, I experimented even-pace throughout one lap and slow first half and increasing my pace on the last half of the lap. I found the second mode of running, slow & then fast pace, to be the most comfortable way to undertake such speed runs.

The stage and the 100-meter dash run portion of the Rizal High School (Pasig) Oval Track

The left side of the Oval Track as I was standing from the stage.

After the 10 reps, I had my cool-down with two laps of slow jogging and another two laps of walking. I ended my workout with stretching exercises. I was supposed to run another 45 minutes at my 80%-85% effort after the speed runs but I really felt tired already and I opted to call it a day. I was able to run a total distance of 7.5 kilometers.

After assessing the results of my speed runs, I found out that my time for every lap was faster than the time for my 110% target goal which is 1:45-1:46 minutes. However, I really don’t know how I fare with my time if I try to reach the maximum 20 reps for a typical/normal speed run workout. With this speed run workout, I was able to correct the defect that Coach Espejo had observed from my previous run at the oval track.

99 Days: 3 Days of “Runabouts”

On December 27, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Running10 Comments

25 Dec 2008—I had my Christmas run on the road. I started almost 9:00 AM from BHS to McKInley Hill and back to Global City. Later, I proceeded to J.P. Rizal Street to visit the Makati Park and Garden along the Pasig River. It was accidental that I was able to see the newly-contructed modern oval track at the University of Makati Compound. I told to myself that I have to come back to the said oval the following day to take a picture. From the said oval track, I returned to the BHS area for another 2 kilometers before my cool down run & walk. I was able to run a distance of 14 kilometers in almost 1:30 hours.

26 Dec 2008—I started my “runabout” at BHS area at 8:30 AM and proceeded to the Makati Park & Garden along JP Rizal Street. Took some pictures at the said park and met some runners inside who “saluted” me despite wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. From the park, I proceeded to the newly-constructed University of Makati Oval Track and took some pictures. I talked to the Security Guards of the compound and I was informed that the Oval Track will be open to the public next month, January. I am really impressed on how the oval track was constructed which is surrounded by covered bleachers with colored seats. How I wish the Philippine Sports Commission and all the local government executives in the country should see this athletic infrastructure. This is the most modern oval track I’ve seen in my life, better than the school tracks I’ve seen in Los Angeles and California! After taking some pictures of the oval track, I ran towards the Powerplant and ran around the buildings and crossed the Pasig River towards Mandaluyong. From Mandaluyong, I took the Shaw Blvd towards Pasig City, turning right along C-5 and back to BHS/Global City. I finished my “runabout” at McKinley Hill. I finished almost 19 kilometers in 2:03 hours.

Makati City improved this area three years ago along JP Rizal Street going towards the Guadalupe Bridge

The pathway along the park on the banks of Pasig River (fronting the Powerplant area)

Where are those brass letters on this marker of the park?

Kids playing and swimming along the banks of Pasig River at the Guadalupe area.

Inside the Makati Park & Garden

The University of Makati Oval Track is surrounded with covered bleachers. So far, this is the best oval track I’ve ever seen, better than the oval track at Mt San Antonio College (Mt SAC) near Los Angeles where US amateur track events’ records are always broken. The tartan track looks like this when it is newly applied on the ground!

Plastic seats screwed on the concrete steps of the bleacher.

27 Dec 2008—I received a txt message from Jonel/Bugobugo on Christmas Day inviting me for a “runabout” on this day with a route plan from BHS to MOA area. I immediately accepted his invitation. So, this morning, I prepared for the unexpected just like when I had my “runabouts” for the past two days. I wore my runner’s cap, Maui Jim sunglasses, long-sleeved NIKE performance shirt, NIKE tight shorts, TNF Hydration Backpack, camera, cash, cellphone, and my heavy but most comfortable ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 shoes with thick PUMA socks. We were four runners—Jonel, Armand, Rico, and I, for today’s “runabout”. Jonel & Armand are “hardcores” and it was Rico’s first long run/”runabout” and it was a way to “baptize” his newly-acquired brand-new GF 305. This “runabout” is also memorable to Rico because the first data in his GF 305 will be entered as his first entry for the “1,000-Km Club”. We stared at 6:23 AM at ROX/BHS and we ran towards Lawton Avenue until we reached the Diosdado Macapagal Avenue. After running for the first 10K, we had our first pit stop at McDonald’s for pancakes & orange juice. As we started to run again, we decided to reach the Cultural Center of the Philippines after running along the seawall of MOA. Running towards MOA and along the seawall was a comforatble pace for us as we met so many people who were jogging, walking, and sitting along the seawall and at the park. We reached and ran the ramp of the Film Academy Theater, passed infront of the Sofitel Hotel (former Philippine Plaza Hotel) and Folk Arts Theater. We stopped at the Jollibee near the CCP to relieved our bladders and drink water. As I was adding more water to my hydration pack, one of the waitresses made a friendly comment about my perspiration dripping on top of the table where I placed my hydration pack. I told her that we are passing through as we started our run from The Fort and we are still be going back to the the said place by running. The waitress was surprised and amazed. I guess, she was thinking that we were “crazy”. From Jollibee, we walked to a park across the CCP and had some photo-ops. After the photo-ops, another “decision” has to be made—are we going back to BHS from this place or go all the way to Luneta first before going back? Unanimously, we have to reach Luneta! Still running at a slow pace, we ran along the seawall and I was trying to see the water if it was clean and free from wastes like plastics, papers, and styrofoams. I did not see any waste on the water but the water was too dark and I was surprised to see a lot of people swimming along the rocky shore of Manila Bay. Some of the people were fishing using the traditional “hook & line” and others were there with their family and friends enjoying the sight and smell of Manila Bay. While approaching the US Embassy, I was dismayed to see a lot of wastes along the small portion of seashore of Manila Bay near the US Embassy compound. I wonder why we have to wait for a decision and ruling from the Supreme Court to force the Government to clean the shores and the water quality of Manila Bay. In my opinion, an efficient waste management system along the seawall or park along the Manila Bay would solve the clean sight of the seawater by placing appropriate trash bins along the seawall; employing efficient “sweepers” who make their rounds every 30 minutes to one hour; a regular garbage truck to pick-up accumulated trash bags; an a disciplined populace (this is the hardest thing to satisfy!). The quality of water along the Manila Bay is another problem to deal with which needs a complete overhaul of our “old” and “ancient” sewerage and drainage system for the whole Metro Manila. It should ne noted that all our wastes and drainage end up to the Manila Bay! As we reached the “KM 0” mark, another decision has to be made again!—Are we going to run back to BHS or take a taxi ride? After some photo-ops at Km 0 and at the Rizal Monument, the decision had been made—what else?…run along Roxas Blvd towards Buendia/Gil Puyat. And we run and run until we reached Ayala Avenue. We had a brief pit stop for “taho” at corner Gil Puyat & Ayala Avenues near the RCBC. After the “taho” stop, we walked towards the nearest 7-11 Store and replenished our hydration bladder and bottles with water. We run again along Ayala Ave crossing EDSA without going through the pedestrian overpass. It was only while running along the McKinley Road that I realized that the road was an uphill towards The Fort area. It was almost 11:00 AM when we entered the territory of The Fort. We ended our run at the usual Start/Finish Area of road races at the Fort. All of us enjoyed the run and we ended doing our stretching exercises. My GF 305 registered a distance of 28.4 kilometers with a running time of 3:22 hours. My thanks for the company of Jonel, Armand, and Rico. They will be surprised to know from this post that this run was my third day of “runabout” since Christmas Day. Guys, you are all certified “hardcores”!

At the park near the CCP (Rico, Armand, BR & Jonel/Bugobugo)

This is the only part of Manila Bay along Roxas Blvd where I saw a beach sand with lots of trash! Look at those people swimming!

At KM 0, where all the kilometer posts in the country are based from. We are at the center of the country!

Infront of the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park (Jonel, BR, Rico & Armand)

Our “pit stop” for “taho” at the RCBC Building

Our next “runabout” will be a run along the EDSA—from Roxas Blvd to Monumento (Caloocan) and back. It is the fault of Rico for asking from Jonel the exact distance of the whole EDSA. The “hardcores” will measure the distance/length of EDSA through our GF 305s. This is the “hardcores’” way of celebrating a prosperous new running year of 2009. If you think you are “crazy” in running and interested to join, contact Jonel/Bugobugo for the details. The date is still “secret” for security purposes. Do you want to join?

Pictures @ The “Boodle Fight”

On December 18, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Pictures, Running12 Comments

The following are the pictures taken in last night’s “Boodle Fight” with Team Bald Runner and other runners. For more description of the said event, please read Bugobugo’s latest post:

Cris Sabal and the rest of our elite athletes prepared for the proper arrangement/presentation of the food.

Lester, in addition to the food he brought, he took the initiative to bring sardines and a can opener for the activity.

After Philip delivered his brief Prayer Before Meals, I made the command to start the “Boodle Fight”!

“Boodle Fight” is really a fight for the food infront of you!

These guys are not only “hardcore” in running but also “hardcore” in eating!

Lester, one of the sponsors of Team Bald Runner, receiving his gifts. Lester also handed me lots of “gifts” for the elite runners of Team Bald Runner. Thanks, Lester!

Philip as he received his share from the Team Bald Runner

Coach Rio, our special guest, received some gifts, too!

Coach Rio’s Team & Coaches also received a Wall Calendar

Philip aka Foreign Runner donated his ASICS Gel-Kayano 13. Philip, sorry for the camera!

Mesh donated her slightly used Newton’s Distance Racer; two pairs of Mizuno Shoes; and five (5) finisher’s singlets/t-shirts

Mesh aka My Iron Shoes was awarded her “1,000-Km Club” Finisher’s T-shirt. She completed the distance while running the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. Congratulations, Mesh!

Jay aka Prometheus Cometh, who arrived later after spending Wedding Anniversary with his wife.

Christmas Party With The Fort Striders

On December 16, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Running1 Comment

When I am Not Running, I Must Be Talking to the Running Clubs & Groups!!!

After finishing the MILO National Finals Marathon at Luneta Park, I was approached by one of the officers of the Fort Striders Club, Inc and he invited me to their booth. The members were so kind enough to offer me drinks and sandwich which I accepted. During our conversation, Col Mandar (Ret), one of the founding fathers of the club, asked me if I could be their guest of honor and speaker for their Christmas Party and I immediately accepted their invitation. Last week, while I was running along the BHS loop, the Fort Striders runners called my attention and they handed me their official letter of invitation with the attached program of the party.

So, last Friday evening, 12 December, I attended their Christmas party which I was informed to be their fifth Christmas Party since they started holding such activity. The party was held at the Max’s Restaurant at the Starmall and scheduled to start at 6:30 PM. Through my knowledge and observation, this running club was created when the Global City/The Fort established its road network and the first few buildings had their occupants. I knew also that most of the members then were active officers and enlisted men of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force. I am glad that most of the members now are still the same soldiers whom I personally knew and the members of their family. These soldiers were my runners when I led them as the Battalion Commander during the conduct of the AFP Battalion Run Competition (a group of 317 officers & men running in a battalion formation, in perfect alignment, running uniform, running in cadence with the proper chanting, from UP Balara to Camp Aguinaldo, a 7.5K distance) as we won the Championship in 1999. The Philippine Army won again in 2001 where I was the Team Manager and Coach. Unfortunately, this running competition event among the Major Services of the AFP, to include GHQ & PNP, as part of the AFP Anniversary every December, was scrapped in 2002. I will make a separate post about this event in the coming days.

Having arrived early for the party, at least 30 minutes, before the scheduled start of the program, I was able to talk to the members who arrived early, who were mostly retired soldiers. Of course, our topic of conversation was about running—their members finishing the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and the incoming races in Metro Manila. At this point, I was introduced to the members who arrived at the venue one at a time. To my surprise, my friend Kim and her husband, Patrick arrived at the party. Little did I know that Kim is an active member and supporter of the club. Kim, Patrick, Captain Espejo and I were seated in one table and we talked more about running in the Philippines. It was an appropriate time to personally convey my congratulations to Kim for successfully finishing the Singapore Marathon. Congratulations again, Kim!

Patrick, Kim, & Capt Espejo during our Dinner

While dinner was being served, the program started with the usual protocol—invocation, singing of the National Anthem, and Opening Remarks by one of the members. The highlights of the program was the awarding of plaques to the members who had supported the successful conduct of their Club’s sponsored & organized road race which was the 4^th OctoberFest Run at the Global City. The President of the Club, Engr Eric Ongkoy also presented the Annual Accomplishments of the Club, their attendance to this year’s road races, and their other outings/activities.

I officially inducted the new set of Officers of the Fort Striders Club

I was kindly introduced briefly by the President of the Club but I guess, the Biodata that I prepared and submitted to one of their members did not reach him. Anyway, I was glad he did not receive my Biodata because simply reading reading it might bore the audience. It was a long biodata! The brief introduction made me decide to have my speech longer!

Ever since I was a Commander, I never read my speeches but I usually compose my message and thoughts while running and try to deliver them extemporaneously to the audience. Delivering a speech is very easy and simple, most especially if the topic is very familiar to my heart and mind. My speech was a brief-collated version of my posts with the Bald Runner’s blog and I hope my readers in the audience were not bored and did not doze. The conclusion of my speech was a challenge to every member of the Fort Striders Club to encourage everybody to run and be the instrument to make the running community grow bigger. Running must be an “end” and “means” towards a healthy and strong nation where every citizen must nurture that Sports is a Source of National Pride.

While delivering my speech…

Received a Plaque of Appreciation from the Club

After my speech, the Club awarded me with a Plaque of Appreciation and it was my cue to also give my donation/support to the club.

What made the Christmas Party more enjoyable and exciting was the activity after my speech. One of the officers of the Club conducted an “auction” of road race/marathon souvenirs bought from Australia and Singapore and the proceeds go to the fund of the Club. A head visor was auctioned at P30.00. A beautiful finisher’s singlet from a Marathon Race in Australia was auctioned at P200.00. Kim O’Connell got one singlet for the price of P300.00 but I was surprised that she donated the brand-new shirt to my Project Donate A Shirt! Thanks, Kim for the gesture of support! A Finisher’s Medal for the 2008 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon was also auctioned to the members for less than P500.00. There were other items which were auctioned where all the members were interested.

After the auction, I realized that the night was getting late and I asked the officers, members of the Club, Kim and Patrick for me to go ahead of them as I knew they still had some activities to do as part of their Christmas Party.

As I left the place of the party, I got an idea of taking the initiative of “reaching out” to the different running groups and clubs to impart the advocacy of the Bald Runner and also encourage communities to form/organize their respective running clubs or groups.

The year 2009 will be a busy year for the Bald Runner!

Long live and three cheers for the Fort Striders Club, Inc…hep..hep..hurray (3X)!!!

A Walk To The Podium (Again!)

On December 7, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running18 Comments

Race Report: 25th RUNNEX Executive Classic 10K Run @ UP Campus

This famous race among professionals and executives was my second race last year after resuming my running career after years of not joining road races and running long distances. It was my first time then to run inside the UP Campus and I planned to improve my time from the 2007 Animo Run held at Mall of Asia with a time of 55+ minutes for the 10K race. In last year’s RUNNEX Executive 10K Run, my Casio Watch registered a time of 52:07 minutes and placed No. 22 overall. I did not win any award or raffle gift after the race.

Last month, I requested my staff to register me for this year’s 25th RUNNEX Executive 10K Run with the thought of improving my last year’s finish time for the 10K distance and at least, have a chance to be called to the stage for the podium honors. After those “progression” runs and speed runs at the ULTRA Oval Track, I know I could attain my objectives for this race. I wanted also to surpass my 100% effort (as a result of my speed’s “diagnostic” test run) which is translated to 4:51 mins/km pace in this road race.

With Amado aka reineir6666, the Race Walker who is slated to compete in a 12-Hour Race Walking Event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this coming 13-14 December 2008. His training included daily 2-hour intense race walking at the ULTRA Oval Track and weekend road races in Metro Manila. Good luck, Amado!

I arrived at the UP Campus at 5:35AM and I started to have my warm-up and stretching. A group of runners from the Fairview Running Club called my attention and requested some photo-ops with me while I was having my warm-up. It was nice to see these runners who had been serious in their training and always present in almost all the races in and outside Metro Manila. I also had a chance to meet, chat, and have some photo-ops with Amado, the Race Walker; Annalene aka The Meek Runner and her husband. After some announcements and information about the UP Campus and about the route of the race, the National Anthem was played and we were warned that the race would start in 5 minutes.

At the Start Area, I was beside Totoy Santos who was one of the top 10 finishers of the 10K race.

As scheduled, the 10K race started at 6:30AM and the other lesser distance runs started later after few minutes. As soon as the gun went off, I immediately took my running space and started to maintain my 100% effort pace only to find out that my GF 305 was registering a faster pace. My pace became faster at 4:28 mins/km on the 2nd kilometer and I felt comfortable. Runners who overtook me on the 1st kilometer slowed down and I just maintained my pace with the thought of not slowing down less than my 100% effort speed. My 100% effort is pegged at 4:51 mins/km and I don’t want to be slower than this pace during the race.

I was about to finish the 1st 5-K loop at this point with a pace of 4:29 mins/km

As the race progresses and the 10K runners would run twice in a 5K-loop, my GF 305 registered a time of 23:00+ after the 1st loop and I was confident that I could improve my 10K finish time and maintain a pace faster than my 100% effort. Two runners from the 34-44 yrs old age category passed me before the Km-6 mark and I tried to keep pace with them up to the finish.

This picture was blurred as my pace was faster than the shutter of the camera!

A day before the race, I went to the UP Campus to run one loop of the race and I was surprised to see my GF 305 registered a distance of 5.12 kms and from there I expected that the distance of 10K race would be longer. True enough, I finished the race in 48:27 minutes for the distance of 10.24 kms (GF 305 data) and placed No. 15 overall. However, after deducting my time in running the excess of 240 meters, I could have finished with a time of 47:19 minutes! Comparing from my last year’s results—finish time of 52:07 and placing No. 22 overall—this road race resulted to a faster time, shaving my time by 3:40 minutes and placing among the top 20 overall finisher.

Looking at the data registered by my GF 305, I finished the race with an average pace of 4:44 mins/km which had surpassed my 100% speed effort of 4:51 mins/km and minimum/maximum Heart Rate of 158/170 bpm. I think Coach Ferdie should give me another “diagnostic speed test” for a new finish time goal.

A pose at the stage/podium as Champion in my age category with Mr Disini, the President of the RUNNEX Club

To top it all, I won as the Champion (again!) in my age category and earned another walk to the stage for the podium honors and a Champion’s Medal.

Send Your “Used” Running Shoes To The Philippines…Not To Other Countries!

On December 1, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running5 Comments

Yes, send your “used” running shoes to Bald Runner of the Philippines and not to Africa and other countries.

It was timely that I received donated slight “used” and “used” running shoes from Good Samaritan and supporters of my Project Donate A Shoe for the month of November. The following were so kind enough to support this advocacy for the month of November 2008:

1) Wayne Plymale aka SFrunner, who arrived to the Philippines for a brief visit on the 2nd week of November, donated a slightly used ASICS Landreth running shoes.

2) Amado Castro, a businessman who daily practices his skills as a race walker at the ULTRA Oval Track, donated two (2) running shoes.

3) Charlie Chua, a runner and a RP Dragon Boat Team member, donated three (3) pairs of his old running shoes which are slightly used.

4) Del Quevedo of Walnut, California, who sent a Balikabayan Box filled with Road Race Finisher’s T-shirts, running apparel, and twenty-eight (28) pairs of “used” but still reliable running shoes.

After the MILO National Finals Marathon, our Project Donate A Shoe Booth was established along the sidewalk at the side of the Quirino Grandstand and luckily, we were not “bumped-off” this time!!!.

The following pictures speak for the need of our runners for those “used” running shoes from the more fortunate runners and from those Good Samaritan and our running friends across the seas.

This is a group of people and runners who lined up for screening before they are finally given the donated shoes. Only legitimate runners were given the donated shoes.

I had to request Coach Salazar to properly screen the recipients as more people were lined-up than the number of running shoes to be given.

Finally, this runner is finally parting from his old shoes after using them for the past 5 years!

This young runner is smiling knowing his ?????? shoes is going to be replaced with a better one.

Manong, you are using a different shoes not appropriate for running! This guy is 71 years old and he is still running strong. After he received his “new” shoes, he was still looking at his old shoes as if he did not want to part ways with them which he had been using since 2001.

This is one of the top runners from Sta. Rosa, Laguna whose old shoes were full of adhesive “rugby” glue on the sole and upper mesh parts of his shoes.

This runner is 76 years old and the oldest recipient of the donated shoes. He finished the 10K MILO Run.

Standing beside me is Mr Ben Capili, a retired Colonel of the Philippine Air Force who is based in Chicago, USA. He usually comes here to the country during winter time in the USA. He is also involved in the same project where he brings home “used” running shoes to be distributed to the runners in his community.

These were the old shoes replaced by those shoes donated by DelQ, Amado Castro, & Charlie Chua. A million thanks to you and to the rest of my supporters in this Project Donate A Shoe.

New PR: 3:48:32 Hrs @ MILO Finals

On November 30, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Races, Running28 Comments

What can I say? It’s a miracle! But this is a product of hardwork, commitment, patience, and discipline!

After a warm-up and the usual stretching, I met the “Hardcore Group” who planned to have a “fun run” (not as “bandits”) at the pre-designated place and we wished each other good luck. And we some photo-ops as Jonel aka Bugobugo85 was the overall planner of this event. Jonel aka Bugobugo85, Dr Joe aka The Loony Runner, Jerry aka High Altitude, Philip aka Foreign Runner, Jay aka Prometheus Cometh, Lester, George, and Nico were there.

The Hardcore Group turned their backs at the camera before the start but they earned their PR times and 42K Finisher’s Medal. These guys are really “funny & crazy”!

The race started at 4:27 AM and we joined the other Finalists for this MILO Nationas 42K. I had a brief “pep talk” to the runners of Team Bald Runner to include the defending champion, Cris Sabal, minutes before the start of the race. As the street was still dark, I just maintained my easy pace which I practiced on the oval track of about 5:30 mins/km and maintained such pace up to the finish line.

At Lawton Avenue going to Bayani Road…

The whole marathon was just an easy run for me without much pain with my leg muscles. I could not believe that I did not have any trouble along the way. I decided to run the race as light as possible—I did not bring my Nathan Water Belt; I used my NIKE Lunaracer with lightest socks that I have; and my first time to use my new “customized” Oakley glasses which I ordered from my family in California. For the first ten kilometers, I drank my water from the water stations and those hydration gave me the much needed water at the start of the race. Once I entered The Fort, my support staff was already there ready to give me bottled water and Gatorade drinks I needed. After coming from the Heritage Park and about to reach Lawton Avenue on my way back to the Finish, I asked my staff to hand me the oatmeal that instructed them to prepare. I ate the oatmeal on a styro cup, while running, and that gave me my much-needed source of energy for the last 11-12 kilometers!

Philip aka Foreign Runner was the 1st member of the Hardcore Group to reach the Finish Line!

Jerry aka High Altitude got also a sub-4 hr PR finish time on this MILO Marathon, his 2nd Marathon race!

Jonel aka Bugobugo85 and George of the Hardcore Group along Bayani Road. They got also their PR.

This guy was tailing me from The Fort up to Roxas Blvd but he was not able to overtake me up to the finish line. He had all those motorcycle escorts and cameraman beside and infront of him. He must be a VIP of MILO Philippines.

As I reached Roxas Blvd from Buendia Ave, my GF 302 registered a time of 3:20+ hours and Capt Espejo was there telling me that I could finish in sub-4 hours as the distance was only 4+ kilometers to the finish line. I just maintained my pace, reminding myself to run “on a straight line”; to be “light” on my midfoot strike; and stay relaxed. And these are the things that we are telling to our students in our speed training for the past two weeks!

Finally, the finish line was there! The digital clock at the Finish Line registered a time of 3:48:30 hrs but my GF 305 registered an additional time of 2 seconds. Later, I found out that I had an average pace of 5:29 mins/km for the whole race with a distance of 42.1 Kms.

The Hardcore Group; Capt Ferdie Espejo; Coach Satur Salazar; Team Bald Runner—Cris Sabal who won 1st Runner-Up Overall & Marecil Maquilan who won also 1st Runner-Up Overall. Each runner got a cash prize of P50,000.00

It was a nice run and a fulfilling one to end my 2008 running season.

I would like to mention my thanks to the female runner, Bib # F 164, who paced with me for the first 15 kilometers. You are really a strong runner!

To the Hardcore Group, they all have also their PR times for this marathon race and you will read their experiences and pictures in their respective blogs.

To those who will be going to Singapore for the Marathon this coming Sunday, beat my time and you will earn a 2009 Wall Calendar from Bald Runner! Good luck and have a safe trip!

“I am running the 32nd MILO Marathon”

On November 29, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running10 Comments

Two months ago, the “Hardcore Group” came up with the idea to run the 32nd National MILO Marathon Finals as “bandits” as a way of redeeming themselves for not being able to attain their respective goals during the Metro Manila MILO Elimination Race last August 2008. Some of them did qualify but most of them joined the marathon race to gain experience being their first marathon.

After some exchanges of comments among bloggers, I suggested if there is a way that Mr Rudy Biscocho could accommodate us, the “hardcore group, as “qualifiers” through the efforts of my staff/coaches, we could join the MILO Marathon. After continouos requests to the race organizers, they finally decided to disapprove our request but gave me the privilege to run as a “qualifier”. However, the group had earlier registered themselves to run the 10K race but actually they will be running the 42K race. These runners will be running as “bandits” and this shows how “hardcore and crazy” these people are. I know these “bandits” will be making me as their “target to beat” during the race. Guys, I am sure you will beat me because you are 10-20+ years younger than me!!! However, if I beat you, you have to donate your running shoes for my project! Ha!ha!ha!

This marathon will be my third (3rd) one for this year and my 13th marathon in my running career. I will consider this race as my “specific-endurance test” to find out if my shift to running on the oval track and introduction to speed training have positive results on my marathon performance.

Race strategy? I am going to run an even-pace race of 5:30-6:00 mins/km but if I still have the strength on the last 10K, I might end up having a negative split for the race. The overall goal is to improve my finish time from my San Francisco Marathon and going for a sub-4 hours would be a miracle!!!

After this race, my training will be geared towards my training with the “Hardcore Group” and other marathon finishers for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race on April 5, 2009.

To those who will be running the marathon race tomorrow, Good luck and enjoy the race!!! After the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race, I will be doing this…

Yes, President of the “Hardcore Group”!!! Ha!ha!ha! Since I copied this act from Jonel aka Bugobugo85, I will designate him as my “Campaign Manager”. Cast your votes and vote wisely!

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