These are the things that I do whenever I am on vacation/break in Los Angeles, California. Shopping will come later. Ha!Ha!Ha!
On my first day in the City of Los Angeles, the first thing that I did was to visit the “Barnes & Noble” Bookstore. From our place, such bookstore is located at Americana Shopping Complex at Brand St, Glendale, California. I bought two books on running, namely: “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” by Haruki Murakami and “Daniel’s Running Formula” by Jack Daniels, PhD. I bought another book about Website Creation and Design.
Murakami's BookThis Guy Is Fast In Marathon At His Age of 57
VO2Max; VDOT; Lactate Threshold & Altitude Training Book
I finished reading Murakami’s book in two days with some breaks in between. After reading the book, I conclude that I could write a book about running, too! He wrote the book when he was 57 years old and I just turned 57 years old last Sunday. Hmmm, I think this is a good idea!
On my second day, I watched the movie “Angels & Demons” at the Americana Cinemas and then ate at Red Robbin with their Grilled Chicken Hamburger (It was big!). And later at 6:00 PM, I had a 3-loop run at the Silverlake Reservoir which is equivalent to 10.2 Kms (one loop is 3.4 kms). Before my run, I dropped by the Hydration Station of Joe Matias aka The Running Shoe Guru and owner of the A Runners Circle (ARC) Store at the park within the Lake and we had a lengthy conversation. It was a chance to personally thank him for the Balikbayan Box with donated used shoes he sent to me to the Philippines.
Hydration Station & Joe Matias aka The Running Shoe Guru/ARCRunners I Met Along The Road Would Smile At My Team BR Shirt
I did also some cooking! Have you tasted and tried a Sinigang Beef with Broccoli? Well, I cooked it. It tastes good according to my kids! Nothing was left from this particular food that I cooked for dinner! Next time, I’ll post the pictures of the food I prepare during my cooking adventures!
This morning, I did another 10-Km run around the Echo Park Lake which I did in 55 minutes. It is a slow to moderate run as I tried to concentrate on the number of strides/steps I make in every minute. I forced myself to run 180 steps per minute or count at least 90 steps every time my left foot strikes the ground. As I was doing this, I observed that I was registering an everage pace within the range of 4:50-5:15 minutes per kilometer. I was able to sustain such stride frequency within the middle 5-km portion of my workout. For a change, it was a nice mantra to be counting 1 up to 90 while running.
Guys, till next post and good luck again to the TNF 100 Solo & Relay runners who are on their way to Clark Freeport today.
After finishing the marathon race yesterday, I took time to hydrate, eat, and rest/sleep for the rest of the day. I was limping last night and it took me some time to walk straight this morning. I already knew what to do in order to relieve the pain on my legs, hips and lower back area within this day.
I need to have my active recovery run for 30 minutes within the day after the marathon race. At 7:30 PM, I went to the ULTRA Oval Track to have my recovery run. I actually did a 35-minute recovery run at an average pace of 6:40 minutes per kilometer. Surprisingly after doing my post stretching exercises, the pain and stiffness on my left hip and leg muscles had disappeared and I was able to walk without any limp and it was a relief to walk straight and step up on the stairs without any pain on my legs.
Tomorrow, I’ll be doing a 10-15K run at my 85% effort and hope to be back again on my training for my future road and trail races.
As a result of the 51K “Runabout” with Team Bald Runner and the Hardcore Runners last 08 March 2009, the participants were able to train for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race and at the same time contributed a donation for the ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig” for the Rehabilitation of Pasig River.
Please read the article posted on the ABS-CBN Foundation website about this event.
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!
Briefing For the RunnersAccounting On The Number of RunnersGroup Picture Of the 29 Brave "Warriors"
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”.
Running Along Marikina RiverbanksAt C-5 Near Diego Silang, Taguig City
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.
At McKinley Hill AreaNear The British Embassy at McKinley Hill
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.
Turn-Over Of Contribution To "Kapit-Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig"
The Interview
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.
The Finishers/"Survivors"
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!
Awarding of Bataan 52K "Test Run" Certificates
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.
For the first tme, I went to UP Diliman as an audience not as a participant in a weekend road race organized by Coach Rio. Instead of joining the race, I decided to have my long run and enjoy watching the runners in the said race. I arrived at the campus when the 10K race was about to start. Before my long run, I stationed myself at the finish line and watched the runners as they finished the race. I was happy to see that all the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner won in their respective races. Moreso, the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group had also improved their finish times and earned their respectve PR best times. Congratulations to the members Team Bald Runner!
After personally greeting and congratulating the winners and other members of Team Bald Runner, I started my long run together with those runners who will be participating in the Bataan 102K. Enrico from the Power Runners led the runners around the UP Diliman Campus and we ran an easy average pace of 6:50 to 7:00 minutes per kilometer for about a hour. Atty Raffy Abenina and Jun Lapira of Camanava Runners were with us during the run and they provided some suggestions in the conduct of Bataan 102K. Thanks, guys for your nice inputs.
After an hour of running, I had to drop by at my Aid Station to drink water and brought my TNF Hand-held Water Bottle with me in the resumption of my run. My other companions decided to stop their runs and I went alone tracing the route of the 10K race. After running for about 7 kilometers of the route, I was able to link with Jonel aka Bugobugo85 and Nico who decided later to end their long run. As I stopped at my Aid Station for electrolyte drinks, I resumed again my run around the Academic Oval. After drinking Gatorade, I integrated a 10-minute walk during my workout and resumed my running again. I closely monitored my average pace after running for almost two hours, making sure to run at least 7:00 minutes per kilometer with the heat of the sun. It was already 10:00AM already but I kept on pushing myself to run under the heat of the sun making sure to drink my water every time I reached my Aid Staton. I was surprised to see that I was runnng at an average pace of 6:35 minutes per kilometer! I had to slow down and bring my pace to a slower speed.
It was already 10:30AM when I stopped my run. I was on the run and with a brief walking session for 3 hours. My average pace for the whole duration was 6:47 minutes per kilometer. Coach Ferdie was still at the campus waiting for me and he was able to give me the much-needed stretching after my long run.
Lessons Learned: Using the TNF Hand-held Water Bottle (filled with water) and my Nathan Water Belt filled with electrolyte drinks during the last 50K of Bataan 102K will be a nice move on my part to fight the effects of the sun’s and pavement’s heat during the race. This was the same hydration strategy I used during my first ultra trail running race at the Bulldog 50K last year. The next days and weeks will be devoted for more hours on the road (by running & walkng) to withstand the effects of the sun’s heat and schedule at least 2-3 weeks for tapering before the race day.
It was unfortunate to know what happened to Jerry aka High Altitude while he was on his way back to Metro Manila after finishing the Bataan 52K “Test Run” whch was held last Sunday from Abucay, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga. Due to the help of Jonel aka Bugobugo85 and the rest of his family, he was able to get an immediate medical attention at the Makati Medical Center. Read the rest of Jeryy’s personal account on the said incident at www.highaltitude.wordpress.com.
After consulting with his personal physician, it was found out that Jerry was a victim of heat stroke or hyperthermia. On the last 11 klometers of the test run, Jerry could have asked from the support vehicles of the other runners for Gatorade or water. While running alone on that stretch of the road, I saw the support vehicle of the Power Runners and asked Kevin to fill up a used bottle for water with Gatorade and brought it with me in my run. For the next 6 to 8 kilometers, I sipped the bottle of Gatorade, alternatingly drinking some water from a bottled tucked in on my back with my compression shorts. I really anticipated the heat of the sun on the last stretch by having at least two bottles and two wet-foams with me—one bottle of water tucked on my back; another bottle of Gatorade on my left hand; one wet-foam clipped on the upper back edge of my shirt; and one wet-foam on my right hand which I regularly squeeze to drop some water to my head to dampen my runner’s cap.
I hope the participants of the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race on 05 April 2005 will learn a lot of lesson from the experience of Jerry and from my prevous post (Lessons Learned: Bataan 52K “Test Run”). On our part as the Race Organizer, we will make some adjustments and put more Aid Stations with Salt & Salted Crackers/Food & additional Sports Drinks along the route and encourage the runners to carry with them “hydration system” for electrolyte drinks and water during the race.
6:30 AM 22 February 2009 @ Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 50 in Abucay, Bataan
All the runner-applicants for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race to be held on 05 April 2009 were asked to join the 52K “Test Run” from Km Post # 50 to the Finish Line in San Fernando, Pampanga as a requirement for each runner in order to orient them on the actual route and have them experience the feeling of running under the heat of the sun and over the “hot” paved/cemented roads of Bataan and Pampanga. The “test run” was announced through my posts at www.bataan102.com and this blog. Other runners reached to them through the words and information from the other runner-bloggers and the “Hardcores”.
As the race organizer for the ultramarathon event, I had to make coordination for the support requirements of this event, to include the conduct of this “test run”. This includes security, logistics, administrative and other miscellaneous requirements. Aside from those runners who have the capability to provide themselves with their own suport system, I also prepared a general support vehicle which served as our “mobile” Aid Station throughout the duration of the “test run”. An ambulance with a Medical Team was also available courtesy from my brother who is now the Commander of the Light Armor Division of the Philippine Army based in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. My staff prepared 100 bottles of Gatorade; 100 bottles of Propel Drinks; 100 pieces of Sponges/Foams; Cloud 9 Chocolates; lots of boiled sweet potatoes and bananas; hard-boiled eggs, and packs of Sky Flakes. Runner-participants Arman Fernando & Jonel aka Bugobugo85 donated 500 bottles of bottled water.
My staff and I left Manila at 4:00AM yesterday morning with all the prepared logistics support for the “test run” and the personnel needed. We arrived in Balanga City just in time for the opening of Jollibee where 12 of us had our breakfast. At 6:30 AM, we arrived at the pre-designated assembly area which is a 6-km drive from Balanga City. There were almost 20 runners and their support vehicles were already there. Some of the runners had to take the bus from Pasay City as early as 3:00AM just to be able to be at the place before the assembly time. From one group of runners to another, I had to personally greet and ask their names of the new faces I’ve seen in the area. I tried as much as possible to extend my thanks to each runner for their support and attendance to this “test run”. At 6:45AM, all the runners were already prepared and we had to get and list their names for accounting purposes.
Camanava Runners--Jun Lapira, Jeff Abenina, & Bert Henson
Tarpaulin Signs For Support Vehicles
Final Briefing From the "General" To His "Warriors"
I requested the runners to gather around for my personal briefing for the “test run”. In my briefing and remarks, I personally extended my thanks for their support in this ultramarathon event and told them the very purpose of this “test run” and warn them on the preventive and safety measures to make this run as a success and meaningful to each one of us. Details of the route and the support arrangements were explained to them. We had an accounting of the runners and the “test run” consisted of 38 runners with two (2) Japanese runners—Norio Tanaka and Hiroshi Takei. Three of the 38 runners are not runner-participants for the Bataan 102K Race. Coach Salazar led a simple stretching exercises. We had a photo-ops at the Kilometer Post # 50 and then Coach Salazar (again!) led a simple prayer for everybody.
"Warriors" Were Attentive To Receive Their "Mission"Stretching Exercises Led by Coach SalazarGroup Picture With Bataan Death March Km Post # 50Another Group Picture With The Bataan 102 LogoCoach Salazar Leading The Prayer Before The Run
The run started at 7:23 AM (GF 305 time) with me leading the group of 38 runners with a slow and comfortable pace. The sun was already shining and the sky was cloudless when we started the run and it maintained to be cloudless throughout the run. The running group ran with the traffic making sure that each runner whould run along the very edge of the paved road or along the dirt road on the sidewalk. After running for five minutes, Albert Salazar aka Run2Dmoon, Hiroshi Takei and a lady runner overtook me with a fast pace and after ten minutes, Victor Ting, a 63-year old and 30-year veteran of road racing and another companion runner overtook me and these runners led the group and later went ahead of the group for almost 2 kilometers.
The Run Started With Me Infront Of The Group At The Orani-Hermosa Area With Norio Tanaka Behind Me
My plan for this tes run was to maintain an average pace within the range of 6:45 to 7:00 minutes per kilometer; brisk walk at least 5 to 10 minutes every 12-15 kilometers; and spend at least 3-5 minutes stop on the “mobile” Aid Stations to eat and drink; have my “bandana” dipped on the cold water; and place a soaked foam/sponge on my upper back & clipped with the upper edge of my white Patagonia long-sleeved shirt. I decided not to wear my Nathan Water Belt or my TNF Water Pack but I saw to it that I have a water bottle tucked on the “small on the back” portion with my tight compression shorts and have the option to have another bottled water on my hand.
At The Lubao-Guagua Road/National Highway At Vicinity Km # 75
The test run went well as planned where our “mobile” Aid Station had be prepositioned every 2.5 to 3 kilometers along the route. Our Ambulance was positioned at the back of the last group of runners. Our staff had to check each runner as they pass on our “mobile” Aid Station and they had to monitor also how far are the lead runners. As the runners had completed 10 kilometers and about to reach the boundary of Orani and Hermosa, Bataan, the runners’ location had stretched within the range distance of 4-5 kilometers of the race route. I was beginning to suspect that this “test run” was evolving to be a road race for everybody! I was in the company of Jerry aka High Altitude, Norio Tanaka, Mari Javier, Gene Olvis, Rollie and Ralph “Raffy” Salvador along the stretch from Abucay to Hermosa, Bataan.
Eating Halo-Halo at Razon's in Guagua, Pampanga
After running 17 kilometers, I saw one of the lead runners walking and I had to walk with him and started to ask how & what he feels on the progress of the run and the effect of the heat of the sun to his body. The runner answered that he is okey and just needed to walk. Talking while walking with runners was my way of advising them of hydrating and feeding themselves with the food needed to fuel their body. After 5 minutes, I was back on the road, running towards the junction of the Dinalupihan-Subic Road where Km Post # 68 is located.
The next 15 kilometers along the highway from Dinalupihan to Kilometer Post # 83 was the hardest part of the run because of the heat of the sun and the overstretched location of our “mobile” Aid Station. From every 2.5 to 3 kilometers of distance where the Aid Station would prepositioned itself, it became to almost every 5-6 kilometers. The lone “mobile” Aid Station became two after the pick-up of Jonel aka Bugobugo85 volunteered as support for the slower runners. At this point, the span of the spread of the runners almost covered a range of 6 kilometers when we reached Kilometer Post # 75.
Group Picture Before Starting Our Last 11K Leg
The faster runner were directed to stop and rest and wait for the other runners at the Petron Gas Station in Guagua, Pampanga where the Original Razon restaurant is located. At this point, we were already at the vicinity of Kilometer Post # 91 and we still have 11 kilometers to go before the Fnish Line. The first 25 runners were treated with the famous Halo-Halo at Razon’s courtesy of the Bald Runner. We had at least a 45-minute rest in this area and I just kept my GF 305 running to get the overall elapsed time for the duration of the test run. As we resumed our last leg of our test run from this point, my GF 305 registered an elapsed time of 5:46+ hours.
The last 11-km stretch was also a hard part of the run but each runner had to condition into his mind that this is just a simple 10K run for him. It was already about 1:00PM and the heat of the sun was really taking its effect to every runner as our strides became shorter and our breathing became faster. Our “mobile” Aid Stations were there in every kilometer along this last segment and we had to drink a lot of water and Gatorade in order to last up to the Finish Line. Finally, along this stretch, every runner could see from a distance the next Kilometer Post marking as he passes one kilometer marking until the last kilometer post on the Highway which is Kilometer Post # 101. Seeing the grounds of the Pampanga Provincial Capitol was a sight of relief as it would be almost 200 meters before the Finish Line.
Finally, At The Finish Line, Bataan Death March Km Post # 102 With The Hardcores--Mari, Armand, Jerry aka High Altitude & Jonel aka Bugobugo85Our Guest Ultra Runner Ben Gaetos Who Had Arrived From Bangkok Before The Run
I finished the “test run” in 8th place with an elapsed time of 6:52+ hours (including the 45-minute rest at Razon’s). All the Thirty-five (35) runner-applicants finished the “test run” with more time to spare before the 9-hour decent time to finish the run. Without the mandatory 45-minute “rest & stop” at Razon’s, each of the runner must have registered a faster time.
My congratulations to the finishers of this “test run”. I now consider and pronounce you as the “new warriors of Bataan”. You had passed the test and you can have the bragging rights as an “ultramarathoner” or ultra runner in the country. I know most of us had learned some lessons in this run and I hope you can continue to train and prepare for the final race on 05 April 2009.
The Ultra Runners Of The Philippines/"New Warriors Of Bataan"
My sincerest thanks to those people who have helped and supported us in this “test run”. May you help us some more in our advocacy to promote ultramarathon events in the country and at the same time commemorate events in the history of our country for the benefit of our heroes and to the younger generation.
This is the first pre-requisite for each participant for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race to undertake and complete and as such, this will be a “test run” for everybody. A “test run” in the sense that it will determine if each of the participant has the endurance, will-power, and attitude to finish a 52-kilometer distance run under the heat of the sun. For those who had been training for this ultramarathon event since last year, you will be running along the last half of the distance of the ultramarathon event on the very exact place or route of the race.
The assembly time will be at 6:30AM on 22 February 2009. The meeting place or assembly area will be at the Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 50 located along the old National Highway in Abucay, Bataan. To be specific, the assembly area will be at the vicinity of the GAZ Xpress Gasoline Station and the Abucay Mega Market in Abucay, Bataan. If you will be coming from Balanga, Bataan, just take the old National Highway from the City Plaza and proceed towards eastern direction for about 6 kilometers and the Km 50 Post would be visible on the right side of the road. The “test run” will start at exactly 7:00AM. Why? This is estimated time that most of the runners/participants must have finished the first 50 kilometers of the race, from Mariveles to Balanga or Abucay, Bataan.
The finish line of the “test run” will be at the Old Railway Station in San Fernando, Pampanga which is the same finish line during race day. The Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 102 is located near the old building of the railway station and near the National Historic Institute’s Marker which is a red-painted big rock.
For those runners who have the capability to have their personal support vehicle/crew and pacers, they could bring such support with them during the “test run”. However, they are discouraged from riding to their vehicles and “leapfrog” from one place to another up to the finish line. We will adopt a “honor system” during this run. Better yet, as agreed, this will be a “group run” where the faster runners would wait for the slower runners up to the finish line. The purpose of this run is to acquaint yourself with the terrain, weather, and the actual route of the race.
There will be road marshals on specific road turns most especially when the runners reach the towns of Lubao, Guagua, Bacolor and the City of San Fernando. Extra safety precaution will be observed by each runner while running along the route as there is a limited space along the sidewalk. Runners are encouraged to run on the left side of the road, facing the incoming traffic.
With the benevolence of some of the runner-participants, free water and sports drinks will be available along the route. If plans permit, boiled sweet (camote) potatoes and boiled bananas will be available also to all the participants along the route. However, for contingency purposes, participants are encouraged to bring with them cash as there are available convenience stores along the way.
Ladies & Gentlemen, treat this “test run” as one of our Sunday’s “runabouts”. Good luck & see you at the Assembly Area this Sunday.
My staff was able to display three (3) tarpaulin signs to warn the users of the ULTRA Oval Track on the proper use of the track. Two of the signs were positioned on each of the entrances towards the Oval Track after one has to come down from the uppermost level of the Oval Track Grandstand. The other sign was located at the edge of the Oval Track where the members of the Team Bald Runner usually start their “interval” speed training.
With all those three tarpaulin signs I had my staff ordered, made and displayed for the past days, I am happy to note that there was a “big” improvement on the orderliness among the users of the oval track. Last night, Tuesday, can be considered as the busiest day/night of the ULTRA Oval Track where you could see the participants of the NIKE Running Clinic and the Team Bald Runner’s “Speed” Training sessions busy with their warm-up, drills, and speed runs. In addition, the oval track was filled also with high school track & field athletes, corporate runners and joggers, triathlete, muay thai practitioners, soccer players, and simply slow runners and walkers. Despite the full capacity of the Oval Track, I was glad that Lane 1 was free from anybody except for the fast runners who are doing their “interval” speed training.
The members of the Team Bald Runner were happy to experience that their speed runs were no longer distracted or obstructed with people jogging slowly and walkers on Lane 1. Seriously speaking, I was able to reduce my average pace and speed in my speed runs by 5-8 seconds per lap. I am sure that the other members of my team were also able to reduce also their time, pace & speed because of a clear Lane 1.
Yes, the audience (users of the oval track) is now listening and I know that other groups of runners had benefited the proper use of the oval track as their speed runs were not distracted by people who are “ignorant” on the proper use of the oval track. As I left the premises of the Oval Track, I told the lone female security guard stationed at the Grandstand that I am donating and leaving the two tarpaulin signs placed on the two entrances to the oval track and requested her to advise every user of the oval track to read the posted signs before he/she enters the track.
To my readers and participants in the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race to be held on 05 April 2009, I am posting the comment of Ben Gaetos, a Pinoy Ultramarathoner based in Los Angeles, who joined us in our 12-6 “Midnight To Sunrise” Run last Sunday.
Greetings to all,
I had a blast running with all of you. I arrived Friday night and still getting my body to adjust. Shazam…found Run2DMoon run. It’s nice to know that ultramarathon has arrived in the Phils. I was thrilled all the way talking/running with everyone. You’re all on the right track. It’s not the distance that would kill you, it’s the pace that kills. My strategy has always been to start slow (even start my walk early), then slowly pick up my pace. I also try to divide the distance of the ultra race in 10K segments and finish the race 10K at a time. Ultra is 2/3 physical. The other 1/3 is purely mental toughness. Expect down times. Your mental prep will get you overcome this. Just remember once you enter the dark world of ultras, it would be on your veins forever. It’s difficult but the feeling is priceless at the finish line.
Ben
Ben, thanks for the comment/”tips” and we hope to see you again soon. You are invited to join us for the 52K “test run” on February 22 which will start in Balanga, Bataan. It will be nice for the participants to hear some “tips”, advise and experiences from you before we finally start the run.
(Note: Details of the 52K “test run” will be posted in this blog soon)
Bald Runner 
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