Category: Races

Official Result: 2nd Mt Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Race Results, Races, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon10 Comments

2nd Mt Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge

5:00 AM September 4, 2011

Sta Juliana, Capas to Crater Lake & Back

Rank Name Time
1 Alfredo Ocampo 6:29:03
2 Rodel Gajol 6:29:05
3 Rayman Delos Angeles 6:34:10
4 Roel Olimba 6:43:07
5 Jerome Lagumbay 7:12:09
6 Jonel Mendoza 8:04:19
7 Godfrey Gozo 8:07:43
8 Ariel Briones 8:15:33
9 Ronel Mondedo 8:19:32
10 Joel Korea 8:20:30
11 Graciano Santos 8:22:10
12 Vergilio Leona 8:32:48
13 Edwin Gajol 8:39:06
14 Randy Rubio 8:40:45
15 Meljohn Tezon 8:50:53
16 Alexander Cenzon 8:55:42
17 Ian Esquilong 8:56:06
18 Angelo Lagumbay 8:57:15
19 Paolo Osmena 8:57:26
20 Andrew Balaaldia 9:13:28
21 Frederick Quitiquit 9:27:14
22 Jay Sabido 9:27:23
23 Samson Ocampo 9:28:28
24 Keshia Fule (F) 9:29:07
25 Toots Moratillo 9:33:33
26 Mark Villafuerte 9:35:38
27 Jael Wenceslao 9:36:15
28 Ronald Yllana 9:44:34
29 Arlito Masamoc 9:52:03
30 Jake Pescador 9:52:04
31 Benedick Meneses 9:59:02
32 Chito Carreon 10:00:51
33 Jazz Paringit 10:04:52
34 Mel Severino 10:10:05
35 Lester Jerome Chuayap 10:10:06
36 Chips Dayrit 10:16:47
37 Gil Ocampo 10:28:00
38 Raul Roco 10:28:24
39 Luke Mark Odon 10:41:19
40 Carl Ocampo 10:41:24
41 Ronaldo Sulapas 10:42:39
42 Ronnel Go 10:49:05
43 Nelson Mallillin 10:49:58
44 Emiliano Burgos 11:07:27
45 Audi Samar 11:09:18
46 Bong Alindada 11:13:49
47 Arman Garcia 11:15:28
48 Sherwin Botabara 11:23:54
49 Ray Batino 11:25:24
50 Robert Reyes 11:28:36
51 Maria Angela Stefanie Hefti (F) 11:28:38
52 Conrado Teodoro 11:28:45
53 Orlando Ylana 11:46:35
54 Philippe Arenillo 11:55:42
55 Bien Soberano 12:04:43
56 Zaldy Santillan 12:09:27
57 Garry Garcia 12:39:49

A total of 66 trail runners started the race with 9 participants declared as DNF. Congratulations to everybody for having the courage to join this trail running event. The stories and experiences of the runners will prove that this event is considered as the “toughest and most challenging” trail run in the country today. That is why it will remain as a CHALLENGE to everybody.

Congratulations to the Podium Finishers and to all the runners who braved the “sudden landslides” of lahar mountains; scorching heat of the sun in the early morning; heat from the lahar sand at mid-noon and early afternoon; more number of water crossings from wider rivers with flowing sands; strong downpour of rain in the afternoon; bigger and slippery rocks along the route; quicksands; and “flush flood” from the rivers.

For those who DNFed and got “temporarily lost” during the race, you still have a chance to redeem and improve your times for the next edition of the race.

See you next year!!!

2nd Mt Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running, Trail Running, Travel, Ultramarathon6 Comments

Note: The pictures above were taken last July 31, 2010 during the Birthday Run of July Oconer to Mount Pinatubo.

Rules and Regulations: 2nd Mt Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge

  1. The race starts at 5:00 AM of September 4, 2011 (Sunday) at the vicinity of the Barangay Hall of Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.
  2. This race is a solo run and the distance is 50 kilometers. The distance from the Starting Line to the Mt Pinatubo Crater Lake (turn-around) is 25 kilometers. From the turn-around point, the runner has to go back to the Starting Line which will serve also as the Finish Line. Pacers are not allowed.
  3. The cut-off time for the race is twelve (12) hours. Runners must be able to reach the turn-around point in 5:30 hours. Runners who will reach the turn-around point in more than 5:30 hours will be advised to ride on the available 4X4 vehicle in going back to the Starting Line. Such runners will be declared as DNF.
  4. Each runner must be able to have their respective hydration system/belt. The runner’s hydration system must be able to carry liquid/water needed to cover a distance of at least 15 kilometers. There will be Aid Station at Km#8-9 & Km#16-17 and these same Aid Stations will serve as Stations at Km# 33-34 and Km # 42-43 (on the way back). These Aid Stations will be 4X4 vehicles manned by Race Marshals. Be sure to carry some food for you to eat at the Crater/turn-around point (Km #25). The park at the Crater has faucets where you can fill water for your hydration system.
  5. The Aid Stations will have water, cola drinks and limited food supply. The foods served will be chocolate bites, salted biscuits, boiled eggs, and boiled bananas.
  6. Runners are encouraged to prepare their own “drop bags” which will be carried/transported by the 4X4 Vehicle-Aid Stations. Drop Bags should be properly marked with the runner’s name, race number, and Aid Station Number/Km Point where it will be available.
  7. Runner has the option to provide his/her own support vehicle from the 4X4 vehicles for rent available through the Barangay Officials at the Barangay Hall of Sta Juliana. The rent/cost of one vehicle is P 2,500.00 (last year’s price). The fee for a guide is P 500.00 (optional for the runner to get one). However, such individual support vehicle should not “shadow” the runner. It is advisable that support vehicles must “leap-frog” from the runner.
  8. The exact turn-around point is at the edge of the Crater Lake. Runners should go down the stairs as each runner must be able to register to the marshal-recorder upon his/her arrival thereat. Runners shall be properly “marked” at the turn-around point by the Race Marshal thereat.
  9. Runners are advised not to ride on their respective support vehicle even for a short distance or while crossing the river. Riding on the vehicle is tantamount to “cheating” during the race.
  10. Since most of the route towards the Mt Pinatubo has no established or designated trail or path due to changing landscape as a result water & earth movements, the runner can improvise or have his/her own personal choice in establishing his/her direction towards the crater. The rule of thumb for the direction towards the crater is ALWAYS STAY ON THE LEFT PART OF THE EXPOSED AREA going southerly direction.
  11. It is advisable to run with somebody or with a group with the same pace. If not, each runner must be able to have a sight on the runner in front and runner at his back.
  12. This is a trail run which is considered as a RACE. However, it is advisable to help each other on matters of emergency and occurrence of accidents along the route. Any casualty or runner who needs medical attention should be brought to the nearest Aid Station.
  13. Each runner must carry with them basic First Aid Kit. This is a MUST and it is a ground for Disqualification if a runner is without this basic requirement. The First Aid Kit should consist enough cotton, sanitary gauze, medical adhesive tape, betadyne/iodine, and anti-biotic ointment.
  14. Runners must be extra careful in stepping those big rocks along the route. Most of the rocks are slippery and some are not stable. It is safer to walk rather than run on these rocks. Always think safety when you encounter rocks along the way.
  15. There will be a lot of river crossing. Find time to be deliberate in crossing such flowing rivers, most especially where there are a lot of rocks. There are some places where the current of the river are strong, take time in establishing a firm and balance footing as you cross such rivers.
  16. Basically, you will have damp/wet running shoes throughout the run. It is advisable for each runner to apply petroleum jelly to their feet before the run to prevent blisters.
  17. Walking sticks or Trekking Poles are allowed on this run.
  18. At the Crater Lake, if you are not a swimmer, please do not attempt to swim at the lake. We don’t have any Lifeguards for this race.
  19. If in case there will be typhoon or continuous raining on race day, the event will be cancelled and it will be postponed to a later date when weather is favorable for the safety of the participants. Please check on the recent race updates on the Event Page on my Wall at Facebook.
  20. Top 3 Overall and Ladies will receive trophies. Every Finisher will receive Individual PAU’s Finisher’s Medal; Finisher’s T-Shirt; and a Certificate of Achievement (to be given later). This trail run is included in the Ranking of PAU Runners for the Year.
  21. Parking Areas will be available on one side of the Road at Barangay Sta Juliana and at the area near the banks of the river (500 meters from the Barangay Hall). Barangay Tanods will serve as the security/”look-out” to your parked vehicles. Be prepared to pay P 50.00 as Parking Fee for each vehicle to the Barangay Tanods.
  22. The RD and Race Marshals will be conducting random checks on each runner’s hydration system and the mandatory First Aid Kit along the route. It is mandatory for each runner to show their First Aid Kit as he/she checks-in at the Starting Area.
  23. Lastly, please maintain the Integrity of this Race.
  24. For those who paid/deposited their registration fee at LANDBANK, please bring your deposit slip/receipt at the Starting Line for verification.
  25. No bandits to be allowed on this event. Insisting to be a Bandit? Go ahead, make our day!!!

Good luck and Have FUN!!!!

Mt Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge Elevation Profile (Courtesy of Mark Hernandez)

Finding My MAX HR

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Runners' Training, Running3 Comments

Last Friday, I started my anaerobic training after more than 3 months of my MAF training. The purpose of the anaerobic training/speed running workout was to find out my Maximum Heart Rate (Max HR). This activity was done at the ULTRA Oval Track on the early evening of Friday.

After 4 laps of brisk walking, I did five (5) repetitons of 800-meter run or Yasso 800 where I averaged 3:54 minutes. Each repetition was followed with one lap of slow jog. My Average HR for the workout was 168 beats per minute with a MAX HR registered at 178 beats per minute. After the Yasso 800 workout, I did 4 laps of brisk walking as my cool-down workout until my HR registered to 112 beats per minute.

As suggested by Dr Maffetone, there are two ways to find out one’s MAX HR. One is to run at one’s best effort within 3-4 minutes and record one’s highest HR. The other one is to use the suggested formula—208 minus the result of one’s Age multiplied by 0.7.

Based from my first anaerobic workout, I registered a Max HR of 178 beats per minute while my supposed to be Max HR by following the suggested formula is approximately 167 bpm. There is a difference of 11 beats per minute. I hope I’ll be able to adjust my desired Max HR as I do more of my anaerobic workouts.

What was notably good after my first anaerobic workout was that I did not feel any soreness or pain on my legs despite my practice of not doing any stretching or speed drills before my Yasso 800 repeats! I simply do my 10-minute squats after my workout. The 2nd advantage of such workout is that it was quick and short. After 1 1/2 hours, I was out of the ULTRA Oval Track.

There is a need of more anaerobic workouts to really find out my Max HR. One way to do this is to join a 10K run this morning! To prepare for the 10K run, I completely rested the whole day of Saturday.

I joined the Run Doctor Run 10K which was organized by my good friend Eric Pasion of Run For Change. It was a simple race which was held inside the Dasmarinas Village. The last time that I went inside this place was in the mid-90s when I was still active in cycling. The streets are wide and there is no traffic plus they are shaded with tall trees on both sides.

Hanging Out With BDM "Veterans" Mark & Bea Before The Start of the Race

The race started at 6:30 AM with the 10K run being released ahead of the shorter races. I started a very conservative pace of 5:45+ minutes per kilometer making sure that my HR will steadily and gradually increase. It started at 121 bpm until it reached at 160 bpm after running for 3 kilometers. I started to increase my pace for the next 3 kilometers where my Max HR registered at 178 bpm. At the 7th Kilometer, my HR went down to 170 until it peaked again to 175-177 from Kilometer 8 all the way to the Finish Line.

Look Who's Smiling At My Back (Thanks, Jonel for the Accommodation!)

All the amenities you need in a road race were all there. Eric has already perfected the conduct of a road racing event. Everything was perfect, to include the weather!

I finished the race in 55:27 minutes with an average pace of 5:39 mins per kilometer. My HR Monitor registered an average HR of 168 bpm and a Max HR of 178 bpm which is consistent to what I’ve recorded on my first anaerobic workout last Friday at the Oval Track. It seems that I am starting all over again and trying to regain my speed through more aerobic workouts/LSD runs.

Smiling As I Crossed The Finish Line

I know it will take weeks and months and even years for me to improve my performance using the HR monitor as a form of biofeedback on the intensity of my training and running workouts. I am no longer young to do all those high mileage of training but I am still guided with the basic principles of training for endurance sports—consistency, specificity of training, rest & recovery, and extended goals. My primary goal now is to prevent myself from being injured and have fun in all my running adventures.

Finally, I am back to my regular training!

Thanks to John Avellanosa for the pictures and Jonel of FrontRUNNER Magazine & Eric Pasion for the accommodation.

“Taklang Damulag(s)”

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Race Results, Races, Running, Ultramarathon18 Comments

(Warning: This is an offensive post to those who are concerned. Please don’t proceed if you feel you are one of the persons being described here)

This is a Race Director’s Report on the past three (3) running events that the PAU and Bald Runner’s Events had organized and directed. These road races consist of the following: PAU’s Fort Magsaysay 60K Run; 1st Bald Runner’s Barefoot Run; and the newly-concluded PAU’s Western Pangasinan 65K Run.

Taklang Damulag is a word from the local dialect of the people from the province of Pampanga. It is a Kapampangan word which means literally as a water buffalo crap or shit or bowel. If used figuratively, it means a person who is a pretender, a “bullshitter”, or somebody who tells stories that are exaggerated, or simply a “liar”. In this post, it would mean as somebody who is not honest or one who does not have a “word of honor”.

In the past, I have conveniently announced the schedule of our PAU Races and other BR’s Events through the Facebook as most of the runners had been accepted as my “friends”. It is very easy to create an Event Page on my Wall and it is from there that I receive persons and names of applicants for each of the event I have posted. I usually announce the limited slots for each event as we want a simple and personalized attention to each of the runners.

On the other hand, it is very easy also for the runners to reserve slot for them and for their friends. Comments are easily posted under each Event Page where most of them are requests and intentions of joining the event. From these comments and a click on the Box “Attend”, it is assumed that the person is ready and well-trained to join the event.

From the number of participants listed on each event, we prepare for the number of medals/trophies and Finisher’s Shirts. This is done by ordering them from our “suppliers and manufacturers” and we pay them in cash using our own money as most of our registrations are accepted through bank deposits and “onsite registration”.

The last 3 Road Races had been very “painful” to us in terms of logistics and financial matters. Each runner knows for a fact that our running events are not being backed up by any corporate sponsor. We simply want to spread the love to running and promote the sports of ultra marathon, whether in road and/or in trails, and this had been our advocacy since we started organizing and directing running events. Our efforts are not geared to earn money but simply, to sustain our efforts in our passion to let every runner “test their personal limits of endurance”.

In the PAU’s Fort Magsaysay 60K Run, 230 runners signified their intention to join the said event and we prepared the logistics (shirts and medals) good for the said number of applicants. On Race Day, only 116 runners joined the race. We smiled and did not complain. In the 1st BR’s Barefoot Run, another 220 runners signified to join the 3.2K Barefoot Run but only 89 runners joined the event. This was not a painful one in terms of finances as we asked P 50.00 as a registration fee, enough to pay for the order of Race Bibs. In the newly-concluded PAU’s Western Pangasinan 65K (“COCOS to SUAL”) Run, 147 runners signified their intention to join but only 76 runners finally showed up at the starting area. We have lots of ordered extra medals and shirts which we have decided as part of our losses. It’s a “strike 3” for us and we could no longer smile and keep our silence.

The financial portion hurts but the “passion” for our love to promote ultra marathon will be sustained. This the gravest ” negative stressor” that I experienced for the past weeks and for me to get a relief from it, I have to express this concern to my readers.

The numbers and data would show that one-half of the applicants for reservation of slots in our PAU Races and BR’s Events are “bullshitters or taklang damulags”.

We have a master list of the names of applicants of each of the events listed above and we have determined already the list of the so-called “Taklang Damulags” in PAU Races and BR’s Events.

From this trend, we are getting “wiser but mean” to all the applicants in our future races. We only prepare one-half of the number of applicants as posted in our Events Page in terms of their simple “loot & evidence” given after the race. If Finishers would exceed more than the logistics we have prepared for the event, then we could always re-order the items from our “suppliers and manufacturers” and award them to you as fast as possible. We have also decided NOT to accept On Site registration to some of our races.

This post is not complete if I don’t try to make an attempt to analyze this trend among the runner-applicants at Facebook.

Why do runners apply for a running event on Facebook and then later, don’t join the event?

Is it impulsively done without thinking one’s schedule in the future days, weeks and months to come?

Does a runner want to impress or “brag” to his friends that he is joining an ultra marathon event organized by the PAU?

Do you want to “brag” to the whole world that you will be a future Ultra marathon runner?

Does a runner want to join the list of Pinoy Ultra Marathon Group at Facebook?

Does a runner want to be a part in the history of running in the country by listing his name as one of the applicants?

There are so many questions to answer as there are so many “reasons” why a runner would include his name in the list where he/she is not fully committed to join the event. It baffles my mind. Maybe, this is a sign of immaturity or recklessness of runners. It could be that “bragging” is the “new” past time or hobby on Facebook.  Joining these events is not a joke but it should be treated with serious thoughts and actions. In the same manner that running is NOT a joke, too! Moreso, in ultra marathon running events! If you want to “brag” on Facebook, do it after you have finished the event! You can post your pictures, excitement, medal, trophy, and “loot” to your heart’s content after the event.

I really appreciate those runners who would go out their way to send me SMS or send e-mail to me telling their inability to join the race few days before the race. However, I could only count 3-5 people who have done this effort to inform me. Most of the bulk of the “absentees” could not even have the decency to send me a message on my Wall at FB to explain their side on their inability to join the race after the event.

For those who have consistently supported our races, thank you very much! Most of you are getting stronger, faster and “smarter” ultra runners and I hope you will be able to improve some more and expose yourselves to international ultra running events. Whether you are preparing for the BDM Races and for the 1st 100-Mile Trail Endurance Run, the future PAU events will be nice training grounds for your fitness evaluation, race strategy, hydration and nutrition, and the efficiency of your support system. Be consistent on your training be able to listen to your body.

Our scheduled events will still be posted at Facebook and please refrain from making impulsive decisions by “clicking” the “Attending” button. However, we will not be serious in considering you if your name is listed in the “Taklang Damulags” list. You have to personally convince us that you are matured enough and fitted to be as an ultra marathon runner.

See you on the next PAU Race!

Result: Western Pangasinan 65K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Race Results, Races, Running, Travel, Ultramarathon1 Comment

COCOS Beach Resort, Barangay Ilog-Malino, Bolinao to Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan/5:00 AM August 20, 2011

Rank Name Time
1 Dick Balaba 6:33:21
2 Junrox Roque 7:16:45
3 Alfred DeLos Reyes 7:29:17
4 Salvador Castilla, Jr 7:47:05
5 Jerome Bautista 7:55:36
6 Raffy Gabotero 8:05:34
7 Sandy Alentajan 8:06:11
8 Keshia Fule (F) 8:06:42
9 Ariel Briones 8:14:54
10 Simon Pavel Miranda 8:21:11
11 Junn Besana 8:27:15
12 Roberto DeLos Santos 8:37:24
13 Graciano Santos 8:59:18
14 Fernando Cabanero 9:04:57
15 Jonel Mendoza 9:05:11
16 Jose Lorenzo Mina 9:05:21
17 Ronnel Go 9:07:22
18 Jeff Amurao 9:23:08
19 Kokoy Delmo 9:26:45
20 Allan Martos 9:27:26
21 Carl Balagot 9:36:58
22 Allen Gaspar 9:41:04
23 David Buban 9:41:40
24 Camilo Paran, Jr 9:45:29
25 Elmar Tolete 9:47:37
26 Jael Wenceslao 9:52:18
27 Ronald Yllana 9:53:04
28 Emil Perez 9:56:44
29 Julius Cervantes 9:58:09
30 George Dolores 9:59:23
31 Carlos Ocampo 9:59:52
32 Michael Angelo Fabian 10:00:00
33 Bong Bernadez 10:00:25
34 Berns Ong (F) 10:00:25
35 Herito Briones 10:03:22
36 Jag Irasga 10:12:20
37 Alex Jones 10:15:33
38 Cesar Aquino 10:15:55
39 Junar Layug 10:15:56
40 Rodel Montejo 10:19:41
41 Vanz Camanong 10:22:52
42 Ferdie Cabiling 10:23:45
43 Meljohn Tezon 10:28:04
44 Michael Santos 10:31:36
45 Cris De La Cruz 10:32:24
46 Ricardo Cabusao 10:32:43
47 Irene Ong (F) 10:34:51
48 Marvin Pangan 10:43:16
49 Louie Cochanco 10:48:25
50 Arman Garcia 10:49:27
51 Bong Alindada 10:54:55
52 Art Virata 10:50:30
53 Jake Victorio 11:11:22
54 Jojo Paguia 11:11:32
55 Brian Tan Seng 11:15:08
56 Nelson Mallillin 11:16:48
57 Prince Baltazar 11:30:31
58 Arrienne Ortega (F) 11:35:16
59 Ryan Albert Moral 11:37:14
60 Erwin Ordonez 11:38:41
61 Joey Mendoza 11:41:16
62 Carmeli Anne Ortega 11:46:36
63 Noel Senorin 11:49:32
64 Jing Guerrero (F) 11:52:05
65 Jeje Ajusto 11:52:08
66 Wesley Orana 11:52:50
67 Ian Dizon (F) 11:56:08
68 Jerome Jamili 11:58:04
69 Lawrence Arvin Tomas 11:58:50
70 Jimmy Ong 12:06:45
71 Eric Caramay 12:06:46
72 Ellen Abigail Castillo 12:33:30

“COCOS To Sual” 65K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Running, Travel, Ultramarathon2 Comments

1. The planning of this PAU Road Race started when I stayed at the COCOS Beach Resort for a night before I started my “West To East” Adventure Run last middle of March of this year. This was the place where I started my run. I was able to meet Mang Ador as the Manager/Caretaker of this facility and I featured a post about our conversation which transpired when I checked-in for the night.

2. After four months, I returned to the place to coordinate with the conduct of this race. The COCOS Beach Resort is the official starting area of the race and the whole place was arranged to be “blocked off” and to be used exclusively for the participants/runners and their support crew on Friday, August 19, 2011. The resort is located in Barangay Ilog-Malino, Bolinao, Pangasinan. For reservations and inquiries on pricing/rates of rooms & cottages, please contact Mang Ador or Ms. Sid Tombaga at Cellphone Number 0919-691-4206. For those who choose to bring their camping tents, a fee of P 200.00 per person will be charged.

BR & Mang Ador (68-year old Resort Manager/Caretaker)

3. For those who opted to register on site, please arrive at the place before 4:00 AM of Saturday (Race Day), August 20, 2011 and please look for me or my staff. Team Bald Runner will be in the starting area in the afternoon of Friday.

4. The road race will start at exactly 5:00 AM of Saturday, August 20 with a cut-off time of 12 hours.

Starting Area Inside The COCOS Beach Resort

5. Participants are advised to have their respective support vehicle. If you don’t have any support vehicle, make sure to carry with you a hydration system and some cash to use to buy for your hydration and food needs as there are lots of sari-sari stores along the route. Runners coming from Metro Manila without support vehicle can take the 5 Star Bus to Bolinao, Pangasinan. Buses leave their Manila terminal/station for Bolinao every 30 minutes.

6. For a brief description of the race route, you can refer back to my posts on the month of March of this year when I ran the “Wset To East” Adventure Run. The first 20K will be a slight uphill up to the boundary of Bolinao and Bani. There is a zigzag downhill part between the boundary of Bolinao & Bani and runners are advised to take it easy on their downhill run as they might “burn” their quadriceps muscles early in the race. Bani to Alaminos will be relatively flat but the heat of the sun will be the main problem for the runners. Runners are advised to hydrate themselves regularly on this part of the course. The approach to the Poblacion of Alamaninos will be slight uphill but after the poblacion, everything will be flat. The last 5-6K of the course, as the runners approach the Municipality of Sual, will be a continouos uphill climb with the last one kilometer to the Finish Line will be a fast downhill one. Finish Line will be located infront of Sual’s Sports and Civic Center Building.

Finish Area: Infront of Sual's Sports & Civic Center Building

7. Pacers will not be allowed during the race. There will be checkpoints along the course and runners would make sure that their Race Bibs will be “punched” by the attending marshall in each checkpoint. Of course, “bandits” will not be allowed to run.

8. For a slight change from our previous PAU Races, we will be giving a different kind of Finisher’s Shirt (“muscle shirt”) to all the Finishers which they can use in their running workouts. We have changed to a better name for the road race as depicted on the said Finisher’s Shirt. I guess, each ultra runner must have a piece of this stuff!

Our "New" PAU Finisher's Shirt For The Event

9. For the Podium Finishers ( Top 3 Overall & Top 3 Ladies), they will receive a mini-replica trophy of the following picture:

The Famous Bolinao Lighthouse Replica @ The Highway Boundary

Good luck to all the runners. See you at the starting area on Friday or Saturday early morning.

Result: 1st BR’s Barefoot 3.2K (2-Mile) Run

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Race Results, Races, Running, Sports Program1 Comment

1st Bald Runner’s Barefoot 3.2K (2-Mile) Run

Philippine Army Grandstand & Parade Ground

4:30 PM August 6, 2011

RANK NAME TIME
1 Jonathan Ronquillo 13:00
2 Eric Talagtag 13:32
3 Jun Javier 13:33
4 Randy Rubio 13:35
5 Joven Gementiza 13:57
6 Ryan Moral 14:18
7 Tomas Soliven 14:25
8 Frederick Quitiquit 14:27
9 Graciano Santos 14:36
10 Elmar Tolete 14:44
11 Raffy Cabotero 15:09
12 Ranel Espinosa 15:17
13 Timothy Taburico 15:19
14 Erwin Ordonez 15:41
15 Ronaldo Salupas 15:48
16 John Fabreag 16:20
17 Rodel Montejo 16:35
18 Roberto Delos Santos 16:48
19 Jeje Ajusto 16:56
20 Ronnel Go 17:01
21 Jayson Bustamante 17:05
22 Michael Santos 17:10
23 Mike Logico 17:12
24 Jojo Pauly 17:15
25 Pancho Samonte, Jr. 17:30
26 Felix Cordero 17:31
27 Russel Ranay 17:57
28 Emmanuel Del Valle 18:17
29 Mark Alano 18:24
30 Aileen Mamat (F) 18:55
31 Pam Basilio (F) 18:58
32 Harold Lorete 19:13
33 Maxel Flores 19:23
34 Daves Espiya 19:26
35 Jun Oro 19:27
36 Mark Gallardo 19:44
37 William Jalimao 19:54
38 Paul Pajo 19:55
39 Dave Drilon 19:59
40 JP De La Paz 20:19
41 Aquiz Minlay 20:24
42 James Rafalle 20:26
43 Dennis Quepe 20:29
44 Marc Philip Ellazo 20:42
45 Gerald Austria 20:44
46 Jonathan Nava 21:20
47 Nancy Brazil (F) 21:27
48 Carlo Araa 21:29
49 Genesis Senorin (F) 21:31
50 Tina Deray (F) 21:32
51 Glo Labao (F) 21:33
52 Teresa Nabutas (F) 21:44
53 Celso De Leon 21:45
54 Wesley Orana 21:47
55 Jimmy Ong 21:49
56 Adrian Cardenas 21:53
57 Roselle Dadal (F) 21:57
58 Lavern Macuja (F) 21:59
59 Roberto Labaniego 22:02
60 Millette Rances (F) 22:29
61 Michelle Garcia (F) 22:33
62 Lester Abrenica 22:35
63 Rexie June Saldivar (F) 22:40
64 Melanie Racoma (F) 23:00
65 Joey Divino 23:31
66 Francis Chua 23:37
67 Annie Ranay (F) 23:48
68 Lolit Barbin (F) 23:53
69 Dianne Alano (F) 23:54
70 Faye Ortega (F) 23:55
71 Irhys Piacos (F) 23:56
72 Aileen Piacos (F) 12:04
73 Pamela Mangampo (F) 24:11
74 Lea Aspili (F) 24:14.22
75 Ma. Vanessa Flores (F) 24:14.76
76 Violeta Flores (F) 24:46
77 Lina Odo (F) 24:52
78 Mackis Primalte (F) 26:20
79 Gary Chua 26:27
80 Beth Rosal (F) 26:31
81 Francis Coles 26:32
82 Michael Galas 27:41
83 Jeans Cequina (F) 28:18
84 Jet Paiso 28:28
85 Christopher Montaos 28:45
86 Malou Ajusto (F) 31:27
87 Odie Cacho (F) 31:31
88 Roden Cardeno 31:45

1st BR’s Barefoot 3.2K (2-Mile) Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Races, Runners Injury, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program2 Comments

I am not a fan and practitioner of Barefoot Running. And I am not a member of any group or asssociation that promotes barefoot running in the country.

I read the book “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall upon its release to the public when I was in the United States almost 3 years ago but it was just a part of my reading activities. I was amused by the dedication and passion of Caballo Blanco to live with the Tarahumara tribe in North Central Mexico’s Copper Canyon Mountains by coming up with a yearly ultra trail race within the community and at the same time being able to help on the welfare of the said tribe.

However, I was surprised that because of this book, it created a “niche” of minimalist shoes production from popular brands and influenced a lot of runners to shift to “minimalist” running or barefoot running. I am not yet into this but I was already using road racing shoes which technically considered as “minimalist” running shoes.

After experiencing injuries which most often occur on my calf muscles/lower leg, I slowly included barefoot running as part of my recovery process with the hope to strengthen my lower legs’ muscles and ligaments, most especially for those ones which are not reached by “cross-friction” manipulations through massage/therapy. After a 25-lap run on an oval track, I usually run/jog/walk on barefoot for four laps as my cool-down workout. In some instances, I would simply walk on the ground for about 15 minutes every day. These simple “after workout/cool-down” barefoot “stuff” could be the reason why my recovery from my lower leg injury was faster than what I’ve expected. But I never tried running barefoot on asphalt or cemented road.

So, what made me think of coming up with this running event called, “1st BR’s Barefoot 3.2K (2-Mile) Run” to the running community of the Philippines? The answer is very simple…Because NOBODY is doing anything about it.

I thought of this event while I was starting to adopt to my new training workout based on my heart rate during the last days of my stay in the US. While waiting for my connecting flight in San Francisco International Airport back to the Manila on July 9, I created an Event Page on my Facebook Wall and turned off my laptop computer. As soon as I arrived in Manila, I was surprised to see a very positive response from the runners as soon as I saw the update on my Event Page and the rest is history!

However, for the past weeks and days, I don’t see any positive response from the so-called “minimalist” shoe brand “corporates” who are promoting this kind of running. I simply asked them for me to meet their “Big Boss” in person! “Big Boss” would mean their CEO, President, or Regional Brand Manager. I don’t need to meet their mid-level/department heads due to unfavorable experiences in the past. (I don’t want to recall and post in this blog how these people would transact some arrangements with me on matters about running)

With or without corporate sponsorship, the event will go on. Fortunately, a group called “Barefoot Running Philippines” came forward to support and help in the conduct of this event. Lt Col Mike Logico of the Philippine Army, one of the Administrators of the Barefoot Running Philippines and a “hardcore” barefoot runner, volunteered to assist me in the administrative and logistics needs as the event will be conducted at the Philippine Army’s Grandstand and Parade Ground on August 6 at 4:00 PM.

The registration is on site until 30 minutes before the start of the 3.2K run. The registration fee is Fifty Pesos Only (P 50.00). Runners will run 3 times along the 1-K loop on the said facility/area which has a mixture of asphalted and cemented road. Top 3 in the Overall (Open) Category and Top 3 in the Ladies Category will receive the BR’s Medallion.

This event will be done on a monthly basis with the next event to be conducted inside Camp Aguinaldo. We hope to come up with a 5K Barefoot Run/Walk.

In making this event as part in the history of running in the Philippines, I would like to thank and express my gratitude to Lt Col Mike Logico; the Philippine Army’s Headquarters & Headquarters Service Group and ASCOM’s Special Service Unit; and to the Barefoot Running Philippines.

See you this coming Saturday afternoon. Have fun! Kick off your running shoes and let us “tickle and burn” our feet on the paved ground! Walking barefoot is allowed, too!

BR's Barefoot 3.2K (2-Mile) Run Route (Courtesy of Lt Col Mike Logico)

Record Time: 52:37 Minutes

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Military, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Running, Sports Program, Trail Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

This was the elapsed time it took me to reach the peak of Mt Taklang Damulag as I started from the Fernandez Hill of the Special Forces Regiment’s Camp and Training Area inside Fort Magsaysay. The place is also popularly known as “Molave Complex”.

The plan was to recon and hike a segment of the 100-mile endurance run route that includes the Fernandez Hill-Taklang Damulag- Cordero Dam-Special Forces Training Area and back to Fernandez Hill. This a trail loop which has a distance of 13 kilometers. However, at the back of my mind, I was thinking of coming up with a first attempt with a record time for a trek to the famous Mt Taklang Damulag’s peak with the Fernandez Hill as the starting area.

Fernandez Hill Marker Serves As My Starting Line/Area
Mt Taklang Damulag On The Background

I was accompanied by Lt Col Dennis Pacis, the Chief Operations Officer of the 7th Infantry Division who is a triathlete and an ultrarunner; Captain Jason Que who is the Chief of the Training Department of the Special Forces School; Jack, a member of the Elite Team Bald Runner; two NCOs of the Special Forces who are both runners in the PA Battalion Run Team where I was the Commander; and nine (9) soldiers who are presently on training to become members of the Special Forces Regiment. I personally named this group as the “Ultra Recon Team Six” (based from the famous and popular US Navy Seal’s Team Six).

We started at 10:45 AM with overcast sky from the Fernandez Hill in line formation with at least 6 soldiers in front of me. As I was strictly following my HR training to include this trek, I maintained an HR of 135 about 100 meters from the start with LtCol Pacis and Capt Que behind me. However, our hiking started to increase its pace as we started to climb the mountain.

The trail leading to the peak of the mountain was a combination of crossing at least 3 streams where our feet/shoes have to thread on the water current; sticky, slippery and muddy soil; rocks; and single-track trail covered with grasses. My TNF trail shoes were no match to the combat boots of the soldiers in crossing the streams and walking along sticky and slippery mud along the route. My advantage to these soldiers was that my shoes were lighter than their combat boots.

As we started to climb the mountain, I started to think of coming up with a record time for a Military General, retired at that, to ever climb and reach the peak of the said mountain. Although I am not sure if the past Commanders of the Special Forces and Special Operations Command had undergone this record timing process, I thought that I might as well start coming up with a “trivia” as to who and what is the fastest time for a General (retired or active) to reach the peak of Mt Taklang Damulag.

In less than 400 meters from the start line, my HR started to spike to 145 bpm from my training max of 135 as a result of my excitement to reach the peak with a record time. And my HR steadily increased as I got higher towards the peak of the mountain.

I was wearing my GF 305 on my left wrist (to measure the distance and elevation) and my TIMEX HR Watch on my right wrist. From time to time as I moved upwards, I had to glance of these two watches for the distance covered and my prevailing HR.

From 145 bpm, my HR spiked to 165 and later to a maximum of 183 bpm when I reached the 2.4K mark on the uphill climb to the mountain. I decided to take a rest/breather for about 2 minutes just to be able to adjust to my breathing and to be able to look around on the lower plains of Nueva Ecija. I felt like I was going on a “blackout” or pass out as I started to feel dazed and exhausted but the scenery and the beauty below made me happy and satisfied. A lot of “deep breathing” repetitions made me recover and kept on glancing my HR watch as my bpm was decreasing. As soon as my HR watch reached and indicated 155 bpm, I continued my hike on the last 400 meters to the peak of the said mountain.

I simply tapped the white cross at the peak of the mountain with my right palm to signify that I reached and conquered the very peak of the mountain. My time was 52:37 minutes and I asked Capt Que to make a record/journal of it as part of the trivia of the Special Forces Regiment.

BR With the Special Forces' "Ultra Recon Team Six" On Top of Mt Taklang Damulag

The two Special Forces NCOs were surprised and gave me two “thumbs-up” for being the fastest hiker (whether in my age category or being a General of the Philippine Army, retired or active) to reach the peak. I just smiled to them while I was gasping for air! I wanted to tell them that I was not yet running and it was all hiking. In due time, I will try to run it and improve my time on my next trek to the mountain.

Resting and Looking Around the Scenery On Top of Mt Taklang Damulag

As per gathered by my GF 305, the highest peak has an elevation of 409 meters with a route distance of 2.7 kilometers from Fernandez Hill. It is a short course and a very low mountain but if you think of going up to this mountain for four times in a single event, then you have a very high mountain!

Now, I am thinking of a short trail running event which is dubbed as “Mt Taklang Damulag 5.4K Challenge” !

Running Season

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running, Sports Program4 Comments

Do we have a “running season” in the Philippines?

Do you prepare and train for a particular race during this supposed “running season” in the country?

Are runners and race organizers observe this supposed to be “running season” in the country?

If your answer to these questions is NO, then, we have to find out what is the appropriate “running season” for the country.

In countries where they have four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—they usually start their running season during spring time up to the end of autumn. Runners usually recover during winter time when it is hard and cold to be running with sleet and snow on the roads and trails. They usually recover, re-charge, rest, or do indoor cross-training activities just to maintain a physically fit body. So, if you observe the race schedules of popular marathon races in these countries, they are scheduled from the end of spring up to the end of autumn (Ex. Boston Marathon in April and New York City Marathon on the 1st week of November). The same is true with the popular mountain trail endurance runs and the more extreme running events (Ex. Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run on the last weekend of June and Badwater Ultramarathon on the 2nd week of July).

In the Philippines, we have only two distinct seasons–wet and dry seasons, which means that we have 6 months of wet/rainy season and another 6 months of dry/hot season. Rainy season starts in the month of June and ends on the last week of November and the Dry season starts in December and ends on the last week of May.

If you think that the 6 months of the dry season would be the appropriate “running season” for the country, you could be slightly wrong. The first 3 months (December, January, and February) are the coldest months of the year but it is followed with the very hot months of March, April, and May where Race Organizers should start their races very early in the morning.

So, based on my observation, the appropriate “running season” for the country would be the period from the first week of December up to the last week of February.

If you are a smart runner, you have to follow a “running season” where all your training and preparations are geared and focused to races (marathon, half-marathon and ultra runs) scheduled in the months of December, January, and February. Make the other scheduled races in the remaining months as part of your your training and evaluation workouts. Also, make the first three months of the rainy season (June, July, & August) as your rest & recovery months or start of your aerobic endurance phase.

On the financial side, if you are preparing for a certain race on the suggested “running season”, you will be saving a lot of unnecessary registration fees to unnecessary weekend races which are not part of your training and evaluation program for a certain race. Be smart, be simple and focused to a particular race where your target goal is realistic and attainable.

This is just a personal advise and please feel free to make your own suggestions through your comments on your thoughts about our country’s “running season”.