Category: Races

Laguna Lake Ultramarathon Relay…WTF?

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running, UltramarathonLeave a comment

The Laguna Lake 200K Ultramarathon Relay Race was supposed to be conducted on the last quarter of last year but because of the damage brought by Typhoon Ondoy, the race was postponed indefinitely. However, early this year, the Race Organizers had decided to continue the race after the flooding brought about by the overflowing of the Laguna de Bay Lake to its surrounding localities have subsided.

There were lots of discussions of this and that about the problems of Laguna De Bay as a result of the flooding brought about by Typhoon Ondoy. But it seems that the first solution for the cleaning of the outlets of the lake; the dredging of its silted bottom portion; and the removal of illegal settlers on its banks and tributaries is the conduct of an ultramarathon race. I heard during the opening ceremony of the race that the Race Organizers would like to create “awareness” of the benefits and use/contribution of the lake in the overall environmental development and economy of Metro Manila. I really do not understand why the Race Organizers and Sponsors have to spend millions of pesos for the sake of conducting an ultramarathon race which is a forte of only a few of the total number of runners in the country.

2 Days; 5 Segments Per Day; 5 Runners; 200K Total Distance; 12 Hours Cut-Off Time

Well, since I am a sucker in a lucrative ultramarathon race that has a Cash Prize of P 350,000 for the First Prize, I tried to find out the rules and regulations of the said race where I could field the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner and I am glad the Kenyans were not included among the qualified list of teams for the said race. You seldom find a road race that has lucrative cash prizes for the top teams. In one of the basic rules, I found out that each competing team must be able to have 5 members. Out of the 5 members, only two elite runners are allowed, two non-elite runners, and one lady runner.

As most of my “boys” were made to compose the Philippine Army Team, they still carry the name of Team Bald Runner and two teams were formed as our “primary teams” for the Top Cash Prize. However, another Team Bald Runner was formed where I was designated as the Official Driver of the Support Vehicle of the Team. This team is supposed to be called the “left-over” among the Elite Team Bald Runner. This particular team consists of Rene Desuyo, Jack Espana, Patrick Gongog, Nhaea-ann Barcena, and Alquin Bolivar.

The rules and regulations of the race showed strict observance of how the runners are transported to each transition area in every leg as each runner is supposed to run at least 20 kilometers each day of the two-day event. The other four runners are transported by the team’s support vehicle from one transition area to another one in each leg of the race. The race organizers are also strict on the littering of waste and to include some restrictions on providing support to a runner on each leg,  like a runner must not get support from its support crew/vehicle while he is running as the Race Organizer promised a Water Aid Station in every 3 kilometers along the route. And there were other instructions at the Starting Line which are in conflict with those written rules and regulations. I had a feeling that Murphy’s Law will catch up with the road race.

The race started at the Tiendesitas Area in Pasig City at 6:00 AM with 21 runners (the 1st runners for each of the 21 teams that competed for the race). There is an instruction that the support vehicle could not “leap-frog” and give food and/or water support to the runner along the way. So, being the driver of the team’s support vehicle, I abided with the rule and just passed by our runner while the other four runners on our team are with me in our support vehicle.

Before I reached the first transition area at the Brgy Hall of Sucat, Muntinlupa, I saw Ed “Vertek” Buenavista with bloodied knees and legs as he was bumped by a motorcycle rider while he was doing his “warm-up” run on a congested road as he was supposed to be the second runner of the Philippine Air Force-Brooks Team. This did not prevent him from quitting from the race but I observed that he had a different and slower frequency of leg turn-over. Rene Desuyo, our first runner, finished 3rd with a few seconds away from the 2nd runner.

Jack Espana received the belt with the race bib from Rene Desuyo at the Transition Area and he was off on the road. Rene rode with the rest of the other runners and we immediately left for the next transition area, SM Sta. Rosa. After one hour of running, Jack Espana arrived as the 4th runner. He was relieved by Patrick Gongog as the 3rd runner of the team.

The third leg was problematic as the traffic was standstill on the route of the race. Patrick was so fast that he was able to outrun the motorcycle riding marshal escort that was caught in the traffic. However, what I observed was that the heat of the sun was already becoming a problem with the rest of the runners. Most of them were running slower but I could not see any water stations along the way. The Water Aid Stations promised by the Race Organizers every 3 kilometers along the route was nowhere to be located. Even my1st and 2nd runners were complaining about the absence of the much-needed water along the race route. Aside from the absence of the water stations and the inability of the roving aid stations to provide water to the runners, I have also the problem of bringing my fourth runner to the next transition area before Patrick reaches the transition. The traffic was endless and not moving!

Sometimes you need to be brave and decisive in overtaking other vehicles infront of you if you want to free yourself from traffic. I had only 2-3 minutes to spare at the transition area (Los Banos area) before Patrick arrived. I was surprised that Patrick arrived as the 3rd runner! The third runner collapsed a few kilometers from the transition area and the runner was brought to the nearest hospital. I suspected that the runner had an early sign of “heatstroke”.

Nhea-ann took off from the transition area as the 4th runner of the team and 3rd ranking runner. Nhea-ann was still strong when she arrived at the Office of the Laguna Lake Development Authority at Calauan, Laguna as the next transition area. Alquin Bolivar took the baton and he completed the 1st leg of the race up to Santa Cruz, Laguna. The team finished the 1st leg in 5:45+ hours, unofficially.

The 1st team to arrive at the finish line was the Team Antipolo of Coach Roy Vince; 2nd team to arrive was the Philippine Air Force-Brooks Team; and the 3rd team to finish was our team! At least 5 minutes (unofficially) separate each of the top 3 teams in their Finish Times. However, the first two teams have violated some basic rules and regulations of the race which were brought to the attention of the Race Organizer and/or Race Director. But later tonight, I was informed that my team had been reported with some violations, too!…WTF???

The team finished the race before noon today. Other teams DNFed but the two teams of the Team Bald Runner-Professionals were able to finish the 1st leg of the race within the cut-off time of ten (10) hours. Congratulations to these road warriors!

Tomorrow will be a battle of speed, endurance, against the race course, against the heat of the sun, against ourselves, and getting the least number of violations imposed by the officials.

Note: Pictures will be uploaded in my next post.

BDM 102 @ Ultrarunning Magazine

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Military, Pictures, Practice Runs, Races, Running, Ultramarathon5 Comments

Months before the publication of the April 2010 issue of the Ultrarunning Magazine, Ben Gaetos, a BDM 102 veteran and ultrarunner from Los Angeles, California, sent me an e-mail informing me that the article I sent to Tia Bodington of the Ultrarunning Magazine last year will be published in the April 2010 issue of the said magazine.

I was so excited about this information as this will serve as a venue for the ultrarunners in the United States and other countries to be aware of the presence of an ultrarunning event at the very same place where history happened in the last World War II.

My reply to Ben Gaetos was to request him to buy one copy for me as I thought that the said magazine is available in the newsstands, magazine stores and bookstores in the United States. I found out later that the said magazine is only available to subscribers.

Last week, I was surprised when I received a copy of the said magazine from Ben Gaetos which he sent through First Class on the US Postal Service. Thanks, Ben for sending to me your subscription copy of the Ultrarunning Magazine. I hope you will send also your personal Race Report for the 2010 BDM 102 to Tia Bodington this time. We’ll expect that to be published on the April 2011 issue of the said magazine. 

Cover Page of April 2010 Issue of Ultrarunning Magazine

The following article can be seen on page 44, under the Adventure Run Section of the Ultrarunning Magazine:

REMEMBERING OUR HEROES: BATAAN DEATH MARCH 102K ULTRAMARATHON RACE

By Jovenal Narcise, RD 

It started as a dream and it became a reality.

Having been a retired Two-Star General from the Armed Forces of the Philippines last year and a passionate runner, I thought of conducting an ultramarathon road race by adopting the actual route of the infamous Bataan Death March that happened on April 6-15, 1942 after the US and Philippine Forces surrendered to the invading Japanese Imperial Military Forces. This March resulted in the deaths of almost 700 US soldiers and 20,000 Philippine troops and Auxiliary members due to the atrocities of the Japanese soldiers, lack of water & food, weak bodies due to diseases, and the scorching heat of the sun during the day being April as the peak of summer hot weather in the country.

In memory of our heroes, this ultramarathon race was dedicated to them in celebration of the country’s National Heroes Day. The other purpose was to promote ultra running events in the country and develop future ultra runners for international exposure. Lastly, I would like to make this celebration as an annual running event to raise funds for the living survivors of the Bataan Death March in the country who are few and proud to have served to defend the country in the name of freedom and democracy.

A total of 82 runners, consisting of 8 runners from other countries (US, Japan, France, Indonesia, and Singapore) and 5 lady runners, became part of history of this ultra road running event as they started the race at 30 minutes passed midnight of April 4, 2009.

The event followed the actual route where our heroes had to walk from the coastal town of Mariveles, Bataan up to the Old Train Station in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga covering a distance of 102 kilometers. Runners started their uphill climb after 3 kilometers from the Starting Line, traversing the first mountain along the route. The next 35 kilometers would be a roller-coaster run with uphill and downhill as more towns would be reached and passed by the runners. The next 60 kilometers and down to the final stretch of the race are all plain but the heat of the sun would be the most important concern among runners in order to have the strength and endurance to reach the Finish Line.

Each runner was encouraged to bring with them their hydration belt, at least, one container for water and another one for their sports drinks for mineral replacements. The Aid Stations were located every 20 kilometers while 3 Roving Aid Stations aboard vehicles were constantly in touched with the runners, giving bottled water and sports/energy drinks and food along the way. At the Halfway mark (Km Post 50), an Aid Station was available to serve breakfast to all the runners and it became a recovery point for Drop Bags of the runners. Three (3) Ambulance Vehicles were available moving with the runners and One Ambulance was dedicated to follow the last runner of the event up to the Finish Line.

The first half of the race was a test of patience for all the runners. But the second half was a test of endurance as the heat of the sun would reach up to 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit and this condition would slow down most of the runners. Due to proper information and previous “test run” along the second half of the route two months before the race and long runs along the main streets in Metro Manila during daytime, runners knew how to deal with the early signs of “heatstroke” and the finishers were proud to have overcome such condition and challenge along the way by applying those preventive measures they have learned from their past long runs and training.

Out of the 82 starters, 63 runners were declared Finishers beating the cut-off time of 18 hours. Out of the 5 lady runners, 2 of them finished the race within the prescribed time. Each finisher was immediately awarded with a Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Trophy, and Certificate of Finish immediately after passing the Finish Line. To top it all, a separate Awarding Ceremony Dinner Party was held at the Philippine Army’s Officers Club with all the participants and sponsors celebrating as a community of ultra runners, a week after the running event.

The race was a successful one and more runners had already signified their intentions to join in the next year’s edition of this ultra road race. The 2nd edition of the race will be held on the midnight of March 6, 2010.

The 3rd edition of the BDM 102 is now listed among the Ultra Running Events in the Calendar Link of Ultrarunning Magazine. However, an additional calendar entry will be requested for the 1st BDM 151 soon. Please check at www.ultrarunning.com.

Stride Is Everything!

On By kingofpotsIn Books, Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Practice Runs, Races, Runners' Training, Running6 Comments

Have you ever tried counting the number of strides/steps or stride cycles to complete one lap on the Oval Track at Lane #1? Or have you counted the number of steps or stride cycle for you to cover a distance of one kilometer? or up to the distance of 3, 5, or 10 kilometers? 

I have never tried counting my stride cycle on Lane #1 at the Oval Track but I’ve tried counting my stride cycle on Lane #8. I was able to count 240 “stride cycles” on my first try, counting every time my left foot strikes the ground. (Note: Stride Cycle is equivalent to two (2) strides/steps). But for my 2nd try, I was able to lessen the number of stride cycle to 210 until I was able to decrease it to 204 on my 3rd up to 5th repetitions.  This means that at my fastest pace, I was able to count 408 steps/strides to complete one lap on the Oval Track at Lane #8.

The problem was that I was not able to get my exact time to finish one lap of the oval track! I can only assume (through my feelings) that I was able to finish one lap at 2:15-2:20 minutes at Lane #8. With this assumption in time, I can say that my stride frequency or leg turn-over on that particular workout was 180-182 strides per minute! Surprised? Of course, I was surprised also because elite runners would generate an average of 180 to 190 strides per minute according to scientific studies based on the performance of elite runners and Olympic Champions. But the problem was that I was not as fast as the world elite runners. It is due to the fact that a have a short stride length, which is the distance between the tip of my rear foot to the tip of my front foot.

I did this workout two weeks ago and since then I was observant on the number of strides or “stride cycles” I can generate in running a particular distance, whether I am in the Oval Track or on the road.

Experts would say that for you to generate a faster pace or faster finish time, a runner must be able to increase his/her stride length and at the same time increase his/her stride frequency or leg turn-over. It is easy to say and comprehend this theory or rule but the implimentation would take a lot of patience, hardwork, & determination. Being an old runner, there is no way I can increase my stride length as I have the tendency to “shuffle” with my feet/legs when I am running. I barely lift my knees when I run and I am more comfortable in letting my feet graze a few inches from the ground as if I am sliding my feet, one foot at a time, barely hitting the ground. This “shuffling” technique had protected my knees for the years that I’ve been running. I never had any injuries or pain in my knees!

The only way I could generate a faster pace and finish time is to be able to increase my stride frequency or stride cycle. I must be able to consistenly count 180 strides per minute or count 90 stride cycles every minute. In counting stride cycle, I count every time my right of left foot touches the ground. Although I’ve been doing this technique in my past races, I only think of doing this technique when I want to sustain my strength in the last kilometers of the race. The counting of the stride cycles becomes my “mantra” when I need more push and extra effort to maintain my average pace in a race.

Last Monday, I tried running at the Oval Track at Lane #1 and I was able to register the following number of stride cycles, time and average pace:

Rep #1—167 stride cycles—1:47 minutes—4:20 mins per km

Rep #2—173 stride cycles—1:53 minutes—4:32 mins per km

Rep #3—173 stride cycles—1:49 minutes—4:25 mins per km

Rep #4—166 stride cycles—1:45 minutes—4:11 mins per km

Rep #5—172 stride cycles—1:48 minutes—4:18 mins per km

In this workout, I was able to generate an average of 170 stride cycles or 340 steps; with an average time of 1:48 minutes; and with an average pace of 4:21 minutes per kilometer. By looking at the results of my experimentation, I can safely say that I can generate a stride frequency of 180 steps or more per minute but the problem is how to sustain such frequency in a half-marathon or marathon distance race. For me to improve on my time in my next marathon race, I should be able to sustain my stride frequency of 180 steps per minute for the whole race.

After my workout at the Oval Track last Monday, I asked one of my elite runners on how to sustain my stride frequency during a race. He answered that I need to do a lot of “drills and plyo” exercises. He also suggested some of the drills I have to do regularly.

This issue on sustaining my stride frequency led me to make some research on the Internet. I was able to browse on an article made by Tony Benson who was the Australian Coach behind our successes in Athletics through Governor Michael Keon’s Project Gintong Alay in the 70s and 80s about a list of “guide” (based from his experience) to maximize ones potential in running by counting the number of strides/steps to cover a certain distance. The following is his “guide” on the number of steps a runner expects to generate depending on his/her average pace:

  • 8 minute kilometre pace (48 seconds per 100m) = 122 to 127 steps per 100m (~1250 per kilometre)
  • 7 minute kilometre pace (42 seconds per 100m) = 109 to 111 steps per 100m (~1100 per kilometre)
  • 6 minute kilometre pace (36 seconds per 100m) = 98 to 102 steps per 100m (~1000 per kilometre)
  • 5 minute kilometre pace (30 seconds per 100m) = 83 to 86 steps per 100m (~850 per kilometre)
  • 4 minute kilometre pace (24 seconds per 100m) = 64 to 67 steps per 100m (~650 per kilometre)
  • 3 minute kilometre pace (18 seconds per 100m) = 55 to 57 steps per 100m (~560 per kilometre)

    • From this “guide”, you can conclude that if you run at a slow pace, the tendency is to run with a shorter stride length. However, if you have a faster pace/average pace, the tendency is to run with a longer stride length. This is due to the fact that a runner with a faster pace has the tendency to generate a bounce/jump that propels the runner to take a longer stride. In my experience, I could only generate an average of 75 to 80 centimeters of stride length during my LSD or easy run but if I am doing my speed and/or tempo runs at the Oval Track, I could generate an average of 115 to 117 centimeters. Yes, I went to the extent of measuring my stride length just to be able to improve on my running.

    In the book, “Brain Training For Runners” by Matt Fitzgerald, I found out that the “drills and plyo” exercises recommended by my elite athlete is a small portion of the whole solution in the pursuit of stride development. The author, for obvious reasons, recommends the “Brain Training Approach”. The first approach is Emulation. I am not saying that I should emulate or try to run like Haile and the other world-class elite runners/Olympic Champions in the Marathon Race as seen on tapes, DVDs, You Tube, and other recordings.

    Observing my elite athletes do their workouts at the Oval Track, I could not find a running form that resembles my style. They have very long stride lengths and faster stride frequency. But, what impressed me most was my observation (with my own eyes) on how the Japanese ultrarunners performed in the Jeju International Ultramarathon 100K Race, that is to include the women runners. They have short strides but their stride frequency was very fast. They land their feet on midfoot and they quickly lift their feet once they get in contact with the ground. Their foot contact with the ground was very quick and light. You could hardly see them lift their thighs so high and see them lift their feet on the backward motion. It was amazing to see their feet “shuffling” and grazing a minimum height from the ground!

    Since Monday of last week, I’ve been counting the number of steps or stride cycle every time I run, trying to emulate those Japanese ultrarunners. I know it will take a lot of practice and patience to count every time I run but I could feel some improvements with my average pace.

    Right now, I am looking for that inexpensive watch with a metronome beat of 180-190 beats per minute which will be my “partner” in my running workout until such time that my body system will be used to the beat. At least, that will save me from counting every step I make in my run. 

    To be continued…

    (References: BENSON’s EPS Step With The Best To Success & “Brain Training For Runners by Matt Fitzgerald)

    Lesser Weekend Races

    On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Races, Runners' Training, Running3 Comments

    My last weekend race (in Manila) was way back in February 28 during the DZMM’s Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan 10K Run and since then I never ran a single road race except for the Jeju International Ultramarathon Race where I finished the 50K Run.

    I knew that my fininished times in the Century Tuna Half-Marathon Race on February 21 and the DZMM’s 10K Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan were my gauge and measurement that I still have the proficiency in competitive running within my age classification.

    With my regular long runs after these local races, I was able to finish the 50K Run at the Jeju International Ultramarathon Race last March 27 with a PR time of 5:25:38 hours.  

    I missed the Mizuno Infinity Run; Earth Run’s 21K Run; TNF and other trail runs; and other races on the past weeks. This means that I was able to save some money for my registration fees. And I had more time to plan and prepare for the incoming races of PAU.

    I really don’t know with the other runners if they really know the true meaning of recovery period. Recovery period for me is trying to relax my running workouts by lessening the number of kilometers I’ve been doing for the past days and lessening the intensity of of my runs. Most of the time, I’ve been running not more than 10 kilometers for every workout; having my regular massage; eating my regular diet; sleeping more hours to include naps in the afternoon; sometimes, running every other day and the intensity or pace of the runs are very relaxed, easy and slow.

    However, after those recovery weeks, I’ve been doing some running workouts again in preparation for the 2010 MILO Marathon Eliminations on July 4, 2010. Barely eleven (11) weeks to go, based from my training program, I should be doing at least 25-26 kilometers during my LSD runs on weekends.

    Last weekend, I just did “back-to-back” 15.5K & 20K at UP Diliman Loop and The Fort-McKinley Hill-Lawton-C5, respectively. I did not have any problems with these long run workouts except for the hot & humid conditions. I need to adjust the start of my long runs earlier in the morning for a cooler temperature.

    Since Monday of last week, I’ve started to visit the gym again. My gym workouts are generally concentrated on my upper body, core muscles, and legs. I hope to have more strength to finish at least 25-26 kilometers in my long runs this weekend.

    After the MILO Marathon Elimination, Camarines Sur Marathon will be the next!

    Ranking For PAU Members

    On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running, Ultramarathon6 Comments

    Yes, you are reading it right. There will be an annual ranking of PAU members starting this year. Although I got this idea from one of the Ultra Running Groups in Southern California, I deemed it necessary to apply this “ranking system” to the members of the PAU for whatever purpose the Sports Federation will decide later this year. I hope that the members will be happy to know about this development as they would be able to compare themselves with their co-ultrarunners and will serve as their source of motivation to improve some more and excel in ultrarunning.

    The first race to be considered as part of the PAU’s ranking of members is the result of the 2010 BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race. The formula goes like this: Winner’s Finish Time Divided by the Individual’s Finish Time X 102. The higher your points is, the higher your rank is. So, Alvin Canada earns the highest total points of 102 because he is the Champion. Let us compute Jonel Mendoza’s points for the 2010 BDM 102 as he had a Finish Time of 14:47:25 hours. Since Alvin Canada’s Finish Time is 10:01:05 Hours, it is now divided by Jonel’s Time X 102, and the result is 69.08 points. All the Finishers of the 2010 BDM 102 will be ranked according to points based on the said formula.

    The second race to be considered for PAU’s ranking will be the 1st PAU 50K Run at Tanay, Rizal on May 9, 2010. The third race will be the 2nd PAU 65K Run from Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on August 29, 2010. The fourth race will be the 3rd PAU 50K Run  sometime on November 2010 from People’s Park, Tagaytay City to Nasugbo, Batangas.

    And the 5th Race will be a 24-Hour Endurance Race in an Oval Track for the Top 30 Ranking PAU Members (taken from the 2010 BDM 102 + 1st PAU 50K Run + 2nd PAU 65K Run results) which will be held before the 3rd PAU 50K Run. In order to find out the ranking/points in the 24-Hour Race, the formula is, Runner’s Number of Kilometers Completed divided by Winner’s Kilometers Completed X 100.

    A member of the PAU is considered to be in the ranking if he/she can finish at least four (4) PAU races before the end of the year.

    I hope this ranking system will motivate you more to train for the ultras! Good luck!

    1st PAU 50K Run: Ultrarun Challenge

    On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Running, Ultramarathon25 Comments

     Finally, I was able to save and download Google Earth to my blog after I’ve transfered most of my “files” from my “C” Drive to my Unused “D” Drive! Well, for being a “low-tech” blogger, it took me some time to experiment and try how the other bloggers post their runs by using the Google Earth.

    From Crossing Tanay-Sampaloc to Sierra Madre Hotel

     The incoming PAU races are well-described as “fun runs” with a “guerrilla-type” conduct of the race (according to Marathon Foodie). There are no “distractions”; no “festive” atmosphere; and no corporate endorsements and tarpaulins. What is important is to be able to have an orderly start, conduct , and finish of the race where every runner would be able to enjoy the scenery and challenge his/her personal endurance limits. Thus, we try to be simple in our purpose…we provide each runner a nice & challenging venue/route and you join this race because you love to run!

     The 1st PAU 50K Run will start at 5:00 AM of May 9, 2010 at the crossing of Tanay, Rizal and the road that goes to Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. Barangay Sampaloc is the location of Camp Capinpin, the Headquarters of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. Coming from Metro Manila, one has to take the Ortigas Avenue/Extension going East towards Antipolo. The National Road leads you to Morong and then to Tanay, Rizal. Once you see Kilometer Post #54 on the right side of the road, there is an intersection that goes to Tanay Proper (going right) and Barangay Sampaloc (going left). The intersection has Flying V Gasoline Station on the right side of the road and a Shell Gasoline Station on the left side of the road. The Shell Gasoline Station is the location of the Starting Line of the 50K Race. 

    "Flying V" Gasoline Station On the Right Side of the Road
    SHELL Gasoline Station On the Left Side of the Road
    Sampaloc Road/Starting Area

    Runners would reach the center of Barangay Sampaloc after running an uphill climb of 13+ kilometers and they have to turn left at the crossroad/intersection, leading the runners to the Pranjetto Hills Resort. After 7 kilometers from the Intersection of Barangay Sampaloc, runners would be able to reach the Sierra Madre Hotel & Resort. From here, runners would run a roller-coaster hills for a distance of 15 kilometers. The runners would pass the entrance of the Palo Alto Subdivision and run another 2 kilometers from the said gate. At the turn-around, the runners have the last 15 kilometers to run before reaching the Gate of the Sierra Madre Hotel & Resort which is the Finish Line.

    Gate of Sierra Madre Hotel & Resort/Finish Line

    This race has a cut-off time of 8 hours. The race is planned to start at 5:00 AM as daybreak will be earlier due to the Summer session.

    Runners are required to have with them their hydration belt or Camelbak during the race as there will be limited number of Water/Aid Stations.

    Pollution-Free and Well-Paved Sierra Madre Road

    For those who can afford to bring with them their support vehicle & support crew, they are allowed to bring them during the race. Also, runners can share their support vehicle with other runners. For those without any support vehicle, they will be provided with 4-5 plastic bags where they can place their water, sports drinks and food replenishment and will serve as their “drop bag” in every 10 kilometers.

    At the Finish Line, every runner will be awarded with Individual Trophy, Finisher’s Certificate and a Finisher’s T-Shirt. We are hoping that there will be good and generous Sponsors for Ice Cold Beer at the Finish Line.

    Replica of the Finisher's Trophy

    This race is limited to only 200 runners!

    See you at the Starting Line!

    Jeju Ultramarathon Experience

    On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Races, Running, Ultramarathon5 Comments

    1. The invitation of the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) for the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) to participate in the 1st Asian IAU 100K Ultramarathon Race was an opportunity to represent the country in the sports of ultrarunning in an international event and to make an impression among the Asian Ultrarunning Federations that PAU is a legitimate Sports Federation on Ultrarunning.

    2. The Ultrarunning Federations of Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea maximized the number of runners per country-delegation into 6 athletes ( 3 men & 3 women). These countries had been into ultrarunning events for the past 10 years or more. Mongolia, the latest member of IAU, and the countries of Indonesia, India, and Hongkong were represented with only one male runner. While the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand were represented with two (2) runners. Among the delegation, I was the only Head/President of an Ultrarunning Federation who competed and ran in the 50K Ultramarathon Race.

    3. Due to the unfamiliarity of the place and the lack of communication among the residents of Jeju (Jeju residents could hardly understand and speak in English), we were not able to recon the actual route but verbal explanation from the Race Director (the only member of the Korean Ultramarathon Federation who can speak with good English) was the only source for the description of the route.

    4. Meeting the President of IAU, Dirk Strumane, IAU General Secretary Hilary Walker and the Asian Representative to IAU Souhei Kobayashi was an opportunity to meet the “top bosses” of IAU. These personalities were very close to our delegation because of our ability to communicate with them in English.

    5. The Chairman of the Event, Mr Jun Sang Yu, is presently the President of four (4) Sports Federations in South Korea and a former 6-time elected Congressman in one of the Congressional Districts in South Korea, was the one responsible in raising the funds from the government and the private corporate world to support the conduct of this international ultramarathon event. He is also an ultrarunner who ran and finished the 100K distance last year in the said event within the cut-off time of 15 hours. (I really do not know if we could find a Congressman/Politician in our country who has that kind of passion of being athletic and has the “all-out” attitude to support an international event).

    Sights & Scenery of Jeju Ultramarathon Race

    6. The 1st Asian IAU 100K Championship Race was held as part of the 9th Annual Jeju International Ultramarathon Race which has the 50K, 100K, 148K Trail Run and a 200K Race. Out of the 585 participants, the 50K, 100K and 200K runners were equally divided with only 33 runners who joined the 148K Trail Run.

    7. The race did not have any race marshals along the route as the runners followed the circumferential paved road of the island. A small printed white paint of “U200” with a small arrow on the paved road is seen few meters before any intersection. However, if there is no printed indicator on the paved road is seen, it means that the runner should go straight. (In the future editions of BDM 102/151, I hope that runners would not need any race marshal to follow the route of the event).

    8. It was funny when the Head of the Japanese Team asked if the Race Organizer had placed Portalets along the route. The answer of the Race Organizer was there was none and instead, the runners have to use the toilets/CR of gasoline stations, parks along the sea, or knock on the doors of houses/commercial establishments along the way, or look for a big rock or tree or canal/ditch where the runner could do his/her thing. Silently, I was smiling when I heard this question during our technical meeting. I remember the experiences of the BDM 102 runners for the past two editions!

    9. It appeared that the Koreans just ran the course on “automatic mode”—they were smiling, chatting with one another, and enjoying the scenery of the route. The Koreans are very strong runners and calm during the run. I did not see any of them “wired” with MP3 or Ipod during the run.

    10. The Japanese ultrarunners have small strides but their “turn-over” or frequency of their strides was very quick. I could not believe what I’ve seen with these Japanese runners. Their strides were consistent from Km 0 up to the Finish Line! It shows their advance and dynamic knowledge on running as I saw them running with midfoot strike in an ultramarathon race!

    11. The Taiwanese runners were also strong but they are more comfortable in their 24-Hour Endurance runs in their country. One of the male runners who was running the 100K race had passed me at the 43K mark and he was fast and strong. The first female Taiwanese runner who finished the 100K race was trailing me when I finished the 50K race.

    12. The only Mongolian runner whose country is colder in climate than in South Korea had some issues on the second half of the race due to his blistering pace on the first half of the race. He was not able to manage his pace for the 100K race. I had to bring out my Salonpas spray for him to use when he was in pain due to leg cramps at the Km 65 point.

    13. The first Aid Station was placed at Km 10 mark and after the first one, each Aid Station was placed in every 5 kilometers. Each Aid Station’s contents were simple. It has few cups for water, Pocari Sweat, Coke with sliced fresh bananas (Imported from the Philippines), sliced Oranges, and Chocolate Munchmallow. The volunteers serve water, Pocari Sweat and Coke from 2-liter bottles and each runner would ask for additional water from their cups. There is no need for a lot of lined-up cups of water/Pocari Sweat or Coke as a few runners would stop or pass along these Aid Station at a time. There is no excess or wastage on the liquid or food being served in the Aid Station as the fruits are only served if the runner would ask for them!

    14. For those runners who don’t need the Aid Stations, these runners are given plastic bags where their race number is written with permanent Pentel Pen. These bags are used as their “drop bags” where the runner could place his/her drinks/special drinks and food and even running apparel which he/she can use to change. These “drop bags” are placed every 10-Km mark and they are collected from the runners before the race started. It is the duty of the Race Organizer to place these “drop bags” in every 10K mark along the route. The last “drop bag” at the Finish Line contains the clothes/apparel of the runner which he/she can use to change from his/her running attire. (I am planning to adopt this “drop bag” concept for the 1st PAU 50K Run in Tanay, Rizal in order to get rid of those Aid Stations but I am still allowing runners to have their Support Vehicles/Crew with them).

    15. There are no Km Posts along the roads/highway in South Korea. There are no Kilometer Markings on the route of the race. The Aid Stations act as the Km marker in the race as they are placed every 5 kilometers after the Km 10 marking. The race route was measured by the Race Organizer/Director through GPS.

    16. I’ve never seen any Ambulance during the race! Not even at the Starting & Finish Lines! This implies that the runners are well-trained and prepared for the event.

    17. With the prevailing cold temperature at 8 degrees Celcius during the race, I observed that my quadricep muscles were the ones that started to feel tightness and “cramps” when I reached the Km 36 mark and before reaching the Km 40 mark, my groin muscles were also starting to have cramps. As compared when running in the country with hotter and humid weather, the calf muscles are always the ones that have the tendency to experience “cramps”. In Jeju, it was my first time to experience “cramps” on my quads & groin muscles! It could be the cold climate and elevation profile of the course that contributed to such experience.

    18. What impressed me most is that all the runners/participants in this ultramarathon race were HONEST. Nobody cheated and most of the runners just run, have fun , and enjoy the scenery and the “journey” towards the Finish Line by themselves.

    19. I am encouraging the ultrarunners here in the country to experience this event in their next edition. If you are a member of PAU, this race and experience is a MUST.

    (Note: Please click the picture above)

    Race Director’s Report: 2010 BDM 102

    On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Race Results, Races, Running, Running For Cause, Sports Program, Ultramarathon11 Comments

    I presented this report during the “Get Together & Awarding Ceremony” of the 2010 BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race last March 11, 2010 at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. This post then is for the benefit of my readers who were not part of the 2010 BDM 102 and who in the future would like to experience this ultrarunning event.

    Top 10 List: What Is Unique About The BDM 102?

    10. It commemorates the infamous Bataan Death March of World War II along the exact route where history happened. This is in honor of the 20,000 to 25,000 soldiers who died during the said March.

    9. At present, the BDM 102 is the Longest Solo Road Race in the country.

    8. Every Finisher within the cut-off time of 18 hours is awarded with a medal & individual trophy.

    7. A Test of One’s Endurance Limit.

    6. A Test of Teamwork between the runner & his/her support crew.

    5. A Race where every runner helps each other to finish the course.

    4. A Running Event where you can have a “fashion show” of your running apparel.

    3. A venue where a runner can raise funds for his selected Charitable Institution.

    2. A Running Event where a runner can take a shower & massage along the route.

    1. The ONLY Road Race with an Awarding Ceremony & Get Together Party days after the event!!!

    On Statistics:

    1st BDM 102 2nd BDM 102
    Date of Race: 4-5 April 2009 Date of Race: 6-7 March 2010
    Runner-Applicants: 150 Runner-Applicants: 186
    Registered Runners: 82 Registered Runners: 142
    Race Starters: 82 Race Starters: 128
    Finishers: 63 Finishers: 104
    % of Finishers: 77% % of Finishers: 81.25%

    On Comparison of the 1st BDM 102 with the 2nd BDM 102:

    1st BDM 102:

    1. The result that I published was UNOFFICIAL due to the following reasons: (a) there were “cheaters” and I personally observed cheating among the runner-participants; (b) the Actual Route was not followed as the leading runners did not pass “critical” kilometer posts along the way.

    2. I was the Race Organizer and Race Director and also one of the Runner-Participants.

    3. There were Aid Stations in every 20 kilometers plus a Breakfast Station at Km Post #50.

    4. There were four (4) Checkpoints where I placed “secret marshals” who handed color-coded wrist bands.

    5. There were Cash Prizes to the Overall Top 3 Male & Female Categories and Trophies to Top 3 in the Age Category for both Men & Women Categories.

    6. There were seven (7) Foreign Runners but only five (5) finished. There were five (5 lady runners but only two (2) of them finished.

    2nd BDM 102:

    1. The result that I published a day after the event was OFFICIAL.

    2. The prestige and integrity of the race were maintained as there were no reports of cheating among the runners.

    3. The actual route of the BDM was followed.

    4. I was the full-time Race Director of the event.

    5. I removed all the Aid Stations, instead, each runner must have his/her Support Vehicle & Support Crew in order to compete in this event. The halfway Aid Station at Km Post #50 was maintained and it offered breakfast, foods & drinks to all the runners.

    6. Submission of a Medical/Doctor’s Certificate for each runner is a MUST.

    7. I have placed seven (7) Time Stations & Checkpoints that gave colored string necklace to every runner.

    8. Final Briefing & CarboLoading Party were conducted two days before the Race Day. Administrative matters were done during this event.

    9. No Cash Prizes. Awards/Trophies were given to the Top 3 Men’s & Ladies’ Categories.

    10. There were eleven (11) Foreign Runners and all of them finished. There were thirteen (13) Lady Runners but only ten (10) finished.

    2010 BDM 102 Winners

    Men’s Category

    Champion: Alvin Canada—10:01:5 hours

    1st Runner-Up: Randy Bumahit—10:44:27 hours

    2nd Runner-Up: Jonnifer Lacanlale—11:01:47 hours

    Women’s Category

    Champion: Whreachelle Cordova—16:00:07 hours

    1st Runner-Up: Raiza Tulan—16:23:01 hours

    2nd Runner-Up: Maria Myrna Emelyne Buenafe—16:38:48 hours

    Observations:

    1. The Last Day of Registration and Payment of Fees for Invited/Qualified Runners were scheduled six (6) weeks before Race Day.

    2. The responsibility of logistics/support was given to the individual runner.

    3. Some of the runners are still fond of last day submission of race requirements.

    4. Administrative matters were done during the Final Briefing & CarboLoading Party which resulted to a shorter processing at the Starting/Assembly Area during Race Day.

    5. For this year, the Race started earlier (11:30 PM of Saturday) and it was finished earlier, too!

    6. Published Rules & Regulations were followed but some minor violations were observed.

    7. Our Time Stations/Checkpoints were effective to pinpoint/deter cheaters. We deployed more checkpoints this time.

    8. Support Vehicles were more responsive to the needs of the runners than placing stationary Aid Stations.

    9. There was a tie in 4th Place. This thing will never happen again or else both runners will be disqualified for pacing with each other.

    10. There were some runners who registered to have Support Vehicle but in reality, they were not supported by such vehicle. A stricter measure will be implemented in the next edition in order to monitor runners without any support vehicle.

    11. Some runners lack “heat training” and the necessary training to finish an ultramarathon distance race. They understimated their supply of water & drinks needed for the road race.

    12. There were cases of “bandit” runners. I had to warn Norio Tanaka from Runnex, a finisher in the 1st BDM 102, to stop running during the race as he was a “bandit” in the race. Another unidentified runner was also warned to stop “brisk walking” at Km Post #14.  Guys, if you want to “bandit” in my race, please don’t do it! If you want to experience running the BDM route, please don’t do it during my race day. You have the remaining days of the year to do it by yourself.

    13. Some runners have two or more vehicles tagging along with their authorized support vehicle. I know that this race is a family affair among the participants but please limit the vehicles tagging along with the support vehicles.

    14. We did not commit a mistake in our Finisher’s Medal. What you see in your Finisher’s Medal is the Official Seal of BDM 102 with the year 2009 as its founding year. I requested the finishers to have the date of the 2010 Bdm 102 engraved at the back. In next year’s edition, we will correct and place the engraved date at the back of the medal.

    2010 BDM 102 Trivia:

    1st Husband & Wife Finishers—Ria Go Tian & Emerson Go Tian

    1st US/American Finisher—Charles Fletcher

    1st Grandson-Finisher of a BDM 1942 Survivor—Jose Maria Galauran

    Youngest Finisher—Mark Peralta, 19 years old

    Oldest Finisher—Artemio Ladia, 54 years old.

    1st Active General of the AFP To Finish The Race—Major General Samuel D Narcise AFP

    1st Active PNP Officer Finisher—P/Supt Gregorio Torres

    1st Father & Son Finishers—Major General Samuel D Narcise & Lemuel Narcise

    Assessment:

    1. 2010 BDM 102 was a successful event. Although we did not earn any profit or proceeds from this year’s edition, the support of the “Friends of the Bald Runner & Team BR-Professionals” covered the expenses/support for the additional logistics and activities to make this event a successful one. The BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race will remain to be a simple race devoid of unnecessary “distractions” and funfare.

    2. Planning and Execution were almost perfect this time due to the experience from the 1st BDM 102. Our staff, volunteers, and marshals were fully briefed, rehearsed, focused and coordinated for the event.

    3. The weather conditions were extreme but runners were able to adapt to the situation.

    4. Teamwork & Unity were displayed among competing runners and support crew were responsive to the needs of the runners.

    5. Lastly, this event would not be successful without the support & cooperation of the runners/support crew; sponsors & supporters; volunteers; and the Elite Team Bald Runner & Staff. Thank you very much!!!

    See you on the 3rd BDM 102 & 1st BDM 151!!!

    1st PAU 50K Run

    On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Races, Running, Ultramarathon6 Comments

    The Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) will conduct a series of 50K races starting on May 9, 2010 with the objective of promoting ultramarathon running in the country.

    My personal observations during our participation in the 1st Asian IAU 100K Championship Race in Jeju Island, South Korea made me conclude that our runners have the potential to be at par with the Japanese and South Korean ultramarathon runners. The Japanese and the Koreans had been years ahead of us in this field of running event. These countries have also ultrarunning events almost every weekend.

    In order to identify, promote and train ultrarunners, there is a need to conduct regular ultra races in the country. The first series of 50K runs will be held on May 9, 2010 and to start at 6:00 AM in Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. The registration fee is P 750.oo. Each finisher will be awarded with Individual Trophy and Finisher’s T-Shirt.

    This race will be done along the paved road and each runner is required to bring a hydration pack/belt system. The cut-off time is 8 hours.

    Registration starts today, March 30, 2010. Registration Forms are available at the BR “Speed” Training/Clinic at the ULTRA Oval Track; at the Bald Runner’s Events Office at #115 M.H. Del Pilar corner E. Angeles Sts, Barangay Santo Tomas, Pasig City, Metro Manila; or at Sunday’s Road Races. For further inquiries, please contact Telephone Number: 497-6442 or e-mail us at bald.runner@yahoo.com.

    Rules and Regulations/Protocol for this event will be published in this blog soon.

    The next 50K run will be held from Laoag City to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on August 29, 2010.

    Official Report: 1st Asian IAU 100K Championship Race

    On By kingofpotsIn Races, Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

    The following is the official report submitted by Hilary Walker, Secretary General of the IAU, as the Official Result of the 1st Asian IAU 100K Championship Race held in Jeju Island, South Korea on March 27, 2010.

    Dong Mun and Mai win the Inaugural Asian 100km Championship   (Nadeem Khan, 29 Mar)
      Please find the attached report by Hilary Walker from the 100km Asian Championships held this weekend.Nadeem Khan

    Director of Communications

    Early Saturday morning about 500 runners set off from the Tapdong Beach Stage in Jeju, a scenic island at the southern tip of South Korea.  The athletes were competing in a number of ultramarathon events ranging from 50K to 200K in distance together with a 148K tough trail event over the mountainous interior of the island.  There was a total of 143 runners from  23 countries around the world as well as the local Korean athletes.

    Amongst these, an elite competition was being held for the inaugural IAU 100Km Championship. Athletes representing the IAU member countries of Japan, Korea, Mongolia, The Philippines and Chinese Taipei were taking part in the championship with other Asian countries, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam being represented in the open 100K race.

    The 100K course was a scenic one, undulating around the west  coast to finish outside the Jeju World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo City on the south side of the island. The second half of the course would be tougher for the runners with some long inclines and descents.  The weather fortunately  was calm but cool.  This was a relief to the runners as previous days had been very windy which could have presented a harsh headwind around exposed areas of the course.

    The pre-race favourite was Yasukazu Miyazato of Japan, the 2009 IAU 100Km World Cup champion with a personal best of 6:40:43  and so, not surprisingly,  he was part of the early leading pack of runners.  Also in the forefront was the leading Korean athlete Dong-Moon Lee whose personal best was 7:45:13.  The other members of the Japanese team, Yasutoshi Oshima and Toru Sakuta, and another Korean runner, Yong-bee Shin completed the leading group. 

    Mai Fujisawa (JPN) showed early in the ladies event. She and her compatriot, Yoko Yamazawa had personal bests at 100K of 7:55:48 and 7:58:01 respectively so a close competition was expected.

    After 20K  ( 1hr 28 min) Kwang-Yul Lee (KOR) had joined the leading group and Sodnompil Dondogdorj ( MGL) was close behind.  Alquin Bolivar from the Philippines was only 4 minutes adrift at this stage.   Fujisawa  had pulled away from her fellow Japanese runners passing this point in 1 hr 42 mins.  The next two ladies, Yamazawa (JPN), Takako Asano (JPN)  were running together about 4 minutes behind. Siou-Yu Da (TPE) was running with them

    The leading pack had split apart slightly with Miyazato (JPN), and Dong Moon Lee( KOR) coming through the drinks station together in 2:52. Just behind were Shin (KOR) and Kwang-Yul Lee (KOR)  with Sakuta (JPN).  Oshima (JPN) was one minute adrift and Dondogdorj (MGL) and Bolivar (PHI) were a further minute behind.

    There had been no change in the first few positions in the ladies’ race.  Fujisawa (JPN) had increased her lead to nine minutes passing through 40K in 3:12 with her Japanese colleagues and Da (TPE) still running together in second place ( 3:23).

    At 70K, the hillier second half of the course had started to take its toll and the field was now split well apart. Dong-Moon Lee (KOR) and Miyazato (JPN) came through together in 4:57 but the Japanese runner was obviously struggling and retired before the next checkpoint. It was 10 minutes before the third runner Yasutoshi (JPN) appeared, followed two minutes later by his team mate Sakuta (JPN) with Kwang-Yul Lee (KOR). There was a further interval of 16 minutes before the next championship runner, Shin (KOR), passed 70k.  The leading lady Fujisawa (JPN) ran through comfortably in 5:31.

    At the finish outside the World Cup stadium, there was a longer wait than might have been expected for the first runner to come into sight.  The last sections of the course had some testing climbs and descents which took further toll on the runners.  However , the wait was worth it for the local crowd as the first IAU 100K Asian Champion was the Korean Dong-Moon Lee who finished in 7:23:20, taking a massive 22 minutes off his personal best for the distance.  This was even more commendable considering the difficulty of the course. 

    Closing the gap considerably by the finish, the silver medallist Yasutoshi Oshima (JPN)  crossed the line in 7:26:45 with his compatriot Toru Sakuta  finishing in third with 7.37.36. 

    Mai Fujisawa (JPN) became the first IAU 100K Asian Ladies Champion with an excellent 8:01:32 performance, only 6 minutes outside her best.  Japan took a clean sweep of the medals with Takako Asano (JPN) and Yoko Yamazawa (JPN) taking silver and bronze in times of 8:44:59 and 8:53:11 respectively.

    Of particular note in the concurrent open race was the performance of the Japanese  female runner Mami Kudo who finished as the first lady in the open event with a superb performance of 7:56:06.  In 2009, she had completed world beating performances  at longer ultradistances but hadn’t qualified for the Japanese team at 100k. 

     The leading performances are detailed below.

    Hilary Walker

    IAU General Secretary

    Ist IAU 100K Asian Championships        
    MEN        
    1 Dong Mun Lee KOR 07:23:20
    2 Yasutoshi Oshima JPN 07:26:20
    3 Toru Sakuta JPN 07:37:36
    4 Kwang Yul Lee KOR 07:43:03
    5 Young Bee Shin KOR 08:30:36
    6 Alquin Bolivar PHI 09:03:06
             
    WOMEN        
    1 Mai Fujisawa JPN 08:01:32
    2 Takako Asano JPN 08:44:59
    3 Yoko Yamazawa JPN 08:53:11
    4 Siou-Yu Da TPE 09:41:59
    5 Hee Kyoung Chung KOR 09:55:04
    6 Na Rae Park KOR 10:01:00
    7 Shu-Min Huang TPE 10.34.34
    8 Yen-Ling Huang TPE 10:37:29
             
    Open Race  Women        
    1 Mami Kudo JPN 07:56:06
    Open Race Men        
    1  Joseph Thompson USA  09:06:00