My Kids’ LA Marathon Results

On May 29, 2009June 1, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Race Results, Races, Running3 Comments

John Paul finished the 2009 LA Marathon Race in 4:40:07 hours with an average pace of 10:41.2 minutes per mile. He finished # 3,874 place among the 14, 204 Finishers; making him # 3, 087 out of the 9, 011 Male Finishers. Within his age category of 30-34 years old, he placed # 421 out of 1,006 runners. As compared from his Inaugural Pasadena Marathon, he was able to improve him finish time due to an accident that happened to him at the middle of the race where he had to walk and limp to the Finish Line. As compared to his time in the 2008 Los Angeles Marathon which was 4:55:14 hours, he was able to improve his time by 15 minutes. Although he was not able to put miles in his training due to the pressure of his work, he was able to finish the race with a decent time.

Jovelle was the happiest among us because she was able to improve her time with a faster finish time. In her previous LA Marathon Races, she would finish along the borderline of 5 & 6 hours and sometimes more than 6 hours, however, in last year’s San Francisco Marathon, she was able to finish the hilly race in 5:41:28 hours. In last Monday’s Los Angeles Marathon, she was able to finish the race in 5:03:43 hours. If only she did not stop and fall in line to use the portalet along the way…and drank some beer along the last few miles, she could have been within the sub-5 hour finish time. She attributed her improvement by almost 38 minutes with her increased weekly mileage up to 40-45 miles. I told her to strengthen her legs some more before she would introduce “speed” training to her training so that she will not experience any injury.

Jovelle’s finish time registered an average pace of 11:35.2 minutes per mile. She placed # 5,593 out of 14,203 runners who finished the race. She placed # 1,312 out of the 5,193 female finishers. In her age category of 25-29 years old, she placed # 239 out of the 716 female finishers.

John Paul & Jovelle are continously training again and they are registered to run the 2009 San Francisco Marathon which will be held on 26th July 2009. It will be their second time to join this race. Moreover, they are planning to join their first Bulldog 25K Trail Run this coming August.

I guess, I am really a “bad” influence to my kids!

D-12 Hours: XXIV LA Marathon

On May 25, 2009May 25, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Marathon Race, Pictures, Races, Running13 Comments

7:00 PM 24 May 2009

In 12 Hours I will be joining my first Los Angeles Marathon. After this LA City Marathon had been conceived two decades ago, this will be the first chance that I’ll be running the famous marathon event in the western side of the USA. The LA Marathon was usually held on the month of March for the past years but because of reasons I don’t know, the new owners/management of this marathon event had it done on the celebration of Memorial Day for the whole USA.

Few hours ago, Dean Karnazes aka Ultramarathon Man arrived, on foot, at the LA Marathon Exposition for a brief Lecture and Book Signing which is being held at the LA Convention Center. Dean K started to run 100 miles from Santa Barbara, California and arrived at the LA Convention Center with a lot of runners waiting for him. After sleeping tonight, he will be joining the rest of the participants for the 7:20AM start tomorrow.

I will let the pictures do the explanation on my preparation for this event.

Carbo Lunch Yesterday at Amado's Place in Moreno Valley

Runners Are "Kings of the Roads" During Race Day

D-Tag Timing Device For ChronoTrak (Dark Orange Paper Strip)

Jundel, Look!...I am Using The North Face Running Kit!!! — Jundel, Look!...I am Using the Latest The North Face Running Kit!!!

One Year Old & Slightly Used ASICS DS-Trainer

Of course, I will not forget my Bandana and Oakley Sunglasses!!!

For details of the Marathon Event, please browse at www.lamarathon.com.

43rd Mt Wilson Trail Race

On May 24, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Pictures, Races, Running, Trail Running4 Comments

7:20 AM 23 May 2009 @ Sierra Madre, California (The 2nd Oldest Trail Race in the USA)

Last September 2008, I had a chance to run at the Mt Wilson Trail from Sierra Madre up to its peak and back to where we started with my son, John and then for the second time, with John, Jovelle, & Bryan. It was a memorable experience as it gave a challenge to all of us. Through this experience running along this trail, I found out that there is a yearly trail race event every month of May.

Actually, I’ve recalled this event when I was trying to browse for a trail race where I could register and run while I am here in California since last month. Due to its proximity to the Los Angeles Marathon’s race day, I opted not to register in this race and tried to look for another ultra trail race where I could join after the marathon. Finally, I thought of planning to go to Sierra Made for me to observe the race.

RFID/ChronoTrak Timing Carpet at The Starting Line — RFID/ChronoTrak Timing Carpet & D-Tags on the Runners' Shoes at The Starting Line

Look At The Disposable D-Tag From ChronoTrack Timing System Tied On The Shoes Of Each Runner — Looking Closer At The Disposable D-Tag From ChronoTrack Timing System Tied On The Shoes Of Each Runner

The Race Starts! (JJ Timphony in Race Bib #1)

A View of the 1st 1/2 Mile of the Race Before Going To The Trail

This morning, together with my son, John, we went to Sierra Madre to witness the start and finish of the 43rd Mt Wilson Trail Race. A few seconds before the race started, I was already on the sidelines taking pictures to the runners. At exactly 7:20 AM, as scheduled, the race started after a brief ceremony and briefing to the runners. After ten minutes, the race for the kids started and it was finished before the trail runners arrived. This is what I like with the races here, they start promptly on the scheduled start time of the race.

Mt Wilson Trail Route (Highest Elevation is 3,000 ft)

This Kid Kept On Going Back On the Road After Crossing The Tape At The Finish Line

The Mt Wilson Trail Race started at the commercial center of Sierra Madre with the participation of 328 runners. It was a small race but the whole community was involved in the event. The youngest runner is a 10-year old boy and the oldest is 71 years old. The race is one of the attractions of Sierra Madre and most of the volunteers are senior citizens living in the area. It is a very organized race with the appropriate and adequate water stations along the trail. There were lots of food—fresh fruits, bread, pretzels and sports drinks at the finish area which were distributed by the volunteers to each finisher. The race is a 4.3 mile going up to the Orchard Place at Mt Wilson and another 4.3 miles in going down towards the Finish Line. Last year’s 1st place finish time was 1:01:53 hours.

Arrival of the 1st Runner to Reach The Finish Line

James "Jay-Jay"Timphony (Race Bib #1) Finished The Race in 1:00:35 Hours

I waited for the top 3 runners to arrive and I could see how strong the runners are. I observed that these top runners were using ordinary running shoes and nobody among these tops runners were using those sophisticated trail shoes. They are just being practical because they are running on loose soil, rocks, and small rocks and most of all, there was no rain.

I was also impressed how the children could run with or without their parent’s assistance during the kid’s race. Each of these kids really enjoyed crossing the tape at the finish line and I observed some of them would return on the road and experience crossing the tape for another round. These kids ran a distance of less than one mile. Very athletic and strong kids!

I had also a chance to inspect and observe the technical people at the finish line. The Emcee (a lady) kept on updating the status of the race from start up to the finish and I guess, she did not stop talking up to the awarding ceremony. The Emcee would tell to the crowd where the first/second/third runners and also the first lady runner are located along the route at a certain time. She gives the update every five minutes! There were no entertainers or singers during the event! I have also a chance to inspect the timing and digital clock devices. I observed that there were only 3 people involved in the timing system—one is operating a laptop computer and the other two guys were operating the digital clocks and the RFID system by ChronoTrack by checking these equipment if they are working. I suspect that these two guys are Filipinos but I did not dare to talk to them. I found out later that these people belong to one of the biggest road racing event companies in the USA/California. By observing how the race was going on, I was able to get some ideas which I think our Race Organizers/Race Directors in the Philippines should know and be able to apply in order to raise the quality of our road races. I would personally suggest to these Race Organizers in Metro Manila to spend some time to go abroad and observe how races in other countries are managed. The race results were posted on the website of the Race Event Organizer after 3 Hours reckoned from the time the race started.

The first runner, James Timphony, who happens to be the defending champion, on the said race arrived at the finish line with a time of 1:00:35 hours and he was able to improve his time last year by 1:18 minutes. He is 21 years old. The second runner arrived after 2 minutes and he is 35 years old. After almost ten runners had arrived at the finish line, my son and I left Sierra Madre for another appointment for the day. (Note: Because of the D-Tags tied on the shoes of each runner, the finishers were not wearing “strings/straws” or anything that would prove that they reached the turn-around point of the race!!!)

Perpetual & Individual Trophies For the Men's & Women's Champions

I have the impression that the race organizer have not offered any cash prizes for the winners. Each of the finishers receives a certificate and the Champions in the overall male and female categories are the only ones being given with trophies.

(Note: For more information and details about the race and the City of Sierra Madre, please “google” Mt Wilson Trail Race)

My 57th Birthday 10-Mile Road Race

On May 17, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running49 Comments

Market! Market! 10-Mile Run @ Global City/The Fort (5:32 AM 17 May 2009)

It had been my personal practice to visit or hear mass in the church on the first hours of my birthday but I had this practice advanced few days before my birthday by visiting the Lady of Manaoag at the Manaoag Church last Thursday morning. It was an easy and fast trip after my first experience of using the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway all the way to Tarlac City. The trip took us at least one and half hours faster than my usual trip to Manaoag in the past.

Having done the most important task of thanking the Lord for making me strong, healthy and blessed in my running activities and other undertakings, I had my mind focused this Sunday’s Market! Market! 10-Mile Run as I will consider this race as my Birthday Run.

I arrived at the vicinity of Market! Market! at 4:50AM and I saw that the Starting Area was still without any runners. The impression of what I saw on the physical set-up of the Start/Finish area and the presence of marshals made me believed that the race is orderly and well-planned. Instead of looking around for the hardcore runners and Team Bald Runner-Professional Group members, I started to have my warm-up and stretching before I entered the corral for the 10-Mile runners.

Once I entered the corral, I saw the Hardcores/Team Bald Runner-Professional Group and each of them greeted me Happy Birthday! It was surprising to see that the corral was not fully-packed with runners as compared to other road races at the Global City in the past weeks. I could estimate that there were less than two hundred runners for the 10-mile run and the lesser distance race have more number of runners. After 12 minutes, the race started as scheduled at 5:32 AM and the faster runners were ahead of us after the command “Go” was shouted by the Emcee.

The race started at the Market! Market! and the route goes to the south direction and runners would turn right at the 26th Avenue and then left turn at 5th Avenue. The runners would proceed to Essensa all the way to Lawton Avenue and turn left at Bayani Road up to the usual C-5 turn-around and then back to the Global City but the runners would run along 5th Avenue going south all the way to the Lexus Car Showroom. The runners would run along the road fronting the British School and turn left at the road fronting the International School and then towards the turn-around near the old Gate 1 of Fort Bonifacio. The runners would trace the road back to Market! Market!

I was running at an average pace of 4:50-5:05 minutes per kilometer from the starting line for about 12 kilometers but I started to slow down on my way to the British School because of fatigue, a slight pain on my right hamstring due to lack of massage for the past weeks and the heat of the sun. It was a big mistake that I’ve never been visiting my masseur for the past three weeks and my leg muscles are getting tighter and firmer. Running the next 3-4 kilometers up to the finish line was very slow despite my efforts to swing my arms and “shuffle” my legs at a faster pace! I could not believe that my average pace for the last 3 kilometers was between 5:25-5:31 minutes per kilometer and I tried my best to finish the race with an average pace of 5:00 minutes per kilometer.

With Ultramarathoner Jonel aka Bugobugo85

As I approached the finish line, the digital clock on top registered a time of 1:20:58 hours and my GF 305 watch registered a time with additional one second. It’s almost 1:21 hours but I am still happy that my average pace was 5:10 minutes per kilometer with an average HR of 156 bpm.

This road race was almost perfect. There were lots of water stations with lots of water and water cups. There were lots of road marshals, too who could easily distinguished the 10-mile runners from the lesser-distance runners. It was almost the opposite of what most of the runners experienced in last week’s marathon race in Makati & Taguig Cities. There were lots of directional signs in every turn of the road which every runner could see at a distance but I haven’t seen any kilometer/mile markings along the route. I am sure nobody got lost in this race! But when it comes to the exact measurement of the race distance, it lacked at least 330 meters to make it 10 miles or 16 kilometers.

After changing my wet race outfit, I went back to the Finish Line to look for the Hardcore/Team BR-Professional Group who had some extra more kilometers to run. It was bad luck (sorry, guys) to those who did not run this race because I treated the group with a breakfast at Jollibee. After the breakfast, I awarded the BR’s “1,000-Km Club” to those runners who finished their first 1,000 kilometers from the time they started running. Rico of Power Runners also donated a pair of his running shoes and a number of finisher’s t-shirts. Thanks, Rico!

Guys, this is the 2nd year that I will be missing the TNF 100, however, my spirit will be at the race as the Elite Team Bald Runner will be represented during the said race. Good luck to all the TNF 100 Solo and Relay runners.

Manila International Marathon?

On May 7, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Races, Running15 Comments

One of the members of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group had asked me why is it that the Philippines does not have an international marathon race which could be at par with the Standard Chartered Bank-sponsored ASEAN city’s marathon races like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hongkong, Mumbai, Hanoi, Taipeh/Taiwan and other cities around us which are considered as international marathon events?

I answered him that there was a Manila International Marathon during the late 70s and early 80s which was sponsored by the Philippine Air Lines (PAL). I could just surmised that marathon races and running events with international flavor then were supported by the government during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos. It was during these times when the government’s sports bodies were held and administered by a single person who was under the direct supervision of the President. It was the time when Michael Keon was the President of the Philippine Olympic Committee, and at the same time the Chairman and Project Director of Project Gintong Alay (the forerunner of the Philippine Sports Commission), and also the President of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, the sports federation for athletics. A single person holding three sports bodies, a long-distance runner and national athlete and a nephew of the President made the difference at that time. At present, these sports bodies are being held by three different persons whom I think could not even run or jog at least one kilometer. These people are fond of asking sports reporters to “run” after them for sports media realeases with the “envelope” that goes with such pronouncements.

The one who asked me about the Manila International Marathon was surprised when I informed him that the Awarding Ceremonies and Dinner Parties for the Manila International Marathons were held at the Malacanang Palace with no less than the President as the Guest of Honor and Host. Moreso, the prize money for the winners ranged to hundreds of pesos at that time plus the appearance money for the world’s marathon elite athletes.

It was expected that sports and marathon races in the country with the attendance of international elite runners waned after the EDSA Revolution in 1986 because everything that the former administration had done for the improvement of our sports were immediately changed. However, later during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos, the Pasig River Heritage Marathon was born but it did not have any attendance from international elite athletes. And due to the abolition of the Clean and Green Foundation that manages the Pasig River Marathon, the conduct of the race was not sure of being conducted. However, this yearly marathon is hoped to be revived later part of this year. But the problem is, it will remain as an ordinary local marathon race in the country without any effort of making it as an international running event.

The Subic International Marathon which was held last January 2008 was attended by Kenyan/African runners which gave a flavor of being an international marathon event but it fell short of its aim of being sustained as an annual international marathon event.

So, is there a way we can come up with a Manila Internationa Marathon Race? This is a challenge to those politicians, government sports bodies, and corporate executives who are active in sports like running. Maybe we can ask for those “Presidentiables” who can not even run at least one kilometer but they could easily run for the position of the President of the Republic without any sweat. Maybe, we can ask the Department of Tourism to promote such event as part of sports tourism in the country. Or maybe, ask PAGCOR/PCSO to fund such event. Or maybe, come up with a “pressure” group to ask the President to appropriate a budget from her VAT collections or from the President’s P 300-billion stimulus fund or from her Priority Development Assistance Fund (Please refer in today’s newspapers). But with my personal experience with these people, I am sure they don’t care about this “International Marathon” thing. My best bet is to wait for CONDURA and the Concepcion Family to come up with an international marathon event, maybe, by next year!

Let me ask this last question…Why do we need to go abroad to run a Marathon Race if we can conduct an international marathon race here in the country? Is it for the “bragging rights” or you just want to spend your hard-earned money or want/need something to write in your running blog or you need something to write about in Society Pages in our daily newspapers or is it for the experience so that you could learn something on how race directors and organizers do to promote a world-class marathon event? Maybe, as a start, we can pool our respective registration fees, travel and accommodation expenses to an international marathon abroad as a “seed” money for planning purposes. Let the first volunteer come forward and leave a comment in this post.

I have the following recommended title for our future Manila International Marathon. Choose which one do you prefer….

Standard Chartered Bank Manila International Marathon?

Banco De Oro Manila International Marathon?

Bank of the Philippine Islands Manila International Marathon?

Globe Manila International Marathon?

Smart Manila International Marathon?

PLDT Manila International Marathon?

Cebu Pacific Manila International Marathon?

PAL Manila International Marathon?

Zest Air Manila International Marathon?

Figaro’s Manila International Marathon?

SM Manila International Marathon?

“Wowowee” Manila International Marathon?

Manny Pacquiao’s Manila International Marathon?

ABS-CBN/TFC Manila International Marathon?

Jollibee Manila International Marathon?

San Miguel Beer Manila International Marathon?

Vicky Belo’s Manila International Marathon?

“Witwoteryuno” Manila International Marathon?

CONDURA Manila International Marathon?

Gawad Kalinga Manila International Marathon?

MMDA’s Manila International Marathon?

Toyota’s Manila International Marathon?

Honda’s Manila International Marathon?

Mini-Stop’s Manila International Marathon?

Ford’s Manila International Marathon?

BENCH Manila International Marathon?

Guys, the challenge to come up with a Manila International Marathon, which will ultimately become our Country’s Pride, is in your hands. I’ve done my part to promote and conduct the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race and I did it with the support of “82 new brave warriors” of Bataan, those “angels wearing running shoes” and “supporters” who remain to be silent and don’t want to be identified. And this will be a yearly event to commemorate our heroes.

“There is Unity in Sports”

P.S.

When I joined the 2008 San Francisco Marathon last August, the EMCEE during the race’s awarding ceremony announced that the marathon event was able to raise Five Million Dollars ($ 5M) for the past five years to support the different “causes” and benefits that the City of San Francisco had been actively supporting. Now, you do your own mathematics!

Guys & Gals, Grab Your Pictures!

On April 25, 2009April 25, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running5 Comments

I went to AAV to bring the Elite Team Bald Runner to participate in the Sun Fest Run 3K/5K/10K and at the same time take some pictures of the runners. I did not run as I forced myself to a much-needed rest and recovery.

Here are some of the pictures. Just grab them…

More T2 & Team BR Lady Runners — More T2 & Team BR Runners

One of the T2 Runners — Vicky of T2 Runners

Colonel Noel Miano of the Philippine Army

Essie of T2 & New Team BR "Speed" Trainee

Greenfield City 21K Run & Water Station “Tips”

On April 19, 2009April 19, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running10 Comments

5:00 AM 19 April 2009 @ Greenfield City, Santa Rosa, Laguna

I have the following impressions when I was running the Greenfield City 21K Run this morning:

1) I thought I was transported to Venice Beach or Costa Mesa, California when I saw the business establishments at the Paseo, Greenfield City

2) A 21K Run seems to be a “speed run” if you consider yourself as an ultramarathon runner. Thus, making a Marathon Race as your “Tempo Run” workout.

3) Runners would congratulate you for organizing and finishing the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race and they “idolize” you as a “hardcore” runner. Others who could not believe what we have done two weeks ago think that we are “crazy”. That’s the reason why our favorite song is “CRAZY” by Patsy Cline (a Willie Nelson song in 1961).

4) Runners would think that this run was a LSD workout and part of our recovery from the BDM ultramarathon race.

5) Running “Back-to-Back” (Saturday & Sunday) road races is really a “Hardcore” Runners’ Event ( 10-miler & 21K races).

After running a 16K race yesterday morning, I had to rest the whole day in preparation in today’s 21K race at Greenfield City in Santa Rosa, Laguna. I slept early last night and was already preparing and doing my pre-race ritual at 3:00 AM. At 3:45 AM, I was already on the road to Sta. Rosa and reached the Starting Area at 4:20 AM.

While I was doing my warm-up run around the parking area, I saw the members of the Hardcore Group of Team Bald Runner (those who finished the BDM 102K Ultra Race) who were also doing their stretching exercises. After few minutes of stretching exercises while sharing stories about the race yesterday, we finally proceeded to the Starting Area.

The Hardcore Runners-Team Bald Runner Before The Race

Group Calisthenics Before The Race/ I was in Black!

There were lots of runners already at the Starting Area and the program started with some Group Exercises and Calisthenics. I did join the exercises and there was a festive mood in the air. The exercises were brief and I immediately positioned myself a few meters from the elite runners and I was in the company of Jonel aka Bugobugo, Lester, Mari, and Michelle. In the true tradition of Coach Rio’s races, the 21K race started very early. It started at 5:00 AM and it was still dark. The 10K and 5K runners would start 30 minutes later.

The Race Started At 5:00 AM For The 21K Runners

As the place was still dark, I tried to be conservative on my average pace on the first 5 kilometers of the route but the slight downhill terrain would push me to run faster. Nevertheless, I really controlled my pace and I knew that this race is a long one with no uphills on the first half of the race. After running for about 30-40 minutes along a combination of cemented and asphalted roads and entering to other newly-developed subdivisions, the sun started to rise on the horizon and the whole place became clearer…and hotter!

There were lots of water stations along the route but I was pissed off on the first water station when I picked up a water cup without any water in it. I had to pick up another one with water in it while I was still trying to maintain my forward momentum. Sometimes, Murphy’s Law comes into play when the personnel in the water stations thought he/she filled all the water cups with water placed on top of the table but he/she could have missed some. Well, I could not blame them and could not blame myself because it was still too dark when I reached the first water station. There was no way for me to see if the cup was filled with water or not.

Anyway, let me talk about “tips” on how to get a cup of water from the water stations if they are taken/picked up from the table. Due to the positive reponses of Race Organizers about the observations of runner-bloggers on the lack and location/presence of water stations during the races, I could say that the races have improved a lot with regards to water stations up to the point that water cups are already handed by the water station personnel to the runners. This is the reason why I don’t have to bring and wear my Nathan Hydration Belt in road races up to the Marathon Race. The following “tips” are just suggestions if you want to improve your finish time—(1) If you are intending to get water in a water station, try to move to the edge of the road, 10-15 meters before reaching the water station. (2) While maintaining your pace, at a distance of 3-5 meters from the table, fix your eyes to the particular cup of water you intend to pick up, it could be at the near, middle or far edge of the table. (3) Focus your sight to the water cup you intend to pick-up as you get nearer to the table. (4) Extend your arms and pick-up the water cup withour stopping and drink the water, one gulp at a time, as you move away from the table. (5) Never stop infront of the table as the incoming runners would be prevented from getting their cups while they are in motion. (6) If water cups are being handed by water station personnel, keep on moving forward as you receive your water cup. Don’t stop infront of the water personnel once you receive your cup of water. (7) Before throwing a cup with water in it, be sure that there is no runner on the side where you want to throw it. It would be better to drink all the water in the cup before throwing the cup. (8) Learn & Practice to drink water from the cup while running.

I was glad the succeeding water stations did not give me any problems. The first 10 kilometers was a breeze as I was able to overtake some of the runners and later picked up my pace from Km #11 up to Km #13.5, the last turn-around point. From that point, I was already on the “speed mode” and wanted to finish hard on this race. But the uphill climb on the last 2 kilometers slowed me down as I joined more runners from the 5K and 10K distance races.

Mari Javier of Team BR-Professional Group Finishing The Race

I finished the 21K race in 1:48:03 hours with an average pace of 5:08 minutes per kilometer. My GF 305 registered an accurate distance of 21.01K. It is not a PR time for 21K but I consider it as a “speed workout” for the TNF 100 or for the 2nd BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race! Ha! Ha! Ha! I enjoyed the race as it was a change of road racing/road environment away from the usual race routes in Metro Manila. I also shared nice stories with the Hardcore-Team Bald Runner after the race and I was able to meet new “fans” and friends while waiting for the Awarding Ceremony.

Lastly, I am happy that the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner won almost all the top awards in the 21K (Men’s & Ladies) and 10K (Men’s) Races.

Guys, keep on running and see you soon in the future road races!

SlimmeRun 16K: “Recovery or Speed” Run?

On April 18, 2009April 18, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running6 Comments

6:02 AM 18 April 2009 @ The Fort, Global City

Almost two weeks after finishing the Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race, I did not have any plans of running shorter distance (10K to Half-Marathon) races for the next weeks. I had my recovery runs last Sunday at the MOA which lasted for one hour and another one hour run at the ULTRA Oval Track last Wednesday. During these two runs, I felt that my legs had become stronger but my heart monitor had registered a higher beats per minute which is a sign that I have not yet recovered from the heat exhaustion I’ve experienced during the BDM (Bataan Death March) 102K Race. All my runs were within the 85% effort and I have adapted a certain comfort zone running under the heat of the sun.

Knowing that the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner will be running in the Slimmerun, I decided to join them for the registration last Wednesday morning. I opted to run the longer distance which is 16K or 10-Mile Run.

Marecil Maquilan of my Elite Team After Our Warm-Up Run

Jan Imperio of Team BR-Professional Group At The Starting Area

T2 Runners But I Call Them Team BR's "Muses & Concerns"

I was already at The Fort at 5:00 AM this morning with enough time to do my warm-up and stretching exercises. Marecil Maquilan of TEam Bald Runner-Elite joined me in a warm-up run jus to be able to perspire and then had my sretching exercises. I walked towards the starting area for the scheduled 5:30 AM start of the race but it was announced that the race start will be delayed and for the other races (6K & 3K) to start at the same time with the 16K race. During this lull time, I was able to meet the usual “faces” of runners, runner-bloggers and some of them are members of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group. I was in the company of Jan Imperio, one of the Team BR-Professional Group, who had improved with his PR time in the Half-marathon and 10K races with only 2 1/2 months of training with our Coaches at Team BR.

Finally, the race started at 6:02 AM, a delay of 32 minutes, and I expected a hot morning for everybody. The first 2-3 kilometers were within the Global City streets and Jan Imperio told me that he will just tag along with me during the race. I thought I was running conservatively, as what I’ve planned for the whole race, but after I got the data from my GF 305 I was surprised to see that I was running at an average pace of 4:50 minutes per kilometer. Jan Imperio and I just maintained the said pace until we reached the ATU Concessionaire area along Lawton Avenue, after coming from the first turn-around at the vicinity of the Headquarters Philipine Marines, when suddenly Jan told me that he is going to “DNF” the race of blisters bothering his feet. I tried to encourage him to finish the race. However, as we reached Bayani Road, he finally “threw the towel” and opted to go directly to the Finish Line without going to the C-5 turn-around.

Jai Ho Stretching/Aerobics By Yen Lopena. The Team BR-Hardcore Group Missed This One! — Jai Ho Stretching/Aerobics By Yen Lopena With The Candidates of Slimmers World Miss Bikini Philippines 2009. The Team BR-Hardcore Group Missed This One!

Mari Javier Ran With Us For the 1st 3 Kms

As I turned right at Bayani Road from Lawton, I was already running alone and my pace slowed down as I felt the heat of the sun. My pace turned to an average speed of 5:10 minutes per kilometer while running towards the C-5 turn-around. While I was running at the commercial area of Bayani Road, MSgt Illut of the Philippine Army joined me and paced me. I tried to increase my pace but the rolling terrain of the road prevented me from doing so. As I passed the last turn-around near C-5, the hardest part of the route was the last 4 kilometers back to the Finish Line. At this point, the distance in between runners have stretched as far as 80-90 meters and I just maintained my pace and try to save my energy for the next road race tomorrow.

Turning right to Lawton Avenue was already a familiar sight for almost all the runners as it signifies the last 2.5 kilometers of the race. I was smiling when I saw the sun infront of me with its heat being felt by my face and arms. I said to myself, the heat of the sun on the early morning is nothing compared to the heat on mid day during the Bataan 102 Race. I am beginning to like running with the heat of the sun as long as there are enough water stations along the way. The Race Organizers were perfect on this one as the route was covered with enough water stations. I just hope that the water would be colder next time.

I finished the 16K (10-mile) run in 1:16:30 hours with an average pace of 5:00 minutes per kilometer! My GF 305 registered a distance of 15.10 kms. But, who cares? I enjoyed the race and the company of the other runners. I am not sure if I can consider this as a “recovery run” or a “speed run” after finishing the BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race two weeks ago. Breaking a PR time was not my objective in this race. I knew I could have run faster but I knew also that it takes time for the body to recover before forcing the body for a faster pace. There is always another road race in the coming days.

I had fun in this race and I was able to meet new friends. I was able to wait until the awards were given to the top runners. I am glad that most of the top awards in the different distances of this 1st Slimmerun were awarded to my Elite Team Bald Runner members.

See you tomorrow at the Greenfield City Half-Marathon Race!

Invitation: Bataan 102 Awarding Party

On April 13, 2009April 16, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Races, Running, Ultramarathon6 Comments

WHAT: Get-Together & Awarding Ceremony Party

WHEN: 6:00 PM 16 April 2009

WHO: Eighty-Two (82) “Brave Warriors of Bataan 102”

WHERE: Officers Clubhouse, Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

ATTIRE: Casual

Let me take this opportunity to invite also the following sponsors to the said party:

1) Amado Castro, Jr aka Reinier 6666

2) Chrismag Corporation

3) Kim O’ Connell

4) Mesh Villanueva aka My Iron Shoes

5) Director Danilo Daniel (PCGG)

6) Major General Samuel D Narcise AFP

7) PNP Director-General Jesus Verzosa

8) Lt Colonel Teng Calapis

9) Charlie Chua

10) Charmaine Canillas (PETRON)

11) July Oconer

12) Lt General Isagani Cachuela AFP

13) Lester & Margaret

14) Jonel Mendoza aka Bugobugo85

15) Armand Fernando aka Pinoy Mafiosi

16) Colonel Oscar Lopez, Philippine Army

17) Colonel Max Caro, Philippine Army

18) Brig. General Honorato De Los Reyes

19) Brig General Pedro Soria

20) Colonel Tom Sedano

21) Ben Chan (PHOTOVENDO)

22) Lorna Balancio (AQUA SUNSHINE)

23) Jan Imperio & Ysmael Ilagan

24) Eric Pasion

Note: The activity will start at exactly 6:00 PM

Bataan 102: Unofficial Results

On April 13, 2009April 13, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Races, Running, Ultramarathon2 Comments

Due to the on-going investigation and more testimonies being received from my staff and other sources, the following is the unofficial results of the 1st Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race:

NAME TIME

1. Eduardo Villanueva 9:43:00

2. Jessie Ano 10:04:10

3. Mamerto Corpuz 10:27:47

4. Mario Salumbides 11:04:31

5. Isidro Vildosola 11:05:43

6. Jayson Fabricante 11:27:02

7. Romeo Marquez 12:28:50

8. Hiroshi Takei 12:30:49

9. Jose Mari Javier 12:36:00

10. Lucas Tan 12:46:48

11. Jonnifer Lacanlale 13:16:07

12. Roel Ano 13:32:29

13. Reynaldo De Los Reyes 13:37:07

14. Albert Salazar 13:48:15

15. Armand Fernando 14:04:48

16. Melchor De Lara 14:27:14

17. Andrico Mahilum 14:29:05

18. Ellen Tolentino 14:42:00

19. Eric Socrates 14:42:03

20. Edwin Bien 14:42:05

21. Baldwin Choy 14:45:24

22. Victor Ting 14:46:25

23. Don Ubaldo 14:47:00

24: Alipio Narciso 14:48:01

25. Martin Lorenzo 14:51:01

26. Albert Sama 14:56:16

27. John Frederick Abenina 14:57:00

28. Nonilo Onoya 15:09:08

29. Jerry Karundeng 15:14:05

30. Bald Runner 15:18:45

31. Hermogines Olvis 15:27:10

32. Norio Tanaka 15:40:15

33. Arman Abalos 15:59:26

34. Mark Bata 16:05:15

35. Dionisio Potonia 16:29:35

36. Francisco Lapira, Jr 16:33:18

37. Noel Hernandez 16:35:00

38. Bonifacio Dalisay 16:42:10

39. Regie Boljoran 16:49:42

40. July Oconer 16:49:43

41. Aniceto Grimaldo 16:54:34

42. Felipe Nama 16:55:39

43. Ricardo Cabusao, Jr 16:56:31

44. Vincent Tongson 17:12:29

45. Edilberto Severino, Jr 17:23:25

46. Constante Mendoza 17:23:45

47. Jonathan Babsa-ay 17:23:45

48. Christian Alacar 17:26:06

49. Fernando De Lara 17:28:45

50. Richard Poquiz 17:28:52

51. Filomeno Duterte IV 17:28:57

52. Cesar Abarientos 17:33:08

53. Carlos Nobleza 17:33:46

54. Regidor Samar 17:33:50

55. George Dolores 17:34:30

56. Dennis Enriquez 17:34:56

57. Ezekiel Mangune 17:34:59

58. Michael Sudario 17:36:06

59. Enrico Tocol 17:37:07

60. Odessa Coral 17:39:10

61. Ronald Rei Declarador 17:45:47

62. Jay Lee Cu-Unjieng 17:47:23

63. John Nickko Nolasco 17:52:15

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