Lawrence and his team from Inquirer.net took their time to cover the Ultramarathon Event. It was timely that their team were in Subic Freeport for the weekend’s Bike Fest Competition. Jinoe Gavan aka Manokan Express/takbo.ph requested Lawrence to cover the race and after some exhanges of telephone calls and SMS with me, they arrived at the Starting Area just in time before the race started. My warmest thanks to Jinoe for his support and initiative and to Lawrence and his team for covering the event and posting the following video at Internet.net.
Category: Races
Race Report: 2009 Condura Half-Marathon
5:28 AM 22 March 2009 @ The Fort & Skyway
This is the most anticipated race of the year and the race organizers warned all the runners to arrive early at the assembly area on race day because of the heavy traffic brought about by the record number of registered runners. I had to go to bed early last night and I was soundly sleeping at 8:00 PM. I woke up at 3:45 AM and did my “drill of preparation” and I was out from my place before 4:30 AM. After a few minutes, I was already at The Fort and immediately did my warm-up jog until I was about to perspire, had my stretching exercises while greeting other people/runners who would pass by. I was surprised to see Patrick Concepcion aka The Running Shield, the Race Organizer doing also his jogging on the same place where I was having my stretching. We had a short conversation and personally congratulated him for a very successful race because of the positive response from the runners. I found out that the total number of runners reached up to 6,500+ with 1,200+ runners joining the half-marathon race. It was nice talking to him after so many months that I haven’t seen him in road races, however, we are always in contact with regular exchanges of SMS on matters pertaining about running.
I met George aka Fuerza Armada of NAMRIA and he was proud to introduce a dozen of runners who came all the way from Vigan, Ilocos Sur to participate in the said run. I introduced these runners to Patrick and he was happy and surprised that runners who came from a place which is 400 kilometers north of Metro Manila would join his run and support its noble cause. I wonder how many more of these runners who came all the way from Visayas and Mindanao. This is a gauge and indication of the present popularity of long distance running in the country. I am happy, too, because all of these runners admitted that they are regular readers and visitors of this blog. I am flattered when the runners I met along the way would call me “Idol”.
Five minutes before the start of the race, I entered the 21K corral and it was “jampacked” with a lot of runners that I tried to inch my way to the front of the runners. This is where I met the Hardcore Group & Team Bald Runner-Professional Group. It was nice to see Philip aka Foreign Runner (where have you been?), Jerry Karundeng aka High Altitude (with his luminous green shirt), Jonel aka Bugobugo85 (the “wingman”), Arman aka Pinoy Mafiosi, Mari of PLDT, Mark & Charlie, Jay Lee aka Fashion Guru, the Power Runners, and the Bataan 102 Warriors led by Atty Jeffrey Abenina & Jun Lapira aka David Goggins. I was in the company of Hardcore & Crazy Runners at the Starting Area and I consider them as the “coolest & most relaxed” runners before the start of a race.
In the true tradition of Rudy Biscocho’s road races, the race started not on time but it started two minutes before the announced start of the race. After the playing of the National Anthem & delivery of messages from the Race Organizers and Race Director, the race started without funfare and I was in the company of Jonel as we tried to look for our space on the first kilometer of the race.
Staying at the front of the corral before the starting gun is fired is a nice part of tactics in races because you can maintain your running space and average pace immediately. I conditioned myself to be slow on the first kilometer. From the starting area, the runners go all the way to Serendra and turned right at the 26th Avenue towards the old McDonalds. Before reaching the One McKinley Place Building, I was already about to have finished the first kilometer. The first kilometer was very slow but I was able to pass/overtake some of the runners.
Km #1 Split Time—5:16 minutes
I knew I was too slow on the first kilometer after looking at my watch. I wanted at least to have a pace not to exceed the 5:00-minute pace for the said race. I started to increase my pace as I passed the old McDonald and all the way to the Jollibee. Jonel and I were able to overtake more runners. As we got nearer to the Jollibee, we were able to catch up with Philip aka Foreign Runner. We were surprised to see Philip with an slower pace as he was our top runner during our speed training sessions three months ago. He is telling the truth afterall that he does have any training/running workouts for the past months. As we reached the area fronting the Shell Gasoline Station and about to enter the Kalayaan Flyover, we are ending the 2nd kilometer mark.
Km #2 Split Time—4:42 minutes
The uphill climb at the Kalayaan Flyover made me shift to my faster stride frequency with shorter stride length and lighter with my footstrike. At this time, the route was already wide for the runners and we are in the company with more of the Bataan 102 Boys. The rolling terrain of the Kalayaan Flyover made us run faster as the downhill part would force us to lengthen our strides. Before going down towards Buendia Blvd, we were able to complete 3 kilometers of the race.
Km #3 Split Time—4:42 minutes
As we reached Buendia, we maintained our pace but some of the runners would overtake us. We would make them as our “targets” to overtake along the way and just waiting for them to show signs of slowing down before we take the necessary action and increase our pace. I always remind Jonel of our average pace by shouting the time with the thought that I should not slow down and breach the 5:00-minute pace. As we reached the crossing of Buendia and Makati Avenue, it marked the end of Kilometer #4.
Km #4 Split Time—4:42 minutes
At this time, I became observant along the way. I was trying to recall if I have seen any Kilometer Markings along the side of the road from the time I left the Starting Area. I knew, the 10K turnaround is about to be reached after running for almost 20 minutes. While looking around for markers, I continouosly looked at my watch and tell to everybody the average pace. Suddenly, we reached the 10K turnaround and it signified that we were able to run a distance of 5 Kilometers. We were approaching RCBC Plaza at this point.
Km #5 Split Time—4:40 minutes
At the RCBC Plaza, I knew we are about to reach the Ayala Avenue Crossing and the slight downhill along Buendia had ended. After passing the crossing, this part of Buendia was already flat and it was just a matter of time before we reached the entrance to the Skyway. The runners were directed by the Road Marshal to shift to the left side of Buendia after running for some time on the right side of the road. This was a warning to us that we are getting nearer to the Osmena Avenue/South Expressway and before turning left towards the approach towards the Skyway. 500 meters from the Railroad tracks marked the end of Kilometer 6.
Km #6 Split Time—4:36 minutes
After running for about 500 meters, we were led to a small street that would avoid us from running the elevated railroad tracks and we turned left. As we turned left, we could see the approach of the Skyway, which is the left side. I tried to increase my pace and prepared myself for the rolling terrain of the Skyway. After running for about 200 meters, I was running along the approach of the Skyway. It was a nice sight to see the straight direction of the Skyway. But it was a challenge to see a higher elevation along the route. The first 300 meters of the Skyway marked the end of Kilometer 7.
Km #7 Split Time—4:35 minutes
Running along the Skyway was an unforgettable experience being my first time to see it as I never used this elevated highway since it was contructed in the early 90’s. I concentrated looking at the runners far ahead of us and it was too wide for the 1,200 runners who participated in the half-marathon. There was that portion that went uphill and I thought it slowed me down. Water stations were abundant along the Skyway and the people manning them were helpful in extending their hands with the water cups to the passing runners. I was still at the Skyway at the end of Kilometer 8.
Km #8 Split Time—4:57 minutes
As I got nearer to the highest point of the Skyway, I knew I was getting slower. I tried to be light on my footstrike and saw to it that I would drink water in every water station. The end of Kilometer 9 would end at the point on top of the Magallanes Interchange/Flyover. This was the highest point of the Skyway. Jonel started to increase his pace and left me after the water station at the peak of the route.
Km #9 Split Time—5:02 minutes
At this point, the lead runners would be on their way back to where we entered the Skyway. Except for Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista, the other 3 runners at the lead pack were members of the Elite Team Bald Runner. I had to cheer them as they met me along the way. I tried to increase my pace by lifting my knees some more from the ground as I had my sight at the turnaround point.
Km #10 Split Time—4:47 minutes
I took my GU Roctane at this point and drank water from the bottled wated stucked on my back with my compression shorts. I was the only one at the turnaround point and immediately got my string. As I was going back to Buendia, I would see the runners who were on my back and about to reach the turnaround point. This was where I started to hear shouts of “Bald Runner”, “BR”, “General”, “Sir Jovie” and “Mr Bald Runner” from the runners at my left side. Of course, I had to acknowledge these people by shouting something that would encourage them and sometimes, mentioning their names and giving them “high five” as I extend my hand to them. Guys, thanks for those greetings! I can not afford to be a “snub” to everybody. It was okey if I got slower by half of a second by doing all of these things! It was part of having fun running along the Skyway!
Km #11 Split Time—4:48 minutes
At Kilometer 12, I was still at the Skyway. More people would greet me from the incoming runners.
Km #12 Split Time—4:53 minutes
At Kilometer 13, I was still at the Skyway but the runners on the left side of the road were the slower ones already. I was going downhill and I knew I was going faster.
Km #13 Split Time—4:42 minutes
I tried to maintain my average pace as I have overtaken more of the runners while I was at the Skyway.
Km #14 Split Time—4:43 minutes
In about 500 meters, I knew I was about to end my first and only experience to run along the Skyway and I was back running along Buendia Avenue.
Km #15 Split Time—4:56 minutes
I tried to increase my average pace but fatigue was starting to creep to my legs but I knew I can still manage to maintain my pace towards the finish line. At this point, I could see more runners who were starting to walk and I encouraged them to jog all the way to the finish line.
Km #16 Split Time—4:51 minutes
Crossing the Ayala Avenue along Buendia was the start of a slight uphill and I knew my average pace will become slower. I tried to maintain my pace and at least, make my pace faster but the uphill climb was really a challenge. After passing the Makati Avenue marked the end of Kilometer 17.
Km #17 Split Time—5:02 minutes
The last uphill climb was the Kalayaan Flyover and I was in the company of the slower runners in the 10K race. I had to pass these runners and tried to run faster and avoided the crowd but the steep flyover would slow me down some more. Halfway along the Kalayaan Flyover marked the end of Kilometer 18.
Km #18 Split time—5:23 minutes
I tried to increase my pace as I passed the 10K runners who were still at the Kalayaan Flyover. It was already downhill towards the end of the Flyover and I could see the Shell Gasoline Station. Upon reaching the Shell Station, it marked the end of Kilometer 19.
Km #19 Split Time—4:55 minutes
It was a matter of time before reaching the Finish Line and I was confident that I would be able to improve my time from my past Half-Marathon Race at the Patakbo Sa Kabundukan last December. As I reached 26th Avenue, I knew it was an slight uphill climb towards Serendra. I knew I was feeling fatigued and I could already feel the effects of the sun. I had my last drink of water and tried to increase my pace at the end of Kilometer 20.
Km #20 Split Time—5:22 minutes
At this point, my time was at 1:38+ hours and I just cruised along knowing that I could break my last Half-Marathon time. The road marshals kept on signalling the 21K runners to enter the lane where the 10K runners were crowded but I insisted on running on the left lane. It brought a little disturbance and distraction to the faster runners along the 26th Avenue when the 21K runners were trying to compete for space on the said lane. It was a nice sight to see the digital clock at the Finish Line with the readings of 1:42+ hours as I got nearer to it.
Km #21 Split Time—4:58 minutes
I finally finished the Half-Marathon race, according to my GF 305, in 1:43:08 hours with an average pace of 4:53 minutes per kilometer. Not bad. I improved my time from my previous Half-Marathon time in the 2008 Patakbo Sa Kabundukan by 2:32 minutes. I might not be able to attain the average speed of 4:48 mins per kilometer as a result of my speed training but I am still satisfied with my time despite my preparations for the Bataan 102K.
The conduct of the race was outstanding and I consider this race as the biggest race so far for the past two years since running became a popular sports in the country. This is a proof that we are in the 2nd “boom” of running popularity in the country since in the late ’70s. Congratulations to Condura/Patrick & Ton Concepcion for their “vision” in promoting road races in the country. The efficiency and experience of Mr Rudy Biscocho as the Race Director was also contributory for the success of the race.
Overall Rating of the Race—98%
I was able to meet more runners as I delayed my departure from my parking area. The Bataan 102 “Warriors” would like to get their race packets from me & my staff after the Condura Run and I waited for them as they had another 7-8 kilometers of extended running workout. More people and runners would have their pictures taken and I was surprised that Patrick came back for some photo-ops with his wife. I took this opportunity to personally congratulate him for raising the “standards” in road racing in the country.
The Condura Run was something for the “books” of running in the country because of its unique route and the efficiency & experience of the Race Director and its staff. The 2009 Condura Run, so far, is the Best! As for theparticipants, whether you are a fun runner or competitive one, congratulations to those who finished their respective race and to those who have attained their PRs in this road race!
Race Report: The Rotary Gift of Life Charity 10K Run @ The Fort
5:58 AM 15 March 2009 @ The Fort
After running for almost 51K in our last Sunday’s “Runabout”, I did not have any intention of running a short road race except for the Condura Half-Marathon on 22 March before I finally taper for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race which will be held on 05 April. However, last Friday morning, I finally decided to join this race and test my speed as part of my final preparation for the Condura Run and the ultramarathon event. I went to the New Balance Store at the Shangrila Mall to officially register and get my race packet.
As part of our regular Friday afternoon speed training at the ULTRA Oval Track, our coaches would always instruct us to run 75% of the distance of the race we have to compete for the following Sunday morning, running within our 100% Lactate Threshold or 100% of our Total Effort. And so last Friday’s speed run resulted to a time of 34:52 minutes with a distance of 7.65 kms at an average pace of 4:33 minutes per kilometer. Such pace was actually 106% of my Lactate Threshold. But at the back of my mind, I was hoping I could reach my 110% Total Effort during the race which is a pace of 4:21 minutes per kilometer. At least, I hope also that I would be able to improve my time during the PSE Bull Run 10K at 46:17 minutes.
The Elite Team Bald Runner and I arrived at the Starting Area at 5:15 AM and I started immediately with my warm-up jog together with Totoy Santos of Happy Feet and later on with other members of Team Bald Runner. After 15-20 minutes of warm-up, I did my stretching and made some speed drills just to loosen my muscles. As the Emcee announced for the remaining 10 minutes before the start time, I entered the corral and joined the other runners for the 10K race. I was positioned at least one meter behind the elite runners at the front.
The race started at 5:58 AM and it went smoothly. The first kilometer covered a part of 6th Street as the runners turned right to the 26th Street. Along the 26th Street, I thought I was on a relaxed mode with my pace as other runners would pass me and I tried to settle for my running space. At the end of the 26th Street is the old McDonald’s as we turned right to Rizal Street towards Jollibee and St Luke’s Hospital. More runners would overtake me while I was running along Rizal Street. Calvin’s Restaurant marks the end of Kilometer #1.
Km # 1 Split Time—4:20 minutes
From Calvin’s Resto, there is a slight ascending portion towards Jollibee. As runners turned right at 32nd Street where St Luke’s Hospital and Home Depot are located, the space in between runners have stretched out and my running space had expanded. The road seems to be so flat but after crossing 5th Avenue and running towards Home Depot, I felt that the road is slightly ascending again and I started to breath heavily and my sweat was starting to drip from my head and arms. It was a sign that my “second wind” has just arrived where I could maintain my prevaiing speed or speed up some more. A few meters before turning right at the 11th Street (Serendra) marks the end of Kilometer #2.
Km # 2 Split Time—4:24 minutes
The 11th Street which is the road that separates Serendra and Bonifacio High Street Mall is a very familiar place for me as I extend my running route to this road when doing my workouts at the BHS Loop. The distance in between runners was already overstretched up to five meters and I was alone trying to pace myself. Instead of turning right at 26th Street (based from the original route provided in the race packet), a road marshall was at the intersection of 11th & 26th Streets telling the runners to go straight along 11th Street and towards McKinley Road. I observed that at least 10 meters before runners would turn right at McKinley Road, the lead runners would run along the sidewalk and cut corners. I decided to run along the road as I turned right towards McKinley Road. A few meters before I turned left towards an uphill road going to the American Cemetery Circle, it marks the end of Kilometer # 3.
Km # 3 Split Time—4:32 minutes
As I turned left towards an uphill road going to the American Cemetery, I prepared myself for my first uphill run along the course. I shortened my strides but made them quicker and swing my arms faster. The short uphill portion was a “test” for me and I conditioned my mind that I could easily go through the ascending portion of the McKinley Hill. After passing the American Cemetery Circle, the runners were directed by a road marshall to take a road that directly connects to Lawton Avenue. The road is slightly downhill from the American Cemetery but it goes slightly ascending once the road reaches to Lawton Avenue. The fruit store on the right side of Lawton Avenue marks the end of Kilometer # 4.
Km # 4 Split Time—4:34 minutes
As we reached Lawton Avenue, the lead runners would initially run along the right side of the road and I followed them but after about 50 meters, the lead runners would shift running along the left side of the road. The reason for the sudden change was a sight of the other faster leading runners turning left towards McKinley Hill. The race route had entirely changed as runners would no longer go to Bayani Road but going inside the McKinley Hill and running along its roads would be harder than running along the ascending and descending parts of Bayani Road. My pace became faster as I was running along Lawton Avenue and it became faster when I was going downhill at the entrance of the said establishment. I thought that my faster pace in going down would compensate for the slower pace during my uphill climb back to the finish line. A few meters after reaching the bottom of the downhill road marks the end of Kilometer # 5
Km # 5 Split Time—4:21 minutes
After looking at the Kilometer Markings on the side of the road and knowing that I finished the first half of the race, I looked at my watch for the first time during the race. I was surprised to see that I had a half-split time of 21:52 minutes. From here, I decided not to look at my watch not until I reached the finish line. The running along the roads on the right side of the McKinley’s main road was my second time experience and tried to look around as I passed the eastern side of the remaining cantonment area for the Philippine Army Headquarters. I used to be the Camp Commander of the remaining 102 heactares for the Philippine Army and I could see the high-rise Transient Housing Facilities on my right. At this point, I was smiling as I looked upon the lady runners wearing ballerina/tutu dresses. These ladies really run fast! I am just wondering if they should be holding their “magic wand” while they are running! As I go up to the main road of MacKinley Hill and before turning right towards the British Embassy, it marks the end of Kilometer # 6.
Km # 6 Split Time—4:34 minutes
The road towards the British Embassy was an uphill one and the sight of the runners going back to Lawton Avenue was a motivation to run faster. I thought the turn-around was placed at the vicinity near the C-5 Highway & British Embassy. I was running slower at this part of the route and I knew most of the runners were also running slower. The air and smell in the surroundings of McKinley Hill affected my breathing. I could smell a mixture of cigarette smoke and smoke coming from the different contructions around. It could be the smoke of the welding jobs being made on the steel foundation and concrete reinforcements. At this point, I could hardly breath but my legs were still strong. The downhill portion from the turn-around point going to the McKinley Hill Commercial marks the end of Kilometer # 7.
Km # 7 Split Time—4:49 minutes
The “cursed” uphill climb from McKinley Hill back to Lawton Avenue almost covered the entire length of Kilometer # 8 of the route. My problem of breathing due to the quality of air at McKinley Hill plus the steep uphill climb towards Lawton Avenue slowed me to a great extent. I usually cough when I smell smoke and I was trying to control it. I tried also to quicken my leg strides and swing my arms faster but my breathing was not synchronized with leg strides. At this time, I knew I slowed down and I thought I reached the 5:00 minute/km pace. Once I reached the Waiting Shed & Jeepney Stop at Lawton Avenue, I tried to breath deeply and quicken my pace. I was no longer attentive to those runners who were passing me and those lady runners in “tutu” dress attire. My goal from this point was to focus on my strides and make my average pace faster. A few meters after the Waiting Shed marks the end of Kilometer # 8.
Km # 8 Split Time—4:53 minutes
As I quicken my pace along Lawton Avenue, the smell of the smoke was still there and later disappeared before reaching the Robinson’s Condo Building. I tried to run faster on the downhill portion before reaching Essensa and I was back on business with my pace. However, the uphill climb along 5th Avenue at Essensa slightly slowed my pace. After passing the Essensa area and a few meters before the crossing with McKinley Road, it marks the end of Kilometer # 9.
Km # 9 Split Time—4:40 minutes
Crossing the intersection of McKinley Road and 5th Avenue was a relief as the road towards the finish line was downhill. I knew I was running hard and fast on the last kilometer of the race as if I was running at my pace during my speed runs at the oval track. As I turned right along 26th Street, I just imagined that I was running my last lap around the oval track as I got nearer to the finish line.
Km # 10 Split Time—4:24 minutes
I finished the race in 44:17 minutes with an average pace of 4:33 minutes per kilometer. My race pace was the same with my last Friday’s “speed workout” and I was not able to lower my average pace for this race as what I have planned. Despite my failure to reach the 4:20 min/km pace, I was able to improve my finish time from my 2009 PSE Bull Run 10K held last January (46:17 mins), a 10K race which was held within the same race route without the McKinley Loop.
As I assess and evaluate my performance on today’s 10K race, there are still things to do with the remaining days before the Condura Half-Marathon and the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race. Initially, starting tomorrow, I will have to do my hill repeats and hill runs. The flyovers at C-5 Highway, the rolling terrain of Bayani Road and the roads surrounding the Ortigas Complex would be nice spots where I could test my legs and lungs! I need to go back to the gym and do more strengthening exercises on my legs, arms & core muscles. Finally, come up with a race strategy to catch up with those lady runners in “tutu” dress!!!
Overall Race Rating—96%
P.S. No running photos this time as my old SONY Digital “Cyber-Shot” Camera is about to be retire and replaced. I need a handy digital camera with a faster shutter speed and faster memory processor.
Bataan 102K: Latest Updates & Reminders
1. Last Day of Registration and Acceptance of Registration Fees is next Monday, 16 March 2009. Effective March 17, registration and payments for registration fees will not be accepted except for the special accommodation given to the “foreign runners” from Singapore and other countries for them to register at the starting area on D-Day.
2. Final List of Participants will be posted in this site and at www.bataan102.com; www.baldrunner.blogspot.com; and www.baldrunnerevents.blogspot.com. Only those who have paid their registration fee up to March 16, 2009 will be included in the list.
3. Race packets will be available for pick-up effective 17 March 2009 at the ULTRA Oval Track on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 5:30 to 9:00 PM or at our office at 115 2nd Floor M.H. Del Pilar corner E. Angeles Streets, Santo Tomas, Pasig City or call telephone number–497-6442.
4. Race packet will include a “soft backpack”, white long-sleeved race shirt, a running cap with cover on the nape, race bib, GU Sports Gels, PowerBars, Salt, tissue paper (just in case) and Pain Reliever tablets. The “soft backpack” with the printed Race Number of the participant will serve as a “Drop Bag” of the runners where they can put in their extra shoes and clothes. These “drop bags” will be in the care of a dedicated Mobile Aid Station during the race.
5. There will be Aid Station in every twenty (20) kilometers where food, water and sports drinks will be available. In addition, three (3) Mobile Aid Stations will serve as a General Support Vehicle for everybody which will alternately “leap frog” as the race will progress. These Mobile Aid Stations will provide water and sports drinks for everybody and one Mobile Aid Station will serve as the repository of the “Drop Bags”. Gatorade, Propel, RC Cola & Zesto Tetra Pack Drinks are the brands available during the race. Foods available in the Aid Stations will include boiled bananas, boiled sweet potatoes, boiled eggs, fresh ripe bananas and other fresh fruits, Fita Biscuits, Sky Flakes Crackers, Peanut Butter Sandwich, raisins, chocolates, and “hot” cup noodles at Km Post # 50.
6. Finishers (within the cut-off time of 18 hours) will receive a Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Trophy, and Finisher’s T-Shirt. A Certificate of Achievement will be given on a later date where the name & time of finish will be printed. We plan to give the Certificate with an appropriate Finish Picture of each runner-finisher.
7. Each runner is advised and encouraged to carry with them Hand-held Hydration Bottles, Hydration Belt, or Hydration Bladder during the race. Remember, the Number Enemy or Opponent during the the race is not the other runners but the “Heat of the Sun and the Pavement”. Good luck to everybody!
8. Donors and Sponsors are highly appreciated to give anything (services, money, and material things) to make this ultramarathon race a success and memorable event. A part of your donation will support the “needs” of the surviving veterans of World War II who are presently under the care of the Veterans Medical Center. For those who supported this historical event and those who made “commitments” to support this endeavor (you know already who you are), my deepest appreciation and thanks to all of you.
Note: Payments for the Registration Fee must be deposited at Allied Bank Account # 0251-07156-8 in the name of Bald Runner’s Events or Jovenal Narcise. Please send an e-mail to jovie75@hotmail.com to inform me of your payment as my basis for confirmation with the bank. Thanks!
Pictures @ Coffee Run
Amadeo Coffee Run=Downhill + Uphill
7:56 AM 28 February 2009 @ Amadeo, Cavite
After the Bataan 52K “Test Run”, I was not decided yet to run the Coffee Run at Amadeo, Cavite as I wanted to put more time to run on the road with long and steady runs. Yesterday, during the “speed” training session at the ULTRA Oval Track, I found out that the elite members of Team Bald Runner will be joining the said race. This made me decide to run on this race and be with the company of Jonel aka Bugobugo85, Jan Imperio, and Ismael Ilagan of Team Bald Runner.
After coordination and arrangements, our convoy of three vehicles left Manila at 4:45 AM today and arrived at the Town Plaza of Amadeo, Cavite at 6:00 AM. We had enough time to register and look around the Poblacion. We tried to look for the advertised free coffee as the place is known as the coffee capital of the country plus the fact that the town is celebrating their Pahimis Festival. We found out that the coffee was being brewed and the people were prepared to serve every guest in the town. The place was cold and breezy that I had to wear my sports jacket while talking with the other runners. The air was fresh and clean in Amadeo and we enjoyed drinking our coffee with hot pandesal at the Town Plaza where there were tables and chairs for the guests.
As we waited for the race to start, more runners arrived from Manila to include members of the Fort Striders Club, Fitness First Runners, and members of Team Bald Runner (Professional Group). I was able to talk to Runner For Christ, Jazz Runner, runners from Sta Rosa, Laguna who reminded me that I gave them some of the “donated shoes” from Del Q, the members of Fort Striders, and foreigners from Orange County, California. Thirty minutes before the start of the race, we had our jogging/warm-up along the roads of the Poblacion and prepared ourselves for the race.
The race started at 7:56 AM after a short speech from the race organizer and host of the road race. There were about 250 runners who joined the race which consisted of a 3K, 5K, and 10K race. All the race distances started at the same time and it was very orderly. The race did not have any complications. The route was a straight downhill along a single road up to a distance of 5 kilometers and the remaining 5 kilometers towards the finish line was an uphill climb. For the rest of the distances, the turn-around for the 3K was located at the 1.5K and the 5K’s turn-around was located at the 2.5K and the water stations were located on these turn-around points. Cold water and strings were abundant and there were no problems for the runners in getting their cups of water and strings.
My race strategy for the 10K run was simply to finish the race as I was not confident with my “speed” training for the week. As soon as the race started, the downhill was so tempting to be fast for the 1st half of the race but I controlled my pace as I wanted to reserve my strength for the uphill climb on the last half of the race. For the 1st half, my average pace was 4:25 minutes per kilometers, however, on my way back to the finish line, I had an average pace of 5:15 minutes. The race was a unique one because of the route and I enjoyed it. I finished the 10K race in 47:11 minutes placing # 20 overall among the finishers.
I would say that the race was perfectly organized and executed. There were no frills but the basic needs of the runners were all provided to include medical assistance/ambulance and security by the PNP. The awarding were all done without any hitches or complaints. The people of Amadeo were friendly and appreciative of the runners as we passed their houses during the race.
I am sure I will be back next year to Amadeo for their 2nd Coffee Run because of the unique & simple route to break the monotony of the usual routes in Metro Manila.
Congratulations to the Elite Team Bald Runner for winning most of the podium awards and Thanks for the Support from the Professional Group of Team Bald Runner led by Jonel aka Bugobugo85, Jan Imperio, and Ismael Ilagan.
Team BR Performance (14-15 Feb ’09)
Team Bald Runner’s Performance last weekend, 14-15 February 2009:
a. Milo Marathon (Batangas elimination)-
-Marecil Maquilan, Champion, 21K Women
-Gerald Sabal, 2nd Place, 21K Men
-Ellen Tolentino, 2nd Place, 21K Women
-Rey delos Reyes, 6th Place, 21K Men
b. Power Run (SM MOA)
-Cris Sabal, Champion, 15k Men
-Bernardo Desamito, 2nd Place, 15k Men
-Elmer Sabal, 3rd Place, 15k Men
-Jujet de Asis, 4th Place, 15k Men
-Ailene Tolentino, Champion, 15k Women
-Ana Vargas, 2nd Place, 10K women
c. Valentine’s Day 10K Run (Vigan, Ilocos Sur)
-Isidro Vildosola, Champion
d. All members of Team Bald Runner who participated in the MILO-Batangas City 21K Elimnation Run and Power Run 15K at SM MOA registered their respective new PR finish times. Special mention goes to Bards aka Banana Running and Vicky who placed No. 7 and 8, respectively in the Women’s Overall Category in the MILO 21K Elimination Race.
Congratulations to Everybody!
Bataan 102 Race Route
The Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race will start inside the Bataan Death March Park where the Kilometer # 00 is located. All the participants will run along the cemented and asphalted National Highway towards the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The first 3 kilometers will be flat as the road starts its ascending or uphill part towards the peak of the mountain. Runners will experience running along a winding uphill road for the next 4 kilometers until the road reaches its peak at Km # 7+. The runners are advised to wear and put on their headlights or flashlights on this winding road as there are no sidewalks along this road. However, once the runners would have cleared the mountain road, the highway will be wider with wide sidewalks on both sides of the road.
As one of our Major Sponsors in this race, all PETRON Gasoline Stations’ Comfort Rooms will be open for everybody in case of personal necessities while running along the route of the race.
At Km Post # 23, runners will take the right turn towards the town of Limay and Orion before going back to the Roman Highway.
At Km Post # 32, runners will again take the right turn towards the town of Pilar and City of Balanga. At the City Proper of Balanga, Km Post # 44 is located at the City Park but it is located along the street one block away (parallel) from the old National Highway where you are running. Don’t go to the said street where Km Post # 44 is located, just continue running towards Abucay along the road where you are. Km Post # 50 should be near the Gaz Xpress Gasoline Station & Abucay Mega Market.
As runners leave Hermosa, Km Post # 67 will be at the intersection of the road going to Hermosa Poblacion and the Roman Highway. Km Post # 68 is located at the World War II Monument & Park in Dinalupihan where the road going to Subic Bay Freeport intersects with the National Highway.
From the Dinalupihan Crossing, runners will be running along the National Highway for almost 15 kilometers. Runners are advised to take extra precaution while running along this segment of the race route due to the presence of fast moving vehicles. Km Post # 82 could be seen at the vicinity of the Lubao Bridge and after passing this bridge, Km Post # 83 would be at the intersection of the National Highway and the road going to Guagua. Turn right towards Guagua until you reach the Poblacion. Runners must skip going around the park in Guagua as all runners could immediately turn left to a road that connects to the road that goes to Bacolor. Poblacion Guagua is where Km Post # 90 is located.
If you see a Gasoline Station on your left where the first Original “Razon” Restaurant/Eatery is located, a runner has still 11 kilometers to go before the finish line. The restaurant takes only 5 minutes to prepare for your Palabok & their famous Halo-Halo
before you can proceed with your last segment of the race. I suggest you taste or eat these recommended orders from the said restaurant during the race!
After some short bridges and sights of lahar/open fields on both sides along the way, the road will be flat with the remaining kilometer posts visible on the right side of the road until you reach a blue-colored km post which indicates Km # 101 & located infront of a factory. Few meters ahead is towards the Provincial Capitol and infront of the Pampanga Provincial Capitol, there is a small alley on the left side of the road and the runner must turn left towards this road. 60-70 meters from the turning point is the Finish Line of the Race.
Good luck to the participants. See you this Sunday morning in Abucay, Bataan.
“Don’t Waste Your Strength “Whining”, Just Finish The Race”
6:00 AM 15 February 2009/Power Run 15K/10K/5K @ SM Mall of Asia & PICC Grounds
Yesterday, I posted my predictions about today’s road race. Actually, I forgot to mention the lack of kilometer markings for the said race and instead posted a corrected version of my post in my blogger site (www.baldrunner.blogspot.com). I made those predictions to warn other runners to expect that this race will not be as perfect as they wanted to be. Except for the “perfect weather” for the race which I did not specifically stated, although I was expecting a hot, sunny and humid on the last half of the race, all the things I’ve predicted about the road race came true!
The Good
1) Simple Program & Punctual Start—This is what I like with road races managed by MX Sports. The Emcee just simply announced the remaining minutes before the race starts and repeatedly informed the runners that the race starts at exactly 6:00AM. The race started at exactly 6:00AM as registered in my GF 305 watch with a simple countdown from the Emcee and a simple “fire” sound from a track pistol.
2) No Problems & Hassles During Registration—I registered last Saturday and it was so easy. I observed also that the race organizer was accepting the registration of participants minutes before the start of the race within the assembly area. However, I was not able to get a hard copy of the road race route which I expected to be a part of my race packet. I depended much on the race route published by runner-bloggers and takbo.ph download copy of Jinoe. By looking at the race route, I was already expecting some “chaos & confusion” during the said race.
3) Nice Emcee & Sound System—So far, I like the way the Emcee delivered his message in order to inform the runners about the start of the 10K & 15K races. The sound system was also pleasing to my ears and the background music made me sway and stretch my body and legs.
4) Fast Course—This is a flat and fast course and I predicted a PR best time to the students (“speed” training) and members of the Team Bald Runner in their respective road race.
The Bad
All my predictions were true! There was “chaos, confusion and lots of whining” along the road from the runners. Running two loops at the PICC Complex created the first confusion among the runners. When the runners were back to the MOA Grounds after coming from the PICC Complex and Macapagal Highway, another confusion occurred where I saw two top contenders for the 15K were lost. Instead of being ahead of us, they were actually going opposite to our direction. It was too late when they realized that they were on the wrong road as they joined us. On the last stretch of the race, all the runners were complaining about the extra distance they had to run.
Some of the runners were confused as most of the roads at the MOA Grounds did not have road marshalls. One runner who was mad about the situation, when he saw me coming, shouted and requested me to write a very long critique for this race. Another runner even shouted, “we just follow Bald Runner and for sure we’ll not get lost to the finish line”. Hehehe! I really like that! Another runner would always shout to every Security Guard and Road Marshall manning in some of the intersections that their race was confusing and he was complaining of the high cost for the registration fee. A lady runner (who was running third overall in the women’s category) ran beside me and she was also loudly cursing for the confusion and lots of turns along the way. I spoke to her in a nice manner and said, “Don’t Waste Your Energy Complaining, Focus Your Mind On Finishing the Race With More Strength”. Another runner who ran beside me even suggested for me to organize a road race and bring back those road races I had conducted when I was the Chairman of the DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half-Marathon Road Races. Thanks, dude! You can experience how the Bald Runner conducts a road race if you join the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race this coming 05 April 2009.
Since I’ve predicted those things that will go wrong on the day of the race, I just concentrated my mind in finishing the race. Just when I’ve expected to have a dash on the last 700 meters before the Finish Line as my GF 305 registered a distance covered at 14.3 kilometers, a road marshall directed us to turn right to a road where the 15K runners had to get their 3rd and last straw at the end of this road and then back to the road that leads us to the Finish Line. I was sorry to frustrate the lady runner beside me when I told her that we still have 700 meters left to go before the Finish Line.
No pictures of me (running along the route) taken by my staff. Even my staff who had been taking my pictures during road races was also confused about the route of the race. Because of those so many turns and roads we had to go through inside the MOA Grounds, my staff was not able to locate me and decided to just wait for me at the Fnish Line.
The Ugly
1) Longer Distance—I predicted that these race would lack a hundred meters for the supposed 15K distance or at least, accurate to the nearest 50-100 meters, plus or minus. However, my GF 305 registered a distance of 16.8 kilometers! We ran an extra distance of 1.8 kilometers.
2) Runners Competing With Vehicles On the Route—I thought I would not experience what other runners had experienced before in road intersections where pubilic utility jeeps would just cross your path and stop infront of you. I exactly experienced that kind of situation at the vicinity of the “Globe” fixture infront of MOA. There was no road marshall on that particular intersection and the driver of the jeep “competed and raced” with us to cross the intersection and made a quick U-turn. Instead of making a quick U-turn, the driver simply stopped and his jeep blocked our way few inches from us. It could had been a case of a “runner bumping a jeepney vehicle” and not the other way around if we did not stop! Sometimes, such case distracts one’s momentum and pace.
3) No “Freebies” At The Finish Line—After finishing the race, I was trying to look for bottled water or sports drinks at the vicinity of the Finish Line but my staff informed me that there was no water or drinks available. I did not see any “Certificates” being given to the runners at they complete the race.
4) “Donate A Shoe” Booth Got Bumped-Off (Again!)—While I was busy distributing the donated shoes to those runners with “old and tattered” shoes, our “makeshift” booth was surrounded by Security Guards of DJA Security Agency of MOA for the simple reason that the race organizer was following/implementing a “policy” where my booth was not allowed to operate in the said area. I really did not understand why “these people” would question the presence of my booth even if our intentions/objectives are clear and noble (to help other people) and that we don’t earn any income from this advocacy. Hey, guys, your actuations will not stop us from pursuing our advocacy (even without media exposure) as we have plans of going to the suburbs and provinces around Metro Manila in order to help other runners. To the Race Organizer, if we made some “lapses” or did not coordinate with you in our desire to distribute those donated shoes we received from our benefactors, we are sorry for not coordinating with you but a simple consideration for allowing us to distribute those shoes would had been a very positive points for you. Guys, my project had been around for the past one year and if you don’t know about this “Donate A Shoe”-thing, you probably do not read or visit this blog. Well, if you want to improve the way you conduct your races and know the “voice” and feedbacks of your paying runners, you better start visiting/reading this runner’s blog.
5) Quality and Smell of Air—The quality and smell of the air each runner breath while running is very poor.
6) Lastly, very expensive registration fee—I usually hear this feedback from the runners beside me during the race. I really don’t mind the cost of the registration fee if the race organizer provides safety along the route, abundant clean drinking water, and for the benefit of a certain “cause” to help the less-fortunate ones or for some “noble” programs/projects.
The Best
1) Thanks For the VIP Treatment—As I entered the Starting Area, runners came to me for “photo-ops” and I received more greetings from the other runners as we waited for the race to start. As I was running, more runners would greet me whether I was trying to overtake them or while the runners would pass on me or while these runners were staying/running beside me. Guys, thanks again for those greetings while we are on the road race. I hope my “hand wave” and simple words of “thanks”, “banat!” and “malapit na ang finish line” to you would be enough to acknowledge your greetings. As a matter of request though, please stop calling me “General”, just simply call me “BR”, “Bald Runner”, or “Sir Jovie”.
2) PR Best Time For 15K—My running friends would always ask me when will I stop registering a new PR every time I join a road race. I always answer them with a smile and tell them that I am doing my running workouts regularly and prepare for a marathon or an ultramarathon race to come. My last 15K road race best time was 1:14:43 hours during the VSO Bahaginan 15K Run held last November 2008 at The Fort. For this morning’s 15K Race, I finished with a time of 1:20:03 hours with a distance of 16.8 kilometers as registered in my GF 305. The average pace was 4:45 minutes per kilometer which was within my target goal for the race. By simply deducting my elapsed time for the excess of 1.8 kilometers, my unofficial finish time for the 15K race would had been 1:11:14 hours which is an improvement from my VSO run by almost 3:30 minutes.
Lessons Learned
1) “Speed” Training by Team Bald Runner works well and slowly adapting to my body capability.
2) There is a need to continue with my supplementary weight training and have my gym workouts at least twice a week.
3) There is no “secret formula” for runners to improve on their finish times as they grow older. As the famous Dr George Sheehan would say that running is an “experiment of one”, I am still on the process of “experimenting” on how I could improve my finish times as I add more year/s to my age. Since I don’t follow any training program, a combination of speed, endurance and hardwork are the key ingredients to my preparations. Whether it is on the training, nutrition, medicine, supplementary weight training, Cross Fit, P90X, and mental positive attitude, what is important is to allow the body to adapt and recover from training and actual road race competitions.
4) Stay Cool & Relaxed but Fast in Road Races. I have already an inkling on what to expect during the road race through my predictions. I have already conditioned myself that the things that I’ve experienced during the Resolution Challenge which was held last month would happen again because of my impression that the race will be managed by the same race organizer. After running for the first few kilometers, I already knew that my predictions were coming true and just maintained and focused my efforts in coming up with another best finish time for the 15K distance.
To the members of the Team Bald Runner, congratulations on your respective PR best time on the said race. Everybody is getting faster!!!
My Predictions For Tomorrow’s Run
I just finished my 30-minute “active recovery” run on the ULTRA Oval Track and along the roads surrounding the track and my mind was busy thinking of the race tomorrow at the MOA Grounds & PICC Area. Based from my experience and observations during the Resolution Challenge 10K Run, I am anticipating that the same experiences will be repeated and I just hope that the race organizers were able to correct their deficiencies in the said run. I am coming up these predictions:
1) More Runners Attending This Race—As this is the only race scheduled for this weekend, I predict that more runners will participate in this road race. More runners means more excitement and fun!
2) Chaos, Confusion, & More “Whiners”—Reviewing the published race route for the 15K & other distance races, a runner will be confused following those arrows along the streets at PICC Complex and MOA Grounds to include some portions of the Macapagal Avenue. If the road organizer will not deploy more road marshalls and signs, I predict that most of the runners will get lost. I encourage the participants to review the route or if not, go to the exact route and conduct a visual “reconnaissance” or run/walk through.
3) Nice Sound System & Emcee—This is what I’ve observed when I ran the Resolution Challenge last month, the “sounds” are tolerable and the Emcee’s voice was pleasing to my ears.
4) Water & Hydration System—There will be water stations along the route but I predict that the water supply will not be enough. So, for those running the 15K race, I suggest you bring your hydration belt aside from the fact that the race will be starting at 6:00AM which I think will be a late start time for the 15K runners.
5) Road Race “Cheaters” or Road Race “Shortcut” Runners—I hate to mention this but I’ve observed that some runners with the “middle group” are making some “shortcuts” at the PICC Complex area. I predict that this thing will happen again as the runners will be doing two loops at the said area. I hope the race organizers will have a way to determine if runners had completed two loops on the said portion of the route.
6) More Ribbons or Straws—I don’t want to count the number of turns a runner would pass on this race. I think the route has more turns than the number of kilometers that each runner will run. I really don’t know how the race organizer will determine if a runner had passed the numerous turns along the route. I am expecting that more straws will be placed on my neck before finishing the 15K race.
7) Runners Competing With Vehicles—Even if the roads will be wide for all the runner, I predict that vehicles plying on these roads will be there competing with the runners. I suggest that runners should be extra careful during the race and be vigilant/observant on their surroundings. This is the very reason why I don’t use my Ipod or MP3 player while running. Macapagal Avenue is a wide road but every runner should be extra careful while running on this road and crossing on its intersections as there are no prescribed speed limits on this road.
8) Accurate Race Distance—I just hope the race organizer had corrected this problem. Anyway, I still predict that the race distance will not be accurate.
9) Record-Breaking PR Road Race—As most of the runners of the Team Bald Runner’s “speed” training and the Hardcores/Power Runners will be participating in this road race, I predict that the students of our “speed” training will be proudly “barking” their new PR best for the 15K race after the race. Guys, I am really proud of you and advance Congratulations! Prepare to treat us for a Jollibee breakfast after the race!!!
To all the runners, Good Luck and Have Fun. Happy Valentine’s Day to Everybody!
Bald Runner 
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