“On Your Left”

On June 21, 2010June 21, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Running, Running Shoes, Trail Running12 Comments

5:30 AM June 20, 2010 @ Nuvali, Santa Rosa, Laguna

304x156 — Event's Ads @ The New Balance Website

The first reason why I joined this trail run was to have a glimpse of the “new” running playground outside Metro Manila. I heard about this trail running course last February 2010 when TNF sponsored a trail run on Valentine’s Day. I opted to register the 15K distance which is the longest distance available. Second reason is that it is a part of my preparation for the incoming MILO Marathon Eliminations on July 4th.

I drove all the way to Nuvali with some of my elite athletes who volunteered to pace me for the race and make this run as their workout. We arrived at the area one hour earlier from the scheduled time posted for the runners to be picked-up at Solenad area to the Starting Area. The waiting time was an opportunity to meet other runners, chat with them and pose for some photo-ops. I was happy to see a lot of junior and senior officers of the Philippine Army who had been consistently joining road races as they joined the 15K race. At 5:00 AM, two buses filled with 15K runners were transported to Montecito area which is about 4K away from the Assembly Area and at the same time the Finish Line.

At exactly 5:32 AM, the race started and I was at the mid-pack with the intention of trying to follow the faster runners ahead of me as this was my first time to run in the said area. The trail does not compare with the trails of “Brown Mountain” (BM) with regards to elevation and steepness of the trail. In short, the race is simply a trail run with going down towards a river for a one kilometer of running along its waters and rocks and finally climbing out into a slippery trail towards a leveled area. And the rest was a combination of a dirt road, winding single track trail with cogon grasses on both sides, and some loose soil coming from the erosion brought about by the land developments in the area.

The first 500 meters of the race was some sort of a warm-up run for me trying to size up the trail as the dirt road led us to a slippery and single track trail. Before I reached the 1 kilometer mark, I started to pick-up my pace by overtaking one runner one at a time. I saw to it that I pass each runner on parts of the trail that are inclined and I started saying the words, “On Your Left” or “On Your Right” to give a warning to the runner ahead of me of my desire to overtake him/her on his/her left or right side. But I guess, most of the runners do not know what I was talking about or they do not know what was my message to them. However, there are also runners who would know what I meant that they immediately give way for me to overtake them.

While on the river, I ran with my shoes completely submerged in the water. Practically, I was running with the flow of the river where I was able to pass some runners who opted to tip-toe on rocks on the side or banks of the river. As I went up along a steep trail from the river, I know that my legs and feet have survived those slippery rocks and loose soil on the river and I could feel that there is not much of sand that enetred my wet shoes.

I used my Adidas Adizero Mana, which is road racing flat shoes, for this trail run! It is light even when it is wet and the mud that sticks on its soles could be easily removed when I run. Sometimes, my feet tend to slide on muddy parts of the trail but I am glad that the slight tractions on its soles do not accumulate so much mud in them. I could say that this particular Adidas shoes had passed the test for my trail runs even when I do my runs at BM.

After the Km 4 point, everything was a slight rolling terrain and I was able to gain my speed. But trying to overtake some runners in a single-track trail who do not know what I meant by “On Your Left/Right” made me break my tempo if they do not give way for me. But I became patient with such runners that I have to overtake them when there is an ample space where I could squeeze in my body. It was repeated again and again as I overtook more runners on the second half of the course.

Frank (Left) Joined Me At Km 13; Raul (Right) Joined Me The Whole Race

I was wearing very light running shoes and apparel without any hydration belt. I was wearing an Adidas running shorts; The North Face trail shirt; Eddie Bauer gray trail socks; and ingested one Hammer Sports Gel at Km 8 point. There was no problem with the Water Aid Stations as there were enough for everybody and the route marshals were so many as they were located in key parts of the trail. Ribbons, markers, and pointers were placed along the trails, too! There is no reason for any runner to be lost along the trail route!

I finished the 15K trail run in 1:30:12 hours (unofficial) based from my GF 305. After passing through the finish line, I was greeted by Neville Manaois, the Race Director, and I congratulated him for a nice route and organized race. I did not stay long as I proceeded to the shower facility to clean up myself before changing to my dry clothes.

This is my last tune-up race before the MILO Marathon Eliminations on July 4th and from here my daily routine will be geared towards tapering and mentally preparing myself for the race.

See you on July 4th!

(Note: This is my 1,000th post in this blog! My humble contribution to the 200 million posts at WordPress.)

Lost

On June 12, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Half-Marathon, Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners' Training, Running, Running Shoes18 Comments

June 12, 2010 112th Independence Day Celebration @ The Fort

My last road race in Metro Manila was the Century Tuna Half-Marathon on February 21, 2010 which was held at The Fort. However, I was able to finish a 50K Ultramarathon Road Race in Jeju Island, South Korea on March 27, 2010 and since then I stopped joining 10K, 15K and Half-Marathon Races. After the Jeju run, my running workouts were geared towards my preparation for the 34th MILO Marathon Elimination Race on July 4, 2010. As part of my training, I decided to join this Half-Marathon Race in order to break-in my running shoes (ASICS Gel-Tarther) and apparel (ASICS running shorts & singley) for the MILO Marathon. The cheap registration fee and my plan to test my race strategy for the next full marathon were also the reasons why I joined this race.

I am a sucker for running events that celebrate historic events in our country plus its advocacy to end poverty ( the white “ONE” band that I am using on my right wrist is the world’s symbol for the advocacy to “make poverty a history”) which I am trying to adhere to with the small contributions I’ve been doing through my projects like “Donate A Shoe”; “Donate A Shirt”; and my Elite Team Bald Runner. In short, I just wanted a simple road race to assess my training and at the same time celebrate a historic event for the country.

But from the Start of the Race, it showed some signs of “dangers” to come! All the runners (21K, 15K, 10K, & 5K) were mixed together in the coral which means that all the runners shall start at the same time. And it happened. Some group of runners started the race ahead without any command or the sound of a starting gun. Although the race started a few minutes late (5:36 AM), the rest of the runners just simply started running from the starting line without even hearing a countdown from the Emcee!

Team BR-Professionals BR's Friends Before The Race Start

Most of the Runners Had Crossed The Starting Line Before The Race Started

From the start, I was able to maintain my pace within the 5:15-5:40 minutes per kilometer average pace except at Km 3 & 4 where I was able to register a pace of 4:45 mpk. The race strategy was to be able to finish the first 10K in 55 minutes and slowly picking up the pace on the last 10K of the race and be able to finish the race in slightly above 1:45 hours. However, when I and the other 21K runners reached the 15K mark, we were lost! We tried to ask for assistance from the route marshal but they could not give us the correct directions. There were ignorant of the race route. They just simply told us to proceed to where the runners were going!

That was it! The runners were lost. I was lost, too! I was already out of focus and just simply wanted to finish the race! My companion and I went around the “bigger loop” at The Fort for two times before reaching the Finish Line. My GF 305 registered a distance of 18.2 kilometers!

Lost & Frustrated As I Reached The Finish Line

I got my Finisher’s Medal but I was not proud to wear it. After I changed my wet running apparel, I went nearer to the event stage to find out who is the Race Organizer/Director. I was not surprised to hear from the Emcee that the Race Organizer/Director was Mr Franco Atienza…again? Well, the “usual suspect” is confirmed to be responsible with “fucked-up” race routes in the past road races and the traces of lack of water cups and short length of water aid stations for a thousands of runners were still there despite the complaints from participating runners.

My GF 305 registered a time of 1:35:18 for the distance of 18.2K. It is not a fast time/PR but I know I can be faster if I did not relax and slowed my pace after I was lost. My running shoes and apparel were great and they passed the test. I am confident that they will help me in another successful marathon finish on July 4th.

250px-Lost_title_card — TV Series "LOST" (Photo from Wikipedia)

Race Organizers/Directors who do not learn from their past mistakes and “lapses” should get LOST from conducting races that honor “heroes & patriots” of our country. This road race was supposed to be a “Gathering Of Patriots” not a “gathering of LOST runners”!!!

Tuck In Or Tuck Out?

On June 8, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners' Training, Running6 Comments

Do you tuck in your running singlet/shirt when you run, whether in a training or in a race, or not?

Having been in the military, we ran with our shirt tucked-in with our running shorts for uniformity sake and for better appearance when running in formation. I guess, the norm is that, if you run with your running shorts, it is better to tuck-in your shirt or singlet.

In the early 80s when I started to seriously train myself to run in road races, I always see to it that I tuck-in my shirt or singlet whenever I run. This was a practice that was a must. This was the same observation I had with the world’s elite runners as I saw them in runner’s magazines. I have the same observation with the Kenyans and Ethiopian runners in the past Olympic Games and other IAAF World Championship Meets. The following pictures were example of world’s elite marathon runners in action in one of the famous marathon races in the world.

imagesCATAO9WX — World's Elite Marathon Runners in the 80s (Google's Images)

001308782 — Alberto Salazar In The 1980 New York City Marathon (Google's Images)

However, things had changed lately. For the past 2 1/2 years that I’ve been to road races, I’ve seen a lot of runners with their shirts and singlets tucked-out from their shorts. Some of the world’s elite runners have also been in this kind of fashion trend.

Usain Bolt With His 2008 Olympics 100-Meter Dash World Record (Getty Images)

Samuel Wanjiru's Gold Medal Finish in the 2008 Beijing Olympics (Photo by Xinhua)

Last March when I participated in the 2010 Jeju Island Ultramarathon Race, I had a chance to visit an ASICS Store. While I was trying to fit one of its running apparel, the sales lady told me to tuck-out the singlet that I was wearing. She said (through her language & hand signs) that I should wear the singlet tucked-out from my shorts! At first, I was surprised and uncomfortable going against the norm that I was used to.

For the past weeks, I’ve been trying to run with my shirt/singlet tucked-out from my running shorts and try to study the difference from my runs if I tuck-in my shirt. It seems that there is no difference at all. But with a slight difference though. My running socks and shoes tend to be wet with my perspiration faster than when I am wearing my shirt tucked-in.

The best would be running like this…

bolinas1-199x300 — Anton Krupicka @ 2010 Miwok 100 (Photo: http://www.ultralive.net)

But you’ll be surprised that running at The Fort, the usual running places in Manila and other private areas outside Metro Manila without a singlet (half-naked) is not allowed. It’s corny and no proper explanation had been given except that it is not allowed because the place is a private property.

Tuck In, Tuck Out, or Half-Naked…the choice is yours!

5th Day: Final Climb To Baguio City

On February 14, 2010February 14, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners Accessories, Runners' Training, Running, Running Shoes, Ultramarathon51 Comments

1. The plan for the 5th Day was to finish the “adventure run” to Baguio City. It will take me 58 kilometers to run/walk for the this “leg”. I knew that Kennon Road covers a distance of 35 kilometers and the uphill road starts from Barangay Saitan, Rosario, La Union which is the road that intersects with the Main National Highway.

2. For me to finish this “leg”, I need to have a longer time to sleep the night before the 5th day, wake up earlier than the previous days, and start the run before sunrise. The 5th leg is planned to be a continous run/walk from Kilometer Post #192 to Kilometer Post #250. So, I woke up at 4:00 AM; did the “drill” as if I am going to join a road race; and packed my things.

3. It was still dark when I started my run at Km Post #192 in Binalonan, Pangasinan at 5:45 AM. The sidewalk is still the same—full of stones/gravel and sand which made my run slower and had to use my flashlight. I was wearing my TNF Trail Running Shorts; TNF Long-sleeved shirt; TNF Hand-held Hydration bottle; Under Armour Cap; ASICS Gel-Kanbara 4; PUMA Socks; Armando Caruso Buff as headband; Oakley sunglass; and two Bandanas tied around my neck. From where I started, I had to run/walk at least 23 kilometers to the Rivervue Restaurant where I plan to have a decent breakfast with steamed rice! The restaurant is 400 meters away from the intersection of Kennon Road and the National Highway.

@ Sison, Pangasinan Bridge With Rey Jimenez

4. At Km 21, Rey Jimenez of Dagupan City met me along the road and we started to run together. Rey finally believed about my description on the sidewalks of our National Highway as he had seen stones and gravel & sand. After running for two kilometers, we stopped for our breakfast and rest. I ate “tapsilog” with their native chocolate/cocoa hot drink. I really liked the hot native chocolate drink! We stayed at Rivervue Restaurant for about 45 minutes and I think we were the first customer for the day.

5. What is good about running on the road is that you are not affected with those traffic brought about by the repair of some bridges and parts of the road where only one lane is usable by the vehicles. We have to pass vehicles which were waiting for their turn to pass the only lane for both traffic. I am sure the people inside the vehicles were talking about us that we are “crazy” running along the Kennon Road towards Baguio City.

@ Our "Pit & Pee" Stops Along Kennon Road Near The Bridal Veil Falls

6. Cyclists from the South would pass me while I was running on my first 20 kilometer and I know that they are also on their way to Baguio City. We would meet a lot of cyclists also coming from Baguio and later see them going back again to the city. I always wave my hands to these cyclists and they respond also. These “cyclists” are the real ones—they are thin, flat-chested, and with very DARK skin! I just laugh to myself when I compare those regular cyclists I always see doing their “circuit” workouts at the BHS loop.

Rey Leading The Way During Our Walking Breaks

7. Running along the Kennon Road is very tricky and you need to be always on the safe side. Take advantage of the limited space at the sidewalk where you could run/walk. I don’t advise runners to use their Ipods/MP3 when running in Kennon Road or for that matter, when running along the National Highway. A runner should have a keen sense of hearing from the incoming vehicle on both lanes of the road. During this adventure run, I could guess what type of vehicle was approaching from behind based from the sound of their engines, mufflers, and tires!

Rey Jimenez 04 — "Where is the toll booth?" (Courtesy of Rey Jimenez)

Where is the roadside eatery for my lunch?

8. Rey and I ran together on single file. On the first 10 kilometers, I was leading the pace but on the next 10 kilometers, Rey was already the one who was trying to pull me along the road as he would lead me for about 5-10 meters. We had occassional “pit stops” where we replenish our water for our hydration; drink sports drinks; and ate Fita/SkyFlakes with Cloud 9 Chocolate. Each Kilometer Post along the road was a sight of relief as the number of Kilometers to my destination slowly became lesser until it bacame single digit.

Plate of Table Salt with Coke ;"Chicken Joy" & Kennon Pork Sinigang For Lunch

9. After passing the long bridge at the Toll Station, we stopped for our late lunch. Rey and I ate the available food in one of the eateries for “truckers”—home-cooked sinigang na baboy, “chicken joy” & dinuguan with steamed rice. After our lunch, Rey prepared to go back to where he parked his car in Barangay Saitan as he was scheduled for a social function in Dagupan City late in the afternoon. Rey took a ride in one of the jeepneys and I was left alone for my last 11 kilometers to Baguio City. Thanks, Rey for the company and the pull/push for the 26 kilometers that we’ve run together! (Do I have to tell you again that I sang some songs with a Karaoke machine in that truckers’ eatery? hahaha!)

10. The last 10 kilometers took me two hours to run & walk. The “zigzag road” has steep uphill climb and I have to walk and then run again along the flat area. The technique was to brisk walk on the steep climb and then run on the flat part of the zigzag road. The technique had been repeated all the way to Baguio City. On my last 5 kilometer, I was received and met by Carlos, photograper of The FrontRunner Magazine and later was greeted by the family & relatives of Jonel aka Bugobugo/The FrontRunner Magazine. Thanks, Jonel for arranging a simple but meaningful reception as I reached my destination for this “adventure run”. I was informed that you arranged for a welcome party consisting of a band and group of runners from Baguio City to join me on my run/walk from the Rotary’s Lion Head to Baguio City. Though they were not able to wait for me, thanks again for the effort & gesture.

My Vanishing "Breasts" (I mean, "Chest")

11. Reaching the Baguio General Hospital (BGH) was a realization that I’ve finally reached Baguio City. I am glad that the “Slide” area before reaching the BGH have been fixed as this was the “headache” of motorists and truckers going to Baguio City. You always find a vehicle or truck stucked at the middle of the road on this area almost everyday and such occurence always result to a traffic on both lanes of the road. However, I was not spared on this occurence during my run as one of the jeepneys got stucked at the bottom of the steep uphill climb!

12. I finally reached the Rizal Park infront of the City Hall of Baguio at 6:15 PM as I walked entirely along Burnham Park with heavy traffic of vehicles and people coming out and going to the Park and to those who are audience to a political rally at the Burnham Athletic Ground. Practically, I was on the road for 12 1/2 hours for my last day. I ran the 58-kilometer distance for the day with a running/walking time of 9:15 hours. Finally, I reached my destination. I did it. I was able to prove to myself how far I can push my body’s capability beyond its limits where I could run an ultramarathon distance almost everyday for 5 days. I was able to prove it also that I can inform my readers on a “near real-time” with pictorials through the Internet with what is going on with me in my “adventure run”.

Finally, At The Rizal Park in Baguio City

Reward For The Day: Pata Tim, Pancit Canton & Fried Rice

Better View of the "Soft Version" of Crispy Pata

13. This post will not be the end of my “adventure run’s” journal/diary. There are so many untold stories to tell which I experienced along the way and I will try my best to recall them and bring them to you on this blog. I did a lot of things along the way and I hope that such experiences will guide future runners/pedestrians who will embark on such challenge. The challenge is, “if I can do it (at the age of almost 58 years old), you can do it, too”!

14. My sincerest thanks to those who supported this “adventure run”. Your prayers, best wishes and words of encouragement pushed me to my limits. Lastly, my thanks to the Lord Almighty for giving me the strength and “vision” to inspire others. What is next? Keep on reading this blog for more interesting stories and surprises.

Right & Wrong On Running Tights

On January 29, 2010 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners Accessories, Runners' Training, Running21 Comments

1. For those who are fond of using those expensive running tights, please don’t get offended with this post. I really don’t care if such tights looks good on you or they treat your injury or they help you in your recovery or they make you run faster, I just want to voice out my opinion and observation.

2. Don’t get me wrong. I have a CW-X running tights which I bought last year in the US but up to this time, I have not used it even if I was recovering from an injury. I used to have running tights which carried the name of the famous triathlete, Scott Tinley, during the 80’s and the 90’s but I only used them when I was visiting or staying in the United States during winter time.

3. The following articles or posts were copied from CW-X, 2XU and Skins websites explaining the advantages of using their running compression tights:

From the CW-X website:

Running: Extensive studies show that wearing CW-X tights results in 26% less energy expenditure than running in regular tights and 36% less energy than running in shorts. CW-X’s patented Support Web brings the hips, knees and ankles into proper alignment, reducing impact and load to the legs. The Support Web™ also provides a suspension system for the hamstrings and quadriceps, reducing workload in both the pull and push phase of the running motion. With more efficient strides, your muscles don’t have to work as hard over time and your legs will feel fresher.

Snow Sports: CW-X’s patented Support Web™ bands muscles and ligaments together to support and stabilize the knees, quadriceps and core. The result: increased power output in turns and decreased vibrations for greater edge control. The Support Web also provides targeted compression to key circulation areas to improve blood flow, keeping muscles warm and speeding up recovery, so that your 4pm run feels more like a 2pm run.

Yoga/Pilates: The middle of the body is vital for balance and stability, two things that are very important in yoga and pilates. The CW-X Support Web™ offers optimum support to the core and lower back while also stabilizing the hip flexors and gluteal muscles, so you can perform more strenuous poses with greater ease.

Recovery: After strenuous activity, CW-X tights can hasten recovery thanks to the anatomically designed Support Web™. By providing extra compression in key circulation areas, the Support Web increases circulation for reduced muscle fatigue and quicker recovery.

From the 2XU Website:

Building on 2XU’s market leading compression tight, 2XU’s elite tights are for the athlete who wants even more. Combining a new generation 70 denier fabric with our existing high power 50 denier fabric, 2XU elite compression tights offer superior compression to enable greater muscle stability and injury prevention. The new generation 70 denier fabric, with 15% more support and 25% more power than the 50 denier fabric, has been designed to support the calves and hamstring muscles – areas which are particularly prone to fatigue, injury and muscle soreness. From SKINS Website:

Skins™ BioAcceleration Technology™ has been developed over years of scientific research. Ongoing testing of elite athletes have proven that Skins™ BioAcceleration Technology™ creates marked improvements in reducing the build-up of lactic acid immediately after periods of sustained exercise (2hrs and 15 mins up to 37% ), and allows for more rapid return to normal levels (up to 38% at 20 minutes). You experience less fatigue, minimise soreness and recover faster.Skins™ is body-moulded compression performance equipment manufactured from the finest Lycra and Meryl Microfibre, scientifically engineered to provide support and muscle alignment to the smart-fabric covered area of your body. Skins™ will definitely change the way that you train and play as well as speed your recovery. You will feel fresher after heavy bouts of exercise and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) will be minimised.

4. I have yet to experience wearing one of these running compression tights during my running workouts and races. Moreso, I have yet to find out or read from the runner-bloggers about their “honest-to-goodness” review on the running tights they are using. But from the conversation and first-hand experience from my brother, General Samuel and nephew, Lemuel, they gave me a positive review of the CW-X Compression Tights. This could be the reason why they comfortably finished the Subic International Marathon and their first BDM 50K Test Run, their first ultra run distance, without any issues or injuries.

5. Maybe, I am with the “old-school” in running as I prefer to run with the “old-fashioned” running shorts in full marathon and ultra running distances. In the lesser distance races, I usually use those compression shorts like CW-X, NIKE, and Adidas.

6. The following are my insights about running compression tights:

a) These compression (full) tights are better if used in temperate/cooler countries. There are tights made for warmer countries like “ventilators” that releases warm temperature of the legs and at the same time provides ventilation for the air to enter through the tights or fabric. Running in tights is like running with “arm warmers”. Is it possible that runners are using tights because they don’t want their legs to be “sunburned”? On the other hand, I am still wondering why runners in a tropical country like us are using those “arm warmers” popularized by Moeben. Are they being used as “arm warmers” or protection from being “sunburned”? Since I perspire a lot, the running tights would make me perspire some more!

b) I find male runners in tights as “gayish”. Sorry, guys! If you can have those long legs and ballet/dancing prowess of Rudolf Nureyev, maybe, it would be nice to see you on such tights. However, if your legs are short, I think wearing running shorts would be better to look at.

Fonteyn-nureyev1 — Nureyev & Fonteyn In A Ballet Performance (Source: Wikipedia)

c) I’ve never seen top elite athletes and any “record-breaker” in marathon races using running tights. In short, champions in road races are not seen in running tights during their competitive races. I have yet to see Haile, Tergat, Wanjiru, Paula Radcliffe, Kara Goucher, Ryan Hall or Grete Waitz using running tights while they are crossing the Finish Line.

d) A compression tights is heavier than a running shorts. Comparing these two after they get wet from your perspiration and sprinkle of cold water to your head, the compressions tights becomes heavier than a wet running shorts. In running, the lighter you are, the faster your finish time is.

7. In the end, if you have the money to splurge and have the “guts” to wear these running compression tights, go ahead, get all the colors available in the market and proudly wear them during your workouts and competitive races. Wearing one is a “head-turner” and a “fashion statement”!

8. I hope to use my CW-X running tights for my “adventure run” to Baguio City in the near future to prove their advertisement. We will see.

33rd MILO Finals Pictures & Results

On October 14, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Marathon Race, Marathon Race Results, Pictures, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Running, Running For Cause15 Comments

Thanks to Ben Chan of Photovendo for the following pictures:

Instead of my usual bandana, I was using a “Buff” bandana on my head to absorb my sweat from my head and keep my eyes & face from the dripping sweat. As I passed the Water Stations, I usually grab two cups of water—one cup for drinking and another cup for dousing water on my head. The wet/damp “Buff” bandana also served as my head “coolant” most especially when the sun’s heat brought higher temperature during the race.

The race bib’s size was too big that I had to fold it on both ends to make it better looking with the MILO singlet. I had been consistently pinning my race bib on my breast and never been using some “race belts” and either pinning my race bib on my running shorts. Why? That’s is the proper way I know that even world elite athletes in international competitions would do to display their race numbers.

The MILO singlet was nice and I did not experience any “chafing” on my arms, nipples, or any part of my upper torso. You must have noticed the “ice candy” plastic bag filled with water on the side pocket of my running shorts! These are my “hydration containers” in marathon races! Yes, my running shorts from The North Face is now my favorite running shorts for the marathon distance because it has side and back pockets. One side pocket can accommodate two pieces of Sports Gel packets. I usually carry 4 Sports Gel packets during marathon races and this running shorts fits well with my needs. As for the back pockets, I used them as my “thrash bag”. Each side pocket could also accommodate at least two “ice candy” bags filled with water. I started using this TNF running shorts during the 2009 Los Angeles Marathon and I used it again during the MILO Marathon Eliminations.

I was using ASICS-Gel Hyper Speed 3 Racing Flat shoes with Drymax Socks and I found comfort and blister-free with the shoes and socks!

On my last 8K as the sun’s heat was too much to bear, I adjusted the way I wore the “Buff” bandana in order to cover my head and at the same time my nape. I usually tie around my wrist the blue-colored string given in one of the turn-around points instead of wearing it as a necklace! Lastly, the “ONE” White Wrist Band is always there on my right wrist as my “symbol” for my part or contribution in the worldwide advocacy to “make poverty a history”.

Thanks to the Finish Line of Coach Rio De La Cruz & Vince Mendoza for the Timing Chip & for the fast publication of the following RunPix Results:

Gun Time: 4:03:55 hours

Net Time: 4:03:43 hours

Finisher #92 out of 125 Finishers. I wonder what happened to the other 112 runner-qualifiers for the Final Race! They must have DNFed!

Finisher #82 out of 112 Finishers in the Male Category.

Average Pace: 5:47 minutes per kilometer or 9:18 minutes per mile.

Time of Finish & Average Pace:

From 0K to 9.8K—-57:32 minutes @ 5:52 minutes per kilometer

From 9.8K to 25K—-1:30:08 hours @ 5:56 minutes per kilometer

From 25K to 35K—-54:51 minutes @ 5:29 minutes per kilometer

From 35K to Finish—41:12 minutes @ 5:44 minutes per kilometer

So far, so good, this was my 4th Marathon Race for the year. Not bad for a 57-year old Bald Runner!

See you on the next Marathon Race!!!

100-Mile Trail Run Belt Buckles

On October 4, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Races, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Running, Ultramarathon30 Comments

You might wonder why ultra trail runners would run for one to two days to finish a 100-mile mountain trail run within the prescribed cut-off time and receive a Finisher’s Belt Buckle at the Finish Line and the “bragging rights” to have finished such endurance running event. My ultratrail runner-friends Ben Gaetos, Rick Gaston, Eric Lumba, Carmela Layson and Jose San Gabriel would know the answer!

I am posting the following Finisher’s Belt Buckle as an “inspiration” to finish one of these popular 100-Mile Mountain Trail Runs.

San Diego 100-Mile Run Finisher's Buckle

Javelina Jundred 100-Mile Finisher's Buckle

Western States 100-Mile Run Buckle Award

If there is somebody among my readers who knows a company/business outfit in the country who can make or produce these “big” belt buckles, please leave a comment.

It is my plan and vision to extend the BDM 102 into a 100-Mile run from Mariveles, Bataan (Km 00) up to Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac and a Finisher’s Buckle will be awarded in addition to the Finisher’s Individual Trophy and Medal. Not for the next edition (next year) but it could be in its future editions.

Runners will have the option to finish BDM 102 or go all the way to BDM 160.

Never Stop Testing Your Limits!

The “Best” Sponsor & “Corporate Head”

On July 24, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners' Training, Running9 Comments

Who among the “corporate heads” who have the “heart” and initiative to help the elite athletes in their plight to give honor to the country in international competitions? I know there are corporate heads who are helping elite athletes in other sports but I am not sure of those who are presently helping our elite athletes in long distance running.

"Corporate Head" @ Fig+7th Building in LA

The statue above is located at the Fig+7th Building along Figueroa & 7th Streets in Downtown Los Angeles. It is called the “Corporate Head” which depicts an “executive” guy whose head is stucked to the building. I really don’t know if our Corporate Heads are like this guy who really have their heads stucked permanently to those high-rise buildings whose offices have the “best” view of the whole city. How I wish they would also embrace an active & healthy lifestyle and be able to help/support promote the sports they love and at the same time help our elite athletes. A small help/support from them means a lot to our elite athletes.

I have an answer to my question in the person of Mr Amado Castro, Jr who is the President & Owner of Reinier Pacific and fondly called as Reinier6666 among runner-bloggers. Aside from being a passionate racewalker and runner who had already exposure in international racewalking competitions and international marathons, he is silently helping and supporting our elite athletes. And he had done a lot in helping our athletes for the past months.

Surprisingly, he came up with an initiative to finance the registration fees of two (2) teams for the RUN FOR M.E. 5-Km Team Run this coming Sunday consisting of our Elite Team Baldrunner. He also came up with the idea of designing and financing for the teams’ running uniforms. And yesterday, I was able to receive the teams’ race bibs and running uniforms. They are nice and they have the color of “green”!

What else can I say? This “Corporate Head” is somebody who has the passion and dedication to help and try to alleviate the plight of our elite athletes. Such deed shows what “Leaders” are made of. Mabuhay ka, Mang Amado!

The following are the pictures of the new Team BR running uniform:

Thank you, Sir Amado! So far, you are the “best” sponsor to our elite long distance runners and future racewalkers! God bless and may you have more blessings to come!

Buff: How To Look “Cool” In A 42K Race

On July 7, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Races, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners Accessories, Running5 Comments

Buff Headwear @ MILO 42K Elimination Race/July 5, 2009: Part 2

It is the brand of a piece of cloth being used by ultra trail runners and runners/athletes participating in multi-stage races in the desert and snow.

I bought two of this which are made of High UV ray protection “Coolmax” material and could be used in tropical countries like ours. In the MILO 42K Elimination Race, I used the blue colored Buff for testing in this particular race, thereby, replacing the bandanas and the bandana with crystals to cool off my nape. I used the Buff as depicted in the following pictures:

As a Headband to prevent my sweat flowing to my Eyes!

It can be used also as a baclava, ala-ninja cover to the face, a pirate’s cap, ear muff, hairband, wrist wrap and a bonnet. If I am not mistaken, I saw Albert Salazar aka Run2dmoon and Jael Wenceslao of Team Baldrunner-Professional Group wearing this kind of headgear in their marathon races and “runabouts” in Metro Manila.

I bought the said item at REI Store in Monrovia/Arcadia, California for $ 28.95 + tax.

Unfortunately, this Buff did not make me faster in this particular 42K race. But certainly, I look “cool & hip” using it.

ASICS Tiger Ultimate 81

On June 25, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Running, Running Shoes8 Comments

If you still remember and was able to use this kind of running shoes in the late 70s and early 80s, you could be within my age group of 55-59 years old this time or maybe you are a little older. In the early 1984, I was using the ASICS Tiger X-Caliber GT and I was able to use the said shoes in finishing three (3) marathon races then. Later, it became as X-Caliber GT II and it was then the start when ASICS used Gel in their running shoes. The X-Caliber GTs just vanished in the early 90s and they were replaced by the GEL models.

Now, Onitsuka Tiger revived these shoes last year/early this year and it is now popular among the younger generation as casual shoes. If Frank Shorter was able to use this kind of running shoes in the 1972 Olympic Games when he won the Gold Medal in the Marathon and make this shoes as the cover of the popular book by James Fixx, The Complete Book of Running in 1977, it is worth to have one of these retro shoes and bring back the memories of the 70s & 80s running “boom”. The ASICS Tiger Ultimate was considered as the “sports car” among the running shoes during those times.

I don’t recommend this kind of retro ASICS Tiger shoes to the “newbies” , “non-hardcore” runners and those who are prone to feet/legs related injuries. However, these retro shoes are highly recommended as casual shoes with your dark blue denim jeans or summer shorts & casual shirts.

I hope to use it in my tempo runs at the track and on the road. We will see how it feels to run again back to the 70s and 80s!

I bought this shoes at the Finish Line Sports Store located inside the Beverly Center Mall in Los Angeles with a price of $ 49.95 + tax.

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