Category: Runners’ Training

ASICS Gel-LyteRacer

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Runners' Training, Running, Running Shoes, Running Technology2 Comments

ASICS Gel-LyteRacer

Catalog Picture of ASICS Gel-LyteRacer

It is too bad that what is available in our Sports Stores, Running Stores and even ASICS Store for models on ASICS running shoes are those which have thick soles and heels. These ASICS shoes are in the category of stability and cushioning shoes which are too heavy for training and for racing.

I am not a runner-blogger who is being sponsored by ASICS to review and/or use their products. I simply love and feel comfortable using ASICS and I buy every pair of ASICS shoes that I use. Since I started running in the early 80s, ASICS had been Number #1 for me. This is what I call LOYALTY.

During my trip to Taipeh, Taiwan, I was not able to look for a specific ASICS Store but it was inside the SOGO Department Store where I was able to discover the latest products of ASICS direct and made from Japan. The SOGO Department Store is like our Rustan’s Department Store except that the lady attendants are lined up in front of the store’s gate/main door to greet you and simultaneously bow their heads as you enter the SOGO Department Store. These ladies are well-groomed with their uniform & fashionable hat! I bought my ASICS Gel-LyteRacer on the 10th Floor of the said Department Store located in one of the financial districts in Taipeh.

Nice color combination of Red & White

The first time that I used this model was during the 2011 Condura Skyway Marathon without any break-ins. Since I did not train for this Marathon Race, I thought of using the shoes for a long run as its break-in. The shoes provided me with a comfortable pace and without any problems on my feet and legs. I finished the race with a slow time but I did not have any injuries whatsoever. The LyteRacer is considered as a Racing Shoes with Stabilizers on the Heel and Forefoot areas. The shoes are light but a little heavier than my ASICS Gel-HyperSpeed 3. It is fully-cushioned considering that the shoes are racing shoes. It is highly recommended for neutral runners.

I will not mention those technical data about the name of the materials being used for this shoes but the bottom line is that ASICS has the highest quality in terms of comfort and durability of its products. The price in Taiwan Dollar when converted to Peso is very cheap as it sums up to less than Five Thousand Pesos only!

Heel Portion & LyteRacer Name on the Shoes

As of now, I have just breached 100 kilometers as the total distance of usage for these shoes. This is now my preferred shoes whenever I have my LSD workouts.

(Note: This particular model is not available in the USA and in the local market)

Week Training (Feb 7-13, 2011)

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program4 Comments

February 7, 2011 @ Remy Field Oval Track, Subic Freeport

Time of Start: 5:30 PM

Distance: 7.08 Kilometers

Time: 43:40 minutes

Average Pace: 6:10 minutes per kilometer

Comments: No Pains and my legs are getting stronger. It was a fast pace after running a marathon race. This run was supposed to be a “recovery run”.

Hydration: Consumed One Bottle of Water & One-half bottle of PowerAde

Shoes: ASICS Gel-Kayano 14

oooOOOooo

February 9, 2011 @ Camp Aguinaldo Grounds

Time of Start: 5:35 PM

Distance: 15.06 Kilometers

Time: 1:35:13 Hours

Average Pace: 6:19 minutes per kilometer

Comment: I ran 2 loops of the 7K-loop roads of the camp. I was running at an average pace of 6:15 before the last 2 kilometers. I finally slowed at the last 2 kilometers because of darkness. No pain on the leg muscles. I had to drink water every loop. I consider this as an easy run to find out my average pace.

Hydration: Consumed One Bottle of Water & One Bottle of Gatorade

Shoes: Adidas Adizero Mana

oooOOOooo

February 11, 2011 @ Remy Field Oval Track, Subic Freeport

Time of Start: 8:45 AM

Distance: 33 Laps or 13.4 kilometers

Time: 1:25:15 Hours

Average Pace: 6:20 minutes per kilometer

Comments: It was too hot. It was my weekly “heat training”. The run consisted of 1-mile warm-up run; 6-mile tempo run; and finished with another 1-mile cool-down run. I was able to run half-naked along the oval track.

Shoes: ASICS Gel-Kanbarra 4

oooOOOooo

February 12, 2011 From BDM Km Post #50 (Abucay, Bataan) to BDM Km Post #75 (Lubao, Pampanga)

Time of Start: 7:00 AM

Weather: Overcast with thick clouds. Cooler temperature.

Type of Road: Paved and Dirt Portions of the Side Road

Distance: 25 kilometers

Time: 2:52:00 Hours

Average Pace:  6:52 minutes per kilometer

Comments: I started with a slow pace on the first 5 kilometers @ 7+ minute per km after the BDM test runners left the starting line with 4 minutes as head start. I slowly picked-up the pace and tried to maintain an even pace of 6:30 mins/km. Tried to run more on the dirt portions on the side of the paved road. Due to “pit stops” and walking breaks during the run, my overall average pace slowly descreased. It was not too hot during the run as clouds covered the sun. At 25K, I was “tailing” the top 10 runners during the event. I ate two (2) pieces of hard-boiled eggs and drank water, Gatorade, and ice cold Coke.

Shoes: ASICS Gel-Kanbarra 4

oooOOOooo

February 13, 2011 @ Remy Field Oval Track, Subic Freeport

Time of Start: 10:30 AM

Weather: Sunny & no clouds but windy (winds coming from the south).

Distance: 63 laps @ Lane #1 or 25.2 kilometers (33 laps on counter clockwise & 30 laps on clockwise)

Time: 3:30:00 hours. I had a 5-minute “pit stop” every time I finished 10 laps of the oval

Average Pace: Approximately 7:07 minutes per kilometer

Comments: This is my 1st “back to back” LSD on my 2011 training program. I really wanted a softer ground where I could run the following day after my BDM 25K test run. This is the reason why I ran on the tartan track of Remy Field. I was alone running on that particular time of the day! The wind on the oval track was strong that I did not perspire so much. My running shorts were dry even if I ran half-naked on the last half of my workout. Well, don’t ask me how my mind would “push” my legs to go through all those laps around the oval. Running around the oval for so many times is very “tricky” and a “crazy” activity for others. You should think of things that will motivate you to go on and on!  In order not to make my workout not too boring, I incorporated “fartleks”, strides, tempo run, 100-meter and 200-meter interval workouts with the same distance as my recovery runs/jogs. I even included one lap of brisk walking and another lap for backward running! I was supported with an ice chest full of ice cold water, Gatorade, RC Cola, and at least two packs of Nature Valley Bars.

Shoes: ASICS Gel-LyteRacer

oooOOOooo

Total Distance For The Week: 85.74 kilometers or 53.58 miles

Total Time:  10 hours & 6 minutes

Total Average Pace: 7:03 minutes per kilometer

Total Elevation: None/ Relatively Flat

Jeff Galloway’s Lecture @ Oakwood

On By kingofpotsIn Books, Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Practice Runs, Runners Injury, Runners' Training, Running, Running Heroes, Sports Program7 Comments

Weeks before the arrival of Jeff Galloway to the country, I was invited by Lit Onrubia after he crossed the Finish line at the Rizal Day 32K Run to attend in one of the scheduled lectures. On the other hand, a few days after,  Jerome Cartailler, BDM 102 veteran/PAU runner and resident chef of Oakwood Premier also extended his invitation for me to attend a “shorter” version of Jeff Galloway’s Lecture at the said hotel. I learned later that Jeff Galloway stayed at the said hotel during the duration of his stay in Manila.

I opted to join the lecture at the Oakwood Premier as it suited to my schedule for the said weekend. Twenty minutes before the scheduled start of the activity, I was already at the venue with another runner. Jonel Mendoza of FrontRunner Magazine joined later and Lit Onrubia of Chi Running was also there as he acted as the host and moderator of the event.

As soon as Jeff Galloway entered the lecture area, Jonel and I approached him and we started a conversation with him. As usual, Jonel was the more articulate and talkative one for the introductions and Jonel “trapped” Jeff Galloway with copies of his FrontRunner Magazine as he gave Jeff lots of them. The “blitzkrieg” approach led to a special pose for picture with the guest lecturer!

Number 1!!! BR, JG, JM

I could sense that Jeff Galloway knew things about me and Jonel (He could have visited my blog or had been well-informed by his Hosts about the running community and the running magazine of Jonel). He started a topic where he informed us about his son, Brennan Galloway, a running film producer who made lots of running films about the famous “minimalist” ultra trail runner, Anton Krupicka. There you go, Jeff knows that we are ultra marathon runners!

After a few conversations with the guests and Jeff, the lecture started at least 10 minutes late from the schedule which was okey with us as more interested guests were entering the venue. At least, 40 guests were present during the lecture.

Jeff Galloway had been in the country when he was still in the active military service as he was with the US Navy in his younger years. He knows about Subic and Olongapo, of course! He did not mention the particular year when he was here in the country. I could only guess that he was here during the Martial Law years under the administration of former President Marcos. (Note: Dr George Sheehan, a runner, writer and lecturer was also with the US Navy rising to the rank of Navy Captain).

One Hour Lecture Full of Information About Run-Walk Strategy

Jeff Galloway Lecture was geared towards his “The NO PAIN Marathon Program”. Let me quote the brochure which was available for all of us that explains the Jeff Galloway Method of Training:

  • Minimum workouts needed: 20-30 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday plus a weekend run.
  • Weekend Run gradually increases to goal distance in gentle increases, followed by short runs.
  • Walk breaks are inserted into every run, from the beginning, to erase pain and fatigue
  • Avoid running too fast by using a “magic mile” prediction exercise (MM).
  • Many surveys have shown that taking walk breaks early and often result in faster finish times.

The “Magic Mile” can predict current potential and set long run pace. You should be able to time yourself for one mile (4 laps around the oval track) about every 3 weeks and the following Run-Walk-Run Strategies should be followed depending on your pace (per km or per mile).

Pace Per Km Pace Per Mile Run/Walk Amount
4:58 8:00 4 min/30 sec
5:16 8:30 4 min/45 sec
5:35 9:00 4 min/1 min
6:12 10:00 3 min/1 min
6:50 11:00 2.5 min/1 min
7:27 12:00 2 min/ 1 min
8:04 13:00 1 min/ 1min
8:41 14:00 30 sec/ 30 sec
9:19 15:00 30 sec/ 45 sec
9:56 16:00 20 sec/ 40 sec
10:33 17:00 15 sec/ 45 sec
11:11 18:00 10 sec/ 50 sec

 More interesting insights and information were gathered during the “Open Forum” where Jeff Galloway was able to answer questions from the guests. Some of the pointers were the following:

  • He does not recommend stretching exercises  for long distance runners
  • Extensive Long Slow Distance Run (LSD) every 3 weeks in the Marathon Program
  • More Long Runs For Endurance rather than Speed runs
  • “Speed Training” is NOT recommended for the 1st time Marathon runners. They should simply enjoy the experience and have fun
  • On Core Strengthening, he recommends two (2) workouts: “Arms Swinging with Light Weights” (natural form when running) and Abdominal “Crunches”
  • Running is controlled by the Brain Function
  • On running compression tights, no benefits on the performance of a long distance runner. However, there are studies that compression calf sleeves are the most beneficial to runners. He highly recommends such apparel to long distance runners.
  • Water hydration during the race is the only thing that is needed during a marathon race.
  • It takes 24-48 hours for the body to absorb the replacement electrolytes from Sports Drinks like Gatorade, PowerAde, Propel, Pocari Sweat, and others.
  • Carboloading from foods rich in carbohydrate taken a day before the race is beneficial.

On a personal note, I don’t agree with his answers about his view on the unnecessary need of sports drinks and food being ingested during the marathon race. In a country like ours, the heat and humidity make our body metabolism faster and there is a need for sports drinks and food to be taken in somewhere along the marathon distance. He thought that Philippines is like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan or the United States where the temperature is too low that a runner could hardly perspire during a marathon race.

I could follow the Run-Walk-Run Galloway Method in an ultra running event to last and finish the distance but I will never walk in a Marathon Race where my goal is to finish a better PR best time.

Ironically, in my collection of running books, I found out that I don’t have any of the books written by Jeff Galloway.

Marathon Without Any Training

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Running For Cause9 Comments

The Concepcion Brothers and the Condura Durables have always been a “surprise” sponsor for my BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race. In last year’s edition of the BDM 102, they have donated  Champion Prizes in the form of Refrigerators for the Men & Ladies Categories without me asking them for such. Aside from my BDM Races, Condura & Concepcion Brothers had been supportive to my advocacies in running.

Since the inception of the Condura Skyway Half-Marathon and Marathon Races, I had been a supporter of their runs and their advocacies and I never missed joining their yearly events. This Marathon Race had always “primed” my marathon and ultrarunning season for the year. Last year, two days after I finished the Condura Skyway Marathon, I ventured on my first multi-day/multi-stage 5-day run from Manila to Baguio City.

Due to my latest bout with an injury (muscle tear, again!) last December which forced me to recover for the past 6-8 weeks, Condura Skyway Marathon is not seriously considered as part of my marathon races for this year. However, a simple “snaffu” or lapse had happened on the earlier stages in the marketing of this race which could had made me “pissed off” was brought to my attention. Simply stated, the PR guys of this event missed me in their invitation for the “bloggers presentation & briefing” of this event. It could had been a nice post for my blog for a controversial topic of missing the Bald Runner in a bloggers night or maybe, for not inviting the Bald Runner in an event that he had religiously supported a running event since its birth!

Looking at those status and pictures of the bloggers night event in Facebook made me wonder why I was not invited. Well, I just said to myself and wondered why the Concepcion Brothers did not invite me in this event even if I casually contact them through SMS. I started to ask myself if I have done or said something wrong with Ton and Patrick in my posts but I never recalled anything. So, I kept silent and let the event passed. After a few days, I got my answer when the PR guys e-mailed me with apologetic messages for having accepted that they did not do their work well. I got the same SMS messages from the Concepcion Brothers. Well, guys, no harm done. With or without your invitation, I will still support your event.

It was only a few days ago that I found out that bloggers had been given a complimentary entry to run in the said event! It was a breeze when I simply went to their registration booth at the Greenbelt 3 and registered through the computers lined up in the area. I was able to save my money and got one of the best commemorative T-Shirt for a Marathon Race in the country! I am finally registered to run in the 42K event!

Now, here comes the best part. Will I run this marathon race even if I am not fully prepared for the distance? My longest running time for the past two weeks had been a one hour and ten minutes run which is easily converted into a 10K distance run. I still have 3 days to decide on this run.

Looking at the number of registered runners and the hype this marathon has created, I could see that this Marathon Race will showcase a Marathon Race which Metro Manila and/or country could be proud of and could make our country easily placed in the map of worldwide Marathon Races. It is just a matter of time that this Marathon Race will be a destination of more International Runners.

Congratulations to Ton & Patrick Concepcion and advance Happy Birthday to their Dad, Mr Raul Concepcion!

2011 BDM 160 Test Run Instructions

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon4 Comments

The following are the instructions for the 2011 BDM 160 “Test” Run:

1. The Test Run is FREE but all the participants will be issued their respective Race Bib at the Assembly Area. Race Bibs are issued for accounting and documenting purposes.

2. The Run will start at the Old Railway Station/BDM Km Post #102 in San Fernando, Pampanga. Assembly Time will be at 5:00 PM of Saturday, January 29, 2011. The run will start immediately as soon as the participants will be processed and accounted for. Continue reading “2011 BDM 160 Test Run Instructions” →

Slowly

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon10 Comments

I completely rested from running after the Fat Ass Run and all the soreness and injury just disappeared after few days. However, after one sleepless night during the 1st BDM 50K “Test Run” last January 15, I was down with sore throat and eventually turned to a flu. The reasons could be the weather; low body resistance; Continue reading “Slowly” →

Visualize

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program, Ultramarathon12 Comments

Have you ever think on how you would be able to finish an ultra marathon distance run like the BDM 102 or the BDM 160? For those who have finished some of the PAU 50K races, it would be easy for them to visualize what it is like to finish the race, more so, if they have already finished a number of full marathon distance races. Continue reading “Visualize” →

Result: 2011 1st BDM 50K Test Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Practice Runs, Race Results, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon4 Comments

First of all, we are sorry that we missed to take note of the runner who finished #23. To the runner who thinks he finished with such time and had stayed with those known runners, please contact me or make a comment on this post so that we can post your name. If you have any knowledge or information of the guy, please inform me. Continue reading “Result: 2011 1st BDM 50K Test Run” →

2011 BDM 102 Test Run Instructions

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon20 Comments

Some participants were confused when I made a link to my previous post last year about my guidelines on the conduct of the DBM 102 Test Run which was held last year. Except for the date, I was trying to inform this year’s runners that the guidelines I published last year will be the same instructions to be followed this coming Saturday except for some adjustments.

The following points/information should be considered by the runners during the conduct of the BDM 102 Test Run this coming Saturday, January 15, 2011. This is in addition to the guidelines published last year: Continue reading “2011 BDM 102 Test Run Instructions” →

Run Report: 2011 FAT ASS

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon2 Comments

(I jokingly said to the other runners that this run for me is called FAT ABS Run while showing them my tummy which had grown in shape/size and expanded due to the absence of any running activity for the past one month.)

This is a classic example of a run with fun and a chance to enjoy the company of other runners in a very relaxed atmosphere. Continue reading “Run Report: 2011 FAT ASS” →