Reminder: Midnight To Sunrise Run

On February 5, 2009February 5, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running1 Comment

To all the participants of the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race on 05 April 2009, you are encouraged to join Albert aka Run2D Moon on his invitation for a Midnight to Sunrise Run/6-Hour Run. This will be a group run where the pace will be “talking pace” or 70% Lactate Threshold (to those who are attending BR’s “speed” training).

Bring your own Hydration pack and money as we will be having “pit stops” along the route for food, sports drinks, coffee, and water. Final coordination and briefing will be made prior to the start of the run at the assembly area. Good luck and see you at the assembly area.

The following is the update from Run2DMoon:

Midnight to Sunrise Practice Run UPDATE

Meeting Point: Bluewave Macapagal (in front of Starbucks) Feb 7 (Saturday) 11:30PM

Start: Feb 8 (Sunday) 00:00AM
End: Feb 8 (Sunday) 06:00AM

Route: Macapagal-Seaside Blvd-CCP-Baywalk-Quirino Grandstand

Sometimes, You Need To Be An Asshole!

On February 4, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Running44 Comments

After 5 months of observing the runners and walkers at the ULTRA Oval Track, I had to do something to inform those who do not know the unwritten etiquette in using the oval track. In short, I became the Oval Track Marshall for tonight at the ULTRA.

Yes, I need to become an asshole tonight just to inform those slow runners and walkers who are using Lane 1. As soon as we started our “speed” session for our one hour of 85% Lactate Threshold as our “menu” for this night’s training, I started shouting those who are walking on Lane 1; tapping their shoulders to walk or jog on the outer lanes if their pace are slow as I tried to pass them; telling them that there is an etiquette in using the oval track; and sometimes telling them that if I pass them on my rounds, it means that they are slow runners. Sometimes, I became rude to those joggers/walkers who would insist on going back to Lane 1 even if they have a slow pace.

I have observed that those whom I’ve shouted were using their Ipods. Most of the walkers/joggers do not know such etiquette in using the oval track. After 2-3 laps of consistently warning those slow runner/walkers who are using Lane 1, my run was no longer distracted and Lane 1 was clear for me up to the time I finished my one hour of running. How I wish this will be the start of better use of the Oval Track where Lane 1 or 2 would be clear for the faster runners.

As I finished my run, I smelled that somebody was smoking. Yes, my sense of smell is very sensitive to the smoke of a cigarette which I got when I started my runnng in the 80s! I looked up at the Grandstand to see 2 gentlemen in their barong shirts smiling at me while I was shouting at them that the ULTRA Compound is a “No Smoking Area”. I don’t care if these people are VIPs but the big sign is there at the Grandstand that the place is a “No Smoking Area”. I have to call the attention of the Security Guard and I was supported by one of the audience (wearing a Barong Shirt) who together with the Security Guard approached the 2 men whom I’ve observed to be smoking. The 2 gentlemen had to put off their cigarettes.

My coaches and other running coaches in the oval track had been telling their runners to abide by the unwritten etiquette in using the oval track but there are still runners/walkers who do not know about this. I told my runners and coaches that effective tonight I will be the Oval Track Marshall whenever I have my running workout in the said place. As I left the Oval Track, I told the lone Security Guard that I will help her in the implementaton of the proper use of the oval track and to see to it that the “No Smoking” policy shall be followed.

As they say, don’t just wait for something to happen, do it and make things happen!

Oval Track Marshals?

On February 4, 2009August 21, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Running16 Comments

If there is a need for Road Marshals during weekend Road Races, I think there is a need for Oval Track Marshals at the ULTRA Oval Track! Only in the Philippines!!!

Due to the increase of runners training at the ULTRA Oval Track to include the NIKE Running Clinic, Bald Runner’s “Speed” Training, Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquathlon athletes, Race Walkers, University’s Track and Field Teams, and simply those “walkers”, it was observed that the oval track was full to its intended capacity.

Last night, Tuesday, I observed that the ULTRA Oval Track had the biggest number of users since September 2008 when I started doing my training at the said place. As our group was busy with our speed training workouts, I observed that there are still a lot of runners & walkers who do not know the unwritten etiquette on the use of the oval track. It is always assumed that the lone Security Guard should be the one who should impose such “rules and regulations” on the proper use of the oval track but I can not blame the lone Security Guard as she/he was distracted on controlling the “guests” as to where they should park their respective vehicles. Actually, the lone Security Guard had her time directing those drivers of vehicles where to park and asking for other drivers to “fix” their parked vehicles as they parked in “non-parking” areas.

No amount of shouting “Lane One” to slow runners and walkers using the said lane for them stay away from it but these people simply do not know what “Lane One” means and worse, they don’t know the unwritten rule of etiquette where Lanes 1, 2, & 3 are “reserved” for faster runners doing their “speed” workouts and for a group of runners on a speed training. This is like driving a vehicle at the NLEX where the fastest vehicles should stay at the inner lane and the slowest ones at the outer lanes.

In our “speed” training workouts, we always emphasize to our runners to do their “warm-up” jog on the outer lanes (Lanes 6, 7, & 8) and during our “interval speed runs”, the runners are advised to run along Lanes 1 & 2 in order to get their best times. Last night, our runners and myself, would be distracted to maintain our pace as more “ignorant users” of the oval track were walking on Lanes 1 & 2. What is worse is that most of these joggers and walkers are engaged in loud conversation or worst is that some of these slow “walkers” are listening to their Ipods! (Maybe this is one of the reasons why these “walkers” don’t hear shouts of “Lane One”!)

Despite my suggestion to the Security Guards to come up with a “big sign or notice” placed at a visible portion of Grandstand on the “rules & regulations” on the use of the Oval Track, nothing had been done about it. Maybe, the Security Guard should simply say a word of advise to every user as he/she receives the “ticket” that Lanes 1, 2 & 3 are “reserved” lanes for the faster runners.

Do we need to go to the extent of suggesting to the PSC authorities to employ or provide an “Oval Track Marshal” at the ULTRA Oval Track? Is it hard for us to understand/implement the “oval track etiquette” and be courteous to others?

By the way, the latest information I got is that the new University of Makati Oval Track will be opened this March 2009.

1 Feb 09: Update On “Project Donate A Shirt”

On February 2, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Pictures, RunningLeave a comment

Jay Nacino aka Prometheus Cometh donated nine (9) pieces of his Finisher’s T-Shirts last week while we were having our “speed” training at the ULTRA Oval Track. Most of the shirts were not even used as they were still in their plastic bags!

Jay aka Prometheus Donating His Finisher's Singlets/Shrts

After the Happy Run 15K at The Fort last 25 February, Jerry Karundeng aka High Altitude donated eight (8) pieces of his sports shirts and Finisher’s T-shirts.

Jerry Karundeng aka High Altitude Donating His T-Shirts

Rene aka Jazzrunner also donated a T-Shirt for my Project.

Rene aka JazzRunner Donating A Shirt To BR

To all the donors, thank you very much for your support! Your T-Shirts will be donated to the families of GK communities in Laoag City and to the families of the farming community of Barangay San Lorenzo, Iguig, Cagayan.

1 Feb 09: Update On “Project Donate A Shoe”

On February 2, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, RunningLeave a comment

For the past months, Jonel aka Bugobugo85 had been telling me that a group of his former classmates in High School based in the United States will be arriving in the country and part of their itinerary will be to donate a “balikbayan box” full of “used” running shoes to my Project Donate A Shoe. The scheduled day for the donation was set at the Happy Run last 25 January 2009 at The Fort.

After finishing my race at the Resolution Challenge 10K Run at the Mall of Asia, I had to immediately proceed to The Fort to meet the classmates of Jonel for the proper acceptance of their donated shoes. As soon as I arrived at the Finish Area of the Happy Run, the tarpaulin of the Project Donate A Shoe was already set and I started to see the arrival of runners, runner-bloggers, and members of Team Bald Runner who just finished the 15K run.

The University of Santo Tomas SIGMA BETA FRATERNITY-Society of Builders Inc. members, Hans Lopez, Sherman Hernaez, and the Volunteer Doctors from the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California, USA donated twenty-one (21) pairs of “used” running/walking shoes and one (1) jogging pants to my project which I accepted from them in the presence of Jonel and Major Espejo. Thanks, Jonel and to the members of SIGMA BETA FRATERNITY (UST) for the support! Mabuhay kayo!

Jonel, BR & Members of the UST Beta Sigma Fraternity

Jonel, Maj Espejo, Hans Lopez, BR, Sherman Hernaez with "Balikbayan" Box With 21 Pairs of Shoes

My friend, Felipe Dumpit aka Kinderdorf Leben, also donated one (1) pair of his “used” Mizuno running shoes while I awarded him with his “1,000-Km Club” Finisher’s T-Shirt.

My son, John Paul, also donated his Brooks Running shoes which he used in the 2008 Los Angeles Marathon, 2008 San Francisco Marathon and 2008 Los Angeles City Half-Marathon. He also donated the ASICS Lady’s Running Shoes of my daughter/his sister, Jovelle, which she used in the same Marathon & Half-Marathon races that John particpated and finished.

John Paul Donated his Brooks & Jovelle's ASICS

On that same day, thirty (30) donated shoes were received by the same number of runner-recipients who were able to replace their “old & torn” running shoes.

"Old & Torn" Shoes To Be Donated To Payatas Residents

1 Feb 09: TBR Wins Aquathlon & 21K Events

On February 2, 2009February 2, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Race Results, Races, Running9 Comments

Team Bald Runner Members won in their respective Age Category in yesterday’s SPEEDO Aquathlon held at the ULTRA/Philsports Swimming Pool & Oval Track/Roads. Rosalina “Ting” Pascual won as the Champion in the 40-44 age category. Javy Olives aka Tri’N Hard also won as the Champion in 30-34 age category. The Aquathlon event consisted of 1,000-meter swim in the sports complex swimming pool and 3-K run along the roads of the ULTRA compound. Congratulations, Ting & Javy. Hardwork , Patience & Discipline really made you as champions!

In the 2009 Baguio-Benguet Flower Festival 21K Run held yesterday in Baguio City, Elite members of Team Bald Runner Cresenciano Sabal won as the Champion Overall and Male Category and Ailene Tolentino won as Champion Overall in the Female Category. Congratulations, Cris and Ailene.

Team Bald Runner expresses its thanks and appreciation to Jonel aka Bugobugo85 and Arman Fernando, our “Runabout” veteran and lead runner, for supporting the transportation and accommodation requirements of the Elite members to Baguio City. Mabuhay kayo, Jonel at Arman!

Hardcores Beat Cyclists! (From 13, Now 23 Runners On “Runabout”)

On February 1, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Running19 Comments

These series of “runabouts” started last December with only four runners. Now, on its fourth (4th) event, the number of runners had increased to twenty-three (23) runners, to include my son, John. This runabout had been scheduled weeks ahead but the final route was only decided on the early part of this week. It was Jonel aka Bugobugo and Rico of Power Runners who finalized the route, making sure that Reinier6666’s question of the distance of Marcos Highways must be answered. Even if there is a scheduled road race at UP Dilman Campus this morning, the “hardcore runners” wanted a longer distance run along the major roads of Metro Manila. So, the schedule was set at 5:30AM as the “jump-off” time.

My son and I arrived infront of the Oblation, UP Diliman at exactly 5:23AM and I saw a number of the runners waiting for the others to arrive. We were not able to leave from our starting point on the scheduled time because we had to wait for Jerry aka High Altitude as he was still in Cubao after taking a bus from Silang, Cavite as early as 3:30AM. As soon as we were complete, we had a briefing from Rico about our route and what to expect along the way, making sure that the group should always run together on the left side of the road, facing the traffic and identify the prominent places along the way where everybody should stop to wait for the slower runners. After the briefing, we checked on our hydration packs & belts, started our watches, and we were off from the UP Campus towards Masinag Market. The twenty-one (21) hardcores started the runabout.

The "darker" ones were not visible! Photo-Ops Infront of the Oblation

Another picture before the start of the "runabout"

It was too dark when we started the runabout and the faster runners went ahead of the group. I did not notice that we were already running along the Katipunan Avenue and we were out of the UP Campus. The group was later divided into three distinct groups as the faster runners could be seen at least a hundred meters ahead of us. We were on the middle group who were maintaining a pace of about 5:45 min/km to 6:15 min/km pace. A few meters on our back was the slower group being handled by Jonel and Lester. Along Katipunan, we met two runners going towards the UP Campus who happened to be Randy, one of our members of Team Bald Runner, and asked him to join us together with his companion. Thus, making us 23 runners for the whole “runabout” group! As we turned left to one of the major streets, I could see that we were going towards the Marikina Riverbanks (and running above it and the river) and SM City Marikina. As we ran along the wide Marcos Highway, I did not notice that we were about to cross the boundary of Marikina and Antipolo.

The "Sweepers" of the Group with Jonel, Lester & Margaret

While running along the Marcos Highway, as the day became brighter, my son asked if what he was seeing ahead of about 500 meters, an uphill climb. And I said “yes” and he answered, “Oh, my God”. We kept our pace and running side by side until we went towards the first uphill, not knowing that running along the Marcos Highway was already running slightly uphill. After the first uphill climb, we could see Masinag Market and the first group was already resting and waitng for us and the other runners at the corner before reaching the said Market.

Most of the time, the younger runners (as I am the oldest in the group!) would asked me if the place where they were resting/waiting was already the “turn-around” point for us to go back where we started. As always, I make the distance of the route longer and make the running experience more memorable. This morning, as the younger runners asked me where we should go, I told them that we should reach the road leading to the Valley Golf Club and have our pictures taken at the “Golf Ball”. After a group picture at the Masinag Market, we turned right and proceeded to the “Golf Ball”. I did not expect that this road would make our “runabout” a memorable one.

This was now the most interesting part of the run. The hardcores were able to prove that runners on this uphill road are faster than those cyclists going up to the peak. Most of the cyclists were resting halfway on the road and the others were trying to push hard on their pedals just to keep up with the pace of the runners. Nobody from the cyclists were able to keep up with our running pace up to the time we reached the “Golf Ball”. I know that this road is a favorite route of the weekend cyclists and other elite cyclists and I could see on the surprised eyes and faces of these cyclists to see a group of runners treading on their turf. Moreso, with the presence of our lady runners, Dess, Margaret and Jonie! The cyclists could not believe that they were seeing fast and strong lady runners!

While having a photo-ops at the “Golf Ball” (Valley Golf Club), I asked the runners to reach the peak of the road and pace with the rest of the cyclists and from there, we will have to turn-around and have our “pit stop” at McDonalds-Masinag Market. So, the runners raced again with the cyclists upto the peak and we stopped at the Gate of a Memorial Park. After another photo-ops, it was time for our breakfast/”pit stop”. Going down from the peak to Masinag Market was a fast one but we had to be careful as more cyclists were going up as we met them on the left side of the road.

Going Down Towards McDonalds-Masinag Market

The “pit stop” at the McDonalds was a much-needed rest and time to replenish our spent energy through food and liquids. The 7-11 Store adjacent to MacDonalds was the source of our sports energy drinks and bottled water as replenishment to our hydration packs. After almost 30 minutes and making sure that everybody had their food and water, we started the last leg of our run back to the Oblation.

I was at the back of the fastest group and we were going at 5:30 mins/km pace along Marcos Highway. Jay aka Prometheus was the one leading the group. We felt the heat of the sun as we reached the road fronting the SM Marikina and all the way along the Katipunan Avenue. Some of us slowed down but we knew that in a few meters, we’ll be entering the shaded campus of UP. As we entered the campus, the fastest group kept on jogging towards the finish line, after running one round along the academic oval. I joined Jerry aka High Altitude and Jay Lee Cu-Unjieng walked the last 800 meters towards the finish area.

A "Taho Treat" Dedicated To Bards! Happy Birthday!

I did not use my GF 305 due to faulty battery and instead, used my old and reliable Casio Pathfinder Watch. It registered an elapsed running time of 2:47+ hours. The runners with GF 304 registered a distance of almost 27 kilometers. In my computation, we had an average pace for the runabout in 6:00+ mins/km.

We finished the run with stretching exercises, gulping lots of “taho”, more pictures, and stories to share. I will let Jonel share you the story with our photo-ops with “Zorro”. All the runners, to include the new ones, were happy to experience the event. We were out of the UP Campus at 10:00AM.

To the Hardcores, thanks for another running adventure! As I said, who needs a race organizer when you could run with a group on a Sunday morning where you could run as fast as you can and enjoy the company of “friends” who are crazy about running. We should run more “runabouts” in the future. How about a “runabout” from Heritage Park to Enchanted Kingdom and back?

The Hardcore’s next “run adventure” will be a 6-Hour “Midnight to Sunrise” Run at the MOA Grounds on February 8. If you are a registered runner for the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race, you are encouraged to join us. See you there!

Comments From Runners

On February 1, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, RunningLeave a comment

These are the comments/feedbacks from runners and runner-bloggers with regards to the Response of the Argent Network International Corporation and/or Full Shot Advertising to my critique on the conduct of the 2009 PSE Bull Run held last 18 January 2009 at The Fort:

From The Loony Runner—this is why you should continue critiquing races… it makes the organizers see what went wrong and thus hopefully improve on them in their future races. It’s funny though that they had to defend themselves, I think the best defense would have been to take the comments in stride and to shut us all up, come up with one great race!

From MarkFB—Yup, I agree Doc. There should have been no defense made. But it their right and BR posted their reply.

Those at the turn around point also made it difficult for runners to get their strings. As pointed out earlier, they missed one turn around. Oh well, hope to be in a better race next time. I hope organizers can also check on the coarse right before the race to remove possible obstacles. Im not blaming anyone for my mishap but if the big stone wasnt there on the roard, I wouldnt have been injured. I still cant run, maybe 2 more weeks. : (

From Lonerunner—One good thing abt the last PSE would be the water station. As I said many times before runners mainly just need 3 things water, safety and a good clock.

From Reinier6666—To the organisers, Argent Network International Corp/ Full Shot Advertizing, so many comment and review has been written by different bloggers rearding the PSE Bull Run, they are not meant to put you down, but, to highlight things for improvement (unfortunately there are a lot), however, positive things also have been point out which are to your credit.

I am a bit DISAPPOINTED on your comment asking for specifics with respect to circumstance/s that you have been “notorious for not being able to look for the safety and welfare o the paying runners/walkers” This is the major shortfall of the event, ROAD SAFETY, try to read the the different blogs of runners and do also conduct personal interview of participants, WE ALL HAVE TO RUN AND FIGHT FOR THE ROAD. The best evidence is look at the photo of BALD RUNNER’S Blog entry dated Janaury 20th, the 4th picture showing runners sandwiched by vechiles! Do we need to say more?

From High Altitude—at least the race organizer are aware of our concerns. Several cases, race organizer didn’t care at all. And at least they know that we’re just not a mere runner who participate in a race, run and that’s it. we do care everything!

From RunMD—Regarding the strings, some runners were even asked by the marshalls to pick up the strings strewn on the road at our feet. Imagine running at race pace and suddenly stopping to stoop down and pick up a string! Recipe for disaster.

They were also very inefficient in recording the runners’ finishing times. Mine was not in the final list. It was a good thing that I have a watch and I always monitor my own time.

The race owner and the race organizers did not anticipate the huge turnout of fun runners because previous years records show a low trend for such type of race participants — this is an unacceptable excuse because they knew a lot of people were registering. They could have made some logistical changes a few days before.

This race was really bound to fail from the start. Registration was very difficult to start with. Singlets were not immediately available. Why ask people to pay 200 and not have their singlets ready? They could have opted to issue singlets in one size if the organizers are afraid of overproduction. Or just charge us PHP 100 and give out bibs only if you cannot provide singlets on time.

Oh and what about the unprofessional and uncouth emcee?

Some fun runs are not fun at all. This is a perfect example.

From Moljcy—Is this supposed to be an apology letter? or just a response letter? The last thing an accused should do is to start defending themselves. Less talk less mistake. This is just awful!

I personally did not participate in this race but i think if the people who attended it have the same sentiments, there must be some truth to it. Instead of trying to “defend” themselves, i think it would have been nicer or at least looked nicer if the organizers just took the comments in stride and offered to improved on their dismal efforts.

From Banana Running—“The content of program after the race was a decision made by the race owner – which is the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). We have already communicated this with PSE.” – hmm dear organiser, if you listened to your emcee i seriously doubt that you would have put this statement out. He was heckling the UMAK cheerers while they were doing their complicated routine , he made fun of one of runners with a handicap. I really dont think that the Philippine Stock Exchange – The Race Owner – would have been pleased about it.

It’s a booming sport … we can all work to improve with every event. Goodluck!

From JDCanono—Seems to be a lot of excuses instead of measures to improve future events. This is also my second encounter with the emcee who fails to give info and is offensive with his comments. He was trying to make people check in at 5:00 am when many runners do not yet have their bibs and singlets since they were unable to get these in advance.

From Bugobugo—the experience we had at montalban last december with the same organizers and the foul-mouthed emcee seems to have happened again in this run. in montalban,we had to make do with water that tasted and smelled straight from the gutters that not even an animal would dare drink.there was no water station in the last 7 kilometers or so.there were no marshals especially after the turnaround that we had to run in the middle of the main road of montalban amidst traffic.our gripes go on and on.when will this organizer shape up?maybe,they should join their own race and see for themselves the agonies we go through.alas, by doing a point by point defense of their shortcomings,they instead exposed themselves to the flimsiest defense of all-empty talk.

and to the emcee,stop your blabbering and yacking needlessly because we are not amused by your antics.better take it to the peryahan.baka sakali doon mabili pa ang style mo.you make fun of other people.why not join us in the next race and we will let you eat our dust.

specifics you mean guys?- open your eyes and come run with us instead being at the comfort of your seats during race day.mahirap gisingin ang nagtutulug-tulugan.

Tony Benson: The Man Behind Project “Gintong Alay”

On January 31, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Sports Program3 Comments

If there is a man to be fully credited on the success of Philippine Sports, most especially in Athletics, it is Tony Benson of Australia. He was the National Coach of the Project “Gintong Alay”. The following is the excerpts taken from his website, www.benson.com.au. Readers are encouraged to visit his site and see its “Honour Roll” page where he presented Ani De Leon, our woman qualifier and participant in the 2008 Ford Kona IRONMAN and our past athletes in Athletiics as his athletes who were trained under him .

A 1972 Olympian and once the fifth ranked 5000m runner in the world, Tony was undefeated on tours of the USA and Europe between 1970 and 1972, is the last Australian distance runner to win at the prestigious Cologne, Stockholm and Oslo meets. In addition Tony is a sub “4” minute miler, a former Australian 2000m record holder and the 1969 Pacific Conference 1500m Gold Medalist. He has best times of 3:59.8 (mile), 7:50 (3000m) and 13:36 (5000m) as well as a road 10k time of 27:37 on a Ballarat course that, while uncertified, had seen only two other athletes, Wayne Bourke and Kevin Brady – both sub 14:05/5000m runners, break 30 minutes on the course in 40 years.

Tony began coaching in 1967 while teaching at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat. He moved to club coaching with Ballarat YCW on his retirement from international competition in 1973 and within two years had produced the first of what would be a long list of internationals. During this period a small skinny kid named Steve Moneghetti arrived at St. Patrick’s starting an association that would last through Steve’s foundation years. In 1979 Tony was offered, and accepted, the position of National Coach of the Philippines. At that time the Philippines ranked 29th in Asia. By the time Tony had left the Philippines they had reached 6th place, produced Asian champions and record holders as well as Olympians including a steeplechase semi finalist.

Tony first became involved in triathlon through Emma Carney while still the National T & F Coaching Director of Australia and assisted her with her running during 1993 and 1994 as she started to make her very successful transition from a national class runner to World Champion triathlete.

In June 1993 he left Athletics Australia and by the end of 1994 had a squad of 25 athletes. Since then the squad has grown to the point where there are usually between 70 and 80 athletes training at six to eight different locations around Melbourne as well as interstate and overseas.

Tony Benson has been the Head Coach of Olympic, Commonwealth, World Championship and Asian Games teams, lectured in Africa, Asia and the Pacific on behalf of the International Olympic Committee and International Association of Athletic Federation and put his theories into practice by producing Olympic athletes and World Championship level athletes, triathletes and duathletes.

In 1993, at the insistance of close friend Irv Ray, Tony and Irv produced a best selling coaching book called “Run With The Best”. The philosophies it contained were proven when Irv coached 17 year old Ryan Hall to a 3:42.7/1500m and No2 US high school miler of 2001 and Patrick Sang, a former standout Kenyan steelechaser, used the RWTB principles he adopted after meeting Tony in Nairobi at the 2002 IAAF All Africa Level 2 Coaches’ Course in his preparation of 18 year old 2003 World 5000m champion Elicud Kipchoge.

Finally he has also mixed with elite athletes and coaches from triathlon, cycling and swimming and acknowledges the influence of many of these highly respected and successful people in the construction of his training schedules and in the development of his computer programs. He is a Level 5 Track and Field coach and a Level 3 Triathlon Coach as well as National Track and Field Consultant (AFTCA).

Response To My Critique @ 2009 PSE Bull Run

On January 30, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running10 Comments

Race organizers’ response to Bald Runner’s comments on the Bull Run 2009

First of all, we appreciate all the comments made regarding the conduct of the PSE Bull Run 2009. Below are our answers to the said critique:

Water stations were positioned in several spots along the route as well as at the Start/Finish Line. The water station at the Start/Finish Line is located at the far end of the finish line, left side facing the finish line arch.

Road marshals were stationed at every turning point and street intersections. They were riders and personnel from Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. But we will still assess the performance of our road marshals in order to improve the management of vehicle traffic while the run is ongoing.

PSE owns the area where the start/finish line and program was situated. That is the reason for the selection of the said area. Given the significant increase in the participants for this year, it is best that the PSE considers other area/s for their race.

The digital clock is mounted just below the trusses of the starting/finish line arch. Some runners may not have seen the clock mainly because of its height. Positioning of the clock will be further reviewed so as to ensure its visibility to all runners.

We, Argent Network International Corp./Full Shot Advertising, are the organizers of the Bull Run this year. Our company name is visible in all our promotional materials such as flyers and tarpaulin banners and in promotional activities such as TV guestings. Furthermore, during the race day event itself, the main persons behind our company (Pablo Cay and Gay Maddela) are repeatedly acknowledged by the emcee. We would want to know the specific circumstance/s that we have been “notorious for not being able to look for the safety and welfare of the paying runners and walkers.” PATAFA officials are present because they are in-charge of the technical aspect of the run. That is, the measurement of the course distance and result officials.

The content of program after the race was a decision made by the race owner – which is the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). We have already communicated this with PSE.

The announced registration period will end a 2 days before the actual race event which is January 16, 2009. But due to the influx of runners wanting to register, the runners reached beyond the projected numbers thus, the race bibs ran out. With this situation, we have to declare an early closure of the registration. But we officially closed the registration on January 15, 2009, Thursday and not a week before the race day.

There had been a remiss in the releasing of the race packets, which include the race bib and singlet. Production of the singlet was delayed thus, the race bibs were released even without the singlets. There had been cases of missing race packets. This we have to improve on. Reasons for the delay are internal between our company and PSE. Rest assured that we would review our registration and releasing procedures and implement a more efficient process in our next races.

There are assigned color codes for each race event – 10k (blue ), 5k (green), 3k Open ( violet )and 3K PSE (red0. But due to the increase in the number of registrants, we were forced to transfer race bibs of one event to another event. In order to ensure that the runners run the event where they registered in, we have added measures to identify such runners. These added measures were communicated to the technical group.

Certificates of Completion were distributed at the Secretariat Booth situated beside the Technical Booth. Distribution was announced by the emcee. Most runners were able to get their certificates.

The VIP tables were set-up for the VIP guests of the PSE. These were not intended to discriminate anyone but to accommodate the event sponsors, PSE officials, among others. In most races, race owners do not give runners food. Discretion on such matter rests on the race owners.

We agree that walkers should not be mixed with runners in one route. The race owner and the race organizers did not anticipate the huge turnout of fun runners because previous years records show a low trend for such type of race participants. PSE and the next race organizer of the event will consider this in their future race events.