Official Result: 2nd MAYON 360 50-Mile Ultra Run

On May 1, 2012April 19, 2013 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Race Results, Races, Running, Sports Program, UltramarathonLeave a comment

4:30 AM April 21, 2012 @ Penaranda Park, Legazpi City (Albay)

N A M E BIB # T I M E

1. Albert Omboga	22	6:33:15
2. Eliud K. Kering	50	6:44:57
3. Martin Balaybo	116	6:47:55
4. John Fred Abiner	104	6:56:30
5. Willy Rotich	31	7:20:43
6. Eduardo C. Villanueva	47	7:26:12
7. Noel Tillor	93	7:33:01
8. Joycer Lacno	43	7:39:34
9. Santiago Ducay	58	7:53:30
10. John Nino Monte	131	7:57:05
11. Jackson Chirchir	51	7:59:43
12. Janette Agura (F)	68	8:17:48
13. Alvin Luminario	70	8:19:59
14. Darry Bado	145	8:20:46
15. Ellen Tolentino (F)	115	8:26:21
16. Mark Anthony Toledo	75	8:41:44
17. Susan Chepkwony (F)	32	8:41:56
18. Luna Smith	107	9:04:26
19. Peris Poywo	46	9:04:43
20. Chito Gonzales	126	9:10:37
21. Reno Binguera	127	9:15:17
22. Salvador Nachor	60	9:20:57
23. Troy Abadeza	133	9:27:48
24. Mila Paje (F)	71	9:29:25
25. Melanie Malihan (F)	144	9:33:01
26. Arnold Tidon	95	9:40:42
27. Alipio Narciso	41	9:42:22
28. Alfred Delos Reyes	100	9:46:03
29. Randy Rubio	171	9:46:22
30. Archiet M. Pamanano	20	9:59:20
31. Cherry Palles (F)	69	10:05:07
32. Rogelio Banares	147	10:13:13
33. Emerson Gonzales	73	10:21:27
34. Roberto Abad	55	10:21:35
35. Bob Castilla	45	10:22:21
36. Olivia Dimaano-Llanillo (F)	153	10:30:16
37. Graciano Santos	1	10:41:45
38. Dante dela Cruz	79	10:41:53
39. Mark Repala	108	10:45:51
40. Mark Anthony Mercado	67	10:46:37
41. Lana Jacel Mercado (F)	66	10:46:42
42. Nonilo Onoya	48	10:54:10
43. Leo Pura	103	10:55:11
44. Eligio Boy Marifosque	172	10:56:25
45. Henry Laron	28	10:58:11
46. Mark Jay Dagat	85	10:58:38
47. Joseph G. Pineda	24	10:58:43
48. Emmanuel Nocos	56	11:03:38
49. Gil Lastares	106	11:04:37
50. Audax A. Cantero	26	11:05:20
51. Raul C.Tapia	18	11:05:25
52. Edwin Romano	112	11:07:13
53. Ian Wellington Jocom	134	11:07:15
54. Edgar Orellana	110	11:12:32
55. Jon Las Bruce	36	11:14:21
56. Brando Bueno	59	11:15:57
57. Fernando Dellomos Jr.	109	11:18:14
58. Nicolas de Leon	64	11:18:17
59. Jan Carlo Baloloy	111	11:22:12
60. Zaldy Loreno	105	11:22:55
61. Jessez Basanta	135	11:23:55
62. Roberto delos Santos	166	11:25:09
63. Ricardo Cabusao Jr	2	11:27:00
64. Simon Pavel T. Miranda	11	11:29:23
65. Leonardo Blanes Jr.	149	11:32:50
66. Aladdin Cordero	155	11:36:58
67. Ronnel Go	160	11:39:05
68. Benjamin Termulo	74	11:39:14
69. Roberto Villamor	137	11:43:39
70. Danilo Lim	78	11:44:10
71. Dapne Rose T. Codilla (F)	9	11:47:00
72. Prospero Ibardaloza Jr.	120	11:50:12
73. Eric Alzaga	98	11:50:30
74. Myron Manuel L. Nuyles	39	11:53:41
75. Jose Asis	65	11:57:49
76. Ruben Fajardo	90	11:59:00
77. Nelson Val A. Caro Jr	142	12:04:34
78. Guan Kheng Kho	94	12:05:43
79. Sherwin Botabara	29	12:09:34
80. Maximo Ancheta	146	12:12:59
81. Mateo R. Borbon Jr	44	12:13:01
82. Wilfredo Maiquez	150	12:16:38
83. Johann C. Marquez	10	12:16:40
84. Calvin John Escandor	37	12:18:34
85. Marc T. Tomas	40	12:29:24
86. Lyra Valles	80	12:30:25
87. Ernesto Venancio P. Badong	34	12:30:28
88. Orlando Payumo	152	12:32:02
89. Jorge Li	119	12:32:12
90. Alfredo Luzuriaga Jr.	114	12:32:31
91. Camilo Paran Jr.	130	12:37:34
92. Coleen Digman (F)	53	12:40:30
93. Eduardo Balcueva	57	12:42:28
94. Samuel Narcise	76	12:45:50
95. Red Samar	30	12:46:45
96. Arianne Ortega (F)	122	12:47:59
97. Stephanie Hefti (F)	13	12:50:16
98. Carlos S. Santiago	19	12:51:31
99. Arlie Escandor	63	12:57:51
100. Ronaldo Sp Robles	35	12:59:32
101. Mart Rabelas	168	13:01:41
102. Herman Garcia	138	13:09:12
103. Clark C. Llaga	49	13:13:16
104. German r. Acido Jr.	83	13:14:14
105. Marilou Ingua (F)	42	13:22:55
106. Victor Ting	77	13:23:13
107. Ernesto Abas	151	13:23:18
108. Jerome Jamili	123	13:23:20
109. Nario B. Gittabao Jr.	89	13:23:27
110. June Javier	38	13:23:30
111. Vicente Caurez	118	13:25:07
112. Joey Baladad	162	13:34:49
113. Mary Grace Lao (F)	143	13:35:58
114. Vicente M. De Lima II	33	13:39:43
115. Bing Baltazar C. Brillo	17	13:39:47
116. Adrian Anthony Q. Arcaya	8	13:41:55
117. Reynante L. Villela	86	13:45:39
118. Christian Rabe	96	13:46:33
119. Zaldy Santillan	25	13:49:35
120. Gia Estrella (F)	154	13:49:35
121. Albert Constancio Ramon Hefti III	140	13:51:06
122. Edgar de Jesus	101	14:01:18
123. Harold Lorete	156	14:06:48
124. Ofelia Lorete (F)	157	14:06:48
125. Miko Sabado	14	14:12:32
126. Lady Dianne G. Palogan (F)	12	14:12:48
127. Joseph Ligot	159	14:13:29
128. Romeo l. Garcia	82	14:15:15
129. Blas Ople	7	14:22:20
130. Janet Legaspi (F)	92	14:24:33
131. Rey Argee S. Jabonete	84	14:25:00
132. Thea Sangrador (F)	129	14:25:09
133. Daryl Q. Tabang	91	14:26:52
134. Eduardo D. Escalante	52	14:27:10
135. Mohsherwin Manangil	54	14:27:39
136. Rod Apolinar	124	14:32:00
137. Mar Marilag	163	14:32:23
138. Vivian Cerrer (F)	5	14:34:35
139. Richard Toledo	6	14:34:35
140. Alfredo R. Moral Jr	16	14:34:37
141. Audi Samar	27	14:34:42
142. Mario Honrado	128	14:36:22
143. Rogelio Regallado	148	14:36:47
144. Jenny Bave dela Cruz (F)	97	14:39:46
145. Adrian Lim	169	14:45:30
146. Bee Yen Soberano	158	14:53:00

Culture Of Road & Trail Racing

On April 30, 2012 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program, Trail Running, Ultramarathon1 Comment

In my “peak bagging” activities throughout the country, I had some observations and information which I would consider as the “culture of road and trail racing” in the countryside. These observations and information gathered could be explained in details through the following topics:

1. No Prize, No Race. In the early times, racing has always a prize for grabbing. It is either money, property, position or any tangible object which one can sell or need in their daily lives. Running feats for faster times had been won by wagers and bets. In the countryside, the best runners don’t run if there are no cash prizes! For obvious reasons, they paid for the registration fee from their savings or had loaned from somebody else. The motivation for winning is to be able to regain what they have paid for and at the same time, earn some money for their basic needs. Bragging rights for them is not for the Finisher’s Shirt or Medals or Loot Bags. They simply need the money!

2. No Sponsor, No Run. Runners with talent and fast finish times always look for sponsors to finance their registration fees. Instead of getting a loan, they would prefer to look for somebody in their community to finance their participation in a race where there is cash prize. It could be their leaders (local government, barangay captain & officials) or somebody who is supportive to their passion/talent. Runners don’t need to pay back the Sponsor just in case he/she does win any of the cash prizes. If they don’t have any sponsor, they would not join any race.

3. Cheating Is Not A Big Deal. Runners in the countryside would finish the race at all costs, even if they cheat! To them, it is natural to cheat because they know that everybody cheats, from their leaders, business-owners, traders, vendors, parents and friends!

4. Running as Talent Is Normal. Most of the best runners were exposed to hardships and manual labor during the early stage of their childhood. Most of them lives in villages in the mountains and they have all the time to ascend and descend the area to look for food, fetch water, and cultivate some lands on a daily basis. Due to their environment and living conditions, they were honed to be endurance athletes since birth. Try to look for one elite runner and conduct an interview about his/her family background and you would know what I mean. And at the same manner, try to look for an elite runner who belongs to the upper class of our society and you will be surprised to find out that you are looking for a “dream”.

5. New Running Kit Is Alien To Them. For obvious reasons, they don’t have any opportunity to use the latest running apparel and shoes due to poverty. Most of their kits are used (second-hand or “ukay-ukay”) and given to them to protect them from the elements. They don’t have any access on the new technology of running in terms of shoes, apparel and accessories. If they have an opportunity to grab a “glossy” runner’s magazine, attention is more focused on the pictures and not on the articles written inside it. I am not sure if they can read or understand English or what is written on those pages.

6. Hydration & Nutrition Are Also Alien To Them. They drink if they feel thirsty. They eat if they feel hungry. They replenish the basic necessities for their body by feel. They only react to any problem when it is there. They usually drink and eat after finishing the race.

7. There Is NO Shame in DNF. If they think they could not place themselves on the ranking where there is a prize money, they simply stop and declare themselves as DNF and say lots of alibi and complaints. To them, finishing a race where they did not train properly is a punishment! They have to preserve their body from any exhaustion or injury and be “race-ready” again for the next race. In short, they don’t take the “extra mile” to persevere in order to finish the race. It is worthy to note that my Elite Team Bald Runner members are also like this in major races in Metro Manila. However, it took me sometime to change this kind of attitude.

8. Bragging Rights & Recognition. Among their friends, they would brag that they finished a certain race with a certain ranking but the truth is that he cheated along the route by riding a passing motorcycle or a public utility vehicle along the route. But for them, recognition of finishing and receiving an award is translated to the money that they received as a prize! So, if there is a cash prize in a race, the temptation to cheat is always there because it is a part of their training and preparation to finish the race. Very smart, indeed!

9. Race Organizers & Directors Are Businessmen. They organize and direct events for you for a fee! Of course, they should be! It is because they appear to be professional but in the end they will take advantage of you. Not all Race Organizers/Directors are elite runners as most of them are average athletes/runners. Those athletes think that if they finish one or two ultra marathon events, they have already the skills to organize one. Race Organizers try their best to invite runners through ads on the internet, radio and printed materials because for them, more runners means more income aside from the fact that they are being paid for P 85,000 per event, which is the lowest rate outside Metro Manila. But once the gun is fired at the starting line, his work is done!

In short distances up to half-marathon, their time to monitor the runners is up to 2 hours! After 2 hours, they packed up and just leave the last runners to cross the finish line on their own. Sometimes, without marshals, ambulance or water at the aid stations. Once the top 3 runners cross the finish line (Overall and Female Categories), the race is done. The results of the rest of the finishers are immaterial as the results of the race will not be published. Only the top 3 runners are awarded with cash prize and a simple tap on the back of the athletes is enough. The Race Organizer will just say, “see you on the next race!”.

I am writing this post for the simple reason that the nationwide 2012 MILO Marathon Races are about to start. Our best runners in the regions and provinces are now training for this much-awaited event because it is the most prestigious running event in the country and it offers a lot of cash prizes for our runners in the “grassroot” level and a free trip & accommodation in Metro Manila for the MILO Marathon FINALS. This makes me wonder again why there is NO Filipino Corporate Entity (Filipino-Owned) that could match or even start what MILO had been doing to promote running in the “grassroot” level for the past years! I just hope also that our best runners in the regions and provinces would be training properly and not prepare/train to cheat on the said races!

Does it ring a bell if I say that there were cases of cheating in MILO Marathon & Elimination Races in the past editions? Well, that proves my point, there will always be a cheater (or bandit) if there are cash prizes to be grabbed at the Finish Line.

On the other hand, I hope this kind of culture of road/trail racing in the running community would be removed in due time. There is a need to aware the runners that cheating has no place in running/racing events and it will eventually result to the end of their running carreer as they would be declared permanently “banned for life” in running events.

In life, like running a Marathon or Ultra Marathon Race, the opportunity to cheat is always there easily to be grabbed with or without any material rewards or prizes. Your actions will define the character you are made of and if you will fall to the temptation of cheating, there will always be someone who will see what you have done!

See you at the Starting Line!

Results: 2nd MAYON 360 50-Mile Ultra Marathon Race

On April 22, 2012April 24, 2012 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Race Results, Races, Running, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon1 Comment

The following are the results of the 2nd MAYON 360 50-Mile Ultra Marathon Race held last Saturday, April 21, 2012. Please click on the link below.

Mayon 360 Race Result final corrected (1)

One Hundred Thirty Six (146) runners, out of 169 starters, finished the race within the prescribed cut-off time of 15 hours.

Congratulations to all the Finishers! Good job!

Birth Of Another Ultra Route

On April 9, 2012 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Practice Runs, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon3 Comments

March 9-10, 2012

After the Awarding Ceremony & Get Together Party for the 2012 BDM and PAU Races, I had already a plan in my mind to try the initial King of the Mountain Road Race envisioned by Jonel two years ago. This is the Road Race which he dubbed as the Baguio To Baguio Route which is popular among professional cyclists and the popular cycling lap that determines who would eventually win in the yearly Professional Cycling Event in the Country.

However, the main reason and goal of this running trip/adventure run was to be able to recon the King of the Mountain Mt Ugo Trail Marathon route which I was planning to join. Running along the Marcos Highway, Kennon Road, and Naguilian Road would serve as my easy long runs as part of the training before going to Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya.

Coming from Manila after breakfast of Friday, March 9, I drove my car without any target time for me to start my run as I planned to start at the Saitan Junction in Rosario, La Union once I reach the place and after wearing my running shoes. At exactly 3:00 PM, I arrived at the planned starting area and I was surprised to see that the structure on the said place is already abandoned and left to rot and decay. I wonder who is supposed to be responsible for its upkeep and cleanliness. Anyway, I parked the car and started to eat some cooked foods which we brought for my adventure run. We had cooked rice, pork and chicken adobo and fried fish. After my full meal, I changed to my running attire and I was ready to start my run.

My route has to take the Maharlika Highway going to the town/poblacion of Rosario, La Union and then turn right at the Junction which is the start of the Marcos Highway which is now called, “Ben Palispis Highway”. I wonder who is this guy who replaced the name of the former President of the country! From the Junction, the Marcos Highway would lead me to Baguio City. I finally started my run at 3:30 PM.

Strictly following my run-walk method of 3 minutes of run & 45 seconds brisk walk, I was able to progress my ascent to the summer capital of the country. My support vehicle would be able to “leap-frog” every 3 kilometers which is the estimated time that I would consume the water or Gatorade mix on my “Sprint” Nathan hand-held bottle. The last 5 kilometers climb to Baguio City would be the most challenging part of the route as I had to brisk walk most of the distance. I was able to run and walk the Marcos Highway going to Baguio City, a distance of 47 kilometers with a total gain of more than 6,000+ feet from the place where I started, at Barangay Saitan, Rosario, La Union. I did it in 8:20+ hours. I stopped my run infront of the Baguio General Hospital.

After an overnight rest in one of the decent hotels in Baguio City, I continued my run the following day from where I stopped and run through the famous Kennon Road going back to where I started. It was all downhill but I had to be cautious because I don’t want my quads and knees to suffer for the pounding with the distance of 33 kilometers. My trekking poles provided me with much comfort on those steep downhill portions of the route. With longer “pit stops”, I was able to reach my destination in 6:00+ hours.

After completing the 2-day running feat, I would discover that the total distance would result to 80 kilometers which is a good 50-miler route for an ultrarunning event. Thus, I decided to dubbed the event on this route as the “Marcos-Kennon 50-Mile Ultra Road Classic”. A status posted at FB gave some commitments from running-friends to help and support in the conduct of this event. Thanks to my ultra running friends!

I’ve decided not to run the Saitan, Rosario to Bauang, La Union route along the Maharlika Highway and instead, measured the distance aboard my car using my GF 305 watch. The distance registered at 53 Kilometers. Stayed overnight in Bauang, La Union. Enjoyed the food, beach and sea breeze of the place and I enjoyed my much-needed rest. From the Bauang, La Union Junction to Baguio City, the distance is 44 Kilometers up to Burnham Park. I did not run through the route but I simply observed the terrain closely as I drove towards Baguio City.

In summary, adding up all the routes of the Baguio-Baguio, the Original King of the Mountain Road Ultra of Jonel, it has a total distance of 224 Kilometers and it can be depicted on the following measured legs:

Baguio City To Saitan, Rosario via Kennon Road—33 Kilometers

Saitan, Rosario To Baguio City via Marcos Highway—47 Kilometers

Baguio City To Bauang, La Union via Nagulian Rd—44 Kilometers

Bauang, La Union To Saitan, Rosario via Maharlika—53 Kilometers

Saitan, Rosario To Baguio City via Marcos Highway—47 Kilometers

I will let Jonel push through with his plan Baguio-Baguio Route to be implimented. However, I will just take a portion of the said route as another challenging race route for interested ultrarunners to experience. Thus, the “Marcos-Kennon 50-Mile Ultra Road Classic” is born. Planning for this race route is not complete if I don’t share to you what are the detailed expenses incurred in order to discover and plan a certain ultrarunning route.

The following were my expenses incurred in the said trip:

Gasoline Expenses (Round Trip From Manila-Baguio & Back)—P 5,000

Food Expenses For 3 Days (For 2 Persons)—P 4,000

Hotel Accommodations—P 4,500

Miscellaneous Expenses—P 1,000

Hydration & Nutrition Needs For My Recon Runs—P 3,000

T o t a l ————-P 17,500

This is excluding for the Payment for the Wear & Tear/Service for the Car that I am using in my Recon Runs. And since this is my passion, I don’t give a price or costing on the time and effort/services I have to provide in order to create a safe road race for everybody. In addition, the daily salaries of my driver and assistant/support crew are not yet included in the above costs!

I hope in the future, Jonel would be able to stage a multi-day running event on his original Baguio-Baguio Route.

The Ultra Race along this route will come sooner than you think! Keep on running!

Running Is “Hard and Easy”

On March 28, 2012 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Practice Runs, Running, Sports ProgramLeave a comment

One of the time-tested principles of running is “Hard and Easy”.

“Hard” means running with much more intensity and more speed. The following are considered as “Hard” workouts for running—interval training on the Oval Track or on a measured distance on the road; tempo runs; hill repeats; and “fartlek” sessions. I would also consider some “cross-training” workouts as “hard” if they are done with much more intensity like lifting of heavier weights; interval workouts in cycling and swimming; and the likes of Crossfit and P90X or its derevatives.

“Easy” means running on a more relaxed and easy pace. Your “30-minute” a day run and LSD/easy run for at least one hour are considered as “easy” workouts. Yoga, Pilates, Stretching, easy and relaxed swimming and cycling, hiking/walking, and rest/sleep are considered as your “easy” workouts.

If your training is to run everyday to prepare a certain event, you don’t have to run the “hard” way everyday. You have to alternate “hard and easy” workouts throughout the week. Let your body rest and recover and you will be stronger on your next workout. If there is pain or soreness on your leg muscles, it’s time to rest and/or take the “easy” workout the following day.

Running the “hard and easy” ways is common sense!

Result: 2nd PAU Tanay, Rizal 50K Run

On March 26, 2012March 26, 2012 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Places to Run, Race Results, Races, Running, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon11 Comments

4:45 AM March 25, 2012/Tanay, Rizal-Sampaloc-Baras, Rizal via Marcos Highway

Congratulations! Welcome to the Ultrarunning Community!

#	Bib #	List of Runners	Time

1	26	Alfred Ocampo	4:47:42
2	45	Warlito Dela Cruz	5:01:43
3	200	Alfred delos Reyes	5:32:02
4	35	Gregorio Ocampo	5:35:13
5	1	Graciano Santos	5:43:37
6	8	Paolo Osmena	5:43:57
7	92	Benedict Balaba	5:53:22
8	57	Raffy Gabotero	6:02:18
9	70	Almar Danguilan	6:06:16
10	36	Sergio Bandol	6:06:21
11	51	Raul Tapia	6:06:44
12	30	Samson Ocampo	6:10:37
13	42	Richard Montiano	6:13:26
14	58	Chips Dayrit	6:16:41
15	64	Melvin Pangan	6:19:38
16	27	Vergilio Leona	6:23:45
17	101	Ronnel Go	6:26:34
18	21	Myron Manuel Nuyles	6:29:21
19	38	Daphne Rose Codilla (F)	6:36:25
20	40	Romeo Santos Jr	6:43:05
21	24	June Javier	6:45:05
22	10	Erwin Tolentino	6:47:29
23	29	Sherwin Botabara	6:54:57
24	4	Johann Marquez	7:00:27
25	5	Aureo Cyrus Lim	7:02:21
26	54	Jon Borbon	7:04:18
27	69	Meljohn Tezon	7:04:49
28	62	Valen Co (F)	7:07:40
29	63	Angelica Leysa (F)	7:07:41
30	17	Ronaldo Robles	7:09:27
31	14	Franklin Ace Panuncio	7:10:07
32	67	Cesar Aquino	7:17:38
33	7	Miko Sabado	7:24:58
34	31	Gil Ocampo	7:26:16
35	37	Narciso Alipio	7:26:17
36	33	Raul Roco	7:28:21
37	55	Vans Camannong	7:28:56
38	53	Tony Viernes	7:40:35
39	32	Conrado Teodoro	7:44:18
40	34	Robert Reyes	7:44:19
41	39	Nelson Val Caro	7:47:27
42	68	Ariel Aquino	7:52:48
43	65	Hermogenes Saludes	7:53:07
44	25	Japhet Grande	7:54:07
45	16	Mary Grace Lao (F)	7:58:42
46	11	Marc Conrad Molina	7:59:34
47	9	Dexter Cruz	8:00:20
48	41	Jealum Cabo	8:06:07
49	6	Lady Dianne Palogan (F)	8:07:23
50	52	Jojo Paguia	8:17:35
51	56	Bong Alindada	8:21:26
52	23	Angelo Balisalisa	8:23:05
53	28	Jeje Ajosto	8:23:44
54	59	Bong Leano	8:25:57
55	49	Lyra Rosario (F)	8:26:23
56	48	Karl Ocampo	8:26:38
57	18	Carmeli Anne Ortega (F)	8:29:07
58	2	Mar Marilag	8:30:28
59	66	Marc Grande	8:30:40
60	47	Nap Ocampo	8:33:10
61	22	King Mark Joefred Patricio	8:38:00
62	12	Jhunbie Serna	8:38:13
63	50	Arianne Ortega (F)	8:40:31
64	13	Stephanie Hefti (F)	8:41:16
65	60	Antonio Jimenez	8:43:06
66	61	Chito Asuncion	8:43:08
67	43	Christopher Francisco	8:44:25
68	46	Chie Angeles (F)	8:50:02

Guimaras 110K Run

On March 23, 2012March 27, 2012 By kingofpotsIn Food & Dishes, Insights, Jogging, Places to Run, Races, Runner's Fashion/Attire, Runners Accessories, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon108 Comments

1:00 AM To 8:20 PM, March 20, 2012/Start & Finish @ The Provincial Capitol

On the last week of February, I made a trip to Guimaras Island purposely to visit the place, talk to the Provincial Governor, and recon the circumferential road with a plan to have it as a venue for the incoming PAU National Championships which I scheduled for September 15, 2012.

Despite my initial coordination with the Office of the Governor of Guimaras, my contact person informed me that Gov. Felipe Nava and his wife left for Manila for an important meeting the day before I arrived in the island. So, we had to make some adjustments for the initial coordination.

Provincial Board Member Roy Habana was our savior for the trip. He happens to be a former police officer and personally knows my Uncle-General of the former Philippine Constabulary who was also assigned in the Visayas Area. I explained the purpose of my visit in the island-province to Board Member Habana and he positively endorsed my plan to the Provincial Tourism Officer. After almost one hour of meeting with the Capitol’s Staff concerned on the preparation of my event, the good and very accommodating Board Member Roy invited us for a trip around the island with him as our driver!

For almost 3-4 hours trip on the road around the island, Board Member Roy was our “tourist guide” and host for our “impromtu” lunch prepared and coordinated by her wife in Buenavista, Guimaras (the busiest town of the island). It is in this recon trip that I started to appreciate and love the beauty of the different scenery around the island. Each town has a distinct characteristic of its own which I wanted to feel and see while I am actually running on the ground.

My initial impression of the place is that, this is a “paradise” for ultrarunners! No frills, no vehicular traffic, very nice scenery, challenging terrain of the route, nice people, air quality is very good and above all, a very peaceful environment. No restrictions on what side of the road you would like to run and I intend to allow the use of earphones for the race!

The purpose of my day trip to the island had been attained. Before I left the island, I promised to Board Member Roy that I’ll be back soon for me to actually run around the island. He was amazed! He told me that I will set the record and history for the island for the first runner to run around the island-province! I smiled at him and expressed my heartfelt thanks for the hospitality given during my stay.

Fast Forward. Almost after three weeks, I landed in the Iloilo Airport (again, for the 2nd time this year) with my support crew/security waiting for me. Visiting Iloilo City is not complete if I don’t have my lunch at the Mang Inasal Resto inside the SM Mall in the city, a practice or habit I developed when I was a Division Commander of the Philippine Army in this area. After lunch, I bought my nutritional and hydration needs at the SM Grocery. Top on the list are “Biscocho” & “Butterscotch” from Biscocho Haus; lots of Gardenia Loaf Bread & a bottle of Lily’s Peanut Butter; SMB Pale Pilsen in Cans; Mountain Dew; Nescafe Latte in Cans; Gatorade Powder Mix (I brought it with me); and Absolut Bottled Water. (Yes, I drink beer during my adventure runs!)

A boat ride (each boat is good for 50 passengers) from the city to the island of Guimaras followed after leaving the SM Mall. The fare is only Fifteen Pesos (P 15.00) per person and in 20-25 minutes, we were at the Jordan’s Port in the island. The boat ride was slower this time as compared on my first visit because of the rains, strong winds, and cloudy skies but the sea water is always calm in between Iloilo and Guimaras.

The generosity and hospitality of the Province is superb! Governor Nava prepared for my team’s free hotel accommodation and 50% discount on food for two days at the Raymen Beach Resort in Barangay Alubihod, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras plus the dedicated support vehicle, an Escapade Nissan Van (but I had to buy for the diesel/gas during the whole trip) ! The place, beach, water and amenities are great. Although it is far from the Provincial Capitol, my stay in this place was very relaxing!

As soon as the team was settled in the resort, I met my support crew/security and briefed them about the details of my adventure run. My run would start infront of the Provincial Capitol in Barangay San Miguel, Jordan at 1:00 AM the following day and the run will go on a counter-clockwise direction around the island. My team was advised to sleep immediately after the briefing with a dinner call at 7:30 PM and then sleep again; and then with a “wake-up” call at 12:00 Midnight before going to the Starting Line. My support vehicle would “leap-frog” every 2 kilometers with a motorbike-riding-in-tandem would be on my tail. This adventure run would follow an ala-military operations style of implementation so that it will come out with a successful result! There should be no point where mistakes/errors should be committed.

At 00:45 AM, I was met by Board Member Roy Habana infront of the Provincial Capitol. Wow! I really admire this guy! I am not surprised why the people of Guimaras would elect him to his elective post every election year! My salute to this fine gentleman who is known from his unblemished and outstanding service in the Philippine National Police! We had a brief talk and he wished me good luck before I started my run. After offering a personal prayer for this run, I left the Starting Area at exactly 1:00 AM of March 20, 2012.

My run from the Provincial Capitol was generally downhill but there are also places where there are uphill climbs for the rest of the town of Jordan until I reached the boundary of Nueva Valencia, which is the next town. Nueva Valencia offers a mix of rolling hills just like Jordan but the southernmost part area in this town has a lot of places where it seems there is only the town of Nueva Valencia that covers the whole province! After covering a distance of 42K, I was still in the said town!

It was about sunrise when I saw a lone runner sprinting uphill doing his morning run in one of the last barangays of Nueva Valencia. He was the only runner whom I saw during my run. Nueva Valencia-Sibunag area has a lot fishponds and the scenery was simply refreshing to the eyes! Most of the Sibunag roads are under construction and there are sparse places where runners would encounter uphill climbs!

I would religiously follow my Gymboss setting of 3-minute run & 45-second brisk walk for the first 50 kilometers of my run and I did not feel any pain or imminent attack of cramps on my calves. I was fresh and still strong! Every 2 kilometers, I would eat 2 pieces of “biscocho” and 2 pieces of “butterscotch” with water or gatorade mix and the drill was repeated throughout my run. This is not an advertisement for Biscocho Haus of Iloilo City but that was my nutritional intake for the whole run. If you have tasted these two delicacies already, then you know already why it powers me up during this run!

Board Member Roy Habana linked up with me in the boundary of Sibunag & San Lorenzo for my breakfast/lunch in a roadside eatery/resto where I ate the best “native chicken” tinola in the region with lots of broth! I was simply feeling cold because of my damp running apparel brought about by the rain during the run but the hot broth/soup of the dish kept me warm and my leg muscles’ fresh! I think we stopped for 40 minutes for lunch as more interesting conversation cropped up with the good host-Board Member Roy. Well, he paid for our lunch, to include the police escorts’ meal! Being the Chairman of the Peace & Order of the Provincial Council, he made sure that I was properly escorted by the PNP in every municipality of the Province! Amazing! I did not get this kind of treatment & attention when I was still in the active military service!

As I resumed my run, Board Member Roy passed by on a muddy part of a road under construction and said that he will be going ahead and hope to see me finish at the Provincial Capitol.

I made a discovery that I could run stronger and my endurance last longer if I drink 2-3 cans of beer during my adventure runs. Drinking one can at a time should be spaced properly during such runs. One should not drink more than one can every pit stop! I usually start to drink beer after finishing the marathon distance of 42K (at least, one can to reward myself for finishing the marathon distance) and from there every 10K, I take a sip and once I finished my 2nd marathon distance (84-85K), I should have finished my 2nd can of beer. However, every 2-Kilometer “pit-stop”, I have to drink water or Gatorade and ingest “biscocho & butterscotch”! The 3rd can of beer is taken after finishing my run! It worked well with me.

However, there are times when I fell sleepy while taking my time to finish my 2nd can of beer. The solution is to bring out my Nescafe Latte or Espresso Blend in Cans to perk me up. Espresso Blend is better though because of its strong bitter taste!

As I approached the 90-Kilometer mark all the way to the Finish Line, it’s time to bring out the most powerful source of sugar/glucose—Mountain Dew!

The strong headwinds and crosswinds of San Lorenzo almost zapped my strength on this run. The road is so flat that I was bent on increasing my pace but the wind was so strong that I spent so much force to maintain my short but quick strides. As usual, I was maintaining my Heart Rate of not going beyond 150 beats per minute for the whole duration of this run. There is no use to battle it out with the wind and I concentrated on following my Gymboss setting.

After the strong winds in San Lorenzo, here comes now the start of never-ending uphill climbs once I approached the town of Buenavista. Board Member Roy told me beforehand that there is only one uphill climb from San Lorenzo going to Buenavista, but he was wrong. I think I counted four (4) major uphill climbs before I reached the town!

Passing along the Poblacion of Buenavista was a blast! Board Member Roy, his wife and friends were on the roadside cheering and clapping their hands as I passed by! This town could be the busiest town in the island with lots of people/students leaving their schools; lots of people going and coming out of the public market; and vehicles/tricycles plying along the road.

I was scheduled to reach the finish line between 6:00 and 7:00 PM but the hills in Buenavista and Jordan prevented me from attaining it. It was getting darker already when I slowly ascended each of these hills that I had to brisk walk and took my time to breath the fresh air around. At this point, I was starting to feel the most awaited thing in endurance sports—pain, agony and suffering for an ultrarunner. I was already on my last 10 kilometer before the finish line and all the pains coming from all parts of my body were starting to appear. It is a warning that I need to take something solid in my stomach. I am lucky that we bought a lot of “biscocho & butterscotch”! Biscocho Haus’ products & Mountain Dew are the best food & hydration on this part of my run!

The last 10-kilometer distance in all my adventure runs is simply the hardest but the sweetest of them all. You can easily forget your first 10 kilometers in every ultrarunning race but the last 10 kilometers will always remain in your thoughts that gives a special signature or significance of the race/run that you have successfully finished! This is where you remember to recite and shout your favorite running mantra; this where the “demons and angels” of running will argue with each other; this is where “mind over body” would work; this is where you determine what you are made of; this where you remember your loved ones who are rooting for you to finish this race; this is where you think of your inspiration; this is where you curse yourself why you are doing this run/race; and lastly, this is where you separate yourself from being an ordinary “running boy or girl”! This is where you think that you are a brave “warrior” and nobody would defeat you in order to win your battle!

The last 10 kilometers were challenging part of the route indeed! My Garmin Forerunner 305 would prove that the Provincial Capitol sits on the peak of the highest hill in Jordan, Guimaras! I finally reached the exact place where I started my run infront of the Provincial Capitol with a clock time of 8:20 PM of the same day which means that I finished my run in 19:20+ hours for a distance of 110 Kilometers.

Hereunder are the summary of data taken from my two (2) GF 305:

Distance: 110 Kilometers

Time: 19:20:04 hours

Average HR: 135 beats per minute (bpm)

Maximum HR: 149 beats per minute (bpm)

Total Calories Spent: 5,066 cal

Total Ascent: 3,663 meters (12, 088 ft)

Total Descent: 3,653 meters (12,055 ft)

Running Kit:

Under Armour Compression Shirt

CW-X Compression Shorts

Drymax Socks

ASICS Gel-Tarther

Under Armour Runner’s Cap

Nathan “Sprint” Watter Bottle

Peltz Headlight

2 GF 305 Watches with Heart Monitor

Ice Bandana

Oakley Sunglasses

Gymboss

After a dinner of Fresh Fish Sinigang, Native Chicken Adobo, Pancit Canton and lots Guimaras Mangoes, I was already on my bed snoring loudly. After almost 9 hours of sleep, I was already on the salty waters of the beach soaking my tired legs for almost 30 minutes.

Before my team left the island, I had the chance to personally talk to Governor Nava about my run and my plan to hold the PAU National Championships in his province in the later part of the year. He appreciated my feat in running the whole island and he told me that I made a history in the island as the first and only person (and the only retired Major General of the AFP) to have run around the island in a single stage. He also appreciates my purpose of bringing “Sports Tourism” in the province.

A visit to Guimaras is not complete if you have not tasted and brought back home the sweetest mango in the world—Guimaras Mangoes! “Nothing Beats The Guimaras Mango”!!!

See you in Guimaras in September 2012!

Facebook To Facemedia & BDM Races

On March 19, 2012 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running, Sports Program, Ultramarathon1 Comment

Since July 2011, I started not to read the newspapers, watch the television, listen to the Radio on FM or AM and drink Coke or any carbonated drinks. But I started to spend more time with Facebook. By sharing my blogposts immediately to Facebook and within a few seconds I get immediate feedback and comments. Nowadays, I seldom get comments posted on my blog but once I post a link on Facebook, I get a lot of hits in my blog and most of the time, lots of comments are immediately posted on my status on Facebook. Very nice!

I started also to post my Race Events on my Wall at Facebook and the feedback is also amazing. Facebook is slowly taking over the power of the blogs. I had been reading a lot of NOTES on Facebook and they seem to take over the blogs, too!

News of events are published on Facebook faster than the On Line version of the printed newspapers which give me the prediction that these printed media/newspapers will be things of the past…soon!. I could still remember when I organized the first edition of the BDM 102 four years ago. I sent a lot of e-mails to the sports editors of the different newspapers with the purpose for the BDM 102 to be advertised as a new sports event to commemorate our past heroes in World War II. But none of my requests were published! Now, I don’t need to beg for help from these sports editors as I could simply post an Event in my Wall on Facebook and my races are known among hundreds and thousands of runners within a blink of the eye!

So, what am I trying to drive at? Facebook has already replaced the newspapers, TV, and the radio! There is no need to buy an space for ads in the newspapers. There is no need to buy an “air time” on radio and TV in order to advertise your product and services. Facebook will do it for you…FREE, anytime of the day within the comforts of your place. There is no need to listen to music as more and more FB users are posting Music Videos by your popular singers, old and new! Dead or living!

For the 2013 BDM 102 and 160 Ultra Marathon Races, application to participate in these events will be done on Facebook. I will create an Event Page for each Event and you can now apply for the race by stating your full name, age, latest Marathon Race & Finish Time on the Status of the Event Page. Individual Letter of Invitation will be sent through the participant’s Message (PM).

If you are intending to join these races, you have to start coming up with your own Facebook account NOW. It is very easy and fast!

Application for the 2013 BDM 102 & 160 Ultra Marathon Races will start on April 1, 2012 on Facebook ONLY.

Good luck and Train well.

2012 BDM 102: Race Report By Peter Kennedy

On March 15, 2012 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Race Results, Races, Runners' Training, Running, Sports Program, Travel, Ultramarathon5 Comments

Decision to Run

Back in September I wasn’t seeing any improvements in my 5 km/10 km times even though after three years in the Philippines I was fully acclimatised and my mileage was up at the 70 km level per week. I knew I was leaving the Philippines in March and when I heard about the BDM 102 I thought that it would make a suitable climax to my running in the Philippines.

Race Preparation – Endurance and Speed

I wanted to do my best I could in the race, even though it was my first ever and possibly only ultra-marathon. So I looked round for both a running coach and a nutrition coach. I needed coaches who knew how to train someone for top-class ultra-marathon running and in Ige Lopez I found someone who is both an experienced ultra-marathon runner and coach. He put me on a training schedule in three parts – 7 week build-up towards 100 km/week, 10 weeks of endurance/speed training which peaked at 160 km/week (including warm-up runs), and then one month tapering before the race. The training was very varied – long slow runs at weekends reaching back-to-back 75/25 km runs, moderate-paced runs up to 21 km, sometimes with hill sessions or fast intervals, aerobic-paced runs on alternate weekdays and one rest day a week. I was fortunate to avoid any injuries in training. However if I had experienced the BDM course before the race, I would have realised that I needed to do a lot more hill work (Ige did hint this to me), but work and family commitments would have got in the way. The highlight of this training was a 3 hours 20 minutes marathon in December. The lowlight of the training were forgetting to take my hydration pack on one of my trips abroad, which disrupted the nutrition plan for my 60 km training run.

Nutrition

My nutrition coach Harvie de Baron was excited to take on the challenge of helping me with the BDM 102. He has advised good athletes and those trying to lose weight before, but not someone doing an ultra-marathon who can’t gain weight. In fact after a few weeks of additional healthy snacks (fruit, sports bars and milk) I gained 2 kilos which converted to additional muscle whilst my fat content remained very low at 5%. This can be explained by my high metabolic rate, equivalent to that of a 12 year old! The plan for the race was to get all my calories through liquid rather than food. I opted for wearing a hydration backpack and taking frequent sips of isotonic drink, with short stops every ten km for an energy gel and extra water. We slightly increased the concentration of isotonic drink to enable me to get 260 calories/hour. I could also carry a phone, torch and spare headlamp in the hydration pack and I got used to carrying all this weight on my training runs. Other key ingredients of the training were a protein recovery drink after all long runs and a weekly massage.

Gear

I decided to race in compression shorts and vest, much as the triathletes do, which avoided any chafing problems. My GPS watch was essential to my training and the race itself, but I wore a second basic running watch as a backup just in case it failed me.

Life outside running

During the five and half months of ultra marathon training there wasn’t much of a life other than running and sleeping. Moreover the demands of work as well as the training meant I often didn’t get enough sleep – but not starting work until the afternoon most days allowed me to catch up with sleep after the early morning runs.

The Race itself

The gun went off promptly at 10:15 pm. I immediately joined the leading group and was running comfortably at 4:30 mins/km pace! I knew I had to slow down but somehow I kept up my pace on the long hill and even went into the lead for a few kilometres. I arrived at my first drink refill stop after 12 km, five minutes ahead of schedule. I knew then I blown the negative split strategy and it could lead to serious problems before the end of the race. So after continuing quite fast downhill for the next ten kilometres, I eased back the pace considerably. I got a bad shock when the 22 km marker for my next drink stop wasn’t in sight after 25 km and I lost five minutes making a phone call to the support team. Jonnifer Lacanlale, the eventual winner, passed me at this point but I didn’t try to catch him.

All my drink stops every ten kilometres were under three minutes – the time it took me to swap drink packs on my back, and take an energy gel plus water, giving a total of 25 minutes of stops, which is probably less than most runners, even the other fast ones. At the 42 km drink stop, I vomited due to the volume of liquid I was drinking but I was prepared for this – I just took another drink of water and set off without any delay.

Running in the dark went well – it was not too hot; there was a full moon and there was a wide edge to the road so that I could easily dodge any oncoming trucks/buses that didn’t move out when approaching me. The only near-miss occurred when a bus coming fast from behind on the wrong side of the road passed within two feet of me but most likely the driver had seen me because of my reflective strips. This year there were no accidents in the race.

After 52 km I slowed down to below 6 mins/km and thereafter the pace was closer to 6:30 mins/km. Each ten kilometres seemed never-ending because I could see from my watch how slowly I was running, but I kept focussed. I had been due to change shoes and socks after 52 or 62 km, but I abandoned this idea since I didn’t feel any problems with my feet, which turned out well since the third place runner was only five minutes behind me at the finish.

After the half-way point, I was followed closely by another runner. However at 82 kilometres he only walked on whilst I changed drink packs and then when I passed him again he dropped out of sight. I heard afterwards that he finished in 15 hours which meant that he spent more than 6 hours on those last 15 kilometres which is a horrendous consequence of his going too fast at the beginning.

When dawn came I had reached 75 km, but I didn’t notice the heat until the last 10 km when I was running the very long straight road from Guagua to the finish. At this point I couldn’t see anyone behind me and my final 10 km was done comfortably at 7:06 mins/km pace. I crossed the finish line at precisely 9 am in a time of 10:44:56, which is an average running pace of 6:02 mins/km, and second place!

So the endurance training was a success but my pacing was a failure. It was clear from my times in training that I could hope to run at 5:30 mins/km pace for the BDM, which when stops are added, would be a net 5:50 mins/km pace – within the course record. I was well prepared for this, including many moderate pace runs at 4:30-5:00 mins/km and good practice at running negative splits. Such times on largely flat roads probably gave me false hopes and the over-confidence in my speed that tapering brings plus the effect of running steeply uphill until 10 km was too much and I failed to follow my own race plan.

My overall liquid consumption was 150 ml/hour less than planned which is understandable in a night-time run. This meant I only took in 220 calories/hour on average, which probably contributed to my slowing down in the second half of the race. I didn’t make this risk clear to my support crew and so I never used the contingency plan of taking an energy gel every five kilometres instead of every ten to compensate.

Even if I hadn’t run too quickly at the beginning and everything else had gone according to plan, I am not sure I could have matched Jonnifer’s time without doing as much hill training as he did.

I very much appreciated the efforts of my support crew: my wife, our driver and one extra driver. They ensured that I never missed them at a stop, checked I was crossing the road safely every time, re-filled my hydration packs in between stops, kept the stops to a minimum time and all this meant that they didn’t get any sleep either.

Reflections afterwards

Why did I do it? Were the long hours of training worthwhile? What’s next?

I run because it is easy to do and I am built for it, even though having the right running gear makes it an expensive sport. I like the competitive nature of races and the thought of winning is a great spur for me to action. I like the health benefits it brings – very high fitness level even at the age of 60, with not a day off work through illness in the last 10 years. With no weight problems I can eat and drink what I like within reason. Running also gives me extra energy for work which brings its own rewards as well. So I see myself continuing to run for many years yet, competing against the world’s best runners in my age group. The change from middle-distance running on the track in England to an ultra-marathon in the Philippines has been very enjoyable and I intend to vary my competitive programme going forward with a different focus some years to others.

I hope this account inspires more people of any age to change their lifestyle to include exercise and good diet and others to extend their running beyond the fun-run level right up to the challenge of doing a fast ultra-marathon.