Southern Race: A “Test” Run & Others

On May 4, 2009May 4, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Race Results, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon10 Comments

After two weeks of rest and recovery, I registered to run in the Southern Race ATC 10K Run this Sunday morning. I considered this run as my “test run” in order to bring back my running legs and feet back into action again. There was no plan for a PR this time due to lack of speed and endurance runs.

The following were my schedule and the workout I did since Tuesday:

Tuesday: I did a 30-minute active recovery runs at 75% effort at the ULTRA Oval Track

Wednesday: Another 30-minute recovery run at 75% effort at the ULTRA Oval Track

Thursday: “Walkabout” for 1:19+ hours @ 10 minutes/km

Saturday: “Walkabout” for 1:30+ hours @ 10 minutes/km

In my estimate, I was able to run and walk a distance of 30-32 kms for this week before the race this morning.

There were three (3) road races scheduled for today. One road race was held in San Fernando, Pampanga. Another road race was held in Marikina City and the other one was the Southern Race held at the Ayala Alabang Village. The reason why I joined this race was because it was for the benefit of the SOS Children’s Village where my friend and fellow Ilocano runner, Felipe Dumpit, is the key mover and chief administrator of this cause.

Team Bald Runner-Professional Group (Jonas, Michelle, Ivy, Jonel, & Jay Lee)

I arrived at the Ayala Town Center at 5:00 AM and immediately saw familiar faces—runner-bloggers, members of Team Bald Runner-Professional Group, and runners from other running groups. Instead of having a warm-up run, I did some stretching exercises at the Starting Area while waiting for the start of the race. Finally, the race started at 5:42 AM and it started with a short uphill from the Parking Area of the commercial establishment for the first 100 meters. The 10K runners started ahead of the lesser distance runners and it was an orderly start for the 10K runners. After a few meters, we entered the gate of the Ayala Alabang Village (AAV).

Looking Forward For A Nice 10K "Test" Run — Looking Forward To A Nice 10K "Test" Run

Basically, the race route covered the main streets inside the Ayala Alabang Village and it is a rolling terrain from start to finish. I would say that a 10K course is already uneventful for me and I just concentrated on my running form and pacing during the race. My objective in this race was to test my body if it can sustain a race level performance even with only few kilometers of running few days before race day. Moreso, I did not expose myself in any speed runs for the past weeks. Instead, I had more time to walk around the streets in Metro Manila.

During the race, my ultimate objective was to maintain a pace of less than 5 minutes per kilometer and be able to finish 8 kilometers in less than 40 minutes. And ultimately, be able to finish the 10K run in less than 50 minutes. So, after the race I was able to get feedback from my GF 305.

Last 100 Meters To The Finish Line (Red Numbers For 10K & Blue Numbers For 5K)

The course has a distance of 9.86 kms and I was able to have a finish time of 48:20 minutes. My average pace was 4:54 minutes per kilometer. I finished 8 kilometers in 38:30 minutes. I had an average HR of 169 beats per minute. Not bad after running a few kilometers but more time to walk around the streets during my workouts.

The race was perfectly done because of the wide streets and the absence of heavy vehicular traffic inside AAV, however, it was observed that the water stations lacked the needed water cups most especially in the last 5 kilometers of the race. In general, the race was orderly and the route was very challenging.

Why did I call this particular 10K road race as my “test run”? I wanted this run as a test road race if I could sustain an average speed of 5 minutes per kilometer or less than that. For me to improve my Finish Time in a Marathon Race, I should be able to sustain a race pace of 5:00 or less but not more than 5:15 minutes per kilometer. Instead of dividing the marathon distance into segments of 10 kilometers, I plan to divide the marathon distance into segments of 8 kilometers. So, at 8 kms, I should be able to have a time of 40 minutes; at 16 kms, I should have a time of 1:20 hours and so on. At 40 kms, I should be able to have a time of 3:20 hours. And the remaining distance to complete the marathon distance would take me 10-12 minutes to cover. In the end, I could have a time of at least, 3:35 hours for the marathon distance.

Comparing Finish Times With Team Bald Runner-Professional Group

The Team Bald Runner-Professional Group invited me for another 10-K run after the race but I declined the invitation as intended to have another “walkabout” later in the afternoon or early evening. While I was doing my post-stretching exercises after the race, I was approached by Jay Lee Cu-Unjieng as he donated a bagful of Finisher’s T-Shirts for my Project Donate A Shirt. Thanks, Jay, you are really an “angel”!

Jay Lee Donating His Finisher's T-Shirts

Later in the early evening at 6:15 PM, I did a “walkabout” along the streets at the Makati-Taguig-Pasig areas covering a distance of 9+ kilometers with a time of 1:45 hrs. To include the time of waiting for the green lights in crossing major streets along the route, I was able to maintain an average pace of 10:45 minutes per kilometer.

In yesterday’s Eugene Marathon, Jael Wenceslao of Team Bald Runner-Professional Group finished the race in 4:26:17 hours placing him # 1,120 amount the 6,000+ participants. Congratulations, Wency! You are greatly improving your marathon finish time. Good job!

In last Saturday’s Miwok 100K Trail Run, Rick Gaston finished the race in 10:57 hours. It was a great accomplishment even with the worse condition on the ground during the race. Congratulations, Rick! My congratulations go to the other two (2) Filipinos who joined this race (according to Ben Gaetos).

In the 24-Hour IAU World Championship in Bergamo, Italy, Jaime Donaldson improved her finished ranking from 5th to 4th Place in the Women’s Category, however, she was not able to improve the number of kilometers she finished in last October’s race in Seoul, South Korea which was 221.015 Kms. The following is the “provisional” results of the race in Bergamo, Italy.

1	115	OLSSON	HENRIK	M	SVEZIA	257042
2	57	WEIS	RALF	M	GERMANIA	244492
3	225	FONTAINE	ANNE-CÉCILE	F	FRANCIA	243644
4	83	SAKAI	YUJI	M	GIAPPONE	242713
5	101	BYCHKOV	VLADIMIR	M	RUSSIA	240506
6	71	KEITH	EOIN	M	IRLANDA	237206
7	329	GROSS	ULRICH	M	ITALIA	236161
8	223	BEC	BRIGITTE	F	FRANCIA	234977
9	104	DEDYKIN	SEMEN	M	RUSSIA	233841
10	85	SUZUKI	MAKOTO	M	GIAPPONE	232162
11	84	TAKEDA	KENJI	M	GIAPPONE	232109
12	320	FONTAINE	EMMANUEL	M	ITALIA	228903
13	49	HEUBI	BRUNO	M	FRANCIA	228429
14	98	KURYLO	PIOTR	M	POLONIA	226369
15	59	RIEDEL	ROLAND	M	GERMANIA	226065
16	99	ROZYCKI	KONRAD	M	POLONIA	225048
17	241	CASIRAGHI	MONICA	F	ITALIA	223848
18	48	DOURIEZ	THIERRY	M	FRANCIA	223834
19	74	BAGGI	MARCO	M	ITALIA	220575
20	262	DONALDSON	JAMIE	F	USA	220219

So, what is next? See you in this Sunday’s BOTAK’s Paa-tibayan Takbo 42K at The Fort.

Go! Hardcores & “Crazy” Runners!!!

“Dirty Secret Tips” in Ultra Trail Running

On April 28, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Runners' Training, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon7 Comments

The following “dirty secret tips” are highly recommended to those runners who will be participating/competing in the TNF 100 Solo Run which will be held on 23-24 May 2009:

1) On problems of Bowel Movement & Gastro-Intestinal “Issues”—At least 1 1/2 to 2 hours before the start of a long race (marathon or ultramarathon distance), take one (1) tablet of Diatabs or Immodium. An intake of one tablet will “stabilize” the food and fluids in your stomach/intestines for the next 24-36 hours or even as long as 48 hours. Just be sure that after the race, take a lot of hydration fluids/water and fresh fruits to lessen any problem of constipation.

2) On Pain Relievers—This is one aspect where nobody among the trail runners openly admit that they take “pain relievers” before or during the race. But I have a strong suspicion that these “hardcore” runners take Ibuprofen; Tylenol; or any pain relieving tablets during races. If you are joining the TNF 100 Solo Run, try to take one Alaxan FR after running your first 25 kilometers. That pain reliever will bring you to the finish line without any major leg pain or muscle cramps as long as you follow your food/hydration strategy and race strategy.

3) Dose of Caffeine—GU Roctane had always been my favorite sports gel that has more caffeine than ordinary sports gel. There are other Sports Gel which have the same properties and purpose like the Hammer Gel but I’ve never tried it. Try to take a GU Roctane sports gel every 10-12 kilometers. This regular intake will make you awake during night time and give you the much-needed energy during the race. (Note: Do not litter the trail with those GU empty packs)

4) Preserve Your Strength—On the first half (50 kms), maintain a slow pace and try to preserve your strength for the last 50 kms of the course. Brisk-walk while you are going for the uphill climb and then run on the downhill and level portions of the route. If you think you still have the strength on the last 10-20 kms of the route, then go for it for a strong and hard finish. Learn to brisk-walk and practice in the urban streets of Metro Manila through “walkabout”. Put more time on your feet to the ground. Expose yourself to the heat of the sun during your “walkabouts”.

5) Recon the Place of the Race—Get the map of the route and conduct a “test run”. Don’t wait for the Race Organizer/Race Director to call for a “test run”. Take the initiative and be the first to explore the route. Such initiative will give you the much-needed confidence to finish the race and apply your race strategy. “Knowing the Enemy” or “Know The Terrain” simply does the trick in ultra train running survival. You can also conduct a “test” if there is any cellphone signal in the area. By conducting a recon of the trail route, you will be able to determine your hydration needs and be able to adjust on what type of hydration pack you are going to bring for the race. You will find out if you need extra clothing needs for the race if you conduct your “test run” in the race route. (Note: The place always rain in the afternoon)

6) Energy & Chocolate Bars—Expect that there will be no solid foods or “hot” meals to be served in the Aid Stations. The most practical solution for this is to have Energy Bars and/or Chocolate Bars or dried fruits in your shorts pockets or in your pack. (Note: Do not litter the trails with those empty packs of your energy/chocolate bars and other thrash)

7) Extra trail shoes and socks—Through your “test run”, you’ll be able to find where you can have your drop bag located along the route. There is a need to change your shoes and socks as they will become wet due to river crossings and perspiration from the body. Try to look for running socks made of “Coolmax” or “DryMax” materials. I highly recommend them, as well as, from famous ultramarathon runners. During your “test run”, try to run with your wet shoes & socks after crossing those lahar-filled river and test how it feels to run with them (to include some lahar sands inside your shoes).

8) 3-Pocket Trail Shorts—If you don’t want to carry too much load on your pack, get a trail shorts with pockets where you can store your energy bars and sports gels.

9) 2-Bottle Hydration Belt—I prefer to use this type of hydration belt/pack rather than using a bladder hydration pack like Camelbak or TNF Thresher. I have an option of using one bottle for water and another one for sports drinks/electrolyte drinks. Alternately, sipping water and electrolyte drinks would be a nice hydration strategy during the race, making sure your hydration supply will last up to the next Aid Station. When I joined my first Bulldog 50K, I was using my “Small On The Back” Nathan Water Belt for my sports drinks and a “Quick Draw” Hand-Held Nathan Water Bottle for my water. It worked perfect for me.

10) Headlights & Flashlight—Be sure to have those lights during the race, most especially during your night movement. Bring fresh/new batteries just in case you need immediate replacements.

11) Petroleum Jelly and/or Body Glide—Blisters on your feet are prevented by applying petroleum jelly or Body Glide in-between toes and entire feet. This is also to include the crotch area, nipples, upper right arms, Heart Monitor strap area and armpits.

12) Runner’s Cap, Sunglass, OFF Lotion, Sunscreen Lotion, Watch, Bandana & Compass—Bring these items to the race for obvious reasons. Why for a Bandana? Aside from being a “coolant” on your neck when it is already damped and wet with your perspiration, you can use it to cover your mouth to prevent those small insects to get into your mouth as you inhale, on daytime or nighttime.

13) Run With A Group or Have a “Buddy”—Be sure to have somebody with you as your “buddy” during the run or come up with a group of 3-4 runners to make the trail run more fun and enjoyable. You must be running almost at the same pace. Alternately, act as “guide” or “pacer” for the group. Try to Help & Motivate each other to finish the race.

14) Do the “drills” and try the “100-Km Challenge”—One of the “drills” I’ve picked up from my readings and been doing for the past months is the one-leg squats or one-leg bending. Using only one leg, try to bring down your butt at the exact position when one of your legs land on the ground while running and then bring up your butt with the leg straight. Repeat this bending for the next 5 minutes. Do the same one-leg bending to the other leg with the same number of minutes. Try to increase the number of minutes until you are comfortable doing the drill for one hour or more. For your endurance test, find out my previous post on “100-Km Challenge” and try to experience it.

15) Lastly, the Camaraderie and Helping One Another During The Race is the most important virtue to be developed and encouraged in ultra trail running races. Competition among runners and yourself is only second to the love of the sports itself. Try to develop that habit of asking a runner who is sitting or lying on the side of the trail of what is his condition so that you can relay such information about him to the next Aid Station. Try to share what you have for runners who are in need during the race. You will never know when you need also some help from the other runners.

Do not “whine” during and after the race. If you “whine”, then you did not do your homework!

Good luck to all the TNF 100K Solo Runners!!!

Race Report From Ben Gaetos

On April 23, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon2 Comments

The following is the Race Report of Ben Gaetos on his participation to the Leona Divide 50-Mile Run:

LEONA DIVIDE 50 MILE RUN

Lake Hughes, CA

April 18, 2009

Is it me, or are the races these days just get tougher and tougher? This thought came to my mind as I climbed the infamous hill at Mile 28 of Leona Divide 50 Miler. Changes were made to the course this year to comply with United States Forest Service safety issues. As if the course was not hard enough, the revision turned out to be a survival race.

In previous years, weather has always been favorably cool. Happy days were over, my friend. Mother Nature has a surprise in store for us. Co-race director Dennis Trafecanty started the race exactly at 6am in low 30’s temperature. A slightest delay would have resulted damage control procedure as temps rose to high 80’s at mid day.

This year, long out and back climbs on exposed fire roads were laid in the early stage. I looked at the faces of runners. I didn’t have to be a mind reader. They were all telling me that we’re here for a long day. After a couple of weeks of cold and windy weather, this blazing heat was a surprise. Immediately, I backed off even on tempting downhill sections. I had to save something for the big climb at M28.

At M28 AS, I was treated with wet wipes in my face, hot noodle soup, Coke, potato and salt, pretzel, ice on my hat, etc. I took a couple of salt pills too. This is it, time to get down to business in these seven miles of straight uphill. Light headedness struck me a few minutes later. I checked my GF305 and it was only M30. No leg cramps but what did I do wrong? I let a couple of runners pass. Slowly, my power walk put me back in the race again. Luau signs on the trail meant M32 AS was just around the corner. That was stimulus energy for me as they had popsicles. Volunteers were even dressed up in Hawaiian outfits. That was a much needed relief to finish up 3 more miles of rolling hills before the turnaround.

Coming back, I waited until M38 to make my usual downhill sprint at the single trail. There was no question my previous 10 hr finishes was already in the clouds. Give it my best shot anyway. At the bottom of the hill M42 AS, it was festive moments again as my buddy volunteers tended to my needs. They gave me lots of energy and encouraging words for the final 3.5 miles of climbing. It was steep without the luxury of slightest wind breeze. My legs were tired but I was also closing in to the runners up ahead leading to the last aid station. It kept me going. And guess what, they had ice cold Corona beer. That was all I needed to shift to higher gear.

Finally, the finish was in sight. There was no mind reading this time as happy faces and cheers greeted me in 11:52:–.

Congratulations and Thanks, Ben for sharing us your experience on ultra trail running in California. More of our runners here are now interested to try the ultra runs after the BDM102. We hope to see you again next year. Good luck!

(Note: The LD50 has a cut-off time of 13 hours)

The North Face: The Best Customer Service

On April 2, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Running Shoes, Trail Running6 Comments

It is amazing to be wearing the best and the latest trail shoes from The North Face for FREE! The following is my story.

I bought a TNF Arnuva 50 BOA running shoes last August 2008 in Beverly Hills, California. I used it during my training runs and on the day of the competition for the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run. I also used it during my two trail running workouts at Mt Wilson with my kids and other “runabouts” at Griffith Park and Los Angeles. It is a versatile running shoes as it could be used as trail shoes and a road running shoes. Aside from being durable and light, it has a BOA Lacing System which is dependable for quick tightening of its shoe laces or quick removal from one’s feet. It takes few seconds to wear or unwear it due to the presence of a screw knob at the rear heel portion of the shoes.

Last November 2008, I joined the members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners with Jonel aka Bugobugo, George aka The Talkative Runner, Nickko & Maj Ferdie Espejo for an ultra run from Brgy Sta Juliana, Capas to Mount Pinatubo and back. Since I expected that the run would be on trails along the lahar areas, I used the TNF Arnuva 50 BOA. At first, it was very fast and comfortable removing it before crossing a river and then wearing it as soon we are on a dry land. But later during the run, I opted not to remove my shoes whenever we crossed rivers along the way. I was happy then that the shoes would easily dry up, after having it wet on those dozens of river crossings, while running on the dry lahar area.

We finished the 55-Km ultra run and I did not encounter any blisters with my feet and I was satisfied with the performance of the shoes. After washing it and having it dried, I observed that the left shoe’s screw knob could not tighten the shoe laces and it was very hard to turn it. I immediately brought to the attention of the sales staff in one of the TNF Stores in Metro Manila and they requested me to have it repaired/brought to their store. So, sometime in December, I gave my Arnuva Shoes to one of the TNF Stores in Manila.

After a few weeks, I received an update about the situation of my shoes through SMS and they need to replace the BOA Laces. Later, they told me that they were able to acquire or find replacement laces for my shoes which I thought would cost me for $ 10.00 a pair. Last February, TNF told me that there is something wrong with the tube where the laces would pass through but they were trying to fix the problem. After few exchanges of SMS with TNF, the service/sales staff of TNF finally informed me that my shoes has no chances of being repaired and there is no way that it would be given back to me! But, they told me to proceed to any of their TNF Stores and choose any of the available shoes on their display/stock for a FREE replacement of my Arnuva 50 BOA shoes! Very nice!

And so, I got the lastest and the best trail shoes of TNF with the BOA Lace System…The Hedgehog GTX XCR BOA!!! I can safely call it the “HUMMER/HUMVEE” among my trail shoes. It is WATER-PROOF as it is made of GORE-TEX/XCR breathable membrane and its upper/outer materials are abrasion-resistant.

Look at those Spikes! The Bottom View of the "Humvee"

Outers are Abrasion-Proof unlike The Rocky Chucky whose TNF Logo was erased after weeks of trail running.

The BOA Screw Knob: Push & Turn to Tighten & Pull to Loosen

If you want the best customer service in your running shoes, get the best, The North Face!

Note: I am not an official product endorser of The North Face. Even if TNF did not support or sponsor the Bataan 102, I still believe in the quality of their products and its superb/outstanding customer service.

Q & A: TNF100 @ Sacobia, Clark

On March 16, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon5 Comments

The 2008 TNF 100 in Batangas was a significant running event as this was the first race where the newly-formed Elite Team Bald Runner had participated and since then Team Bald Runner started to be known in road races as well as in trail running events in the country. Last month, I started to see and read posts of runner-bloggers about the TNF 100 @ Sacobia, Clark with the proper display of their teaser-ad poster. I really wanted to ask questions from these bloggers in their comments portion but I knew that they are unaware of the details of the event. After waiting for sometime, I was happy to see that there is a dedicated website for this event and I immediately posted some questions with the Administrator of the site.

So, these were the questions I posted in their website’s “Contact Us” page which were immediately answered by the Administrator.

I have the following questions for the solo 100K:

1) What are the prizes for the top winners? Are there age category top runners’ prizes?

TNF: We plan to give out prizes worth as follows: 1st – 30K ; 2nd – 20K ; 3rd – 10K plus freebies from sponsors. Top finisher gets a trophy while runners up get a medal. Both 100K solo and 100K relay are OPEN categories.

2) What do I get from the P 1,650.00 registration fee?

TNF: As of now reg fee entitles you to a race kit with a singlet/jersey, race bib, drop bag, stub for energy drink, photo vendo, insurance and 20% discount on all TNF products (all registrants get this). 100K finishers will receive a special token. We are working on possible free or discounted accommodations within Clark prior to the race. Reg fees will be collected upon claiming of race kits, 2-weeks before race day.

3) How many Aid Stations will be available along the route? Aside from water, what other drinks and foods will be available in your Aid Stations?

TNF: We intend to have at least 7 aid stations , aside from marshal points and roving support vehicles. We plan to have some energy drinks and fruits, although we encourage runners to be self-sustained.

4) Is there any cut-off time for the 100K solo race? Or do you have cut-off times in your checkpoints/Aid Stations?

TNF: 30 hrs will be the cut-off time for the 100K race, although we will also implement cut-off times in Marshall points/LPs. These will be announced as soon as details are finalized.

5) Are the runners allowed with a support crew and pacers?

TNF: This is yet to be decided on.

6) Is there a possibility that the RO/RD (Race Organizer/Race Director) would arrange for a “test run” for the participants at least one month before race day in order to orient the runners?

TNF: Yes, we intend to have a series of running aid clinics to better cascade information and help participants prepare for the race.

If the Administrator of TNF 100 is reading this post right now, I would like to make some comments about their website. The website is very nice and attractive but putting those pictures of US & International Ultra Trail Runners whom we don’t even know and met in person is giving us the impression that these runners will be joining the said event and/or TNF is using these runners as their models. May I suggest that TNF Philippines should use the pictures of the male/female top runners of the 2008 TNF 100, 2008 Mt Mayon Trail Run, latest TNF 20K Trail Run and Neville Manaois’ Pinoy Ultra Runners in order to promote our very own ultra trail runners. How about featuring the “running legs” of Isidro Vildosola or Elmer Sabal of Team Bald Runner in your Website’s Main Page? Filipino runner’s legs in TNF trail shoes & socks would be great!

If you want to know more about the 2009 TNF 100 @ Sacobia, Clark, please visit their site at www.thenorthface100.ph

Bald Runner’s Kids @ Bulldog Trail

On February 24, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Places to Run, Running, Trail Running2 Comments

My kids, John Paul and Jovelle are starting to love trail running at the Bulldog Trail in Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas, California. This is my daughter’s first experience in the said trail. Aside from their regular trek to Mt Wilson Trail routes, they have plans to join their first trail race along this famous Bulldog Trail 25K loop. Hereunder are their pictures in last weekend’s run to the said trail.

John Paul & Jovelle at Bulldog Trail-Malibu Creek State Park

“Team Bald Runner” Won @ TNF Trail Run; 2009 PSE Bull Run; & 2009 Sinulog Half-Marathon

On January 22, 2009January 22, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Half-Marathon, Insights, Race Results, Running, Trail Running8 Comments

Team Bald Runner Isidro Vildosola won as the Champion in the The North Face’s 20K Thrill of the Trail last Sunday in Nasugbo, Batangas. Because of the disqualification of the 2nd, 3rd & 4th finishers for not wearing a single TNF item/attire, the number 5th runner and Team Bald Runner member, Mayo Rodriguez, won the 1st Runner-Up. Finishing 3rd Runner-Up was another Team Bald Runner member, Jerry Kurendeng aka High Altitude. Due to the limited number of runners accepted for the trail run, the Team Bald Runner was not able to field its women runners and it made Cecil Morella aka Miracello very happy in telling me the breaking news that his AMCI lady climbers swept the ladies overall top podium finishes. Congratulations to the Team Bald Runner and AMCI Mountaineers! (Note: Jerry Kurendeng and Mayo Rodriguez are presently attending the “speed training” sessions with the Team Bald Runner who both improved their respective PR best times in the said trail run)

On the 2009 PSE Bull Run, the following members of Team Bald Runner won in their respective categories:

10K Men

Alley Quisay—1st Runner-Up (Overall)

Elmer Sabal—-2nd Runner-Up (Overall)

Reynaldo De Los Reyes—7th Place, Overall

Cris Sabal—11th Place, Overall

10K Women

Ailene Tolentino—Champion

Marecil Maquilan—1st Runner-Up

Anna Vargas—2nd Runner-Up

5K Men

Gerald Sabal—1st Runner-Up (Overall)

Bernardo Desamito—3rd Runner-Up (Overall)

Jujet De Asis—5th Place, Overall

Rey Antoque—16th Place, Overall

Last Saturday, 17 January, Rene Desoyo of Team Bald Runner won 1st Runner-Up in the Mizuno-Asia Miles Sinulog Festival Half-Marathon held in Mactan City, Cebu

(Note: For more pictures at the TNF Thrill of the Trail, please visit www.highaltitude.wordpress.com) and for pictures at the 2009 Sinulog Half-Marathon, please visit Cebu Sports Blog.

“Team Bald Runner” Invaded Bicol & Crowned As “King of Mt Mayon”

On October 20, 2008October 22, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running, Trail Running20 Comments

Two weeks ago, I formally organized “Team Bald Runner” as an elite group of distance runners based in Metro Manila whose aim is for its members to qualify for future international games and eventually, to the Olympic Games. My outfit, Bald Runner’s Events, provides the training and coaching; accommodation in Metro Manila and food/medical support; employment; and travel & food support to races outside Metro Manila. Initially, I have ten (10) athletes—7 male & 3 female. Most of these athletes are regular winners of road races in Metro Manila. I, together with my staff, manage these athletes and advise them where they are scheduled to compete. If there are cash prizes to be awarded to the top runners, for sure, Team Bald Runner is there. It should be noted that whatever cash earned by any of the athletes is his/her own to keep and we only provide them the necessary advise to save their earnings or advise them to send their earnings to their homes to support their family. Continue reading ““Team Bald Runner” Invaded Bicol & Crowned As “King of Mt Mayon”” →

Mt Wilson’s Trail Hike & Run

On September 4, 2008September 5, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Trail Running5 Comments

10:20 AM 01 September 2008 at the Mt Wilson’s Trail

Being the US Labor Day on this day and “no-work” day, my son just thought of asking me if I want to go on trail hiking at The San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles. I said, “Yes” and we were out of the house at 9:45 AM with our trail running kit, energy bars & GUs, and our respective Camelbaks.

We took the I-210 and went to the direction of Pasadena, exited at Baldwin Street and went North towards the town of Sierra Made, California. We parked our car at Mira Monte Street fronting the Mt Wilson Trail Park.

At exactly 10:20 AM, we started our trail hike at an asphalted road that exits from Mira Monte Street and to a narrow dirt trail road towards the peak of Mt Wilson with the general direction going North. As we entered the dirt trail, we started to meet hikers who were just going down from the trail. The trail starts at an elevation of 970 feet and the peak of the mountain reaches to an altitude of 5,650 feet. The altitude of the mountain is higher than the altitude of PMA in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City which is 5,000 ft. Continue reading “Mt Wilson’s Trail Hike & Run” →

Lessons Learned: Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run

On August 30, 2008September 2, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

1) Intelligence (“Know The Enemy”)—I had the chance to run through the 22K distance (except the last 3K) for each loop of the trail run distance on two occassions; my first time one month before race day and the second time two weeks before the race day. These practice runs along the trail route starting at 9:30 AM and 7:30 AM on each run gave me the needed knowledge and information as to the overall profile and condition of the route. Through these practice runs, I was able to gain confidence and finally plan for my race strategy. Running through the trail route gave me 50% chance of finishing the race.

2) Do Your Homework—I had to make a research on the Internet and from books and magazines available in order to get as much information I could about running an ultramarathon. The book “The Ultramarathon Man” by Dean Karnazes had greatly influenced me to take my body what it feels to experience and finish the ultramarathon. Printed magazines on Ultra Trail Running and books about ultramarathon had also helped me by reading the experiences of ultramarathoners who were just like anybody else—they started too as beginners. “Tips” and words of encouragement from my blog visitors (Ben Gaetos aka Benwah, Quicksilver, and Eric aka Habang Tumatakbo) were very helpful. Thanks to these ultra friends! Continue reading “Lessons Learned: Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run” →

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: