For almost one week, I can say that all the runner-bloggers were writing about their experiences in the last Condura Run. Everybody was so excited to write about the event, on how they were able to finish their first half-marathon, how they ran the Skyway, the fun of running with friends and running club mates, the things that were good & need to be improved for the race, and lots of stories from those who improved their respective PRs.
Nobody among the runner-bloggers dared to write about the new “thing” in the history of running in the country. What I am talking about is the distribution of The Bull Runner Magazine and writing a simple review/feedback about its first issue. After changing my clothes after the race last Sunday, I had to go back to the Finish Line just to get a copy of the Running Magazine published by Ms Jaymie Pizarro. Since I didn’t have my reading glasses with me, I just browsed the pages and I was already impressed on the contents of the said magazine.
Once I got hold of my reading glasses, I intently read each topic and page of the magazine up to the point that my day is not complete if I don’t browse or review the contents of the magazine. I am impressed on the “vision” of The Bull Runner in coming up with this kind of publication which is FREE and very handy where the contents are concise and easy to read.
This magazine is a “one stop” shop for a runner, whether he/she is a beginner, competitive, or an elite. It has a race calendar for the 2nd Quarter of the year, Running Clinics, Gears, VIPs who are into running, Tips in Running, Nutrition, Runner’s Directory, Running Personalities, and Ads connected to running. I am highly recommending that every runner must have a copy of this running magazine.
Congratulations to Ms Jaymie Pizarro aka The Bull Runner for coming up with the 1st published running magazine in the country! Let us support her and contribute our running stories and experiences to the said magazine. (Jaymie, will this mean that I have a chance of winning a pair of Nike Running Shoes?)
And now, here comes the question that keeps on bothering me…who is that guy/gal who nominated me as the cover picture of the said magazine? Thanks for nominating me even though the silhouette was not meant for a bald guy.
As the Chairman on the Committe on Road Races for PATAFA, my first act was to find out the PATAFA Registered List Of Road Races Organizers and List Of Registered Running Clubs.
The following is the list of Road Race Organizers (registered with PATAFA) and its respective President/Owner/Director/Coordinator:
1) Roadrunners Club of the Philipines (RACE)—-Mr Rudy Biscocho
2) Full Shot Advertising—Ms. Gay Maddela/Mr Pablo Cay
3) Events Capital—Atty. Axel B Aguirre
4) OlymPlus—Mr Franco Moreno Atienza, Jr
5) IntrASport Inc.—-Ms Sandra T Paredes
6) Runrio.com—-Rio Dela Cruz
7) Pinay In Action/Rene Cayetano Foundation—-Victoria Marubut
On the list of registered Running Clubs in the country, there are One Hundred Nine (109) running clubs.
In order to update the list of race organizers and the list of running clubs in the country (whether you are based in Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao), please leave a comment to this post.
If you are a Road Organizer and have not officially registered with PATAFA, please state the name of your company, name of the owner/President/Project Director/Coordinator, Office/Business Address, and Contact Numbers & E-mail address.
If you are a member of a Running Club, please inform your Coordinator/President to register the name of your running club, name of the club’s contact person, Mailing Address, Contact Numbers & E-mail Address.
I have yet to find out what are the priviledges and benefits of being registered with PATAFA. However, I am sure of the fact that you will be asked if you are a member of PATAFA, if in the future you will be participating in international races which are sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
Registration is Free and Easy as all you have to do is to leave a comment on this post with the data I stated above. No need for you to prepare an official letter and for you to submit your letter to the Office of PATAFA.
Early this month, I received my designation orders as the Chairman on the Committe on Road Races of PATAFA (Philippine Amateur Track & Field Association), the sports federation governing body in Athletics (track & field, road races, cross country, and race walking) in the country. I was appointed to such position by the newly-elected officials and regional directors for the year 2009-2012 led by its President, Mr Go Teng Kok in a General Assembly held on the 1st week of January 2009. I guess, I will be in this position up to the end of 2012, unless I resign from it. The PATAFA’s Committee on Road Races will serve its purpose as a forun where Race Organizers and Race Directors will coordinate and discuss among themselves on the conduct of road races in the country.
A week after I received my orders, I was also designated as a Member of the Training And Selection Committee of PATAFA for the Middle & Long Distance Running Events whose objective is to evaluate the performance of National Athletes and Coaches prior to their participation in International Athletic Meets or Games.
Guys, don’t congratulate me! This a “pro bono” service and the officials at the PATAFA do not receive any single cent or any compensation! This is all for the love of sports and love for the country. Wish me, “Good Luck!”
1.The Assembly Area will be at the Bataan Death March Park at KM 00 in Mariveles, Bataan.
2.The Assembly Time will be at 11:30 PM of 04 April 2005 especially to those who will pick-up their Race Packets at the Assembly Area. Accounting of participants will be done immediately and other final instructions will be announced at this time. Once the runners are complete, a simple program will be held.
3.The race will start immediately after a simple program and the Race Director will not wait up to 1:00 AM for the start of the race. Expect that the race will start immediately after midnight or immediately after the simple program.
4.There will be five (5) Aid Stations along the route where each Aid Station will be stationed every 20 kilometers. The 5th Aid Station will be positioned at Km # 50.
5.For those participants without support vehicle, there will be at least three (3) Mobile Support Vehicles as “Mobile Aid Stations” for all the runners. These mobile aid stations will alternately “leap frog” every two (2) kilometers.
6.As the distance in between runners would stretch along the route, runners without support vehicles are encouraged to bring hydration system with them in order to anticipate their hydration and cooling needs. Ideally, one bottle for water and another bottle for “electrolyte” drinks carried by the runner through his/her hydration system would be appreciated.
7.Runners are encouraged to wear their issued race shirts during the race. However, if a runner intends to wear another shirt, make sure that the issued Race Bib shall be worn in front of the shirt or shorts. Runners are encouraged to wear white and light-colored shirts to lessen heat absorption from the sun.
8.There will be “checkers” along the route who will be writing the name/race number of the runner as he/she passes a certain point. Color-coded bands will be given along the route to each runner as a “proof” that the runner passed the point.
9.There will be a designated Mobile “Drop Bag” Vehicle which will be the repository of all the bags of the runners. The vehicle will be “shuttling” along the course.
10.If a runner decides to discontinue the race, he/she should inform the race marshal at the Mobile Aid Station or at the nearest stationary Aid Station and he/she will be picked-up by the Ambulance or any vehicle of the Race Organizer.
11.Runners are encouraged to wear headlights or bring with them handy flashlight during the early part of the race due to poor visibility along the route. Runners are also encouraged to wear “reflectorized” accessories.
12.Due to poor visibility during the early part of the race, the runners are encouraged to run at least in pair or in group for safety purposes. The runners will be guided by road marshals on major intersections and sensitive areas. The Mobile Aid Stations will also be there to guide the runners along the route.
13.As the heat of the sun plays its toll to the runners, participants are encouraged to hydrate themselves, take salt, drink sweet beverages—Coke/Mountain Dew to maintain their blood’s sugar level, drink “electrolytes” (Gatorade & Propel) and eat available food at the Mobile & Stationary Aid Stations. Remember, our main opponent in this race is the heat of the sun and the pavement. Runners are encouraged to pour water over their heads, carry & wipe their bodies with cold water-soaked sponges, and “listen to their body” for early signs of “heat stroke” and heat-related problems. Additionally, apply “sunblock” lotion to parts of the body exposed to the sun.
14.In case of contingency and concerns during the race, the Race Director could be contacted at Cellphone # 0927-616-2978. This number will be activated on 12 Noon of April 3, 2009.
15.An arrangement was made with PETRON on the availability of their Gas Station’s Comfort Rooms along the route to all the participants of this race. Due to the proximity of Jollibee and the City Hall of Mariveles at the Starting Line, their Comfort Rooms will be available to the runners.
16.A Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Trophy, and Finisher’s T-Shirt will be awarded to the runner once he/she crosses the Finish Line. An Individual Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to the finishers on a later date.
17.At least, two (2) ambulance units with a medical team in each vehicle will be available during the race. One ambulance will be positioned at the middle and at the rear of the running group.
18.Definitely, the race registration is closed, except for the runners from Singapore.
19.Let us observe “honor system” in this race.“Cheaters” will be banned permanently in future races organized by our outfit.
20.Let us help one another to make this event a success and something to be proud of in the world of ultramarathon races.
“A Salute To Our Heroes…Run, Endure, and Survive the Bataan Death March”
After browsing the Internet, I found the picture of Tess Geddes in the website of Lisa Smith-Batchen.
In four days, she will be at the Starting Line of the “Marathon Des Sables” as one of the 850 participants coming from 39 countries. She is the only representative from the Philippines!
Due to the forest fires at the Los Angeles National Forest last November, the Inaugural Pasadena Marathon was cancelled and later postponed to March 22, 2009 after the Los Angeles Marathon was re-scheduled to May 25, 2009.
My son, John, started to train for the Pasadena Marathon when he had his visit in the country last 20 January 2009 and Coach Ferdie was able to give him his training schedule for the said marathon.
This morning, I received an e-mail from my daughter, Jovelle, and informed me about their performance. I was surprised that John got injured during the race as it was raining. He was able to finish the marathon but had to walk with limp up to the finish line. He finished in 5:37:49 hours. On the other hand, my daughter, Jovelle, opted to run the Half-Marathon and she was happy to inform me that she improved her time when we ran together during the 2006 Inaugural City of Angels Half-Marathon. She got a time in the Pasadena Marathon in 2:11:49 hours.
To my running kids, congratulations for being a part of the historic Pasadena Marathon and for finishing your respective race despite the injury of John.
The following are the details of their performance for the race:
Marathon
Runner Details
Bib: 1511 Name: John Paul Narcise Gender: M
Age: 30
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Race Results
Overall: 1132 out of 1486
Men: 809 out of 985
M 30-34: 100 out of 118
Age/Grade: 36.98% Place: 1337
Finish: 5:37:49 Pace: 12:54
Tag Time: 5:37:49
Gun Time: 6:05:07
Half Marathon
Runner Details
Bib: 4636 Name: Jovelle Narcise Gender: F
Age: 29
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Race Results
Overall: 1048 out of 2890
Women: 360 out of 1609
F 25-29: 72 out of 237
Age/Grade: 49.95% Place: 1127
Finish: 2:11:49 Pace: 10:04
Tag Time: 2:11:49
Gun Time: 2:39:08
As a result of the 51K “Runabout” with Team Bald Runner and the Hardcore Runners last 08 March 2009, the participants were able to train for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race and at the same time contributed a donation for the ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig” for the Rehabilitation of Pasig River.
Please read the article posted on the ABS-CBN Foundation website about this event.
This is the most anticipated race of the year and the race organizers warned all the runners to arrive early at the assembly area on race day because of the heavy traffic brought about by the record number of registered runners. I had to go to bed early last night and I was soundly sleeping at 8:00 PM. I woke up at 3:45 AM and did my “drill of preparation” and I was out from my place before 4:30 AM. After a few minutes, I was already at The Fort and immediately did my warm-up jog until I was about to perspire, had my stretching exercises while greeting other people/runners who would pass by. I was surprised to see Patrick Concepcion aka The Running Shield, the Race Organizer doing also his jogging on the same place where I was having my stretching. We had a short conversation and personally congratulated him for a very successful race because of the positive response from the runners. I found out that the total number of runners reached up to 6,500+ with 1,200+ runners joining the half-marathon race. It was nice talking to him after so many months that I haven’t seen him in road races, however, we are always in contact with regular exchanges of SMS on matters pertaining about running.
I met George aka Fuerza Armada of NAMRIA and he was proud to introduce a dozen of runners who came all the way from Vigan, Ilocos Sur to participate in the said run. I introduced these runners to Patrick and he was happy and surprised that runners who came from a place which is 400 kilometers north of Metro Manila would join his run and support its noble cause. I wonder how many more of these runners who came all the way from Visayas and Mindanao. This is a gauge and indication of the present popularity of long distance running in the country. I am happy, too, because all of these runners admitted that they are regular readers and visitors of this blog. I am flattered when the runners I met along the way would call me “Idol”.
Five minutes before the start of the race, I entered the 21K corral and it was “jampacked” with a lot of runners that I tried to inch my way to the front of the runners. This is where I met the Hardcore Group & Team Bald Runner-Professional Group. It was nice to see Philip aka Foreign Runner (where have you been?), Jerry Karundeng aka High Altitude (with his luminous green shirt), Jonel aka Bugobugo85 (the “wingman”), Arman aka Pinoy Mafiosi, Mari of PLDT, Mark & Charlie, Jay Lee aka Fashion Guru, the Power Runners, and the Bataan 102 Warriors led by Atty Jeffrey Abenina & Jun Lapira aka David Goggins. I was in the company of Hardcore & Crazy Runners at the Starting Area and I consider them as the “coolest & most relaxed” runners before the start of a race.
In the true tradition of Rudy Biscocho’s road races, the race started not on time but it started two minutes before the announced start of the race. After the playing of the National Anthem & delivery of messages from the Race Organizers and Race Director, the race started without funfare and I was in the company of Jonel as we tried to look for our space on the first kilometer of the race.
Staying at the front of the corral before the starting gun is fired is a nice part of tactics in races because you can maintain your running space and average pace immediately. I conditioned myself to be slow on the first kilometer. From the starting area, the runners go all the way to Serendra and turned right at the 26th Avenue towards the old McDonalds. Before reaching the One McKinley Place Building, I was already about to have finished the first kilometer. The first kilometer was very slow but I was able to pass/overtake some of the runners.
Km #1 Split Time—5:16 minutes
I knew I was too slow on the first kilometer after looking at my watch. I wanted at least to have a pace not to exceed the 5:00-minute pace for the said race. I started to increase my pace as I passed the old McDonald and all the way to the Jollibee. Jonel and I were able to overtake more runners. As we got nearer to the Jollibee, we were able to catch up with Philip aka Foreign Runner. We were surprised to see Philip with an slower pace as he was our top runner during our speed training sessions three months ago. He is telling the truth afterall that he does have any training/running workouts for the past months. As we reached the area fronting the Shell Gasoline Station and about to enter the Kalayaan Flyover, we are ending the 2nd kilometer mark.
Km #2 Split Time—4:42 minutes
The uphill climb at the Kalayaan Flyover made me shift to my faster stride frequency with shorter stride length and lighter with my footstrike. At this time, the route was already wide for the runners and we are in the company with more of the Bataan 102 Boys. The rolling terrain of the Kalayaan Flyover made us run faster as the downhill part would force us to lengthen our strides. Before going down towards Buendia Blvd, we were able to complete 3 kilometers of the race.
Km #3 Split Time—4:42 minutes
As we reached Buendia, we maintained our pace but some of the runners would overtake us. We would make them as our “targets” to overtake along the way and just waiting for them to show signs of slowing down before we take the necessary action and increase our pace. I always remind Jonel of our average pace by shouting the time with the thought that I should not slow down and breach the 5:00-minute pace. As we reached the crossing of Buendia and Makati Avenue, it marked the end of Kilometer #4.
Km #4 Split Time—4:42 minutes
At this time, I became observant along the way. I was trying to recall if I have seen any Kilometer Markings along the side of the road from the time I left the Starting Area. I knew, the 10K turnaround is about to be reached after running for almost 20 minutes. While looking around for markers, I continouosly looked at my watch and tell to everybody the average pace. Suddenly, we reached the 10K turnaround and it signified that we were able to run a distance of 5 Kilometers. We were approaching RCBC Plaza at this point.
Km #5 Split Time—4:40 minutes
At the RCBC Plaza, I knew we are about to reach the Ayala Avenue Crossing and the slight downhill along Buendia had ended. After passing the crossing, this part of Buendia was already flat and it was just a matter of time before we reached the entrance to the Skyway. The runners were directed by the Road Marshal to shift to the left side of Buendia after running for some time on the right side of the road. This was a warning to us that we are getting nearer to the Osmena Avenue/South Expressway and before turning left towards the approach towards the Skyway. 500 meters from the Railroad tracks marked the end of Kilometer 6.
Km #6 Split Time—4:36 minutes
After running for about 500 meters, we were led to a small street that would avoid us from running the elevated railroad tracks and we turned left. As we turned left, we could see the approach of the Skyway, which is the left side. I tried to increase my pace and prepared myself for the rolling terrain of the Skyway. After running for about 200 meters, I was running along the approach of the Skyway. It was a nice sight to see the straight direction of the Skyway. But it was a challenge to see a higher elevation along the route. The first 300 meters of the Skyway marked the end of Kilometer 7.
Km #7 Split Time—4:35 minutes
Running along the Skyway was an unforgettable experience being my first time to see it as I never used this elevated highway since it was contructed in the early 90’s. I concentrated looking at the runners far ahead of us and it was too wide for the 1,200 runners who participated in the half-marathon. There was that portion that went uphill and I thought it slowed me down. Water stations were abundant along the Skyway and the people manning them were helpful in extending their hands with the water cups to the passing runners. I was still at the Skyway at the end of Kilometer 8.
Km #8 Split Time—4:57 minutes
As I got nearer to the highest point of the Skyway, I knew I was getting slower. I tried to be light on my footstrike and saw to it that I would drink water in every water station. The end of Kilometer 9 would end at the point on top of the Magallanes Interchange/Flyover. This was the highest point of the Skyway. Jonel started to increase his pace and left me after the water station at the peak of the route.
Km #9 Split Time—5:02 minutes
At this point, the lead runners would be on their way back to where we entered the Skyway. Except for Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista, the other 3 runners at the lead pack were members of the Elite Team Bald Runner. I had to cheer them as they met me along the way. I tried to increase my pace by lifting my knees some more from the ground as I had my sight at the turnaround point.
Km #10 Split Time—4:47 minutes
I took my GU Roctane at this point and drank water from the bottled wated stucked on my back with my compression shorts. I was the only one at the turnaround point and immediately got my string. As I was going back to Buendia, I would see the runners who were on my back and about to reach the turnaround point. This was where I started to hear shouts of “Bald Runner”, “BR”, “General”, “Sir Jovie” and “Mr Bald Runner” from the runners at my left side. Of course, I had to acknowledge these people by shouting something that would encourage them and sometimes, mentioning their names and giving them “high five” as I extend my hand to them. Guys, thanks for those greetings! I can not afford to be a “snub” to everybody. It was okey if I got slower by half of a second by doing all of these things! It was part of having fun running along the Skyway!
Km #11 Split Time—4:48 minutes
At Kilometer 12, I was still at the Skyway. More people would greet me from the incoming runners.
Km #12 Split Time—4:53 minutes
At Kilometer 13, I was still at the Skyway but the runners on the left side of the road were the slower ones already. I was going downhill and I knew I was going faster.
Km #13 Split Time—4:42 minutes
I tried to maintain my average pace as I have overtaken more of the runners while I was at the Skyway.
Km #14 Split Time—4:43 minutes
In about 500 meters, I knew I was about to end my first and only experience to run along the Skyway and I was back running along Buendia Avenue.
Km #15 Split Time—4:56 minutes
I tried to increase my average pace but fatigue was starting to creep to my legs but I knew I can still manage to maintain my pace towards the finish line. At this point, I could see more runners who were starting to walk and I encouraged them to jog all the way to the finish line.
Km #16 Split Time—4:51 minutes
Crossing the Ayala Avenue along Buendia was the start of a slight uphill and I knew my average pace will become slower. I tried to maintain my pace and at least, make my pace faster but the uphill climb was really a challenge. After passing the Makati Avenue marked the end of Kilometer 17.
Km #17 Split Time—5:02 minutes
The last uphill climb was the Kalayaan Flyover and I was in the company of the slower runners in the 10K race. I had to pass these runners and tried to run faster and avoided the crowd but the steep flyover would slow me down some more. Halfway along the Kalayaan Flyover marked the end of Kilometer 18.
Km #18 Split time—5:23 minutes
I tried to increase my pace as I passed the 10K runners who were still at the Kalayaan Flyover. It was already downhill towards the end of the Flyover and I could see the Shell Gasoline Station. Upon reaching the Shell Station, it marked the end of Kilometer 19.
Km #19 Split Time—4:55 minutes
It was a matter of time before reaching the Finish Line and I was confident that I would be able to improve my time from my past Half-Marathon Race at the Patakbo Sa Kabundukan last December. As I reached 26th Avenue, I knew it was an slight uphill climb towards Serendra. I knew I was feeling fatigued and I could already feel the effects of the sun. I had my last drink of water and tried to increase my pace at the end of Kilometer 20.
Km #20 Split Time—5:22 minutes
Near the Finish LineTrying to Squeeze With the Lesser Distance Runners
At this point, my time was at 1:38+ hours and I just cruised along knowing that I could break my last Half-Marathon time. The road marshals kept on signalling the 21K runners to enter the lane where the 10K runners were crowded but I insisted on running on the left lane. It brought a little disturbance and distraction to the faster runners along the 26th Avenue when the 21K runners were trying to compete for space on the said lane. It was a nice sight to see the digital clock at the Finish Line with the readings of 1:42+ hours as I got nearer to it.
Km #21 Split Time—4:58 minutes
I finally finished the Half-Marathon race, according to my GF 305, in 1:43:08 hours with an average pace of 4:53 minutes per kilometer. Not bad. I improved my time from my previous Half-Marathon time in the 2008 Patakbo Sa Kabundukan by 2:32 minutes. I might not be able to attain the average speed of 4:48 mins per kilometer as a result of my speed training but I am still satisfied with my time despite my preparations for the Bataan 102K.
The conduct of the race was outstanding and I consider this race as the biggest race so far for the past two years since running became a popular sports in the country. This is a proof that we are in the 2nd “boom” of running popularity in the country since in the late ’70s. Congratulations to Condura/Patrick & Ton Concepcion for their “vision” in promoting road races in the country. The efficiency and experience of Mr Rudy Biscocho as the Race Director was also contributory for the success of the race.
Overall Rating of the Race—98%
The Members of AGTARAY Running Club of Vigan, Ilocos SurBR with Patrick Concepcion & Wife
I was able to meet more runners as I delayed my departure from my parking area. The Bataan 102 “Warriors” would like to get their race packets from me & my staff after the Condura Run and I waited for them as they had another 7-8 kilometers of extended running workout. More people and runners would have their pictures taken and I was surprised that Patrick came back for some photo-ops with his wife. I took this opportunity to personally congratulate him for raising the “standards” in road racing in the country.
The Condura Run was something for the “books” of running in the country because of its unique route and the efficiency & experience of the Race Director and its staff. The 2009 Condura Run, so far, is the Best! As for theparticipants, whether you are a fun runner or competitive one, congratulations to those who finished their respective race and to those who have attained their PRs in this road race!
To celebrate this March as the Women’s Month, I would like to pay tribute to this Filipino Woman who is, I am sure, unknown to us but in the world of multi-day ultramarathon races, she is very popular.
During the brief stay of Ben Gaetos in the country, he mentioned to me of a Pinay Ultramarathoner who is based in the Middle East and I was surprised to receive an e-mail from her through Ben immediately after Ben arrived in the USA and that was the start of our regular exchanges of e-mails for the past weeks. I really wanted her to spread the news among her friends and team mates in her ultramarathon adventures about the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race Event, and my way of inviting her to join the event in the future. Ben Gaetos also sent her e-mails about his experience with his participation in our Midnight To Sunrise and “Test” Runs for the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon.
The following is her story why she was lured to ultra running and presently loves the challenge of the ultramarathon:
“I started running 10 years ago when I turned 40. I quickly got hooked on doing races, starting with 10k’s, then half marathons and marathons. I loved having a goal, training for it and then achieving it. To this day, I live by my trainer’s motto: Dream big and go for it!
I suppose it was this desire to push myself beyond my physical and mental limits that led me to do my first desert ultra, the Sahara Race in Egypt in September 2005, a 7-day, 250km foot race. Racers had to be self sufficient and we carried everything we needed in our backpack. My pack weighed 10kgs. It was very TOUGH!! Temperatures exceeded 50C, everyday. In fact, the organizers had to move our start times forward by Day 3 so we weren’t in the heat for as long. It was then that I realized the resilience of the human body and how it can take much more stress than we could ever imagine. Needless to say, I survived, minus a few toenails. I also fell in love with the desert and it made me want to go back. It’s hard to explain and I put it down to my brain having been fried by the heat, so now, like Ben said, perhaps I’m in need of psychiatric treatment.
That was almost 4 years ago, and since then I have done the following:
Desafio Al Desierto, Argentina (April 2006, 3-day stage, 100kms)
Atacama Crossing, Chile (July 2006, 7-day stage, 250kms) – DNF due to injury, had to quit on Day 4
And now, my next big adventure: the Marathon des Sables in Morocco from 29th March to 4th April.
The Marathon des Sables or “Marathon of Sands” is a 7-day, 250 km (150mile) stage foot race and is considered to be the toughest race on earth. Competitors have to be self-sufficient, so we have to carry our own food, sleeping bag/mat, medical kit, plus compulsory gear, etc. for a week. The only things provided by the organisers are water and a space in an 8-man berber tent (if you’re thinking North Face zipup tents that protect you from the elements, think again 🙂 These tents are open on two sides and offer little protection in a sandstorm). Temperatures will go up to and sometimes exceed 120F (48C).
This year there are 850 competitors with 39 countries represented including the Philippines, with ages ranging from 16-71.
And guess what? I’m the only racer from the Philippines!”
Tess Geddes, by this time, is already in transit to Marrakech, Morocco for her one week stay in the desert to acclimatize herself before the start of the Marathon Des Sables (MDS).
If you have the time to send her a message during the race, please leave a message of encouragement for her at www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php. Such message shall be read by the Race Director infront of all the competitors every 8:00 PM. She will be wearing Race Bib # 821. Let us cheer and support her with our simple message.
Tess, we are proud of you. Good luck and be safe always!
I just had my 30-minute “active recovery” run at the Mall Of Asia (MOA) during the BDO Walk For Life 3K & 6K Walk/Run Event. On my way to MOA, I tried to look at the portion of the Skyway where the Condura Half-Marathon Run will take its route. I observed that once a runner reaches the Skyway level from the Buendia side, it will be an uphill climb up to the Magallanes Flyover and slightly going down on the way to the turn-around point. It should be noted that the height of the Skyway is higher than the ordinary flyovers that we have in Metro Manila.
I’ve never tried to use the Skyway in my life and the sight of the Skyway as I passed under it on my way to MOA and back to Makati made me nervous and not excited afterall. It looks like I will be running towards the peak of a big hill! I hope my hill runs, hill repeats and “stair” drills for the past days will be enough to prepare me for the challenge of running the Skyway portion of the race. I hope also that I will be able to implement my race strategy and at least, improve my finish time for the Half-Marathon.
Bald Runner 
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