To my readers and participants in the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race to be held on 05 April 2009, I am posting the comment of Ben Gaetos, a Pinoy Ultramarathoner based in Los Angeles, who joined us in our 12-6 “Midnight To Sunrise” Run last Sunday.
Greetings to all,
I had a blast running with all of you. I arrived Friday night and still getting my body to adjust. Shazam…found Run2DMoon run. It’s nice to know that ultramarathon has arrived in the Phils. I was thrilled all the way talking/running with everyone. You’re all on the right track. It’s not the distance that would kill you, it’s the pace that kills. My strategy has always been to start slow (even start my walk early), then slowly pick up my pace. I also try to divide the distance of the ultra race in 10K segments and finish the race 10K at a time. Ultra is 2/3 physical. The other 1/3 is purely mental toughness. Expect down times. Your mental prep will get you overcome this. Just remember once you enter the dark world of ultras, it would be on your veins forever. It’s difficult but the feeling is priceless at the finish line.
Ben
Ben, thanks for the comment/”tips” and we hope to see you again soon. You are invited to join us for the 52K “test run” on February 22 which will start in Balanga, Bataan. It will be nice for the participants to hear some “tips”, advise and experiences from you before we finally start the run.
(Note: Details of the 52K “test run” will be posted in this blog soon)
This run was really for the hardcores and “crazy runners”. This was my first time to exprience this kind of running from midnight to sunrise and this event had brought us to another level of running experience.
Albert aka Run2Dmoon (http://run2dmoon.wordpress.com) had invited the participants of the 2009 Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race for a Midnight To Sunrise Run/6-Hour Run for the past weeks at the MOA-PICC-Luneta and Back Loop. The Hardcores missed the first scheduled run as the group had a “runabout” from UP Campus to Antipolo and back. So, the next scheduled practice run of Albert for the midnight run was fully attended by the registered participants of Bataan 102K and “guests” from across the seas.
As scheduled, the participants were already at the Blue Wave along Macapagal Avenue at 11:30 PM last night. I observed that the hardcores were punctual this time even if Jerry aka High Altitude had to come all the way from Silang, Cavite. The companions of Albert in last week’s Midnight Run were already at the assembly place. For the first time, I met Norio Tanaka, a 61-year old Japanese runner, who had been a permanent resident in the country for the past 10 years and married to a Filipina. Runner Rollie, who came from Tagaytay, was also there. The CAMANAVA Runners, Atty Jeffrey Abenina and Francisco Lapira Jr were there ready to run at least 10X around the loop. And for the first time, I met in person, Albert aka Run2Dmoon, the author and host for the said run. Kim O’Connell and Coach Jo-Ar were also there complete with their support vehicle. Of course, you would not miss the Hardcores/Team Bald Runners & Power Runners led by Jonel aka Bugobugo85 who had been always present in our past “runabouts”.
Of all surprises, my Pinoy Ultramarathon Trail runner friend, Ben Gaetos was also there ready to join us for the said run. Ben Gaetos and his wife just arrived last Friday evening from Los Angeles, California and with only two hours of sleep, he was with us for the 6-hour run. This guy is really “hardcore” par excellence! Just imagine how this guy (51 years old) finished the famous and challenging 100-Mile Angeles Crest Endurance Trail Run last September 2008 in 30 hours! (with 3 hours more to spare for the 33 hours cut-off time). The Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Trail Run is one of the four “Westerm Slam” ultramarathon trail running events in the USA.
After a briefing from Albert and myself, we started the run at exactly midnight. From Blue Wave, we ran along Macapagal Avenue towards the PICC area, passing at the Film Center Building, Sofitel Hotel, Coconut House, Folk Arts Theater, CCP and towards Roxas Boulevard. At Roxas Boulevard, we passed by Baywalk and the US Embassy Area. We turned left to Quirino Grandstand at Kalaw Street and passed infront of Manila Hotel and waited for the slower runners at Km Post #0. After some photo-ops, we were back to our run towards Manila Hotel-Quirino Grandstand and back along the Roxas Boulevard. After running a distance of 13+ kilometers, we were back at the place where we started, Blue Wave.
At Rizal Monument, Luneta ParkRizal Monument At Night
After a few minutes of replenishing our water in our hydration packs, we decided to run along the MOA Grounds. At first, Albert led the group with what he calls the C-loop covering the perimeter roads of the MOA. The said C-loop had a distance of 7+ kilometers and after running through it, my GF 305 registered a distance of 20+ kilometers. After running 20K, we decided to have our first “pit stop” and ate spaghetti & yam burger at Jollibee. After our food & water stop, we were back on the road and ran along a loop at the MOA grounds which has a distance of 3.85 kilometers. At this point, I missed counting the number of rounds on this loop as my mind was focused in finishing at least 42 kilometers for the run.
Two of our hardcore runners, Dr Joe aka The Loony Runner and George Dolores aka The Talkative Runner, joined us while we had our first C-loop run at the MOA grounds. All in all, there were 23 participants in this Midnight To Sunrise Run.
Jose Mari Javier & Charlie Chua of Team Bald Runner, Tanaka, Raffy, Albert, Ben Gaetos, Rick Cabusao and the CAMANAVA runners were with me during the early rounds but they later increased their pace and went ahead running along the said loop. As we got nearer to our 6:00 AM deadline, we were also nearing our goal of finishing 42K. With only few minutes left before the deadline time, I decided to walk along the loop for my cool-down until we were back to where we started. I was able to finish (by running & brisk walking) a distance of 46+ kilometers with an average page of 6:30 minutes per kilometer. All of us did not complain of any “cramps” during the run which was a good sign that we could last for more kilometers after running six hours.
The Finishers
Rico, BR, Ben, Jerry, Arman & Rollie
Ben Gaetos Giving An Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Trail Run Finisher's T-Shirt
To all the participants in this run and to Albert, thanks for the company and the invitation. Congratulations for a good and fufilling run! Guys, if we were able to run at least 45 kilometers for the past 6 hours, I am assuming that we could also finish another 45 kilometers in 7-8 hours! This means that you need to finish the remaining 12 kilometers in less than 4 hours in order to finish the 2009 Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race within the cut-off time of 18 hours. To Kevin and Anne, thanks also for being the “official photographer” of the group.
To Ben Gaetos, thanks for the “gifts”, most especially to the 100-Mile Angeles Crest Endurance Run T-Shirt. This morning, you met the future ultramarathon runners in the country and I am sure some of these runners will be joining the ultra trail events in the USA in the future. These guys consider a marathon race as their “snacks” and I could see in their eyes for more running challenges and ultra run adventures in the future. We look at you as our “inspiration” in ultramarathon running. See you on the Bataan 52K “test run” on 22 February 2009 in Balanga, Bataan. Enjoy your stay in the country!
As I’ve promised on my answers to the different comments of my readers regarding the availability of a Tarpaulin Signage to remind the runners, joggers and walkers using the ULTRA Oval Track, I am showing on this post the pictures of the signage. I think there is no need to explain about the following pictures. I would like to take this opportunity to thank QuickSilver Running for the suggested idea. Also, to those who commented positively and negatively for my actuation as the “oval track marshall” sometime this week, thanks for your comments and I got your “message” and hope that you got my “message”, too!
Two More of This Signage Had Been Ordered To Be Placed On The Entrance To The OvalCoach Salazar Will Be Responsible In Displaying This SignageTing, GiGi, Maj Ferdie Espejo & Coach Titus With The Signage
Once the two other signages will be available, they will be officially donated and turned-over to the caretaker/administrator of the ULTRA Oval Track.
My best wishes to those runners who are leaving today and to those who will participate in this Sunday’s Standard Chartered Hongkong Marathon. If you are leaving today, find time to see and if possible, trace the route of the marathon. I’ve posted so many articles on the things you should do before, during, and after a marathon race and I hope you have reviewed them.
Depending on your preparation and level of competency in running, stick to your race strategy and try to finish hard. Victoria Peak is waiting for you! Good luck & Happy trip!
P.S. As you are about to start your marathon race, your hardcore running friends here in Manila have just finished their 6-Hour Midnight To Sunrise Run.
To all the participants of the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race on 05 April 2009, you are encouraged to join Albert aka Run2D Moon on his invitation for a Midnight to Sunrise Run/6-Hour Run. This will be a group run where the pace will be “talking pace” or 70% Lactate Threshold (to those who are attending BR’s “speed” training).
Bring your own Hydration pack and money as we will be having “pit stops” along the route for food, sports drinks, coffee, and water. Final coordination and briefing will be made prior to the start of the run at the assembly area. Good luck and see you at the assembly area.
The following is the update from Run2DMoon:
Midnight to Sunrise Practice Run UPDATE
Meeting Point: Bluewave Macapagal (in front of Starbucks) Feb 7 (Saturday) 11:30PM
Start: Feb 8 (Sunday) 00:00AM
End: Feb 8 (Sunday) 06:00AM
After 5 months of observing the runners and walkers at the ULTRA Oval Track, I had to do something to inform those who do not know the unwritten etiquette in using the oval track. In short, I became the Oval Track Marshall for tonight at the ULTRA.
Yes, I need to become an asshole tonight just to inform those slow runners and walkers who are using Lane 1. As soon as we started our “speed” session for our one hour of 85% Lactate Threshold as our “menu” for this night’s training, I started shouting those who are walking on Lane 1; tapping their shoulders to walk or jog on the outer lanes if their pace are slow as I tried to pass them; telling them that there is an etiquette in using the oval track; and sometimes telling them that if I pass them on my rounds, it means that they are slow runners. Sometimes, I became rude to those joggers/walkers who would insist on going back to Lane 1 even if they have a slow pace.
I have observed that those whom I’ve shouted were using their Ipods. Most of the walkers/joggers do not know such etiquette in using the oval track. After 2-3 laps of consistently warning those slow runner/walkers who are using Lane 1, my run was no longer distracted and Lane 1 was clear for me up to the time I finished my one hour of running. How I wish this will be the start of better use of the Oval Track where Lane 1 or 2 would be clear for the faster runners.
As I finished my run, I smelled that somebody was smoking. Yes, my sense of smell is very sensitive to the smoke of a cigarette which I got when I started my runnng in the 80s! I looked up at the Grandstand to see 2 gentlemen in their barong shirts smiling at me while I was shouting at them that the ULTRA Compound is a “No Smoking Area”. I don’t care if these people are VIPs but the big sign is there at the Grandstand that the place is a “No Smoking Area”. I have to call the attention of the Security Guard and I was supported by one of the audience (wearing a Barong Shirt) who together with the Security Guard approached the 2 men whom I’ve observed to be smoking. The 2 gentlemen had to put off their cigarettes.
My coaches and other running coaches in the oval track had been telling their runners to abide by the unwritten etiquette in using the oval track but there are still runners/walkers who do not know about this. I told my runners and coaches that effective tonight I will be the Oval Track Marshall whenever I have my running workout in the said place. As I left the Oval Track, I told the lone Security Guard that I will help her in the implementaton of the proper use of the oval track and to see to it that the “No Smoking” policy shall be followed.
As they say, don’t just wait for something to happen, do it and make things happen!
If there is a need for Road Marshals during weekend Road Races, I think there is a need for Oval Track Marshals at the ULTRA Oval Track! Only in the Philippines!!!
Due to the increase of runners training at the ULTRA Oval Track to include the NIKE Running Clinic, Bald Runner’s “Speed” Training, Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquathlon athletes, Race Walkers, University’s Track and Field Teams, and simply those “walkers”, it was observed that the oval track was full to its intended capacity.
Last night, Tuesday, I observed that the ULTRA Oval Track had the biggest number of users since September 2008 when I started doing my training at the said place. As our group was busy with our speed training workouts, I observed that there are still a lot of runners & walkers who do not know the unwritten etiquette on the use of the oval track. It is always assumed that the lone Security Guard should be the one who should impose such “rules and regulations” on the proper use of the oval track but I can not blame the lone Security Guard as she/he was distracted on controlling the “guests” as to where they should park their respective vehicles. Actually, the lone Security Guard had her time directing those drivers of vehicles where to park and asking for other drivers to “fix” their parked vehicles as they parked in “non-parking” areas.
No amount of shouting “Lane One” to slow runners and walkers using the said lane for them stay away from it but these people simply do not know what “Lane One” means and worse, they don’t know the unwritten rule of etiquette where Lanes 1, 2, & 3 are “reserved” for faster runners doing their “speed” workouts and for a group of runners on a speed training. This is like driving a vehicle at the NLEX where the fastest vehicles should stay at the inner lane and the slowest ones at the outer lanes.
In our “speed” training workouts, we always emphasize to our runners to do their “warm-up” jog on the outer lanes (Lanes 6, 7, & 8) and during our “interval speed runs”, the runners are advised to run along Lanes 1 & 2 in order to get their best times. Last night, our runners and myself, would be distracted to maintain our pace as more “ignorant users” of the oval track were walking on Lanes 1 & 2. What is worse is that most of these joggers and walkers are engaged in loud conversation or worst is that some of these slow “walkers” are listening to their Ipods! (Maybe this is one of the reasons why these “walkers” don’t hear shouts of “Lane One”!)
Despite my suggestion to the Security Guards to come up with a “big sign or notice” placed at a visible portion of Grandstand on the “rules & regulations” on the use of the Oval Track, nothing had been done about it. Maybe, the Security Guard should simply say a word of advise to every user as he/she receives the “ticket” that Lanes 1, 2 & 3 are “reserved” lanes for the faster runners.
Do we need to go to the extent of suggesting to the PSC authorities to employ or provide an “Oval Track Marshal” at the ULTRA Oval Track? Is it hard for us to understand/implement the “oval track etiquette” and be courteous to others?
By the way, the latest information I got is that the new University of Makati Oval Track will be opened this March 2009.
Jay Nacino aka Prometheus Cometh donated nine (9) pieces of his Finisher’s T-Shirts last week while we were having our “speed” training at the ULTRA Oval Track. Most of the shirts were not even used as they were still in their plastic bags!
Jay aka Prometheus Donating His Finisher's Singlets/Shrts
After the Happy Run 15K at The Fort last 25 February, Jerry Karundeng aka High Altitude donated eight (8) pieces of his sports shirts and Finisher’s T-shirts.
Jerry Karundeng aka High Altitude Donating His T-Shirts
Rene aka Jazzrunner also donated a T-Shirt for my Project.
Rene aka JazzRunner Donating A Shirt To BR
To all the donors, thank you very much for your support! Your T-Shirts will be donated to the families of GK communities in Laoag City and to the families of the farming community of Barangay San Lorenzo, Iguig, Cagayan.
For the past months, Jonel aka Bugobugo85 had been telling me that a group of his former classmates in High School based in the United States will be arriving in the country and part of their itinerary will be to donate a “balikbayan box” full of “used” running shoes to my Project Donate A Shoe. The scheduled day for the donation was set at the Happy Run last 25 January 2009 at The Fort.
After finishing my race at the Resolution Challenge 10K Run at the Mall of Asia, I had to immediately proceed to The Fort to meet the classmates of Jonel for the proper acceptance of their donated shoes. As soon as I arrived at the Finish Area of the Happy Run, the tarpaulin of the Project Donate A Shoe was already set and I started to see the arrival of runners, runner-bloggers, and members of Team Bald Runner who just finished the 15K run.
The University of Santo Tomas SIGMA BETA FRATERNITY-Society of Builders Inc. members, Hans Lopez, Sherman Hernaez, and the Volunteer Doctors from the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California, USA donated twenty-one (21) pairs of “used” running/walking shoes and one (1) jogging pants to my project which I accepted from them in the presence of Jonel and Major Espejo. Thanks, Jonel and to the members of SIGMA BETA FRATERNITY (UST) for the support! Mabuhay kayo!
Jonel, BR & Members of the UST Beta Sigma FraternityJonel, Maj Espejo, Hans Lopez, BR, Sherman Hernaez with "Balikbayan" Box With 21 Pairs of Shoes
My friend, Felipe Dumpit aka Kinderdorf Leben, also donated one (1) pair of his “used” Mizuno running shoes while I awarded him with his “1,000-Km Club” Finisher’s T-Shirt.
Felipe Dumpit Donated His Mizuno Shoes
My son, John Paul, also donated his Brooks Running shoes which he used in the 2008 Los Angeles Marathon, 2008 San Francisco Marathon and 2008 Los Angeles City Half-Marathon. He also donated the ASICS Lady’s Running Shoes of my daughter/his sister, Jovelle, which she used in the same Marathon & Half-Marathon races that John particpated and finished.
John Paul Donated his Brooks & Jovelle's ASICS
On that same day, thirty (30) donated shoes were received by the same number of runner-recipients who were able to replace their “old & torn” running shoes.
"Old & Torn" Shoes To Be Donated To Payatas Residents
Bald Runner 
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