Tag: Jogging

We Have To Do Something About This

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, RunningLeave a comment

Lemuel, my nephew, who intends to be a medical doctor and a professional photographer with his Nikon Digital Camera, is a regular participant in weekly road races in Metro Manila, not as a runner, but a photographer. Knowing that I am actively involved in the Project Donate A Shoe to help other runners, he took some pictures of kids/children who participated in the 3K Fun Run during the 4th Bonifacio Global City/ANTA Run last 20 April 2008 at the Bonifacio High Street, The Fort.

I am posting some of the pictures taken by Lemuel as a reminder that something has to be done to help and develop these kids to their fullest potentials as runners and athletes in the future. I think our government’s sports program should start with these kids and through running. From these kids who are exposed to physical activity like running/jogging, we can develop our future boxers, basketball players, soccer players, cyclists, volleyball players, tennins players, and other sports you can think of. Let us help these kids!

You are looking at kids joining a 3K Fun Run during the 4th Bonifacio Global City Run last 20 April 2008 at The Fort. They were not wearing any running shoes.

Despite having a handicap of not having a running shoes, you can still see on the faces of these kids their desire to compete and finish the race.

Another group of “barefoot kid runners” about to reach the finish line of the 3K Fun Run. These kids have the “running form” and determination to finish the race but they lack the very basic necessity for a runner, a running shoes, that would protect their feet from the ground.

Look at the contrasting sight of runners, “old” runners with comfortable running shoes and very young runners without any running shoes!

Our country is not a part of Africa or considered as a poor country where most of the people are not wearing any shoes. These pictures showing kids running without any shoes shows the ignorance, lack of guidance and support from the parents. However, we can not blame much on the parents if they could not afford to buy their kids the necessary equipment for running even if their kids are gifted with the natural-born talent to run and excel in it. Who is to be blamed on this? The parents? the government and its sports program? the schools? the private corporate world? the politicians? the local government officials administering them in their places of residence? the non-government organizations? or us who just pretend that we did not see such reality in our midst and ignore the problem and do nothing about it.

I have started the Project Donate A Shoe where runners could donate their old shoes to the less-privileged runners who run with “old, tattered, and worn-out” running shoes and it is becoming a very successful “advocacy”. However, Project Shoes For Kids is entirely different as the only way to help these kids is to buy a new pair of running shoes fitted for them. However, if there are old shoes in the lockers and storage rooms of families with kids who have grown up, such shoes will be a good option for these “barefoot kids”.

Let us help these “barefoot running kids” and inspire them to love sports and running.

13K For ASICS Gel-Kayano 13

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Running8 Comments

7:05 AM 22 April 2008 @ Jamindan

After donating my Nikes and New Balance Running Shoes, my ASICS Gel-Cumulus 8 which I bought in the USA was the only shoes left behind for my running workouts and road competitions. I used this shoes in my weekend races since November/December 2007 and lately in the Pasig River International Marathon. This running shoes had earned at least 500 miles or 800 kilometers since I bought it.

I bought an ASICS Gel-1120 last February 2008 as my running workout shoes here in Jamindan. But a recurring pain at the rear part of my right foot forced me to look for a more stable ASICS running shoes. I got the most expensive running shoes of ASICS, the Gel-Kinsei 2, at Athlete’s Foot Glorietta which slowly eased the pain on my foot. For sometime, I use this shoes during my running workouts in Metro Manila. And later used it during the “On Your Mark” Run last 13 April 2008. Anyway, my Gel-Kinsei 2 is always left in my quarters in Fort Bonifacio together with my ASICS Gel-Cumulus 8.

I needed another running shoes for Jamindan as my Gel-1120 becomes wet from my perspiration every time I have a running workout along the roads of the camp. This is the reason why I looked for another ASICS shoes as a “reserve” when my other shoe is not available for a second run during the day or early the folowing day when my other shoe is still wet.

I bought an ASICS Gel-Kayano 13 at Athlete’s Foot Glorietta last Monday and brought it here in Jamindan. This morning I used it in my running workout to “break-in” and feel its ride with my running feet. Actually, I ordered an ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 from my niece who is expected to arrive from the USA in the middle of May but I could not wait for her arrival, thus, I got the latest ASICS Gel-Kayano available in our running stores. I got the model in RED-colored ASICS logo stripes.

I was surprised that the Kayano 13 was very light and comfortable to my feet and I did not notice that I was already running for almost one hour along the 4-km loop inside the camp! For my first run with my Kayano 13, I ran 13 kilometers to make its first use as a memorable one. Although my pace was a very slow one, my new ASICS Gel-Kayano 13 will go a long way in my running workouts and road races. What is good about this shoes is that it is also considered or used as a trail running shoes. This running shoes is really good to the roads and trails along the mountains of Jamindan.

I will post my review on this running shoes soon.

My Runs After 4th Global City

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Runners' Training, RunningLeave a comment

The following were my running workouts after the 4th Bonifacio Global City/Anta 10 K Run last 20 April 2008 at The Fort:

7:05 AM 22 April 2008 at Jamindan

Distance—13.66 kms          Time—1:28:49 hours

Average Pace—6:30 mins/km

Running Shoes—ASICS Gel-Kayano 13

6:38 AM 24 April 2008 at The Fort

Distance—16.56 kms          Time—1:45:50 hours

Average Pace—6:23 mins/km

Running Shoes—ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2

5:32 AM 25 April 2008 at The Fort

Distance—19.42 kms          Time—2:05:39 hours

Average Pace—6:28 mins/km

Running Shoes—ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2

6:31 AM 26 April 2008 at The Fort

Distance—10.25 kms         Time—56:52 mins

Average Pace—5:30 mins/km

Running Shoes—ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2

For this week, I was able to run 59.89 kilometers or 37.43 miles. These runs were slow runs for endurance and strengthening and did not have any “speed runs” or tempo plays during the week.

2008 Boston Marathon Experience

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Marathon Race, Running6 Comments

Last night while reading on WordPress’ Tag Surfer’s posted articles related to Running, I came across a personal account of a blogger, Heather Daniel, participating in the most prestigious Boston Marathon which was held last 21 April 2008. It was my first time to visit her blog and I am greatly impressed on her account of her experiences before, during , and after her participation in the 2008 Boston Marathon.

I seldom post in my blog stories and experiences of other runners/bloggers in the Internet because I wanted my blog to be about my training, preparation, my personal observations on the road races I joined, and my personal experiences on running and sometimes about my work. But because of my great admiration of the Boston Marathon’s stories in the 1980s and its prestige it brought to all runners worldwide which I consider as the “Holy Grail” of running, I might as well share the story of Heather to my visitors and friends.

I hope most of you will be inspired after reading her story and who knows, you can make it, too, in the Boston Marathon in the future. This is her story.

Thanks Heather for allowing me to share your blog and story. Happy running!

 

Jogging Lane

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Running6 Comments

I was informed by my staff who had been assigned at the Division Headquarters for the passed so many years that former and past Commanders of the Division planned to have a jogging lane at the periphery of the Parade Ground which is basically a flat terrain. Such plan did not materialize due to reasons not known by the oficers and men. In Metro Manila, the Headquarters Philippine Army has a jogging lane at its Parade Ground which had been established in the early 1990s.

After two weeks of closely supervising my personnel with the Command’s Engineering Detachment, they were able to establish a jogging lane along the flat surface of the Parade ground. The jogging lane has an actual distance (measured by meter tape) of 581 meters. I have included this jogging lane as part of my 4-kilometer loop jogging route inside the camp in Jamindan.

Shown in the picture is the Grandstand infront of the Parade Ground with the jogging lane bounded by white painted stones on ts both sides. After the sand and gravel had settled with the ground, the jogging lane will be asphalted later to make it more sturdy from the loosening its ground brought about by rains during the wet season.

Running Shoes Review: ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Running10 Comments

I bought an ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 running shoes on the first week of March (last month) after looking for some cure to the pain on the rear end of my right foot. I bought it at Athlete’s Foot Store Glorietta. This is the “top of the line” among the ASICS Running Shoes and it is supposed to be the best among the best.

After using it for my running workouts while in Metro Manila, the pain on the rear end of my right foot slowly disappeared and it became adapted to me feet. I used it in my first competition during the 6th Philippine Army Physical Fitness Test Challenge where I was awarded as Champion in the Executive Category (50 years old +). Although I did not feel any pains on my right foot, I started to notice some “differences” with my ASICS Gel-Cumulus 8 and had a better evaluation on this shoes after the “On Your Mark” 10K Run.

Let me mention the “bad news” first with this shoes. First, this is the “heaviest” running shoes of ASICS and it advisable to use this only on your running workouts and not for road races. Second, this is the most expensive running shoes of ASICS and with its price, you can buy two (2) pairs of an average-priced ASICS shoes or NIKEs. Third, when I used it during the “On Your Mark” 10K Run, the sound that the shoes create when I step on the ground was very noisy and it was competing with the music I was hearing while my MP3 was playing! Even if I was exaggerately making my feet touch the ground lightly, it was really creating a lot of sound with the ground. Fourth, the individual gels on the heel portion of the shoes are exposed and I suspect that the glue that attaches the gels to the hard rubber sole are not sturdy. Fifth, there are four small loops where the shoe lace passes through instead of the usual shoe lace “holes”. These loops are located at the 3rd & 4th holes (from the front edge of the shoes) and they have the tendency to “snap” after a period of time. I had experienced this in one of my ASICS shoes which I donated to one of the “Boni Aides” in the camp. Sixth and last, there is some kind of “chemical” smell or odor from the blue stripes of the shoe ASICS logo which can fill up the smell inside my bedroom.

The “good news” about this shoes is that my heels are properly snugged with the heel counter resulting to a more stable running and it cured the pain on the rear end of my right foot. When using a thicker running socks, my long runs are very easy with the comfort given by this shoes. Lastly, wearing this kind of running shoes sends a “fashion statement” and  creates “a piece of conversation” to other runners. Wearing this ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 will make you look like you are from another more advanced planet in the universe! 

Bottomline? I don’t recommend this running shoes to the runners, moreso, to those who want to use this in their gym workouts. The one beside you on the treadmill or elliptical machine might complain or leave you because of the odor/smell of your shoes. I guess, this kind of running shoes was made for the “old, retiring, passionate, sophisticated and loner-type” runner like the Bald Runner!..Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

“Mysterious Smiling Mr Romy”

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Running2 Comments

After finishing the Global City/ANTA 10 K Run this morning, I spent more time at the Project Donate A Shoe Booth to meet runners who posted their comments in my blog, most especially to Annalene who made a comment about the “barefoot” runner. I was able to meet Annalene, her husband, and her daughter and we had some picture taking and brief conversation about running.

From having a “barefoot” runner on the eyes of Annalene, I was able to have a glance from a distance the smile of “Mr Romy” who donated three bagful of running shoes which contained seven (7) pairs of still reliable running/workout shoes. I was trying to call his attention and make him sign some papers or give him the white “ONE” wristband or have a pose with him and my staff for documentation needed in the project but he just smiled, waved his hands and turned his back away from the booth without any word.

Whoever you are, Mr Romy, you are also a mysterious guy who has a “big heart” to those who are in need. I respect you for being “mysterious” and for being the most benevolent runner and donor to this project. I will never forget your smile even if you were wearing a sunglass this morning. Thank you very much and rest assured that your donation will benefit to our less-privileged runners. More blessings to you!

Project Donate A Shoe @ 4th Global City Run

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Running2 Comments

6:00 AM 20 April 2008

Last week, few days before the 4th Bonifacio Global City Run, Captain Ferdie Espejo met with KC Joaquin of Mizuno Sports Stores regarding our Project Donate A Shoe. The Bull Runner sent me an e-mail informing me that Mizuno is supporting our project through KC Joaquin and I immediately directed Captain Espejo to coordinate and meet KC. As a result, KC Joaquin donated four (4) pairs of Mizuno running shoes to include a track shoes.

Last Sunday morning after the 4th Global City Run, an additional twelve (12) pairs of running/workout shoes were received by my staff. The following were the donors:

The “Mysterious Smiling Mr Romy”—7 assorted running/workout shoes

Don Fernando Zobel de Ayala—1 Nike Running shoes

Lester & Margarette Choayap—1 Running Shoes

Mariano “Jun” Cruz—1 Running Shoes

Victor E Lim—2 Running Shoes

The following seven (7) runners with “old, tattered and worn-out” running shoes received the donated running shoes:

Henry Labis                        Ranulfo Aya

Felecio Sabas                     Elmer Morales

John Tino                           Andy Cabrera

Jayson Romel Luib

Mr John Tino, a runner from Pasay City, got the NIKE running shoes donated by Don Fernando Zobel.

At present, we have in our possession nine (9) donated running shoes which we hope to be given in the next road race in Metro Manila.

Once again, to those donors who gave their running shoes to this worthy project to help other runners, thank you very much for your support and concern to our less-fortunate runners. You inspire us to help others and encourage others to love the sports of running and be physically fit. May God bless you always.

Mens Sana In Corpore Sano.

Four (4) shoes at the front row were some of the seven (7) shoes that “Mr Romy” gave to support the Project Donate A Shoe.

Mizuno Running Shoes donated by KC Joaquin of Mizuno and other shoes from the other donors during the 4th Bonifacio Global City Run.

Lessons Learned: “On Your Mark” Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running3 Comments

13 April 2008 @ The Fort

1) Nathan Water Belt—I made the right decision to bring my Nathan Water Belt with me even if it was a mid-distance run where I could drink at least twice along the way or not drink at all. But I learned my lesson not to fill up much water to my water jug as I only drank one-half of my water jug. Next time, my water jug will have at least 1/3 part full of water just enough for the 10K distance. Serving bottled water in water stations sometimes is not advisable as only small portion of the water is being ingested by the runner and the rest is being used to douse his head or sometimes being held by the runner while he is running as the water is considered as the “runner’s fuel” that could not be thrown away.

2) Race Strategy—The adrenaline at the start of the race gives me the tendency to run a faster pace than the pace being planned. The plan to have a slower pace at the first 5 kilometers and a faster 2nd five kilometers ( a negative split) was not followed as I ran faster in the 1st five kilometers than the last one. This had been my problem in my past road races. Although I had been getting a better PR time every time I join a road race, I really wanted to have a stronger and faster pace on the last 3 kilometers of a 10K race. Maybe, I will try the “even pace” strategy on my next race and find out which one is the better race strategy.  Continue reading “Lessons Learned: “On Your Mark” Run” →

He Did It Again!

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, RunningLeave a comment

He usually arrives at the Assembly Area at least thirty minutes before the start of the race. He makes his usual stretching exercises and have a brief slow jog along the streets near the starting area. At least, fifteen minutes before the scheduled start of the race, he checks-in at the Starting Area and stays at the middle of the pack, at least, 7-10 meters away from starting line.

Everybody notices him with his towering height and a mixture of black and silver hair. He wears his sunglasses. He has a stern face, relaxed, silent, his sight focused infront towards the direction of the race and slightly moves and shakes his legs while waiting for the starting gun to fire.

Once the race starts, he is fast to get into his position along the road and he is really a fast runner. I’ve been observing him from the back and I could hardly cope up with his pace or gain a lesser distance from him. In my estimate, he runs with an average pace of 4:15-4:25 minutes per kilometer. He could easily finish the 10K run in 42-43 minutes.

At the age of 48, he is an outstanding triathlete and marathoner competing in other countries and read in the newspapers that he finished the New York Marathon and other prestigious endurance events worldwide.

After the last Condura 10K Run, I saw him approached the Project Donate A Shoe Booth and immediately removed his running shoes, ASICS, and donated to us, signed some documents, had a picture with us, gave him the white “ONE” wristband, and left the booth walking with his running socks!

Last Sunday morning, after crossing the finish line of the 4th Bonifacio Global City 10K Run, he again approached the Project Donate A Shoe Booth and removed his running shoes from his feet, a NIKE running shoes this time, signed some documents and left the booth with his running socks…again!

As he finished the race ahead of me because of his faster pace, I was not able to meet him at the booth.

As an expression of my thanks to an Icon in the Business/Corporate World in the country and the whole world, my Snappy Salute and deepest appreciation to Don Fernando Zobel de Ayala for donating his running shoes again. You really inspire us to pursue our project and be able to help our less-fotunate runners. Thanks and More Power to You!