“Thank You, Mr Dayrit” (The Olympic Movement In The Philippines: The Book)


I posted an article requesting some help from my readers/visitors which was entitled, “Help Me On This” on insights about the national sports program of the country and the functions of each of the sports entities like the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, DECS, and other sports federations/organizations last 24 May 2008. Councilor Doray Delarmente of Quezon City was the only one who made a comment on this post and she was talking about what office or institution/entity who was responsible in the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa and she admitted that she does not know the relationships of the other sports groups and institutions. I can also surmise that the other readers who did not make any comment/s about the post do not know also the present sports set-up/organization and sports program of the country.

Three weeks ago, I found a book at National Bookstore entitled “The Olympic Movement In The Philippines” by Mr Celso Limjuco Dayrit, appointed as the Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commision during the incumbency of former President Fidel V. Ramos. This book had been very helpful in answering my questions on the functions of each of the sports entities in the country and the prevailing situation of our national sports program. Continue reading ““Thank You, Mr Dayrit” (The Olympic Movement In The Philippines: The Book)”

Late Afternoon Runs


I started to have my late afternoon runs last Monday, a day after I finished the 2nd Mizuno 15K Run, on the road that extends from Market! Market! and Serendra towards the old Gate 1 of Fort Bonifacio. I will simply call this road as the “International School Road”. I usually start at the crossing near the old Gate 1 and run slightly uphill towards that artificial water falls (One World Church/Ministry) at the corner across the children’s playground of Market! Market! One-way distance of this route is 1.25 kilometers.

Upon reaching the corner at One World Ministry, I have to go back again to where I started. However, the uniqueness of this running workout was that I was not running on the pavement/asphalted road. I tried to run on the sides of the road which are covered with grass and follow small “foot trails” used by people walking along the sides of the road. Continue reading “Late Afternoon Runs”

Running & Blogging


Yesterday, I visited the blogsite of Marga/Transition-Zero and I read her post about a guy at the water station at White Plains during the 8th DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half-Marathon race making an “uncalled for and irresponsible” remarks to the runner who is completely a stranger.  Putting myself in the shoes of Marga, my immediate reaction to this guy is to “whack/punch” him in the face and maybe grab his neck and force him to run with me for the entire course! And I really mean to do this!

During the Mizuno Run last 30 March 2008, at the Bayani Road, I threw a bottle of water to the driver of a Nissan Patrol when he forced his vehicle towards a group of runners to include me at a crossing and I really showed my face to him. Why I am telling this? Sometimes you need to be “really, really bad” and notorious in situations when you need to send a strong message to somebody who would like to distract your concentration in running or try to discipline others. Continue reading “Running & Blogging”

Trails & Cows: 20K Run


I had another trail run last Wednesday afternoon. Instead of going north, I took another direction which was going east and it was a nice run where I covered 10 kilometers one-way and another 10 kilometers on my way back from where I started.

The span of the whole trail was a combination of grass-covered soil ground; sand & gravel road; cement; and clayish-soil. I followed the road beside the irrigational canal which I believed been made way back when I was in my elementary grades. I have yet to find out the stretch of the whole irrigation canal but I was informed that the canal comes from Vintar Dam, which is another 12-14 kilometers away from Laoag City. Vintar is located northeast of Laoag City and it is the source of water that flows along the Bacarra River. The mini-dam in Vintar supplies the water that is needed to irrigate the farmlands in Laoag City. However, I believe that the irrigation canal which was built at the foot of the hills and low mountains that surrounds the city from the north was made also as repository of water coming from the hills/mountains during rainy season. I talked to one of the old guys residing in Barangay Dibua South and he told me that the irrigation canal was made during the time of former President Marcos when the Secretary of Public Works was Secretary Antonio Raquiza, a native resident of Ilocos Norte. I guess, that was between 1961-1964. Continue reading “Trails & Cows: 20K Run”

Reminders: Rush To Infinity Mizuno 15K Run


Last 15 April 2008, almost 15 days after the Mizuno Infinity Run (30 March 2008), I posted this insight which was entitled, Lessons Learned: Mizuno Infinity 15K Run. I am again posting it as my reminder for the incoming road race this Sunday. Good luck to all the runners!

Lessons Learned: Mizuno Infinity 15K Run

1)  Nathan Water Belt—It was a wrong decision not to bring my Nathan Water Belt with me for this 15K race. Since I am not fond of stopping by at water stations in races, I will be bringing my own supply of water through my water belt in my coming road races. ( I will wear my Nathan Water Belt & bring my Bottle holder/strap)

2)  Tapering—Three days before the road race, I was still running almost the entire length of the course. My hill workouts in Jamindan were not yet enough that I had to run through the McKinley Hill segment for almost three times on the week before race day. It could had been better if I just relaxed and rested few days before the race. (No runs at McKinley Hill this week; more trail runs this time and weeks before the race) Continue reading “Reminders: Rush To Infinity Mizuno 15K Run”

ASICS & Olympic Games 2008 Marathon


From the time I started running in the early ’80s, my running shoes were limited to only two brands, New Balance & ASICS. However, a few months back, I donated my remaining New Balance shoes (NB 902 & NB Trail Shoes) through my “Project Donate A Shoe” to other runners who are in need of better and more reliable running shoes. Since then, all my running shoes are from the ASICS brand.

 

I came across this news article from the International Herald Tribune about the new technology and advancement in the running shoe industry as revealed by research & development people of ASICS shoes. The man behind this new technology is Hitoshi Mimura, 59 years old, a former marathon runner who became a master craftsman for ASICS, the Japanese sporting goods manufacturer.

 

Hereunder is the news article. For the elite athletes, anything that could make them faster and have a better finish time is the way of the future. 

 

Happy reading! Continue reading “ASICS & Olympic Games 2008 Marathon”

Easy 18K Run


I was not able to run for the past 5 days. I could had made my next run, after the Manila Half-Marathon which was postponed to a later date, last Monday but I took some time to supervise my project here in Laoag City. I had to talk to some people and friends after I arrived in my hometown.

I woke up at 5:30 AM of Tuesday (yesterday), ate some cereals and ripe banana, and drank 2 glasses of water. At 6:00 AM, I was already on the road after a brief warm-up and stretching. My route started in my sister’s house in Barangay Dibua South up to the point where I reached the 9.0 Km distance. I just passed by the Northwestern University along the road that goes to Laoag/Gabu Airport when I made my turn-around after I observed that it was about rain and I was meeting a strong winds that was coming from the sea.

I took the same route on my way back to the house of my sister. Surprisingly, the thick black clouds and strong winds disappeared when I reached my destination and the sun started to shine. I had observed that my last 200 meters was an uphill course which I plan to have my hill workout repeats in the coming days with the hope that the drills will help me in my next Sunday’s Mizuno 15K run.

After a small “problem” with my GF 305 last week, I was able to use it withour any problem this time. It registered the following data for my easy 18K run:

Distance—18.04 kms             Time—1:50:13 hrs

Average Pace—6:06 mins/km         Average Speed—9.8 kms/hr

Maximum Speed—12.6 kms/hr      Total Calories—1,326 cal

Average HR—153 bpm                    Maximum HR—167 bpm

Total Ascent—327 meters              Total Descent—323 meters

Running Kit—Adidas Shorts & T-shirt; Runner’s Cap & Maui Sunglasses

Running Shoes—ASICS Gel-Cumulus 8

Music—Eagles & Julio Iglesias

Payback Time: Please Donate


I am donating some money from the Baldrunner’s Charity Fund to the following:

1) To The Victims of Typhoon Frank (“Fengshen”)——P 10,000.00

2) To The 3 AMCI members who perished in Zambales—–  3,000.00

3) Project CHK of Passion Runner———————  5,000.00

I intend to give my donation to the victims of Typhoon Frank through the “Sagip Kapamilya” of ABS-CBN.

For the 3 AMCI members, I intend to give the money to Cecil/Miracello, who is one of the members of AMCI.

As for the Project CHK, I intend to give my donation after the Rush to Infinity Mizuno 15K Run at the Fort this Sunday.

For more particulars about ABS-CBN’s “Sagip Kapamilya”, please read this:

ABS-CBN “Sagip Kapamilya” appeals for assistance to typhoon victims

abs-cbnNEWS.com

In its efforts to be of service to those affected by Typhoon Frank, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya has immediately extended relief assistance to families in Iloilo, Bacolod, General Santos, Roxas, Zamboanga and Metro Manila.

This is in partnership with ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, Bantay Bata, Jollibee Foundation, Lopez Group Foundation and Lopez Families.

Sagip Kapamilya is appealing for donation to serve more families through donations of rice, canned goods, blankets, noodles, sleeping mats and clothes.

These can be brought to No. 13 Examiner St., West Triangle, Quezon City.

Cash donations may be sent to BDO account no. 5630020111.

For more information, please call 411-4995.

Postponed!


Despite the rains and strong winds early this morning, I prepared to run the Araw ng Maynila Half-Marathon Race. I woke up at 3:10 AM, shaved, took a shower, ate my cereals and oatmeal, drank a glass of Ensure, wore my running kit and accessories and I was out of my place at 4:00 AM.

It was not raining along the road towards Luneta Park but I had observed that the wind was too strong and that I could see branches and leaves scattered along the street towards the assembly area. Thinking that the race would start at 5:00 AM and with an arrangement with my staff that I will have to get my race bib at the assembly area before the start of the race, I wanted to reach Luneta as early as possible.

When I reached Luneta at 4:30, I saw some runners waiting at the grandstand while a group of persons were talking and having a meting at the stage portion of the grandstand. As I left the car parked and proceeded to the grandstand, I could feel the strong wind that blows from the sea. I was trying to look for one of my staff who promised to give my race bib for the race. Unfortunately, I could not see one of the runners from the Armed Services and I started also to wait at the grandstand.

I was able to talk to one of the runners and he told me that the organizers of this race had invited the runners/athletes from all the universities/colleges and schools in Manila but the runners from University of Santo Tomas had just left the place. He also informed me that the race was postponed to a later date.

As I was about to leave the grandstand, a utility van arrived and the non-runners who were having a meeting went down from the grandstand and carried the food (in styrofoam packs) from the van to the grandstand. As soon as the food reached the grandstand, the volunteers/marshalls offered to us the food.

As I was about to get my share of the food, the guy who was giving me the pack told me that the race is going to be postponed to a later date because of the typhoon. The food pack consists of an egg omelette, one piece of jumbo hotdog, and lots of rice.

After getting my free breakfast, I went to my car and left the place. It started to rain and the winds blew stronger on my way back to Fort Bonifacio. I need to sleep some more!

To all the runners, I hope to see you on next Sunday’s Rush to Infinity Mizuno 15K Run. Happy running!

To All Garmin Forerunner Users


Suddenly, my Garmin Forerunner 305 did not respond as I pressed the Power Button yesterday morning after charging it the night before. I took me some time to figure out what was wrong with my Garmin. I was sad and frustrated to see my GF 305 was not working after my daughter brought it here in the country from the USA last February of this year. Instead of having my running workout, I opted to go to the gym and had my supplementary weight training.

Last night, I remember what Mark FB suggested to me in one of his comments about having a link with www.motionbased.com and visit the Forum section for any problems with the use of the Garmin Watch. That was what I did and I read questions among Garmin users on problems they encounter with their watches. Such problems are being answered by other users who had experienced such problems with their watches.

I was glad that there were users in the said forum who experienced the same problem with my Garmin. One post suggested to press the Mode and Lap Buttons at the same time, holding it for a few seconds. That was what I did while my GF 305 was connected to my laptop’s USB port. And suddenly, my watch responded and the watch dial displayed that my watch was on “charging” mode. It felt good that my GF 305 is working again.

To all the runners who are using Garmin Forerunner, it is suggested that you visit the Forum section of the abovementioned website to find out more about your watch and acquire solutions to problems you encounter with your Garmin Watch.

To Mark FB, thanks for the “tip”.