Balikbayan Box & Ultra Running Advise From Ben Gaetos

On March 4, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Running For Cause, Running Shoes, Ultramarathon1 Comment

A week before Ben Gaetos left for Los Angeles, California, I received the Balikbayan Box (BB) he sent in the middle of January 2009. The BB contains nineteen (19) pairs of slightly used running shoes, lots of finisher’s t-shirts, lots of basic neccessities for ultra runners to include “noodles”, copies/back issues of Trail Running Magazine and red wine for Major Espejo & staff of the office.

Ben, thanks for supporting my projects—Project Donate A Shoe; Project Donate A Shirt; and my Ultra Running Events. Extend my thanks also to Carmela Layson who contributed and sent her running shoes through the Balikbayan Box. Good luck on your future ultra running adventures!

Finisher's T-Shirts, Trail Running Mags, Ultra Runner's Needs & Running Shoes

Donated Shoes From Ben Gaetos & Carmela Layson

I might as well mention in this post what Ben Gaetos had written in one of his comments about his experience running in ultramarathon events and his advise to the participants in the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race.

First, thank you Sir Jovie for conducting the training runs. I wouldn’t want to miss both night run and the test run. I ran both with a couple of hrs sleep coming from international flights. In the words of Jeff and Jun, “I’m also in need of serious psychiatric treatment”.
I myself suffered heat stroke at ‘07 Mt Disappointment 50M (80k). I took off early and on the crucial part may have taken contaminated (mold) Cytomax. From M38(60k) to the finish, I threw up. My blue shirt turned white due to electrolyte loss and finished almost dead last due to dehydration. Lots of DNF in the race. My will got me to finish. We had a 100 deg temp. Last year, I redeemed myself finishing 1 hr 40 mins faster.
At the Bataan Test Run, aside from my hydration I kept drinking every opportunity I had. I thank TBR and other support crews who offered. I poured water in my head all the time. Use Gatorade or any stonger drinks such as HEED, etc. You may also mix your energy gels with water. Avoid wearing dark clothes. The albedo (reflectivity ratio) of concrete is much higher than dirt. Our body generates all those heat. Some of you must have noticed me running on the dirt shoulder. It lessened the pounding on the joints at the pavement and at the same time less reflection. A high spf lotion is also ideal + application of body glides at your nipples and sensitive body parts (below under arms, crotches, butt, toes). All these are susceptible to blisters on a hot day. Remember the first part of Bataan is hilly. You should pace properly and start slow as possible. Throw away your marathon pace splits. You don’t have to be a speed demon to complete an ultra. You just have to run a smart race. I divide my race in 3 segments (warm up, target pace and finishing kick). The last one I even divide in 2 parts. Lots of psychological game here so you need to be mentally tough too. There will be lots of down times and ready to give up. Just imagine how you always bounce back whenever you’re down.
Check http://www.badwater.com and http://www.run100s.com for heat training tips. You won’t believe this but sometimes during summer, I turn the heater on my car or don’t open the windows at all. That’s my self improvised sauna.
Again, thanks for a wonderful time running with all of you. I can’t remember all your names but you showed the determination and fun of running an ultra. The camaraderie at ultra is uncomparable. I’ll be cheering for you at the Bataan 102. Lastly, don’t forget to taper 3 wks prior to Bataan 102. From this point do your long runs and possible back2back long runs. Walk or easy run on one of the two using “time on feet principle”. Good luck!!
Feel free to email me at bgaetos@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

Ben

Once again, thanks Ben for everything. As they say, “ultramarathon could be a stupid sports but it does not need a stupid runner to finish one”.

1 Feb 09: Update On “Project Donate A Shoe”

On February 2, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, RunningLeave a comment

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 Fraternity

Jonel, 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.

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

Jan 2009 Update: Project Donate A Shoe

On January 24, 2009January 24, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Pictures, Running Shoes, Sports ProgramLeave a comment

In last Sunday’s 2009 PSE Bull Run, the Project Donate A Shoe was able to receive a total of twenty-eight (28) pairs of slightly used running shoes. Mark Robinson of Nottingham, United Kingdom arrived a day before the race and donated sixteen (16) pairs from the Running Clubs of Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, England. Mark is married to a Filipina from Zambales, who is with their three children and temporarily staying for a year in the country for the children to learn to speak the dialect. Thanks, Mark for the shoes and please extend also my thanks to the members of the running clubs that supported this project!

A Balkbayan Box With Running Shoes From Nottingham & Nottinhamshire, UK — A Balikbayan Box With Running Shoes From Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, UK

Formal Turn-Over of Shoes From Mark Robinson With Maj Espejo. I presented to him a "1,000-Km Club" Finisher's T-Shirt

In the same event, Jael and Cookie Wenceslao, both runners and finishers of the 2009 PSE Bull Run also donated eleven (11) pairs of running shoes. Harry Tan aka Mukhang Guilty with Happy donated his slightly used New Balance Shoes.

Jael & Cookie Wenceslao Turning-Over Bags Full of Running Shoes

Jay Lee Cu-Unjieng of Metro HIM, who had been a regular member of our weekly “runabouts” in Metro Manila and member of the Team Bald Runner, donated three (3) pairs of “once-used” trail and road running shoes after one of the “speed” sessions at the ULTRA Oval Track last week.

Jay Lee Donating His "Once-Used" TRail & Road Running Shoes

Enrico Tocol, Gold’s Gym Personal Trainer and Member of Team Bald Runner & “Runabout” Group donated two (2) pairs of running shoes after a “speed” session at the ULTRA Oval Track last week.

Charlie Donating Shoes at the ULTRA Oval Track — Rico Donating Shoes at the ULTRA Oval Track

Charlie Chua, a Dragon Boat athlete and member of Team Bald Runner, donated three (3) pairs of slightly used running shoes on the 1st week of January. Thanks, Charlie.

To everybody who had helped in this project, thank you very much for the support. Your less-fortunate fellow runners will be happy to receive your donated shoes. God Bless to all of you!

Latest Donors: Project Donate A Shoe

On January 14, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Pictures, Running, Running Shoes6 Comments

Javy Javier and his share for the Project — Jody Jacinto and his share for the Project

I’ve known Jody since the later part of November last year when he inquired about the Team Bald Runner’s “speed” training while he was having his workout at ULTRA. I later found out that he is a friend of the early students of the speed training and he is also a triathlete who wants to improve his speed in running.

: Chuchay Maronilla Donated Two Pairs

After the NB PowerRun 25K in Clark Freeport, I’ve heard the name “Chuchay” from the lady members of Team Bald Runner as well as from runner-bloggers who described her to be a very fast runner and a “beauty” who deserves a “second look” from everybody whenever she joins a road race. Well, what I’ve heard about her were confirmed when I saw her doing her running workouts and later donated two pairs of her slightly used running shoes last night at the ULTRA Oval Track.

: Jerry Kurendeng of Indonesia aka High Altitude

After heeding to my “joke” for any member of the Hardcore-Bandit Runners to donate their shoes if I could pass anyone of them along the way during last November’s MILO Finals Marathon, Jerry aka High Altitude seriously considered my “joke” and he donated his Mizuno running shoes after arriving from his Christmas vacation in Indonesia after staying for 5 years in the Philippines. You should check his latest running adventures in Bandung, Indonesia in his blog at www.highaltitude.wordpress.com.

: Javy & Ana

Javy aka Tri’n Hard/Positive Split and Ana Olives of Team Bald Runner donated seven (7) pairs of shoes to my Project Donate A Shoe after our speed training session at the ULTRA Oval Track last January 6, 2009. Javy has greatly improved his speed in running after a month of speed training with the Team Bald Runner. He is presently a competitive triathlete. Check out his blogsite at www.positivesplit.blogspot.com.

To all the latest donors to this project, thank you very much for supporting this project and please don’t forget to always wear the “ONE” wristband (www.one.org) I gave to you, to signify that you are part in the worldwide advocacy “to fight poverty and make it a history”.

Update: Donate A Shoe (Dec ’08)

On December 11, 2008December 11, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running, Running Shoes2 Comments

A British National visiting the country for the 3rd time and a runner, Ian Hardie Darlington, donated one (1) NIKE Air running shoes last Sunday before the 25th RUNNEX Executive Classic 10K run started in UP Diliman Campus.

darlington-12

Mr Dalington with Coach Ferdie Espejo, Jr & BR at the UP Campus

Cathy Bacosa, one of the runners of Team Bald Runner’s “Speed” Training at the ULTRA Oval Track, donated one (1) pair of ADIDAS running shoes last Friday after her oval track workout.

Cathy donating her shoes after her speed workout at the ULTRA Oval Track.

Ting Pascua aka Running Ma, a regular runner at the ULTRA Oval Track, donated one (1) pair of ADIDAS running shoes and 10 pieces of Finisher’s T-shirts and singlets last Monday morning.

Ting aka Running Ma had to take a break during her regular morning workout at the ULTRA Oval Track to donate her shoes and Finisher’s t-shirts & singlets.

Amado Castro, Jr of Reinier Pacific, a runner and race walker, donated (again!) three (3) pairs of NIKE shoes; one (1) MERRELL shoes; one (1) MIZUNO running shoes; and one (1) NEW BALANCE shoes. The shoes were given last Monday afternoon.

In a span of two weeks, Amado Castro Jr of Reinier Pacific had already donated six (6) pairs of running shoes

As of this date, the Project Donate A Shoe was able to receive a total of one hundred one (101) pairs of running shoes from runner-donors and was able to give a total of ninety-two (92) pairs of these donated shoes to those runners with “old” running shoes. Nine (9) shoes will be available for distribution during the incoming weekend road races.

To the donors, thanks for your support!

Send Your “Used” Running Shoes To The Philippines…Not To Other Countries!

On December 1, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running5 Comments

Yes, send your “used” running shoes to Bald Runner of the Philippines and not to Africa and other countries.

It was timely that I received donated slight “used” and “used” running shoes from Good Samaritan and supporters of my Project Donate A Shoe for the month of November. The following were so kind enough to support this advocacy for the month of November 2008:

1) Wayne Plymale aka SFrunner, who arrived to the Philippines for a brief visit on the 2nd week of November, donated a slightly used ASICS Landreth running shoes.

2) Amado Castro, a businessman who daily practices his skills as a race walker at the ULTRA Oval Track, donated two (2) running shoes.

3) Charlie Chua, a runner and a RP Dragon Boat Team member, donated three (3) pairs of his old running shoes which are slightly used.

4) Del Quevedo of Walnut, California, who sent a Balikabayan Box filled with Road Race Finisher’s T-shirts, running apparel, and twenty-eight (28) pairs of “used” but still reliable running shoes.

After the MILO National Finals Marathon, our Project Donate A Shoe Booth was established along the sidewalk at the side of the Quirino Grandstand and luckily, we were not “bumped-off” this time!!!.

The following pictures speak for the need of our runners for those “used” running shoes from the more fortunate runners and from those Good Samaritan and our running friends across the seas.

This is a group of people and runners who lined up for screening before they are finally given the donated shoes. Only legitimate runners were given the donated shoes.

I had to request Coach Salazar to properly screen the recipients as more people were lined-up than the number of running shoes to be given.

Finally, this runner is finally parting from his old shoes after using them for the past 5 years!

This young runner is smiling knowing his ?????? shoes is going to be replaced with a better one.

Manong, you are using a different shoes not appropriate for running! This guy is 71 years old and he is still running strong. After he received his “new” shoes, he was still looking at his old shoes as if he did not want to part ways with them which he had been using since 2001.

This is one of the top runners from Sta. Rosa, Laguna whose old shoes were full of adhesive “rugby” glue on the sole and upper mesh parts of his shoes.

This runner is 76 years old and the oldest recipient of the donated shoes. He finished the 10K MILO Run.

Standing beside me is Mr Ben Capili, a retired Colonel of the Philippine Air Force who is based in Chicago, USA. He usually comes here to the country during winter time in the USA. He is also involved in the same project where he brings home “used” running shoes to be distributed to the runners in his community.

These were the old shoes replaced by those shoes donated by DelQ, Amado Castro, & Charlie Chua. A million thanks to you and to the rest of my supporters in this Project Donate A Shoe.

DelQ’s Balikbayan Box

On November 26, 2008November 26, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running12 Comments

DelQ was one of my first readers of this blog living in the United States as he happens to be my “kababayan” from the Ilocos Region. He is a native of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, the birthplace of former President Ferdinand Marcos, and migrated in the United States and he is now a US citizen living in Walnut, California. He had his vacation/visit to the Philippines last June and he joined the Araw ng Maynila Half-Marathon and we had a chance to have a brief conversation and photo-ops after the race. On the night of that Sunday, he was scheduled to leave for Los Angeles. I really appreciate his endurance as he was able to insert in his short vacation to run a Half-Marathon. Upon his arrival back to California, we had some exchange of e-mails and he was kind enough to invite me during his running club’s weekend trail runs while I was having my vacation California. But due to my schedule during weekends with my family, my scheduled practice run with him and his group did not push through. Nevertheless, he promised me to help me in my Project Donate A Shoe.

Yesterday noon, Captain Ferdie Espejo informed me that a Balikbayan Box was delivered to our office and the sender is DelQ . I personally supervised the opening of the box and on top of the contents is a letter from him. The following is his letter to me:

October 2008

Hi, BR! Congratulations in your running adventures. I’m still a regular visitor of your blogs and although I don’t leave comments, I really admire your views especially what we all love to do—run!

My apology for not sending the shoes for your project sooner. My running club, Southern California Roadrunners of Walnut, was supportive and donated quite a few of their good “used” shoes. I tried to fit as much as I could in the box. I was able to wash some of them. I also included some new and “not-so-used” shirts.

Good luck in your forthcoming races especially the “big one”. Great job Manong Jovie!

Del Quevedo (DelQ)

P.S.

Sorry that we were not able to run together in L.A. Well, there’s always next time…God bless.

Balikbayan Box from DelQ delivered at Bald Runner’s Events Office

Capt Ferdie Espejo opening the box.

The letter of DelQ was placed on top of the contents of the box which were neatly packed

Tbe Balikbayan Box contained 28 pairs of running shoes—14 pairs of ASICS; 9 pairs of NIKE; 2 pairs of ADIDAS; 1 pair of BROOKS; 1 pair of MIZUNO; and 1 pair of New Balance. It also contained 14 pieces of Finisher’s T-shirts and almost brand-new sports shirts.

These “used” shoes will be displayed at the Project Donate A Shoe booth at the Starting/Finish Area of this Sunday’s MILO National Finals Marathon and the Finisher’s T-shirts will be donated to the families of a Gawad Kalinga community.

Thank you very much, DelQ. Please extend my sincerest thanks to the members of the Southern California Roadrunners Club of Walnut, California. I hope we will be able to run together during my next visit in Los Angeles next year.

Happy Thanksgiving Day and advance Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Ok, thanks!… you bumped-off my booth again!

On November 19, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running3 Comments

I am wondering why my “Project Donate A Shoe” Booth had been picked by Race Organizers or their staff to be placed away from the vicinity of the other booths or near the stage. Is there preferential treatment to sponsors for the race? My booth is not getting any income and my staff is not engaged in business and we are wondering why these people had to drive my booth away from the initial place we had established before the start of the race.

Our booth is not actually a booth with a tent, table and chairs but only a “tarpualin” being tied on two posts which serves as a background for our photo-ops in case we have donors of used shoes. Our booth is an advocacy and not a business entity. For the past three road races, our booth had been advised to leave the vicinity or near the other commercial booths or booths of the race organizers and sponsors.

We just kept silent about these incidents during race days as we didn’t want to argue with the race organizers and their sponsors. We didn’t want them to be disturbed in acquiring more income to their outfits and businesses. I am just wondering how much does a sponsor pay or contribute to the sports organizer in a particular road race? Last Sunday, it was okey for us to be positioned, after being bumped-off again, near the rows of the portalets. Despite such location, my runners, donors, friends, and other runner bloggers still came to the booth and we were happy to trade and exchange our experiences during the race.

So, next time, if you don’t see my booth/”tarpualin” near the stage or along the rows of booths of sponsors, we could be just around the corner of the block or along the sidewalk. Please, be patient to look around and you will find us.

Update: Project Donate A Shoe (Nov ’08)

On November 12, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running3 Comments

As of this date, the latest donors of Project Donate A Shoe were the following:

Mark & Tiffin—Mizuno Running Shoes

Jinoe aka Manokan Express/Takbo.ph—New Balance 1024

Wayne aka SF Runner—ASICS Gel-Landreth

I have yet to give the “ONE” Wristband to Mark & Tiffin. However, I gave one to Wayne and Jinoe last Sunday.

I’ll be also giving away Takbo.ph “button pins” courtesy of Jinoe to runners who will give their shoes to Project Donate A Shoe. Thanks, Jinoe.

As of this date, this project was able to receive 59 pairs of running shoes from donors and was able to give 58 pairs of running shoes to less-fortunate runners.

Jinoe donated his NB shoes and runners’ “button pins” with his running partner & Maj Rod Turno

Wayne aka SF Runner donating his brand-new ASICS Gel-Landreth

This is the old running shoes of Mr Bawic (used for 2 years) which was replaced by the ASICS shoes donated by Wayne aka SF Runner.

Thanks to all the donors. And for those who made their “pledges” to support this project, thanks also for your support.

Pictures @ VSO Run

On November 10, 2008November 10, 2008 By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running5 Comments

High Altitude, Aldz, & friend with the Bald Runner before the start of the race.

The 15K race started ahead of the 10K & 5K races at 5:49 AM

Captain Espejo, Coach of Team Bald Runner, won 1st Place in the 5K’s Age Category of 40-49 yrs old.

Maricel Maquillan of Team Bald Runner won 1st Place in the Women’s Overall Category in the 15K Race

Ailene Tolentino of Team Bald Runner won 2nd Place in the Women’s Overall Category in the 15K Race

The Bald Runner got his PR Best Time for the 15K Race.

I was still smiling after the 15K race not knowing that I broke my time for the 15K distance

Captain Espejo, Jinoe, Wayne aka SF Runner & Dindo. Jinoe & Wayne donated their running shoes to Project Donate A Shoe. Jinoe also donated a bagful of “metal buttons” for donors to the project. Thanks, Wayne & Jinoe for your generosity & support.

The runner on the left, Danilo Bawic of Global Runners, who won 6th Place Overall in the 15K race, was the lucky recipient of Wayne’s shoe donation. Wayne aka SF Runner is seen giving a brand-new ASICS shoes to Mr Bawic.

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