This is not a joke but it is nice to start something new. Starting on my fifth year, I will be featuring pictures of me in my running attire and who knows other runners will be featured in this blog in their favorite “running kits”, too!
Running Cap by ASICS
Sunglass by Oakley (Asian Fit)
White T-shirt From A Runner’s Circle (Los Angeles)
ADIDAS Soccer Shorts (without panty-liner, no pockets and very light!)
Running Socks by Drymax
Shoes: ASICS Gel-LyteRacer (Japan)
Watches: TIMEX With HR Monitor & Garmin Forerunner 305
You have to excuse me for being an amateur in my picture as this was taken from the self-timer of my old Canon IXUS Digital Camera with the backyard of our house in Los Angeles. I hope things will improve on the quality of the pictures to be published in the future posts.
Yes, this is a copycat of the popular “The Sartorialist” which is now considered as a multi-million dollar worth fashion blog in the Internet. I am not saying that this blog will be after the concept of showing pictures of runners with the ultimate purpose of raising some money. But who knows? This could be another option where one can raise funds to support our elite runners for international exposure. There is only one way to find out but to start and take the first step, so to speak!
Next time, the published pictures will just be pictures without any description. And there will be NO make-up or “photoshop” refinement of each picture. The more you are messed up with your sweat, the better!
If you can not make it with speed, finish your race and flaunt your nice running apparel!
Who will be the next model? You can make a comment in this post if you are interested.
Good luck to those who will be joining the 2012 New York City Marathon this Sunday! Run Happy!
The following are the results of the 3rd BR’s Barefoot & Minimalist 6K Run held at the Philippine Army Grandstand & Parade Ground’s Jogging Lane o/a 4:30 PM October 8, 2011 (Saturday):
| BAREFOOT | |||
| Rank | Bib # | Name | Time |
| 1 | 222 | Andrico Mahilum | 22:28 |
| 2 | 223 | John Quinones | 22:53 |
| 3 | 205 | Johndiel Bastatas | 22:56 |
| 4 | 218 | Enrique Sundiang | 23:50 |
| 5 | 202 | Randy Rubio | 25:08 |
| 6 | 204 | Erik Talagtag | 26:08 |
| 7 | 228 | Elmer Toledo | 27:56 |
| 8 | 214 | RJ Gavina | 30:28 |
| 9 | 226 | JohnCuestas | 31:32 |
| 10 | 210 | Edsel Enriquez | 32:19 |
| 11 | 209 | Mike Logico | 32:48 |
| 12 | 221 | Harold Lorete | 33:04 |
| 13 | 217 | Raymond Alcantara | 37:07 |
| 14 | 225 | Gerda Summerian Cuestas (F) | 39:10 |
| 15 | 215 | David Drilon | 40:02 |
| 16 | 219 | Loreta Llamado (F) | 41:50 |
| 17 | 203 | Michael Galas | 41:52 |
| MINIMALIST | |||
| Rank | Bib # | Name | Time |
| 1 | 212 | Fernan Recopuerto | 22:23 |
| 2 | 224 | Michael Mendoza | 23:38 |
| 3 | 211 | Archie Salmone | 25:06 |
| 4 | 206 | Robert Alvarez | 25:12 |
| 5 | 208 | Noel Dimabuyu | 25:14 |
| 6 | 229 | Ben Silva | 26:55 |
| 7 | 220 | Jessie Llarena | 29:57 |
| 8 | 207 | Carl Balagot | 30:59 |
| 9 | 230 | Mark Arroyo | 32:43 |
| 10 | 213 | Takumi Reyes | 40:07 |
| 11 | 216 | Rexie Saldivar (F) | 44:26 |
Podium Finishers (1, 2 & 3) for the Men’s and Ladies Categories for each Barefoot and Minimalist Events may now claim their respective VFF Prize/VFF Shoes from Cherry Ermita at cellphone #0917-807-0330 or send an e-mail at cherryermita@gmail.com. Please use these results as your reference.
Whether we have 10 or less runners for this event (and rain or shine), we will continue the effort to sustain this endeavor in order to promote barefoot/minimalist running.
Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and thanks for the continued support of Carlos Abad & Cherry Ermita of VFF (Vibram Five Fingers) Philippines; A Runners Circle Philippines Specialty Store; FrontRunner Magazine; Mike Logico and the Barefoot Running Philippines; and the Philippine Army.
Note: Photos Courtesy of John “Jepoy” Avellanosa
WC 200: First Attempt
As you all know, I stopped this run after covering the distance of 40 kilometers after being bitten by an astray dog at the Poblacion of San Narciso, Zambales at around 7:40 PM of September 14, 2011, Wednesday. However, I would like to relate what transpired, in detail, from the time before I started the run up to the time when I reached the Poblacion of San Narciso.
The day before I started this first attempt, I was having some problem with my stomach as I’ve been having a LBM for the past days and I was taking Loperamide tablets on a daily basis but to no avail, my condition did not improve. I was wondering if I had a stomach virus that was keeping me from being cured from such predicament. The solution that I could think of was to take a Loperamide tablet every time I have to eat and drink something few hours before I took off. Such move relieved me somehow.
However, my aggressive drive was not there when I started for my “photo-ops” inside the Remy Field’s Oval Track at the Subic Freeport. You can’t see a smile on my face and for the first time in my adventure runs, I was nervous of the uncertainty of the challenge I was going to face. I guess, my biorythm was not synchronized with what was in my mind. But it suddenly rained while I was about to finish one lap on the oval track and my mood changed a little with the fact that this could be a “blessing” from heaven that it was a “GO” for me to continue this run. I finally started my run at 9:50 AM which is barely 10 minutes earlier from the usual 10:00 AM Elite runner’s realease for the Badwater Ultramarathon. (Note: If ever this will be an official running event, the race will start at exactly 10:00 AM)
I purposely walked while I was leaving the oval track and making my way to the Kalaklan Gate which is located on the northern end of the former US Navy Base of Subic. As I passed the Gate, I waved to the Security Police that was guarding the gate, he responded with a smile and I was out of the base. As I passed the bridge and turned left towards the Olongapo-Bugallon Highway, I was still walking and I was on the ascending portion that goes to the Gate of the Olongapo City Public Cemetery. I came to realize that the whole portion of the hill occupies the
Once I reached the peak, I started my slow run in the descending portion. I was always on the left side of the road making sure that I can see what is infront of me. The road to Olongapo City was a busy one and I was very careful of the incoming traffic because the road was wet due to the brief rain in the area.
My support vehicle was prepositioned in front of me in every 3 kilometers and I had to stop and cross the road to the other side in a careful matter in order to refill my handy Nathan “Sprint” Bottle and eat some solid foods. I was fortunate enough that the sun was covered with clouds for the first hour of my run. The first 4-5 kilometers was a “roller-coaster” where I strictly followed walking on the ascending portions and then running the descending ones. However, I have to regularly check on my Heart Rate Monitor Watch to be able to maintain a certain range of beats per minute. I made 135 bpm as my upper limit on my first 10 kilometers of the run.
Along the stretch from Olongapo City to the town of Subic (actually I was surprised that there is a town named after the former US Naval Base/Facility) which is a distance of about 10 kilometers, I could see only two things along the road—entrance to the beach resorts and bold & colored names of night clubs/bars. There are also commercial establishments and cafes where you can see “senior white” guys drinking their coffee and smoking their cigar (not cigarettes!). A typical “Cool”-look of retired US servicemen who knew their way around in the country and in Subic/Olongapo area. They are good contributors to the economy of the place. You could just imagine how they could spend their monthly retirement pay with a business to manage, a young wife/partner, a nice house with maids, a nice car, and a beach/sea where they could relax. Such kind of life way back to their country of origin would be a fortune and luxury only for the rich and famous!
It is along this stretch where I made my first status on Facebook, telling something about being “horny” while running on the hot and humid stretch of the Olongapo-Bugallon Highway and I received a lot of comments immediately after I posted it. Actually my feeling during the run was the complete opposite of what I’ve posted. I was trying to entertain myself and taking some positive vibes as the sun was already hot and it was noon time already. My hydration and nutrition strategy was strictly followed in order to last for the distance and I was feeling fine and strong.
I have to rest in waiting sheds along the road and most of them are located on my right. After eating and hydrating myself, I have to open my laptop computer to find out if my Internet connection is strong. I was glad I was able to post a brief summary and some pictures about my run where the signal is strong. It took me at least 30-35 minutes for these “pit stops” and had only a few remaining minutes to complete my targetted number of kilometers in every hour of my run. At least, I would be able to run or cover a distance of 5-6 kilometers per hour to include my rests/”pit stops”. For the next hours, this ritual had been repeated all the way as I covered more towns of Zambales. But I did not meet the required targetted mileage as hours passed by.
After Subic, the next place to go was the town of Castillejos, the birthplace of the Former President Ramon Magsaysay. The place is clean and it has paved sidewalks. I did not bother to pay attention that the preserved old house of the former President was on my side which I learned later on my next attempt. The next town would be San Marcelino, a big towm which serves as the meeting point/junction for the towns of San Antonio and San Narciso. If you turn left from the junction of the town near its Municipal Hall and Public Market, you would go along the Old Route that goes to the town of San Antonio but if you go straight, it will lead you to the new highway which is a “shortcut” to the town of San Narciso. This stretch of the Highway is wide, flat and with lesser traffic but the view of the ricefields on both sides of the road was very refreshing. On the east you would see the Zambales-Tarlac Mountains and the west would be endless sight of ricefields and some hills.
After my hourly “pit stops”, I was already on the boundary of San Narciso but I need at least 6 kilometers more to reach the Poblacion and it was starting to get dark. I had to use my Eddie Bauer Headlamp and hand-held flashlight to illuminate the ground about 2 meters ahead of me and I was comfortable with my run. As I slowly reached the Poblacion of San Narciso, I told my support crew that we need to have a decent and “hot” dinner along the first eatery (carinderia) that we could reach. That would be my first complete meal for the day. I decided to pass on the first one because there was a loud Karaoke with an out-of-tune and out-of-beat singer/performer. The place is crowded, too! So, I have to stop on the next eatery where there is no customer.
The owner of the carinderia was generous and kind that she allowed us to charge my laptop and heat up our electric thermos. For meals that cost us P 120.00 (rice and pork sinigang) and free use of their electricity for about an hour, it was something to cherish when you are in the province. I took some time to update my blog in this carinderia while talking to the owner and to the waitresses who happen to be the nieces of the owner. From our conversation, they were informed that I was running from Subic all the way to their place and hopefully end up in Iba, Zambales. (I did not tell them that I’ll be running further north from their province and end up in Alaminos, Pangasinan!).
Fresh from a decent meal and after changing my wet ARC shirt to a dry one, I was ready to continue my run. After almost one kilometer from this carinderia, I was attacked and bitten by an stray dog along a dark portion of the highway, barely 500 meters from the Municipal Hall and Public Plaza of San Narciso. “Houston, we have a problem!”
My first instinct was to stop on a lighted part of the road and see the wound clearly with my hand-held flashlight. I asked for some wet wipes from my support crew and immediately cleaned the wound as there was no blood coming out from the wound. One thing that I failed to prepare and bring was my basic first aid kit. This could be one of the reasons why there was something wrong in me! We had to rely on the services of an open drug store where we bought Betadine, Cotton and Bandage. After buying such medical needs, I walked to the Public Plaza where the park lights are stronger. I just sit on the steps that lead to the park while treating and cleaning my wounds.
It was time to call the doctors whom I know. Not only one but three of them and they gave me identical recommendations and procedures to follow. After I dropped my phone, I immediately decided to stop the run and go back immediately to Manila for my immediate treatment. In less than 18 hours, I had my anti-tetanus shots first and then my first anti-rabies shots, not after going in 3 different branches of Mercury Drug Store. The anti-rabies shot is not being carried by all Mercury Drug Stores and they are very expensive! For a 1/2 cc of injectable drug that costs P 1,630.00, the company that manufactures it would be making a lot of profit.
As of this writing, I was able to complete the required number of shots within 14 days after the 1st injection and the scars of the dog’s bite leave as a memory/souvenir of my first attempt to run the WC 200.
Stupid as it may seem, I put the blame on me for deciding to use the Ipod Shuffle during this run. For years, I’ve stopped using any wires on my runs but I brough it back last June of this year. (Reading Phil Maffetone’s training influenced me to go back to hearing music during my runs). As I said in previous post, using some kind of music on one’s ears disrupts ones depth of perception on his/her surroundings and it brought me to be complacent on the threat of the barking dogs. Thanks to the late Steve Jobs for inventing the Ipod as I owned a lot in the past and gave them as “gifts” to those who would like to have one when it came to the point that I finally decided to stop having wires during my runs. (It’s amazing that this post ends up to the visionary Steve Jobs! May he rest in peace.)
To be continued.
I never met this guy, Andre Blumberg from Hongkong, in person but we are “friends” on Facebook and I’ve seen him joined in this year’s TNF 100K in Bicol through pictures of other runners posted at Facebook. He had been travelling to other countries just to participate in TNF’s and other Ultra Races and he also finished the TNF 100 in Australia last June of this year. We were supposed to meet at this year’s MIWOK 100 last May at the Marin Headlands in San Francisco, California as he got a lottery slot for the race. But it never happened as he can not make it to the United States due to work commitments.
Last September 6, he sent me a message on Facebook which I’ll repost in this blog and it is self-explanatory:
Dear Sir Jovie,
As you may we aware we will have the second Vibram HK100 event here in Hong Kong, along the famous MacLehose trail. 100km distance, around 4.5k vertical. It will take place on 18/19 Feb. Last year Lizzy Hawker joined, and no doubt next year there will be some good international presence as well. I am not directly involved with the event but know the RDs well and would like to support the race since it is the only 100km solo event currently in HK (we have many other events including a very tough 156km one, but they are all team events with at least 2 members to a team).
I am very proud about the work you do for the ultra community in the Philippines. Whilst I did not have a chance yet to join any of your events (hopefully BDM160 next year), I cherish the Pinoy ultra community, largely because the people I met are all very friendly. I’ve worked in Manila for 6 months in the late 1990ies (but didn’t run at the time), so always keen to go back.
Anyhow, purpose of my note is the following: I would like to consider sponsoring one or two athletes in your team to join the HK100 event in order to give them international exposure. I have no specific arrangement in mind yet, but I could help out with sponsoring the entrance fee and/or hotel and/or flight, or parts thereof. I know there are many talented and very hard working runners and that many of them may not be able to afford traveling overseas for a race, hence I would like to support perhaps one male and one female athlete to join this event, ideally this would be runners that have good potential and who would “grow” by participating internationally. The HK100 is a qualifying event for UTMB, Comrades and Western States, so it could be a stepping stone for one of the truly big events. Would be interested in your thoughts on the above.
Thanks,
Andre.
I immediately sent this reply to him.
Dear Andre,
Wow! I am amazed with your gesture to help/support one/two of our pinoy ultrarunners. I could not imagine a foreigner offering such support. All along my blog and status at Facebook had been sending the message to my readers to support our elite athletes to international exposure and I am really surprised that you understood the predicament we have here.
Your offer is very timely as I am in a venture to send at least one/two elite runners to WS100 in 3 years time. I’ve talked already to two of my athletes and they have started training for the said goal. They wll be competing in the IAU Asian 100K Championship in Jeju on the last Saturday of March 2012 (1st weekend of April).
However, I have another 2 elite ultra runners whom I have to talk about your offer. I will update you on this matter in the coming days.
I will be sending an e-mail soon for us to discuss the details.
Thanks! God bless!
Sir Jovie
Why am I posting these exchange of messages in my blog? Because for the past THREE YEARS that I’ve been promoting ultrarunning races on the Philippines, nobody cared to have the INITIATIVE to offer any kind of support to our elite athletes for INTERNATIONAL exposure. Except for those “usual suspects” in ultrarunning whom I’ve been asking for support, I was able to bring two (2) of our elite long distance runners to the IAU Asian 100K Championship in Jeju, South Kore last year. Alquin Bolivar of the Philippine Army was able to set a National Record of 9:06+ hours for the said event where he placed #6 beating other countries.
I don’t want to mention the names of corporations and private institutions/Race Organizers who had been engaged in promoting their products and corporate names through running, and who should/must be at the forefront of having the initiative to help our elite athletes in international exposure. I am sorry to say that our ultrarunning as a sports could not be supported by the government as the different Sports Federations in the country are competing with each other for the funds coming from the Philippine Sports Commission. As I said before, the VISION of our Sports Federations only goes up having a Podium Finish at the SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES! And the government ONLY recognizes an athlete or a team if he/she/it wins a World’s or International Event.
Have you noticed that Race Organizers in our Marathon Races could not even send their (Pinoy) Winners to some of the prestigious Wold’s Championship in Marathon like Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin or London? I don’t know the reason why, BUT they could send an AVERAGE competetive runner to these Marathon Races through sponsorship! It boggles my mind as I am not envious with this kind of arrangement. It is simply a waste of resources sending such runners instead of sending our top elite runners who can really compete with the world’s best runners! It is the truth and I am sorry that, reality bites!
I had experienced “begging” to the government (to include politicians) and to some of the known private corporations in the past, most specifically when I planned to launch the 1st BDM 102 and most of them did not offer any support and as a result, I made a promise to myself that I will never attempt to do it again. I am satisfied and contended that I have “friends” who can understand my message in this blog and willing to support in my endeavors for the simple reason of promoting the sports of Ultra Running.
To Andre and to the “usual suspects” in ultra running, thank you for your INITIATIVE to support our Sports and to our elite athletes! God bless!
So, if you are awaken to what I am driving at in this post, then I will be glad to accept voluntary offers to support our elite athletes in order to bring them to international exposure, whether in Asia, Europe or in the United States. You can send a message on Facebook or send me a note to my e-mail address at jovie75@hotmail.com. It’s about time we have to hear from you. Don’t wait for a foreigner to be more generous to us than from a full-blooded Pinoy. Let us help one another!
Facebook Discussion
Days after my trip from Bolinao, Pangasinan to coordinate in the conduct of the PAU’s COCOS To Sual 65K Run on the second week of July, there was “discussion” among my friends at Facebook about coming up with our First Pinoy to join the Badwater Ultra Marathon in California, USA. The discussion consisted of Joe Matias of ARC Los Angeles/Manila; Benjamin Gaetos; Tess Geddes; Rick Gaston, and myself. Joe Matias had just witnessed the conduct of the Badwater Ultra Marathon a few days after where he supported one of the runners in the name of his store in Los Angeles and he had an idea of suggesting Ben Gaetos or Rick Gaston to be the 1st Pinoy to join the said prestigious race.
It was a very interesting idea to ponder and discuss among Pinoy Ultra Friends at Facebook with Ben Gaetos as the most likely candidate for the said race. I even volunteered as one of the support crew of the team just in case Ben Gaetos is amenable with the idea. However, Ben gave his word that he could not make it due to financial reasons. And the the very interesting discussion just ended from there.
Idea Was Born
That discussion gave me the idea of coming up with a possibility of a “one stage” road race which is longer than the Badwater Ultra Marathon (135 miles) to even up the lack of elevation in the Philippines but the heat and humidity could be worse than the real event if done during the summer months of April or May.
Why go to Badwater, California when I (or anybody) can create a “Badwater Route” in the Philippines which is more scenic and refreshing to the eyes of the runners? And there is no need to pay for at least $ 1,000.00 for the registration fee and that is excluding expenses to be incurred for travel, accommodation, rent of support vehicles, and logistics for the runner and the members of the support crew. Yes, it takes a lot of fortune and resources to join the said event aside from the fact that you should have completed some of the well-known 100-mile endurance races!
The plan was the route from Bolinao, Pangasinan to Subic Freeport’s Remy Field Oval Track along the Olangapo-Bugallon Highway which is approximately 240 kilometers. Since I had the experience of running the Bolinao-Alaminos route during my “West To East” Adventure Run, I planned to try to run the distance of 200 kilometers from the Subic’s Remy Field Oval Track to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
However, if things will materialize in the planning of this race that will replicate the Badwater Ultra Marathon, the route will cover a distance of 240 Kilometers from the Subic Freeport’s Remy Field Oval Track to Bolinao, Pangasinan. Or the other possible option is to have the finish line at the Provincial Oval Track/Stadium at the vicinity of the Lingayen Gulf in Lingayen, Pangasinan. The significance of this option is that a runner starts from a former US Navy Seaport Facility, passing along the Birthplace/Province of the Former President Ramon Magsaysay (dubbed as the “President of the Masses”), a view of the lahar formations brought about by the eruption of Mt Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambalaes, a view of the Masinloc Coal Plant, a glimpse of Potipot Island, seeing the salt beds in Dasol, Pangasinan on both sides of the road, and finishing at the very exact location where the Battle of Lingayen Gulf happened in World War II when the US Forces returned to the Philippines to liberate us from the Japanese occupation. At least, there is history and tourism explanation of this route.
Logistics
The only person who knew about my plan to run a 200-kilometer distance in one stage was Joe Matias of A Runners Circle (ARC) Specialty Store and I asked him to sponsor my run and explained to him that “I am creating a Badwater Route in the Philippines” and be able to “test run” it within two (2) months. He immediately gave his word to support my run and within a few weeks, he sent me load of “logistics” all the way from Los Angeles to include Gu Gels, ARC Shirts, ASICS Cap, Salt Caps, and Mix Drinks. Thanks, Joe for that superb and wonderful generosity!
Other solid foods and additional special drinks were bought at the Puregold Warehouse Store inside Subic Freeport to include Loaf Breads, Peanut Butter, Instant Noodles, Ensure Drinks, Nescafe Latte & Espresso Canned Drinks, Sports Drinks, Bottled Water and others. Emergency medicines were also bought at the Mercury Drug Store located within the compound. The usual boiled bananas and eggs were also prepared for the event.
Training
I spent the following days and weeks on building my base-endurance by the number of hours I placed my feet on the ground. I had some daily runs at the ULTRA Oval Track and at the Philippine Army Grandstand & Parade Ground’s Jogging Lane with a minimum of 1.5 to 2 hours per workout. Whenever I have the chance, I could be in Subic Freeport’s roads and Remy Field’s Oval Track for more of my endurance runs lasting to 2 hours or more. My regular visits and “test runs” on the Taklang Damulag’s trail route in Fort Magsaysay had also added my training for this run where I was able to run for almost eight (8) hours under the heat of the sun and intermittent rains in one of my workouts. Speed was not a part of the training. Everything was purely on endurance with the use of the Heart Monitor.
The rule of thumb in my Heart Monitor training is to be able to maintain a HR below 150 beats per minute! If my HR Monitor exceeds to more than 150 bpm, it is a signal that I should start on a “brisk walking” mode until it settles to 120 bpm in order to start running again. But maintaining HR with an average of 140-145 bpm was perfect to me.
Side Story on My Running Form
During my 8-hour “test run” at the Taklang Damulag’s route, I asked my elite runner to take my pictures from my back as I ran the trail route. He took some pictures on many occassions during the run. While we were having our “pit stop” before the last 10K of our run, he mentioned that something is “wrong” with my running form and stride! He explained everything what he observed about my leg movement, stride, and footwork. I know all along that something is wrong with my left leg (my latest injury is on my left knee) through the years and nobody cared to correct me! I’ve been with three (3) running coaches for so many years of running but they did not have the courage to tell me what was wrong with my footwork! What they cared was for me to become a faster runner!
So, my elite runner started to explain to me what I was doing and what should be done to correct my footwork and stride. The correction was immediately done after our “pit stop” and he observed my footwork and strides from my back. He constantly cautioned and warned me if I was going back to my old form during the run. In short, for the last 10K of my run, I was strictly observed by my elite runner on my proper footwork. Since then, I was aware of said correction whenever I do my runs. What was good about it is that the pain on my left knee just disappeared after a few workouts with the corrected form and footwork!
The correction was so simple. I had to point my left toe more outward as I run until it will be conditioned to be pointing directly forward in the long run. Before, my left foot points inward during the take-off and on landing on the ground and this movement put some added pressure to my left knee, thus, after years of running, the knee is already in pain absorbing such added pressure. My leg stride is not balanced. My left foot lands on the ground with more force than my right foot which means that my left foot is exerting more effort than my right foot. My elite runner suggested that I have to loosen my right hips and let my right leg exert some effort during the run. It seems that my right leg is “lazy” during my runs due to stiff hip muscles/flexors. I am still working on my hips to be loose and it was suggested to have more massage on my butt and hip muscles! And the last advise was to have my foot land on the ground on a flatter mode, not on a forefoot strike. Basically, it is flatter than a midfoot landing where tmy midfoot lands almost at the same time with my heel.
After weeks of corrective measures on my footwork and strides, it became natural to me and I could run effortless with higher and more consistent cadence of strides. Of course, I am still “shuffling” but I am more efficient and injury/pain-free during my runs as a result of such corrective measures. One of my running friends observed about the change in my running strides/form when I had my speed run at the ULTRA Oval Track just to apply the corrective measures I have to follow. I had 10 X 800-meter session at that time and I was happy that I did not have any pains on my left knee. However, that was my only “speed” session for the two months that I prepared for this run.
Running Kit
I prepared at least 5 pairs of shoes—Adidas Adizero Adios, Adidas Adizero Mana, Adidas Adizero Rocket, New Balance MT 101, and Hoka One One Bondi B (courtesy of ARC Store Los Angeles).
For my running apparel, ARC Store provided me with shirts (long-sleeves and short sleeves) and brought my ASICS Compression shorts; NIKE Running Shorts; and my ever-reliable ADIDAS Tech-Fit Compression Shorts.
Calf Sleeves: Zhensa (Red & Black)
Hydration System: Nathan’s “Sprint” 10 oz. Handheld Bottle
Running Socks: DryMax
Scarf: Buff
Runner’s Cap: ASICS with cover on the nape (courtesy of ARC); NIKE cap; and Under Armor Cap
Waterproof Jacket/Windbreaker: The North Face: Men’s Venture Jacket (Hyvent DT)
Electronic Gadgets: Ipod Shuffle with Philips Earphones; TIMEX Watch with HR Monitor; Garmin Forerunner 305; Gymboss; SONY VAIO Laptop with SMART BRO Internet Mobile Connection.
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Lights: Eddie Bauer Headlights and SureFire’s 6P Flashlight
Medicine: ALEVE Caplets (NSAID) 220 mg.
Security Arrangements
A telephone call was made to the Commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the AFP and SMS to the Commander & Operations Officer of the 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army requesting them for security and monitoring of my movement along the route by their intelligence operatives. These are military personnel in plain clothes who would mingle with the crowd along the route or stay in one area to watch what is infront and back of me and my support vehicle, most especially during my night runs.
Finally, I created a name for this event as the “West Coast 200K Endurance Run”, in short, WC200! My 3rd Adventure Run and my 2nd one for this year.
To be continued.
October 1, 2011
Today is the last day of application for the BDM 102 & 160 Ultra Marathon Races. If you missed this date, then you will not be considered for screening for the next year’s (2012) events. There will be no extension of this deadline.
It does not mean that if you applied, you will be positively considered as one of the participants of the event. First, you should be able to have finished at least, a full marathon race. If you have finished an ultra marathon race (without any full marathon race), whether with any of the PAU Races or FrontRunner Magazines’ Races in Cebu & Manila, you will be considered. Second, you should start securing your Medical Certificate or Doctor’s Certification attesting the fact that you can endure a long distance run. Without this doctor’s/medical approval, you may lose your chance of joining this event. You can immediately scan the document and send it immediately to my e-mail address @ jovie75@hotmail.com. Deadline of submission is not later than November 15, 2011.
For those who have applied for the BDM 160, you are considered for screening if you have finished the BDM 102 within the prescribed cut-off time of 18 hours. It means that the only qualifying race for this event is a BDM 102 finish! If you are a foreign runner applying for this event, you have to finish FIRST the BDM 102.
Screened/Accepted applicants will start receiving their respective Letter/s of Invitation for the BDM 102 & 160 on or before October 15, 2011 through their e-mail address submitted in their application through letters of intent or on the comment of the BDM Pages in this blog. If you don’t receive any Letter of Invitation, then you are not included in the list of participants. We will not give any explanation why you are not included and we will not entertain any re-consideration from your end. You can try your luck again to apply for the next edition of the said races.
We are not raising our Registration Fees for the 2012 edition. BDM 102’s Registration Fee is Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P 2,500.00) for the Local Residents and One Hundred (US) Dollars ($ 100.00) for the Foreign Runners. BDM 160’s Registration Fee is Five Thousand Pesos (P 5,000.00) for the Local Residents and One Hundred Fifty (US) Dollars for the Foreign Runners.
Invited participants are given up to November 15, 2011 to pay their respective registration fee. There will be no extension of deadline on this matter. Non-payment on the deadline would mean non-inclusion in the final list of participants. Local Residents can ONLY pay their Registration Fee through LANBANK deposit @ this savings account: #1686-0795-85 in behalf of Jovenal Narcise. Foreign runners have to pay their registration fees through Western Union. Copy of deposit slip/payment SHOULD be scanned and sent to jovie75@hotmail.com immediately for verification. This is a MUST as we’ll no longer ask you to bring your deposit/payment slip at the Starting Area on Race Day. Registration Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.
The final lists of participants for the BDM 102 and BDM 160 will be published in this blog and at www.bataan102.blogspot.com not later than December 1, 2011.
Good luck and train well!
The plan to run a 200K adventure run was conceptualized when I had my final coordination with the Office of the Governor of Pangasinan on the conduct of the COCOS To SUAL 65K Ultra Run on the 3rd week of July this year. After I’ve finished with the final coordination in Bolinao, Pangasinan, I decided to take the Olongapo-Bugallon Highway on my way back to Manila.
From Bolinao, Pangasinan, I took the road from Alaminos going South to the towns of Mabini, Burgos, Dasol, and Infanta. The next towns would be inside the province of Zambales from Sta. Cruz to Olongapo City.
It was an easy drive on the said Highway as there was no congested traffic and the scenery was refreshing. On your right is the west coast of Luzon and on your left is a combination of the scenery of the Zambales-Pangasinan Mountain range and the rice fields.
Except for the usual congestion in the center or poblacion in every town, the road is very wide and smooth. It is only in Iba, Zambales, the capital town of the province where there are more structures/homes/buildings and commercial establishments lined up along the highway.
What is very common along the route is the fact that there are so many beach resorts lined up that would cater to visitors as well as
tourists. Although I did not have any chance to enter in one of these resorts during my drive back to Manila, I am sure that these resorts are being visited by tourists during the summer season.
This easy drive along the said Highway last July was my second time to pass along the route. I had my first occasion to pass along this route sometime in 1995 when I was a Battalion Commander within the Luzon Area and it did not give me a nice impression about it because I slept the whole time from Burgos, Pangasinan to Olongapo City.
Driving through this route last July gave me a better appreciation of the place because I was aware of the surroundings/landscape and the scenery being the driver of my own car. I was impressed about the road and the place.
After a 3 ½-hour easy drive from Alaminos, Pangasinan, I reached the Kalaklan Gate at Subic Freeport and the seed for a future adventure run was planted in my mind.
I decided to name it as the “West Coast 200K Endurance Run”.
2nd (2011) PAU Tagaytay-Nasugbu (T2N) 50K Ultra Marathon Run
5:00 AM September 17, 2011
| Rank | Name | Time |
| 1 | Max Espinosa | 4:04:44 |
| 2 | Sunday Ombrog | 4:15:02 |
| 3 | Junrox Roque | 4:31:51 |
| 4 | Arman Fernando | 4:38:53 |
| 5 | Alfred de los Reyes | 4:42:05 |
| 6 | Robert Alvarez | 4:43:48 |
| 7 | Benedick Balaba | 4:51:22 |
| 8 | Simon Pavel Miranda | 4:54:37 |
| 9 | Eric Socrates | 4:55:57 |
| 10 | Jose Duenas | 4:57:43 |
| 11 | Edison Ticson | 5:02:42 |
| 12 | Melvin Pangan | 5:03:20 |
| 13 | Catalino James Escasinas | 5:05:18 |
| 14 | Alex Macalintal | 5:08:53 |
| 15 | Almar Danguilan | 5:12:44 |
| 16 | Jerome Bautista | 5:13:00 |
| 17 | Keshia Fule (F) | 5:13:30 |
| 18 | Chito Vegin | 5:15:00 |
| 19 | Henry Laron | 5:16:59 |
| 20 | Graciano Santos | 5:19:07 |
| 21 | Bert Camangonan | 5:19:18 |
| 22 | Rone Milan | 5:22:22 |
| 23 | Jael Wenceslao | 5:23:58 |
| 24 | Junn Besana | 5:24:53 |
| 25 | Ariel Briones | 5:25:39 |
| 26 | Roberto Delos Santos | 5:26:30 |
| 27 | Allan Ayson | 5:28:12 |
| 28 | Salvador Castilla | 5:29:53 |
| 29 | Allen Gaspar | 5:31:56 |
| 30 | Jonel Mendoza | 5:34:21 |
| 31 | Jessie Llanera | 5:35:12 |
| 32 | Dindo Diaz | 5:35:21 |
| 33 | Frederick Quitiquit | 5:39:00 |
| 34 | Elmer Tolete | 5:40:30 |
| 35 | Raffy Gabotero | 5:43:55 |
| 36 | Fernando Cabanero | 5:44:03 |
| 37 | Don Armand Gutierrez | 5:45:08 |
| 38 | Lao Ogerio | 5:45:49 |
| 39 | Vicky Raz (F) | 5:45:50 |
| 40 | Kokoy Delmo | 5:47:37 |
| 41 | Jose Lorenzo Mina | 5:48:16 |
| 42 | Jason King Tan | 5:49:40 |
| 43 | Chaps Grande | 5:51:34 |
| 44 | Nicolas De Leon | 5:53:44 |
| 45 | Jonathan Colao | 6:00:17 |
| 46 | Trojan Lorenzo | 6:01:35 |
| 47 | David Buban | 6:03:40 |
| 48 | Daphne Rose Codilla (F) | 6:03:51 |
| 49 | Dennis Chavez | 6:09:15 |
| 50 | Rafael Barolo | 6:09:16 |
| 51 | Wap Forbes | 6:10:22 |
| 52 | Chris Ng | 6:14:21 |
| 53 | Von Aga | 6:14:28 |
| 54 | Jose Cando | 6:15:27 |
| 55 | Randy Rubio | 6:16:32 |
| 56 | Berns Ong (F) | 6:16:32 |
| 57 | Reynaldo Munsayac | 6:17:49 |
| 58 | Rodel Montejo | 6:17:59 |
| 59 | Reinell Tuiza | 6:19:00 |
| 60 | Ed Redona | 6:19:28 |
| 61 | William Marino | 6:21:36 |
| 62 | Alvin Rivera | 6:25:47 |
| 63 | Jerome Aragones | 6:25:53 |
| 64 | Rafael Inego Ordonez | 6:26:10 |
| 65 | Susan De Vera Jael (F) | 6:26:11 |
| 66 | Earl Quero | 6:26:32 |
| 67 | Michael Angelo Fabian | 6:26:51 |
| 68 | Carl Balagot | 6:27:10 |
| 69 | Camilo Paran | 6:29:14 |
| 70 | Mac Milan | 6:29:39 |
| 71 | Francis Coles | 6:29:42 |
| 72 | Mark Anthony Delumen | 6:30:04 |
| 73 | Emerson Sto. Domingo | 6:31:20 |
| 74 | Leo Tugade | 6:31:31 |
| 75 | Edmund Manlangit | 6:31:52 |
| 76 | Vic Topacio | 6:31:57 |
| 77 | Ferdie Cabiling | 6:34:21 |
| 78 | Obet Malana | 6:34:41 |
| 79 | Candy Balaba (F) | 6:34:43 |
| 80 | Randy San Miguel | 6:37:09 |
| 81 | Jeoffrey Ramos | 6:37:25 |
| 82 | Mark Hernandez | 6:37:38 |
| 83 | John Jeoffrey Avellanosa | 6:37:40 |
| 84 | Aureo Cyrus Lim | 6:38:01 |
| 85 | Antonio Viernes | 6:42:33 |
| 86 | Nino Andrelex Navarro | 6:42:55 |
| 87 | Julito Pauly | 6:43:35 |
| 88 | Kharl Ocampo | 6:44:58 |
| 89 | Vans Camannong | 6:45:33 |
| 90 | Timothy John Taburico | 6:45:46 |
| 91 | Bryan Navarro | 6:45:49 |
| 92 | Jayson Sison | 6:45:56 |
| 93 | Jesus Plupinio Jr | 6:46:00 |
| 94 | Cris Dela Cruz | 6:46:08 |
| 95 | Ruben Silva | 6:48:52 |
| 96 | Francis Rolen Frio | 6:50:11 |
| 97 | Jazz Paringit | 6:51:03 |
| 98 | Calvin John Escandor | 6:51:45 |
| 99 | Julius Cervantes | 6:51:53 |
| 100 | Alladin Cordero | 6:51:53 |
| 101 | Harold Lorete | 6:52:28 |
| 102 | Jerry Brucelo | 6:53:36 |
| 103 | Johann Marquez | 6:53:48 |
| 104 | Larvin Zeta | 6:55:44 |
| 105 | Dennis Cruz | 6:56:18 |
| 106 | Gerardine Kun (F) | 6:57:16 |
| 107 | Aron Anevas | 6:58:41 |
| 108 | Alfredo Vedarozaga | 7:00:27 |
| 109 | Darius Paguia | 7:00:41 |
| 110 | Bong Alindada | 7:04:09 |
| 111 | Caloy Nobleza | 7:06:38 |
| 112 | Nelson Mallillin | 7:07:11 |
| 113 | Alex Jonesy Jones | 7:08:39 |
| 114 | Erwin Ordonez | 7:09:00 |
| 115 | Mar Marilag | 7:10:09 |
| 116 | Lieza Valerio (F) | 7:10:20 |
| 117 | Irene Ong (F) | 7:11:09 |
| 118 | Jonathan Villasin | 7:16:01 |
| 119 | Ronaldo Robles | 7:16:01 |
| 120 | Aileen Manat (F) | 7:16:02 |
| 121 | Meljohn Tezon | 7:16:07 |
| 122 | Adrian Arcaya | 7:16:18 |
| 123 | Mary Jane Villamor (F) | 7:18:25 |
| 124 | Marlon Saracho | 7:19:26 |
| 125 | Andy Oting | 7:21:24 |
| 126 | Gia Estrella (F) | 7:22:37 |
| 127 | Vincent Belmonte | 7:29:23 |
| 128 | Lailani Marie Tan (F) | 7:33:08 |
| 129 | Jeje Ajusto | 7:33:43 |
| 130 | Nap Ocampo Jr | 7:33:55 |
| 131 | Franklin Ace Panuncio | 7:34:12 |
| 132 | Ian Francisco | 7:34:17 |
| 133 | Ronnel Castro Jr | 7:36:39 |
| 134 | Jorge Bundalian | 7:36:39 |
| 135 | Jinky Yray (F) | 7:37:53 |
| 136 | Arianne Ortega (F) | 7:39:30 |
| 137 | Michael Dauz | 7:43:31 |
| 138 | Enrico Caramay | 7:44:22 |
| 139 | Maxel Lorenzo Flores | 7:44:35 |
| 140 | Wesley Orena | 7:45:21 |
| 141 | Benedict Muriel | 7:45:32 |
| 142 | Jacinto Selorio Jr | 7:45:38 |
| 143 | Ramir Ramirez | 7:46:08 |
| 144 | Judy Aguilar (F) | 7:46:34 |
| 145 | Yan Dizon | 7:46:53 |
| 146 | Benedick Meneses | 7:46:56 |
| 147 | Allan Moral | 7:47:32 |
| 148 | Mark Fer Castillo | 7:49:30 |
| 149 | Gerson Patriana | 7:50:02 |
| 150 | Erlinda Pamesa (F) | 7:50:11 |
| 151 | Jericho De Jesus | 7:50:29 |
| 152 | Edwin Rara | 7:51:15 |
| 153 | Maya Pelayo (F) | 7:51:38 |
| 154 | Billy Juaiting | 7:53:19 |
| 155 | Mark Anthony Rodica | 7:54:29 |
| 156 | Raymund Canta | 7:55:45 |
| 157 | Japhet Grande | 7:56:00 |
| 158 | Larry Daliwag | 7:56:53 |
| 159 | Kenneth Reyes | 7:58:01 |
| 160 | Jerome Jamili | 7:59:00 |
| 161 | Banjo Asiddao Jr | 7:59:21 |
| 162 | Mary Anne Estanislao (F) | 7:59:48 |
| 163 | Paul Paranal | 8:02:50 |
| 164 | Harold Ramirez | 8:04:35 |
| 165 | Ed Escalante | 8:07:00 |
| 166 | Bien Soberano | 8:07:18 |
| 167 | Daryll Timuat | 8:08:55 |
| 168 | Aldouse Zaguirre | 8:12:44 |
| 169 | Pancho Samonte Jr | 8:14:18 |
| 170 | Carmelie Anne Ortega (F) | 8:15:11 |
| 171 | Cindy Sevilla | 8:19:43 |
| 172 | Reginald Santos | 8:19:48 |
| 173 | Tony Jimenes | 8:23:27 |
| 174 | Chito Asuncion | 8:23:38 |
| 175 | Butch Pascua | 8:23:38 |
| 176 | James Rosca | 8:24:35 |
| 177 | Vic Viola | 8:24:37 |
| 178 | Orlando Ylaya | 8:25:38 |
| 179 | Arleen Cheryl Calleja (F) | 8:25:49 |
| 180 | Christian Oting | 8:25:54 |
| 181 | Maria Angela Hefti (F) | 8:28:20 |
| 182 | Julius Danas | 8:29:32 |
| 183 | Monico Amiel Peralta | 8:29:52 |
| 184 | Cheryll Quimosing (F) | 8:32:37 |
| 185 | Jing Guerrero (F) | 8:34:19 |
| 186 | Richard Toledo | 8:34:20 |
| 187 | Vivian Cerrer (F) | 8:34:21 |
| 188 | Edgar Escueta | 8:36:12 |
| 189 | Brandy Simbe | 8:37:48 |
| 190 | Shereen Nepomoceno (F) | 8:37:49 |
| 191 | Nelson Val Caro Jr | 8:37:51 |
| 192 | David Aquino | 8:38:31 |
| 193 | Leo Manalaysay | 8:38:54 |
| 194 | Jayson Castillo | 8:38:55 |
| 195 | Sweet Cemafranca (F) | 8:40:18 |
| 196 | Maria Aleth Reblora (F) | 8:42:12 |
| 197 | Arturo Virata | 8:42:16 |
| 198 | Gail Consolacion (F) | 8:59:18 |
| 199 | Ellen Abigail Castillo (F) | 9:00:52 |
| 200 | Michelle Garcia (F) | 10:00:00 |
| 201 | Marianne Nicolas (F) | 10:02:26 |
| 202 | Noy Consolacion | 10:15:30 |
My latest “adventure run” started at 11:20 AM of September 13, 2011 inside the Remy Field Oval Track at Subic Freeport. The following pictures were taken by my support crew during my run:
A popular journalist/columnist would say that if a man is bitten by a dog, it is not a NEWS. But if a man bites a dog, it’s a good NEWS.
Well, I was bitten by an astray dog while doing my “adventure run” and it’s not considered as a NEWS but for the sake of the runners out there, there are lessons to be learned from my experience.
At 8:40 PM, I was regaining my pace after I had my dinner in one of the “carinderias” with almost 500 meters away from the Municipal Hall of San Narciso, Zambales when two dogs suddenly emerged from one of the frontyards of the houses along the road which was not lighted. It was so fast that I was not able to react on the attack of the two dogs. I knew I was bitten when I felt there was a pain on my lower left leg.
I had to stop my run and assess the wound brought about by the bite of the dog. The calf sleeve (Zhenza) I was using protected my leg muscle from being punctured by the sharp teeth of the dog. If not for the sleeve, I would have a deeper wound.
My wound was a “shallow” scratch but it started to bleed when I cleaned the wound. It was time to decide whether I was going to continue my run or not.
I called at least three doctors who are also runners from my cell phone for their recommendations/suggestions about my condition. After hearing them, I immediately decided to stop the run and changed to drier clothes and I was on my way back to Manila aboard my support vehicle. I was advised to provide treatment to the wound within 24 hours!
So far, I was able to cover 41 kilometers in 7:45+ hours from the Remy Field Oval Track in Subic Freeport to the Municipal Plaza of San Narciso, Zambales with an average HR of 135 bpm. The time elapsed on my run includes the “pit stops” along the way to include the time updating my run through Facebook by using my laptop and/or cell phone.
With regards to my wound, I was given the best and immediate treatment by the Philippine Army Medical Center. The Commander of the Facility made sure that I would be treated with outmost priority. The protocol for the treatment of dog bites had been explained to me by the doctors on duty as well as doctors whom I consider as “hardcore” ultrarunners. Thanks for your input and advise.
The following are the advise and lessons learned from this incident:
1. Be aware and alert. If you see dogs on the direction of your run, try to avoid them. You can stop your run by walking or by transfering to the other side of the road.
2. Day Running vs. Night Running. Running at night is totally different from day time running. The visibility is very low and most parts of the road are not lighted. Runners are advised to carry with them flashlight to improve their visibility of their surroundings. In day running, you could easily see where the dogs are coming from or you could see them at a distance and have time to avoid them.
3. Complacency and Getting Older. I admit my reaction time to dog attacks had slowed down due to age. I’ve been complacent also that I could outrun the attack of street dogs. When dogs try to attack me, I usually stop my run and turn around to face the attacking dog by trying to attempt to pick up a stone from the ground. This quick reaction had been effective through the years that I’ve been running. But with the faster attack from the dogs and low visibility, I was not able to apply what worked all the time.
4. Use of Ipod/MP3 during a Run Impairs One’s Perception. It was only few months ago when I started training with the use of a Heart Monitor. This training encourages the use of music during a long and steady run. With this adventure run, I was wearing an Ipod Shuffle to keep me awake during the night. But it was a mistake as I was not able to actually assess the exact distance of the attacking dogs from me. The sound/music coming from my Ipod Shuffle impaired my depth of perception on the the barking of the dogs. I thought the sounds of the barking dogs were still far from me but I was not aware that they were already few inches away from my legs!
5. Calf Sleeve Rocks! Calf sleeves are used primarily to compress the calf muscles to prevent them from cramping and I used them for such purpose on this run. I did not realize that my calf sleeve protected my leg muscles from getting a deeper wound from the sharp teeth of the street dog. The Zhenza calf sleeve which I bought at A Runner Circle Store in Manila had been a good investment and protection from dog bites. I did not see any torn part of the calf sleeve brough about by the dog bite.
6. Cure/Treatment For Dog Bites is Expensive. One shot of anti-rabies costs P 1,629.50 (from selected Mercury Drug Store outlets) and I need 5 shots for the whole treatment which is administered within 28-day period. This is excluding the antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines I have to take within a 7-day period.
This incident is just a temporary setback on my desire to finish my adventure run. In the next few days, I will continue what I’ve started and be more careful in dealing with the street dogs. I will consider not using my Ipod Shuffle during my next runs.
Bald Runner 
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