Tag: Ultramarathon

5K Tempo Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

After a rest and recovery for four days, I did a 5K tempo run yesterday early evening around the neighborhood. For my warm-up first kilometer, I did 5:38 mins. I did my 2nd Km in 5:05 mins; 3rd Km in 5:01 mins; 4th Km in 5:04; and ending my 5th Km in 5:12. Overall, I finished the distance of 5.02K in 26:09 minutes with an average pace of 5:12 minutes per kilometer.

Not bad! On Monday, I will be starting my 30-week ultramarathon training for the 2009 Inaugural Bataan Death March Memorial Ultramarathon Run. My next ultramarathon training will be geared towards my first 50K/50M Mt Disappointment Endurance Run in August 2009.

My prayers and best wishes to Ben Gaetos and Carmela Layson, our Pinoy Ultramarathoners residing in Los Angeles, for their 3rd/4th (?) participation to the Angeles Crest 100-Mile Ultra Trail Endurance Run which will start at 6:00 AM tomorrow. GO, GO, GO, Pinoy Ultra Trail Runners break the 30-hour time!!!

How About “Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run” In The Philippines?

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running, Ultramarathon25 Comments

The reason why I conducted the “first and only Bataan Death March Challenge” in April 2000 held along the exact route where the event occured because I was challenged why in the world would the ROTC of White Sands, New Mexico, USA celebrate such event in their desert where a handful of US World War II survivors from that State would be supported and commemorated. Also, there are three other places/States in the US where they commemorate this famous Bataan Death March. Continue reading “How About “Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run” In The Philippines?” →

Lessons Learned: Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

1) Intelligence (“Know The Enemy”)—I had the chance to run through the 22K distance (except the last 3K) for each loop of the trail run distance on two occassions; my first time one month before race day and the second time two weeks before the race day. These practice runs along the trail route starting at 9:30 AM and 7:30 AM on each run gave me the needed knowledge and information as to the overall profile and condition of the route. Through these practice runs, I was able to gain confidence and finally plan for my race strategy. Running through the trail route gave me 50% chance of finishing the race.

2) Do Your Homework—I had to make a research on the Internet and from books and magazines available in order to get as much information I could about running an ultramarathon. The book “The Ultramarathon Man” by Dean Karnazes had greatly influenced me to take my body what it feels to experience and finish the ultramarathon.  Printed magazines on Ultra Trail Running and books about ultramarathon had also helped me by reading the experiences of ultramarathoners who were just like anybody else—they started too as beginners. “Tips” and words of encouragement from my blog visitors (Ben Gaetos aka Benwah, Quicksilver, and Eric aka Habang Tumatakbo) were very helpful. Thanks to these ultra friends! Continue reading “Lessons Learned: Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run” →

“Walkabout” In 7:30 Hours

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon8 Comments

“Walkabout” is an Australian term where their aborigines would “go walkabout” at the age of thirteen in the wilderness for a period of six months as a rite of passage and for them to be able to trace the pathways of their ancestors.

“Walkabout” is also a term being used by ultramarathoners as part of their cross-training where they walk for miles and hours during the day or night.

Dean Karnazes changed the term to “runabout” where one has to run and alternately walk and then run again for the whole day and night or on a 12-hour period basis or shorter. When going on a “walkabout” or “runabout”, one has to bring some cash/credit card/ID and compact backpack where you can store windbreaker, dry shirt, socks, and cellphone. Continue reading ““Walkabout” In 7:30 Hours” →

Book Signing With Karno

On By kingofpotsIn Books, Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Running, Ultramarathon2 Comments

Almost two weeks ago, Eric aka E-rod posted in his blog the scheduled signing of the 2nd book of Dean Karnazes entitled 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons In 50 Days–and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! at the Barnes & Noble Store in Costa Mesa, California last 16 August 2008.

And so, together with my wife and son, we went to the said store and bought the said book and bought also Karno’s first book for him to sign. The signing activity started on time at 2:00 PM with about 80-100 people where Dean Karnazes started the activity with a brief talk about the background of his new book and later there was open forum where he answered some interesting questions about his running capabilities and ultramarathon events from the audience. Continue reading “Book Signing With Karno” →

2008 Bulldog 50K/25K Race Report & Results

On By kingofpotsIn Races, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon8 Comments

The following is an e-mail letter sent to me by Nancy Shura-Dervin, the Race Organizer of the Trail Run, which I received yesterday afternoon, two days after the race. It is actually a race report of what transpired during the race and the official results of the 50K/25K races. I am sure that each of the participants had received the same letter.

From this e-mail letter, the following observations were made:

1) All participants to the Bulldog 50K/25K Races registered “on-line” and there were no late registrants on the day of the race.

2) Each participant were given enough reminders and guidelines about the route and what to expect during the race through e-mail before the race.

3) Each participant received this e-mail regarding the report and results of the race two days after the race.

4) The race organizers limited the number of participants for better control, support, and overall management of the race.

5) There are still vandals and cheaters in road races even in the United States! I could not see the reason why such people do irresponsible acts.

6) I placed # 100 out of the 139 finishers with a finish time of 7:18:16 hours. The report did not mention if there were DNF in the 50K ultra race.

7) The race was well organized and the aid stations with volunteers did a splendid and wonderful job in taking care of the runners’ needs. Continue reading “2008 Bulldog 50K/25K Race Report & Results” →

My First Ultramarathon Race: Bulldog 50K

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running30 Comments

Recap of the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run in Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas, California, USA (23 August 2008)

I registered to participate in this ultra trail run on the 2nd week of July after I arrived in Los Angeles, California to experience what it takes to run an ultramarathon, a running event which is longer than a marathon. My son paid $ 70.00 for the registration fee through his bank’s debit card and my application was accepted immediately.

I ran through the route of the race for two times except for the actual last 3 kilometers of the trail that connects the Corral Canyon/Backbone Trail to the Malibu Creek State Park, which is the Tapia Trail, instead, I had to run along the side of the Las Virgenes Road facing the incoming traffic.

In my first practice run in this route (25K-loop) with my son, my GF 305 registered a total ascent of 4,593.6 feet (1,392 meters) not including the last steep hill between Tapia Park and Malibu Creek State Park, and a total descent of 4,217.4 feet (1,278 meters). After running the whole distance of the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run, I expect to run run twice the figures above as my total ascent & descent distances. The race started at an elevation of 600 feet (182 meters) and reached the highest peak of 2,528 feet (766 meters) at the end of Bulldog & Corral Canyon Trails. And I have to run through the peaks and the trails twice under the heat of the sun!

Continue reading “My First Ultramarathon Race: Bulldog 50K” →

Race Strategy & Tactics: Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Running5 Comments

1. Finish The Race—The ultimate objective in participating to this ultramarathon trail race is to finish the race. This will be my first ultramarathon trail run and treat this as my benchmark for future training in ultramarathon races.

2. Think Time, Not Distance—Since this will be a run along the mountain trails of Malibu & Calabasas, my average pace will be slower and I have to finish the race within the 9-hour limit, starting at 6:30 AM and closing the race at 3:30 PM. I should be able to run eack 25K loop within 4 hours or better.

3. Familiarity of the Race Route—I ran the 25-K loop twice, one week before and after the San Francisco Marathon finishing each run practice at 3:30 to 4 hours. At least, I have a knowledge of the route and had experienced running it during noontime. Continue reading “Race Strategy & Tactics: Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run” →

5 Days Before Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Runners' Training, Running5 Comments

Last Monday afternoon, I did a speed run around the neighborhood covering at least two blocks and this session was an impulsive action on my part just to test if I still have some speed on my legs. It had been months that I did not have this kind of speed drill due to the fact that I concentrated much on my endurance for the San Francisco Marathon and lately, for my first ultramarathon trail run this Saturday. The streets in the neighborhood is relatively flat with some ascending portions and I thought I could make some sprints along the sidewalk. And I did!

One loop has an average distance of 850 meters as my GF 305 registers 845 to 870 meters on those repetition runs I did. I was surprised to see that I averaged 4:30 minutes per kilometer on my pace for the whole speed session. I did eight (8) repetitions of the loop with at least 200-300-meter recovery runs in between reps. I was happy and surprised that I still have that speed with my legs and I guess, I am becoming faster with my average speed. Continue reading “5 Days Before Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run” →

Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run: Reminder Before Race Day

On By kingofpotsIn Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon2 Comments

I just received this reminder from my e-mail sent by the race organizers of the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run.

Dear JOVENAL:
Your event is coming up and we want to be sure you’re event day ready. Please take a moment to review your race registration information below:
Print and bring along to your event
Confirmation #: 33899847-071808171743
Name: Jovenal Narcise
Event Name: Bulldog 50K Ultra Run
Date: 08/23/08
Location: Malibu Creek State Park
Event Web Site:  
http://www.bulldogrun.com
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Safety ID Tag, Like Road ID
Post Event Snack
Plenty of Can-Do Attitude
We hope you have a safe, fun and successful race day!
Your friends at Active.com