1) Race Strategy---The only “goal” in running an ultramarathon race is to be able to finish the race within the prescribed “cut-off time”. Depending in one’s training and preparation, a runner must be able to determine his average pace and factor in his time for his rest in every Aid Station and time for brisk walking and other interruptions along the race route. In my conversation with Jerry aka High Altitude, I told him about the differences between running a marathon and an ultramarathon race. I would like to share my insights about such differences to my readers. In a marathon race, a runner has a target time goal to finish whether it is sub-3 hours, sub-4 or 5 hours while in an ultramarathon race, the runner has only one thing in his mind---to survive the distance and be able to finish within the prescribed cut-off time. A marathon runner talks and tries to satisfy his programmed split times whenever he reaches the following points---10K, 15K, half-marathon, 25K, 30K, and 32K for his last 10K distance before the finish line while a runner in ultramarathon does not follow any split times along the way. In a marathon race, it is an embarrassing experience if you walk along the route as you need to finish your race within the targeted goal time while in ultramarathon race, incorporating walking in between runs along the route is a “wise move” for every runner. In a marathon race, a runner is expecting to reach his “wall” after running a distance of 32 kilometers for the simple reason that this is the longest distance he had reached in his long steady runs during his training while in ultramarathon, a runner does not force himself to reach his “wall” but instead tries to prevent that “wall” from coming to him.
2) Hydrate and Eat---It is important to drink water or sports drinks along the way. During the “test run”, I always make a habit to sip water from my bottled water every kilometer marker that I reach or pass making sure that I will not experience being thirsty along the way. However, once I reach the Aid Station, I see to it that I drink at least one cup of water or half of the bottled water. During the test, I always eat one boiled egg and one boiled banana every time I stop at the Aid Station making sure that I have a source of energy during the run. Gatorade and Propel Drinks had been helpful for my replenishment for electrolytes and I regularly drink them in every Aid Station. I observed that by eating something, whether it is a boiled banana, boiled sweet potatoe (camote), Sky Flakes Crackers, Cloud 9 Chocolate Bars, boiled eggs, or sports gels/sports bars in every Aid Station, I can run without any feeling of being tired and sluggish. I believe that by regularly eating some solid foods and drinking water in every Aid Station, it prevented me from reaching my “wall” and I did not experience any cramps or soreness on my body for the whole duration of the run.
3) Listen To Your Body---I perspire a lot during my runs and it gives me a warning to drink more water/sports drinks if I observe that I am no longer perspiring. Sometimes, the color of my urine would also determine if I need to hydrate myself. A yellowish color of my urine would warn me to drink more water along the way. If you can’t urinate and perspire for some time during the run even if it hot, it is a sign that your body needs more water and there is a need to drink more water/sports drinks. If you feel some pain in any part of your body, try to observe by slowing down. And if the pain persists, you better walk and observe if the pain will go away. If something happens to your stomach and you need to take your crap, immediately drop by in one of the gasoline stations and use their toilet. If you feel a hot sensation on your head and starting to have a slight headache because of the heat of the sun, take a water-soaked foam/sponge and drip some water on top of your head and let your runner’s cap to be damped/wet as a coolant.
4) Rest But Keep On Moving---You can rest in the Aid Station but keep on moving your legs. You can sit but don’t take so much of your time sitting as your legs would become more stiff after standing from the chair. Try to rub or massage part/s of your legs where there pain or soreness while resting. Also, try to stretch the muscles which you think had contracted in the course of running for some time.
5) Respect The Sun---It was surprising to observe that the sun was on our backs while we were running from Abucay, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga. The heat of the sun was our main “enemy” during the run. I had to use my special “bandana” which have some “crystals” in it that expands when soaked in water and have it soaked in cold water every time I reach the Aid Station. I usually tie this “bandana” around my neck when I run with the heat of the sun. Aside from the bandana, I place a water-soaked foam on my upper back to cool-down the effect of the sun’s heat on my back. My running cap with a cover for my nape had also helped me a lot. On the last 15 kilometer of the “test run”, I also use another water-soaked foam to put water on top of my head by slowly squeezing the foam. The cold water doused my head made me more relaxed and focused with a “cooler head”. The use of a sunglass is a must to protect the eyes from the glare of the sun and the road. It also protects the eyes from dusts and debris caused by wind and vehicles passing along the road. The sunglass was also helpful in protecting our eyes when we passed by a burning field where the embers were scattered by the wind and were moving towards the runners.
6) Running Apparel---When dealing with the sun and running in longer duration, I usually use any white long-sleeved performance T-shirt. I have such shirts from NIKE, The North Face, and Patagonia. However, I chose the Patagonia shirt because it is soft and it would easily dry up while I am running. The running cap with a cape on the nape is a must. It was my first time to use a tight compression shorts for an ultra distance and it worked well during the run. However, it was my first time to experience a “burning” sensation on my crotch while I was seated inside the car on my way back to Manila. I guess that my crotch was not fully ventilated while I was running the distance with the use of the tight compression shorts. I never experienced such “sensation” or feeling whenever I use my TNF or Patagonia Trail Running Shorts. I hope to have more time to run under the heat of the sun with the use of my trail shorts in order to validate my observation that such shorts is better when running an ultramarathon distance as it promotes more ventilation to the body. During my dinner-conversation with Ben Gaetos, he observed that some of the runners during the “test run” were wearing dark-colored shirts and some were wearing tight compression pants up to the ankle underneath a running shorts. He advised that runners must be wearing light-colored long-sleeved shirts that do not absorb much heat from the sun and running attire must not be layered. On Running Shoes, for the entire run, I used the ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 for the comfort and stability of my running feet and it passed the test. I’ve been using this shoe in my long runs, “runabouts”, and midnight to sunrise run and I am satisfied with its performance. I was surprised to see lots of melted asphalt on the outsoles of my shoes which shows how hot the sun was during the run. As for the running socks, my local PUMA thick socks protected my feet from blisters.
7) Safety, Potable Water, Medical Assistance, Manpower, and Logistics Support---As the race organizer, these are the things that should be taken cared of for the benefit of the runners in an ultramarathon event. The race organizer must be able to feel and experience what the participants are experiencing while running the race so that he can predict and anticipate the needs of the runners. There are no frills and festive mood at the start and finish areas of an ultramarathon race. There are no Emcees, no festive music and loud speakers, no balloons, no late registrations and walk-in participants during race day, and no politics involved. What is more important is to support the needs of the runners in terms of food, water, medical support, safety, and motivation to finish the race.
8) Ultramarathon Support Costs A Fortune---Whether you are a runner-participant or the race organizer, managing and running an ultramarathon race event cost a lot of money, time and resources. The participants in last Sunday’s “Test Run” could attest the degree of logistical support given to them just to be able for everybody to successfully finish the run. It is my objective and overall interest to help each one of the participant to finish the ultramarathon event within the required cut-off time of 18 hours on D-Day. Even if I announced that runners must be able to support their own participation for the “test run”, I also prepared the basic support for those runners who did not have any support vehicle just to make the run as orderly and efficient as possible for everybody.
9) “Lapses” and Other Concerns Identified---It was through this “test run” that we were able to identify some lapses and problems in the conduct of the ultramarathon race. We are making some corrections and adjustments to make the needs of the runners more responsive during race day. Much to my desire to require each runner to monitor their weight before, during and after the race to determine if they are losing more water from their body and needs to be hydrated but I was advised by experts that there is no need to monitor each runner’s weight in a 100-Km race. Such medical protocol is usually done in 160-mile or more endurance runs. But just in case, there will be a simple and brief check on the weight of each runner at the starting area and at the finish line to determine if a runner is a victim of dehydration. A reduction of 3% of the runner’s weight at the finish line means that the runner is dehydrated and he needs to drink more water or sports drinks.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Bataan 52K "Test Run"
7:23 AM 22 February 2009: From KM # 50 (Abucay, Bataan) to KM # 102 (San Fernando, Pampanga)
As the Race Organizer of the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race, I deemed it necessary for the runner-applicants to join the Bataan 52K "Test Run" held last 22 February 2009 along the second-half segment of the race route. The Bataan 52K "Test Run" covers the actual route of the race from the Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 50 in Abucay, Bataan to Kilometer Post No # 102 which is located at the vicinity of the old Railway Statation in San Fernando, Pampanga. It is scheduled to start at 7:00 AM where each runner would be able to finish within a decent time of 9 hours.
The objectives of the "test run" are the following: (1) to train each runner-applicant for the specific situation or condition of the day as they reach the last half of the race course; (2) to orient the runners on the direction and locations of intersections and correct route towards the finish line; (3) to "rehearse" the administrative and logistics support system/plan for the race and be able to correct any lapses along the way; and (4) to test our communication system.
The runners assembled at 6:30 AM at the pre-designated area for the final preparation, instructions, coordination, and for accounting purposes. There were thirty-five (35) runner-applicants who joined in the said "test run". After a briefing by the Bald Runner, stretching exercises by Coach Salazar, "photo-ops" with the group of runners, and a prayer by Coach Salazar (again), the run started at 7:23 AM. The Bald Runner started and led the group of runners along the old National Highway as the group took the road, running with the traffic.
The runners were supported with two (2) Mobile Aid Stations, which were alternately positioned in every 2.5 to 3 kilometers, Security elements from the PNP, staff & personnel of Bald Runner's Events and an Ambulance with Medical Team from the Light Armor Divsion of the Philippine Army. A supply of 100 bottles of Gatorade, 100 bottles of Propel Drinks, 500 bottles of PURE Water courtesy of Armand Fernando and Jonel aka Bugobugo85, hard-boiled eggs, Cloud 9 Chocolates, boiled sweet potatoes, boiled bananas, Sky Flakes crackers, water-soaked foams, and Halo-Halo treat for each runner at Razon's in the vicinity of Kilometer Post # 91, composed of the logistics & support for the runners. At least one half of the number of runners had their respective support crew and vehicles.
The test run went smoothly as planned and all the 35 runner-applicants finished the run without any problems or injuries within the decent time of 9 hours even if we had a 45-minute stop/rest at Razon's. The heat of the sun took its toll to each of the runner but through consistent hydration and eating of available food at the Mobile Aid Stations, each runner was able to withstand the challenge of running an ultramarathon distance.
My congratulations to the finishers as I believe they could withstand the challenge of the actual race for the 102K distance on 05 April 2009. Lessons had been learned during this "test run" and I hope the runners and the support staff would be able to adjust their training/preparation and implementation of their plans & strategy for the race. My thanks also goes to the numerous donors who supported the logistics and administrative requirements of the "test run".
From the feedbacks reaching me, I consider the Bataan 52K "Test Run" a success!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race Route
The Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race will start inside the Bataan Death March Park where the Kilometer # 00 is located. All the participants will run along the cemented and asphalted National Highway towards the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The first 3 kilometers will be flat as the road starts its ascending or uphill part towards the peak of the mountain. Runners will experience running along a winding uphill road for the next 4 kilometers until the road reaches its peak at Km # 7+. The runners are advised to wear and put on their headlights or flashlights on this winding road as there are no sidewalks along this road. However, once the runners would have cleared the mountain road, the highway will be wider with wide sidewalks on both sides of the road.
As one of our Major Sponsors in this race, all PETRON Gasoline Stations’ Comfort Rooms will be open for everybody in case of personal necessities while running along the route of the race.
At Km Post # 23, runners will take the right turn towards the town of Limay and Orion before going back to the Roman Highway.
At Km Post # 32, runners will again take the right turn towards the town of Pilar and City of Balanga. At the City Proper of Balanga, Km Post # 44 is located at the City Park but it is located along the street one block away (parallel) from the old National Highway where you are running. Don’t go to the said street where Km Post # 44 is located, just continue running towards Abucay along the road where you are. Km Post # 50 should be near the Gaz Xpress Gasoline Station & Abucay Mega Market.
As runners leave Hermosa, Km Post # 67 will be at the intersection of the road going to Hermosa Poblacion and the Roman Highway. Km Post # 68 is located at the World War II Monument & Park in Dinalupihan where the road going to Subic Bay Freeport intersects with the National Highway.
From the Dinalupihan Crossing, runners will be running along the National Highway for almost 15 kilometers. Runners are advised to take extra precaution while running along this segment of the race route due to the presence of fast moving vehicles. Km Post # 82 could be seen at the vicinity of the Lubao Bridge and after passing this bridge, Km Post # 83 would be at the intersection of the National Highway and the road going to Guagua. Turn right towards Guagua until you reach the Poblacion. Runners must skip going around the park in Guagua as all runners could immediately turn left to a road that connects to the road that goes to Bacolor. Poblacion Guagua is where Km Post # 90 is located.
If you see a Gasoline Station on your left where the first Original “Razon” Restaurant/Eatery is located, a runner has still 11 kilometers to go before the finish line. The restaurant takes only 5 minutes to prepare for your Palabok & their famous Halo-Halo before you can proceed with your last segment of the race. I suggest you taste or eat these recommended orders from the said restaurant during the race!
After some short bridges and sights of lahar/open fields on both sides along the way, the road will be flat with the remaining kilometer posts visible on the right side of the road until you reach a blue-colored km post which indicates Km # 101 & located infront of a factory. Few meters ahead is towards the Provincial Capitol and infront of the Pampanga Provincial Capitol, there is a small alley on the left side of the road and the runner must turn left towards this road. 60-70 meters from the turning point is the Finish Line of the Race.
Good luck to the participants. See you this Sunday morning in Abucay, Bataan.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
22 Feb '09: Bataan 102 "Test Run"
This is the first pre-requisite for each participant for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race to undertake and complete and as such, this will be a “test run” for everybody. A “test run” in the sense that it will determine if each of the participant has the endurance, will-power, and attitude to finish a 52-kilometer distance run under the heat of the sun. For those who had been training for this ultramarathon event since last year, you will be running along the last half of the distance of the ultramarathon event on the very exact place or route of the race.
The assembly time will be at 6:30AM on 22 February 2009. The meeting place or assembly area will be at the Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 50 located along the old National Highway in Abucay, Bataan. To be specific, the assembly area will be at the vicinity of the GAZ Xpress Gasoline Station and the Abucay Mega Market in Abucay, Bataan. If you will be coming from Balanga, Bataan, just take the old National Highway from the City Plaza and proceed towards eastern direction for about 6 kilometers and the Km 50 Post would be visible on the right side of the road. The “test run” will start at exactly 7:00AM. Why? This is estimated time that most of the runners/participants must have finished the first 50 kilometers of the race, from Mariveles to Balanga or Abucay, Bataan.
The finish line of the “test run” will be at the Old Railway Station in San Fernando, Pampanga which is the same finish line during race day. The Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 102 is located near the old building of the railway station and near the National Historic Institute’s Marker which is a red-painted big rock.
For those runners who have the capability to have their personal support vehicle/crew and pacers, they could bring such support with them during the “test run”. However, they are discouraged from riding to their vehicles and “leapfrog” from one place to another up to the finish line. We will adopt a “honor system” during this run. Better yet, as agreed, this will be a “group run” where the faster runners would wait for the slower runners up to the finish line. The purpose of this run is to acquaint yourself with the terrain, weather, and the actual route of the race.
There will be road marshals on specific road turns most especially when the runners reach the towns of Lubao, Guagua, Bacolor and the City of San Fernando. Extra safety precaution will be observed by each runner while running along the route as there is a limited space along the sidewalk. Runners are encouraged to run on the left side of the road, facing the incoming traffic.
With the benevolence of some of the runner-participants, free water and sports drinks will be available along the route. If plans permit, boiled sweet (camote) potatoes and boiled bananas will be available also to all the participants along the route. However, for contingency purposes, participants are encouraged to bring with them cash as there are available convenience stores along the way.
Ladies & Gentlemen, treat this “test run” as one of our Sunday’s “runabouts”. Good luck & see you at the Assembly Area this Sunday.
The assembly time will be at 6:30AM on 22 February 2009. The meeting place or assembly area will be at the Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 50 located along the old National Highway in Abucay, Bataan. To be specific, the assembly area will be at the vicinity of the GAZ Xpress Gasoline Station and the Abucay Mega Market in Abucay, Bataan. If you will be coming from Balanga, Bataan, just take the old National Highway from the City Plaza and proceed towards eastern direction for about 6 kilometers and the Km 50 Post would be visible on the right side of the road. The “test run” will start at exactly 7:00AM. Why? This is estimated time that most of the runners/participants must have finished the first 50 kilometers of the race, from Mariveles to Balanga or Abucay, Bataan.
The finish line of the “test run” will be at the Old Railway Station in San Fernando, Pampanga which is the same finish line during race day. The Bataan Death March Kilometer Post # 102 is located near the old building of the railway station and near the National Historic Institute’s Marker which is a red-painted big rock.
For those runners who have the capability to have their personal support vehicle/crew and pacers, they could bring such support with them during the “test run”. However, they are discouraged from riding to their vehicles and “leapfrog” from one place to another up to the finish line. We will adopt a “honor system” during this run. Better yet, as agreed, this will be a “group run” where the faster runners would wait for the slower runners up to the finish line. The purpose of this run is to acquaint yourself with the terrain, weather, and the actual route of the race.
There will be road marshals on specific road turns most especially when the runners reach the towns of Lubao, Guagua, Bacolor and the City of San Fernando. Extra safety precaution will be observed by each runner while running along the route as there is a limited space along the sidewalk. Runners are encouraged to run on the left side of the road, facing the incoming traffic.
With the benevolence of some of the runner-participants, free water and sports drinks will be available along the route. If plans permit, boiled sweet (camote) potatoes and boiled bananas will be available also to all the participants along the route. However, for contingency purposes, participants are encouraged to bring with them cash as there are available convenience stores along the way.
Ladies & Gentlemen, treat this “test run” as one of our Sunday’s “runabouts”. Good luck & see you at the Assembly Area this Sunday.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Race Report: Power Run 15K Race
6:00AM 15 February 2009 @ SM Mall of Asia & PICC Complex
Yesterday, I posted my predictions about today's road race. Actually, I forgot to mention the lack of kilometer markings for the said race and instead posted a corrected version of my post in my blogger site (www.baldrunner.blogspot.com). I made those predictions to warn other runners to expect that this race will not be as perfect as they wanted to be. Except for the "perfect weather" for the race which I did not specifically stated, although I was expecting a hot, sunny and humid on the last half of the race, all the things I've predicted about the road race came true!
The Good
1) Simple Program & Punctual Start---This is what I like with road races managed by MX Sports. The Emcee just simply announced the remaining minutes before the race starts and repeatedly informed the runners that the race starts at exactly 6:00AM. The race started at exactly 6:00AM as registered in my GF 305 watch with a simple countdown from the Emcee and a simple "fire" sound from a track pistol.
2) No Problems & Hassles During Registration---I registered last Saturday and it was so easy. I observed also that the race organizer was accepting the registration of participants minutes before the start of the race within the assembly area. However, I was not able to get a hard copy of the road race route which I expected to be a part of my race packet. I depended much on the race route published by runner-bloggers and takbo.ph download copy of Jinoe. By looking at the race route, I was already expecting some "chaos & confusion" during the said race.
3) Nice Emcee & Sound System---So far, I like the way the Emcee delivered his message in order to inform the runners about the start of the 10K & 15K races. The sound system was also pleasing to my ears and the background music made me sway and stretch my body and legs.
4) Fast Course---This is a flat and fast course and I predicted a PR best time to the students ("speed" training) and members of the Team Bald Runner in their respective road race.
The Bad
All my predictions were true! There was "chaos, confusion and lots of whining" along the road from the runners. Running two loops at the PICC Complex created the first confusion among the runners. When the runners were back to the MOA Grounds after coming from the PICC Complex and Macapagal Highway, another confusion occurred where I saw two top contenders for the 15K were lost. Instead of being ahead of us, they were actually going opposite to our direction. It was too late when they realized that they were on the wrong road as they joined us. On the last stretch of the race, all the runners were complaining about the extra distance they had to run.
Some of the runners were confused as most of the roads at the MOA Grounds did not have road marshals. One runner who was mad about the situation, when he saw me coming, shouted and requested me to write a very long critique for this race. Another runner even shouted, "we just follow Bald Runner and for sure we'll not get lost to the finish line". Hehehe! I really like that! Another runner would always shout to every Security Guard and Road Marshall manning in some of the intersections that their race was confusing and he was complaining of the high cost for the registration fee. A lady runner (who was running third overall in the women's category) ran beside me and she was also loudly cursing for the confusion and lots of turns along the way. I spoke to her in a nice manner and said, "Don't Waste Your Energy Complaining, Focus Your Mind On Finishing the Race With More Strength". Another runner who ran beside me even suggested for me to organize a road race and bring back those road races I had conducted when I was the Chairman of the DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half-Marathon Road Races. Thanks, dude! You can experience how the Bald Runner conducts a road race if you join the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race this coming 05 April 2009.
Since I've predicted those things that will go wrong on the day of the race, I just concentrated my mind in finishing the race. Just when I've expected to have a dash on the last 700 meters before the Finish Line as my GF 305 registered a distance covered at 14.3 kilometers, a road marshal directed us to turn right to a road where the 15K runners had to get their 3rd and last straw at the end of this road and then back to the road that leads us to the Finish Line. I was sorry to frustrate the lady runner beside me when I told her that we still have 700 meters left to go before the Finish Line.
No pictures of me (running along the route) taken by my staff. Even my staff who had been taking my pictures during road races was also confused about the route of the race. Because of those so many turns and roads we had to go through inside the MOA Grounds, my staff was not able to locate me and decided to just wait for me at the Finish Line.
The Ugly
1) Longer Distance---I predicted that this race would lack a hundred meters for the supposed 15K distance or at least, accurate to the nearest 50-100 meters, plus or minus. However, my GF 305 registered a distance of 16.8 kilometers! We ran an extra distance of 1.8 kilometers.
2) Runners Competing With Vehicles On the Route---I thought I would not experience what other runners had experienced before in road intersections where public utility jeeps would just cross your path and stop infront of you. I exactly experienced that kind of situation at the vicinity of the "Globe" fixture infront of MOA. There was no road marshal on that particular intersection and the driver of the jeep "competed and raced" with us to cross the intersection and made a quick U-turn. Instead of making a quick U-turn, the driver simply stopped and his jeep blocked our way few inches from us. It could have been a case of a "runner bumping a jeepney vehicle" and not the other way around if we did not stop! Sometimes, such case distracts one's momentum and pace.
3) No "Freebies" At The Finish Line---After finishing the race, I was trying to look for bottled water or sports drinks at the vicinity of the Finish Line but my staff informed me that there was no water or drinks available. I did not see any "Certificates" being given to the runners at they complete the race.
4) "Donate A Shoe" Booth Got Bumped-Off (Again!)---While I was busy distributing the donated shoes to those runners with "old and tattered" shoes, our "makeshift" booth was surrounded by Security Guards of DJA Security Agency of MOA for the simple reason that the race organizer was following/implementing a "policy" where my booth was not allowed to operate in the said area. I really did not understand why "these people" would question the presence of my booth even if our intentions/objectives are clear and noble (to help other people) and that we don't earn any income from this advocacy. Hey, guys, your actuations will not stop us from pursuing our advocacy (even without media exposure) as we have plans of going to the suburbs and provinces around Metro Manila in order to help other runners. To the Race Organizer, if we made some "lapses" or did not coordinate with you in our desire to distribute those donated shoes we received from our benefactors, we are sorry for not coordinating with you but a simple consideration for allowing us to distribute those shoes would had been a very positive points for you. Guys, my project had been around for the past one year and if you don't know about this "Donate A Shoe"-thing, you probably do not read or visit this blog. Well, if you want to improve the way you conduct your races and know the "voice" and feedbacks of your paying runners, you better start visiting/reading this runner's blog.
5) Quality and Smell of Air---The quality and smell of the air each runner breath while running is very poor.
6) Lastly, very expensive registration fee---I usually hear this feedback from the runners beside me during the race. I really don't mind the cost of the registration fee if the race organizer provides safety along the route, abundant clean drinking water, and for the benefit of a certain "cause" to help the less-fortunate ones or for some "noble" programs/projects.
The Best
1) Thanks For the VIP Treatment---As I entered the Starting Area, runners came to me for "photo-ops" and I received more greetings from the other runners as we waited for the race to start. As I was running, more runners would greet me whether I was trying to overtake them or while the runners would pass on me or while these runners were staying/running beside me. Guys, thanks again for those greetings while we are on the road race. I hope my "hand wave" and simple words of "thanks", "banat!" and "malapit na ang finish line" to you would be enough to acknowledge your greetings. As a matter of request though, please stop calling me "General", just simply call me "BR", "Bald Runner", or "Sir Jovie".
2) PR Best Time For 15K---My running friends would always ask me when will I stop registering a new PR every time I join a road race. I always answer them with a smile and tell them that I am doing my running workouts regularly and prepare for a marathon or an ultramarathon race to come. My last 15K road race best time was 1:14:43 hours during the VSO Bahaginan 15K Run held last November 2008 at The Fort. For this morning's 15K Race, I finished with a time of 1:20:03 hours with a distance of 16.8 kilometers as registered in my GF 305. The average pace was 4:45 minutes per kilometer which was within my target goal for the race. By simply deducting my elapsed time for the excess of 1.8 kilometers, my unofficial finish time for the 15K race would have been 1:11:14 hours which is an improvement from my VSO run by almost 3:30 minutes.
Lessons Learned
1) "Speed" Training by Team Bald Runner works well and slowly adapting to my body capability.
2) There is a need to continue with my supplementary weight training and have my gym workouts at least twice a week.
3) There is no "secret formula" for runners to improve on their finish times as they grow older. As the famous Dr George Sheehan would say that running is an "experiment of one", I am still on the process of "experimenting" on how I could improve my finish times as I add more year/s to my age. Since I don't follow any training program, a combination of speed, endurance and hardwork are the key ingredients to my preparations. Whether it is on the training, nutrition, medicine, supplementary weight training, Cross Fit, P90X, and mental positive attitude, what is important is to allow the body to adapt and recover from training and actual road race competitions.
4) Stay Cool & Relaxed but Fast in Road Races. I have already an inkling on what to expect during the road race through my predictions. I have already conditioned myself that the things that I've experienced during the Resolution Challenge which was held last month would happen again because of my impression that the race will be managed by the same race organizer. After running for the first few kilometers, I already knew that my predictions were coming true and just maintained and focused my efforts in coming up with another best finish time for the 15K distance.
To the members of the Team Bald Runner, congratulations on your respective PR best time on the said race. Everybody is getting faster!!!
Yesterday, I posted my predictions about today's road race. Actually, I forgot to mention the lack of kilometer markings for the said race and instead posted a corrected version of my post in my blogger site (www.baldrunner.blogspot.com). I made those predictions to warn other runners to expect that this race will not be as perfect as they wanted to be. Except for the "perfect weather" for the race which I did not specifically stated, although I was expecting a hot, sunny and humid on the last half of the race, all the things I've predicted about the road race came true!
The Good
1) Simple Program & Punctual Start---This is what I like with road races managed by MX Sports. The Emcee just simply announced the remaining minutes before the race starts and repeatedly informed the runners that the race starts at exactly 6:00AM. The race started at exactly 6:00AM as registered in my GF 305 watch with a simple countdown from the Emcee and a simple "fire" sound from a track pistol.
2) No Problems & Hassles During Registration---I registered last Saturday and it was so easy. I observed also that the race organizer was accepting the registration of participants minutes before the start of the race within the assembly area. However, I was not able to get a hard copy of the road race route which I expected to be a part of my race packet. I depended much on the race route published by runner-bloggers and takbo.ph download copy of Jinoe. By looking at the race route, I was already expecting some "chaos & confusion" during the said race.
3) Nice Emcee & Sound System---So far, I like the way the Emcee delivered his message in order to inform the runners about the start of the 10K & 15K races. The sound system was also pleasing to my ears and the background music made me sway and stretch my body and legs.
4) Fast Course---This is a flat and fast course and I predicted a PR best time to the students ("speed" training) and members of the Team Bald Runner in their respective road race.
The Bad
All my predictions were true! There was "chaos, confusion and lots of whining" along the road from the runners. Running two loops at the PICC Complex created the first confusion among the runners. When the runners were back to the MOA Grounds after coming from the PICC Complex and Macapagal Highway, another confusion occurred where I saw two top contenders for the 15K were lost. Instead of being ahead of us, they were actually going opposite to our direction. It was too late when they realized that they were on the wrong road as they joined us. On the last stretch of the race, all the runners were complaining about the extra distance they had to run.
Some of the runners were confused as most of the roads at the MOA Grounds did not have road marshals. One runner who was mad about the situation, when he saw me coming, shouted and requested me to write a very long critique for this race. Another runner even shouted, "we just follow Bald Runner and for sure we'll not get lost to the finish line". Hehehe! I really like that! Another runner would always shout to every Security Guard and Road Marshall manning in some of the intersections that their race was confusing and he was complaining of the high cost for the registration fee. A lady runner (who was running third overall in the women's category) ran beside me and she was also loudly cursing for the confusion and lots of turns along the way. I spoke to her in a nice manner and said, "Don't Waste Your Energy Complaining, Focus Your Mind On Finishing the Race With More Strength". Another runner who ran beside me even suggested for me to organize a road race and bring back those road races I had conducted when I was the Chairman of the DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half-Marathon Road Races. Thanks, dude! You can experience how the Bald Runner conducts a road race if you join the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race this coming 05 April 2009.
Since I've predicted those things that will go wrong on the day of the race, I just concentrated my mind in finishing the race. Just when I've expected to have a dash on the last 700 meters before the Finish Line as my GF 305 registered a distance covered at 14.3 kilometers, a road marshal directed us to turn right to a road where the 15K runners had to get their 3rd and last straw at the end of this road and then back to the road that leads us to the Finish Line. I was sorry to frustrate the lady runner beside me when I told her that we still have 700 meters left to go before the Finish Line.
No pictures of me (running along the route) taken by my staff. Even my staff who had been taking my pictures during road races was also confused about the route of the race. Because of those so many turns and roads we had to go through inside the MOA Grounds, my staff was not able to locate me and decided to just wait for me at the Finish Line.
The Ugly
1) Longer Distance---I predicted that this race would lack a hundred meters for the supposed 15K distance or at least, accurate to the nearest 50-100 meters, plus or minus. However, my GF 305 registered a distance of 16.8 kilometers! We ran an extra distance of 1.8 kilometers.
2) Runners Competing With Vehicles On the Route---I thought I would not experience what other runners had experienced before in road intersections where public utility jeeps would just cross your path and stop infront of you. I exactly experienced that kind of situation at the vicinity of the "Globe" fixture infront of MOA. There was no road marshal on that particular intersection and the driver of the jeep "competed and raced" with us to cross the intersection and made a quick U-turn. Instead of making a quick U-turn, the driver simply stopped and his jeep blocked our way few inches from us. It could have been a case of a "runner bumping a jeepney vehicle" and not the other way around if we did not stop! Sometimes, such case distracts one's momentum and pace.
3) No "Freebies" At The Finish Line---After finishing the race, I was trying to look for bottled water or sports drinks at the vicinity of the Finish Line but my staff informed me that there was no water or drinks available. I did not see any "Certificates" being given to the runners at they complete the race.
4) "Donate A Shoe" Booth Got Bumped-Off (Again!)---While I was busy distributing the donated shoes to those runners with "old and tattered" shoes, our "makeshift" booth was surrounded by Security Guards of DJA Security Agency of MOA for the simple reason that the race organizer was following/implementing a "policy" where my booth was not allowed to operate in the said area. I really did not understand why "these people" would question the presence of my booth even if our intentions/objectives are clear and noble (to help other people) and that we don't earn any income from this advocacy. Hey, guys, your actuations will not stop us from pursuing our advocacy (even without media exposure) as we have plans of going to the suburbs and provinces around Metro Manila in order to help other runners. To the Race Organizer, if we made some "lapses" or did not coordinate with you in our desire to distribute those donated shoes we received from our benefactors, we are sorry for not coordinating with you but a simple consideration for allowing us to distribute those shoes would had been a very positive points for you. Guys, my project had been around for the past one year and if you don't know about this "Donate A Shoe"-thing, you probably do not read or visit this blog. Well, if you want to improve the way you conduct your races and know the "voice" and feedbacks of your paying runners, you better start visiting/reading this runner's blog.
5) Quality and Smell of Air---The quality and smell of the air each runner breath while running is very poor.
6) Lastly, very expensive registration fee---I usually hear this feedback from the runners beside me during the race. I really don't mind the cost of the registration fee if the race organizer provides safety along the route, abundant clean drinking water, and for the benefit of a certain "cause" to help the less-fortunate ones or for some "noble" programs/projects.
The Best
1) Thanks For the VIP Treatment---As I entered the Starting Area, runners came to me for "photo-ops" and I received more greetings from the other runners as we waited for the race to start. As I was running, more runners would greet me whether I was trying to overtake them or while the runners would pass on me or while these runners were staying/running beside me. Guys, thanks again for those greetings while we are on the road race. I hope my "hand wave" and simple words of "thanks", "banat!" and "malapit na ang finish line" to you would be enough to acknowledge your greetings. As a matter of request though, please stop calling me "General", just simply call me "BR", "Bald Runner", or "Sir Jovie".
2) PR Best Time For 15K---My running friends would always ask me when will I stop registering a new PR every time I join a road race. I always answer them with a smile and tell them that I am doing my running workouts regularly and prepare for a marathon or an ultramarathon race to come. My last 15K road race best time was 1:14:43 hours during the VSO Bahaginan 15K Run held last November 2008 at The Fort. For this morning's 15K Race, I finished with a time of 1:20:03 hours with a distance of 16.8 kilometers as registered in my GF 305. The average pace was 4:45 minutes per kilometer which was within my target goal for the race. By simply deducting my elapsed time for the excess of 1.8 kilometers, my unofficial finish time for the 15K race would have been 1:11:14 hours which is an improvement from my VSO run by almost 3:30 minutes.
Lessons Learned
1) "Speed" Training by Team Bald Runner works well and slowly adapting to my body capability.
2) There is a need to continue with my supplementary weight training and have my gym workouts at least twice a week.
3) There is no "secret formula" for runners to improve on their finish times as they grow older. As the famous Dr George Sheehan would say that running is an "experiment of one", I am still on the process of "experimenting" on how I could improve my finish times as I add more year/s to my age. Since I don't follow any training program, a combination of speed, endurance and hardwork are the key ingredients to my preparations. Whether it is on the training, nutrition, medicine, supplementary weight training, Cross Fit, P90X, and mental positive attitude, what is important is to allow the body to adapt and recover from training and actual road race competitions.
4) Stay Cool & Relaxed but Fast in Road Races. I have already an inkling on what to expect during the road race through my predictions. I have already conditioned myself that the things that I've experienced during the Resolution Challenge which was held last month would happen again because of my impression that the race will be managed by the same race organizer. After running for the first few kilometers, I already knew that my predictions were coming true and just maintained and focused my efforts in coming up with another best finish time for the 15K distance.
To the members of the Team Bald Runner, congratulations on your respective PR best time on the said race. Everybody is getting faster!!!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
My Predictions For Tomorrow's Run (Power Run @ MOA)
I just finished my 30-minute “active recovery” run on the ULTRA Oval Track and along the roads surrounding the track and my mind was busy thinking of the race tomorrow at the MOA Grounds & PICC Area. Based from my experience and observations during the Resolution Challenge 10K Run, I am anticipating that the same experiences will be repeated and I just hope that the race organizers were able to correct their deficiencies in the said run. I am coming up these predictions:
1) More Runners Attending This Race—As this is the only race scheduled for this weekend, I predict that more runners will participate in this road race. More runners means more excitement and fun!
2) Chaos, Confusion, & More “Whiners”—Reviewing the published race route for the 15K & other distance races, a runner will be confused following those arrows along the streets at PICC Complex and MOA Grounds to include some portions of the Macapagal Avenue. If the road organizer will not deploy more road marshalls and signs, I predict that most of the runners will get lost. I encourage the participants to review the route or if not, go to the exact route and conduct a visual “reconnaissance” or run/walk through.
3) Nice Sound System & Emcee—This is what I’ve observed when I ran the Resolution Challenge last month, the “sounds” are tolerable and the Emcee’s voice was pleasing to my ears.
4) Water & Hydration System—There will be water stations along the route but I predict that the water supply will not be enough. So, for those running the 15K race, I suggest you bring your hydration belt aside from the fact that the race will be starting at 6:00AM which I think will be a late start time for the 15K runners.
5) Road Race “Cheaters” or Road Race “Shortcut” Runners—I hate to mention this but I’ve observed that some runners with the “middle group” are making some “shortcuts” at the PICC Complex area. I predict that this thing will happen again as the runners will be doing two loops at the said area. I hope the race organizers will have a way to determine if runners had completed two loops on the said portion of the route.
6) More Ribbons or Straws—I don’t want to count the number of turns a runner would pass on this race. I think the route has more turns than the number of kilometers that each runner will run. I really don’t know how the race organizer will determine if a runner had passed the numerous turns along the route. I am expecting that more straws will be placed on my neck before finishing the 15K race.
7) Runners Competing With Vehicles—Even if the roads will be wide for all the runner, I predict that vehicles plying on these roads will be there competing with the runners. I suggest that runners should be extra careful during the race and be vigilant/observant on their surroundings. This is the very reason why I don’t use my Ipod or MP3 player while running. Macapagal Avenue is a wide road but every runner should be extra careful while running on this road and crossing on its intersections as there are no prescribed speed limits on this road.
8) No Kilometer Markings---There will be no kilometer markings along the route. Runners with Garmin Forerunner watches will have the advantage as they would be able to know the distance covered while running along the route. However, those runners who know their pace could easily estimate their distance covered through their watches with stopwatch function.
9) Accurate Race Distance—I just hope the race organizer had corrected this problem. Anyway, I still predict that the race distance will not be accurate.
10) Record-Breaking PR Road Race—As most of the runners of the Team Bald Runner’s “speed” training and the Hardcores/Power Runners will be participating in this road race, I predict that the students of our “speed” training will be proudly “barking” their new PR best for the 15K race after the race. Guys, I am really proud of you and advance Congratulations! Prepare to treat us for a Jollibee breakfast after the race!!!
To all the runners, Good Luck and Have Fun. Happy Valentine’s Day to Everybody!
1) More Runners Attending This Race—As this is the only race scheduled for this weekend, I predict that more runners will participate in this road race. More runners means more excitement and fun!
2) Chaos, Confusion, & More “Whiners”—Reviewing the published race route for the 15K & other distance races, a runner will be confused following those arrows along the streets at PICC Complex and MOA Grounds to include some portions of the Macapagal Avenue. If the road organizer will not deploy more road marshalls and signs, I predict that most of the runners will get lost. I encourage the participants to review the route or if not, go to the exact route and conduct a visual “reconnaissance” or run/walk through.
3) Nice Sound System & Emcee—This is what I’ve observed when I ran the Resolution Challenge last month, the “sounds” are tolerable and the Emcee’s voice was pleasing to my ears.
4) Water & Hydration System—There will be water stations along the route but I predict that the water supply will not be enough. So, for those running the 15K race, I suggest you bring your hydration belt aside from the fact that the race will be starting at 6:00AM which I think will be a late start time for the 15K runners.
5) Road Race “Cheaters” or Road Race “Shortcut” Runners—I hate to mention this but I’ve observed that some runners with the “middle group” are making some “shortcuts” at the PICC Complex area. I predict that this thing will happen again as the runners will be doing two loops at the said area. I hope the race organizers will have a way to determine if runners had completed two loops on the said portion of the route.
6) More Ribbons or Straws—I don’t want to count the number of turns a runner would pass on this race. I think the route has more turns than the number of kilometers that each runner will run. I really don’t know how the race organizer will determine if a runner had passed the numerous turns along the route. I am expecting that more straws will be placed on my neck before finishing the 15K race.
7) Runners Competing With Vehicles—Even if the roads will be wide for all the runner, I predict that vehicles plying on these roads will be there competing with the runners. I suggest that runners should be extra careful during the race and be vigilant/observant on their surroundings. This is the very reason why I don’t use my Ipod or MP3 player while running. Macapagal Avenue is a wide road but every runner should be extra careful while running on this road and crossing on its intersections as there are no prescribed speed limits on this road.
8) No Kilometer Markings---There will be no kilometer markings along the route. Runners with Garmin Forerunner watches will have the advantage as they would be able to know the distance covered while running along the route. However, those runners who know their pace could easily estimate their distance covered through their watches with stopwatch function.
9) Accurate Race Distance—I just hope the race organizer had corrected this problem. Anyway, I still predict that the race distance will not be accurate.
10) Record-Breaking PR Road Race—As most of the runners of the Team Bald Runner’s “speed” training and the Hardcores/Power Runners will be participating in this road race, I predict that the students of our “speed” training will be proudly “barking” their new PR best for the 15K race after the race. Guys, I am really proud of you and advance Congratulations! Prepare to treat us for a Jollibee breakfast after the race!!!
To all the runners, Good Luck and Have Fun. Happy Valentine’s Day to Everybody!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Lessons Learned: 12MN-6AM/Midnight To Sunrise Run
Lessons Learned: 12MN-6AM/Midnight To Sunrise Run
1) Sleep Before the Run—I admit I was not able to sleep in the afternoon and early evening of Saturday, although I planned and forced myself to sleep and lie on my bed. But the excitement of running my first midnight to sunrise/6-Hour run made me awake thinking of how I would be able to last the run during the time where I am used to be sleeping and snoring soundly. The last few hours before going to the assembly area were used in thinking all the detailed preparations for the run from the running attire to what I was going to use for my hydration pack and the food to take. It was only in this run where I did not write a list of things to prepare. In almost all my races, I prepare a checklist and have each item checked if it is already in my bag or already worn them on my body.
2) Ultra Running Needs A Lot Of Logistics—For this particular run, I did not bring my support system. I depended much to my hydration pack with water and cash to buy food and other needs in open convenience stores. I was fully concentrated in running that I forgot to take or buy any sports energy drinks and brought along with me my GU ROCTANE sports gel which had been very effective to me in my long runs. After eating a Jollibee Spaghetti & Yam Burger at the 21-Km point, I forgot to drink any sports drinks and just drank water every time I completed two loops of the 4.25K-loop at the MOA grounds. I really appreciate the other runners who brought their own vehicles with their coolers filled with bottled drinks & water and bananas. Guys, thanks for sharing me your “baon”.
3) Slow Start, Strong Finish—I need to discipline myself on this one. I have the tendency to pick up the pace when I am running with somebody on my sides. Norio Tanaka, a Japanese married to a Filipina, is a very fast and strong runner at the age of 61 and he just had his angioplasty last November 2008. Norio had been with me for at least two loops and he ran very strong. Charlie Chua was also strong and the rest of the members of the Team Bald Runner and Power Runners. The presence of these runners made me ran faster to catch up with Ralph and Albert who were steadily maintaining a pace of 5:20 minutes per kilometer. But in the end, my pace became slower as I tried to observe my body and leg muscles if there are any aches, pains, and soreness while running within the 32 to 38 kilometer distance. With 15 minutes remaining before the deadline at 6:00AM, I decided to brisk walk for one loop as my cool-down exercise. Next time, I need to start slow and preserve my energy for more strength on the last phase of an ultra run event. I will let the faster runners get ahead of me with the thought of catching them on the last segment of the run.
4) Running Apparel—I anticipated that the running weather would be cooler and windy at the Seaside area and that was the reason why I wore a NIKE with semi-turtle necked collar & long-sleeved shirt. The shirt kept me warm throughout the run even if it was completely wet and damped with my sweat. I really liked the shirt because it maintained my body temperature and I did not feel any coldness even if the wind would blow towards my body. However, the shirt produced some rashes on my armpits and on the inner parts of my upper arms. I need to apply Body Glide on my upper arms if I will be using this running shirt again. The ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 gave me the much-needed comfort to my feet during the 6-hour run and I did not have any blisters or soreness on my legs.
5) Always Think That This Was Supposed To Be a Group Run—The Midnight To Sunrise Run was supposed to be an easy, slow, practice, and group run. Initially, it was a very relaxing run on our way to Luneta Park and back to Blue Wave where people along the way would be surprised to see us running along Roxas Boulevard. However, when we started running around the MOA grounds, it was already a test of endurance and sometimes, a test of speed among the runners. I am guilty of that kind of tendency of running faster or picking up the pace when running side by side with somebody. Whenever this happens, the strategy in finishing an ultramarathon event is always in jeopardy and I hate this to be happening. This was supposed to be a group run where everybody would be talking and sharing experiences with one another. I hope that such runs would be more time to know more about us and be able to think of ideas for better running performance and plans for our future “crazy” running events.
6) “No Retreat, No Surrender”—Running an ultramarathon event is not an easy walk in the park. Finishing an ultra running event is something you could be proud of because not everybody could run as “crazy” and strong as you are. This is where you will test the limit of your endurance and mental attitude. So, don’t ask yourself, why you are running an ultramarathon event whenever you are preparing for it because the answer of the “why” is that we are all “natural-born runners”. Ben Gaetos mentioned that ultramarathon is running in a “dark world” because of its purity and simplicity as one could imagine a lonely runner treading its way in the middle of a mountain trail or forest in the middle of the night as he/she spends more hours running/walking before reaching his destination. The other point is that running under the heat of the sun will somehow make us darker in complexion. In short, ultra runners don’t “whine”, they just run to fnish the race and have fun!
To: Albert aka Run2Dmoon, I will see to it that I will finally award your “1,000-Km Club” Finisher’s T-shirt the next time we see each other. Due to my excitement to join your workout, I forgot to bring your T-Shirt.
1) Sleep Before the Run—I admit I was not able to sleep in the afternoon and early evening of Saturday, although I planned and forced myself to sleep and lie on my bed. But the excitement of running my first midnight to sunrise/6-Hour run made me awake thinking of how I would be able to last the run during the time where I am used to be sleeping and snoring soundly. The last few hours before going to the assembly area were used in thinking all the detailed preparations for the run from the running attire to what I was going to use for my hydration pack and the food to take. It was only in this run where I did not write a list of things to prepare. In almost all my races, I prepare a checklist and have each item checked if it is already in my bag or already worn them on my body.
2) Ultra Running Needs A Lot Of Logistics—For this particular run, I did not bring my support system. I depended much to my hydration pack with water and cash to buy food and other needs in open convenience stores. I was fully concentrated in running that I forgot to take or buy any sports energy drinks and brought along with me my GU ROCTANE sports gel which had been very effective to me in my long runs. After eating a Jollibee Spaghetti & Yam Burger at the 21-Km point, I forgot to drink any sports drinks and just drank water every time I completed two loops of the 4.25K-loop at the MOA grounds. I really appreciate the other runners who brought their own vehicles with their coolers filled with bottled drinks & water and bananas. Guys, thanks for sharing me your “baon”.
3) Slow Start, Strong Finish—I need to discipline myself on this one. I have the tendency to pick up the pace when I am running with somebody on my sides. Norio Tanaka, a Japanese married to a Filipina, is a very fast and strong runner at the age of 61 and he just had his angioplasty last November 2008. Norio had been with me for at least two loops and he ran very strong. Charlie Chua was also strong and the rest of the members of the Team Bald Runner and Power Runners. The presence of these runners made me ran faster to catch up with Ralph and Albert who were steadily maintaining a pace of 5:20 minutes per kilometer. But in the end, my pace became slower as I tried to observe my body and leg muscles if there are any aches, pains, and soreness while running within the 32 to 38 kilometer distance. With 15 minutes remaining before the deadline at 6:00AM, I decided to brisk walk for one loop as my cool-down exercise. Next time, I need to start slow and preserve my energy for more strength on the last phase of an ultra run event. I will let the faster runners get ahead of me with the thought of catching them on the last segment of the run.
4) Running Apparel—I anticipated that the running weather would be cooler and windy at the Seaside area and that was the reason why I wore a NIKE with semi-turtle necked collar & long-sleeved shirt. The shirt kept me warm throughout the run even if it was completely wet and damped with my sweat. I really liked the shirt because it maintained my body temperature and I did not feel any coldness even if the wind would blow towards my body. However, the shirt produced some rashes on my armpits and on the inner parts of my upper arms. I need to apply Body Glide on my upper arms if I will be using this running shirt again. The ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 gave me the much-needed comfort to my feet during the 6-hour run and I did not have any blisters or soreness on my legs.
5) Always Think That This Was Supposed To Be a Group Run—The Midnight To Sunrise Run was supposed to be an easy, slow, practice, and group run. Initially, it was a very relaxing run on our way to Luneta Park and back to Blue Wave where people along the way would be surprised to see us running along Roxas Boulevard. However, when we started running around the MOA grounds, it was already a test of endurance and sometimes, a test of speed among the runners. I am guilty of that kind of tendency of running faster or picking up the pace when running side by side with somebody. Whenever this happens, the strategy in finishing an ultramarathon event is always in jeopardy and I hate this to be happening. This was supposed to be a group run where everybody would be talking and sharing experiences with one another. I hope that such runs would be more time to know more about us and be able to think of ideas for better running performance and plans for our future “crazy” running events.
6) “No Retreat, No Surrender”—Running an ultramarathon event is not an easy walk in the park. Finishing an ultra running event is something you could be proud of because not everybody could run as “crazy” and strong as you are. This is where you will test the limit of your endurance and mental attitude. So, don’t ask yourself, why you are running an ultramarathon event whenever you are preparing for it because the answer of the “why” is that we are all “natural-born runners”. Ben Gaetos mentioned that ultramarathon is running in a “dark world” because of its purity and simplicity as one could imagine a lonely runner treading its way in the middle of a mountain trail or forest in the middle of the night as he/she spends more hours running/walking before reaching his destination. The other point is that running under the heat of the sun will somehow make us darker in complexion. In short, ultra runners don’t “whine”, they just run to fnish the race and have fun!
To: Albert aka Run2Dmoon, I will see to it that I will finally award your “1,000-Km Club” Finisher’s T-shirt the next time we see each other. Due to my excitement to join your workout, I forgot to bring your T-Shirt.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
08 Feb '09: 12MN-6AM Midnight To Sunrise Run
This run was really for the hardcores and “crazy runners”. This was my first time to exprience this kind of running from midnight to sunrise and this event had brought us to another level of running experience.
Albert aka Run2Dmoon (http://run2dmoon.wordpress.com) had invited the participants of the 2009 Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race for a Midnight To Sunrise Run/6-Hour Run for the past weeks at the MOA-PICC-Luneta and Back Loop. The Hardcores missed the first scheduled run as the group had a “runabout” from UP Campus to Antipolo and back. So, the next scheduled practice run of Albert for the midnight run was fully attended by the registered participants of Bataan 102K and “guests” from across the seas.
As scheduled, the participants were already at the Blue Wave along Macapagal Avenue at 11:30 PM last night. I observed that the hardcores were punctual this time even if Jerry aka High Altitude had to come all the way from Silang, Cavite. The companions of Albert in last week’s Midnight Run were already at the assembly place. For the first time, I met Norio Tanaka, a 61-year old Japanese runner, who had been a permanent resident in the country for the past 10 years and married to a Filipina. Runner Rollie, who came from Tagaytay, was also there. The CAMANAVA Runners, Atty Jeffrey Abenina and Francisco Lapira Jr were there ready to run at least 10X around the loop. And for the first time, I met in person, Albert aka Run2Dmoon, the author and host for the said run. Kim O’Connell and Coach Jo-Ar were also there complete with their support vehicle. Of course, you would not miss the Hardcores/Team Bald Runners & Power Runners led by Jonel aka Bugobugo85 who had been always present in our past “runabouts”.
Of all surprises, my Pinoy Ultramarathon Trail runner friend, Ben Gaetos was also there ready to join us for the said run. Ben Gaetos and his wife just arrived last Friday evening from Los Angeles, California and with only two hours of sleep, he was with us for the 6-hour run. This guy is really “hardcore” par excellence! Just imagine how this guy (51 years old) finished the famous and challenging 100-Mile Angeles Crest Endurance Trail Run last September 2008 in 30 hours! (with 3 hours more to spare for the 33 hours cut-off time). The Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Trail Run is one of the four “Westerm Slam” ultramarathon trail running events in the USA.
After a briefing from Albert and myself, we started the run at exactly midnight. From Blue Wave, we ran along Macapagal Avenue towards the PICC area, passing at the Film Center Building, Sofitel Hotel, Coconut House, Folk Arts Theater, CCP and towards Roxas Boulevard. At Roxas Boulevard, we passed by Baywalk and the US Embassy Area. We turned left to Quirino Grandstand at Kalaw Street and passed infront of Manila Hotel and waited for the slower runners at Km Post #0. After some photo-ops, we were back to our run towards Manila Hotel-Quirino Grandstand and back along the Roxas Boulevard. After running a distance of 13+ kilometers, we were back at the place where we started, Blue Wave.
After a few minutes of replenishing our water in our hydration packs, we decided to run along the MOA Grounds. At first, Albert led the group with what he calls the C-loop covering the perimeter roads of the MOA. The said C-loop had a distance of 7+ kilometers and after running through it, my GF 305 registered a distance of 20+ kilometers. After running 20K, we decided to have our first “pit stop” and ate spaghetti & yam burger at Jollibee. After our food & water stop, we were back on the road and ran along a loop at the MOA grounds which has a distance of 3.85 kilometers. At this point, I missed counting the number of rounds on this loop as my mind was focused in finishing at least 42 kilometers for the run.
Two of our hardcore runners, Dr Joe aka The Loony Runner and George Dolores aka The Talkative Runner, joined us while we had our first C-loop run at the MOA grounds. All in all, there were 23 participants in this Midnight To Sunrise Run.
Jose Mari Javier & Charlie Chua of Team Bald Runner, Tanaka, Raffy, Albert, Ben Gaetos, Rick Cabusao and the CAMANAVA runners were with me during the early rounds but they later increased their pace and went ahead running along the said loop. As we got nearer to our 6:00 AM deadline, we were also nearing our goal of finishing 42K. With only few minutes left before the deadline time, I decided to walk along the loop for my cool-down until we were back to where we started. I was able to finish (by running & brisk walking) a distance of 46+ kilometers with an average page of 6:30 minutes per kilometer. All of us did not complain of any “cramps” during the run which was a good sign that we could last for more kilometers after running six hours.
To all the participants in this run and to Albert, thanks for the company and the invitation. Congratulations for a good and fufilling run! Guys, if we were able to run at least 45 kilometers for the past 6 hours, I am assuming that we could also finish another 45 kilometers in 7-8 hours! This means that you need to finish the remaining 12 kilometers in less than 4 hours in order to finish the 2009 Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race within the cut-off time of 18 hours. To Kevin and Anne, thanks also for being the “official photographer” of the group.
To Ben Gaetos, thanks for the “gifts”, most especially to the 100-Mile Angeles Crest Endurance Run T-Shirt. This morning, you met the future ultramarathon runners in the country and I am sure some of these runners will be joining the ultra trail events in the USA in the future. These guys consider a marathon race as their “snacks” and I could see in their eyes for more running challenges and ultra run adventures in the future. We look at you as our “inspiration” in ultramarathon running. See you on the Bataan 52K “test run” on 22 February 2009 in Balanga, Bataan. Enjoy your stay in the country!
Albert aka Run2Dmoon (http://run2dmoon.wordpress.com) had invited the participants of the 2009 Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race for a Midnight To Sunrise Run/6-Hour Run for the past weeks at the MOA-PICC-Luneta and Back Loop. The Hardcores missed the first scheduled run as the group had a “runabout” from UP Campus to Antipolo and back. So, the next scheduled practice run of Albert for the midnight run was fully attended by the registered participants of Bataan 102K and “guests” from across the seas.
As scheduled, the participants were already at the Blue Wave along Macapagal Avenue at 11:30 PM last night. I observed that the hardcores were punctual this time even if Jerry aka High Altitude had to come all the way from Silang, Cavite. The companions of Albert in last week’s Midnight Run were already at the assembly place. For the first time, I met Norio Tanaka, a 61-year old Japanese runner, who had been a permanent resident in the country for the past 10 years and married to a Filipina. Runner Rollie, who came from Tagaytay, was also there. The CAMANAVA Runners, Atty Jeffrey Abenina and Francisco Lapira Jr were there ready to run at least 10X around the loop. And for the first time, I met in person, Albert aka Run2Dmoon, the author and host for the said run. Kim O’Connell and Coach Jo-Ar were also there complete with their support vehicle. Of course, you would not miss the Hardcores/Team Bald Runners & Power Runners led by Jonel aka Bugobugo85 who had been always present in our past “runabouts”.
Of all surprises, my Pinoy Ultramarathon Trail runner friend, Ben Gaetos was also there ready to join us for the said run. Ben Gaetos and his wife just arrived last Friday evening from Los Angeles, California and with only two hours of sleep, he was with us for the 6-hour run. This guy is really “hardcore” par excellence! Just imagine how this guy (51 years old) finished the famous and challenging 100-Mile Angeles Crest Endurance Trail Run last September 2008 in 30 hours! (with 3 hours more to spare for the 33 hours cut-off time). The Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Trail Run is one of the four “Westerm Slam” ultramarathon trail running events in the USA.
After a briefing from Albert and myself, we started the run at exactly midnight. From Blue Wave, we ran along Macapagal Avenue towards the PICC area, passing at the Film Center Building, Sofitel Hotel, Coconut House, Folk Arts Theater, CCP and towards Roxas Boulevard. At Roxas Boulevard, we passed by Baywalk and the US Embassy Area. We turned left to Quirino Grandstand at Kalaw Street and passed infront of Manila Hotel and waited for the slower runners at Km Post #0. After some photo-ops, we were back to our run towards Manila Hotel-Quirino Grandstand and back along the Roxas Boulevard. After running a distance of 13+ kilometers, we were back at the place where we started, Blue Wave.
After a few minutes of replenishing our water in our hydration packs, we decided to run along the MOA Grounds. At first, Albert led the group with what he calls the C-loop covering the perimeter roads of the MOA. The said C-loop had a distance of 7+ kilometers and after running through it, my GF 305 registered a distance of 20+ kilometers. After running 20K, we decided to have our first “pit stop” and ate spaghetti & yam burger at Jollibee. After our food & water stop, we were back on the road and ran along a loop at the MOA grounds which has a distance of 3.85 kilometers. At this point, I missed counting the number of rounds on this loop as my mind was focused in finishing at least 42 kilometers for the run.
Two of our hardcore runners, Dr Joe aka The Loony Runner and George Dolores aka The Talkative Runner, joined us while we had our first C-loop run at the MOA grounds. All in all, there were 23 participants in this Midnight To Sunrise Run.
Jose Mari Javier & Charlie Chua of Team Bald Runner, Tanaka, Raffy, Albert, Ben Gaetos, Rick Cabusao and the CAMANAVA runners were with me during the early rounds but they later increased their pace and went ahead running along the said loop. As we got nearer to our 6:00 AM deadline, we were also nearing our goal of finishing 42K. With only few minutes left before the deadline time, I decided to walk along the loop for my cool-down until we were back to where we started. I was able to finish (by running & brisk walking) a distance of 46+ kilometers with an average page of 6:30 minutes per kilometer. All of us did not complain of any “cramps” during the run which was a good sign that we could last for more kilometers after running six hours.
To all the participants in this run and to Albert, thanks for the company and the invitation. Congratulations for a good and fufilling run! Guys, if we were able to run at least 45 kilometers for the past 6 hours, I am assuming that we could also finish another 45 kilometers in 7-8 hours! This means that you need to finish the remaining 12 kilometers in less than 4 hours in order to finish the 2009 Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race within the cut-off time of 18 hours. To Kevin and Anne, thanks also for being the “official photographer” of the group.
To Ben Gaetos, thanks for the “gifts”, most especially to the 100-Mile Angeles Crest Endurance Run T-Shirt. This morning, you met the future ultramarathon runners in the country and I am sure some of these runners will be joining the ultra trail events in the USA in the future. These guys consider a marathon race as their “snacks” and I could see in their eyes for more running challenges and ultra run adventures in the future. We look at you as our “inspiration” in ultramarathon running. See you on the Bataan 52K “test run” on 22 February 2009 in Balanga, Bataan. Enjoy your stay in the country!
Monday, February 9, 2009
"Runabouts" In Metro Manila
I got the idea about "runabout" after reading the latest book of Dean Karnazes entitled "50/50: The Secrets of An Ultramarathon Runner" and getting from it the "tips" on the conduct of "runabouts", a word coined from the word "walkabout" which is a ritual among the Australian aborigines' children/adolescent to walk in the wilderness for a period of time for them to experience what their old folks had gone through, This kind of ritual has the objective to survive and strengthen themselves in order to fight the environment and be able to live with the land.
In the present set-up in a society or community, "walkabouts" are already transformed to "runabouts" where a runner simply needs a running shoes, a running attire, runner's watch and cash for him to enjoy running along the roads of a city or a locality. The cash provides him with the money to buy bottled water, sports drinks, and food along the way as more convenience stores and fastfood services could be accessible in all nooks and corners of the city. Aside from the cash, a runner would be able to plot his direction and route of his "roundabout" as part of his plan and with the advent of runners' watches with GPS capability, a runner could easily measure the distance he had covered in his run/walk accurately.
While I was in Los Angeles last year, I did a lot of "runabouts" to go around the city and visit its parks and beautiful tourist spots. I always see to it that I brought my digital camera where I could set it to "delayed shooting" option for me to be taken by the camera with the background of the place where I am standing. It was a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
As soon as arrived in Manila, I started doing my "runabouts" with my hydration pack, camera, and running attire. Through my experiences and stories where I had them posted in my blog at Wordpress, I was able to influence a lot of runner-bloggers who are interested to experience doing those "runabouts" within Metro Manila.
The first "runabout" in Metro Manila with other runners was done a day after Christmas Day last year (2008). Four of us (Rico, Arman, Jonel and I) started at the Bonifacio High Street (ROX area) on the early morning and ran all the way to the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park and back to where we started. The second "runabout" was a challenge for us to measure the distance of the Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue (EDSA) from Roxas Boulevard to the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City where the runners increased to a number of six (6). Our third "runabout" was another way to find out the distance of the C-5 Highway and our number of participants increased to thirteen (13) and the run was becoming popular and exciting. Our fourth "runabout" was a run from UP Diliman Campus to Antipolo and back and it increased the number of runners to twenty-three (23) runners with three female runners completing the said distance.
More and more runners are now going out on the roads and trails for their "runabouts" as a form of exercise and way to connect with nature and the environment. Our group of "hardcore" runners will continue the conduct of this "runabouts" and hope that such activity will encourage more people to run or walk and leave their vehicles at home. We will also endeavor to have these "runabouts" as our way to provide the public with information and "cause-oriented" awareness projects and concerns to protect and preserve the environment.
In the present set-up in a society or community, "walkabouts" are already transformed to "runabouts" where a runner simply needs a running shoes, a running attire, runner's watch and cash for him to enjoy running along the roads of a city or a locality. The cash provides him with the money to buy bottled water, sports drinks, and food along the way as more convenience stores and fastfood services could be accessible in all nooks and corners of the city. Aside from the cash, a runner would be able to plot his direction and route of his "roundabout" as part of his plan and with the advent of runners' watches with GPS capability, a runner could easily measure the distance he had covered in his run/walk accurately.
While I was in Los Angeles last year, I did a lot of "runabouts" to go around the city and visit its parks and beautiful tourist spots. I always see to it that I brought my digital camera where I could set it to "delayed shooting" option for me to be taken by the camera with the background of the place where I am standing. It was a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
As soon as arrived in Manila, I started doing my "runabouts" with my hydration pack, camera, and running attire. Through my experiences and stories where I had them posted in my blog at Wordpress, I was able to influence a lot of runner-bloggers who are interested to experience doing those "runabouts" within Metro Manila.
The first "runabout" in Metro Manila with other runners was done a day after Christmas Day last year (2008). Four of us (Rico, Arman, Jonel and I) started at the Bonifacio High Street (ROX area) on the early morning and ran all the way to the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park and back to where we started. The second "runabout" was a challenge for us to measure the distance of the Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue (EDSA) from Roxas Boulevard to the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City where the runners increased to a number of six (6). Our third "runabout" was another way to find out the distance of the C-5 Highway and our number of participants increased to thirteen (13) and the run was becoming popular and exciting. Our fourth "runabout" was a run from UP Diliman Campus to Antipolo and back and it increased the number of runners to twenty-three (23) runners with three female runners completing the said distance.
More and more runners are now going out on the roads and trails for their "runabouts" as a form of exercise and way to connect with nature and the environment. Our group of "hardcore" runners will continue the conduct of this "runabouts" and hope that such activity will encourage more people to run or walk and leave their vehicles at home. We will also endeavor to have these "runabouts" as our way to provide the public with information and "cause-oriented" awareness projects and concerns to protect and preserve the environment.
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