Race Report on the BOTAK 42K Paa-bilisan @ The Fort/10 May 2009
By looking at the map route of the Marathon Race, I already predicted that the marathon race will have some problems. And my predictions were right. There was a lack of road marshals, many runners were lost and most of them registered fast finish times for the marathon distance, the race started late, there was a lack of water cups (again!), and you need to really have your personal support team in order to finish a marathon race with better results.
I am sorry, Franco but you need to improve your support system for the runners if you want more runners to join your races. Please don’t give me the reason that you “sub-contracted” the guys who delivered the water supply and water cups for your race. Do I have to do the mathematics again on how much a race organizer would spend for the water cups in all the water stations? Okey, we will do the math again. Assuming you have 600 runners for the marathon distance and there are 20 water stations for the marathon distance, you will have a total requirement for 12,000 water cups. If you buy water cups in Divisoria, it will cost you P 37.00 per 100 pieces. So, that is 120 X P 37.00 = P 4,440. The cost for the water cups is equivalent to the registration fee of 11 runners. The cost might be lesser because not all the 600 runners are running the full marathon distance.
I was happy at the first 10K to see Gatorade drinks in Gatorade cups but it ended there. I never saw and tasted Gatorade drinks in the succeeding water stations. It is also a very pitiful sight to see runners using the covers of those 5-gallon containers as water cups!!! From my support team, I would share my bottled water, Gatorade drinks and even food to the runner on my side. Armand Abalos from Lucban, Quezon and my running “buddy” from Km # 75 to 90 in the BDM 102K was my running “buddy” again for this marathon race and he is really a strong runner.
The race lacks the much-needed race marshals as there are more turns (right & left) than the number of kilometers in the race. By following the runners infront of me and the other runners, I admit that I missed the Pasong Tamo (after coming from the Kalayaan Flyover) turn-around as runners should proceed directly to the said turn-around before proceeding the the Powerplant Loop. Due to the absence of road marshal, we turned right towards the direction of Powerplant. In my estimate, we missed at least one kilometer distance. However, at the Finish Line, I heard comments from those GF 305 users that they registered a distance of 43, 44, and 45 kms. Afterall, the distance was longer than a full marathon distance and the turn-around that we missed had compensated for the additional distance. Ha!Ha!Ha! Unfortunately, my GF 305 did not work efficiently as the digital readings kept on “flashing” from the very start of the race. Instead of being “pissed off” with the condition of my GF 305, I just maintained my pace and treated the run as my long run.
I did not have any problem about the late start of the race. The marathon race was supposed to start at 4:30AM but it started almost 5:00AM. After the grueling experience with the heat of the sun during the BDM 102K last month, the early heat of the sun for this marathon was never an “issue”. At least, the shaded streets at the Powerplant loop gave comfort to the runners but there were no water stations on sight. However, running along Gil Puyat Avenue, Kalayaan Flyover and at The Fort area before reaching the Finish Line gave problems to the other runners.
With my GF 305 not working, I don’t have any numbers and location points to speak of or write on this post except for those observations I’ve noted during the race.
The race route is very challenging. The terrain of the route was very hard as it was concentrated in Taguig and Makati. In the history of the US occupation of the country before start of the 20th century, the US Army selected the area called Fort Bonifacio, formerly called as Fort McKinley as their Artillery Camp (where the US Army deployed their artillery guns) because it was the highest point in Manila where they can observe the movements of our “revolutionaries” passing along the Pasig River and easily can pinpoint targets within the populated area of the Old Manila and Manila Bay. So, running in Makati & Taguig entails a lot of challenging rolling terrain. Such race route would never attract a world-record pace for the marathon race.
Despite constructive criticisms from runner-bloggers about how we “race organize” our road races, it seems that we are not improving, instead, we are going back to the “stone-age” where we have to bring our own water & provisions after paying somebody to support us in our road adventures.
Guys, I don’t blame you why you prefer to go abroad to run a “perfect” marathon race but you must also think that you are paying an equivalent average amount of Five Thousand Pesos or more for the Registration Fee as compared to a measly P 400 to P 500 for a marathon race in our country. Having said that, at least, our race organizers must be able to buy enough water cups for all the runners. We don’t need fresh fruits, gels, power bars, pain relievers and other “gimmicks” (loudspeakers with music) along the race route, just give us potable water and water cups and responsible road marshals. I was laughing when one of the road marshals along C-5 asked me if I am a 42K runner. The road marshals did not know what distance the runners are running even by looking at the color-coded race bibs!
If there is a positive comment I’ve heard from most of the finishers, it is the fact that this marathon race was a “redemption” race for those runners who participated in last December’s SC Singapore Marathon. They told me that they improved a lot from their finish times and proud that they got new PRs on their marathon finish time in this race.
Before I passed the Finish Line, I slowed down to see the digital clock and I registered a Finish Time of 4:35:10 hours. I am not proud of my time as I ran too slow without an operational GF 305. Based from the Race Chart of Running Times Magazine, I had an average pace of 6:30 minutes per kilometer/10:30 minutes per mile. It is my ultramarathon pace! Ha!Ha!Ha!
By the way, next Saturday will be TNF 100 Australia. There are 250+ solo runners for the 100-Km distance. Dean “Karno” Karnazes, the Ultramarathon Man, will be competing in the said race. The next Saturday after TNF 100 Australia, it will be TNF 100 Sacobia, Clark, Philippines. There are 100 solo runners for the 100-Km distance. Dean “Karno” Karnazes will be in the 2009 Los Angeles Marathon Expo for his book signing. Good luck to all TNF 100 Sacobia Solo Runners!!!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
"Before You Register, Know The Race Organizer"
After reading the comments of my readers on my previous posts, I am suggesting the following recommendations to guide our runners before they register to join a particular road or trail race:
1. Every runner has the right to know the name of the outfit or the name of the race organizer/race director before he/she files or registers to a particular race. Henceforth, all registration/application form in every road race must carry the name of the Race Organizer for the information of the runner.
2. Groups and/or corporate offices and their marketing outfits must be able to state in their “flyers”, advertisement notices, and PR/media releases as to who and what outfit will be the race organizer. These corporate offices and groups must be able to ask runners or make some research/referrals on the background of race organizers trying to apply as race organizer.
3. Takbo.Ph and other bloggers must be requested to identify as to who is the race organizer every time they post a notice of invitation or information about an incoming race. (Note: This blog/site has never been used to announce or invite runners to join in a particular race. Sorry, guys, your e-mails and comments requesting me to post your invitation in this blog had never been posted because of this personal policy. I don’t advertise.)
4. Every runnner must remember that companies and groups who would like to conduct a road race usually conduct a bidding/selection process where every race organizer is invited to compete. It is the responsibility of the Bids & Awards Committe of the company or group to find out if these Race Organizers have a license from DTI and the necessary documentation of a business entity. We should always remember that the lowest bidder gets the award to be the race organizer of a race. So, if the race organizer and/or the company needs to maximize its profit, he/she has to get sponsors for the prizes and “giveaways” and other support needs for the runners like water supply, water cups, energy drinks, and other “gimmicks”. The race organizer now allocates some money from your registration fee for your medal, certificate, race bib, race shirt, measurement of the route, payment for the marshals/security, medical support and rent for the timing devices and computer system. If the race organizer intends to allow commercial stalls at the start/finish, he has the power to collect fees at his discretion for the rent of the tents/space and they add up to his income/profit. Race Organizing is a “big” business. I am just wondering if they are paying their dues/taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
5. If you experienced some “lapses” in the conduct of a race you participated and you find out that the same race organizer is the one who will administer the race you are applying, then, I suggest you save your money and wait for road races to be conducted by the better and well-organized race organizers.
6. For the “newbies” in road races, make a research on the past posts of runner-bloggers about how these race organizers were rated in their respective races or ask from the more experienced runners about these race organizers before joining a road race. I will give you an example. As far as I can recall, for this year, the race organizer of the PSE Bull Run and Men’s Health Run at UP Diliman was the same and in those runs, runners complained of the lack of water and water cups.
7. This is an “eye-opener” to all the runners. Aside from the support system for the runners during the race, we have to consider also the security services to our cars and our personal belongings while we are running. Let me ask you, “Who should be responsible for the security of our cars/vehicles and personal belongings during the race”? In my opinion, it should be the Race Organizer. Kahit gaano kagaling & fully-prepared and isang race organizer kung nananakawan naman ang kanyang customers, ay dapat isang daguk sa kakayahan ang isang race organizer itong pangyayari ng nakawan. New Balance 25K Powerace at Clark Freeport was a very organized race but in the end many runners complained that their personal belongings in their parked vehicles were stolen. The Greenfield City 21K Run was also an organized race few weeks ago but you heard of complaints from runners that they were victims of theft/robbery in their parked vehicles despite the presence of security guards in the parking areas. Road Races conducted at the Global City by well-known and better-equipped road organizers were not spared from these thieves and robbers. But if the Race Organizer will not accept responsibility for the security of our parked vehicles and our personal belongings, then we have to learn from these incidents also.
I admit there is a problem in regulating these race organizers once they are legitimate business outfits because there is lack of policy and system of monitoring the said races by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) or from the Sports Federation (PATAFA) that supervises Road Races. Without rules and regulations, the violators will never get sanctioned or punished. Even if there are rules and regulations if there are no formal (written) complaints from the runners filed to DTI or PATAFA, the race organizer will be free to bid again for another race.
So, let us join hands in “punishing” these road organizers who are not improving their support and security systems by not registering to their races. Select the race you are going to participate. In the end, it is your money, decision and personal choice to join such road race and you must take responsibility for your action.
The decision is yours! See you this weekend!
1. Every runner has the right to know the name of the outfit or the name of the race organizer/race director before he/she files or registers to a particular race. Henceforth, all registration/application form in every road race must carry the name of the Race Organizer for the information of the runner.
2. Groups and/or corporate offices and their marketing outfits must be able to state in their “flyers”, advertisement notices, and PR/media releases as to who and what outfit will be the race organizer. These corporate offices and groups must be able to ask runners or make some research/referrals on the background of race organizers trying to apply as race organizer.
3. Takbo.Ph and other bloggers must be requested to identify as to who is the race organizer every time they post a notice of invitation or information about an incoming race. (Note: This blog/site has never been used to announce or invite runners to join in a particular race. Sorry, guys, your e-mails and comments requesting me to post your invitation in this blog had never been posted because of this personal policy. I don’t advertise.)
4. Every runnner must remember that companies and groups who would like to conduct a road race usually conduct a bidding/selection process where every race organizer is invited to compete. It is the responsibility of the Bids & Awards Committe of the company or group to find out if these Race Organizers have a license from DTI and the necessary documentation of a business entity. We should always remember that the lowest bidder gets the award to be the race organizer of a race. So, if the race organizer and/or the company needs to maximize its profit, he/she has to get sponsors for the prizes and “giveaways” and other support needs for the runners like water supply, water cups, energy drinks, and other “gimmicks”. The race organizer now allocates some money from your registration fee for your medal, certificate, race bib, race shirt, measurement of the route, payment for the marshals/security, medical support and rent for the timing devices and computer system. If the race organizer intends to allow commercial stalls at the start/finish, he has the power to collect fees at his discretion for the rent of the tents/space and they add up to his income/profit. Race Organizing is a “big” business. I am just wondering if they are paying their dues/taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
5. If you experienced some “lapses” in the conduct of a race you participated and you find out that the same race organizer is the one who will administer the race you are applying, then, I suggest you save your money and wait for road races to be conducted by the better and well-organized race organizers.
6. For the “newbies” in road races, make a research on the past posts of runner-bloggers about how these race organizers were rated in their respective races or ask from the more experienced runners about these race organizers before joining a road race. I will give you an example. As far as I can recall, for this year, the race organizer of the PSE Bull Run and Men’s Health Run at UP Diliman was the same and in those runs, runners complained of the lack of water and water cups.
7. This is an “eye-opener” to all the runners. Aside from the support system for the runners during the race, we have to consider also the security services to our cars and our personal belongings while we are running. Let me ask you, “Who should be responsible for the security of our cars/vehicles and personal belongings during the race”? In my opinion, it should be the Race Organizer. Kahit gaano kagaling & fully-prepared and isang race organizer kung nananakawan naman ang kanyang customers, ay dapat isang daguk sa kakayahan ang isang race organizer itong pangyayari ng nakawan. New Balance 25K Powerace at Clark Freeport was a very organized race but in the end many runners complained that their personal belongings in their parked vehicles were stolen. The Greenfield City 21K Run was also an organized race few weeks ago but you heard of complaints from runners that they were victims of theft/robbery in their parked vehicles despite the presence of security guards in the parking areas. Road Races conducted at the Global City by well-known and better-equipped road organizers were not spared from these thieves and robbers. But if the Race Organizer will not accept responsibility for the security of our parked vehicles and our personal belongings, then we have to learn from these incidents also.
I admit there is a problem in regulating these race organizers once they are legitimate business outfits because there is lack of policy and system of monitoring the said races by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) or from the Sports Federation (PATAFA) that supervises Road Races. Without rules and regulations, the violators will never get sanctioned or punished. Even if there are rules and regulations if there are no formal (written) complaints from the runners filed to DTI or PATAFA, the race organizer will be free to bid again for another race.
So, let us join hands in “punishing” these road organizers who are not improving their support and security systems by not registering to their races. Select the race you are going to participate. In the end, it is your money, decision and personal choice to join such road race and you must take responsibility for your action.
The decision is yours! See you this weekend!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Marathon Run @ BOTAK Paa-bilisan
Due to the hot temperature and humidity in the country, a Marathon Race is usually held during the months of December, January, or February due to the cooler temperature during these months. For this year, there were no scheduled marathon races during the 1st Quarter. But BOTAK came up with a Marathon Race during the month of May which is considered as within the Summer Months of the year. It is expected that the average temperature within this month would be hotter and more challenging to the runners. I really don’t know why the race organizer would schedule such a marathon race during the hotter months of the year.
Anyway, since I am a “sucker” and a “hardcore” on long distance run adventures, I registered for this race. I might be considered as “crazy” if I mention the reasons why I am going to run this race after 35 days from my participation in the 1st Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race.
I don’t expect to have a PR on this marathon race. I will consider this marathon as a long steady distance (LSD) run with an average pace of 5:00-3:30 minutes per kilometer. It will be nice and fun to be running with the other “hardcores” and the Bataan 102 Ultramarathoners.
Running a marathon distance is hard and challenging with the hot temperature that is prevailing during the month of May. However, depending on one’s experience, training & preparation, and race strategy, finishing a marathon could be an easy or hard running experience. It is a humbling experience when you encounter some “issues” during the race and at the same time a fulfilling accomplishment if you finish the race without any problems or injuries.
As a word of advice to those runners this Sunday’s marathon race, don’t believe in the “wall” as long as you hydrate, eat your power gels and bars, and stick to your race strategy.
I really do not know the background and past accomplishments of the race organizer of this marathon race but after studying the race route, I could predict some problems during the race like water stations, availability of road marshal to give directions, traffic, presence of kilometer markings and other support requirements to the runners. Anyway, it would be best to have your own support team to “leap-frog” along the route.
To all the “road warriors”, good luck and run strong!
Tempo Run In The Rain
Last Wednesday night, I had my running workout at the ULTRA Oval Track. Initially, I planned to have an endurance run for about 15 kilometers with an average pace of 5:30 minutes per kilometer but when I started running, I thought of finally doing a tempo run.
After a brief stretching exercises, I started running, using the farthest lane, Lane #8, of the oval track. My first 2 kilometers (5 laps) registered an average pace of 6:10 minutes per kilometer. After finishing 5 laps, I started to increase my pace, still using Lane 8, for the next 20 laps (8 kilometers) consistently increasing my pace up to 4:52 minutes per kilometer but ended up with an average pace of 5:20 minutes per kilometer.
On my last 2K as cool-down run, it started to rain and most of the runners at the oval took refuge at the shaded bleacher/grandstand. I kept on running as the rain started to keep on getting stronger just to be able to complete my last 5 laps around the oval. Initially, I was alone running at the oval with the strong rain but I found out later that other runners from the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group joined me in running into the rain. It was nice to hear positive comments from them that thei enjoyment of running in the rain. I finished my last 2-Km (5 laps) with an average pace of 6:05 minutes per kilometer.
Instead of doing a 15-km run, I ended doing a 12-km tempo run. I needed to stop because my shoes were becoming heavy and the oval track was already full of water but the other members of Team Bald Runner kept on running into the rain. These are hardcore runners!!! I immediately changed my wet clothes with my dry clothes and did some post-stretching exercises.
Due to running in the rain, my GF 305 was affected and it could not be opened/started for the past two days. It was only this morning that I was able to start it by simultaneously pressing the Lap Button with the other buttons of the watch. My last Wednesday’s night tempo run registered a distance of 12.2 kilometers with an average pace of 5:30 minutes per kilometer.
Yesterday, due to Typhoon Emong’s rains, I opted to rest and have a full body massage.
After a brief stretching exercises, I started running, using the farthest lane, Lane #8, of the oval track. My first 2 kilometers (5 laps) registered an average pace of 6:10 minutes per kilometer. After finishing 5 laps, I started to increase my pace, still using Lane 8, for the next 20 laps (8 kilometers) consistently increasing my pace up to 4:52 minutes per kilometer but ended up with an average pace of 5:20 minutes per kilometer.
On my last 2K as cool-down run, it started to rain and most of the runners at the oval took refuge at the shaded bleacher/grandstand. I kept on running as the rain started to keep on getting stronger just to be able to complete my last 5 laps around the oval. Initially, I was alone running at the oval with the strong rain but I found out later that other runners from the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group joined me in running into the rain. It was nice to hear positive comments from them that thei enjoyment of running in the rain. I finished my last 2-Km (5 laps) with an average pace of 6:05 minutes per kilometer.
Instead of doing a 15-km run, I ended doing a 12-km tempo run. I needed to stop because my shoes were becoming heavy and the oval track was already full of water but the other members of Team Bald Runner kept on running into the rain. These are hardcore runners!!! I immediately changed my wet clothes with my dry clothes and did some post-stretching exercises.
Due to running in the rain, my GF 305 was affected and it could not be opened/started for the past two days. It was only this morning that I was able to start it by simultaneously pressing the Lap Button with the other buttons of the watch. My last Wednesday’s night tempo run registered a distance of 12.2 kilometers with an average pace of 5:30 minutes per kilometer.
Yesterday, due to Typhoon Emong’s rains, I opted to rest and have a full body massage.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Manila International Marathon?
One of the members of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group had asked me why is it that the Philippines does not have an international marathon race which could be at par with the Standard Chartered Bank-sponsored ASEAN city’s marathon races like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hongkong, Mumbai, Hanoi, Taipeh/Taiwan and other cities around us which are considered as international marathon events?
I answered him that there was a Manila International Marathon during the late 70s and early 80s which was sponsored by the Philippine Air Lines (PAL). I could just surmised that marathon races and running events with international flavor then were supported by the government during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos. It was during these times when the government’s sports bodies were held and administered by a single person who was under the direct supervision of the President. It was the time when Michael Keon was the President of the Philippine Olympic Committee, and at the same time the Chairman and Project Director of Project Gintong Alay (the forerunner of the Philippine Sports Commission), and also the President of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, the sports federation for athletics. A single person holding three sports bodies, a long-distance runner and national athlete and a nephew of the President made the difference at that time. At present, these sports bodies are being held by three different persons whom I think could not even run or jog at least one kilometer. These people are fond of asking sports reporters to “run” after them for sports media realeases with the “envelope” that goes with such pronouncements.
The one who asked me about the Manila International Marathon was surprised when I informed him that the Awarding Ceremonies and Dinner Parties for the Manila International Marathons were held at the Malacanang Palace with no less than the President as the Guest of Honor and Host. Moreso, the prize money for the winners ranged to hundreds of pesos at that time plus the appearance money for the world’s marathon elite athletes.
It was expected that sports and marathon races in the country with the attendance of international elite runners waned after the EDSA Revolution in 1986 because everything that the former administration had done for the improvement of our sports were immediately changed. However, later during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos, the Pasig River Heritage Marathon was born but it did not have any attendance from international elite athletes. And due to the abolition of the Clean and Green Foundation that manages the Pasig River Marathon, the conduct of the race was not sure of being conducted. However, this yearly marathon is hoped to be revived later part of this year. But the problem is, it will remain as an ordinary local marathon race in the country without any effort of making it as an international running event.
The Subic International Marathon which was held last January 2008 was attended by Kenyan/African runners which gave a flavor of being an international marathon event but it fell short of its aim of being sustained as an annual international marathon event.
So, is there a way we can come up with a Manila Internationa Marathon Race? This is a challenge to those politicians, government sports bodies, and corporate executives who are active in sports like running. Maybe we can ask for those “Presidentiables” who can not even run at least one kilometer but they could easily run for the position of the President of the Republic without any sweat. Maybe, we can ask the Department of Tourism to promote such event as part of sports tourism in the country. Or maybe, ask PAGCOR/PCSO to fund such event. Or maybe, come up with a “pressure” group to ask the President to appropriate a budget from her VAT collections or from the President’s P 300-billion stimulus fund or from her Priority Development Assistance Fund (Please refer in today’s newspapers). But with my personal experience with these people, I am sure they don’t care about this “International Marathon” thing. My best bet is to wait for CONDURA and the Concepcion Family to come up with an international marathon event, maybe, by next year!
Let me ask this last question…Why do we need to go abroad to run a Marathon Race if we can conduct an international marathon race here in the country? Is it for the “bragging rights” or you just want to spend your hard-earned money or want/need something to write in your running blog or you need something to write about in Society Pages in our daily newspapers or is it for the experience so that you could learn something on how race directors and organizers do to promote a world-class marathon event? Maybe, as a start, we can pool our respective registration fees, travel and accommodation expenses to an international marathon abroad as a “seed” money for planning purposes. Let the first volunteer come forward and leave a comment in this post.
I have the following recommended title for our future Manila International Marathon. Choose which one do you prefer….
Standard Chartered Bank Manila International Marathon?
Banco De Oro Manila International Marathon?
Bank of the Philippine Islands Manila International Marathon?
Globe Manila International Marathon?
Smart Manila International Marathon?
PLDT Manila International Marathon?
Cebu Pacific Manila International Marathon?
PAL Manila International Marathon?
Zest Air Manila International Marathon?
Figaro’s Manila International Marathon?
SM Manila International Marathon?
“Wowowee” Manila International Marathon?
Manny Pacquiao’s Manila International Marathon?
ABS-CBN/TFC Manila International Marathon?
Jollibee Manila International Marathon?
San Miguel Beer Manila International Marathon?
Vicky Belo’s Manila International Marathon?
“Witwoteryuno” Manila International Marathon?
CONDURA Manila International Marathon?
Gawad Kalinga Manila International Marathon?
MMDA’s Manila International Marathon?
Toyota’s Manila International Marathon?
Honda’s Manila International Marathon?
Mini-Stop’s Manila International Marathon?
Ford’s Manila International Marathon?
BENCH Manila International Marathon?
Guys, the challenge to come up with a Manila International Marathon, which will ultimately become our Country’s Pride, is in your hands. I’ve done my part to promote and conduct the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race and I did it with the support of “82 new brave warriors” of Bataan, those “angels wearing running shoes” and “supporters” who remain to be silent and don’t want to be identified. And this will be a yearly event to commemorate our heroes.
“There is Unity in Sports”
P.S.
When I joined the 2008 San Francisco Marathon last August, the EMCEE during the race’s awarding ceremony announced that the marathon event was able to raise Five Million Dollars ($ 5M) for the past five years to support the different “causes” and benefits that the City of San Francisco had been actively supporting. Now, you do your own mathematics!
I answered him that there was a Manila International Marathon during the late 70s and early 80s which was sponsored by the Philippine Air Lines (PAL). I could just surmised that marathon races and running events with international flavor then were supported by the government during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos. It was during these times when the government’s sports bodies were held and administered by a single person who was under the direct supervision of the President. It was the time when Michael Keon was the President of the Philippine Olympic Committee, and at the same time the Chairman and Project Director of Project Gintong Alay (the forerunner of the Philippine Sports Commission), and also the President of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, the sports federation for athletics. A single person holding three sports bodies, a long-distance runner and national athlete and a nephew of the President made the difference at that time. At present, these sports bodies are being held by three different persons whom I think could not even run or jog at least one kilometer. These people are fond of asking sports reporters to “run” after them for sports media realeases with the “envelope” that goes with such pronouncements.
The one who asked me about the Manila International Marathon was surprised when I informed him that the Awarding Ceremonies and Dinner Parties for the Manila International Marathons were held at the Malacanang Palace with no less than the President as the Guest of Honor and Host. Moreso, the prize money for the winners ranged to hundreds of pesos at that time plus the appearance money for the world’s marathon elite athletes.
It was expected that sports and marathon races in the country with the attendance of international elite runners waned after the EDSA Revolution in 1986 because everything that the former administration had done for the improvement of our sports were immediately changed. However, later during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos, the Pasig River Heritage Marathon was born but it did not have any attendance from international elite athletes. And due to the abolition of the Clean and Green Foundation that manages the Pasig River Marathon, the conduct of the race was not sure of being conducted. However, this yearly marathon is hoped to be revived later part of this year. But the problem is, it will remain as an ordinary local marathon race in the country without any effort of making it as an international running event.
The Subic International Marathon which was held last January 2008 was attended by Kenyan/African runners which gave a flavor of being an international marathon event but it fell short of its aim of being sustained as an annual international marathon event.
So, is there a way we can come up with a Manila Internationa Marathon Race? This is a challenge to those politicians, government sports bodies, and corporate executives who are active in sports like running. Maybe we can ask for those “Presidentiables” who can not even run at least one kilometer but they could easily run for the position of the President of the Republic without any sweat. Maybe, we can ask the Department of Tourism to promote such event as part of sports tourism in the country. Or maybe, ask PAGCOR/PCSO to fund such event. Or maybe, come up with a “pressure” group to ask the President to appropriate a budget from her VAT collections or from the President’s P 300-billion stimulus fund or from her Priority Development Assistance Fund (Please refer in today’s newspapers). But with my personal experience with these people, I am sure they don’t care about this “International Marathon” thing. My best bet is to wait for CONDURA and the Concepcion Family to come up with an international marathon event, maybe, by next year!
Let me ask this last question…Why do we need to go abroad to run a Marathon Race if we can conduct an international marathon race here in the country? Is it for the “bragging rights” or you just want to spend your hard-earned money or want/need something to write in your running blog or you need something to write about in Society Pages in our daily newspapers or is it for the experience so that you could learn something on how race directors and organizers do to promote a world-class marathon event? Maybe, as a start, we can pool our respective registration fees, travel and accommodation expenses to an international marathon abroad as a “seed” money for planning purposes. Let the first volunteer come forward and leave a comment in this post.
I have the following recommended title for our future Manila International Marathon. Choose which one do you prefer….
Standard Chartered Bank Manila International Marathon?
Banco De Oro Manila International Marathon?
Bank of the Philippine Islands Manila International Marathon?
Globe Manila International Marathon?
Smart Manila International Marathon?
PLDT Manila International Marathon?
Cebu Pacific Manila International Marathon?
PAL Manila International Marathon?
Zest Air Manila International Marathon?
Figaro’s Manila International Marathon?
SM Manila International Marathon?
“Wowowee” Manila International Marathon?
Manny Pacquiao’s Manila International Marathon?
ABS-CBN/TFC Manila International Marathon?
Jollibee Manila International Marathon?
San Miguel Beer Manila International Marathon?
Vicky Belo’s Manila International Marathon?
“Witwoteryuno” Manila International Marathon?
CONDURA Manila International Marathon?
Gawad Kalinga Manila International Marathon?
MMDA’s Manila International Marathon?
Toyota’s Manila International Marathon?
Honda’s Manila International Marathon?
Mini-Stop’s Manila International Marathon?
Ford’s Manila International Marathon?
BENCH Manila International Marathon?
Guys, the challenge to come up with a Manila International Marathon, which will ultimately become our Country’s Pride, is in your hands. I’ve done my part to promote and conduct the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race and I did it with the support of “82 new brave warriors” of Bataan, those “angels wearing running shoes” and “supporters” who remain to be silent and don’t want to be identified. And this will be a yearly event to commemorate our heroes.
“There is Unity in Sports”
P.S.
When I joined the 2008 San Francisco Marathon last August, the EMCEE during the race’s awarding ceremony announced that the marathon event was able to raise Five Million Dollars ($ 5M) for the past five years to support the different “causes” and benefits that the City of San Francisco had been actively supporting. Now, you do your own mathematics!
Readings On VO2 Max & My Workout
In one of my collections of old Running Times Magazine, I came upon an article written by Pete Pfitzinger, a two-time Olympian athlete, about the importance of VO2 Max and how to improve it. The following are the important points of the article as copied:
“According to the said article, VO2 max or “maximal aerobic capacity” is the maximal rate at which the body can transport oxygen to the muscles so that it can then be used to produce energy. The higher your VO2 max, the more energy you can produce aerobically relative to your bodyweight. Everything else being equal, if you can produce nore energy aerobically, you can mantain a faster pace.
The range of one’s VO2 max is set genetically; meaning that some runners are naturally gifted with relatively high maximal aerobic capacity and others are not so lucky. Where you fall within your range depends on how much and how hard you train. VO2 max increases substantially with the correct types of training.
There are two schools of thought on what is the optimal workout to make the largest gains in your VO2 max. Some coaches believe that doing speedwork faster than the VO2 max pace jolts the body to increase maximal aerobic capacity. The other school of thought which the author/writer adheres is that the greatest stimulus to improve the VO2 max is provided by running at an intensity that requires about 95 to 100% of your current VO2 max.
In the duration of intervals, the VO2 max will improve most rapidly by running repetitions of two to six minutes in duration (typically about 600 meters to 1,600 meters), which can be done on the track, roads, trails or uphill. Shorter intervals are not as effective in providing this stimulus because you do not maintain the optimal intensity range long enough.
On the length of workout, the writer suggests that a runner should aim to do 4,000 meters to 8,000 meters of intervals per workout within the 95-100% of his current VO2 max in order to improve his VO2 max.”
As part of my training & preparations for longer distance races like marathons and ultra trail runs in the future or in the next few days and weeks, I am trying to adopt this school of thought for me to increase my VO2 max.
Last Monday afternoon, after a warm-up run of 4 laps at the oval track, stretching exercises and speed drills, I did 10 laps within my best effort. During the run I tried to find out my 1-mile split time and I was able to glance at my GF 305 with a time of 8:47 minutes after passing the 1-mile mark at the track. For the distance of 4.16 kms, I was able to register a time of 20:39 minutes with an average pace of 4:57 mins per km. For this particular workout, I was running below my 95-100% VO2 max effort.
Yesterday evening, I had to go back to ULTRA Oval Track for another workout to improve my VO2 max. After the usual 4-lap warm-up jogging, I did my stretching exercises, however, instead of doing those “speed” drills, I did a continuous “stair-drill” exercises, doing 10 repetitions at the ULTRA bleachers. After a slow recovery run for one lap at the oval track, I started my 5,000-meter run (12 1/2 laps) at my best effort.
During the run, I was surprised to see in my GF 305 that I was able to register a time of 7:46 minutes for my 1-mile split. I observed that I slowed down on my last lap due to some disturbance made by one of the runners who made a conversation with me but I tried to make up for such situation by increasing my pace for the rest of the workout. I was able to finish 5 kilometers in 24:07 with an average pace of 4:47 minutes per kilometer. Basing from my VO2 max results, I was running at my 102% best effort which is a big improvement from my last Monday’s performance.
In conclusion, I was able to prove that I could improve on my VO2 max after a rest of 24 hours and with proper warm-up, stretching, “speed” drills, strong legs, lots of experience and positive attitude.
“According to the said article, VO2 max or “maximal aerobic capacity” is the maximal rate at which the body can transport oxygen to the muscles so that it can then be used to produce energy. The higher your VO2 max, the more energy you can produce aerobically relative to your bodyweight. Everything else being equal, if you can produce nore energy aerobically, you can mantain a faster pace.
The range of one’s VO2 max is set genetically; meaning that some runners are naturally gifted with relatively high maximal aerobic capacity and others are not so lucky. Where you fall within your range depends on how much and how hard you train. VO2 max increases substantially with the correct types of training.
There are two schools of thought on what is the optimal workout to make the largest gains in your VO2 max. Some coaches believe that doing speedwork faster than the VO2 max pace jolts the body to increase maximal aerobic capacity. The other school of thought which the author/writer adheres is that the greatest stimulus to improve the VO2 max is provided by running at an intensity that requires about 95 to 100% of your current VO2 max.
In the duration of intervals, the VO2 max will improve most rapidly by running repetitions of two to six minutes in duration (typically about 600 meters to 1,600 meters), which can be done on the track, roads, trails or uphill. Shorter intervals are not as effective in providing this stimulus because you do not maintain the optimal intensity range long enough.
On the length of workout, the writer suggests that a runner should aim to do 4,000 meters to 8,000 meters of intervals per workout within the 95-100% of his current VO2 max in order to improve his VO2 max.”
As part of my training & preparations for longer distance races like marathons and ultra trail runs in the future or in the next few days and weeks, I am trying to adopt this school of thought for me to increase my VO2 max.
Last Monday afternoon, after a warm-up run of 4 laps at the oval track, stretching exercises and speed drills, I did 10 laps within my best effort. During the run I tried to find out my 1-mile split time and I was able to glance at my GF 305 with a time of 8:47 minutes after passing the 1-mile mark at the track. For the distance of 4.16 kms, I was able to register a time of 20:39 minutes with an average pace of 4:57 mins per km. For this particular workout, I was running below my 95-100% VO2 max effort.
Yesterday evening, I had to go back to ULTRA Oval Track for another workout to improve my VO2 max. After the usual 4-lap warm-up jogging, I did my stretching exercises, however, instead of doing those “speed” drills, I did a continuous “stair-drill” exercises, doing 10 repetitions at the ULTRA bleachers. After a slow recovery run for one lap at the oval track, I started my 5,000-meter run (12 1/2 laps) at my best effort.
During the run, I was surprised to see in my GF 305 that I was able to register a time of 7:46 minutes for my 1-mile split. I observed that I slowed down on my last lap due to some disturbance made by one of the runners who made a conversation with me but I tried to make up for such situation by increasing my pace for the rest of the workout. I was able to finish 5 kilometers in 24:07 with an average pace of 4:47 minutes per kilometer. Basing from my VO2 max results, I was running at my 102% best effort which is a big improvement from my last Monday’s performance.
In conclusion, I was able to prove that I could improve on my VO2 max after a rest of 24 hours and with proper warm-up, stretching, “speed” drills, strong legs, lots of experience and positive attitude.
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