Adination of Runners: 5th Sunday Run

Despite the mishaps I got from yesterday, this day was really a blessing and a break from my streak of unfortunate events. Today, I've got a chance to run again as a team with my buddies from Team Powerpuff Boys in the ANR: 5th Sunday Run.

I'm actually quite nervous for this race as I really don't have enough preparation prior to the event. Less speedworks and low mileage for the week made me think again if I really can perform and deliver my best in this race. Plus I was preparing for my BDM 102 so I focused more on endurance and little on gaining speed. With that in mind, I was really trembling from inside of my mind!


Gunstart for the 5k group run started at around 6 am which we joined for our warm-ups. The agreed pace was 5:00 mpk but the garmin registered a freaking 4:00 mpk!!! (Anak kayo ng pating Jixee and Pat). But nonetheless it was a great start and helped me relax a bit. We only did 2.5 km to shake off the rust from my body.

Akin na ang batuta mo!

Our event started at around 8 am. Man, the sun was already out and I can feel the spirit of competition among us runners in the corral. I was really excited in fact this was the first time I felt it again after the epic relay! Pat started first while Jixee did the 2nd leg. I did the 3rd leg! Jogging back and forth, anxiety was really building up. I'm really-really anxious for the baton! When I saw the marshall signaled that Jixee was already near I know it was showtime!

Running Form!

 

Holding the baton, I sprinted towards the turning point without hesitation. We were in 3rd place so I know there is pressure on me to close the gap. Stride after stride, I can feel the beat of my heart strong as I was chasing the runner before me. I don't know if I can really do it but I swore that I will try my best to come close to him. Past the 400 meters I can already feel the shortness in breathing and fatigue but I won't let that get in my way! I'm already near him as we approached the turn-around point (I envy him for the water that his support gave him) but I know I will reach him. After a few more strides, I finally overtook the runner!

But this comes with a price: speed is taking a toll on me. I'm not used to running short distances at top speed anymore (even my yasso's are not that fast) and I already feel dizzy. I'm really thankful for my pacers from fellow BHS runners and Beep beep as they helped me keep it going despite the fatigue that I felt. I feel so wasted but the sight of the finish line gave me hope and with the last puff, I dashed thru the waiting corral and passed the baton!

Wasak!!!

It was over! I feel my legs shaking, I'm a bit disoriented and really thirsty. I was really wasted to a point that I was begging for water already. But it was all worth it, we did our best and we were able to clinch the 2nd spot! Sweet!














Thanks to my fellow TPPB members, Mark M, Jixee, Pat and Joms for letting me be part of the team earlier. Thanks to Brando our photographer and #1 cheerleader during the race. Thanks to ANR BHS for the support and cheers as we cross the finishline plus giving us the opportunity to represent the team in the event. And finally, Thank God for the wonderful time and helping us finish the race unscathed.

The boys!

Wenners! (L-R: Mark M, Joms, Pat, Jixee, yours truly)

ANR BHS Rules!

 




See you on the next 5th Sunday race! :D

Special Thanks to Brando for the superb pictures! :D

The year that was 2010

2010 is a year full of glory and pain for me. It's been the most challenging year so far and I'm thankful that God was with me all the time. Too many things had happened and if I'm going to write them all here, I might not be able to finish it come the stroke of midnight. Behold, my year that was 2010:

My top memories of 2010:

RUN:
-> Running Career at it's finest! I did 4 FM, 3 Ultra and 1 Epic Relay. My total mileage for the year is 2202 km which makes me a candidate for a tune-up.
-> Running on events outside Metro Manila such as Cam Sur and Ilocos Norte. I also did an ultra trail run in Pinatubo (50K) which started my "Running Tourism" high in my career
-> My first official running clubs: 6:30, UNGAS and Team Powerpuff Boys!
-> PR's on 21K and 42K with an introduction to minimalist shoe running (I love my VFF)
-> Running Apparel Splurge (making my wallet cry :( ). So far, I purchased 4 running shoes and 2 VFF's :D

WORK:
-> I have a new team. Shifting from one discipline to another was a challenge but watching it grow exponentially over the year was a very exciting experience
-> Responsibility shift. This year marked huge changes in my work specifically to the goals I set. It is my momentum towards the start of 2011.
-> Talk about crunching numbers and schedules on projects! I experienced the craziest work schedule this year
-> This year an opportunity has opened-up a highway to my dreams. Slowly, I'm learning the system but I know it's the right path towards fulfilling my wishes.

SPIRITUAL:
-> I noticed that I drifted away from God early this year. This crushed me during the mid-months and reminded me that He was there to accept me back. Thank the Lord for showing me the way.
-> My dearest Nanay(lola) passed away last July. It was one of the most painful experience as she and 2 of her sibling passed away this year :(.
-> The Lord has shown me a blessing amidst the storm. Being rock-bottom was the most humbling experience I gained as slowly I'm returning and changing for the best. Above all, He was still there to guide me :)

EMO:
-> I've been into an emotional disaster for most part of the year. But somehow I'm almost recovered. Sorry for the people I've hurt and stepped upon, I really didn't mean it :(
-> A ray of light has captured my attention and even if it's a rocky start, thank you for coming into my life. I promise to treasure you always :D
-> I started to talk to my parents again and learned how to lessen my pride.

I want to have this post short as it summarizes my 2010. It was a roller-coaster ride but I'm happy I went through it happy and alive. I'm looking forward for my 2011 as I know there are a lot big things waiting for me next year. Excitement is just an understatement :D

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! :D

Rest Muna

I am very stubborn. I always love to push this body to the limit. I programmed myself to train hard without considering my personal limit. Unless I have work or other things to do, I want to get better in running such that I continue to batter my body with very aggressive trainings. I ignored the pain that I felt as I believed they are only temporary.

But days had passed and the pain is still here, nagging me and dragging my progress. Because of this i had convinced myself to slow down and rest.

Here are the 5 things that I will do during my rest period:

Stretchhhh!!!

1. Sleep - i need to have enough sleep again. sleeping at least 8 hours per day.
2. Eat - i don't have to worry about this. Food will help me build my strength and energy to propel thru my next set of trainings.
3. Stretching - stretching those darn affected muscle would help hasten the healing process.
4. Reduction - reduce training intensity in terms of speed. I would still continue building the base mileage with slower pace

Sleeping with eyes wide open

5. Equipment - having the right set of equipments to support this period is absolutely important. Changing running form to compensate for the injuries will require a new set of toys which I will use during my rest.










Will this work? Will i get better? I hope so. I only have a few weeks before my first training checkpoint and im hoping that i will be in-shape by that time. I'll try a couple of things as well to ensure my faster recovery but I guess a proper rest will be a key ingredient in getting stronger. As coach Salazar said, "ang katawan kailangan bigyan din ng pahinga para lalong lumakas, pag sumubra, baka ma-injure at mawala ang training progress".

Hoping to get well soon. The wait is killing me.

Never-ending wait! :))

* - Picture credit to various sources in the internet

Adination of Runners: nasa 2nd phase na!

As I told you, I always love the brand of Adidas. It's been my brand of choice for years now and most of my apparel are from Adidas.But do you know that it has Running Groups here in Manila? 

The Adination of Runners Running Group was launched this year and had 4 venues: Ortigas, BHS, Ayala and Alabang. For almost 9 months, it has created a number of followers whom had improved their running skills within the period. I had witnessed this in the likes of Deo, Bong, Rej, JR, Maya and Ceres who have progressed tremendously with the program.

They also offer promos within the program such as discounts with Adidas apparel, freebies and ultimately a free pass to this year's KOTR.

Ang mga magigiting na ANR BHS runners

Now, why the hell am I blogging about this program. First, I believe in the effect of the program. Second, I love the brand :). Lastly, it's for the friends I met thru the session where I shared a lot of experiences and gained a few in return.

What are you waiting for? You have enough reasons to get those shoes out of your cabinet and hit the road :D

Walang ulan-ulan sa mga adik!

I personally invite you to join our regular sessions:

Tuesdays:  

UP -> 6:30pm -> infront of Abelardo Hall, 

Alabang -> 7:00pm -> Madrigal Business Park

Ayala Tri -> 7:00pm -> inside Ayala Tri Garden

Wednesdays: 

MOA -> 7:00pm -> IMAX Parking Lot 

Ortigas -> 7:30pm -> Pearl Drive infront of UA&P

Thursdays:  

BHS -> 7:30pm -> Bonifacio High St. (near ROX parking lot)

Fridays:  

Ortigas -> 7:30pm -> Tienesitas

Mababait naman po kami at masisipag :)) (except si Maya na masokista). I promise you will improve within a few attendance of the sessions (Ako pa magiging pacer niyo, nyahahahaha)

Spread the love folks! See you in one of the sessions! :D

*-pics c/o Doc Marvs

BDM 102 Series: Prelude #1

Known as the most difficult road race in the country, the Bataan Death March 102 km was an annual event held to commemorate the long agonizing trip done by the brave heroes during WWII when Bataan fell in the hands of the Japanese. A trip made by several hundred prisoners of war (POW) from Bataan to Tarlac, they marched under the searing heat of the sun with the merciless Japanese soldiers provoking and killing all those who can't continue the journey. Truly, it's one of the most darkest events in the history of our country.

Last year, I think it was during the Rota-run when I approached my good friend and barkada, Ian Alacar about how he was able to finish the BDM 102. I was really fixated and I can't even imagine myself running the whole 102K with a 18 hours cut-off! It was crazy! He told me "Man, kayang-kaya mo yan. Kailangan mo lang ng training". Yeah, right, I'm a runner but not insane enough to do that.

Now, I ate my words when finally I made a decision to join the event. I already had the invite last October 2010. Why the hell did I change my mind?

- I consider it as the "peak" race of my running career. I want to test myself and push my body to the limit by doing this extreme road run
- I want to experience the thrill (actually boring) of running 102K
- This is one way of paying respect to our fallen heroes to whom we owe the freedom that we own today
- I want to celebrate with my running friends and comrades (I want that piece of experience)
- The finisher trophy is so huge that I will never have a place where I can put it. And lastly...
- I want to have a story which I can tell to my children and grandchildren someday. I want it to be a source of inspiration and perseverance to do their best on whatever things they love to do the most. :)

I will use this blog to record my experience for this race; from preparations till the post-race celebration. It's an epic story and hopefully to those who will read this will also feel the excitement that I'm experiencing.

Thanks to sir Jovie (Bald Runner) for the invite! :)

And now, my BDM 102 story will begin... :D

Running Barefoot (Almost!)

Gorilla feet!

Have you noticed those wicked "gorilla-feet" footwear used by some runners during races? It struck my curiousness; at first, I find them really funny and over-rated shoes. I even told myself that I will never be caught wearing one myself!

It changed when I had a chance to talk to more users of VFF and research about the benefits of Barefoot running. Finally, last Thursday, I was finally convinced to try and get one for myself.

VFF KSO: Solid stuff!

Meet "Chiz", my VFF-KSO! KSO means Keep Stuff Out which is considered as the most popular model of VFF out there in the market. It has a non-marking 3.5mm Vibram TC1 performance rubber sole is razor-siped for a sure grip, and a 2mm EVA insole enhances plating protection and comfort. a thin, abrasion-resistant stretch nylon and breathable mesh upper that wraps your entire forefoot to "Keep Stuff Out."* 








With barely 2 weeks of using my new toy, here are my "learnings" about Barefoot Running (almost in my case):


Lesson #1: Change of Running Form - you will have to adjust from heel-striking to forefoot midfoot when you wear these babies. It's the same reason that I took some time-off from racing as I want to improve my form and do some serious forefoot training. Chiz is now my constant partner in achieving these goals.


Lesson #2: Do it gradually - It is advisable to start running in VFF within short distances (i.e. 3K) and increase it gradually. I was stubborn so I tried doing 6K immediately on my first road training, 11K on the second and 11K on the third. That killed my calves and gave me blisters as big as my big toe!!!

Adobo Run: My very first Race using Chiz!

Lesson #3: Blisters will haunt you - I never had such blisters in my entire life! Probably this is caused by the speed work + minimal protection I've had from Chiz. I need to invest on toe socks to minimize blistering or slow down during my training runs with her.

Aray!!!

Lesson #4: Distance Does Matter - KSO's have thinner soles compared to Bikila's. I'm not sure if I'm the only one who observed this but if you hit distances above 10K in a fast pace, the blisters will be coming after you. I think this can be minimized by using socks (if you have any advice on how to prevent this, please let me know)

Lesson #5: Different Strength! - Barefoot Running strengthens the calves. For now they hurt like hell but in the long run, they will be developed and grow stronger. Sanayan lang yan! Also, I observed that I'm improving my stamina already! If only I didn't had the blisters last Adobo run, I can still do another 10-12K of run using the same tempo pace :D

Developed not monster calves!!!

Lesson #6: Watch out where you are stepping - Since Chiz has minimal cushioning, you can really feel the surface of whatever your stepping at (to the nth level!). Grass is good, they are soft but you'll hate it when you accidentally step on small stones! I did last Saturday and it felt like a nail was put through my toe! :(. Again, this is not to scare you away from using them but just be extra careful on the things you stepped on (di ko pa naranasan sa "landmines")

You'll hate the small rocks... promise!

Lesson #7: Pabida effect: Lastly, using them will give you the curious stares from people. True to the testaments, you'll feel awkward at first as you get different comments about them. There are laughter, questions and even people who wants to try it themselves. I felt like an ambassador of BFR whenever people approached me on why the hell I am wearing such strange but cool footwears

Even he will roll his eyes when he sees you in VFF :))

It still a little early to observe any significant  improvements using Chiz but I do love the process of learning how to run with her. I'm still a noob with this style of running but it is an investment to my goal of improving in the sport that I really love. 

If you have the extra moolah, try to get one for yourself. I assure you it will be a fun yet fruitful experience running with these babies :D

They come in different colors and styles too! :D

For my next goal, I'm planning to log 16K with her next weekend. We'll see if she's up to the challenge! :D

I'll buy her sister on November but I'm still undecided if it will be "Trixie" or "Komina" :))


To be continued... (for more info about VFF, visit their site at http://birthdayshoes.com)

* - description from Vibram's website

Picture Credits:Various sources from the internet

KOTR 2010

It's an annual event that I never missed since 2008. For the love of the brand...


I've been a fan of Adidas ever since I started to get serious in my running career back in 2008. My first set of running shoes was adidas which I retired this year. My 2nd and current race shoes were Adidas (Attune and Tempo). Lastly, I love the KOTR singlets which I always looked forward to every year.

KOTR 2008: First timers! (I did 5K)

My goal for this race was to beat my previous 21K KOTR PR of 1:52 last year. And I was so excited about it...

My official KOTR PR last year: 1:52:00

Starting line

I arrived at the venue at around 4:15 am in the morning. It was really early but I don't mind as I want to get a good parking spot. I met with Sir Junrox and Alfred (TPPB teammates and running idols) at the parking lot before I went to the ANR BHS meeting spot. Mingling around runners I soon found myself stretching with the Milo APEX guys in BHS. Man, you've gotta attend their trainings! Stretching pa lang, kakaiba na!

With Team boring!

I went to the starting corral with a few ANR folks to do some pep talks and basically plan out how are we going to finish the race. Funny because I found out that almost all of us bought GF's to the same guy who sold Rej his unit at least a week before the race (malaki ang kickback mo Rej!). I chose to stay away from the frontline as I was still recovering from the previous week's race.

Ang aming agimat!

At exactly 5:30 am, the gun popped and the race has officially begun!

KM 0 - 10


I didn't plan to speed up for the first 10K of this race. Passing thru the British school route until the end near kalayaan avenue, it was all hover as I'm prepping up for the Buendia fly-over. As we were on the way back, the 10K participants were already released (saw Brando, Jixee and Mark Mulder) as I run to the fly-over.

Buendia Fly-over. I miss this route already. Luckily, I was part of the lead bunch because the bridge was not yet crowded. Cruising along Buendia avenue, I gulped some water to cool down and enjoyed the marching band play the pep music. It was the same old route, same traffic and same issues.

On our way to the Buendia turn-around point

I've reached the turn-around post (where's the RFID hot plate?) and traversed the way back to the Fort


KM 11 - 20

On the way back, I passed by a few fellow runners along the way. Cheering up and keeping the morale high, I increased my pace a bit until I reached the dreaded site. The fly-over was overcrowded with runners! :(. I have to skip, squeeze, duck and roll to get through the crowd. Luckily, I was able to pass thru without any issues and continued my way to the last 6 km.

Waahhhhhh!!! Sea of runners :(

I have a bad feeling about the hydration for the last few kms. so I grabbed a bottle of powerade before I proceeded to 5th ave. I also took my energy gel for luck! Darn, I was right about this decision because the water stations for the remaining route was really far away from each other. Poor noobs, they suffered because of this. Reached the turn-around point at bayani road then sped-up on the way back to the finish line!

This saved me from dehydration!

Finish line and Post Race Chuvaness

I really aimed for a strong finish in this race. I conserved my energy for the first few kms. to spend it on my last 200 meter sprint to the finish. I sprinted like no tomorrow. But alas, a few walking runners blocked our finish line chute and I have to sidestep to avoid them. It made my left leg cramp and collide with a fellow finisher! Damn it! (please if you're planning to block the way in the finish line, please do follow the chute where you are supposed to finish and avoid any injuries to your fellow runners).

But still, I've got what I aimed for! A new KOTR PR :D. And a finisher medal to partner with it! That's more than enough to cover the boo-boo I've had in the finish line.

Kagat Medal Moment! :D

After the race, I went back to the car to change as my nips were bleeding. "Kaskas-nips" due to the singlet rubbing through the surface of our nips. This can be prevented by putting lubes such as petroleum jelly or covering them with a band-aid before the start of the race. Unluckily, the petroleum jelly I applied was washed-off during the race.

I went back to the ANR booths and had some photo-sessions. Overwhelming support to the ANR BHS booth and the new sites, MOA and UP were outstanding. I guess we will be running a big crowd now during Thursdays :D

Thanks Sir Raul of ARC Manila for the picture! :D

As a post-race comment, I really love Adidas. The brand I do believe. The race, uhm, I don't know. Races were supposed to improve every year and one of way of checking it was to get the feedback from the participants. For the past 3 years, I've heard a lot of rants about the race but this year I think is the worst. From the registration process until the post-race logistics, countless number of rants were received. I won't deal into the details anymore as I'm already fed-up with the feedbacks and I will leave it to the organizers to respond.


Will I still join the race next year? Definitely. I'm a die-hard Adidas fan :D

More pictures here

Photo Credits: Topher Montaos, Sir Raul of ARC Manila, Greentennial Runner and various sources from the Internet