BDM 102: A test of endurance

It's exactly 16 days before D-day and here I am still thinking if I can accomplish this insane task of running 102 km. For 17 hours, I'll be submitting myself to a test of endurance and will-power. I was still confident for this race but it changed when I did the 52K test run last Saturday...

I don't know if it was the right thing to do. All I want was to simulate the race condition of coming from a 50 km run with no sleep and already exhausted. I did that but with a bonus: I was suffering from UTI! Imagine risking my life running dehydrated because of my UTI. I have to do wiwi break every 2 km but nothing was going out: i only felt pain when I tried to run. And worst of all, my wiwi became blood red after a while. :(

It was only a bonus because the 2nd half will be the hottest part of the race. Literally. The heat will be insane during that time and I had a taste of it in the previous test run. It was only a spoonful compared to the real thing on March.

On a positive note, I found my new shoes awesomeness when I did the test run. I will write a separate review for it but right now, I'm happy that I made the right choice. :)

16 days to go and I'm shivering already *gulp*

Skyway Marathon: An open letter to the organizers

Hi mam/sir,

First of all, congratulations to the success of the recently concluded Skyway Marathon yesterday. I have no doubt about how it was well organized from the program till the awarding ceremony, I give it a big thumbs-up. 16K++ runners who signed-up and did their best to become part of the Philippine Marathon History!

However, one of them was quite disappointed. He did his part in the race but he didn't received his finished medal. I registered very early for this race last December because I was so excited for my 6th full marathon. I haven't done my Cebu City Marathon yet but I made sure that I will run this event. This is where my I made my FM debut. I was eyeing for revenge as I really didn't like my results last year so I promised myself that this year I will redeem myself.

Alas, a few misfortune happened as race day came by. First, I lost my wallet due to negligence where I put all of my receipts. Second, I lost my racekit when my mom/dad threw it away accidentally when they were cleaning up my room. I discovered this exactly the night before the race so I have no time to look for a spare racekit nor tried to contact the organizers. I searched for your contact number to ask if I can still run the race but alas, I can't find it in the skyway marathon webpage.

This shattered my hopes for the race. I was really planning to abandon the idea of running this race but some of my friends encouraged me to continue despite of what happened. After a few mins. of contemplating and having no sleep, I decided to suit up and go to the fort. I will run my 6th FM. I thought to myself that I paid 1.2K plus for this marathon so why should I not run it even if I didn't have my race number with me. Plus the love of running made me decide to go to the starting line.

It was really difficult. I didn't have any sleep before the race. I have no idea on what will happen to me during the race. I performed well, paced with a fellow runner during the first 28 km then eventually slowing down because I felt some cramps already. At km 34, I walked and stretched, felt dehydrated and almost collapsed on the way to the takbo.ph aid station. Thank God for the Samaritans who helped me continue this race.

To cut the story short, I finished the race fair and square. I crossed the finish line with a time of 4:17:XX. I was not happy with the record but I was joyful because at least I made it safe and sound (minus the aching legs of course). So I went around and asked if I can get at least a finisher's medal to commemorate my achievement.

I was passed around the booths and I understand that I didn't have any proof that I finished the race from your system. They required the stub from the bib that I lost. I was so disappointed that I want to scream in front of the lady but no, that was not the proper way to do it. I just held back and do this letter to make it more formal and adequate to the situation.

Sir/Mam, I know you were runners too. You know how much we paid for our 42K race kit and you know it was quite expensive. But being told that you can't get at least the medal really crushed my morale. I worked hard for this race and even risked my life to finish it because I was really hoping to receive that award in the end. You know how difficult it is to accept that you've lost something already and it resulted to you not getting what you paid for.

I just want to express the feeling of being helpless yesterday and better customer support. Bottomline, I paid for the event (check my name: RONNEL GO registered last December 16, 2011) and I didn't get what my money's worth. I will bet my life if someone questioned if I finished the race yesterday as I claimed (this is also my preparation for BDM 102 this January).

I only want the finisher medal. I don't care for the loot bag nor the sponsor's freebies. I run for the glory of running and I would really love to get at least a remembrance which I paid with my hard-earned money.

I kindly ask for your consideration and help for this :(

Thanks,

Ronnel Go

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