An Open Letter to BDM160 warriors

Dear BDM160 warriors,

 

Yesterday we have witnessed first hand how you and your comrades fought fatigue and braved the weather. You ran along highways with minimal assistance, equipped with sheer will and determination.

Watching you and listen to your battles gave me a higher regard to the running community, to the sport and to you as individuals. This is a personal journey, your personal dream of finishing only a handful of individuals can. Only a few would understand this idiosyncrasy and would brush it as nonsense.

Your brotherhood defines no religion, no teams, no political alliance. You are a modern cartoon hero: a working individual in the morning, a running addict at night. You don’t belong to the metro but you definitely stand out from the new bloods.

We are fortunate to support one of your brothers and I am very proud to stand by him as one of his support crew. Yesterday was a test of patience and human spirit. It was Ronnel’s first DNF but to declare as such made it more admirable and humbling.

Thank you for helping a brother in need. Thank you Sir Melvin for personally attending to Ronnel. Thank you Madol and Sam for being soldiers when needed. Thank you Sir Jonel for giving a sound advice. Thank you to all who asked how is he, he will be back on 102 and will do a take 2 next year for that silver buckle. Sir Jovie, you have a strong army behind you and it is so admirable.

You are all special idiots and I totally respect that. To all support crew believing in the dreams of these warriors, my respect goes to you as well for sticking around and supporting them all the way.

Running an ultra is not an easy sport. Amen to that.

 

Cheers to running!
Running Free Manila

 

Running 101 with Pinoy Exchange Running Club

Yesterday, January 23, the Pinoy Exchange Forum (PEx) Running Club started the year with their very first running session at the Ayala Triangle.

Drew gives the opening remarks

Diadora Philippines Running Club’s Running Atom and yours truly were invited (Thanks to Drew Llanes, one of the PEx forum regulars and aNR Pearl’s Coach/TL) to kick-off their running session with the basics in running.

Running Atom leads Plyometrics

We had warm up of 2 loops (1km = 1 loop) led by the president of PEx Running Club and the active members. After that, Atom led in the plyometrics followed by warm-up stretching led by yours truly. Later on, the group was divided to men and women with Drew leading the men and Atom and I led the women.

PEx Running Club officers lead the warm-up run

I really had a fun and fulfilling time with Atom, Drew and the rest of the PEx Running Club. It’s a great feeling leading a group and helping others help themselves. I got more excited when six:30′s Kit, Kyx and Daisy arrived to support the group and seeing the smiles and nods give us immediate feedback that we are doing just right.

 

Teaching them on stretching

I hope we get to help more people to enjoy running and I am grateful to Drew and the rest of the PEx Running Club for inviting Diadora Phils. Running Team.

Like PEx Running Club Facebook page here. Thanks to Running Atom and PEx Running Club for the photos.

PEX Running Club Running Session on January 23

On January 23, 2012, Monday, at 6:00am, Pinoy Exchange Forum (PEx) Running Club (Visit their FB page here) will be holding their running session at Ayala Triangle.

The basics of running will be conducted by Running Atom, Drew Llanes and I. We hope to see you there!

Special thanks to Diadora.

Fat Ass Run, Not A Race But A Fun Run

They say, “Any idiot can run a marathon, but it takes a special idiot to run an ultramarathon.” And yes, I witnessed it first-hand last weekend when I joined the Fat Ass Run in Clark Parade Grounds for 12 hours.

“It started with Atty. Jonnifer Lacanlale and Sir Don Ubaldo, during a drinking session thought of running in loops non-stop for 24-hours. In 2010, Sir Don actually did it around the 2.2km loop of the Clark Parade Grounds. Every six hours, he would change directions.” (From Runner’s World Philippines January 2011)

While completing a loop I told my fellow Barney, Jenny, “I wonder how would anyone react when we share this experience.” Even I am baffled by the idea that I signed up for 12 hours!

Originally I wanted only 6 hours but I was too late to react when I visited Atty. Jon’s blog. Come January 2012, Drew asked if I have registered I said no and like I am really destined to run it, there’s a slot for 12-hours! After receiving the e-mail confirmation, I couldn’t stop thinking about it! To you reader wanting to join Fat Ass Run next year, DO NOT do the same thing.

In any case, let me recount why the Fat Ass Run is not a race but a fun run:

1. Meeting ultrarunners. The special idiots you call ultramen and women, they are admirable! Most of these ultrarunners are actually nice, approachable, funny and festive! You may see them focused on adding loops for their mileage but I’m telling you, once you run past their camps/stations they will gladly offer you assistance, food and the best: beer! Kidding aside, you think these men and women will not bother because of their feat, they will be the first to answer your inquiries: where to register, what to do, what will happen. What I experienced in being a support in BDM gave more meaning when I ran alongside Team Boring, Bald Runner and frontrunner!

Only a handful but the quality ones.

2. Meeting other running groups/teams. There are maybe teams/groups but camaraderie is at its best during this event! I wanted to enumerate the teams here but too afraid I might miss one or two. I just enjoyed the good vibes that surround the assembly area. You will see the support coming from fellow team mates and the cheers from family members and friends are there. You would not see this in any races in the metro except during the finish line.

Priceless Support Group

3. Established friendships. This is the first time our group, six:30 joined Fat Ass Run. Hendy and I decided last minute to join the event and I am grateful to our support group consists of: Imee, Kit, Tina, Jenny, Daisy and Kyx. Everything was really unplanned but came out like it was beautifully executed! My heart stopped jumping when I learned Hendy got the slot as well so I was even more excited to do the impossible: running for 12 hours because I won’t be alone. Yep, running solo for me stopped when I ran longer distances. “Running is not a lonely sport,” so as John usually say. I was fortunate enough to handpick the right people. Though I would have wanted to invite the whole group, I thought this is a personal adventure so I decided not to tell everyone until I have done this.

"Classic" picture

Running with the people you esteemed as friends is a humbling experience. You know that while you sing out loud without a care makes you an idiot, wait till your running buddy actually sing with you! You talk about a lot of things: life, love, work, friends, entertainment, literally anything under the stars! You realized you are not the only one as giddy as a kid when you see the fireworks light up the sky. You are not the only one who wishes that life could have been more kind. You are not the only one who thinks of the next training for your upcoming races.

4. Breaking records. I thought running around Clark Parade Grounds is just like running UP Acad Oval but surprisingly or maybe because of the excitement and anxiety, I ran for 25 loops and Hendy ran 30 loops! It was really more of a mind game rather than a test of endurance. Running the exact route in one direction for 6 hours then change for the next 6 hours gave me a clearer mind. It may not be official but I had my sub-5 here for a marathon and my first time to cross the 42k mark and still continue!

There is my name!

5. Grateful to life. You see yourself running around the same route; you see the same faces, the same expression. Somehow I am thankful that the run happened in a new place and the time was when most are sleeping. Sans the imaginative mind, I am more thankful for what I have right now and gave me a fresh perspective on my decisions. True enough, as I saw the sun greeted us for another day, another hope is given, another chance to be taken.

Fat Ass Runner finisher!

And so the cloud has cleared. All the pressure came from Gary last year finally has been gone and all unanswered questions as simple as, “Isn’t it taxing?” will simply be answered, “No. You will see yourself pushed to your limits and actually enjoying it.”

Thank you Atty. Jonnifer and Sir Don!

Cheers to all participants and to you Atty. Jon and Sir Don, kudos and till next year!

*Pictures courtesy of Daisy and Kyx Castaneda and Imee Palogan

2011 in review: Thank You Readers!

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 9,200 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 3 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Thank you 2011!

I must admit I believed that it’s the end of the world by 2011; and so I thought I really should make each moment I can make and I did! Not being too apocalyptic nor cryptic, I thought any day of 2011 I have to be ready for My Redeemer and if I was asked what did I do in my life, I have an answer for it.

I have to thank my fear that if I were to make a bucket list, I think I have done most of them this year! I know some of you are looking back and cherish the good memories, so let me do it too.

1. To finish my MBA
Last August, I finished my graduate studies and earned a masters degree in Business Administration. It was hardwork! All the sleepless nights, tiring days and going to school back and forth paid off. I am grateful to all my professors who have been supportive and terrible because they made me stronger. I am thankful to all my classmates and to the people I have called my close friends in graduate school because they made MBA more interesting and fun! Pancake House, Powerplant Mall, Starbucks are just among the places worth remembering.

2, 3 and 4. To travel a lot, to learn how to surf, to visit Disneyland!
I think my ears got numb to the jeers of my family and friends with this. I have to thank my work as my bread and butter. I was not born with a silver spoon nor sponsored by any brands to travel but this year, I find pleasure in traveling locally or out of the country!

Locally, I am so thankful that I went to Los Baños, Laguna where I studied my first year in college (University of the Philippines Los Baños, 1999). I went to Romblon, to Nagsasa, Zambales, Baler and Boracay, Aklan.

In these local trips, I have learned to travel by myself, believe in the goodness of others, believe that there are still honest locals, I learned how to surf and I have rode a ferry!

Internationally, I am thankful I have gone to these places: HongKong, Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore! I have seen Angkor Wat, Seam Reap, Bangkok, HongKong Disneyland, Sentosa (after 8 years!) and stayed in Marina Bay Sands! I am grateful to my family, officemates and friends (you should know running friends and friends are now synonymous to me) who have been very kind to go with me and to let me tag along with them.

Not everyone can afford to go in and out of the country but I am also thankful to Cebu Pacific for having those seat sales (and no, this is not a paid advertisement) and to the online bargain deals, you rock! Going to Disneyland was one of my childhood dreams and I wanted to go to Tokyo or to US (until now I don’t know where it is) but HongKong is the closest thing to realizing my childhood dream!

5,6 and 7. To do a marathon, to be featured in a magazine and to join an international marathon!
I told myself I want to do my first marathon after a year and so I did, thanks to Jaymie Pizarro, The Bull Runner for helping me make this dream a reality! And to my surprise, the liking did not stop there because I did my second in the Milo National Marathon Manila leg and my first international marathon in Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon!

I thank my six:30 family for believing and for being there. I cannot be more prouder of what we have achieved for this year: first-time marathoners, first-time ultramarathoners, first-time triathletes and more ladies doing the marathon! All of these were rewarded by features in Runner’s World Philippines, frontrunner magazine, Runners’ Runner blogsite and other groups recognizing the team. Thank you for helping us grow, we hope to do more this 2012.

8 and 9. To pay it forward and to be of service to others.
When I started this blog, my aim was to chronicle my running journey, my list of travels and my studies and looking back, I know I am appreciated and acknowledged but as I always say, happiness should be shared, happiness should not stop in you, it should continue to someone else because happiness is a gift and not something to keep. So I am thankful for being given the opportunity to be a pacer to others, to follow others, to be a running companion, to be a consoling friend, to be an inspiration and to be a die-hard fan at the same time. These make us humans, this puts my feet back on the ground. I don’t want to enumerate here since I am very vocal in my entries here every after race.

But to name a few, thank you Greentennial Run (Sir Rovic), The Bull Runner (Miss Jaymie), frontrunner (Sir Jonel), Bald Runner (Sir Jovie), Renderfarm (Sir Philip Pacle), Kuya Kim (Kim Atienza), A Runner’s Circle, Secondwind Running Store, RunRio (Rio dela Cruz, congrats!), Runner’s World Philippines, Nature Valley, Diadora, runningatom (Alfred), kampuger (Coach Ronnel), takbo.ph and six:30 (you know who you are) for giving me the opportunity to impart myself to others.

10. To be supported by my family.
I will never be who I am right now, if not for my family. I don’t have a family of my own yet but if I had, I hope I can be as supportive as my parents and my sister, because for every race, for every marathon, they are there. They are the only constant in my life right now and with all my activities and sidelines, they are just there, a text away, email or call, I know they are there and this is one of the precious gifts I have that not everyone may have.

And so I thank you 2011 for being such a wonderful and fruitful year. I hope 2012 will be as surprising as you are and if ever there’s another end-of-the-year event, I am sure to make another bucket list and do them soon.

To my dear reader, thank you. I may lag hits daily but I’m pretty sure you really read my entries. ;p

 

Run for Sendong (Rescue Run) on December 31

With the damage that brought upon by typhoon Sendong in the Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Negros Oriental and other Central Visayas and Mindanao provinces, the running community unites with Rescue Run (Race for Sendong), a fund-raising project for the victims of typhoon Sendong.

For a minimum of PhP150, you can already help. The race will take place in McKinley Hills at 5:30am on December 31, 2011. Before we welcome 2012, let us extend our help to our brothers and sisters who were affected by the typhoon.

The same organizer who brought to you Run for Japan, Greentennial Run continues to be committed for organizing runs for a cause. Join now and be part of this event.

Registration Dec 26 – Dec30: MONDAY-FRIDAY

- ROX at Boni High Street
- SECOND WIND Store at 45 Malingap St, Teachers Village (Tel. 238-4005) and at Ortigas Home Depot branch ( Tel. 914-0283)

Registration Dec 27 – Dec 30 TUESDAY-FRIDAY

- ARC Store (A Runner’s Circle) at Aloha Hotel, Roxas blvd corner Quirino ave, Mla (Tel. 5674786)

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011: Defining Moment

I used to read the blogs of fellow runners for the last 2 years of their recounts in their international marathons. I dream that one day I can be part of those events. At the back of my head though, I told myself as a leisure runner, I couldn’t afford to spend so much for a run.

Fast forward to 2011, Drew texted me that there’s a seat sale in Cebu Pacific to Singapore just in time for the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore and just like that, we are booked and we are just awaiting for the registration to open.

SCMS Expo

We headed to the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center for the SCMS Expo last December 1 to claim our race kits. Just the look at the people coming in and out of the expo means this is an international event! I was intimidated by the venue and wished that our local races that tagged themselves as “international” spend their pricey registration fees to SMX Convention Center so local runners get their money’s worth. Learned that about 65,000 runners were registered with 20,000 running for the full marathon!

You see where your money’s going.

We were there for the 1-4pm time slot for the closed REPC (Race Entry Pack Collection) as early as 12:40pm as we saw the earlier time (10-12nn) that the line stretched outside the expo hall. It took as about 45 minutes waiting for our turn (found out later it took others for only 10-15 minutes) and headed to the sponsors’ booths. The sponsors’ booths were a haven for the runners as discounts up to 45% and freebies were there! Finally I purchased my first 2xu full compression tights (though I was really looking for the 3/4 compression tights) and got more excited for the race.

 

Race Day

 

The day before the race we went around Orchard Road for our last-minute fixes and meet-ups and decided to sleep as early as 9:30pm. I chugged the 100Plus Edge non-carbonated isotonic drink since they were one of the sponsors (and I couldn’t find a 1.5L Gatorade in Singapore!) and I want to avoid any stomach ache during the race. I woke up at 2:30am since we were 4 in the room, wanting to avoid the rush later.

 

John, Hendy, Jonj and I walked from our hotel (a good 10 minute walk) to the starting line (in front of Ion Plaza) at around 4:30am (gunstart at 5am). We saw the Kenyans already jogging and locals who looked like they are ready to run beside the Kenyans also warming up just beside the grills. We saw our fellow Filipino runners who are fast (ehem HoT Runners) and added to my nerves. We agreed to wear the official singlet (thanks to Asics) as it was a great fit and thought when could be the best time to wear the singlet but in the event itself! We thought we will be faceless, among the crowd and just enjoy the race (thanks to Jonj!).

 

As we were ushered to the chute for the 4-6 hours, we saw Drew all warmed up and it was the first time I saw him nervous (or maybe because he was not feeling well for the last 2 days) and just made me more anxious.

 

just look how many runners were there!

As we saw the clock turned 5, as we saw the crowd in front of us moved we were all saying good luck. It was our first international marathon and Jonj’s first marathon!

 

I felt a good start as I ran without any problem, energized by all runners who are in a constant pace. I saw some places that we were not able to visit yet. As we turn to Fullerton Hotel I felt a sudden confidence that I am doing alright because as I reach the Singapore Flyer, I saw 2 of the HoT runners alongside the pacers of the 4:30 time; it was an extraordinary sight! I thought I can break my PR here with a 4:30 time!

 

As soon as we turn left to East Coast Park, the inviting feeling of trees relaxed me a bit and saw that we are just in Km13. I wanted to pace until Km21 so I can have a good start for the first half but at Km19, I found myself panting not just because of a faster pace than my normal but also my phone gave in and I started to hear my surroundings! Then I have proven I am dependent with music! I told myself not to quit and do something the first time: listening to my breathing. But to my panic and exhaustion by turn of Km21 I literally walked and not just Chi walking but Luneta walking (Luneta: national park in the Philippines where you can have all the time to savor the moment). It was too early and I lost my momentum.

 

The 4:30 pacers passed, then 4:45, then 5:00! I was disappointed with myself as I saw John and Running Atom already turned. I waved and smiled at them but deep inside I was ranting. Maybe I should have stuck to that 5:00 pace. I saw one of the HoT runners encouraged me to move on (whoever you are, thank you.) but my legs just gave in and I have to walk. I listened to the different languages and looked at the seaside. This is not me I thought but I have to move on. I saw myself drinking every hydration station and getting BenGay to put on my quads and arms, but I was not really exhausted but I thought my will just gave in. Drew ran past me and I was so ashamed of myself.

 

 

By Km29, I thought when will this end?! The East Coast Park was my downfall and I thought I have to redeem myself. But the calvary did not stop and went on to Marina Exchange. I looked around and thought we were in a death march where everyone was walking. I couldn’t find any hint of inspiration (running friends or fellow Filipinos) and just crawled until I reach Marina Mall. A local asked for the time and it was already 9:30am, the time that I tried to reach and yet I’m still in the 36th km. (there we saw First Aid station where there were runners who are already in dextrose because of the unexpected heat)

 

I tried cheering myself up after East Coast Parkway (dubbed as the Heartbreak Hills in SG and it really was a killer!) since more runners from FM and Pikermi were walking and silence is just a companion. And when I saw my video in Team BMW, I thought I should be near so I should collect myself because soon the finish line will be there.

 

And just like that, I saw City Hall (I never thought that this will be where the finish line is) and thanked God we did it: 5:52. Looking back at the results, I was really fast the first half and being a positive runner, I learned to conserve my energy the entire race the next time I run another marathon.

 

Last thoughts

 

Seeing my running friends at the activity center will always be my consolation after the race. It ensures me that there’s someone who I can see a smiling face and say, “Everything is alright. Congratulations on finishing the race!” We saw Jonj later on with a smile and we were so happy that she just finished her first marathon! Later we saw John, Hendy and Atom and we headed to the park in front of the City Hall and had the local S$1 ice cream! Sarap!

 

I have to give it to the cheerers, to the pacers, to the organizers, to the sponsors and to the medics for really giving it back to the runners; for really making sure that we really are running for a reason, enjoying our race. I give my praises to the student volunteers as cheerers and those stationed in each hydration station, giving water and 100-Plus and BenGay. To the pacers who are just encouraging, asking each runner if they are enjoying the race. Despite the unfortunate event that was later broadcasted (God bless him.), Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore lived up to its expectation of being an AIMS approved international event. I have to say I am impressed and with that I am thinking of doing at least one international race each year.

 

Till next time and congratulations to all runners and to all fellow Filipino runners!

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011: A Humbling Experience

Just came from Singapore and still couldn’t find the right words for the experience but just humbling. It was a decision for me and after this experience, I thought I should go back to step 1 of my training. I have been staring at the computer with a blank entry.

For a few words and sentences: The Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore can offer a great experience of patience, determination and focus. You wouldn’t just say, “Clear your mind and everything will follow” because the 2nd half of the marathon was all about listening to your body and thinking of your next strategy to endure the race. Here are 2 pictures minutes before gunstart.

From L-R: Drew Llanes (5:59), Jonj Roux-Muñoz (6:08), Hendy Cheung (4:12), John Almendralejo (5:43)

This is my first international marathon, the first time that I ran beside the fastest of my peers (HOT Runners, you know who you are!) in the first half, my slowest marathon that makes it my most memorable.

L-R: Drew Llanes, Hendy Cheung, John Almendralejo, Me (5:52)

I will try to give a detailed account of my stay in Singapore (from claiming of the kit to race proper) soon. To my fellow runners who did the SCMS2011, I salute you.

A Taste Of Diadora Mythos Axeler TI IV

Running Atom has introduced in his blog the new top of the line running shoes of Diadora. I was fortunate to experience the Mythos Axeler TI IV.

I think the Mythos Axeler TI IV is a great running shoe not just forefoot runners like me but to all runners looking for shoes that can absorb a lot from constant footwork with enough stabilizer and smart cushioning.

With the Axeler technology of Diadora, it gives a greater performance when it comes  to thrust motion and propels you for maximum performance with less impact.

It is also recommended to those who would like to “correct” their pronation as the insole, midsole and sole of the Mythos Axeler TI IV has enough foam (with their Elaston and DA technology) to give its elasticity while any shock from intense motion will return to its original form.

The feeling of good ventilation is done by its Power Flow even during raining, the Mythos Axeler TI IV can give enough breathing space for the foot.

Last Thursday, I broke it in UP Diliman for 2 rounds and find it very light and it gave me that enough push to stay with my pace. Personally I think this is a good shoes for your 5-10k races as it keeps you in motion. I also tried this in the recently concluded 2nd Trek the TEC and it gave me that “spring” action while going and up and down the stairs. Go and get one now!