TIMEX Run: My First Half Mary

“It’s now or never!” I dwelt on these words as I got ready for the Timex 2009 Run yesterday. It’s my first 21km run and I knew I wasn’t ready after the incident at the Philippine International Marathon (PIM: Run for Pasig) – where I blacked out and had to be taken to the hospital. The corral was not sardines-packed as in last Sunday’s run and I recognized some of the seasoned runners in the bunch. At 5am, Filipino actor Piolo Pascual said a prayer for everyone and Manny Pacquiao, who threw combinations against a ‘dancing’ Miguel Cotto that afternoon at MGM. After that, a video of the route was shown, which never really registered on me as I was busy listening to the cacophony of anxious and excited voices around me – or was it my anxious and excited subconscious?...

And then, just suddenly, it was gun-off already – no countdown, just the gun shot which gave us all a start. “This is it!” Placing my finish time’s fate on the Coach, who kept his peace all throughout the run even if I couldn’t keep the pace at times. Kept pounding on the road en route to the Jaguar showroom where I went on a few seconds walk break as the coach grabbed two cups of hydration for me. I was breathing heavily already after that first aid station and was afraid that there will be a blackout part 2 – which I dreaded. Coach Isko told me to avoid the negative thoughts and informed me that we were on the right track. Earlier he said that we will keep a 7min/km pace all throughout the 10km and then a mixture of jog/walk after that, then he assured me that I will finish this race no matter what. We reached the 9km marker at 1.07 on my Timex watch – the first time I looked at it. Looks like I’m doing better than my 10km race - where my best time was 1.15. We reached the McKinley Hill where I felt numbness on my fingers. The gameplan changed here to ‘walks’ on uphills and ‘jogs’ on downhills – which of course, was amenable for me.

At the camp’s entrance, we ran into the trailblazers who were already going back and finishing off at an hour and a half – someday guys…

When we reached the end of Bayani Road, turning left to Heritage, I felt like I was already slogging into unknown territory and everything I learned on training day was conquered by psychological musings of “tap out now”, “you can’t do this,” “your eyes are getting heavy, you are getting weary…” and so forth. Coach Isko, who also took the liberty to be my ‘support’ for the day – handing me chocolates, 100plus and water all throughout the race, would every now and then take me out of the hypnosis and send me back to reality by pushing me further with, “just a little bit more,” “yes, you reached your farthest mark, just 8 more kilometers!”...and I’m still breathing heavily…

With all of my energy (and spirit) waning on the way back, Coach didn’t stop pressing on the positive. Every aid station became a shower station and I welcomed the cold and wet water against my nape and over my head. Somehow it washed away the negative thoughts until we reached the 18km marker. I don’t know what happened but the thought of the finish line at an arm’s reach made me think of slumping at the pavement with a Maynilad hose drumming water against my back, pigging out on a bucket of Haagen Dazs, sleeping right there and then. But Isko was more persistent, persuading me to get the cup of cold water from his hand as he ran off meter by meter until we reached the last two kilometers.

The last kilometer was the hardest. I was panting, my legs were heavy, my arms were not swaying aggressively – man, I don’t even remember if they were still swaying at all! My shoulders seemed like somebody dropped 10 tons of cement on them. With the Coach constantly talking to me, “do you believe in yourself?!” “you’ve gone this far, don’t stop now,” “motivate yourself!” I looked at my left and tried to understand why there was a crane there – they must be fixing the road or the sidewalk or something; at my right – nothing interesting there; and thought of anything that will keep me off the pain and the exhaustion. Motivate myself……check!......this is my first 21k……20 meters……happy thoughts……15 meters……couldn’t read the timer above……10 meters……why is there a ‘blonde’ lady shouting in front of me?......5 meters……chip mat!...yes!

Crossing the finish line at 2.51 tops a Maynilad water shower and beats a bucket of Haagen Dazs. And receiving the finisher’s medal was just pure bliss.

SIM: Behind the Heels

It all started in BDM. When Isko requested a support team for his take on the 102km challenge that was the Bataan Death March in April of this year, I got hooked to the 'support the runner' idea. Thus, on Oct 24, when the boys needed support for the 42km Subic International Marathon, I immediately geared up into planning mode.

October 24, 4:30 pm. Our white support van inched its way after other support vehicles as soon as the runners took off. Like a huge python snaking to the left lane to Subic, the road warriors sped off to beat the setting sun. One by one, I recognized some of the runners who were both ecstatic and excited to hit the SCTEX asphalt for the first time. It was just contagious. If I was not in the support vehicle, I could have been one of them too. Nah, maybe next year ;)

However, the ecstasy lost its vigor when we noticed waterless aid stations. It didn't bother us (of course, it won’t bother us – we’re not running! Duh!) until we got to the next station. Still no agua!…poor runners! With 16 more kilometers to Subic, how does one survive? Ask the lovely ladies in the white van if they can spare water. And that was how our support vehicle was converted to a mobile water station for the next or so kilometers. And like the drug, the frenzy that started at Floridablanca turned into a nightmare when darkness overwhelmed SCTEX. One by one, runners come up to us for water and we have to offer what we can and what we have – water, bananas, Gatorade, eggs, wheat bread, chocolates…until our very own supplies ran out. With only 7 kilometers left to the finish line, the runners had to accept any hydration that was being offered – refilled Gatorade, half of another runner’s bottled water, oxygenated water (?). It was here that I wished we had brought more water than the two 6 liters of water that we had. At 5 hours and 10 minutes, Ian and Isko crossed the finish line dehydrated, exhausted but triumphant. Eugene came in 24 minutes later. Jeff and Gene – who were both BDM veterans – finished under 4 hours. It was late and I was also tired – supporting this race was, in fact, more tiring than during BDM in April. Maybe it was the fact that we had to provide supplies, not only to our runners, but to everyone who asked for it. At least, my fatigue slowly shook off when I saw the runners crossing the finish line while the boys were still having their own proud (mary) moment…



ADIDAS KOTR: Up on my Heels

The thought that I will claim another PR at KOTR dwindled away when we left Subic at midnight. Without enough sleep and rest, I bet that I will only be walking the whole 10k stretch. Still, with the addiction gradually controlling me at every race, I got ready at 4am, downed half of a hotdog, took my vitamins, and stretched.

At the 6am gun start, I was unbelievably up on my heels and eating everybody’s dust. Ian, who became my constant pacer from the starting line, albeit his weak state, made sure I was not inching away from the 7min/km mark and breathing like a cadet. Eugene would keep the stories coming and then break away every once in a while whenever he feels leg pain from the 42k run they had 9 hours before.

It was remarkable that I kept on running until the aid station after the Buendia flyover – where I walked and counted 10 seconds while waiting for Ian to get me a cup of Gatorade. I ran off again until after Makati Avenue where I had to take another walk break - at 20 seconds this time. This went on until I reached the Buendia flyover back to the Fort. I crossed the finish line at 1:15:30 - 2 minutes and 30 seconds better than my last one and 30 seconds earlier than my best one. Whew!!!

QCIM: Pulled it off until the sandman came.

The game plan was NOT to do a PR on Sunday’s run and just to take it easy and enjoy my first time to run the wide Commonwealth road – which I only traverse while in a vehicle. Although I am a morning person, having zero sleep for two consecutive days left me so tired and weary when I landed at Quezon City Hall. The cool weather and the early morning darkness - as I came in before 5 am - didn’t help either that I had to rob forty winks before the 10k gun off.

After the 42k warriors were sent off, I swept through the crowd and was tapped by Pat, who was a pacer for 21k, met with Mina and Perry, who were also running the 10k, and sized up the mood. It was festive and upbeat. Save for the sleepy policemen behind the stage, everyone was up and ready to hit the road.

The bluish atmosphere sent a chill through my spine after the gun off, along with the thought that I will be running through a car-free Commonwealth. And it was not hard to miss the bands and the cheerers near PNB, UP, and Tandang Sora. I expected the first 3 kilometers to go through the academic oval in UP – as indicated in the map, but alas, I was a bit disappointed to learn early on that the route is just the whole stretch of Commonwealth from Philcoa. After the first kilometer, I noticed that the kilometer markers for the 10k were in blue background…hmmm, looks like they’re color-coded – nice touch. The aid stations on Km2 were posted on two lanes – which provided enough hydration for runners plying the 8 lane road. Every now and then, I get remarks from my left and right which I acknowledge despite the trickles of sweat and the panting. To “ayan, malapit na tayo sa paakyat – good luck sa atin!” I would reply “yessir!” “jog lang, lapit na turnaround” – a smile. “hi!” “hello!” “dito ako, para may inspiration” – a smile again. And these kept me going until I reached the horde of 5k and 3k runners on my way back to the elliptical road.

Going back was not as grand as I had to bump into some walkers along the way, good thing my ‘christmas shopping skills’ worked overtime. I half expected to see the finish line at the same jump-off area near the city hall grounds, and was relieved to find that we were turning left smack into the heart of QC circle, where the activity area was – the same venue where the CLP was held Friday night. A band was there to greet the finishers when I clocked in at 1:18 on my watch, along with a number of long queues of runners lining up for freebies. Satisfied with how the race turned out, from the aid station to the marshals to the kilometer markers, and to the route, I rehydrated with a bottle of 100plus. Contented, I waited for a couple more hours at Max’s and recharged with a combo meal and halo-halo. When I got home, took a refreshingly hot shower and my much needed (and wanted) ZZZZ’s.

Happy Thoughts

While I was huffing and puffing on the way up to the Philippine Army HQ during my training at Mckinley last week, coach kept on saying, “Think happy thoughts…inhale, exhale, happy thoughts lang. Humps lang sa atin yan…” A cacophony of images ran through my head. It was difficult to point on just one happy thought when you’re breathing hard and propelling harder. I had to focus on the uphill attack – fast and furious! And then I have to think happy thoughts???!!!

How can two extreme emotions be happening at the same time? I know it happens in another set of exercise which is equivalent to one flight of stairs but while running???!!! With pain and a happy thought mixed together, all I could think of is a burst of energy – then, I guess, it really works.

So, this time I went through my desktop and captured every “happy” image I could browse through. I have more but this will do for another week of training…

Green Revenge

Everything I learned from Isko’s training program, I applied at today’s Milo race. And I’m so glad I did. After the gun-off at 6am, I told myself that I will maintain a 7min/km pace – in order for me to beat my former Milo 10km finish time last July.

As soon as I heard the ‘chip’ squeaked, I pressed start on my Timex watch and ran off. The first kilometer read 7:13 on my watch. Crap. 13 seconds too late. Bid Grace goodbye and went off. Propelled harder on the second kilometer and timed faster – 6:45. Yeah! I maintained the 7 min pace for the next 5 kilometers, all the while making math computations in my brain. As an English major, you must understand how difficult that is for me.

Unfortunately, I trickled off to an 8 min pace at km 8 and was already huffing. “Push! Wag mo pansinin sakit sa katawan. Sa finish line ka na mag-reklamo…konti na lang!” Sprinted off at the last 500 meters and finished at 1:16 on my watch. Sweet! Got my revenge against my last Milo 10km of 1:27! (And a 4 minute improvement against my last 10km) Yeah!


the coach after his 42km

Run that by me again?

Registered for KOTR yesterday and the first question I asked was, “available na ba ang race kit?” (is the race kit available?). The guy behind the counter explained that it can be claimed during the Adidas Running Expo on October 17 or 18 at Megatrade Hall. Ok. Cool, a running expo – now, that’s new.

"Sample singlet lang po ang nasa amin” (we only have the sample singlets) Ok. Tried them on, nice fabric, bright yellow. Extra small size – check (wow, running is helping me shed off pounds). While he entertained the guy in front of me who also registered, I read through the registration details. It turned out that there is a particular time slot when you can claim your kits, 21k from 10am to 1pm, 10k from 1 to 4pm, and 5k from 4-7pm. Great. I have to go through the Megamall weekend traffic (both vehicular and pedestrian) and then I have to make sure I am there on my timeslot. I have to do this on the 17th since there’s another race the next day....oops, I haven't registered for that one yet. Crap. Imagine the longest claim area from the Hall down to EDSA come Oct 17. Now, that’s a box-office hit!

This is the first time I registered for KOTR. To be honest, I just want to have one of those singlets (loser! haha!) that they’re giving away and be part of this year’s Adidas run.



The reason I registered early is to avoid what happened last year – they ran out (pun intended) of race kits. It seems that I have to avoid registering in races – it’s getting a bit of a habit, right? Nah, taking on the road all by myself is half as much fun as joining the others on the asphalt. Takbo na!

Road marks to Baler

view of sabang beach from ermita hill

Flashback
When I was asked to accompany my colleague to Baler, Aurora, I did not hesitate - even if we're going back to Manila one day before Rotarun. It has been years since I set foot on my mother’s hometown and I was wondering when I can visit again. I was, in fact, more than excited and was itching to get a chance to run the Surfing City of the North, or hike up the numerous mountain trails, or surf at Sabang Beach. I haven’t tried surfing yet though and didn’t have much time to trek, so I MUST run instead.

Ran around BHS Thursday night and went home around 11pm, which gave me only less than 4 hours of sleep before I headed off to Marcos Highway to meet the crew for our 6am call time.

Odometer Set
The runner in me had to ask the driver to reset the odometer when we reached EDSA so I have an idea how far it is from EDSA to Alfonso, Castaneda, Nueva Vizcaya (our first stop), then from there to Baler. It’s a 7 hour drive to Baler from Manila, roughing out the very narrow roads of Pantabangan. Then on to the winding roads of the Sierra Madre. Before we reached Nueva Ecija, we coursed through SCTEX and I was reminded of the SIM on October 24, where some runner friends will be joining. I opted to support them though - as I still don't have the guts (nor the stamina) to run the whole 42k stretch.







Alfonso, Castaneda, Nueva Vizcaya
By 11a.m., we were already parking at Alfonso, Castaneda. 3 hours after our meeting, we head off to Maria Aurora, Baler. I was told that it’s only 7kms from Alfonso to Baler…hmmm…I can be there in less than an hour. Not wanting to get lost along the way though (or be kidnapped by NPAs - ulk!), I decided to run the next morning instead.



3 hours after, we were gorging on ginataang alimango at a cottage near Sabang Beach. Checked in at Bahia de Baler for the night and promised myself to run early the next morning. Got the chance as early as 4am (because we need to leave by 7am) but only got as far as the loop in front of the resort - the beachfront was too dark :(

Even so, it was a good thing I got the chance to leave the desk and smell the flowers. Next stop? My father's hometown - Ilocos Norte!




caught some runners before we left,i swear to come back for this

Gremlins Unleashed!

As soon as the 10k starting gun was fired off, a crazy lot of runners took off under a heavy downpour. At the turn to 32nd St., the downpour got heavier and it was here that I noticed the runners have suddenly multiplied and were frolicking on both sides! There was even this one boy who would tap the water puddles off each cement dividers along the street up to the intersection, where the 3k turnaround was! He was having so much fun that I couldn’t help but smile.


Gizmo – the cute and cuddly Gremlin (that is, before you pour water over him)*

Others were still complaining of the cold, while some were kidding around about forgetting their ‘kapotes’ and umbrellas, and still others would be stepping on every puddle on the road and making sure it splashes right back at them. Everyone was caught up in the rain frenzy and it was just the right diversion I was looking for to keep me from concentrating too much on how my arms were swinging, on my stride and pace, and on my breathing. I managed to reach the Kalayaan flyover but I had to slow down when I reached the uphill. After less than a minute, I picked up the pace, this time focusing on the road ahead and once in a while acknowledging some of the 21k runners who were already on their way to the Fort. I wanted to stop at the end of the flyover towards Buendia, but this sign made me think twice…


ROGER THAT!

And so I kept on running, albeit at a slower pace, until I reached Paseo drive. At this point, there were runners in front of me who were already turning left to Paseo a few meters before the intersection. Hmm…that doesn't seem right. Not wanting to cheat on myself, I continued on until the intersection, where a marshall was standing, and waited because the traffic enforcer already waved the motorists to cross. As soon as the enforcer stopped them, I moved on. However, I had to slow down again because the middle finger on my right hand was numb already. Took two sips of Gatorade and shook off the numbness – which eventually wore off before I reached Ayala Avenue. This part of the course was exhilirating as this was my first time to run on this road - and on wet shoes at that! Fast forward and en route back to the flyover, where I did a mixture of run, walk, and jog while keeping tabs of targets. I managed a good finish of 1:16 (unofficial) – better than my last 10k finish of 1:27 (at Mckinley) and my last 10k finish of 1:24 (at the Kalayaan flyover). Yes! *dance of joy*!

*Now that they have been set free, it's no wonder why there will be thousands more runners in the races to come…rain or shine!

Training Day

Been a hamster for a couple of days already and its psychological effect is wearing me down. Because of Labuyo and Maring, I haven’t had the chance to hit the asphalt lately…until yesterday.

Yesterday was, in fact, my ‘training day’. Since I had to treat the boys out for a post birthday chomp, I figured why not run along with them at BHS and treat them to pizza afterwards. It was Isko’s regular Thursday night run at the Fort and he has been asking me to come along. So this time, I did - fear notwithstanding (what am I up against? – an ultramarathoner who is not going to let me stop no matter what I say or complain about – well, at least he tried – peace Isko! – masarap naman Italianni’s diba?)

Before I decided, he made sure I was ready. His exact words were: kailangan ko dedication at commitment at ready ka dapat sa mga “encouraging” words na maririning sa akin…Encouraging words, hmmm...I only have one… ;)

The gameplan:
A run around BHS covering the 1.20km loop for five times, equivalent to more than 5kms (according to Ian’s “Garmin” measurement – Ian, I didn’t notice your Garmin…hehe)

The real thing:
After the first loop, we did some stretching exercises focusing on the mid foot and hamstrings. And then we’re off again for the 2nd loop. During this time, Isko would notice my arms and would tell me to swing them back and not to cross them in front. “Relax mo shoulders mo, swing mo arms mo sa side na parang may sinisiko ka sa likod...dapat ang kamay hindi nakasara…open mo lang, tapos parang may hawak ka na pick (pick? – I was thinking here…ummmm…pick, like for the guitar? Anyway, no time to ask questions, the coach is serious – I must be serious). Moving on, I mean, running on…

Every now and then, he would ask me questions on how I run and what I am doing before I feel the numbness, at what kilometer, did I sprint before that? Have I been walking already before it happened? And then I felt it – the side stitch. He told me to stretch my arms up, palms up, to release the pressure on the core. He said I need to build strength on my core muscles – noted.

And then he asked me to sprint – ulk! Spirit unwilling, I did so for 70% of one side of the loop. Afterwards, I was breathing heavily. I asked Isko if we can already stop – wrong move. He made me run for another loop - although at a slower pace this time. We stopped for a while to do some breathing exercises – inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, five times – I think the carbon in my lungs shoot up to a critical level last night. After two more loops, we did some muscle strengthening exercises and a number of drills – which I believe was the most difficult part of the program.

While improving my running performance is top priority now, I was advised to visit the MD first before I proceed with the program. Now, I have two lab requests in my hand – one, for a serum potassium level test and another for a CBC. While waiting for the results, I’ll keep a steady pace for this Sunday’s run -- just to be on the safe side.

Thumbs U.P.!

It was just one of those days when I just want to run - without a care in the world. (I didn't even notice my time when I finished the race*) The UP grounds that morning provided a very laid back atmosphere. The breeze was just right, the trees were enough to set the mood, ample aid stations, marshalls were everywhere, no frills, new and challenging route, and just a good number of fellow runners and friends enjoying a great morning run and blending in with the usual Sunday bunch.

Botak did a good job. Need I say more?

after changing, took shot of some of the runners before the finish line...






and a few post photo ops...

with college classmate and Inquirer sports desk editor Romina Austria


with Ian Alacar and the rest of the pack

*Looks like I really had a swell time. Just saw my official time> 0:57 - better than my last 5 mile of 1:08. But my name got lost under the male list - didn't think I was as fast as my bros :)

In a blink of an eye

Speedsters are one in a million. Although the Olympics have recorded quite a few, there's so much power to be able to run a 200 meter dash in 20 seconds. These ‘Flash’ clones are so fast that you won’t even have enough time to jaw-drop. An international magazine recently featured six of the world’s fastest sprinters. Theirs are an amazing feat (I guess, I'm not the only one on research mode). Let’s see how they fared.

1.Usain Bolt – by far the fastest among the lot. Usain recorded 19.30 seconds on a 200-m mark at 23 years old! And he claims he loaded on chicken nuggets in Beijing….hmmm, interesting.

2.Carl Lewis – earning his gold medal for nine times, set the 100-m world record at 9.92 in 1988 and 9.86 in 1991! Whew!

3.Michael Johnson – albeit just 2 seconds slower than Bolt, some publicized him as the world’s fastest in 1996.

4.Ben Johnson – despite a positive steroid test, clocked in at 9.79 in 1988.

5.Jesse Owens – who once outraced a horse, also held the long-jump record for 25 years.

6.Charley Paddock – whose idea of a carboload is a sherry and raw egg, trailblazed a 100-meter dash at 10.4 seconds in 1921.

But like they say, sprinters and runners are different. The former goes for speed, while the latter for endurance. Well, what do you think?






Sources: Time; scienceblogs.com

Timberland High

Grass always gives a certain high. It is nostalgic. Covetous. Addictive. Especially during the early part of the morning when the sun is still under the covers and the air exudes a wisp of fresh dew drops. Mix it with a habit-forming morning routine and you get real high.

Just one piece of advice though. Never let the grass grow under your feet (get it?)

Birth of a Runner

1st birthday wish: run my age in kilometers this week

Since I will be turning a year older tomorrow, I decided to start on a birthday tradition. It should be a running birthday tradition – what else? To attain this, I must follow the training schedule that Isko was kind enough to provide, after I told him that my dad has been giving me the face every time I had to run up and down the stairs at home. Treadmills are a no-no with Candice around – my sister’s toddler is an athlete in the making. And of course, I will also work on those muscle strengthening exercises that Jonel (aka bugobugo) advised, climb another mountain, and probably take up on a duathlon challenge with Ian (aka seabiskwit)…ok, hold on…I may be having too many plans all at the same time. I think I better stick with Plan A first before I run out of birthdays.


my one year old niece at work

PLAN A
MONDAY – Rest
TUESDAY – 5K easy run with plyometrics with gym workout in the evening for 30-40 mins max (focus on legs and core)
WEDNESDAY – Speed session (80% then 5 mins jog or walk for recovery)
THURSDAY – 5K easy 5K fartlek 10K recovery (talking pace)
SATURDAY – long run 20-30K relax pace around 7-8 pace
SUNDAY – 5K recovery with pylometrics. Gym workout in the evening 30-40 mins max (LEGS/CORE)


2nd birthday wish: run 15k in the next race

During the recent Botak Paa-tibayan run, Isko asked me if I was running a 10-miler and my head shook from left to right that I swore a mini-tornado passed by the UP grounds before the race started. This made me think - I have been running a number of 10kms for a month now and I should be upping my ante. But of course, I won’t be able to achieve this unless I follow the proper training. The 15k masters is coming up in two weeks (aaakkk!…I gave you a hint on my real age – yup, just got qualified for the women’s division…now I wish I was born a week after the masters…hehe), but I doubt I will be able to keep up with the ‘masters’. Maybe, next race…opted to support the Baldrunner on this endeavor instead.

3rd birthday wish: keep fit and healthy

JC is very supportive whenever I have to go to the nearest gym – well, mainly because it’s near the internet café. Partially because he wants mommy to be an all-around athlete like himself – playing and winning medals in soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, chess, and swimming at only 13! I have yet to convince him to run though. CJ is supportive as well, especially if it meant accompanying me uphill to Timberland for a 6 kilometer run and back, which we did last Friday – with my cousin Cathy in tow, who has been complaining of pain and exhaustion all the way up (and down). Both girls had the same goal that day – to gobble up on the sumptuous congee that they have ever tasted in years. CJ plays soccer and volleyball like his brother and has won gold medals in swimming as well. Unlike me though, her passion is swimming.


early olympians

My sister, who used to join races before Candice arrived, would frequently give me tips on how to beat her 1:20 time for a 15k – whew! I hope to race you soon sis! Plus she never misses a beat when she scolds me on what I eat. My brother, on the other hand, stopped being a basketball player when college got tougher than he was. He recently joined a 3k run in Manila and was not keen at joining again, so his job is to tell me how I look (figure-wise) at every opportunity that he can get.

Fortunately for me, I renewed my gym membership just last week – after the cramp incident at Mckinley – and I started on the cardio exercises plus a 30-minute run on the treadmill this evening (ey, it’s my birthday tomorrow so be kind).


with my loving tita in HK last winter, one of the reasons why i'm still celebrating

Running.com(plicated)

Now, this will be a long-running debate. How should we run? Must we go high-tech or just plain old school running? Just recently, it has become an unregulated issue in the running community. Now, halt it right there…I will not go off course just to start another standoff.

There are two types of runners nowadays. Although there is a long list of varieties out there – let’s keep it at two to easily spot them in the next race. The superheroes and the strippers.

The first one applies to those who change to a skin-tight aerodynamic outfit similar to Green Lantern’s but without the ring. The second one strips off his clothes and dons a running gear – that is, the singlet, shorts, and shoes. Before the race starts, the first one checks his oversized wrist watch and clicks on a series of graphs to monitor his speed, distance, and stride length. Then, he fixes the IPod clamped on his arm and selects his power song. The second one checks on his digital watch. On track, the superhero carries two types of hydration pack – through a belt or a camelbak. The stripper, on the other hand, carries a bottle of water or stops at an aid station to replenish.

Halfway through the race, Green Lantern notes his GPS and heart rate, while the stripper wipes his forehead and pumps out a very loud bawl. After the turnaround, the superhero is heavily breathing and slightly loosens his Garmin heart rate monitor chest strap. The stripper is also heavily breathing after the turnaround and is still letting out another very loud yell. At the finish line, the superhero presses a button on his wrist watch and makes sure that his running performance for this race is sent out to his computer for his race analysis while the second type of runner checks the timer above.

So, which one are you? Either way, continue to enjoy running – it’s the only thing that matters in the end. I am no expert but just a plain and simple Jane who loves to observe things and write about it. Indeed, the exercise is worth the entertainment (or is it the other way around?)

Mckinley HELL: My first encounter

Wikipedia.org defines procrastination as a behavior that is characterized by the deferment of actions or tasks to a later time. Psychology researchers have 3 criteria to categorize procrastination - it must be counterproductive, needless, and delaying. Hmmm…in order for me to come up with a decision on whether to join the Kenny’s Open ’09 Urbanite Run, I did a pros and cons list and here’s what I got:

Must run because…
...it’s the year’s 1st night run in the urban ‘jungle’
...disposable timing chip – the very famous ChampionChip
...’eat’ stub that I can use until October 15
...might bump into Marc Nelson (hehe...now this one is just an ‘icing on the cake’)

Must not run because...
...Php600 registration fee
...I almost got sideswiped by a car once during a day run, what are the odds that I won’t during this run?
...My shut off time is near the gun start – pushing myself to my limits would not do any good.

The verdict?


Unfortunately, I never realized what was in store for me. Met with the pack as early as 7:45 just below a glaring spotlight. After exchanging nods, we checked out the crowd. There must have been more than 2,000 ‘dark knights’ that night – a very good turnout. After the 15k runners set off at 8:45, I blended in with the 10k, squeezed off an orange flavored hammer gel (a first for me) and waited for Marc Nelson’s gun off countdown – ha! looks like my sugar boost was too early.

Sprinted off at the start until I got wasted at only 3 kilometers – not a very good sign. By this time, I was hoping that the gel would give me my most needed energy, as promised. However, I had to slow down on an easy pace – because of the pain, dehydration, and hunger. Before I turned back to the HQ, I started walking. And just when I thought that I was already nearing the finish line, the marshals told us to turn right to Mckinley Hill.

This close encounter with Mckinley gave me the cramp on my left leg – another first. Still, I tried hard to run and jog before the turnaround – which was way downhill. Going back up to the last 2k cramped the right leg that I had to do a jog/walk again just so I could finish the race. I kept this cadence in my mind - “1 mile, no sweat. 2 mile, better yet…sound off!” all throughout the last kilometer. That is, right after I couldn't answer the 'big question on my forehead' - why am I running again? Finished the race, albeit 3 minutes slower than my last 10k - and I'm taking it out on the glaring spotlights at the finish line - hehe!


Angst?


With Jonel aka Bugobugo, Iskozenegger, Bolt, and Jerry aka Highaltitude

On Track, Off Course!

Could it be the obesity statistics, or the cardio results, or Megan Fox, or the lavish dinner in a posh NY resto? Why are people running nowadays? If you ask around - before, during, and after a race - you get a variety of answers that range from the ‘new-fad-on-the-block’ to the ‘want-to-keep-fit’ to the ‘new-running-shoes-that-need-to-be-reviewed’ reasons. Let me take you on and off the race track and give you a better view into the runners’ world. Is there something interesting about running that is worth a page?

To start off, I bumped into Ian Alacar when I registered for the Botak Paa-tibayan last month. After prodding him to answer a few questions, I got the following answers from him and I must say, I am glad that I’m starting off the Q’s with Ian – there was enough material from his answers that I was tempted to slice off this entry into two!

How long have you been running?
I started running when I was 9 years old. I’ve been running for the last 17 years and during the first 10 years of my career I was running competitively both on track and road races.



Is running your only sport?
Nope… I’ve done Duathlons, Triathlons, Adventure-races, Rifle-marksmanship, Arnis, Capoiera and Fencing.

What was the first race category you joined? How was your time/PR?
My first race was a 5K when I was 9. It was my first run and it was a race. I finished it half jogging and walking.
My Pr’s are:
5K – 18:26
10K – 39:14
15K – 1:07.12
21K – 1:30.21
42K – 4:34.17
50K – 12:57.07 (Trail)
100K – 17:26.00

Noticed that your last PR was an ultramarathon, what made you decide to join one?
When I ventured into the realm of other sports it felt incomplete so I went back to road running in 2008 however it wasn’t appealing to me still, I didn’t feel the challenge anymore like when I was still on it during college. Until lately I read the book of Dean Karnazes “Confessions of an all-night runner” and James E. Shapiro’s “Ultramarathon” then a feeling suddenly came into me and I realized that after all the other sports that I did nothing compares to taking the lonely road. When the first BDM 102 (Bataan Death March 102KM) was announced I know that it was a sign. I had covered almost every distance from the mile to the full marathon. I felt that the challenge now is to go beyond, that is when I decided to start ultra-running.



Do you have an inspiration?
Yes. I had several people that I look up to both in running and in my personal life. First of them was my dad, he is the one who introduced me to the sport and was my first coach. Another running luminary I look up to is Mr. Michael Keon, he is a family friend and my dad’s best bud. He was the first to break the 16 minute barrier in the 5,000 meters on Philippine soil, his attitude towards running is to run it with no regrets and he is very scientific as an athlete, coach, and administrator. Next would be Steve Prefontaine, the American running legend. He ran without limits and without hesitation too. He always takes the lead, in his career he was able to break the American record several times. Next is my idol, Haile Gebreselassie – the man who owned every distance from 4,000 meters to the full marathon (42.195KM) - he had 25 world records under his belt. Finally the Philippine ultra-marathon legend and my mentor, Mr. Cesar Guarin, who is the first Filipino to run across the Philippine archipelago, the 11th man in American record books to do a solo East Coast to West Coast trans-USA run, and the only Filipino so far to do the trans-Europe run. His tenacity to run no less than 50km a day and strong will during those trans-continental runs is not just admirable but awe inspiring.

What does it take to be a runner?
For one, runners are a disciplined lot. They need to have adequate sleep and follow normal body clock to get adequate rest and recovery. They need to have a good diet and coached-approved training calendar. They need to have regular visits with the foot and knee doctor. They also love the track oval and interval training because this is where they’ll improve their time in any given distance. Runners love the road races and the pampered running environment.

What does it take be an ultra runner?
For one ultra-runners are crazy people. If you are a serious ultra runner, you will definitely break out from your normal body clock. You’ll need to sacrifice night-outs and parties. You will also need to have devotion on the track oval (running at least 50 laps or so). You also need to be faithful with your training calendar and you have to treat it as your best friend and confidant. Most importantly you need to love the open road, the uncharted trails, and have open-mindedness to adventure. Lastly, you need to have an unbreakable spirit when everyone wants to quit, you will continue no matter what happens. Ultra-runners are mercenaries that will survive wherever they are sent to. They are self-sufficient and strategic in their decision-making since every kilometer pushed must be carefully planned out.

What training did you have to undergo for this run? Or for every run?
I follow a training program that is designed by me and my dad. It includes endurance training (mileage build up), strength training, plyometrics and speed endurance.

What is your next dream/goal – relative to running?
I would like to run and finish the Western State Mile in the USA and then do a trans-continental run as well.



Any message to the running community?
Running in the Philippines is almost at its peak. We need to safeguard our community and not let it die down like other sports. We need to realize more of our contribution to society and to the sport, let us utilize our strength as a running community and help develop word-class athletes that shall be model citizens.

It is unfair to say that this is an overload of information because I am not done yet. There are a thousand more reasons to learn why people are running. Before I run out of pages (no pun intended) on this first interview, let me take a breather first and I promise to give you more when I come back! Gotta run!