Just one piece of advice though. Never let the grass grow under your feet (get it?)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
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?)
Just one piece of advice though. Never let the grass grow under your feet (get it?)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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?)
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?)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
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
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
Friday, August 14, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Patience is a virtue
If you happen to drive along the streets of The Fort, from BHS to Rizal Drive to the Buendia flyover and along Buendia Avenue - from Paseo to Malugay streets on a Sunday morning, I suggest that you bring a big bag of PATIENCE and HIGH SPIRITS with you and you will thank me for it. I know it’s not easy to be perky in the morning, especially on a Sunday when you have a long list of errands on your dashboard and the wife is on an earsplitting banter with the dog and the kids at the back of the car.
Due to the recent high levels of addiction to running, these streets are generally closed for a Sunday race or marathon where hundreds to thousands of health conscious runners are participating. It is unfortunate though that for some of us, we consider closing these streets for a marathon (or for a rally, perhaps - but that's another story waiting to be blogged) a hassle or even a waste of time. Unlike some spectators, who by the way cheer on the runners - not only during last Sunday’s run but in previous races as well, most motorists have yet to understand why we like to run on the asphalt and not on the sidewalk or on the pavement.
Besides the bag, what else can you do to keep your sanity until the green light?
-Honk to the tune of ‘Beat it’ and wave to the runners
-Pump up your car’s volume and call out to the runners to increase their momentum
-Get out of the car, dance, and give out a loud cheer for the runners as they go by
-Join in and RUN – away!
Due to the recent high levels of addiction to running, these streets are generally closed for a Sunday race or marathon where hundreds to thousands of health conscious runners are participating. It is unfortunate though that for some of us, we consider closing these streets for a marathon (or for a rally, perhaps - but that's another story waiting to be blogged) a hassle or even a waste of time. Unlike some spectators, who by the way cheer on the runners - not only during last Sunday’s run but in previous races as well, most motorists have yet to understand why we like to run on the asphalt and not on the sidewalk or on the pavement.
Besides the bag, what else can you do to keep your sanity until the green light?
-Honk to the tune of ‘Beat it’ and wave to the runners
-Pump up your car’s volume and call out to the runners to increase their momentum
-Get out of the car, dance, and give out a loud cheer for the runners as they go by
-Join in and RUN – away!
Run for Home: Easy Like Sunday Morning
Locked and Loaded
Before the caffeine hit the spot, I loaded up on Texas Roadhouse Grill’s Pork Steak and Classic Savory’s Classic Combo – that would make you think that I was doing a 42k. Nah, just celebrating - plus it was one of those stormy weekends that you just can’t get enough of the carbs.
Classic Chicken at Savory
Yummy Pork Steak at Texas Roadhouse Grill - just love 'em carboloading
Arrived at exactly 4:45 am on Sunday morning and was shocked to see that there's no one parked in front of the jump-off area. It turned out that they're reserved for the VIPs. By the time the engine was turned off, I saw an unbelievably enormous number of 21k runners off to an early start at exactly 5am - I thought I was already late and these were all 10k runners. At 5:30, the 10k runners totaled to around 1,500. Bumped into Jerry (highaltitude.com) before the 10k gun-off. When he asked my friend and I how our pace was like, I went: 'don't ask - we're very slow'. Sorry, Jerry - I doubt I'll be able to catch up with your pace :) My pace was an easy one - didn't rush off with the rest but finished off the Buendia flyover with no walk breaks - woohoo! But when I reached the Jaguar showroom, I had side stitches and had to slow down and walk. After a minute, I set off again until the turnaround. Got another side stitch but no numbness, so I continued on the run/jog/walk routine until the finish line - where I didn't sprint off like I used to. Unofficial time clocked in at 1:25.
Much ado about the VIPs
V - ast. This is what the parking space in front of the jump-off looked like. There were a lot of parking spots and no one was parked in it. Did the VIPs WALK to the race? Or maybe the cars were used as support vehicles?
I – nstant. The ChampionChip did not provide the on-the-spot, immediate, after-the-race results as promised. Did the imaginary rain destroy the magnetic field? Were the chips designed for another race? Did we tie it correctly? Are the results disposable as the chips? Uh-oh…hope not, because this is the first time I did not bring my Timex watch.
Looks like I got it right coz it didn't fall off :)
P - ossibilities. This race opened up possible innovations for upcoming races (organizers – hear ye, hear ye). Consider designing a new or different route for the 10k or even the 16k. Test run on those chips and we’ll all experience better technologies for every race. I kinda like the AS on the Buendia flyover – can we have more of these plus the markers?
In toto, I give this run a 6 rating. It has innovation for the race route, a timing chip and enough liquids to last a 42k. But, they lost 4 points for the instant race results - which is in fact, one of the big time reasons why I joined this run.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Are you a green runner?
Before you get the wrong ideas, let me make myself clear. A green runner is someone who stays healthy by running and helps Mother Earth healthy by taking care of her.
Go ahead and check out if you are:
--- I bike or run from home to my office and back
(that is, if you don’t live in Bulacan and work in Makati)
--- I handwash my dri-fit gear and hang them dry
--- I donate my old shoes to the baldrunner (www.baldrunner.com) and to other recycling groups
--- I don't leave my bibs or turnaround strings lying around afterwards
--- I bring my own hydration liquid
--- I avoid using the plastic cups in the AS and throw them on the streets
--- I join eco-friendly and environment-conscious races
--- I run/bike/walk to every race
--- I keep off the grass and stay on the asphalt
greenfaze.com
Go ahead and check out if you are:
--- I bike or run from home to my office and back
(that is, if you don’t live in Bulacan and work in Makati)
--- I handwash my dri-fit gear and hang them dry
--- I donate my old shoes to the baldrunner (www.baldrunner.com) and to other recycling groups
--- I don't leave my bibs or turnaround strings lying around afterwards
--- I bring my own hydration liquid
--- I avoid using the plastic cups in the AS and throw them on the streets
--- I join eco-friendly and environment-conscious races
--- I run/bike/walk to every race
--- I keep off the grass and stay on the asphalt
greenfaze.com
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