What makes a marathon finish memorable? There should be a dozen different answers from runners who have finished one. It may be experiencing a new challenging route that you dreamt of conquering one day. It may be the support you got with your running group that made the run easier, more exciting and more fun. Or it may be achieving your one main goal, to be able to finish your first marathon.

For me, it’s a combination of all the above, when you feel that your body and mind have worked alternatively or in tandem no matter how difficult or painful the experience was and feeling the exhilaration once you cross the finish line.

The Condura Skyway Marathon just gave me reason to celebrate again! It’s good to be back on the fray, completing my first marathon run in 17 years and my 5th marathon finish over-all.

It was a long hard climb, two years after deciding to make a comeback to running last 2008 although i wasn’t sure i would be able to sustain the motivation. We all know too well that half the battle of training isn’t the running itself, that it’s finding the resolve to run each day and it takes a lot of commitment, goal setting and having a training plan to carry out such a formidable task.

When i was at the starting line yesterday at the Condura race, i didn’t have a race plan. Feeling like a beginner again, my goal was just to finish below six hours and run the best way i can. My stomach was having double-knots and the pre-race nerves was getting into me since last Saturday. I could not really shake out the fear that i felt and that was the fear of “failure” even if i came fully prepared. I was logging at around 70-80 kms a week and running distances of 34 to 45 kms on my Sunday long runs.

So, at the very last minute before the gun fired-off, i decided to join a group of runners from takbo.ph who were doing the Galloway method of running for 5 minutes at an average pace of 6:30/km then fast walking for 1 minute, the 5:1 run-walk ratio. It was tolerable running it the first 3 kilometers but i couldn’t keep up with the fast run segments as we were sometimes going at a 6:00 minute/km pace. I knew that if i stayed with them, i could not have kept up with the pace and still have any energy left for the middle stages. Much worse, i would have had great difficulty finishing the race if i stayed on so i cut loose at the 4th km and ran my own pace thereafter.

The silent, eerie stretch of highway and the mixture of urban and rural vantage points atop the Skyway will make you forget your feet are pounding on hard cement. A good 15 to 20 kms of the Skyway was used for the route and i felt some kind of drudgery, running on one, very long, endless highway. The marching bands stationed along the Skyway who were supposed to play during the rush of runners who passed by them, didn’t help alleviate the boredom as they were just sitting and looking more tired and sleepy than we runners were. Some of the runners even coaxed them to play but it just fell on deaf ears.

The runner support was however, above par. There were adequate water stations not only at the Skyway but all throughout the route. The marshals were exemplary as they even handed out the water cups to the runners themselves. However, one sad note i experienced was when i saw some runners trying to revive two runners who collapsed past the 21k mark just before the turn-around bend at the Skyway but there was no roving ambulance on site! It was a scary moment. On my way back, i saw both sitting down on their own and somewhat revived.

At Buendia on to the Skyway

On my way back at 33 kms, i saw what seemed to be a transplanted banana plantation cum aide station at the middle of Buendia Avenue set up by Entrepreneur-runner Amado Castro and the takbo.ph group led by couple Jinoe and Queenie. The bananas were so plentiful that it could have fed the whole barangay of Pasong Tamo with still plenty to spare!

The last four kilometers was the most excruciating part of the run for me. After climbing up the grueling Buendia flyover on my way back to the Fort, i felt my body stiffen, my knees locked and couldn’t sway my arms as much as i wanted to. I haven’t drank water or Gatorade from my flask for the last 3 kms and didn’t feel like drinking at all although i knew i needed to. I realized then that i was crashing into the “Wall”. The only thing that was moving was my two feet which luckily were moving forward–but not by much. I began to feel a mild paralysis from my head down to my ankles. I knew that if i panicked, i might not be able to move my feet so i tried to stay calm.

I was still at Kalayaan Bridge, just about 250 meters away from 32nd Street, when i suddenly realized that i was at the exact spot where my running partners from Runnex, Betty and Tonette used to stop to walk and rest during our long Sunday runs. This time, they were not there to run with me (Betty had an urgent business call in HK while Tonnette had to attend to family matters). The 3 of us had paced each other, stop together when one felt like walking and each gave me their chocolate bars or bananas when i felt hungry. Now, i could barely move and not one of them was there to assuage me that everything would be fine. At this instant, i felt a little emotional and i was fighting back tears. I was getting frustrated because my body didn’t move as it should and i couldn’t think clearly.

In marathon running, you can program the brain for success or failure. It’s either the negative thoughts persists, like not being able to finish the race or you see the positive side that your hard work has brought to where you are now. I knew that my training was solid, carbo-loaded days before the race, that this run was just an ordinary Sunday long run and should treat it as such. I knew what to do and was able to focus on the physical and spiritual journey–the process–rather than a particular outcome. Slowly, i began to think of all the hard training i’ve done. Slowly too, my body began to move forward again. Clearly, my mind was taking over what my body could not do anymore.

There is such a thing as a second-wind. Just as i thought i would be trudging the last 3 kms to the finish, there is that sudden outburst of energy that’s just ready to be tapped from within when you need it the most. The last water station along the University Parkway was like heaven sent. I finally drank two cupfuls of the orange carbonated drink (i don’t usually drink them in races as it always upsets my stomach) and another cupful of water and it served like a jet-fuel that set me off to running form again. I realized then that all i needed was to hydrate myself which i avoided for the last 4 kms.

Near the finish, i was greeted by the hollers and shouts of encouragement of friends and running mates until i crossed the finish, just behind running friend, Doc Marvs who sensed that i was inching my way to overtake him and sprinted until he was clearly safe a few meters ahead.

At the finish

I finished with a time of 5:44 (5:42:43 Official Time) and just thankful i was able to cross the finish. I know that i can still improve on this, but that would not be so important at this time.

5:42:43 Official Time

So what now? In every experience like running a marathon, we always learn something about ourselves. We are always in the midst of an adventure, an inner challenge and learn to face fears and adversities that presents itself. On certain occasions, we push the edge of the envelope. Hopefully we become wiser, more confident and well-armed for the better.

Till the next great marathon!

Group pic

With Obet Alano, team mate from Runnex who also finished the 42k, his 12th, i think.

(Thanks to Brando and McCoy for the pics!)

There was nary a hitch nor long lines present when i claimed my Condura 42k race packet yesterday afternoon at Condura’s designated booths near ROX at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig. Not even the heat of the sun could spoil the relative ease in claiming my envelope and it was all done in one minute!

The lean crowd in the early afternoon

That's my designated tent. No lines yet.

I arrive early at about 4:15pm and being the first day start of retrieving the packets would have been one of the reasons for people not to rush out too early. I also surmised that a lot of them would still be preparing to leave their offices to get to the venue. While there were lines already on some of the tents, my designated booth was practically empty so I was all alone in front of the marshal’s table.

My race packet contained the following:

1.  Race Bib # 50610 (without barcode)

2.  A blank race bib where you can write your name

3.  A very nice Run for the Dolphins T-Shirt,

4.  A Nature Valley energy bar

5.  A Reflectorized Pin Button and

6.  An advance supplemental copy of the Philippine Star which features Sundays’ Condura run.

Contents of the race packet

The Philippine Star supplement is just enormous and contains a comprehensive program of events that include the race maps, race routes, hydration plans/stations, race pack redemption, emergency aid stations, Patrick Concepcion’s helpful marathon running tips and write-ups on the history of the Condura run and its advocacies. It’s pretty impressive, if you may ask.

Right now, i’m getting hyped-up already but nervous at the same time as this is going to be my first marathon race in 17 years (the last came at the ‘93 HK Marathon) and my fifth 42k over-all. My goal now is just to be able to finish the race and have fun, as well.

See you at Condura!

A new season, a new beginning!

The Executive Runners Club of the Philippines (RUNNEX) is embarking on a new, revitalized running clinic that will customize a training program for runners to finish a 10k, 15k, 21k and will culminate in finishing a full marathon, The Quezon City International Marathon on December, 2010.

One key component that will breath some life into the program will be the use of Pace runners (Pacers) who will be leading three groups of runners based on each participant’s speed and ability. Not exactly a new innovation, but groups will be divided into “beginners”, “intermediate” and “advance”. Each group will be led by a Lead Pacer and a coach member who will monitor and evaluate each individual’s progress in the running program. Feedback will also be generated from the participants in order to improve and make their training more relevant to their needs.

Guest lecturer, Triathlete Monica Torres

Running coach and triathlete Jojo Macalintal will still be the lead Trainor of the clinic. Aside from teaching the basic running techniques like form, stride, balance and breathing to beginner runners, he will devise a WEEKLY training program that will sustain newbies to run their first short distance race up to the marathon distance.

All these will be discussed during the launch of this seasons’ running clinic on FEBRUARY 28, 2010. During the course of the program, invited resource speakers will discuss different topics like, Strength Training, Diet & Nutrition, Proper Hydration, Injury Prevention and Motivation, among many others.

Any runner or those just starting to take up the sport who are interested to join the clinic, more than casually, should attend next Sunday’s clinic and every Sunday thereafter leading to its formal launch on February 28. It will give you a head-start on how to do the proper running form through exercise drills plus pre and post exercise stretching.

The clinics are held every Sunday, in front of Abelardo Hall starting at 5:45am at the University of the Philippines campus. See you there!

Here are some pictures taken at last Sunday’s clinic:

Running Clinic last Sunday

Triathlete Monica Torres giving the lectures

Triathlete couple Monica and Jojo demonstrating the importance of core exercises

Back exercises

Start of drill exercises

Hop drills

You may be able to see Zorro (left side)

Launching of the new 2010 running clinic will be on February 28

Although Derek Ramsay might not draw as much following as those of Piolo Pascual or Dindong Dantes, his athleticism still stands out unmatched than the latter two. Derek was a former rugby player and at present is a top notch Frisbee player. Now, he is entering the world of running.

How he turns out as a runner remains to be seen however, as knee problems has bogged him down for several years now. He has stopped playing rugby because of this disability although the non-contact sport of frisbee has been his present passion to maintain his physical fitness.

I was able to attend the press launch of the Century Canned Tuna Superbods Run 2010 which was attended by principal endorser Derek and two Century Superbods 2009 winners Van Victor Leano and Theresa Fenger. The run, which they claim will be one of the biggest and most star-studded celebration of health and fitness will be held on February 21, 2010 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Derek declared that he will be running the 5k category of the event.

From their press release, the details of the run are as follows:

The Superbods Run will feature four race events: 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km. Male and female top finishers of each category will go home with big cash prizes plus special prizes from sponsors.

For the 21km race, the 1^st place winner receives P42,000; 2^nd placer gets P21,000; and 3^rd placer gets P10,500. For the 10km race, first, second and third prize winners will win P20,000, P10,000 and P5,000 respectively. Winners in the 5km race will bag P10,000, P5,000; and P3,000. Lastly, 3km winners get P6,000, P3,000; and P1,500.

On top of the big cash prizes, all top finishers will receive special prizes from Century Tuna, Nike, Timex, and Nature Valley, plus RunRio Finisher’s shirts and medals.

A highlight of the Run is the Superbods Go-See, where race finishers 18 years old and above with fit and healthy bodies can get a chance to become Century Tuna’s next image models. Two males and two females will be picked as the new Century Superbods and win P100,000 each.

The Superbods Run, organized in collaboration with the country’s top running coach Rio de la Cruz of RunRio, promises to be a most exciting way to get fit and healthy! Participants will get to run with the country’s hottest celebrities, win great prizes, raffle treats, freebies and a lot of other surprises!

The Century Tuna Superbods Run 2010 is also a fundraising activity for the benefit of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), an international non-governmental organization working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment.

Registration is until February 8, 2010 at the following venues: Timex Shops at SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Megamall; Nike Park at Bonifacio High Street; and Second Wing Running Store at 88 Maginhawa St., Teachers’ Village, Quezon City. Special registration is also held every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Nike Running Clinic at Ultra. Late registrants are welcome from February 9 to 15, 2010 only at Nike Park Bonifacio High Street and Second Wing Running Store. You may also register online at www.centurysuperbodsrun.ph or www.runrio.com until February 7, 2010 only. For questions, call the Century Tuna Superbods Run Secretariat at (02) 703-1736.

Here are some pictures taken at the Press/Bloggers Launch:

The press launch was hosted by Reema Chanco

The Superbode himself

My kind of superbod

Superbods bloggers, Let and Divine

He'll run the 5k

With the super female bloggers

Century Superbods 2009 winner, Theresa Marie Fenger

Our lunch. A plateful of carbs!

Will be on hand to greet the (male) finishers

With the Running Diva

FOR:  All Employee Runners

Date:  January 29, 2010

EFFECTIVE January 29, 2010

DRESS CODE:

1.  It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary. If we see you wearing a Newton Running Shoes and carrying a Garmin Forerunner405CX or a New Balance N8 Trainer watch, we assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a pay raise.

2. If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a pay raise.

3. If you dress just right, you are right where you need to be and therefore you do not need a pay raise.

SICK DAYS/ABSENCES

We will no longer accept a doctor’s certificate as proof of sickness/injury due to running. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.

HOLIDAY DAYS

1.  Filing of vacation or emergency leave to rest for a couple of days prior or after your running a marathon will no longer be accepted.

2.  Requesting to work under-time to attend a Carbo-Loading Party, Press/Bloggers Race Launch or meeting with friends for a run prior to closing of office hours will no longer be allowed. Likewise, an employee who arrives a minute late will be considered absent that day.

Remember that each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday and Sunday.

COMPASSIONATE LEAVE

This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers who died because they were hit by a speeding truck while running. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangement.

In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.

STRETCHING

Stretching your muscles, doing contortions on any part of your body and performing other forms of exhibitionism will no longer be tolerated in the office premises. Likewise, running up and down the stairs of our office building should be stopped immediately. Our building is not a track and field oval.

TOILET USE

1.  Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet after you leave the office specially when changing to your running attire when you go for a run. There is now a strict three-minute time limit in the cubicles.

2.  At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the cubicle door will open, and your picture will be taken whether you are caught with your shorts down or still fitting your jogging bras.

3.  After your second offense, your picture will be posted on the company notice board under the “Chronic Offenders” category.

4.  Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sanctioned under the company’s mental health policy.

LUNCH BREAK

1. Skinny people (those who habitually run marathons or ultra marathons) get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more so that they can look healthy.

2.  Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure.

3.  Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that’s all the time needed to drink Slim-fast milk.

INTERNET ACCESS

1.  Access to internet sites will now be limited. If an employee is caught browsing running websites or blogs like Takbo.ph, Succulence Unleashed, The Baldrunner, Running Diva, The Bullrunner, Hotlegsrunner, Jazzrunner and most specially Gingerbreadman Report–they will be reprimanded for first offense and warned accordingly. Subsequent offenses will be suspension for up to a month, without salary.

2.  At any time an employee is caught chatting at Takbo.ph’s “Shoutbox”, their employment will outright be terminated and all benefits due them will be forfeited!

Thank you for your loyalty to our company. Remember we are an employer of equal opportunity and we are here to provide a positive employment experience that cares for your physical well-being and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations and irritations about PRs, running shoes, diet, LSD training, marathons, CLPs, Cross-trainings, running bras, water stations, etc. should be directed elsewhere!

The upcoming Condura Run for the Dolphins 2010 continues to excite enormous interest which features this year a full marathon, the first time it’s staging this event in their 3 years of existence. This run is set fair to become one of the major marathon events in the country for 2010 and they’ve done little to disappoint that expectation when they included the Skyway route for the first time in their 21k event last year.

Although a number of voices have been piqued with the steep entry fees (P850.00 for the full mary-no timing chip, no singlet?), the nay-sayers should probably reserve their criticisms after the race is done–whether the organizers can deliver and go the “extra mile”, as they promised, to give us, at least, a decent race. For me, that would be enough.

To culminate our weeks of preparation before we start our tapering for the big day, we set-out for our last long run and did a dry run on the Condura marathon course, itself. Betty, Mel, Dante, Tonette and myself woke up early last Sunday and met at the Shell station at the corner of Julia Vargas and C-5 Road. We all agreed to run the first 4 kilometers, as a warm up to the starting line at 28th Street at The Fort. From that point, we traversed the course.

Here’s the detailed race route, taken from Vima’s blog:  kulitrunner . We were not able to run Part 3 of course, so we just made a u-turn at the corner of Buendia and Osmena Highway on our way back:

Part 1: Fort Bonifacio
- UP on 28th Street
- LEFT towards 11th Avenue
- RIGHT 32nd Street
- LEFT into University Parkway (where the International School is)
- RIGHT Triangle Drive
- TURN AROUND back to University Parkway
- RIGHT 32nd Street
- LEFT 5th Avenue all the way to Lawton Avenue
- LEFT Bayani Road towards Libingan ng Mga Bayani
- LEFT towards Heritage Park BUT only up to the Philippine Army Officers’ Ladies Foundation School
- No going down the steep incline instead,
- U-TURN back to Bayani Road
- RIGHT Lawton Avenue into 5th Avenue
- LEFT 26th Street
- RIGHT Rizal Drive into 32nd Street
- LEFT into Kalayaan Flyover

Part 2: Buendia Avenue Area
- Buendia Avenue up to before railroad tracks
- LEFT Estacio Street
- RIGHT De La Rosa Street
- UP the Buendia Off Ramp Northbound

Part 3: Skyway
- Skyway all the way to Bicutan
- U-TURN at Bicutan
- HEAD BACK Northbound
- UP the NAIA 3 Off Ramp (aka the Condura Heartbreak Hill which is a 200m climb) into the NAIA 3 Toll Booth
- After 15 meters, TURN AROUND into NAIA 3 On Ramp into NorthBound
- BACK to Skyway NorthBound
- Off Ramp into Buendia Avenue into Kalayaan Avenue into 32nd Avenue
- RIGHT 5th Avenue
- LEFT into 29th Street
- FINISH LINE

After completing the run, all of us were one that the marathon course would be one “TOUGH” course to navigate an that would include the Naia 3 ramp at the Skyway!

All in all, we did a total of 34.8 kms as we found our way back to Pasig, where a hearty breakfast at Betty’s residence awaited.

Time to taper now. Hope to see you all soon!

Start at Shell Julia Vargas cor C-5. From left, Mel, Dante, Betty & Tonette

At the footbridge crossing along Kalayaan and C-5

At the start, 28th Street, BHS

At 32nd Street

Still smiles after 9k

Refilling our hydration belts at McDo

Stopping for bananas at Bayani Road

Kalayaan Bridge on the way to Buendia

Nearing Buendia Ave.

Crossing Ayala Ave. corner Buendia

Never say die at the 28th km. Going back to the Fort.

Back at Julia Vargas, 34.8 kms

Hearty breakfast at Betty's place in VV-4

Yummy Vigan longganisa!

Difficult–but doable. Trying to change to a new running style when you had for years developed your own individual running form presents a very difficult challenge.

It is frustrating that some of us old-fart runners feel confronted when we get to grips with a new running style if we are not up to the task to run it the correct way. Worse, it causes more problems than it solves because the demands of the style is high and you can never be sure you are doing it right.

I already forgot (or i may no just be applying it) what Coach Jojo Macalintal taught us during one of the Runnex running clinics a few months back about the Kenyan style of running which is efficient, uses less energy and soft on the knees http://jazzrunner.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/on-running-form-the-kenyan-method/. Technically, it has many invaluable advantages and if perfected, you can surely reap the benefits. However, it could take months or years to perfect it and you have to have time and patience to adhere to it.

Last Wednesday night, i had the chance to attend the launch of ChiRunning, a running program that combines the inner focus and flow of T’ai Chi with the power and energy of running to create a running form and philosophy that purportedly takes the pounding, pain and most injuries out of the sport of running. The clinic, which was held in front of Runnr Store in BHS was conducted by LIT ONRUBIA, the country’s only certified ChiRunning instructor. He provided a lecture and overview of the benefits of ChiRunning, its forms and techniques.

Lit Onrubia starting the seminar

Newton Running Shoes as partners with Chirunning

From the lecture, Mr. Onrubia talked about balance and the bio-mechanics of a good form. The core muscles play a vital part and with volunteers demonstrating, he showed the importance of core strength and how your shoulders, arms and legs should align with your feet that is facing forward. The core and waist should be tucked in a little (he uses his hand to measure part of core) After the proper balance and alignment is made, you slightly lean forward from your core, up– you let your body fall forward.

Friends to demonstrate the proper "Form"

From my point of view, i think you can incorporate all the varying running methods and apply what works best for you. Of course, these methods are mostly theories and in the final analysis, it will only be meaningful if it shows results in the roads.

Right now, i’m back to my old ways, with a little improvement in form, but still logging those miles with no major injuries (thank God!) Of course, there are new things that you do absorb and apply with these running techniques. Those i easily remember are being upright, relaxing your upper body and landing on your feet just below your body.

If you want to join LIT ONRUBIA’S ChiRunning classes, here is the schedule:

PRACTICAL SESSION 1 (12 runners/ batch)

TOPIC: Practical application of Chi RUNNING posture & biomechanics

Batch 1: Jan 21, Thurs, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Batch 2: Jan 21, Thurs, 8:00 – 9:30 PM
Batch 3: Jan 23, Sat, 6:00 – 7:30 AM
Batch 4: Jan 23, Sat, 8:00 – 9:30 AM

PRACTICAL SESSION 2 (12 runners/batch)

TOPIC: Practical application of Chi Running gears, stride length, knee bends, & running cadence

Batch 1: Jan 26, Tues, 6:00-7:30pm
Batch 2: Jan 26, Tues, 8:00-9:30pm
Batch 3: Jan 27, Wed, 6:00-7:30pm
Batch 4: Jan 27, Wed, 8:00-9:30pm

INTERESTED RUNNERS MAY REGISTER @ RUNNR in B3, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City or call Lit Onrubia: 0917-537-6870 or e-mail: lit.onrubia@gmail.com

Here are some pictures taken that night:

Toby Claudio of Runnr

With the takbo.ph peeps

Julie, Vic, Sam, Mark and Wilnar at the back

With the guys

With Pio(lo) and Ebong

View from the back

Last night's crowd

There were two groups doing LSD (Long Slow Distance) runs  last Sunday and i wanted to join one of them. The first group was “Team Galloway”, initiated by Carina of takbo.ph who would be doing a 37km LSD run based on the Jeff Galloway training method. I witnessed Carina and her team do the Galloway run successfully during the 32k Rizal Day Run last December 29 and all did a sub-four hour run. This time, they would be attempting 37K with this program:

PROGRAM: 5:1 (5 mins run at 6:30 pace, 1 min walk) for 30km
4:1 (4 mins run at 6:00 pace, kung keri =), 1 min walk) for the remaining kms.
Note: Others may set their sustainable pace

Without batting an eyelash, i immediately signed up. I needed the mileage in preparation for the upcoming Condura Marathon. No sooner after i signified my intention to join, another invitation appeared (at the takbo.ph website)  from a second group led by Jet Paiso who will be doing another Galloway LSD with a longer distance of 45kms. They aptly called their group, “Calibre 45″. The calibre group were mostly takbo.ph runners training for the BDM 102 ultra run this coming March.

Now, i thought that this second group would be perfect for me because firstly, i would be running the full distance of the marathon and stretching the distance even further and secondly, their pace would be from 7:30 to 8:00 for the 5:1 ratio, a more comfortable pace for me than that of Carina’s Team Galloway group. It was in the morning of the run that i decided to join the Calibre group.

I tagged Betty and Tonette along with me, two of my regular running partners from our Runnex group who are still undecided to run Condura. The three of us met the rest of the group at McDonald’s, U.N. Avenue in Ermita at 3:00am.

Here are the highlights of the run:

–  Our Route: Start at KM O (Rizal Park) to Roxas Blvd then left to Buendia Ave up to Kalayaan Bridge going to The Fort (Taguig). From The Fort to C-5 Road northbound on the way to Libis going to Marikina and back.

–  Run started at 3:30am. Total Runners: 17

Tonette posing at KM 0

A short prayer before our LSD

Doc T, Mar and Emil

–  While the faster runners did their own fast pace, the slower ones ran the Galloway program

–  The distance from KM O to BHS at The Fort totaled 11kms. We had one stop over for some photo ops at the Petron Station, corner Buendia and Makati Ave. It was still pitch dark.

First Stop, Petron Buendia

–  We met some more runners at BHS who were either running the Bull Run 10k Race or with the Team Galloway LSD group

Our 2nd stop, Bonifacio High Street where we met another group of LSD'ers

No Bullrun for us this time

–  Did two stop-overs along C-5 Road on our way to Marikina, one at the Caltex Pasig footbridge and the other was the Shell station at the corner of Julia Vargas Street where we partook siopao, instant noodles, chocolates and whatever was available.

–  Sun was up when we were past Tiendesitas

Taking a pose at Libis, near Eastwood City

Entering Marikina City

Betty and Tonette, the two thorns among the roses near Ortigas Ave. Extension

–  Reach Marikina City near the front of SM Marikina which was 23 kms. Made our U-turn for the start of the final half.

At our turn-around bend just before reaching SM Marikina

–  Tonette left the group at KM25 (Blue Ridge) as she continued her run towards Katipunan Ave. to her home in Diliman. She must have completed 29kms.

–  Betty left the group at Julia Vargas (KM28) and continued her run home to Valle Verde. She did 29kms too.

–  Rest of the group rested at Shell-Pasig and re-stocked our hydration flasks. Mar sustained a minor injury and wisely discontinued his run.

On one of the gas stations at C5 on our way back

At the bridge overlooking the Pasig River

Arrived back at The Fort, just after the Bull Run race was finished. Claimed our medals from BR (Bald Runner) for finishing his December 30 Rizal Day 32K race. Long chit-chat with the Takbo.ph runners who were still at The Fort.

A quick pose but long chit-chat at the Fort on our way back

–  Continued our run from The Fort to Kalayaan Bridge towards Buendia. Made another stop near the Pacific Star Building for some rounds of Taho.

Back at Buendia with replenishment of taho courtesy of Rodel

–  Long stretch of walking along Buendia Ave. The 5:1 ratio (5 minutes run: 1 minute walk) became reversed, 5 minutes walk: 1 minute run.

Doc T (right) having a good time

The "galloway" plan in the reverse. It's now more walking than running

Nearing Osmena Highway

–  Reach the 40th KM mark at the corner of Buendia and Roxas Blvd.

–  Ran the last 5 kms back to KM O.

– Completed a total distance of 44.8kms – 45kms depending on whose Garmin you’re looking at

At the finish (KM 0). Total distance: 44.8 kms

It was a good run over-all with just minor aches associated after an LSD. I did a 5k recovery run the following day and also did 30 minutes of Tae-bo aerobics at a class in QMC.

Congrats to all who joined the run: Rodel, Chris, Wilnar, Gab, Junar, Betty, Tonette, Gian, Emil, Cyrus, Jonathan, Angel, Jet (for initiating this LSD), Doc T, Mar and Joen.

See you all at Condura!

Piolo Pascual, Derek Ramsay and now Dingdong Dantes. Dingdong seems to be the latest showbiz celebrity putting his face in the sport of running, riding the crest of its popularity that matches his own status in show business.

For all his eminence as a showbiz heart-throb, Dingdong does not have the air of aloofness of a superstar. Like Piolo, he is friendly, humble, quite articulate and speaking his mind about issues that interest him, specially his various advocacies.

His latest advocacy he has put a lot of effort into lately is his YesPinoy Foundation, established last year to rebuild thousands of schools and help replace the millions of books lost by flood waters as an aftermath of the recent typhoons that devastated the country.

Last Monday, i was invited by Jinoe Gavan (Takbo.ph) to attend the press launching of Dingdong’s “Book Run”, a 3k, 5k and 10k race on January 31, 2009  held at Center Stage, Tomas Morato in Quezon City. It aims to drum up public support from about 2,000 runners for its charity drive to solicit books for students and schools destroyed by the last string of typhoons.

The press con was preceded by a hearty lunch, followed by a short talk with Dingdong explaining his foundation’s latest project. He stressed that the YesPinoy and The National Bookstore, his main advocacy partner are hoping that their book drive will help augment the current overwhelming need to replace the destroyed books, hoping further that the generosity and concern of other Filipinos will be drawn in.

An open question and answer followed and what transpired in this encounter was a bit disappointing. Except for a few scripted questions asked by one of the press con organizers about what the run was about and give it a semblance that this was an advocacy run, she gave way to the press who asked private tidbits about his showbiz life instead. I was the only one present who was connected to the sport of running and because he was facing an all-entertainment press, he was asked about his forth coming trip abroad, his actress-girlfriend Marian Rivera and purported marriage proposals to-be. No one asked about running.

This was in complete contrast to Piolo’s press con yesterday which was an open forum about the run, his advocacies and his training. Now, if race organizers are going to drum up support and get runners to take part in a race, they should have invited the sports press/writers, the running bloggers and talk about the incoming race or running in particular.

Anyways, in fairness to the events organizers, Tia and Marj,  they had apprised me beforehand about the race and its mechanics…

The Real Deal!

He was asked a myriad of questions, none about running.

Explaining why she wont marry Marian yet

Was asked if he plans to meet his future father-in-law in Spain

Book Run Singlets

Events Organizers, Marj and Tia

With the sole running paparazzi!

Here are the race mechanics:

DATE & TIME
January 31, 2010
5:00am – 5:30am    Redemption of Race Kits (online registrants)
5:45am        10k Gun Start
5:55am        5k Gun Start
6:00am        3k Gun Start
8:00am        est. Awarding

VENUE
The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (beside NBC Tent)

CATEGORIES
Men’s Division: 3k, 5k & 10k
Ladies’ Division: 3k, 5k & 10k

ENTRY FEE FOR ALL CATEGORIES
Php450.00/ pax
Php400.00/ pax with donations of books for Grade School and High School level readers

Includes: Race Bib, RFID Tag, Route Map & Singlet

PAYMENT, REGISTRATION & REDEMPTION
3rd Level, ROX, Bonifacio High Street
12nn – 8pmDaily
14 – 29 January 2010

REGISTER ONLINE
Register online through www.yespinoy.com
Deposit payment
Acct. Name    : Pep Squad Events & Mktg. Services Co.
Bank/ Branch    : Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) / Paco
CA Acct. No    : 4971-0018-66
Write your name on the Deposit Slip and fax to 439-3256.
Present your valid ID at the Registration Booth between 5am – 5:30am on the day of the event to claim your Race Kit.
For inquiries call 383-0068 or 996-3156.

DRINK & FIRST AID STATIONS
Drinks will be provided at the finish line and at strategic areas in the race course.
Roving and standby medical aid and ambulance services will be available throughout the event.

AWARDS & PRIZES
Winners will receive Trophies and Special Prizes
All 10k finishers will receive Medals

The Book Run 2010 will use the Runningmate Timing System (RFID).

It was inevitable. It only took a few questions if he was going to beat his previous best of 47 minutes for the 10k and immediately declared an open challenge. Screen heartthrob Piolo Pascual is going to race 15k for his next run on March 21 at “The Green Miles” (Run For An Eco-Smart Lifestyle) at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

The Press Launching of the Green Miles Run was held this afternoon as i was one of those invited among the bloggers. Organized by the UST High School Batch 88 Alumni Association headed by Undersecretary Lorelei Fajardo, the venue, at Paul Calvin’s Deli at the Fort was packed to the rafters as press people and the organizers occupied both floors of the tiny venue.

When Piolo was asked if he was aware that his 10k time of 47:54 at the Timex run caused a “tsunami” and an earthquake of Haiti-an proportions that  “revolted” the running community who thought of him as a “non-runner”, he answered in the affirmative and read all the accounts including that of the OPEN LETTER made by Luis (http://www.gingerbreadrunning.com/2009/11/lost-gingerbread-mojo-open-letter-to.html). He said that he trains with his brother and with plenty of time to train before his next race, he thinks he could do a 1:10 for the 15k.

When told that he or his time will be the next target to beat for those whom he ‘annihilated’, he just laughed off such threats and said that anybody can beat his time given the right training and conditioning. “I’m not pressured to compete with anybody. I always give my best to whatever i do so those who choose to compete with me better train as well. I’ll be competing in the 15k race,” he declares with his arresting smile.

The race is being managed by the UST HS Batch 88 Alumni Association, Inc. and will benefit the rehabilitation of the Marilao River System. Its organizers are Ian Alacar and takbo.ph honchos, Jinoe Gavan and Doc Lyndon.

Registration starts on January 15, 2010 at Secondwind, ROX.

Registration Fees: 3k, 5k, 10k, 15k – P500.00

Piolo at the presscon

Listening to the race mechanics

Gives a short talk

Race organizers presenting a birthday cake for Piolo

Group pic

Couldn't get near Piolo as the ladies were so engrossed around him so i got the next best celebrity in Undersecretary Lorelei Fajardo to pose with me.

Ms. Fajardo. She looks so much younger in person.