The Painful Truth

A friend of mine introduced me to this article: The painful truth about trainers: Are running shoes a waste of money?

When we were kids, we used to run around fields barefoot.  And I never experienced an ankle sprain! The first and only ankle sprain I've ever experienced came from a game of basketball last year -- while wearing shoes..

Click the link above to read the article.

Skyway Run for the Whale Sharks: Registration Open!!

As of yesterday, February 16, 2009, the Registration for the Condura Run 09: Skyway Run for the Whale Sharks has been opened. Registration details can be found at http://condurarun.com

Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, Half Marathon

The Skyway is a Philippine 'high speed' hi-way which will be part of the Condura Run Half Marathon.  No human (outside a vehicle) has been allowed on this road until now.  So take this opportunity to raise funds for the Whale Sharks and to run where no one has ever run before!

See you in the skyway!

Happy New Year!!!

- Gong Xi Fa Chai!! Just in time for the Chinese New Year!!  I just got this picture from RJ (thefirstgrader.blogspot.com) last night.

- This picture was taken in Tarak Ridge last year, December.  If you notice I was kneeling down.  The winds were so strong that standing for this pic was difficult.

- I believe this year is the year of the Ox which is also the year I was born (1985).  I am expecting a lot this year.  I will also expect to work hard on training which I've already started.

My 2009 Goals:

I have several goals for the year 2009.  Some of them are goals carried over from 2008.  Here are some of them.

1.  Finish a Marathon - This was a goal that I had last year which I didn't get to do.  Running and finishing 42kms is definitely a goal this year.  I was excited about the Philippine Marathon which was supposed to happen on March 8 but was moved.  This gives me ample time to train.  All marathons are scheduled at the later part of the year.  A half marathon - The Cordura Half Marathon - will be held on March 22.

2. Become a Triathlete - I've been bitten by the bug.  And now I'm in the triathlon fever.  I've started training to be a triathlete this year.  My goal is to finish an olympic distance triathlon (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run) but in any case a sprint distance will do.. nothing below that.  Triathlon training could be really tough.  I have to find time to train all three sports during the week. And without a lap pool near by, I ride 14kms to Adventist University of the Philippines to swim, then ride 14kms home.  So far, training is going along fine.  I haven't really cut down on running as I also have to train for a marathon.

So what have I done so far to see that this goals are met?

-  I have been more serious with training.  I've also found out that cross training like cycling could improve endurance during the run.  Just recently, I finished third in a local short-distance run we had.

- I am building a road bike.  Almost complete.  I plan to complete it by next month.  The frame is of time trial geometry (76 deg. of seat angle).  I've been using a mountain bike (MTB) on the road for training which isn't really the use for it.  I plan to start piling in more miles with my TT bike.  I'll post a pic of the bike when it's complete. ^^

My Takes on the TNF Thrill of the Trail

First of all, this post wasn't supposed to come first this year.  There was supposed to be a Happy New Year's post, a New Year's resolutions post, a "what-I-did-til-now" post, and another post.  But right now, those will come after this.

If you want to read about the TNF Thrill of the Trail, read it from my friend's blog - HighAltitude.

I'm posting to pour out my disappointments of not being able to join this run! Well, not a fault on my part mind you.  I was looking for a way to register for this run.

After hearing about this run last year from Jerry, I've been looking forward to it.  I went to TNF-MOA to get my trail shoes fixed and asked them about the registration - this was 2 weeks after I heard about it.  And guess what - they said the registration was closed!! Well, they had a poster of the run for all to see, and here I was hearing that the registration was closed! I was disappointed wondering how this race closed registration so soon?!

Then I remembered the complications in last year's TNF run, how, despite closing of registration, they allowed on site registration and it messed up the results.  I thought it was fair that only a certain number of people be allowed for this run.  But still, I was disappointed.

Forgetting about it, it came back when Jerry mentioned it a few weeks ago, then discussing with my friend RJ about not being able to register, I found out that he had the same issue.  It was worse though because he - some one who won 3rd in his age category - didn't get a chance to register!!! Why isn't a placer given special privileges in this kind of thing?  I, too, ran in the TNF100 20k and did pretty well finishing at 2:01:xx..  Then, topping this off, hearing that joining a running workshop, a week before the race, gives you the opportunity to register!!  It is just NOT FAIR!! Well, I heard that the registration was done on an invitational kind of thing.  But still!!  I don't think you should deny people their right to experience the thrill of the trail.  And this is after you advertise it to the public..

Hopefully I will get to run in the next trail run.  Congratulations to all who ran this race. Congrats to Jerry for finishing 7th overall.

Note: I heard that the Philippine Marathon will be postponed.  I hope it will not.  I'm training for this run, and having this kind of news just puts me off my rhythm.

breaking free..not quite yet

Even though my right ankle is still feeling a little unstable after three weeks now due to a sprain, I've been feeling uneasy about not being able to train so I decided - not to run - but accompany my dad on a bicycle ride.

Waking up early, we started on our way at 0630 on a cold Sunday morning.  My dad has been cycling alot going on long rides every Sunday. Sometimes with friends.  Today, it was only me and him.  Since he was the veteran on the road I let him take the lead.  I also bike alot but not in long distances the farthest distance being 28km (AIIAS - AUP - AIIAS via Pook). We were both riding mountain bikes and our route went up via the Aguinaldo hi-way to the Tagaytay rotonda.  Turning left and down the Tagaytay-Balibago road we had to take some inside road because we weren't wearing helmets.( Reminder: Tagaytay City is strict on helmets.)  Somewhere past the market, we turned left again passing a road going down back to Silang passing Brgy. Punong Bunga - a road similar to the back road I usually run.  This road we passed connects to my back road route which I am familiar with.  This time I took the lead. Turning right before the bridge, I took my dad off-road for a while.  This are what mountain bikes are supposed to be for.  They were not meant for the road!

We took the off-road road slowly since there were mud puddles everywhere and we didn't really plan on getting ourselves dirty.  Exiting the dirt road, we came to a road connecting Silang and Lumil through Pook.  Then, turning left again, we went down and up the creek and were on our way back home.

Reaching home, I felt like the bike ride wasn't enough.  Sure we went about 30km but I didn't really felt like it was enough.  Maybe just me.  I decided to take this as an opportunity to train transition.  Leaving my bike at home I hit the road once more.  Instantly, I felt the pain on my ankle.  Being stubborn, I just kept going.  Running the road up to AIIAS running two rounds and back home for a total of around 6km.  It was around 9 in the morning.  Good enough it wasn't that hot.

This was a good start! Freedom is sweet but not yet.  Not with a bad ankle...that could get worse if I'm not careful.  I'll be doing this again next Sunday and probably more Sundays after next.  Next Sunday I'll be aiming for the Olympic Triathlon length for the bike and run legs (40km bike - 10km run).

..the Key ..?

So I haven't written anything for about a month now.  I have lost all passion of updating my blog; lost passion of running.  I mentioned about losing my passion of blogging to sir Wayne when I met him at the Kabahaginan FUNdraising run back in November... by the way, sir Wayne, it was nice meeting you.

So what have I been to since then?  Nothing.  I've gone to sleep.  The question is WHY? Well, that's a question I couldn't find the answer to.  Similar to me stopping from tricking.  I know a backflip is fairly simple-just a jump and a tuck-but somehow I just lost the feeling to even try one.  Well this is after my broken arm. It's past a year now since the insident and almost a year since the cast has been removed.  I haven't been back to tricking full blast since.  Again, the question is WHY?  And again, it's a question a couldn't find an answer to.  I just couldn't get what is so scary about a backflip (there isn't) specially when I got it on my own will.

I don't want to waste my time searching for the answer of why I lost my passion on things.  Not long ago, I was introduced to running and ran in an event almost every month.  I would hit the road with the Ibanrunner and High Altitude or alone.  What was it that drove me?

Recently, I've picked up on parkour training.  It's really hard work but freedom has it's price.  You gotta work hard to be able to move freely- not being bound by any obstacles.  What drove me to pick up on this?  Since I started, it's been hard training - strength training, technical training - sometimes going for a whole 8 hours ending with a sore body.  But was is it that made me go on despite the pain?

The question I wanted to answer was how to get it back?  How do I get back the desire for the things I once desired up to the point of breaking an arm?  How do I once again rekindle the fire that once burned bright?

The key is to have the desire to get back to it.  I know I want to get back to running so that's where it all starts again.  I remember trying to motivate others who lost their motivation to train parkour.  I remember mentioning that this is why parkour is a discipline - because you gotta keep pushing when you feel like giving up; that this was a mental part of parkour training. Now that I am faced by a similar situation from a different perspective, I ought to be able to get myself back on track.

What have I done about it?  When I feel like I need motivation, I go back to the things that started it all.  I watch videos, read testimonies, talk to passionate people, read articles and think.  I just read the blog of Ani de Leon, the first resident Filipino to qualify for and conquer Kona (the ultimate Ironman).  Reading this just sparked my dormant desire for the triathlon.  So long have I been eyeing the Ironman, maybe I won't get there, but the desire to train has returned.

So what now?  I'll get back to training! ...but after my ankle heals.  ^^ I haven't run in a month and two weeks ago, when I decided to run, I sprain my ankle...in a basketball game. Luckily, it wasn't as bad as it could've been it didn't even swell.  But feeling the tear when it happened, I've decided to rest it.  Then last night, I twisted it twice again!! Last in another basketball game! STUPID!!! Now I'm really going to wait for it to heal or it's going to become chronic.

So is there a universal key to RE-motivating? The answer is yes - The WANT to RE-motivate yourself. :)

After a Few Weeks as a Workaholic

Finally, the few weeks of all work has ended. Now comes the milder, more usual loads of work. After more than two weeks of no (serious) running (my last run: Batulao), I decided to go on a long run last Sunday. My last run was more than a week ago. And I wouldn't even call it a run. More like jog-walk with a ratio of 1mile jog:1mile walk. Not good.

Starting at 053o Sunday morning, me and my friend RJ went on a 25km long run. The first 15kms, going round the usual route passing a back road to the Tagaytay City rotunda, were no problem except for a few stitches that I was expecting. At the rotunda, we turned back north, heading down the Aguinaldo hi-way back to Silang (11km). I started feeling exhaustion settling in less than 5km later. My plan was to run until my legs give and it seemed really close now. I was determined to push some more. Downhills are somewhat difficult in their own way. The pounding of your feet and the energy you use for control contribute to the overall difficulty. I got to the point were I could only run a few hundred meters and go back to a walk. We did one last push toward the AIIAS campus (some 250m). I was really out by now it was even an effort to go on walking. We finished the run in 2hrs 56mins.

Last time I ran this same route (except all the way down to Silang which is around 27km) it took me only 2hrs 40mins. And here I was 2kms short and all ready out. Since we were already out of water, we walked to the library for a drink. My plan of going home on foot was really far from my mind now since I just felt like sitting down. I decided to pass by Auntie Beth and Ate Jenn before heading home (by jeep now), fortunately today was Auntie Beth's birthday and they were eating breakfast (nearly 9 in the morning). The gave a plate of macaroni cooked like spaghetti, i guess, siopao, and a banana. I actually just asked for a banana and got away with a meal!! haha. after talking a bit and eating, I said farewell and walked out the door. I felt renewed. Must have been the food. I scratched the "jeepney" idea and continued home on foot. Now I know the feeling of renewed energy during a run. It will come in handy one day.

Since I'm back to my regular schedule, I've decided to step up my training. In the few weeks that I was stuck with work, with no time to train, I got out of shape so fast. At least maintenance training is required. I will work with 25kms every Sunday for my long runs. Maybe cycling now and then. And stepping up with my parkour technical training too.

Batulao Run 2 - Keep Exploring

Photos: Group Pics

Photos taken by Mr. Tripod

(Top) At one of the peaks of Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu

(Bottom) In front of Evercrest Clubhouse

Waking up at around 6am Sunday morning (Sept. 2, 2008), I started preparing for what was to be a "trail" exploration. I went to bed at around midnight after arriving from a swimming trip from Calamba but I was ready to run. I was the last person to arrive at the meeting point and Baldrunner's car was waiting at the side of the hi-way in front of AIIAS. Jerry (HighAltitude) & RJ were already there. We rode all the way to Evercrest, Nasugbu were we were going to start our run.

Our planned trail was to take one loop around the TNF100 10km and traverse Mt. Batulao. The weather was pretty cooperative as we started at around 0800. Cloudy sky, a refreshing breeze, light drizzles -- it was perfect. The trail was quite muddy but nothing compared to the TNF. We were making good progress til after the bridge. We must have missed a turn somewhere because we started heading down again to a second bridge. I didn't remember a metal bridge during a TNF and the path leading down to that bridge was insane!! Anyways, with the words of Baldrunner, quoting The North Face slogan, he said "Just keep exploring!" So we went on. We managed to follow a path leading to the national hi-way and started on the road back to Evercrest. That was around 10kms.

It started drizzling before we got to Evercrest and started pouring when we got there, so we took cover under the front of the Evercrest Club, took pics and chatted. After the rain stopped, we decided to continue to towards Batulao. The trail was also muddy that way. The clouds started coming down onto the mountain and completely covered it. We stopped for a while at the jumpoff for some buko.

While at the buko stop, some mountaineers approached from the peak. Around 30 of them. After the bukostop, we decided to make for the peak. The peak was still covered with clouds, and judging by the weather, it wouldn't be safe to assault the summit. We stopped at two peaks before Camp 8 and were quite satisfied already so we made our way back down.

It started getting hot since it was around lunch time and I just had a peanut butter sandwich before leaving home. We headed back to AIIAS and had a session of carbo-reloading with baked potatoes together with BR & his company.

We missed Ibanrunner in this run. He had to finish some class requirements. Hopefully he'll get to join us the next time around.

How About “Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run” In The Philippines?

Original Post: How About “Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run” In The Philippines?


The reason why I conducted the “first and only Bataan Death March Challenge” in April 2000 held along the exact route where the event occured because I was challenged why in the world would the ROTC of White Sands, New Mexico, USA celebrate such event in their desert where a handful of US World War II survivors from that State would be supported and commemorated. Also, there are three other places/States in the US where they commemorate this famous Bataan Death March.



Read more from Baldrunner.com

Rebounding Fun Run

Photo:  Before the Run
Photo taken by Arne Carpena
Me, Ed, Jimmy, Franz, RJ before the 13km run to Yellow Cab, Tagaytay.


Ok, I may be the worst kind of goal-setter.   I didn't even come close to the 40+ km run I was planning!  I could blame it on the weather.  The weather last week has been bad with a typhoon to the north end of the Philippines.  There was not a day when ground was dry and sky was clear.  And there always was rain and wind.  The night of my planned run, September 10, 2008, Ed got to my house at around 7pm on his bicycle (he came in the rain).  We were to meet RJ Almocera (thefirstgrader.blogspot.com)  in AIIAS at 8pm. The rain was pouring but I was trying to be optimistic about the rain stopping.

20:30 PM it was still raining!! When will it stop!! I've been carbo-loading and hydrating for this run for days!!!


...the rain didn't stop.
I texted RJ that we would try at midnight and I went to bed.  Waking up at 2300, I prepared my stuff despite the downpour.  Ed was already deep in sleep and there wasn't any sign that he would wake up.  I didn't even bother waking him up.  I was waiting for the rain to stop.  At 0000, the time I planned to finish, I was still sitting at home waiting for the rain to stop.  When my patience gauge hit low, I decided to scrap the plan, I texted RJ and left Ed sleeping and went to bed.


The Fun Run
September 11, Ed and I talked over breakfast about just running to Tagaytay via the highway in the evening.  It was not a bad plan, we would invite friends to join.  We got Jimmy Park and Francis to join us.  Our plan was to run to - guess where?  Yellow Cab!  Yes!  This was probably the only motivation that would get this guys going - the thought of pizza at the end of a run.  Well, to me it was just another 10km run to the rotunda and another 3 to Yellow Cab.

The Fun started at 8 PM.  With Francis on the bicycle, we started running.  I was on the lead with the headlamp and Franz stayed on the rear with the reflective vest.  Arne, KC and Lorjean also came along but in a vehicle.  My Dad, brother and sister also came in a van.  Quite a support group huh?  Haha.. it's still really fun to think of it.  Jimmy and Franz have never run such distance before so they were taking turns on the bike.

Photos:  During the Run
Some photos on the Aguinaldo Hi-way.  It's really dark please forgive the weather.



After around an hour and twenty minutes, we reached Yellow Cab at around 9:30 PM.  A party was in order.  Yellow Cab was supposed to close at 10 PM but they waited for us - their last customers.

Photos: After the Run.
Tired and exhausting BUT IN YELLOW CAB!! ^_^

Although I fell short, far short of my goal, I'm really glad to have friends.  As Ed said, it was my birthday, Arne came out, and Franz exercised.  What a fun night!!  There will still be another time for me to break the 42km barrier and I'm all for it.

After the eating, I mounted on my bike and rode home (I didn't have enough).  Total distance travelled was 28km.  A duathlon! Haha.

Disappointed but nevermind

In a previous post Building for the Full Marathon Stage 1: Distance I was preparing myself for a full marathon before my birthday.  That is Thursday, September, the 11th.  It's a disappointment that the 42km I was looking at (Subic Marathon) wasn't real.

Doesn't matter! I'm still going to go on my goal.  On Wednesday, me & my friends are going on a little trip.  The plan is to start at around midnight and run my usual route.  AIIAS-Tagaytay rotonda via back road-Maharlika-Tagaytay rotonda-Tartaria-Pooc-Silang.  My friends (Ed & Arj at the moment)are going to be my "support team" at this.  They'll be carrying my stuff.  It's going to be a little long in my calculations.  The farthest distance ran so far was 25km.

I may seem a little irrational at the moment but I've given it much thought.  This is just a goal I want for myself.  When I've published this, there is no turning back.  Next entry will be a report on my craze.

Two-hit-run-turned-shopping

Photo: Running to Shopping
taken by HighAltitude


Last week, Monday, August 18, 2008 -- a day that didn't turned out as planned.  We had actually planned this day several weeks before.  Here was the plan and how it evolved:

Plan 1.  Two-hits: Batulao & Talamitam with a 10km run in between.
Plan 2.  Bike to Evercrest + Plan 1.
Plan 3.  Plan 2 but trail run the two-hits.

We were on Plan 3 until RJ's bike couldn't be used and Ed decided not to come due to lack of budget.  So at 0530 Monday morning, Sir Jerry, RJ and me were waiting for a bus to Nasugbu.  We were all set.  Oh.. we had a variation to the plan - we would hit Talamitam first.  We waited for a really long time for a bus boarding one at 0600.  The good thing was that it was foggy and cool so we didn't really mind the time.

So, we were on a 1 - 1 1/2 hour ride to Brgy. Bayabasan.  You could make out the time.  We got off the bus.  It was still really cool and we started on our way.  We stopped at the supposed registration area for the climb.  Calling out, no one seemed to be home so we decided to just check back when we get down.

Just starting on our way up (and I mean, literally), we met the person in charge.  Recognizing him, I told him that there was no one back at the house so we decided to go ahead.  Sir Jerry made arrangements to just pay when we get down and he agreed.  A little bit more off, Jerry decided this wasn't the trail he wanted to take so we turned back to a different trail when we were stopped by the same guy we talked with earlier.  He didn't want us to pass that way and it wasn't quite clear why.  Jerry, just being there some time ago passed that way.  The guy got kinda annoyed about forcing to go that way that he demanded we go back to the house (a long way mind you) and register.  Sir Jerry was trying to negotiate but he wouldn't budge.  With that, it was decided that we wouldn't climb Talamitam anymore today and instead run the road to Batulao and climb that instead.

Passing the house of the old caretaker of Talamitam, Sir Nick, we logged our complaints in his book.  He actually had a book of all the complaints.  If you don't know the history of Sir Nick in Talamitam, I suggest you do a little research.  Sir Nick was removed from being caretaker of the mountain and it turns out that mountaineers aren't liking the new caretakers at all.

Heading back to the road, we found the sun already up in the sky and the sky was clear.  It started to feel hot.  We started on our run back to Evercrest.  It wasn't as simple as we thought.  It was all uphill from here!! Great!! and at past 0730 it was hot!!! Really hot!! We didn't turn out to be as prepared as we thought.  I went to be late the past nights and I guess it wasn't anywhere near good.  Anyways, we called it a day at around 5km into the road. We got into a jeepney back to Olivarez.

After eating breakfast in Jollibee, we decided to go around the Ukay-ukay in Olivarez plaza.  Three guys in running gear and packs walking around the shop! And kinda sweaty too!! Haha.. Anyways, we had our share of purchases that day.  It was quite fun.. hehe..

We weren't to accomplish our goal that day and I was frustrated about it.  Why does Talamitam have to be the most expensive mountain in Cavite? At 25pesos!! It ain't even that high!! 630 MASL compared to Batulao's 811 which only costs 20 for registration plus even doesn't offer the same view that Batulao gives!! The politics is just frustrating!!

Building for the Full Marathon Stage 1: Distance

Ok. So I'm going to turn 23 on September and I want to accomplish something major while I'm 22. Since I started running in April this year, I've run in 4 events. Not such a big number in my opinion. So far, the farthest distance event I've joined was the 21km Gintong Pangarap which I was glad to finish. I had a terrible time training for this event mentally. During training, I felt the need to see if I could run that distance and went for a run which I didn't and couldn't finish at that time. That was a big disappointment and I was mentally challenged on race day. Thank God I was able to finish that one.

My Goal
My goal this time is to complete a Full Marathon before I turn 23. This is my personal goal. And not just that -- I plan to finish it in less than 4 hours -- which is (I know) quite ambitious. Having a month to go, I've started on my training regime. On Sunday, I went on a long run starting with the Ibanrunner (Mac).

The Beginning
Starting in front of the AIIAS Annex (Mac's apartment) and running down to Silang Bayan to a back road up to Tagaytay, I was on my journey to accomplishing a goal carrying only a hydration pack with around 500ml of water. I made sure I didn't bring cash to make sure I'd finish my task -- this is my discipline (hehe).

At the back road, with the Ibanrunner, we jogged, run, walked. Mixing it up made it quite challenging specially the transition from walking to running. Getting back to running from walking seems to drain the energy out of you. We would sprint up hills for speed training. Reaching the exit of the back road at Tagaytay, sir Mac and I split up. He went to Talisay and I continued my journey heading towards Olivarez Plaza for the next half -- the trip back home (because I didn't bring cash). From the Rotonda, I made my way back down to Silang Bayan.

The Return Trip
By this time, I was getting exhausted and I was starting to feel my legs. The sun was already up and beating on me. Although I usually run opposite the traffic, this time, I ran with the traffic since this was the side were the shadows were. I mind also started bugging me. I was starting to think of ways of making it home by catching a ride.. BUT I DIDN'T HAVE CASH!!! What motivation to keep going -- knowing that there is and there will be no other way of getting home but run. Oh.. I did bring a cellphone and I could have called someone to come get me.. But.. It had NO LOAD!! Haha.. Extra "Motivation".

I had alot of walks on this session. The excellent teamwork of the sun and the exhaust of passing vehicles made it more challenging. Pushing myself now and again to keep running and taking sips from my bladder, I wouldn't give up (well, I couldn't since I didn't bring cash). Getting close to AIIAS I was glad I had made it. It was already around 25km that I've run and 1 - 2 kilometers more and I'll be home. Since I made it to AIIAS already, I decided to continue on to home base. Passing were sir Mac and me started, my clock (cellphone) registered 2hours and 33minutes -- the longest I've run so far. I finished my journey in 2hours 40minutes and 27seconds approximately 27 kilometers total. That would make my pace around 6 minutes per kilometer.

Pheww...
I'm happy I made it home. Yes, my legs are sore but that's part of it. I've trained before where my whole body ended up sore so I'm pretty used to the soreness. My goal of a sub 4 marathon is still far away but I'm working on it. This is Stage One.

..healing wonders of running.?

I don't know why, but when I go on a major physical activity on a weekend I am bound to get colds or a flu (at worst) sometime during the week.

This is what happened to me this week.  I was feeling great on Monday morning.  No muscle pain. No sniffs.  I was feeling great! But that night, I had a hard time sleeping.  I woke up several times and slept shallow most of the night.

Tuesday morning I woke up to an itchy feeling in my nasal area.  The feeling when you inhale water through your nose! Not a good feeling.  Nonetheless, I felt I wanted to run Tuesday night but didn't get to since it rained.

Wednesday, I wasn't better.  We went to the airport to fetch my sister who just got back from Thailand.  I stayed home the rest of the day.

Thursday, I was still having colds.  But now it included a cough.  I went to work that day since I can't stand doing nothing at home.  Going home from work that afternoon, my eyes were feeling kinda warm as were my hands.  I remembered the days when I had a cold, I'd go out and train parkour and my colds would be gone after.  So,  last night, not heeding what my parents said (BAD), I went out for a light run.  About 5km.  I went from Silang to AIIAS which is around 1mile and went around the campus twice which was another 2 miles which makes 3 miles or roughly 5km..  I was sweating after the run -- I was wearing a sweater, thick jogging pants and a funky hat -- and I felt kinda good.  My colds were gone and I was coughing out phlegm.

When I got home that night, I realized a couple of things.  First, after that much rest during the week, I actually increased my speed unknowingly.  I was actually thinking that it was an easy run but it was actually faster than my usual.  Second, I had a really nice rest that night.  My dad had to wake me up this morning.  I feel alot better than the rest of the week!! I should have run earlier and maybe I could have avoided several days of misery.

Maybe it's just me.  Maybe just a coincidence.  But I do believe that there is something in physical activities, maybe cardio-vascular activities that help strengthen the immune system.  I haven't found scientific proof.  But I guess it works for me and I glad it does.

TNF100 20K - First Trail Run

Photo: Our Shoes After
This was what are shoes were like after the run.
(Left to Right): RJ, Ed, Shin, Me.

Yesterday, July 27, 2008, I had my first taste of a trail run. The main event was the ultramarathon - 100km organized by The North Face. Thus the name The North Face 100. I, ofcourse, didn't join this 100km race but the 20km I did.

Waking up at around 2 in the morning, by a repeated phone rings from a friend and my alarm, I got up and prepared myself. We got to Evercrest at 4am where the organizers where still setting up the starting line. There where lights and music playing totally waking me from my sleepiness. at around 0430, we lined up to claim our race kits. At 0500, there was no sign of starting. The day was already moving on. Good thing the sky was clouded and since we were in quite an altitude it was quite cool and windy -- a great condition for running.

Photos: Before the race

(Top Left): The starting line.
(Top Right): Shin's shoes and my Arnuva 100 TR GTX before the run
(Bottom): With the Sixth Man, Sir Danny. Finishing the 100km in 16 hours.


At 0630, the 20km runners got ready at the starting line. Sychronizing my time with the organizers, the gun was shot at 0636 after a 100km runner made it to the finish.

The race started on road running for about half a kilometer towards the Mt. Batulao jump off. This road was familiar to me since I've been here a couple of times before. The course then went offroad still pretty wide with pot holes here and there. Still no mud here. The real deal started when we went further into the course (around 1 kilometer from start). At the first loop, the trail was quite manageable and I was choosing my path, weaving my way to more suitable places. The course then cut down towards corn fields, going down quite steeply after down to a river. Luckily there was a bridge for us to cross. Then the trail went up and started heading north with a cliff on the right hand side where the river was. The trail then run quite straight and out, back to the road by the Caleruega Church. The road then goes around 2 km back to the junction of Marshall Station near the starting point which ends the first 10km-loop. The 20km runners have to go at it again for the second time.

The second time around was quite more challenging. The mud was thicker. I didn't care anymore about choosing my path since it was all mud and my shoes where covered in it anyways. So I just tanked my way through the course. That's right. "Tanked." My shoes felt like lead with the caking mud underneath.

Also contributing to the difficulty were the many "10km hikers" who were trekking along, clogging the already narrow trail, making it difficult for runners wanting to pass to pass. It was constant "Excuse me po" for me. There were spots where it couldn't be avoided though. The trail was narrow and there was no where else to go. I had to wait for a wider part in the trail.

I finally made it to the finish line after running for around 2 hours and 4minutes (according to my time). Met some other runners, exchanged stories, training plans, techniques, etc. We waited for the Awarding ceremony -- which happened at around 1100, before heading home.

Without breakfast and lunch, I was really hungry! Getting home to a plate of Spaghetti, I ate all to my hunger's content before taking a bath and went straight to bed 13hours later, since I woke up in the morning. I expected to wake up an hour later but that didn't happen.

Photos: After the race
(Left): Left to Right - RJ Almocera, Edmund Solaiman, Shin Siapco, me
(Right): Photo with the "TNF Runner" Mr. HighAltitude: Jerry

Photo: Photo with Ms. Ivy and "The Super Sherpa" Sir Leo.
My role models. Sir Leo Oracion has inspired me in his many feats in Adventure racing and Ma'am Ivy Macainan as an inspiration for me, as a new runner, with her stories.

Photo: with Sir Leo and Sir Jerry

Photo: Team Baldrunner
Team Baldrunner's Reynaldo De Los Reyes and Cresenciano Sabal won overall 2nd place for the Team Relay 100K. Congratulations!

-= More pictures will follow =-

Mt Batulao Trail Run

I used to think that mountains were for climbing with Mountaineering gear - tent, pack, stove. Not today. Sir Jerry (HighAltitude) took me to Mt. Batulao for a taste of "Mountain running". On the narrow mountain trails, we ran. Going up and down, over rocks and under trees. I was constantly getting slashed on by the lots of talahib on both sides of the trail. Of course I wasn't wearing my usual mountaineering gear since this was a run.

Waking up a 4am, I took a bath and made myself ready for this first taste. We got to the front of Evercrest at around 0600 (which isn't accurate since I wasn't keeping time). On a usual hiking trip, getting to the top of Batulao from the front of Evercrest would take about 2 hours. At least that's how long it took us to get up there the last time I went. But running the trail, it took us exactly 50minutes to get to the top (according to Sir Jerry's Vector).

This is probably the hardest run I've had so far. I couldn't keep up with Jerry and needed to walk alot of times. On the way back to the highway from the peak, my feet felt like lead. My quads were starting to cramp due to dehydration which is solely my fault since I wasn't drinking as much. I feel fortunate that I'm still able to walk properly after that run..

Some time, I will need to buy myself a nice pair of trail shoes. I'll be going back there again next week and hope I do better. My poor reeboks are breaking and they're my only pair of shoes for everything (I have leather shoes, though). This is going to be my training for the TNF event on the 27th. Train hard!!

Below are photos Sir Jerry & I took on this trip. Enjoy.

Note: Photos of me were taken by Jerry.

Note: Photos of Sir Jerry were taken by me.

Rush to Infinity Run

The Rush to Infinity Run sponsored by Rush & Mizuno happened on June 29, 2008. This was going to be my first 15-kilometer run and my third race. After months of running, I've made it a point to drive myself hard at this one.

Waking up at 0330 of June 29 was not so difficult. I've been tossing and turning on the hotel bed where we slept for the night. Well.. it was partly coz it was cold.. While sir Jerry and Mac were still asleep, I started preparing myself. Took a quick shower, did some morning stretching changed into my running gear and taped possible blister-ready zones.

We took a taxi to Global City and got there at around 0500. There were already a lot of runners around - warming up and stretching. In a few minutes we were called to the starting line, watched the countdown timer set by the organizers. At zero we were off.

I started at my regular pace. Turning right, then left, down the side of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. I don't really know the name of the streets. But if you click on the map at the left you'll be able to see our route. At first it was downhill and it was this way for some time. I picked up my pace on the downhills and ran a faster than normal pace on the flats. The first U-turn was near the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Graveyard of Heroes). After the U-turn, we turned right into the Heritage Park. This was an awesome park. I just loved it in there! Green grass and walls. I really wanted to climb those walls! The park was great that I really didn't feel tired. Before long the route started going uphill.. back downhill and out the gate of Heritage Park. This is were the problems started. The road was congested with runners. Mixed with runners from the 5km, 10km and 15km. It was really difficult. Runners going both ways, some walking.. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!! I had a difficult time weaving my path through these runners.. or should I say walkers. Finally, I made it out of the traffic alive!! Beside me, a man on a bike slowed down. "How far is this?" He asked in Filipino.
"15-kilometers," I replied. We had a little chat with the man then he said farewell and speeded up. Then, he slowed down and asked, "Can you cheat? Wanna ride?" Haha.. He was offering me to cheat!! Anyways, I said 'No, thank you,' and he was off.

The path now was going back uphill. Tiring it may seem but training in Tagaytay pays off. Other runners have slowed down a lot and I was passing them. When I thought we were close, we turned right off the main road and started down McKinley Hill. It was a pretty steep downhill, this road. And there was a U-turn at the bottom then back the steep uphill. My legs weren't quite tired yet as I remembered Talisay which was steeper and much longer than this road. It was tiring, yes, but I was determined to finish strong. As soon as we got out McKinley hill, back to the traffic, It was quite flatter. Then the signs of nearing the finish line came. I picked up my pace for the last kilometer. Speeding my way to the finish line for the last sprint, I noticed a long line to my left. I ignored them since they all had red straw around their necks (meaning they were 5km runners) and passed the empty right side to the finish. This is were my disappointment really started.

There were no officials waiting there. No one to take my official time. There was no one giving out the goodies. After asking around I learned that we had to line up on the left. What?! Insanity!! What kind of race asks you to line up for the finish line!!! My timer registered 1:12:24 and I was happy but for the thought that it wouldn't be recorded as my official time. My official time according to Runrio.com was around 1hr 30minutes which was really was off. And some people I finished before, were before me in the results. The results were later on removed from the site.

I would really like to appreciate the efforts of Sir Rio though. Everything was doing well but for the finish line and the traffic which sir Rio DID apologize and took responsibility for the errors.

Overall, the run was great! Great weather - clouded sky, not so hot, a bit windy. Overflowing drinks - water, or Rush, they had it.

I'm still at the beginning of my running anyways and I still plan to train harder and join more runs. See you in the next run.