Run Early Run

January 2012 : Slowly but Surely

2012-02-09T06:16:00.000+08:00

Back to basics.

This what I told myself at the start of the year. I was careless in my 2011 runs. I was so eager to increase my mileage and my speed - which is not bad in itself - but I wasn't training properly like I used to in 2010.

When I was just starting, I liked doing different kinds of training routines, like interval training, hill sprints, some sort of pyramid interval, etc. I even have training solely for my breathing.Then later on I guess I got lazy on doing these rudiments, you know, and I just ran, ran, and ran without regard to form. Some races, I did not even warm-up anymore - so focused on getting that new PR but missing on the important foundations of running.

Anyway, this year, I'm starting slowly again but I'm learning to appreciate little improvements. I get ecstatic even on mere seconds of improvement on a lap, for example. :)

I can relate this nugget of wisdom that was shared to us by one of the leads in the company I'm working at:

Focus on your job - not on your career.

I guess I agree with this statement, basing on the context. I believe that long-term career development is important, mind you, but if you focused too much on where you want to be 10 years from now for example, you missed the important tasks that you need to do right here, right now - and these are the tasks that determine your Career (t₀+10), if you know what on earth I meant with that.

In running, focusing on your target is important - like say a new PR. But that new PR will not be yours just by running from Start to Finish (although that's part of it, of course). I have started and finished a lot of races, but many of these were started and finished lousily.

Preparation is equally important. Proper execution of your training, the form, is just as crucial. Nutrition, hydration, rest - these are factors as well. There's more to running a race than just legs and loot bags. And that's why I love running.

Finishing a race is one of the most spine-tingling accomplishments one can have (especially with a new PR obviously). However, I daresay that the journey to get to that finish line is just as marvelous!

Enjoy every moment of it.

Goal! Discovering My Pace in 2012

2012-01-20T11:27:00.001+08:00

It's that time of the year again when many people start setting targets for their next 12 months. I find it amazing how the coming of a new year - that tiny change in the calendar that results to a number of date typo errors - can kindle feelings of renewal or rebirth, just as a little match stick can ignite fireworks that signal the beginning of the festivities with a BANG!

I thank God for my 2011 and the important lessons I learned from that year. This year, if I'll do something different, it would be to sharpen the proverbial saw. Take my time. Reflect. Find my pace. Then reach my goal!

It is very critical for a runner to know his pace, not exclusively, but especially for long-distance races.

You go out too slow >> you get left behind, you bore yourself senseless, you regret not pushing a little bit more.
You start out too fast >> you burn out, you faint, you finish lazily (if you finish at all).

These, I must admit, have happened to me more than they should have. Many times I tend to have "Low EQ" in running. When I feel I have energy, I run so hard I have tears in my eyes, but then I get cramps and I have to walk-slow run the rest of the distance (and I am only 1/3 of the way through).

It is important to know what pace you can keep : some runners like maintaining it at constant high-speed (between 4 to 5 min/km, this is high for me), some like it dynamic like run-walk. Whatever your case, you should determine that during training.

I'm slowly building up on my mileage and pace again this year. I figured I could do at least 10K per week, so maybe I'll target 520K for the year. :D It's not as big time as I hoped 2 years ago it would be, but I need to learn to adapt to my current situation (e.g. being ~25 lbs heavier. Why oh why?).

I'm aiming to discover and maintain my pace not only in running but also in other aspects of my well-being. In my career, for example. Am I moving too slowly and missing good opportunities? Or am I going so fast that I stumble on the littlest things and fall hard? How about my relationships? My growth?

Anything. I pray that I'm given an enlightenment on what my pace should be in my life. Fast or slow, it doesn't matter. I'm determined to finish this year with my hands up in the air and a smile across my face.

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Let me share with you some of goals for this 2011...I mean 2012:

Get married to the girl of my dreams, obviously. :))
Read 32 books
Run 520 km (total distance, including training and registered races)
Complete at least one 10K and one 21K (registered)
Learn one new classical piano piece
Lose 10 lbs :)) [current weight: 170 freaking lbs]

This is a declaration. A challenge to myself. Some sort of accountability to you, dear reader. If the Lord wills it, let's all see by the end of the year how well I did on these goals.

Quotable quote of the day: "Run with your friends and pace your peers!" - Earl Royce

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Year-End Blog from Blog Owner Earl

2011-12-27T00:22:00.001+08:00

As 2011 draws to a close, I want to do a look-back and to thank God for another year full of blessings. True, it's not a perfect year and there are lots of downs that definitely pushed me to my limit. But look at me now, after all of the turbulence I encountered, I'm still here standing (or sitting), still able to blog about my wonderful year.

There are some things that I wish I did not do, but then again without those things, I would not have learned. Therefore - as cliché as it may sound - NO REGRETS. There's no use in dwelling on the bad things that happened. I'm here to celebrate the good stuff of my 2011.

I only completed 9 races this year but I made all of them count. With my knee injury and all, it's a wonder how I was able to finish one 3K, four 10Ks, two 16Ks, and two 21Ks. My favorite without a doubt is my Condura Skyway 21K. Aside from the exhilarating fact that I ran on the Skyway, it was a race that I and my then-girlfriend Tey will always remember as the race where we finished holding hands. It's (almost) a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Aside from races/runs, my Lego Minifigures collection also made me very happy indeed. I feel like a little boy again! I don't always have enough money to complete them but thanks to my ever supportive sponsors. :)

I completed over a 100K (in terms of registered runs) but another feat I am proud of was completing 30 books! (Actually just 29 - I'm still reading my 30th). It was a great experience to be in someone else's mind or to virtually visit a different world or to time-travel to another era.

I'm very glad as well that I was able to complete one school year teaching high school Physics and one semester teaching Heat Transfer (ME major subject). It's a bit tiring to do it part-time on top of my regular work, but seeing the "enlightenment" in my students' eyes is just one of the best things in the world. [And I hope I made a difference in some little way.]

However - undeniably, irrevocably, unquestionably - the best part of my 2011 is my engagement to my future wife Tey! Modesty aside, I liked my proposal. :)) Although very simple and straightforward, I like how it was planned and executed. But no proposal will ever be good enough if there was no response, right?! :P So I guess Tey did a better job when she said "Syempre naman". :D

I can go on and on if I list all the blessings I received for every single day of the year. I guess in general I just want to say that it was another fantabulous year!

I'm now looking forward to an even greater 2012. Will the world end next year? I don't care that much. I guess I would just have to count my blessings earlier. :P

The Time Traveler's Blog : My Reasons for Keeping a Journal

2011-11-17T14:33:00.001+08:00

I believe there are as many reasons for maintaining a blog as the number of bloggers all over the world. Maybe even more because I already have more than one reason for doing it.

Aside from the online blog, some also have some sort of a classic, pen-and-paper journal, as I do. Or did. Or will. But please take note that it's a journal, ok, not a diary. :P

Whatever the form, my reasons I guess are practically the same. I like expressing my ideas, telling personal stories, sharing my experiences. Some things, I share publicly; some I keep for myself. Sometimes I enjoy seeing other people's reaction/comments but there are times that I want it to be private.

But so far the best thing that I get from it is the feeling that I can sort of time-travel back to that moment. Just before writing this, I was reading my latest entry which was about my proposal/engagement and I felt like I was there again - my sweaty palms clutching the ring-box, the pinkness of Tey's pale face as I went down on one knee, the wild excitement of my relatives and friends, and the sudden deafening and heart-pounding silence that seemed to have followed, as if the crowd was instantly overwhelmed by Tey's silent mouthing of "Syempre naman."

And that was only last month. I can go back to last year when I ran 32K or when I first bought my Timex watch or my running shoes. I can do the Superpositions all over again, starting with the first one, when I was with the guys who originated it (not me, I'm just a messenger, a very avid rip-off fan :P).

Just imagine if you can travel back to 5 years or more! I found my manly journal notebook the other day (Again, it's not a diary, although the cover says Diary, which I think was a misprint). I have entries dating way back to High School and that was just awesome. I plan to share that with you later but they are so good that they most definitely deserve separate entries.

However, I do want to share with you my first ever journal entry. Well, sort of. It was written some 27 years ago, I guess by my Mom, but it was written from my first-person perspective. And it goes a little something like this.

October 20, 1984. Baby's first day home. - It was raining hard when we left the hospital. The taxi meter amounted to only Php 3.50 but my Daddy paid the taxi driver Php 20.00. I first slept beside my Daddy and Mommy. But I did not sleep so sound. I cried and cried. Nanay helped Mommy and Daddy on our first night home. She changed my diapers, my shirts, my beddings. She also prepared my milk. The following day, Sunday, was a busy day. I had lots of visitors.

I was teary-eyed as I copied that one from my baby book. Not because I'm sad, but because the taxi fare was only Php 3.50! And look how high-roller my Daddy was! He paid like more than 5 times, y'all! But on a serious note, I'm greatly touched by knowing that I sort of have a memory of that day. Maybe when I have my own baby someday, I will also be very generous to the driver. :D

Well, I guess that's the farthest I can time-travel in terms of my lifetime. And there are still lots of wonderful stories between then and now.

So there, that's why I like keeping tabs of myself and recording my experiences. If you haven't started one yet, it's never too late to do so. A blog, a journal, whatever. A diary, perhaps? After all, life has so many more things to offer.

Engaged : I Like It

2011-10-27T09:01:00.000+08:00

My life was wonderfully transformed in the last 10 days or so. It's not because I did 10K again at Nike Run Manila 2011 after a long time of bumming around. Not because I had a dinner cruise or that I had my first ever body massage (at least the first one I ever paid for). I dare say it's not even because I turned 27 last 18^th and I had the Kare-Kare of a lifetime. It is for one reason and that is Tey is no longer my girlfriend --

-- Tey is now my fiancée!

After 6 years on the day, I finally popped the big question last October 16. It was a Sunday, like the first ever 10-16 of our relationship. I did it at church, amidst the cheers of family, relatives, and friends. It was indeed a day to remember - a day I will always look back to at night, some 30 years later.

To be honest, I knew she would say yes, but even so, at that moment, a couple of minutes before and after Tey's big YES, my heart still pounded like a headache. If you're a runner, you probably know about this heart-pounding you get just after you cross the finish line, after sprinting like a mad man on your last 200 meters or so. But this is something bigger than that. I like the proposer's high way way way better than the runner's high. :P

My life-changing decision started on October 4 when I finally went to Ongpin to buy a ring for Tey. It's a very lovely tale, that day. Maybe if I see you next time I can tell you all about it.

To my girlfriend of the past, fiancée of the present, and wife of the future --

I thank God for our 6 years and our engagement. It's been quite a run, so to speak. We've been through a lot already and there's a lot more road to cover. It's not a 100-meter dash, but a proverbial marathon, an ultra marathon even. We will be dead tired but at the end of our lives, we can look back and say, "We did it, my darling."

To my readers: Laugh now that I am so mushy and in-love. You just wait 'til you get engaged. :))

Or you can just look at these photos and partake in my excitement:

Superposition at Nike Run Manila 2011. This was the day before my proposal. My heart was bursting inside because I could not wait for October 16 - the big day. Tey had no idea that she was so-gonna-be proposed to.

Superposition with other girls -- It's like bachelor party already! :)

The classic "Will You Marry Me?". That's my sister Ritz holding the sign.

And of course the moment. Look at Tey's reaction and those of the people around. Classic. This is once in a lifetime, baby.

The big hug after Tey's epic "Syempre Naman" response.

I like it so I put a ring on it.

Come Together: Twelve Ways to Keep Smiling

2011-10-11T13:21:00.006+08:00

September 30 - Earlier today while sitting in a bus on Friday night traffic, the Beatles hit Come Together played on the radio. But it has nothing to do with what I really want to tell you.

♪ Here come old flat top, he come grooving up slowly ♫

For some reason, due to being idle I guess, my mind started to drift towards unhappy thoughts but I decided against it and took out my planner to get myself thinking about something else. Inside the front sleeve of the notebook, I noticed the bookmark that was given to us last Christmas by the Principal of the school I used to teach at.

♫...got to be a joker he just do what he please...♪

It's a simple cardboard bookmark actually with gold lace at the top. It wasn't the lace that caught my attention but the message on it entitled "Twelve Ways to Keep Smiling".

♪ I know you, you know me ♫

Let me share these with you (credited to Douglas Pagels).

1. Hold on to your dreams, and never let them go.
2. Show the world how wonderful you are!
3. Give circumstances a chance, and give others the benefit of the doubt.
4. Wish on a star that shines your sky.

♫♪ One thing I can tell you is you got to be free ♪

5. Take on your problems one by one and work things out.
6. Rely on all the strength you have inside.
7. Let loose of the sparkle and spirit that you sometimes try to hide.
8. Stay in touch with those who touch your life with love.
9. Look on the bright side and don't let adversity keep you from winning.
10. Be yourself, because you are filled with special qualities that have brought you this far, and that will always see you through.
11. Keep your spirits up.
12. Make your heart happy, and let it reflect in everything you do!

♫ One and one and one is three ♪♫

This is obviously not an exhaustive list but some words there are just what I needed that time. Simple bits of advice like looking at the bright side and taking on problems on one by one are stuff that I know already but tend to forget whenever things don't go the way I planned them.

♪ Come together, right now ♫

I guess there's always a reason to smile, like getting advice from a bookmark, or looking up from your notebook and seeing that traffic is better and realizing that you won't be late after all.

♫♪ ...over me. ♫♪

How about you? What keeps you smiling? :D

Early Runs Takbo.PH Run Fest 2011

2011-07-27T06:52:00.004+08:00

Let's pretend for a while that the doctor did not advise me not to run anymore and that I did not write my previous blog...

....

OK, enough pretending. Doc would probably say he told me so but I just had to run this year's Run Fest. Last year I did a PR 5K at this event but last Sunday I wasn't hoping to get anywhere near the upper 80%.

Nursing my knee pain, I started out my 16K with a 7.5 min/km pace. I was able to keep it up until around the 4K, 5K mark where I slowed down even more and I just alternated it with walk breaks.

My low EQ got the best of me but I was obviously not in any condition to run, especially a 16K that passes McKinley Hill. Oh the horror! That dreaded hill of my first ever 3K run(walk) in 2009 continues to haunt me until me now.

But do you know what is more painful than trying to get your bad knees across 16K of asphalt?!

My singlet did not fit!

No amount of holding my breath can allow me to wear that singlet! It's funny now that I think of it but imagine what I felt when I was trying it on the night before! Emphasis on trying. Ha!

But cmon, my knees nor my doctor stopped me, how would not wearing the singlet do otherwise?!

Finish Strong

Near the finish line, the marshal saw me limping my way through. But he cheered me on and said "Last 1K. Keep it Earl. Then finish strong."

That gave me a little boost and I finished as strongly as I could. My girlfriend and I really appreciate the fact that the marshals call the name of the runners. After all, the names are much bigger than the number, and I felt much bigger than the distance.

Happy Anniversary

It was a good event overall. I want to greet takbo.ph a Happy Anniversary! May this group continue to support its members to inspire new runners all over the globe.

It's definitely not a perfect event (what is?) but like runners always say, "Keep moving forward!"

Good job and congratulations for another year of awesomeness!

Pictures

Here are some shots from the event.

My lovely personalized bib (I so love my full name :P)

At Mini Stop

Alot and Tey

Tey and Earl

Yeah.

Showing off our pretty 16K medals. Whattahair!

The Superposition? My left knee couldn't carry me that much and so I was having a hard time balancing on one leg.

Doctor's Appointment

2011-07-14T22:30:00.002+08:00

Last Tuesday I went to see the doctor due to chronic knee pain. I think this started last September but it got worse on November after (or during) my 32K run for Leg 3. I could barely run after the 21K mark and I almost limped my way through the last 5k.

But as you know this did not stop me. I still went on to do a 16K, 10Ks, and then a couple of 21K races, the last being at Goldilocks.

Is this what they call a runner's knee? I don't know for sure yet but it's quite painful and I haven't been able to run or even walk properly since the last run. I feel so lousy and heavy, mostly heavy. Maybe it was weight gain or maybe it was that I did not train and recover enough for that 32K run. A lot of maybe's and so I went to Asian Hospital to find out.

While waiting, I picked up a magazine called MIMS Med Review because one of the articles in it had "Chronic Pain" in the title. To my surprise, the article was a nose-bleed one especially to a commoner like me.

The article was "The Place of Pharmacological Treatment in Chronic Pain" by Dr. Mick Serpell, FRCA, and it started with "The processing of nociception involves multiple neural pathways, transmitters and receptors..." I should have stopped there because all I could think of was Inception but I read on dreamily until about 3 pages in and I already finished stuff on NSAIDs, codeine, and opioid drugs.

It was like mental bloodbath in that article but amidst all that confusion, I think I understood something. This phrase was highlighted and I sort of get it:

"It is easier to keep pain at bay rather than trying to control it after it has resurfaced."

It made sense and I should have understood this earlier. Dr. Serpell was saying that "...rapid control of pain symptoms can reduce the risk of chronicity" and this mirrors what many runners and bloggers already say: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.

It is natural to feel pain but you should know when to take it easy so that you can enjoy what you love doing for a longer time.

My advice is not new but I would like to say it as a reminder to myself:
1. Train well and get enough rest and nutrition.
2. Give yourself time to recover.
3. When you feel pain, do the famous RICE (Rest-Ice-Compress-Elevate) and see if the pain is only temporary.
4. If unsure, consult your doctor immediately.

I want to add that you should keep your weight at the optimum level. Like I said, I feel heavy and lousy lately and maybe that affected my running form and the impact on my knees.

Doctor's advice was for me to stop running for a while. I was expecting that.

But I fear I might violate that in the near future. :P

Race Results 2010

2011-06-03T22:57:00.001+08:00

Here's a summary of my race results for 2010.

Condura Run 5k - 00:31:46
Century Superbods 10k - 1:08:44
Unilab Run for Welness 10k - 1:02:02
The Green Miles Run 15k - 1:34:20
Nat Geo Earth Day Run 10k - 1:00:36
Nature Valley Run 21k - 2:52:50
34th Milo Marathon 5k - 00:33:45
Eng'gfinity 10k - 1:26:05
takbo.ph Runfest 5k - 00:28:24
10.10.10 for Pasig River 10k - 1:37:12
Adidas KOTR 10k - 1:12:27
Unilab Run 32k - 4:47:49

Run Like a Cake - 45 Goldilicious Years!

2011-05-16T00:15:00.001+08:00

Fort, May 15, 2011. Tey and I joined the 21K event of the Goldilocks Fun Run. It's my first yellow singlet so I was excited to wear it on race day. However, I seem to have gotten fatter and I looked like a 3-layer wedding cake wearing the singlet!

I am now (at least) 15 pounds heavier compared to last year's 21K at Nature Valley (Run Rio Leg 2). The more I run, the more I eat, the heavier I get! I can't believe this! For more than a year of running and joining races, this is my heaviest at almost 160 lbs and without a strand of muscle to show for it. And to prove that I am now on the far opposite side of slim, I have now CHAFED for the first time! In the past, I couldn't relate to run blogs and magazines regarding chafing. Now I'm so sore. :P

But despite all this bitterness, I enjoyed the Goldilocks Fun Run. And I felt strong. Heavy, yes. But strong. I wasn't fast, I almost did not beat my 15-lb-lighter 21K record, but my run was quite steady, compared to my previous long races. It felt like I had a lot of energy (stored).

I think I also had extra energy because I was not holding my belly in anymore. :P I used to do that to have good looking photos but now that it's out of proportion, what's the use? I embraced my big tummy and I ran blissfully.

Don't get me wrong, though. I'm now carefully crafting a plan so that I can be lighter on my feet. I do it for my knees and for other health benefits. And I think I should start that by putting down this chocolate I have in my hand now (it's messy for the keyboard too). But I want to point out that being "fat" should never be an excuse to miss out on all the fun!

I liked the route of this run, going through the whole length of Buendia to Osmena. But it was just so hot! When I was at the Buendia flyover on my way back, I felt like a cake in an oven. I was starting to get dehydrated, I think, that I started getting pins and needles all over my body. But I survived, thanks to ample water supply at water stations.

I was able to finish with a new PR, but only by 30 seconds! But it's not bad for a heavier version of myself.

A good one for Goldilocks and for Rio.

Here are some of our pics from the event:

...and what else but the Superposition!

Takbo.PH Night Fest 2011

2011-04-11T11:23:00.001+08:00

Welcome to the dark side.

Tey and I ran our first night run last Saturday (April 9) at the first night run of 2011 at Filinvest Alabang. Being a Southern Metro person (Sucat native), it was an easy yes to register for this takbo.ph event.

It's been a while since I ran nights. When I was still in UP, I used to do night rounds on the oval after my last class. I even tried (once) to do night run at Manila Memorial Park but I found that a little creepy so now I stick with morning runs for MMP.

Those night runs felt so very 2010 that I had forgotten the feeling of running at night, the extra effort of trying to see the road and near-missing the craters. [Silly me did not have a head lamp or other source of extra lighting.]

Do or do not - there is no try.

I now know that it's also critical to train for different situations like this. I realize that I'm an "after-office" runner. Being a night-shifter for most of the last 5 years, "after-office" means morning. [When I was in UP, I taught normal day classes so I ran at night.] The night run I suppose would feel like a morning run for regular people (I'm irregular?).

Ok, I guess I'm just making excuses. I finished at 1hr 15mins and my girlfriend did 1hr 12mins. Go figure. :))

Yoda once told me, "Fear is the path to the dark side." But I disagree. I think only courage would bring a runner to tread the dark side. Or was he talking to Anakin?

Night Pics

It was a good run with a nice route, fun hilly parts, great running community, and awesome pictures as well. :))

After Run

Start/Finish Arc

Skechers SRR Shirt!

...and Superposition! :)))

...Superposition with Jinoe. :))

Running Free at Hyundai Fun Run

2011-04-03T01:36:00.002+08:00

Roxas Blvd, April 2, 2011, Saturday. We woke up at 3AM. Or should I say, Tey woke up at 3AM while I just stayted up and waited for my shift to end. [Thanks to my teammate Alfredo for trading shifts with me.]

We started preparing for our first free race - the Hyundai Run for a Cause. Two days before, we got our free singlets with bib and RFID. I found it a little weird that my bib number did not match my RFID number. But heck it's free. Why should I complain?

We reached the venue just in time, just when they were starting to introduce the emcees (Regine Tolentino and Boom Gonzales). Maybe it was just too early for them but it appeared (at least to me) that they were a bit confused on how the event should go. Like Regine did not know that she was supposed to lead the stretching or that they should properly introduce their guests (who were Richard Gomez and his wife Lucy, to mention the more prominent ones). But it turned out ok later on. Maybe they just needed to warm up a little.

The Wave and the Sea

Hyundai took the "Wave" system seriously. In the past races that I joined and that had waves (like 10.10.10 and Condura 2011), the waves were just more or less about a minute apart. Being in Wave B, I experienced firsthand waiting for more than 5 minutes before we started. Well safety comes first. Hyundai must have thought you can never be too careful.

The run itself was pretty straightforward (almost literally). The route was along Roxas Blvd and starts and ends near the Grand Stand (much like the Manila Milo Marathon). There were a lot of volunteers along the route, some cheering, some taking photos, many passing bottles of water.

At 20,000 runners, it was practically a sea of people so it was surprising to see my former (or future?) co-faculty John Martin (Recio) there. I thought I'd give him a "High Five!" but I was busy huffing and puffing through all the 7 holes of my bayabas.

At the finish line, I was pleasantly surprised to see that many of my college orgmates (UP Gears and Pinions in the house!) were Marshals for this event. Here's some of them with this bodyguard shot.

L-R: Jayreus Jimenez, King Almazan, Renz Formoso, Riznel Cresino

Strong Finish (sort of)

I thought I did pretty well but maybe my watch was fast? It felt like my usual pace and I thought I would probably finish just a minute or two over an hour. But it's more than a couple of minutes. My unofficial time is 1hr 10mins which is not bad but I know I could have done better. I could blame it on a lot externals but it would still go down to how well I prepared and how I execute that for a new PR.

And how heavy I am! I feel 10 lbs heavier this year (which I think I am!). I thought fastfood would make me fast?! Oh, the lies of the cheeseburger. :P

Super Pictures

Let me share the other fun pics I have from the event.

...with Tey (before and after)

...and you know what's coming..

...the Superposition!

L-R: Miguel Estepa, Homer Ramos, Bino Santos, Moan Anical

"The JunFacs" L-R: Miguel Estepa, Homer Ramos, Bino Santos, John Martin Recio
[Thanks for sharing these pics!]

...with the UP GPs Marshals!

...with another co-faculty Bino Santos. Congrats on your first run! Hindi ka na virgin! :P

Tey

Yours Truly

Registered for Takbo.PH Night Fest

2011-03-25T05:55:00.000+08:00

Tey and I are officially registered for the Takbo.ph Night Fest!

My girlfriend registered on opening day at Trinoma (after her new PR 21K at Run United). She was not allowed to sign up for me so I registered the next day (March 7, Monday) at Skechers Greenbelt 5.

Looking forward to this new experience and to my SRR T-Shirt. :))

See you there guys!

Run United 2011 - My Runaway Girlfriend

2011-03-09T07:30:00.003+08:00

My girlfriend's stronger than me.

It took a while before I realized it. I guess it's not just my running that was slow that day.

Already done with my 10K, I was sitting at the curb, taking some pics, and waiting for Tey to complete her 21K. We had decided that I was to run 10K only because I have a shoot the night before.

I would say my 10K was ok. It's not that bad. If I compare it to my last 10K (Adidas KOTR), I did a little better. 1hr10 now compared to 1hr12. But compared to last year's Leg 1 (Century Tuna) or last year's Unilab 1, well, hmm, um.... Ok, next topic.

Runrio Leg 1 2010 (Century Tuna) : 1hr 8 mins
Unilab 1 2010 : 1 hr 2 mins
Adidas KOTR 2010 : 1 hr 12 mins
Runrio Leg 1 2011 (Unilab 1 2011) : 1 hr 10 mins

After running, I stretched and I claimed my finisher's kit and my bag from the baggage counter and proceeded to wait for Tey at the corner of 7th and 28th.

Tey finished her last 21K (Condura 2011) at around 3h8m but she was injured then. Her 21K before that (Unilab 2, 2010) was at 2h54. While I waiting, I took a few shots, like this one of Tessa.

I heard the announcer on the mic say "2hrs 30 mins! You can do it guys!" I thought I'd sit down for a while because Tey would still take 20 to 30 minutes.

But like a flash of lightning out of the clear blue sky, Tey suddenly, unexpectedly came running in front of me like she's chasing Piolo.

How did she do it? My fastest 21K is 2h52 and my 23k split in my last 32K will only put me at 2h45 tops.

I snapped out of my mathematical trance when I remembered that I was sitting there to take pictures of Tey.

Here I am trying to overtake Tey (Thanks to Peng Magbiro for this nice shot).

It was a great run for Tey. From 3 hours 8 minutes, she shaved off more than 30 minutes for an official time of 2 hours 34 minutes. No, it's not right to call that a shave. That's a 6-inch haircut plus blow dry.

Good job to my girlfriend! Last year, she did not even want to run. 3K was unimaginable. And now here she is - even stronger than I am. If she has a blog, I'll save it to my favorites, read it, and take down notes.

Here are some more pics from the event.

Ceelin Kids

Tey and Tessa

My fast and strong runner girlfriend Tey

Earl and Tey

...Superposition!

Fresh Air Marathon - NYC

2011-03-02T06:39:00.001+08:00

Want a breath of fresh air? Join the NYC Fresh Air Half-Marathon!

If you are in town and you run this race, the 21 KM course will "[take] you through beautiful Central Park, action-packed Times Square and ends with breathtaking finish-line views of the New York City harbor."

The Fresh Air Fund brings New York city children from low-income communities to free summer vacations.

According to the website, the Fresh Air kids enjoy the following:

Playing in the backyard
Laughing in the sunshine
Catching fireflies
Riding bicycles
Learning to swim
Running barefoot through the grass
Gazing at the stars on moonlit nights
Building sandcastles
Making new friends
Simple pleasures of life away from the inner-city

Life's simple joys! The run is on March 20. So register now while you still can!

For more details, visit their website at http://freshairmarathon.com/.

Condura Skyway Run for the Dolphins 2011 : The Joy of Running Slowly

2011-02-08T08:12:00.005+08:00

Don't get me wrong - I'm not really the type who doesn't put his game face on. I did not run Condura Skyway 21K just to have my photos taken. I'm pretty competitive (deep inside, but it doesn't show yet). I always try to run races with a new PR target. It gives me good motivation during training and a race always turns out to be a brand new experience when I try to beat myself, like it's my first time to get runner's high.

And to think this is also my anniversary run (1 year of running races already!), I came out there to conquer pain, conquer fear. I came there to conquer the Skyway. But no - I did not.

That is if we consider only finish time. No way, 3 hrs 8 mins? Very far from my target time. But that doesn't mean I did not enjoy the run. No, let me take it up a notch - I would go as far as saying this is my best run ever! And that is all because I shared practically every second of those 3 hours with my girlfriend Tey.

Just Enough To Finish

At around 4K, 6K, I realized that Tey and I are just about the same pace, palitan lang, so I told her there's no point on not running with each other. So we did, we tried to push each other saying "Takbo tayo hanggang sa next water station, sa sunod pa." or if we're in a walk break, "Takbo na tayo pagdating dun sa green (referring to road signs)."

But somewhere along the way, Tey felt a sharp, biting pain in her right foot (ball). We were on a "takbo-hanggang-water-station" mode but she couldn't go anymore so we walked until we reached the medics who were very caring indeed. They bandaged Tey's foot and this sort of gave her another 1.5 hours of running time, just enough to finish the race.

We couldn't go as fast anymore although we're still trying to push each other a little. "Takbo tayo kahit hanggang dun lang", "Dun lang" sometimes extended a little.

The Land Before Time

Tey and I did not look at it as "lost speed" but rather, "extra time". We had extra time together, to talk about us and just about anything, to enjoy the Skyway view together, to really appreciate the love that the Lord has given us.

We were surrounded by hundreds of runners and yet it still felt very intimate. ;) Just the two us up in the Sky! I know Tey felt the same way. And to quote Tey (from her Facebook status that night), "No new PR for us...but I'm glad we finished our 21k holding hands. :)"

[Shot above by takbo.ph]

Pain Is Temporary, Quitting Is Forever

I knew we wouldn't have as good a finish time as we targeted before the run but I had a great time running with Tey. At around the 17 KM marker, Tey asked me, "Kaya pa ba kahit sub-3?" I looked at my watch. Knowing our pace, it's mathematically not possible. But Tey was determined to do it even with her injury so I couldn't let her down. I told her, "Walang imposible."

You know already that we did not get sub-3 but we did our best and we did it together. I did not leave her behind, I know she would do the same for me.

Condura Skyway Marathon Pics

Good job again (as always) to the organizers! Hurray for the 610,000 pesos raised for the dolphins! Let me share some pics from this fun event.

For obvious reasons, we had time extra time for quick shots at the Skyway.

Tey and Rovilson

We ran for the dolphins!

If we hold on together... :))

[Shot above by takbo.ph]

...and of course, the Superposition! Redemption! :P

PSE Bull Run : Takbo Para sa Ekonomiya 2011

2011-02-01T10:24:00.003+08:00

I'm back!

January 9, 2011. The PSE Bull Run is my first run for 2011. It's a 16K. After my 32K, I thought this would be a cinch. But as always, I was wrong. (I guess I like being wrong! :P)

This is our first 16K so it's an automatic PR for me and my girlfriend even though I finished after 2 hours! (What happened?!! I need to go back to basics! Train harder, Early bird!)

I thought the weather was ok. It drizzled a bit so it was pretty cool the entire run. [It rained very hard after the run! Look at my wet superposition!]

[It really rained but this one's sort of fake. It's from Maynilad.]

For me, the highlight (sort of) of the run was the McKinley Hill stretch. They weren't kidding when they called it a "Hill"! And it was in the final kilometers of the run so it honestly felt more like a mountain to me. :P

As I go slower and slower (and I'm still trying to figure out why), my girlfriend's getting faster! She was just 3 minutes behind me! I wouldn't be surprised if one day she just runs past me and says, "Hey honey, keep up with me, will you?!"

Couple shot. Heart.

Tey, back from the flyover.

And of course..(drum roll) the first superpositions of 2011!

Thank God it's 2011!

2011-01-13T21:56:00.002+08:00

The start of a new year marks the end of another. Before I continue planning for my 2011, I want to look back and thank God for His blessings in my 2010.

It's already a year ago when I first started joining organized runs. And although it seemed like a lot, I only ran a total of 12 - from my 5K at Condura 2010 up to my 32K at Run Rio Leg 3 (Unilab 2). [Counting Takbo Para Kay Gibo, I did 13]. Wow, that's like 1 race per month!

Every race offered a unique experience, a different high. For some, I came in very well trained. Others, I wasn't ready. There were routes that were generally flat like Roxas or MOA and there's the hilly and banked like McKinley and the flyovers. Some had timing chips and d-tags others manual bar codes. Sometimes only 5000 runners. The next time 120,000 runners. Some near, some far; some easy, some hard.

Many times it felt like I didn't have enough strength to finish, but then I did, and it felt good and I wanted to do it again. I used to faint when it's even just a little bit hot and I'm tired - like in 2001 during ROTC at the sunken garden or in 2007 after jogging (for less than 3K). And now I can finish a 32K - and still stand up the next day (legs shaking a bit but I can)!

Having the courage and strength to start and finish a race is only one of the many blessings that the Lord gave me in 2010. I had more than a couple of "walls" last year that I thought I wouldn't be able to overcome - but God was there to give me hope and to carry me over the wall and to set me back on my track and eventually finish my 2010 strongly.

The fireworks of 2011 are like the gun start of my new year. I don't know how hard it would be or how long and hilly the road is gonna be - in fact I don't know anything at all about what lies ahead. But I do know that God will be there with me until I reach my finish line - as He has always been. To God be the glory!

Skyway Sucat and the Condura Marathon 2011

2010-12-21T22:07:00.003+08:00

Skyway is now officially extended to Sucat! Yey! Being a Sucat resident for more than 20 years, it's really amazing to see the developments that are happening in our little town.

I attended kindergarten and grade school at St. James along Sucat, I celebrated my 5th birthday at Mcdo BF-Sucat (but where is it now?), and I was at the opening day of SM Sucat. I guess you can say that I am indeed a "taga-Sucat" (ng damit?). So how can I resist the temptation to use the Skyway Sucat on opening day?

Last Wednesday (12/15), the exit to Sucat officially opened and I was fortunate enough to be one of the first people to use it (I asked manong taxi driver to use the Skyway on my way to a Christmas party). It was a thrilling experience, mostly because we don't use the Skyway that much. :) It was so new that it was as if it's a don't-use-your-car day and nobody told us (it's just me, the driver, and the long stretch to Bicutan).

But if you're on the Skyway, on a new road, with no cars, and you see all the KM markings (2 km to exit A, 1.5 km to exit B), what comes to mind? It's a no-brainer - of course it's the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011!

The Condura Run is close to my heart because it's my first real race. I joined the 5K early this year and I admit I have been a believer ever since. (Come on, you get a medal for your first race, and you see all those nice fireworks, and you hear all those bands and people cheering, who wouldn't fall in love with running?)

[Click here for my Condura 2010 experience]

And with that, of course I am running the 2011 Condura Skyway Marathon! I initially planned to do a full marathon but I realized that I am not yet ready for 42K. And I want to give the Condura Full justice so I don't want to run it when I'm not yet ready.

I and my girlfriend Tey are now officially registered for the 21K of the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011! I know it will be a great experience for the both of us because we have never run that high up before (talk about runner's high!).

Here's me with the nice technical shirt, my bib, and last year's medal.

So what are you waiting for? Let's register for the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011 and run for the dolphins! [Visit the official Condura Skyway Marathon 2011 site at http://www.conduraskywaymarathon.com/].

You better register now! Me? I'm going to finish my free Hershey's Milk Chocolate. :))

Run Rio Leg 3 : Unilab Run United 2

2010-11-23T17:58:00.000+08:00

November 20-21, 2010 - Fort

And so I completed the Run Rio Trilogy for 2010! But it was not easy.

Day 1: My Girlfriend's First Time

Unilab Run United 2 is a two-day event. My girlfriend Tey wanted to run the 21K and I can see her determination in the way she trains and the way she shops! (She bought hydration belt, ankle supports, sports bra, socks, sun visor, sun block, and red lipstick).

When we found out it was a 2-day event, I told her she could do a 15K so that we would be there on the same day. But she refused. "Kaya nga nagttrain ako mabuti kasi gusto mag 21K," she said, days before we registered.

Her run was really good. She was expecting she would finish in 3hrs 30mins but she made it to the finish line in 2hrs 54mins (which is only ~2 minutes behind my first 21K)! Good job darling!

And because I was there in the event and I did not run, I had the chance to be like Photovendo - which I also found very heartwarming! People I don't know stop (or slow down a little) and smile at me for a nice photo op. It felt like we are one big happy running family!

(For those guys who ran on Day 1, you might see your picture here.)

Here are some shots that I took.

Donna

Running Couple

Post-Run Barkada Pic

Day 2: Defying Gravity

Tey and I decided that this will be our last running event for 2010. So I decided to end it with a bang! What better way to end it than going for the longest distance of the last of the Run Rio Trilogy?!

I felt prepared for this run. Whatever happens it's a new PR anyway. And I did a pretty good 22K training run the week before so I was a little confident. But at the same time, I was also very uneasy and nervous because once again I would be facing the Buendia Flyover.

I have never completed it from end to end before. It always felt unending and unforgiving. But this time I was determined to conquer this flyover.

I ran with Noel (Deemen Runner) and we had a good, steady start. A few kilometers before the flyover, I asked Noel if we could stop for a while because I had to do number 1 in the middle of the dark. :P

And then the flyover came somewhere beyond the 6K mark. This is it. The moment of truth. When we stepped on the flyover, I put my game face on and determined to complete this stretch of elevated asphalt.
Noel was very supportive because he giving me advice on how to do uphills.

It was still long and unforgiving. But I was stronger and more determined. Needless to say, I was able to kill it for the first time without stopping. :P

The next flat segment to Osmena is easier even with the angry motorists. And then at around the 14K+ mark, we were back at the flyover. This time however I was not as strong anymore. It felt like my right knee is going to break. This is where Noel and I got separated and he went on ahead.

But at the back of my head, I wanted to complete a no-stop flyover again and so I pushed myself. I did again really but I think it cost me a little bit of my good knee.

I kept going as much as I could but after the 21K mark, I thought I couldn't run anymore because of the knee pain. Even when I try to run, I was slower than the guys who are walking! So I decided to alternate run-walk more frequently with a somewhat odd timing.

Even with the pain, I knew I couldn't stop. Not then that I have already endured a lot. Not after all the training. Not after I saw the 26K mark - just 6 more kilometers to go!

I don't know if it was adrenaline or the very cold water I poured on my head but my runs (and walks) are now faster. I planned to sing "Don't Stop Believing" but I ended singing "Defying Gravity" instead. "I think I'll try defying gravity and you can't bring me down." :P

I was very excited to see the last turn and it's very much encouraging to see Tey (now the photovendo), Eugene, and Noel also cheering for me! "Konti na lang!"

And so, after 4hrs 48mins, I was able to finish my 32K run! Congrats to Rio, Unilab, and the rest of the team for another inspiring event!

Let me share some of Tey's shots from the event.

Kikay Runner

Iza and Hammer Nutrition

Eugene Yasay (2 hrs 49 mins!)

Mawawala ba si Jeffrey sa shots ni Tey?

Patrick "Running Shield" Concepcion

Team Logan

Noel Camarillo (Deemen Runner)

32K Finishers! (Earl, Eugene, Noel)

...and the Superposition!

Tey's Superposition (Day 1)

My Adidads KOTR Experience

2010-11-22T12:47:00.000+08:00

I ran out slots for the 21K so I did a 10K in the Adidas King of the Road 2010.

So far this is my worst performance for a 10K at 1 hr 12 mins. I realized that Im not very good with the flyover (which is most often part of the route for 10K above).

I included hills in my training for my first 32K at Unilab Run 2 because next time I want to say (at least) that I conquered the Buendia flyover. :P

I had fun and so did Tey who got a new 10K PR! Congratulations darling!

Here are some more pics from the event.

Free breakfast... :))

I ran with the original Superposition Boys but I was not able to super-pose with them.

[L-R: Tey, Earl, Geoff, Junar, female friend 1 (sorry didn't get her name), Char, Ying, female friend 2 (sorry!).]

And so I did a solo superposition...! :P

Early Runs 10K at 10.10.10 Run for Pasig River

2010-10-11T00:42:00.001+08:00

10/10/10 Ayala to MOA. We survived the 10K of the Run for Pasig River! I expected a lot of people but I did not foresee the impact of having that much people in one place. :P

Tey and I decided to run together because we knew it will be very difficult to look for each other in a sea of 120,000 heads. We went to Ayala via MRT, which offered free rides for runners. That was really awesome!

I would say the starting area was very organized. Water stations, baggage areas, and portalets, were readily accessible. We were divided into clusters because of the great number of participating runners. Tey and I were at Cluster 2, which was close enough to the stage for us to recognize Piolo Pascual (to Tey's maximum kiligness). [Manny Pacquiao and Santino were also among the celebrities who were at the 10k stage].

Our goal was 1hr 15mins for this 10k. We reached the 5k marker at 00:37:30 which was exactly halfway through our target time. Between 5k and 6k (that was already at Roxas Blvd), we were met by the 5k runners, making the road a little more congested.

At 1hr 15mins, we were only somewhere between 8k and 9k so we missed our target by a around 1.5k. At least, we thought, we could still finish with a decent time.

Little did we know that our run for Pasig River was about to be cut short. The MOA globe and the street towards the Finish Line were the bottlenecks where all the runners. We walked the last 8.5k. Slow, tiring, walk.

We reached the finish line 22 minutes later. I stopped my watch at 1 hr 37 minutes when we cross the finish line. [There was another finish line ahead which was very confusing].

The finisher's band has a very simple design but it looks pretty cool.

There were a lot of marshals but I personally didn't feel that the number was enough to accommodate that number of runners. Anyway, I salute the volunteers for accomplishing their tasks well even though they were definitely outnumbered.

Frantic finisher's band claimers handled coolly by the volunteers.

I'm not sure if we broke the world record but I have a feeling we did. :P

Chillaxing after a tiring walk around MOA looking for a place to buy food from.

Waiting for breakfast.

And by the way, superposition! :P

Adidas King of the Road 2010 - Me and My Big Singlet

2010-09-30T01:44:00.003+08:00

My girlfriend Tey and I (and Geoff "Max" Factor) are officially registered for the 10k of this year's Adidas KOTR. I originally planned to do 21k. However, due probably to the popularity of this run, we ran out of 21k slots. [We only got to register on Wednesday (9/29). Tey was in the hospital most of last week].

I was considering not to run anymore but Tey has been preparing for the Adidas 10k so I decided to join her in her 3rd 10k. I guess I can just run again in the afternoon. :P

Aside from not getting the 21k slots, we also ran out of sizes. I got the Large singlet. And they were not kidding when they said Large. :))

I'm looking at having it altered or exchanging it for someone else's or just buying a new singlet.

Anyway, whatever happens, I guess I'll see you guys there where I (again) for the nth time attempt to get a sub-1 10k!

Registered for Run for Pasig River 10.10.10

2010-09-08T23:40:00.001+08:00

Tey and I registered today for the 10k run of the 10.10.10 Run for Pasig River. We bought 1000+ (it's actually 1008 :P) worth of Bench products and we got our bib numbers for only 100 pesos each.

The organizers of this event are targeting a world record of 120,000 runners. Well, it's nice to dream big like this and just imagine how much help the Pasig River will get. But I hope that they are really ready to accommodate this much.

I guess you can say that I think they can pull this off because I registered. After all, I believe it is Run Rio who will organize the 5k and 10k. :))

We'll see you guys - you other 119,998 guys - there! I'm sure we'll bump into each other. :P

RunRio Triology Leg 3 Online Registration is Now Open!

2010-09-02T23:29:00.000+08:00

RunRio 3 or Unilab 2? Put them together, you get 32! :P [Yeah whatever].

Anyway, the online registration is now open [as of September 2 as announced at runrio.com].

For you early birds, you can register here. I just found it a little weird that the payments are in dollars but I guess that's ok (because I won't register online :P).

Take note that this is going to be a 2-day event (November 20 - November 21) so plan accordingly.

My girlfriend intends to do her first half-mary at Leg 3 which is scheduled on Day 1. And as I have been targeting since Leg 1, I will be doing the 32k event which takes place on Day 2.

The plan? I wait for her on Day 1, she waits for me on Day 2! :P Anyway I still have a lot of time to rest after her 21k.

I'll see you guys there! :))

Eugene Domingo! :P

2010-08-29T19:57:00.000+08:00

While doing lazy laps around the oval today, Tey and I saw Kimy Dora herself - Ms. Eugene Domingo! Mamarazzi in the flesh! :))

It felt terrible (and nakakahiya) to disrupt her training routine but my girlfriend she just had to have a picture with her.

We didn't get a chance the first time but we made sure we catch her on the next round. Here's me and Tey practicing if we can capture three of us.

It did not go very well and we did not want to risk it so I decided not to join the picture.

Here's Eugene with Tey (still shaking with excitement!) :))

Go go go! Sana umabot ka sa target time mo! :))

RunRio Trilogy Leg 3 : Unilab or Timex?

2010-07-27T12:15:00.004+08:00

July 27, 2010 - From their facebook fan page (click here), the admin of Unilab Run United For Wellness announced that the Leg 3 of the RunRio Trilogy will be a Unilab Run, instead of a Timex Run.

As of June 27, runrio.com still shows that Leg 3 is Timex.

Is this for real? Well I honestly do not mind (I'm still doing 32k at Leg 3 either way). I'm just curious. P

Early Runs the Takbo.ph Runfest

2010-07-25T18:45:00.002+08:00

I can say that this is my fastest run so far. I usually average a little over 6 min per km for 5k and 10k but I was finally able to break my 30-minute barrier for the 5k earlier today at Takbo.ph Anniversary Runfest with an unofficial time of 28:17!

I believe my girlfriend Tey also got a new 5k PR at 35:24 and also Coach Noel (Deemen Runner) at ~27! Yeah, PR day!

And if that wasn't enough for you, check out these cool pics!

Of course we have a pic with the takbo.ph couple. Good job guys and thanks! A very nice run! :))

Earl and Tey

Men's Health

Women's Health

...with Noelle the Kikay Runner

...with some GP's Runners - Earl, Renz, Raisa, Yam.

HP Running Mates - Mils, Chrissie, Noel, Tey, Earl, Chaniel.

At ano pa nga ba, like what else? The superposition!

...with our special guest - Patrick Running Shield Concepcion!

...and Coach Rio!

Just in Time : Tey's Takbo.ph singlet!

2010-07-24T16:11:00.001+08:00

July 24. It's finally here! After weeks of waiting, my girlfriend's singlet for the takbo.ph Runfest has finally been delivered! Yey!

New 5k PR tomorrow? :))

Eng'gfinity : The Engineering Centennial Run

2010-07-18T20:41:00.000+08:00

July 18, 2010 UP Diliman. Letting go of PR targets for this run, I decided to run next to my girlfriend Tey and act as her pacer for her first ever 10k! Good job to my darling for finishing with an unofficial time of 1:27:17! :)))) Do you think you'll be ready for your first half-mary by November? :))

I also got the chance to join the UP Gears and Pinions Runners and we all finished together! Thanks for letting me and Tey carry the flag to the finish line! The closer the better! ;)

Of course, my HP running mates were also there during the run. Here are some pics.

Boys - Earl, Eugene, Noel

Girls - Mils, Tey, Dada

I honestly had fun today. It wasn't a very big event but it really felt like home - and I saw a lot of familiar faces too!

However, I think some guys got lost. Eugene and Noel themselves ran a different route from mine. But they still got all four straw markers. The distance registered in Eugene's Garmin was 9.6k.

"Dalawang ikot ako dun sa labas tapos dalawa dito sa oval." - Eugene

Other than this, I believe the run was generally ok. Just the right number of water stations and a nice route [although 10k was just 2x 5k].

I'll see you guys in the next centennial run! Yeah right. :P

Here are some more pics [from Kristine Millano, Ji Reyes, and Tristan Ramirez].

Cone Heads

:))

Oblation Jump

...and the Superposition. :))

Run to Read: Run to Build Libraries for School Children!

2010-07-10T20:55:00.001+08:00

Being a teacher, I know how important reading is for the formal education of kids and adults alike. So this run is definitely a big WIN in terms of its mission of building libraries for school children.

Let's all support this run! I'll see you guys on August 15! For more details, check out the blog of Deemen Runner or the facebook fan page of Run to Read.

On Running Safely

2010-07-09T21:54:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday during the 34th Milo Marathon, a fellow runner collapsed at the 20k mark of his 21k run. Unfortunately, he was not able to recover and he passed away this week. [I did not know him but he happened to be from HP where I worked until before this school year.]

This incident reminds me that every runner should take the marathon waiver seriously. The waiver usually says that running is a "potentially hazardous activity that could cause injury or death." How I wish it was proven wrong this week.

I hope this does not dishearten other runners in the country. Running is still fun and ideally free. But as with any other physical activity, runners should always come prepared especially (but not exclusively) when running long distances. They should train, rest, eat, and drink properly.

When I was in college, I only ran because we were required in our PE class to have a journal of our cardio-respiratory activities for the week. Well, I could have cheated but I'm not like some guys from the Milo Marathon (read about the cheaters from takbo.ph).

And so I did run but I was very much not yet ready (I couldn't do 5 minutes straight). I remembered I fainted twice. Once while I was having my haircut (right after a run) and another when I decided to sit down for a while and everything went white. This happened again when I was already working in HP. I ran after my shift (8pm to 5am) and I guess my body clock wasn't set for night shift yet.

Looking at those times kinda scare me now because that Milo Marathon guy could have been me then. Definitely it could have been any of us. So we must always come prepared.

The Bull Runner has a nice article on running safely here. Jaymie interviewed the top running authorities and compiled their answers in her blog.

I also googled some and found a nice article here. You will even find an article on what to do when you run into a black bear at Run The Planet.

My point is there are a lot of sources now on running safely that you can check out. So be informed and always be prepared.

Run safe, guys! :))

The 34th Milo Marathon

2010-07-04T21:19:00.000+08:00

Fourth of July, Luneta. Although I've been hearing about the Milo Marathon since I was a kid, this was my first time to actually be part of the biggest running event in the country. With a reported 200,000 runners, this is indeed the biggest run I have ever seen. And I thought biggest was just a nice superlative to go with longest and grandest.

I did the 5k which I think now is not a fun Milo Marathon distance. I was at the venue early and I saw the 42k and the 21k start. They were ok. Not that much people yet, runners can still run. But the majority of the participants are at the 3k, 5k, and 10k events - all scheduled at 6am!

As you can imagine, it wasn't very fun when we were about to start. A lot of pushing and cursing and other -ing's going on. The send-off band was also late - they too were caught in the middle of the sea of people, nay, the ocean of green shirts.

Anyway, we were able to start and off we went. I wanted to do a sub-00:30 or at least better than my best 5k so far (Condura). But 2 minutes after gun start the bulk of the 5k runners were still jampacked and there was no way to overtake all the walkers. Well, I accepted early on that this is no PR for me so I just went on and enjoyed what I can in the run and made the most out of my 100 pesos... :P

I felt more tired here than in Condura but my Milo time was actually 2 minutes slower... Heck, I even felt better when I finished my first 21k. I was even a bit nauseous at the start (at around 2k).

But if this is not my day, I guess it's my girlfriend's. This is Tey's 2nd 5k and she was able to bring her time from 39 to 36! Really cool... I was pleasantly surprised - that was just over 2 minutes behind me! So much improvement in a short time! And if that is not enough, she once again saw her new "friend" - Jeffrey Hidalgo. Here's Jeffrey waving at Tey.

Overall, with a population of 200,000, I think it is only right to commend the organizers for a good enough job of keeping this run fun and safe for most people. Come on, 200,000, man! That's a lot of people to care for so I give them credit for that. Editor's notes: It appears there were only 27,000 runners during the Manila leg. Perhaps 200,000 (as heard from the emcees) was the total nationwide.

While I don't quite agree that they allowed 200,000 runners in that route, I think we should be happy for the kids who will benefit from this event - 1 million pesos worth of shoes!

There's no PR for me and I honestly felt sick but knowing that part of registration may inspire new runners in the next generation, well I guess that's pretty much worth it.

But for next year, if I do join the 35th Milo Marathon, it will be 21k or 42k for me. :P

Here are some nice pics from the event.

Me and Tey

Tey and the tall dudes

Tey with Zorro

...with last year's champion - Cresenciano Sabal

...with Tey

...with Coach Noel (Deemen Runner) - almost back in his form again... :))

Tey and her office friend Millicent

My postcard moment... :P

And - what else? - The Superposition... :P

My LSS for the night : Growing up with olympic energy, Growing up with Milo! Milo everyday! :P

Eng'gfinity : The Engineering Centennial Run

2010-06-16T12:19:00.000+08:00

UP College of Engineering celebrates its 100th year with a Centennial Run brought to us by the Engineering Student Council.

The run is on July 18 and it starts and ends (where else?) in front of the College of Engineering (Melchor Hall) in UP Diliman. It features 3 categories: 2.2k oval challenge, 5k, and 10k.

Registration is now open! [Reg package includes singlet, race bib, route map, and race analysis]. For more details, please go to enggisko.net. :))

Rectilinear Motion :P

2010-06-15T23:30:00.001+08:00

I'm a runner but I'm actually a teacher by profession. And I'm excited to sort of combine these two in my discussion later of this problem on uniform rectilinear motion and uniformly accelerated motion. [Oops sorry, the geek in me is out of control :P]

"A sprinter in a 400-m race accelerates uniformly for the first 130m and then runs with constant velocity. If the sprinter's time for the first 130m is 25s, determine (a) his acceleration, (b) his final velocity, and (c) his time for the race." [11.39, Vector Mechanics by Beer, Johnston, and Clausen, 8th].

Wow, that's 400m in 51 seconds! If he can keep that for 5k, then he'll be finished in less than 11 minutes! :))

I wonder if that's how fast runners really do their short runs - accelerating from rest to a very fast pace (this imaginary guy is over 30 kph) and then maintaining that speed. Makes me want to experiment on this one time around the oval. :P

Registered for 34th Milo Marathon :))

2010-06-13T01:23:00.000+08:00

I'm now officially registered for the 34th Milo Marathon. I registered for the 5k run because that's all I can afford for now. :P

Thanks (again) to my girlfriend for this Milo treat! Now I have two 5k's on July where I will try to get sub-00:30's... :P

The 5k singlet looks like this [on Tey]. Well it very much looks like Milo to me. :))

Front

Back

I'll see you guys on July 4! Go further with Milo everyday! Kaya mo yan! :P

Run Rio Leg 2 : Nature Valley Run 2010 - My First 21k

2010-05-31T05:51:00.000+08:00

I found out the hard way that 21k is not always equal to 10k times 2 plus 1k. Especially if it's your first. :)) I can more or less keep a 10k pace of 6 min/km so I thought doing 7 min/km for my first 21k would be like a walk in the park. I guess I was partly correct - I did walk in the park. :P

I was determined to do a sub-2:30 for my first half-mary but my determination did not compensate for my insufficient training. [So my advice (not new), train well! ].

My run started out pretty good. I was on track for my 7 min/km target pace. But nature was forcing my bladder to do number 1 very early in the nature valley run (first 2k). I thought of stopping at the first portalet I saw (it was near the first water station) but there were a lot lined up so I decided to take the next one. I lined up for the next one and decided to wait. I learned that time runs fast when you stop running. I was already in line for around 4 minutes and I couldn't risk any more second so I started to run again, resolving to get the next no-line portalet. It eventually came but when I stepped outside one runner pointed out, "Kuya, pambabae dito!" Ok. So much for that. :))

Anyway, I was looking at my watch for the first 6k and I noticed that I was 3 minutes (total) delayed of target. That means if I do keep my 7 min/km pace, I would reach the finish line at 7 x 21 + 3 = 150 or 2:30! Just in time! Of course, I tried to make up for some time by going a bit faster but I also got tired faster.

After a few minutes, I was on my way up the Buendia flyover. At 00:51 (on the flyover), I saw my running mate Eugene "Ostrich" already on his way back for a sub-1 10k. At 00:54, I saw Donna Cruz also on her way back [Wow, she's fast!]. I never thought the Buendia flyover was that long. And it was very much banked. Good for cars, bad for runners. To get my mind off it, I thought about how I could compute for the minimum radius of curvature so that I won't fly off the flyover. :P Anyway, I was doing ok and I got back to the 10k marker at 1:22. I reached 11k at around 1:30 and at that time, I was already losing hope of reaching my 2:30-target. See, I have never done a 10k sub-1 so if I was still 10k away and I only have 1 hour and I have run 11k and I just got down Buendia flyover, the odds were very much against me.

Although my legs were already very heavy and I was slowing down even more, I kept my head up and kept moving forward. When I reached Lawton avenue, I came across Eugene again and excitedly waited for Donna because I knew she was just right behind. In the process, I also noticed Patrick Running Shield Concepcion (who was celebrating his 30th anniversary of running), Jonel of Front Runner (bugobugo) and the guy pushing the wheelchair. Then Donna. :P They were already on their way back when I was just about to find out what lies ahead - long uphills! :P

At 2:15, I was only at the 16k marker. I seriously considered doing a 3 min/km on my last 5k and imagined my self raising my hands at the finish line. Then of course I came back to reality and went on my way, slowly but forward.

Near the finish line, I really appreciated how enthusiastic the volunteers are. And all the you-can-do-it's were really motivating. I still sprinted (or it felt like I did) the last few hundred meters because I did not go all the way of that 21k for an undignified finish.

Needless to say, I did not reach my sub-2:30 goal but I was able to cram a sub-3 towards the end so overall - not bad at all! :P

At the finish line, I received my medal and all the congratulations proudly. My girlfriend rushed towards me to get this picture and to give me a sweet, sweaty hug. :P

She then led to the loot bag which was right there. Best part of the finish line experience was the ice cream! :))

I enjoyed every step of the way. I even drank a lot and sponged a lot and everything-ed a lot! It's true, the first is really special. :))

Thanks to Coach Rio and his team for another great event! Eleven thousand trees! :))

Congrats to my girlfriend for her first run! She did the 5k in 39 minutes! Very much better than my first time. :P

Here's me and my girlfriend Tey. :))

The HP running team with guest runner - me! :P

Tey and Coach Noel "Pungay Mata"

Tey and Coach Rio

Jonel of Front Runner mag (bugobugo) and Dr. Yong Larrazabal (Donna's husband)

Tey and Dr. Yong Larrazabal

Tey and Patrick "Running Shield" Concepcion

Tey's dream pic with Jeffrey Hidalgo

21k finishers

Mostly eOMS Runners

Road Shots

..and of course - The Superposition

Sub-2:30 Target for my first 21K :P

2010-05-27T02:01:00.000+08:00

This is sort of a declaration that I want to finish my first 21K in less than 2.5 hours. I just wanted to put it out there so that I would be really motivated to do so. :)) After leg 2 on Sunday, I want to honestly write that I was able to reach my goal.

I'm thinking if this is indeed an attainable goal. At the moment, my 10K-pace is at around 6 min/km (> 1 hr). If I could do 7 min/km on Sunday, I will be ok. Not sure if this is a good projection though, but it looks promising. :)) What do you think?

Anyway, this is my first and I was told that the first would always be special. :P Whatever happens, I'll make sure I enjoy my first half-mary and everything that comes with it. :))

I'll see you guys! I'll be there early! :))

Join the AMG Fun Run 2!

2010-05-24T18:26:00.000+08:00

It's payback time! Last year, my first AMG Fun Run was a total disaster. :P I ran the 3K event and it felt like forever! This year, I'll attempt to do a podium finish! Hahaha.. :)) [Read about my epic failure here.]

Come run with me on June 6 [5AM] at McKinley Hill! Registration is only at 200 (3K), 300 (6K), and 350 (9K)!

This run is for the benefit of the patients of wards 9 and 11 of PGH. Let's go go go! :))

Contents by Topic

2010-05-14T23:47:00.010+08:00

Here are the contents of Early Runs [Run Early Run] for optimum blog-reading experience. :P

Personal Race Experience

2011 Races

PSE Bull Run
Condura Run for the Dolphins
Unilab Run United 1
Hyundai Fun Run
Takbo.PH Night Fest
Goldilocks Fun Run
Takbo.PH Run Fest 2011
Unilab Run United 2
Nike Run Manila

2010 Races

AMG Fun Run
Takbo Para Kay Gibo
Condura Run for the Dolphins
Run Rio Leg 1 : Century Superbods Run
Unilab Run United for Wellness
The Green Miles Run with Piolo Pascual
National Geographic Earth Day Run
Run Rio Leg 2 : Nature Valley Run
34th Milo Marathon
Eng'gfinity : The Engineering Centennial Run
Takbo.ph Runfest 2010
10.10.10 Run for Pasig River
Adidas King of the Road 2010
Run Rio Leg 3: Unilab Run United 2

Training

Basic Speed Work Training
My First 15K Attempt at UP Acad Oval
The Galloway Method at Ayala Triangle
My 21K Training Plan [Runner's World]

Product Reviews / Promotion (?)

New Balance 560
Timex 1440
The Skyathon Bora Beach and Surf Run
Runner's World Philippines
AMG Fun Run 2

Random Thoughts

My Engagement
Twelve Ways to Keep Smiling
Half-Empty or Half-Full?
The Value of Being Early
Early Runs a New Race
Sub-2:30 Target for my first 21k
On Running Safely
Doctor's Appointment

Click here to return to home page.

Early Runs a New Race

2010-05-12T10:36:00.000+08:00

For a change, this blog is not about running. :))

In a few weeks, I'm leaving my work as an IT SM at HP to pursue a new career as a teacher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of the Philippines - Diliman.

While I will definitely miss the friends I have made in HP and P&G [client], I am really looking forward to this new adventure - an opportunity to share my knowledge in ME to the aspiring engineers of our country. :P

I thank everyone who made my stay in HP very much worthwhile. This is practically my first job so this is also where I first grew as a professional ( sort of ;) ) Thanks for the blended learning - experience, relationship, and training. I hope you guys continue to be the number 1 technology company in the world. It was nice to have guys like you who make saying goodbye so darn hard. ;))

I now move on to my next big race. Please pray for me and my students. I hope they learn a lot from Sir Earl! Hehe.

Good thing about being in UP is that I can run everyday at UP Acad Oval, do some sort of grass work at the Sunken Garden, and jump up and down AS steps to develop leg strength . Wait, did I say that this is not about running? :P

Thanks guys and have a happy ever after! Keep moving forward!

Training for my first 21K

2010-05-04T02:38:00.000+08:00

I'm running my first half-marathon on Run Rio Leg 2 : Nature Valley Run which is about 4 weeks from now. I intend to closely follow the 4-week plan from Runner's World Philippines Premiere Issue. [Grab your copy now! I believe it's still available somewhere if you get the April 2010 issue of Men's Health or Women's Health].

I think it's a good plan and you can customize it to fit your needs and current fitness level. For me, I'll do it this way.

Mondays and Saturdays are already reserved for short easy runs or rest days. Tuesdays are for 12-K runs, usually broken down into 2-K easy / 8-K @10K or half-marathon pace / 2-K easy. On Wednesdays, I'll do easy runs. Thursdays are for hill sprints while Fridays are also for 12-K runs. And on Sundays of course I'll do long runs, ranging from 16-K to 22-K @ marathon pace.

Sounds like a plan. Hopefully with this training, I get to perform good enough for my first half-mary. My target time? I'm training for a 7 min/km pace so I'm aiming to get a sub-2:30.

But first, I pray for strength and the will to complete this training. :P

You want the 4-week plan for other distances (5K, 10K, 42K)? Get a copy of Runner's World now! Hehe. :))

Run Rio Leg 2 : Nature Valley Run Registration

2010-04-22T22:01:00.000+08:00

What did you expect? Of course Early registered early! Hehe. :):):)

Last Monday I registered at Timex Glorietta for my first half-marathon. And I also registered my girlfriend for her first 5K! Yey! Two trees! :))

You can register at SM Timex Shops, Watch Republic, and R.O.X. For more details, see the Nature Valley section at runrio.com.

The singlet looks like this [Yehesss, model].

Back

Front

Yey, I'm excited for my first half-mary and Tey's first run! See you guys on May 30! Let's plant 8000 trees!

The National Geographic Earth Day Run

2010-04-19T04:31:00.001+08:00

Praise God for another fun run at MOA with my teammates and my siblings! So far I think this is the most expensive run I did because I did not get any freebie. Hehe. Anyway, I joined the run to, er, run so I guess that's ok. And I had a great time with my friends which is priceless. ;P

This is my 3rd 10K and once again I targeted to reach that elusive sub-1. And to get that, I should run less than 6 mins per km. My first 1k was at 5:30 which I thought was good because that meant if I could keep that pace, I would reach the finish line in 55 minutes. My next 1k was the fastest - I was there at 10:30, meaning I got to 2k in 5 minutes. By that time, I knew I would get sub-1.

I went on with my regular 10k pace which is about 6 mins per km. Anyway, I had a 1:30 lead time already. However perhaps due to insufficient training and lack of sleep, I was already tired and a bit dizzy at 5k (after 1 lap). But I knew I could still go on one more lap.

And so I did. At 6K and 7k (I think even at 8k) I was still 1 minute ahead of target. I was saying to myself, "Come on, Early! Just a few more kms!" And when I saw the 9k marker, I thought "This is it! Finally!" I could already see the finish line.

However, the right turn to get there was longer than what I remember, like the finish line moved or something. Anyway, I got there eventually. I saw the long line of 5k runners queueing to submit their bar codes. To my right, I saw my girlfriend Tey with Coach Noel and my brother. Here's me waving at them.

But because I went near the sidelines, I sort of got lost. The 10k queue was at the middle lane, I was at the rightmost. I had to cross the 5k queue to get back on track. I sped off to the finish line.

I looked at my watch and - turon!!! - my time was... 1:00:51!!! NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! I missed sub-1 again!

What?!! Anyway, yeah.. That's the story of my life. Hehe. I'm still hoping that the official time would have a few seconds adjustment (hopefully 52 seconds) for the start delay and the bar code queue. :))))

Anyway, here are the photos from the run. Thanks to my girlfriend Teytey as always.

My Piolo Shot :))

...with my sister and my brother

...with killer girlfriend... :))

Coach Noel

Faster and Higher! :))

Earl and Mils

eOMS Running Team

...and of course the Superposition!

Runner's World in the house!

2010-04-08T18:32:00.000+08:00

The first ever Philippine issue of Runner's World is finally here! It comes free with every purchase of the April issue of Men's Health or Women's Health! Grab one now!

This is really cool, to have our version of this running magazine. And great articles for its first too! I can't wait for the next releases! :))))

The magazine features Coach Rio on the cover. Just want to share this quote from Coach Rio. "Natatanggal ang stress ko pag nasa training ako." I so can relate. Bad thing for me is that right after training, I feel stressed again. Perhaps I shouldn't stop?! :P

Photo from the facebook fan page of Runner's World Philippines. Become a fan!

Read the Summit Media Press release here.

The Galloway Method at Ayala Triangle

2010-04-04T02:37:00.000+08:00

I gave the run-walk method (or more popularly known as the Galloway Method) a try. I read this first at takbo.ph in Jinoe's HK marathon. [Read it but beware - you might cry after doing so]. Anyway his idea was to run for 6 minutes then walk 1 minute.

That really sounded great for me. I planned to do it at the Green Miles run because I was doing 15k (not even in training have I gone over 11K). But during the race apparently I couldn't stop. I thought I would just go running as long as I can then walk when I can't anymore. I finally decided to walk when I reached 11K.

I googled a bit more about the Galloway method and found one striking statement (from a takbo.ph forum) - it takes a bit more EQ to actually stop running and walk for a while. Hmmm.. I have always been known for my low EQ so I guess that's probably one reason why I couldn't stop during the Green Miles. [Remember the Marshmallow Test? If I was ever in one, I would have probably eaten the marshmallow before it touched the table].

So I tried out actually forcing myself to do it - just to see for myself what will happen [and to prove that my EQ has improved! :P]. The result was unbelievable.

I did rounds at Ayala triangle park and if my estimates and my math were correct (and so were the readings from Adidas miCoach), I completed 5K. I did 5 min/1 min run-walk. My time? 20 mins 45! My 5K PR is around 32 mins!

Well, if the distance was off, I'm pretty sure I was almost at 5K so add a few minutes and I will still be well below my PR. Interesting.

I honestly thought it wouldn't be very effective for shorter distances but I guess I was wrong.

And now, stepping back and thinking about my thinking (that's Philo for you!), I believe what happened here was that my mind was motivated to do faster runs because I would be stopping after 5 minutes anyway. And having relaxed legs, I could still run at the same pace after my 1 min walk. I guess it's more of a mind over body thing [and I got fresher legs] so I did runs that are way above my average pace.

In addition, I think the Ayala triangle path was also easier compared to my other training grounds. :P So my goal for this week is to try this out at MMP!

In the final analysis, I believe you should still do what works for you. You can run-walk, run-jog, or if you can, just run! I think the point is to enjoy your runs, not to get injured, not to distract other runners, and to simply just have fun!

Winning is another thing though. :P Now how do I do that? :))

The Early Bird Registers for the takbo.ph Runfest Early!

2010-03-29T19:39:00.000+08:00

Oh yes, you read it right! I just wanted to make sure that I'm one of those blessed 3000 who get the cool customized singlet and will run for takbo.ph's anniversary run!

I'm really excited about the singlet because I think it looks good on me *wink*. But what's more exciting is that my girlfriend Tey also registered for the 5k! This is her first ever race registration and I am happy that I have been a very good influence to her. >:P

On my way to the office (I work night shfit), I passed by New Balance Glorietta to register my girlfriend. Thanks to Noel Camarillo for the registration assistance. :P

Special thanks to the NB Glorietta staff (oh man, I forgot to get his name!) who took my picture when I tried on the sample singlets.

Here's a look at the sample singlet. This is XL. NB Glorietta only has S and XL samples.

Can't wait for my own!

Mabuhay takbo.ph! I'm sure this is so gonna be fun! :P Let's celebrate running!

The registration for the takbo.ph anniversary run opens today! For more details, please go to (where else?) takbo.ph.

P.S. I'm not Don but I sure wish I am one.

The Skyathon Bora Beach and Surf Run!

2010-03-27T19:34:00.000+08:00

Who ever said going to the beach means you need to miss those runs?! Well, no one! :P So no one's stopping you either from joining Skycable and Bayan DSL's Skyathon Bora Beach and Surf Run! [They have a 5K and a 10K run along the white sands of Boracay].

Mabuhay! Register now!

Here's the map. Cool, huh?! :))

This really looks like a lot of fun! And you know what? If you register, you also help with the clean up of your favorite white beach! Oh yeah!

Start your healthy lifestyle the Skyathon way at Guilly's Island on April 24, 2010.

For more details, visit skyevents.multiply.com. The Skyathon Bora Beach and Surf Run will be officiated by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP).

The Value of Being Early

2010-03-24T18:43:00.000+08:00

It's often advised to arrive at the race venue at least an hour before gun start. And there are a number of reasons for this. For one, you have a buffer time in case you get lost (which has happened a couple of times already for me and Noel!). It also gives you enough time to be in thermal equilibrium with the environment [yeah yeah, I miss thermodynamics!].

You can plan your pace or review your game plan because of that extra time. You can also warm up/stretch better because you're not rushing (we even stretch as a group) and you get the chance to bond with friends/fellow runners who are difficult to find later after the race, especially big races!

If you're confident enough with your pace, being early means you can stay in front of the pack at the start line! This also means (if you are really speedy like Eugene "Ostrich" Yasay) that you do not have to overtake that much and you can focus on moving forward. [If you are a slow runner or a beginner, it's best to stay at the back at first. More than the confidence boost you get when passing others, it is your safety that matters. ;P]

And and and... if you're in front, you get good arc shots at the start line! Plus celebs of course! Hahaha... Thanks to the Green Miles photographers for these shots. Mabuhay kayo at si Piolo! ;)

That's Noel right on the line. I'm on his left. Click image to see full size.

Sir, Present, Sir! Click image to see full size.

Caught on Cam - Earl checking out Piolo! Click image to see full size.

Six guys are holding their watches but only Piolo was looking at the time. :)) Click image to see full size.

These shots are from the Race Day Facebook Album of The Green Miles Run page. Become a fan! :))

Early Runs 15K with Piolo Pascual - The Green Miles Experience

2010-03-21T19:09:00.000+08:00

Yeah! Praise God for another PR! Well, it's my first 15K and the longest distance I have run so far. [So near yet so far!]. Unofficial time is 1:39:47 [or a pace of ~6:40]. My goal was 1:45 so it's sub-target! Yey!

I'm also very happy for my girlfriend who is a very big fan, nay, lover of Piolo Pascual. [She always sighs when she sees his poster/billboard and once she even wanted to sleep next to the big Piolo close-up in my copy of Men's Health]. Although I did miss the Photovendo, the timing chip, and that interesting facebook app of the Globe Run, may it be written down in stone that I would never trade my girlfriend's precious smiles and kiligs for any of those. [Yes guys, this is an awwwww moment]. She got so very close to Piolo that I could swear he noticed her!

Here's a sample of her Piolo shots.

See? She's that close!

Anyway, the run. I was at the front of the starting line because I know Piolo will be there. :P I was with teammates Eugene, Noel, and Geoff. At gun start, my teammates sped away leaving me to my humble pace. Since this is my first 15K [and my longest] I planned to do some sort of an interval training I read from Jinoe (takbo.ph) in his HK Marathon : Run 6 mins (me at 6:15) then walk [~9 min/km] 1 min [this interval x ~ 14]. In my computation, this will get me to 15K in 1 hr 38 mins.

That was the plan. But apparently I did not like following my own plans because I did not walk after 6 mins, nor after 13, not even after 20. I was looking at my watch and kept pushing it. "Ok, I'll start walking at 30." "I'll walk at the next water station." "Nah, I'll keep this up only until I reach Roxas boulevard."

So I just went on with my slow pace of 6:30, enjoying the sight of every building I see as if it was my first time seeing them. I never imagined myself being so excited passing by the MOA Globe, seeing HK Sun Plaza and Bangko Sentral, and traversing Roxas boulevard slowly.

I continued on and I think I smiled at every volunteer (I think I was smiling the whole time). At around 51 minutes, I saw Eugene already on his way back. Then came Noel at 52. At 53, I saw Patrick "Running Shield" Concepcion and made a mental note that I would get his autograph. :P And at 55, there was Geoff coming with a smile on his face and two necklaces around his neck. I was more than 20 minutes behind them.

At 1 hr 13, I finally decided to walk because I'm already at 11K and what comes next are the distances that I have not yet run ever. I walked for 2 minutes then went on to finish 24 minutes later.

The hardest part of the race? It was when I tried to eat energy beans! I brought some because 15k was long for me. As advised by Running Shield in the Condura Early Edition Philippine Star, I repacked my beans into small packets. I took one out after the 2nd turn and tried to open it but I couldn't. The beans were so sticky that they do not come out even though I already ripped the plastic. But I was determined to have my beans so I just put the plastic-covered beans in my mouth and (hopefully) filtered out the plastic. :P I did not try that again.

My girlfriend and my teammates were waiting for me at the finishline. Since my teammates were a good 20 minutes ahead of me, they already look fresh in this picture. :P

[L-R: Me, Noel Camarillo, Eugene Yasay, Geoff Factor]

It was a pretty good run. It's not as big time as my last 3 races but I enjoyed every minute of it. Every single step was a new discovery for me.

Let me share some other shots by Tey (my girlfriend :D) for Early Runs.

Here's me with Patrick "Running Shield" Concepcion and Geoff (Man, I forgot the autograph!).

Of course, other Piolo shots by my girlfriend.

The eOMS Running Team

[L-R: Patrick Carpio, Kristine Millano, Noel Camarillo, Chrissie Lim, me]

Run Early Run!

and last but not the least... The Superposition!

A Runner's Dream

2010-03-20T04:29:00.000+08:00

No, not dream - the amibition. I mean dream - the series of mental images that occur to you involuntarily while you sleep...

I had a crazy one last night...

I'm in the office and I know that it's race day. I check my watch and it's already 530am. I think we're late.

I check the map, the race is scheduled at 930am. I go down with my cousin's lolo to buy water. We go to a police station to get water from the chief's refrigerator.

I look at my watch again. For some reason, it's already 915am. I'll be late. Good thing I'm already in my running attire. But boy oh boy I left my bib at the office! I phone my teammates to bring my bib but they are already at the start line.

I run back to the office. But where am I? Look again. I'm rushing to my high school classroom. And I have a big backpack. I need to get to that classroom to get my bib. I don't want to be late. I don't want to miss the gun start.

But my legs are heavy. Very stiff and very numb. It's like running in the pool. But you can't stop me. I run up to 6th floor. But our classroom is at the 2nd floor. I go down. I'm lost.

My heart beats fast. Fast and hard.

Then I wake up. My heart's still pounding. But I realize that it's only Friday. I have not yet missed the run. And I pray that I don't.

Ever.

“Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be...”

Half-Empty or Half-Full?

2010-03-18T02:06:00.000+08:00

Half Marathon! To run or not to run, that is the question. I was really determined to run my first 21K on May 30 (RunRio Leg 2). However, one statement in Coach K's recent blog "There's Something About Half-Mary (Part 1)" made me somehow doubt my readiness. She said, "What it SHOULD mean is that you’ve been running consistently for over a year now..."

Come May 30, I would only have 5 months which is way below the recommendation of Coach K. I commented on her blog, asking if it's too early for me to run 21K on Leg 2. She said that from a coach's perspective, she would not advise that I do 21K that early so that I can "enjoy running for as long as humanly possible".

Her recommendation? Save my legs for RunRio Leg 3 or schedule one next year as a celebration of my first year of running.

What do you think? :))

Read the full article [with my comment and her reply] at http://runrio.com/2010/03/theres-something-about-half-mary/. See her blog at runrio.com at K's Corner.

My First Attempt at 15K on UP Acad Oval

2010-03-16T06:55:00.000+08:00

I have a hypothetical math question for you. In how many rounds on an oval path of 2.2 km circumference will Eugene and Noel meet Earl again for the first time if Earl is on an average 1.5 min / km slower than Eugene and Noel? Hint: On a normal day, Eugene and Noel can finish 10km in 52 minutes 30 seconds.

I do not know the answer yet but last Sunday, it took them about 4.8 rounds at the UP Acad oval! I was able to keep up with them for 2 rounds but it felt like I already hit the wall after that. I just wanted to keep going, push further, and finish 7 rounds too (which was about 15.4 km).

However, I think I was really in bad training condition. I only completed 5 rounds for a total of 11 km. I guess I can say that my first attempt is simply what it was - an attempt!

Although I was 4.4 km short of my target, I positively consider it to be another milestone for me or to be more accurate - a kilometerstone! I added one more kilometer to my longest distance completed!

On Sunday, I intend to go beat that distance record again by completing the 15 km category of The Green Miles at MOA!

What should my average pace (min/km) be if I want to finish 15 km within 1 hr 45 mins? :P

Got a Timex 1440 Sports T5K276

2010-03-14T05:43:00.000+08:00

I got myself an Adidas 5-inch running shorts so I had to buy a watch. [Huh?]

[This is my shot by the way :)]

I find the Timex 1440 Sports T5K276 a good sports watch for its sensible and practical price. It's a basic watch that a new runner like me needs - a chronograph (simply put, it tells time and it has stopwatch)!

It cannot do laps but it has Indiglo (used by Timex for years), tells you the date and day of the week, and gives you T2 - a second time zone for runners on the go. It also has an alarm so you won't be late for your races!

Truly a remarkable watch to watch out for.

I got mine in Black and Red resin but it's also available in Blue, Orange, and Silver in Timex stores nationwide (at least I think it is).

Time is running with you!

I'm Officially Registered for the National Geographic Earth Day Run!

2010-03-13T11:28:00.001+08:00

Oh yes I am... In fact, I also registered my sister and my brother for the 5k run! Talk about family day! Woohoo!

I find the registration a bit pricey though - 700 Php for 10k and 600 Php for 5k. And to think I registered my sibs!

I can really relate to Clusivol : Sa panahon ng krisis, bawal magkapatid! :P

Anyway, I think this is gonna be another fun run (well, I enjoy all runs!). As Coach Noel says, "Do this for Earth!" And in addition, it's a different route so it's going to be a whole new different experience!

I'm so excited that I tried my shirt on immediately! I personally like the black and yellow theme of the 10k shirt. [Ah, so this is what a technical shirt looks like].

Front

Back

And I also like my bib number! Always open!

Guys, I'll see you on April 18! Let's run for mother earth! :P

Basic Speedwork Training

2010-03-12T04:50:00.000+08:00

If you have completed a couple of races and you want to improve your personal record (like I do!), here's a basic training you can include in your routine.

It's quite simple. Just do alternating fast and slow runs, incrementing your time by 1 minute, from 1 to 5 minutes.

1 min fast / 1 min slow
2 mins fast / 2 mins slow
3 mins fast / 3 mins slow
4 mins fast / 4 mins slow
5 mins fast

As with other exercises, remember to include a warm-up jog and stretch before you start and a cool down jog and gentle stretch after.

For my fellow beginners, you may want to try this on a fairly flat surface (do your hill work separately).

I tried this yesterday with my teammate/coach/timekeeper at Ayala Triangle and we reached 5.93 km in 28 minutes! [25 mins plus 3 mins cool down]. And to think we were even walking the slow parts!

I believe this is a good training to develop your ability to run above your normal race pace and to hold that pace for an increasing amount of time. Mix this up with your long runs / endurance training and you're bound to give the pros a run for their money!

Is this too easy for you? Try this: When you reach 5, go back down to 1!

Good luck! Run for your lives!

Unilab 2010 RunPix and Photovendo!

2010-03-11T13:40:00.000+08:00

The official race statistics of the Unilab run is out! Just go to the Unilab Results at runrio.com and input your bib number. It's that easy!

Here's a summary of my official result. Click picture to see full size.

Although I did not do sub-1, I made it to the top 100 of my division! Haha. Now how do I get that up to top 10?!

I hope I can do that gracefully and without looking like Shrek. Hehe.

Great capture by Photovendo by the way! Good job! But I hope next time they take shots from the left side (where my angle of confidence is)! ;)

What did I get for 20% off at New Balance?

2010-03-10T12:41:00.000+08:00

The Condura Run New Balance discount card is only valid until March 9. However, my pay day is March 10 (read: no more money). So I bought what I can with my remaining cash (about 500). Sayang naman eh! :))

I planned to get a headband but NB Glorietta did not have stock. So... I got me new socks and a pair of sure laces instead! Yeah!

Team Shrek

2010-03-09T03:56:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Unilab Run and that double-lamp post at the parking lot, Team Shrek was born!

Let's run Far Far Away! :))

Want a bigger picture of Team Shrek? Click here.

Unilab Run United for Welness 2010 - New 10k PR!

2010-03-08T05:37:00.000+08:00

Waaaaaa.... No sub-1 for me! I'm still 2 minutes shy of breaking that barrier! (Come to think of it, it's only my 2nd 10k). But on the bright side, it's a new PR! Almost 7 minutes faster than my Century Superbods! And in addition, I'm sub-Aga! Hahaha... :))

Here's the cropped version of the result - with Top 10, teammates, Pia Cayetano, and Aga Muhlach.

My official time is 1:02:02! I think it changed a bit though. When Patricia Fernandez called my name as I crossed the finish line, I looked up the arc and saw that my time was 1:02:48. Either way, not sub-1!

I think I need to train to get my first 5k to sub-30. I believe I'm faster at the 2nd 5k. I almost always get cramps 2 km into the race. (Why?)

I wore red shorts for this run - hoping to get more attention from Photovendo. But anyway, I already got some great shots from Tey - good job darling! :))

Another fun run with my HP teammates. Good job to Mils for finishing her first 10k! You get Starbucks from Coach Noel! :))

Nice arc near the stage.

Great shot by my girlfriend! (Sorry, sidewalk shot!)

With my girlfriend at the nice map.

It was a great run really - not to mention I have a picture with Coach Rio! Hahaha...

I can't wait to run my next RunRio. Too bad I'm not joining the Globe Run. I will be running with Piolo at The Green Miles. ;)

Let me share some nice celebrity shots by my girlfriend. Good job! Magbukas na tayo ng studio!

Pia Cayetano

Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan

Diether Ocampo

Coach Rio

Sub-1 10K Target for Unilab Run

2010-03-06T18:50:00.000+08:00

In less than 12 hours, I'll be running my 2nd 10k at the Unilab Run United for Wellness. My target is to break the 1 hour-mark, make it to the top 200, and claim my Starbucks from Noel.

I prepared for this and hopefully my training pays off. No cramps this time please!

See you later guys! :))

Century Superbods Run

2010-03-06T06:47:00.000+08:00

Thanks to my girlfriend (who also gave me money to register), I ran 10k for the Century Superbods Run! [Btw, my girlfriend's not my sugar mom - wala pa nga lang sweldo when I registered and bought shoes].

Many from our team in HP joined Century. In this pic from left to right: Carmina, me, Mils, Chrissie, Charles, and Noel.

The gun starts were earlier than scheduled. I was still contemplating on going to the portalets again when the countdown for 10k started.

I was aiming to go top 15% again for this run. However, as early as 2k, I felt cramps on my left leg. I tried to push for a while but I just couldn't so I stopped in the mid-island for a while and stretched (it felt like my tibia will stick out of my skin).

After a few seconds of being a geek (thinking whether it was really tibia or fibula or if it was just lactic acid buildup), I went back on track, slowly at first then back to my race pace after about 2k again (I saw the markers).

A few distractions were helpful - like the models at the water stations who made me go even slower - to forget the pain and start going faster.

I was able to finish with an official chip time of 1:08:44. Not bad, considering I stopped for a while. However, I did not meet my top 15% goal. In fact, I was almost at 50%. Here's my Runpix (about 43% of runners ahead of me).

I'm targeting to do sub-1 next time. That should be enough to get me to top 15%. :))

Here's my only searchable photovendo pic.

I planned to get pictures with celebrities but I only got one - Manny Paksiw with Freddie Roots!

Yeah! I conquered 10K!

Nice arc, Coach Rio!

Big big tuna!

The Superposition - I think I finally got it right.

Runrio Leg 2 - I'm coming for you! [21k for the win!]

Condura Run for the Dolphins

2010-03-06T05:57:00.001+08:00

I was really charged up for this run. I enjoyed reading the Special Early Edition of Philippine Star - especially the running tips. Even though I was only running 5k, I followed almost every advice in that paper like:

1. Wear slippers.
2. Eat a banana for breakfast.
3. Sleep with pillow under the legs.
4. Pray.

I was also very motivated by the quotes. One of my favorites is this: "The miracle is not that I finished but that I had the courage to start." I have to admit that getting a finisher's medal is also something that I looked forward to.

Since my Gibo running mates were doing 21k, I was left by myself, warming up and watching 3 sets of fireworks. (Here's me at the sidelines when they were about to begin).

This run was way way way better than my last one. There are bands playing and a crowd cheering (some chanting "Con-du-ra! Con-du-ra!"). It felt like I could go faster when I am in a good way distracted by them.

I thought however that I was slower than my training pace. I can go ~34mins for 5k in training. I was trying to remember the map in my head as I was running and at 26 minutes, I was pretty sure that I was only half-way through. I was pleasantly surprise to know that I was wrong.

After just a few steps, I saw the "1 km to go" marker. I was so excited I'm sure I was grinning. For the first time I took a cup from the water station (but just a sip this time) and sprinted on to the finish line.

I'm very proud of my official time which was 31:46, which puts me at 124th out of about 1000 for my age division. Not bad really (upper 15%). And I like the medal too.

The Condura Run was overall a positive experience for me except for one thing : they got my name wrong! My family name's Hugo, not Nugo. :))

Here's my solo superposition (still got it wrong)

Very proud of finishing better than the last (no walk!)!

I was so proud I took a cab wearing the 5k medal.

I was a champion for a moment.

My new New Balance 560

2010-03-06T05:12:00.001+08:00

I was really excited to run again after my epic failure in Takbo Para Kay Gibo. I registered for the Condura Run for the Dolphins a week later at ATC with my girlfriend.

Five of my Gibo running mates were running the 21k of Condura. Just to be unique, I registered for 5k. :)) I knew for a fact that I couldn't go beyond 5k yet.

But for this run, I was bringing something special: new running shoes! With financial assistance from my ever loving girlfriend, I was able to get a New Balance 560 two days before the run.

I know getting new shoes a few days before the run is not really the bestest of ideas but my Yonex pair almost did not survive Gibo. Anyway, I tested it for a 500m sprint when I got home and another 2km the next day (day before the run).

It felt a bit weird at first, running with new shoes. I've had my Yonex for 3 years and I used it for almost everything - badminton, running, jumping, walking, lazy gyming, casual, semi-formal.

But I like the N-fuse technology that comes with the NB 560. It combines two foams with different densities, providing soft cushioning on top and support and compression set at the bottom. It's indeed a great basic running shoe for neutral runners. Of course I googled that bit. On a personal note, I say that it's a nice pair and they look good on me (says my girlfriend too). :D

While I'm at it, allow me a paragraph to say that I love the support that my girlfriend gives me for my running. Aside from the new kicks, she also got me a new pair of Nike socks and encouraged me to register for 10k in Century Superbods! [Talk about girlfriend pressure!]

Takbo Para Kay Gibo

2010-03-04T09:44:00.000+08:00

My officemates invited me to join the 5K run for "Takbo Para Kay Gibo" (1/16/2010). It was an easy yes for me, not because of my political views, but because the registration was only 100 Php! I thought it was a bargain because you also get a shirt.

Also I had been running since August (after my 3 months of post-AMG Run recovery period) in my quest to lose enough weight so that I can make the upcoming team offsite the "offsite where the shirt finally comes off." (Although as if destiny does not allow my toplessness, the offsite was postponed twice and when it finally happened, I had to stay home to study for a certification exam).

I honestly thought that I was so fit enough that I can do sub-30. After what felt like 20km (I realized later that it was less than 2km), I was back to walking - already out of breath and half-limping. I think I walked most of the 2nd half, occasionally breaking into a 1 minute run, then going back to what I thought was brisk walking.

I was thrilled to see the water station after the first turn. I stopped to drink one plastic cup full of water, walked 2 steps, then downed another full cup. I was told later that that made me even slower and heavier, making the 2nd half (2.5k?) more unbearable.

It was definitely a bad run. But I was so frustrated that I afterwards downloaded training plans and read more about running. This was like a wake up call for me. Whatever the distance, I should come prepared.

Among our running team (my officemates and some friends), I was the last to finish. When I got to the finish line, it looked like they already had finished eating lugaw.

What made the run encouraging for me was seeing all those people running and the post-run reminiscing we did over Mcdo breakfast. This marked the beginning of (what I call) my running career. One week later, I registered for 5k of the Condura Run for the Dolphins.

Let me share a few photos from the event which include the famous "Superposition".

Here's one with Gibo.

Nahuli ng mga Pulis!

Check! [Notice that my shirt is different - instead of the "Takbo para kay Gibo" logo, mine is "Gibo Teodoro - Gilbert Teodoro for President". They said they ran out of stock of the other shirt design Man!]

And of course, the Superposition! (Yeah yeah yeah, I got the wrong foot up).

My First Run

2010-03-03T07:28:00.000+08:00

I would like to say that I was really made for running, that I'm a prodigy, and that I was born to race. But I guess not.

The first ever organized run that I joined (that is, a run with bib number :)) was the AMG Fun Run at McKinley Hill, Fort for the benefit of BATA Foundation. That was last year in May. I joined just for the heck of it.

Two days before the run, I came from a wedding shoot (I'm a photographer) where I think I injured my left foot. So aside from the fact that I did not really want to run, I was even in pain. That made my first run horrible and very much traumatic.

Anyway, I did enjoy being there. I led the morning stretch, that was fun. That's me with the mic.

And yes, that's me. Stretching like there's no tomorrow.

I was the last one to start...

...and of course the last one to finish the very long course...

...of 3 km! (I did not bother to get my time).

I did not enjoy the run (or should I say walk) very much but in a way I felt that I accomplished something by finishing what I started even amidst the pain. I just kept thinking to myself that if I finish, I get a finisher's shirt (which was sadly exactly the same as the shirt I was wearing that day - the AMG BFF day shirt).

The result? I was injured for the next 3 weeks and I did not run for more than 3 months! I was wishing I did not run.

But that was last year.

Run Early Run

2010-03-03T07:03:00.000+08:00

My love for running came late. It is not until recently that I actually fell in love with the sport.

Honestly I am wishing now that I discovered the joy of running when I was a kid.

But I guess it's never too late. I have always loved learning and experiencing new things and so far, running is among the topnotchers of my list as being the most fun and at the same time most beneficial.

I am praying for good health and safety so that I do not have to stop running anytime soon.

I started late. I don't want to stop early. You can't stop Early. :)