21K at Run United Philippine Marathon 2012

My wife and I became part of history last weekend (October 28) by joining the first Run United Philippine Marathon! OK, maybe just partly because we only did 21K. :)

The 21K route was the same one as Run United 2 which we had also completed last June. The experience was practically the same for us, although I did improve by almost 3 minutes at 2:49. [My wife? She slashed more than 20 minutes from her Run United 2 finish with a time of 2:54 (previously 3:17).]

One thing I'd like to highlight was that near the finish line, Coach Rio himself was manning the traffic. He was also shouting, "Less than a kilometer! Bawal na maglakad!" giving the exhausted runners a well-needed motivation and sudden burst of energy.

Race Kit Claimed! Run United 2 Race Expo

I feel the excitement all over again now that I finally have my newest race kit! Run United 2 - Are you ready for me? :D

I thought the the race kit claiming area was well organized. Although it might be too early to tell because it is only the first day after all, it appears they have sufficient counters to serve the running public. :P

The 21K race kit as promised included a belt bag which I'm sure many will want to use on race day. I myself am considering it because the start point and end point are different. [See the logic?]

You will see the race expo easily because it is the corner of 26th and 9th (and because you were most probably given a map when you registered). They had not finished setting up yet when I claimed my kit but I bet it will be swarming tomorrow with various running showcases and enthusiasts, so you better be there! :D

Anyway, it feels so great to be back! Aside from its being my come-back race, it is also my wife's first run as Mrs. Hugo! Oh, the goosebumps I had when the assistant handed me Tey's envelope labeled [Her Name] Hugo.

Run Like a Cake - 45 Goldilicious Years!

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!

Run Rio Leg 3 : Unilab Run United 2

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)

Noel and Earl (Day 2)

Solo Superposition

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

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

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! :))

Training for my first 21K

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. :))

Half-Empty or Half-Full?

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.