Oh No! Not Another Running Blog

Hello 2010!

2010-04-21T15:16:00.002+08:00

Hello Blog Fans!

You're probably wondering where I've been the past few months.

Well to be honest, its been a pretty busy, hectic, and tiring couple of months. Not just physically but also emotionally and mentally and all that.

Not to say I wasn't completely out of the running scene. I did a few triathlons and BDM 102, so at least this years bucket list has a few check marks.

But, I had some family concerns and work overload, which unfortunately meant that training, racing and this blog was on the place on the back burner.

Hopefully now I can manage to do this on a semi-regular basis because I always found this to be one of the more fun things that I do.

So. there, thats it for now.

I'll post something in a couple of days.

Countdown to Condura 2010: The Shoes

2009-11-26T14:23:00.009+08:00

The great thing about working in a running store, especially one like ours with its own kick-ass treadmill, is that I get to try on different pairs of running shoes to get a feel for them. This is very important to me because I can give realistic up-to-date feedback to customers and of course, I can be very sure about which shoe to purchase next.

My next shoe purchase has to have a very specific purpose, that is to get me through my 1st real marathon in over a year!

My plan is to run the Condura 42k next year in under 4 hours, shaving at least 30 mins off my personal best time at the 2008 Pasig Marathon.

To do that, I need a shoe to "carry" me through the distance.

Give you you some idea, my shoe for 10 to 21k is my trusty and favorite NB 827s. However at a lightweight 260 grams, I am unsure if I want to use them for a full mary, having not used them for anything farther than a half!

So I need a new neutral shoe with cushioning and of course a great price!

So in the end, my choices come to this...

The trusted outgoing Asics Nimbus 9, which is on sale right now or the Tubes 100, by the new kids on the block, K-Swiss.

Price-wise, factoring in the discount for the Ascis, it only comes out around 750 pesos more than the K-Swiss.

Looking at the Nimbus 9 first, there really is not much to say that hasn't been said about this shoe.

Being currently on its 11th generation, the shoe is renown for its cushioned and comfortable ride. One, which I can seriously attest to after putting a pair through its paces on the treadmill.

Having used lightweight shoes almost exclusively this year, the comfortable padded feeling has definitely something new for me.

And a big plus factor for me is that I personally think it looks really cool with the silver and red!

The downside though is I think its a bit heavy at 320 grams...

Another thing people should be aware of when buying marked down shoes is that they are usually of older stock, meaning they have been sitting in a store or warehouse for a year or more. This can be a concern because after a certain period, the glues and other materials in the shoe will begin to degrade, meaning that an "old" new shoe may not last as long as a "new" new shoe.

However, since I intend to put alot of miles on this quickly and then discard it after the BDM 102, its not a pressing concern to me.

Next up is the tubes 100.

For me, this definitely is a unique shoe. Hector and I both agree that it rides like no other shoe we've tried. Very soft and pliant in heel and fore foot area. As you can see there are "flex grooves" on the forefoot area, making it very pliant. In fact, this was the 1st thing I noticed with the shoe. The Nimbus 9 is definitely stiffer, however "ride" wise, while the Tubes is very soft, the Nimbus feels more stable and plush.

A good friend of mine says it feels abit like the Adidas bounce. Which I haven't tried yet.

A genuine cause of concern to me though is the aforementioned unique ride. On a few Ks in the treadmill, it worked fine, it was comfortable and really felt alot faster than the "leaden" feeling i get with the Nimbus. However, I believe the Nimbus will stay comfortable and consistent for 42K, will the Tubes? Or am I headed for a world of hurt?

Looks wise it comes in many colorways as you can see above, however I believe that the Asics looks "racier" while the K-Swiss looks alot better in jeans than CW-X, hehe. Porma-wise, Clubbing-wise, panalo to.

It also helps this shoe that is 20 grams lighter. I like that alot.

For me it comes down to this.

The Nimbus = comfy, and reliable.

The Tubes = lighter, faster, but unknown long run performance.

Hmmm???

What you guys think?

Bargain Bike on Ebay!

2009-11-24T23:46:00.003+08:00

Looking for bargain bike/bike parts on Ebay.ph, I saw a complete Tri Bike for only P 11,000!

Check it out...

May sound system pa!

Race Report: Asian Duathlon Championship

2009-11-21T15:36:00.003+08:00

I know. Another way late race report.

What can I say? To many things on my plate, not enough time to eat!

Hehe, enough with the excuses.

One week removed from WRT and still will tired legs, I found myself on a starting line again. This time for a far shorter race, the Adult Sprint at the Asian Duathlon Championships.

I was in Subic primarily to support my friends and 1st time duathletes, Chin, Paolo(Jazz), and Carlos(Engineer), they were all regular customers of the shop who became regular run mates and friends.

But, because I didn't want to spend the whole time in the sidelines, I decided to participate in one of the shorter "side" events so at least I did something to get the blood moving that weekend.

Which is how I found myself in the aforementioned start line with a surprisingly small number of participants for the sprint, I could have counted everyone who participated with my fingers and toes! And thats for the guys and girls!

Anyways, fearing the same sudden energy loss which plagued me during last weekend's half-ironman, I decided to take some GU gel right before the start, resolving to get my energy from pure GU alone if needed!

1st first run when fine enough, a couple of guys decided to start off quick and, I guess I was feeling the effects of the GU, so I decided to join them. At one point, I was a couple of seconds ahead of those guys, but I guess I misunderstood the directions the marshals gave me so I lost time back to the group. Apparently, "Left" means "make a U-TURN towards the left!"Haayyy!

A highlight of the run though was getting overtaken by the ITU pro duathletes, watching them running in a pack with their long strides and fast turnover made me realize just how much more training I had to do!

Anyways, around 22 mins later we were into transition which is my weakest point and after a rather lengthy time there I was on my way on the bike. I took some GU again, just in case, and spend the next 41 mins or so by myself on the bike, with only 1 small detour as I misunderstood a sign and ended up facing a locked gate. Must have lost around 30 second on that one... hay, oh well.

Back to transition!

As I headed out I saw the Jazz on the way out for his 40km bike ride! I wanted to tell him that it was gonna be a quick 1 as the course was very favorable!

Into the transition area, I really began to hustle, the maths in my head said that we may have a chance for a podium finish today, which would have been a really nice bonus!

In fact, I hustled so much, I ended up missing my rack and had to turn back! Hay naku, I seemed determined to throw this away.

I started the last run leg slowly, as I apt to do, so afraid am I of the "ick" feeling which follows a bike-run!

Well, I told myself it was a short 2.5k run so I thought might be worth to push it a bit so I started to speed up. Feeling good about the run, my next worry was trying to catch the guy in front and not be caught by the guy behind me.

Unfortunately and fortunately, the guy in front was too far and to fast and the guy behind me wasn't! So luckily I managed to hold on to my place which I lated found out was good for Second!

Wow! I finally won my 1st medal since Grade School!

And with Chin winning 3rd in her division and Ugi, Pao's friend winning second in his, it turn out to be a very very good trip for us!

Ironman Highlights

2009-11-20T22:19:00.002+08:00

Check out this cool video of last weekend's IM 70.3 Championship.

And just in case you didn't get enough, here's a recap of Kona.

Christmas Wish and then some...

2009-11-19T16:52:00.004+08:00

With the launch of our Secondwind Christmas Registry, I had got to thinking about what I would like to receive for Christmas.

Being a huge fan of fast and light shoes, I decided to check out the shoes of the top 15 finishers of Kona to see if there was anything interesting.

Off the bat a few things caught my eye...

There was the Asics Gel Hyperspeed 3 of Chris McCormack...

The Saucony Grid Type 2 of Dirk Bockel...

The Asics Speedstar of Matias Hecht...

But my personal favorite of all the shoes was the K-Swiss K-Ruuz of Andreas Raelert....

6.5OZ!!! Lighter than a Ronin!

Unfortunately, none of these are available locally... yet...

So until then, I guess I can comfort my feet with these...

K-Swiss K-ona Ironman Edition!!!

Yes, I have been good this year!

Race Report: WRT 09

2009-11-17T15:27:00.008+08:00

Finally! After spending most of last week after the preparing for our shop opening on Saturday then racing in Subic on Sunday (more on that in a following post), plus my regular work and MBA studies, this is a only free time I find to myself to buckle down and write this post!

Along with all of the other athletes, the White Rock Triathlon for me the night before. That's when we arrived at the venue for the race briefing, last minute bike checks and check in, plus of course, preparing all the stuff the goes into a transition bag for a half-ironman.

Race morning seemed to take forever to come, as Hector and I both agreed that our excitement could not allow us to get a fitful sleep and we tossed and turned all night!

After a early breakfast, Hec and I filled up the water bottles on our bikes and preparing to wait for the start.

Chatting near the back, we were caught unaware during the start and became one of the last people to enter the water.

However, I think this worked in our favor as we managed to avoid most of the "washing machine" effect at the start and I quickly got a rhythm at the start.

On the second of the three 320 meter loops I found myself in the middle of a swim pack and with no where to go or maneuver I just settled in to swim with them until the finish.

Getting out of the water 32 minutes later, I thought I had posted a very good time only to see to my dismay that most of the pack, including my nemesis Hector got out of the water ahead of me. Later I would discover that due to some late night technical difficulties the swim leg was around 4 to 500 meters short!

In transition, I realized that I made my 1st rookie error and that I had forgotten to start my Timex! Oh well. Can't do anything but go on! I took my second GU of the race, hydrated with some Gatorade, then wore my helmet and shoes and started on what would be one of the longest bike rides of my life.

I knew this would be the weak point of my race, as the recent disasters which befell the country and the rehabilitation efforts I participated in seriously affected my much needed saddle time and I reckoned I was under-whelmingly prepared!

A few minutes into the ride, I realized something was wrong when my cyclometer wouldn't work! In what seemed to be a race long mantra, I thought to myself; "Oh well, just go on!" Later I found out that my magnet had moved on the drive over to White Rock and I failed to check it the night before!

The lack of kind of pace information meant I decided to just go on gut feel and started of quite quick! In the matter of a few kilometers I managed to sight the running man on the back of Hector's trisuit and decided to pour on the gas to catch up with him.

In what would be an 1 and a half long battle, I passed him, only for him to pass me back a couple of k's later when I slowed to take some GU. This would go on all the way to the 45k turn around and I started to realize that I didn't bring enough GU, only strapping three on to the bike when I needed to take at least twice that to maintain any kind of decent pace as I was gulping and burning the GU as fast as I could eat them!

After the turn around, I slowed down for good and Hec zoomed off into the distance. I settled in to make the best of what I can do. Reserving my last GU for the time on the return leg when I felt I would really need it, relying instead on the peanut MnMs I thoughtfully stuffed into my trisuit.

After what seemed like an eternity.... 3 hours and 9 minutes to be exact. I found myself back into transition. Where I must have looked like a desert refugee, because the race director worriedly asked if I was ok!

After some salt solution and banana though, I was as fine as I would ever be coming from a 2k swim and 90k bike, so I set of in the chase of the Secondwind bragging rights.

I have to admit, the 1st couple of kms were disheartening, as the 1st people I saw were the lead pack on the way back!

I must be so far behind I thought to myself! In fact, I didn't see or pass a fellow competitor until I got into SBMA, a good4 or 5kms into the 20km run!

My bike really did me in!

And then I saw Hector, on the way back and I still had a long way to go until the turn around! It was then when I conceded this particular race to him and refocused myself on just beating 6 hours!

It was a hot and brutal run! I stopped on every aid station for water, ice, and sponges! Fortunately, these conditions affected everyone and I managed to pass quite a few struggling runners on the way back!

With less than 5 k to go and right after the killer hills, my right calf started to twitch and I thought "oh no! this is it!"

I was gonna be a close finish to sub-6 hour finish and this maybe my undoing! But with no choice but to bear it, I just ran the best I could on the longest, flat 4k of my life.

I tell you, I was never as happy to see a Total station as I was to see that one right outside White Rock, it must have given me some extra energy, as I managed to summon up some of my last, last, bottom of the barrel reserves and I tried to sprint my way to a 5 hour 55 minute finish!

Sub 6 accomplished! Unbelievable! Much harder than my 30 hour 100km trail race last year! Though unfortunately, while it was good enough for 4th in my age group... it wasn't good enough to beat THE Hector! Bring on next year!

I tell you, I have so much respect to all the finishers of this race. I had never done a half before and I really didn't realize how hard and how long it would be!

Here are the finishes of my friends Hec and TJ, as captured by the number 1 ranked support crew/race team photographer Mike Bob!

THE SECONDWIND CHRISTMAS REGISTRY

2009-11-17T15:13:00.002+08:00

THE SECONDWIND CHRISTMAS REGISTRY

Want to get the perfect ‘running’ gift this Christmas?

Introducing CHRISTMAS REGISTRY at the Secondwind Running Store!

Sign up now and you may choose from our wide selection of running shoes, apparels and accessories!

Mechanics:

· Go to your nearest Secondwind branch and choose from our running products.

· Provide a list of gift choices, as well as the name and contact information of the people (Santa) you expect to receive the gifts from.

· Team Secondwind will notify your chosen Santa and present them with your Christmas list

· Your Santa can now visit any of our stores to view and purchase the items in your Christmas list

This will help your loved ones pick out the perfect Christmas gift for current and would-be runners like you. Visit any of our two stores and start making your Christmas list now!

Happy Holidays!!

Secondwind. Running Starts Here.

Registration starts on November 23, 2009 at our two branches.

Secondwind Quezon City

88 Maginhawa St., Teachers Village
Telephone: 7992089

Secondwind Pasig City

E-Prime Area, Unit03A, Ortigas Home Depot,
#1Dona Julia Vargas Ave., Barangay Ugong, Pasig City
Telephone: 9140283

Contact us at: mktg@secondwindrunningstore.com

Visit us at:www.secondwindrunningstore.com

Secondwind Ortigas Home Depot is Now Open!

2009-11-16T12:47:00.009+08:00

Finally, after months of planning, a hard week of prep, and a 10k run to boot, Secondwind Ortigas is now open!

As a testament to the great support given to our humble shop by the running community, we are able to open our second brand is less than a year after our 1st.

Coming from the feedback of customers in our QC branch, Secondwind Ortigas is much bigger and better than before! We are ready from the get go to service all your running needs!

SECONDWIND ORTIGAS BRANCH:

E-Prime Area, Unit 03A, Ortigas Home Depot, Dona Julia Vargas Ave., Barangay Ugong, Pasig City, Telephone number 914-02-83.

SECONDWIND QC BRANCH:

88 Maginhawa St. Teachers Village, QC

WEBSITE: www.secondwindrunningstore.com, thesecondwind.multiply.com

In other news!

As you may have noticed from our giant picture of Terenzo Bozzone on the Ortigas facade. K-Swiss running shoes are now available at Secondwind!

Try the Philippine Cobra Ironman's kicks at our QC and Pasig Branch!

Second Wind: Who we are!

2009-11-12T16:29:00.002+08:00

Good Luck to the Pinoy Clearwater Athletes

2009-11-12T13:52:00.001+08:00

Good Luck to all the athletes representing the Philippines in the Ironman 70.3 Championship!

WRT 09: Its finally over.

2009-11-12T12:46:00.004+08:00

It began with this...

An innocuous challenge in the fiery lava fields of Kona... fine, it wasn't that hot... and it wasn't at Kona.

Let me try again...

An innocuous challenge in the Academic Oval of UP. (Doesn't have quite the same ring to it, but It'll do.)

Age vs. Experience. The Jeremy VS. the Hector. White Rock 09, who would emerge victorious?

I'd have to say, even though I've never done a half-ironman before, I was feeling pretty confident. Age whups Experience any day!

Well, the race is over. All the ballots have been counted...

and the winner is...

THE HECTOR!

Yes, I lost!

Before I get into any specifics. I'd like to take this time to apologize to my many friends, supporters, and fans. Yes, I know I came in to this race confident of victory. But as Macca discovered his first time around Kona, an ironman is a tough and ultimately unpredictable race. Much respect to the Hector. I'll get you next year!

Coming Up: The race report.

A Primer for buying Running Shoes

2009-10-29T01:28:00.003+08:00

At the shop, we get a lot of questions from people about what type of shoe is best for them and why.

So, here's a few good videos from RunnersWorld TV explaining pronation

Race Against the Clock

2009-10-23T11:55:00.004+08:00

Its been a long time since my last "real" blog post. Alot of things have happened since then, as we all know, a typhoon hit us, and the resultant relief efforts and postponement of work/school has mean't that I personally have spent the last 2 weeks running around trying to catch up on work and my MBA classes, something had to give... which unfortunately was this blog. And of course training for White Rock. Don't get me wrong, I still fully intend to participate in the said little race, but I guess personal expectations will need to be adjusted, as up to now, I still can get into a training groove.

However, I did manage to get in some race the past few weeks, running the 16k at Octoberun and the 21k at QCIM, I guess I may blog about those sometime, especially the QC one because that was a load of fun, supporting our friends who did the 42k after we finished our 21.

But that's not the point of this entry.

This one is about a thought that occurred to me last night.

You know how some runners say that don't run against anyone, they're just out there to have fun, etc?

I think that'll bull.

Everyone is running against someone/something. Its primal, consciously or sub-consciously, we all run to beat someone/thing.

I think its hardwired in our DNA. Look at our history, our ancestors evolved to stand upright so they could run against Dumbos great great grand parents in the early African savannah. We ran so we can kill! Doesn't get more basic and primal than that!

And everyone of us, carries inside us, this undeniable urge to chase something, beat it down with a stick and eat it... well, ok maybe that's taking it too far. But you get my drift.

So me, who do I run against? Well, aside from the obvious.

I run against the clock... like all runners do. Whether they admit it or not. The same people who say they don't run with a watch and they don't check the time are the exact same people who go online every single day waiting for race results to come out so they can see their time! ;)

I hate that clock! I know its the same clock, but why does it run so slow during trainings... LSDs seem to take forever... but run so fast during races... What?!?!? that was more than 2 hours???

Hehe, if there was one thing I'd really like to run down and hunt, it'll be that damn clock.

Second Wind Team Edition Jerseys now available

2009-10-22T15:01:00.003+08:00

Second Wind Team Singlet Jerseys now available.

Only 150 pcs at P350

Mark the Date!

2009-10-14T09:34:00.002+08:00

Rescue Run Bibs Now Available at Second Wind

2009-10-06T18:20:00.003+08:00

Rescue Run Bibs now available at Second Wind! Register Now! Save the Cheerleader... Save the World! (Ay Mali)

For those who do not know what this is about, please read below:

In lieu of registration fees, donations will be collected for the distance you will run. This is not a race so there will be no souvenir t-shirts, no swag bags, no finishers medals and no prize money.
There will be no water stations since we believe that water must be given to those who need it most: victims of Ondoy. Needless to say, it will be KKB (kanya kanyang bote or kanya kanyang belt).
A registered participant will receive a rescue runners race bib, which the runner can wear during the race and in sustaining events currently being planned for the entire month of October to raise funds for rehabilitation.
The race is open to everyone. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges from their family or friends who cannot make it to the event. All proceeds will be donated to the Philippine National Red Cross for the Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) victims.
Registration starts October 5 at the following venues:
- The SecondWind Running Store, Maginhawa St., UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City
- Recreational Outdoor eXchange, ROX, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City
- All Terra Bike Shop, Club 650, Libis, Quezon City
- On site registration starting 5:30 a.m.
Assembly is 5:30 a.m. and the race starts at 6:30 a.m.
Distances: 3 km, 5 km, 10 km
Donations:
Individual: P200 for any distance
Corporate: P5,000 for 20 runners
Volunteers are needed for road marshals and secretariat. If you are interested, please contact 0917-8374204, 216-8521 or email rescuerunners@run4change.com.

Donations for Ondoy Victims

2009-09-27T15:23:00.000+08:00

Email from Second Wind:

Greetings friends in the running community.

In light of the typhoon that has left most of us emotionally drained, we would like to encourage the running / multi-sport community to pitch in and help out.

Kindly help us spread the word that we are extending help to our friends who were affected by the typhoon ondoy. Lets maximize however we can help, announcements in your blog, multiply, tweeter, or your status in facebook will be greatly appreciated.

Secondwind will be accepting donations:

- blankets

- singlets, jerseys or shirts

- old footwear

- food

- other items that can still be used

we will be accepting until Thursday (end of day) and will donate to ateneo thru Neville Manaois, PUR team principal, secondwind teammate and ateneo professor. Volunteers to pack and help transfer goods on Friday will be most welcome.

Maraming salamat in advance sa lahat ng tulong na maaari niyong mabigay.

Salamat.

Disappointment at the Dua

2009-09-25T11:35:00.003+08:00

1st off, Congratulations to my man Hector, you may have had to resort to subterfuge, but you beat me... again! Hehe! I kid! I kid!

Congrats to to Mikey! 1st time duathlete! Good job dude!

As for me, 2 flat tires was all I had to show for the day. Hay... if there's anything you can't practice for its mechanical failures and stupidity.

Well, let me explain. After a conservative-ish 1st run, I was ready and excited to get on the bike. I felt my bike time really sucked the 1st time I did this, so I was out for vindication. I took my time in transition, wore my gloves, strapped my shoes and helmet on properly, sucked my GU, hydrated and off I went!

I had barely gone 1 kilometer, you know, just getting comfy, getting into a rhythm, I had barely touched the aerobar when bam... psssssssssssshhhh!

Oh shit! I thought, I hope that sound coming from the person right beside me...

But I knew that wasn't the case!

Fine! Fuck! I'll pull over and change it as fast as I can.

Which is where the stupidity part comes in. In my haste, probably spurred on my Hector just passing me on the way to finish his 1st loop, I had failed to get the tube into the tire all the way. Meaning it was probably pinched at one point between the rim and the tire, which of course meant that when I tired to inflate it...

Boom-Boom-Pow!

Yes, that's the sound it made, may aangal?

So anyway. May race being done. I made the short walk back to transition, got my stuff, loaded it into my car and waited for Hec and Mikey to get back!

I'll be honest, I tried to put on a cheery face, but its pretty hard to cheer lustily when your disappointed inside. Oh well, next race I guess.

PUR Pasig River Lanyards

2009-09-23T12:17:00.004+08:00

Please support the Pinoy Ultra Runners and Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig foundation by buying the limited edition PUR-Pasig River lanyards for only P150!

All proceeds will go towards the foundations aim of revitalizing the Pasig River.

Lanyards are available at Second Wind Running Store or you can message me if you want one.

Find Out What's Down the Road!

2009-09-19T15:32:00.003+08:00

Find out about what new shoes your favorite manufacturers are going to come up with next at the Running Warehouse.

They have a cool video vault wherein they talk about shoes which have yet to be released!

Pinoy Ultra Runners Run for your Life: Ilog Pasig River Edition

2009-09-15T17:52:00.014+08:00

"At least the rain has stopped." I thought to myself as we began what was sure to be a grueling morning. 14 Pinoy Ultra Runners and guest runners, plus 35+ kms from Elisco in Pateros to Quirino Grandstand and then back to the ABS-CBN compound, all for the benefit of the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig foundation and their fund-raising marathon.

Whoops! Spoke to soon! A few minutes after we started in the pre-dawn darkness, the rain started to pour, 1st a few light droplets then heavy pouring rain which would then stop and bless us with cloudy but shower-less weather.

That was pretty much the story of our run.

Daylight began to break around the time we crossed under C-5 on JP Rizal and we had our first glance of the muddy, dirty, fast flowing Pasig river. I distinctly remember this spot in the race, because as we passed the Manila Water Office, a very cute girl rolled down her car window and cheered us on! Go! Go! Go! And go we did, to another 30+ kilometers!

Around the 13 or 14 kilometer mark, because of the intermittent rain, I started to get "hot spots"between my toes, oh shit, I can afford to get blisters! I have a duathlon coming up!

To be honest, I really wasn't planning to do the whole distance because I was planning to preserve my legs for the aforementioned duathlon.

"Should I quit now?" I thought to myself.

"And the whole world know you could hack it? I think not" Myself quickly retorted back.

Bruised feet will heal, broken egos do not!

Fine! I'll make it all the way to Quirino and then call it a day! I'll deal with the blisters if and when they become a problem.

However I did make one concession to my feet and decided to significantly drop my pace. It seemed to do the trick as soon the "hot spots" went away. I am happy to report that although I did have a few small blisters between my toes, as I write this, they have already healed and I should be more than ready by the race on Sunday!

I can't remember much about the rest of the run and the route, I spent of of it ticking off the kilometers by taking to fellow PUR members JoSaw, who entertained us with he stories of the infamous UMTD rce she just got back from, and team principal Neville Manaois, who just plain entertained us!

Right around the time we got pass the Ayala Bridge nearing Quirino, I up my pace a bit because I saw the group ahead of me. Being friends and rivals, I didn't want them to drop me before the finish so I decided to bridge the gap to them.

At this point, Carlo, who was part of our support crew during the 1st part of the run, decided to join me and we quickly made our way to the group ahead and we finished the 1st part of the run at Quirino together!

After the picture taking and as project leader Don Ubaldo and Team Principal Neville Manaois got interviewed by the press. I scarfed down some hot taho and corn on the cob and proceeded to make my french exit.

I quickly changed in the van as the runners began to make their way out of Quirino and to ABS-CBN.

I was now on the other side of the van so to speak! Taking pictures, handing out drinks and trying to cheer the remaining runners on.

Most importantly, and this thought hit me during a sudden downpour, I was now high and dry in the van!

Hmmm, I could get used to this, maybe I should hang up the running shoes and take up support crewing full time! All the adventure! None of the pain!

Hehe! Naahhh, but the thought did cross my mind.

Anyway, long story short, the rest of them made their way to ABS-CBN, while we did our best to support them the whole way.

There, we had a short ceremony, hydrated and changed then made our way to Mr Kebab for a much deserved lunch!

Mmmmm, Mr Kebab!

More pictures and stories available at our website.

Special Thanks to:

R.O.X and TNF

CBRE

and of course, Second Wind!

Officially Official! Condura Run 2010 will have a FULL marathon!

2009-09-15T10:48:00.003+08:00

I got this text yesterday from my good friend and accomplished marathoner Pat Concepcion, I will post it below verbatim so nothing gets lost in translation!

We are pleased to announce that the Condura Run 2010 will be on Feb. 7, 2010. It will feature a full 42km marathon. The route is being finalized but will go from the Fort up Kalayaan Buendia up the Skyway all the way to Bicutan and u turn back to the Fort. The route shall also take marathoners to the on and off ramps of NAIA 3. Condura is making the announcement this early so that runners can begin training as the event is 5 months away.

More details to follow!

I am excited for this as not only did I get to run on the Skyway, I had a good finishing time of 1:47 in Condura half marathon this year. Next year's edition is a can't miss for me. As my 1st official marathon in over a year, getting to run on the Skyway and pass NAIA 3 would be a treat!

Though, I'm sure the uphill areas, i.e. going up the ramps, will be brutal!

See you guys in Condura next year!

P.S. I wonder what shoes I should get for this... paging Hector!

Chafing Solution

2009-09-14T12:23:00.003+08:00

I still vividly remember my very 1st 25km race or rather vividly remember its after math. I think I chafed in every conceivable part of my body. The last few kilometers was unbelievably painful, not only did I chafe in the "groin-al" area, I was also holding my wet singlet away from my incredibly painful nipples.

After that run, I immediately swore off wearing untested race singlets as well as ran, well hobbled over to the nearest Mercury Drug to buy not 1, but 2 tubs of petroleum jelly. It was the only non-pleasure lubricant I could think off at the time. No way, I wanted to chafe like that ever again!

Nowadays though I use this...

So much easier to apply and lasts forever! I should know, not a single chafe during last weekends long, wet run!

Best of all, thanks to my good pal Hector at Second Wind Running Store, I don't have to go to Amazon.com to get it. Its now available, albeit in limited stocks, at the shop for P480!

Preview: Very Wet Morning Run!

2009-09-13T19:30:00.004+08:00

Ran around Metro Manila in the rain for a good cause! Watch out for more pictures and a full report later this week!

Proper Pedal stroke

2009-09-07T16:51:00.002+08:00

Following an early morning run-swim workout with the members of Second Wind runners and some members of Tri-Polar, my good friend and future triathlete decided to take the next big step of cycling by buying pedals and cleats for his road bike.

Of course, everyone who buys a new bike part knows, when you get it, you gotta try it, right awya! Rain or no rain! So we went to UP to test his new pedals and shoes and that is where I found out how hard it is to be chasing after a 20 year old track star on a bike.

Suffice to say, in contest of fitness versus experience, fitness won... yet again.

Which got me thinking, if I can "out-strong", I've got to "out-efficient" him. (Yeah those aren't real words, but give me a break, I just spend the past hour chasing after a 20 year for 30 kms.)

Which got me googling this...

The perfect pedal stroke!

I found this interesting article on bicycling.com.

Since, I'm way to nice to purposely sabotage his training (though I am still leaving that option open ;D) I decided that every stroke from now on must be perfect, no wasted energy!

Cool!!! Leadville 100!

2009-09-04T10:10:00.002+08:00

In the words of Mikey: Asteeeeeeggggg!!!

Check it out here.

Dean's Cup Triathlon

2009-08-31T22:18:00.015+08:00

Before last weekend, I had done exactly 1 Triathlon before. Last September during the UPLB leg of the Speedo NAGT.

Since then, I've always wanted to do another one, but ultra marathons and injures got in the way of that.

However, some time ago after watching one to many IronMan Kona videos, my friend Hector and I decided that this is the year we would rekindle our love affair with triathlon by doing the White Rock Triathlon this year.

Which is why I found myself in the start line of the Dean's Cup, a 750m swim-20km bike-5km run, sprint distance triathlon.

My swim started off pretty well, Hector, Neville, and I started in the 4th wave, which luckily had the least amount of participants. By sheer luck, I also found myself near the front of the pack when the race was started, from there I just took off and manage to stay ahead of the pack, thereby avoiding the dreaded "washing machine".

Washing Machine!

3 loops and 16 minutes later, I got into my pink floral tsinelas and made the long run to the transition area.

Check out the slippers!

A quick change of footwear and a shot of GU and I was on the bike and of to start 8 (Yes, 8!) loops of the UP academic oval.

Being a mountain biker by blood, I knew that the bike portion would be the hardest for me, even though I've been road biking for a few months now, the skinny tires and tiny cogs still make life difficult for me. Though I am slowly gaining confidence in it and my legs seem to be starting to adapt to the different gearing.

but for now, my strategy was to survive the bike portion in 1 piece and try not to lose to much time.

Just for fun... I dropped my water bottle trying to put it back in the cage on my 4th lap, which meant I had no hydration. I never even considered going back for it... mustn't lose time, remember. Besides It was an old bottle and the bite was getting fiddly.

To top it all off, an over-aggressive shift lead to my chain slipping off the crank on my penultimate lap. In the minute or so that it took me to uncleat, step off, place the chain back on, get back on the bike, try to re-cleat, comically slip of the pedals, re-engage and go, Hector managed to over take me.

If I wasn't racing him then... I was now!

We managed to catch up with one another in transition. Hector was on his way out, as I made my way in.

"This is it! You and Me!" I said to him as he left.

In hindsight I shouldn't have said it. Probably gave him fuel to run faster.

Unfortunately, that was the closest I got to him for the rest of the run, the late morning hear making it a bit though for me to run and I was constantly pouring water on myself at every aid station.

Hydrate! It can get pretty hot out there in the Big Island of UP! Hehe (Sorry, Inside Joke)

26 long minutes later I found myself near the finish line, which unfortunately Hector managed to cross 2 minutes ahead of me.

Of course, being the sport that he is, he stayed in the sidelines to cheer me on and as a fellow sporting gesture, I gave him the universal sign for a job well done and I passed him...

Its nice to see competitors respect one another. It's what the spirit of Triathlon is all about.

The very serious Team Second Wind

P.S. Thanks to Tania, Migs, and Eng. Carlos for the pictures. The great thing about having alot of friends, is that you have alot of pictures! Especially if they all have fancy dSLRs and one of them is a professional photographer!

P.S.S. The best thing about the triathlon came after the event. When we had gone home already. We didn't stay around for the brunch and awarding anymore as Neville has some pressing concerns.

We didn't expect to take home anything anyway, as we were sure the level of competition was much higher than we anticipated.

Imagine then, our surprise when our friend T.J. informed us that we had won 8th and 10th place overall and that he would be dropping the medals of at the shop!

Wow! My 1st medal! I haven't had one of this since grade school! Now I'm even more excited to join the next tri!

See the full results here.

Nike Philippine "Flag" Advertisement

2009-08-29T11:24:00.004+08:00

I was every surprised seeing this billboard of Nike on C5. It is seemingly depicting the Philippine flag, but the red portion is on top.

As everyone knows, the Flag Code aka Republic Act 8491, Section 10, clearly states:

The flag, if flown from a flagpole, shall have its blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging position, the blue field shall be to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war.

I know basketball is a very serious sport here and we follow the participation of our National Team abroad with fervent enthusiasm. But to say that we are at war over this is taking it a little to far, don't you think? :)

Second Wind Run Clinic at Blue Wave Mall Marikina

2009-08-26T16:57:00.003+08:00

Hector Yuzon, president and proprietor of Second Wind running store was invited to give a talk to employees of Blue Wave Mall Marikina. Read about it on the Second Wind Website.

Yihieee! Spotted at Second Wind

2009-08-24T15:52:00.003+08:00

Ang cute naman ng heart!!! Hehe

I'm sure everyone knows the story by now... for those who have been living under a rock, check this out.

My Ironman 70.3 Swim Relay Experience

2009-08-24T11:59:00.008+08:00

"This is alot harder than I thought!"

...was the 1st thought which popped into my head around 300 meters into my reconnaissance swim on Saturday morning.

Having done all of my training and multi-sport racing in a swimming pool, having to go 600 meters into one straight swoop was very, very new to me and it was a challenge that I have to admit I underestimated. Add to that the disorienting feeling of not being able to see the bottom of the low visibility lake, meant that I had to try doubly hard... just to stay on course!

By the end of the 1.2 recon swim of Lago del Rey, I was pretty confident I had a rudimentary swim-stroke-sight maneuver thing going down, but I was really far from confident for the race day. I know my team mates prepared hard for this. I didn't want to let them down...

Oh well, I had committed to this, so there was no turning back!

RACE DAY!

Having slept most of yesterday afternoon and evening, I was wide awake for at 4am for the 7:10 relay start, so I made the most of my time.

So I had a leisurely breakfast of everything in the buffet table, took a shower back at the room, changed into my Speedos, got body marked and tried to figure out a way to release the butterflies in my stomach.

R416!

Before I knew it, it was almost 7 am and we were being corralled into the pre starting nipa hut. There I didn't feel as nervous anymore as I was making jokes with Angel, July, and Berns, all fellow relay swimmers, all of whom were former or current varsity swimmers.

Hmmm, I hope people don't judge me by the talent around me!

The 1st part of the swim was everything I heard it would be. Despite the relatively smaller number of swimmers for the relay, there were definitely some unintentional hitting and kicking involved. I remembering having to make a full stop at least twice in the 1st 200 meters as I got cut my this guy twice, as he made his way diagonally across the swim course.

Right around the 1st turn around the field around me started to spread out and I got some free space. Around this time the 1st of my troubles began. One the way to the turn around, my stroke-sight technique worked well enough, helped by having people around me whom I could watch. On the way back, the sun's glare made sighting the far end difficult and this problem was compounded by my getting water into my goggles. Dang! I was gonna be one of those diagonal guys on the way back.

Eventually I made it back to the crossover point and I made the short run over to the cable park lake with no problems.

Once in the water though, I did I double take. Literally! having not swam the pool the day before, the moment I dove into the pool I saw nothing but green! I closed and opened my eyes quickly to be sure I wasn't seeing things. sure enough, algae or something made underwater visibility almost nothing! A person could be swimming beside you and you wouldn't know it until they hit you!

Amazingly, the 1st thought which came to my head was...

MUST NOT

SWALLOW

ANY OF THE

WATER!

After which I thought, shit this will be hard.

To make a long story short, I struggled with that loop, running into people, making the most of my breast stroke technique to find my way around.

But I eventually made it to the end! Boy! I tell you, for a 1.8 kilometer race, I was never so glad to finish! That was one of the the longest 48 minutes of my life!

I standing up dead tired, when the cheers of my friends and fellow competitors(who had finished way, way before I did) reminded me that I was still in a race, so I quickly broke out of my dazed stupor and ran into the relay tent, where my team mates Dandan and NVP were waiting. A quick hand off of the transponder a few seconds later and my part was done!

After catching my breath. I made my way back to the room. Took a crap. Had a long, long, hot shower to get ride of any lake residue and headed for the Mcdonalds van.

Around 2 hours later, I made my way back to the relay tent to assist Dandan and NVP in the hand off and then made my way to the finish to watch Terenzo Bozzone take 1st from Macca!

But the real highlight of the race for me was around an hour later, when Dandan surprised me by how early he made it to the finish. A 1:30 21k run quickly erased whatever swim deficit I left them with and gave up a top ten finish for the all male category, behind the super teams of Timex, Camsur Tri and D.O.T.

Not a bad way to cap off a great race!

P.S. Check out the running form of the runner of Relay Team winners Timex-Runrio. 1:27 half marathon time! He's probably not human.

He's not touching the ground in this pic.

Apparently, they also doesn't have to drink water in his planet! Hehe

An Open Letter to Fellow Important Running People

2009-08-19T14:43:00.002+08:00

Hello Fellow Important Running People (Shoe Suppliers, Race Organizers, etc. You know who you are.)

As you can see, I have a blog...

... therefore, aside from now being filled by an overwhelming sense of pompous self-importance, I should get invited to the big events and get free stuff.

You guys know the drill, I have a blog, ergo I am now important, my opinions (which are voraciously read by at least 3 people, one of whom I think I am not related too, every single week!) matter. So therefore because of my blog power, you guys should give me thousands of pesos of free goodies.

I held up my end of the bargain, I'll wait for my free stuff now.

Sincerely,

Your brother-in-blogging.

One Tough Nite Race!

2009-08-18T10:57:00.007+08:00

The results are out! Click here for yours.

When I signed up for the Kenny 15k, I knew it probably wouldn't be an easy race. With the piling up of work and MBA requirements, plus training for the Camsur Half-IM, which I agreed to swim for as part of a relay team, I really haven't had much time to run. Add to that my knee injury from TNF100, and I knew I was no where near top shape. As you know, running is like a savings account, the more training you put in, the more performance you can get out! If you put nothing in... don't expect spectacular returns.

Not to say that I haven't been able to run at all. Thanks to my friends at the Second Wind shop, I've literally been dragged to a few group runs, speed work, and LSDs. So that plus my 1:45 earlier this year at the Condura Half, I thought a realistic goal would be a 1:20 to 1:25 15k. Early on, I made a conscious decision to push myself a bit during this race. I wanted to see "where" I was in terms of race pace and also I had to finish in front of a certain couple doing the 5k (More on this later).

Since this was the first "serious" night race I ever entered (Izusu's costume run last year not withstanding), I had some time before the race to think about the pros and cons of having a race so late in the day.

PROS:

I had ample time to prepare my gear and put on my CW-X properly. Anyone who owns one of those will tell you that those compression tights need extra care and patience to put on. Also I could Double and Triple check everything; shoes, socks, patella strap, headlight, etc. As opposed to blindly stumbling around at 4 or 5 am, rushing to get all your things and speeding over to the race venue because you grabbed an extra 15 minutes of sleep after your alarm went off at an ungodly hour. So definite PLUS POINTS for that.

CONS:

Parking was a definite hassle, as you didn't just "compete" with fellow runners for spaces, but also with the "party people" out for a night out. But it wasn't really that bad, so NO MINUS POINTS for that.

What was really a problem for me was that racing after a full day of work really left my drained even before the start of the race. This particular day, I had spend a good 6 to 7 hours with my MBA groupmates tackling our Capital Budgeting paper and I can tell you, even taking into account the triathlons and ultramarathons I have done, nothing drains me quite like Finance. I know some people love these numbers, net present values and internal rates of return, but I am not one of them. Definitely MINUS POINTS for a night race then! Hehe

All in all though, I think I was interesting concept to race at night and I was pretty excited about the race as I waited in the starting "corral" with Marga. I remember discussing with her my plan to go slow during the 1st couple of Kms, because I am like a very,very old diesel engine. My legs in particular take very, very long to warm up, but they're usually good for a long while once they get up to temp. If I start too fast before I get a chance to warm up, I usually flame out spectacularly.

Guess what happened when the gun went off?

Yup, I got caught up in the crowded and started way to fast! I should have known better that to start behind Jonel and his HC friends. At this point, I remember thinking that if I was just behind these guys, I was running too fast. But you know, sometimes, you tell yourself that you're feeling good, maybe you can sustain it...

Well, apparently I couldn't. After the 3 or 4km mark, I knew I was in trouble. It started with a slight pain on my shins. Then I really began to feel overheated in the high humidity. It didn't help that I was wearing my I am Ninoy jersey, which though nice, is really quite thick and heavy.

I literally stopped at the second water station to take some fluids and GU. At this point, I was thinking that I screwed up majorly and I could forget my 1:20. All I wanted to do now was finish before a certain 5K couple (Again, more on this later).

The GU helped for a while, but once we hit the dark road (thank god for my headlight) leading to Heritage, I was in trouble again. I slowed to almost a walk in some portions and people overtook me by bunches.

Inside Heritage wasn't any better, as I was consistently slower than everyone around me. I remember thinking at one point during a short ascent that I walked up; "This is it, I'm cooked. Lets just see how far we can go before I explode."

So I took off my heavy Ninoy jersey, luckily I was wearing my Nike Pro underneath to prevent chafing from the material of the jersey (I always wear a Nike Pro with untested jerseys after my painful chafing incident during my 1st 25k 2 years ago. No I will not elaborate :D) and I slow jogged to the next water station.

There I poured 2 glasses of water over my head, rehydrated and took my last GU. I probably also spent a minute or 2 trying to psyche myself up for for the remainder of the race.

Funny thing happened then though. After I started running again. I felt really good, I got my proverbial second wind.I think I made really good time until the turn around point of the 10k runners, when the course got really packed with people. At this point, I ran on the sidewalk just so I could maintain my pace, looking carefully at where I was stepping, as you know are sidewalks are notoriously... well, notorious!

I was feeling good about my run already and I thought maybe I can still make 1:20 or at least 1:25. Of course, I still stopped at every water station to rehydrate and rest a couple of second, but it was still looking good by my watch.

Then... Mckinley Hill happened. Going downhill, I made up alot of time, though at the expense of my knee, the unstrapped one. I began to feel a little pain on it but I choose to ignore it for the time being. I was thinking that "I was so close!", "Dear God, let the pain come in tom! I'll pay for it then, I promise, just let me finish this one well!".

I guess God really listens to our prayers because while the pain never went away, It never got any worse either. And I managed to run (occasionally walk) up Mckinley Hill and even had had a little bit enough in the tank for sprint to the finish!

1:26. Shit! I little bit off. But I'll take it!

Now for the highlight of the evening.

As my friends and I anxiously waited, we scaned the coming finishers for one particular couple. As we waited and no sign of the running couple appeared. We began to get worried. Doomsday scenarios began playing in our heads, though no one would say it out then.

Then suddenly, Marga screamed... "There they are!

There they were... holding hands. Crossing the finish line together. Slightly weighed down by the enormous rock on Tania's hand.

Congratulations, Hector and Tania! Bring on the Bachelor Party!

Second Wind Group Run in La Mesa

2009-08-09T16:06:00.009+08:00

We, the regular running group of Second Wind, ran 16kms of wet at muddy trail in the unbelievably scenic La Mesa Watershed. Every time I am there, I'm continually amazed at how a pristine and beautiful nature park can exist within the polluted boundaries of Metro Manila. And its even left than half an hour from the shop!

Though this is the 1st, it definitely won't be the last trail run, as we are already making plans for future runs in places like Batangas, Tagaytay, and of course we'll be back in La Mesa!

If you're interested in running with us, just contact Hector at the shop, We normally run around UP in Wednesday and/or Thursday evenings.

With Mikey this Time

Run with M.E.

2009-07-28T11:07:00.013+08:00

After imbibing way to much alcohol the night before, I was not able to make the start of the Globe run which Marga so kindly registered me for.

No worries, I thought, there's always another race these days. True enough, there was a run in Ateneo the following Sunday.

Now, from the relative comfort of my 20th floor office, I look back on the race and start to smile. It was really a comedy and errors. No, not comedy of errors, comedy and errors!

Let me explain.

1st, the errors. Well, I almost didn't make the race start again. A full week of training with the Second Wind guys left me exhausted. Especially the 4 hour Bike-Run-Swim, we did the day before! Suffice to say,my body needed the rest and I almost didn't make the start.

Have you ever woken up at 6am for a 6:30 gun start? Hehe!

Luckily, being a habitual late riser and 4 years of taking my university degree at the ole Blue and White, I knew the route from my house to the Ateneo intimately and made it with more than 5 minutes to spare.

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to register for the run. Oh well, I'll just run along side the guys I thought.

Still wore my race belt though. Sayang yun branding eh.

The Second Wind Crew at Run for M.E.

It was only when I got to Ateneo that I realized my biggest error of the day! Due to the knee injury I sustained earlier in the year, I had been running with a patella strap.

Well, as you probably guessed, in my rush to get to the race, I had left it behind!

I remember thinking a few moments before the start, this was gonna hurt.

Self-fulling prophecy!

As the picture below proved, by the second loop, I was in a bit of hurt. (That's me in the far right with my head askew and my mouth open.) The short downhills and uphill beside the gym really didn't help things. I even walked a bit during the tight uphill section, it was hard to overtake there anyway.

Thankfully, the Hector, Neville, and company were nice enough to keep pace with my struggling self and despite the pain, I was having a good time, I think so anyway. May subconscious maybe blocking out the sad and painful memories.

Then the comedy part. Bouyed by watching the Ironman Triathlon Championships in Second Wind, we were all inspired to practice our ummmm, "finish line antics" (see below for what I mean), just in case we make the start in Kona, hehe.

Here's Pao and Nevs, showing the crowd that they're still strong despite the difficult race. I think they're channeling the Greek God look.

And here's Hector thanking God and me thanking the crowd for their support. I know, running makes people slightly cuckoo.

My favorite part of the race though was a few meters from the finish, when lacking a Philippine flag to play around with, Enzo and Migs came up with the brilliant idea of using a Second Wind jersey. Hehe, Sayang walang picture yun.

All in all, despite the fact that I wasn't an official finisher and I finished at way over 1 hr, I was glad to be "racing" again. Can't wait for the next one and I'll register for it, I promise.

DNF

2009-07-28T06:24:00.008+08:00

I was reading an article online titled: DNF: Black Mark or Better than a Bad Time?

Before this year, I would have just read this and moved on. But this time, it struck a cord with me because I had just recently broken a string of DNFs. Well, 2 of them to be exact.

This was the reason why I rather petulantly and abruptly stopped blogging and reduced my training. Normally, I pride myself on being able to suffer through anything and finish, so those DNFs really took the wind out of my sails.

My 1st DNF was in the Nuvali Off Road Duathlon, which was definitely a case of "Better than a bad time."

Coming of the 1st run, I was strongly placed in my age group and going into a MTB portion with some PNP or Army guy who I realized where novices on the saddle, I felt I could have placed well. Sure enough, I had quickly overtaken them in the first few meters on the bike and it was just me and a very strong biker from Xterra (who went on to win our age group).

But disaster struck my race when I we reached a particularly muddy portion. Being that the clearance on my bike between the tires and frame was minimal, I was quickly bogged down and ended up on the side of the trail frantically clearing mud from my bike. Only to stop and do it again a few meters down the road. Long story short, I was quickly passed by alot of my age group and seeing my previously very good race go awry, mentally I just snaped. Frustrated amd thinking" what's the point?", I took my 1st DNF of the year.

Check out the mud!

The second DNF was more of a case of "over confidence and undertraining lead to serious knee injury."

About 20 kms into this years TNF 100, after attempting to run up and down the mountainous route, I started feeling a stabbing pain in my knee. It got so bad to the point that I couldn't run anymore and took over 12 hours to finish my 1st 50k.

When I got back to the start finish area, I decided that discretion was the better part of valor and I should perserve my knee for future races. Still, it bummed me to have to make that decision and for being in a position where I had to make that decision.

Down! (That's Sir Willy)

Up!

Wet

I have to admit, those two DNFs following my disappointment late last year following Carrera Habagat lead to my near disappearance from the running, racing, and bloging world.

But...

I'm ok now. Hehe, I took my lumps and realized I missed the thrill of running, biking, and racing too much. As the song goes, I'm wiser now... Mentally and physically, I hope I am tougher.

And even with my bum knee, I was glad to finally finish last weekend's Ateneo run, though I ran as a bandit (for the 1st time ever) because I woke up too late to register, but that's a story for another day...

BTW. I'd like to belatedly congratulated my good friend and training buddy for finishing his 1st duathlon in trying conditions last Nuvali duathlon.

Congrats to Run Radio!

2009-07-24T23:06:00.006+08:00

I'd like to say a heartfelt congratulations to my good friend Marga!

Your baby has finally gone on air!

Great Show!

Catch it live every Friday 9 to 10 PM on NU 107.5

UPDATE: (July 27, 2009) Podcast of 1st Episode is now available!

Lance Armstrong: Iron Man?

2009-07-24T17:20:00.004+08:00

Once, while we were watching the 2008 Kona Iron Man in Second Wind. We played around with the idea of getting the best in each discipline, like getting Phelps, Armstrong, and Gebreselassie, and seeing who would win.

Armstrong would top it, I mused, he has tri background anyway. Back then, we figured it would be a long shot to see him try Kona, but considering he now runs marathons for fun, it was possible.

Well, according to cyclingnews.com, Radio Shack, the new team sponsor of LA has said:

"Beginning in 2010, Lance Armstrong will compete for Team RadioShack as a cyclist, runner and triathlete in events around the world, including the 2010 Tour de France,"

Interesting, we know the man can bike (7 TdF wins and he's good on the TT), he can run (2:46 NYC Marathon), but can he swim? I bet he can.

Team Radio Shack

2009-07-23T23:52:00.003+08:00

I've been on blog hiatus for awhile because of school and work. To be honest, I didn't expect to be blogging today, I was waiting for a race report or something interesting to come up... but this is to good to pass up.

When you favorite rider of all time forms a new team for 2010, that is blog worthy news!

www.teamradioshack.com

Biking Weekend Part 2: ToF

2009-04-19T23:44:00.005+08:00

After my muddy Saturday adventure, my dear mountain bike Patricia was not really up to another ride. So it fell upon Frank the roadie to be my Sunday steed for the Tour of the Fireflies.

I met Marc, Karen, Alvin and Lance at the start point in Tiendesitas where the start point for the ride would be.

Nothing much to report on the ride.

We clogged up most of EDSA northbound to SM North Edsa, Southbound to Buendia and back again to Tiende. I figure there were alot of pissed motorists and commuters this morning.
Karen figured that the reason it was a ride for clean air as that the organizers wanted us to inhale all the lingering pollutants on Metro Manilas main choke point.
Though I think it wouldn't do much good because after we had inhaled all the pollutants we left our own dirty air... the sweaty, B.O. kind because of the oppressive heat!
The nice thing about the Tour is that it serves as a biking reunion of sorts.
I ran into running buddies Vangie and Vima. Cross Training I would guess.
Also saw PUR team mate Don as well as alot of PMTB friends.

Lance doesnt look too happy about the heat.

Biking Weekend Part 1

2009-04-19T23:14:00.009+08:00

I had two back to back rides over the weekend.

First up was a Saturday morning ride from Second Wind to Giant Store and back again. Since it was Enzo's 1st time on a mountain bike, Mickey and I thought that were would be no better place to take him than the Shotgun trail, or as my friend Karen calls it "SHEYT-Gun".

Mickey and Zo on the Shotgun Trail

After much huffing and puffing up the mountain, we finally reached the top. And to his credit Enzo did surprisingly well, much better than Mickey and I thought he would. I guess there is really no substitute for the energy of youth!

We then proceed on the the Giant store and had what Enzo the Engineer proclaimed to be the best SPAM he has ever tasted!

After a short rest amidst a brief rain shower, we were on our way back to UP and Second Wind. This is when I made the monumental mistake of thinking that perhaps the Nursery Trail was also passable.

Big mistake, less than 1 minute down the single track and I knew I was in deep... mud. The thic clay kind which clogs up everything even your tires.

Well, we were there anyway, so we tried to make the best of it. But I think the two weren't very happy with me after that...

Mickey and Zo in the Nursery area

After much more huffing, puffing and pushing, we made our way to the Timberland Gate, where Mickey and I proceeded to test our newbie's courage by flying down the Wall.

Happy to report that he survived in one piece and we all made it back to the Second Wind Shop ready to ride another day... hopefully far in the future!

Running Aid 4

2009-04-17T22:06:00.004+08:00

Its that time again. Our Team principal Neville Manaios has informed me that we have be having another series of the extremely popular Running Aid Clinics which we started last year.

Check out the poster below.

This will be on Apirl 29, Wed at R.O.X. Two topics will be covered How to Train by Doc Pao and Core Training for Runners by Al and Ligaya Viado.

Second Wind Group Run

2009-04-16T11:50:00.003+08:00

Ran 11.6 kms yesterday with Goku and Zangief, plus Second Wind regulars Jem and Migs. Mickey had a different plan, so he only joined up on the latter half of the run.

We finished in around a hour and 7 minutes, pace was likely around an easy 6 or 6.5 min per kilometer.

If you'll like to join any of Second Wind's regular group runs. Just contact Hector sa shop via email or phone.

Second Wind Running Store

88 maginhawa st., teachers village QC

Marga's Birthday Ride

2009-04-16T10:28:00.008+08:00

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Marga sent out an open invitation to ride with her and her bike Sixto from Manila to Tagaytay on her birthday.

As much as I wanted to do it, I had one big problem. My road bike happened to be in parts lying in my bedroom.

Well, no time like the present to build a bike I thought. So I packed up all that bike stuff, cleaned out my bank account and headed to All Terra. Couple of hours later... the world met Frank.

Yeah, he name is Frank, anyone got a problem with that? Its the perfect foil to my prissy MTB Lady Patricia.

---

Birthday ride time. Marga and I started of from Alabang Westgate. Unfortunately, the idea of a big riotous group ride boiled down two hard headed individuals who would not let the idea of searing heat and traffic ruin our best laid plans.

We made our way down Daang Hari and made our first rest stop at a Shell station somewhere past the Camella Homes property.

While Marga and I got re hydrated, Frank and Sixto too the time to get to know each other.

I think they'll be good friends.

We set off again for Tagaytay. But of course, being Pinoy, we couldn't resist stopping to take the occasional picture. Like this one of Marga and the Giant coffee cup of Amadeo.

A few more on the road pics while we rested...

And we finally made it to Tagaytay, where the initial problem of where to have lunch was quickly solved by the choice of my favorite Greek restaurant.

Where we quickly devoured everything in sight.

But of course, no birthday ride would be complete without cake! So off to Starbucks we went for some cheese cake.

Happy Birthday Again Marga. See you again next year!

Running in Puerto Princesa

2009-04-12T18:56:00.005+08:00

One beautiful place that I found in Puerto Princesa to run is the Ramon Mitra Jr. Sports Complex.

It has a regulation rubberized track which was recently refurbished for use during last year's Palarong Pambansa. This track is comparable or even better to the one at Philsports in Ultra. According to the caretakers, the track is free for use to individuals who just want to get in a bit of training. Although large groups will have to ask permission from the city mayor.

If running on the track is not your style, you can also try running on the roads which lop around the 16 hectare sports complex. To my untrained eye they seem like asphalt and there really isn't that much traffic.

Also swimmers and triathletes rejoice, there is also a 50 Meter pool for use. Though the water color seems to show that the maintenance may leave a bit to be desired.

Race Report: Powerade Duathlon MOA

2009-03-31T12:47:00.006+08:00

I know its not Strictly a running event, but then again, I'm not strictly a running blog.

I'll keep this short because I'm kinda lazy today and I'm trying to fit in some pool time before my 6 PM Ethics class today.

Knowing that the race was supposed to start at 6:30, I got up at 4 am an went through my normal pre race routine; hot shower to warm the muscles, Oatmeal, and get into the race clothes.

Ever since I was a couple of minutes late to this year's Happy Run, I now always allot more time then I think I need to get to the race venue.

In this case, it turned out that I didn't need to worry about being late.

After spending 20 to 30 minutes battling with very unhelpful guards just to find a parking space, Marga and I arrived at the registration area to find a long line to claim the race packet followed by another long line to get body marked.

After all was said and done for us, we racked our bikes in the transition area and ran into a few friends. Ryan, my teammate in UPDT and Habagat was there, and we ended up talking for a few minutes before we went to the front of the starting pack to get his race face on! Hehe

By this time is was around 8 AM and it was hot! I remember Marga and I being in the back of a whole group of people who were milling around the starting arch, when we heard that gun go off!

The race had started!

Knowing that it takes me a very long time to warm up, I started the race slowly. Keeping a steady pace in the back while slowly making up ground as the kms passed beneath my feet.

It was so hot that I remember at one point in the run, all the runners suddenly crowded on the left side of the street because that side was shaded by the giant Uniwide mall.

According to the official times, my 1st 7k run plus transition was 0:35:25, which I guess is not that bad for a 7k run.

It was my bike time that really disappointed me. For 6 loops around MOA, more or less 30 kms of flat terrain, I timed a 1:05:14 including transition 2.

From the get go, I knew my bike time would be bad, after all this would be just my second time on the road bike after being on a MTB for 2 years.

What immediately struck me was the gearing. I remember starting off and accelerating quickly through some gears, when it became "heavy" I thought, ok this must be a good pace. No sooner had the words entered my mind when I was quickly overtaken by 3 road bikers!

Damn! I thought, Ang Bagal Ko!

In my mind, using my MTB with its little ratios as a frame of reference I thought I was really pushing a tiny gear on my road bike, when I looked down I saw I was only around the 3 or 4th gear from the largest one!

So I tried shifting down, but that became way too tiring, so I shifted gears again and prepared for a long morning of being overtaken up and down the course.

Which is pretty much what happened. I think I must have lost at least 10 maybe 15 places on the bike leg alone!

Which meant that I had some serious running to do.

Into the 2nd and last run leg, we had 4 kms to run. Straight of the blocks, I quickly speed up. Only to just as quickly slow my pace when my right calf started to give me the "spasm of doom"! Having experience this in a duathlon last year, I knew what to expect, I just slowed my pace a bit and I knew eventually, it would pass.

And it did, I was clear. I picked up the pace again and eventually even caught up with my friend Ryan who was around 3 or 4 minutes ahead of me coming out of the bike.

After we had made our turn around I increased my pace again and I even remember with around 1 km to go, asking the guy beside me if he wanted to race to the finish, you know for a little extra push.

Unfortunately, he declined, but I decided to run ahead anyway.

Long story short, I finished the 4k in 18:59 for a total time of 1:59:38, not bad I think for my 1st road dua.

Running Batanes 3

2009-03-29T21:43:00.004+08:00

My last installation of this series is not actually a run I did, but rather was planning to and really looking forward to doing, if not for the fickle weather of the islands.

Saturday morning was supposed to be a rest day for us, hence I was really looking forward to getting in a good long run around the South of the Island.

Yet, when I awoke, the sky was overcast, a light rain was falling and gale-force winds were howling. No way, I'd run that. I didn't even bring a jacket! Looked like an indoor day. Oh well, there's always gin. (As an aside, our tour guide tells me that they sell 26 Million Pesos of Rice a year in Batanes, and 22 Million Pesos worth of Gin! Gin is almost a staple product!)

However, I'd like to talk about the route I would have taken, having scoped it out by car the day before.

If I or say you were to do it, first you'd make your way South of Basco to the Municipality ofMahatao.

Pretty soon, you'll find yourself on the paved national road which hugs the coastline and provides beautiful, I mean absolutely stunning views.

Be careful though as there are alot of blind corners and the Ivatans as nice and hospitable as they are, are not the best of drivers. You may also want to pay attention to the fact that the roads are not always in the best condition, although there was a modernization project going on there while I was there. According to the omni present signs, they'll be spending 110 Million to modernize the roads there.

Around 5 to 7 Kms out of Basco, you'll reachthe municipality of Mahatao. The 1st thing you may notice is that the main road takes a right while a smaller road goes straight, following the main road.

In Mahatao, take time to appreciate some of the history around you. From old Ivatan houses, churches and even Spanish era bridges.

Making your way out of to the edge of town, you'll still be in the still be running on the stunning coastal road. And by now, you'll probably be thirsty, so be sure to drop by the Honesty Store

If you're lucky, the owner, a retired teacher with a golden heart, maybe around and she can tell you the story of the history of the Honestly Store.

The next part of the run will be on similar roads to the ones before Mahatao. But with one important exception.

The view...

The rocky cliff faces now becoming gently rolling hills and still rocky beaches. This view is the favorite of the loop for me.

Just check out these views!

Right before you reach the abandoned American outpost on the beach shown above, you will see a fork going up to "Marlboro Country"

This is where the paved roads start to become rough and trail shoes start looking like a really good idea.

A kilometer or so and you'll run into a closed gate. This is the gate for the communal grazing pasture. You may open the gate and pass through, but please for the love of God, close it behind you. Unless you to spend the rest of your vacation looking for a herd of missing cows!

After you pass these rolling grass covered hills, don't forget to lock the other gate behind you, and soon you'll find yourself on a paved road.

These paved road can have some killer uphills, but if you preservere and finish, you will find yourself in the town of Mahatao again, coming out of the secondary road which you may have noticed earlier.

At this point you'll only be 3 or 4 kms from Basco and you just follow the roads you took earlier. But run quickly, because you don't want to get stuck out here in the dark, remember what I said about Ivatan drivers earlier!

Hope you had fun!

Second Wind on Facebook!!

2009-03-26T22:18:00.005+08:00

Because Hector is so hip and "with it", he decided to use his technological expertise to put Second Wind on Facebook!!!

Be a Fan! Get to know the latest news, promos, sales, and discounts!

See more pics of the store and ve-cinity map (Hector's words, not mine) below.

Second Wind Soft Opening

2009-03-26T10:24:00.006+08:00

I was in the shop yesterday and the final supplier finally made his delivery.

Yup, Mizuno is in the house, err... store.

And of course, as with every delivery I found my perfect shoe, in this case, the Mizuno Wave Musha. Shown on the leftmost, bottom.

With all the stocks in yesterday, Hector, Neville, The Engineer and I spend around 2 to 3 hours getting the shop into ship, errr store-shape.

And with all that out of the way, I am proud to whisper to you all that the shop has...

a soft opening today!!! Drop by around noon onwards, browse the merchandise and get to meet Hec and Nevs.

Batanes Running 2

2009-03-25T10:03:00.000+08:00

Having an hour or 2 break until the next event for that day, I decided to take a short run.

Initially, I decided to run a bit around the Basco streets, passing some beautiful old but decrepit houses interspaced with cyber cafes! Ahh, progress, you really can't stop it.

As I was finishing up my run, I passed by the town plaza and sighted this.

Confirming that the lighthouse was in fact just a kilometer or two out of town, I decided to make my way there.

I made my way North of Basco. A few minutes of running on paved roads and after asking directions from a friendly old lady, I found myself here.

Apparently, it was a short cut which would go straight up the mountain, rather than a round about way.

Just a quick run pass the cemetary...

and a short but wild trip up some underbrush; I ended up at the base of the light house.

Of course I couldn't stop here. I didn't come all this way to check out the base of a lighthouse. But before going in, I saw this...

Yes! Solar powered! High tech! And Green!

So, on to the more important things. The base of the lighthouse is apparently always open so any one can make his or her way to the top.

50 Steps later and I encountered this a ladder with a sign.

NO ENTER! Being in the Honesty capital of the Philippines, I decided to heed the request. Even if the inner kid in me screamed to find out what was up there.

Instead, I steped out on the circular balcony the goes around the top of the lighthouse and took in the spectacular view.

That's Mt. Iraya in the background! Seeing its summit perennially covered in clouds during my stay there is one of the top reasons I am going back to Batanes.

From up here, I could see that path I took going up.

Don't worry, there's a less exotic but longer path if you choose.

After visiting the lighthouse, I decided to take in some of the sights surrounding it.

Check out the beauty of the rugged Batanes coastline.

And what I think is an abandoned former American something.

Batanes Warning

2009-03-23T14:56:00.001+08:00

When ever you see sights like this...

Beware of this...

Condura Run Recap

2009-03-23T11:05:00.000+08:00

There was a time that I joined every running race that I could get my hands (feet?) on. However, a few months of running every weekend can really take a lot out of you. And with my diversion into multi-sports and MTB, plus my MBA classes, I really have begun to pick and choose which road races I do. In fact, I think that my last race run was during the Happy Run more than a month ago, which in a city where there is a race every weekend, is a very long time.

But when I heard from Patrick that the Condura Run would have a 21k and would be on the Skyway, I didn't hesitate, I automatically registered!

For me doing this race was a no brainer, not only because Patrick was a good friend. For 1, 21k is probably my favorite distance for a road race; it’s just long enough to be challenging, but not too long that you contemplate suicide along the way.

Secondly, last year's run was arguably one of the best managed in the country, so I knew I would be able to enjoy and race this year's event worry-free.

Lastly, come on! One month between road races is way to long!

Night before race day, I got a text from Pat that there would be 6,000 runners registered for the race, so he advised coming early.

Imagining the problems I would have parking if I went late, I decided to take his advice to heart and arrived at the venue a good 45 minutes before the start of the 21k.

Once there, I laced up, wore my I am Ninoy jersey, using the CR, and talked a bit with my friends.

15 minutes before the start, we made our way to the start assembly area, where my visions of a perfect and trouble free race quickly crumbled. I couldn't find the entrance to the assembly area; I saw a sign for a 5k and 10k but no 21k! Then I ran into a rather rude race official who said we had to enter by the 10k sign.

Once I got in line for the assembly area, it was so crowded that I only got in a minute or two before the start of the race!

Luckily, when the starting gun went off, all this pre race stress melted away and I concentrated on the primary task of running 21k as fast as I could.

As any experienced runner will tell you, the 1st 2 or 3k of any road race is spent trying to go around slower runners while at the same time trying not to run too fast and wreck your whole race program.

It wasn't until the pack made its way down from the Kalayaan flyover that I managed to get into some "clean air" and I was able to race at a pace I was happy with.

(For those who do not know, I still don't run with those techy Garmins and HRMs and such. I prefer to run "blind" and instead listen to my own body if I can go faster or slower.)

For this 1st half of the race, I decided to run conservatively and was actually thinking of running a negative split. So I definitely ran within myself for the 1st half of the race and was feeling very good as we reached Osmena Highway and the highlight of the race, the SKYWAY route!

It’s at this point that I remember thinking that after we get over the SKYWAY onramp, we should be fine. In my head, I remember thinking that once this ascent was done with the SKYWAY would be once long flat stretch until the turn around and the eventual downhill run.

Boy was I wrong! The Skyway was anything but flat, instead proving to an undulating concrete snake with energy sapping uphills and knee pounding downhills. Magallenes interchange never seemed to far away to me before!

It was round halfway to the turn around when we saw the lead group of 4 runners. 42 minutes into the race and they had probably finished more than 14 or 15 kms! I haven't even reached the turn around point! Later I would find that they finished in 1 Hour 10 minutes!

Looking back on yesterday's race, I really didn't get a chance to enjoy the Skyway because on the way to the turnaround I was too busy focusing on running and on the way back I suddenly felt very weak and close to bonking. I really slowed at this point, almost running at 6 minutes per kilometer. I was caught and passed by a lot of people; my team mate Al passed me just off the SKYWAY gave me some encouraging words, which helped. At the very least it distracted me for 15 seconds and took my mind of my pain.

At this point all I could think of was a bet I made with Hector. Loser buys a bottle of Rush! I assumed that I was ahead of him at this point, so I took a long and careful look at each runner who passed me. I maybe slow, but so long as I managed to stay ahead of Hec, I would be fine!

It wasn't until reached the 16km point that I got my often prayed for and much needed Second Wind. But my problems didn't end there; suddenly my left knee began acting up!

So little kilometers left yet still so many problems! I remember telling my knee to hold it together for another 5k and I'll deal with the pain tomorrow if there was really a problem.

When we finally reached the Fort, I started to run faster, hoping that by finishing faster I would get a good race time and more importantly I can get myself out of my self imposed misery.

Unfortunately, every time I tired to speed up my legs quickly gave out.

But 300 meters from the end, I saw another runner quickly making ground on the side of the pack. Oh! A Now it would be a race! Could be fun! So I waited for him to pass me and quickly made chase behind him!

Thank god for that guy! By focusing on chasing him, I managed to distract myself all through the finish line and to a time of 1:47! This is probably a PR, because my last 21k was Subic Marathon last year at 1:58:10

So it was all good! And more importantly I finished ahead of Hector!

P.S. Thanks to Marga and Pat for helping me find my key after I lost it in my post race delirium.

Condura Run Tommorrow! I am Ninoy Runners, And More Second Wind News!

2009-03-21T18:17:00.000+08:00

Who Hoo!!! First Half Marathon of the Year! I hope I can get my PR!

Moreover though, tomorrow I and around 50 other runners will be donning the I am Ninoy Singlets to officially inaugurate the I am Ninoy Running Club.

Ms. Mayi Lopa had this to say about the movement in an email.

In summary, I Am Ninoy is not a political movement. It is an endeavor to bring out the hero in the Filipino. There is so much poverty and one way to eliminate this is providing education to the less privileged. We have talked to a group called "5775 Reverse the Education Crisis" to help us facilitate this objective. This group is composed of a number of large corporations that provide funding and technical support. You may be wondering why they call themselves 5775--in a survey done nationwide, it was learned that the average grade of a student is 57% while the passing grade is 75%--thus 5775 to signify the gap that needs to be reveresed in the counry's educational crisis. They have developed assistance packages in their program to address what they've identified to be the most critical needs. These include the following:

Nutrition through in-school feeding programs (it was found out that the students were performing bad because of lack of nutrition)

Materials through providing reading, math and science workbooks

Infrastructure -- building classrooms/buildings

Everyone can be a hero in his/her own little way.

So tommorrow, we will not only run for the whale sharks but for the children too. So many causes so little kms to run them all!

In other news, I was at the shop again earlier.

Guess what arrived...

Boxes and boxes of Optic Nerve!!

I've been using the Optic Nerve Savant for sometime now, in fact I'll be using it tom, and I can tell you its very good. Great for running, it's light, great lenses and its surprisingly affordable!

AND...

(Yes, its that good, I have to say it twice!)

ASICS are now in!!!

Finally I may get to try Asics soon!

Check some of these out! Gel Nimbus 9 and Gel Kayano

So Beeeyotiful! I want those Gel Nimbus! Matches the offical PUR uniform!

Oh...

Ones last thing... a little bird told me...

The will be very, very good discounts on all these Asics shoes when the store opens!

You didn't hear that from me.

What's New at Second Wind?

2009-03-20T19:46:00.001+08:00

The New Balance Stocks are in!!!

Check out some of this stuff.

Water Bottle with Pouch and Holder.

Those who don't like to wear lumbar belts or simply like to hold thier bottles like my friend Neville will enjoy this, to be a bit different it has a pouch you can carry a few things like change and car keys.

Lightweight New Balance Shoes

I forgot the number, but I think I am looking at my next running shoe. I've been a fan of New Balance since I got my first running shoe a NB 1060. I know NBs to usually be very comfortable on the feet, which is a primary concern to me, moreso than outright speed.

Though, a little extra speed always helps, so I am looking for a lightweight shoe to complete my arsenal.

Looking at it, its definitely very light and looks fast. I hope to get a pair to test soon. (Right? Hector?)

Track Shoes!!!

Though I probably wouldn't use these often. I'd love to get a pair to play with sometime. Just to get a different feel. Hehe.

Comes with spikes!

New Balance 909

For those planning to take on the TNF100, this shoe has been very well reviewed.

BTW Second Wind has a new landline: # 799-2089 and is still on track to open on March 28!

Running Batanes Part 1

2009-03-20T10:38:00.000+08:00

For me, the islands of Batanes is a must visit for every Pinoy Nature Lover. The scenery that you will encounter there is probably like nothing you have ever seen before here in our country. I know this is cliche, but in a away it reminded me of Lord of the Rings!

Being there recently for work, I couldn't help but also getting some running in.

So what is it like running in Batanes.

Firstly, pack accordingly. In the three days I was there, the 1st two had searing heat and blinding sunlight, only suddenly turn without warning to turn to a light drizzle with gale force winds! Very very Cold! The locals say such tempermental weather is the norm for the area.

What kind of shoes?

If you choose to run the town proper of Basco, all you would encounter is asphalted or concrete roads. So road shoes are ok. But I really urge you to get out of town and experience the beautiful views as you run.

For this you may need trail shoes as the roads can alternate between paved and unpaved. However I used a highly cushioned road shoe with little trouble, so long as you're careful.

But I suggested you bring trails shoes like I also did if only to experience the vast single track network that Batanes has to offer.

Which at one point, took me to what I call "my lonely little spot at the edge of the world."

Blog Redux: Makiling Challenge 7 Report

2009-03-18T00:51:00.000+08:00

Since, I've been ridiculously busy with my MGMT8504 Paper and of course, my work. I haven't really had time to sit down and finish my blog post about Batanes. In the meantime, I ported an old entry from my previous blog just to keep things moving. Enjoy

***

Lesson: Never assume.

When I first heard about the Makiling Challenge, I thought that since it was going up a mountain, it would be a trail run. Unfortunately, I had pretty much written off my trail shoes at the end of the TNF100. I didn't believe that my Adidas could handle another off road race especially one is which I was determined to do well in. Of course, I didn't let a minor issue like no shoes deter me. So, I pestered Neville to no end to get me some good North Face shoes! Thankfully, through the kindness of the team, R.O.X., and North Face, I got me a good deal on some new Rucky Chuckys! I was set to race!

Except for one minor detail. When I got to UPLB, I discovered that while the race would go up a mountain (and what a mountain is was, more on that later), it was completely on asphalt! Ok, I thought, fine, I normally keep spare shoes in the car. But in this case my spare shoe was my Adidas trail shoes because my last run was a trail run to prepare for what i thought would be a trail race! Hay yay yay. Well, I'll run in the Rucky Chuckys then.

On to race day, perfect race weather, despite the threat of rain the night before, the sizable crowd which massed at Baker Hall was greeted by clear skies and sunny weather. In fact, if anything, it looked to be a hot race!

Right of the bat, my race was off to a bad start. Since I was with alot of my friends, I had started near the back of the field. As everyone knows, starting from the back, or near the back will end up costing you time as a "bottleneck" of runners will prevent you from running your own pace.

For some reason it seemed particularly crowded in the start of this race and I had a hard time passing slower runners. It wasn't until the course started to go uphill after the bridge that the field began to build some separation and I was able to run my own pace. By this time, I was sure I had lost a bucketful of time.

Tip for the next race: I will definitely start in the middle front. Not to far forward that I will be goaded by faster runners into an unsustainable pace. But forward enough that I am with serious enough runners that I can run my own pace. I especially recommend staying ahead of the high school and grade school students in their PE uniforms who seem to be there in every race, probably because they are required by their school, they usually don't run and instead walk 3 or 4 abreast, making them very hard to pass.

The 1st 2 kms or so of uphill was a gradual slope, so while my legs felt the uphill, I was still feeling good and confident about doing well. The trees shading the route also helped alot as it really prevented the race from becoming overly hot.

The race route took us into the Boy Scouts of the Philippines complex, a place I haven't been in since I was a Boy Scout over a decade ago and we wasted 2 bottles of lighter fluid trying create a bonfire with wood which we later learn to be too wet to work!

A bit after the welcome arch of the BSP was the rotunda where the 5k runners would turn around and where the 1st water station was located. As I already had a good pace I didn't want to slow down too much so I just grabbed one of the plastic bags of water, bit it, drank a little and then followed the marshal's directions to continue on our route... straight down or should I say up to Hell!

Honest to god, the aburt change in the slope from gradual to killer took alot out of me. At first I tried to keep some semblance of my former pace, but as the mountain kept rising with no apparent end in sight, I followed the lead of the runners around me and began to walk. The slope was such that walking seemed more efficient than running because I really could not make up alot of distance running and fighting gravity at the same time!

Walking with occasional bursts of running. The uphill seemed to the Arts Camp Housing seemed to go on forever and I really felt like I was over heating. It's a good thing the front of the team jersey could be opened. By the time I reached the top, the zipper had reached the bottom!

I was so relived to reach the top, only to realize that there were runners coming from the other side of the mountain. This was not yet the turn around! We still had to make our way to the Arts Amphitheater!

Despite it not being the turn around, there was a small moment of rejoicing when I realized that there was a water station up top. The 1st one we saw since the start of the climb!

After grabbing 2 waters, one to drink and one to douse myself with. I quickly ran down, practically coasting past other runs, trying to make gravity my friend instead of my enemy. I guess this is where the superb grip of the Rucky Chuckys came to fore, as I passed many other runners who seemed unsure of themselves going down quickly, while I was sure footed with every step.

Because it was mostly downhill, I reached the turn around point, we were had to go around the amphitheater. This is where we got the 1st straw loop and some marshal mentioned that I was 72nd at this point. From the very top of the mountain, we were almost at lake level! I remember thinking to myself: "Uh Oh, no we have to climb what we ran down."

No sense delaying the inevitable, so I started to make my way up. Again utilizing my run and hike technique. I also alleviated by pain and suffering my pulling up on an imaginary rope! Haha, anything to keep me going!

I also saw my friend Euan going down to the turn around, but as he looked totally wasted and I was in no mode to do anything, we merely acknowledged each other with a glance. That's it!

The top seemed to come quickly enough. I guess it's because I go so used to it.

After getting 2 waters again, I ran down the long long uphill we climbed earlier. In fact, it was during this run down that I realized how high we had climbed, because running down seemed to take forever. In fact, I believe I was running down so fast and for so long, I felt that the soles of my feet were heating up from moving around in the shoe! In fact, there was a point I slowed down because I thought the heat/friction would burn a hole through my thin Nike socks!

Eventually, I did reach the bottom and after the trials and tribulations of the mountains, it was smooth coasting from here to the finish line. I just keep a quick but steady cadence from here and at one point even got into step with with PNP runners just for the heck of it.

Crossing the bridge I knew there was less than 1 km to go, so I decided to pick up the pace and semi sprint to the finish. Upon reaching the finish line, I saw someone I knew and forgot to push the stop button on my watch, but I am guessing I did the 10k, which was closer to 12k according to Euan's pedometer, in a little more than a minute.

So not too shabby if I must say so myself. I mean considering the elevation change, which I estimate to be around 3 and a half Mt. Apos high, and the extra 2 km, I'm pretty pleased with my time. Of course, now I'm excited to go back and beat my time next year!

Thanks to Sonny for the Pictures

Route Map c/o MACRUNNERS site.

TNF100 Registration is Now Open!

2009-03-16T09:10:00.000+08:00

Registration for the TNF 100 Trail Run is now Open!

The TNF 100 is 10, 20, 100 Kilometer Solo or Relay Trail run on May 23 to 24 in Sacobia, Clark.

Register today at The North Face in Megamall, MOA, Glorietta 3, Shangri La Mall, SM Cebu and SM Davao. Plus at everybody's favorite outdoor shop R.O.X.

For more information about the race and fees go to:

http://www.thenorthface100.ph

Race Bibs

2009-03-15T21:14:00.000+08:00

Can you guess which ones are mine?

Run For Your Life: Manila - Tagaytay

2009-03-11T23:28:00.000+08:00

Before I jet off to parts unknown, I want to wish my team mates in the Pinoy Ultra Runners good luck in the upcoming Manila to Tagaytay Run! I really wish I could join you guys!

Not only is this the 1st ultra marathon for this year, but this is also the first for the team's new beneficary, the Brain Foundation for indigent patients.

Please support the them and the foundation by purchasing limited edition RFYL Manila to Tagaytay lanyards at R.O.X. this weekend or by emailing pinoyultrarunners@yahoo.com

Gait Analysis at Second Wind

2009-03-11T16:46:00.000+08:00

Since I am too lazy to write a welcome post, I'll just jump straight into the meat of this blog with a few old posts from my Multiply page.

***

Earlier, I once blogged about the importance of getting a proper bike fit.

Bike fitting, I think is not really a tough sell, once people have some mileage under their saddle, they begin to realize the little intricacies of having the right sized equipment. A few millimeters here and a little less there can make a huge difference in balance, power and of course comfort.

However, unlike riding with the wrong equipment, few people may realize that they are running with the wrong shoe.

Whereas you may equate some bike pain to improper sizing, very few people realize that their injuries or pain may come from the wrong type of shoes, choosing instead to think that perhaps they are running the wrong way or may have too much mileage.

Personally, I was once that kind of runner.

Til I met the SHOE GUY, SG for short, who shall remain nameless to preserve his anonymity.

For the longest time I had been thinking that I am a mild over pronator and thus I choose my shoes accordingly.

Luckily for me, an innocent remark about pronation in a coffee shop with the SG, lead to one of the biggest running revelations of my life.

In short order, I was running barefoot on a treadmill in aforementioned SG's soon to open store, while he took videos and attempted to analyze my gait.

After walking and running, coupled with some videos taken with SG's trusty Sony Ericsson.

As SG analyzed my gait, he came to the conclusion that I am actually not an over pronator but a neutral runner!

Its like the clouds opened up and the angels sang hallelujah! A Neutral Runner! I was free from the shackles of stability shoes, which I now suspect maybe the cause of the shin pain I normally experience in the 1st 2 to 3K of any run!

WOW! This may have been just a crude visual gait analysis, but It really helped me. I can wait to try the real Gait Analysis once the imported software comes here!

In the meantime, I'm happy with this knowledge, as I set about updating my shoe closet.

For more info on gait analysis or just running shoes in general. You may contact the shoe guru through his soon to open shop:

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Second Wind Running Store

88 Maginhawa St., Teachers Village QC

secondwind.proshop@gmail.com