Thanks to Roadmarker for inviting me to join her during the presscon last Thursday, January 28, 2010, in National Sports Grill, Greenbelt 3. I really miss this sport, and being in a crowd of runners just made the trip worth the break from working for upcoming events and web projects. A short presentation for the 21K route was shown, and I’d like to say…I think there’s a formula to everything, especially running (even if I’m just a recreational runner / enthusiast). You don’t just run, because you’ll only end up injuring yourself…just an observation = ) The Century Tuna goodie bag was the second one I’ve received (the first coming from RunnerSpeak for the video below…) Century Tuna Century Tuna Check out details from my first Century Tuna Superbods Run 2010 entry Derek Ramsay, Grace Tariaga, and the Ladies from World Wide Fund for Nature (Chrisse Olayres, Mayj Tolentino, and Joanne...
A 50k moment in a poet’s play...
posted by bolt
I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to run the 2nd BDM test run even if I am not participating on the race itself. This is my first attempt at an ultra-marathon and I’m glad I tried it. With the strong CAMANAVA Runners 50K in 7:56:40 When we arrived at the Bataan shrine in Mariveles, it felt quite different, considering that the first time I have been here , it was dark … because the 1st BDM strarted at midnight. The 1st 7 kilometers were well, very difficult, most runners (me included) walked the up hills. We were very lucky last Saturday that the weather was a bit overcast, because had it been sunny all throughout, I may not have been able to finish the race. Now I understand what Isko says when he speaks about attitude and mental toughness … having completed a couple of full marathons, I thought that running for 8 more kilometers would be easy – I was wrong! My easy pace became difficult, my target times – lost … I was worried that after 4 hours, I haven’t even reached the 30 KM mark. In fact, I had doubts that I will be able to complete this daunting task. Then, it all came to me – the reason why we were all doing this : to pay tribute to those brave souls who marched these same streets of death more than half a century ago. After all, who am I compared to them? What is running a mere 50 kms compared to the distance our martyrs have traveled? Who am I to complain? 102 kilometers may just be a moment in a poet’s play, but for me this is as real as it gets. ...
Expensive Registration Fees...
posted by bolt
This is going to be a very short post. I know that I am not the only one who thinks that the registration fees are too expensive. Pardon me for my un-educated question, but why is it that races tend to be more expensive when there are brand sponsors ? I mean, what is the point of having them if the runner pays for the entire shindig anyway ? And honestly, how much really goes to the selected beneficiary...
The Nazarene at Kilometer Zero...
posted by bolt
I was able to squeeze in a few runs after the Rizal Day run; but that was just they are – a few. So I decided to run around 10k today and 20k tomorrow. I was supposed to do a single loop around MOA and then to CCP, knowing that the Black Nazarene was in Quirino grandstand and that there will be a lot of devotees there. But then again, when I met Ian who was about to start his bike training, I changed my mind and eventually ended up going to the Quirino grandstand anyway. I have been to the Quirino grandstand a lot of times before, but this is the only time that the atmosphere was so solemn. Devotees on their way to the Quirino Grandstand – Most of them are barefoot Mass After running, I returned to MOA but ended up limping again, this was due to the blister on my left big toe. Since I didn’t anticipate a long distance run, I just used ordinary cotton sports socks when I should have used running socks instead. ( I only use them during races since they are a bit expensive). The thing about running socks is that it provides proper cushioning (that is why they are left / right foot specific), it wicks away moisture and most importantly, they don’t have extra threads protruding near the toe area. – I think that was what caused the blister on my foot. Nike Running Socks Nike Elite Running Socks – No Show Don’t get me wrong, ordinary cotton sports socks work for me for distances up to 10 miles. I was about to call it quits after 20km but I ran (pun intended) into Ian (he is running this time, after...
Shoes Blues
posted by bolt
When I started running about a year ago, I ran my first race using my old Nike cross trainers and it carried me smoothly thru 10 kilometers of pavement so I thought that maybe, there really was no need to buy running shoes; but since it was an old pair, I decided to buy a new pair of running shoes anyway :). My first pair was the Adidas Adizero Mana, it worked well for me. In fact, I still have it with me and it almost looks brand new since I wasn’t able to use it that much since I immediately increased my mileage so that I could run the Condura half-marathon a few months after. While training for my first half marathon until I completed my first full marathon, I was using the Asics Gel Cumulus Eight – for me, this was the perfect pair, it carried me through new heights during the Condura half-marathon in the skyway, the dust of the 1st BDM 102 while we were pacing Isko and finally, the cool asphalt layers of the SCTEX during my first marathon. .. and just like any other pair of running shoes, it has already reached its maximum mileage. After 10 months of sweat and pain, I have retired it after running the Subic International Marathon – a fitting end for a shoe so great. Since we were in Subic at the time, we decided to drop by the Nike depot and there I found my new running partner – the Nike Structure Triax 12 (and it was on sale!) . I was so excited with this pair, thinking it will outperform my old Asics. So when it was time for the Pasig International Marathon, I put on...
Century Tuna Superbods Run 2010...
posted by crazygrace
As I sat in ROC (a cafe inside Bahay Ng Alumni in UP Diliman) with one of my best buds, Joanne Ignacio, I came across the upcoming event that’s happening on February 21, 2010: The Century Tuna Superbods Run! I haven’t had any training and running in awhile, and what better way to start the year right? By training and being fit and healhty! Derek Ramsey will be there, together with the Century Tuna Bods Finalists. A photo booth will be installed and serve as a go-see for interested participants who want to qualify as one of the next Century Tuna image models! If you think you have what it takes, then join in on the race and have your picture taken as well! Century Tuna Superbods Run 2010 There will also be fun and interesting activities after the race, only happening at The Fort, Global City, with 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km distances to be covered. Don’t forget the date: February 21, 2010, and don’t forget the event: Century Tuna Superbods Run 2010! RockEnRun would like to thank RunnerSpeak and Century Tuna for their bag of goodies! Watch them on Sunday, January 10, on QTV, at 1445H-1515H for details. Also, check out Nuffnang’s post for more details or visit Century Tuna’s Official Website! 😀 Here’s a good 90’s beat to jumpstart my training in getting ready for this run: ...
A Good Running Year
posted by bolt
2009 was a good running year for me … I have joined a lot of races and have completed 2 full marathons before my 1st year running anniversary – a feat that I thought wasn’t possible due to the corporate-sponsored stress which was given to me for free. .. and what better way to end it than to run two half marathons (NB and Philstar), an unplanned trail run and the Rizal day 32km run. Happy new...
RockEnRun Goes Pop
posted by crazygrace
…and so goes the era where my brother will have the pleasure of calling me “the recreational runner” again and again (being the youngest in the group and having no discipline in training). Well, try living my lifestyle…that’s what one of his friends told him, and it was enough to shut him up for about a couple of hours. Haha, no. Not enough time with the stress I’m going through. I have resigned from work, tho, and I MIGHT just have enough time to run every morning before I start on my freelance web projects. All that will have to wait, until I finish what I am busy with right now. The past several weeks had mainly consisted of me hosting the Friendster Live Sessions: The Bar Tour, while working on pending personal projects and freelance web work that I want to finish before the year ends. Hail 2010! As for now, check out some of my gigs with friends on the following dates found below. Next week, I am back to running! Wooohoooo!!!!! Support me and my friends on the following dates: FREE ENTRANCE! GAMES AND PRIZES TO BE WON! Party the night away, ladies and gents! 😀 Chill out at Friendster Live Sessions, the Bar Tour, from December 3 to 19. Catch the hottest bands live at the Food Parks, Food Patio, Food Odyssey, Franky’s, Torio’s, Mediterranean, 1962 Bar, Jimmy’s Bar, Chatterbuzz and G-Mix. Friendster Live Sessions is brought to you by Premiere Condoms, Modess, and Dream TV! 1. December 3, 2009 Location: GT Towers, Ayala Bands Playing: Zynchro, The Daughters aka Pin-Up Pixies 2. December 4, 2009 Location: PBCom Tower, Ayala Bands Playing: Salt n Pepper, Paraluman 3. December 4, 2009 Location: LKG Towers, Ayala Bands Playing: Zynchro, Paraluman 4. December...
Timex Perfect
posted by bolt
Hmm – I am at a loss for words. Last Sunday’s Timex half-marathon is perfect. As I was driving around the Fort Global City area on my way to the parking lot, I have noticed the long tables filled with cups of water / sports drinks. I said to myself that finally, the organizers are listening to the runners – this must be a good sign! I was aiming for a PR for this run, but as the race started, I was surprised that the race has actually started, hehehe – you should be there, everybody just started running. It was your typical 21km race route around the Fort and Buendia . The roads were closed and irate motorists giving us the finger – tssss! Do we have anger management classes in the Philippines ? I was so excited in achieving a PR that I forgot to warm up – big mistake. After 4 kms, my 5:30 pace dropped to 6:00 and then 6:30. I got so tired that I realized after reading the official results that my pace for the last 2kms was around 8 to 9 mpk! I finished the race at 2:18 (chip time) – so much for a PR. I was happy that at the finish line, we were treated like VIPs- we were given towels and awarded a medal ; but wait, that’s not all : there was free breakfast, lots of 100 plus / free coffee sachets and a loot bag that contains .. wait , let me see – an energy bar and wait, another bottle of 100 plus! Hats off to Coach Rio and...
Pasig all the way
posted by bolt
I didn’t think that I would be able to complete my 2nd attempt at a full marathon. The night before the run, I wasn’t feeling well – I had to take paracetamol before I slept. I also took another dose when I woke up at 2 am on the race day itself. In fact, I still was a bit hesitant to join the race when we reached the starting area at the KM 0 mark at the Quirino Grandstand. The event, having one of the network giants as a major sponsor, started with a lot of fanfare (or should I say spot lights and cameras plus a noisy emcee). The mood in the starting line was fun, I especially enjoyed watching the performance of the Philippine Marines band. True to the Biscocho tradition, the race started at 4:28 am ( 2 minutes before the scheduled gun-off). The three of us started a bit slow with Isko slowly picking up the pace to which Ian and I followed. We were going so fast that at around 5kms, I slowed my pace down to around 6 mpk. There was after all still 37 kms left to run. The water stations didn’t run out of water – thank God I didn’t get dehydrated at my first attempt to run 42kms during the daytime. As for the route, I doubt that anyone would get lost this year as there were directional signs and marshals along the entire route. Besides, If I get lost, all I had to do was to follow the scent of the river – after all, this race has Pasig written all over it. I started walking around the Guadalupe area, I think my legs aren’t as strong as the other runners; it has been only...
Run The Talk With RunnerSpeak: Press Launch at R.O.X....
posted by crazygrace
Yet again, I am amazed at what good shows QTV is able to produce. Hands down and thumbs-up to all kapuso families! Woot! RunnerSpeak Trailer Thanks to Anna, I got invited to the press launch of the pioneering show in the local TV scene focused on running in the 3rd floor of R.O.X. – High Street tonight. I know I have to sleep already but I just can’t get the show out of my mind right now! Woohoo! I’m just so excited to watch its first episode on Sunday, November 8: 2:45PM on QTV! Ron De Los Reyes – Opening Speech Directed by Mark Limchoa, hosted by Joanne Ignacio and Manny Paksiw, the videos in this entry are just parts of what I was able to capture during the event (too bad I just had my 2.0 megapixel phone at my disposal ) Was able to personally talk to Ron De Los Reyes and he’s told us about running events back in its boom in the 80’s. He said that it was a bit different back then, if there was an event in one place, there wouldn’t be another race event anywhere else in the metro. Now, you’ll have to choose from all the events that happen all at the same time I guess running has definitely taken its place in this generation of health-conscious earthlings! A Toast to RunnerSpeak! With Ron De Los Reyes and Manny Paksiw 😀 Crazy Giveaways Who would actually want to miss on the good stuff? Adidas giveaways, Timex bags, Camelbak hydration packs, and the best of all: a Timex wristwatch! Winner of the grand prize actually had Crazy as his first name, and my heart almost stopped. Turned out the crazy winner had a different second...
Papa-Paparazzi at the Subic International Marathon!...
posted by crazygrace
Marathoners Before a Run 😀 2009-11-06 Subic International Marathon! 2009-11-06 Subic International Marathon! 2009-11-06 Subic International Marathon! 2009-11-06 Subic International Marathon! Pictures in the van going to Subic before dropping by Nike Factory Outlet. Adobo for Lunch The new pairs from Nike! Woohooooo! I’m getting ready getting ready .. oh boy what a day … GU .. Check! Shoe Laces .. Check On The Road to Floridablanca – Starting Line for the Subic Marathon! Vehicles Keep Left, Runners Keep Right Getting Shutter Happy during the Subic...
42KM on Wheels and Video: Super Pinoy, Seabiskwit, and Kuya Eugene...
posted by crazygrace
Subic International Marathon October 24, 2009 Here I thought, being a part of the support van was as easy as … handing out the bottles in succession, or whenever they need it. Giving them GU when they need it already, and taking videos and pictures of them while listening to feel-good music and resting my back on the rows of seats in the support van (haven’t had enough decent sleep rushing projects just to be able to come through for my brother). Yeah, THAT part was easy. Stopping every how-many-minutes was very tiring! Waiting for them if they needed anything more was stressful! I’m just glad Kuya Eugene and Kuya Ian aka Seabiskwit were able to finish their first marathon together! Woohoo! During the early part of the race: The three guys, whom I will label as the “Tres Hermanos”, Kuya Isko aka Super Pinoy, Kuya Ian aka Seabiskwit, and Kuya Eugene Kuya Jeff Abenina on the lead, president of Camanava Runners. Woohoo! Go Kuya Jeff!! Tried to get a shot of runners halfway through the race, even if water in almost four aid stations have run out! Was trying to get a shot of the Tres Hermanos under this supposed good lighting spot we found along the road where we parked and saw the Running Ninja instead. Go Sam! With the van support backing them up, I sorta checked up on how they were doing on the road while asking if they needed anything. This part of the highway was too dark so Kuya Isko had to use a headlamp to help them be...
A 52km Weekend
posted by bolt
As I look back, I remember the first time I asked my sister to register me for a race. I eventually didn’t participate in the said 10k event because I was too lazy to wake up at 4am so that I could simply run. I quipped ”Why should I change my routine?”. I usually wake up at around 6:00am and do my 2.1km jog around The Fort area and more recently, around MOA. I even remember a female colleague telling me this: “Ano ba yan, papahirapan mo nalang sarili mo, magbabayad ka pa!” I eventually joined my first race (which covered a distance of 10km) wearing my very old Nike cross trainers (the shoe’s sole had been replaced with locally available soles since the original air sole has already leaked). … and here I am, 11 months and 3 running shoes after –> running my first ever full 42KM marathon. What can I say? I didn’t even plan joining this event until 5 weeks ago. I was undertrained . Thanks to the effort of ultra runner friend Isko who patiently trained me in such a short time, I was able to complete this run together with another running friend, Ian. The concept of running SCTEX at night was very appealing to most of the people who participated in this event, after all, you can’t run along this route on a regular night (pun intended). This could’ve been a next to perfect race except for the following: • No water for four consecutive water stations – I think that the water stations were more than 2.5kms apart, so you could imagine how thirsty the other runners were when they came to our support vehicle (the white van with the team hardcore tarpaulin) asking if we...
Support for Subic Marathon! What’s the Magic Word!?...
posted by crazygrace
And so it has come to this…just a day before it begins: Bolt’s first official marathon! His friends will be bringing a van and I’m hitching! We’re cooking food tonight and bringing stuff for support every 3KMs. If you’re in need of anything and if we can provide, just say the magic word: HOLLA! 😀 After that, Adidas King of the Road! See you all and have fun for those running the Subic International Marathon tomorrow! Woohoo!...
QCIM: Carbo-Loading Vids, ZZZZ, and Something Inappropriate....
posted by crazygrace
With Fingers Crossed The time it took for me to finish a 10KM trail run is faster than what it took me to finish the QCIM-10km run. It would have been easier if I had enough sleep (my trouble with getting a decent rest before a run is starting to sound really monotonous). People say, “you always have to make time to train”… a daytime job, three projects, and a couple more coming in from the west makes me want to “run in place” and build on that stamina! Well, if only my imagination were strong enough to make my body believe that it’s training while working. Good luck with that. Carbo-Loading slash Quezon City International Marathon Press Conference On a not-so-hectic day for me after work, I had to run to Salcedo to give my strawberry cheesecake gift to a friend who will be celebrating her birthday that night (but one I couldn’t attend) because of a baby shower I had to go to in Shaw. I ended up dropping by Quezon City circle for the Carbo-Loading get-together where Kenyans participating in the race were present. Pacers were also presented: Jonel of Team Hardcore, Isko Lapira, Abet of Camanava Runners, some of whom I got introduced to that night. Koyah Iskoh Pacers! Pacers Onstage! Flapjacks for dinner! Yaaayy! Below are vids from the get-together and advise these Kenyan runners provided Quezon City International Marathon – Interview on Kenyan Runners Run. Walk. Run. Ambushed. Run. Got there at 4am, waited for Bolt to start on the marathon AND went to one of the benches to get some shuteye. We were told the 10KM’s gun off was gonna be at 5:45am so I got up at 5:20...
My "First" 10KM Run...
posted by crazygrace
October 10, 2009 | 2300H: Pseduo Carbo-Loading I should have gone to bed already for the 10km run for the Milo Finals the next day…BUT since I ate a lot for dinner, by request of BUTTERFLY, I had to stay up for a little longer while drinking a lot of hot water to help me digest (“crazygrace logic” kicked in). Carbo-Loading (although not applicable for everyone) is usually done the day or the night before a run BUT I think I’ve had more of iron and protein from what I ate than carbs!!!! Just WRONG! Went straight to Kopiroti to consume tea (no Coffee Bean and Teal Leaf this time cos I’m cutting down on expenses haha). October 11, 2009: Milo Finals This was the first 10KM run I was able to fully participate in since my “vacation” and I actually got a bit nauseated by the thousands of runners around me. Here I was at it again: no training, and well…there was a bit of sleep, tho…but not much of what I needed, but yes, I just had to proceed. It took awhile before the 10KM run actually started, and I saw one of my professors from Benilde hosting the event (Mr. Jag Garcia). I did not try getting his attention anymore, but hollered on his facebook wall later that day instead…and so the race started. At The Starting Line! I couldn’t really remember much as I was more focused on breathing in and out deeply, and that if I had taken my proper dose of inhaler for my asthma half an hour before the race started (as prescribed by the doctor– running/slight consistent panting that’s a probable effect of running can trigger an asthma attack, from what I understood). First...
Unused Milo RFID chip...
posted by bolt
When I first thought of registering for this year’s Milo finals, I had the simple intention of improving my 21k PR However, since I haven’t been able to train lately due to the bad weather brought about by the deluge as well as my very hectic work schedule, I still registered for the half marathon event but decided to run the last 32k of the marathon as a bandit. I haven’t joined a race before as a bandit. Registering for the run made me feel less guilty (a half-bandit if you must, hehehe). Isko told me that I must peak at around 30k to 35k before running the entire 42km, with that, I agreed to meet him at the corner of Buendia and Roxas Boulevard along with his running group, the CAMANAVA runners (Jeff and Albert). They were able to reach the said location at around 5:45 am. I ran with them at a pace of around 6:30 to 7. At the corner of Pasong Tamo, the people from the takbo.ph booth were very generous – they gave us bananas, oranges and some even offered petroleum jelly; nothing really beats a booth manned by runners themselves. I was also introduced to the Runner for Christ as we cruised along Buendia. We were running as a group until we reached the Fort area – it was really easy to spot us, we were among the many groups running the 42k while wearing different category race bibs. We went our separate ways when we reached Bayani road on our return trip to the Quirino grandstand, I personally, couldn’t keep up with the stronger CAMANAVA runners who decided to run a bit faster than their current pace (or is it because I slowed down...
Well done
posted by bolt
Last year’s Fort Strider’s race was supposed to be the first road race that I was going to participate in. I registered for the 10km but due to my hectic work schedule, I wasn’t able to join. As I have said before, there are two important things for me in a road race : safety and hydration. The distance- well as long as it doesn’t exceed a kilometer then I’m a bit ok with it. I said a bit – sabi nga nila, di baleng sobra, wag lang kulang. I was able to finish 15++ Km (instead of 10 miles) in 1:38. Congratulations to the Fort Strider’s for a well organized race....
Bad Ondoy!
posted by bolt
It is raining … again. I wish the rain would just stop. It has already caused a lot of problems for people who had been affected by Ondoy’s wrath. It would be selfish to say that I wasn’t able to complete this week’s training schedule knowing that some people have lost their homes and even their lives because of this horrible disaster. I just hate days like this! I hope in time, everything will be better …...