According to Wikipedia, “Long slow distance (LSD) is a form of aerobic endurance training in running and cycling. Physiological adaptations to LSD training include improved cardiovascular function, improved thermoregulatory function, improved mitochondrial energy production, increased oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle, and increased utilization of fat for fuel. Ernst van Aaken, a German physician and coach, is generally recognized as the founder of the long slow distance method of endurance training.” The same article also mentions that “a typical 5k runner might consider 8 to 10 miles of LSD, while a marathoner might run 20 or more miles. LSD runs are typically done at an easy pace, 1–3 minutes per mile slower than a runner’s 10k pace.” I chose this topic because I have been running for a while now but haven’t actually realized how long should a run must be for it to be considered an LSD. I remembered last year when having breakfast with ultra runner friends (I mean running friends who are way stronger than me) when comments were made about some people bragging in social media that they just did a long 15k run. They said that they just don’t get it , because 15k isn’t really that long. In their opinion a long run should at least have a minimum distance of around 26 to 30km. I would like to think that distance is relative to one’s fitness level – some may consider 15k long , some people may consider it short. Whatever the distance maybe, as long as you are reasonably tired after it , then that maybe long enough for you.    We call this our “easy” loop – not because the terrain is easy (actually the terrain is more difficult) but because it is easier for...

This morning was the 2011 edition of the Adidias King of the Road  and I realized that about 2 hours ago. I remember when the registration fee for this 21k event was still reasonable… For my 30k run this morning, I spent 20 bucks for a 300 ML bottle of Pocari Sweat  and 15 bucks for a 500 ML bottle of water. Hmmm...

As usual, work has been more hectic : an audit here, a deadline there , another deadline over there …. ok, I know you get the picture It really is difficult squeezing in runs at 4 in the morning on a weekday, considering that you have slept at 11:30 pm the day before. So this is the best schedule that I came up with last week : Monday – Rest Tuesday – 21 KM Wednesday – 8 KM Thursday – 20 KM Friday – Rest Saturday – 21 KM Sunday – 23 KM I was able to do only 93 KMs for last week and my knees are sore – my weekend runs couldn’t even be considered “long” runs. I hope I could sustain this mileage for this week before increasing it next week. Wish me...

I used to remember when I complained a lot about not having enough water stations, but after the 2010 edition of Globe’s run for home, I think I should complain about having too many water stations ….. not! Well,  it almost was your typical 21Km run along the Makati – Global City area, except that this race started in Makati and ended in a different street in Makati. It was fun being able to run under the greenbelt tunnel for the first time – a nice new route which you can’t run on a regular day. No PR for this 21km run (some say it was 22+km, who cares ? as long as the distance is not less than what we paid for) . I finished it in 2:30 – I am still under the weather but I thought that since I paid for it, I might as well run it, hehehe....