Monday, October 29, 2007

Run for LOVE - Gawad Kalinga|Adidas Run

Therapy is great! Pain is really manageable even while running. I'm still doing my usual 20minute sessions. And still relying on my bike sessions for my cardio-workout. Came Saturday October 27, 2007, after almost 1 month of absolutely no racing and running. I decided to join a 5km race. This has been my goal for now. Do short distance training and short distance racing.

I know its still grueling since I will need to speed up for a shorter distance and speeding up is also detrimental to my recovery. But with a steady training, drill workouts (just started, see bottom for details) and some elastic band workouts. I think I can do this.

The race started 10 minutes after 6am. I came in just in time for a very short warm up and stretching session. And off the runners go! As usual I started way at the back of the whole 5km pack and eased my way up in the middle chase pack. After just the first corner. I came across a friend who's also a fast 800m runner Jo-Ar Alvadorez. He asked me if he could join in the 5km race. "Well, why not!" I answered. Having a fast runner with me will surely motivate me on the race.

Jo-Ar already knows my condition and he also noticed my shin wrap thingy! hehehe We exchanged stories while skilfully dodging and avoiding traffic along the route. After the 1st KM I noticed that I was still going fast and and faster and still can handle both the pain(nonexistent) and the cardio load.

about 500m from the turn-around point we noticed that the 1st runner was still not showing up on the other side of the route. Which means that they were running slower than the usual. We counted the runners heading back and stopped the count at 21 upon reaching the turn-around point. Whoah! This can't be true!?! I was running almost up front. Jo asked me if I can still handle the load and if I was willing to take some puking speed! hehehe The road-racer inside came alive and I just nodded to say yes!

We turned the second half of the race into a Fartlek session. Targeting one person up front at a time. And moving on to the next just after a very short down pace rest. I missed the feeling of going all out. And this first race surely gave me a taste of what I always want to do. Run Fast, Run Hard, and now may I add Run Smart. :)

I finished at 22:34 12th place overall all. Not bad for a first race. :)


DRILLS, DRILLS, DRILLS......

Today, I started training again. But now with the supervision of Jo. Goals needed to be adjusted and so does my expectations. I won't be doing super hard workouts, 400m repeats, and long runs. The Goal this time is to recover fast and recover well from my shin injury. My running form(specially my gait cycle) is also the priority in order to avoid re injuring myself.

Drill workout is the main event of the day. I never thought that there were that many drill exercises in running. It was enough to keep my heart rate at a constant thump-thump-thump! I hope I can keep up with all the new stuff I need to learn and master. It surely does make me look forward to the next session. :)

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Congrats Ben! Maybe your injury is a blessing in disguise? It's teaching you about training smarter and putting more discipline in your runs. I wont be surprised if you'll come out a stronger, better runner (and person) when you're fully recovered.

bEnMChAn said...

Thanks miss jaymie! I hope it does make me train smarter pa. I guess its the age and the hormones doing the talking before, kaya I got injured. :P

Anonymous said...

grabe ka bentot! :) congrats sa 12th! cge tsaka na yung treat! hehe.

bEnMChAn said...

Renz: Tama na kasi ang pagpapakabayani sa work. End of the month na o. Tapos na deadline mo. Tara takbo na ulit. :)

MarkFB said...

Hi Ben,

I just started running again last Oct. 15 when I was at Boracay. The entire stretch and back is 8km but the challenge of running on the sand will surely make your heart rate go up. That first run was after 6 or 7 beer bottles. hehehehe Been running every 3 days since then. When I learned of the adidas run, gamely joined for the 10km. My best time is only 53 mins and look forward to doing a 40. Goal for now is not to see a lady pass me by. Last sunday, 3 got in front of me. The last one was a real looker. Shame on me for being left behind. :)

Check out the Garmin Forerunner 305. Its a gps/heartrate fitness watch. I originally bought it for my kayak training but have been using it more with running. I also got a foot pod accessory so I can get my cadence. I read that optimum is 180 steps per minute or 90 (counting on one leg with the forerunner) So far Im able to get an average of 86 with a sprint of 93. Aside from running and kayaking (other sports as well), its also made to work with cycling.

A lot of runners will benefit from the forerunner 305 (just google it for more info). Its available locally but is kinda on the high end if purchased here. Online, its much cheaper as it only comes out around 10,000 pesos.

What do you think of Jack Daniel's teaching? I just got the book to coach me.

bEnMChAn said...

wow! you ran 6km loaded with beer???? I'd have a hard time just standing up by the 5th bottle. I'm a wuss when it comes to drinking. :)

Welcome back to running mark! And for a first comeback race, your time is fast already. Oh, and you are not alone in the pursuit of a sub 40min 10km finish time. :)

The 3rd lady that passed you would be Jaymie(thebullrunner.com) naks! a real looker. :)

I was really hyped with all the gadgets that I can get hold of. But recently decided to invest in a good training and shoes nalang.

Hope to see you soon in the upcoming races.