Condura Run for Tubbataha 2008

I woke up way way way earlier than usual for this race. Not to race but to cover the event. Patrick Conception the organizer of the race tasked me to document the whole race.

Together with 2 of my best buds, RC and RB. This is what we came up. Enjoy!

Mizuno Infinity Race

Here's another race before the month ends.

Mizuno is challenging you to push yourself to the limits, push your mind, and your body will respond. If you think you have the endurance and the power to drive yourself to maximum performance, we challenge you...

The first MIZUNO INFINITY RUN, this will be a 5, 10, 15 kilometer run open to all runners. More than 70,000 pesos in cash and Mizuno items to be won!

The Mizuno Infinity Run would not have been possible without the help of RUSH Fitness Water, Mail and More, McDonald's, Heritage Drive, Mckinley Hill, Citgo Lubricants, BMG Solar and Beeline Helicopters.

What: MIZUNO INFINITY RUN
Registration Fees:

5k - P150
10k - P200
15k – P250

When: March 30, 2008 (Sunday)
4:00am – start of registration
6:00am – start of race
6:00am – 15k
6:30am – 5k and 10k

Where: Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Starting point: Federacion Drive
(the street near NBC drive and The Fort Strip)

Registration will start on March 11, 2008 in any Mizuno store and any Mail & More branche in NCR.
- Race packs can be claimed starting March 15, 2008 in any Mizuno store. Race pack includes race number, map of the route and race information.
*Runners can claim their packs on the day of the race. If possible, please claim your kits before the run.


IMPORTANT:

1. Upon registration, runners will be given an ACKNOWLEDGMENT RECEIPT. They will need this to claim their race packs. *NO A/R NO RACE PACK.

2. Do not forget your race number on the day of the race. NO RACE NUMBERS, RUNNERS ARE CONSIDRED UNREGISTERED.

3. Start of race is 6:00 am. Please come early.

For inquiries please contact 757.31.60 local 520 and 517, Mizuno marketing dept.


NEVER STOP TESTING YOURSELF. BRAVE THE INFINITY RUN!

DND Gintong Pangarap 2008 Race

Last December Joms, Jaymie and I raced the DND relay 21km race and we snagged 3rd place. This time I around, since Joms is nowhere to be found and Jaymie is racing Pinay In Action along side her son, I went on my own and again settled for another 5km fast one.

I had a hard time looking for a good parking space at 5am. This surely was a good sign that the race was going to be well attended. Immediately I tried to look for Coach Jo since he was the one who registered me for this race. Turns out, he's quite busy for the day. Since he was the one in charged of all the race packets. When I got my pack and last minute instructions from him I just made sure that I was well warmed up for the race.

5minute slow jog on the tarmac
2 x 30m High knees extensions
2 x 30m Butt kick
2 x 30m High Knees
2 x 30m leg raise
Stretching routine
5minute slow jog

At exactly 6:00am the gun race started for the 21km event. As the runners left, We(5km runners) were called in for check-in. And also exactly 15minutes after the gun start fired again. I wasn't on the first row of runners on the starting grid and so it was really hard again to get a good start. It's really hard to keep or at least establish the right pace when you're stuck in the middle of overly excited runners.

I have to thank the bald runner for having this race really well prepared and organized. Water station, route marshals, and KM Markers were present at the race. I was able to monitor my pace because of this nifty detail along the route.

When I reached the 1st marker time check registered a good 3:20. Upon reaching the west gate of Villamor Airbase I just glided along a relatively relaxed pace. 2nd Marker registered 8:00. And then I felt that I struggled a bit in the 3rd km, I relaxed while getting a drink and splash. and relaxed again when I got my turn-around loop tag. I missed getting a time check for the 3rd km(dang! I really need a garmin) But I knew where the last km marker what made me get a ran faster was that time check registered at only 15:35.

I passed by 2 runners on the last uphill section of the course. And made my way on the next 6man pack. I knew I had to gather what ever is left of my endurance and just pour it all in the last kilometer. Good thing was that It was downhill all the way to the finish. I knew the layout of the finish chute but I didn't put into consideration that we need to make a small look inside the parade grounds. I managed to maintain pace and finish with no barfing nor fainting incidents.

Unofficial Time: 19:09minutes

Ok now I'm going back to training.

6 hours with a Legend

Forgive me for the delay in posting Condura'08 images first.

I never thought that I could get so star struck meeting someone famous.

Upon learning about this project from my account's manager, I quickly volunteered in doing the pitch for the account. Armed with my folio and thick face, I managed to grab the art director's attention and it was enough to let me in on the project. YAHOOO!!!!!!

Shoot date: 03-03-08::

She was on time. I was almost late.

I didn't waste time and just jump on the whole setting up the studio moment first. I formally introduced myself and shook her hand. :) I didn't even ask for any training tips. I guess I was too focused on the shoot and just switched to being a huge fan at the very last moment after we wrapped things up. After I asked for a solo souvenir shot(yes, I also do ask for one too!) I continued on having my track shoes signed as well(will upload the image on the next post)


Photographer On The Run meets Ms. Lydia De Vega-Mercado

Mizuno Sale!!!!

Just in time! I need a new pair of trainers. I just hope that they did import some of the new model racing flats too! :)

Carbohydrates: a Runner's Bestfriend

I was searching through my files from last December. When I stumbled upon this shot that I did for Gardenia's 10th year anniversary ad.

I won't be a hypocrite and tell you that I only run for the health benefits of it. Well I too am in search of a new kickass body to boot with the new healthy lifestyle. :) The biggest hurdle in getting that lean almost single digit body fat percentage is by actually getting the right amount of calories in for the amount of calories being expend.

With training going 100% back to normal, every hard or long day run makes me want to just turn into a log after munching on tons of carbs. Kanin(rice), bread, sweet potato, crackers, did I mention monggo bread already??? :) Well the monggo bread and rice tops my weakness list. I just got to have my daily dose(huge dose).

But hey! I tried to skimp on it, I just crashed and burned while in training. Now repeat after me..... CARBS ARE OUR BEST FRIEND. Try to repeat that 20,000 times.

UP Rundezvous Feb 10, 2008

This week was a really low mileage, low intensity week for me. No 2 hour training runs, not that much interval training, just a couple of tempo runs at the track and a 1:30 hour LSD. I'm not sure if resting is more beneficial for me this time. But I'm hoping that I'm sticking to coach's plan. Even this week's race was entirely his idea :D

(turn scene pitch black)

The Kenyan runners were there again.

(insert crossfade)

Desamito was also at sight, fearless and almost at rage seeing the imports racing again.

(is this going to be a rematch of last Sunday's race???? I sure do hope so)

(insert crossfade)

I'm holding my stomach while trying to do my warm-up exercises. Hoping for the butterflies to simply go away and just leave me alone. I'm really terrified, Coach signed me up for my first 3km event. I'm not sure which is more terrifying but I'm sure racing 3km and 42km for me is equally scary.

Am I really ready for some speedy stuff???????

I guess there's only one way to find out. :D

The route wasn't as simple as the previous races in UP Diliman but I guess my love and familiarity with the place made me confident about the whole ordeal. I didn't familiarize myself with the route. I just listened to the instructions given at the race start grid "3km: follow the green flags.".

My race strategy is to hold on to my starting pace for as long as possible and just make sure that I leave some left for a good last kick.


PRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!
(so much more for a gun start. :) they used a whistle this time)

It was another downhill start! Everybody was almost flying and just trying to stay alive and avoid being a road kill was though! This continued up until the oblation statue and the start of the rolling hills donned upon every runner on site.

I kept as close as possible and for as long as possible with the lead pack.(HA! I managed 600m with them only!) It was Gary, Coach and another runner up front. By the first kilometer they were already a good 100m away and I was left with 3 other runners close by. Time to change my plan :D haha! As the saying goes.... Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. This is exactly what I intended to do. I won't nudge and give up my spot without a good clean fight to the last meter.

Huff and puff!!! My breathing can be heard by millions of Filipinos. And I don't mean them here in the metro.... I mean even the people from Kuwait can hear me breath. I didn't mind at all. As long as I feel that It's within my rhythm stride I'm cool with it. Reaching the last downhill stretch I tried to apply what I learned from the last race. Keep It light and quick on the downhill section and just make sure to be ready for the next uphill or flat! I managed to sneak 3m pass the UP track player who was beside me all the time. I had my sight on the finish line, it was the last 500m stretch. Suddenly my shoulder tensed, my knees won't lift high and my push felt very light. I was overtaken at the last 300m!

Read with me: Mental toughness! I need to train some more on this.

I finished totally wasted and yes barfing(as Joms would correct me) on the sidestreet.

First 3km race: 11:20 minutes and 8th place


(note to tbr) sorry I dumped the camera again this weekend. Excuse the lack of visuals. :(