miLo Legazpi City eLims 21km

I met up with Totoy, Tisha and Rio. We were all heading for the city with the perfect cone, Legazpi. The bus ride would take us 11hours, 2 rest stops and 510kms. We left Manila 6minutes past 7pm. And the traffic at Osmena highway was just staggering. To top it all, everyone didn't have any snacks, well Rio did grabbed some sandwich, lucky guy. and just minutes after we left we were already feeling the hunger. I was just wishing to get to the first stop as fast as possible.

Chowking Candelaria,Quezon was the first stop of the trip. Since it was a 21km race that we were going for, carbo loading was on top of our to-do list. Thank god for chao-fan and Lauriat!
Arriving at the second stop we grabbed some java and stretched a bit. It was freezing back at the bus, so we just stayed out the entire stop.

5am

We got a glimpes of the provincial 2 lane road, but with no luck on the majestic view of Mt. Mayon, it was raining litttle animal that's why. When we reached Legazpi City proper, guess what we did first? EAT. I took the guys to best restaurant in town! Cres Snack Inn! Got some soup, Chinese noodles, rice and fish for our first meal of the day. We then headed home to freshen up and rest again.It was before lunch that we headed to the Legazpi Sports Office to fix our registration for the race. We ran into some trouble since the 21km event was limited to 100 slots only. And we were forced to use the best Filipino technique in times of panic! Name Drop. And of course call the person that you just name dropped. :D Good morning Mrs. Biscocho! We were wondering if you could still accomodate 3 more runners for the 21km event.... pls pls pls..... Ok so we got the race numbers. 5km Female race numbers! hehehehe with a big felt marker it became the single most important thing for a race, of course next to the free shirt.We met up with our additional runners Pen and Renz before lunch. Then went back to the best restaurant in town for some spicy stuff. By this time I was sure they were ready for it. :) Bikol Express, Laing and more Bikol Express!
Got everything that we needed for the race, gatorade, red bull, oatmeal, MILO and some meds. We also took the time to go through the 21km route. We didn't want any nice surprise the next day right. Went back to the mi casa and chatted till dinner time. My folks prepared more carbs for us and so we worked our way into dinner.

4AM Sunday :: Race Day

I already heard footsteps upstairs. Someone was really excited! hehehe I went through my usual stuff, gatorade, and some light meal just to avoid the acidic feel in my tummy during the race. We took some group photos before we head out for the race. I bet you those smiles are mere reflections of all the excitement(anxiety) that we all experiencing.
We arrived 45 minutes early at the starting grid. 21km runners are up front followed by the 3km kids and 5km runners at the back. When the countdown clock ticked at 20mins before race start, it started to rain heavy. I didn't mind the rain since I love running while its raining. The problem here is that the parents of all the kids running 3km were starting to panic. "naku sisipunin anak ko"...... 5minutes to race start, I started to shiver in the cold already. I was starting to get worried of the possible problems..... hard start(like a cold engine of a car) hehehe and blisters!

:: Gun Start ::

I think it was my first time to start at the front of the grid. And I was just shocked by the mad dash of the runners. Maybe it was because of all the waiting or the excitement or both. Whatever caused it, I was really not prepared for it. I started to huff and puff just barely 300meters away. :D It felt like I was doing an all out 400 repeat at the track. All 100 runners got separated early on the race.

Passing the 2nd kilometer I was greeted by my Sister with her son and daughter all cheering my name! wehw! I smiled and tried to fly! hehehehe After just another kilometer I was greeted by my Mom&Dad with the same cheer! Talk about pressure. hehehehe I knew it was still really early on the race so I tried to stay on my current pace just get to the halfway mark.

Since I was wearing my favorite yellow jersey I was an instant pick out from the local runners wearing the official singlet. I would hear all the side comments from the locals in our dialect. They thought that I couldn't understand them.... Well I can understand every d@mn word they were saying. :P One of the runner from the biggest contingent PNP said to the other runner "makusog man palan an.... tirahun mo na. kayang kaya!" ---> "he's strong, get pass him, you can do it!" :) When I heard them say that I immediately gave them a taste of my dust. hehehehe well for just about 300meters.

Got to the turn around point in under an hour, which means that I did run faster than I was supposed to or have planned to. Grabbed the loop tag and got some fluids, a very diluted Gatorade tasting drink.

Just after 3km from the turnaround point. I started to feel my legs getting heavier and heavier. I knew I was loosing proper form by that time. But I needed to push.... Only to find out there's nothing more left in me for a good push. I knew that I would be sacrificing a good finish if I continue to suicidally push my pace. 2 runners pass me by the last 7km. One of them was a fellow runner from Manila, Lala Calma. I knew she was coming out strong. And she did!

I passed by the last 4km only to see my very supportive folks still cheering for me to push to the last kms. I felt my heart drop to the ground in disappointment. I know that my mom would instantly see that I was already in trouble, just by my running form at that time. I just knew that I was throwing a really sloppy stride. 500m down the road I saw my sister and her kids again cheering my name. I smiled for the camera and just pushed at the same pace. This is were I saw one runner, a local, walking. He got cramps and by his count it was the 16th cramp attack already. I shouted for him to join me in my pace and just hold on till the final 2km. He tried but only to give up after 500m. Now I have to deal with my own problem. Getting into the finish as fast as I can.

I noticed a police motorbike rider trailing by my left side. It felt good! Knowing that I wasn't alone. He didn't mind me, or maybe he was just being cautious seeing my tired face and dragging feet. hehehe Reaching the last slight uphill section in front of my Alma Mater I got a glimpse of the start/finish line. I pushed..... and held on tight.... Closed my eyes..... and just thought of the finish line. I finished 1:44:26 || 36/100 runners. A good 4 minutes faster than my KOTR half.

I knew I trained well the past few weeks before this race. Did I unrealistically challenge myself for a faster time??? or maybe I just got too confident at the first half and forgot to do my usual race strategy (wait.... wait... wait.... then all out after the turn around) Still, I have another race to add on my list for next year.

- Totoy with a strong 13th spot finish -

- Renz doing a last 200m sprint alongside Ina -

- Lala still looking fresh after finishing 1:41:00 2nd place womens -

- thanks Rio for the post race recovery meal !!! sana lagi kang champion para lagi libre kain kami. :D -

- everyone's worried, clouds covering the view -

- I had fun! I sure hope they did too! -

pReping fOr my Next hAlf

Preparing for a race has never been a real easy task for me. I would either under train for it like my previous half and get cramps all over the place or overtrain and get some disturbing aches on my shins. I felt this one since last week, just when I was doing VR#6 LSD. I think it was part of the reason why I failed to complete my training session that day. So it leads me to the question

What are shin splints?

Shin splints is the general name given to pain at the front of the lower leg. Shin splints is not a diagnosis in itself but a description of symptoms of which there could be a number of causes. The most common cause is inflammation of the periostium of the tibia (sheath surrounding the bone). Traction forces occur from the muscles of the lower leg on the periostium.

taken from : http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net

I knew I had them, and when I met an elite runner bud he did confirm that it was shin splints.
He also said that I was doing one of the following:

1. breaking the 10% mileage increase rule
2. using the wrong shush (i hope so, nice excuse for a new one)
3. running on poor form

I just hope I can get enough rest this week along with ice therapy and some Chinese smelling oil helps me recup fast enough for my half marathon this coming weekend. Im getting worries.... I really want to do a flat out 21km run specially on this race. The reason.... My mom will be watching from the sidelines that's why I wanted to do a good race. She has been one of the reasons why I took up running. Back in her days, she used to top the womens 100m/200m and 400 relay during the SCUAA meets.

Right now, I'm currently stuck on my bike doing intervals around Macapagal Ave just to keep up with my cardio needs. I have a training session tonight with my fellow h@ppyFeet members around Makati, I just hope the rain would stop for our training. I might do some stretches I just learned and some light running only.

Good thing there's still 80 days to go till Singapore Marathon. Looks like I may have to slow my pace down a notch in training.

chAsing 4 nEw PR

I learned today that I ran a 43:26 last UP Great Run(thanks chaia for the file). This info came from the official time list of the race organizers. I'm not sure though if it was the downhill that helped me run faster or was it really my current physical state that helped me push my body to a near fainting/really out of breath/ heart thumping run.

After all the fuzz, I did my usual training and added some new things to spice things up. I hoped for a better and faster sunday race again. Even if it was only 2 weeks after setting my UP PR. And so Fil-Mus Run was the day I had to test myself again.

410am

Hmmm.... that's weird, I woke up 5 mins earlier than my alarm clock. Believe me folks, this is really unusual. I sent SMS to everyone and started calling to wake the group up. hehehe Went downstairs grabbed a Gatorade and Powerbar and started watching TV for warm up.

5:10am

Got all the h@ppyFeet joining the race and we headed off to the race start. Since I live about 3kms away only I knew pretty much where to go for the best parking spot. We arrived at the race start about 20 mins early and started to chat and do some warm ups. Jaymie was looking good specially with her brand spanking new limegreen Creation8!!!!! Perfect color for our soon to be released h@ppyFeet Uniform. tsk tsk... I envy you Miss Jaymie.

6:00am

Still doing some stretching and light jog. And still feeling weird near my Achilles tendon (both leg). By this time, I was already praying real hard again for a fast and safe race. I relaxed at the back of the whole pack and thought of only one thing..... Discomfort. Yes, this is still a 10km race. And as any racer would be feeling, it'll be a real fast race and you will never feel any comfort so to speak along the way. Geez, is this thing turning me into a great masochist?


6:12am

Gun start!

:: Race Start ::

I took the innermost lane of Roxas Blvd, took long steady and fast strides. Avoided dozens of chatting, smiling and spitting people along the way. I was back on my newly found breathing rhythm. And just glided my way down to the 0km marker the first turn around point.

:: First Turnaround point ::

I grabbed the first loop tag and a cup of cold water. Sip, spit, sip and drank. That's how i usually do it. hehehe I tried to relax for a few shorter strides and once I passed by Kalaw Ave took another race pace strides. I was still feeling ok at this point. Same huff and puff rhythm and same thought.... discomfort!

:: Second Turnaround point ::

Got the second loop tag and this time I took a 20 second walk. Shook and stretched my legs then got back again. I took a slow restart then build my pace back. By this time I did a time check and it was 18:02 nearing 5km mark. which means I was just right on my target pace. As i passed by the start/finish line I felt a strong urge to throw up. I managed to slow down a notch cause I was sure that I was running way faster than what my body is prepared for. Either it didn't work or It was too late. I tried to hide behind some trees and tried pewking it out. Nothing came out but I surely felt better! hehehe (by the way i'm not bulimic, in case anyone is wondering).

Tried to restart again since I knew I wasted a good 30 seconds back there. Started real slow this time.


:: third turnaround point ::

Took 2 cups of water, Sip, Spit, Sip and spit some more this time. Drank some water and the 2nd cup was for a cold shower. Thank you race organizer for the cold water!

I was able to recup back and tried doing my race pace again. This time I was really conscious of
my breathing and heart rate(no HRM, old school by feel). Surprisingly I was able to do my race pace again for 2 mins then about 30 second shorties for rest.


:: Last turnaround point ::

I felt good and was still passing some people by which only means that I was still capable of going faster, if only I am smart enough to hold on to a realistic pace. :)

I saw a couple of Centaur (orange uniform) runners doing their last 300m strides and went all out along with them. Read an article about this thing and it was said that your body can only do a flat out pace for only 200+ meters. Well goodluck to me. hehehe As I know that it was still way more than 200 meters away from the finish line.

Saw the entrance to the finish line, still doing flat out speed. then saw the race time hitting 42:59 then I tried to jump it! hehehehehehehehehehe

:D I know it was a stupid and pathetic attempt, but hey! I got 43:01:01 on my watch as my new 10km time.

When I race, I know I will feel aches and pains on the right spot. I prepare myself for lots of discomfort. This is the only measure that I did push my body to its limits. We all race for different reasons, I do it to check how fast I can take myself next.

:: h@ppyFeet Team ::
Welcome to our new members!

I love munching Chippy!!!!

trAil #2

Ever dreamed about lush… beautiful rain forrest????

This is as good as it gets people of Metro Manila. And yes! It is right in the heart or shall we say at the edge of the heart of the city. This picturesque place is the

La Mesa Eco Trail

The place is being taken good care of the people from Bantay Kalikasan, a project of the Lopez’s of ABS-CBN. They have been reforesting the place since the late 90’s. I’ve last visited this place a good 3 years ago already. Having an assignment to do a portrait of woman behind Bantay Kalikasan, Ms. Gina Lopez. Back then I just saw trees, trees and more trees… But the place didn’t give me any idea’s of it being a safe haven for runners, bikes and hikers alike.

Just a mere 20kms away from the 0km marker this place welcomes everyone with 200 pesos for entrance fee(minimum of 5 persons). Groups going in the forest are provided with an aerobically capable trail guide. ☺

After our first taste of the trails in San Mateo, Doc and I planned on doing another trail run session. The date was set and thank god we have the minimum number of participants. ☺

The runners:

Ben :: Brent :: Judah :: Renz :: Roselle :: Chaia :: Julie (Trail Guide)

The day started a bit late at 630am meeting of the group along Buendia Ave. Since no one knew where the place is, we arrived at the place about 730am. We didn’t waste and hit the trails as soon as we arrived. We did the “medium” loop towards Tower #5.
Just about 200meters from the start, our trail guide took us under heavy forest. Guess, where our route took us???
This is where most of Metro Manila gets its water supply.

We then took the route going back to the main road. It’s a single lane wide rough road mostly covered with either mud or loosely compacted rocks. Most of the route is covered by the tree canopy, so for all the "i don't want to get dark" runners out there, this is the trail for you. The only gripe that I have is the mosquito bites. I think it was only me that was complaining about this thing though. How was I any different from the rest of the pack???? I did take a shower before going out my pad. :)

- Roselle's VSO buddy Judah -

Most of the runners headed out with a slow pace. While I stayed behind of them and joined Miss Roselle’s pace. I think this was her first time to tackle the trails. Good thing we were only doing the 9km loop this time. More or this thing Miss Roselle and road racing will be very easy for you.

1:11:00
We arrived at Tower #5, got some rest and chatted a bit then we were off going back to Violago gate. This time, Doc Brent joined us in our pace and chat. The terrain also changed quite a bit. It was more muddy and grassy on this part, so definitely the climbs are harder to do and the flats are still slowly paced.
The trail was still enveloped by the tree canopy but this time, you will know that you are still running within the metro running. The smell of fish being fried and some wood for fire, was also noticeable. And there were also parts where you can hear the jeepnies just at the other side of the bounding wall. Still, this was still a great trail to run in! :)
The final stretch towards the parking lot, everybody ran at almost race pace! It was a fun end to a short (9km) long(2:11:00) run. So, where will the next trail be??? I think I can smell the pineapple plantation of Sta Rosa.

Chaia wearing her new NB roady :: Renz sporting also his new TNF (Mt Apo Break-in)

Long rUN INcreMent #4

I started with 14km as my base distance for my Long Run sessions. Today I did my 4th increment and finish my 22km run still on the same amount of time that I intended to do my long run sessions 2 hours. I still did the same route only this time I passed by the same 4km added route at the start of my run.

I guess this video can summarize the only difference this time around.

note: jump to 00:45 seconds on the timeline to get the message.



I only learned that VR#6 was canceled yesterday. Eric, i hope your grandma is ok. Banggi, you have got to get some rest girl! Was there anyone out there who still did their run today????? Or am I the only OC runner that hitMe mentioned? :D anyway, I hope next week I'll have more company.

a fUn LoNg WeekEnd!

A Long Active Weekend

Friday August 24, 2007

I had a whole day location shoot at new restaurant in Quezon City. I was working with Patrick again for the food styling. I was asking Patrick for 3 weeks already if I could tag along with him during his trail biking sessions for me to learn more trails near the metro. Good thing he had a clear schedule for the next day. ☺ Finally, I was going to experience riding the trails!


Saturday August 25, 2007

Quarter before 5am I was up already and on my way to Patrick’s place. We were going back to the same trail that Doc, RC and I took the week 2 weekends ago, San Mateo Timberland. Only this time, we will be tackling single-track downhill and uphill trails along the way.

I’m not a biker… well not yet. So I had a loaner bike and gear with me, thanks again to Pat! We arrived at San Mateo at around 6:30am. Ate a couple of bananas and got some fluids going already. Quarter to 7am and we were off to the hills.

We took the same steep paved uphill sections and through the gates of Timberland. Past the gates were more uphill paved sections for another 1 km. I have just started to hill train for my running and biking up the hill is a totally different ballgame. I then learned that biking uses a different muscle group than running. That’s why I was having doubts if I can make it up the hill at least. But then again, I guess my aerobic ability was able to push me through the incline. ☺ Nah! The trick was to constantly shift down, and if all else fails?! Use the “Granny Gear”, its what bikers call when you use the biggest gear at the rear and the smallest gear up front. ☺
Trails!
With the paved section over I was really excited with trails… oh and the downhill section too! Pat and I didn’t go straight the main road, we took the first left turn towards the Roxas Trail. There was more uphill here before I got a taste of the first short and easy downhill. I was still having a hard time managing the brakes. Since I am use to riding a motorcycle, I was looking for other ways to slow down my momentum other than the rear and front brakes. Looks like there’s no engine brake here guys. Hehehehe Pat just said that I modulate the use of my brakes. Hey it works!Then came my first steep trail climb. Since it rained the night before, the trail was damp enough to provide some slick mud. I thought that I can manage to get through the climb by powering my way up. Thing is, climbing a slippery hill need weight balance and just the right RPM to maximize tire grip. See, when you don’t distribute your weight properly, It’s either you pop a wheelie and turn backwards or if you put too much weight up front, you loose grip for traction on the rear wheel. Geez… it’s really technical.


After that first steep trail, came the single track downhill section!!!!! Woooohooo!!!!! If you thought that a single track is wide enough for you then you got it all wrong. It’s almost hard to see the track through the bush! Downhill is FUN!
After the single track section we got to Halo-Halo trail which is pretty much an uphill paved section going to the first break stop for a quick snack. I’m enjoying the uphill section more than the downhill though. I can really feel the burn on my quads and my panting. Plus it’s less dangerous too. ☺
Got in our first stop by about 9am. Bought some bread and simple sugars for some boost. If only I knew that I can order Pancit Canton(Chinese noodles)! Tsk tsk…. We got back to the trail and went to ka Virgel’s place. It was another rest stop for bikers and motorbike riders. The place had huts in the middle of the pond. And up the hill has a fresh water spring. Anyway back to more riding.
We took a shorty and headed back to Timberland. Remember the steep paved uphill section at the start. I guess the saying is true…. “ what goes up must come down” . I’m not sure how fast I was going… but it definitely gave me the rush that I needed. ☺

Biking is definitely a great cross training session to do for running.

• Uphill: great resistance and strength training
• Downhill: is pure FUN! But is definitely dangerous. ☺
• The training is also low impact, unless you fall on a downhill ride. Hehehe

Hey, don't take it from me! Try it out and see for yourself.


August 26, 2007

UP GREAT RUN

“Today, I’m going to run fast” repeat 20,000 times. That was what I was saying over and over again since 4am. I did my usual pre race preparations and got out of the house. I picked up Miss Roselle on the way to the race. Got to the race start about 40 minutes before race start. I was still repeating my line. ☺

Race started 8 minutes late. When all 2,000++ runners started the run. Joms and I took the time to manage to get through the pack. We ran in the side street. The race looked like a Milo marathon event. I guess the organizers did a great job in promoting the run.

By the first KM the pack was still big but at least there was some space to run on to. I still manage to keep my pace relatively fast with a few shorter stride for breaks. After the loop around the academic quadrangle (2.2km) the route took the first downhill section. And consequently, a steep uphill. I tried to maximize my strides on the downhill and give just my intended race effort on the uphill to conserve some energy for the last 3km of the race.

The next 1km of the race was flat through the main avenue and right side of the quadrangle. Then we get to the next fast downhill section again. And what do you know…. Another steep uphill again right after. I was still trying out psychology on this part of the race… only this time this was my line… “I shouldn’t be comfortable”. Yes folks, I needed to hear that just to remind me that panting, aching, and almost getting dizzy is part of racing. ☺ If I give up on any section then I know I didn’t do my best.

The next downhill-uphill section of the course was really hard due to the glare and heat of the sun. It added to the already grueling section. Only this time I knew that its going to be the last 3km of the race and when I did my time check my watch only registered a good 30:00++…. Which means I have the chance of getting what I wanted if I just hold on to my current race pace.

I was trying to be more conscious of running form at this time of the race. I know that as you progress into the race you loose the proper form, hence you loose energy and time. I couldn’t get my strides to flow, as I wanted. I knew that I was loosing time cause of my short throw. I knew the dynamics of doing longer strides but it just seems that my legs weren’t cooperating with me. Now I have to get to that before the next race. My breathing though was right in-tune with my tempo. Although I was really panting hard, I knew that I could still sustain the load for the rest of the race.

The last 1km through the quadrangle was just pure bliss. All I can think of is the finish at the next 2 corners and my time for the race. Still can’t do longer strides though, but I hung on my pace. Got into the last corner and saw the official clock, smiled and crossed the line at 44:43.

I made it! 18 seconds shy of my target finish time. I wish this is how my mindset is whenever I race. A new PR, a great race!

- still h@ppyFeet after the race at UP -

After the UP GREAT RUN


We had our first h@ppyFeet Picnic!

I would like to thank all the people who made this event possible ☺
Although we were still missing a few members, at least most of the attendee’s got to meet each other already. Hope we have more picnic’s to come.


August 27, 2007

Patrick sent me an SMS if I can join another trail biking session. Of course I said yes! Well, i'll let the pictures tell you the story.....

- did I mention it rained the whole night and the morning too?! -

- we used small garbage bags for water resistance... It didn't work -- second victim of a busted chain -- we had to cross this river, It was FUN! some actually went back and did it again for the camera :) -

- series..... when it pours, there's mud!!!!! -- notice how deep the mud is???? -

- landslide..... had to walk and jump on the side of the hill. Sorry mates, there was no jump ramp for this thing -
- no one was able to bike on this steep very muddy hill. :) -- it was definitely a fun ride! -

Thanks Patrick for lending me Jack's bike and gear. Oh and to Miss Patricia, thanks for the betadine for my first trail crash wound! hehehehe and to the Patrick's biking buds, I may not be able to remember all of your names, but I will surely remember your bikes! hehehehe :)

Geez.... I really hope I was good boy this year. Santa, i just want a descent bike. :P