Two 10’s and a Half…

A tale of three runs. Here is my take on the running events that I’ve joined the past 2 months namely the 1st QCIM, Adidas KOTR and the recently concluded Timex Run.

1st QCIM - I was supposed to run 21k in this event with my friend Vimz. We were quite excited to join this big event but with some sort of nervousness because we weren’t training that much the past month. I was also slowly coming back from a slight injury (piriformis syndrome) and is lacking in mileage. But as mavericks, we were both confident ( and a bit crazy i guess…) that we can be ready in 3 weeks.

The first week of training went fine as we were able to attend the Nike Running clinics and did an LSD that weekend. The second week turned out not as good as we missed a couple of training days notably the weekend LSD. I jokingly asked Vimz that if we won’t be able complete following week’s training sked, could we just downgrade to a 10k run? The last week of prep came and the inevitable happened, on our last training day prior to race day, while sprinting towards the end of our intervals, she lost her footing and ended up spraining her left ankle. At that point, we were convinced that this half isn’t meant to be ran.

It’s a good thing that Nike offered free 10k registrations to their running clinic attendees so we grabbed the opportunity to sign up right away. It is Nike’s way of thanking it’s supporters even though they still weren’t able to hold The Human Race here in the country despite the clamor.

Race day came and I met up with Vima & Art together with our other running buds Aljo & Tin at Shell Emerald Ave. and altogether went to the race venue. Arrived at the area with lots of time to spare, we even have time for a quick stop at the restroom and stretch before we’re sent off. The first few kms. went fine as we were able to maintain a good pace and even ran alongside another friend, Tolits.

But somehow, nearing the 5k turn around point, we slowed down a bit as Vimz forgot to tape her left ankle and was slowly feeling the effects of the sprain she had a couple of days ago. I asked her several times during the last half of the run if she’s still ok because I don’t want her to aggravate her injury, but as the kulitrunner that she is, she refuses call it quits and instead wants to finish it no matter what. So her hubby Art & I stayed with her for the duration of the run. It was still a nice run despite experiencing a slight pain on my left knee, probably the effects of running on an uneven portion of commonwealth Ave. which is by the way, concrete. We then met up with some other friends at the parking lot for a quick chat and the usual photo sessions, and wrapped up our morning with a nice McDonald’s breakfast, again at Shell Emerald Ave.

 

Adidas KOTR - Was supposed to run the half on this year’s edition of this event, an anniversary 21k I might say since this is the event where I ran my very first Half Marathon last year. But since I was supposed to run 21k at QCIM, I just registered for the 10k. And as you all know, our plan to run the half marathon earlier didn’t push through. On to race day. Met up with friends Aljo, Coach Jo-ar & Vimz at the BHS parking lot. Was also supposed to meet up with Mayen, who is coming back from ITBS & her friend Vladz but since they’re running a bit late, we decided to proceed to the race area, knowing that we’ll all be seeing each other along the route since we all run at the same pace hehehe…

The starting corral was really jampacked which is usual for the KOTR, well maybe because of the nice quality singlets they giveaway for the run.;-) The gun was fired on time, and all the runners were off. The route was the same as last year, an out and back run starting at the BHS parking lot, going out Rizal drive all the way to the dreaded Kalayaan Flyover, going along Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. and turning around at the corner of Nicanor Garcia formerly Reposo.

Started the race well with Vimz and Mariel, running at around 7min/km pace. A bit slow but who cares, this is our comfort zone hehehe…At the corner of Rizal Drive on our way up Kalayaan flyover, we finally caught up with Mayen & Vladz. We were all excited to see each other since Mayen was on the “injured list” for the last couple of months. While going up the flyover, Vimz suddenly pulled away, making us eat her dust hehehe…We later on found out that her strategy was to attack the hills werein she would run hard going up and coasting along going down the inclines.

Nearing Makati Ave., I suddenly felt the urge to go on a bathroom break. Good thing there’s a gas station nearby, but I guess a lot of runners also needed to go so I ended up losing a couple of minutes. After doing no.1, I tried to pick up the pace as I was trying to catch up with my running buds. After around half a kilometer of pushing a bit hard, I found myself gasping for air, maybe because of the lack of interval sessions during training. Finally caught up again with Yen and paced with her from then on. Vimz went ahead as if she was possesed hehehe…and so did Vladz. We would do short breaks on our way back, since this was sort of a test run for Mayen to assess if her injury has fully healed. On the last kilometer we sort of caught up with Vimz, sort of because she was still a good 50meters ahead of us. And on the last corner heading towards the line, we were able pick up the pace a bit for a strong finish. Another nice run for me and my friends. Vimz having a good run after a lackluster 10k at QCIM, Mayen running pain/injury free once again, her friend Vladz doing his first 10k and Aljo, also completing his run pain free.

Saw Tanya, Jaymie with husband Miguel & Mikey after race for the usual post run pix and had breakfast again at McDonald’s McKinley Hills to cap off yet another successful edition of the Adidas KOTR.

 

Timex Run - This is the event most people are waiting for, especially Piolo Pascual fans because they’ll have a chance to run with him in the 10k. I’m also excited for this race because after 2 missed opportunities, I’ll be able to run the half marathon once again. My friend Vimz and I registered early for this one, knowing that finally, we’ll be able to run 21k once again. The last time we ran the half was in Globe’s Run for Home last July wherein I dnf’d together with friend Mayen who got injured on the 16th km. But with Mayen finishing KOTR pain free, we took it as a sign that she’s ready to increase her mileage & asked her to join us again for this event.

A few weeks before the race, another bad news came ( well, it’s actually good news…hehehe…). Vimz found out she was pregnant! Wooohooo! So that means she won’t be able to join us for this run. And with the rains and busy skeds getting in the way of our training, Mayen was now a bit hesitant to do the half. I just told her that we’ll just go on with the run irregardless if we finish it or not. With the pressure building up, skeds finally allowed us to squeeze in a few “quality” training runs.

Finally, race day came and we were both excited but a bit nervous. Bars, checked. Gels, checked. Hydration kits, Checked. We’re good to go! The gun was fired and off we went! We started at the back of the pack so as not to get pressured to start out fast. Our plan was to run at a steady and comfy pace and incorporate a few walk breaks when necessary. 

We went through the first 5k without any problems, and at this point, 10k runners started to show up along the route. Everybody was starting to get excited because it means that Piolo will soon show up anytime. With coach Rio pacing him, he’ll surely be running at a fast pace. People, most notably the females started screaming and chanting “I Love You Piolo!!!” which means he’s near. He then caught up with us, coach Rio by his side, with three bodyguards in tow.  

The excitement died down as soon as he whizzed by us, and soon, there will be pandemonium at the finish as soon as he crosses the line. Now on with our run, while on the stretch of Buendia, we saw Joy & Raymund who’s also doing the half and the speedy couple of Mark & Tiffin doing the 10k. We finally did our first walk break during the uphill portion of the Kalayaan flyover which is a part of our plan to conserve energy.

 As soon as we turned right heading towards Essensa, the runners started to thin out. This means were really behind the pack, but who’s complaining? Our goal was just to finish this run pain & injury free. Along Lawton, Bayani road and Heritage park, we did some more walk/stretching breaks and took on some bars and gels to provide the much needed energy boost. On the last few kilometers to the finish, Yen even said that she couldn’t believe that she’s still running at this point. Well, I guess the bars/gels worked or maybe it’s the endorphins finally kicking in. After a few more minutes, we were able to see a glimpse of the finish area. One more kilometer and were done, with the last ounce of energy, we then picked up the pace a few hundred kilometers before the finish. Cheering squads greeted us as soon as we crossed the line as if saying you guys finally made it, after which we were given a finisher’s medal each as a sign of our craziness hahaha…

As usual, it was another good run. I always see to it that I finish each run feeling great & happy because I guess that’s how it should be right? We then proceeded to meet up with our running buddies for some post run chat & photo ops.

The participants by the way were treated to a free viewing of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, once again congratulations to everyone and thank you sponsors for treating us yet to another great event. Congratulations also to the PacMan!

*thanks to PhotoVimz and Photovendo for the pix

URBANATHLON, anyone?

Are you tired of joining the usual road races held every week? Are you ready to take on new challenges that will push your running prowess to a new level? Then this race is for you!

Be Race-Ready for the Men’s Health Urbanathlon!
An all-new race course awaits Urbanathletes this November.

Challenge yourself by running the Men’s Health Urbanathlon, a race unlike any other! Hit the concrete, do a skyscraper vertical run, scramble through urban obstacles and never, ever forget it.

The Men’s Health Urbanathlon, a city-based, multi-disciplinary race that integrates various urban structures as part of the race course, will be held on November 22, 2009, Sunday, 5:00 A.M. at McKinley Hill, Taguig City. Download the registration forms now by visiting www.menshealth.com.ph, www.finishline.ph or www.runrio.com. The registration fee of Php 450.00 includes a race kit, a finisher shirt , free breakfast at the event, and a copy of the November issue of Men’s Health. Registration period is from October 29 to November 18, 2009 only.

Make sure you are up to challenge for the Men’s Health Urbanathlon! Visit www.menshealth.com.ph to get the first part of an exclusive training plan that will turn you into the ultimate Men’s Health Urbanathlete. Grab a copy of the November issue of Men’s Health featuring actor Gerard Butler on the cover to get the complete training workout guide for the Men’s Health Urbanathlon.

The 2009 Men’s Health Urbanathlon is brought to you by official sports drink Gatorade, Cecon, Frenzy, official festival sponsor Kenny Rogers Roasters, and the home of the 2009 Men’s Health Urbanathlon McKinley Hill. Special thanks to Timex, Fitness First, and St. Luke’s.

TIMEX Run

Who’s running with Piolo? Not me, I’m afraid he won’t be able to keep up with me. He’s too fast bwahahaha…and besides, he’ll only do 10k. I’ll be doing the half with Angel…in my dreams hehehe…;-)

Hope to see you guys on Sunday, 15th of November, 5am at the Fort.

Q.C.I.M.? I.AM!

 

R.U.GUYS.RUNNING.Q.C.I.M.? I.AM!

For complete details about this race, please click here.

Run Happy

Can’t we all just be happy before, during and after each run or race? We all run for a variety of reasons, but would it possible to have a common denominator which is to be HAPPY? I guess it’s not that hard, or is it? For other people? Maybe…Well… just a thought, sayang kasi ang ENDORPHINS eh…

On Missing My Route…

Been having problems dozing off lately, will go to bed around 11pm but will fall asleep around 1am thus ending up oversleeping.  This morning was different, I was able to wake up at the sound of the alarm clock without repeatedly hitting the snooze button. Finally, I overcame sleepiness to be able to do a run.

Didn’t join a race today as I was somehow trying to rest(?!) my glutes (piriformis syndrome) and was also a bit reluctant to take on my old Valley Golf  route in Antipolo. Was toying with the idea of just running inside the village but was afraid that I might end up bored and cut the run short since i’ll be mostly doing loops. My goal was to do around 20kms and by running inside the village, i’m certain that it wouldn’t not be met.

And being the stubborn person that I am, I finally decided to take on the killer hills of the Valley. Will it be good for my aching glutes, certainly not. But what the hell, i’ll just take it slowly and do walk breaks every 15mins or during the ascents/descents to somehow lessen the pressure on my butt muscle. The last time I took on this route was in March while me and my friends were in training for the Condura Skyway Half Marathon.

one of the killer hills of this route

The out and back distance of this route is around 14kms, so to be able to achieve my goal, I need to go out of the Valley Golf-Sumulong Hi-way gate and go up towards Padi’s Point or go down towards Masinag/Marcos Hi-way in Marikina. I ended up going down since i’ve already done Padi’s several times before.

taking a break before the ascent

Having walk breaks once in a while was really beneficial since I wasn’t that exhausted compared to the other runs considering that the inclines here are more challenging than the dreaded McKinley Hills. I was also quite surprised that there’s not to much soreness in my glutes after the run. I was surely glad to have had the courage of taking on my old and trusted route once again and was really happy to reach my goal for today. Also, if not for this morning’s run, I wouldn’t have realized how I badly miss running it.

siyempre pagkatapos ng uphill, siguradong may downhill

Running this route before was one of my goals when I started running because it offers a lot of challenges like it’s numerous uphills/downhills. With patience and training, I was able to do it, and by doing so, it definitely made me a better runner by “my standards” hehehe… Just like in life, we are often usually presented with problems/challenges to serve as tests. We should also put in mind that God won’t be giving us what we couldn’t handle, some might just take a little longer to solve than others or some might even put us through a journey to find ways in solving it. But somewhere along the way, how difficult it may seem, we still find ways and means to overcome these problems and end up being better and wiser.

Next week is a different story, will I take on the same route once again? Who knows, I may decide to run another. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed, because by doing so, i might get a different outcome. But I surely hope and pray that no matter which route I take, or the results maybe, it would still help me become a better person or should I say a wiser man.

“Urbanice” Run

The recently held Kenny’s Open Urbanite Run 2009 was a complete success! Based on the number of participants (roughly 4k) and the wonderful party atmosphere after the race, it sure was a big hit. Well, except for the pre-race blues wherein a lot of people complained about inefficient race kit distribution. Based on my experience, things like these happen especially for an event of this magnitude. I just hope the organizers will implement stricter measures next time to avoid such hassles.

Now let’s move on. You can sense the excitement of everyone who is at the race venue as they anticipate the start of the first ever night race of the year. Before the gunstart, I hung around with Marga, Raymund, Jaimie, Gigi and Let. All of us will be running the 15k except for Marga, who’s just slowly coming back from an injury.

Jeremy, Marga, Raymund, Jaimie, Let, me & Gigi

My plan for this race was to just do a steady 7min/km pace as I will be observing how my glutes will behave. As you may all know by now, I’ve been having this slight pain in my “butt” for quite sometime now but was never really bothered since it doesn’t affect my stride. I just somehow became a bit conscious about it after reading an article in Runner’s World. Psychological? I think so…well I guess there’s some truth to the saying that “what you don’t know won’t hurt you” hehehe…

Jaimie, Raymund, Let, me & Gigi exchanging spooky stories before the race

The race started out fine, and I conveniently positioned myself at the back of the pack. First few kilometers were ok until we turned left at Bayani Road. The area was dark and it somehow made running difficult as you may step into something that might lead to injury. It is also the part wherein you’ll start to encounter some slight ascents/descents that makes the route more challenging as you’ll start to feel your glutes, hams & quads being tickled hehe…

After the first turn around point near C-5, came the much anticipated part of running inside the Heritage Park. Everyone was talking about this before the race and even shared some spooky stories just so everyone would be more excited or should I say scared. I even told them to watch out for ghosts in “barong” floating around the water stations handing out drinks hahaha…Kidding aside, the run inside the park went well and a bit memorable I should say.

Out of the Heritage Park, and now back onto the inclines of Bayani road. This would be the start of the merge of the 10 & 15k runners. I started to see other friends Tin & Art as I head out back to Lawton and prepare for battle with the dreaded hills of McKinley.

Here also is the part where I made a short walk break and assess how my glutes are doing, so far so good. Then finally, the war started as I turned right to McKinley Hills. I coasted along the downhill portion and ran a bit harder on the uphill wherein I overtook several runners. After the last turn around point. I finally caught up with Vimz who was doing quite well, maintaining her target pace. It was quite a battle as I started to feel a slight pain/numbness on my glutes down to my ham/quads.

I took my 2nd and last walk break after leaving the battle grounds to prepare for the final kick. I checked my watch and it showed that i’m a couple of minutes below my target time so I started to pick up the pace again. The last 2km’s went by as if I was in cruise control , maybe because of the endorphins finally kicking in. Tried to pick up the pace after the final turn towards the finish, here I saw Ben shooting pics & Mikey cheering all the finishers. I crossed the line in (UO) 1:41mins +, not bad as my target time is 1:45mins.

finishline shot courtesy of Photovendo, thanks Ben!

Then came Vimz, who I think had a new PR, Congrats KR! A few minutes later came her best bud Pol and ex-bf Art. This is the part where we missed some of our friends namely Yen (still has ITBS), Joy (now busy with mountaineering), Tin (did the 10k), Aljo & Tolits (who ran 5k) who are usually around for the post race pics.

Art, me & Pol after crossing the finish line

After catching our breath, we proceeded to the activity area to claim our loot bags and KRR healthy meal. We also dropped by the iamninoy runners booth for some post race chit-chat, who btw is also a beneficiary of this run together with Hands on Manila. And after some more photo ops and “chika time” with other friends, we called it a night. It was indeed a great experience to be a part of a fund raising event such as this. This wonderful activity ended with a concert/party hosted by KRR endorsers Marc Nelson, Rovilson Fernandez & Paula Taylor.

Pol, Vimz, Jaymie, Gigi & me having our "healthy meal"

me, Jaimie, Vimz, Gigi & Art

with iamninoy runners Francis, Mayi & Jamike Lopa

Rovilson, Paula & Marc

Thank you Kenny Roger’s Roasters & Finishline for coming up with a nice race and rest assured, we will be looking forward to the next year’s edition of the KENNY’S Open Urbanite Run!

ps. as for my “slight” injury, will just have to rest it for a while i guess. for the meantime, it’s stretching and strengthening exercises for me.

*photos snatched from Vimz’, Jaimie’s & Gigi’s albums. Thanks ladies!

Ok, I Admit…

I maybe injured. After reading an article from runner’s world, I finally come to realize that what I’ve been feeling for the past several months might be PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME. All the symptoms that were enumerated were present although it really doesn’t affect my stride/running that much.

One of the main cause of this injury is falling on your butt. I remember several instances before while playing basketball, wherein I fell down hard on my butt after going for a rebound. I’ve already had this type of pain before but i thought it was just muscle spasms because the pain would go away after doing some stretching and warm compress.

Not until earlier this year while training for the Condura Skyway Half Marathon, did the pain resurfaced after a hill run in Antipolo. At first I ignored it, and thought that the pain would just go away after doing some stretching, but after a few more sessions, it’s still there. The pain is not much that it would cause some discomfort while running so somehow I’ve learned how to live with it or should I say, run with it.

I remember talking to a runner-friend about injuries, it’s really hard to admit that you’re injured when it doesn’t affect your running that much. All you have to do is stretch more often and apply cold/hot compress after you run and it would take care of the pain. Being injured means you will have to be away from running for a certain period of time while doing rehab/physical therapy, and it sure is hard to do that especially when you’ve come to love the sport so much that it has become a part of your lifestyle.

So for now, as hard as it may seem, I think I’m really injured, but just “slightly” (hehe..still in denial eh?). As for tomorrow, I will be treating the Urbanite run as a diagnostic run and see how I’d feel after. If the pain worsens, it’s time to see a doctor, and if not and my condition remains the same, I’ll just continue to stretch and do some exercises and hope that everything will turn out fine.

Am I stubborn, I guess we all are. As runners, we’re somehow used to run through pain, exhaustion and dehydration. So for now, it’s still wait and see. Maybe I’ll just cut down on my mileage for the moment and try to do some strengthening exercises and hope once again that this “slight” injury would disappear hehehe…

Being injured is not a good thing. So am I injured? I guess not…well maybe slightly. I think being STUBBORN is more appropriate, see you at the runs/races.

In Denial…

I think i’m at this stage for the past several months now…not really sure of how I feel, or should I say, a bit reluctant to accept reality. I started having this crazy and weird feeling early this year after one of my long runs in Antipolo.

At first, I just thought it was something that would just die down or go away as time goes by. But I guess I was wrong, after several more long runs and a few races after, the feeling is still there. I’m not sure if it affects my running performance, but somehow, as months pass, i’ve learned how to live with it. Sure it nags me pre/post run rather than during, but i guess that’s just how it goes with some of us. It’s really hard to accept reality coz it bites hehehe… Just as long as it’s tolerable or bearable, just let it be.

I remember one friend told me that if you got it while running, just let or allow running heal it for you.  It’s really hard to let go of something so important and meaningful, even for just a short period. So for now, i’ll just take it for what it is and hope that everything goes well. One foot after the other, one day at a time. I guess i’ll still be seeing you at the runs/races after all…

Hindi Ako Nag-Iisa…

was able to do my tribute run in memory of “Tita Cory” yesterday afternoon despite heavy rains. even if i ran alone, i’m sure that the iamninoy runners together with all the other groups who ran in different parts of the metro are with me in sending out our gratitude and deepest sympathy to the family of the former president. HINDI AKO NAG-IISA…to “Tita Cory”, again, thank you for everything that you’ve done and sacrificed for bringing back democracy to our country, you will surely be missed…we love you!