Smash and Run Experience

Yesterday was the Smash and Run held in Greenhills Shopping Center. I spent the night before at Anne's place so we cloud go together to the venue. I ran the 10K with Tin Ferrera and then Anne and Donna ran the 3K. Eggy and Paula ran the 3K as well. I was signed up by Donna since the event was sponsored by Sun Cellular. She was waving all the way to collegues she sees everywhere. The event turnout was quite good. I can see familiar faces of people I have seen in the previous races I have joined.

We arrived at the venue at around 5:30 and looked for Anne's brother to give out his and her girlfriend's race packet. We then proceeded to the starting line. While walking, Tin handed me a Jelly Bean. It was the power Jelly Beans with electrolytes that will help you boost your energy. I immediately took one from her. We then walked and I felt that I needed to use the rest room. I was pointed to a portalet by one of the guards. When I arrived at the area of the portalet, there is a long line for the guys. I was the 6th guy in the line and there is only 5 minutes before gun start. At about a minute to go, I was still third in line. The guy in front turned back and saw that my singlet was red (indicating I'm a 10K runner)and asked me if I want to go ahead. I did and was very thankful to the 2 guys in front of me. Whoever you are guys, kudos to you! :)

When I went out of the portalet, the gun was fired. I immediately ran to the start line and was able to go with the flow of runners starting. I then ran through my normal pace. I was quite excited at this time because it was my first time to run in Greenhills. I am not even familiar with the place that much. I just went with the flow. I was quietly pacing with a female runner who is an iamNinoy runner. I think we are of the same pace so I ensured I do not lose sight of her. Since I was pacing with her, I was able to fight the urge to walk for the first 4K which was a very good distance already. I then started brisk walking by then briefly and ensured I run back after a block or so. I am quite happy that I can still see the female iamNinoy runner. The track seems like forever since there are a lot of turns and streets. It was fulfilling in a diffent way since I was able to sightsee.

Notes about the event:

The event was a success. Nice turn out since there are pros and newbies in the crowd. There are the endorsers of Mizuno, pro runners wearing the tights, newbies just enjoying the 3K.

The starting/finish line was nice looking as well. All the sponsors are visible and they are even allocated with tents inside the event area. There is a stage with a host which entertained most of the people in the crowd. There are however some things I was expecting to be in the event which was lacking. The presence of TV personalities. I thought the event will be attended by Sun endorser Iya Villania and honey Drew Arellano since both of them are runners. It would have been great if both of them we're there to have handed some prizes and ran the race as well. Maybe there is a conflict in their schedule.

The water stations are also strategically placed. I am surprised however that there are no power drink stations considering Rush is a sponsor. We were contemplating after the race that there might be a fall-out of the sponsorship resulting to the non-participation of Rush. I was contented however to just drink water. The thing I believe should be improved in this race is the marshalls attitude. I heard from the grapevine that the marshalls are trash talking the last runners for some categories. People might take this positively or negatively. Some may take it lightly as something funny while some of them might get hurt that there are already the last runners and there are people who are not supportive of them.

I also would like to commend this event for something I found nice. It might be a small detail but I really liked it. The lace they provide when you turn around a specific u-turn slot are not notched. They are melt together hence there it is not distracting to wear around your neck. Another thing I liked about this race is the ensured loot bag. From all the races I have joined, I have yet to retrieve a loot bag. The event provided a loot bag with a water, C2 and bag of healthy chips. This is a good practice since most runners are thirsty or hungry by the end of the race.

All-in-all, this race is a very good one. It is well attended and the logistics are up to standard. I am looking forward to another race sponsored by the Greenhills Shopping Center.

Photos!!!

10K Finishers. Tin and Mark

Me, Paula, Anne, Donna and Tin (Eggy taking the Photo)

Smash and Run

I will be running again tomorrow! Yipee...

This is my first time to run with my boss and her friends and I am really looking forward to it. I will be blogging about my experience running in Greenhills after the run. :)

Running in the Rain

I was doing my usual run when I saw some lightning. At first, I didn't mind the lightning since it always does during the night. I coursed through my usual route and a little bit after my turn in CCP, it rained. It rained really hard. Good thing is that there is a covered area at the Marina Yatch Club. I went in and waited for the rain to subside. I checked immediately my iPod and ensured that it is still working.

When the rain subsided, I ran again with my iPod secured in my pocket. I ran and ran and ran. When I was about 2 blocks away from my house, the rain was just pouring down. I was all wet. I needed to stop one block away from my house to ensure my iPod will not get wet. I waited and waited until nothing. The rain was not stopping. I then decided to run the last block and submerged myself into the rain.

If my iPod was not with me, I would ran in the rain contented. But my iPod ruined it all. Haha.

I would definitely run the rain sometime.

Catching the Bull Runner

It was my first time last Friday to be able to step foot on the Runnr. I was amazed that there is a store solely dedicated for running. You can find there shoes, outfit and all items you might need for running.

I had my running tested and I found out that I am a forefoot runner. They guy who assisted me told me that the shoes I bought (Lunar Glides) is quite soft for me and I should wear ankle sleeves to support my aching ankle. I did just that and while I was paying at the counter, I saw the stack - of the Bull Runner Magazine.

Without hesitation, I got hold a copy for myself. The magazine is already the second issue. They featured on the cover Drew Arellano, who I didn't know had a passion for running. The magazine also featured him in a 3-page article (and photos) where he shared how he influenced his siblings, father and his girlfriend Iya to share with him his passion. I am happy that running has been getting into everyone now.

The magazine has a lot of advertisement that are relative to running. I personally find these interesting - Photovendo, Gatorade and Dole. I did not know that there is an online store selling photos of running. This came quite handy when I ran the Kenny's Urbanite. Photovendo was there to take our photos and was up 2-3 days from the event. For those who joined the run, visit http://urbanite.photovendo.ph to see your photos. Disclaimer: Almost everyone looked weird because the photos where taken a couple of steps from the finish line. The Gatorade advertisement was something I really read. It was full of information why a runner need a sports drink and water. It gave me more information so I can strategically drink on stations for my next runs. And lastly, I didn't know that banana was for cramps until I saw Dole's advertisement. Originally, I thought the reason for eating banana is to have a full stomach but apparently, it has more use that that.

I would give 4 thumbs up -including my running feet- to the Bull Runner Running Magazine. It straightens up one's knowledge on running and the things accompanying it. The magazine is specially tailor made for a runner because it was done for and by a runner.

Congratulations Jaymie on this wonderful creation and I am looking forward for the next issue. For more updates, visit her site at http://thebullrunner.com.

:)

My Kenny Roger's Urbanite Experience

I was very excited for the Urbanite. Since we encountered some issues when claiming our race kits, I needed to come back to BHS early on race day. I went there at around 3PM and claimed Herbert's singlet. Since there is no more small size I got him a medium like Jiggs and Joma. I then met Jiggs (who is celebrating his 25th Birthday that day) at around 3:30. I greeted him with glee and we decided to hangout by Bo's coffee to check out emails and surf the net. We stayed there until we decided to get ready for our run by buying some stuff at Mini Stop at Market Market.

After our short trip to Mini Stop, we then met Joma and Herbert at the parking lot to drop our bags and officially get ready for our run. I distributed our race packets and got dressed. We wore our singlets and tied our timing chips to our shoes.

We then went to the assembly area on time as prescribed but nothing is happening yet. We then decided to stroll around and we found the event to be full or runners and family of runners. The event was successful as it is. I was feeling a little uncomfortable that time because my ankle is still hurting. I then made a decision to finally buy an ankle support from runnr. I bought the support and fitted it. I then prayed that this will help me through my run.

8:30 came and it is about time to go to the starting line. We flocked to the area together but I have to separate ways with my friends as I am running for the 10K and they are all doing the 5K. I did just that and waited for my gun start. I was in a very huge crowd. Apparently, there are about a thousand running the 10K.

Marc Nelson counted down, shot the gun and we're off.

I stared my run at my normal pace. I was actually enjoying the scenery both the place and the view of other runners. After around 3K, I started walking. We then entered the route going to Lawton which was quite dark. Even though it was dark, I was not afraid because I was pacing with some people and there are a lot of marshalls. I think this was a strength of this race. They pre-empted the dark areas and they placed the marshalls strategically. Water stations are also ample. My comment though is that not both water and power drink were available at all stations. Personally, I prefer to drink water in the first few stations and then power drink at the later part of the run. This is my strategy in the end to ensure I can still bring out my energy. I am charging this to experience.

I ran and ran. We then entered Mc Kinley. I was actually excited because I have never been there. And I also heard that there are slopes. I haven't run in slopes so I was pretty looking forward to it. I started alright but was so tired during the uphills. It is a pain! I can feel my body weight and all the energy drink I drank at the first few stops. It then dawned on me that I have to really lose weight - Big Time.

The last 2K was long for me. I started doubting if I can finish it and was not finding anymore strength to sprint. I just decided to do whatever pace I can. Upon seeing the lights at the finish line, I got pumped up. I decided to still run my last 0.5K and finish with a grand sprint. I did that but was quite dismayed. The time registered for the 10K was 1:22. I was aiming for a good PR at about 1:10 but I was not able to do it. Even though that was sad, I still felt contented in finishing the race. I was then walking to our "meeting place" when I saw Herbert, Joma and Jiggs clapping for me. I was like - "Why are you clapping?" and they all told me congratulations for finishing the 10K. I felt very good then. I knew I had good friends.

We went to the party area and I got my finisher's certificate. I also ensured that I dropped the Donate portion of our stubs to show my support for the event's cause. After all the effort and hardship, its now time to go and celebrate Jiggs' quater life crisis. LOL.

The run was fun. It made me strive harder to be better and gave me my first night and chip timed race.

Photos!!!

My Official Results: 643 place out of 887. Hihi

After the Race - Runner 1870

Photo from Photovendo. I am buying this picture and I have emailed them already.

Signed Up!!! Kenny Rogers Ubanite Run 09

Me and my friends are officially signed-up for the Kenny Roger's Urbanite. I am running 10K while my friends are running the 5K (Joma, Herbert and Jiggs - Happy Birthday on this day). I am pretty excited about this race for several reasons:

1. It will be held at the Fort. A new surrounding for me :).

2. It will be at night. Kakaiba!

3. Cool new items such as timing chip, glow in the dark wristband (dunno what is this), glow in the dark race bib (daw!).

4. It will be hosted by Marc Nelson and Rovilson will be running. I am a big fan of the duo from Amazing Race.

5. There will be an after party. I doubt that I will be able to go since we will be celebrating Jiggs' and Mikee's birthdays in a spa in Antipolo. Happy birthday to both!!!

If you wanna check out the site, you can visit their link:

http://kennys.com.ph/kour_index.php

I'll be flocking Bonifacio High Street on Thursday to retrieve our race kits after office hour. Anybody is invited to join me. :)

Up next: My running problem (shocks!!!)

My Longer Training Route

I have been contented in running my usual 4.6K route. I am accustomed to its surroundings and feel perfect with it and have been using this path for about 4 months now. Upon reading more and more of other blogs, I learned that I should also do longer trainings specially during the weekends where I usually have more time. I then extended my normal US Embassy-CCP-US Embassy route to US Embassy-CCP-Folks Art-PICC-Sofitel-World Trade-CCP-US Embassy.

The new route was of course longer but it didn't feel so. Maybe because I was running briskly and I was enjoying the scenery as well. Mind you, I was running at 12:00 Noon. Even though there was much heat, my run was perfect. I didn't knew that running in a new surrounding could be that enjoyable. I then told myself to do this again and probably extend to other routes as well.

I'd probably try running the route of the Milo 10K. Luneta-EDSA and back.

Family Run Run 2009 Review

I have posted last Sunday my experience with the Family Fun Run and now, I would like to share with you the event logistics. Things I liked and things I think should be improved.

The event started late due to some reasons I don't know of. Patrick and I arrived at 4:00PM which was the check-in time but nothing was happening. We roamed around and tried looking for things happening. There were several booths lined up such as Crocs, Shell, some bike company and other sponsors. I guess this is one of the good parts of the race because we were entertained by the "stuff" around prior to the race. We waited and waited until 4:30 which should have been the gun start already and apparently, there is still a programme prior to the race. Everybody were encouraged to gather in front of the stage but not much folks are following since there are no ushers whatsoever. I felt bad for the organizer-Ken because I can see him doing the actual ushering. Should this have been part of his role, I am not sure. But I guess, this being an event sponsored by the City Government, there should have been ushers.

And then the programme started. There were the councilors, sports commission heads who spoke. I felt that most of the speech were not necessary anymore because they are just redundant from each other. I felt important however, is the speech of the male councilor from District 5. He himself is a runner and encouraged the young ones to get into running. It is very cheap and it takes you away from drugs. All the speeches were followed with an aerobic exercise. I felt it was too tacky but it was a hit with the audience (OK fine, I was amazed too). Some oldies were doing the exercise and it was fun to see that they are able to do so with such age. :) Congrats mga lolo at lola!!!

While the aerobics is still on going, I heard the hosts called the 10K runners to stand at the start point already. I then followed and waited for the gun shot. The run started easy. There were water stations strategically placed. Upon the 1.25K, we turned around Kalaw and I got the mandatory yellow lace. The women volunteers were very kind in giving them. This is one thing I liked about the race. The lace women are nice. They extend the effort in handing you the lace with their hands stretched. You really don't need to slow down or anything just to get it. As I go on with the race, I became thirsty and started stopping at the water stations. There were some stations unmanned which I really find weird. No cups just big water bottles with a knob. I guess this is something the organizers have to check on. Water stations are IMPORTANT to runners.

Other things I observed in the race that I found great are the standby Ambulance, which of course will come in handy if there is a casualty, the police on standby to direct the private cars directing to Roxas Blvd to re-route and the casual marshalls along the race which I know the responsibility is to ensure that everything will be well attended given that there is a situation.

I would say that the thing I did not like that much about this race is the attendance. I wouldn't say that the attendance generated is great. There are families, yes, but I think there were just few. Also, I felt that the students from the different schools are mandated by their teachers to attend just so the event will not transfor to a complete flop. There is also a lack of attendance from more serious runners.

All-in-all, I would say that the Family Fun Run 2009 is a success. There are still some things that needs to be improved but there are more better things which overshadowed that. I am looking forward in attending more races organized by Ken Montegrande and the MASCO.

My Family Fun Run 2009 Experience

I was really excited to run 10K today since the last time I did a 10K race is during the Milo Marathon last July 5. I got ready around 2:30PM since I am meeting Patrick by 3:00 and we will be walking to the venue. Unfortunately, Patrick over slept and was a little late from our scheduled time. It was OK though since we still got to the venue at 4:00 which was the check-in time.

The event started with a program where everyone on stage spoke. It was long and boring. I didn't feel the need of some of them talking anymore. It just so happen that this race is a government event and these people should be doing some speech. The thing different from this race is that, there is a group of oldies who did some aerobics prior to the race. At first, I felt it was "baduy" but it was a hit with the crowd and I was also amazed. Unfortunately, I did not able to finish the act since they already announced that the 10K participants should check-in already at the starting point. I did just that with Patrick even though he was suppose to run the 3K only.

When the gun was shot, everybody immediately ran and I was just standing. I was configuring my iPod to time my race. Upon doing so, I ran and was feeling really good because I was pacing with the firefly joggers and they are quite fast. Upon entering 1.25K, I felt something weird. I stomach started to cramp. Yes, I didn't know too that there is such thing in running as stomach cramps. I needed to walk and let the pain subside a little. I was debating in my head the pros and cons of stopping at 2.5k. I then gave myself sometime to recover while walking (ala Park mode) and it did subside at about 3K. I continued running and was approaching 4K when it started to drizzle. Afraid of being electrocuted or permanently damaging my iPod, I started walking again and placed it inside a plastic bag (which I brought). Then I felt bad. I was not yet halfway through the race and I already did some major walking. I thought to myself, my time will definitely be longer than my Milo's. I started running and was pacing with a woman. I ensured that I will not be left behind by her. I was actually successful until my 6.25K. She glided faster and I was left behind. I then started pacing on my own again. I then became comfortable since I decided that this will be just a lesson race for me and I will try to be better at the Kenny's. I ran, walk, run to the finish line expecting to have a time of around 1:40. But to my surprise, when I checked the clock after I passed through the finish line and got my mandatory certificate, that the time in the clock is 1 hr 19 mins. I was shocked as hell as I did a lot of walking. I said to Patrick, "I really thought I wouldn't surpass my Milo record. But I did". I don't know what my official time was since I saw the clock several seconds or probably a minute upon finishing. I saw someone writing my number upon my finish so I hope they listed it down and made available for everybody's benefit.

I then chatted with Patrick after in Brothers Burger and asked how did he do. Apparently, he ran 5K. Which is really weird since the only categories were 3K and 10K. He said he did not followed the rules and didn't even cross the finish line. I didn't know why he did not do it. It is the best part of the race for me. Crossing the finish line.

Congratulations were still in order since this is the first time that Patrick ran a 5K and I gave him that. He then told me that he actually thought he ran 10K but appareantly, you need to run the whole distance again to do the 10K. He was still happy.

The funny story here was when he finished and I was nowhere to be seen, he suspected of a weird scenario. There were ambulance on standy by (of course, for very obvious reasons) and he thought that I was in an ambulance. It was as funny as hell.

All-in-all, there are a lot of good and bad things that happened during this race. First, I set another PR for me and second, I experienced stomach cramps.

I will definitely train harder for the Kenny Urbanite. I want a better record with the chip system.

Up Next: Review of the Family Fun Run Event