Plans for November

November 8, 2009 - Pasig: Philippine International Marathon 2009 - 10K

November 15, 2009 - Animo Run - 5K

November 22, 2009 - Dare to be Fit: Fit anf Right Run - 10K

November 29, 2009 - New Balance Run - 10K

I was at my best in Adidas KOTR

This race is the 3rd part of my October running calendar. And boy, it was indeed sweet. I was able to register a new PR of 1:05:40. I ensured that I did check the time right before I step on the finishline mat. This new record is definitely much better than my best 1:09.

I did not do much preparation for this run as I ran a 21K the Sunday prior. Add to that the load in school, fashion week and all. I ran the Thursday before but for pure recreational and nothing serious or major. I went to Anne's place to do a sleep over to ensure I am not harrased when going to The Fort for the run. I even slept past my bed time at 11:00PM.

On the race day, I went to the venue with Minette and Anne and met Tin at ROX. We were a bunch of happy people as we are excited to see a lot of people in the start line. The field was literally swimming in yellow (bright I may add) as almost everyone wore their Adidas shirts. I checked in alone in the 10K chute as Tin (for some reasons I do not know) decided to run the 5K rather than our usual 10K. And at exactly 6:00AM, the gun was fired and off we go.

I was planning on not getting excited and pushing myself to the limit at the beginning of the race. I told myself that I should slow down and ensure I have a good split time (although honestly, there is no way for me to know). I paced myself in the 7:00 and so I thought. Everybody was passing by me at the beggining and I couldn't really care. My plan was clear, run the first 5K and do 3 minute walking for the latter part.

I was happy and contented with how I am doing. Upon the ascend along the Kalayaan flyover, I tried to remember the pointers Running Diva gave me during the QCIM - when ascending, look at your feet and not on the road ahead. This way, you will be distracted with the height of the challenge ahead. I did just that ad was successful. I crossed Kalayaan, Paseo de Roxas and Makati Ave with a breeze. I was very happy to see Petron Megaplaza because I now exactly know how far I am from the turn-around point. I then saw Mapua and was looking forward for a 3minute walk. Upon turning, I walked and then ran. I ran and ran until Kayalaan Flyover again. This time, the people who have overtook me are starting to slow down and I have overtaken them already. I walked again some more along Kalayaan and checked at my watch. It says 0:55. I computed the remaining distance at the fort and checked that I will still be able to make the 1:05 target. I strengthened my pace and was able to clock in at the finishline at 1:05:40. My plan was perfect. This is now my best record for a 10K. Afterwhich, the gruelling part where I have to look for everone started. It was indeed a huge crowd of 7,000 and finding 3 people is very hard.

Upon our reunion, we decided to eat breakfast and en route to the car (being escorted by P&G security - for Anne), we bumped into fellow P&G runners and they told us to wait for a bit to have our picture taken. We waited for a bit and took the group photo.

Below are the post-race pictures:

P&G Peeps

Anne (First 5K), Minette (First Run), Tin (too experience for 5K) and Moi

Anne, Minette and I with Joey, Cris and Diego

Scared of KOTR

Yes. I am scared of the Adidas KOTR. After my successful attempt of a half-marathon last Sunday, I tried running again last Thursday so just I am sure I can still run. But to my surprise, I was not able to run my usual route at the same pace and time as I usually do. I am mostly walking this time which led me thinking that this is because my muscles are still recovering from its first 21K.

This then face me some concerns for Adidas tomorrow. I am running 10K and what if I will not be able to finish it? Hopefully I do. I know that I just need recovery time.

Also, another part of me is scared of Adidas because of its logistics way back to the distribution of packets. They were quite unorganized and many people were upset of the way this was handled. Hopefully, the race wouldn't be as unorganized as the distribution. We'll just have to wait and see.

QCIM Result according to jazzrunner

While blog hopping (of runners), I came across jazzrunner's and saw that he had the times already for the QCIM. I immediately checked my time and according to the time chip, my time was 2:44:49 - not bad ey!

I still have to wait for the final official results with the details. Im looking forward to see my photos! :)

See your time here: http://jazzrunner.wordpress.com/race-results-21k-qcim/

Thanks to Jazzrunner for the results!

I ran and finished my first half marathon

I did it.

Last mid of September, I decided that I will engage myself into a half marathon. I was contemplating on which one to join - either Milo Finals or QCIM. I decided to go for QCIM since I wanna gauge my 10K improvement via Milo and QCIM offers a finisher's medal for all half and full marathoners. After some preparations and excitement, the day has come. It was October 18, 2009. My first half marathon day.

There were seven of us in my barkada who decided to run the QCIM via different categories but only six of us actually ran due to some personal concerns of one of my friends. We arrived at the start line at 7:40 and was just enough for me to familiarize myself with the crowd and the pacers whom I am eyeing really to pace (2:45). I recognized the pacer of 2:30 as Rosell AKA Running Diva and decided to push myself to pace with them. I did just that and it was really worth it. Pacers proved to be a good help for first timers like me. I actually ran the first 14K (READ: RAN, no walking). I met some other Takbo.ph peeps and most importantly, Argonaut, who I was able to chat the night before via Takbo.ph. Towards 15K, my legs are starting to feel a little bit uneasy. I decided to take it slow and let the 2:45 pacers catch up with me. From then, I just relaxed and enjoy the feeling of running along commonwealth. It was my first time to run in an eight-lane road!

After sometime, during the 16K mark, I ran through Argo and told him that I'll pace him. I was able to do just that until 18K but he flew away and I was not able to catch up anymore. I paced myself but this time, I was feeling really tired. Both physically and emotionally. I decided to walk the 19K-21.5K and told myself that I will just run when I am about to cross the finish line. Upon looking at my watch for the last 1K. I saw that I can still make the 2:45 time as I have predicted and I ran for my life. I crossed the finish line at 2:45:16. I did it.

I was looking for my friends at the finishline but they were nowhere to be found. I walked towards the medal and certificate area and saw them. I claimed my medal and felt a great feeling when it was being placed around my neck. I am fulfilled I did this and I swore to myself that I will be better. 2:15 next 21K! Hahaha.

PS.
Thanks to the following: 1) Running Diva - for providing tips during the run and pacing us. 2) Argonaut - for pacing me at 16K-18K. Thanks for the help dude. 3) People pacing 2:30 - saya ng kwentuhan ng mga tao. It distracted me for quite sometime. Which is very good. 4) To Kristy -for the advise to eat something every 1hour. 5) Sir Rene, whom I looked up to while running and 6) QCIM organizers and everyone behind it -thanks for a job well done.

Congratulations are in order for all those who finished the race and most especially to Tin, my ultimate running-mate. :)

See you all at Adidas KOTR!!!

Me and my first running medal (hopefully, more to come):

I got loaded at the QCIM Carbo Loading Partee!!!

The QCIM carbo loading party was held yesterday at the Quezon City Circle. Upon entering the circle, we were directed by manong guard to go out again and re-enter after two gates. We did just that but was not able to find the appropriate gate. We then entered again the same gate - via a complete revolution on the circle and we were just directed to use the side streets. We were able to manage to get to the venue and to our surprise, the "activity center" was actually the center of QC circle. We were greeted with lights and sounds from the stage.

Upon arrival, we immediately signed-up in the registration area and proceeded to the venue where my friend Tin introduced me to some of her friends Richie, Jobax and Alfred (I hope I got their names right). At that time, the pacers are being introduced and I was able to see my pacer. I am deciding to run the half marathon at 7:30 pace.

I looked around and saw that I can recognize some faces. I saw the Kenyan Runners, sir Rene of the organizing group, Run Rio and Running Diva. I told myself - "heck, I would get photos of them". I approched them one by one and they were all nice. Running Diva even recognized me to my surprise. They are definitely accommodating and warm. Thanks to all those who have been intorduced to me. :) And here are the photos of last night's event:

Running Diva is proving why she was called a DIVA. Nice song Ms. Roselle.

At the background are the Kenyan Runners

Tin, me, Running Diva and Mr. Finishline Organizer

Run Rio

Me, Richie and Tin with the Kenyan Runners

The carbo loading party aims to set the mood for the marathon and show the crowd who will be the pacers and the people in the actual event. It was indeed a good experience to see a lot of people who are very much interested with running as I am. The QCIM looks to be promising and exciting as well. See you at the start line!

QCIM Carbo Loading Tonight!

I am super excited for the carbo loading party tonight for QCIM. I will be going to the party with Tin. See all of you there!

Copied from Takbo.ph care of poster Rene (who is also part of the organizing group):

CHANGE OF VENUE FOR THE CARBO LOADING PARTY:Due to problems in logistics and contractual constraints with the management of the Ayala Land Techno Hub, the venue for the QCIM Carbo Loading Party (for 21k and 42k registrants) has been moved to the Activity Center inside the QUEZON MEMORIAL CIRCLE instead of the Ayala Land Techno Hub. This will be for tomorrow, Friday, October 16, 2009.All activities shall remain the same with the registration starting at 5:00PM while program starts at 6:00pm.For those who will commute, you can get off near entrance of Quezon City Hall, then take underpass to the Quezon Memorial Circle. Caterers will still be the Flapjacks Restaurant.For attendance confirmation please call Michelle or Tess at 742-0283, or SMS your confirmation at 917-620-2441. If sending a text confirmation, kindly indicate your name and distance category, so we can confirm you on the list.We hope to see all the 21k and 42k registrants there.

7th Animo Run on November 15, 2009

Hail, hail, alma mater hail to De La Salle!!!

Presenting, the 7th Animo Run. Details as follows:

7th Animo Run

November 15, 2009
SM Mall of Asia IMAX Parking Lot
Registration period:October 12 - November 13, 2009

In support of all the summer sports and outreach programs of the College of Education of De La Salle University - Manila

Registration area:Enrique M. Razon Sports Complex De La Salle University-ManilaPhiten Shop - 2nd flr SM Mall of Asia Phiten Shop - 5th Level Shang-ri La Plaza Mall

Registration fee:
DLSU Categories - Php 200
5K Open - Php 200
10K Open - Php 250
Shipping fee (optional for online registrants) - Php 80

Categories
DLSU Students
DLSU Athletes
DLSU Faculty & Staff
DLSU Alumni
5K Open
10k Open
Age Categoriesfor 5k and 10k categories
Male
Female
- 19 & below
- 19 & below
- 20-29
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 50 & above
- 60 & above

Top finisher for each age category will also be receiving gift packsSpecial awards will be given to the:-Youngest runner-Oldest runner-Biggest delegation

Links:

DLSU Running Club http://www.dlsurunningclub.co.cc/

Registration Form http://phoebee.freewebhostx.com/regform.pdf

Route Map http://phoebee.freewebhostx.com/map.jpg

Singlet Design http://phoebee.freewebhostx.com/jersey5.png

See you there! Animo La Salle!!!

PS. I like the Singlet. :)

No Walking! Woohwoooh!!!

I was fulfilled. I was able to run the entire 5.36K (my normal training route) without walking. I have never done this and was able to do it tonight. Whew. I am fulfilled. I think this is a good sign that I will do very well at the QCIM. :)

Official Result for Milo Marathon Finals and Photos

Official Results are out and my stopwatch was pretty accurate. Based on my chip time, I registered 1:10:44. Here is a screenshot of my performance.

At first, I was hesitant to post it here since my results were not that fabulous but I still opted to do so since I know I will get better. I want to record honestly how I perform in each race I join.

The presence of Photovendo was also an addition to this year's final. I was lucky to have several photos and here are some which I could share. Mostly, these are the photos which I did not look stupid. I am placing some captions on what I am probably thinking that time.

"This is it, I can do this!"

"Breath in, breath out"

"Walang magulo! Pagod ako!!!"

Me dancing Boom Boom Pow... hahaha

My Milo Marathon National Finals 2009 Experience

The culminating activity of the Milo Marathon was held yesterday morning at the Quirino Grandstand. All 42K runners from the regional races who were able to make the cut-off time of 4:00 (I think) qualified to be part of the Milo Marathon National Finals. I woke up at around 5AM for this race and was glad that I no longer need to travel as my house is just a couple of blocks away from Luneta. I walked to the venue and arrived at 5:55. Enroute to Luneta, I passed by a convenience store to fill up one of my hydration bottles with a Gatorade. It was my first time to use my belt for a race and I was quite excited and feel professional altogether. Upon arriving at the venue, I saw that the start line was already filled with runners waiting for the gun start. And at 6AM, Mayor Alfredo Lim fired the gun and we're off to go.

Since the timing chip was used for this race, the start is like a bottle neck. The mat we need to cross was quite small and everybody waited for their turn to go about. I instantly started my running after I passed through the mat. I was pacing comfortably and was eyeing for someone I could pace (this is my new habit; pacing with someone I don't know. haha!). I saw this lady in mid-rib and I thought she is someone whom I could follow. Primarily because I think she is a pro and she could be easily distinguished from the green crowd. I did just that but at about 3K, I bid farewell to my pacer (who doesn't know I am pacing her) as I sarted to walk in preparation for the overpass we are about to reach. After a minute or so, I ran back and was able to climb the Buendia flyover without any problems. Walked a little at the top and resumed running downhill. I was very comfortable and was very happy with the first part of my run. I looked at my timer watch and saw that I clocked only 20 minutes in and I told myself that I am doing very well. I continued my running until I reached the turning point at Le Pavillion. I was then looking for a new pacer and I saw this guy clad in blue top. I immediately paced with him but after sometime I told myself that I could go faster. I did just that and overtook the guy. I was computing my time as I really wanted to get a new PR for this run. I was still at best when I started to feel tired. I decided to walk from Quirino to Rajah Sulayman. At this point, the blue guy passed me. I told myself that if I walk that distance, I will run the remainder to the finishline. I walked and immediately gained my running pace from Rajah Sulayman till UN Avenue. At this point, I was able to overtake again the blue guy and told myself, I should finish before him. I stopped running through UN Avenue to Kalaw as I was trying to strengthen my systems to finish strong.

Upon traversing the street of Kalaw, I ran and finished the course. Finishing ahead of the blue guy. I checked my timer and I clocked 1:10. I was a little disappointed since my best 10K PR is 1:09. But then, if I compare my previous Milo record with my new one, it is indeed a BIG improvement. My record in the July 5, Manila Eliminations was 1:26 and now I got it down to 1:10, therefore, a 16 minute diferrence is a great improvement. I still have to see though the official times as to be posted by Milo.

I am happy and fulfilled that I did this. Even though this time, I was running alone, I enjoyed it and maximized it to the fullest.

Photo below is a sample of how Milo Marthon is filled with Green Runners (photo taken from the net)

The next three weeks..

My next three weeks will be full. I am scheduled (and have signed up, READ: paid already) for the following races:


October 11, 2009 Milo Marathon Finals 10K
October 18, 2009 QC International Marathon 21K
Ocotber 25, 2009 Adidas King of the Road 10K






I am excited as hell for all the events for several reasons. For Milo, this will give me a gauge on how much I have improved since this is the first 10K (and first run) that I did. For the QCIM, I am excited as well because its my first half marathon. I even bought a Nathan for this run. For the Adidas, I really like the singlet. Good enough reason to make me happy and excited about the run. I hope I'll get good times this October. I guess I haven't trained that hard but for sure at least my other efforts will show. See you in these runs!

It's been so long...

I was bad these couple of weeks. I did not continuously ran. I did not follow my training. I just ran whenever I fell like running.

Now, I have to change. I am officially signed up for the Milo Marathon (10K) on October 11, 2009 and QCIM (21K) on October 18, 2009. I have to complete at least most of my trainings to be able to do good in these races. I ran tonight, will run on Thursday and will do good on Sunday for the Milo. This is what I am chanting right now.