My 2015 Marathon Project - supported by Garmin Connect

October 28, 2012.  That was the last time I ran the marathon distance through Run United Philippine Marathon.  I finished the whole 42.195 kilometer distance in 7 hours, 20 minutes, and 48 seconds.  I had issues then with ITBS, and just wanted to run the distance to celebrate good health and friends I saw along the route.

As I continue to heal from ITBS, I decided to give my legs some rest and focus on triathlons.  Swim and bike time increased, and deliberately decreased my running sessions.

I was able to finish several triathlon events in the process that lead to my ultimate goal of finishing Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines in 2013 and 2014.  I am the type of athlete who only wants to finish every race, and I'm very happy and grateful with my accomplishment.  However, I still have that yearning to run the marathon distance.

Last September, my teammate and compadre Victor Viola encouraged me to join the Condura Skyway Marathon happening on February 1, 2015.  I welcomed the idea, and went to Asics in Greenbelt, Makati City to buy a pair of running shoes and avail their free registration promo.

I went home excited and started drawing the plans for a successful marathon comeback.

Personal Inventory

As with any other race or project that I went through, I always see to it that I conduct a personal inventory of resources available to ensure success.

Running gears are already available since I embraced the sport in 2009.  I rediscovered some valuable running lessons from the book "Run Less, Run Faster" which I got sometime in 2013.  I now live near my favorite running place.  I can now train anytime in the evening.

There's just one challenge that I need to address to: my weight.  I'm not at my best at 200 lbs.  My marathon personal record of 5 hours, 55 minutes was achieved when I was 165 lbs in 2010.  I feel the need to be guided during training, in order to progress correctly, and not jeopardize my overall wellness.

Garmin Connect

I seldom sync my Garmin Forerunner 910xt to Garmin Connect.  Perhaps, I got bored with the previous version, that I saw it as a simple necessity to transfer the data my Garmin recorded during training and races, to free up some memory space.

But things were different when I checked the site last month.  Garmin Connect now sports a more engaging interface that displays your favorite features in one (or multiple) dashboards.  The change made exploring the features of Garmin Connect very easy!

Feature 1: Training Plan

Let me start with the Training Plans available which I didn't know where there.  When you clicked the gear icon on the upper right corner of the Training Plans window, a pull down menu will show and will lead you to find a Training Plan.  Once clicked, the interface will change and present you different training plans for running, biking, and triathlon.  Training plans for swimming is not yet available.  You can also choose from three (3) training levels, and training by heart rate or no heart rate.  After choosing your training plan, you can schedule your training by start date or finish date.

Garmin Connect gave me a 16-week level 1 marathon training plan by heart rate.  I was able to save the training plan into my calendar and Garmin Forerunner 910xt.  Now, all I have to do to suit up on training day, and select the training scheduled for the day from my 910xt.

Training starts today, October 13, 2014.  And the best part is it says "REST" =)

I will share in my future post how I progressed and the other features of Garmin Connect.

Read more...

My RUPM Story

"I haven't ran a marathon this year."  That's what's running on my mind before and during the RUPM blogcon.  I registered for the marathon, but I know I'm not prepared.  I know that I'm bound to fail if I did show up on the starting line, and end up not finishing the race.  I envy those who prepared and will be running the full distance.

My 1st marathon attempt for the year was unsuccessful.  ITBS struck me on the left at km 7 of the Milo Marathon.  It was heartbreaking.  I had a hard time recovering.  Foam rollers and stretching just won't help.  I was trying to get in touch with Coach Titus Salazar for his deep-tissue massage treatment, but can't seem to contact him. (Only to find out that I saved a wrong number on my phone).

Intercare Episode

I first went to Intercare last October 12, 2012, in an attempt to arrest my ITBS issue.  I was really hoping they could get me back on the road.  I loved my first visit, and was looking forward to the next sessions.

I had myotherapy last October 17, and was allowed to run 15k in Adobo Run.  Boy, it was music to my ears when they gave me the go signal to run.  And I was all smiles during the Adobo Run, for I was running (run/walk 2min/1min ratio) with fellow bored member, Joy Vargas, and finished in 2:04:14 in my watch.

I returned to Intercare last October 23, for another myotherapy and ISMART.  After the treatment, I was asked about my training plans, and told them that I'm registered in RUPM.  I also told them that I lack the running mileage, only had biking and swimming as my pre-marathon activities.  I was surprised when they gave me clearance to run, on the condition that I treat RUPM as a long run.  I was elated, and got excited for the race.

RUPM Day

Seeing my running friends at the marathon starting line was something that I truly missed.  For me, wishing each other good luck was already a celebration of life.

I'm in my worst marathon running shape, and kept a note on my mind to simply treat the RUPM as a long run.  I will not mind the time.  I won't mind if I'm at the end of the pack, or if I get swept by RunRio's vehicle sweeper.  I just want to finish the distance for personal accomplishment.

I ran the same run/walk ratio (2min/1min) all the way.  I was so thankful when I passed km 15.  I was already celebrating when I passed km 21.  I lost my my heel crash pad on my right shoe at km 27.  My Garmin stopped at km 30, and had to restart.



My Garmin was able to stretch its power for another hour, and retired at km 35.



I still can't see RunRio's vehicle sweeper at this point, and thought that I have a chance to earn the medal.  And true enough, after more than 7 hours, I became an RUPM marathoner.  My fellow bored members and friends in the blogging circle patiently waited for me and cheered as I cross the finish line.

Notice the missing heel crash pad on my right shoe?
Photo courtesy of Phillip BF

I held on the heel crash pad all the way to the homestretch
Photo courtesy of CJ Paran

Photo courtesy of Pedz Verdarozaga

Thank you dear Jesus for the gift of good health and friends.  Thank you Intercare for bringing me back on the road.  Thank you RunRio and Unilab Active Health for a successful RUPM.  Thank you my dear friends for the cheers and sharing the victory.

Read more...

[MyConduraSkyway2012Chronicles] Week 2 Training Report

Ok, I've been a slacker the past week. I got distracted in my training with some stuff.

Here's my scorecard:

Date	Plan	Score
Oct24 Mon	Rest	Check
Oct25 Tue	Easy Run 4k@8:23	Zero
Oct26 Wed	Rest	Check
Oct27 Thu	Tempo Run 5k@7:42	Zero
Oct28 Fri	Rest/XT	Check
Oct29 Sat	Rest/XT	Check
Oct30 Sun	Long Run 16k@8:23	35.14k@11:11

Too slow for a long run?

Well, you see, the terrain was a little something like this:

It was just TOO STEEP, you know?!

Photo courtesy of CJ Paran

Praise God I survived!

Read more...

[MyConduraSkyway2012Chronicles] Week 1 Training Report

Sharing to you my week 1 training progress.

Date	Plan	Score
Oct17 Mon	Rest	Check
Oct18 Tue	Easy Run 6k@8:25	6k@7:23
Oct19 Wed	Rest	Check
Oct20 Thu	Speedwork 2x1600 in 11:14	Lap1 in 9:35 | Lap2 in 9:55
Oct21 Fri	Rest/XT	Swim 1000m
Oct22 Sat	Rest/XT	Bike 43k
Oct23 Sun	Long Run 14k@8:25	Zero

Yep! I missed my 1st long run. I was too stressed the last week, that I opted to stay in bed last Sunday morning. I felt bad. I wanted to run after I woke up, but I had so many itinerary for the day. Oh well. I should do good next week.

Read more...

[MyConduraSkyway2012Chronicles] Day 1: Weight Check

Some good news and bad news.

Looks like I also lose 1 cm in height hehe

Good news
I lose 2.2 kgs since April 29, 2011.

Bad news
I still need to shed off significant weight to help me gain speed.

Good news
I somehow maintained my weight after 2011 Milo Marathon Eliminations last July.

Bad news
The holidays are coming, and I must resist my cravings for food (and alcohol).

Good news
Only 16 kgs weight-loss to go and I'm already within my ideal weight range.

Bad news
What the?!  16 kgs??  At the rate that I'm going, it would take me until 2015 to reach my ideal weight.

Read more...

Getting Ready for Condura Skyway Marathon 2012

Next week will be the start of my 16 week training program for Condura Skyway Marathon 2012.  Yep!  I will train for and race the Premier Running Event of the Philippines!

Image source: facebook.com/conduraskywaymarathon

The Condura Skyway Marathon event is very special for me.  I ran my first 5k in 2009, when it was still known as the Condura Run.  The 2010 edition was my 2nd marathon, and there I set my marathon personal record (PR) of 5:55:13.  Condura Skyway Marathon 2011 was part of my training run for my 102k ultra marathon quest.

I will do my best to make next year's edition very special for me.  I will discipline myself in all aspects of training: pace, distance, rest, cross-training, and diet.  I will hope for a marathon PR.

I find it very fascinating for the Concepcion brothers, Ton and Patrick, to involve all runners in developing the race.  The event's OFFICIAL Facebook Page, allows all followers to actively participate in the discussions, and provide inputs for every plan the organizers wish to undertake.  At times, I get to receive emails and text messages about the plans of the event, and I can freely express my opinion about almost anything about it.  And I value what they do.  They truly kept the Condura Skyway Marathon a "run by runners for runners."

And like Ton and Patrick, I will blog my Condura 2012 journey, to report my progress, and try to draw insights from you, my dear readers, to help me achieve my goal.

Wish me luck, and see you at the Skyway on February 5, 2012!

Read more...

I almost QUIT - My Milo Marathon 2011 Story

Yep!  When I reached Seaside Boulevard from CCP, I almost tear my bib, quit, and walked going to my car.  But two fellows (sorry I didn't get your names) who were with me at the battle encouraged me to carry on.  After all, they told me what's a couple of kilometers to complete a marathon day.

So what happened?  It was a rainy early Sunday morning.  We arrived in MOA an hour earlier to secure parking, and do our last minute marathon preparations.  We met our fellow teammates in Team Boring and wished each other the best of luck.  It was also during this time that I was having problems getting a GPS signal.

Team Boring and Friends
Photo courtesy of Rod Apolinario 

We then braved the rains to proceed to the starting pen.  We were all wet.  I was already bothered with my socks, and was afraid of the blisters to which my feet are perennial of getting at the slightest moisture.  I refocused and prayed while waiting for the gun start, and hoped nothing but to finish within the cut-off.  I psyched myself, very confident that I can make it.  I repeated told myself "the usual run-walk will do the trick."

When the gun went off, we ran like kids playing in the rain.  Was able to meet more friends along way, and exchanged good lucks.

Everything went well at the beginning, except for my Garmin, which after some 1.7kms (approximately 12 mins), I realized that it needs some resetting (talk about pre-marathon jitters hahaha).  I was feeling good with the rain kissing me and limited my walk breaks at water stations.

After the Buendia flyover, I felt cold and took a leak and knew that I'll be dehydrated soon.  I soon replenished with "PoweRain" (Powerade with rain water).

Reaching Baclaran, I suddenly felt a familiar cramp on my left calf.  It was more of walking this time than running.  Approaching Buendia, I was greeted and cheered by dear friends.  Just a few meters after, it was my right calf's turn to experience the nasty cramp.  I knew I'll be in trouble soon.

Going to Buendia
Photo courtesy of Jojo Pauly

I made the long stretch of Buendia a leaking haven.  It was so cold that I couldn't help but pause from time to time to relieve my bladder.  I reached Km 21 before 7 AM.  It was more of a mind game at that time.  I resolved to keep moving forward no matter what.

Some of my friends were already heading to the finish when I reached Kalayaan flyover.  I was so happy with their run, and was inspired to carry on.

Somewhere along Rizal Avenue in BGC
Photo courtesy of BroJ

After my Lawton turn-around, I noticed that there were only a few runners behind me.  Honestly, I panicked and felt the need to take a number 2.  McDonald's Forbes Town was a blessing.

The sun shone mightily before I revert to Kalayaan flyover.  The hydration stations were already packing up.  I felt I was forsaken and asked for the rains.

I reached Km 32 two minutes before the cut-off time of 9AM.  I knew that there was no way I could finish the last 10 kms in 1 hour.  I haven't done a 10k sub-60!  Some vans and motorcycle marshals were already sweeping other runners, and asked me several times if I could keep up.  I just told them that I'm OK and ran and kept moving forward.

At Buendia-Osmena, the hydration station is all set to go.  I HAVE TO BEG THE LADY FOR A BOTTLE OF POWERADE TO KEEP ME GOING.

Reaching Taft Avenue, I was already pissed and stopped running and kept on walking.  I was already flirting with failure, and just wanted to go home.  Reaching Roxas Boulevard, I was guided by the marshals to the CCP area.  I saw fellow runners in front and behind me who are no longer running, simply walking like me.

At the Aliw Theater, a man at the hydration station gave me two glasses of ice cold water.  It was an awesome relief for a tired and battered runner.  I said "thank you" and heard him say "your welcome."  A very simple gesture worth mentioning.

I tried to run for my cheering friends, but just can't
Photo courtesy of Carlo Serrano

And the walk continued to the finish.  My Garmin was already dead when I reached EDSA.  At the homestretch, it was a bliss seeing my friends who were cheering for me like I were a champ.

It was a Milo Marathon PR for me!
Photo courtesy of Rod Apolinario

I'm so thankful for the 2 dudes who encouraged me to finish.  Finally, I have a Milo Medal.  That's all that matters to me now.

Read more...

Am I ready for the 35th Milo Marathon Eliminations?

Now that the Milo-APEX Running School season is over, I can't help but try to assess my readiness for the upcoming 35th National Milo Marathon Eliminations next Sunday, July 31, 2011.

To be honest, I still feel some jitters.  Though my only goal is to finish within the cut-off time of 6 hours, I still feel that I'm not that prepared enough to conquer myself and Milo.

Last year's experience was hell for me.  I got injured after covering the first half, and walked all the way to the finish.  7 freaking hours to console myself of the hard training I poured in, to realize a 5 hour marathon dream.  I didn't mind the looping route.  I was aware of the possible hydration problem at the end of the stretch.  I was confident than I can pull it through.  My friends will back me up, and they did.

And the woes did not end there.  I struggled in the succeeding races, as my injury worsened and injured other muscle groups.  It took me some time to bounce back.

And so many other stuff happened that changed my circumstance.  Good thing my drive to run is still there.  And there are a lot of opportunities that came my way, to set my eyes on that Milo Marathon Dream.

• Milo-APEX Running School - The coaching team led by Coach Jim Saret pushed us to our limits.
• RunRio, Inc. - Yep!  Coach Rio dela Cruz will race direct this year's Milo Marathon Eliminations.  Expect nothing but the best along the route.
• Loops no more! - I long to run the classic Milo Marathon route.  Some modifications were made, but still best than last year's loops.

Next week, will be my 2nd attempt to capture that Milo Marathon Dream.  42.195 kms.  6 hours.  Wish me luck!

Sharing to you some pictures taken during our Milo-APEX Running School season.

Speed training under the rain
Photo courtesy of Marvin Opulencia

Team Boring with Coach Jim and fellow Milo-APEX classmate
Photo courtesy of Milo-APEX Team

Beeps and I doing the back crawl
Photo courtesy of Milo-APEX Team

Coach Romeo got bored
Photo courtesy of Carlo Serrano

Resting before the next elastic band workout
Photo courtesy of Carlo Serrano

Core balance workout
Photo courtesy of Milo-APEX Team

Killer core workouts
Photo courtesy of Milo-APEX Team

With Beeps and Jai, listening to a lecture
Photo courtesy of Bea Hernandez

Read more...

Condura Skyway Marathon 2011

Finally, no cramps, thank God!  Only objective was to finish the Skyway portion in time (or I'll be forced to ride the sweeping bus).

Photo courtesy of Vener Roldan

That's why I walked from Buendia off-ramp all the way to the last turn, and sprinted to the finish.

With Team Boring Mate Makoy
Photo courtesy of Maan Catolos

Read more...

"Crawl if you must!"

Yep, I got injured.

Everything went well for the 1st 16kms. In fact, I registered my fastest 15km at 1:46 and 16km at 1:53. However, reaching km 19, pain started to set-in on my left hamstring just above the knee, and at the back of my right knee.

Pain in the areas marked with "X"
Image Source: http://missjewelz.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/legmuscles.jpg

This is very bad and sad news for me. I have to slow down and bid my 5 hour Milo® Marathon Dream goodbye. Next goal is to finish within the cut-off time of 6 hours, but I only managed to maintain the required pace up to km 29.

It was then that I resolved to continue the race with my heart. It was like hearing Dean Karnazes telling me "Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up."

I tried running from one post, then walk the next post. But that episode last only until km 36. My legs just won't cooperate no more. I can't lift them. They're dead as a log.

It was here that I caught buddy Doc Roy, and we walked the rest of the route. Water was becoming scarce, but Doc Marvin who finished his half-marathon was on his bike, and giving water to his running friends who are still in the battle.

At km 39, we were joined by Makoy and Cindy, and helped us drag ourselves to the finish. Takbo.ph family were at the finish line, patiently waiting for us.

It was a very humbling experience. I learned to respect more the marathon distance. All the hard work I put into training may be not enough for me to realize my goal. But I know I'll run another day. I just have to get used to the speed at greater distances.

Read more...

Yearning

7 days of no running makes 1 week (weak, actually). And I've been yearning to lace up and hit the road.

Tomorrow, I will realize a dream. I'll be running my very first Milo® Marathon. And I aim to receive that beautiful medal, to remind me of all the hard work I've put into training.

Photo courtesy of Milo® Philippines

Tomorrow, love will overflow, as runners of all levels participate in the advocacy of Milo®, to provide shoes for the underprivileged children.

Tomorrow, I will reunite with friends, and will make friends.

See you tomorrow, rain or shine!

Read more...

I gotta be ready!

As I write this post, I'm recovering from a very nasty cold that bit me last Friday. It was so nasty, that in a day, I finish more than 4 liters of water to drink, 2 rolls of tissue to blow my nose with, and a combination of medicines prescribed by my running buddy Topher Montaos, MD.

The biggest marathon of my life to date is set on Sunday, and here I am, not at the best of health. I missed my tune up runs last Friday, Sunday, and Monday. I think I'll miss another one tomorrow and Friday.

But I fear not. I know I'm on my way to recovery. It may be a blessing in disguise, forcing me to rest, to bounce back strong come marathon race day.

I remember Mr. Galloway telling me in his book "You may have missed a training day, but not the training."

I went back to the drawing board, and did a personal inventory. I realized a lot of things. I was diligent in my training. I pushed when I was asked to push, and I delivered. I broke 5k PRs one race after another. I incorporated XT (cross-training), and was building endurance and learning a new sport at the same time.

Earlier, I realized I have enough vacation leaves to avail. And since my cold isn't healing as fast as I wanted, I deemed it necessary to use for some quality rest at home.

All these I did, to discover another miracle on Sunday. A miracle that I so desired in my heart, that I did my part with all my best, and the rest I surrender to God on marathon day.

God has already blessed me. He made me endure the training. He equipped me with the things I need to realize my dream. He knows how much I dread the 5 hour cut-off, that He moved it and made it 6. He blessed me with friends who prays for my complete healing and recovery.

I will be ready! I will be there at the starting line! I will run my first Milo Marathon on Sunday!

Read more...

My Analysis on the 34th Milo Registration

Registration for the 34th National Milo Marathon is now open. And the biggest news is the increase in registration fees. This is definitely a sad news, giving us the impression that Milo is joining the bandwagon of registration fee inflation (150% increase).

However, when I get the chance to further look into what's new with this year's edition, I paused for a while, and realized the following:

• Bigger cash prizes (33 to 300% increase)
  
• Different qualifying time for different age/gender groups
• Longer cut-off time
• Earlier Gun Start
  
• P5 goes to Run-For-A-Cause

I welcome these developments as I see more of our athletes will be challenged and motivated. On a personal note, I know that as I age, I will realize my dream of making it to the finals because of the age/gender qualifying times.

Hope to see you in 34th National Milo Marathon!

Read more...

TBR DM Personal Pacer # 14

I remember the first time I ran the marathon. It was tough. I was alone. It was dark. There's no water. You can read more about it here, here, and here.

I enjoyed the solitary nature of the sport. I get to commune with God and His creation. However, after more than 4 hours in the road, I felt the need for company. My prayer was answered in an instant when I saw Bong and Genie somewhere in Km 30, and joined their walk in the dark and cold highway.

Sometime last month, I was chatting with fellow Takbo.ph members/friends Yan Dizon and Gail Consolacion, and learned that they will run their first marathon in The Bull Runner Dream Marathon (TBR DM). I was inspiring them and shared to them the things I learned from my first and second marathon. I even told them I will be there to cheer them on the road, provide support whenever available, and pace if possible.

When Jaymie Pizarro aka The Bull Runner (TBR) announced that they were looking for volunteers, I immediately applied as a Personal Pacer. This would give me an opportunity to help my friends achieve their dream, and avoid the hard lessons of my first marathon.



Last May 7, I received the good news that my application was approved. Only 30 applicants get approved as Personal Pacer, and I was privileged to be part of the TBR Dream Team. Thanks Jaymie and the rest of the team!

I have done pacing duties before for fellow Takbo.ph members, but this will be the first time that I will pace for the entire marathon distance.

Worry not Yan and Gail! Will make sure that you will enjoy and finish your first marathon.

Read more...

PMA (Post-Marathon Activities)

Sharing to you the following activities that are essential to undertake after a marathon episode (and I want to collectively call these as PMA or Post-Marathon Activities). After last Sunday’s Condura Skyway Marathon, I knew that I need to be diligent in undertaking these activities, and listen carefully to my body, to ensure that I get back into the groove (I’m still a newbie, you know?! Hehehe). Good thing, my Galloway training program includes a 3 week recovery period.


Cool-down

Some find redeeming the medal from the booth a bit off-tune, but for me, I looked at it as an opportunity to cool-down. This allows my heart rate to normalize, after the last burst of energy in the homestretch.

And to the homestretch...
Photo by Brando Losario

Takbo.ph Family cooling down under the heat of the sun
Photo by Brando Losario

Stretching

Immediately after getting my medal, I did the usual stretches from head to toe, to loosen and relax my muscles that are starting to tighten.

Image Source: https://www.physique.co.uk/large_catalogue_images/stretching_upper.jpg

Recovery Meal

I learned from Runners’ World that an excellent recovery meal may be as simple as a chocolate drink (concurred by the JazzRunner, Mr. Rene Villarta). Too bad, I wasn’t able to prepare one, and I was too tired to go the nearby convenience store.

Looking at my Suunto HRM, I was told I’ve burned almost 5000 calories. WOW! This gave me the opportunity to eat my favorite comfort food, like 2 piece chicken, large fries, and small Coke in Mc Donald’s, together with my Takbo.ph family (the hell with BLC, I’M HUNGRY!!! Hahaha).

All smiles AFTER eating their recovery meals
Photo by: Later, I forgot hehehe

Sleep

Driving home makes me sleepy. I was almost tempted to pull over and take a nap. Praise God, I was able to hold it a little longer, and arrive home safely. I was too sleepy to take a bath, so I resolved to simply change clothes and reunite with my bed (I didn’t sleep the eve of the race, remember? Nice excuse hehehe).

Image Source: http://www.mrtraffic.com/wake.jpg

I woke up around 6PM, and slept again at 10PM.

Waking up on a Monday after marathon day with more than 8 hours of sleep felt like I still need more sleep. Same story come Tuesday and Wednesday morning. This only validates how drained I was with the race.


Ice Ice Baby

Waking up at 6PM last Sunday made me feel some soreness in my quadriceps, gluteus maximus, and patella. I remembered that I need to ice such sore areas within 24 hours to avoid further inflammation.

Image Source: http://www.runnersworld.com/images/cma/injury_ice2.jpg

Recovery Walks

My Galloway training plan ordered a 45 minute walk last Monday. This gave me the opportunity to roam around the mall and window shop hahaha. Initially, I had a hard time walking, since there's a little degree of soreness left in my quadriceps, however, it soon felt good after 15 mins.

Today’s order was a 30 to 60 minute walk, and walked my way again to the mall to have lunch and (yes!) window shop. Same story will happen on Friday, in case you wanna know.


Massage

Last Monday, after my recovery walk, I proceeded to the neighborhood spa and had my massage. It was soothing and very relaxing, especially in the areas where soreness were present.

I love the Ahhh in the Spa!
Image Source: http://www.delavaraclinic.com/images/MPj03829990000%5B1%5D.jpg

Recovery Runs

Yesterday, my Galloway training plan ordered a 30 minute run/walk session. After office, I did a 4:1 run:walk ratio, and was able to comfortably cover a good 3.46 kilometers (wow, that’s close to my marathon pace). Tomorrow, the plan calls for a 40 minute run/walk.

All these I learned from seasoned runners, and hope I was able to help you enjoy your PMA.

Read more...

My Condura Skyway Marathon Story

I am happy with my marathon race this morning with Condura Run 2010. I trained with a 4:40:00 Galloway training plan, and conservatively targeted a 6:00:00 marathon finish.

I had a short discussion with Rico over the Takbo.ph shoutbox, and I told him that I'm treating this marathon like my first. And I was advised that I try to be just a little bit aggressive at the start, in order to allot some time towards the finish for minor adjustments, if necessary.

I followed. Still conservative, I resolved to target a 5:30:00 finish.

I took a leave yesterday, to spend time resting. I watched Spirit of the Marathon and Without Limits, given by Neil, for some motivation. After the movies, I took a nap and woke up just in time to do some personal errands and hear the anticipated Mass.

When I arrived home, I immediately worked on preparing my gear for the race, boy scout style. Then I went to bed at 8PM. Boy, I can' sleep! I guess I was too uneasy with the race task, and felt like the target was a very tall order. Nevertheless, I kept my eyes shut, and rolled over my bed several times.

I got up 1:30AM. Ate my pre-race meal, prayed, and took a bath. I left home 2:30AM to pick up Rod. We arrived in BHS a little past 3:00 AM and did our final pre-race preparations. Atmosphere was a mix of festivities, excitement, and some degree of tense.

While at the starting pen, I learned that Neil was also targeting a 5:30:00 finish. He will paced by Mar. I was thinking of running with them, but I have a 4:1 run/walk plan, and contented to run at a distance.

Race started at exactly 4:00AM (typical Rudy Biscocho race). Everything went well as planned. I was running comfortably at 7:30 - 7:49 min/km pace. Neil and Mar were behind me, while I draft behind the group of Junar, Angel, Paul, and Allen. This was the story in the first 10km of the race.

Reaching Buendia, I got the urge to take a leak. After a short break, I met Gerard and Coach Bong, and overtook me. My office colleague Emil initially wanted to pass on me too, but instead joined me, and discovered Galloway was good for him as well.

When we got to the Takbo.ph / Reinier Pacific Aid Station in Buendia/Pasong Tamo, I handed over two of my hydration flasks to Makoy (salamat bro!), since I'm pretty confident with the hydration provisions of the organizers.

In the Skyway, everything felt great! Though I'm starting to fade a bit, I'm still happy for I find my plan was still working. Neil and Mar soon reached me and joined me and Emil.

When the Skyway leg was over, the four of us were just 2 minutes behind of schedule. We're all happy to see the gang again at the Aid Station, and eat bananas.

7 kilometers to go, and I'm fading continuously, as the sun scorches us with all its might. I almost hit the pavement, when I accidentally got tripped by the reflectors installed on the road. Thank God I still have my balance, and managed to shake it off, and continued with my march.

I tried to run, but I can no longer sustain my 4:1 ratio, and I guess it got reversed. I didn't mind the agony, and was thankful that I listened to Rico's advise.

The last 3 kilometers was my longest ever. I felt like nothing's left in my tank. I literally dragged myself. Good thing Neil, Mar, Timmy, Carlo, and Raymund were with me. I was trying to be candid about everything, and told Pepsi (bike support) and Noelle (on her way home after a superb 21k finish) how thankful I am to see their pretty faces.

Rico, who missed the race to attend to his buddy's wedding in Boracay yesterday, went straight to BHS from the airport, and we met him at the corner of University Avenue and 32nd Street. He ran/walked with us.

Before reaching the corner of 32nd Street and 5th Avenue, the gang started to pick up pace, while I find myself still walking behind. When a fellow asked me if we could still make it to the cut-off, I said we still have 9 minutes. Then it hit me. I picked up pace and soon overtook the gang all the way to the finish.

The Condura Skyway Marathon organizers surprised us with a blistering release of race results (note that there's no timing chip available).

Officially, I finished 5:55:13 for my first Skyway Marathon! Praise God! Praise God!

I was almost in tears, but I guess dehydration stole the opportunity. I was limping and in pain as I get my medal. The route was very challenging, and I've learned new things this time around. I wanna do it again! Can't wait for the next Condura Skyway Marathon!

Read more...

I am ready!

March 22, 2009 was the first time that I experienced the miracle brought by the gift of running. Condura Run 2009 was my first ever outdoor run, and my first 5k race. Condura made me discover the joy of running. Since then, I resolved to make running a way of life, as advocated by the RunningShield - Mr. Patrick Concepcion.

On Sunday, I will run my 1st Condura Skyway Marathon. And I am ready! I am so ready! The six [6] hour cut-off may be daunting at my current fitness level, but I know, my heart is big enough to conquer a marathon dream of crossing the finish line in glory. A dream I almost achieved a few months ago.

I am ready! Let us savor the glory of the marathon, and see you at the Skyway!



Post Script:
Notice the small note below my race bib? (It's actually a note written at the back of his business card... BIG FAN HERE!!!) Thank you very much for being instrumental in motivating me to embrace this sport for a lifetime!

Read more...

To Savor the Glory of the Marathon

Marathon, a place in ancient Greece, where Athenians and Persians engaged in battle in the year 490 BC. The Persians perished, and the message of victory (Nenikékamen - 'We have won’) was delivered from Marathon to Athens, on foot by Pheidippides.

http://www.learningmedia.co.nz/phpimages/covers/large/34808.jpg

In our present time, we commemorate Pheidippides’ successful delivery of the victory message, via a long-distance foot race with official distance of 42.195 kilometers (26 miles and 385 yards).



On February 7, 2010 at the Condura Run, I will attempt to savor the glory of the marathon.

Running has become a way of life for me. I praise and thank God for the gift of running, for this became a gateway for many other gifts like good health and new friends that have become family extensions. Running also became an opportunity for me to reflect and realize God’s love for me, that I am just but a tiny speck in the universe, yet He closely watches over me.

Image Source: http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Infinity.MC.408-251-3333/picture/view/1793258

Game plan will be very very simple: I will run with my heart!

While running the Condura Skyway Marathon, I will celebrate the God’s victories in my life. I will call to mind the love that I shared with families and friends. And as I approach the finish line, I will raise my fist and utter with pride ‘We have won!’


References:
1. Marathon by Jeff Galloway
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon

Read more...

Condura Skyway Marathon Route Update (Jan 29, 2010)

Sharing to you the FINAL ROUTE update of the Condura Skyway Marathon, received via email from Mr. Patrick Concepcion this morning, January 29, 2010.

START

- 28TH STREET
- RIGHT AT 11TH AVENUE
- RIGHT AT 26TH STREET
- LEFT AT 5TH AVENUE
- GO STRAIGHT TO LAWTON DRIVE
- LEFT AT LIBINGAN ROAD
- TURNAROUND AT (BLACK GATE) PHILIPPINE ARMY OFFICERS LADIES SCHOOL
- RIGHT AT LAWTON DRIVE ALL THE WAY TO 5TH AVENUE
- LEFT AT 32ND STREET ALL THE WAY TO KALAYAAN
- DOWN BUENDIA
- LEFT AT ESTACION ST. (BEFORE RAILROAD TRACKS)
- RIGHT AT DELA ROSA STREET
- UP BUENDIA SKYWAY OFF-RAMP
- STRAIGHT TO BICUTAN
- TURNAROUND
- EXIT AT NAIA 3 INTERCHANGE
- TURNAROUND 50 MTRS OFF TOLL BOOTH
- BACK TO SKYWAY NORTHBOUND
- EXIT BUENDIA OFF RAMP
- RIGHT AT DELA ROSA STREET
- LEFT AT ESTACION
- RIGHT AT BUENDIA
- UP KALAYAAN FLYOVER
- DOWN 32ND STREET
- LEFT UNIVERSITY PARKWAY
- RIGHT AT TRIANGLE DRIVE
- LEFT AT 10TH AVENUE
- LEFT AT UNIVERSITY PARKWAY
- RIGHT AT 32ND STREET
- LEFT AT 5TH AVENUE
- LEFT AT 29TH STREET

- FINISH LINE

I retraced the route via MapMyRun.com and got this:



For the nerds, you may also click here. Thanks!

Read more...

Condura Skyway Marathon Route Update

I received a text message from Mr. Patrick Concepcion last night, updating me of the route revisions for the upcoming Condura Skyway Marathon.

I traced the route via MapMyRun.Com, and here's what I got (you may also click here).



For more details, kindly check Patrick's blog. Thanks!

Read more...