Back to Back Games

Sometime January, I made a mistake of registering into 2 consecutive sporting events in one weekend.  I was again just like the happy-go-lucky Joe that goes with the flow.

I just realized about it some 2 weeks ago.  I wasn't prepared and I'm about to press the panic button.  All I have is the training that I got from attending RunRio's Running Clinic.  Good thing the Clinic somehow boosted my confidence.

Pocari Sweat Duathlon
February 25, 2012
Bonifacio Global City
6k Run, 30k Bike, 4k Run

All I ever wanted from this race is to redeem myself from my DNF in my first duathlon attempt.

I was wary of my pace in the 1st run leg.  I made sure I maintain a comfortable 7min/km pace.  I wanted cramps to be at bay, that's why I always see to it that I drank a cup of Pocari Sweat AND water every time I pass the hydration station.

I learned the bike leg in BGC is dangerous, due to crossing pedestrians, and open traffic.  I was extra careful when crossing intersections, and shouted "BIKE!" at the top of my lungs whenever I see a pedestrian crossing.

Instead of finishing 7 loops, I only finished 6, for I was advised by the marshals that the organizers closed the bike route.  I heard that somebody figured an accident, but I was not able to confirm this.

Photo courtesy of Keshia Fule

My official finish times: 0:42:22 Run 6k | 1:07:42 Bike 27.7k | 0:33:41 Run 4k | 2:23:45 Total.

RUNew 2012
February 26, 2012
Filinvest-Ayala Alabang
21k

My goal is simply to finish.

I had a hard time in the 1st 7 kms.  I thought I was gonna DNF.  I was already flirting with DNF in my mind.  I was trying to feel my calf.  I knew I'm not yet recovered from the duathlon.

I then decided to take it easy, especially during ascends.  I walked, and didn't mind the other runners passing me.  I was already setting my expectations to finish after 3 hours.

But approaching km 16, I suddenly felt like I have some more energy to spare and propel me to finish.  I ran and was surprised I could sustain a 7min/km pace, with walk breaks to hydrate.

I crossed the finish line in 2:50:41 (as per picture below).

Photo courtesy of Rod Apolinario

Praise God I survived both games.  Now, back to training.  =)

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Blessing in disguise

In order to make my Sunday long runs a bit exciting, I registered to almost all the Sunday races available, in preparation for my marathon debut. Yesterday, I joined the ROTARun 21k, and planned to run an additional 5k to complete the prescripted 26k distance for the day.

Before going to bed, I treated my blister in my right pinky toe with soap and running water, alcohol and medicated plastic strips. I easily fell asleep around 10PM, but I found myself waking up at 12 midnight, and every hour thereafter. Aside from my blister, I knew that something's wrong with my internal system that I just couldn't figure out at that moment.

I finally got up at 3AM for my morning rituals. I had coffee and two peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast. My bathroom scenario was terrible, and I immediately shrugged it off, trying to focus on my scheduled run.

I met Rod at Mc Donald's Kabihasnan at around 4AM, and proceeded to Mc Kinley like everything's ok. Then I was burping and burping like I was so full of gas. We arrived in Mc Kinley around 4:30AM and joined some Takbo.ph guys for warm up and chat.

Inside the 21k corral, I'm starting to lose focus due to the blister that I have. I'm feeling like I wouldn't be able to add 5k after, worst, I thought I wouldn't be able to finish the run.

The gun was fired at 5:30 AM, and I focused on running inside my aerobic zone. However, I noticed that my pace was unusually slow for my heart rate in the 1st 3k of the run, and kept on burping and burping and burping. I thought it must be the hills, but no improvement from there 'til 8k where the terrain was flat. At this point, I'm already exhausted and my blister hurts like hell, and have already toyed the idea of a DNF (did not finish).

I immediately switched to plan B, which is the run-walk strategy. I alternately ran for 5 minutes and walked for 2 minutes. It was also in this phase that I started doing my running prayer rituals. When I finished the Heritage Park leg, I resolved to walk my way all the way to the finish line. I also noticed that I'm no longer perspiring, despite drinking a cup from every water station available, and from the flasks of my hydration belt.

When I reached Bayani Road, I saw Bards running again towards Heritage, and was advised that I'm almost near the finish line. I didn't understand her completely, perhaps due to exhaustion, on whether she meant that it's only 18k or that I was in 18k when we met.

And then I met Rod again, who after finishing his 21k run, came back and walked with me towards the finish.

Reaching Mc Kinley, Rod pushed me to run the last few meters, and finished in 2:44 (unofficial). I was really surprised and knew that something's wrong with the distance.

A few minutes after, the organizer announced an apology, that a part of Heritage Park was closed, causing the 3k++ difference in the half-marathon route.

Together with the Takbo.ph gang, we went to Mc Donald's Forbes Town/Net One for our post-race meal. Here, I felt complete exhaustion, after doing toilet duties twice.

When I reached home, I immediately fell asleep, and woke up around 2PM with a fever. I spent the rest of the day sleeping. I treated myself with water, bananas, pancit, and paracetamol.

As I write this entry, I praise and thank God for saving me from possible embarrassment and that nothing serious happened to me along the way.

The medal that I got from yesterday's ROTARun was not for finishing the 21k. It was for the perseverance, courage, determination, and faith that I summoned from start to finish.

Photo courtesy of Venice Bayongan

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I Ran for Home & for Mheng

I ran my 2nd half-marathon through Run for Home of Globe-Ayala Land, Inc. last Sunday, 19 July 2009. Since I'm now into my full-marathon training program, my goals are simple, as follows:

1. Treat the race as a long run, limit pace to 7:30 to 8:00 -> CHECK
2. Do not to walk -> CHECK
2. Try my CW-X Stabilyx Conditioning Wear -> CHECK, perfect! more reviews later...
3. Try running with shades -> CHECK, vision generally ok
4. Try Hammer Gel -> CHECK, stomach not upset, generally ok

The event features the use of the ChampionChip, where the results of every runner may become available upon crossing the finish line. Apparently not in the case of last Sunday's race. Perhaps, the race organizers attended to some concerns which requires some more days to release the results. Wild guess... How about website development? Photovendo uploads? Hmmm...

Anyway, I find the ChampionChip very effective, accurate, and informative. Here's my stats:

787th overall
671st male
236th m 30-39
7:35 ave pace/km
2:42:26 (gun) / 2:41:09 (net)


And finally, I got a taste of Photovendo running pictures:

In Makati CBD

Homestretch inside BGC.

Make Love Run 2
We were able to raise P9,850.00 for the rehabilitation of Mheng Torres. We would like to thank all who supported our project. Here's Mheng's bank account details: BDO 2370113258, Rommel R Torres. Thank you for Making Love Run!

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Make Love Run 2

On Sunday, July 19, 2009, Nicky, Henry, and I will run our 2nd half-marathon via Run For Home of Globe-Ayala Land, Inc.

This time around, we will Make Love Run for Mheng Torres.

Mheng was diagnosed last June 2002 with Pott's disease that involves his spinal cord which paralyzes him from the waist down. He was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus, and was blessed to be treated from time to time due to a shunt in the brain that allows doctors to regulate the fluids. Please click here to read more about Mheng and his condition.

Despite his condition, Mheng continues to love God and His people, through the various service opportunities that come his way. He gives talks, builds houses (yes!), and do mission work in the prisons, provinces, etc. All these he does while undergoing rehabilitation and medication, which costs him way beyond the combined income of his family members. Imagine what else he could do if he's restored to excellent health and condition.

Mheng is truly inspiring, and is a living testimony that God provides for His people. Help us help him to sustain his needs for medicines, vitamins, and physical therapy sessions.

Nicky, Henry, and I appeal for at least P10 per kilometer that each of us covers for Mheng.

Should you wish to Make Love Run for Mheng, please email me at jetpaiso@yahoo.com indicating the following details:

EXAMPLE
Name: John Doe
Runner: (Choose either Nicky, Henry, or Jet)
Pledge/Km: P10 or higher

I will update you after the run through this blog. Here is Mheng's bank account details: BDO 2370113258, Rommel R Torres.

Thank you in advance and we look forward to your love.
Keep the love running!

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My 1st Half-Marathon in my 1st Milo

FRIDAY
I'm already in my Milo mode, singing "I'm getting ready, getting ready..." on my mind the whole day at work.

After work, I planned to go home, get my car (color-coding) and head to the carbo-loading party of takbo.ph in the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. While on my way home, I remembered it was Nikka's birthday. I called her for my wishes, and ended up being invited to a simple gathering. My plan got busted, but I enjoyed spending the night with my friends, singing our hearts out to familiar tunes with a guitar, sharing food, drinks, stories, and laughter. Went home and slept at 2AM.

SATURDAY
I woke up 10AM. I planned to stay at home, watch TV, read books, surf the internet, eat, and chat with Dad. No serious physical and/or mental activity. No sleeping in the afternoon too, to ensure that I sleep early in the evening.

I'm almost successful. Not! I forgot to calibrate my newly arrived Suunto Foot Pod! At 4PM, I took it for a spin, running easy 2k inside our village.

I then bought some bananas and cheese spread for my breakfast. Ate dinner at 5PM, took a bath, prepared my running gear and nutrition, and went to bed at 7PM.

Had a hard time sleeping. Was too excited, I guess for the very big day. I remembered I felt exactly the same the night before my first 5k last March in Condura. And my phone keeps on receiving various SMS/text messages from my friends. I think I fell totally asleep around 9PM.

SUNDAY
My alarm went off at 2:45AM. I prayed, and ate 2 cheese sandwiches, 2 bananas and cold Milo for breakfast. I'm singing "Great things start from small beginnings..." while in the bathroom. I then lubricated with petroleum jelly my inner thighs and biceps, wore my running shorts, dry-fit socks, hrm, Phiten air, Livestrong band, Crocs, and Milo singlet.

I slid my running shoes, exchange clothes, race belt, bib number, and towel inside my bag.

Nicky, Henry, and I planned to go to Luneta together, thinking that we might have a hard time looking for a safe car park place. Nicky and I drove to Henry's, and left our cars in his place. Wow! This will be the 1st time I'm going to a running event in a very relaxed and comfortable mode.

2km away from Henry's place, I remembered I left my running cap at the backseat of my car. Darn!

We arrived in Luneta around 4:30AM. We parked infront of a building that is well-lighted and with a security guard (thanks Manong!). We took our time for our final preparations, wearing our shoes and other running gears.

We brisked walked towards the assembly area as warm up. Upon reaching the assembly area, we looked for the portable urinals. Nothing! I guess we're just so excited not to see it, and we resolved our bladder issues by loving nature hehehe =)

While in the assembly area, I met Bro J and was generous to invite us for some pictures (thanks Bro J!). I also met Ms. Cristy (wife of Vener/RunUnltd) and Craig Logan. I also saw the 21k runners of takbo.ph, but was too shy to approach them. I guess my emotions are just unbalanced at that time, mixing feelings of excitement, fear, and joy. Perhaps, I also felt a bit guilty, not being able to attend the carbo-loading party last Friday.

After some warm-up exercises led by the organizers, the start gun went-off early than the 5:30AM schedule. I simply planned to keep a 7min/km pace, just to meet the 2:30:00 cut-off time. I forgot about the negative split thing. My plan also includes eating two Jelly Bean sports beans every kilometer, and finish 1 pack every hour, and hydrate every 15 minutes.

I was successful up to 16km. My legs are still strong, but I feel like I'm running out of gas. I'm beginning to feel exhausted. I was too focused on keeping a steady pace the whole time, I forgot about my heart rate. I realized I was running 85 to 90% of my HRmax for almost 2 hours already.

At this point too, my dri-fit socks aren't dry anymore. I perspired a lot, and perhaps the water shower in Buendia could have aggravated the case. Need to switch to another plan, quick!

I then remembered the Galloway walk/run strategy, modified it a bit, taking a 2 minute walk break every km thereafter, then resume running to the next kilometer. At this point, my mind is already playing tricks on me, but I stayed focused, and remembered the lesson from the scene in the Disney-Pixar film "Cars": it doesn't matter how you finish the race, just finish it! Patiently, I walked, ran, walked, ran, and walked again, and ran again, very very tired and I'm beginning to feel my feet starting to blister.

While walking, fellow runner motivated me: "Bok, malapit na! Masarap ang feeling pagdating sa finish line." I praise and thank God for sending angels for affirmation.

Alleluia! I finished my 1st half marathon and crossed the finish line in 2:35:32 (unofficial, based on my Suunto HRM). It was like getting out of hell and cherishing the victory in heaven when I received my certificate, Gatorade, banana, and Milo loot bag.

Nicky, Henry, and I became instant celebrities, as students from New Era University interviewed us as we do our recovery stretching.

On our way to line up for free Milo, 42k finisher Vener/RunUnltd recognized me and I was so proud to shake his hand, and introduced him to my friends. We were also blessed to be invited for some pictures. Thanks Mr. Vener!

I also met and congratulated my friend Mari Javier for finishing another marathon since being serious about running last October 2008.

Before going home, Nicky remembered that I have my cellphone with me in my pouch. Hahaha! And so, we finally took our pictures at the finish line.



We then went to Jollibee-Santana Grove in Sucat to meet our friends who ran 10k and 5k, for our recovery meals.

I learned so many lessons in my 1st half marathon. In my next run: I'll never forget to bring my cap, I'll be more courageous and introduce myself to new friends, I'll negative split, I'll never forget to put powder in my socks, I'll keep my shoes away from the water shower, etc etc etc.

Oh boy, what a day! Praise God! Praise God!

Here's my stats:
Post Script:
Our Make Love Run campaign was able to raise P7,350 pledges for the benefit of the detainees in the medium security compound of the New Bilibid Prisons. You may deposit your pledge to BDO S/A 6340002985 Elvie Elumbaring. Please text Nicky 0916-2454034 / 0923-4899211 upon deposit. Thank you for making love run!

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Make Love Run

Me and my running buddies are very grateful for the blessing of good health and endurance, by discovering the joy of running, and we have thought of making use of these very same blessings to bless, share, and bring joy to the people whom God sent for us to love.

We kick-off on Sunday, July 5, 2009, where Nicky, Henry, and I will run for the first time our half marathon in the country's premier running event sponsored by Milo, which is also our first. Our first beneficiary will be our brothers who are detained in the medium security compound of New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

Photo source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Bilibid_Prison

Our brothers who are in the process of social rehabilitation need to experience love, to learn love, and to give love when they are finally set free. We believe that this will create a ripple effect, with them spreading love to their respective families and communities.

Nicky, Henry, and I thought of asking pledges of at least P10 for every kilometer that each of us covers. Proceeds will be used to sustain the very basic needs of our detained brothers, like medicines, food, slippers, etc. We are happy to receive support from our brethren in CFC Singles For Christ.

Should you also wish to pledge, please email me at jetpaiso@yahoo.com.

Help us finish our first half marathon meaningfully. Help us help our detained brothers. Help us show love and create love through running.

Please feel free to share this message to your family and friends as well.

Thank you in advance and we look forward to your love.
Keep the love running!

I'm gonna show you love in every language
I'm gonna speak the words that need no form
-Jars of Clay

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Growing up with Milo

As I write this entry, the familiar jingle advertisement of Milo kept playing on my mind... "Growing up with olympic energy, growing up with Milo. Milo everyday!"

The brand recall is very effective, as my parents always see to it that we have ample supply of the chocolate drink everyday. The campaign also hooked me into sports. I always dreamt of becoming a basketball player. I can still remember the joy in my face and that of my brother, when our father gave us our first basketball gear (ball, goal, shoes). Since then, we played almost everyday after school, either in the campus or in the neighborhood. We even join small basketball leagues to hone our skills. Sometimes, I am frustrated whenever I am benched because either I lack height, or I'm no match to the player I'm guarding.

While growing up, I never paid attention to the Milo Marathon Events. It just doesn't appeal to me before. I'm 32 years old now. This year will be Milo's 33rd National Marathon. I practically grew up with it unnoticed (Milo started sponsoring the event in May 1974). If only I gave it even a single minute to linger on my mind when I was still in my formative years, perhaps, I could have already built my mileage and enjoyed its sweet experience much much earlier in my life.

And so upon learning that the registration is open, I said, "This year, I will never miss the country's premier running event." Nicky and I planned to go to Greenhills last Sunday, 14 June 2009 after the 1st PTAA running event in UP Diliman, for registration to the 33rd National Milo Marathon. Rafa, Alvin, and Cesar also ran that Sunday morning, and joined us going to Greenhills for our usual recovery meals. While having breakfast, we exchanged chats about the run in UP (our first, and we're awed by the running environment), and that eventually led us discussing about Milo. Easily, the three also decided to register, and hurried to the nearby grocery to get their required Milo purchase, and headed to G/F Vasquez Madrigal Bldg., in Annapolis Street for registration.

While accomplishing our entry forms, I suddenly felt the same humbling experience most runners felt, where one submits and commits himself to be at the starting line when the gun sets off, to run the prescribed route, and to be at the finish line thereafter. Nicky and I registered for our first half-marathon, Alvin and Cesar for their first 10k, and Rafa for 5k (I think he's into something here... PR/PB?). I honor Alvin and Cesar. Initially, they wanted to register for the 5k run. But after learning that 5k runners get a t-shirt, they shifted to 10k for the nice singlet.

I also felt some affirmation when I received my race kit and learned that I'm runner 2740. It's a bit similar to my car plate, ZJS-740. What's the significance? Well, I'm driving my car at a comfortable pace of 2000rpm for fuel efficiency. My race number will serve as a reminder to run the distance at a comfortable pace. Forget about the time. Conserve energy, and ensure that I'll reach the finish line. Praise and thanks be to God for this! Finishing it within the cut-off time of 2:30:00 will be big time bonus for me (my average comfortable pace right now is 7:30 min/km).
Honestly, I feel some degree of jittery. But I'm confident I will finish the race. I resolve that this shall only form part of my on-going training plan to build mileage for future runs. The jitters may just be a result of the inner battle of my mind, body, and spirit.

To focus, I will continue to be dedicated to my Tuesday/Friday easy runs, Thursday tempo runs, and Sunday long runs. I will have enough rest and take the right amount of food, drinks, and vitamins. I will continue to learn things about running from my favorite running references (runner friends, runner mentors, books, blogs, runnersworld.com, etc).

I will run my first half-marathon in my first Milo running event. This will definitely be one sweet moment for me. And my reply to Milo's 2009 inspiration: "Kaya Ko 'Yan!"

Post script: Henry will also run his first 21k. To my running buddies, I really praise and thank Jesus for sharing with me the joy of running. I pray for an injury-free and joyful runs ahead.

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