Weekend Trilogy Part 2: AMAZING!!! (3rd Corregidor International Half Marathon Race Review)

Time truly goes fast when you're having fun...

December 1, 2 in the morning, I woke up feeling excited.  Today I was going to the third running of the Corregidor International Half Marathon.  I took a bath and then hurried of at our meeting place (It was only Chona and me who was brave enough or stupid enough to do the trilogy).

I arrived at our meeting place and waited for Chona, when she arrived we caught a cab then went on to proceed to Sun Cruises (The terminal for the ferry boat to Corregidor Island).

We got there early so we decided to buy something to eat.  While eating a man seated in front of us, it was the Amazing Betong! (if you do not know who he is, you have been living under a rock).  Out of nowhere, and I was extremely shocked, Chona while eating, said out loud, "AMAZING!!!."  Good thing Betong acknowledged.  (Hence the title of this Blog)

The ferry ride took 1hrs and 45 mins, most of the trip we were asleep. (We needed the energy).

Upon alighting the ferry, we deposited our bags and then proceeded to the starting line.  There were celebrities among the field, there was Bearwin Meiley, Sen. Pia Cayetano and Mr. Kiko Rustia, and the hosts, Betong and Maey.  The atmosphere was great because of the hosts, but when it was time to start the run, the atmosphere changed, well for some, Chona and I was intent on running on what I would like to call a "Picture Pace."

3,2,1.... the run started... said a short silent prayer which I normally do, crossed the starting arch, then off we went.

 

This time words cannot describe what we experienced there so I have posted these pictures that we took.

 

 

Entrance to Malinta Tunnel duh?



Playing as one of the statues



 



Running... yeah right there was a camera pointed at me



 

Reporting for duty Sir!!

 

I have reason to believe they were drinking

 

The exit

 

One of the shorelines the route went through

 

Mandatory jumpshot!!

 



Just read it...



Random trail

 

PPPEEAAACCCEEEE!!!!

 

Mandatory "Stolen Shot"

 

Just goofing around...

Might I say, the two marshalls at the end of this runway were damn crazy!!

 

The tour bus that we did not ride

 



Part of the route



 

Goofing around...

 

I am one with the missiles

 

I want to shoot the picture taker!!

Random foolishness

 

Dunno what to say here... lolz

The ruins

 

Battery repairman

Mandatory backshot while looking at the ruins

 

The Eternal Flame??? Am I correct??

That's my boy!

 

Mandatory looking afar emote shot

But soon, all of the fun has to end.  After all, the route was only 21km...




Mandatory jumpshot at the finishline



 

What a nice medal

Toxicdomask

 



AAAAMMMAAAZZZZIIIINNNGGGG!!!!

Oh, and in case what my photographer Chona looks like, here are her pictures doing the "Running because there was a camera pointed in her direction" shot and the "Mandatory Jumpshot at the Finishline"

She is what you call a "shy type"

 

 

We finished the run just about lunch was to be served, so we had perfect timing...  Lunch was free and buffet style, which was gooooooooooooooodd because we had to carbo load for the run the next day.

Could you guess which was mine??

After eating, we changed clothes then waited for the ferry.  This was the only bad part of the day because our departure was delayed for more than an hour due to technical problems.

We arrived at the terminal just as the sun was about to set, which we cannot pass for photo ops.



Nice sunset

Yes the sunset was the official end of what was a very enjoyable day.  To tell th truth, it may be the run where I had the most fun with.  But as they say "All good things must come to an end." 

 

This also symbolizes the calm before the pending storm which would be the 4th running of the Tagaytay to Nasugbu 50k Ultramarathon.  Yes Chona and I were also registered there and yes, we are a bit crazy.

 

 

So with this sunset, we bid farewell the day that was. 

Weekend Trilogy Part 1: Revenge (Michelle Estuar's 2nd Fund Racing Race Review)

Last year, at the same date and same venue, I ran the first edition of Michelle Estuar's Fund Racing.  At the time, I was nursing a freshly stubbed toe, It was one of the sweetest runs I have done.  Even though I was in pain for the whole 10km that time, I still managed to finish at a respectable time (55mins).  So when the registration for this years edition started, I gave no second thoughts on joining.  To motivate me more, I decided to make a bet with my team mate.

It was a cool November 30 morning, I headed to Philsports Arena (formerly Ultra) for the run.  Upon arriving, I prepared myself for the run.  Then one by one, my team mates arrived.  Among the team that were present that day was Elvin, Tope, Riz, Ralph, Rhea and Chona (who was going to be my running buddy for the weekend).

LOL!

Then, Sir Boy (Running Host) gathered all of the runners at the starting area, Michelle Estuar said some words of encouragement and then counted us off.

3,2,1.... the run started... said a short silent prayer which I normally do, stepped on the starting mat, then off I went.

 

Km 1 - 5 (Warming Up)

 

The route started with a lap of the oval, then we headed out to the streets.  There was an early assault on the route, but with fresh legs, I was able to maintain a fast pace even in the uphills.  I tried to maintain a sub 5min/km pace to win the bet.

 

 

Km 5 - 10 (Smoky C5)

At the 5km mark, we entered c5 road.  Since it was almost 6am, there were vehicles abound, hence it was smoky.  I tried to keep my pace while also playing with my breathing pattern because of the smoke.  To add to the difficulty, the hydration station was few and far apart.

 

 

Km 11 - 13 (Doña Julia Vargas)

 

At every run I join, I make sure to familiaraize myself on the route.  I knew then that there will be two uphill challenges.  First one of which was Doña Julia Vargas Ave.  sure enough there it was, the road was steep and it was starting to get hot.  Needless to say, I was forced to walk in some portions of that part.

 

Km 14 to Finish (St. Martin)

 

Upon leaving Doña Julia Vargas, we headed to the finish line.  But the route to get there means to run through another uphill monster that was St. Martin.  channelling every strenght I have left, I plowed through St. Martin while keeping a good pace, once passed the street there was smooth sailing up to the finish line.

 

 

With my signature pose



Group picture



 

After the run, we ate at Shakey's.  For the other's it was going to be start of their rest before T2N, but not me and Chona.  Our meal at Shakey's served as our carbo loading for the next run which was going to happen the very next day.

 

Oh in case you wondered, I won the bet.

This is Only the Beginning

As of this writing, there would be only 80 days left before the second longest street party start.  The Bataan Death March 102km Ultramarathon or BDM102 for short.  Yes, I will participate in the next years running of the said event.  Call me crazy for doing such but hey... others have done it, so why can't I.

My deposit slip for BDM 102

December marks the start of my training for BDM102.  If I wish to finish within the time I am targeting for, I should make the necessary sacrifices to achieve it.  That means, less mountain climbing, more sleeping, longer runs, strength and conditioning, etc. etc..

For me this stands truer than ever before.

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare"

The Bull Runner Dream Team Run Race Review

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by limitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest... - Confucius

Last November 17, Team Rock and Road set out and participated in The Bull Runner Dream Team Run.  We managed to put up 3 team, Team Uwak (Me, Elvin and Dennis), Team Moo (Joy, Jonard and Riz), The Expendababes (Rox, Goldy and Joyce) and Team Netoy (Sir Ted, Daniel and Tope).  For the most of us, it was somewhat of a homecoming, for one it was some kind of a Training Run and the rest was just happy to be there.

Of course I cannot blog about the experience of the other teams.  This is about me and my team's experience.

It was 3am when we arrived at Nuvali.  you can smell the anticipation and excitement in the air.  The team made final preparations near the van then proceeded to the starting area.

Jaymie aka the Bullrunner said a short message then bid us goodluck.  We position ourselves in the front of the field for good position.

3,2,1.... the run started... said a short silent prayer which I normally do, stepped on the starting mat, then off we went.

Km 1 - 7 (Zooooommmm)

As the run started, we positioned ourselves at the front of the pack.  As the it pack slowly separated, we were surprised 2 Powerpuff Boys group.  We knew we could not keep up with these guys, right there and then, it was a battle for 3rd place.

There was about 4-5 teams jostling for position, as we would call them, the Rexona Boys, The Titans, The Milo Group, The Group of a friend and of course Team Uwak.  A group would zoom ahead  then get caught, then another would do the same.  It was still unclear who will take the lead (3rd Place). That was until the 4th km when our Team and our friend's separated from the groups.

By this time, I decided to run at my pace so that Elvin and Dennis may follow (Elvin is a Diesel powered, the longer the run, the better and faster he gets; Dennis on the other hand is a run whatever kind).

After the 6th km, I noticed I was already running alone.  I took a quick look who was at my back, it was one of the Milo guys, Dennis and Elvin was a bit behind.  Reaching the hydration station, I decided to brisk walk and wait for them.  The group of our friend overtook us at this point.  When Elvin and Dennis caught up, they already had a small gap.

Km 8 - 19 (Playing Catch up)

For most of the run, we were playing catch up with the other group.  We would see them in every U-turn and sometimes we would see them in the straight part of the course.  We would run at a pace of 4:50 but would slow down so that the group would be complete. It was about Km 19 when we settled for an inevitable 4th place finish.

Somewhere between KM 10 and KM 12

Km 20 - 21 (A Strong Finish)

By the 20th km we were just running to finish.  When we noticed that the Titans Team was gaining on us.  With what was left in our tanks, we sprinted to the finish line to claim our 4th finish.

We managed to do a jumpshot after crossing the line

Upon crossing the finish line, we waited for the others, they arrived by threes (of course)

Team Moo Riz, Jonard and Joy

The Expandababes Joyce, Goldy and Rox

Team Netoy Tope, Sir Ted and Daniel

I would lie if I said I I was happy and not disappointed with our results.  We could have finished better than 4th place.  But as the saying goes...

"Don't get upset by the results, you didn't get with the work you didn't do"

Rock and Road Trail Marathon Race Review

Respect the distance or the distance won't respect you...

A little over a month ago, I was torn between two races, the "Rock and Road Trail Marathon" and "New Balance Power Run." Keeping in my mind that I should start my training for BDM 102, I needed longer races.  Needless to say, I picked a 42km Trail Run over a 25km Road Run.  And boy, was I happy with my decision...

Me and my teammates arrived just before the race began.  We had just enough time to get their race bibs, and deposit our bags in the baggage counter.  Looking around, I recognized some of the faces and thought, "Ano ba tong napasukan ko, dapat nag 21km na lang ako, puro mamaw yung mga 42km, hehehe." But having a competitive nature, I got really excited to run the 42km distance.

Then, Sir Jonel of Front Runner gathered all of the runners at the starting area, posed for some photo ops then positioned ourselves for the start of the run.

3,2,1.... the run started... said a short silent prayer which I normally do, stepped on the starting mat, then off I went.

I planned to do a 4:1 run-walk interval throughout the race, so I positioned myself in the middle-ish part of the pack.

Km 1 - 5 (Rocky Bumpy Road)

The start of the route was really dark, If I didn't have my headlamp on, I would have gotten lost.  It was also bumpy, there were injury inviting deep bike tracks, uneven and muddy route.  I paced myself with a 7:30min/km  run pace because I did not want any injuries.  I ran along keeping a 4:1 Run-Walk interval.

Km 6 - 10 (Forest Run)

This part of the route had many trees.  The terrain was a bit better than in the first 5km's, it was a rolling up and down, muddy, but still manageable.  I started to run at a pace of 6:30min/km to gain some ground on the other runners.  at this point, I think I passed about 15 - 20 runners.  I kept my 4:1 Run-Walk Interval at this point.

Km 11 - 15 (The Cow Zone, Slipping sliding and the Case of the Full Memory GPS)

Passing the 2nd hydration at the 10km mark, I thought to myself, "Turn around point na pala ng 21km, kokonti na yung runners."  I was wrong, I soon found out that most of the runners were running 42km's.  Suddenly, passing the 11th km, I came to a complete stop.  Upon the horizon, staring at my very soul was a big white cow.  Yes a cow! In the middle of the track! Staring at me, with the light from my headlamp reflecting from it's eyes.  I started walking, it turns out this area was the "chill spot" for some cows.  There were about 6 - 7 cows there, and when there are cows, there is cow manure! Needless to say, it stunk in that area.  Upon passing "The Cow Zone" the road suddenly became wet, I had a hard time running let alone balancing myself in the dark route.  I think I walked most of the part of this route.  It was that slippery.  It was about km13 when the track became dry again, just after passing that I looked at my watch.  WTF! the chronograph and the distance was blank, but the pace and intervals was running.  I started to wonder what happened.  I stopped and jump started my watch.  I attempted to start the run again then there it showed "Memory Full." DAAANNGGG!!! I forgot to erase some data on my watch, I suddenly remembered that I haven't deleted 2 previous 42km's and other runs from the watch.  I was pissed at myself, right there and then, I lost my eagerness to run fast.  This time I didn't mind the pace but still kept a 4:1 Run-Walk Interval.

Somewhere between km 15-16

Km 16 - 27 (The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Feet)

Passing the third hydration at the 15th km, the trees disappeared and a grassy area ensued.    It was like a scene from "The Sound of Music"  complete with the rolling hills.  With the sun peeking and light creeping in, I removed my headlamp, then started to run at a moderate pace again.  The track was narrow, I had to go "off track" to overtake some runners.  This was when the lead pack started to go back. Upon reaching the turn around point, I took my cellphone out and started texting my team mates.  (I was doing 42km alone, and they were doing 21km).  It took me 2hrs 53mins to run 21km, which was good considering I walked a number of times.  at the hydration station, I ate an egg, a banana, took some Pocari Sweat then started brisk walking back.  I started thinking negative splits! But then again I was wrong,   the race was just about to start.

Running in sight of the photographer

It was about 23km when I started to feel a tingle in my right hamstring.  Looking back, I ran a 16km tempo run 3 days earlier, I knew my body haven't recovered yet. What started as a tingle, became very painful.  I started to walk more than run to relieve some pain.  This time I just wanted to finish sub 6 hours.

Km 28 - 37 (A Painful Hamstring and the Return to the Cow Zone)

Upon reaching the hydration station at 28th km, I started to text my team mates again.  I found out they placed good in their 21km run.  Notably Goldy, Roxanne and Joyce went on to finish 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively while Daniel finished 5th among men.  Unfortunately, awards were only given to the top three finishers, so it was only Goldy who took home some extra loot.

Goldy is the one on the rightmost side, I was still running while the awarding ceremony was going on 

I was elated for them but soon thought that I have to finish the rest of the route ahead of me. I started running more albeit slower than usual.  What kept me going was the thought of my team mates waiting for me. (Sorry guys, it took me so long to finish the route >.<)

Nearing the 31st km, it started to smell funny, it was then I remembered "The Cow Zone."  Then looking down, I suddenly realized that I was wearing red.  I started to envision funny thoughts of the cows running after me.  I thought that would be extremely funny not to mention it would make me run faster LOLZ!  Unfortunately, what I had imagined did not materialize.  The cows just minded their own business and let me pass without lifting a finger or should I say hoof.

I started to gain some momentum and some speed and not think of my painful hamstring while I ran.  upon reaching the last hydration station at the 38th km, my time read 5hrs.  I could finish sub-6!!

Km 38 - 41 (BIKE!! BIKE!! BIKE!!)

There was a bike event using the same route that day, during these last 4km's there was no room to run because of the fast bikes that would pass through the route.  I had no choice but to walk in the rugged part of the track.

The last Km (Getting Lost and the 20+ minute kilometer)

Passing the 41km mark, I had more than 10 minutes left for a sub 6 hour finish.  I started to relax a bit knowing I could finish before my target time.  But as fate would have it, I would  get lost in the final part of the run.  I made a wrong turn and walked for about another 300m, realizing the mistake I made, I started to walk back.  by this time I knew I would make it sub 6.

Upon making the last turn, I saw a familiar face on the horizon.  It was my team mate Christopher waiting for me.  He ran with me in the final 200 meters.  It was funny because most of the time, it was me who is always waiting for him to finish.  This time it was the other way around.

We were laughing at the song I was playing at the moment 

At last, I was able to finish the race, with a painful hamstring and plantar fasciitis on both my feet.  I managed to finish in 6hrs 8mins 26secs.

I finished where I started, in the middle of the pack

Roxanne giving a menacing smile as if to say "Sa wakas natapos din tong isang to!!!"

Photo with the RD Jonel Mendoza

Group pic with our medals and with our great finisher's shirt on

The hardware the team got that day

After the run we headed somewhere in Ortigas to celebrate the birthday of Daniel, it was booze, food and videoke.

Running a marathon is a challenge itself, running a trail marathon is something else, but it is one of those things, I would love to do again.


Photo Credits: Tong Pascua, Aquiz Minlay, Daniel Bersano

Run United Philippine Marathon Race Review: Part 2 (Post Race, Ice Cream and The Apparition)

So there we were, upon crossing the finish line, we were given a medal that could be easily mistaken for a plate.  Got my finisher's shirt and loyalty shirt then headed back to the finish line to wait for the others.

As we were waiting in the area I decided to take some pictures of the ones who were about to finish.  Sir Boy (Running Host) was in a booth right before the finish line, greeting runners as they come.

As  I watched the first timers crossed the finish line, I remembered when it was my first time running a marathon.  The joy and relief that I felt that day was amazing. 

Then one by one my team mates crossed the finish line.  First it was Sir Ted and Goldy, then Rox (who was running her first marathon), then Chona, then Riz, then Joyce then lastly Tope.

Roxanne finishing her 1st Full Marathon

With matching Tarp

Team Uwak is not impressed with RUPM

Team Rock and Road with Sir Ted

We took more pictures at the finisher's area then decided that we were hungry then proceeded to eat.

Eat mode at Gerry's Grill SM MOA

After eating, while some of us decided to go home, some of us decided to go watch a movie.  And because the movie we were supposed to watch was going to be screened at 7:30, we decided to watch "The Apparition".

Unfortunately, this would be a bad decision... LOL

Upon purchasing the tickets, we had more than an hour before screen time, so we decided to forced Rox to treat us ice cream.  Luckily she agreed! It was Ice cream for everyone!!

After that it was time to watch the movie.  Upon entering the cinema, I began to feel sleepy.  I tried to fight it.

So there we were, watching the movie "The Apparition" and in my mind I thought that we should have watched another...

Speaking for myself and my other team mates as well, the movie was dog gone boring and pointless.  We were left to wonder after the movie what the point of the whole movie was.

With the movie done, we then decided it was time to go home...

After watching The Apparition we all looked like this

Yes the day was all in all a bad day for me, but it was better spend with my friends....


Photo Credits: Chona Salvidar, Ted Famatiga