Team BR conducts running clinic in NAMRIA

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, an attached agency of the DENR conducted the 3rd of a series of lectures and seminars in celebration of the National Women’s Month. The event focused on the theme “Fitness Day” which aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle to all employees.

The Running Clinic was spearheaded by retired Gen. Jovenal Narcise also known as The Bald Runner and two Level IV International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF)-accredited coaches of the Team BaldRunner namely Head Coach Capt. Ferdinand Espejo and Coach MSg. Saturnino Salazar. The lecture focused on the Basics of Running, why and how we run. The Bald Runner discussed the basics and fundamentals of running and shared his experiences in the shorter distances (5K to half), marathon and ultra marathon races he joined. The humble 57 year old retired Major General has already completed 2 ultramarthon trail races (50K {Bulldog Trail Run in LA} and 55K {Pinatubo Trail Race}), thirteen full marathon races and presently preparing for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race on April 5, 2009. This will also be the first running event to be organized by Bald Runner’s Events which aims to place the country in the map of international ultramarathon events. Being an experienced runner, Gen. Narcise also shared practical tips on the different aspects of running.

Coaches Espejo and Salazar on the other hand demonstrated and taught the proper running form and other running techniques that may improve a runner’s performance. Coach Espejo presently serves as a national coach/trainer of the Philippine Athletics Team and NCR Regional Director of PATAFA. Coach Salazar is the current record-holder of the 50K walk and was bronze medalist in the 1997 South East Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. He coached the national walking team during the SEA Games in Manila.

The running clinic was attended by about 50 employees of the agency who mostly participate in various road races especially those promoting and advocating in the conservation of the environment. The event was held in coordination with the NAMRIA Sports Club and co-sponsored by Universal Robina Corporation (URC) providing healthy snacks for the participants.