Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Joseph the Dreamer (TBR Dream Marathon Story)

I may not have a multi-colored coat and certainly not a biblical character but I also have a dream. When I started running two years ago, I dreamed of joining a race and it came into a reality. I joined my first 5K race at the Mizuno Infinity Run last July 29, 2008. Afterwards, 10K races. And then a dream of running a half marathon and I did it in Condura Run 2009. And from then on, I joined numerous races not alone but together with Swthrt. She completed the cast of my wonderful dreams in running. Soon after, I had a dream of running my first full marathon. And God was so gracious to have allowed me to experience it and I owe it to Him. I ran solo at the Condura 2010 marathon. Swthrt was still reluctant to try the distance. It was a magnificent experience to finish one but it could have been the greatest if Swthrt was with me. When The Bull Runner made an announcement on the Dream Marathon I knew this was the realization of yet another dream not only for me but for Swthrt as well. Swthrt will be running her first full marathon. The dream was made sweeter when it was open to second time marathoners. Without any second thought we signed up for the race and the rest is history.

The BullRunner Dream Marathon was undoubtedly the best and most organized race designed for first time marathoners. It gave all the support a runner should need from the training guidelines to nutrition and logistical needs of each participant. The whole team headed by Jaymie (The BullRunner), Coach Jim Lafferty of P & G and Neville Manaois of Second Wind were very supportive. The group runs held at BHS and Nuvali gave runners the needed confidence coming into the race. And on the day itself, you couldn’t ask for more. If there were any glitches, it was so minute that no one would even bother to notice them. It was a dream in reality and a tough act to duplicate.

On the Race
We checked in at El Cielito Hotel, Sta. Rosa the day before the race. We saw Anna and Jun also checking in. After taking some rest, our plan was to have an early dinner at around 5:00pm at the Paseo de Sta. Rosa. We chose Kanin Club, as we wanted to have rice and we chose adobo as our viand. We wanted to be safe in choosing our food as we don’t want any unwanted revolution in our stomach. We went back at the hotel hoping to sleep as early as possible. We actually forced ourselves to sleep. The excitement was keeping us awake.


At twelve midnight the alarm went on and we prepared ourselves for the challenge ahead.



We have cereals and Milo for breakfast after which we texted our friend Anna that we will be going to the venue.It was a festive ambience when we arrived at Nuvali. You can feel the excitement in everyone. Runners were being called to check in few minutes before gun time. The runners were more excited when Coach Jim announced that everyone will be a marathoner before noontime.


The race started on time with all the runners sticking together as we run on the opposite side of Nuvali. We kept pace with Anna and her daughter and with Team Logan for awhile. Swthrt and I planned to stick to our agreed pace of 7:00-7:30 doing a 9-1 Galloway method. Our main goal was to finish and for Swthrt to enjoy her first marathon. And for the first loop of the course we were just have fun running. We even decided not to use our ipods though we had them with us. The course was full of surprises for us since we did not join the long run held here at Nuvali. There were uphills and downhills, there were also portions which looks like the ones used for trail runs.



It was a good thing we have some hill trainings during our runs at UP. All these things add up to the amazing experience we had. Water and Gatorade stations were strategically located not to mention the fruits and cold sponges located where a runner would need them most. Starting on the second loop, the sun started to shine. The bigger challenge lies ahead on running under the heat of the sun. Upon reaching KM25, Swthrt started to feel the onset of cramps on her calf. I adviced her to take it easy and slow down as we don’t want it to reach a point where she won’t be able to move her legs. It was a good thing she was able to shake it off. We were able to reach KM30 without any problem. We even had a time to take a photo of the marker knowing that this will be the start of the unfamiliar territory (her longest run being a little over 30Km).


Beyond this point, stiff leg muscles started to creep in. The heat of the sun also started to take its toll on us. We have to change strategy as we could not sustain the 9-1 run-walk ratio. We would walk if Swthrt feel any on-set of leg cramps and would run as far as we could. The cheers from people on the vans who would occasionally pass along runners certainly gave encouragement. The loud voice of Coach Jim from his van just did the same. It was a joy to hear “you’re doing great, you’re running a marathon! Don’t forget to hydrate!” All these are music to our ears. Also, the cheers and words of encouragements from the Second Wind Team were very much appreciated. Thanks Timmy for those cups of water. Even the runners were giving encouragements to one another.





Just before reaching the rotunda area, the sight of Junrox and his teammates holding those canisters of liniment sprays gave us an immense relief. It was just what we needed. Junrox sprayed those liniments on our legs. Thanks Junrox for the help. Starting at KM37, we started to rejoice on every kilometer we covered. Nearing the final 3 km of the race we saw George (my officemate and personal running coach) running towards us.


He paced us for the remaining kilometers but went ahead of us upon reaching the Solenad area and position himself to take a good shot of us crossing the finish line. We did it in 5:58:+.


Our split time: 01-10Km: 1:24
10-20Km: 1:20
20-30Km: 1:26
30-40Km: 1:34
40-42Km: 0:14

It was really a superb experience to finish a marathon. It was even made best if you’re doing it with the one you love. Congratulations Swthrt! I am proud of you! You are now a marathoner! I love you Swthrt!




After the race
Upon crossing the finish line, every finisher was handed their medal and an ice cold towel (which I called lumpia, hehehe) for us to freshen up. We have some photos taken by Photovendo which you could readily get a print out copy. Thanks Ben for the nice photos. There were big smiles in everyone’s face especially the finishers. All were in high spirits! After a few minutes rest, we went back to the hotel for breakfast!


Thank you once again to Jaymie, the BullRunner, Coach Jim, Neville,and the rest of the Team and the volunteer runners who have given their full support for the realization of our dream. God bless you all!

To all the finishers/marathoners CONGRATULATIONS!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Photo Talks

frontRUNNER Magazine now available.
Grab a Copy Now!

Team Woman Run PressCon

I was invited yesterday to the press conference of the “Team Woman Run” by Lactacyd held at the Blue Water Day Spa in Ortigas Ave. This allowed guests to have foot spa treat while listening to the presscon.




As I registered, I was reminded of our annual activity at the office every month of March which was the “National Women’s Month” celebration. We usually held lecture series, conferences and other activities pertaining to women development and empowerment.

This event once again highlighted the importance of women in the society and their capabilities as individuals. The event was hosted by Noelle De Guzman (Kikay Runner) who introduced the new product endorsers of Lactacyd, the Carpo sisters (Amanda, Chesca and Leica) and Bea Locsin. The run is scheduled on 27 June 2010 at the Venice Piazza Mall in Mc Kinley Hills, Fort Bonifacio. There will also be scheduled running clinics prior to the race.



Below is the Press Release from the organizer of the event.


Woman Team Run What better way to celebrate a woman's strength than with an all-woman run?

Gather together your sisters and friends to form a team of three or four individuals, and be part of this year's Woman Team Run. Woman Team Run is an all-woman team relay for females ages 18 to 35. This exciting event will be held on June 27, 2010 at the Venice Pizza Mall, McKinley Hill.

Each team will run a combined distance of 21K. The first runner will run a distance of 10K, the second runner will run 5K, the third runner will run 3K, and the fourth (or first) runner will run another 3K. There will also be a 5K individual run category.

Of course, it is a given that women love to be fashionable. A Best in Costume Award will be awarded to the team who adds the most flair to their running outfits. Criteria will be made up of originality, creativity, use of Team Woman singlet, and overall impact.

A lot of things are expected of today's woman. Woman by Lactacyd understands the needs of a woman with an active lifestyle. As its tagline goes, only Woman Knows a Woman, made to keep up with you.

At the end of the race, a team composed entirely of women will be chosen to become ambassadors of Woman by Lactacyd. Currently, Leica Carpo, Amanda Carpo, Chesca Carpo and Bea Locsin are the strong, athletic women who wave Woman by Lactacyd's flag. These veteran runners will hold free running clinics on May 30, June 6 and June 13.

Woman Team run participants will enjoy lots of fun giveaways. The first 100 teams to complete the relay will each receive free pouches from Beauty Bar and gift certificates worth P75 from David's Salon.

Team registration fee is P1,500, inclusive of a limited edition Team Woman by Lactacyd singlet for all team members. Avail of a discounted registration fee of just P1,000 by submitting two 200mL bottles of Woman by Lactacyd and proof of purchase (receipt). Registration fee for the individual run category is P600. Avail of a discounted fee of only P450 with proof of purchase.

Register online at http://www.teamwomanrun.com/ from May 15 to June 20, 2010. Major credit cards are accepted for online registration. For cash registration, visit TIMEX in SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall and SM North Edsa, or at RUNNR in Bonifacio High Street. Cash registration runs from May 15 to June 24, 2010.

Team Woman Run is brought to you by Woman by Lactacyd. Sponsors for this event are 100 plus, Alaska Slim, Beauty Bar, Blue Water Day Spa, David's Salon, Dole, Nature Valley, Summit Mineral Water, Timex and Wilson Standard Everlast. Media partners for this event are Multisport, Runnerspeak, and Women's Health. Special thanks to registration partner Runnr and venue partner The Venice Piazza Hall at McKinley Hill. This event is organized by Eventking Corp.

For more information, email secretariat@teamwomanrun.com.


Sunday, May 16, 2010

The final week to Dream Marathon

This will be our final week of preparation for “The Bull Runner Dream Marathon” scheduled on the 22nd of this month. Last Saturday, Swthrt and I got our race packets at the Bull session (group run with fellow dream marathoners) at Bonifacio High Street. We actually arrived 30 minutes late for the run and the group was already out on the road. Instead, we claimed our race packets and proceeded to do our one hour easy run as part of our tapering. As promised, we received our 3 pcs of hammer gel, nature valley bar and more.



This marathon is really one of a kind. It is the only race I have known in the country that help runners prepare well for the event. This race is really designed for first time marathoners to fulfill their dream of finishing one. They even have Runner's Handbook for the participants.


It has several sessions of lectures on different topics that would be beneficial for the runners. It also conducted group runs that would encourage runners and build camaraderie among participants. Another unique feature of this race is the starting time of 2:00am to protect runners from the heat of the sun. The organizers really knew how to pamper their runners. Thanks to Jaymie and her team!

Easy Sunday Run
Last Sunday, we did an easy run at the UP Academic Oval in Diliman. It was fun as we don’t have to exert much effort so as not to strain our leg muscles. We even have time to take some photos, hehehe. Monday was a rest day.



Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Last Long Run before taper

It was a personal choice not to join the last Bull Session of the TBR Dream Marathon held at Nuvali last Sunday. Swthrt and I opted to reserve the run at Nuvali on race day to add excitement and adrenalin pump. Swthrt was a kind of person who easily get bored when running around familiar route or running around in circle (like in the UP Academic Oval). In lieu of this long run schedule, we planned to run 4 hours around the Metro last May 3 since it was a holiday.

Our run
We started our run at 10 minute to 5:00am. From our place in Manggahan Pasig we proceeded to Eastwood via Calle Industria and went to Boni Serrano Road. The steep incline in Libis area caused us to take small steps running to get us through. Whew! Mckinley hills suddenly became effortless! We then took a right turn at 20th Avenue then went through Ermin Garcia Road, turned right at Kalayaan Avenue and ran all the way to Q.C. Circle. At this early, QC hall personnel were already removing all politician's tarps and posters posted in unauthorized areas. They had tons of bamboo sticks filed up along Kalayaan near city hall. Those can be re-used for to make lanterns anyways. In less than ten minutes, we were in EDSA footbridge heading toward Quezon Ave. We took a short pitstop at 7-11 store for water refill and banana. We then traversed the stretch of Quezon Avenue all the way to UST. Along the way, we were delighted to meet one runner going on opposite direction. It is really a joy to see people of the same passion as yours. Running along Espana was quite challenging because of the street vendors blocking our path. But we survived the maze! We arrived at UST after 2 hours and 40 minutes of running. We decided to enter UST campus and continued our course with additional six rounds around the football field. We had to stop after 3 hours 30 minutes of running because Swthrt was on her second day of monthly period and was tired at this point. Then we went to the place of our BFFs, who graciously prepared sumptuous breakfast meal for us. It was indeed a great run. We then took a cab going home to join the kids in our much awaited bonding time via a movie “ Iron Man 2”.

Photo Talks - Vintage Vigan