KOTR2010

Being one of the most awaited road races in the country, the Adidas King of the Road 2010 was a goal- setting event. I myself have set a goal for this event. I was hoping to set a new PR with Swthrt in the 10K category. Though we haven’t run much during weekdays, we consistently have our weekend runs at UPD covering a distance of 10K to 21K. So I was quite confident that we can clock a better time on this race. But not until a couple of days prior the race day that I have been experiencing heart palpitations from time to time. I also easily get tired even with minimal physical exertion. I told Swthrt about it the night before the race sending her to an alarming state because she knew I had a history of hyperthyroidism and angina (chest pains) before I started running two years ago. Having this in mind, Swthrt was really worried about me running the race. I assured her that if I felt any discomfort while running I will stop at once.

The Race
We woke up early, took a nice oatmeal breakfast and off we go to the site. JM our eldest son will be running his 2nd KOTR in the 5K category. Upon settling down after having parked our car, Swthrt and I went to the group of 10K runners waiting for their release as the 21K runners were sent off to start. JM went on to run around while waiting for their turn. Swthrt and I went to a very slow starting as I continue to monitor my heart rate (I used the heart monitor given to me by my cousin Noel). Swthrt was always asking me if I’m feeling OK. I knew she was more conditioned to run and set a PR on this one but she opted to stay with me. As we traverse the narrow road near DOE, I was gaining confidence that I can finish the race. We were slowly picking up our pace. I was even excited seeing JM among the first group of 5K runners when we came across near the Home Depot area. He was having fun as he was running fast. Swthrt and I continued on as I would either jog slowly or briskly walk if I felt my heart beating fast or if I was grasping for air. As we reached the Kalayaan flyover, I was really getting exhausted but managed to run/walk until we get to the top. Swthrt would run ahead of me but would either wait or run back at me to make sure I’m running OK. We were able to make the last U turn of 10K runners. I prodded Swthrt to go on ahead of me but she wanted to make sure I’m doing well. Eventually, I was able to convince her that I will be fine for the rest of the race route and that I wanted her to go ahead and run her pace and still be able to set a good time. Good thing she made it to the finish line four minutes ahead of me. Swthrt can do better than that if not only she was keeping pace with me almost the entire race. We were both glad to have finished the race without any problem. And yes, no PR for this race, not this time. We enjoyed the rest of our time roaming around and eating the free breakfast pack meal and looking for JM who set a new PR of 24:00 for the 5K.

Post race
I guess all the bad luck must have been absorbed by our car as we have front wheel flat tire when we returned to the parking lot. JM and I had to change tire before leaving the place. As for my health condition, I will see the doctor ASAP for a thorough check up. Come Monday, Swthrt and I had a good 45 minute recovery run in our village and spent a lot of time watching DVD movies for a deserved rest. Thank God for a great long weekend for us.

Race evaluation
This year’s edition of KOTR had a new route. The narrow and pot hole filled road near DOE created some traffic jam for runners. The marshals were also not able to control the 10K runners in giving way to the coming 21K runners. I’m sure these 21K runners were having a hard time and have been annoyed by the incident. There were few marshals manning the race route. The water stations were strategically positioned (at least for the 10K route) but with less staff to man this stations. I also noticed that there were no timing mats for recording split time at crucial turn around points making it prone to cheating. I just hope they will do better next time.

Run for a cause: The Pasig River Run

Much has been said about the recently concluded largest environmental advocacy fun run in the country, the 10.10.10 Pasig River Run. Though I’m not sure as of this writing that we broke the world record as the most runners for an eco-footrace, I’m quite sure that this is the largest in the country.

About my foot- pain prior to this run, I was thankful that it was gone came Saturday. I woke up early on Saturday morning as we often do and told Swthrt that I will not run and have my foot rested. It was still painful that morning. But truly, God has His own way and even a great sense of humor of healing people. I was hoping that I can run on Sunday, for an environmental advocacy run, and God healed me while I’m dealing with nature. I was doing some gardening in our pocket garden and I noticed that the pain subsided and by the time I’m done I can walk and run pain-free. Praise God! Come Sunday I’m all set and ready to join the fun run for the Ilog Pasig.

Swthrt and I and some of our NAMRIA runners ran the 10K which started at Ayala Avenue. We had a good fun run which lasted up to Roxas Blvd wherein we shared the road with the 5k runners. It was here that we started to walk most of the time because of the multitude of people. It was noticeable that mostly were students taking part as a requirement for their NSTP (National Service Training Program) in their respective schools. It became chaotic upon reaching the compound of MOA wherein people would walk from all directions. On our way to the finish line, there were people walking on the opposite way. The crowd was just uncontrollable. Even the greatest race organizer will surely have a nightmare organizing this type of race. All this was expected with the number of registered runners. You just have to be prepared for it!

For me, one thing is clear! People will come and gather for one great cause. I’m just saddened by some negative comments, like it was poorly organized, or it should have been like these, or they should do these things. I myself witnessed and noticed details lacking in a good organized race but for whatever it was, I came to run for a cause and not to be served and be pleased. To all the runners who came and not mind the glitches and hustles along the way, I salute you all! We are all part of history.

In pain before 10.10.10 run

Running on weekends is always a treat for Swthrt and I. Aside from being a stress reliever for a week long of work at the office, it also serves as our favorite bonding moment. And so waking up on a Friday morning with a painful left foot could be stressful if you will be running on the well publicized 10.10.10 Pasig Run on Sunday. The pain was concentrated on the top portion of my left foot. The pain becomes intense every time I walk. I don’t remember any incident that might have caused the pain. I’m just praying and hoping that the pain would subside that I may be able to run on Sunday. To those who will be running for the rehabilitation of Pasig River, See you on the road!

KOTR 2010

The early bird catches the longer distances, slow ones get the shorter distances. That’s what happened to us. It’s been quite a while since we ran our last road race, the Rexona 21K Run. Here comes the KOTR 2010. A much anticipated race which we hope to run next but for some reasons we were not able to register on the first week of registration. During the previous years, registration in shorter distances (5K and 10K) close early. Today, it’s the other way around. We intended to register for the 21K the other day but have to settle for the 10K distance category (the longest distance available). The 21K distance category was already closed since the second day of registration. Wow! That was really fast. It was a proof that a lot of runners have levelled-up. I will not be surprised if the upcoming Run United 2 organized by coached Rio will have its 32K category sold out faster that you would run the distance.

Anyway, we were just as excited that we have registered and will be able to run the KOTR. The goal was to register a new PR and at the same time enjoy the race. Though we have not join races the past weeks, we regularly run whenever possible. Hopefully this race would pump up our training for the coming QCIM.

To the Kings/Queens of the Road, have fun! See you on the road!

Corregidor International Half-Marathon

Registration details for the Corregidor International Half-Marathon:

Registration Venue and Period:

all weekends (Saturday and Sunday only) of October and November, subject to slot availability

RUNNR ( Boni High Street ) Saturday and Sunday, 2pm to 9pm

Second Wind (Maginhawa) Saturday only, 1pm to 6pm
Second Wind (Ortigas Home Depo) Saturday only, 1pm to 6pm

on-line registration facility (for participants residing abroad and outside Metro Manila) will be up on October 9, 2010

Registration fee: P2,500.00 - until October (early registration)P3,000.00 - until November (late registration)

Race Registration inclusions:
Roundtrip ferry to and from Corregidor Full lunch buffet on race day Race bib w/ RFID timing chip Race shirt



Race backpack, Finisher's Medallion (or a 10k Achiever Medal), Runners' Briefing (Dec 4 and 11) at ROXCarbo-loading Bonfire Party (Dec 18, Saturday night)


Victory Party with two top performing bands (Dec 19, Sunday night)


Personalized Finishers' Certificate (complete with name and finish time) Race


Registration Procedures:
1) After completing registration for the race (manual or on-line), beginning the following Monday, contact Sun Cruises at 8346857/8346858 /5275555 loc 4511 0r 4512.

2) Indicate the desired trip schedule:

a) Overnight – departure on Dec 18 @ 8:30am (return trip to Manila is on Dec 19 via 2:30pm trip from Corregidor*)

b) Day trip – departure on Dec 19 @ 5:30am (return trip to Manila is Dec 19 via 5:30pm trip from Corregidor*)

c) Participants with non-competing companions (non-competing companions will have to pay Php2,000.00/person; no race pack will be provided to them) will have to take the Dec 18, 11:30am trip to Corregidor (return trip to Manila is on Dec 20, Monday, via 10:00am trip from Corregidor.*

for “a)” and “b)” indicate if attending the Solidarity & Victory Party on the night of December 19 to amend departure schedule to Monday, Dec 20 via 10:00am trip from Corregidor.

3) If applicable, make accommodations reservation with Sun Cruises (only registered participants will be given reservations). Pay the appropriate accommodations booking amount through the payment mode advised by Sun Cruises.

4) On Dec 4 or 11 (as advised through email and text by the organizers) at ROX, attend the Runners’ Briefing, pick-up the race pack, and claim the Boarding Pass and/or Accommodations Booking ticket from Sun Cruises. Ensure to bring the Acknowledgement Receipt issued during registration. No Acknowledgement Receipt, No Race Pack.

Race Registration Requirements:
1) Properly filled out registration form (may be downloaded by Friday / available at the registration site)

2) Any valid ID (driver's licence, SSS ID, voter's ID, postal ID, passport, etc.) indicating date of birth

3) Proof of participation in a 10k race (during the last 2 months prior to registration) or 21k race (during the last 3 months prior to registration), or a full marathon (during the last 6 months prior to registration) or a doctor's certification of fitness to participate in an athletic event.

For proof of race participation, a printout of the particular race result is preferable. In lieu of that, race bib will be accepted but will be subject to verification through the race results available on-line.

4) Applicable registration fee.