Missing CSM 2012

In my more than four years of running experience, my Condura races were the highlights.

Condura Run 2009 was my first half marathon (2:20+).

showing my first half marathon medal

at BGC nearing the finish line of my first half marathon

running with erlito, my high school classmate

Condura Skyway Marathon 2010 was my first full marathon (5:23+), while Swthrt  did her first half marathon running solo. 

right after crossing the finish line of my first full marathon

with my two running idols Vener and Jonel

And In 2011, Team JRunning  finished together, it was our second marathon.

In this year’s edition, we will be missing CSM. In as much as we love to run this great event, specially traversing the skyway, factors on place and time of the event made us decide not to register. Anyway, we wish all the runners a safe and enjoyable run as we always have in the past!

Go Runners! Realize your dreams… run the marathon! 

2011 Macau International Marathon

It is every runner’s dream to have a different experience in running races thus most of them join races not only in various cities and provinces in the country but also abroad.  Another venue which Filipino runners would certainly have a different running thrill is the 2011 Macau International Marathon. 

The Macau Government Tourism Office in Manila in collaboration with Runrio Inc. hosted a bloggers night last October 20, 2011 to launch the 30^th edition of the Macau International Marathon dubbed as the Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon to be held on o4 December 2011. Big prizes for different categories will be at stake plus  bonus prize for record breakers will be awarded. Macau will not only play host to this grand sporting event but is also a great place to tour and shop around. The place is also a haven for shoppers. Runners will certainly have a great time enjoying the many UNESCO declared heritage sites of the People's Republic of China’s Special Administrative Region, Macau.

So what are you waiting for? If you have the means, register now for the Macau International Marathon this December!

Event Title: 2011 Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon

Date: 4^th December 2011 (Sunday)

Organizers: Macau Sport Development Board、Macau Athletic Association

Aim: To develop local sports, by raising the level of running, to strengthen the friendship between people from different parts of the world, contribute to the promotion of sport tourism in Macau.

Qualification for registration: Citizen holding a legal identification document can register without discrimination of nationality.

Registration Schedules :

In Person or through a representative (Until 3^rd Dec. 2011, 8:00pm)

By Post (Until 18^th Nov. 2011, 5:30pm)

Online Registration (Until 25^th Nov. 2011, 11:30pm)

For more information visit:

http://www.macaumarathon.com/en/event_register.php

http://www.macaumarathon.com/en/event_info.php

Registration for the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011 is still open

The annual Condura race is on! Join the country´s premiere marathon to be held on February 6, 2011 and feel the thrill of running on the Skyway! Register for 3k, 5k, 10k, 16k, 21k or 42k.

So what´s in store for you when you join the Condura Skyway Marathon?

Experience a world-class marathon with the use of D-Tag Timing System which accurately counts your time as you cross the finish line.

Sport that stylish and trendy runner look! Wear the dri-fit technical shirt with the event logo designed by Team Manila.

Everybody´s a winner! If you are a finisher, you will automatically receive a medal and be reminded of your achievement and your memorable participation in the event.

Last but not the least; aside from having lots of fun and excitement, you´ll also be making a contribution in the protection of dolphins of Bohol. P50.00 of the registration fee that you will pay will go to this advocacy.

For more details, visit www.conduraskywaymarathon.com

What are you waiting for? Don´t miss this chance to participate in a world-class and noble running event of the year! Hurry and go to Greenbelt 3 now before the slots run out!

Registration is open until January 31, 2011.

Condura Skyway Marathon Bloggers' Night

One of the perks of being a runner blogger is that you get invites to press conferences, test runs, product launch and more. Last December 15, Condura Skyway Marathon Secretariat headed by Mr. Ton Concepcion organized a bloggers' night for the launching of the Condura Run 2011 which would now be known as the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011. The re-branding carries the vision of becoming the premiere marathon event in the Asia-Pacific Region by 2012 and continues its advocacy of protecting the environment especially the marine ecosystem. Having helped foundations and organizations protecting the Tubataha Reef, Whale sharks of Donsol, Sorsogon, and the Dolphins of Bohol, next year’s beneficiary will again be the dolphins of Bohol. The event aims to raise funds for the protection of dolphins of Baclayon Bohol through scientific research and promotion of eco-tourism and creation of livelihood opportunities. This is in partnership with Ayala Foundation, Inc.

After the briefing on what to expect of the CSM 2011 edition which includes new race routes, new distance category (16K), more freebies, the bloggers got to experience the fast and easy e-registration at the Greenbelt 3, Makati City.

Photos by Kulit on the Run, Vima

For registration details visit www.conduraskywaymarathon.com.

Thank you Condura for the great time!

The CamSur Marathon

Since I have ran a couple of marathons, any news of race regarding the full distance makes me excited. The invitation I received from the organizers of the CamSur Marathon for a press conference made me even more excited. With the successful CamSur Ironman 70.3 last year held at the same venue and the full support of Gov. Lray Villafuerte there is no doubt in my mind that this year’s Camsur Marathon will be a great event for runners. I was set to attend the presscon and confirmed my attendance but to some unavoidable circumstances at work I missed it. Anyway, I’m sure runners/bloggers (Jazzrunner; Running Diva) who have attended the event have already posted what have transpired and what to expect for another spectacular marathon event in the country. For more information on the CamSur Marathon visit http://www.camsurmarathon.com/.

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!

Photos Talk - TBR Dream Marathon

Full story coming soon!

Back in training for another full marathon

Last Thursday, February 11, I was back on the road again for the first time after Condura. I started with an easy 3K run with Josiah, my younger son at the BHS while waiting for Swthrt who will be starting her training for her first marathon, TBR Dream Marathon. The following Saturday, Swthrt and I did a 55 min run that was scheduled for her training. And on Sunday, we did another 4 rounds of the UP academic oval. It was a great feeling to be back on training. I was just glad that I had a wonderful experience on my first marathon that I wanted to run another one. Just as I was thinking about it, I come across Bull Runner’s announcement that the Dream Marathon will also be open to second time marathoners, an additional 100 slots. It was really a dream come true for Swthrt. She really wanted me to run with her on her first full marathon. So from here on, I am back in training again.

The story of my first marathon: Condura Run 2010

Our day started at 2:00am. Swthrt and I had a pouch of instant oat meal and soft boiled egg (actually intended to be hard boiled, he he he) for breakfast. We then prepared our hydration gears(vitwater endurance and GU gels) and the food we prepared for my post race meal. This was the first time that we have prepared foods such as bananas, pocarri sweat, vitwater, nature valley energy bar for a post race meal. Before we left our home, we had a short prayer for protection and the strength from our Lord Jesus Christ.

We arrived at the venue at around 3:00am and after a brief parking, we immediately had our warm-up run and stretching. We met friends who gave encouragements for they knew this was my marathon debut. After having the power kiss from Swthrt (she ran the half marathon) I checked in as soon as I heard the announcement for the 42k runners to check in. At the starting area, more friends have given their encouragements. I also met runners from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur who was introduced to me by my officemate George. Soon after the opening ceremony and fireworks display, we were off to a good started.

My target time for this race was 5 hours and 30 minutes. The truth was, I had other hidden targets such as best time of 5:15 and a dream target of 5:00. I even scheduled my lap time per 10 km. I had a good start and have keep in mind not to be carried away by the fast runners. I kept on echoing in my mind that I have to run this on my own pace. Going to Bayani Road was no problem as I was familiar with the area. I reached 10K mark at 1:08. This was faster than my target time and so I have to slow down. For the next 10k, I was enjoying my run and had to remind myself not go too fast. When I reached the 21K marker it was 2:29.07. The run at the Skyway was a different experience. Half of the road was all for the runners. You just have to enjoy the moment. When I saw the next kilometre marker which is 25K, I knew the challenge will be up ahead. I had only run twice in my training the distance over 25K. As I made my turn around at the Bicutan Skyway exit, I was beginning to feel tightness with my leg muscles. I had to take a walk every time I felt my muscle was starting to cramp. The greatest challenge was the Heartbreak Hill of Skyway which was along the NAIA 3 interchange. I was planning to take it running with short strides at slow pace but like a car with low power engine, I cranked up and had to run-walk alternately. As I made my way back to Skyway heading for Buendia, I was able to hold my sanity by following the pace of a group of runners in Timex Ironman singlets as they run-walk the remaining part of the course. Upon reaching the Takbo.ph and Rienier Pacific Aid Station, I was graciously handed a banana by a young child and was given a liniment spray and massage by mckoy of Takbo.ph. The cheers and encouragements of the volunteers in this station really kept us runners going. I continued to follow the group of runners up until Makati Ave. I reached Km35 at 4:26.33, and the last big challenge of the course is the Kalayaan Flyover squeezing all the strength left in me. When I reached Fort Bonifacio, I was already struggling with the heat and the pain on my legs. I was praying that God would sustain my energy. My fear then was I would have a muscle cramp that would really prevent me from running or even just walking. So I have to walk every time I felt my legs are tightening up. I picked on another runner to keep pace. When i saw the marker that has the last 2 km sign, I said to myself, “Kaya mo yan, malapit na!” And I did it over and over. And it was the longest 2km of my life. And when I reached the final kilometre mark, I looked at my watch and saw that it was 5:22.26. And to hit my target I needed to run it within 8 min or faster. With all that I have gone through, there is no way that I can run that fast. As I made my turn at 5th Avenue I made the final push until the finish line. And there’s no better way to finish it than by seeing Swthrt waiting at the finish line. I did it in 5:32:12!

For all that I have experienced throughout this race, I thanked God for the strength He gave me to finish the race! To God be the glory!

What is your pre-race ritual?

Today is the start of the race kit redemption of the much-awaited Condura Run 2010. This year’s edition of the race opens the skyway to marathoners including the skyway heartbreak hill portion which the NAIA3 interchange (200 meters incline, ouch!). I’m quite sure that many runners will dare the challenge of running the full marathon for the first time, me included. And so this makes me curious on what marathoners do on their last minute preparations. I’ve heard of some runners having their own personal pre-race rituals. For some they eat certain kind of food (like their own way of carbo-loading), others have body massage, or simply say a little prayer and sleep early the night before the race. As for me, I still don’t know. I’m not even sure if I can sleep early because of excitement or fear. One thing is sure, I will lift up my race to God in prayer and ask for his protection and blessing for the strength I will be needing to finish the race.
How about you? Share your secret last minute preparation.

God bless you all runners!

Run for the Dolphins

The Condura Run for the Whale Sharks was my first 21k race. It was a race I will never forget. This year’s edition of the Condura Run which will be for the Dolphins will be another first for me. Yes! I will be running my first full marathon this February. Let’s go the distance! See you there!