PAF 65th Anniversary Run

First, let me congratulate the men and women of the Philippine Air Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their 65^th anniversary!

A salute to the airmen for successfully staging their Anniversary Run dubbed as “ Takbo Para sa Karunungan, Kinabukasan ng Kabataan,” a fund-raising event for the children of the enlisted personnel of the Philippine Air Force who died or incapacitated in the line of duty.

The Race

Swthrt and I arrived at the venue, Mc Kinley Hill in Forth Bonifacio, to register on-site. We met with Gigi (huggingfit mum) and Bards (banana running) who also had to register on-site.

It’s been a long time since we raced at Mc Kinley Hill. Swthrt and I registered for the 5K category while Gi and Bards registered for the 10K. The race course proved to be challenging as they have set the start and finish arch in an elevated road.

Post race presentation and awarding of medals

The NAMRIA Running Club also participated in the event. Here are some of our runners from our Hydrography Department in Binondo, Manila.

The PAF Marching Band had a presentation before the awarding of medals for the winners.

  

Awards were given to the fastest runners in each category.

A fly-by helicopter poured confetti at the venue.

It was a fun-filled experience for everyone!

After the race, the four of us went to McDo for breakfast!

Congratulations to the PAF Officer’s Ladies Club and to Coach Joar!

Honoring our heroes

Team JRunning was privileged to be invited in a bloggers night hosted by the Philippine Air Force Officers Ladies’ Club (PAFOLC) last June 7, 2012 held at the VIP Lounge, PAF Gymnasium. The event was to promote and gain more support for the worthy cause of the PAFOLC of helping the children of their Enlisted Personnel who died or incapacitated in the line of duty. It was their desire to help these children continue their education and have a better future. The race will be in celebration of the Philippine Air Force’s 65^th Annivesary.

The event was opened by an invocation led by Maj Rene E Tambago. The bloggers were welcomed by LTC Stephen P Parreno PAF (GSC), Group Commander AFSSG. Race details were presented by Mrs. Erica T Fallorina, President, PAFOLC. An open forum followed after the presentation. The event ended in a closing remark by Col Joselito D Ramos PAF (GSC), EX-O, A1.

The race dubbed as “Takbo para sa Karunungan, Kinabukasan ng Kabataan” will be held at Vinice Piazza, Mckinley Hill, Taguig City on 24 June 2012. Prizes are at stake for the 3K, 5K and 10K categories.

Registration fees are as follows:

3K ­-  350.00

5K –  400.00

10K – 500.00  

Registration sites:

ROX Bonifacio Global City

Riovana Bonifacio Global City and Katipunan

Venice Piazza Mckinley Hill, Taguig City

For other inquiries please contact:

A1 Joar Calvadores – 09266829312

Air Force Special Service Group – 8535128, afssg_odo@yahoo.com

Earth Run: Taste of land and water

True to its name, the recently concluded Earth Run was a race that posed challenges through its hilly course coupled with rainfall that caused the delay of the start of the race. The race was scheduled at 5:30am. We arrived at Mckinley Hills at around 5:00am but I decided to proceed to NAMRIA to check on my officemates who will also be running. As we returned to MKH, we heard the announcement that the race will start at 6:00am. It was not so much of a problem since it was already raining and it seems that it will not become hot during the race.

Swthrt with Xen, Nato and Cecil

There was a good number of runners considering the 3 races scheduled for the day. The other one was also at Fort Bonifacio, the IE8 and another at UP Diliman campus, the Run for K.I.D.S. race.

The race
The race started at exactly 6:00am as announced amidst the falling rain. All the runners in different categories were released at the same time. It was already a tough course in the early part of the race. Runners will have to take on the hilly road of MKH. Swthrt and I started on a comfortable easy pace. We reached the first turn around point near the British embassy without any problem. We later noticed that we were running with a Fort Strider pacer with a flag showing 7min/km pace. We kept pace with him until we reached Lawton Avenue going to Essensa which was the second turn around point where they give straws. At this point, Swthrt begun to feel a slight pain on her shin (her persistent problem) and so we slowed down a bit. We tried to maintain our pace but had some walk breaks along the way. In as much as I wanted to run 100%. I did not force Swthrt because I don’t want her to burn out early. This was her first 16K race and I wanted her to finish it strong. As in my previous posts, we planned to just enjoy the race. But actually, I had a target goal in mind of 1:40-1:50 finish time. We reached Gate 3 after 49 min of running. This was the third turn around point and marshals were giving out the third straw. We would speed up from time to time going to the Bayani Road. The test run we did along Bayani Road a week before the race proved helpful as Swthrt was not surprised on what to expect along this route. We reached the Bayani-C5 turn around point and got the fourth straw at 1:20:43. What caught my attention were young children handing out straws in front of the Heritage Park entrance gate, which was still several hundred meters away from the turning point. This may give way to cheating. Straws should be given after making the turn at the designated turning point. Another thing was, I saw a student driver practicing along Bayani Road and definitely placed runners in danger. Upon reaching back to Lawton Avenue, I started encouraging Swthrt by telling her, “konti na lang” and she would reply back, “pagod na ko”. As we reached the venue area, we were surprised that we have to make another loop where the last straw was handed out before reaching the finish line. We crossed the finish line with unofficial time of 1:55. It was 5 minutes of our goal time but we were more than happy to finish in sub 2 hours.

After finishing the 16K run

Mesh receiving the medal

Swthrt and Mae

On the race organization
It was well-organized with the support of running clubs like the Fort Striders who provided pacers and marshals to help runners. Sufficient water on paper cups (totally earth friendly) though at some point they gave water in plastic bottles. There was a good number of marshals at turning points which guided the runners but less of them manning the traffic especially along Lawton Avenue going to Gate 3. The distribution of give-aways were done orderly as it was handed out as you cross the finish line. I just noticed that runners running longer distances were given less give-aways. This was so because they came in late. This is also true to other races i have joined. The loots are taken in by the shorter distance runners like the 3K and 5K runners. I like the idea introduced once by Coach Rio in the RuNew Race where in there were separate booth for give-aways for each race categories. In this way, the goodies were evenly distributed among the participants. Overall, it was a good race.

The reward
Swthrt was able to prove to herself that she can do it. The pains and tiredness were worth it knowing that she had accomplished her goal. What a better way to reward her by treating herself for a full body massage. I’m proud of you Swthrt! Luv u!

Camp Aguinaldo, McKinley to Bayani C5 and Batangas Runs

Since returning home from my recent field work, Swthrt and I was able to do some runs in preparation for her first 16K race scheduled on May 31. We started last Thursday night ( May 21) with a 4K easy run at Camp Aguinaldo’s improvised running oval. We were joined by our two sons who only did a couple of rounds. It was followed by a back to back 10K weekend runs. We had a 10K practice/simulation run at the Mc Kinley Hills going to Lawton Avenue and Bayani Road all the way to C5, which was our designated turn-around point. It was Swthrt’s first taste of the Bayani Road course. The previous 10K races Swthrt have joined were held in different places and never in the infamous Bayani Road. The 16K Earth Run will be covering the areas of McKinley Hills, Lawton Avenue up to Gate 3 and the Bayani Road up to C5. To top last week’s run was a 10.5K run from Baranggay San Isidro to Baranggay Tulo in Batangas City. We had a weekend visit to my in-laws. My two brothers-in-law are here in the country for a vacation. Swthrt and I had a good run together with Ed, one of my brothers-in-law. We hope to log some more mileage before the 16K Earth Run.

Earth Run 16K challenge

Joining the 16K Earth Run has become a challenge to most of the NAMRIA runners. More will be running the distance and test their will and determination in running. This will also be Swthrt’s first official 10-miler race and of course, I will be her pacer. Our game plane for this one is to just have fun! The PRs will come later. We just hope that we can be back in training with Team BR at the ULTRA soon!

A treat on the hills

The course of the RUNew Race last Sunday was a big challenge for runners. It was a treat testing one’s endurance and threshold on how to attack hills. It was a new course from Coach Rio, whose organizing skills continue to outsmart other events organizer. He continued to surprise every runner joining his events. This time, the race started at the McKinley Hill and passed through a double treat at Heritage Park. Congratulations to Coach Rio! It was another great and well organized race.

My run
As I will give the account on my run, I will try not to sound like making excuses for my relatively poor performance. Swthrt and I woke up at around 4:00am and prepared ourselves for the race. We arrived at MKH at around 5:00 am and met with friends. As the race comes to its start, I was not feeling well blaming it to a sore left calf and grumbling stomach. I was feeling butterfly on my stomach the night before the race. This was not my first 15K race and so I don’t think it was because I’m excited or tensed about the coming event. Anyway, I tried to get my composure and get ready for the race ahead. The gun was fired at 5:45 am for the 15K runners. During the first 3K of my run, I really felt uneasy and from time to time got goose bumps which I don’t know the reason why. After I got heated up, I was on with the race. I tried to keep a pace where I am comfortable to make sure that I can finish the race strong. As I make the U turn at the MKH-C5 I was feeling better. I saw Swthrt along the way. I managed to escape the MKH and proceeded along Lawton Avenue but I knew I was running at a very slow pace. I reached 6 Km marker at 40:00 min. At this point, I knew I will not be able to break my PR or even equal it. I decided to take it easy so as not to aggravate the pain I was feeling on my left calf. I was able to maintain my pace and did not walk even on uphill portion of the course. I sometimes tried to target other runners ahead for me to pass by. Sorry folks, just trying to pick-up my pace. Entering the right side of Heritage Park was new for me,. I reached the 8 Km marker inside the park at 53:10. I entered the other side of HP at 1:00 hr and managed to run through it in 6 minutes. As I left the HP, I was thinking that it will only be a few more kilometers. Reaching the 14Km marker at 1:34 was a relief. I told myself, one more K and I’m done. I reached the MKH turning with 1:38 on my watch and tried so hard to at least finish below 1:40 but missed it. My time – 1:41:46. I don’t feel bad about it. It gave me inspiration to strive more. I met Swthrt who ran 5K at 34:22. It was good race for her considering her first time to run at MKH chopping off a few seconds from her best time. Afterwards, we got our camera and took some time to meet with friends and have some souvenir photos.

This race reminds me of a lesson of not trusting on your own ability but of seeking God’s guidance and trusting and obeying His instructions. Running 15K race several times can not guarantee that I can rely on what I did the last time I’ve been through it. In the spiritual race in life, I can not be boastful of overcoming trials or problems by having “been there and done that” mentality. In every situation, I must seek the will of God and learn the lessons according to his ways. I must always be sensitive of His leading and understanding his plan for me. I may want to break a PR but if God will not allow it I can not do anything about it. I will just have to understand His better plans for me at the moment. As my tag line will put it, “the race of life is ran by grace and won by faith”. God bless us all!

Photo Talks - RUNew Race

Running happy

It was a happy run during the Happy Run last Sunday. Runners gathered early with enthusiasm and excitement. Swthrt and I woke up early to have breakfast for this race because I will be running the 15K. I’m not used to eating solid foods early in the morning. At least two mugs of freshly brewed coffee is enough to perk me up in the morning. We arrived at the BHS early enough for warm-up and stretching. We saw the husband and wife team, Vener and Christy at the parking lot near R.O.X.. As expected, the event was well-attended and well-organized. Congratulations to Coach Rio and to Drew Arellano who have conceptualized this race for the benefit of school children of Bagong Tanyag Elementary School in Taguig City.

The race
At the sound of the starting gun, the runners were off to a good start. I was feeling strong at the early stage which was a good sign. It was my first time to bring a bottle of vitwater for hydration. I’m quite sure that there will be adequate water stations but I have noticed in my past races that I usually had dry throat even before reaching the first water station. The strategy seems to work as I was able to reach the Essensa area (probably K2) with ease. I skipped the first water station and maintain a consistent pace going to the Bayani Road. I saw Bards along Bayani Road and told me that she will be maintaining a pace 5:30 to 6:00. I decided to keep paced with her. We arrived at the 5K marker at 29:52. At this point, I thought that if I can hold on to this pace I will be able to achieve my goal of 1:30:00. As I entered the Heritage Park I was already feeling pain on my feet and my toes getting stiff. The park was a welcome treat for runners with its serenity and smoke free surroundings. There were also challenging part of the place that we have to negotiate. As we get out of the park, I have consumed the vitwater and had to refill the container with Hidden Spring water provided at the water station. I also had to pour water over my head to freshen me up. As we make our way to Bayani Road, Bards told me that we can hit 1:00 hr the 10K marker which was good news for me. This validated the time I set in the recently concluded PSE Bull Run. Upon reaching the Lawton Avenue, I started to feel pain on my back and fatigue starts to set in. I was able to sustain the pace until we reached the turning point entering the McKinley Hills. I was already conditioning my mind that it will be a few more Ks and it will be over. As we reached the first ascent of the Mckinley I started to slow down. Bards tried to push me but to no avail. The MKH was killing me. I was trying to make it to the last turning point near the British embassy and tried to fight back but MKH is eating me. I had to make short walk breaks and used all the energy within me to give the final push. I made it back to Lawton Ave. and reached the 14K marker at 1:26:47. With all the energy left in me, I ran the last 1K in 5:54 and clocked an unofficial time of 1:32:41 for my first 15K race. I was not able to run MKH the way I wanted it to be but I had a happy run having set a good performance and PR based on my last 16K race last year. To MKH there will always be a next time.

The happy times
It was fun to have entertainment along the race route. There were dragon dancers, ati-atihan and even an orchestra inside the Heritage Park. There were lots of water and sports drinks, freebies and the mood was very festive. Overall, it was a happy, successful and well-organized race.

Areas for improvements
As I prepare for my main goals for this year of running my first half marathon, I found out some areas for improvements. First, I really need to build up my base by increasing mileage per week. Second is to do exercises for upper body and core muscles and lastly, I think it’s time to conquer the hills. Guys, any suggestions on the best places to train for the hills?

Challenging the Happy Run

The Happy Run Race this Sunday may technically be my first 15K race but not my longest distance race since I ran the Yakult 10 Miler (16K) last December. This race is pretty challenging for me because we will be running the same route as in the VSO 15K which I missed to run last year because I had a terrible flu. This time I will have the chance to conquer the route, more specially the dreaded Mc Kinley Hills. I have ran the route once already during the 2008 Nike+ Human Race but it was at the early stage of the route where runners still feel strong and can manage to overcome the hills. This time runners will have to engage with the race’s final Ks….aaarrrggghhh!!!. To all 15K runners on Sunday, taper time… Good luck and a painful? and happy run to everyone!