Showing posts with label New Balance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Balance. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
New Balance 09 race recap
I know this posting was very much delayed but for the purpose of having our races chronicled please bear with me. This race was sort of a birthday run for Swthrt, having celebrated her natal day the day before the race. Her siblings with their families visited us at our new home.
On race day
We woke up early for the race. Ed, Swhrt’s brother who usually join us in our run in Batangas came along with us to watch the race. We arrived at the assembly area a few minutes before 5:00am. We saw Vener and Xty who generously gave me some safety pins for my race bib. Swthrt and I had a couple of rounds at BHS for our warm up before stretching. Though it was necessary, we seldom do it in a race because of lack of time. But for this race, we really have to warm up since it will be a 21k run. After a very short opening remarks from the organizer we heard the horn that marks the start of the 21k race. Swthrt and I had a very good start. Though the place was quite familiar to us, it was a new race route for us. Swthrt was running consistently covering the part of the route from the starting line all the way to SPD station wherein we took the GU espresso flavour that I bought the day before the race. It was our first time to try and I’m hoping to get a positive effect. But honestly, I don’t feel any significant change on my energy level. I was actually experimenting on it in preparation for a greater challenge in the future. Swthrt continued to run consistently at a comfortably hard pace for her going to Bayani Road. When we reached halfway of Bayani Road near the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” our pace slowed down a bit. The heat of the sun was draining us and was sort of taking our energy. It was a good thing that there was a sufficient supply of water and sports drink along the way. We actually did not consume all the vit-water we have on our hydration belt. After taking the turn at the Bayani-C5 U-turn point we started to have walk breaks along the way especially at areas having steep slopes. As we turned right to McKinley Hills, we prepared for the worst. True enough this part of the course was the toughest, the latter part of the course. It was really the determination to finish that kept us running. After conquering the hills and returned to Lawton Ave, the worst is over. We crossed the finish line happy and contented with our run. It may not be a PR for Swthrt but it was her first time to receive a finisher medal for a half marathon race. In her first two half marathon races, the Globe Run and Adidas KOTR, only certificates were given to the finishers. We let go of going around the different booths set-up near the stage and left early since we have guests at home. It was a great birthday run for Swthrt!
Some thoughts
It was a well-organized race. Sufficient supplies of water and sports drink, medal and freebies were given right after crossing the finish line. Swthrt even got a free NB socks since she was wearing an NB shoes. Enough marshals especially on the early part of the race. One thing though, vehicles were allowed inside the cone marker along Lawton Avenue at the latter part of the race posting danger to slower runners still traversing this road. To make things worse, runners were running with the traffic flow. I have to run behind Swthrt and kept on reminding her to stay near the sidewalk to avoid being hit by cars. Other than this, it was a good race.
Congratulations to the New Balance race organizer!
On race day
We woke up early for the race. Ed, Swhrt’s brother who usually join us in our run in Batangas came along with us to watch the race. We arrived at the assembly area a few minutes before 5:00am. We saw Vener and Xty who generously gave me some safety pins for my race bib. Swthrt and I had a couple of rounds at BHS for our warm up before stretching. Though it was necessary, we seldom do it in a race because of lack of time. But for this race, we really have to warm up since it will be a 21k run. After a very short opening remarks from the organizer we heard the horn that marks the start of the 21k race. Swthrt and I had a very good start. Though the place was quite familiar to us, it was a new race route for us. Swthrt was running consistently covering the part of the route from the starting line all the way to SPD station wherein we took the GU espresso flavour that I bought the day before the race. It was our first time to try and I’m hoping to get a positive effect. But honestly, I don’t feel any significant change on my energy level. I was actually experimenting on it in preparation for a greater challenge in the future. Swthrt continued to run consistently at a comfortably hard pace for her going to Bayani Road. When we reached halfway of Bayani Road near the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” our pace slowed down a bit. The heat of the sun was draining us and was sort of taking our energy. It was a good thing that there was a sufficient supply of water and sports drink along the way. We actually did not consume all the vit-water we have on our hydration belt. After taking the turn at the Bayani-C5 U-turn point we started to have walk breaks along the way especially at areas having steep slopes. As we turned right to McKinley Hills, we prepared for the worst. True enough this part of the course was the toughest, the latter part of the course. It was really the determination to finish that kept us running. After conquering the hills and returned to Lawton Ave, the worst is over. We crossed the finish line happy and contented with our run. It may not be a PR for Swthrt but it was her first time to receive a finisher medal for a half marathon race. In her first two half marathon races, the Globe Run and Adidas KOTR, only certificates were given to the finishers. We let go of going around the different booths set-up near the stage and left early since we have guests at home. It was a great birthday run for Swthrt!
Some thoughts
It was a well-organized race. Sufficient supplies of water and sports drink, medal and freebies were given right after crossing the finish line. Swthrt even got a free NB socks since she was wearing an NB shoes. Enough marshals especially on the early part of the race. One thing though, vehicles were allowed inside the cone marker along Lawton Avenue at the latter part of the race posting danger to slower runners still traversing this road. To make things worse, runners were running with the traffic flow. I have to run behind Swthrt and kept on reminding her to stay near the sidewalk to avoid being hit by cars. Other than this, it was a good race.
Congratulations to the New Balance race organizer!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
15K@ ROTA
It was a fair weather for the runners at last Sunday’s ROTA Run. It was our second tune up race for the 21K run at the New Balance Power Run this coming Sunday, September 25, 2009. Being held in the dreaded McKinley Hills, it certainly gave runners a great challenge. Swthrt and I arrived at the venue at around 5 am and noticed the volume of vehicles trying to get in the parking building. I finally decided to park at our office compound in NAMRIA (Lawton Ave. cor Bayani Rd.). It was about a kilometer away from the venue. We then run towards MKH which served as our warm-up run. We were then joined by Swthrt’s officemate, Leng who will be running her first 15K. After the short opening ceremony and briefing of the runners on the race route, the 21K runners were released at gun start. We then patiently waited for our turn. The 10K and 15K runners were released simultaneously.
The race
At the gun start Swthrt and I started at our regular slow pace but for whatever reason I started to feel a sudden increased heart rate. It was only the start of the race and we were just heading to the British Embassy. I suddenly remembered the lesson of “learning to listen to your body.” I slowed down a bit and just kept a 50 to 100 meter distance from Swthrt. I just wanted to thank God that after the turning point at the British Embassy my heart beat became normal and I slowly neared Swthrt and Leng. From then on, I was able to run well and Swthrt and I were able to finish the 15K distance at 1:45:+. Leng was also able to finish her race, too.
Race organization
It was a good race except for the 21K runners who were complaining it was short of 3K. There was also again the issue of water shortage and short hydration table along the route. The marshals were great especially in securing the left lane of the Bayani Road. These make the road safe for runners running this part of the course. I know the Takbo.ph people have tried their very best to give the runners a well organized race given the short time they assume responsibilities for it. I hope lessons were learned and better races will be organized by them in the future. Congratulations to the Takbo.ph!
See you at the New Balance Power Run this Sunday!
The race
At the gun start Swthrt and I started at our regular slow pace but for whatever reason I started to feel a sudden increased heart rate. It was only the start of the race and we were just heading to the British Embassy. I suddenly remembered the lesson of “learning to listen to your body.” I slowed down a bit and just kept a 50 to 100 meter distance from Swthrt. I just wanted to thank God that after the turning point at the British Embassy my heart beat became normal and I slowly neared Swthrt and Leng. From then on, I was able to run well and Swthrt and I were able to finish the 15K distance at 1:45:+. Leng was also able to finish her race, too.
Race organization
It was a good race except for the 21K runners who were complaining it was short of 3K. There was also again the issue of water shortage and short hydration table along the route. The marshals were great especially in securing the left lane of the Bayani Road. These make the road safe for runners running this part of the course. I know the Takbo.ph people have tried their very best to give the runners a well organized race given the short time they assume responsibilities for it. I hope lessons were learned and better races will be organized by them in the future. Congratulations to the Takbo.ph!
See you at the New Balance Power Run this Sunday!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Preparing for another challenge
This is just to log my 5K easy run last Tuesday at UP. I did it with Swthrt who felt a little pain on her shin at the early start of the run but eventually, was able to finish the 2 rounds of the academic oval. I thanked the Lord that we now regularly having our workouts. This would boost my confidence as I prepare for greater challenges and longer races ahead.
Last night we went to R.O.X. to register for the UNICEF race but to my dismay there were no more available race numbers for the 5K and 10K and only race numbers for the 2K walk were left. This only proves that there are more and more people who are into running now. Swthrt and I were quite disappointed because we have not joined a race for quite some time. We were not able to join the New Balance Race at Clark. Anyway, there will be three races scheduled on Sunday but I haven’t checked if registration is still on for the other two races, the Animo Run and Race for Life. One thing is sure though, I will push through with my long run of 16K on Saturday in preparation for my longest race of the year, the Yakult 10-miler.
Last night we went to R.O.X. to register for the UNICEF race but to my dismay there were no more available race numbers for the 5K and 10K and only race numbers for the 2K walk were left. This only proves that there are more and more people who are into running now. Swthrt and I were quite disappointed because we have not joined a race for quite some time. We were not able to join the New Balance Race at Clark. Anyway, there will be three races scheduled on Sunday but I haven’t checked if registration is still on for the other two races, the Animo Run and Race for Life. One thing is sure though, I will push through with my long run of 16K on Saturday in preparation for my longest race of the year, the Yakult 10-miler.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Mimicking the NB Power Race
It was the New Balance Power race yesterday at Clark. And since I will not be participating on this race because of personal reasons, I planned to do a 10K run on my own and virtually mimicked the race. It was past 6:00am when I woke up yesterday morning. I then asked Swthrt if she still wanted to join me. Our plan was to run at Mckinley Hill for Swthrt’s hill training. But since the sun was already up, we ran at UP instead. When we arrived, there were already lots of runners because it was the Men’s Health Urbanathlon race. After having our car parked at the back of the Aberlado Hall, we immediately proceeded with our run. Swthrt and I ran together with a pace of about 6:30 to 7:00 min/km until halfway of the 4th round. Afterwards, Swthrt then told me to continue and finish my 10K goal, while she finished 4 rounds with a total of 8.8K, her longest run so far. She is building her base and endurance to prepare for her first 10K race (no particular race yet). I continued the remaining one and a half round with a much faster pace completing 5 rounds which totalled 11K. It was great to be back on the road again.
As a prelude to our Sunday run, we did our usual Saturday evening run at UP. We only did 2 rounds (4.4K) of the academic oval just in time before our worship meeting.
As a prelude to our Sunday run, we did our usual Saturday evening run at UP. We only did 2 rounds (4.4K) of the academic oval just in time before our worship meeting.
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