My 33rd Milo Marathon experience

This edition of the Milo Marathon was my second time to join and have experienced many firsts. This was the first time Milo have placed a 21K event for the Manila elimination which I joined. My first time to drink my cup of Milo after the race. It was also my first time to receive freebies from them. The last time I joined the Milo marathon was during the finals of the 32nd edition where I only joined the 10K event category. It was really a great experience to join this race.

The race plan
There was not much race preparation or game plan for me on this race. All I wanted was to beat the cut-off time of 2:30 set for the 21K event. This was my 2nd half marathon race and looking back, I was not as prepared as my first half marathon, the Condura Run 08. I once told Swthrt that I was never tensed coming into this race. 2-3 days before, I was already mentally preparing myself imagining how the race should be.

with Alwyn before the race

The race day
My cousin Alwyn, who will also be running the 21K agreed to meet us ( Swthrt was with me to give the moral support) at Honda Cars Pasig. We decided to just take a cab going to Roxas Blvd. This would take away the hassle of finding a safe place to park a car. We arrived at the place at around 5:00am. We met with friends who will also be joining the race.

with Jet Paiso and friends before checking in

The race started on time and it was a good start for me. I was at pace with Alwyn and Christy (Run Unlimited’s better half) up to EDSA flyover. I was on my own after the first turning point for 21K at the intersection of Roxas Blvd and NAIA Rd.. I tried to maintain a pace of 7min but I was not able to do it. I had an erratic pace ranging from 6:40 – 10:20 min/k. Anyway, I was still keeping track of my total time while I was running. I reached Km 10 after 1:05:44 and was quite confident that I can make within the cut-off time. As I reached the Osmena Hi-way, I began to feel that my right calf was starting to cramp. I felt slightly worried about it and slowed down on my pace. I kept away from the shower station along the way at Buendia thinking that this might aggravate the cramp I felt on my calf. I was running along Buendia Ave. singing praise and worship song to God. As I ran back to Roxas Blvd, I tried to speed up to the point where I would felt stiffness on my calf. Every time it happened I either slowed down or took a walk break. After turning right at Roxas Blvd going to the finish line, I started picking up targets (sorry guys but this would help me push my self) to catch up with. I reached the area where we started at 2:23:52 knowing that a still have 6 min to make it to the finish line. As I took the final turn and saw the finish line I knew I can beat the cut-off time. I tried to push more and heard Swthrt shouting as I entered the shoot. I finish with an unofficial time of 2:26:+.

approaching the finish line

After the race
It was a relief reaching the finish line within the cut-off time and being handed the finisher certificate and the freebies. I think this was also the first time that they have this generous giveaways for the finishers. It was also handed out orderly as they were given upon crossing the finish line. I also had my first cup of Milo after the race. Hooray for Milo!

after the race

with Roselle (aka Running Diva) after the race

with Swthrt, Thank you for the support, I love you!

To God be the glory!

I’ve got my Milo today… Oh what a day! Milo everyday…..

I just received from my officemate and fellow runner Tolits my race packet for the 33rd National Milo Marathon Manila Elimination which will be held on July 5, 2009. I feel excited because this will be my second time to join a half-marathon, and at the same time nervous because I know that Milo has a cut-off time for every race category. I just hope that I will be able to finish within the allotted cut-off time. I suppose that this event builds excitement to other runners too who wanted to run longer distances but are not yet ready for the full marathon. I heard that this will be the first time that a 21K category will be held for the Milo Marathon Manila elimination.

My first 21K race at the Condura Run ’09 was a pleasant experience. It also gave me confidence that I can finish a half marathon. I was supposed to have my 2nd half marathon at the Botak Paa-tibayan but I missed it because of field work assignment. This time I hope to do better. Now, does anybody know the race route?

Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan, First 10

Takbo sa Kalikasan Year 10 of radio station DZMM was the first 10K race for Swthrt. She joined the NAMRIA team who participated the fun run in support of its campaign in the preservation of the La Mesa Watershed. Our agency being under the DENR continuously support advocacy events such as this. We arrived at the Luneta Grandstand at around 5:00am. After the opening ceremony, a group consisting of ten runners, of what they call the hall of famers was released first at exactly 6:00am. These are elite runners from the national team who regularly runs this event for the past 10 years. This was the first time I joined a race with such a category. This probably was a way to highlight the race’s 10th year. Anyway, right after the fire off, the 10K regular runners were given the go signal. Swthrt was more nervous at the start of the race since this was her first 10K. The first 2.5K was a walk in the park so to speak, since Swthrt had already ran a number of 5K races. Our game plan for this one was to run with the pace comfortable for her. 1:20 would be good (8 min/K), 1:15 (7:30/K) would be cherished, and 1:10 (7:00/K) will be a time to reckon with. It was more likely the way we do it during our weekend runs at UP. I was just keeping pace with her until reaching the approach to the Buendia flyover. I just have to remind her to have a steady pace as we climbed the Buendia flyover. Swthrt was still strong at this point and we were able to reach the turn around point (5K) near Cuneta Astrodome at 34.03 minutes. At this time, I know a sub 1:15 is achievable. After taking on the flyover on the way back, Swthrt was telling me that she was already tired. I have to constantly offer her the Propel water I brought. At this point, I started to take the lead to push her keep the pace as she slows down. I also instructed her to pour water on her head during water stations to freshen her up. We reached the 5K turn around marker at 51:32 min, which means that we only have 2.5K to the finish line. I was really proud of Swthrt as she continued on. Upon reaching the flag pole at the Rizal monument, I told her that it will only be a matter of few hundred meters and we will reach the finish line. Swthrt in her first 10K, finished an unofficial time of 1:10:06.

Photo Talks - Yakult 10 Miler Race

RunUnlimited and Bro J

Photos by RunUnlimited, Vener

My Yakult 10-Miler recap

This year’s Yakult 10-Miler race was so far the longest and toughest race for me. After missing the 15K VSO race because of flu, I have looked forward for this race. I have joined several 5K and 10K races since I started running last May this year. And my goal was to run my first 10miler (16K) within this year… And it came to reality last Sunday at Roxas Boulevard.

Preparation
I admit that I religiously prepared for this race. I tried hard to be consistent on my running schedules and increased mileage to build up my endurance. I even tried a 16K simulation run once. It was also timely that Sir Jovie (The BaldRunner) offered a speed-training clinic for runners. Knowing that the invitation was for the hardcore runners, I tried my chance and ask him if beginners like me and Swthrt can join. And as a kind and generous person, he eventually welcome us to the training. We tried our best to be present at the sessions (Tuesdays and Fridays). We have to skip the Wednesday session because that’s the time we host a bible study at home. With the three sessions (read on my previous post) that we have attended, we really learned a lot.

The Race
We woke up at around 3:00am to get ready for the race. Ate breakfast of oatmeal and boiled eggs. One thing that I have learned in training is that you really have to eat a meal before a race especially on a longer race. I usually skip breakfast and just have a cup or two of coffee to boost me during the race. Swthrt and I were on our way to CCP complex by 4:00am. As we arrived there, we were led by other runners in their Yakult singlets to the starting area. We were able to park along the road just behind the starting area. We immediately pinned our race bibs and headed for the starting area to check in. Swthrt went with the 5K runners while I joined the 16K runners. There I saw runner-bloggers Vener(Rununlmtd) and wife Christy, Jinoe (Manokan Express), Gigi (fitmommy) and Jonel(Bugobugo85). And again after the opening ceremonies, the gun was fired and the 16k runners were off. Our route was to turn right at the Roxas Blvd and run all the way to Airport Rd where the first turn around marker was located. This was the toughest part of the route because we have to pass through 2 overpasses back and forth going to the second turn around point at Luneta near the Manila Hotel. As we made our way to Roxas Blvd., I saw Vener taking pictures and even running ahead of us to get good shots. It was as if he did not run a 42K a week ago. After turning right at Roxas Blvd., the runner-bloggers begun their move and accelerated to their own paces. Slowly and one by one they disappeared from my sight, huhuhu. And the other runners continued to pass me by. At this point I remembered Sir Jovie’s advise not to be overwhelmed by the fast runner and just continue to run my race. And so I continued on and gain back my confidence in running. The second test arose when I felt dry on my throat with just after a kilometre of running and I knew that the water stations were located at the 2.5K marker. I tried to keep a steady pace until I reached the first water station. From then on I regained strength and was able to sustain to reach the next water station to another. Another test was engaging the flyover. We have to do these four times and I’m proud to say that I was able to conquer it without walking. I did shorter and quick strides until I reached the top. I ran at a steady pace going to Baclaran. I kept on hearing in my mind Coach Espejo’s voice echoing “run on a straight line” and “land on your balls” (that is the ball of your feet). I managed to make it to the first turn around point at the Airport Road in Baclaran. And saw the runner-bloggers making there way back. There I also saw Jay (Promehteus Cometh) and Doc Joe (Looneyrunner) along the way. From this point on I ran without problems. I targeted on runners whom I can keep pace with throughout the race. I tried to increase my pace from time to time. The sight of the CCP complex on my way back gave me added strength to go on. I knew that there would only be a few more kilometres to go. There were no kilometer markers along the route and so the nike+ipod helped me determine how far I have ran. It was also a good thing that there was enough cold water at every hydration station located strategically. Marshals even handed over water in cups to runners. Because of this, I was able to try what I’ve learned in training regarding taking water and drinking it without stopping or walking. Before, I used to slow down nearing a water station and then stop to drink and then run. Now, I know the technique that would save me few seconds or even minutes of time. I continued on until the second turned around point at Luneta near the Manila Hotel where I decided to accelerate hoping to finish below 2 hrs. I was able to catch up on Doc Gigi and got to introduce myself just before reaching CCP complex. As we turn right going to the finish, the marshals were cheering on and shouting that it’s the last 500 meters to the finish line. It was an accomplishment well cherished as I saw Swthrt cheering me on at the finish line. I finished with unofficial time of 1:48: +. I thank the Lord that He gave me strength throughout the race. To God be the glory.

Swthrt’s run
Swthrt ran the 5K with pain even at the early stage of the race. She was able to finish it but was not satisfied with the result. The unresolved cause of the pain on her shin and foot still bothers her. We just hope that it’s nothing serious and that she just need to strengthen her shins and leg muscles. And have her body adapt well to running.

Recovery
I was able to do my active recovery run last Monday at the ULTRA. Another lesson learned from the two wise men (Coach Espejo and Coach Salazar) as Jonel would put it that it is better to have an active recovery than to rest in bed. This will help minimize if not eliminate the soreness of the leg muscles. I did 3 laps for warm up run and then do stretching before running 30 minutes at 70% intensity effort. That will be at least 4 min./lap according to my personal chart. It was really effective and I’m now ready to be back in training tonight at the ULTRA.

My Milo Marathon experience… Ito ang kwento ko.

It was my first time to experience the biggest and grandest marathon event in the Philippines, the National Milo Marathon in its 32nd edition. As early as Saturday, Sweetheart and I agreed to meet my cousins, Kuya Hector & Alwin to meet at Honda Cars Pasig at 4 am on race day and then proceeded to the Roxas Blvd. We were also joined by Edna, Swthrt’s officemate, who also ran the 5K. We saw the 42K runners already running along Roxas Blvd since they started at exactly 4:30am. We arrived at the race site at around 4:40 and were lucky to have parked in front of Manila Hotel. It is really an advantage to arrive early in order to choose a safer and more accessible parking area. Anyway, after getting ready to run, we proceeded to the starting area to check in. There were already a multitude of runners out there. My plan was to run easy and maintain a pace of 7:00- 7:30 min/K. I did not intend to set a new PR on this race since this will be a tune up race for my first 16K run at Yakult come Sunday. While warming up and waiting for the race to start I saw Arman, my officemate, who will be running too. The gun was fired by Mayor Alfredo Lim of Manila for the 10K runners after the opening ceremonies and few speeches from organizers and guests. I stick to my plan and was thankful that Arman decided to keep pace with me throughout the race. I appreciated it very much. It was better than running alone. At least I had someone to talk to while running. We were also running with my two cousins at the early part of the race until they started to speed up. The course was flat with one flyover to go through back and forth. The weather was great too with drizzles from time to time. There were enough water stations for the 10K event. As we were nearing the turn around point I saw Christy, Run Unlimited’s wife, already on her way back. Well, no wonder because she’s the wife of a 42K runner Vener, hahaha. Congrats Christy for a great run. Congratulations too to my classmate, Erlito who set a new PR of 56:52. Arman and I reached the finish line with an unofficial time of 1:13.

It was a good race and I was satisfied with it. Overall, my Milo experience was great! Next year, I will hope to set a new PR for my 10K or run my first marathon. See you at next year’s Milo Marathon.

Joseph, Baby, Edna, Hector

Alwyn, Baby, Edna, Hector

Baby and Edna

As for Swthrt and Edna, it was a fun run with lots of walk breaks because of the huge crowd in their 5K event. Most students from various schools just walk which made it a hard for those who really wanted to run. So after the race, ang kwento nila…. This is our first and the last Milo 5k race because next year…. They will already be running 10K, yahoo!