Team JRunning

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Photo Talks - The Learning Tree (TLT) Fun Run

Stretching before the run with Swthrt and Art (David's Dad)

Best friend David and JM

T. Francie (School Directress), David, JM, Justin and Jed

T. Francie, Swthrt, JM, David and Me

JM followed closely by David

Giving support to Josiah who finished the 3K race.

T. Joey and T. Francie thanking those who participated in the fun run

The children and thier families

Photos courtesy of Jeng Laureta (Mrs Homemaker)

Monday, March 16, 2009

Ayala Fun Run 2009, Swthrt’s first and best

Last Saturday, March 14, 2009, employees of the Ayala Group of Companies gathered together to have fun during the Ayala Fun Run 2009. The event was held at The Fort. Each company was well-represented and even surpassed last year’s attendance.

This was Swthrt’s first time to join such event. We arrived at the assembly area at around 5:30am. We did a round at the BHS for warm-up before stretching. Afterwards, Swthrt proceeded at their designated registration booth to get her race number. After the usual opening ceremony, the race started with all the runners in different categories (1.5K/3K/5K) released at the same time. It was quite a slow start for Swthrt as we have to zigzag our way going to the Market Market area (500M).

I was there to pace her and be the official photographer on the run, hehehe. The road was finally cleared from runners/walkers of the 1.5K category. As we reach the corner of Market Market (1stK) where we turned left going to Home Depot (1.9K), Swthrt made her move. As I told Swthrt to run at her own pace, I noticed that she started to speed up. At this point I was the one catching up with her. It was a consistent pace all the way to Jollibee (2ndK) where we turned left. I started to take the lead. We slowed down a bit preparing for the short but slightly uphill road along the 5th Avenue (3rdK) going to the traffic light where we have to make another left turn.

Swthrt was already feeling tired at this point (4thK). I have to encourage her to keep the pace.

As we reach near the finish line she began to regain strength and finish strong with unofficial time of 28:05 setting a new PR.

It will be a memorable race for her. Congratulations Swthrt!

More photos....

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

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.

TLT Fun Run at UP

Last Saturday, The Learning Tree, JM’s school had a 3K fun run at the University of the Philippines academic oval. The school’s PE teacher, Teacher Joey Aracama, is teaching the kids about running as part of their Physical Education class. The fun run was scheduled at 7:00 am which I thought was quite late. Anyway, our family went to UP early. It was the whole gang with lolo and lola (my parents) and we arrived there at 6:00am. Swthrt and I planned to do at least 3 rounds of the academic oval as part of our weekend workout. We were joined by JM and Josh in our first round. After finishing the three rounds, kids from TLT and their families started to arrive. A good number of families still managed to join considering the short notice for the said event. The Fun Run started in front of the oblation and runners will have to do one loop plus an extended run to the finish line in front of the Palma Hall. It was approximately 3 kilometers. JM finished 3rd place in the boys category with a time of 17:17. Josh also joined and was able to finish the race. It was a an excellent affair for the TLT family.