Discovering Success

Picking up from the Globe Run for Home, the team went out to support the NATGEO Earth Day Run. It was a very good day as we have 3 runners who achieved their new Personal Records. First off was Dennis Villanueva who clocked at 1:58:26, which was 7 minutes better than his last PR at 2:05:13 at the 2011 Globe Run for Home. He was determined and really prepared for this run. When I asked him at the starting line what his goal was, he said he would target less than 2 hrs, and he did.

Next was Allen Co who finished at 2:38:14, which was 5 minutes better than his latest PR also at the Globe Run. Apparently he was a bit late at gun start as he was trying to figure out where the starting line was. But after a while he catched up with us and proceeded to run his pace.

Allen was consistent in improving his 21k run and now have 4 half marathons. He is eyeing to improve further his time in his next race in May.

Finally, Tiffany Qua, who promised that she will do better in her 2nd half marathon. She finished at 2:47:32 which was 3 minutes better than her last run (Globe Run). She remains to be determined and focused on her goal, which was consistent from her first run. She was conscious of her time as she checks once in a while if we are still within target. I bet, just like in the office, being a manager as she is, she always keeps track of their metrics and make sure that it is within target.

According to her though, it was a more difficult run this time. Probably it's because she was advised by her doctor to take some rest after the Globe Run and was not able to continue her training afterwards. But she said she will improve her time, and she did. Now, she is looking forward for a better performance in her next race.

Egay Jardiniano, whose last half marathon was last year at the Rexona Run finally tried another half marathon. Egay is a body builder and he barely do runs but got motivated by his wife Cherry to run. He finished strong at 3:02:56, not quite a PR this time but he felt that this was a better run as compared to his last half marathon. I'm sure being a disciplined fitness buff, he will improve his future runs.

Meanwhile, Cherry Jardiniano was initially pacing with us in support to Tiffany, but later on paced with Allen to give extra support. She did finish in 2:31:13. She had no plans to do PR in this race but will definitely do in the next races. After she crossed the finish line, she came back and meet us and she ran alongside Tiffany to support her until they reached the finish line. But I guess, she wanted to run more and agains went back to meet her husband (Egay) and ran with him until they reached the finish line. Cherry is getting stronger and I'm sure she will hit sub-2 hrs anytime soon.

A happy couple, Egay and Cherry. Nice to see these two help each other out.

As for Me and Jay, we remained to be on a pacer role, but I figured, the aggressiveness of these runners to improve their time is kicking in and we have to train harder as these guys might become our pacer someday if we dont shape up.

Dennis obviously had all the time to enjoy while waiting for all of us. Great job Dennis!

Allen, happy with his new accomplishment.

Tiffany with the body guards!

With Tiffany's cousins who likewise had a great time.

These runners were determined to challenge their personal best as they discover their potential and ability to stretch their goals. They are becoming more excited in setting their new target as they experience the joy of running and the sense of accomplishment attached to it. As I have always believed, nothing is impossible, everything is achievable if you believe in yourself. Preparation, determination, and a positive mental attitude will lead you to success. I should start training myself as these guys have no way to go but to get faster and better.

Keep on running!

Pay it Forward

This is the 3rd time for Gone Running Club (GRC) to join the Globe Run for Home. We have chosen to support the Habitat for Humanity and help build homes for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. It is always good to run for a cause. You get to enjoy the run and at the same time contribute in helping others.

Speaking of helping others, it is in the best interest of GRC to help our runners whenever they level up on their race distance. Since Jay and I were able to do marathons, ultra marathons, and triathlon, we thought of paying it forward to help our runners to step up and eventually do their first half marathon, or full marathons. We train them, taught them what we've learned through our experience, and pace with them on their debut run.

If you recall, in December, we paced with Kuya Ernie Carandang who ran his first full marathon. On weekend long runs, he was always there and try as much as possible not to miss a run. He did finish well and is now looking forward for his 3rd marathon this year. Now he is trying to motivate his brother (Val) to do his first marathon as well.

Ernie Carandang

In February at the Condura Skyway Marathon, it was Cherry Jardiniano's marathon debut. She was supposed to do her marathon at the QCIM together with kuya Ernie but since she was sent for a month in the US for a business trip, she decided to defer it to February. During her first marathon, kuya Ernie joined me and Jay to pace with Cherry to give her the support that he had during his marathon debut. Cherry finished strong and now she is geared to do her first ultra marathon, hopefully the PAU 50K within the year.

Now it was Cherry's turn to pay it forward as she also joined us in pacing Tiffany Qua who did her first half marathon (21km) in Globe Run for Home. Tiffany is also a member of GRC and she completed her first 10k at the Condura Run in February. After that she decided to level up to 21k, a brave move but definitely a good one.

Prior to the race, we were giving Tiffany inputs and guidance on what she should do during race day. Her farthest run before the race was 17km and she felt pain on her legs and was really exhausted. After that, she was doubting if she can make it. But the fact that she was able to run 17km was an indication that she can finish the race. Jay and I were motivating here that she can do it and it was just a matter of managing her pace and monitor her nutrition and hydration. When I saw her at the starting line on race day, I knew she already conquered her first half marathon, we just have to enjoy the run until we reach the finish line.

I was designated to monitor our pace, we set it at 8:00 min/km in the first 10km and see how Tiffany would respond halfway through. Time was not a primary objective, but would want her to finish below 3 hours. What was important was for her to finish the race feeling strong. But since I was tracking the pace, I must admit that I was trying to pick up the pace once in a while and we managed to maintain a 3 min buffer from our target pace. I was eyeing for her to finish at least at 2:45. It was very impressive to see her walk only on aid stations. She had no complaints and was determined to finish the race. During the walk breaks, I had to do a 10 sec countdown to start running again so as not to waste more time. At km 17, she started to slow down and feeling the fatigue but still no complaints. If we say run, she will run. At km 18, she said that it seems to be her longest 3km! Taking it one step at a time we finally reached the final turn and saw the finish line. As we approach, we told her to finish strong and try to sprint. She was tired but she was determined to finish strong and she did sprint approaching the finish line. She completed her first half marathon in 2:50:46. It was a great accomplishment, good job!

Jay, Tiffany, Me, and Cherry. (thanks to active moments for the photo)

It was indeed a good feeling to be able to help others accomplish their goals. It is equally rewarding when you see them cross that finish line. Tiffany's experience in Globe Run for Home will tell whether she dread the distance or would love to come back. And yes, she finally decided for a comeback, and SOON! She is doing the NATGEO half marathon this weekend and hopefully beats her time.

Take time to pay if forward, you will be glad you did. Enjoy the runs!

Rexona Run 2010

Woke up 3am, had cereal and coffee for breakfast, took a shower and then geared up for the Rexona Run, my 5th race for the year. Was excited to run this race since it was a new venue – Mall of Asia (MOA). Left the house with Kay at 4:00am and was expecting to be at race site by 4:30 am to have more time to prepare and meet the rest of Gone Running Club runners. Unfortunately, there was traffic that early at SLEX up north coming from Sta. Rosa Laguna and it caused me to be late at gun start by 19 minutes. This is the first time that I missed the gun start. Good thing I was able to take off before the start of the 5k group. There were a sea of runners and I kept on running trying to chase the flock of 21k runners. When I finally saw some yellow race bib, I just maintained my steady pace and tried to pass as many runners as I can.

I had a steady pace until 15th km but started to slow down a bit from then on. I was planning to hit sub 2 hrs, but unfortunately, Im not getting it in this race. I finished officially at 2:11:27 (chip time). I was happy on the result and I did enjoy the run. It was a good race, I think the organizers did a good job.

I’d like to commend the following GRC runners for their accomplishments:

Jay Chavez – Hitting his new PR for 21k at 1:55:42
Cherry Jardiniano – Hitting her new PR for 21k at 2:28:22
Allenstein Co - completing his first half marathon at 2:46:59
Ric Inion - Hitting his new PR for 21k at 2:20:52
Neo Chavez (8 yrs old) – completing another 3k run at 0:25:16

And to the rest who have successfully finished their 21k;

Raymund Canta – 2:16:33
Egay Jardiniano – 3:00:20

Finishers of 10k

Gene Briones – 1:04:20
Rodney Supangco – 1:04:22

Some photos courtesy of Kay Salvador

with Raymund and Jay discussing what race to join next.

With Jay and Ric (hitting a new PR)

With Allen completing his first half marathon. This guy is determined and have loved the sport of running. Way to go Allen!

Run Against Corruption - with Neo Chavez who ran 3km contemplating on when he will level up to 5km!

Supporting a Cause

Sports has become one of the best venue to raise funds to support a specific cause. I myself have joined run races which supports beneficiaries of different causes. Feels good to be able to share while we are enjoying the sport that we love. This time, I am supporting a runner friend (Kassy) who will be running her 2nd full marathon in Singapore this December. Aside from completing her 2nd marathon, she has decided to choose Maple Tree Foundation as her beneficiary. Let us help support the deprived and underserved mountain communities live a healthy, productive, and peaceful lives. For more details visit her blog here.

Natures Valley Run

I am glad that I was able to contribute 1 tree for my run in the Natures Valley Run. This is one of the races which supports a good advocacy and I hope that all the trees are planted as promised. There were about 8,400 runners who officially participated and finished the run based on the race results. Everytime you go to a run rio organized race there are improvements seen. Few observations;

1. Wide screens in place.

2. Long hydration tables and it didn't run out of stock. Good replenishment method I must say.

3. Km markers are very visible, it helps in motivating yourself as you see the remaining distance.

4. Medals are immediately awarded to you as you cross the finish line. This is better rather than qeueing at the back to get the medals.

5. Ice cream at the finish line!

I must say that this is one of the good races I joined and glad that I was a part of it. Great Job to Rio and the rest of the organizers and staff.

During the race, I was thinking of giving my all in the first few km of the run to gauge whether I can keep up with the target pace in my mind which was to maintain a 5:40 pace for the 1st 10km and will manage the next half of the run from there. As much as I wanted to believe that it is possible, it was not. Reality tells me that this will just be an easy run considering that I did a 90km ride the day before. But I was all positive at the start line and told Jay that will try as much as I can to keep up with the pace.

My optimism suddenly changed after km 2, my legs suddenly felt weird and heavy as if I had finished a 15km run already. I was slowing down from a 5:30 pace down to 6:00, then 6:30, then 7:00 and even had 1km with an 8:45 pace. Honestly, I was seriously thinking of quitting this race (for the 1st time). I have been always an optimist but this time I was really planning to quit. As I cross the turnaround for the 10k runners, I wanted to take off my bib and call it a day. But then again, as I see familiar faces in the race, I just kept on going because I dont want them to see me quitting. This was a very difficult run for me and was taking 1km at a time until I reached the finish line. I set a target time which was 2:25 at least, but ended up finishing at 2:30:06 as I had to stop once in a while to stretch as I was getting cramps already. Good thing I didnt quit because I will surely regret that for a long time. No matter what happened, stay focused and never quit.. it is not an option!

But bottomline, always be prepared for a race.

It was a good day also because one of the GRC member, Vince (14 yrs old), have completed his first Half Marathon. We were all proud of him because he said he will, and he did finish it! Congratulations to Vince and his proud Dad - Val. Also, it was the first official 10k run for Allen Co who is a new member of GRC. I remember him telling me that he can't even complete a 3k run, but with his determination and discipline in preparing for this race, he have accomplished his goal. He will continue with his training and eventually complete his first half marathon in August. Let's wait and see on his progress.

Overall Gone Running Club contributed 16 trees in this run.

Here are some photos courtesy of Ric Inion:

Neo finishing his 4th official 3km run.

Ric and Allen, challenges each other for their 21k run in August.

Group Photo

Condura 2010 - Half Marathon

What a fantastic day it was! Condura Run 2010 was indeed a success. About 8,500 runners participated in this much awaited running event of the year. For some it was their first run, others did a mileage level up from their last year run, and many have set their new Personal Record (PR). The introduction of the full marathon in this year’s event made it more exciting. Though there were some new highlights in the race, there were still some problems that frustrated some of the runners.

I have been preparing for this event hoping to get a new PR for my half marathon. I was hoping to run the 42km but since I just recovered from an injury, I did not risk it and instead trained for a 21km. It was full determination and excitement that pushed me to take on the challenge and focused on meeting my target time which was 2:15, I finished the race at 2:18:31 (official time). I was practically running at an average pace of 6 min/km in my first 10km which lead me to another PR hitting it in 61 minutes.

I was steady in my first 14km and started to slow down to recover at the 15th km. As I was approaching the Kalayaan flyover, I planned to walk, luckily Val (fellow GRC member) caught up with me and started to run with me. My legs were already fatigued but I was not ready to give up especially when I was close to achieving my goal. As I reached 21km in my garmin, I already hit 2:14, but it was 700m to go at finish line. It took me another 3-4 minutes to reach it. It was a good finish for me obviously as I hit two PR's in this event.

Truly, preparation is key in achieving my goal. I was glad also that my injury had fully recovered. Will continue my training as I am yet to meet my target time that I set for this year. Here are some highlights/lowlights of the event.

Highlights

1. Fireworks at the start line
2. Cheering squad and bands playing at designated area to cheer the runners.
3. Sufficient water stations.

4. Banana supply at Takbo.ph and Reinier aid station.
5. Portalets were situated in designated area as well.
6. Different finish line for 3k/5k and 10/21/42k

Lowlights

1. Street lights were off at the Kalayaan Flyover.
2. Medals were not available to some runners . Refer to Condura’s announcement here.
3. Long waiting time at the 10km finish since runners were queuing at the end of the strip.
4. Distance was excess of 700m (at least from my garmin).
5. Results were not accurate, some were timed later, while others were earlier. Hope a timing chip can be included in Condura 2011.

It was a successful event, hopefully next year's event will address some of the areas for improvements that were raised also by other bloggers/runners. Next year would definitely something to look forward to. Meanwhile, back to training for other events.

Gone Running Club with Junrox (Tigerboy)

With Val who gave me a push in the last 2km. Thanks man!

With Junrox discussing his new full marathon PR (3:40!) and giving some tips on how to improve my running.

Ronald and Noemi, while waiting for the rest of the group.

With Bald Runner, met him at the finish line.

With Natz (I2runner) and his friends. You were fast natz! Great Run!

With Mike, finishing his first 21km. Congratulations!

Welcoming Jay at the finish line. He was late by 23 minutes at starting line but still managed to finish strong.

Jay discussing his skyway experience.

Another group photo.

Raising Hope for Cancer

The NB power race was an important race for me as it was a personal advocacy of mine to support any cause that raises hope for Cancer. This was supposed to be the race of my choice for this year (prior to the BKK marathon) and would have wanted to finish strong in this event and probably an improved 21km time. This event was postponed due to the typhoon Ondoy and was actually a blessing for me since I could have missed the event since I was injured at that time. I knew that this run will be more challenging since I was recovering from my first marathon a week prior to this event, and that the 21k course was very challenging as it will pass the Mckinley hill. But still, I thought of hitting a 2:30 finish as compared from my last run at QCIM where I finished at 2:48:11. Unfortunately, I struggled in this race which got me too exhausted after crossing the finish line.

Jay was also recovering from the BKK marathon and told me that he will pace with me and help me reach my target time. In the first 10km, we were still on target with our pace, but after that, I began to feel the stiffness in my left hamstring. It was hard for me to catch up with Jay as he was controlling the pace, I was practically slowing him down since I can’t keep up with the pace (to think that it was a slow pace). I was trying to psyche myself to avoid any negative thoughts during my run and focused on the advocacy for cancer patients. But “will power” is not enough if your physical strength is just not there. More walk breaks for me after the 13th km and found myself wondering why this was so difficult than the full marathon that I did. Was it fatigue? By this time, I was also feeling pain in my right hamstring. On uphills, I opted to walk as I don’t want to risk my ITB since it just got well after 2 months of healing. It was torture and I was just feeling so tired that I can’t motivate myself to move on. The only thing that was motivating me was to finish the race for the cause. If cancer patients can overcome the pain that they are going through, then this temporary hardship should not stop me from giving them hope. In km 19, I was beginning to have cramps in my right leg and can’t finish a whole km run. In the final stretch, I tried to jog until I reached the finish line and was limping already due to cramps. I finished at 2:47 together with Jay who decided to run along with me until the finish line.

I would also like to mention that this race was Kay’s (my fiancée) first official 3km run together with Tyrone. They finished the course in 27 min (unofficial time). Hopefully they get to run their first 5km in the Mizuno Run in January 2010.



Though I ended up exhausted in this race, I am glad to have been part of a cause that was meaningful to the beneficiaries of this event. May we all continue to bring hope to all cancer patients and that we become part of their healing process as they have become part of our strengths.

After this race, I will give myself a good rest in order to recover fast. I hope to get back on training in 2 weeks.

Some photos:

Jay, Me, and Kay

Won a t-shirt from the bring me contest, Tessa Prieto asked for a pair of NB shoes, luckily I was wearing one.

Kay, Me, and Noemi with coach Rio.

*photos by Tyrone Lombos

QCIM: A learning experience

I finished my 2nd half marathon yesterday (Sunday) at QCIM. The goal was just to finish as I have been in sick bay for the past 3 weeks. As some readers might be aware, I have been nursing my ITBS injury which I got after my 1st half marathon at the Ayala Eco Dash. I have been contemplating days before the event if I should quit this event or continue and finish what I aimed for. I have registered for this event 2-3 weeks ago and was hoping that my injury would get better. Indeed I was feeling better last saturday, but was having second thoughts since I have not gained enough mileage. however, I have all the positive forces within me so it was a go for me!

At the starting line, I saw pacers with balloons from Takbo.ph group. It was cool as it would make the race exciting since these groups will help boost the morale of runners. I saw Neil (crashnburn) a friend from takbo.ph, who was pacing for 2:45 and told myself that I should at least end up with his group at finish line. I am running with fellow Gone Running members, Cherry (her first official 21k race) and Kuya Ernie, but told them that they can go ahead as I would be on a test mode and will run very slow. As soon as I said it, they took off just like that and left me running alone. Suddenly, I saw a familiar face (a co-blogger) who was running at my side, it was Argonaut, I introduced myself and he asked me of my target time, I simply said, “I just wanted to finish this with no injury”. He was catching up with the 2:30 pace group and invited me to join. At km 4, I catched up with the group and hanged in there for awhile. I met Gab, Marian, and Ebong (or Edong).

The whole time, my focus was my knee, was conscious that pain will start to come out anytime soon. I was comfortably pacing with the 2:30 group and did not even notice the distance as I keep on worrying about my knee. At km 8, I was feeling small pains already and got worried that I might not finish the race. Though being an optimist, I knew that reality would step in and I will have to struggle anytime soon. At km 10, met up with Argo again and told him that my knee was starting to hurt, he advised me to slow down and take it easy. By this time, the pacers were already far beyond my reach, it was difficult for me to catch up and decided to ran my own pace so that I can finish the race. At km 15, I started to slow down, was stretching my legs and felt embarassed since I knew that I will be walking anytime soon which I did at km 16. From then on, I figured that the 2:45 pacers (Neil's group) will catch up with me in no time. I had to motivate myself and targeted to at least finish with Neil's group. At km 19, I tried to jog but pain was unbearable and forced me to still walk. At km 20, the 2:45 pacers were slowly catching up on me, tried to jog, for 200m, walk another 200, and by this time, the group catched up on me. Neil gave me a push and told me that we will finish soon. I got motivated and started to jog and surprisingly I was able to reach the finish line not walking (at least it saves me from further embarassment). The group went ahead of me and I finished at 2:46:11 (unofficial time), 12 minutes slower than my previous 21k.

I know, it was foolish of me to even try to run knowing that I was not fully recovered from my ITBS injury. I felt that I was better and ready to take on this challenge. I had no worries on my cardio as I was doing my cross training using my bike and was confident that I can make it. Looking back, aside from running with less mileage and coming from an injury, there were some things that I did wrong.

1. Lost Focus - my goal was just to finish with no injury and beating my first 21k was out of the equation. I told myself that I will ran at 7:30-8:00/km and hopefully finish without an injury. But I ended up averaging at 7:05/km in the last 13km and I even ran at 6:35 at km 13. I got motivated by the 2:30 pacers and for awhile there I thought I can PR in this race. Patience really is key and never be tempted everytime you feel that you can make it. Stick to the plan.

2. Long stride - I normally have a long stride, I learned that having a shorter stride and faster cadence is better (isnt it?). Longer stride creates more impact and shins and knee are at risk of getting injured.

Well, I have to learn from this again. This will not stop me from getting better next time. I continue to log my running experience and hopefully I get to write a more dignified story about my run. Oh! by the way, I think what I have now is shin splints and not ITBS.