Condura Skyway Marathon

This was my first marathon of the year and my 3rd marathon overall since I started joining official races in 2009. Condura Run was my first official race and ran 10k. I did the 21k last year and finally did a full marathon this year. From hereon, I will be supporting this event by running a full marathon every year.

This was a good race for me and so far the best of my 3 marathons. Though QCIM was were I logged my personal best of 5:05:15, I consider this as my best marathon since I did not hit my collapse point somewhere between 28km - 32km. I was not geared to do a PR on this race since I was training for the BDM 102 in March. This marathon was part of the back to back long runs that was scheduled on that week. It was a good feeling to know that the long runs have paid off. Patience brought me to improve my performance from my last marathon. Though I did not set a new PR on this one, I can say overall, this was more rewarding. I was feeling strong in the last 10k, no sign of fatigue, my breathing was perfect, and my form was good. However, I did not attempt to pick up the pace as we kept focused on the plan. I finished in 5:07:37. This helped in building up my confidence and I know that I can still improve if I just continue my training and focus on my objective. I am positive that before the year ends I will meet my marathon target of 4:30.

Aside from the fact that this run was considered as a training run, it was also more of a support run to Cherry Jardiniano in finishing her first marathon. She has been training since last year and has been joining our weekend long runs. We knew that she was ready and was surprised to see her performance in the Condura Run. Jay and I were running alongside her throughout the course. She was going strong and was actually picking up speed on uphills in the skyway. Somewhere in the 35th km, she suddenly stopped and said "ayoko na" (I quit). She was starting to feel the fatigue, obviously we are not allowing her to quit, we advised her to continue walking instead so that she can recover. Then suddenly she started to run again and was determined to finish it once and for all. It was a great finish for Cherry and a good time at that for her first marathon. Congratulations Cherry, job well done!

Approaching the finish line.

With Jojo (finishing 21km), Jay, and Cherry

This was another example of meeting one's goal by having a clear objective and believing that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart to it. Though preparation and training is a key element, it also requires patience and commitment to successfully achieve your goal.

2010 - A Remarkable Year

First off, I'd like to greet all of you a Happy New Year! By now, most of you have already looked back and reviewed your progress in 2010 and have defined your plans and goals for 2011. Congratulations and Good Luck to you all!

Last year has been a remarkable year for me as there were a lot of accomplishments and rewards. I have exceeded my target running mileage of 1,000km and have reached 1,666.24km, which leads me to my total running mileage of 2,310.42km. I pegged a total of 2,047.27 km cycling mileage and now have a total of 3,082.27 km. I also logged in 68.75km of swimming mileage. Yes swimming, i'll talk about that in a while.

I have joined a few races last year. I have done only 5 half marathons, and was able to set a new Personal Record (PR) at 2:07:45 during the Greenfield Sunset run in April 2010. I have done only 1 marathon and likewise set a new PR of 5:05:47 which gives me a 37 min improvement from my first marathon. However, what I thought to be my biggest accomplishment last year were these two important races that elevated my fitness level. I have joined the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines, my first official triathlon race and my first Ultramarathon 50 km race (Tagaytay to Nasugbu). I have no plans of doing these two events last year but it just happened.

Finishing the Ironman 70.3 (Half Ironman) in August.

Finishing my first Ultramarathon (50km). Next, 102km!

I recall in Feb 2010, Jay asked, "Let's join the Cobra Ironman 70.3 triathlon", at first I was hesitant since I planned to do this in 2011, and with no proper swimming skills, i doubted it. But in March 2010, we signed up for the event and hired a coach. Then in November 2010, I received an invite from baldrunner, to join the PAU 50k run. Both Jay and I signed up and off we went and conquered. And now, we are both training to do the BDM 102Km in March!

Conquering my fear

One of my biggest fear was to swim in open water. I have no basic swimming skills at all. Being a very active individual since my grade school, I have always looked for an activity/sport where I would engage myself in. One of it was swimming, I never had any formal training. I only swam during family outings and I dont even do a proper freestyle. But during those days, I was adventurous and my positive attitude tells me that I can do it properly someday. One day, when me and my friends went for a swim in UP, I decided to start at the deepest portion of the pool. Thought I was doing it right and that I was progressing, I stopped in the middle not knowing that it was still deep. Then I drowned, I can still recall that I was trying to wave to my friends for help, and they thought that I was just joking, until I sank. Luckily, the lifeguard was there and had me up in no time. That is when I developed my fear in water. So when asked to join the Ironman, I was really hesitant until we hired a coach. I can't even cross a 25m pool at that time, but through consistent practice I was able to conquer my fear and learned to swim in open water and completed the swim leg of the Half Ironman Triathlon. This was one of my biggest accomplishment.

My first open water swim at El Nido Palawan

A new race

It was last year when I entered a new marathon of my life. I have tied the knot with Kay whom I have committed to share the rest of my life with. This indeed was another blessing.

Last year was definitely a good year for me. I was injury free, set new records, joined triathlon and ultramarathon. I'm looking forward to a better performance and a healthy 2011. Here are my 2011 fitness goals:

1. Finish the BDM Ultramarathon - 102km

2. Set a new PR for Half Ironman Triathlon

3. Achieve sub 4:45 hours for a full marathon

4. Achieve sub 2:00 hours for a half marathon

5. Lose 10 lbs this year. Current weight 180 lbs.

I hope I can encourage more people to be healthy and fit and may I be able to inspire others to believe in themselves. Anything is possible, just put your heart and mind to it. Good luck to us all and again Happy New Year!

Marathon Comeback - QC International Marathon

Beginning of this year I have scheduled only 1 Marathon and was planning to do the Singapore International Marathon. However, I opted to do the QCIM2 as I wanted to redeem myself from last year's QCIM. I ran the half marathon (21km) then and was actually nursing an ITBS injury at that time. I remember struggling from km 15 until the finish line as I spent most of the time walking. It was for me one of the worst race I have joined and I wanted to have a comeback and decided to do the full marathon in this event. But the pain of having a bad race didn't stop there. It was in November 2009 where I joined my first Marathon in Bangkok (Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon) and true enough, this for me was a bad experience for my marathon debut. Due to the fact that I was nursing an injury last year, I was not able to train properly and had a lot of pressure nearing the event. There was no turning back since I was already committed to join the race. I went to therapy and did cross training using my bike in order to compensate for the running mileage that I lost. I did finished the Marathon in 5:42:07.

Luckily this year I was able to train and was glad to have been invited by the baldrunner to join the PAU 50k run (Tagaytay to Nasugbu) in November. I remember that my split time at 42km was 4:57. It elevated my confidence level going to this marathon.

Race day at QCIM2

There were 4 members of Gone Running Club that joined the marathon, Me, Jay, Jun, and Kuya Ernie (his first marathon). We arrived early in the area and had ample time to prepare before the race. I thought the gunstart was at 4:00am, and was actually surprised that the organizers were still setting up the clock, portalets, and genset arrived late. I had an initial expression that this race was not organized properly. But didnt dwell on it, as I dont really let negative vibes affect me so I patiently waited for gun start and just focus on my goal which was to at least have a sub-5hr marathon. Told Jay at gunstart I was eyeing for 4:45 (stretch goal).

The race course for me was tough due to the rolling hills but it was a good route. Turnaround was at the La Mesa Eco park, the place was nice and well preserved. As we enter the La Mesa Eco park, we were advised to leave our hydration belts. Not sure what the logic was behind it though. Jay's experience last year was the lack of hyrdration and it was a good thing that it was addressed this year. Hydration was sufficient and I have no complaints. I was doing fine in the first 28km, but not too long did I hit the collapse point. I started doing more walk breaks and it was all mental for me all throughout as I was starting to cramp in the last 8km. On the way back to commonwealth, I recall that I was practically walking along that road last year, and made me push to avoid too much walk breaks. Eventually I reached the last km and I knew that my time was better than my first marathon and I was happy about it. I did finish in 5:05:15 it was a 37 min improvement from my last marathon. This is a new marathon PR for me and definitely I will be training more so that I can improve further in the next marathon race. Who knows, I might be able to pull another 30 min improvement next time.

with Jay who paced with me all throughout and motivated me not to walk too much.

Jun Moslares who finished in 3:31 (unofficial time).

Kuya Ernie who finished his first Marathon at 5:41:43

Running Mileage

Looking back at my running mileage, I have not really put in more runs in my regimen during my triathlon training. I have focused on swimming and doing long rides on weekends. I knew I was sacrificing my run for the Half-Ironman event because I have to put in more time to swimming. True enough, the run leg was the most challenging part during the race and I ended up not hitting my target time. That's why since September I have focused on my running and tried to build more mileage and also it was time to train for QC International Marathon in December.

It was a good feeling to be back on the road and running. Together with some Gone Running Club members, we were consistent in doing our long runs. On weekdays, we do our own easy and tempo runs and meet up on weekends for the long runs. QCIM would be my 2nd Marathon and I am glad that this time I am able to train properly without any injury. Last year, I suffered from ITBS which hindered me from running well in my First Marathon, but still I was able to finish. This year's marathon will be my chance to perform better.

Sharing here our long runs in the month of October:

Oct 4, 2010 with Alabang Runners (LSD - 30km)

During this week's long run, we were able to meet up with the Alabang runners. It was a good meet up and was fun to run with other runners from the south. Our usual long runs starts at 3:00 or 4:00 am depending on our target distance. The Alabang runners started at 5:00 am and we joined them in their route.

First stop at the bird sanctuary in Nuvali. Was talking to Raymund Canta and disussing future races that they are joining.

Joined the group photo with Alabang Runners.

With Kuya Ernie, Jay, Ronald, and Ric. Kuya Ernie and Ronald will be doing their first marathon in December, while Ric is starting to build up his mileage and yet to decide when his first marathon would be.

Oct 12 - 15, 2010 Singapore

During this week, I was in Singapore to attend the SCM Logistics World Conference. It was a business trip and as always, I made sure that my running gear is packed as I would definitely not missing my training plan even on trips like this. My wife's friend Peter Yongco was based in Singapore and he joined me for Dinner on my first day and took me to esplanade area. I was glad that this area was a running route for most runners and was happy to see runners training for their own races. We took a walk and surveyed the area so I can familiarize myself. The following morning I stepped out to do my morning run and went to the area to run. I did two morning runs with 11km each. Below are some photos of the area I ran thru.

At Esplanade

Stairs up to Helix Bridge

The Helix Bridge at Marina Bay

Oct 24, 2010 - LSD (35km)

We did a 35km run on this weekend, was glad that Ric showed up as well as he was able to log in his first 24km run. Cherry has not missed the long runs and she was doing good and getting stronger.

Oct 30, 2010 - LSD (40km)

This run was supposed to be a 38km run, but since it was Cherry's bday, Jay and I decided to do a 40 km run. This is a confidence builder for Cherry and she is now ready for the full marathon. 5 weeks left before her first marathon and I think she will perform well.

with Jay and Cherry at 27th km in Canlubang Golf and Country Club

How I Finished my First Marathon

To me it was such an achievement to have completed my first Marathon. Looking back (as I engage in being active again in my fitness activities), there were times that I struggled in every event that I took such as my first Mountain Bike Trail, my first 10km and my first half marathon. Struggled in the sense that I have felt so stressed out that I “hit the wall”, gasped for air, and the numerous knee and leg pains after each event. I knew that as a beginner, I was bound to experience those pains since my body needed to adjust to the level of physical activities that I am getting into. Plus of course the lack of understanding on how to prepare for such event. As I learn new things in every event that I joined, I had my own share on the pie of those athletes who gets injured due to improper training, and running too fast too soon, and among other things.

Preparation and proper training is key in every event. Especially in joining a full marathon, it is important that you gain enough mileage and follow a sound training plan to help you finish your goal. However in some cases, there are certain constraints (injury, illness, time to train, weather, lack of motivation, etc..) that hinders you from following your training plan to the letter. Most of the time people would just stop and forego their plans to proceed on what they intended to do in the first place. But how can you overcome these constraints and maintain focus in achieving your goal? Here are some thoughts that helped me overcome my own problems prior to my first Marathon.

1. Defining your goals – This sets the foundation on why you want to train. It allows you to focus and get back to this goal whenever you are doubting yourself in your preparation. You must not only set a date on your first marathon but also come up with an objective on why you want to finish one. This will remind you later on during your run and will keep you motivated to complete your task.

2. Have your injury checked – one way or another you will end up getting an injury during your training probably due to lack of discipline or simply an accident. This will definitely stop you or slow you down in your training. I have been nursing my injury for almost two months prior to my first marathon, and as I mentioned in my other blog, I went to see a doctor specializing in sports medicine to get his professional opinion and to be guided on what to do for it to completely heal and recuperate. It is important that you attend to your injury for fast recovery. I underwent a physical therapy.

3. Cross training – if you can’t run due to an injury, do cross training on bike or swimming to keep you in good shape. In my case I did a bike cross train and rode an equivalent distance of my planned run. For every 1km of run, I was doing 3.5km of bike. Staying fit to improve endurance despite of an injury will help you finish that extra mile.

4. Mental preparation – it is equally important to prepare mentally for a marathon. With the injury, you would definitely lose a lot of running mileage which might lead you to think that you are not ready to conquer a full marathon. In my case, I had an on and off runs and my longest run was 21km. I have not reached a 1,000 km mileage and was really in doubt whether I can finish a full marathon. Based on what I read from magazines, blogs, and even experience of other runners, it is important to build mileage to help improve your foundation in long runs. With all this affecting your confidence, the arsenal that you can use is your mental ability to overcome all the obstructions that you had during your training. At the end of the day, mental focus is all that will matter.

5. Maintain focus in your objective – during my marathon, I only had one thing in my mind, to finish my first marathon without any injury. I accepted the fact that conquering it would be difficult and that I have to work hard for it and feel the pain if I really want to meet my objective. I have thought of all the reasons why I am doing it and that was all that matter to me. Even my doubts were all out, I did not bring it with me and made sure that it will not slow me down. I maintained my focus and it was effective.

6. Do not entertain negative thoughts - never entertain any negative thoughts during your run. For the whole week prior to the run, I stopped worrying about the lack of mileage and my injury. The moment you accept negative thoughts such as feeling the pain, or doubting if you can finish, and worry about any discomfort while you are running, you will lose the grip and would end up up quitting. So stay positive and BELIEVE that you can do it..

7. Enjoy the run – Simply enjoy and have fun. Meet new friends and enjoy the scenery and the environment.. You will be amazed that you will not even notice that you are almost near the finish line.

These are some of the key inputs that helped me finish my first marathon. There are a lot of experiences from other runners and I think some of you will agree to this. For non-runners, you may learn from this and apply to your daily life. It can be from your work, family, or anything that you are busy with right now. Set your goals, prepare, and believe that you can do it. It works!

Enjoy life, Enjoy Running!

My First Marathon

It was 4 months ago, when Me and my friend Jay threw the idea of joining an International Marathon. It was 4 months after we joined the Condura Run. At that time, we were just joining 10k runs and starting to build mileage together with the rest of the Gone Running Club members. I immediately said Yes, and off we went and prepared our training plans. We have chosen the Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon held in Nov. 22, 2009.

Prior to the Marathon day, I only managed to build 498km in mileage due to the series of injuries that I was struggling with. The 16 weeks training period was dwindling down so fast and I have yet to do a consistent long run. I was still nursing my injury and it has given me a lot of pressure since I have declared that I will do my first marathon on that day. I have committed to do this task as scheduled and there was no turning back for me. I honestly am having doubts a week before the event if I can really make it. Good thing my knee were getting better as I have been attending my Physical Therapy as mentioned in my last blog.

My goal was to finish my first marathon without injury. I have planned to do a run-walk strategy (9 min jog @ 7:30 min/km and 1 min walk @ 10 min/km). This would make me finish at 5:22. Though I wanted to finish with a good time, it was least of my priority. My only wish at that time was to finish below 6 hours without any injury.

Jay and myself at the site around 1:30 a.m.

There were two race starts for the full marathon. One is at 2:00 a.m. for those finishing between 5-7 hours and for female age group between 60-64 and male 65 and above. (No wonder I was running alongside a lot of elder who were really fit and fast, I admire them). The 2nd start time was at 3:30 a.m for those finishing within 5 hours. However, for the 1st start time, a lot of runners finishing below 5 hours have joined the 1st group.

During my first 12km, I was consistently following my 9-1 strategy but I was going fast since my virtual partner in my garmin was showing that I was ahead by 8 min. You just can't resist when you feel strong and that no pain is occuring on your past injury. But I had to control myself and conserve my energy. I was focused with my 9-1 strategy and before I knew it, I was done with my 21st km. The next km after that was my farthest run so far. I began to pray that the Lord will give me the strength and the will power to finish the marathon. At this point I began to become nervous and concerned that my Injury will come out anytime.

At km 22, I started to monitor my pace every km and forgot the 9-1 strategy. At km 25, my legs were so stiff and my ITB had slight pains but were manageable. It was good that there were free massage at selected aid stations, did some stretching and off I go again. I had to take my hammer gel every 30 min for the first 2 hours. I stopped at all hydration station and made sure to drink water and gatorade in order not to "hit the wall".

I was eager to reach the 30th km since I will use that as my motivation that the remaining 12km should be manageable since my body is aware that I can finish 12km without any trouble (crazy motivation huh?). But it worked for me, as soon as I reached the 3oth km, I again hydrated myself, did some stretching and conditioned myself that I will start to run a 12km race. But the next 12 km was so hard, I had more walk breaks but I still focused.

I intended to take more photos to highlight the race, but I was so stressed out and just remained focused to finish. At km 36, I needed to pee, I can't find an open establishment where I can go. Luckily there was a gas station and I took a detour went to look for the toilet. Then I went back and started to jog. At km 37, the 10km runners who came out from another street finally joined the group and they were all so fast and too many. The crowd became lively again, before they came the marathoners were all far apart. The 10k runners though made it appear that I was too slow (yes I was) and that I am being left alone as I was running too slow.

Then it was down to 5km, I was excited and at the same time struggling. But the elders motivated me, I even saw lady on her 60's whose pace were faster than mine in some point. The elders both men and women were just so amazing. How I wish that we can all be as fit as them someday. At km 39, I happen to run beside a local thai maybe on his late 50's. He talked to me in local thai and I just said, "I don't speak thai", he continued to converse with me and looked at his garmin and made a sign language "3 ", meaning 3km left. We then ran side by side, there was a time he had to walk and I continue to jog and vice versa. At the last km, we ran side by side and he demonstrated again that its 1km left. From then on we run together and finished at the same time. We shook hands at finish line and he said "Thank you, Thank you" and so did I. We both finished at 5:43:16 (unofficial time).

This experience for me was really amazing. I have learned that anything is possible if you only put your commitment and dedication to it. Believing in your own capability and the ability to find ways to resolve the constraints that might stop you from proceeding is a key indicator for your success. This is an achievement that I will treasure as I was able to accomplish it the way I wanted it to happen.

The event was well organized. Here are some observations:

1. There was a defined schedule for the start time per category. At the finish line, the marathoners, 10km, 5km runners were arriving almost at the same time. There was a dedicated lane for the finishers for 5k runners, 10k runners, and marathoners. In below photo, the right side is for the finish line of full marathon, and on the left is for the 5km and 10km.

2. Sufficient water aid station.

3. Mobile Toilets (I was not able to take a photo).

4. Massage on selected aid station.

5. Fresh banana on selected aid station.

6. Volunteers from a community prepared drinks and fresh watermelons. Very nice gesture. At the same time they were cheering the runners.

7. Some students cheered the runners as we passed by in front of their school.

8. Flags of participating countries were raised. The night before, Jay and his nephew went to the place for an ocular, (I was resting then). He saw our flag raised with the red color on top, he immediately called the officer in charge and told him the meaning of red color on top (which means in war). The organizer immediately apologized and change the orientation.

9. Eye catcher runners.. Batman here finishing his marathon.

10. There were medical support team after the race. Free massages, medical attention, ambulance in place both at the finish line and at the selected aid stations.

11. Timing Chip

12. Announcement of names as you approach the finish line.

13. Video live feed.

14. As soon as the race ended, the crew immediately take off the main signages. Very well organized and disciplined.

14. Nice finisher t-shirt.

Some more photos:

Jay making his new marathon PR, finishing at 4:41

Noemi finishing her quarter marathon at 1:18

Gone Running in Bangkok!

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