Race Review: PSE Bull Run 2011

Main Sponsors: Philippine Stock Exchange & Megaworld
Event Organizer: Advertising and Events Manila
Race Category: 10 Kilometer

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I registered for PSE Bull Run during the holidays to mark the start of my 2011 running season. It was one of the race last year that I missed out since my friend Maki (who works with PSE) keeps on reminding me to join. But now I did! :D

I am a little worried about the race as I am coming from a three week off. I don't know what will be my performance having just limited training during the off season.

Off to a Good Start

While waiting for the race to start, I got to see an old high school friend, Alex, we had a small chat and talked about some running plans in 2011. Then we separated ways because he'll be running for the 16k category which will start earlier.

still with fresh legs

with Alex

Then I met another friend, Mike, a fellow diecast collector from DCPH, who'll be running the same category as I am. We agreed to run our first five kilometers in 6:30-7:00 minute pace to save some energy for a strong finish in the end.

with Mike

When the gun start and ran the first few kilometers (noticed that there where no kilometer markers), the road still dark and a bit of chill in the air, I really felt strong and confident that I'll have a reasonable time to beat my previous personal record (PR). And as we climb the elevated portion (flyover) of the route, I didn't feel any loss of energy. I had kept a good pace. :)

Slowing Down

On our way to the middle mark, decided to past a few water stations, since runners are all lined up (short tables provided caused a very cramped place to get a drink) and making a stop can cost quite a time. But later found out to be a bad decision. When I reached the 45 minute of running time (really don't know what distance already), I felt the sudden drop of leg power. My throat quickly dries up and my breath starts to get heavy. Crossing big intersections along the way didn't help as it saps away my energy because of the extra effort to get past at a much quicker pace. At that point, I let Mike know that I am to slow down and might start to walk (which I did) if the heavy breathing continues. I just watched Mike pulled away and I run-walk a couple of times on the way back up at the flyover. Realizing of not having a drink would cost me yet another personal best!

Second Wind

On the next water stations, made an effort to drank a little not to make myself stomach heavy. I caught my second wind and hoped to make a push in the last kilometer. Looking at the time, 1 hour 8 minutes with close to a kilometer on much heavier legs, it meant I didn't break my previous PR (ING Running 20 @ 1 hour 8 minute 38 seconds). I crossed the line 1 hour 15 minutes (unofficial gun time shown below).

As the graph shows, for the third time in as many races, I can't docked the 1 hour time with more gas in the tank to really make a strong finish.

Not really the start of running season I am dreaming for. :(

Thanks Runner's Runner

Until next time. ;)

Thanks for readin' and keep on T runnin'. ;)

Race Review: HSBC135 No Excuses...

As expected, with lack of mileage after HSBC135, I didn't beat my target of sub-1:10:00 in an official 10k run. As I was on kilometer 8, I no longer have the leg to push strong and just started to do a run-walk-run-zips strategy just to make a final push to the finish line (the graph below clearly shows the drop in performance). I'm not happy and there's no excuse!!! I have resolved to push my training in the coming days. >:((

With such a so-so performance (based on my own standards), I still managed to beat my previous official 10k time of 1:17:02 by recording an unofficial time (via Nike+ Sportband) of 1:13:25. Still waiting for the official time as of this writing. Next stop ING Running 20! ;)

Now it's official, I got 1:13:02!!!

Here are some photos I'd like to share from the race event. ;)

Assembly area of 10k runners...

with my friend Anthony at the starting line

In action...

After crossing the finish line...

look at that ABS (a big stomach!)

at the Unilab grounds

My wife...worlds greatest race crew, supporter and fan...

With my friend JDMike and his wifey...

Others...

Short video of my finish line approach. ;)

Until next time. ;)

Thanks for readin' and keep on T runnin'. ;)

Race Review: A New 5K PR...

I have revised this blog 3 times already and decided to make it short but sweet. ;)

Last January, I started to walk and a couple weeks, I run. By third week of February, I joined my first ever 5k race event Century Superbod. My target was to beat 40 minutes (based on my unorthodox training back then) and was able to successfully record a personal official best time of 00:37:01. ;)

Fast forward today, I'm on a comeback trail after 4 months of hiatus and joined HSBC 135 as my second 5k race event. The intention was to assess where I am in my training (for Run United 2 10k) by basing on my performance to this race. And my target was to beat the Century Superbod PR and do a sub-35. Reaching the finish line, my Nike Sportband logged my time at 00:34:29. Then soon after I got my official time logged at 00:34:11!*** A new 5k PR!

Nike SportBand Time

Official Time

Photo courtesy of Pinoy Fitness (Thank you)

Now it's time to re-evaluate and plan on what's to improve and continue training. Can I beat a sub-30 next time? We'll see. ;)

Next stop, Run United 2! :D

Thanks for readin' and keep on T runnin'. ;)

P. S.

The organizers committed error on the official timing announcement. So, here's my adjusted official time with additional six seconds 00:34:17!. Still a new 5k PR! ;)

***

Adjusted Official Time

Century Superbod Run 2010

Century Superbods run 2010 was my very first race event. ;)

Just to give you a brief background. Weeks before the event, I started my on-again-off-again affair with running. I ran Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with the aim to get fit this 2010 and beyond.
Based on my previous running experiences it was a proven way to put down excess pounds. And I'd like to say I'm up to it for the long haul this time. ;)

Now, I decided to join a race. And there was a lot of hype going on regarding Century Superbod. It was being endorsed by one of the country's known actor/athlete plus other celebrities plus the renowned running coach. It was highly promoted via trimedia. And looking at it to be such a big event, I came to choose this event as my baptism of fire. So to speak. :D

Then on the day, I was at Bonifacio High Street around 4:30am. Coming early to the venue, one can do warm-ups/check out route maps/see friends before gun time. But then to everyone's surprise, the gun time started 20-30minutes ahead of the scheduled/published time of 5:50am. It really does pays to come early as other runners were caught unaware.

As the start horn sounds into the air, the 5k runners marched/jogged off the starting line, I tried to squeezed past other runners to position myself near the front. But i came to realize, it was a sea of 5k runners (3700++). I was overwhelmed by such a huge turnout. As I weaved left and right, changing running lines to avoid many slow runners, by the time I reached the 2km mark my energy was already gone. I thought a 5k run would be just a walk in the park recalling on my training sessions. But with the variable conditions of an actual race came into play, I realized it was a far different scenario.

And as I ran along, passed several intersections were motor vehicles traffic was out of control. Some intersections where a bit confusing as to which way for the 10k/5k goes. Water stations were a bit scarce, I was frustrated to find one looking to quenched my thirst. As we all know, hydration is vital for a runner to regain strength to go on.

As I reached the 4km mark and catching a second wind, I saw 5k runners were a bit far apart and I can run a wee bit faster. Nearing 500 meters, I pushed really hard to reach the finish line to beat my target of under 40minutes. Later I found out, that I clocked 39:39 based on gun and 37:01 based on chip. My more experienced runner friends told me that I got a very respectable time being a newbie.

Now, what are my learning's for my very first race event?

Feeling myself after the race, quite felt good that I can take up 10k on my next race (I quietly said to myself). Finishing under my target time brought great satisfaction. And since I felt good performance wise, another reason to take 10k on the next race. I was terribly disappointed to so many slow/walking (even with a pet dog) "5k fun runners". Admittedly, I was a damned fool to put high expectation on a 5k run. Hehehehe! I thought everyone else was gunning for their personal records, thinking that way was such a boo boo. Decided I will not join a very popular race event for the meantime. I'll just stick with a more meaningful race event first to build on my race performance. FYI, I'm quite a bit of a competitive person when it comes to sports in general. ;)

So, What about you? How was your Century Superbods race experience? Thanks for readin'.

See you at the races and keep on T runnin'. ;)