Pre RE: Run for the Dolphins...

I almost forgot, this is one of the best races that I missed in 2010. So, when the registration started last December, I registered right away. Dreaming to conquer the Skyway and now here's my chance. Starting next week, I'll ramp up my long runs because I was disappointed with my performance on my last race. Hoping to set a new 10K PR. ;)

Condura Skyway Marathon 2011

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

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'. ;)

Pre RE: Run for the Economy...

My 2010 running season is still about to conclude this coming weekend. But the other day, I just registered to kickoff my 2011 season. Many thanks Maki for the accommodation! ;)

Come & join PSE Bull Run 2011 - Takbo para sa Ekonomiya (Run for the Economy) on January 9, 2011. Let us do our share in kick starting our 2011 economy!!! ;)

Official website

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

Pre RE: Help Give A Child A Pair Of Shoes...

When I was a kid, I dream that someday I will run the Milo Marathon. Then 30 odd years later, I am now registered to the Philippines most prestigious national marathon (How I wish the organizers and sponsors can make this international and put the Philippines on the international marathon map. Another tourism attraction!). Though I am still on the comeback trail sort of, I just registered for the 5k fun run. Hehehehe! :D

I'm sure glad in my own little way I can help to give a less fortunate child to have a pair of shoes. ;)

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'. ;)

Pre RE: Building Homes...

I thought Run United 2 will be my last race event this 2010. But a last minute decision to join two more race, the ING Running 20 to be held on December 11 and the other is MILO Marathon Finals (though not yet registered as of this writing) the next day.

The beneficiary Habitat for Humanity is intending to build 20 homes for the re-location of Pasig river informal settlers.

Again, it's just my little way to help. ;)

Please see the Habitat Site.

Courtesy of Pep Squad

See you at the race. ;)

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! ;)

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Adjusted Official Time