It's OctoberRun 2008!!!

"We all age -- but there is no excuse to feel old!!"

My friend Jorge Buenaventura shared this piece of wisdom with me today -- right at the finish line of the OctoberRun at Bonifacio Global City -- organized by The Fort Striders. He revealed that another friend, Dave de Leon, made a study of the performances of runners versus their age and showed that age is not a reason for not doing well -- even in runs. He also mentioned that since he took up running January of this year, he has never felt better in years!!! As such, he continues, there is no excuse to feel 48, 49 or 50!!!

I can believe this -- given the articles about running slowing down the aging process. Except that I probably got the short end of the stick when God handed out favors for runners -- he! he! No, it just means I need to train and train and train. And unfortunately, this week was a week without any training!!!

So, it was with a slight trepidation that I faced the starting line at today's race. The Fort Striders showed they knew their stuff when it comes to organizing races -- the course was well plotted, you had plenty of marshalls and water stations, and you have a great crowd of runners -- all conditions for a great run!!! It was up to the runner to do his best and finish. And that was my goal today -- finish, and hopefully, respectably.

Me, Dante and Ting, taking a few shots before heading into the starting pit.

Jorge, Dante, Ting and I making running newbie, Raymond Yap, feel at home before the start of his first 5K! Congratulations for finishing Raymond!!! Hope to see more of you in future races -- Mama Ting will make sure of this.

The 10K runners started off first, followed by 5K and 3K runners with a 5 minute gap per group. Dante, Ting and Ed were all running the 10K -- Dante decided it was time to move up -- after running only 5K races for so many months -- that left me as the only one in the 5K category!! Fortunately, Jorge was using this as one of his recovery runs from his 21K last Adidas KOTR -- as such, he was running in the 5K category. He also dragged along several members of his First Data family, including good friend Raymond Yap.

When our 5K turn came up, I started off strong. The route was familiar -- turning left into 5th Avenue and up the hill towards Essensa and making a u-turn at the corner before Bayani Road before heading back. The 10K runners would continue left until the Heritage Park before their return leg. I still felt strong at the u-turn but I got into a bit of mental trouble near the water station close to Essensa. So, I ended up with a short walk before reaching the water station. I grabbed a cup of water, gulp down the water before resuming my running.

This time, I kept focused and finished the rest of the race without any more stopping. I finished with an unofficial time of 34.03 -- disappointing since I've been breaking 34 minutes the last 2 race. I guess the lack of training was really evident. Now I'm worried for my New Balance race in Clark -- that will be my first 10K run. I have 3 more weeks -- I better buckle down and train!!

I don't have as many pictures this time. I brought my SLR with me but when I was about to start shooting, I found out that my daughter didn't return the SD Card that she borrowed last week. I ended up with a useless camera and settled for my phone camera. I took a few pictures before and after the race -- but it was disappointing not to be able to take my usual photo recording of the event.

Jorge in a tender moment with his son, Raymond, who also joined the 5K run.

After the race, I was able to see/meet familiar and new faces. I finally introduced myself to Jovie (Bald Runner) and Philip (Foreign Runner). I was fortunate also to be introduced to Lance Gokongwei and Fernando Zobel as they were having breakfast at Starbucks with friends Jajo Quintos and Nina Huang; they're all familiar faces in the running scene, this time running in the 10K race. I also said hi to Jay (Prometheus Commeth), Coach Rio and Alan Esguerra. Of course, without my usual camera ready, no pictures -- next time, hopefully.

Botak Paa-Bilisan Run

I was excited to wake up on Sunday, October 19, 2008. It's the Botak-Paa Bilisan run at Bonifacio Global City. I was excited because I felt that I was ready to run -- despite having spent 3 days at Subic attending the Microsoft CIO Summit. I had two training runs prior to the Subic trip and my last one was a comfortable run up to 40 minutes -- which was the longest I've run without stopping since returning to the running scene after my 1 1/2 months layoff.

I had a little apprehension, though, since the Subic trip was tiring. I just hoped that my training depth will take me through. I was also a little worried as I seemed to have caught the early stage of a cold -- I was experiencing phlegm and coughing. But, I wanted to do this and nothing was going to stop me.

Mama Ting had my race package and we decided to meet up behind the NBC tent at around 5:30. When I arrived around the area, I saw that they had the open space near the NBC tent open for parking. I had just texted Ting that I was already in the area when she responded quickly that she was in the area as well. I took out my camera and walked towards the starting area and saw Ting coming out of her car. I put on my race bib and went around to take some pictures.

Mama Ting, early in at the parking lot, getting ready for the 10K race

It was sea of Orange and White -- a big crowd ready to run!
Running sisters, Jeanne and Jenine Ngo, friends of Ting

It was a sea of orange and white -- the Botak singlet was definitely shining brightly. Since I got my singlet only that day, I was wearing my Adidas black and yellow singlet. I guess, this would make me stand out when the various cameras start clicking!! he! he!

The race started a little after 6am -- all racers from the 3 categories (3K, 5K and 10K) doing a mass start. The usual navigating through slow runners and walkers happened. At the corner of 26th Street and 5th Avenue, the group split up -- the 5K and 10K runners turning left towards the McKinley Road area while the 3K runners continued forward.

Having ran the Adidas route previously, I immediately saw I was going to experience a different challenge. Right after turning left into 5th Avenue, you are presented an uphill climb all the way up until the Essensa Condominium. The Adidas run was relatively flatter -- I guess that's why I finished at a faster clip, despite walking a few meters. The challenge was to maintain focus until the u-turn -- the return path would definitely be a more downhill route. I'm glad this was the early part -- I guess it would be a challenge for the 10K runners as they will traverse the same route twice!!

Upon reaching the same corner of 26th Street and 5th Avenue, we then turned left and ran the same route of the 3K race. I was disappointed when I reached a water station near the Jollibee store near 32nd Street -- No more water!!! -- looks like the 3K runners consumed all the supply -- what's going to happen to the 10K runners?!? I was surprised to feel being parched -- I guess the heat and my early cold was making me dehydrated faster.

The rest of the way was mentally challenging -- I desperately wanted to finish this race without stopping. I went back to counting strides to maintain focus. Pretty soon, we were turning right into 11th Street at the back of Serendra -- almost there, I said to myself. I thought we were going to turn right immediately after Bonifacio High Street, but I was wrong -- we still had to run the stretch from 26th Street until the NBC Tent area. I sucked it in and continued without stopping. Pretty soon, I was at the corner and the Finish line was in sight -- and I did it!!! No stopping this time. In my excitement, I forgot all about my watch -- by the time I hit stop, it was already at 34.02. So, I estimate my time to be between 33.40 to 33.50. I think it would be slower than the Adidas run, but this time, there was no stopping and there was the uphill stretch. So, I'm happy!!

At the Finish Line -- finally got someone to take my picture!

The BayanTrade Runners -- 27 runners this time, a new record!! Unfortunately, Dante, their boss, is traveling in Europe.

I stayed on to take more pictures, including the finishes of Ting and Ed.

Ed doing a great finishing kick with his 10K run -- should be good PR

Ting coming in a few minutes later -- and fresh enough to do another 10K!

I caught another friend as he was finishing his 10K run -- Allan Esguerra. He was with us in the Finex Basketball tournament and the running bug has bitten him as well.

Allan finishing his own 10K run

There were a few interesting sidelights during the event -- We had our version of Captain America -- Capitan Pilipinas -- who wore a strange outfit without a flag cape; There were two celebrities who went up the stage to talk about the causes -- saving kids with nutrition and education -- Karen Davila of ABS-CBN and Miriam Quiambao of GMA7 (two rival TV stations); and a team of Star Wars Storm Troopers who finished the race in their costume!!

Capitan Pilipinas with his costume!!

ABS-CBN News Personality Karen Davila asking for support for World Vision and aid to the children.

GMA7 Personality and former beauty queen Miriam Quiambao giving her congratulations and asking for support for kids' causes as well. She actually ran the 3K race.

It was Star Wars at the races -- a group of Storm Troopers completed their run and attracted a crowd!

We didn't have breakfast today as Ting wanted to continue training for her 25K. No worries as I ended having my favorite Chinese breakfast at Gloria Maris in Greenhills -- congee and dimsum. A reward for this run -- ha! ha!

Unfortunately, I'm now nursing my cold -- which worsened after pushing myself -- but, I'm sure I'll bounce back soon. It's just the cumulative effect of long nights and the run. Ain't no spring chicken anymore -- he! he! Next week, Mama Ting has us registered for the OctoberRUN Festival. And, I've decided to register for the New Balance 10K Run at Clark on Nov. 16 -- as such, I have to start training for the higher mileage!! Wish me luck!!

Men's Health Miracle Run Report

I've taken a longer time to post this report -- the jet lag, the catching up with work and also the dealing with a foot injury that has kept me in pain for most of the week. I've been ignoring a small throbbing pain in my left foot for the last few weeks but I guess when you ignore signals from your body, it comes back with a vengence to get your attention. I've also pushed myself a little too far by also playing basketball immediately after the 5K run last Sunday. The result was the worsening of the tendinitis of the left foot -- primarily the posterior tibial tendon -- which I needed to nurse this whole week with ice baths, creams and pain killers. I'm still not fully well and that probably means not running for awhile until it gets better. I guess I really have to listen to my body and pay attention. I do hope to get back to running soon.

After almost 3 weeks in the U.S., I touched down in Manila on Thursday, August 14, late in the evening on NW 01 from Los Angeles. I was fortunate to have landed just before a 4-day long weekend. It gave me the opportunity to acclimatize myself to Manila time again just before the Men's Health Miracle Run on Sunday, August 17. I thought I should be fairly in shape given the running I did around the roads and hills of Laguna Niguel, Orange County, where my sister lives. Somehow, it didn't quite translate as so. I tried putting in a run on Friday morning but I manage to eke out a 2Km run before feeling quite fatigued. I guess it's part of the jet lag. Still, I think I should be able to do well on the Sunday run.

The Men's Health Miracle Run is supposed to be a 10K run. If 1,000 runners join and ran 10K each, we would reach the target -- 10,000 km. Each finisher would mean a P200 donation to the GMA Kapuso Foundation. Okay -- so it's with the rival network, but, what the heck, it is for a good cause!! There were two options for joining -- the first is for a runner to complete the whole 10K course and the 2nd is for a tandem of 2 runners to complete 5K each. I chose to run the tandem race. This time, I was paired with Lauren, a member of the BayanTrade Running Club.

I woke up before 4:30am on Sunday -- due in part to jet lag. I was told the race would start at 6:00am but it was actually scheduled for 6:30am. I was at the Starting Line behind the NBC Tent before 5:30am. I was supposed to meet up with Lauren and Ting there to pick up my race packet since they registered me while I was still in the States.

I believe there were 2 other events scheduled that day -- one was Takbo Bayani and another race was supposed to be at U.P. - the Run for Your Life: Passed the Picture Based Health Warning Bill. As such, I noticed that there weren't a lot of runners compared to previous events at the Fort. Still, there was a festive atmosphere at the site.

Both Ting and Lauren were running late -- it was almost 5:45am when I caught up with them and got my race packet. The other BayanTrade runners started trickling in soon afterwards. Ting decided that it was time to make a comeback after the long hiatus because of her hip injury. She was given the green light by both her doctor and trainer. As a testament to her pent-up desire to run -- she decided it was time to run a full 10K!! That means that I was the only one left in the 5K corral!! he! he! Rico was also there to run the full 10K.

The race started fairly on time at around 6:30ish. The 1st runner of each tandem team was supposed to start with the 10K runners. The 2nd runner was supposed to wait at the holding area and start when the 1st runner completes the 5K. Unfortunately, the sun was now high above and it was getting hot. Lauren and the other Bayantrade tandem runners decided that we should just all run together and complete the 5K at the same time because it would have been really hot by the time they actually started their leg. Of course, that means we didn't follow the rules and as such we officially did not finish -- no actual finishing time. Oh well -- we all just wanted to run anyway.

The course was supposed to be fairly flat -- instead of passing through the hills around McKinley Hills and the Philippine Army Headquarters, it went through the International Schools area. But, somehow, the heat became a factor -- inspite of adequate Gatorade stations. I paced myself as best as I could but at the u-turn point at International School way, I knew it was going to be a difficult race for me. It was only through sheer mental control that I continued running without stopping. When I reached the finished line and stopped my watch, I was happy to have bettered my San Francisco Marathon 5K time -- I finished with 34:14.

My BayanTrade runmates were already at the finished line and that was when they told me that our race would not be counted because both runners in our tandem started at the same time. I also saw some familiar faces in the crowd -- Ellen Cayanan and her beau Bong Zandueta, as well as one of our co-Finex basketball players, Allan Esguerra, who also decided to run a race first before playing in the basketball game later.

I stuck around and waited for Rico and Ting to finish. Rico was the first one to appear less than 20 minutes later. He also felt the heat impacted on his performance -- he said he already went below 50 minutes for a 10K but this time it was not a new PR. We both waited for Ting and at around 15 minutes later, we spotted her on the home stretch. She was told she finished at around 1 hour 16 minutes -- pretty good for her first try at the 10K distance!

After the race, we went for our usual post-race breakfast. This time we decided to go to UCC Coffee Shop. I was able to hand over Ting's Aquajogger belt which she ordered actually for all of us via the Internet but only the first 2 belts arrived in time for me to bring home. But, I guess, now that she is well enough to run the 10K, she actually doesn't need the aquabelt anymore!! I also gave Rico and Ting their own San Francisco Marathon souvenir caps. We're talking about running with the same caps in the next race. Should be a good photo-op!

Green and White Sunday

It's been two months since I started preparing for this and it finally arrived -- One Run, One Family, One La Salle -- the fun run organized by La Salle Cares and the De La Salle Alumni Association.

Mama Ting's Runners were spread out over two events -- the 5K and the 16K races. Too bad Mama Ting was sidelined by injury and was told by her doctor not to run. Well, she became our official photographer instead and she came prepared -- instead of running, she brought her bike!!! Good time to test out her new bike carrier!! (Shucks!!! we forgot to take a picture of her bike and bike carrier!!!).

I woke up at 4:30am and got to the Fort by around 5:30ish and the place was already packed. There were long queues getting into the different parking lots. A friend of mine commented that we need to add parking management to the list of things to do when you organize a La Salle event!! ha! ha! But, this was brought about the sheer number of participants to the event -- 5,800 plus -- as the official barker kept repeating throughout the event. Maybe not as big as those in U.S events but definitely one of the biggest in town so far.

So, I got my car parked, took off my jacket and put on my hat and started towards the race venue -- and the place was packed -- all around it was Green and White!!! All the Lasallian campuses near Manila sent huge delegations that were bussed in early this morning. I understand that all the varsity athletes were required to join the 16K run!!!

Good thing I quickly caught sight of familiar faces -- Mike Navarette (who will leave for Halifax permanently by the end of July), Dave de Leon and Jorge Buenaventura were already there at the starting line. Soon I saw Mama Ting and we had our first pictures taken with my camera (didn't forget it this time).

The early birds among us -- Mike Navarette, Dave de Leon, Mama Ting Pascual and Jorge Buenaventura -- flashing the 16 sign -- to signify his running 16K but also telling us that his close friends (i.e. Mike and Dave), decided to drop him and renege on their commitment to run 16K also.

That's me 2nd from left with the yellow hat

From right -- Ed Francisco, Rico Ibana and his son who is with the DLS Zobel Soccer team -- all running 16K

That's Peter Coyiuto joining the gang before the start of the race

Dante with our ultramarathoner Oca and his dog Scottie

Like the doting mother that she is, Mama Ting went to look for all her "alagas" (wards in English) to make sure they're all accounted for and pictures taken. Mama Ting has been bitten by the blogging bug big time as well -- except she still wants me to run this blog.

Pretty soon, the 16K race was off (5 minutes early according to my watch but what's plus or minus 5 minutes anyway in the Philippines?)! Looked like a good start although there were several runners who came in late and ran off to chase the pack. Next came the 5K runners. We were a lot!!! Since Mike, Dave and me were already beside the starting line, we quietly slipped into start of the pack --- and, we're off and running. At this point, the skies opened up and rain started pouring down. We got wet but it help cool us down.

There's Ed starting his 16K run partially obscured by that Big Guy in White!!

Me with Tony Atayde, Jr. of Nike Philippines and Henry Atayde, his uncle and another officer of the De La Salle Alumni Association

Mike, Dave and me, sneaking into the 5K starting line up front

I'm off but I had to reset my watch!! I had to scramble to start timing my run!

The route was new to me -- it skirted around the streets of Bonifacio High Street where all the shops were. Good thing Krispy Kreme was still closed --- he! he! Focus, Johnny, my boy, focus!!!

As we rounded the 32nd Street corner going towards St. Luke's Hospital, I started hearing sounds of heavy breathing and panting -- I knew many of the participants were first time racers and the breathing patterns showed all the stress!! I'm grateful for the two months preparation that I had undertaken -- while still breathing hard, I was not in the same bad shape as many of the runners were.

At the corner of 5th Avenue, the first signs of problems started to show. There were no marshalls and the signs were not prominently shown. I saw 16K runners turning into 5th Avenue, which they shouldn't and I saw some other 16K runners make a U-turn to also run after the other 16K runners. I wonder where the Marshalls were.

We then ventured up Rizal Avenue and turned into 26th Street. At the junction of 5th Avenue and 26th St., again no marshalls. I thought I remembered that 5K runners were supposed to go up 5th Avenue towards McKinley -- but, all the runners were running forward instead of turning right -- and the security guard manning the intersection was no help at all!!

That's me, like the Flash, running by in a blurr!! Wish I was really running that fast!

Oca with his dog Scottie, traversing the 3K race route.

Rico's son easily taking care of business on the 16K race. What do you expect, he's a soccer player and young!

Rico, our triathlete in training, waving to Mama Ting -- easy run so far.

Peter Coyiuto, with a winning gesture, although it's not even half-way yet!

There goes Ed, with a big smile to boot!!

I thought there was a rerouting -- so, I joined the crowd. To my surprise, everyone turned the corner towards the finish line!!! I ended my run a little over 20 minutes -- fastest 5K I ever ran but I knew something was wrong -- we ended up running only 3K!! To top it all, there was a long queue at the finish line -- shades of the Mizuno Rush to Infinity Run. Another screw-up.

Well, I got my bib tag taken cared off and went searching for the run organizers and I told them about the problems. It was only then that I was told we had a bigger problem -- it seems that our race event organizer was nowhere in sight!! I can only speculate as to why, but definitely, we were left high and dry by a noshow events organizer!!

Somehow, the rain helped dampened some of the angst that was beginning to brew among the frustrated runners. I guess since many were first time runners, they didn't notice anything wrong at all -- many of the more experienced runners were the ones more vocal about it. Sigh!!! I'm sad that such a potentially great event would be marred by the irresponsibility of the race event organizer on race day itself!!

I pity our hardworking organizing committee who have been preparing for this event for the last 3 months -- only to see the end game tarnished. It was only the Animo spirit of the Lasallians collectively that save the day -- yes there were mistakes, miscues and even missing marshalls and organizers. In the end, it was for fun and for a good cause -- we still ended up being One La Salle and we thank everyone who participated -- including those who were not from La Salle and those who came from the other school down Katipunan -- he! he! Hello all you Blue Eagles!! On behalf of the Lasallian community and the De La Salle Alumni Association, we apologize for the unfortunate poor race management and vow to come back stronger in the next run. We eat humbly pie now and hope you'll work with us again for a better race in the future.

Dante finished ahead of me in the 5K but also made a wrong turn, actually finishing only 3K.

A contented and tired Rico, finishing the 16K in good time

Peter Coyiuto with a strong finishing kick!

Ed and Rico are weary but contented 16K finishers.

The biking Mama Ting who became mobile this race to take all these photos.

Anyway, while the festivities, awarding and picture taking were ongoing, Mama Ting's runners decided to head off to Pancake House for breakfast. Unfortunately, Pancake House was jampacked. We went, instead, back to Dayrits next door.

Well, after a race, we always reward ourselves with breakfast fit for a king --- a fat king!! Breakfast talk was all about the unfortunately screw up -- I felt like cringing. Good thing there was the apple pie ala mode -- that brought a smile to everyone.

Yes, breakfast!! After a good run -- it's corned beef with egg!!! Yummy!

Mama Ting is fresh and smiling -- anticipating her Tapsilog!!!

Here's a group picture before the best part of breakfast!

Dessert --- Apple Pie ala Mode!!!

As Rico said, somehow, despite the growing popularity of running in the Philippines, he still has to attend one that went smoothly from start to finish. Oh well, we'll get there somehow, someday!!