Running Down Under

This year's Holy Week was a vacation treat for my family -- we decided to visit my sister, Vicky, down under at the Gold Coast in Australia. The trip was hastily put together -- we couldn't finalize any flights until we understood the kids' school schedules -- for end-of-year and summer. Finally, we decided to leave April 4 from Manila, arriving in Brisbane April 5.

This was going to be a family reunion of sorts. I decided to also bring my mom and dad along -- together with my 3 kids, we were, thus, a tour group of 7!! The plan was to try out all the different theme parks and get a whiff of Aussie culture and cuisine (did sample Kangaroo and Crocodile meat) along the way. I wasn't planning on doing any running since we will be walking a lot throughout the day. I was also worried about the weather since the forecast was for wet days throughout the week.

Front view of my sister's place in the Gold Coast
The area was in harmony with nature -- birds and parrots freely fly all over and perch around your front and back yards.

Thankfully, the weather was relatively clear and the rainshowers were tolerable. I was also pleasantly surprised to discover that my sister lived in an area that was fantastic for running. Her house was situated in a subdivision beside a nice lake. I also found a nice running area at the other side of the motorway. That gave me an excuse to put on my sneakers and go off for two runs while I was there -- each was about a 10K distance (about 1 hour 10 minutes plus duration).

A view of the lake and houses lining the running and walking path.

I love the serenity of running in this environment early in the morning. It was still a bit chilly when I start but, after a few minutes, my body warms up enough to keep me comfortable. While I did perspire, the cool weather made the running really smooth. I was more like a tourist enjoying the beauty of the place and that helped keep my mind off the running chore.

More views of the running path and the surrounding landscape and lake.

In one of the runs, I was able to go to the other side of the motorway to a nice park-like area. I was enjoying the view when another runner passed me by -- a nice, shapely lady with earphones on -- and she whizzed by me with no effort and continued running up the hill in front. Oh well, it was one time my pride didn't get in the way -- didn't even think of pacing with her! he! he!

I saw birds perched along the iron fences -- rarely do we see the maya birds we used to find flying all over Manila nowadays.

Some homeowners have their boats parked right in their front yards!!!

In the US, they have the STOP signs to manage traffic in neighborhoods without the need for traffic signals. In Australia, as in the U.K., they build roundabouts (or rotondas), to manage traffic flows. Of course, you need discipline to make this work. MMDA is trying a similar concept with their U-turn slots but is failing miserably because of undisciplined drivers.

I wish I lived in a similar spot here -- ample trees, nice lakes and comfortably cool weather. It'll make running really pleasant. Maybe I should come back and join one of the many races in Australia. That's something to look forward to. Unfortunately, our trip there was shortlived -- we came back to reality yesterday, April 14.

Condura 21K - Barely Making It

You can tell that it was going to be a huge event!! The first half-marathon event of the year. Organizers of the event were giving out estimates of 6,000 runners in total and 1,200 runners in the 21K event alone!! This is a major indication of how far running has come in the last 3 years! To top it all, the runner-blogger community was abuzzed with frenzy -- Team Bald Runner was in major preparations for a good showing with Bald Runner himself targeting a blistering pace for the event. Takbo.ph and Jinoe organized a carbo-loading party Friday night that was well attended. And Bull Runner herself elevated her own media exposure with the publication of The Bull Runner Magazine on print!! Running is definitely in and I was in the thick of history in the making.

As for lowly me -- I was quietly readying myself to run my first ever 21K!! My previous race mileage topped off at 10K. My previous attempts to run 15K distances were thwarted one way or another. As such, I decided not to attract too much attention to this attempt. Despite trying to remain low-key, I was definitely apprehensive coming into race day.

Adding concerns to this was my blood pressure -- it just shot up high on Tuesday after doing my first ever 1 hour 37 minute long run. For several days after, it didn't want to settle down and I was worried it might prevent me from even starting the race.

So, I came into Sunday with a relatively nonchalant attitude. It will be my longest distance ever! With my BP condition, I wanted to make sure it was a safe workout. I also wanted to enjoy this unique race -- going the distance, experience the Skyway leg and documenting as much as possible for the blog.

Mama Ting was shepherding her wards during the days running up to Sunday through text reminders. One of her reminders was to come early as Rudy Biscocho is notorious for starting the race on time -- in fact, 5 minutes early!!! With 6,000 expected runners, parking was going to be a challenge.

And true to her predictions, by 5am, it was a jam-packed starting area that greeted everyone. Getting into the 21K starting corral was a challenge in itself. I tried waiting for the rest but had to get into the corral by myself so as not to be left behind.

Pretty soon, the race was on. I felt good at the start. I caught up with friends Jajo Quintos and Carlo Katigbak. Both were in high spirits and congratulated me on my first 21K attempt. Pretty soon, we were off doing our individual paces. By the 2K mark, there was a water station just in front of the start of the Buendia flyover. I stopped, took out my camera and started taking pictures before taking a sip from the water bottle they gave.

It was amazing watching the sea of runners going up and through the flyover. It was exhilarating watching the mass flowing through the structure. And I was smiling -- no pain from the effort and feeling ecstatic that I was part of it. On the flyer, I joined up with Jinoe and Quennie pacing another runner who was pushing a stroller with his son onboard.

After Makati Avenue, I spotted several runners veering off to the left to use a Portalet that was positioned on the island. I decided to take advantage of this as well. So while waiting for my turn, I also took pictures. That was when Mama Ting spied me holding the camera. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to shoot her during her run.

Water stations were strategically positioned every 2K and I took time to drink and take pictures along the route -- especially when we were up in the Skyway!!

What a sight -- seeing the runners climbing up the offramp. The whole stretch was about a 6Km run. The trip forward was mostly uphill, especially at the EDSA-Magallanes section. But, you can see that many of runners were awed and delighted with this stretch. I was with a trio of runners who were taking turns posing and taking pictures of each other. Quite a number had supporters waiting to catch their runners in action.

At the halfway point, there were several photographers from the Canon Club that gamely took pictures of many of the runners. I asked one of them to actually take mine beside the halfway marker! he! he! I also saw a number of Lasallian friends who were either running or supporting a runner -- Leo Camara and Jimmy Pascual.

While everything went smoothly up to the halfway point, there was more drama for me on the return leg.

After the 12K mark, I decidedly to slow down a bit -- came to walk a few feet before resuming the run. Near the offramp, my legs started to feel some cramping. I walked a few more meters but was able to resume the running until we reached the water station near Ayala Avenue. From then on, it was a battle between walking and running as I nursed the feeling of cramps in my calves and quadricep muscles. I was still able to run up to Paseo de Roxas where there was a station giving out electrolytes. By that time, my supply of Gatorade ran out.

I tried to restart the running, knowing it was just 4Kms left to the finish. Unfortunately, everytime I tried to run, I'd feel my muscles slowly cramp up. I didn't want the cramps to progress so I decided it was time to just walk home. I struck up conversations with other runners who were in the same predicament. Two of these were from Los Baños -- Miguel & Angeline. Miguel is an experienced 21K runner but it was Angeline's first. She was also cramping. We were slowly negotiating up the Buendia/Kalayaan flyover when I had to stop to nurse the cramps that were coming in stronger. At that point, another runner came up and said hi. He introduced himself as Daniel, a Singaporean, who dreams of doing an Ironman in the near future.

I found Miguel and Angeline later on ahead with the Red Cross ambulance beside them. The cramps of Angeline apparently came on full strength then and the paramedic was trying to stretch the muscles out to ease the pain. I stayed for awhile before going ahead. In a few more minutes, it was my turn to feel the heavy pain on my quadriceps -- I had to bend my legs at the knee to relieve the pain. The ambulance came by me and I was the one now being nursed by the paramedic. After a few moments of stretching, I felt good enough to start walking again. I even tried to run a bit but it just wouldn't do.

As such, I walked all the way until I reach the last 200 meters before the Finish line. I was determined to run to the Finish line, even at a slow pace. I was praying that my muscles hold up until I crossed the line. Thank God they did and I was able to run until the end. Time on the clock was at around 3 hours plus!! They gave me a finishers pack, a finishers medal and certificate. I opened the bottle of Vitwater inside the pack and downed the much needed electrolytes before heading off to the end of the corral to do some stretches. By that time, all my friends had left to do their swimming/stretching at the Makati Sports Club. I slowly walked back to my car so that I can join them at Makati Sports Club for breakfast.

I was tired, I was in pain but I was happy I didn't stop -- and have a medal to prove that I did finish. Never mind the time -- I know I can do better next time. But, it was an experience I'll never forget. When I joined up with my friends at Makati Sports Club for breakfast, Oca Sañez, exclaimed, "You were very brave Johnny, to have done the 21K with hardly any training!!" But, everyone said that they were all proud of me for finishing!! I guess you need a bit of some insanity to do what I just did but despite the pain, it was worth doing it!! I'm actually looking forward to the next 21K!! Jay Nacino (Prometheus Commeth) even joined the ribbing with his text message to me -- start your 16 week preparation for a full marathon!!! Hmm.... maybe if I feel insane enough to do so now!!! That actually might not be too far off!!! he! he!

Run For Their Lives - A 10K Adventure

Apprehension! The feeling I had coming into Sunday's race -- Run For Their Lives, organized by Extribe and the Rotary Club of Makati West. Why? The last race I had was at UP on Feb 8, 2009. Since then, I had a number of races that I skipped, for one reason or another. My work load has also somehow increased -- especially tough with a number of foreign partners visiting -- meaning early mornings and late nights. That has taken a damper on training runs. I had about 1 1/2 weeks training coming into this race -- many of the runs done were mediocre at best, not even one going the distance of 10K. You can probably visualize what I was feeling coming into Sunday.

Stressed! That's the feeling I had Sunday morning, 40 minutes before race time! I had a number of long days on the run-up to Sunday. The meant a sleep-deprived state! hah! So, Saturday evening, I had to beg off being a dad, because my kids were still out on their Saturday gimmicks. My wife had to take the burden of fetching them early Sunday morning. I set my alarm clock for 4:30am and went to bed, quickly zonking out into lala land. At around 3:29am, I somehow woke up, looked at my phone and saw it was still early, went back to sleep, confident I would be awakened at 4:30am.

I woke up again and looked at my phone -- it was DEAD!!! I looked at my other phone and saw that it was 5am!!! Technology has failed me yet again. So, my Sunday started off with a bang -- me in panic mode, hurrying to get ready so that I can be at the Fort before race time. I did manage to prepare my clothes the night before -- so that wasn't a problem. But, I needed to bring a water pitcher with me to fill my hydration belt onsite instead -- glad the pitcher didn't break or leaked!

Even though the fates seemed to have conspired against me, they were kind enough to make sure parking wasn't an issue. There was a bit of a tensed situation along EDSA as MMDA decided to start reblocking operations near Camp Crame -- traffic came to a crawl for probably 500 meters -- that was another stressful period. But, I was glad I got there in time to witness the ceremonial walk and for me to greet my Rotary friends, including Dist. Gov. Boyet Limon and Dist. Gov. Nominee Ed Alvarez, all great buddies of mine.

Friends in Running that were with me at the Starting Line - Dante, Jorge & Ed

Numbness! That was the general feeling I had as I started the run -- 6:00am on the dot. Being so stressed out, I didn't have the time to even acknowledge any other feelings as the run started. I was with running buddies Dante Briones, Jorge Buenaventura and Ed Francisco. Mama Ting took the day off to nurse her strained calf -- she wanted to preserve them for next week's 21K.

Of course, everyone left me behind after the race started. I was determined to manage my pace -- the goal was to have a controlled run to finish the 10K -- no PR's at all -- given that it was my first race back after a month.

The race route was different -- we headed right from the NBC Tent area towards Rizal Drive and 32nd Street where the fast food restaurants were located, swinging by Willcon Depot and back towards the Serendra and Bonifacio High Street Area. The start was flat. The 2nd half would be different.

As we entered the American Cemetery area going up towards the McKinley Hills area, I still felt good. Although in the back of mind, I was wondering whether I'll survive McKinley Hills. The organizers changed the route a bit -- instead of heading towards Bayani Road, they extended the run inside McKinley Hills. Making the 2nd 5K tougher!

Each hill I encountered was an agonizing challenge. I took my time, slowing my pace, taking advantage of the mental aids that I remembered from 10/08 issue of Runner's World I was reading just that weekend. Unfortunately, on the last hill, just before the turn into Lawton Ave. for the home stretch, I gave up 20 feet from the top -- I surrendered to a walk until the top. But I quickly went back running as soon as I reached the corner.

From then on, I kept myself concentrating on completing each kilometer -- there were just 2Kms left until the finish. Counting off each 10 strides helped. Concentrating also on the music coming from my Ipod Shuffle also helped.

Dante and me taking a photo of posterity at the Finish Line. Ironically, we asked a GMA7 Cameraman to take this photo!

Relief and Elation! That's the feeling rounding the last corner and seeing Dante giving me a huge wave and giving me a high five as I passed him on the way to the finish line. Upon stepping over the Finish line, I hit the stop button of my watch. It read 1 hour 8 minutes!! Woah!! A new PR!! I couldn't believe it! Despite all the odds against it, I had a great run -- at least as far as I was concerned.

We had breakfast immediately after with Dante and his family. I didn't find Ed after the race, so I wasn't sure where he went. Jorge decided to extend his run by another 25 minutes in preparation for next week's 21K. I saw a number of fellow runners extending their runs. Me -- I thought I would but I succumbed to my desire to rest and eat -- so, it was breakfast at Portico's. Ting eventually joined us after completing her bike run.

Of course, I took the afternoon off to recover -- somehow, though, I felt that my body was recovering faster compared to previous runs. I didn't need as much ice or felt as much soreness. Maybe I am getting stronger, bit by bit. Somehow, this is how one feels after all the hard work, tension and stressed. What a feeling!!

Runners 4 Others Operation Smile -- Condura Run

For many of us, running is a personal mission -- whether for fitness or for the joy of achieving new goals and levels or just for the sheer joy of running. Some of us use running to espouse personal advocacies -- like what Bald Runner does, seeking contributions of old sneakers and singlets for less fortunate but equally dedicated runners. This time, I would like to invite everyone to help me and a friend of mine with another mission -- to help children who were born with and are suffering from a cleft deformity.

I myself am looking forward to participating in the Condura Run on March 22. I'm sure many of you have also registered and are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to run a 21K over the Skyway. It will be my first -- and I'm dreading the experience already. (he! he!)

My friend, Jajo Quintos, have teamed up with a small group of running enthusiasts called Runners for Others. They are actively supporting the Condura Run in partnership with Operation Smile Philippines.

I'm stunned to learn that every year, one out of 500 Filipino children are born with a cleft deformity. These children go around with a heavy emotional burden brought about by this physical handicap. Fortunately, they can be helped. During my years with the Rotary movement, I've witnessed the healing power of operations to fix cleft deformities -- it's a fantastic feeling to see these kids, who used to cower in fright from shame and redicule, to finally smile, knowing they have a brighter future ahead because of the operation. The results are truly life altering to the affected kids.

Through Operation Smile, kids with cleft deformity are operated on by a team of volunteer Plastic Surgeons. Cost of related medicine and supplies are covered by Operation Smile donations. It takes P12,000 to operate on one child. The Plastic Surgeons waive their fees.

You have a chance to help these children -- When you register, or even if you have already registered, donate P100 at any of the Condura Run registration centers for Runners for Others (R4O) Operation Smile. In return, you will be given a specially designed race bib that you can pin at the back of your singlet on race day. This will be a separate one from your official race bib.

P100 is not a lot to many of us -- but it will contribute a lot to getting a child to smile again. What a great feeling -- running your personal challenge, conquering it and help a child learn to smile again -- R4O Operation Smile -- Let's all support this worthy endeavor now!! Not only will it show you run, it will show you run for others!

UP DLS & UPVST Fun Run

I've never looked forward to a race as much as I did this one!! Why? Somehow, the last two scheduled races, for one reason or another, were races I didn't run in!!! This time, I was determined to show up, no matter what.

I've always loved running at UP. I find the locale eco-friendlier than Bonifacio Global City. The trees actually make it more pleasant on the mind while struggling through the course. It's my 3rd time to run a 10K at UP!! The beauty of this run is that I'm more familiar with the course now and I know, mentally, I should be able to tackle the challenge.

This was organized by the students of the Delta, Lambda, Sigma Sorority and the UP Varsity Swim Team. It wasn't a large crowd -- thankfully so, since registration, payment and bib distribution were handled onsite. That's probably why we were scheduled to start at 6:30am.

I was up early -- 4:30am. The night before was the 50th Anniversary and Homecoming of La Salle Greenhills. I attended but left early so that I didn't have any excuse not to show up the next day. While driving through Tomas Morato, I discovered that the Starbucks Coffee Shop there was opened early -- I decided to stop and grab a cup of coffee and a donut -- at least my stomach and need for caffeine was solved.

I actually arrived at UP way before 5:30am. I parked at the usual parking area but couldn't find the registration site. I was walking around the oval and chanced upon some students putting up signs and asked for directions. I had to head back to the rear of the College of Music -- that's where I found Allan Esguerra, already in line for the registration. A few minutes later, Dante Briones and Mama Ting also arrived. Bringing up the rear was Jorge Buenaventura. Another friend, Dave de Leon, decided to do a long run instead of joining us for the 10K. But, he'll join us for breakfast afterwards.

Everyone was running the 10K except for Mama Ting. After her coached-training runs at ULTRA, she decided to check her 5K performance, hoping for a new PR.

The makeshift registration areas where the runners lined up to register, pay and get their bibs.

The gang posing for posterity before the start of the race.

At close to 6:30am, we were all hearded to the Starting Line. After a few minutes, we were waved off to start our run.

The makeshift tarp marked the Starting Line for the race.

The course was the same route we took during the Runnex 10K run last December. I did around 1 hour 14 minutes last December. I was hoping to do much better and without stopping this time.

The first 5K was good -- I felt strong and the rhythm was good -- despite the terrain. As I neared the last 300 meters of the 1st 5K, I noticed Dante struggling. When I caught up with him, he said that his right left was cramping up. I gave him one of my water bottles and told him to keep it.

There weren't enough water stations during the race. I was glad I brought along my hydration belt. While the students were trying hard, they just were up to the task of organizing a great race. But, I'm not complaining -- it was still a relatively good race.

Unfortunately, at around the 6K mark, I had to take a nature break. But, that was it -- I was able to sustain the rest of the way without any more breaks. The last 1K was the most difficult. I was struggling to mentally stay focused -- I didn't want to succumb to the desire to stop and walk. I started counting whatever distance markers I could see. It was such a relief to finally reach the finish line.

I walked back to the finish line and asked the timekeeper what my time was -- 1 hour 10 minutes and 29 seconds!! I was hoping for a sub 1 hour 10 minute run but I'm happy -- my first 10K run without stopping!! Finally!!

Everyone seemed to have done good runs. Dante was able to recover from his near cramps. The hydration helped and he actually finished ahead of me!!! And, of course, Mama Ting, has a new PR for her 5K -- the result of good coaching and training. Soon, she'll be tackling a 42K full marathon!!

After the race, we all went to Chocolate Kisses by the UP Alumni Center. After a hard but good run, the Bangus, Fried Egg, Garlic Rice and Coffee never tasted so good!!

Breakfast at Chocolate Kisses -- one of life's more satisfying moments -- especially after a good run!!

Happy Run 15K -- DNS

What do you get when you've created so much hype and expectations and then --- you just didn't run??? A bummer of a let-down -- for me and my friends!!!

What's DNS? Since there is DNF (Did not finished) there is DNS for Did Not Start!!!

Somehow, events conspired for me to miss this most anticipated run for January -- my supposedly first 15K run!!

I was trying very hard to manage my diet for Saturday (Jan 24) but, that was not meant to be. Somehow, somewhere, I made a mistake and the result was a bad tummy for Saturday evening. This was compounded by a Chinese New Year get together with my high school batchmates -- really good Chinese dinner at A Hong Restaurant in Quezon City. But, my tummy wasn't the same the whole night.

Then, my usually reliable alarm clock, my Sony Ericsson p990i, decided to conk out at this particular instance. The alarm just didn't go off. I would later find out that if you don't clean up your text message boxes and it goes above 1200 msgs, the phone just stops functioning -- not just incoming messages but also the alarm!!

So, I ended up not waking up for the event and missed not just the run but the birthday breakfast bash for my friends Jorge and Dave!!!

I'm heartbroken, I'm disappointed and I'm pissed!!! But, what can I do. I humbly apologize to my friends and will just have to contend with making a better go with February races. Maybe I will just prepare harder for the 15K race I'll join in February -- the Asian Hospital Run at the Fort on the 22nd. Maybe this was divine intervention telling me I'm not ready for the 15K -- but, I'll definitely try to be ready in February.

Disappointment aside, let me take advantage of this post to greet everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!!! Kung Hei Fat Choi to everyone!!

PSE Bull Run 2009

The most anticipated race for the start of 2009 finally arrived. Not because it's the greatest race ever but it's the first race for the year!! Having set goals for 2009, it's time to see how far I've come since the long lay-off in December. I wasn't as anxious as my previous 10Ks but I wanted it to be a good prelude to my next challenge -- the 15K Happy Run next Sunday.

Okay, okay -- I'm sure many are surprised -- You're running 15K next week??? I know, I know!!! I'm pushing myself beyond what is uncomfortable!!! (That's your fault Gene (Barracuda) -- you told me to go beyond my comfort zone!!) I guess peer pressure and the threat of no free breakfast (what excuses!!) pushed me to decide that I'll run 15K next week. Besides, there was no 10K race in the agenda and my friends, Jorge & Dave, said that they have decided to treat us for breakfast but only for those who run 15K!!! How can you refuse that?? So, I do hope the breakfast will be worth the pain I'm gonna go through this Sunday -- but, I getting ahead of myself, 15K is still the next event.

So, I'm running my first race for 2009 and it's my fourth 10K race since I started running last year. I feel good about my preparation. While I would have wanted to train some more, my health condition didn't give too much time to train. I did manage to sneak around 3 good training runs in 2 weeks.

I arrived around just before 5:30am at Bonifacio Global City but was surprised to see that the race was starting at a different location compared to all the races last year. This was at an empty lot near for the former Dencio's restaurant. I was waiting for Mama Ting for my race packet. There was a few anxious moments as Ting and I lost track of each other as she didn't bring her cellphone with her to the starting area. Thank God we saw each other in time for me to put on my race bib and get into the starting area.

I had some Kodak moments with Nora, who was going to run her first 10K!!! Welcome to the 10K world Nora. Also had a few minutes to chat with Dindo (a.k.a. DATC) and a friend from high school and college, Mike Bangayan, who is a serious triathlete, one of my idols!!

This will be my first 10K run at Bonifacio Global City. I was apprehensive because I wasn't familiar with the route and distance milestones. So when the announcer said ready, get set, go -- I just sucked it up and we were off.

I felt good at the start -- my pacing seemed comfortable, even with the first uphill stretch up the McKinley stretch. Good start since I usually have a difficult time with this hilly stretch. Even as we passed Essensa, my pacing and breathing still felt comfortable.

As we reached Bayani Road towards Heritage Park, I was suprised that runners went past the turn. I would have thought a left turn then would have been logical. But, just a few meters after, we hit the first u-turn and then a quick right into Bayani Road.

This is where is gets a bit tricky since we were entering the hilly segment. I was still okay reaching the u-turn point near C5. The return route was really daunting since you can see the uphill climb all the way to the top. I reached the water station at the top of the hill okay -- took the time to imbibe some water.

This is where my run broke down. I had to intersperse around 3 walk breaks. But right after the Essensa, I continued without stopping until the Finish line. It was actually inspiring to the see the 7 minute/km pacer passing me and Nora just beside him. That forced me to concentrate until the end.

As everyone now knows, the Finish line queue was a terrible ending to the race. In the end, I relied on my watch -- it registered 1 hour 10 minutes!!! Much better than my first three 10Ks. As with all the other runners, the official time is probably not relevant but I'm happy with this run -- not yet perfect but it felt good and should help ease some of the pain for this Sunday's 15K. Let's see what happens!!!

Photo-op at the Finish with Nora and her friend plus Joaquin, a Lasallian Civil Engineering graduate.