Quick Baguio Trip and a 4:30am Run at UP

Over the weekend, I had to do a quick trip to our City of Pines, Baguio. I was hoping I could do a run there but I felt I needed to rest my knee a bit more given the hilly route I would have taken in Camp John Hay and around the Baguio Country Club area. It would have been a great workout but I wanted to play it safe given my sore knee.

So, I guess you're wondering why I'm inserting Baguio into this post -- I discovered a new route that allowed me to reach Baguio in around 4 and 1/2 hours and I just wanted to share this!! Those who've traveled to Baguio recently have already discovered the benefits of the SCTEX -- Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. Admittedly, I'm grateful for Pres. GMA in completing this much-anticipated tollway which dramatically cuts travel time between Pampanga and Tarlac.

I'm sure, though, that most travelers would have swung back into Tarlac City from the SCTEX exit and resume the trip to Baguio via the old MacArthur Highway.

This time, I decided to be adventurous and instead of turning left towards Tarlac City, I turned right towards Victoria. I was a bit worried about getting lost but there were adequate road signs most of the way -- especially those of Directory Philippines Corp. (Directory Yellow Pages) and Jollibee.

This route took me all the towards Guimba, Nueva Ecija. I made a wrong turn somewhere near Guimba and instead of turning left towards Rosales, Pangasinan, I did end up in Guimba. Fortunately, I had a sneaky suspicion I was on the wrong track since most of the directional signs to Baguio seemed to have disappeared. I stopped by a gasoline station and was redirected back by a helpful attendant. Otherwise, I would have gone straight towards Cabanatuan City.

I found out that this route connects me towards the Magilas Trail from Rosales to Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. I was already familiar with the Magilas Trail and this took most of my worries away -- especially since it was starting to get dark.

This route allowed me to speed up since I was driving through roads along rice fields. Fortunately, it's summer and school's out -- otherwise, I would be hitting so many public schools along the way -- that would have slowed me down a bit. I took the same route going back and, thankfully, no mistakes on the way back. I would recommend this path to anyone except when you're driving in the evening -- kinda hard asking for help in the middle of nowhere at dark.

Okay -- that's a quick side trip -- now, for the running post. On Sunday, I was really planning on running at U.P. -- I didn't sign up for the NatGeo run since I wasn't sure how my knee would hold up. Then, may daughter told me she needed to be in Ateneo at 4am to be part of the Company of Ateneo Dancers (CADS) contingent to the GMA7 Party Pilipinas event in Dagupan.

So, I was up at 3:15am and brought my daughter to Ateneo before 4am. Since I didn't want to go back home to sleep for only an hour before heading back to U.P., I ended up there at 4:30am to start my run.

It was eerie -- although the U.P. Oval was well lighted -- there were probably 4 of us people that I could make out at that time. I started my run and decided to extend the route into University Avenue until I reached the traffic light at the C. P. Garcia intersection. I was threading carefully because of my knee -- as such, I did only 5K for the day.

Fortunately, the lights were still on when I started -- lights went out at 5am!! But, since dawn was breaking, it slowly lightened up. Good thing I was too concentrated on running to have any negative thoughts -- especially since I just finished a marathon session with The Vampire Diaries!! he! he!

I'm still worried about my knee since every time I finish a run, it would be sore after -- so, I'm hoping to see a doctor this week. I've started using braces for support -- it helps during the run and I don't feel any pain while moving. It's when I finish a few hours later and the tendon becomes tender. I'm frustrated since I want to focus on my training for my first 42K. I guess the doctor will have to help. Wish me luck!

Racing Comeback - Globe Ayala Land Run for Home '10

I tried to update this blog last week but due to the ongoing dispute between Google and China, even Blogger was unaccessible while I was in Beijing. Oh well -- some tech stuff just can't be overcome. So, here's my delayed post. -- Johnny

It's been a slow climb back -- more than 5 months since I joined any race!! And to think my registration for this race was done on the last day of registration!! I'm glad I did it and I'm glad I'm back.

I've missed the running, the crowds, the friends and the healthy benefits. Over the last 6 months or so, my training has been erratic. For one reason or another, I could never get my training into a consistent groove -- very frustrating and very unhealthy. My weight ballooned closed to 210 lbs.

In early Feb., my colleague Jerry Bennett, our head for the Regional Network Group, and I entered a pact -- we'll help each other out through our wellness training program to achieve our individual goals -- our own "Biggest Loser" program. But, because of our weight difference, we decided to use personal objectives as targets and not percentage weight loss. This has helped us both jumpstart our path to good health.

The Globe Run was a test -- a test of whether my training program has been on track. My goal was just to finish the race close to 2 hours. The run up to the race was frustrating as my business commitments prevented me from running my target 3 training days over the weekdays and a long run on weekends. As such, I was not as confident about even finishing the race but the show must go on.

In this race, I made a number of new runner friends from work. There was a group of newbies who wanted to test the waters in their first 10K event -- I guess they were fitter and more aggressive than I was when I started.

Scenes from the Starting Line -- Fitness First, as usual, provided the warm ups before the start of each race.

I was actually running my first 15K -- I've done two 21Ks last year and the many times I tried running a 15K, I was unable to start for one reason for another. Thus, I had no benchmark for what I would do for a 15K, except that I'll try to keep it as close to 2 hours as possible.

The route was different -- running through the Makati CBD through Greenbelt before heading towards the Fort. Encountering the Kalayaan flyover early in the race was actually good -- at least I was still strong enough to handle the incline. In all my previous races, the return path through Kalayaan flyover was always a torture.

The dreaded Kalayaan Flyover coming from Buendia

The route through the Fort midway through the race was another challenge -- this time you had to rely on mental toughness as you traverse a familiar path but done midway through the race -- we usually do this at the start. Somehow this race route really took advantage of the different hills along the way -- if you don't train on hills, you'll definitely have a rough time.

Each time I checked my Garmin, I was surprised that I was doing better than my training pace. But, I was also frustrated that my Garmin was showing I was running farther than the race distance markers along the route!! Looks like the route is going to be a bit longer than 15K.

The last challenge was the return bout with the Kalayaan Flyover. Somehow the flyover seemed much longer than usual on the finishing run. I knew it was going to be a mental challenge -- I just had to grit it and use every tool in my arsenal to help keep the mind in focus.

I discovered that if I stop at the water station and walked to take my drink, it helped refreshed my legs and mind enough that I could restart the run at a better pace -- that's probably how I was able to sustained a better than normal cadence.

As I rounded Makati Avenue I knew that it was almost over -- I picked the pace a bit but just before I turned the corner to Paseo de Roxas I felt a twitch in my calves -- panic moment -- I thought I was going to cramp up!! I slowed down a bit and prayed that the muscles wouldn't spasm -- just a few more meters to go!! It was such a relief crossing the Finish Line without cramping!! Finally -- a completed 15K. My Garmin showed 1:58:13 at 15.5Kms!! Barely beating my 2 hour goal but I'm happy about the result.

Post race pictures as we were going back to our cars -- that's Jun Martinez and Tere Ibanez of ABS-CBN also -- newbie runners.

The next goal is to try for a 21K again on the way to my first 42K -- hopefully, a first attempt before my birthday in June!

After the race, my newfound friends and I had our rustic Filipino breakfast fare at Rufu's -- it's been awhile since I ate at the joint. My friends even decided to celebrate their run with beers -- a bit too early for me, though!!

Breakfast at Rufu's -- some even had beer!!

Hopefully, I can sustain this progress. And I hope I can sustain the blogging as well -- I miss all of this but I'm glad I'm back. Now, I need to catch up with Ting and the gang -- all full-fledged 42K Marathoners already. I'll catch up soon, gang!!

QCIM - Part 3

Takbo.ph was ably represented at the QCIM through husband and wife running team Jinoe and Queenie. I believe Jinoe did a 21K while Queenie did a 10K.

Dante Briones finally ran his first 21K. He's been training with the Runnex Group at U.P. and we, his friends, are very proud that he finally made the plunge. Now, he's training for his first 42K in 2010!! Good luck Dante!

Hector Yuzon of Second Wind with a strong finish for his 42K!

Dindo, a.k.a. runningDATCom!! Almost didn't recognize him without his familiar and signature headband!!

Another running couple Vener (Run Unltd.) and Christy nearing the finish line together!!!

The Banana Runner in her banana-yellow shirt with another 42K up her sleeve!!

Jaymie, a.k.a. The Bull Runner, with a good 42K showing! I'm happy she's in green!! :-)

Ed Francisco did a good run also on his 2nd 42K. Was able to catch him as he sprinted towards the Finish Line, all smiles. He then came back to join me and Dave to wait for the rest of the gang.
Ting Joson was all smiles upon seeing us near the Finish Line -- this is her first 42K attempt and looks like she's ready for more. Congrats Ting!

Hector went back a number of times to shepherd his wards from Team Tri-Polar. Here's Laarnie with her strong finishing kick on the 42K.

Last, but not the least, is Bobby Go -- one of Dave's pacers. Bobby is New York bound for the NY Marathon and this was his LSD. Dave was actually concerned that Bobby was running a really slow pace as a pacer but he was there to finish his training and to help support all the members of Team Tri-Polar. You can still see him wearing his Pacers' Balloon!!

Congratulations again to all the runners and finishers!!! I'm filled with envy but I'm glad I was there to capture the moments.

QCIM - Part 2

One the key success factors for the QCIM was the all-out support of the Quezon City local government headed by Honorable Mayor Sonny Belmonte. Here, he gamely went on a walk (he actually announced he'll do a 0.5K walk but he definitely did more than that!!) with members of the organizing group, Runnex.

While the runners were seriously trying to establish new PRs or just gamely finish their events (many were first time full marathoners!), this guy came on a stilt!! It's tough enough running the different distances but to do this on walking stilts, that takes talent and a different kind of physical conditioning. And he arrived with all smiles and full of banter!!

The Finish Line was inside the Quezon Memorial Circle. All the runners started outside the Quezon City City Hall complex. I was watching the runners coming home and it was extremely orderly -- the use of the timing chip helps a lot to decongest the Finish Line. Runners were immediately directed to the Activity Area at the heart of the Quezon Memorial Circle.
The chute leading up to the Finish Line was well thought off -- large enough to accommodate the different waves of finishers -- hardly any congestion. I caught several people I know as they finished their individual categories. I was surprised to see good friend Gerry Buhain, my batchmate in Engineering at La Salle -- looks like a first timer at a running event!!

I also saw Quennie, lovely better half of Jinoe, who takes care of Takbo.ph, plus a familiar member of the Takbo.ph group who always runs pushing the stroller of his son -- really inspiring to see him at every race.

The top ten finishers of each category were herded into a small containment area near the Finish Line. Each runner was given a finishers tag and photographed for evidence. The lady runners gamely posed for pictures -- many of them were extremely pretty!!! Pinays talaga -- when it comes to photos, everyone poses!! Even if they didn't know who I was!!

This was an international race and a number of Kenyans took up the challenge to run the first every QC International Marathon. They definitely dominated the different categories they ran in.


At the Activity Area Stage, it was a familiar face that greeted my camera lens -- QC Councilor Doray, a.k.a. Doralicious!! Having finished her own race, she now was taking care of shepherding the post-race program, together with QC Council Dante.

Various sights at the Activity Area. It was a carnival atmosphere at the Finish Area. It was truly great having the Quezon Memorial Monument as backdrop to a truly amazing race. Congratulations to the Quezon City government, Runnex and the rest of the organizers and, of course, the runners who all made it!!

Next post, I'll focus on the individuals and friends I caught on my camera.

Quezon City International Marathon - Sights and Insights

More than a month ago, I was set on running my third 21K at the Quezon City International Marathon. I was excited and was lucky enough to have been included in the list of runner/bloggers who were invited to participate. I knew that I could do it with a sustained training program and it would be great to experience a broader Quezon City event versus the usual Fort Bonifacio/Makati or University of the Philippines runs. I also wanted to support my friend Dave de Leon, who was part of the organizing group under Runnex.

But, as with a lot of well-laid plans, things started to fall apart. Training days became strained because of work load and weather interference. Then came the devastating typhoons and I was pulled left and right with activities and work. As such, I found myself facing last Sunday with a training plan in shambles.

So, what do you do when you know you can't handle an ardous 21K run? You go and help support the event through the eyes of my camera instead. In the next few posts, I shall try to give you a flavor of what transpired last Sunday (Oct. 18) at the QC International Marathon. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture the run along the route -- I stayed around the Quezon Memorial Circle area. Hopefully, other bloggers would have route-based pictures to complete the view.

This post will focus on the race starts -- I missed the Full Marathon start -- couldn't get myself to wake up on time, but I was able to capture the 21K and other races.

At the starting line early in the morning -- the 42K runners took off at 4:30am, followed by the 21K runners at 5am. The QCIM logo looked golden and radiant under the bright lights at the starting area.

Zorro was both a fixture and a runner in the 21K. The QC government came in full force to support the race in line with their 70th founding anniversary. Even the PNP came in full force to help with crowd control. I was impressed with the portalets -- the colors were attractive and different!

Dave de Leon introduced me to a number of the Runnex organizers and I had a chance to meet one of our foremost national track stars -- Elma Muros.

One the unique features of this event was the Paraplegic division. It was inspiring to see our brethrens in wheelchair handling the grueling race -- a real show of upper body strength.

The Honorable Mayor Sonny Belmonte of Quezon City was there early in the morning to lend support for the whole project -- here you see him firing the gun for the start of the 5K race.

A collage of pictures showing the action at the starts of the different races

Right after the turn from Commonwealth Ave. is the water station of 100 Plus. Dave samples some of the 100 Plus drinks prepared for the runners

Salonpas was also prepared to help respond to the sore muscles of the runners. Unfortunately, they didn't have the Salonpas sprays -- which would have been gratefully welcomed by many of the tired runners coming into the final stretches of the race.

That's it for the meantime. I'm working on the next installment featuring some of the pictures taken near the finish line. Till my next post!!!

New Running Supplies Shipment

Just want to inform everyone that my new shipment of running supplies just arrived. I'm putting on the market the following items:

GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gels - P 3,000 per box

Vanilla Orange Flavor, 24Pk box, Exp Mar 2010
Blueberry Pomegranate, 24Pk box, Exp May 2010

GU Energy Gels - P 1,450 per box (apologies to my old customers but my costs went up slightly)

Vanilla Bean, 24Pk box, Exp Apr 2010
Strawberry Banana, 24Pk box, Exp Apr 2010
Espresso Love, 24Pk box, Exp May 2010
Chocolate Outburst, 24 Pk box, Exp. May 2010
Orange Burst, 24 Pk box, Exp. May 2010





Body Glide Anti-Chafing Sticks



1.3 oz Stick - P 450.00

2.5 oz Stick - P 750.00



If you are interested in any of these products, please give me a push through my email at syjohnny@gmail.com. We can communicate on what's the best approach to consummate the transaction.

Thank you all.

Post Cam-Sur Get Together

My friend Dave has repeatedly warned me that my blog is becoming irrelevant -- because I haven't updated it in over a month!!! Part of it is because I haven't joined any races recently -- and my training is sporadic. With work on the rise and the weather uncooperative, there hasn't been much activity to report on.

But, while my blog has been quiet, my Facebook account is active -- since it doesn't focus on just running. Unfortunately, Dave and Jorge don't have Facebook -- that's why all the pressure is there to put the pictures I've posted in FB right here in my blog.

So, dear friend Dave, here's my first posting after a month and we'll celebrate the successful completion of the 70.3 Ironman even at Cam-Sur last month by several of our running buddies -- now certified triathletes and Ironmen!!!

Actually -- I don't have pictures of the Cam-Sur event. I'll try and get copies from Ed Francisco. His lovely spouse Moy took a lot of pictures of the event. I'll update the blog when I get the pictures.


In the meantime, we'll fastforward and talk about the get together we had on Monday, August 31. Hosted by power couple Bobby (the Emperor) and Gina Go at their residence, we arrived to share food, drinks, stories and pictures from an exciting and successful Ironman! The photos and the side stories were abundant -- made me, Dave and Rico feel so out of it!! We weren't there!!! And, we were all envious!!!



From spills that gave Laarni a shiner to the tragic accident befalling Miguel Vazquez -- it wasn't all silver lining -- but with the team ably completing the gruelling event with even podium finishes -- it was a cause for celebration nevertheless!! Of course, there were pictures with the pros and winners, too!!! The ladies were all swooning!!



Ting finished second in her age group but was outshone during the awarding by the 3rd placer, when she took the mike and gave a speech!!!



But, I got to meet up with Hector Yuzon of Second Wind with his lovely partner Tania and bike expert Edmund Mangaser.

Envious as I was, I still wasn't motivated enough to try the 2 other disciplines. I'll focus first on my running -- and maybe join them next year as photographer and part of the support team!!! he! he!