RACE REPORT: RU2 Exceeds Expectations

Each year, experienced runners and newbies alike are anticipating the Run United Trilogy. Last June 1, Unilab Active Health held the second leg and surprised everyone with lots of exciting changes to the race. As we runners exceeded ourselves, the organizers exceeded our expectations as well.

Listening to the clamor brought about by the registration issues from leg 1, the organizers simplified leg 2's registration, removing the race kit claiming event, and returning the option for online registration and race kit delivery, much to runners' delight. I was one of the early bird registrants, doing it online, and recommending that option to all my fellow runner friends as well. I got my race kit delivered to my doorstep, hassle-free.

Another surprise announcement (and a welcome one at that) was the release of the race maps for leg 2. First time the race start will be at Kilometer Zero at Luneta! Gone is the point A to point B race from the past years (starting at BGC and ending at SM Mall of Asia). Now, the race starts at KM0 and ends at KM0, with a route traversing Roxas Boulevard to Coastal Road all the way to Cavitex! Now that's one straight route with just one turn at the Cavitex entrance and one U-turn at Cavitex. It was such a fresh and exciting route!

The Run United 2 2014 32k Race Map

In order to relax and prevent the stress of looking for a parking space at Luneta on race day, I booked a hotel room at the nearby H2O Hotel at Ocean Park, walking distance away from KM0. I loved the view from my hotel room!

Great view from my H2O Hotel room

Race day came, and our meet-up area is near the Tamaraw statue at KM0. Gun start is at 3am so we were there an hour before.

From L-R: Cholo, Wyatt, me, JP, Ryan, Rolly

Some of my Team Banana teammates were late, so we failed to have a group photo donning our Nike tops. When the announcement was made that we could go to the assembly area, we went ahead as we didn't want to be placed too far back from the starting line.

The usual pre-race program commenced, which started with the national anthem, an opening prayer, a warm-up led by Chris Everingham, and the visuals for the race route and countdown. We had the entire four lanes of Roxas Boulevard the first few kilometers, which is a great strategy for runners to spread out and lessen runner congestion.

At the start of Coastal Road, I met Becky Runner, Ikasam and Kyle who were pacing each other. I mentioned my strategy of doing a constant 6 minute per kilometer pace, with a sub-3:20 target. They joined me for a few kilometers but then I lost them at one of the hydration stations as I was practicing doing quick stops only - pick a water cup, sip, walk a few seconds, then run again. As I ran and looked back, I couldn't see them following me, so I was back alone on my steady pace.

I was able to sustain my target pace, and on my way back, I had to walk it out on the two flyovers to reserve my energy. My strategy on being patient all throughout the course worked, as I had enough energy left to run even on the final kilometers (but I had a cramps attack at KM31 haha!). I finished with a chip time of 3 hours, 18 minutes and 49 seconds. Target achieved! (By the way, my time from 2013 RU2 32k is a miserable 4:16 so almost an hour improvement was a welcome one.)

Thanks to Lem of Pinoyfitness for this shot! Almost at the finish line!

Some race notes:
- Run United races never fail at hydration. As usual overflowing ice-cold water and Gatorade at evenly-spaced hydration stations.
- Lots of marshals and medics and visible ambulances along the route.
- I love the 32k race route and hope something similar will be in store for us this coming RUPM
- Medal quality consistency is way better than 2013's trilogy medals
- The finisher shirt rocks!
- I couldn't help but laugh when some runners blame the organizers for smoke belching vehicles or the foul stench at Coastal Road. I hope people understand that there are things beyond the organizer's control.

Of course, no RU2 race will be complete without the photo ops at the finish line area, as we waited for friends who are about to finish the race.

From L-R: Cholo, JP, Wyatt, me, JC

From L-R: Goldi, Becky, Bernie, Lurvin, me, Wyatt, Reyman, Archie, sleeping Sy and JP. Ikasam sitting down. 

From L-R: Paul, Jireh, Hazielle, me, Sy and Rolly

With officemate and triathlete Jhino and his girlfriend Giselle

From L-R: Syril, me, Ryan, Loyce, Rolly

Another plus? As soon as the race results were officially released two days after the race, it was in two batches - one according to gun time, and another according to chip time! Yay! It's one of the items I was looking for in RU1 and they have it now in RU2. Great job!

Top 7.7% - 217th out of 2794 32k finishers. Nice.

One more leg to cap-off this year's trilogy. I'm excited for RUPM! Thanks Unilab, Runrio and Unilab Active Health!

#NatGeoRun2014 - Marathon #8

I've always supported NatGeo races and believed in their advocacy. This year's edition is a special one as it is the first time the event introduced the marathon category. It was a very welcome change for runners looking for a 42k event, having been disappointed by the cancellation of this year's Condura Skyway run.

It was marathon #8 for me, and I was targeting at least a sub-5 on this race. I did my usual pre-race preps (massage, stretching and chiro) days before the race but for some reason, I think I overdid it. My body, instead of getting relaxed, became more tired coming into the race. I also regret having worn a race belt during the race, with the sole intention of it carrying my mobile phone for event photos. I was not used to running with this worn on my waist, and I could only sigh as it became heavier and heavier as the kilometers progressed.

At an early KM25, I walled. My left calf was screaming with pain as cramps attacked. It didn't help either that the 42k route is just a loop of the 21k route. And to top it off, the merge with the sea of 21k runners during the 2nd loop became a big headache. The roads of BGC just couldn't handle the sheer number of participants. (Of course it is a different story for faster runners who did not experience merging with the lower categories.)

My finish time? 5 hours, 4 minutes and 1 second. Another blah marathon performance. But I finished it injury-free so I still have something to be thankful for.

So some notes from the event:

• I love the 12mn gun start for the marathon category. It was a hot and humid summer day but at least we avoided the sun.
• Hydration was overflowing.
• The finisher medal is simple and the design is ok. (My runner friend Wyatt's medal was detached from the lanyard by the way.)
• I'm not a fan of route loops but the organizers made the most of what BGC can offer as part of the race map anyway so I'm not complaining.
• The only improvement item for me - the finisher shirt. This is the first time I received a finisher shirt that had 21k|42k both printed on it. It was soooo generic, it doesn't even make the marathon finishers feel special.

And now to some photos to remember the race by:

The "Mamaws" (photo courtesy of JP)

Me and Boki Wyatt

With Cholo, Wy and Rolly

With Ryan and Hazielle (who paced and finished together until finish line) and Rolly

Breakfast at Yellow Cab. Nice meeting you Nik! And thanks, Hazielle for the pizza treat!

Hope NatGeo offers the 42km category on their 2015 race! Great job to NatGeo and Event King!

Sub-2 Pacer Duty (A Success!) at Run United Leg 1

Aaargh! Another late blog post. Thank God for a non-working holiday, I finally was able to open my blog site again and burn some backlogs. I've been looking forward to sharing my RU1 race experience for quite some time now.

March 13 - Race Kit Claiming:
Much controversy surrounded this year's leg 1 of Run United, with the introduction of prepaid cards as part of the registration process. Well as for me, I did an online registration the very first day registration opened, so I didn't have to go through queuing for the prepaid card purchase. Prepaid cards, especially of the 21km category, was sold out in record time, with a lot of speculations that scalpers hoarded them and selling them at much higher prices. There were some runners who took it against Coach Rio and the organizers of RU1 unfortunately. I think it's quite unfair though, to blame organizers when the intent was good for the prepaid card system - for runners to input their complete registration details at the comfort of their own homes, and for proper tracking of the singlet and finisher shirt demand and supply. Again, runners only have themselves to blame - if no one would support these scalpers, they wouldn't thrive anyway.

Race kit claiming was slated from March 13 to 15 at Mall of Asia. After attending a shoe launch at Glorietta, I was accompanied to MoA by Run Adobo King CJ and Speedy Titan Rolly. What greeted us was a very, very long line. With thousands of registrants, I kinda expected this. Fortunate for us though, fellow runner Syril was already in queue and he offered getting our confirmation slips so he could claim our kits together with his. Such luck!

Selfie with the snake-like lines at the background

Runner Newbie Wannabe Photo - presenting the 21k race map! Lol!

Finally getting our kits after the long wait

Race kit! I'm runner #8667!

March 16 - Race Day:
With my crazy Team Banana teammates' idea to wear a uniform on race day, I borrowed a Team Ninoy cycling shirt from Boss Raphie a couple of days before the race. I was not sure if the top will be a comfortable fit, but I borrowed it anyway. RU1 will be sort of a newbie-type race - me wearing a lot of new running gear - my new Garmin FR220, new Asics Kayano 20 shoes, new 2XU 3/4 compressions tights, and a newly-borrowed top! Haha!

I was at the venue early, so as not to get stressed with parking, and one by one, my teammates arrived. Such fun seeing us donning the yellow shirt (as yellow as a banana could be), and of course we wouldn't miss to grab some photos before heading to the race assembly area.

From L-R: Mark Runner, Beck Runner, Ikasam, Chef Lloyd, Mervin, Prof Syril, me

We were way at the back of the pack in the 21k assembly area, and found out runners will be released in two waves (obviously we were in Wave 2).

Photo courtesy of Tong Pascua. Team Yellow!

Initial discussion that we had, we will run together with a target sub-2, but will be grouped in pairs - Wyatt and Ikasam, Syril and Lloyd, me and Becky. Imagine 6 runners running as a group until finish line.

However all that changed as the race started. With the sheer number of runners, we were zigzagging our way to overtake runners left and right. It was energy-consuming and you could easily lose the person you are running with. I stuck with the plan of pacing Becky though, even when Syril and Wyatt sped off to do their normal race pace. I can sense Becky is on peak condition and will grab the sub-2 target.

Run United 1 2014 21k race route

I tried my best to be a strict pacer, watching Becky's running form, reminding him not to shout back to runners greeting him along the way, pushing him to lessen his walk breaks at hydration stations and asking him just to take sips instead of consuming entire cups of water and Gatorade. He also keeps on looking at his own GPS watch, something I don't approve, as I want to remove the pressure from him by being the one to monitor our run time. At the race mid-point, we were very much on track with our target, with some buffer to relax.

Thanks Sir Art Mendoza for this shot at one of the Gatorade hydration stations

As the final 3 kilometers approached, it became tougher as we were running with runners from all categories. There were a lot of walkers and selfie runners who just can't follow basic running etiquette. It was like the start of the race all over again as we zigzagged our way to the final stretch. At the last hydration station, I asked Becky if he wants to stop and he answered no. We sped off and reached the final U-turn point on the way to the finish line.

It was a photo finish - we clocked in with a chip time of 1 hour, 59 minutes and 52 seconds. My sub-2 pacer duty is a success! Great job to Becky for keeping up with the pace!

Almost at the finish! Photo courtesy of I Love to do this

After the race, of course it's time to hang out and meet fellow runners and finishers at the race village.

With the Runner Mamaws - Ralph, Mervin, Ikasam, Wyatt, Syril, JP, Cholo, Pat, Archie (Photo courtesy of JP)

With Syril, Rolly, Vincent, Ryan and JP (Photo courtesy of JP)

So sad we didn't have a complete group shot. Team Banana in all our yellow glory - Becky, Ikasam, Wyatt, Syril, Lloyd, Mervin. Missing Team Banana Members in RU1: Raphie, Goldi, Mark Mark

Breakfast time with Ryan, Hazielle, Rolly, Joey, Jake and Flip at Mang Inasal

A couple of days after, race results were released. I'm a bit disappointed though that they only released ranking based on gun time. I'm not really sure how difficult it is to generate another set of results based on chip time, which is only fair for a race with waves.

Well, I just generated one on my own using my MS Excel skills. Haha! So it turned out my 506th ranking in gun time is way lower than my chip time ranking which is 379th! Out of 4717 21k finishers, that's really something.

I can't wait for leg 2 this coming June 1! It's another Afroman distance to conquer! Congratulations and thanks to Unilab Active Health and Runrio for helping us runners again to exceed ourselves!

Back-to-back 21k PR at Financial Fitness Run!

The last time I did a back-to-back 21k PR was way back in 2011 at QCIM (1:58:51) then at Milo Finals (1:51:19). 2 years and 2 months later, I was able to do it again! Fresh from my new PR at PSE Bull Run 2014, I smashed that with a new personal best at Greentennial's Financial Fitness Run.

My quick review of the race:
- Race Route - The event's main selling point for me is the 21k route, incorporating the Ayala Triangle. The issue for me though is the handling of runner traffic, especially at the Paseo-Buendia intersection, where runner collision was at risk due to confusing runner flows.
- Race Distance - I got some feedback that the actual distance for 21k is 500m short. Unfortunately I still did not have any working GPS watch yet so I was not able to confirm.
- Hydration - It was good. Even at the race village there even was a water station so this is a plus for me.
- 21k finisher's trophy - this is a first for me, getting a trophy for finishing a half marathon. I do find it too much though, for the distance. The trophy design is great but I still have mixed feelings on a finisher's trophy if it's not an ultramarathon event. I still prefer the finisher medal for 21k.
- Event hosts - Great hosting from Sam YG and of course, the ever-pretty Mish Maravilla!

Financial Fitness Run 2014 21k Race Route

I was not sure whether to be on race-mode but with the cool weather conditions, I gave it a go. The 21k category is not that crowded as well so it's perfect for runners trying to break their PRs.

Action shot courtesy of KM6.16 Runners. Thanks for the snap!

I clocked in at a chip time of 1 hour, 45 minutes and 47 seconds, beating my PSE Bull Run time by a couple of minutes. So near my dream of doing a sub-1:45 21k!

After the race, I walked around the race village to look for familiar faces and get some snaps.

With barefoot Loyce - this was his heat training in preparation for BDM102.

With Mish - definitely leveled up with her hosting duties. Nice seeing you!

With Sam YG and Mish (doing the Sam YG pose)

With Runningshield Patrick Concepcion (and his famous shoulder bag)

With the super kind (and kulit) Coach Mherlz

A couple of days later, official results were out via http://www.myrunti.me/

I placed 75th out of 1427 21k finishers, about top 6.3%. Thank you Lord, for another running milestone.

Congratulations to CFA Society Philippines and Greentennial for the first ever staging of Financial Fitness Run. Hopefully next year's edition will be bigger and better!

PSE Bull Run 2014: A 21k Sub-1:50 At Last!

I vowed revenge after my first ever DNF at the 2013 edition of PSE Bull Run. 2014's really shaping up to be my year for running; I shattered my long standing 21k PR from Milo Finals 2011 (1:51:08) with a 1:48:07 at PSE Bull Run 2014! I still can't believe it, but my recent ultramarathon definitely increased my endurance and speed.

Registration Process:
I find the reg process quite weird - I registered online via the SM Tickets website. I thought that was it after I made the credit card payment. But no. After reading my confirmation email, it turned out I just received a claim voucher, which I should print and bring along with me to an SM Cinema branch, to get my race kit claim stub. That claim stub, I should bring with me during race kit claiming period. Quite a hassle if you ask me.

The REAL Race Kit Claim Stub

The Race:

The route was quite tough, with the usual Kalayaan flyover and the dreaded hilly part of Lawton Avenue. Actually, I didn't know what to expect of the race. I knew I was on recovery mode post-LU2TA, but at the back of my mind I wanted a strong finish. The race had a number of running teams vying for the fastest group category. The speed of competing runners will be contagious.

PSE Bull Run 2014 21k race map

I initially paced with Syril during the early part of the race, though he went ahead as I could not catch up with his usual "fast start" pace. I usually "warm-up" after the first 3 to 5 kilometers.

Me and Prof Syril - Photo courtesy of We Run For Good Health

Feeling strong and in good race condition, I picked up my pace. The weather's cool and it's not that crowded. Again that little voice inside my head is saying it's a good day for a PR. My Soleus GPS watch no longer locks a signal so I can't even monitor the distance nor my pace. I just had to keep running and hope for the best.

Action shot courtesy of Red Knight

With a 4am race start, I was surprised to approach the finish line with the sun not even fully up, which only means one thing - I finished fast. And ecstatic I was as I saw the timer displaying 1:48! My dream sub-1:50 finally became a reality! A recovery 21k run turned 21k personal best! TYL!

Post-Race:
I had some time to stroll around with still a few people at the race village. Grabbed my lootbag (with the finisher medal inside), and then went back to my car to change and get my camera. After my usual social media update, I walked back to the race village for the usual meet-up with friends. And so let's go on with the photos:

Actor Joem Bascon spotted! He ran in the 16km category.

With the winning members of the fastest team category - The PowerPuff Boys! Idols!

With officemate, photographer and runner friend Lem

Of course, I had to take a photo with Runningshield Patrick Concepcion. He's nursing an injury so he's not on race mode (But still fast!)

With Team Alpha1 / Team Beta2 teammate Barefootdaves

Surrounded by Team Titans members

With my running buddy Ryan (What the hell happened to my medal here?!)

With Vincent, who ran LU2TA 60km as well

With Speedy Titan Rolly and Prof Syril

Post-race breakfast with Team Titans - Rolly, Hazielle, Paul, Ryan (Mother Lily all the way back center)

Lesson learned: A DNF in a race should never dishearten anyone. You can try again and come back stronger.

1 hour, 48 minutes, 7 seconds. Yes, I'm a bull.

Kudos to Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc for staging the race's 10th edition.