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!

Pro-Earth Run on April 12, 2014

This 12 April 2014, 4:30AM, at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Earth Day Network Philippines stages its first-ever fun run, PRO-EARTH RUN 2014. An advocacy run to encourage people to Protect, Respect, and Oversee the sensible and sustainable care for Mother Earth, it is presented by Malungai Life Oil – an organic and all-natural highly concentrated extract obtained from Malunggay leaves and seeds (www.malungailifeoil.com) and UPS – United Parcel Service (www.ups.com).

WHAT: Pro-Earth Run
WHEN: April 12, 2014 (Saturday)
WHERE: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
RACE CATEGORIES: 3km, 5km, 10km

Registration Details:

Pro-Earth Run 2014 Registration Fee, Kit Inclusions and Gun Start Times

Pro-Earth Run 2014 Registration Process

Pro-Earth Run Sample SM Ticket Registration Stub

Pro-Earth Run 2014 Singlet Design and Size Chart

*** Press Release ***

EARTH DAY NETWORK PHILIPPINES' PRO EARTH RUN | 12 APRIL 2014 | BGC

In the year 2013, the Philippines has seen and experienced the worst of natural disasters. The country bore the brunt of a monster typhoon and a deadly earthquake that killed thousands and left billions of pesos in damage to infrastructure and properties.

Super Typhoon Yolanda alone, the strongest and most destructive cyclone to hit the Philippines in more than four decades, is now considered one of the four most powerful typhoons ever recorded in the world and the most intense to have made landfall.

Meanwhile, the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the provinces of Bohol and Cebu on Oct. 15, moved part of Bohol closer to Cebu by 55 centimeters; the tremor has generated more than 4,000 aftershocks too.

Challenging Realities
No stranger to catastrophic natural disasters, the Philippines was ranked as the third most disaster-prone country in the world because of its high exposure to natural calamities based on the World Disaster Report 2012 released in Brussels, Belgium. Another study also reported how the Philippines rocketed up the list of countries that are most vulnerable to disaster.

Given the Philippines’ intensifying vulnerability to natural disasters, now more than ever, Filipinos from all walks of life must make a conscious and concerted effort to become active environmental advocates.

Crusaders of Mother Earth
This 12 April 2014, 4:30AM, at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Earth Day Network Philippines stages its first-ever fun run, PRO-EARTH RUN 2014. An advocacy run to encourage people to Protect, Respect, and Oversee the sensible and sustainable care for Mother Earth, it is presented by Malungai Life Oil – an organic and all-natural highly concentrated extract obtained from Malunggay leaves and seeds (www.malungailifeoil.com).

A 3K, 5K, 10K race category event, PRO EARTH RUN is also supported by UPS, PCSO, First Gen, Merrell, Globe, The Body Shop, Holcim, The Free Food Co. Coco Dolce, Business Mirror, Malaya Business Insight, Business World, Manila Times, Circuit Magazine, 106.7 Energy FM, 107.5 Win Radio, SM Tickets, SM Cinema, Digi Post, and Mother Earth advocates and runners.

Earth Day Network Philippines is the local counterpart of the global Earth Day Network International. It is a network organization that campaigns for environmental citizenship, spearheading the annual April 22nd Earth Day Celebration by partnering with government agencies, non-government organizations, private corporations, academic institutions, religious groups, and environmental advocates (www.earthdayphilippines.org).

Go PRO-Earth. Now.
Typhoon Yolanda has taught us that we don’t stand a chance against nature’s sheer force.  And if we have learned our lesson well, we know by now that our only option against nature’s wrath is to go PRO-Earth, never against it.

Do join us in this endeavor. After all, "we make the world we live in and shape our own environment" (Orison Swett Marden).

Introducing the adidas Energy BOOST!

*** Press Release ***

Endless Energy Begins with BOOST™

adidas Continues to Expand its Energy Running Footprint

Herzogenaurach, Germany (February 2014) – Inspired by insight and driven by demand, adidas BOOST™ cushioning technology delivers the Energy Running solution that today’s runners are chasing.

As they hit the roads, tracks and trails in record numbers, today’s runners are seeking more from their runs and more from their running shoes. To answer the call, adidas and partner BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, developed BOOST foam cushioning that returns more energy than any other foam cushioning in the running industry. By using thousands of eye-catching energy capsules BOOST has changed running forever.

BOOST technology forges the qualities of performance cushioning and responsiveness that runners were previously forced to choose between. Energy BOOST, the first shoe to feature BOOST technology was unleashed last February and continues to provide runners with a unique Energy Running experience.

“BOOST has blazed the trail for Energy Running and reflects adidas’ commitment to strategic performance innovation,” said Eric Liedtke, adidas head of performance. “As the shoe that helped us introduce BOOST, Energy BOOST demonstrates the elaborate research and cutting edge development required to satisfy today’s Energy Running crave.”

BOOST was developed to remain consistently cushioned and incredibly responsive through sub-zero cold to punishing heat. Testing conducted by the adidas Innovation Team (aIT) revealed that, when taken from +40 to -20 degrees Celsius, BOOST foam is three times more temperature-resistant than standard EVA material, providing a more consistent run.

The upper of Energy BOOST features adidas Techfit, highly durable elastic polyurethane that provides optimal comfort and support to the entire foot while in motion. The formfitting, breathable mesh material offers the fit of a sock, while engineered powerbands across the upper provide targeted support and stabilization.

Energy BOOST also includes an extended TORSION® system from heel to toe which helps minimize roll for stability. This feature works with an external heel counter, which maximizes the heel fit and comfort during runs.

On February 26, adidas will unveil the first wave of new Energy BOOST colorways with a second series in March to complement its state-of-the-art Energy Running technology.

The new collection of miCoach compatible Energy BOOST colorways will retail for PHP 7995 and will be available at leading adidas and sports stores nationwide.

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.

Leveling Up to Ultramarathon: 60km at LU2TA

I often mention to running friends I'll never venture into race events beyond 42km. I ate my own words last February 9 when I ran my very first ultramarathon - not just 50km mind you. It's a 60km event - LU2TA, from Luneta to Tagaytay, hence the tagline "City to the Sky". Well what it became in actuality is a 63km event - started at Rajah Sulayman instead of the intended Luneta.

My 711 Run 1000 post accounted the events leading to my hospitalization and a week-long rest from work. However, that did not stop one of my Team Banana teammates Syril to bully me in registering for LU2TA. Invite after invite I was just laughing it off. I know I'm in no condition to even run a full marathon with my recent illness.

But there are just instances when a certain seed has been planted in our heads, that we just can't shake off. I was curious if I could do an ultra. With 4 years of running experience, I feel I am ready. I told Syril and Becky Runner it's a go. I decided not to tell anyone else though what I am about to do. This will be my secret race event. It's a win-win situation for me. If I finish the race, I get to brag about it. If I DNF, no one will know. Hahaha!

Fresh from my long rest, I had to have my legs warmed-up again. February 2, I did an LSD with Syril and Mark Runner. No target distance, but I was hoping to at least do a half-marathon. My body only managed a 14km run and I already got tired. With one week until race day, panic started to sink in.

LSD with Syril (and Mark Runner, not in this photo). Bumped into Coach Mherlz who gave me some great ultramarathon preparation tips. (Photo courtesy of Syril)

But this is a commitment. The next day, I went to a BDO branch near the office, and deposited the registration fee of P1750. This is it! There's no turning back now.

Desperate to be ultramarathon-ready with one week left, here are the things I did:

• Diet - an apple, banana, a bottle of Powerade each day. Coach Mherlz advised loading of Powerade for my body to get used to electrolytes. And a lot of carbs - macaroni salad, pasta, pizza, rice. I was on pig-mode the whole week.
• Work-out - I did 5km on the cross-ramp machine at Gold's daily from February 3 to 5 before tapering. 
• Atlas Pelvis / Body Treatment at Karada - Scheduled an appointment for bone alignment and body treatment last February 5. Karada is one of my recent finds and I just love this Japanese Seitai salon.
• Stretching at Intercare - met my PT Franz of Intercare for an hour long stretching session last February 6.
• Stock-up on GU Roctane - bought 6 Roctanes, with the plan of consuming one every 10 kilometers

Hopefully, the effects of everything I did will work their magic come race day.

February 8, Saturday, went to Makati in the afternoon to go to the grocery, hear mass at Greenbelt, and then meet with Team banana teammates Syril and Mervs. Sy generously offered his support car, though I had doubts one support car can support multiple runners with different race pace. I'm really going into this ultramarathon experience with no idea on what my expectations should be, except the vision of me crossing the finish line. Haha!

With Team Banana Mark Mark, Mervs, Sy and Cholo (Photo courtesy of RunningSmasher)

We arrived at the assembly area and were informed we need to check-in our bibs. The race organizer Prince Baltazar also served as the host of the event, while runners were all around the area just waiting for the signal for race start. Funny how at the stroke of midnight, Prince just did a quick 15 second countdown and then runners were sent off, coming from different locations as there was no definite assembly area.

Within the first kilometer, I noticed Sy speeding off in a very strong pace. I was originally planning to pace with him (to not complicate our support needs), but I had to let go and run a slower pace. So I was on my own.

We passed by two of the usual flyovers at Roxas Boulevard without the comfort of road closure. First time I did a run like this, with passing vehicles and without road cones and without much marshals along the way. So this is how running an ultramarathon feels like. Its fun and risky at the same time.

While enjoying my alone time, a runner suddenly approached me from the right - it was Loyce! Glad to see a familiar face. He was surprised seeing me doing an ultramarathon. I told him my strategy to keep this a secret event. So now I had someone to pace with. Yay!

After passing the second flyover, we turned left at Airport Road and then right to Quirino Avenue. Quirino Avenue passes two cities - Paranaque and Las Pinas, and ends up at Aguinaldo Highway, a long stretch passing multiple Cavite cities - Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas, then Tagaytay!

Pacing with Loyce (Photo courtesy of Team BANG running)

Loyce was kind enough to offer extending his support to me, with his girlfriend Mary Ann doing primary support duties (Thanks Mary Ann!). Your ice-cold Coke was a savior! Haha!

Approaching half-way point though, Loyce was complaining about tummy problems already. He had to do his thing so he told me to go ahead and will catch up if he can. So again, I was left alone, though I still was able to catch up with Syril's support crew to refill my hydration bottle a couple of times. Thanks Goldi and Set for the cheers and support during my quick pit stops.

Alone again. Lol! (Photo courtesy of RunningSmasher)

And so the long and tiring route continued. Aguinaldo Highway is a very familiar territory (as I worked at Intel Cavite for a few years) so I knew how long I still need to run to finish the race. Official hydration stations were placed every 10 kilometers. There were water, Gatorade, hard-boiled eggs, bananas and lots of Flat Tops at each station, much to my delight. I probably consumed 3 to 5 Flat Tops every time I stop at those stations. Haha!

The gradual inclining roads of Aguinaldo Highway eventually took its toll on my body. I had to do frequent long walks and shorter runs. When I saw sunrise, I realized I have been running (and walking) for 6 hours already! At this point also came the realization I was already an ultramarathoner, as the 42km point was already way behind me.

Photo courtesy of Kit Elma Photography

Photo courtesy of Mike Martinez

Photo courtesy of Mike Martinez

As I reached the end of the Aguinaldo Highway, I knew it was just one last push as I turned left on the Tagaytay-Calamba road. Excitement kicked-in a bit so I consumed my last GU Roctane which gave me energy to run (though in a slower pace as it was quite an upHELL).

The temperature's perfect, not hot and not too cool. I had limited hydration left on the bottle I'm carrying but I was not that thirsty. I heaved a big sigh of relief as I saw the entrance of the Palace in the Sky, but the zigzag road and inclined road going to the top was a killer. As I saw the finish line, I didn't even bother to run. I finished the race - all 63 kilometers of it! I am now an ultramarathoner!

Receiving the medal and trophy from the race organizer himself - Prince Baltazar!

With the guy who planted the ultramarathon seed in my head - Syril. Thanks for bullying me to join. Haha!

It was then time to hang-out and cheer other runners finishing the race. I was in the company of Team SCR, what a bunch of fun (and strong) runners!

Team SCR snap c/o RunningSmasher

With Mervs and Sy. Go Team Banana!

Our post-race breakfast at Kenny Rogers Nuvali. A big meal well-deserved!

Two days later, results were released at this link: http://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=18280

My official finish time - 8 hours, 35 minutes and 47 seconds, 135th out of 600 finishers, translating to being at the top 22.5% percentile. Really not bad for my first ultra.

Me and my runner friends' results

Now you might be asking, will I continue this UM craze? Naaah. No plans yet on doing my 2nd ultra. It would probably take some time. The question bothering my mind has been answered already anyway.

Congratulations to Prince Baltazar and his organizing committee for staging this unique race! How many people can say they've ran from Manila to Tagaytay? 

Can I finish an ultra? HELL YEAH I CAN.

Blast Off Run for UP-PGH Hematology Patients on February 23, 2014

WHAT: BLAST OFF Run for UP PGH Hematology Patients
WHEN: February 23, 2014 (Sunday)
WHERE: UP Diliman, Quezon City
RACE CATEGORIES: 3km, 5km and 10km
RACE ORGANIZER: Runrio
RACE BENEFIARY: Sagip Buhay

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Online (From January 20 to February 9) at www.runrio.com
In-Store (until February 19) at the following locations:
- Riovana BGC
- Riovana Katipunan
- Toby's SM Mall of Asia
- Toby's SM North, the Block

Blast-Off Run Registration Fees and  Race Inclusions

Blast-Off Run Actual Singlet

JOIN NOW!