The Chronicles of My First Marathon (Part 2)

Before I got far from the group Quennie asked me if who was running with me.  Being worn-out I didn’t immediately understand what the question was for and I was surprised that she was actually saying that she was ready to pace me!  I was grateful enough with all the support I was getting and it was too much for me to ask for someone to pace me but she, without me even asking (and not knowing that I needed it) was willing to run the extra miles, literally!  I even asked her if she was sure since it was still at least 11K and she unfalteringly confirmed.  As I was a pacer last week, it was now my turn to have my own pacer.  Another good reason to have friends that share the same addiction to running!

I really didn’t realize how important a pacer was until those moments.  Honestly I didn’t know when I was a pacer if I was really needed.  Now that the tables have turned I realized that runners, despite knowing beforehand that running is a solitude sport, are still people that also need company, in the case of running, a pacer.  If seeing your friends cheering for you gives you a boost, what more if one or more ran with you?  Truly I’m thankful to God for giving me the friends that I have which also share the same passion.  These bonds that we form from our passion go beyond friendship—this is what I call a brotherhood.

At first I was a bit pressured by having a pacer but later on I found myself walking much less and again having the energy to run (not that fast of course).  This was really a surprise for me and because of this a sub-five hours finish time was very much at hand.  Eventually we crossed path with our group along Buendia Ave. which also signals the last few kilometers of the race.

Bring On the Heat

At long last, my pacer and I arrived at the last great straight of the race, Roxas Blvd.  The sun was high in the sky, there were hardly any shade, and the temperature was starting to really rise—this was the final challenge that faced us before completing the marathon.  I again was running out of water so I was again mindful of the situation.  The lone (and abandoned) water station was almost out of water so even if I wanted to pour water on me I of course had to consider coming runners.

Being a flat and relatively straight road I was able to have a decent pace along the route but the heat really takes a toll on a lot of runners, including myself, so despite being the last few kilometers of the marathon it proved to be one of the toughest parts.

Last Few Kilometers

My pacer and I parted ways somewhere along the route and for some weird reason I had the energy to still run and this gave me a chance to overtake some runners who were no longer able to.  Admittedly I was still walking parts of this route but this was mainly due to the heat that plagues us—with only a few kilometers to the finish there was no room for a heatstroke or dehydration.

The Run to the Finish

The last few meters to the finish felt like eternity but coming from the last corner and seeing the finish line I was almost teary-eyed—finally the glory of my first marathon was almost upon me.  And at exactly 4:47:28 of race time I crossed the finish line—my first marathon was finally completed!  I don’t know what to feel—all I remember was the feeling of euphoria for finally conquering one of the greatest human races, the marathon.

With Vener soon after my marathon finish

The Aftermath

I was glad to see more of my friends upon crossing the finish line, and I was also glad to see some of them crossing the finish line.  Like myself many of them were also having their marathon debut so it was a great day for many of us.  And like last week when I welcomed one of my friends to the “ultra club,” I was now welcomed to the “marathoners club.”  Now, almost a year into running I can proudly call myself an ultramarathoner by finally completing the missing piece, the marathon.

Coming out of the marathon I was relatively unscathed with only blisters all over and no serious injuries.  In terms of calories I was able to spend at least 2544 kcal during the race and on the other hand consumed more than two and a half liters of sports drink and water, three packs of energy gel, and about two servings of banana.

Milo Marathon Finisher’s Medal

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my friends from takbo.ph especially the volunteers for the support group.  Your support really pushed us harder in the right direction and we are thankful.  Special thanks to Quennie who paced me at the moment I needed most.  I wouldn’t have finished my first marathon in sub-five hours if not for your help and I really appreciate it.  Finally to the Almighty for giving me an able body to finish the race, finishing it in good condition, and giving us that day of achievement.

Congratulations to all that conquered their challenges!

The Chronicles of My First Marathon (Part 1)

I am a runner.  I am a newbie runner that once dreamt of running the distance, and eventually, a marathon.  And now almost 11 months since I took that first step on my first ever race, God was gracious enough to allow me to fulfill a dream that I used to only imagine.

For the past 11 months I was able to run distances from 5K to 100K but I saved the marathon for last.  I have the utmost respect for the marathon, and truth to be told, I dread it the most.  Yes, an ultramarathon is longer in terms of time and distance, but only a marathon pushes the boundaries of the human confines to its limits—both physically and mentally.  No time for rest or drama— just grueling run.  And now the time to face my fears have arrived—it’s do or don’t.

It was a dreadfully calm day before the race—nothing much to take my anxiousness away from the impending.  As that day was calm, race day was a complete inverse—because of “human factors” that surround the race that were beyond my control I eventually found myself four or so minutes late from gun start despite arriving at the area half an hour early.  Suddenly there was no time to spare and think—just find someone to check me in and run—it was a racer’s worst nightmare coming true!

Mental Override

Mental override was the only think that stopped me from running frantically.  I guess its instinct for me to run fast when I’m running late, but then again this is a marathon—there’s no place for blunder.  If I was to survive this marathon my mind has to be as active as my body—there’s no such thing as an autopilot.  Unfortunately due to some inconsistent reading I got for my actual pace, it took me four kilometers before I was able to run at my target pace.  I was running the first kilometer in 5:02 pace and the next three in 5:30 average pace—without speed training I knew that a burnout was imminent.

First 10K

The target time of a sub-four hour run was still mathematically feasible on my first 10K, but not very realistic.  I was 2.5 seconds off my target pace and with no more upcoming flats and the expected fatigue, I was determined at that point to push it at far as I can—a pretty time was no longer the priority.  Mary (marathon) was slowly showing me why I was right to dread it as it slowly depletes me—it was a mind over matter game.

The Solitude of Running

I was feeling the loneliness of solitude when suddenly I heard loud cheers from afar—it was my friends, all in red, rooting for me!  Our minds can only do so much and seeing your friends like that really boosts your morale.  I was glad at that moment to have friends that share the same passion as I do, and at that time a lot of them were there.

Happy to see familiar faces (courtesy Rodel)

Breaking Point

I thought that I had “graduated” from walking in races but Mary proved me wrong as I approached the foot of Kalayaan flyover.  I was seeing my pace gradually slowing up to that point until I got flat on the flyover’s ascent—before I knew it I was walking!  Another point for Mary.

Lawton Ave. saw many runners walking—Mary was taking its toll on a lot or runners, and it was just a bit more than halfway!  By this time the sun was shining brightly which was not a very good sign for us runners.

Marathoners (to be) Love the Rain!

Upon entering Bayani Road something wonderful happened—rain!  Definitely this was one of the most enjoyable moments of the race—I totally forgot about the world—it was just me under the rain running.  Too bad that it didn’t last for the entirety of the race and before reaching Heritage Park it stopped—the sun is back for Mary’s reprisal.

Here Comes the Sun

The sun was back and I was missing our support group.  By that time I should’ve seen another group in red but alas I haven’t seen any.  I was starting to lose hope of seeing the support group as I make my turn at the end of Bayani Road when I heard a biker asking me if I needed anything—there they were, two of my friends on bike!  Again it was a relief to see my friends—it was only unfortunate that they didn’t carry what I needed but then I really appreciated the support.

Running On Empty

For the first time I was running without water nor any hydration solution going back from Bayani Road towards Lawton Ave.  It was a worrisome moment—I was consciously budgeting my strength and speed to last until the next hydration station.  Making the situation worse were my quads and the uphills—I felt at those moments that any wrong move may result in cramps.  This of course resulted in the slowest pace I had in the race.

Walk in the Park

Finally after refilling my lone hydration bottle I was able to cruise along Lawton Ave. with alternating walk and run.  I was having pains on my right foot due to blisters, on my left underarm due to chaffing, some intermittent pains on my sides, etc. to add to the fatigue so at that moment my respect for the marathon just grew exponentially—finishing one really is anything but a walk in the park.  My motivation at that moment was thinking of how little distance I need to finish the task at hand.

What Goes Around Comes Around

Finally it’s back to the Kalayaan flyover—but before that came a pleasant surprise.  The support group I was looking for was actually there just before the foot of the flyover!  Finally I got a chance to eat a full banana that I’ve envied from other runners that had a lot of support group.  Finally in our own way I felt special—we may not have the biggest nor the most numerous support group but all of them are volunteering from the heart.

(To be continued)

Race Review: 33rd Milo Marathon Manila Eliminations

Last Sunday showcased how a long-established race could be improved—and Milo did it with flying colors.  I am of course referring to the Manila Eliminations leg of the Marathon, now on its 33rd year, still being under the supervision of RACE.  These reviews were based from a marathon runner’s perspective so it may differ that running another event.

Before coming to this race I’ve heard of a lot of not so good stories about Milo Marathon, particularly the lack of water stations.  This would be my second Milo Marathon experience, the first of which were last year’s Finals where I only ran the 10K event so I don’t have the perspective to comment how last year’s marathon were staged.   Coming into my first full marathon via this Milo Eliminations I naturally was a bit concerned.  Fortunately I had a reliable support group I can count on as a fall back which brings the concern to those who can’t afford to have their own.

Baggage Counter

Like last year the baggage counter was still placed at the Quirino Grandstand, hundreds of meters away from the Start line making it still very inconvenient but reasonable enough since it is near the Finish line.  To those who are unfamiliar with the route of Milo Marathon, the Start line is in front of Km 0 (across Rizal Monument) and the Finish line is in front of Quirino Grandstand.  And like last year the people manning the counter were snob.  I experienced this first hand when I asked if I could get my bag to fetch some money in case for some reason I needed it.  They told me I can get it but nobody was lifting a muscle to fetch it so I had to walk my way around the fence to get my bag myself—such a hassle!  One guy who was brave enough to risk his feet even climbed up their fence to get his bag.

Toilets

Like last year everyone I asked that I assume were with the organizers do not know where the portable toilets (portalets) were or if they even had one!  It was really a blessing that Quirino Grandstand has its own toilets which were really clean but it’s not free, so once again for the second time around thank you to the people manning the toilets for not charging me.  Eventually I found out that they do have some portalets which probably arrived much later than the gunstart of the 42K event.  Ironically it was placed just across the people I asked where their portalets would be.

People

And also like last year the people I asked wearing the organizers shirt were still ill-informed or uninformed about the event making them not really very helpful to runners.  If you’re new to Milo Marathon you’d really feel like on your own (like I did last year) so it’s probably better to ask fellow runners.  I almost started without being “checked-in” because of one of these clueless guys told me to proceed.  I know there had to be some process for them to acknowledge that I started on the Start line so I as a runner had to ask around (imagine all the time I wasted) and fortunately somebody noticed and marked my race number so I can finally start.

Total toll for the not-so-accommodating support: about 30 minutes; more than 4 minutes of which I lost from the race time, which unfortunately started much earlier than the time furnished.

The Race Proper

The race course was still the same with the fast few or so years so if you did your homework, you can’t get lost.  I think Milo Marathon organizers had this notion all along that they didn’t bother putting up directional signs.  What about first time runners for the marathon?  Race maps weren’t included with the race packet so again the responsibility to know the race course fell entirely on the runner’s shoulder.  Since the route was “reusable” I wonder why the organizers didn’t invest on reusable directional markers which would be a long-term and useful investment.  Thankfully in this day and age it’s pretty easy to get this information; I wonder how they did it decades ago.

On the other hand kilometer markers were placed all along the route.  Unfortunately these markers were way off (1 kilometer off) of the way back from Kalayaan flyover giving runners unaware of the actual distance they covered false information.

Milo Marathon Route

The best thing I liked on this race was the well placed and plenty of water and Gatorade stations.  I’ve never seen in any race before that had so many free-flowing water and Gatorade, and in two locations even sliced bananas were served.  If there was one thing that Milo Marathon could be proud, this would be it.  This was the most-improved element of this race that all runners welcome.  With these changes support groups could be considered “optional” since the race can provide runners with basic needs.  The only undesirable thing I observed were that some of the people manning these station (particularly the one serving bananas along Buendia) were late in their post (which was just preparing to open when I passed it the first time, and I wasn’t anywhere near the leading pack).

Finally, runners who were able to finish with the curfew time of 5 hours (and a few minutes henceforth) were awarded their much deserved finisher’s medal, along with a certificate, a banana, a bottle of Gatorade, and a loot bag with Nestlé products.  With a measly fee of P200 for a marathon what you got was much more!  Truly this was a perfect example of how a race could be great without asking for preposterous fees.

Conclusion

I am proud to have staged my marathon debut on the best Milo Marathon so far!  It would have been one of the best races in the country had not it been for the people manning their stations not really doing their best for the job assigned to them, but still the standards that they set with this race really placed a challenge on other races to place the bar higher.  Milo may not have those disposable timing chips (yet) but surely they could be proud to say that they are “the country’s premiere running event.”

Pros:

• Excellent route
• The best water and Gatorade stations so far
• Traffic enforcers were also utilized as road marshals en route
• Possibly the cheapest race fee but with generous freebies

Cons:

• No directional markers
• Misplaced kilometer markers
• Not-so-helpful people manning their stations at the Finish and Start areas
• Race didn’t start on time furnished (it started minutes earlier)

Verdict: Good

The Calm before the Storm: Countdown to the Milo Marathon

My first ever full marathon race is just a few hours away—the moment of truth is almost upon me, and with some weird sequence of events, I am relaxed and calm—much like a calm before the storm.  This calm is both a blessing and a curse—I get to rest my weary body and prepare for the imminent battle, and a curse that I do not have any distractions from thinking what may happen.  I feel that this would be the first time I’d truly run a race.  I wouldn’t just push the boundaries my body has set, nor battle the tricks that my mind may play on me during the ordeal—I’d also be having a skirmish against time, that is if I am to reach the apex of this marathon’s aspiration: to be eligible for the finals.  I do not know what lies ahead.  I do not know if I can reach my target.  I do not even know if I am physically able enough to accomplish my goals.  All I know is that in a few hours I’ll be off to face the race that I fear most and give everything I got—be it glorious or ignominious only God knows.  And may He give me that day.

runningpinoy’s 2009 Midyear Report

2009 is my first full year of running and with the first half completed its time to have a look back at some of my highlights for the first six months of the year.

January

The year started with “bi-polar” races: one was well praised and the other went in infamy.  Of course I’m referring to TNF Thrill of the Trail in Nasugbu, Batangas and PSE Bull Run in Bonifacio Global City, respectively.  While people can’t stop being enthusiastic about their wonderful experience with the trails of Batulao and the race overall (including myself), it was the complete opposite on the other side of the track—I’ve never heard of so much complaints about a race and it probably had the record of the longest queue at the finish.

Thrill of the Trail, Nasugbu, Batangas

The following weekend race was probably redemption for a lot of runners with the Happy Run—another RunRio event that was one of the most organized and fun race of the year thus far.

With some happy runners

It was also during this month that I acquired my Garmin 405—just a day before we were off for Batangas for the TNF Thrill of the Trails where it had an excellent stage for a debut.  Also having a debut on this race was my first trail shoes, New Balance 811.

Garmin Forerunner® 405

February

February was the first month since I started running that I had zero races.  This was the first of two months that I was in Ohio, USA and in spite of being race-less I was not run-less: the below freezing temperature wasn’t enough to stop me from running outdoors—an experience that I suggest everyone try at least once in their lives.  While I was “chilling” on the other side of the world the race scene in the Philippines ensued the love month.  There wasn’t much high-profile races for this month making my craving for races more bearable.

My winter gear: a runner’s beanie, windbreaker with regular white cotton t-shirt, pair of gloves, thermal tights, cushioned socks, and trail running shoes

Before leaving for the US I managed to have my first LSD (Long Slow Distance) run along one of the dreaded routes in the Metro—EDSA, from North Ave. all the way to the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

After finishing my EDSA LSD

March

By the time race season was starting in the US due to the arrival of spring I was unfortunate enough to be packing my bags for home thereby missing the opportunity to participate in races stateside, but on the bright side I was back for one of the most anticipated races of the year—Condura Run.  This race was one of the rare opportunities to run on the SkyWay and was also my first half-marathon and first race medal.  Also first for this event was the Carbo-Loading Party of takbo.ph which they say was a first for a half-marathon race.

Running with friends at the SkyWay

April

This was the month of LSDs for me as there were only a handful of races set.  Among these routes were Commonwealth Ave. to Bonifacio High Street via C5; Commonwealth Ave. to SM Mall of Asia via Quezon Ave., España Ave., and Roxas Blvd.; and my first LSD on trails in Montalban.

View from the summit of Montalban

Arguably the highlight race of this month was the Greenfield City Run in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.  With its free shuttle service many runners were given chance to run outside Metro Manila and experience the fresh landscape of the rural areas.

Another finisher's medal courtesy of Greenfield City Run

May

May boasts the longest and one of the most difficult races in the country, The North Face 100 (or simply TNF100).  Many underestimated the trails of Sacobia, Clark before they even embarked on it so it was a shock for many, even seasoned ultramarathoners, on how difficult this race was this year resulting in only a select few proud finishers.  This was my first attempt at an ultramarathon and I am very proud to be one of the few finishers of this race.  It was also my longest distance-wise at 100K, and time-wise at 30 hours (raw time that includes eating, resting, and some dozing off).

Sunrise during TNF100

May also sparked my return to trekking with our initial climb to the summit of Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas.  This became a “team-building” activity for me and my takbo.ph friends and because we had taken an unexpectedly difficult trail it also served as my training for TNF100 that followed two weeks after.

Having breakfast on the summit of Mt. Maculot

The month was ended by a rivalry of two high-profile races: The Earth Run at McKinley Hill and Microsoft’s IE8 Run at Bonifacio Global City.  It was a difficult time for runners on which “side” to choose but in the end The Earth Run came out with being more competitive and having more attendance.

Medal from the Earth Run

June

The month kicked off with another high-profile and highly anticipated race, the Mizuno Infinity Run.  Coming from a popular footwear brand, this race has a good set of followers which were not disappointed with the race outcome as it became the first race to have a “Time Challenge.”  This year’s participants had their finish time recorded for next year’s race where they can challenge their previous record for a chance of a prize.

Kicking off June with Mizuno Infinity Run

The second week of June was the Independence Week with the 12th of the month being the Independence Day of the Philippines.  For a change I left my running shoes home and put on my trail running shoes for the first Freedom Climb—40 summits nationwide simultaneously having flag raising ceremonies to commemorate the occasion.  It was the first official climb of our takbo.ph offshoot group, the RunHikers as a group, in Pico de Loro, Cavite.

On our way to Pico de Loro during Freedom Climb

If May brags of an ultra-trail race, June is not far with an ultra and trails.  More like a month-wide split of the TNF100, June had an ultramarathon road race: Botak 100, and two trail run (and bike) races: King of the Mountain (KOM) in Timberland and Men’s Health All Terrain in Sta. Elena, Laguna.

Sunrise over Sta. Elena, Laguna during Men's Health All Terrain

The All Terrain race was a good race overall especially for introducing trail runs for beginners.  The race was well-organized flawed only by the fact that the trails were a little dull.  This was salvation for Men’s Health reputation from their abysmal past races.

Finally to close the first half of the year was Botak 100—the first ultramarathon road race in Mega Manila.  Despite Botak’s attempt to salvage their reputation from the last race that plagued them, it was “A” (H1N1) viral issue that hampers their efforts.  That issue led them to postpone the side events of this race to the dismay of some runners (myself included).  Fortunately enough the ultramarathon road race pulled their reputation forward that Botak could be proud to say that they “pulled it off.”  Surely there were still a lot of shortcomings but as an “active spectator” all these issues were negligible.  Welcome back, Botak!

Pacer at Botak 100 (courtesy Marvin)

Truly it was a roller-coaster ride for the first half—events fell on either side of the poles.  From the best to the worst these races and other side events really made the first half of 2009 quite remarkable.  Now that the second half is about to begin, will it be able to outshine the half that was?  Or will the race organizers sit on their laurels and stop innovation?  I guess we’ll all find out soon enough.

Botak 100: From an “Active Spectator’s” Perspective (Part 2)

After a few kilometers within UP Diliman Campus we exited on Katipunan Ave. and found ourselves running inside a very nice subdivision.  From that point everything for me was unchartered territory—I’m glad that I have my GF405 with me to keep track on where we’re going.  Eventually we arrived at Tumana Bridge that links Quezon City and Marikina City.

One of the nice subdivisions along the route

Tumana Bridge

The early part of the Marikina route was uneventful until the intersections came—we were confounded by a myriad of street crossings!  At this part it felt a little like a trail run—there are hardly any directional signs, but it’s a good thing that marshals were placed and were really active at work.  The only problem was that directions were given by the marshals verbally so if you’re forgetful it may lead to getting lost.  You also need to do a lot of judgment calls because sometimes the corner that the marshals refer to is not the next corner but the last corner along the route (yes it was confusing).

Setting aside the confusing roads, the sidewalks in Marikina were excellent.  Marikina has the best bike road network in Metro Manila which also leads to excellent run-able sidewalks.

The commendable sidewalks of Marikina

While the roads weren’t a problem, the route kind of felt “forcibly fitted” to obtain 100K as there was a couple of “ends”—long segments that eventually lead to a 180 degree turnaround.

After finding our way out of the streets of Marikina the route leads finally to the riverbanks—arguably the most interesting segment of the route.  It was really long—there were no water stations and stores around, and support vehicles can’t get in making this one of the more challenging areas of the route as runners have to be self-reliant—a tradeoff for having fresh air and riverside view.

The view of the riverbanks

At the end of the riverbanks trail below Marcos Highway was a much needed water station which was also a turn-around point.  Runners henceforth have to run back and eventually forth on the other side of the river where the takbo.ph aid station was located—roughly 78 kilometers of the race upon their return from the end of this riverside’s route.

Seeing this sign is like seeing relief

Takbo.ph’s aid station was a huge relief for runners where there were lots of supplies including food and medicated ointments.  It was an oasis at the other end of the race—runners can have their rest while volunteers cater to their needs.  Even if I didn’t run the entire route leading to the station I felt relieved after seeing it, knowing that I have a place I can rest and recuperate.

Food at takbo.ph's aid station (or what's left of it)

Pat and I parted ways after the Marcos Highway station: I went straight to the takbo.ph station to recover, while Pat continued with the route.  While waiting for Pat to arrive several runners passed (and some even stopped) by the station and I was able to see how the station volunteers worked—service from the heart!  Everyone was willing to lend a hand and foot whenever needed just to provide good service to their stakeholders, the runners.  Truly, these are dedicated volunteers in service for the sport we all grew to love, running.

After going forth, back, and forth again Pat was finally able to get his rest at the takbo.ph station where he got “spa treatment.”  I was almost envious to be an official runner of the race at that point because of the attention given to runners that went our way.

Pat’s spa-treatment courtesy of Marga-licious

Eventually the last group of runners (including Pat) was on their way back for the final leg of the grueling 100K route—the last 12K to UP Diliman.  This time around it was Doc E, Doc Roy, and Bong Yu’s turn to pace him—time to bid last goodbyes and well wishes.  If we all could we’d all probably pace Pat all the way back to the finish.

Pat’s pacers: Doc E, Doc Roy, and Bong Yu

As for me and the rest of the takbo.ph volunteers it was time to pack up and call it a day—and what a wonderful day it was for all of us.  We may not all run 100K but all of us saw a different side of running from different perspectives—and that made us know ourselves more.

Acknowledgments

To the dedicated marshals, thank you for your assistance to the runners and putting their safety first.  Any road race would fail without your support.

To the volunteers of the race particularly to the takbo.ph aid station crew, thank you very much for your services!  Just your presence on the race gives relief to the weary runners and your assistance was really well-appreciated.

Special thanks to Reinier Pacific for sponsoring takbo.ph's aid station! (Courtesy takbo.ph)

To the race officials, thank you for having an effort to improving your races and to the Race Director Neville Manaois congratulations on having a great race!  Thank you for pushing the race to continue and for finding new routes for us to discover.

Conclusion

Honestly this was one of the toughest races for me to appraise.  Here are my thoughts:

• I didn’t like the fact that there were shortages of directional signs and water stations (which are to be expected on an ultramarathon), and the route was a little confusing, but
• I loved the fact that runners were well taken cared of: at times each runner had his own personal road marshal on scooters (Pat and I had one going to the riverbanks), the road marshals were really of good assistance, and there were good support at the Start/Finish area.

UP - Marikina leg of Botak 100 route (a bit short as my GF405 ran out of batteries again)

Yes this race had some shortcomings but for me the Race Director’s honest intention to provide runners with a good and safe race pulled it off in the end so I’d rate this race as Good.  I was only able to experience a good sampler of the race but I loved that experience and was at times sorry for not being an official 100K runner.  Had it not been for the “ends” all along the route and the inverted (but functional) and shortly-supplied directional signs I would’ve given this race an Excellent rating.  Congratulations Botak for choosing the right people and having a good race.  I hope you learned your lessons and I hope next time we see an “Excellent” Botak race.  Welcome back!

Botak 100: From an “Active Spectator’s” Perspective (Part 1)

Botak 100 was the first road ultramarathon set entirely in Metro Manila with routes spanning the cities of Marikina and Quezon City and being an “active spectator” I got to see this race from a different angle this time around.

I called myself an “active spectator” during this race because unlike a normal spectator that only sees the event by the sidelines I was actually participating in the race, and no not as a bandit runner, but as a pacer for one of my friends doing the 100K leg.  I guess it’s inevitable for an ultrarunner like myself to stay on the sidelines as a spectator when his 10 mile race got deferred.

“You’re a running addict if:
You run an ultra, unregistered, call yourself a pacer,
just for the fun of it.”

A pacer is the nearest support person a runner could have.  Yes, aside from moral support runners do need other means of support.  In this case a pacer can serve as a courier for a runner’s basic supplies but more importantly a pacer’s purpose is to keep the runner in line with his target pace, and of course companionship during those really dull moments of the race (which is a significant amount during ultras).

Background

I am registered to run Botak 100’s 10 mile side event but due to some viral issues the side events got postponed to a much later date.  Because of this I suddenly found myself run-less for the last weekend before my Milo Marathon debut.  Refusing to call it a taper, I devised of some means of getting these frantic feet moving—and the idea of being a pacer for the Botak 100 succumb.  Truth to be told, if Milo Marathon wasn’t there the week after I would’ve probably run the ultra as well.

The idea of pacing came to me when some of my takbo.ph friends mentioned that they’ll be pacing Pat (The Running Safety Pin) for the last 10K leg of his 100K race.  Looking at the 100K route I was really curious about the second half of the route in Marikina City so I asked Pat if he wanted a pacer for the second half.  I don’t think he really needed it though but maybe he figured what’s going on in my mind and agreed with me running with him on the start of the second half from UP Diliman to our takbo.ph Aid Station in Km 80.

Based on what we agreed upon pace and the assumption that the race starts on midnight I estimated Pat to be within UP Diliman grounds by around 5-6 AM but the race actually started at 1AM, and due to some unforeseen circumstances he actually arrived in the area much later.

The vastness of Commonwealth Ave. diminutizes runners

A Road Marshal’s View

I eventually found myself waiting at the Ylanan gates of UP Diliman where all 50K and 100K runners would eventually enter since the Start/Finish area which was the Km 45 for the race was just a few meters away.  Of course being a crucial spot there are marshals there so while I was waiting for Pat to arrive I got to see how a real marshal works—it’s not easy!

The Ylanan Gate of UP Diliman Campus

The marshal on this point had a difficult job of making sure he/she sees the runners approaching in both directions and leading them the right way.  While that task doesn’t seem difficult enough, he/she can’t really leave his/her post (which would occasionally be under the heat of the sun if it wasn’t for the clouds) even if there seems to be no runners arriving.  Runners arrive sporadically so there’s really not much “safe time” to leave the post unattended.  Killing time would be one of the toughest issues here since the race was an ultra and waiting time is very long.  Kudos to the marshals that do their job!

Marshals at the Ylanan gate hard at work

The Story

It was around 7AM when Pat arrived.  We headed off to the Start/Finish area where runners can have their rest and also eat.  You also get to see 50K runners finishing their race (after another lap around UP).  The mood was festive and I even get the chance to talk to the ultra race director Neville Manaois and hear his side of the story.  Based on the no-frills start/finish area I see this race as a straightforward as it can be—you get what need and not much of the commercial stuff (except from partners and sponsors of course) which I think was nice.

The utilitarian Start/Finish line

One by one some of my friends running the ultra arrived including my friends from TNF100 so I guess you can say that it’s a reunion of ultrarunners.  It was also the birth of new ultrarunners including one of my friends from takbo.ph Luis who successfully finished his first 50K race.  Congratulations!  Welcome to the club!

After a few minutes rest Pat and some of our TNF100 gang were off for the second half of the race.  It was very exciting for me that I’d be running on areas I’ve never been to, another running adventure for me that was about to begin.

(To be continued)

Don’t worry Nevs I won’t stress you with my race verdict, yet.

Run for Home: Globe – Ayala Land City Run for Habitat for Humanity

For the first time disposable electronic chips are to be used in a regular race, and aside from this feat and a great route, this run is also for a cause: to help build homes through Habitat for Humanity to benefit the Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig Project.  This run features a 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K race and will be held on Bonifacio Global City on Sunday, July 19, 2009.  For more details on this race visit http://site.globe.com.ph/web/runforhome/.

Online Registration

Being in partnership with Finishline.ph online registration is an option but there’s a catch: the actual registration fee varies widely.  Online registration may be the most convenient way for you but let me warn you though that this is the most expensive way.

Registration Experience

I was so excited about this race because of the timing chip so early on I decided to register via Fitness First, one of the registration partners on the event.  It was convenient and hassle-free as compared with Globe Business Centers.  The fee was P300 which was way cheaper than online but alas when I found out that I was still paying too much!  I found out during my chat with friends that when you register at Globe the P300 fee actually goes to your load and they simply register you for a 5-day unlimited text service for P80 making your registration virtually fee!  I actually felt duped by this!  I know this race is for a cause but when you start asking for different registration fees for the same event it’s not fair!  I’ll be glad to shell out P700 for a 21K race if that’s the actual fee but when you ask some people P700, some P300, and some virtually free, that’s a little concerning.  Deciphering their race fees posted online was also trivial so you can’t really tell early how much the actual cost is until you actually registered.

Best Cost Option

The best cost option is to go to any Globe Business Centers and register there.  Yes you will wait, and wait, but your P300 will go directly to your load, P80 of which will be used to register for 5-days unlimited text service (Globe-to-Globe of course) so you virtually have a free race at the same time helping generate funds for the cause.

5th of July, 2009: The Road to the Marathon is Set

The fifth of July, 2009 at the Manila eliminations race of the 33rd Milo Marathon, the road to the marathon is set, and I’ll be having my debut. Yes, you read it right—after almost 11 months since my first race ever and 7 months since my first Milo Marathon experience, I’m taking the big leap and would be running my first marathon.

Set for my Marathon debut

I originally planned to have my first marathon next year because earlier this year I thought it was too early. With some unexpected twists of events I eventually found myself doing an ultramarathon, and now to be a “complete” ultramarathoner, a full road marathon.

Choosing My Stage

It was actually Craig who first urged me to have my first marathon this year. Back then we were actually talking of staging it in Subic International Marathon on October 24 but eventually the plan was pushed back to the Quezon City International Marathon a week earlier, until the talk of having a takbo.ph support group was initiated.

Being a “regular runner” I do not have the resources to put up my own support group. With the overwhelming support I’ve seen from my takbo.ph family I was persuaded to take the leap—even if Milo Marathon was way too early for my plans. After TNF100 my plan was to start my marathon training this July with June being my recovery month from the ultramarathon—and now I’m having my marathon in July!  I’ll have an excellent support group and I’ll be having a debut on the country’s premiere running event—sounds like a plan.

Training you say?

I’m not mocking the marathon for joining it seemingly unprepared; in fact I had the most reservations in joining one because I regard it higher than my ultramarathon. Yes I may lack speed training that I so badly need but I am hoping that the endurance training I had for TNF100 would fuel me enough to at least make it through the curfew time. Deep in my heart of course I so desire to reach my dream of finishing my first marathon at 3:59:59 to qualify for the finals, but then simply finishing one within the curfew is already an accomplishment—one that gives me chills due to a concoction of excitement and apprehension.

Taking the Plunge

The main deciding factor for me in finally doing a marathon after less than a year of running was definitely the support. Yes, running is an individual sport—it’s non-spectator, a grave abuse of your body, and a mind game as well—but all these “tortures” seem to blur when you know you have your friends at your back supporting you. Those cheers may not affect you physically but they do boost people’s morale.

I’ll keep these words in mind (You can do it)

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my takbo.ph family especially the Milo Support Group! Your support means a lot to us who will be braving the marathon. Thank you very, very much from the bottom of my heart and I really appreciate all your efforts.

To the Almighty who gave me a willing and capable body and mind to face one of the most grueling challenges I impose on myself I am forever grateful. May His grace drive me to finish in good health.

To my fellow Milo Marathoners good luck to all of you! May God give us that day and help us conquer the challenges of the marathon. God bless us all!

Stop Dreaming

To those dreaming to do their first marathon, stop dreaming and start doing! I was once a dreamer like you but if I stayed “dreaming” I wouldn’t have made my dreams into reality. Running gives you the opportunity to know yourself better and know your limits; and with that you’d know which path you’d take to get from dreaming to living it.

“The MIRACLE isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that
I had the COURAGE to START.”
– John “The Penguin Runner” Bingham

BOTAK-100 Update: Race Schedule Changes

I received a text message from Botak yesterday stating the significant changes to the race schedules of the impending Botak-100.  To summarize, the changes are:

• Only the 50K and 100K ultra marathons will continue on midnight of June 28, 2009.
• All side events (1mi, 5mi, and 10mi) are rescheduled for August 23, 2009.

Here’s the actual text message I received:

Hi mam/sir. This is from BOTAK. BOTAK Paa-Tibayan have make some adjustment 4 their event. The ultra-marathon 100km and the half marathon 50km were stilljune 28, 2009 but our side event 5miles,10miles and street mile race is change on Aug. 23, 2009 for more information pls. Contact our race organizer orthe botak management… Thnk you

The primary reason Botak gave why these side events were rescheduled was to accommodate school participants who are undergoing quarantines and class suspensions brought about by the Influenza A (H1N1) issue.

Although the reason was sensible I’m not sure if the number of participants from these categories in 5mi and 10mi make up the majority that would be reason enough for the rescheduling.  Personally I was looking forward to the 10mi race this Sunday as it would be my last race (and run) before Milo Marathon Manila Eliminations so I was very, very disappointed with this news.