Uniquely Singapore, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is one of the largest and most popular marathons in the world frequented by thousands of international runners from all walks of life.  It in itself is an income-generating activity for Singapore, a perfect example of how sports tourism can help boost the economy.   This years’ event would also be my first marathon outside the Philippines.  It would also make Singapore the first country in ASEAN I’d visit.

I’m leaving on a jet plane… at Terminal 2 (Manila)

Being my first international “solo” trip, this experience was exciting but also petrifying for me.  It was a good thing that Singapore is very tourist friendly country, and the climate isn’t much different from Manila.   The fact that I have some of my close running friends with me guaranteed a great adventure.

Race packet claiming is at the Expo, just an MRT station away from Changi Airport (Singapore)

The Expo (Hall 5) is an area about the size of World Trade Center, Philippines

My race bib and timing chip sealed in a zip-lock bag

A typical ticketing machine of Singapore MRT

We stayed in Bugis just about a kilometer away from Fullerton Hotel where the Start line was located.  Of course we arrived days before the actual race so we can’t help but keep being tourists roaming around the area where our feet can carry us, and upon exhaustion there’s always the bus and MRT.  Even during the eve of the race we’re still roaming around some nearby mall.

Part of our unplanned, self-made “walking tour” was the Singapore Flyer

One side of the baggage counter for the race

So many food choices (watch out for that spice)

While the weather was not as good as I had expected, the actual race itself was “perfect.”  Everything that I expect, want, and dreamt of in a race was there.  Hey, the only thing that can make the race better was if I was running in a Boston-qualifying time, but since I’m a mere mortal a new Personal Best (“PB” as they refer to it in Singapore) would suffice.   The finisher’s shirt and the drop-dead gorgeous medal completed the surreal experience.

Fullerton Hotel with the Singapore skyline at the background

Carbo-loading, night before the race

Who knew that our local Cavendish bananas make it here? Pretty cheap at 21₵

Of course running is much more fun with the gang

Are we there yet?

The niceties of this “perfect” race are coming up soon, watch out for it, leh.

The gang at Sentosa. Thank you Singapore for a wonderful experience!

Another long weekend.  With more time at my disposal, what better way to end my birthday month but with an atypical adventure, not just my typical out of town, but a great tour way up North, in the province of Ilocos Norte.

We were so lucky to have been invited by our generous host, Mr. Faivo Bartolome, also the race organizer and director of Run Ahead Raising a Roof to join their event in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte last November 29, 2009.   This would be my first time to visit Ilocos Norte and what better way to tour Laoag City but with running?  Like with many races in the Metro, Run Ahead was a fund-raiser for Gawad Kalinga, but unlike Metro races with outlandish registration fees this one costs as little as P75 for 3K and only P200 for the 21K main event, and note that it still managed to provide runners with a very good quality singlet (I don’t think anyone can buy a singlet for P75 these days).

Laoag City

Pre-Race

Laoag City is around 400 kilometers north of Metro Manila and is a nine-hour travel by bus and as such you can’t exactly just drop by and run (unless you’re going there by plane) so as early as Friday night we were off for Laoag City.  By morning of Saturday we were already in Laoag City, relaxing in our hotel room and enjoying our buffet breakfast.  By lunchtime we finally met in person the man behind the event, Mr. Faivo, who took us on a tour of nearby La Paz sand dunes.  It was a wonder of nature uniquely Ilocos, perfect for adventure races and trail runs.   Later that afternoon we couldn’t resist ourselves and we returned to the sand dunes to run (as expected) and explore the area, all while the sun was quietly setting onto the sea.

Distance of our hotel from UST bus terminal

At La Paz Sand Dunes

McCoy, Sir Rene, Myself, and Wilnar

On our way back to La Paz Sand Dunes later in the afternoon

Time to take pictures

View from the top

More views

Sunset from the beaches of the sand dunes

The gang at the beach

Race Day

Sunday morning, Aurora Park, Laoag City: race day has arrived. Unlike Metro races where thousands “participate,” the event was attended by around 200 runners including “tourists” like myself and elite runners from the Metro. And unlike in the Metro where “more is better,” this event intentionally didn’t invite “everyone” to participate as Mr. Faivo’s wish to have a venue for runners to be able to run. This was a great example that Mr. Faivo had shown that races need not always be for money, it should be a venue for runners to run and enjoy. I don’t think there’d ever be a race organizer in Manila that would “reject” participants in their event had they known that they won’t be running but just merely participating. It sounds discriminating but for runners like myself it was a blessing to have a venue where we can really run and not shuffle through walkers (think Milo races).

McCoy and I with the man behind the race, Sir Faivo, before the race

Since I was tapering for my next full marathon I opted to join the 10K event to have a small tour of Laoag City.  The route was pleasant with a relatively flat course except when crossing bridges. Even locals were saying that the route was interesting because it deviates from their normal race routes (Laoag City boasts a good set of running enthusiasts and races are also staged in the area).

10K Route

Since the race was not crowded I was able to trail behind elite runners for the first few hundred meters of the 10K race to simply “watch.” It was a nice sight to see as they gradually increase their distance from me. Note that although the volume of runners is low, competition was high. Being initially with the lead group I was able to act like I was a competitive runner, counting how many runners were ahead, and I enjoyed it. Of course there was very little chance of me ending on the podium but I knew that this would be my best race ranking so far and I had to take it, all while still being cautious not to exert too much for my next race.  In the end I was able to cross the line at a decent satisfactory time slightly off PR pace at tenth or eleventh place overall for men (plus one if you add the lone female ahead of me which was the 10K female winner).

For locals it was a breather from the typical crowded Milo races.  Many experienced “Manila-style” registration process for the first time, and even us from the Metro were delighted to be rid of the huge crowd.  Of course there would be “walkers” on the race but with the presence of serious and easy runners it could encourage them to lessen their walks.  At the finish there was even a goodie bag for all finishers, an interesting activity area with free snacks, and some raffle prizes.  Metro Manila organizers would be ashamed had they seen how organized this race was and despite the nominal registration fees were even able to provide runners with a lot of giveaways at the same time give to charity.   It was a very good race by Metro Manila standards, one that is rarely seen recently.

Meeting new runners

Aurora Park

Post-Race

The race was over but our tour had just about begun.  There were so many things you can do in Ilocos that the nine-hour bus ride was well worth it.   Here are some of the places we’ve visited:

Post-race brunch

Marcos ancestral home

Paoai Church

Vigan

Happy feet on the streets of Vigan

Our Ilocos tour did not end there.  Watch out for my next Ilocos special post.  Special thanks to McCoy, Sir Rene (Jazzrunner), and Wilnar for the pictures.

It was another long weekend here in the Philippines, another chance for a great adventure.  For me and three other guys from the takbo.ph camp it would head us north—way up north—to the city of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, primarily for Run Ahead Raising a Roof race tomorrow morning.  Of course this city had much more to offer, and here are some previews:

About six hours into the bus ride: sunrise

Our Laoag-bound bus on a stop-over

We arrived at the city proper after about nine hours of travel. Arriving at our hotel we were treated to a breakfast buffet.

Breakfast

Buffet

Takbo.ph in Laoag

These are just previews of our first few hours, watch out for my complete story soon…

For the second time, the results for the Dare to be Fit ‘N Right Fun Run has been published at http://www.runningmate.ph/del_monte/result.

Guess what, it’s sorted alphabetically by last name!  Sigh.  (I’m sorry, I’m just dumbfounded by this)

If you have any concerns please do contact the organizers via racetime@runningmate.ph.  Is this official?  Ask them as well.

After several consecutive races, I can finally have a race I can call my own—no more running others’ pace, no more target time—freedom to run as desired, and Fit ‘N Right was the right venue for me.  It was a particularly interesting event especially that this was my first race at the SM Mall of Asia compounds. Here’s my rundown of things as it happened.

Background

A lot of runners were concerned when race packets weren’t outright distributed with registration because recent similar events went unwell, and despite the organizers’ best efforts what many runners feared happened again—delayed race packets distribution.

I registered a few days before the regular registration cut-off date.  Registration went smoothly and the people manning their booths were very friendly and accommodating.  As one of the endorsers of the event I knew how race packet claiming should have been, but when the claiming date came I’ve heard of problems.  I decided to claim my kit Thursday before the race and to my surprise my kit still wasn’t there!  I didn’t bother showing my disappointment with the people in their booth as I clearly know it’s not their fault and they were already being battered by anguish from angry runners.  They were very apologetic and informed me that they’d contact me if my kit was available, but until Saturday, hours before the race, I received no such message.  I was prepared for the worse—running without a race number.

Pre-Race

A few minutes before 5:30AM I was on queue to claim my race kit.  I was surprised at how many runners were actually there!  This was in no means your small time event; it was even comparable to events by Runrio!  After being in line for some time I was able to get my race packet containing a singlet, course map, and a race number with RFID—say what, RFID?!

The seemingly regular race bib

Yes, the biggest surprise for this race was the use of RFID, a first in local races.  We were introduced this year with disposable timing chips, and now FNR “silently” introduced RFIDs which I prefer over the former because you don’t have to lace anything to your shoe—it’s just there with your race bib!  Registration cost for this race was one of the cheapest for the year so it was pleasantly unexpected.  Things suddenly turned up for this race.

The RFID atop the race bib

Early on we had a hint that there may be a mass-start but thankfully somebody must’ve advised the organizers to start by category, making for a better start.  It was already past 6AM but the pre-race program was still being staged, and with much pressure from the 10K runners the race started 6:23AM, five minutes later followed by the 5K which was my event.

A Cautious Race

It had been a very long time since my last 5K run and I have to admit that I really missed it.  After doing an International Marathon sweep you may be wondering why I went back to 5K.  The reason was simple—I’m on my taper period for the forthcoming Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.  Of course being free of any pacer duty I can run freely—the temptation of “touching” my almost year-old 5K PR was too much to pass over.  With the flat and Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA)-certified course it was a perfect venue for a race, and a PR.  Unfortunately I had pains on my right side so I decided to take it easy—going as fast as comfortably possible without risking aggravating the injury.

I thought I had started relatively near the front row but I had a hard time navigating through the crowd.  Since I wasn’t able to warm up properly I just took that opportunity to do just that, and to my surprise the pain that was bugging me wasn’t there!  A few minutes later I spotted Natz (i2runner) and thought he’d be a good pacer so I ran behind him.

Since I’m in a “cautious mode” I decided to “ignore” other runners, including Natz whom I know was just around.  This was my race so I decided to race with myself and nobody else.  Before I knew it I was heading back to the Finish line.  That’s the beauty of a 5K—you won’t get bored.

Final kilometer, 18 minutes, a possible new PR looms.  500 meters later, I can see the Finish line.  It was one of the longest 500 meters of my life as I attempt to shave a few seconds off my 5K PR and upon reaching the Finish, 22:25 says my GF405 (gun time), a new PR!  I didn’t really expect to trim my 5K PR by 46 seconds especially that I wasn’t gunning for it!  A nice race it was.

The 5K Perspective

The Dare to be Fit ‘N Right Fun Run was a surprisingly well handled event, and in fact if it weren’t for the really notorious lowlights it would’ve been a very good race.  Here are my observations based on my 5K perspective:

Good:

• Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA)-certified race courses
• Excellent venue for setting new personal records
• Use of RFID
• Route markers (with color coding)
• Relatively cheap registration fee
• A lot of giveaways and raffle prizes

The lively stage

Bad:

• Race packet distribution
• Late start
• Insufficient water at cramped water stations
• Insufficient portable toilets with the number of participants
• A lot of runners weren’t given the post-race freebies
• Cramped baggage counter
• Late and inaccurate race results

Relief goods?

Summary:
It was another event with very good highlights and nasty lowlights but overall the race was Good (3/5).  I noticed that most of their problems stemmed from distribution (race packets, giveaways, baggage counters) and some from lack of experience (lack of water, lack of signs at the finish line, lack of portalets) but seeing how well the race was managed I can only assume that the organizers got the lessons that they needed. For the awareness of the organizers, here are some of the issues that are for improvement:

Late Start
Running takes time and for the sake of runners’ skins we try to avoid running with the sun high up in the sky by starting early.  If a program was to be held pre-race start it early so as not to delay gun start.

Water
Water supply should at least be sufficient for all runners, and the station should have long tables to avoid crowding.  Cups should at least be the number of times each runner would pass that station.  How much water is needed could easily be computed based on the number of cups.

Marshals
Some marshals are noticeably inexperienced.  You shouldn’t abruptly stop runners upon crossing the Finish line as it may cause them injuries. Get runners’ times with being obstructive.

Crowd Control
Crowds weren’t managed well at the Finish area leading to a very crowded area for late finishers.

Signs
If signs were placed atop the Finish gate there wouldn’t have been much of a need for Mr. Rey Langit to repeat himself over and over to guide runners.

Giveaways
Not all received their giveaways.  When I arrived (about 27 minutes into the event) there was already a long queue at the booth because the people manning the station stalled.  The situation turned worse as more runners arrived and until it was like a “relief goods distribution” center did I saw some movement.  Unfortunately they also didn’t pack enough for all the runners so many went home empty handed (including myself).

Baggage Counter
With more than 4,000 runners the baggage counter was ridiculously small and was seriously understaffed.

Fit ‘N Right 5K Route (10K is two laps of this course)

Hopefully the succeeding races pickup from the good points of this race and learned from its shortcomings.  To the more than 4,000 runners that Dared to be Fit ‘n Right, especially to those who have bettered themselves, Congratulations!

UPDATE: My time based on the original race results was actually 22:22 finishing 20th overall out of 1,181 5K runners!  One of the best finishes for me and it’s from a PATAFA-certified route!  Nice! 

Choosing a good quality shoe need not be expensive.  The 681 from New Balance in an entry level running shoe that not only looks good, it also performs well.

Features

• ABZORB®
  Forefoot and rearfoot ABZORB® to soften the impact of road running
• C-CAP®
  Compression-molded EVA for superior midsole cushioning and flexibility.
• Stability Web
  Optimal arch support that’s both rigid and lightweight while preventing midfoot flex.

First Glance

At first glance the 681 looks good and upon closer inspection you’ll notice the Abzorb cushioning is also placed in the forefoot area.  The shape of its sole is also unique that it seems to aide forward movement especially for forefoot strike runners.  You can’t really tell that it is an entry-level shoe until you’re reminded when you see the insole.

The Test

I tested this first walking a few kilometers to and from a nearby running specialty store and it passed with flying colors.  The shoe fits well and it very comfortable.  Cushioning was sufficient and is breathable enough.  Things changed when I finally tested it for a seven kilometer test run—you immediately feel the slightly narrower front as you feel your fingers rub on its sides.  Coming from Asics Kayano I can feel the difference with the cushioning which was sufficient although I wouldn’t recommend it for runs longer than 10K or exceeding an hour.  It’s also not as bendable as other running shoes but it’s very negligible.  On the good side though the slightly concaved shape of the front sole really aide runners with forefoot strike.

Conclusion

New Balance 681 is a very comfortable shoe that looks good and fits well.  It provides good cushioning not just in the heel but also in the forefoot and it sole is shaped to aide forefoot runners.  The narrow front may be its biggest fault making it unsuitable for long runs, but for casual use or easy runs it fits well.  Overall this is a good shoe for those 5K or even 10K runs, or simply for just walking around.  This shoe may have been designed for those who just started running and didn’t want to risk spending a huge sum, or those looking for some affordable everyday good trainers.

Timex Run, the most expensive sub-marathon road race in the Philippines thus far not only set the race registration fee higher, but also introduced a lot of new PRs.

PR = Piolo + Rio

One of the possible reasons that the race became a huge success despite the steep price was due to the celebrity factor—Piolo Pascual.  He is undoubtedly one of the most popular television and movie actor in the country and apparently tapping on his huge fan base was a great idea.  Of course we can’t say that the Rio dela Cruz factor didn’t have an added effect on the race’s success, I mean who can’t resist the charm of an afro?  Who knows better how to organize a running event but a runner himself?  (Peace Coach Rio!  I really admire your hair).

PR = Posh Race

Timex Run is definitely at a different caliber as it’s one of the few races in the Philippines that utilize timing chips.  It also has one of the better race singlets with Timex Ironman mark at the back which I really love.  Celebrities also dot the course of various events making this a very star-studded race.

The grand start gate of Timex Run

PR = Pretty Route

Timex Run’s main event, 21K, went to places no other races went before, literally, making this a discovery race for many who haven’t been to the unpopular running areas of Bonifacio Global City.  Even familiar routes were given an interesting twist keeping the event fresh to seasoned BGC runners.  But more than a pretty route, the distance was almost GPS-exact 21K so taking into consideration the topography of the route it’s more than valid for those distance-conscious runners.  Even the distance markers were freakishly accurate by Garmin standards for most of the time.

Sunrise at Rizal Drive

PR = Pace Required

For the nth time I was again a pacer, an optional one.  It was a pretty loose pace—just aiming to finish in a decent time so it was for the most part an easy duty.  Because of the relaxed attitude I was able to take some pictures in-race making this also a “picture race.”

Along 5th Avenue

The 21K leader

Entering Heritage Park

PR = Postmortem Report

Timex Run was easily one of the best races for 2009, period.  Despite the higher registration fee the cost was pretty much worth it because of a very good quality event, a lot of giveaways, excellent activity area, a finisher’s shirt and medal, all while still able to generate funds for charity.  Indeed Timex had proven that with the right pizzazz cost may not be a barrier to having a well attended event.  It was also another proof that celebrities really make good endorsers, especially here in the Philippines.  I just hope this isn’t the start of more expensive races, but instead the start of quality races.  Congratulations Runrio for consistently delivering excellent and successful events!

The nice but generic finisher’s medal

PR = (Personal Record)

I’ve seen a lot of PRs with this race and as for my Personal Record (PR) I also set a new one, a negative one as I set the longest 21K race so far surpassing the two hour 20 minute mark, but it was worth it as I bore witness to another 21K dream turn into reality.  Congratulations Carol!

PR = Pros + Rejects

Pros:

• Good quality race singlet
• Timing chips
• Punctual start
• Excellent route
• The longest water station yet seen in local races (that never ran out of water and even supplied 100 Plus)
• Practical placement of timing chip sensors
• Excellent finisher’s shirt
• Huge and heavy (although generic) finisher’s medal
• Finisher’s certificate
• Free breakfast
• Excellent goodie bag with products from sponsors
• Lots of portable toilets for everyone
• Lively activity area
• Same day accurate race result (unseen for quite a while) with fancy presentation
• Race photos courtesy of PhotoVendo
• Part of the proceeds went to charity
• Very Good race (4/5)

Rejects:

• High registration fee
• Lack of cones at some areas
• Lack of marshals after 8:30AM (three hours and 15 minutes 21K gun start)
• Medals could’ve been more customized to reflect which event it was given

Timex Run 21K Route

PR = Pacquiao Reloaded

As a bonus perk to everyone Timex was kind enough to provide everyone free viewing of Manny Pacquiao’s match versus Miguel Cotto live via satellite from Las Vegas, USA.  We were so lucky to have witnessed history being made by now seven-time world champion, Manny Pacquiao.  Thank you Timex and congratulations Manny!  He’s definitely the best boxer our generation has ever seen.

I would like to thank Doc Art who made it possible for me to join this race.  Thank you very much Doc and congratulations!

We’re practically midway with the month of November and it would be just another month before we close the year 2009, and with that I would like to start compiling the highlights (and lowlights?) of the year as far as running in the Philippines is concerned.  We’ve seen how running had evolved this year and at the same time also devolved.

For this year’s best races I have the following categories:

• Best Race
• Best International Marathon
• Best Marathon
• Best Half-Marathon
• Best Sub-Half Marathon (below 21K)
• Best Ultra-Marathon
• Best Trail Run
• Best Race Finisher’s Medal
• Best Race Singlet
• Best Marathon Route

I already have my secret nominees for all these categories and you too can participate by sending me your vote via comments (which would remain anonymous and unpublished) of your personal picks.  Results would be published on my year-end special recap.

With that I also have a poll that I hope you’d join:

Depending on the poll result I may even publish the lowlights for 2009 so aside from your best picks you may also include your “worst” picks with your comments (also will remain anonymous) and please mention why so we can inform the race directors and organizers.  I know the running community has a lot to say, good and bad, and now it’s your time to be heard.

ROX has a free urban trail running clinic all Saturdays of November, 2009 from 3PM – 5:30PM.   The route starts from ROX and goes though the Fort Bonifacio Army Camp, Fort Bonifacio’s Bike Circuit (Dirt Trail) and back to ROX.   To register sign up at the 3rd level of ROX or email your name and contact number to rox.cs@promegrp.com.

Just a few days ago I was celebrating my birthday; yesterday I had another reason to celebrate as my running blog had its first anniversary!

I was too busy at the office that it was only after midnight that I realize the significance of November 11 for my blog, and with that I would like to thank everyone who continuously supports my site especially my regular visitors.   As of yesterday I registered a hit of more than 32,000 since the site’s conception and as a regular person sharing his passion for running online, it is already an achievement.  Thank you very much! I really appreciate all your visits and comments.   I hope that you return to this site for more updates in the running scene here in the Philippines, and don’t hesitate to send me your comments (which I really love receiving).  God bless everyone and run safe!