The Amazing Kidney Race: My Next Race

After completing Condura, my next goal race is the Mizuno Infinity Race in April. Then, Dingdong sent us an email about a race in UP. I was originally thinking about the 21K at the Fort but when I read the brief about this race, I changed my plans.

 

There are a lot of race categories but I’m interested in the 15K Eliminator Pursuit. In this category race participants will run a course that will take them to UP Diliman’s best kept running course secret – the Heartbreak Route. It is a killer. I don’t think it is as mean as as McKinley Hill because it’s just one steep downhill and one steep uphill but you will feel the burn. 

But wait, there’s more … it’s actually a 2 in 1 race.

When asked about the cut off time, race organiser Edward Kho said, “And the cut-off, yes there is, to make it more exciting and the medal more meaningful. So 15K is actually two races rolled into 1. The race to the half-way mark within 45min and the actual finish cut-off time of 1hr45min. I studied most of the races with 15k and 21k and almost 70% of the racers could possibly attain this.”

So are you ready for the 15K Eliminator? I’m excited! I do want that medal. And Edward is right, the cut-off time will make the finisher’s medal more meaningful. 

Oh plus, this is one of the cheapest race to date. It’s only Php350.00.

The race director is the same guy who did the Corregidor Challenge. I wasn’t able to join that one so I don’t know the quality of his races. But this is something new and I’m ready to face his challenge. To be sure, I will run with my water flask. 

And you thought you could rest after Condura… it’s time to start training again boys and girls.

Click here for the complete race details – registration, beneficiary and description of other race categories. 

 

Condura: My Race

The Plan was to chase a rabbit and hang on to the pace. Rabbit wasn’t feeling well so I had to revise my plan. I was briefly tempted to slack off  and just run to bully Xtn and/or Vicky. Bad bad bad thoughts. I looked at my feet all taped up and ready to race and decided to do this the usual way. I will just run my own race and at my own pace.  I removed the Polar and strapped on the Garmin. This is it! After I decided on the what I will do at the race, the bats in my stomach immediately woke up and had a party. Not good … 

Since this was not chip race, I decided to stay about 5 meters from the starting line. I hoped that I will be beside people who will run my target pace.

I was dreaming of a 5:30 average pace but I set the Garmin Virtual Partner at 5:50.

5:30 – 5:50. I like. A set goal pace would drive me crazy. I run better with set pace range. This range is good enough for a PR, challenging and will allow room for the 1st 2k gigil pace.

1st 5 - BananaSplits - 5:25 | 5:15 | 5:33 | 5:38 | 5:39

After the awesome fireworks, the count down started. The bats. They were still partying.  5- 4 – 3 – 2 – 1! I took a deep breath and joined the surge.  

Margaret passed me on my left and I figured that as long as I can see her then I am still on pace. When I looked to my right, I saw Elvis. Bouffant and Bell Bottoms and Bling. I figured I would rather pay dearly somewhere in Kalayaan than be beaten by Elvis. The chase was on! After I passed Elvis, I went back to my pace range. I was at peace. The goal now was to outrun Elvis.

Kalayaan was dark. This worked for me. I didn’t want to see it roll up and down. I just kept on running and wished that I woundn’t trip on a pothole or something.

I marked intersections of Buendia in my mind and chopped up this section of the race one stop light at time. I was getting tired. The legs were fine but I’ve started breathing heavily. I know I know… it’s been 2 weeks since the last stick. I’m a work in progress.

Last  5 (and then some) - BananaSplits - 5:48 | 5:40 | 6:06 | 6:18 | 5:56 | 1:09 

When we hit the 5K mark, I slowed down at the water station to take my Gu and tried to remain on pace. I started smiling and waving at people. It was easier to focus on them rather than on my poor legs, the pins and needles on my right foot and my tense shoulders. Yup I was pretty much whining at this point. I needed to do something positive, so at the risk of looking like a loony, I just flashed a smile at most of the runners I saw. After the turn around, I saw that Kathy and Elvis were not far behind. Gasp!

When we were about to cross buendia, the lead Kenyan passed us. After he passed, the enforcer gave the go signal for the other cars to cross Buendia. This was very unfortunate because a Sabal (si Elmer yun di ba) was just a few meters behind him and lost a few precious seconds. 

Onwards to the Kalayaan flyover. The PNP marching band sent me up and over the Kalayaan flyover with the theme from Voltes V. I suddenly missed my T2 friends. Last year, Mesh, Vicky, Tin and I ran this race together and we merrily conquered the flyover together. *sigh*

I passed one runner walking up the flyover and urged him to run with me. I told him that misery is best shared. A runner from Lucena Striders overtook me at this point. He probably saw that I was struggling. After he passed me, he looked back and called out “Kaya ‘yan.” Thanks! It helped. A very fit looking female runner was bounding up beside and was quickly gaining ground,  this gave me enough energy to push and climb the flyover. And then I walked. 20 steps. *gasp* And then continued to run.

The sign said 1km to go. Garmin beeped the 10th lap before I hit the finish line. I continued to run as fast as my legs could take me. I thought I was flying. I was at 5:56 pace lang pala. Haha. 

I crossed the finish line at 58:34. PR.

Cheering was fun. After Kathy and I finished, we decided to cheer for fellow runners as they turned to the finish line. It was great to see runners who were already walking start running again. Seeing them smile and wipe away their frowns was fun, too. Some probably ran faster to get away from our shrieks and claps. Haha. And then we saw Lester, we of course cheered loudly for him (not as loud as our cheers for Fernando but very loud). Too bad, he  was closely followed by Mesh. We quickly changed allegiance and egged her to overtake him. Now that was fun! 

T2 is back and running! Kathy, Mesh, Kristine and I set new personal best times. Dingdong and Vince  once again proved that they can run a 21K in a snap. Fuelled by pride and glory, these guys can still run crazy fast with very little training. They also want PRs and promised to train harder for the next race. Vicky and Essie are finally racing again. My fearless forecast is that they will be training furiously again.

To Ton, Patrick and the Condura run team. Take a bow guys!

Salamat!

The Condura run is indeed the premiere running event in the Philippines! Sa uulitin! Wala na akong mahihingi pa. 

P.S.  So runners, where did you put your reflector?

 

Condura Announcement: Check your race bib

Check your race bibs guys. Here is a letter from the Organizing Committee of the Condura Run.

Dear Condura 21km and 42km runners,

Greetings. Unfortunately, there was an error committed in printing out the race bibs. Some race bibs have a bar code and some do not have one. Do not worry as you will still be able to run your event and you will still be timed accurately.

We have corrected this situation already with race bibs that have not yet been issued out.

For the race bib that have been issued out such as yours, may we kindly request you to do the following:

1. Write down your bib number on the perforated stub located at the lower left side portion of your bib. The portion that says: “Give to finish official at the end of the race”. “Do not pin spindle hole”.

For example. If your bib number is 123, please write the number 123 on the perforated stub. Please see attached sample.

2. Please write clearly, legibly and accurately.

3. Please use a PERMANENT MARKER. Color BLACK. Be sure that it does not smear when wet as this will be exposed to water and sweat. Do not use a pencil, ball pen, or white board marker. Only use a BLACK PERMANENT marker. (water proof if possible)

We are very sorry for this basic error. We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you. We are hoping for your kind understanding.

Upon receipt of this email and upon making the necessary changes kindly email us at secretariat@condura.com or text us at (0908) 880-8354.

The Condura Run Organizing Committee

hep hep para hurray

Condura runners! The race pack collection starts today.

It’s a Condura race so expect a lot of people to turn up at the race itself and even at the race pack collection.

Just like any event that draws a big crowd (i.e. midnight madness, sale sa SM etc) timing will be important. Decide now if you are going on the first day to avoid the rush of last minute panic on Saturday, go on Friday to avoid the mad rush of the first day or on Saturday hoping that everybody else got their packs already on Thursday and Friday. I would suggest going on the offpeak hours.

I expect a lot of runners (with friends, asawa, anak, yaya and even pets) to turn up at the race pack collection. We have 3 days to collect our race packs. Choose the best time for yourself. Pero syempre mas exciting kapag madami tao and friends na makikita.

Let us keep our cool ha. Kung may pila … ganyan talaga kapag blockbuster event. If you do end up queueing up here are some simple exercises you can do.

1. Calf raises – pedeng gawing pasimple naka exercise ka pa. Highlyrecommended if you have chicken legs

2. Walking lunges – good for lower body conditioning at  sure na star ka sa race pack collection. Kung dagdagan mo pa ng biceps curls mas panalo kasi compound exercise na sya.

3. Hamstring stretch – pretend ka lang na you’re fixing your shoes

4. Single leg squat – it’s not easy so it will definitely keep you entertained and focused

5. High Knees – kapag may nagwawalking lunges na, ito ang ipangtapat mo. mas bonga sya!

Have fun!

Good luck on Sunday!

I’m wishing for cool weather, cloudy without a chance of meatballs.

I lost my acknowledgment receipt and other condura race pack redemption info

RACE PACK REDEMPTION GUIDELINES 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 

The race pack redemption has been moved to THE CONDURA VILLAGE and ASICS EXPO. It is located at the parking lot in front of R.O.X at Bonifacio High Street (29th Street cor. 7th Avenue) 

RACE REDEMPTION SCHEDULE 

Thursday, February 4, 3pm-8pm

Friday, February 5, 11am-10pm

Saturday, February 6, 11am-6pm 

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR RACE PACK 

1. Bring your acknowledgment receipt, go to The Condura Village
2. Go to the race redemption tent, fall in line in the corresponding race category tent with your surname’s first letter. There will be a separate redemption area for the 3K and 5K runners and a separate redemption area for the 10K, 21K, and 42K runners as follows:

3K / 5K 10K / 21K / 42K
TENT 1 A-B TENT 8 A-B
TENT 2 C-D TENT 9 C-D 
TENT 3 E-F-G-H-I-J TENT 10 E-F-G-H-I-J
TENT 4 K-L-M TENT 11 K-L-M
TENT 5 N-O-P-Q TENT 12 N-O-P-Q
TENT 6 R-S-T-U TENT 13 R-S-T-U
TENT 7 V-W-X-Y-Z TENT 14 V-W-X-Y-Z

3. International runners: that registered may redeem and pay the race kits at the international runners tent.
4. Runners help desk: for any assistance please proceed immediately to the runners help desk tent.

REMINDERS 

1. All registration details turned over are deemed final. No changes will be allowed.
2. Best effort will be exerted in giving everybody their chosen shirt sizes, but there will not be any absolute guarantee. No exchange will be allowed.
3. For lost acknowledgment receipts, please do the following BEFORE coming to The Condura Village:

o Email the Condura Secretariat (secretariat@condura.com) the following details

 name on regform
o distance registered
o where you registered

o The secretariat will verify the database, and once confirmed, you will be sent a confirmation email which will serve as your new acknowledgment receipt

There will be NO RACE PACK REDEMPTION on race day.

Oh and I really truly did lose my acknowledgment receipt. I looked and looked but I can’t find it. Will be sending the email now to the Secretariat. Help!

Century Superbods Run: The Derek Run

Yesterday, I took time off from real life to go see Derek Ramsay …err …  to attend the press launch for the Century Superbods Run. Used to being on time for races, most of the runner/bloggers were present by 11am. It was a loooooong wait but we used to time for never ending chikahan.

After we had lunch, the program started. From the info given by the organisers, the race is just part of a bigger event. This is a bring -your-family kinda race. There will be booths and a lot of things to do after the race. And all ye, model wannabes, this is your chance to shine. It is also a go see. Run and get  noticed! I wonder if we will see a lot of topless and nyortnyorts at this race. Abs on parade!

And then finally, HE went on stage with the 2 other superbods. Well, I basically just stared and drooled. Mwahaha. I’m such a useless source of information. Never fear, I took the press kit and I’m sure I would find all the information I need to update you guys.

I only snapped into attention when he said that he could outrun anybody in the room. Huwat?!?! Well, he is obviously sporty. They rattled off his sports which all require a good running base. But outrun the people in the room? Well … Mr Ramsay … dangerous territory. I was seated in the table with Jaymie (The Bullrunner), Jay (Prometheus Cometh) and Kaye Lopez. I think these people would have given him a challenge. Haha. I heard Cecil callout and ask for his PR but he never answered.

Oh, he will be joinining the 5K race.

with Vimz, Derek, Yeng and Roselle. Wait, Yeng di ba photographer kita? Bakit ka nga pala again in the picture?

And finally the moment we have been waiting for … picture picture with Derek. While on stage, I couldn’t resist it and so I turned to him and asked. No, not for his number. I asked, “So what’s your goal time for the 5?” And he said, “30 minutes.” Stare, blink and then I said, “You will not outrun everybody in the room with that time.” And then he, explained with a smile that he will be running with his boss. Ahhh with the boss naman pala. Forgiven Derek. You got me with your smile. Mwahaha.

I hope I had more face time. Not to drool but to ask if he was staying away from the 10K distance to avoid being compared to Mr Pascual.

As for me, I think I will be doing the Half for this race. This is the first of the Runrio Trilogy and I want to complete all 3. I think you get a special medal for completing all 3. I might not get my Goofy this year but I will have 3 afromedals for my collection.

Time to register! Time to start running longer again.

Visit http://www.centurysuperbodsrun.ph/ for the complete race information.

been bad

running will always take you back

this is one of the inspirational posters at NB 2008

thank goodness!

it’s true!

* * *

2010 started with me feeling lost

no program

no goal race

injured

slow

lazy

back to smoking 

out of shape

and horror of horrors

i didn’t miss running

that got me worried

* * *

back to the drawing board

i sat down and made my 10K program

my short term goal

fit into the gown for Ms Piggy and Kermit’s wedding

i ran most of the runs in the program

started lifting weights again

i was able to squeeze into the gown

i was hooked on running again

Baguio was a slight setback

i know now that i can’t train in cold weather

hay…

* * *

i have a goal race now

2011

will enjoy the short races

run my tempos and speeds for short races

but will still go long

long like i’m training for a Full

next month i want to be back at 80kms per week

i will race condura

if i fail then i will just party at 10 with T2

* * *

i’m back!

i’m running!

i love running!

i’m a runner!

oasis in the middle of the CBD

 

Ayala Triangle Gardens

 

Behind Tower One’s grand façade is a triangular quilt of public garden and courtyard that will offer a sanctuary from the urban rat race and an informal view of everyday Central Business District life. - Lifestyle Section PDI 11Aug09

The Ayala Triangle Gardens (ATG) is also a good place for short runs. If you are looking to do a 30min run (or maybe up to an hour any longer would drive me crazy) then try to checkout ATG. 

This is truly a welcome addition to the CBD. Lotsa trees and fully landscaped. Paved paths. Beautiful lighting design.

When I started running, I used to run around this fenced-off area. After work runs is not ideal then because of the fumes from the cars perpetually stuck in traffic in this area. Opening up this area and creating the garden is truly a welcome addition to the Makati CBD landscape and lifestyle. All the trees and plants in the garden keep the air cool. I’ve been doing my cool down at ATG for a couple of weeks now and upon entering the garden I immediately notice the difference in temperature.

ATG is located behind the Ayala Triangle building and accessible via Paseo de Roxas, Makati Ave. and Ayala Ave.

Thanks Ayala!

Straight from the Inbox: Running soon …

 I’m a blabbermouth so here are my chismax.

I heard that it has something for the monkeys, something from someone who wants to be a little like an Oreamnos americanus, something golden and some class pictures.

how can something so wrong feel so right

So Wrong: The race distance was short of the promised 32K. We only had 2 aid stations for the 7K loop. The first 2Ks of the route was dark. Not everybody got a finishers medal. Rants?  Not from me. No complaints from me this time. I loved every minute of the race (even when I started my Sunday stroll pace after km26). Yeah yeah I’m probably a bit biased but hear me out …

So Right: I was giddy happy that I completed the distance to rant. Plus the aid stations and number of finisher’s medal were explained before the race so I knew what to expect. And they have food at the aid stations. Water was cold in everytime!  BR next time pede po dun na serve yung lechon?  Oh and the last 2Kms, I was happy I didn’t have to run it anymore. Only regret … had I known it was less than 32 I would have stayed on pace longer.

So Wrong: I was not prepared for this race. Or better yet, I did not prepare for this race at all. I wasn’t being cocky I just got hit with a bit of injury and a huge dose of vacation mode.  My longest run before the race was 15Km @ 7:30ish min/km pace. My total mileage the week before the race was only 45kms. I wore a new pair of shoes. I only had 4 hours sleep. The only thing I did right was to carboload like I was running a Full. That I did because it’s always fun. I didn’t even have Gu. And my hydration days prior to the race was mostly regular coke.

I knew the race was a disaster waiting to happen. I know, I know, you are probably thinking that I was sabotaging my race. I was. That was the evil plan. This way I wouldn’t feel too bad if I don’t finish. At least I will have lots things to blame.  

So Right: What I didn’t anticipate was Dingdong staying on pace with me and Lester joining us. Dingdong and Lester. They are fast. Luckily, Dingdong was just out on a long run and Lester was reviving his running career. This meant that they will not be going on their fast and furious race pace. For me, this meant that I will be running faster than 7:30ish.

These are the lyrics to the song in my previous post. “Wag kang mabibigla, isasama kita/ wag kang magtanong, basta sumama ka lang.” And this is what happened today. No questions asked, I just ran Dingdong and Lester’s pace. I didn’t want them to die of boredom so even if our pace was hitting 6:30ish I tried to keep silent. I succeeded for about 2 loops, I think. A friend also kept us entertained during the race. We stopped at all water stations so this gave me time to recover. I stayed on pace at 6:45 min/km  for 26kms. I was surprised and mighty pleased. Could I have pushed on at that pace for the whole distance? Maybe but I didn’t want too. I had to rein in because I didn’t want my temperamental plantar fascia to have a partner in crime. 

After this race, I realised that I can still go the distance. I can still hit my paces. I go back to training mode more confident and bolder in going for my training paces.

Oh and the plantars, they didn’t bother me at all. Amazing!

Congratulations to all who ran today. Hope you guys had as much fun as I did. 

To BR, sir congratulations to you and your team.  I’m looking forward to the next race!

One last hirit!

So Wrong: Don McLean’s Vincent as in yung Starry Starry Night blaring out of someone’s Ipod at the start of the race. and I’m sorry hearing this song at a race will always and forever will be so wrong!

Happy New Year!