Marathon Training Software - TrainingPeaks tm

When I first planned for my first marathon I made sure that I complete the 16 weeks of preparation. However, the actual composition of my training was mainly composed of daily run between 10-15km five (5) times a week and with at least two (2) road races on weekends per month that I find myself entered into. On the practical side, this was augmented by training tips from veteran marathoners and or coaches as to their personal experience if and when circumstances allow a change meeting with these veteran runners/coaches.

With the above training plan, I was able to complete my very first, which was at the Los Angeles Marathon last May 25, 2009. The improvised/widowed training plan did work for whatever reason.

As I have entered myself for the Singapore Marathon scheduled on December 6, 2009. I have enough time to for the required 16 weeks of training preparation. I was contemplating on just using the same things that I have done in the past as mentioned above. However, the experimental nature in me wanted to seek other possible training plans. For this reason, I have surfed the web and found the website of TRAINING PEAKS “The Ultimate Training and Nutrition Software” whose website can be found at;

http://home.trainingpeaks.com/

They provide software for different sport and cater on different levels. The Basic software they provide for FREE. However, it has limited functions. They do also provide Premium Edition, and you have to subscribe for certain time duration. Complete details can be found at;

http://home.trainingpeaks.com/sign-up-personal-edition.aspx

The Training Plan is sold separately, and you will have a complete wide selection of plans that would satisfy and address your personal needs. Selection can be found at;

http://home.trainingpeaks.com/training-and-nutrition-plans.aspx?s=Marathon&plantype=all

The good thing about the software is that it is compatible to most if not all the existing wrist monitors/computers i.e. Garmin, Polar, Timex, Suunto and others of the like.

I purchased the 2009 Runner's World Marathon Challenge for Intermediate Runners, by Runner's World. I already got the plan emailed to me and had the same applied to the desktop Personal Trainer Account. The plan also allows you to apply the program on whatever day/date you prefer and can as well be reinstalled and revised as you deem necessary. The program is delivered weekly. The Training Plan also comes along with a Meal Plan. With all the different analysis, reports, statistical views and others, I am now also having a grand marathon in understanding the different tabs and functionalities of the software that I think I might spend more time in the computer than in actual running.

Anyways, I have 16 weeks to work on my training and hopefully after completing the first 4 weeks I should be able to see if there was really a sense to what I bought. Check it out for yourself should such a training plan interest you.

I did not check if they have a refund for unsatisfied customer!

Run with ME - Team Bald Runner

When Ateneo Management Engineering (ME) Alumni announced sometime in June that they shall be hosting a running event in celebration of the 40th year of ME and for the benefit of ME scholarship Fund, it opened a door of opportunity for me to ask Gen. Jovinal Narcise (Ret) to field two Team Bald Runners for the 5k Team Category and one single entry for both the individual 10K for male and female.



Team Bald Runner (A)

Jovinal Narcise
Jose Marie Javier
Anna Vargas
Gerald Sabal
Reynolds Ascura
Reynaldo De Los Reyes
Raul Lamprea
Rene Desoyo

Team Bald Runner (B)

Amado Castro
Saturnino Salazar
Michael Embuedo
Christian Dalida
Milbert Nabuab
Renier Antoque
Crifrankreadel Indapan

10 K Individual Event
Men – Alquin Bolivar
Female – Marecil Maquilan

On race day, it was great to see different teams from running clubs, communities and most specially varsity teams from UAAP entered and competing on the team events. The Far Eastern University Varsity Team who was champions from the last UAAP season was very prominent and intimidating in their warm-up.

Unlike the usual race events that you join on weekends, the Run for ME was a school organized event. You find yourself amidst blue blooded creatures of Ateneo. Mind you, all logistical arrangements were done by student/faculty/volunteers that you need to understand and provide leeway in holding such an event. For non professionals, I think they did general well. The route in itself is unique as it is confined only within the Ateneo ground. The only other university that I could think of that could be possible does just an event will be at the University of the Philippines, which is very obvious because of its vast university property.

Team Bald Runner performance resulted as follows;

1. 2nd Place Team Event – Team Bald Runner A (winner was FEU)
2. 4th Place Team Event – Team Bald Runner B (3rd was Marikina)
3. 2nd Place 10K Female Individual Event – Marecil Maquilan
4. 4th Place 10K Men Individual Event – Alquin Bolivar

To Jovie Narcise and Team Bald Runners, thank you for giving me the opportunity to run with you.

Registered - Singapore Marathon 2009

Sometime last month, JINOE GAVAN of TAKBO.PH in one of our conversations mentioned that he and his new bride QUEENIE have their eyes set and planning to join the STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON. He gave the me the information that online registration will open on midnight of July 16, 2009. The said marathon is one of the more prestigious marathons in Asia and is to be held on DECEMBER 6, 2009. Linkage to their website and for those interested can be accessed at;

http://www.singaporemarathon.com/

Given the crazy idea and the proximity of Singapore, I weighed matters and finally decided to enter myself in the said event. On July 17, 2009 I have completed my registration and now am runner 07473-PHI-MVM-OLP with my confirmed entry form below;



Cost of registration is Singapore Dollar $65.00 or approximately P2,146.00 On the airfare cost there is a number of options to avail of should one be on a budget as there are flights from Clark to Singapore via Tiger Airways, Clark to KL then Singapore via Air Asia, Manila to Singapore by Jet Star, Manila to Singapore via Cebu Pacific, and the regulars PAL and Singapore Air. Another option is getting package deals from travel agents which consist of airfare and hotel accommodation.

It is a great Christmas present for oneself and a great way to end the running year.

Is Running Your Dog in "Globe 21K Run For Home" COOL OR NOT COOL?

Take a look at the picture below. A REGISTERED female participant (proof is that she is wearing a race bib) was running her dog during the 21K Globe “Run For Home”. Picture was taken just after the turnaround point located at Ayala Avenue near Inter Continental Hotel.



Nowhere in the world does a half-marathon road race allow for a race participant to run with his/her dog. I am pretty sure that race officials of “Run For Home” does not as well allow running with your dog on a 21K road event.

But, if such an assumption is correct, how was this female registered participant able to check herself at the starting line? How come she was able to reach all the way to Ayala Avenue at Intercon Hotel without her attention being called by ANY of the race marshals stationed practically on every intersection? Does the race marshals think she was doing a valid, normal and race conformity action? I would fault the race officials on this issue rather than the runner. Had the race officials been diligent enough, the runner's action could had been called (thousand of people saw her running with the dog)and such an embarrassing scenario could have been avoided.

On another point, IT IS COOL to bring run/walk your dog at BHS as it is allowed on the said venue. IT IS COOL to bring your dog and show its physical attributes on a dog show as it is the right venue. IT IS COOL to run your dog on open roads, parks, and streets. But, it is NOT COOL to run your dog on a half marathon road race it is not the right venue and it violates established running etiquette.

Fuming Mad On "Globe VIP Parking"

Wishing to be able to have sufficient time to spare prior to the 21k gun start of Globe “Run For Home” I left my place at 4:00am today 19Jul09 and headed for Fort Bonifacio. By 4:15am I and Jun Martinez were already within the vicinity of Bonifacio High Street and there were already a great number of participants who have arrived earlier than us which was a clear indication of a well attended race event.

As I was approaching the cashier parking booth at the parking area just at the back of ROX, a Globe security personnel approached me and asked if I am a “GLOBE VIP” I said “no I was not” and the Globe Security said that I cannot park my car on the said parking area as it is primarily reserved for “GLOBE VIP”. I tried to hold my cool as much as possible and asked the following questions;

1. Is the parking area “pre-paid by Globe? (answer) No it was not.
2. What constitute a “Globe VIP” (answer) Executives of Globe and their guests holding parking stabs.

One beauty in the sport of running is that all are equal, rich, poor, executives, students, working class, unemployed and what have you. Everyone has a fixed distance to traverse. It is between you and the road. I have as well participated on so many local road races in the past two years and NEVER have I seen a RESERVE PARKING FOR VIP . In this issue, parking fee will still be paid for by the so called “VIP” and the only purpose of the word “VIP” is that they can come late and not bother to find their own parking space.

I told the Globe Security who were about five (5) men that I am insisting my public right to go inside the parking as I am a paying registered runner and that the parking area was not “pre-paid” by Globe. Should they (Globe) want, they can tow away my van. I asked the cashier to issue me a parking ticket, who at first does not want to issue one without approval from her superiors. In the end the girl issued a piece of paper attest that my van is parked on the area.



To make matters worst and fan more my anger on the issue, upon completing my 21k run I was surprised to see that the parking area was only occupied by about 20 cars (the parking area can easily accommodate 100 cars). The parking area was UNUSED and in the process did not earn the revenue it could have easily gotten from other participants who were looking for a parking area.

Just before I was about to leave, I saw VINCE MENDOZA and showed him the parking area and the problem on the VIP PARKING. Vince reply was that he could not himself understand the action of GLOBE for such an action.





To GLOBE I wish to remind that you are a “Customer Driven” corporation and the priority to you should be the “customer”. On this case, I/we, have duly paid for to participate in the race and we are entitled to all the amenities that goes with the race. I am sure that such an idea of a VIP PARKING RESERVATION is beyond the knowledge of your high executives as these people are well known in the industry to be humble and human who are not ashamed to fall in line and be given the same treatment as any Juan or Maria. In the end, what have you accomplished? The parking area was “UNUSED” which could have easily been used by your “paying customer” and avoided any inconvenience in looking for other parking area even though they came early for the race.

I hope that GLOBE will have a good explanation on this matter. On the part of FINISHLINE, I have already shown firsthand the issue to VINCE MENDOZA which I hope that as organizers they will be able to advise their sponsors on future races the norm and the importance of “First Come First Serve” principle and that in running all men are equal regardless of financial or education attainment.

Globe "Run For Home" - Race Pack Distribution

Today 16Jul09 is the first day of Race Pack collection for the Globe “Run For Home” as organized by FinishLine located at Bonifacio High Street. For the local race to be abreast and in tune with international road racing standard, FinishLine is adopting two new race procedure locally, the designation of a fix day/s (16-18July) as distribution day for race packs and the application of a “disposable timing chip” which will be used by all runners to determine their timing during the race. A much awaited improvement on local road races.

With the heavy rain experienced the whole day all over Metro Manila, I had my doubts and apprehension if the distribution of race packs will be orderly or the distribution will even push through at that because of the heavy rain.





At about 4:15pm today I arrived at the Bonifacio High Street and proceeded to ROX which was the published location for the distribution. I was re-directed by the guard to proceed to the square bounded by Nike and Krispy Kreme.

I was surprised that even with the heavy rain, there were more than enough staff from Finishline and Globe manning the tents and were actually in the process attending to the needs of the runners in their registration and collection process.

I got even a bigger surprise that the distribution line and procedure was systematic and hassle free. There was a designated tent for “on-line registrants” and those that registered with Globe Business Centres have also a designated tent. There was a designated table for those that have refunds to collect. For information of others, there was a P90.00 “over-charged” during the initial on-line registration. The refund was provided in cash with expediency. As for the P300 Globe Card there was also a designated tent and staff to handle the same.

Overall, I was able to collect my race pack in five (5) minutes and that was in heavy rain. Understandably, you need to equip yourself with your own umbrella or rain gear.

If what I have experience today will be their standard, I congratulate Finishline and Globe for handling this part of the race very well in deed. This is a great assurance that the race will go on rain or shine.







See you all at the starting line on Sunday, 19July09 at 5:00am

Memorabilia - Race Bibs and Finisher's Medals

In the past, I have kept my race bibs by pinning them in a wall together with my golf memorabilia, however, they have been increasing so much so that the collage effect was no longer effective and that I was doing an injustice to my golf memorabilia in covering them up. This is how they look before;



Hoping to separate golf with running and be able to preserve the race bibs for the races that I have participated, I decided to instead place them in a picture album which was bought at the National Bookstore for only P350.00 consisting of 200 slots that you could place your race bibs. I do not think I will be able to fill up the slots in my remaining running age!




For the little cost you can now preserve your race bibs which you can at your time of leisure go back and recall your agony/triumph for that particular event. My bib album now looks like this;







Also there are races wherein finisher's medals are given out. I was able to preserve five (5) medals into one frame costing only P150.00 and now is now proudly occupying a table top in one corner of my office and looks like this;



On very special races I have combined the race bib, timing tag and finisher's medal into one frame costing as well only P150.00 and looks very presentable and looks like this;



For P150.00 per frame I think it was a well disbursed expense to preserve a lasting memory of a marathon experience as the above.

I still have to solve my problem on race singlets that I have accumulated on the races that I have participated and hopefully will be able to find a cheap but presentable solution. Any suggestions and/or recommendations guys?

Quotes - Running And Marathon

I was surfing the net for a suitable subject matter on running and came across instead with quotable quotes and quotes in running and marathon. For easy reading I have complied quotes from different websites and share them as follows;

RUNNING (unknown writers)

“You cannot propel yourself forward by patting yourself on the back.”

“A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.”

“Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.”

“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

“If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”

"A race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected in as many ways they’re capable of understanding."

Real athletes run others just play games

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."

"A rookie runner’s philosophy...the faster you start your run the faster you're done."

"Pain is only temporary,
Pride is forever,
Pain passes with time and Time passes,
therefore Pain is just a strain on the Brain without Refrain,
and that's why Runners are Insane."

Sunshine is delicious,
Rain is refreshing,
Wind braces us up,
Snow is exhilarating,
There's really no such thing as bad weather,
Only different kinds of good weather."
So put on your running shoes, we can Run everyday!

Marathon

To describe the agony of a marathon to someone who's never run it is like trying to explain color to someone who was born blind.
Jerome Drayton

Marathon running is a terrible experience: monotonous, heavy, and exhausting.
Veikko Karvonen, 1954 European and Boston Marathon Champ

You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming.
Frank Shorter

Marathoning is like cutting yourself unexpectedly. You dip into the pain so gradually that the damage is done before you are aware of it. Unfortunately, when awareness comes, it is excruciating.
John Farrington, Australian marathoner

We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.
Emil Zatopek

You can actually suffer a little bit more going slowly than when you're going really fast. A faster marathon might even be easier than a slow one, in terms of what it takes out of you mentally.
Frank Shorter

The marathon can humble you.
Bill Rodgers

I am too tired, even to be happy.
Gelindo Bordin, Italy, immediately after winning the Olympic Marathon in Seoul

I was unable to walk for a whole week after that, so much did the race take out of me. But it was the most pleasant exhaustion I have ever known.
Emil Zatopek's description of the Olympic Marathon win in Helsinki

Get going. Get up and walk if you have to, but finish the damned race.
Ron Hill to Jerome Drayton during the 1970 Boston Marathon

Anyone can run 20 miles. It's the next six that count.
Barry Magee, marathon bronze in Rome, 1960

A marathon is like life with its ups and downs, but once you've done it you feel that you can do anything.
unknown

Running Etiquette

Lately more and more people in the Philippines are embracing the sport of running. This is definitely a good and encouraging news as it will only show that more and more people from different walks of life are now mindful of their health.

With the rapid increase of numbers into running, one aspect that may have not been addressed properly or little emphasis given into is RUNNING ETIQUETTE. While it is true that running is the cheapest sport that anyone can pick-up, it has as in any other sports an "etiquette" that needs to be understood, learned and put into practice by all.

For reference purposes and educational material of all, I have lifted the following articles published by CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association), Will Craven and Shelly Florence Glover ;

Running Etiquette

While runners are a friendly lot, each one of us still needs to do our part to keep our paths, roads and trails safe and enjoyable for everyone, including non-runners. Below are some basic guidelines to adhere to if you’re running along a multi-use path, trail or on the road as well as some race etiquette.

Consideration of Other Runners:

Leave keys, loose change and other jiggling matter home. Tinkling sound effects do not enhance running.

Be runner friendly. If your running group gets spread out during a workout, agree where to re-group. This takes the pressure off the faster runner to run too slowly and pressure off the slower runner to run too fast. Regroup a few times during the run for the ultimate in safety and courtesy.

Running with a slower runner is not an invitation to coach them. When running with a faster runner, don't make excuses about your talent. It degrades you and, in makes both runners uncomfortable.

It's good to be a step ahead in business, in housework and holiday shopping. It's even good to be one step ahead of your competition, but not your training partner. Run side by side.

Don't assume because someone is slower they want your coaching advice. Speed is not an indicator of knowledge. Slower does not mean dumber.

If you are injured, it's okay to whine a little. After that shut up. Everyone has their own problems.

Look before you spit, snot rocket, or otherwise expel bodily fluids. It's rude to catch another runner in your splatter.

Groaning, grunting, wheezing and otherwise broadcasting your discomfort are not considered in good taste. Slow down if you must, but don't make the rest of us miserable listening to you.

Learn to dress and undress on the run. Don't ask the group to wait while you tie your shoe, take off your jacket or otherwise adjust your attire for comfort.
If you are running along in a tight pack and see a hazard on the course, call out or raise your hand so those following will know something is up before they have to leap.

Don't run through puddles and splash other runners unless you want to be chased and dunked.

Don't take off running shoes in public. The smell spreads like potpourri and sometimes peels paint.

At a race

• Do not run in a race if you are not officially registered. It can take away from the resources of paid participants, create unnecessary traffic and pose insurance risks. Just don’t do it. Even if you aren't taking the event seriously, be a good sport, register and pay your fee. Otherwise, it's theft of services.

• Similarly, unless a race allows it, do not buy another’s bib number and consider yourself entered. Unless you registered and signed the waiver yourself, you are not registered.

• Line up according to the pace you plan to run. If you are a slower runner, that's OK, just don’t stand right in the front of the pack. Use common sense about where to stand. Don't toe the front line if you can't run the fastest time.

• Start your races with a little Speed Stick or other deodorant. Nothing is worse than having to hold your breath to cruise past a runner who didn't shower that morning or who wears more Ben Gay than clothes.

• Don’t wear headphones. You reduce your awareness of your surroundings, which is particularly dangerous in a high-traffic race environment. It may also prevent you from hearing instructions from course marshals. Many races ban them and will ask you to remove them prior to entering the race course.

• Turn that beeping watch OFFFFFFF! Same goes for heart rate monitor alarms. Talking on a cell phone during a race is also out.

• If you are running a race with your buddies don't run two and three abreast. Your barricade obstructs the normal ebb and flow of the race field. Runners simply cannot get by you.

• "Looking good" is acceptable encouragement "Get the Lead out!" is not.

• Don't sprint like a hero at the finish if you dogged it during the race. The thumping of your heart and feet have a more glorious beat than two hands smacking of flattery.

• Don't cut the course, stay within the cones and designated lanes. Corners are for going around. Lanes are for staying in. Cones are for running between. Cheating is an act of desperation. Trust your training. If you didn't train, don't fake your race time by cutting off yards instead of seconds.

• Don't drop your water cups, extra clothing, sponges etc on the course. You can ruin some else's race with an unexpected trip to the pavement.

• Don't suddenly change directions or cut off another runner. Like being in a car, to stay safe you've got to stay with the flow of traffic. Take a glance around and signal with your hand or ease up to the side before you pull off the course.

• Don't stop suddenly to walk, especially at water stations. Slow down, signal or otherwise get out of the way.


• When passing, get a stride or two ahead before you step in front. Cutting off another runner can be hazardous to both of you.

• Don't draft too closely. Getting out of the wind is permissible. Tripping another runner is not. Remember that clipping is an infraction in football and running.

• Use caution and control approaching the finish line. Don’t cut off other runners and don’t stop suddenly right after crossing the finish line.

• Don't be a piggy with giveaways. If you take armloads of bagels or other free goodies, there probably won't be enough to go around. It's not an all-you-can-eat event.

• Volunteers are often from a church, school or other community organization. They are often inexperienced. Accidents can happen. Be nice. Be patient. Say thank you.

• Some runners race for fun, some for speed and some for the social atmosphere. With that in mind, don't expect all runners to be social before or during a race.

• Don't race if you are sick. Spreading your germs through an entire pack of runners is selfish and inconsiderate.

• If you've got enough energy, give spectators a thumbs-up. Spectating is hard work!

• Congratulate your competitors at the end of the race. Without them, your only race would be against the clock.

• Try to be gracious about a bad race. Pouting causes wrinkles and hobbles the event's spirit. Have a moment of silence for your bad race ¬ then get on with life.

On The Track

Tracks Lanes are numbered from the inside lane. Lane 1 is the far left inside lane. When you are warming up, cooling down, or just running easy don't run in the inside lanes, lanes 4,5&6 will work just fine for this.

Never walk in lanes 1 or 2.....

When you are doing repeats, intervals, tempo or a hard effort type runs where you are timing yourself it's okay to run in lanes 1 and 2 but if you hear someone coming up behind you, move to the right and yield the inside (left) lane to the faster runner, don't make them go around you. The runner approaching a slower runner should announce "Track" which means he or she wants to pass you in Lane 1.

Don't stop abruptly in lane one or two instead as you finish your interval look over your right shoulder and move to the right as you slow down or stop.

A collision with another runner hurts, one with a cyclist hurts more, lets not even think about a car be safe and courteous. Not everyone know this stuff so be patient and try to avoid any road rage incident wherever you are running.

Lastly, the above etiquette are not meant just to be read but will require to be practiced.

Is It "AID STATION" or "SUPPORT STATION"

I am writing this blog primarily to dig deeper on the subject of what Gen. Jovinal Narcise aka BALD RUNNER posted on with a title “Volunteering “ Is Service For Everybody. For the benefit of all, please find linkage to the said blogged item;

http://baldrunner.com/2009/07/05/volunteering-is-service-to-everbody/

In dealing with the subject matter, I would request readers to have an “open heart and an open mind” with the primary intention on not putting blame on any side in particular, but, finding a CORRECTIVE ACTION that we could all learn from the incident and eventually correct matters for the betterment of the sport we all adhere to.

Each particular group, organization or individuals I am sure have only GOOD INTENTIONS and purpose in coming up with their own AID STATION to the Milo Marathon. However, the term AID STATION is not the appropriate word selection, should a station be called as such, then, services should be OPEN TO ALL PARTICIPANTS and not limited to certain groups or individuals.

Competitions as in road races, needs always to have a LEVEL PLAYING FIELD and that unbiased or placing others to a point of disadvantage is illegal, inappropriate and/or uncalled for. Assuming that the groups involved have obtained permission from the organizers of MILO MARATHON to set up such a station, the appropriate question for clarification is that “was it made clear to the organizers that such facilities will only cater to SELECTED GROUP?” Maybe this is where the initial problem occurred and that It was not made clear what the real purpose of the station was meant to service for. I do not think that the MILO MARATHON organising committee will allow or intentionally create a scenario of UNEVEN PLAYING FIELD. Their approval might be a presumption that such a station will be servicing all participants in the race which is the very essence and meaning of volunteer services. However, if the answer to the clarifying question is a YES, then blame and responsibility now is for the organisers to answer.

MILO MARATHON is a Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) sanctioned road race. PATAFA being a member of International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) is bound to comply on the IAAF Rules of Competition. For the benefit of all, I herewith provide the linkage to IAAF Rules Of Competition 2009 which I have below lifted appropriate prevailing regulations;

http://www.iaaf.org/mm/Document/Competitions/TechnicalArea/04/95/59/20090303014358_httppostedfile_CompetitionRules2009_printed_8986.pdf

Section VIII Rule 240 item (8) (d)

“Refreshments, which may be provided by either the Organising Committee or the athlete, shall be placed at the stations nominated by the athlete. They shall be placed so that they are easily accessible to, or may be put by authorised persons into the hands of, the athletes. Refreshments provided by the athletes shall be kept under the supervision of the officials designated by the organising committee from the time that the refreshments are lodged by the athletes or their representatives.

Section VIII Rule 240 item (8) (e)

An athlete who collects refreshment from a place other than the refreshment stations renders himself liable to disqualification.
Having highlighted the above rules, you need not be a lawyer nor a legalist to be able to address the issue on matters wherein an athlete is to provide his exclusive supply/ assistance for himself.

Marathon Road Race is an individual race and is not a TEAM EFFORT. Accordingly, you have winners declared on individual basis. While it is nice if you belong to a running club, organization, a community, or what have you to have a collective effort to support your specific group, such is not an accepted practice or norm in Road Racing. There are rules to be followed basically to ensure that the playing field is even and that no undue discrimination or outside extra assistance is provided to certain groups and individuals. In a marathon all participants need to complete the same distance with the same support and/or refreshment afforded to all. This is the beauty of the sport, everybody is equal, no outside factor, mechanism, tools, equipments or the likes will be the determining factor if you complete or even win the race. You have only yourself either to blame or attribute your accomplishment.

On the subject of an AID Station, maybe the right word that should be used next time is a SUPPORT STATION then this should be in accordance to the rules practised universally. However, such a SUPPORT STATION need to comply with the internationally accepted rules and organisers are made aware of the exact purpose of such a station.

Bottom line, let us make the necessary corrective measures so that in the future incidents of the same nature will be avoided. Let us work together for the improvement of the sport we all love. The incident should not divide us but instead make us all stronger.

Tagaytay Highlands to Taal Lake Run

15K Route from Tagaytay Highlands to Flamengo Resort at Taal Lake

Ever since I got myself involved more and more on road races every Sundays of the week, my weekend out of town family hibernation has diminished so much so that the same has been an issue with my wife. However, this weekend was a non-negotiable must have out of town weekend.

During these out of town weekends, the family mainly spent it at our Tagaytay Highlands Woodridge abode. It is normally during these weekends that I shift my physical exercise to golf game. However, on this weekend I had other plans in mind which is a solo run from Tagaytay Highlands down to the Midlands and going to Flamengo Resort which is at Taal Lake.

Being a solo run, it was required of me to make necessary arrangements to ensure my safety and logistical requirements. Further, a transport arrangement going back was a must as I do not think I can manage going back on my own power and that I have no other to ask and pick me up at Taal Lake. The run will cover an estimated distance of 15Km of pure decent run all the way which will as well cover asphalt, cement , rough trail passing through outback barangays of Talisay and then along the national road of Talisay leading to Laurel Batangas.

On Saturday 04Jul09 I left Yellowstone Woodridge at Tagaytay Highlands at 5:22am with my hydration backpack and Garmin 405 to track my route and record training data. The Elevation at my starting point is 1950ft and will take me to sea level (0 ft) by the 10th kilometer and a flat run from the 10th to the 15th kilometer.

In pictures the following were the notable sights and experience of the run;

FlamengoRun04Jul09

View more documents from Amado Castro.

My Garmin 405 registered a distance of 14.99K having completed the run in 01h56m07s speed of 7.87Km/hr , pace 7.62 min/km and burning in the process 944kCal. It was a great weekend workout which has detoxed me of any stress, ailments and what have you ready again for a full week of work ahead.

Theft On Parking Areas During Races - Enough Is Enough

Last Tuesday 30th June 2009 I was invited by Jinoe Gavan of Takbo.ph to attend the Bloggers Conference for the KENNY’S OPEN 2009 URBANITE RUN.

I shall not deal on this blog the particulars of the run itself as most of those that were present then have already posted the details of the run in their respective blog. However, I shall deal on the subject matter that was touched with great importance during the said meeting. The subject is “THEFT ON PARKING AREAS DURING RACES”.

During the meeting BALD RUNNER (Jovie Narcise) brought on the table the ongoing issue and problem on thefts which were results of cars being forcibly opened during races. Subject matter was very much relevant in much that the “KO2009UR” will be conducted during night time and considering that the thieves have been very bold during daytime, what more can the participants expect for their security during night time.

VINCE MENDOZA and RIO DELA CRUZ were game enough to answer and accept the views and opinions of the people present during the meeting. On the other hand it was also pointed out to the organizers that such a problem can no longer be tolerated and disregarded even if such a problem has a limitation on the liabilities of the organizers. For the purpose of solving the problem, it was brought up by Bald Runner to invite/solicit running clubs, civic organization or group of concern runners for voluntary task of just making their presence visible on parking areas to deter possible cars being broken-in by these thieves.

I have the following observations on the subject;

- Thieves are getting bolder and bolder in making the runners as their prey during road races. It is worthwhile also to take note that they are now even I think part of the runners that register for a race! They could even be entered on short races to gain valid access to the venue and have more than enough time to do their thing before the longer distance races is completed.

- The incident in Men’s Health All Terrain Race at the Sta Elena is a good case study. Sta Elena is a very secured place, no loiters have easy access to the place, the parking area was nicely made and very visible. I could only but arrive at a conclusion that the thieves are posing as runners themselves or part of the service/organizing team with their own transport means. Otherwise, how in the world could they have entered the venue as you cannot enter Sta Elena from/to the main gate to the race venue WITHOUT YOUR OWN TRANSPORT MEANS.

- That maybe Finishline are being targeted by these thieves as on the races lately these incidents have been occurring. I told bought Vince and Rio that they have been providing good organization and actual conduction of road races, but, only to be spoiled by these thefts as such they need to address the situation as well.

- While it is fair to say that the organizers have their limitation with respect to liability of materials lost from these thefts, Bald Runner hit the nail in his statement that runners and organizers CANNOT JUST CLOSE THEIR EYES AND ACCEPT THE SITUATION.

- It is of course the runner’s main obligation to practice DUE DILIGENCE meaning to ensure that all important valuable items are not brought to the race venue and left in the vehicle EXPOSED FOR EVERYONE TO SEE which is inviting a situation to happen. It is best to leave all valuables at home and should you need to bring important things with you during race day, have them stored beyond vision or lock them at the car trunk. Of course park your vehicle on the designated race parking area.

- Of course even if due diligence is practice a situation will/might happen, IT IS THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY of the organizers to INVESTIGATE and most important to come up with the STATEMENT/FINDING/COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATION regarding the incident that has occurred. The organizer SHOULD NOT JUST KEEP QUITE and PRETEND AS IF NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. While the organizer may not be legally liable, they have the MORAL OBLIGATION to acknowledge a situation and find a possible solution for future implementation. Maturity and trustworthiness of an organizer can be determined by these actions.

- The problem is REAL and as in any problem has a SOLUTION. It will take a joint effort between runners and organizers to help one another and deal with the issue. One avenue I could think of is VOLUNTEERISM. The actual HOW and the MECHANICS can be discussed. But, it is time to face the problem instead of just ignoring it.

I am sure you have your own groups and circle of friends who love this sport of ours. Should you have any comments and or suggestions on the issue, gather them collectively and let us present them to organizers and/or the running community as a group. It is time to say ENOUGHT IS ENOUGHT.