Rx Runner's "Hangover","Postpartum" and "Depression"

For the past two months a great majority of the runners in Metro Manila had been busy in their own preparation for the Condura Run09 either as individuals or as a group. There have been training plans for the 21K, Long Slow Distance (LSD) runs to built up stamina and even Carbo Loading Party which has kept so many of us focused and with a definite purpose and plan until March 22, 2009. But now that everything is all over we need to reassess matters and set new goals and plans, otherwise, we shall easily fall with a sickness called “runner’s hangover”, “ runner’s postpartum” and/or a “runner’s depression”.

What is the prescription to avoid these pitfalls? We need to have new goals, new plans and the execution of these goals and plans either as a group or individual. A "support group" will be highly advantageous rather than being alone. For it is only with new objectives that our running/walking efforts can fuel and sustain our drive to attain each and everyone’s ultimate goal of good health either in the aesthetic body form and weight, controlled sugar, cardio health or overall health condition. For the goals and plans are not necessarily to land a podium finish as its only an added reward, but, rather for motivation and health reasons.

Monday 23Mar09, I have gone back to my usual early morning speed race walk training at the Ultra Ovals with an immediate goal set at “AIRSPEED” 10K organized by Coach Rio to be held at the Mall of Asia grounds on April 5, 2009. Another immediate goal is the “Greenfield City Run” 21K for April 19, 2009. However, I still have to registered although I know that this will be a good event and what is holding me now is the travel time from Metro Manila to Santa Rosa Laguna.

For my long term goal, I have the 15K Riverside California USATF Masters Race Walking scheduled for May 17, 2009 and the Los Angeles Marathon (Race Walking Division) scheduled on May 25, 2009 both of which I have already registered.

Keep those legs moving, set new goals and plan of action. Plan the Run and Run the Plan. See you on the road!

Condura Run09 - Skwalker on Skyway Audit Report

What makes CONDURA RUN differ from other running events that we have locally in the Philippines? Is the difference on the plus side? What did the sponsors and organizers promised? Where they able to deliver?

The Event is an “advocacy” (key word) by the Concepcion family, Ton Concepcion the President of Condura and Patrick Concepcion Vice President for Services Concepcion Industries. An event created by runners for runners inspired by international marathon.There were 10 promises that the organizers openly made for the event and I will to list them item for item so that we all could provide our assessment;

1. The Route
This is one of the best if not the very best route. Katipunan overpass and making use of the Skyway passing to Buendia. The organizer did their very best that the route be free from vehicular traffic which I would say was 95% fulfilled. The 5% is attributed to reckless driver who still insist to do their thing even with traffic marshals manning their post.

2. 4 Races : 1 Event
A great come-on to all runners of different level of skills. Maybe next year we could expect a full marathon distance?

3. Fun Events
Great costumes and attires for those that participated. I was just too involved in the 21K that I think most of those who joined entered the lower distance category.

4. The Condura Expo
I did not personally participated/visited the booths but they where there. I liked when all the delivery trucks of Condura was positioned at the gathering area and their headlights were switched on. Great theatrical effect.

5. Cool Giveaways and Raffles
There were a lot and the distribution was not a hassle to the runners which was great. Personally, I have used the Nike 10% discount three times so that was great and the best thing again it was facilitated as the Nike sore without too much ado.

6. Feel like an Olympian for a day
The crowd and the atmosphere was just perfect and the organizers were able to maintain orderliness in the starting/finish chutes. Minor thing to mention is that maybe the organizers were as well overwhelmed by the great number of participants on each race event that they were a little bit conservative in space provided at the starting chute, however, they kept on expanding the area as they see that congestion was being experienced. As for the finishing line, very well organized and the handling of giveaways as you come-in was perfect.

7. Run with the Stars
I did see a handful of “stars” as you might say, but, for me the “STARS” in capital letters for the event were the participants. The different sectors of the running community that supported the event and individuals were overwhelming. You could easily feel the positive energy at the starting line as well as the finishing line.

8. The Champions Circle
The elite runners not only were motivated by the prizes, but, I think they want the name Condura Run in their collections of trophies. What with all the excitement the run has generated.

9. Finishers Medals for Half Marathon Finishers
For ordinary runners the finishers medal for the 21K and certificates for all the other race events where a thing that ordinal people remember and keep for a long time.


10 Running for the Whale SharksGreat “cause” to run. With the first year for “Tubbataha Reef” and the second year for the “Whale Shark” what would the 3rd year be?

The Condura Run although only on its 2nd year has definite carved a name in the Running Events in the country. The organizers say they are the “premier running event”, I would say that if they are not there yet definitely they are going that way no questions asked! Lastly, maybe it is about time to expand the horizon, a full marathon for 2010! What do you say Mr. Ton and Patrick Concepcion? Congratulations to all those who were in one way or another involved in bringing this great event for the running community.





My personal audit to myself, I am now a full pledge “SKYWALKER” having completed the 21K with a time of 02h40m30s a target goal fulfilled which was set after my simulated Condura Run as posted on my previous blog. To CHRISTIAN DALIDA thank you for joining me in walking the sky. To all finishers, I hope you got fulfilment in your own individual run. As they say, life goes on and let us prepare for the next event!

Check List - "Condura Run 09"

With 3 days more before the much awaited Condura Run 09 “Skyway Run For The Whale Sharks” training period for the event is at end and time to taper on physical activities and concentrate on carbo loading till Sunday. From today, will also be the best time to check and double check our equipments to be used during the race may we be running the 21K or any distance at that.

Running Shoes:
Your running shoes are perhaps the most critical piece of equipment on the race day it can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. If your running shoes are of poor quality or do not fit properly then the implication can be a result of either blisters or common running injuries.

You should ensure for a shoe that offers comfort and support. Your running shoe should also be light enough for your needs. There are no hard and fast rules as to the best type of shoe because it depends from athlete to athlete. Cardinal rule is never to use a brand new shoes on a race day make sure whatever running shoes you have decided to use it has passed its break-in stage.

Socks:
Apart from having a fitting running shoes, your socks are the main piece of equipment that is going to stop you from developing blisters. The most common reason for getting blisters is from wearing cotton socks. The reason for this is that cotton socks keep moisture close to your skin. It is this wet skin that then is most prone to blisters due to the additional friction that is built up. The ideal way to prevent this blistering from occurring is to use acrylic fibre socks that wick the sweat and moisture away from your feet. The reason being is that your skin develops less friction when it is dry.

Clothing:
The best clothing to wear is both light-weight, loose and does not rub. The best on the market are either light nylon, Coolmax or Polypro. Avoid cotton clothing because not only does it stay wet but is also prone to cause excessive rubbing and skin rash.

Lubricant:
No matter just how good your clothing is, it is inevitable that at somestage you will experience either chaffing or blistering during the race. Assuming you have put time in training for the race, you should have by now known the areas that continuously chaff and blister, such as under your arms or your inner thighs. Once you know which areas regularly chaff then you can apply some cream to these parts. Test to find which creams work best for you. The best creams on the market are Vaseline, Runners Lube and Body Glide. If you already have chaffing, the diaper rash ointment A+D Ointment works wonders, as it soothes burning and promotes rapid healing.

So as not to forget anything, an ideal CHECKLIST would have the following;

Race shoes
Race clothing . shorts, singlet, underwear, socks
Bib/race number
Sun Glass
Vaseline/lubricants
Sun cream
Tissues
Safety pins
Needle
Plasters
Toilet paper
Sports drinks
Foods . gels, raisons, power bars etc.

My best wishes to all! See you at the starting line on Sunday. Skyway here we are.....