NatGeo Earth Day Run 2012 - 10k Racewalk Mode

After having been absent in the local road races for almost two months, the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL EARTH DAY RUN 2012 held today April 22,2012 at Bonifacio Global City was a much anticipated comeback event for me. Since the middle of February I suffered stress fracture on my foot then was followed by cough and cold  sickness and just about when I was getting better I did a stupid decision of running before getting 100 percent well which resulted on a relapse which eventually prolonged the healing process.

Prior to today’s event I had logged only about 40k of training so I am a bit apprehensive on the outcome for the event. Last night, I decided to go easy on myself so instead of running the event, I decide to use my RACEWALK mode.

When I arrived at the venue at Fort Bonifacio Global City the 21k event has already been started. As with events that are well attended, finding a parking is a struggle, this event was such.  Only after about 15 minutes of queu at the parking entrance was I able to find a parking space.

At 530am the 10k event was started and took us from BGC to Kalayaan flyover to Buendia until Ayala junction and then back track all the way to BGC for the finishline. The event was well handled, however, I wish that the organizers have used different routes or minimize the distance where the different events converge particularly for the 3k and 5k runners who were more or less just strolling along the route which hampered the 21k and 10k runners. Anyways, it was great to see people trying their best to improve their health in running.

My 10k racewalk resulted with a time of 01h23m43s. Hopefully this will jump start to my full recovery and be back to my usual weekly workout of 30-40k distance log.

Riverside CA - Walking the Course Circuit

Rule no.1 for any type of competition is getting to know your opponent. In running as with race walking the opponent is not the other competitors, but, is the race course or circuit itself. The only way you could plan on how you will actually perform on race day is getting sufficient knowledge of the terrain, the different obstacles, nature/condition of surface/pavement, the ups, downs, bends, distance per lap and other peculiar characteristic of the race circuit.

Last 12May09 at 0520am with the above objective to attain, I drove to the USATF 15km Masters Championships circuit at Fairmont Park, Riverside, CA.

At exactly 558am with temperature down at 15 degrees C or 59 degrees F, I started my familiarization run/walk of the circuit initially at 70 percent then increasing to 90 percent performance capacity to be able to bench mark a possible target time for the actual race day. The race circuit is a USATF certified 1.79km loop circumventing Lake Evans at Fairmont Park in Riverside California. The first two laps was getting familiar with the directions to take. Thereafter, full capacity was exerted to recover possible time lost.

Still with jet lag to overcome, I limited the distance to 13.00km with an accomplished time of 01h14m58s for a speed of 7.16km/hr and pace of 8.38min/km on a chilly 15degrees Centigrade air temperature. I was satisfied of the workout and still plan to make a complete 15km simulated racewalk scenario either on Thursday or Friday before taking a break for a recovery period prior to Sunday’s race event.

I herewith provide a slide presentation of the 1.79km race circuit which will require about 8.38 laps to cover the total distance of 15km

(click on the image for enlarge view)

Riverside12 May09

View more presentations from Amado Castro.

PATAFA - National Open Invitational Championships

Most if not all of the readers of this blog are avid followers of running and/or racewalking so much so that we all share the passion, love, dedication, beauty and magical touch that the sport has touched our individual lives.

However, running and racewalking are but only two of the so many disciplines that the sport TRACK AND FIELD covers. To name a few are pole vault, high jump, long jump, relay, hurdles, hammer throw, javelin throw, discus throw, shot put, and the different events in running such as sprint, middle distance, long distance and all the way to the marathon distance.

In the Philippines our love for running falls under the jurisdiction of Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association PATAFA who shall have its National Open Championships for this year held at Lingayen Pangasinan from May 10-12, 2009 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC).

It is a GREAT PITY that little to barely minimal media exposure has been provided to this yearly event which is the showcase and breeding ground of upcoming sports elite in the various disciplines of track and field events.

Not only athletes from the different parts of the Philippines shall congregate for the sports fest but the event shall also be attended by foreign athletic teams from Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Brunei, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Hongkong, Singapore to name but a few.

In the field of Racewalking I have four (4) friends who are participating namely;

Saturnino Salazar – 20km walk
Michael Embuedo – 20km walk
Milbert Mabuab – 20km walk
Christian Dalida – 10km walk


(L-R Saturnino Salazar, myself, Milbert Mabuab, Christian Dalida not in the picture is Michael Embuedo)

Three of them will be leaving for Lingayen Pangasinan by noon of 08May09. Saturnino Salazar will only follow in the afternoon of 10May09 as he still has to provide logistical support to the elite runners of Bald Running Team who will be participating in the Botak 42k. This Botak 42K will be a great race being the first full marathon for the year. (You can check details of the event on my 01Apr09 blog Link is herewith provided http://reinier6666.blogspot.com/2009/04/paa-tibayan-takbo-42k-and-takbo-100k.html

These guys have the God given TALENT and DISCIPLINE in the sport they have chosen. But, in the field of sports talent and discipline are but only two of the three components for success. The base of the triangle is SUPPORT both moral and financial in forms. It is in this triangular equation of sports success that most athletes fall short of. On this issue of shortage, much can be done by some of us who are blessed with the means for the base component of the triangle.But at this time I would rather not deal on the subject as the same is varied and complicated.

For now, what we can offer these friends are our prayers best wishes for their success. This is one time the saying “GOD SPEED” is meant by us to you literally.

April 2009 - Running Log

(Click on image for enlarge view)

For the month of April 2009 I have the following figures to validate for my Training Log in preparation for the LA Marathon Race Walk Division scheduled for May 25, 2009;

Distance = 271.46 km
Duration = 36.0215 hours or 01d12h01m
Average Speed = 7.54 km/hr
Average Pace = 7.96 mins/km
Calories Burn = 18,050 kcal

Total distance covered since April 27, 2007 = 5,886.15 km

"Macau-Taipa Bridge" - The Second Time Around

Sunday – April 26, 2009 waking up at 5:00am I immediately look at my hotel window if rain has stopped. I noticed that the road was still visibly wet but no sign of rain shower. Thank you Lord. I hurried to prepare myself for the replay run at the “Macau-Taipa Bridge” all excited as in the previous day.

At 5:300am I stepped out of the hotel lobby shocked that the previous day temperature of 22C with rain at that has now dropped 4 degrees C and is now at 18C not really that cold but the wind was strong so it has a biting after effect. Well you cannot have all your wishes granted, some you get, some you don’t at least the rain is gone.

5:34am I started my run fully confident on which road to take having gotten the experience the previous day. As I started today’s run which much later than the precious day, it was already daylight when I reached the “Macau-Taipa” Bridge. It was either it was not raining or that it was a Sunday but today there were a handful of runners that I have came across during the bridge run unlike the previous day where it was then a lonesome run.

After reaching Macau Island, I tried to cover a run on the different casinos in the area, Wynn’s, Grand Lisboa, Galaxy, MGM and a couple more of casinos which I forgot their names.






I also went to a statue which has a striking resemblance to the Virgin Mary but in reality is that of the Chinese goddess A-Ma who they say has powers for those having fertility problem.




I then backed track to MGM Casino for the necessary photos.




Then it was time to make the return trip to Taipa Island and again experiencing the tranquillity and solace of running with a perfect scenic beauty of the bridge and the sea enhanced by the clean fresh air possible. Without knowing it was already approaching the end of my run at the Best Western’s Taipa Hotel.



Today’s run was a 10.60km distance, speed of 7.73km/hr and a pace of 7.77min/hr burning 700Kcal in the process.

Good bye “Macau-Taipa” Bridge you have enriched my running experience.

Macau-Taipa Bridge Run

Friday April 24, 2009 I and my staff departed Manila for Macau for our yearly company retreat. Even before leaving Manila I already have told myself that I shall squeeze in during the occasion my personal run/race walk. Given the two occasions for the year 2009 to have done the bridges run in Cebu-Mactan, it was a great opportunity and a must to do a bridge run between Taipa Island and Macau Island.

Macau and Taipa Islands are interconnected by three (3) bridges namely, “Sai Van Bridge” on the west, the “Macau-Taipa Bridge” on the center and the “Friendship Bridge” on the east. As per information provided by Best Western Taipa Hotel where I was staying, only the “Macau-Taipa” Bridge is allowed to be used for pedestrian crossing. It is also the oldest bridge of the three.

Armed only with very limited knowledge of the actual route to do for the run, on Saturday April 25, 2009 at 4:21am with light rain and air temperature at 22C and all pumped up I departed the Taipa Hotel trying to find my way to the maize of street in Taipa Island to lead me to the middle bridge – “Macau-Taipa Bridge”.







Just in time that I was entering the bridge, heavy rain started to fall. At this time, my mind was all set and nothing can stop me regardless of what. The only thing in my mind was to make sure to complete the bridge run. Even with the rain, I cannot but congratulate myself for doing the run as this is the cleanest air that I have experience with no pollution, with sea breeze, the just about the right air temperature.






Having reached Macau Island I went further passed the bridge to be able to take picture of Wynn Casino and the Lisboa Casino. Even at 5:30am the light display in the area was fantastic. Having completed my photo session, I headed back to the bridge to return to Taipa Island telling myself that I have done what I intended to do. However, just before completing my return run of the bridge my Garmin Forerunner 405 was only indicating a distance cover of a little over 8km which was below my usual daily run. Right there and then I crossed the opposite lane and reverted direction back to Macau Island for another crossing to satisfy my graving.






I have actually done four crossing and completed a distance of 14.30km for a time of 01h59m08s for a speed 7.20km/hr and a pace of 8.33min/km on heavy down pour of rain. To any of you guys who shall in the future be in Macau for whatever purpose, I highly recommend to you to do this run. It is all fresh air and great view of the bridges and the sea.





I still plan to redo the run tomorrow Sunday before going back to Manila. Hopefully, the rain will not be there.

Macau-Taipa Bridge great experience.

Greenfield City Run - Great Event, But Short After The "Finishline"

As expected, today’s Greenfield City Run was a very early day to most of the participants. On our part, Coach Saturnino Salazar, Christian Dalida, Milbert Mabuab and I left Paragon Plaza in Mandaluyong City at about 3:00am. With no traffic and with smooth driving experience at this time of the day, we arrived at Greenfield City Sta Rosa at 3:50am more than an hour before the scheduled start.





Given this opportunity and as it was also about the same time that cars/vans were arriving, time was spent at the parking area greeting friends and runners in the community that are a regular fixtures and also time to meet new friends. It was a very relaxed atmosphere of runners’ camaraderie in action. This observation was duplicated on clusters of groups all over the area as participants arrived continuously.

Last minute preparation was being done by the staff of “Finishline” the organizers which I think is the new trademark name of Runrio (please correct me if I am mistaken). With Coach Rio onboard, it is now more or less a STANDARD in the running community of how a race event should be organized. Runners have been used to expect only the BEST if Rio Dela Cruz is involved. Today as participants arrived in the venue, it was a no exemption for this event for you could easy notice that things are in order and how they are supposed to be prior a racing event. However, not to go ahead of the subject, this event will fell short of its promise just after crossing the finish line. A shortcoming and a big disappointment coming from an A-1 class race organizer. Further, I could not comprehend and would be glad to receive a clarification from the organizers on the issue at hand. However, let us not jump as we still have to start the race and other have so many great and wonderful things to mention.

05:00 am the 21k started on time as schedule and you have that feeling that this will be a great race event. Let me go through the important aspects of the event;

Route- This is the first time that Greenfield City was used in the local circuit and I have no doubt that there will be more races to follow on this venue. You have the best road to run, wide, very light to almost no traffic to contend with. The greatest plus factor of the event is the quality of AIR. Greenfield City can take pride in itself that there was no air pollutant within the vicinity. It was hot being summer, but, no question the air quality is very good for running. So much so that the ultra violet rays of the sun are not prevented by any smog or the kind. Check out the picture below wherein sunburn is very visible (8 runners have the same sunburn manifestation on the same area) after just being exposed to about an hour in sunlight. I have not experienced this sunburn in Metro Manila circuits. Maybe you have a better explanation.



The organizers did well in scheduling to start the race at 5am due to summer heat. Although the starting time was early, the roads used were well lit and on portions that there were absence of electrical posts and lighting, the organizers with the support of Greenfield City placed on strategic locations along the curve TORCHES. Wow, that was something I enjoyed looking at. To keep you energized along the route there where music inside the village and sound system playing dance music on two locations to keep you going. Great innovation.



Water Stations – there were more than sufficient numbers well placed along the route which were also providing cool sponges to keep you cool. Not only water was served but also RUSH. And what I liked about the water stations is that they are well manned and attendants were knowledgeable and efficient in what they were doing.

Distance and Markers – The distances markers are positions every kilometer and to my great astonishment is exactly the same as that being given to by my GARMIN Forerunner 405. On an comparative observation, I do not have an actual fact to support my DOUBTS but just to check if others also have the same observation, I believe that the distance provided on this 21K of Greenfield City Run is accurate and that the 21K distance of the CONDURA RUN 09 was shorter than the actual distance declared. If I am correct, a lot of runners who did both races would not be able to establish a better time for their Greenfield Run in comparison to their Condura Run 09. As I said, maybe I am mistaken, but, what is your individual observation guys? Let us compare observations. By the way my Condura Run 09 was 02h39m11s whilst my unofficial Greenfield City Run was 02h52m45s.

Portalets- Well provided and even on the 15Km there were two portalets positioned. My walking mates where joking along the route that this is the only race that men will never have a problem to find an available place to relieve their bladders as it was an open field all the way unlike on city running events that either you await for the portalets positioned or you need to make a pit stop on gasoline station along the way.



Security – Greenfield City did support the organizers to the fullest on the matter. You have so many securities along the ways to help out with the marshals either in their motor bikes, cars, vans or on foot. With the support given by Greenfield to the organizers, such action will but contribute to the success of the event.

Marshals – those deployed by the organizers were of great number, knowledgeable and knew what they were doing. Great performance guys! I would like to make special mention at this time to the girl marshal at the 20.5km mark where there was sound system playing dance music; she was dancing and pushing the participants for the last 500 meters. I wanted to stop and instead just dance with her. Nice work (who ever you are).




Finish Line – well manned and very orderly very ideal to finish a great race. Ops, but where is the shortcoming then? Did I not tell you earlier it was after the finish line?

The Shortcoming – On this matter, I hope that the organizers will be able to provide a clarification as the said shortcoming which I cannot be understand The issue is on “Finishing Medal”. With a making of a perfect event, after crossing the finish line I was looking for a representative of the event with respect to our group’s finishing medal. We were told that “sorry, we run out of medal and we will just provide them to you later”. How could you run out of finishing medal? The participants of 21K were known well ahead of time so there was no reason to run out. The participants in the 21K were not that many, so you could not run out. I would like to believe that the organizers did not intentionally produced less medal than the actual registered runners, otherwise, this is a very big let-down. On another angle, if the organizers produced more than enough finishing medals, but, due to whatever reason became short in number then somebody in their organization needs explaining. It is easy to audit, how many was produced as against how many were the participants.

Why the shortage. What was promised, must be delivered otherwise, the integrity of the organizer will be at stake. I hope further that if and ever the finishing medals for those that were not able to receive will be given, this shall be forwarded to their addresses and not for the participants to collect. The burden and trouble should be on the organizers.

As I have mentioned above, the Greenfield City Run was a GREAT EVENT, only to come SHORT AFTER THE FINISH LINE.

It is still a GREAT EVENT OVERALL.

Greenfield City Run - Pre-Race Calculative Analysis

The Easter Sunday Race Walk - 16.40km 02h12m16s - 7.44Km/hr - 8.06min/km - Starting Time 4:49Hrs


The Black Saturday Race Walk - 02h13m13s - 16.34km - 7.36km/hr - 8.15min/km - Starting Time 5:13Hrs

With the intention to establish a comparative run of the same route and as posted in my blog of yesterday, a duplicate run (race walk for my case) was done this Easter Sunday.

The route used was starting from the Northeast Parking Area of Bonifacio High Street for a single counter clockwise loop then to 26th Street, Rizal Avenue, u-turn at 3rd Avenue , Lawton Avenue, left at Bayani Road until the Heritage Park and u-turn back to Bayani Road, right at Lawton Avenue, right at McKinley Hills using the usual race route until British Embassy and back to Lawton Avenue, right to Libingan Ng Mga Bayani, right 24th Avenue, back track upon reaching 9th Street and turn right to 7th Street and making a half loop at Bonifacio High Street ending at the Northeast Parking Area along 9th Street.


***************************Black Saturday ******Easter Sunday
Start ********************* ***5:13am *************** 4:49am
Garmin Distance ************16.34 km ************ 16.40 km
Duration ******************** 02h13m13s *******02h12m16s
Speed ************************ 7.36 km/hr *******7.44 km/hr
Pace ************************* 8.15 min/km ****8.06 min/km

I started Easter Sundays' run earlier hoping to avoid the heat by 7:00am. As you will take note on the comparative data, the difference between the two run is practically negligible. I was only 57 seconds faster than my run on Black Saturday. I was hoping to shave 2-3 minutes but I think that was only a wishful thinking on my part. Given the performance above a 21K will correspond to 02h49m00s.

The Greenfield City Run will cover all the way FLAT terrain unlike the Global City route that I have practised. This in consideration, there should be a reduction in the finishing time, however, the route at Greenfield is exposed to sunlight with no building to provide shade so I expect this will be a factor to consider in arriving at a realistic finishing time. Overall, I would be more than happy to shave a minute from my Condura Run finish of 02h39m11s. For planning purpose my target time for the Greenfield City Run is 02h37m00s.

Given that the race venue will require 45 minutes of travel time, we need to depart Paragon Plaza by 3:30am to allow sufficient time for possible delays. This means a wake up time of 3:00am the latest. Wow! It will be a long morning on April 19th.

See you at the starting line guys!