Have You Been To A RUNNING DATE?

With the increasing popularity of RUNNING to people of all ages, goals and motivation for each individual person is as varied as any under the sun. Others have embraced the sport for the physical challenge, others for medical reasons, others just for fun or the pure love and pleasure of the joy in running and the social friendship that it brings.

However, a very unique and impressive purpose or motivation that I have observed during the races that I have participated at is RUNNING DATE. We are pretty much aware of “Blind Date”, “Lunch Date”,  “Dinner Date, or whatever kind of usual DATE there are between two people in love or two people in the process of getting to know each other with the ultimate driven purpose of LOVE.

Yes, people of all ages have been having RUNNING DATES wherein a guy and gal instead of going to the usual date venues they have now embraced RUNNING DATE. For me this is great and wonderful, its not only healthy but you have the full attention of your partner for at least one and a half hour to a full two hours for a 10K event.

Today during the MILES FOR SMILES, I had a very close encounter of such date. I was entered in the 16k event and upon reaching the 15^K mark I came close to two very loving young couple who were entered on the 10K event and were by then on their 9K mark. It was a sight to behold that I could not help but take a picture of the couple. As I was on my race walking mode then, they went passed by me only for me to meet up with them 300 meters to the finishing line. It was then that I decided to approach both couple and show them the picture I have taken and commented that they are a sweet couple. They had the same sweet smiles to acknowledge my comment. I then informed them that I shall blog on them of their “sweetness” which has gotten a much bigger smile from both. As it was still a race event for me, I then overtook them and left the couple in their sweet time to cross the finish line. I did not have the time to ask their names, but, when IN LOVE you need no identity as we were either once in the same road, now on the same road, or had been always in the same road.

The Miles For Smiles Event today was a successful event, it was well organized and handled. My congratulations to the event organizers and sponsors. I shall not go in detail of how the event was handled, instead just provide a mark of 8.5 out of 10. My only minor comment is that the 16k distance just recorded a 15.5K in my Garmin 405. It was a great morning having completed the distance in 01h55m44s.

With what I have observed the event was really MILES For SMILES. It is great to be IN LOVE!

8th Avenue At The Fort And My 37th Wedding Anniversary

When the Ultra Oval Track was closed for public usage for the early morning hours daily (4am-9am) last 09Aug10, I had no alternative but revert to my good old reliable Fort Bonifacio streets considering the closure of Ultra will be until December 2010.

For training and exercise purposes, the streets of Fort Bonifacio it is of no doubt a favorite venue to most metro runners considering that the place is safe to any early morning runner and that the quality of air in the streets is quite fresh, carbon dioxide free as the vehicular traffic in the area is not saturated. Further and of primary importance is SAFETY. Runners are assured of road safety and undesirable elements of the society as practically every corner has a stationary or roving traffic/security personnel.

Of lately, a new route that is becoming popular to early morning runners/joggers/walkers at Fort Bonifacio is at the 8^TH AVENUE starting from the 32^nd Street at the LEXUS SHOWROOM all the way to just before the KALAYAAN Gate of Fort Bonifacio. The street was just completed and is a 6 lane wide road, newly asphalted and is still closed to traffic, as such, is becoming very popular to runners being free from traffic and the air quality being fresh. One single loop is 1.50km as measured from my Garmin 405. You can either limit yourself within 8^th Avenue and do as much loop as you deem required to meet your mileage or when you get tired of the scenery you may want to exit and proceed to the usual routes in Fort Bonifacio and return to 8^th Avenue to have a diversified route that will suite your personal needs.

One minor disadvantage of the area is that from 4:00am to 5:30am (while still dark) the streetlights are not working so you will have to make do of whatever natural lighting there is, although it is quite acceptable. The plus factor of the area are SAFETY, soft asphalt road, fresh air and a good number of other runners to motivate you during your run.

Meantime, I herewith share with you photos taken of the place;

On another subject, today is a very special day for me as it is my 37^th wedding anniversary. God I am old! 37 years gave us three children and 3 grandchildren. It seems only like yesterday and I still love my wife HERMIE. I pray that we reach our 50^th anniversary still alive and healthy. 

Happy 37th Wedding Anniversary to my wife Hermie........

Ultra Oval - Closed 4:00am to 9:00am Until December 2010

To all early morning users of ULTRA Oval Track, the management has declared the oval track CLOSED from 04:00am to 09:00am EVERYDAY from 09Aug10 to December 2010.

The oval track will be for the exclusive use of PATAFA athletes that will be training for the Asia Games.

This is a sad news for all early morning users (afternoon users is mostly RAINED OUT).

However, an alternative venue is as shown above. The route is making use of the access roads within the compounds of the DECS and PSC. Start at the ticket booth proceed east PSC Dorm area (ex-Brent) turn left at the Colombo Plan Bldgs. and proceed to the way to entry gate of DECS passing the motor pool area, make a u-turn back to PSC gate, turn right along the outer perimeter of the oval track, turn right at entry gate of oval track and proceed until the back entry of the Ultra Stadium, make a u-turn back to the ticket booth area. 

PROS

a)   Hilly route good for stamina and endurance training.

b)     Well lighted and safe route on early morning compared to running on public  roads.

c)      It is FREE. The oval usage fee is P35.00 so you have a good saving with no parking fee.

CONS

a)    The road surface is UNEVEN you need to be very careful.

b)    Try to avoid the motor pool area of DECS as there are two dogs that will try to intimidate you. However, when daylight sets in the dogs no longer will try to run after you.

A single loop is 1.45km

Cross Training With Golf

With no road race scheduled last weekend in Metro Manila, I decided instead to play the game that was once the center of my sports life GOLF.

It has been three years now that golf has taken a backstage in my sports life after having picked up running/race walking. Not that I have totally abstained myself from the game, it is just that while I use to play six times a week, now it is about once a month only. Running/race walking has taken my time five times a week, at least.

Last Saturday 07Aug10, I was back at the greens at Tagaytay Highlands with my regular golf buddies. Having not much of a practice, I had to make a hard negotiation for handicap index with my playing buddies. As the game moved on, I found myself to have better stamina and concentration. However, there is no denying that I have lost my crucial short game and touch due to lack of constant practice. After 18 holes, I submitted a 16 over par game not my usual good game, but, good enough to win me the bets amongst us. Moreover, it has given me the confidence that I still can manage a decent game. But, what is astonishing is that I can walk the course even how hilly it was, which unlike before I need a golf cart to ensure I will be able to last the 18 holes.

To my golf buddies, Nonoy Carpio and Jimmy Lardizabal, I guess a "Thank You" is in order for your “donations” that I shall now make use as registration fee in my next 10 road races! I guess a golfer/runner combination will be your waterloo. 

I had a great time guys and the bragging rights at that!

Discovery of the Day - Takbo.ph Caption

While I was trying to find a worthwhile thing to do this coming weekend, I visited Takbo.ph “LIST OF RACES” site and I came across two (2) discoveries.

Since the start of the year 2010 there have been races in Metro Manila every weekends either on a Saturday or a Sunday. Surprisingly, this weekend there is NO race scheduled within Metro Manila. This is my first discovery of the day.

For my 2^nd discovery and of great importance, on the site LIST OF RACES when you click on any specific race schedule I took notice of the following footnote on the bottom page -

TAKBO.PH SUPPORTS RUNNING EVENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
NO TO BANDITS. NO TO CHEATERS

I could not find this entry on any other page of the website (only when you click to get details on a specific race event). I personally like this reminder. I do not know when was this made but in as much that the post reminder is way below the page it is not so visible nor noticeable that visitors might have not taken notice as well. The reminder/caption is worth a thousand words and spells out the advocacy of the community.

This is what Takbo.ph is all about.  

Rexona Run 2010 - Worth My Time And Money

The Rexona Run 2010 was held today 01Aug10 with 9200 participants an overwhelming success in another continuing local road race saga in the country.

The registration fee for the Rexona Run 2010 is one of the most expensive if not the most expensive (so far). However, even prior to the race itself, local runners are already wise and educated runners that they are willing to invest hard earned money for their personal enjoyment and fitness. The registration turnout would attest to this.

Race day came and Coach Rio did not disappoint majority if not all registered runners. From registration to the actual race day operation it was worth the money. D-tag was used for the first time locally as timing device for all distances. There were ample marshals, portalets, service teams, an organized loot bag distribution, safety and medical assistance, festive booths, and a medal for 21k finishers. But one very peculiar thing I would like to highlight during the Rexona Run was the supply of hydration fluid, there were ample supply of bottled water (cold at that – in a very unique packaging) as well as Powerade sports drinks. I even had the luxury to make use of the bottled water to dowse myself at every water station I passed particularly from 14k onwards to 21k which was very helpful indeed.

With the above observations, I think Filipino people are ready to part with their hard earned cash provided that they get the best service there is. It is also this very fundamental reason that all high end malls, stores, restaurants, hotels, concerts or what have you that are being patronized despite of the hard times.  

Bottom line, quality do cost money, but cost alone does not necessarily equate to quality service. 

So runners, be diligent and do your assignment before registering in a road race. RunRio I think is one of those that can be trusted. 

Takbo.ph RUNFEST - Celebration Of Running And Others

When Takbo.ph scheduled their 2^nd anniversary run “RUNFEST – Celebrate Running” months ago, I made sure that my schedule would allow me to be able to attend the event. Takbo.ph has been close to my heart and I consider myself part of the community.

However, just a few days before the event I was confronted with the issue if I will be participating on 10k running event or be on the service team (as I have been requested by Jinoe to provide a Drum and Lyre Band) for the RUNFEST.

Wanting to accomplish both, I decided to do my actual running a day before the RUNFEST, which was last Saturday 24Jul2010. I memorized the published 10k route and did my simulated run which I was able to record in my Garmin 405 which I completed in 01h23m04sec for a distance of 10.62km (the over distance logged was due to retreated starting/finish line, u-turn difference both sides of 38^th street and my crisscrossing of lanes. The following was my goggle map for the run;

On the day of the RUNFEST itself I still came in my running attire hoping that I will be able to assemble the Rum and Lyre Band prior the race and join the 10k run. I arrive the venue at 5:00am giving myself enough time to go around and socialize before the set time of 5:30am to assemble the band. However, at 5:45 I was in contact with the band manager on to find out that they have been caught by the MMDA for a “Out of Line” violation of their jeepney transport. At 5:55 the band finally arrived and it took us only 3 minutes to unload their gears and start playing the music at 5:59am just a minute prior to the starting gun. Wow, it was a photo finish! It was a great scare for me, but I only hope that the band was able to provide the additional encouragement and festive mood to the runners and the RUNFEST itself.

With nothing much to do, I then shifted mode as a cheerer to encourage runners as they pass 28^th Street and 12^th Avenue. I could just imagine the feeling of each runner, IT IS SO NEAR BUT SO FAR, to instead of directly turning right and head to the finish line, to proceed straight further to 12^th Avenue and do a U-turn and traversing back before turning right at 28^th street for the finish line. This has a great psychological effect. Anyways, I think in our small ways with some takbo.ph support group assigned in the place, much encouragement was provided to the runners. The feeling experienced by us is priceless.

To Jinoe and the Takbo.ph group who were part of the organizing committee for the RUNFEST, thank you guys for your great effort and tireless deeds. There might be some issues on the delivery and unclaimed race packets, but, what can be done has been done and now only hope that next time a solution will be made. Thank you again to all efforts.

I wish to share herewith photos taken during the RUNFEST. Please feel free to grab what you like. (just click on the picture for enlarged view)

RunRio Membership Card

When I received my race packet via courier for the REXONA RUN 2010, together with race bib and D-tag was a RUNRIO MEMBERSHIP CARD.

What is this membership card for? What is its purpose? What would a member benefit for holding such a card?

To answer all these questions, I would like to paste herewith explanations as posted on the website of RUNRIO

As of now, the main purpose of these membership cards is to increase the efficiency of our data-gathering process. The next time you wish to join a RunRio event, you no longer need to go through the tedious process of falling in line and entering your data on our iPads. All you need to do is show us your card and we will be able to obtain your registration information using your ID number. We will keep you posted as soon as special deals and discounts will be available for card-holders.

I wish to congratulate Coach Rio for another innovation in the local running scene. This will greatly streamline his registration procedure and data gathering. I hope he could find as well possible special deals and discounts as he has envisioned for the same.

More power to you Coach Rio.

MILO To Investigate And Address Issues On Cheating

The week following the completion of the 34^th Milo Marathon Manila Elimination, there were numerous blog postings that mainly dealt with CHEATING. The posting particularly at Takbo.ph was complete with photographs. There were even very comprehensive analysis and observations from different bloggers. To top matters, POSTED COMMENTS on the different blog postings were equally informative and enlightening.

I have no personal knowledge nor observation of these CHEATERS, but, am very much concern on the matter as SPORTS is synonymous to HONESTY and FAIR PLAY. Milo is also an institution in local running, so much so that it was only proper to bring the matter direct to the attention of the Milo Executive Team.

On 10July2010, I sent the following email message to Mr. Pat Goc-ong, Mr. Andrew Neri and Mr. Lester Castillo. 

Dear Pat, Andrew and Lester,

Allow me first to congratulate the whole Milo Team for the successful event held last Sunday, 4July10. It was something for the books. For your (MILO) social commitment and dedication, thank you for giving joy to the Filipino runners throughout these years.

I am writing you this email for the reasons that Milo Marathon is close to my heart. A week after the race in Manila there had been many blogs posted in the net about CHEATING during the race. Allow me to provide to you the following links;

http://takbo.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=904&Itemid=1

http://bugobugo85.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/the-boulevards-of-broken-dreamsand-aching-legs/

http://runningpinoy.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/34th-national-milo-marathon-race-results-manila-elimination

http://lifeisahighway91.blogspot.com/2010/07/fly-in-ointment-dishonesty-at-milo.html

http://jazzrunner.wordpress.com/2010/07/07/cheaters-running-their-amazing-race/

Not only were the different blog posted very enlightening, but, equally informative are the different comments posted by the readers of the blogs. Milo has and is investing not only its financial resources but its talents, corporate culture and dedication to attain the premier position in the field of sports. Unfortunately, a small number of people has tarnished your great event with CHEATING. 

For the above reason, and knowing that SPORTS is synonymous to HONESTY of which what you would like to inculcate to the Filipino people, I hope that your executive team would make a formal investigation of the observations/allegations and provide an official action, sanctions and corrective measures. It is in my opinion that Milo should address the issue head on and provide a press release on the matter so that the general public will be assured that not only is MILO making use of sports to built people, but, honesty and integrity is the very foundation in sports as in life itself. Further, MILO will not tolerate any form of cheating to ensure credibility and integrity in its events.

The Manila elimination is but only the first of the series that you have in the table. Your immediate and direct action now will greatly help the coming regional elimination in cleansing the races of would be cheaters.

Again, my congratulations to Milo for its continued support to the Filipino runners. 

Regards

On 11July2010, the following reply was received from Mr. Andrew Neri

Thank you Mr. Amado. We will be releasing our official statement after thorough investigation next week. This will be dealt with utmost attention as suggested.  

andrew neri 
MILO Sports Events

I have full trust and confidence that MILO will act on the matter fairly, swiftly and with justice to all runners.

Let us await there formal reply on the matter.

The 34th Milo Marathon Manila Elims - From A 21km Perspective

In the past three years, a number of race events have earned the respect and patronage of the local running community so much so that their “brand name” in the running event that they do sponsor is now part of only a handful of race events that gives glamour and prestige in the sport of road running. Of these glamorous and prestigious races, there is no denying that on top of the list is none other than the “MILO MARATHON”. With the 34 years it has held the event it has become an institution by itself.

Today the 34^th edition for the MANILA ELIMS of the MILO MARATHON was held. I would say that it has again surpassed the standard and goal it has set for the event. And was only the first of a series of elimination races all over the country that will eventually culminate on December 12, 2010 for the FINALS that will also be held in MANILA.

I do not have the exact figure of the overall participation for each individual category, 42k, 21k, 10k, 5k and 3k. However, I would be brave enough to say that today’s race should have established the biggest number for the year.

When I arrived the Luneta area at about 4:15am (I was entered for the 21k) the 42k runners have been gunned off to their start of their event. Parking was only all the way to Taft avenue. I was lucky enough to find above curb on a pedestrian walkway at Padre Burgos Street and Maria Orosa Street. It was on a stop light at that. But, the policeman in the area signaled to me that it was ok to park on the said place. It was about a more than half a kilometer walk to the starting line at kilometer zero. It was great to see all types of transport carrying in them runners and these runners are mostly family members, friends, or just plain running enthusiast. Unlike on other races that you will have busloads of “hakots” or government employees committed or entered by their offices for the race. However, for this event, participants came on their own to fulfill their personal needs either for performance, health, fitness, or just plain for fun.

Participants for 21k were allowed to enter the starting area at 5:00am. The organizers took the opportunity to provide the background information of the Milo Marathon and its history throughout the years. The race route was shown at the video wall and a warm-up was conducted. At about 5:27am or 3 minutes ahead of schedule the gun start was sounded.

For the first 5km it was basically the same route used for the Roxas Boulevard races. At 7km there route turned right at Airport Road leading to Diosdado Macapagal Highway. From hereon it was hot and you could see participants both for the 21k and 42k who have to take three loops bathing in their own sweats. From the starting line all the way to the Junction of Diosdado Macapagal the Marshall, traffic aides and policemen were in clear control of the vehicles. However, a typical only in the Philippine situation, buses at EDSA extension and Diosdado Macapagal Highway were sounding their horns loudly and insisting on crossing the junction even if there were runners. This is the only negative part of the race and I would rather blame the situation to undisciplined drivers.

Distance markers were very accurate, water and sport drink stations were more than ample and supply sufficient, there was even a banana station at Macapagal Highway. Maybe some runners for the 42k are not pleased to run on loops due to the monotony, but, I think it was basically designed so for the safety of the runners and control of the traffic by the organizers which in the past has been a nightmare when conducted to a wide area. Further, the loop has a better control for cheaters. Anyways, it is all about distance, if it is correctly done on 42.2km then it should be good. The factor that could have affected all runners today is the HEAT. I think if the race were done in USA there would be quite a number who would have suffered from heat stroke.

I crossed the finish line for 21k at 2h55m32s it was 7 minutes slower than my last 21k at the San Diego Marathon. From the finish line to where my car was parked it took me three stopovers to take a rest and it was a good 20 minutes. God was I really wasted. But, happy and content for having participated in the event. To the Milo executives (who normally do want to be named and prefer credits be for the whole team and corporation) Thank you for the effort and dedication you have made to keep the runners happy. Now let me get my hot OVALTINE …Joke only MILO DRINK is what I mean.