Celebrating 61 years with 16 Km

Today May 3^rd 2012 I turned 61 years old! God I am old! To celebrate the day I think and wish that my age is numerically reversed … 16 ….. what better way to convince myself but do 16km workout early today at Fort Bonifacio which took me along the streets of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) then to Lawton Avenue to Bayani Road until Heritage Park then to C5 all the way back to Market Market and end at 26^th Avenue and 5^th Street. On a racewalk mode I completed16km in 2.5736 Hrs . It was my worst 16k time. It is the sad reality in life that age is catching up on my body. A lame excuse is that it was too hot and I did not have the right preparation.

I shall be limiting my road races from now on to 10k distance and probably do only the 21k during the Condura events. I still foresee myself to do work-outs on the road but now with a modest distance log of 30-35km/week or 100km per month (use to be 200km/month a year ago).

With the reduction of my road workout, I intend to dedicate more time in my old passion....golfing. Since I picked up running I sacrified a great time of my golfing to running.  I could still remember that between 1994-2006 I was practically playing golf six (6) times a week and that there was a time that my handicap was down to single digit (+9) compared to present which is +22. My problem is that practically all of my golfing buddies either have, passed away, too sick to play or have aged that I need to make new golfing buddies. But, I still love my golfing buddies in Valley Golf and Tagaytay Highlands. They are down to earth and we have shared lots of jokes and laughter during a game and most of all they allow me to win.

I have stopped my oil painting….. since last quarter of last year for whatever reason all the inspiration and drive that use to push me to be prolific and produce a painting a day has died down… the urge that just came all of sudden from no where then has all of a sudden vanished life a wind… I just could not explain why I can not lift the brush now…I pray that the inspiration and talent would come back on another cycle in my life while I still have vision and strength.

To all the people that have greeted me on my birthday, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR REMEMBERING. I hope and pray that in my own simple way I was able to touch your life as you have touched mine and you being a part of my life in that 61 years span. Certainly you were somewhere in that span of 61 years. We may have laught, cursed, fought, smiled, ate, drunk, work, golf, run, played or just talked and shared stories but without you people my life would have been empty. Thank you for being there! Let me continue counting till 100 and I will still be meeting more people till then.

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.

Happy Birthday Mommy

                                                            My mother in her early 30's

It has been quite a while since I have last written and updated my blog, the last being February 5, 2012. This blog I have mainly used for my passion in running and race walking. However, since February I suffered stress fracture on my right foot which has prevented me from joining weekend road races thus finding myself with no subject to write at. I am just about fully recovered now and I am back again in my daily morning workout but have tapered down my weekly distance from 40-45 km/week to 30-35 km/week to allow my body to recoperate. Not getting any younger.

                                                             My mother in her 80's

I am turning 61 this coming May and as much as I could like not to count the number they do tell quite a lot in a man's life. I am veering out from my usual topic on running and would like to dedicate this blog to my mother LEA CASTRO WHELAN. Yes, I still do have a mother! She is turning 83 years old (born March 22, 1921) she may not be that healthy right now but has had a number or series of operations, you name it she had had it. Praise God, she is still alive and is now living in Sydney Australia with her 2nd husband KEITH WHELAN.

My father in his 40's

Last March 15th was my father's AMADO CASTRO SR. 32nd death anniversary (died March 15, 1980) which I would also like to take recognition of what and who I came to be. Unfortunately God did not grant him longer life in this world as he was only 59 years old when he passed away.

But this blog is for my mother, just imagine being 83 years old! She hates me reminding her of the years. You must have out lived 90 percent of your classmates, playmates, friends and contemporaries. Mommy might not be that physically strong right now but she is very strong in character that you will but lose any argument with her under the sun. Sometimes I find her too hard headed and could just see myself in her 20 years from now, that is if I am as God blessed as she has been.

To my mother, I and my wife Hermie, with my children Dax/Pamela, Dawn/Alex and Dennis, together with my grandchildren KC, Maxine and Gaby,  wish you a very Happy Birthday and we contineously pray for healing and good health. We love you Mommy.

Condura Skyway Marathon 2012 - Running is more fun in the Philippines

For  only a short span of five years Condura Marathon has gained popularity and respect as one of the premier race events in the Philippines. This year Condura Marathon has for the third sucessive years made use of the Skyway and has added the word SKYWAY in its official race event as “Condura Skyway Marathon 2012” with this years’ theme “Run For The Mangroves”. This years’ race categories 42/21/16/10/5/3 all made use of the Skyway an achievement in itself.

When the venue for the event was made known to be shifted to Ayala Alabang I had my apprehension because of the distance from Metro Manila but after witnessing the way the race was organized and handled the event, the manner in which the organizers has made use of the natural layout of skyway entrance tunnel as chute for wave starting formation it was a genius conceptualization of an ideal race event.

Another first for this year was the starting time for the different race events which has the full marathon flagged down at mid-night, 21k at 3:30am, 16k at 4:00am, 10k at 5:30am, 5k at 6:30 and 3k at 7:10am was a great idea to have full control of the road and race at all times. This may have entailed more time, money and manpower, but, the organizers are willing to spend to deliver an ideal race.

I wish to congratulate the Concepcion brothers, Tonton and Patrick for been the driving force behind the race advocacy of Condura. I have witnessed the development of Condura Marathon in the last five years and have only admiration of their commitment to deliver a race for runners by runners being themselves.

I have only one wish for Condura Marathon for 2013, that is hoping that the Department of Tourism (DOT) will adapt this event as an official tourism event for the month of February 2013. Condura Marathon 2013 could showcase that race events in the Philippines are not only handled at par with those of the world but even better. They could make use of the slogan “ RUNNING – is more fun in the Philippines”.

Nature even was with the race event today as the temperature was really cool at 22 degrees centigrade making it another contibutory factor for an ideal race event.

Congratulations to the Condura Team!

“RUNNING – is more fun in the Philippines”

Timex 2012 Run - Time Is Running

After just a week since the opening salvo of RunRio, they followed another running event for today 22Jan12, the TIMES 2012 RUN – TIME IS RUNNING. The event covered the 16/10/5 kilometer categories.

As expected the race event was another big success. Although I do not have the official comparative attendance count, I would say that today’s event has a greater number of participants from last week. Timex has established from the past years a good base of followers. Having said this, Piolo Pascual who has been the endorser for TIMEX on previous run, is still a force to recon as he still commands a good number of female fans (even males)  The guy could really run as well having a personal best of 47minutes for the 10k distance. Today also coincide to be his birthday. Happy birthday Piolo. 

To Timex congratuilations for a successful event. To coach Rio and his staff wishing you all the best and hope for your continued endeavors to bring class and stature to the Filipino runners.

I completed my 10k run in 01h08m50s (unofficial time) which was also an improvement from my last week’s timing. 

Another Sunday in the road. The way I would always want to complete a week and start a personal Sunday bonding time with the family.

Go Natural 2012 - Opening Salvo of RunRio for 2012

Go Natural 2012 – “A Run For Early Child Diabetes Education” is the opening salvo of RunRio  for the year 2012. The event was held today 15Jan12 at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) covering 21/10/5/3 km categories.

As what can now be expected from RunRio the event was not only well attended by the local running community it was as well organized race with lot activities offered to all runners after their race events. Congratulations to RunRio and sponsors Go Natural.

Normally after crossing the finish line I proceed to my car and go home immediately, however, as it was still early and with the sun still low in the horizon, I did a walkabout in the activity grounds of the race event. The giveaways to all the participants were well managed in its distribution. There were many sponsors activity booths that can be visited by the runners. One outstanding and striking set-up that I wish to commend RunRio was the installation of a row of TRASH BINS that were very visible and usable by all persons in the activity area to ensure that cleanliness and proper disposal of trash is handled. Great job to the organizers for environmentally sensitive.

There were really a lot a activities going about simultaneously and another very striking event was a rock band playing with all gusto to the delight of the crowd. The band was playing well and I wanted to ask somebody their name but felt ashame to do so. Anyways, whoever you are guys your music was good.

One minor fault I noticed during the race was the installation of the distance marker for 10km located at Rizal Avenue where it indicates that 10km runners have still 3 km to go. Somebody made a booboo where it was placed as just 50 meters after you have another sign that 10km runners have completed 8 km. While it is very minor fault maybe somebody should check isignages are correctly placed by utility personnels to wher they should be as error on their part could tarnish the good name of the organizer.

I completed my 10km event in an unofficial time of 01h11m55s another great Sunday hugging the roads.

PSE Bull Run 2012 - A Great Start For A Running Year

In the last four consecutive years, I have started my year in running with one  event and that is Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) BULL RUN – “Takbo Para Sa Ekonomiya”.

I have witnessed the said event evolved from a so-so running event and gradually improving as the years pass by to what it has been today…a well attended and managed running event. If such a success of the initial running event of the year would be the basis  for all other races during 2012 then the running community will be in for a great running year.

The 2012 edition od the PSE Bull Run covered 21/16/10/5/3 km categories. The unofficial attendance fro the event is about 8000 runners. Each individual category was started by the sound of the TRADING BELL of PSE instead of the usual gun start.

Congratulations to sponsors Philippine Stock Exchange for their continued support and commitment for the past four years to the running community and may you continue for the coming years. Congratulationa as well for a job well done for the event organisers ADEVENTS who have improved over the years.

I joined the 10km category and finished in 01h 15min 49sec nothing spectacular for any young person but for a forthcoming 61 year old guy, it is a good start for the year. I just hope I will have the longetivity to continue my running to my 70’s.

See you on the road this 2012.

Running Log For The Year 2011

As with any other endeavor, any task or undertaking will only be considered completed should the same be documented for analysis and record purposes. In this respect, I submit the above REPORT CARD of my Running Log for the year 2011.

Total distance run for 2011 - 2,146.16 kilometers
Total Calories burned running for 2011 - 149,050 Kcal
Total distance run since April 2007 - 12,760.50 kilometers

Unlike on previous years, I was hitting 3000+ kilometers a year. However age is fast affecting me (I am turning 61 years old this 2012) and I have noticed a big difference in my stamina. For the year 2012, I shall limit now my race participation to 10km distances and workouts to 40km/week. The main consideration now is maintaining good health so that I could run till I am on my 70's.

Wishing all runners a great year ahead. Keep healthy, safe and injury free. See you on the road.

Las Vegas Touring 10.51km Run

Las Vegas Touring Run 24Dec11

Early morning on December 24th at around 6:36am with temperature at 6degrees celsius, I started my morning workout from   Trump Hotel in Las Vegas all the way to Four Season Hotel and then back.

The main purpose of the run is to take a leisurely run at the Las Vegas Boulevard and take pictures along the way.

I wish to share the pictures taken during the run which can be viewed on a slide share presentation above. I do also take this opportunity to greet all my readers a BLESSED MERRY CHRISTMAS AND  A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Let keep on running for the year 2012.

OB Montessori 45th Anniversary - Fun Run

Operation Brotherhood (OB) Montessori is celebrating its 45^th year in operation for the year 2011 and to celebrate the occasion the school branches in Greenhills, Sta Ana, Fairview, Las Pinas and Angeles City joined forces for a fun run. The OB Fun Run 45^th Anniversary was held today 04Dec11 at Venice Piazza at McKinley Hilles in Taguig City for a 5km,3km and 1.5km fun run with its students, families/friends of students and school faculty and staff.

Today is also a red letter day in running as the 3^rd Quenzon City International Marathon also took place. With my youngest son DENNIS being a 1^st year high school student in OB Montessori Greenhills, I have but to support my son and his school in its endeavor in running.

I have no high expectation of the OB Fun Run 45 Anniversary as the same is more of a school event and gathering. However, immediately upon arrival at the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hills I was surprised of the preparation and magnitude the school has taken for the event. We arrived at 4:30am and parking was already at snail pace (I will highlight more on the issue of parking later). It was a nice feeling to see on a running event students, parents/friends and school faculty and staff bonding for a running event. The place was filled with a fiesta like atmoshere and you could just feel the energy in the air. I was expecting no more than a handful of participants, but there were a great number of participants. Iam not sure of the exact number but my safe guess would be about 2500 runners from the 60+ (like me) to even as young as 3 years olds)

At 5:48am the 5km was flagged start with the suceeding 3km and 1.5km at 15minutes apart. McKinley hill iunlike other running venues in the city is hilly with stiff ascent and rapid descent in its road characteristics. I joined my son DENNIS and daughter-in-law PAMELA in the 5km event with my son DAX as our support and cheerer. Halfway into my first loop I saw my daughter in law PAMELA already on her way to complete her first loop and about the same time I was also overtaking my son DENNIS.

31min 55sec after the starting gun I crossed the finish line with PAMELA already waiting for me. Pamela won 3^rd place in the female category (we didn’t get her exact time) and she won P5000 for the feat. Not bad. My son DENNIS crossed the finish line in 34mins plus. 

Congratulations to PAMELA for her 3^rd place finish.

The event, food, booths, entertainment and the overall handling of event was superb and earns my respect to the schools organizers and the technical assistance of RunningMate in handling the race proper itself. To OB Montessori Management it was a successful event and my best wishes for the for the coming years.

Having said the above, I wish now to tackle on a minor but important issue that I have personally witnesed during the event. I have as ever been a strong supporter for equality in life and believe that whatever you teach should be practised. It is about the parking issue. In Venice Piazza the parking areas have an electronic board that do indicate the occupied space and the available space. At 4:30am the electronic board in the Parking Area near the fountain was 1showing 2 slots vacancies, however, the SCHOOL SECURITY not the VENICE PIAZZA SECURITY (who understand they cannot reserve public areas) would not allow entry into the parking area on the reason that the same is already RESERVED for school VIP and FRIENDS. I almost lost my cool and ignored the matter but gave my piece of mind to the head of the SCHOOL SECURITY. The school are teaching students on punctuality, equality, discipline in life and of good character education, but, contrary to such values in life whoever gave the order to provide PRIVELEGE to individuals particularly for the faculty/staff should be ashamed and re-educated that public areas are always on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. The school even came up with a memo to students to come early to be able to avail of the parking space near the starting line. I have said my piece on this issue and hope that whoever had this bright idea come to his/her sense.

Even with the above complaint, I find the event a success and congratulate OB MONTESSORI on its 45^th anniversary.