Polar RS800CX With G3 (GPS Sensor)

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After a lengthy self-deliberation, I have today decided to retire my Polar RS200sd (with S1 foot pod). The said personal training computer unit is more or less the middle class of Running Computer Trainer by POLAR. I have used the said unit since July 2008 which was a birthday gift from my daughter Dawn who is a doctor at Riverside California. The RS200sd was performing as to its full specifications and has been helpful in my data analysis for the past months.

Why the decision to change? I have no better excuse than an analogy that it is just like driving any regular family car that provides you the means of transportation from one point to the next. However, this is also the same if you drive let’s say a PORSCHE you’ll just be able to travel the same distance, however, there will be other added extras which may or may not be necessary to others. But, what the heck that is why they have the Rolex, Louis Vuitton, etc. and other luxury items.

Polar RS800CX with G3(GPS Sensor) comes with the latest Polar Pro Trainer 5 which no longer requires you to download and store data via Polar Weblink to Polarpersonaltrainer.com as the new software is now installed in your computer for ready access if and when needed.






For complete data and specifications you may check the link -

http://www.polar.fi/en/products/running_multisport/RS800CX_RUN/

I hope the new personal training computer will be able to further motive my obsession in the sports. Sad to say you still need the strength and health to obtain your dream speed or mileage.

Curry, Sashimi, Hainanese Chicken Rice - Fusion of Friends

In the 58 years of my life I have met so many people of different nationalities, but, throughout all these years there have been three (3) foreign nationals (not counting of course my Filipino friends) who have been closed to me and my family whom I consider as friends in the very essence of the word. When the idea got into my mind to make a article in my blog about them, I was surprise to just find out that all of whom have one thing in common, they are individually a mixture of dual nationality. They are like a fusion of food which describes my favourite dishes.



The CURRY, Clinton De Souza, an Indian born of Australian nationality. Clinton and I go back so many years during the 1970’s the prime years of our youth when we were only in our mid-twenties. We have shared so many happy times even then when we were just starting our professional careers that although we have nothing much financially, but, had great youthful times together. Our family have spent together memorable times in the past as our children were of the same ages then. After quite a number of years, we have again reconnected and regularly see each other at least twice a year. I am so happy for my friend who was blessed lately with a wife by the name of JUM a Thai national who keeps him youthful these days.



The SASHIMI, Mike Naka, Japanese born of American nationality. I have known Mike since 1989 as a business contact in developing business ventures. Our transition to friendship was not as easy and has undergone so many love hate relationships in the early years. But, as they always say friendship is developed after undergoing the ups and downs of life. Mike has been very generous to me and my family that we are already his regular boarders in his house in Seattle and Las Vegas. Golf is what has bonded both of us and to this day I still look forward in playing with Mike, more so when I am in need of pocket money as he has been a great milking cow in the golf course.



The HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE, Chan Joo Huat, a Malaysian born of Singapore nationality. Chan was my principal’s representative in Manila and a very likable and friendly person so much so that when he was stationed in the Philippines sometime in 1994, all of my staff liked working with him. One thing that has challenged Chan during his stay in Manila was when he found out that my wife was picking up the Golf game then that she encourages him to be tutored under Joe Cantada’s Golf School. The guy was a natural and become addicted to the game that these days he has excelled in the game. I can no longer beat him and am now his regular milking cow. Their three (3)children are a duplicate of their father. If there is a similarity in our life it is our wives, Hermie (mine) and Joanna(Chan's) have the same CHARACTER. Now I leave you how to interpret the word. Chan and I no longer work together which in a way is much better as we have become more now as real friends than business associates.


So these are my favourite dishes Curry, Sashimi and Hainanese Chicken Rice. And my friends of confused nationalities.

Analysis - First 3 Days of Rehab Walk

As in any scenario of rehabilitation, the first few days is the most difficult and important to ensure that you do not overdo the physical activity so much so in my condition of which I have to allow the foreign body STENTS get used to my blood flow circulation system. The following is a recap of my first 3 days;

Date / Distance / Duration / Speed / Pace
27Jan09 / 2.7 km / 00h53m / 3.06km/hr / 19.60min/km
28Jan09 / 5.5 km / 01h17m / 4.26km/hr / 14.08min/km
29Jan09 / 7.9 km / 01h29m / 5.33km/hr / 11.26min/km

In my case, the greatest factor to fight is the TEMPTATION to increase the pace particularly during the period of walking as the mind dictates full capability but the body is silent and due respect should be considered. I would be happy to attain the 10.00min/km pace in the newxt few days and maintain the said pace for one week before any further experimentation in speed. I thanks God for my continued recovery.

Before and After - Why Do We Run?

Last Monday 26Jan09, I visited http://takbo.ph and came across the article "Before and After - Why Do We Run? See For Yourself" It was nice to see people who have decided to change their life style and have actually succeeded in the difficult world of losing weight. All of whom did it by means of "RUNNING" the cheapest and most effective way of losing weight and in the process gaining self confidence.

I wish to share my picture BEFORE when I was 200 lbs!




This time I wish to share my picture AFTER when I am now at 147lbs!




It was not an easy and instant process. But, it can be done. All you need is a pair of RUNNING SHOES.

Learning Back to Walk - Rehabilitation

Today 27Jan09 was my first day of trying to return my life to its normal daily routine schedule. After much discussion and long processes of negotiation with my wife, I was so thankful that she has understood my feelings and allowing me to slowly return to my daily work-out.

For the very first time HERMIE, accompanied me at the Ultra to make sure that I stick to my promise that no extra unnecessary effort will be exerted but instead just to walk and stretch the muscles by a simple walk around the oval. We arrive later than my usual time as it was already about 6:15am with so many usual runners already in the oval.

The lady guard greeted me and gave her two tickets and signed the logbook. To my wife’s surprise and unsolicited comments/jokes after, the guard told me to better get my senior citizen’s ID so that I need not be paying always the P29.00 entry fee. I just smiled, deliberating with myself if I should correct the lady guard, but, in the end decided against it and instead just wish her a great morning. While going down the oval, my wife started her jokes and comments regarding the incident. In reality I am just 58 years old, I still have 2 years before my senior citizenship! Well I guess that’s what you get when you have less hair to show on top of your head.

My wife and I agreed that in as much that this will be my first try at the oval again, I will just WALK in the real sense of the word. Off we started. Before we could complete a single round, Mjr. Espejo approached us as he was already busy doing the warm up for the elite runners of the Bald Team. Mjr. Espejo, Michael, my wife and I did a couple of round while having small talk until both guys need to finish their instructional work with the elite bald team that required them to drop off. Less than 200 meters after, my wife have to sit it out as she really does not enjoy walking and the sun was already getting high. Then I am back to my own self, the SOLITUDE AND JOY OF WALKING.

It was then that I was approached and met Ms. KIM whom BR has highly spoken to me about. I was quite surprised and glad that she asked of my health and wishes me well for a speedy recovery. Thank you Ms. Kim.

After 00h 53m 21sec I had to stop as my wife’s facial expression where clearly asking me without even words being uttered that it was time to go home. To my great disappointment, I looked at my Polaris that it just registered 2.7km for the duration of the walk time. However, we earlier had two rounds in the oval (800 meters) that was when I forgot to switch on the foot pod of my Polaris. Even so if I sum up both walk it was only a miserable total of 3.5km for about 01h 07m 00s it was not just walking, but more so like CRAWLING like a snail. I knew I could do better, but, with my wife’s watchful eyes I need to be patient as I need more time until my blood gets used to circulate in my arteries with its foreign bodies.

Overall, it was a great feeling to start walking again. Give me time guys! I am just like a child learning to walk again. Thank you, to my wife for your understanding.

Before and After Angioplasty with Stents

The pictures shows in detail the LEFT ANTERIOR DESCENDING ARTERY as well as the LEFT CIRCUMFLEX ARTERY both of which clearly showing between 70-80% blockage which necessitated for intervention by BALLOONING and insertion/implant of Two (2) STENTS to allow clear passage of blood.


The picture now shows a CLEAR artery after the implant of two (2) STENT overlapping one another.


The picture above shows the RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY with the location of the blockage.


After the STENTING (1 pc) it is quite clear that the RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY has clear blood passage.






This will be my last posting with respect to my angioplasty and by Monday I should be released from the hospital and slowly go back to my daily routine. I can not wait to put on my running shoes, however, it will be a slow process until I could be in my competitive self. I need patience at this stage and not over do my self.

I wish to take this opportunity thank my wife (HERMIE) who has patiently put up with my demand and tantrums but in spite of all has taken good care of me, my children, my Apos, my family and relatives, my doctors, members of CFC, my friends here and abroad, the Bald Running Team, my office staff and even those that I barely know but have in their own special way offered their silent prayer for my recovery. TO ALL OF YOU ..... THANK YOU and I should and will definitely be back on my usual running blog by next week. I hope I still have sufficient time for training for my LA Marathon on 25May09. I LOVE YOU ALL.

God is Good! All The Time!

22Jan09 0500 hrs- I was awaken by the duty nurse for my pre-procedure medication. I was thankful that I had a generally a restful night before thanks to sedative tablets given to me. Against the advice of the nurses, I stood up with IV fluid stand dragging the same to the toilet for a much needed toothbrush, sponge bath and facial shave. I better do all my hygiene with all those doctors and nurses to attend to me today that I wish to be clean and smell good.

At 7am the hospital attendants about four big guys was ready to fetch me, but first they have to check if I had a proper shave down under. Upon inspection, the shave wish I did yesterday on my own did not pass their standard so they have to redo matters. All along I though a female nurse will do the honour, but, it were these four burly bouncer look alike attendants, beggar can’t be choosers as they say. An hour after I was already wheeled to the CAT Lab of the hospital where the procedure was to de done which was followed so many final preparation and sedation that I could not fully remember as I was feeling floating in air although am awake.The angiogram was started at about 8:30 with my right groin numbed by a local anaesthesia that was injected. Then the doctor placed a SHEATH which was inserted in the groin followed by a GUIDE WIRE push through inside the SHEATH travelling all the way to the coronary artery to the surface of the heart. At this stage a contrasting DYE was injected through the main artery at the same time CT scan was taken to determine if there is a blockage, if there is a blockage, how many, where are the location and the gravity of the blockage. Prior to the operation, the doctor advised me that anything over that 70% will require a definite intervention.

Then we were faced by reality, I will require CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY on three (3) locations (1) Left Anterior Descending Artery (2) Left Circumflex Artery (3) Right Coronary Artery. As agreed prior the procedure, we have to go ahead with ANGIOPLASTY WITH STENTING upon evaluation. Difficult as it was to accept, we are still thankful to God that a Coronary Bay-Pass was not necessary. By 10:30 am the intervention procedure was already completed and I was transferred to the recovery area. I found the procedure without much pain only to find out that the post-procedure is what was difficult. From 10:30 to 3:30 I was asked not to move and just lay down straight without moving. What a difficult task to do, good I was able to ask for my iPod. At 3:30pm the procedure to remove the STEATH was done. This is the most painful stage as the doctors did manual pressing in my groin to the maximum for about 40 minutes to ensure that blood does not squirt. This exercise allowed blood clot to close the wound by itself then this is followed by placing sand bag in your groin.

At 5pm I was returned to my room, again with instruction not to move my right leg and I am still connected to a catheter for urination and IV fluid. Hopefully by tomorrow things will be on the brighter side.

I wish to end this blog to thank all of you out there who have offered prayers for my safety and recovery. THANK YOU. May these simple words justify the real meaning of sincere appreciation of no word I can find justification. GOD IS GOOD........ ALL THE TIME!!!!!

The Day Before

As what was expected basically 21Jan09 was spent in meeting with the different doctors who will be part of the team either in preparation stage or actual procedure itself. The usual mode of the meeting is that the doctor specialist explains to you his or her part and why his/her particular services is needed and this is normally followed by a question and answer portion. I learned today quite a volume of medical terms, details and information that I feel I need more time to digest before the facts to sink in. I guess this is now the norm in medicine keeping the patient well informed.

Again, my Team of doctors is composed of Dr. Rodelio De Sagun – Cardiologist and attending physician, Dr.Wilson Tan de Guzman - Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Lansang – Endocrinologist, Dra. Roasa - Nephrologists and Dra.Jamora – Anaesthesiologist.

Although the above seems a busy day for me, it was quite the contrary as I found myself doing nothing and finding ways and means to fill up my time to avoid getting bored. Just imagine laying in bed with IV in your arms which restrict you to your mobility. By 3pm my back was already aching that I wanted to walk around on to be frustrated.

I have to be thankful of my weRoam broadband wireless connection otherwise I would not have any internet connection. So mostly I spent my time surfing the web and reading emails with TV programs every now and then. With what my day was today, the more now I am determined to overcome my medical condition as I just could not imagine a life of immobility. I need to RUN , RACE WALK and PLAY GOLF!!!!!!

What was nice of today were the phone calls (voip) from my daughter Dawn which were a number of times and were like fillers on the gaps of events today giving me the opportunity to consult her professional opinion being a doctor herself at Riverside California.

Schedule for tonight, no more solid intake from midnight onwards and by 5am I should have that shave down under followed by mild sedation. The Coronary Angiogram procedure is set between 7-9am tomorrow 22Jan09. I will now try to get some sleep (hopefully) to be able to be ready and strong by early morning. Will keep you posted!!!!

Preparatory Works

My blog for the coming days will not be dealing with RUNNING or RACE WALKING which I hope that the running community will excuse me. I would like to share instead the experience of undergoing a coronary angiogram procedure for others to know and for my own therapy to reduce the anxiety and nervousness within me.

Checked-in at the hospital at 5pm on 20Jan09 to allow ample time to prepare my other body organs to be receptive to the procedure. Normally an overnight preparation will be sufficient enough, however, in my case, in as much that I have kidney problem history and a diabetic, a more rigid preparation is required.

I have been hospitalized before but it is only this time that I have been given a room at the Cardio Vascular Unit (CVU). The scenery is too gloomy and serious for my liking unlike the normal wards. Only the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) I think has a gloomier atmosphere in a hospital. Before entering my room I was able to sneak glance on the rooms that I passed by and got the scare of my life. Most if not all are old and you could feel sickness and pain in the air. Calm down, calm down.

Then as ever, the routine check-in procedure is performed, you are subjected to the WHATs and WHYs of your being there - the duty nurse comes in ask you questions, the interns comes in ask you the same questions, the resident doctors comes in ask you the same question, even the others have the same questions! Being used to this experience, I have done better now to prepare photocopies of my test results and medical history with complete bio data sheet that I compile on a clear book folder so that I just present it to whoever comes for their information.

After having settled for a couple of hours, test procedures were started, chest x-ray, blood chemistry, urine test, blood sugar, ECG, and others that makes you feel helpless like a guinea pig for all. Just when you think that all is over and its already close to midnight and about to sleep, here comes the duty nurse telling you that they need to place you on Intra Venous (IV) and that my creatinine was high and potassium low. What is Low must be brought up and High to be lowered to facilitate the procedure.

Early today 21Jan09, I have to prepare myself for I know my attending doctors will be seeing me, Dr. Rodelio De Sagun / Cardiologist, Dr.Wilson Tan de Guzman / Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Lansang / Endocrinologist and Dr. Roasa / Nephrologists. This will be a very busy day. Will keep you posted on later developments and actual procedure. Just in case it may interst you click on the link herewith for a VIDEO to see how the procedure is actually done http://www.nmhi.com/patienteducation/angiography.html

P.S. found out that they are giving a SHAVE tonight, that’s a shave down under!!!!

Let's Get It Over With - Coronary Angiogram

20Jan09 Ultra Pasig – My intention today was to tire myself so that when I do check-in at the hospital I would have reduced if not eliminated the anxiety of a coronary angiogram procedure.

I arrived Ultra Oval at my usual time of 5am and surprisingly Coach Salazar was already in one dark corner of the track. After two laps he joined me and asked if I would like certain pointers with respect to race walking, which of course I did say yes. For today we concentrated on the STEP SIT STYLE as against the DRAGGING STYLE of Race Walking. After a short demonstration and explanation of the benefits of the Step Sit Style, we proceeded for actual race walk gradually picking up speed as I have gotten the rhythm of the style. After 5Km Coach Salazar dropped off to conduct his coaching with other walkers while I proceeded on my own.

My intention was to complete 20km, however, I misread the reading from my Polar RS200sd (as I was not wearing any glasses) and started to cool down at 18.3km thinking it was already 20.3km. I promised myself to bring my reading glasses next time.

As I was doing my cool down lap, I was approached by Major Espejo who offered to assist me on stretching techniques before ending for the day. To the my great surprise and enjoyment not only did I have a great stretching but Major Espejo was so kind to apply even some massage and physical therapy right in the full view of all while I lay down at lane no.8 in direct contact of the oval tartan. Wow, what a great feeling after a long walk. Thank you Major Espejo.

Deep in my mind I still cannot comprehend how a person like me without feeling any chest pain, who can run/walk for 80+km/week will need a coronary angiogram procedure. This is all because I had a negative and abnormal result from a thallium Stress Test last November which was of this year integrated with my yearly physical examination. Such doubts can only be verified by a coronary angiogram procedure as recommended by my doctor. Anyways, let’s get it over with!!! Will keep you all posted. Prayers please….