Slimme Run 2011 - Wet and Wild

My wife “Hermie” has been a member of The Slimmers World North EDSA since 1991 so when Slimmers World announced to have their “Slimme Run” to be held on June 25, 2011 it was but a must on my part to support the gym club membeship of my wife.

Jun 25, 2011 came but the event was cancelled then due to heavy rain two days prior to the event. This prompted the sponsor (Slimmers World International) and organizers (Argent Network International) to move the event to July 10, 2011. I was teasing then my wife that maybe in as much that they are more of gym people that are used to indoors, they are afraid of getting wet and that rain prevents them to run.

For whatever reasons the weather today July 11, 2011 was no better than the weather then when it was originally scheduled. I teased again my wife that Slimmers World better not cancel again this time. We arrived at the venue (Bonifacio Global City) at 5:20am and I was relieved to see that the stage, booths and starting/finishing line was rigged. At about the same time I could see a good number of vehicles arriving and entering the parking area. For sure this event is going to push through!

I checked-in at the starting gate just before 5:30am and by then I heard from the emcees that the start for the 10k category has been delayed to 6am. With the rain, I thought the wait was a reasonable one. Just when I was thinking how to keep myself warm for another 30 minutes, the emcees called the Slimmers World dancers/staff for a warm up. When the girls started dancing, I forgot the time and started enjoying the graceful and tempting moves of those gorgeous girls. With the rain continuously pouring, runners at the starting coral were dancing their heart away unmindful of the rain. Had the sponsors/organizers cancelled the run there and then I would not complaint with the gorgeous girls dancing! Anyways, the 30 minute wait run so fast and during that time the crowd has build up and at exactly 6am the starting gun was sounded.

The race route was on the usual BGC streets with last minute modification to avoid flooded streets. I was apprehensive at first with light to moderate rain showers, however, I could see that all participants were enjoying running in the rain with the lower temperature that goes with the rain. The race logistics (water station, marshals on junctions, directional signs and distance markers) well managed by the organizers it was a smooth run. Congratulations to Argent Network for a job well done in handling the technical aspect of the race. I crossed the finish line with an unofficial time of 01h08m30s. A great run in the rain.

As I crossed the finish line, I came across a long queue of which I assumed was for the giveaways. I have never bother on my usual races to get my giveaways, but, I was a bit intrigued to see that guys have a big boxes of Purefoods Meat Products so I patiently queued the line. It was good of me to be patient this time as the giveaway was quite generous consisting of 500g German Franks, 500g Cheese Franks, 200g Bologna, 200g Spiced Ham and 200g Salami which contains the Purefoods Gift Box. There was another bag that contained 200ml Nivea Body Moisturizer, 150ml Intense Cologne, a bottle of Fit/Right, 100 plus, Summit Water, two cans of San Marino Tuna and assorted of vitamins and what have you. It was just like coming in from a grocery store, very generous loot bags.

Even with rain continuously pouring, the awarding and program after the race was well attended by the runners (in as much that they are already wet).

Slimmers World International, it was a "wet and wild"run and a very much enjoyable and well organized run. Congratulations!

Manila Eliminations 35th National Milo Marathon - Runner's Handbook For 42k/21k/10k

The Manila Eliminations for the 35^th National Milo Marathon will be on July 31, 2011 and as early as two weeks ago I have already received my race kit via courier service.

For the 35^th edition of the National Milo Marathon Nestle Philippines has chosen to partner with RunRio to handle the race organization. I do believe that this is a good partnership that will provide the technical push to the mission and vision of Milo Sports in its marathon part of the so many sports activities they are involved and immersed at for the improvement of the Filipino athlete. My best wishes to team of Pat Goc-ong and the team of Coach Rio Dela Cruz.

Included in the race packet I received is a “RUNNERS HANDBOOK FOR 42k / 21k / 10k”. I find the same simple but very informative to all participants and I wish to post the handbook page by page should by any chance not all participants are provided with a copy of the same.

Yamaha Run For Heroes - Making Time

The past few days have been a very hectic on my personal schedule that it has destroyed my usual daily routine. Last Friday 01Jul11 I have to fulfill my promise to my son Dennis to bring him to “Transformers 3” on 3D at the Sharila-la Plaza (the effects and how the films was made was great, however, for somebody my age the fight scene every minute was too much for my ears and eyes to handle for a 2.5 hrs movie) which lasted until 12:30am only to be home at 1:30am. Then wake up at 4am for a golf tee time at 6:00am (you could just imagine how terrible my score was! My golf buddies were just happy to get even on our wagers!). I was back at home by 1:00pm then went for a needed nap and by 5:30pm was on our way to a birthday party (for the oldies) that lasted until 11:30pm (this was to accommodate my wife’s pleasure in ballroom dancing!). Arrived home at 12:30am and was awake at 4:30am to participate at the Yamaha Run for Heroes (10k category) at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC). You have just to make time to satisfy all and maintain a balance family life.

I was running late when I reached BGC that I met up with the 21k runners (there was a great number of them and I know that this will be a well attended event) at the Rizal Drive at about 5:20am (leaving me only 10 minutes to catch the 10k start at 5:30am). I squeezed my van through the traffic, parked and was literally running to the starting line. When I reached the starting line, the starting gun has already been sounded. I jumped over the coral fence to catch the tail end of the 10k runners. This is one race that I do not need any warm up as my catching the starting gun was more than a warm up by itself.

After the 10k runners there were also the 5k and 3k runners who consisted of the bulk of the participants. This event was organized by RunRio which again did a great job in handling all the aspects of a road race to the satisfaction of the participants. I do not exactly the number of participants, but this event was definitely well attended.

One special experience I had for the Yamaha Run For Heroes was the majestic scene of runners which was visible as you traverse 8^th Avenue leading to Kalayaan Avenue as you will witness a sea of runners on both lanes of 8^th avenue (Sorry I did not have my camera then with me). It was a sight to behold as it was also the converging straight course for all the race distance category which was the reason for the great volume of runners at that time and instant.

I finished the 10k event with an unofficial time of 01h12m06s fully satisfied of how the event was handled and how I was able to squeeze the Yamaha Run For Heroes with very little sleep/rest with a decent performance.

The run was for my personal satisfaction and need. I am happy that in the process I was also able to fulfill and satisfy the need(s) of my family. Keep everybody happy!

Making Time!

Bonifacio Global City 10k Route In The Rain - Photo Log

For the past three days Metro Manila has been experiencing heavy rains brought about by tropical storm “Egay” and “Falcon”. However, the rain has not stopped me from doing my daily 10k exercise run at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Running in the rain is always a trill and enjoyment for me.

Today Jun 25^th 2011 as I woke up I could see in my window that heavy rain was still the order of the day. Being a Saturday my usual golf day is totally washed out. I decided instead to document by photo my usual 10k route at the Bonifacio Global City.

The following are series of photos of my 10k route;

Merrell Adventure Run 2011 - A No Show 24 Hours Late

It was in June 13, 2009 that I had my very first mountain trail run “The 3^rd All Terra King Of The Mountain 10k Trail Run” done at the Timberland Heights San Mateo Rizal.

The experience and joy experienced then triggered my joining various trail runs since then. I was therefore trilled and did not waste time to register myself when they announced the “Merrell Adventure Run 2011” scheduled for June 18, 2011 also at the Timberland Heights, San Mateo Rizal. I was excited to relive my experience then.

The day before the race I had all my gears prepared and ready, I even asked the family if we could instead observe the Sunday anticipated mass to give me more flexible time for the race event. Being supportive of my running, the family was more than happy to oblige to my request. We joined the 5pm anticipated mass at the SM Mega Mall Eucharistic Chapel. After the mass I treated the family for a dinner at the “Mesa Restaurant”. While we were waiting for our orders to be served, I used my iPhone to browse my facebook and what I surprise I got. I saw pictures posted by “running atom” of the “Merrell Adventure Run” and I just could not believe that they held it a day earlier. I asked the family what date it was and to my shock they said it was June 18^th and not June 17^th as I believe it was!

I could not finish my dinner and soonest we arrive home I checked my race kit and indeed the race was on a Saturday and not on a Sunday. Luckily I opened my facebook otherwise I would have been at Timberland Heights in solitude.

Today being Father’s Day, I was the laughing subject by the whole family the whole day. I promise myself to be careful on dates next time. I have gotten so used to Sunday races that I have only but myself to blame.

My Merrell Adventure Run was  a "No Show" and 24 hours late!

Mizuno Infinity Run 2011 - Beat My Time ? Good Race !

Saturdays are primarily my golfing days that my golfing buddies circulate a text message on a Friday to remind us of tee time. Yesterday I received such message, however, I have to reluctantly inform the group that I cannot attend in as much that I have a scheduled road race. As ever, I do not think they do understand the craze in running as that of hitting a small ball and running after it.

Today was the Mizuno Infinity Run 2011 at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Surprisingly the organizers have scheduled the race this year on a Saturday instead of the usual Sunday. I do not know their reason, maybe it was just making sure the run does not mix up the schedule for the Independence Day of the Philippines which falls on June 12^th Sunday.

Mizuno Infinity Run 2011 was build up as a race to face the biggest competition of a runner: THEMSELVES. Mizuno Infinity Run started the “Beat Your Own Time” challenge, and this year it is back with categories under 21k 10k and 5k events. It is primarily “Beat Your Own Pace” challenge.

When I arrived the race starting grounds, 21k runners were already checked-in at the starting line. As expected there were quite a substantial number of participants as Mizuno has a good record of races in the past. I was surprised to see Rudy Biscocho a seasoned race organizer who has been organizing races long way back before the advent of the likes of coach Rio Dela Cruz and the others. Seeing the guy assured me that the race should be well handled due to the experience of Rudy Biscocho. At exactly 5am the 21k runners were gunned off. I was entered for the 10k event so I had the opportunity to watch the start of the 21k.

At 5:17am (my watch time) 10k runners were gunned off heading to the very familiar route from BGC passing via Kalayaan flyover all the way to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia) until just after Nicanor Garcia Street in front of MAPUA and back tracking on the same route all the way to BGC to finish the 10K route.

Nothing significant was noted all the way to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue as the organizers have taken all the necessary steps to ensure safety of the runners. Just before reaching Makati Avenue I saw coach Rio Dela Cruz on his way back (I do not know if he was entered on the 21k or 10k). On this familiar route it always amazes me the junction of Makati Avenue and Buendia as no matter what you will always experience blaring horns from inpatient drivers insisting to cross the junction.

01h12m14s (unofficial) I crossed the finish line on a pace of 7:12/km and an average speed of 8.3km/hr. I didn’t have my previous Mizuno Infinity Time as I participated on the sideline in 2010 (Mizuno Infinity Run 2010), however, what I am sure is that I was fully satisfied and happy for my run and so with the event in itself.

What better way to refresh oneself after crossing the finish line by having a public shower!