21 is the new 10K

Ironman 70.3 Camsur is still a good four months away.  But being a newcomer in the triathlon scene, I’ve got to put in the mileage.  It is quite fortunate though that this year I’ve got to join 3 half-marathons just to see where things are for me running-wise.  Early this year, there was the half at Subic, then the much-anticipated Condura Run and then today the half-marathon at Greenfield, Sta.Rosa.  

It was still dark when the race started at 5 am.  Not as congested as Condura but pretty good turnout nonetheless considering the distance from the usual venues for races of this nature.  

Ran the first kilometer on a well-lit road till it became pitch dark at the beginning of the 2nd kilometer.  While there were torches that were put up alongside the road, it didn’t provide much illumination.  I just tried to follow the runner ahead of me just in case there were potholes along the road.  Good thing there was none.  The torches provided a good touch though – felt like I was in a retreat and it did put me in a contemplative mood.  Particularly, I was reflecting why I put my body through so much punishment when I could be home asleep on a beautiful Sunday morning  

The course wasn’t really flat.  Up until the first turnaround, there were stretches where it was a slight downhill.  This continued until the 2nd turnaround 13.5 kilometers thereabouts.  You know what they say, what goes down, comes back up.  Thus, coming back to the finish was a bit of a struggle.  

Baldrunner (Sir Jovie) passed me around the 8-9 kilometer mark.  I knew that if I kept up with him, I’ll get a good time.  But 50some yearold ultra marathoner ALWAYS trumps a 38 year old lazy bum  Also got to see Xhi and Milan (Team PMI) doing the 10K when the runners merged at some point during the latter part of the race.  I thought it was sweet that Milan chose to pace Xhi this morning when he could have kicked ass had he ran his usual 10K effort.  Also saw Prometheus Cometh (Jay) after the 2nd turnaround.  He must have been late for the race.  Either that or he was just having his usual LSD runs.  Am forever grateful to Jay for pacing me at the Condura Run to a personal best  But I really miss Foreign Runner (Philip).  

Lots of water stations in this course.  And I thought the course could also be great for duathlon as well.  Could be good preparation for Camsur (i.e. heat training)  since shaded part only covered about 2 kilometers near the end of the race.

Finished 1:52:13 (unofficial).  Always a welcome sight to see Bullrunner (Jaymie) and JunC at the finish.  Had to rush home though to make it to Sunday Mass.  

Kudos to Coach Rio once again for another memorable race.  

P.S.  Truth be told, I’m already retiring from the blogging world.  No worries though.  I’ll be seeing you where it counts and where it matters – on the road and at the races (running/triathlon) in and around the metro.  Till then, enjoy happy hour….drinks are on me.  

- Levy Ang (Happy Hour)

The Happy Run

The other day I received an email from a schoolmate of mine, Jake, re: Drew’s Happy Run on 25 January 2009.  I’ll reprint Drew’s email here:

Happy Day multi-sport fanatics! =)

I’d like to personally invite you to the fund-raiser I’m organizing called…

THE HAPPY RUN! 

Date: January 25, 2009 (Sunday) <– Do your long bike ride on Saturday nalang =P

Time: 5:00AM

Venue: Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio (Beside NBC Tent)

Categories:

·      3K (jog / walk) – Children, Families, Costume Runners, and Pets!

·      5K

·      15K

Happy Partners: Multivitamins Enervon and Magic 89.9

Happy Sponsors: Rush, Smart, and Manila Bulletin

Race Organizer: Rio dela Cruz

Registration: R.O.X Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City

     Reg.fee: P250

 

Let’s make life HAPPIER for the kids of Bagong Tanyag Elementary School In Taguig. Just think 800 students, trying to fit themselves in 2 small classrooms =( Now that is sad. Help me make them future responsible citizens of the country than violent, uneducated villains of the society. 

 

ALL PROCEEDS of this event will be donated to help build more classrooms.

 

Let’s go you more fortunate HAPPY people! See you at THE HAPPY RUN on January 25, 2009! =)

 

 

Drew Arellano

So, how about it?  Time to get the 2009 season underway don’t you think?  

P.S.  For my millions of readers out there, as you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting anything lately.  It’s because I’m barely surviving the program for CamSur 70.3 and it’s only January.  Makes me shudder to think what’s coming up in the next few months.  Pray that I’ll make it till August.  

Cheers!  

The Year That Was

These are the races I joined this past year

20 January Subic Marathon (21K) – 2:20:35
10 February Clark Duathlon (7.5K – 30K – 5K) – 2:05:02
16 March Clark Duathlon (7.5K – 30K – 5K) – 2:16:56
30 March Mizuno Run (15K) – 1:23:03
6 April TLBF Triathlon (900m – 22K – 5K) – 1:45:36
13 April Kapuso Run (10K) – 46:26
11 May Subit (1.5K – 40K – 10K) – 3:18:35
1 June NAGT Clearwater (1K – 30K – 7.5K) – 2:17:11
15 June Alabang Tri (950m – 27K – 7K) – 1:59:22
29 June Mizuno Run (15K) – 1:21:40
6 July Fontana Tri (800m – 30K – 5K) – 1:49:16
2 August Subic 03 (1.5K – 40K – 10K) – 2:52:44
17 August Miracle Run (10K) – 51:19
31 August Human Race (10K) – 52:45
14 September Animo Tri (950m – 30K – 7K) – 2:01:07 DQ
27 September NAGT UPLB (800m – 30K – 6K) – 1:42:48
12 October NAGT Alabang (950m – 30K – 7K) – 1:56:45
19 October PIDO (10K – 40K – 5K) – 2:37:18
26 October Octoberun (10K) – 49:57
9 November VSO Run (15K) – 1:30:41
16 New Balance (25K) – 2:27:07

Whew! 21 races in all. Blackjack!!!

Cheers!

Save the Date

Like they said in the movie, “Field of Dreams”, if you build it, they will come.  You will recall that in a previous post, Ironman Manila Bay, I was wishing that they’d bring the Ironman Series to our country.  Well, Christmas came early this year because it’s just been confirmed, Ironman 70.3 will be held in CamSur on 23 August 2009!!!!! I’ve been an Alaska Aces fan since the 1990’s and this news makes me love Fred Uytengsu all the more.  Thank you very much Mr. Uytengsu for making this happen!!!

So, all you triathletes out there, off-season just ended.  Train na!!!

Cheers

UNICEF – Walking By The Storm Troopers’ Side

The triathlon at Anvaya Cove took a backseat this morning as the family went to the UNICEF Run at McKinley Hills.  Although it’s been a month since Halloween, we wore our costumes for the 2K Walk – We’re going to be Superheroes!! Matthew was Superman, David was Green Lantern, Josh was Flash, Gracie was supposed to be Wonder Woman but became Spider Tot at the last minute while Mommy was Batgirl.  As for me, I’ll always be Spiderman  I’ve been wearing the same costume for the past 3-4 years every Halloween,  so the UNICEF Run wasn’t going to be any different.

Got to the site around 6:30am.  Spotted my good friend Philip with his family in costumes as well  Little Philip was Superman while Anj was a cute little fairy  Also saw Dindo (DATC) and Doray (Doralicious) who took our pictures  When we arrived, the 5K runners were already sprinting towards the finish at a sub-20 min pace, while the leaders for the 10K were finishing at 34-35 minutes.  Awesome  

While waiting for the 2K Walk to start, the children played at the inflatables.  I thought it was great that for this race – Kids Rule  When the 2K Walk was about to start, the day’s highlight came in the form of Jedis and Storm Troopers from the Star Wars saga  Too bad, being the techno ignoramus that I am, I don’t know how to put photos in blogs but I’m sure you’ll see the pictures in the other blogs.  Their costumes were real authentic complete with light sabers and the Storm Trooper’s actual voice as you hear it in the movies.  Galing talaga  :)  As you might have guessed, they were a hit with the crowd as they gamely posed for numerous photo-ops.  My children were no exception as their eyes were glued to their heroes from outer space  As the walk started, my children marched in tandem with the Storm Troopers.  Hence, the title of this post  

I was glad also that for a change, I was able to keep pace with Mr. Philip for a good while during the race I guess my training is doing wonders  But being the competitive animal that he is, his family soon left the Angs in the dust  Saw Jay and Doc Joe doing their training runs as we made our way to the turnaround.  Photo-ops here and photo-ops there and then soon, we’re at the finish line.  Finally, for the last race of the year, I finally did a sub-50 with lots of minutes to spare  

It soon began to drizzle a bit and I felt bad because I promised the kids earlier that they can resume playing at the inflatables.  Oh well, I guess it turned out to be a blessing because upon Coach Rio’s prompting, Gracie and I went to the stage and won Best in Costume as Father and Daughter Spiderman   

I thought Coach Rio did a great job inserting a 2K Walk at the end of the 5K/10K races.  It provided a chance for the family to bond at the races  Competitive parents can outdo each other in the 5 or 10K then afterwards, the family can have a leisurely walk and exchange pleasantries with other running families  So, congratulations Coach Rio for this novel idea and I sure hope it won’t be the last.  Congratulations to all the winners as well.  Yup, it was fun-filled morning at the UNICEF Race – Walking by the Storm Troopers’ side.  

Cheers!!

NB Kids’ Race Recap/ NB Power Failure Recap

Kids’ Race:

• Got to the venue around 3:30 pm and was happy to see quite a few runners, young and old alike, gearing up for the 5K and kiddie races that day.
• All my four children were entered, ages ranging from 2 to 7 years old
• While I was real excited for my children’s first official race, I was also trying to temper their expectations.  Well, you know how kids are in games, etc.  It’s either win or lose for them, there is no middle ground.  So, I was reminding them all the usual B.S. about “it’s all about having fun”  and “finishing a race is what’s important and that in itself makes them winners”  
• As we approached the chute, I was surprised that the NB representatives were quite strict in enforcing the rule that only race participants were allowed inside.  While my 3 older children can probably manage on their own, my youngest daughter would surely get trampled along the way
• My wife and I decided then to just let our 3 older children to start the race while their sister meet up with them around the bend.  
• Matthew, David and Joshua were pretty excited and just like Foreign Runner, lined up at the head of the pack!!
• I told them to line up at the back instead so they won’t get hurt.  
• I was waiting around the bend when the gun went off.  And off they ran!!! 
• My third child, Joshua, was leading while David and Matthew were following closely behind.  I found it real cute that they had their game faces on  Serious talaga mga to ah.  
• I was trying to capture the whole event on video, so I was busy scampering from one child to the other.  Boy, and I thought doing triathlons was hard :-O
• I didn’t get to see Gracie leave the chute.  And as it turned out, she ran quite a bit and smiled for the spectators at the start before Mommy had to carry her as they caught up with the other siblings You can see her picture at Bards’ blog (bananarunnng.wordpress.com)  Thank you Bards for including my daughter in your recap
• Of the 3 boys, it was Matthew who had a hard time running.  So, Josh and David would stop every now and then and wait for Matt.
• There was a water station at the halfway point and we posed for some pictures  
• Towards the finish, it was David who finished first, followed by Joshua.  And then about 5 minutes later, Matthew and Gracie finished as well  
• It was quite a workout for all of us including my wife and our yayas who accompanied the kids all the way  
• It was unfortunate though that while David and Josh were able to get loot bags, Matt and Gracie were left empty-handed because apparently the organizers ran out of supplies  Matt was a bit upset but got over it when I told him we’re gonna swim afterwards  I guess Extribe still accepted onsite registration for the kids’ race so that must have explained why they ran out of loot bags.  Oh well.
• It was still a fun race and I’m glad our family survived the New Balance Kids’ Race  

Power Failure Recap:

• The failure was mine and mine alone as I didn’t meet my pre-race target of a 5:30 pace.  As you must have read in the other blogs, Extribe did a good job with the New Balance Power Race  I expected nothing less from Extribe who are the same people behind Whiterock Triathlon.
• I should not have checked the route the night before.  The route psyched me out, hahaha.  I was defeated even before I ran the race.   
• I returned the Garmin 405 to Philip after the race.  Just thought I’d let you in on my lap times for the 25K:

                    KM 1 – 5:47                       KM 14 – 5:17 (downhill kasi)

                    KM 2 – 5:25                       KM 15 – 5:34

                    KM 3 – 6:01                       KM 16 – 5:42

                    KM 4 – 5:40                       KM 17 – 6:04

                    KM 5 – 5:31                       KM 18 – 6:15  (the start of the 4 km trek up towards the ruins)

                    KM 6 – 5:46                       KM 19 – 6:31 (suffer! suffer! suffer!)

                    KM 7 – 5:48                       KM 20 – 6:26 (shuffling, no longer running at this point)

                    KM 8 – 5:45                       KM 21 – 6:29 (will it ever end?)

                    KM 9 – 5:49                       KM 22 – 5:58 (finally!)

                    KM 10 – 6:03                     KM 23 – 5:48 (almost there)

                    KM 11 – 5:54                     KM 24 – 6:09 (malapit na talaga, last hill)

                    KM 12 – 6:00                     KM 25 – 5:29 (told you I’d do a 5:30 split )

                    KM 13 – 5:35

• Unofficial results are out showing that I finished with a time of 2:27:43
• Yup, the robot is only human after all

Cheers!!

5:30 ba yan??!!!

The title of this post was inspired by some good-natured (at least I thought it was good-natured) ribbing I got from fellow bloggers who must have read my earlier post about doing a 5:30 pace at today’s New Balance Powerrace.  Just so you’d know, that display of bravado was before Philip and I, together with Johnny, surveyed the 25K route last night.  Would have wanted to recant my post last night, but what the heck, this morning I gave it the good ‘ol college try.  To cut a long story short, I finished with an unofficial time of 2:27:07 by my watch, 2:26:45 by the Garmin.   Yup, 5:52 min/km  pace.

So, c’mon guys, lemme have it, I deserve it.  Yabang kasi eh  Recap of my kids’ race and a more extensive recap of the 25K to follow  

Cheers!

Bike Boutique Opening

Calling all triathletes, you might be interested in this one.  A perfect prelude to New Balance Powerrace:

TBB Grand Opening Program Details:

Saturday 15th November:

9:30am -11:30am TBB Grand Opening Ride

-	This very unique TBB ride is open to everybody (independent of their riding level), who wishes to have a nice 50km road ride in and around Subic.
-	Join our teamtbb pro’s, our VIP guests and members of the Philippines triathlon team for a relaxed and fun ride together.

11:30am – 12:30pm Recovery at the Grand Season Pool Deck

-	Recovery at the Grand Season pool deck with some drinks on TBB.

12:30 – 14:00 Light lunch + drinks

-	Light lunch and drinks served in the Grand Season restaurant.

14:00 – 15:30 Free time and opportunity to browse in TBB store

15:30 – 17:30 The Brett Sutton tri-clinic (not to be missed opportunity!!) 
A FREE Brett Sutton coaching and tri clinic session with topics such as:

-	How to become a better athlete in less time?
-	The development of teamtbb.
-	Update on our 2009 teamtbb squad.
-	The relationship between teamtbb, TBB and our social projects.

17:30 – 18:30 teamtbb life forum session

-	Question and Answer on any topic triathlon, biking, pro athletes with teamtbb athletes, Brett Sutton, Alex Bok and Melvin Fausto.

19:00 – 22:00 TBB Grand Opening Buffet Dinner

-	A FREE TBB Buffet at the Grand Season swimming pool area.
-	Life music on site for a party in Filipino Style

Run like a Robot

The Garmin is such a fascinating toy that I’m willing to be its guinea pig for the race this Sunday.  With Garmin’s help, I’d like to check my fitness level and see if I can do a steady 5:30 min/km pace throughout the 25K distance  Uphill/Downhill, steady 5:30.  Wish me luck.

VSO Bahaginan Recap

• Looked and felt like a runners’ feast/fiesta in last Sunday’s race.  Seemed like the bloggers were everywhere raring to go
• Saw Philip who told me he’s going to take it easy and slow for this race in preparation for the big one at New Balance Clark.  I asked him, “How slow is slow?”  He said, “About a 5min/km pace”.  As it turned out, Philip ran a very slow 1:09:33 for 15K course, or a 4:38 km/min pace  What a lazy bum  
• Finally met Wayne (SFRunner) and wished him well for the day’s race.  Lots of bloggers had photo-ops with Wayne
• Thought I saw Bald Runner so I ran up to say Hi, only to find out that he was about 30 years younger than the legend himself  
• This race had a lot of firsts for me:  Philip lent me his Garmin 405, so it was my first time to wear the device and see what the hoopla was about.  And it was also my first time to run with a group.  
• I took up Jaymie’s (Bull Runner) invite to run with her group.  The group included JunC, Dindo (DATC), Councilor Doray and Jay (Prometheus Cometh).  Annie Agoncillo was supposed to start with us as well.  But I guess she’s just like Philip and lined up at the front of the pack  Finally met Taki as well who ran with Joe (Loonyrunner) and Wayne.  As usual, Joe had his trusty backpack with him when he ran – the secret to his success    
• I’m glad I decided to run with a group  It was real fun swapping stories and experiences with each other  For the first part of the run, I ran with JunC and Jaymie.  At the turnaround before going inside Heritage Park, I ran with Jay.  
• Had a good conversation with Jay going – that is, until we reached the dreaded McKinley Hills.  I was all quiet at this point in the race while Jay was still yakking to his heart’s delight  
• Was surprised to see Wayne walking at this stage because I know him to be a fast runner.  The jet lag and the humidity must have taken its toll and it was a good thing we saw Doc Joe on his way back so that Wayne will be in good hands.  
• I guess I was too quiet, enough for Jay to ask, “Are you OK?”  I told him to go on and regale me with his stories as I was huffing and puffing my way up the hills
• Lots of greetings like “Go Kuya Jay”, “Galing! Kuya Jay”, “Konti na lang, Kuya Jay”.  What can I say? It’s great to run with a celebrity  
• Struck a few weird poses for the Photovendo photographers  Will do anything to get ourselves published  
• Lots of higad on our way back to the Finish.  Good thing there was Mark Parco to warn us to stay in the middle of the lane.  
• Finished with a time of 1:30:41 by the Garmin, distance of 15.07kms.
• I should say that my trusty Timex looked Jurassic when compared to the Garmin.  That thing is so darn accurate.  It sends out a beep after every kilometer showing your pace for that particular stretch.  And it beeped right at about the same time that Jay’s did.  But unless Garmin can make a waterproof watch, I’m sticking with my little ol’ Timex here
• Congratulations are in order for President Rio for another well-organized race  Looking forward to the UNICEF run, Coach!  
• Jaymie, et. al. still did a 5K run after the race.  While Gerard, Potch of Team PMI and I went to the AFP grounds to watch our Kapitan, Rayzon Galdonez, in his triathlon race.  Rayzon finished 3rd overall, next to George Vilog and Ryan Mendoza  Congrats Kap!!!
• It was a big weekend for Team PMI:  Monica Torres placed 3rd overall in the Powerman Duathlon in Malaysia  Way to go, Moni!!! Mama Rizz Santos meanwhile is in the midst of completing her MS 150 miles Bike Marathon in Las Vegas  The Manglicmot kids, Bambam and Umbay, also swam in Hong Kong  Naks, pang-international na ah   
• Yes, it was a most enjoyable run for me at VSO  Don’t think I’ll be giving up group runs anytime soon  Thanks to all of you for making Happy Hour……mmmm…..happy  See you all at Clark!

Cheers!