Three days to Milo Marathon Finals

Your name is on the list, you are cordially invited.

What: Carbo-loading

Where: Club North Greenhills, San Juan City

When: November 27, 2008 at 4:30pm

This would be my second pasta party in eight months. This is the start wherein I should concentrate on eating carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta, bread, fruit, low-fat milk and sports drinks. It's the carbs, after all, not fat or protein, that will fuel me on race day. One rule here is that what's important is increasing the percentage of my calories that come from carbs, not simply eating more of everything. Since I'll be tapering and expending fewer calories, I don't have to consume a great deal more food than usual.

After registration, the organizer gave me my assigned race packet number and my over-all singlet. Every qualifier here is given a singlet and a running short as what runners called "overalls". Surprisingly, all men are categorized to sizes medium to extra large, only females were allowed small sizes, and I'm expecting that medium size would be too big for me. Maybe the organizers did not realized that runners are all lean-framed especially those who run at a sub-4:00 hour marathon. Buti na lang, the small size was neither, I have the privilege to wear my designated wear for this race. Pero sayang, I intended sana to use the qualifier's singlet for the race because I did not have it during my last years of running this event as I was only at the 5 and 10k events. 

the venue

The program started with a short prayer followed by the singing of the national anthem. As the speakers were introduced, I was awed by a man who claimed that he had ran a whooping 610 marathons. Whaaaat! This guy's amazing. And this Milo Finals will be his 611th. He is Andy Kotulski. I can't believe I met this man in person. I'd like to know more about Mr. Kotulski as I searched for his profile after getting home and found out this story.

with Mr. Andy Kotulski

The lecture was given by Mr. Jim Saret, MSAT as guest speaker. He is the president of the Scientific Sports & Fitness Council and currently the strength and conditioning coach of the Rain or Shine Elastomasters team at the PBA. Additionally, he travels to US every now and then to attend trainings and conduct coaching sessions with US athletes. His lecture goes with this:

How to carbo-load?

1. Decrease carbo 7 days before the race.

2. Decrease training 3-4 days before the race.

3. High carbo diet 3 days before the race.

Pre-marathon meal.

1. Eat a high carbo meal 2-3 hours before the race.

2. Eat a carbo snack at least 30 mins before the race.

3. Drink hydrite/electrolyte drink. Eat bananas.

Tips during the marathon.

1. Sip water if you are not thirsty.

2. Drink hydrite to prevent cramping.

3. Maintain your own calculated pace.

4. Find a pace-mate.

After the lectures, we were treated to the sumptuous buffet of high-carbo foods. Just like the filipino way, we were lined up as we take our parts. Queue of runners dashed onto the buffet table. The food was great and excellent, runners were treated to a full meal. Everybody went home satisfied. After the meal, chats and photo-ops with fellow runners and the organizers, its time to call it a day. I headed home pleased and ready for my "full".

a platter full (eat all you can style)

Milo Marathon Finals qualifiers

with Mr. Rudy Biscocho

with friends from ARC

with fellow runners from Laoag

the site at night

My Milo Marathon story

The finals of the Milo Marathon is fast approaching. With about 10 days to go, all qualifiers from both provincial and manila legs will converge at the "kalabaw" to run this event. What makes it truly anticipated is that all the elite runners of the country will vie for the highest awards.

This run is three years in the making for me. I joined the 2006 edition running the 5k and the 2007 edition by donning the 10k. This is all I could get the past two years.

The Metro Manila eliminations last August, 2008 gave me a challenge by joining in the 42k event. After running the Pasig Heritage Marathon in February, 2008 I look for this as my next full. I intended to run just two fulls this year and it was the best time to run the second because it was six months in between. But, surprisingly, I finished inside the qualifying time. And the reward for that was I'm qualified to run the finals. I'll have my third. So be it; on November 30 at 4:30am I'll be running with the elites.

Read my story here.

I had mine, you must have yours.

going for number 3

NB power pace

After a year running the NB powerrace 07, here I am again joining the next edition. All roads lead to clark on this sunday morning. Every runner is head-on to experience a one of a kind route outside the metropolis. This is a repeat of the beautiful and scenic route that treated runners to a smog-free, well-paved and tree-lined roads in clark. As expected countless runners and friends journeyed to clark to join and enjoy this event.

Day 1:

It was the kids and 5k participants who ran before the setting of the sun. Christy had her fantastic run and finished 4th overall amongst the distaff side. She's really a runner. Most of our friends joined the 5k run and I was fortunate to be a spectator this time (feeling relaxed though). I met Ibanrunner, Bards, Janine and Dennis with his group and had a brief chat with them.

with Christy, Dino & Marlene

Christy on the run

Ryan, Christy, Dino & two friends

Day 2:

I finished a disappointing time last year on this event and I vowed that I set a new mark for this run. But since I'm in preparation for the Milo 42K in two weeks time, I decided to run in my easy long distance pace, keeping in mind that I should still finish in a decent time. No race, just pace.

Before the race I had a brief chat with Doc Tommy of the Fairview Runners and few of my running buddies. I also had a chance to meet Rene of Runnex, a member of Takbo.ph forum. It was with Runnex where I started my training and serious running. It was drizzling and a bit cold and I'm feeling that this would be a good moment for a PR. But not to; stick to your plan.

with Jun, Doc Art & Ritchie

with Wayne, Jinoe, Rene & Ritchie

As I entered the chute, fellow running bloggers were in. I had the opportunity to meet Jaymie and introduced myself. I met also Drew & Javy inside before the start. I was having my pre race stretches at the rear when I heard the sound signaling the start of the race.

I ran with Jay (Prometheus Cometh) at the initial stage until he sped-up, maybe he's on a mission. I was left running with Dindo, Wilbert, Jaymie and co. We ran and chat at a pretty comfortable pace for about 2Km. After 10 mins of running to what Dindo & Wilbert described as a warm-up mode, I made my move ahead of them and caught up with Jay. Pace don't race as the ghost in me reminded me of. I stuck with Jay's pace and ran along with him until the turn around. Jonel joined us and we ran altogether as we exchanged stories and leads. After the turn around we increased our pace and ran the sloping terrain until I went ahead of Jay. Pushing ahead I intended to draft him, but maybe he's on a reserve mode for the latter part of the course. The latter portion of the route is where the dreaded ruins are, a series of uphill and downhill passage. This was the portion where I took my walk of fame (shame) last year. I've had a bad beating then.

I ran by myself for the remainder of the route and finished the race in 2:14:37. I did my plan and outdid my previous time. Today, it's not how fast I finished the race, but how strong I did. I crossed the line satisfied and proud.

at the finish line

with the medallists, Dindo, RJ, Jay, Wilbert, JunC & Jaymie

with RJ, Wilbert, Bards & Dindo

with Jon, the Ultramarathoner

Cheetah girls

Talent is defined as a natural aptitude, caused by nature and not made by humankind. A personal gift or skill being with someone after birth. 

I am inspired to write about this women who not only took running as a sport but became winners. They aspire, they conquer, they achieve and they inspire. Winning competitions is a tough nut to crack, but they show their best to attain it. What make them win are because of their natural talent in running. Maybe someone have to had super training to beat winners, but someone with a talent can do it handily. Surely training can improve you, but talent will make you win. I run a lot but I don't win. I train a lot but I don't get podiums. Maybe I don't have the talent.

Here are women who run really fast. Here are women who run and win. Here are women I know are winners in their own right. They may not be singing, but they're running.

Jaymie - Adidas King of the Road

Nora - Adidas King of the Road

Dorothy - Champion Run 2

Helen - VSO Bahaginan

Michelle - every Race (a natural born winner)

and Christy - Red Cross & Exodus Run

VSO: a reason to run

After being a spectator at the recent Isuzu Shake, Rattle 'n Run, I made it to the VSO Race. This race is very much anticipated primarily because it is a runrio event. Secondly, it would be a semi long run for me on a sunday morning and I could add some speed session because it is a race. Moreover, many of the running bloggers are expecting this run, awaiting for the moment to meet with SFRunner. I was so excited so is my wife, Christy who will run the 5k event. With much excitement, I trained three times last week doing three speed sessions unmindful that I was already on the taper mode. I did my last long run at UPD the sunday before in preparation for the Milo Marathon Finals. The result; muscle pain on both my inner thighs. Additionally, lifting weight the week before add its toll on my upper body too. Gosh! Am I pushing myself beyond limits? Anyway I still have my Friday and Saturday rest.

So came race day. We headed early to FB and arrived at 4:45am. After our change-up I went for a warm up run to loosen my thighs. I'm still feeling uncomfortable at the moment. Good enough there was Rolly from ARC who ran with me. As we did our circles I saw PC, Jonel and JunC having their roundabout. Later I spotted and greet Bro. J. Soon afterwards, I saw Wilbert chatting with a group. I went to a halt and joined them and surprisingly met Wayne, Jinoe, Que and the RunningDiva and have had a photo opp. Shortly after I left and proceeded to the starting line and had my stretches. I met Taki and the BaldRunner before the run. Little I know that Taki and Wayne would pace each other. I intentionally positioned myself in front contemplating about my second reason, I will race. I promised myself that I will do my best here.

with Bro.J, Wayne, Roselle, Wilbert & Que

Soon after, the gun fired and off we go. I started a little slower than my 10K pace running all throughout the Heritage Park. I was feeling comfortable here, the breathing was easy and the timing was perfect. I kinda run a bit faster down hills. I love running here at Heritage, the path is clear and so quiet, mga patay kasi ang andito. As I was about to exit the park I slowed down at the water station, took my gel and drunk a couple of cups of water. It was then that I felt fatigue on my thighs, mabuti pa siguro di ako tumigil. I continued my run where my pacing went slower. As I slowed down, runners behind me begun their move and zoom passed ahead of me. I saw HighAltitude running high up and ForeignRunner too. These are speed runners. Thinking on my commitment I pushed myself. Shortly thereafter, I found again myself inching on HA and FR. Sorry guys, I made you as my gauge, pasensiya na po. Running back at McKinley I saw BaldRunner, running strong, IbanRunner, BugoBugo, running buddies JunM and Doc Art. After negotiating the dreaded McKinley Hills, I took my last reserve and ran strongly to the finish line. Sidestepping the "higads", I made it to the tape in 1:10:23. I did break my record from Mizuno by 6mins. Good run, good enough. At least my sacrifices paid off.

This was a great race. The result was overwhelming. I would like to congratulate runrio events; the management, the staff, the sponsors and all the runners. And also to photovendo, I hope I had great shots, Ben. We made it happen, we will make it happen again. 

After the race is the usual running bloggers rendezvous. Meeting with friends and exchanging hi's and hello's at the finish line. I Finally met for the first time Maclan (IbanRunner), Nora (The Golden Girl), Dorothy (Doralicious), Sir Jovie (The BaldRunner), Jerry (HighAltitude), Jinoe (Manokan Express), Wayne (SFRunner), Jay (PaulCalvin's), atbp. It was a great day indeed, its great meeting you guys. See you again on the road.

with IbanRunner

with RunningFatboy & Nora, The Golden Girl

with BaldRunner, Aldz & HighAltitude

with Jay, HighAltitude, RunningDATCom & Manokan Express