Ek-xo-dus

The Philippine International Marathon hosted this recently held event themed "A Run for the Pasig River" aiming to raise funds for the benefit of "Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig" (KBPIP). KBPIP is a project of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission that aims to clean the Pasig River and its tributaries.

Stradcom Runners "Strathletes" posing for our Certificates

According to news, there were about 22,000 runners and individuals converged in the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta. We saw a lot of groups from the different Universities, PMAers, PNP, and sponsor companies. While our unofficial group "Strathletes", couldn't have been able to participate in this event if not for our Company/HR's encouraging invitation. And since it is a sponsored run for us, we were able to form a bigger running team for the first time, composing of fifteen STRADCOM employees. Mack - our regular running colleague wasn't able to come with us since he has to sleep yet from the overnight activity in the office. One of our office mate brought the love of her life with her who also ran with us. The new batch of faces of fun run runners from the Company gave more excitement to everyone, from the seasonal and to those making it a career.

The only give-aways, Certificates (lol)

As for the run itself, I thought the route would be much easier since there were only three turns and one U-turn (10k turnaround point) for the whole course. Unfortunately, along the way, there are more zigzag paths due to the bulk of runners and "walkers" alike (you know what I mean, hehehe!), specially on the last 3 kilometers where the turnaround point of the 5 and 3 kilometer categories are.

I also forgot to wear my knee pads, or my "anti-rheuma" pads as I call it. My left knee started to ache upon reaching the 6-kilometer mark, the point of time where my lungs have started to relax and take-in more oxygen. I could have already run for a faster pace at this point if not for the pain where I almost tripped twice
on my left leg. This made me run slower instead on the halfway to somehow relax my legs and knees.

Group photo with Mr. Ricky Davao

Comparing the venue of this event with other running events being held at McKinley Hill or at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the air is much fresh in the latter. Although Luneta is near the seashore, the smell of the ocean doesn't even smell like an ocean and even the presence of salty-smell is absent. I saw a creek or what seems like a small river near the Buendia bridge, and the air in that area is really unpleasant. I thought that maybe the water on that river came from Pasig River (lol!). It's a good thing that DENR and KBPIP is raising funds through events such as this one to somehow, and little by little, re-enliven the Pasig River.

The winner was another "Bulakenyan" runner (you may read the history here why they were called Bulakenyan), as I've heard from the murmurings.

More photos can be found in Facebook.

Event: Philippine International Marathon 2009 - A Run for the Pasig River
Date: Nov. 8, 2009.
Venue: Luneta Park, Manila
Unofficial Time: 00:58:02
Ranking: xxth

Keep posted for the official race results from PIM.

Since I started running in Fun Runs and Marathons, I have encountered a lot of good and fast runners. Some have unimaginable stamina, longer strides, and some really run just for the fun and excitement.

I have also learned that some motivations during the event is a good mind booster whenever you feel like giving up already. Baguio's runs and marathons have never been emptied (as I have observed) with either PMA or Military participants since Fort Del Pilar or PMA is also in Baguio. Their presence served as the competition target for some runners. For this running event, my target competitors are my neighbor playmates (yes I still play with them until my 18th). I know I have greater advantage than them in long distance running than playing basketball since I have already joined quite a few running events and morning jogs. But I still competed with them since they also challenged me anyway (you know how kids are!), hehehe!

As the race starts, I felt the surge of energy like never before, it was so full. I really feel so motivated, specially knowing that I have already left my playmates. Now I am already competing with the other runners, and no longer with my playmates. The energy I have is still the same. I can feel that my legs are still asking for a longer stride, and so I did lengthen my stride to the fullest of what I can extend without affecting the proper running form and pacing. It feels good that your whole body is cooperating with the moment.

Although the energy I felt did not last for more than half an hour neither until half of the distance, I still feel fulfilled about my performance. Upon reaching the final few kilometers to the finish line, my pace stride and pace is back to how I really run since I am already tired. Now on the few meters left, I heard a lot of people cheering and shouting to every runner. I thought they are just happy for the running event that took place, and that they are some family members of some of the participants. I never increased my speed and stride as I come near the finish line. Later did I know, that the cheering of the people watching the runners is because they are anticipating the first top ten finishers.

There was only a few more steps when suddenly, some runners went past through me rushing to the finish line like they are still competing for the first place. And to my dismay, I could've been able to reach the 10th or 11th place of the race. I really never expected it! I immediately went to the race organizer to check if they already have the ranking of the top then, and yes they have. But I'm no longer one of them. The organizer just told me, 'ay sayang, nahuli ka lang ng ilang segundo, hindi ka umabot!'. And so it goes, I just told to myself that I am still a newbie runner and the top ten ranking is still not in my time, a good way to relief myself.

Race Info:
When: Dec. 7, 1997.
Where: Burnham Park, Baguio City
Event: Rotary Club of Baguio North Invitational 10km. Run
Distance: 10 km.
Personal Time: 00:42:40
Rank: 15th

It was yesterday, October 25, 2009 here in Manila. My first Marathon for Adidas. I've been feeling lazy in blogging this marathon for no reason, I just really feel lazy, lol! But after googling this event, I came across several websites and blogs about this same event, Adidas King of the Road in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which was held last August 3, 2009. This is a very tragic incident that made me wonder about a runner, and race organizer's responsibilities before, during, and after running. You can read the full story of this incident by visiting Justice For Gary family website. A video when Gary first collapsed on the finish line was also posted in youtube.

This news also made me remember my experience on the first day of Adidas expo in Megamall last October 17, 2009. The first day of the expo was really a disaster for a lot of runners, for my colleague, and for me. I was on the line to claim our group's race packet from 3:00 PM up to 6:30 PM. I was able to claim two out of three (2 of 3) race singlets/packets that I have registered. It was really amazing how could the other race packet be left out since these were all registered at the same time, same date, and same registration outlet (Adidas Trinoma). After the expo though, I just went on without complaining about how well or how "not" well the expo was organized. Come race day, I could say that the race was a big success. No injuries, death, or tragic incidents after the event. There are enough hydration booths along the 10k route. A cup of three to four slices of banana was also given at the 4km mark for potassium supply.

The only thing that I noticed is the lack of self-discipline of one of their volunteers who was giving out the turn-over ribbons. This volunteer yelled and swore ("hoy P*****ina mo, wag kang mang-hatak, adik ka ba?!") to one of the runners who was taking the ribbon, which, as we know running his lungs out to reach his goal. I was not able to look back to see the face of the volunteer. I kept my running pace then after a while I realized that the volunteer should not have yelled and swore like that to the runner. Instead, he should just give out the ribbons politely. One more thing, the runner doesn't have to wait for him, he must have the ribbons ready on his hands or fingers to be given to the thousands of runners who will be pulling it on their turns.

Anyway, for the better part as I have mentioned a while ago, the race is still a success all-in-all. And for my personal record, this race is my 2nd personal best run. My first personal best run was way back in Baguio for the Rotary Club's Invitational Run.

(I ran for 10k route, posing for 21k map)

Event: Adidas King of the Road 2009
Date: October 25, 2009
Place: Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig
Unofficial Time: 00:53:32
Official Time: 00:56:37
Official Rank: 235th

According to my official result, I placed at 235th with finish time of 56:37, my personal timing though from the gun start until I reached the finish line was 53:35. That's an additional 3:02 minutes padded time due to the slow pace of the timers on the finish line getting the bar codes from our bib. :D

For the list of Official results, click here.

If I sum up the total years since I started hitting the gym, it already took me 2 years and 6 months as of this writing. And comparing my body structure from before and now, there's only slight difference. I was able to build up only a few cuts, and the muscles couldn't show that I have been a gym member for this long already if I don't flex hard in front of a mirror (lol!).

My abs-workout program for these past two years has always been the greatest challenge of my workout. Whenever it's time for abs crunching, sit-ups, and toe-raise, I mostly get the lazy feeling of doing the program, hence, my abs has not developed yet that much too. Unless I try hard to flex every strand of my ab-muscles, hahaha!

The abdomen workouts outlined by Chris Fanning below are very different from my program though. It engages not just your abs, but also your torso. I am planning to incorporate some of the workouts in this program on my next ab-routine by third week of October.

Sideshow

Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart. Bend forward and place hands on floor near feet. With hands planted, bend left knee as you slide right leg across body (as shown). Return to start; repeat on opposite side for one rep. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, shoulders, butt, legs



Dolphin pull

Start in plank position supported on forearms with hands clasped and heels raised. Bend left knee and pull left leg into chest as you lift hips toward ceiling (as shown). Return to start; repeat on right side for one rep. Do 10 reps.

* Works abs, shoulders, arms, back, butt




Bridge plus

Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat. Squeeze butt to lift hips off floor as high as you can. Lower hips to floor, then lift them off floor, bringing knees toward chest (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, back, butt




Krav maga kick

Sit with knees pulled into chest, hands on shins, feet flexed and slightly off floor. Roll onto right hip, bracing yourself with both hands, as you extend legs to left (as shown). Return to start; repeat on left side for one rep. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, arms, butt, legs




Bow Wow

Kneel with hands behind head, elbows out. Keeping hips stable, contract abs as you curl upper body toward navel without pulling on neck (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, back, hips




Chair Roll up

Lie faceup with heels resting on the edge of a sturdy chair, legs straight, holding the ends of a rolled towel taut, arms overhead. Sit up, reaching arms toward toes, then twist to right and to left, keeping towel taut (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, arms, back



Waist Whittler

Lie on right side, legs stacked with right knee bent, left leg straight, head on floor and elbows bent in front with left hand cupped over right fist. Keeping arms stiff, push off right arm as you lift torso, left elbow and left leg as high as you can (as shown). Return to start. Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

* Works abs, arms, hips, legs


Oblique X

Lie faceup with arms and legs outstretched, forming an X. Lift upper back off floor, cross left leg over right and lift legs straight up as you reach arms, palms together, past left knee (as shown). Return to start; repeat on opposite side for one rep. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs



Tense/Relax

Lie faceup with arms extended overhead, palms up. Contract abs and draw knees toward chest as you lift upper back off floor and grab soles of feet with both hands (as shown). Hold for 10 seconds. Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs



Chair Lift

Lie faceup with heels resting on the edge of a sturdy chair, legs straight. Squeeze butt and lift hips off floor as high as you can, bringing arms straight up over chest, palms in (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Do 15 reps.

* Works abs, butt, hamstrings




Swan Dive

Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees soft. Bring left knee toward chest, hands around shin. Reach arms forward, palms together, as you extend left leg behind you without arching back (as shown). Return to start. Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

* Works abs, arms, back, butt, legs



Side Slimmer

Kneel with right leg extended to side, toes forward and hands behind head, elbows out. Keeping lower body and neck stable, bend torso to right (as shown). Return to start. Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

* Works abs

Here's another great run that will truly complete your October running calendar. Instead of racing your tummy with beer fests, why not race out your feet for this upcoming and anticipated running event of Adidas? Surely you'll be motivated having these quality and good-looking design Adidas singlets with you:

Women's singlet
Men's singlet

And what's more, Adidas will held a Road Running expo exclusive to all the participants a week before the event on October 17-18, 2009 from 10:00AM to 10:00PM at the SM Megatrade Hall. The race bibs will be distributed on this expo, and there will be a free carbo-loading event for the participants too!

Registration and Event Details:

Event Venue: Fort Bonifacio, Global City Taguig
Registration Fee: Php 500 on all race categories - Includes singlet and entrance to running expo and carbo-loading party.
When: Starting Sept. 21, 2009.
Where to Register:
Adidas Branches: Greenbelt 3, Trinoma, Megamall, Podium, Rockwell, Mall of Asia, Katipunan
Planet Sports Branches: Rockwell, Greenhills, Glorietta, & Trinoma.

The registration form is not available for download over the internet since it has a control number unique to each form, and the entrance ticket for two (2) for the running expo on SM Megamall.

Click here for updates regarding the expo, the event, and race result.