Another great and successful LSD (Long Slow Distance) brewed by Neil (Crash n Burn). The trail was really awesome that could almost took my breath away. If I’m only near in this area, this will be my favorite route because the hills was really a challenge.
Biking in this place is indeed fun, I tried it using Chelly’s bike and I enjoyed the uphills downhills … The uphills are great! I enjoyed the downhills… I said, I enjoyed the downhills… LOL! Yeah, I think I should have more practice in biking since I’m dreaming to be a triathlete someday and I better begin my training as soon as possible.
Thanks for inviting me on this trail run and to all those people who help me out to be here on time and survive this with smile on my face after the dreaded cardiac hill.
I am expecting for the second take!
We started before the sun rise
to travel to the long and winding and hilly road...
Cross-training shoes, a basketball shorts and cotton shirt was my first get up when I started running. Seeing all those running apparrels during my first race, I immediately thought of purchasing one…
The Hell I Care! (Grabbed from Nuttybunny)
After finishing my first 5K, Together with my running friends, we went to this “tiangge” of apparrels. I bought a pair of singlet and shorts and just telling the vendor that my size is medium without really knowing how long or how short the shorts is.
I was so excited to go home that time and broadcast to my family that I got a pair of running apparel as soon as I got home. I even wore it and showed it to them; however, to my surprise, I never thought that the shorts I got was very short, it already look like a boxer shorts to me.
One of my brother exclaimed, “Kuya, yan ba yung ginagamit sa pantakbo” (Big Brother, are those really used for running?)
To my embarrassment, I told them, “Hindi ah, pantulog lang ito!” (Of course not, i’ll only use this for sleeping.)
I never tried wearing the short shorts again…
PART II : My First Attempt to Wear the Short Shorts
BOTAK Paabilisan, Seeing other runners in different races wearing short-shorts, I told myself that it would be ok to wear those, probably for comfort or for speed, I am not sure what their reason is.
So I tried wearing it, but just to be sure, I put another shorts on (a longer one)
Together with Pat and a friend (Ren) we went to the race, but before we get closer to the venue, I shouted at them and dropped my longer shorts asking if the short shorts would be okay.
Yes! I saw Pat and Ren’s facial expression, amazed (for the guts I had to wear it) and horrified (probably thinking how gross the shorts was on me) and told me “IBALIK MO NA!!!” (Put it back!) before I completely remove my longer shorts.
PART III: The Hell I Care.
The 33rd Milo Marathon, Everyone is talking of wearing a pair of thights. At this point, I still cant bear wearing a pair of because I just don’t want to, I even told myself that I’d rather wore a short shorts than wearing a pair of thights.
So be it. I think this is my chance to wear it (Chariots of Fire Music Playing) If everyone wil wear thights, then, it wouldn’t be a big deal to wear my beloved shorts.
Vicky Ras was the first to see me after Pat who no longer seem to care (LOL!) and mentioned “Mas maigsi pa ung shorts mo sa shorts ko ah! (Your shorts are even shorted than mine.) I was about to put again the longer shorts in shame until I saw, my other friends wearing thights and I just thought it’s funny, so I told myself I should be fine.
I was able to finish the 21K race wearing it. I even tried it on again in another 21K race which is the Globe Run for Home. My friends still mess with me for wearing it, but I am already numb with it. It’s ok I think, I would just have to deal with their fancy jokes! lol!
Mall of Asia. A place where you can run. I’m not pretty sure how long this stretch is but you will definitely enjoy this. Looking at the bay is a relaxing; an ambiance that you won’t feel that you’re running.
Dine and whine if you feel tired after; lots of restaurants and food stands in the area.
I am already at the finish line when I saw that time is already at 2:30:30. I need to speed up despite of the cramps in my rib cage and on my calf muscle.
My endeavor to reachthe finish line
Look at how Carina lead the group. It’s like everyone is after her.
Carina: Follow me if you want to be second...
Steven arrived at the finish line and tried looking at his time. It was like he was praying.
Steven Praying
Another inspiring man in the group is GBM’s (Gingerbreadman) uncle who is Tito Caloy. Now everyone in the group is calling him Tito Caloy.
Tito Caloy
Timmy the Kenkoy runner is always on the go! Lot’s of wacky stuff he does everytime he sees a camera.
Timmy: faster faster me! you can't catch me!
Margalicious Marga, tried another 10Km. I’m impressed by her perseverance and determination to finish the race. She might had experienced pain but she did not give up. Thanks Chelly for the support!
Marga's Agony
More pictures to follow! Cheers and Kudo’s to all!
I lost… but I could once again rise and do it again!
My short-shorts did not make it...
I was full of expectation on an early Sunday Morning for my 2nd 21K this month. Thinking that I could still give another try and get a new PR from my last Milo Half mary. I really thought I could make it! I really thought…
Yet, I was wrong…
What Happened?
I am a positive split believer, I always thought that if I could be at a kilometer mark earlier that I expected, then I will be safe.
I was really going fast on my first five kilometer. I reached the first Km mark in no less that 5 minutes, then the 2nd Km at 10 min. I was still doing well at that point until to the 5th Km meeting Sam, Ellen, Bongz and Migs on the road. at around 30 minutes.
Then I aimed for another target. the 10Km mark, hopeful to get it by sub 60.
Yes, I did my best, but unforetunately, I was not able to make it for I had arrived at 1:05 and Doc Topher giving me a pat on my bun! I still tried to outrun him but my energy was already vanishing a the 11th Km mark. My Run-Walk-Run strategy was somewhat putting me still at the right spot at the right time, I still believed that everything would fall into place.
Alas! There I arrived at the turning point of the 10Km runners. It was kinda crazy for I need to go with the crowd. There were people walking and running but I could no longer maintain the momentum that I previouslt had anymore. My fatigue aggravated in going over the Kalayaan bridge.
Again I decided to walk… I first tried getting my hydration belt refilled and surprised at what their giving… a carbonated energy drink. Actually, I don’t feel like drinking those on a race thinking that it would just make myself bloated. I was lead to a choice of choosing the lesser evil. That is between getting dehydrated or drink that one they’re serving. I chose the latter.
Reached the 14th and 14th and 15th Km at a pace i am not really sure of, but my time is telling me that I am still on track. Then, on the road, I saw Gab (Dirty Sanchez) and outran me again. Darn! Not again! I tried to catched up with him by my calf muscle are getting tighter so I need to slow down. Fine! Bye Gab, See you at the Finish Line.
17.5 Km mark, another turn, but before I arrived there, I saw a little entertainement.
Sam, the Running ninja ang Timmy the Kenkoy runner. I am not sure but it’s like they are having a little contest, It was like either Sam and Timmy are trying to outrun each other.
18, and 19th Km and I’m still catching up… I was still optimistic that I can still finish it right before my target.
20th Km Mark, Oh no, I was late. but I could still arrive before the 2:30:00 mark. I tried running as hard as I can but my calves are already getting sore. I could not do it anymore. 2:30:30, That’s what I saw… With all the strength left, I sped up upon seeing that to at least reach that mark. Time at 2:30:55 (unofficial).
The Aftermath
Before reaching the Finish Line, I am already feeling sore on my rib cage giving me a hard time to breathe. It aggravted when I reached the finish line.
I told Bongz and Pepsi that it really hurts a lot. Big Time! I decided to sit for a moment because I am already getting dizzy. I was totally thirsty at that time and good thing, Dennis was there with a can of that carbonated energy drink. Good thing, he gave everything to me and the pain that I am experiencing lessened until I became fine.
I really feel bad about it, having a real hard time during the race and not enjoying it… Plus finishing it with an uncomfortable feeling doubles the impact.
Race has already ended and me keep on contemplating about it…
I need to train more… And maybe try a different strategy other than the Positive Split thing that I know…
After the Donut Eating and the 5Km race at Reach Fun Run, Chelly, Pat, Julie and I decided to have a Photowalk in Binondo. It was just a thirthy-minute photowalk because of the congested traffic that occured why travelling from The Fort to Binondo.
We arrived at the placed and had some lunch before starting to have a photowalk. I took some pictures together with Pat using my SLR and Julie using her Point and Shoot.
Julie in her best Smile
Yes, the Photowalk is very short taht all of us still want to stay; however, due to the limited time that we had, we just decided to enjoy the time until it was all up.
Aside from the two best picture of Chelly and Julie, below are the other two that Pat and I took. I decided to ditched other pictures that didn’t passed to my standards…
Street Kids Lurking taken by Pat
My Shot. So tensed about this shot because the lady is half-conscious. I really don’t want to freak her out if she saw catching a piece of her soul. LOL!
I arrived at the site at around 5:45 AM and I was not able see too many people. Registration started at 6AM so that would be just the right time to arrive.
At last, they’ve comeback…
It was still nice to see common faces on the event. I got even surprised that a race like REACH was attended by the running maniacs called elites. What even made me more surprised was seeing my Outdoor friends in this event except Pat (also a member of takbo.ph). I suddenly realized that I missed them. It would have been more fun if my outdoor friends and the takbo.ph peeps are present.
Got my own photo op before the race…
Race started like as if there’s no race. Actually, it’s a race that doesn’t need to be taken seriously but only fun. The first loop was just right. I felt that I was running fast, but not too fast though. I stopped right after the first loop and started munching 4 krispy kreme donuts. I like donuts! I enjoyed eating a lot of it, but I guess not during a race that is time pressured! Anyway, I ate them all up in three minutes and galloped away afterwards. The second loop became a bit heavy so I just ran lightly so as not to get an appendicitis.
Munching!! Yummm! Look at Julie’s technique.
My time:
1st loop: 12:12
Donut eating: 15:14
Time Finished: 28:14
Still got the Energy!
Whoah! I just made a new Personal Record (PR) I was about to celebrate for my 1st sub 30 min race until Pat told me that the course was just 4.3Km. I didn’t feel bad though but I just whined and told them that I could have been faster if I didn’t greedily eat the donuts. Hah!
After the race, we had another takbo.ph photo ops and also with my outdoor group.
My Takbo.ph Group. (Click the photo to see the set)
T’was a really eventful day to me, I’ve never seen a Fun Run like this, where in you would need to Eat… and Run!
I always wanted to be a swimmer. I think this is one my frustrations in life… To be a swimmer. I could float, which I learned when I was in college but that is just it. I envy people who could swim so fast and so good.
Maybe I can try this out and study its science and art soon.
Do you want to try rock climbing but you dont have a rock to climb on? Well, at least you could try wall climbing, a sport that was originated in United Kingdom.
Last friday, together with my takbo.ph friends, tried this sport that I believe could strengthen our upper body. All of us wanted to try something different so all of us ended and have decided to give this one a shot.
Its not surprsing that all of liked this sport…
From my perspective, this is what exactly what our uppebody needs, especially our arm muscle that we tend to forgot when doing some workouts in the gym.
And like any other sports, I believe the proper warm-up must be done to avoid injury. ..
Enjoy the pictures!
Trying...
Marga, breaking stereotypes..
Father and Son
Carina and Cindy claims to be acrophobic but conquering their fear
Doc Topher, making it to the top with ease.
Pepsi who never stops amazing us.
Ziggy, rapelling
Dennis Making it to the top!
buddy climbers
Ziggy, Argonaut and Pepsi all trying it out!
This looks like a power ranger team to me... LOL!
Moral Support of Chelly, Rachel and Ross were there
Special Thanks to Timmy for Capturing some of the moments using my SLR and Chelly for uploading the pictures!
The Argonaut finisher his 2nd half mary at 2:28:04(unofficial)
All of us were so excited in the 33rd Milo Marathon, not to mention that this will be my first time to be a part of it. Yes, I signed for 21Km but I’m not really sure on how I am going to finish it. I just told myself that this will just be just one of my long slow distance (LSD) runs becuase I’m not sure if I can beat my previous PR of 2:37:XX in the last Condura Run. Come SUnday and I’m sure thatI will just be few of the bottom 100.
Things had change when Coach Mar (Pojie) asked me about my plans on my half mary, of course without hesitation, I told him that I’m not going to take it seriously because I think that I’m not going to make it on time. The 2hours and 30 minutes cut off is still way out of my league. Mar told me that I can do it and all I need to do is break the 21Km into segments and make some goal settings. I had a realization then and told myself “Hey, Why not try it!”
Pojie, who gave me the path in finishing the 21Km right.
I did!
Bang! The race started. I Bongz had mentioned that they will be just on a 7min/Km pace but I told them that I will not be able to maintain that because I might go tired sooner and I might start to walk. I am still afraid still to try the negative split that they were all talking about thinking that it might not really work for me. I started to do it my own way. I galloped on my first 5Km and end up at 31min, 1:05 at 10Km mark. 1:42 at 15Km, and finally 2:28 at finish line. I could say that I still struggle in the race. Had some cramps at my last Km and still thought that I’m not going to make it, yet I believed in myself and I’m so proud about it for I have improved by almost 10min on my previous 21Km.
Argonaut's priceless memory... (photo taken by Chelly)
I did it because I believed that I can, but still, this would not be possible without my running friends. The takbo.ph aid station (the people in red) did really take part in my success. Their chant, their cheer really gave us an extra power. Extra energy as what I could say. The energy drinks, and the damp towel help a lot but it’s actually their support are the one that made us finish it.
Registration fee in this event – 150 Php
Milo 300 grams pack – 65 Php
1.5L of energy drink I bought prior to the race – 78Php
Finshing a 21Km race and sharing your success with your friends – Priceless!
“Good Morning” Is the start of the day! Do you ever believed that it’s actually you who usually choose your mood today? If you think you think your day would not be good, then, definitely, your whole day would not be very good at all; but if you choose to be energetic, then without a doubt, it will be an awesome day for you! It will always you who choose things and not the series of unfortunate events you are dealing with! This Sunday, I’ll be attending the 33rd Milo Marathon, Nope… I’m not running the full mary… Not yet but soon. Well, I just feel that this is still not the right time for me, but that will be one of my plans. I decided to join the half mary instead. This may not be my first time for I have joined Condura Run before last March and the TNF 100 last May. I finished on both races more than 2:30:00, so this Milo event on Sunday will be a challenge for me. I definitely have to be optimistic that I can do it! I sure do, because I become what I believe.
I am fast! I may not be as fast as the league of extraordinary runners that they called elites but I can be as fast as the others or a guy who is a coach potato; This time I’ll aim a target of 33:00 on my frist 5Km, 1:10:00 at the 2nd 5Km and 1:45 at the next 5km for me to finish and make it to the time I really want.
I am strong! I may struggle to lift a sack of rice or I may not be able to bench press my own weight but I know that I can finish the race strong! I know
that the tough may get going and the going may get tough but I will be ready to face it!
I am energetic! I am alive and kicking! I am happy at all times! Finishing the race doesn’t end there! I will still be with my friends who waiting for my camera (LOL!) or to my old silly jokes.
There are lots of stuff to choose in everything that we do, we may suffer sometimes on the choice that will made but that will that will even make us a better person if we surpass a certain challenge in life!
Just like what Milo Marathon Tells us! Kaya mo yan!!!
Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.
-Blaise Pascal
Takbo.ph Morning Support Group
I am a self-proclaimed runner. I join weekend races twice or thrice a month ever since I started and out of all the races that I’ve joined, to listen it really never came into my mind to be behind of a race. Hell I care! I just want to have a good exercise that’s why I want to run. I want to loose more baby fats because I feel that it doesn’t look good; however, when I started running I joined this running community named takbo.ph. A community that are blinded by the same passion which is running. I gained frineds after. We have this night runs and morning runs, trail runs, and long slow distance runs. May it be in the south or in the north, my presence is always or almost there. It was fun to run, especially when you’re running with friends.
Julie: Dudong, you still have a lot of stuff to do!
So back to what I’m saying, I’ve never really thought of being behind the race. No, not an organizer, nor a host but just a mere guy who gives aid to runners. Last June 28, Takbo.ph and Reinier Pacific teamed-up to be a part of the Botak-Paabilisan aid station. It was an ultra marathon with 50km and 100Km category. Seeing my running friends plan, strategize and take action to this aid station amazed me. I know that it’s not going to be fun because a responsibily was given to you. Well, I know that we volunteered for it but still, it’s a responsibility that you need to do. We all know that it’s not going to be easy but with your friends who are willing to help, what could possibly go wrong.
Looks like Armaggedon to me...
My participation on the aid station was not really that big; but what really hits me was the determination of the whole group to help. It’s really nice to know that there are people you could rely on. People who will help you to fight for what you believe. People who don’t really ask for something in return but people who are just happy to return the favor to other people.
Kudos for such a job well done to my running friends, takbo.ph and Sir Amado Castro! I’m really proud to be a part of this running group!
The Argonaut 