Some memorable runs

Since i undergone surgery via G.A., I'm beginning to forget things. So I'm compiling a list of memorable stuff related to runs..

Most difficult run in 2012- I actually forgot. What stands out in my mind was I did 7 fun runs last Sept 2012 and I got sick in the middle of the month but i still ran. My injury: 2 dead big toenails. Not pretty.

Most Difficult Run in 2013:  Run for Justice 16k. My body hurts after the run. First time i stayed in bed most of the day. Thats why Banawa hills is my fave lsd.

Most satisfying meal after the run: Most runs just provide 1 bread and water, some dont. I appreciate Fun runs that give rice. Anyways, its a tie...Run for Faith 2012. They gave pancit canton and bread.  The second is SM to SM for the McDonalds chicken fillet. I didnt include Hunat Sugbo coz I didnt eat the meal provided after the run. I ate my baon because they ran out of food.

Pinaka Gutom Run: Timex Run 2012. Suprisingly, no food was given. Thanks Coach R.

Most Memorable Run during 2012. Milo Run because of my pr..I finished 10k in 1 hr 23 minutes. During the run, I just kept thinking of the mass on my breast.

Worst experience. So far wala. I do have lots of forgettable runs and some frustrating organizers like philhealth.. There is a run I wont do again.. a Night Race...

First Run for Faith 14k. First time I experienced being the last runner. Also the first time i felt so hungry during a run.
Y101 Armscor Run:  The only time  i won the a raffle prize
Citigyms Halloween Run: Last run before surgery...
Sinulog run: FIrst run after surgery. I was so exhausted afterwards
Cebu city Marathon: most expensive
Theres one thing i didnt experience much. Loot bags... I only got 3 in all the runs..Timex, NB and ughhh i forgot again..
thats it for now.

Hunat Sugbo Tres

Hunat Sugbo 3

Jun 23 2013 Ayala Terraces

4:30 21k 3:25

I had cough and colds for about 2 weeks and I found out last Friday that my period just arrived. I wasnt in good condition to run for 21k, but I still I decided to run. I was pretty scared, but I just kept on praying and try to think positive. I decided to run my first 21k in Hunat Sugbo when I saw the tarpaulin of Parklane when I ran 5k at CCM. But when I found out the challenging route,I started to train starting April then I registered for a 21k run in First Run of the Rivers to prepare for this.It was just annoying that with all these preparations, I got sick..ugghhh.

Day of the run:

The weather was perfect, cloudy skies, the sun barely got out. The run started on time, there so many 21k runners who registered. It was a festive moment.

Good stuff.

Distance markers every 1k. Challenging route. Consistent water stations every 2k. The marshalls (SAFE) didnt leave the roads even after 8am. For a slow runner, I was really happy when I saw SAFE people were still there. Food was satisfying.

Bad stuff:

No banana stations, no energy drinks stations. This was disappointing, some runners just bought snacks at sari-sari stores. Sad to say, I was so annoyed when the food I anticipated during my run wasnt there when I arrived. Yup, they ran out of food. The staff kept telling you that,food is coming. The program was over, they were dismantling tents and removed the water dispenser, still food hasnt arrived. I just waited till it came. I was so surprisedwhen lots of runners and SAFE staff suddenly arrived to get the share of the food. Sorry for the staff for being pikon. You know how many people who registered for the run, running out of food is a major BoBooo.

Will I run Hunat Sugbo 4. Right now, my answer is no. I guess they have to offer something new for me to be interested.

PhilConstruct Industry Run

June 9 2013 5:10 am SRP Pedro Calungsod Templete

12k with finishers medal 1:45

I'd like to congratulate Philconstruct Industry run for a successful  fun run at SRP. Thanks for giving medals for 12k finishers. I have to admit, I was only after the medal. I do hope that if there's another run next year, please find another venue. SRP is not an ideal place for a venue because of its location. , No accessible PUJ's and also no CR. Where am I supposed to change clothes and pee? It was also hot out there.

Anyways, It was a hot day at SRP but I managed to improve  my PR compared to my 12k run in SM to SM.

 Other Comments: I was so sleepy before the run, I arrived at 4:10 am but the 12k run began on 5:10 am. There were no snacks given. There was the ever reliable Virginia Hotdogs whose giving out sample. I envy the 21k, they have shirts and 1 bottle gatorade. I didnt win the raffle prizes, i wish they added more prizes for raffle.

One thing I decided during the run. Starting July, enter only 1 fun run.

next Run: Solidarity run on June 12

1st Run for the Rivers

1^st Run for the Rivers

2 June 2013 SM Northwing 4:30 am

21k Time: Secret

First of all, I want to give myself a pat on the pack and say “Congratulations for finishing your 1^st half marathon” I feel so blessed and happy today. A year ago when I started running last June 2012, I didnt think running a half marathon was possible. After I had my surgery, I considered it an impossible dream. Everytime I run a 5 or 6 or even 10, I always feel that this is too hard for me, how much more for 21k. Here's what I discovered, the feeling of tiredness you experience in running other distances, is still the same when you run a 21k. In fact,I had a harder time when I ran a 16k last March, my body was really aching that time. So just keep on running, preferably uphill roads.

I've been praying so hard for this run and I guess God heard my prayers. Here's what happened

1. I was able to get a taxi right away, in fact I was able to arrive at the venue at 4:00 a.m.
2. It was raining but it didnt rain where I was running. I noticed the roads were wet. Wow! This is a miracle
3. The sun was late in coming out.
4. I have a finishers medal
5. The SM guards were nice, they led me to the travelers lounge so I can change at the CR.
6. I have pain on my feet, but my body is okey, just the usual pain after running. And no dead toes.

Congrats to Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Coach Raffy (of Runnr Ayala) for a successful fun run. 2100 runners is already a lot in Cebu. I've run in a lot of fun runs, getting even a thousand runners is considered successful, Here's a tip to get more runners next year.

1. Early announcement. To get more runners, invite runners in near provinces and even from Manila. Online registration is also an advantage.

2. Promote your run in facebook and other social networks. Remember what SM did, they did full blast promotion on their facebook. Also offer big raffle prizes and special awards for “best in costume”, oldest, youngest, largest contingent etc.
3. It would be an advantage if you schedule the run when classes have started so you can get support from schools. You can also offer discounts for students

4. No cutoff time. You will lose would be runners if you have a cutoff time.

Comments on the fun.

1. No distance markers
2. Didnt start on time
3. Only 1 banana and gatorade station. There was 1 person in the gatorade station who was already drinking a bottle of gatorade. I really wanted to steal a bottle. I wasnt able to get a banana. They also ran out of foam, I was only able to get 1. One hydration station ran out of plastic cups.
4. I had a hard time with the directions after m.j. Cuenco, I couldnt find a marshall or citom officer. I felt abandoned.So I just kept asking from street vendors for directions. When I saw queensland motel, thats when I remembered we passed by the cemetery. I have a poor sense of direction thats why I dont like running in mandaue.

Observation:

The last runner was an old guy who was just walking when I saw him at SRP, I wonder if he finished the whole 21k run.

Will I run for Run for Rivers next year? My answer is No for now.

Gabii sa Kabilin 2013

May 31 2013

2013 is the seventh run for Gabii sa Kabilin but its my first time to join because I wasnt really into museums.

I have to say I had a great time and I hope more people will join next year. Bring your family or barkada for a more enjoyable experience. It will only run once a year during May, and time is 6:00 pm to midnight. So its impossible to go to all the museums in one night. Ticket is only P150 and you can access all the participating museums, have 1 tartanilla ride, ferry boat, get to ride buses and e-jeepney.

Some tips.

1. Wear comfortable shoes, you will need to walk a lot. There are buses provided but sometimes the bus is so full you may have to stand.

2. Plan your route. There were 7 line buses with different routes so study them carefully. If you are not sure where to go, Go to Fort San Pedro for a tartanilla ride  then go to Parian. There are lots of museums there you can go. Some even offer free food, I wont tell which, just visit all the places in parian

3. Bring water for hydration. Bring enough money for food. Also bring an umbrella in case it rains
4. Bring your camera, take lots of pictures and blog about it. Help promote Cebu's Heritage.
5. Dont lose your ticket.

6. For more info, check the RAFI site (Ramon Aboitiz  Foundation)

I will sure be participating next year, maybe try the mandaue or opon route.

Run for BB5 Angeles Y Flores de May Run

May 26 2013 15K 1:22

I wasnt really happy with this run for 2 reasons: 1. my period arrived on saturday 2. I had a runny nose. Not a good sign if you want to run. It also rained at 12 midnight. Still, I need to run to prepare my first 21k on June 2.

The poster said Race starts at 4:30 am. I posted a question at the FB account for the guntime for 15k but they didnt reply. When I passed by capitol building at 4:15 am riding a PUJ, there were no signages in place.

Hooboyyy this is not good. It was almost 5 a.m. when the gun time started for 25k and 5:15 for 15k. You know I could use a few more minutes of sleep. Since I decided to drink medicine, my body felt stiff and lazy but I forced myself to move. It was okey for a while until the turning point at USC Talamban, then I got tired, walking most of the time. Therefore I conclude, I'm not gonna make the cutoff time of 3 hours for my 21k next week.

Other comments:

1. Joel Barring forgot the name of the run. Run for BB5 is enough title for me, they dont have to add Angeles y Flores de Mayo run.
2. The parking lot lacks lights, it was too dark.
3. The bar code scanner didnt work for me.
4. I had a scary encounter with 2 dogs who just ran in front of me chasing another dog. I got so scared I screamed.
5. The program lacks festivity. Needs more music before, during and after the run. The fireworks were ok.
6. They seem to be unprepared. The poster said that the first 300 finishers will receive the medal but the medal must be claimed at the table in front of the building. They should have given medal at the finish line. The loot bag was not prepared ahead.
7. Lack of freebies, they only gave me a white hand towel. Snacks is just 1 piece of bread, no drinks.

Will I run for BB6? If the schedule is still in May, I'm game. But no Busay route for me.

Congrats to all 25k finishers, there were a lot of runners. Only a few of us were running the 15k, about 30 I guess.

p.s. My nose is still dripping. I'm so scared for my first 21k next week. I just need to focus on finishing the 21k. Dont think of the cutoff.

Mahimayaong San Isidro Labrador Parish Run

May 12, 2013 16k

5:25 in front of SILP Talamban Cebu City

Time:???? maybe 2:40

First of all, congrats to the organizers of the San Isidro Parish Run. I consider the event successful based on the number of participants who attended. Sulit na sulit ang P350.00, I hope you raised enough funds for the rehabilitation of your church. I also wish SILP and Brgy. Talamban a very happy fiesta week.

I have to be honest, the reason I registered for this run was because I was after the finishers medal plus the low cost of registration fee. I was hesitant at first, I was unfamiliar with the route; May 12 is the day before elections (and Mother's day as well.) Will I be safe? Those are the thoughts running thru my mind. When I ran the Break the Silence Run last April 21, the route was beyond SILP church so I was able to locate the start/finish run site. I also learned that San Isidro Labrado is also the patron saint here on our subdivision so I felt that I really needed to join this run.

Things that happened on my way to the run.

The taxi I hired got overheated and I got stranded in Andres Abellana. I had to walk to M Velez to hail another taxi. The second taxi I rode was a bit fast, the driver keeps on overtaking other vehicles. When we were beyond Gaisano Country Mall, the rain started falling and it didnt stop throughout the whole run. My shoes got wet and muddy again.

The Good:

The drizzle was nice, it wasnt so hot. The route was challenge, lots of uphills.Food was satisfying ( boiled egg, banana, bread and water). I was able to change in the CR (thank God) after the run. The bestest of all, finishers medal and certificate. The finishers medal is not Suarez material, just plastic, but attached to the medal are great memories of the fun. I survived! Also: Manny Pacquiao's kalookalike. He was hilarious.

To that guy who didnt finish the run and just rode the habal habal. Better Luck next time. See u on June 9 na lang for the 12k.

The Bad:

Lack of marshalls. There were marshalls up to the area of North General Hospital in the beginning of the race. I havent seen them in other areas like in Pit-os and Bacayan. When I came back after the turning point, I dont know which way to turn. Thank God for the water stations and other runners.

Also, I hate it when it rains coz it means wet roads and water puddles.

I didnt like the distance between water stations. IT should have been eveyr 2k, but some of the water stations are near each other. Sometimes, I would run for 40 minutes and there's no water station.

The start/finish arc and timer. Ahhh it was in the middle of the street and when I finished the run, cars were already passing thru the arc. So maybe change the venue next time for start/finish, like inside the talamban gym. Also, the timer was off.

Would I be willing to participate next year? Ahh No. I think once is enough for me. But who knows, what will happen next year.

Other matters:

I'm in a dilemma here. I registered for the June 2 Run for the Rivers 21k run and I regretted doing ito. They have a cutoff time of 3 hours and it would be impossible for me to meet that cutoff time. Now I found out about another run on June 9, this time no cutoff for its 21k. I cant cancel the June 2 run..hu huhu sayang ang medal