- Condura Run 2010
TBR RACE REVIEW: CONDURA RUN FOR DOLPHINS 2010
DETAILS: 7 February 2010, Sunday
ORGANIZERS: Condura and Rudy BiscochoRATING: Very Good
LEGEND:
5 TBR medals – Excellent | 4 TBR Medals – Very Good | 3 TBR Medals – Average |
2 TBR Medals – Poor| 1 TBR Medal – TerribleTHUMBS UP:
- Only race on the Skyway. 42k runners went as far as the Bicutan exit.
- Condura Hill, Condura’s own version of Boston’s Heartbreak hill on the Skyway heading towards Villamor, was a great idea; it provided a scenic view of the city while runners trudged up the hill
- Abundant supply of water and 100 Plus at stations. Cups were readily filled with fluids and prepared on long tables. Marshals were on standby handing out water to runners.
- Traffic was well-managed
- Water shower from the tank. I personally avoid this, but I’m sure it was well appreciated by runners
- Sponges at two points during the race
- LCD screen and fireworks at the race start
- Plenty portalets at the race start and some on Buendia
- Distance was 42.5, not perfect but good enough
- Quick and easy redemption. Start of Day 1 was troublesome but with more tents and manpower deployed the redemption problem was solved
- Philstar supplement with details about the race included in the race kit
- Organizers kept the runners well informed regarding the route and weather in the days leading up to the race
- Cotton shirts now had better fit and design
- Immediate release of race results for 42k, 21k, and 10k (Click HERE to view CONDURA RUN 2010 RACE RESULTS)
BETTER JOB NEXT TIME:
- Lack of kilometer markers. Some were off
- Unlit roads for 42k runners at Bayani Road. It was pitch black!
- Friends informed me that 21k was actually 21.8k
- Oversight on the missing barcode for the race bib but this was quickly addressed
- Entertainment was a wonderful treat, but the bands lacked enthusiasm. Band members barely smiled. On Condura Hill, half the band members were asleep!
- No medals for some runners as I was informed that the medals were “stolen” and later found near the trash. Condura promises to mail medals to those who didn’t receive. For inquiries, email secretariat@condurarun.com
For the past couple of years, Condura Run has always been one of the most anticipated races of the year. This year was no different with 8,500 runners registered for the race. Condura running brothers Patrick and Ton Concepcion with race organizer Rudy Biscocho left no stone unturned in trying to give the runners the race they wanted.
How did they fare? It was a good race with no major issues. There were a few road bumps but it turned out fairly well with majority of runners enjoying the overall race experience.
Having said that, if Condura Run hopes to remain as one of the best races in the country, it must step up its offerings next year and inject newer, fresher ideas to compete with world-class local races that runners will definitely see this year.
Hats off to brothers Ton and Patrick Concepcion and the entire team! I was a witness to how you all worked so hard to make this event the best for runners. Congratulations for putting up a wonderful event!
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THE PLAN
My coach-friend Alvin and I had discussed our Condura Run strategy over a hundred times during training runs. But, for some reason, I couldn’t recall exactly what we agreed on. Perhaps it’s because, no matter what anyone says, I listen to my own body and run based on how I feel.
For the Condura Run, Alvin was supposed to pace me all the way. Unfortunately, he didn’t know that the race start was at 4 a.m.
– with Team Secondwind -
- with good friend Jay and his burger conveniently stashed in his race belt -
– Fireworks before the race start -When the gun went off, I found myself running alongside Jay (Prometheus Cometh) who is currently deep in training for Bataan Death March 102km. He obviously had no plans of running fast that morning while he chomped down on his sumptuous burger as we crossed the starting line.
Shortly after, I found myself running alone. And, without Alvin there, I thought I could implement my race strategy that he hated (as I’m sure many of you will not agree with as well.) My plan was to run the first half full blast, no holds barred. Then, with plenty of time saved in the bank, I could run-walk the last half of the race to reach my goal time of 4:30. Positive splits, baby!
FIRST HALF: FASTEST HALF MARATHON
I ran full speed ahead knowing full well that I was risking a lot. I could suffer cramps or bonk by the latter half. But, in the back of my mind, based on my training runs, I was also pretty confident that I could reach 32k without any worries. As for the last 10k, that was like the twilight zone.
The first half was magical. At certain moments, especially on the Skyway, I felt like I was in a complete trance. My gaze was fixed on nothing and everything, my body was relaxed, and my thoughts focused solely on my footsteps. It was here that I practiced what I learned at Chi running by just allowing my body to fall forward with gravity. I felt like the Energizer Bunny on caffeine overdose.
My time for the 1st half: 1.58. First time I did a sub-2! I beat my Cebu Half Marathon PR of 2:01.
SECOND HALF: FASTEST MARATHON
At the 21k turnaround, Alvin appeared from nowhere yelling: “You are going too fast!” I smiled and shouted back: “I know!” and I pushed forward. He caught up with me and paced me all the way till the end.
My favorite part of the race was Condura Hill at around 27km. This was also where Alvin and I just decided to walk up the hill than suffer climbing it. The view from the top was breathtaking. While the sight of Metro Manila was beautiful in the morning, it was seeing the runners on the Skyway below, all lined up like little working ants, that truly amazed me.
After Condura Hill, we started employing my run-walk strategy. My legs were tightening up and I knew my heart rate had increased. We laughed and chatted while walking, completely confident that with all the time I had saved from the 1st half we could reach my 4:30 goal.
THE LAST STRETCH
As luck would have it, the last stretch of the course took Alvin and I through our usual training ground. Alvin told me that we couldn’t possibly mess it up as “We own that route!” Yeah right.
My legs had turned to lead and I was so exhausted that, in the last uphill climb, we just had to walk. I tried to forget the fact that we had ran that ascent a couple of times at 5 min pace.
When the road went flat, I trailed Alvin from behind as he sped up. I followed him all the way to the finish line.
My official time for 42.53 km was 4:24:39, 6 mins ahead of my 4:30 goal. And, a whopping 25 minutes ahead of my time at Singapore Marathon.
– Sprint to do a sub-4:25! Thanks to Natz (I2Runner) for the photo -
– To Alvin, my coach-friend, I could never have done this without you! Thank you for pushing me to run faster or longer! -
– with best running buddy Annie who flew in from Singapore. She’s in pain here. Crazy girl ran the full with injury! -
– with Francis and Marge from CDO. Nice meeting you both! -
– with fun group Pace Partners. Congrats to April Lee for finishing her first marathon! -
– Runners resting after the race. Nice background, don’t you think?! -Click HERE to view more photos of CONDURA RUN 2010
- Condura Run 2010 Photos
– Race area was packed with runners. Running ka-boom! -
– Hector of Secondwind -
– Injured Banggi watched from the sidelines. Miss you Banggi! -
– Dr. Yong Larrazabal flew in from Cebu to run his nth marathon -
– Itong of Polo Tri -
– Yeoooowch! -
– Marc Parco with wife Tiffin in the background in their signature sea animal hats. Congrats to the new marathon, Marc! -
– Bautech running group -
- All Set for Condura?
Carboloading all day yesterday (yum!)…CHECK!
Drank tons of water and juice yesterday…CHECK!
Scheduled conditioning massage for tonight…CHECK!
Slept a full 8 hours last night vs only 5-6 hours the past two weeks…CHECK!
Am I ready for tomorrow’s Condura Marathon?…Uhm. I hope so!Just for a few reminders for the race tomorrow:
- Today is the last day for race packet redemption. Go to the empty lot in front of R.O.X. at Bonifacio High Street.
- Ton Concepcion said that it will be HOT at Bonifacio Global City tomorrow. No shade. Apply sunblock. Wear shades and bring your hydration belt. (Some shaded areas in Buendia, 3nd Street and University Park at Fort)
- Check out the Philstar supplement on Condura Run included in your race packet. Useful info there for race day preparations.
- TBR DREAM MARATHON REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
WOW. We didn’t expect such a huge response from all of you.
Soon after we launched The Bull Runner Dream Marathon HERE last Monday, my inbox was inundated with reservation emails from a wide variety of runners—doctors, moms, lawyers, a couple from Cebu, and a U.S. Navy officer currently on a ship in the Persian Gulf (!)—eager to take part in their very first marathon.
By Thursday evening, we hit our desired number of participants: 200 runners. And, on the same day, this blog shut down due to the high number of visits and downloads of TBR Magazine. Amazing. It was a headache, but hey it was mind-blowing.
To make a long story short, registration for TBR Dream Marathon is officially CLOSED. We are not accepting anymore applicants.
To the 200 reserved runners: we will announce opening of registration by next week! You should’ve all received via email the 16-week training program by Coach Jim Lafferty. If you haven’t, please email me at thebullrunner(at)gmail.com with the subject FOLLOW UP. We hope you’ve been using it already!
- Condura Race Bib Announcement
LETTER FROM CONDURA ORGANIZERS:
Dear Condura 21km and 42km runners,
Greetings. Unfortunately, there was an error committed in printing out the race bibs. Some race bibs have a bar code and some do not have one.
Do not worry as you will still be able to run your event and you will still be timed accurately.
We have corrected this situation already with race bibs that have not yet been issued out.
For the race bib that have been issued out such as yours, may we kindly request you to do the following:
1. Write down your bib number on the perforated stub located at the lower left side portion of your bib.
The portion that says: “Give to finish official at the end of the race”. “Do not pin spindle hole”.For example. If your bib number is 123, please write the number 123 on the perforated stub. Please see attached sample.
2. Please write clearly, legibly and accurately.
3. Please use a PERMANENT MARKER. Color BLACK. Be sure that it does not smear when wet as this will be exposed to water and sweat. Do not use a pencil, ball pen, or white board marker. Only use a BLACK PERMANENT marker. (water proof if possible)
We are very sorry for this basic error. We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you. We are hoping for your kind understanding.
Upon receipt of this email and upon making the necessary changes kindly email us at secretariat@condura.com or text us at (0908) 880-8354.
The Condura Run Organizing Committee
- February is Marathon Month
February is marathon month in my life. I’m running Condura 42k this Sunday and Standard Chartered Hong Kong 42k on February 28. (I know, I shouldn’t be doing it, but a bulls gotta do what a bull wants to do!)
For the past few months I’ve been living in denial. Excited but more nervous about what I signed myself up for. Today, after I picked up my race kit at Condura, there was no more denying that this is all for real and that Condura is a mere four days away!
At the Condura race kit redemption, I was one of the first ones who showed up to claim my Condura race kit. Registration opened at 3:00PM and I was there at 3:05. (Talk about excited eh?)
– Hot hot hot! By tomorrow, more tents will be set up -
– We distributed free TBR Magazines at redemption tables. Hope you get a copy! Warning: they quickly run out -It was extremely hot. The lines were slightly long when I was there. But, fortunately, I heard from Ton and Patrick Concepcion that, by tomorrow, they will put up 30 more tents aside from the 30 currently onsite and deploy a total of 150 people to ensure that race kit redemption will be quick and hassle-free.
When I got home, with my race kit in hand, guess what greeted me: My Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon certificate! Love it!
So, forget about Valentine’s Day. February is marathon month in my home.
- Condura Route Maps
When it takes the race organizer 3 different maps to plot out your marathon route, you start thinking: What did I get myself into?!
Phoooey…I’m definitely anxious. Best of luck to all runners on Sunday!
Here’s the latest route map for 42k from Condura…
* For other race course maps, please visit Condura Run website HERE.
42K FORT BONIFACIO
- Condura Race Pack Redemption
The race pack redemption has been moved to THE CONDURA VILLAGE and ASICS EXPO. It is located at the parking lot in front of R.O.X at Bonifacio High Street (29th Street cor. 7th Avenue)
RACE REDEMPTION SCHEDULE
- Thursday, February 4, 3pm-8pm
- Friday, February 5, 11am-10pm
- Saturday, February 6, 11am-6pm
- The Amazing Kidney Race – 7 March 2010
The kidney is one of the vital organs that make the complex and crucial body processes possible. As an acknowledgement of the kidneys’ amazing role in human physiology and in celebration of World Kidney Day 2010 with the theme “Amazing Kidneys”, the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), in cooperation with UP Family Life and Child Development Circle, is staging a rare race event dubbed as “The Amazing Kidney Race.” To be held in the scenic and breezy campus of UP Diliman, “The Amazing Kidney Race” promises to give beginner and seasoned runners alike a unique and exciting racing experience. Read more of this entry.
- THE BULL RUNNER DREAM MARATHON – 22 May 2010
Presenting (drumroll please)…
THE BULL RUNNER DREAM MARATHON in NUVALI
WHEN: Saturday, 22 May 2010, 4 a.m.
WHERE: Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna
RUNNERS: 200 first-time marathoners
FEE: P950TBR Dream Marathon is a one-of-a-kind small and intimate marathon especially designed for first time marathoners. From the moment you register for the race, we will guide you towards training properly and wisely until you run all 42.195 kms of your first marathon and cross the finish line.
14 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN TBR MARATHON:
- MADE FOR FIRST-TIME MARATHONERS. We have 200 slots reserved for runners attempting to complete their first marathon. This race was made for the beginner from proper education to full support on race day. Race cut-off is 8 hours. No prizes will be given to top finishers because everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner.
- TBR DREAM MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM BY COACH JIM LAFFERTY. To help you train properly, we’ve got a 16-week Training Program developed by Coach Jim Lafferty, retired P&G General Manager, finisher of 23 marathons, coach of multiple US national team members, and TBR Dream Marathon’s race director. Thing is, as of Feb. 1, there are 16 weeks to race day; that means TRAINING STARTS NOW!
- BULL SESSIONS (LONG RUNS). While most of the runs will be done on your own, once a month all participants will be invited to a Bull Session: long group runs together led by the Pinoy Ultra Runners. This will neither be a race nor speedwork; it will be easy, conversational-pace runs together. By the time marathon day comes, we hope most runners will be good friends!
- BULL CIRCLE (TALKS). Once a month, participants will be invited to talks by running experts specifically chosen by TBR because of their knowledge and competency in a particular field.
- PERSONAL AND INTIMATE MARATHON EXPERIENCE. Due to the small number of participants, we can and will treat each one of you as if you were the only runner in the marathon. You’ll know other fellow runners by name or by face. Even our marshals and volunteers will treat you like friends.
- NEW, UNIQUE, EASY AND SAFE ROUTE. For the first time, Nuvali, the new prestigious 1,700 hectare development of Ayala Land south of Manila, will open its roads to its first ever road race. There will be neither cars nor pollution here. You can enjoy the fresh air as you run on a course completely closed to vehicular traffic, except for one main intersection. You’ll marvel at the scenic views of Mt. Makiling, Laguna de Bay, and Tagaytay Ridge during the marathon.
- “DREAM CHASERS.” Experienced marathoners and volunteers—handpicked and screened by the race organizers—will be on standby at various points in the race. At any time a runner requests for help, the “Dream Chaser” will happily run a few kilometers with the marathoner to provide hydration, gels, food, or even silly jokes.
- CHEERING ZONES. Solenad, a cluster of restaurants within Nuvali, will be designated as a cheering zone. The route will have runners run through the Solenad dining area twice. You can literally grab a pizza or cold drink from your family’s dining table. At the same time, they can give you a hug or cheer wildly for you. Surely the best way to reenergize when the going gets tough!
- “DREAM MOBILE.” One bus will travel along the route during the race. Family and friends of runners can hop on the bus (with their banners, flags, and bells in hand) to cheer for their runner when they spot them along the route. (Go Daddy Go!)
- “SECOND WIND ZONE.” The last few kilometers is the hardest portion of any marathon. At this point, Team Secondwind will provide free hydration, food and of course, support to make the toughest part of the race a little bit easier and give runners their second wind as they run towards the finish line.
- FAMILY ACTIVITIES. While they wait for the runners, families and friends can dine at Solenad, a row of restaurants such as Italianni’s, Conti’s, and Yellow Cab, that will be open for breakfast by 6:30 a.m. They can opt to bring food and have a picnic or rent bikes. Kids will get a thrill from feeding over 800 koi fish or ride boats on the lake.
- ENTERTAINMENT. We’ll have entertainment for runners along the route and for family and friends who wait at Solenad.
- PERKS, FREEBIES, AND DISCOUNTS. You don’t just get what you pay for, but you get MORE…
- Automatic inclusion in TBR Dream Marathon e-Newsletter for regular updates on our group activities
- 15% off at Nike Park Bonifacio High Street upon presentation of your race bib
- Free race photos from PhotoVendo
- Souvenir program featuring all the marathoners in the race
- Goodie bag for all runners. Mind you, this won’t be just any regular loot bag.
- COMMUNITY AFFAIR. People around you will fully support you as you complete your first marathon. Family and friends can witness you as you run along the route. The TBR Dream Team and experienced runners will help you along the way. Volunteers and spectators will cheer for you. The entire community will be one to help YOU achieve your dream.
REGISTRATION
- The race is open to FIRST-TIME MARATHONERS. Experienced marathoners may register but will be on wait-list and will gain entry only if the 200 slots for first-time marathoners are not filled.
- In the meantime, interested participants can reserve a slot by emailing tbrmarathon(at)thebullrunner.com. Send email with RESERVE in subject line. Include name, contact number, and confirm if you are a first time marathoner or not.
- Upon acceptance of RESERVATION, the runner will receive a letter from Coach Jim Lafferty together with the TBR Dream Marathon 16-week Training Program. Training starts February 1, 2010. That’s today!
- Registration at Nike Park Bonifacio High Street will open soon and will be announced on this blog.
- Reservation will be held for 48 hours upon opening of registration. Runner must confirm reservation by appearing in person to register. Failure to appear will mean immediate forfeiture of reserved slot.
UPDATE: Please expect an email from us within 2 days upon sending your reservation. If you don’t hear from us, please email with the subject: FOLLOW UP and resend your email.
* Note: Reservation does not mean automatic acceptance into the race.
So, what do you say? Think about it. If it feels like a YES, sign up early so we can start training this week! It’s time to LIVE YOUR DREAM!
