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Run for Home Globe-Ayala City Run Report

TRB Review: Run For Home Globe Ayala Land City Run

Overall Rating (10 highest): 8

Organizer: Finish Line

THUMBS UP:

- New 21k course. One of the rare times Ayala Ave. was closed for runners.
- First time the disposable timing chip was used (and hopefully not the last.)
- Very organized and ontime race start.
- Adequate drinking stations with ample supply of 100 Plus and bottled mineral water (this was my experience. I heard of other runners who fell in line just to get a sip.)
- Portalets along the half marathon route.
- Presence of marshals all throughout the route.
- Complete race packet.
- Comprehensive race website, which included a forum, running blog links, pixlink (race day photos), and more.
- Free Photovendo photos (coming within the next few days).
- Race result analysis (coming soon too)

BETTER JOB NEXT TIME

- Limited kilometer markers for 21k.
- Crowded race packet redemption (first day).
- Sloppy online registration system.
- Lack of explanation on use of timing chip for beginners. Confusing directions on attaching the chip to the shoe.
- Slightly delayed race results considering a timing chip was used.

Awesome race. I had serious concerns about the ability of Globe and Finish Line to fulfill their lofty promises for this event, but truth be told, this race surpassed my expectations. With 6,400 registered runners for this race, a great number of problems could have arisen due to the sheer number of participants. However, the race went smoothly with minor flaws, mostly in pre-race preparations, at that.  Congratulations to Globe and Finish Line for pulling off a race that raised the bar for local races.

————————————

 

OFF TO A BAD START

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- Assembly area post-race –

The Run for Home race started ominously for me. Less than a few hundred meters into the 21km run, my Garmin Forerunner 305 decided to die on me. (It’s been very naughty ever since I toyed with the idea of getting a Polar RS800CX or Garmin 310XT) Good thing I had backup: Nike+ Sportsband on the other wrist and JunC, my run buddy, with his Garmin as substitute pace setter!

Shortly after my Garmin’s demise, right before the Buendia flyover ascent, I felt the need to run to the little girls’ room. How embarrassing that I had to go this early in the game, but when I spotted a handful of male runners running towards the bushes, I threw caution to the wind and rushed towards the Chowking restroom. In a snap, I was out the door and ready to rejoin JunC and the rest of the half marathoners.

BLESSING IN DISGUISE

After the Buendia flyover, it was smooth-sailing for me. Running “blindly” without my Garmin and “deaf” without my ipod allowed me to enjoy every single minute of the race. JunC would periodically announce our pace—that we were going much faster than our planned easy, training pace of 6:30 min/km—but I would always reply with a reassuring nod, or a short rationalization, such as “It’s okay. We need buffer for the Buendia ascent.” I cannot count how many times Jun answered back “Remember, we still have Bayani Road after.”

Almost all 21km went by in a blur, like a dream, really. Surprisingly, I felt strong all throughout the entire run. There was no instance when I felt exhausted or parched nor did I feel any hint of pain in my legs. Even the climb back up Buendia towards Bonifacio—where I always find myself rolling down the flyover wishing the race would soon end—didn’t cause any major difficulty. I didn’t know what I did differently for this race: Was it a good night’s rest? Hammer espresso? Or, pure adrenaline that kept me feeling so great the entire time? All I know is that it was the way I would’ve wanted any of my long runs to play out: no injuries, no weariness, no boredom. Sure, no PR either, but that really wasn’t my goal for this particular race.

PR IF I DIDN’T P(EE)

We ended the entire 20.92km (according to JunC’s garmin) with an unofficial time of 2:09, average pace 6:13. My uncalibrated Nike+ Sportsband registered 22.46km at 5:50 pace.

It occurred to me shortly after the run that at 2:09, I would’ve broken my Singapore Half Marathon time of 2:08 had I not stopped for a pee break. Annoying thought, isn’t it? So, I spent the past couple of days reminding myself over and over and over again: It was a training run. You didn’t plan on breaking your PR. Training run. Forget PR. Training run. Forget PR…

One minute. Sheesh. Next time, can someone just remind me to run to the bathroom thrice before the race starts?

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- with Armand and TBR Magazine. TBR Magazine (July-Sep 09) was distributed on race packet redemption day and race day. Hope you got a copy! -

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- with Hector of Second Wind, Armand, Jun, Coach Rio, Mikey, Neville of Pinoy Ultra Runners, and hubby -

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- with Cristy, Nora, Johnny, Mariel, Annie, hubby, Jay, and Vener -

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– with Toby of Runnr, Jun, Annie, Mari (who broke his 21k PR at 1:29!), Lester, Kim, Jonel and Mariel -

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– with Mark, Annie, Jun, Tiffin, Nicole of Runnr, Mariel and hubby -

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– Met Karen Davila and gave her copies of TBR Mag, of course! -

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– Head-to-toe unplanned matching outfit with Mariel. Maybe we’re the Solemates?! -

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– with the hubby who ran 10k -

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– with Jun & Mariel (Solemates), sorely missed Annie girl fresh from Singapore, and the hubby -

Posted on 07.21.09 to 03 Race Announcements. Tags: , , , . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 58 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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58 Responses to “Run for Home Globe-Ayala City Run Report”

  1. to pee is not to pr! hehehe. there are plenty more races to get a pr.

    ibetlacbay said on Jul 21 09 at 7:20 AM Reply

  2. btw, pahingi ng copy ng tbr mag. thanks!

    ibetlacbay said on Jul 21 09 at 7:20 AM Reply

    • Yes, i’ll send PDF soon! Also to you, chaia and cat! Just have to fix some stuff in the file which I haven’t had time for. Hopefully over the weekend, okay? Please be patient heehee

      thebullrunner said on Jul 21 09 at 8:05 PM Reply

  3. Am really happy to be reading a positive tone on the Globe RUN FOR HOME event :)

    notsquare said on Jul 21 09 at 7:51 AM Reply

    • Hi notsquare, glad to know we share the same sentiments. It was a lot of fun!

      I’ve heard of some negative comments which are valid, but I think we shouldn’t forget to commend the organizers for their efforts. It’s no joke to set up a race of this magnitude.

      thebullrunner said on Jul 21 09 at 8:08 PM Reply

  4. hi jaymie, i agree it was a great and organized race. with a few kinks (eg lining up for water, too narrow race paths due to the vast number of people who registered for the 5k, delayed race results etc).

    unfortunately i wasn’t able to get a copy of your mag. may i know where i can purchase one?

    thanks!

    gailcons said on Jul 21 09 at 8:37 AM Reply

  5. Excellent race! Except for the uncollected trash along Lawton Avenue.

    Funny I pee 4 to 5 times before road races. And the urge occurs few minutes before the gun start. Bummer!
    The whole routine can get really tiring and annoying. (But is a good additional warm up striding back and forth!)

    Good to know your stronger. Next half marathon, you’ll shatter your PR for sure. No doubt about it.
    Cheers!

    Paolo said on Jul 21 09 at 8:43 AM Reply

  6. I agree. They could improve on the pre-race preps but the actual race went on smoothly and very organized.

    100 is overflowing too!

    Sana lang mas generous ang ALI at Globe…no lootbags, slight sadness….

    Running Sun Warrior said on Jul 21 09 at 9:56 AM Reply

  7. congrats for finishing the 21K run with a nice time. you are coming back, big time!

    Bald Runner said on Jul 21 09 at 10:00 AM Reply

  8. thanks to the chips, i now miss putting on those pesky ribbons around our necks at the check points. ayala/globe should have provided phiten/rakuwa neck bands instead.

    mikey said on Jul 21 09 at 10:16 AM Reply

  9. whoa, after peeing and all, still had a great finishing time Mdme BR! congratulations…

    wish globe would be punctual with their release of the official time as advertised…

    btw, is your mag still available in ROX?

    gardo said on Jul 21 09 at 10:35 AM Reply

    • Hi Gardo,

      Thanks! I thought Globe promised official results 4 days after the race? Well, the earlier the better.

      Last I checked, ROX was running out of my mags. I hope you can still get a copy.

      thebullrunner said on Jul 21 09 at 8:17 PM Reply

  10. hi jaymie

    it was fun running with you for i believe half the race!
    i had a tough time keeping up with you! you are fast!

    you probably would have done 206 without the bathroom break. but congrats on a great time

    i also especially enjoyed that comment from one of the runners when we were along ayala triangle – hehe – remember?

    ton concepcion said on Jul 21 09 at 10:58 AM Reply

    • Ton,

      Yes, it was nice running with you! And that guy along Ayala was great entertainment. I tried my best to stop myself from laughing. Good thing he got it right the 2nd time around hahaha.

      You were strong until the end. Congrats on a great race!

      Hope to run with you again in the future.

      thebullrunner said on Jul 21 09 at 8:20 PM Reply

  11. Congratulations TBR for an almost but not quite PR! When nature calls we can’t refuse to answer, hehe. Oh well there’s always the next race to stage a PR attempt! Kudos!

    dhenztm said on Jul 21 09 at 11:11 AM Reply

  12. Just curious, how old or new is your Garmin? Can it still be brought “back to life”?!

    Michael Paderes said on Jul 21 09 at 11:25 AM Reply

    • Hi Michael,

      My garmin is barely 2 years old. Got it Oct 2007. I successfully resurrected it this morning when I ran, but it died again. My friend sent directions to reset it and all so I’ll try my best to repair it on my own tonight. We’ll see :)

      thebullrunner said on Jul 21 09 at 8:22 PM Reply

  13. Maybe they should consider having a long tables in water stations… Yes, my first time to lining up just to get water. After that, never stop for water anymore.

    HighAltitude said on Jul 21 09 at 1:02 PM Reply

    • HighAltitude,

      I heard about this but didn’t experience it. I’m sure race organizers are listening and hopefully them implement at future races.

      thebullrunner said on Jul 21 09 at 8:23 PM Reply

  14. i wasn’t happy with the race. they only have one baggage area that the line was still long when the race began. it was also very crowded because paikot lang race route for 3k and 5k. and i didn’t notice any straws being handed pag nakalahati ka na so i think pwedeng mandaya. at walang freebies! tubig lang.

    pumpkinpastry said on Jul 21 09 at 4:45 PM Reply

    • Pumpkin Pastry,

      Oh, that’s too bad. Maybe it’s because of the volume of registrants for the 5k? Well, that’s no excuse of course. Hopefully, they correct this next time.

      I don’t think we should expect freebies all the time. These are bonuses that we should be happy to receive but definitely not complain about when they’re absent.

      thebullrunner said on Jul 21 09 at 8:26 PM Reply

      • I’m not complaining jaime. I couldn’t help but compare it to the previous races I joined that were more fun and organized (notably the Happy Run & Condura). And it’s Globe, that should be something.

        pumpkinpastry said on Jul 23 09 at 9:50 AM

  15. Well written review. I agree with your views TBR. Well executed race and of course the rare and priceless opportunity to run Ayala Ave. and Paseo.

    Gino Vineli said on Jul 21 09 at 8:21 PM Reply

  16. I wonder how different having the chip is compared to not having the chip? PTAA results were out in the afternoon of the race and so was the Mizuno Infinity run. NO chips there. IE8 results were out 3 days after the race. Maybe there are more information from the chip? i think save for the PR on the chip, this is just in the league of the Mizuno and ie8 success. itis as equally a good run but not at all better.

    newrunner said on Jul 21 09 at 9:22 PM Reply

  17. Congrats Jaymie, good to see you and miguel again at the race. Second time in a row for a pee, but I believe you really ran strong nonetheless. See you again.

    run unltd. said on Jul 21 09 at 9:44 PM Reply

  18. One of the best organized races for me! Good thing the weather cooperated as well. I agree, the claiming of the race kits was a bit poorly done. A lot of my friends complained.

    One downside: I heard there were (apparently last minute) participants who paid and registered on the 14th to join the race but did NOT receive their kits and disposable timing chips. Because the organizers ran out of chips! Too bad. 2 of them were my friends.

    This was my second 10k race and I really had fun! Pamatay talaga yung Buendia flyover part!!
    :)

    Marcvill said on Jul 21 09 at 11:37 PM Reply

  19. To finish injury-free is better than breaking PR, Jaymie. Besides, you know that you could have done it if not for that restroom break.

    I’m very happy to see you again, Jaymie and meeting some of our running friends. Thanks for the mag (though I’m still dreaming about the first issue heh heh . . .)

    Is the Daang Hari road in Coach Rio Trilogy this Sept. 20 the Daang Hari road beside Ayala Alabang?

    Nora, the golden girl said on Jul 22 09 at 12:37 AM Reply

    • Nora, nice to see you again! Hay, can’t believe I forgot the back issue. I saw it on our dining table when I got home!

      Yes, Coach Rio’s race will be at Daang Hari!!! Yahoo for us :)

      thebullrunner said on Jul 23 09 at 5:34 PM Reply

  20. Yup, results will be out on the Globe website by July 23. There’ll be lots of info avai, not just your race time. There’ll be analysis like your place within the pack, within your age group, how many people you overtook, or overtook you etc. Pretty similar to what was avai at the Singapore marathon. It’ll be neat! Plus the Photovendo pics will be free. No need to pay for them.

    Travelers Atlas said on Jul 22 09 at 12:51 AM Reply

  21. I’ll only give them a 6 for it seems like they were not able to maximize the space they were given for the event and for a big company like GLOBE i was expecting more freebies or at least more sponsors/partners.

    That was how I enticed my friends to join me in the event.

    Not really that good for a great company.

    trickster said on Jul 22 09 at 1:28 PM Reply

    • Trickster, that’s too bad that you expected freebies. I hope we can all just join races to run and enjoy. If freebies are given out, then well and good. If they aren’t, that’s fine too.

      thebullrunner said on Jul 23 09 at 5:39 PM Reply

  22. awesome race! pacers were great! trailed 2 pacers, my bud alvin at the 5:30/km pace till I dropped at km 2.haha and finally jay (prometheus cometh) 6:00/km who got my attention cause it was like walking pace for him…he was chatting and giving us encouragement all the way, cant forget his “think good thoughts” advice when he heard me say to a friend, I cant talk at that pace…Jay, I dropped back heading to bayani, and no negative split for me this time…maybe next…thanks for the push (more like pull actually)…jaymie, were your times like 2:08 for condura, 1:30 for mizuno, and 2:09 for Globe run? my times exactly…

    mond said on Jul 22 09 at 1:46 PM Reply

    • Raymond,

      My condura was much slower. But yes we pretty much have the same time. Maybe you should be my pacer? hahaha

      thebullrunner said on Jul 23 09 at 5:40 PM Reply

      • surely, will pace you at the mommy milkshake run…at the 3km at that…haha hope no one else reads these late replies…hahaha

        mond said on Jul 27 09 at 10:27 PM

  23. Hi jaymie, congrats! nice to see you and jun c at the race! Pwede rin ba makahingi ng PDF copy ng TBR magazine, di na ko umabot for the free copies at the race.

    Bro J said on Jul 22 09 at 11:47 PM Reply

  24. Results are in and I’m loving the results and the analysis. So cool! Very worth the long wait.

    Oh, and free photovendo photos!

    Million thanks to the organizers. Applauded!

    Running Sun Warrior said on Jul 23 09 at 11:37 AM Reply

  25. “- Lack of explanation on use of timing chip for beginners. Confusing directions on attaching the chip to the shoe.”

    There are illustrations on how the chip must be attach, it’s just a matter of COMMON SENSE ;) Do noobs need to be instructed on how to tie their shoelace with the chip? hehehehehe

    shadow said on Jul 23 09 at 1:13 PM Reply

    • The illustration didn’t help much. It attached the chip like a paperclip. It would’ve fallen off had I followed it.

      Did you read the instructions? “The chip must be tied to the shoelace….Do not tie the chip into the lace…”

      That’s where they lost me.

      Using my COMMON SENSE, I did not follow the instructions and instead inserted my lace into the middle hole of the chip so that it would be secure.

      thebullrunner said on Jul 23 09 at 5:49 PM Reply

  26. Hi Jaymie,
    Congrats on the race! May I also ask for a PDF of both issues of TBR? I was looking for a copy but couldn’t find any. :( Thanks in advance! :)

    Lance

    Lance said on Jul 23 09 at 4:12 PM Reply

  27. Hi again Jaymie
    i think you should consider a PR for getting in and out of the bathroom ! – 1 minute? that is a RECORD!

    as for the comments re freebees – perhaps we can consider that we have free photo vendo pictures. (if you buy this abroad they will easily charge you USD$20 dollars).

    and also the chips, timing system, run pix were all subsidized.

    the truth is, we have the cheapest race entrance fees in the world.

    running is the states and other countries in asia will set you back like usd$40 dollars. (depending on the event)

    so we are lucky that the quality of our races are improving significantly trying to benchmark with the rest of the world while our race fees have remained the same!

    so this something to think about and be thankful for.

    as for the timing system – this is really the way to go. the organizers really took a big risk not piloting the system in a big run like Globe. it should have been tested first with a much smaller race. but i suppose there was not enough time. however, i am confident that they will work out all the kinks and then the system will be fully maximized with real time timing information – just like the nyc marathon.

    ton concepcion said on Jul 23 09 at 9:41 PM Reply

  28. tbr,
    nice pics ho? (inggit ako)
    i have the oppotunity to hold on your legs (hilot) at the ultra sometime april or march.
    i would like also to be advertise at the coaching portion of your next issue tbr mag.
    how i wish you getting pr every race you are joining.

    Coach Salazar said on Jul 27 09 at 11:11 AM Reply

  29. Is there a Globe Run for Home 2010?

    Mike said on Sep 17 09 at 11:30 PM Reply

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