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Runner’s Interview: Mari Javier

Mari1

Mari Javier is a relatively new runner having picked up the sport just a year ago, but he’s already got a 3:34 marathon and an ultramarathon under his belt.  In the October issue of TBR Magazine, I featured him on “Personal Record” which showcases a real runner and his/her race times. Below is the interview I had with him where I tried to fish out answers from this busy corporate executive (like many of you out there) who can work hard and train even harder.

Name: Mari Javier
Job: PLDT, Relationship Management (Corporate Business)
Years running: 11 months
Age: 37
Team: Team Baldrunner, Hardcore runners

PERSONAL RECORD:

5k 18 mins
10k 38 mins
15k 57 mins
21k 1 hr 29 mins
42k 3 hrs 34 mins
102k 12 hrs 30 mins

How and when did you start running?

I officially got hooked on running when a friend invited me to join the Adidas KOTR 2008 last October where I finished the 21K in 2hrs 15mins, the Adidas KOTR 2009 will be my anniversary run which will be quite tricky considering I will be driving home after the Smart-SIM 42K to be held the day before the Adidas race.

Mari2

You have a 9-to-5 job, but you can train as fast and hard as other serious athletes. How do you strike a balance between your career and training?

It’s no secret that this involves a lot of time-management between my profession and passion, it’s not easy to begin with to tell you the truth, however once I started serious running I discovered a lot about my self-belief that I can consistently improve on all levels whether it be in time, distance or terrain variety, I am quite convinced that this also holds true in life which is what makes it all the more worthwhile.

You run long (ultramarathon) and yet you are also fast (3:34 Marathon). How do you manage to train for speed and distance simultaneously without getting injured?

I really listen to my body and don’t push it when I don’t feel in running form although there I really try to discipline myself never to miss a scheduled workout day I just adjust the type of workout depending on how I feel, I really try to take recovery fluids after training/races, massages every 1-2 weeks, rest whenever possible.

You have to be smart in running ultras as this is all about energy and hydration management, there are just so many intangibles involved which makes it exciting. I have learned what I did right, wrong and what I need to definitely improve my 9th place finish for the 2nd BDM ultramarathon this coming March, running marathons will be my distance training and some while working the track on intervals will be for speed.

Urbanite Run_4_Good
– Kenny’s Urbanite 2009 -

Can you give us a peek into your weekly training program?

I train with the Team Baldrunner elites and this is normally my weekly running program:

Monday (Rest) … exception is a holiday then I do a long run

Tuesday (AM: 30min. 6K warmup) / (PM: interval training, either 400m at lactate threshold ave. 70 to 75 secs., 800m, or 1000m ave. 3:30/km) or a 5K session (60m fast, 40m jog for 5K)

Wednesday (PM: tempo run, 30 to 45 mins)

Thursday (AM: long run, normally around 2hrs either in Antipolo hills or Camp Aguinaldo)

Friday (AM: 30min. 6K warmup) / (PM: tempo run, 45mins to 1hr)

Saturday (AM: 30min. 6K warmup)

Sunday (AM: Long Run or Race Day)

What do you love about running?

I love continuously pushing myself past the boundaries of my physical capabilities, if I were a car, I would have probably been an automobile convertible – now I feel like i’m the sportscar version, just like life, running is extremely challenging and ultimately mentally rewarding once you hit the finish.

_DSC9907
– Milo Baguio 2009 -

What is your next goal?

For October, it would be the Milo National Finals (42K), QCIM (42K recovering as a pacer for the 4:15 group), Subic (42K), Pasig International Marathon in November and then Singapore this December, I am crossing my fingers and hope to do the Cebu Marathon and Condura this January and February 2010 respectively.

What is your dream race?

I would love to qualify for Boston and also run one of the Ultramarathon 100milers like the Western States 100.

QUICK QUESTIONS:

  • Favorite race distance: 10K to 21K as of the moment
  • Running course: around the Fort for long runs and Ultra for track workouts
  • Shoe: Adizero Tempo (marathons), Adizero Ace/CS racing flats for 21Ks and below
  • Powersong: None yet but my finishing kicker would be “Lose Yourself” (will have a playlist for the BDM102 last 50K)
  • Favorite Pre-race Meal: boiled eggs and bananas
  • Cross training activities, if any: none as of the Moment, CAMSUR here I come … =)

To read more Runners’ Interviews, click here.

* Photos courtesy of Ben Chan, Blacksheep Photography.

Posted on 10.14.09 to 08 Interviews. Tags: , . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 34 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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34 Responses to “Runner’s Interview: Mari Javier”

  1. Whoaah! What an athlete. only running for 11 months? Crazy.. 102 Km? Absolutely nuts..

    Ok, I’m back to normal.. Training with the elites and doing it 6 times a week.. Congratulations Mari, you are such a tough fast runner. Keep it up sir!

    Jayson said on Oct 14 09 at 6:01 PM Reply

    • Thanks Jayson but i believe we should give a lot of credit to the Bullrunner for bringing you the story of the Roadrunner :) , come to think of it, it does sound insane but just take it one step at a time and i guarantee you’ll get there. Keep on running and see you on the roads.

      Mari said on Oct 15 09 at 10:41 PM Reply

  2. Rico Blanco!!!! Hahahahahahahaha

    Marga said on Oct 14 09 at 6:09 PM Reply

  3. thanks tbr, great interview!
    wow mari, you’re so big times ha :-) and 4 full marys in a month? hardcore!
    - kathy c.

    khun said on Oct 14 09 at 6:48 PM Reply

    • Yes, kudos Jaymie 110%. With the stress we deal with its not surprising why we run. On a lighter note, running these back to back was part of the plan and strategy – what made the decision a lot easier was we (the Hardcores) decided to run this for a great cause, the TKO250, Takbo Kontra Ondoy 250kms. which you might have heard of – if not, you can check it out at bugobugo’s blogsite. Thanks and see you around Kathy.

      Mari said on Oct 15 09 at 10:54 PM Reply

  4. Wow!
    Great performance-truly inspiring.

    btw, congrats for the new edition of TBR magazine- can’t wait to get a copy.

    Regards

    5KRUNNR said on Oct 14 09 at 8:40 PM Reply

  5. ayos mari! idol talaga… ;)

    vimz said on Oct 14 09 at 9:59 PM Reply

  6. Great article!! So proud of you mar!! your talents are phenomenal, our very own diego maradona in high school, now a sam wansiru! keep pushing!!

    Jon lim said on Oct 15 09 at 9:56 AM Reply

    • Thanks Jon, we measure ourselves with the company we keep so i figure if i can hang on to the heels of the elites for just a few seconds more each run makes my races a whole lot easier the next time.

      Mari said on Oct 15 09 at 11:29 PM Reply

  7. lets go buddy! =) lets change that to idol =D
    great interview jaymie =)

    lester said on Oct 15 09 at 12:10 PM Reply

    • Yup, that’s what i keep telling Jaymie :D thebullrunner is a change agent for the continued growth of the running community. apir.

      Mari said on Oct 15 09 at 11:34 PM Reply

  8. galing! oo nga mari looks like rico blanco!

    odie said on Oct 15 09 at 12:17 PM Reply

  9. Only 11 months in the sport?! Wow! Mari can only get faster as he continues to get stronger and gains more experience. Way to go Mari! Looking pretty lean and mean too. Good for you man. Much success to your running. There isn’t that many ultra-marathoners in the world. What are the chances for two to come from La Salle Bacolod, haha. If you ever decide to run Western States let me know.

    rick gaston said on Oct 15 09 at 2:09 PM Reply

    • Hey Rick, whether its a successful run or a bad bonking one a friend said something very true – that experience is the best teacher and i have a very good seat in the class. I have had my share of good and not so good runs and i have actually learned more from the not so good ones.

      I told Jaymie and Sir Jovie that I’m actually quite inspired with a lot of the ultra trail pics you send over with the running culture and views that look quite stunning. I hear you buddy, i definitely will plan an ultra100, hook me up on a good one and if you can make the time, we can be pace buddies in the same race, watchathink.

      Mari said on Oct 15 09 at 11:09 PM Reply

      • Mari, if I’m not running I will certainly pace and crew. You let me know when you are ready to tackle one and I’ll tell you about the good ones.

        rick gaston said on Oct 21 09 at 8:52 AM

  10. nice tbr,
    btw, to mari is a very obedient athlete. he does each details of instruction during our speed training session at the ultra oval.

    Coach Salazar said on Oct 15 09 at 2:38 PM Reply

    • Thanks coach – you do know that my success is yours as well – so we better make sure we succeed, hehe.

      Mari said on Oct 15 09 at 11:22 PM Reply

  11. Inspiring indeed! More power to him! Hi Jaymie :-)

    Gelo said on Oct 16 09 at 8:42 AM Reply

  12. without a doubt,team hardcore’s best.you have done so much in so short a time partner.i am pretty sure you will cover a lot more in the many running years to come.stay fit and keep it up.team hc is proud of you.

    jonel said on Oct 16 09 at 10:02 PM Reply

  13. Mari,

    I’m just curious. Your progress is nothing less than phenomenal considering you’ve only been running 11 months. Were you into any other sport before you ran? For a 21k race to be your intro into running must mean you were already in competitive shape when you started.

    Michael Paderes said on Oct 17 09 at 1:52 PM Reply

    • Hi Michael
      I used to play football until i stopped because i lost interest and motivation – you can say i took a sabbatical for almost a year until a friend asked me to join the 2008 Adidas KOTR – i thought i was fairly competitive until i hit the wall in the 3rd portion of the race, this experience actually made me appreciate running even more, i thoroughly enjoyed it and each race thereon became a challenge to see how far i can continue in improving my PRs.

      Mari said on Oct 28 09 at 10:59 PM Reply

  14. thanks Jaymie for sharing, good interview..

    Mari, what an inspiration to new runners.. anything is possible with proper discipline and perseverance. Great Job!

    Mark

    knight runner said on Oct 17 09 at 3:08 PM Reply

    • Thank you Mark, I certainly agree with your statement there, more power to you as well.

      Mari said on Oct 28 09 at 10:46 PM Reply

  15. Great story and interview, Mari and Jaymie.

    It never ceases to amaze me how many inspiring runner stories are out there for the telling. The more runners I meet, the more inspired I am.

    Keep it up, Jaymie. You are indeed a change agent.

    Keep on running, Mari. Galing mo!

    bobby said on Oct 17 09 at 3:14 PM Reply

  16. one more thing, Mari has the ability to have less fluid intake while running. He ran BDM102 without vehicle support…

    HighAltitude said on Oct 19 09 at 12:31 AM Reply

  17. kamusta mars…more power to you..

    rene said on Oct 22 09 at 9:54 AM Reply

  18. Hi, Mari! Thank you for sharing your training plan. I would like to find out your tempo and long run distance and pace. Also, when you did your first 21k, what was your time?

    Regards,

    Ricky S.

    Ricky S. said on Oct 27 09 at 12:59 PM Reply

    • Hi Ricky S,
      For tempo runs i normally try to average around 4:20 to 4:30/km, for long runs above 21K – i average about 4:45 to 5/km.

      My first 21K was the 2008 Adidas KOTR, finished that race in 2hrs and 15 mins, i ran the Adidas KOTR last Sunday and was able to time in at 1hr and 42mins, my hr was jittery so i wasn’t able to push as i usually do – just had 2 hours of sleep as i came from Subic after running the 42K in 3:27. hope this helps.

      Mari said on Oct 28 09 at 10:42 PM Reply

      • Hello, Mari! Sorry for the late reply, I did my first 21K in Adidas 2009 KOTR and finished it in 1:55:39. I plan to run my 2nd 21K in December. How can I improve my time further? By the way, I’m 44 years old and I’m not sure if my age has something to do with my time. Thanks

        Ricky S. said on Nov 27 09 at 2:33 PM

  19. what do you usually eat?

    Romer Mercado said on Oct 30 09 at 2:17 AM Reply

  20. I admire and envy your passion, as well as the determination and discipline you put into being your best at what you love to do. You are awesome! Love u bro! Keep up the good work.

    Jackie McAllister said on Feb 07 10 at 11:44 AM Reply

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