Category Archives: Race Reports

TBR RACE REVIEW: CONDURA RUN FOR DOLPHINS 2010
DETAILS: 7 February 2010, Sunday
ORGANIZERS: Condura and Rudy Biscocho

RATING: Very Good

LEGEND:
5 TBR medals – Excellent | 4 TBR Medals – Very Good | 3 TBR Medals – Average |
2 TBR Medals – Poor| 1 TBR Medal – Terrible

THUMBS 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!

—————————————–

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

– 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 –

As with everything in every parents’ life, our kids’ needs come before ours. When it comes to running, the same is true.

Last Sunday, I planned on running 35km while hubby’s goal was 20km. Thing is, two weeks ago, our kids expressed interest for the 3k DLSZ run in Ayala Alabang, so the entire family was signed for the 3k run that morning. That meant, 3k race + 32km = 35km for me…oh booooy.

PRE-RACE RUN: 9k

Hubby and I got up at 4:30 am and ran as far as we could with the goal of making it back by 5:30 am. We covered 9km.

Then, I ran back into the house, got both kids dressed and ready, changed into fresh clothes, hydrated, and rushed back out for the race.  (This sounds very simple, but any parent will know that this was easier said than done!)

DLSZ 1st GREEN RUN: 3k WALK-RUN

– Runners awaiting the race start. 3k started 15 mins late –

– Little Bull Runners all set for the race. Little Miss Bull Runner was in full running gear…including her Powerpuff Girls headband, bracelet, and ring –

– The key to encouraging kids to run is to get them excited. I announced that each of them could bring their own towel (pink for my daughter, blue for my son), Sports Beans, and water bottles. It worked like magic! –

Hubby ran with my son, while I ran with my daughter. My son was amazing. His improvement from his past races was noticeable: no more whining nor complaining, and he didn’t make a quick dash at the start anymore; he ran and walked at a good pace all throughout.

As for Little Miss Bull Runner, she was quite a comedienne. When the gun was fired, she rushed out so fast, we both almost tripped over a hump.

– Lolo ran with us. So, whenever she spotted him closing in on her from behind, she would speed up. –

All the while she was trying to chase her Kuya up in front. By 1.5km though, she started getting tired. She refused to run and walked all the way, which was fine by me as long as she was having fun.

– Little Miss Bull Runner even asked me to stop and take photos of the flowers along the route. –

– Another request for a photo with flowers. She was obviously having a blast –

– Gatorade break near the finish –

– Little Miss Bull Runner was all smiles despite the exhaustion. Sounds like someone I know –

When we neared the finish line, I told her: “It’s nicer to run when you cross the finish line.” She replied: “But I’m so tired.” I allowed her to walk and just repeated: “It’s just nicer so people see you running when you cross the…” and before I could end my sentence, she had grabbed me by the arm and began to run.

– Happy finish –

– Lolo, hubby, and the kids –

– The family’s 3rd 3k –

POST-RACE: 18K

After tons of high fives and kisses and a drive through at McDo as the kids’ rewards, hubby and I took them to the in laws and proceeded with our run. We ran together for another 10k under the cloudy skies then hubby headed back home.

By 9:30am, I was alone starting on another loop, hoping to run another 16k. I was enjoying my alone time until the heat started getting more intense. By 10:30am, when I felt like I was being fried (!), I called it a day and finished 8k.

I didn’t make my goal distance of 35k and I was disappointed. My total distance: 30k.

* No race review for 1st Run Green Marathon. I believe I was too busy with the kids to pay attention to major race details.

TBR RACE REPORT: Cebu Marathon
DETAILS: January 10, 2010, Cebu City
ORGANIZERS: John Pages and Meyrick Jacalan

RATING: Excellent!

LEGEND: (Introducing my new TBR race review rating system for 2010)
5 TBR medals – Excellent
4 TBR Medals – Very Good
3 TBR Medals – Average
2 TBR Medals – Poor
1 TBR Medal – Terrible

THUMBS UP:

• well-attended and well-organized carbo loading party on a Friday (better than the eve of the race)
• convenient and easy registration and race packet redemption
• Timing chip for 21k and 42k
• Fire works at the start of the race
• Challenging and scenic route for 21k
• Abundant water and 100Plus in long tables
• Marshals along the route
• Cebu-themed entertainment along the route
• Cheerers with inspirational signs along the route
• Bananas, sponges, and muscle rub provided at some stations
• Announcement of name upon nearing the finish
• Booths after the race
• Free Leona’s pastries, 100Plus, and mineral water
• Awarding began shortly after the race and was situated near the finish so it was very well-attended
• Immediate release of results
• Unique mango finishers’ medal for full marathoners

BETTER JOB NEXT TIME:

• Kilometer markers were accurate, but there could’ve been more

Cebu City Marathon: the best local race I have ever joined. The organizers of Cebu Marathon got everything right from the carbo loading party to the awarding program. I was told that they ran Singapore, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam Marathons and attempted to replicate the best from these marathons in Cebu. Looks like they were very successful.

The one thing that stood out in this race, which contributed most to its success but didn’t cost a cent, were the people. The warmth and hospitality of the organizers and Cebuano runners were felt all throughout. Spectators lined the roads and cheered enthusiastically. It didn’t feel like another big corporate-sponsored racing event, but a run to celebrate Cebu, its people, and its culture.

———————————————-

A LETTER FROM A FATHER

I received an email from Maxi about his daughter Bea a couple of days before Cebu Marathon. He wrote:

“Bea is actually a soccer varsity player at UST.  I have encouraged her to run regularly because I see the potential in her to become a good long-distance runner someday.

Problem is, she has to have a person she can look up to as a model-runner.  She needs a guide, a mentor, a running partner.  She needs an inspiration so that she can take running with passion and dedication.

I think that fits you.”

Woah. I was flabbergasted. For a father to entrust his most prized possession to me, his daughter, even for just a 2-hour race, was an honor. We made plans to meet at the starting line. (more…)

A friend once gave me this advice:

Your first marathon is usually your best because you run with your heart and spirit. Your second marathon maybe worse because you usually expect to do better than the first. And lastly, your third marathon will determine who you are as a marathoner because you will apply all the lessons learned from previous marathons.

The Standard Chartered Singapore marathon was my second marathon. Coming from a relaxed and pleasant QC International Marathon pace, I set a serious goal time for my second marathon, which I meant to race.

My first marathon time: 4:55
My second marathon goal time: 4:30
My second marathon secret goal time: 4:15

Whoever said the words above hit the nail on the head, at least for my first couple of marathons. Put simply, my second marathon experience sucked. Lots of unfulfilled expectations, more walking than planned, heavy and humid air that took the life out of me plus a water-bloating kind of torture that I ironically put myself under. Read on…

I GOTTA FEELING…
5:25 a.m., Race start

Kim, Ivy, Tina, Francine and I—five full marathon women—stood calmly among a sea of eager, jittery, and energized runners along Esplanade Drive. We were far behind from the starting line, but the excitement was palpable and the music blasting from the front lines could still be heard: “I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night…”

– Francine, Michelle, Kim, myself, and Ivy (our photographer!) –

– Full marathoners await gun start –

It was deja vu for me; all the race elements were a replay of last year’s race—the dynamic hosts and loud music, the venue, the glaring lights amidst the dark Singapore sky—only my goal was different; I was gunning for the full this time. I no longer felt the sense of awe and wonder, like last year, over the immensity of this grandiose event (50,000 individuals running at one time!) but it felt more like a personal journey, almost like enrolling in a new course or going on sabbatical.

RIGHT ON TRACK

The gun was fired way up in front and slowly all of us runners in the back plodded forward to cross the starting line. I bid Kim good luck and lost the other girls in the crowd. I switched my ipod on knowing it would be my best buddy for the next several hours and began to run the first few steps of my second marathon.

For the first 21km, my plan was to run 6:30 min/km. For the first 15k, I ran at a comfortable 6:20 min/km pace, confident that I would even have buffer by the time I hit half. I felt strong and I thoroughly enjoyed the incident-free run; it allowed me to enjoy the city and its sights or to read some runners’ scribblings on their backs: one was sentimental “For Mommy,” another had illustrations of his son, and another just said “Meet me in Harry’s Bar at 3 p.m.” If I had done the same, it would’ve said: “42k for Dad and an angel baby”

NICE PARK, BAD EXPERIENCE

At 13k, among 50,000 runners, Women’s Health editor Lara Parpan and I managed to bump into each other and wished each other good luck. Shortly after, the course took us into East Coast Park, a portion that only full marathoners get to run on. The park setting—man-made lake at the center, fresh, green grass, and a narrow trail for pedestrians all by the sea—was a welcome sight. Plus, the party atmosphere—a band playing “You Gotta Have Faith… Thaa.. Faith… Thaa… FAITHAAAAH”, loud music blaring, and tons of water stations in the area—energized me even more. I felt great in here!

– Inside East Coast Park. One of the few times we ran under shaded trees. It was hot and humid all throughout –

CRAWLING TADPOLE

That strong feeling didn’t last long though. The run through the park felt long and dreary; my strength gradually began to wane due to the humidity. At certain times, my throat felt dry and I felt suffocated, so I would hydrate often with Gatorade. Thankfully, I had run fast enough to make me hit my target for the first 21km: 2:18. I thought I was doing fine!

I continued to run at 6:30 pace and would occasionally walk and drink at water stations. Unfortunately, I ingested so much fluids that, at one point, my stomach felt heavy and bloated. I felt like a tadpole!  By Km28, I felt like my HRM strap was choking me so I stopped to remove my chest strap and loosen my hydration belt. What a relief! My pace had considerably slowed at that point though.

DOWNHILL FROM HEREON (AND I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE COURSE!)

By Km30, evil thoughts started entering my mind: What’s taking so long? Can I endure 12kms more of this? Will I get cramps like everyone else around? If I’m struggling now, what’s the last 5 kms going to feel like?

Then, I forced myself to recall how pleasant QC International Marathon was. How, at Km 30, I didn’t even know I was going for the full 42km! And, for some moments, I got a break from the weariness and tried my best to plod on.

– The cool zone provided mist for runners. Unfortunately, it felt like a warm zone for me –

THE LONGEST 5K OF MY LIFE

At QC International Marathon, my pacer Neville said “the last 5km will be the longest 5km of your life.” At that time, I quietly laughed about that line as I was on Cloud 9 running the last few kilometers towards QC Circle.

This time, however, his words didn’t only ring true, they were banging on my ear drums!  My last 5 kms were reduced to this simple question: Can you make it to the next water station?

I made a deal with myself: Walk briefly only at every OTHER water station. At every other station, I would then grab two cups: one to drink, another to pour over my overheating head. Then, I would walk briefly and compel myself to run again. It was slow and tough, but it was the only thing that kept me from sticking my thumb out to hitch a ride back to the hotel.  By that time, I didn’t even bother looking at my watch anymore.  Goal times were thrown out the window.

– Km 40: Singapore Flyer. More people were walking than running here –

– 2 more kms to go! I held on –

FULFILLING FINISH

The harder you work for your goal, the more fulfilling it is when accomplished. And so, despite my weariness, I felt like the strongest woman alive when I crossed that finish line. (It also helped that there was a young Italian guy who made small talk with me right after!)

I was (and still am) disappointed with not reaching my target time. See the frustration in this face?…

…It definitely could’ve been better.  But, at the same time, I’m pretty proud of the fact that I plodded on despite the difficulties. I was blessed with the opportunity to join the race and test my endurance and will without any major glitches along the way (no cramps, no injury, not even a tiny blister!) For all that I am thankful.

Was it worse than the 1st marathon? Definitely. Will the 3rd marathon be the best? I certainly hope so.

GARMIN RESULTS:

Time: 4:49:04
Distance: 43.12 km
Average pace: 6:42 min/km
Calories: 1,755

OFFICIAL RESULTS:

Rank: 347
Official chip time: 4:49:18

* Thank you to Ivy for the race photos!