Biking the Takbo Bayani

One promise I made to myself before my marathon last August 3 was that I would help other runners during the recovery period after. When DATC told me that he was running the 21K Tabko Bayani race after they had belatedly decided to accept women runners, I knew I would have my chance by offering to bike as his race support. Since Bananarunner and runmd were also running I figured it would be a good chance to meet them and offer support in whatever way I could. I did not have a bike so for this race I would borrow DATC’s mountain bike.

A few days before the race I checked the starting time of the 21k race and when they told me that it would start at 6, I knew that weather would be a factor. If the sky was clear,the sun would be high up in the sky after the first 10km and they will need plenty of fluids to finish the race. The route would also be tough as they are main thoroughfares with plenty of buses, jeeps, and tricycles. Hopefully, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) of which Bayani Fernando is the head would be able to ensure a clear and safe path for the runners.

I woke up late at 4:00 a.m.. I wanted to get a 6 mile easy run in before the race but I have not been sleeping much lately due to committments at home and at work and I could not get myself to wake up earlier. Worse, I took some time looking for the entrance to the river park that by the time I got there I only had time for a 10 minute warm up run before I saw DATC.

As soon as he hauled out the bike and attached the wheel, I realized I had not been on a bike since college. While I was not worried about riding the bike, I was a little bewildered with the gear switches and I tried to remember which combination of gears were for what. I practiced biking around a bit but DATC, runmd, bananarunner, and mesh made me a little conscious of myself. Ha! Imagine I can run a 42k race but I can’t figure out a mountain bike! Eventually, I settled down and was able to control the bike.

Just before the start of the race, I decided to bike ahead at the foot of the bridge so that I could take a photo of the runners after the start of the race. The lead runners were to be escorted by a motorcade and whne they passed I pitied the lead runners as the motorcycles were spewing noxious blue fumes! I was using DATC’s camera and when they passed I tried to get a good shot but the shutter speed was slow and I ended up with a blur of other racers. I would tinker with this all the way until gate 1 of Ateneo on Katipunan where I finally got the timing right.

In Marikina 2 lanes were closed for the runners. It was flat until the climb up to Katipunan where we were limited to 1 lane and the lead 10k runners had to contend with the bulk of the crowd running in the opposite direction. The road would narrow by Balara and runners would have to content themselves with the roadside. There would be a some marshalls guiding traffic but with no cordon, the runners were at the mercy of traffic in some sections of the narrow road. I had some trouble moving around as I needed to avoid both vehicles and runners. When we hit Commonwealth Avenue, there was plenty of room for everyone, but it was still quite polluted and by this time the sun was already out. I stopped to take a lot of drinks and pictures on this stretch.

At the turn in Batasan road, I biked beside DATC, bananarunner, and Mesh to check on how they felt and to keep them company in case they needed anything. The route had water stations and medical teams along the way. They seemed to be space too far apart though or maybe it was simply the heat.

With the sun beating down mercilessly on the runners, they navigated the downhill road going to San Mateo. On the bike, I was constantly clutching on the brakes as I did not want to go too fast. I wanted to maintain control of the bike in case a pedestrian, runner, or vehicle suddenly appears in my path. I am sure the runners were expending energy trying to control their pace as well.

The rest of the route was even more difficult. J.P Rizal was a narrow road. There were commercial establishments on either side of the road (I think we even passed a wet market and on a Sunday morning - chaos!) more people, more vehicles, more pollution, and less road for the runner! Everyone was trying to squeeze in the bike lane. Runners, pedicab drivers, bikers, the cariton of the mambobote. I must have passed out more drinks at this stage than any other point in the race.

As everyone crossed the finish line, I took some pictures again and congratulated them for finishing. I hung out for a while to chat and met Mon and Doc of Happy Feet. Since I had to catch an early morning mass, I returned DATC’s stuff and made my way back to my car for the journey home. As I looked back on the mass of finishers on River Park, I realized that they were truly bayani’s (heroes) in this road race for enduring the tough conditions and it was good that they came out alive as bayani’s usually end up dead.

The Loot!

A friend of mine and her family was leaving for Toronto for good and she sold me her back issues (some as recent as last 6 months) of Runnersworld magazines at 80 bucks per piece. Since the new issues retail at 300 -400plus I thought it was quite a steal! I called DATC to buy half of it and we split the loot evenly, but we will exchange as soon as we are done reading our share. I wish they would come out with a local edition of this magazine as I am sure a lot of runners would be more than happy to pick up a copy.

The Loot!

I did an easy 3 mile run today. The weather was cloudy and perfect for running. Post run, it was also perfect for enjoying a cup coffee while leafing through each magazine!

Total Distance : 3.0 miles   Total Time : 30:24   Ave. Pace : 10:06   Ave. HR : 127 bpm

What’s Next?

Ah finally, I survived the virus unfortunately my PC did not and I spent the better part of the week resuscitating this old machine.

Even before the marathon, I was already formulating my plans for the coming months. It would have been nice to go to Singapore for the Standard Chartered Marathon on December 7 but my son’s exam week would be the week after that Sunday and we would need to help him prepare so I will have to look a little further down the road to the Quezon City International Marathon on February 2009. It would allow me to rest and recover for August, build a base over September until mid-October, train over 16 weeks for the marathon, and have enought time for the MIlo marathon again next year!

For this month, I intend to bring up my mileage over the next few weeks. I did some easy runs last Friday and Sunday to bring my weekly mileage to 7 miles. I intend to do some more easy runs this week to hike it up to 15 miles. Next week and the week after should see my mileage up to 23 miles and 30 miles respectively. I will tuck in some speedwork by the 3rd week so that I can get back into my old routine by next month. I also plan to swim for cross training on my off days.

I am pretty excited to resume training and introduce some new things to my routine. Hopefully, it will translate to better performances in my next races!

Milo Marathon 42K Results

Got this on e-mail. My GF305 and official time are 1 second off. Amazing!

                                                                     

               32nd NATIONAL MILO MARATHON

              METRO MANILA  ELIMINATION RUN

      Quirino Grandstand, Manila City, Philippines

             August 3,2008 * 6:00 AM

 

 

 

                        OVERALL 42K RESULTS

                by RACE - Race Results Specialists

Place No.    Name                  Age S Club       42k     Pace 

===== ====== ===================== === = ========== ======= =====

    1    433 Allan Ballester        34 M            2:31:34  3:37

    2    794 Bernardo Desamito Jr.     M            2:35:31  3:43

    3    405 Elmer Sabal            26 M RES        2:37:59  3:46

    4    775 Crifrankreadel Indapa     M RES        2:38:00  3:46

    5    494 Raul Lamprea           26 M            2:44:37  3:56

    6    722 Reynaldo Delos Reyes   37 M            2:45:46  3:57

    7    551 Orly Maestro           40 M            2:49:14  4:02

    8    368 Arsenio Uminga         38 M STRIDERS   2:51:29  4:05

    9    436 Nicanor Gandeza        30 M            2:51:50  4:06

   10    384 Alexander Refani       29 M FRC        2:54:35  4:10

   11    686 Gilbert Cumlat         37 M            2:54:54  4:10

   12    782 Rolando Piamonte       34 M            2:57:08  4:14

   13    406 Andrico Mahilum        23 M            3:03:32  4:23

   14    796 Mark Anthony Caintic      M            3:03:34  4:23

   15    792 Harold Sabalo             M            3:08:56  4:30

   16    803 Rufino Domanico Jr        M            3:09:00  4:30

   17    456 Angle Delos Santos     37 M            3:09:40  4:31

   18    317 Isidro Granadozo       58 M STRIDERS   3:10:26  4:33

   19    545 Eduardo Villanueva     49 M RUN PLUS   3:11:37  4:34

   20    445 Caloy Ammoya           22 M            3:11:46  4:34

   21    791 Keven Penarubia           M            3:12:16  4:35

   22    546 Rommel Dela Pena       43 M RUN PLUS   3:12:33  4:36

   23    498 Manolito Divina        27 M            3:15:38  4:40

   24    321 Enrico Bajao           44 M STRIDERS   3:16:27  4:41

   25    404 Joseph Rosete             M RES        3:18:00  4:43

   26    135 Jeffrey MAcasieb       19 M            3:18:43  4:44

   27    455 Flavio Enricoso        42 M            3:18:46  4:44

   28    474 Marco Estrada          30 M            3:18:47  4:44

   29    809 Lou Carungay              M            3:18:48  4:44

   30    385 Carlo Perez            38 M FRC        3:19:16  4:45

   31    390 Roberto Murcia         45 M            3:19:47  4:46

   32   F125 Ailene Tolentino          F RES        3:21:22  4:48

   33    F78 Joanne Manangat        20 F            3:22:16  4:49

   34    425 Fercelito Roda         55 M            3:22:39  4:50

   35    646 Joseph Alia            43 M            3:22:51  4:50

   36    790 Joepet Tasic              M            3:22:52  4:50

   37    366 Marlou Caiday          35 M DIR LINK   3:22:59  4:50

   38    263 Lave Rivera            34 M FRC        3:23:57  4:52

   39    548 Nicasio Magno Jr.      38 M RUN PLUS   3:24:36  4:53

   40    793 Ian Earl Boo              M            3:25:24  4:54

   41    280 Numeriano Barnedo Jr.  40 M            3:27:06  4:56

   42    566 Edwin Diel             40 M            3:27:29  4:57

   43    527 Manuel Marcelo         24 M DIR LINK   3:28:10  4:58

   44    677 Maximo Yulanday        42 M            3:28:26  4:58

   45    379 Arnel Agao             38 M            3:29:30  5:00

   46    553 Romeo Erivera          40 M            3:30:11  5:01

   47     82 Junior Dilla           33 M            3:30:28  5:01

   48    397 Gregorio Heray         42 M            3:31:23  5:02

   49    185 Milo Tan               37 M STRIDERS   3:31:40  5:03

   50    776 Roberto Verzosa        49 M RES        3:31:51  5:03

   51    370 Virgelio Ferolino      34 M DIR LINK   3:31:55  5:03

   52    419 Rizalino Balingcos     37 M            3:33:07  5:05

   53    544 Joselito Litang           M RUN PLUS   3:33:16  5:05

   54    523 Ferdinand Cortez       39 M            3:34:02  5:06

   55    316 Jonathan Galo          36 M            3:34:40  5:07

   56    534 Carlos Unas            34 M STRIDERS   3:34:41  5:07

   57    565 Homer Tapit               M            3:36:08  5:09

   58    314 Rolly Farenas          36 M            3:36:46  5:10

   59    348 Ronnel Samama             M            3:36:55  5:10

   60    371 Jimmy Aguasito         43 M STRIDERS   3:38:16  5:12

   61    450 Cupid Demafiles Sr.    48 M            3:38:41  5:13

   62    372 Delmo Sullano          53 M STRIDERS   3:39:16  5:14

   63    476 Joselito Reyes         39 M            3:39:24  5:14

   64    131 Jose Marce Jr.         32 M            3:39:25  5:14

   65    413 Eduardo Navarette      56 M            3:39:54  5:15

   66    784 Jeremias Clamor        28 M            3:40:12  5:15

   67    678 David Meneses             M            3:40:48  5:16

   68    429 Ralph Salvador         24 M            3:41:23  5:17

   69    356 Teodoro Taytay         50 M            3:41:25  5:17

   70    457 Eduardo Martinez          M            3:41:29  5:17

   71    443 Arturo Echalar            M            3:41:42  5:17

   72    299 Rodel Gajol            31 M HJC        3:42:05  5:18

   73    328 Ricardo Pine           44 M            3:42:22  5:18

   74     65 Rafael Dela Rosa III   42 M            3:42:59  5:19

   75    313 Ramon Morada           39 M            3:43:57  5:20

   76    575 Randy Martin           42 M            3:44:28  5:21

   77    647 Edgar Rasonabe         44 M            3:44:40  5:21

   78     78 Sabeniano Laguda Sr.      M            3:45:12  5:22

   79    291 Alfredo Ocampo         46 M HJC        3:45:14  5:22

   80    785 Roland Tapar           41 M            3:45:18  5:22

   81    346 Jessie Sacayle         53 M            3:45:25  5:23

   82    275 Tom Oliver Toraja      20 M            3:45:29  5:23

   83    296 Edwin Gajol            30 M HJC        3:45:43  5:23

   84    482 Wilson Maningkil          M            3:45:48  5:23

   85    327 Joel Arevalo           38 M            3:46:07  5:24

   86    446 Anand Manzo            32 M            3:46:08  5:24

   87    312 Roland Rosales         18 M            3:46:43  5:24

   88    354 Danilo Rabusa          48 M            3:47:19  5:25

   89    295 Mark Angelo Penero     19 M HJC        3:47:38  5:26

   90    557 Ronald Donasco         38 M            3:47:50  5:26

   91    652 Rodrigo Diaz              M            3:47:54  5:26

   92    660 Exer Domingo           45 M            3:47:54  5:26

   93    416 Paulino Bacus          40 M            3:48:06  5:26

   94    305 Andrew Chinalpan       34 M            3:48:22  5:27

   95    276 Dante Lubrin           45 M            3:48:31  5:27

   96    360 Nelson Ecat            39 M            3:49:01  5:28

   97    519 Mario Averilla         48 M ABACUS     3:49:10  5:28

   98    151 Norberto Saroya        37 M            3:49:16  5:28

   99    442 Ruben Argomido         35 M            3:49:23  5:28

  100    350 Jojo De Jesus          48 M ABACUS     3:49:27  5:28

  101    997 Oscar Raga             47 M            3:49:38  5:29

  102    486 Carmelo Vicuna         31 M            3:49:39  5:29

  103    663 Nick Rodriguez         48 M            3:49:52  5:29

  104    198 Silverio Saligbon      53 M            3:50:07  5:29

  105    408 Vicente Eclipse        41 M            3:50:13  5:29

  106    668 Jessie Jimenez         26 M            3:50:34  5:30

  107    324 Hermogines Olvis       26 M            3:50:55  5:30

  108    231 Romeo Manalo           50 M ABACUS     3:51:24  5:31

  109    234 Jerry Nermal           43 M            3:51:54  5:32

  110    306 Ben De Villa           53 M DIR LINK   3:52:03  5:32

  111    374 Dortunato Rivera       47 M            3:52:55  5:33

  112    389 June Sta Ana           31 M            3:53:14  5:34

  113    444 Joebe Canabuan         37 M            3:53:26  5:34

  114    458 Allan Briso               M            3:54:13  5:35

  115    334 Helario Tarnate        50 M            3:55:08  5:36

  116    387 Lucio Radores             M FRC        3:55:10  5:36

  117    252 Saturnino Camangonan   49 M FRC        3:55:29  5:37

  118    400 Rod Trivino            49 M            3:55:46  5:37

  119    235 Alex Sanchez           53 M            3:55:47  5:37

  120    518 Michael Ramirez        41 M ABACUS     3:55:51  5:37

  121    330 Hermogenes Valdez Jr.  52 M            3:56:08  5:38

  122    395 Rodillo Sabordo        44 M            3:56:12  5:38

  123    229 Luis Laxamana          45 M            3:56:13  5:38

  124    200 Manuel Lopez           36 M            3:56:26  5:38

  125    468 Victor Ting            62 M            3:56:52  5:39

  126    432 Vener Roldan              M            3:57:31  5:40

  127    319 Ignacio Manlangit      49 M            3:57:40  5:40

  128    426 Reynald Ruda           40 M            3:57:45  5:40

  129    778 Pete Bengasen          34 M RES        3:57:56  5:40

  130    800 Rene Raterta           38 M            3:58:26  5:41

  131    483 Salustiano Ramos Jr.   51 M            3:58:30  5:41

  132    547 Ronnie Pilarca         43 M RUN PLUS   3:58:46  5:42

  133    487 Chester Catilago       28 M            3:59:05  5:42

  134    666 Russil Silvila         18 M            3:59:15  5:42

  135    662 Julius Bucalbos        30 M            3:59:33  5:43

  136    257 Rodelio Dela Cruz      40 M FRC        3:59:50  5:43

  137    537 Alvin Casimiro         33 M            3:59:51  5:43

  138    189 Raymund Velasco        21 M            4:00:41  5:44

  139   1441 Jan Tina               23 M            4:01:10  5:45

  140    254 Fred Evangelista       58 M FRC        4:01:26  5:45

  141    461 Orlando Aban           38 M            4:01:53  5:46

  142    223 Antonio Montemayor     45 M            4:01:56  5:46

  143    232 Candido Honrado        52 M ABACUS     4:02:02  5:46

  144    343 Graciano Santos        42 M            4:02:17  5:47

  145    526 Noel Nolasco           36 M RUN PLUS   4:02:23  5:47

  146    380 Enrique Balbin         35 M            4:02:35  5:47

  147    427 Rodolfo Atos           46 M            4:02:44  5:47

  148    369 Danilo Acosta          45 M DIR LINK   4:02:49  5:47

  149    463 Allan Nona             37 M STRIDERS   4:03:41  5:49

  150    697 Pablo Yambot           34 M P&G        4:03:47  5:49

  151    475 Manolito Anyaya           M            4:04:30  5:50

  152    781 Jose Andrada           52 M RES        4:04:58  5:50

  153    224 Chito Vegim            38 M            4:05:17  5:51

  154    617 Eduardo Bayot          28 M MARINERS   4:05:36  5:51

  155    307 Remegio Peru           63 M DIR LINK   4:05:56  5:52

  156    F69 Janeth Lopena          44 F            4:06:00  5:52

  157    448 Frederick Babiera      25 M            4:06:09  5:52

  158    195 ALfredo Fototana       72 M            4:06:09  5:52

  159    564 Nonilo Onoya           48 M            4:06:44  5:53

  160    375 Alipio Narciso            M CAMANAVA   4:06:46  5:53

  161    301 Roel Olimba            37 M HJC        4:07:15  5:54

  162    267 Edgar De Guzman        41 M FRC        4:07:53  5:55

  163    409 Joselito Abuda         34 M            4:08:28  5:55

  164    392 Jose MAri Banzon       47 M            4:09:13  5:57

  165    394 Stephen Uy             20 M            4:09:15  5:57

  166    225 Willy Indac            39 M            4:09:33  5:57

  167    362 Joseph Magno           51 M            4:09:40  5:57

  168    414 Larry Luciano          44 M            4:09:48  5:57

  169    472 Gil Pajares            61 M            4:10:01  5:58

  170    F58 Daisy Castillon           F            4:10:14  5:58

  171    261 Vicente Topacio        52 M FRC        4:11:01  5:59

  172    799 Leo Yambao             30 M            4:11:40  6:00

  173    543 Jesus Delos Santos        M RUN PLUS   4:11:46  6:00

  174    658 Maclan Matthew         26 M            4:12:07  6:01

  175    431 Danilo Dela Cruz       47 M            4:12:28  6:01

  176    517 Salvador Carino        39 M ABACUS     4:12:43  6:02

  177    326 Serafin Zulueta        37 M            4:13:31  6:03

  178    233 Joe Paro               48 M            4:13:44  6:03

  179    331 Rufino Serrano         31 M            4:14:24  6:04

  180    569 Lorenzo Marques        56 M CAMANAVA   4:14:30  6:04

  181    378 Sandy Alentajan        48 M            4:14:34  6:04

  182  63001 Amar Taberdo              M FBHS       4:14:52  6:05

  183    789 Roger Flores              M            4:15:11  6:05

  184    767 Michael Nazareno       24 M MARINERS   4:15:28  6:05

  185    253 Rudy Ilustre           46 M FRC        4:15:33  6:06

  186    470 Gil Bagatua            48 M            4:15:44  6:06

  187    438 Vicente Lunar          40 M            4:15:52  6:06

  188    538 Benedict Ngo              M            4:15:53  6:06

  189    228 ALex Avila             37 M            4:16:37  6:07

  190    287 Ric Bernabe               M            4:16:42  6:07

  191    177 Joseph Indico          32 M            4:17:05  6:08

  192   F127 Rachel Pena            35 F RES        4:17:07  6:08

  193    188 Francis Nacino         36 M            4:17:26  6:08

  194    F55 Ma.Luisa Dulnuan       41 F            4:18:48  6:10

  195    268 Jose Cando             35 M FRC        4:19:45  6:12

  196    533 Gie Latorre            36 M STRIDERS   4:19:52  6:12

  197    540 Junn Sia               50 M            4:20:03  6:12

  198    737 Allan Latoza           31 M NESTLE     4:20:21  6:12

  199    376 Ramon Solis            54 M CAMANAVA   4:20:37  6:13

  200    F39 Monique Nimo           35 F            4:21:03  6:13

  201    255 Tommy Tan              57 M FRC        4:21:04  6:13

  202    266 Dominador Agot         49 M FRC        4:21:16  6:14

  203    178 Bernice Pascual           M            4:21:48  6:14

  204    563 Arthur Rimando         38 M            4:22:25  6:15

  205    556 Renilo MAteo           44 M            4:22:27  6:15

  206    353 Elmer Fernandez        47 M            4:22:36  6:16

  207    532 Edwin Bien             44 M STRIDERS   4:23:16  6:17

  208    683 Manuel Elima Jr.       57 M            4:23:31  6:17

  209    669 Ding Manubay           40 M            4:23:45  6:17

  210    347 Edwin Hepolito         50 M            4:23:50  6:17

  211    440 Allan Reyes            32 M            4:23:54  6:17

  212    612 Rodney Patricio        29 M MARINERS   4:24:24  6:18

  213    645 Mohammad Buenaagua     18 M            4:25:33  6:20

  214    270 HArold Nimo            31 M FRC        4:26:12  6:21

  215    689 George Dolodes         31 M            4:26:22  6:21

  216    437 Alberto Payongayong    47 M            4:26:24  6:21

  217    589 Andro Raca             22 M MARINERS   4:27:32  6:23

  218    227 Orlando Cantura        37 M            4:28:03  6:23

  219    651 Arman Abalos           34 M            4:28:13  6:24

  220    619 Mark Lester Escala     29 M MARINERS   4:28:16  6:24

  221    403 Hector Ledesma         42 M            4:28:22  6:24

  222    230 Ramon Millon           48 M ABACUS     4:28:37  6:24

  223    439 Willy Salas            49 M            4:28:41  6:24

  224    451 Victorino Bait-it      57 M            4:28:54  6:25

  225    278 Deo Jaravata           43 M            4:29:03  6:25

  226    471 Danie Calma            31 M            4:29:12  6:25

  227    606 Darwin Dejuras         21 M MARINERS   4:29:26  6:25

  228    488 Ramon Rodriguez        26 M            4:29:31  6:25

  229    493 Eduardo Medina         52 M            4:29:33  6:26

  230    774 Romeo Mendoza          26 M            4:29:39  6:26

  231    643 Allan Evardo           40 M            4:29:39  6:26

  232    F57 Genevive Embodo        22 F            4:30:01  6:26

  233    591 Michael Lomogso        22 M MARINERS   4:30:34  6:27

  234    561 Beneamar Pascual          M            4:31:00  6:28

  235    664 Alan Giba              36 M            4:31:09  6:28

  236    352 Juanito Llenares       39 M            4:31:19  6:28

  237    723 Felipe Nama            50 M P&G        4:31:43  6:29

  238    335 Mannie Dela Serna      41 M            4:32:23  6:30

  239    593 Meil Dariagan          21 M MARINERS   4:32:41  6:30

  240    672 Poling Santos          61 M            4:33:12  6:31

  241    695 Allen Angnged          39 M P&G        4:33:17  6:31

  242    288 Samson Biantan            M            4:33:50  6:32

  243    333 Roderick Racho            M            4:34:19  6:32

  244    304 Roque Agrade           46 M            4:35:04  6:33

  245    407 Marcelo Tabago Jr      49 M            4:35:07  6:34

  246    462 Jose Santos               M            4:35:07  6:34

  247    579 Monico Saranillo Jr.   24 M MARINERS   4:35:27  6:34

  248    707 Rodillo Manaras           M P&G        4:35:34  6:34

  249    265 Ricardo Pasion         54 M FRC        4:35:37  6:34

  250    434 Benjamin Garcia Jr.    46 M            4:35:44  6:34

  251    592 Peter Ragsag           23 M MARINERS   4:35:59  6:35

  252    770 Norberto Rodellas      60 M            4:36:04  6:35

  253    277 Dionisio Potonia       63 M            4:36:18  6:35

  254    607 Brian Batindaan        28 M MARINERS   4:36:33  6:36

  255    586 Wilbert Peracion       26 M MARINERS   4:36:40  6:36

  256    583 Wencel Cabrillos       22 M MARINERS   4:36:59  6:36

  257    294 Vergelio Leona         43 M HJC        4:37:01  6:36

  258    415 Rhoel Gambaloza        38 M            4:37:06  6:36

  259    530 Crispin Salibay        34 M            4:38:26  6:38

  260    554 Nicanor Reyes          47 M            4:38:42  6:39

  261    F59 Cindy Janoras          35 F            4:38:45  6:39

  262    241 Henry Dela Cruz        44 M SMHRC      4:38:53  6:39

  263    477 Edward Biore           28 M            4:39:19  6:40

  264    636 Ronnell Pacheco        24 M MARINERS   4:39:41  6:40

  265    590 Marlo Suating             M MARINERS   4:39:51  6:40

  266    798 Almelito Casas         38 M PUBLICIS   4:40:05  6:41

  267    244 Edwin Gunda            40 M SMHRC      4:40:17  6:41

  268    550 George Keppel          56 M            4:40:51  6:42

  269    609 Alejandro Permejo      21 M MARINERS   4:41:04  6:42

  270    621 Anthony Bautista       24 M MARINERS   4:41:12  6:42

  271    184 Jonathan Tansengco     41 M            4:41:14  6:42

  272    637 Micklier Dasas         24 M MARINERS   4:41:16  6:42

  273    524 Cecilio Santos Jr.     47 M            4:41:23  6:42

  274    391 Franco Juliano         28 M            4:41:29  6:43

  275    514 Arthur Pangilinan      48 M ABACUS     4:41:41  6:43

  276    650 Nicolas Torre III      37 M            4:41:49  6:43

  277    701 David Clinton          33 M            4:41:53  6:43

  278    599 Raymond De Guzman      22 M MARINERS   4:42:19  6:44

  279    258 Paul Padayao           29 M FRC        4:42:59  6:45

  280     F7 Isa Cruz               24 F            4:43:09  6:45

  281    772 Amado Gerpacio         52 M            4:43:35  6:46

  282    670 Gil Catacutan          40 M            4:43:58  6:46

  283    479 Ricardo Cabusao Jr.    40 M            4:44:06  6:46

  284    279 Albert Bilason            M            4:44:11  6:46

  285    361 Felix Pedida           51 M            4:44:33  6:47

  286    528 Julio Laurente            M            4:44:42  6:47

  287    728 Bong Gallarda          35 M P&G        4:45:21  6:48

  288    694 Junrox Roque           34 M P&G        4:46:22  6:50

  289    302 Giovanni Hernandes     18 M HJC        4:46:44  6:50

  290    629 Rene Sutarez           28 M MARINERS   4:46:54  6:50

  291    412 Rene Abacan            41 M            4:47:03  6:51

  292    665 Eddie Roca             53 M            4:47:10  6:51

  293    535 Ricky Suson            44 M STRIDERS   4:47:25  6:51

  294    773 Erwin Tibar            18 M            4:49:00  6:53

  295    542 Jose Benemerito        54 M            4:49:10  6:54

  296    631 Joey Rayos             26 M MARINERS   4:49:22  6:54

  297     28 Dindo Diaz             36 M            4:49:47  6:54

  298    402 Eledad Rentillo        59 M            4:49:52  6:55

  299    531 Rex Canas                 M STRIDERS   4:50:08  6:55

  300    671 Jose Allan Laid        48 M            4:50:20  6:55

  301    256 Ricky Dizon               M FRC        4:50:32  6:56

  302    734 Ricky Sangalang        37 M P&G        4:50:34  6:56

  303    704 Jolly Villamor         42 M P&G        4:50:47  6:56

  304    222 Gilbert Mabasa         50 M GRC        4:51:18  6:57

  305    281 Helio De Ocampo        63 M ABACUS     4:51:28  6:57

  306    386 Jovencio Rabang        59 M FRC        4:51:46  6:57

  307    729 John Mark Allado       23 M P&G        4:52:09  6:58

  308    661 Manolo Hernandez       30 M            4:52:19  6:58

  309    703 Chris Santiago         29 M P&G        4:52:20  6:58

  310    605 James Llorente         22 M MARINERS   4:52:31  6:58

  311    421 Florencio Domingo         M            4:52:47  6:59

  312    182 Johniel Allera         30 M            4:53:20  7:00

  313    453 Danilo Peralta         50 M            4:53:44  7:00

  314    516 Patrick Santiago       38 M ABACUS     4:53:57  7:00

  315    600 Elvis Destajo          26 M MARINERS   4:53:58  7:00

  316    549 Vergilio Quiromenales     M RUN PLUS   4:54:06  7:01

  317    624 Alejo Gerona           27 M MARINERS   4:54:07  7:01

  318    460 Norman Norallon        39 M            4:54:15  7:01

  319    618 Al Suerte              24 M            4:54:24  7:01

  320    410 Rudy Abulencia         44 M            4:54:32  7:01

  321    559 Jose Maria Galauran    36 M            4:54:53  7:02

  322    713 Paulino Juan Jr.       35 M P&G        4:54:58  7:02

  323    633 Raymond Onato          21 M MARINERS   4:55:41  7:03

  324    318 Rex Marquez            45 M            4:55:45  7:03

  325    420 Dominador Berug        56 M            4:56:10  7:04

  326    447 Randy Rivera           29 M            4:56:25  7:04

  327    522 Steven Cinco           26 M            4:56:31  7:04

  328    657 Maxilum Arttu          61 M            4:56:40  7:04

  329    292 Gregorio Ocampo        43 M HJC        4:56:42  7:04

  330    F11 Jennifer Wallace       36 F            4:56:49  7:05

  331    680 Gerald Ambayec         24 M            4:56:52  7:05

  332    568 Emmanuel Bravo         42 M CAMANAVA   4:57:22  7:05

  333    303 Marvin Martinez        30 M HJC        4:57:40  7:06

  334    644 Gareth Abacan          29 M            4:58:25  7:07

  335    240 Ernesto Sioc              M SMHRC      4:58:26  7:07

  336    325 Rodolfo Laureno        53 M            4:58:39  7:07

  337    635 Genesis Encina         20 M MARINERS   4:58:49  7:07

  338    705 Bernardo Rubio            M P&G        4:59:14  7:08

  339    272 Douglas Melendres      42 M            4:59:14  7:08

  340    500 Charles Coronejo       32 M            4:59:20  7:08

  341    464 Edison Antuerfia Jr.   28 M            4:59:25  7:08

  342    571 Tobias PAranal Jr.     35 M            5:00:35  7:10

  343    588 Jayson Dimaano         19 M MARINERS   5:00:38  7:10

  344    F67 Elaine Yap             27 F            5:01:03  7:11

  345    290 Samson Ocampo          48 M HJC        5:01:04  7:11

  346    766 Jerome Cartailler      44 M            5:01:13  7:11

  347    329 Dencio Casang             M            5:01:19  7:11

  348    359 Benedict Meneses       29 M            5:01:19  7:11

  349    560 Kristoffer Del Rosari  25 M            5:01:20  7:11

  350    459 Nolito Aguja           33 M            5:01:33  7:11

  351    248 Reynaldo Borlongan     57 M ABACUS     5:01:41  7:11

  352    173 Richard Gutib          45 M            5:01:56  7:12

  353    383 Paulino Ismael         29 M FRC        5:01:58  7:12

  354    430 Alladin Morales        32 M            5:02:01  7:12

  355    289 Gil Ocampo             58 M            5:02:04  7:12

  356    602 Gerardo Cas            40 M            5:02:43  7:13

  357     39 Eduardo Francisco      47 M            5:02:52  7:13

  358    603 Allan Nadal            23 M MARINERS   5:03:13  7:14

  359    473 Brando Salvania        43 M            5:03:55  7:15

  360    284 Rodrigo Guzman         51 M ABACUS     5:05:10  7:16

  361    481 Rolan Veron            37 M            5:05:36  7:17

  362    249 Jun Lautrizon          50 M ABACUS     5:05:38  7:17

  363    620 Eduard Cabalquinto     26 M MARINERS   5:06:09  7:18

  364    654 Arnulfo Febria         53 M            5:06:18  7:18

  365    769 Fernando De Lara       39 M            5:06:21  7:18

  366    521 Rodrigo Maza              M            5:06:30  7:18

  367    373 Albert Roldan          34 M            5:07:20  7:20

  368    247 Wally Lumberio         48 M ABACUS     5:07:58  7:20

  369    260 Bart Turalba           47 M FRC        5:09:14  7:22

  370    616 Jeffrey Rodillas       21 M MARINERS   5:09:16  7:22

  371    768 Danilo Torres             M            5:09:17  7:22

  372    236 Michael Sanchez        28 M            5:09:39  7:23

  373    355 Roberto Zarate         38 M            5:11:20  7:25

  374    685 Victor Lim             40 M            5:11:30  7:25

  375    357 Rodolfo Santos            M            5:11:31  7:26

Milo Marathon 42K Recap

This is the day!

I set my alarm clock at 2:30 a.m. and went to bed at 9 p.m. with the kids although I knew there was no way I was going to be able to fall asleep easily in my excitement. Somehow I managed to drift off into a light sleep but I could sense people coming in and out of the room. I woke up around midnight and worked my way back to sleep. When the alarm went off I got dressed, I ate a peanut butter sandwich, banana, and some nuts. I gathered my gear on the dining table, and waited for B to pick me up. B would be my support and my cameraman for this race.

It was drizzling lightly when B and I left the house. The weather seemed perfect for racing today, but by the time we got to Museong Pambata at 10 to 4, the rain became stronger. The runners who had arrived earlier than we did sought shelter in the Milo tents but there were not enough prompting them to seek refuge elsewhere.

Runners getting out of the rain!

I was walking around surveying the starting area but when the rains got stronger and the water seeped into my shoes I decided to wait near some trees. I met Jonel and Mang Jer who were also keeping out of the rain. Being a veteran marathon runner, Mang Jer said that the race would still start on time regardless of the rain. Jonel and I were first time runners so when it was time to go into the starting corral we wished each other the best of luck reaching the finish line.

At the first sign of a break in the rain, I decided to jog around the area to get my blood flowing and to warm up my muscles. Because of the rain, the weather was quite cool and it would not be easy to break into a sweat. I wore a jacket to keep myself warm and did a slow jog so as not to waste precious energy for the race. I passed by the portalets which were being readied for the crowd today and thought it a good idea to use it before the race.

Warming up!

Inside the starting corral, I was expecting to have thousands of people in front and I was suprised to find myself only a few feet away from the starting line. When the starting gun went off, I didn’t feel the need to run like a madman out of the gate. I started out with a very relaxed pace or so I thought…

And They Are Off!

My plan for this race was to run an average pace of 5:40 / km to be able to break the 4 hour barrier. A 3:59:59 would be good enough for me! My goal may seem too ambitious for someone running the race for the first time but I wanted to go all out and not hold anything back. Despite all the sensible advice I got, I did not want to start conservatively and find out at the end of the race that I still had something left in me.

Mile 1 : 9:10 On Roxas Boulevard

I was just running at what I felt to be a relaxed pace. I was not particularly concerned if some runners would pass me by. I was enjoying the scenery and observing other runners, particularly those in groups. I saw coach Rio who was acting as support on his scooter.

Mile 2 : 9:19 On Roxas Boulevard

The rain suddenly got stronger and we were drenched through and through. People were doing there best to avoid the deep puddles on the road.

Mile 3 :9:14 Scaling the Buendia Flyover

We would be passing through 3 floyovers and this would be the first. The incline was gradual and similar to the incline found in UP before the Muslim Sudies building. On the way down, Rene, another first timer and I found ourselves with the same pace. He was running with 2 companions. One was ahead of us and the other was behind us. They planned to run a together but they could not agree on a pace. He had begun training last Februrary but felt that this would be his first and last marathon as it was too exhausting to run the distance. He would accompany me for another 2 miles.

Mile 4 : 9:09 The EDSA Flyover

I consume my first GU gel at this point. I have been drinking from my fuel belt along the way as my throat is dry perhaps due to nervousness.

Mile 5 : 9:18 The First Turn

Rene sees his companion on the turn and realizes that they are not that far apart after all. Eventually, they end up running together. Just as I am running by myself again, the Ibanrunner appears beside me. I introduce myself to him and we run the next 5 miles together.

Mile 6 : 9:08

I have another GU gel. The pace seems just right for both of us. It starts to rain hard again which is something we prefer to the heat of the day.

Mile 7 : 9:00

B is there at the first 10km mark to hand me a bottle of Gatorade. I forget to hand him my empty fuel belt and to request for more gel. It will be another 6 miles before I am able to get some gel from him.

Running with the Ibanrunner

Mile 8 : 9:03 On Buendia

We slosh through Buendia still quiet in the early morning. There are plenty of raod marshalls keeping traffic at bay as we go through several interesections. We pass the railroad tracks and I wonder if a train will be coming through today. I drop off my bottle of Gatorade with a water station to dispose off.

Mile 9 : 8:58 Entering the Makati Business District

The flat roads ahead allows us to make some good time as we enter the Makati CBD. I imagine I am still okay since Iban and I can still keep a running conversation.  I keep reminding myself that we are not even half way through so I can’t gauge how I will be feeling on the return journey. 

Mile 10 : 8:52

Just before the corner of Buendia and Tordesillas St., Iban passes by a water station while I forge ahead to meet B who will pass another bottle of Gatorade to me. I remove my fuel belt and hand it to him. I did not get any GU gel so I tell him to prepare one for our next stop. Iban who is behind me falls back and I do not see him until later on in the race.

Take My Belt!

Mile 11 : 9:11 The Flight to the Fort

The Buendia flyover to Fort Bonifacio is probably tougher than the previous 2 flyovers because of its length. It takes a lot of concentration to maintain form and focus. At this time, the sky is light and I can look at my watch without having to use the backlight. At the foot of the flyover, I spot Taki handing out small plastic bags of energy drink to runners together with some race volunteers.

Mile 12 : 9:10 5th Avenue

The familiar race route of the Fort beckons and 5th Avenue is where it all begins. I spot B at the designated meet up point. He hands me my bottle of Gatorade and runs beside me while trying to hand me some gels. I get one and consume it along the way. I will need this for the coming hills.

Coming Down 5th Avenue

Mile 13 : 9:10 Lawton

During this whole time I see coach Rio from time to time and he has on more than one occassion offered to hold my bottle for me until I turn around. It was very kind of him to do so and I hope one day I will be able to be as nice to him. Anyway, he was waiting again at Lawton and again, I declined his offer as I would be disposing of the bottle later. I was running well and entering familiar territory.

Mile 14 : 9:06 Bayani Road

Unlike in previous races, the route was to take us about 400m past Bayani Road for the second turn then turn right into Bayani Road down to Heritage. The last time I ran this route was during the Mizuno Rush to Infinity 10km race. If it was muddy then, it was muddier now with the heavy rains. Still I soldiered on.

Mile 15 : 9:18 Heritage and the Last Turn Around

I saw B as I came into the last turn around. To my surprise, I also saw my wife as well. She had made it! Last night she told me that if she was not able to wake up for the start she would try to catch me at the Fort all the way to the finish. I think she was surprised to see me too. I guess she did not expect to see this very muddy, sweaty, and wet person to be her running hubby.

B handed me another gel and Gatorade. I asked him to prepare a banana for the next stop as I could feel my stomach getting hungry. I feared not taking anything prior to 5th Avenue was going to take its toll.

At the Last Turn Around

Note the smile on my face. I must really have been very happy to see her.

Mile 16 : 9:08 The Hills

I attack the hills on the way back. It is actually my favorite part of the race here in the Fort. My aggression may have been my downfall.

Mile 17 : 9: 35

Mile 18 : 9:55

I knew something was wrong as soon as I slowed down. I could not summon the same speed despite the strong effort I put into my stride. I slowed down a little to regain some energy, but the hills seem to have take a lot out of me. At our next stop on 5th Avenue after Mckinley, from smiling and confident I am now a little worried.

Not Smiling Now Eh?

By this time though there were very few runners behind me now.

Mile 19 : 9:53 More 5th Avenue

Mile 20 : 10:36 Back on the Flyover to Buendia

At this point, I was struggling to keep my pace below 10mins/mile. I would lock in on a runner ahead of me and try to match their pace so that I would be “pulled” along with them but I could feel my legs beginning to cry out in protest.

Mile 21 : 10:02 Into the Makati CBD Again

The flat Buendia road helped me keep my pace steady. Although I was no longer running as strong as I had earlier I prayed that I could maintain this pace. I met up with B again at the corner of Tordesillas but I knew that neither Gatorade or gels would help me know. I told them to just meet me at the finish whenever that would be.

Struggling But Steady

Mile 22 : 12:01 The Long Road to the Finish

With just 5 miles to go, a distance I always do during easy runs, I hit the wall. My legs are on fire. It is an effort to put one foot in front of the other and I must use every bit of mental energy to do it. It is all the more difficult as the city has come alive and there are now so many cars and so much pollution on Buendia.

Mile 23 : 11:34 Battling Myself and Traffic

At the narrowest point of Buendia, cars and buses were entangled as one lane of the western side of Buendia was reserved for runners. It was noisy and the pollution specially from motorcycles that chose to enter the runners’ lane made concentrating difficult. The police and the traffic marshalls were doing their best and I could only thank them for keeping the lanes free for us.

Mile 24 : 12:09 Back on Roxas Boulevard

A lady runner passed me by and as she did, she encouraged me to keep running as were almost there. I did not know how I was going to do it as each step sent waves of pain up my thighs. There were many runners walking along the way and some would resume running after a while. I knew my resolution not to walk was caving in. It would be so nice to just stop and walk. I had come this far and it would not be so bad if I walked the rest of the way. Where is that hidden energy?

Mile 25 : 15:36 Giving In

So I did. I walked. I did not care anymore. It was just too painful. Ibanrunner passed me by and asked my why I had stopped running and I told him I couldn’t anymore. He wanted me to run with him but I couldn’t find the strength.

Mile 26 : 9:43 One Last Burst

I could see the buildings in front of where the grandstand should be and I decided to give it another try. At first I was scared that my legs would refuse or buckle in exhaustion but surprisingly I was moving. There would be no sprint to the finish line today but I would at least get there running.

As the grandstand came into view, I saw my wife waiting for me, then the finish line, then the amazing feeling that I had done it. I had finally finished the race. My GF showed a time of 4:17:27 for 41.61 km. I did not get the time I wanted but just to get here has been a tremendous experience for me.

I saw ibanrunner at the finishers area and we congratulated each other for finishing the race. It was like we had gotten closer through this experience.

I went to my wife and I was so happy to see her that for a while it did not matter that my whole body was aching. There would be plenty of time for healing…and the next marathon!

Just A Few Meters More to the Finish