Run Radio July 7, 2009
Posted by ibetlacbay in running.2 comments
For the past few years, running as a sport has increasingly become popular among Filipinos, leading to the prevalence of road races around Metro Manila. The aforementioned races has become a congregation not just of people from all walks of life united in their love for running and resolution to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle. From elite athletes to weekend warriors, from multisport enthusiasts to the weight-watcher, running has become an integral part in the public’s efforts to keep fit.
With running at its peak, the idea for producing a viable medium to promote and sustain the sport’s presence in the public eye came, hence the idea to produce Run Radio.
Run Radio will be a 60-minute radio show featuring the following segments that both newbie and serious runners (and to an extent, non-runners too!) would find interesting — product review, advice segment (docs, coaches, nutritionists), power songs (to pump up your adrenaline as you run!), hitting the wall with our guest runners (from celebrities to running groups), and the 5k challenge where non-runners from all walks of life will transform into a 5k finisher in a matter of 6-8 weeks.
The show will be hosted by Jaymie Pizarro, a known catalyst for influencing people to take up running as a lifestyle choice, and Jay Nacino, a former Ateneo track team member who has rekindled his love for running. Both hosts are known figures in the running circuit through their blogs (http://thebullrunner.com for Pizarro and http://prometheuscometh.wordpress.com for Nacino) where they give detailed accounts of their training, their races, and running in general.
Also to be featured in the nutrition, coaching, and injury prevention segment would be premiere race organizer and running coach Rio dela Cruz, nutritionist and triathlete Dr. George Bodegon, and ultramarathoner and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paolo Punsalan. They are among the many other experts who will give the running public advice on how to keep healthy while training for higher mileage.
Moreover, our resident product tester would be shoe expert and ultramarathoner Hector Yuzon, founder of the Second Wind running store.
The Nike+ 5K Challenge aims to dare non-runners to make running an integral part of their lives. For this season, our challenger is an MBA student who seeks to combat the unhealthy , sedentary lifestyle. Ten Outstanding Young Students awardee and Ateneo de Manila batch valedictorian Patrick Echevarria will be trained by the Nike Running Clinic for eight weeks until he starts running his first 5k race.
Run Radio will start airing on July 24 at NU 107, and will continue to air every Fridays, 9-10pm.
Run Radio is made possible by Nike, Print Avenue, Botak, Finishline.ph, Pinoy Ultra Runners, Second Wind Running Store, and RUNNR.
For the latest updates please visit http://www.nu107fm.com/profile/runradio
Crossing the Finish Line Video July 3, 2009
Posted by ibetlacbay in running.4 comments
This is so cool! I didn’t know that they would have a video of you crossing the finish line. Seattle rocks!
link to video here
Express Yourself July 3, 2009
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I know several of us have favorite singlets/running jersey/shirt that we use in major running events. It maybe Nike or Adidas, your running group’s jersey or it may even be personalized. I already wore my “Come Visit the Philippines” shirt in Vancouver and “IAmNinoy” here in Seattle.
Here are a few personalized shirts/jersey wore by Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll runners that caught my attention:
Virgin
I was running behind a young lady with this written on her back on the first 8 miles. 
I thought we signed up for a beer run
Two ladies were wearing this shirt. There could be beers waiting for them at the finish line. hehe
Marathon Maniacs
I just learned that there is a running group here in the US called Marathon Maniacs. I was able to chat to one of them during the race. She was probably in her 40s and said she completed 3 marathons in 3 months to be a member. Wow!
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me
I say AMEN to this! This showed up on the 21st mile (when I needed strength and inspiration).
Kayo? What will you be wearing on your next race?
I Rocked! June 29, 2009
Posted by ibetlacbay in Uncategorized.12 comments
I woke up race morning with the following thoughts in my mind:
- “Pace smartly”, “Enjoy and have fun”, “Don’t worry about the time, just finish”
Before Race Start
I arrived at the starting line at 5:20AM. Bananas, bagels, water and Cytomax greeted the runners. Skies were clear but it was very cold! I did not checked in my sweater and my extra shirt until 6:30AM.
The 25000 runners were grouped in corrals with both half marathon and marathon runners are combined. The first corral was sent off at exactly 7AM and other corrals were released in 1:30 minute intervals.
Mile 1 – 6
Most of the time, I suffer from running too hard at the start of a race. I get so eager and get carried away by other runners. This time, I resisted the temptation. I ran a very relaxed pace. Pace smartly, pace smartly. Nearing Seward Park, my cellphone rang (I was carry it in my hydration belt!). My friend asked if where I was as they are about to park their car near Seward. I finally have my own cheering squad 
! A few steps before the water station, I saw my friend with husband and their baby. After a quick picture taking session, I set my sights to the floating bridge from afar.
Mile 7 – 13
This is the start of the scenic route. Half marathon and marathon runners ran 2 miles on the edge of Lake Washington before splitting on the 9th mile. US full marathon runners have the privilege of running on the express lanes of I-90/Lake Washington floating bridge. Running on the floating bridge felt like running on water. As it was a clear day, the snow capped Mt. Rainier was in view.
My heel started to hurt a just a little after the turnaround on the floating bridge. The incline on the I-90 turns also did not helped my knees. Despite this, I was still feeling okay and ready for the next 13 miles.
Mile 14 – 21
There was a good size crowd when I got to downtown Seattle. The race gets exciting starting this point. I was taken for a roller coaster ride. For one the temperature is now either hot or cold. It was cold under the shade or hot when not.
As Seattle is known for being hilly, one minute you are running uphill and before you knew it there is a steep downhill on the next turn (which hurts on the knees). The killer is the long uphill towards Aurora Bridge which reminded of the the uphill of the NB race in Clark (where I nearly gave up!). This time I was prepared. I would walk a few steps before the water station and resume my (slow) run after I finished drinking. I made it to the bridge and back but my knees and feet hurt more now.
Mile 22 – 26.2
So near yet so far. Knees and feet are hurting. Only 5 more miles – flat-downhill-flat-uphill-flat-downhill. I continued my “walk at the water station and resume slow run” strategy. But on the last mile, I suddenly had renewed energy. The nearer I am to the finish line the faster I ran. Knees and feet still hurt but I didn’t care anymore. I sprinted the last 400 meters.
I Rocked
I finished my first full marathon in 5 hours and 28 minutes. Like I said before, I’m not particular about my finish time. I was there for the experience, to enjoy and have fun. I’ve shared stories with other runners along the way. I got high fives, congratulations and good job. I know not everybody can run a marathon and I am proud of myself finishing one. I did not hit the dreaded wall, did not have any injury, blisters nor dead toe nails . I truly rocked! I’d like to thank my friends and family for being an inspiration.
Will I do it again? Hell yeah!!! Next goal is the Amica Seattle Marathon in November.
PS:
My knees and feet are now okay and ready to run again.
2 More Days! – Race Expo June 25, 2009
Posted by ibetlacbay in running.Tags: Qwest Field Event Center, race expo, Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon
3 comments
I initially planned on going to the race expo tomorrow (Friday). Due to changes in my work schedule – less work today and more work tomorrow I left the office early today to pick-up my race packet at the Qwest Field Event Center. There were less people in the expo as I expected probably I arrived less than 2 hours before closing time or more people would come on the last day of the expo. I didn’t have much time to visit all the booths today but I do hope I could get out of earlier so I can go to the expo again.
My race bib, race shirt, timing chip (the orange strip), GU chomps and race primer
4 More Days! June 22, 2009
Posted by ibetlacbay in running.Tags: Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon
5 comments
Woohoo! Seattle is ready to rock!
Am I nervous? Definitely not coz i’m super excited. I’m too excited that I might not be able to sleep Friday night!
Rock ‘n’ Roll Ready?! June 8, 2009
Posted by ibetlacbay in running.8 comments
It is only 3 weeks til my first marathon. After weeks and weeks of running and building my endurance and tolerance to pain, I finally logged my longest run – 30kms. Woohoo!
It was a slow and relaxed run. It was also a sort of dress rehearsal for me. Asics Gel Kayano 15 was superb in taming my plantar fasciitis and my feet are blister-free c/o Wright DLX socks. SUGOi Merlin 2-in-1 shorts completes my dress rehearsal. I haven’t decided on what shirt to wear (something yellow maybe?) but I sure need bodyglide or nipple guards.
This weekend, I will be going for 20 miles/32 kms (or more) and it will be tapering after that.
Rock ‘n’ Roll shoes May 31, 2009
Posted by ibetlacbay in Uncategorized.9 comments
This just came in yesterday – Asics Gel Kayano 15.
I will be breaking it in today and see if this will be my rock ‘n’ roll shoes.
Update: I took my new shoes for a spin today and ran 16kms without any problems. This is it! hehehe
Rock ‘n’ Roll Countdown May 28, 2009
Posted by ibetlacbay in running.6 comments
30 Days more til Seattle goes Rock ‘n’ Roll!
Beating the Bridge May 20, 2009
Posted by ibetlacbay in running.Tags: Beat the Bridge, running
3 comments
So I was doing my 10K last Thursday on Burke Gilman Trail when I stumble upon this sign board saying that my favorite trail will be busy on Sunday for an event named – “Beat the Bridge“. Curious, I went online to know more about this event. The race is a fund raising activity to beat diabetes and is 8km/5miles around Portage Bay – cool. The starting line is at Husky Stadium, University of Washington which is 4kms from my apartment. I could do a 4km warm-up to get the venue and then run 8km – perfect for my long run. Double cool!
Saturday noon I was at Husky Stadium to register. I was asked at registration what would be my estimated time so they could put me on one of the three waves for the 8K run. I figured my intention was not to race so I signed up for the last wave. After paying the reg fee and getting my shirt, I went on spending this great Saturday weather shopping with my friends at an outlet mall outside Seattle.
Race day, I woke up excited to blue skies. After a light breakfast, I proceeded with my 4k warm-up to the race venue. It was a very slow pace as I was conserving my energy for the 8k. There was a huge number of runners when I arrived at Husky Stadium. The race started 5 minutes late as the timing chip provider had technical problems. First off are the walkers then Wave 1, Wave 2 and finally Wave 3.
Going around Portage Bay means we have to crossed two bridges – Montlake Bridge and University Bridge. I reached Montlake Bridge a few minutes as it was just near Husky Stadium. One bridge down one to go.
I was almost at the University Bridge when I heard the bells ringing. Was there a boat coming? How can that be when there is an ongoing race. At the foot of the bridge, I saw hundreds of runners stood still and looking at the other side of the bridge. And then the bridge raised up. This made me realized that the purpose of this race was to cross the bridge before it raises. If I knew this earlier, I would have joined Wave 2. Too late!
I immediately went to race mode after the bridge went down. Probably the 4km warm-up did its job. The race ended inside Husky Stadium. It’s my first time to be inside the stadium – football and track oval. Now I know where I could do speed training (miss Ultra!) Minus the waiting time at the bridge, I finished 8km in 46 minutes. A new PR!
Wish I could do this again next year and beat the bridge but I would be back in Manila by that time. We’ll see.
