Subic Weekend

The last time I was in Subic was to attend a wedding of a fraternity brother. This time, since it’s long weekend because of All Saints and All Souls Day, I went with E and our friends for some R & R.

A friend from Paris is spending his holiday in the country also so we took time off our hectic work skeds to relax. Well, sort of. Aurelien had a different idea of relaxing because rather than spend hours on the beach doing nothing or strolling in malls, he’d prefer to do “funny” activities.

Firs on our “Things To Do” list was the Zoobic Safari. For P500 you get to go around a zoo with some close encounters with tigers, snakes, ostriches and crocodiles.

Siberian-Bengali Tiger bred in the Zoobic Safari. They consume 7-10 kilos of chickens everyday.

Visitors can actually ride a customized jeepney to see the caretakers feed the tigers in fenced part of the zoo.

Philippine Fresh Water Crocodiles. Another highlight of the trip was the feeding of the crocs with chickens attached to an improvised fishing line. Hear them growl and snap at the chicken parts as kids lure (and sometimes tease) them.

Guests of the Zoobic Safari get to see some natives perform some dance rituals. This part of the tour is a little too touristic or commercial for me. I’ve immersed with some Aetas of Botolan, Zambales back in college for my Anthropology classes. Sad to say, their culture is dramatically affected by progress and development. Not to mention their displacement to outskirt parts of the province due to private ownership of land.

Ricky Bobby vs. Jean Girard.

“I will let you go, Ricky. But first, I want you to say…”I… love… crepes.”

After a hearty lunch, we headed to the Subic Le’ Mans Kart Track. As Aurelien wanted to race. He beat me to it. He claims that it’s his revenge for making him run and leaving him panting after 5km in the UP Academic Oval.

In the afternoon we decided to hang around the Treetop Adventure. This part of Subic features canopy facilities built on top of the centuries-old trees of the Subic forest. The park features a canopy ride where you can sit and enjoy the view while stopping over 10 canopy stations. Another is the “Superman Ride” where you get to “fly” on a zip line.

Then there’s the Tree Drop or the rappel free fall. You get to choose whether to descend by the conventional, lizard or Australian style. Dropping conventionally means you get to do it sitting down. Lizard style means you get to do it head first. Australian means the carabiner rings are set on your back and you get to jump a la Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.

How to rappel: lock your knees, slack, feel gravity take control, release!

Hanging around.

Spiderman!

Albert the forest guide demonstrates how to make fire out of dried bamboo shavings. Survivors ready!

The next day we only had the morning to do one last activity. Of course, this trip would not have been complete without at least getting wet on the beach. We had little time to bask under the sun as we were trying to avoid the rush back to Manila. So what A and I did was to rent a jet ski from Networx beside Gerry’s Grill.

Another plus to Subic is the shopping! If you’re into imported goods, the Royal Subic is the place for you. If you’re a runner/athlete, the Adidas and Nike Factory outlets in the area have far better stock than the ones in the south.

Access to the place is so easy because of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and there’s a lot of things to do. I can’t wait until the next weekend getaway.  Subic is my new favorite place. At least the flavor of the month.

 

Update: Conquer Corregidor

Finally, the much awaited information about the Corregidor 10-miler!

Who’s up for a challenging run out of town?

I was fortunate to have been invited to test run the course. Can’t wait to give it another go. Not for the PR but just to enjoy the sites and get away from the usual running routes in the metro.

 

What’s your mettle made of? This may be the hardest question any seasoned runner can come across. But as if a fortuitous opportunity for every indefatigable runner, this challenge may finally be met come December 6. An island once a battleground for gallant men, now becomes a hallowed arena for daring runners to measure their speed, endurance, and grit. Set against a breathtaking landscape and an unforgiving terrain, contenders will get the unique chance of becoming part of a race in reclaiming a glorious past. And this race ought to relive the struggles and history-defining heroism of a noble generation will take place in an island known as the Rock of Gibraltar of the East, Corregidor.

What now serves as a moving memorial for the courage, gallantry, and heroism of its defenders may soon become a touchstone of ultimate running athleticism as Hypehouse Production Company and Sun Cruises, in partnership with Inquirer.net, Takbo.ph, RunRadio in NU107, TheBullRunner.com, Activelink, Second Wind, and R.O.X., bring “Conquer Corregidor!”. Set to fire off on December 6, “Conquer Corregidor!” is expected to thrill, surprise, and challenge, all at the same time, seasoned and amateur runners alike as it will test their mettle on all running terrains. The race route, covering 10 miles, will encompass a demanding combination of paved uphills and downslopes and intermittent segments of dirt trails. But what would really set apart “Conquer Corregidor!” from the usual running experience of avid runners is that it will exceptionally transport the race participants to key historical hotspots of the remarkable isle. Right at the start of the race, the runners will experience at once an adrenaline rush as they zoom past the full length of the Malinta Tunnel. The exhilaration continues to unfold as the runners exit the tunnel’s west access en route to the interior of the atoll. The thrilling highlight of the race surges while the runners negotiate the tricky span of a thickly foliaged trail draped in rays of sunlight, culminating in a run along the rocky cliff of the island with a breathtaking view of Manila Bay, to dramatically finish at the south dock breakwater facing the vast South China Sea.

To highlight the distinction of “Conquer Corregidor!”, the island will be closed from regular tourists and will solely be allotted to race participants from December 5 to 6. Registration runs from November 9 to 29 at Second Wind in Maginhawa St, UP Village and R.O.X. in Bonifacio High Street. Registration fee of P1,000 covers roundtrip ferry to and from Corregidor, entrance to the island, lunch buffet on race day, and race singlet. Participants wishing to arrive a day earlier for the race may opt to book, through the registration centers, for a standard hotel room at a discounted rate of P1,500 a night. For further race and registration details, participants may contact telephone numbers 409-2948.

“Conquer Corregidor!” will be an extraordinary opportunity for passionate runners to set new norm for personal achievement as finishing the race will be akin to recapitulating a fortress that is home to the resilient and valiant. A heroic legacy rests in a distant bygone. The hardest race of the year looms in the distance. One history. One goal. Conquer Corregidor!

Here Comes The Sun

Little Darling…

Little teaser.

Timex Run 2009: Running with Piolo and Coach Rio

Set on November 15, 2009, Timex presents a 3k, 5k, 10k and 21k run at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The run features the disposable “champion” chip timing device and Runpix analysis for accurate time recording and analysis. Runners will also get the chance to order race photos from Photovendo.

Proceeds of the event are to go the Timex-Unicef school in Masbate and the victims of typhoon Ondoy.

In a media launch held last October 20, 2009, Timex Ambassadors Piolo Pascual and Coach Rio dela Cruz announced the details of the run. Piolo and Rio also told the press that they will be running the 10k event together with other celebrities and personalities.

Team Run Radio

From L-R: Jaymie (TheBullrunner), Piolo (Hearthrob), Vima (Kulitrunner), Marga (Run Radio), Coach Rio, me and Jay (Prometheus Cometh).

42k on my 30th: QCIM

Running a full marathon is not in the list of things a person does when celebrating a birthday. Or maybe it is now since running is quite popular in the Philippines.

On October 18, I was set to fulfill the what most runners dream of. It was the anniversary of the founding of Quezon City. The local government spearheaded the QC International Marathon.

I was up at 2AM for breakfast and hyrdration. The race was set at 4:30AM. I was thinking that in a few hours I will find out what’s the big deal about a full marathon. I was just praying that I will not find out the hard way. The plan was to take it easy, feel the race course and listen to my body. Bailing out was an option but I considered it the last resort. At that time I was just determined. Perhaps I was just challenging, nay, taunting myself to do something new this year.  Simply because I’m turning 30.

Upon reaching the Quezon City Circle, we found out that the access points were closed to vehicle traffic. Cops blocked the roads as early as 4AM. Unless you have a VIP Parking Pass, you will not be allowed to enter the vicinity of the QC roundabout. I was made to walk from the Lung Center to the starting line. My 42k started earlier than I expected. Bummer.

When I reached the starting area I got intimidated by the number of competitive runners doing the 42k event. Of the foreign delegates the Kenyans were expected to perform well. But when I saw several familiar faces, I got my confidence. My mood shifted from anxious to excited to relaxed. I was ready and raring to go!

I ran with Jaymie (The Bull Runner) and Jay (Prometheus Cometh) for the first half. I felt that time that I made a mistake of running with trained, prepared and experienced runners. But what the heck! Along the way I found out that Jaymie was registered for the 21k event and was just planning to do a 30k long run. Jay on the other hand was there for the experience of running the race route. For me, the QCIM was something personal. I was there for the finish. I wasn’t concerned on logging in a particular time but I would be happy to finish somewhere between 5:30-6:00.

The best part of the race was when we reached the La Mesa Eco Park. I’ve always wanted to go there. It’s funny that I would get to go there on foot…running. I noticed though that inside the La Mesa there were no water stations. Amidst the greens that surrounded Metro Manila’s main water source runners had no rehydration stations. Good thing I had my hydration belt. Those inclines in the La Mesa added the challenge to the race route.

The first half was no big deal as I’m used to the 21k distance. (Video) What concerned me more was the return trip. My strategy was to go all out for the first half and play it by ear for the return.

With Jaymie and new friends from Cebu.

My pace slowed down upon reaching the 30th km. On several occasions I had to walk to rest my aching legs. I tried to ignore the pain on the ball of my forefeet. Had I worn a pair of shoes other than my Newtons I would have suffered from blisters. Good thing the lugs of my shoes supported my forefeet.

By my 35th km my calves began to tighten. I took a lot of walking breaks to save some energy for the last 5km. I was just relieved to reach the Quezon Circle as I knew I was close to the finish. To my chagrin, 42k runners had to turn at North Ave. to EDSA. Worse, from North Ave, everyone had to turn at Trinoma and then go back to North Ave. Perhaps that was the longest 2kms of my running life!

Bike support: Love and Joms. I could not have made it without them! Thanks guys! After biking during the marathon, Love did 10 rounds in the Amoranto stadium as if the 42k bike ride was not enough.

I admit that it was a stupid idea to run a full marathon without adequate preparation and training other than rest and proper nutrition. I was just lucky that the weather was a bit cloudy. Had the sun came up early that morning, this story would be a lot different. The goal for my next marathon would be to hit the 5:00-5:30 mark. When and where that will be, I still have to decide. New York? Boston?Paris?

Crossing the finish line video.

Finish line surprise. I got a finisher’s medal, 2 cereal bars, 2 balloons (Spiderman, Mickey Mouse, and Sponge Bob) and a birthday cake.

I’d like to thank E for supporting me and believing I could do it. (Even if I know you were more worried than I was.) Also, I thank Angel, Maey, Love and Joms. You guys were AMAZING!

Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?

QCIM Prep

Due to the crazy weather, not to mention the two big typhoons that his Metro Manila and Northern Luzon, the training for my first full marathon got sidetracked. But this did not keep me from pursuing this would be “lifetime achievement.” Kung hindi ngayon, kailan. Kung di ako, sino? Postponing this run to a later date will just be delaying the inevitable.

I had two whole weeks to cram a training routine but as per a veteran-runner brod’s advice: “You can’t get any fitter than how you are now.” I complete junked the idea of doing conditioning long training runs. What I did was to rest, eat well and psych myself up.

Come the day prior to the race, I had a relaxing manicure and pedicure.

By 8:30 PM the night before I was tucked in bed already.

OC.

I did an inventory of the stuff I will be needing for the run. As I had to wake up early, laying them down in one corner would save me prep time. Except for the extra Gatorade and water which I entrusted to my bike support, most of the items in the photo were on me the whole time.

1. Sunglasses

2. Cap

3. T1 Tights

4. Nike Pro Sleeveless undershirt

5. Adidas Jersey

6. Newton Stability Racer

7. Fuel Belt

8. Gu (4 tubes)

9. Race bib and map

10. Pain reliever meds and sunblock

Breakfast of Champs: Banana Nutella French Toast!

I woke up at 2AM to make breakfast and hydrate. I could hear the sound of live band music from the bars in front of the condo.

The night was still young for these party goers. I also realized that as everyone  was preparing to get to sleep or partying the night away, there I was up and ready to run. And it was my birthday. While having “breakfast” I saw birthday greetings from nocturnal friends on facebook. I replied to some of them over toast just before gearing up and leaving for the starting line.

Fantastic After Sales: Runnr

Message thread between me and Atty. Allen “Al Capo” Capuccino, a satisfied customer.

Text:

Al Capo: Bro, can I call you?

R: Go ahead.

Voice:

Al Capo: Bro, di ba may blog ka? Blog mo yung Runnr.

R: Bakit bro? May problema?

Al Capo: Di ba bumili ako ng Newton Stability Trainier. Ginamit ko nung Globe Run…then recently sa Berlin. Tapos may lumalagutok dun sa may lugs niya. Pinadala ko sa messenger sa Runnr. Bro, no questions asked, pinalitan!

R: Wala kang pinadalang resibo?

Al Capo: Wala. Yun ang professional bro. Deserve nila being a specialty store. Fantastic. Natuwa ako sobra.

R: Ayos! Sabihin ko kay Marga of Run Radio.

With his Newton Stability Trainer in Berlin

Aloha!

Singapore Marathon

Birthday Run: QCIM

This is not the usual thing a regular joe would do on his birthday. A full, 42km marathon.

I deliberately withheld announcing this in my blog because I was still hesitant to do it. After a long hiatus in training, i.e. almost 3 weeks, I decided to go for it. Blame it on Ondoy, climate change, the busy schedule, the new office…Excuses.

I thought of cramming a shortened training program but a friend of mine who ran the Berlin Marathon told me that I “could not get any fitter than how I am now.” He said: “Bro, it’s a mind game after all.”

I don’t plan to race during the QCIM. The target: to finish. Time target: Irrelevant. Though I am still aiming to finish within  5 hours.

After the morning marathon, I will be hosting an intimate get together for close friends at Romulo Cafe in Scout Tuason cor. Dr. Lazcano to celebrate my 30th birthday and hopefully for finishing the QCIM Marathon. Will keep you guys posted! Wish me luck!

Nuvali: Dirt Weekend

Bike stunts and Bike trail.

Excellent alternative to pounding the pavement.

Koi: Something Fishy

Nuvali’s Koi fishes in their man-made lake.

Frenzy