My Runner’s NY Resolution

The year is ending, it has been a good 2008 for me as a runner.

Its not all glory but then this year was a good opportunity of learning and growth.  I had shares of glory, my shares of slowest speed and injuries and “accidents” from running.

Sad I have not recorded my mileage for the year, but I am sure that I did run more than 2007.  2008 was an anniversary of my year of running.  So for 2009 I am looking forward to keep on improving to be better in my training and being fit.  I thought of listing things I wanted to put as a guide I will try to follow for the new year on my running.

1. Keep a diary of my mileage
2. Keep a diary of my training to avoid injuries
3. Learn to swim better, as a cross training
4. Try harder to attend running sessions with the Woodstock
5. Save to buy for a good road bike
6. Encourage friends to be fit and how to be fit 
7. Train for a marathon

My Christmas gift

Before I left Sydney I already got my early Christmas for myself. Actually it is half from my boss a little bit from me.

Why is that?

I got this 200AUD gift voucher from our big boss months ago as a thank you incentive gift for doing good work for a project which I havent decided for a long time the smartest thing to spend it on. I was initially planning to get new pair of runners.

Since I had improved greatly on speed i thought of keeping track of my speed and training more so I reckon a sports watch would be a good item to spend on the voucher. It has been going on for months what watch to buy, a Polar, Garmin or Suunto.

I wanted a Garmin but it was not available in any sports shop or any watch shop in shopping centers. Polar and Suunto are the only ones available. I made up my mind I would like to get a Suunto.

But then when I got to Rebel Sports store in Bondi junction, they do not have the footpod! sad to say so the store’s clerk told me he had a Polar and he loves it so i examined it after having him to double check the Suunto and i found out too that it would cost me 300AUD more if I get the Suunto, compared to Polar I would just need to add 120AUD.

So it was final. yes i got myself an early gift of Polar F6. It had its trial on the Central Coast Half Marathon. It had a foot pod for speed and distance and a heart rate monitor.

I haven’t really played with it yet, but I will when I get back running in Oz. I am happy with my gift, after a few tries with this new toy, I will be putting the reviews up in this blog soon.

Look who’s on Rundown’s Runner’s Profile?

It’s me!

Again, I am flattered to have been featured in the Woodstock Running Club’s Newsletter, Rundown, in the Runner’s Profile page.

Our editor, Brendan, chose me and Michelle because we are new to the group.

The Rundown is a monthly newletter publication of the Woodstock Runners, which gives us the updates of what’s happening with the club, its members and running schedules in NSW.

December 2008 Rundown

ICTUS UP Centennial Run

While I was planning my trip home for the Holidays to the Philippines, I was trying to see if I would still be able to catch a race in Manila before I go home to my hometown in Baguio. I am glad I was informed that Coach Rio, has organized the UP ICTUS Centennial run on 14^th of December. I was excited for a comeback run, and supposedly a friendly race with Mon Domingo, h@ppy Feet competitor, after he outrun me the last race I was in Manila before I left Philippines. I was looking forward to racing this run.

Guilty as charged, I always try to schedule a race if time permits on every trip/travel I have, or schedule a trip when there’s a scheduled race in that destination. It’s just like carrying my runners and swimmers whenever I travel. Its not about running all races like mad, but its fun doing a run on a travel destination.

Anyway, I traveled on the 13^th of December at 3am from Baguio to Manila for errands and attended the scheduled Christmas get-together with the h@ppy feet, then I dropped by for a short time for the CS Manila Christmas party where I end up sleeping around 2am. I asked a favor from a fellow h@ppy feet, Felipe, if I can hitch a ride going to UP on the race day. He happily agreed to meet on or before 5am that Sunday. On the night before I was going to travel, I can feel that I would have injured left leg again form my training at the track field. Its painful but tolerable. I was afraid, it would affect my performance. I ignored it and packed my running gear anway and it was done, Philip already have registered me.

So I was sleeping at a friend’s house, alarmed my phone at 10 minutes before 4, afraid I might not wake up on time because from tiredness from the bus travel and late night out, I got up on the first alarm and got read to meet Felipe, I was also met by John Ting at our rendezvous. We arrived the race venue30 minutes before the gun start, I was ecstatic to see b3n and RC on their photo booth. It is so nice to race once again in the UP grounds. I was glad to have met Philip, the Foreign runner, who generously registered me for the event. He was a fast runner that he got 3^rd place later on the 10KM race.

So at 6am, gun was shot, the race route was different from the last race I ran in the University, I thought I was doing well, I did not see any female runners ahead of me not until the 3 turn around point on the first lap, where I was told I am the 2^nd female place by the “ribbon-girl.” On the 4 th KM I felt warm. The weather was humid and warm, I feel I was getting exhausted quickly. So on every water station I always grabbed two cups of water, one for drinking and one for splashing on my face. The race route is two laps on and on the 2^nd lap on the 6^th KM, I reckon, another female runner overtaking me, so I thought I would even slip till 4^th as I can feel my legs complaining of tiredness, maybe lack of sleep and the weather, I did not give up. If I remember rightly, its just her who overtook me on the 2^nd lap. I saw the 8^th KM Marker and I started picking my pace up, I was impatiently looking for the 9KM marker but there was none, but shortly I saw the Finish banner at my sight. Running on constant pace, I was trying to measure when I run faster and sprint. The Finish chute is a bit incline with a few meters negative incline. I finished the race.

At the recovery area, a bottle of water, rush, Krispy Crème donuts, commemorative singlet and a free race photo was given to all finishers. This is my first time to attend a full-on Rio organized run, and I can attest to the comments fellow runners have been giving for Rio. The race was properly marked, enough water, photographers everywhere, route is challenging with a good share of inclines. Registration is organized and the finish chute was very well arranged, no overcrowding and a timer was provided. It was a good race.

I learned, I finished 3^rd overall for females, amongst the two faster runners than me who are both Americans. We received recognition on stage, gift certificate from Krispy Cremes, 1 box of bottled mineral water, 1 box of Rush energy drink, 1 singlet and a Nike sock was given as prize for the top 3 runners. I was pleased to have finished the race without walking, even I have not acclimatized to the weather yet, and my position overall for females. Frustrated it was not the fastest time for my 10KM, I think weather does affect your running performance. I can feel I did reinjure myself, and I will need to rest and visit the physio when I get back. Left leg is painful, so I am resting this week.

Event: UP ICTUS Centennial Run
Venue: University of the Philippines campus, Quezon City, Philippines
Distance: 10.1644 KM
Time: 52:55 – 3^rd overall female

Results

Central Coast Half Marathon

Two weeks ago, I was frustrated for not able to run a planned half Marathon race in the Sri Chimnoy Series race because of an injury/pain I have been feeling in my feet on and off.

I consulted a Physiotherapist and learned I did have a stress injury that if I would have pushed myself with the pain I would have gotten a stress fracture.  I was glad I listened to my body and rested for a week.  Did nothing basically which i could have gone swimming or biking.  The physio said it does not mean I should stop running but she said i need to do at least 2 days rest a week and do something else like swimming and bike or weights.  So that week after, I did have a rest of swim and weights in between and slow patient distant runs.  I was wanting to do the Half marathon which Brendan and Martin have talked me into.

I was not feeling too confident to do a half coming from therapy and rest so I told my mates we will see tomorrow, I will register on the day if its 9KMs or 21.5 KMs. 

The venue is far bit from Sydney and starts at 7 am! I arranged to be picked up by John instead of Brendan as originally planned due to logistics.  So by430 I woke up, just like during Manila races, and John was already at the complex by 5am.  Off we went.

It was raining, or showering on our way.  And I realized on my way, I remembered going to this area! I thought it was my first time.  I was brought by Renelyn and Adam last year to see the feeding of the Pelicans and see the “The Entrance.”  I only remembered when John was telling me about the place.  We had a pit stop of coffee at McDonalds, and arrived at the venue around 630am where we saw Thalia and Mark already registered and pinning their bibs.

I felt I am okey to do the half marathon.  No pains and i told myself to just take it  easy.  I registered in the half, John in the 9KMs who is also recovering from a pulled Hamstring.  15 minutes before the start, Brendan and Martin came racing off the Registration table telling us they almost got super late because they got lost. Enough to get the adrenaline rushing.  Both doing the half marathon as well.

I told John if he would not mind waiting for me not more than 2 hours and 10 minutes maximum that i will be finishing the race.  The drizzle stopped raining when the gun was shot at 6:59 am.  The route was almost flat, beside the beach with a number of inclines from climbing the wooden bridges.  And its in a walk/bike path on a residential area.  The drizzle made the weather conditions a bit humid good thing there was no strong sunlight.  Along the course you see birds and i saw 3 Pelican audiences watching the runners pass by them.  It was nice running in between trees.

I was doing a negative split of 5min/km until the 10KM marker so I thought I was doing well.  I was pacing with Linda, another woodie mate who is doing her half wanting to finish at 1:54 mins is doing well, left her at the 7KM marker almost.

The running crowd is thinning out almost did run faster and are far ahead of us.  I can feel my legs getting sore and tired at the 11.5 KM marker so i was slowing down I reckon i was doing around 5 to 5.1 min/km on that half of the race.

At the half of the race one man overtook me but i did took over my position back and almost overt took 4 more male runners after which no one have overtook me till the finish.  500 m away from the finish at the bridge where the start was, I started to pick my pace up and 200 meters decided to sprint, hearing Martin cheering loudly.  I can not see any finish chute or timing clock,  i was tired and feeling wanting to puke… there was two witch hats  i passed which i took as the finish line.  Looked at my watch (yes I bought myself a Polar finally! – ill blog that next year maybe), and it was 1:49:xx, so since we started at 6:59 that’s 1:50 minutes for me.

All Half Marathon runners received a commemorative medal and a certificate and certificates for the 9KM runners.  This Running event is a part of their Mardi Gras festival in Gosford.

I was pleased. 4 minutes off my Sydney Bridge Half Marathon, and straight off from injury.  Everybody in the race had a good time i think because of the course, and just enough crowd.  Just not enough filled cups with water which is a bit difficult.  Aside from that i did apply what i read from Baldrunner’s tips, 1) run a straight line and from Runner’s world Australia 2) go to the middle table in the drinking station, pinch the cup to form a spout for ease of drinking and keep running while drinking also helped.

We did attend for a while for the awarding ceremonies, where John got himself another bling.  1st place in his age category. 

don't mind my rolled up singlet it was hot, i forgot to roll it down for vanity's sake!

And we headed back to Sydney after stopping over at John’s Runner/swimmer friend Peter.  On our way we almost did run out of gas and we were lucky to find a gas/convinient shop where their pumping machine is broken BUT! the man do have a gallon of gas for us. phew! anyway it was a good trip and race.

Event: Central Coast Half Marathon
Venue: Gosford, NSW
Distance: 21.5 KMs
provisional Time: 1:50:xx – PB

Results coming soon

Woodstock Christmas Party and Year Awards

I have been with the Woodstock Running club since July or June of 2008 and this is my first time to attend the Woodstock Christmas Party.  This year it was held at the Drummoyne Sailing Club just across where I live.

Tomomi and I walked from the complex to the Club and found a number of the members already socializing and seated.

Food was okey.  Finger foods of Fried spring rolls, mini pizzas, chips, and seafood.  Drinks were reasonably priced for none members.

The highlights of the party was the year ender awarding ceremonies.

Below is the results of the awards and the nominations:

Most Improved Runner
Male : Martin Amy, Brendan Davies, Stephen Laws, John Ovenden, Mark O’Donnell
Female: Thalia Anthony, Michelle Warren, Bronwyn Hager, Manal Garcia, Maree Lucas, Charissa Patacsil

Rookie Of The Year
Mark O’Donnell, Michelle Warren, Megan Hager, Charissa Patacsil, Bronwyn Hager, Andrea Lung, Linda Barwick.

Long Distance Trophy
Brendan Davies, Martin Amy, Thalia Anthony, Rick Collins

Most Outstanding Individual Road Running Race
Male:
Brendan Davies - Canberra Marathon, 2:49:49, 23rd Outright, 21 min PB
Brendan Davies – Macleay River Marathon, 2:47:36, 2nd Outright, 2:12 PB
Brendan Davies – City to Surf 52:37, 10:50PB
Brendan Davies – Six Foot Track, 4:04:47
Martin Amy – Sydney Marathon, 2:55:56 (PB)
Kazu Takahashi – City to Surf, 52:36

Female:
Lyn Jackson - Sydney Marathon Clinic
Lyn Jackson – City to Surf 61:55
Michelle Warren – Sydney Marathon, 5:21:49
Michelle Warren – Melbourne Marathon, 5:05:41
Bronwyn Hager – Bridge Run, 39:32
Bronwyn Hager – Striders 10km,
Holly Muir – Sutherland to Surf, 45:26
Thalia Anthony – Sydney Half Marathon, 1:44:44

Club Champion
Male: Brendan Davies, Martin Amy, John Dawlings.
Female: Thalia Anthony, Lyn Jackson, Dot Siepmann, Lorraine Spanton

Runner Of The Year
Brendan Davies, John Dawlings, Martin Amy, Thalia Anthony, Charissa Patacsil, Dot Siepmann, Kerry Bray, Rick Collins

Champion Person
Kay Johnson, Barry Cole, Brendan Davies, Colin Townsend, Dot Siepmann, Rick Collins

Most Outstanding Team Road Running Performance
City to Surf – Mixed (2nd Place)
Brendan Davies, Martin Amy, Thalia Anthony

City to Surf – Veteran Men 55+ (2nd Place)
John Dawlings, Rick Collins, Stretch Fowler

City to Surf – Veteran Woman 55+ (2nd Place)
Dorothy Siepmann, Maree Lucas, Kerry Bray

President’s Award: Rick Collins
Lifetime Membership Awardee: John Dawlings

Surprisingly, I am very flaterred even to have not able to grab any of the awards to make into the nominations.

Brendan who grabbed most of the bling, I think deserves the awards he got.  He has been voluntarily doing speed interval training for the club (for free) every Thursday.

There were 45 out of 108 members who attended the party.  I left withe John D., Tomomi and we were driven home by Stretch.

Afterwhich i arrived home to do my packing I suddenly missed Woodstock bigtime, I realized that they have been a big help for me to cope with Australia and Sydney life.  I can recall Brendan and Martin asking me: “Do you have friends and family here in Sydney? … aside from  Woodstock of course” they asked, that statement is really true not all probably know and I haven’t met everybody yet but I do feel they are my Family in Sydney.

Congratulations to the award winners and Woodstock, I will see you when I get back next year .

Deli for Christmas anyone?

3 more days and I am off for my Holidays! part of this is a tradition of getting my Deli from a friend every Christmas. This has been going on like 7 or 6 years. Wow i did not even think it was that long! My good friend is already in US and trying her luck with a career she is happy with and left with the business are her sons whom are my friends too, Dx and Mekong. This business has been there for quite sometime i think, and its a backyard business, what i mean is its not very commercial and it does taste very good. My Family always look forward to it every time i come home from Manila. Now that I am coming home for holidays I will not break the tradition and I am looking forward to it. I sent Mekong an email telling him my orders and I am surprised they already set up a website for the business and I am very pleased with the good work they put into it.

Anyway anyone in Metro Manila should give this a try and you’ll take my word for it . And they do deliver and gift package as giveaways for the Holidays And they renamed it as Sankt Anton Swiss Deli

Ben Chan: H@ppy feet made it in the papers again!

A week ago Tanya Lara encouraged the h@ppy feet mates to go buy the Philippine Star Newspaper for last Saturday’s edition, she was not telling us why.

Now that it came out, guess what? It was Ben Chan, one of our h@ppy feet friends was on the paper. Tanya, a writer for Philippine Star, pens about Ben on his passion on photography and running …

The first time he took a camera and decided he was going to be a photographer, Ben Domingo M. Chan spent the whole day going around the city. He went to Manila Bay, to Luneta, to Nayong Pilipino and all the obligatory places that a novice photographer goes to. By sunset, he was shooting his 42nd frame. He was very pleased that his 36-frame roll of film had extras. Then it dawned on him: maybe something was wrong.

He opened the camera carefully and found out the film hadn’t spooled properly. He had been shooting the whole day on one overexposed frame.

The first time he decided to run a full marathon, Ben didn’t have any training either. He was going to Los Angeles and found out that the LA Marathon … read more

And some of his works on his running friends made it in the same article, flattered i made it too in the papers!

Wayne:

Coach Rio:

Coach Joar:

Joms:

The Bull Runner:

Me:

Kim:

Pat Concepcion:

Storewide Rebel Sports Sale

Anyone up to finding a good buy and Christmas presents for themselves and loved ones this would be a good opportunity.

Rebel Sports will be having their Nationwide sale on the their goods on the 4th of December 2008.

Hmm, now i am thinking of buying my Suunto and new runners!