Run with Ronald

ACE Hardware DAVIES Paint Eco-Friendly Run 2010

runwithronald — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:14:23 +0000

Ace Hardware Davies Eco-Friendly Run was held just this morning at the back of SM Mall of Asia. Since it’s been quite a while since I ran along the grounds of SM Mall of Asia I signed up as early as three weeks before, fearing I might run out of slots. As I was also tapering for the Milo Manila Elims next week running 10K on a relatively flat course sounds like a good idea, besides I might also be a running some parts of it next week as part of the Milo course.

As I proceed toward the holding area , I was quite surprise to find out how small their holding area is. I might be a little too early to checked-in for it would still took some 20 min before gunstart, so without much ado I just did some stretching. I might have a little more time since I did have the chance to play with my Garmin 305 and set my goal to an hour for my 10K. Then gunstart. I might have ran a little bit faster during the onset as I am trying to attain my goal and when I was already certain that I am on track I just stayed with my target pace of 6km/min. The route is a loop of two along the vicinity of SM Mall of Asia. As I was nearing the end of the second loop I thought that we would be still directed to the left to further continue I was surprised when race marshalls started to direct as towards the finish line. When I looked at my Garmin I still have a kilometer and a half to go, so how could the marshalls direct us towards the finish? Is the route short? It may seem so… At the finish line runners from all categories started to merge thus creating a bottleneck and very long line towards the redemption booth for the loot bags.

After the race was the awarding and some raffle prizes which also includes two mountain bikes. In my opinion the race went on smoothly except for that little glitch at the finish line. The race might not turned out the way that I expect it to be but I guess it was generally ok. And by the way, this one’s for the mangroves.

Neutrogena Chase the Sun Results

runwithronald — Tue, 18 May 2010 04:29:12 +0000

Check out how well you did after chasing the sun… Click on the link to find out…

MERRELL ADVENTURE RUN RESULTS

runwithronald — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 04:41:53 +0000

Finally after the long wait the results for Merrell’s Adventure run are finally out!

Click on the link to view the results.

TNF 100 – The view from the top…

runwithronald — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:42:17 +0000

TNF organizers couldn’t pick a site anymore perfect to held it’s 100K ultra-marathon than in Baguio City the capital of Benguet province. Located 5000 feet above sea level, Baguio’s cool climate and challenging terrain would give the participants a run for their money. The TNF 100 is a part of the TNF series that’s being held on it’s third year now. Aside from the obvious 100K ultra-marathon, the race of offers 50K, 22K and 11K distances for runners of different levels of skill and ability.

-that's me before the race-

The 100K and 50K ultramarathons started at 3 am a day before the 22K and 11K category.

Day 2 two of the race day, the 22K starting point is in Burnham same as the 100K and 50K while the 11K participants starting point is in Camp John Hay.

-breathtaking view from the top just before sunrise-

The trail comprises of rolling hills and steep slopes that leads you deep into the heart of Baguio’s towering mountain ranges. The trail also presents some tough terrains which would quench every runners thirst for adventure.

-this trail doesn't look like it's anywhere near the Philippines but... it is!-

This is by far the farthest and perhaps one of the most challenging places that I’ve ever ran. Running through the picturesque mountain trails of Baguio almost gave an impression that I’m running on some forest of medieval Europe …

-you are not out of the woods yet my friend...-

-cruisin' at the side of the mountain-

As we are being led deeper and deeper and the next hill is becoming more daunting that ever, I’m beginning to think what have I gotten myself into… But when I soon saw the view from the top I told my self, “now this is what I’ve signed up for…”

-no margin for error-

The TNF 100 is a truly one of the most memorable and pleasure races that I’ve ever been to. I have immensely enjoyed the challenges along the trails and is looking forward to run again next year, only this time I’d be running for maybe 50K…

Earth Run 2010 Race Results Now Available

runwithronald — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:37:00 +0000

After the long wait, the Earth Run 2010 race results are finally out! Visit Takbo.ph for the complete list…

Merrell Adventure Run 2010

runwithronald — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:55:27 +0000

The first ever Merrell Adventure Run was held at Wawa Dam in Montalban, Rizal. The race has 3K, 5K and 15K categories for participants of different skill level with each route presenting itself to be quite challenging. My friends joined the 5K and 3K categories while considering the race-junkie that I am, opted to run for 15K.

After the gunstart, all 15K participants rushed their way on to the trail creating a thick cloud of dusts. From the moment I saw that steep trail hugging the side of mountains, I knew I’m in for a long ride. The 15K route really proved itself to be a thing of beauty but don’t let that beauty fool you because beneath that beauty lies a route not faint of heart.

-the first leg of the trail, it

The cut-off time for 15K is 2:45 for you to be entitled of a finishers medal which I am confident that I could make the cut. As I go deeper and deeper into the treacherous trails, I’m now having second thoughts whether I could make in time or not.

-the road to hades-

This is not your typical trail run, the 15K route leads to some interesting paths, uber steep slopes, river crossings and barren hills like those on top which I called “Montalban badlands – the road to Hades”. The deeper the trail leads us into the heart of the woods the steeper the trail gets. In my calculation the steepest trail would be about 75 degrees, which make me think “hey! this isn’t what I’ve signed up for…”

-if you think that steep, you ain't seen nothin' yet...-

After we reach the summit of that uber steep hill (i dunno if you would call that a hill, it looks to me that it’s a mini mountain) comes the breathtaking view from the top. The scenic view of the tree-covered mountain and since it’s still quite early, you could still see some traces of mist and fog on them.

According to the law of physics, all things that go up must come down… After that gruelling uphill saga comes another dilemma… some if not most of the trails run along the deep cliffs going down. The slippery dried leaves on the trail makes it even more difficult, one false move and you’ll end up meeting thy maker.

All that pounding from going down the cliffs really takes toll on my quads and my lower back which makes me exert more effort. Along the way the race marshalls would occasionally tell us that the river is just around the corner, after running down a few kilometers I still see no river…

Finally after running like forever I finally had a glimpse of the river but to my dismay, I see no water. River runs dry on side of the town, traversing through the dry riverbed I find it hard extremely difficult to run on sand and gravel. After easing my way through sand and rocks, I finally hit running water. Oh what a relief that cold river water rushing on my about-to-be battered feet, in a way that water rejuvenated my aching feet.

-runners taking a dip to cool themselves-

-the joys of rural living, a mother doing her laundry while watching our live performance-

I don’t know how long will I last in this kind of plight, undesirable running surface coupled with scorching heat equals tremendous exhaustion. I just keep pushing and pushing, there is no turning back now. I need to cross that finish line.

-just a little further and we're almost there-

After running and walking for the longest time I could hear the finish line from afar but still there’s still one last river to conquer. The last leg of the race took us to the picturesque Wawa Dam which I took a moment to appreciate its beauty. As soon as I saw that flat surface, I muster all my strength to rush to the finish line only to find out we’re being redirected again to the last part of the route which is a river full of huge rocks. Now this part stretches for like 500m in length and is quite slippery, one slip and it could lead to some serious career ending injury. After easing my way through and hit the clearing, I ran with reckless abandon towards the finish line. I knew my chance for the cut-off time is now gone but still I pushed myself with the last ounce of strength that I’ve got.

-now that's one helluva shot, thanks to jonna...-

After crossing the finish line, all that pain and suffering were all gone but instead the feeling of pride and fulfillment oozes out of me. It maybe a hard-fought journey but victory is sweet.

A lot of participants complained about the difficulty of the course. My colleagues even complained that they got lost and run around in circles. They say that there were insufficient race marshalls on their category and the markers are not clear. Some were extremely disappointed with the organizers.

The Merrell Adventure Run was indeed one trail run not for the faint of heart. I just hope that the organizers would pick a thing or two to have a better idea on how to organize trail runs like these. I just hope that next year’s race would be a whole better, that is if there’s next….

New Balance 769 Running Shoe Review

runwithronald — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:36:52 +0000

After logging more than 300 miles with these shoes, I think it’s only fitting for me to write a review. The New Balance 769 is the update of the NB 768.

So what’s with the 769? Lets start with its UPPER…

PL1 for better fit
N Lock System (that N on the side is more than just a logo, it’s designed to support the medial and lateral side of the foot for better support)
Sure Lacing System (I personally love NB’s laces)
Phantom Liner (to reduce if not eradicate blisters)
Lightning Dry Lining and Open Mesh (to keep the moisture out and have your feet dry)

The 769′s SOLE…

TPU (plastic shank that offers good resistance to torsion)
Stability Web (for midfoot support)
ABZORB (cushioning on the forefoot for exceptional shock absorption)
TS2 (Transitional Support System for a smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off)
ABZORB DTS (Dynamic Transition System for superior cushioning and smooth transition during heel strike)

My opinion?

It’s one great stability shoe, I’ve done several 10K’s and numerous half-marathons and the shoe never fails to impress me. It’s lightweight, durable and at the same time affordable. Recommended for Neutral and Mild Over Pronators seeking a more supported ride.

MIZUNO INFINITY RUN 2010

runwithronald — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 13:08:32 +0000

Running the Mizuno Infinity Run might be one of the most memorable races that I’ve ever been to. June of last year when I joined my first Infinity Run, it was also my first 10K and the second race of my running career. For it was my first ever 10K, I ran 1:05:01 which I think is not bad for my first 10K right?!

This year I did run the Infinity Run again, only this time I ran for 15K. When I arrived at the site during race day, I was quite surprise to see the number of participants was not what I expected. The participants for the 15K category was only about a thousand runners I think… Don’t get me wrong about the number of participants, it might be just a little bit fewer than what I expected. I don’t know if I’m the only one feeling it or others might have noticed it too, I think the ambiance is a little less enthusiastic.

Never thought I’d be able to run this year’s race for I was battling with pulled calves a couple of days back, so I said to myself that I’ll should take it slow. I did take it slow alright, pacing at an average of 6.22 per kilometer I managed to finish at 1:35:20. Who knew that by just taking it slow I manage to have a new PR for my 15K? I don’t know if my training starts to kick in or my hiatus from running for almost a week made me break my previous PR. Anyway, it was one pleasant sunday run for me after coming off of an injury.

-posing behind the stage-

-with Grace D-

-with Grace A-

If there’s one thing that the organizers might have overlooked, it would be the redemption of the finishers shirts. It was quite unorganized and has caused some confusion and delay for the participants, but I do believe that they would work on that next year. All in all the Mizuno Infinity Run 2010 was one successful and fun-filled event.

Tight Calves…

runwithronald — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:14:28 +0000

It’s been four days since my last run. I’ve missed my supposedly 24K long run last sunday due to severe tightening and quite excruciating pain on my calves. I’ve been doing some reading about my so-called injury and frankly it scares me. Maybe I just have to give my legs some well deserve rest and hopefully this pain might go away. What an impeccable timing for this to happen, I am in the middle of my training for a full marathon and I only have only a few week left and now this? I am really keeping my fingers crossed that I’d recuperate fast, I do have a very busy running schedule and I don’t want to miss it. For now I guess I’ll have to settle with my cross-training exercise just to maintain my fitness level when I’ll be able to hit the road.

GLOBE’s Run for Home results via runpix and photovendo are now out!

runwithronald — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 05:55:00 +0000

Finally, after almost a week of anticipation of the much awaited results of GLOBE’s Run for Home via runpix and photos by photovendo are out.

Click the runpix link to view your results on a different window.

Click the photovendo.ph link to view your photos on a different window.