Running For Beginners

A month ago, I was wondering if I was ready for a half mary. I was only running 5K fun runs then and was only in my fourth month of running.

Having seen many running events with 21K runners composed of all ages and different fitness levels, I thought I can also run a 21K. I went to Mizuno BHS to register but they had no registration form available. So I thought maybe I was not yet ready for a half mary.

One day, I measured a 16 kilometer route on Google Earth and ran it on one weekend. I finished it in almost two hours. I though it was already a decent time. I never ran more than 5 kilometers before so running a 16K was already an accomplishment for me. I searched for other Mizuno outlets and went to BMG Magallanes hoping they have registration forms. I registerered but was told that the singlets will be available after two weeks.

On the day of claiming, I received a text message saying the singlets will be available after three days. Luckily, I did not intend to go to Mizuno BMG that day. When I went to BMG to claim my singlet, the only available size was small, luckily again, it was just the right fit for me. On other runs, my size was large.

I devoted training time for my first 21K. I forced myself to wake up early to have an early morning run. I ate healthy foods and took vitamins. After two weeks of running at least thrice a week, I was feeling strong and challenged myself to complete the 21K in less than 2 hours. One week before the race, I was at the best shape I ever had. I was sure I was physically prepared for the half mary.

Four days before the race, however, I was down with colds. I can not have my regular early morning jog/run. My nose was terrible. Three days before the race, it was raining continuously. I cannot even go to outside to have a brisk walk. With almost one week of inactivity, the thought of not running my first 21K was all over my head. Two weeks of devoted training seems to just go down the drain. I wasted my time for something I may not join. I was desperate. I took medicines to improve my condition.

Friday morning, I thought I was feeling better. The rain stopped. I thought it was a sign for good things to happen that day. At work, however, situations became worse. I was feeling pain in my body. My body is already starting to show signs of flu. I took a different medicine and prayed hard. After work, I went home early to have a long rest. I told myself that my condition in the morning will decide whether or not to join the race.

Saturday morning, I woke up at 0320H. I was feeling different. It became worse. I took my temperature to confirm if I had fever. I was frustrated. If I join the race, my first 21K might become my first DNF (did not finish).

Despite my fever, I went to BHS to join the race.

The race started on time. However, there was warm up nor count down. The gun exploded while the emcee was still speaking and instructing the runners. We were surprised that the race started without even a countdown.

I ran the first part of the route without a glitch except for my running nose. It was faster than my feet. After the 17th kilometer mark, I felt pain all over my body. I didn't know if it was because I never ran that long before or because of my fever.

I finished my first 21K in over two hours - to my dismay. I was aiming for sub-2 hours. I really don't know if I had performed better without the fever. But the best compliment for me was it did not become my first DNF.

Manny runners have been looking forward to the first Brooks Run Happy event in the country. Brooks is popular in US and UK and is just having its comeback here in the country - thanks to the running boom.

Being a first run sponsored by Brooks, many runners anticipating an exciting race. The expectation for Brooks Run Happy event was raised even higher when the run singlet was an original brooks item for a fairly cheap price. Though other shoe brands are also giving original singlets on their runs, their price were too high that you are actually buying their singlet. One brand has a registration fee of more than a thousand and you can buy their singlet at their boutique for less than 800 pesos. The Brooks running event costs Php500 for the 3K and 5K and Php600 for 10K and 15K, the same price for some small running events with inferior singlets.

Shout out bibs. At least Brooks gave us a way to express ourselves.

Bonifacio High Street was filled with yellow shirts last May 22, 2011. The event, however, was criticized early even before the race began because of late gun start. The scheduled gun start for 15K was 0530H but it started at almost 0600H much to the dismay of the runners because of the heat. Some runners are already shouting and making their own countdown. While 0600H was okay during December to February, this May it is already late and hot.

15K runners waiting impatiently due to late gun start.

The race route is not new to many. A large portion of the route has been used by many running events for the past several years. Using the same route, however, gives opportunity for some to beat their PR or at least compare their performance from their previous run at BHS. Even though the route is familiar, some runners were lost because some marshals fail to properly direct the runners especially those at the lead and tail end. Lucky for the 15K leader, he had a police escort to follow. 

The day BHS turned yellow. Running Happy?

One Happy Runner!

Brooks also gave finisher’s medal in all categories. It was made of engraved metal attached to a wood. Some were surprised with it since they were used to receiving metal medals. Brooks, however, announced earlier that they will be giving away wood medals in consideration for the environment. Wooden medals are not actually new. It has been used for quite a long time in many parts of the country in academic and sports awards.

Brooks Finisher's Medal

The heat of the sun and absence of shades discouraged many runners to stay and participate in post race activities. Though some of the raffle prizes were good, many failed to claim their prizes. I didn’t even see the winners since the awarding has not yet started when we left at 0800H.

Post Race Event

Even when the gun start was very late, I still tried to enjoy the run. Even when the marshals made me run a portion twice (which made this run my longest and slowest 5K since it was actually 6K because of the portion I ran twice), I still tried to enjoy the run. As the Brooks mantra says, “Run Happy.” If you are not running happy, running becomes a punishment not a fun event.

Ups:

1. Original Brooks Singlet. Color is good for early morning and night run. Very visible.

2. Reasonable registration fee.

3. Good give aways during the raffle. Lucky for those who got Brooks shoes.

4. Shut out bibs. Though many were unaware of its use, it is a good way for many to express themselves, share encouraging thoughts and impart running mantras.

Downs:

1. Very late gun start. No need to explain.

2. Raffle was done while many are still running. Many participants were not present to claim their prize. It might be that they are still on the road.

3. Not all were given Pocari Sweat or water after the race. The organizers should have put the Pocari Sweat and water inside the loot bag to lessen the number of long cues at different tents. It would have been better if they were given immediately at the finish line along with the medal. Many complained about the content of the loot bag. Brooks had a good bag but you have to line up at different tents for water and energy drink that is why many runners didn’t appreciate it. One running event organized by RunRio had only water and energy drink in the plastic bag given at the finisher’s tent. If you compare the two events, both gave only water and one energy drink. It’s just that at Brooks’, you have to line up at different tents to claim the water and the drink.

The Philippine Star Run For Mom was held on Mother’s Day 08 May 2011. It was sponsored by Philippine Star celebrating their 25th anniversary and many of the establishments at McKinley Hill. The run has only two categories: 2.5K and 5K.

Registration was a hassle since it was only at RUNNR Bonifacio High Street and the registration personnel is always out of the building. It took us three attempts in three separate days to finally succeed. It was organized by Eventking. I’m not sure if the registration was handled by Eventking or Philippine Star.

The registration fee at Php750.00 was high for a small running event but since there is no other run on that date, we opted to register. Considering also that the first 25 finishers will be awarded, it gave me the encouragement to push myself to improve my PR and might finish at Top 25.

Gun start was announced to be at 0600H. Six in the morning is already hot during the summer and though we were not having warm up yet, sweat was starting to drip from my head. Since it was at McKinley Hill, the route was rolling with gentle uphill and downhill. The 5K track is composed of a 2.5K loop to be run twice. Before I registered, I had apprehension that running a loop twice might cause confusion among runners. However, since it is organized by an established event organizer, I was optimistic it would be controlled – I was wrong.

As we arrived at the race venue, I noticed so many varsity and seasoned runners. The prize lured many elite pinoy runners to join the event since the top 25 finishers will be given cash prize of Php2,500 both in the 2.5K and 5K category. Other running events give prizes only to the top three finishers. Many seasoned Filipino runners shy away from many running events because they are almost certain that Kenyans will always bring home the major prizes. With the rising cost of registration, athletes tend to save their money. This makes most of the running events exclusive to professionals who can afford the fees and dedicated amateurs who are addicted to running. Developing student athletes are inclined to join only the national running events.

The Philstar Run for Mom became a hope for student athletes who are trying to earn a little money. They came in droves. With the number of elite runners I saw, my hope of joining the Top 25 was already obscured. The 5K race started a few minutes after 0600H in the uphill portion of McKinley. After the first turning point, the elite runners were already separated from the rest of the pack. At the second turning point, you can see the Kenyans leading the race save for one Filipino runner in between the three Kenyans. Two ladies were ahead of me but the second fastest girl gave up at the uphill part near the second turning point. One marshall was signalling his companions about the lady. After turning at the turn around, I never saw the lady again and never knew what happened to her whether she fainted or simply slowed down. Upon reaching the 2.5K mark near the starting line, the 2.5K category started which caused congestion at the road. Only one half of one lane was allotted to runners.

This race showed the ugly part of running. You can see a lot of runners crossing to the other side without reaching the turning point. The marshalls had no control over the situation.

At the last kilometer, I was overtaken by an american-looking lady. I was sure she was the only second lady ahead of me. However, to my surprise there were already a lot of ladies at the finish line. The lady runner behind me was complaining since she was also sure she was among the top three women in the race. It was at this point that the lady figured out that many of the runners at the finish line ahead of us only ran the loop once; hence, they only ran 2.5K and not 5K. I don’t know if these runners were simply not following the instructions, stupid not to understand the rules or deliberately cheating the race. The group of seasoned runners ahead of me were disgusted and walked away since the organizer did not entertain their complaint. I was counting all the runners ahead of me and I was at top 30 but the online result show I was not even at top 50. I swear to myself not to run a race which consists of a loop to be run twice or more. It will just give confusion to runners.

Ups:

1. Prizes were given to the Top 25 finishers not only the Top 3.

2. Hydration was adequate.

3. Post race activities were fun.

4. Free parking.

Downs:

1. Registration was inconvenient.

2. Singlet was inferior compared to other cheaper races.

3. Marshalls had no control over runners.

4. There were no strings or arm bands distributed at turning points to verify if the runner had run the route completely.

5. Winners were not verified since the organizers did not anticipate the problems. I have seen other races having video recorders at the finish line and other locations to verify results.

The Highland Mizuno Challenge offered a unique experience to those who are tired of the concrete road runs in Manila.

The venue of the run itself is a fresh relief from the fumes of jeeps and buses in the metropolis. This is also a rare opportunity for those who want to see and roam Tagaytay Highlands since it is one of those days it is open to the public (the running public :-)).

The run was composed of three categories: 5K, 10K and 15K. The starting and finish lines were at Bistro Saratoga.

The run is a combination of road and terrain. Unlike in the metro, the whole width of the road is devoted to the runners until the race ends. The runners can enjoy the road without worrying about being hit by speeding vehicles. The race started a few minutes after six in the morning. The first few hundred meters were on pavement but the we entered the first terrain part of the race before the first kilometer. We passed through a foot trail (others may call it dirt road) passing  thru grassland and some isolated houses. The first terrain was rolling but the slope was not steep. The only things that prevents you from running vigurously are the rocks and branches scattered along the way. The heavy rain the previous night made the grassy part a bit slippery and muddy. After three kilometers, we found ourselves back to the concrete road. Though the road was now concrete, it gave us the second challenge since it was ascending and descending. This was the part where many of the runners started to get tired and some opted to walk. The gaps between runners are increasing and you can already see the potential winners. The imaginary line between the elite and the rest of the herd has been drawn.

The second terrain was after the 9K mark. The second terrain was harder than the first. It was steeper and had a narrower path causing congestion between 10K and 15K runners. Most of the runners are walking on this part and you can hear deep breathing in the atmosphere. You have to have pretty strong legs to keep running on this part of the trail. For me, this was the toughest part of the race. The trail was harder at the time your legs are already exhausted.

The last two kilometers were back on the concrete road. It passes trhough a small community. It was fairly flat going to the finish line but the heat of the sun was preventing runners from bringing out their stored energy. It is only when you can see the finish arc that smile starts to draw on your face and gain a little strength to run faster.

As I near the finish line, I noticed almost all of the 5K runners are already there waiting for their friends in the 10K and 15K category. After crossing the finish line, I looked back at the other finishers. You can see the exhaustion in their faces but as they cross the finish line, all their hardship seem to fade away and their reactions changed. It seemed everyone was a winner upon finishing no matter what time it took them to complete the race.

Ups:

1. Unlike road runs, the trail is not monotonous.

2. The view going to the race was extraordinary especially in the moring before the race where fog enveloped the Tagaytay Highlands.

3. The breakfast was good enough for hungry runners.

4. Hydration was adequate.

Downs:

1. Registration was very hard in Mizuno stores. Immediately after the announcement, the registration sites doesn't have any form yet. After a few days, they will tell you it is already closed. In almost a week, the registration was already full. Good thing we were told to try and register directly to Tagaytay Highlands.

2. One security guard directed us to the wrong way costing us an additional 1.5K.

3. You need to have a car if you are not from Tagaytay. The registration fee is cheap considering you will receive a singlet, a finisher's shirt and a breakfast but you will have to bear the expenses of travelling and staying at Tagaytay.

I strongly recommend this race for all. Although it is a combination of road and trail, it is generally safe for all ages. The 5K is a good start up if you doubt yourself but the 15K is best for testing your capability. One should not be afraid of this trail run because it does not require you to be an olympic athlete. In the first place, it is designed to be a fun run.

Tips for Newbies Planning for Next Year's Highland Mizuno Challenge:

1. Register early since the slot is limited.

2. Plan your trip. Better if you have your own car. Best if you make this a family affair or an activity with your friends. It will make the transportation easy on the pocket. We travelled on Saturday, stayed in Tagaytay overnight, then travelled back to Manila after the race. Overnight stay will start from Php 800.00 (2persons) for transient fan rooms and Php 2,000.00 (2 to 3 persons) for aircon rooms. Along the Tagaytay Road, you can spot many houses or hotels offering overnight stay, so don't worry. Travel time from Manila to Tagaytay City will take around 1 to 2 hrs depending on the traffic situation (it is aprrox. 60km from Manila). Travel time from Tagaytay City to the race venue will take 30minutes because of the long line of cars at the gate of Tagaytay Higlands (many participants are non-members like me, hence, you have to pass thru the visitors lane).

3. Expect hot temperature during the race. The race is on summer and the venue is not actually in Tagaytay City but near Calamba, Laguna.

4. Study the race map. You don't want to get lost especially if your aiming for the top. Though you cannot enter Tagaytay Highlands if you are not a member, try to arrive early before the race and go around the route on the car to locate the race directions and signs.

5. Make sure your name is listed on the finisher's list upon submitting your barcode/tag at the finish line. Some participants cannot find their name in the official race result online after the race. At the finish line, the organizer will get your tag attached to your bib. They will list your number on their notebook. If runners simultaneously arrive at the finish line, they might overlook other runners.

6. Enjoy the route. I heard some complain about the route being muddy and their new shoes got dirty. It is a road and trail run, hence, expect to hit the dirt. Besides, running shoes are made for the road not the mall (hehe). Always think of the positive side of running.

7. Run safely. The route is generally safe but even small rocks can cause you to fall or stray branches can cut your skin. Make sure your attention is on the trail. If you want to enjoy the view, then slow down and make the most of your time.