Anger at Water Servers

“*&%$#ina bakit wala kayong tubig!” Curses like that were flying around at each water station we passed. I pity those servers at each water station, whose only job is to serve water but they also became the receiving end of all runner’s angst. One runner was so pissed he overturned the table. Another runner kicked something what look like a water cooler. These scenes would happen for every water stations. The usually composed Coach Ige would soon lose his cool, but was professional enough not to curse at water servers. I myself wouldn’t like to make life harder for them, I would simply just stop by at each water station, see if there were cups with water and if I couldn’t find one, just continue my run. I like those police cadets. They were disciplined. As they passed each water station with no water, they would still continue their run in groups, in perfect cadence and would still throw jokes at each other from time to time. It was an honour to run with these guys, albeit in a not so perfect race.

I cannot blame pissed runners. They were there to experience an “international” race, as promised by the race organizers. Knowing that this race is being sponsored by Smart Communications, surely the promise would not be broken with all the marketing budget they have for this. We were all wrong.

As I continued my run, I would think of fellow takbo.ph virgin marathon runner who didn’t bring their own hydration belt because they thought this race of “international standards” wouldn’t fail them. Then came the names/faces in my head. I’m scared for them. Then I became scared of my own.

The Battle for Survival Begins…

Anyone who knows me as a runner and happens to run with me during one of those group long runs would easily notice how I perspire a lot. Allow me to run for a kilometer and I could easily convince everyone I already run 10km due to too much sweat dripping off my body. And because I sweat a lot, I easily lose lots of body fluids which need to be replaced from time to time. From my experience, I can deal with no water for five kilometer straight, beyond that, my body would stop perspiring; my throat would become very dry, muscle cramps would start bothering me and my vision would start turning gray or black.

Running empty, I passed the sixth, seventh water station with no water. I realized that I would soon pass out if I don’t take any fluids. It was at this stage I changed my goal, from achieving sub 4:30 to surviving this race. The runner in me was reduced to begging. I would approach each van and would ask for water. I would even ask a police for Gatorade and was surprised he gave his own provision to me. Later he would comment “grabe tong race na to, pinabayaan kayo ng organizer”, I could only agree with him. I would approach Team Harcore vans and checked if there’s anyone I would recognize inside. Alas, I don’t know anyone of them but still, would ask for anything they could provide. I was given cold water and when sir Isko saw me he would tell the guys inside “Si Sam yan, bigyan nyo ng saging!” That banana proved to be very effective as I started running again in race mode. Along the way, good Samaritans would approach me. A lady would call my name and offered me her chock nut. Still I would continue begging for water from several strangers I do not know at all. I cannot remember being rejected and I’m so grateful to meet these people who helped me survive that night. From Kilometer 19 onwards, I would stop from time to time as I was starting to have issues with my vision. Whenever my vision would turn black for a second, I would stop and turn into kneeling position. I would stand-up, walk then continue my run.

Somewhere in Kilometer 21, I was able to beg for water from another runner’s support group where filled up my two bottles. Running further (Kilometer 24) I would meet Mark, running his first marathon race. I knew he was one of those virgin marathoners who didn’t bring their hydration belt. I asked him if he knew anyone of those people from several vans and if he was able to get any liquids, but I cannot remember his answer. I immediately offered him one of my bottles. I felt he was about to give it back to me only after a few sips, so I told him to empty it. That would be my last bottle with water on it. We finally decided to run, but he stopped so I continue running alone.

Somewhere in Kilometer 26, a van with water provisions finally appeared. I drank a cup and filled up my two bottles and continued my run. Running further, I would meet a runner complaining “grabe uhaw na uhaw nako, babagsak na yata ako pare”. It was too dark (as in pitch black) and there were no marshals around and I figure out no one will ever picked him up if he even passed out on that section of the road. I gave him my water provision (two bottles). I didn’t know why I did it, as I was struggling with dehydration myself. That act proved to be fateful, as cramps and sudden issues with my vision would soon annoy me from time to time. I noticed I was no longer perspiring, and my heart rate watch would register high numbers (170+bpm) even if I was just walking. I thought I was already in deep trouble. I continued my run, then finally lost consciousness…for the first time in my life, I passed out…..

The Help

I have no idea what happened next when I passed out. I heard words but I could not register any senses from it; I felt somebody was massaging my quads and shins. Suddenly, somebody was asking me about something but I just replied back “oo”. When I finally realized I was being informed that I would be sent to an ambulance, it was as if somebody slapped me and my senses came back to life. I hurriedly went up, consumed a bottle of vit-water and run. Later Luis told me I was running like a drunk man (e.g pasuray-suray) and obviously still in bad shape. It was a good thing I passed out near where the takbo.ph van was hanging out. Had it happened in other roads along the route, the result would be disastrous.

Walk if you can, crawl if you must, but don’t give up

A combination of cramps, dehydration and painful knee joints finally had its toll on me. I tried pacing with Isko, Ian and another guy as they helped me push back to race mode but I really can’t. Add to that a very painful chaff near the groin section (right leg) because of the exposed skin rubbing against my left groin section. This was caused because of that 2 inch tear on my CWX tights (ouch!). I tried running duck walk style but still the pain in my knee joints was too much to bear. It was at this point Ellen saw me and decided to pace with me. I end up walking all the way to the finish line. From time to time I would asked her about other runners especially Craig and son. Craig also passed out due to dehydration. As of this writing, he’s now fine. It was a pain seeing others passed me by as I walked but also realized that this race is not my moment of glory. I was happy to see Edu, Argo , Jason (MBA classmate) and Gerard speed ahead and run their way to the finish line.

Finally, I was able to finish the race in 5:49. Would you believe still a PR over my first Milo Marathon?!

Thanks to Rico for driving us all the way to Subic, your kindness drove me nuts! Thanks for the Crispy Pata after the race and Jolibee breakfast the following day. Hehehehe!

I would like to thank takbo.ph support gang who picked me up when I passed out along the route. I hope to repay back the kindness soon.

Would like to thank people who supported me along the way. I may not know your names but rest assured I will pay forward your kindness. Special thanks to team harcore support vans for the water, hard-boiled egg, banana and other provisions. To Isko, Ian and Eugene, thanks for helping me pace with you. Hope to meet you guys again.

To virgin marathoners who were able to finish the race, congrats!

Ps:
To the race organizer, you screwed up so badly beyond words that you put runners lives at risk. Your gross incompetence in handling this race was unforgivable. This will go down the history as the worst race ever organized. Please redeem yourselves in the future. Last time I heard, fun races and 5k races are still profitable. You can master handling those races then reconsider organizing long distance races again. Sorry guys, the experience was just so bad I will never forget this race.

“All you race organizers out there, please keep this in mind: A runner’s waiver of liability can be disregarded by courts if it is proven that the organizer had been grossly negligent in performing its obligations, and that, in so being, caused loss or injury to runners. Don’t think that the signed piece of paper you’ve got there would absolve you of any and all liability in case a runner dies or gets injured “

Days before my 2^nd marathon, I had internal issues I have to deal with. I thought of using this race as my emotional punching bag, release all frustrations, let go of negative thoughts and just run to achieve that sub 4:30 finish time I’ve been dreaming off.

The Inquiry

Knowing how badly I suck during my first marathon three months ago because of hydration issues, I called Eventologist office(SIM race organizer) few weeks before the race to ask for their hydration plan. I was told by the lady who answered the phone that there would be water stations every 2.5km. That water will be served for the first 20km and water, Pocari sweat, biscuit, chocolate, banana from 20km onwards. At least that was the plan. I thought serving just water for the first half of the race sounds wrong (runners need electrolyte too!) so I sent an SMS to somebody from the race organizer to verify this. He was short of saying the info I got was wrong and that hydration plan is according to “international standards”. I was asking for specifics but was always reminded that the race’ hydration plan is according to “international standards”. At least that was what I was told.

Later I was told by Eo that power drinks will be served after 15km. I disposed of the water content on my 2 bottles and put Gatorade instead (thanks Luis). Following experienced marathoner sir Jim Lafferty’s marathon tips regarding hydration, my plan was to drink half sports drink from my bottle and the other half from the water being served for every 2.5km. Once my two bottles are empty, I would refill both with sports drink on the next water station. Yup, stopping at each water station is part of my marathon plan. If things go accordingly, I could easily just bypass the 5^th water station (12.5km mark) and fill up my bottles with power drinks in the 6^th water station (15 km mark) and continue with this cycle through out the race. I wasn’t anticipating empty water stations because this is an “international” marathon…How I was so wrong…..

The Travel

As advertised from SIM website , we are supposed to be at Remi field inside SBMA by 1pm (I honestly thought I read somewhere that 2 pm is the deadline, anyway..) where a bus would take us all the way to the Floridablanca exit where the race would start. Together with takbo.ph gangsters namely Rico, Wilnar, BY, Eo and Edu, we reached Remi field around 2:10pm and hurriedly took our seats near the back section of the bus. I met Sir Jun and idol Wilson whose orange handkerchief headband looks attractive (sorry man I really have to write about that hehehehe). I seated next to Gigi and I noticed she was the only female runner inside that bus. We talked about our race preparations and some other stuff and during that one hour travel along the 42km route we were suppose to run, she would anxiously inform me that she hasn’t seen any water stations at all. I noticed it too but I tried not to dwell too much on it as I’ve been informed that the organizer’s hydration plan was according to “international standards”. However, I can’t help but differentiate it from what I saw from previous races I’ve joined wherein water stations were already setup several hours BEFORE the actual race. We reached the place around 3pm and we spent the remaining time chatting with other runners including Kodak moments.

The Race

Few minutes before gun start, Craig of Team Logan would lead the prayer asking The Lord for blessings, guidance and safe run. He would be running his first marathon together with son Justin on stroller. After an oath taking ceremony lead by Sir Jovie, the race started just on time.

The race started smoothly. I was running comfortably at even pace, not too fast but not to slow. As I originally planned, I drank half-cup of water and half sports drink from my bottle at each water station. I noticed that the tables are not of “international standards”, they were too short for hundreds of marathoners that day, but at least I was happy they do have water. Not until I reached the fourth water station, the beginning of my hellish experience will soon begin from here…

to be continued..

Got this email from my inbox. I hope you guys could support this noble cause.

Let It Shine Foundation invites everyone to help create opportunities for adults with autism by joining its RACE & SHINE charity run event on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Fort Bonifacio.Money that will be raised from this event will fund research for a specific purpose: that of providing vocational training and other work opportunities for adults with autism, such as supporting the creation of programs for small and medium sized companies to employ individuals with autism.Most meaningful provisions for individuals with autism end upon leaving school, but the Let It Shine Foundation hopes to change this by developing vocational programs that give individuals with autism equal opportunities to work. Support will go both ways – not only will there be skills therapy programs for the adult with autism, training and assistance can also be given to business owners who want to determine how they can create these work opportunities.

The race itself will have four distances – 3, 5, 10, and 15km plus a special 3km relay best suited for beginners and families. Children as young as seven years old can participate. Individuals with Autism are also encouraged to join the event!   Registration can be made at R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor eXchange) at Bonifacio High Street  on November 12-19, 2009.

Registration payments and forms also accepted at ALL TERRA store, located at Club 650 along Libis (near Eastwood) until November 18, 2009.

Major sponsors NIKE PARK and MASSAGE BY US will be giving away prizes for the winners of the race. Prizes will also be provided by PLANET SPORTS, THE ATHLETE’s FOOT, TOBY’s, RUNNR, CPK, and CEBU PACIFIC. VITWATER will be the official drink of /Race & Shine./ This event is also brought to you by LBC, IPANEMA, RIDER, PAK PRIME and ORIENT FREIGHT.

Other Race Details: Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km and 15km and Special 3K relay run

Special 3K Relay run is a special distance for runners that wish to participate as a TEAM. Must have Three (3) team members. Each member must run at least 1K of the 3K course. Team Members must be at least 7 years old This distance starts at 7:00AM. Best for families that want to participate together or for beginner runners! Individuals with Autism may participate in the special 3K relay route.

Fees: Php 500/runner  OR  Php 1,000/Team (for special 3K relay run only); Race kit includes Singlet, Breakfast meal, Finisher’s certificate.

We hope you will join us in our advocacy and in the race and help individuals with Autism SHINE!

Thank you very much!

Rhea Joaquin-Primavera
Treasurer, Let it Shine Foundation
+63920  9244282
shine.foundation@gmail.com

Got an email today from my inbox. Here’s an update from the organizer of Adidas King of the Road Race.

Dear King of the Road Registrants:

In behalf of adidas, we would like to apologize for the inconvenience we have caused some of you. We value your patronage and have listened to your inputs.

In connection with this, we would like to announce the following:

1.    Extended Registration. We have extended registration until October 22, Thursday, 12:00 NN only. Runners who wish to register can do so in adidas stores in Eastwood, Katipunan, Greenbelt 3, Podium, Power Plant Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and Trinoma; Planet Sports outlets in Glorietta, Greenhills, Power Plant Mall, and Trinoma; and The Runnr at Bonifacio High Street.

2.    Pick up of Singlet. For those who registered in SM Megamall last October 17 and those who registered after October 18, your race packets and singlets are available at the RACE Office located at # 51 Annapolis Street, Greenhills only on October 24, Saturday, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For those who won’t be able to pick up their packets on October 24, you may do so on race day, October 25, Sunday, beginning 4:00 A.M. at the King of the Road race venue, Bonifacio Global City.

3.    Hotline. For any queries, please contact us at:

RACE Office
# 51 Annapolis Street, Greenhills
Telephone Number:  727-99-87 and 703-72-27, 0918.915.85.36

Our sincerest apologies to all of you. Trust that we will make the King of the Road a truly wonderful experience!

Sincerely,

Rudy Biscocho
President of RACE and Race Director

Last Sunday I joined Quezon City International Marathon under 21km category. I joined this race as part of my training, being my last long run for a major run next Saturday – Subic International Marathon where I will run my 2nd marathon race. I have no intention to go for sub-2 hour for this race, my intention was to double-check my running form on downhill, check my breathing pattern, study if consciously “lifting” my knee will help me propel forward efficiently, check my cadence, test negative split and so on. Being new to this route, I was actually very careful not to screw up nor encounter any injuries. The worst thing I could do for this race is go all out, hit sub 2 hours and showed up with tired legs on my marathon revenge. Yeah, I’ve been preparing madly for my marathon revenge this Saturday. If you want to know why I consider this my “revenge”, please read my first marathon encounter here. For two weeks, I’ve been going to gym regularly to strengthen anti-gravity muscles particularly on my hips and quads to prepare for long downhill runs. These are the muscles that would absorb most stress on downhill run. FYI, I was told that the Subic route for 42km would consist of 80%-85% downhill with relatively flat roads, if your quads is weak, good-luck and be careful.

Now going back to this race, I woke up around 2 am with only few hours of sleep (actually almost no sleep, call this race jitters, anxiety whatever). Turned on the T.V and the first sentence I heard that day was Kuya Germs trademark statement:

Took my breakfast (oatmeal, banana and coffee) and by 2:30 I was already on the road waiting for the bus. I have issues driving long hours (I bet going back to Dasma Cavite from Quezon City would take more than 4 hours) so I didn’t drive that day and went for the bus instead. As there was no air-conditioned bus that early morning, I hopped into a regular bus going to Quezon City. I swear you could smell Manila in my entire body that day! I reached my destination around 4:15 am and used the remaining time to put my bag to the baggage area, do warm-up run, stretched and by 4:30am I was already near the starting line and made smalls talks and photo-ops with the rest of the takbo.ph gang for the remaining time.

The race started exactly at 5:00am. I started slow this time, eventually pacing with Jinoe for few kilometers with his 6:10-6:30min/km pace. I got bored with the pace and with my lack of discipline in negative split, I found myself eventually running faster until I left Jinoe after 3 kilometers or so. I continue with my pace but slowed down considerably on uphill but attacked downhill roads viciously. The route after the first U-turn consists of several long down-hills and I found myself running fast with longer stride but low cadence. Along the way, I would meet some takbo.ph guys and would yell at me “Sam, is that chillax pace??!!”. I just smiled back and continued my pace. Quickly I realized that this made me tired easily (eventually slowed me down the rest of the race) and I adjusted by switching to shorter stride and quick cadence but alas, too late for the change as flatter roads and an uphill near Trinoma would soon greet me. Somewhere along this road I would encounter cramps on my calves and would stop from time to time. Boss Jinoe would eventually overtake me near this section of the road. Bryan would shout “Go Sam!” when he saw me stopping during one of my cramp attack. And with this learning, my plan on Subic’s downhill would be to go for high cadence, soft knees; don’t attack the hill; glide or “roll” down the hill with shorter strides, quick, light steps. I finished the race after 2 hours and 11 minutes (unofficial). Now as for the race itself:

Good:
Kilometer markers
Plenty of Marshalls
Plenty of hydration along 21km route (although I noticed shorter tables-not an ideal “international” standard)
Medal looks kick-ass!
Very challenging route
Prizes for the winners are really good

Improve:
Baggage area too far from the finish line
Awarding ceremony took too long to finish with winners queuing for their checks until 12pm.

I would like to congratulate Cresencio Sabal for wining 42km (local-first prize) and earning php150,000 for it. The guy also just won last week’s Milo Marathon Finals for 42km and got php75,000. Oh he’s wife Aileen Tolentino-Sabal(local-first prize) also won in the women’s division yesterday and also got php150,000. Her sister Ellen Tolentino placed 6th and earned php8,000. You guys should really treat me next time we meet! As expected, the Kenyans ruled the international competition. They will again race in the upcoming Subic International Marathon.

Goodluck to all of you and see you on Saturday!

Me and the Pacers