Condura Skyway Marathon 2012: Run for Mangroves (The Actual Experience)

Condura Skyway Marathon 2012: Run for Mangroves is one of the premiere running event of the country. It started in 2008 as a fun run for runners by runners, supporting an environmental cause. For this year, the running event would be held for the Mangrove Forest in Zamboanga de Sibugay. I posted thoughts before the race in a previous post. This one is all about the actual Condura Skyway Marathon experience.

Pre-race Happenings

I slept pretty late for a Condura Runner residing in the Metro since I had a lot of chores. So I set the alarm at 2:30am since Lee and the rest of the group agreed to meet at 3AM. By some weird reason though, I wasn't able to wake up with the alarm. But I got up through Gee Ar's missed call. Since I got everything ready before I slept. All I had to do was fix the bed and change into my running attire and I got to Ayala MRT by 3:40am. I was still asleep as the taxi dropped me off at Ayala MRT but my running friends were understanding so they didn't bitched at the half-asleep Condura runner (me, that much). Funny though that since I woke up late we saw Mia and rode the bus she boarded from Cubao.

 10k runners after the race from Gee Ar

The bus trip to Alabang didn't take too long so apparently Alabang is not so far anyway. Lee was our designated tour guide so he guided us towards the Condura Skyway Marathon 2012 Assembly Area. We arrived at 4am-ish and got ready while waiting for Yuri and Lenon.

In the Race

At around 5am (which was the announced scheduled gun start), we proceeded to the assembly area where 6 waves of 10k with 500 runners each was getting ready. As we were walking to our place in the starting lime, Mia asked why do the organizers have to make this event so extravagant instead of giving more to the cause. My answer was "kasi maraming reklamador na runners" (runners have a lot of complaints). And true to that answer, Yuri was ranting about not having a projector for the warm up since we were waiting in the Wave C line and cannot see the stage and the girl who lead the warm-up didn't describe her warm-up well. She cheered but didn't describe what she was doing. It was a funny warm up routine as everyone was doing their own thing and the runners behind would be copying the person in front of them.

 Running/Walking Pic from Titan Oni

After 45 minutes, we got to the actual starting line and we were gunned to start heading to the skyway. I decided to set a PR (personal) in this race and would run in my own pace so I would be leaving the first time 10k runners (Lee, Mia, Yuri) in their own pace. I would be following the same strategy as in Timex Run 2012. Run slow in 5k and run fast in 5k.

So I did just that, did slower running for the first 5k but aiming to get away from the walking lines. But as expected, instead of doing 5k race pace, I did 5k Farlek (Walking, slow running, sprinting). I got to see some Titans (Team Titan Runners) from various distances.

One personality that I encountered during the later part of the race was this guy who brought his runner dog to run with him. that was so amusing to see him running with his pet owner.

I finished at 1:06: 24 based on my timer so that's a new personal record.


Post Race: Pizza and Burgers

There weren't a lot of photographers in the finish line for 10k runners (and I'm guessing this goes for 5k and 3k, too) so I'm guessing I don't have any photos in the road. This race was unique as those who ran the longest got to spent the most time in the assembly area as opposed to usual races where they don't really get to go in that area since they would be packing up.

Anyway after crossing the finish line, there were a lot of runners but no instructions as to where to go. I remember takbo.ph where marshals and other race employees gave out the medals as you crossed the finish line and I got none of that from the organizers of Condura Skyway Marathon 2012. I had to follow the crowd and line up at a booth where they gave out papers with a packed medal. I found that cold and unwelcoming but I didn't mind it that much since I had just broken my PR.

 Solo pic from Gee Ar

I wanted to go with my PEx Running Club so I went looking for them after I got my medal. I failed to make an appearance with Team Titans so they thought I wasn't there. (Anyway, Titans I conquered the Sky way,  too. See you all in the next race!)

I wasn't attentive that day as I failed to wake up as planned and missed meeting some of the Team Titan runners. It escaped my mind that we'd agreed to meet in the Baggage Area (DUH for me). Gee Ar, Kevin and I were waiting for them in the way to the assembly area for almost 30 minutes. It turns out they were waiting for us in the baggage area.

So we did a couple of group shots and had breakfast at Army Navy/Yellow Cab. Since most of us are tired, we headed straight home after breakfast.

It was a fun morning. It was a great experience.


Results

My official time turned out to be:

Check out your results in the Condura Skyway Marathon 2012 Results Page.

There were 13,000 runners who conquered the skyway. Each runner supported 3 mangrove trees so all of us planted 39,000 mangrove trees. We made a difference in this planet.

Congratulations, Organizers of Condura Skyway Marathon!


Congratulations, first time runners of certain distances and first time runners of Condura Skyway Marathon!


Congratulations, all finishers of the Condura Skyway Marathon 2012!

The Overall Go Natural 2012 Run Experience: The First Important Run of 2012

Go Natural Run 2012 is the first important run of 2012. This run was organized for early child diabetes education co-sponsored by Go Natural, Run Rio and Resorts World Manila.

Blogger's Launch

I was on leave on the day Mam Vimz of Run Rio sent me an invite to my first running blogger's launching event. I was happy to accept the invite. After a busy day of getting ID's, I met running buddy, CJ, and we commuted to Resorts World Manila.

Organizers of Go Natural Run 2012

It was both our first time and since we arrived early, we explored the place and checked out people who gambled their money away.

As the clock turned 6pm, we went up to President's restaurant and waited for the rest of the bloggers since we were the first ones there.

 Organizers talking about Go Natural 2012

While waiting for the launching event to start, I met the other bloggers and the colorful personalities of the running community. As the launching event started, Coach Rio, Go Natural execs and Resorts World people took the stand and talked about the event. They presented us with the finisher's shirt and advocacy shirt, as well as the featured products of Go Natural.

 Class Picture at Go Natural 2012 Launch

As a treat, the organizers gave us free race kits, supplement samples and free tickets for Sound of Music.


Resorts World Manila presents Sound of Music

CJ decided to give me his ticket so I got to bring a buddy to watch Sound of Music one Friday night after office. Instead of riding a taxi, we took the RWM shuttle in Paseo Center. If you're riding this vehicle, you need to bring your membership card or sign up for one.

The travel was fast so we explored the place then headed to the Newport Theater. At that night, Cris Villonco played Maria. As expected, there was nostalgia with Sound of Music. But there were a few misses like that kolehiyala-sounding nun and some microphone problems.

 Posing as one of the Von Trapp Family Singers

The theater was a great venue. I could see Philippines being able to stage famous broadway plays in this theater.

After the play, we had dinner at Crisostomo and we went home around 2am.

A big thanks to Resorts World Manila for this treat from the blogger's launch.


The Big Event: My First 21k Run

After all the blog posts, events and training leading up to this event, it finally came. From my quick stint as a hydration boy in Todo Responde Run, I woke up again extra early to run my first 21k event. I arrived just in time but running buddy and pacer CJ came later so we ran late.

 Finishing with Kamote Runner from Angelo

We began the race chasing the tail of the 21k runners. We weren't that late so we were able to chase it immediately. The route started going around The Fort, Taguig and for 45 miuntes, CJ and I ran at a steady pace. In the Kalayaan exit near MC Depot, we bagan running and walking until we got to the Kalayaan Bridge where we ran until CJ got an injury where we run but mostly walked until the end of Kalayaan and until Mayapis Street. Runners who came later than us slowly passed before us. Near Makati Avenue, Kamote Runner caught up with us and was pushing us to run faster. When we got back to Kalayaan bridge, CJ decided to let me go ahead so I ran as fast as I can until 30th Avenue where I decided to walked. Kamote Runner caught up with me again and was pushing me. From there, I ran until the finish line and I crossed the finish line at 2:48:10 with Kamote Runner.

 Team Titans @ Go Natural 2012 from Jervin

At the Finish Line, Swimming buddy Ae congratulated me and I saw the rest of the Pex Running Club as I claimed my Finisher's Kit with an over sized 21k Finisher's shirt.

Since I was the only one who brought a camera, I went to get my bag when I saw Team Titans who finished way way before me and I was able to join out team photo op.

CJ finished at 3 hours and he met us just in time for our club's photo op.

 PEx Running Club @ Go Natural 2012

Go Natural Run was a great race according to people who finished early. When we finished 21k everything was almost finished so I wasn't able to experience the post race activities.

 After having (breakfast at) SEx (Siningag Express) from Cath

Post race - We went to Siningag Express to meet the Stags Run runners and bond with the rest of the Pex Running Club.

Afternoon Rush: Run, Race, Run at SunPiology Sunset Run (My First 3k)

SunPiology Sunset run is an afternoon fun run held to raise fund for Piolo Pascual's and Sunlife Philippines' favorite Charity, Hebreo Foundation (a non-profit organization committed to bringing scholars to school)

 

SunPiology banner

My First Free Race Kit

This is the first time I ran a race for free. I was just browsing through my facebook notifications when I found one of my friends had posted his information in the Timex Sports Philippines FB Page. So, I went to that page and discovered that they are holding a promo for free kits to Milo Finals and Sunset SunPiology Run. I posted my information as well and 2 days after they announced me as one of the winners of the free kits for Sunset SunPiology Run.


Pre Race

Since I was only running 3k (but my first 3k in an actual race), I decided to do other things. In the morning, I did house chores. Then after lunch, I went to ABAP for my boxing session with Coach Mitch. The race day was on December 10 and it was already the start of the Christmas season. So when I arrived at ABAP, the advanced students was already prepping for a Christmas salu-salo which I was surprised to run into. It was really awkward to just watch them eat so the advanced members invited me to eat with them. I had a hefty serving even if I already had lunch since the buko pie and the cookies was really heavy for the tummy. It was great to get to know some of them, especially I will be joining them once I get used to the basics of boxing. But this blew my schedule out of plans since I had to start my lesson at 2pm instead of the usual 1pm schedule which left me little rest time to prepare for the race.


Race and Run

As I arrived back at the condo, I just grabbed things I needed and headed out to hail a cab to the Fort for the race. I was almost tempted to blow the race off but it was only 3k so it won't hurt me that much. The venue of the race was at Mercato Central which I had never gone too. I arrived in the venue just at the time the 10k runners started running. As I was trailing to the registration area I even saw Team Leader Drew of ANR Ortigas running at a relaxed pace. Since I had won the race kit, I had to find the Timex people first before running my first 3k race.

The muddy assembly area

Lucky for me, I was able to get the race kit, leave my stuff in the baggage area and make my way to the front of the line (feeling elite runner lang) in time for the gun start of the 3k. My strategy for this run was to run as fast as I can since the distance was only 3k. Unfortunately, the weight of the Christmas Salu-salo from ABAP weighed me down and I was forcing myself to finish 3k instead of sprinting. I continued running despite of the difficulty and finished at 18 to 19 minutes.

The only proof I was at SunPiology

This was also the first race that I ran alone so the post race stuff was pretty boring. I got my photo from Canon and headed to the booths for free flyers and left before the program started. I even missed seeing Piolo Pascual finished 10k sub-60. I tried contacting TL Drew but I later found out he left the race early too.

 

Get the lootbag full of flyers!!

Overall, it was still a nice experience but I would rarely be participating in afternoon fun runs.

Worst Run of 2011: 9th Animo Run 2011

Last Dec. 4, DLSU Running Club organized the 9th Animo Run 2011. For the ninth year, this fundraising run aims to generate funds for charity.

  

with Emon who ran his first 10k in this run

I originally planned this run to be my first 10k but another fund raising run came and I was enlisted in 10k category and I decided to take the challenge so this became my 2nd 10k run. I wasn't really expecting a superbly organized run since only students organized this run but the failure to plan and coordinate logistics of the race cannot be excused. I was only planning to run with my DLSU Alumni Friends but some Pex Runners decided to join too, which was a welcome addition to this run's experience.

At Chikka.com Back drop

Token start/finish line photo

What was wrong with this?

1. Late Gun Start.
2. No Hydration until the end of the run and if you fell behind, you wouldn't had gotten any hydration.
3. No marshals, at all. The route passed by another fund raising run and the route included going through a crowd of Red Cross Million Runners run.
4. The host acted like drunken kids. I know they are kids but this is a professional event.
5. I had to go back the registration venue to get my timing chip which was really an inconvenience.

Group Picture with PEx Runners

It was a fun experience nonetheless as I was able to run with DLSU alumni friends and Pex running Club members. I would, however, think twice before joining this again.

Credits to Emon and Cath for the photos.

HSBC Anniversary Run 2011

My November run was the HSBC Anniversary Run 2011, a fun run to celebrate its anniversary by supporting Aklat Sisikat Foundation (SAS) is a non-profit professional Philippine organization that promotes the love and habit of reading in Filipino children.

Photo at the Starting Line from Cath

I ran with Cath and Dom (who was late) in the 5k category of this race. It was also Gee Ar's first 10k race so we didn't see each other until the end of the race. This was an aimless run and my pacer Speedy Dom wasn't there so I didn't really achieve another PR. It was my first time running a race in MOA, though. The Jose Natori singlet didn't hug my body well so I initially wanted to wear my MH Urbanathlon shirt but Cath urged me to wear it so I wore it over this shirt.

After Race Photo from Dom

It was a fun race but it was just okay for me.

Setting my 5k PR: 2011 Adidas King of the Road

Adidas King of the Road is a championship race that was held in various places in Asia like Simgapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. the Philippine leg was the culminating race where other Asians had qualified to join.

Pre-Race

After my un-eventful performance in AXN runs Philippines, I made it a goal to finish 5k in less than 30 minutes. My training goes like this:

Tuesday - 10 x 30 secs at 90% effort
Thursday - 5 x 800m at 5k pace
Weekend - Slow Running in 60 to 80 minutes

At KOTR 2011

I pretty much followed this training plan but I rested 2 days before the race. This run also required its participants to register and pay online. So we had to go to a pre-event event to claim all the race kits. It turns out that the singlet is too big and you can't change it to the size that fits you. You had to buy another one for P500. I didn't have extra budget to buy one so I didn't get one even if my singlet was too big for me.

Race

In the Running Zone

When I woke up, I started meditating by saying "I will be finishing 5k in less than 30 minutes" over and over again as advised by Coach Ani de Leon from a Multisport 101 event. I hailed a cab extra early as I was expecting a lot of people since this was a big running event. And just in time since the baggage counter was hard to find and was included in the 2nd wave of 5k. I ran with Dom and her sister since Gee Ar was included in wave 1. Part of the obstacle in running this trying to pass the crowds who block the roads. I did speed up so I would be able to get in front of the pack. The training paid off and I finished at around 28 minutes and achieved my 5k Personal Record (PR).

Post-Race

All finishers was able to receive a very thick medal which as Gee Ar says can be used as a weapon against villains. We had a messenger style loot bag with freebies from all the sponsors. I got to see swimming buddy Christian there who was also getting addicted with Running.

PEx Runners waiting for CJ to finish 21k

Everywhere the venue, running teams' presence was very much felt and so many runners joined this run that it was a great venue to meet other PEx runners by having breakfast in Market! Market!

Finisher's Medal

I would believe that Adidas KOTR 2011 is the best race of the year. It was really organized and worth every peso. I just hope that next year they would support a charity.

How Ortigas tortured me? AXN Runs Philippines 2011

From a 3 week business trip, I went back to running in Fun Run events in the AXN Runs Philippines that was held last September 18, 2011. I joined the 5k category which meant this was my fourth 5k run.

 5K Runner

 Nung una, okay pa yung road eh.. But towards the end, uphill was torture.

 with Running buddies: Dom and Lee

I was gunning for a sub-30 5k but I didn't really seriously train as I was only running aimlessly around my hotel. So I wasn't able to achieve that goal. Plus, the route was deadly with the uphill near Home Depot. I ran with Dom and Lee in this event. I tried to pace with injured Dom but he was still so fast that I couldn't catch him (Adik lang si Dom na kahit injured eh naka-sub 30 pa rin). There was also a lot of people who ran this event so we started walking at gun start. It was my first time to experience that so that was really annoying.

Highlight of the Post race activities

Post race wasn't that exciting as we got a boring loot bag containing only a box of Athena, a specialized milk for women. The highlight of the post race festivities was the Enervon-C booth where we played the ball catching game with enthusiastic cheerleaders cheering you on. There were a great number of runners too that why the freebies ran out.

Overall, this race was okay. the route was challenging but the start and finish is too congested for that many runners.

Credits to Andrew, Dom and AXN for the photos

Takbo.ph Runfest: My Third 5k

Back in July 2011, I joined the third Takbo.ph Runfest. The run was the celebration of anniversary of the premiere run site of the Philippines, takbo.ph.

Thirdy in Action at Takbo.ph Run Fest

Being new in the running community, the takbo.ph runfest experience was refreshing since there are people who had formed and flourished friendships through the passion of running. The run featured marshals who cheered you on and hydration of powerade or water.

 

Hanapin niyo ko sa Takbo.ph Run Fest

This was Dom and Gee Ar's first run so I decided to pace with them but Dom turned out to be really fast so I tried to catch him while Gee Ar left us by running slower.

Post Race with Dom and Gee Ar

The run didn't have a lot of sponsors but this is the first time I earned my first finisher's medal and it was such a rush to get a reward from finishing a 5k course.

My First Finisher's Medal

This run had a lot of mishaps like some runners being led to the wrong route and race results being erased but the overall experience was still great since it was a celebration of running and friendships formed due to running.

My 2011 Christmas Wish List

It's that time of the year yet again.

My most favorite time of the year. CHRISTMAS, the season where I get to give and receive gifts.

This entry enumerates this year's wish list.

• CirqFit Passes from Gym FTX or Circuit Training Passes from 360 Fitness. 

FTX December Promo

• Closed Cap - I know di na uso pero inarbor kasi yung closed cap ko kaya I want a new one pwede rin kahit hindi. Black, Grey or Blue.
 

 

Closed Cap from Google

• Boxer Brief. Size 30-32 (Medium) Handford Ice ang Brand ko. - Got one pero I want more. :)

Hanford Ad from Google

• Slacks/Chinos. Black, Blue, Grey or Beige. Size: 30 Straight Cut
 

Slacks from Google

• Long Sleeves. Slim Fit Small. checkered or Stripes only. Color na bagay sa kulay ng Pinoy. - Got two pero I want more
 

Checkered Long Sleeves from Google

• Nathan Hydration Belt pang LSD 

 

From Google

• Blender - Sira na kasi yung amen - I got this already... Yung Rice Cooker naman!

Blender from Google

• Rice Cooker - Luma na kasi yung amen

 

Rice Cooker from Google

• Gift Certificate - Pwede na rin Cash... Pambayad ng Bills...

Gift Certificates from Sodexo

Singlets, Finisher's Shirt and Advocacy Shirt for Go Natural 2012

In relation to my post about Go Natural 2012, the first important run of next year.

This post details the singlets for all categories (3k, 5k, 10k, 21k)

Blue

Green

Orange

Red

The 21km Finisher's Shirt

The Advocacy Shirt given when you donate at least P150

What are you waiting for?

Join now!

First IMPORTANT 2012 RUN: Go Natural 2012

The first run I shall be joining next year is Go Natural 2012 sponsored by Nattural Quality Corporation, Run Rio and Resorts World Manila. I was influenced by CJ (nagsusumbong?) to start 2012 by joining the 21k category of this event. My running buddies, PEX Running Club, promised to pace with me on this race so this should be fun.

Join Us!

GO NATURAL 2012

Start the year 2012 right with Runrio’s Go Natural on January 15, 2012 at the Bonifacio Global City.  Run for the education about Diabetes at an early age. 

Proceeds from the event will be donated to ABS CBN’s Ako ang Simula. 

Join Go Natural 2012 and run for a diabetes free future. 

Live healthy, Go Natural.  

RACE CATEGORIES
3K/5K/10K/21K

REGISTRATION FEES
3K – PHP 350
5K – PHP 550
10K – PHP 650
21K – PHp 800

- Includes Bib with Timing Tag and Singlet (21K + Finisher’s Shirt)
- First 1,000 early bird registrants get a special Go Natural Baller ID. Special surprises await those who wear the Baller ID during the run.
- Register 4 + 1 race kit for free for any category (in-store only)
- Donate P150 on top of the registration fee in support of early child diabetes education gets a freebie T-Shirt. (pickup race day)

REGISTRATION VENUES

November 28, 2011 to January 8, 2012 (12:00 nn – 8:00 pm)
- Toby’s – Shangri-La Mall and SM MOA
- Planet Sports – Trinoma and Glorietta 3
- Riovana – Bonifacio High Street
- Athlete’s Foot – Robinson’s Galleria and Alabang Town Center

To register online visit http://www.runrio.com

For More Information visit:
Official Website -> http://www.gonatural.com.ph/gonaturalrun
RunRio Website -> http://runrio.com

Go Natural is brought to you by Ampalaya Plus,  Amapalaya Plus Delite Herbal Tea, Slenda, Enduranz, Renalin, Resorts World,  Powerade and Viva Mineralized Water.