Saturday In The Park

This past Saturday was not any ordinary Saturday to the SFRunner.  It was a morning to see if there's anything left in the legs, knees, heart and desire. 

A few days ago, this runner registered for the Rexcona 10 Mile Event in Makati City, Philippines.  Normally, this is mot a big deal but the 5K has a cutoff time limit of one hour (12 minutes a kilometer or 19 minutes, 31 seconds per mile).

Up until the last couple of years, this runner was never concerned about stuff like this.  Before the injuries hit, I was running seven to eight minutes per kilometer or 11-12 minute miles.  Since these days, it's been mostly power walking with an occasional jog, the margin for error is very short.

Last Sunday, on a course that had numerous signal lights and stop signs the first three kilometers or about two miles, the walk was around 61 minutes with the watch running.  Definitely, it was a disappointment because the last three kilometers, this runner worked hard.  The effort was good but not good enough.

On Saturday, it was definitely different.  There were two intersections on the 5K course in Golden Gate Park.  There were a couple of small hills but mostly level to downhill.  The time was four and one half minutes faster (56 minutes, 33 seconds), definitely exceptional compared to last Sunday.  There were cyclists, runners and walkers on the course but were never an issue.  It was good to see runners from my last club, Excelsior, along with a number of high school runners from University out there on a pleasant morning.  The weather was overcast and cool which is normal for August.

Tomorrow, I plan to jog a bit on the uphills of the Mountain Lake 5K course that is sponsored by the Dolphin South End Runners.  Certainly, this person would rather run the Makati City event, but needs to have a backup plan in case the running part doesn't fall through.  The muscle above the left knee is still not where it should be and am not confident at this point of pushing this much.

The good news is that there are still three weeks to go in preparation for the event (with two weeks to go here in The City).  Going home on the 31 MUNI, the effort was successful.

The Upcoming Rexona Race w/Carlito, Dennis and more!

The following post is quite a bit overdue but wanted to get this out before leaving for Asia next month (September).

I've known Carlito Buenaventura from the Philippines for a little while now (not quite as long as Wilbert, Dennis or Jennifer).  However, Carlito and I have a couple of things in common such as the local pro wrestling scene and running.

Earlier in the month, he shared a copy of a blog post that was inspiring back in 2008 with Jaymie Pizzaro (The Bull Runner) and Sir Jovie Narcise (Bald Runner).  It was at a time when running was booming in the country and this runner being a very small part of it.

Carlito was very inspired about the running blog I had until some time ago when the blog was deleted.  What this runner didn't realize was the impact the blog did for people, especially in the Philippines.

He had been a runner for several years until having heart surgery.  His time away was roughly four years from 2015-2019.

He got back into it by power walking and eventually running during the pandemic years.  There was depression and anxiety at the time.  However, Carlito  channeled it beautifully into something very positive. Today, he's back to running but not racing.

He's doing some amazing stuff.  Looking at a reel, Carlito just completed his 1081st straight (three years folks!) ultra distance (50 kilometers)!  When I hear about ironmen in sports, I think of Cal Ripken (baseball) and his streak of 2632 games without missing a game.  Carlito's streak is even more amazing because he's doing it at least seven-eight hours each attempt!    

We talked about various things such as Wilbert and Dennis who run races with him.  Wilbert and Dennis are runners that I've known for several years.  Carlito also mentioned a race that will take place while in Metro Manila.  The Rexona 10 Miler starts at one of my favorite training spots in Makati, the Ayala Triangle.  He's shared other things such as marathons, 90+ year old athletes that continue to run, etc.

With numerous people encouraging to get back into shape, and learning about Carlito, the attitude and motivation has changed dramatically here.  After getting off the rear end, and doing a couple of training walks, this runner registered for the event.  It is on Sunday, September 14th, beginning at 2am.  It will be part of a big day in which this runner will be at two other events, both local pro wrestling shows.

Back to Carlito, this runner is humbled and honored to be at the same start line with him, Dennis and anyone we both know on September 14th.  Doing a Run Rio event is also a bonus for those who have done one of his events!  Right now, the plan is to walk and jog a little.  The cutoff time for the 5K is one hour.  Walking-wise, I'm around that right now (within about 15 seconds walking).  

SFRunner's First Bay To Breakers

The famous Hayes Street Hill, between two and three miles, of the Bay To Breakers 12K and 15K events.  I will try and get today's photo later today and have it below the 1972 photo.

The date was Sunday, May 21, 1972.  It seems like a long time ago.

There was a lot going on worldwide and locally.  The Vietnam War was unpopular worldwide and it seemed no end in sight.  Locally, a sports entertainment known as Roller Derby was unpopular.  The Bay Area's favorite home team, the Bay Bombers had been replaced by the Chiefs.  That would change about a week later!

This runner had been training longer miles (like 30 miles per week over the past year).  The San Francisco Examiner, the sponsor of the Bay To Breakers, had entries in their newspaper for over a month.  The previous year, I had participated in the Dolphin South End Runners practice race and finished around 61 minutes.  It was so much fun, it was time to do it again!

The race itself was free.  The only thing that runners needed to do was to join the Pacific Association of the AAU for one year.  The fee was one dollar.  Also, runners had to take a physical, either by their doctor, or on the morning of the race.  No problem.

The course.  Thank you to Map My Run in recreating the course.

The morning was partly cloudy with no wind.  That would change as we would enter Golden Gate Park as patchy fog would settle in over the area.

According to the Examiner, 2585 participants started and 2282 registered.  Ken Moore (pictured above) would win his fifth consecutive B2B in a record time.  A few years later at a corporate event, this runner had a chance to meet him several years before his untimely death.  We talked about the race and exchanged many memorable moments from the event.

Moore would go on to finish fourth in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich running in the Marathon.  This runner would finish his first B2B in just over 61 minutes.  Since then, I've completed 47 more of them.

Back in 1972, the race itself was far more serious with an occasional costume or two.  Today, it is far more of a party atmosphere.  In 1972, we received a certificate and water/juice for our efforts plus a blister or two.  Today, all official entrants receive a finisher's medal.  The race is one of the top 15 in the world as far as the longest running.  It doesn't look like it will end anytime soon.

A Takbo.ph Race

The late Patrick Concepcion and I before the Takbo.ph race.  Patrick did the 20 miler while I did the 16K.

 

This blogger has talked about races in the Philippines and the different promotions that put the races on.

 

In November 2017, I finally had the opportunity to take part in a Tabko.ph 20 Mile race in Pasay City.

 

This runner certainly was not in the best of shape going into the race.  The week before, I participated in a race at UP Dilman.  The 10K was the worst of my career although I had a blast.  Having a chance to run The Oval is something that everyone whether Filipino or anywhere around the world should run.  It is a place that this runner would train several days a week if I lived in Metro Manila.  

 

The Takbo.ph 16K, part of a series of races that morning was really special.  First off, I've known Jinoe and Que going back to 2008 when visiting the Philippines on a running vacation for the first time.  They have always been nice and appreciative, not only to myself but with the running community.  It was at a time when the running craze was growing in Metro Manila as well as Cebu.  When I finally retired from working full time in 2017, Doing a Takbo.ph race was one of the top things when visiting.

 

Prior to the 20 miler, Patrick Concepcion and I were warming up in preparation and we eventually had a photo-op.  We had a chance to meet up after both of us were completed and talked about running and visiting America again one day.  I understand there is a duo photo of Patrick and myself in the two different events from the event.  Honestly, am humbled greatly by this.  For years, Patrick and I talked about training, races, and exchanged training methods.  Also, Patrick was well known in the running community and was definitely great and kind with those that he knew.

 

A couple of weeks ago, I found out that he passed away and it hit really hard.  For several years, this runner because of injuries, the covid pandemic and disinterest became out of touch with the sport and with the running community in the Philippines and in America.  There was the Stripes Run 5K I did in 2023 in Pasay City and the local Bay To Breakers 12K here in 2024.

 

The race itself was well run, but this runner did poorly.  I believe I saw Dennis and a couple of other runners out there on the course.  The weather was good compared to some other long races when the humidity was a factor.  The aid stations were perfectly run, the kilometer markers were perfect according to the Garmin, etc.

 

During the second half of the 16K, there were a couple of women that were struggling.  They wanted to stop right there.  Since I was not going to run a good time that day, the two runners actually joined in and slowly ran with me.  The conversation from this runner was "you can do this!"  When they needed to walk, I walked along with them just to keep them going.  Both of them finished right in front of me at the finish (this runner didn't want to be macho!) so one mission on the race was accomplished.

 

Afterwards, I thanked Que and numerous staff members for the job they did on the race.  For those reading this, Takbo.ph continues to have races throughout the year and they have their own website.  Here is their website URL.  Please click the link below this paragraph.

 

  http://www.takbo.ph/

 

Afterwards, there were a few photo-ops, breakfast with several people including an old friend, Mon from the Happy Feet Running Club.  A couple of days later, I headed back to San Francisco on another flight.  It would be December 2022 when I returned to the Philippines.        

Feels Good!

Well, the workout wasn't pretty but the 200 meters jogging at Fort Point was good.

 

The walk today was actually a recovery from the quicker two mile yesterday in Golden Gate Park.

 

Because of a doctor's appointment, which this runner totally forgot, the run at Ocean Beach was changed.

 

After completing the walk from the apartment to Fort Point and around the area, it was decided to jog around the oval overlooking the Marina.  It was un-timed but knowing the distance, slight uphill and downhill, it felt good though it was about 200 meters.  Definitely the left leg and knee feels stronger than it did one week ago.  Doing some stretching, stair climbing around the apartment and hills have helped.

 

The goal for two weeks from Sunday is actually jog the Mountain Lake Park 5K instead of doing a self time.  Being with other participants is better than doing it alone.  The DSE cutoff is 15 minutes per mile or 46:36 per calculation.

 

With the upcoming race in the Philippines, the race organizers have an hour cutoff.  Right now, just walking, this blogger is around 18:10 per mile pace or 56:27 per 5K.

 

Tomorrow, a 5K on the track at Kezar Stadium and on Sunday, will walk the Mountain Lake 5K for the very first time.  I've run it several times and know the course well.     

A Look Back In Time With Photographer Ben Chan

My first ever Philippines vacation was a blast.  It was great seeing Metro Manila by car, foot and running two footraces.  And then, there was an unexpected workout that I will always remember.  Below is an excerpt from photographer - runner, Ben Chan.  He was definitely more than a tour guide.  He was actually a great coach that day!

 

   https://benmchan.blogspot.com/2008/12/runner-profile-7.html

In 2008, I was a part of the Happy Feet running group and the members were great.  Mon Domingo spearheaded the group and this runner gives him a lot of credit in learning the Filipino culture.

 

Ben, besides being a great runner, is an outstanding photographer.  He had the idea of doing a runner profile on me on a day that I would do some fartlek (speed play) or interval training.

 

We went all over Metro Manila.  We did a running shot of Mandaluyong City, going over the bridge crossing the Pasig River, the Ayala Triangle, the underground area of the Ayala Triangle that caught workers and security by surprise!  There were also the photo shoots at BGC and at UP Dillman.  

 

The weather was warm, humid and partly cloudy but both of us were able to do what we wanted - A Runner's Profile of the interesting variety.  We ended up doing breakfast at UP Dillman.  I wished I could remember the name of the restaurant but like most restaurants in Metro Manila, the food was great! 

Golden Gate Park

Conservatory Of Flowers on the eastern end of Golden Gate Park.

 

 

One of this running bloggers favorite places to run and walk happens to be in Golden Gate Park.  Hundreds of times, I've trained there and have probably raced there close to 100 times (will check that!).

 

The first time running from the east to west end of the park was in May 1972 when participating in the Bay To Breakers cross city race.  There were a lot of people running that day with roughly over 2200 finishers.  Today, the number of finishers are over 20,000!

 

Several other races run through a part of the park such as the San Francisco Marathon in July and the Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon in February.  One of the local area running clubs, the Dolphin South End Runners, put on several low key races in the park.  The Windmill 10K and the Rainbow Falls 5K are among several races run.

 

The park itself is 155 years old as of this post.  It is the largest urban park in America (1017 acres) and third most visited park with an estimated 24 million visiting each year.

 

There are at least 16 notable attractions including Spreckels Lake where this runner just finished a workout.  Other highlights include the de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, Dutch Windmill, Aids Memorial Grove and the California Academy Of Sciences.

Running In The Philippines

With Nathaniel at the 30K mark of the Run United 2 - 32K in November 2010.  This was one week after running my first ultra marathon. 

 

This runner has been fortunate to run in several countries.  There's Canada, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.  On the upcoming vacation, there will be one addition in Thailand and a country I've raced in more than any other, besides America, in the Philippines.

 

In the six visits, this runner has raced nine times.  The Tagaytay-Nasugbu 50K in 2010 was the longest while the 2023 Stripes 5K Run on my birthday was the shortest.

 

There are four runners whom are also race directors that I would race for, and in their races, whenever in the country.

 

Rio De La Cruz (Run Rio), Bald Runner (PAU events), Jinoe Gavan (Takbo.ph) and Marlon Mercado (TakboNaPilipnas) are active and great with the running community.  

 

This runner remembers the year 2008 very well.  Here I was seeing a second running boom, right in the Philippines.  People were getting out and walking/running.  The ultra marathon scene was growing as well.  It definitely has changed 17 years later.

 

Unlike in the United States, much of the races are run very early before sunrise because of the heat and humidity.  However, it is worth it as I found out in that very first race.  Fluids and lighter clothing are important for everyone.

 

On Sunday, September 14th, it will be the Rexona Metro Manila 5K in Makati City starting at the Ayala Triangle area.  This runner remembers the Triangle well as it was training ground for a couple of races.  My friends, Carlito, Dennis, Wilbert and Jennifer will be there, and am sure that some names from the past will catch up and share some old times together.

 

The race is, once again, put on by Run Rio's staff, so there will definitely be no issues there.  The events begin at 2am, bright and early!  

The San Francisco Marathon

Every July for a while now, the San Francisco Marathon, probably the toughest one I've run, takes place throughout the city.  Other than 1988, 1993 and 2020, the event has been a major one for the area.  The first San Francisco Marathon, sponsored by the Pamakid Runners, took place in 1977.

 

Originally, the event took place on the western side of the city.  The course included Golden Gate Park, Lake Merced and the Great Highway.  Today, the marathon course starts and ends just south of the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero.  It travels through Crissy Field, the Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, Golden Gate Park and back through the Mission to the Embarcadero.

 

There are numerous other races besides the marathon.  There is a first and second half - half marathon, 10K, 5K, ultra and an ultra relay.  The event is now a multi day including the expo.

 

Forgot what year but it was one of the first half marathons run.

 

In the years running in the event, and I've done three different versions, this runner has run six marathons, five - first half marathons, one - 5K, one 10K and four marathon relays.

 

The 47th edition will take place next July.

The Week In Review 8/11 Thru 8/17

Looking back at the past week, there's been enormous making up to do.

 

There was returning to what this runner-walker-blogger does and loves.  Numerous people from Carlito, Dennis, Wilbert and others in the Philippines to Paul, Allen and Kerri here in America.  The message was clear...."get off your butt and get back to what you love!"

 

It started on Wednesday with a 1K in 16:00.  Each day was more walking than the previous one.  And the pace got quicker.  On Sunday (today in this post), it was a timed personal best walking by over two minutes from the previous year.  Originally, I was going to do this in Golden Gate Park but there is a major concert going on.  The Embarcadero / Pier 30 course was great and was vibrant with people today!

 

The blog that was deleted in February has been re-created.  This blogger has been putting together a number of stories from the past 58 years from here to Manila and Taiwan.  There are old, and soon there will be new ones of races and people that this runner will be meeting.

 

Finally, I re-registered with the Dolphin South End Runners.  My first race with them will be in three weeks with the Mountain Lake 5K Run in the Presidio area of the city. 

I'm with Dennis Quepe, Wilbert Lacbay, Jennifer (Dennis' wife) and Rio de la Cruz prior to the U.S. Half Marathon in San Francisco a few years ago!  Both Rio and I, not sure about the others, qualified for the following year's New York City Marathon in this race.  We had, either left Sports Basement in Crissy Field where we picked up the bib numbers.

 

Then, on Sunday, September 14th, less than three days after arriving in the Philippines, I will take part in the Rexona Metro Manila 5K part of a major race series that is put on by Run Rio.  This will be my sixth time in seven visits to the Philippines to be able to run in an event.

 

SF Wayne would like to thank Carlito on mentioning this race.  Looking forward to seeing him, Dennis and a few other runners at the event.  The Friday before the Sunday race, I'll need to take Grab over to Glorietta 2, one of my all time favorite places in Makati City to pick up the gear.  Carlito has been one huge inspiration for this runner and I will have a story on him soon (if he allows me to do it!).  

 

This week is the critical week.  Jogging but no sidewalk running!  That is where the falls are happening.  It will either be trails or Golden Gate Park / Great Highway.  And, the running will be slow.  Trying to gain confidence again!

 

Please have a good week ahead everyone!

DSE Mountain Lake Park 5K

The date is set for Sunday, September 7th to return to what this runner loves most.

 

The Mountain Lake 5K, though hilly, has been one of my favorite courses and training areas over the years.  The runners run by the sights of Mountain Lake as well as the Presidio Golf Course.  

 

Now, that I'm officially back with the Dolphin South End Runners, this will be the test.  The question is will this runner do it with the masses or self-time.

 

We will see in the days ahead.

2008 New Balance Power Race

The second Philippines race that this runner participated in was outside the Metro Manila area at Clark.  It was a former American Air Force base which, I believe is used now by the Philippine Air Force.

 

The date was Sunday, November 16, 2008.  A group of us went up the afternoon before because of the distance from the Manila area and the fact we could get a good night's sleep.  We really didn't though.....Gene and I maybe got two or three hours because of all the excitement.

 

New Balance Philippines put on the event and it was definitely well run.  There was quite a bit difference in the weather as it was cloudy and not nearly as humid as the previous week's race.

 

There was a 25K and a 10K and I opted on the 10K.  The races were run together so, other than the bib colors, no one really knew what distances they were running.

 

Of all the races run in the Philippines, the 10K and the last race I ran in Manila, the McDonald's 5K in December 2023, were my best races.  The humidity factor didn't set in on me until after 10K in the longer races.

 

The course itself was a nice out and back with a little incline before and after the turnaround point.  From the photo above, I was behind the same runner or almost next to him from the 5K turnaround to the finish.  My friend, Sir Jovie, mentioned that he was one of the toughest masters runners in the Philippines.  The distance was never any further than this as we headed to the finish.  The same guy out kicked me to the chute!  The time was 50:40, which was my best time that year.  The Garmin showed 10.1 kilometers so we weren't cheated. 

The awards ceremony went well.  I finished just out of the top three but was happy with the effort.  It was really nice to be, and feel, part of a photo-op that happened after the finish of both races.

 

Wilbert, Gene, Dindo and myself (hopefully I remember everyone), on the way back to Metro Manila, stopped at a McDonald's for breakfast.  For a fast food restaurant, the pancakes, scrambled eggs and hash browns, along with orange juice, never tasted better!

Boston Marathon Remembered

It's been 26 years now since this runner ran his only Boston Marathon.  The date was, ironically, Monday, April 19, 1999, the actual Patriots Day.  One hundred twenty four years (or 1775), the battles of Lexington and Concord took place.

 

Since 1969, the holiday has fallen on the third Monday of April.  From 1972 on until 1998, all this runner heard from other runners was "you have to run Boston if you are a marathoner!"

 

This runner was fortunate to get into the 1999 race.  The year before, I met the qualifying (three hours, 25 minutes) by about four minutes!  The Napa Marathon has always been a great one for me despite the flat, and sometimes, rolling courses.  On March 1, 1998, a three hour, 20 minute and 58 second effort (3:20:58) got me in.

 

Traveling to Boston on a non-stop United flight, the flight itself was very bumpy.  A lot of turbulence, especially in the eastern portion.  However, on Friday afternoon when arriving, the weather was partly cloudy.

 

The weekend was nice at times, and showery others.  It is New England and one doesn't know what to expect.  My last training run from a hotel just west of the Prudential Building was perfect.  Reservations were made roughly four months beforehand.

 

The school bus ride to Hopkinton was cool.  Many runners were sharing many stories.  I sat next to a lady from Maryland who shared her story of her race in Baltimore.  She had tried for seven years to get in and finally she was here!

 

The time of the race has moved up today but back in 1999, we started anywhere from noon to about 12:15 depending on the wave.  I was in the latter wave group.  The temperature was mid 50s, partly cloudy but comfortable for running.

 

It was great seeing all the different towns along the way and this runner was really taking it in.  Ashland and Framingham were really cool places.  You wouldn't think that you were 20+ miles west of a major city by going through these towns.

 

Wellesley College, about midway, was one of the highlights.  I knew about the women screaming to the top of their lungs cheering the athletes on.  Running on the left side of the road, it wasn't as loud but it was loud enough.

 

The Newton Hills were tough enough.  However, I've run on some hills here in the Bay Area that are tougher.  The problem I had was the downhill side as we were nearing the city.  The legs, at times, felt like lead.

 

Going by Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox, and the Citgo Sign telling you one mile to go are motivators.  Then, the right turn on Heresford and the left turn on Boylston Street and there was about 800 meters to go.

 

It was now a little past 3:30pm in the afternoon, and there were spectators still cheering on runners.  The noise got louder and louder as we were approaching the finish right near the Library.  The time on the watch was 3:32:09.  There was a little disappointment but when the medal was draped around the neck, the disappointment turned into a smile.  We finished the Boston Marathon!

 

Joseph Chebet from Kenya and Fatuma Roba from Ethiopia won the men's and women's races.  However, to everyone at the finish line, all of us were champions that day!           

Why?

Over the past few weeks, a lot has gone on around this blogger.  It's hard to pinpoint any one thing.  The major thing is that I haven't been happy with life in general since the year began.

 

In early February, in a training run, I took a bad fall.  The pavement was slippery, but have trained in conditions like that many times.  No broken bones but badly bruised the right hip and back.  It was several days before getting back to normal.  This was not the first fall in the last couple of years either.  At that point, this runner thought it was enough.

 

The running blog was deleted from blogger.  There was nearly a total disconnect from the running community.  There were running books that this runner had for years that were donated to the local library and Goodwill.  Also, there was the cancellation of Runner's World and not watching running events on television.  I couldn't even tell you who won the Boston, Tokyo and London Marathons this year.  This runner was supposed to participate in the Bay To Breakers.  Because this runner couldn't walk three miles as of the day of the event, he chose not to go!

 

Interestingly, another blog on the Bay To Breakers and a spreadsheet of all the races and total miles run was not touched.  Honestly, I don't know why they weren't taken down.  There must have been a reason.   

 

The atmosphere in America right now is very depressing.  This blogger doesn't want to get into the political area of it.  The sports teams this runner follows are mediocre at best.  I have stayed up on pro wrestling both here and in Southeast Asia and watched numerous movies on Netflix and Peacock.

 

Then about three weeks ago, the San Francisco Marathon celebrated its 50th anniversary as an event.  This runner-blogger got up early and walked down to Fort Mason to encourage some runners on whom he didn't even know.

 

There have been conversations over running the past couple of weeks afterwards.  My neighbor in my apartment, Kerri has been pushing me just to get walks in.  She knows of the Dolphin South End Runners and their self time option prior to actual races.

 

There are the people I have coffee with at the Village Cafe near me.  They are asking if I'm healthy enough, and if I am, to get my butt moving again.  The group is five to 10 years older and they are telling a younger person that.

 

And there are the runners themselves locally and outside America.  Paul, Carlito, Mike, Nancy, Jill and several others have been encouraging.

 

Well, yesterday, there was the first attempt.  Though I walk everyday, it will either be to the store, post office, laundromat, pizzeria, an ATM or the cafe.  Short distances.  This walk was one kilometer, roughly triple in distance.  There was one point were this blogger jogged across the street.  Guess you can say it may be progress.  Sixteen minutes it took and forgot to stop the watch at the signal lights.  Well, the good news was the Garmin Forerunner 930 is still in good shape and accurate.

 

The weekend is about here.  Mentioned to someone that there was this 5K near Mountain Lake Park that I would do in September before leaving for Southeast Asia.  However, there is a 5K out at Land's End this coming weekend.  No guarantees, but don't be surprised if there is an appearance.

Remembering The First Ultra

In November 2010, after years of running events from 5k to the marathon, this runner tried something new.....an ultramarathon.

 

With Vener and, I believe Junrox before the race. 

 

On November 14, 2010, I ran in the Tagaytay to Nasugbu 50 kilometer run on country roads south of Manila.  It was something this runner will never forget.  Below this paragraph is the official results from the race.

 

 https://baldrunner.com/2010/11/15/result-4th-pau-t2n-50k-run/

 

Jovie Narcise (a.k.a. Bald Runner) put on, what was at the time, the fourth version of the event.  Back in that time, ultramarathons were becoming very popular in the Philippines and throughout Asia.  At the time, I did train well enough but only for maybe 30K.  This race was 50 kilometers in length.

 

The course ran from east to west along country roads mostly.  The finish in Nasugbu was in a small park, a perfect setting.

 

The first 25 kilometers went well.  However, the warm weather and humidity began to take its toll over the last 15 kilometers.  It wasn't a matter of knowing what the time was, it was surviving and finishing.

 

The finish was 137th of 159 runners in seven hours, 48 minutes plus.  Definitely, other than surviving, getting through it under the time allowed was on the mind the last five kilometers.  There was a lot of cramping.  I remembered losing roughly eight pounds during the event.

 

Afterwards, there was the photo-op with Jovie Narcise (aka Baldrunner).  He congratulated me and welcomed me to the ultraunning community.  It was definitely an accomplishment for certain.  Doing it in the Philippines was special.  Note - If anyone has the finishing photo, please let me know!  Thanks.

 

Moving on, having some food including a broth of soup was the perfect thing afterwards.  I remember the conversation with Vener afterwards while sitting down.  It was very helpful and was able to get things slowly back to normal.

 

It's hard to believe but the event happened nearly 15 years ago.  I've done two ultras since, both about 90 minutes faster out at Lake Merced.  Of all the races run, this one was the toughest of my career.  Grateful to have done it in the Philippines. 

Dolphin South End Runners

When first getting into the running scene in San Francisco following high school and the first job, the Dolphin South End Runners were about four years old.

 

My first race with them was an event no longer on the schedule known as the Stow Lake Relay, roughly two miles total.  It was definitely a blast to see runners of different abilities take part.  It was also the first time that I ran a race with women present and running!  A couple of years before, women were finally allowed to run distances more than 800 meters.  In 1972, for example, the Boston Marathon legally allowed women to run in their event for the first time.

 

When thinking of the history, people like Walt Stack, Rudy Stadlberger, the Cunneen family, the Boitano family, blind athlete, Harry Cordellos and others come to mind.  They were the foundation of what is truly a fun group today.  The club runs roughly 40+ races in San Francisco and the Pacifica areas of the Bay Area.  

 

Some 554 races later, this runner will soon lace his running shoes and take part in another DSE race, a 5K in the Mountain Lake Park area.  Definitely looking forward to seeing everyone and taking on another challenge!

Bay To Breakers

Since May 1972, it's a rarity when this runner doesn't participate in the Bay To Breakers 12K race in San Francisco.  The event is one of the oldest in the world and runs from the eastern portion of the city (near San Francisco Bay) and finishes on the Great Highway (Pacific Ocean).

 

Of the 1319 races participated, 48 of them have been this event!  It's a great tradition for many but an event that I still take seriously today.

 

I have a link to the event on the right side of the blog.  Also, I have a personal link that will list below this paragraph with the winners of all the races as well as my times.  

 

Yes, I plan in trying to run it in 2026!

 

 https://thirdsundayinmay.blogspot.com/

First Race In Asia

Some good runners ready to go for a 15K!

 

Fast forward a few years to the first race in Asia.

 

On Friday, November 7, 2008, this runner-blogger visited the Philippines for only the second time.  The first time was a stopover on a way back from a work visit to Hong Kong.

 

Before leaving the company, AT&T, I worked in an international group where I worked with communications phone companies in parts of Asia.  PLDT was a great company inn Metro Manila with great technicians.  A friend of mine who I still contact, Raul, was fantastic.  He shared the culture of the country and multiple times, he would bug me to come visit.  It finally happened in 2008.

 

By that time, after leaving AT&T, I worked with New Balance shoe company.  It was difficult getting vacation time from them but was able to get about a week and a half of vacation from them.  Also, I got hooked on Facebook with several Filipino running groups.  Things were all set.

 

Less than two days, after landing, I would run my first race, a 15 kilometer.  The name of the race was the VSO Bahiginan 15K.  The area was in Global City, still developing at the time.  It would begin right about sunrise which was close to 6am.

 

The route wasn't difficult.  It was very much an out and back that headed into Fort Bonifacio around a Memorial Park and back.

 

The finish line.  Wasn't exactly smart wearing a black singlet that day! 

 

 

The weather was warm but very humid, something that I wasn't used to living in the Bay Area.  The pace was roughly six to six and a half minutes a kilometer.  Eventually, this runner came home in 1:34:56.  It was about in the middle of the pack.

 

It was nice to meet a lot of runners after the race.  One thing learning about Filipino runners.  They love taking photo-ops and love to eat.

 

There was another moment that had this runner a bit emotional.  Jovie Narcise (aka Bald Runner) was one of the top long distance / ultra runners in the country.  Also, he puts on ultrarunning events in the area.

 

Buying running shoes in the Philippines, or for that matter, any country, is expensive.  Bald Runner, at the time, had a program where people would donate doable shoes so that worthy runners would be able to wear them.  Working at New Balance, I was able to help Sir Jovie on several occasions.  The person who obtained the shoes, I'm told, finished third overall in the 15K.

 

This runner doesn't remember the restaurant we went to after the 15K.  However, the breakfast, coffee, orange juice and more was fantastic.  Also, though it wasn't at the time, a Run Rio event, Rio de la Cruz did an amazing job with the logistics of it all.  I've been fortunate to run several of his events and they are top notch.

Remembering The First Race

Castro Valley High School in 2022.  We ran on a clay track back then.  Today, it is an all-surface weather track.
 

It was Saturday, March 2, 1968.  At the time, living in Hayward, I went to San Lorenzo High School.  It was our first track meet of the season and we went to Castro Valley for an Invitational meet.

 

The weather was cloudy and breezy.  It threatened to rain several times but held off to very late in the day.

 

The invitational had roughly 15 schools throughout the East Bay.  That didn't matter.  It was getting ready to run.

 

Back in the 1960s, high schools in America were still running events in yards and miles.  During the 1968 track season, I would be alternating between the mile and two mile in meets.  In this event, it was the mile.

 

The result of the race was disappointing for me.  The hope was running five minutes with four laps at 1:15 apiece.  The wheels came out with about 660 yards to go.  The legs felt like lead.  It was like the mind was willing but the legs were weak!  A 1:15 third lap ended up as a 1:23.  The final lap was 1:22, not better at all.

 

Fortunately, I wasn't the last runner to finish.  Two runners were roughly 150 yards back when I finished.  However, it felt embarrassing.  

 

My distance coach was positive about the whole thing though.  He had a program for the distance runners and he felt we were right on schedule.  As it turned out, we were.

 

Our school won the regular season and league meets that year.  Though I fell short by roughly four seconds in the mile, the distance improved to four minutes and 54 seconds.  Next year could not come soon enough.