A Ninoy Runner Then and Now

As I was going through my clutter, I chanced upon this old photo of me taken during one of the ROAR runs in the 80s (that's my excuse for my confused Cure/Flock of Seagulls/Rick Springfield hair).



The ROAR runs were weekly weekend runs which start at the Baclaran church and end at Luneta. This was one of many the protest activities against Marcos and his senseless killing of Ninoy. I was running then because I was pissed off!!! I hated Marcos!!! It was personal as much as it was political.

It really brought back a lot of memories in as much as it made me realize that much of what we fought for then are same struggles that Auntie Cory sacrificed so much for and to this day continue to plague us all.

The problems and issues are overwhelming. I believe they can't be solved during my generation and I fear my children's generation. Where does one begin or do you even bother to start anywhere at all? I used to say to myself forget it! I'll just live my life oblivious to all these problems as long as my family is happy and healthy.

It maybe divine intervention, or my dad and mom (possibly with Uncle Ninoy...GOD rest their souls) banging my head, that led me to be more involved with working with my brother Rapa in iamninoy. The idea of small "heroic" acts or being a hero in your own small way was a big eye-opener. A tiny act of goodness and kindness can impact many many lives in a huge way. And I guess, or I'd like to believe, this may be the same force that led my friends and I to form the iamninoy Runners.



The thought that by the simple act of running together we get to help kids have an education and a better crack at the future. This is why I'm running now. This time it's not political but what I consider as my personal stake at making a difference.

Run with me. Run with us!!!

Crashed Into Uncharted Territory

Last Sunday, I ran the 15k Men's Health All-Terrain race in Sta. Elena. The course was both beautiful and challenging taking you through darting zigzags and rolling hills with nice views of the golf course and open fields.

I must admit though that I didn't expect the strain it would have on my knees. It was probably because I was constantly shifting while trying to choose where to step with constant thoughts of ACL in my mind. Unlike running on the road, I could not get a consistent rhythm on my strides. By the 8K mark my right knee was already painful perhaps for compensating for my left. Past the 12th I stepped on what I though was shallow mud but quickly realized I was wrong as I twisted my right ankle on a camouflaged rock. That's when I though, "Shit, I forgot to tape!" hahahaha. After a few more meters, I decided to call it a day and walked the remaining 2.5-3K to prevent any serious injury. I finished at a shameful, 1hr57mins. that Mayi, Caecilia, and Franics thought I got lost in the trail. hahahaha. Thanks for the vote of confidence guys.

This proved to be the right decision though because today, after 4 days of rest, ice, and arcoxia (hahaha), the pain in my knee is gone as well as the swelling on my ankle. There's still a little bit of stiffness and discomfort though but I think I'll be able to bike and swim this weekend and hopefully run next week.

At the end of the day, inspite of it all, I had a blast. Given the chance, if they'll have it again, I'll be back. But this time I won't be a fool and will come more prepared. Ay naku...lesson relearned.

Footnote: No pain nor strain felt in my hamstrings!!! Yessssss!!!

Back From the Dead

Last Sunday, June 14, I ran my first TRI race in over two years. I decided to join a mini-sprint so I can ease back into Triathlon with the least amount of stress possible.

I'd have to say I was so surprised with the amount of people who joined. Two years back, there was only a handful of participants. Now ang saya talaga. Saw a lot of old friends and training partners. I was also pleasantly surprised to see old friends who are first timers in the sport.

I had a blast and was really happy with my splits. SWIM 7:41; BIKE 31:47; RUN 17:20 for a total time of 56:48 minutes. I could have done much better though in my transitions. I was over 4 mins in my first and almost 2 mins in the second. But ok na din. Pwede pa pala. Forgot how much fun it is.

High point was my performance in my swim. I guess TI paid off and I had a more relaxed swim in spite of all the kicks received in the crowded pool.

Now, I think I just have to put a structure back in my training so I can be better prepared. For now I'm just happy to be back. Another step forward. :)

The recreational triathlete is back from retirement.

Photos with training partners Jun, Jaymie(2nd Place Womens), and Miguel...and nephew Juan (2nd Place Kids)

All pictures courtesy of my lovely wife, Mayi. Yes! Lovely! Thanks Mayi!!!

Racing to Update My Posts (Part 2)

Guilty as charged! I'm really lazy to post regularly. But I know I have to because I want to make sure I document everything so I can have accurate archives of my recovery, and now training, so I can look back at it if needed.

So here's whats been happening so far (in the past two weeks)

1. Run training with Joar have been really great! I've successfully gone through intervals, uphill and level speed work, tempo runs, and LSDs (Long Slow Distances -- coined by Joe Henderson) pain free. I'm happy and excited. If I can continue at this state, I will hopefully be able to work on improving time and do longer runs. I usually experience pain after the 11-12 km mark. So I'm still keeping my fingers crossed. I just have to be smart about training and know when to push and when to hold back.

2. I've started Total Immersion (TI) training with Coach Nonoy Basa. Together with classmates Joel Gironella and Miguel Pizarro, we have been battling to kill old-school swim habbits to achieve a better and more efficient swim technique. Easier said than done. Hahahaha. But I'm really enjoying it.


With Joel, Nonoy, and Miguel. Photo courtesy of theBullrunner (TBR)

3. Last Sunday, I decided to follow the advise of Jaymie (TBR) and coach Joar to finally get a deep tissue massage for my super stiff hamstrings. I've been putting this off since I haven't felt any serious pain in a while. But I yielded when warned that this stiffness might just eventually lead to a tear and another setback. Besides, I had nothing to loose by having the massage anyway.

As expected, it wasn't the ordinary Spa-like massage. Not relaxing at all. Harry, the masseur really worked on my problem areas namely -- my calf mussles, my hamstrings, and my right ITB.

I must say I was skeptical even after the massage. But I felt the benefits yesterday while doing hamstring exercises. I usually could not finish some exercise poses because they would start to stiffen up and become painful that I'd have to stop. But yesterday, they were ok. There was some slight stiffness but no pain. YES!!! Wow. Thanks Jaymie, Joar, and of course Harry!!!

4. I haven't been biking at all -- not even spinning. I have to squeeze it in somehow. "Makisig" will ride again!

YES!!!

Last night, I went through a punishing interval routine with coach Joar pacing me. I was so tired I felt I was drunk. Hahahaha. It just confirmed the fact that I'm so out of shape. Oh well, the good side is I didn't feel any pain last night nor when I got up this morning. YEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!! Joar also gave me a really good stretch focused on my hamstrings. I believe that did the trick.

Small victory but extremely happy. My fingers are still crossed.

I'll slowly get back there. I just need to push a little at a time. I'll get there.

Here Goes

I've been running (and spinning) pain-free for the past two and a half weeks. Actually, I still experience stiffness from time to time but it's quickly solved after a good stretch. As far as I'm concerned, stiffness I can handle.

Now that I'm ok (or at least I think I'm ok), I believe it's time to get back to more serious training. Last week, I started training sessions again with my running coach, Joar. Last week was a fairly light session. Good workout, nothing fancy, still no pain. I believe though that today will be much different. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Going through a rigorous session with Joar and coming out of it pain-free will be such a milestone.

In addition, on Friday, I start my TI swim training with friends Joel Gironella, Miguel and Jaymie Pizarro under coach Nonoy Basa. I'm mixed feelings. I'm excited and anxious at the same time. Don't know how I'll do. I was never a strong swimmer and always struggled with it the most on Tri events. But I'm desperate. I need to be taught how to swim more efficiently and hopefully enjoy my it more. So let's see.

I'm glad though that I'm doing these things. I see it as progress and I like that. I go by what my friend Javy Olives (Tri'n Hard) told me, "jump in head first...bahala na". So I'm taking your advice Javy. Here goes...hopefully something. Hahahaha

Build Endurance! Build Schools! I am a Hero! IamNinoy!

A month and a half ago my brothers (Rapa and Jim) and I were discussing how we can further the spirit of the IamNinoy Campaign. IamNinoy aims to foster and nurture a new breed of heroes among the youth through simple selfless acts. Heroes in a big way or in a small way but more importantly in their own new way.

Together with my friends, Jake de Guzman and Drew Arellano, we brainstormed an idea to turn runners into “heroes”. And with the help of my wife Mayi and our other good friend Jaymie (TBR), LITERALLY A LOT OF HELP, we formally launched during the Condura Skyway run.

This is the IamNinoy Runners.



Who are we?

“iamninoy Runners” is a group of professional and amateur runners affiliated with the iamninoy movement. Coming from all walks of life, iamninoy Runners field participants to regular running events—and occasionally mount races of their own—to raise funds for a worthy cause.

Slide Show Photos courtesy of PHOTOVENDO

Why do we run?

iamninoy Runners want to help address the deterioration of the Philippines’ educational system. For this purpose, the group has aligned with the 57-75 Movement, a private-sector-led initiative that aims to reverse the education crisis through focused interventions and school-community action, toward system-wide performance improvements.

How do we help?

iamninoy Runners seek out institutions and individuals who can sponsor their participation in races. These sponsors commit funds, which are in turn donated to pilot projects of the 57-75 Movement. All pledges and donations will be posted on this site.

Do we accept new members?

Definitely. Joining iamninoy Runners is simple: register through this site, and pay a one-time fee of P500 as your investment in the cause. In exchange, we will gift you with an exclusive iamninoy Runners shirt, our official uniform/jersey for all running events.



Join us!!! Be a Hero!!!

Racing to Update My Posts

It's been a while since my last post. Much has happened since. So this is my attempt to recap my continuing roller-coaster ride.

1. I did find a quick fix. And its effect or the relief it brought disappeared just as quick. Bwahahahaha.

2. I surrendered to the fact that there maybe no other solution to my hamstring problems except for plain old rest. But after a week, I got tired of resting (what a contradiction!) and was back on the road. I had a week of pain free short runs. Hooorayyyy!!! But when I started to push my speed a bit...I'm pushed back to the reality. Oh well.

3. I found a new freind in "Makisig". Makisig is my new spin bike which I got through my good friend Jake de Guzman. Jake also happens to be the one who introduced me to the punishing and fulfilling world of triathlon. Thanks Jake for both!



Spinning has been a good, pain-free alternative workout. Great also as a recovery workout in between long runs and intervals.

4. Having been too bothered by my hamstrings, I barely even noticed that I've completely recovered from my heel spurs. I think, no, I believe it was all the stretching and weights that did it. So, I'm planning to do the same for my hamstrings. I guess there really are no shortcuts. What am I talking about? I knew that! Tigas ulo lang. Hay naku.

5. I was "re-introduced" by my friend Drew Arellano to NIKE. I've had bad experiences with NIKE shoes (personal horror stories) and as a result have been loyal to other brands such as Mizuno, Adidas, and New Balance.



Drew convinced me to try a particular pair from Nike -- the Zoom Start, a light-weight cushoning shoe. Don't know what compelled me to buy. Perhaps its Drew's salesmanship. Hahaha. I ran with it, OUT-OF-THE-BOX, for 20K and have to admit that I was impressed.



The shoe had a nice, snug, comfortable fit and provided a light and soft ride throughout the long run. No blisters, chafing, dead toe nails, and pain in my feet and knees. Good shoe. Thanks Drew!!!

6. I also did three weeks of long run routines (15 to 20 K) to prepare for the 21K Condura Skyway run. Have had good and bad runs but can say that more have leaned towards the good.


Was relatively pain free nearing race day and have had an average time of 2hrs10. Good enough for me as long as I don't get hurt. But race day turned out to be a BAD run day! I think I ran faster than I should on the 1st half of the race. I clocked 51 mins on the first 10k and felt sudden intense shooting pain in my hamstrings past the 11th. From there, I walked and ran, and walked and jogged my way to the finish line. I was in pain but I was still HAPPY. My time, 2hrs25. Ok na din.

Photo courtesy of Rapa Lopa

7. Also during the Condura, together with 46 other runners, we launched the IamNinoy Runners Movement. I so happy and blessed to have had a chance to meet, run, and band together with a group of such selfless people. Thanks for joining our cause everyone.



Photo courtesy of theBullrunner

More about, IamNinoy Runners in my next post.

Looking for a Quick Fix

Last week, I tried to do some recovery runs to ease myself back to my usual training routine. I strained my hamstrings quite bad in the Happy Run and I wanted to quickly recuperate and start my training with Coach Joar.

On my first run, I just wanted to do an easy, 30-minute run. I started with a slow jog and immediately experienced some stiffness in my right hamstring. I thought, “Oh no!” But after about a kilometer into my run, my legs started to loosen up and the discomfort disappeared. As usual, impatience crept in and I started picking up my pace. In the end, my planned slow easy run became a 28-minute 5.5 km rolling hills run. And naturally, I felt the effects the following day. Payback!

So, I rested a day and tried to do a more controlled run on a treadmill. I figured, on a treadmill, I can watch over my speed and ensure that keep a steadier pace. Of course, boredom set in and I started messing with the speed of the treadmill turning my supposed easy run into an interval workout. Bad idea! After the 2nd interval, my hamstrings started to hurt that I could not regulate my stride. I decided to stop after 20 minutes and just give more time to stretch. But my hamstrings hurt so bad that I couldn’t even stretch. I felt pain and discomfort even as I sat while driving. That afternoon, I went to see Dr. George. He told me my hamstrings were so tight and he asked the therapists to do METS on me to align my pelvis and do release massage on my hamstrings. I walked out of the clinic relieved and pain free. I decided, I’ll rest over the weekend to give myself more time to recover.

Today, 4 days later, I decided to do a test run. And although the pain was not as intense, the stiffness was still there and at certain points in my run was shooting down to my shin. I could not shake it off.

This persistent hamstring problem is really irritating. I feel it’s impeding my progress and I’d give anything for a quick fix. HELP!!!

The Happy Runner

Yesterday, I had a great time participating in Drew Arellano’s Happy Run.

There’s nothing like running in a perfectly organized race. Congrats to Drew, Coach Rio and their team.

It was a great feeling being back in a race. The mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement give me such a high. It was nice to see old friends and meet new ones. I was also pleasantly surprised to see so many people running nowadays. I've also noticed that people perform at higher level and that there are more quality runners than before.


Picture courtesy of theBullrunner

I was extremely happy with my 15K time (1:30:46). It was a good comfortable run. And although it’s far from my old personal best, it’s what I can do now and I’m happy with it. :)

I also found myself running with a different race attitude. Before, I’d mark people throughout the race, do my best to out run them and move on to my next target. Yesterday, I chose people and used them as pace partners (especially on climbs). This way is definitely more fun!!!

I was especially proud to see my wife, Mayi, toughing out her ankle injury and still able clock in a good time. I usually pace her during long runs so I was worried about her running alone. Plus I also knew she was running injured. Seeing her in good form, going uphill on McKinley Hill, brought a smile to my face. Great job Mayi!!!

One bummer though were my hamstrings. They really hurt!!! They hurt during the race and was rather intense when I got home. But after a massage and a dose of a muscle relaxant plus an anti-inflammatory, I felt better. Not ok, but better.

Still, all things considered, I’d have to say Sunday's race was worth sacrificing Saturday night drinks. Hahahaha.

Happy Run : )

Calling all my runner friends!!! Mark this date -- Jan 25, 2009 -- Sunday!!! I know you're going to run anyway that weekend. Either it's your routine run or you're just trying to sweat off the alcohol from the previous night. So why not run for a good cause?! Join Drew Arellano's Happy Run. Register at ROX at Bonifacio High Street or get more details at the HappyRun website.

Tara!!! Takbo na kahit pilay pilay pa!!! Hahahaha

What Excuse Could You Possibly Have?