I woke up at around 4:30 am today (January 29, 2011) to find the road dry! By golly, I haven’t seen a dry road for a few days because of the rain. I quickly changed into my running gear for a good 10k run.

            The rains have affected my training lately. But in those days when it was impossible to run outside, I worked myself to death doing my strengthening exercises! They are harder than running. Thanks to Coach Pio Solon.

            The issue of rain brings my mind to the upcoming PLDT-Smart 10 Miler that I’m helping to direct.

What if it rains on Sunday? The race will continue, rain or shine, that’s for sure. But are the runners ready?

            So what should runners do if it rains on Sunday morning?

            I have read a few suggestions here and there and formulated the following list.

            1. DRESS IN LAYER. The inner shirt or singlet should be dri-fit; the outer water resistant. Don’t wear waterproof shirts because the fabric will trap moister and heat. Please don’t overdress. You will feel the weight of the extra shirt once you get wet.

            2. WEAR A HAT. I have always preferred visors but when it rains, a hat is better.

            3. BE VISIBLE. As much as possible, wear singlets with reflectors because visibility in the rain is poor. Be wary of traffic too.

            4. USE LUBRICATION. Use lubrication (my favorite is Body Glide) in areas where you would usually chafe. Put a lot on your toes as well. When your shoes are soaked you need lubrication to prevent blisters.

            5. WEAR OLD SHOES AT THE START. Wear old shoes while lining up for the race. You must bring your other running shoes along and change shoes after gun start. This will ensure you have dry shoes to start the race.

            6. WEAR THIN SOCKS. Thin socks will not get easily soaked while thick socks will be soggy when wet.

            7. WEAR TRASH BAGS. This is weird but you could cut holes in trash bags so they could be your poncho if it rains while you’re lining up to start the race. Please dispose of your trash bags properly when the race starts.

            8. REMEMBER TO DRINK. Keep hydrated during the race. Despite the cool weather, you still need to drink.

            9. SEEK COVER IF LIGTHNING STRIKES. I don’t know if you could really do this, but please remember to take cover if lightning strikes.

            10. ADJUST EXPECTATION. Simply put, not the day to set your PR.

            11. AFTER THE RUN, TAKE THE INSOLES OF YOUR SHOES. Take the insoles of your shoes after running in the rain and wrap them with paper. They dry up much faster this way.

            12. THINK HARDCORE. It’s good for the psyche to finish a race in challenging conditions. Only a true runner will answer the gun – rain or shine. If you don’t have the courage to run in the rain, forgive my saying but I think you ain't a hardcore yet!

           

           

A 1:11 HALF-MARATHON!

Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopa shown in this file photo as he competes in the 2008 Berlin Marahon where he established the world record of 2:03.59 in the marathon. Photo courtesy of Berlin Marathon.

I just want to comment on this topic. The 2^nd Cebu City Marathon is now history but then this subject had surfaced in some coffee shop discussions lately.

I’d like to start and say that I discovered this major, major time miscue on the notebook of a reporter when I was looking at the results of the Cebu City Marathon.

            I just got back from my post at the City Hall and decided to proceed to the start/finish line, as I know there were will be runners trying to finish the race. As one of those who finished last in the inaugural marathon in 2009, I sure know how it feels.

            Back to the notebook.

            When I saw the time of 1:11.20 for Mary Grace Delos Santos, I immediately called the attention of the reporter. I told her that there must be something wrong with her notes because I just spoke to Mary Grace and she told me her injury slowed her down but was good enough to win the half marathon. Then I asked about her time and she said 1:31. (her official time is 1:31.07 for the half-marathon in the 2^nd Cebu City Marathon).

            The reporter reasoned out that it was the time given by the officials of the race. It was then that Raffy Uytiepo, who was with me, joined the conversation and commented that the time of 1:11 was just too fast!

            As it turned out, only this reporter’s paper published the correct time the next day as she sorted, with timing group, the correct time. The other two papers published 1:11.20 as the time of Mary Grace in the half-marathon.

            I have nothing against Mary Grace but if it was true that she ran the half-marathon this fast then she just established a Philippine record in that distance! Furthermore, she was just a minute away from matching Elmer Bartolo’s record of 1:10.20 established in 2008 during the 1^st Sinulog Half Marathon organized by the Cebu Executive Runners’ Club. (This race was the only PATAFA sanctioned 21k race and this record stands until it is broken in a PATAFA sanctioned race. Liezl Geteruelas won the women’s side of that race in 1:28.)

            Editors of the two papers (that published the super time of 1:11.20) or I would suppose even the editor of the paper that published the correct time were unaware of the record times in both the half-marathon and full marathons in both the men’s and women’s categories in local, national and international races.

I think they just overlooked that fact that the “injured” Delos Santos ran faster Ian Bernido, the men’s champion, whose time was 1:13.57 and four other runners (Willy Rotich 1:14.11, Adonis Singson 1:14.17, Mendel Lopez 1:14.33, and Joebert Carolino 1:15.20).

            As reference, and for the record, the following are records or fastest times in the 5k, 10k, 21k and 42k.

           

RP MEN

            5k – Eduardo Buenavista, 13:58.43.

            10k – Eduardo Buenavista, 29:02.3.

            21k – Eduardo Buenavista, 1:02.58.

            42k – Eduardo Buenavista, 2:18.44.

           

RP WOMEN

5k – Not available at this time, will publish later.

10k – Not available, will publish later.

21k – Leizl Geteruelas, 1:28.00.

Fastest times last year but unofficial

21k – JoAnn Banaag, 1:20.57.

          Mary Grace Delos Santos, 1:21.15.

42k – Not available, will publish later.

ASIA MEN

5k – Saif Saeed Shaheen (QAT), 12:51.98.

10k – Ahmad Hassan Abdullah (QAT), 26:38.76.

21k – Atsushi Sato (JAP), 1:00:25.

42k – Toshimori Takaoke (JAP), 2:06:16.

ASIA WOMEN

5k – Bo Jiang (CHI), 14:28.09.

10k – Junxia Wang (CHI), 29:31.78.

21k – Kayoko Fukushi (JAP), 1:07:26.

42k – Mizaki Noguchi (JAP), 2:19:12.

WORLD MEN

5k – Kenenisa Bekele (ETH), 12:37.35.

10k – Kenenisa Bekele (ETH), 26:17.53.

21k – Zersenay Tadese (ERI), 58:23.

42k – Haile Gebrselassie (ETH), 2:03;59.

WORLD WOMEN

5k – Tirunseh Dibaba (ETH), 14:11.15.

10k –  Junxia Wang (CHI), 29:31.78.

21k –  Lornah Kiplagat (NED), 1:06:25.

42k –  Paula Radcliffe (UK), 2:15:25.

WE HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER YEAR...

Rafa Nadal covers his face after losing to David Ferrer 4-6, 2-6, 3-6 in the quarterfinals of this year's Australian Open. Photo courtesy of AP.

That’s all I could say after Rafa Nadal fell to fellow Spaniard and friend David Ferrer 4-6, 2-6, 3-6 in their quarterfinals match in the Australian Open.
The setback slammed the door for “Rafa Slam” that, we fans of Rafa, were expecting. Before this debacle, Rafa was playing brilliant tennis.
Rafa won the last seven matches against Ferrer but this time the latter was just too good for Rafa.
Ferrer played a perfect game. Even Nadal gives it to his friend, “…I really couldn't do more than what I did. He played at a very high level, and I wasn't able to compete against him tonight."
Nadal was visibly affected by his left thigh, which limited his lateral movement inside the court. But he refused to blame his loss to his injury. Later, he revealed in an interview that he had a muscle tear on that left thigh.
Nadal and his fans have to wait another year for his grand slam – holding four titles (Australian, Italian, Wimbledon and US Open crowns) – in a year. The last player to accomplish such feat was Australian legend Rod Laver in 1969.
Now all eyes will be on Roger Federer who will play Novak Djokovic in a semifinals match today. Federer leads their head-to-head match-up 13-6 but Djokovic beat Federer in 2008 en route to the title. If Federer gets past Djokovic, I’m putting my money on him to win his 17th grand slam title.
Meanwhile, Jeson Patrombon, one of our better junior tennisters, reached the Boys’ Singles quarterfinals after downing Australia’s Andrew Whittington 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 in the third round. He faces fourth seed George Morgan of the UK.

SO WINS FOUR STRAIGHT; GRABS LEAD IN TATA CHESS

Filipino super grandmaster Wesley So continued his winning streak in Tata Steel Chess (formerly Corus Chess) by upending Dutch GM Wouter Spoelman in Round 8 for his fourth straight victory to grab the lead in Group B at Wik Aan Zee, the Netherlands.
The Filipino prodigy, playing black in the Nimzo-Indian game, seized the initiative in move twenty-two forcing Spoelman to exchange his rook for a bishop to ease pressure on the d5 square.
So maneuvered his queen deep into Spoelman’s first rank, forcing an exchange of queens in the twenty-sixth turn to simplify the position and create a passed pawn.
Spoelman tried to use his bishops to block the d pawn from the queering square but So positioned his rook to create another passed pawn in the c file forcing the Dutchman to resign in 34 moves.
So is now on top of Group B with six points, half a point ahead of erstwhile leader GM Luke McShane of England. The group has an average ELO rating of 2659 or Category 17.
The Filipino champion agonized in the first four rounds as he settled for four straight draws before putting together this winning streak.
In the seventh round, So (ELO 2673) won against second seed GM David Navara (ELO 2708) of the Czech Republic. One round earlier, the Filipino champion defeated French GM Laurent Fressinet (ELO 2707), the third seed in the group.
The Filipino’s sting of victories started in Round 5 with a fine win over Indian GM Surya Ganguly.
The players take their second break today. When play resumes on January 25, So will play white against Chinese GM Li Chao in the ninth round as he tries to improve his fourth place finish in the same tournament last year.
In Round 10, So will play GM Vlad Takchiev of France, takes on GM Friso Nijboer of the Neherlands in Round 11, faces GM Luke McShane of England in Round 12, then duels top seed GM Radek Wojtaszek of Poland in the last round. (UPDATE: Wesley So lost to Li Chao in their Round 9 match but still remained on top of Group B standings after GM McShane settled for draw against GM Ludwig Hammer. So tries to get back on track as he takes on GM Nijboer of the Netherlands on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011.)

PLDT - SMART 10 MILER IS ATTRACTING RUNNERS

The PLDT-Smart 10 Miler is attracting so many runners that only after a week of registration the number of participants have ballooned to almost 1,500 runners!
This 10-miler is a good recovery run for those who joined the Cebu City Marathon and a “final” long run for those joining the Condura Skyway Marathon slated February 6.
The distance is almost perfect – not so short or long – and it’s challenging. Upon making a u-turn at P. Del Rosario Street after existing Cebu City Sports Complex oval, the road to Capitol is slight uphill. There’s another climb after turning right on Escario Street on the way to JY Square. For those who will run the 16k, the route passing through Mabolo, turning at Radisson Blue Hotel, all the way back to JY is elevated. The last climb will be at Escario Street, that right turn leading to the Capitol. From there, it will be slightly downhill up to the finish line inside the Cebu City Sports Complex.

All finishers in the 16k category will get a finisher’s t-shirt.
Runners will also get snacks and drinks after the race and many other goodies from PLDT and Smart.
Photo enthusiasts will also have their share of fun. There’s a photo contest open to all pro and amateur photographers with the winner stashing away P3,000, trophy and Smart Bro pre-paid Plug IT. The second and third placers get P2,000 and P1,000 respectively plus trophy and Smart products.
Registration forms are available at all registration centers for the run.
So if you haven’t registered yet, better run to the nearest registration center near you and sign up. Registration centers are at RUNNR in Ayala, Smart Experience Center in SM, Casa Ilongga and Cebu City Sports Complex. Deadline for registration is January 27. Race packets will be available from January 26-29 at the Cebu City Sports Complex.
Part of the proceeds of this run will go to the youth educational program supported by PLDT-Smart.

OBEY YOUR THIRST!

A runner, the other day, asked me how many water stations would be available during tomorrow’s Cebu City Marathon. I was quick to the draw and said, “13.” Before I say any word, she quickly said, “Would that be enough?”
That stopped me on my track! I thought for a minute and finally said, “Of course, that would be enough. You’ll pass through those stations twice if you’re running the full marathon, so that’s 26 in all. That means roughly a water station for every two kilometers which is standard for a marathon.”
The runner left before I could ask if she intends to drink water from all those water stations. Reason I asked is that runners seems to forget that water – as it is – is only good as a thirst quencher, and most often runner drink too much.
Can’t blame runners if they drink too much water. They probably read somewhere, or heard people say to replenish 100 percent fluid (weight loses) during strenuous activity such as running a marathon. Russ Tucker and Jonathan Dugas in their book “The Runner’s Body” warned: “The 1996 guidelines instructed athletes to avoid dehydration at all costs and to drink as much as tolerable during exercise. Runners often followed this advice to their detriment, because they usually exceed their sweat rate (often by an enormous volume) and ended up gaining weight during the marathon and diluting their blood.”
A runner with diluted blood, means that he has taken too much fluid, and may suffer from hyponatremia – a critical medical condition. Hyponatremia causes imbalance inside and outside body cells causing the fluid to shift inside the cell. The area most affected by overload of fluid is the brain which is very sensitive to changes in pressure.
Typical symptoms of hyponatremia are headache, nausea. Problem is that headache and nausea are also symptoms of dehydration, so how could a runner determine what is hitting him? The sure way to find out, as pointed out by Tucker and Dugas is “bloating and swelling.” Like the “runner’s watch or ring might be very tight, because there will be swelling in the arms and legs...Also if you’re throwing up large amount of fluid, you can’t possibly be dehydrated.”
In sever cases, the runner will continue to vomit and will appear incoherent. “The technical term is altered mental status, and it means that the swelling is affecting the brain and causing some mental dysfunction. The runner probably will not know where he or she is, what day it is, or even who you, a friend, or family members are. If someone you know has these symptoms go immediately to the emergency room of the medical tent, whichever is closer. This condition may worsen at any moment; seizures might develop. If the sodium concentration is low enough, then perhaps respiratory arrest, coma, and eventual death could follow.” again according to Tucker and Dugas.
Tucker and Dugas cited several cases of fatal hyponatremia. I’m still quoting from the their text, unless indicated. This is not to scare runners, but only to share some facts.
“The first reported case of hyponatremia in the scientific literature was in 1986. It was a runner in the 90 kilometer Comrades Marathon in South Africa. The woman was in grave condition and was hospitalized; ultimately she recovered.
“Kelly Barrett was running the Chicago Marathon in 1998 when she stopped just a mile from the finish. Paramedics picked her up and, believing her to be dehydrated, reflexively administered IV fluids. After just four ounces, Barrett stopped breathing. She survived long enough to be admitted to the hospital, but sadly, she died three days later – her brain had been damaged when she stopped breathing, and the functions never returned.
“Four years later, in the 2002 Boston Marathon, the tragedy played out once again. This time it was another young woman. Cynthia Lucero, who collapsed around mile 20 and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Unlike Barrett, Lucero never made it to the hospital and died on the way. According to friends supporting her on the course, Lucero drank large amount of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
“Unfortunately, the story doesn’t end here, and cases of hyponatremia continue to appear. Just a few months after Lucero’s death, it was another woman at the Marine Corps Marathon, and in 2007, a runner in the London Marathon was hospitalized and died from drinking too much.”
So when will runners drink?
The surest formula is drink according to thirst! In other words if you’re not thirsty don’t drink. You may still pick-up one or two of those cups at those water stations but use them to douse yourself to regulate heat.
If you follow your thirst, you will never drink too much or drink too little. Remember it’s drinking too much that is fatal. I still have to find a report wherein a runner has died of dehydration!

SOME TIPS TO FINISH THAT FIRST MARATHON

With six more days to go before the 2nd Cebu City Marathon, runners, especially those who will be running their first marathon are as excited as they get. Those who made their way to RUNNR were making their last round of purchases, making sure they have what they need for the big race.
While at the store, runners would ask for advice. Some just like to talk; others ask questions.
When asked for advice, I would usually offer the following pointers...
1. By this time, do nothing that will make you sore. The days of hard training is over, its time to heal.
2. Review the route and commit it to memory. While preparing to run my first marathon last year, I was told to envision striding to the finish with my arms raised in triumph. Furthermore, you should be familiar with the route by now, if you haven't committed it memory yet. Knowing the route will help you pace your run, or to be specific, you'll know where you will slow down or step on the gas.
3. During this week - eat more carbo and drinking lots of fluid. Don't wait until the day before the race to carbo load. Start as early as today.
4. Check out the weather forecast. The forecast for Sunday, January 9, 2011, is isolated thunderstorms, partly sunny with temperatures of 28 degrees Celcius (high) and 23 degrees Celcius (low). Humidity is 78%. Chances of rain is 63% and wind speed is 21 km/hour. In other words, the forecast is ideal for a run. But please don't believe all the info in here. Weather forecasts are just forecast - they change without prior notice, so be prepared for the worst.
5. Make checklist of things. You should have the timing chip, race number, sports gel, cap, sunglasses, etc. in your booty. You should have kept that chip in a safety deposit box after you’ve received the race packet. Don’t forget where you put it. Remember, no chip, no time.
6. Arrange for transpo to and from the race. When I ran the marathon last year, I requested my wife to drive me to IT Park at 3:30 am and pick me up later, hopefully before noon!
7. Run your own race. Starting slow is the only way to start and finish a marathon for the first time. I started slow and for the first 3 kilometers. I or I mean, we also did (last year) walk intervals especially after every water station. Conduct a 'body check' after that grueling SRP grind. If you still have gas left in your tank after leaving SRP then you're in good shape. If not then you just enjoy your first marathon.
For sure you have read a lot or heard a lot on how to finish your first marathon. Whatever you have read or heard please don't forget to use common sense when you answer the gun next Sunday.
I'll be at the Magellan's Cross water station and would be ready to help. Goodluck and God bless to all runners!

ELDER OSUMO: OUR MISSIONARY IN THE MANILA MISSION

(First off, I’d like to quote what my wife wrote in her Facebook account after we sent off Elder Osumo to the airport on his way to the MTC: “To all our friends, youth, SA of the Church who visited with Jason in his despedida..... daghan kaayyyooooonnngggg salamat for coming!.. truly, appreciate your thoughtfulness.”)

I would usually tease parents who are sending off their son or daughter to the airport for the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Manila. I would grin when parents start to cry when it’s time to go. I’d always tell myself, I’d never cry when my children goes on missions.
When it was time to bring Jason to the airport early morning on September 18, I didn’t cry! It was when we reached home that I broke down! The steely heart melted like an ice cream left under the heat of the sun!
After I’ve parked the van, I rushed to our room, hugged my wife, with tears falling down my eyes! I can’t believe we just sent off Jason to the airport to start his full-time mission.
For those who are not members of our faith, every young man, when they reach 19 years old, when they are able, are encouraged to serve as missionaries for two years. In most cases, these young men would stop schooling to serve. Others may want to finish their education then serve.
Jason decided to serve a mission after he turned 19 years old in July. As bishop of the ward, I have to interview him. Even after I signed the papers, I asked him for the last time if he’s willing to serve. I told him that once I signed it and after his interview with the stake president, there will be no turning back.
I have to ask because I know how hard it is to be a missionary. I served my mission some years back…back when there were only four missions in the whole of the Philippines. Now there are 16!
Make a long story short; his papers were mailed to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Then it was a waiting game. We were anxious where he will be called to serve as a missionary.
Ramel Canales, another missionary now at the MTC, received his call and he will be serving in the Cagayan de Oro Mission.
Where will Jason serve, we asked? For a while, he expressed that he preferred to serve in the south – Davao, Cagayan de Oro or Butuan – because some of his friends like Elder Bentley Luyong, Elder Ken Embradora, and others were serving in these areas. He wished he could serve with them.
Then one afternoon, in late July, I received a text message from President Benjamin Montera Sr., our stake president. He said Jason’s call had arrived, thus he has to pick the letter containing the call at his office in Labangon Meetinghouse.
Jason went to see Pres. Montera. Later in the afternoon, while he was attending his class in the Institute, I called him and inquired of his call. He whispered, “Manila Mission.”
That night, before we gathered for our family prayer, we read the call. The language of the call was Cebuano (Missionary calls are now written in the language of the prospective missionary. In our time, mission calls were written in English.) I know he was a bit adamant, but then he said maybe the Lord wants him to learn Tagalog which is the language of Manila Mission.
We told him the call was inspired, President Thomas S. Monson signed it!
Then we told him that we – his parents – served in the Manila Mission as well. I served in the late 70’s while my wife Sister Cielito Aldemita served in the mid 80’s. We reminded him as well that her aunt Pinky served in the same mission and his Papa Rey as well who was later transferred to Quezon City Mission after it was created out of the Manila Mission.
After the call, it was time to prepare. We started to buy him white shirts, ties, pants and many other things that he will need. We have to buy things piece by piece because we have limited resources.
Finally, a few days before he was set apart as missionary, his uncle Carlo bough him a red luggage! Of course, it should be red, it’s his favorite color. The last purchase was a watch that he was reluctant to wear because it makes him look “tacky.”
We planned a simple despidida for him. It was simple only in our minds! Droves came to bid him farewell, mostly his friends from the Institute.
The next day, my wife, Kiyo, James and I, were present when Pres. Montera set apart Jason as a missionary. This time it’s official…he’s now Elder Osumo. Because he’s now a missionary, I have to tag along with him until his flight to Manila the next day. Vince was with us. He slept at home and drove with us to the airport the next day.
Apaw met Elder at the airport in Manila. They have to wait for at least two hours because Apaw promised Zaldy Perez that she would meet his son, who will be reporting to the MTC, as well. In between, Elder Osumo downed two Burger King Champs and one big glass of pineapple juice. He wanted Coke but Apaw was quick to tell him that the beverage is a no-no in Manila Mission.
When they finally reached the MTC, Apaw was able to take a picture of him before he started his training. That picture is posted in this blog.
It took a week before he could write us! Before his letter I was wondering how he was doing! We were all shocked when he wrote us to say that he was one of the Zone Leaders in the MTC. His companion was Elder Pipit, whom we found out later was a son of Nelson Pipit from Naic, Cavite. Naic was part of my area when I was serving my mission.
A few more letters and then he finally entered Manila Mission in the first week of October. He was paired with Elder Arquiola and they were to reopen Pasig 1st Ward in Pasig. Elder Arquiola was from Iloilo. Like Jason, he took up IT, graduated, but a job but opted to serve a mission. They became instant friends. He has spoken nothing but good things about his first companion.
So far, his first challenge was being robbed. Robber broke into their apartment and took all their money. Fortunately, the zone leaders borrowed his camera, thus it was spared from the robbers.
We were able to speak to him on Christmas Day. Missionaries are allowed to call home twice a year – on Christmas Day and on Mother’s Day – and so those who were at home spoke to him. When it was my turn, all I could ask was how he was doing. He said he’s doing fine and is enjoying his mission. From the sound of his voice, I know he was doing fine.
Last week we received an e-mail from Elder Osumo saying Elder Arquiola was transferred and he’s now with his follow-up trainer Elder Seru.