Ironman 70.3 Camsur Pics

Let me take you again to Ironman Camsur from  registration to the finish line…..

On our way to Registration Area

Waiting for our turn to register

TBS at the Big lake after testing the waters

My relay team: me, Jason and Hans

Dennis, Che, Melody, Hans, Coach Melvin, me with Sen Pia Cayetano

With Lance Watson

Saturday at CWC waiting happily for our lunch

After an hour waiting for lunch, we turned to gatorade for fill our growling stomachs!

Race day before sunrise

At the Big lake

Body Marking prior to race

Getting ready to swim

The very energetic Tessa Prieto Valdez who finished 3rd in her age group

With Coach Rio and Jo-ar waiting patiently for our bikers At the Relay waiting area

Hans, Melody and Jason with fellow relay participant Maricel Laxa Pangilinan

Ironman winner, Terenzo Bozzone

Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Sen. Pia Cayetano finishing together

After crossing the finish line

Elite runners ready to soak their feet in a styrobox with water and ice. Look what they're drinking after the race!

After all, it was a good race!!

My Ironman 70.3 Relay Experience

Day 1:  Flying with the Fast, Strong and Famous

The Ironman 70.3 fever was felt as  soon as we arrived at the terminal 3 airport. VIP treatment was accorded all the participants traveling to CamSur.  This early we could tell that this is going to be an excellently organized event and we were not disappointed.

I was like a fan ogling at the elites especially the famous Ironman champions at the VIP lane where we were ushered in.  Most recognizable of them is the Ironman Hawaii World champion Chris McCormack,  Eagleman 70.3 first placer, Terenzo Bozzone and Ironman Hawaii third placer, Tim Marr.  Wow, imagine our team having the same flight as these famous athletes?  Of course, we were excited!  You can say we started our trip on a really high note.  The warm welcome at the Naga airport sure added to the excitement.

Hans, Pastor Ernie, me, Melody with Ironman Hawaii World Champion Cris McCormack

Team Believestrong members at the airport while waiting for boarding, Aumar, Melody, Philip, Pastor Ernie, Jason, Me and Hans

Day 2-3:  Pre-Race Prep

Team Believestrong  went to the site,  Cam Sur Watersports Complex (CWC), to get a feel of the place.   Some tested the waters while i did a short 4k around the big lake which was to be also a part of the run course.

While day 1 was perfect, these days in-between was a different story…

Our team experienced some misadventures.  Aumar, the swimmer for the other relay team has been having asthma attacks for the past few days and would likely not be able to recover on race day.  The runner for that same team  has issues in Manila and has  not arrived yet.  Pastor Ernie who will be doing an individual was still recovering from  flu. As if problems with some members are not enough, we also had problems with our equipment. Some of the bikes did not arrive as scheduled!  As a result, most of the team members were not able to do a bike course ride-out.  Add to that, two bikes arrived with flat tires.  And I thought that was it …  Meal fiasco awaits.  Waited for more than an hour for our ordered lunch and almost missed  the must-attend race briefing! Whew, judging from the series of events, it must have looked like God didn’t want us to continue…  But we kept the faith and embodied our team name … We just had to believe strong that God is in control and all will be well.

Meet the Pros press conference

Jason, me, Pastor Ernie, Rein, Dale with Ironman Philippines 70.3 Champion Terenzo Bozzone

Day 4:  Raceday

Woke up early for  breakfast as our bus needed to leave the hotel by 4:30am going to CWC.  Body marking started 5am so I was also up early even if i expected to start my run leg at around 11am.  My mind says rest but my heart wants to cheer my teammates on.  Of course,  who would want to miss witnessing the events?

Being marked with my race number which left a mark on my arms darkened by the midday sun.

At exactly 7am, the starting gun went off.   The pros where 15 meters ahead of the other individual participants. After 10 minutes, the relay swim leg took off. It was  like seeing a huge  school of fish swimming in one direction.  Professionals, amateurs, newbies, men and women, young and old, each one was  trying to get the best position in the water.  Some were really fast, some were just taking their time and reserving their energy for the next two legs. After my teammates crossed the Big lake, i went to the relay tent area and there waited with my teammate Jason who will do the bike leg. After 45mins, Jason took off while i stayed at the relay tent and chatted with other relay participants.  All of us were cheering all those who took off and everyone just wanted to be an encouragement to others.  It was amazing!

Several more minutes passed and I could still see one bike left in the transition area owned by the Alamat Relay Team.  Their biker couldn’t take off as he  was still waiting for their swimmer to check-in.  It was more than an hour already so they were already paging their swimmer to check in. Unexpectedly sad things happened. Few minutes after,  we found out that Team Alamat swimmer was found dead in the small lake. I later found out it was the same Miguel Vazquez whom I had the chance to meet during my corporate days.  It was a sad development for all race participant.  Our sincerest condolences to Mr. Vasquez’ family.

By the time Jason arrived from the bike leg, it was  11am,  it was my turn to run.  Darn.. the hottest time of the  day…I started with my planned pace and maintained it up to 4k. Then I started to feel the  heat and caused me to slow down.  I was tiring so early and  losing a lot of energy from the extreme heat.  I didn’t stop at the first 2 water stations as i was donning my hydration belt.   On the 3rd water station, i decided to stop and get cold water and a cup of cold gatorade.  That helped me a lot fight the heat in my head and my body. From then on, i stopped  at each water station since it is located every kilometer,  got cold water to drink and pour over my head, neck and shoulders.  Upon entering the 2nd loop of the run, i saw my biker teammate Jason and handover my hydration belt to him. I’ve decided I needed the cold drink offered at the stations.  At 15k, i felt so very tired.  It felt like i wasn’t progressing at all.  I kept looking at my Garmin and it seemed like the distance reading was not moving!  It felt like the longest 1km i ran going towards the next water station.

Towards the end of my run, clouds started to form that it threatened to rain.  I would have  welcomed it with open arms.   But sadly it never came during my run.  Felt a few drops then was gone again.  I was soooo exhausted  I wanted to walk the last 4k and just finish it. But as soon i arrived at the last big loop around the big lake, i started to hear the music and announcers at the finish line.  This lifted up my spirit and spurred me to continue running.  As i ran nearer and nearer, the sound got stronger and stronger lifting my feet off the ground at a faster rate.  As i entered the last 8oom, i heard my name being announced, welcoming me and encouraging me to  continue and finish strong.  Reaching the last 100m, I heard my race number again, then my name, then our team’s name being announced again.  That really gave a big push.  I finished one of the most difficult 21k I’ve ever done. I did it! As soon as i crossed the finish line, the finishers medal was placed around  my neck.  I was given a cold gatorade and water  was poured over my head to cool me down.  I went to the cooling down area, had my second gatorade while the staff continued to pour water over my head using a water hose.  Exhausted but felt very much fulfilled.

At the Finish Line

TBS at the finish line: Me, Rein, Jason, Philip, Col. Dennis, Melody, Hans, Dale, Pastor Ernie, Jason. Not in photo (Deo and and Aumar)

It was one of the toughest race i have done. Running in the heat in one of the hottest places in the country, during the hottest time of the day really drained me.  During the presscon, Liza bentley, the winner of the women’s elite described it as “like running in an oven”.

It was difficult but finishing felt great.  It was a great experience worthy of a repeat or an upgrade perhaps? We’ll see …

God’s ways are different.

The kids and I were praying for rains during the run leg of the race.  From Jun’s updates, we knew it was scorching hot in that part of the country.  The whole time he was running his race, I would from time to time stop and keep still and pray for a strong run and that much-requested rain from above.  It didn’t come and I think I know why…

Had it rained during the race, it would definitely be a breeze for Jun running that 21k.  Without the rains, at 11am-1pm, that leg of the race became extraordinarily difficult.  It became a struggle even for elite participants however,  it also became a very special accomplishment to those who finished it.  Truly, God knows what He’s doing. 🙂

More pictures to come…..

A Chance to Relay at Ironman 70.3

After my first triathlon event, a mini-sprint at the animo event last June,  my training group and I mused about when our next one will be.   Hmmm,  maybe a sprint event this year and hoping  we can also upgrade to an Olympic standard event by next year.   Ironman 70.3 Camsur was also mentioned.  I thought then how  nice it will be  to join an international event being held in our country.  Even to just participate in the  relay and do the run leg of the race will really be something.  We had different goals.  For me,  should there be no more  injuries, my 1st priority was (and still is!) to do a full marathon before the year ends.  If everything goes well  then that’s the time i plan for another tri-event.

Little did I know that i will have that chance now.  I was  invited to join Team Believestrong who will debut at  Ironman 70.3 Camsur.  Of course, i said yes with a wide, cannot-hide grin!  I will be joining the relay team and will do the run leg just as I first wished. What a blessing! Woohoo!!

Our team is composed of  men and women with different backgrounds.  Both old and new to the sport of triathlon but each one having his own strength and all having one goal in mind —-  Give our best and finish the race set before us.

I’ve been training with the team for the past month and it was great being able to meet and gain new friends who have the same passion as I do.

I hope everything goes well  for the team and for the rest of our  fellow athletes who will join the Camsur Iron 70.3.

I wish all the participants the best! See you all there!

My honey will  be gone for 5 days…  the kids and I will surely miss you.  We’ll all be praying for a great run.

On monday, win or lose, I will be welcoming my IRONMAN back home.  I’m pretty sure…

tambak na ang plantsahin by then!  Walang day-0ff for 1 month ha?  (Joke!  HA HA HA)

Animo Triathlon 09 – My First Tri

I swim.. I bike.. and if ready, i will run again. 3 in 1? Try a Tri?

That was the last line in my  post dated April 23.  Well,  I did it.

After much thought and some prodding from friends,  I registered for the  Animo Tri-event.  I decided to start at the very basic, the mini-sprint, so I do not have to cram for training.  Since this will be my first tri event,  I wanted to make sure I enjoy it and would want to go back for more.

I was not really excited but a little anxious  so  I left the house early to make sure  I’ll be at Ayala Alabang by 5am. Participants were  just starting to come in. Not knowing what to do, I left my stuff in the van and proceeded to the check-in area, got my race packet and went back to the van to get my stuff.  In the transition area,  I saw Jamike , Miguel and Jaymie preparing their stuff and hanging their bikes on the racks.  The four of us were registered in the mini sprint.  We had the chance to simulate the race route a  few days before the race.

While I was putting my race number stickers in my bike and helmet,  I saw Bobby Guevara whom I met at Ateneo pool two months ago. Both of us were cross training, thinking then of joining the Animo tri-event… and yes we both did.  It was nice seeing you there, Bobby.  Also, It was nice to see familiar faces. I saw some friends from Total Athlete Network (Melody, BJ,  Jason and Hans),  some friends from the running community who are also seasoned tri-athletes (Marga, Marc, Jake and Levy) all of whom were doing the sprint event.  Thank you guys for the encouragements. And the ever supportive wives who were there to take pictures and pushed their husbands (Tiffin, Mayi, Allyn, Dang).  My sole mate was supposed to come with me. But she got sick the night before the race.  She wanted to come and cheer for me but i told her to stay at home and rest.

SWIM

A minute and a half after the age 13-15 male mini sprint took-off,  All mini sprint male participants were called to the pool. That means 16 to 50 years old above.  Shhh, young ones together with the young once. I even saw some seasoned tri-athletes in the pool already. Well.., expect the unexpected.  This will be a tough race.  As soon as the air horn sounded, we ‘re off.  As warned by some friends you will experience some traffic in the pool and being hit from every angle is a given.   I tried squeezing myself trying to maneuver and i find a clear spot to swim. After the 2nd lap, the pack became thinner and I was able to overtake some and started to get my rhythm.  At the last lap, I breathed a sigh of relief and whispered to myself, thank God I finished the swim which is really  my weakest link.  I came out of the pool with a time of 8:01mins., better than my training time.

BIKE

Off to transition area, put on my bike shoes, shirt, helmet, race belt and off to ride.  I don’t know what my speed was but I think I did pretty well  in the bike coz was able to overtake some mini sprint male participants.  I guess our simulation really worked for me as I was able to master the race route, use my gears wisely and reserve  my strength especially when the uphill portion came. One male biker kept chasing me at downhill portions but always managed to  pass him at the uphill. On the last climb before turning right to Acacia towards University drive, it was all speed and high gear for me. I just slowed  before turning left reaching the transition area.  As soon as I dismounted from my bike, I felt my legs were a little shaky. Bike time: 30.27mins.

Coming out of T1

RUN

Ran slowly towards the transition area and put on my running shoes and cap.  I started slowly on the run trying to put my running rhythm in place. Upon reaching the Lauan Street, I started to pick up my pace and started passing some runners.  I was breathing heavily and a bit tired but i can feel that my legs are still okay and can still push it. This is were I should be able to do well.  As soon as I saw downhill,  u-turn area and the only water station, I increased my pace gradually. I heard somebody shouting “Go Jun!” from the other side of the street.  When I looked at my left, it was  Javy and Andrew who did not join the race but was there to run and i guess encourage their Team Super teammates and other friends as well. Thanks guys for the push.  Continually increased my pace at the uphill of the University Drive all the way to Narra to the finish line… And I made it… Yoohoo!. I survived!…

I finished in 56.16 mins, 8th out of 49 male participants in the mini-sprint.  I don’t know if that’s good for a first timer, but I am very happy with it.  Congratulations to all fellow first timers and to all finishers.

It was a good day, a great experience,  a great race overall.  Getting familiar with race route did well for us but simulating the race routine made us more focused and confident in the race. I don’t know when my next tri-race will be, but I will do it again.. for sure.

Sprinting the last 100 meters

With training buddies Jamike, Jaymie (placed 2nd mini-sprint female. Congrats!), and Miguel

Thanks Mayi and Jaymie for the photos!

I feel bad that I couldn’t be there to support Jun in his very first triathlon.  I was sidelined by flu and up to this writing I am still sick.  I was supposed to be his official photographer.  Good thing the other wives were there to take some pics.  My thanks to Mayi for the pics.  Those were great shots.

Though I couldn’t be there physically, I was there in spirit praying for your good finish.  Can’t wait to watch your next one…

I swim..I bike.. to run again!

I read from one issue of Runner’s World about some seasoned  runners who were forced to become swimmers, cyclists or mall walkers  as a result of heavy wear  and tear of their bodies from the constant running.  They shifted to another forms of sports not because it  is their second love nor born out of their desire to do a triathlon but because their bodies  couldn’t take the pounding anymore.   Would you want to end up like that?  From running to cycling or swimming? Forget the mall walking or shopping.  I think that will always be part of our lives as married men who have  no choice, errr.. have chosen to oblige to their wive’s desires and be good husbands.  (Maybe I should discuss  this as an alternative Cross Training module in another entry. Watch out for that!)

Not being able to do or enjoy what I love to do  because of injury is just frustrating.  My knee injury occurred early this year while I was  at the peak of my training for a full marathon.  Good thing it was postponed.  The postponement somehow lessened the negative impact on me.

So, what have I been doing in the sidelines?  When my doctor required me to do PT drills and cross training for leg strengthening,  thoughts about my other loves —  biking and swimming , which I had to give up before came flashing through. . .

. . . During my college years,  I used to swim 3 times a week at night together with my buddies.  We always get  the best lanes in the Olympic-sized pool at the Rodriguez Sports Center (now Marikina Sports Center) since the lifeguard was a good friend.   I normally did  1000-1200m of slow workout each day which I enjoyed tremendously and looked forward to doing it day after day.   I had to reluctantly end the daily swim due to the bothersome sinusitis.

Growing up as a schoolboy in Dagupan City  and as a teener in Marikina exposed me to the sport of cycling as bike enthusiasts would always converge in the two cities to either bike, train, compete or just plain watch.  It was after a few  years more, after  graduating from college, that I took up  biking seriously.  It was then that  I conquered the hills of Antipolo regularly biking with friends who also loved the sport.   I was no hard-core biker.  I was in it for the fun, the laughter and the adventure.  Our weekend biking sessions  were something I always  looked forward to. This went on for about two years.

But then I met my other love, teka… teka… let me correct myself… my one true love. Who else but my solemate! 

(O diba sipsip?)

I decided to give up biking then amidst her serious concerns on the safety of the sport.  Biking accidents were occurring one after another then since most rides were being done on the roads.  I relented…

Now I am going back to both!  A deep love for running and my desire to be fit again to enjoy it regularly has lead me to swim and bike again.  No talk of full marathons for me as of the moment.  I’ll  take a rain check.  I am now  focusing all my efforts  in strength training with the help of these 2 disciplines.  When my knees are ready, then I will start serious  training again.

We are blessed to be living just a stone’s throw away from  the village clubhouse so early morning trips to the pool is not an issue.  Here’s the bonus,  I get to swim for free! (the guard doesn’t charge me anymore as I only use the pool for only 40mins max). However,  with the village pool starting to seem smaller and smaller for me, I now go to a bigger pool to do my laps.  As for biking, Mariel & I reached a compromise so I can start riding again, too.   Her 2 conditions:  1)  I will not ride at a busy road but only ride at a safe place  and,  2) I will not hit the road alone but always with friends(of course!). Yahooo!!!  I’m back doing the 3 sports disciplines that i love!!!  I now do a 40-minute swimming workout, and just started biking to feel the road again.    I really pray I get to enjoy them all again.   Running though remains to be my one great love.

I swim . . . I bike . . . and if ready, I will be running  again.

3 in 1?  Try a Tri? . . . Hmmm. . .

Aba! Aba! Aba!

Let’s just be clear from the very start, okay?  Hanggang running lang ako ha?!?

I’m not into swimming nor am I into biking.  My talent in both is way too limited.  I prefer ballgames specifically tennis and volleyball.  My hand, feet and eye coordination is well developed.  I suppose that’s why I excel in shopping, too.  Ha ha ha  Eye on the ball, eye on the merchandise.  Get it? Ha ha ha ha

Late last year, I noticed I can feel my legs tire out during shopping sessions.  My friends would even comment, “kumukupas ka na yata!”.  It must be the excess weight.  So, I needed cross training, too.

I run. . . and I run. . . So I can walk again!  he he he