Tough Workout Ahead

Had my first 10K workout with Amado Castro at the Fort last Thursday.  Good place to train and it's safe. Thanks Amado. Really needs the workout. Getting used to the climate but still feeling tired.

Ran 7 miles at the Ramos sport complex this morning. The sport complex is not far from the site where the US & Filipino forces landed to take back Manila from the Japanese during WW2. I was surprised to see many runners/joggers/walkers at such an early hours (5:30 am). I think, I outlasted all the guys using the track, because at the end of my 7 miles run, I was the only one on the track.The oval is about 1/4 mile. My schedule was to run 10 miles but after 7 miles, I felt like I ran 15 miles. Getting on top shape for the Condura run is getting tougher.
Will try another attempt of a 10 miles run before I head  back to Manila on February 3..

First Workout in PH

Had my first workout in PH ....... on a treadmill.  Did a 10K run at SM North Mall.  One day membership is pretty expensive compared to 24 hrs fitness and at the Y but I have to run to remind body and soul that old Art is still active.

Will workout on the road next week.  Plenty of time to prepare for the Condura event.

First Race - 2011

2011 First Race

Kaiser Permanente SC Half Marathon
January 8, 2011

The Half Marathon & 5K are hosted to benefit Woodbridge High School athletics as well as the other Irvine schools whose runners participate in the race. The Half Marathon has grown substantially over the last sixteen years. There were about 950 runners in the first year of the Half Marathon. Last year over 4,500 runners participated in what has become a premier running event in Southern California.  The race has earned the honor of being an official warm-up race for the L.A. Marathon, & the O.C. Marathon.



$50 Registration Fee

No Funfare Start/Finish Line and a cotton shirt keep the fee very affordable compared to other events in Southern California or the Rock 'n' Roll Series. Awesome freebies.




Race Day Packet Pick Up

I have reservations on this race.  I knew I was not fully recovered from my week long(Christmas to New Year) bout of fever, coughing, aching joints and stomach virus.  I ran my long run of 10 miles on January 6 to find out if I was ready.  I was tired and breathing hard after the run.  My son recommended that, I take it easy and consider this as a warm - up run for my next run.



The Race is On

Race didn't start well with me. My garmin battery was low and could not reset it. Had to use the clocks located at the 5K, 10K & 10M markers to track my time. Route is flat and 50% is on  paved trails along the San Diego Creek. Lots of enthusiastic High School students participated, mostly cross country runners. Spectators/supporters were located throughout the route giving cheers and encouragement. There were six(6) hydration stations  manned by Woodbridge High School students, the main beneficiary of the event. At the 10 miles marker, the clock showed 1:32:26, same split time as my Vegas run. But, with 2+ miles before the finish line, my legs got heavier, breathing through my mouth and started coughing.  On several occasions, I was tempted to stop running & just walk to the finish line. I was tired.  The thought of a repeat of my 2010 first race in San Diego (I dyhydrated and almost pass out at the 12 miles marker and had to walk to the finish line.), encouraged me to keep running but at slow jog pace. Also, a  puffed from my asthma inhaler helped me get more air into my lungs(I always carry an albuterol inhaler).   



 Finish Line

With mouth opened and clinched right fist, I turned toward my wife for a good action shot before I crossed the finish line.  Found a good spot to rest my legs and catch my breath. After 10 minutes of silent, I asked my wife if she knew the time I crossed the finish line.  I could not believed it when told that it was 2hr:04m.
I checked the posted results and it was indeed a good race. 

    Tag Time: ...........     2:04:42
AG Place (65-69) .... 8/22
          Overall Place ....      1305/4152

 My next race will be on February 6 in the Philippines.

2010... Top Of The Bell Curve!!!

A blogger once mentioned in his blog that a runner will  attain remarkable improvement in speed/pace, distance, endurance and technique in his 3rd year of running.

True to his words, 2010 was my 3rd year of running, and I had an amazing accomplishments/improvement in all aspects of my running.  When I retired at 65 three years ago, I weigh 168 lbs and with several medical issues.  After recovering from one of the issues (severe asthma episode), I joined the YMCA Fitness Center and started walking/running  at the park near my place.  It's one of the best decisions I made because at age 68, I am now a lean 132 lbs, in good health and ran 750 miles in 2010.  

Look Back In The Last Three Years:



2008
My 1st 5K Race

2008 Summary
No. of Races ----- 5K - 3; 5M - 2; 10K - 1
Total - 6

 

2009
My 1st Half Marathon

2009 Summary
No. of Races ----- 5K - 2; 5M - 1; 10K - 5; 13.1M - 1
Total - 9




2010
My 1st Marathon

2010 Summary
No. of Races ----- 5K - 4; 5M - 1; 10K - 4; 13.1M - 6; 26.2M - 1
Total - 16

2010 Personal Records
5K - 25:24
5M - 42:19
10K - 54:32
Half ---2:02:15
Full --- 4:42:49



 I believe that year 2010 and at age 68, I already reached my optimum performance.  I am now looking at the down side of the curve.

2011 Schedule
5K - 2
5M - 1
10K - 1
Half - 3
Full - 1

 



Happy New Year 2011