SUPPORT CREW EXPERIENCE AT THE 2012 BDM 160

Support crews are important to the success of a BDM 160 ultrarunner.  That is why the BDM 160 Ultra race director, Bald Runner, required a support crew for each participant.  The support crew are mobile with the support vehicle that leapfrogs every 2 to 5 kilometers to provide nourishment and hydration to the ultrarunner.  Unlike the regular marathons, ultra events of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) usually do not have hydration stations.  In addition, the BDM 160 ultrarunners were allowed a pacer(s) beyond the 102-km distance.

The Ateneo de Naga HS Batch 1983 support crew with 2 happy BDM 160 ultra finishers

2012 BDM 160 ULTRA : Extraordinary Adventure by A Select Few

In his book “Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of An All-Night Runner”, Dean Karnazes wrote about ultrarunners: “Runners are real people. They don’t run for money or recognition, they do it out of passion.  Most have day jobs that pay the bills, and running is a labor of love.  Ultrarunners take it to the next level.  Training to run 100 miles while working nine-to-five requires a phenomenal level of commitment and determination.  It’s a select breed that can withstand the tremendous physical and emotional toll that performing on such level demands.  Without discipline to rise before dawn and pound out the miles, you’ll never make it.  If the fire in your heart isn’t strong, there’s no point trying.”

Only a select few of runners will get to receive this trophy.

2012 BDM 160 : A CAMP TOO FAR?

Upon the invitation of our classmate, Bob Castilla , I attended the Briefing and Carbo-loading Party of the Bataan Death March (BDM) 160-km ultramarathon last night, January 26.    I was joined by fellow 83nean runners Ruben “Fars” Fajardo and Ernie Badong.  Together, we will have the honor of pacing for Bob come his running of this prestigious ultramarathon this weekend of January 28-29.  Our alma mater  Ateneo de Naga is represented not only by our batchmate but by Cesar Abarientos (HS Batch 1980), too.

Ateneo de Naga delegation with the Bald Runner

January 22-23 : Back-to-Back Heat Training

Bataan Death March Ultramarathon  preparations   of the 83nean runners continue.  After the 50-km “test” run last January 14-15, we all know that we have to keep training if we are  to be successful with our BDM adventure.  No sweat, no treat.

Ghibz, Ernie, Rico, Butch, me, Ron, Fards and Ed braving the heat inside Camp Aguinaldo

A NEW PAIR OF ASICS CUMULUS 13

I am in Cloud 9 these days.  Last Sunday (January 15), after my BDM 50-km “test” run, my wife, Marianne, bought me a gift --- a Christmas gift:  A new pair of Asics Cumulus 13.

My new pair of Asics Cumulus 13

THE REASON FOR RECESS

Browsing  thru the  January 16, 2012 issue of the Time Magazine, an eye-catching title at the Health & Science Section grabbed my attention.  It screamed “The Reason for Recess. Children who are more physically active may do better in school.”

2012 BDM 50-K TEST RUN : A Band of Brothers’ Experience

One of the things I like about joining PAU ultra events is the pep talk that the Bald Runner gives to the participants.  Being the good general that he is, Sir Jovenal Narcise gives out instructions with clear precision and then exhorts the runners to enjoy the experience and to be helpful of each other during the run.  He points out that the special kind of camaraderie among ultra runners differentiates ultra running from the shorter distances.  It is as if the Bald Runner would like to instill a special kind of esprit de corps among those who join his PAU events.  A Band of Brothers in running if you may. 

With The Bald Runner at Km 0

THE 50-KM BDM TEST RUN UP NEXT THIS JANUARY 14, 2012

The Bicolano Penguin is raring to do the 50-km test run for the Bataan Death March (BDM) ultra  this coming Saturday.  Just take a look at the pictures below.

Testing the Energizer...

January 8, 2012 : Run with ME

On a cool Sunday morning, I joined the Run with ME, a fun run organized by the Ateneo de Manila University John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM), Management Engineering Association (MEA) and Foundation of Ateneo Management Engineering (FAME) to raise funds for the Ateneo College  Scholarship  Fund.

My First Penguin

A couple of days ago, at the office lobby of First Balfour, our reception guard  handed me an LBC package.  Funny, I wasn’t expecting any package.  So, when I opened it, I was delightfully surprised to see that the content was a cute penguin stuffed toy.  

Wow.  My very first penguin!

My 1^st Penguin with my favourite books

DECEMBER 31, 2011: MARCEL’S BIRTHDAY

My one and only son, Marcel, turned 13  years old this December 31, 2011. 

My son with his birthday cake

DECEMBER 30, 2011 : ATENEO DE NAGA FUN RUN

As true-blue runners, we always look forward to running even during holidays and homecomings.  That is why us 83nean runners were excited to join the fun run scheduled as one of the  activities of the Ateneo de Naga University homecoming celebrations scheduled for December 30, 2011.  Please refer to the program of activities as provided by Karl Llorin of the Office of Alumni and International Relations of our alma mater.

Alumni Homecoming 2011 Inv theme

DECEMBER 29, 2011 REUNION: OUTREACH BY DAY, MERRIMENT BY NIGHT

The last few days of the year were a busy time for school homecomings and class reunions among the many schools in our province of Camarines Sur.  For us of the Ateneo de Naga High School Class of 1983, we have been at it for the past four years, taking advantage of the positive energy generated from the successful 2008 school homecoming where our batch was the host.