tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81775620050583506042024-03-19T19:39:32.599+08:00By Sheer WillOne Man's Saga to Cross the Finish LineRico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-31732495263912227792022-08-19T00:42:00.003+08:002022-08-19T00:42:50.583+08:00Just happy to be back in triathlon races<p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> <span style="font-family: helvetica;">Race Account: 2022 Turbo Sprint Triathlon (800m swim, 20k bike, 5k run)</span></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNIdRhf4_vYkCimSltmFQehJZ8wln40x5EvDSlkid2NFZC9jVLjwJosBbLcfJ3IcXv6x8fOPwSzFmHjBYYINxganjUmjn0orPZtnorsTXHUBmYx-b768ZcBSPhcMaow8HnLftO9aemA-rJzZ3fbUXeZ4y9cQkIvUIo5YOmyKRMwTtKloVYfpuuSi0/s1560/299187505_459361825855248_6232823822444322021_n.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1168" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNIdRhf4_vYkCimSltmFQehJZ8wln40x5EvDSlkid2NFZC9jVLjwJosBbLcfJ3IcXv6x8fOPwSzFmHjBYYINxganjUmjn0orPZtnorsTXHUBmYx-b768ZcBSPhcMaow8HnLftO9aemA-rJzZ3fbUXeZ4y9cQkIvUIo5YOmyKRMwTtKloVYfpuuSi0/s320/299187505_459361825855248_6232823822444322021_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My last triathlon race prior to the pandemic was the sprint triathlon in Sep 2019 in New Clark City, Tarlac. My last multisport race prior to pandemic was the March 2020 Vermosa Aquathlon. The 2022 Turbo Sprint triathlon was my first multisport race after the Delta and Omicron covid surges.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I had a choice of doing short and easy (flash distance) or the regular sprint. In separate triathlon leg simulations, I made it a little below required cut-off times, so I optimistically registered for the sprint distance. My weight loss has been at glacial pace, but I figured I was making decent progress in my runs, I can rely on my relative comfort in swim, and work the bike endurance during training.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Learning from my July foot race where I was barely able to sleep night prior to the race, I made sure I invested in sleep in the days prior to the race. For some reason, I still barely managed to sleep night before the race, despite creeping into bed early. Haay buhay. Good thing I did not feel tired or groggy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was calm but slightly excited for the race start. I was taking in race atmosphere. Plan for the swim leg was to go very easy in the first 100 meters and pick up pace thereafter. That has been my training and that gave me at least five minutes time buffer before swim cut-off. On pool training, the worst pool time I've had where I exerted the least effort all-throughout was still within cut-off time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For some reason that day, I felt off even after 100m. Do I need more time to warm up? Is this similar to my 2019 aquathlon experience where I felt drowning even if I know how to swim? Was I taxing my heart already? I did not feel the drowning feeling but it seemed like I was not exhaling completely. I can complete the 50m laps, but I rested a couple of seconds more each lap. I forced myself to exhale more volume and more frequently underwater. It eventually worked, but those rests between laps and the intentional slowdown cost me time. I finished the first 400m slightly above 20 minutes or the beyond cut-off pace.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I figured I normally do negative splits in swim, bike and run legs, so I was still optimistic. I was feeling better in the last 400m, but maybe I was still too tired or cautious that I exited the pool a few seconds after the required 40 minutes. I was dejected but relieved that the marshals did not prevent us from continuing the race. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was out of the transition area before 45 minutes. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I thought I had everything planned and prepared in my triathlon bag, but I still forgot to the move my race snacks (biscuits) from one bag to my race bag. I left the snacks inside the car and realized it only after the swim. Good thing I did eat a plateful of pancit for breakfast. I was worried if that was enough for more than 2 hours of biking and running, but I soldiered on. Gameplan was to stop if hypoglycemia threatened to manifest itself. I must rely not on race nutrition but on the fats I have and the sugar/carbs I consumed for breakfast. This can be sustained only if I spin on the bike and run steadily.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yIB7m4HWiUWzrl8Hlq0NbfKBO6mMTnh-_Pd0R1hRi7YcHtk_rs1etoerfrNwwaTI1aXmiV0qBK0h2PyQGloh7-6Ggp7mmEd_4QFI2c7qmfZOtcecgqxA0wiFCHx2KrMsoUKhfEEYtQm1GYI8ZIAe4DWIVa24HcOsYJh_6w8Ab7GgY7UHJysqFTeY/s1560/298683526_1158713548190346_4301358098321073879_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yIB7m4HWiUWzrl8Hlq0NbfKBO6mMTnh-_Pd0R1hRi7YcHtk_rs1etoerfrNwwaTI1aXmiV0qBK0h2PyQGloh7-6Ggp7mmEd_4QFI2c7qmfZOtcecgqxA0wiFCHx2KrMsoUKhfEEYtQm1GYI8ZIAe4DWIVa24HcOsYJh_6w8Ab7GgY7UHJysqFTeY/s320/298683526_1158713548190346_4301358098321073879_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">By grace</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> of God or his miracle, I did not have hypoglycemia attack. The spinning not only helped in regulating my sugar cycle, it also increased my bike pace, faster than any of my training paces. I was able to exit the transition 2 with slightly more than an hour to complete the run.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was still worried about hypoglycemia at the run start. How far can I extend my body sugar? I tried to do quick cadence but minimal effort running. Surprisingly, while I started slow, I was picking up pace every kilometer. I thought I could finish the run leg in an hour, or just slightly slower than my 5k run last Green Run in July. I was even running faster than my training pace in my last kilometer. It was a bit of a downer that the run was longer than 5km in my Garmin watch, by at least 250m considering that I was late to tap my watch for the run start. I probably run a minute or two above an hour with the extended distance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was a bit disappointed my official times were not recorded in the results. I was technically not a finisher because I was beyond cut-off time. Still, I wished my times were still recorded and just shown as DNF or some equivalent. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the organizer for allowing me to still bike and run despite my slow time in the swim leg. They still allowed me to cross the finish line, have my picture taken, and gave me the finisher medal. The main point of me joining was to swim, bike and run with fellow triathletes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When I was interviewed by GMA Digital after the race, they asked how was it soldiering on despite being the last finisher/triathlete. I said I have done longer races, but I have had heart problems. I joined to get fitter and I have no problem being last. Like my blog name By Sheer Will and my team name Endure, I am going through the race legs by sheer will and God's grace, and enduring everything to slowly reclaim my fitness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I am happy to simply complete the distance. I am happy to do things I love. Happy and grateful to be alive.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrADKYSMCXp-2Z24bXxTe6tIeKIF4J1t2egm5Bkv6lkelgj1yu-un_LmOp-oGDBXntWtkGNG4gq27Tho6O90MAD6JwTJ0kq3terbgK-tJ5sRpDFOFuERQYJwKo5rLP7n6o4EDPeVyaeBihlcmt5nd0LctuTU9UxFNsgpGhMfIIN6GW60CFgPR53xcW/s2040/299097659_1100408487577952_4429805311732495033_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2040" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrADKYSMCXp-2Z24bXxTe6tIeKIF4J1t2egm5Bkv6lkelgj1yu-un_LmOp-oGDBXntWtkGNG4gq27Tho6O90MAD6JwTJ0kq3terbgK-tJ5sRpDFOFuERQYJwKo5rLP7n6o4EDPeVyaeBihlcmt5nd0LctuTU9UxFNsgpGhMfIIN6GW60CFgPR53xcW/s320/299097659_1100408487577952_4429805311732495033_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p>Enrico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10087393512703725295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-46460111770161147802022-07-08T17:35:00.003+08:002022-07-08T17:35:23.284+08:00Slide and Glide in the Water<p><span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next race goal is swim 800m in less than 40 minutes, in the Olympic size pool of Vermosa. Race date is August 14, 2022 or just over a month from now.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTeS39VH7uzE1j3ZB3ykLt7JOoj5lBeBF0mabcIDkJ_ncX07kLvnYBBWDd3qffylhL5L7zCePy7JNQd_-ymjB51KsLrdcVGcBruW00EW7Jne-Vm63Ho1zvenBbeLdVFkOpeWa0ZSktLJwHYoeQxICimxX8EXBGcFCSB6za1aLH2AG1Q2VcOXN-ikU/s1560/Trace%2025m%20pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTeS39VH7uzE1j3ZB3ykLt7JOoj5lBeBF0mabcIDkJ_ncX07kLvnYBBWDd3qffylhL5L7zCePy7JNQd_-ymjB51KsLrdcVGcBruW00EW7Jne-Vm63Ho1zvenBbeLdVFkOpeWa0ZSktLJwHYoeQxICimxX8EXBGcFCSB6za1aLH2AG1Q2VcOXN-ikU/s320/Trace%2025m%20pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="ecm0bbzt hv4rvrfc ihqw7lf3 dati1w0a" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_hf" style="font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 16px 16px;"><div class="j83agx80 cbu4d94t ew0dbk1b irj2b8pg" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px;"><div class="qzhwtbm6 knvmm38d" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I went yesterday to Trace College compound in Los Banos, Laguna to do swim time trials in a 50-m pool. Alas, its Olympic size pool is closed (used only for special competitions) and the only pool open to the public is the 25m one.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I have been doing regular swims but I have not been timing my speed. I was focused on relaxation and fitness on those swims. I am aware that I am past the gasping stage experienced by those who have not swam for some time, but I still do no not know if my swim time is within the required 5 minutes per 100m to beat cut-off time.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">First 100m was a super relaxed one. Time: 4:51</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Second 100m was a bit faster but still easy. Time: 4:32</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">But can I already sustain that pace for 800m? I thought I needed to swim faster per 50m and have some quick recovery gasps in between during the actual race. A 4min pace would give me more comfort and assurance.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I decided to do 50m x 16 times. Every 50m lap must be done below 2minutes. </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">1st 50: 1: 57</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">(had to go out and buy food because I could feel my sugar level falling down)</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">2nd 50: 1:52</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">3rd-9th: 1:47ish</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">10th: 1:45</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">14th: 1:40</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">15th: 1:35</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">16th: 1:29</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The best part is that I was swimming faster in the latter intervals not by producing more power (I keep hearing my doctor saying "moderate exertion only") but by streamlining myself and swimming more efficiently. I pictured myself sliding and gliding in the water.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">1min30sec per 50m or 3min/100m is my usual pace for half-ironman swim from years ago. </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I just hope to swim 4min per 100m for the Turbo Sprint Tri. So help me God. More swim intervals in the coming days.</div></div></span></div></div></div></div><div class="l9j0dhe7" id="jsc_c_hg" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="l9j0dhe7" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 gs1a9yip g5ia77u1 mtkw9kbi tlpljxtp qensuy8j ppp5ayq2 goun2846 ccm00jje s44p3ltw mk2mc5f4 rt8b4zig n8ej3o3l agehan2d sk4xxmp2 rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 mg4g778l pfnyh3mw p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x tgvbjcpo hpfvmrgz jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso l9j0dhe7 i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of du4w35lb n00je7tq arfg74bv qs9ysxi8 k77z8yql btwxx1t3 abiwlrkh p8dawk7l lzcic4wl a8c37x1j tm8avpzi" href="https://www.facebook.com/bysheerwill/photos/a.1212065482953265/1212111339615346/?__cft__[0]=AZXgM-0BUCXZQVsxGDqWbjpnFO65ErhP2fKW-FLgtn9stIec7iffJp94nAfyTAINFzmcLjIeC1qTRn9vRFRnLzXYAvWUwIgAgVYnuVHIXec2m1tSb2LSEQpwhGrYbfaC210hM_5L7DxDEIu-jFNW8CdP_yjEBZriVC9TNqxe49MQsA94-mU3Lkcf2cQ9Ior9CP4&__tn__=EH-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; display: block; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: none; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><div class="bp9cbjyn cwj9ozl2 j83agx80 cbu4d94t ni8dbmo4 stjgntxs l9j0dhe7 k4urcfbm" style="align-items: center; background-color: #90949c; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 680px;"><div style="font-family: inherit; max-width: 100%; min-width: 500px; width: calc((100vh + -325px) * 1.33333);"><div class="do00u71z ni8dbmo4 stjgntxs l9j0dhe7" style="font-family: inherit; height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 375px; position: relative;"><div class="pmk7jnqg kr520xx4" style="font-family: inherit; height: 375px; left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 500px;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="linmgsc8 opwvks06 i09qtzwb n7fi1qx3 hzruof5a pmk7jnqg j9ispegn kr520xx4" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); border-top: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; pointer-events: none; position: absolute;"></div><div class="n00je7tq arfg74bv qs9ysxi8 k77z8yql i09qtzwb n7fi1qx3 b5wmifdl hzruof5a pmk7jnqg j9ispegn kr520xx4 c5ndavph art1omkt ot9fgl3s" data-visualcompletion="ignore" style="border-radius: inherit; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-duration: var(--fds-duration-extra-extra-short-out); transition-property: opacity; transition-timing-function: var(--fds-animation-fade-out);"></div></a></div></div><div class="stjgntxs ni8dbmo4" style="font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden;"></div></div></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="stjgntxs ni8dbmo4 l82x9zwi uo3d90p7 h905i5nu monazrh9" data-visualcompletion="ignore-dynamic" style="border-radius: 0px 0px 8px 8px; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="l9j0dhe7" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="bp9cbjyn m9osqain j83agx80 jq4qci2q bkfpd7mw a3bd9o3v kvgmc6g5 wkznzc2l oygrvhab dhix69tm jktsbyx5 rz4wbd8a osnr6wyh a8nywdso s1tcr66n" style="align-items: center; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--divider); color: var(--secondary-text); display: flex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; justify-content: flex-end; line-height: 1.3333; margin: 0px 16px; padding: 10px 0px;"><div class="bp9cbjyn j83agx80 buofh1pr ni8dbmo4 stjgntxs" style="align-items: center; background-color: white; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-grow: 1; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; overflow: hidden;"><div class="" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41" style="align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; width: inherit;"><div class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of n00je7tq arfg74bv qs9ysxi8 k77z8yql l9j0dhe7 abiwlrkh p8dawk7l lzcic4wl gmql0nx0 ce9h75a5 ni8dbmo4 stjgntxs tkr6xdv7 a8c37x1j" role="button" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-radius: inherit; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 1.3333em; outline: none; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: none; z-index: 1;" tabindex="0"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="pcp91wgn" style="font-family: inherit; padding-left: 6px;"><br /></span></span></div></div></span></div></div><div class="kb5gq1qc pfnyh3mw c0wkt4kp" style="background-color: white; color: #65676b; flex-grow: 0; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; width: 7px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Enrico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10087393512703725295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-26363107332162838332022-07-08T15:19:00.001+08:002022-07-08T15:24:02.870+08:00Back to Foot Races with Green Run Vermosa 5k<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My first foot rate after the pandemic restrictions was The Green Run at Vermosa last July 3, 2022. I chose this race because the venue was near my San Pedro home and the race advocated sustainability. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I registered for the 5km distance as that was the most I could do given my current fitness level. Last May, I resigned from my work as Chief Risk Officer of a foreign bank branch to focus on my health. The pandemic in general and my personal bout with Covid 19 at height of the delta scare have a way of making people reassess personal priorities. Health comes first, and no amount of money, influence or prestige can make up for poor health. I was at a juncture where stress is wreaking havoc on my sugar and cholesterol levels, putting me at risk for diabetes and heart problems. I chose freedom to focus on my health.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Prior to July 2022, I have been doing regular walks almost daily at an average of 2-3kms. I rarely jogged or ran though as I was still very heavy. Since my resignation, I have significantly improved my sugar and cholesterol levels, but I have lost just about 5 pounds in two months. I joined a foot race to ramp my weight loss journey.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In June I slowly started jogging, beginning with 100m and slowly progressing with constant heart rate monitoring. I eventually graduated to doing rounds of walk and jog in the UPLB oval/field. Slowly, my average moving pace fell from 15min per km, to 14mpk, 13mpk, etc. To finish the 5k race within an hour, I needed to run an average of less than 12mpk. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the last rounds of my tempo runs I was already running below 12mpk. Conditions before the race though posed personal challenges. For two days before the race I tried brewing coffee myself (I am not regular coffee drinker) and that wreaked havoc on my metabolism and body clock. I felt like a zombie the last two nights before the race with less than 3 hours of sleep. The day before the race, I only had an hour of actual sleep.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">For the first 1km of the race I just dragged myself like a zombie. I walked. On the second kilometer, I added some slow jogs. It was only in my 3rd kilometer that I got my groove back and my body remembered the training I've had. I was already hitting less than 12mpk and progressively getting faster in the last 3 kms. My negative split failed to deliver my target 55 minutes finish time, but 58:50 was okay given my circumstances.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">More than the finish times, I was just happy to be able to actually run again, join races, immerse in the experience of running with others, and get to see familiar faces. I saw several friends, including my teammate Tracy from Endure. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank you Lord!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQEJi50O-13MZurOw2WMT43_x67zfWuTy03dcWkcrU0Lf0UIA12_z4i6wBxvJE2mAcBiJLQ7iUDh8lkYVVQ4VPk4n7IxmrKQFOvJacZG6RG8LadwITAn-ytCUucrFij0PowsR9sYDilbfeXvKCu4hzlEJwqlCOTT_qEIY7Vv9LKPYhaEwUuGgEHII/s1620/Finish%20line%20dash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQEJi50O-13MZurOw2WMT43_x67zfWuTy03dcWkcrU0Lf0UIA12_z4i6wBxvJE2mAcBiJLQ7iUDh8lkYVVQ4VPk4n7IxmrKQFOvJacZG6RG8LadwITAn-ytCUucrFij0PowsR9sYDilbfeXvKCu4hzlEJwqlCOTT_qEIY7Vv9LKPYhaEwUuGgEHII/s320/Finish%20line%20dash.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwcmgzaWecHdpi1Nn28r3C8gPVwrDjzqBFJKxFrdvAb5uliOADhq8_hlomSJbAeLiLiNcOtCjOxEAlTRmPljJ18vqT6ybKiE71y11h1pnfe5SKwDRPaZroclRmPS22TZ6WlJ0bgMfXPiYVUxh3p0VUL-yzrJMzfhyDPPPSijk7obCVcJZGD5hP590/s2048/Medal%20photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwcmgzaWecHdpi1Nn28r3C8gPVwrDjzqBFJKxFrdvAb5uliOADhq8_hlomSJbAeLiLiNcOtCjOxEAlTRmPljJ18vqT6ybKiE71y11h1pnfe5SKwDRPaZroclRmPS22TZ6WlJ0bgMfXPiYVUxh3p0VUL-yzrJMzfhyDPPPSijk7obCVcJZGD5hP590/s320/Medal%20photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAizUzGadoJdmEOgnR-ExWgQJejS6KWi3V_ue7hpxZdRbUmIN6yljOWtt8JPw2iyX6eqgb7x9gXIUtlH8fJPH0sxItks8NXwlE1hpRFLNKxIRNk4ORQwcfm5nphowO1H66lnDVwR6YdaRt7PA08l7IpZVpX864kp9DWanomrkP9oqMjEd4NGFefJT/s2048/Photo%20with%20Tracy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAizUzGadoJdmEOgnR-ExWgQJejS6KWi3V_ue7hpxZdRbUmIN6yljOWtt8JPw2iyX6eqgb7x9gXIUtlH8fJPH0sxItks8NXwlE1hpRFLNKxIRNk4ORQwcfm5nphowO1H66lnDVwR6YdaRt7PA08l7IpZVpX864kp9DWanomrkP9oqMjEd4NGFefJT/s320/Photo%20with%20Tracy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgksszDRZ5qynzPr0fy7t65ff56BmqQkAP4raBej5z2a9UGjewsSB17F1gJLBJSdw9-6OZY-EYfqZEfyLZOnNvDIMsznTor9GMgpIKsB7-_Nvh5G-rWNCBtC_59zaXzX-SSDKjZ460yPX4FMQ6syh96xbtlKZfYJn1WlUQtLN1pAuPlMT_sKw1Z3hBX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="949" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgksszDRZ5qynzPr0fy7t65ff56BmqQkAP4raBej5z2a9UGjewsSB17F1gJLBJSdw9-6OZY-EYfqZEfyLZOnNvDIMsznTor9GMgpIKsB7-_Nvh5G-rWNCBtC_59zaXzX-SSDKjZ460yPX4FMQ6syh96xbtlKZfYJn1WlUQtLN1pAuPlMT_sKw1Z3hBX" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.pinoyfitness.com/2022/04/the-green-run-vermosa/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://myruntime.com/race?raceNick=the-green-run-2022&view=results</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p>Enrico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10087393512703725295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-24515170394071224382020-02-15T12:23:00.001+08:002020-02-15T12:31:40.513+08:00In God I Trust<div>I just registered for the Vermosa aquathlon in March because my Boss Above The Clouds ordered me so. When I asked my Boss Father two weeks back for a birthday gift of discernment on how to meet the temporary challenges at work, His curt reply was: Trust Me. I tried to win some battles using intellectual gifts He gave me, but He keeps frustrating me and sending me signs to Trust Him on this one. I can picture Him saying, I got this.</div><div><br></div><div>Last week I asked Him how I can split myself and my waking time to do my mountain of tasks. His response to me was a homily about St. Jerome and his miracle of multiplying bread for the hungry orphans. I will find time by giving time. I will multiply time by giving time to all the hungry aspects of myself. </div><div><br></div><div>So I rest when I am tired. I go to museums and buy art books because I miss my art. I drive to my hometown because I want to play with the kids there. I registered in an aquathlon because I love the water and it makes me feel alive.</div><div><br></div><div>It is so damn scary not to have full control, but I trust you, Lord.</div>Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-33918717539004994882020-02-15T12:20:00.000+08:002020-02-15T12:20:50.747+08:00I get by with the help of my friends<div>"Sir, we noticed you haven't come to the gym for the last 90 days, " said the gym rep over the phone. My work-addled mind wanted to scream. First, you disturbed me in the middle of a busy workday. Second, you reminded me of something I want to do more but do not have the time nor energy to do. Third, I was actually in your gym about 3 weeks ago.</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks to a triathlon teammate and training buddy, I do manage to part with my bed on occasional Sunday mornings to do some swim, bike or run. The buddy system allows both parties to triumph over drudgery of training by making waking up and sweating out fat more bearable. Through the years, I have shed some of my fierce independence and learned to embrace the kindness of friends. Thanks to my buddy, I actually managed to do a triathlon last year despite my hellish workload.</div><div><br></div><div>Before signing up for the 2019 New Clark City Triathlon, I asked my buddy a favor: Can you please be my one-man support crew in case something happens to me during the race, and if I get lucky to finish, can you please drive my spent body back to the metro? That race was supposed to be my first 'major' race 5 months after my hospitalization for congestive heart failure.</div><div><br></div><div>It was just a simple sprint tri for me in a grand venue that is New Clark City. 450m pool swim in the aquatic center, 20km bike in the new connector road to SCTEX, and a 5 km run ending in the Athletics stadium. The main challenge was to do this at low heart rate and avoid a spike that may be fatal.</div><div><br></div><div>Fifteen minutes before pool start, I plunged into the 50m, deep-all-over pool to test the waters. It was chilly cold. Cold is my waterloo. I actually suffer from skin asthma when weather turns cold. Cold and anxiety can spike my HR. I was so cold and frightened initially that I stopped and clung to the pool wall every 3 meters. I can hold on to the wall in the first lane, but there are no walls in the second lane!!??? </div><div><br></div><div>Again, I relied on my friend who knew little of my cold clammy anxiety but was watching close from the bleachers. It would be too much of a downer for my support crew if I did not even manage to start. I took comfort that somebody (my friend) would see if I flounder in the swim for any reason. I will also take my sweet time finishing and rest as long as I wanted in between laps. A couple of strong, athletic participants bailed out early (probably less experienced swimmers), but I managed to finish the swim - slow but steady and with no rapid beating of the heart.</div><div><br></div><div>For the bike, my twin concerns were the uphills and the heat. These can make my HR rapidly shoot up. On my first hill, I was using my lowest gear and praying hard. When my breathing seems strained, I would think happy thoughts and sing in my mind. I managed to overcome the two uphill sections going out. The challenge going back was the heat. It took a lot of effort imagining green fields instead of the barren, tree-less grounds, and tons of prayers to bring me back to the transition area. I was so slow I was the last biker, with the longer distance participants even overtaking me. But I was safe and two thirds done.</div><div><br></div><div>Heat and fatigue were my last challenges. I started my run way past 10am, with sun searing us down across what seemed to be formerly lahar land. It was hot!!! I was also very tired. If I tire myself excessively, I can actually collapse or worse, have a heart attack. I stopped when I felt very tired. I probably stopped every 300m. It was just the company of fellow struggling racers from the long distance category, the cheers of the crew at water stations, and my consciously bloated sense of optimism that got me through. My legs were beat going into the stadium. There was about 300m yet of struggling. In the last 100m, I jogged to and through the finish line. I beamed at the medal givers, photographers and teammates. It was over. I survived. By the kindness of friends, and by the grace of God.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tJbPQZnTaE_wXkEkgS2P7y_LZIXEFSVft_wv66j3HQtDLV2ZcG4Bg9QdnObXBKvmBLwLk8vHqW_bKk_tS_HrzCzX-F1PDOC8QP0C5SiilBVGwbrMtdc111InsEusUOdDGaGYebVLFOc/s1600/1581740444607618-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tJbPQZnTaE_wXkEkgS2P7y_LZIXEFSVft_wv66j3HQtDLV2ZcG4Bg9QdnObXBKvmBLwLk8vHqW_bKk_tS_HrzCzX-F1PDOC8QP0C5SiilBVGwbrMtdc111InsEusUOdDGaGYebVLFOc/s1600/1581740444607618-0.png" width="400">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWffThTGoPEeOsgAEMdBiUf3_i9PGfHi47P6F_XxsD9P_rLMPKSprF-OzcOnbRCkFl61taumsfZCAzqE9mIQOvd-QzJ7m-kMHlKeeONoQOIQqAGRq2CLhLy8NIua_9POcIpN782PXB7KE/s1600/1581740438522861-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWffThTGoPEeOsgAEMdBiUf3_i9PGfHi47P6F_XxsD9P_rLMPKSprF-OzcOnbRCkFl61taumsfZCAzqE9mIQOvd-QzJ7m-kMHlKeeONoQOIQqAGRq2CLhLy8NIua_9POcIpN782PXB7KE/s1600/1581740438522861-1.png" width="400">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVKkotV83cHuhTUsmwdjXc1J0ocPwzhWTF91kQbQfwv50sg8Ib7a888HpTuPWDJKB5NoPr0JjbockfWEy74RA0_3TBx418atQfXU3UdMF4O4S1jlhyQnsmHMEoX9uQV4WXzfM1tenRnc/s1600/1581740431194811-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVKkotV83cHuhTUsmwdjXc1J0ocPwzhWTF91kQbQfwv50sg8Ib7a888HpTuPWDJKB5NoPr0JjbockfWEy74RA0_3TBx418atQfXU3UdMF4O4S1jlhyQnsmHMEoX9uQV4WXzfM1tenRnc/s1600/1581740431194811-2.png" width="400">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi000owuwg9UCi0qY68e4VB2O6pn0i28W5U3ugAafPVSGictXQGuFx3yjaeyDgYUHi_n2WRW6TNDlrXl8n7hueMymrz0XOf0NVD0vNL4LlF5xlVlybRs3CGkOCvb8mPfvW1w4XFYtVLpjc/s1600/1581740424078447-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi000owuwg9UCi0qY68e4VB2O6pn0i28W5U3ugAafPVSGictXQGuFx3yjaeyDgYUHi_n2WRW6TNDlrXl8n7hueMymrz0XOf0NVD0vNL4LlF5xlVlybRs3CGkOCvb8mPfvW1w4XFYtVLpjc/s1600/1581740424078447-3.png" width="400">
</a>
</div><br></div>Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-34814562848636553642019-09-30T23:36:00.002+08:002019-09-30T23:59:07.437+08:00Mini-sprint tri finish feels like a 70.3<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Race Report: UPLB Trantados Club's Beginners Triathlon, September 28, 2019</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was my comeback race after a year of not having enough time nor energy to join a race. I was nervous and excited. I was confident I could finish the 400m swim, and was resigned to walking the 3km run, but I was not sure if my butt was primed enough to sit for 18kms. Last I tried to actually ride my bike, I rode a glacial pace of 12kph!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wore box trunks for the swim leg because I wanted to channel Marco Gumabao in Just A Stranger. This is after all a costume tri as well. Truth is, I eschewed my trisuit because I needed to breathe freely. Plan worked because I finished the swim without issues. Deadlast following doctor's order of moderate exertion only, but with enough energy left for the dreaded bike. I made sure I thanked the lap marshals for waiting for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bike was easy on the way out. It was 3km slight downhill drift to Open University through Pili drive. Weehee, I am actually hitting high 20s in my hybrid bike! Far departure from 12kph :) Going back was tougher - spinned it at 12kph :( It was fun to see the other participants in the first two loops of my bike segment. People thinned out in my last loop, but I remained cheerful and thankful for all the marshals who cheered. They cheered for every thank you and sorry I said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The best part for me was the run. Just about a handful of us are running, including a kid with malformed legs who happily finished as I went through my third run loop. I walked all throughout, mindful that I might be taxing my heart for almost 2 hr effort. I would apologize and thank the marshals every loop, and they peppered me back with cheers. On my last loop, a gang of more than a dozen Trantados members in costume joined me per their tradition. They chanted, joked, poked fun and cheered all throughout, so much so I actually managed to jog a bit in the last 300 meters. Sprint daw eh. With a cheerful squad like that, how could I not?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrwUVt8H-gc9Jl6hZ2IhVb0659PubxBQ2gjZ6p4MF1ZoL6hGmN7X8V70cpUEv7HzNKWuj5SHbFBoYV9xp1WP2BvNKwBLmNJXWbb9GxbxPr1Wcv1Hq0KD1hedNpAogyTwGCjbzaSvKVZQ/s1600/received_501774830659867.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrwUVt8H-gc9Jl6hZ2IhVb0659PubxBQ2gjZ6p4MF1ZoL6hGmN7X8V70cpUEv7HzNKWuj5SHbFBoYV9xp1WP2BvNKwBLmNJXWbb9GxbxPr1Wcv1Hq0KD1hedNpAogyTwGCjbzaSvKVZQ/s320/received_501774830659867.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzgk09nNhiqGcASEuGDeKhYLMywNaqnhe3B6KxR_FSxX0PercQ9KSCBxl07TXJmM-TU2V6ysLh76hlQzQUMquWTVBZ4XSIBQgJylvySp1Ebukn54O_P1paiuaEortDFlIBnNxrOpbJcU/s1600/received_1459260620888105.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzgk09nNhiqGcASEuGDeKhYLMywNaqnhe3B6KxR_FSxX0PercQ9KSCBxl07TXJmM-TU2V6ysLh76hlQzQUMquWTVBZ4XSIBQgJylvySp1Ebukn54O_P1paiuaEortDFlIBnNxrOpbJcU/s320/received_1459260620888105.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> đź“· Tracy Carpena and Ghia Nabong</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I crossed the finish line jubilant, drowning in happiness by the good vibes and cheers of the crowd. It was the best way to finish last. I did not crave attention, but these guys made me feel like a rockstar. It felt like finishing my first half-ironman. From the bottom of my recovering heart, thank you very much ❤</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By sheer will and God's grace,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rico V</span>Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-75575436526885246392017-10-14T18:01:00.000+08:002017-10-14T18:01:08.602+08:00Getting Back to the Habit<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the past 9 years, I
haven't really stopped doing some form of physical activity (running,
biking, swimming, etc), but I admit I have been remiss in blogging about
them in recent years. Yes I have been active in my private Facebook
account, but not in my public Twitter and much less here in Blogger. I
am trying to address that now by forming a new habit: blogging on
Saturday afternoons when I am typically relaxed and not preoccupied with
work or training.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow I will do the
Nutrilite Health Run (10Km). My last foot race was the Resort World Run a
few weeks ago. I am happy to announce that I am also registered for the
Pinoy Fitness 21K Challenge and will hopefully make it within 3 hours.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am glad that I have
won the battle against stress primarily by shifting employment, and
consequently my blood pressure fluctuations are gone now. It is the
battle of the bulge that I am still waging, this time through taking
care of my own nutrition. I cook and prepare what I eat now. My weight
reading today says that I am in my lowest weight for the year, but more
pounds must be shed for a fitter me. Constant weight monitoring helps.
Maybe more frequent blogging will also help me :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bye for now and may my 10K time tomorrow be better than a month ago :) </span></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-45491338125126275502017-05-20T14:40:00.001+08:002017-05-20T14:40:11.847+08:00Next foot race: Maxicare Run<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>The secret to continually moving forward is to set goals to look forward to. After resting my knee from taking a beating at my Gyeongju Cherry Blossom half-marathon and the mountain hike we did a day after, I am looking forward to run 16K in the first Maxicare Run on July 9 in BGC. Hope to see new and familiar faces there!<br/>
<br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div>Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-54333493013251833882017-03-21T13:11:00.000+08:002017-03-21T13:11:02.620+08:00Still Fighting for Fitness<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am glad that I am no longer at my heaviest weight. I was heaviest last quarter of 2016 when a nasty combination of cough and colds prevented from doing exercise. My burgeoning weight then was aggravated by my generally relaxed diet stance during the Christmas holidays.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am at least 6 pounds lighter than my heaviest weight, but a lot of poundage still needs to be shed. I have less stress now from work, I sleep earlier, I binge-eat less, and exercise more regularly. My blood pressure is much lower, but I still guard against unduly taxing my heart. I try to stay within the 130-150 beats per minute heart rate when exercising.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As fitness is a major goal, I go to the gym for swim, bike or run sessions 3-4 times a week, and join races on weekends. Vacant weekends are for recovery while tending to my gardens/backyard farm.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I am currently working now is altering my breathing patterns. When you lug around pounds of fat around your belly, the tendency is for the belly fat to crush the diaphragm and succumb to shallow breathing. This bad breathing pattern greatly reduces my ability to run faster. I learned that consciously breathing through the nose, expanding my belly when inhaling, and having water in my mouth while running on the treadmill, work. Hopefully, with improved breathing comes faster pace and metabolism.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope to be fitter for the fun wave of Pinoy Fitness Sub-1hr 10K this weekend, and for my half-marathon in Korea on April 1.</span></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-38530656952627337002017-03-04T14:26:00.001+08:002017-03-04T14:32:15.664+08:00To Start, To Finish<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(My race account of Tri United Exceed 2017 on Feb 26, 2017)</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These days, I just take what I can get. For my first triathlon race of 2017, I would have wanted to begin with an easy sprint after my holiday season diet sabbatical, but alas, Tri United already dropped its sprint category and I would have to bite up to the standard distance so early in the year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I realized that the standard distance actually required riding up to Subic Ocean Adventure and back, I panicked. I had hoped for the flatter airport roads. I quickly resumed gym spinning, sneaked in a couple of outdoor hill repeats, and changed my bike set up from caliper brakes to manual disc brakes. The latter included heavier mountain bike wheel set compatible with the disc brakes. To boost my confidence further, I settled for flat mountain bike pedals so I can use running shoes instead of bike shoes. In case my lungs or hearts screamed "Enough" on those hills, I can get down faster and safer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Up to a few days before the race, I contemplated on backing out as I feel my fitness is not yet up to par, but eventually I decided to at least start and do the swim leg, my most comfortable part of the race. I could stop at the bike leg at any point if I feel I am endangering myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The race atmosphere the day before and during actual race day never fails to energize at least, including the undertrained me. I knew I have only few swimming mileage, but I hoped my years of swimming would help me through. It did allow me to finish the 1.5km swim leg, albeit I was deadbeat and lagging in the last decile of swimmers. It was a career worst of 57 minutes for that distance, but I reallly just got back what I invested (which was little in terms of training).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The transition area was one long, uni-directional stretch. No wonder athletes were displaying long transition times. The carpet used this time was a little thin so it was relatively harder to walk. Add this to the fact that I was already exhausted.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 1 person, bicycle, mountain, outdoor and nature" class="spotlight" height="640" src="https://scontent.fmnl4-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16997798_1370055029712765_2046637304889995859_n.jpg?oh=6017ad93c8a82d5af7ecc161ebedf572&oe=593E7409" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of bike leg. Photo by Aldrin Galang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was probably overly conservative on the bike. I was already conscious and cautious about not taxing the heart to start with. The fact that I heard a lady biker screaming while faltering on the bike, and then crashing with a metallic and body thud probably made me even more cautious. I thought it was just a moderate fall but I would eventually learn that she was brought to the hospital for bruise treatment probably and health check. Good thing there were marshals in the area, and along with them I warned down-speeding bikers about the accident and hazard.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Slowly but safely, I finished the bike ride, entertaining myself by looking at trees and birds when the going got tough. I actually spotted two hornbills perched low on a tree. It could get lonely trying to catch up with the rest of the athletes, and on the few times I come close, I actually forced myself to slow down on those blind, curved downhills. It was getting hotter the last 10kms. With only few remaining cyclists and myself way over my target time, it was a struggle to finish the ride. My energy was so sapped down at that point I actually thought of just giving up. The only thing that prevented me was the fact that nobody would really fetch me and my bike and bring me back to the transition area cum finish line. When I did reach the bike transition area, I half-joked and half-meant it to a teammate already done with the race: Can you just sub for me on the run leg?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was like a zombie through the long transition area into the run starting point. I only got my second wind when I saw the other athletes still on their loops of 4. I was too slow to partake of the grapes and oranges at the aid station, but I was still thankful for the chips that boosted me. The heat rose with each loop I made, but the cheers of teammates, fellow athletes and the crowd kept me going. I was glad I continued with the run; it turned out to be the most enjoyable part for me. I am particularly thankful for teammates who stayed behind to see me over and one Lakan supporter freely giving chips to the tired athletes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Officially, this was my worst standard distance finish time (5hr23min), but I was still grateful I still get to do this sport, much slower but safe. Finishing near last, but with optimism and spirits still high. The ones who dare to start still wins over those who didn't; the one who never gives up, may surprise himself in the end.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-84722742805820829482016-09-05T15:21:00.000+08:002016-09-05T15:21:08.872+08:00Pesteng Ehem<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been 4 weeks since I did the Cobra Ironman 70.3 race. The after-race week was actually great. I completed the race course tired but not wasted. A few hours of sleep after a race, I was up and about devouring lechon. I felt light and was in good spirits that week, that I actually hit the gym that Saturday for a very short indoor swim-bike-run recovery session. The next day I felt like shit. Monday after that I called in sick for work. The last three weeks were a succession of nasty cold, then phlegmatic cough, and now dry cough.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I have always been an advocate of natural healing, I shun medicines the whole ordeal. That has always been my secret to staying relatively sick-free all these decades. As my condition is nothing serious, just highly irritating and annoying, I have not yet sought medical opinion. I get to go to work and even do short swim, bike or run sessions, but this pesteng ehem refuses to die yet.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some questions and thoughts have been in my mind lately:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am I still in a state of stress? It has been 4.5 months since I removed the main stressor in my life - a frustrating work environment - by resigning. I have since taken up some very manageable work, which is very far from stressful and has very people-friendly work schedule. I actually had more time for leisure and exercise, and I have a very fulfilling gardening/backyard farming on the side. I think I have made good strides, but it will take some more months before I fully shed the 40-50 pounds of frustration I had from my previous work, and the bad lifestyle habits that crept along with it (e.g. shallow breathing, stress binge-eating, late night sleeping). What accumulated in six years cannot be undone in six months.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May this pesteng ehem finally reached its rightful end, so I can claim back the healthier me of six years ago. Six year ago I was an Ironman [albeit 70.3 only ;] I miss that man I used to be. Soon, Rico, soon....</span></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-721737794066976182016-08-09T15:30:00.000+08:002016-08-09T15:33:23.157+08:00I May Just Actually Make It<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The 2016 Cobra Ironman 70.3 race in Cebu just transpired. While I still distill my thoughts on that race and wait for photos, I just want to share this old draft written (but not published) on <b>July 29,</b> <b>2012</b>, or four years ago before my first Cebu 70.3 experience. Many points and lessons remain valid four years hence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">=================================================</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>July 29, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At any given point in time, I have a couple of blog post ideas nesting in my mind waiting for that rare time I can sit down, ponder some more and type. This post is one of them, that one big post tossing in my mind for months now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I was one of the hundreds excited when the Cebu version of Ironman 70.3 Philippines was announced in December. Cebu is a vibrant city replete with beaches, seafood, bars, and culture. Cebuanos are known for their hospitality and bravado. I MUST be there in Cebu in August 2012!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I silently registered for the race. Silently because I did not tell teammates and friends who are all giddy with excitement for this race. Silently because I was not certain I would find time to train given my year long project to spearhead system replacement in our division. Silently because I know the pressure of spearheading change can be challenging, frustrating and therefore fattening! I have been told a number of times, <em>"</em></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>Sir, huwag ka nang magalit. Mauubos mo na naman yung pack of Chippy!"</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">From December to January I scouted for a permanent house, oversaw repairs, packed and transported 15 years of accumulated life into a dream house nestled in the hills of Laguna, all in the middle of my project kick-off. From January to April, I would drive home mentally exhausted to a beautiful blue house, and stare at its beauty and reality for minutes, wondering at times whether the trade off was worth it. The job that excites my voracious mind and finances my dreams is the same one that bloats my belly while sapping my energy. Every now and then I managed to leave work earlier than 7pm and got to bike or run in the village. In those precious moments, I would say: Yes I have found home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9wWLodLISEzg6BMizmB3KSXWA1xANg4qLQFSwLcqmMm8PdC8jsG5a47oXLPwrl1-1meY4JjO_q0NCwI9jvl4dhyphenhyphenbStaUnvTgLvMThxWb2kPYW4nAfCP4RiG_ANF9J_PPV3Vd5rXuIWE/s1600/Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9wWLodLISEzg6BMizmB3KSXWA1xANg4qLQFSwLcqmMm8PdC8jsG5a47oXLPwrl1-1meY4JjO_q0NCwI9jvl4dhyphenhyphenbStaUnvTgLvMThxWb2kPYW4nAfCP4RiG_ANF9J_PPV3Vd5rXuIWE/s320/Home.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">From January to April, what would constitute as my 70.3 training would be: a lucky night in a week of swim, mtb ride or jog; a Saturday MTB hilly ride from our village to Daang Hari, and a Sunday swim. For months I forced myself to learn bilateral swim breathing given that the Cebu swim was supposedly counter-clockwise and that two-side breathing would promote symmetry of form and force. The regular, albeit spaced, MTB rides forced me to be strong enough to roll my heavy form over hills without having a heart attack. The fact that I am still blogging means I was successfull on this one. The run, I did not give it much thought then. It would only matter if I get to ride fast enough to make it through cut-off time. Last year was a sort of blow for me. I was raring to better my maiden PR, and chase people on the run, but I ended up DNF when I missed the bike cut-off time by 5 minutes! I was better equipped, better trained, but I was put off big time by the unexpected storm that drenched my glasses and gave me chills. All these months I tried to keep the race silence. When asked if I would race Cebu, I would only smile. At that point, I was only prepared to start the swim and the bike. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Tipping Point</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The turning point occurred noiselessly in May in the middle of my bilateral swim set. Finally, after my seemingly endless gymnastic bouts with pull buoys and swim paddles, I could breathe comfortably on both sides. That should be enough to at least bring me to the bike leg. With that discovery came the epiphany: It is not enough that I start the race. I must race with the conviction that I gave it my best shot given my circumstances. Only then can I accept failure without regrets. My race shall be measured not by cut-off times, but by how hard I tried. I wanted to remember Cebu and recall giving it a good fight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Almost at the same time I came to terms with my work. I realized that indeed, Rome was not built in a day. Whatever lofty ideals that play in my head and no matter how hard I push, some things simply happen in God's time. I guess work is best approached with the perspective of triathlon tapering. After you have complied with the long hours, the tempos and high-intensities, you cut back, recover and let the building process take its course. Cut back was what I did. I forced myself to leave the office by a certain hour, confident of the thought that tomorrow is another day. I delegated and made people accountable. Everyone has to have his turn at the peloton front.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I committed myself to join the weekly Mizuno Run Academy sessions. I went back to the Army pool where multisport dreams were nurtured for most of us. I picked up my tribike and finally replaced the dropbars with a proper tri cockpit. I registered to as many tri races and runs I could get myself into. I was back in the sport and enjoying the endorphins once more. I just hope the turning point was not too late.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-2354109178875870252016-07-07T16:37:00.001+08:002016-07-07T16:37:23.449+08:00Group classes at the gymI am typically the independent spirit at the gym doing my own thing. You would often see me hogging the stationary bike or treadmill. Occasionally, I would get a trainer to compel me to raise my exercise intensity, I have also tried group core exercise in the past.<br />
<br />
The past few weeks I have been joining group spinning classes (RPM, Le Mills) in the gym. My teammate and weekend training buddy tried it out one time on a whim and for training variety. <i>Maiba naman.</i> We are triathletes supposedly - maybe not as active - but we barely survived our first spinning outing.We simply didn't know how to pace ourselves initially. Eventually, we got the knack for it. It is a fun and compelling way for one to have variety in training and get some intensity. We had so much fun trying the spinning class that we also ventured the bodypump class one time. It is easier to brave these group classes if you have a buddy with whom to suffer humiliation and laugh things off. If pacing is the key to RPM, the appropriate weights are the one for Bodypump. We learned that the hard and weary way.<br />
<br />
I am actually using the spinning classes as my main training for the Cobra 70.3 Ironman in August, moreso now that the rainy season has come and my weekends are occupied sprucing up my home garden/farm in Los Baños. In the past, my 70.3 strategy has been to bike long outdoors. I will see if this indoor training will work for me soon. I heard even some pros do most of their training indoors.Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-81313717644180799392016-06-23T17:10:00.002+08:002016-06-23T17:10:54.550+08:00I have never stopped...My last post may have already been almost a year already, but I have never stopped swimming, biking and running. My work had been a deterrent to my blogging and fitness, but I made sure I squeezed 2-3 sessions a week of exercise for detox and sanity. The past work environment became too toxic to me that I actually opted out and quit. Health over wealth.<br />
<br />
I planned for a long break engaging in gentlemen farmer pursuits and that certainly helped my body and spirit. While I remain overweight, I have better sleep and breathing now, no more dizzy episodes, and I am weaned off stress prescription medicine.<br />
<br />
I really just want to say hello again, before I drive off for my swim training. I shall be back online, sooner and more frequently this time :)Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-1154443112261332432015-07-29T00:34:00.001+08:002015-07-29T00:36:32.789+08:00Kaya mo yan, Walang iwanan<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(2015 Milo Marathon account)</i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the marathon starting line, Rico rehashed the game plan with Kazu. <i>"Pare, samahan mo lang ako sa first 5K please. Sasabit ako sa pace mo para hindi ako masyado maiwan. Sa last 5K, hopefully, ako naman ang hahatak sa iyo."</i> Good and considerate person that he is, Kazu agreed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like old times, the first 2K was a struggle for Rico who takes an eternity to warm up - like a diesel engine. He and Kazu were supposed to run at 8kph, but Rico was already struggling at 7.5kph, maybe even less. Rico has learned to apply hot muscle rub to speed up the warming process, but this time, his full stomach laden with longganisa rice meal was literally weighing him down. The running crowd was fast slipping by.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rico and Kazu both has GPS watches, but the former requested the latter to keep track of speed and time. The Galloway run-walk ratio was supposed to be 7:1 at 8kph. Many times, Rico would lag Kazu by a few meters. Kazu would look at this watch, but would patiently wait for Rico to catch up. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This game of catch up would occur frequently. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was still a struggle for Rico, but he held on by listening to Kazu's footsteps as if they were a metronome. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kazu: Below target na tayo.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rico: First 5k lang pare. After that, you can surge ahead. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Mas mabilis ka sa akin.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rico finally digested his breakfast meal and ran a bit faster. In an hour of running, they covered only 7kms instead of the planned 8kms, but that distance was still better than Rico's solo performance in his last two half-mary's. During training on treadmills, Rico could run 8kph steadily, but stress-related blips in his blood pressure coupled with his weight concerns often subconsciously slow him down during races. Fact is, he hesitates to stay within 140-150 bpm heart rate. Kazu said they were below target, but Rico is already grateful that 7kph is still on track with the 6hrs cut-off time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shortly thereafter, Kazu excused himself to grab a bite in Family Mart and take a rest room break. Rico agreed knowing that Kazu could easily catch up with him. Left on his own, Rico settled for a slower 7.5kph pace, but with longer run in between breaks. Slowly, he caught up with other runners. He reached 14kms slightly below 2 hrs, so he was actually gaining speed and was still in the game. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But Kazu was still nowhere in sight. Rico thought Kazu threw the towel early on account of ITBS or bum stomach. That would have been unfortunate for Kazu who has yet to complete his first marathon, but Rico was still grateful for Kazu's pacing on those first 7kms. That gave the slow Rico a fighting change to meet cut-off time. Thankfully at km16 for Rico, Kazu reappeared from the other side of the road. Kazu looked okay at that point, and the gap between them appeared to be just around a kilometer, so Rico kept with his run steady strategy. Surely, Kazu would overtake him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Minutes and meters passed, but Kazu was still nowhere near Rico. From km 16 to 21, Rico would repeatedly pause and look back. Again, he was worried that Kazu was having trouble. Cramps possibly, maybe ebbing morale. Early in the race Rico reminded Kazu not to worry about lagging behind other runners, for the real race begins at km21. Rico was all pumped up at that time but his running partner was nowhere in sight. Rico was ecstatic that his 3-year quest to break through 3 hrs for a half-marathon (his personal best made in 2010 is 2:28) seemed within reach, but his moral compass nagged him to wait for the guy that actually made this possible through a faster, externally paced, start. After repeated pauses and crowd-searching, Rico decided to stop at 21km, reached it in 3:02 which was still minutes better than his last half, and waited. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rico would remember that in their Mt. Pulag run last March, Kazu and Mark waited for and paced with him during the first 2kms. Despite layers of clothing, the slow-to-warm up Rico was still having chills and had difficulty adjusting to the thin, cold air. He contemplated on stopping and giving up his dream of reaching the Pulag summit, but thanks to friends Kazu and Mark, he didn't. For accompanying him to the summit, Rico would forever be grateful to these two.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Three hours and 4 minutes into the marathon, the running partners finally reunited. Finishing within 6 hours was still a possibility. The two went back to the run-walk Galloway strategy. While they were running at 7.5-8kph with Kazu dictating pace and Rico coping with it, their running period shortened. The walk and rest periods became more frequent. More experienced Rico could still maintain the pace, but muscle fatigue was getting into the less experienced Kazu.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They reached km28 several minutes past 4 hours. The pauses for muscle stretching slowed them down. Making it within cut-off time of 6 hours was becoming remote. Rico encouraged Kazu to at least finish the distance, no matter how long it took. It would still be an accomplishment, especially for Kazu. But if they could do it in less than 7hrs, that would still be an improvement from Rico's 2015 Condura run. It would not be a personal best (his was 5:16 in 2009 Milo), but it would be a 3-year PR. Pumped with the prospect of giving Rico a short-term PR, Kazu surged on his run and the two gained mileage. Rico knew his friend enough, that the latter could readily </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">make personal sacrifices if those meant advancing the interest of others. <i>Tara, habulin natin ang PR na yan</i>, Kazu muttered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eventually, the motivation to help the other reach his goal was overtaken by physical pain. At km 34, Kazu could no longer run. Many runners were giving up at this point, and a number already rode the Milo bus, but Rico prevailed on his friend to at least finish the distance, even if that meant more than an hour of walking. It was actually physically and mentally harder for Rico to walk, but he decided hours ago that he would finish this with his friend. The good first half was enough reward for him. This second half was for Kazu. He may not appreciate it at that moment of exhaustion, but Rico was firm on his belief that Kazu would eventually find meaning to completing still the distance. For Kazu, this whole running thing was simply for maintaining health. By sticking around and walking till the finish, Rico hoped his friend would see the marathon the way he sees it - a metaphor for life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The two running buddies were eventually joined by a young man from Bicol named Kim, a marathon virgin. In the heat of the sun and on now empty roads, the three patiently walked, shared drinks and food, and light banter toward the cherish goal. Three minutes before 7 hrs, they all crossed the finish line. There was no more funfare, no more crowds, no timers nor medals. But in their hearts, in their minds, only one thing mattered. <b><i>They finished despite the odds.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm7Eia5zuyqRZM78vgUAoY5z2T6wgeOdUMTZwRs3Fwfj6h9nH1tJZVTYhBztT68UsurY-ZNcQ8-976m6XRkue2z1UwM9T-20t5vmGiPaPF3g3BYYepu3ovqPsZmyab2ZKrp9w3DUVS7E/s1600/received_10206141088680580.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm7Eia5zuyqRZM78vgUAoY5z2T6wgeOdUMTZwRs3Fwfj6h9nH1tJZVTYhBztT68UsurY-ZNcQ8-976m6XRkue2z1UwM9T-20t5vmGiPaPF3g3BYYepu3ovqPsZmyab2ZKrp9w3DUVS7E/s640/received_10206141088680580.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Running buddies Mark, Kazu and Rico</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.S. Congratulations to Kazu and Kim for going the distance. Kudos too to Mark who did his first 21K and who patiently waited for us with another friend Hanna.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-10893486332664357512015-05-26T13:01:00.001+08:002015-05-26T13:01:58.272+08:00When Tigasin meant Being Pliant<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I registered for NCC Tigasin Triathlon because I wanted to vacation in Bolinao and race on the side. I wanted to swim in Bolinao waters. I associate Bolinao with UP Marine Sanctuary, giant clams and white beach sand. Since my teammates had a grand time in last year's Dagupan Tri, we expected this other Pangasinan triathlon event would be fun as well.<br/>
<br/>
We were wrong. Very wrong. The first sign of trouble was a text from organizers a day before the race that the triathlon may become a duathlon. The explanation was that the waves were deemed not safe by the organizers, Coast Guard and local government. Our party of six was still excited about our road so we kinda dismissed the message. The final decision would be made during the race briefing supposedly.<br/>
<br/>
The second sign of trouble was our vehicular aircon conking out on us somewhere in Calasiao. This was second aircon incident I had since one audio store messed up the electronic wiring of my Starex' entertainment and aircon systems. I had that aircon fixed already. For extra measure, I advanced my vehicle's preventive maintenance check and did it a week before our road trip. But Murphy's Law prevailed. We spent almost two hours having the aircon checked in one aircon repair shop, but the burnt out resistor was not available even in Hyundai Dagupan!<br/>
<br/>
We traveled through searing hot Pangasinan with our windows open. I was dying inside with guilt for convincing three of our friends to ride with us instead of bringing their own car. I was distraught but my companions were cool and collected still. Miko my swim coach even said, "Wag na kayong magpa-stress about the aircon. We shall manage."<br/>
<br/>
We were already in Bolinao area when the third blow happened. Our pre-booked resort Villa Carolina replied to our arrival notice text with a statement saying they thought we were booked the next day. Tired, hot and grimy, I grabbed the phone from our very respectful FilJap Kazu and lost my cool while talking to the resort manager. She better find way. Boot out the corporate visitors if she had to because we confirmed first!<br/>
<br/>
When we arrived at race kit claim area in Coco Beach resort, Miko very quietly inquired and learned of available large room for the six of us. I asked soft spoken Kazu to just request Villa Carolina to send back our deposit direct to Coco Beach. The lost reservation turned out to be a blessing as Coco beach became the official race venue. Our room was 50m away from transition area and start/finish arc. God is still good.<br/>
<br/>
On account of our vehicular trouble, we were late for the race briefing and carbo loading dinner. We were tired and famished but we made do with the remaining few morsels of food. Back at the resort, I was about to retire to bed after a long day when I realized I could not find our vehicle key. The spare was almost 300kms away! After spending precious minutes double checking my bags, I found the key half-buried in the sand near the transition area. Whew!<br/>
<br/>
Come race morning, I decided to just go with the flow and did the duathlon just like everybody. I hate duathlons because they do not allow me to warm up nicely and because I suck at running and biking. My race plan was to try out the swim technique that Miko taught me while surveying the coral and clam beds, and then winging the bike and run legs. I took my sweet time jogging and biking, but I finished rather than sitting it out on the beach and sulking.<br/>
<br/>
After the race, I tried the waters. They were clear, shallow for hundreds of meters. I felt like a dugong doing breastroke in the wide expanse of sea grass. I wanted to see the reef part, but I was already too far off from shore with still no corals sighted. Only more grass, hence the dugong sensation :-) The waves were about a foot high 300m from shore and one has to fight gentle currents. The conditions may exasperate or frighten newbies, but Tigasin is the race name, right? I would compare the water conditions to Camaya Coast aquathlon then. The waves were nothing compared to race conditions in Corregidor aquathlon, Tri United Laiya sprint and Matabungkay tri two or three years back.<br/>
<br/>
Organizers Timmy and Mikey Chua explained that the waves and current would not be safe for newbies. There were swells according to them. The conditions were better when they did swim reckon last year. The brothers were very nice and apologetic in their explanations, but I guess the lesson learned here was to know water conditions during race months. I think the lessons are learned. The bike roads leading to the beaches are very rough, even dangerous with deep cracks in certain areas. I supposed warnings were made during racd briefing, but these conditions will be a turn off for many. Personally, I would wait for a successful race edition before I make another trip back here. But I do look forward to more provincial races, and I remain optimistic in Trisports' role in providing this type of races.<br/>
<br/>
As for me, the lesson learned is to be cooler when things go wrong. I am fortunate to be in the company of 5 cool dudes (Endure teammates Kazu, Sugz and Clark as well as Infinite Tri friends and officemates Miko and JB. What I would have considered a weekend nightmare morphed into something we would laugh about when we look back and reminisce. As proof that cooler heads rubbed off on me, I did not freak out when our Starex driven by one of us very mildly scratched a Fortuner while overtaking on our way home. The other party was obviously upset, but we manage to settle things calmly and with minimum trouble.<br/>
<br/>
Like the bamboo, a true Tigasin knows how to bend when the situations calls for it.<br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div>Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-84923203599591627842015-03-13T21:59:00.001+08:002015-03-13T21:59:43.617+08:00Still Tri-ing<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I may not be posting the last few months, but I have never stopped doing triathlons and joining races. This year, I joined a couple of runs in preparation for the Condura marathon. Two weeks ago I did the standard distance in Tri United 1. I signed up for the Tri United package - 1, 2 and 3. <br/>
<br/>
Next week I will be checking a bucket list item of going to Mt. Pulag by joining the 11k Cordillera Mountain run. On month-end, breaking the Pinoy Fitness Sub-1hr 10k time remains a challenge, but I will run anyway.<br/>
<br/>
I do not want life to pass me by, so I continue to move forward. Swim-bike-run for life :)<br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div>Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-13724692914833743472014-07-03T11:02:00.000+08:002014-07-03T11:04:02.931+08:00Racing is my Lifestyle<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joining races is the most pleasurable form of training and keeping fit. It can be expensive, yes, but I put a premium on health. My health is my wealth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I miraculously found time to update my <a href="http://sheerwill.blogspot.com/2008/09/race-history.html" target="_blank">race history</a> and I noticed a couple of things:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have not updated my race history since January 2014. Now I am having trouble remembering the races I joined. For 2014, I needed to review my Facebook and Twitter timelines to remember events, but I think I still missed a few races. Oh well. Note to self: Tweet race event and finish time immediately after race to record your life.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most active I have been in joining races was in 2009. Twenty-nine races joined! I was also in my slimmest post-school weight in that year. Let me see if I can bring that race activity and weight back. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, I may just beat 2009 as my most active year racing. There is still time to remember my forgotten races and time to join more events. In multisport alone for this year, I have already logged two sprint tris, 2 standard tris, one half-distance tri, one aquathlon and one duathlon. Busy guy!</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life is one big multi-sport festival. Let us all be active race participants!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-45660637815045332902013-12-29T15:52:00.000+08:002013-12-29T15:53:43.554+08:00Bike Hell of a ChallengeWarning: The blog post may be peppered with expletives. This is after all an account of my first attempt to ride through the hellish bike course of Challenge Philippines.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img height="640" src="http://www.challengephilippines.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/CF-MAP_bike.jpg" width="447" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After reading a description of the bike course of Challenge Philippines (see <a href="http://www.challengephilippines.com.ph/the-seven-hills-of-bataan/" target="_blank">Seven Hills of Bataan</a>), I tried to negotiate for a shorter, lighter bike sentence from our course reconnaissance group. Can I just do 60m, and start from the center in Morong town? I can then just focus on the more difficult parts (near SBMA Morong Gate and Bagac, Bataan). I was thinking that while I have been regulalry doing Nuvali hill repeats, I haven't gone past 50kms the last few weeks. Besides, while I have lost about 5 pounds recently, I am still heavy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dead ma, no reaction from my recon teammates. Hmmmnnnn....Minutes later, biker chick/kikayrunner teammate Noelle authoritatively wrote in our Endure WhatsApp group chat, "Do the whole course." Hanna also pleaded, "Do the whole course with me." The ladies have spoken, so help me God! I countered, "Ok, but you have to follow my slow pace." It did not help that teammate BongZ cannot make it to the recon ride. He would have taken some load off me and I can bike in my leisurely pace. While I have been making progress in my cardio-vascular fitness, I am still cautious about taxing my heart too much at current weight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I planned to use my hybrid bike (mtb frame with disc brakes, road bike wheel size) and have made arrangements to get it back from an officemate who borrowed it for his first tri. I need those disc brakes as security blanket in those terrifying downhills. Give me hills to climb and I shall dare, but please spare me from those terrifying down spirals. I love my life so much I can admit to being a downhill sissy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Should I muster courage and opportunity to try, I did bring along my ride bike. Upon seeing my road bike inside my vehicle at course start, Challenge ambassador Noelle once again spoke: Use the roadie. You might be left behind. Everyone else are using road bikes." The female tribe has spoken; I gulped and offloaded the road bike.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surprisingly, the 4km uphill along Ilanin Road was a relative breeze. A month back, I struggled a bit there during the Subic Fit Festival triathlon. Yehey, I am improving! But I was still slow and still hogging the last man slot. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was rejoicing a bit in conquering hill one when suddenly I felt signs of the terrifying downhill. The downhill came like a thief in the night, stealing my wits and sapping all courage within me. It came so fast. I was mentally expecting it after seeing the course map, but I could not have prepared for that level of fright. It was swift, curving, blind descent into the depths of my fears. I was silently screaming in fright. In a hollow, silent voice the child in me cried: <b><i>Please, please, please God, make it stop. Make the bike slow down</i></b>. Imagine a toddler crying asking his mom to make the mini-roller coaster stop. That was me, only silently agonizing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My right hand was on the hoods with three fingers clasping the brake dearly for life. Friends have repeatedly advised me to put my hand inside the drop bar for better brake grip. I tried before but I only came down much faster. My left hand was clasping the handle bar tightly for balance and stability. They say a biker must do finger brakes to control his descent. I was braking all throughout, but I still rolled down like a wreaking ball. My effin' weight is pulling me down fast! I wanted to stop and get off the bike, and end my mental suffering, but the damn bike won't stop no matter how hard I press the brake. I wish it was only a dream and I could stop the nightmare by simply waking, but the reality is I was trapped in that mad descent until the ground levels off. I only prayed I would not meet head on any obstruction, and that I would not fly off the bike. Just keep your hands on the bike. <b><i>Wag kang bibitiw</i></b>, no matter how much your mind wants to give in. Minutes later, the terror stopped. I was horribly shaken, but alive. I survived. Thank you God and all the saints. I would learn later from Waze that that mad descent is about 2kms of terror. I wish it will get less frightening with time and experience.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I passed moderate climbs enroute to Anvaya Cove. The next challenge was surviving the partially eroded cements road after Anvaya. Rains have removed the top layer cement and exposed the gravelly rocks. It was a gradual but <u>very rocky</u> descent. I was riding an all aluminum Giant, and I felt every rock of that mad road. The vibration was so bad I could feel my mouth and teeth chattering, so bad I wanted to take off my hand off the handle bar. And I was already wearing some shock absorbing gloves! There are also some potholes and deep cracks, so beware.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second hill (Anvaya Hill) felt a bit more challenging than the Ilanin Road climb. It was at this point that I made my first bike stop. I was already breathing heavily through my mouth and I could feel my heart pounding fast. My objective at that time was to recon the course, not have a heart attack on the road. My legs could take the work even if I was actually riding on Mizuno running shoes, but I dared not test the limits of my heart. I was just happy my bike resistance training in the gym and my Nuvali hill repeats were working. For the cardio endurance, I am still progressively working on it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="Photo: Morong, Bataan. This view is worth a thousand calories. Ang hirap!" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/p480x480/1483030_10202668726386619_1548937325_n.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Morong, Bataan, past Anvaya Cove</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was at the Anvaya Hill climb that the driver of the support vehicle of the Team Black Pearl would repeatedly and patiently check on me. Black Pearl was kind enough to support everyone, especially big fat laggards like me. To the group of Chance, MJ, Carmina, E. Sanchez and others whose names I failed to catch, a big Thank You. It is support and camaraderie like this that make triathlon a great sport.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next kilometers are also undulating, hard by themselves, but pale in difficulty compared to the rest of the course. I would pass mahogany forests, seaside views, irrigated rice fields, small communities, the Morong town proper, the Pawikan Center and resorts like Vista Venice which I visited by car last summer. Yes, I have driven the bike course before, and even in my Altis 2.0 I had some difficulty traversing those roads, what more if I am riding a low-end aluminum Giant road bike.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I actually rode part of the relatively flat bike course portion on the pick-up of Team Black Pearl, upon the nth prodding of the driver. My teammate Hanna, whom I was supposed to guide and guard provided she keeps my pace, was already kilometers ahead and the support vehicle driver was worried about her as she rode through the town proper. Baka kasi raw my loko-loko who might get an interest on her or her bike. The Morong people I saw along the way were all nice, but I saw the wisdom in manong driver's point. Hanna would also look for me minutes later and call me to rejoin her. It was also the flat portion I am already familiar with so no loss in training for me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried to keep up with Hanna enroute to Bagac. I was starting to feel the mountain inclines again, pushed a few kilometers and made my second voluntary stop about 2-3 kms from the Bagac course turnaround. The ever reliable support vehicle asked me again if wanted a ride, but I said I needed just about 5 minutes to bring back my heart rate to more cautious levels. After minutes, I did ride up again. Minutes later, I would see the Black Pearl riders going back and also advising me to turn back already. I would also catch teammate Noelle, but I wanted to see Hanna, make my turnaround and join her. I knew I would miss part of the Bagac climb, but in my mind I knew there are tougher hills on the way back anyway.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Somewhere near the resorts our bike contingent met for a quick check on each other. At this point, Chance asked if my quads are already fired up after seeing me not using bike cleats. I told our group that my quads were still fine, pero yung puso at baga ko hirap! We decided to have Petron Morong town proper as next stop before we assault the climb back to SBMA. There are a few tricky turns at the Morong town proper so I repeaedtly asked bystanders for directions just to be sure. The correct route is to pass through BTPI (Bataan Technical Plant Inc).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was hoping to catch the group in Petron, and hopefully the support vehicle. I missed the group by 5 minutes although our Endure girl Hanna was loyally waiting for me. Thanks, thanks. Noelle had to guide the rest of the bikers. That time was the only time I wanted the ride the support vehicle back because I thought I had enough lung and heart work-out for the day, but it had to attend to its proper master. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But team Black Pearl, thanks really for sharing your resources with us. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At that moment, I wished my kennel hand slash weekend driver was not on provincial home leave. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We initially intended to eat at Petron as it was already lunchtime but there was not real food there. I just replenished my drinks and ate a Magnum bar. Hanna castigated me for the ice cream bar, but I countered that my mind was already set on a heavy lunch. My big body needed calories to propel itself up those damn hills! Hanna also noticed the 500 peso bills I brought along. Why so much money she asked. I was hoping there were gourmet meals in Morong as reward, and should something happen to me, maybe I can rent out a car or chopper perhaps!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The way to BTPI was a gentle climb full of interesting villas, but mostly the roads are deserted. The abandoned Vietnamese refugee camp looked quaint but eerie. The next big challenge was the Karaoke Hill. I thought it was named as such because you will be coaxed to sing because of the difficulty. It was difficult yes, but it is an actual karaoke machine that gave the hill its name. Midway through the Karaoke hill, probably a few hundred meters from the singing machine, I made my third voluntary stop. Again, I did not want to tax the heart. Not yet. It was at this third personal stop that I felt my left quad muscle finally protesting. The large muscle was not yet twitching, but throbbing and threatening to cramp. The sensation actually worsened when I stopped, but improved when I began to walk up the hill. At the top of the hills, my lungs, heart and left quadricep have recovered.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was at the Karaoke Hill when I wondered how high was I in terms of elevation. The mountains across seemed already at my eye level, and trees higher than my eye level seemed getting less and less. I must be reaching a peak. The course map actually has this as the second highest peak after Bagac. At that precise moment I shuddered. What goes up, must come down. The memory of the terrifying downhill earlier was still fresh.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was already on my bike when I noticed the descent. I was familiar with the descent to Anvaya having driven through it before, but I was totally caught unaware by this downhill. I looked at the map just now and indeed this is actually the steepest and longest descent. Whereas the SMBA Morong gate descent was full of trees and spirals, this one is clear space with mostly straight descents. What made this descent highly technical is the gradient and the occasional blind corners due to overgrowth of talahib grass. I keep debating within myself which descent is more terrifying. Let me just tell how I felt about this second one.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Suddenly, I was whisked once more into the depths of my downhill fears. This one was so steep that my brakes were screeching, crying. I thought this type of screeching only happens on carbon brake surfaces, but for the first time in my cycling life, I could hear the wailing of the rubber pads as it tries to hold on to the aluminum rims. It was a scary wailing. I tried to settle for feathering the brakes, but I was simply going down too fast. Once more, I was pleading. Please Lord, make it stop. Please make me slow down. I had the scare of my life when out of the blue, the mostly deserted road end up with an SUV powering up the climb towards me on the left and at the same time, a boy appeared from the tall grass on the right. I think I muttered a quick curse and prayer as I tried to squeeze through them at breakneck speed. I was still moving at dizzying speed when my phone would be ringing incessantly. I rightly thought it was Hanna checking on me. I wanted to stop and answer, but there was no flat ground to stop, only descents that seemingly do not end. The long ringing happened twice, with intervals of quiet, but all throughout that ringing I was clinging and praying that the ground would finally level off. I could not stand my heart being on my throat any longer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, the ringing stopped, and a little later I was on more solid ground. I felt emotionally spent. Earlier, I gave Hanna the vehicle keys because I know she would finish first anyway. After that descent, I wished Hanna would simply whisked me away. When I finally found opportunity to answer the phone, I realized there was no signal. I was in the middle of nowhere. It was just tall brown grass everywhere. It would take me another 5-10 minutes of biking before I could reply to Hanna. I was probably 8kms from Ocean Adventure at that time. When I finally managed to call her supposedly to request her to get me, she was crying. She thought something bad happened to me because I was not responding. It was thoughtful of the girl to worry about me, when I being older and supposedly more experienced should be protecting her, except that I am not yet fit enough to effectively do that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I threw in the towel at roughly 6kms from finish line. All in all, I logged in 57kms of mostly hills that day. I missed out on the last hill climb, Manang's special, but it was ok. Hill climbing for me is all about strength training and giving it respect. I shall be prepared for them when race day comes. As for the descents, I wished those twin devils of terrifying descents would transform into knowledge and confidence I can use on race day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I signed up for Challenge Philippines on its first day of registration, I embraced wholeheartedly its race slogan: Challenge Your Self. I am doing it by facing my fears, two terrifying downhills at a time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lord, with you I can conquer my fears. Keep me safe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-82984782714542749112013-12-15T16:53:00.000+08:002013-12-15T16:55:29.273+08:00Breaking the Jinx<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Race account: UPLB National Age Group Triathlon, December 14, 2013</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The UPLB triathlon is a sentimental favorite. It was my first triathlon in 2003. That was a decade ago! Has it been that long? I also hail from Los Banos - born inside the former university hospital (now CMT building) about 200m from the race start/finish, schooled in its womb till college, with the University as my childhood and adulthood playground.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You would think that such familiarity with the locale gives me race advantage, but for some strange reason, my race performance almost always suffers when I am in my hometown. I rarely cramp during the swim leg, but I somehow did in my first triathlon race and several years after when I sought some revenge. On those freak cramping incidents, the debilitating cramp happens when I pull a calf muscle as I haul myself off the pool in the first round of the swim. It was the type that remained lock despite all efforts to relax and would hound me till the finish line. In short, on multiple occasions, I would finish the swim without kicking, bike with a single leg and basically walk off the run leg. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The jinx was so bad that for this nth try I decided not to inform family members who live nearby.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tSqIDb6tQIb2XCQKpxPqdIGkNBs3d4TzXJBZ4PKECfrjrZU9ueu9Hp-E1ah99qp76y0MMXkpg5kTH3g8rDDgUd2oYS_gWLzLLBqqyljjsABBCr1U0hU6E6raj22220EBsiRfJcMipzY/s1600/PC140066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tSqIDb6tQIb2XCQKpxPqdIGkNBs3d4TzXJBZ4PKECfrjrZU9ueu9Hp-E1ah99qp76y0MMXkpg5kTH3g8rDDgUd2oYS_gWLzLLBqqyljjsABBCr1U0hU6E6raj22220EBsiRfJcMipzY/s320/PC140066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1977988953"></span><span id="goog_1977988954"></span> On my nth try: Athlete #147</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was also there to accompany an officemate doing his first triathlon. I would have wanted to do the sprint distance which was my first race, but I opted for the mini-sprint so I can guide my friend. It turns out I have other friends joining for the first time, also accompanied by mutual friend. Great. That kind of support environment makes for memorable triathlon, and a lot of teams have been founded on this helping out spirit, my team Endure included.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BYkgEegb_oJtgWmCGzVg3D7BBYQf8GhJMMIySN-MipFwWLLPQW1tUKp7HE2YQLOVz1hNYJ5nX8di4wd-QbXsLO_UKDYICE6oqOvMOXRGRj05K_OT-hLYZx7kwAMrvlDg-jqoUzXQ8QI/s1600/PC140067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BYkgEegb_oJtgWmCGzVg3D7BBYQf8GhJMMIySN-MipFwWLLPQW1tUKp7HE2YQLOVz1hNYJ5nX8di4wd-QbXsLO_UKDYICE6oqOvMOXRGRj05K_OT-hLYZx7kwAMrvlDg-jqoUzXQ8QI/s320/PC140067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Officemate Kazu in his first triathlon</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My race plan was simple: Enjoy and try not to cramp. I swam just two notches above leisurely, practicing what I preach to my newbie friend that there is no point in exhausting oneself in the swim when that means gaining only a minute or two at the expense of labored effort in the last two legs of the race. I was extra careful going up the pool in my first leg. Success, no pulled muscle. Three rounds more and I finally finished my stroll in the pool. I was so conservative in the swim I probably finished near the bottom of my swim wave.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The funny truth is, we are only three males in our age group. Half-Ironman finishers James and myself, and first timer Noy. There was supposed to be a fourth person, but he could not make it. The three of us joked it was just a matter of determining the ranking. All I wanted really is to break my UPLB jinx. I came in to help and enjoy, not race for myself. But we did jokingly admonish the perky youths 13-19 in our swim wave to respect their elders :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I really intended to catch up in the bike leg. With the hilly Challenge Half Distance looming large in my mind, I have been spending more time on the bike. I hope to harvest some pay-off. In my assessment, I did reasonably well on the bike for the current fitness and training level I have. I tried to narrow the yawning gap between James and myself, but he was just way ahead in the swim and bike. I was expecting my friend Kazu who started a wave later than me would catch up with me on the bike, but we basically maintained our bike distance. In our assessments, we both enjoyed and met our expectations on the bike. By some miracle, the bike gap between Noy and myself narrowed down to as close as 400m, but I would learn from Noy later that he had cramps on the bike leg. Noy has not fully recovered from a recent illness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was surprised to catch Noy on the transition area. We left the area just seconds in interval. While I was not yet spent, I knew then that I haven't gotten back my previous running speed. I was still on the jogging phase of my training so there was no way I could outran Noy. All I wanted is to run after Noy as much as my training will permit. A newbie can pull up an overweight half-ironman. Overall I was happy with my run. For the first time, I was running on Baker Field grounds without cramps! My steady jog was interrupted only by short walks on inclines near the auditorium.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Eventually, I crossed the finish line: running, challenged but not spent. Just how I imagine perfect race should be. For the kind of excess weight I am carrying, it was a perfect effort. I was extremely happy to break the jinx. I made a mental note though that I can be faster and happier if I just lose at least ten pounds. I have the experience and maturity, but these qualities can only partially offset excess baggage.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Breaking the race jinx was my chief reward, but the sweet icing on the cake was getting a foot-tall trophy for simply showing up and finishing. James, Noy and myself, we had a dozen laughs on the happy accident that put us three on the podium. Newbie Gail, wife of Noy also ended up first place in her age group. Sometimes, the stars align, allowing ordinary blokes like us our moment in the sun.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thank you God for the happy memories.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswIpVOLkpmQheAkpSpcyECGvwDNZx_42G2fe4c2RxbdCPH-gAN8VuUuZQeDzDdj7zR28lZ4OWAhRbdHfTNA-BKzMMOGL-IAaFN0zPYw7BEnvRz379K3Mt8xD8cYTR558u3E7I_9LnPR8/s1600/PC140086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswIpVOLkpmQheAkpSpcyECGvwDNZx_42G2fe4c2RxbdCPH-gAN8VuUuZQeDzDdj7zR28lZ4OWAhRbdHfTNA-BKzMMOGL-IAaFN0zPYw7BEnvRz379K3Mt8xD8cYTR558u3E7I_9LnPR8/s320/PC140086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gV5io-bh-I0rF6fY_E-tzIb6XLIEdu_Z3NwoeiWI7EY_WyfxPp0yY8PyLEGDDTiY04XuxdxV8kEoNq09L7ZCUzRlS-znnxhojTOtiZddJ3m37IKZVFYmtSTMPYnhiNwUYMsva6AFwbM/s1600/PC140091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gV5io-bh-I0rF6fY_E-tzIb6XLIEdu_Z3NwoeiWI7EY_WyfxPp0yY8PyLEGDDTiY04XuxdxV8kEoNq09L7ZCUzRlS-znnxhojTOtiZddJ3m37IKZVFYmtSTMPYnhiNwUYMsva6AFwbM/s320/PC140091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Noy, Gail and James</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-67721949940311689782013-08-19T00:49:00.002+08:002013-08-19T00:49:36.570+08:00Stroke Correction: Mind those Arms and Legs<div style="text-align: justify;">
Among the three legs of triathlon, swimming is the one I enjoy most. Quite naturally, it is also my relative strength. The thing is I am more of an endurance swimmer rather than a fast one. Two decades of meditative swimming allowed me to go to a dream-like state, floating through and in water for hours with very minimal exertion - but very slowly. Now I must learn competitive swimming. I thought I was an efficient swimmer because I can propel myself for hours with minimal effort. It turns out I have developed two "bad" habits from competitive swimming perspective<u>. I rarely use my legs and I avoid catching the water</u>. I last in the water because I exert very little.<br />
<br />
Why did it take me so long to realize this, and how did I discover this?<br />
<br />
There was no impetus for me to go faster. I have never come last in a swim leg and typically there are a couple of athletes behind me in the swim. I still make it to cut-off times in big races. But through the years I noticed that athletes who just learned how to swim were now overtaking me. More importantly, I need to make it to bike or run cut-off times so I must swim faster. There you have it. The specter of being cut off pushes one to swim faster.<br />
<br />
I consulted teammate Hanna Sanchez, former varsity swimmer of La Salle. On our first session (mid-2012) she gave me her verdict: You are not catching water nor kicking enough. Ah ok, it was like being told you do not know how to swim. We'll it's partly true. I was self-taught for most part. She quickly told me to change my swim catch and do kicking drills - lots of them. Coach Ani De Leon-Brown also observed my weak swim catch in one of the triathlon camps held last year in Pico de Loro. Thanks to these coaches, I became conscious and somehow my half-ironman swim time dropped from an hour to 49 minutes in 2012 Cebu (although I think the swim course was short).<br />
<br />
Last Saturday's drills were a revelation. While I can do 50m in 1:03-1:06 with a pull-buoy, I was struggling at 1:08-1:12 without the buoy. I was slower kicking than with leg steady. Clearly, my legs were a drag instead of pushing me further. I asked a teammate to record my swim in video. He correctly pointed out that while I was generally in horizontal position, I tend to stop kicking at times and then my legs drop. Old habits die hard!<br />
<br />
In six months to Challenge Half, I shall form better habits. Propel from the core and position those arms like dragonboat oars. Maybe if I get to do this I will finally have a swimmer's well-defined back. Progressively extend and intensify those kick drills to 2k. My coach Hanna says 500m to 1K of drills may be enough, but my gut feels I need to progress to 2K to erase almost two decades of very little kicking. Let us see. May all these kick-start in a powerful way my personal crusade to wellness and life balance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-38642463151950216392013-08-15T13:20:00.001+08:002013-08-19T01:15:28.140+08:00Challenge Yourself<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
I do not know what possessed me. Weeks back when I first heard that there will be a new half-ironman distance in the form of Challenge Philippines, I was both excited and dismissive. Excited because the Challenge Family seems to present a more laidback, family approach to triathlon; Excited because I missed this year’s Ironman 70.3 race in Cebu. Dismissive because the bike course is in the dreaded hills of Subic and Morong. I hate biking hills! I have to propel my current over 200-pounds self to the top, only to plunge with my balls up my throat as the downward force equals my massive mass times acceleration due to gravity.<br />
<br />
But on August 14 on the launch date of Challenge Philippines I found myself registered! Yes, on the first day! It began innocently with me Googling Challenge Philippines and then reading a race brief. The race slogan got into me: Challenge Yourself; Race for a Cause. Sometimes, the best way to conquer one’s fears is to face them head-on. I have already conquered my childhood, drowning-induced fear of water. I have already fallen in love with running. I have yet to be comfortable with plunging down hills on two wheels. In Subit, I will always let others go at least 200meters ahead before I ride over those hills. I suppose this apprehension harks back to a vivid childhood memory of running over – actually hitting a playmate – as I struggle to pedal-brake the grown man’s bike I was riding in my enthusiastic sprint to the finish line. It is about time I slay this demon.<br />
<br />
Race for cause: it is a personal crusade actually – a crusade for health and life balance. A war over stress and the pounds it brings. A war to reclaim my life and restore balance. A series of battles to rid my fatty liver of sweets I consume to power through the work day. It is a personal crusade that rings true for many, and I hope to engage my fellow men in this journey. Just like my first marathon in 2009, I want this to be both personal and communal. There is something beautiful and powerful in man and society working together for the good of everyone. I was a witness to that in takbo.ph. In my team Endure. I want to re-live that. Once more, I hope that God will reveal His magnificence through us.<br />
<br />
Risk taker and risk manager that I am, I have read the fine print and know the risks and rewards. The Challenge Half distance is actually good for slowpokes like me. The swim cut-off is 1:30, laxer than Ironman 70.3. The bike cut-off is more forgiving at 6 hrs after race start. But it remains challenging in that the final race cut-off is 8:30. The message seems to be that you need not be good in all legs, but you have to push more in at least one to make up for your weakness in others. The bike is nothing to sneeze at. This bike course will probably the toughest I will face after Subit, Camsur and Cebu. There is no expressed restriction on mountain bikes or hybrids. While that is a good fall-back, I do hope to race in a road bike.<br />
<br />
So here I am all signed up. I am already drafting my weight loss and training plan. The hills and ravines look foreboding, so help us God.<br />
<div align="right" style="font-size: xx-small;">
posted from <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger">Bloggeroid</a></div>
</div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-72589436011259987142013-05-05T20:53:00.000+08:002013-05-05T20:53:33.901+08:00Back to Basics<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Thursday I rushed to BGC to attend the Milo Apex Running school/clinic for the first time. In the past, I have attended the Nike and Mizuno running clinics and didn't pay a single cent. For this Milo clinic, I actually paid Php2,000 for 3 months of 3x a week training sessions. It took me about 15 minutes of thinking before I shelled out the cash. The money is significant but I could easily afford it; I have spent more on flimsy things. The thing that clinched the deal was the thought I would be forced to train and run more consistently.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The person manning the Milo Apex registration then was someone I knew to be either a running contemporary or someone who started later than me. The guy now leads a group in the multi-location Apex centers. Way to go! He told me I should join the 42km group, having done marathons, an ultramarathon and even half-ironman. I appreciated the gesture, but I told my friend: my current fitness is good only for the half-marathon group. Back to basics for this overworked, overstressed athlete. The person leading the 21-group turned out to be a former runner from Adination BHS group headed by my Endure teammates/running contemporaries. I told myself: there is no seniority here in age nor experience. I start at the level where I should start.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I started the APEX school reminded of my current inflexibility, lack of balance and inability to do sustained runs. I ran-walked two loops of BHS with a bunch of kiddos and their dad. Their 5K group head is also a friend, who good-naturedly egged me to ran along with them, which I did in parts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I remember my early attempts to lose weight after that shocking discovery that I was pre-hypertensive and cholesterol-laden. I was so scared and my overly imaginative mind played out not-so-good scenarios that I ended up spinning or walking at no-more-than 110 beats per minutes. That was either in December. Slowly, I hiked the intensity to a maximum of 135 bpm. Two years ago I typically do 10Ks or 21ks at 155bpm. On the spinning machine, I started with level 1 difficulty, stayed for long at level 3, and recently moved up to levels 5-7. I used to do up to level 15 on that 25-level machine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have been swimming regularly, but usually the dips have been more of leisurely swims. I tried to focus on form even if done at at sea cow's pace. Yesterday was the first time I attempted to do timed 50-m swim intervals at elevated heart-rate levels. I figured my heart can probably take those a-little-over-a-minute bursts. I rested long in between attempts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yesterday morning was also my first attempt in months to actually ride a bike outdoors. There are times that I get dizzy by sudden spikes in my blood pressure that I was scared to ride a bike or any contraption that requires balance. I rode my hybrid mtb in the flatter regions of Nuvali and actually enjoyed it. Initially I was reluctant to climb up that circular intersection loop fearing that my vessels will burst, but my feel-good mood in the bike encouraged me to do a calculated try. It is easier to climb hills on MTB anyway and I can always use the granny gear when things get desperate. I managed to ride up that loop using the middle crank and steadily climbed half-way towards the Canlubang Golf and Country Club.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">These slow starts are humbling, but I am used to lonely efforts at the end of the line. I know too that the slow - with patience and wisdom - ultimately get better and bounce back. Bounce back. I love the ring to that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-61839308125364293742013-04-03T14:10:00.001+08:002013-04-03T14:10:37.520+08:00Closed Calls<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>The problem with the current running and multisport boom is congestion. Popular races close registration early because of the sheer number of excited registrants. Registration for Tri United 2 for instance closed this morning when the race is actually still in June. Last night there were 30 slots left; before lunch when I was supposed to register, they were gone. I should have known better. This being the best tune-up race for Cebu half-ironman, slots are expected to disappear early. For the Cebu race, slots actually disappeared in days. I also got shut out in that one, but I think I will not be ready to train for it this year anyway.<br/>
<br/>
I also got closed out on the Run United race, the Rebisco race, and the Safeguard-2xU pikermi (although I will not actually make the 3-hr cut-off for the latter at my current weight). I was also late for the Goodhousekeeping run this weekend on account of busyness at work.<br/>
<br/>
My lose-weight strategy is actually to register for a race every single weekend I am free. I have tried this since January, and so far I managed to run in 2 out 3 races I actually paid for. Sometimes, I decide to simply skip a raçe when I know I desperately need to pay a massive sleep deficit. The upside is that my helpers have a steady stream of singlets to wear for daily work.<br/>
<br/>
For April, I haven't had a chance to register for a race yet. There were many I like, but the registration has either closed or ran out. Times like this I wish I have someone who can register for me. I did check out runnersrunner.com, but sadly they only carry a few races. I wish online payment via credit card and race kit delivery are more prevalent.<br/>
<br/>
Tonight I will go to BHS to burn some fat in the gym and shop for races again. I hope I will not come empty-handed.<br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div>Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177562005058350604.post-62251944362008954932012-11-24T14:51:00.001+08:002012-11-24T15:24:58.820+08:00Confessions of a Hypertensive Gladiator<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Health condition is normally a private matter. It is something you ponder when you examine your eyebags and love handles in the mirror, or maybe with your doctor or significant other. I veer away from the traditional privacy in the hope I can save myself and others from health pitfalls and downspiral by sharing my story.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Two years ago I shifted employment from a small bank to a bigger one. In my former employer, I had grown so efficient in doing a small set of activities that many times I was bored shitless. I whiled away the time reading blogs and fora on running and triathlon, and expended my bottled-up energy training for sports. I was at my lightest post-graduate school weight then: 170-175lbs. I was in the pink of health. I might have been slighly obese still then, but all my other annual medical statistics were within normal ranges.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In my current job I found the mental challenges I prayed for and craved. Be careful what you wish for; mine came in huge buckets and waves. I still love the challenges, but I continue to struggle dealing with the stress that come with them. Bulk of the stress comes from my genetic pre-disposition to take on big tasks, all at once, insisting on finishing them pronto, while having to navigate seas of tradition and change and a spectrum of viewpoints and attitudes. Alas, Roman coliseums are not built in a day, not even a month, and I was really just a warrior, a gladiator maybe, but neither a solon nor an emperor.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The gladiator that was I finally found time to lay down his arms for his two-years-due check-up. The verdict: Obesity, High blood pressure (140/100), high cholesterol, tortuous aorta, fatty liver (about 4cms larger) and diminished breathing capacity (30% less). What the F!!!! I knew I gained weight from all the stress eating, but I thought the triathlon training and races I managed to squeeze in every now and then should save me from health ruin. Tortuous aorta, the name alone and the image it conjures in head, scares me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Are these the spoils of my daily battles??? Thanks to my job, I have a nice candy colored home with manicured lawn and white picket fences. I live in a quaint American countryhome-style village with a resort pool and rolling hills for biking and running (if only I can spend more time doing these). Hell, I have three bikes and two vehicles. I have money in the bank, stocks and insurance. I can change my complete wardrobe if I want to if only I do not keep postponing it in the hope my waistline will go back to 30-32 inches. Regularly I thank God for all these material blessings, but when I was shopping for a main door decor I wanted a pair of angels bringing tidings of Good Health. I chose that over Prosperity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">For the record, I am not dying. Far from it. It's just humbling to realize that I finally crossed that borderline separating the healthy from those at risk. Basically, I had too much stress at work that my blood pressure is perenially up. While previously it was up only when I was angry or upset, now it is up even if I was sitting down. Bummer. That I put on so much excess weight complicates things. From 175 pounds I reached a high of 215 pounds during my triathlon off-season (Sep-Oct). I continued to be a half-rice guy avoiding fatty and salty meals, but my stress snacking on sweets and chips ramped up my cholesterol and blood pressure. I supposed I developed a fatty liver because all the excess sweets have to be stored somewhere. I forgot my basic biochemistry lesson that sugar can be converted to fat if left unused. My tortured aorta is a result either of cholesterol deposits or expansion of the liver. My breathing capacity was diminished simply because I cannot expand my diaprahgm enough with all the fat deposits. The fatty, enlarged liver also occupied space. No wonder I seem to have a Santa belly even if I don't really have side love handles. Grrrr!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So what is my health battle plan? Spoken like a true gladiator whose type-A disposition will be the cause of his own death.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">The PLAN</span></strong>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">0. <u>Medication</u>. Truth is, I don't normally take medicines. Not for colds, flu, muscle pain, etc. I believe in the body's capacity to restore its balance. God is a great bioengineer in the first place. When the first doctor said I should take maintenance drugs for blood pressure, I head a big scream of NO inside my head. I was able to convince the doctor I will simply go back to running more and would agree to the liver supplement instead. Our company doctor however was firm: She said: "We have the same surname. I cannot in my conscience see you collapse inside the building. Take Losartan at least for 30 days and come regularly for blood pressure monitoring. We shall reduce or eliminate dosage if indeed you manage to be better." I bought the capsules and have managed to take it 14 days out of 20 so far. Admittedly, I sometime forego this when I feel very well, but I resume at the smallest sign of lightheadedness. Ok, I promise now I will finish the whole set.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. <span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u>Fruit Diet</u>. System cleansing primarily for the liver so it can get rid itself of cholesterol and fat. Eat as many kinds of fruits I can find. Bananas, mangoes, mandarin oranges, pomelo, guyabano, dragonfruits, guavas, strawberries, etc. I usually take these in the form of smoothies, but sometimes I eat them straight when I am busy or tired.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2. <u>Food supplements</u>. An advocate of natural eating, I normally shun supplements, but since this is a battle scenario, I gave in to the following: Liveraide which has silymarin from milk thistl</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">e; Ceellium which has psyllium husks or fiber to sweep off cholesterol.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3. <u>Cholesterol-fighting and heart-healthy foods</u>. Oatmeal (lots of it), fish, pineapple juice, etc.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4. <u>Liver friendly foods</u>. Buko juice in whatever form. I am still trying to find yellow ginger (luyang dilaw) and how I can incorporate it into my meals.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">5. <u>Leave the office early</u>, hopefully right after 6pm, if not before 7pm or earlier. Tomorrow is another day afterall!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">6. <u>Sleep early, sleep enough</u>. Admittedly, lack of sleep is also a shortcoming and a challenge. I try to pay back sleep debt every weekend by forcing myself to stay in bed till late morning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">7. <u>Exercise</u>. In whatever form. Walk, dance, swim, bike, run, sing! Not sure if singing can be considered an exercise, but whenever I feel my blood pressure is rising, I sing a happy tune (Jose Mari Chan's Christmas In Our Hearts is the current favorite) to relax the mind, soften the heart and fill in the lungs. Good for the diapraghm so I can recover my normal breathing capacity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">8. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u>Let go and let God</u>. Slow down. Lower expectations a bit. Tolerate a bit of imperfection. Let God handle those that you cannot.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u>Initial Results</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1. I have dropped 10 pounds so far since November 4 when I took the medical tests.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2. My blood pressure manages to go down to 130/90 but there are still blips and bouts of occasional lighted-headnesses. It can be due to lack of sleep though so I must continue to address the latter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3. I have progressed from light to moderate exercises, but I opt to err on the conservative side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have gotten back to regular pool swims and will run-walk 21kms in the QCIM race. See you guys and gals on the road or water. Let us all be healthy and safe. Shalom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
Rico Villanuevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036317524877260021noreply@blogger.com7