Back in 2009, i never appreciated let alone understood why our city government would spend so much money on building a highway in which most Kagayanons felt was too far or out of the way to go to. Add to it the construction of a bridge to connect the said road and many were left puzzled. I remember the first time i passed by this alternative road going to CdO's "uptown" was when my best friend took us out for a joyride after a nightcap and he would tell ghost stories while driving in near total darkness. I kept telling myself that i would surely never take this route for whatever reason. Then again, i never thought i would be running! So, here i am, writing this piece about why runners in this part of the country are so fortunate to have this road network to our disposal.
The Taguanao Route features a wide paved road, rolling and winding terrain highlighted by a 1.2 kilometer steep winding uphill climb. Along this route you can find several other uphill climb roads. Most notable of which are: a 1.5 kilometer never ending uphill climb leading up to the unfinished Cagayan de Oro Int'l Convention Center & Nanuri Int'l School, and a 1 kilometer uphill climb going to Abba's Orchard.
Runners, hikers and bikers are sure to run to their heart's content in this place which is a mere 10minute drive away from the city proper. There are just a few jeepneys plying this route, same goes with cars and motorcycles, and best of all, practically no big trucks! Once you reach Taguanao Bridge, the sights and sounds of nature will surely take your breath away. In case you forgot or did not bring any hydration, there are many "sari-sari" stores which you will see along the way selling softdrinks, bottled water, ice water, local pinoy delicacies like puto, suman and the like. You can even indulge in pancit canton from an eatery nearby which is just perfect while having an LSD (long slow distance) run! However, if you or your group did not bring money or loose change, no need to worry as after the dreaded long 45 degree uphill climb, you will find Rio Verde Water Consortium's metering house. Here you will find a treated water outlet which is open to the public. It is like having your own water station!
This route is perfect for those in deep training, whether it be a half or full marathon as it offers long steep uphills, steady rolling downhills, heat training in a perfect natural setting as you are surrounded by trees, pass through rivers, work your way up to hills. And it is all within the city. The Taguanao Highway- my running haven. Now RUN to discover and see for yourself!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Cebu City Marathon 01-09-11
Going back to Cebu for the 2nd Cebu City Marathon(CCM) was one event I did not plan to join at first. But when I learned that most of my running buddies here in CdO will attend, I told myself that I also did not want to pass up the chance of being part of such a big delegation(I think we numbered 130plus participants). And boy, was i glad to be there!! After all, CCM is where i ran my first full marathon exactly a year ago today.
The Cebu City Marathon is a great way to explore the city on foot! The race route offered sights and sounds of the famed Sinulog Fiesta, from the starting line at the I.T. Park to local city landmarks such as the Fuente Osmena Circle, the Sto. Nino Church, the Malacanang sa Sugbo just to name a few, to the South Road(s) Project(SRP) and back. There were cheering squads, live bands, street dancers, and warm smiles from the locals encouraging the runners to push themselves and keep on going. One can smell breakfast food aroma up in the air along Escario St., there were motorists waving at the busy intersections of Carbon, motivational banners lining up the route- one particular sign that caught my attention read "mas agpas pa mudagan akong lola kanimo!"- which translated, meant "my grandmother can run faster than you!". One of the new additions and highlights for this year's race is the SRP Tunnel. Runners were surely pumped up with the blaring "Lady Gaga's Bad Romance" song being played inside the tunnel- which also made a welcome respite from the heat of the sun. Then there is the breath taking view along the stretch of SRP, where runners witnessed a magnificent sunrise to welcome the break of day! And as expected, there were ample water and 100 Plus drinks stationed at every 1.5km to 2km intervals. Bananas and chocolates were also provided. Volunteers offering ointments and pain killers were more than willing to assist all of us.
On the negative side, the food at the Carbo Loading Party was mediocre & in small servings that it did not live up to expectation. There were few portalets placed at the Starting Line. Also, no certificates of participation were given to the finishers this year. And like all other events, there were also some not so bright moments. A fellow participant relayed to me an unfortunate accident when a 42k runner incurred bruises after being hit by a motorcycle. Then there is one strange incident which i myself witnessed when a 'snatcher' was being chased by CERC member Raffy of RUNNR Cebu. Good thing he can run fast so the culprit was eventually captured!
All in all, kudos to the Cebu Executive Runners Club for organizing such a grand and momentous event. It is always an unforgettable experience to be part of this festive run. For now i can only dream to one day realize a marathon being held in my native Cagayan de Oro with a local touch like the CCM. With these great memories, I now plan to make Cebu City Marathon an annual pilgrimage run cum food trip with my wife in the years to come!
The Cebu City Marathon is a great way to explore the city on foot! The race route offered sights and sounds of the famed Sinulog Fiesta, from the starting line at the I.T. Park to local city landmarks such as the Fuente Osmena Circle, the Sto. Nino Church, the Malacanang sa Sugbo just to name a few, to the South Road(s) Project(SRP) and back. There were cheering squads, live bands, street dancers, and warm smiles from the locals encouraging the runners to push themselves and keep on going. One can smell breakfast food aroma up in the air along Escario St., there were motorists waving at the busy intersections of Carbon, motivational banners lining up the route- one particular sign that caught my attention read "mas agpas pa mudagan akong lola kanimo!"- which translated, meant "my grandmother can run faster than you!". One of the new additions and highlights for this year's race is the SRP Tunnel. Runners were surely pumped up with the blaring "Lady Gaga's Bad Romance" song being played inside the tunnel- which also made a welcome respite from the heat of the sun. Then there is the breath taking view along the stretch of SRP, where runners witnessed a magnificent sunrise to welcome the break of day! And as expected, there were ample water and 100 Plus drinks stationed at every 1.5km to 2km intervals. Bananas and chocolates were also provided. Volunteers offering ointments and pain killers were more than willing to assist all of us.
On the negative side, the food at the Carbo Loading Party was mediocre & in small servings that it did not live up to expectation. There were few portalets placed at the Starting Line. Also, no certificates of participation were given to the finishers this year. And like all other events, there were also some not so bright moments. A fellow participant relayed to me an unfortunate accident when a 42k runner incurred bruises after being hit by a motorcycle. Then there is one strange incident which i myself witnessed when a 'snatcher' was being chased by CERC member Raffy of RUNNR Cebu. Good thing he can run fast so the culprit was eventually captured!
All in all, kudos to the Cebu Executive Runners Club for organizing such a grand and momentous event. It is always an unforgettable experience to be part of this festive run. For now i can only dream to one day realize a marathon being held in my native Cagayan de Oro with a local touch like the CCM. With these great memories, I now plan to make Cebu City Marathon an annual pilgrimage run cum food trip with my wife in the years to come!
Friday, December 31, 2010
My idiot's guide to start running (Part 1)
For those of you who are thinking of going into RUNNING, here are some basic pointers one should consider:
1. Consult a physician. It is very important that you go see a doctor and inform him/her of what you plan to go into. Better be safe than sorry. It is a fact that while anybody can go into running, running is also not for everybody. A cardiologist can best identify if you are fit enough to run.
2. Make sure you are wearing proper attire- with this i mean you should wear any dri-fit shirt/jersey/singlet, running/hiking shorts, and of course, running shoes. It does not matter if you use expensive or cheap brands as long as you are using appropriate gear (i.e. basketball shoes for playing basketball, tennis shoes for playing tennis, etc.)
3. Start and finish each session by doing some basic stretching exercise/drill and then walk.
4. Follow a program. You can adopt another person's start up program, you can download through the web or you can make one for yourself. Do not forget to include a timetable of your activity/exercise. A sample program would be to start by walking for the first 2-3 weeks, insert slow jog on the 4th week and gradually run on the 6th week. Each session should last at least 30 minutes.
5. Set a goal. By this, i mean you should promise yourself to accomplish or conquer a certain distance over a given period of time. This will motivate and inspire you to run and train more often.
6. Start on your own. As you are just beginning, it would be better if you are alone and go about at your own pace. Do not worry, over time you would surely be able to find a running buddy.
7. Look for a place that is convenient and ideal for you. Here are some options:
a.) LimKetKai Center- if you live within the city proper, this is a good place to start walking and gradually progress into some light running. You can come here any day of the week. Ideal time would be from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. One loop around the complex is approximately 1kilometer or 1000 meters. You can also walk/run around their open space parking lots (one in front of Robinsons and another one beside Grand Caprice Restaurant). On the downside, it is a little bit dusty/polluted and better watch out for vehicles passing by.
b.) Pelaez SportsCenter Oval Track- ideally located in the heart of the city, you can come here at any time of the day. The floor is rubberized so as to lessen impact on your joints/feet. No cars, less polluted albeit it can get boring going around in less than 500 meters circles. You also get to meet new friends & fellow runners and engage in what a runner friend calls "Tsismis Run". You can choose to pay the daily rate of P30. or the annual 'unlimited use' fee of P2,000.
c.) Pueblo de Oro Township- for those living "uptown", this is the best place for you to take up the sport. With its wide paved roads, it is ideal for those planning to train for their first 5km or up to 10km fun runs. You can start in the fountain behind SM City and work your way around the surrounding communities.
d.) Mountain Meadows- not for the meek upstarts, this hillside property development offers a great view of our city's shoreline. Ideal for hiking or for those who want to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. It features a 1.5 kilometer uphill climb which will surely test your body.
e.) Sportszone and Rodelsa Circle- one loop around this area is approximately 900 meters. Again, it is quite polluted and has moderate vehicular traffic.
f.) If you live in a subdivision or a gated community, then it is always a practical choice to just roam around your own neighborhood.
g.) And lastly, there is the treadmill which you can use right in the very comforts of your nearby gym or your home.
8. When on the road, you must always, i mean always stay on your left side. You should be against the flow of vehicular traffic at all times, this way you can see cars or anything that comes your way. Also, be mindful of those stray dogs but never look at them directly in the eye.
9. Hydrate yourself before, during and after every session. Remember that taking in fluids is always good for your body whether you are into running or not.
10. Listen to your body. You know your body best, so only you can best determine when to start, when to push yourself and when to stop.
So, start a healthy and active lifestyle. Go out and have fun. Appreciate your surroundings. Discover the beauty of our city like you've never seen before. Meet new people. Happy Running!
1. Consult a physician. It is very important that you go see a doctor and inform him/her of what you plan to go into. Better be safe than sorry. It is a fact that while anybody can go into running, running is also not for everybody. A cardiologist can best identify if you are fit enough to run.
2. Make sure you are wearing proper attire- with this i mean you should wear any dri-fit shirt/jersey/singlet, running/hiking shorts, and of course, running shoes. It does not matter if you use expensive or cheap brands as long as you are using appropriate gear (i.e. basketball shoes for playing basketball, tennis shoes for playing tennis, etc.)
3. Start and finish each session by doing some basic stretching exercise/drill and then walk.
4. Follow a program. You can adopt another person's start up program, you can download through the web or you can make one for yourself. Do not forget to include a timetable of your activity/exercise. A sample program would be to start by walking for the first 2-3 weeks, insert slow jog on the 4th week and gradually run on the 6th week. Each session should last at least 30 minutes.
5. Set a goal. By this, i mean you should promise yourself to accomplish or conquer a certain distance over a given period of time. This will motivate and inspire you to run and train more often.
6. Start on your own. As you are just beginning, it would be better if you are alone and go about at your own pace. Do not worry, over time you would surely be able to find a running buddy.
7. Look for a place that is convenient and ideal for you. Here are some options:
a.) LimKetKai Center- if you live within the city proper, this is a good place to start walking and gradually progress into some light running. You can come here any day of the week. Ideal time would be from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. One loop around the complex is approximately 1kilometer or 1000 meters. You can also walk/run around their open space parking lots (one in front of Robinsons and another one beside Grand Caprice Restaurant). On the downside, it is a little bit dusty/polluted and better watch out for vehicles passing by.
b.) Pelaez SportsCenter Oval Track- ideally located in the heart of the city, you can come here at any time of the day. The floor is rubberized so as to lessen impact on your joints/feet. No cars, less polluted albeit it can get boring going around in less than 500 meters circles. You also get to meet new friends & fellow runners and engage in what a runner friend calls "Tsismis Run". You can choose to pay the daily rate of P30. or the annual 'unlimited use' fee of P2,000.
c.) Pueblo de Oro Township- for those living "uptown", this is the best place for you to take up the sport. With its wide paved roads, it is ideal for those planning to train for their first 5km or up to 10km fun runs. You can start in the fountain behind SM City and work your way around the surrounding communities.
d.) Mountain Meadows- not for the meek upstarts, this hillside property development offers a great view of our city's shoreline. Ideal for hiking or for those who want to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. It features a 1.5 kilometer uphill climb which will surely test your body.
e.) Sportszone and Rodelsa Circle- one loop around this area is approximately 900 meters. Again, it is quite polluted and has moderate vehicular traffic.
f.) If you live in a subdivision or a gated community, then it is always a practical choice to just roam around your own neighborhood.
g.) And lastly, there is the treadmill which you can use right in the very comforts of your nearby gym or your home.
8. When on the road, you must always, i mean always stay on your left side. You should be against the flow of vehicular traffic at all times, this way you can see cars or anything that comes your way. Also, be mindful of those stray dogs but never look at them directly in the eye.
9. Hydrate yourself before, during and after every session. Remember that taking in fluids is always good for your body whether you are into running or not.
10. Listen to your body. You know your body best, so only you can best determine when to start, when to push yourself and when to stop.
So, start a healthy and active lifestyle. Go out and have fun. Appreciate your surroundings. Discover the beauty of our city like you've never seen before. Meet new people. Happy Running!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Chronology of my running life and races
September 2008 Started walking at LimKetkai Center CdO
October 2008 Joined 32nd Milo Marathon CdO Leg (5km)
(my 1st time to join a fun run)
February 2009 Started jogging at Pelaez Sports Center CdO
July 2009 Joined 33rd Milo Marathon CdO Leg (21km)
(my 1st half marathon)
September 2009 Joined Mommy Milkshake Fun Run (5km)
(my first run in Manila)
October 2009 Joined The NorthFace Thrill of the Trail Series CdO (22km)
November 29, 2009 Joined New Balance Power Run (21km)
January 10, 2010 Joined Cebu City Marathon (42.195km)
(my 1st full marathon) Time: 4:53
February 7, 2010 Joined Condura Run for Dolphins (42.195km)
(my 2nd full marathon) Time: 4:29
April 24-25, 2010 Joined TNF 100 Ultramarathon in Baguio (50km)
(my 1st ultramarathon)
Joined the 11km race category the morning after
(as my wife Margie's pacer)
June 13, 2010 Co-organized Freedom Run Cagayan de Oro (5km, 10km)
(my 1st time as Race Organizer / Director)
June 26, 2010 Joined Takbo Para Sa Ilog CdO (10km)
July 25, 2010 Joined CKSCAA Fun Run @ SM Mall of Asia (10km)
August 1, 2010 Joined Speedo National Age Group Triathlon CdO Leg
(30km bike - 7.5km run relay)
(my 1st duathlon) (and 1st time to ride a bike in 20years!!)
August 22, 2010 Co-organized Kagay-an Festival Run (2km, 5km, 10km)
and the 1st Kagay-an Kalo Parade
(my 2nd time as Race Organizer / Director)
September 26, 2010 Joined CamSur Marathon (42.195km)
(my 3rd full marathon) Time: 4:57
October 10, 2010 Joined Avon Fun Run 10-10-10 (5km)
October 17, 2010 Joined October Pink Run @ Mckinley Hill (15km)
October 24, 2010 Joined Adidas KOTR 2010 (21km)
November 20, 2010 Joined RunRio Trilogy 3: Unilab Run United 2 (21km)
November 21, 2010 Joined RunRio Trilogy 3: Unilab Run United 2 (32km)
November 27, 2010 Joined 1st Cebu Ultramarathon (50km)
(my 2nd ultramarathon)
November 28, 2010 Joined 34th Milo Marathon CdO Leg (21km)
(as my wife Margie's pacer )
December 5, 2010 Joined 2nd QCIM (42.195km)
(my 4th full marathon) Time: 4:49
October 2008 Joined 32nd Milo Marathon CdO Leg (5km)
(my 1st time to join a fun run)
February 2009 Started jogging at Pelaez Sports Center CdO
July 2009 Joined 33rd Milo Marathon CdO Leg (21km)
(my 1st half marathon)
September 2009 Joined Mommy Milkshake Fun Run (5km)
(my first run in Manila)
October 2009 Joined The NorthFace Thrill of the Trail Series CdO (22km)
November 29, 2009 Joined New Balance Power Run (21km)
January 10, 2010 Joined Cebu City Marathon (42.195km)
(my 1st full marathon) Time: 4:53
February 7, 2010 Joined Condura Run for Dolphins (42.195km)
(my 2nd full marathon) Time: 4:29
April 24-25, 2010 Joined TNF 100 Ultramarathon in Baguio (50km)
(my 1st ultramarathon)
Joined the 11km race category the morning after
(as my wife Margie's pacer)
June 13, 2010 Co-organized Freedom Run Cagayan de Oro (5km, 10km)
(my 1st time as Race Organizer / Director)
June 26, 2010 Joined Takbo Para Sa Ilog CdO (10km)
July 25, 2010 Joined CKSCAA Fun Run @ SM Mall of Asia (10km)
August 1, 2010 Joined Speedo National Age Group Triathlon CdO Leg
(30km bike - 7.5km run relay)
(my 1st duathlon) (and 1st time to ride a bike in 20years!!)
August 22, 2010 Co-organized Kagay-an Festival Run (2km, 5km, 10km)
and the 1st Kagay-an Kalo Parade
(my 2nd time as Race Organizer / Director)
September 26, 2010 Joined CamSur Marathon (42.195km)
(my 3rd full marathon) Time: 4:57
October 10, 2010 Joined Avon Fun Run 10-10-10 (5km)
October 17, 2010 Joined October Pink Run @ Mckinley Hill (15km)
October 24, 2010 Joined Adidas KOTR 2010 (21km)
November 20, 2010 Joined RunRio Trilogy 3: Unilab Run United 2 (21km)
November 21, 2010 Joined RunRio Trilogy 3: Unilab Run United 2 (32km)
November 27, 2010 Joined 1st Cebu Ultramarathon (50km)
(my 2nd ultramarathon)
November 28, 2010 Joined 34th Milo Marathon CdO Leg (21km)
(as my wife Margie's pacer )
December 5, 2010 Joined 2nd QCIM (42.195km)
(my 4th full marathon) Time: 4:49
About the running pig
My name is Francis Velasquez and my life is about to begin(if you know what i mean). I am currently based in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Since i was a kid, i never got into any sport or any outdoor activity until august 2008 when i was diagnosed as a pre-hypertensive/ pre-diabetic in a random check-up. It is then that i decided to do something about my being overweight, out of shape with of course, a bulging belly. I started brisk walking at a nearby mall(LimKetKai Center) and it didnt take long when i started RUNNING!
And now that i am totally hooked on running, i started this blog! Here i will write everything and anything about my new found passion. And more importantly, i will tell you about running in the city of golden friendship!
And now that i am totally hooked on running, i started this blog! Here i will write everything and anything about my new found passion. And more importantly, i will tell you about running in the city of golden friendship!
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