2023 Run 7-Eleven 10k

 And you thought I stopped blogging... 😁

Yup, still here. So much has (not) happened since my last post that I dipped my feet back onto the racing scene by running last weekend's Run 7-11 10k race.

The world has risen back from the Covid19 pandemic such that we are almost back to normal again. By "almost" I meant the facemasks that everyone's still required to wear indoors though I expect that they might lift that mandate towards the end of the year (fingers crossed). This is assuming that the Covid19 case numbers continue to be at a very low rate especially here in the Philippines.

With the return to normalcy is the return of a slew of races (running, duathlons, triathlons, etc.) that got everyone giddy into registering (at higher race fees unfortunately). This is great actually, as these race organizers were really hit hard during the pandemic so it's good to support them as much as we can.  

I myself have been aghast with excitement on the numerous races being offered this year so much so that I am hoping this year I'll be fully motivated to train (and race!).

MY 10k RACE EXPERIENCE

The race itself (venue, route, aid stations, giveaways, marshalling, etc.) was very well organized so kudos to the organizers for a great job! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

As to my race, since I was not in tip-top shape (finding myself getting heavier lately...ugh!!!) I was able to achieve my target time of sub-1:10 (finished in 1:09 and change per my Garmin).

For the 2-3 weeks before the race I trained for a sub-7min/km target pace since I estimated that to be the safest and fastest pace that I can race a 10k right now. I was glad that I ran the race as planned in the first half as I was surprised that the Filinvest route had several hidden climbs in the 2nd half. Those 3-4 hills really hit me hard especially that last one where I had to stop to walk about 5 meters or so.

I didn't bother to open my GU gel reserve as the aid stations had Pocari Sweat and water which were sufficient, though it would be interesting to know what would've happened if I took the GU before gun start? Would the sugar kick me into higher gear as I raced (I didn't eat anything before the race except for the early dinner the night before)? Something to think about in my upcoming races...hmmm...

As I said, I was happy with the expected race outcome. A good baseline reference for the start of the year to see how much I can improve my 10k time.

Next race? May14 is the PF Sub60 10k so that's something to aim for. Definitely a lot of work needed to trim 10mins from last Sunday's finish time to reach 59mins by May 14. 

Can I do it by then? The last time I ran a sub60 10k was on the 2018 edition of the same race. 

We'll see... :)  

Bords Cycling: Like and Subscribe

It's been a while folks. Hope you and your loved ones are safe and doing well.

As for me and my family, we're doing good (and mostly indoors probably until this pandemic is really over). Hope to get vaccinated soon for added protection.

I'm still riding and running, but mostly riding. Age has gotten the best of me (now 47) and I just prefer riding my bike vs getting my knees jammed from the running and pounding. I still run maybe once or twice a week to keep my run endurance in check, but not really forcing it as I'd rather spend all my hard efforts during my indoor Trainerroad rides. FTP=200W is still the goal.

Oh btw, I finally joined the YouTube bandwagon and started my own channel yesterday called Bords Cycling. Yup, it's gonna be mostly about my rides but who knows, I might squeeze in a few run vlogs whenever I can?

Here's the link btw in case you want to follow me there: Bords Cycling. 

Below is my first vlog post btw. Hope you like it:

As they say, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! 😁😁😁

How have you been?

6 months since my last post, and yes I'm still biking (and now running!) regularly.

As the government eased off the lockdown rules here in Metro Manila, my run sked is now back to normal, playing at around 2-3x a week. Trainerroad Run CTL has been progressing well, especially now that I scheduled a 21k "race" for myself and an officemate for Oct. 21 ---my birthday.

21 @ 21

Yup, it's my first ever birthday race aptly called "21 @ 21" complete with a finisher shirt for the gang (Ling and I will run 21k while Pat will be there for maybe about 10k to support us).

The route will just be around the Greenhills Shopping Mall which is approximately 1.1km ---so we'll run around it 19 times! Hahahaha...We don't want to venture out of that route since it's mostly flat. (grin) 

Since we're running this just to complete the distance, I recon we'll finish this at about 2hrs and 45mins, God willing. I will plant my car (a.k.a. aid station) somewhere along the route with water, gels, and Gatorade ready at the back. Just finishing it (amidst this pandemic) is a great accomplishment in itself. Ling last ran a 21k probably close to 7 or 8 yrs ago so he will definitely be happy if he succeeds on this one.

Cabading

As to my cycling, I'm towards the end of a 6 week rest period after I completed a base-to-build cycle, upping my FTP to 187 which is my highest (so far). 200 watts is still possible this year as long as I religiously stick to the TR plans that I will set.

During this rest period I was able to climb up to Cabading on two occasions, with the tip becoming my favorite respite for senti and IG-pictorial moments hehe. Seeing the mountains (and being on top of it!) touching the skies gives such a romantic feeling that the 13km arduous climb is all worth it.

And yes, I will always climb to it again given the chance. :)

Hopefully you're also back in your (training) groove wherever you may be. Stay safe!

Training Amidst COVID19

Now in the latter half of this government-imposed COVID19 quarantine, I'm making do with training whenever I can.

I'm glad I have an indoor bike trainer setup which enables me to continue base building on my bike form and fitness. With a Trainerroad subscription coupled with a smart strainer (plus with a LOOOT of free time in my hands), I'm still riding.

The one that got hit are my runs, which I'm unfortunately limited to 1 or 2 times a week. I found a small 1k loop in our neighborhood which I try to run on with special attention to #socialdistancing. The loop gets ever boring as the kms tick away so a long run is not really in the cards for me. I'm able to compensate, somewhat, by including dumbbell strength training and HIIT workouts in the week. These are very short indoor workouts but I'm banking on them to help complement my cardio based workouts.

I'm ever positive about this quarantine setup as it'll help reduce unnecessary COVID19 transmissions. Hopefully, a vaccine is made soon.

Take care!

Still Here...2020 version

My right knee has recovered about 95% now as evidenced by my training logs. Thanks to foam rollers, a lot of zone2 training, AAAND a lot of rest when I think I need to (and also when I don't need to, hahaha), CTL is now at 30 (from a low of 25-27). It's still low from the usual 50s when I'm race ready but I'll take the slow but sure progress.

A big boost was also my once a week bike-to-work on my son's 27.5 MTB from Carti. Pace is slow due to the heavy bike and traffic but it's still good exercise that gives my bike CTL a good lift for the week.

Before last night I was still doubtful that I'm race ready for anything, but thanks to my officemate/duathlete Vernier a.k.a. The Cannibal he was able to get me a race slot for the upcoming Clark Global Dua this March 29th.

The 6k-60k-4k distance was tempting but I knew I won't be able to race that long with my current form and fitness. Thus I decided to take the short version, 3k-30k-2k, as my first race of the season. The distance should be more than manageable but I will have to train (cautiously) for the pace.

And it's another ride on the SCTEX....why reject the invite? 😁😁😁