Hydration is an important part of training.  So at any given point in your runs, you should have access to  your fluids. Carrying them with you is a must, but it should be done in a manner that would be convenient to you. So as far as water bottles go, I’d prefer the handheld ones on my regular runs and a bladder based system on the longer ones. I have just been given an Ultimate Direction Fastdraw Plus water bottle and since it is new , I decided to  use it for my  last 4 short runs – the average distance of each run is around 23.5 kms.         While I was using it, I couldn’t help but compare it with my existing Amphipod Hydraform Handheld bottle – I use two versions: the 20 oz and the 12 oz. I know a lot about this has been previously posted on the web. So let me give you the short version:     •    They both can carry the same volume of fluids (20 oz) •    They both have wide enough  “mouths” for  ice to fit in •    The pouches that come with them can accommodate almost the same items (keys / phone / cash, etc) •    Ultimate Direction has a big finger loop : you can attach it to a carabiner , just like you would do on Nalgene sports bottles. •    Physically, I like the way Ultimate Direction looks like and also how it fits my hand, not to mention  how easy it is to adjust the strap; the thing is – I find it difficult to sip fluids from the nozzle and everytime I squeeze it, it doesn’t return to its original shape: I have to open the entire...

Last Sunday, I joined this 42km event in Nueva Vizcaya, the highlight of which was to summit Mt. Ugo. It was a refreshing change of pace from the usual weekend spent in Metro Manila. If you would ask me, the 9 hour trip was worth it : everything is clean- the trails especially.  It’s as if the farther you are from the Metro, the nearer you are to paradise. Course Map This is the first time I have seen a tree like this in Luzon This is the view from the starting line. Can you imagine how cold it is in the summit ? Let’s get ready to rumble. View from the trail at sunrise What else can I say ? Henry having a hard time accepting we have to pass this route twice. This is where we got lost earlier The summit, finally! For a brief moment, the sun decided to show itself. Finished! … Excited for my next trail   This one is perfect. The route wasn’t so difficult, the trails are 90% runnable even when wet. For the aid stations, they contain exactly what a trail runner needs : softdrinks, natural spring water from the mountain itself, bread, chocolate, biscuits and electrolyte drinks.   Well, too bad .. bandits aren’t allowed in this race. Maybe next time, they should register early. As with any adrenaline related activity, equipment and apparel are important. I don’t think I would have enjoyed the run as much if i had used any other shoe. This is my first time to use lightweight shoes in an actual race – and the thing is ,  I haven’t actually ran in this pair before.  So imagine how happy I am when instead of giving me problems , it...

This morning, I ran 20k in the rain, by now I guess you know how refreshing that feels :). Anyway, it has been a two week rest after QCIM –it seems that I have almost recovered from my injuries  – this means that I could start increasing my mileage again, (finally).   QCIM Let’s get ready to rumble …. This is the third edition of the Quezon City International Marathon – I am happy to be a participant in all three events. I think this is the first time when it actually rained on this race.  I had doubts at first if I can complete this edition since my left foot is still swollen from the  trail run (CM50) which I joined the week before – imagine running the entire 42k with swollen feet. Finished this one in 5:27 – I had to since we were pacing for 5:30   Clark to Mayamit Falls 50 Miler Happy thoughts before the race … As I’ve said .. painful but fun   This is the first edition of this trail race ( I joined the shorter 60km edition) , and boy was I glad to have joined it! If you would ask me, there are two races here that you should include in your bucket list : Bataan Death March and this one (in no particular order).  I would describe this one as “masarap na masakit”. This is the first time that I injured my hamstring, finished with swollen feet and got lost many times. I reached the finish line way after cut-off.  This is also the first time that I have experienced eating gourmet pasta in the middle of the race – ha! Ang sarrrrap! In a nutshell, the best local trail race that I...

This morning was the 2011 edition of the Adidias King of the Road  and I realized that about 2 hours ago. I remember when the registration fee for this 21k event was still reasonable… For my 30k run this morning, I spent 20 bucks for a 300 ML bottle of Pocari Sweat  and 15 bucks for a 500 ML bottle of water. Hmmm...

  About three weeks ago, I  participated in the CAMSUR Marathon. I have yet to see the results – no PR for this one, just one of the LSDs you need to gain mileage. The thing is – a lot of runners who participated in last year’s edition said that last year was better. Personally – i wish that they have lighted some of the roads like what they did with Milo. Luckily, i brought with me my other cel which comes with a LED flashlight. No hydration issues on this race. Work  is hectic (as always) – not much on the weekday runs. Yep, I have gained weight (again). I hope to loose it over the next few weeks when I return to my usual mileage. Last Saturday i did 15K, 32k on Sunday and 19k last Thursday.  I wasn’t able to run this morning due to the weather – hopefully i’d be able to do a long run tomorrow.   The calm before…   The damage brought about by the typhoon was tremendous. I have other pictures of it but it is the same ones  you see in the news. This one (for me) stood out.   It stood out because it blocked my path,  hehehe     Lock Lace I have always been a lock lace fan. However, due to financial reasons, i was forced to pursue other alternatives : my friend Isko provided me with a high quality shock cord – all that I needed to do was to find a stopper. More details on this in another post. Thanks to Jay for the CAMSUR...