Race Report - Speedo Aquathlon

Rewind

12 years ago to the date (April 19), my closest cousin died in a tragic car accident along South Superhighway. He was on his way home from his girlfriend's place, and was somewhere between Sucat & Bicutan, when his tire blew, causing the car to go out of control, and unto incoming traffic. He died instantly.

Mikel and I grew up together, born only months apart. We spent summers together, and had the same passion for sports and the outdoors. He moved from Bacolod to Manila to attend college at the Ateneo, where I was too. Instead of sleeping at his dorm, he preferred rooming with me. We shared a room and a bed, amongst alot of other things.

Growing Up

Both of us loved sports. Mikel represented La Salle Bacolod HS in Soccer and Basketball. In high school, I represented Ateneo in Tennis, Golf and Track & Field. Miks was one hell of an athlete.

It was because of Miks that I rekindled my love affair with soccer. I remember waking up early on saturday and sunday mornings, heading to Ateneo to kick around, and maybe play a pickup game or two. During afternoons, we would head to San Lorenzo, and play 7 or 8 aside. It was something we shared.

During the summer between 1st and 2nd year college, we had both made the team which would represent Ateneo in the Under-19 Nationals. We had a blast.

I vividly remember that fateful morning. My mom frantically woke me up, I looked at her face, then at Miks' side of the bed. It was then I realized that something bad had happened, since the sheets were cleanly tucked, and the pillows untouched. All my family convened at my Granma's house. All but me.

A few days later was the finals for Under-19 Nationals. In Miks' honor, the entire team wore a black band with his number '16' on it. During the start of the game, we had one minute of silence to honor him. I was filled with too much emotions, and could not finish the game without breaking into tears.

Fast-forward

On the way to AAV for the Aquathlon, I was accompanied by Hannah, Mikel's younger sister Ines, and my best friend Elmer who married her - talk about making the world smaller. Elmer was there to join the Triathlon Mini-Sprint - his first.

As I was driving along south superhighway, at just about the point and time exactly 12 years ago where he had met his untimely death, all the hairs in my body stood up. I felt him - and he was smiling at us. I was dedicating today's race to him.

The Race

As expected, the race was gonna be short and not so sweet. The 750m swim + 3.5km run was going to be quick and tough. I saw some familiar faces, and figured if I wanted a medal for Miks, I would have to work for it.

There's not much strategy in a race like this, it's just pedal-to-the-metal from the get go. The swim was tough, and for the first 250m, I was swimming alone since the faster swimmers had already packed a lead. Then I felt someone beside me, I glanced over and saw Tony Welsch. I let him pass with the hopes of taking his feet. What I didn't realize was Jon-jon Rufino already had. I tried to hang on to them for as long as I could.

Transitioning to the run, heart going bonkers

Shortly after, we were getting out of the pool and it was time to run. I quickly put on my running shoes, took a sip of water, put on my singlet and off I was. I came out of the water in 7th, and got one guy in transition (he chose to put on socks). So I started running in 6th, and knew if I wanted to place, I needed to advance a place, without losing one.

Finishing not so strong :P

I kept a pretty even pace, and finally settled into 5th place after a kilometer or so. I tried to keep up with Tony, but he was just way too fast. I eventually was trailing TI Coach Nonoy Basa, but did not have enough to chase him down. I held on crossed the line in just over 30 mins, in 5th place. My work was done - that was for you Miks!

With Ironman Ani de Leon

I quickly caught my breath, and headed over to the pool to support my best bud for his first triathlon. He managed a decent swim, an excellent bike split, smooth transitions, and a good run - finishing 10th overall (despite there being elites).

Mer finishing strong!

All in all, a good day. We miss you Miks!

Congrats to Lee, Ian, Deo and the rest of the first time finishers! Thanks to Hannah once again for the full race coverage :)


'Time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin
Into the future

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till Im free
Oh, lord, through the revolution'
- Steve Miller Band

Race Report - TLBF Olympic Triathlon

Exactly a year ago, I was very unhealthy, weighing more than 185lbs, and drank alcohol almost every night. I smoked alot, and did not exercise one bit. Alot can change in a year. Just a year ago, I ran my first 5km. It was tough, especially on my ego. It was at the Mizuno Infinity Run, and I had 'joined' to support Hannah, who had started running a few months back. I promised her I'd run alongside her (or just try to keep up). We finished in 32:30, and that's how the story began. Shortly after, I quit smoking, cut down on my drinking and dedicated my life (at least the rest of it) to being fit.

A year later and there I was staring down my first Olympic/Standard distance Triathlon. An Olympic/Standard distance Triathlon consists of a 1.5km Swim, a 40km Bike, and a 10km run. It is the official distance on the ITU Circuit and was formerly referred to as 'Olympic Distance' because it is the distance used in the Olympics.

I was very nervous, for several reasons. First, it was my first open water swim. All this time, I had been training and racing in the pool. Open water poses alot more problems, the biggest of which being navigation. Second, the bike route was downright masochistic! Popo & Thumbie said the bike route had 'moderate hills', when in fact there was more than 1,000meters of vertical gain in 40km. Note that in most triathlons, bike legs tend to be flat(ter). Lastly, it was hot! Hydration was key. And oh, one more thing posed a problem - the transition area - which was not only as tight as Embassy on a saturday night, but was on the beach...sandy feet anyone?

My race strategy was quite simple. For the swim, I just wanted to get a rhythm going, and finish comfortably in under 30mins. If I could catch some draft packs, then well and good. For the bike, it was to go easy on the ascents, and hammer the descents. I have ridden parts of the course in the past, and have fallen victim multiple times. One thing was for sure - I had to respect the bike course. For the run, it was basically to do as much with whatever I had left.

A short race brief, a few swim warmups, and we were ready to go. The gun went off and the elites dashed forward, and began hopping over the water and dolphin diving. It was almost 25m in when I finally found space and began swimming. Right off the bat, it was about getting space. Getting kicked, elbowed and shoved takes getting used to. Around 100m later, the pack began to thin out, and finally there was some space.

Beach Start

The swim consisted of 3x500m loops, straight out and back. A bouy line separated the to and fro. I began swimming close to the bouy line so as to navigate better, however, I found myself hitting the bouy multiple times. I tried to adjust by trying to swim slightly away from it, but then found myself about 20m off to the side - a total waste of effort. It doesn't take a genius to know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line - quite simple eh? I struggled to navigate, and did my best. Exactly 27 mins later, I was out of the water and off to T1. Swim, Check!

Drew & I - syncrhonized swimming (Yes Alf I missed you!)

I leisurely hobbled over to T1, and stopped at the Gatorade booth with Drew prior to getting to our bikes. How I wish there was always a Gatorade booth in transition. A quick transition, and off to the bike leg I was - sandy feet and all.

Quick stop - Hydrate!

During the race brief, they mentioned that the bike leg was draft legal. I guess they decided so because the streets were not closed, and parts of the course were tight and technical. Not much of a woo-hoo there since drafting uphill is like driving a Ferrari on EDSA during rush hour. Keeping to my strategy, I took it easy on the first bike loop. Right off the bat, it was a climb - a 180m vertical ascent in 2.5km. After about 6km, it was a right turn at IDESS, and 3km of technical downhill, followed by the opposite. There was hardly any flats in this course, so it was either you were resting (or hammering) on the downhills, or suffering uphill.

I was feeling quite good on the bike, and ended up riding with Drew on the second loop. We rode shoulder-to-shoulder as we do in training rides. Drew even commented that it felt like a training ride since we were relaxed and chatting. On the last ascent, I no longer could keep up so I rode the final 10km alone. I came into T2 just under 2hrs, and knew that I had a shot at breaking 3hrs.

With my feet out of my shoes, ready to dismount at T2

I racked my bike, ditched my helmet, grabbed my running shoes and headed out. Yes, I ran barefoot til the road - where I decided it was better to put on my shoes, rather than risk having a lot of sand in my running shoes.

The run route consisted of three very flat, yet hot 3.4km loops - making 10.2km. There were 3 aid stations along the way, and a Fire Truck providing some rain. I was feeling quite good off the bike, and started at a pretty good pace. My goal was just to keep an even pace, and probably push a bit more (if I could) on the last loop. I let no aid station pass, about 9 times, I drank water and poured another glass over my head. It was probably around 40 degrees out there, with absolutely no shade.

During the VERY HOT run

I pushed, but I didn't have much left, and ended in 2:48 - my longest race to date. I was very happy with the outcome, and I'm very much looking forward to the next. Another first for me - Olympic Tri, Check!

Thanks to Zed Avecilla of The Lighthouse Marina Resort for providing us with THE LIGHTHOUSE, as well as great food and drinks. Lovely place, great food, great service :)

Yes, we stayed INSIDE The Lighthouse

Congrats to Drew for bagging 2nd place in his AG and 10th overall. Congrats to my fellow virgins Pao, Migs, Packy & Ting for a job well done!

Drew of Team Super Bagging 2nd Place in his Age Group

Thanks to Hannah for the solid race coverage and beautiful pictures :)

Falling Short

We all fail. It's bound to happen at one point, and when it does, what matters most is how it affects us, and our outlook.

It has happened to me quite a lot of times, and in the past few months, there have been races where I felt very disappointed with my performance. In the past, I dare not voice it out for the fear of coming across as impudent and snooty. But what the heck. I'm sure its happened to you too.

During the XRC Criterium last December 2008
Photo courtesy of Vince Corpus

I keep a log of races I join. Post-race, I jot down several things, like what went well, what went wrong, and possible points of improvement. More important than what went well, is actually what went wrong. There's just so much to learn from shortcomings and failures.

Last Sunday's Condura Half-Marathon was a clear example. I set quite a hefty yet somewhat achievable goal for the race, and fell flat. I bonked with more than 5km left. No excuses. I truly lived up to my URL - Positive Split.

However, inspite of it all, I was extremely happy that by running, I was not only able to contribute to saving the whale sharks, but also support the iamninoy movement.

The shirt says it all...
Photo courtesy of Rapa Lopa

Leo Babauta, author of the Zen Habits blog, beautifully narrates in this article how we should celebrate our mistakes. Disappointment can be a great motivation. For me, it's a huge kick in the arse. Looking on the brighter side, perhaps falling short is a gift.

With Hannah, who, for all intents and purposes - made her target
Photo courtesy of Mark Parco

'The winner takes it all
The loser has to fall
Its simple and its plain
Why should I complain?'
-ABBA


P.S. - For those interested in joining the iamninoy runners, register here.

What's Your Powersong?

"What's your power song?" is a question you hear quite often nowadays. Running has gotten so popular, that it can even serve as a pickup line. Props to Nike+ for making the buzz phrase 'Power Song'.

As for me, I have none.

I prefer to run without music. Don't get me wrong, I am a BIG fan of music, but when it comes to working out, I prefer to do without. When people ask me "So, what music do you listen to when you run?" they are not expecting "Nothing" as my reply. More often than not, the follow up questions are "Why Not? What keeps you going? Don't you get bored?".

For me, working out (be it a swim, a bike ride or a run) is alone time. My mind is not at all quiet tho. Depending on the type and intensity of the workout, there can be a ton of things up in my head.

Long rides are easy - its just about enjoying the wind, the sun, and the scenery - even in the rain. Most often, I'll be chatting it up with my riding partner. Towards the end of the ride, conversations usually start shifting towards food, or about where and when the next long ride would be.

View near the top of Bugarin

Running is much more punishing. I don't think most people, towards the end of a long run, would be thinking about how much they are looking forward to their next. Probably, they are counting down the miles, hoping it will be over soon.

During runs, my mind is filled with alot of things. Most often, I am playing numbers games. I like computing pace, and finishing times. It keeps me busy. Sometimes I do multiplication tables. I haven't quite yet reached the point where I have tried to recite the periodic table of elements. Recently, I ran with my Garmin and got so bored. The damn thing did all the computation for me! I was left with nothing to do. Next time, I'm leaving the Garmin at home.


During hard runs and races, I mostly find myself thinking about technique. While struggling to keep pace, and watching my breathing, I constantly remind myself of certain things, hoping it will help me run better - 'Run in a straight line', 'Light feet', 'Keep your head up', 'Don't slouch', 'Maximize the stride', 'Pump the arms' among others.

Silence is my Power Song...what's yours?

Race Report - Ateneo Aquathlon

As I had already an Aquathlon under my belt (3 weeks ago - Speedo Aquathlon), I was not as nervous as I would have been. After checking in, I proceeded to do some warm-ups with Alf & Jody. I learned that there would be no swim warmup, so I warmed up for a good 20 minutes or so, and did some light stretching.



This Aquathlon was 'tough' in another way - it was a relatively short (600 meter) swim, but in a 25 meter pool. I find it's much more difficult, and time consuming to be zig-zagging under lanes, and getting in and out of the pool so many times. During a swim leg of a multi-sport event, you want certain things - space, calm waters and a nice straight route - none of which are present in a 25 meter pool. The run was a 2 loops, out and back towards the Moro Lorenzo Gym and back to the Blue Eagle Gym. Light Hills, but alot of trees :)

A quick race brief, and we were let through the gates of the pool complex. As we were escorted to the pool, I realized one thing - that we were going into the pool while the other female age groupers were still completing their last 200-400m. We were asked to enter the pool, and 15 seconds later, we were off.

Me and my teammate Alf, once again performing our 600m synchronized swim

Over 30 angry men, crammed in 1 lane of a 25 meter pool - absolute mayhem. I always pick the inner part of the lane, so that I have only the right side to deal with - a technique which I thought of seconds before my first Aquathlon. The first 100meters was just about getting space. After about 100-150 meters, I finally got space. However, it was at that point that the our pack had caught up with the women. After reviewing photos taken by Hannah, I realized that when the mob arrived, the women proceeded to hang on to the lane markers, as they were being trampled upon. I hope the organizers take note of this, and next time, allow the wave to finish before another wave is let in the pool.

Swim-Run-Dive-Swim-Run-Dive-Swim and 600meters later, I found myself getting out of the pool. Lo and behold, I came out of the pool with PMI Team Captain Rayzon Galdonez. I guess the traffic held him back. A quick transition - slip on running shoes, ditch goggles, sip some water later, and off I was to the run.

During the run

I went on cruise control and enjoyed the run very much. It was nice to be back in the Ateneo, and once again pouring sweat - but this time, in another sport (or 2?). The trees provided alot of shade, which was very pleasant, and the tranquil surroundings, some peace and quiet during the run. I did not push on the run, as I've been nursing a knee injury. The race was about finishing without injuring myself further.

Around 37 mins and 6 seconds later, I crossed the finish line. It was a success in my books, as I had been able to run the 5km run quite comfortably. Somehow, this race felt easier than the Speedo Aquathlon (950m-3k), perhaps because of Ultra's hills. All in all, a great race :)

Team Super's Alf, Myself and Jody

Except for the running over the women part, and the fact that I do not appear in the Race Results, the event was very much a success. There were over 300 participants, and everyone looked happy, albeit tired looks and panting. Kudos to the Ateneo Swimming team for putting out this event.

Me with Ivy, Alf, Jody, Ting & Bobby

'Til next time. Keep Brickin!

*Once again thanks to trigger happy Hannah for the race pics :)

The Bucket List

I've always had a Bucket List - a list of things I want to do before I die. Being the sports and music loving person that I am, majority of the list has always dominated by either sporting events or concerts I'd want to see.

Here are my Bucket Lists, for both Sports and Music - in no particular order.



Sports

• Wimbledon - hopefully a semifinal or final match, maybe Nadal vs Federer?
  
• Summer Olympics - I'd like to witness the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics, and watch as many sports as I could
• The Masters (Augusta National) - On a Sunday, with Tiger 4 strokes back, and Mickelson, Els and Singh in the lead
• Ironman Hawaii - Duh?
• World Cup - An epic match between Italy, Germany, Netherlands, France or any of the powerhouse African nations
• Tour de France - Laid back in a nice chair near the top of the Alpe d'Huez, with a view of the descent, sipping on nice brewskies, or a single malt scotch
• UFC - Any UFC event, better if its a Randy Couture rematch against Brock Lesnar
• Special Olympics - This must be an awesome experience I would like to be part of, either as a spectator or a volunteer
  

Music

• U2 - Need I say more? U23D was a rush, I can imagine what a real concert would be like!
  
• The Police - Haha! I can actually scratch this off my list - Saw them in their Reunion Tour
• Dave Matthews Band - I don't mind seeing them again
  
• Led Zeppelin - There are talks of a Reunion Tour
  
• Foo Fighters
• Radiohead
• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Eric Clapton
• A Woodstock or Glastonbury type Music Festival

What's on your Bucket list?

'We live, we die, and the wheels on the bus go round and round.' Jack Nicholson as Edward Cole in 'Bucket List' (2007).

It's Official - Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines

Finally! I'm lovin' the logo already.

Can't wait to tri...









Here are some articles:

http://ironman.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/ironman-70.3-putrajaya-and-cobra-ironman-70.3-philippines-announced

http://ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/philippines70.3

Race Report - Speedo Aquathlon

I had been nervously waiting for this race for the past week and so, at 4:30 am, I was up. Not any amount of water, milk or sheep counting would put me back to sleep...so like a true Web Junky I did the next best thing - I surfed the Internet.

Finally, my alarm went off. I prepared my typical pre-race meal - Peanut butter sandwich.


By the time I arrived in ULTRA, the SuperTriKids were about to start. It's a blast watching these kids compete. Even better, is watching their stage parents egging them on, or running beside them hoping they'd push harder. Watching them made me wish I had started at a much younger age.

This little girl took full advantage of a quick transition - she put on Crocs! Howver, She got caught by that little boy

Shortly after, Coach Rick conducted his race briefing in waves. He detailed both the swim and run portions - making sure nobody would make a mistake.

The swim was a typical TRAP pool swim - we were to tackle 950 meters. This consists of getting in and out of the pool several times. The 950m were broken up in 3 segments - 350-400-200. After the first 350 meters of zig-zagging across lanes, you have to get out of the pool, run down and re-enter. Then, after the next 400 meters, you once again exit, make a dash and re-enter for the final 200 meters.

The run would be short but testy. It consisted of 2 loops within the ULTRA complex then the final 600 meters inside the track oval. There were 2 hills within the run route, which meant we would be tackling 4 hills in just 3km.

By the looks of it, it was gonna be a short and fast race. Pedal-to-the-metal, redline, HRM-beeping-Zone-5-all-the-way kinda race. Not a bad way so start a Sunday.

We 'middle-aged' (30-49 yrs old) were the last wave to be let off. It was about 8am by then - oooooofff HEAT! Our wave was led off by National Swimming Coach Guy Concepcion, who obviously posted the day's fastest swim time of 13:00 - DAMN!

The riot swim start

And we were off - I stayed in the inner lane, so as to avoid some of the confusion brought about by a pool start. That way, I would only have to worry about someone on my right - unless of course some daredevil skims the stainless steel lane dividers.

After a lap or two, I felt the group thin out. I was in a pack of 4-5 swimmers then, consisting of Paolo Diaz (I could tell by his Phiten Tape), JonJon Rufino (I could tell by the full body suit), Tony Welsch (PoloTri) and 2 other guys. I knew these were all good swimmers, so I hung on for as long as I could.

Its actually Swim-Run-Swim-Run-Swim-RUN!

Finally, 17 and a half minutes later, I was getting out of the pool. A quick transition, sip of water, and off I was to the run. The hills were tough, especially that one right before the pool. I felt like I was on a stair climber. Just as you were recovering from that one, there was another one waiting. I just held on and pushed to finish the race.

At the top of that testy hill right in front of the Pool

I finished in 31 minutes and change, well within my target. Shortly after came JonJon Rufino (PoloTri), Hector (Pinoy Ultra Runners), Jody (Transition One) and Paolo. The race was what I expected - short, fast yet tough. There is no recovering in a race like this. Like a 5k race, its a hard push from start to finish.

Short, but Sweet!

In the absence of the elites, I was lucky enough to post the 9th fastest time of the day, and bag a podium spot in my age group (30-34). What a surprise :)

'Til next time!

With Paolo and my teammate Jody (who finished 3rd)

*Thanks to Trigger Happy Hannah for the photos

Why You Should Swim, Bike, Run or Tri...

There's no better reason to Swim, Bike, Run or do whatever exercise, than to be healthy. I need not explain the benefits. For me, it's quite simple...

BEFORE

Over a year & 30 pounds ago (This appeared in YES Magazine)

SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN

After my first Triathlon last June 2008

AFTER

Not quite there yet, but on the right track (November 2008)

'Nuff Said!

Race Report - XRC Subic 2008 (Part 2)

The morning after the road race, I woke up and felt like I got hit by a truck. No, I did not have a hangover, but perhaps I would have preferred one compared to the pain I was feeling in my lower back and neck. No excuses tho, I'm was pushing through with the criterium. You see, I am resigned to the fact that we (as athletes) are never really 100%, and so, we must fight through the pain, especially during races.

A short drive, breakfast...and shortly after I found myself warming up around the track. The criterium was held at the Subic International Raceway, a track which hosts the Philippine Touring Car Championship, and some races in Formula 3, Vintage Cars & 'Run What You Brung'.

Right before the start of the Criterium

I was familiar with this course in a different way. The last time I raced here, my baby (a JDM spec EG6 Honda Civic), came home in a trailer after a downshift at the back hairpin caused the valves and pistons into a permanent french kiss. Almost 10 years later, I find myself riding the same course (backwards tho) using my own pedal power. I guess that's what you call getting old.

My 'Little Mouse' on the road to Subic on that fateful day

During my warmup, Joyette gave me some tips. I promised her I'd try to hang on for as long as I could. I knew this was going to be tough.

Joyette sharing some tips with me during our warmup

A criterium or 'crit' is a relatively short bike race, usually held in closed-off city streets. It's fast and technical, and favors powerful cyclists who have good drafting skills, and a sprint finish.

Before I knew it, we were off. Almost instantly, I found myself at the back of the pack. My strategy was to hold on to the peloton, for as long as I could. It was difficult because of the accordion effect. Since the course is very technical and tight, the peloton is forced to thin out at every turn. Riders in front ride at a constant pace, with little or no braking. Riders toward the rear are forced to slow down, then accellerate out of the turn to chase the group. This accordion effect happens on every turn, so you can imagine how many times one would have to accellerate to chase the pack.

The accordion effect in full bloom

Yours truly, and other riders chasing back the peloton after the hairpin

About halfway through, I, along with half the number of participants had already been dropped by the peloton. We formed little groups of 3 or 4, trying to maximize the effects of group riding. The main straightaway was pure hell as a 35kmh headwind sucked the energy out of us riders every single lap. Pedalling all out only amount to a speed of about 25-28kmh.

I did my share of the work. This taken at the main straightaway, where we faced a 35kph headwind

With about 3 laps left in the race, I was forced to retire, as the leaders were about to lap me. I exited the race track, into the pits. Literally, into the pits. I was humbled, but content.

Great shot, Vince :) I look pretty fast :P

I learned alot in this weekend of racing, and gained a few friends along the way. This was the perfect way to cap the 2008 season. 'Til next year...


Pics c/o Vince & Leian

List of Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquathlon Races for 2009

Updated from TRAP:

Jun 28 - Duathlon - MOA
Jul 5 - SPEEDO NAGT 3rd Leg - Sprint Distance - Cebu
Aug 23 - Ironman 70.3 - Half Ironman - CamSur
Sep 20 - SPEEDO NAGT 4th Leg - Sprint Distance - Cagayan de Oro
Sep 20 - Duathlon - MOA
Sep 26 - Gabriel's Symphony - STK - AAV
Oct 4 - SPEEDO NAGT 5th Leg - Sprint Distance - Los Banos
Oct 18 - SPEEDO NAGT 6th Leg - Sprint Distance - AAV
Nov 15 - Philippine International Duathlon Open - Standard Distance -Subic Bay
Nov 28-29 - Anvaya Cove Triathlon - Standard & STK - Anvaya Cove, Bataan
Dec 13 - Davao Mayor's Cup - Standard Distance - Davao

Race Report - XRC Subic 2008 (Part 1)

Yes. I was ready.

This year was full of firsts for me - Foot Races, Triathlons, Duathlons. This weekend of races was no different - another set of firsts - my first road race and my first criterium...a great way to end the year.

It's not often I enter a race knowing what to expect. However, this one was quite different. I knew exactly what was heading my way. I knew there was going to be pain, but of a different kind. You see, in triathlons, duathlons and foot races, you are really racing against time, against yourself. You decide on your pace, you get comfortable, and you hammer out. In a road race or criterium, you don't. You try your best to hang on to the peloton - or else you'll be riding solo.

I also got a lot of tips from veteran riders like Joyette, Makoy & Winston, along with the wealth of information available on the internet. I wasn't ready, but I knew more or less what I got myself into.

This was a crash course in drafting for me. Since I mostly train alone and ride in non-drafting races, I am oblivious to its effects. Tests show that the the 2nd rider in a draft line uses around 25% less energy than the lead rider. The 3rd and succeeding riders use 33% less energy. In huge pelotons, middle-of-the-pack riders can be using 60% less energy. That's a whole lot.

Riders in a perfect Draftline

There we were, about a hundred strong riders, awaiting the starting gun (or shout) of the 70km road race (which turned out to a few KMs less). We were starting on an uphill (can you believe that?). The first few kilometers were to be ridden in a controlled pace - thank God!

And off we went. Being a newbie, I stuck to the back of the pack. As much as I had wanted to try to be in the middle of the peloton (to conserve as much energy as I could), I chose not to, since I was new at this. During the first descent, I rode beside some Team David's Salon riders, an all girls multisports team. They had their coach riding with them, telling them what to do, and firing out tips left and right. I liked the idea, so I stuck with them for a while. I rolled up beside their coach and said 'Coach, kung ayos lang, makikinig ako ha?'. He chuckled and smiled, so I figured it was no problem at all. I learned quite a few tips about cornering and braking. I found some of the girls to be a bit twitchy, so I decided to push forward to avoid any mishap.

A few kilometers of cruising (at over 30kph) and the pack was let loose. There I was, at the back of the peloton, pedalling my heart out. It felt different...it felt great. Around 5-10 kilometers later, the peloton began to thin out, forming different groups. I settled into a group, hoping to maximize the effects of group riding.

The route consisted of 2 laps - out to Ocean Adventure and back. It was a hilly route, with as much as 2km ascents, and a fair share of descents. The descent from Legenda down to the main highway was pretty technical (at least for me).

There were alot of good samaritans along the way...allowing me to take their back wheel, pouring water over my head, and even offering some water (Thanks Winston). There were alot of people handing out water bottles - though those were obviously team support - a privateer like me had none of that help. In hindsight, I should have carried a third water bottle, or sports drink. About halfway through the 2nd lap I was out of water.

Around 2 hours later, I found myself pushing up the last half kilometer ascent to the finish line. In that last kilometer, I passed a few riders who appeared to have been suffering from cramps. They had parked themselves at the side of the road, had their legs stretched out, and were massaging themselves. I kept asking each rider 'Ok ka lang?' as I passed them by. They all said they were alright, so I didn't stop to help. I had the cramps too...but I knew stopping would only make it worse. I had to finish...it's all I came here to do.

The organizers, in true sadistic fashion, figured that it would make for a nice uphill finish. Yes, it makes for an interesting finish, but it's downright sadistic! I crossed the finish line in around 2:06. Not bad, said the pig.

Yours truly making the last ascent to the finish line

I spun for a few minutes more, in the hopes of letting my legs recuperate. When I settled, my buddy Vince and I exchanged some stories with Joyette (who won 3rd place in the race and 1st overall for the season), Makoy of PR, Winston & Ave of XTerra, and Robby of Rikulau. I also enjoyed drooling over the nice bikes these executives were riding.

Joyette Jopson (of Team David's Salon) & Makoy 'the Legend' Almanzor

A guilt-free lunch at Gerry's Grill consisting of Bagnet & Chicken Kebab followed. Vince & I spent the rest of the day drooling over gear in The Bike Boutique, and fixie hunting in the Olongapo bike shops.


Pictures c/o Vince

---End of Part 1---