Year of The Franc (Year 6)

I think it’s safe to say that 2011 was a good year.    I’ve been writing the Year of the Franc blogs for the 6th straight year and each year was different.  2006 was a banner year with me finishing MBA and getting promoted. 2007 was taking on new responsibilities and conquering new frontiers. 2008 was about learning fund raising skills. 2009 was about chasing and conquering the impossible. 2010 was a roller coaster ride and finding new passions.  2011 was about chasing new goals and enjoying the process.
My Thoughts
It’s a challenging year but the bigger challenge came from balancing a crazy work schedule with a hectic training schedule and a little bit of travel.  I was practically busy the whole year being a Franc of all trades from writing to running to raising funds to solving accounting issues to traveling and so much more.  I guess all the good that happened during the year outweigh the bad.  I’ve nothing much to complain… Not that I have time of day to do so.  Somehow, I’m a different person in 2011.  Less time worrying about life and more time living it. I’m bringing the no complains, no excuses attitude to 2012.
My Travel
I did have my share of travel for the year with 7 out of the country flights and 3 domestic flights. 4 flights in Taiwan was pure business as it wasn’t much a thrill visiting this place as I’ve been here for so many times already.  2 Singapore trip was partly business, mostly pleasure and Hong Kong Trip was purely pleasure.  Traveling around the Philippines has been one of my priorities as it would sound embarrassing that foreigners you get to meet has been to most part of the country than you.  So this year, I was able to sneak in a trip to Coron with its rich marine life, Boracay with its soft white sand beach and to Bellarocca with its Santorini like ambiance.  I also did out of town runs in Subic, Corregidor and Tagaytay Highlands.  Running is one good way to appreciate the outdoors and explore a new territory.  I  have yet to layout my 2012 travel plans but I’m looking forward to it.
My Runs
I’ve reached two of my running goals in 2011, finishing 10K at sub60 and finishing my first half marathon.  Of course, all that didn’t come easy as it was 40 to 50 kilometer training a week schedule and over 1500 training kilometers for the year and 232 kilometers worth of racing in 21 races in 2011. It was a great chase starting the year nearly hitting my sub60 10K goal in Subic and finally hitting it in February.  I had my first run on foreign soil via 6K run in Singapore. I had my 3 months preparation for my 21K and finishing well in my first 21K run. I ended the year with the scenic and challenging Tagaytay Highlands and Corregidor runs.  It also wasn’t free of scares like running injuries to cramping big time in a race but it’s all part of the experience. I got a new bike towards end of 2011, so I hope to be in my first duathlon event in 2012.
My Team
The bigger highlight of the year was the birth of Team Total Fitness.  It started as a dream, then an idea and now a reality.  The team made its Debut race in November ans was immediately featured in Total Fitness Magazine in November.  It’s great to be part of Team Total Fitness whether I get to run or get to support the team in races or blog about the team’s adventures.  You get to enjoy and be challenged in group runs by passionate runners and triathletes.  You get some perks from sponsors and you get to be featured monthly in Total Fitness Magazine.  With great perks come great responsibility and that responsibility is to live up to the brand we represent. Looking forward to 2012 with Team Total Fitness.
My Site
Though I had a blog site since 2005, 2011 was the time I moved everything to a new home (francramon.com).  It was meant to cater to a larger reader base and I’m really flattered that I’m hitting several thousands of readers now.  Writing is such a passion of mine since high school and even as I was meant to deal with numbers the most of my life, I really look forward to writing this blogs.  Aside from the upgraded site, it was a real bonus to be writing my first piece for an online magazine, Lovin’ La Bellarocca.  It’s been years that I’ve been saying I’m going back to my writing roots and finally 2011 has been the year I’ve done that.  I will be writing more in 2012.
My Work
I always have the ‘hate’ – ‘less-hate’ relationship with my work that sometimes even if its the easier decision is to leave, I still don’t find it the logical one.  Somehow, I am just able to balance things out to make it tolerable in some ways.  One of the things I don’t hate about my work is that I’m able to raise big-time funds.  Even if I don’t get the rewards I deserve, being able to master the art of raising funds is my future.  This is one of the things I want to do when I finally move out of my regular work.  It’s gonna be difficult but it’s gonna be more rewarding in the end.  Of the things I hate is the year end closing and its coming in 2012.  That’s one of the things I don’t look forward to in 2012 but I’m a trooper and I’ll get past that.
My Family and Friends
To do the improbable balancing act of mixing business, pleasure and blue-collar training would probably take a hit to your social life.  Somehow, I was still able to spend time with family and friends.  I used to a lot a day in a week to meet up with non running friends and I’m trying to make the most of my off-season for my family and friends in the celebration of the Christmas Season.  I’m not as visible as I used to but I’m still around.  Looking forward to a great 2012 getaways with family and friends.
My Gratitude
I’d always want to end this Year of the Franc blogs with a message of thanks.  Thanks to everybody who shared the year with me, helped me in the things I chased, joined me in my adventures and supported me through thick and thin.  2011 won’t be a good year without you.
My 2012
2012 will be another crazy and fun-filled ride.  It’s gonna be a new beginning, It’s gonna be new goals to fulfill.  It’s gonna be new disciplines to conquer.  It’s gonna be new places to uncover.  It’s gonna be new riddles to unravel.  It’s gonna be a fantastic 2012 and I’m ready for it!!! Bring it ON!!!

Tales of Christmas Past

Baguio City – Once the ‘ber’ months hits, we get all excited.  It is when you start hearing Christmas songs on the radio or you start counting down days before Christmas in school.  Studying in a Catholic School, you get to countdown Christmas by the lighting of the Advent Candles.  With the chilly and breezy climate, you can actually see the mist coming out of your mouth at this time of the year.  We actually try to out do each other while waiting for our ride to school by who can make a unique or biggest shape out of the morning mist.

We start saving from our little allowances just to be able to buy gifts for our Kris Kringle.  Even at a young age, we were taught to save and earned extra credits for good grades or helping out on a chore.  Somehow, we came prepared when Christmas day comes and it’s not because we saved a lot but we had meager expectations on what to give and what to receive.  We have our Christmas socks that magically has candies after the night.  I once caught my dad placing candies in the sock one time and he just said that Santa asked him to place it there.  We’d count the days before Christmas and sometimes gather as a pack to do our rounds of Caroling for extra cash.  Having cousins 2 to 3 years apart makes it easier to form a group.

When Christmas comes, we used to have singing and dancing contest for a glorious sum of P20-P50.  The sum would be enough to buy you snacks and drinks or even chocolates.   We enjoyed the thrill of winning and felt the sting of losing. We had the tradition of who could give the best piece on ” The Greatest Love of All” and we also sings it as a group with our parents and grandparents as audience.  We’d take our dinner together after all the contests and then we proceed to exchange gifts. We didn’t expect big toys or expensive gadgets but we’d be happy to have a simple pull back car toy or matchbox we’d crash against each other.  Anything over that is already a luxury. We then proceed to church for an anticipated Christmas Mass an hour or two before Christmas.   Then we countdown the minutes before Christmas, open our gifts and have our Noche Buena as a family. After that we resume counting down to the next 365 days before Christmas.

Somehow this is how I always wanted to see Christmas. It’s a lot different now with our pack in charge of the gifts and with the younger and older ones being the recipients.  Things have changed with the simple gifts or prize of the past replaced by gadgets and cold cash.  It’s not the price tag that I am afraid of but Christmas has gone commercial with the pricey celebrations and expensive gifts.  It’s always nice to look back at tales of Christmas Past when the spirit of giving and family was at its strongest.

Pasko sa Pinas!!!

Here's a simply Christmas treat!!!
We usually do this caricature way back in our college publication, The Pinion, so I requested my good friend Mike Famaranglas to come up with one on the Christmas traditions that makes the Philippines the happiest part of the world in this time of the year.
Merry Christmas!!!

My 2011 Favorite Races

I wanted to do a top 5 out of the 21 races I've joined this year but I'm getting 7 on my mind so might as well go with 7 on the list.  This list is based on how I enjoyed, the innovations made and the overall challenge of the race.

7) Globe Run for Home

Photo credit: Estan Cabigas

Runrio could easily dominate any top list though for some scheduling conflicts, I was only able to run 3 Runrio race during the year and 2 of them would be in this list.  Globe Run for Home had a unique treat of running in the Ayala Avenue coming from the Fort area.  This is my second 15K run and it was a good arena as the race area was well defined, hydration stations are sufficient and results came out immediately.

6) Greentennial Run

Photo credit: Daisy Mae Castaneda

Greentennial has also been creative and innovative in their races.  Greentennial Run was my first 15K run and it was fun with a capital F U N. It was a photography haven with those jump and look back shots.  It also had sprinklers along the race course and hydration was overflowing.  The course was well plotted with a combination of the Fort and Buendia Area in Makati.

5) Subic International Marathon

The running along the perimeter of Subic Bay and fresher air sets the Subic International Marathon apart.  Subic Marathon has been my first race of 2011 and was my first shot at closing in on sub 60 for 10K.  I enjoyed the race and running along side physically fit policemen makes it a little more competitive.  It's also refreshing to see the Subic Bay on some areas of the course and it also helps that the course is straight in chasing a good time.

4) Nathan Ridge Run

Photo credit: Pinoyfitness

Scenic Tagaytay Highlands was the backdrop. 2 to 3 kilometers climb was the challenge.  Environment friendly run was the advocay.  This is what sets Nathan Ridge Run apart.  It was indeed a tough course or as they say race redefined.  Despite the difficult climbs you get rewarded by a nice view of Taal Volcano in the cold mist of the morning.  It was also nice to take those suicide plunge on the descents to make up for lost time.

3) Corregidor International Half Marathon

Photo credit: Leo and KB Photography

Phenomenon is definitely the king of hardcore when it comes to race organizers and the best of their brainchild is Corregidor International Half Marathon.  It's on a league of its own with an upmountain experience combined with a trail run plus you get to see all the scenic and historical structures in Corregidor and a view of the ocean at some points.  It does also give you an eerie experience crossing 3 times in a dark Malinta Tunnel.  It's definitely a great culminating race for your running season.

2) Condura Skyway Marathon

Photo credit: Runners' Runner

Condura will always be among the best race in the country in any year.  Going up the skyway and seeing the city from the top is not only thing that sets the bar high when it comes to Condura.  They also have seamless execution of every race detail from singlet design, registration, water stations, race marshall until you cross the finish line and claim your finisher kit making the participant focus more on the run part of the race.  It always support a cause and aims to get better after every staging.

1) Adidas King of the Road

Photo credit: Spartan Runner

On the 2nd straight year, I selected Adidas KOTR as the race I transition to the next level.  I moved to 10K in 2010 and 21K in 2011.  Adidas on its own is one of the top races in the country but if you partner it with Runrio, you get an unbeatable combination.  It made the event bigger with a S.E.A Championship accross 5 countries. The Philippine staging was flawless to the tiniest details, even the weather cooperated as it was a cool morning at race day. Definitely my top race for the year and I did spend time to train for this one.

2011 Racing
There goes my favorite races for the year.  Of course, each race I ran is a different story and experience and most of the time, I just focus on the positive part of the race.  If there's one thing I learned on the races I joined is that it's my race, my responsibility.  At the end of the day, what matters is that I gave it my best shot whatever race conditions are.

Off Season

My 2011 racing calendar has just ended.
Off Season
Just like that... 21 races covering 232 kilometers of adrenalin rush and over 1,500 kilometers of trainings is a thing of the past.  Just a few days away from all the races, I already miss the satisfaction of crossing a finish line whether it be the strong finish I've always wanted to do or the limping finish after being meticulously broken down during a long run.
I'm taking a step backward hoping that it gives me two full steps forward.  I'm taking my time to recover from the wear and tear of the year.  I've reached the point of muscle failure in a race yet still had enough will to finish but being down cramping on both legs in the middle of nowhere is humbling.  On one hand it does make you feel vulnerable but on the other side, it makes you stronger and builds your character.  I'll be taking some time off from high-intensity running in time for the holidays. When I resume my build up...  there will be no excuses, just a determined me going for new heights.
Hello Friends!!!
'Tis the season to be chubby... La la la la la la la...  Christmas parties are here, there and everywhere.  I love that I'm finally meeting some old friends who I haven't seen for months or even years but I'm hating the excess pounds it brings plus the lesser time to train.  I haven't bought a single gift and it's not because I am stingy or something.  The parking spaces are always full and to my advantage, I haven't been spending much on retail therapy.  I have a few more weeks to meet non-running friends or even running friends in a non-running capacity.  This is gonna be fun!!!
Bike... Bike... Bike...

I finally got my road bike that took me sometime to decide.   Getting a bike is like rocket science.  I had to ask so many people who's into bikes on what would be the best to buy and I ended up buying a Scott Addict R3 2011 with Shimano 105 Groupset and Mavic Aksium Wheelset.  Even after having the bike with me, I'm still having nosebleeds listening to some of the aspects of the bike.  I'll consider this my Personal Christmas Gift.  It's gonna be a new sport to learn and I'm a newbie once again. For now, it'll be secret trainings til I get the hang of it.  Still focus on run training until Condura and include bike by mid-February and hoping to join my first duathlon event in 2012.  I'm gonna enjoy this and it seems I may be able to reconnect to some friends who's also into biking.   Bike ON!!!
Offseason Blogging

I'm really overwhelmed with the increasing number of hits at francramon.com.  I started blogging way back in 2005 and it was more of just an outlet to unleash my thoughts.  I was happy just having a few friends read my blogs and really appreciated those few hits and comments.   Now I'm getting hundreds of readers for my blogs.  Its been really overwhelming having readers, and people liking and sharing my blogs.  I just had to close the comments section as I got several spams crowding my comment section but be rest assured I'm very much thankful for anyone who visit my site or share my posts.  I'll do my best to write more on relevant topics, more visual travel tales and by the kilometer race experience.
Team Total Fitness
It may be weeks away for good measure but I do miss those hardcore group workouts we do but it'll be interesting how tormenting 2012 workouts would be... I'm Thrilled!!!

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes
I've so much respect for people who play behind the scene roles in the running and the multi sport arena.  Borne out of passion for the sport or their craft there are a lot of people who do wake up early on race day, bring in their own gear and cover races or throw in their support to the participants.  When you're running or chasing PRs, you get to appreciate the well wishers whether it be race marshals, hydration and those who capture your priceless moment on the race course.
Powerade Duathlon

I love my time when I am running but I also appreciate the time when I'm part of the support group.  I had my first chance at support during the last leg of the powerade duathlon in Nuvali as part of Team Total Fitness.  It was also my attempt to further spur the desire to switch to duathlon and at the same time support the team.  First supporting role was to be a photographer covering both the run and bike leg.  Of course, I'm still a novice of photography though I'm lucky enough that my Sony Nex3 is smarter than me in taking shots so was able to take several good shots.  It was a different experience seeing how athletes compete and seeing how the multi sport community is such a close knit group.  Most important of all, I am now hell bent on buying a bike and joining the festivities.
PCL Immuvit

I was asked to tag along PCL Immuvit for the support group as most of Team Total Fitness Tri competed in a 100 km road race from Clark all the way to Dinalupihan via SCTEX and back to Clark.  Mascy was the designated driver of the support vehicle and me having a do-it-all role as photographer, hydration support for the cyclist and to provide timely update on Team Total Fitness Facebook Page powered by Smart Bro Pocket WiFi.  It was a lot more difficult taking photos of moving cyclists from a moving vehicle.  It was also nice to help the team in whatever capacity I can whether to provide hydration or just cheer them as they approach.  Well, a 100 Km road race is out of my immediate goals but who knows.
Writer

I also maintain my own blogsite covering my thoughts, my travels and my runs and now also team developments.  I really enjoy documenting my runs as a means to share the experience.  I usually use the first person perspective in my blogs to give more vivid description of the experience and hope that in reading my blogs people get to feel the fun in the sport and in the adventure.  While running is my current love, writing will always be my first love.  I'm also glad that I'm writing for two mags now.
For the love of it
It's not easy being able to comply with so many roles but I always see it this way.  There are things you do to earn a living and there are things  you do that gives you a great deal of satisfaction. The most satisfying acts are those you do without expecting anything in return.  This is where what most of what I do fall, doing things for the love of it.  Whether I'm in full attack at a race or just doing things behind the scene, it doesn't feel like a burden.  Of course, there are perks of the adventure like the thrill of conquering your old record or new terrains; catching the morning sunrise or evening sunset and just getting to meet people and then there's the price of being fit and healthy and that to me is priceless.

Hello Pasko!!!

“It’s the time of year when the elaborate bright decorations dominate the night skies but it also comes unbearable traffic and parking situation, congested airports, mall and restaurant spaces, overzealous well wishers and extra-picky taxi drivers.  Love it or hate it, Christmas is coming.“

Pinoys Love Fun

The wonder of being stuck in the part of the world that has the longest and most festive Christmas celebration. It is where people remains resilient even when times are tough and circumstances are rough.  The Philippines is a nation of celebrations.  We celebrate for the slightest reasons from a kid graduating to an employee getting promoted or retiring and not to mention those regular birthday parties, anniversaries, town fiestas and of course, the annual countdown to Christmas day.  Knowing how to appreciate the little blessings we get and our anticipation for the next celebration is what makes us resilient.  That’s why I always like spending my December here – In a country that can poke fun of having an infamous airports or take humor on the political turbulence or even the latest events in the showbiz circle.

Christmas

I’m always mixed with anticipation and apprehension every time Christmas approaches as the festivities and events are always a welcome diversion but I’m also stuck in a profession that gets busy once year end approaches and the closing of the books begin.  I think this year is much easier to plan as a year ago, I was jumping from planning one party after another while doing my regular training routines and cramming some year end stuff.  This year I’m taking it easy just focusing on my training and racing schedule and little time with family and friends and gifts…  oh wait shouldn’t the buying of gifts be already a part of my system at this time???  Oh poor family and friends as I haven’t caught up with the spirit of giving yet. That’s still a full 24 days more to cram, I guess or better yet avoid the holiday rush by not shopping at all.  When I get to have a time, let’s make a list of who’s naughty or nice.

Work

The board meeting is over and for that I can breathe a big sigh of relief.   It was short and painless. I’m starting to buy that telecon meetings are better. Less questions… less answers… less mistakes and no need to travel much.  It’s gonna be busy soon but soon is not today so that’s good.  I’ll bid my time and reserve those precious energy and much needed  patience until the time calls for it. Work… Rest… Work…

Train

It’s been difficult trying to build up endurance lately with multiple races and another two race in the succeeding weekends plus some work stuff and the festive mood.  Focus.  I’ll be pushing myself more, have some races as training runs and have fun in the process.  I’ve been going through that exercise lately focusing more on the run and the fun of it rather than be conscious with time.  I also need to start thinking of what bike I want as soon I should start moving on to duathlons.  Think… Save… Think…

Vacation

The travel bug in me has been itching and itching real hard.  Looks like the vacation I’ve been planning is falling apart but let’s see I might still have a few tricks of my sleeves.  Seriously, I miss my travels… Not the work related ones but the one in which I get to go to new frontiers.   Plan… Plan… Plan…

It’s December!!! It’s festive, busy and I’m very much upbeat on things to come.  I’m in a much better situation now and things are just heating up and after the haze of a busy board meeting has cleared up, I can now see Christmas so I say with much joy… Hello Pasko!!