Runners Discipline
This post is actually long overdue. I was supposed to write this the week of the DocFit race as a response to how some people reacted before, during and after race day. There were some disgruntled runners who had very heated words towards Coach Rio, the organizers and the other people manning the organizers table of DocFit. They were angry that they were not being allowed to register on the day of the race.
Some people were texting or sending comments to Coach Rio that they did not like that the race could only accommodate more runners, or that registration was already closed. They were saying that Coach should have informed them that there was a limit of only 600 participants so they could have registered early. Some even said that Coach Rio should have made it clear and should not have simply said “Limited Participants.” In all fairness to Coach Rio, there was nothing he could do since there were only indeed 600 race numbers. As much as he wanted to accommodate more runners, he couldn’t since there were no more race numbers to give out. Well, the runners could still run as bandits but they wouldn’t have an official time.
A few weeks before DocFit, Coach Rio mentioned that he wanted to start disciplining Filipino runners into registering earlier, and not on race day. Instead of 6am races, Coach is thinking of doing them earlier at 5:30 am (I think he’s doing it on Mizuno, June 29).
I commend Coach for always starting on time, and also posting the race results as soon as he can, which is usually minutes after the race. This is something a lot of people appreciate when all other races release their results more than a week after the race.
I see the rationale also. It’s not easy handling a race. If the race starts at 6am. The organizers and the marshals are there by 4am to set up the venue. If there is a 42k event. They’re probably there by 2am or 3am at the latest since they start at 4am.
Thinking about “Runners’ Discipline” I realize that there is a certain dedication that people develop after they get hooked to running. They have to wake up early. I imagine everyone getting up at 4am just to make it in time for the 6am races. After they wake up, they have to get ready, do their morning rituals, then have breakfast or have something for energy before the race like coffee or an energy drink or power bar.
Looking at my own experience, I get to wake up early just to train at 6am… whereas I never get to wake up for class. What used to be late nights for me are now a thing of the past. I’m usually asleep now by 10:30 or 11:00pm and 12mn would usually be my max. I’m usually up by 4am, with or without training. And should I decide to stay in, I’m usually out of the bed by 8am to have breakfast. All of these things I only get to do now.
I’ve also developed the discipline of controlling my drinking, my eating and my sleeping habits. I’m more conscious of everything that I do. Running has really had a positive effect on my life (naks!) Hehe! 
Jun 9th, 2008 at 10:11 am
I agree with your comment that runners should be disciplined. In the first place, running demands discipline and commitment. If a runner intends to join a race, it is his responsibility to register early and avoid the last minute rush. Otherwise, he runs the risk of being bumped off.
I first came to know about this run early May and surfed the blogs on how to register. Alas the blogs only provided information that registration can only be in Quezon City. I called the Philippine Heart Association office and inquired if I can fax the registration form and pay via their bank account so I will no longer have to travel from Alabang to Quezon City. The staff were very accommodating and provided me with the PHA bank account number. I was able to register on-line.
I just wanted to share this experience for everyone to realize that organizers would be very accommodating to runners who would like to join early.
I would like to commend the organizers for this event. I enjoyed the DocFit 10-k run.
All the best.
Jun 9th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
In all fairness kay Rio, paulit-ulit naman niyang sinasabi sa mga tao (even yung mga nakaka-salubong namin sa UP when we do our practice runs) na LIMITED lang ang slots. Even sa doctors and medical communities, he always reminds them na limited lang talaga ang slots even for doctors.
I guess, some runners really deliberately register last minute. I think it’s because mejo malaki ang prizes… and kung may nakitang malakas na kalaban right before the race, sa 10K for example, then they would just register for 5K for a better chance of winning.
Pero yun nga. I think it’s best to repeat the rules OVER AND OVER again if limited slots, or yung deadline ng pag register etc. And a lesson to all runners, the earlier (or the faster) to register, the better :O)
Jun 10th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Hello Passion Runner. I applaud Coach Rio for what he has done for running in the country. His passion for starting races on time and getting results shortly after is something that race directors worldwide should take notice.
Where I run here in the U.S., I not only race but volunteer on occasions during the year. It wasn’t until about 10 years ago when first volunteering that one can appreciate what race organizers, volunteers and race designers have to do to have a race done correctly. Sometimes, things don’t always come out smooth but prerace meetings with the race organization comes in.
I agree that pre entry is important. Here, there is a late fee for a race. There are some races that allow a cap number of entries and there are some that will close early for planning purposes. As a runner, I can understand that. Planning ahead is important but sometimes injuries or personal matters can change things.
Regarding bandits, I’m not in favor unless they start behind those who have paid entry to a race. It’s unfair to those who paid and can be a nuisance for those who might be running a good race.
Please keep up the good posts. There are some good runners on the posts that enjoy the sport there.
Happy running. - Wayne
Jun 12th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I’ve only been able to last 14 days with regular, almost daily 6-8k runs. I don’t know, one day, I just woke up and lost the drive to run… Whereas before, I would even look FORWARD to running!
It happened to me before, too. My fitness stint lasted for 2 weeks lang.
Just goes to show how much more discipline I need, if I really want my peak health that bad.
Jun 13th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Hi Lester!
I think what you need to do is set a goal. It’s not enough that you run 5-8km a day… what you should be after is that each time you run 5-8km a day, you run faster, or if not, you run longer or farther than 5-8kms.
It is when you set your goals that you feel the passion, the drive to push on. You goals don’t need to be big. Start small, but dream big. One way or another, you’ll get there. I hope you get back on track.
One of these days, let’s run to get your rhythm back
Jun 17th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Hi,
Sometimes runners just doesnt have the time or way to register bef race day. There are so many races that you need to go to a certain office during business hrs to register. Race organizers should understand the difficulty of registering. jus a tot. Run on!
Jun 21st, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Hi Lone Runner!
Sorry for the delayed response… we’re trying to perfect registration… perhaps in the near future, we’ll have several bank accounts set-up or even look into the possibility of G-Cash or Smart Money or something like that. Hopefully by 2009, we would also have worked out the kinks in online payments and make sure that secure payments are made.