Finally, a Running Blog

Photo Credits: coming out / staying out

It took me thirty one (31) races before I finally decided to create a separate blog for my running adventures. Hence, this blog will stay (with its original purpose) as a personal blog where I would be posting my emotions and thoughts which I find hard to reveal through speaking. For, most of the time, I find it easier to armor myself with pen.

Anyhow, I guess I will no longer be posting running-related articles here. My running blog will be a completely different world. And I'm a bit excited about it.

Runner friends, allow me to welcome you to my latest crib - MinnieRunner (http://minnierunner.blogspot.com/)!
Let's break a leg!

Ondoy No More: Thunderbird Resorts Run for a Cause

My cousin and I were supposedly running at Camarines Sur on her birthday, September 26, 2010. However, some things are just not meant to happen right? Good thing though, Thunderbird Resorts Run for a Cause dubbed as Ondoy No More was also held at the same day - a race that we joined instead.

We (Irish, RunningAtom, and BurpRunner) took advantage of the free bus ride from Trinoma to Thunderbird Resort that day; hence, we arrived at the race venue that early - an ample time to take pictures before the gun start, hee hee.



At the gun start, I ran (of course, LOL!). And I am surprised with the hills that we need to traverse. Whoah! I even saw that we have to traverse the same dreading hill for the second time (10K race category). How was that?

Killer Hill?

I got no choice but to walk, like most of the runners do. And like what I intended to do, I allow BurpRunner to run ahead of me for I wanted to run my own pace. On top of it, since I have camera on my pocket, I had some "picture pace" along the route.

Tunnel

Curve

Along the route, I happen to converse with a runner. I asked her on how many 10K's she already ran. She told me that her usual distance is 21K; only, she did not expect the route to be "almost all hills". She's a member of the FortStrider Group. She's Ate Rose.

Ate Rose

On my way back after the second turn around, I spotted RunningAtom. He handed me hydration, but I just returned it to him. The hydration provided along the race route was that sufficient. I just asked him to pace with me for some kilometers.

Thanks Coach!

Then off I go. I still spotted Ate Rose, but she's quite ahead of me then. I just let her and continue with my own pace. After a while, there I go again with the "killer hill". I planned to make up for my walk break at downhill; and I managed to do so. However, on the last few meters of the race, I felt like my right knee is in pain... again. So I have a brisk walk - run alternately.

On to the finish line, I once more spotted Ate Rose, and I don't know but I have that sudden gush to overtake her; and I did - a healthy competition nonetheless.


I finished the race at 1:08 (my time); but the race result says it's 1:13:36.

Top: Trick, Me, and BurpRunner
Bottom: Reylynne (5th placer), Kassy, Irish, and RunningAtom

After the race and some photo op (LOL!), we had our breakfast near ProgRunner's crib.



Afterward, since it's Irish' birthday, we went on swimming at Bosay Resort (Thanks btw to ProgRunner for the ride).

At Bosay Resort

Going Home?

Going home? Not yet. We just realized that we haven't eaten lunch and it's 3PM already. So we stop by at Mister Kebab first. And yes, we emptied our plates, hee hee.


Finally, we call it a day.

Happy Birthday Sweetie! Mwah!

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Race Name: Ondoy No More: Thunderbird Resorts Run for a Cause
Race Distance: 10K
Official Rank: 104/134
Official Time: 01:13:36
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Corregidor International Half-Marathon: The Press Launch

I attended the press launch of Corregidor International Half-Marathon (CIHM) yesterday at Sun Cruises Dock, CCP Complex, at the back of Folk Arts Theater. We boarded the MV Spirit of Manila yacht at around 5:30PM to sail through Manila Bay while having the launching of CIHM.


The activity was spearheaded by Edward Kho, the race director. The information that he revealed about the CIHM to be held on December 19, 2010 makes me really wanted to run my very first 21K... or maybe not. Here are some of the information about the race:

• The race route, covering a total of 21.0975km, will encompass a demanding combination of paved uphills and down slopes and intermittent segments of dirt trails. He mentioned that the race route would probably comprise of 40% trail and 60% road. However, the road part is not that friendly for you have to run a steep road with an angle of elevation of 60⁰. Most of the attendees (runner bloggers) there had performed a test run and testify the dreadful hills.
  
  Killer Hill. Nuff said.
  
  On the other hand, the race route is not yet revealed to provide thrill and excitement.
• CIHM is aimed to become one of the premiere and much-awaited races in the country. He mentioned that this race will be synonymous to Boston Marathon. The CIHM will be held annually on the 2nd or 3rd weekend of December. Much likely a final major race for the year, a Christmas Party of sort for us runners.
• There will be no finish time cut-off for the race. This is to allow the runners to enjoy the scenic view of Corregidor. However, runners should pass the 10K mark on or before 1:45.
• All runners who have not crossed the halfway mark within the curfew shall be cleared out from the course by tranvias and will be awarded a 10km Achievement medal. CIHM finishers will be awarded CIHM Medallion (to be presented upon crossing the finish line) and Finisher's Certificate.
  
  It's NOT a medal. It's a MEDALLION!
• Unlike the Boston Marathon which has a qualifying time to participate in the race, CIHM has none. Nonetheless, participants must submit a proof of prior participation in a 21km or a 42km race (should be during the last three months for the former and the last six months for the latter) and/or a doctor's certification of fitness for athletic participation.
• Participants must be at least 18 years of age and should not be more than 70 years old on the day of the race.
• CIHM, as the name implies, is open to all nationalities.
• Race kit includes CIHM backpack containing the race bib with RFID timing chip, race route map, and CIHM runner's shirt. During the race, only the race backpack will be accepted for deposit.
  
  Patterned to Marathon in Rome
  
  This is not just a shirt, this one's dri-fit. You can use it at race day.
• There will be male and female top 10 finishers, respectively. There will be no age category winners. All top 10 finishers will receive a certificate of achievement. Top 3 winners from each category will receive cash prizes and medals - 3rd place: P5,000.00 & bronze medal, 2nd place: P8,000.00 & silver medal, and 1st place: P15,000.00 & gold medal.
• On top of the medal and cash prize, the male & female champions, to be hailed as "King and/or Queen of The Rock", will be awarded with a replica of the CIHM trophy. Inscribed on the original trophy are the names of the first set of champions and names of succeeding winners in the ensuing of CIHM.
• Only 800 participants are allowed to register. For the fee of P2,500 (inclusive of the race kit), participants will also be provided with the transportation via Sun Cruises, Inc.
• Gun start of CIHM will be 8AM.
  

Aside from these race information, other details pertaining to the race include:

• Runner's Briefing to be held on December 4 and 11 (1-8PM) at ROX in BHS.
• Carbo-Loading Bonfire Party on Saturday evening (6-9PM) before the Sunday race.
• Solidarity and Victory Party on the night (6PM onwards) of the race day.

For more information, visit www.corregidor2010.com.

PERSONAL INSIGHTS

Aren't those package tempting? I would really love to take a chance on conquering "The Rock". So, I'll be running my first pikermi at RunRio Leg 3 (Unilab Run United 2). Bid me good luck and may God Bless us all! I should register immediately... before I change my mind, LOL!

Anyway, here are some of the pictures from the event:

Me, RunningAtom, and Ms. Vanessa Ordinario

with Bearwin Meily

Edward Kho

Let, Que, James, Jet, and Abby

with my cousin Irish

My dinner.Ü

BlueWater Day Spa 'Innovating Wholeness' Fun Run

If there's something that had been consuming a considerable amount of my time, that would be RUNNING. It is really fun to meet new friends of the same passion - newbie, regular, seasoned, elite, or even "mamaws". Anyhow, for those who still haven't tried running (or road running for that matter), there's something you've gotta look forward to on October 17, 2010.

At exactly 5AM of that day, at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds Seaside, BlueWater Day Spa 'Innovating Wholeness' Fun Run will be held.

Race Categories: 3K | 5K | 10K
Race Route:



Registration Fees: P500 | P600 | P700 respectively
Race Kit: Singlet, Towel, Race Bib, Race Map, drawstring bag and lots of freebies.
Registration Areas:

• Blue Water Day Spa Branches- Ortigas (724-0426), Makati (817-3126), Eastwood (702-8290), Capitol Hills (473-0455) & Tomas Morato (486-5594)
  
• TIMEX in SM Mall of Asia and Greenbelt
• ROX in Bonifacio High Street
• Columbia in Greenbelt 5
• Res Toe Run in Gateway
• Online Registration
  

The BlueWater Day Spa 'Innovating Wholeness' Fun Run is made possible by Columbia Sportswear, Beach Hut, Monterey, Hungry Juan, Magnolia Chicken Station, Half Moon Asian Cafe, Canadian Manufacturing, Cath's InStyle Jewelry, Mines View Park Hotel, Holy Seat, Spa Essentials and 55 Events Place. The official bottled water of the said event is Aquabest with the support of Fruit Magic, Tides Boracay, Citibank, Tapa King, Timex, Posh Nails, Eagle's Wing Enterprise, Fuzion and Bed Scene Media partners are Business World, Business World High Life, Dispatch, HerWord.com, Luxe Magazine, Rogue Magazine, RunnerSpeak, Cablelink, Total Fitness Magazine, Uno Magazine. Registration partners are ResToeRun, Timex, R.O.X.

It seems to me that this event aimed at encouraging newbies to really enjoy running. But I have to warn you guys, "Running is Addictive". Anyhow, why did I seem to perceive that this event's theme is to encourage people to run (thus promoting wellness)? Let me count the reasons:

1. It has the 'Jazz Up Your Singlet' contest which will enable runners to channel beauty in their own singlets by being able to design it themselves. See more info in the official website.
2. Celebrity endorsers of BWDS will be there to run with the participants as well. I know for sure that regular/seasoned runners are not that "amazed" anymore seeing celebrities run. But for newbies, I bet they still have that enthusiasm to run side-by-side with them. Well, honestly speaking, I joined my first ever fun run because of Chiz Escudero, LOL! BWDS endorsers include Sam Milby, Mika Lagdameo-Martinez, Karylle, Boom Labrusca, Coach Rio De La Cruz (What?! You don't know the man behind the afro? C'mon! Well, once you become addicted to running, you'll know. And you'll run after him for a photo op, hee hee.), Daniel Matsunaga, Fabio Ide, and 40 Brazilian models. It's either you'll run slower to keep pace with them; or you'll run faster to chase them. As for me, I chased after Aga Muhlach in one of my fun runs.
   
   
3. Upon finishing the race, participants will be given special treats by exhibitors.

So, if you've got nothing to do on October 17, you might want to pamper yourself by starting a healthy lifestyle - run! See you at the starting line.

I Feel It In My Toes

THE INVITATION

Last September 14, 2010, I received an invitation from Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) for their upcoming Media Launch at Paulo's Bootcamp, Metropolitan Club in Rockwell Makati. The next thing I know, I filed a vacation leave for September 22. Suffice to say, I never wanna miss this event.

THE EVENT

RunningAtom and I arrived at the event around 15 minutes earlier than 10AM. After registration, we were allowed to feel being "barefoot" with the VFFs displayed (Classic, Sprint, and KSO) in the lobby.

Photo Credits: DaddyJoey

The VFF launch officially started with Reema Chanco heading the ceremony. Allow me now to share to you what I have learned from the event by quoting their press release.

Barefoot Revolution Hits Philippines

The past years have certainly brought many revolutionary changes to the world. A prime example is the way people use shoes. For thousands of years, people have grown accustomed to wearing closed footwear. When Vibram founder Vitale Bramani invented the first rubber soles for mountaineering boots in 1935, it was the beginning of a revolution. More than 70 years later, Vibram is still known around the world as the undisputed leader in soling technology for a wide range of quality performance footwear. Today, Vibram manufactures more than 34 million soles annually for more than 1,000 premium footwear brands worldwide such as Nike, Merrell, Ferragamo, Gucci, Cole Haan and Prada, to name a few.

The year 2006 marked the barefoot revolution as Vibram finally unveiled VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS, a unique footwear design that mimics the feeling of being barefoot. It allowed people to experience the sensation and freedom of going barefoot with the protection and sure-footed grip of a Vibram sole. Made by abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric and Vibram TC-1 performance rubber weighing 5.3oz. each, Vibram Five Fingers immediately took the world by storm, catching especially the eyes and feet of athletes and sports aficionados. This led to being awarded as one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2007. To date, the barefoot revolution has invaded Europe, North America, Australia and very recently -- Asia.

This year, the barefoot revolution reaches local shores, aiming to change the lifestyle of the active Filipino one foot at a time. Barefootwear Inc, the company that distributes the ingenious footwear in the country, recently held a sports-themed media launch at the Metropolitan Club, Rockwell Makati. The event gathered athletes, sports fanatics, celebrities and select health, sports, and fashion media personalities. Gracing the event were celebrity athletes Lorraine Lapus of the Philippine Sufring Academy, Corey Wills of Pulse Yoga, former Olympian Eric Buhain, multi sport coach and athlete Joseph Pagulayan, ultramarathoner Ronald Declarador, and Frisbee star Reema Chanco who all profess to Vibram Five Finger’s many advantages. They related their experiences with the very unique footwear, proving the versatility of this new product. The launch highlights also included the Kettlebell demonstration by the Philippine Kettlebell Club, headed by Nico D’haenen and Running demos by the TRIMAC coaches, headed by Jay Valencia. The activities demonstrated the many benefits of the Vibram Five Fingers such as better flexibility, stronger muscles, and improved posture among others. Guests were able to try first hand barefooting while engaging in these activities.

With only just a few months of being available in the country, expect more from Vibram Five Fingers as it continues to break new grounds. As Barefootwear Inc.’s Marketing Manager Cherry Ermita puts it “The Filipino will never walk the same way again”.

The Vibram Five Fingers store is located at Level R1 Bridgeway in PowerPlant Mall, Rockwell. For inquiries, call (02) 513-1449 or e-mail marketing@barefootwearinc.com. You could also visit the official website at www.barefootwearinc.com.

Me, Jhong, RunningAtom, JB, JourneyingJames
Photo Credits: DaddyJoey

MY VFF SPRINT

BarefootWear Inc. is that generous for allowing us to go home with our very own VFFs. Here's what RunningAtom and I had.

What we got was VFF Sprint in Slate/Palm/Lichen (for RunningAtom) and Fuschia/Grey/Lilac (for me). Here's a little information for our VFF.

Some have called FiveFingers Sprint the most versatile footwear they own. Adjustable hook-and-loop closures cross over the instep and surround the heel for a personalized, secure fit. A thin abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric follows the contour of the foot for comfort. And a flexible, non-marking TC1 performance rubber sole is razor siped to enhance grip over a variety of terrain.

Men’s Colors: Red/Black, Khaki/Putty/Clay, Castle Rock/Navy Blue/Grey
Women’s Colors: Black/Black, Chilli/Peach, Slate/Palm/Lichen, Fuschia/Grey/Lilac
Sizes: Men’s 40-47 | Women’s 34-42
Caring Instructions: Machine Washable, Air Dry
Sprint is best for: Light Trekking, Climbing, Canyoneering, Running, Fitness Training, Martial Arts, Yoga, Pilates, Sailing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Surfing, Flats Fishing, Travel
Price: P4,450.00

I FEEL IT IT MY TOES

RunningAtom and I were that excited that we immediately test it by running at UP Diliman's Academic Oval.

Yes, RunningAtom and I exchange a piece of our pair, hee hee.

Sorry for the low quality pictures

Here are my first few notes in wearing my VFF.

• My feet feel FREE.
  
• I feel short, LOL!
• I'm a little bit conscious when people start looking at my VFF. Most thought that I'm just wearing socks.
  
• My first 2.2K run is great. I don't feel any stress on my feet. Although there were parts in the oval where I really feel the rough road. It hurts. But like what the already users of VFF, it would really hurt at the onset. But when your feet get used to it, it would no longer hurt; and you'll be surprised that it had made your running form correct and proper.
  
• My next 2.2K run is not great. My legs somewhat ache. I need to stop for a brisk walk, then run when able. I really felt the pain in my forefoot. Well, that's good. It just means that I'm not a heel striker right?
• For the last "drill", I tried to do a run at maximum effort. Hmmm, my problem with running at maximum effort does not lie on my legs; but on my breathing, LOL!
• Walking while on the rain feels relaxing on my feet. Only, I thought my feet become wet; only to find out that it is the peppermint spray that I used earlier, hee hee.

Will post some more if I already get used to it. I hope that my VFF would allow me to correct my running form - and soon make me a full pledged MARATHONER!

Singing Till Midnight

Last Tuesday, we had a sudden burst of decision to avail of Red Box's Ladies Night promo at Trinoma. It is a sort of despedida to our officemate, pEDo. Of course, his treat :) Thanks!

It was a great night. Something that I really missed doing together with my cousin, Irish - Singing Till Midnight (or even until the break of dawn). Yeah, my cousin and I love to sing - even we don't have the gift of a golden voice, hee hee.

Anyhow, let me share you the pictures that we had that night that's worth to remember.

For our food, we have Crispy Calamares, Sisig, and Charcoal grilled pork belly.

Crispy Calamares

Sisig

Charcoal grilled pork belly

I am somewhat shy of singing with my friends for I don't have the talent and they do. I don't know but when it is only Irish and I, I can sing my heart out, LOL! Nonetheless, I still tried. I don't mind them listening to my voice, they're my friends anyway :)

Chad, Me, Sir Cris, Zen, Jem, and pEDo

Sir Cris and Jem had to leave early, so there were only four of us left. But that does not make us stop from singing... and taking pictures :)


This one's my favorite picture...


I don't know how many songs we have sung that night. All I know is that we were there from 7PM till midnight. I queue in a number of my favorite songs such as Way Back Into Love, 21 Guns, I Will Be Here, and Remember Me This Way. Truly, it was a great night.

See? I'm singing :)

Message to pEDo:

Pedz, saan ka man mapunta, takbo pa rin tayo ha :)

Seriously, hope you made the right decision. God Bless! And, let's schedule Saturday runs instead of Sunday runs ayt? Much better if we could at have an out of town run once a month instead of joining several races in a month? Ha ha, takbo pa rin talaga :P

Sino na lang ang mag-aayos ng connection ko sa YM? Sino na ang magrereformat ng PC ko? Wala na. Gawin mo nang administrator ang access ko ha :D

Magkikita rin tayo kung saan ka man pupunta. Hindi ba't may ultimate goal tayo? Ang maging professional runner-blogger nalang :P

Wala talaga ako maisip na seryoso para sa'yo, ha ha ha.

Good luck and God Bless!

I Thought It was Just a Fun Run

To date, Biodiversity Run 2010 at University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna (UPLB) is my second out of town runs. The first was the Merrell Adventure Run at Wawa Dam, Montalban. My friends - ChickenLegs, XiaiWalker, RunningStitches, BurpRunner, and RunningAtom - and I headed to Laguna Friday night after office. We stayed at the City of Springs Resort and Hotel.

I am not that accustomed to fall asleep easily in new places. So I have to have something to make me feel sleepy. I played a couple of times with my iTouch and I also had a serious talk with RunningAtom. Suffice to say, I lack sleep at race day.

On our way, we (ChickenLegs and BurpRunner) targeted to finish the 10K race at 1 hour and 30 minutes. At the race venue (UPLB), RunningAtom had advised me that it'll be 80% trail for the 10K race category. I just shrugged my shoulders for I thought that the trail that he's referring to would just be simple rough roads and hills.

Star?

The cue for the run had been fired and we're set to go. Run! After a few distance, I am surprised by the trail that RunningAtom had been mentioning. Whew! Slippery rocks that would surely hurt my knees, mud, and all climbs. That's punishment for me. BurpRunner and I were supposedly running side by side; but I fall short of my endurance and I am afraid for my knees. My trail shoes that is supposedly keeping me in balance just slips in most of the rocks that I step on. But as long as BurpRunner is within my sight, I guess I'm still on our target time.

I have seen a number of runners on their way back while I am still going up. There goes Yael of SpongeCola and Karylle who were running the 5K category. There also goes Coach Rio who manages to greet every runner that's calling his attention (He's doing the 21K). I also spotted Scientist Runner who encourages me to run (Thank you!). I also happen to meet a horse along the way that scares me much, LOL! The moment I saw RunningAtom, I told him, "Pedz, ang sabi ko lang gusto ko ng hills; hindi ko sinabing slippery hills." Really, I Thought It was Just a Fun Run; but no, it was a trail run - my second trail run.

After the turn around point, the path is all downhill. As compared to the climb, this is much easier. But balance is something that I hardly get from my shoes that I have to painfully watch every step on my way down.

Catching up on BurpRunner

And finally, there comes the road; but with a little bit of side stitch, I simply jog. On the right turn toward the finish, I, once more, spotted Coach Rio. I am a few meters ahead of him; a very rare chance. Gladly, RunningAtom was there to capture that uncanny moment, hee hee.

C'mon Coach, hurry! :P

The road toward the finish is a climb; and I don't have the energy to finish strong. But gladly, BurpRunner told me that I finished at 1 hour 32 minutes (I forgot my watch). Not bad. I came from a 2 weeks off running.

The Aftermath

Still have the energy :)

Another thing that excites us in this event was the post race event (just for us). Since we stayed at a resort, we decided to have a plunge first and test ChickenLeg's underwater camera.

RunningAtom, you, for the nth time, ruin my supposedly Profile Picture, hmph!

With Coach Rio, 2nd placer in 21K category

With Yael of SpongeCola (He runs fast)

Before leaving the City of Springs

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Race Name: Biodiversity Run 2010
Race Distance: 10K Trail Run
Official Rank: 112/162
Official Time: 01:31:47
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