RunningAtom

A Hearty Pre-Valentine Race For The Orphans

2012-02-15T00:31:00.005+08:00

Race for the Orphans - the first flagship event of Rundezvous Incorporated was held inside the Camp Aguinaldo grounds last February 12. It was a fun and intimate gathering of runners which also marked my first official race for the year after almost two months of hibernation.

Partnered with our running team - Diadora Philippines, the people from RSH Marketing together with Ms. Lia, my co-teammates Allan and Bave were also present to support the good caused-race. Also present on the race are runners and volunteers from the different running teams including Team Boring, UP Heartbreakers, Team USB, Reebok Running, PEx, Team CB, Team Alpha1 and Six:30. Indeed, it was a crowd of long-time brothers and sisters in running which made the atmosphere's event homey for everybody.

As the race-started, I remember the first time I ran the Camp Aguinaldo grounds during the 1st Camp Run 2011. It was a challenging route with lots of intimidating AFP runners around and plenty of rolling inclines that gave my plantar a little bit of knock. Ninety percent of the AFP participants (and bandits) outpaced me on the entire course, but one of them was no match for me at the post-race arm-wrestling bout, heck! =D

Those were the joyful memories coming back to me during the first kilometer while pacing with the speedy couples Bave and Cris Dela Cruz. Cris was a few meters ahead of us leading and pulling-off the pace, Bave puffing out her own best to keep her place while I stayed a little back to give her the push. It was a team-effort for an individual sports, although I think Bave's getting pressured with our presence. While I was pacing with Bave, I observed how determined she was, racing out her lungs and legs at her best - the kind of runner you would want to train with if you like to be motivated and learn about running fast and pushing your limit.

After more than 2.5km, I bid well to Bave as my own engine already started heating up. Began to ran my pace and walked for a few meters upon reaching the 3km mark to get another round of momentum for the final 1.5k. But, I halted at the left-turn from the 4th kilometer due to the sudden incline, Cris was still going unabated like an Energizer bunny who never walked the entire race except when hydrating.

The final stretch towards the finish line was more than 400meters longer though as recorded in my Soleus GPS. I crossed the finish line eight seconds late than Cris, followed by Allan, then Bave came in to grab the 3rd place among the Female participants.

Mish and co-host and Bave with other Female podium finishers

At the finish area, almost everybody is busy greeting each other. The atmosphere was light and festive in the most beautiful essence of a fun run. The event was only attended by at least 1,000 total participants, but it indeed was successful in bringing up its purpose - to help give hope and opportunity to uplift the education of the Orphans of our fallen Men and Women Soldiers through the iHOPE/KAANIB Trust Fund. Congratulations to all the people of Rundezvous Inc. for successfully staging this event!

The people behind iHope with Ms. Abet of Rundezvous

Here's a video of iHelp Orphans Pursue Education (iHope) from youtube:

Race Profile:
Official Time: 00:28:03
Official Ranking: 15th

Race Info:
Event: Rundezvous Inc's Race for the Orphans
When: February 12, 2012.
Where: Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City

Bave, Me, Allan, and Ms. Lia (James and Sam's not around)

You may now check your own race result from RunningMate.ph and grab your photos from the album of the official fanpage of Diadora Philippines Running Team.

Snacking Without The Guilt

2012-01-31T20:17:00.003+08:00

I first have a taste of the Soyami Chips after the 2nd Trek the TEC 90 floors vertical run last November 26, 2011. At first, I was hesitant to get my tongue from their free taste as I'm not really a usual chips-eater guy (unless at the very last resort when my stomach's already feeding with my innards). At the same time, although I am a "taho-addict" and soya-milk drinker (for my protein source alternative), I still can't absorb the idea of eating a Chips snack made from Soya. It was because I believed that you can't make Soya as tasty without artificial flavorings (like the added milk, chocolate, or strawberry and sugar from Soya milk), much more if it's in chips form, you'll need the much "vetsin" to make it appealing to the taste buds. But when I saw Soyami's booth's banner that reads: "Made with Real Soya, No Trans Fat, No MSG", my initial reaction was: "weh? ma-try nga!".

Photo courtesy of Soyami

After the taste-test, well, it sort of never really ended as we still begged more from the crew of Soyami to open more packs for us to munch at while waiting for the program to start. The taste? Malinamnam! So when our stomachs were finally fulfilled with the tasty snacks, I was enticed to buy their trial pack which includes the three flavors of Soyami Soya Chips - Original, Pizza, and Cheddar Cheese. The trial pack also comes with a 3-day pass for Fitness First, which my brother was able to use a week after.

Then last January 25, I was privileged to be invited at the Blogger's launch of Soyami Soya Chips, which I found out that it's Manufactured by 100% Filipino-owned Marketing and Manufacturing Company - AM Global Works Marketing Corp. The event was held at one of the cozy restaurants at the Fort Strip in Bonifacio Global City, hosted by the Sporty and Health enthusiast TV Host Marc Nelson, together with Ms. Apple Morales, the President and Owner of AM Global.

Three flavors of Soyami Soya Chips (Original, Cheesy Cheddar, Pizza)

At the healthy and guiltless pleasure of the eve, Chef Sandralyn Hataway from Tourne Restaurant served us with her Soya-inspired dishes. Yes you read it right, there's more food that can be prepared with Soya. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to jot down the name of the dishes due to the excitement of having my taste glands get a home run of the sumptuous meal. If you're curious to try these Soya-inspired dishes, you may drop-by at the Tourne Restaurant located at the 7th Street, the Fort Strip, together with your friends after your evening run or jog around BGC. If you won't be able to drop-by at the said restaurant but want some quick fill for your protein needs after a tiring workout at the nearby Fitness First or a long run towards BGC, then you may just grab a pack from any variants of Soyami snacks.

Present also on the event were Sponsors and Representatives of other Nature-advocate Organizations and Companies who also presented to the Bloggers their creative and wonder products, and the undying call to save our Trees and Forests.

But wait, meron pa pala... Chips are not the only variant of Soyami as they also have bread sticks in three flavors: Garlic, Chili, and Basil. Not only that, as our Grandparents will also love the oldest-favorite, hard-one but melts-in-your-mouth "puto seko" also made from Soya. For the ladies who loves oatmeal, there's also the Soya Oatmeal cookies. All these foods are also made of non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) and Halal-Certified food which means it passed the dietary consideration of our Muslim brothers.

Soyameal at Tourne

Soya Helps prevents the following:

Bones: (Osteoporosis)
Breast Cancer
Reduces the risk of Prostate Cancer
Colon Cancer
Reduces the risk of heart diseases and high blood pressure
Reduces Menopause Symptoms
Child Obesity
Hair Loss
Increased healing of the wounds
Protects again Alzheimer’s Disease

Here's some Exercise Tips I got from the presentation of the resident Nutritionist of Tourne:

Consult with Doctor before starting any exercise program.
Know your exercise capacity. It pays to know where you can start off with your exercise.
Go for FAT LOSS instead of WEIGHT LOSS.
Engage in resistance training at least 3x per week.
Cardio exercises at least 30 minutes everyday.
Start with 3 sets with 10-15 reps per set.
Challenge yourself every training day. This will give your body something to anticipate everytime.
Keep yourself hydrated.
Track yourself. Keep a journal of your programs to see where you came from and appreciate the achievements.
Make it Fun!

with TV Host Marc Nelson and AM Global President Ms. Apple Morales

And here's what our own running icon has to say about Soyami:
"I’m always on the run so Soyami is perfect snack to carbo-load and power me through the day."
- Rio dela Cruz, Celebrity Runner & Sportsman

Get to know more about the health benefits of Soya, visit the following vides from this link.

Visit and like Soyami's Fanpage and you may also follow them on Twitter.

Diadora Mythos Samurai III - Shoe Review

2012-01-27T17:03:00.002+08:00

Last November of 2011, I received a pair of top of the line running shoe of Diadora, an Italian sports brand - the Mythos Samurai III, courtesy of Ms. Lia Solo from Royal Sporting House.

When I came back to running in 2008, my first running shoe then was also a Diadora Mythos that I bought on a sale price at a Mall. Though the shoe was a Women's style racing flats, it was substantially durable, soft on the heels, and flexible running shoe that fits my foot well. I have first used it on a race at the 2008 Men's Health Miracle Run and it gained a lot more of pounding and mileage both from the badminton court and on the road until its last race at the 2009 Pioneer Mighty Run.

That first experience with Diadora running shoe I thought was also the last as Diadora no longer glanced my eyesight. But now they're back on the line with an impressive evolution to the technology of their footwear as integrated to the Mythos Samurai 3 running shoe - Elaston E.V.A. foam on the insole and midsole, the Axeler CCB, Power Flow shank, and the Axeler WI5 technology.

I've first used this shoe during the 2nd Trek the T.E.C 90 floors vertical run (yeap there was no break-in for this shoe). After one day, my brother also used this same shoe for his 2nd fun run (and his first race after more than a year) for a 3k run with flag football at the 2011 Run BGC. I allowed my brother to use this so I could observe how did my brother performed with the shoe, as he has been without training nor preparation prior to his race. Gladly, there were no shoe-caused injuries manifested to him aside from the 1-day of sore leg muscles due to the absence of run training.

Diadora Mythos Samurai III

As for me, here's my quick outlook based from my own experience and observation to the Mythos Samurai III:

Lightweight - almost as light as my Adizero Boston race flats.
Cushioned - thanks to the shock-absorbing EVA foam
Sturdy yet Flexible - the blown flexoft rubber breaks the breaking-in rule!
Breathability - nylon air-mesh construction and Power flow at the outer-sole
All Terrain Type - just look at the outer-sole, it's thick, sturdy, and shouts out for trail actions.
Great Value - comes at discounted price at all Diadora and RSH stores in metro-malls.
Stability and Support
Eye-Friendly color combinations

Although, I owned a one size bigger because for my usual shoe size of US7.5 for the Mythos Samurai III seems to have narrow toe box for me. The next size, US8 on the other hand was like too large for me. Should there be a size of US7.75, it might have been the perfect fit, lol!

Quick Specs:

Upper: Nylon air mesh and Supreltech. Lining with special anti-bacteria treatment.
Insole: Removable anatomical cotton jersey and shock-absorbing Elastom E.V.A. foam.
Midsole: Moulded Elastom E.V.A. foam. Double Action² in the heel area. C.C.B.. Axeler Wi-5 Propulsion. Power Flow.
Sole: Blown Flexoft Rubber in the front area. Special Duratech 5000 wearproof compound in the heel area.

More technical details available on this post, while here are some photos for your delight :)

Upper: Nylon air mesh and Supreltech

Heel area: Special Duratech 5000 wearproof compound

Lining: special anti-bacteria treatment

Double Action²

Power Flow

Blown Flexoft Rubber

It even has arch-support

shock-absorbing Elastom E.V.A. foam

Please also drop-by and like my Running Team's facebook fanpage at:
Diadora Phils. Running Team

Get Hyper... Get Into Sports

2012-01-22T14:48:00.004+08:00

As some of you would know, I was once a feeble, asthmatic, underweight and malnourished child. I haven't gained the proper development of my physique during the right stage of my adolescence that I even have to request for exemption from my ROTC classes. But it was all thanks to the absence of pity from the medical Doctor of PMA (Philippine Military Academy) that gave me the confidence and boost that I could still improve my health and fitness. And that was how I started to become active with running.

For the past few months, I wasn't able to seriously train and prepare for my races unlike the previous years. So as the year 2012 came, I am worried about how will I get back my fitness that I once was. I needed motivation, the push, and some serious runners to get inspired with. Thankfully, I received an invite from HyperSports for their first GetFit 2012 campaign that was held last January 14, 2011 at the PhilSports Complex Track Oval (Ultra).

The invitation was an opportunity for me to drive myself back into running, and indeed I got driven sweating during the session, also amazed with the highly profiled but all humble athletes that constitutes the team of HSPI such as the 3km SteepleChase SEAGames champion Mr. Rene Herrera and the Elma Muros record breaker for the 100-m hurdles Ms. Sheena Atilano. Other renowned athletes of their team includes the Country’s record-holder of the 100-m and 200-m dash Mr. Ralph Waldy Soguilon, Mr. Djundi Biñas - the Country's 3rd best pole vaulter, and more athletes from other disciplines who also holds great records that I can only get envy about.

So, the first session was all about the basics of running. Getting into basics - that's what I really need! It began with some warmup, stretching, drills, and a 2.012km timed run across the oval. The drills, specially the mountain-climb drill made my head/sinus ache, and the 2.012km run made my chest expand to its explosion and my head swirl upon reaching the finish line after 10mins. and 10secs. That's not normal, but that's what I get for the lack of training and pushing myself at the same time.

Learn the basics

love the drills

as well as the core trainings

to finish strong

The GetFit 2012 campaign of HSPI is very well recommended not just for the newbies but also for the seasoned runners/athletes who wants to get back into the basics of training, and to other runners wanting to gain more knowledge about the proper training and preparations. Running, though looks easy, still requires the right knowledge and proper execution to prevent injuries and sports-related accidents.

Get to know them more by visiting their website at HyperSports Philippines Inc and facebook fanpage.

HSPI GetFit 2012 Session 1 class photo

Skechers ProSpeed - Actual Race Shoe Review

2012-01-22T12:49:00.002+08:00

*Note: The races from this shoe review were all held at the last quarter of 2011, it's a very late post but pardon me.

The only thick cushioned shoe that does'nt need breaking-in.

That was my own remarks with the Skechers ProSpeed after my first short 3.5km hilly run with it at Tagaytay Highlands last October 8, 2011 during the Nathan Ridge Test Run. I had a similarly thick-cushioned running shoe before I got to try the Skechers ProSpeed and the difference of breaking it in and the other one was really way up different. With the ProSpeed, my plantar fasciitis did not manifest even the slightest though the first break-in with it was already an uphill route.

Two weeks after the initial run, the ProSpeed was immediately tested on the roads of BGC during the 2011 Adidas King of the Road for a 21km distance, and at the route of the Run United 3 (RunRio Trilogy Leg 3) 2011 for the Afroman (32km) distance. Indeed, the actual races I had with the ProSpeed were already longer distances.

From both of these races, I have to run at a slower than my comfortable slow pace for 7 to 8 kilometers of the route which spanned up to 1 hour and 12 minutes (read the links above for the details). Before I indulged into my first Ultramarathon, I was afraid of going too slow than my comfort slow pace because it was with that kind of pace that my legs and endurance would immediately deteriorate. But with all honesty while wearing the ProSpeed, the responsiveness (that might be due to the Kinetic return system) of the shoe made such slow pace manageable for me that even if I was already experiencing some cramps from a few kilometers from the finish line, I was still able to reach the finish with much ease. And despite the thickness of the outer sole from its inherited design from the shape-ups line of Skechers, the shoe was still as lightweight as a race flats.

One more noticeable thing about the Skechers ProSpeed was the butt and lower-back trimming effect that I felt. On each of the drive phase of each of my foot (the phase where the foot starts to go up/behind the back), I could feel that my upper butt is being pushed upwards. Thus, the shoe seems to give the butt its rounded shape or contour while running that afterwards, your lower body shape is more enhanced (good news for the ladies). In contrast, this effect gives more stress to the hips and/or lower back as manifested after I reached the finish line at the RU3 - RunRio Trilogy Leg 3 2011. A solution for this though is by strengthening your core which includes the lower back for the body to be able to handle such stress.

In Summary, the Skechers ProSpeed truly delivers what it has defined on the features of the shoe.

Pros:

Lightweight as a racing flat.
Truly mid and fore-foot shoe.
Recommended for those who wants to transition from heel-striking to mid or fore-foot strike.
Friendly to those who have heel injuries.
Somehow aids with your balance.
Springy effect/Kinetic return system truly delivers.
Shapes-up (your) my upper butt. *wink
You become taller =)

Cons:

If you have balancing problem, the wiggling of the shoe might make you uneasy at first.
The shape-up effect to the butt requires a strong core.
The Blue color for Men doesn't look good for a dark skin-tone (like me).

Read the post ProSpeed at First Glance to know more about the technical specs of this running shoe.

Special thanks to Ed Escueta and Carina Manansala for the photos.

Where Has RunningAtom Been

2012-01-21T12:29:00.001+08:00

Hello runners, bloggers, and colleagues, long time no see, no hear, no race!

I missed most of you, I missed my running buddies, my blogger friends, my buddies, and.... did I miss the road? My body surely did miss the morning dew, the sound of my breathe while running, the pavements, the barking dogs, and the morning fresh air. I've been out of the races and the running community for exactly one month and 2 days now. And it seems that the longing for gun-starts, the crowds, the finish line, the sponsor booths, and the runner's high has not been in sync with my mood for some time already. Admittedly, my last two races for 2011 (both last December 2011) has not been very exciting for me had it not been an out-of-Country and an out-of-Town race. Still thankful for these opportunities and blessings coming along!

Image from Theresa Talks

As for the blogger events, it has been some time since I mingled with my colleagues in the blogging world. I still receive invites and opportunities to do so, and I'm already getting embarrassed for turning down, or sometimes confirming my attendance but at a later point would back-out from a supposed-to-be blogging event due to unforeseen meetings, changes in plans, and other tiring and unforeseen matters since before December 2011 came. These made it inconceivable for me to handle all at the same time. I could only manage to post as-is the event announcements and press releases from my inbox on another blog that I put in for these specific purpose (visit AktibongPinoy).

Still, everything can be coped up with, and given its due time, everyone could learn to adapt, and I hope I'm already at such point of adapting very nicely. And I am thankful that despite of verging myself into being low-spirited, the blessings, guidance, and opportunities still comes knocking, or it may have been there since then but I only turn away from it, and when I look back, it was still there!

Getting back to your previous better level is sometimes, really difficult when you're already at the point of surrendering or giving up what you love, what you do better, and what your passion is. But God really knows where you should be and what you should be. That I realized and still trying to understand what's more in-store for me on my remaining earth years (well according to my lunatic mind, I still have 25 years left in my mortality except when unsuspected things happen)! And yes, when you're at the pit of losing yourself, you tend to lessen the minutes, or might be the years of your own mortality rate. Okay, so much for those insanity!

So how was RunningAtom lately? Well from December 19 up to now, I have only managed to run a single distance of 15.54 km, where it took me almost two hours to complete, and even had me depleted upon reaching the finish line at the apartment. Thankfully enough, I was again able to do some mild 2.012km speed run last January 14 at the Ultra (PhilSports Complex), courtesy of HyperSports Philippines Inc. The basic drills we had made my head ache for the remaining duration of our sessions, and the very short 2.012km distance we've ran made and felt like my heart is about to explode from within my chest. That made me realize that I'm back to zero, or even below my fitness level than when I came back to running last 2008.

My next race schedule (as planned) will not be until February 18th for a grueling, first-time SkyRace in the Phils. I hope with the remaining two weeks to train, I could pull up my fitness level enough to get me at the peak of Mt. Ugo, where turning point and half of the 33km total distance will be.

So, hope to see some of you soon! :)

Pilipinas Akyathlon®: The Philippine International SKYRACE™

2012-01-21T09:30:00.001+08:00

This is the Philippines’ first international SKYRACE™ (high-altitude mountain trail running race) and is part of the 2012 SKYRUNNER™ World Series Trials. “Akyat” in the vernacular translates to “climb.”

Pre-register to this race by emailing (1) name, (2) gender, (3) birthdate, (4) mobile
number, (5) country represented to kath@philskyrunning.com.

EVENT INFORMATION:
18 February 2012, Saturday, 4:000 AM (Baguio Assembly Time)
Mt. Ugo, Itogon, Benguet, Philippines

Race Course Description:
This is a 33-km out-and-back race, starting from the Barangay Hall of Tinongdan (779 masl) in the Municipality of Itogon, Province of Benguet. The first 1.7km is a downhill run on paved road to the start of the trail (499 masl). From this point, the route to the summit is mostly uphill with a total elevation gain of 1858 meters, and loss of 195 meters.

The scenic route will showcase magnificent views of surrounding mountains, including portions of Binga and Ambuklao dams as far away as Pangasinan. It will navigate through pine forest trails and 3 sitios: Cayuco, Cawayan and Lusod which lead to vantage points where other peaks in Benguet can be seen.

The turnaround point will be at the summit of Mt Ugo (2162 masl). The 16.4-km route from the summit to the finish is a mirror image of the route to the summit, and concludes with a 1.7-km (280m vertically) ascend to the finish line at the hall of Barangay Tinongdan.

Getting to the Race Site:
Foreign participants can get to the Philippines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manilla (300 km to Baguio City) or at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark (200 km to Baguio City).

Pasay or Cubao, Metro Manila to Baguio City Victory Liner buses (www.victoryliner.com) leave for Baguio City from Pasay or Cubao every hour, 24 hours a day. Travel time is 6 to 8 hours for regular aircon buses and 4.5 to 6 hours for deluxe buses. Fare is Php455 for regular aircon buses and Php715 for deluxe buses. The Pasay terminal is closer to the Manila Airport than the
Cubao terminal. Upon arriving at the Baguio City terminal, take a taxi to your designated hotel in Baguio City.

Foreign participants can get transport information and assistance from DOT when traveling using the recommended schedule. Please email your flight details.

Baguio City to Tinongdan, Itogon. From 4:30 to 5:00 am, on race day, Jeepneys will be arranged, free of charge, to shuttle all participants from Baguio to the start line. Transpo will also be arranged for the day of course familiarization (Feb. 15). Those who wish to visit or proceed to Tinongdan earlier can take a taxi or coordinate with the organizers for possible sharing of rides with other participants. Distance is only 20km but travel time can take up to 1 hour.

Accommodations:
Hundreds of hotels and inns are available in Baguio City. Please contact the organizers if you need assistance.

In Tinongdan, Itogon, dormitory, homestay and camping grounds are available on first-come, first serve basis. Bring your own sleeping gear.

Awards and Prizes:
Trophies and valuable outdoors prizes will be awarded to the top 3 overall winners in both the male and female categories.

Medals and valuable prizes will be awarded to the top 3 runners, male & female in the 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and above age groups.

All finishers will receive a medal, finisher’s t-shirt and will be qualified for raffle prizes.

Race Guidelines:

Each runner must be self-contained and self-reliant, complete with hydration pack or fuel belt, trail food and first aid kit. Suggested things to bring: headgear, headlamp, raincoat.
The supplied race number bibs must be worn/pinned at the front and back of each runner.
Water loading stations will be available at the Start/Finish line area, 5km mark, 10km mark and the turnaround point at Mt Ugo Summit (16.4km mark).
The trail will be marked with ribbons and directional signs will be installed at appropriate junctions.
Race marshals will be stationed along the course.
The use of trekking poles is permitted.
Bringing of mobile phone is encouraged (fully charged and with adequate load).
A no-drafting rule (10 meters distance maintained) will be enforced over the foot bridge portion of the course.
In case of serious injuries of a fellow runner or other emergencies, runners are obliged to pause with his/her racing, extend the appropriate help, and call/text the race organizer.

Registration Fee:
For local Philippine runners:
     Php1,500 until 30 November 2011.
     Php1,800 until 31 December 2011
     Php2,000 until 31 January 2012.
     Php2,500 until 17 February 2012.
*USD50 for foreign entries payable on Feb. 17 during race kit claiming.

Payment by local residents can be made by depositing the fee to BPI current account number 3191-0473-02 of Philippine Skyrunning Association, Inc.
Email scanned deposit slip (with your name) to kath@philskyrunning.com.

Event Organizer: Philippine Skyrunning Association
Event Hosts: Province of Benguet, Municipality of Itogon, Barangay of Tinongdan
Event Supporters: Department of Tourism – CAR
Event Partners: Rope Access Services & Consulting Inc, High Angle Rescue Team of the Philippines
Event Sponsors: Salomon, ROX

This is a GREEN EVENT. We endeavor to reduce the use of plastic, paper and other
non-essential resources.

More information will be posted at www.philskyrunning.com and our Facebook
account “Philippine Skyrunning.”

Race Map

RACE ROUTE DATA (from GPS)
Distance to the summit (turnaround point) 16.44 km
Total race distance 32.88 km

Elevation at start / finish 767 masl
Elevation at turnaround point (Mt Ugo Summit) 2150 masl

Lowest point 466 masl (at 2.2km mark)
Highest point (Mt Ugo Summit) 2150 masl

Elevation gain, start to summit 1858 m
Elevation loss, start to summit 475 m

Net elevation gain, start to summit 1383 m
Net elevation gain, whole race 0 m

Elevation gain, whole race 2333 m
Elevation loss, whole race 2333 m

Route Profile

RunRio Regional Series - a First and a Year-ender Race at Cebu

2012-01-06T22:25:00.005+08:00

People from Unilab, Blogger-Runners and Media off to Cebu

Last December 4 2011, I had my supposedly last run for the year at a not-so-far foreign island (more of this on the next blog post). But surprising things really comes unexpected when I received an invitation from Unilab through the man in red-suit and red-hair. Since I wasn't able to join the Baguio leg of the RunRio Regional series, I did not let the chance slip by for me to be back in Cebu and have a day of fun and run.

We arrived at Mactan International Airport past 11AM of December 17, and quickly we were gathered for check-in at the only 5-star hotel in Cebu - The Marco Polo Plaza (formerly Cebu Plaza Hotel). The hotel is nestled atop a hill near the Veteran's Drive, imposing its presence vibrantly with its elegance and modern facilities. Due to its modernness, our group (CJ, Jinoe, Bee Yen) got caught up at the elevators when the 10th floor button-control wouldn't respond. Quickly, we transferred to another elevator but the same thing happened. I thought 10th floor may not be accessible at the moment. Lately did we realized that our key card should be first inserted at the control panel before pressing the floor number. Ignorant as we are! =)

Cebu has not changed much since I first trodded into their shores more than half a decade ago, including the hospitality, friendliness (which we Filipinos are known of but only few remained so), kindness, and cheerful attitude of the Cebuanos. Moreso, business and community developments are still looming around, with Cebu IT Park as their central business hub much like Ayala-BGC combined. The place is also perfect not just for relaxing, shopping, strolling, but with running as well, as its flat pavements will definitely welcome your calves. Though I'm pretty sure that most of the Cebuano runners loves most of the uphill routes which is aplenty in Cebu.

Manila-Participants at the Run United Cebu (photo by Estan Cabigas)

This was manifested during the next days' Run United Cebu 2011, gathering 1,300+ runners for the 21km category alone, 500+ for 10km, 1,000+ for 5km, around 500 for the 5km, and no less than 70 for the 500-m dash (kids category) - which was also a first at a Cebu running event.

The route was much challenging enough compared to the usual BGC route in Taguig. Add to it the friendly people along the neighborhood cheering the runners, eagerly giving their smiles to almost everyone, and the children who tags along with you could really make a hard race easy enough. That makes the whole 21k route a homey place to run except that most of the route was not closed to traffic. Understandably, just like in my hometown Baguio, most of the races held there don't have a full nor half-road closure due to the unavailability of alternative traffic routing. That case aside, the runners were still all safe from accidents as there are plenty of Marshals along the way.

(Photo by Estan Cabigas)

I finished the race with some very minor injuries and aches which of course, are all attributed to under-training. My left ITBS went up to my calves, the right foot's plantar fasciitis came knocking once again as I reached the finish line, and my lower back manifested much pain than before. It was good that the finish and staging area is so spacious, where cooling down is very possible. One thing I have greatly noticed before and after the race was, there are a lot of runners who does their warm-up, stretchings, and cool downs while socializing and talking about their feats from the just-finished race.

Our podium shot taken by Coach Rio himself

Race Profile:
Category: 21km
Official Time: 2:12:39
Official Ranking: 275th of 1,289 finishers

Race Info:
When: December 18, 2011.
Where: IT Park, Cebu
Event: RunRio Run United Cebu - Regional Series

You may check and download the official race results from: Runrio.com

Cheering Competition showcasing their high-throws

Lots of thanks and my heartfelt gratitude to the following who made this race possible for me:
Sir Edwin of Runner's Runner
Ms. Janice Miguel, Ms.Claire Papa, and Ms. Dulce Morales - all from Unilab External Affairs
RunRio and Coach Rio dela Cruz
To all the Runner-bloggers and Media People who were with us during the event
and to all the participants of Run United Cebu - cheers to everyone!

Long-lost Prince - now homestaying at Cebu

Beep-beep cheering the runners

Asian Secrets - Lovely Cebuanas

with Mr. Alex Panlilio (Unilab ActiveHealth)
and Mr. Lester Castillo (Unilab Run United)

(Photo by Maui Montejo)

See you all again some time on the road. Happy running and happy New year!

More read from Business Mirror (December 30, 2011 issue).

2012 RunningAtom's Race Schedule

2012-01-01T01:12:00.028+08:00

Last year, I goaled to rest from running and divert to other sports activities, but the running blood in me is still much greater. I then resorted to an at least once-a-month race schedule for the year 2011, that's a month long of rests in between races. Unfortunately though, only the month of September 2011 filled-up this plan, but the distance was a rocking 50km. It was my first Ultramarathon race.

For this 2012, I have decided to settle to just concentrate with at most 6 major races for the whole year, which will include one SkyRun race, a trail run, one to two final shots of full Marathon, and perhaps one more Ultramarathon race on my schedule. Shorter distance races will be there but only as part of my regular trainings (or maybe the only trainings that I might have should work-schedules get in the way).

SCHEDULE	RACE NAME	CATEGORY
29-Jan	~~Rainbow Run~~	3K
12-Feb	Race for the Orphans	10K
18-Feb	PSA Mt. Ugo Akyathlon SkyRace	33K
xx-Mar
21-Apr	Mayon 360	80K
xx-May
xx-Jun
xx-Jul
xx-Aug
xx-Sep
xx-Oct	RunRio Run United Phil. Marathon	42.195K
xx-Nov
xx-Dec	3rd Corregidor Int'l Half-Marathon	21K

So, what race from my calendar will I see you?

Run United Cebu Caps Off a Busy Year for Unilab Active Health

2011-12-12T22:35:00.001+08:00

Run United Cebu next weekend, which is expected to attract 5,000 participants, is a fitting finale to what has been quite a busy year for Unilab Active Health.

The run race in the ‘Queen City of the South’ is the fifth and final leg of the Run United Provincial Series, which had successful runs in Davao, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Baguio.

“We could not have chosen a better venue for our culminating event this year. We hear that response for Run United Cebu is quite good and that the number of registrants is nearing our target number of participants,” said Alex Panlilio, Head of Unilab Active Health.

Registration sites for Run United Cebu are Toby's in SM City Cebu, Runnr in Ayala Center Cebu, and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) office at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) or online through www.runrio.com. To avoid errors, Run Unted uses the first ever iPad automated registration in the country.

“Our target number of participants for Run United Cebu is higher than in races in other provinces because Cebu ranks second to Manila in terms of number of runners. So we expect the highest turnout, among our provincial races, next weekend,” said Rio dela Cruz, Head of RunRio Inc., the organizer of Run United series.

There will be five race categories at Run United Cebu, which includes 500m dash for kids, 3k, 5K, 10K, and 21K. It will be held on December 18 at the Cebu IT Park. There will be no cut-off time for the 21k category.

Registration fee is P500 for the 21K, P400 for the 10K, P350 for the 5K, and P200 for the 500-meter dash, which will have two age categories—kids 5 to 8 years old and 9 to 12 years old.

“We want every member of the family to participate, so we have a race category for kids as well. We were the first to feature a 500m dash. We want to start them young and to keep the kids active, away from too much computer games and television,” said dela Cruz.

Run United participants will get a limited edition race singlet, bib-tag timing chip and a finisher's sports bag. Runners as well as their families and friends can get more freebies and product samples at the Unilab Active Health Village for the Active Kids, Active Adults and Active Seniors. Fun games and photo booth stations are also available at the venue.

The Run United series and the other events of Unilab Active Health — Bike United and Tri United, are in line with Unilab’s advocacy to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among Filipino families.

“More and more Filipinos are really getting into the active bandwagon. We will remain committed towards providing them with high-quality events to keep them active and healthy,” added Panlilio.

Indeed, Unilab Active Health has lined up bigger and better things next year. Dela Cruz and Panlilio recently announced the inclusion of a 42K or full marathon in the Run United race categories.

Thus, Run United Philippine Marathon will be the culminating event of the Run United Series in Metro Manila every year. Thus, the sequence of events would be as follows: Run United 1 in March; Run United 2 in June; Run United 3 in September; and Run United Philippine Marathon in October. The exact dates are yet to be finalized and announced together with the full 2012 Unilab Active Health Calendar.

My Longest, Their Shortest, My Fastest, Their Slowest

2011-12-11T01:41:00.007+08:00

The challenge of running varies from the different level of route difficulties which also ranges from the required time, speed, terrain, distance, and etc. Thus we may say that each race is surely unique from each in one way or another. Runners who may be great in sprints may not be that good in longer distances, and long distance runners may not also be good in sprints. But in today's generation, I think with a lot of buzz going around about who's better and who's not, the answer lies through an Athlete's fitness level, will, and determination.

My longest, their shortest

Last September this year, my officemate Leo (ChickenLegSaga) and I joined a race distance not common to our regular races. It was our longest run, and I could say one of the biggest decision we have made in terms of running, where up to a day before the event, we were still unsure if we really should continue and show up on the race, but yes we still showed up and conquered those insecurities.

The race I'm talking about was the Tagaytay-to-Nasugbu 50K Ultramarathon (2011 PAU=T2N). And there goes the irony. For us who are not used to running these kind of long-distance races, a 50-kilometer event already seems like a grueling competition, ready to eat us up anytime within the day, as if all of our strength will be sucked up in no time. For an average runner like me, a 3-km distance is the shortest distance that I could join to. But for Ultramarathoners, a 50-km distance is just like saying "we're joining a 3-kilometer race"!

Pre-race juggles

Before finally deciding to register for the 2011 50K PAU-T2N, Leo and I have been planning about how are we going to form our support team, and the trainings and preparation that we should do. For the support team, I remember Kuya JJ (Junar Layug) from Team Ungas. He already mentioned to me a few months back that I could count on him should time comes when I would already decide to join an Ultramarathon. As for Leo, his Team CB (Cool Buddies) are always there to support him.

Taking a rest before the race

While for the trainings, we haven't properly executed our training plans, and we can't even dedicate more time into training due to office and other schedule conflicts. Realized, it's not only the time that we really lack, but also the motivation to train and prepare very well! We were only able to train once on an LSD for a distance of around 25-km more than a month before the event. That was my very first LSD training in an ultra-pace that it has drained me so much! The muscle ache that I got was more intense, and the fatigue stayed much longer. My body, during that time, wasn't still used to a continuous slower pace training!

After this LSD, we were back in our old selves of getting busy at work. But it was also during this LSD that we were able to find something that could motivate us more - to give back to our Community through the Charity Organizations we have chosen. With the help of some friends, we were able to raise a frugal amount and a number of in-kind donations for Give a Life Children's Foundation and Anawim Lay Missions Foundation Inc.

Race day

Meeting place for Team Ungas participants was at the Robinson's Pioneer at 2AM. I only had around 1.5 hours of sleep since I still attended a Blogger event, which paid-off having won a pair of Skechers Pro-Speed shoes. Although, I was nervous as hell thinking that the 1.5 hours of sleep might not sustain me for the race day. Just before going to our meeting place, I taped my knees (for my ITBS) and my feet (for the plantar fasciitis). These are some injuries that I don't want to feel while doing my very first Ultramarathon.

Team Ungas before the race started

We arrived at the venue (Tagaytay) with enough time to prepare, claim our race bib, do a warm-up, and take some photos. Seeing the runners and some friends whom I never thought are also into Ultra running made the event more feisty. I also heard from the PAU-T2N veterans that this event is much full with newbie Ultra runners as compared to last year's PAU-T2N.

Minutes before the gun-start, I was feeling anxious and unsure about myself if I really should continue the race. I don't know why but it feels abnormal doing this race and at the same time, I feel that something's really missing. As the gun-start fired, I was looking down on the road and started to walk really slow so as to let all the participants go ahead of me until I'm the only one left at the back. The route immediately started with a slightly uphill road, but the cool weather is really inviting. Our support crew on the van from Team Ungas with Jeric Estabillo (who was coerced to become one of our support crew only a few days before the event) noticed me and asked if I am okay. I signaled them that I am fine and told them to just go ahead as they also have to lookout not only for me but with another newbie Ultramarathon runner (Che Calleja).

Runners headed after the gunstart

A few more minutes of sulking at the back of the pack, I knew that there was no more backing out so I started to walk in my normal speed and put in some few jogs to keep my body warm. As the sun slowly peeps out from the horizon of the hills of Tagaytay road, I started to keep up with some runners and friends. Unlike during road races, running an Ultramarathon race could give you more time to talk with other runners, which I did so I could keep my pace slower and reserve the energy and pains for the last part.

The first familiar participant whom I kept up with was Leo who was also reserving much of his energy. He asked me how my plantar fasciitis was doing, which I replied it's already starting to knock. Leo then told me to just go on and run the pace which I am more used and comfortable to than force myself to slow down but suffer injuries as a result. So I went on ahead of him, still keeping the slow pace which I think I really need to keep since I know my body doesn't have such stamina to last a race of more than 5 hours.

Next runner to have a conversation with was RocketBong, who is no longer new with Ultramarathons and with the PAU-T2N race/route. He vividly shared to me his PAU-T2N debut, and gave some advices on when and where to give out my all, what's to be expected ahead, and the temperature changes once we get to Batangas area. At the end of our conversation, he let me go ahead and gave me a packet of energy gel (thank you very much Bong).

As I went on through the route, I had few more conversations with other participants, even those whom I never knew I could have conversation with. The race became like a run of a family as runners are all friendly with each other and much approachable that made the environment full and no room for boredom. The troll-like haired runner Mr. Greeneyes who I thought was not a serious runner with his signature green wig was also a participant and is pacing with another runner. Aileen Roque was also doing her first Ultramarathon and being paced by BoyPra (both from UP Heartbreakers). Ms. GailCon (a colleague from Blogging world) was as well doing her first Ultramarathon. Other participants from Team CB, TKR, from the ARC community, HOB, Team Boring, and etc. were all enjoying the race as well.

with fellow Ungas runner and Ungas support

My mind also got refreshed of the faces of some runners whom I first got a glance with a few years back but haven't seen in the road races anymore. I realized, they are already enjoying Ultramarathons much more than the road races.

The support crews from other participants were all friendly and helpful as well, all of them were so kind to offer their hydration, banana, coolers, and energy drinks to me even those who I'm absolutely sure that we both don't know each other. And these kind acts are enough for a stranger runner to get re-fueled and motivated back. Aside from our own support crew from Team Ungas, the support crews of the UP Heartbreakers (Tita Glo and Jeff Amurao), Team HOB (Papa Racs and company), and another support crew with no team banner were always there to ask if I need a hand or offers cold refill of my hydration. Tita Glo and Jeff even went further by letting me use ahead the seat and foot-rest intended for their own runner ;)

Savoring the cold water while seated at the
mobile sala/kitchen setup by Tita Glo

I got chicked
("the act of getting passed by a stronger woman athlete" - Soleus Running)

With all these camaraderie, the whole running scene really didn't felt like a competition at all, but a friendly family game and adventure. It's the kind of feeling I missed from my early days of running. My previous sulking when the race started, the unsurety of what I am doing, and the feel of something missing were all gone and the race became fun and joyous.

In contrast, the only time that I feel the competition comes back is whenever the legendary and history-plotter Ultramarathoner Irene Ong comes into view LOL! It's been always normal whenever I get "chicked" in road races, but it is also a great motivation for me to do better whenever this happens.

I have witnessed for myself how strong Irene can go, and admittedly, call me p**sy for making it like I'm competing against a woman, but for me, there will always be many things that we could learn from a stronger athlete (man or woman). And for this, yes I learned a trick from Irene. She deserves respect with how she does her craft and I salute her for her will, determination, and strength. I also learned and realized that a stronger woman should not always be viewed as a competitor, but someone whom you can draw inspiration and motivation of.

The hardest

After covering more than 35 kilometers in around 5 hours, the sun's heat started to reveal its unforgiving touch. With all the others runners starting to show up their seriousness, I think the time spent for leisure is more than enough and the clock's now ticking to put more work and intensity for the race before the sun burn ahead all the energy that I have reserved.

Although, the remaining distance was no longer easy, as my body started suffering from lack of LSD trainings. My legs are now cramping and already rejecting the Salonpas. My sweat is no longer coming out but my body smells aweful from the sweat that has dried up because of the sun's heat. At kilometer 40 where our support van stationed after giving aid to our other companions who are still behind, I changed my shirt, re-fueled, and had my final bite of bread and refilled my hydration.

The long road to Batangas

Only 10 kilometers left, but the torture to my cramping legs was already unbearable, coupled with the sun's heat that made the remaining distance seems much longer. I tied my left leg with the bandana I'm carrying with me so I could still sustain a slow to moderate jog as walking under the sun felt like it would drain me out. After covering some few meters, the other leg would also cramp, and I have to transfer the only bandana I have to tie the cramping leg. I've been alternating the tying of my legs with the bandana as the cramps kept on transferring from one leg to another.

In between these final route going to Nasugbu Municipal Hall where the finish line is, the highway is deserted aside from the trees which are away from the streets that made the sun's rays rule the route. Speeding vehicles/jeepneys with topload carrier also abounds the highway. I could only imagine should there be a dehydrated runner alone and swaying on its way, a passing or incoming vehicle (if you're at the opposite direction) would surely hit and knock him hard. Thankfully this never happened!

As I push on after more than 43 kilometers, I thought to myself that I have already started crossing from the boundary of a Marathoner, and now entering the door towards being an Ultramarathoner. But as I reached around 47th kilometer, the thought of lack of training kept up with me as I could no longer make my legs extend further. I have to run with much smaller steps! I still have water in one of my hydration bottle but I can't seem to swallow it any longer! I don't also want to pour it to my head nor to my burning legs as it would further the cramps I'm suffering. At this point, all I could think of is "it would be much easier to die than to finish the remaining 3 kilometers."

Finish Line

Nevertheless, I was still able to get out from the hallucinations of dying in the middle of the highway as I enter the Municipality proper and finished the entire race in 7 hours and 27 seconds. As my name was called to receive the Finisher's medal, I silently told BaldRunner that this race gave me the hardest race I have ever joined, to which, he just smiled and replied back: "ito ang pinaka-maikli at pinaka-madaling race natin" (this is the shortest and easiest of our races) -- I was stunned while smiling at the cameramen taking our photos!

Race Profile:
Category: 50km
Official Time: 07:00:27
Official Ranking: 108th out of 202 Finishers

Race Info:
When: September 17, 2011.
Where: Tagaytay/Nasugbu
Event: 2nd PAU-T2N

Official race result may be viewed from the BaldRunner's blog.

Donation report

With the help of some of our friends from the running community, we were able to raise a thrift amount and some assorted used clothes for our two beneficiaries. And as promised, though it has been a late report, below are the details of the funds we have raised:

Php 950.00 - Tita Nora
Php 1,400.00 - Team CB
Php 600.00 - Marvin Pangan
Php 500.00 - Maridol Yabut
Php 1,050.00 - Anonymous donors

Php 4,500.00 - TOTAL FUNDS RAISED
Used assorted clothes and a pair of Running Shoe - Ms. Z Villarin
Used assorted shirts - Anonymous donor

The total donations were distributed to our two beneficiaries as follows:
Anawim Lay Missions Foundation
- Assorted clothes and pair of running shoe + Php 2,000.00 cash donation

Give a Life Charity Foundation Inc.
- Php 2,500.00 cash donation

To everyone who have been part of our endeavor and opened their pockets for our cause, we express our deepest thank you and gratitude. We share to you the gladness of smile and happiness that our beneficiary have felt as we handed them the donations you have extended.

Below are the contact details of the beneficiaries should you also wish to extend support to these Charity Organizations.

Anawim Lay Missions Foundation Inc.
#60 Chicago St., Cubao, Quezon City
E-Mail address: anawimcenter_alms.montalban@yahoo.com
Tel#: (02) 710-5273

Give a Life Charity Foundation Inc.
E-Mail address: melanie.ilisan@yahoo.com / sjjarvis@visiontv.com.ph
Tel#: 0922-819-7104

Enjoy some more photos below taken during the race (also thanks to Jeric for some of the photos).

Ultra Irene

RocketBong

Leaving Tagaytay, Entering Batangas

Final view of Taal lake

Our loyal and hard-working support crews - Andy and Jeric

Can you decrypt what's on their shirt?

Welcome arch to Nasugbu

Ate Glo and Jeff on their support logistics

One of those friendly creatures you would pass along the way

with Aaron and Paul at a Tri-Jeepney

Team Ungas after a sumptuous post-race Bulalo feast at Tagaytay

Special thanks also goes to Jeric, for offering and sacrificing your time at the very last minute to become one of our support crew. And to Kuya Junar Layug and the members of Team Ungas, this wouldn't have been more possible without your help, and for spending your time for me to get acquainted with the group and be with your support van. Team Ungas have played a big role in materializing this endeavor. All hands up and salute to the team!

Soleus GPS Digital Sports Watch

2011-12-10T15:57:00.001+08:00

GPS (global positioning system) watches, admit it or not, have always been a great help for runners, hikers, mountain climbers, and cyclists in tracking their location or the distance they have covered from point A to point B. Some of my running friends also benefitted from the GPS feature of their GPS watch when they have first braved the climbing/hiking to Pico De Loro. They got lost along the way but later found where they're heading with the help of the image-plotting feature of the said GPS watch.

On my solo trainings, one of my problems with doing an LSD (long steady distance) is my unfamiliarity with the metro roads, and the distance that I would cover should I try to run towards a specific location. Even going round and round to an oval track until I completed my goal distance mostly confuses me with remembering the total distance I have already covered after how many laps.

Sure there are a lot of GPS watches already available in the online market and retail stores, but what holds me with buying one are the price consideration, and the bulk size of the watch that comes with a typical GPS sports watch.

Thankfully though, Soleus - a new watch Company came to our shores to introduce to us the unique pride of their GPS sports watches. I already have one and the thing that I like about it is that its size is just enough for my small wrist. Another thing that I could boast of about this sports watch is its great value being the best priced GPS watch in the market, currently retailed at Php 6,150.00 only. You might say, the features are as cheap as its price and you'll get what you pay for! My answer: It might seem too good to be true, but it's real! It has been instilled to us that that's what only our money's worth but Soleus really KNOWS THE VALUE OF OUR MONEY as Soleus sports watches are created from the runner's point-of-view.

Soleus GPS 1.0

I have already tested its GPS feature during my 15.5km break-in run last November 30 which recorded an accurate distance of my route as also plotted via Runkeeper. During the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore last December 4, 2011, it recorded the full Marathon route at total distance of 43.51 kilometers in 5 hours and 21:55 minutes. Analyzing the race further, I was at the last wave of runners so the GPS did measure including all the criss-crossings that I made along the route from overtaking the runners until around kilometer 14. I also made some turn backs to take photos of the cheerers, jugglers, and the sights along the route.

To cap it off, here're some of its features that I am impressed about, aside from the features laid on the image below:

Time Zone
Aside from the two (2) time displays to choose from, there are also over 100 cities from which you can set your time zone. The time even automatically updates in GPS mode when it detects that you are on that time zone.

Auto-lap
Tired of manually keeping track of your distance on a race while looking for kilometer markers just so you could press the 'lap' button on your sports watch? The Soleus GPS 1.0 have an auto-lap feature which does this for you either in intervals of every 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 kilometers/miles.

User Settings
The Soleus GPS 1.0 watch also tracks the calories you have burned, and to accurately keep track of this, it needs some of your personal information where the burned calorie algorithm computation gets its data from, which are the gender, age, weight, and height. Aside from this, you can also set the distance to measure either in kilometer (metric) or miles format.

Display
Important information are displayed not so big and not too small that helps with quick glancing to get your data while on the run.

Squiffs
As Soleus watches are created for runners, you will see a unique sayings (they call squiffs) at the back of each Soleus watch. For the GPS 1.0, the squiff reads "May the course be with you".

For other models:
Chicked: "Sanity is slow, run wild"
Tigress: "I eat miles for breakfast"
PR: "Run. Race. P.R. Repeat"
Ultra Sole: "Sedentary sucks"

The only downside (for now) of the Soleus GPS 1.0 is it's inability to download your data to your computer. But, when the Soleus GPS 2.0 becomes available, you may buy the separate USB cable/charger which can already download data even from the Soleus GPS 1.0 watch. It's only a cable difference and your watch is already upgraded!

Press Release:

Austin-based watch company, Soleus Running, announces the global launch of their new GPS 1.0 Digital Sports Watch. The Soleus GPS 1.0 with an SRP of Php 6,150 is formally launched this Holiday 2011 in select retailers. Soleus watches are premier quality timepieces for the professional and casual runner or for an active lifestyle consumer.

The Soleus GPS 1.0 has everything you need and nothing you don't. Simple and easy to use, the Soleus GPS 1.0 will allow runners to accurately track their pace, speed and distance. Auto lap splits at every mile and the night light mode helps for late night runs and training. Soleus GPS 1.0 uses global positioning satellites orbiting miles above the Earth to help consumers navigate their runs, walks, or hikes. Consumers can also use the Soleus GPS 1.0 to track the number of calories burned during their daily workouts. Last but not least, Soleus GPS 1.0 has a compact design which makes it one of the smallest GPS watches on the market today.

Soleus GPS 1.0 Features

More information about Soleus and their latest products may be found by visiting the following links:
Aktibong Pinoy
Soleus Philippines Facebook Page
Soleus Running

My First GPS Sports Watch

2011-12-10T11:53:00.006+08:00

November 28, 2011 - It was a silent celebration of my birthday as I reach the maximum day of a calendar month, I didn't expect anything good or surprising to happen as I just let the day pass-by while busy with the responsibility transitions in the office. My only appointment for the day was the Soleus Blogger's Night at the Texas Roadhouse Grill in BGC, Taguig (thanks to Sir Jeff Paulino for the invite).

My old Breitling

The last time that I remember when I first heared about Soleus was during the 2011 Merrell Adventure Run. They were one of the sponsor for the top finishers' prizes. That race was also the last time that I used my 1-year old Timex watch which was already previously repaired, case replaced, but still gave up after a few more usage.

Since then, on my succeeding races, I've been using my old, almost-dilapidated watch (replaced bracelet, scratched glass, faded face) that was given to me by my Mom when I was still in first year College. It became a multi-purpose watch as it became my office watch, casual watch, and race/sports watch.

Just before the Blogger event, I've been planning to buy a new Timex or a Garmin GPS watch before my birthday ends or if not, at Singapore in time for my Standard Chartered Marathon.

Soleus GPS 1.0

But 'tis the birthday season to be jolly as I got to be one of the lucky bloggers on the event who was picked during the raffling of GPS 1.0 digital sports watch. It was indeed a great birthday gift from Soleus. I was able to put a 15.5km break-in run to test its features, and I could say the GPS is really accurate as it measured my usual V.Luna-UP route much the same as when I have plotted the route via RunKeeper.

with Soleus Founder Mr. David Arnold, Mr. Thumbie Remigio of
Adrenaline Multisport Group, Me, BarefootDaves, and Ivica Rae

Check out my next post to know more about the features of this greatly valued in the market GPS Digital Sports Watch.

So Much Gratified

2011-12-08T16:50:00.006+08:00

It has been more than three years already since I became active once again in running, slowly regaining my lost agility, and finally got away from the bad habits of staying up to the wee hours of Fridays and Saturday night parties or barhop.

This wouldn't have been much more possible and more sustainable if I haven't enjoyed the races, kept the motivation alive, and loved what I do, which all lead to keeping high and steady my dedication to this sport.

My endeavor with running has also been richly made wonderful by many people around, our batch of running team from the office, the newly found and still growing circle of friends, the Organizations who have trusted my service and capacity to deliver their expectation from me as a Blogger, to the running groups who also welcomed me to their flock, and also to the Companies who in one way or another, have become a part of this addiction to one of life's metaphor - that is running.

For this post, allow me to express my gratitude to those who I owe (directly or indirectly) part of my achievements, material blessings and health benefits that I received from running.

Race Organizers/Providers

Running Teams

Runner's Community

Footwear and their Marketing Partners

Companies/Products

And to all the unnamed PR / Media partners, you've all been a big part of me! More power to all of us, and here's to hoping more great events for the coming years ahead.

Run BGC - Fun and Scandal

2011-11-28T03:31:00.005+08:00

There's only two reason why this blog post caught your interest and attention: first, you just love to read stuffs about fun run; second, you want to know what was the "scandal". But to give benefit of the doubt, let's just say a few percentage among you might be interested with both the fun in the run and with the scandal. So let's just talk about those two topics since they really go hand-in-hand as always.

Oh, before I begin, I beg you no dirty minds please!

Bonifacio Global City's second installment of their Run BGC have really proved it to be into a lot of different and higher level compared to the last year's first, and even with the other road races around. Aside from the upcoming Condominium give-away at the 3rd QCIM, it is seldom that a race would raffle to those who participated and finished their race a Chevrolet Cruze or a trip for two to another Country, all expense paid plus accommodation, plus a choice of a fun run or Marathon event to that Country.

Still not satisfied with these raffle perks, Run BGC took their race into a level, much different to any races you have been into. A separate category for the 3K and 5K distances have been incorporated with a flag football challenge (read from this link to get to know what Flag Football is).

Becoming a pioneer to a race's signature event gives a participant a different kind of runner's high. And that's why I chose to join a flag football event on a shorter distance category of 3K (oh and my half brother/half sister also joined this event on the same race category as mine).

After running an initial distance of one kilometer, runners gets to play the flag football challenge. And though the game looks easy, it was still challenging enough due to the uneven and rocky surface of the field. Catching the ball also seems easy until you see it coming in front of you. During my turn, I have to jump so I could properly catch and prevent the ball from dropping. But that move turned out to be wrong because as I landed back, I stepped on a bigger stone which caused my left foot to break its balance. And to prevent further injuries, I just let my body move and roll on its own as I fell down to the ground. Gladly I only have minor bruises on my left leg, right arm, some muds on my buttocks, back, and on my cap. That's the fun and enjoyable part of this race category.

some bruises I got at the flag football field

After getting out of the football field with no flags pulled and no penalties committed, I then proceeded to run in constant pace the remaining 2k distance, reaching the finish line at an estimated time of 15 minutes and 20 seconds, less 10 seconds as reward point for perfecting the flag football, and another less of 30 seconds for a roughly approximated time that I stayed at the football field, giving me a total finish time of around 14 minutes and 40 seconds (unofficial).

A few more minutes, my brother arrived with his redish cheeks. Together with Sir Rene (JazzRunner), we've waited around an hour more for the event program and of course, the raffling of the trip for two to Australia. At first, we were only at the back-most area of the crowds in one of the empty tents until we positioned ourselves near the front of the stage when the program was highlighted with a doggy-contest. When I heard RunningHost shouted "who knows how to doggy?", I thought he was referring to the dog-style-swim, and I'm about to volunteer already when the first contestant showed to us his doggy moves. Then I learned that it was a dance step and not the other "doggy" that I'm thinking about (dog-style swimming).

This is what the doggy

A number of guys and girls were up the stage to show their own doggy dance steps. Even Michelle De Vera, the young girl who's been bagging out the podium finishes on her category also showed that she's not all just about running, but she also knows how to dance. The crowds got their adrenalines pumping back when a foreigner guy and a group of the contests' participants from a nearby school heated up the stage with their eye-catching, giggling, and daring doggy dance moves. Even the facebook runner-celebrities Mish and Company didn't even get enough audience impact as most of the runners were taken away by the other competing girls' hot dance moves that you can only see in the evening of a disco party, but are now right in front of their eyes. Well, runners are really diverse, and life's not just all about running or studying but also enjoying the life and sharing the gift of talents.

Teach 'em how to doggy

After the short morning party, winners of all the race categories were called and awarded with their prizes. Then was followed afterwards by the most awaited raffling of the trip for two to Australia, of which, none of us whom I know at the event got the luck!

As of this moment, I'm firmly nailed on my chair, both legs and calves are as hard as a log, and aching so much like I've been into a hazing ritual. The 90 floors vertical race yesterday plus this short but speedy 3k race is now taking a toll on me.

If you are wondering where was the scandal part, well, you might have missed it either because you did not join the race, or you did not stay long enough to witness all of these fun and excitements. Just settle with enjoying some of the photos below. ;)

with Gail Cowper (Skechers)

with Mr. RunningHost

Brother with KikayRunner, JazzRunner, and Bobby Cruz

with Coach Rio, Mish, KB, Lestsky, Rexie and RunningHost

Race Profile:
Category: 3km with Flag Football
Official Time: 00:16:23 (Net) / 00:13:38 (Run Only) / 00:02:44 (Football Time)
Official Ranking: 8th out of 82 Category Finishers

Race Info:
When: November 27, 2011.
Where: 9th Ave., BGC, Taguig
Event: Run BGC 2011 - A Level Higher

The Lucky winner of Trip for two (2) to Australia

Official Race Results are available nowhere but at KulitRunner and at RunRio.

Get Ready and Go Natural

2011-11-27T00:27:00.001+08:00

Here's a good race to start your year, run it right and help with the education campaign for early Child diabetes.

Event Details
What: Go Natural 2012
When: Sunday, 15 Jan 2012
Where: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Categories: 3K / 5K / 10K / 21K

Registration Details
Dates: Online from 21 Nov 2011 - 08 Jan 2012; In-Store from 28 Nov 2011 - 08 Jan 2012
Registration Fees:
     3K - Php 350.00
     5K - Php 550.00
     10K - Php 650.00
     21K - Php 800.00

Registration Sites:
     Riovana - BGC
     Toby's/Runnr - Shangri-La Mall; SM MOA
     Planet Sports - Trinoma; Glorietta 3
     The Athlete's Foot - Robinson's Galleria; Alabang Town Center

Registration Promo:

First 1,000 registered runners will receive baller ID (applicable to both ONLINE and IN-STORE registration).
Register 4 and get 1 race kit for free for any category (applicable to IN-STORE registration only).
Donation of P150.00 (on top of the registration fee) to advocacy on support for early child diabetes education gets a freebie T-Shirt. Runners will get their free shirt on the event day.

Reminders:

Race kits may run out before January 8, 2012, therefore registration may end earlier than announced deadline.
A Valid ID must be presented upon registration. For group registration, a photocopy of any valid ID must be presented by the representative.
Singlet size availability will be on a first come first serve basis.
A timing device will be used by all participants during the race.

Race Singlets:

3K Singlet (Blue)

5K Singlet (Green)

10K Singlet (Orange)

21K Singlet (Red)

Race Result and Hotlines:
Race results will be available after two (2) days in the following websites:
www.runrio.com

In-Store Registration:
Globe - 0916 5709220
Smart - 0929 7178164
Landline - (632) 703-1736

Race Registration: runrio.racereg@gmail.com

Timing and Race Results: feedback@runrio.com

Pre-Race Kits: runrio.racekits@gmail.com

Other concerns and Feedback: runriofeedback@gmail.com

Also visit: Go Natural Philippines website.

2nd Trek The TEC - Expansion of Lungs

2011-11-26T18:38:00.005+08:00

I think this is the first time that I was able to post about my race account a few hours only after the event. I usually take more than a few days up to more than a few months before I could finally post my race adventures, but at this moment, I feel so compelled to share what just happened a while ago at the 2nd Trek the T.E.C (The Enterprise Center Bldg.) in Ayala, Makati.

Trek the TEC was born from the great tradition of the Empire State Building Run-up and Taipei 101 Tower Run. It was first held in the Country May of last year (2010).

Together with Allan and Sam, we represented the Diadora Philippines Running Team. Later on, Totoy ("Alamat ng Samat") also agreed to co-represent with us :)

It isn't my first time to join a vertical run, in fact, this is already my third, but was also the hardest among! The first was during the 3rd MH Phils Urbanathlon and Festival where one of the "obstacle course" incorporated was an 8 flights of vertical run (and another 8 going down). The second was a half-century category (25 floors up, 25 floors down) at the 1st BGC Vertical Run which culminated at the E-Services Bldg. in Bonifacio Global City.

Diadora Team with Totoy - Alamat ng Samat

Those two vertical runs I've joined above already seemed difficult, but upon finishing the 2nd edition of this year's Trek the TEC, I wished that I should've brought an extra pair of lungs (if it was even possible), or an oxygen tank!

An intimate race of only over a hundred participants, this vertical run proved to be the most challenging, hardest, and real vertical run in the Philippines. It actually targetted 500 runners to participate, but it seems that the challenge is enough to give a chill to the runners, or a lot of Filipino runners are still shy to embrace the two towers of The Enterprise Center.

Runners were dispatched in batches of 50, and a proximity card which we have to swipe at the finish line, identified through the bib number and lace color, helped with the timing and comparison of results for all the other batches. Allan (Running Free Manila), Totoy and I were on the first batch while Sam (The Running Ninja) was on the second batch.

As we head off towards the stairs, "balyahan" to the max occurred as faster runners tried to get a foot on to the flights. I tried my very best to run more relaxed in each step of twos but the stairs are really unforgiving. The air blowers were switched on but it seems not enough as I already started to walk starting from the 9th or 10th floor. I was already hanging on the hand rails while pushing my knees with my other hand. As I ascend more, it seems though that my lungs' air capacity has been restricted, my mouth was already as wide as a horse's as I try to inhale more oxygen.

Cheat rest before going down at Tower 1

There were a total of 90 floors to conquer, roughly equivalent to about 2,065 steps and I haven't been yet to its half but quitting is such an inviting word already, couple it with the signage "Quitter's Exit" at each Hydration/Aid stations. Reaching the 30th floor, I thought that finally I could already start to descend, but... there were still a few floors up before going down.

The descent after more than 35 floors were not easy either. If going up needs a lot of deep concentrations and physical endurance, the going down also needs strategy, knee strength, and most importantly, a lot of patience. The stairs going down for the same 35 floors feels like forever, and there's still another tower waiting to be conquered after the descent before finally reaching the finish line.

At the second tower, I never and wasn't able to run up anymore, but tried as consistently as possible to walk two stair steps at a time at a manageable speed. But did it really turned-out manageable? I did crawled for two sets of flights and only stopped because there were already runners in front of me and at my back. Don't want to let them see a CrawlingAtom!

Then at last, metal stairs towards the finish line at the roof deck greeted us. Though unlike with road races, I wasn't able to sprint the last few distance. At the finish arch, I even almost forgot to swipe my proximity card to record my finish time as all I can think of and all that my body wishes to do is to breathe in fresher more air which is abundant at the roof deck. The result of all those agony that seemed forever actually lasted only for 20 to 21 minutes, heck!

A tiring but refreshing finish at the roof deck

A few rounds of cool down walks put my lungs back into normal breathing, but my whole body is still shaking even after almost 20 minutes already of having been rested.

Loot bags? Oh they were abundant, and runners had the freshest kind of loot bag given with a freshly harvested petchay, farmed right atop the roof deck. There were also taro and papaya trees but has not bear fruits yet.

I wasn't able to run at the Nathan Ridge Run last week, blame it to the bosses! But the vertical run was such a hard and challenging race in just a very short span of time - a great candidate as one of my most challenging race for the year.

The vertical route

Race Profile:
Distance: 90 Floors (2,065 steps)
Official Time: 00:20:03
Official Ranking: 27th out of 83 Finishers

Race Info:
When: November 26, 2011.
Where: The Enterprise Center Bldg., Ayala, Makati
Event: 2nd Trek the T.E.C.

Tip of the Enterprise Center's Tower 1

Race results may be downloaded here.

Afro-Dark at the 2012 Afroman Leg

2011-11-20T02:39:00.006+08:00

My Afroman Distance Debut

My last year's feat at the 1st Afroman race (2010 RunRio Trilogy 3 - Run United 2) has left a good mark on my 2010 races. It was my second farthest distance attained in running, with barely a breathe left upon crossing the finish line after 03:11:27 last 21 Nov 2010.

During those times, I am not yet a solid member of the Six:30 running group as I haven't been solidly participating with their training sessions. So there was virtually nobody to cheer and ask for assistance, save for a good friend who ran a shorter distance for the same event. She was there, waiting for me, and all hands with assisting and giving aid to me right after I crossed the finish line. The race was so tiring, the sun's heat burned me, but the experience was so fulfilling!

Afro-distance debut (2010 RunRio Trilogy Leg 3)

Give Back, Come Back

13th of November, the second Afroman signature distance was back, again as the third leg of the RunRio Trilogy for 2011. As this distance is aimed to give the runners, specially those who are aiming to run their first full Marathon, the feel of achieving a finish as they hit their "wall", a lot of upcoming Marathoners for the 3rd TBR Dream Marathon 2012 joined this Afroman Leg. Among them are a number of members from the Six:30 Running Group.

A night before the race, me, Allan, Daisy, and Kyx (two of the new Six:30 members) met at SecondWind to buy some of our essentials for the race, and had our eve of Carbo-loading at Mang Inasal while exchanging stories and funny anecdotes about random stuffs. Kyx is one nervous guy for his upcoming longest distance for the next day (read their race account from RunningFreeManila's post).

The flock of Runners in Blue Run United 3 singlet (photo grabbed from Unilab ActiveHealth's album)

Race day, the four of us met at some street post near the starting line, and soon other Six:30 members came in view including RunnerIshi and Noel. Hendy and John are nowhere in sight but are also running the Afro leg. As Allan assigned himself to pace with Kyx, and Noel is also going to pace a buddy of his, I also thought of pacing RunnerIshi - the least that I could do to give back for the assistance and kindness that she gave during my debut feat with last year's Afro leg. She doesn't want me to pace her but I insisted. After all, like the other first time Afro distance runners, it will also be her first, and longest race distance to conquer.

So I paced her out of her willingness and just planned to stay until some rays of the sun peeks. We started at the middle of the starting line, but got left far behind the pack a few hundred meters after because of her ITBS (or arthritis?) which has acted early. Unlike with the previous race where I did stressed her early, we were doing her own rhythm and chosen pace/technique (she counts mentally before walking and does the same for the running since we both don't have a digital timer/chronograph). At the 5th kilometer, she insisted once again for me to go ahead as the route is already well lit with the early morning sky. But since there were a lot of crossings along Buendia road, with drivers endlessly honking at the race Marshalls, trucks trying hard to cross along the route, a few hundred meters (approx.) of narrow path left for the runners, and her aching ITBS I decided to stay with her up to the 7th kilometer.

After an approximate elapsed time of 1 hour and 6 minutes at the 7th kilometer mark, we were already running on our own. I tried to catch-up with other runners who are already ahead of us and was able to pass-by a number of them including some friends who still looks strong and are running strong. We reached the first U-Turn along Buendia road near Makati Avenue, a very familiar U-turn point from the 1st Afroman Leg. Going towards Roxas Blvd. from Buendia was a breeze, with some wary drivers on the other side of the road, street Children enjoying the closed road from vehicular traffic, and a drunk man in his 20's sleeping at the side of a street post/fence.

Photo thanks to Jpeg Mendoza

At Roxas Blvd., I've crossed many of my friends who are now on their way back, some already doing their speedy negative split who could no longer hear us calling his name (Hendy?). Kyx and Allan are also still doing good and it seems that Kyx already lost his nervousness (but not yet his sanity, I believe).

The route along the stretch of Roxas Blvd. from near NAIA road going to the third U-turn near UN Ave. spanning more than 8 kilometers and from UN Ave. going to Vicente Sotto (the street going to Star City) spanning more than 3 kilometers seems to be the longest of the route. Coupled with the sun's heat that was almost unbearable, and with hydration stations already drying up, the route became longer and longer as my speed and stamina gets lower and lower. I could already see many runners now walking, and most are just taking a stroll while chatting with their friends. It's good though that half of the road on this route was closed to traffic, making it easy for chasing runners to find their way without much criss-crossing efforts.

Allan and Kyx on their way to the Finish line

At Vicente Sotto, a lot of People have flocked, while some are still lined up at the entrance of Aliw Theater for the Pacquiao-Marquez 3 fight. Farther more at Magdalena Jalandoni street are mix of Airsoft players and ROTC Cadets/Cadettes making their own airsoft gun noises and salutations. These somehow made my mind get out from the numbing and floating sensations.

Upon reaching the finish line, I just re-fueled myself with the remaining gatorade on my hydration bottles and went back for RunnerIshi who's already around 23-24km mark. But the cold water which I poured from my head that went down to my back gave my lower back an unusual ache which hindered me from running or even make a light jog. I saw RunnerIshi at Roxas Blvd. near Trader's Hotel and is about to turn right at Vicente Sotto St. She was already crying and I found out that she's been walking and was no longer running since reaching the 22nd kilometer due to the continues aching of her ITBS. From there, I've been pushing her and giving her motivations to finish the remaining distance of 5 more kilometers. She's been begging to just DNF from the race, but since she can still walk (lol), I insisted that she finish her race. The drag was really challenging as both of us can no longer run. My back was still aching, both of our legs are already tired, her spirit is already low and has been continuously losing hope that she'll be able to finish the race.

Six:30 members eagerly waiting near the finish line

At Diosdado Macapagal, we were able to somehow speed up our walk that somehow gave us more distance covered. It took us almost an hour or more before finally reaching the finish line. But then I was glad that after all those tiring walk, the Six:30 members are still there, waiting for our arrival.

Race Profile:
Distance: 32 km.
Official Time: 03:38:32 (chip time)
Official Ranking: 605th out of 2,039 Finishers

Race Info:
When: November 13, 2011.
Where: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay
Event: 2011 RunRio Trilogy 3 - Run United 3

You may view a PDF copy of the Official Race Results from Ms. KulitRunner's blog.

1111111111

2011-11-11T23:57:00.005+08:00

So I have nothing to post about running for today! Today's date, (11/11/11) couple it with the clock's time of 11:11AM or 11:11PM or 1:11AM or 1:11PM gives us a lot of possible one-sequence combinations. I was supposed to write down my more than two months pending race account and have it posted exactly at the all-powered on bit of date and time which happens only once every Century. But since I am still stucked here in the office, that didn't happen.

I was just reminded again about the date when our System Administrator gave me a temporary account to one of our Servers, with a User ID of 'tempadmin111111'. I got cross-eyed because of the many number "1" and wonder if our SysAd is mad at me for giving me such an eye-confusing User ID, until I realized today's date.

I have also actually planned a while ago to run in our office's treadmill a total distance of 11.11 kilometer in a span of 1 hour of 11 minutes. Of course, I wasn't able to do that as I already am more than 11 hours (exactly 15.5 hours and counting...) in-front of the office desk, and now eating a 11 minutes-cooked cup noodle. Sigh!

RunBGC 2011 - A Level Higher

2011-11-08T13:11:00.005+08:00

Last year's RunBGC gave way for a new/beginner (newbe?) 5K Runner to take home a sparkling brand new Chevrolet Cruze sedan, such a lucky one!

On November 27, Bonifacio Global City is leveling up this year's BGC Run, not only with its post-race raffle, but also with how the race will be taken. A totally, new kind of challenge awaits the 3K and 5K (with flag football category only) runners with the incorporation of Flag Football by B-League Football Club.

Simply put, an individual runner will catch the football and defend his flag belt towards the 'End Zone' of the football field. The flag football field will be stationed 1 kilometer from the starting line, that means you will run 1 kilometer and play the flag football, then run again the remaining distance of your race category towards the finish line.

More details of the Flag Football is found from this link.

Race Details:
What: Run BGC 2011 - A Level Higher
When: Sunday, 27 November 2011, 5:30AM
Where: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Race Categories & Registration Fees:

3K / 3K-FF - Php 500.00
5K / 5K-FF - Php 600.00
10K - Php 700.00
(*FF - Flag Football)

Registration Centers: (In-Store Registration from 26 Oct 2011 - 23 Nov 2011 12:00 NN - 8:00 PM)

Toby's/Runnr: - L1, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA; B3 BHS, BGC, Taguig; GF SM MOA
Planet Sports: - 2F Trinoma Mall, QC; 2F Glorietta 3, Makati
The Athlete's Foot: - 3F Robinson's Galleria; 2F Twin Cinema Arcade, Alabang Town Center

Aside from the Flag Football challenge all Finishers are entitled to win a trip for two to Australia on a four (4) days, three (3) nights tour package any time within 2012, which includes a race registration fee to a chosen Australian-based marathon or fun run. Now how's that for a raffle?

More information can be found from BGC's website.

A Better Adidas KOTR, A Bad Pacer at This One

2011-11-05T00:05:00.006+08:00

Previously...

Two years ago when I first joined the Adidas King of the Road 2009, the 21k distance was still far fetched from my mind. During that time, the fear of 21k race due to my almost full body cramps from my first half-marathon attempt a decade back has kept me immobilized from joining longer than 10k distances. But after the race, I promised to myself that on my next race for Adidas KOTR, I would definitely join the 21K category.

Then the 2010 Adidas KOTR came, but due to surging registration fees and my incomplete attendance at the aNR (Adidas Nation of Runners) Sessions which should've been my ticket for a free race kit, I wasn't able to join and so I got left behind envied with the nice, black Adidas singlet for that year's feat. Unfortunately, the 2010 Adidas KOTR got hit with a lot of negative feedbacks which spanned from anything you could think of in a race. Well the 2009 Adidas KOTR also got some negative feedbacks due to the over-crowded expo (race kit claiming), but the 2010 series got the most hurtful stone throwed at.

And Now...

This year's King of the Road, the fees are much higher at Php 1,050.00 for the 21K distance. But it was a good news upon learning that RunRio was given the hand as the technical race Director, so despite of the negative feedbacks from Adidas' previous KOTR events, this year's race managed to attract 11,567 official finishers combined (based from the overall official race result).

The race started on-time at 5AM for the 21K runners. Hydrations were also more than sufficient, with powerade, cold water, and cold sponge that kept the runners cool throughout the entire distance. I also heard that there were a handful of celebrities who graced the event, but I haven't seen them aside from Mr. Rovilson Hernandez who's already been a regular sight in many races.

Pacer Duty

Last March, I paced a very good and close friend of mine (RunnerIshi) on her 2nd 21k and "farewell" race, we made it fruitfully successful to the finish line. Now as her welcome back race, I made a pact to pace her once again for this race as we are both on the same distance category.

Few weeks before this event, we've somehow put in a few training runs specifically two or three non-consecutive days in a span of three weeks, lol! Well the busy days of Christmas season is preventing us to spend more time with our trainings (Training Excuse 101).

Anyway, we arrived at the race venue with only 20 minutes left before the gun-start, so we both took the chance and small time that we had to slow-jog going to the baggage counter, and some random russian march, butt-kicks and high-knees from the baggage counter towards the starting line - enough to give us a good warm-up and some sweat. That's the kind of warm-up that I have been missing and haven't been doing for a long time.

So as we head-off after the gun-start, I tried to keep control of my own pace so that I won't be running faster than RunnerIshi whom I was pacing. Since RunnerIshi is naturally a positive splitter, I also have to keep watch and help her control her own pace. But it seems that the technique isn't effective because after 5 kilometers, she was already puffing hard and I was wondering if we have ran faster for that first few distance.

As soon as we reached the 7th kilometer, she can no longer sustain the slow-jog pace which I think was the same pace/speed as what we have started. It seems though that it's the opposite as RunnerIshi already looks like she has already covered more than 15km distance. She then admitted to me that she's getting stressed and pressured because of my constant watching of her running form (arms over-crossing, tight shoulder/neck, slouching, etc.), her breathing intervals, and our estimated arrival time with our current pace. Like a horse ready to give-up, she begged if I could just run without me coaching her too much about her way of running. I then realized that she maybe right, so I just kept my mouth shut and just ran a few meters ahead of her just to give her a boost.

Evicted Pacer

Upon reaching the 8th kilometer at 1 hour and 10 minutes or so, RunnerIshi gave me signal that I may go ahead so she could also concentrate on her own pacing and technique. After a few hundred meters, I obliged and bid her goodbye for the rest of the route.

It was already around more than 1 hour and 12 minutes elapsed time from the gun-start and we're still behind the halfway. Having been evicted from my pacer duty, I just decided to chase as much runners as I can. But I felt weak after reaching the foot of Buendia flyover at Kalayaan Ave. I was able to run the next 5 kilometer distance after 25 minutes (at 13.4km point) but I slowed more on the succeeding 6 kilometers which I covered for around 38 minutes, ending up to a finish time of 2:26:28 (gun-time).

Thanks BroJRunning for the photo

I still contacted RunnerIshi at the 11th km and after the U-turn slot at Kalayaan Ave. to check how she was doing. Since I no longer knew if she's still doing fine, I reminded her to stay relaxed, hydrated, walk as much as she feels needed, and not to forget to take her Stinger gels.

Still a Happy Race

The crowd of runners near the finish line was so motivating. It seems like I haven't seen it for a long time. The Takbo.ph banner was already on the road a few meters away, waiting for a photo-op with the runners.

Just after I claimed my medal and lootbag, I went back to fetch and re-pace RunnerIshi. Found her running at the 18th kilometer point pacing with her "Mars" Michydo, and AR. Although, I wasn't able to pace them back for the remaining stretch since both my legs were already cramping, I just took a short cut and waited for them near the finish line. RunnerIshi managed to finish strong and also beat two of her previous 21k races, brushing off more than an hour from her 2011 CamSur and 4 minutes from her RunRio Trilogy 2011 Leg 1.

Six30 Members (photo by: Czarina Atienza)

Runners from all over the metro gathered afterwards for some "reuniting" while the Six:30 Running group also went for a quick munching and chattering about our own KOTR feats at KFC.

Special thanks to Ms. Isa Sevilla of Green Bulb PR for my race kit, for all the people and organizations behind who made this race successful, the Six:30 running group, and for the photos care of ARC, BroJRunning, the Individual photog-runners, and etc.

Race Profile:
Distance: 21 km.
Official Time: 02:25:39 (chip time)
Official Ranking: 1,062nd out of 2,461 Finishers

Race Info:
When: October 23, 2011.
Where: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Event: Adidas King of the Road 2011

You may also view the race results from this link or on this link.

2011 Adidas King of the Road Crowning News Release

Adidas Crowns the 2011 King of the Road

2011-11-04T20:05:00.003+08:00

News Release from Adidas about the recently successful 2011 Adidas King of the Road

MANILA, October 23 - The adidas King of the Road (KOTR) came to a vibrant and colorful close at the Bonifacio Global City grounds as thousands of participants fought to the finish as they vied for the ‘adidas Southeast Asia King of the Road 2011’ crown.

Exemplifying the brand’s exceptional commitment to sport, the adidas KOTR has unified runners from all around Asia – with participants from Thailand, then Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The race then culminated here in its first ever host country, making Philippines the ultimate race destination. Represented through the variety of different coloured adidas singlets, the multi-colour showcase is meant to demonstrate the vibrancy of the sports scene across Southeast Asia.

The adidas KOTR was a testament to the keen and enthusiastic participants overflowing with energy as early as three in the morning as they prepare for the very first gunstart at 5AM. With three different categories varying from 5K, to 16.8K and 21K, the routes make for an enjoyable and pleasant race day. adidas definitely delivered the race of a lifetime, creating an experience where runners not only challenged themselves but also achieved personal breakthroughs. Celebrities who made personal breakthroughs in this race are Robi Domingo, Rich Hardin, and Karylle . Even Iza Calzado, Will DeVaughn, Kim Atienza, and Rovilson Fernandez went all in with at the adidas King of the Road race.

The 16.8K category is the most distinctive signature distance this year as winners from the previous legs in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia were flown in to represent their countries. Taking home the King of the Road 2011 crowns are I Gusti Gede Karang Asem with a running time of 57:58 and Mary Joy Tabal with a runnning time of 1:04:44 for our 16.8K Southeast Asian winners, David Mutai with a running time of 54:41 and Esthar Karimi with a running time of 1:02:07 for the 16.8K Open Category; John Philip Duenas with a running time of 54:41 for the 16.8K Closed Category; Kimbert Sarmiento with a running time of 15:59 for the 5K Category; and Frederick Mwingirwa Mathiu with a running time of 1:10:12 for the 21K Category.

With the availability of premium running products and training platforms, adidas provides runners with the tools needed for a better run—whether it’s finishing the first marathon or breaking a personal best. From the adiNation of Runners, a running community formed to help motivate and train running enthusiasts to train together on a weekly basis; to the launch of the adidas miCoach virtual training system, nothing else gets a runner more prepared for a race than adidas. Race analysis and photos will be made available 3 weeks after the race day at www.runrio.com.

For more information and updates, participants may continuously check www.adidaskingoftheroad.com or visit www.facebook.com/adidasPhilippines.

Check out the following photo collage, courtesy of Green Bulb PR.

Adidas KOTR 2011 Celebrity Participants

Runners who graced the finish line

More captured moments

Diadora Footwear Technology Evolution

2011-11-03T12:20:00.002+08:00

Diadora is proud to introduce the evolutionary footwear technology of Axeler WI5 which has been developed to help increase athlete’s performance by enahncing footwear cushioning, flexibility, and stability. The Diadora Axeler WI5™ evolution combines the Axeler String™ and Axeler Propulsion™ located respectively in the heel and forefoot area to improve footwear functionality.

Diadora integrated the Axeler Technology™ to all running footwear to increase running performance and comfort. These technologies add the flexible nature to the shoe to naturally move with you as your foot propels forward. And with a fully tractioned sole, you can run on any surface with steady pace. This has been engineered to ensure the high stability of the foot together with exceptional bending capacity and perfect weight distribution to accompany and follow the foot throughout its every natural movement. The Axeler String™ technology, on the other hand aids in shock absorption and limits midsole torsion movement from side to side enhancing stability; and Axeler Propulsion is made of Pebax™, a material with an elevated elastic memory that maintains its characteristic over time to ensure maximum comfort and flexibility.

Axeler WI5 technology consist of six components:

Microbe barrier found in the “Upper”for anti-bacterial treatment;
Elaston™ located in the midsole and in-sole area to make midsoles and insoles highly elastic while maintaining its characteristic for a long time;
Double Action found in the outsole to guarantee maximum impact absorption and enhance flexibility and distribution of pressure in the forefoot area;
Flexoft™ light weight material that improves shock absorption and better propulsion in the forefoot area;
Duratech 5000™ found on the outsole area to improve higher wear resistance;
CCB material component located in the mid section of the outsole to ensure torsional instability in the arch support area while giving the shoe the lightness and stability without altering shock absorption.

Diadora's shoes has positively evolved thru time becoming more and more technologically advanced, thanks to cooperation from major athletes and champions including Guillermo Vilas, Martin Mulligan, and the legendary Björn Borg.

Diadora's Top of the line Running Shoes:

153062 - MYTHOS SAMURAI III

Upper: Nylon air mesh and Supreltech. Lining with special anti-bacteria treatment.
Insole: Removable anatomical cotton jersey and shock-absorbing Elastom E.V.A. foam.
Midsole: Moulded Elastom E.V.A. foam. Double Action² in the heel area. C.C.B.. Axeler Wi-5 Propulsion. Power Flow.
Sole: Blown Flexoft Rubber in the front area. Special Duratech 5000 wearproof compound in the heel area.
Color: C4101 - Blue micro/Red orange
Sizes: 5 ½ -13

Diadora Mythos Samurai III (Men's)

Diadora Mythos Samurai III (Women's)

155168 - MYTHOS AXELER TI IV

Upper: Nylon air mesh and Supreltech. Lining with special anti-bacteria treatment
Insole: Removable anatomical and shock-absorbing Elastom E.V.A. foam.
Midsole: Moulded Elastom E.V.A. foam. Sandwich structure with a PU insole hight shock absorber. Double Action² in the metatarsal and heel area. C.C.B.. Axeler in titanium. Power Flow.
Sole: Blown Flexoft Rubber in the front area. Special Duratech 5000 wearproof compound in the heel area.
Color: C3013 - Silver dd/Micro blue
Sizes: 5 ½ -13

Diadora Mythos Axeler TI IV (Men's)

Diadora Mythos Axeler TI IV (Women's)

Visit Diadora from the following links:
Diadora Phils. Running Team
Diadora Website
Diadora on Wikipedia

Booking Your Accommodation via Roomorama

2011-10-28T08:32:00.005+08:00

With the intuitive, friendly and smooth user-interface of Roomorama, finding a place to stay is just like browsing a race route at MapMyRun. You don't even have to login to your roomorama account before you could start searching.

I have provided you with some screenshots below about the few steps in finding an accommodation through Roomorama. I just love how easy it was for me to find a place so I'm sharing it with you.

1. First step is to find a property by keying in your desired location, check-in dates, and number of guests, then just click the big, red, Find Now button.

1b. List of properties that matches the availability and location of your search will appear. You will still be able to refine your search through the filters at the left side of the result screen. You may also sort the result by title, price range, or booking type. At the same time, you may view the result in List view, Grid, or Map type.

Property search result in List view type

Property search result in geographical map view type

1c. After selecting a property among the result, you may view a descriptive information, the amenities included, rates and availability, and the perks that comes or at reach within the surroundings of the property.

1d. You may further scroll to check out available reviews or feedbacks from previous guests of the property, and also you may study its exact location map.

1e. By dragging the yellow human icon from the zoom tools through the map, you will be able to see how the roads or the property EXACTLY LOOKS LIKE at its location. If you don't like the place, below the intuitive map are links for similar properties you have chosen.

2. Now when you're already at ease with your chosen property to rent, you shall proceed with the inquiry by clicking the big, red Inquire Now button, located at the mid-upper-top of the screen.

3. Lastly, the property host will respond to your inquiry should the room, apartment, or house is available. When everything has been agreed with, you may proceed with the booking by clicking the big, red Book button. Payment details will have to be filled-up, so prepare your Paypal or Credit card details.

After confirmation of your payment, a six-digit payment code will be flashed on your screen and also sent to your email address. This payment code will be your pass that indicates your payment-conformity with Roomorama regarding the property rental. You have to keep note of it, print it, as you will show it to your host (property owner) upon reaching your destination.

That's it, as easy and fun as that!

I'll be posting a review about my rented room at Singapore after my Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011 race, so stay tuned and keep posted! See you there!

Get to know what roomorama is all about by visiting this link, their Facebook fanpage, or you may also drop them a tweet via their twitter account @Roomorama.

Should you find it interesting to book an accommodation with Roomorama, Roomorama has been kind to share with us a 10% discount. After booking, you will be asked with a DISCOUNT CODE, enter "Runningatom" and you'll instantly get $10.00 off from your first Roomorama booking fee.

Booked and Ready for SCMS 2011

2011-10-28T01:40:00.005+08:00

For someone like me who's been getting a few years of hardships obtaining a Passport due to incorrectly spelt family name on birth certificate (read the story here), this moment of finally having these legal documents after three decades is really an amazingly great day!

Having not able to run the Singapore 2XU Run last April 10, 2011 was such a big dismay for me. But now that I'm already armed with complete legal documents, I will be able to make an out-of-Country races anytime I want.

So on December 4, 2011, I will be running my second (or third full Marathon following my 1st 50K Ultramarathon run) full Marathon after more than a year from my debut Marathon. I thought this year will end without me participating another full 42.195km race distance.

A week after the passport have arrived, I was able to book for my Air transport, and just yesterday, my accommodation for Singapore was also seamlessly booked ONLINE via ROOMORAMA.

I'll be staying at a cozy apartment yet less expensive vacation room which is just 10 minutes away from the starting line at Orchard road via MRT or Taxi. From the property description, the apartment is "unusually spacious and hidden in the Central of Singapore where you will still hear the bird chirping in the morning." It is situated on the Braddell Hill, near the Mount Ritchie Reservoir, and also has full club facilities like swimming pools gym, tennis court, game rooms, indoor canteen and outdoor cafe, etc. Thus, after the race, the swimming pool will be my resting ground for a few hours before packing up.

So how was I able to find this place where I would stay at? Find out from my next post: Booking Your Accommodation at Roomorama