44:1:10:57 and Counting

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I've decided early on that I'll be running the 16K at the Condura Skyway Marathon on Feb 6, 2011. As much as I wanted a third 42K under my belt (with kick-ass PR breaking results, of course!), I knew that I wasn't physically and mentally ready to head on to the challenge. Upon registering, I was still tempted to just vie for the full and just "wing it" on race day. But since I told myself that my next full mary attempt should be properly trained for (the first two were somewhat trained for, then Bahala na si Batman attitudes), I had to deliberate between the 21K and 16K distances instead.

I haven't done a half marathon for a while, so it's a toss up between missing-long-distance-runs and not-feeling-ready-for-long-distance-runs. As of this post, there is still 44:1:10:57 time to train, so the half mary wasn't really an issue, but more of a What to run? What to run?. In the end, I chose the 16K, simply because I wanted to complete my Condura collection. ;) haha.

I must say, registering for the Condura Skyway Marathon was way easier than deciding from the many race distances to choose from (3/5/10/16/21/42K) . I registered on the spot in Greenbelt 3 (in front of Asics store), but online registration is also available.

Step 1- Fill out the electronic forms. Wait for the printout.
Step 2- Pay the registration fee.
Step 3- Pick out your shirt size.
Step 4- Claim your race pack.
Step 5- Indulge in the Hersheys chocolate bar that came with the pack!

{e-Registration Set Up in Greenbelt 3}

{Love the dri-fit shirts. So light and airy!}

{Woo-hoo! All set.

Now, time to cram training...}

Oh, by the way, Merry Christmas, everyone! ;)

Condura: A Run Through

It's that time of the year again, when a runner would feel extra guilty for that second helping of lechon. When a runner would feel a twinge of guilt when a holiday salu-salo would win over an evening run. Yep, the 2011 Condura run is coming to town! And everyone is starting to get ready for it (if not already). I'm still undecided if I want to do a half marathon or 16K run. But I'm leaning towards the 16K, just so I can "complete" my set.

Condura Skyway Marathon 2010- 42K
I wasn't able to blog about my follow up full marathon (A.K.A Cebu Marathon Redemption Run), but the most memorable moment was when I was running on top of the Skyway as the sun was rising over the horizon, just as my iPod started playing Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles. It was a moment I memorized for life. I still feel a sense of awe everytime I go through that highway.

{Full Mary #2}

Condura Run 2009- 21K
This year was a milestone in the running community. It was the first time that the Skyway would be open to runners! Read all about my Condura 2009 half marathon experience here.

{Not just another half marathon.}

Condura Run 2008- 10K

One of the best runs ever! I haven't started blogging, and running wasn't the "It" sport yet, but I still remember every enjoyable bit of this Condura event and pegging it on my race MUSTS list!

{10K Fun Run for a Cause}

Mini Run, Maxi Fun (Nike Run Club Manila 5K Run 2010)

RUN WITH YOUR SIBLINGS.
RUN FOR BROTHERLY LOVE.
RUN THOSE DAMN CALORIES AWAY.
RUN TO LOOK LIKE A GRAPE.
RUN FOR FUN.
RUN AGAIN.
JUST RUN.

There are runs that are just predictably fun- and this is one of them. Granted that most of the fun came after the actual run (the Nike+ Mini doll photoshoots and the Mercato Centrale food fest was a big part of it), it's usually the sum of all parts that make up a terrific Sunday morning.

It was a typical run around Bonifacio Global City, but since I've been on a semi-hiatus for a while, everything seemed like a new experience again. The weather was cool and a bit cloudy, which was just perfect for a run, but ruined my chances of getting a bit of a tan for my glow-in-the-dark legs.

The run was properly managed with ample marshals and water stops. Except for my lungs, there are no complaints. Aaah, I never realized how I missed running, but my body surely felt it. Now I really need another full mary to sign up for next year to give me that much needed push. I've done the Cebu Marathon 2010 and the Condura Skyway Run 2010 this year, so I'm thinking if I should do a part two or pick a new race altogether. Whaddya think? Which 42K should I vie for in 2011? Hmm...

Oh, and as past Nike Runs go, a limited edition freebie for the finisher was up for grabs. The first Human Race had a nifty ID band. Last year's Human Race had a shirt and drawstring bag, I think. This year, it's a miniature version of the Nike runner (Super aliw!). I can't wait to see what's in store for the next year's run. Looks like 2011 will be another year to look forward to!

Nike Run Club Manila 5K run results here.

{Gingerbread Man & Running Fatboy}

{Woo-hoo! Got my limited edition Nike+ Mini Me.}

{Two Runners and A Baby}

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{Meet my Nike+ Mini Me}

{Sibling Support}

{Swoosh Man at Work}

A Sea of Feet (Seen Fit)

{Sea of Feet}

While everyone was fast asleep enjoying the non-working Monday (Salamat, Andres Bonifacio!), a bunch of crazy runners were up and off, shedding their shoes for the 1st Annual RUN BAREFOOT Clinic 2010 held in SM Mall of Asia.

Terra Plana Philippines (purveyor of the EVO and Dopie brand ethical shoes) brought in the famed barefoot running author, Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee (now Mrs. Sandler) to introduce minimalist running to the Philippine running community. The barefooted duo have experienced running on dirt, on cobblestoned streets, and even on icy terrain!

What on earth must their feet look like, eh? Surprisingly enough, their feet look normal and healthy. That's because the natural movement and unconstricted bare feet provides more relief and comfort for your feet. Apparently, your feet adapts and strengthens over time (and practice), which eventually leads to better posture and a more toned body. Now, that part I like!

But let's go back to running.

First agenda on the clinic- Take off your socks and shoes. Barefoot running is all about being one with your environment. Being able to feel the ground actually makes you a better runner. Every crack, every pebble, every flex you feel contributes to an overall running experience. Your feet muscles will be tougher, stronger, more flexible. Your running form will change and adapt to the natural way of running- landing on the mid to front foot instead of the heel. This is turn, will make you more nimble and lighter on your feet. You'll also be less prone to injuries as well, since you'll have, well, balls of steel (I meant the ones on your feet, of course!).

As all changes go, this adaptation will take some time getting used to. Michael Sandler suggests a few distances per day would be ideal. Maybe just 200-500 meters, if you're just starting out. In time, you can add more distance. Alternating between minimalist shoes (I dare not go all out barefoot in Manila streets, so shoes like EVOs or Vibrams is ideal) and your regular thick-soled running shoes is the way to go.

Then just sit back, relax, and eventually see, just how natural running barefoot can be.

NOTE: To know more about running barefoot, check out Michael and Jessica's blog at http://www.runbare.com. 

{Barefoot Runner/Author, Michael Sandler}
{Testing Ground}

{Soiled or Sparkly?}

{Ingenious Barefoot Running Gadget}
{Flex those toe muscles!}

{Terra Plana shoes are made from recycled PET bottles!
How cool is that?}

{VivoBarefoot's running shoe, The Evo, will make running second nature.}

{Click here for more benefits in going minimalist.}

{Complimentary Chewy Junior Cream Puffs for breakfast. Yum!}

{Meeting Michael Sandler}

{Jason DLR & Me}

{Meet the feet behind Barefoot Running Philippines.}

{Dave and Dindo with Jessica Lee and Michael Sandler of Barefoot Running book.}

The Terra Plana barefoot runners recently completed the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon, a full 42K in minimalist running shoes, with 35-barefoot runners tied all together. Congratulations, BFRs, lah! =)