We Walk, Weave, Run, Rock Manila (Nike We Run Manila 10K 2011)



Rock Manila

It's no secret that a race by Nike is bound to be one heck of an event filled with out of the box surprises and limited edition collectibles. That's probably why this year, 8,000 runners were jam-packed and tucked away at the far end of Fort Bonifacio Global City on a Saturday afternoon, that lasted til the wee hours of the evening to rock 'n roll with three of the country's biggest bands.


I, for one, was excited for this for a number of reasons:
1) Haven't joined a race for a while- I missed running...
2) Big sis duties. Supporting my brother's (technically) last event in Manila before he flies off to a new life adventure. (Sniff.)
3) Awesome, awesome running shirt (Yes, that actually came 3rd).
4) Running groupie. (Congrats to my 10K newbie troops!)
5) Rockin' groupie. (hahaha. Just kidding.)
6) Nike groupie. ;)

Red Means Go!
It's expected that we'd be walking past the starting line, but what I didn't expect was that I'd still be walking until around the 4th kilometer. Yikes! Anyone who had been there can attest to the sheer number of people packed into narrow streets. In retrospect, I should've weaved through the dense crowd at the onset of the race, maybe then I could've shaved off a bigger chunk from my time...

I can't say it was a good fast run for me. I've been in hiatus for quite a while, and my body was really reminding me of that. Nevertheless, the feel of hitting the pavement in my running shoes still felt great! I'm slowly getting back into the groove. I can't wait to break those PRs once again. Soon.




Good job, Team Nike!



That Reddish Glow



Backstage with 10K Newbies, Toots and Lisa- Loving our neon kicks!

 

Chicosci






Sandwich

  

Parokya ni Edgar








Hmmm... what is this blog thingamajig... 

Just a shout out to everyone one there- Heya! Hope to be back and blogging soon. ;)

-little worker ant

Up For The Challenge

12 months and 24 days ago, I was merrily chomping through lettuce leaves, canned tuna anything, and everything tofu. I was (relatively) doing well on my self-imposed Project V (V is for Veggie), for an earth-friendlier and healthier lifestyle, and would only falter on days when I would celebrate milestones with my best friends, Lechon or Callos, to name a few.

So, when I turned a year older, I got a little wiser and thought, "Hey, life is short- why deprive myself of eating my favorite food? Besides, it's my birthday, and I can eat what I want to."

So much for my so-called wisdom. I guess that was deprivation talking. Which was a bad thing- because it all went downhill from there. Goodbye, months of healthy vegetarianism. We were so close. So close.

I didn't significantly lose or gain a lot of weight with the diet shift. On a scale of 1-10 in healthy eating, I consider myself an 8, save for the sinful desserts (I will die without them) and the occassional carcinogenic grilled taba.

What I do miss though, was the lightness and energy I felt during my Project V phase. Running was like gliding on air. Plus, my skin was visibly clearer too. And to be honest, with my new schedule of erratic late nights, I really need to be these things again! So when Jamie of The Bull Runner blog posed a TBR 30-day Eat Right Challenge, I was definitely game. The rules are simple, just consciously try to eat healthier. You can download a copy of the TBR 30 code here. And my favorite part, the No Deprivation rule! (That means lean meat is still on the menu) Yay.

Anyone else up for the challenge? Just like running, sometimes it's better (and more effective and FUN- Yes, competition mode included) to do things with a group. Today is Day 1. Let's go, let's go! ;)

There's Something About Orange

There's something about orange that makes me want to run.

If there's a color for running, then mine would probably be orange. This I serendipitously discovered while shopping for new workout gear with my friend, Lisa, in BHS.

After a long text consulation with my inside man, Mr. Nike Shoe Specialist (not to mention after half an hour of squatting and making "running start" poses to know if it could adapt to my moves), I had narrowed down my choices to the WMNS Air Pegasus+, Lunarelite+ 2, until I finally decided on the Nike Lunarglide+ 2 for its stability and cushioning. .

We were shopping in the middle of the day, so I had loads of time to make a decision on the model of the shoe. Oh, but wait, then there's that superficial issue on what COLOR to get...

I was torn between orange and purple. And when I say torn, I really mean t-o-r-n. Fellow geminis can relate.

After much deliberation, I gave in to the footwear version of the orange Stabilo Boss highlighter. I then realized that most of my past running shoes were also orange/gray combos.

So, then it got me (over)analzing more. What is it about orange? I mean, I did dedicate a freakin' blog post to this thought!

Maybe because...

Orange (and yellow) reminds me of sunrise, traffic cones, a citrusy tower of fluffy breakfast pancakes.

Whereas purple reminds me of dusk, lavander tea, things that make me go Ohm...

I dunno, there's just something about orange that makes me wanna run.

What about you? What's your color for run?

21 Kilometers, 16 Roadkills, 1 Clean Run (Greenfield Clean Air Run 2011)

{Running Fatboy and Me- Gasping for air while attempting to give an easy post-21K smile for the camera.

Di halata that we're dying inside 'no? ;)}

{Thanks for the pics, Running Atom!}

Hello, Greenfield. We meet again.

No, there's no animosity involved with running in Greenfield. Quite the contrary. My first run in Greenfield (some 2 years back) was memorable in so many ways. It would be my first time riding the provided shuttle that would take us from Greenfield EDSA all the way to Greenfield Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The run was hard, but what made me panic was losing a running buddy (nothing dramatic in the end-- just a dedicated runner that lost his way post-race) and missing the shuttle bus that would take us back to good ol' Manila.

This year, although skipping the shuttle this time, would be no different. I remembered my last Greenfield route to be hot, hard, and long, so it was a blessing that the looming summer showers provided a cool breeze during the run. Picturesque fields and wide desolate roads as the backdrop was a welcome change to the urban streescape of Manila races. Really, traveling to Sta. Rosa for that dose of fresh, clean air alone was definitely worth it.

The race was well organized (by RunRio), with an abundance of road marshals in almost every turn (so you can be sure that no one would be getting lost this time). Coach Rio himself was riding around in a motorcycle (or was it a scooter?) cheering the runners on too! With the terrific weather and the ample hydration stations, I'm guessing no one could use the heat as an excuse for a less than stellar run.

I had my earphones plugged to my ears, but it conked out on me at the 12k point of the race. Still, it wasn't such a bad thing, since the silence made me appreciate this race more and feel one with nature. In fact, nature was the one thing that kept me company during my long run, as I played a game of "Spotted" and mentally ticked off the number of dead animal carcasses I passed by on the road (I know, it's morbid. But I had to keep my eyes peeled for them since I didn't want to hear the squish of frogs, rats, or some poor woodland creature under my running shoes). I'm just glad that I had an enjoyable, leisurely run that I NEVER once felt like roadkill.

I'll be seeing you again, Greenfield. It was good, as always. ;)

 {Yay, 21K!}

{Heya, Bloggerunners!}

Heroes Welcome

"Soldiers selflessly offer their lives for the protection of their country, but their deaths would definitely shatter their children's dreams of a bright future. Education is a big help to those kids. This is our chance to help."

- Takeshi Yano, Yamaha Motor Phil. President

{Wecome note by YMPH President Takeshi Yano}

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the press and bloggers launch of the "Yamaha Run for Heroes" race. Despite the rain and traffic, media people trooped over to the Yamaha Motor showroom in Ortigas to know more about this upcoming heroic run.

Yamaha Motor Philippines, with the help of RunRio, spearheads another run that's one for the books. On July 3, 2011, recreational and serious runners can choose from the 3/5/10/21K routes running through the urban landscape of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. (More race event information and registration details can be found here. )

Help the "Yamaha Run for Heroes" reach 10,000 participants, and Yamaha Motor will generously donate 1 million pesos to HERO Foundation, a non-profit organization for orphans of fallen soldiers via education- a project initiated by Ayala Group and former Pres. Corazon Aquino.

Join and help spread the word. This is your chance to be someone's hero.

{The Yamaha Run route- illustrated ala "Snake" from old school celphone games.}

{Can you spot Coach Rio's silhouette?}

{The good people behind the run, RunRio and Yamaha.}

{The unveiling of the New Balance Yamaha Run singlet.}

{Join the run, be a HERO and get a chance to win a Yamaha Mio Fino.}

{Me likey! Hey, Universe. I hope you're listening. ;)}

A Heroic Run

{Yamaha Run for Heroes}

{All race participants get a chance to win a Yamaha Mio Fino!}

The "Yamaha Run for Heroes" aims to raise funds for HERO Foundation- an Ayala Group initiative which provides education support for children of soldiers from the armed forces of the Philippines who have died or was permamently incapacitated in the line of duty.

{Yamaha Run for Heroes New Balance Singlet Design}

Yamaha Run for Heroes ROUTES

{3K- P500 reg fee}
{Race Kit, (New Balance Singlet, Timing Chip, Bib Number, 20% Off Coupon from Planet Sports & Athlete’s Foot Stores & 10% Off Coupon from Toby’s / Runnr Store), Race Analysis, Finishers Kit, Certificate,Free photo}

{5K- P600 reg fee}

{Race Kit, (New Balance Singlet, Timing Chip, Bib Number, 20% Off Coupon from Planet Sports & Athlete’s Foot Stores & 10% Off Coupon from Toby’s / Runnr Store), Race Analysis, Finishers Kit, Certificate,Free photo}

{10K- P600 reg fee}
{Race Kit, (New Balance Singlet, D-tag, Timing Chip, Bib Number, 20% Off Coupon from Planet Sports & Athlete’s Foot Stores & 10% Off Coupon from Toby’s / Runnr Store), Race Analysis, Finishers Kit, Certificate,Free photo}

{21K- P750 reg fee}

{Race Kit, (New Balance Singlet, Timing Chip, Bib Number, 20% Off Coupon from Planet Sports & Athlete’s Foot Stores & 10% Off Coupon from Toby’s / Runnr Store), Race Analysis, Finishers Kit, Finisher’s Shirt, Finisher’s Medal, Certificate, Free photo}

{All half marathon finishers get a 21K finisher shirt.}{All half marathon finishers get a 21K finisher medal.}

Yamaha Run for Heroes – The 2nd Runrio Series Manila 2011 will be held on July 3, 2011 at Bonifacio Global City. Boasting of 4 race categories 3k, 5K, 10K, and 21K.

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Online registration period is from May 30, 2011 to June 19, 2011 only.

Delivery of race kits will start on June 5, 2011.

In-store registration period is from May 30, to June 25, 2011 at the following venues:

• RUNNR – G/F Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (4031787)
• R.O.X – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (8564638)
• Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila (556-0445)
• Planet Sports Glorietta – 2F Glorietta 3, Makati City (8177896)
• The Athletes Foot ATC - Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
• Planet Sports Trinoma – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City (9167451)
• The Athlete’s Foot Galleria – 3F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Pasig City (6363162)
  

*All registration sites are open daily, 12nn to 8pm.

Special Registration Site (May 30 to June 25; open daily from 10am to 7pm):
Yamaha YZone Flagship Shop – Lot 8 Blk. 8 ADB Ave. cor. Opal Road, Ortigas, Pasig City (Tel# 6379552)

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Registration may end earlier than announced deadline therefore; race kits may run out before June 26, 2010.

• 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 served basis.
• A disposable timing device will be used by all participants during the race.
• Medals and Finisher’s shirt will be given to all 21km finishers only.
• Finisher’s kits will be given upon finishing the race.
  

For questions and inquiries please contact (call only) any of the following Runrio hotline numbers from Monday to Friday (9:00am – 6:00pm).

Globe 0915-7827126
Globe 0927-3990043
Landline 02-703 1736

Back to Basics (Greentennial Half Marathon 2011)

{Official Snaps by Pocari Sweat}

{Check out the collection of Km markers from my half mary.}

I dub this race as my "things of semi-first". I say semi because the last time I did a half marathon was almost a year and a half ago already. Yikes! I didn't realize I slacked off from running long distances for so long now. I consciously took it easy after my back to back full marathons, so when life got a little bit busier, I didn't even notice how fast it zipped by.

The Greentenial Half Marathon was held in Aseana City, near the Mall of Asia complex. This being my turf (I live and work within the vicinity), I was expecting the usual MOA route.

Since it had just rained the night before, the weather was still a little nippy. A good thing, since the heatwave (even without the sun) has made doing anything unbearable lately. Coupled with the sea breeze, the 21K leg was off to a pretty good start.

One nice thing I really enjoy with long runs is how you start off ahead while it's still dark. No matter how many times you've seen the sunrise, it's still as amazing as ever. Last Sunday's backdrop was painted orange, pink, and purple. Aseana City was slowly becoming a favorite running venue every passing minute.

A regular MOA complex runner, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a new route via the Greentenial race. A bit off the beaten track, the 21K route took us to what I'd like to call "the secret garden". A rotunda just beside the PICC had lush greeneries that made you forget you were in the city. I'll be sure to add that to my usual MOA route from this point on.

We were lucky to have good running weather during the first half of the run. Ample water stations and road showers were also available as the sun started to beat down on us. It was tempting to go under the water, but with an ipod plugged into my ear, it would just lead to a disastrous outcome. And seeing that I was still immensely enjoying Bruno Mars lazily crooning to my run, I just chose to sweat it out. The banana breakfast and moist towelette was a great follow up though. Those I welcomed with open arms.

By the last part of the run, I could feel my calves start to cramp up. I finished the race with an average time, but for someone who has been quite the veteran in half marys, this was below average in comparison. Oh well. Still an enjoyable run through and through.

I can't wait for my next half marathon (in Nuvali for Greenfield Run)...

Fueled By Mamon (Goldilocks Run 2011)

{Running proxy for RFB's preggy wife.}

{Goldilocks Run results here.}

I had no plans of running any race this particular weekend, as I had every intention of being out of town, salvaging the remaining summer basking under the sun. But sometimes plans don't push through, and the Universe just keeps telling you to, well, run. If running under the Manila summer sun is the closest thing to basking that I can get, so be it.

Not. Complaining. At. All. ;)

Ran steady. Ran strong. Ran happy. Looking forward to my upcoming half marys in the next few weekends. Please be gentle.

ROTC (return of the comeback),

janine.

{Go for gold!}

{Greeted by higantes at the finish line.}

{With first time 5K runners, Arlene and Lisa}

{Yay, good job!}

Not Just Another Running Beach

I just had a refreshingly tart calamansi muffin rom Boracay's Real Coffee for breakfast, compliments of my brother, who just got back from his week long stay in paradise. Lucky duck. A very apt start to blog about beachin', eh?

While last year had me enjoying the intense summer heat running at the Boracay Skyathon Beach Run, this year it's just Manila-bound for me. No beach running trip in store... or is there?

A different beach, a different run, same ol' dose of summer fun. The Zambales 400th year FUN RUN. Now, that's one more "trip" to consider.

{Gorgeous Magalawa Island Shoreline}

{Breathtaking Mt. Tapulao}

Press Release:

Be a part of the “ 1st Mayor Ad Hebert Deloso Iba Zambales 400th year FUN RUN” on May 29, 2011 Sunday in Iba Zambales. The FUN RUN is in partnership with the Municipal office of IBA ZAMBALES as part of the celebration of its 400th year anniversary. The Run aims to promote the different tourism sites of the Zambales as an alternative venue for vacation and recreation spot in Luzon.

The province which offers rich tourist destinations such as its perfect surfing sites, Mt. Tapulao a virgin mountain 8,000 ft above sea level a perfect site for trekking. Another must see paradise island is Magalawa Island, a virgin white sand island with crystal clear water. Zambales also offers Crocodile farm tour for families and camping experience at the beach front through its tent city.

The “ 1st Mayor Ad Hebert Deloso Iba Zambales 400th year FUN RUN” offers 4 categories for the run. Categories are 2.5k/ 5k / 10k / 21k which will be followed by the awarding ceremony after the run and an after party at night.

A tent city will be offered for the adventure seeking tourists as well as hotel accommodation that may fit your budget.

First 50 who will register per registration outlet is entitled for a raffle entry to win a slot for “50 guests to enjoy an island tour at the MAGALAWA ISLAND right after the fun run on MAY 29, 2011!”

List of lucky winners will be posted at the 400th year IBA ZAMBALES facebook site.

Another promo is 6 registration gets 1 registration for FREE. Valid until May 15, 2011.

Registration Outlets are:
Timex SM Megamall
Timex SM Baguio
Timex SM Clark
Iba Zamables Municipality Hall

What's Up, Doc?

(I know, I know, the title is a lil' bit cliche and cheesy, but I couldn't help it...)



The heatwave has been unbearable lately, but I'm so psyched to get a good run this weekend. Good thing there will be lots of doctors around for any fainting spells! ;)

Thanks to my good friend, Running Fatboy, who got me the free race kit. Awe-some!

Good Run: Shake Yo' Booty-Tail (Good Housekeeping Family Fun Run 2011)

After all those meetings, and everything about running and dogs and running and dogs (yep, that's no typo error) for the Pet Express Doggie Run, MY RUNS and MY DOGS ironically took a backseat. You can just imagine how envious I was seeing all the other dog lovers running with their four-legged running buddies. But of course, all that "seeing green" just took a nanosecond before it was quickly replaced with excitement, happiness, and overwhelming gratitude at the successful outcome of the run.

So when another run opened its doors to the canine kind, you can bet that I'd be there, dragging my running buddy and its furry behind ASAP!

The Good Housekeeping Family Fun Run 2011 (pets included!) was held at the Manila Ocean Park last April 3. I decided to bring our golden retriever, Phoebe, to run with this time. (My dachshund, Imp, ran a 3K in last year's dog run while BFF Phoebe cheered him on. Imp ran with my sister. I was working as one of the organizers. So, yeah, green with envy! ;P)

RACE DAY- Phoebe and I piled into the car and set off to Luneta Park. And, in true Phoebe form, as soon as the car doors opened, out she rushed excitedly wagging her booty-tail as we ran from one end of Luneta to the Grandstand. Apparently, pacing was NOT an option.

Phoebe was already all pooped out (Really. We had to make a "quick stop"...) before the 1K Pet Run, that when the actual race started, we had to take it slow and took a few walking breaks in between that looooooong stretch. But who cares? We ran, we finished, we had a whole lotta fun! It's always a blast running with (wo)man's best friend. Always.

{It's Phoebe's first official race. Woo-hoo!}

{Good Houskeeping family fun!}

{Hanging out with dogTV peeps: host John Hendrix, Sugar, and Marvin}

{The unveiling of Summit's Good Dog Magazine.}

One Free Run, One Free World (Hyundai Run for a Cause 2011)

They say nothing in life is free anymore, but the organizers of the Hyundai Fun Run beg to differ. With all the races out there, and a lot of organizations and brands joining in the bandwagon, it doesn't take a genius to realize that there's money to be made in the running boom. So when you chance upon a cheap, or in this case, a more unbelievable FREE registration fee, the first thing you'll wonder about is "What's the catch"? And they're giving away a singlet, plus there's a racing chip too! So, yeah, there must be a catch there somewhere... A well organized race, the Hyundai Run for a Cause 5K and 10K race is their company's version of a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), supporting (4) major causes:

1. GAWAD KALINGA CENTER for Social Innovation – whereby Hyundai will forward its advocacy of PRO-People Empowerment, particularly of the youth, to become the new forerunners of economic progress and development through entrepreneurial dynamism.

2. ST. SCHOLASTICA'S PRIORY – In recognition of Sr. Mary John Mananzan as One of the Top 100 Most Inspiring People in the World by Women Deliver, the leading global advocate fighting for women’s rights and maternal health, Hyundai has forged into a partnership with the Institute of Women’s Studies of the St. Scholastica’s Priory to propagate its PRO-Health and Well-Being advocacy.

3. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – This alliance will bring to fruition the Hyundai mission to provide decent homes for the marginalized sector of the society, encapsulated in its PRO-Poor advocacy. Beyond providing the structure, Hyundai aims to build new homes in a nurturing and thriving environment to ensure the sustainability of the Filipino families.

4. HARIBON FOUNDATION – whereby Hyundai will hope to realize its vision for a thriving and sustainable world “where cars, people, and the planet coexist as one dynamic system” embodied in the green slogan of its PRO-Environment campaign, Together We Can for a Green Tomorrow.

So, how does this work, how were they able to help when there were no portions of the registration fees to be donated at all? Did Hyundai pledge to donate a peso for every person who ran? The way I see it, with around 25,000 runners who participated, that's 25,ooo people they managed to make aware of their (4) causes. And since Hyundi has done its part in educating the masses, it's now up to us to do something about it. So, to those who ran in the Hyundai Run for a Cause (free) fun run, what were YOU running for?

{Just 1 out of the 25K+ runners at the Hyundai Run.}

{Running for a cleaner environment.}

{Ran for a Cause}

{Ran into my mom... =) Support!} {Rediscovered: Luneta Park's Running Path}

Zebra Day (A.K.A. Ze Day I Ran Up, Down, All Around)

{April 1 is Swatch Zebra Day}

.

I've always known that April Fool's Day is a day of fun and practical jokes. Last Friday, I went to Rockwell Power Plant Mall thinking that I'd finally be getting the picture frame-esque Jeremy Scott Swatch Opulence I've been drooling for. Little did I know that it wouldn't be your typical malling afternoon. But then again, I guess I should've known that the moment I saw human zebras zipping by...

Apparently, Swatch Watch is celebrating Zebra Day!

My friends and I were just curious onlookers when we first spotted the zebras at the parking lot, and then all over the mall. Ahhh, then we saw the "tourists"- ordinary mall goers rushing to have their pictures taken with the zebras. What's up with that? It was a race! The first 20 people who completes the challenge gets to win a spankin' new Swatch Zebra! How. Cool. Is. That?

Aside from the infectious excitement in the air, an impromptu foot race was just too hard to resist for this dormant runner. First rule, you had to be wearing either: a) A black & white outfit; b) Neon anything; c) Zebra print. Lo and behold, zebra printed me!

So, off I went in search of a zebra, with my very game, albeit slightly embarassed, posse in tow. The task was to get photographed with a zebra in all 5 color zones spread out in the mall. If you're fast enough, and your entries check out, you get a neon, stripe-y prize.

Sounds easy enough, eh? But those zebras can sure be frisky. They wouldn't stay still and kept frolicking around. You had to gently coax them to follow you to have their pictures taken. And to add more to the challenge, I had to make a few detours because some of my supposed zones were not the specific color zones. Sneaky, sneaky. That cost me a few precious minutes too. After rushing to complete the missing zones, I finally made it back to the marshals just in the nick of time.

Whew, snagging a Swatch spot was literally a photo finish! .

{A very colorful list.}

{First zebra sighting at the pink zone.}

{Orange you glad you spotted a zebra?}

{Sigh, April Fool's joke on me. No zebra zone had me do a detour.}

{Note: The zebra zone was just on the other side of this wall!}

{Aha! Caught a wild one!}

{Please don't run and make me go after you. I'm not in my running shoes today...}

{Hello, yellow!} {Blue Zebra Zone} {The elusive zebra zone. Haaay, you almost made me lose, green!} {My Amazing Z-Team! Thanks, guys!} {Ze sister, ze BFF, and ze BFF's BF} {My winning ticket to a cool zebra watch. Yay!} {Ze Ultimate Prize: A Swatch Zebra in Pink}

A day of wild, spontaneous fun with a fabulous souvenir to remember it by. Definitely no zzzz's on a Friday malling afternoon, that's for sure. ;) Thanks, Swatch, for an amazing experience!

P.S. I'll get my Jeremy Scott Swatch Opulence soon. But first, let me enjoy a little QT with my new Swatch Watch named, Z!

UPDATE: I got my kick-ass Jeremy Scott picture frame Swatch already. Love it! Now if only it matched my running outfits... ;)