It's Skyway or the Highway

#4.A.M. #Makati #runningbuddies #longrun

Finally managed to squeeze in a long run. Yay! The weather was perfect. Cool, breezy, cloudy, with a sprinkling of a split-second shower. Tagged along with Dennis & Per, who's training for her first marathon- in Disneyland- on January 2013, and a couple other runners, Val and Mary, who will also be running their first marathons via The Bull Runner's Dream Marathon. Good luck, guys!!!

Meanwhile, I'm happy to start my first official training run for the upcoming Condura Skyway Marathon 2013. Marathon #3, baby! Woo-hoo!!! I know a month (40 days as of today) is a bit of a short notice to train for a full marathon, especially after a long hiatus, but I was feeling quite confident that I could do it.

First of all, since I haven't been consistently running, I've been eating healthier and consciously being more active in mundane tasks. Having coffee break at the office meant walking a whole kilometer to the nearest cafe just to get a cup o' Joe. And that's knowing I have a month's stash of 3-in-1s (I'm not a coffee snob) in my desk drawer.

Secondly, we all know how the Condura 42K slots sold like hotcakes soon as it went up. It was 42K or nothing for me at the Condura Run, so I wasn't expecting to join after learning it's been sold out already. But then slots opened up again just as I was in Greenbelt. Talk about being at the right place at the right time! I say this was meant to be, because my sister was just at the Condura registration area during lunch time, and there were no more 42K slots available anymore. I was in the area that same evening, and casually asked if they still had 42K slots. Surprise, surprise, they were just delivered a handful of bibs a few minutes ago. I'm taking that as a sign from the Universe. I was meant to run the Sky. ;)

To everyone running Condura, see you guys soon!

Apparently, Running is a Handful

Because it rained today, I ended up staying home and spring cleaning (in December. haha). Lo and behold, what do I find-- a very big YIKES! in my running "career", that's what! 

I'm sure most of you keep track of your runs by keeping your race bibs as souvenirs, right? Well, I keep all my race bibs neatly tucked away in an envelope, chronologically filed (and fat) per year since 2008. So, today, I just realized that I only have 5 -FIVE!!!- measly running bibs in my 2012 envelope. Oh no. I can't believe I can count all my races with one hand. That's approximately 1 race every 2 months. 

Wha???

I knew my day job and weekend job kept me pretty busy this year, and we all know that running takes time and commitment, but wha???

:(

P.S. Technically, I joined a total of 6 races (Whoop-dee-do...), but I'd rather not file away my awesome Nike WeRunMNL10K 2012 race bib/shirt just yet. ;)

P.P.S. I think I need to start working on my 2013 running resolution list now.

The Day I Was Paced by A Rockstar (or Fruit) (Nike We Run Manila 2012)

Nike We Run Manila 2012

The Nike We Run Manila 2012, held in Bonifacio Global City, was your usual hip & cool 10K Nike Run. The running shirt was really nice, the finisher prize was another awesome Nike shirt, and the mini concert after the run was terrific. But what made it extra special this year was "my celebrity pacer". haha. Yep, international superstar, Apl.de.Ap of The Black Eyed Peas fame, was in town, and was one of the runners at the Nike run. I found myself running alongside him (Well, not really with him. More of a meter or two behind him and his running entourage), keeping up with his pace all throughout the race. 

I even got to meet him briefly as well! I told him I was following his pace and used his mohawk in lieu of the pacer balloon. He laughed and told me he hoped he was fast enough for me. I told him, I hoped I had abs like his! Just kidding. About the telling, I mean. I really do wish I had abs like his (or Fergie's).

Thanks Allan Pineda (A.K.A. Apl.de.Ap), for keeping a great running pace. ;)

Us, 10K Nike Runners

My youngest brother managed to be at the VIP tent, while us girls (me and my sis) were on the other side. haha

I am most jealous of the free granola breakfast at the VIP lounge. haha. 

Papparazi

Never the Strangers

Chicosci

Spongecola

Apl.de.Ap of the The Black Eyed Peas

With my "pacer buddies", Apl.de.Ap, and his mohawk. :) 

Nike We Run Manila 2012 Finisher Shirt with all the participating cities (at the back).

Yep, earned this Nike We Run Manila 2012 Finisher Shirt.
Wish I had Apl.de.Ap sign this pala! 

Mutts New? The Doggie Run 2012

Run = Doggie Medal. Yay!



It's another fun-filled day for dog lovers and their fur kids as Pet Express, your dog & cat shop, brings you year two of the biggest dog running event in Manila. Canine runners and their human running buddies are invited to troop over SM Mall of Asia grounds for the Pet Express Doggie Run 2012 on March 24 (Saturday). Participants may register in 1.5K, 3K, or 5K race categories.

Runners will get a dri-fit running shirt while the doggie runners get a dog bandana and dog race bib they can personalize. All dog registrants who crosses the finish line will get their very own doggie finisher medal and loot bag. Part of the proceeds of the Doggie Run 2012 will be donated to this year's chosen beneficiary, PAWS (The Philippine Animal Welfare Society). Come and enjoy the sponsor game booths, souvenir photos, and raffle prizes that are up for grabs.



Registration is ongoing in all Pet Express branches (Corinthian Hills, SM Cubao, SM Hypermarket Makati, SM Masinag, and SM Mall of Asia) until March 22, 2012. Registration will be continued in Mall of Asia branch from March 22-24. On-site registration during the race day will depend on the availability of race kits. Race fee is P450 for the Doggie Race Kit and P400 for the Human Race Kit.

This event is made possible with the support of Holistic Recipe, Beef Meal, Espree, Hartz, Pedigree, Cesar, Frontline Plus, Kong, DoggyMan, Wahl, Royal Canin, Bayer Advocate, Good Boy, Doggie's Choice, Ezydog, Virbac Nutriplus Gel, Novibac, Purina ProPlan, Pawsh Couture, Gavino's Donuts, and Focus Media.

For more Doggie Run 2012 details, visit the Pet Express Facebook page.

Registration Fee:

• P450 Doggie Race Kit

• P400 (human race bib, dri-fit running shirt, insurance coverage, donation to PAWS only)

On-Site Registration Fee - P500

Registration:

1. Register at any Pet Express branch.

(Corinthian Hills 696-7400, SM City Masinag 477-8659, SM Cubao 912-5924, SM Hypermarket Makati 843-7174, SM Mall of Asia 836-8955)

2. Race kits will be given upon payment to Pet Express.

Pet Express Doggie Run 2012 Race Kit (P450) includes:

• Event Dri-fit Running Shirt

• Event Dog Bandana

• Race Bib (for human)

• Race Bib (for dog)

• Insurance Coverage

• Donation to PAWS (The Philippine Animal Welfare Society)

For Registered Doggie Finishers:

• Doggie Finisher Medal

• Doggie Finisher Loot Bag

Gunstart:

5K- 5:40 A.M.

3K- 5:50 A.M.

1.5K- 6:00 A.M.

Pet Express Doggie Run 2012 Features:

• 1.5/3/5K Run

• Sponsor Game Booths



• Souvenir Photo Booth

• Raffle Prizes

Dog Runner Winners:

• 1.5K- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place (only toy/small dogs are eligible to win in this category)

• 3K- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place (all breeds/sizes)

• 5K- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place (all breeds/sizes)

Guidelines:

1. All participating dogs must be properly vaccinated (Please bring vaccination records).

2. Bitches must not be in heat.

3. Please keep your dogs on a leash.

4. Please provide a muzzle for unfriendly dogs.

5. Please be considerate and pick up after your dog’s waste.

6. Never leave your dog unattended. Pet Express will not be liable for dogs that are lost or missing during the event.

7. The organizers reserve the right to reject the participation of a dog that might cause disruption or disturbance in the event (i.e. dogs with aggressive behavior, bitches in heat, etc.)

Capital F-U-N Runs

Long time readers of this blog have known me to be a sucker for novelty and themed races. The more out-of-the-box, the better. Not that I don't take running seriously, but there's just something about letting loose and just laughing and having fun all the way to that finish line. Now if you've been the more traditional runner, I suggest you give these upcoming fun runs a try... 

Pet Express DOGGIE RUN 2012

Date: March 24, 2012 (Saturday)

Venue: SM Mall of Asia

Time: 5:30 A.M.

Distance: 1.5/3/5K

Beneficiary: PAWS (The Philippine Animal Welfare Society)

Why Run? When and where else can you run alongside four-legged canine runners? In this race, it's the dogs who are the rockstar runners, and you the entourage. Dog lovers would surely get a kick out of having matching race bibs with their dogs (the doggie race bibs can be personalized). Oh, and medals are in store for all those furry finishers too! 

More details here.

 

FIC Run 2012

Date: March 25, 2012 (Sunday)

Venue: Bonifacio Global City

Time: 5:30 A.M.

Distance: 500m/3/5/10K

Why Run? Calling all you couch potatoes out there! Time to get off those asses and channel your favorite channels. ;) Come dressed as your favorite TV character and join the 500m Fox Costume Run. If that's not fun enough for you, then maybe winning a limited edition Fox DVD set might get you off that couch. Read: DVD MARATHON.

For the certified movie buffs, the 3K Star Movies Blockbuster Run is for you. Movie trivia and quotes will keep you entertained all throughout the route. And if you happen to forget which movie a certain trivia comes from, let your fellow runners help jog your memory- you'll be running alongside fellow minds- writers, film producers, and movie directors. Then again, you can always brush up on your daily dose of movies IF you win the home entertainment system in the raffle draw, that is.

If fashion and fitness is more your style, then join the 5K Star World Lifestyle Run. This is your chance to hobnob with models and celebrities. But what's more fun is getting your 15 minutes of fame (or at least feeling like a celebrity) as you strut your stuff in your running shoes on the red carpet. Did I mention a shopping spree will be raffled off? How fun!

Run and raise awareness for your favorite cause in the 10K National Geographic Run for a Cause. Pledge for any of the selected beneficiaries and run your heart. Yep, that heart of yours that's made of gold. 

Outbreak Manila 2012

Date: April 14, 2012 (Saturday)

Venue: Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Time:5:30 A.M.

Distance: 5K

Why run? Because zombies are after you!!!
 

More details here.

Race Details: FIC Run 2012

FIC RUN 2012

Four Channels, Four Lifestyles, Four Races….

Choose One and Join Fox International Channels’

Fun Run On March 25, 2012

Press Release

Fox International Channels (FIC) provides a bit of each TV channel’s flavor and a whole lot of fun in the FIC Fun Run on March 25, 2012 at the Bonifacio Global City. Participants can play dress up, hobnob with celebrities and support a worthy cause.

The event gives runners the opportunity to choose and participate in any of the four races organized by FIC featuring different lifestyle themes representing its four key channels. It will have four race categories that include an advocacy marathon aimed at raising funds to support the various projects of partner non-government organizations (NGOs).

Participants may register in the 500m Fox Costume Run, 3K Star Movies Blockbuster Run, 5K Star World Lifestyle and the 10K Nat Geo Run For a Cause. Those who are interested to join may register either via online or phone, at RunRio stores (BHS and Katipunan) and event partner stores. Participants may choose their singlet according to the channel and label they wish to run with.



Come dressed in your favorite character and run alongside fellow enthusiasts and sponsor mascots in the 500m Fox Costume Run. Fifty runners in costume will compete and make a dash for the finish line. Limited edition Fox DVD will be raffled off after the race.


Star Movies rolls out the red carpet for movie aficionados in the 3K Star Movies Lifestyle Run where writers, film producers and movie directors are expected to show their support to the event. For a bit of a movie trivia and a tad of inspiration, popular quotes from movie characters will be setup along the course. A home entertainment system is up for grabs in the raffle draw.


Run with panache – this is the battle cry of lovers of fashion and fitness when they run the 5K Star World Lifestyle Run featuring a red carpet along the route to mimic the paparazzi scene. Brush elbows with models, celebrities and other prominent personalities expected to show up in their running shoes. If you’re feeling lucky, you might just bring home gift certificates for a shopping spree at the end of the race.

Have fun while reaching out to others in the 10K National Geographic Run for a Cause. The race is in partnership with 10 select non-government organizations and seeks to raise awareness for their respective advocacies. Among the partner NGOs are Physicians for Peace, ICANSERVE Foundation, Virlanie, Greenpeace, Philippine Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, World Vision and Gawad Kalinga. The first 500 registrants will compete in the name of their advocacy.

Are you a budding Producer, Writer, or Director?

Channel you inner Fashionista, Celebrity, and Model!

Because you can and you care. ;)

Save the Date! 2012 Run United-Run Rio Trilogy

2012 Run United - Run Rio Trilogy Schedule

2012 Run United 1

2012 Run United 1 Singlet

2012 Run United 1 Race Belt

2012 Run United Trilogy Medals

CONTEST WINNERS: How To Finish 60 Flights of Stairs in 60 Minutes

Yesterday, Skechers Philippines gave me ten (10) Discovery Vertical Race 5K race kits to give away to ten crazy readers. Thanks for sharing your gameplan, guys! It was a blast reading them. Now you need a new gameplan because your secret has been revealed. ;)

And the winners of a (1) 5K race kit are: 
1. Christopher Iblan  
2. Alison I. Barrero
3. Claridel Guanseng
4. Richard Francia
5. Leticia Guilas
6. Elvin A. Evalla
7. Leandro Clor
8. Jarowin Villaruel
9. Leonard Clor
10. Hanna Rose Pua

You can claim your race kits in Skechers store in Market!Market! this afternoon (1 PM onwards) until tomorrow. February 10-11 (Mall Hours).  And while you're at it, check out their line of barefoot running shoes Skechers GO RUN. Congratulations! Enjoy the race. Go crazy! GO RUN!

Check out their Crazy Runners' Gameplan on HOW TO FINISH 60 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS IN 60 SECONDS...

1. I will set myself on a giant catapult, angry bird style!
2. I'll set myself in a pulley system. The cable's ends are for me and weights (probably double my weight). Probably, wearing a cape for my debut flight. :)
3. I will wear sexy running attire to distract my opponent para maunahan ko sila.
4. I'll bring my bodyguards to wash away the other runners.
5. I will eat a lot of chocnuts para hyper!!
6. I will put a spring on my feet so that I can jump several steps and leapfrog on other runners.
7. I will practice as early as now to win.
8. I will take lots of energy drink to be stronger and faster.
9. I will wear nothing soI'll be lighter during the run.
10. I will ask for powers from my ancient Chinese relatives.

How To Win Vertical Run Race Kits

Christmas may be over, but Skechers Philippines is still in a very giving mood. I recently blogged about how I won a pair of really awesome shoes here. And since I'm pretty much still psyched from that piece of good fortune, I'm sharing the love of winning!

I'm giving away ten (10) race kits to the Discovery Vertical Run 2012 to be held this Sunday, February 12 in McKinley Hills.

(For more details on the Discovery Vertical Run 2012, check out Gigi A.K.A. The Fit Mommy A.K.A. My GO RUN Nemesis' blog.)

Just tell me your gameplan on HOW TO FINISH 60 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS IN 60 SECONDS. Of course, we all know that's a purely rhethorical question. So, just go ahead and go crazy with your comments (i.e. I'll strap a rocket to my back and zoom up while singing Far East Movement's Rocketeer).

Out of the box ideas are more than welcome!

The first ten (10) people to comment on this blog post will win one (1) Vertical Run 2012 race kit for the Skechers GO RUN 5K category (no stairs for this one though). The only rule is that there is no rule. 'Coz really, sometimes you just have to do something crazy once in a while to win. ;)

Oh, and don't forget to put your FULL NAME as part of the comment. ;)

NOTE: I will be leaving the names of the first ten (10) commenters at the Skechers Store in Market! Market!. You can claim your race kits there from Friday-Saturday (Feb 11-12). If someone is claiming on your behalf, just have an authorization letter ready.

How To Win Really Awesome Shoes

Skechers? Running? Really???

Those were the first things that popped into my head when Skechers Philippines invited us runner-bloggers to the launch of their minimalist shoe, the Skechers GO RUN series. To be honest, I was so used to associating Skechers as a lifestyle and "street dance" shoe rather than an athletic brand, that I was a bit skeptical and a lot curious.

Being the early bird in the bunch, I was able to browse through their selection of running shoes in peace. Aesthetically speaking, Skechers GO RUN is actually in the running (pardon the pun) for being one of the best-looking athletic shoes in the market. The collection boasts of rainbow hued trainers- one for each day of the week and more! My eyes quickly gravitated towards the neon blue ones, and I remember thinking "Yep, I want you".

Skechers GO RUN features SmartShoe technology for a mid-foot strike.
(Notice how the shoe doesn't lay flat? Now that's smart.)



Impulse sensors are strategically placed for enhanced sensory feedback.

As soon as the rest of the runner-bloggers arrived at the Skechers store in Market!Market!, the event started with Skechers GO RUN endorser and Runner's World Philippines' cover girl, Michelle Estuar, giving a testament on how awesome Skechers GO RUN is.

(Continue reading and you'll see how I became a convert...)

Michelle Estuar

After all that technical talk, it was time for a few fun and games. Apparently, those treadmills sitting around the event area wasn't for a demo, but for a running contest! And since I was already clad in my running outfit (there was a dress code), I naturally volunteered. ;) Natch! (Okay, maybe there was a little bit of that competitive spirit hovering too.)

I was grouped with fellow long distance runners, Gigi (32K) and (102K), all of us admittedly competitive, but more importantly, loved the would-be prize: a pair of Skechers GO RUN shoes. Those alone were reason enough to get on that treadmill and run as fast as we could to be the first to reach 500m.
 

Gigi and me hamming it up.

 

Let's get rrrready to rrrumble!!!

My heart was pounding so hard.

I haven't been the most diligent runner lately, so to be paired with accomplished runners was both a thrill and a threat. But, hey, I've never been one to back down from a challenge, and it's all in the spirit of fun anyway.

But yes, I do have a gameplan. Since this would be a race to finish first, I kind of decided that pacing would be out of the question. Half a kilometer of intense running was, umm, doable...

The countdown begins, and off we go!

I started off on #5 speed on the treadmill for a few seconds and quickly leveled up to 10. I was feeling strong. 11... 12... 13... Whoa, this is kinda fun! 14... 15... I think I can do more. 16... aaand then hurriedly went back to 15. Oops, no I can't. I was laughing so hard in my head. Whew, almost flew off the treadmill there! I stayed on level 15 until I heard the spotter yell out Done! Then immediately stopped and jumped off the conveyor belt (Kids, don't do that at home!). What a rush!!! I felt exhilarated. It didn't even register right away that I had already won.

This is what exhilaration looks like. A little unruly, but great!

I walked around to cool myself down afterwards. Truthfully, I kind of saw spots for a bit, but that was such a trippy experience. Not to mention so cool that I won really awesome shoes! They were surprisingly really soft and comfortable. It was like running on air. I'm definitely a believer.

So to sum the night up (and I'm pretty sure everyone else felt the same thing too), win or lose, it was a good run!

Bernice of Skechers awarding the winners with a pair of GO RUN shoes.
Yay! Congrats to everyone!

Thank you, Skechers, for the awesome event. Can't wait to use those baby blues on my next road run.

P.S. Blog post on my Skechers GO RUN shoe review during the Condura Marathon 2012 coming up!

Blogger celebrities and a soon-to-be Hollywood royalty. ;)

Running Fatboy and TAKBO.ph Main Men with Michelle Estuar.

Couldn't resist. She's soooo fluffy!

Looks like Takbo.ph little man couldn't resist too! So cute. Both of 'em. ;)



Class Picture



Capping Off The Week With Brand New Kicks

Just a quickie post: 

(Sharing my good vibes to everyone. Go forth and multiply.)

Guess who WON brand new running shoes  awesome running shoes! From the moment I laid eyes on those baby blues, I was hooked. When we touched, it was a perfect fit. And then we ran together... it was love at first step!             

Skechers GO RUN Minimalist Shoe

I'll be posting more about the shoe and my awesome GO RUN moment soon. 

Oh, and look what finally came in the mail... Pretty much worth the wait, dontchathink? ;)

 

Nike We Run Manila 10K USB Freebie

Happy weekend, peeps!