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



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! =)

Just Run.

I got my race kit for the Nike Run Club Manila 5K Run yesterday. And let me tell you, paying P700 and getting 3 race kits is a nice change. The race kit consists of only the bib and D-tag; A no frills run that will take you around the Fort city route. I'm looking forward to this race for a number of reasons:

1) Nike sponsored events like the Human Race and Nike Running Clinic has always been thoroughly enjoyable.
2) This will be the first time I'll be using a D-Tag (chrono track system) in a race.
3) The Nike Mini Me avatar figurine freebie for the finishers.
4) This run is gonna be a family affair since all my siblings will be in this event too!

When: December 5, 2010

Where: 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City

Assembly Time: 6 AM

Gun Start: 7 AM

Distance: 5K

Registration is from November 8 to December 2. The registration fee is P100 (students) and P300 (non-students). You can register at the following Nike branches: Nike Park BHS, Trinoma, Greenbelt 3, MOA, and Nike Stadium Alabang Town Center.

Baby Steps to Barefoot Running

{Facebook: Barefoot Running Philippines}

So, I'm finally taking the plunge and seeing for myself what barefoot running is all about. Well, not the actual running in bare feet just yet, but I'm slowly considering getting my, erm, feet dirty. Baby steps... ;)

Barefoot Running: Genius or Jurassic?

{Guess which runner/blogger belongs to these feet?}

Growing up, I was always scolded for running around barefoot in the house. "Put on your slippers," my mom would say. And mind you, our slippers should NOT be of the thong kind, lest it would make our tender toes spread apart like ugly webbed feet. So I grew up with close knit toes and an aversion to dust and grime on my soles.

So when this whole craze of running barefoot started sprouting up, I told myself- Um, no thanks. I spend money on shoes precisely for the technology (and eye candy) behind them. Plus, it's good ol' Metro Manila, for God sakes! But I have to admit, there is a certain logic behind it. Nike started the ball rolling with its Nike Free line. I don't own a pair, but people say it's quite comfortable for short distances. Then when a friend introduced me to a pair of Vibram Five Fingers a few years back, I was quite {insert stifled laughter here} impressed. Both at his sheer guts in wearing those yeti shoes out in public and on the science and logic behind it.

Hmm, maybe it's time for a new running experiment experience...

THE BENEFITS OF BEING BAREFOOT

We have all been born barefoot.

A long time ago, people have lived and survived without using protective footwear. But, today, because of technology and the many changes it brought, wearing shoes became an essential part of life. But beyond all the protection and the style shoes provide, we seem to have forgotten the
significant benefits and sense of freedom being barefoot brings.

Shoes were first invented thousands of years ago—way back when people used to live in caves. Back then, they used animal hides and leather laces to protect their feet from the rough terrain. Millennia passed and the concept of shoes evolved in countless ways from its design, material, and even its uses. It became a necessity to shod oneself. However, no matter how things change, most people still prefer to do a lot of things barefoot. It is all because being barefoot is very comfortable. But, aside from the unrivaled relaxation being barefoot brings, it also has a considerable number of benefits, not just to the feet, but the body as a whole.

Doing activities barefoot brings a lot of advantages to the body’s flexibility and mobility. It allows people to exercise, stretch, relax, and strengthen muscles they normally don’t get to use when wearing shoes.

Barefoot running also corrects the way people run—making them land on the balls of their feet—as compared to wearing rubber shoes which gives the tendency to land on the heels first. Landing on the heels of the feet releases more pressure and shock to legs and knees. Doing things barefoot also improves range of motion in ankles, feet, and toes because of movements that are more natural and free.

It also heightens body awareness since the body has the sense of being freer than being shod. Balance and motion agility are also developed because doing things barefoot further stimulates the neurons and nerves that are essential to lower body movement. And because there are no heels to torture the foot heel and the ankle, it enhances natural posture and the alignment of the spine. And, most especially, it is much easier to relax and stretch after a workout if someone is
barefoot.

Countless health benefits have been associated with being barefoot. That is why athletes, to attain better health and movement, prefer to do their sports without any footwear on. It is because when barefoot, movements become the movements of a child—playful and sensitive, yet purposeful and confident. A person experiences the unbound joy of stepping, hopping, and running across any surface on earth, simply to get from here to there. This is the reason why a lot of sports enthusiasts prefer to deal with their activities barefoot.

Numerous runners have been hitting the tracks without any shoes on because the benefits of running barefoot have long been supported by scientific research, coaches, and athletes who’ve offered ample evidence that training without shoes allows you to run faster and further with fewer injuries. Motion studies demonstrate that when running barefoot, one naturally lands on the forefoot, directly below the center of gravity. This results in optimum balance, increased stability, less impact, and greater propulsion.

Indeed, undertaking activities barefoot has a lot of benefits and advantages for the body. However, the feet—most especially those of the more active people—need to be protected from the many possibilities of injury. That is why some footwear are developed to mimic the feel and freedom of being barefoot. A good example would be the Vibram Five Fingers which is a proof that many people prefer to do things barefoot. With a slot for each of the toes, it actually gives all the freedom and feel of wearing no shoes on.

Many other innovations in footwear have been introduced into the market to make our feet as comfortable and relaxed as if barefoot. It is because it takes no genius to agree that—aside from the benefits of going barefoot—the feet has taken the humans a long long way and they deserve a break and the freedom.

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

My Rockstar Name is Drowned Cat (Rock and Run 2010)

{Photo cat-napped from mystrangecat.com}

{Yes, this was exactly what I looked like after my run.}
{Well, maybe except for that murderous expression- I do love running in the rain.}

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Despite the heavy, nay, TORRENTIAL rains, all runners of shape, size, and race distance trooped down to Bonifacio High Street to experience the one of a kind run slash concert on a very wet Saturday night.
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A gung-ho fan of novelty running events, I was a little bit hesitant to don my fauxhawk (fake mohawk) and stick-on skull tattoos to match my all black ensemble from the sudden fear of looking ridiculous- not to mention the hassle of running a 10K with a roadkill on my head. But with a lot of prodding from my entourage, PerPer Oven (on loan from Running Fatboy) and B, I decided to just go, run, and put my rockstar game face on.
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After a few kilometers and some surprised looks, running with my fauxhawk under the pelting rain was just plain fun. I felt like a kid playing dress up with the bonus of playing in the rain!

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The first 5 kilometers were relatively easy. The rain was painful (it felt like needles!) but a far better alternative than a humid night. And just as the rain stopped beating down on us, so did my endurance. Was it psychological? I suddenly felt exhausted, not to mention feeling like I had a really, really heavy head.
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Oh, wait. I did.
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By the time I reached the 8th kilometer, it took all my neck muscles just to balance my soaked hair + fake hair. It was literally a pain in the neck for the next 2 kilometers. Let me tell you, crossing that finishline never felt so light.
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I love running in the rain. So this run was simply enjoyable. Add live music to the equation, and it was easily a winner in my book. Too bad that the concert along the route was dampened by the heavy rains. Safety of the participants (not to mention the expensive electrical equipment) comes first, after all. Nevertheless, this run still rocked my Saturday night!
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{Ace runner, Jayson. Idol!}

{Ohhhh yeeaaaah. Rock it, B!}

{My fauxhawk never stood a chance...}

{Note to self: Next year.}

Running Beach (Skyathon Boracay Beach & Surf Run 2010)

When a hectic workload filled up my days, and the summer heatwave started to burn up the metro, it was as good a time as any to semi-retire from racing for a while. At least that was my plan for a couple of months. Not by choice, but by necessity. I needed a rest. And sad to say, I just couldn't find the time and energy to fit running in.
But then there would be fun runs. And when donuts or costumes or dogs (and more dogs) were involved, how can you resist?
Then there's also this thing called a beach run. And not just any beach-- on Boracay's powder soft, I-just-wanna-roll-on-you-like-an-espasol, cool, white sand. So when my friend invited me to the Nestea event with a side order of a run, I was sold! Like I said, I needed a vacation anyway.

The Skyathon Bora Beach and Surf Run is a run for the clean-up of Boracay. It’s the first of its kind on the island and every runner will help ensure that the white beaches of Boracay Island stay clean and pristine with a clean-up activity right after the 5/10K run.

As the day broke, armed with 1 1/2 hours of sleep (Hey, it is Boracay, after all!) and a digital camera, I happily took on my role as unofficial photographer for the run. Little did I know, I'd be the first one starring on "candid camera". If you've been to Boracay, then you would be familiar with those massive sand castles that talented beach architect/entreprenuers would build and light up. And how do they build the castles? Why, by digging up lots of sand, of course! So, three guesses who ended up falling into a 2 ft. deep hole while running to the starting line? (Click here for the answer.) Hey, it was still kinda dark. Literally espasol.The race area was brimming with about a hundred excited runners. It was infectious. The friends I was with were mostly newcomers (and hopefully not just visitors) to the running scene. I couldn't have asked for a more festive first time run for them. It was great!

The 5K route took us from Guilly's (Station 1) to La Carmela de Boracay (Station 3) to Boracay Terraces (Station 1) and back to Guilly's. The weather started off cool and cloudy, but still reminiscent of the heat from Manila. The course, with the uneven terrain and soft sand, was more challenging than it looked. My legs felt heavy and unstable on the soft parts, so I'd just run on the moist flat areas. I could only imagine how it was for those brave souls who ran barefoot, especially when we reached the pebbly part of the route. Ye-ouch.
I finished the 5K race a little under half an hour, and managed to squeeze myself into the 4th women's slot (23 seconds short of 3rd- Aaargh!). No prize. Still, not too shabby for an overworked sleepyhead. But more than anything, I was happier to see my newbie running friends immensely enjoying the whole marathon mania-- spankin' new PRs, loot bags, free breakfasts, rewarding beach clean-ups and an overall fulfilling experience.
We all know what happens (that lovin' running feeling) the first time you finally cross that finish line. This time, however, I hope it doesn't stay in Boracay. ;)

{Newbie racers ready and rarin' to go!}

{Bolong, Gab, Vinci, Buwi, and the lone barefoot runner, Billie}

{First Time Racer}

{Good luck, Vinch!}

{Against a backdrop of blue. Beautiful!}

{Febe running strong on pristine white sand.}

{Woo hoo!}

{Almost there, guys...}

{Finishers!}

{Runners take part in the Boracay beach clean-up.}

{Getting crabby after the run? What, no more endorphins?}

{Running into Tail Runners, Macky and Grace}

{Capping off a terrific morning run with breakfast}

{...ironically packed in not so eco-friendly styrofoam. ;)}

Ready, Set, Bark! (Tail Runners: The Metro Dog Run 2010)

As one of the people behind Tail Runners: The Metro Dog Run 2010, I was too busy barking out orders to actually run the race! But that doesn't mean that I didn't have a good time at that. The turnout of the event was overwhelming. Thank you to all who joined. I hope you had a blast, as we did dreaming it up. Truth be told, it could've been more streamlined, but hey, that's part of the learning curve. hehe. Hope to see everyone again next year! ;)

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Here are some scenes from the run. Check out mypetchannel.tv for more furry tales of the great metro dog race...

{Meet, Cheeba, a Tail Runner.}

{Runners, Grace and Macky, plus their running buddy, Cheeba.}



{See dogs run. Run, run, run.}


{Four legged runners get tired too, you know!}


{With Joe and Anna of PAWS and Reema Chanco}

{An easy, breezy 1.5K for Imp...}

{...or maybe not! haha}