Rainy Days and Run Days (Tempra Run Against Dengue 2014)

Running for Dengue Awareness

Monsoon season is here and rainy days abound. It's been so hard finding the chance to run after work since it's been raining cats and dogs almost every day. Visibility is almost always zero. Fortunately (or unfortunately), this run, that was supposed to have gone on last week, was postponed to this weekend due to the typhoon. As luck would have it, my sister was able to register for me just the day before. So here I am! 

The Tempra Run Against Dengue is on their third year and counting. Their advocacy in creating awareness towards thwarting those darn dengue carrier mosquitoes is bigger than ever. And I think it's just apt that they use running as a means to spread it. I mean, after all, it's the runners who are mostly up and running in the morning when those dengue mosquitoes are out and about.

So in line with that, here's a friendly public reminder on the prevention of dengue for you runners!

Tips on Preventing Dengue (while out running):

1. Know thy enemy. The aedes aegypti mosquito, adorned in black and white stripes, is usually found in tropical climates. Watch out for stagnant water and the like. 

2. Cover up. Wear long sleeves, leggings/compression pants, or jogging pants when out running. But if you still prefer wearing shorts...

3. Use insect repellent. Or any insect-repelling paraphernalia like those mosquito patches or citronella wristbands.

4. Fight back. If and when infected, know the symptoms and start taking the necessary measures (e.g. Consulting with your doctor and drinking medicine to lower the fever right away).

Now, back to our regular post-run analysis...

I woke up to the sound of pounding rain sometime after midnight. Good thing the rain was all gone by the time I woke up for the run. It was still pitch black at the venue when I got there (that I couldn't even find where the assembly was). By 5:30, the race still hasn't started (10K was supposed to start at 5:00 A.M.), and I was getting a little bit impatient. It was still a bit dark, and I wanted to run before the sun came out because I forgot to put on sunblock!  

Apparently, there was a mugging incident somewhere along the route earlier, so the organizers decided to wait until the sun came out-- which was around 45 minutes later. Better safe that sorry, I guess. 

The race was off to a great start: the weather was cloudy and little windy; the 10K runners were sparse (Yeah, I liked that. I miss small runs.); and the route was flat and familiar. Starting point was the empty lot across Folk Arts Theatre, then headed towards Roxas Blvd., then to Buendia, turned right towards World Trade Center, then headed back to CCP area. Aaand repeat.

The first half of the race was nice and easy running. The second half, however, had us share the road with the 5K/3K(?) runners, which were mostly composed of student groups walking as a pack, like they were in a rally instead of a race! There were a few times that I missed out on some turns because the corners were blocked (by the pack). I had to back track a couple of times when I realized I missed the openings. There were no markers for the turns, and some of the marshals I asked gave me wrong (or rather unsure) directions. They probably weren't briefed enough. Or maybe it was too early in the morning. Which I can also blame for my missing the turns! haha. 

It wasn't really much of a big deal, but I kinda got bummed as I crossed the finish line and realized that I missed breaking my 10K PR (personal record) by a mere minute. Those were approximately 3 precious minutes that I could have shed off my time. Argh~ Although, record or not, it was still an enjoyable run.

Oh, and the best part in running in the CCP area (Viva Manila!), are the dime a dozen taho vendors roaming the streets. I treated myself to a cup of that muscle-recovering, superfood, soy, before heading home. You know, for almost (@!#%!?) breaking my PR. ;)

Post-Run Recovery Food: Tahoooooo!!! 

Rough, Tumble, Run

RACE INFORMATION

Date: April 27, 2013 (Saturday)

Venue: Mt. Sinai, Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo, Rizal

Race Distances: 5km (Men's & Women's), 10km (Men's & Women's), 21km (Men's & Women's)

RACE KITS DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE

Race kits and singlets can be claimed starting April 1, 2013 to April 21, 2013 ONLY in respective registration areas. Singlet sizes will be subject to availability and will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

ASSEMBLY TIME FOR ALL CATEGORIES: 5:45AM

Distance: Gunstart:

21km 6:00am

10km 6:10am

5km 6:20am

*cut-off time of 5 hours for the whole race will be implemented

RACE KIT INCLUSIONS

•Timing Chip, Race Bib No., Singlet, safety pins

•Rules and regulations

•Directions to venue

•Shuttle option (optional for participants, with extra charge)

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Submit filled-out registration form with your fee from February 15, 2013 to April 7, 2013 at the MERRELL CONCEPT SHOPS listed below:

MARKET MARKET, TRINOMA, SM NORTH EDSA-The Annex, FESTIVAL MALL, MARQUEE MALL, SM PAMPANGA, HARBOR POINT (Olongapo), DASMARIÑAS (Cavite)

*Singlet sizes will be subject to availability and will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

WATER AND FIRST AID STATIONS

Hydration stations will be provided at the finish line and along the race route.

This is an eco-friendly event; each participant is required to bring his/her own hydration pack/bottle. Organizers will only provide refilling stations along the race course; there will be no cups to avoid littering.

Medical aid will be available at certain points along the way and at the finish line.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

1. In the event of heavy rain, lightning, haze, fog and other inclement weather or adverse weather condition, the event may be delayed or cancelled.

2. Should bad weather persist beyond 7:00AM or the condition deemed unsuitable, the event will be cancelled.

3. If rain occurs after the race has started, you may continue unless otherwise advised by the designated race official or marshall.

*All Top 3 finishers for each race category for both Male and Female categories each get the cash prize along with a gift bag from our sponsors

FINISHERS MEDAL All 21km finishers will receive a finisher’s medal. Medals will also be given to the first50 finishers for 5km and 10km categories respectively.

CERTIFICATES will be sent through email within two weeks after the race date to those who finish the course in their specific categories.

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
Trail running shoes, hydration pack/bottle belt, cap, running gaiters and energy bar or gel, head lamp especially for the 21K runners.

SHUTTLE SERVICE
Place & Time:
Market!Market!, BGC 3:00 am
TriNoma, North Edsa 3:30 am
Php300 round trip, first come-first served basis (payment to be settled only at Merrell Concept Shops)

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








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!

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}

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}

Wow, Legs! Ow, Lungs. And a Happy Anniversary.

{Running Personalized}

When I started running (and then blogging) a few years ago, I would arm myself with weekly races I've googled through two running websites- The Bull Runner and Takbo.ph. Then fledgling websites, I've witnessed their steady and successful growth as I built my running "career" with those websites at my fingertips. I've ran two marathons since.

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And now, Takbo.ph celebrates their 2nd anniversary with- surprise, surprise- a run!

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This was easily one of the more popular races due to its personalized paraphernalia (singlets, race bibs, race banderitas- IF you can find your name among the 4,000++). Add to the fact that the takbo.ph running community just keeps multiplying, the support is simply awesome.

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Personally, my time sucked. haha. It was like going back in a time machine, and logging a PR as if this was my first 10K run (Eeeps!). But just like going back in time, I was enjoying the run, as if it was indeed, my first 10K run. Sure, my lungs felt like it hasn't been used for a while (in fairness, it really wasn't). But my legs felt terrific just running away, especially since those things haven't been used in a while as well! I was running just like when I started running. No iPod, no watch, no frills, no expectations. Just rusty, old me, the road, and a new favorite drink, Powerade Red. Yep, now you're right up there with Gatorade Blue. ;)

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Congratulations to Jinoe and Que and the soon-to-be little runner for a successful run (and I mean that in more ways than one)!

{With Per}

{It's only apt to be with my first running buddies.}

Download the Takbo.ph Runfest results here.

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.}

Celebratin' (Celebrity Run 2009)

{J9 is just happy to run.}

With a very leading title- Celebrity Run, one would think that you'd be running into or alongside actual celebrities during the race. Not that I was hoping to run into anyone in particular (I already have a happy photo op with one of my favorite celebrities), but I found myself craning my neck for the usual half marathon celebrities, like a certain senator PC, tycoon FZA, or the colorful host TP-V, just to be able to say I spotted one. No such sights. For starters, I got to the end of the starting line just as the 21K registrants went running off, so no time to dawdle and sight-see. On the other hand, I guess I was just too busy psyching myself up for the extra kilometers I have to log for my marathon training (Yes, I finally signed up for one. More on that soon). I did see an afro-ed coach zooming behind the Kenyan runner though. With CR's huge billboard with PP plastered in EDSA, I'm sure that counts as celebrity status.

The Run

December's cool Christmas-y air was just perfect for a long run. The surprise shower that greeted us on the first few kilometers was a welcome omen of a cloudy route ahead. Just before turning the corner, I spotted my running buddies, fellow blogger RFB (who just finished running 10K before the race) and DD a.k.a. KD (who will also be logging on extra miles after the race). We climb up the Kalayaan Flyover, which was surprisingly a breeze and quite enjoyable, unlike in my previous flyover runs.

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Along the way, I saw the Ultra Marathoners- good friend, HY, included. As always, it would be the road back to Lawton Avenue that would slow me down. As would the killer McKinley Hills. Here, in this infamous "hot spot", I espied JG of T.ph running back as I was, unfortunately, wearing down. McKH, sooner or later, I WILL beat you. Or die before walking.

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I crossed the finish line without breaking a personal record. My time was decent, but it wasn't the best. Good news is, I was still set to go beyond the 21K. As PPO, RFB's significant other, would say, "You don't look tired at all". (But my feet would fully negate that thought, as only a few kilometers of extra running after, had rendered those dangling things beyond my waist useless anyway). Still, it was a great boost to my full mary training goal.

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Let's Do Brunch

Of course, after every good long run comes an even better meal. My sister, having broken a 10K PR (and PPO did too!), and I (having run extra) decided to treat ourselves to an "I'm so hungry, I deserve to splurge" brunch at McKH Pancake House.
I wasn't able to get paparazzi shots of her meal, but I think mine deserved a breakfast "Do" in the photo gallery.

{Project Veggie: Mushroom Omelette and the staple Cappuccino}

{PH's luscious Lemon Pancakes with Cream Cheese}
{The lightest, fluffiest, most refreshing pancake ever!
Just looking at it takes me back to a dreamy state.}

Snippets (Urbanathlon + New Balance Run 2009)

I may not have been the most consistent blogger lately (PLDT DSL, boo.), but I'm happy to say that I've been running races back to back to back. And I have pictures to prove it! =)

Men's Health Urbanathlon 2009

{With Rovilson of Game Plan/Amazing Race Asia.}

{Jay Em flanked by knights on the morning shift.}

{The gang with rockstar Rio!}

Since the 10K run was interspersed with various obstacles, it felt like starting a new run after every challenge zone. I barely felt the distance (Yay!). I DID feel the burn by the 5th floor on the vertical run. Challenging and fun!

To sum it up:

New Balance Power Run 2009: Raising Hope

McKinley Hills is nothing compared to McKinley Desert.

Was it just me, or did the route -with its white reflective surface- seem like one endless sandbox? Still, it was great running off those stubborn calories!

{Reminiscing K2}

{ww.k2ia.com}

{With Hector. Visit Second Wind Running Store's 2nd branch at Ortigas Home Depot.}

P.S. Corregidor, I'll be conquering YOU tomorrow!

Bachelor Run (The Night Before He Said "I Do!")

Can he do it? Can he run his greatest race and finish strong? Nope, it's no Ironman or Ultra Marathon. It's Running Fatboy's last leg as a bachelor, and his race to the road of official coupledom (is there such a word?). Running Fatboy is getting married. And what better way to celebrate this joyous occasion with but, what else? A run!

{Thanks for being the official photographer, Kerv.}

{Running Fatboy fueling up with caffeine and chicks (haha) before his 15K run.}

{J-Ngo Siblings @ 10K}

{Running Fatboy with soon to be cousin-in law, Kerv; with sister, Nat;
friends, Jeanne and Johnny Walker (Thanks for the booze, Jay!)}

So much for my theory on skipping out on the 15K to have "5K less chances of falling DURING the race". Ironically, this happened AFTER the run.

{Bridesmaid/Runner with a boo-boo.}

{I'm not sure who's more stupid. Me or the sprinkler? Wait, don't answer that!}

{Party Place = Benny's Trunk}

{Alcohol}

{A toast to the happy couple...}

{Cheers!}

{Last night out with the boys.}
{Congratulations, Dennis & Per!}

Related Posts:
Ooh, It Glows!
A Roasting Run (Kenny's Urbanite Run 2009)