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!}