Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Milo Marathon 2013: Pacer Duties on Marathon #7


Never have I thought that I'd be able to pace someone on a marathon race event. Yes, I have been able to become a pacer a number of times on 21km races, but doing pacer duties on a marathon is a totally different story.

Joining the Milo Marathon was a last minute decision. Actually, the 42.195km category was already announced closed when I finally convinced my crazy self to join. I had a tip though that there would be a few marathon kits to be sent back to Riovana BGC (probably from sponsors or schools). I told myself if I get my hands on one of those few remaining kits, then it was really meant for me to run my 7th marathon. And so I did get a slot.

I knew I was undertrained, only inserting a few 3-kilometer treadmill runs on weekdays and occasional half marathon races on weekends, but these are never enough for a marathon prep, that is, if I'd like to get a strong, decent time (sub-4:30 perhaps). Since I'm sure I'll be running RUPM on October, Milo Marathon would at least prepare me for it, and hopefully my legs would retain the memory of the marathon pain. Haha!

If I was going to take it easy, I wanted to have some good running company. And so I dropped a tweet during the first week of July to Mish, asking her if she's game to pace with me. She readily agreed, and I was excited to learn she was thinking the same thing - of asking me to run with her. Yay to a marathon running buddy!

Fast forward to July 28, race day. With the early 3am gunstart, I was already up and doing my pre-race rituals 11pm of Saturday. Left home at about 1:20am, arrived at Mall of Asia just before 2am, and got my usual nice parking slot. I called up Mish but she was not responding. Uh-oh! Seems like my running buddy's still asleep! I sent Mish an SMS instead, telling her I was already leaving my phone inside the car, and told her I was wearing a red singlet and a green buff on my head, so she could easily spot me at the assembly area.

When I reached the race village, I spotted familiar faces - JP, Jaycee, Cholo, Bee, Tong and Sheryll. We had our usual Photo-Ops (no pun intended). Though it was announced the day before that Photo-Ops will not be covering the Milo Marathon, much to expecting runners' disappointment, we were still fortunate Tong was there to grab some shots in support of Sheryll and friends.

With Jaycee, JP and Cholo - Pink, Red, Pink, Red! Haha!
JP beside me and Sheryll and Bee on the rightmost (Sorry wasn't introduced to the others)
Lucky Jackie passed by while doing her warm-up and still had time to get a quick snap with me.
We proceeded to the assembly area, and a number of 42k runners were already there. The usual program commenced - an invocation, the playing of the national anthem, and a warm-up led by Coach Jim Saret. With the volume of runners increasing, I already gave up looking for Mish at the sea of runners wearing green. I began psyching myself I will be running alone. The race route video began to play and then the countdown to gun start. We were sent off, in a blast of confetti and noise.

I started with a light jog, while excited runners overtook me left and right. I had to control my pace. One important thing six previous marathons taught me is to reserve energy and pace myself properly, else suffer the consequences at the latter part of the race.

Then along Macapagal Avenue, I heard someone shout my name behind my back. It was Mish! She spotted me! I then had to switch from "loner mode" to "running buddy mode". I then became conscious of our pace, and planned of trying to maintain a 6:30 min/km pace, as long as we can. There were times that Mish would speed up (I felt she's getting bored of our pace haha!) but I still managed to make her follow our target pace. Sub-5, but no expectations - that was our mantra.

At the Roxas Boulevard flyover, taken by Wesley
We were doing quite well, at least until halfway point. At the second half of the race, we did frequent walk breaks, longer stops on hydration stations, and more chit-chats. Haha! We joked a few days before of doing "chika pace" anyway, and so we did.

The crucial part of the race was the last 10 kilometers. The "rainy Milo Marathon" forecast was a hoax, as the heat of the sun was already felt starting 7am. I was getting drained and I felt Mish was too. I kept a positive attitude and kept reminding Mish we're almost there (even though we're not, haha!). Mish' favorite line at the final 5 kilometers was "Wala na ako sa wisyo!" I was afraid of what would be the consequences of that statement. Peace, Mish! :p

Still in good running form!
On route back to Mall of Asia, at the final 2 kilometers of the race, we spotted a famous barefoot runner, running at the side of the street. Barefoot Loyce. And so two became three, pushing each other on the final stretch of the race.

Red 1, Green 2, Blue 3
Go, go Power Rangers! Haha!
We crossed the finish line together, ecstatic to have finished strong and injury-free. We congratulated each other as we wore our finisher medals proudly. We conquered the Milo Marathon!

Sweet, sweet victory
All smiles! The joy only a marathon finish can bring.
After saying our goodbyes, met runner friends from Team Titans at Fitness First. I felt sore all over, and I had to do some stretching. I was feeling a slight pain on my left foot, but I knew it was not a bad injury, just something I needed to rest.

With Team Titans Ryan and Rolly
The race was definitely the biggest race I've participated in this year - with a reported 42,000+ runners! Can you just imagine that? But since it was handled by Runrio, it was as perfect as it could be.
- Hydration was overflowing, ice-cold water and ice-cold Gatorade.
- Bananas and sponges for marathon runners were abundant
- So love the Milo jingle playing at certain parts of the race route. Not sure with the others but that jingle definitely gave me the boost!
- Mentioned this at the start but I wish Photo-Ops could have covered the event. The quality of their photos is just top-notch, and would have complemented one of the best and biggest marathon events of the country.

Plotted our race performance and what I got is on the below photo. Don't remember what happened in KM22 which slowed us down that significantly, an extended chat while walking perhaps. Obviously, a positive split but way better than my previous positive-split marathons as far as the deviation of speed is concerned.

What happened, KM22?!?
Marathon #7: Milo Marathon Manila Leg - 5 hours, 15 minutes, 15 seconds. 1158th out of 2268 marathon runners.


First ever marathon pacer duty's a success! RUPM you're next!

*** Photos courtesy of Ryan Santos, Cholo Reynes, Jackie Gutierrez, Wesley Orana (WAFUphotography), Running Photographers and Tong Pascua ***

BGC Cycle Philippines on November 15-17


MANILA, PHILIPPINES 25 July 2013 – Filipino riders gear up for three days of thrilling bike action as Cycle Asia, in partnership with Sunrise Events and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), launches BGC Cycle Philippines from November 15-17 inside the BGC in Taguig City.

BGC Cycle Philippines is the latest addition to the 2013 calendar of Cycle Asia, a network of premier cycling events across the region that offers participants the rare opportunity to ride on safe closed public roads in major Asian cities.

The event will cater to cyclists of all ages and abilities with The Tricycle Ride, The Kids’ RideThe Community Ride (20km), The Challenge (40km) and various Criterium categories.

BGC Cycle Philippines Categories
The entire family will also be kept entertained throughout the three-day event with a wide range of fun activities in the Cycling & Lifestyle Expo.

"Cycling continues to enjoy strong growth in the Philippines and we are naturally thrilled to introduce the event at Bonifacio Global City," said Manny Blas II, head of Commercial Operations, Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. during the event’s launch at the Seda Hotel at BGC.

"While the unique venue will certainly offer local cyclists a fantastic riding experience, we also look forward to hosting visitors from around the region as they enjoy the unique thrill of participating in the very first BGC Cycle Philippines,” added Blas.

Registration activities start on August 1 via online registration and a Cobra Ironman Launch Special where participants in this premier triathlon event are given special registration rates.

BGC Cycle Philippines Registration Fees and Inclusions
All participants, upon registration will receive premium items from event sponsors which include Rudy Project shades, official cycle wear from F2P and technical tees from Felt Bikes as part of their registration inclusions.

BGC Cycle Philippines F2P Bike Jersey
BGC Cycle Philippines Community Ride Tee
BGC Cycle Philippines Kids' Tee
BGC Cycle Philippines Finisher Medal
Rudy Project Shades 
Cycle Asia, owned and organized by Spectrum Worldwide, has already played host to two hugely successful events this year with OCBC Cycle Malaysia and OCBC Cycle Singapore, attracting over 5,000 and 11,500 participants, respectively.

The Gold Coast Festival of Cycling will also be featured on the 2013 Cycle Asia calendar with the event slated from Sept. 27-29.

“We are delighted to be expanding Cycle Asia to the Philippines and we look forward to working alongside Sunrise Events who have built an outstanding reputation for delivering first-class sporting events,” said Chris Robb, managing director, Spectrum Worldwide.

Aside from cycling action in BGC Cycle Philippines, Bonifacio Global City will offer a wide range of activities for tourists to take advantage of during their stay. The district is well known for its open-air lifestyle retail and dining concept and public art program, as well as a world-class science museum and parks.

The BGC Cycle Philippines will have as its beneficiary the Firefly Brigade whose advocacy is to actively promote the bicycle as a sustainable form of transportation.

With Bonifacio Global City (BGC) as the title sponsor, Fox International Channel as co-presentor and with the valuable support of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), BGC Cycle Philippines has attracted a number of additional sponsors: Gatorade (Hydration Partner), Seda Hotel (Official Residence) and others including Rudy Project, F2P and Felt Bikes. Philippine Star is the event’s media partner.

BGC Cycle Philippines Event Launch at Seda Hotel last July 25 (Photos courtesy of Art Mendoza
For more information, check out the BGC Cycle Philippines official website, www.cyclephilippines.com.ph.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

300 Mandirigma on August 4, 2013


300 Mandirigma is a project of Golden Grip Universal Foundation aiming to raise funds for its mission to provide free education via e-learning, free medical assistance, and modern technology livelihood programs to the foundation’s beneficiaries.

The theme 300 Mandirigma is very meaningful to the foundation. It symbolizes the Modern Day Heroes who emerge as victors and winners in their day to day battles in life. One need not to be in a battlefield to say that he has dedicated his life  for his family and country.

Golden Grip Universal Foundation invites you to join them on Aug.4, 2013 on their first leg of the 300 Mandirigma. Three-leg series The Hakbang sa Pagbabago, a Fun Run event that is going to take place at Philcoa via Commonwealth, Quezon City. Hakbang means a step. A step towards change.

You may register for 5K category for PhP600.00 and 10K category for PhP800.00 and may visit the registration sites from Wednesday to Sunday:
(1) Reebok @ Festival Mall
(2) Reebok @ Trinoma mall
(3) Reebok @ Megamall
(4) Toby’s Sports @ Glorietta 4
(5) Toby’s Sports @ SM Mall of Asia (Sat & Sun only, Mall hours)
(6) RUNNR @ Bonifacio High Street (Sat & Sun only, Mall hours)
(7) 100 Miles Café @ Fort Strip, Taguig City (Mon-Sat, 11am-9pm)
(8) A Running Circle @ Aloha Hotel, 2150 Roxas Boulevard, cor., Quirino Avenue

Race kits are available upon registration. Loot bags with freebies will be given on the race day. If you present your race bib to Reebok or Diadora, you may avail of the 25% discount on all REEBOK regular items, shoes, apparel and accessories; 30% discount on all DIADORA Footwear.

The 300 Mandirigma Finisher Shirts will be exclusive to the 1st 300 Finishers.

50% of on Registration fees for Students who will present their valid ID upon registration.
6 registrants will get 1 free race kit for non-students who will register in groups.

For particulars:
You may contact Lara Palileo @ 09178934226 or 3857321
Email: goldengripfoundation@gmail.com
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/300Mandirigma
Website:  http://www.300mandirigma.com

Organized by:
Golden Grip Universal Foundation
Website: http://www.goldengripfoundation.com

Karera Lakas Pilipinas on August 25, 2013


The Philippine Marine Corps together with the LakasPilipinas Team, is organizing an event that serves as an advocacy on health and fitness. This will happen on August 25 this year in time with National Heroes Day celebration.

The event is entitled KARERA LAKAS PILIPINAS, Tibay ng Marino Lakas ng Pilipino and shall be held at at the Philippine Marine Corps Camp Gen. Gregorio Lim Marine Base in Ternate Cavite. This is the first time that the training grounds of the Philippine Marine Corps will be open to the public.

Karera Lakas Pilipinas Race Map
Funds raised in this event shall be used for the MARFIT (Strength and Conditioning Program) as well as WOUNDED WARRIOR’S RECOVERY and REINTEGRATION PROGRAM. Philippine Marine Corps has been the subtle pillars of the country since time immemorial. As the force of choice, every marine silently perform task without reservation and regard of their own lives.

A serendipitous and unsung hero of our country is hoping for your support. Fitness is a great equalizer – both military and civilian needs to be fit in order to have a balanced and productive life. This is what the race is all about.

WHAT: Karera Lakas Pilipinas
WHEN: August 25, 2013 (Sunday)
WHERE: Ternate, Cavite
RACE CATEGORIES:
The Astig - 5km run + 20 obstacle courses
The Bangis - 200m open water swim + 10km bike + 5km run + obstacle course
The Bayani - Special category for uniformed personnel – Coast Guard, PNP, AFP, BJMP, Cadets of PMA, MAAP, PNPA, etc

Karera Lakas Pilipinas Registration Fees

Registration is on-going with early bird rates extended until July 31, 2013. For big groups, we offer "Register 10, Get 1 Free". Registration venues are R.O.X. and RUNNR BGC.


Email info@lakaspilipinas.com CC: rissa@lakaspilipinas.com, coachxhi@lakaspilipinas.com

For Online Registration please visit http://www.lakaspilipinas.com

Like their official FB page on www.facebook.com/kareralakaspilipinas.

For more details, please contact the Race Director, MS XHI T TABALAN – 0918.935.7370 or or RISSA 0917.701.0722

Safeguard-2XU Sole Racing Leg 2 Fastest Group Challenge


Mechanics on the poster above.

Invite your teammates and join the Safeguard-2XU Sole Racing Leg 2 happening on August 18 at the SM Mall of Asia!

Teaser: Filinvest City's Endurance Weekend 2013

More details soon!

Unilab Active Health Runner's Summit on August 17, 2013


Oftentimes, we runners learn running essentials the hard way - researching on our own, through channels of which credibility is unknown, or just rely on our own race experiences, risking injury because we tend to jump at once to long distance running, ignoring the science behind the sport.

Unilab Activ Health and Enervon Activ see the need for runner's education. By establishing the basics, every runner can improve and become better as time progresses. This is the objective behind Runner's Summit, happening on the 17th of August.

WHAT: Unilab Active Health Runner's Summit
WHEN: August 17, 2013 (Saturday), 8:00am to 5:00pm
WHERE: Jose Y. Campos Hall, Bayanihan Center, Unilab Laboratories, Inc., #66 United St, Mandaluyong City

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Online via ZEUS.PH. Link: http://zeus.ph/zeus-events/ActiveHealthRunner'sSummit
Registration Fee: Php1500

Unilab Active Health Runner's Summit ZEUS.PH Registration Steps
Registration Fee includes:
- Sports Nutrition Pack
- Presenters Handouts
- Active Health Token
- Summit Essentials: Participant’s ID, Notebook and Pen
- Meals (AM, PM Snacks and Lunch)

Unilab Active Health Runner's Summit Inclusions
EVENT OUTLINE:
1. Runner's Machine
-Physiology and Biomechanics of Running
-Conditioning for Running
-Injury Prevention Techniques

2. Runner's Fuel
- Everyday Eating for Active People (Know your Macro & Micronutrients & Fluids)
- The Science of Eating for Sport Success (Fueling Before, During, & After Long Distance Running)

3. Beyond Running
- Motivation for Endurance Runners
- Mental Fitness Preparation Techniques

THE SPEAKERS: 


Runner's Machine:
Reil Vinard Santos Espino
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (USA)
- Master of Science in Human Movement Science ( UP Diliman)
- Muscle Tape Accredited Instructor

Kris Anthony Agarao
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Instructor 2, UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports Science Department
- Graduate of Sports Science, UST

Saul Anthony Ileto Sibayan
- Performance Coach - Focus Athletics (Sports Performance Center)
- Academic Instructor 1, UST College of Rehabilitation Science
- Certified in Integrated Neuromuscular Taping Therapy
- Skilled in Athletic Taping / Kinesio Taping
- Skilled in Periodized Training Program Design
- Skilled in Sports Specific Resistance Training Program / Hydration Strategies

Runner's Fuel:
Jeaneth Aro
-President and Chief Nutritionist of Nutrifit
-Graduated with a degree of BS in Community Nutrition (College of Home Economics, UP Diliman)
-Certifications from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) - Group Fitness and Lifestyle and Weight Management
-Member of the Nutritionist-Dietitian Association of the Philippines (NDAP)

Beyond Running:
Kim Atienza
- TV Host, Matanglawin
- TV Patrol Weather Report Segment
- Long Distance Runner
- Triathlete

The event will be hosted by Boy "Running Host" Ramos.


For inquiries, you may email ahrunnerssummit@gmail.com.

For more details, visit www.unilabactivehealth.com or www.enervonactiv.ph.

Unilab Active Health Runner's Summit Event Launch at Kabisera, BGC last July 23 (Photo courtesy of Art Mendoza)
See you on August 17!

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Run United Philippine Marathon 2013 on October 6


It's the most awaited final leg of the trilogy - the Run United Philippine Marathon - brought to us by Runrio and Unilab Active Health.

WHAT: Run United Philippine Marathon 2013
WHEN: October 6, 2013 (Sunday)
WHERE: SM Mall of Asia / Bonifacio Global City (starting line for 42k)
RACE CATEGORIES: 500m dash for kids, 10km, 21km, 42km
RACE ORGANIZER: Runrio

RUPM 2013 Assembly Time and Gun Time
REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Online (July 15 to September 15, 2013):
http://regonline.activeglobal.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1259906

Priority In-Store (2013 RU2 21k and 32k participants - August 3 to 9, 2013)
Regular In-Store (August 10 to September 22, 2013):
- Riovana BGC
- Riovana Katipunan
- Toby's SM Mall of Asia
- Toby's SM North The Block

RUPM 2013 Registration Fees and Race Inclusions
REMINDERS:
- Registration is on a first come, first serve basis, and may end earlier than the announced deadline. Race kits may run out before September 22, 2013.
- A Valid ID must be presented upon registration. For group registration, a photocopy of any valid ID & picture must be presented by the representative.
- Singlet and Finisher shirt size availability will be on a first come first serve basis. Reference sizes of the singlet and finisher’s shirt is available for fitting at the registration centers.
- A timing device will be used by all participants during the race.

RUPM 2013 Singlet Design
RUPM 2013 Finisher Medal for 21k and 42k
RUPM 2013 Finisher Shirt for 21k and 42k
RUPM 2013 Ventilation Bag for all finishers
RACE MAPS: 

 
 
 

RACE EVENT FAQs:
Download at this link: http://runrio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2013-RUPM-FAQs-as-of-Jul-16.pdf

See you on October 6! I will be running 42k!

adidas Crowned the Philippines’ King and Queen of the Road 2013


The Philippines is All In for the Biggest Race Across Southeast Asia
adidas Crowned the Philippines’ King and Queen of the Road 2013 

Manila, July 7 – adidas King of the Road 2013 proved to be one of the biggest and most anticipated races in the Philippines. Over 7,000 runners gathered at Bonifacio Global City to strive for the title of King and Queen of the Road.

adidas, an advocate of the running sport all over the world, continued its commitment by providing an opportunity for runners to engage in their passion. King of the Road does not only promote a healthy lifestyle, but camaraderie through healthy competition.

Over 7,000 runners gathered at Bonifacio Global City last July 7 for the Philippine Leg of King of the Road 2013. 
This year’s race garnered more than 8,000 registered runners spread over three categories, 16.8k, 10k, and a new category, the 10k School Championship relay, which allows pairs to run 5k each. Race routes were marked with specific race distances and volunteer cheerleaders to encourage runners to cross the finish line. Celebrities like Sam YG, Karylle, Ramon Bautista, Isabelle Daza, Erwan Heusssaff and Rovilson Fernandez also supported the race.

Volunteer cheerleaders encouraged runners and made the route more colorful.
The Philippines’ King and Queen of the Road, placing first in the 16.8K Closed (All-Filipino) category, are defending champion, Eduardo Buenavista with a running time of 54 minutes and 24 seconds, and May Joy Tabal with a running time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 47 seconds, beating last year’s Queen Mary Grace delos Santos by around 2 minutes. Buenavista and Tabal were both awarded Php25,000 and will be representing the Philippines in the King of the Road Southeast Asia, which will be happening on October in Malaysia.

This year’s King and Queen of the Road, representing the Philippines in KOTR Southeast Asia in Malaysia are Eduardo Buenavista and May Joy Tabal
For the 16.8K Open (International) category, the winners were Josphat Kiptanui Too with a running time of 51 minutes and 41 seconds, and Joan Aiyabei with a running time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 12 seconds.

The race also signaled the launch of the new colors of the adidas Energy Boost. Featuring the ground-breaking cushioning technology BOOST™, which provides the highest energy return in the running industry, has set a new benchmark for adidas running footwear. Launched in the Philippines earlier in the year, now, BOOST™ is being rolled out to more adidas running products and colors. The shoes were on display at the race through a selling booth and on celebrities as they ran.

To continue their efforts for all things running, adidas also launched the new colorways of BOOST footwear
To see the complete race results, go to www.proactive.ph. For more information on adidas products and events, follow www.facebook.com/adidas.

Race Statistics:

Winner Results:
Top Finishers 16.8k Open
MEN:
1st: Josphat Kiptanui Too, Country: Kenya, Time: 51m41s
2nd: Willy Rotich, Country: Kenya, Time: 53m08s
3rd: Pierluigi Miconi, Country: Italy, Time: 1h6m13s

WOMEN:
1st: Joan Aiyabei, Country: Kenya, Time: 1h5m12s
2nd: Kristina Beckendorf, Country: Germany, Time:1h18m29s
3rd: Helen Susanto, Country: Indonesia, Time: 1h27m27s

Top Finishers 16.8 Closed
MEN:
1st: Eduardo Buenavista, Time: 54m24s
2nd: Rafael Poliquit Jr., Time: 54m34s
3rd: Alley Quisay, Time: 57m40s

WOMEN:
1st: May Joy Tabal, Time: 1h7m47s
2nd: Mary Grace Delos Santos, Time: 1h9m16s
3rd: Nhea Ann Barcena, Time: 1h12m47s

Top Finishers 10k
MEN:
1st: Jackson Chirchir, Time: 30m52s
2nd: John Chebii, Time: 31m25s
3rd: Ezekiel Roto, Time: 32m06s

WOMEN:
1st: Irene Kipchumba, Time: 38m46s
2nd: Flordeliza Donos, Time: 39m16s
3rd: Susan Chemutai, Time: 39m39s

Top Finishers of 10k Relay
1st: Alex Ballester & Julia Taño, Time: 39m56s
2nd: Reymark Llamado & Michelle Tanwangco, Time: 46m51s
3rd: Adrian Karl Maquilan & Raziel Angela Lizardo, Time: 1h4m58s