Run Against Cancer on April 20, 2013

THE OBJECTIVES:
• To raise a minimum of P20M to help the indigent cancer patients of St. Luke’s Medical Center and other hospitals through partnerships with the cancer support and advocacy groups.
• To create avenues to establish partnership with advocates and supporters for sustainable programs to help the indigent cancer patients.
• To increase awareness about cancer prevention and management.

THE TARGET RUNNERS:
• Cancer Survivors and Families
• Cancer Support Groups
• Advocates of Health
• Company delegates
• Churches
• NGO’s
• Students
• Professional Runners

RUN AGAINST CANCER
A Charity Run for Indigent Cancer Patients initiated by Corridor of Hope, Inc., the official cancer support group of St. Luke’s Medical Center in cooperation with different cancer support groups and organized by Huper Events and Productions Specialist International Corp.

April 20, 2013 (Saturday)
430am Assembly Time
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

CATEGORY REG FEE*** GUN START
10K P 800.00 5:00AM
5K P 700.00 5:15AM
3K P 600.00 5:30AM
*** Includes race singlet, race bib and race chip

SPECIAL PRIZES:
• Medals and special prizes for TOP 5 finishers for each category
• Round tickets for 2 pax for Batanes or Busuanga from SKYJET AIRLINES to be raffled to all registered runners
• Sampling and freebies from Sponsors and Exhibitors

ONLINE REGISTRATION (JANUARY 20 – APRIL 18, 2013)
http://www.runagainstcancer.runningmate.ph/
ONSITE REGISTRATION (JANUARY 20 – APRIL 18, 2013)
• ST. LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER CANCER INSTITUTE
• QUEZON CITY AND GLOBAL CITY BRANCHES

IN-STORE REGISTRATION AND RACE KIT REDEMPTION (MARCH 30 – APRIL 18, 2013)
• TOBY’S ARENA @ SM MALL OF ASIA
• TOBY’S SPORTS @ GLORIETTA MAKATI
• TOBY’S SPORTS @ ROBINSON’S GALLERIA
• BROOKS STORE @ SM NORTH EDSA

A Visit to Asics Solenad Nuvali

Having realized the mileage of my NB running shoes already exceeded 800 kilometers, I was on desperate search for a new running pair. Of course it was a crazy idea to purchase a new one and use for my upcoming Tokyo Marathon but I think it was more risky if I still use my NBs and get injured if I push using those over-worn pair.

In my search for the perfect pair, I already tried on a number of shoe brands, and kept switching on succeeding purchases. Nike, K-Swiss, New Balance. It's now time to try on something new. And with the recent sponsorship/partnership of Asics with the Condura Skyway Marathon, and Asics being the official partner of Tokyo Marathon, there's no doubt I would have to purchase Asics this time around.

I did some initial researching and asking around - my friend from Team Titans Mark recently purchased Asics and he warned me that Kayano models were heavy because of too much support. I looked at the Asics FB page and checked highly discounted pairs and looked up product reviews available online, relying on other runners' experiences and review scores.

One particular model caught my attention - the Asics Gel 1170. It got a decent review of 4.0 in Runner's World. (Article at this link.) Asics Nuvali had a great discount on it - 40% off - from SRP of 5600php, it was on sale at 3600php! I was also informed by another Team Titans friend Loyce that this particular model's a good buy, so I had my mind set on the purchase.

So the afternoon of February 16, a Saturday, a few days before my flight to Tokyo, I asked my sister and her husband to accompany me to Nuvali, since the Asics branch there is the only one offering big discounts on running shoes.

Asics Solenad 2 Nuvali branch

It was so exciting to see all the Asics models on display (and on sale!). I immediately checked if the 1170 is still available and got surprised to see I had 4 color options to choose from (red, white and black / black / blue and white / gray and lime). I fell in love with the gray and lime one, and my sister liked it too.

The staff at Asics Nuvali were so courteous and accommodating. The guy who assisted me on my purchase seemed so knowledgeable on the shoes they were selling. As he had me fit two sizes (9 and 9.5) to get me to determine the perfect fit, he was explaining the cushioning and support on both rear and forefoot area of the shoes. And as I was contented to get the size-9 pair and purchased them over the cashier counter, everyone at the store gave us a big smile and bid us goodbye. I left the shop one happy customer!

The paperbag and the box

Un-boxing my Asic Gel 1170

New Shoes Yeah!

I had no time to waste - the following day I took the pair for a test run at the Manila Memorial Park. I recently purchased a pair of Thorlos Experia socks so I had to test the Thorlos - Asics combo. I did a 20km run (that's 10 loops inside Manila Memorial Park). The shoes were perfect! I felt how great the cushioning was and how my feet were supported all throughout the long distance run. I'm so loving Asics!

Test Run!

Now the real test is how this new pair will aid me in Tokyo Marathon.

For great deals, visit/like the Asics - Onitsuka Tiger Nuvali FB page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Asics-Onitsuka-Nuvali/163416587148519

Amazing Pinoy Fun Run on May 25, 2013

  

When I got an invite for the launch of an event entitled Amazing Pinoy Fun Run, I immediately thought of two of my favorites - running and Amazing Race. I'm such a big fan of this show! The idea is to put some additional fun in a race event by incorporating challenges across the route - tinikling, limbo rock and a maze of some sort. Of course, there'll be more surprise challenges for the participants.

WHAT: Amazing Pinoy Fun Run 2013
WHEN: April 27, 2013 (Saturday) NEW DATE: May 25, 2013 (Saturday)
WHERE: Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig
RACE CATEGORIES: 2km | 5km | 10km 
RACE ORGANIZER: Event Logic, Inc.
RACE DIRECTOR: Edward Kho
BENEFICIARIES: Filipino Children's Needy Fund, Inc. and Clark Foundation
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://amazingpinoyrun.com/

Race Assembly and Gun Times

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Registration Fees and Race Inclusions

Online Registration (March 18 to May 20):
http://amazingpinoyrun.com/
In-Store Registration (March 20 to May 20):
- R.O.X. BGC
- Chris Sports Branches (Glorietta 3, SM City North Edsa, SM City Sucat, SM Mall of Asia, Robinson's Place Ermita, Festival Mall Alabang, SM City Fairview, SM City Manila, SM Megamall)
- Fitness and Athletics BGC

Registration Form

RACE MAPS AND OBSTACLES:

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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE 

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Get ready for the ultimate fun run experience! Join the Amazing Pinoy Run 2013 on April 27 May 25 in BGC.

Amazing Pinoy Run revs up the ante of how fun runs should be. Runners of all capabilities will certainly find the right challenge and excitement for them as the race is designed to suit a broad spectrum of runners, from newbies to the competitive. Picture a fun run with the challenges of the Amazing Race and a festive atmosphere of fun races and you get Amazing Pinoy Run! Event distances are 2K, 5K, and 10K.

Part of the proceeds from the registration fees goes to the two beneficiaries of the race event – Clark Foundation and the Filipino Children Needy Fund. 

Early bird race registrants (until March 25th May 5th) get P100 off the registration fee. Regular registration fees are: P600 – 2K; P650 – 5K; P800 – 10K. Registration sites are: Chris Sports (Glorietta 3, SM North EDSA, SM Sucat, SM Fairview, SM Manila, SM Megamall, SM MOA, Robinson’s Place Ermita, and Festival Supermall Alabang), Fitness & Athletics, and R.O.X. in BGC. Participants may also register online thru amazingpinoyrun.com.

The Amazing Pinoy Run 2013 is supported by Chris Sports, R.O.X., Fitness & Athletics, BGC, Gold’s Gym, Greenwich, Energizer, Schick, The Medical City, Timex, Berocca, Jack City, Jack TV, ETC, Manila Bulletin, and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Amazing Pinoy Run 2013 is organized by Event Logic, Inc.

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Let's make the Philippines FITTER.

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF EVENT POSTPONEMENT 
April 15, 2013

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Just a note, Amazing Pinoy Run has been moved to Saturday, 25th May 2013, 5am start, corner of 28th and 9th. 

We apologise in advance for any inconvenience. This date works better for our ongoing safety tests on the challenge stations and also to facilitate runners in other runs on the original weekend.

We look forward to meeting you at the Amazing Pinoy Run to share in an enjoyable and memorable event day.

Kind regards,

Chris Everingham

Amazing Pinoy Run Ambassador

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NatGeo Earth Day Run on April 28, 2013

WHAT: National Geographic Channel Earth Day Run 2013

WHEN: April 28, 2013 (Sunday)

WHERE: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

RACE CATEGORIES: 3KM | 5KM | 10KM | 21KM

RACE ORGANIZER: Event King

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://natgeorun.com 

NatGeo Earth Day Run 2013 Assembly and Gun Times

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
ONLINE: March 15 - April 20, 2013 at http://natgeorun.com
ON-GROUND: March 18 - April 20, 2013 at the NatGeo Earth DayRun 2013 Registration Kiosk Ground Floor - Greenbelt 3 Mall, in front of the Asics store

Registration Fees and Race Inclusions

Singlet Design

EARTH-FRIENDLY RACE FEATURES:

- Race kits to be used will be made out of recycled materials
- Registration will be paper-less and will utilize the biometrics system of registration
- Marshals on event day will not be using motorbikes but bikes
- Water bottles will be given as part of the NatGeo race kit to encourage runners to use it in lieu of paper/plastic cups. Hydration stations will be available in the entire route to refill each participant’s water bottle.
- For each runner who registers for this event, 3 trees will be planted in his/her name

PRIZES:
Top finishers of the following categories will be awarded prizes:
- 3km Cherifer Premium
- 5km Open
- 10km Open
- 10km Elite
- 21km Open
- 21km Elite

RACE MAPS:

 

 

See you there! I'll be running 21k.

Nike Flyknit: A Definite Eye-Catcher

Photo courtesy of Lookbooks website

As I was browsing through old blog posts, I noticed I was not blogging running-related purchases I made in the past. This is now about to change.

If you've been a fan of the London 2012 Olympics (like I was), it would have been very difficult not to notice similar shoes worn by the athletes across all types of sports. It's this neon green pair that's a definite eye-catcher. It's the Nike Flyknit, a revolutionary lightweight pair made of inter-crossed yarn and fabric. I fell in love at first sight and promised myself I'll get my hands on a pair if it becomes available in the Philippines.

Nike Flyknit Galore in London 2012 Olympics! (Photo courtesy of Monorex website)

Surprised I was the first week of August when I read Coach Rio's tweet that there would be limited supplies of Nike Flyknit in Riovana. Giddy me did not waste any time and ran to Riovana BGC. The pair of Nike Flyknit Racer costs 6995php.

Woot, woot! The bag contains my preciousssss!

Out of the box!

Super love my Flyknit!

Believe it or not, I have never used my pair on a race yet. I planned on using them on short distance races (3k or 5k perhaps) but I always register in long distance categories that I haven't had the chance to test them yet. Yes, I use them on treadmill training and I can say it's as if I'm running barefoot due to the pair being super lightweight. The closest I did in using them on pavement is when I was a marshal/photographer during the HP Fun Run last year (photo below when I was pacing two runners to the finish line).

HP Fun Run 2012 - Nike Flyknit's still grabbing attention on photo!

One great thing about having a pair of Flyknit is you get to have a lot of random people approach you and ask you where you got the pair, or just plain complimenting you for the great-looking shoes. It was definitely one of my best buys last year.

Conquering Skyway A Second Time Around

Condura Skyway Marathon would always have a special place in my heart as this is the event where I did my first ever 21k (Flashback: Condura Skyway Marathon Run for the Dolphins 2010).

Having missed the previous years' CSM editions, I promised myself I would definitely run this 2013, though not the marathon. I'd run 21k again as part of my Tokyo Marathon preparations. (I followed Runningshield's advice not to run 42k as I might get injured if I push myself to run this category).

I'm excited because the race route is new to me (2010's route was from BGC to Buendia flyover until the Skyway Toll Gate and back). Coming from Alabang, the 21k route would cover a lot of Skyway, actually crossing Sucat and Bicutan exits before going back to Alabang. This is home turf!

Me and my running buddy Ryan stayed at Acacia Hotel (one of CSM's partner hotels). Ryan's doing his first 42k so he'll start the race earlier at 12am. Unfortunately though, while preparing his race gear, he found out he missed packing his pair of running socks! I lent him mine since I'm just doing 21k anyway. He contacted another runner to lend me another pair.

After witnessing the gun start of the 42k runners (and the fireworks), I returned back to Acacia, and took a nap. I woke up before 3am, and started my short walk to the gun start area, where I met my blogger friends Thirdy and Run Adobo King CJ. We went to the race village where they deposited their bags, and there I waited for the runner who'll lend me the pair of socks. In vain I waited, and as the gun start for the 21k runners neared, I accepted the fact that I'll be running the race sock-less. I did not register early to be part of the Wave A runners and miss running in that wave. And so after another set of fireworks display, 21k runners were sent off!

Shine bright like a diamond! Me and Earl doing the superposition (I missed doing this!). Photo courtesy of Early Runs.

Photo courtesy of Active Moments - running in the Skyway's a blast!

Toll Fee is FREE!!! Hahaha!

Those thinking the Skyway's just a straight flat course, better think twice! The terrain is rolling and there are a lot of long, gradual inclines! I was targeting a sub-2 finish and was on track until I felt blisters and a small wound on my right foot which affected my performance. I was also carrying my mobile phone (which I did not plan on bringing during the race) and was transferring it from hand to hand, something I'm not used to doing on races.

Running backwards: My photographer friend Lem asked me to look back for a photo just before the finish line. Wet look!

I managed to finish in a decent time of 2 hours, 1 minute and 9 seconds. I felt great after the race and felt I still have reserved energy to run a few more kilometers, which is a good sign for my upcoming marathon.

Some Race Observations:

- Waves were organized. Unfortunately though, I saw a runner blogger in Wave A but shouldn't be there as he has a lower wave bib. I guess with this big number of runners, the marshals could not really check each and every runner.

- Hydration was good. I'm not really a fan of 100Plus so I just had water on all hydration stops. I heard feedback that hydration was an issue last 2012 and this is something that definitely improved this year.

- I saw a number of marshals along the Skyway sitting down or taking a nap. I understand they're tired as well from waiting long hours, but as marshals they should at least provide some cheers of support to runners.

- A foreigner runner approached me at the race village and asked me where I got my 21k finisher medal. After pointing her to the race village, she had a sudden burst of rants, asking me why medals were not handed out to 21k runners in the finish line area. I told her medals in the finish line area were exclusive to 42k runners and she went off, still pissed-off. I had no issues with this set-up; 42k runners are supposed to be the stars of this event anyway.

Rank 218 out of 3442 21k Runners. Top 6.3%. Happy with my results.

Managed to run a constant good pace throughout the race.

After the race, we enjoyed a superb breakfast buffet at Acacia Hotel, along with a number of CSM participants.

Buffet breakfast at Acacia Hotel

Hopefully, I'll be able to run 42k in CSM2014! It's definitely on my marathon bucket list! Congratulations and thank you to the Concepcion brothers for giving runners this once-in-a-year opportunity to run the Skyway.