Earth Day, Big Race

12,000 runners. 36,000 trees. This year's edition of the NatGeo Earth Day Run is its biggest yet. I was amazed at runners' clamor to participate on the race, with kits selling out even before the registration deadline. The promise of planting three trees for every registered runner was probably the event's biggest selling point. And how cool are the singlets with the yellow portrait frame?

Fresh from last week's Sole Racing, with my body feeling great after doing that sub-2 half mary, I felt confident that I can attempt a sub-2 again. The last time I did a back-to-back sub-2 was way back December 2011, and it would sure give me a boost if I could do a repeat.

I'll also try something new on this race - I won't take GU Roctane and I won't apply Bodivance - two of the things I always do on a 21k, and see how it affects my performance.

Early again at the assembly area, I met runner friends (my running buddy Ryan, who'll take it easy and just do an LSD, Rom and Joshua, who were about to pace with me, and officemates PB and Fez who are doing their first 21k, to be paced by Marte). In just a matter of minutes, the area was filled with 21k runners.

Strategy is to do what worked in Sole Racing - start slow, build up speed and run fast midway, and do a slower but steady pace at the end. It paid off, and I finished in 1:57:48, a minute faster than last week's! Woot, woot! Lesson learned: I don't need Roctane nor Bodivance. Just kidding!

Action shot courtesy of Manghusi

Some race notes:
+/- I love the race route - it was the classic 21k route utilizing Bayani Road and its killer rolling terrain. However, the 21k distance seemed lacking by 200-300 meters. I got the same feedback from fellow 21k runners who had GPS watches.
+ It was announced earlier that the race would not use plastic cups due to its Go Green advocacy. However during race day, there were plastic cups on hydration stations. Had they not changed their hydration strategy, it would have been a disaster especially with the volume of runners and the heat that day. So good thinking on the organizer's part! It was nice to see a number of runners who brought their own hydration bottles (I did too!) so it sort of minimized waste on the road.
+/- The organizer tried their best to keep the race village in organized sections as possible - separate section for claiming of sports drink, another section for finisher shirt, a separate one for the loot bags and one for the race certificate claiming. I'm lucky enough to finish the race early and claim everything without queuing, but the situation changed with the influx of runners. Long lines for everything. And with the sweltering heat, runners became agitated. Most disastrous place is the baggage area, wherein runners were already allowed to enter the restricted area and get their bags themselves, which was already prone to theft.
+ I love the Illest finisher shirt, just the design I wanted.

Overall, organizer Event King did the best that they could given the expanded scale of this year's Earth Day Run. Yes, there are quite a few improvement areas here and there, but the race advocacy outweighs them all, in my opinion. I was glad I participated and able to help in my own little way. Bring on EDR 2014!

With Fritz and Rolly

With Alpha1 teammates Barefootdaves and Coyote Marts

With Rom, Ryan and Coach Mherlz

119 out of 2540 21k runners - Top 4.7%

Official results are posted at http://www.strider.ph/races/56

Safeguard-2XU Sole Racing: The Bomb!

With the running boom nowadays, its very difficult to be part of a race where you wouldn't push, shove and squeeze your way through a sheer number of runners. Runrio's Sole Racing last April 21 is one of the few intimate races every runner dreams of.

April 19 - Race Kit Claiming

The 3-day race kit claiming event happened at 9th avenue, Bonifacio Global City. The claiming was quick and well-organized; took me not more than 5 minutes to get my hands on the tote bag containing my race bib, hydration bottle, 2XU calf compressions and some goodies from Safeguard.

Race kit claiming tent at 9th avenue

Well-organized booths and friendly staff

The race kit contents

April 21 - Race Day

With an early 4am gun start, I was at the venue before 3am to get a good parking slot. I had time to warm-up and meet with fellow bloggers and runner friends. Noticed a lot of security and bouncers at the assembly area. With the recent Boston Marathon bombing, I expected security measures will be increased. There were even a number of security personnel with accompanying bomb-sniffing dogs! Marshals were strictly checking runners' race bibs and if they're carrying a hydration bottle with them.

As expected, a lot of photographers were walking around and documenting the event through their cameras. We were camera-ready, of course.

Photo courtesy of Phillip BF: Run Adobo King, Thirdy Lopez, Deemen Runner, Speedy Titan

After the national anthem and a short prayer, runners were then briefed on the race route, which made good use of BGC's streets before heading out to Buendia flyover then back. The route was quite a challenge due to its many turns.

The 21k race route

As we were sent off, I couldn't help but complain on how humid it was. HUMID. I was sweating like there's no tomorrow but I was feeling great. I had my hydration bottle on my left hand, trying from time to time to switch it to the right but for some weird reason, I prefer to hold it with my left hand. Rolly and I were pacing each other at the first few kilometers of the race, but I was eventually on my own the latter part.

Photo taken by Phillip BF while we were all running: Sweaty me!

The best part of the race is how clean the race route is all throughout. There were no wasted hydration cups on the street. Hydration stations were manned by marshals carrying pitchers (of water and Gatorade) and runners just had to refill their bottles. Marshals were even kind enough to pour water on runners' heads to cool them down as they pass the hydration stations.

I kept a constant pace and my strategy was I would not look at my GPS watch and just surprise myself at KM20.

At the Buendia flyover. On my way back. 

With 3 kilometers left, Runningshield Patrick Concepcion passed by with his usual negative split pace. He made me eat dust again. Haha!

Upon seeing the KM20 marker, I looked at my watch and it registered 1:53. I can do a sub-2! Yay! I took it easy since I knew whatever happens, I can bag that sub-2.

Almost at the finish line!

I crossed the finish line with an official chip time of 1:58:54.

Another great thing about this race is how intimate it was. With only a thousand runners in attendance and only one race category of 21km, it was easy to bump into a familiar face every once in a while. And I only have the photos below as proof of how many friends I met during that day.

With Vener Roldan and Sir Patrick Concepcion

With Zoot Runner of the Day JP and Rolly 

With Loyce and Thirdy

With my running idol Patrick "Runningshield" Concepcion

With the man who conceptualized this race - Coach Rio!

With Sir Rene "Jazz Runner" and Bee "Kamote Runner"

With Barefoot Daves

Doing the superposition with running couple Tey and Earl

With beauty queen Miriam Quiambao

The Quartet is complete again!

With Mommy Vimz "Kulitrunner" and Allan "Running Free Manila"

We had our post-race breakfast at Banapple Market Market.

At Banapple

2 days later, official race results were released. I ranked 97th among 977 runners, which translates to top 9.9% overall. Happy with my results!

Leg 2 of Sole Racing happens on the 18th of August.

Carless Sundays at Filinvest City: Inspiring Outdoor Fun!

(From the official press release) Filinvest City, Gearing up For An Action-Packed Summer!

It’s that time of the year when schools close down, the sun rises extra early and sets later than ever. Yes, it’s summer once again and there is no better place to play than in Filinvest City, where action and adventure can be found in every corner!

STRIDE AND RIDE

For its growing running and biking community, Filinvest City gives more reasons to hit the streets as it implements Carless Sundays allowing these enthusiasts to freely use the city’s tree-lined avenues for their favorite workout from 5 am to 10 am. During this time period, The City Loop, running from one side of Corporate, Commerce, Parkway and Filinvest Avenues, will be closed off while the other side of these streets will accommodate two-way traffic.

The City Loop Map

These runners and cyclists will also be able to experience the unique thrill of conquering the rugged terrain in the newly-expanded 9km bike/run trail within Filinvest City. And to aid running and bike aficionados to take their game to the next level, trail running and biking clinics will also be hosted.

Already, racers are eager to test their mettle against one of the toughest physical trials known to man, the Xterra Mud Run, an off-road marathon that will take place at this newly opened bike/run trail at the end of May.

SUN AND FUN

All these can be experienced in complete safety thanks to round-the-clock security, and can be accessed with relative ease as transportation points are also operational 24/7.

Anyone who’s looking for a summer to remember doesn’t need to go far. At Filinvest City, the action is always sizzling hot and the fun is just yours for the taking!

*****

Filinvest City, a mere 15-minute drive from Makati, is a prime development of Filinvest, a leader in property development for over 50 years. Guided by the Gotianun family tradition of integrity, quality and service, it forges ahead with renewed dynamism. For more information on Filinvest City’s special events, call 846-0278 loc 7093 or visit www.filinvestcity.com. Like us on Facebook: FC.inspiringpossibilities.

Featured at TBR Mag!

Grab a copy of The Bull Runner Magazine March-April 2013 issue (with Paolo Abrera on the cover) and you'll see yours truly featured on the Condura Skyway Marathon event page!

I got asked: "How did you like the Condura Skyway Marathon race route?" of which I replied: "CSM 2013 is my 2nd time to run Condura, my first was from 2010's Run for the Dolphins. The 21k route's a breath of fresh air, and offers just the right amount of challenge with its deceiving rolling terrain."

Thanks to Mommy Vimz aka Kulitrunner for having me featured!

SAVE THE DATE: Adidas King of the Road on July 7

The Philippines is all in for the 2013 Adidas King of the Road happening on July 7 at Bonifacio Global City. The highly anticipated race event will feature 10km and 16.8km categories.

Watch out as more details are revealed very soon.

Runrio Awards 2013 Go Mardi Gras

Last 2012, I was fortunate enough to be invited to join the Runrio Awards Night (I blogged the experience at this link.) Since then, I dreamed of being an awardee so that I may have that moment on stage when I shake the hand of Coach Rio for being one of his loyal trilogy runners.

Fast forward to April 2013 - I got an invite to attend this year's awards, not as a blogger, but as an awardee.   The Mardi Gras-themed celebration was held at the SMX Convention Center.

Registration booth

With CJ and Thirdy

We arrived early at the venue so we waited for quite some time for the other guests and awardees to show up.

All set up!

Mardi Gras performers

Hosts Sir Boy Ramos and DJ Chloe

Coach Rio congratulates the awardees for staying loyal to the Runrio races.

Sir Lester of Unilab explains ULAH's commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle for everyone.

One at a time guys! Haha!

Receiving the dog tag symbolizing the completion of the Run United series

Group shot with bloggers and fellow awardees

Looking forward to completing this year's leveled-up trilogy and hopefully, becoming an awardee again next year. Thanks Runrio and Unilab Active Health for coming up with a once-in-a-year event when runners meet without having to wear our usual running gear. Cheers!

Enervon Activ RU2 Hydration Belt Promo

MECHANICS:

1. This promo is exclusively for registered 2013 Run United 2 participants.
2. Purchase 10 pieces ENERVON ACTIV at any of the authorized registration centers of RU2 (worth 120php) and get the limited edition Active Health Hydration Belt for only 200php (includes 2 bottles X 180mL).
3.  Race bib number must be presented when availing the promo.
4. Promo can be availed once per bib number only.
5. Promo Duration: April 26 – May 26 or until supplies last.

Per DOH-FDA Permit No. 0831 s. 2013

Running Skyathon A Third Time

It's Skyathon's 4th edition and my 3rd year running the event (missed one when I had a 3-month business trip). It's the same old formula - travel to Boracay, stay in a nice hotel, relax, claim the race kit, run the race, attend the post-race party, relax some more before heading back to the metro.

The best way for me to share my Skyathon experience to you is through photos, so here goes:

Nandana Boracay Hotel - where we stayed for 4 days and 3 nights

First night and had our alcohol fix (in moderation of course) at Epic Bar.

Carboloading at Bite Club - One Pound Burger for the win!

Survivor Viewing Party with fellow Survivor fanatics CJ and Thirdy

Beach Bums

April 13 (Race Day) - with photographer Lem of Active Moments

Julio and Julia's photo! Haha! Finally my sister was able to run in this event.

Quartet - Ryan, Noel, CJ, Thirdy at the starting line arch

Ran on the 10k relay with Ryan - here's an action shot from Active Moments. So difficult to run in the soft, white sand!

With Idol Coach Mherlz - 1st place Women's 5k

Everyone wants a photo with the star of the race Coach Mherlz! Wow abs!

Race finishers

Hope Mikael Daez doesn't mind. Photo with Megan Young, hehe!

That's what I call a loot!

Zorbing with Pinoy Exchange friends

90s Flavor Post-Race Party - with Jinoe of takbo.ph

Since Epic was way too crowded for our taste, we transferred to Bom Bom Bar and drank the night away.

Goodbye Boracay! See you again very soon! ;)

Official race results for the relay. 5th place overall with a sub-1 finish. Not bad at all!

Next year, Skyathon turns 5! Anticipating it to be bigger and better! I also hope they return timing chips and get rid of manual timing next time.