Running Rewards!

One of the things I look forward to is rewarding myself for certain running milestones.

2014 has been so good to me so far:

- Finished my very first 60km ultramarathon at LU2TA

- My back-to-back 21km PRs from PSE Bull Run and Financial Fitness Run

And with that I rewarded myself with the best running gear:

- Asics Kayano 20 (thanks to Loyce for helping me get a discount on this very nice pair of running shoes which I purchased from Asic/Onitsuka Nuvali)

- Garmin Forerunner 220 (I purchased this on the official Garmin site and had it shipped at a US address of my officemate's sister. Thanks Jen for bringing it all the way from the US to the Philippines!)

- 2XU visor (I already have 2 visors - a black and a white one. Bought the red one from the 2XU Glorietta store)

- 2XU 3/4 compression tights (also bought from the 2XU Glorietta store - still remembering that awkward conversation with the salesman advising me not to wear undies if I use these tights. Hahaha!) But I did follow his advice so the laugh's on me.

Go ahead. Indulge. Shop and run!

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

Condura Skyway Marathon on February 3, 2013

You only get to run in the Skyway once a year, so don't miss this opportunity! I ran my first half marathon in Condura Skyway Marathon 2010, and it's still one of my most memorable running events.

WHAT: Condura Skyway Marathon 2013
WHEN: February 3, 2013 (Sunday)
WHERE: Filinvest, Alabang / Skyway
RACE CATEGORIES: 3.8k / 6k / 10k / 21k / 42.195k
RACE BENEFICIARIES: 
- Kabasalan, Zamboanga de Sibugay Planting Site
- Hero Foundation
- Bikes for the Philippines
- icanserve Foundation Inc
- Liter of Light

REGISTRATION PERIOD: November 15 to December 23, 2012
ONSITE REGISTRATION SITE: Asics Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati
ONLINE REGISTRATION: www.conduraskywaymarathon.com

Race Registration Fees and Race Inclusions

Other Race Freebies

Assembly and Gun Times

Race Shirt for all categories (design by Team Manila)

Finisher Medals

ASICS Promo:

Buy a pair of Asics running shoes (worth 5500php) and register in any race distance for FREE! (Terms & Conditions apply. Participating Asics outlets: Greenbelt 3, Solenad Nuvali and zalora.com) 

ASICS Run for Free Promo

Winner Prizes:

FILINVEST GUIDE MAPS:

RACE MAPS:

3.8k / 6k / 10k Race Route

21k Race Route

42.195k Race Route

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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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CONDURA SKYWAY MARATHON KICKS OFF 2013 WITH MORE REASONS TO RUN

The premier marathon event in the country, the Condura Skyway Marathon, Run for the Mangroves 2013 goes to the starting line on February 3, 2013 in Filinvest City,  Alabang. It will be the curtain-raiser for the new running year of 2013 - perfect timing for those who are serious in getting back to form after the long series of holidays and merry-making and for those who finally would like to get off that couch and find the fun and fulfilment in running.

Organized by Condura Skyway Marathon’s Founder and Chief Organizing Officer, Ton Concepcion and its running ambassador Patrick Concepcion,  the sixth edition of this much-anticipated yearly race event by runners for runners once again is out to prove that it is worthy of its bid to be the premier running event in Asia Pacific. 

This year, the race will have the usual 10k, 21k and full 42k marathon categories plus the new 3.8k, 6k which are especially meant for the fun and adventurous runners who are not yet ready to take on the mid to long distance-races. 

By the first hour of February 3, 2013, the Condura Skyway Marathon will again make the Skyway as the runners’ playground.  Originating from the Filinvest City in Alabang, runners of all distances will be taken to the Skyway as a major part of their race route – a major attraction that promises runners of an exclusive, traffic-free, clean and well-lit race environment. 

Apart from the challenge and fun that this race has in-store for runners, participating in this race will also mean taking part in the Condura Skyway Marathon advocacy of helping with the reforestation of the Mangroves in Zamboanga de Sibugay in partnership with Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) . Each runner through their registration, will get to donate three mangrove seedlings which will be planted in his/her name. In 2012, the first year that Condura Skyway Marathon adopted the mangroves reforestation project to its cause, a total of 39,000 seedlings have already been planted in Kabasalan Town through runners’ donation.

A very special treat also awaits interested Condura Skyway Marathon 2013 participants!  Get a chance to register for FREE to any race category upon buying a pair of an ASICS running shoes. 

Registration to the race is from November 15 to December 23, 2012 at the Asics Registration Center in Greenbelt 3 Ayala Mall in Makati City. Each participant will receive, as part of the registration, an “I RAN FOR THE MANGROVES” quick-dry shirt designed for the event by Team Manila.

Whether a participant is a newbie or a seasoned runner, completing their chosen distance makes them an absolute winner  since each runner will receive a cool Finisher’s Medal whichever distance they have completed! For full marathon finishers, an “I CONQUERED THE SKYWAY” finisher’s shirt exclusively designed by Team Manila will also be given to them.

The Condura Skyway Marathon, Run for the Mangroves 2013 is presented by co-title sponsor Skyway, sports apparel and shoe sponsor Asics, hydration sponsor 100 Plus and venue sponsor Filinvest City. It is backed by Zalora. For more information on the race and its advocacy visit the official website www.conduraskywaymarathon.com or the official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/conduraskywaymarathon

About the Condura Skyway Marathon
The Condura Skyway Marathon is an annual running event open to amateur and professional runners. From its simple beginnings in 2007 as a short-distance Condura Run race event in Metro Manila, the Condura Skyway Marathon has grown to be one of the biggest, premier running event in the country attracting more than ten thousand runners across the country who are interested to have a Skyway running experience. 

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