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.

Teaser: Boost Your Run

This February, Adidas Philippines will finally reveal its revolutionary running shoe technology that will make you run easier, faster, and stronger.

Watch out for Adidas' announcement on how to order this limited-edition shoes that will change the way your run forever.

For now here's a teaser video:

Rebisco@50: The Gold Rush on April 7, 2013

Rebisco celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The Fun Run is just one of the many activities the company is embarking on, as a way of giving back to the community.

By sponsoring this run spearheaded by Batch 88 of Xavier School, who is also celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year, Rebisco becomes instrumental in funding the scholarship programs and other charity works of Xavier School. One of these is the Xavier Educational Trust Fund, which has given many less fortunate but talented children the opportunity to have first-class education.

Rebisco's president, Jonathan Ng, is part of the batch 88 of Xavier School.

WHAT: Rebisco@50: The Gold Rush

WHEN: April 7, 2013 (Sunday)

WHERE: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

RACE CATEGORIES: 3KM / 5KM / 10KM

RACE ORGANIZER: Leadpack

Registration Fees

REGISTRATION PERIOD: February 15 to March 31, 2013

Online:

- www.rebiscorun.com

- www.takbo.ph

In-store:

- Chris Sports Outlets (Festival Mall, Glorietta, SM MOA, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa)

- Fitness and Athletics BGC

Race Gunstart Times

RACE KIT INCLUSIONS: race bib with RFID timing chip and dri-fit singlet

Singlet Design

Race Bib

X-SPORTS BAND (For 5km and 10km Runners ONLY): 

- 18 characters per line

- 6 lines per plate

- emoticons are allowed

SAMPLE:

     Juan De La Cruz
     Emergency Contact
     Maria Clara
     +63 9991234567
     +2 1234567
     MABUHAY!!!

X-Sports Band for 5k and 10k Runners

Runners will claim their X-Sports Band at the following The Bead Shop participating outlets:

- SM Megamall
- SM North Edsa
- Glorietta
- Power Plant Mall
- Robinsons Place Manila

RACE MAPS:

Vaseline Men Xterra Off-road Triathlon Series 2013

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PRESS RELEASE

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After staging successful series of off-road action events last year, Vaseline Men, the fastest growing men’s skin care brand in the Philippines again challenges you to conquer your limits in the 2013 Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series.

Dubbed as the world’s premier off-road triathlon event, the Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series will kick off this year with the Vaseline Men XTERRA Championship Weekend. Slated on March 2-3, the event features exhilarating trail run and triathlon races that will challenge even the most seasoned athletes. On its second year, Vaseline Men will again bring triathletes to the pristine waters and rough but picturesque terrains of Liloan, Cebu for a more exciting set of challenges.

SWIM!

The Vaseline Men XTERRA Championship Weekend in Cebu will commence with two triathlon events on March 2: the XTERRA Lite and the XTERRA Philippines Championship. The XTERRA Lite involves a 500-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run.  On the other hand, the XTERRA Philippines Championship involves a more grueling challenge with a 1.5-kilometer swim, 35-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run.  All of these will take place in scenic Liloan, Cebu.  Aside from winning exciting cash prizes (total pro prize money is US$15,000), the top age group finishers will vie for 40 slots to the XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii.  Registration for the March 2 triathlon events is ongoing in the Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines website (www.xterraphil.com).

Capping off the Vaseline Men XTERRA Weekend is a trail run on March 3, which will feature demanding courses in 21, 10 and 5-kilometer distances for both the male and female categories. 

More importantly, top age group finishers for the 21K trail run will qualify for the world championships for the XTERRA Trail Run slated in Hawaii this year. Registration for the March 3 trail run is ongoing at www.xterraphil.com and in all Runner Stores nationwide. 

BIKE!

Interested parties may also register for the trail run at selected Watson’s branches. Moreover, for every purchase of Vaseline Men 100g Facial Wash, they will also get a discount for the race registration fee. Just visit Watson’s at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM North EDSA from February 9-10, 15-17 and 22-24, and buy Vaseline Men 100g Facial Wash to enjoy this discount.

A proud supporter of the Philippine athletic community, Vaseline Men sent a five-man Philippine team to compete in the XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series Global Championship last October 2012. Vaseline Men also offers a wide range of skin care products which are perfect for men who engage in physically demanding activities including triathlons as they help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays and wash away dirt, dust and pollution. Included in its range are Facial Washes, Face Moisturizers, Body Lotion and Body Wash. Now, Filipino men can continue to enjoy doing their physical activities outdoors and still get their skin protected from harsh elements from nature. Vaseline Men is now available in all leading men’s zones in major supermarkets, drugstore and department stores nationwide.

RUN!

So this year, prepare to conquer it all at the Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series.  To know more, log on to www.xterraphil.com or visit www.facebook.com/vaselinemenph.   You can also visit ROX and Runnr stores for more details.

The Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series is also sponsored by Alaska, Summit Water, LBC, The Philippine Star, Multisport, Studio 23, Gatorade, Canon, Aqua Sphere, David’s Salon, Intercare, Rocktape, Timex, Municipality of Liloan, Cebu and Smart.

711 Run 800: A Photo Blog

Everyone's ranting about how the 711 Run 800 race got postponed a number of times, with participants refunding due to race and schedule conflicts or just for the loss of interest and trust that the organizers will still be able to push through with the event. In my humble opinion, the organizers behind this race more than made up for the postponement hassles. It was a great start-of-the-year race for me. New route, overflowing hydration and more importantly, a number of volunteers, race marshals and medic along the course.

This is my first race this 2013, with my last running event way back October 2012's Run United Philippine Marathon. I rested for two months to nurse my injured right ankle. Come to think of it, what a crazy comeback run doing 21k! I made sure though that this will just be an LSD, so I told my running blogger friend CJ (Run Adobo King) that I'll just pace with him all throughout.

And since we're on LSD-mode, I brought my phone with me and be on photographer-mode as well. So I'll share my race experience through the pictures I captured during the event. Here goes:

I arrived and had a bit of trouble finding a parking slot, but alas, the road near DFA became one big parking space. I met CJ and Thirdy and passed by the race kit claiming area/on-site registration booth.

The stage is set! We were surprised that the starting area of the race was still far from the race village. We had a bit of warm-up and realized we were already a few minutes late for the gunstart. 21k runners were already off. Running host greeted us as we crossed the starting line area.

As we started the race, I was excited to be running on new ground. Along Coastal Road, road cones were placed  to give runners an entire lane for safe running. Kilometer markers were aptly placed as well.

With the recent incident in PSE Bull Run, I was not surprise to see a lot of medical personnel along the route. They particularly paid attention to this critical part of the race.

I had to have a photo in the Coastal Road toll gate area. This area is prohibited for runners so this day's a first!

The race progressed and we got to the pivotal part of the race route which is in Cavitex. I got to see a number of familiar faces already going back. At half-way point is another photo opportunity! Haha!

Sorry, blurry shot by tired CJ! Running in Cavitex is fun!!!

Here's the end of Cavitex. We're about to go back to Coastal Road to retrace our way back to the finish line. The sun is rising! Oh no, heat! Haha!

At the flyover, we had to take a picture with Cavitex as the background. That's where we ran!

Another shot at the flyover. Vehicle volume now increasing as we were heading back.

Can't get enough of the toll gate. LOL!

Medics treating a runner who was suffering a bad case of cramps.

Almost at Macapagal! The shadows of walkers - me and CJ!

With a few meters separating the hydration stations, it was really great to see different hydration brands in one race event. I think 711 is the only one that can pull this off. FIRST STOP: POWERADE!

SECOND STOP: GATORADE!

THIRD STOP: POCARI SWEAT! I don't see any possibility of someone dehydrating with the overflowing hydration.

We crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 48 minutes. The last wave of 3k runners were just sent off as we finished the race. There were a lot of runners going around the race village. There were a lot of sponsor booths and freebies!

Among a number of sponsor booths, there's only one that caught my attention: ENERVON HP! This is my favorite recovery drink. I think I had four cups of their delicious chocolate drink here. :)

Happy Runners! Everyone had a blast in 711 Run 800!

Me, CJ and Thirdy having our post-race breakfast at McDonalds.

With the event's success, I'm sure there'll be a repeat of the 711 Run, and I'll be one of the first to register for it. Congratulations to the organizers!