RACE REPORT: RU2 Exceeds Expectations

Each year, experienced runners and newbies alike are anticipating the Run United Trilogy. Last June 1, Unilab Active Health held the second leg and surprised everyone with lots of exciting changes to the race. As we runners exceeded ourselves, the organizers exceeded our expectations as well.

Listening to the clamor brought about by the registration issues from leg 1, the organizers simplified leg 2's registration, removing the race kit claiming event, and returning the option for online registration and race kit delivery, much to runners' delight. I was one of the early bird registrants, doing it online, and recommending that option to all my fellow runner friends as well. I got my race kit delivered to my doorstep, hassle-free.

Another surprise announcement (and a welcome one at that) was the release of the race maps for leg 2. First time the race start will be at Kilometer Zero at Luneta! Gone is the point A to point B race from the past years (starting at BGC and ending at SM Mall of Asia). Now, the race starts at KM0 and ends at KM0, with a route traversing Roxas Boulevard to Coastal Road all the way to Cavitex! Now that's one straight route with just one turn at the Cavitex entrance and one U-turn at Cavitex. It was such a fresh and exciting route!

The Run United 2 2014 32k Race Map

In order to relax and prevent the stress of looking for a parking space at Luneta on race day, I booked a hotel room at the nearby H2O Hotel at Ocean Park, walking distance away from KM0. I loved the view from my hotel room!

Great view from my H2O Hotel room

Race day came, and our meet-up area is near the Tamaraw statue at KM0. Gun start is at 3am so we were there an hour before.

From L-R: Cholo, Wyatt, me, JP, Ryan, Rolly

Some of my Team Banana teammates were late, so we failed to have a group photo donning our Nike tops. When the announcement was made that we could go to the assembly area, we went ahead as we didn't want to be placed too far back from the starting line.

The usual pre-race program commenced, which started with the national anthem, an opening prayer, a warm-up led by Chris Everingham, and the visuals for the race route and countdown. We had the entire four lanes of Roxas Boulevard the first few kilometers, which is a great strategy for runners to spread out and lessen runner congestion.

At the start of Coastal Road, I met Becky Runner, Ikasam and Kyle who were pacing each other. I mentioned my strategy of doing a constant 6 minute per kilometer pace, with a sub-3:20 target. They joined me for a few kilometers but then I lost them at one of the hydration stations as I was practicing doing quick stops only - pick a water cup, sip, walk a few seconds, then run again. As I ran and looked back, I couldn't see them following me, so I was back alone on my steady pace.

I was able to sustain my target pace, and on my way back, I had to walk it out on the two flyovers to reserve my energy. My strategy on being patient all throughout the course worked, as I had enough energy left to run even on the final kilometers (but I had a cramps attack at KM31 haha!). I finished with a chip time of 3 hours, 18 minutes and 49 seconds. Target achieved! (By the way, my time from 2013 RU2 32k is a miserable 4:16 so almost an hour improvement was a welcome one.)

Thanks to Lem of Pinoyfitness for this shot! Almost at the finish line!

Some race notes:
- Run United races never fail at hydration. As usual overflowing ice-cold water and Gatorade at evenly-spaced hydration stations.
- Lots of marshals and medics and visible ambulances along the route.
- I love the 32k race route and hope something similar will be in store for us this coming RUPM
- Medal quality consistency is way better than 2013's trilogy medals
- The finisher shirt rocks!
- I couldn't help but laugh when some runners blame the organizers for smoke belching vehicles or the foul stench at Coastal Road. I hope people understand that there are things beyond the organizer's control.

Of course, no RU2 race will be complete without the photo ops at the finish line area, as we waited for friends who are about to finish the race.

From L-R: Cholo, JP, Wyatt, me, JC

From L-R: Goldi, Becky, Bernie, Lurvin, me, Wyatt, Reyman, Archie, sleeping Sy and JP. Ikasam sitting down. 

From L-R: Paul, Jireh, Hazielle, me, Sy and Rolly

With officemate and triathlete Jhino and his girlfriend Giselle

From L-R: Syril, me, Ryan, Loyce, Rolly

Another plus? As soon as the race results were officially released two days after the race, it was in two batches - one according to gun time, and another according to chip time! Yay! It's one of the items I was looking for in RU1 and they have it now in RU2. Great job!

Top 7.7% - 217th out of 2794 32k finishers. Nice.

One more leg to cap-off this year's trilogy. I'm excited for RUPM! Thanks Unilab, Runrio and Unilab Active Health!

#NatGeoRun2014 - Marathon #8

I've always supported NatGeo races and believed in their advocacy. This year's edition is a special one as it is the first time the event introduced the marathon category. It was a very welcome change for runners looking for a 42k event, having been disappointed by the cancellation of this year's Condura Skyway run.

It was marathon #8 for me, and I was targeting at least a sub-5 on this race. I did my usual pre-race preps (massage, stretching and chiro) days before the race but for some reason, I think I overdid it. My body, instead of getting relaxed, became more tired coming into the race. I also regret having worn a race belt during the race, with the sole intention of it carrying my mobile phone for event photos. I was not used to running with this worn on my waist, and I could only sigh as it became heavier and heavier as the kilometers progressed.

At an early KM25, I walled. My left calf was screaming with pain as cramps attacked. It didn't help either that the 42k route is just a loop of the 21k route. And to top it off, the merge with the sea of 21k runners during the 2nd loop became a big headache. The roads of BGC just couldn't handle the sheer number of participants. (Of course it is a different story for faster runners who did not experience merging with the lower categories.)

My finish time? 5 hours, 4 minutes and 1 second. Another blah marathon performance. But I finished it injury-free so I still have something to be thankful for.

So some notes from the event:

• I love the 12mn gun start for the marathon category. It was a hot and humid summer day but at least we avoided the sun.
• Hydration was overflowing.
• The finisher medal is simple and the design is ok. (My runner friend Wyatt's medal was detached from the lanyard by the way.)
• I'm not a fan of route loops but the organizers made the most of what BGC can offer as part of the race map anyway so I'm not complaining.
• The only improvement item for me - the finisher shirt. This is the first time I received a finisher shirt that had 21k|42k both printed on it. It was soooo generic, it doesn't even make the marathon finishers feel special.

And now to some photos to remember the race by:

The "Mamaws" (photo courtesy of JP)

Me and Boki Wyatt

With Cholo, Wy and Rolly

With Ryan and Hazielle (who paced and finished together until finish line) and Rolly

Breakfast at Yellow Cab. Nice meeting you Nik! And thanks, Hazielle for the pizza treat!

Hope NatGeo offers the 42km category on their 2015 race! Great job to NatGeo and Event King!

2nd Alaska World Milk Day: Bigger, Better and Healthier!

Last June 1, 2014, the country celebrated Alaska World Milk Day for the second time at the Bonifacio Global City. The celebration was definitely bigger and better than last year, with more than 3,500 participants in the fun run and raised the same number of milk products for the feeding program of Children’s Hour. The Alaska World Milk Day celebration is part of Alaska’s continuing advocacy toward health and nutrition, particularly its Nutrition. Action. Champion campaign. For more information, log on to www.alaskaworldmilkday.com, like www.facebook.com/WorldMilkDayPH or follow us on Twitter @ALASKAsportshub.

Chang siblings spread positivity at Alaska Ironkids Aquathlon

Austin Chang and sister, Athena Chang hold hands as they cheerfully raced with more than 132 kids at the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon event last May 25, at the Club Manila East, Taytay Rizal. The Alaska IronKids sports program has become a platform for the Chang siblings to bond by racing together and supporting each other whether they win or lose. It helps instill the values of Determination, Hard Work, Teamwork, Discipline, and Sportsmanship in children and this is what real champions are made of. Join the Alaska IronKids program now and become a real-life champion! Just log on to www.ironkidsphil.com or at www.alaskamilk.com for more details.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: 38th National MILO Marathon MANILA Elims Registration Schedule

Here is an important announcement from MILO and RunRio, Inc.:

Dear runners,

The National MILO Marathon Team is getting ready for the opening of onsite registration for the Manila Eliminations Leg. For everyone’s convenience and for us to provide better service, please note of the following adjustments on registration opening schedules:

1. Low distance categories 3km and 5km registration will open in all partner stores on Monday, June 9, 2014
2. Long distance categories 10km, 21km and 42km registration will open on Thursday, June 12, 2014, also in all partner stores.

These schedule adjustments were made to allow us to properly manage the surge of people coming in to register by opening day and more importantly, in consideration of everyone’s convenience.

Thank you very much for your unending support and we look forward to seeing you in this year’s 38th National MILO Marathon!

See you on the road!

Under Armour Flexes Muscles in the Philippines

*** Press Release ***

UNDER ARMOUR FLEXES MUSCLES IN THE PHILIPPINES

The brand’s latest expansion effort includes 

the opening of a retail store in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – Under Armour, the leading performance and innovation brand, has recently celebrated the expansion of its international footprint into the heart of the Philippines. The launch is highlighted by the introduction of a retail store that opened on Bonifacio High Street (BHS) at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Manila.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony were star Piolo Pascual, of the upcoming show Team U, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, and representatives from Under Armour USA who passed along a few words through Charlie Maurath, President of Under Armour International. “We are leveraging our domestic momentum to build a long-term and impactful global presence,” said Maurath. “The Philippines is an important market for our brand. Athletes in Manila and the surrounding areas are passionate about sports and we’re dedicated to offering them innovative products that will give them an edge.”

The Under Armour flagship branch at BHS employs striking architectural and interior designs, underscoring the innovation and technology engineered into Under Armour’s performance footwear, apparel, and equipment. The store’s interiors with wood accents, cement floors, and bolts evoke an industrial and gym-like atmosphere to reflect the brand’s signature ethos of gritty determination, passion, and will.

The Hero Zone stands out in the store as it houses Under Armour’s Alter Ego line, which features Marvel and DC comics-inspired innerwear designs. The Footwear Zone also grabs a lot of attention with Under Armour’s innovative and attractive performance footwear on display.

Featured products from the Spring/Summer 2014 Collection of footwear, apparel, and equipment available immediately include Under Armour Speedform™ RC – the revolutionary running shoe that employs the world’s first seamless heel cup – and UA HeatGear Sonic, UA HeatGear Flyweight, Coldblack®, and Under Armour Compression from the apparel range.

In Southeast Asia, the brand is currently available at select retail stores in Singapore and additional expansion in the region is planned throughout 2014 and 2015.

Singapore-based Triple Pte. Ltd. is the exclusive distribution partner for Under Armour in Southeast Asia.

White Flower Run on August 17, 2014

White Flower rebrands itself as a sports liniment providing comfort and quick ease of pain better than any other product in the market. To begin, WF will be challenging participants with a not-your-usual 21K Race and side events 16K, 10K and a 5K.

WHAT: White Flower Run 2014
WHEN: August 17, 2014 (Sunday)
WHERE: Bonifacio Global City
RACE CATEGORIES: 3KM, 5KM, 10KM and 21KM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS: 5,000

RACE DAY DETAILS: 

White Flower Run 2014 Gun Times

The 21K is not the usual 21K race. There are special awards waiting for the individual and for the team. Individual participants can get a chance to win not just the over-all awards but also:
- 2KM Challenge – be the first to reach 2KM
- 5KM Challenge – be the first to reach 5KM
- 10KM Challenge – be the first to reach 10KM
- 16KM Challenge – be the first to reach 16KM
- King of the Hill – be the first to climb up Kalayaan Fly-over
*** All participants must complete the 21K Race in order to be entitled for the special awards

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

White Flower Run 2014 Registration Fees and Race Inclusions

Online Registration via Dragon Pay Online
In-Store Registration (Manual Process) at the following Chris Sports outlets:
- SM MOA
- SM North Annex
- Market
- SM Megamall
- Glorietta 3

Participants upon their registration will receive:
- WF Singlet
- WF Race Kit
- WF Map
- Calchews Chewables 2 small box of 15’s

White Flower Run 2014 Singlet Design

POST-RACE ENTITLEMENT: 
- Finisher Shirt will be given to 21K Finishers

RACE MAPS: 

R3 (Reduce. Reuse. Recycle) Run for Sustainability on August 10, 2014

Join the advocacy event of Quanta Paper Corporation - the R3 (Reuse. Reduce. Recycle) Run for Sustainability happening on August 10th at Blue Bay Walk, Pasay City. For a very affordable registration fee of Php250, participants will be able to enjoy the run and help in the company's advocacy.

WHAT: R3 (Reuse. Reduce. Recycle) Run for Sustainability
WHEN: August 10, 2014 (Sunday)
WHERE: Bluebay Walk, Metropolitan Pasay City
RACE CATEGORIES: 1KM, 4KM, 8KM, 12KM
RACE OWNER: Quanta Paper Corporation
TARGET NUMBER OF RUNNERS: 10,000

RACE DAY DETAILS:

R3RUN Assembly and Gun Times

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Registration Fee: Php250 for ALL categories (*Php150 for students)

Registration Period: June 5 - July 22, 2014 (Thursday-Sunday ONLY, 12nn to 8pm)

Registration Sites:
- Runnr BGC
- Runnr Trinoma
- Toby's Shangrila
- Toby’s Robinson's Place Manila
- Toby's SM Mall of Asia

Race Kit inclusions: Race Bib, Running Shirt & Product Give-aways

R3RUN Race Shirt Design

R3RUN Race Bib Design

POST-RACE ENTITLEMENT: 

RACE MAPS: