The Milo Marathon was one of the races I initially tried to avoid in my early running years due to the strict cutoff times/ time limit, participant volume (starting line queue counting against the time limit) and road closures (traffic going to venue). But those are just manifestations on how prestigious the event really is. Everyone is out to prove his or herself to the point that they are risking their lives (hence medical certificates / clearances are now a requirement for registration). But then again it is every filipino runner's dream to go and participate in this event. I went to the 10k category where there is a friendlier cutoff time. But the tension was still there as participants are lobbying for nearer starting positions and cramping at the starting area (the collected body heat makes you dehydrated even from the start). The thought of cutoff gives additional anxiety and pressure to push further even though you already know that you were on pace to make it. A lot of runners are serious and not taking selfies on the road. In the end I made it through the cutoff with a lot of time to spare and was so happy to finally join the most prestigious running event in the country. It was a 10k run that felt like a 21k run and I treated it as such (preparation, pacing and even soreness wise).
Today, we feature one of the three stripe's entry level runners/ trainers known as the Adidas falcon elite. These entry level shoes rarely get any exposure in regards to blog and reviews and are often just relegated to online store catalogs.
Being late by 14 minutes in Run United 3 and upon learning the 15 minute cut off for Run United Philippine marathon, I decided to go to the venue early. And by the definition of early, not arriving at the BGC area an hour earlier only to be stranded by traffic due to the roads being closed by the 42k runners. I left home by 1:00 am and arrived at BGC by 1:45 am. Upon arriving, Run United has never looked so empty and I was the only runner in the starting area. There were some 42k participants at the side, but no one at the starting area.
The wait was quite long. Good thing there was a playground near the starting area to lie down to and take a power nap. When the activities have started bands, videos and other forms of entertainment were being shown on stage. Riovana was open as early as 1:50 with runners lining up for gel and bathroom breaks.
After a few minutes, the full marathon participants were off and running. There were a few latecomers into their category and while they were allowed to run the entire course, were given a waiver to sign declaring their run as unofficial. Then, it was the 21k runners time to shine.
The good thing about being early is you get to position yourself on front. This was probably the first time I was able to be on front on all 7 Run United races that I participated in.
So, this is how it feels to be in front of a big racing event (by big, meaning it has thousands of participants). Being side to side with the Kenyans (whom over took me in 3 seconds to win the event). The ultimate goal of this race is to break my PR 2:43 set back in Run United 1 to make up for the lackluster performances in Run United 2 (2:55) and 3 (2:51). I had to go as far as changing the training program from straight long runs to intervals.
While being an hindrance when it comes to sleep,The early gun start is a plus within the race duration. Particularly avoiding sunlight for the 3/4th of the whole race. The first few kilometers went quite well. With my first one just a few seconds over 5 minutes. With the exception during the middle of the race, a 7 minute or less per kilometer pace is maintained.
By KM 16, I was able to clock in a few seconds less at the 2 hour mark, meaning if this was a 16k event, I already attained a PR. One thing that was good about this is the pace is very possible for a 21k PR even if I stopped by for a minute at the aid stations to have my knees massaged with omega pain killer. One thing I noticed is that training in intervals actually does a lot of benefit. The length of walk and rest periods are the same as before, but the speed seems to have increased.
By the end of the race I was lucky to have attained a PR of 2:37.
The post race event, It the lines were gone, would be a great. But as it was crowded, I had to go to the essentials. Basically the Finisher's area, the Active health apparel booth, the Loyalty Shirt Section (Good thing I had emailed them countless times before going to the event).
So there, after 84 kilometers of running, 4 days of wobbly legs and early travel, the Run united series is complete. Whether I'll be joining next year's event remains a question. But for now, It feels good to savor the moment.
I have been an avid reader of Men's health magazine for a few years now. One of the things that intrigued me upon glancing their pages was the "Urbanathlon" a fun run held around the world featuring several obstacles such as the container van, the monkey bar and the wall.I was unable to join last year's event because it was held the same time as Run United 3. So when this year's edition was announced, it was a no-brainier to join.
Last Sunday, I got a taste of my first ever Men's Health Urbanathlon. Being able to register just a few weeks before the event, I decided to go for the 5k distance instead of the 10k or 21k. Another reason is that a hydration belt might be a hindrance when it comes to doing the obstacles particularly the military hurdle and the "Wall".
I was a bit weary about this race. I initially wanted to join the 16.8 k distance like I did the previous year. However, I was planning a bit of rest after back to back half marathons the past two Sundays (Run United 3 and Rexona Run). Besides, there wasn't really anything significantly different from the other two race distances with the 16.8k. I then went for the 10k category this time.
What's good about this race is the organizer (Proactive) made a lot of
things easier. First, we no longer have to register online and pay via
credit card. Second, there was a pre registration (which will ship the
race gear) and in store registration which eliminates the procedure of
claiming it in an event like last year. Third was finally having an
option to choose singlet color which means no more "We only get what's
available brouhaha".
In my nearly 2 years of running, this has got to be one of the hardest races so far for a number or reasons:
The gun time is unusually early even for a 21k race (most start at around 4:30-5:30 at the most). This one started way earlier than that at 4:00am. The 32k runs resulted in closed roads that made a lot of people in the 21k run, including me, late. Good thing I was still able to pass by close to a third of the pack or so to avoid the very bottom.
We then had to go through a storm. I did encounter some rainy runs before like Milo
2011 and RU2 2012. But the rain in this race is intense!. It was non-stop and the rainfall ranging from moderate to hard accompanied by strong winds. It was a bit hard seeing as rainwater continues to pour in my eyes. The rain did push through our advantage as it helped the runners ease the fatigue and heat.There were no floods but puddles did accompany us.This was also my first half marathon that had non stop downpour.
Post race was great. The photo booths had extreme queue lines and the post race kits, particularly the duffel bag was cool. It was bit weird since I got the 32k finisher's shirt instead of the 21k. By the time I noticed it it was already too late as the booths were already closed. I liked the 21k's color scheme better. The post race activities were okay but 21k and 32k runners were already too tired or too turned off by the long lines once they reach the finisher's area.
I finally finished the Run United trilogy. One more medal from the Run United Philippine marathon and it will be complete.
Last June 5, a handful of running enthusiasts went into an event organized by Safeguard Active. This is to see who can withstand or break Coach Rio Dela Cruz's 20 meter sprint time of 2.3 seconds. A lot took the challenge, including celebrities and seasoned runners. In the end, the top five were chosen to compete with Coach Rio and among those five, one was able to reach the goal of not only beating the great running coach's time, but also in an actual sprint race.
Events like these makes you realize the wonders done through athletics. Through running and generally in the field of sports, miracles happen inside an athlete whether it be an achievement, going through adversity or simply the training and the journey through that moment of glory. Inside the annals of sports history, there have been lots of stories told in epic and legendary proportions namely, the chosen ones, those who exemplify greatness like the Jordans, the Bolts, the Phelphs, the Gretzkys and the list goes on and on. It's like the greats are tailor made with their destiny set. That leaves the rest of us, the guys these legends dominate through.
However there is a certain group of people who refuse to be grabbed in the norm, the underdogs. These are the people not expected to do anything impactful, the people that should just be warming the benches cheering and giving cups of water, those who should just go by their day jobs, those who the analysts laugh at and are being written off. This is about them and how they were able to tackle adversity to rise to the challenge and win. Their stories told gives us a guiding example on how hard the perceived norm has to be and how they had overcome.
Their stories have transcended as a huge selling point in mass media. Books, movies and TV series just to name a few. Here are some famous underdogs that have transcended to become an inspiration for all of us, Pop culture wise. Underdogs do sound fine when it comes to movies, fortunately they aren't just limited to the movies. Here are some real life examples:
The Olympic games in London may have already ended, but their stories will live on. No, I am not talking only about those who claim dominance, like the NBA stars once again winning gold through their superior talent or Phelps breaking the gold medal record. I'm talking about certain individuals who shouldn't even be there or should have been escorted out of the playing field.
Twenty years ago in Barcelona, Sprinter Derek Redmond of Great Britain was one of the favorites to win a medal at the 400 meter dash event. However at the middle of the track, he torn his hamstring which led him to to hop and eventually lie down in pain. Instead of bowing out from the race, He still limped through the finished line with the help of his father shoving down security who wants him to stay down. The crowd gave him a standing ovation and the moment has become one of the brightest moments in Olympic history.
This is the father and son tandem of Rick and Dick Hoyt, a legend in running and triathlon circles. Rick was diagnosed with cerebral palsy that limited his movements. Rather than being kept in an institution, Rick was taught how to live a full life. One day he asked his dad to compete in a triathlon and without hesitation, the dad agreed to it. Since then, the duo had competed to countless marathons, duathlons and triathlons altogether.
Rather than being jailed to the walls of mediocrity, these individuals decided to break the norm and defy the odds. Being a real life inspiration to us all. Teaching us to never settle and never quit.
After all, these stories are my inspiration with all the athletic pursuits I have done. Through the past 2 years I have been joining countless fun runs, gym training, basketball games, even rugby training. Sometimes to the tune of running through the storm (Milo 2011, RU2 2012) or having 2 races in a day ( PBA Fun Run, Camp Run) the thought of attaining those "little miracles" make it feel that we commoners can also rise to the occasion given the proper dedication and attitude.
This year, I even made a training diary to help focus and stay motivated. As of today, for the year 2012, I had ran a total of 439 Kilometers, losing 13 pounds and achieving new personal bests for 10k, 15k, and 16k distances. After training, I make sure to practice proper hygiene with Safeguard active lying in my gym bag since health is important and to prevent illnesses which can hinder me from training and competing. Remember, Safeguard Active won’t let bad hygiene distract you from exceeding your athletic limitations and in beating your personal best!
One of the premiere socks brand from South Africa has recently landed in
the stores of Riovana: Balega. Taking its name from a Zulu word which means
"to move with speed", Balega socks are popular mong runners and
enthusiasts alike who want nothing short of the best when it comes to running
socks. Technically superior and designed for high performance, Balega socks
draw its inspiration from the rich culture of South Africa. Balega's soft
thread performance socks offer runners that most comfortable experience by
reducing the impact while increasing the cushioning effect at the same time.
With dynamic air conditioning fabric system that offers low moisture absorbency
and excellent fabric resistance that allows the socks to maintain its peak
performance through the years make Balega socks a must-have for any runner or
enthusiast alike who wants to grow in harmony with the sport.
Get that heightened running experience with the right pair of socks that
offers speed, stability and utmost comfort. Only from Balega.
Visit Riovana at the Ground Floor of Active Fun Building 9th avenue corner 28th street at the
Bonifacio Global City, near Honda BGC and at the 3rd Floor of Regis
Center Building, Loyola Heights, Quezon City in front of Ateneo De Manila
University.
After a 3 hour sleep due to arriving late because of the Asia crown
event. My worries were not that big since I know it is just a 10k run
and I can easily survive it, but a PR was out of the question since we
will be climbing the kalayaan flyover that got me so familiarized during
my 16 and 21k runs.
A few hours after the PBA Kampihan na Run with the Fans, I was off to
Camp Aguinaldo for the second run of the day, the 3rd. Camp run. The
run is all about helping the beneficiaries of Hero foundation and reversing the literacy program of our underprivileged schoolchildren. After a morning competing against Pro Basketball players, spending the afternoon running up against soldiers isn't bad at all.
Last Saturday, I did something new, participate in 2 races at the same day.
At the start, I was expecting that a lot of PBA Players would join the longer distances as they had did in the past, sadly, the ongoing PBA Schedule and the tightrace for the quarters at the standings prevented them from doing so. There are still quite a number of them, albeit at the 3k category. I was also hoping some Powerade tigers players to show up, but sadly only a few coaches showed up. In fairness, Barako Bull, Meralco and BGK had quite a delegation.
After the preparations, the marshals told us via a huddle on how to take the race route. It felt like a basketball huddle. We were supposed to do 2 laps on the 5k in a very Hilly route for a complete 10k. When the gun started, my pace was ok, only a few walks in the uphill.With powerade as a sponsor, there were plenty of hydration, I only needed 2 of my 4 hydration bottles.
During the later half of the run, the participants from the shorter distances finally began to show up, so do the players. So do the players, apparently only the H-Bomb took the race seriously, placing 4th in the 3k category. Most of the players were in race support mode though. Giving high fives and cups.
After 2 laps, I finally ended the race. A bit slow because of the hills but I have to leave something more for the run later that afternoon The route was challenging but it really felt longer than 10k.
The medal could've used more work, but an award/ recognition of any sort, especially from the PBA is always a welcome addition.
Race support was ok, there were lots of hydration/ water to keep you along the way.
On the start, there was a simple ceremony and they had us start after a few minutes. While I got the race figured out, I really had a bit of a hard time preparing for it hence, the wal breaks took a little bit longer than expected. Race support was however, good with adequate hydration and friendly marshals.
Starting Line
In the end I finished at 2:19, bad finish considering I did 2:05 2 months ago on the same route. Stress on work and grad school related probably had taken its toll. Anyway, it was still nice considering you get to help others and quite some calories burned.
There's also this really cool and big square medal which is a nice souvenir along with he sublimated singlet.
My initial goal for this race is to see my improvement for my ultimate running goal this year, make it to the Milo marathon 21k cut off time of 2:30. The previous best I had is 2:50 and I would like to see how the progress is going.
Initial BGC Run
I arrived at the starting area around 4:10 am. By then you can also see the multitude of runners from the MOA area stepping down on the shuttle bus. By then the National anthem is played and an opening prayer was done. They then went through with the program by showing Runrio music videos and what's in store for the year by Unilab Active Health.
The traditional race route animation followed. When the animated CG Rio was playing, people were shouting and clapping on the new race route in store for run United 3.
Yesterday's Kick the habbit run, they initially said they'll give medals to the top 200 finishers, however by the time we are at the starting line, they changed the rule to only the top 50 finishers having finisher's medals.
I was blessed to enter the top 50 finishers even if the event was held from the Ultra track oval, to the Uphill areas of Pasig's "Motel District".
It was also great meeting billy ray bates again during the event, seeing he is in the same club as Jeremy Lin, Shaq, AI and MJ. He was very surprised as I pulled out my Crispa #2 bates jersey and asked him to sign it as he screamed "How did you do that?"
Last February 17, Riovana, the sole of running BGC branch had a media launch. Media, Bloggers and members of the running community were invited to take part in the event. The store also highlighted and demonstrated their sole healing process, a fashion show of the products they carry and 10% off on all their Items for that night.
Coach Rio greeting the press.
Riovana's Afroman Gang
The hosts
More Pics, Including the "Fashion Show" After the Jump.
The second race of the year, I registered for this event as early as after last year's Christmas.
The route was pretty simple, we run around the ADMU compound, go out to Katipunan all the way to green meadows, passing by 2 hills and one underpass while were at it.
A week ago, during the cybph games at admu, we tried jogging around the admu compound to get a feel of the area. From the college courts, to the SEC walk up to Moro Lorenzo. I was expecting about the same, but to my surprise, as the race started, there were some steep hills deep inside the campus, around 20 minutes or so, we were finally out on Katipunan. Granted there were some fumes but the new scenery was worth it. Credits as well for the early start that prevented us runners for having a longer time under the sun.
Before the race, I set a goal that I'd be gunning for 1:45-1:50, my previous best was at 2:00:50 from the 2011 run for integrity. I had to ensure that I'd be passing half of the race within one hour. I passed the U turn slot at green meadows at 1:05 plenty of time to spare. Fatigue finally caught up on the second half of the run, with the sun shining and hills shoving the way.
Near the Ateneo gates, I was a bit disappointed that people were still circling the Blue Eagle gym before crossing the finish line. Turns out it was just from Ateneo's grade school division run aptly titled takbluehan. As I saw that we don't need to make the loop around Blue Eagle gym, I sprinted along the finish line .
A 15k PR! at 1:50:35 though the result wierdly showed a time of 1:51:35, what matters most is the time on my watch. After which they gave out the medals and finisher's shirt.
All running enthusiasts will definitely experience a different high now that Nike is finally available at Riovana, the Sole of Running. With its arrival, Nike widens Riovana's assortment of brands it carries as it joins Adidas, New Balance, Mizuno, Saucony and Asics on shelf.
With top-of-the-line shoes, apparel and accessories to match, Nike's inclusion in Riovana's portfolio allows this one-of-a-kind retail store slash runner’s haven slash recovery center to provide more options in helping runners achieve their own nirvana.
Check out the latest Nike releases at Riovana.
Visit Riovana at the Ground Floor of Active Fun Building 9th avenue corner 28th street at the Bonifacio Global City, near Honda BGC and a
t the 3rd Floor of Regis Center Building, Loyola Heights, Quezon City in front of Ateneo De Manila University.
For more details, please visit www.riovana.com. Like us on facebook: RiovanaPhilippines and follow us on twitter for the latest updates.
Get inspired to run by the newest running shoes to hit the Philippine Market: Saucony(www.saucony.com). Now available at Riovana, the Sole of Running, Saucony is one of the best known brands when it comes to high performance footwear. Founded in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Saucony lives up to its commitment of inspiring runners, by continuously developing innovative shoe designs to compliment each and every need of all runners out there. Saucony is the powerhouse behind groundbreaking technologies like the Flexion Plate, ProGrid, Arch-Lock and ViziPro, all of which have contributed much in helping runners find their own strength, which is incidentally the current campaign of the brand.
Among the models exclusively distributed by Riovana are: the ProGrid Kinvara2, the popular choice for both men and women when it comes to minimalist trainers built for everyday use. Super light, flexible and breathable, it redefines the next generation trainers. On the other hand, the Grid Type A5, is a lightweight racing pair that offers improved traction so that you won't miss a step. Perfect for men and women who just got into the running habit. Lastly, the Power Grid Hurricane, a must-have for men who want to gain top speed, reminiscent of the product's namesake. This model offers a super cushioned footing that allows one to race mile after mile at top speed with the greatest of ease.
Hurry! Don't miss this chance to try out the shoe brand that lives and breathes the spirit of running for a most heightened experience: Saucony.
Check out Saucony at the Riovana Branches at the Lower Ground Floor, Active Fun Building, 9th avenue corner 28th street at the Bonifacio Global City, near Honda BGC and at the 3rd Floor of Regis Center Building, Loyola Heights, Quezon City in front of Ateneo De Manila University.
For more details, visit www.riovana.com. Like us on Facebook: RiovanaPhilippines and follow us on twitter: RiovanaPH for the latest updates.
