The Filinvest City, The Garden City Trail Route: A Trial Run

Trail running is something Swthrt and I have never tried before. For one thing, most of the trail routes accessible to the public are quite far from the metro. Before, there were invitations for us to either join a trail running race or try a new trail route but because of the aforementioned reason we often declined it. So when we received an invitation for a trial run of a new trail route at Filinvest City, the first thing that came to our mind was where will it might be. Knowing Filinvest as a developer, I thought it was another development project by Filinvest outside Metro Manila but to my surprise it was not, it was at Alabang, formerly known as Filinvest Corporate City now re-branded as The Filinvest City, the major urban center, south of Metro Manila.

 

Swthrt joined the test run of the extended trail route together with other bloggers. She was quite excited and nervous at the same time because it was her first time to run trail and did not know what to expect during the run. 

Photo by Bee Yen

Photo by Lestsky Runner

I was envious of them as I took photos of the runners along the route since I was forced to be sideline and not join the run upon my doctor’s order because of my heart condition. 

Anyway, I was glad to see the joy in Swthrt’s face as she completed the run. I guess it was really fun running the trail. I hope I can try it soon!

After the run, we joined the other runners eat breakfast, sponsored by the Filinvest City Alabang Inc., at the Palms Country Club. A short presentation of the many upcoming projects and events within the city by Ms. Daphne of Filinvest City Alabang followed.

Summer Events this 2013 will include­­ Running Clinic by Starting Line on May 11, Cross Country Race Series with the Executive Off-Road Racing Association on May 18 and highlighted by the Xterra Off-Road Triathlon Series on May 26.

A Carless Sunday on specific roads was implemented last Sunday, 14 April 2013.

It was one of the many projects that would be implemented to give opportunities to the public to enjoy life at its fullest.

Socks matter

A few months ago I was privileged for being invited in a product launch of Thorlos socks. Probably one of the best part of being invited to such events was that you get to test the product or get them for free. In the case of Thorlos, they gave each of the bloggers 2 pairs of socks, a trouser socks and a running socks.

During the Thorlos blogger's night

Having known the value of having a very good pair of socks for running, I intentionally limited the use of my free Thorlos socks to more important races/events.

On the casual socks

One of my tasks in our agency is to video document projects and events in our office or in the field. Just last year, we unveiled the marker of the Station Balanacan in Mogpog, Marinduque. 

the station marker

The station is the first Geodetic Control Point in the country established in 1911 which is also referred to as the Luzon Datum. It was situated on top of the highest peak in Marinduque. Early this year, we inspected the site for new developments introduced in the area by the local government of Marinduque. 

Our team

Having been there several times I knew that we will be in for a long hike going on top of the mountain. I decided to use my Thorlos trouser socks for a test. 

It may not be appropriate, but I still insisted on using it. I used it with an ordinary rubber shoes.

with tripod and video camera on our way up to the station

It was a steep climb to the top and I had a great time with my Thorlos which spared me from blisters from the long hike. The socks perfectly fit my feet which made me more comfortable.

the road going up

final approach to the station

The stone (geodetic control point) and the marker

On the running socks

I used my first pair of Thorlos running socks at least twice on my short training runs prior to the Run United 2 just to break it in. Team JRunning was registered in the 21K and wearing the right socks and shoes would definitely be a must for the distance category. It was raining when we started at the BGC going to SM MOA and most runners would agree that wearing wet socks would most certainly cause blisters. Contrary to this belief, Thorlos saved me from such an ordeal. I felt drier throughout the race. 

@ RU2, 2012

The same with the trouser socks, the running socks perfectly hugs my feet which gave me comfort as if I was wearing nothing. The padding, especially on the heel part, gave a good cushion on my heel as I did more walk (which forced you to make a heel strike compared to a mid-foot strike while running) during the race.

Overall, Thorlos socks performed highly exceptional. The cost may be a bit more expensive as compared to other regular socks but it really does give more benefit and comfort. We call this value for money. Swthrt and I want to buy more Thorlos socks as we are planning to run more races as much as we can in our lifetime.

FIC Run - Register now and represent your channel

Fox International Channel and Runrio Inc. launched last night the FIC RUN at the Skye Lounge at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The fun run had four distance categories representing four channels of Fox International namely, Fox, Star Movies, Star World, and National Geographic Channel. Each channel provides a bit of its flavor in their respective categories.FIC Run, will be held on March 25, 2012 at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) with 500m (Fox – Costume Run), 3k ( Star Movies Blockbuster Run), 5k (Star World Lifestyle Run, 10k (National Geographic Advocacy Run)Channel  race categories.

 Register now and represent your channel!

Limited slots only!

REGISTRATION VENUES

ONLINE Registration: Opening Soon!

In-Store REGULAR Registration: February 22, to March 21, 2012

RIOVANA

• BGC - 9th Ave corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City - Mon-Thurs : 11am to 9pm; Fri-Sun : 10am to 10pm

• KATIPUNAN – 3rd Floor Regis Center, Katipunan, QC (infront of Ateneo de Manila University) - Mon-Sun : 10am to 8pm

Athelete’s Foot

•Robinsons Galleria - Mon-Sun, 12nn to 8pm

TOBY’S

•SM Mall of Asia - Mon-Sun, 12nn to 8pm

Photo Talks - RUNew Race

Running in pain

It’s been hard to squeeze in our training schedules at ULTRA lately. Either we are not feeling well or there are important tasks to do. That’s why we are really craving for speed workouts. We had a short but good workout run (4K) at our office ground last Thursday night. We had to stay up late and wait for the coding ban hours. Last Sunday, Swthrt and I had a good 5 rounds (11K) at the UP academic oval. Our original plan was to run at Fort Bonifacio covering the regular 10K route for races but the sudden change of events lead us to UP. On our way there, we saw bunch of runners, BR’s runabout group along Katipunan Avenue. Their number seems to be growing and can be likened to a group of bikers every Sunday. Upon arriving at UP, the Takbong May Yabang race was already on its way. We saw blogger runners joining the event like Jinoe (manokan express) and Que, Vener (rununlimited), Anna (the meek runner) with her family, Dennis (running fatboy), Eric (run for change), Dra. Doray (doralicious), and coach Rio (runrio.com) among others. We also saw Lester on our way home. Anna even had our photos taken while we’re running. It was a good workout as Swthrt is trying longer distances during weekend runs. Hopefully, she will be able to build up her base mileage and gain confidence to join in a 10K race soon. Though there was still pain on her shin after running for several minutes she still manages to run well. I too, had several minor inconveniences lately like I had cramps on my toes after running beyond 7K. Sometimes it was accompanied by minor pain on the side of the feet. I only felt these in the recently concluded Happy Run Race and last Sunday’s run. Is this common to runners? I can feel that my feet get wider as I run. Could this be possibly true? he he he.

Photos by the meek runner, thanks Anna.