HCMI running clinic held

The Running Club of Honda Cars Pasig in coordination with its HRD has organized a running clinic for its associates at the Honda Cars Global City on 03 August 2010. Jonel Mendoza, a seasoned ultra marathoner and a publisher of frontRUNNER Magazine shared his experiences and lectured on the basics in running. The event was attended by associates from the different branches of Honda Cars Makati Inc. ( HCMI ) who are running newbies and those who want to try the sport. The clinic aims to encourage their associates to practice a healthy lifestyle by having proper nutrition and exercise.

For quite some time, a good number of HCMI associates have been joining races in the metro. Three of their associates, Joel Abrazado, Ritchie Ascueta, and Baby Estrella (Swthrt)have already finished a full marathon (TBR Dream Marathon). Other runners have successfully completed shorter distances ranging from 5K to 21K. This month, some runners will be participating in the Camsur Marathon. Since the company understands that having a healthy body translates to a more productive office, it continues to support other sports, such as badminton and basketball. Just recently, the Ayala group of companies, which HCMI is a subsidiary, held a fun run in Ayala Triangle.

The clinic started at around 6:30 pm giving ample time for participants from other branches. Jonel’s presentation focused on the Who, How, When and Where of running. He also shared practical tips while running in a race. With the advent of climate change causing hot weather during races and the recent news of fatality during races, Jonel also tackled injury prevention and proper hydration.

After the presentation, Sir Mar Encarnacion, CIO of HCMI, presented to Jonel the certificate of appreciation from the company. After the clinic, some participants rounded the BHS as part of the actual run, and before calling it a day.

In behalf of the HCMI associates Swthrt and I would like to thank Jonel for sharing his time and running experiences with us. More power also to your frontRUNNER magazine.

The joy of running

Many have been written about the "boom" of running as a sport in the country. More and more people are considering the sport as a better alternative. New runners are having the courage to try and conquer thier "initiation" road race whether it is 3K, 5K or 10K. With more than of running experience, I have been encouraged to continue and finish a race by the other runners and marshals during races. Last Sunday, was our turn of giving encouragement to a friend who wanted to experience joining a road race.

Swthrt's workplace has been a place of budding runners wanting to try the sport. Almost every month a warm body is added to their group. They can even start a running club with a good number of founding members. The Timex Run was another race wherein, one of her officemates, Jane wanted to run her first 5K. Swthrt and I decided to give support and even pace Jane to make sure that she will finish her first race strong.

Swthrt with Officemate, Jane

We wanted to make sure she can do it and experience the joy of running. We don’t want her to be discouraged and not to join any races again. We are glad we have given the support she needed. Jane finished her first 5K race and hopefully will join more races soon. After finishing 5K, Swthrt and I then ran towards Bayani Road to pace again her another officemate, this time doing his first 21K race. Along the way, another officemate, Ritchie, suffered from a knee injury but was determined to finish the 21K race.

With another officemate, Ritchie

We ran with him along Lawton Avenue and told him not to run anymore because it might aggravate his injury but he wanted to continue and finish the race. I was really amazed by his determination and he did it.

We were able to catch up with Ronnie at the Heritage Park and ran with him back at the finish line.

and another officemate, Ronnie

During the race, we have seen groups running together. We even saw couples running side by side. It only showed that the joy of running comes not only in breaking personal records or conquering longer distances but also in giving support to a friend or a loved one.

Randy and his wife

group run

brother-in-law tandem - Alwyn and Hector

This will encourage more people to run! Happy running and see you at the next starting line.

Ayala Fun Run 2009, Swthrt’s first and best

Last Saturday, March 14, 2009, employees of the Ayala Group of Companies gathered together to have fun during the Ayala Fun Run 2009. The event was held at The Fort. Each company was well-represented and even surpassed last year’s attendance.

This was Swthrt’s first time to join such event. We arrived at the assembly area at around 5:30am. We did a round at the BHS for warm-up before stretching. Afterwards, Swthrt proceeded at their designated registration booth to get her race number. After the usual opening ceremony, the race started with all the runners in different categories (1.5K/3K/5K) released at the same time. It was quite a slow start for Swthrt as we have to zigzag our way going to the Market Market area (500M).

I was there to pace her and be the official photographer on the run, hehehe. The road was finally cleared from runners/walkers of the 1.5K category. As we reach the corner of Market Market (1stK) where we turned left going to Home Depot (1.9K), Swthrt made her move. As I told Swthrt to run at her own pace, I noticed that she started to speed up. At this point I was the one catching up with her. It was a consistent pace all the way to Jollibee (2ndK) where we turned left. I started to take the lead. We slowed down a bit preparing for the short but slightly uphill road along the 5th Avenue (3rdK) going to the traffic light where we have to make another left turn.

Swthrt was already feeling tired at this point (4thK). I have to encourage her to keep the pace.

As we reach near the finish line she began to regain strength and finish strong with unofficial time of 28:05 setting a new PR.

It will be a memorable race for her. Congratulations Swthrt!

More photos....