The Amazing T socks

What I know was that running was supposed to be a basic sport that may only require comfortable running apparel and rubber shoes. But with the advent of running boom in the Philippines and the opening of many running stores everywhere everything about running become so technical. Runners now have to know what their type of foot is to buy the right type of shoes for them. Even shorts or tights had become scientifically designed to aide runners. Running gadgets such as gps watches, ipods, mp3 players and more abounds in the market. Probably the least attention given to is the pair of socks runners wear. When I started running, any sports socks would do but when I was introduced to a specially design and manufacture socks for runners such as Thorlos, socks now matters.

Swthrt and I was one of the lucky bloggers/runners invited and given Thorlos running socks during its launch in the market. These socks given us have been tested several times in various running condition and different distance race categories and have proven to be above par from other brands. The price may be quite expensive but given the advantages it covers any amount it may cost.  The common experienced of getting blisters after a long run is now history. The socks perfectly hug the feet for added comfort while running.

In the recently concluded TBR Dream Team Run, the Thorlos socks were again used by Team JRunning. The race started at 4:30 am in cold weather condition but with our team’s projected time finish of three hours or more, we were welcome by the intense heat of the sun in the latter part of the race. I was then feeling a burning sensation under my feet probably because of friction plus the heat emitted by the concrete road on our way back to the finish line. I was thinking of the possibility of having blisters after the race. As soon as we crossed the finish line my feet really hurts. We have a few photo shoots in the activity area before we proceeded to our car.

We immediately change clothes and put on our slippers to relax our tired feet. Much to our surprise, we have no blisters on our feet. We have finished the tough 21K race course of the TBR Dream Team Run. As a reward, Swthrt and I bought another pair each of Thorlos socks. This time we want to try the Experia. We are confident that it’s worth the investment. Thanks to Kalvin for the assistance and the freebies.  

Reliving the Dream Marathon

The TBR Dream Team Run last November 17, 2012 was a blast for Team JRunning. It was our first race to run with a new team member and in a uniform singlet. For our teammate Mae, it was a wonderful experience finishing her official 21K race. For us, it was a time of remembering our first run at Nuvali as we recall every road we took of the 2010 Batch of the TBR Dream Marathon.   

Our first journey

When I started running sometime in 2008, it was all for health reason. As I begun to love the sport, it brought me to a higher level. I progressed from a 5K fun runner to a marathoner at Condura Run in 2009. It was an ecstatic experience for me but it was nothing compared to running a full marathon side by side with Swthrt. When the Bullrunner, Jaymie, organized the first Dream Marathon for beginners and first time marathoner, Swthrt immediately signed up. It will be a dream-come-true for her to finish a marathon just like I did. Little did we know, it will be our first marathon running together? Jaymie opened the event to second time marathoners and the rest is history (click here for our Dream Marathon story).

Going back at Nuvali

The TBR Dream Team Run allowed us to trace back memories of our first marathon together. Not only that, it also allowed us to share the experience with a friend whom we knew also like running. Team JRunning arrived at Nuvali quite early. As they say “the early bird catches the early worm”, we had the first chance of a photo shoot with the BullRunner. 

With a few runs as preparation prior to this race, we came determined to have fun and finish the race. As we returned to Nuvali, it brought back memories of our first Dream Marathon. The Dream Team Run had a different course than our race back then in 2010 but it was the same as last year’s race route as it was announced before the gun start. Our team was led by Swthrt as she was the strongest among the three of us and with me at the tail end (that is the reality), hehehe. We have a great start with a cool morning breeze but the route was tough especially on those long inclined roads. We tried to encourage one another and were able to run/walk alongside each other in most part of the race. As we came near the finish line, the sun was up and it became hotter and hotter. I had a burning sensation under my feet. I felt I was having blisters. It was painful and I was really feeling uncomfortable. Everyone in the team was already tired and had to master all remaining strength in us to run the last 1K to the finish line where our son, Josiah was patiently waiting to take photos of our final push to end the race. We felt great as we were handed the finisher medals. We immediately proceeded to the event area and savor our victory of conquering another race. The Krispy Kreme donuts and Evervon Activ Recovery drink was a wonderful treat for all the runners. We also got our finisher’s shirts and freebies.  As a reward, Swthrt and I bought for ourselves new pairs of Thorlos socks.

A great reunion race for TBRDM alumni

As expected, it was a well organize race with Jaymie, Jun and Neville on top of it and the rest of the TBR team efficiently manning their post. The fun continued with the full support of Unilab Active Health, Krispy Kreme, Thorlos and other sponsors with their booth at the venue area.

Congratulations Jaymie and thank you for allowing us alumni of TBR Dream Marathon to relive the day when our dream of finishing a marathon became a reality. God bless!

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.