Run BGC 2012 Race Route

Updated race route maps for the upcoming Run BGC race on Sunday, Nov. 25.

Registration for this race is

extended until Friday, Nov. 23.

See you on Sunday at Run BGC!

My idea of a different Run United Series

The Unilab Run United Series is undoubtedly the most awaited running event in the country today. With Unilab and Runrio at its helm, the series of races never fails to amaze runners with innovations, new routes, among others. Races that give runners the treat they truly deserve from well-secured race routes, overflowing hydration stations, shuttle service and post-race entertainment. With lots of ideas in their minds, they still want to know the needs of every runner and their thoughts on RU races to better serve the running community. Knowing this, here are some of my wish lists/suggestions for the future RU race series.1.       

1. Different race routes in every leg of the series. The idea of a different start/finish area like the BGC to SM MOA (used this year) was great but doing it again in the coming years may not be as attractive to some runners. I was thinking of having Run United 2013 Series in different venues. RU1 will be held at the BGC but 21K runners will start at SM MOA. RU2 will be held at the BGC with route extending to C5 going to Libis. RU3 will be held at QC Circle or UP Diliman using the Commonwealth Route.  RUPM can be from UP Diliman to BGC via Katipunan- C5 Road. Other routes to consider Mckinley Hills to SM MOA or vice versa. QC Circle to BGC via EDSA.
2. Team Competition for RUPM. 4 member team. All members will run the full marathon. The team with the fastest aggregate time wins.
3. A couple run category. Similar to a buddy run.
4. Relay Category for RUPM. 2-person relay for the 42K category.
5.  Personalized Race Singlet/Bib. This will only be for the longest distance category such as the 21K, 32K and 42K.
6. Unilab Active Health Souvenir Products for sale. Examples: Technical shirts, Tri-suits, gym bags, towels, etc. These items should be manufactured by known brands such as Nike, Adidas and others. 
7. Branded finisher’s shirt. There is pride in wearing a Run United Finisher’s shirt.
8. Having it scheduled on a Saturday. This is something personal. We cannot stay longer as much as we want to after the race because we are always in a hurry to return home and prepare for church worship service. Though it is a universal unwritten rule that races, especially significant ones are held during Sundays.

These are the few things that come to my mind. I’m sure the Unilab Team and Runrio Team will have other better ideas! More Power to you guys!

The Reebok Zigtech Run

Reebok introduces a new technolgy and adventure

Tired of running the usual road races of the same race routes? Well, a different fun and thrill await runners in this year’s Reebok Zigtech Run. First in its class, the Road and Vertical Run brings 15K Runners to scale the Kalayaan Flyover and run vertically the 5-level parking lot of the nearby CVC Law Center. The race was launched during a bloggers’ night held last Monday, 16 May 2011 at Paul Calvin’s Restaurant in Fort Bonifacio. Reebok also introduced its new Zigtech technology in footwear and apparel which event was attended by popular bloggers/runners in the metro. Representatives from Reebok PH gave away raffle and game prizes for everyone to enjoy.

For race details, please visit: http://zigtechrun.pepsquadevents.com/

Photo Talks - R4H

15K@ ROTA

It was a fair weather for the runners at last Sunday’s ROTA Run. It was our second tune up race for the 21K run at the New Balance Power Run this coming Sunday, September 25, 2009. Being held in the dreaded McKinley Hills, it certainly gave runners a great challenge. Swthrt and I arrived at the venue at around 5 am and noticed the volume of vehicles trying to get in the parking building. I finally decided to park at our office compound in NAMRIA (Lawton Ave. cor Bayani Rd.). It was about a kilometer away from the venue. We then run towards MKH which served as our warm-up run. We were then joined by Swthrt’s officemate, Leng who will be running her first 15K. After the short opening ceremony and briefing of the runners on the race route, the 21K runners were released at gun start. We then patiently waited for our turn. The 10K and 15K runners were released simultaneously.

The race
At the gun start Swthrt and I started at our regular slow pace but for whatever reason I started to feel a sudden increased heart rate. It was only the start of the race and we were just heading to the British Embassy. I suddenly remembered the lesson of “learning to listen to your body.” I slowed down a bit and just kept a 50 to 100 meter distance from Swthrt. I just wanted to thank God that after the turning point at the British Embassy my heart beat became normal and I slowly neared Swthrt and Leng. From then on, I was able to run well and Swthrt and I were able to finish the 15K distance at 1:45:+. Leng was also able to finish her race, too.

Race organization
It was a good race except for the 21K runners who were complaining it was short of 3K. There was also again the issue of water shortage and short hydration table along the route. The marshals were great especially in securing the left lane of the Bayani Road. These make the road safe for runners running this part of the course. I know the Takbo.ph people have tried their very best to give the runners a well organized race given the short time they assume responsibilities for it. I hope lessons were learned and better races will be organized by them in the future. Congratulations to the Takbo.ph!

See you at the New Balance Power Run this Sunday!

Photo Talks - 15K Masters Run

Who says running isn’t expensive

One may have thought that running can be the cheapest way to have a good physical exercise. All you have to do is to put on your favourite sportswear and rubber shoes and you’re off to a good workout. Nowadays, there are nice places to jog or run. UP Diliman even dedicated a jogger/biker lane inside the campus. Bonifacio High Street and Mc Kinley Hills in Fort Bonifacio are also frequented by runners. Others may have the privilege of living in a village where one can have a good running experience. With all these, one may really say that running can be cheap.

As you begin to run and reap the benefits of it, one began to feel the drive to be better in it. And so, you begin to look for better running shoes, desire to wear nice running apparels (e.g. branded singlet, shorts) and accessories (sports watches with gps capable, iPods, etc.) that are now available in the market. Running gears are now readily available to runners with the rise of specialty running store. They even offer services such as gait analysis to determine the type of shoes suitable for your running form. Even the staffs in these shops were experienced runners and are knowledgeable to be able respond to their customer needs and queries.

With the running boom experience in the country, the interest of people getting into running had raised its level from a simple form of exercise to a competitive one. Running clubs were formed in different offices and even asked the services of experienced runners and coaches to conduct running clinics. When I started running just a year ago, there were limited numbers of races you can join. Today, simultaneous races are held in weekends. There were times were two races were held within Fort Bonifacio alone. Last weekend there were at least three races held simultaneously within Metro Manila. These September, almost all the weekends offers good quality road races. Registration fees for these races vary depending on distance categories. Common price ranges from 200 – 500 pesos. Most of them are giving portions of the proceeds to charity. Others are promoting advocacies and for some it was part of product promotion. A runner will put in his budget a considerable amount of money to be able to join races. Of course, joining races may not be compulsory but once you get addicted into running, I’m sure you would surely want to try it.

So, who says running isn’t expensive. For whatever it’s worth. I just hope that running as a sport for everyone will be here to stay because we all love to run! Keep on running runners! See you at the following races!

Bro J runs with Swthrt

It was already more than a year of enjoyable running experience and it became more enjoyable when Swthrt started to join me in races. Last July marks Swthrt’s first year anniversary in running. Her first official race was the One La Salle Run at The Fort last July 2008.

Since then, we have joined races, either running together in same category or running separately.

We have also join speed training at the ULTRA with Team BaldRunner. The hectic schedule of work and taking care of the children especially in their schooling temporarily stop us in joining weekday trainings. However, we really hope to be back in speed training with Team BR soon. We also have gained new friends through running. Today, I have seen more couples running together. I hope that they will continue the health advocacy, because it is not only beneficial for them physically but it also strengthens their marital relationship.

First 21k of Swthrt, photo taken by Rununlimited, Vener

2nd DNS for the year, Mizuno Run ‘09

This year’s edition of the Mizuno Infinity Run was supposed to be my anniversary run. I started running last May 2008 by prodding of my officemates. After a month of consistent training, I braved the challenge to join the Mizuno Infinity Run ’08. It was my first run, a 5K…. And the rest is history. This year I registered for the 15K category aiming to set a new PR and Swthrt will run the 5K together with our son JM. We were forced to skip the race because of an untimely incident. We are in the state of mourning. Swthrt’s father met an accident which led to his passing away last June 3. He was laid to rest last Sunday, June 7 2009. In this trying times, it will always be family first above anything except God. This is the time where family members need one another for support and comfort. My prayer was that God will continue to bind our family in His great love for us. May God use this incident for our family members to be able to see the purpose of God and accept the salvation He offers. I pray that God will comfort Inay with His love and kindness knowing that Itay is now with His Creator and God.

Anyway, races can wait. PR’s can be set in another time! See you guys in future races!