Monday, October 8, 2012

NIKE’S WE RUN RACE 2012

NIKE’S WE RUN RACE SERIES RETURNS TO MANILA*

We Run MNL 10K inspires and connects runners globally with Nike+



PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 2012 – Nike’s We Run race returns to Manila for a second year, to inspire, motivate and connect runners around the world. On December 2, 2012, Filipino runners will be part of the global We Run race movement, which will see a total of 395,500 runners from 34 cities participating—establishing a new global community of runners through Nike’s most connected race series using the innovative Nike+ technology. The We Run race series kicked off on September 1 in Prague, Czech Republic, and will conclude on December 15 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Nike’s We Run Manila 10K race will energize the streets of Pasay City with the 13,000 high-octane runners expected to make tracks all over the SM Mall of Asia’s grounds. Set against the remarkable view of Manila Bay, the initial stretch of the race will let runners pass through the commercialized area of the Mall of Asia with the SMX Convention Center and the latest icon of the area, the eye-shaped SM Bay City Arena. Runners are set to leave urban commercial scenery and head towards the fields along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. Closing in on the halfway point of the race, runners will then pass the upcoming Belle Casino, a gold complex glistening in the morning sun. As they take a turn on Pacific Avenue and race past the same landmarks, runners will come upon the iconic ferris-wheel along Seaside Boulevard that marks the final kilometer to the finish line. The panoramic run would not be complete without an engaging en route entertainment featuring some of Manila’s top musical acts.

Meeting the runners at the finish line is the Race Village that will offer an array of services. Runners can expect to be pampered with massage booths and get recharged at any of the refreshment stalls while being entertained by the energetic musical line-up.

“Nike’s We Run race is the celebration of running across the world, the culmination of every runner’s dedication and commitment to train harder, defy expectations and push their bodies’ limits. Nike aims to revolutionize the running experience, by allowing runners to inspire, motivate and connect with other runners globally through the Nike+ Technology”, shared Sanjay Gangopadhyay, Marketing Director of Nike South East Asia. “With the second edition of the We Run race in Manila, Nike envisions Filipinos, the youth in particular, to further move the local running scene forward by leading the active lifestyle movement.”

This year, Nike is taking inspiration to a new level as runners will be able to follow two of Philippines most popular lifestyle bloggers, Robbie Becroft of robbieoffduty.com and Lissa Kahayon of lissakahayon.com who will be embarking on their first We Run race. Follow their We Run journey as they take on the challenge of preparing for Nike’s We Run MNL 10K race, blogging at each step of the journey, and witness how Nike elevates their everyday running experience with the various product offerings including the Nike+ ecosystem.

To get race-ready, Nike will organize four training sessions focusing on proper running techniques and tips. Runners will also be able to test out the Nike+ Running app (available on iOS and Android), and try out the season’s latest running products. These clinics will be led by podiatrists and Nike Training Club instructors to further educate individuals on how they can reach their potential as runners.

The registration for Nike’s We Run race will commence on Monday, October 8 2012 online through www.facebook.com/NikeRunningPH and also on-ground at selected retail stores. Registration details are as follows:

CATEGORY / PRICE
Philippines
UNDER 25 Y.O. (24 years old and below as of race day)
Php 800
25 Y.O. & ABOVE (25 years old and above as of race day)
Php 1,200
BUDDY 1+1 UNDER 25 (24 years old and below as of race day)
Php 1,400



Categories: 

1. Women's Under 25 - For women aged 24 years and below on the race day 

2. Men's Under 25 - For men aged 24 years and below on the race day 

3. Women's Open - Open to women of all ages 

4. Men's Open - Open to men of all ages 



On-ground registrations will also be held at the following Nike stores: 

· Swoosh Park Fort 

· Swoosh Park Trinoma 

· Swoosh Park MOA 

· Swoosh Stadium ATC 

· Swoosh Park Ermita 

· Swoosh Park Galleria 

· Swoosh Forum Robinsons Magnolia 

· Swoosh Park Glorietta 4 

· Riovana Katipunan 

· Swoosh Stadium Rockwell 



For more information, visit 



or follow us on twitter via @NikePH.

* Press release from Nike ph

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

At Run United 3 2012


Few days prior to the staging of the last leg of the Run United Trilogy, forecasts of a rainy weekend were flashed in all weather reports. Thus, last Sunday was a wet and wild spectacle for the Run United 3 staged at SM MOA in Pasay City with 21K and 32K runners starting at BGC in Taguig City. In this 3rd of a series, the 32K Afroman distance was ran. It was a fitting distance for those who wanted to level up in running going to full marathon. For those first time Afroman runners who finished the race, it only showed that it can be done, and finishing a full marathon is not too far to reach.

Team JRunning @ the race
Swthrt and I have run the RU1 and RU2 and running the 3rd leg is quite inevitable, as we really wanted to complete the much coveted RU 3-piece puzzle medal. Preparation was not as good as we wanted, thus fear is a factor coming into this race. We arrived at the BGC at around 2:00 am, with enough time to move around as the early morning race will certainly be cold because of an all-night rainy weather. We were released at 3:00am amidst the rain. A longer distance was covered in the route around BGC before we finally approached the Kalayaan flyover. To a certain extent, I was disoriented in our location for some time because of the many turns we made around BGC. Credits have to be given to the marshals who stood their ground and patiently directed runners under the rain. We had a good start, until I slowly succumbed to tiredness even at the early part of the race. Swthrt patiently paced me and tried to encourage me to run. She is certainly in a better condition. At some point, I knew she was frustrated. She even burst with a phrase “hilahin na lang kaya kita”. Though I felt better (from my acid reflux condition) this time rather than our RU2 race. I still can’t push myself harder than before. When we reached half-way at Buendia, cramps on my left calf started to set in. This made me walk more than run. I tried to urge Swthrt to go ahead so that she can hit our 4-hr target but she opted to stay with me. As we go along, we managed walk and run or should I say walk-walk and run as walking took most of our time. We survived the race and finally completed the pie medal.

Thanks to Running Atom for the picture


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The pain and frustration
Lessons have been learned from the past. Running longer distances such as half marathon to full marathon requires sincere dedication in training. Since the start of the year, training was kept in the sideline. Cramming on logging more running time and mileage was more of the practice. Though we hit the gym, it was not on a regular basis. Thus, pain during and after the race is expected. Nevertheless, we tried hard to make it a fun run as possible, but frustrations overshadow the feeling.  Running the Run United Philippine Marathon is now a big question.

The challenge
With a few more big races lined-up before the year ends, a greater challenge it has become. Team JRunning will surely take it on. Hopefully, work schedules, kids’ school agenda, and other home chores will fall in its right places so that we can fully maximize any free time we have for the love of running. Team JRunning is here to stay and continue to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

Congratulations Unilab and Runrio Team for a great series of Run United!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Come, Listen and TRI

I have always wanted to try Triathlon but there are many questions that run in my mind such as Can i use any stroke in swimming? What kind of bike do i need? What do I do in transitions and more. So let me TRI this, hope to see you too.






Tuesday, August 28, 2012

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!