Some important but quick reminders for TBR Dream Marathoners 2012:

1) SUBSTITUTION DEADLINE: Deadline February 6, 2012, Monday

We have moved the deadline for substitution (transfer of slot to another runner due to registered runner’s inability to run) earlier from February 28, 2012 to February 6, 2012, Monday.   This is to provide us, the organizers, ample time to prepare for the race kits which, for the first time, includes a personalized race bib.  This also ensures that substitute runners have more than a month before race day.

After February 6, we will strictly implement this rule and accept no special requests for substitution.  Runners who run TBR Dream under another runner’s name will not be officially recognized as a race finisher and will not receive a medal or lootbag.

2) MEDICAL CERTIFICATES – Deadline March 10, 2012, Saturday

As stated in our rules, we will be requiring you to submit a medical certificate from a licensed physician confirming that you are fit and ready to run 42km on March 18, 2012.  This is for your own safety.   The medical certificate must be dated anytime from February 1, 2012 to March 10, 2012.  Deadline for submission is on redemption of race kits on our TBR Dream Send Off Party on March 10, 2012.  No medical certificate, no race kit.

Medical certificates may be submitted during Bull Sessions and Bull Clinics.  We will also inform you of a drop box at a convenient location.

3) www.tbrdream2012.com

Our website is up and running.  This should provide you with info regarding the race as it draws near.  Please do not comment here.  All inquiries should be directed to macel(at)thebullrunner.com or our TBR DM hotline: SUN 0922-771-8014

4) Facebook Group (only for TBR Dream Alumni and TBR Dream 2012)

Make sure you are signed up for our Facebook group.  Now that we’re fully immersed into preparing for the race, we’ll be posting questions or polls to ensure we get your opinion on the race.  Click on this LINK for a request. Our moderator will accept you only upon confirmation that you are a registered runner.

5) Pacers and Dream Chasers

We’ve been getting a LOT of inquiries regarding pacers (one person who will run with a runner throughout the entire 42k) and Dream Chasers (volunteer runners who will be stationed at various points of the course offering support, cheer, help, and anything else the runner will need to get him/her to the finish).  We will be releasing the sign up sheet for this within the next couple of weeks.  As always, first come, first served basis.  Organizers will also screen the applicants and reserve the right to approve or reject applicants.

Thanks and see you tomorrow for our 3-hour Bull Session in NUVALI!  Woohoo!

Posted on Jan 27.12 to 09 Other Announcements  |   2 Comments  

Thank you to everyone who joined Discovery Channel’s Vertical Marathon contest.  Congratulations to the 10 winners of 1 race kit each to the race. Please expect an email from me regarding claiming of your free race kit.

1) Ton Cabiao
I choose B because it will Be very nice to have B in B on my B (breakfast in Bed on my birthday!.) I’m turning 30 next month so please let me win

2) Sine Mahilig
I choose B. But if there’s a chance of running with both Izza and Derek and then we’d all end up in that swanky hotel’s bed eating breakfast—PWEDE!

3) Ariel Abril
I choose B – so maybe I will be watching the other guys who’ve chosen A with Iza or Derek on Discovery!

4) runwarrior
B, because I love watching Discovery. And because I don’t want to be caught with Derek, by a paparazzi, while exiting from a stairwell of a building in McKinley. Ma-blind item pa kami…

5) Edgar A. De Jesus
I’ll choose A. But I don’t want to run holding hands with someone. LOL. Ang hirap kayang tumakbo sa hagdanan ng paakyat, what more kung may ka holding hands ka pa?! Kung makikipag holding hands na lang ako kay Iza I’d do it while watching Discovery Channel with breakfast in bed in a swanky hotel! LOL =))

6) RG
A – Many moons ago my wife said that she would allow me to go on a date with Iza if I ever get the chance … This might be that once in a lifetime opportunity. It might be hard to hold a decent conversation in the stairwell, but what the heck! P.S. I never get sweaty palms, so hopefully Iza won’t get grossed out. :p

7) Dennis
B. As I might get in trouble with my wife if Iza fell in love with me during the run(and much much worse if it’s Derek)!

Joel Pinlac
I choose A, i want to run with my look a like derek ramsay.

9) basuraboy
I would rather run 39 floors up and down a building thrice hand-in-hand with Iza Calzado and Derek Ramsay would be holding her other hand during a vertical marathon. I bet the whole time Iza’d be thinking, “Why am I seeing 2 Dereks? Which one is which?”

10) Roland Pangilinan
A. I want to race with either Derek Ramsay or Iza Calzado during a vertical marathon so I can outshine them.

Posted on Jan 27.12 to 09 Other Announcements  |   2 Comments  

Discovery Channel is staging Vertical Run 10K (a race climbing up and down the stairs of a building) and we’re giving away complimentary race kits to 10 lucky winners. Wanna join?

Event: Discovery Channel Vertical 10K Run
Date: February 12, 2012
Venue: Stamford Executive Residences for Vertical 10K, Venice Piazza Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
Categories: 3K, 5K and Vertical 10K
Registration period: Dec 21, 2011 to Feb 5, 2012
Registration sites: Runnr, ROX, selected Aquabest branches, online www.verticalrun.com.ph
Registration Fees: 3K – P500, 5K – P650, Vertical 10K – P1000
Beneficiary: Earth Hour 2012

Here’s how to win a race kit. All you have to do is answer this:

WHAT WOULD YOU RATHER DO?

A. Run 39 floors up and down a building thrice hand-in-hand with either Derek Ramsay or Iza Calzado (fine, both if you want!) during a vertical marathon.

OR

B. Watch the 39th Channel on Skycable (That’s Discovery Channel, by the way) with breakfast in bed in a swanky hotel.

There is no right or wrong answer. Choose a letter above (A or B) and explain why in 2 sentences in the comment section. Top 10 winners will be chosen based on your ability to make TBR and her kids laugh, think, or just brighten up our day with your wit and humor.

Contest Rules:

1. Readers may submit more than one entry with different answers.
2. TBR will choose 10 winners who will each win one (1) complimentary race kit.
3. Contest ends on January 27, 2012 (today), 4:00 PM. All answers submitted after this cut off will not be counted.
4. Winners will be announced on this blog before January 28, 2012.
5. Winner will be notified via email and will be advised on claiming of race kit.

Let the games begin!

Posted on Jan 27.12 to 09 Other Announcements  |   78 Comments  

Congratulations to friends, Cebu-based triathletes Noy and Amale Jopson, for their awesome feature on Runner’s World Philippines’ January-March 2012 issue.

When the hubby and I ran The Great LapuLapu Run in Cebu last 2010, it was Noy and Amale who took care of us and even found a babysitter for our kids while we ran.

It was also Amale who encouraged me to run California International Marathon with her last December. I remember her telling me in Cebu a year before CIM: “Let’s go, Jaymie! No husbands, no kids! Just us!”  Woah, I was thrilled with the idea and registered for CIM a couple of months after. Amale went on to finish CIM with a jaw-dropping time of  3:46 for her very first marathon. Amazing!

- Noy and Amale Jopson -

In the same issue, Runner’s World featured running bloggers in the article: Run, Blog, Inspire. Thanks to RW for including me in the lineup. Thanks to Monica Barretto too for the fun shoot.

- me in my home office on Runner’s World Magazine -

RW featured other running bloggers: Dennis Ravanzo (Running Pinoy), Pat Concepcion (Running Shield), Noelle de Guzman (Kikay Runner), one of my dearest and most kulit friends Vima Mendoza (Kulit on the Run), one of the most humble running bloggers I know, Rene Villarta (Jazz Runner), Jinoe and Que Gavan (takbo.ph) and Cheryl Golangco (Little Running Teacher).

The feature that surprised me and I was most thrilled about was this:

- TBR Dream Marathon on RW’s Marathon Guide 2012 -

How cool is this? For my little baby, The Bull Runner Dream Marathon, to be featured alongside big names such as Milo Marathon, Condura Skyway Marathon, Camsur Marathon and more made me feel like a proud mama. (Tears of joy, baby!)

Thanks and Congrats to Runner’s World for this fantastic issue!

Posted on Jan 27.12 to 10 Press  |   3 Comments  

Mwahahaha! You are mine now!  And, can I just say?…Ang gwapo mo!

Posted on Jan 25.12 to 04 Gear & Product Reviews  |   20 Comments  

The Tempo Run (or anaerobic threshold run or lactate-threshold run) was popularized by Jack Daniels, Ph.D. He defined it as “nothing more than 20 minutes of steady running at threshold pace.” He went on to say that 20 minutes is ideal, but you could vary this to suit the needs of a course. Based on effort, experts will tell you that tempo pace is when you feel like you’re running “comfortably hard.”

You either love tempo runs or you hate ‘em. Of course, you could be like me: love them to death before or after the run because you know they do wonders for your speed and strength, but whine and yell and scream (in your mind because God knows you don’t have the energy to even open your mouth and let out a yelp) during every single minute of that run when you feel like your lungs are bursting out of your chest and your knees are about to dislodge from their sockets.

From May to December of 2011, I didn’t have any tempo runs, or any speedwork for that matter, because of my injury. But, when January 2012 hit, and I felt like my foot was ready for some speed, I let out a loud cheer (all alone in the shower that’s why you didn’t hear it): “I can do tempo runs now!” then wiped the sweat out of my forehead as I dwelled on the hardships to come.

Aaah, tempo runs. I love them to death, but here are 10 things that I never ever could say while I’m running my tempos (usually with good friend Alvin in Bonifacio High Street):

1) So, how’s life?
Tempo runs are not for long and winding stories.

2) Hey, is that our good friend at Starbucks?
Tempo runs do not allow for any sight seeing. You’re like a horse with side-blinders on.

3) Wow, look at the stars!
Tempo runs do not allow for sight seeing. And, don’t be an idiot, watch your step!

4) Check out those fireflies!
Aaaagain, tempo runs do not allow for any sight seeing. Good friend Alvin used to point out an area in BGC with fireflies and I would squint in an attempt to see them but this would all seem like a blur. You wanna see fireflies? Save that leisurely stroll for Valentine’s!

5) Can we run through McKinley Hill?
No, don’t try killer hills at such a fast pace! Go for your hill training some other day.

6) How do I look in my bright pink compression socks?
Who cares how you look? A tempo run is serious business. It’s all about performance, not fashion. But, hey, I like those socks. Got a pair myself!

7) Where’s my water?
Uh oh, you should’ve had it in hand. Otherwise, don’t even mention it because you’ll have to run for hydration at the same speed and that is just plain exhausting.

8 ) I think I’ll lift weights later.
Skip it. Just eat and go to sleep after.

9) Oooh, I love running this fast!
I can only say this ALWAYS after the fact!

10) I’m feeling strong? Can we run 5 kilometers more?
If you ask for this, that means you didn’t run fast enough.  OR you’re just plain insane.

Posted on Jan 25.12 to 05 Training  |   7 Comments  

I’m a sucker for spas and deep tissue massages. I also know the value of therapy and treatments for muscle tightness or injuries performed by licensed physical therapists. So, when I dropped by the new Sports Recovery Center on the 2nd floor of Riovana in Bonifacio High Street, I thought I had died and gone to runner’s heaven.

The new Riovana Sports Recovery Center recently opened to service athletes, specifically runners. It’s a spa and clinic in one. While most of us visit a doctor’s clinic only when we’re already injured, the Riovana Sports Recovery Center hopes to change all that by espousing the value of preventive maintenance: getting treatments done even before injury. Simply put, it’s the place to go for pre-race conditioning or post-race recovery treatment, or just to give your body a treat after regular training.

IT’S A PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER

Owned and operated by MultiSportMatrix, a company with big names in the Philippine sports medicine scene, such as Dr. Gar Eufemio, Dr. Jun Rafanan, and Coach Jim Saret, the center is like the physical therapy area of a sports center with high-tech medical equipment, namely one of three cryo machines in the country, laser and ultrasound. They also offer sports massage, acupuncture by Dr. Philip Tan-Gatue, platelet rich plasma (yes, just like what Kobe and Tiger do!), hydration therapy / oxygen supplementation, kinesio taping, and stretching.

For injured runners, they recommend that you be assessed first in a clinic since the center is manned by nurses and physical therapists.  Having said that, there will still be appearances by doctors as well as conditioning and running experts (need you ask who the running expert will be if it’s in RIOvana?!)

- Riovana Sports Recovery Center Staff (L to R): Tintin, Aileen, Nia, Tina, Dianne, Laura -

As for the staff, I must say that I was quite impressed. When I entered the center, they were very warm and accommodating; they welcomed me with smiles, explained each service, and answered all my questions. I heard the staff—most have a background in nursing or physical therapy and are athletes themselves— were hand picked by Dr. Eufemio himself. With such wonderful and professional personnel like that to spend a full hour or more of treatment with, I felt very comfortable and at ease.

IT’S A SPA

The center is clean, air-conditioned, and spacious enough for each of the beds in a cubicle. There are around six rooms in the center, two of which can be opened and converted into a couple’s room. There’s a room for stretching and another for acupuncture. There’s also a clean shower room for runners who wish to undergo treatments after a run. During the session, there’s relaxing music playing in the background, much like those in spas.

TREATMENTS

Riovana Sports Recovery Center offers the following treatments:

De Luxe Package……….P1000.00
I. For the lower back and both lower extremities
II. For the neck, upper back and both upper extremities

Includes the following:
- Ultrasound/Laser Therapy – Helps decrease inflammation and increase flexibility
- Sports Massage
- Full Body Stretch
- Cryo-therapy – This literally “freezes the pain away…”
° Additional P50 for every modality in excess

Elite Package……….P1800.00
De Luxe Packages I and II combined!

Couples Package……….10% discount
Come in with a partner and get 10% off

For Patients with a Physical Therapy Referral……….P500.00 (for the first body part)
Inclusive of all modalities and exercises
° Additional P50 for every modality in excess

Pre-Event Stretching……….P150.00
Full Body, Approximately 30 minutes

Acupuncture Treatment……….P1200.00

Promotions:
- Pre-pay for 6 sessions and get 10% off
- Pre-pay for 10 sessions and get 2 sessions free
- Combine any package with acupuncture and get 20% off

TBR REVIEW

Thanks to Dr. Eufemio, I got to try a complimentary Elite Package last week.  Dianne, a license physical therapist and an athlete herself, took care of me for almost an hour and a half.  The Elite Package usually takes 2 hours, but due to my hectic schedule, Dianne and I focused on certain areas, particularly my shins, big toes, and Neuromas, instead.

- Dianne with the cryo, ultrasound, and laser machines -

We started with the Ultrasound, a non-invasive and no-pain treatment where Diane placed gel on my skin and used a contraption to decrease inflammation and improve flexibility.  This was actually very relaxing.  This was followed by the Laser therapy where I pointed out specific areas that were painful or tight. Dianne said this could reduce the nodules in muscles much like what a deep tissue massage would do but without the screaming and yelling.

I thought I escaped a deep tissue massage, but it was the third service in the package. Dianne massaged my shins, ITB, and foot, areas that I pointed out needed releasing.  If you’re not in a rush, you can have a full body deep tissue massage. It’s part of the package.

Next, we used the Cryo machine, one out of only 3 cryo machines in the Philippines.  This was my favorite!  It works like an ice pack on your body, but reduces the time from the usual 10 minutes to 3 minutes and without the mess.  It feels cold, but completely relaxing too.

Dianne would’ve ended the entire treatment with stretching, but I had to rush out to pick up the kiddos in school.  So, I passed on the treatment and yet, I felt like I had the works done. I felt completely rejuvenated and my muscles were relaxed and loose.  I felt so great I was tempted to do a tempo run that evening, but I decided against it.

THE VERDICT

Thumbs up to the Riovana Sports Recovery Center.  It’s a novel idea that promotes proper care and therapy for athlete’s bodies to prevent injury and allow us to perform at our best at all times.  The fact that it is backed by top sports and medical experts and manned by knowledgeable and accommodating staff who go out of their way to provide the best service in a comfortable, relaxing setting makes a visit well worth it.  The facilities are clean and well-equipped, price is reasonable, and the location is convenient and accessible.  Perhaps the only downside I foresee is that it will be hard to set an appointment when the rest of the world hears about this gem of a place for relaxation and recovery secretly hidden atop Riovana Running Store.

CONTACT DETAILS
Riovana Sports Recovery Center
Mezzanine Level, Active Fun Bldg., 9th Ave. cor. 28th St. Bonifacio Global City
Open from 10am to 9pm daily
Phone: 478-9408
Mobile: 0916-353-4485
Twitter: msmxrecovery

Posted on Jan 24.12 to 07 Therapy & Injury  |   6 Comments  

For our Bull Session 4 on Jan 28, Saturday, here’s the list of confirmed runners for the free shuttle to NUVALI.

marie grace c. alano
Jonard gamboa
Kristine Joy Cerame
Jose Ritchel Viñas
Allan bulos
Dina Alix
Riz Damaso
Chris sta cruz
Rosemarie Beltran
Joyce negapatan
Edward dela Cruz Diente
Dexter ignacio
Vince Bunuan
jen malijan
gladysmay pascua
Joy Bagason
King Nicklaus Quimpo
Harrold Carreon
Josef Plata
Paolo Castro
salve Latagan
Celeste Gavino

Reminders:

• Shuttle to leave ROX for NUVALI: 330 am
• Shuttle to leave NUVALI for ROX: 830 am
• Please be on time. Shuttle will wait for no one

Posted on Jan 24.12 to 09 Other Announcements  |   11 Comments  

Woohoo! Reminding you about our long run this coming Saturday! It’s going to be fun.  Well, tiring and a sure test of endurance, but hey it really is going to be fun—especially if you’ve got us and your fellow TBR Dream Marathoners around.

Please see details below. You’ll also find the sign in sheet for the free NUVALI shuttle.

BULL SESSION 4 – LONG RUN 3 HOURS

Date: Jan. 28, 2012, Saturday
Distance and time: Long run, 3 hours (following TBR Dream Marathon training program)
Register: 4:00 AM. Start: 4:30 AM
Venue: Solenad Activity Area, NUVALI, Sta. Rosa, Laguna (Click HERE for a map to NUVALI)

1) Gatorade will be provided at only 2 or 3 stations. Please bring your own hydration.
2) You may leave your bags with our staff at Solenad area, but we will not be responsible for lost items.  Please leave valuables at home or in your own cars.
3) Thanks to NUVALI’s support, they’ll be providing a FREE shuttle service taking runners to NUVALI from ROX, Bonifacio High Street and back.

• The shuttle will accommodate only 22 runners.  Runners must be registered TBR DM runners only.
• Shuttle to leave ROX for NUVALI: 330 am
• Shuttle to leave NUVALI for ROX: 830 am
• Please be on time. Shuttle will wait for no one.
• To sign up for the free shuttle service, click here <<< LINK HAS BEEN REMOVED. SLOTS ARE FULL >>>.  First come, first served basis only.

4) During our last Bull Circle, we mentioned that Gatorade will offer a FREE Gatorade Sweat Test for 30-50 runners. To simplify the process, we thought it best to hold the Gatorade Sweat Test on a separate day (probably a weekday, late afternoon) in a track oval where the scientists can easily monitor the runners.  Please stay tuned for more information on this.

Posted on Jan 23.12 to 09 Other Announcements  |   5 Comments  

I always love a race in the South, especially if the course includes the rolling hills of Ayala Alabang. Here’s one race, Runew on February 26, 2012, that will give you just that (for 10k and 21k), plus proceeds will go to Asian Hospital Charities.

Event: RUNEW 2012
Date: Sunday, February 26, 2012
Time: 4:30am to 9:00am
Distance/ Fee:

• 3k – P500
• 5k – P550
• 10k – P650
• 21k – P750

Venue: Filinvest Corporate City
Registration: Jan. 16 to Feb. 19, 2012

Posted on Jan 23.12 to 03 Race Announcements  |   Be the first to comment