Archive for August, 2009

I never did get back to you regarding my choice between the Polar RS800CX and the Garmin Forerunner 310XT.  Reason being, it took me a full three months to decide on my next running watch purchase.  With a purchase this costly, I made sure I did my research comprehensively. 

I spent hours upon hours of research on both watches.  You name it, I read it: articles on Runner’s World, online reviews and forums.  I interviewed (read: harassed) both loyal Polar- and Garmin- users about the pros and cons.  I tested the Polar for a week (which was not long enough!) and devoured as much info as I could get my hands on regarding the new Garmin Forerunner 310XT.  At the end of most days, I would lie on my bed wanting to pull all my hair out.  All the research left me even more confused.

You see, all readings and research led me to discover this one truth: both brands come highly recommended.  It was much like choosing between a PC and mac, McDo and Jollibee, or Piolo and Jericho.  (Okay, scrap the last example since Marc Nelson wins hands down.)  The Polar RS800 has a slight edge as it’s been tested by more athletes compared with the new Garmin 310XT.  But, basically, both have their own strengths and weaknesses.  It all depends on the user to determine which watch would fit his/her needs more.

After all this research, I devised a rather simple guide to help you determine which watch is for you:

GET A GARMIN if…
– you want GPS-based readings
– you’re not a techy (Garmin is very user-friendly)
– you’re more of a runner than anything else

Choose the GARMIN 310XT ($400) if…
– you swim
– you’re in need of longer battery time (say a marathoner or ultramarathoner)
– money is of no concern.  It’s pricey for minor upgrades from the Garmin Forerunner 305

Choose the GARMIN FORERUNNER 405($300 Amazon) if…
– you need a regular watch too
– you don’t mind using bezels (I do!)

Choose the GARMIN FORERUNNER 305 ($165 Amazon)/205 ($154) if…
– you need an simple, affordable, and accurate running watch

* Note: My hubby uses a 405.  I don’t like it since I find the bezel too sensitive and the screens are much more complicated than the 305.  I would opt to purchase another 305 (in my humble opinion, still the best for Garmin) than the 405.

GET A POLAR RS800 (price ranges depending on the model, P25,000 to P30,000) if…
– you run and swim (it’s waterproof) or you plan to get into triathlon
– you need a regular watch
– you train using heart rate (this is what Polar is known for although Garmin has HRM too)
– you’re not too focused on super accurate distance readings (if you use S3 Stride sensor) although Polar also has a G3 GPS sensor too
– you want to count your cadence
– you’re a techy (very complicated to learn, but worth it)
– you’re all for analyzing a lot of data
– you’re a PC-user (Polar software doesn’t run on mac—grrrrr!—but this was something I felt I could overlook considering all the other features)
– you want a friendly and accomodating local service center (Hi Hitler!)
– you want a watch that will last you over a decade (This was one major reason which led me to switch.  Even if the Polar is more expensive than the Garmin, it is still offers more value for money considering it won’t die on me in the next couple of years.)

So, what did I buy?  Introducing my new toy…

The Polar RS800CX Pro Team Edition

The Polar RS800CX PTE is Polar’s newest and limited edition watch in the market.  It differs from the other Polar RS800 watches—Polar RS800CX Run, Polar RS800CX Bike, Polar RS800CX Multi, Polar RS800—in that it is shiny, not matte, and it comes with complete bike accessories.  I opted for the PTE, well, because it looked irresistibly handsome, and I thought I’ll eventually use it on my bike anyway (when I do get serious with my cycling).  I then purchased the Polar S3 sensor (P8,795) for running.  

– Everything else that came with the watch –

– Polar S3 Stride sensor –

Although the purchase was quite pricey (that’s why I shut my eyes the entire time and ran my worries away in Ultra right after), I took comfort in the fact (or my rationalization) that, in the long run, choosing a Polar offered better value for money as the watch will be used more often (even when I’m not running) and for a longer period of time.

I’ll be taking my new toy out for a spin tomorrow morning.  I’m hoping I made the right decision with the big switch.  Goodbye Garmin, Hello Polar!

Click here and here for more info about the Polar RS 800.

POLAR is available at:

Sports Resources Inc.
143 Pasig Blvd.
1600 Pasig City
671-9765/ 671-1563/ 671-9768 to 69

Runnr
Bonifacio High Street

Kenny’s Urbanite Results are out.  Click here to view RunPix results.

Since I wasn’t in race mode at this run, I wasn’t all that interested in viewing my 5k time.  In fact, I even forgot to check my time on my Nike+ Sportsband when I crossed the finish.  Anyhow, this info is still nice to know…

My 5k finish time: 

31:15 min
6:15 min/km

I liked the fact that I passed 329 runners while 0 runners passed me!  Awesome!

– RunPix results for Kenny’s Urbanite –

You can also download your PhotoVendo photos by this afternoon at Kenny Rogers Roasters’ website.  Click here.

I got a preview of my PhotoVendo photos.  I think it’s great that they improved their browsing system.  You can now view larger samples of your shots. 

– Nearing the finish –

– Thank you again PhotoVendo! That’s why I didn’t bring my camera! – 

Most of my shots have my eyes closed.  There’s one where, based on my facial expression, I looked like I had seen a ghost while finishing an ultramarathon after I’d just delivered a baby.  And, still there’s one awful one where my belly was bulging out (thanks to the CWX tights that compressed my leg muscles, but not my abdominal muscles.  Methinks they should add a “Tummy Tuck Tights” to their collection.)  Oh well, that is entirely my fault and not PhotoVendos!  I’m sure you’ll have better photos of yourselves! Ha!

Enjoy the results!  Photos will be available for download at Kenny Rogers Roasters’ site by this afternoon.

While most of us were worried over our race performance during last Saturday’s Kenny Roger’s Urbanite Run, Hector Yuzon, owner of Second Wind Running Store in Teacher’s Village, QC, had a little more on his mind.  Aside from running the 5k with his girlfriend, Tania Olea, he also had plans of proposing to her in the middle of the run!  Yes, he was excited about the biggest proposal in his life, but he didn’t know if he could pull it off as planned.  I’ll let Hector tell you what happened and, of course, what she answered!  

– Tania and Hector of Second Wind –

[THE CHARACTERS]

Girl: Tania A. Olea, 31 yrs. old, more of a walker for a year
Boy: Hector T. Yuzon, 30 yrs. old, running for more than a decade  

[THE PLAN]

I chose to propose sa run because if I hadn’t gone through with Secondwind and traded my corporate life – our paths wouldn’t have crossed. So I owe a big part of our “discovering” each other through running. 

[PROPOSAL DAY]

That morning, I did a long run with friends Mikey Macainag and Michael Paderes.  For the most part of the long run, I was picturing Tania.  I was thinking: what could she be doing that morning?  Does she have an idea of what’s to go down tonight?  And then it hit me – bigla ako kinabahan.  What if she says no?  What if I lose the ring sa run?  The whole week, I had trouble sleeping and also practicing my proposal speech.  To all those who are planning their proposal: NOTHING will compare to the event proper!!! Anyway, as the 10k went off, I immediately thought, “Ay, kami na, 5k na?!  Oh no, I cant remember my speech”… I forgot what to say…Parang I wanted to shout: “Wait!  I forgot what to do!!!  Wait!” …but then the crowd started to push forward…so I just said to myself, “This is it!”

[THE PROPOSAL]

As the crowd pushed forward, we were both enjoying the walk.  We took the sidewalk nalang so as not to bother the runners.  I personally enjoyed the walk because I didn’t know you can do that sa race – walking!  It was really relaxing for a change not having to think about your performance and just greeting and cheering on other friends!  Anyway, I was busy looking at venues on where to kneel down.  When we were at Mckinley Hill, she took a break inside Razons – there I grabbed the chance to check on the ring!  Thank God it was still there.  I had to pack it well, I had to put it in a plastic bag so my sweat wouldn’t ruin it, and then as I put it in the internal pocket of the shorts, the edges/corners of the bag was poking my hip, so I had to wrap it in tissue paper pa, and put rubber band around it to really seal and secure it properly! 😀 Then I saw the Venice area, the façade was near complete and it was nice!  Romantic pa (romantic daw o), but then it was well lit and there were a lot of runners – and I didn’t want to draw attention to Tania – and in turn pressure her.  So I said nice, but not feeling it. 

So there, after the turn around point – I said to myself, I better find “the spot” fast.  I even considered the big empty parking lot of Mckinley Hill… pero baka biglang may dumaan na delivery truck at masira.  Still walking back, after the last water station before Mckinley, I said this looks nice, by the condos and under the trees, still ang daming tao!  As I was running out of road, I said to myself: “Wala na, sa parking lot na bagsak nito…” and then suddenly, I saw the old closed grill resto with the mini golf… EMPTY and LONE.  This is it!  So I pulled her that direction.  

Tania: “Bakit dito?”
Hec: (bluffingly) “Eh doon din naman lusot nito e.”
Tania: (skeptic) “Ah..”  

And then I did my horrible speech… a week’s planning and writing, and my mind was still everywhere… and when I popped the question:   

Hec: (after my bad speech)…”Will you marry me?”   
Tania: (smiling, skeptic but now in shock) “Ha?  Ano ba?!” (and then pushing the ring to the side)
Thought in my head: “Did she just say no????!!!!  Crap!!!!”

Repeating myself (and more assertive)…

Hec: “I’m serious, will you marry me?”
Tania: (smiling before answering) “Yes”
Hec: “Thank God!”
Tania: “Bakit?”
Hec: “Ang sakit lumuhod sa semento.”
Tania and Hec: “hahahaha!”

Had my brain been in one place, the speech was:

Even though the people around me was saying, don’t leave corporate, stick with the sure thing – I still went with the opposite direction. Something or someone inside me kept whispering “go, everything will be fine”.  And since that day that I chased after secondwind I crossed paths with you. Even though we’re both old friends, I don’t think we would’ve discovered each other if I dint run after my dream.  I resigned to the fact that I will be married to my work while putting up secondwind.  after all that, good things started to fall in place, and having found this love is the single greatest and most beautiful surprise that came my way.    

One of the defining moments of a man is when he finally meets the girl that he wants to spend the rest of his life with, the girl that he wants to wake up to every morning, the girl that he wants to come home to everyday – will he treat it like another relationship and ignore all of the above?  or acknowledge the fact that this is the woman that I want to marry.  

Tania, this is my defining moment.  Will you marry me?

– Newly-engaged couple ends their most memorable race ever –

[THE WEDDING]

TBR: When is the big day?  Will you marry after a marathon or in running shoes? 🙂

Hec: July 2010 (because theres no major race that time haha joke!).  Yes, I think she allowed me to wear running shoes 🙂  or at least that’s my interpretation of her smile.  I think the key here is to ask the entire guys request right after proposing!  Im still pushing for a running inspired wedding though…

To Hector and Tania, congratulations!  May you have many more kilometers to walk and run together!

Here’s a fun race for families: Mommy Milkshake Marathon Year 3. My sister organizes this event every year. It’s the least competitive, but most fun-filled and relaxed race you could join. I’ll definitely be there with the kids.

Click below to read about previous years’ races:
Mommy Milkshake Marathon Year 1 (2007)
Mommy Milkshake Marathon Year 2 (2008)

To register, click here. Limited slots available. Registration is free.

For more information, email mommymilkshake@gmail.com or call 7809898.

Kenny’s Urbanite Open Run

Overall Rating (10 highest): 8
Organizer: Finish Line

THUMBS UP:

• Unique night race
• Party atmosphere
• Disposable timing chip
• Well-organized race event
• Adequate drinking stations with ample supply of Powerade and water
• Presence of marshals all throughout the route
• Bag of goodies after the race

BETTER JOB NEXT TIME

• Disorganized race packet redemption

The concept of a major race event held under the night sky with a party atmosphere was a novel idea. With over 3,900 avid runners filling the streets of Bonifacio High Street, it was evident that the event was a success. The race itself was very well-organized with marshals guiding runners through the dark streets, ample water stations, and secure roads for runners to run safely. It was the pre-race events, specifically the redemption period, that needs improvement. Congratulations to Kenny Rogers and Finishline for a race to remember!

————————————————–

KENNY URBAN MORNING

I’m a morning runner. So, when the Kenny’s Urbanite Run was announced, I wasn’t too keen on running 15k starting at 9:00p.m. My training program required 21k that Saturday, so plan was to run 15k Saturday morning, 5k during Kenny’s, plus 1k after the race.

Hubby and I lazily woke up at 5:30 a.m. Saturday forcing ourselves to get dressed for our run. We were to meet JunC in Makati. Shortly after we got up, the rain started to pour. Instantly, we used it as our excuse to creep back into bed again.

By 8 a.m., I started to feel pangs of guilt. How could I give up on a run so easily earlier that morning? Rain is never an excuse! One should fulfill the requirements of a training program to the letter, except for the following reasons: 1) sick children, 2) burning house, or 3) earthquake.

In 30 minutes, I was in my trisuit ready to drive off to the nearest olympic-sized pool. In between bites of his sinangag and crispy pusit, hubby called on me to wait for him as he wanted to swim too.

Driven by pure remorse, I swam the farthest distance ever for me: 1.5k. I felt awesome—and psyched. I told hubby I was going to run before the Kenny race too.

PRE-RACE URBAN RUN

Fast forward to that evening, by 6:30 p.m., we were at Bonifacio High Street ready for our pre-race run. Roads were heavily congested and parking lots filled to the brim as runners and shoppers converged in the area. One could spot runners everywhere—walking about, carbo-loading at restaurants (which was a bad idea before a race), or shopping for last minute race necessities—wearing their Kenny’s Urbanite singlets. I thought to myself: How far running has come! For a race to create this much noise (and traffic!), unlike the smaller races of the past, was an amazing sight. It was surreal!

We met JunC and Mariel at Runnr and proceeded to head out of Bonifacio High Street. We ran at an easy pace in one straight line to avoid any untoward incidents with oncoming cars. We ran towards Forbes Town, around the condominiums, crossed over to Medical City and Lexus showroom, and headed back to BHS. Mariel and hubby stopped earlier, while Jun and I ran two more loops to cover exactly 10k.

The run was truly an urban run as we weaved through the traffic in the night. It was a different experience from my serene and relaxing morning runs through quiet roads, but just as enjoyable.

THE RACE

– Francis, Pia, Jamike, Rapa, Jay, myself, Mariel, Mayi and Didi (photo courtesy of Enrique Quiason) –

30 minutes before race start, after downing a bottle of Gatorade, I met fellow iamNinoy runners near our booth, while the hubby met his colleagues from work. I walked over to the assembly area with the Lopas: Jamike and Mayi, Rapa, Didi and their daughter, Pia, and The Solemates Jun and Mariel. The crowd was enthusiastic, cheery, and loud. For a while there, I wondered if I was at a race or a concert!

The gun started and we were off. We ran at a slow, relaxed pace amidst all the other runners finding their spot on the road. For the first few kilometers, I ran alongside Jamike and Pia at an easy pace. No matter the other runners who were sprinting ahead. I told myself this was an extension of my 10k run.

A few minutes later, as we climbed up towards Lawton, I was getting itchy feet (figuratively speaking!) Jun was running beside me and I told him “How tempting to run faster!” not really as a statement but a subtle invitation for us to speed up. He replied “Easy lang!” Unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears. Upon entering McKinley Hill, I spotted iamNinoy members, Javy and Drew, who sped ahead. To hell with it, I thought. I increased my speed at McKinley Hill and so did JunC (hah!)

I didn’t get to check my pace anymore. I felt like we were running at 5:30 to 5:45 from McKinley until the end. Jun was way ahead of me and I honestly couldn’t keep up. The 10k before the race definitely sucked all my energy. Plus, I left all my Hammer gels in the car.

I finished the race at 31 minutes (unofficial). I didn’t bother to check my race or time as I wasn’t in full race mode. I was surprised to see my brother, Chappy, and his girlfriend, Budiday, (not their real names but my terms of endearment) and daughter, Zoe, near the finish. This was an obvious sign that the two will be jumping into the running bandwagon soon. Yahoo!

After chatting with running friends, hubby and I left race grounds and missed the post-race festivities. We had a late dinner at Friday’s, which ruined our running high with the most terrible service ever. I knew we should’ve just stayed at Kenny’s and enjoyed viewing Marc Nelson from afar. (Pathetic eh?)

I wasn’t able to check on my messenger anymore who distributed hundreds of The Bull Runner Magazines to runners at the Finish Line for free.  I hope you were able to get a copy!

 
– The Bull Runner Magazine Issue 2 –

As for the missing 6k to reach the 21k in my training program, ack, I failed to run that. I’ve been trying to brush away the guilt, but it still gnawing at me. You think confession at Church will do? Or an extra 6k tonight to make up for my sins? Perhaps I’ll try both.

* Sorry for just one photo.  Left the camera in the car as I was in long run mode!