Archive for April, 2010

Last week, I posted THIS.

A total of 438 runners participated in the running shoe survey and might I say that the results made hubby and I scratch our heads at one point or giggle in another.

Allow me to share the portion that intrigued me most:

When asked what brand of shoes you wear, these were the top 3 answers:

• Nike – 49%
• New Balance – 42%
• Adidas – 34%

But, when asked “What in your opinion is the best running shoe brand?” you replied:

• New Balance – 35%
• Asics – 19%
• Nike – 16%

I’m no research analyst, but I’d love to hear what YOU think could be the reason for runners using running shoes that isn’t their top choice.  (A friend said we shouldn’t discount the fact that NB shoes were being given away hence the bias despite my informing you that the survey was not commissioned by any shoe brand.)

Anyway, without further ado, the winners of the running shoe survey who will each get 1 FREE New Balance shoe to wear test (if they agree to write a review about it) are:

1. 11th – brucemartin3
2. 309th – etheljansamson
3. 355th – m_janeo10

Congratulations to the lucky runners!

* I didn’t post the winners’ full email address to protect their privacy.  Winners will be notified via email.
** Winners were chosen through random.org.

The Bull Runner Dream Marathon website is up!  Just visit www.tbrdreammarathon.com

To all TBR Dream Marathoners:

• Find your names in the PARTICIPANTS page
• ROUTE MAP is now available for viewing
• See who we have to thank for the great support they’re giving (Big thank you to all the SPONSORS of TBR Dream Marathon)
• View letters from the TBR Dream Team here (aside from our emails to you)
• Read regular updates about our race preps and all of the exciting stuff we have in store for you (again, aside from our regular emails)

Here’s the Philippine’s own version of popular relays in the U.S.A.: Epic Relay 250!

I learned about the Epic Relay 250 last year when Chris Sports invited me to design the race collaterals for them. As I sat there listening to their ambitious plans for the race, I realized that two of us in the table had participated in the more popular relays in the U.S.A.  Chris Sports head, Gilbert Tang, was a finisher of the famous Ragnar Relay Series, while I had been fortunate enough to be sent by Nike to the Nike Hood to Coast in Oregon.  We both agreed that these relays were unforgettable adventures that just had to be experienced by Pinoy runners.

What is the Epic Relay 250? (as explained by Chris Sports)

The Epic Relay is a 250 kilometer, 10-member team run through some of the most beautiful scenery and historical landmarks of North Luzon.  Beginning in Subic Bay to the small communities of Zambales to the hilly terrain of historical Bataan (death march) highway to the breathtaking uphill climb of Mt. Samat and back. Non-stop running day and night – relay style.

It’s basically a 40 hours running party with friends where sleeping is a luxury. All you need is You, 9 of your friends and the desire to run through the most beautiful countryside in North Luzon, sample local foods, and a  passion for adventure.

Details:

• June 12 & 13, 2010
• 10 teammates
• Subic base to Zambales towns to Bataan Mt. Samat, 250 km in total
• more or less 
two days and one night in a van
• run through 
World War 2 landmarks, gorgeous countryside and a fantastic coastline, the monuments of Mt. Samat
• organizer: Chris Sports and ExTribe

How much is the registration fee?

Race fee is Php 1,200 per head. Participant gets:

Rules:

• Teams are self supporting – teams are responsible to stocking their vans with their own water, food, first aid supplies, etc. 
• While directional arrows are placed on the course, the responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed course rests with each participant. Please always print, study and understand the leg maps in the Race Bible (available for print soon).
• Hazards are not marked – runners should proceed with caution
• As the route is rural and isolated, medical attention could take a while. Cell phone coverage is spotty, so if the injury is serious enough, it may be better to transport the injured person to the closest medical facility (locations and maps in the Race bible)
• The route is not closed to traffic – runners are running on the side of the road. Therefore, appropriate rules (for safety and for consideration to the people who live there) apply. These rules are similar to USA Triathlon sanctioned events as their races are usually on open courses. Failure to follow these rules will result in the entire team being disqualified:
  • No headsets, radio and/or headphones/ MP3 Players are allowed
  • Use the portable toilets that are available at the exchanges to relieve yourself. You will be disqualified if you are seen relieving yourself on the ground.
  • No littering – trash receptacles will be available at each exchange

So, are you ready to experience an Epic Adventure?!

Click HERE for more info.  Click HERE for FAQ’s.

Aaaah Cebu!  We had a blast running in Cebu during the Cebu Marathon last January.  And, by the end of this week, we get to return for The Great Lapu Lapu Run.  Yahoo!

Race organizer, triathlete Nonoy Jopson, told me that the route will take us around Mactan landmarks by the beach and near the resort hotels around the area.  Top finishers will win trips to Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon 2011 (not that there’s any chance of me winning!)  They expect 5,000 runners and they’ll be providing timing chips from Finishline.

Hubby and I are registered for the half marathon.  Hubby will use this as a training run for TBR Dream Marathon and I’ll probably run with him and enjoy the scenery.

Aside from the race, we’re also looking forward to our stay at Imperial Palace Waterpark.  I hadn’t heard about this hotel until Nonoy told me to google it.  One glance at the website and my kids looked like they had won the lottery. Only “ooohs” and “aaaahs” were rolling out of their tongues.  Imperial Palace has got 5 different themed pools plus 3 water slides within the hotel.  It’s going to be a hectic weekend with swims and runs, but hey I’m not complaining!

Registration for The Great Lapu Lapu Run is ongoing and will close on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  For more info, click HERE.

And we just keep on growing!

Last Wednesday, April 7, 2010, runners packed the corner of R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street for the 3rd Bull Circle Talk.  This time, we were delighted to have the largest attendance so far with 170 runners arriving for the talk on Gear and Gels.

John of Oakley, our co-presentor for TBR Dream Marathon, treated runners to a product presentation before the Bull Circle talk began…

Harvie de Baron of Hammer Nutrition explained the importance of proper nutrition not just on race day but also prior to the race and post-race. Harvie said that our body has a natural “fuel tank” that should last for 90 mins. if we run at 75 to 80% of maximum heart rate. After this point, we should refuel using gels or sportsdrinks…

Hector Yuzon of Secondwind Running Store discussed running shoes. He gave runners important and practical tips on choosing the right shoe for their foot types and answered all shoe and foot queries…

Thank you to Harvie and Hector for your informative talks and for your support for our TBR Dream Marathoners!

– Harvie, myself, Neville, and Hector –

Thank you to all the sponsors of THE BULL RUNNER DREAM MARATHON at NUVALI! Co-presenters: Nike Park and Oakley. Venue Sponsor: Nuvali. Major sponsors: Nuvali, Secondwind Running Store, Nature Valley, Phiten, Cecon, Finishline, Gatorade, PhotoVendo. Regular sponsors: Timex, Hammer Nutrition, Dole.  With support from: ROX, ResToeRun. Media partner: Run Radio, The Bull Runner Magazine. Logistics partner: Creative Juice.