Archive for July, 2012

Now that I swim, bike, and run six times a week, with kids, work, and a household to manage as well, there’s almost no time for me to sit still (except when I get my weekly massage).

It used to be that when the dreaded time of the month came for women like me, I would quit working out for at least three of the heavy days. It drove me nuts. I couldn’t run because it was my 2nd day. I wouldn’t register for a race because I knew I’d be getting my period then. No way I’d even attempt to swim. It was just too uncomfortable and downright messy to run, bike, or swim with a napkin on. (Sorry for TMI, guys!)

That was until I discovered tampons. I use Playtex Glide now. Whoa boy, it changed everything for me. I kid you not. Nowadays, my monthly period just comes and goes without affecting my workout or lifestyle too much.

I used the Playtex Glide during my longest bike ride a few weeks ago, I’ve done speedwork wearing them, and I don’t even remember how many times I’ve gone swimming with them on. It’s really the perfect companion for women like me who live an active lifestyle.

So, to celebrate the huge difference Playtex Glide has made in my life (I told you I wasn’t exaggerating haha!), I’m throwing a contest for female readers.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN:
> Grand Prize: P3,500 worth of Gift Certificates from RUNNR store + P500 worth of Playtex products
> 3 runners up: P500 worth of Playtex products

CONTEST DURATION:
3 weeks – July 9 to July 30, 2012

HOW YOU CAN WIN:
1) LIKE Playtex Philippines Facebook page
2) LIKE The Bull Runner Facebook page
3) Post a comment below answering this question:

What seemingly impossible run, race, or event do you think you can achieve with Playtex during your monthly period?  Example: I can do a full marathon twice even with my period!  (1 sentence only)

4) Include the following in the comments box:
> Your full name
> Your username on Facebook

CONTEST RULES:
1) Deadline for submission of entries: MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012 at 11:59 p.m.
2) TBR will choose the top ten answers based on their wit, humor, and creativity.
3) Top 10 answers will be eligible for a raffle conducted by TBR via random.org to determine the Grand Prize winner and three runners up.
4) All entries must comply strictly with the rules, must have complete information, and must be submitted before contest closes.
5) Only one entry per runner. Submission of more than one entry leads to disqualification.
6) Only females are eligible to join the contest.
7) Winner will be announced on this blogpost as an update and will be notified via email on how to claim the prize.

May the best female runner win!

UPDATE: CONTEST WINNERS!

Congratulations to the following winners!!!

> Grand Prize: P3,500 worth of Gift Certificates from RUNNR store + P500 worth of Playtex products goes to CELMA HITALIA
> 3 runners up: P500 worth of Playtex products: Kay Ann Parra, Reese Rogel, Goldy dela Cruz

[This is a sponsored post by Playtex.]  

Little Miss Bull Runner and I attended the Press Conference for Cobra Ironman 70.3. She hated her dress so she was not in the best of moods. On the other hand, I couldn’t help but contain my excitement for this highly anticipated race. Hope to see you in Cebu on August 4-5, 2012!

– with Vima (Kulit Runner), Li’l Miss Cranky Bull Runner, and Jun. Photo courtesy of Vima, Kulit Runner –

Here’s more info about the upcoming race. See you there!

PRESS RELEASE

The Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines takes to the sea in Cebu as the province hosts its fourth staging as well as the Alaska Milk Ironkids Triathlon on August 4 – 5, 2012.

After racing in a man-made lake the past three years participants will swim in open water as the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines holds the 1.2-mile swim part in the sea starting at the beach of the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa in Mactan Island.

The province of Cebu will literally host the event with the 56-mile bike ride traversing four municipalities ( Lapu Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu City and Talisay). The culminating 13.1-mile run will be at Punta Engano, Lapu Lapu City.

Race organizer Sunrise Events, Inc. promises to top the wildly successful races of the past three years assuring that that this year’s race will be its biggest, most exciting edition yet.

A huge field of 1,319 individuals and 115 relay teams from 31 countries, with 350 on the wait list, will test their strength and endurance once again as Ironman 70.3 Philippines provides another once-in-a-lifetime triathlon experience.

Alaska Milk Ironkids Triathlon on the other hand is for the youngsters. It is the local junior version of the international triathlon series, Ironman. It is open to kids age 6 to 14 years old and aims to promote an active lifestyle for kids to promote their health.

Leading the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines are the professional triathletes including back-to-back champion Pete Jacobs of Australia.

Jacobs, who has become a regular fixture of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines, will gun for an unprecedented third consecutive victory after winning the past two editions in 2010 and 2011.

He will have his hands full against Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines inaugural champion Terenzo Bozzone from New Zealand who won the 2009 race. Other male professionals include Fredrik Croneborg from Sweden, Justin Granger from Australia, Mathieu O’Halloran of Alaska TeamTBB Philippines who now lives in the Philippines and Jesse Thomas from the United States.

Defending champion Belinda Granger, also from Australia who is fresh from her triumph at the Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon in Subic, aims for back-to-back titles against familiar face Bree Wee from the United States who was in third place last year. Ali Fitch of Alaska TeamTBB Philippines from Australia will also be in the mix.

The presenting sponsor of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines is Globe Telecom. The official carrier is the Philippine Airlines. Media partners are MultiSport magazine, the Philippine Star and Studio 23.

The event is also sponsored by Alaska Milk Corporation, Century Tuna, David’s Salon, Intercare, K-Swiss, Oakley and Powerade. Official photographer is Finisher Pix while the host venue is Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa.

Official hotel partners are BE Resorts, Crimson Resort & Spa, Movenpick Resort & Spa, Radisson Blu.

The Ironman 70.3 Philippines has become one of the most-awaited sporting events in the country attracting thousands of participants since its inception in 2009.

For more information, check out the Cobra Energy Drink IronMan 70.3 Philippines website, www.ironman703phil.com.

EAT & SLEEP ALL I WANT?

The past two weeks flew by in a blur.  My training revolved around Tri United 2 on July 1, 2012.  A couple of weeks ago, I was preparing for the race and, last week, I was recovering from it.  Read all about it HERE.

With Tri United 2 done and over with, there was a brief respite from the chaotic training schedule.  I thought I died and went to Couch Potato heaven when I read Coach Andy’s command last week:
1) Eat all you want
2) Stay off your feet

Just as I was about to invite all my friends for an eat-all-you-want steak meal at Mamou, I noticed that Coach Andy had added “in moderation” to the first order.  And, No. 2 didn’t mean training was off; it only meant that I would get a couple of days rest, swim more, bike a bit, and run for only one day.  (I know, I know. One day to run.  How sad is that?    Coach Andy received a whining text from me Friday that I NEEDED to run. Hah!)

Well, I enjoyed the past week.  It was an opportunity for me to slow down and find my bearings.  After chasing after missed workouts, the ticking of the clock as I tried to drop my kids in school early and fetch them on time (lest Li’l Bull Runner snobs me again for picking her up 5 mins. late), and looming work deadlines, I felt like I could finally heave a sigh of relief and breeeeathe.

Breathe I did.  And smile. And laugh.  And celebrate.  And eat all I want (including that thick slice of Smoked Bacon at Chelsea. Yum. Yum.) Then, in the blink of an eye, I find myself here.  It’s Monday.  The last day of my rest day.

THE STORM IS COMING

Coach Andy said that the past week was the “calm before the storm.”  Now that recovery week is over, this only means that the storm comes…TOMORROW.  Aaah, tomorrow, serious, heavy training begins.  This is the week where we load up in preparation for Ironman 70.3 Cebu.

I look at my program for this coming week and I don’t know if I’m going to laugh or cry.  Just reading it makes me sweat.  It’s frightening when you read lines like: “Bike until muscle failure” or “Push hard until you cramp.” I would also love to see “Eat peanut butter like there’s no tomorrow” but perhaps that’s for next week.  For this week, there’s going to be a lot of sweat, muscle tightness, and Suffering with a capital S.

But, I must admit, I’m all for suffering! Hah!  Suffer now then during the race!  That’s my motto.  So, while I’m anxious over the week to come, I’m also looking forward to seeing how far this body can go…especially with the Shiv.  If I can survive this week (and the next), then Ironman 70.3 Cebu should be a celebration of the past month’s sweat and sacrifices.

Happy training to everyone doing Ironman 70.3 Cebu!

Event: Tri united 2
Date: 1 July 2012
Venue: Laiya, Batangas
Organizer: Bike King

Tri United 2 was to be my first long distance triathlon: swim 2k, bike 60k, and run 15k. To say, I was nervous would be an understatement. The only thing that could console me was that I knew I had run marathons for about the same amount of time I expected to finish this triathlon. Still, my mind knew triathlons were a different animal, and, it was during this race, that my body learned that too.

– Teammates Bic, Jake, and I after we set up our bikes at transition –

– with Harvie, Alex, Roland, Coach Norman, Jake, and Bic. Before a triathlon, it helps to hang out with friends who are calmer than you! –

– with Bic, Drew, and August a few minutes before race start –

– Saling pusa! Photo courtesy of John Ramon –

RACE START – SWIM 2KM

The start of a triathlon is nerve wracking. You’re all lined up at the shore facing the unknown. You don’t know what lurks in the deep blue sea (jellyfish away!), and, worse, what lies ahead of you for the next few hours of the race.

– Nervous smile.  Photo courtesy of Rose Marie Photography –

The swim course for Tri United 2 consisted of three loops. I was confident about my swim, but also anxious.  As a runner, I can anticipate and probably manage matters on the road, but, in water, I felt like I was treading in unknown territory. No pun intended.

My teammates Jake, Bic, and I wiggled our way through the crowd of triathletes lined up at the starting line. We poised ourselves on the far end of the left side. Our strategy, according to Jake, would be to swim on the far left end avoiding the traffic then cut to the right when it was time to turn the loop. Sounded like a good plan.

The gun went off and, barely a couple of minutes into the swim, Bic and Jake were gone. I was on solo flight…or solo fight. Probably both.

I struggled to find my rhythm amidst the chaos of flailing arms and kicking feet. Suddenly, a thought came to mind: What do I cling on to if I tire out? I was so far from the buoy! Almost instantly, I panicked.  I could hardly breathe. Like a drowning dog, I paddled my way towards the buoy. There, I found my comfort zone and proceeded to swim beside it.

By the 2nd loop, I found a sense of calm in the steady pace of my strokes. With every breath, I caught a glimpse of the sun. In my head, I said a short prayer asking God to keep me safe and thanking him for the awesome opportunity to participate in this race.

– Out of the water for the next loop. I was having fun! –

The third loop was swift and strong. I found my rhythm along with a burst of confidence that I was capable of finishing this race. I swam to the finish pulling hard but leaving enough for the bike and run.

Time for 2k swim: 49mins.

– Ani de Leon heading to transition –

BIKE – 60KM

It was the first time my boyfriend, the Shiv, and I were going to race together. I must admit, I was excited to see the progress I made in biking. From being unable to shift gears and ride in aero position, I could now do so with ease, plus drink, and take a gel, and even refill my bottles while riding!  (Next goal is to peel a banana and eat it!)

– That’s my boyfriend, the Shiv, and I! Off we go on our first triathlon together! –

Prior to the race, Coach Andy Leuterio had analyzed the results of a Power Meter test he conducted on me a couple of weeks ago. Based on the results, he said that my heart rate went too high when I pushed hard on the bike (which was expected because I’m new to cycling) so he advised that I keep it steady on the bike to ensure that I could run strong. I obediently followed.

– Steady she goes. Photo courtesy of Jazz Perez, Sports Unlimited –

The ride was steady, conservative, smooth, and, I must say, super fun.  Every now and then, faster cyclists would overtake me yelling “Right! Right!” which would rattle me, but for the most part, I think I was cycling with a smile all the way to the finish.

– Teammate Bic makes the turnaround. I wish I could turn as easily as she did! –

Time for 60km bike: 2:11

RUN – 15KM

I didn’t know how my body would react to running 15km after the swim and bike.  It’s one thing to race 15km and another to run 15km in the sweltering heat in a triathlon. I expected heavy wooden legs as soon as I left my bike at transition. Surprisingly, my legs felt great. (In hindsight, it’s probably because I was conservative on the bike.)

– Off to run wearing my bike gloves! Whoops! Photo courtesy of Noel Miano-

I ran the first loop steady and strong. By the second loop, the heat started getting to me. At every station, I dropped a pail or bottle of water over my body to cool down. It was almost like taking a shower at every station. (It was only at that point that I finally realized why triathletes choose to wear these body-hugging unforgiving trisuits! It’s so much more convenient for showering when the sun is beating down on you! Why didn’t we runners think of that?!)

– Steady run. Photo courtesy of Noel Miano –

– Keeping cool! –

It was also at this point that the mistakes I made during training and racing caught up with me. By the third loop, both legs started cramping up from my calves climbing up to my quads. I had never cramped up in my entire running life! I started shuffling my way through the last 5km. At the same time, I began talking to my legs (by the way, this always works!): Run. Run. Run. We can do this. I also prayed that they wouldn’t suddenly freeze on me and make me fall flat on my face a few hundred meters from the finish line!

Thankfully, the slow shuffle and the psych talk worked! I crossed the finish line even if I didn’t feel my legs AT ALL! It was one of the most fulfilling race finishes I had ever experienced. Right up there with all my marathon finishes. Hehe.

Time for Run 15k: 1:43 mins

CEBU, HERE I COME!

The most important gift of Tri United 2 to me, aside from the scintillating star-shaped medal, is the assurance that I’m on the right track towards Ironman 70.3 Cebu. For this last month leading up to Cebu, I know what I should work on (and there are a lot!), what I should continue, and, last but not the least, what power the mind has over the body!

After crossing that finish line, I heaved a sigh of relief.  My trepidation over Cebu considerably lessened and a feeling of excitement swept over me.  For the first time since I impulsively signed up for my seemingly impossible Ironman 70.3 goal, it suddenly occurred to me: Holy crap, I can actually do this!

– with Teammate Jake and Coach Andy Leuterio at the post-race awarding. Tons of food, lots of laughter, and I got to fill up a whole glass with free chilled Enervon HP for my recovery drink. Hay, I can’t have enough of it! –

– with training buddy, Jun, and Coach Norman, my coach for bike skills. Thanks Coach! –


– with friend Vanj Endaya –

– with new tri friends, Jay and Mark. Photo courtesy of Mark Salvador –

Congratulations to Unilab Active Health and Bike King for a fantastic race! For official results, visit Unilab Active Health website

Great news for techy runners on Android: Nike+ Running App for Android Allows Runners to Track, Share and Compare their Runs

Read on for the official press release:

PHILIPPINES – Today NIKE, Inc. announced the launch of the Nike+ Running App for Android, providing more runners with access to the world’s largest running club.

The Nike+ Running App for Android connects seamlessly to nikeplus.com, which has been reengineered to be smarter, more social and more motivational. The app allows runners to track, share and compare their runs from anywhere, anytime. It features a smooth, intuitive user interface – tailored and optimized for Android – that hosts a number of features to enhance the running experience. The in-run navigation is seamless and simple, allowing runners to easily check key run stats, see their in-progress GPS maps, change songs or get audio feedback without missing a stride.

“The expansion of NIKE+ onto multiple mobile platforms will allow us to serve more runners than ever before. This opportunity will give even more athletes the chance to experience NIKE+, which makes this an incredibly exciting time for the Running community,” said Stefan Olander, Vice President, Digital Sport.

The key focus in the app’s design is motivating runners. A “Next Moves” feature on the home screen allows runners to easily flip through suggested challenges: for example, to run their fastest 5k or go their farthest distance. A dynamic goal progress bar helps runners stay motivated and tracking on goals they’ve set up through their nikeplus.com profile.

The app makes sharing to Facebook or Twitter fun with run summary features. Runners can choose from a wide variety of terrains and emotions, as well as tag which shoe they ran in to track shoe total mileage. And for runners recording climate conditions, the app automatically knows the weather based on GPS location.

The Nike+ Running App for Android is available for free on Google Play.

Initially launched for Running in 2006, the NIKE+ community has grown to include over 6 million runners. Since its inception, NIKE+ has expanded into a multi-sport ecosystem that includes Nike+ Basketball, Nike+ Training and the recently launched Nike+ Kinect Training. Athletes of every level can find a variety of products including a new range of colors in the Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom, and the Nike+ FuelBand, Nike+ Sportband, Nike+ Running Apps and iPod® nano with NIKE+. Multi-sport users can visit the single-destination nikeplus.com to access all their data – including lifetime NikeFuel points accumulated from all NIKE+ devices – creating a globally connected community of sport.

For the latest on Nike, visit www.nikeinc.com. Be connected by following us on Twitter via @NikePH.