<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>The Bull Runner</title>
	<atom:link href="http://thebullrunner.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://thebullrunner.com</link>
	<description>Official Blog of The Bull Runner</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 02:24:19 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>TBR Dream Marathon 2013 Official Video</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/tbr-dream-marathon-2013-official-video/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/tbr-dream-marathon-2013-official-video/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 02:24:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[01 Bullish Insights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[09 Other Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Favorite Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2013]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nuvali]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Running]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TBR Dream Marathon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10835</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With just a couple more days to the 3rd month anniversary of our new marathoners from batch 2013 of TBR Dream Marathon, we couldn&#8217;t wait to release our little surprise: the official video coverage of TBR Dream Marathon 2013. Enjoy! In the meantime, we are busy preparing for TBR Dream Marathon 2014 (yes, we start [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With just a couple more days to the 3rd month anniversary of our new marathoners from batch 2013 of TBR Dream Marathon, we couldn&#8217;t wait to release our little surprise: the official video coverage of TBR Dream Marathon 2013.</p>
<p>Enjoy!  In the meantime, we are busy preparing for TBR Dream Marathon 2014 (yes, we start this early!)</p>
<p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5EVH-YcVfew" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/tbr-dream-marathon-2013-official-video/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Part 4: London Marathon &#8211; The Race</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-4-london-marathon-the-race/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-4-london-marathon-the-race/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 09:17:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[02 Race Reports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Favorite Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[London Marathon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marathon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Running]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10825</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[RACE REPORT: Virgin London Marathon 2013 Date: Sunday, 21 April 2013 Gun start: 10:00 AM RUN FOR BOSTON &#8220;This is it.&#8221; I thought. After months of training under the excruciating heat in Manila, here I was with a laundry bag on top of my running clothes to keep me warm from the chilly start. I [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>RACE REPORT: Virgin London Marathon 2013</strong></p>
<p>Date: Sunday, 21 April 2013<br />
Gun start: 10:00 AM</p>
<p><strong>RUN FOR BOSTON</strong></p>
<p>&#8220;This is it.&#8221; I thought. After months of training under the excruciating heat in Manila, here I was with a laundry bag on top of my running clothes to keep me warm from the chilly start. I couldn&#8217;t help but smile.</p>
<p>All the runners around me were chatting with nervous excitement. I couldn&#8217;t hear the announcer anymore. But, when the announcer asked all 36,000 runners to pause for a minute of silence to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing, everyone fell silent. The bombings at the Boston Marathon, just a week before London Marathon, had made an impact on the world, but it had struck a nerve even more with us runners.</p>
<p>The marathon is a celebration of the human spirit. People from all over the world train their minds and bodies for months to run 42km on a single day to prove that they can defeat pain, suffering, and fear, that they can achieve their dreams, and that they can be better than themselves.</p>
<p>The people who ran Boston Marathon left their homes on that day hoping to run and celebrate life. Little did they know that some of them would lose their lives or limbs due to a senseless terrorist act.</p>
<p>In that silence, I, perhaps along with thousands of other runners that day, pledged to run for the victims. With black ribbons on our shirts, we ran for those who wouldn&#8217;t be able to run again.</p>
<p><strong>THE START</strong></p>
<p>Within a few seconds, the race had begun. I didn&#8217;t hear a gun start. There was no booming sound to signify the beginning of the race. There was a gradual movement of the traffic as runners made their way out of the assembly and into the roads.</p>
<p>That slow start was probably the slowest I would ever go during the race. The roads through the little town of Greenwich, with its quaint restaurants around us, were narrow and kept all of us runners in close contact. It seemed that all the runners around me had planned on going at a quick pace. I wished I could&#8217;ve gone at a more conservative pace, but honestly there seemed to be no choice!</p>
<p>I ran at a 5:45 to 5:50 pace along with the rest of the crowd and just felt relieved that, based on how my body and legs felt, I knew I could sustain the pace.</p>
<p><a title="729906-1088-0041s by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8747333260/"><img alt="729906-1088-0041s" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8747333260_994c4acec3.jpg" width="332" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>Hydration was provided in bottle form both for water (Nestle Pure Life) and sports drinks (Lucozade). This was both a pro and a con for me. It was good because you could take the bottle along with you during the run and dispose as you please. But, with every station, I found myself staring down at the ground ensuring I don&#8217;t slip on any of these bottles. It was quite a treacherous situation for this accident prone runner (Think Berlin Marathon and Disneyland Los Angeles flying off the road accidents in the past! LOL.)</p>
<p>The large difference with the runners in London Marathon was this: they rarely stopped to drink! I kid you not. At each station, they would grab the bottle and drink as they ran. All of them. My plan of taking walk breaks at each station went out the window by the first station. I just couldn&#8217;t find a place to slow down or stop on the road. In my mind, I found it hilarious but I also panicked. Could I possibly survive a 42km without taking any walk breaks at all?! I&#8217;ve never done that before.</p>
<p><a title="729909-1097-0029s by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8746212077/"><img alt="729909-1097-0029s" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8140/8746212077_a36c160547.jpg" width="331" height="500" /></a><br />
<i>- What the?! Don&#8217;t ask me what I was doing here. Suffice it to say I looked crazy-happy -</i></p>
<p>The number of spectators that came out on the streets to cheer for runners was a pleasant surprise for me.  They lined the roads from start to finish!  There was never a moment of dullness or silence. They cheered loudly and whole-heartedly yelling the names of runners who had labelled their shirts.  I didn&#8217;t write my name on my shirt, but luckily&#8212;not once, but twice on different portions of the race&#8212;I had run along with runners named Jaimie, so I heard &#8220;Go Jaimie!&#8221; or &#8220;You can do it, Jaimie!&#8221; often enough to egg me on! LOL</p>
<p>One of my favorite portions of this race was crossing the Tower Bridge at around Km 19.  There were a lot more spectators and cheerers in this area (not that the number of spectators who came out to cheer for us was lacking!) but this was definitely a high point of the race.</p>
<p><strong>KM 21</strong></p>
<p>I hit my 21k split at 2:07. I was happy with my split. Not too fast, not too slow. Body check: how did I feel? No pain anywhere in the body. Even better, I felt strong and focused. Stronger than I had ever been in the past.</p>
<p>The run from 21k to 32k went by quickly. I didn&#8217;t even notice passing St. Paul&#8217;s Cathedral at Km 24!  I do recall the fantastic cheering from the spectators and the beautiful sights and scenes around me.</p>
<p>By 32k, I was starting to slow. My legs were starting to tire and both my calves were threatening to cramp, but my mind kept me going. I repeated my mantra (stolen from Noy Jopson&#8217;s Facebook status): &#8220;Pain only hurts.&#8221; I said this to myself over and over again as I recalled the times I had been through worse in a race. It&#8217;s true you know. When you&#8217;re going through something difficult whether in a race or in life, you just remember a time in the past when you experienced worse and overcame it. And so, I remembered Ironman 70.3 Cebu, the heat, the pain, the exhaustion. With that, I knew I would get through this.</p>
<p><a title="729751-1274-0027s by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8747333652/"><img alt="729751-1274-0027s" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/8747333652_3fb8d49bed.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- Grin and bear it, baby! -</em></p>
<p>I put one step in front of the other. I didn&#8217;t stop. I ran. For the first time in all the eight marathons I&#8217;ve ran in the past, I ran all the way. It wasn&#8217;t something I had planned or even wanted desperately. After all, I fully believe in the value of taking walk breaks; walking isn&#8217;t a sign of weakness. But, during this race, I just felt the power in my body and mind to go, and go, and go. I believed in what my body and mind told me to do and I did it.</p>
<p><a title="729820-1467-0015s by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8746212293/"><img alt="729820-1467-0015s" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8746212293_4e3bf8da17.jpg" width="331" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- Passing the London Eye -<br />
</em></p>
<p>I ran past the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.  Before I knew it, I could see the finish line.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1292 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8747339670/"><img alt="IMG_1292" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8134/8747339670_36c72e7cc5.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- The London Eye in the background -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="IMG_1302 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8746218661/"><img alt="IMG_1302" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/8746218661_727449dd92.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Houses of Parliament. Is this a marathon or a tour? Maybe both! -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="IMG_1298 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8746218519/"><img alt="IMG_1298" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/8746218519_1b16ea8b14.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- Big Ben meant the finish line was near -</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1295 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8747339650/"><img alt="IMG_1295" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/8747339650_cfba2b5c07.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Now that&#8217;s a monster runner! -<br />
</em></p>
<p><a title="729834-1191-0037s by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8747333274/"><img alt="729834-1191-0037s" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8393/8747333274_9e8691403b.jpg" width="332" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- Buckingham Palace behind me (I think!) -<br />
</em><br />
<strong>THE FINISH</strong></p>
<p>I crossed the finish line at 4:24. It was the exact same time as my best marathon time at Condura 2010.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1485 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8673818403/"><img alt="IMG_1485" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8673818403_5fd53a81e6.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- Posedown at the finish line, of course! -<br />
</em><br />
After crossing the finish, I received my medal, had my Ipico chip removed, had my photo taken with the medal, and claimed my baggage all within 10 minutes. That&#8217;s how well organized this race was.</p>
<p>All around me, people were congratulating each other. I did learn to say &#8220;Well done!&#8221; to all the runners around me and not the usual &#8220;Congratulations&#8221; we all say in Manila LOL.</p>
<p>As I walked at The Mall and onto the Meet &amp; Greet area by Admiralty Arch, I was overwhelmed with the atmosphere. Runners hugging loved ones. Everyone in a celebratory mood. And, oh, what a view!</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1286 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8747339706/"><img alt="IMG_1286" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8550/8747339706_b38d0a1058.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Wow! -<br />
</em><br />
I headed over to the Letter Z where hubby and kids agreed to meet me. I sat alone drinking my Enervon HP and eating the free apple that came with our goodie bag for a good 30 minutes until they came. By this time, I had already changed into warmer clothes.</p>
<p>It was nice to see my family greet me at the finish and to have the kiddos see first hand the magic that occurs in a marathon. I asked my son if he wanted to run this marathon in the future and he replied: Yes.</p>
<p>With that, the perfect marathon day came to an end.  This was undoubtedly the best marathon experience I&#8217;ve ever had. I have a rule that I should only run a marathon once, but, for London Marathon, let&#8217;s just say I can make an exception.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1288 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8746218903/"><img alt="IMG_1288" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8746218903_fe4c37b09d.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- with my kiddos! -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="729775-1009-0035s by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8747333520/"><img alt="729775-1009-0035s" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8747333520_43baa9a0e8.jpg" width="332" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- Proudly showing off my 9th marathon medal. What&#8217;s next?! -<br />
</em><br />
Previous: <a title="London Marathon" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-3-london-marathon-getting-to-the-race-start/" target="_blank">Part 3: London Marathon &#8211; The Race Start</a></p>
<p><em>Thank you so much to all the people who got me to London! <strong>Unilab Active Health</strong> for sponsoring the trip. Special thanks to my favorites Enervon Activ for keeping me energized during training and race day and Enervon HP for aiding in recovery. Thank you to<strong> Timex Philippines </strong>and<strong> Timex UK</strong> who snagged me a race slot.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-4-london-marathon-the-race/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Gifts for Running Moms</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/gifts-for-running-moms/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/gifts-for-running-moms/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 23:36:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[04 Gear & Product Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mothers Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Running]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10814</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Happy Mother&#8217;s Day! Below are some of my favorite running products which make great gifts for your running mommy: 1. NIKE FREE &#8211; The Nike Free 5.0 offers runners increased foot strength and a barefoot-like feel.  Key features of this shoe include Nike Flywire technology which delivers a dynamic, glove-like fit, and lightweight mesh providing [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Happy Mother&#8217;s Day! Below are some of my favorite running products which make great gifts for your running mommy:</p>
<p>1. <strong>NIKE FREE</strong> &#8211; The<a title="Nike Free" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2013/04/new-shoe-nike-free-5-0/" target="_blank"> Nike Free 5.0 </a>offers runners increased foot strength and a barefoot-like feel.  Key features of this shoe include Nike Flywire technology which delivers a dynamic, glove-like fit, and lightweight mesh providing optimal ventilation, articulated flex grooves along the length and width of the midsole to enhance flexibility and help maintain stability and 8mm midsole offset. This shoe is perfect for running and walking! Available at Nike stores. Php 5,295. <a title="Nike" href="http://www.nike.com/" target="_blank">www.nike.com</a></p>
<p><a title="1 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8642573192/"><img alt="1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8642573192_780392352d.jpg" width="500" height="331" /></a></p>
<p>2. <strong>SKORA</strong> &#8211; Recognized as the crème de la crème of running shoes with its use of premium leather materials and unparalleled fit which created a new category of the ‘luxury’ running shoe. Skora running shoes are meant for both the serious athlete looking for a shoe that provides the closest experience to running barefoot, and for the novice looking to get re-acquainted with the natural running style uninhibited by excess material. Available at Runnr stores. Prices vary depending on model from P4,500 to P7,500. <a title="Skora" href="http://skorarunning.com/" target="_blank">www.skorarunning.com</a></p>
<p><a title="SKORA_PHASE-W02_top_71_3 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8723715105/"><img alt="SKORA_PHASE-W02_top_71_3" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/8723715105_f139da9221.jpg" width="500" height="235" /></a></p>
<p>3. <strong>OTTERBOX ARMOR SERIES</strong> &#8211; The <a title="Otterbox" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2013/03/otterbox-armor-for-iphone-5-toughest-case-ever-built/" target="_blank">OtterBox Armor Series</a> case brings protection against water, drops, dust and crushing force. Metal latches, o-ring seal, port covers and mesh coverings keep water out and allow the Armor Series case to be completely waterproof. Available at Otterbox kiosks. P4,900. <a title="Tenkiebox" href="http://www.tenkiebox.ph/index.php/products/view/iphone_5_armor_series" target="_blank">www.tenkiebox.ph</a></p>
<p><a title="Otterbox by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8723702527/"><img alt="Otterbox" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/8723702527_f7f4039cf6.jpg" width="186" height="346" /></a></p>
<p>4. <strong>YURBUDS INPSIRE FOR WOMEN</strong> &#8211; Designed as true sport equipment, yurbuds are sweat proof, water resistant and allow ambient noise, such as passing cars, to be heard. Inspire for Women is the newest addition to the growing yurbuds collection. It is designed specifically to fit smaller ears and features all of the classic yurbuds qualities including sweat and water resistant design, FlexSoft™ comfort fit, TwistLock™ Technology and ambient noise awareness. Women can train in color with the new Inspire for Women, choosing from six options – aqua, pink, yellow, green, purple and orange. Available at Planet Sports, The Athlete’s Foot, RUNNR, Urban Athletics, MOVE, Brooks, and PowerMac Center. P1,500. <a title="Yurbuds" href="http://yurbuds.com/" target="_blank">www.yurbuds.com</a></p>
<p><a title="Yurbuds by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8724851570/"><img alt="Yurbuds" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/8724851570_5837834973.jpg" width="500" height="389" /></a></p>
<p>5. <strong>SPIBELT</strong> &#8211; <a title="Spibelt" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2012/01/product-review-spibelt-and-spiband-wrist-and-ankle-pocket/  " target="_blank">Original SPIbelt</a> is sleek, expandable, secure and does not bounce. Hold an iPhone tm, Droid tm, keys, energy gels, and other small personal items. Spi Belt does not bounce, ride or shift while on the go, and is the perfect running companion. Fits waist sizes 24”to 40”. Splash Underwater Imaging, Inc Level B, Store # 2003 Shoppesville Arcade. P990 to P1,450. <a title="Spibelt" href="http://www.spibeltph.com/" target="_blank">www.spibeltph.com</a></p>
<p><a title="2Original Spibelt black body w colored zip by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/6694612955/"><img alt="2Original Spibelt black body w colored zip" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6694612955_1c339d669f.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>6. <strong>BOBBLE </strong>- Combining elegance with health-giving benefits, <a title="Bobble" href="http://www.waterbobble.com/" target="_blank">bobble</a> is a chic, reusable drinking bottle, designed by renowned industrial artist Karim Rashid. It is eco-friendly with unique, replaceable carbon filter which purifies potable water even further by eliminating chlorine and organic contaminants for a fresher and crisper clean drinking water. P695 (1000ml), P595 (550ml), and P495 (375ml). Filters &#8211; P345. <a title="Bobble" href="http://www.waterbobble.com/" target="_blank">www.waterbobble.com</a> or www.facebook.com/bobble.ph</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8724967528/" title="Bobble bottles 500ml_low by JPizarro, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/8724967528_98cf3ee970.jpg" width="500" height="240" alt="Bobble bottles 500ml_low"></a></p>
<p>7. <strong>HALO HEADBAND</strong> - Halo Headbands are made from a lightweight, comfortable Dryline fabric and a Sweat Block Seal to direct sweat away from the front of your face and off to the side of your head.  Available at Runnr.  Currently at <a title="Runnr" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/promo-moms-day-deals-at-runnr/" target="_blank">15% off at Runnr for Mom&#8217;s Day</a>.</p>
<p><a title="HALO HEADBAND by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8724838010/"><img alt="HALO HEADBAND" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/8724838010_ece05424bd.jpg" width="342" height="149" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/gifts-for-running-moms/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Part 3: London Marathon &#8211; Race Start!</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-3-london-marathon-getting-to-the-race-start/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-3-london-marathon-getting-to-the-race-start/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 07:53:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[02 Race Reports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gatorade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[London Marathon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marathon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Running]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Timex]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10802</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Due to the large number of participants (36,000 running 42km, to be exact), the London Marathon had three different race starts: Blue or a &#8220;Fast Good for Age&#8221; competitor, Red, and Green. All starts were located within Greenwich Park and gun start was at 10:00 AM except for the Elites, Wheelchair category, and Paralympic participants [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Due to the large number of participants (36,000 running 42km, to be exact), the London Marathon had three different race starts: Blue or a &#8220;Fast Good for Age&#8221; competitor, Red, and Green. All starts were located within Greenwich Park and gun start was at 10:00 AM except for the Elites, Wheelchair category, and Paralympic participants who started earlier at 9:00 AM.</p>
<p>I was running alone and, like previous international races, most of my concerns over the race at this point revolved around one thing: getting to the race start in time. I was so worried about it (and it ended up to be such a fun, learning journey!) that I actually dedicated an entire post for it here in case you get the chance to run London Marathon in the future.</p>
<p>So, back to the story, for Green Start runners like me, I was told to exit Maze Hill Station.  This caused me a lot of stress because this station was not included in the Underground map of London!  Why oh why did it have to be so complicated for me?</p>
<p>The English concierge and the Indian bellboy at the hotel gave varying directions (waaah!) and, the morning before the race, I found even more advice on a thread in Runner&#8217;s World forum!  Just 30 minutes before I left, I decided to follow the tip on Runner&#8217;s World which advised me to exit Greenwich Station and walk a full 20 minutes to the Green Start to avoid the traffic at the tubes.</p>
<p>It was then that I worried even more:  20 minutes! Alone! In the cold! Before a 42km run! Ack! Ironic that after months of running hundreds of kilometers, I was freaking out over a 20 minute walk before the race.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1263 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8722879470/"><img alt="IMG_1263" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/8722879470_a2a98ba3eb.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- My marathon gear all laid out the night before the race.  Thanks to Unilab Active Health for the shirt and arm warmers (which I wasn&#8217;t able to use because it wasn&#8217;t too cold), Timex for the cap and the Timex Run Trainer which was being charged at the time I took the photo, Toby&#8217;s/Runnr for my CWX compression tights which I absolutely adored, KSwiss for my 3rd pair of Kwicky Blade Lights, Stride and Stroke for my Spibelt and armband which I&#8217;ve used the past 3 marathons -</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1466 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8722878714/"><img alt="IMG_1466" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/8722878714_0d55f7ffdd.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Sports drink at the race was not Gatorade so I bought Gatorade a few days before the race. Gatorade 01 for Pre Race fuel, Gatorade 02 for during the race, and Gatorade 03 for recovery. What can I say? I&#8217;m a loyal user! -</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1246 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8722879520/"><img alt="IMG_1246" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/8722879520_01a23fd3e0.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Took this shot at the Underground days before the race. Planned closures of Tubes on Marathon day.  It added to my stress. Waaah! Confusion! -<br />
</em></p>
<p><strong>GETTING TO THE START</strong></p>
<p>At 8:00 AM, I bid the hubby and kids goodbye and stepped out of our hotel in South Kensington to near perfect weather. Correction:  PERFECT weather!  The temperature was around 10 degrees, just enough for one jacket without any throwaways on me. As I walked alone through the streets of Kensington, I couldn&#8217;t help but smile. I almost had to hold myself back from the excitement of running the London Marathon in these awesome conditions. Aaah, the London Marathon! This was one of my biggest dreams. Here I was on my way to fulfilling it!</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1487 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8722878516/"><img alt="IMG_1487" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7426/8722878516_60925d81e8.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- Shot outside my hotel. The amiable doorman who took it said that I had to come home for another pic with my marathon medal. I said: Of course! -</em></p>
<p>I befriended two Red Start runners from our hotel and walked along with them to the tube. We talked about New York City Marathon which one of the runners had run in 2010 just like I did and he said &#8220;Don&#8217;t worry about this race then. This is just as organized as NYCM.&#8221;  With that, I bid them goodbye and went my own way.</p>
<p>I presented my bib to the guard at the station and walked straight into the tube headed for Tower Hill. (On marathon morning, all runners just present their bib at the tube station and get free access to the tube until 5 PM on the same day.  Cool, noh?) There were not too many runners in the tube just yet, but I met Amy, another runner who just like me, was traveling alone from another city, and she too was worried if she was on the right train headed for the starting line.</p>
<p>At Tower Hill Station, we were appeased. Here, all around us, were marathon runners. As we boarded the tube, some of us to Cutty Sark or Greenwich Station depending on our colors, a voice over said &#8220;Welcome runners of the Virgin London Marathon.&#8221; Phew, I was safe. No way I&#8217;d lose my way now. I felt like half the battle was over.</p>
<p>We were packed like sardines in that tube, but it was thrilling. A whole train of runners with various backgrounds, different stories to tell, all looking forward to the same thing: 42km through the streets of London. Totally amazing.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1472 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8722878762/"><img alt="IMG_1472" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/8722878762_b38e857d01.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- All aboard for the 42k! -</em></p>
<p>I exited Greenwich Station and walked out into the cold along with all the other runners around me. The atmosphere was alive and energetic. Runners were laughing and chatting as we all made our way into Greenwich Park.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1274 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8721759409/"><img alt="IMG_1274" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/8721759409_a2e413980d.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Short walk to the Park -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="IMG_1277 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8721759321/"><img alt="IMG_1277" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/8721759321_196c9f9a89.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- All these people are runners! Wow! -</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1275 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8721759397/"><img alt="IMG_1275" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/8721759397_693779b76e.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Marshals and Security everywhere as promised by the organizers soon after the Boston Marathon bombings -<br />
</em><br />
The gate to Greenwich Park was almost like entering Buckingham Palace. Wow. Thousands of runners were inside this area making their way to their race starts. It was exactly 9:00 AM, one hour to race start. I took my banana from my bag and ate it as I walked. All runners ascended towards the different race starts like ants marching up a hill. Everywhere you looked there were runners. It was surreal.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1281 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8721759447/"><img alt="IMG_1281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/8721759447_a742aaa34e.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- First thing I see upon entering the park. WOW. -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="IMG_1280 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8722879364/"><img alt="IMG_1280" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/8722879364_a607bc751c.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Climbing up the hill. Seriously, I got tired here and I worried that I was overexerting myself in my &#8220;warm up&#8221; LOL -</em></p>
<p>The red start was right ahead. After a 10 minute walk, the blue start was in front of me. It took me another 15 minutes to get to the Green Start. Total of 30 minutes walking alone in the cold.  I laughed at myself for worrying about this in the first place.  This was fun.  It was an adventure.  I would love to do something crazy, scary like this every year of my life.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1282 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8721758819/"><img alt="IMG_1282" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/8721758819_94e07dd729.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- Followed this pacer heading to the Green Start. I actually saw him all throughout the race -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="IMG_1285 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8722879268/"><img alt="IMG_1285" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/8722879268_1515556ca1.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Finally! I made it! -<br />
</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1482 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8722878644/"><img alt="IMG_1482" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/8722878644_e5d689ce7f.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Spotted Fred and Wilma at the marathon! Yabadabadoo!-<br />
</em><br />
When I reached the Green assembly area, feeling like a pro (naks!), I opened my bag to begin my pre-race ritual. I drank my Gatorade Pre-Race Fuel which I purchased at the race expo. I pulled out my plastic bag of gel and water to be consumed 10 minutes before race start. I drank four capsules of Optygen from First Endurance for that extra boost of energy.  I removed my fleece jacket, dumped it back into the bag (to be worn after the race) and pulled out my laundry bag with pre-cut holes for my head and arms and wore this to keep me warm before the race start. I checked in my baggage and lined up for the toilets.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1483 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8721758511/"><img alt="IMG_1483" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/8721758511_a21b68b6bb.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- What&#8217;s a runner to do while lined up for the portalets? Selfie of course! Er, sorry for the &#8220;bagong gising&#8221; look -<br />
</em><br />
By the time I was done with the toilet (which was the longest queue I&#8217;ve ever encountered!), I only had 10 minutes left for race start. I stood at the assembly along with all the other runners awaiting the race start. I turned on my Timex Run Trainer and connected to GPS.</p>
<p>What was going through my mind at this time? I thought about how the morning went. How everything went perfectly well from the weather to the journey I took towards the starting line. And, deep inside, I knew that the race was going to be awesome. I just knew it.</p>
<p>Previous: <a title="Part 2" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-2-london-marathon-a-wedding-shakespeare-and-a-run/" target="_blank">Part 3 &#8211; London Marathon &#8211; A Wedding, Shakespear, and a Run</a><br />
Next: Part 4: London Marathon &#8211; The Race</p>
<p><em>Thank you so much to all the people who got me to London! <strong>Unilab Active Health</strong> for sponsoring the trip. Special thanks to my favorites Enervon Activ for keeping me energized during training and race day and Enervon HP for aiding in recovery. Thank you to<strong> Timex Philippines </strong>and<strong> Timex UK</strong> who snagged me a race slot.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-3-london-marathon-getting-to-the-race-start/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Promo: Mom&#8217;s Day Deals at Runnr</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/promo-moms-day-deals-at-runnr/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/promo-moms-day-deals-at-runnr/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 06:58:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[09 Other Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Runnr]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10800</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Runnr has a special Mom&#8217;s Day sale for everyone! Spotted the 20% off on CWX. Woah, awesome deal if you ask me. And those Halo headbands at 15% off.  I&#8217;ve got three already, but this biking mom can never have too many!]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Runnr has a special Mom&#8217;s Day sale for everyone! Spotted the 20% off on CWX. Woah, awesome deal if you ask me. And those Halo headbands at 15% off.  I&#8217;ve got three already, but this biking mom can never have too many!</p>
<p><a title="mothers day 1 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8722826048/"><img alt="mothers day 1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/8722826048_050a4fc42e.jpg" width="386" height="500" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/promo-moms-day-deals-at-runnr/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>100 Amazing Filipinas</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/100-amazing-filipinas/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/100-amazing-filipinas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 04:11:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[10 Press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amazing Filipinas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Female Network]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10795</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wow. What a pleasant surprise! Thank you to Female Network for including me in their list of 100 Amazing Filipinas! It&#8217;s an honor! Congratulations as well to all the other 99 amazing women on the list. Girls rock! Click HERE to visit the link.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wow. What a pleasant surprise!</p>
<p>Thank you to Female Network for including me in their list of <a title="100 Amazing" href="http://www.femalenetwork.com/100-amazing-filipinas/real-women#9-3-119  " target="_blank">100 Amazing Filipinas</a>! It&#8217;s an honor! Congratulations as well to all the other 99 amazing women on the list. Girls rock!</p>
<p><a title="100Top by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712095151/"><img alt="100Top" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8411/8712095151_aa0fa6f496.jpg" width="500" height="93" /></a></p>
<p><a title="100 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8713220666/"><img alt="100" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8713220666_1ac3c198b1.jpg" width="500" height="289" /></a></p>
<p>Click <a title="100 Amazing" href="http://www.femalenetwork.com/100-amazing-filipinas/real-women#9-3-119  " target="_blank">HERE</a> to visit the link.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/100-amazing-filipinas/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Part 2: London Marathon &#8211; A Wedding, Shakespeare, and a Run</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-2-london-marathon-a-wedding-shakespeare-and-a-run/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-2-london-marathon-a-wedding-shakespeare-and-a-run/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 00:22:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[01 Bullish Insights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[London Marathon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Walton Hall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wedding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10781</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On our second day in London, we took a train to lovely and quaint Leamington, which became popular in the 1900s among the affluent as a spa town.  (Think hot springs of Laguna.) - Leamington Spa - &#8211; with my cousin, Michelle, in front of one of the churches at Leamington - We took a [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On our second day in London, we took a train to lovely and quaint Leamington, which became popular in the 1900s among the affluent as a spa town.  (Think hot springs of Laguna.)</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1236 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712533338/"><img alt="IMG_1236" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8712533338_c1bc768912.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Leamington Spa -</em></p>
<p><em><a title="IMG_1371 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8711407687/"><img alt="IMG_1371" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8401/8711407687_bd8c6b6181.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></em><br />
<em> &#8211; with my cousin, Michelle, in front of one of the churches at Leamington -</em></p>
<p>We took a car ride to Walton passing Stratford-Upon-Avon where Shakespeare was born and, shortly after, arrived at Walton Hall, a 19th century country mansion, which was the venue of my cousin&#8217;s wedding and also our home for the next two nights.  (Now think Downton Abbey!)</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1428 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8711406733/"><img alt="IMG_1428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8543/8711406733_9a25af727c.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Walton Hall -</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1376 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712532976/"><img alt="IMG_1376" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8547/8712532976_dbec8dd93a.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Leisure Club?  Beauty Salon? The perfect place to spoil a runner days before a marathon! Yes, feeling lifestyles of the rich and famous! LOL -</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1375 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712533116/"><img alt="IMG_1375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8417/8712533116_82bcdd676e.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- The kids were thrilled about our room overlooking the countryside -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="IMG_1251 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712533226/"><img alt="IMG_1251" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8712533226_677264b548.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- View from the tower room -<br />
</em><br />
I was thrilled to be here for my cousin&#8217;s wedding.  Celine and I grew up together being born just a month apart.  We went to the same school from Prep to Highschool.  We shared the same group of friends all our lives.  I spent most of my time after all of our elementary school days at her house doing our homework together, playing hopscotch or piko, or turning her bathroom into a huge bathtub and soaking in the bubble bath together.  (See, I showed early signs of eventually getting into swimming!)  And, even when we went to different colleges, started working, and I got married and she left for New York for her MBA and moved to Singapore, we remained close.  So, I was excited to see my &#8220;sister&#8221;/barkada/best friend finally settling down with Rob, her British boyfriend who we&#8217;ve also come to love.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1378 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8711443193/"><img alt="IMG_1378" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8124/8711443193_dc6ac7a42d.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- with Laurie and Cel, my bestest friends since forever, after Cel&#8217;s bridal shower at the Salon. Missing: Vicky and Krie -<br />
</em><br />
Walton Hall was beautiful. I felt like I had gone on a retreat&#8230;a running retreat!  We were surrounded by nature, lush green grass, swans and ducks in the lake, trees that could tell tales from the past.  The weather was cold, but it was invigorating and refreshing.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1381 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712532984/"><img alt="IMG_1381" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8712532984_712654c1ee.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- with the kiddos -</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1379 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712533008/"><img alt="IMG_1379" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8552/8712533008_dd8a28bb50.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>The next morning, Friday, I was to run my last run before the London Marathon on Sunday.  The hubby and kids came along with me.  We walked.  We jogged.  We laughed.  We looked for animals.  Then, they got hungry and went ahead for breakfast. LOL.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1395 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712532826/"><img alt="IMG_1395" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8712532826_03f2386c3d.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1400 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712532822/"><img alt="IMG_1400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8712532822_320aa4bd57.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- The kids loved running (and jumping) freely all over the place -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="IMG_1403 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8711407189/"><img alt="IMG_1403" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8556/8711407189_2002cfd49a.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- She wanted to get as close to them as possible! -</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1391 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8711407503/"><img alt="IMG_1391" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8140/8711407503_90d5fe8583.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Father and son bonding -<br />
</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1409 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8711407089/"><img alt="IMG_1409" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8393/8711407089_ee937233ff.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Mini-me! -</em></p>
<p>I was planning on running 5k alone.  As I ran, I felt great.  Correction: Not just great.  I felt like my entire body, especially my legs, were completely prepared for the marathon.  My form was good.  My legs felt springy and light.  Everything felt perfect.  And so, barely even hitting 3k, I stopped and decided to enjoy breakfast with the family.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1411 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712532576/"><img alt="IMG_1411" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8712532576_26cb76cfcc.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Check out my running buddy on the right -</em></p>
<p>If there&#8217;s one thing I learned about as a serious runner, it&#8217;s NOT to take running too seriously.  There are precious moments and special people in your life that are more important than a race.  Not to mention croissants and Nutella waiting at the breakfast buffet.</p>
<p>That afternoon, as bridesmaid, I witnessed one of the most beautiful weddings I&#8217;ve ever attended.  It was touching.  It was emotional.  It was inspiring.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1435 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712532422/"><img alt="IMG_1435" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8712532422_28a7c4b611.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Newlyweds with the Entourage -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="IMG_1437 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8711406687/"><img alt="IMG_1437" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8711406687_223a7f5340.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- It was freezing cold out there! Here we are sharing Celine&#8217;s shawl -<br />
</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1423 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8711406897/"><img alt="IMG_1423" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8138/8711406897_4f18117cd7.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- with my not-so-little kids -</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1424 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712532610/"><img alt="IMG_1424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8712532610_60677be0c9.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />
<em>- Hubby with the kiddos -<br />
</em><br />
<a title="IMG_1442 by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8712532244/"><img alt="IMG_1442" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8712532244_23d9889be5.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Li&#8217;l Miss Bull Runner jumps for sheep! -</em></p>
<p>I indulged in good food, a little wine, and then the following day, the family and I took a train back to London for an easy Saturday before the big day: London Marathon!</p>
<p>PREVIOUS: <a title="PART 1" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-1-london-marathon-2013-race-expo/" target="_blank">PART 1: LONDON MARATHON 2013: RACE EXPO</a><br />
NEXT: <a title="Part 3" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-3-london-marathon-getting-to-the-race-start/" target="_blank">PART 3: LONDON MARATHON 2013 – GETTING TO THE RACE START</a></p>
<p><em>Thank you so much to all the people who got me to London! <strong>Unilab Active Health</strong> for sponsoring the trip. Special thanks to my favorites Enervon Activ for keeping me energized during training and race day and Enervon HP for aiding in recovery. Thank you to <strong>Timex Philippines</strong> and <strong>Timex UK</strong> who snagged me a race slot.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/part-2-london-marathon-a-wedding-shakespeare-and-a-run/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Celebrate Life!</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/celebrate-life/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/celebrate-life/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2013 09:52:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[01 Bullish Insights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Birthday]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10779</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Happy Birthday to me!  I turn 6 today. Happy Birthday to TheBullRunner.com!  This blog turns 37 today. Bring out your party hats!!!  Woot! Woot! Oops, wait a minute.  Sorry for the mix up.  I turn 37 and this blog turns 6 today.  My bad.  But, if you wish to believe the first two lines, I [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Happy Birthday to me!  I turn 6 today.</p>
<p>Happy Birthday to TheBullRunner.com!  This blog turns 37 today.</p>
<p><a title="BdayBull by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8710052146/"><img alt="BdayBull" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8710052146_7351b18f9b.jpg" width="473" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>Bring out your party hats!!!  Woot! Woot!</p>
<p>Oops, wait a minute.  Sorry for the mix up.  I turn 37 and this blog turns 6 today.  My bad.  But, if you wish to believe the first two lines, I don&#8217;t mind!  Really!</p>
<p>Traditionally, I throw the 5 to 5/5 contest (see <a title="2011" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2011/05/win-prizes-daily-for-the-next-5-days-3/" target="_blank">THIS</a> and <a title="5 to 5/5" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2012/04/win-prizes-from-may-1-to-5-2012/" target="_blank">THIS</a>) where I give away tons of prizes for five days from May 1 to 5. It&#8217;s my favorite day of the year and I celebrate it by giving back to all of you guys who continue to support me by clicking on your mouse and visiting this little page of mine.</p>
<p>But, this year, I decided to celebrate quietly with my loved ones.  I hope you don&#8217;t mind.  Aw shucks, it doesn&#8217;t mean I love you guys any less, you know?  It just means that, um, I spent the entire week cooking my kids breakfast at 2:00 AM and sleeping when the sun rose until lunchtime.  We all suffered from jet lag for four straight days and I couldn&#8217;t seem to get anything done nor could I think straight.  Yes, I didn&#8217;t workout either until my first 50k ride yesterday.  (Good thing I still knew how to bike!)</p>
<p>Despite the lack of festivities, I am still very thankful for all the 36 years (and 5 blog years) that have passed as well as the next ones to come.  I thank each one of you who has touched my life and for those of you who have allowed me to touch your life in one way or another.  Thanks too for all the birthday greetings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and SMS.  (Did I miss any?!)</p>
<p>Aaah, I&#8217;ve been blessed.  I&#8217;m truly grateful.  The past year has brought a lot of ups and downs, tears of sadness and happiness, but there is always, always a reason to celebrate and hope.  Looking forward to another wonderful year ahead with you guys!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/celebrate-life/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>10</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>10 Cool Tips for Running in the Heat</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/10-cool-tips-for-running-in-the-heat/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/10-cool-tips-for-running-in-the-heat/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 06:15:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[05 Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Running]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sun]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10769</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We&#8217;re back!  It was one of the best marathons and most fun family trips I&#8217;ve ever had. - Our last day in Paris. The two &#8220;cray-zees&#8221; had two scoops of Haagen Dazs each when it was freezing cold outside. - I&#8217;m glad to be home again, but, I must admit, as soon as I felt [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We&#8217;re back!  It was one of the best marathons and most fun family trips I&#8217;ve ever had.</p>
<p><a title="Haagendaz by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8703101417/"><img alt="Haagendaz" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8557/8703101417_777655a558.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />
<em>- Our last day in Paris. The two &#8220;cray-zees&#8221; had two scoops of Haagen Dazs each when it was freezing cold outside. -</em></p>
<p>I&#8217;m glad to be home again, but, I must admit, as soon as I felt sweat dripping down my forehead the minute we stepped out of the airport, I almost wanted to fly out again.</p>
<p>I know you&#8217;re sick and tired of everyone on Facebook and Twitter complaining about the heat.  So, instead of whining about how hot it is that I would prefer to kill myself with a 5k swim than run the same distance under the sun, I thought of giving you tips on how to make the best out of your run with such high temperatures.</p>
<p>To all you brave souls out there who are committed to running in this heat, I salute you and I send this article out to all of you. As for me, I&#8217;m just glad I&#8217;m on recovery mode for now!</p>
<p><strong>10 Cool Tips for Running in the Heat</strong></p>
<p><strong>1. Run before the sun rises.</strong> Best time to run, especially if it&#8217;s longer than 2 hours, is to run at around 4:00 AM. No, it doesn&#8217;t follow that the earlier you wake up the cooler it is. Take it from me. When I had to run my longest run before London Marathon, I started running at 2:30 AM.  Stupid me. Humidity was so high that I practically choked to death at the first 50 meters of my run, the air was so stale and heavy that words exchanged during the run clung in the air like a cartoon.  Ack. It was so frustrating to learn that it felt even cooler at 6:00 AM rather than 3:00 AM.<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>2. Hydrate.</strong> You&#8217;re a runner! You should know this! Make sure to hydrate with water or your favorite sports drink. No messing around with this one especially in this kind of heat. Heatstroke is not a joke and it can happen to anyone.<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>3. Change venue.</strong> If you&#8217;re usual run route leaves you exposed under the sun, then consider running in tree-lined, shaded routes at least once a week. How about U.P., Filinvest City, or other exclusive villages that you may have access to?<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>4. Wear shades.</strong> A good pair of shades won&#8217;t just block your eyes from the shimmering sun, but it will actually help you mentally beat the heat too. With the tinted view of your surroundings, you simply feel that it&#8217;s cooler and it allows you to go a bit further.  My fave brand are Oakleys.<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>5. Think yourself cold.</strong> Scrap the following lines from your vocabulary while you run: &#8220;Ang init!&#8221;, &#8220;Grabe, ang init!&#8221; or, worst of them all, &#8220;WTF, ang init!&#8221; Believe me, all that complaining will only make you sweat more (and piss off your running buddies, too!)  Beat the heat by fooling your brain into thinking it&#8217;s cool. Say the following instead: &#8220;Good thing it&#8217;s not too hot today.&#8221; or just repeat the words &#8220;cool&#8221; or &#8220;cold&#8221; over and over. Okay, okay, I&#8217;m not really sure if this works under 35 degree weather, but it&#8217;s worth a try!</p>
<p><strong>6. Change costume.</strong> If you&#8217;re running long, chances are your shirt will be soaked in sweat in an hour. A change of clothes midway through your run will make you feel fresh and cool.  Oh, and don&#8217;t forget two magic words for your apparel: DRI FIT.</p>
<p><strong>7. Run on the treadmill.</strong> I know a lot of runners who are treadmill-averse. I was one of them. But, in this kind of heat, it just didn&#8217;t make sense to suffer under the scorching sun at 8:00 AM (that was the only time I could run after dropping kids at school), or, worse, to skip a run simply because of the heat. So, my treadmill and I kissed and made up early this year and I ran twice a week on the treadmill training for London Marathon. It was great.  Treadmill runs are a great way to watch your form, follow a good program at a controlled pace and setting, and, best of all, if it&#8217;s in a gym, it&#8217;s air-conditioned!  Woot!  To stay sane and keep boredom at bay, download a good and challenging workout for treader runs and don&#8217;t forget your music.</p>
<p><strong>8. Cover up with a bandana or visor.</strong> I usually use a visor instead of a cap to allow the heat from my head to escape.  I would like to try the Magicool Cooling Bandana. I haven&#8217;t tested it, but we featured it on TBR Magazine (Mar-Apr 2013) and I do want one. The bandana can be tied around the neck, head or wrist and it can absorb cold water so that you can run with it. Sold at SecondWind and G-Stop for P350 only.</p>
<p><a title="Magicool Bandana by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8703101151/"><img alt="Magicool Bandana" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8414/8703101151_3d6f1b0fa2_n.jpg" width="183" height="320" /></a><br />
<em>- Magicool Cooling Bandana -</em></p>
<p><strong>9. Bring cash.</strong> Imagine this: You&#8217;re running at 15k in the heat, you happen to pass a 7-11 and spot a pedestrian savoring his large Mountain Dew Slurpee. Now, you don&#8217;t want to pine for the same drink without any cash on you, do you? (Obvious ba this has happened to me? heehee)  Make sure to hide at least P50 in your pocket (or under your insoles like I do) for an impromptu Slurpee; one for you and treat a run buddy while you&#8217;re at it.</p>
<p><strong>10. Cool off with a chilled towel.</strong>  Pack a towel in a ziplock in your cooler along with your iced drinks. After your run, use the towel on your face, nape, and limbs to cool off.  If you don&#8217;t yell out &#8220;Haaay sarraaaap!&#8221; and think that it&#8217;s almost manna from heaven, something must be wrong with you.  Go rest and have a frap. It&#8217;s on me. (I&#8217;m kidding of course!)</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/10-cool-tips-for-running-in-the-heat/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>7 More Days to Success Summit</title>
		<link>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/7-more-days-to-success-summit/</link>
		<comments>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/7-more-days-to-success-summit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 02:48:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admntbrjaymie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[09 Other Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Passion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seminar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success Summit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebullrunner.com/?p=10763</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just 7 more days until the Success Summit on May 10, 2013! 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND: This event features people who have been there so you&#8217;re going to hear their actual experiences and insights on their path to success which you can enjoy as well. You will learn a system on how you can overcome your [...]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just 7 more days until the Success Summit on May 10, 2013!</p>
<p><a title="SSummit2_poster by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8571607282/"><img alt="SSummit2_poster" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8571607282_ed2a56d886.jpg" width="345" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:</strong></span></p>
<ol>
<li>This event features people who have been there so you&#8217;re going to hear their actual experiences and insights on their path to success which you can enjoy as well.</li>
<li>You will learn a system on how you can overcome your limitations,roadblocks and problems that prevent you from moving forward.</li>
<li>Receive the principles on how you can get the esteem and recognition that you&#8217;ve been missing so you can propel your career and personal life.</li>
<li>Realize that money is actually easy to get if you know how to master it.</li>
<li>Discover what really is your passion and purpose and how you can profit from it.</li>
</ol>
<p>I&#8217;m looking forward to learning from all the other speakers, but I&#8217;ll also be sharing some tips on how my passion for running allowed me to earn a little extra something too.  Hope to see you there!</p>
<p>For more info, click <a title="More info" href="http://thebullrunner.com/2013/03/success-summit-on-10-may-2013-2/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p><a title="Ad by JPizarro, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpizarro/8703877940/"><img alt="Ad" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8415/8703877940_e6e8a6e491.jpg" width="500" height="343" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://thebullrunner.com/2013/05/7-more-days-to-success-summit/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
