Archive for September, 2008

Good news for all those who registered for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon: Nike is providing 50 uniforms—singlets, shorts, and running shoes—to be worn by Pinoy runners during the Singapore Marathon.  (I’m telling you, we will look like Filipino olympians in them!)

To sign up, email Coach Rio at rio@runrio.com with the following details:

1. Confirmation details from Singapore Marathon (with race bib #)

2. Your full name

3. Your singlet, shorts, and shoe size (Nike sizing)

This is on a first come, first serve basis.  Again, only 50 uniforms available.

————————– UPDATE ————————–

As of Sept. 23, lunchtime (yes, the same day I posted this), Coach Rio informed me that the slots for the 50 runners were full. So sorry. 

On Dec. 7, 2008, I shall be one of 50,000 participants who will be running in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. As early as July, I registered for the race and, since then, all my running thoughts and actions have revolved around this singular goal. I don’t intend to just finish this race, but I hope to cross the finish line strong, injury-free, and of course, with a respectable time.

Nope, I didn’t register for the marathon; I signed up for the half marathon. If there’s one thing I learned from my injuries, it’s this: Even if the mind is willing, the shins, quads, and knees may be dying! Timing is key. And, I know that it’s definitely not time for me to accomplish my marathon dream just yet—maybe next year in New York? I wish.

So, I’m gearing up for my half—conservatively increasing my mileage until December, strengthening my legs, cross training (swimming is my favorite this week), and last but not the least, saving every single cent—to make sure that I’ll be strong and healthy (with enough moolah in my pocket to buy some running stuff) when my feet touch Singapore soil.  I can hardly wait.

It’s official. The Bull Runner has just bagged two awards in the recently held 2008 Philippine Blog Awards: THE BEST BLOG IN THE SPORTS CATEGORY and the BEST SINGLE POST IN THE SPORTS CATEGORY. 

I wish I had been there to accept it. I would’ve worn a red dress (the one color that makes a bull run faster) with my running shoes underneath to be the fastest winner to climb up onstage and give my acceptance speech.

Oh, the acceptance speech. This is more like a thanksgiving speech because, as corny as it sounds, I do I have a lot of people I’d like to thank. Here goes:

– To the judges of the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards, I am honored that you chose this little blog of mine as the winner in the sports category. The fact that experts and celebrities like you took the time out to read all the crazy stuff I write about here was overwhelming; being named winner just blew me away.

– To the running bloggers, it’s great to have met people like you who share a common passion not just for running but blogging as well.  May we all continue to rave about our runs, talk about our training, and inspire non-runners to lace up or current runners to aim higher. (Check out the sidebar on your right for the best running blogs online.)

– To my running friends—especially Annie, Banggi and Marga of Team BWK, Happy Feet peeps and everyone else—you make running even more fun than it already is.

– To YOU—whether you’re a wannabe runner, newbie, veteran, elite runner, track & field olympian—thank you for always dropping by to make this blog more than just a handful of stories from my world. Your witty, thought-provoking, humorous, and inspiring comments add to the life of this blog. Okay, sometimes the snide remarks help make it more exciting too.

– To my hubby, thank you for not getting jealous over my 2nd love: running. You are my best friend, biggest fan, most generous sponsor (keep it coming!), most ardent supporter, photographer, and last but not the least, bestest running buddy. Let’s keep on running.  Hopefully, the kids will join in soon.

* Logo from 2008 Philippine Blog Awards

After months of slowly building my mileage to 10k, I finally feel strong enough to restart my weekly ritual of Saturday long runs with Annie. FINALLY!

Yesterday, Annie and I ran 13k at an average pace of 6:18 min/km around the village. Every week—barring weekend work, a race, or the recurrence of shin splints (knock on wood)—I’ll add a conservative 1km to my long runs in preparation for my half marathon. Don’t get me started with half-marathon programs; I don’t intend to strictly adhere to any (maybe just an amalgamation of all my readings on Galloway, Higdon, and First). This half-marathon training is going to be all about fun, fun, fun. Long runs here I come! 

– After our long run –

To everyone that I saw yesterday, it was nice seeing you all: Patrick, Me-Anne and hubby, bikers Foreign Runner (sorry didn’t recognize you at first with the helmet), Virginia, and Marga. 

GOOD NEWS: I just found out that The Bull Runner is/was a finalist in the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards 2 – Sports Category.  Among the 7 finalists, TBR was the only running blog. Woohoo!

BAD NEWS: The blog awards is tonight. I had no idea. I didn’t receive a notification nor an invitation—nothing. I wonder who won.