Archive for September, 2009

My friends and I were chatting about the running boom recently, saying how we’re not even at the peak yet. We wondered how running would evolve in the months to come: the expected increase in numbers of registrants per race (if Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon can reach 50,000 registrants.  Why can’t we?), potential growth of trail running, ultramarathons, and triathlons, and the possibility of running and races trickling down to other areas of the country. For the latter, it looks like it’s starting to happen with major race events (aside from the Milo series) heading for the provinces. Isn’t it great?!

1) TNF in CDO. This will be an awesome race to join. After my thrilling TNF experience at Clark, I’m seriously tempted to try it again. But, CDO will have to wait.  I cannot just abandon all the great marathons in Manila during October and I have to start saving up for Singapore!  Maybe next year if they’ll have a second run…

2) Cebu Marathon. This is one race to look forward to. It would be a wonderful reason to travel and a good alternative to racing abroad. Click here to visit website.

3) Camsur Marathon? I heard rumors of a Camsur Marathon in the works right after the successful Ironman 70.3 last month. This would be a great race too, if they start very early to beat the heat (which I heard was a killer at Ironman 70.3.)

I predict more provincial races in the months to come.  Perhaps the good people at Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines can offer discounted running packages to spur the growth of running and local tourism at the same time?  Great idea, huh?

I dropped by Runnr this afternoon to register for New Balance Power Race on Sept. 27 and I was shocked to discover registration at Runnr was closed.  In panic, I asked Bing of New Balance where I could still register for the race.  She replied that, as of today, runners can still register only at the following stores:

• Planet Sports Rockwell
• Planet Sports Trinoma
• New Balance Festival Mall
• New Balance Glorietta
• New Balance Shangrila
• Runnr – starting tomorrow Sept. 11, Friday

Lesson learned:  With running at a boom nowadays, register as early as possible.  The early bird catches the race bib at the cheapest fee.

The iamNinoy Runners Group met yesterday for Heroes Run, a tribute run to commemorate the 40th day since Tita Cory’s passing, by running past heroes’ monuments, Gabriela Silang, Pio del Pilar, and Ninoy Aquino along Ayala Triangle.  

– Assembly area was near the Ninoy Aquino monument –

– Marga stars in the movie “Up” –

– Banggiiiii! –

– with Banggi and Marga. BWK reunited! –

– Jam and Paolo –

– Fellow iamNinoy steercom member, Mayi –

– Gatorade for iamNinoy Runners. Of course, it had to be yellow, too! –

– Marga, Mark, and fellow iamNinoy runner! (Sorry, please send your name!) –

– Bobby and Vimz –

Despite the rains and traffic, over 30 runners, clad in yellow iamNinoy shirts, showed up to become “heroes” for the day.  Each 1.2km loop covered by a runner raised P100 to be donated by a corporate sponsor to 57:75 Movement, a non-profit organization which seeks to reverse the education crisis in the country by contributing funds to purchase textbooks, provide meals, or build schools for public schools nationwide. 

– Photographer Ben registers and commits to run a number of loops to raise funds for textbooks and schools – 

– iamNinoy runners off to run loops around Ayala –

– Why do we run? Just read the back of our shirts! –

– Hearty meal and “rehydration” at Dencio’s after Heroes Run –

If you would like to know more about the iamNinoy Runners Group or if you are interested in joining, click here.

Many thanks to Mayor Binay, Ayala Land, Gatorade, and Ben Chan and birthday boy, Maui Hidalgo of Blacksheep Photography!

I didn’t join this one to race.  I came to provide moral support to the organizer (my sister and friends!), to take a stand for breastfeeding, to run (of course!), and last but not the least, to enjoy!  

The atmosphere in Mommy Milkshake Marathon Year 3 at Bonifacio Global City last Sept. 5 was laid-back and fun.  With a jester juggling, a man on stilts, a big blue teddy bear mascot, and moms and kids strolling about, a runner would’ve thought he stumbled into a kiddie party instead of a run.  But, one quick look at the sea of pink runners pinning their race bibs, stretching, or warming up, and one would know it was truly a fun run.  

– with my sis and partner for Urban Mom Magazine, Janice Villanueva, and our dear friend, Rome Kanapi, childbirth preparation class instructor –

– Mesh (My Iron Shoes), Ting, Bards (Banana Running) and friends –

– My cousins, Camille and Candy and daughter, Katie, with Tonette, future marathoner –

– Charmaine (Correr Conmigo) and Taki (Techspec) with their unstoppable little runner, Meekha –

– They look like running twins! –

The great thing about this run was the variety of runners that showed up: non-runners such as pregnant and breastfeeding moms, newbie runners hoping to gain their first friendly race experience, serious runners bringing friends and family along, hardcore ultramarathoners (in pink too, mind you), and even the elite.  Despite the various backgrounds, runners of all shapes and sizes were there to have a good time.

– Off we go! –

– Hardcore runners: Bald Runner, Lester, Mari and Jonel –

– Kids and dogs joined the fun –

– Recent Ironman 70.3 team relay finisher (swim leg), Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and her Lola finishing the 3k –

– Swthrt (Broj) and son –

– Mariel (Solemates) and daughter Mica –

As for me, I planned on running 15k (and the hubby 10k) before Mommy Milkshake, plus another 5k with the hubby and kids.  Due to the rains, I slept longer than expected (whoops!) and thought it best to keep the kids at home.  So, the hubby and I arrived at the race with enough time to run only 5k.  We ran 5k during the race after which I ran another 6k to complete a full 16k as prescribed in my training program.  It was an enjoyable run under cool weather.  Even better with great friends and family around!

– with Mariel, Bea, Sofia, and Mika, Marga, Patrick and friends, hubby, Vimz and Art and their kids, Aljo –

– with Marga, Patrick (Nike+ 5k Challenger on Run Radio), and hubby.  Congrats on your “bitin” 3k, Patrick! –

– Fun, fun, fun! That’s what it’s about, guys! –

Remember I told you about my new toy, the TRX Suspension Trainer? It’s been giving me such a great strength training workout the past weeks that I’ve skipped the gym hoping that my personal trainer thinks I’m still in Oregon.  (Wait until he reads this)  

A couple of days ago, a friend sent me this great link on using TRX to develop flexibility for runners.  Click here.  A-m-a-z-i-n-g.  It couldn’t have come at a more perfect time as my Polar RS800 is now giving me info on stride length and cadence (yes, I know that I’m below the ideal 90 rpm based on my Hood to Coast data).  At least now I know how to use all this newfound info to improve my performance!  Now, if only I could find more time to train…

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For fitness professionals out there who are interested in learning how to use the TRX for yourself and your clients:

TRX Suspension Training Course (STC) Level 1

Get the basics of using your TRX Suspension Trainer for yourself and your clients. This expert-led course gives you the essential information and hands-on training you need.

Date: September 12, 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Venue: Pinnacle Health Pointe (aerobic studio)
Address: #36 Triple A Health Plaza Building, Scout Torillo, Quezon City (near Timog)
Telephone: Pinnacle tel. 920-1565 / 413-4791 (pls call for directions only. other inquiries regarding STC course should be coursed through Chris Sports office) Chris Sports 4128768/ 9247964. look for joan.

Price: P6500.- / P6,000 (with purchase of TRX from Chris Sports. proof of purchase is required)

Reservation: Required. Limited slot to 10 participants.

Payment: Full payment is required upon reservation. We apologize but we cannot accommodate reservation until fully paid to give way for confirmed participants. Pls. deposit at BDO account name: Engelbert Tang Account no. 1150042166 . Pls fax deposit slip with your name at 9247964.

Instructor: Gilbert Tang/ Jim Saret, U.S. Certified TRX Instructor

COURSE DETAILS

• Learn to maximize the benefits of the system and how to perform all exercises safely and correctly. This eight-hour, hands-on course explains and demonstrates set-up in a wide variety of locations, and teaches comprehensive use of the TRX Suspension Trainer so it’s an efficient, effective, and stimulating exercise tool for you and your clients of all levels. It’s the edge top fitness pros need. After completing the STC you will be able to:
• Properly set up and use the TRX Suspension Trainer in a variety of locations and for a wide variety of exercises.
• Use the TRX as an efficient and effective exercise tool regardless of your fitness level or performance training goals.
• Safely and effectively train different client populations with optimal results.
• Understand why Suspension Training is a unique and valuable training method for sports performance and general fitness.

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS: All attendees can buy a TRX at the STC for a special price of P6950.- PLUS, all TRX training programs will be available for a 20% discount the day of the course. We encourage you to inform us early if you are purchasing to make sure we have the stock on hand at the course venue.

COURSE MATERIALS: You will receive a Suspension Trainer Course (STC) Manual the day of the course. It is not required that you review this information prior to the course.