Archive for March, 2011

I’ve been shopping for a nice marathon for the middle of the year and, until now, nothing has piqued my fancy.  It sucks to be goal-less!

I got this Press Release in my email this morning.  Phuket Marathon.  Wow.  What do you think?  Any takers?

Laguna’s “Run Paradise” Marathon Sparks Growing Global Interest
Surge in Entries Makes Annual Event Asia’s Fastest-Growing Destination Marathon

Record numbers of runners from around the world are racing to Phuket to “Run Paradise” amid the island’s picture postcard tropical scenery in the sixth annual Laguna Phuket International Marathon on Sunday, 12 June.

International entries since registration opened in October have surged 20 per cent from the same period last year – putting the 2011 marathon on course to smash last year’s record of more than 4,600 entries from some 45 countries.

Year-on-year growth since the inaugural 2006 event makes Laguna Phuket International Marathon the biggest and fastest-growing destination marathon in Asia.

The “Run Paradise” tagline is an apt description of the event, which sees runners of all ages on a mainly flat course that takes in rubber and pineapple plantations, beach views, local villages and the tropical lagoons of Laguna Phuket – all in a family-friendly carnival atmosphere.

As well as the full marathon there’s a half marathon, 10.5km run, 2km children’s race and 5km family walk.

And a two-day expo with sponsor booths and fun activities around Laguna Phuket will stoke the carnival atmosphere as runners from around Thailand, the Asian region and elsewhere in the world gather to take part.

Race Director Roman Floesser of organiser Go Adventure Asia, said: “We don’t encourage runners to strive for personal best times, but to enjoy the scenery and the complete race experience. That’s also a reason why we don’t offer prize money – it’s all about participation and having fun.”

Runners are encouraged to take part in fundraising, either for their own chosen charity, or for Laguna Phuket’s community initiative to support local schools.

Early Bird registration is open until the end of March and online registration until 4 June. Hotel specials at all Laguna Phuket resorts and hotels are available for instant booking on the event website. For further information or to register, visit: www.phuketmarathon.com.

Below is the 42km Course Map for TBR Dream Marathon on March 20, 2011.

The race will be held in NUVALI, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The route will be a 21km loop x 2 all on paved roads within NUVALI. Roads will be well lit but runners who wish to bring headlamps or flashlights may do so.

DIRECTIONS:

Below is the same route map featuring the hydration stations, key stations, and Dream Chaser stations.

• Hydration stations will have water and Gatorade.  This will be placed at every 1.5 km of the route.
• Aid Stations will be placed at every other hydration station (approximately 3km).  These will have basic first aid kit, petroleum jelly (vs chafing), salt sachets, Tiger Tail foam roller (vs tight muscles), and Bodivance (for blood circulation and to battle cramps) manned by a nurse.
• Key Stations will have more stock of water and Gatorade.  These will also have sponges, ice, bananas, Cadbury Zip chocolates, and Tiger biscuits.
• Dream Chaser Stations will have 10-14 runners who will cheer you on and support you to get you through each kilometer.  Most of our Dream Chasers now are alumni of TBR Dream Batch 2010.  This time, they’ve gone the extra mile—literally and figuratively—to surprise you with super creative and unique ideas for each tent. I heard some have prepared music, cameras, and tons of food!
• Others:
  • Hammer Gels will be distributed at the assembly area at 1:30 AM.  They will also be placed near the 10km station and 21km station.  We have allocation of 3 gels per runner.
  • Kinesio Taping will be available before and during the race to be placed by certified professionals. Until supplies last.

Moms complain about it all the time. Entrepreneurs rant about it. Runners often do, too.  Since I am all of the above, I have even more reason to ask for it: MORE TIME, please!  I need extra hours—just 4 or 5 more—to tick off all the tasks I have to accomplish in a day.

The past week, we’ve been busy preparing for TBR Dream Marathon 2011. So, I would like to sincerely apologize for the lack of meaningful updates here lately. I’ve had little time to stop and ponder much less come up with any interesting running posts due to intense preparations for TBR Dream, which is—can you hear 400 nervous and excited hearts thumping simultaneously?—less than two weeks away.  We’re pulling out all the stops to make this a better one. Hang on to your seats, TBR Dream runners!

I also haven’t had the time to sit down and write a Run United 1 Race Report.  In a word, it was fantastic!  As for my run, it was completely exhausting yet exhilarating.  Paced by my forever dependable and indefatigable running buddy, Alvin, I pushed my body as hard as I could in training and during the race to break my 21k PR by a whopping—drumroll please—10 seconds!  I covered 21k at 5:28/km vs 5:32/km in my best 21k last year.  For some reason, I find this hilarious but, at the same time, it’s annoyed me enough to commit to more training come summer time. (You hear that, Alvin?!)

– Alvin and I after crossing the finish at 1:55. I could hardly breathe. That was one tough yet memorable run. Photo courtesy of Chatey Retuerto –

With the lack of time, I’ve also let go of my plan to do Subit in May.  With my crazy sched, I’ve managed to squeeze in 4x a week runs, 2x a week strength training, and 2x a week cycling/spinning.  But, the swim?…pfffttt.  None.  I can only start swimming after TBR Dream which is too close to Subit.  In order to avoid possible drowning or potentially embarrassing situations in a triathlon, I shall target another race instead.  Triathlon, will you please wait for this busy running mom to get her act together?

In the meantime, I’ll pray that God grants me more hours today to get a massage. I got one last Saturday, had another one last night, but c’mon one can never have enough massages right?

To all TBR Dream Marathoners! Let’s meet up for a simple gathering to celebrate your successes from training and for us to wish you all the best before the big day.  Come and join us for our TBR Dream Marathon Send Off Party!

DATE: Saturday, 12 March 2011

TIME: 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM

VENUE: Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City.  Mercato has now moved to another venue still within Bonifacio Global City.  Here’s the map…

WHO CAN COME:
– Registered participants of TBR Dream Marathon and their guests.  Yes, you may bring your family and friends along
– Registered and approved Dream Chasers and Pacers
– Invited guests and VIPS

PROGRAMME:

3:00 PM:

• Registration
• Redemption of Race Packets – See below for full schedule and details on race pack redemption
• Distribution of P100 food coupons (only for TBR DM runners)

3:30 to 4:00 PM: TBR DM RACE BRIEFING

4:00 to 5:00 PM: BULL CIRCLE 5: THE LAST STRETCH.  Q&A with TBR Dream Team and Coaches/Experts – Neville Manaois, Jaymie Pizarro, Lit Onrubia, Armand and Mitch Mendoza

5:00 to 5:15 PM: Raffle

5:15 to 5:30 PM: Video  and Closing

SCHEDULE OF RACE PACK REDEMPTION:

• March 12, 2011 SATURDAY | 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM: Mercato Centrale (near MC Home Depot), Bonifacio High Street.  Look for TBR Dream Booth at Organizer’s booth.
• March 13, 2011 SUNDAY | 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM: Mercato Centrale (near MC Home Depot), Bonifacio High Street.  Look for TBR Dream Booth at Organizer’s booth.
• March 14, 2011 MONDAY to March 16, 2011 WEDNESDAY: 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM: R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street – 3/F Core Room

NOTE: An authorized representative may claim your race pack upon presentation of a Letter of Authorization, Valid ID, Medical Certificate (if not submitted yet), and Submission of Signed Waivers which you may download HERE.

PROCESS FOR CLAIMING OF RACE PACK:

1. Submit Medical Certificate.  If submitted, disregard this.
2. Sign NUVALI waiver.  Download HERE or you may get a copy at the booth.
3. Sign TBR waiver. Download at HERE or you may get a copy at the booth.
4. Claim Race Packet

FOR QUESTIONS, call TBR DM Secretariat at 570-7827.

I’m pooped. And, I was ready to nap after the awesome Run United 1 Race this morning. But, I decided to check race results first.

Click HERE to get your Run United Results.

Here’s mine…Hope you had a good run!