Pinoys Beat Monks to the Finish at Laguna Phuket International Marathon

Tuesday, 21 June 2011  |  Race Reports

I heard Laguna Phuket International Marathon was a huge success. I’m still pounding my head against the wall for getting injured weeks before the race, but hey there’s no point in crying over spilled milk, or in this case, a missed international 42k race in paradise which my legs were absolutely ready for…tsk tsk.

Overcast skies and a gentle sea breeze made perfect running weather for the Laguna Phuket International Marathon last June 12, 2011.  It was the marathon’s biggest-ever field in its six-year history, with some 5,000 runners from 45 countries signed up for a full marathon, half marathon, 10.5 km run, 5 km Community Charity Walk or a 2 Km Kids’ Run.

The 42km winner for men was Russian Vsevelod Khudyakov who finished 2:33:51.  Would you believe he ran the 42km just 24 hours after arriving in Phuket from Russia to make a last-minute race registration?  Winner of the women’s marathon was Mari Kauri of Finland with a time of 03:30:46.

Spotted in the race were Filipino runners!  (I checked results and there were only 6 male runners in the 42km.  Next year there should be 1 vindictive female, right? Hah!) Here’s a photo sent by the race organizer capturing Pinoys leaving the monks behind…

LPIM _Monks

Freedom to Walk Again

Monday, 20 June 2011  |  Therapy + Injury

Today is the first day I could walk again without limping, discomfort, or pain. I didn’t know how much I took walking (and running) for granted until now.

After 25 days of wobbling like Erap, I can finally say good riddance to my cane and meds!

IMG_1022
– I had to buy a cane in Megamall just to get around during the first week of injury. Our rolling computer chair came in handy too as my makeshift wheelchair hah!. Yes, that’s how bad it was –

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– Arcoxia – my best friend in times of injury –

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– Fastum Gel – I’d put this on my foot after hot compress twice a day –

Next goal: Trying to run again. (Insert sign of the cross here!)

Happy 3rd Month Anniversary to TBR Dream Marathoners!

Monday, 20 June 2011  |  Bullish Insights

So it’s been three full months since you—our TBR Dream Marathoners Batch 2011—became, well, marathoners?!  How time flies!  What have you been up to?  How has the marathon changed your life?  Have you maintained your fitness, built your mileage base, or pursued other activities?  Let us know!

For now, I’d like to leave you with this little present: this video from my adorable niece (and dearest sis who gave me permission to post) which should bring back fond memories of the music blazing in the background as you started your first (or second marathon) in NUVALI last March 20, 2011 under the super moon.  Enjoy!

P.S. Check out her hand movements midway through the video!

Bull’s Eye: Asics Sky Speed 2 (and more running shoes)

Thursday, 16 June 2011  |  Gear + Gadgets

This Bull’s eye spotted Asic’s Skyspeed 2. WOW!  This is one handsome shoe.  May I say even more handsome than Piolo?!  (You know I’ll take running shoes over men anytime!)

SkySpeed M
– Asics Sky Speed 2 Men –

* NOTE: “BULL’S EYE” will be a new series on thebullrunner.com.  This will feature new gear, products, or services that catches my eye. These will NOT be paid endorsements or advertisements unless otherwise stated.

I dropped by the Asic’s showroom last week to check out the Autumn-Winter 2011 collection of Asics.  I was thrilled with the new line of shoes. Looks like Asics is adding more than a dash of color to its new running shoes—and I’m loving it!

Like I said, I fell head over heels for the Asics Gel DS – Sky Speed 2.  It’s a newcomer in Asics’ line of products and almost like the little brother of my favorite Asics’ shoe, Asics Gel – DS Trainer.  It can be used as an everyday trainer. Price: P6,500. Available in Asics GB3

Bad news about the Asics Sky Speed 2 though: it’s only available for Men locally.  Sob sob.  To my fellow female runners: I begged Asics to sell the Women’s Sky Speed 2 seen below.  Let me know if you think I should collect signatures for a petition!

Skyspeed2
– Bright green Asics Sky Speed 2 Women on the right –

My 2nd favorite is the Asics Gel-DS Trainer 16.  This is a supportive, lightweight trainer.  I had the older model which, unfortunately, my foot just doesn’t agree with, but a lot of my runner friends swear by this shoe.  Price: P6,250. Available in Asics GB3

DS Trainer
– Asics DS Trainer 16 Women –

For those of you who want light and fast shoes for races, the Asics Gel-DS Racer 8 looks fantastic too. This is a unisex shoe. Don’t you just love that copper line that cuts across? Price: P5,500.

DS Trainer M
– Asics DS Racer 16 Men –

The new collection of Asics boasts of new features which include:

1) Guidance Line – This is a line that runs at the outer sole of the shoe.  It helps fix your stride instead of wavering when you’re starting to get tired.  Almost like training wheels for your foot.  This is available only with some models, namely Kayano 17, Cumulus 13, Nimbus 13, GT 2160, DS Trainer 16, Sky Speed 2 and more.

Guidance Line
– Look closely and you’ll see the words “Guidance Line” –

2) AHAR Heel Plugs – This is a high resistance rubber on the heel of the outer sole of the shoe for extra durability.

Ahar

3) Soft Top Duo Max for Women – Only Asics makes a unique system for the insole that caters specifically to a Women’s needs. It makes for a more comfortable ride and protects women from injury. I heard sales for Asics Women’s shoes soared in the US because of this new feature.

Duo Max

Okay, I took down a lot of notes for you. Here’s the WEIGHT OF ASICS RUNNING SHOES (in ounces) for most shoes:

  • Nimbus 13 – M 11.5 | W 9.5
  • Cumulus 13 – M 11.8 | W 9.3
  • Kayano 17 – M 12.6 | 10.4
  • GT 2160 – M 11.7 | W 9.6
  • GT 1160 – M 10.7 | W 9.5
  • DS Trainer 16 – M 10 | W 8.5
  • Sky Speed 2 – M 9.9 | W 7.9
  • Piranha – M 4.6
  • Tarther – M 7.4 | Tarther Diva 6.2
  • DS Racer 8 – M 7.6

Runrio Set to Launch New Timing Card

Wednesday, 15 June 2011  |  News + Promos

runrio timing card

You’re invited!

On Saturday, June 18, RunRio, American Express/BDO together with Runnr will launch the newest innovation that is guaranteed to make RunRio races even more exciting and fun – the Runrio Timing Card.

Be the first to know all about it and hear it straight from Coach Rio de la Cruz himself. You can also register for the Yamaha (July 3), Rexona (July 24) and Milo (July 31) races during this event. Register for the Rexona race (July 24) and get the re-usable RunRio Timing Card as part of the race kit.

Event details: Runrio Timing Card Product Launch (open to the public)
Date: June 18 (Saturday)
Time: 6:00 to 8:30 am
Venue: Activity Area infront of RUNNR Store, Bonifacio High Street, BGC