Archive for April, 2012

May 5 is a special day for me and my blog. I turn 36 (gasp!) and TBR turns 5 (woah!) How I wish it was the other way around haha.

There’s much to be thankful for during the past 36 years of my life, but most especially for the last 5 of them when TBR came to life. It’s been an awesome, overwhelming ride and I thank you for joining me at one point or another whenever you click on the site with the pink bull in green shoes, when you comment, send an email, FB message, or tweet, or when you say hi when we cross paths on the road. I may not be able to personally say Thank You to each and everyone of you, but please know that I truly appreciate it.

As my way of giving thanks, as I’ve done the past 4 years, I’ll be treating you guys for five full days of contests, fun, and, last but not the least, lots of surprises. (Okay, I’ll tell you now, the grand prize amounts to almost P20,000 in running items! Woohoo!)  Thank you also to our generous sponsors for all the prizes we’ll be giving away.

This, my friends, is the official launch of the series of contests which begins tomorrow, MAY 1.

Now, on to CONTEST RULES:

• Everyday from May 1 to May 5, 2012, I will post an entry on 5 to 5/5 Contest.  Only one contest entry per day with no particular schedule.
• Rules, prizes, and contest period will vary from day to day and will be explained in detail in that specific post.  (Clue: Usually the early birds have more chances of winning.)
• Contest will be announced on thebullrunner.com but may also be played out on this blog, Facebook, Twitter, or on the email newsletter (I hope you’ve subscribed) OR all of the above.
• Winners can win as many prizes as they want. So, let’s say you win on Day 1, you can win again on Days 2, 3, 4 and 5. By May 5, you may accumulate enough prizes to retire from your day job and just focus on running! (Yeah right!)

Day One starts TOMORROW.  Stay tuned!

This was us way back in 1992. That’s PWe, Vicky, me, Nich, Joanne, and Rico seated.  This was taken during the boys’ highschool graduation from La Salle.  We were a bunch of kids who loved golf carting through White Plains, eating Nagaraya at village parks, and sneaking our way into Euphoria or Faces.

Through the years, we’ve gone our separate ways. We don’t get too communicate as much because we all have our own families and others live abroad now. But, it’s nice to know that there’s still some things that a number of us have in common, specifically running.

Here’s a picture of Nich and Rico taken yesterday after they crossed the finish line of Big Sur Marathon.  Congrats guys!

The relay that everyone has been waiting for comes alive again!  Registration for Epic Relay 250 is now open!  Gather your teammates for one of the most thrilling and adventurous races in the country.  Woohoo!

EARLY BIRD RATES for EPIC RELAY REGISTRATION:

ALL CATEGORIES (with 10 MEMBERS): Php 12,000 ( Regular rate : Php 13,500)

ULTRA: (with 5 MEMBERS) Php 10,000 ( Regular rate: Php 10, 750)

Early bird rates apply to team that register on or before May 10, 2012

FOR DETAILS ON REGISTRATION AND MORE INFO:

Visit Epic Relay Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/epicrelay250

Toby’s just opened its 45th branch in Ayala Harbor Point, Subic.

– Lamont Walters, Kelly Williams, Toby’s Franchisees Marvin Caparros and Alex Figueroa, and Toby’s President Toby Claudio –

Address:
2nd level, Ayala Harbor Point Mall
Rizal Avenue, Subic Bay Freeport Zone Olongapo City, Zambales

When I started running way back in 2006, the only pair of socks I used were thick and long Thorlo socks that I had used way back in college for hiking. (Stop laughing!) As a newbie, I knew little about using runner-specific socks and I relied on the knowledge that Thorlo was a well-known, credible brand (almost like Cole Haan for shoes).

As I progressed as a runner, I preferred thin rather than thick socks to avoid blisters. I learned that it’s not really running shoes that cause blisters, but the socks. Hence, choosing the right pair of socks for us runners is just as important as choosing the appropriate shoe for our foot type.

Last month, Thorlo provided me with Thorlo Experia Socks for testing. I was flabbergasted. I hadn’t really thought of using Thorlos again since I knew them to be thick and hot. But, these Experia socks were thin in most areas and provided extra padding in places that need extra cushioning.

I ran 12k this morning using the Thorlo Experia socks and my Nike Pegasus 28. Here’s my review about Thorlo Experia Socks.

PROS:
– Comfortable fit. I’ve never felt socks more comfortable than Thorlos. I felt like I was walking on clouds.
– Extra padding at the right places. The additional padding are on areas where runners need it most: where our heel strikes and at the balls of our feet. There’s even padding for my bunions! (Thank. You. Lord.)
– Uses coolmax. This means that it uses technical fabric that is moisture-wicking and it will prevent blistering.
– Breathable. Despite the padding, the entire sock is made of thinner material which allows for ventilation. Perfect for the summer heat.
– Lightweight. The socks don’t feel heavy even with the extra padding. Should it get soaked in rain water, the thin material won’t make the socks too heavy as well.
– Attractive colors. I like the bright colors. A welcome change from my white or black socks.

– Extra padding at the ball of the foot –

– Extra padding at the heel –

CONS:
– A bit pricey at P799.75. I haven’t tested the durability of the product, but if it lasts as long as my Thorlos from college then perhaps it’s worth the premium cost if you can afford it.
– If you prefer thin, barely-there running socks, then this may not be for you. While the material is thin and comfy, I’ve tried other brands that have been thinner.

Thorlos are available at the following outlets:
A Runner’s Circle (Roxas Boulevard)
Planet Sports (Trinoma, Rockwell, Shangrila, Newport, Alabang Town Center)
Riovana (BGC, Katipunan)
ROX (BGC)
RUNNR (BGC)
Rustans (Gateway, Makati, Shangrila, Alabang Town Center)
Secondwind Running Store (Ortigas, Greenhills, Matimtiman, QC)
Sports Warehouse (Mamplasan)
The Athletes Foot (Galleria, Glorietta, Alabang Town Center)
Tobys (Alabang Town Center)