Archive for August, 2012

I had the pleasure of being invited to be a brand ambassador of HERO FOUNDATION.  I’ve worked with them since 2011 when some of our proceeds from TBR Dream Marathon were donated to the foundation.  Since then, all TBR events donate a portion of the proceeds to HERO.  Last year, all proceeds from sales of our TBR merchandise went to HERO too.  We also encourage our TBR Dream Marathon runners to pledge to run for HERO.  It gives more meaning to our runs, to run for others, and it brings joy to those around us, which is a good thing especially with so much sadness lately.

HERO Foundation was founded by President Corazon C. Aquino and then AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Renato De Villa.  It provides educational stipends to military orphans which helps keep them in school and covers other requirements such as school supplies, transportation, meals and even a portion of their tuition fee. Read more about HERO on their website.

Anyway, this has nothing to do with running (sorry!), but allow me to post anyway since it’s for a good cause.  HERO will be having a concert in Naga and a golf tournament too.  Hope you can make it!

– My first unofficial marathon QC International Marathon 2009 –

When I crossed the finish line of my first marathon in 2009, I was changed forever. Completing a 42k, a distance that once seemed impossible, taught me that anything in this world was within my grasp as long as I worked for it. I was so overwhelmed with the experience that I felt compelled to invite anyone and everyone to run a marathon too. If I could do it, so could they. After meeting with Coach Jim Lafferty, we decided to create a marathon for beginners taking them by the hand and guiding them from day one of training until they crossed the finish line of their first 42k. That’s how The Bull Runner Dream Marathon was born.

Now on its 4th year, The Bull Runner Dream Marathon has become more than I could ever dream of. It’s the first and only marathon exclusively for beginners in the entire world. It’s received a lot of positive feedback from runners and sponsors alike, more than we could have ever imagined. It has encouraged and promoted the idea of “paying it forward” where more experienced, selfless “Dream Chasers” and volunteers give back to beginner runners who need support and guidance. And, most importantly, it has changed the life of so many runners who crossed the finish line of our race. Just like the way it changed mine.

TBR Dream Marathon is my baby, my pet project.  Together with a great team, it’s our way of making a positive contribution to this world. It’s personal for us and we make it personal for you, too. TBR Dream is not just any race; it’s a life experience we wish to share with you.

Together with TBR Dream Team—Coach Jim Lafferty, Neville Manaois, Lit Onrubia, Jun Cruz, and Macel Janeo—we invite you to be a part of TBR Dream Marathon 2013.

Here are 15 reasons why we think you should go for your first marathon with us:

1. MADE FOR FIRST-TIME MARATHONERS. We have 600 slots reserved for runners attempting to complete their first or second marathon. This race was made for the beginner from day one of training in September 24, 2012 to full support on race day on February 24, 2013. Race cut-off is generous and appropriate for 1st-timers. No prizes will be given to top finishers because “At TBR Dream Marathon, everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner.”

2. TRAINING PROGRAM BY COACH JIM LAFFERTY. To help you train properly, you will receive a 22-week Training Program developed by my co-founder and finisher of over 20 marathons, Coach Jim Lafferty.  Should you have any questions, he is just an email away.

– Our head coach, Jim Lafferty –

3. BULL SESSIONS (LONG RUNS). While most of the runs will be done on your own, once a month all participants will be invited to a Bull Session: long group runs together led by Head Coach and Chi Running instructor, Lit Onrubia. We run using the run-walk technique and you will be divided into groups so you can go at your own pace with fellow TBR Dreamers. By the time marathon day comes, most runners along the course will be familiar faces—or better yet, good friends!

– Bull Session at NUVALI for TBR Dream 2010 Batch –

4. BULL CIRCLE (TALKS). Once a month, you will be invited to talks by running experts specifically chosen by TBR because of their knowledge and competency in a particular field.  Past speakers include Sen. Pia Cayetano, Coach Jim Saret, Dr. George Canlas, Dr. Randy Molo, Christine Jacob, Hector Yuzon, and many more.

5. PERSONAL AND INTIMATE MARATHON EXPERIENCE. Due to the small number of participants, we can and will treat each one of you as if you were the only runner in the marathon. We will provide more than enough water, sports drinks, fruits, chocolates, sponges, and ice. Even our marshals and volunteers will treat you like friends.

6. SAFE & SCENIC ROUTE. Our course is in NUVALI, the new prestigious 1,700 hectare development of Ayala Land south of Manila. You can enjoy the fresh air as you run on a course with limited vehicular traffic. You’ll marvel at the scenic views of Mt. Makiling, Laguna de Bay, and Tagaytay Ridge during the marathon.

7. “DREAM CHASERS.” Experienced marathoners and volunteers (mostly TBR Dream alumni)—handpicked and screened by the race organizers—will be on standby at four Dream Chaser tents along the race course.  At any time a runner requests for help, the “Dream Chaser” will happily run a few kilometers with the marathoner to provide hydration, gels, food, or even silly jokes.  Last race they provided masseuses!

– Ruby Gan escorted by Dream Chaser Peter Ros (left) and Mitch Felipe-Mendoza (right) during TBR DM 2011 –

– Dream Chasers at TBR Dream 2012 –

8. DREAM MOBILE. One bus will travel along the route during the race.  Family and friends of runners can hop on the bus (with their banners, flags, and bells in hand) to cheer for their runner when they spot them along the route.

9. SECOND WIND ZONE. The last few kilometers is the hardest portion of any marathon. At this point, Team Secondwind will provide free hydration, food and of course, support to make the toughest part of the race a little bit easier and give runners their second wind as they run towards the finish line. Oh, we’re pretty sure they can make you laugh too no matter how exhausted you are.

10. FAMILY ACTIVITIES. While they wait for the runners, families and friends can dine at Solenad, a row of restaurants with Starbucks, Italianni’s, Conti’s, and Yellow Cab, that will be open for breakfast. They can opt to bring food and have a picnic or rent bikes.  Kids will get a thrill from feeding over 800 koi fish or ride boats on the lake.

11. ENTERTAINMENT. We’ll have music blasting at the start/finish line and even a band playing along the route to keep you entertained and energized.

12. PERKS & FREEBIES. You don’t just get what you pay for, but you get MORE. You get two shirts: 1 TBR Dreamer shirt and 1 TBR DM finisher’s shirt. You get automatic inclusion into TBR Dream Marathon e-Newsletter for updates on our group activities and inclusion into TBR Dream Marathon Facebook Group, and goodies from sponsors that should make your registration fee worth every cent.

13. TBR DREAM CARD. Upon registration, you receive a TBR Dream Card which provides you with discounts and privileges from our partners and sponsors. Think: 20% off New Balance items and more!

14. SEND OFF PARTY. A week before the race, we will all gather for some food, raffle prizes, pre-race briefings, and a whole lot of laughter and chatter for a TBR Dream Send Off Party that we’ll prepare for you. This is where you’ll also claim your race kit.

– TBR DM 2012 Batch Photo during our Send Off Party –

– During our Send Off Party 2012: with hosts Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Boy Ramos and Zeny Mejias and Lester Castillo, from Unilab Active Health, our co-presenter –

15. HELP ORPHANED CHILDREN. Part of race proceeds will go to HERO (Help Educate and Rear Orphans) Foundation.  HERO foundation provides educational stipend support to children of soldiers who are killed-in-action or are permanently incapacitated in battle defending our democracy and preserving peace and order. Learn more about it HERE.

[RACE INFORMATION]

TBR DREAM MARATHON 2013

WHEN: 24 February 2013, SUNDAY
WHERE: NUVALI, STA. ROSA LAGUNA
NO. OF RUNNERS: 600
DISTANCE: 42KM
REGISTRATION FEE: P3,000 PER RUNNER covering TBR Dream Marathon training program, 1 training shirt, 1 finisher’s shirt, TBR Dream discount card, training support for 22 weeks, 5 run clinics and 5 running talks, 1 Send Off Party ticket, race kit, loot bag, medal, and many more.

 [CAN I JOIN?]

If you are a first- or second-time marathon eager to run your dream marathon, then you are eligible to reserve a slot for TBR Dream Marathon 2013.

For now, let the idea sit and think long and hard about it.  We’re going to give you the best race we can possibly give, but make no mistake about it, this won’t be a walk in the park, we will ask for your commitment and enthusiasm in return.

Check back with us within the week for more announcements on ONLINE RESERVATION for TBR Dream Marathon 2013.

Sorry but we will not entertain any inquiries at the moment. We also do not accept reservations.

P.S. This post is a rehash from last year’s TBR Dream Marathon. It really is the best way for me to explain what TBR Dream Marathon is all about!

————————————————————

FAQ:

1. I can only run 10ks, can I sign up for TBR Dream Marathon? Yes. Our 22-week program is beginner friendly. In fact, we start with 2 weeks of walking to gradually introduce running to the newbies. The rest of the program is based on a run-walk program to be used during training.  We encourage running at a conservative pace. Having said that, we still would prefer that you don’t rush into your first marathon. You can run shorter distances this year and join our next TBR Dreams.
2. Do we run together during the entire 22-weeks leading up to the marathon? No. We will meet once a month for the next 6 months for our Bull Sessions where we will run together. For other training days, we expect you to do your homework on your own. While this is a beginners’ marathon, we will not baby you. We do commit to guide you and provide all the support you need to make this one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
3. How do we know we are training properly? We have gathered the best experts in the field to give you much needed information on training for the marathon during our Bull Circles, free running talks covering topics that will prepare you for the marathon. TBR Dream Team will also be there for you.
4. I’m from the province, can I join? Yes. If you manage to reserve a slot, please email us details regarding your situation. We will allow you to send your payment and forms as long as you can make it to race day.
5. I signed up for a 42k before but did not finish it, can I still join? Yes. As long as you never crossed the finish line of a 42km, then you may join.
6. I finished two marathons already, but I want to join your race. Can I still join? No. The race is exclusively for first- and second-time marathoners. Our slots are limited and you’ve had your experience running your first marathon, please allow someone else to experience the same joy. We encourage you, however, to volunteer as a Dream Chaser, pacer, or cheerer. This is your chance to pay it forward to other runners. Registration for Dream Chasers and volunteers will be on January 2013.

He seemed so innocent when he arrived at our home as a puppy…

We took him in and treated him like family…

We even took him with us to participate in races…

I had the impression that he loved running too. But, as you see here, when he requested to be carried by Little Miss Bull Runner during the Southridge Run, it might have been his way of boycotting running…

I believe we’ve got an anti-running hound in the house. Cosmo is cuddly and cute, he looks harmless, and, yes, we love him to pieces. But, two days ago, much to my horror, I discovered my Nike Free 7.0 all chewed up, its laces torn into three.

This was my Chosen Shoe: the shoe I used for Ironman 70.3 Cebu and the one I was planning to wear for Berlin Marathon among all my other running shoes.  They’re irreplaceable because they’re an old model that isn’t available locally anymore.  Double sigh.

The culprit for such a heinous crime?

No other than Cosmo, the anti-running dog. This was how he looked when I confronted him. Looks guilty eh?!

Sure you can train for and finish a triathlon on your own, but, it definitely makes life easier when you learn basic techniques and skills from experts who are not only experienced in their field, but are also well-equipped to train athletes like you.

It took quite a number of supportive people in the running and triathlon community—yes, as huge as a village—to guide me through my Ironman 70.3 Cebu journey.

Here’s a list of the coaches I worked with, even if there were many more friends, acquaintances, and even strangers who gave their much appreciated advice on how to do well for my first Ironman 70.3:

1) COACH ANDY LEUTERIO

When I was choosing a coach for triathlon, Coach Andy came to mind. I asked a friend about him and here’s how the conversation went:

Me: How’s Andy as a coach?

Friend: Andy will work you to death. Then, he’ll spit on you. Then, he’ll work you to death even more.

Me thinking: Oooh, I like him already.

With that, I signed up with Coach Andy as my primary coach for triathlon, with more focus on cycling.  Andy also works with Specialized, the guys that set me up with the Shiv, so he basically played two roles: the guy who trained me to reach my target time and, umm, the guy who set that specific target time for me to win the Shiv!

Andy set my training program composed of 9 workouts for 6 days of training per week. He emailed this to me every Monday while I filled it in with what I had accomplished and sent it back to him every Sunday. With this info, he could adjust each week’s program according to my schedule (e.g., travel, heavy workload, or kids’ exam week) and my progress.

Particularly in cycling, Coach Andy monitored my improvement through a Power Meter test and provided me with a comprehensive assessment of how I could train and race efficiently using my heart rate. He also accompanied me to Edmund Mangaser’s bike shop, All Terra, for bike fitting.

– 6 weeks before Ironman 70.3 Cebu. Power meter test at All Terra with Coach Andy. I remember asking Andy: “Coach, is it okay to do a Power Meter test after my swim training?” hoping he’d postpone it because I’d be tired. He replied: “Oh, that’s perfect. Bring running shoes too so you can run after.” Gasp. I didn’t call him the King of Suffering for nothing. –

Coach Andy is perfect for competitive athletes who want to improve their performance and constantly want to push their bodies to the limits. He regularly holds swim, bike, and run group sessions with his students, but, in my case, we were one-on-one or I’d do my homework on my own. He has an e-group to communicate with all students. He’s also a prolific writer so he occasionally sends out an inspiring letter or a technical article via this e-group.

– with Coach Andy after finishing Ironman 70.3 Cebu. Photo: Andy Leuterio –

Andy practices “tough love;” he won’t pamper you nor will he mince words to tell you exactly how hard you have to train for race day. He will prepare you for a race by killing you in training so that when race day arrives, it will be a walk in the park…or at least one with less suffering.

Training: Triathlon
Area: Alabang, Pasig
Phone: 0917-864-1014
Email: alpha_tri@yahoo.com

2) PATRICK JOSON

Coach Patrick Joson trained me for a few weeks on my roadie when I started biking in February 2012. He taught me proper mounting and dismounting, how to spin properly, and—the greatest fear of most newbie cyclists including myself— how to ride with cleats!  He was incredibly patient with me and gave me the assurance that he wouldn’t let me crash. I pitied him when he had to chase me all around the parking lot as I attempted my first ride with cleats.

Coach Patrick is great for beginners and serious athletes, especially those who enjoy training in groups. He enjoys dishing out new learnings in the world of running, cycling, nutrition, and triathlon, especially from the Maffetone and Pose Methods which he espouses. He trains runners and cyclists in Alabang.

Training: Triathlon
Area: Alabang
Phone: 0917-527-7141
Email: patrickjoson@gmail.com

3) NORMAN PASCUAL

I joined Coach Norman Pascual for 3 to 4 sessions of bike skills at SM Mall of Asia when I got the Shiv. Shifting from a roadie to a TT bike in April, just 5 months before Ironman 70.3 Cebu, caused much anxiety as I felt like I had to learn how to ride again.

Coach Norman taught me specific bike skills: bike handling, balance, riding on aero, drinking while riding, and proper mounting and dismounting. He even taught me how to refill my Speedfill as I was biking!  These sessions were a key factor in building my confidence on the bike.

I was a witness also to how he helped other friends go from zero to finishing the Ironman 70.3 Cebu.  I heard how he helped cyclists atop the Marcelo Fernan bridge and witnessed him pace one student in the run with complete disregard for his own performance.  Coach Norman is one coach who will go all out to care for each of his students.

– Coach Norman teaches me how to change a flat –

Coach Norman is a great coach for beginners, especially those who want to get into triathlon, as well as serious athletes who want to become more competitive. He coaches in groups and teaches you everything from swim, bike, run, and everything in between like transitions, drinking at stations, and other the little details that you don’t really find in books.

Training: Triathlon
Area: QC, Bonifacio Global City
Phone: 0917-862-6224

4) ANI DE LEON

Coach Ani is a friend and my teammate at Unilab Active Health. She offered to guide me in training for Cebu and would regularly email me a program as well. We didn’t get to train together regularly due to conflicts in schedule, but it was her training camp, The Next Step Tri Camp, last year that planted the seed in my mind that I could actually finish a medium distance triathlon.  Oh, this Iron mommy’s words of encouragement during smaller triathlons: “Go Jaymie!” as she gunned for first place certainly gave me that extra push to make it to the finish!

– Next Step Tri Camp 2011: with Coaches Ani and Dan Brown in Subic. This was my first open water swim –

Training: Triathlon
Area: Alabang, NUVALI
Phone: 0915-444-0290
Blog: My Strength is My Strength
Website: The Next Step Tri

5) MARTIN CARANDANG

I started training with Coach Martin in the summer of 2011. When injuries prevented me from running, I got into swimming as an alternative means to maintain my fitness and provide me with another goal while waiting to recover. True enough, my progress in swimming kept me happily distracted. From panting and pausing at every lap, I could swim 1.5k with, um, a lot less breaks during the summer of 2011.

– 2011 Swim squad photo. Just when I was just starting to get my feet wet…literally. L to R: Jake, Adel, Bic, Coach Martin, and myself –

When it was time to train seriously for Cebu this 2012, I had grasped the basic techniques and had a mileage base that Coach Martin said we could build on. Coach Martin started adding speed a month or two before Cebu. He got me swimming 2k at Tri United 2 with confidence and more speed, such a big improvement from my past triathlons. His practical tips before Tri United races and Ironman 70.3 Cebu also kept me calm and focused.

Training: Swimming
Area: Pasig
Phone: 0917-838-7967

6) NONOY BASA

Nonoy Basa didn’t train me for Ironman 70.3, but I had to include him in this list because it was my knowledge from my sessions 4 years ago that gave me the foundation for the swim. Nonoy is a Total Immersion swimming coach and I turned to him when I needed help for my mini-sprint triathlon way back in 2008. I highly recommend Total Immersion for anyone  who wishes to learn how to swim more efficiently.

– 2008 Total Immersion Sessions with my only classmate Dondi Gaston and Nonoy Basa –

Training: Swimming
Area: Alabang
Phone: 0917-350-6383

7) LIT ONRUBIA

Lit is one of the friends that I run with regularly especially for long runs. Luckily, he is also the first certified Chi Running coach in the country.

– 2009 Chi Running Session with my classmates and instructor, Lit Onrubia, on the far right –

While I can be stubborn when it comes to my running (no one can really tell me what I should do anymore or how slow or fast I should go!), I still get nuggets of running information from Lit every now and then.

During the run at Ironman 70.3 Cebu, the last and, undoubtedly the most critical portion of the race for me, I remembered to lean forward, keep my shoulders relaxed, tighten my core, and just let gravity do the work for me.

Training: Chi Running
Phone: For more info on the next Chi Running workshop, call or text 0915-638-5801
Website: Forward Lean Running

To the coaches mentioned above, thank you once again from the bottom of this Bull’s heart. I couldn’t have done it without you!  May you continue to spread the love for running and triathlon!

PRESS RELEASE:

Timex and Runrio will bring their unique racing experience to the runners in Cebu and Davao. Timex, an internationally known watchmaker, is a sponsor of some the world’s most prestigious races. It is the timekeeper of the Ironman World Championships in Kona and Germany, the New York City Marathon, and the London Marathon.

This time around, Coach Rio Dela Cruz will be joined by celebrities and Timex endorsers, Maricel and Anthony Pangilinan together with the rest of their family as the Timex Run goes to Cebu and Davao.

– Timex Run Cebu –

– Timex Run Davao –

The runners are in safe hands with Runrio and Timex. But, there are more reasons why the runners should be excited for the upcoming Timex Run. One sure reason is that they get a chance to meet and run alongside with the Pangilinan family. Maricel, Anthony, Ella, Donny, Hannah, Benj, and baby Solana are all excited to go the Cebu to have a wonderful time.

Just like the Manila race, the run in Cebu and Davao will be divided into three race categories – 5K, 10K, and 16k. These race categories are designed for beginners, fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and casual runners. This will surely be an event for everyone!

Excited already? Cebu runners can register starting on July 02 until August 17, 2012 at the Philippine Sports Commission Office Region 7, Cebu City Sports Center from 9am – 7pm,  Timex Shop Mactan Marina and at The Active Zone (near Bread Talk), Ayala Center Cebu from 11am – 8pm. Registration fees are at Php400 (5KM), Php500 (10KM) and Php600 (16KM).

Of course, no event would be complete without some prizes. Top three male and female winners for all categories will receive a Timex watch. Also, all registered participants will get 20% discount on all Timex watches worth P3, 000 and above! They can claim it before race day until September 30, 2012.

Hurry and register now, time is running! Assembly time for all categories is at 4:00AM. Gun start times are at 5:15AM (16KM), 5:30AM (10KM) and 5:45AM (5KM). Run with Team Pangilinan and Coach Rio at the TIMEX Run 2012 Cebu and Davao!

Cebu Secretariat – Audie Marte (09282439643)

For Davao Run, Registration is until August 24, 2012 at TIMEX Store Abreeza Mall and TIMEX SM City, Davao from 11am – 8pm. Registration fees are at Php400 (5KM), Php500 (10KM) and Php600 (16KM).