Author Archives:

When I started running in 2006, it was my secret dream that the rest of the family would pick up the sport, too.  The hubby eventually started running and he completed his first marathon at the first TBR Dream Marathon in 2010 (good choice for a first, eh?)  We ran NYC Marathon together later that year.

As for the kids, they would run shorter races with us.  Sometimes, I would take them out on weekends for short bike rides and runs.  But, I never ever wanted to push them into taking the sport more seriously.  I believed that if I wanted them to enjoy this sport as much as I did, they had to want to do it for themselves.  And so, through the years, I’ve been living a very active lifestyle allowing the kids to see me come home after a long run, pack my running gear for a marathon abroad, or simply listen to me wax poetic about an awesome run.  At the same time, I prayed, hoped, and waited that one day they would ask me for more serious training.

After years of waiting, that day finally came!  At least for my older son, Anton, who is now 12.  (12 already? How time flies. Sigh.)

ABOUT ANTON

Indulge me for a moment here and allow me to tell you about this not-so-little boy of mine.  He’s a good boy. He’s quiet, respectful, obedient, and humble.  (I won’t argue with you, he probably got this from his Dad haha!)  At the same time, underneath all this shyness, he’s also smart, a deep thinker (a trait he got from him Mom.  Er, that’s what people tell me.)  His teachers tell us that he’s an old soul who throws out questions like an adult sometimes.  Last March, he graduated from Elementary school.  He was one of only two kids who bagged ALL the awards given out that day.  I was floored…and, I was overjoyed.  It was truly one of the proudest moments of my life.  The feeling beat a marathon finish 10x over.

– That’s my boy! –


– with the proud Mama and sis! –

If that weren’t enough, a few weeks after graduation, with summer upon us, Anton gave me even better news: he wanted to run and bike with me.  My reaction?  First, I was ecstatic!  Okay, let’s do this!  I had images of me and my boy running and conquering hills together and riding past cars (and Vin Diesel in a jeep) all over the city!  Then, reality struck.  While I could easily take him running longer with me, I worried about biking out with him. Wasn’t it irresponsible of me to send my dearest child out to bike with a newbie biker like me? With visions of me struggling to uncleat and dismount as I try to save him from an oncoming truck, I thought it best to find a coach to get his feet wet into this world the right way.

DUATHLON CLASSES WITH COACH NORMAN

Lucky for me, I’ve got a lot of great coach friends around.  I texted coach friends like Ani de Leon-Brown and Norman Pascual who I know train kids regularly.  After checking schedules (my daughter decided to take up swimming with Ria Mackay’s Aqualogic Swim Classes. More on that next time) and figuring out how I could possibly train for Ironman 70.3 in August while taking two kids to different sessions this summer (gaaah! the life of a tri mom!), I decided to go with Coach Norman’s Duathlon Sessions for kids in SM Mall of Asia every Wednesday and Friday. I thought if he wanted to get into triathlon later, then it would be easier for him already.

As for his gear, I chose NOT to spend to much on this just yet.  The only thing we really invested in were his shoes: Asics Gel Kayano, a few months ago. (I love run shoes and one should never compromise on this. So there!) I got Anton a very cheap mountain bike in Cartimar a few months ago and this was what we use for now.  For shorts, the hubby lent him.  For his tops, I gave him some of mine.  Hey, stop laughing about how frugal we are! I’ve got a couple of barely used football shoes, a tennis racket, and goggles gathering dust at home to remind me about spending too much too soon.  I just told Anton to prove to me first that he’s interested in doing this long term and we’ll support him all the way.

The first few sessions were one-on-one which was awesome for a beginner like Anton.  Coach Norman started with basic mounting and dismounting lessons, gearing, and even rode out with him around SM MOA a couple of times.

– with Coach Norman –

– Running seems natural for this kid. He actually leans forward and lands on his mid foot –


– After running, he gets on his bike –

By the next sessions, four other kids, all siblings, joined Anton for more fun sessions.  They raced with each other and even rode MOA in drafting positions.  During the last sessions, Anton even learned how to do a flying dismount, something I can only do in my dreams.

– They rush to wear their shoes, helmet, head off to bike, then run –


– The bigger kids biking –

– Little Sis comes out to watch Kuya. I’m hoping the bug rubs off on her too –

For now, Anton enjoys every single session and, for that alone, I am thankful.  I’m crossing my fingers that he’ll continue this even when school starts in June.  Just yesterday, he asked me: Mom, when can I get a nicer road bike?  Aaaah, it may burn a hole in our pockets, but, hey, it was music to my ears!

MORE INFO ON TRIATHLON FOR KIDS

If you want to get your child started in triathlon or swim, bike, and run, here are some info that may help.

COACHES

• Coach Norman Pascual – 0917.862.6224, tricoach norman@yahoo.com
• Coach Ani de Leon-Brown – 0915.444.0290, anikarina@gmail. com

RACES FOR KIDS (click on the links)

• Running – Unilab Active Health
• Run, Aquathlon, Triathlon – Alaska IronKids Philippines

MAGAZINE

• Junior Triathlete – published by Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and Coach Ani Brown

This is my late post dedicated to mommies who run!  Hey, every day should be Mother’s Day after all!

Being a mom is a tough job.  For those who can successfully include “training for and running a marathon” in her to-do list along with the demands of career and family life, it’s even more challenging.  But, we’ve seen many women do it and we continue to see a lot more women aiming for it because it makes life more fulfilling, it makes us more complete, and—would you believe—it makes us better wives, mothers, co-workers, daughters, and friends.

So, it was truly heartwarming for me when, at TBR Dream Marathon, Philips Avent came up to us and offered something for our running nursing mommies that we had never heard of before: Philips Avent Breastfeeding Stations.  Yes, you got that right.  For the first time in the country, a marathon was offering a Breastfeeding Station, aside from the usual Water and Sports Drink Station.  How cool was that?!

We drew up the plans.  Found the location for it.  And quickly informed our nursing running mommies, Maricel and Debbie, about it.  They were thrilled.  When race day came, they dropped by and expressed their milk conveniently, discreetly, and comfortably at the special Philips Avent Breastfeeding stations.

– Philips Avent products neatly arranged –


– Philips Avent breastfeeding pumps –

The stations were clean and spacious.  Our two super nursing mommies were treated to free use of Philips Avent breast pumps, bottles and other products at the tent.

– Maricel Pangilinan and her pacer/husband Anthony pause to express milk for baby Solana –


– Young mommy Debbie giving a thumbs up.  She doesn’t even look tired midway through the run –


– Maricel and Anthony, along with friend Tina, continue the marathon with the Philips Avent tent behind them –

I hope this post inspires in many ways:

– For new mommies to realize that you too can aim to be fit and strong even while you’ve just given birth or are raising infants and young children (or like these moms, even while you’re breastfeeding. Just consult your doctor first);
– For moms of every age, shape, and size to know that you can live a healthier, happier lifestyle while caring for your family if you just decide to start NOW;
– For more companies, like Philips Avent, to support moms and women and lighten their load as they devote their lives to their families.
– For all of us to always remember our Mothers and the sacrifices they’ve made for us not just on Mother’s Day, but on the other 364 days of the year.

– Nursing mommy Maricel finishes her first marathon! –


– Maricel thanks Philips Avent for the support! –

Last year, everyone was raving about Yurbuds.  I wondered what the fuss was about.  I was given a pair of Yurbuds and, despite my twisting and poking, they would not—for the life of me—enter my ears! Turns out, it wasn’t Yurbuds’ fault, but mine.  My ear canals are just abnormally small. Whoops.

Fast forward to this year and I was given fantastic news.  They released Yurbuds for Small Ears!  (They must’ve heard my whining on the other end of the globe.)

YURBUDS FOR SMALL EARS

I used the Yurbuds several occasions in the gym on the treadmill and on the road. Upon my first try, I finally realized why it was so different from other earphones. The fit was so much more comfortable than my old pair of earphones. The wire was also much longer and allowed for me to tuck my ipod nano in my back pocket or in a hydration belt for convenience. It is sweatproof and water resistant. And, last but not the least, the music sounded so much sharper than my old pair of earphones! I seriously thought it helped to make me run faster during workouts! Even better news when I heard that Yurbuds allows for ambient noise. This means that even if I run with Yurbuds on, I’ll still be able to hear oncoming cars on the road to ensure my safety.

– Yurbuds for Small Ears. Almost like they had my name on it! –


– My Yurbuds for Small Ears with extra buds –

I found that for longer runs, above 15k, when I started to sweat profusely, one earbud would slowly slip out of my tiny ear. But, after talking to so many friends who use them, I believed this was a problem only I had (again because of my abnormally small ear canals).  I prayed that Yurbuds would make a version for super tiny ears like mine.

Within a couple of weeks, before my Yurbuds and I even had the chance to become, er, best buds (corny, I know, but humor me please), I was given a new pair for testing: Yurbuds Inspire for Women.

Oh yes, God answered my prayer.

YURBUDS INSPIRE FOR WOMEN

Yurbuds Inspire for Women was designed by Annie Karayiannis, yurbuds Creative Director. Karayiannis spent time researching female athletes to gain a better understanding of the earphone size, shape and colors that would best serve their unique needs.

– Train in color. Nice tagline! –


– Take your pick, girls! –

The Inspire for Women line was designed specifically to fit smaller ears and features all of the classic yurbuds qualities including sweat and water resistant design, FlexSoft™ comfort fit, TwistLock™ Technology and ambient noise awareness. Women can train in color with the new Inspire for Women, choosing from six options – aqua, pink, yellow, green, purple and orange.

I chose purple and I completely fell in love with it! I’ve used it twice now and while I still haven’t used it for a longer run, I do feel it’s slightly smaller size will stay in place for my tiny ears. This is definitely one of my fave products of the month. Highly recommend it.

– My purple Yurbuds. Love it! –

The yurbuds Inspire for Women retails for P1,500.00 at Planet Sports, The Athlete’s Foot, and RUNNR. It will also be available soon at Urban Athletics, MOVE, Brooks, and PowerMac Center.

YURBUDS INSPIRE LIMITED EDITION

Only recently, Yurbuds released a new product: Yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition sport earphones. It’s got Triple Magnet Sound Technology which provides an exceptional listening experience with exceptionally deep bass in a 3D soundscape. It is compatible with Apple® devices and includes a 3-button microphone on the tangle-free Kevlar® cord. It retails for P4,800 at Planet Sports, The Athlete’s Foot, RUNNR, Urban Athletics, MOVE, and Brooks.

For more information on yurbuds:
Website: www.yurbuds.com.
Facebook: facebook.com/yurbuds | facebook.com/CascosInc

As soon as I got back from our trip, as I killed myself in training, buried myself under piles of work, and ran from here to there for mommy/wife duties, I thought to myself: I need a vacation!

Secretly (ssshhh don’t tell the hubby), I’ve been searching for my next great escape after Ironman 70.3 Cebu in August. I’ve been surfing the web for yoga retreats or half marathons abroad, just easy, laid-back trips that will allow me to recharge while allowing me to maintain my fitness, both in body and mind.

Today, I opened my email to find the info below. Aaah, they got me at “place of peace!”  Now, I may not be able to win the lotto before August 31 (when the retreat will end its offering), but those of you who may be interested should go, take photos, and tell me all about it!

AMANPURI INTRODUCES WELLNESS RETREAT INTEGRATING NUTRITION, PILATES AND SPECIALIZED THERAPIES

– Photo courtesy of www.amanresorts.com –

New York – May 23, 2013: This summer, in Phuket, Thailand, Amanpuri (place of peace), the property that gave birth to Amanresorts, is offering a five-night Wellness Retreat. Available from July 1 through August 31, 2013, the retreat is designed to enhance general wellbeing by integrating a personalized and holistic approach to fitness and detoxification. Amanpuri’s spa specialists will create tailored nutrition and movement programs for every individual participating in the retreat, with the aim of boosting circulation, removing toxins and imbuing a sense of vitality.

• The retreat begins with a personal assessment with a nutritionist, who will design a healthy menu incorporating juices and living foods (alkaline-based and not cooked over 115°C to preserve natural enzymes).
• Aman Pilates will complement the nutritional aspect of the retreat, with every participant receiving a personalized movement program after an in-depth Aman Pilates postural assessment. A number of private Pilates sessions will then assist in improving circulation and awakening sluggish lymphatic systems, as well as toning muscles and strengthening cores.
• Specialist treatment sessions, including polarity therapy and deep tissue therapy, will assist in the detoxification process. Polarity therapy is a form of bodywork that allows the energy within the body to rebalance. It unlocks holding patterns that create blockages and works on an emotional, mental and physical level. Within the context of detoxification, it assists the body’s internal energy to move from stagnant (associated with blockages) to vital (assisting circulation and lymphatic flow). Deep tissue therapy is a bodywork modality that accesses layers of muscle and fascia to improve alignment, reduce levels of resting tension and create a more efficient postural and movement pattern.
• The retreat will also include a pure relaxation aspect. Participants will be able to select a number of indulgent treatments including massages, scrubs, facials and wraps from the Aman Spa menu.

Enjoying a hilltop setting above the resort, Amanpuri’s Aman Spa features six spacious treatment pavilions, each offering a private steam room, shower, bath, dressing area and outdoor relaxation sala. Housed on the top floor of a two-story pavilion is the spa’s fully equipped gym – its floor-to-ceiling windows offering open sea views. The spacious Pilates studio is situated on the lower level, and offers reformers and other Pilates-specific equipment.

For those short of time, Amanpuri is also offering a three-night retreat. Both retreats include accommodation, daily meals, one nutritional assessment and an Aman Pilates assessment, but while the five-night retreat includes three Pilates sessions, two specialist treatment sessions and three spa treatments per person, the three-night retreat offers two Pilates sessions, one specialist treatment session and two spa treatments per person.

Amanpuri enjoys a pristine setting on the west coast of Phuket in Thailand. At the heart of the resort lies a midnight-blue swimming pool, surrounded by several dining venues. Beyond are 40 guest pavilions and over 30 Aman Villas, tucked into lush gardens and most with beautiful views. A wide swathe of steps leads down from the main swimming pool to the Beach Club, where another swimming pool is located. The steps then continue down to the white-sand beach, from which snorkeling and a variety of watersports can be enjoyed. The resort also offers a library, boutique, tennis courts and Aman cruises.

The Amanpuri Wellness Retreat is priced at US$3,890 for the three-night package and US$6,075 for the five-night package, based on double occupancy.

For more information about Amanpuri, please visit: www.amanresorts.com

ABOUT AMANRESORTS
Amanresorts was founded by Adrian Zecha who envisioned a collection of intimate retreats in beautiful surrounds with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private residence. The first, Amanpuri (place of peace) in Phuket, Thailand, introduced the concept, and since then, Amanresorts has grown to encompass 25 resorts located in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, Greece, Indonesia, India, Italy, Laos, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, the Turks & Caicos Islands and the USA.

With just a couple more days to the 3rd month anniversary of our new marathoners from batch 2013 of TBR Dream Marathon, we couldn’t wait to release our little surprise: the official video coverage of TBR Dream Marathon 2013.

Enjoy! In the meantime, we are busy preparing for TBR Dream Marathon 2014 (yes, we start this early!)