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My Li’l Miss Bull Runner turned another year older today. Like I’ve told her almost every single day the past week, I don’t have a baby anymore (sob sob), but we’re lucky to have a fun, adventurous, and sometimes feisty little lady. (You need not ask who she took after.)

She’s only joined one race this year: the Mommy Milkshake Run held last August. (We never force our kids to run if they don’t want to. But we do pray to the high heavens that they end up loving running as we do in the future.)

– LMBR with her cousin at the Mommy Milkshake Run 2011 –

I thought Li’l Miss Bull Runner would be semi-retired for this year and she’d stick to biking and playing with her Little Pet Shop toys, but as usual she surprised me last week. She heard about the Woodrose J.O.G. on December 4, 2011 and, even before I asked her if she was interested, she already informed me she was joining. That’s my girl!

– Woodrose J.O.G. Poster –

The great thing is, Li’l Miss Bull Runner received her birthday gift from the grandparents yesterday: Cosmo, the newest member of our family.  Methinks Cosmo could be her future running buddy (next to Kuya, of course!)

– Li’l Miss Bull Runner overjoyed to meet Cosmo –

Have you gotten your latest issue of TBR Magazine?

Our cover runner, Rovilson Fernandez, talks about his first marathon and the little miracles he spots at every Sunday morning race.  We’ve got a lot of info to share on Yoga for Runners, Natural Fuel for your Runs, Running Gear for All Types of Weather, and we feature two strong runners and rowers, Pat Collantes and Nancy Chu-Reyes.

Drop by your favorite running and sports stores for your FREE copy.  Click HERE to find out where we’re available!

– TBR Magazine – Sept/Oct 2011 Issue: Rovilson Fernandez –

And now for some behind the scenes shots at our location, Heritage Park Cemetery. What fun we have with our favorite photographer, Ben Chan of Blacksheep Photography, at every shoot.  Yes, even when its at a cemetery! hah!

– For the cover. Good thing Rov brought his Mizuno hoodie –

– For our spread –

– For our title page –

– Pat and Nancy, both runners and rowers. Oh, and moms too! –

Hang on to your seats, guys and girls!  Reservation will open in…let’s just say…sometime soon.  We’re just getting ready for all of you to sign in.  We’re fixing up your TBR Dream Marathon Program with Coach Jim Lafferty and Coach Lit Onrubia, finalizing dates and venues for your Bull Sessions, Bull Circles, and TBR Dream Send Off Party, printing your official TBR shirts (different from the Finisher’s Shirt you’ll receive on race day), bumper stickers, and letters all to be claimed upon registration, and partnering with only the best to provide you with the most amazing marathon experience ever.  Man, this is going to be even better than the past TBR Dream Marathons!

Looking forward to running with all 500 of you soon!

– 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 3rd 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 every single person who crossed the finish line of our race. Just like the way it changed mine.

TBR Dream Marathon is my baby, my pet project. It’s my way of making a positive contribution to this world. It’s personal for me 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, Edward Kho, Macel Janeo, and Miguel Pizarro—we invite you to be a part of TBR Dream Marathon 2012.

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

1. MADE FOR FIRST-TIME MARATHONERS. We have 500 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 October 2011 to full support on race day in March 2012. Race cut-off is 8 hours. 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 Coach Jim Lafferty, retired P&G General Manager, finisher of 23 marathons, coach of multiple US national team members, and TBR Dream Marathon’s principal coach.  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, and supported by Team Secondwind. 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.  Your longest run in February will be done on the actual course in NUVALI, almost like a rehearsal for the race. 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.

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) –

8. CHEERING ZONES. Solenad, a cluster of restaurants within Nuvali, will be designated as a cheering zone.  The route will have runners run through the Solenad dining area twice.  Family and friends can give you a hug, take your pic, and cheer wildly for you.  Surely the best way to reenergize when the going gets tough!

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. ENTERTAINMENT. We’ll have music blasting and even a band playing along the route to keep you entertained and energized.

13. 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 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, discounts from our sponsors, PDF souvenir program, and goodies from sponsors that should make your registration fee worth every cent. Oh, you also get a chance to join our free TBR DM Weight Management Program led by Armand and Mitch Mendoza (limited slots only).

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.

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.

TBR DREAM MARATHON 2012
WHEN: 18 MARCH 2012, SUNDAY
WHERE: NUVALI, STA. ROSA LAGUNA
NO. OF RUNNERS: 500
DISTANCE: 42KM
REGISTRATION FEE: P2,500 PER RUNNER covering marathon training program, 1 training shirt, 1 finisher’s shirt, TBR Dream discount card, training support for 6 months, 6 run clinics and 6 running talks, Send Off Party ticket, race kit, medal, and many more.

VENUE PARTNER: NUVALI
CO-PRESENTED BY: Sun Broadband, Runrio
MAJOR SPONSOR: New Balance

DO YOU WANT TO RUN YOUR FIRST (OR SECOND) MARATHON WITH US?  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 I’m telling you now, this won’t be a walk in the park, we will ask for your commitment and enthusiasm in return.

We won’t tell you exactly when, but VERY SOON, I will post an ONLINE RESERVATION link for you to reserve a slot in TBR Dream Marathon 2012.  (Sorry, I will not be able to respond to any inquiries on reservation or the race.)

We hope you can join us!

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FAQ:

1. I never ran a day in my life, can I sign up for TBR Dream Marathon? Yes. Our 22-week program is beginner friendly. We start with 2 weeks of walking to gradually introduce running. 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 marathon already, but I want to join your race. Can I still join? No. The race is exclusively for first- and second-time marathoners. 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 announced here soon.

A few years back, the New Balance Power Run 25k was one of the most anticipated races in the running scene.  And, during that time, most of us who ran the New Balance Power Run in Clark, Pampanga were running the 25k as the longest distance of our lives.  It was nerve wracking, exhausting, and one of the most memorable experience of our lives.  To this day, I would say that particular New Balance Power Run is a race to remember.

Thank God then that New Balance and now its partner Chevrolet have decided to pull out all the stops for the Chevrolet-New Balance Power Run on November 6, 2011.  I’m not easily impressed, but I have to be honest, after attending the press conference for this event a couple of weeks ago and coming home with a bagful of race materials akin to the materials provided by international races, I’m wishing I was in town to join it. (It’s the same day as NYC Marathon)

So, I’ll do my part and encourage you all to join this race which promises to be one of the more exciting races of the year.

– Chevrolet-New Balance Power Run 2011 –

– What’s in Your Lootbag? –

PRESS RELEASE

The Chevrolet – New Balance Power Run 2011 to be held on November 6 in Bonifacio Global City is open for the 5KM (Php 850), 10KM (Php 950) and 25KM (Php 1,150) race category. Online registration begins on August 24, while in-store registration will commence on September 1 – October 16, 2011. All registered runners will receive a New Balance technical shirt, race bib, timing chip and a Php 1,000 cash voucher along with a special souvenir medallion for the 25KM registrants inside an exclusive Power Run bag. What’s even more exciting is not only will there be numerous raffle prizes up for grabs but one lucky finisher will get to drive home a brand new Chevrolet Cruze! It wasn’t called the Chevrolet – New Balance Power Run 2011 for nothing.

For more details visit www.newbalance.com.ph or www.chevrolet.com.ph.