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As if things weren’t exciting enough over here!

Check out the latest cover of The Bull Runner Magazine – Sept/Oct 2010 issue!

Ooops. I can’t reveal the face behind those abs just yet. This issue will be out in stores starting Monday next week!

CAN YOU GUESS WHO OUR COVER IS?

CLUE: This runner has got it all—a handsome face, toned body, charm, talent, and quick feet! That’s probably the reason why it’s not only girls who chase after him in races, but men too!

CONTEST: If you have an idea, post your guess in the comment box below. One person will win one (1) Timex watch. Woohoo!

PRIZE: One (1) Timex Ironman Sleek 50 Lap watch (1 hour chrono, 50 lap memory recall). Winner gets to choose between the two designs below. One has the Camsur 70.3 logo. (I bought the blue one for myself just last month! Love it!)

RULES:

1. Only 1 entry per person. More than one entry leads to disqualification.
2. Contest ends on Sept. 17, 2010, 8pm.
3. All submitted entries will be counted and will be assigned a corresponding number based on order of submission.
4. TBR will choose a random number using random.org.  Number corresponding to the submitted comment is the winner.
5. Winner will be announced before midnight, Sept. 17, 2010.

May the best (or perhaps luckiest) runner win!

Pick up your FREE TBR Magazine starting Monday, Sept. 19! Click HERE to find out where.

Thanks to Ms. Gemma of Timex!

Here’s what you’ve been waiting for: Registration for 2nd TBR Dream Marathon is Now Open!

TBR Dream Marathon is a one-of-a-kind small and intimate marathon especially designed for first time marathoners. From the moment you register for the race, we will guide you towards training properly and wisely until you run all 42.195 kms of your first marathon and cross the finish line. It is an experience that will change your life and one you will forever cherish.

Race Date: Sunday, March 20, 2011
Training Period: October 18, 2010 to March 19, 2011
Race Venue: NUVALI, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Slots: 400 first or 2nd time marathoners only
Distance: 42km
Race fee: P1,800

Partner: NUVALI
Presented by: New Balance
In Cooperation with: Gatorade, Secondwind Running Store
Supported by: Hammer Nutrition
Registration Center: R.O.X., Bonifacio High Street
Logistics Partner: Creative Juice

15 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN TBR DREAM MARATHON:

1. MADE FOR FIRST-TIME MARATHONERS. We have 400 slots reserved for runners attempting to complete their first marathon. This race was made for the beginner from proper education to full support on race day. Race cut-off is 8 hours. No prizes will be given to top finishers because everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner.

2. TBR DREAM MARATHON 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 race director.  Should you have any questions, he is just an email away.

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 the Pinoy Ultra Runners. This will neither be a race nor speedwork; it will be easy, conversational-pace runs together.  We’ll even have a practice run on the actual race course as the race draws near. By the time marathon day comes, most runners along the course will be familiar faces—or better yet, good friends!

4. BULL CIRCLE (TALKS). Once a month, participants 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, Gatorade, 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—handpicked and screened by the race organizers—will be on standby at various points in the race.  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.

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.  You can literally grab a pizza or cold drink from your family’s dining table.  At the same time, they can give you a hug or 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. (Go Daddy Go!)

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.

11. FAMILY ACTIVITIES. While they wait for the runners, families and friends can dine at Solenad, a row of restaurants such as Italianni’s, Conti’s, and Yellow Cab, that will be open for breakfas. 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 entertainment for runners along the route and for family and friends.

13. PERKS & FREEBIES. You don’t just get what you pay for, but you get MORE such as automatic inclusion in TBR Dream Marathon e-Newsletter for regular updates on our group activities, PDF souvenir program featuring all the marathoners in the race and goodies from sponsors that should make your registration fee worth every cent.

14. COMMUNITY AFFAIR. People around you will fully support you as you complete your first marathon.  Family and friends can witness you as you run along the route. The TBR Dream Team and experienced runners will help you along the way.  Volunteers and spectators will cheer for you.  The entire community will be one to help YOU achieve your dream.

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.

HOW TO REGISTER

Sign up for RESERVATION online. Click on the link below to RESERVE A SLOT for TBR Dream Marathon 2011 on March 20, 2011.

LINK: RESERVE FOR TBR DREAM MARATHON 2011

• The race is open to 400 FIRST- or SECOND-TIME MARATHONERS. First-timers will be given priority.  Second-time marathoners may reserve a slot but will be on wait-list and will gain entry only after 300 slots for first-time marathoners are filled.
• We follow a strict first come, first served rule.
• Please note that reservation does not mean immediate acceptance into TBR Dream Marathon.
• We expect honesty and full transparency in your submission. The Organizer reserves the right to refuse entry or disqualify a participant.
• When slots are full, registration details will be provided on thebullrunner.com and will be emailed to RESERVED RUNNERS. Failure to appear during the registration period will mean automatic forfeiture of reserved slot.
• Organizer will not answer any queries or requests to be enlisted.  One can only RESERVE through the link above.

Good luck! We cannot wait to meet TBR Dreamers Batch 2011! It’s time to LIVE YOUR DREAM!

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. We will all use this during the training period.
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.  Our race director and coach, Jim Lafferty, will answer your queries via email and he responds promptly. Neville Manaois, Edward Kho, Atty. Raymund Martelino, and I, together with three new members of our team, Lit Onrubia, Jun Cruz, and my hubby, Miguel Pizarro, will support you all the way.
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.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting RINA LOPEZ-BAUTISTA, the remarkable, selfless woman behind Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. It was only a few days before our meeting that I learned she’s a runner.  And, not only that, she’ll be running NYC Marathon, too.

– Rina with some of the kids that Knowledge Channel Foundation has helped –

Over lunch, I learned about her wonderful idea for all of us NYC Marathoners to get together and use our run for a worthy cause.  Her idea:

42-for-42 Donations
NYC Runners will be encouraged to help provide the Gift of Knowledge to thousands of poor and marginalized public school students across the country. They simply have to ask friends and supporters to donate $42 for every kilometer they reach as they attempt to finish all 42 kilometers. The total amount that a runner generates will be contributed to the Karunungan 2010 Fund that will help produce much-needed instructional shows in English, Science and Math with virtual Expert Teachers on Air. Sponsorships for other Knowledge Channel Packages such as cable-a-school are also encouraged.

Even before I finished my meal, I committed my full support.  (I think many of you know that I am a part of iamNinoy Runners Group, which works for the same cause: education for kids. It’s a cause close to my heart.)  As I headed home, I thought it was fantastic that one person—a female runner at that—could unite our efforts to do some good.  See what just one person can do!

– Educational programs provide quality education for schools in remote areas –

– Kids of Avocado Elementary school get much needed support from KCFI –

So, calling all runners registered for the NYC Marathon, Knowledge Channel invites you to an acquaintance night:

WHO: Registered participants of NYC Marathon on November 7, 2010
WHEN: Thursday, 30 September, 2010 | 6:30 pm
WHERE: Palm Grove, Rockwell Club

The gathering will provide an opportunity for us NYC runners to meet each other. (Yahoo, this should be fun!)  KCFI will also explain to us how we can help with the 42-for-42 project. This is in line with KCFI’s Run for Knowledge campaign: KaRUNungan 2010.

To confirm your attendance, please email, text, or call:

DITTIE GALANG
Email: dittie.galang@knowledgechannel.org
Phone: 910-2031
Mobile: 0917-8348843

Send Dittie the following information: (This is only to gather our contact info and does not entail any commitment on your part. Info will not be used for any other purpose.)

• Complete name; Nickname/Alias
• Contact details: Landline number, mobile number, email address
• NYC Marathon entry number

Dittie will then send you e-invites for the event.

I look forward to seeing you there!

For more information on Knowledge Channel and it’s KaRUNungan 2010 Campaign

Here’s a small race that should be fun and challenging: SOUTHRIDGE RUN.

I loved the course of Kraft Run a couple of weeks ago, so this should be another opportunity to run through the course again.  The route will pass mostly closed roads around the driving range and Palms Country Club. It’s going to be a family affair so take the kids along. TBR Jr. is raring to go!

WHAT: SOUTHRIDGE RUN
WHEN: Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 6:00 AM
WHERE: Westgate complex in Filinvest Corporate City Alabang
DISTANCE | FEES | PRIZES:

• 10k | P400 | Medals & prizes for top 3 male & female finishers
• 5k | P400 | Medals & prizes for top 3 male & female finishers
• 1k | P350 | Medals for ALL finishers 13 years old & below. Plus prizes for top 3 finishers in 2 age categories: 10 to13 years old and 9 years old & below

REGISTRATION:

• ROX, Bonifacio High Street – Sept. 22 to Oct. 6, 2010
• Bonjour, Total Gas Station, Filinvest Corp. City (near West Gate entrance) – Sept. 22 to Oct. 6, 2010. Open 24/7

The Southridge Run aims to promote family bonding and physical fitness. It also hopes to raise funds to donate 30,000 books for public schools in Muntinlupa, in cooperation with the Department of Education, Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and the Rotary Club.

Hope to see you there!

I don’t know how many times I’ve read about LOW FAT CHOCOLATE MILK being a good recovery drink after a run. Experts say that the high protein and high carb combination make it the perfect drink to replenish tired muscles and replace lost fluids during an intense or long run. It’s been mentioned so many times all over the web and in Runner’s World I wonder what took me so long to try it after a workout.

Oh, for one thing, the only low-fat chocolate milk I knew of was Nestle’s Low-Fat Chocolate milk in the refrigerator section of supermarkets. I grew up with Magnolia Chocolait (yes, I reached the one in bottles before) and loved it. In fact, when I was pregnant, I drank it like water and my OB-GYNE advised me to quit it after I gained all my pregnancy weight in the first few months.

You don’t know how happy I was to find it’s low-fat counterpart in the market years ago. Although less rich in flavor, it still appealed to me. I would drink it at home, but never as a recovery drink because I worried about its portability. Even if I kept it in a cooler, I worried it would spoil easily after a 2 to 3 hour run.

I also regularly drink Holly’s Low Fat Chocolate drink whenever I drop by Saturday Market in Alabang Country Club.  Again, I never dared to bring this along with me for a long run and risk spoilage.

Last week, I finally chanced upon a low fat choco milk in tetrapak: Anlene Low Fat Chocolate Milk.  This solved all my portability and spoilage issues. For one pack, a 250ml serving, it contains 150 kcal and 2.5 grams fat. Not bad. I bought two packs to try.

I drank one pack after my 18k long run last Saturday. I didn’t experience any soreness all throughout the day.

The following day, I ran 12k including a 10k tempo pace at Fort Striders Run. My legs felt great. Again, I drank my milk 15 minutes after the run.  (It goes well with heated Tuna Pandesal from Starbucks. Drool drool.)

The results? My legs felt fresh after both runs. I felt fine come Monday morning—as if I didn’t run at all over the weekend. Why didn’t I try this sooner?!

Yesterday, I bought 6 more packs of Anlene. Yey to good and quick recovery!  But, boo to my long term promise to myself to never buy anything made by Fonterra, the makers of Anlene.  (Don’t ask me why, but I just don’t believe in the company.)

So, here’s a suggestion to Nestle or Alaska: Why not manufacture low fat chocolate milk in tetrapaks? You would make a lot of runners very happy, including this one.

Related articles:

Got Milk? Try Chocolate After Your Workout – Fitnessmagazine.com
The Advantages of Chocolate Milk as a Recovery Drink – The Running Planet
Chocolate Milk Refuels Muscles After Workout – WebMD