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In a couple of weeks, I’m turning another year older.  But, I’m not complaining.  Who cares about more white hair, weaker memory, or signs of tiny wrinkles on the face?  As long as I get the items on my birthday wish list—specifically number one—I will be one happy, old running woman:

1. GARMIN FORERUNNER 310 XT

Introducing, the Garmin for triathletes…

When I chanced upon the Garmin ad in Runner’s World a couple of weeks ago, I wasted no time in doing my research.  I sat in front of my computer, browsed the web for more info, wiped the drool off my face, and positioned the laptop in front of our bedroom door so that when my hubby came home from work, I asked in the most lovable voice ever “Can you get this for me on my birthday?”  He said yes!  (As of presstime, I haven’t decided if I’m truly going to make this purchase. Unfortunately, my conscience tapped my shoulder and asked if I was really going to spend $400 for a running watch.  Shut up, conscience.) 

PROS:
– waterproof up to 50 meters 
– sleeker and slimmer look
– can be mounted on the bike
– four viewing windows
– up to 20-hours battery life
– option for footpod (slimmer design) for indoor workouts
– option for heart rate monitor
– GPS-based

CONS:
– cannot be used as a watch like the 405

PRICE:
– $349.99 
– $399.00 with heart rate monitor

RELEASE: June 2009

Check out this video…

Read these reviews:

Top Ten Reviews
iTech News Net

Part 2 of my birthday wish list tomorrow…

So many people are looking forward to this run, myself included. So, when I received the invitation for the press launch of The North Face 100, I made sure I was there. The press launch for the upcoming TNF 100 was held this morning at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street. 

WHAT: The North Face 100 Trail Run
WHEN: May 23 to 24, 2009
WHERE: Sacobia, Clark
DISTANCE: 10k, 20km, 100km relay, 100km solo
REGISTRATION: Started last March 16, 2009, Limited slots only

I had the pleasure of meeting Ben Ryan, product development manager of TNF, who started the press conference by introducing The North Face, the company, it’s products, and it’s commitment to caring for its athletes.  He spoke of the three endurance races that were being rolled out this year as well as the series of TNF 100 races throughout Asia.  

– Ben Ryan of TNF –

Ben went on to say that Filipino running community is among the most passionate in the world.  It caught the attention of TNF and, as such, beginning this year, all prototypes for trail and endurance products of TNF globally will be tried and tested by no other than the Pinoy Ultra Runners.  These products will not be seen by the rest of the world for another couple of years.  (Woah, methinks we should all befriend a PUR member now to get a glimpse—or even just a sniff of these brand new gear.)

The next speaker was Neville Manaois, Pinoy Ultra Runner team principal and technical consultant for the upcoming TNF 100.  He gave a basic introduction to trail running and discussed essential gear, such as trail shoes and hydration packs.

– Neville of Pinoy Ultra Runners discusses hydration packs –

Lastly, Jundel Llagas, marketing manager of TNF, gave a brief talk as well.

– Jundel of TNF –

After the talk, we were all invited to partake of a mini “trail run” within the confines of R.O.X.  The course started at the bottom of the 1/F stairway, which was enshrouded by a canopy of leaves and vines, and made its way up to the 2/F where the runner would climb up a slightly rough uphill ramp and then run down again its steep and rocky portion.  After that, you would have to rush across the entire 2/F to end your run, which was timed by the way.

– See, who says you can’t run while carrying your purse and shopping items –

– If I had a hard time on this decline, how the hell do I survive TNF then? –

My short climb up and down that ramp was my first taste of a rocky trail run.  I have to admit.  I’m a chicken when it comes to trail runs.  But, this TNF 100 has truly piqued my interest.  I met Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Lara Parpan shortly before leaving and, after discussing my concerns about trail running, she said “I have a feeling I’m going to see you there.”  I nodded my head, “Uh huh, I think so too.”  Let’s see!

– with Jay (Prometheus Cometh), Marga (The Changeling Child), Vimz (Kulit Runner), Jundel (TNF), Neville (PUR), Ben (TNF), Vince (Finish Line), Ben (Photovendo), and Christian (Botak) –

WHAT: The 1st PTAA Charity Run

WHEN: June 14, 2009, Sunday, 6am

WHERE: U.P. Diliman

DISTANCE: 3k/ 5k/ 10k

REG. FEE: P300

BENEFICIARY:  Funds will be used to restore the Kid’s Play Room/Cancer Department of the East Avenue Medical Center

REGISTRATION:

• Registration is ongoing. Visit site.
• Download reg form here.
• Register at PTAA Office – Mike Alayon 552-0027 to 29, Mizuno Stores (BHS and Trinoma), R.O.X. BHS

WHAT MAKES THIS RACE DIFFERENT:

• All runners will receive the Livestrong Wristband from the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) which supports this race. 
• Raffle prizes include trips to Asian cities!

The night before the race, I asked the hubby (who registered for 10k) to set his alarm as there was a very high probability that I would not wake up for this race.  Don’t get me wrong; I think this was a well-planned race that a lot of runners were looking forward to.  However, I was not one of them as I cancelled plans to race, a wise decision made to avoid aggravating this injury which I think is getting better already.

We arrived 10 minutes late at the assembly area in Greenfield City (I told you I wasn’t excited at all), so hubby jumped out of the car to the starting line while I found parking.  I yawned, grabbed some TBR Magazines to distribute, yawned again, then made my way to the assembly area.  It was like a little fiesta complete with food booths and tables, a bazaar, a 360-degree stage, Photovendo photo booth and city backdrop, and inflatable play area for the kids.  Of course, I caught sight of all the collaterals I had designed for the race from banners to kilometer markers; aaah the fruits of my labor all week (which explains why I had little time to blog.)

– Work of art, don’t you think? heehee –

– 2k runners await the start of the race –

While waiting for the hubby to arrive, I stayed on the sidelines with Jun watching the runners finish their own races, which was great material for a thesis or scientific research, I tell you.  It was almost like getting a glimpse into a runner’s soul for a split second.  Each one went through the same route and distance (5k/ 10k/ or 21k), but the experiences were completely different as seen on the expressions on their faces.  One runner (actually, there were more) shook his head in utter disappointment, while another raised his arms up in pure victory.  Other runners looked like they were about to collapse, while some looked like they just strolled in the park.  The one that stood out was the 21k runner in his compression pants, limping his way through the finish; I wanted to hug him and tell him “I feel your pain!”

– Runners make their way to the finish –

– Toto of Happy Feet is happy with his run –

– Kaye of Team David’s Salon and 1st Lady of Finish Line –

– Ate Virg in iamninoy finishes strong –

– 21k is nothing for Bataan Death March Ultra finisher Jonel –

I got to chat with a runner friend who was also injured yet ran the 10k.  Together, we expressed our frustrations and completely related with each other about injuries, cross training, and therapy, until she said one line “I don’t miss running at all!”  I paused, shook my head, and replied “Oh, I miss it badly.” 

In the middle of all that, the hubby apparently finished his 10k in a little over an hour.  I got to take photos of so many runners, except him, due to my endless chattering.  But, thankfully, Ben’s photovendo was able to fulfill my failed duties as a photographer-wife for that day.

– Runners ham it up for the Photovendo cam –

Before leaving for breakfast with the Sole Mates’ Jun and Mariel, I was delighted to see my pace buddies Jay and Dindo once again.  It’s been so long since I haven’t run with them, and once again, I thought about how much I missed those long run days when the four of us—Jun, Jay, Dindo and I—would meet up after a race to add more mileage into our runs.  Hope to run with you again soon, guys!

– with Jay, hubby, Mariel, Jun and Dindo –

– with Patrick and Hannah. Nice meeting you both! –

Congratulations to Finish Line’s Rio and Vince for another successful event!

I know I told you I’d be getting a makeover today.  Well, that didn’t push through as I went to—where else—a therapist instead.  But, the TBR blog is definitely getting a makeover this week.  This new gray theme may not be the final look yet; I like it (don’t you?) but there are a lot of issues I have to resolve.  If I don’t get to fix them, then I’ll have to choose another good-looking theme (it’s almost like shopping for running shoes, you know.  You gotta find the perfect fit.)

Hopefully, by next week, I’ll be back to normal.  And, so will my legs since my next goal race is The Southern Run on May 3.