Category Archives: Bullish Insights

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (Mark Twain)

I’m a Dreamer. Always has been, always will be. I know no other way to live but to constantly strive towards achieving, learning, and growing as much as I can. I’ve always felt the need to make sure that I’m living this one life I have the best way I can… even if that meant I had to say good bye to some things to make way for the new.

Looking back, I’ve always been comfortable with reinvention. I went from being a sedentary 30-year-old mom to a marathon maniac in her 40s lol. I was a research analyst turned marketer turned freelance graphic designer who fell into blogging and, in the last few years, went full circle by finding my way back to my roots in corporate marketing. As The Bull Runner, I went through an evolution of sorts too adding magazine editor and race organizer under my job title. Last but not the least, in my personal life, I’m now a single mom and happily co-raising my two children with my ex-husband. I used to be scared of being alone, but now I relish it. In the past five years, I’ve found strength and happiness in my own independence and solitude.

Some people fear change. I embrace it.

Now, it’s time for more change as I chase after a big dream. A dream I’ve had for myself since my 20’s, but I chose to prioritize other people or maybe life simply got in the way. A dream so big that I actually do cartwheels in my head with excitement, but at the same time I also want to pee in my pants due to stress lol.

For the past months, I’ve asked myself over and over: Am I doing the right thing? Why am I making my life even more difficult? Will I be strong enough to do this all on my own? Am I going nuts? So many questions. None of which I can answer if I don’t take this giant leap. So, here I am. Jumping. All in.

By next month, with my two teens in tow, I’m leaving Manila to take up my Masters in Digital Media at Centre for Digital Media in Vancouver. It’s a 16-month program that I feel was made for me. I’m so excited to be a student again! The bonus? I’ll be in a beautiful city where I look forward to running and biking to my heart’s content. (Hello Seawheeze Half Marathon and GranFondo Whistler!)

But, at the same time, my heart breaks for all that I’m temporarily leaving behind. Aside from family, friends, and the running community, there is TBR: my TBR babies, our TBR friends, and most especially the incoming batch of TBR Sun Life Dream 2020. While I feel separation anxiety as I write this, I also trust that my team will take good care of all of you, Dreamers. (TBR Dream Team has known about my plans since last year so we’ve actually been preparing for this!) Among other things, we plugged in a 6^th Bull Session into the program, I added IG Live sessions with myself and our coaches, I will try my best to do more IG Live to hear your achievements or address your concerns (I’ll try to overcome my vlogger shyness too. Gulp), and last but not the least, I’ll be home in December for a Bull Session and February on race day so it’s like I won’t even be gone! You won’t even miss me! Wait, I hope you miss me even juuust a little bit.

If there’s anything I want to leave with you for now, it’s to remind you that whether in running or in life, always welcome change in your life.  In fact, if things become too easy or dull, seek change in you or around you.  Always ask yourself if you can do more, work harder, or be better than who you were yesterday.  Listen, you don’t have to move countries like craycray me is doing lol.  It could be something as simple as changing your hairstyle, or signing up for a marathon, starting a new business, or finally asking that cute runner out.  If there is anything to be afraid of, it would be living a mediocre or stagnant life.  So, please, chase after dreams that scare the crap out of you, and when you achieve that, go and look for another one. Don’t ever stop. Grab life by the horns and live it to the fullest. Take it from this 43-year-old Tita who’s going back to school eager to hang out with her millennial classmates lol.

No goodbye, Dreamers.  Just see you again soon! Mwah!

 

 



Get ready for the SBR.ph Tri Series 2019 Powered By Go For Gold! Complete the series and join the Aquaman Aquathlon, Duaman Duathlon and Triman Triathlon! The SBR.ph Tri Series 2019 Powered By Go For Gold is made up of three race events open to everyone that was primarily designed and organized for newbies and amateurs. The tri-race events are also a good venue for former professionals or veterans trying to get back into the sport. The distances of the SBR.ph Tri Series 2019 are challenging enough even for experienced athletes. All races are newbie friendly and has no cut-off time.

The SBR.ph Tri Series was developed so that new and budding athletes from the new generation would have an avenue to hone their skills and at the same time build passion for the sport together with the long-time veterans who are joining them in these race events.

THE RACES

RACE DETAILS
WHAT: Aquaman Aquathlon 2019
WHEN: May 19, 2019
WHERE: Vermosa Sports Hub
DISTANCES: Full Distance / Lite Distance / Aquakids
-FULL Distance: 800m Swim – 5k Run
-LITE Distance: 400m Swim – 2.5k Run
AQUAKIDS:
– 7-10 yrs old (100m Swim / 600m Run(
– 11-14 yrs old (300m Swim / 2k Run) CUT OFF TIME: Take Your Time

Aquathlon has long been considered as the perfect stepping stone for triathlon. The Aquaman Aquathlon 2019 is designed for athletes who are just starting to get their multisport feet wet. The Aquaman Aquathlon 2019 has various distances. The FULL Distance is an 800m Swim followed by a 5k Run while the LITE category is a 400m Swim and a 2.5k Run. This year also features the AQUAKIDS category which is open to kids from 7 to 14 years old!

This race is a combination SWIM-RUN event. It has long been considered as the perfect stepping stone for individuals who want to have a taste of what it takes to be in a triathlon event sans the bike, as bike handling skills may be a little too intimidating for some beginners. This race event allows them to get the feel of a multi-sport event in preparation for the bigger training which would be in store for them in the future.

RACE DETAILS

WHAT: Duaman Duathlon 2019

WHEN: June 16, 2019

WHERE: Camp N, Nuvali

DISTANCES: Full Distance / Lite Distance / Aquakids

- FULL Distance: 6k Run – 25k Bike – 3k Run

- LITE Distance: 3k Run – 15k Bike – 3k Run

– CUT OFF TIME: Take Your Time

The Duaman Duathlon is the second leg of the SBR.ph Tri Series and is our perennial biggest event. We designed both distances of the Duaman Duathlon to be short enough for the newbies and lung-busting enough for the seasoned duathlete. The Duaman Duathlon was the biggest recorded duathlon in Philippine history. Garnering over 1,500 participants from all walks of life and varying skill levels. The Duaman Duathlon is currently the biggest recorded duathlon event in Philippine history.

RACE DETAILS
WHAT: Triman Triathlon 2019
WHEN: July 28, 2019
WHERE: Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks Resort, Clark
DISTANCES: Full Distance / Lite Distance
-FULL Distance: 600m Swim – 30k Bike – 5k Run
-LITE Distance: 300m Swim – 20k Bike – 2.5k Run
-CUT OFF TIME: Take Your Time

The Triman Triathlon is the flagship event of the SBR.ph Tri Series 2019. It is the culmination of the three sports SWIM-BIKE-RUN with enough distances to challenge even the most hardcore of participants but friendly enough for the newbie triathlete who just wants to have that taste of sheer ecstasy upon reaching the finish line.

The Triman Triathlon is considered as the de facto training/breeding ground of all triathlon newbies and is the most newbie friendly triathlon in the country.

MEDALS

Pilipinas, atin to! The SBR.ph Tri Series 2019 Powered By Go For Gold medals reflects the triumvirate of colors of the Philippine flag. Proudly homegrown at para sa Pinoy! Collect the set!

FINISHER SHIRTS

Aquaman Aquathlon 2019 Finisher Shirt

Duaman Duathlon Finisher Shirt 2019

Triman Triathlon 2019 Finisher Shirt

TRIFECTA

Registrants of the TRI-PACK and finishers of all three races are entitled to get the SBR.ph Tri Series Trifecta Shirt! This shirt is NOT for sale and is available only to Tri-Pack registrants and Tri Series finishers.

PRIZES / CATEGORIES

FULL CATEGORY
Male and Female Age Group Categories
Medal for Top 3 15-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60 and above.

LITE CATEGORY
Male and Female Age Group Categories
Medal for Top 3 15-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and above.

AQUAKIDS
Male and Female Age Group Categories
Medal for Top 3 7-10, and 11-14

The lite category is NOT included in the Aquathlon Series Championships.

REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION RATES

Aquaman Aquathlon (FULL / LITE)
Early Rate (Until January 31, 2019 only!)
Individual : PHP 1,900
Relay 2-man : PHP 3,400 (For FULL Distance ONLY)
Trikids : PHP 1,900
Regular Rate (From February 1, 2019 up to May 5, 2019)
Individual : PHP 2,200
Relay 2-man : PHP 3,700 (For FULL Distance ONLY)

Duaman Duathlon (FULL / LITE)
Early Rate (Until February 28, 2019 only!)
Individual : PHP 2,100
Relay 2-man : PHP 3,600 (For FULL Distance ONLY)
Relay 3-man : PHP 4,950 (For FULL Distance ONLY)
Regular Rate (From March 1, 2019 up to June 2, 2019)
Individual : PHP 2,400
Relay 2-man : PHP 3,900 (For FULL Distance ONLY)
Relay 3-man : PHP 5,250 (For FULL Distance ONLY)

Triman Triathlon (FULL / LITE)
Early Rate (Until March 31, 2019 only!)
Individual : PHP 2,600
Relay 2-man: PHP 4,100 (For FULL Distance ONLY)
Relay 3-man: PHP 5,450 (For FULL Distance ONLY)
Regular Rate (From April 1 up to July 7, 2019)
Individual : PHP 2,900
Relay 2-man: PHP 4,400 (For FULL Distance ONLY)
Relay 3-man: PHP 5,750 (For FULL Distance ONLY)

Tri-Pack (Aquaman, Duaman, Triman Package) | For Individual Racers Only!
Early Bird (Until January 31, 2019) – PHP 6,000
Regular Rate (From February 1, 2019 until May 5, 2019) – PHP 7,000
*All entries are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-applicable to future races.

10+1 REGISTRATION PROMO FOR INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

Your email should include the ff:
– List of ten (10) of your online registered teammates/ group.
– Full name, e-mail and distance along with your 11th member.
– Once verified, 11 registration codes will be sent to your email.

Congratulations to all the finishers of TBR Sun Life Dream Marathon 2019!

View videos from our media partners: Pinoy Fitness and Race Day Triathlon magazine below!

I was supposed to be running the Yamanakako Half Marathon today. But, the past couple of months, life (plus chronic hip tightness) got in the way so I decided to turn the booked Tokyo trip from a racecation into pure vacation with my son. Three days into the trip and I have no regrets.

Years ago, I would’ve been devastated by this. I always needed a goal race to feel like I was a serious competitive runner.  Having a race provided a target to aim for and gave order to my days with a training program to adhere to.  Without a race, I felt lost. But, I realize now (after over a decade of this lol) that this was so wrong.

Now that I see myself as a lifelong runner, I know that all runners go through the ebbs and flows of running. Sometimes, we focus on a PR race.  Other times, we bump up our running by adding swimming and biking into the mix for a triathlon.  And, other times, we’re just happy to be running 3 to 4 10ks a week along with complementing cross training workouts like weights and yoga (which I where I am right now.) 

Running, and not racing, doesn’t diminish our love for running. This doesn’t make us less competitive. This only proves that we are not defined by running or racing or our PRs.

Be the runner who is passionate about running, but has other interests outside of running.  Be the runner who can talk about running, but can also discuss family, current events, work, and pop culture.  Be the runner who isn’t known as just the runner, but the person (insert name here) who happens to be a runner.

Sometime soon, I shall start training again.  But, for now, I’ll enjoy my short runs while balancing everything else in life.  And, life now is about exploring more of Tokyo and eating more sushi! Life is good!

Hey 2017, thank you for the injuries, disappointments, failures, and tears because, as much as I hated them, they allowed me to appreciate the triumphs, surprises, successes, and laughter this past year.  Here are the 17 things I learned from you:

1- Strength is determined when you achieve power and success, but more so when you rise again after failure.

2- There is no problem that cannot be fixed… even if it’s any of these B’s: boyfriends, bosses, bitches, or bunions. Never ever give up.

3- DNF is not a sign of weakness.  (Read exactly what I’m talking about HERE.)

4- Reading books bring so much more joy and intellectual stimulation than Instagram, Netflix, or men in most cases.

5- It’s okay to be offline. FOMO must not be feared in the first place.  BUT, it’s important to know what FOMO, TTYL and IKR lest you want to be called “Tito” or “Tita.”

6- Online shopping is the best. Except for running shoes.  (Lazada, I love you. Mwah!)

7- It’s never too late to fall in love with lifting weights and building muscle.  (Having said that, I would still prefer to run long and slow in perfectly cool weather outdoors than spend time with machines!)

8- I love protein. I love salmon. I love protein. Oh, did I say that already?

9- Intermittent fasting is liberating!  And, this is coming from an ex-breakfast-obsessed-person!

10- Everyone should travel alone at least once a year. It provides the same happiness as running. It is freedom, adventure and power all at once.

11- You experience the most growth when you experience (and overcome) the greatest pain, biggest failure, or toughest heartbreak… or all of the above at the same time.

12- Slowing down and being content with life is not a sign of aging; it’s a sign of confidence, acceptance, and maturity.

13- Live your own life according to your own rules. Do not settle. Do not compromise. Forgive, but don’t ever forget what that a$$@%# did to you!

14- Be kind. We’re all trying our best. Yes, even that idiot who thinks being a race bandit isn’t cheating.

15- There’s no excuse for being stupid, lazy, or rude.

16- Your children are your best teachers. They test your character the most and constantly inspire you to be the best person you can be.

17- No matter what the world tells you. You are enough.