Category Archives: Bullish Insights

This was us way back in 1992. That’s PWe, Vicky, me, Nich, Joanne, and Rico seated.  This was taken during the boys’ highschool graduation from La Salle.  We were a bunch of kids who loved golf carting through White Plains, eating Nagaraya at village parks, and sneaking our way into Euphoria or Faces.

Through the years, we’ve gone our separate ways. We don’t get too communicate as much because we all have our own families and others live abroad now. But, it’s nice to know that there’s still some things that a number of us have in common, specifically running.

Here’s a picture of Nich and Rico taken yesterday after they crossed the finish line of Big Sur Marathon.  Congrats guys!

When I started running way back in 2006, the only pair of socks I used were thick and long Thorlo socks that I had used way back in college for hiking. (Stop laughing!) As a newbie, I knew little about using runner-specific socks and I relied on the knowledge that Thorlo was a well-known, credible brand (almost like Cole Haan for shoes).

As I progressed as a runner, I preferred thin rather than thick socks to avoid blisters. I learned that it’s not really running shoes that cause blisters, but the socks. Hence, choosing the right pair of socks for us runners is just as important as choosing the appropriate shoe for our foot type.

Last month, Thorlo provided me with Thorlo Experia Socks for testing. I was flabbergasted. I hadn’t really thought of using Thorlos again since I knew them to be thick and hot. But, these Experia socks were thin in most areas and provided extra padding in places that need extra cushioning.

I ran 12k this morning using the Thorlo Experia socks and my Nike Pegasus 28. Here’s my review about Thorlo Experia Socks.

PROS:
– Comfortable fit. I’ve never felt socks more comfortable than Thorlos. I felt like I was walking on clouds.
– Extra padding at the right places. The additional padding are on areas where runners need it most: where our heel strikes and at the balls of our feet. There’s even padding for my bunions! (Thank. You. Lord.)
– Uses coolmax. This means that it uses technical fabric that is moisture-wicking and it will prevent blistering.
– Breathable. Despite the padding, the entire sock is made of thinner material which allows for ventilation. Perfect for the summer heat.
– Lightweight. The socks don’t feel heavy even with the extra padding. Should it get soaked in rain water, the thin material won’t make the socks too heavy as well.
– Attractive colors. I like the bright colors. A welcome change from my white or black socks.

– Extra padding at the ball of the foot –

– Extra padding at the heel –

CONS:
– A bit pricey at P799.75. I haven’t tested the durability of the product, but if it lasts as long as my Thorlos from college then perhaps it’s worth the premium cost if you can afford it.
– If you prefer thin, barely-there running socks, then this may not be for you. While the material is thin and comfy, I’ve tried other brands that have been thinner.

Thorlos are available at the following outlets:
A Runner’s Circle (Roxas Boulevard)
Planet Sports (Trinoma, Rockwell, Shangrila, Newport, Alabang Town Center)
Riovana (BGC, Katipunan)
ROX (BGC)
RUNNR (BGC)
Rustans (Gateway, Makati, Shangrila, Alabang Town Center)
Secondwind Running Store (Ortigas, Greenhills, Matimtiman, QC)
Sports Warehouse (Mamplasan)
The Athletes Foot (Galleria, Glorietta, Alabang Town Center)
Tobys (Alabang Town Center)

I got myself a copy of Runner’s World – April-June 2012 with teammate Ani de Leon-Brown on the cover.

There’s an article entitled “Best of Running”…

Aaaaw, TBR made it to the list of Most Popular Local Running Blogs.  Thanks RW Philippines and those who mentioned TBR, especially those who unfailingly continue to read about all the crazy stuff I get myself into. Congrats to Bald Runner and Jinoe and Que of Takbo.ph too.

Oh, and if you do get your hands on a copy, don’t forget to read this hilarious article of Lit Onrubia, another crazy runner who ran Condura Marathon even if he was sick. Hats off to RW illustrator who gave us all a good laugh with this red-nosed caricature of our friend talking into his phone haha!…

I was invited by Jun to be “saling pusa” with Coach Norman and his athletes for a day trip to Subic. The Shiv and I couldn’t refuse.

– with Coach Norman Pascual and his triathletes. Thanks for accommodating me! –

Plan was to swim 1.6km at Dungaree and bike 40km. I wanted to be home before dinner with the kiddos, so we opted to skip the 5k run.  (Yes, the life of a wannabe triathlete mommy comes with a lot of “tough” decisions.)

Much to my surprise, the open water swim was a pleasant experience. I loved loved loved every minute of it.  I enjoyed it so much that I don’t want to swim in a pool anymore. Hah!

When it came to the bike, I was nervous from the onset.  It was only the second day that I took the Shiv out on the road and, as I’ve learned the past week, riding this tri bike is completely different from my roadie.  (Just mention the word “aerobars” and I start sweating!) At the back of my head, I knew I needed to improve on my handling skills before I road the hills of Subic with the boys.  So, as I was climbing the first hill and wondering how the hell I was gonna descend them later on without killing myself, I chose to stay safe and I headed back.

When I got back to Manila, I felt so bad about the bike that I headed for the gym and ran my frustrations away. 7k intervals.  Aaaah, nothing like a run to wash all the worries away!

As runners, we’re all trying to find new ways to improve our performance through training. But, only last week, I learned that we could also exercise our breathing muscles and improve our performance.

I received a new product called POWERbreathe for testing.

– POWERbreathe –

– Upon opening the flap –

– Inside the box –

– Back –

Here’s some information provided by the local distributor of POWERbreathe:

Why should you exercise your breathing muscles?

The lungs aren’t a muscle, they rely on the muscles surrounding them for their expansion and contraction. It’s this supporting structure that you need to strengthen and condition in order to appreciate proper, full breathing.

Why is it beneficial to take fuller breaths?

Lung size varies from person to person, so there are natural limits to lung capacity, however you can influence the total lung capacity that you actually use; your vital capacity.
When you breathe all the air out from your lungs, what’s left is called residual volume, or ‘stale air’, and it remains in your lungs. Too much of this is unhealthy.

By using POWERbreathe to exercise your breathing muscles, you’ll be strengthening your lungs’ supporting structure and improving your vital capacity, the usable portion of your lungs.

This not only benefits athletes because they are maximizing their ability to breathe. This in turn makes their training or exercise feel easier and they are able to train for longer with a lower sense of effort, increasing their fitness, and ultimately sports performance.

What are the benefits of POWERbreathe?

POWERbreathe is said to improve Swimming, Cycling & Running Performance:

– Accelerated recovery during repeated sprints by up to 7%
– Increased swimming performance by up to 3.5%
– Improved cycling time trial performance by 4.6% – equivalent to slashing – 3-minutes off a 40k time trial
– Enabled participants to cycle for 33% longer and with lower sense of effort
– Improved inspiratory muscle strength by 31.2%
– Improved inspiratory muscle endurance by 27.8%
– Reduced whole body effort during exercise

TBR REVIEW

I tested the POWERbreathe Plus Medium Variable Resistance. I use it twice a day, once in the morning upon waking then at night before sleeping.

At its maximum level, Level 10, I feel like I could use a little more resistance to feel like I’m actually working out my lungs. Perhaps I should’ve tried the Heavy model.

I’ve been using it intermittently for over a week.  I do feel stronger, but, to be frank, I can’t attribute this solely to POWERbreathe because I’ve also been swimming and biking more.  I will say that, at the right resistance, it definitely feels like you are exercising your lungs and I will not be surprised to feel its short- and long-term benefits down the road.

It’s a bit pricey.  But, for those who are serious about gaining a competitive edge, then this may be a good investment.

ABOUT POWERBREATHE

There are three resistance levels for POWERbreathe.

1) Light Variable Resistance (Wellness) model: For those who are restricted by shortness of breath, either due to respiratory illness or advancing age.
2) Medium Variable Resistance (Fitness) model: For those who are moderately fit and lead an active lifestyle but would like to push themselves that bit further.
3) Heavy Variable Resistance (Sports) model: For elite athletes and people who are in top physical condition but who want an edge on the competition.

The SRP for all models are Php 3,500. Each unit has 10 levels of adjustment.

For inquiries:
Facebook: AzioneSports
Email kikoreta@gmail.com