Category Archives: Bullish Insights

There are a lot of wonderful things that have been happening since we launched TBR Dream Marathon. I’ve been caught in the whirlwind of activities that comes with organizing a race especially for today’s set up, but, at the same time, when I fall witness to the magical events that take place, time slows down and I stand in awe, amazed at how lives can be changed by the prospect of 42km.

I’ve met our TBR Dream Marathoners and I’ve heard more than a handful of running stories, how running changed their lives, or how they will use running to change others’ lives:

Mai Lim, Mayen Moraleda, Bic Ferreria, Thea Torres, Bob Antonio, Riki Quiroz with Hector Yuzon – This group of TBR Dream Marathoners are inseparable. With their camaraderie, one would thing they’ve been friends for years. Truth be told, most of them met only when Hector Yuzon, through his store Second Wind, gathered this bunch together and trained them for their first marathon at TBR Dream. One of them told me the journey itself has been life changing.

Hubby and Lit – We only met Lit for our Chi Running session last year. But, as he and hubby signed up for their first marathon at TBR Dream, they started training together. Now, the two of them text each other more often than hubby and I probably do (but I’m not a jealous wife so that’s fine!) and they’ve made plans of running international marathons together next year.

– Hubby, Lit, and Jun Bisnar –

Mikko Barranda, JV Ong, Marty Austria, Carlo Coronel, Jeff Adriatico and Louis Banzon – created a group called Time For Change (TFC) while training for TBR Dream. Through pledges, they hope to raise funds for Tahanang Walang Hangdanan Inc. to purchase 2 computer printers, as well as household items for 120 families. Email mikko_barranda(at)yahoo.com if you wish to help.

– Mikko Barranda –

Michelline Suarez – used TBR Dream Marathon to raise funds for cleft palate operations for needy children. Specifically, Gabriel’s Symphony Foundation. “I was born a cleft palate and consider myself extremely fortunate that my parents could afford surgery for me.” I heard from Mailet Bonoan of Gabriel’s Symphony that Michelline has raised P100,000.

– Michelline Suarez –

To all TBR Dream Marathoners, dream big and run strong. See you tomorrow!

This video was made by JV Ong, a TBR Dream Marathon participant. One day to go!

Thank you JV for the video. I hope you don’t mind my publishing 🙂

People just love numbers.  Most especially some runners.

We all count how many kilometers we’ve run.  What pace we’re going at.  How long we’ve been using a pair of shoes.  This is all good since logging all these information can help you improve your performance.

I must confess: I too am time conscious and pace conscious, especially during races.  But, I think one shouldn’t be focused on numbers and data entirely.

I’ve made it a habit to run regularly without a watch or an ipod.  To enjoy the run for the run itself.  Nothing else.

This is all also what we’ve been talking about in TBR Dream Marathon.  Forget the numbers.  When it comes to your first marathon, just focus on finishing the 42 kilometers.  Enjoy the journey.  In TBR Dream Marathon, everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner.

When it comes to blogging, I have the same philosophy.  I write with no concern for the rankings.  Do I check my blog ranking regularly?  Not at all.  I’m no techy, even if I’m a blogger.  Do I care about search engine optimization and all?  For a month or two, then I got tired.  Do I write about specific items just to get amazing hits?  Never.  (Tip for bloggers: If you want to get high ratings, just write about running shoes and you’ll rise up the ranks.  I write about shoes only when I feel strongly about a shoe or I’m reviewing one).

I’m more of a runner who just talks and writes about running.  Heck, I practically live and breathe it.

I used to be a part of topblogs, but I quit it when I noticed it was turning into another race to be a top Pinoy running blogger.

Alexa.com?  I only heard about it twice, once through Takbo.ph and recently through Women’s Health May 2010 issue where they featured running blogs.  According to Women’s Health May 2010 from Alexa.com, these are the rankings for top running blogs in May (although I seriously think that my friend Jinoe’s site is more of a forum):

RANKINGS OF RUNNING BLOGS (ALEXA.COM) FOR MAY 2010 FROM WOMEN’S HEALTH:

Takbo.ph  – 1,344
Runrio – 2,597
Running Ninja – 8,570
Bald Runner – 9,592
TBR – 11,546

So, I got curious and checked my ranking just for the 2nd time in my life…

RANKINGS OF RUNNING BLOGS (ALEXA.COM) AS OF TODAY, MAY 20, 2010:

Takbo.ph  –  1,503
Runrio  –  7,492
TBR – 15,306
Running Ninja – 15,850
Bald Runner – 19,837

Aaaah, notice the huge changes in rankings?  Why would you spend so much time checking this if it changes every single day?  It’s such drudgery. I promise you I will never look at alexa.com rankings again. I would rather be out there on the road running.

RUNNERS MAKE THEIR DREAMS A REALITY AT THE BULL RUNNER DREAM MARATHON IN NUVALI

Come May 22, 2010, the rapidly growing running community in the country will usher in a new breed of runners who will be more than proud to be identified as The Bull Runner Dream Marathoners. 300-strong accomplished individuals coming from varied professional backgrounds. Mostly first-time marathoners. All exceptional runners, in their own right. They excel in their chosen field. Now they are set to conquer the local running scene as they metamorphose into gutsy, confident yet big-hearted marathoners.

To the 300 participants, TBR Dream Marathon in NUVALI is the fulfillment of their ultimate marathon goal. And rightfully so. The TBR Dream Marathon in NUVALI has carefully laid out the path to achieving their goal in a dream-like approach: provision of a 16-week step-by-step marathon training plan; once-a-month Bull Sessions (run clinics) supervised by Team Secondwind Running Store; once-a-month Bull Circles (running talks) featuring known experts in the running circuit and fitness and medical field; and, fielding of 30 Dream Chasers – a ground-breaking concept in pacing runners – who will be running, supporting and cheering the participants throughout the course. Completing an almost trance-like marathon experience for the participants is a serene and scenic view that weaves through the race course, provided by the vast and seamless neo-bucolic expanse of NUVALI in Santa Rosa, Laguna. Further setting apart the TBR Dream Marathon from other regular races is the emphasis on non-competition. Every participant who crosses the finish line will be hailed as a winner. The TBR Dream Marathon in NUVALI is a marathon to celebrate the joy of running and to inspire runners to dream big and achieve the impossible in their lives.

TBR Dream Marathon in NUVALI is the brainchild of The Bull Runner, Jaymie Pizarro, and internationally renowned race director and former Procter & Gamble country manager, Jim Lafferty. After successfully completing her first official marathon in Singapore in 2009, TBR, with the help of Coach Jim as race director, saw to it that her dream of providing an exceptional marathon experience in the most ideal setting with the best support around to aspirants will become a reality. Joining ranks with TBR and Coach Jim to ensure the realization of the dreams of future marathoners are runners and standouts in the local running scene: steering as technical director is Second Wind principal, Pinoy Ultra Runners founder, and noted trail race organizer Neville Manaois; suiting up as legal consultant is prolific runner-blogger, of Everybody Loves Raymund blog fame (www.therainman96.blogger.com), Atty. Raymund Martelino; and, shoring up as course manager is five-time marathon finisher and Conquer Corregidor race director Edward Kho.

As TBR Dream Marathon in NUVALI climaxes to a sterling finish, it certainly will take an eminent place in the annals of the widely-followed blog www.thebullrunner.com (2008 Philippine Blog Awards Sports Blog of the Year) and running community’s highly anticipated bi-monthly running magazine, The Bull Runner Magazine.

The Bull Runner Dream Marathon in NUVALI is presented by Nike Park, Oakley, and HSBC, venue sponsored by NUVALI, in cooperation with Secondwind Running Store, Nature Valley, Cecon, Gatorade, Phiten, P&G, Finish Line, and Photovendo, supported by Hammer Nutrition, Timex, Dole, Alaxan FR, Hersheys, ROX, Res Toe Run, Chris Sports, Tang Fruit Teaz, Tiger, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Hidden Spring, and Jack N’ Jill Nova. TBR Dream Marathon partners include Men’s Health, RunTV, Run Radio for media, El Cielito Hotels for hotel and Creative Juice Communications for logisitics.

RACE PACKET REDEMPTION SCHEDULES for TBR DREAM MARATHON RUNNERS AND VOLUNTEERS: (REVISED!)

DATES and TIME:

• Wednesday, MAY 19, 1 TO 8 PM
• Thursday, MAY 20, 1 TO 8 PM
• FRIDAY race redemption has been cancelled.
• VENUE: 2nd floor, ROX, Bonifacio High Street
• Look for Angela

Please note:

• If you haven’t submitted your medical certificate, 2×2 photo, and waiver please bring it to claim your race pack. Race pack will not be released to runners with incomplete documents. This will be strictly implemented.
• You may claim your free Cecon Tablets as well
• Please send authorization letter if you cannot come to claim your race pack