Category Archives: Gear + Gadgets

My new BF, my Shiv from Specialized, and I went on our first date last week. We dropped by All Terra for my first bike fit with him. There to greet me was owner, Edmund Mangaser, and Coach Andy Leuterio.

– with Edmund Mangaser of All Terra –

The Shiv was placed into the trainer while I changed into my bike shoes. Newbie me didn’t know that I should’ve come in biking attire. Whoops! Edmund told me that I was the first one he’d ever bike fit in casual clothes. Hey, there’s a first for everything, Edmund!

THE BIKE FIT PROCESS

1) Edmund measured my inseam. This gave him an idea what saddle height he would start me with.

2) Using a goniometer, he adjusted the saddle to a height that gave me a leg bent angle of 35 degrees of flexion. A height that wasn’t too high for newbies, but would still allow for good leg extension.

– Edmund measures the angle at which my legs bend –

– Edmund marks my legs with a pentel. Later that evening, I had dinner with my sister not realizing I still had those large moles on my legs! –

3) Edmund then adjusted the saddle fore/aft position. He adjusted my saddle forward to allow me to use my aero bars without bending too much from the waist. He also made sure that when the pedal is at 3 o’clock position, my legs can apply power to the pedals.

4) Next was saddle tilt. He simply positioned the saddle at a level position.

5) Lastly, he worked on the cockpit area. He made adjustments to the front end (handle bar/aero bars) to put me in aero position and to allow my arms to support my head weight well especially when I start assuming a tucked aero position.

– What do you mean I can’t do my bike-walk intervals at Ironman 70.3?! –

Beyond the bike fit, Edmund gave practical tips on biking which I greatly appreciated. He reminded me that the bike fit is a work-in-progress. It cannot be perfected in just one meeting. Ultimately, I must return every now and then to make adjustments as I progress.

Before leaving, Edmund revealed that we had actually worked together before. Confused, I asked where. He handed me a brochure for an ad I did one or two years ago. Turns out, he was the biker with me in the brochure. We never met because our shoots were done separately. Small world!

– Me (and my teeny-weeny waist. Thanks to photoshop and BDO!) and Edmund on the BDO Rewards Book –

All Terra
Branches:
G/F Club 650 Sports Center, Libis QC
638-2075
3/L Sports Loop, Robinsons Galleria
871-8529
Ortigas Home Depot (beside Secondwind), J. Vargas, Pasig
570-6618

Last night, Oakley unveiled its new shades, apparel, and even shoes for friends and media.  I felt fortunate to be invited to the event. In this summer heat, I’m always on the lookout for new shades to spare me from the intense sun.

– with Nicole Wuthrich, Coach Rio de la Cruz’s fiance, and Jun –

The fashion show presented Oakley’s new line for surfing, wakeboarding, golf, biking, and other sports. Lots of eye candy here…aside from the fantastic shades which I, uhm, focused more on, of course!

Much to our pleasant surprise, the star of the night was no other than Coach Rio de la Cruz who looked cool and confident walking down the ramp. Who wouldn’t be when these four women immediately posed by his side?!

Congratulations to Oakley for a successful event!

HOLY SHIV! That’s all I could say—well, okay, something that sounded like that—when I saw the new tri bike that Specialized was going to loan me.

My new bike is a Specialized Shiv Comp Rival.  It’s a tri specific model. 10 speed. Fully adjustable cockpit.  And, as if it was made for me, it has an internal hydration bladder!

The Shiv is the same model that Craig Alexander, seen in the ad above, used to win the Ironman World Championship last year.

There’s only around 10 of these in the Philippines.  When I saw it, I was overwhelmed.  I thought: I’m just a newbie. I’m not worthy.

BUT, man, whenever I take a look at this handsome bike, I just drool.  And smile.  And I wanna train all day and ride fast in it (heehee!)  It’s love at first sight, really.

– Me and my new baby…or boyfriend…whatever label is fine with me –

– with Joey Ramirez of Dan’s Bikeshop, distributor of Specialized –

So, here’s the deal with Specialized. The Shiv will be on loan as I train for Ironman 70.3 Cebu. Specialized will set a target time for me. If I reach it, the bike is mine. If I don’t, they will offer it to me at a discount.

It’s not like I needed an incentive to do my best at Ironman 70.3 Cebu. But, ya know, this sure makes the journey a whole lot sweeter!

– Hey shiv, you’re gonna be mine! –

For inquiries on Specialized bikes, please contact:
Dan’s Bike Shop
Phone: 894-5110
Email: maris_delamerced@yahoo.com
Facebook: search for dan’s bike shop or specialized philippines
Website: www.specialized.com

Two cool videos on running! Which one do you like more?

adidas WE ALL RUN with David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Derrick Rose and Katy Perry

Nike Free – I Would Run to You

Secondwind Running Store opened its third branch in Greenhills!

Address: Unit 107, G-Strip, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan

I just love Secondwind’s new campaign: IT’S ALL YOU. In running (and in life), there’s really no one responsible for your triumph or failure, but yourself. Your coach, teammates, friends and family will be there to support you, but, at the end of the day, it’s all you. That medal around your neck was borne out of your hardwork and perseverance. Conversely, struggling to make it to the finish of a race is also because of your lack of training and preparation. It’s all you!

Or, could they also mean that the store lives and breathes for its customers. It’s all us?! Hey, that works for me too!

Here’s the location map:

Secondwind has two other branches:
Ortigas: 914-0283
QC: 238-4005

Click HERE to visit Secondwind’s website.