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.

New Balance Philippines is excited to announce that Run On Manila + Power Run 2018 is happening on February 11, 2018 (Sunday) at McKinley West, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. I dropped by for the presscon and was happy to spend some time with running and tri friends in media.

Photo courtesy of Monching Romano, Race Day magazine

Run On is a regional race series, which encourages runners to reach their mark and run on for an extra kilometer. On its second year, Run On Manila brings back the 5k+1k distance apt for beginners and metropolitan athletes.

Power Run is the highly-anticipated annual flagship race of New Balance in the Philippines. Now on its 15th edition, Power Run brings along its three race categories: 8k, 16k, and the signature 25k. Tapping on the intermediate and elite runners, Power Run aims to challenge your personal record.   (more…)

I have always loved the great outdoors. And, as much as I wanted to join trail runs, the thought of braving through hours of traffic to and fro and my forever busy sched always stopped me from indulging in this.  Last year though, I joined two Dirt School events led by Coach Ige Lopez and enjoyed myself immensely.  (Yes, despite the limatiks!)  For 2018, I resolved to join even more trail runs.  In fact, I was eyeing the Rizal Mountain Run as my first race for the year.  Unfortunately, my stupid bunion still won’t let me run.

Funny thing is, I think the good people at Salomon read my mind.  They sent over their newest shoe for me to use for my trail runs this year, Salomon Sense Ride!  Honestly, I’m still loving my Salomon Speedcross from 2017, but, hey, I truly believe that one can never have too many run shoes. (more…)

The Bull Runner – Sun Life Dream Marathon is not just about letting first-time or second-time marathoners achieve their marathon dream. It is also about experienced marathoners being given the opportunity to give back to the running community, to give new runners the same support and motivation they received from others. To basically pay it forward. (more…)

7-Eleven will be holding Run 2018 this coming February 4, 2018 simultaneously in Manila, Cebu and Davao.

DATE: 04 February 2018
ASSEMBLY AREA:
MANILA – Filinvest City Alabang (Bridgeway Avenue and Spectrum Midway)
CEBU – Cebu Business Park
DAVAO – SM City Davao

Website: www.run711.com

To celebrate the New Year (even if I still can’t run… ugh!), I’m giving away a total of 30 racekits for Run 2018! Yahoo! Scroll down below for contest mechanics. (more…)