Looking for a destination race next year? Malaysia will be the venue of IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya on 12-13 April 2014 and IRONMAN Malaysia in Langkawi on Saturday, 27 September 2014. More details in the press release below.

KAILULA-KONA, HAWAII, October 10, 2013 — IRONMAN today announced that Malaysia will host two new IRONMAN races next year, marking a return to the country for the world’s most iconic endurance sports brand after nearly four years.

Malaysian government official Zulkefli Sharif, the CEO of Malaysia Major Events, joined IRONMAN CEO Andrew Messick and IRONMAN Asia Pacific CEO Geoff Meyer in making the announcement in a special function held here in Kona, Hawaii on the eve of this year’s 35th GoPro IRONMAN World Championships.

The new IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya will be held on the weekend of 12-13 April 2014, while the IRONMAN Malaysia on the island resort of Langkawi will be held on Saturday, 27 September.

“It is a great privilege to have IRONMAN return to our country,” said Sharif. “We’re expecting great interest from international athletes.”

“We are extremely excited to welcome IRONMAN back to Langkawi, and to introduce the IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya,” said Sharif. “IRONMAN has had a long history with our country, and it is a great privilege to have it return here. We are looking forward in welcoming athletes from all over the world with our warm hospitality, and to proudly offer them the unique cultural experience of Malaysia – Truly Asia.”

Meyer said the IRONMAN brand is “delighted” to be returning to Malaysia next year.

“It’s been three years since South East Asia hosted an IRONMAN event, and the sport has grown significantly in that time,” said Meyer. “IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya will bring a brand new energy to the triathlon community in this part of the world, and we look forward to delivering memorable race experiences in spectacular destinations for athletes from around the world.”

Putrajaya, a dynamic city situated just 32 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, symbolizes modern Malaysia. The green and intelligent city, a spectacular mix of the old and new, is the federal administrative center of the country.

Athletes will race on a fast, rolling IRONMAN 70.3 course in hot conditions amidst an iconic landscape that showcases Malaysia’s rich culture amidst a spectacular display of architecture.

Langkawi Island sets the stage for athletes from around the world to be taken on a truly Malaysian tropical and cultural journey. Athletes will be embraced by the local Kampung (village) communities as they embark on their personal IRONMAN journeys within one of the most welcoming and beautiful destinations in South East Asia.

IRONMAN Malaysia is one of more than 30 qualifying races on the global IRONMAN circuit that culminate with the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii each October. IRONMAN Malaysia will offer 40 age group qualifying slots for Hawaii in 2015.

IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya is one of 60 events worldwide that qualify athletes for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships. IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya will offer 30 age group qualifying slots for the 2014 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Mont Tremblant, Canada on 7 September 2014.

Professional athletes will be competing for a total prize purse of USD$40,000 for IRONMAN Malaysia and USD$15,000 for IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya.

Online entries for both events will open on Thursday, 7 November 2013 via their respective websites.

For additional information on IRONMAN Malaysia or to register for the 2014 race, please visit www.ironmanmalaysia.com.

For additional information on IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya or to register for the 2014 race, please visit www.ironmanputrajaya.com.

Since I started running in 2006, I always had a goal race to train for. I was the veritable rabbit chasing after the carrot at the end of a stick, which never really ran out of carrots. From my first 5k, the next marathon, or a 70.3, I always needed a specific, tangible target in the long term to get me to swim, bike, or run every morning.

– Racing back in 2007 before the running boom of Manila hit. Check out my P100 shorts from SM! –

The past couple of months, things changed.

After Ironman 70.3 Cebu last August, I knew, without a doubt, that I needed a respite from racing. It wasn’t so much the physical aspect of training that I got tired of, but it was the mental part. After years of training for the next big race, I suddenly felt spent constantly chasing after a goal in the far future. I just wanted to live in the now.

LIVING AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Don’t get me wrong. I haven’t transformed into a couch potato. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I still train like a triathlete. I swim, bike, or run six days a week as if I was training for a triathlon. On two of those days, I have double workouts. I also join runs such as the recent Run United Philippine Marathon 21k. But no race or workout is taken too seriously. I really just want to run free. (No pun intended.)

– Running with friends in the South –

Without a goal in mind, I get out there everyday eager to workout for no other reason but this: Because I love it. Gone are the days when I wake up in the morning dreading a 100km bike ride and wishing I were with my kids instead or running intervals on the track because I needed to break a PR for the next race.

Each day I train because I love pushing my body to perform and seeing my progress in a skill or in endurance. I train because it makes me feel fit, strong, and powerful and that spills out to all other aspects of my life. I train because, quite simply, I enjoy every freaking minute of it. No pressure, no negative thoughts. All passion. It’s really about living an active lifestyle, day in, day out.

MORE TIME FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE

This new frame of mind has given me more time to think, conceptualize, and create. While I let go of a racing goal, I set new goals for myself in other aspects of my life. It’s when I took a step back that I gained more focus on my entire life.

– Relaxing at Pico de Loro –

I’ve gone back to school studying to be a Health Coach. I’m setting up a new project, which I hope to launch by the start of the year. I’ve had more time to improve on existing projects. And, I’ve gone back to illustrating again.

Perhaps the best effect of this off-season for me is this: It’s given me a time to breathe. The past months, I’ve been able to slow down a bit and enjoy the little things.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Within the next few weeks, my training for Tokyo Marathon on February 23, 2014 shall commence. Yes, I’ll have a new running goal to target, but I’m taking it on with a renewed spirit.

I always knew that the goal-less phase in my life would be temporary because, well, I was just born kinda competitive and driven. But, I tell you; the past 2 to 3 months’ break is just what I needed to get hungry and excited again. I’m looking forward to training and running those LSD’s for Tokyo.

For now, allow me to enjoy the last few weeks of goal-less workouts. It’s the most fun I’ve had in ages.

I was fortunate enough to visit Laguna Phuket last year to join the Laguna Phuket International Marathon.  (Read my race report HERE.)  Laguna Phuket is a runner’s and triathlete’s paradise.  In case you’re searching for a destination triathlon, you may want to consider the CHALLENGE LAGUNA PHUKET on December 1, 2013.

PRESS RELEASE

Registration is still open for the 2013 half distance Challenge Laguna Phuket in Thailand – and you’d be crazy to miss out on the chance to compete in this unique destination event that has captured the hearts of triathletes all over the world.

The Sunday December 1st race will be the first of Challenge Family series to be staged on this paradise tropical island a week after the legendary 20th Anniversary Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT.)

The days between the two spectacular events in Phuket will be filled with a Tri-Fest of training and social events held in and around the luxurious Laguna Phuket destination resort.

This triathlon carnival has proved a popular attraction for international athletes eager to sample the delights of Thailand while rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ruedi Wild and Radka Vodickova, last year’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon champions.

Ruedi Wild triumphed at Laguna Phuket last year in 2:29.22. Following Wild home were an elite field of seasoned athletes including Tim Meyer, Alberto Cassadei, Massimo Cigana, and Simon Agoston.

The 2012 women’s field top finishers were Radka Vodickova, Belinda Granger, Edith Niederfringer, Nickey Barnard, and Sarah Wheeler.

A fantastic spokesperson for the event, Belinda Granger has been one of the greatest supporters and an active ambassador for the Laguna Phuket race. She has been coming to Phuket for the LPT and now the Challenge Laguna Phuket since 2000, having missed the event only once in that period.

“Without a doubt Laguna Phuket is my favourite race destination in the world,” says Belinda.

“There are many reasons why I continue to return year after year – the race, the food, the people, the weather, the accommodation, the sticky rice and mango…. my list could go on and on…..”

“This really is one of the most amazing race experiences out there. I have watched the race grow in size and in expertise over the years making it one of the best and most exciting races of the year.

It has a bit of everything- it’s certainly not an easy race, but that’s why I love it – the hills and the weather make it so challenging.

“The best thing about the race is that you don’t just go there for the race itself – it’s the entire race experience that keeps me coming back. Getting to stay in the Laguna Phuket resort and experiencing all that it has to offer post-race is perfect, especially for families. There is just so much to see and do.

“Make sure that if you do head over to this year’s race that you have a few days after the race to explore and enjoy everything that Phuket has to offer….you won’t be disappointed!”

And yet another appeal of Laguna Phuket is the equally important business of the Awards Party – hosted by race announcer Whit Raymond, these parties have become the stuff of legend among the international triathlon community and last year’s was no exception!

Inaugural Challenge Laguna Phuket

Laguna Phuket Triathlon has the longest tradition in triathlon in Asia attracting the sport’s legends and age groupers alike to the stunning tropical island for two decades. This year, Laguna Phuket will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the launch of the Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest from 24 November – 1 December. This week-long celebration of sport will incorporate the iconic Laguna Phuket Triathlon and half distance Challenge Laguna Phuket with a host of sporting and social activities in between.

Two-time world champion and Challenge Family ambassador, Chris “Macca” McCormack said the synergy between Challenge and Laguna Phuket Triathlon was clear. “Challenge Roth is the oldest race in Europe, Challenge Penticton the oldest in North America and now we have Challenge Laguna Phuket, the oldest race in Asia – that speaks volumes to me about the importance Challenge Family places on the legacy of our sport,” he said. “This approach echoes exactly how I feel. Our legacy is the foundation of this sport and Challenge is the organisation that has proven time and again that they respect the sport and its athletes. The partnerships we are building will ensure the sport retains its soul and provide an exciting future.”

International Sporting Venue

Situated on Thailand’s Andaman Sea coastline, Phuket is located almost 1,000 kilometres southwest of Bangkok. It has been luring international visitors for decades with its balmy tropical charm and character.

Laguna Phuket, an integrated resort collection of deluxe hotel and villa properties on the northwest coast of the island, hosts both triathlon events. With its stunning location amid 1,000 acres of tropical lagoon-filled parkland on scenic Bang Tao Beach plus a wealth of recreational options, from golf to island-hopping, Laguna Phuket is renowned worldwide as one of the finest destination resorts in Asia.

In addition to the deluxe hotel facilities that draw holidaymakers from around the globe, Laguna Phuket is also famed as a venue for world-class sporting activities, including golf, tournaments and the Laguna Phuket International Marathon. Challenge Laguna Phuket was awarded to Laguna Phuket in recognition of its world class facilities, reputation in staging important athletic events, and ease of travel from all major cities.

Laguna Phuket’s reputation is well-deserved. LPT, an established fixture on the global triathlon calendar, is dubbed “The Race of Legends” for its consistent ability to attract the world’s best professional triathletes.

For registration and accommodation specials visit: www.challengelagunaphuket.com

Congratulations to Kuya Kim Atienza for being the new endorser of yurbuds!  I’m loving the copy above: “Don’t wait for inspiration. Become it.”

I think Kuya Kim’s story of suffering from a stroke a few years back and now being in the pink of health training for an Ironman truly embodies the yurbuds campaign.  He’s also one of the smartest and nicest local celebrities I know.  Keep on inspiring, Kuya Kim!

PRESS RELEASE – Ever since a stroke three years ago pushed “Kuya Kim” Atienza to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle, the man famous for delivering informative and entertaining weather reports and for co-hosting “Showtime” has been pursuing triathlon with a passion.

Now a veteran of several marathons and triathlons and currently gearing up for his first full Ironman this December, Kim Atienza’s hectic training schedule demands a level of performance that no ordinary gear can provide. This is why he recently made the decision to train exclusively with yurbuds, the sport earphone guaranteed to “never fall out” thanks to its twist-lock design.

Yurbuds’ pool of ambassadors includes Ironman World Champions Pete Jacobs, Chris McCormack, and Mirinda Carfrae, and local elite triathletes Nikko Huelgas, Ani de Leon-Brown, and Sandra Gonzalez, among others. The addition of Kim Atienza is yurbuds’ way of communicating its message to a mainstream audience in the hopes of inspiring them.

Gianina Dayrit, the Vice President of Cascos Inc, the exclusive distributor of yurbuds in the Philippines, says, “We are proud to welcome Kim Atienza as the newest product endorser of yurbuds in the Philippines. yurbuds is about athletes working hard, giving more, to achieve one’s personal best, and to never stop. We feel that Kim is the perfect example of an athlete who never stops pushing for personal excellence, and who inspires others to do the same.”

According to Kim, “I’ve tried so many earphones in the past, and most just slip out of my ears or get tangled when stored. yurbuds fit snugly, the wires are tangle-proof, and they look good as well. It also makes me run faster knowing it’s the same earphones Pete Jacobs uses! Whatever works, the mind is powerful especially in endurance sports!”

The top-selling sport earphone in the US, and fast gaining popularity in the Philippine market, yurbuds are known for their comfortable and secure fit, outstanding sound quality, and variety of models and colors to choose from.

When asked what kind of music he listens to while working out, Kim says “I like listening to reggae, 70’s rock like Led Zeppelin and America converted to 90rpm via an app I bought in the App Store”.

Kim’s yurbuds of choice are the Pete Jacobs Signature Series ITE-100, so named after the reigning Ironman World Champion and 2-time Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines Champion. Launched at the recent Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines, the Pete Jacobs Signature Series feature uniquely reflective, tangle-resistant Kevlar cords, premium sound quality and a 1-button microphone system with track and call control.

With “Kuya Kim” rocking along with yurbuds, expect him to #neverstop inspiring thousands of followers to stay fit and healthy whatever the weather!

Check out their line of athlete-inspired products at participating retailers, join the community with the Facebook page Cascos Inc., yurbudsph on Twitter and Instagram, and share your workouts with the Twitter hashtag #neverstop!

I’m a flatfooted overpronating runner. Since 2006, I’ve been plagued by injuries (name the top 5 common runners’ injuries and I’ve had it) so it’s been a constant challenge to run marathons while keeping injury at bay. While other runners can choose from a variety of shoes, my feet tend to be very picky. I also need to wear orthotics (I used Spenco Orthotic Insoles since 2008) to ensure my arch is well supported.

This year, after a Chiropractic session with Martin Camara at Intercare, he recommended I had customized insoles made at his clinic. I thought it was time to finally have one made.

– with Martin Camara after a Chiro session –

MEDICAL PROCESS FOR PRODUCING CUSTOMIZED INSOLES AT INTERCARE

Last July 4, I dropped by Intercare Alabang to have my feet measured for the insoles. Here’s the medical process in Martin Camara’s words:

1) First a history of the patients condition is taken and an examination of the foot, ankle, or back ensues.

2) A Weight Bearing Foam Impression is made of the patients foot in Sub-Talar Neutral

3) Measurements are taken of the foot, ankle, knees and hip to determine if corrective postings are necessary

4) Orders are sent out to a lab in Hong Kong made by a Canadian Sports doctor who comes with over 20 Years of experience in manufacturing orthotics

5) The Lab will re-create the patients foot in the lab.

6) The material is heated to make it pliable – then placed over the mold of the patients foot. Both are placed inside a vacuum which makes the pliable orthotic conform tightly around the foot.

7) Corrections and postings are added afterwards.

8) They are shipped back to us for fitting on the patient.

I received the finished product within 3 weeks after I had been measured.  Here’s how they look:

– Top view –

– Back of the insoles –

– Sideview –

TBR REVIEW: INTERCARE CUSTOMIZED INSOLES

I received the insoles a week before Ironman 70.3 Cebu.  I thought it best NOT to use them in an A-race as I hadn’t had the time to break them in.  So, after Cebu and until now, I’ve been using them regularly for runs from 10k to 21k with my Kswiss Kwicky Blade Light, a neutral shoe.  For shoes with more stability, such as my Asics Gel Kayano, I don’t use the customized insoles.

PROS:

• Made for your foot.  The product is customized for your foot and your needs. If your injuries are severe and chronic and insoles off the shelves aren’t working for you, then insoles customized for your feet is definitely the best choice.
• Provides more stability and support.  I didn’t exaggerate when I emailed Martin to tell him: “They work!”  They provide stability for my ankles which had been injured last April.  I feel the strong support for my arch.  My runs have been significantly more comfortable since I started wearing them.
• Lightweight. I had customized insoles done by another supplier way back in 2008 which were as heavy as wood.  These insoles are considerably lighter.
• Durable.  I haven’t had mine for more than 2 months, but I’ve been told that this pair is durable.  By the way it’s made I can already tell that this will last longer than my Spenco Orthotics which I need to replace by 8 months to 1 year.
• Allows for versatility in choice of shoes.  For most overpronating or flat footed runners like me, our choice of shoes are limited to the bulky motion control or stability shoes.  We couldn’t even try many of the lightweight, fast, and not to mention attractive neutral or minimalist running shoes in the market now.  These orthotics may give you the chance to wear neutral or lightweight shoes in safety.  (Disclaimer: Just make sure that you test the product out first.  Gradually increase mileage in these shoes.  Should you feel pain or injury, go back to motion control or stability.)

CONS

• 3/4 length.  I’m not a big fan of 3/4 length orthotics for two reasons: They are prone to slipping during the run and they may cause blisters.  While these don’t slip at all, I did have huge blisters on my midfoot the first time I wore them.  It may be part of the breaking in process as now I don’t get blisters in that area anymore.
• Pricey.  A pair costs P8,800.  They cost almost as much or more than some running shoes in the market.  But given that they will prevent injury (and subsequent fees from the injury) and they will last for years, then it’s worth the investment.

In summary, I highly recommend Intercare’s Customized Insoles for runners who have severe or chronic injuries.  It provides support, stability, and peace of mind to the runner who constantly has to deal with or worry about pain and injuries.

Below is an interview I had with Martin Camara to help you decide if Intercare’s Customized Insoles are for you and some tips on how to use them properly should you get a pair:

TBR: How can a customized insole benefit a runner?

The orthotics basically can now take any commercially produced cycling or running shoe – and turn it into a fully customized shoe for that runner or athlete.

1) INJURY PREVENTION – I’m sure we have all seen the statistics when it comes to running and injuries. Some studies quote as high as a 70-80% incidence rate. Most pain or injury is simply a symptom of an underlying problem. So if you experience foot pain, knee pain, hip pain or lower back pain which is associated with your running – a logical assumption would be that there is something wrong with your “alignment” which is putting more pressure on one part of your body versus the other. A good, medical grade orthotic will be able to correct your alignment from the ground up. By correcting the alignment of your foot – you are then balancing out the repetitive stresses that build up over time with running so that there is more even wear and tear on your joints and muscles thereby preventing injuries.

2) INCREASE EFFICIENCY – The orthotic helps place your feet in “Sub-Talar Neutral.”  It therefore corrects pronation or supination problems which are all too common nowadays. In this position – the muscles and joints of the body are in the optimum position to perform better over a longer period of time. For example, the achilles tendon (which is the tendon of the calf muscles) pulls from a more efficient angle in Sub-Talar neurtral. This minimizes the pressure on calf, hamstrings and glutes – making the muscle perform better over time and distance.

3) INJURY TREATMENT – Most pain wether in the foot (Plantar Fascitis), Knee ( Patellar Tendinitis), Hip (Ilio-tibial Band), and Lower Back (Sacro-iliac joint dysfunction) are a result of inflammation and irritation. Chiropractic, Physical Therapy or Orthopedics Therapy helps relieve the pain and inflammation however if the underlying problem which brought it on in the first place is not addressed – the condition will quickly return after the runner returns to activity. Orthotics help support the treatment so they don’t continue to re-injure themselves.

TBR: How does a runner know that he/she needs customized insoles? What are the symptoms that he/she should get himself checked?

Pain is a definite sign that they will be needing Orthotics. Recurrent trips to the Physical Therapist, Chiropractor or Orthopedist for problems affecting lets say one side of the body more than the other is also an indication of imbalances which would require corrective insoles. Heel pain, Shin Splints, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Lower Back Pain are all common conditions that may require orthotics.

If there is no pain present – You would look at the wear patterns of your running shoe. If you consistently wear out one shoe faster than the other – or on one side faster than the other – you may need an orthotic. For example – a pronator will wear out the outside portion of the back of the shoe and the inner portion of the front of the shoe faster. If your running shoe shows those patterns – you may need one.

Another sign is excessive bunion formation on one side versus the other (As a side note – the first time i examined your back I knew you needed them just looking at your big toe bunion formation)

Also if you feel that there is a discrepancy in your leg length – or you come down harder on one side – Orthotics can balance them out.

The analogy would be like the tires on your car – when misaligned you wear them out unevenly over time. When your body is out of balance – you wear out one side faster than the other. Orthotics can help balance you out.

TBR: For the Intercare customized insoles, where are these made? How different are these from other customized and off the shelves insoles in the market?

These orthotics are very different from what is available off the shelf or even made to order orthotics currently available in the Philippines. Most of what is available simply match your shoe size with the size of the orthotic and make the faulty assumption that everyone’s foot is the same. The other type of orthotic I see is a simple arch support with cushioning. Cushioning without correction just softens the landing but does nothing to correct the alignment.

These orthotics correct all components of the foot: Most semi-customized only have a mid foot or arch correction. These orthotics have both mid foot (Arch), Hind foot, and Forefoot corrections. Posting is added to correct leg length discrepancies or pronation or supination problems.

TBR: Can you give us tips on the proper use of customized insoles?

I would recommend you use them with all your shoes.

There are full supports that I would recommend you use for your running and or cycling shoe. I recommend a shoe without excessive correction or cushioning. I personally like a shoe with some padding then I add the orthotic to completely customize that shoe for me. Too much cushioning will lead to the runner losing connection with the ground.

They also have a version for dress shoes – The corrections do not have as much posting – but you can fit them into a dress shoe or even a minimalist running shoe. As I mentioned – for Trail running, I prefer to feel the ground so I use a smaller orthotic.

They also have a hook version for ladies heels.

I would recommend you use them for 3-5 hours day and slowly increase your utilization over a 3 week period until you are using them all of the time.

For running, break them in with 3-5km runs and after 3 short runs – you can start building up longer runs adding 3 km per run.

It is common to go thru an adjustment period. This is because you will be using your muscles differently. This is a Good Thing or a Good Pain. Like muscle soreness after a good workout.