Posts Tagged with: "2013"

I can’t let this year end without thanking everyone who supported me this year. So, here goes:

THANK YOU TO…

MY SPONSORS

Thank you for the trust and the support! Mwah. Mwah.

Enervon Activ – Thank you for collaborating with me. Thank you also for giving me more energy and helping me overcome fatigue! Oh yeah!

Sun Broadband – It was a pleasure working with you for two years!

Gatorade – For all the hydration! I would literally collapse without you. Thanks G! #winfromwithin

– with Lit, Ton of GroupM, and Jun –

Specialized – For my beloved Shiv and support for riding and caring for my bike all throughout the year!

– with Joey Ramirez of Dan’s –

– with my boy, my Shiv! –

– Coach Andy Leuterio and Keshia Fule during a body geometry fits –

Oakley – Best shades ever! Thank you to Oakley for always providing me with shades for training, traveling, shopping…Yes, you get the point. I pretty much use only Oakleys all the time. Love ’em to bits.

Otterbox – For keeping my phone safe from dirt, water, kids, and most especially from my crazy, clumsy self.

– swimming with my iPhone in Cebu using my waterproof, shockproof, dustproof Otterbox Armor –

– with Anthony Kierulf of Otterbox –

Rocktape – I will forever be grateful for keeping my little injuries at bay so that I can continue to do what I love!

Peak Form – For this perennially injured runner, you were a godsend! Thank you for the countless deep tissue massages. I loved the pain. Truly!

Quaker Oats – Thank you for trusting me to help spread the word about proper nutrition for the entire family! Because of your Quaker Challenge, my kids and I were motivated to get even more active together.

Kitchen’s Best – Thank you for the delicious food and dessert!  You know that I eat healthy most of the time, but I come to you when it’s time to live a little and enjoy!

MY PARTNER

Unilab Active Health. Thank you to Clinton Hess, Alex Panlilio, Lester Castillo, Bianca Cortez, and Zeny Mejias. It’s always a pleasure to work with such an efficient and hardworking team. May we get more people to live an active healthy lifestyle.

SPONSORS OF TBR DREAM MARATHON

You guys have been with us from day one! Together, we’ve made more than a thousand runners into marathoners!

RUNRIO

– with Coach Rio at the Rappler Do More Awards –

NUVALI

– Here in the pic with Jun Bisnar, GM of Nuvali, and his wife Ofel along with Jim Lafferty at TBR Dream Marathon 2013 –

GATORADE – as always!

NEW BALANCE

– You guys are sponsors, friends, and alumni of TBR Dream Marathon! Thanks for everything! –

MY TEAMMATES

Team Unilab Active Health!  You guys know who you are. Thanks for making triathlon even more fun!

TBR DREAM TEAM

Jim Lafferty, Coach Lit Onrubia, Jun Cruz, Macel & Mike Janeo, and Neville Manaois. It is always great to be working with people who share the same passion for making more marathon dreams come true!

– with Mike, Macel, Lit, Jun –

TBR MAGAZINE TEAM

Jun, Macel, Vima Mendoza, Neil Gonzales, Patrick Diokno, and Ben Chan of Blacksheep Photography.  Thank you for working so hard to make each issue perfect!

– Ben Chan behind the scenes shooting Patrick Concepcion for our cover –

MY COACHES

Coach Andy Leuterio for triathlon and Coach Anthony Lozada for swimming. Thanks for your guidance…and patience! Haha!

– with Coach Andy Leuterio of Alpha Tri –

– with Coach Anthony Lozada of Lozada Swim School –

To my son’s coach: Coach Norman who patiently teaches the kids how to swim, bike, and run in the most fun manner.

Thank you to Nike Philippines for all the swoosh lovin’!

Thanks to Timex Philippines, especially Gemma Pagsibigan and Jose, and Timex UK who went out of their way to get me a slot for London Marathon when I almost lost hope!

Thank you to Photo-Ops who go over and beyond their work to send me awesome pics for the blog and the race. Thanks Tong, KB, and the rest of your team!

To old and new running bloggers – Thanks for the camaraderie and the friendship!

To TBR Dream Marathoners of the past and present who make TBR not just a blog or a marathon but an advocacy that goes beyond me or anything that I could have ever imagined.

To my dearest friends in running who make the roads even more pleasurable to run on.

– My dearest Jabronis: Ton, Lit, and Angel –

To my family, the reason for everything.

And, last but not the least, to YOU my ever so loyal readers who continue to visit this little blog of mine. Every click means a lot to me and I can never thank you enough. I’m hoping to make you even happier in 2014 with a better TBR!

Happy New Year to you!

PREVIOUS: Part 1: Thank You, 2013!

It’s the last day of the year!  As always, I look back on the year that was…

2013 was year of extremes for me.  The first half was a roller coaster ride coming from the high of London Marathon to literally dropping to a low with my bike crash to finishing Ironman 70.3 Cebu.  By the 2nd half of the year, I decided to take it s-l-o-w as I enjoyed my off season while maintaining my fitness (in other words, I still swam, biked, and ran like a fiend but I didn’t race LOL).

I know it’s cliche, but I must say that it’s been another wonderful and blessed year.   Sure, I had my fair share of crap thrown my way,  but each event in life will only affect you in the way that you wish to see it, either as a blessing or as bullsh*t.  I choose to view them as blessings.  Here are my blessings for 2013…

1) London Marathon (April 21)

The best marathon I have ever joined in what has come to be my favorite city in the world. I was fortunate enough to have been sponsored by Unilab Active Health to participate in this race and Timex for my slot. Bonuses? I broke my PR at 4:24.  My family got to travel with me.  And, we passed by Paris after!

London Marathon was a week after the devastating bombing at Boston Marathon.

– At the finish line of London Marathon –

– my hubby and kiddos pick me up at the race –

2) Ironman 70.3 Cebu (August 4)

This was my 2nd Ironman 70.3.  After a foot injury months before the event, a bike crash a month before the race, bad weather the day before, and a flat tire during the bike leg, I was proud to have finished this event alive!  I felt like a warrior!  Rawr!

Thank you to my Coach Andy Leuterio for training me through London Marathon and Ironman Cebu 70.3, Specialized and Dan’s for my beloved Shiv and helping me care for him.  Thanks also to my team Unilab Active Health for the support and camaraderie!

– Bike crash a month before the race. Save for several unsightly wounds, I was lucky to have come out of it without any broken bones and alive! –

– Bike leg of Ironman 70.3 Cebu. Photo by Michael Ocana –

– Hugging Sen. Pia Cayetano at the finish line. Photo by Tong Pascua of Photo Ops –

– Happy finish! Photo by James Go –

3) The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2013 (February 22)

Last February 22, 584 runners became marathoners.  It was the 4th TBR Dream Marathon.  Every year, we hope to continue helping more runners reach their marathon dreams.

– Farrah Rodriguez, TBR Dream Marathoner –

– Marice Laxa-Pangilinan finishes her first 42k a day before her birthday. She was paced by husband Anthony –

– TBR Dream Marathon 2013 Medal –

Last August, we launched the 5th Dream Marathon. 800 slots were gone in 37 minutes. We ended up accepting a total of 900 runners who are currently training for their first marathon on February 16, 2014. Batch 2014 is a fantastic bunch of committed and enthusiastic runners. It’s been a fun-filled journey so far to train for their first marathon with them.

– with Batch 2014 of TBR ULAH Dream Marathon –

4) One Run (November 16)

We organized One Run, a run to raise funds for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, shortly after seeing the devastation in Tacloban and surrounding areas.  We were overwhelmed with the response from the running community as we collected a whopping P615,000 in cash and a significant number of in kind donations.

One Run was organized by The Bull Runner in cooperation with Unilab Active Health with the support of Gatorade. Thank you also to Bonifacio Global City, Run.ph, Simple Hydration, Proactive, Photo-Ops (our official photographer), HDSI Medic Team, Jun Cruz and Mike & Macel Janeo.

– Triathletes Kuya Kim Atienza, Raffy Zamora, and Erwan Heussaff joined by friends at One Run –

– Sen. Pia Cayetano and friends came to support –

– Triathlete friends came to help and volunteer –

5) Finalist in Rappler Do More Awards (October)

I was honored to make it as finalist in the Rappler DO MORE Awards.  It was awesome to be among a select group of Filipino achievers who “do more” than is expected of them.

6) Anton finishes his first triathlon (October 20)

As part of our Quaker Challenge as a Quaker Supermom, we made it our family goal to be more active together.  Anton’s goal was to finish his first triathlon, which he did at the Ironkids last October!  I couldn’t have been a prouder momma!

Thank you to Quaker Oats for motivating us even more to conquer our goals.

– My not so little boy showing off his medal –

7) Running, running, and more running

Sure I’ve been into triathlon the past couple of years, but running is still the sport that brings me the most joy.  I will always be a runner.  It was great to participate in local races and use these as training for my A-races.  The races that stood out for me were the following:

Run United (March 17)

– with great friends Lit, Ton, and Jun after Run United 1 (March 17) –

Run United (October 6)

– Run United Philippine Marathon –

New Balance Power Run 25k

– with friends Ton, Jun, and Maiqui –

Those were the highlights to the awesome year of 2013.  What were the highlights of 2013 for you?

NEXT: Part 2: Thank you, 2013!

All roads lead to adidas King of the Road 2013 on July 7, 2013 with the 10k and 16.8k race categories.  Runners of all shapes and sizes have been seriously training for the race and anticipating a well-attended event.  Among those that are expected to show off their running prowess on race day are two of the top elite runners in the country who are expected to defend their titles as King and Queen of the Road: Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista and Mary Grace delos Santos.

I got to interview Vertek and Mary Grace to learn the secrets of these two winning runners.  (Hope you don’t mind. I translated them from Tagalog into English already):

KING OF THE ROAD 2012: EDUARDO BUENAVISTA, 34 years old
Best times:
5k – 13:58.43  – 2002 Asian Games, Busan, South Korea
10k – 29:02.36 – 2002 Asian Games, Busan, South Korea
21k – 1:03.42 – Incheon, South Korea
42k – 2004 2:18:44 – Beppu Oita Marathon, Oita, Japan

– Eduardo Buenavista wins first place at adidas KOTR 2012 –

QUEEN OF THE ROAD 2012: MARY GRACE DELOS SANTOS, 26 yrs old
Best times:
5k – 17:44
10k – 37:49
21k – 1:20
42k – 2:49

–  Mary Grace delos Santos wins first place at adidas KOTR 2012 –

TBR: How long have you been running?

EB: I started my professional career as a runner last 2000 but I’ve been running since high school as a track and field athlete. I got to join the 1997 Palarong Pambansa when I was in 4^th year high school in which I ran the 1500, 3000, and 5000 meter events.

MD: Since 9 year’s old up to the present.

TBR: What are the top medals you’ve earned from running?

EB: It was during the 1998 National open that I won 1^st place in the 1500, 3000 and 5000 meter events.

MD: Malaysia Standard Marathon, Hong Kong Standard Marathon, 2012 KOTR Singapore Asia Championship, National Milo Marathon Final.


TBR: What distance do you enjoy running the most?

EB: I enjoy running the 10k distance. Short and easier to manage.

MD: 10k, 21k, and 42k.


TBR: Tell us more about your experience running adidas King of the Road last year.

EB: I joined the 16.8 distance and won 1^st place for the Men’s Filipino category with a time of 54.39mins. By winning the Filipino category, I won Php 30,000 and was sent to Singapore to represent our country in the Adidas KOTR Southeast Asian Championship in which I won 1^st place with a time of 53:12 minutes.

MD: I ran the 16.8k in 1 hour and 3 minutes. 
I won the cash prize and a trip to Singapore to represent the Philippines for KOTR Asia Championship. 


TBR: How did you train for adidas KOTR 2012?

EB: I was training for both Milo Marathon and adidas KOTR that time.  I did my speed workout in the morning and road race training almost everyday.

MD: I trained every day that time because I was preparing for the upcoming Milo National Finals.

TBR:  Are you ready for adidas KOTR 2013?  How’s training been for you?

EB:  Yes. So far so good. Right now I’m focusing on developing my speed in preparation for KOTR and also for SEA Games where I will compete in the full marathon event.

MD: I’m not as prepared this year for KOTR because I haven’t had much time to train due to work.

TBR:  Why did you decide to join KOTR 2013 again?

EB:  I want to defend my title here the Philippines as King of the Road but most especially I want to represent our country again in the KOTR Southeast Asian Championship.

MD: I joined the KOTR to participate and support the KOTR and I love to run.

TBR:  What advice can you give to other runners?

EB: To my fellow runners who want to achieve a better time, I only have a few words for them. Discipline, dedication and hard work are the keys to success.

MD: My only advice is that you should have self-discipline, proper training, and always listen to your coach. 

WHAT’S NEW AT ADIDAS KING OF THE ROAD 2013?

Aside from bumping into Vertek and Mary Grace on race day, there are other things to look forward to at adidas KOTR 2013.

For 2013, adidas opened a new category exclusively for students 25 years old and under. The 10K Relay for Students is set specifically to encourage the youth to get into a healthy, active lifestyle and to give them a chance to represent their alma mater.

On race day, adidas will also be rolling out BOOST™ to more of their adidas running products. It will come in more colors, too.  What is BOOST™? It’s a groundbreaking innovation in adidas footwear technology featuring superior cushioning that allows runners to store and unleash energy more efficiently with every stride. The new Energy Boost collection will be available worldwide at adidas Sport Performance stores and selected retailers on July 7, 2013, race day, at PHP 7995. Visit www.facebook.com/adidas for more information.

adidas King of the Road will be on July 7, 2013 at Bonifacio Global City.  To register visit: http://adidaskingoftheroad.com/ph/index.php

Are you a student in your teens or older? If you’re nodding your head right now, then this article is for YOU. If you are only wishing you were in your teens and you currently have a relative—your child, nephew/niece, godchild, or, heck, grandchild—then do them a favor and forward this article to them.

Most students nowadays are neck deep in studies, social life, and even social media. That’s completely understandable because you only live once (YOLO!) and college (and even high school) are the best years of your life. But, take it from me–your fairly young godmother who only started running at the ripe old age of 30 (yikes!)–it’s best that you start getting fit and healthy as early as possible. In fact, experts say that students like you should have a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every single day. What’s the best way for you to get fit without taking too much time away from student life? For me, it’s gotta be running! (By the way, I’m biased. So, if you find passion in other sports or activities, then by all means, go ahead too. Anything as long as you get moving!)

So, just for you, I’ve prepared the Top 10 reasons why every student should run:

1) You’ll be happier
There was a study conducted by researchers at Tufts University and they discovered that students who exercised at least 3 days a week were more likely to report better health and more happiness than those who didn’t exercise.

2) You’ll boost your brain power
A study in Japan showed that students scored better in mental tests after running. Another study in the University of Illinois showed that 18-24 year olds were better at decision making after they ran.

3)You’ll take care of your heart.
Running reduces your chances of getting heart disease later in life. I know, it’s too early for you to think of that, but still!

4) It makes you fitter…and sexier…and increases your chances of getting a good date.
Running burns more calories than any other activity there is.

5) For girls, it gets rid of PMS and menstrual pain.
Need I say more?!

6) You’ll make new friends.
Running is a great social activity. You can chat while getting fit. You’ll also meet more like-minded people who would enjoy fun and healthy activities.

– with friend and adidas ambassador, Ani de Leon, at adidas KOTR 2009 –

7) You’ll become more confident.
Running can boost your self-esteem especially when you accomplish a goal you were aiming for.

8) You’ll beat stress.
Are you stressed over exams and homework? A short run can leave you feeling energized and ready to study better.

9) You’ll feel better about your body.
You’ll feel stronger and fitter. Even better, you’ll be more conscious about taking care of your body.

10) It’s fun!

– adidas KOTR 2008 with blogger friends Marga, Dindo, and Doc Joe –

A great way to motivate yourself to run is by setting a goal for yourself like joining a 10k run. One of the races that runners are looking forward to is the adidas King of the Road on July 7, 2013 at Bonifacio Global City.

This year, adidas King of the Road is opening a new category exclusively for students 25 years old and under.
The 10K Relay for Students is set specifically to encourage you guys to get into a healthy, active lifestyle and to give you a chance to represent your alma mater. How cool is that?!

Students need to team up in pairs – one male and one female – with each running 5K to complete the total 10K distance. Winners don’t just get individual cash prizes; you will also win prizes for your school! Join now!

To register visit: http://adidaskingoftheroad.com/ph/index.php

For more news, updates, and promos on adidas KOTR 2013, visit www.facebook.com/adidas or follow the conversation with #kotrph2013.

With just a couple more days to the 3rd month anniversary of our new marathoners from batch 2013 of TBR Dream Marathon, we couldn’t wait to release our little surprise: the official video coverage of TBR Dream Marathon 2013.

Enjoy! In the meantime, we are busy preparing for TBR Dream Marathon 2014 (yes, we start this early!)