10 Reasons Why Every Student Should Run

Friday, 21 June 2013  |  Race Announcements

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.

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– 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!

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– 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.

10 Do’s & Don’ts for Preparing for adidas King of the Road 10k

Monday, 10 June 2013  |  Running + Triathlon

One of the most anticipated races of the country, the adidas King of the Road, is exactly one month away. If you’re one of the thousands who’s signed up and all set to run, here are my top ten do’s and don’ts for newbie runners preparing for the 10k distance:

WHILE TRAINING

1 > DO train for the race. The 10k distance is an event that you must seriously prepare for by gradually building up your mileage weeks before the race. Never ever say you’ll just wing the race and pray you survive. That is no way to participate in a race. Once registered, commit to training seriously for the event and enjoy the training experience.

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2 > DO follow a training program. If you’re serious about running and race, it’s best to follow a training program from a coach or a reputable running website. It gives you a weekly schedule and allows you to monitor your distance and pace ensuring you don’t over or under train. It also keeps you safe from injury. Best of all, it teaches you discipline and how to train properly for an event.

3 > DON’T eat all you want. Some newbie runners, especially those who are trying to lose weight, think that they can indulge with their diet since they’re working out more. While it’s true that you’re burning more calories, you still have to watch what you eat. If anything, adopting a healthy lifestyle through running, will help you to be more conscious not just about weight management, but eating to care for your body and use it as fuel for optimal performance.

4 > DO run with a buddy or a group. For most runners, it’s easier to lace up and train when they’ve got other people to be accountable to. It also makes the training experience more fun when you share conversations and experiences with like-minded people who are eager to get on the road to fitness through running.

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5 > DON’T train for speed all the time. Most newbie runners immediately want to run fast in their first race. There’s nothing wrong with that. But, if you do wish to train for speed, then make sure you train the right way. Include speed work in your training program only once or twice a week. Do not run fast during each workout. Better yet, consult a coach to ensure you get proper training.

ON RACE DAY

6 > DO think positive. Most new runners are petrified by the thought of racing. Negative thoughts arise such as “What if I finish last?” or “What if I don’t finish at all?” It’s normal to feel anxious because you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. But, overcome all your worries by inviting positive and powerful thoughts and have confidence in your own capabilities.

7 > DON’T wear brand new shoes on race day. It’s always great to get yourself a brand new pair of shoes for race day. But, make sure you break this in properly. Give yourself at least a month to use the shoe during training so you’re certain about the fit and comfort come race day. That means, get yourself those shoes NOW.

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8 > DO hydrate properly. Some runners fail to give importance to proper hydration. It’s important to drink water if you’re running less than an hour and take a sports drink if you run over an hour to replenish your electrolytes. Heat stroke is a serious threat especially with the sun beating down on us.

9 > DON’T give up. There will be times when, during the race, you may think “Why am I doing this?” or “I’m in pain. I wish I could stop.” Always remember that the pain and discomfort is temporary and you must rise above it. Focus on your goal: to finish strong and happy and to achieve something that you never thought you could.

10 > DO run your own race. When the race starts, you may get overwhelmed with the crowd of runners going at their own pace. Resist the urge to go as fast as they are. Run at your own pace as you trained and planned. Always remember that you are your own King or Queen of the Road and no one can tell you otherwise.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR ADIDAS KING OF THE ROAD 2013

adidas King of the Road will be on July 7, 2013 at Bonifacio Global City.  If you have signed up yet, there are two ways to register for this year’s adidas King of the Road Philippines:

  1. Visit http://adidaskingoftheroad.com/ph and register online by filling up all the required fields (not available for 10KM Relay for Students). Online registration is open from May 2 to June 23, 2013.
  2. Visit any of the seven (7) adidas KOTR 2013 registration sites in the following stores —adidas Greenbelt 3, adidas SM Mall of Asia, adidas SM Megamall, adidas Powerplant, adidas Trinoma, adidas Two Parkade (Bonifacio Global City), or Runnr at Bonifacio High Street. Onsite registration is open from May 2 to June 30, 2013.

Race fees are as follows: P1,300 for the 16.8K race; P1,100 for for the 10K regular race; and P800 for for the 10K students’ race. Runners signing up for the 10K students’ race will have to present vaild student IDs (must be valid until July 7, 2013) at the registration sites.

There is also a discount for runners that sign up in large groups. Participants who register with their friends and family at the same time at the registration site get the following discounts:

  • Group of 10 runners = Php100 off each
  • Group of 15 runners = Php150 off each
  • Group of 20 runners = Php200 off each

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

ADIDAS KOTR ON 30 SEPT: Win Race Kits Now!

Thursday, 13 September 2012  |  Race Announcements

PRESS RELEASE: adidas invites runners from all over to join this year’s adidas ‘King of the Road’ (KOTR) on September 30 at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

This year’s race will have three categories – 5K, 10K and 16.8K. For the 16.8K distance, there are two sub categories – the ‘Closed’ category for Filipino nationals and the ‘Open’ category for all nationalities. The top male and female winners from the 16.8km Closed category will be hailed as the Philippines’ ‘King and Queen’ of the Road and will qualify for an all-expense paid trip to Singapore on October 28 to compete in the adidas KOTR Southeast Asia Championship.

KOTR Singlet
– adidas KOTR singlets –

“The adidas King of the Road is a platform that allows runners to achieve their personal best. As a global leader, adidas continuously provides top of the line products, technology, and events that support runners from all over to be the best they can be,” says Jason Gervasio, adidas Brand Communications and Sports Marketing Manager.
Demonstrating the brand’s exceptional commitment to the sport, the first adidas KOTR Southeast Asia Championship, held last year, unified runners from all around the region. The event had participants from the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia all competing in a bid to be crowned as the adidas SEA ‘King of the Road’. The Philippines was chosen as the first country to host the culminating activity of the Southeast Asian championship race in October 2011. Last year, multi-color adidas singlets displayed the vibrancy of running as a sport across the region. This year’s KOTR will feature a new set of colorful singlets that will be on full display at the event.

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– 5k Route –

kotr 2012 10k
– 10k Route –

kotr 2012 16_8k
– 16.8k Route –

Continuing the tradition of pushing people to achieve their personal breakthroughs, the global brand brings the KOTR SEA Championship Year 2 to Singapore. The race will begin and end in the lion city’s newest iconic landmark – the Gardens by the Bay. Around 12,000 runners are expected to participate as adidas aims to gather the best of the best from five countries to run by Singapore’s newest 100-hectare park.

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– adidas KOTR race kit –

To join the race:

  • Register for the adidas King of the Road 2012 from July 25 to September 23 online. Click HERE.
  • Visit any of 6 KOTR registration sites: adidas Megamall, adidas Rockwell, adidas SM Mall of Asia, adidas Trinoma, adidas Greenbelt and Runnr BGC. Registration sites are open 7 days a week from 12NN to 8PM.

Race fees are as follows: Php1,050.00 for 5km and 10km; Php 1,300.00 for 16.8km.

For news and updates on KOTR, visit the adidas Philippines Facebook fan page.

WIN A ADIDAS KOTR RACE KIT! 

HOW TO JOIN:

1) LIKE adidas Philippines on FB

2) LIKE TBR on FB

3) Submit a comment on this post: “I want to run adidas King of the Road!” with the following info:

  • Your complete name
  • Your username on FB
  • Your preferred distance for the race

CONTEST RULES:

1) First 2 people who comment win 1 race kit each.  Distance of your choice.

2) Contest is open to Metro Manila residents only.

3) Winner will be notified via Facebook on how to claim the prize.

Adidas KOTR and More

Monday, 12 October 2009  |  Race Announcements

KOTR Print Ad Compre FA

All systems go for Adidas KOTR on October 25, 2009. Here’s more info in case you haven’t signed up yet…

Registration is on-going
Registration for the 2009 adidas King of the Road (KOTR) on October 25 is ongoing in 14 venues in Metro Manila. The event covers three running distances, 5k, 10k and 21k and the fee is P500. It will be held at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
 
Free Running Clinics with Coach Ani De Leon
every Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. from October 6 – 22 at the ULTRA Running Oval.  

To register, send an e-mail to adidas_kingoftheroad_2k9@yahoo.com expressing your interest to avail of the free running clinics.  Include your contact details to receive regular updates.
 
Mi adidas discounts
For those who’ve registered for Adidas KOTR, present your registration receipt at the counter to avail 50% off mi adidas. You can now customize your shoes according to your style using the high-tech software available at the adidas flagship store in Greenbelt 3.  Limited coupons available.
 
Running Expo on October 17-18, 2009
When: October 17 to 18, 2009
Where: SM Megamall Megatrade Hall
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Carbo-loading, exhibits, seminars, distribution of singlets, race bibs, presentations and a lot more surprises await all KOTR runners.
 
Join Adidas KOTR Facebook and egroup
Get the latest from adidas about the King of the Road.

Facebook: search for adidas Running Philippines
Yahoo e-group: add http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/adidas_kingoftheroad_2k9/

Adidas KOTR Race Report

Saturday, 11 October 2008  |  Race Reports

There’s something about the Adidas King of the Road that makes the race a notch above the rest; it must be the presence of thousands of eager runners, the half marathon offering, great-looking singlets, a well-organized assembly, and a number of other things, but all I know is that the moment I arrived at the assembly area, I went on full race mode eager to get going. Instantly, I forgot about last night’s rantings about the missing route map or lack of race bibs in the days leading up to the Adidas KOTR; I was just wanted to race. And, that’s what I got.

After my warm up and stretching, I waited just a few minutes—with winning triathletes and showbiz celebrities Drew Arellano and Paolo Abrera right behind me and my favorite reader Cougcat right outside the barrier—before the 10k gun went off at exactly 5:55 a.m. My secret goal (sorry, I couldn’t share with you) was simply to run a sub-55 hour 10k, a very conservative goal, which I knew I could achieve in this fast course after two consecutive weekend races at hilly Ayala Alabang.

What can I say? The course was awesome! I enjoyed running so much (or was it because I saw super funny and witty Rovilson Fernandez pass by me?) that I snobbed my Garmin throughout the race. I disregarded time and pace and focused on simply giving my best. I didn’t even feel the need to compete against other runners. I just ran, and ran, and ran.

As we climbed the Buendia flyover, I was still in high spirits and it was a delight to see friends who joined the 21k making their way back towards Bonifacio Global City. When the first few running friends passed, I would yell “Go, Glenn” then “Go Joms” then “Go Ben” then “Go Annnnniiiiie” but then, after a while, I thought I would lose my mind (and breath) just cheering for them. To conserve energy, I waved at others to show my support.

Once we hit the flat roads of Buendia, I stopped watching the 21k runners on the other side of the street and looked straight ahead. It was time to get going. After all, flat means fast (hey, I’m talking about the roads, not chests). So, I ran to my heart’s delight.  I only stopped to glance at my watch during the 5k turnaround at Reposo then I went on again.

Before I knew it, it was time to climb back up the steep Buendia flyover, which was a lot tougher than the 1st half. With the intense heat, most of the runners before me had began to walk while I slowed down to a 5:50 pace. Wow, it felt like forever trekking up that road but, with a little patience and perseverance, we survived. As I made my way back to Bonifacio Global City, I wanted to yell “Freedom! Woohooo!” as I rolled down the flyover towards flat roads but decided otherwise as the troop of PNP’s I was running with would have to cuff me and send me to Crame.

I ran towards the finish at a comfortably hard pace, again, enjoying every minute. I found my rhythm somewhere in between passing the Pinoy Ultra Runners who ran 21k and the finish line.  It was pure fun!

According to my Garmin, I finished 10.02 km (hey perfect race distance!) at 52:44 minutes with an average pace of 5:16 min/km. 

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Did you get to sign here? I didn’t. Maybe next year. Thanks to future elite runner Naombi for pointing it out to us –

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– BWK united! –

I reached my sub-55 hour goal. CHECK (with minutes to spare)

Ended the race injury-free. CHECK (Actually, I did have an injury after the race. Silly me. I bumped my head against the bathroom door hanger as I was changing. Forehead was bleeding and now it’s black & blue)

I felt I could’ve pushed harder, gone faster, and broken my PR, but hey I’m happy. It was a great race. Adidas KOTR currently tops my list of favorite races this year.

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– Aaaw, highschool classmates Tin U. and Jennie Bau! –

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– with running bloggers, The Changeling Child, RunningDATcom, & Loonyrunner –

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 – Pinoy Ultra Runners Hector, Neville and Jeremy –

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– BAGAY…ang shades ni Marga sa kanya. Diba Neville? –

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– Congrats to Annie for placing 9th, even after coming in late, for 21k –

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– Congrats to Queen of the Road Jo-Ann Banayag –