Posts Tagged with: "north face"

Hubby and I spent our Valentine’s Day morning, just like thousands of other runners, at The North Face Thrill of the Trail at Nuvali.

– Start for the couples run –

This was an 11k and 22k trail run which I desperately wanted to join, but I didn’t because of three words: No, not “I love you” (you’re so cheesy) but “Hong Kong Marathon!”   I thought it was best to avoid any potential strains, sprains, or little accidents on the trail before marathon day on February 28.  (Read: praning!)

While hubby ran the 11k race, I went ahead and ran on the road.  The air was a bit chilly, perfect for a nice morning run.  There were a lot of people strolling by the lake, biking, and even resting inside their tents on the grass. I loved every minute of that 5k run.

– The road I ran on. The same road TBR Dream Marathoners will pass –

– So peaceful here –

By the time I got dressed and went back for hubby, he was done. And so were other running friends who showed off all their battle scars.  Hubby had a swollen pinky, Aljo a scraped knee, and Marga bruised palms. Mark and Tiffin Parco had no scratches, but they did demonstrate Mark’s show of affection this Valentine’s Day.  When they crossed the river, Mark offered to carry Tiffin to the other end exactly like this…

– I heard Aljo asked Mark to carry him too. Unfortunately, he was rejected by Mark –

Despite the bumps and bruises, the runners were all smiles and enjoyed the new trail experience.

– with Edward, Raymund, Bards, and Dingdong –

– with Meek Runner and her hubby, Tiffin, and Francis M. –

– with Me-Anne and her husband –

– with Jun –

– Mai Mai and Miguel. I predict non-runner Miguel will be lacing up in 3 months –

Congratulations to TNF and the entire team, especially my favorite technical consultant Neville Manaois for staging another unique and exciting trail run!

THE ROUTE

11KM & 11KM COUPLES

22KM

THE SINGLET

TNF is always a race anticipated by runners seeking new adventures in the world of running. It offers a unique experience from the typical road race and away from the concrete jungle of Manila.  Past races were at Clark, Legaspi, Cagayan de Oro, and now it’ll be at  Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. (Click HERE to read my TNF 100 Race Report last May 2009, Clark)

TNF RACE DETAILS

• Date: February 14, 2010, Sunday
• Start: Nuvali, Laguna, 5:00 a.m.
• Distance: 11k | 22k | 11k couples trail run. Partners should arrive at the finish line at the same time.
• Fee: P450 per person
• Register at R.O.X., Second Wind, Res Toe Run, The North Face – Shangrila, Glorietta, SM MOA, SM Cebu, SM Davao
• Contact: 0917.5.ASK.NUV (275.688)
• Website: www.nuvalievoliving.com

NUVALI

TNF at Nuvali makes the race doubly exciting for me.  I was just at Nuvali last month for our TBR Magazine shoot with Ani de Leon. I was delighted to discover this shangrila in the south developed by Ayala Land, which will be home to many families and offices in the future. It was beautiful there; the atmosphere was calm and serene, the air fresh, and the roads beckoned for us to run on them.  They say the grand plan is to provide many outdoor activities in this area, such as trail running, mountain biking, ziplining, and in the future, an area for triathlons to be staged.

– Love this area by the lake –

NUVALI TRAIL RUN COURSE – There’s a flexible trail run course from 11k, 22k, up to 50k. There are natural river trails on 2 areas with 1km section each: one even has a waterfall.

NUVALI MOUNTAIN BIKE COURSE – in case you’re an MTB enthusiast, too

Then, one can take the entire family along since, aside from eating at the many restaurants, the kids can enjoy these at Nuvali:

KOI FISH AT THE LAKE – I highly recommend you let the kids experience koi fish feeding at the 4-ha lake area. They have 8,000 koi fish in there. My friend Marga and I were amazed at all the koi going wild and crazy when we started feeding them (feed available for purchase)

BIRD SANCTUARY – 78 bird species identified in Nuvali

Hope to see you at the race!

So many people are looking forward to this run, myself included. So, when I received the invitation for the press launch of The North Face 100, I made sure I was there. The press launch for the upcoming TNF 100 was held this morning at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street. 

WHAT: The North Face 100 Trail Run
WHEN: May 23 to 24, 2009
WHERE: Sacobia, Clark
DISTANCE: 10k, 20km, 100km relay, 100km solo
REGISTRATION: Started last March 16, 2009, Limited slots only

I had the pleasure of meeting Ben Ryan, product development manager of TNF, who started the press conference by introducing The North Face, the company, it’s products, and it’s commitment to caring for its athletes.  He spoke of the three endurance races that were being rolled out this year as well as the series of TNF 100 races throughout Asia.  

– Ben Ryan of TNF –

Ben went on to say that Filipino running community is among the most passionate in the world.  It caught the attention of TNF and, as such, beginning this year, all prototypes for trail and endurance products of TNF globally will be tried and tested by no other than the Pinoy Ultra Runners.  These products will not be seen by the rest of the world for another couple of years.  (Woah, methinks we should all befriend a PUR member now to get a glimpse—or even just a sniff of these brand new gear.)

The next speaker was Neville Manaois, Pinoy Ultra Runner team principal and technical consultant for the upcoming TNF 100.  He gave a basic introduction to trail running and discussed essential gear, such as trail shoes and hydration packs.

– Neville of Pinoy Ultra Runners discusses hydration packs –

Lastly, Jundel Llagas, marketing manager of TNF, gave a brief talk as well.

– Jundel of TNF –

After the talk, we were all invited to partake of a mini “trail run” within the confines of R.O.X.  The course started at the bottom of the 1/F stairway, which was enshrouded by a canopy of leaves and vines, and made its way up to the 2/F where the runner would climb up a slightly rough uphill ramp and then run down again its steep and rocky portion.  After that, you would have to rush across the entire 2/F to end your run, which was timed by the way.

– See, who says you can’t run while carrying your purse and shopping items –

– If I had a hard time on this decline, how the hell do I survive TNF then? –

My short climb up and down that ramp was my first taste of a rocky trail run.  I have to admit.  I’m a chicken when it comes to trail runs.  But, this TNF 100 has truly piqued my interest.  I met Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Lara Parpan shortly before leaving and, after discussing my concerns about trail running, she said “I have a feeling I’m going to see you there.”  I nodded my head, “Uh huh, I think so too.”  Let’s see!

– with Jay (Prometheus Cometh), Marga (The Changeling Child), Vimz (Kulit Runner), Jundel (TNF), Neville (PUR), Ben (TNF), Vince (Finish Line), Ben (Photovendo), and Christian (Botak) –

TNF100 registration will open starting tomorrow. For more details please visit www.thenorthface100.ph or email inquiry@thenorthface100.ph.