Posts Tagged with: "race"

Two months ago, I got a call from Tony Atayde of Nike asking me what my plans were for August.  Scratching my head, I answered “Uh, no plans for now…” And, excitedly he interrupts me to talk about the Nike Hood to Coast Relay, the largest relay in the world with 1,000 teams of 12 runners each running from the ski lodge at the 6,000-ft level of Mt. Hood down to the Pacific Ocean at the town of seaside where a beach party awaits the runners.  The race is held in Oregon, USA annually where Nike’s headquarters is located.  This year, it will be on August 28 to 29.

I wondered why Tony was telling me all this until he paused and said “We would like to invite you to join.  Will you be available?” I smiled and answered “Tony, even if I were busy, I would clear my sched just for the trip!”

– Nike Hood to Coast website –

And so began my training and preparations for one of the biggest adventures of my life.  

I “met” my other Southeast Asian team mates online by way of email where we were all asked to confirm our participation, enter our 10km race times, submit our sizes for apparel and shoes as well as our preferred flights.  Most of the runners from the two teams Nike is sending will be coming from Singapore; there are only 3 of us from Manila.  I believe our team will be called the Singaporean Chili Crabs, but I have to confirm if this is final as I’ve never tasted those crabs myself. Hah!  

As early as mid-June, we were sent a training program created by Racer’s Toolbox, especially for our teams.  I started out following this to the letter until my long runs, including the Run for Home half marathon, was throwing it out of whack so I decided to use my own program instead.  I also informed my PT at the gym about the race, so he’s thrown in some exercises that should help me in trail running.

I emailed rockstar trail runner Rick Gaston (365me) for some training tips which scared the hell out of me (ex. “The third leg will be hard because of the sleep deprivation.” or “At night in the dark, you can spot your van in the distance and it will be a reassuring presence.”), but it also got me even more excited about this adventure.

I hope that we’ll have enough time to tour Nike Campus which is, as I was told, an experience in itself to visit.  If one is lucky, they say you’ll spot Lance Armstrong on his stationary bike or Tiger Woods walking by your side. Good thing Lance is a good friend of mine already, well, via twitter that is…heehee!

Official HTC Relay countdown begins now!  26 days to go…woohoo!

Links:
Official website of Nike Hood to Coast Relay 
Open Space
Run Oregon blog

I attended the press conference of the New Balance Power Run – Raising Hope slated for Sept. 27, 2009 at California Pizza Kitchen yesterday.  The upcoming race will be staged at Bonifacio Global City with eXtribe as race organizer.  Distance will be 3k/ 5k/ 10k/ 21k.

While I look forward to joining the upcoming race, I could help but wish that it was 1) at Clark, Pampanga like last year, and 2) 25k instead of 21k again like 2008.  Needless to say, I thought the New Balance 25k Power Race last year was amazing and I simply wanted to go through the same exact experience all over again.  That’s how satisfied I was with that race!  

When I expressed that sentiment to Bing Buenaventura, New Balance brand manager, and later on to Anton Gonzalez, President of Planet Sports, they both assured me that they had a few surprises for the runners sometime in November.  We shall wait with bated breath.

As for September 27, I’ll definitely see you there.  Here are more details from the PRESS RELEASE:

Any runner will tell you, running is addictive.  It gives one pleasure beyond words.  It just leaves the runner the energy and thrill of doing the activity repeatedly.  

This same passion for running has been the venue to make a statement and raise funds for different causes. As the brand known to foster great love for running, New Balance moves into encouraging individuals to have “a new balance in life.” A lifestyle that simply balances self and others, work and play, health and leisure. This “new balance in life” attitude becomes evident as New Balance turns its premier running event, New Balance Power Race, as a venue to raise funds that will support important programs related to cancer. 

Dubbed as the 2009 New Balance Power Run… Raising HOPE, is set to happen on September 27, 2009 at the Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The proceeds of the 2009 New Blance Power Run… Raising HOPE will benefit Carewell (Cancer Resource and Wellness Community), Philippine Cancer Society, and ICanServe Foundation.   

These three organizations have been at the forefront of providing support to help improve the lives of men and women diagnosed with cancer. These organizations work with business groups and individuals to spread the advocacy on cancer awareness. But still, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to let individuals and their families challenged with cancer know that there can be hope and there is a better way to cope with cancer.

The community’s generosity plays an important role in helping these organizations fulfill their goals. As the number one running footwear, New Balance is encouraging all running enthusiasts to participate and be counted in this benefit run and channel their energies and spirit to a positive endeavor.  The activity can be a venue for them to reach out and help through doing what they love.  The 2009 New Balance Power Run…  Raising HOPE will feature 21K, 10K, 5K, and 3K with registration fees of Php 500.00 for the 21K, Php 350.00 for the 10K, Php 300 for the 5K and Php 250.00 for the 3K category.  

“As an organization, we wanted to create a positive impact in our community.  And, as a brand that embraces the love for running, we decided to do something about it,” Anton Gonzalez, president of Planet Sports Inc. said.  “From the past events, we saw the runners’ passion, especially during the New Balance Power Race.  With their help, we aim to lead the way to direct this passion to something that is more valuable and they can be more proud of.” 

Proceeds of the New Balance Power Run… Raising HOPE will support Philippine Cancer Society’s endeavor to reach 25,000 participants for the Lecture Series, about 15,000 women for breast and cervical examinations and schools for youth anti-smoking campaign in 2010. The Power Run will support Carewell Community’s program to help people with cancer and their families cope more effectively with cancer by providing support groups and counseling, medical consult and referrals, wellness talks and fun activities. For ICanServe, the Power Run will aid the “Ating Dibdibin” project, a community-based screening program that promotes breast cancer awareness, early detection and support for of breast cancer patients.

Now is the best time to put on those running shoes and drive that passion for a cause.  From August 8 until September 20, interested participants to the 2009 New Balance Power Run… Raising HOPE may visit the following New Balance outlets in Glorietta, Shangri-la Mall, Festival Mall, Planet Sports Rockwell, Planet Sports Trinoma, Planet Sports V-Mall, Secondwind UP Diliman and Runner Bonifacio High Street to register. Registration form is also available here. The first 500 to register for the 3K run will get a NB Power Run- Dole T-shirt while finisher medals await participants of the 5K, 10K and 21K.

The 2009 New Balance Power Run… Raising HOPE is supported by Smart, Rider, 100Plus, Planet Sports, Businessworld, Solar Sports, Ipanema, The Athletes Foot, Summit Mineral Water, Phiten, Department of Tourism, Dole, California Pizza Kitchen, Alaska, K2 Interactive, Bridges, Cyrus Logistics Inc., The Philippine Star, Action&Fitness Magazine, Wave 89.1, Yehey.com and Audiowav. 

More information on the New Balance Power Run… Raising HOPE is available here.  

I realized last week that I’ll be out of town for this much-awaited race for our family. I felt awful about it, but thankfully after a brief explanation, the kids understood.

The hubby and little bull runners are registered for this event already. I hope he takes a lot of photos!

Click here to visit the website.

TBR Review: Run with M.E.
Organizer: Ateneo Management Engineering Alumni
Venue: Ateneo de Manila

THUMBS UP:
– Challenging course: a mix of ascents and descents on the road, rocks, and a run through the Ateneo Highschool field
– Ample supply of water at stations
– Directional signs and race course marshals
– No singlet but was announced early on as funds were directed to the beneficiary: 40 scholars

BETTER JOB NEXT TIME:
– Race start mixed runners of all distances
– Narrow strip of road climbing up from the gym
– Long lines to claim free shirts given to the top 50 finishers for each race distance

– with Manman Jalandoni, member of the race organizing committee from Ateneo ME alumni –

Run with M.E. was a relatively small race with around 1,000 runners showing up for the event. The usual spoils of a bigger event were not available, and rightfully so since this race was a fund raising event to send 40 scholars to school. Despite the limited budget, organizers successfully provided runners with an enjoyable event covering basic requirements for a good race. The atmosphere was more laid-back and friendly, less hectic than the more commercialized races, but just as fun. Congratulations to the Ateneo M.E. Alumni! I hope you make this an annual event.

————————————-

It was 1996. My best friend and I joined the Ateneo Taekwondo Team to obtain exemption from P.E. classes. One training day, our coach surprised us with a new warm up: one run around school grounds. My best friend was a smoker while I never smoked a cigarette in my life (and I never will.) But, there we were, both gasping for air as the rest of our team mates happily jogged along. That was the last time I ran in Ateneo.

Yesterday morning, I found myself at the starting line of Run with M.E. ready to conquer the roads that once challenged me. I was near the front of the starting line along with my hubby and right behind the elites. The race organizer announced that 5k would go first, 10k and 3k would follow. Perhaps we were busy chatting or we were too excited to run, but when the gun was fired, it was only then that we realized that were running the 10k and we shouldn’t have been there! So, we ran a few steps forward to let the 5k run their race, laughed about our foolish mistake, and made our way back to the starting line for our real start.

When the race started, I didn’t have a plan. Nothing, nada, zilch. Then, my Garmin—whose software I updated the night before thanks to good friend Alvin’s advice—died once again. I relied on my Nike+ Sportsband instead, but couldn’t quite read see the pace as I was maneuvering the slippery, scary roads. So, my impromptu plan was to give 90% effort: fast but not the vomit-at-the-end-of-the-race fast.

We ran downhill towards the gym and up again a very narrow, rocky path. Then, we ran on the main road that led us to Ateneo High School. As I was running, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about my fun and carefree college days. I passed our old hangout, the cafeteria, and even those far off classrooms at Bellarmine Hall which I deplored walking to (as if it was so far!) Then, I spotted my old Theology teacher, Fr. Dacanay. I called out his name and he stared at me blankly. I yelled out “Old student!” in between breaths and he smiled back. If I had more time, I would’ve stopped to remind him that I was the student who arrived late for class and, in front of everyone, he ordered me to get out because no late comers were allowed. How embarrassing, but I loved him still.

My favorite part of the race was the run around the high school soccer field. It was unique for a race and a good break from the tough roads. After one loop, we ran on the road again and made our way back towards the Blue Eagle gym for another 5k loop.

By 5k, I was exhausted. It was due to lack of training, really. But, I pushed myself and focused on finishing the race at almost the same pace as I had started.

As I ran around the same loop again, nostalgia took a backseat. I was already tired and out of breath. I stopped at every water station to sip water and pushed myself forward again. The second half of the race came and went quickly. I basically shut my eyes to run as fast as I could.

I finished the race at exactly 53 minutes for a distance of 9.07km according to my Nike+ Sportsband. Hubby’s Garmin says it was 9.67km while my friend Harry’s Polar registered 9.33km. Not bad at all for an overly sentimental runner who hasn’t done any speedwork in weeks.

– with fellow Ateneo alumnus Dingdong (RunMD) –

– with Pinoy Ultra Runners Jeremy, Hector (of Second Wind Running Store), and Neville –

– with Cougcat and his wonderful parents, Thess and Arnold.  Arnold, thanks for pacing me in the last kilometer! haha –

– with takbo.ph peeps. Where were the takbo.ph women, guys? –

– with Ron, runner and host of Auto Review –

– Ron and his son Paolo (camera man) interviewed me. I was so passionate about what I was saying, I had my eyes closed! –

– with Ian of Botak –

– with TBR readers. Did we get to introduce ourselves to each other? –

– P&G Runners, Kristy and Pablo –

– with Bald Runner and Kim. Kim, let’s run soon! –

– Exchange gifts with BR. I gave BR his Nike Structure Triax, the prize he won as the chosen commenter in TBR Mag… –

– BR gave me the BR 1,000km Club shirt. Thanks BR! –

PRESS RELEASE:

BOTAK Paa_tibayan Takbo 10 Miler, 5 Miler and Street Mile Challenge: “A Run for Runners”

Get ready and lace up! After the success of our 100KM Race last June 28 were Jessie Ano has broken the 100KM National Record we bring you the Run Fest this coming August 23, 2009 which will happen at AS Parking lot in UP Diliman were we will be running for no other than ourselves. BOTAK shall give benefit to the rehabilitation of the UP Track and Field Oval into a world class tartan track, where the direct benefit will be our running community.

More areas to train and run shall help develop our sport further and even provide better training facilities for our athletes competing here and abroad. On the other hand, runners who are living within the city won’t need to go to ULTRA or Rizal Memorial Track Oval anymore to do their training. Also with this project Metro Manila will have an almost complete training venue in its major cities.

BOTAK Paa-tibayan Takbo is a continuation of the BOTAK Takbo 100KM Running Fest, so for those who had registered for the June 28 event we shall carry it over to Aug. 23. The events are scheduled at; 6 am gun start for the 10 and 5 Mile race and the heat races of the Street Mile Challenge shall commence at 10 am. Our running fest shall also proceed all through out the day with good food, health programs and fitness activities, and games.

More updates to come in the following weeks!

Race distances and registration fee at:

300 Php – 10 Mile and 5 Mile Race
250 Php – Street Mile Challenge (1 Mile race)

Race organized by: Mr. Ian Alacar as Project Director, Mr. Edmund Mangaser – Race for the 10 Mile and 5 Mile Race and Mr. Ben Alacar, Street Mile Challenge.

– 5 mile Course Map –