Posts Tagged with: "Running"

Aside from checking out the latest products from Nike, we also witnessed representatives from various countries take part in “Game On, World.”  (#gameonworld)

“Game On, World” is Nike’s global activation where visitors can run to log the most miles for one’s city by running at the innovation space. Involving Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia, the challenge pit country against country in the total miles clocked via Nike+ Running apps (available on iPhone and Android).

– On the NikePlus rankings, Philippines is SECOND to Singapore!  This can’t be!  We have to win this guys! –

For the Philippines, our athletes were Coach Rio de la Cruz, Drew Arellano, and L.A. Tenorio who teamed up with Ms. Indonesia. They were to run on a treadmill for 5 minutes against representatives from Thailand and Singapore. Highest total kilometers would be the winner.

– Drew, L.A., and Coach Rio –

– Our Pinoy athletes with actress/beauty queen/runner, Agni Pratistha –

– Day of popular band Thaithanium, Freddy of South Side, competitive racing cyclist Loh Sea Keong, and competitive marathoner Vivian Tang –

Drew and I had run around the roads of Singapore earlier that morning. In fact, we ran loops around the start/finish area of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. So, um, I did my part to contribute to the kilometers on Nike Plus and I was glad to just be a witness to this treader event. See ’em sweat below…hah!

The winning team was Thailand/Singapore, but we all still have a chance of winning. Like I said, right now, the Philippines is second to Singapore online. Seriously now, how many are we Pinoys compared to Singaporeans? By our sheer number we can win this by a landslide.  All you have to do is log in your kilometers after each run on nikeplus.com! C’mon, let’s do this!

[CORTEZ 40/40]

In celebration of Nike Cortez 40th anniversary, 40 interpretations of the iconic Nike Cortez from 40 artists, designers and personalities from Southeast Asia are on display. The Cortez 40/40 is a showcase unique to the region.

It was so cool to see designs from our very own Pinoy personalities!

– Lovin’ the purple shoes by Laureen Uy of Break My Style –

– Work of art by AJ Dimacurot. Big fan of his googoogaga line for babies/kids –

Other Pinoy designs featured were shoes by Eunice Alera, JP Cuison, Miggy Chavez, and Anton Lopez.

The Nike+ innovation space ends on 12 August 2012, and is located at 180 Orchard Road, Peranakan Place Level 2. It is open daily from 11am – 10pm. Admission is free.

Previous Post: Part 1: Nike+ Innovation Space – Nike’s New Products

* Full Disclosure: TBR was sent to Singapore by Nike to cover the Nike+ Innovation space event. TBR did not receive cash compensation for this post.

The new Nike LunarGlide+ 4, which is lighter than its predecessor, is out! Check them out!

Below is the press release from Nike.

– Nike LunarGlide+ 4 in black –

– Nike LunarGlide+ 4 in white –

PRESS RELEASE:

Nike LunarGlide+ 4 Takes the Everyday Run to an Elite Level
Lunarlon Dynamic Support system and reinvented Nike Flywire technology offer cutting-edge performance on a glove-like fit.

• Revolutionary fit with dynamic Nike Flywire technology
• Lunarlon Dynamic Support system offers stability and cushioning
• Lighter than the Nike LunarGlide+ 3

PHILIPPINES, JULY 2012 – This summer when the greatest athletes in the world compete for career defining victories, runners everywhere can hit the street and log miles in the technologies these athletes inspired. These innovations live in the all-new fourth generation of the Nike LunarGlide+, featuring reinvented Nike Flywire technology and the innovative Dynamic Support cushioning system – and weighing in lighter than the previous version.

Whether at record breaking speeds or on a relaxing morning run, fit is paramount. Sprinters and middle distance runners this summer will race in the Nike Zoom Superfly R4 and Nike Zoom Victory Elite, respectively, both with revolutionary Nike Flywire – a technology also utilized in the new Nike LunarGlide+. The dynamic cables move with the foot, offering support and comfort while minimizing weight and bulk. And since it wraps under the arch and loops into the laces, Flywire technology is customizable for an adaptive, glove-like fit that helps eliminate the gaps of a traditional upper.

The LunarGlide+ is really the best of both worlds. You’ve got amazing fit and support on an unbelievable ride with the super responsive Lunarlon cushioning.
-Rob Williams, Sr. Footwear Designer for Nike Running

In the midsole, Lunarlon foam stars in the Dynamic Support platform and provides super plush, responsive cushioning. Lunarlon – the result of collaboration between Nike designers and the Nike Sport Research Lab – was first introduced on the global stage four years ago as the midsole cushioning system in the Nike LunaRacer+ and Nike LunarTrainer+ running shoes.

The Nike LunarGlide’s Dynamic Support system is a two-part midsole developed to provide superior stability and cushioning. Opposing wedges of foam (Lunarlon and firmer carrier foam) move the runner from soft to stable as the heel lands and the foot flexes down. The innovative system provides a gradual transition and a smooth ride for a variety of gaits.

Nike LunarGlide+ designers focused on fit, support and stability in the upper materials as well. The floating heel clip has become a staple of the Nike LunarGlide franchise. Attached to the firmer foam carrier, the clip moves with the foot to help with the heel rolling inward or outward.

Large expanses of single-layer engineered mesh provide ventilation and support where runners need it and give the shoe a purposefully smooth look. Designers also obsessed over style, and the Nike LunarGlide’s sleek look helps ensure a long run looks good, too.

Since the LunarGlide+ is Nike+ enabled, runners will also be able to track, compare and share their runs through nikeplus.com, the world’s largest running community with 6 million members.

SRP: P5,795

Event: Tri united 2
Date: 1 July 2012
Venue: Laiya, Batangas
Organizer: Bike King

Tri United 2 was to be my first long distance triathlon: swim 2k, bike 60k, and run 15k. To say, I was nervous would be an understatement. The only thing that could console me was that I knew I had run marathons for about the same amount of time I expected to finish this triathlon. Still, my mind knew triathlons were a different animal, and, it was during this race, that my body learned that too.

– Teammates Bic, Jake, and I after we set up our bikes at transition –

– with Harvie, Alex, Roland, Coach Norman, Jake, and Bic. Before a triathlon, it helps to hang out with friends who are calmer than you! –

– with Bic, Drew, and August a few minutes before race start –

– Saling pusa! Photo courtesy of John Ramon –

RACE START – SWIM 2KM

The start of a triathlon is nerve wracking. You’re all lined up at the shore facing the unknown. You don’t know what lurks in the deep blue sea (jellyfish away!), and, worse, what lies ahead of you for the next few hours of the race.

– Nervous smile.  Photo courtesy of Rose Marie Photography –

The swim course for Tri United 2 consisted of three loops. I was confident about my swim, but also anxious.  As a runner, I can anticipate and probably manage matters on the road, but, in water, I felt like I was treading in unknown territory. No pun intended.

My teammates Jake, Bic, and I wiggled our way through the crowd of triathletes lined up at the starting line. We poised ourselves on the far end of the left side. Our strategy, according to Jake, would be to swim on the far left end avoiding the traffic then cut to the right when it was time to turn the loop. Sounded like a good plan.

The gun went off and, barely a couple of minutes into the swim, Bic and Jake were gone. I was on solo flight…or solo fight. Probably both.

I struggled to find my rhythm amidst the chaos of flailing arms and kicking feet. Suddenly, a thought came to mind: What do I cling on to if I tire out? I was so far from the buoy! Almost instantly, I panicked.  I could hardly breathe. Like a drowning dog, I paddled my way towards the buoy. There, I found my comfort zone and proceeded to swim beside it.

By the 2nd loop, I found a sense of calm in the steady pace of my strokes. With every breath, I caught a glimpse of the sun. In my head, I said a short prayer asking God to keep me safe and thanking him for the awesome opportunity to participate in this race.

– Out of the water for the next loop. I was having fun! –

The third loop was swift and strong. I found my rhythm along with a burst of confidence that I was capable of finishing this race. I swam to the finish pulling hard but leaving enough for the bike and run.

Time for 2k swim: 49mins.

– Ani de Leon heading to transition –

BIKE – 60KM

It was the first time my boyfriend, the Shiv, and I were going to race together. I must admit, I was excited to see the progress I made in biking. From being unable to shift gears and ride in aero position, I could now do so with ease, plus drink, and take a gel, and even refill my bottles while riding!  (Next goal is to peel a banana and eat it!)

– That’s my boyfriend, the Shiv, and I! Off we go on our first triathlon together! –

Prior to the race, Coach Andy Leuterio had analyzed the results of a Power Meter test he conducted on me a couple of weeks ago. Based on the results, he said that my heart rate went too high when I pushed hard on the bike (which was expected because I’m new to cycling) so he advised that I keep it steady on the bike to ensure that I could run strong. I obediently followed.

– Steady she goes. Photo courtesy of Jazz Perez, Sports Unlimited –

The ride was steady, conservative, smooth, and, I must say, super fun.  Every now and then, faster cyclists would overtake me yelling “Right! Right!” which would rattle me, but for the most part, I think I was cycling with a smile all the way to the finish.

– Teammate Bic makes the turnaround. I wish I could turn as easily as she did! –

Time for 60km bike: 2:11

RUN – 15KM

I didn’t know how my body would react to running 15km after the swim and bike.  It’s one thing to race 15km and another to run 15km in the sweltering heat in a triathlon. I expected heavy wooden legs as soon as I left my bike at transition. Surprisingly, my legs felt great. (In hindsight, it’s probably because I was conservative on the bike.)

– Off to run wearing my bike gloves! Whoops! Photo courtesy of Noel Miano-

I ran the first loop steady and strong. By the second loop, the heat started getting to me. At every station, I dropped a pail or bottle of water over my body to cool down. It was almost like taking a shower at every station. (It was only at that point that I finally realized why triathletes choose to wear these body-hugging unforgiving trisuits! It’s so much more convenient for showering when the sun is beating down on you! Why didn’t we runners think of that?!)

– Steady run. Photo courtesy of Noel Miano –

– Keeping cool! –

It was also at this point that the mistakes I made during training and racing caught up with me. By the third loop, both legs started cramping up from my calves climbing up to my quads. I had never cramped up in my entire running life! I started shuffling my way through the last 5km. At the same time, I began talking to my legs (by the way, this always works!): Run. Run. Run. We can do this. I also prayed that they wouldn’t suddenly freeze on me and make me fall flat on my face a few hundred meters from the finish line!

Thankfully, the slow shuffle and the psych talk worked! I crossed the finish line even if I didn’t feel my legs AT ALL! It was one of the most fulfilling race finishes I had ever experienced. Right up there with all my marathon finishes. Hehe.

Time for Run 15k: 1:43 mins

CEBU, HERE I COME!

The most important gift of Tri United 2 to me, aside from the scintillating star-shaped medal, is the assurance that I’m on the right track towards Ironman 70.3 Cebu. For this last month leading up to Cebu, I know what I should work on (and there are a lot!), what I should continue, and, last but not the least, what power the mind has over the body!

After crossing that finish line, I heaved a sigh of relief.  My trepidation over Cebu considerably lessened and a feeling of excitement swept over me.  For the first time since I impulsively signed up for my seemingly impossible Ironman 70.3 goal, it suddenly occurred to me: Holy crap, I can actually do this!

– with Teammate Jake and Coach Andy Leuterio at the post-race awarding. Tons of food, lots of laughter, and I got to fill up a whole glass with free chilled Enervon HP for my recovery drink. Hay, I can’t have enough of it! –

– with training buddy, Jun, and Coach Norman, my coach for bike skills. Thanks Coach! –


– with friend Vanj Endaya –

– with new tri friends, Jay and Mark. Photo courtesy of Mark Salvador –

Congratulations to Unilab Active Health and Bike King for a fantastic race! For official results, visit Unilab Active Health website

I would like to introduce you to my best buddy. The first one I run to, well, after a run. The one who freshens me up no matter how difficult the run was. The only one who can truly make me smile again when I feel like the road has beaten me up.

Introducing: My beloved cooler…

What does he have in store for me after each run?

1. 1 to 3 bottles of Gatorade depending on the length of the run – I drink this during the run. Most of the Gatorade goes into my Nathan hydration belt or handheld bottle for refueling during breaks in the run.
2. 1 bottle of water – I drink this to down my gel or, on hot days, for pouring on head and nape.  I avoid downing my gel using a sports drink. Creates a lot of gas and we don’t want that!
3. 1 bottle of Enervon HP – My recovery drink. I drink Enervon HP within the first 15 minutes after a workout just before we have breakfast. I need this to allow me to workout well the next day. If I skip this, I’m usually in trouble; I’ll wake up with sore or tight muscles.  Bonus is that it’s really yummy, especially when chilled.
4. Ice cold towel – Sometimes I’ll throw in an ice cold towel in there for putting over my head and nape after a run. Who cares how stupid I look?
5. Loads and loads of ice – This is of course to ensure that all the other fluids stay cold. But, you can use chunks of ice  to cool your body down during breaks in the run.

SURPRISE CONTEST!

Get a chance to win Enervon HP products! One winner will win: 1 Enervon HP 700g, 1 Enervon HP sports bottle, 1 Enervon HP running bandana, and 2 Enervon HP shoe reflector tags

HOW TO JOIN:

1) Like Unilab Active Health on FB
2) Like The Bull Runner on FB
3) Post a comment below with this: (1 to 2 sentences only)

What’s the first thing you drink after a run? (I’m really just curious to know!)

Include the following info:
– Your complete name
– Your username on FB

CONTEST RULES:

1) The 10th commenter who complies with all the rules will be named the winner.
2) Only one entry per runner. Submission of more than one entry leads to disqualification.
3) Submission of entries above 2 sentences will be disqualified.
4) All entries will be moderated and will be approved upon closing of the contest.
5) Winner will be notified via email on how to claim the prize.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Paolo Mercado for winning! Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest.

Event: Run United 2
Date: 17 June 2012
Venue: SM Mall of Asia/ Bonifacio Global City
Race Organizer: Runrio

TBR Rating:

Run United events are one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. It is always expected to draw large crowds and yesterday’s race, Run United 2, despite the onslaught of Typhoon Butchoy, was no exception. Over 14,000 runners gathered at SM Mall of Asia for the 3k, 5k, and 10k events and at Bonifacio High Street for 21k. The half marathon event alone could have been a race in itself with over 5,000 runners participating and subsequently released in various waves to control the traffic.

The organization of the race was almost flawless, as expected from Runrio events. Considering that the organizers struggled with the challenges of the pouring rain, the race went on with the safety and comfort of runners prioritized.

The 21k race course starting at Bonifacio Global City and ending in SM Mall of Asia was unique and fun. While it could’ve been a logistical problem for some runners, organizers provided shuttles for the runners thus making the minor hassles insignificant if only to run a more interesting course.

Hydration was overflowing; water was cold while Powerade was provided (it could’ve been colder though and, sorry, but Gatorade just really tastes a lot better for me.) Bananas and sponges were also provided in several stations. Medical aid was offered at various stations. Considering the number of runners, the traffic was controlled and release of runners, done in waves, was a practical move. Marshals efficiently manned intersections, especially when vehicles were honking or worse, attempting to break through the course. Kilometer markers were accurate, but there were a number of missing kilometer markers by the end of the 21k. I was told these were pulled out due to the strong winds.

Turns out that the weather was a blessing in disguise. The strong rains weakened, and later on, completely dissipated to provide runners with a cool and windy run and an enjoyable post-race atmosphere with live bands and activities prepared by Unilab Active Health.

Congrats again to Unilab Active Health and Runrio, two companies that pull out all the stops to provide runners with a great event! See you at Run United 3.

———————-

I was supposed to race the 21k at Run United 2, but since I was just recovering from my week-long bout with intestinal flu and I biked my longest ever ride the day before, I thought I’d just run at a good effort and enjoy the half marathon.

Wow, the weather was perfect! Ton and I arrived at the assembly area to find over 5,000 runners braving the rain. When the race started, it was just a slight drizzle; just enough to keep you cool without soaking those shoes and causing blisters!

Almost everyone in running were there. Most of us were catching up and chatting that, before we knew it, we were at the last wave (actually at the very end) of the 21k runners. Soon, we were off. Ton and I ran together at an easy pace.

By 8k, at Buendia, we decided to part ways. I turned my iPod on and enjoyed every minute of the run. I can honestly tell you that time flew from then on. I lost myself in the rhythm of my footsteps, enjoyed the breeze at Roxas Boulevard, and savored every moment I was out there. I didn’t push too hard but neither did I take it too slow. It was just right. Just perfect, in fact.

– Wore my old Nike Frees for the first time in a 21k! Loved it. Photo courtesy of Jobert de la Victoria –

I didn’t even get my time when I ended. I must’ve gotten in at around 2:15 to 2:20. Who really cared? What mattered was that it was so much fun!

– Posing with the medal but really just thinking about breakfast. Photo courtesy of Tina Zamora –