Ultra track oval will be closed until further notice as it is being used as an evacuation center for Typhoon Ondoy victims. Here are updates regarding run clinics which are usually held there:
Nike Training Clinic – TUES, 7PM, moved to Nike Park, Bonifacio High Street
Adidas Running Clinic – TUES, 6PM, meet in front of Fitness First in Fort Bonifacio
Team Bald Runner – no speedwork training at Ultra this week
I was at Ultra track oval last night for my weekly intervals. Amidst this running boom, the sight of a half-filled track filled with runners of all sorts doesn’t surprise me anymore. But, as I made my way towards my regular spot, I noticed something new: the Adidas Running Clinic which was on its first day.
People say that running is the metaphor for life. Who would’ve thought it could’ve been the metaphor for corporate rivalry as well? When a runner stands atop the flight of stairs that overlook the entire track oval, he/ she can choose between two major sports brands just with one simple question: LEFT or RIGHT? To the left is Adidas Run Clinic led by Coach Ani de Leon, right is Nike Training Clinic headed by Coach Rio de la Cruz.
Let’s not forget Team Bald Runner’s Clinic further down left led by Coach Saturnino Salazar. Team BR has no support from the corporate running bigwigs, but the training is just as effective.
Having three training clinics all at more or less the same time (on Tuesdays) in one teeny-weeny track oval is insane, but it’s great for us runners, too. A little healthy competition among the various run clinics should spur all of them to provide great programs and offer top-notch training for their runners.
When I got home, I told the hubby about the three run clinics at Ultra and went on to talk about the incident as another proof of the non-stop growth of running in the country. He agrees, and then adds “Or maybe we just need more track ovals in Manila, too.”
NEW LIST OF RUNNING CLINICS! For a list of RUN CLINICS around Metro Manila, click on this new page. You’ll find it on the sidebar on the upper right too.
Last August 29, Pinoy Ultra Runners Dr. Peter Rivera, Joselyn Saw, and Simon Sandoval joined The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) – Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie (TDS).
– Can you spot the Philippine flag? –
– Doc Peter and Simon during the send-off –
The website www.trailrunningsoul.com describes the UTMB-TDS this way:
Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie: approx. 105km and 6700m + altitude change. Start Saturday 29th august at 5:00am from the centre of Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France.
Cross-country race following the paths of the Grande Randonnée of Mont-Blanc country and Beaufortain. Mountain event, including many high altitude passages (>2500m), in climate conditions which could be very tough (night, wind, cold, rain or snow), necessitating some very good training, suitable equipment and a real capacity for personal autonomy.
– UTMB runners –
– Knife Ridge to Aiguille Croche –
– Dr. Peter Rivera –
The three brave ultra runners gave it their best, but it was Simon Sandoval that finished the race unscathed. I heard without even a blister! (I’ll try to get Simon for a TBR Interview just to confirm)
I’ll allow Doc Peter to share with you his own account of the race (as typing out the race name was already exhausting for me!) Click here to read all about it.
More photos here.
Congratulations to the Doc Peter, Josaw, and Simon! The view from up there was amazing!
* Photos courtesy of Dr. Peter Rivera. Thanks to Neville Manaois for sharing.
The Nike Running Training Clinic officially kicks off today with its first meeting:
WHAT: NIKE RUNNING TRAINING CLINIC ORIENTATION
WHERE: The Brent Gym, Ultra, Pasig
WHEN: Nov. 14, 2008, Friday, 7pm till around 930pm
SPEAKERS: Professor Dave Bercades, U.P. Diliman & Dean Callanta, College of Human Kinetics
TOPICS:
– Principles of Training
– Hydration
– Injury Prevention
– Biomechanics
– Proper Running Form
ATTIRE: Come in comfortable attire, no need for running gear
FEES: Free of charge (even Ultra’s P29 fee will be covered by Nike)
If there is one session you have to attend, it has to be this one. I’ve seen the resumes of the speakers for this evening and let me tell you that their years of experience and education in running is impressive. These guys have a lot to share!
To add, Nike is pulling out all stops to make this running clinic one of the best ever. Be there to learn about the big benefits of being part of the clinics such as free registration fees for races, Fitness First equipment during clinics, free Nike outfit for significant improvements after graduation, and more.
So far, close to 300 participants have signed up but you can still register here. See you there!
