0 REXONA RUN 2014: A RUN FILLED WITH COLORS AND THE MOST VIBRANT

I’m just feeling grateful that am able to join this year’s Rexona Run 2014, #RunToYourBeat. I believe this is the only running event in the country with full of excitement from the most vibrant hip of the beat and the colorful tunnel with trendy neon lights and sounds. Although 2014 is not the year when I started running but this year where I ran most. Thus, it is my first time to join the Rexona Run.

I can see pictures the previous year and it was a total fun filled event. That's why I made sure to be part of this year's Rexona Run. First time with them and honestly they've never failed my expectation except one. THE B-A-N-A-N-A! Haha.

Upon arriving in the venue at the Mall of Asia seaside, I already heard loud sounds coming from the concert grounds, though the place is still dark at 2 AM yet it was enveloped with vehicles and runners joining the event. The 21k category starts at 3 AM and I was on the second batch. While waiting for the go signal I prepared my running app that would measures my run activity. I’m actually using Nike+ though I heard that with RunKeeper you can use it without the Internet Access.

When the signal started for the second batch, we were welcomed by the Statoin1 tunnel after three kilometers away from the starting line. It’s the Electrica Avenue as shown from below pictures; it is filled with strobe lights in different neon colors. There are photo walls for selfie and groupie ops. If you are after the time then I advised not to stay longer here.

I'm so sorry for low quality of images, I'm only using phone camera here.

After the picture ops at the tunnel we geared again back on the road to cover the time we spent and lost at the first tunnel. Even though I enjoyed running, you can’t just avoid aim to break your personal record from your previous runs. That’s why I ran non-stop after 11k mark.

At the 11k mark there where my trouble started. I am so so so so hungrrrry. If my memory serves me right, I was on my way to Luneta near Buendia Bridge. Water is not enough and I started feeling dizzy. I had carboload that night but I guess it is important to have meal again at least two hours before the official run.

My actual plan is to break my personal record. My best so far for half marathon is 3 hours and 3 minutes, I know this is still fail but hey I’m just starting. And I don’t think I can reach 2 hours record because of my weight. Anyway, my plan is no longer successful. I had to do the walk-run-walk pace instead of slow and continuous. I was really in trouble, I was thinking of buying street foods but I realized I don’t have money on my pocket. That is another thing I should consider on my next run – to have cash all the time.

When I get to Luneta area, I told myself that I’m near the finish line, it’s about 7 kilometers to go. When I feel recovered coming from a longer walk I have to start running again – slowly and non-stop.

When I’m near the CCP I was expecting that the B-A-N-A-N-A-ish is on my reach. I know Runrio provides Banana aside from bursting Gatorade and Water Stations. That’s why I love Runrio. Unfortunately nothing! So I had no choice but to continue and finish run.

And then I reached this Station2 Tunnel. As Rexona takes music powered run to the next level. Martin Pulgar is on the job. I got no choice but to have selfie again asking other runner to take me a souvenir photo. 

At the Station3 is where the hot cars parked and some of the hottest DJ’s in town. I guess only 21k runners have the chance to experience all three tunnels. That's why we get high on this Rexona Run! They're actually taking runners into Do More kind of philosophy which stimulates runners into music in different genres.

Then few minutes later, I finally finished my half marathon and per my running app I finished it in 2 hours and 50 minutes which is 10 minutes ahead of time from my previous run. I’m still in.

REXONA RUN 2014 RACE RESULTS:

• Please click this link for 21k result.
• Please click this link for 10k result.
• Please click this link for 5k result.

Here are some of the photos during Rexona Run after party.

2 MY SECOND HALF MARATHON FINISHED WITH SOFITEL MANILA

Where it all started and ended...

First let me start by saying Congratulations all finishers in all categories.  And my second half marathon concluded with Sofitel Manila Half Marathon happened on August 17th, 2014.

Read: Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 2014

I have to file leave from work for this event. I slept early on Saturday afternoon after huge carbo loading before the race. We woke up about 2AM Sunday morning as we have to travel all the way to Mall of Asia. Though traffic is not a dilemma yet therefore we left house around 3:00AM. When we arrived near the MOA complex, glad that they opened their open parking spaces for this event so we got no problem looking for one like we usually encountered with the previous events. Sometimes, well most of the time illegal parking.

We prepared ourselves at the parking lot with singlet, pinning the bib number and most especially hooking the D-Tag to get runner’s accurate time result. After a quick warm up and stretching we went straight to starting line where runners assembled. About 15 minutes before the gun time, we still have time taking photos like other runners do. Tradisyon na yan eh.

Photo Op before the Race.

THE GUNSTART

I don’t have much training before this race. Though I ran a couple of times but not really intense to use for this half marathon. I was troubled with my previous and first half marathon and I don’t want to experience again the pain, all the struggles that I can barely walk and the challenges that I was facing. I never thought I can reach the finish line. The time was devastating at 3 hours and 15 minutes.

This time, I have to beat the obnoxious previous record. My office-mates who used to run full marathons, or even 100k challenges advised me that the first 10 kilometers would just be a regular pace, not so fast but not too slow. Don’t care about the others; you have your own record to beat. Never be intimidated with those fast runners. 

When the race commenced everyone was screaming, as I was. I have to stick with instructions. The first 3 kilometers from MOA to CCP was like a gentle, I know I got torrents of energy and I can run faster with my current pace. However I have to save it due to the challenge not to stop until I reached 10 kilometer mark. 

THE CHALLENGES

I never stop even running on flyovers, though in ascent was a little slower but the descent and flat spaces was back into the regular speed.  When I reached 9 kilometer, I can’t do it anymore. I have to stop. I was already distressed; I feel so much pain from nowhere. Starting from my legs, then somewhere inside my stomach, I think it was a gallbladder, and even numbness of my shoulders. I have to stop I really have to stop and walk to regain energy.

I walked for about 2 minutes then slow pacing again. At 10 kilometer, I’m so effing tired. I can walk with a faster pace but couldn’t run in a lower speed. I cannot maintain my run walk interval. The energy released so quickly, I strip-off my energy gel hoping that it’ll help. Marathon is fundamentally a metabolic challenge.

At 12th kilometer, a friend who used to be my running buddy at Ayala Triangle was on the same distance. We decided to just run together to at least help burn the lonesome.

During the race. Thanks to Red Knight.

We are on our way back to Kilometer 0 along Roxas Boulevard stretch from Baclaran with run-walk interval. When we reached the CCP area and Macapagal Boulevard we decided to do a quite faster pace than the usual as we near the finish line. When we saw the FINISH LINE marker the energy was recuperated, adrenaline maybe. 

However..

We thought that was the end. I didn’t know that we still need to go round the Mall of Asia Complex going to MOA Arena and then back to the seaside. What the heck. I thought we will finish the whole half marathon in 2 hours and 30 minutes. But then again, the 30 minutes left to reach the target time has been taken off by the last 2 kilometers. So bad! 2 kilometers can be achieved by 10 minutes. Oh well I was really tired that time that I can’t even move my legs. Nevertheless we finished the run injury-free. Thanks God. I dunno how many times I called His name. Keep the faith.

Rihanna's version of Half of Me. Still thanks to Pinoy Fitness

My second half marathon finished in 3 hours and 3 minutes. I'm 12 minutes faster then my previous 21k run. Pede na rin. Great race to Sofitel and Runrio. I love the Finisher Shirt and the Big Medal.

SOFITEL MANILA RUNNING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thanks also to our friends on the road that gives us a huge smile and unique pose with their lenses. Sa kabila ng hirap sa pagtakbo, nakukuha pa rin nateng ngumiti, pabidang pose, at pagalingan sa pag-akting. Please refer to the sites below that you can visit after the race for your photos.

• EMSoquena ▬ http://on.fb.me/1l12BqW

• Team aRUNkada ▬ http://on.fb.me/1q4Wgda

• Pinoy Fitness ▬ http://bit.ly/1ohVZj9

• Red Knight ▬ http://on.fb.me/VHWigl

• RUN Lipa ▬ http://on.fb.me/1ohWkCt

• FREELANCER ▬ http://on.fb.me/1pmaB6j

After the Race. Never lose a smile you got a big medal.

SOFITEL MANILA RACE RESULTS

For those who haven’t checked their race result yet, please click below links: 

• Overall 5k Results ▬ http://bit.ly/1qx9Of6

• Overall 10k Results ▬ http://bit.ly/1v5R3Gs

• Overall 21k Results ▬ http://bit.ly/1ohWQjJ

Finishers at the Finish Line.

Finishers at the Finish Line.

2 RUN UNITED 2 2014, FIRST EVER HALF MARATHON FINISHED

The most anticipated Run United Trilogy 2014 once again wrecked the silence of running community. The first leg happened last March 16, 2014 at the Mall of Asia Complex, and the recently concluded second leg happened last June 1, 2014 at Zero Kilometer in Roxas Boulevard. It is composed of four race categories – 500m, 10k, 21k, and 32k. Perhaps the most awaited because of its unique run united series. You will have to collect three united medals, first leg is about Citivs (Read as Citius) which means Faster, second is Altivs (Read as Altius) which means Higher, and third is Fortivs (Read as Fortius) which means Stronger.

Since I just started running, I’m not aware that it is in sequence, finishing it with three different medals and in different sizes and then form into gigantic piece of cake. I started the second leg so I won’t be able to complete the trilogy. However this would be the start of my predestined running career. I started with shorter distance then go on higher with the trainings, and now I’m proud that I was able to accomplish my first ever half marathon. I had been running on and off for quite sometimes leading to this first 21k. Though the record wasn't good but contented crossing the finish line safe and it felt so gloriously good.

When the day arrived, a mixed of excitement and nervous feeling. Not knowing what to expect. I have set my target time fearlessly to two hours and a half. It started in just slow pace so I won’t waste too much energy that I needed in the latter part. However in 10.55k, I was 30 minutes behind with the goal time. And then it was getting worse. I had to walk to avoid cramps. During that time, my thinking was to finish line but my most concern was the cut-off time. I don’t wanna be drag by the sweeping vehicle; I want to cross the line on my own.

After so much pain, I feel so thrilled and relieved when I get to see the finish arch. I have to exert more effort, I dunno where the adrenaline rush came from, and I ran faster than the normal pace. And the daring target time fell into three hours and six minutes, ranked 2,047 out of 4,308 21k runners.

Running is rewarding. I am helping myself to embrace fitness and a healthy lifestyle. I always post my training activity across social networking sites, not because I'm bragging but to inspire people. Running is not just a solitary activity, but also a powerful social activator. I met people and gained some great inputs that I could share with other runners or beginners like me, to encourage them to branch out and inspire them to do something different to their training routine. I’m happy to be connected with some outstanding and tremendous people. And I want you to keep this in mind, “No Matter How Slow You Go, You Are Still Lapping Everybody on the Couch”. RUN FAST. RUN FREE BECAUSE IT IS CHEAPER THAN THERAPY!

Next stop, Run United 3 on October 5, 2014...

4 BANCAS FOR THE PHILIPPINES, THE NATGEO RUN 2014

First for Fifth. It is 5^th National Geographic Channel’s Earth Day Run in the Philippines, promoting its advocacy for nature together with the World Wide Fund organization. Exactly 12,000 runners joined the event and glad that I am part of the promotion at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. It is my first time (obviously) joining NatGeo’s Run and I would say this is the biggest and the grandest so far.

This year theme is “Bancas for the Philippines” a funding project of WWF helping fisher folks in Palawan who lost their fishing boats during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda. And I am so thrilled that more and more runners showing support for the advocacy. No wonder NatGeo’s opened 42k, the newest category because of its growing demand.

I finished my run in 10k category for an hour and fifteen minutes. The score is bad compared to my 10k training records which I finished for not more than one hour. Maybe because not in the mood as I don’t have training for nearly three weeks’ time.

First four kilometers, I’m like resistant to finish the run in an exceptional time record. However I felt cold and sense of faintness. I know something is not good so I didn’t pushed myself and decided to just walk. Now I know the importance of proper training and preparation before the run and also to reduce risk of injury. So I'm thinking of enrolling running clinic.

Indeed 10 kilometer run is a swift physical test but a perfect training for half marathon. Hopefully it will continue so I lose weight and get fit in preparation for next year NatGeo Run. And I’ll make sure that it will be 21k to achieve the ever hard to earn finisher shirt. See you next year running fellas.

2 FrancisM: Isang Umaga, Isang Takbo, Isang Alaala, A Tribute Run for The Master Rapper!

Congratulations all the participants of FrancisM’s first ever fun run event. A tribute for the master rapper held on March 30, 2014, death month anniversary of Francis “Kiko” Magalona. Presented by RUNtarantantan by Bearwin Meily, part of the proceeds will go to Francis Magalona Foundation.

In line to this event, I’m glad that I have returned. I have joined back in 2012 for Go Naturals in 5k category but that was it. So this event is a kick-off to start anew. I am grateful that I have found new friends who are fond of running. And take note they are much willing to do the registration and reservation.

And how was my preparation for this run? Nahhh, 16k is not a joke. So I trained almost every single day at the Ayala Triangle Gardens where most of the joggers vested in. I started from 3k to 5k to 8k and to 10k, then afterwards beating my 10k personal records, thanks to my running apps. Speaking of running applications, for newbies, I used Nike+ this is free from App Store and Google Play, you can also use Runkeeper or Endomondo. 

One of the basic requirements to use this app is internet; GPS should be activated in order to track your location and that requires internet connectivity. I’m not sure if this true, my friend able to use Nike+ app using only “free facebook” from Globe.

And how about the run? Hmmm, we were late. I didn’t get ahead with road blockings and parking area. Spurred in the moment without warming up, we were at the third batch. Run is hosted by lead organizer himself Bearwin Meily and comedian Bayani Agbayani. First 30 minutes is quite tiring and strange. I was wheezing, I’m running out of breath, my legs will yield at any time. So I took a walkathon for 5 minutes then run again until I manage the rhythm of my body and legs. Good thing the map is just a straight stretch from Roxas Boulevard to Coastal area.

And I just noticed and glad the creativity of other runners, the way they wear superhero costumes, colorful wigs, running barefoot, shirtless showing their beautiful pandesal abs, deym…rich in “pakwelas”. After all they just give the real meaning of FUN-RUN – competition in an entertaining way.

So this is me, fat-ass runner! Looking serious, but no no, I know they take pictures so I should look like I’m real serious with this run. Haha. I guess I know now which to wear for the sake of runningkwela – Every Day I’m Shufflin’ – LMFAO!

Thanks to RUNNING PHOTOGRAPHERS for the photos used on this post. You can like their facebook page and website to look for your running actions caught by their lenses.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runningphotographers

Website: http://runningphotographers.com/wp/

RUN RECAP

Event Distance:

3k, 5k, 10k and 16k - No time Stamp!

Registration Fee:

3k - P450

5k - P550

10k - P650

16k - P750

Inclusive of Singlet, Bib Number, FrancisM Dogtag Medal color depending on distance, 16k finisher gets Man from Manila finisher shirt.