What keeps your passion burning? Online contest winners :)

September 22, 2012

Accomplice: John Paul Lipardo

Venue: Allied Bank Building, Ayala

From Summit Water Fan Page, September 19, 2012 post:

Do you want to win a free adidas King of the Road race kit? E-mail SummitWaterPH@gmail.com your best race photo along with a caption that answers the question: "What keeps your passion burning?" Please indicate your name, address and contact number when you e-mail us. Send your entries now! We will announce the TWO lucky winners TOMORROW at 5pm!

We did not waste any time. The following day, the winners were announced. And, as if the "Running Gods" were happily smiling upon us, the winners were announced in another post and to quote:

Congratulations to June R. Real and Paul G. Lipardo for winning free registration kits for the upcoming Adidas King of the Road (KOTR) 2012! See you on September 30 as Summit Water hydrates the expected 8,000 runners!

I was not really aware of this until I got an SMS from another good friend, Ynny. From there on, it was a race to look for the nearest internet cafe to confirm and to respond accordingly for the instructions on how to claim the price. As if everything good was happening, I made the cut-off time and was able to confirm my win. Not to be outdone, my long time (about more than one year) running buddy also won the same contest making the Hyper Team 2 for 2 on this contest.

Here are the winning entries:

June Real

John Paul Lipardo

We confirmed to claim the race coupon on the 22nd of September between 11am to 2pm. We got what we came for and we used the coupon immediately.

And since I am already registered for the event and just came from the interview for Sennheiser Sports Sound Hero, it would be best to pass on the race coupon to the same person who notified me that I won this contest, if not for her, I wouldn't have known right away and might not make it to the cut-off time to respond.

Ynny Cee - The Queen of the Road for 2012 =)

All good, everybody happy and ready for race day which is less than a week from now. See you on race day guys. Spread the happiness :)

 

Sennheiser Sports Sound Hero "The Interview"

September 22, 2012
Accomplice: John Paul Lipardo

Venue: Richmonde Hotel Ortigas

"Sennheiser Consumer Philippines is looking for a Sports Sound Hero to represent the Philippines in the Pursuit of Perfect Sound Campaign, which coincides with Sennheiser Asia’s 20th anniversary. A Sports Sound Hero must have a strong passion for music and uses the beat of music to drive his or her performance in the gym, in a race, or other sports activities. The chosen Sound Hero will be featured in the Sports Sound Hero Video and will win a free trip to Singapore with 5-star hotel accommodation and a free pass to the closed-door celebration event at Souk Singapore, one of the world’s top dance venues." - from Kikay Runner's blog post

I went for it. Just after reading the reward, I tried my luck and sent an entry. I was sold at the free trip to Singapore so I may have a chance to see my relatives who migrated there a few years back. Made a short composition, sent the entry and was surprised to see my name make it. This Facebook post was shared by a good friend and running buddy, John Paul Lipardo.

Before that, I almost missed out the final "casting" (Survivor?) for the top 10 when I missed the first call last Friday at around 5pm (I was in a "trance" after a long graveyard shift from work), as if all the right things would happen to me, I was able to drop a call and win back an interview slot (a Sun number appeared on my caller ID and I immediately called back, thanks to my Sun postpaid plan, I was able to dial in uninterrupted) {sobra na ang plugging ko sa SUN dapat may special discount na ako :D}, and that was it! I got the 10am to 11am interview slot (which I believe the last one considering how early the call time was).

I was fortunate enough to be accompanied by my good friend and to show his support for my bid to win the Sennheiser Sports Sound Hero title. We came in early. Had a quick exchange of stories with one of the Marketing Representatives, Errol who gladly offered us coffee while waiting for the interview to begin.

Here are some pictures we took while I was waiting for my interview.

The coffee table!

After a few moments, Mr. Steven Ang, from Sennheiser Philippines arrived and went straight down to business. After a brief explanation of what is going to happen over the next few minutes, the interview began. My interview lasted for no more than 5 minutes and I don't know if that would be a good or bad sign. Anyway, I got the PMX 680 Sports Headphones for my trouble that Saturday morning.

With Mr. Steven Ang who conducted the interview :)

Here is hoping for a positive result. Anyway, it was a valiant effort to come in the interview straight from the Friday graveyard shift and try to answer the questions the best way I can express myself :)

See you on the 30th for the Adidas King of the Road 2012. I will be running my favorite distance - 10 kilometers :)

Rexona Run 2012

September 23, 2012
Accomplices: John Paul Lipardo, Liezel Hermedilla, Catherine Mariano, Arriane Custodio, Jobert Dela Victoria, Tiffany Evangelista, Angel Evangelista, Jennifer Bayani, Catherine Manuel, Jonah Mae Trapal
Venue: SM Mall of Asia

Back to 5k run. It's been a while since I last ran under a 5k category in an official running event.  May last 5k runs were completed last February at Condura Skyway Marathon 2012 – Run for Mangroves; road (February 5, 2012) and XTERRA Pang Rave Trail Run 2012; trail (February 26, 2012). And with this years theme "Outrun yourself. Surpass yourself. Defy yourself.", challenges were issued. For the 5k category, it was to finish the race in 30 minutes or less.

At the starting line with our Olympian Coach, Rene Herrera (after our quick training just a few hours earlier, Saturday afternoon) who came in 3rd behind two Kenyan runners. Proud to be trained and coached by one of the country's elite runners :)

At the starting line with another HyperSports Coach and Top Athlete, Sheena Atilano and the Internet Acton Star, John Paul Lipardo

Photo Credit:  Rj Knight Runner

That should be doable, with proper training and I didn't have any this week besides that quick Get Fit Session Saturday afternoon before race day. With that said, the the result of my race is determined when I tried to go for the challenge but hit a low on the 3rd kilometer. The first two kilometers was okay, maintaining a 6min/km pace but when I reached 3 kilometers in 20 minutes, I had to take a step back and enjoy the remaining 2 kilometers of my run (and say goodbye to the keychain T_T).

"I did my best, but my best was not good enough" - Manny Pacquiao :)

 After realizing that I already spent 20 minutes running my first 3 kilometers, I had to take a step back and just enjoy my race.

In action! Beyond the halfway mark of the 5k route. At this moment, I was slowly losing my pace and reached 3k in 20 minutes. So much for the keychain ~.~

Photo Credit: Running Photographers | PVJ2

I was able to complete my category in a "lazy" time of 40+ minutes (unofficial) based on my GPS. Anyway, looking forward to a better performance once I get back to regular training (I will be undergoing a 5 month training for The Bull Runner Dream Marathon).

In action! Last hundred meters before the finish line.

Photo credit: TakboPH

In action! Last hundred meters before the finish line.

Photo credit: TakboPH

After crossing the finish line, I hurriedly went to the 5k finisher's area and grabbed my finisher's kit (the LOOTBAG!, more on that later). Since most of my friends at HyperSports are still finishing their 21k Relays, I went around for a while and found myself in line for a free hotdog at the Electrolux tent. I was caught by one of my HyperFriends, Jonah, who gladly took a photo of me in line for a free hotdog.

In line waiting for my free hotdog from Electrolux :)

Photo Credit: Jonah Mae Trapal

I like mayo too :)

After getting my grub, we went to the photo booth to have our group picture taken with another HyperFriend, Arriane (she prefers to be called "Ynny"), who just completed her half of the 21k relay similar to Jonah and are just waiting for their partners to finish :)

Only one copy was printed T_T

Photo Credit: Jonah Mae Trapal

While waiting for the others to finish, we had to do something to kill time so we walked around and took some more photos, this time with another running friend who did pacer duties for 5k (30 minutes) to ensure that runners who can run with him get their keychains and another HyperFriend, Barefoot Runner "Ninja" Victor.

With Eugene (U Running Running) who did pacer duties for 5k runners clocking in at 30 minutes (6min/km); Photo Credit: Jonah Mae Trapal

Apat na kami!

Photo Credit: Jonah Mae Trapal

 

Ang paa ng "Ninja"!

Photo Credit: Jonah Mae Trapal

I had to have a picture in this photo wall and dragged my friends to support me in my wish and here is the result :)

Surpassed myself :)

This cute dog ran 5k too :)

While still waiting for other HyperFriends, Ynny asked me to join her near the finish line of the 21k Individual and Relay categories because I also expressed my intent to take practice shots as she will also be taking photos of runners (performing "Running Photographer" duties and an artist, her page HERE) herself. Too bad my camera can only save so much. Moral lesson: Delete old photos and expand memory. My amateur shots can be seen at this LINK. It wouldn't hurt if you would like my page too :)

The opportunity was to good to pass up. After the experience, I said to myself that I would wanted to do more of this. Hopefully, opportunities come in. Here is the evidence of my debut running photography thanks to the sniper shooting of Sir Jeff Lo of Pinoy Fitness.

21k Individual Medals - heavy and shiny :)

21k relay medals. Double the fun!

After the practice shots, it was another get together by the Reserved Energy Team and a quick photo op (tired and hungry at all) should not be missed. Photo credit: Jonah Mae Trapal for all four photos :)

Breakfast is in order after a good run. We went to Mang Inasal but was disappointed when we learned that after walking some more, the store was closed. We were "Mang INASAR" at that time, luckily, Jollibee opened early. Before anything else, it was noted that the Hyper Team should have a photo in front of the SM Hyper Market.

Hyper Team at Hyper Market

Photo Credit: Jonah Mae Trapal

Hyper Team at Hyper Market

Photo Credit: Yani C

After breakfast, we parted ways. Some went to church while some went on to see a movie. I decided to go home and rest and get ready to begin my 5 month training for my Dream Marathon.

Finally, the loot bag. Best loot bag so far this year, (XTERRA Pang Rave Trail Run 2012, comes in next for me), let us study the contents, shall we?

Viva! Mineral Water 330ml
Powerade Orange Burst 500ml
Rexona Women Anti-perspirant deodorant 169mL
Rexona Men Anti-persipirant roll-on 40mL
Sunsilk Co-creations 200mL
Clear Men anti-dandruff shampoo 80mL
Clear Men anti-dandruff shampoo 200mL
Vaseline Body soap 125g
Close Up toothpaste 25mL
Pepsodent toothpaste 75g
5 Sachet Cream silk conditioner 5x12mL
2 Sachet Dove Intense repair shampoo 2x12mL
1 sachet Ponds anti-bacterial scrub 7g
1 sachet Ponds Pinkish White Glow Whitening Cream 7g
1 sachet Surf Fabric Conditioner 30mL
Master styling gel – 50mL *not in my bag* others got this, just learned from my HyperFriends :(

I was getting used to receiving a Finisher Shirt and Medal after a long run and this was a little different. My run was short but sweet. Anyway, it's over and done and will be focusing on the tasks on hand.

Overall, it was a successful run, for me and for the organizer. Heard very little complaints regarding the race, I finished injury-free and was able to spend time with friends. What more can I ask for after a busy Saturday?

My next run will be a 10k run at Adidas King of the Road 2012 at Bonifacio Global City on the 30th of September and hopefully, I will be running as (your) the Philippine's Sennheiser Sports Sound Hero (got to be interviewed last Saturday morning).

Until then, see you on the road guys! Don't stop training and running.

Run United 3 2012

September 16, 2012
Accomplices: John Paul Lipardo, Liezel Hermedilla, Alfie Raposon, Rocel Poblete, Niño Mark Joseph Ili, Jayson Agustin, Jordan Fajardo, Kenneth Paolo Bautista, Wheng Dela Paz, Catherine Mariano, Arriane Custodio
Venue: (Bonifacio Global City to) SM Mall of Asia

The question on last week's post: What is better than running?
The answer last week: Running with friends.

Question for this week: What is better than running with friends?
Answer for this week: Running with friends under the heavy downpour.

It was raining all day since Saturday. Our HyperSports Get Fit Session at Bonifacio Global City that was supposed to be on a Saturday afternoon before Run United 3 got postponed due to the uncooperative weather. More sleep for me on a Saturday.

That long sleep did me wonders. Comparing my performance from my first (Run United 2 2012) and second (HyperSports Get Fit Run 2012) attempts to finish a half marathon, the third attempt was better than the first two. Granted that my time was still similar to the previous finishes, this one was different. The first two finishes were very painful, I was very, very sore the following morning. Not this time. The pain was minimal and tolerable and it could have helped that unlike the first two finishes were completed alone, this time for most of the course, I was running with at least a buddy by my side.

Anyway back to the story, all runners were praying for a more improved weather on race day. That didn't quite happen. 32k runners who began their quest for the third piece of medal at 3:00am can tell that at stages of the run were "unforgiving" due to the heavy downpour and strong winds, same with us 21k runners who began at 4:00am. Well, that didn't stop me and the entire delegation of weekend warriors to finish our respective categories.

It was nice to run under the rain, it was cool and refreshing. The downside, if your camera is not waterproof, it's going to be useless until the weather improves. So much for that, fortunately one of my friend has a waterproof digital camera (which he only brought out on the 17th kilometer, he must be really focused to finish strong on his first attempt of a half-marathon) so good news! I have at least one assured "running in action" picture for the event a a flyover :)

Photo Credit: Alfie Raposon

By the 18th kilometer, I was running alone because I had to make a quick stop at a nearby portalet at the final U-turn for 21k. Enter my two HyperSports training buddies, Catherine Mariano and Arriane Custodio. We were under the impression that we will be finishing the race together, until all 21k runners had to make a right turn towards the finish line at Macapacal Avenue and 32k runners had to go straight and complete another turn at the Mall of Asia Globe. So much for our dramatic finish together, anyway, we agreed to meet later after they finish their run :(

Upon finishing, I hurriedly went to the finisher's area to get my loot bag and finisher shirt, I needed to ensure I got 2XL this time. True enough, as if all things are going for me on that morning, I got my size. And while waiting for my two Hyper Running/Training buddies, I went around the race village. Met Running Atom (seems like we keep on bumping with each other on races see: HyperSports Get Fit Run 2012 and 36th Milo National Marathon Manila Eliminations) who gladly took a photo of me with my medal :)

I also got to see another HpyerFriend and proud 32k finisher, Victor Cruz enjoying his breakfast at the media tent.

I also got my photos taken with the assistance of running friends Jordan Fajardo, Jayson Agustin and Niño Mark Joseph Ili. Here are some where I am proudly wearing my 21k Finisher's Medal:

 
After confirmation SMS that the two were done in their 32k run, I had to "harass" them to finish stamping out their "quest papers" from major and minor sponsors to get a free tote bag. Well, we succeeded in doing that with plenty of time to spare. We can now begin to call them "The Tote Bag Girls" Good Job!!!

Got my tote bag too!

We had a quick breakfast after this and did some sightseeing around the mall while waiting for Manila International Book Fair. Here are the rewards for finishing the 21k category of the third leg of this trilogy:

It was a good run at least for me. This is one experience I will remember and will be building motivation moving forward in preparation for my dream marathon next year. Organized races are not perfect, I am just happy that I ran this race with my friends. I will be resting and will be doing an "easy" 5k run on the 23rd of September for Rexona Run 2012. See you on the road guys. Don't stop running :)