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.

HyperSports Get Fit Run 2012

July 8, 2012
Accomplices: John Paul Lipardo, Jobert Dela Victoria, Victor Cruz, Tiffany Evangelista, Angel Evangelista, Jonah May Trapal, Jose Ramizares, Jayson Agustin, Jennifer Bayani, Catherine Mariano, Ynny Cee, Supladong Irish Runner, Catherine Manuel, Wheng Ison and many other running community groups and icons :)
Venue: Quirino Grandstand

1st big event organized by HyperSports Philippines Inc., the support from the running community is overwhelming. Runners from different groups all came in and acted as if we are one. The atmosphere was very lively and good vibes are felt all over the activity area.

Me and running buddy John Paul came in past 4:00am, greeted familiar faces, got everything ready for the race when we bumped in with Running Atom himself. It was nice to finally meet him in person (he even took a picture of us) and had a short chat.

Here is a picture of me with one of the ambassadors of Diadora also known as Diadora Philippines Running Team and the picture he himself took with me and running buddy John Paul Lipardo:

Photo taken from Running Atom via Diadora Philippines Running Team

A few moments later it was some sort of a "reunion" of for the attendees of weekly trainings at Philsports Arena (formerly known as ULTRA) which I was a part of and thus named as HyperSports Reserved Energy B&G. Short talks but mostly photo-ops. It was nice to actually start the race with your training buddies. Here are some photos of the so-called "reunion" while we are waiting for the opening remarks and warm-up activities:

Photo taken from Yongsky via Running Photographer's

Photo taken from Yongsky via Running Photographer's

Photo taken from IronBaby

Photo taken from IronBaby

After some photo-ops, a few introduction by our hosts The Running Host, Boy Ramos and Coach Edward Kho, its warm-up time. Not to be outdone, the Cherifer mascot also joined the 21k participant warm-up. Some pictures of the warm-up.

Photo taken from Sigue Correr! Runners

Photo taken from Wheng Ison

 Photo taken from Pinoy Fitness

Photo taken from Pinoy Fitness

Photo taken from Pinoy Fitness

Photo taken from Justin G. via Running Photographer's

Then it was all concrete against rubber. Similar to Run United 2 2012, I didn't take much photos as I was only focused on finishing the race as fast as I can. With the help of an android application I based my distance (the route was lacking in kilometer markers) on the five minute report interval on the distance covered and time spent. After completing the route at SM Mall of Asia, we had to do another U-turn at Buendia Flyover, I was certain that there were a few more runners that I was ahead of and was surprised that only some was behind when I took my last U-trun at EDSA Extension. Anyway, some claims of cheating the route because some did not cross Buendia Flyover did not matter, my main goal is to finish the course no matter what (a few hours before the race, my left knee is really not feeling like running 21k).

I was fortunate enough to finish this race, by 8am, the sun was really scorching the road and is draining my energy, hydration was scarce on the last 5 kilometers and I had to make do with what I have left. As a member of the  HyperSports Reserved Energy B&G, I had to gather what is left in me in order to finish. With the sight of crossing the finish line and receiving my medal, I rallied onto the last 3 kilometers of the route and was lucky to have a photo taken on the last 1.5 kilometers. As you can see here, I was the lone participant at the vicinity when the picture was taken.

Photo taken from Running Photographers

On to the last stages of the course, I did a run-jog-walk method until the finish line and making a final attempt to stride on the last 40 meters. By the finish line are the friends eagerly waiting my arrival to provide support and cheer me. I felt that I was the luckiest runner that time. The finisher medal being hung around your neck and friends who wanted to immortalize this memorable event in my life by taking a picture of me at the finish line. Here are some pictures of me before crossing the finish line and after receiving my medal. I appreciate the team waiting for me.

Photo taken by Joseph Sibal

Photo taken by Joseph Sibal

Photo taken by Yani-Si

Photo taken by Yani-Si

Photo taken by Jobert Dela Victoria

Photo taken by Joseph Sibal

After that, it was another short photo-op for the members of the  HyperSports Reserved Energy B&G, with our running coaches and the Running Host, Sir Boy Ramos (it's nice to finally meet and greet you). By the way, good job on hosting the event, you truly are a certified HyperHost.

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Here :)

Photo taken from Here :)

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Yani-Si

Photo taken from Yani-Si

After all this, it's breakfast time at Chowking! We headed to the nearest one and ate our breakfast, of course not with a few more snapshots to immortalize this rare opportunity to eat together as one happy group. We join similar fun runs but not do we have this kind of opportunity to actually have a meal together. It was perfect!

Photo taken from Runtek

Photo taken from Jonah May Trapal

Photo taken from Jonah May Trapal

Photo taken from Jonah May Trapal

As I always say in my previous entries, "It's not the food, it's the bonding." Nice to see some more runners dining in at Chowking with us. The environment was so lively, as if most of us did not run 21 kilometers. Smiles all around, it's refreshing!

Until next race HyperPeeps :)

Thank you so much to all my running friends who took pictures of me while I am about to cross the finish line and received my medal. Mabuhay po kayo!