Men’s Health Philippines Urbanathlon and Festival 2012

October 14, 2012

Accomplices: John Paul Lipardo, Liezel Hermedilla, Catherine Mariano, Arriane Custodio, Jobert Dela Victoria, Jennifer Bayani, Catherine Manuel, Hector Viado Padrigo, Running Atom

Venue: SM Mall of Asia

With the recent postponement of 7-Eleven Run 800, we had to take the opportunity to join this year's Men’s Health Philippines Urbanathlon 2012. I missed this event last year because it was held the very same day with Run United 3 last November 13, 2011.

This time, we will not let the opportunity pass. Got our kits and prepared. Won a couple of free kits which was passed on to friends which made this event more memorable. Most of my friends and regular running buddies signed up for 10k run with obstacles. This should be interesting and challenging.

Getting ready...

Let us revisit some highlights of the event shall we? It was a little dark at the beginning...

Photo Credit: John Paul Lipardo

The 21k gunstart was a bit late but the 10k was just right on time. We started at the end of the pack but immediately caught up with the rest because of the first obstacle - the Vertical Climb! We were very fortunate to have our photos taken by photographers who covered the event. Here are some:

Photo Credit: Manghusi PhotoShop | Rexie Jane

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Belle

Next off to the second obstacle - going over the Container Van! As expected, the queue of people is starting to build up. That gave us some opportunity for a quick photo-op.

Running friends while waiting for our turn to go over the container van.

The long queue I stated earlier!

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | GP

After completing the second obstacle, we immediately ran a few more to reach the third obstacle which has two parts - the Parallel Bars and Monkey Bars. There we were greeted with another challenging task.

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Yani C

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Yani C

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | JB Alcanites

Afterwards, we went up front at mall of Asia for the fourth obstacle, the Steeple Chase wherein we needed to go over four hurdles to get through.

It was challenging but doable :)

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Riza 

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Riza 

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Riza

Then, it was all running going to Macapagal Boulevard to Coastal Mall route then back to SM Mall of Asia, it was a long run so to speak but was just right to prepare us for the fifth obstacle, the Quantum Leap. It got a little crowded but it was okay. Here are some pictures while we are waiting for our turn to try the obstacle:

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Running Berto 

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Running Berto 

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Running Berto

Last two! That was our battle cry after completing the Quantum Leap. Next up was the Scaffolding Maze. Same thing with the Quantum Leap, we needed to go over and under the bars alternately. This time, the obstacle was not crowded because...

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | m4

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | m4

After that, it was the last kilometer and obstacle. Most runners were held up here because of the tough challenge of going over a couple of high walls (hence called Wall Climb). Save the best for last as they say!

Photo Credit: John Paul Lipardo

Photo Credit: John Paul Lipardo 

Photo Credit: Running Photographer's | Jhun-B

Finally, after completing all seven obstacles, it was a mad sprint towards the finish line. Photographers were strategically situated all over the course and we were very fortunate to have a photo taken with the MoA Eye as our background while running towards the finish line. Here is that glorious moment:

Photo Credit: Manghusi PhotoShop | Rexie Jane

Photo Credit: Manghusi PhotoShop | Rexie Jane

The rewards of completing our respective courses:

What can I say? Overall, the event was good. The hosting of Rovilson Fernandez was superb, celebrity sightings were abundant. There was that competitive spirit and the most important element, we enjoyed this event. The organizers did a good job though there are still some points for improvement like most events do. Anyways, If I would rate this event and for a first timer, out of 5 starts and 5 being the highest, this would be rated as 4 of 5.

Until next year! I hope this event would not be held simultaneously with another big event. That would make my decision-making hard XD

Until then, train hard, rest well and don't forget to have fun!

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.