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 :)

Mizuno Run Academy Graduation Run (Module 1)

September 9, 2012

Accomplices: John Paul Lipardo, Liezel Hermedilla, Alfie Raposon, Jonah Lyn Sacluti, Paul Biduya, Rachel Rivera, Alvin John Tolentino, Sophia Dela Rama, Rocel Poblete, Jerome Barba, Niño Mark Joseph Ili, Jorge Michael De Jesus, Jennifer Madrideo, Catherine Mariano, Arriane Custodio

Venue: Filinvest, Alabang

Question: What is better than running?

Answer: Running with friends.

I got invited to run as one of the guest runners for Mizuno Run Academy graduate John Paul Lipardo. This graduation run was supposed to happen last August 11, 2012 but due to circumstances that we experienced last month that was beyond our control (it favored me actually because I ended up cancelling my leave), the scheduled run was postponed to yesterday to give way for other institutions to execute rescue and relief operations in light with the heavy rains and flash floods.

Before we get to Sunday morning's highlights, let us review what the first course was all about, shall we?

The first course was entitled The Mizuno Run Academy Module 1: Beginner’s Course: The Science of Running Discovering the key to efficiency and endurance. Said course included 5 sessions (the fifth session was the Graduation Run). The first four sessions was originally scheduled from June 25, 2012 – July 27, 2012 (7:00 PM- 9:30 PM) happening on three venues on a certain day of the week: Monday (BGC), Wednesday (MOA), Friday (Alabang). Participants who missed a session can catch up by attending the same class on a different location.

Here are the sessions for the first module:

Session 1 – Basics of Pose Running
Session 2 – The Maffetone Method
Session 3 – Your First 45-minute Run
Session 4 – Refresher and Long Distance Slow Run
Session 5 – Graduation Run
Source: Pinoyfitness.com

Now, to the graduation run highlights. Our group had to walk a few minutes to reach the graduation run venue. It was a nice warm up. Upon arrival, we quickly signed the registration list and prepared for our run. Opening remarks were made and a short photo-op for the graduates with family and friends and for the graduates only.

After immortalizing the moment. All participants went straight to the starting arc and waited for the countdown. And we're off! Graduates and participants will be running two laps of 5 kilometers each to complete the 10 kilometer graduation run course.

As stated in the opening remarks earlier, this is the most intimate run as we are only composed of a small group (to my rough estimate, not reaching a hundred people, maybe 60 to 70 headcount). It was indeed intimate. The place was peaceful and gave everyone a chance to really enjoy the run at our own pace. I had the chance to run with my office mates who were guest runners as well. Completing the course with them made me appreciate their company even more. It's different when we are together at work. Yesterday morning was different, we were just friends who enjoy the same passion and got the chance to do this together. The experience was rewarding.

To immortalize our run together (I was the designated photographer for the first five kilometers), I took a group picture of them on every kilometer marker. We even had a group picture at the dinosaur statues near the starting line. Here are those pictures:

Not to be outdone, on the second lap, it was my turn to get immortalized on the 6th, 7th and 8th (repeated 1st, 2nd and 3rd) kilometer markers:

We were not able to took photos for the 9th (4th) kilometer markers as we felt that we already spent more time running and it was about time to finish the race and enjoy the post-race event. We even had a light moment and joked with each other when we passed an area where bicycles can be rented. It was like "duathlon mode" feeling.

After roughly 1:35:xx of running (I forgot to turn on my GPS, lesson learned), we were able to finish our 10 kilometer course injury free, fulfilled and happy. Upon completion graduates and guests get complimentary loot bags composed of the following - two string bags from GNC and Gatorade, GNC loot bag contained the following: GNC Cotton Shirt, a swim, bike run sticker and GNC Towel while Gatorade loot bag contained: Gatorade Lanyard and Gatorade towel.

Then, attendees shared a light breakfast prepared by the organizers. sliced watermelon, apples and carrots, mini sandwiches and cheese crackers, plus, iced fruit candies in the icebox. The food prepared was outstanding. A perfect ending to a sweet beginning. Not to mention, lots and lots of Gatorade for all! Some of the best things in life are still free and there are those that money cannot buy, like this experience :)

Photo from Wheng Ison

Photo from Wheng Ison

 

Photo from Efren Martinez

When the last runners crossed the finish line, it was time to conclude the event by presenting the certificates of the graduates. I had two friends and training partners from HyperSports Philippines, Inc., Cathy and John Paul who were graduates of the class. I did not have a good angle of the shot for both, my apologies.

After the awarding of the certificates, it was time to put the event to a close. At that point in time, all attendees were already good to go, but wait a few more bottles of Gatorade to give away isn't bad as well. The event ended but the memories will forever be in our hearts.

Here is a picture of my office mates who joined in as guest runners:

Of course, it would not be complete if the HyperFriends don't get a group picture wouldn't it?

Photo from Wheng Ison

 

Photo from Wheng Ison

Thank you Mizuno. Thank you Gatorade and GNC for your generosity. Thank you for the invitation, to our host, John Paul Lipardo.