"on a shoestring"

When most runners are focused on registering online for the Hyundai Fun Run because its for FREE (yes, FREE as in Libre parang Inquirer libre lang sa MRT), I was busy writing a blog posts. After some hours, registrations were closed because of the overwhelming response from the running community. Bad news! Immediately, I ask my registered friends, 40 of them, "Pwede mag-bandit?"

Luckily, I was invited at the Hyundai Fun Run Bloggers Launch and we were accommodated by Hyundai staff. Thanks Hyundai!

RUNNING FOR A GREEN TOMORROW

Hyundai to launch first-ever automotive-sponsored eco-fun run to create a new generation of eco-conscious and responsible motorists

Please NOTE that venue is changed from Bonifacio Hogh Street to Quirino Grandstand, Manila (near Luneta)

The Hyundai Accent Run : An All-new Way to Play
April 2, 2011, Quirino Grand Stand.

5K / 10K
Official Assembly Time: 4:30am for 10k, 5:30am for 5K

 

Official website is www.hyundaifunrun.com. You can also add them as friend on Facebook: Hyundai Fun-Run.

A confirmation via email will be sent to you once registration form has been fully accomplished. There s NO registration fee!

Singlet Design:

Some notes I got during the Press Launch:

• There will be different waves of runners at the starting line. This is safety reasons and because there are so many runners who registered.

• Race Results will not be posted online, this meas that you have to get your own finish time as you cross the finish line.

• This run is more geared more that runners would have fun, less of the competetive spirit. So let’s have fun during this day.

• This is just the first among many runs that Hyundai will organize for runners. So, be ready for the next Hyundai Race.

• There will be a Hyundai Village near the Finish Line, where Hyundai cars are displayed and are available for test drive. Maybe this is a perfect time to buy a new car.

This run is in partnership with HARIBON Foundation. Each participant will allow HARI to donate one native tree seedling to HARIBON as part of Hyundai’s socio-civic “Together We Can for a Green Tomorrow” pro-environment advocacy.

Winners for each category will be given trophies and Hyundai items.

So for those who are fast enough to register here, see you at the 10K starting line and lets have some fun!

Again, thank you very much Hyundai for organizing such event, this is a very timely response to the rising registration fees in races. Hats-off to the staff too! Indeed, Hyundai is all about "New Thinking, New Possibilities."

____ ____ ____

Hyundai’s lineup of best-of-breed automobiles will also serve as main attractions during the fun run, reinforcing Hyundai’s green stance with eco-friendly attributes and performances installed in all its technologies. Available for test drives are: the nifty and utilitarian i10 compact car, the powerful yet fuel-flexible Tucson SUV, the fluidic Sonata luxury sedan, the CRDi-powered Grand Starex Limousine, the nimble Genesis Coupe sports car, and the durable Santa Fe Crossover Utility Vehicle.

For inquiries, please contact Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI)
Hotline: (02) 813-6788 loc 218
Mobile: (0922) 877-6752
Email: kdelossantos@hyundai-asia.com

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists invites everyone to The G.O.O.D. Run on April 3, 2011 at Bonifacio Global City.

1. Organized by RunRio. If you want an organized race, run a RunRio race. J I don’t know but I have this trust for Coach Rio, a runner himself, that the race course measurement is accurate, enough water stations, early posting of race result, lotsa freebies and assle-free registration. What more can we ask? Ohhhh btw, I don’t work for RunRio. Just so you know…

2. I give importance to my health. I believe runners are healthy because of the cardio-exercises we do. What more can I say if after the race there will be a Free blood sugar screening, body fat analysis, bone density measurement, nutrition counseling, blood pressure checks, patient education and free clinic? Count me in!

3. I have a soft spot to those who have Diabetes. G.O.O.D Run stands for Goiter, Obesity, Osteoporosis and Diabetes. Diabetes struck my dad, sad. Now I take care of my blood sugar level coz I don’t want to experience the same. Taking an extra mile to promote a good cause- the GOOD run.

4. I want to beat my 10K Personal Record (PR ). Kinda personal but who doesn’t want to improve in running? I hope I can do it. Sub 45:00, let’s do this!

5. Raffles & freebies. I really don’t win on raffles but let’s see, hope I can win this time. With lots of sponsors on this event, I will go home happy.

___ ___ ___

Race Categories: 3km- Php500 / 5km- Php600 / 10km- Php600

Race kit includes Bib Number, Singlet

 

Registration until March 20, check the ff stores:

 

•RUNNR – G/F Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn – 8pm,Tel # 4031787)

•R.O.X. – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (1pm–8pm, Tel # 8564638)

•Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila (12nn–8pm, Tel # 556-0445)

•Planet Sports Glorietta – 2F Glorietta 3, Makati City (12nn – 8pm, Tel # 8177896)

•Planet Sports Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 8422886)

•Planet Sports Trinoma – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 9167451)

•The Athlete’s Foot Robinsons Galleria – 3F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Pasig City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 6363162)

 

 

About AACE-Philippine Chapter

The mission of the AACE-Philippine Chapter is to empower Filipino patients to achieve optimum endocrine health through the practice of leading edge, proactive, ethical and cost-effective medicine. The AACE- Philippine Chapter is the third international chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the first in Southeast Asia.

 

“AACE is a professional medical organization with more than 6,000 members in the United States and 91 other countries. Founded in 1991, AACE is dedicated to the optimal care of patients with endocrine problems. AACE initiatives inform the public about endocrine disorders. AACE also conducts continuing education programs for clinical endocrinologists, physicians whose advanced, specialized training enables them to be experts in the care of endocrine disease, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiency, osteoporosis, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity.”

For further information, visit the AACE-PC website at www.aacephil.com or the AACE web site at www.aace.com.

1. A different route. You don’t have Filinvest Alabang as your race route weekly. If you are looking for a different and new race route, this is it. Not to mention the marshals along the way- they are from Alabang Snail Runners. I’m sure they will make your run more exciting, and yes, the girls are beautiful.

 

2. A different time slot. The last nightrun (not including BDM 102) was last year’s Greenfield Sunset Run and this just not happen weekly. So I advice you seize the opportunity to try racing at night. This just gives a different high. Perfect too for runners who wake up a tad late. Gunstart is at 6:00pm so be there earlier to find a perfect parking slot.

3. A nice tech shirt. I’ve been collecting my takbo.ph shirts. I love the fit of the new shirt, actually I wore it the day after it I received it. I’m actually wearing it right now, that’s how I love the fit and the simple black & white design.

4. A festive mood. As what happened during the Runfest 2010 edition, this Nightfest will sure to entertain runners, do we expect another dance number from the Alabang Runners? This is also a time to get to know other Takbo.ph members and forumers. Or maybe a barbeque party after the race?

5. A worthy cause. For each registered runner, Php50 will go to the beneficiary- Runners On A Mission (R.O.A.M), we better know then as Team Logan. Not only that they are good friends but there story just amazes me and makes me feel blessed. “They have teamed up with Dr. Francis Xavier Dimalanta, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician here in the Philippines.  He is the President of Cerebral Palsy Philippines Inc. and started his own therapy center in 2003 called “A Child’s D.R.E.A.M. Foundation” in his hometown of Baguio City. Dr. Dimalanta’s desire to help children is deep as he has spent years of his life sharing with and encouraging parents and children who are in desperate need of his help."

To know more about Team Logan you can read my their Team Profile when I interviewed them.

 

Bonus: A free Skechers t-shirt will be given to the first 500 registrants. So be sure to run as fast as you can to the nearest Sketchers Boutique.

Registratioin Areas with number of alloted shirts per shop. You will be given a coupon and you will use the coupon come race day to redeem your free shirt.

Skechers Festival Mall – 200 pcs

Skechers Market Market – 100 pcs

Skechers Glorietta 5 – 100 pcs

Skechers Trinoma – 50 pcs

Skechers Robinson’s Manila – 50 pcs

 

For updates, please visit Takbo.ph

 

 

After a long hiatus on featuring runners, we are re-launching it again this year on the sarrt of my 2nd year in the blogosphere.

This I am very much excited as I am a fan of our runner for this month of March. Before anything else let me just refresh your memories of the past features I did: Wayne Plymale, Team Logan, Chang Hitalia & Kenley Jones.

This hot month of March, I am featuring the sexy Runner’s World PH Cover Model, Queen of the Rock: MICHELLE ESTUAR.

When I ask of her age (I know I should not ask a lady of her age, sorry Michelle), she mused, "Hahaha…can we just let them guess???. Just put my status na lang..Looking for a date…hahaha (joke!). I believe a lot of guys out there will take this joke seriously, hahaha!

Training Ground: ULTRA for speed training,and FORT AREA/ DASMA for long runs

Years into Running: 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS

Favorite Runner: No one in particular. But whenever I see the pinay elites ahead of everyone else, and doing their best to beat the foreign counterparts, I get goose-bumps all over. It’s their fighting spirit that I admire in them the most. Also, there’s this of group physically challenged athletes who train in ULTRA. They run with a cord attached to another runner who guides them along the oval. Their dedication and passion makes me even more motivated to train.

Favorite Race: I enjoy mostly the out of town races such as Corregidor (see photo below), Pagudpod, Cebu, Tanay, etc. I’d rather join the races in the provinces, rather than go outside the country. I never knew we have so many good places to run in the Philippines. There’s practically no reason to visit and do a marathon in other countries.

(I support you in this Mitch, on joining race in the provinces, rather doing it abroad.)

Half-marathon PR: 1:44

Marathon PR: 3:56

How many marathons have you finished: Oh, Im not counting…but let’s see…2009 = 6, 2010 = 5, 2011 = 1
Ultramarathons? Hehehe for the record, I did 4 last year…including BDM. Hehe

Fave running shoes: ASICS. Any shoe from Asics. Asics Cumulus is my favorite cushioned shoe for long distances. Asics DS Trainer is my favorite racing shoe for short distances. Asics Landreth is the best training shoe.

Running gears: Typical running shorts, shirt, fuelbelt and polar watch, red muscle tape for the knees.

Unforgettable Moment in Running: The Cebu Ultramarathon last year was so far the most unforgettable running moment. The course was unbelievably difficult. It was a 50KM route in Mt. Manunggal, composed of uphills and downhills, and minimal flatroad. I worked my way to overtaking all the female runners, and was able to for a comfortable lead. But at around 35Km, I looked behind my back, and saw the Cebuana runner (who won Mt. Kota Kinabalu for 2 consecutive years) just 100m away. That tested my mental strength. I was thinking whether to give up and give her the lead, or run faster and pull away from her. But my legs already surpassed its peak performance, and a to add more effort would trigger cramps on my calves and quads. And so, I decided to just maintain my pace, and if she is stronger, let her overtake. But after 3kms, I couldn’t find her anymore. I managed to sustain the lead until the end. When your muscles and power gels won’t help anymore, your patience and strong will power would take you to the finish line. You just have to hold on and believe.

Why do you run?

1) It’s challenging. Running calls for strategies that challenge the mind and the body, though most people thought it’s just a test of endurance and speed. NOT.
2) Running is the most accessible, used to be affordable, sport. You can simply open your door, and start running.
3) It’s the best way to lose weight.
4) It releases the tension and stress.
5) No other sport can top the natural “high” you can get out of running.

 

Fave Running Quote:

Im not sure if I should quote anyone, but I usually end my statements/ conversations with: “Train Hard. Finish strong.”

Worst injury: The most recent injury I had was the worst. I thought my experience with major ankle sprains and plantar fasciitis were already bad. But NO! It’s this midfoot hair-line fracture, which I suddenly felt November of last year. It stopped me from running for at least 3 weeks. Good thing, it was Christmas season. There weren’t many races. And it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Since I can’t run, I forced myself to learn how to ride a bike. =) And thanks to the injury, I can now finally join triathlons! =)

Post-race food: Fruits. Bread and pastries…particularly chocolate cake, cookies, and panaderya bread…hehe. I know im supposed to eat protein, but im not really into it. =) I’d rather reward myself with sweets. =)

(Mitch, I also like panaderya bread, its cheapy but delicioso! )

You wish to thank anyone, sponsors? Hmm…A Runner’s Cirle-ph, Shiseido for my sunblock, Team Go Tian for my roadbike,
Optimum Nutrition for my Recovery drink, FrontRunner Magazine.

You should watch out for her upcoming website: michelleestuar.com. It’s an informative site for Filipinos who run and do cross-training. This is simply a by product of her passion and love for sports, especially running.

 

"When your muscles and power gels won’t help anymore, your patience and strong will power would take you to the finish line. You just have to hold on and believe." -Michelle Estuar

Can’t get enough? Here are some stuff you sure wanna know…

James: If there is one tip that you want to share to newbie runners what will it be?
Michelle: Train.Train.Train. Whatever your goal is, you can always achieve it if you spend enough time to train, do the proper training, and allow yourself to be trained by people who are experts of their own craft. With training, you could avoid injuries, even cramps. You cannot just run a 10km event and expect to get a P.R. You have to work hard for it. Train Hard. It is only through training that one
can run strong and finish even stronger.

James: What do you do when you are not running?
Michelle: I swim, do roadbike, and teach indoor spinning classes. Most of the time, i’m under the sun. =)

James: Do you do any crosstraining?
Michelle: Yep, aside from the activities I mentioned above, I also do strength training and core exercises in the gym.

___ ___ ___

*Thanks again Michelle for taking time to answer my interview questions. See you on the upcoming races here in Manila or in the provinces. I am your big fan. I will have my picture taken with you ha! Crush!

**First photo by Jay Tablante from Runner’s World PH, last photo by Junrox of tigerboy10.wordpress.com.

***Next month, I will be featuring another ultramarathoner. Watch out for that!

How do you want to run here? A Half-Marathon maybe?

 

I believe I have said it many times that I love running outside of Manila and maybe this is what I am waiting for-

A Running event right on the famous Boracay Island dubbed,

Sali Ako D’yan: Run For A Cause. Help Save Boracay Beach,

a BORACAY FUN RUN ACTIVITY that will happen on April 23, 2011.
I support this because this aims to create awareness and start an advocacy  in keeping our environment clean. The organizers partnered with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Municipality of Malay Aklan.

 

The categories for the said run are 2.5k / 5k / 10k / 21k. For the 1st time the run will not just focus at the beach front (Stations 1-3) but also the back street up to the ECO VILLAGE (this is where Puka Beach is, my favorite beach in the island).

Each year there are 300,000 people in the island for vacation and to part. With this, we are confident that we will be able to gather more than 5,000 attendees since the event will happen during Holy Week, BLACK SATURDAY. After the race during the day we are holding a FREE after party and awarding ceremony celebration at night at Summer Place (my favorite bar in Boracay) beach front with an international DJ to entertain the guest.

The FUN RUN target families and teens aged 13 to 50 years old and above to join the race. The run aims to raise funds for the activities of Boracay projects for its efforts particularly for ordinance number 2001-141 “An ordinance banning the extractions and collection of white sand and pebbles in the beaches of Boracay Island."

Registration Area(s): Toby’s SM North Edsa (opens March 11). More registration areas will be available soon.

Event Organizer: Lynber Events Unlimited Inc.

Now save up, look for promo ticket and get ready! On towards the white sands of Boracay!