Love A Tree, Love Tanay!

It’s been two days since the Tanay Love A Tree Half-Marathon Trail Run and my thighs are still sore but i’m still riding high after such a great running event! Although i had been swearing on those torturous hills and the long time it took us to wade on that river crossing, i can’t help but be satisfied and thankful that i survived that ordeal.

This run ranks as one of the most arduous half marathons i have ever done, up there with the Nathan Ridge 21k Run.

We were the first ones to arrive at the race venue, the Sierra Madre Resorts Hotel and since we arrived early, June and i decided to doze off a little as we pulled down the seats of the car. After about half an hour, i could here Betty’s voice talking and laughing who arrived with the rest of my group and were parked just behind us so i knew it was time to get ready.

We got our race packets from the ebullient Arleen Lindo of Chris Sports (thanks, Arleen!) then headed at the back of the Resort where the race would start.

Milling around Arleen Lindo (in green shirt) of Chris Sports before the start

The simple start and finish line area at the foot of the Sierra Madre Resort

My group before the start

A Zip-line platform above the starting line area

The race started in an open field, near the base of a zip line platform and quickly descended on a sunken trail which had all of us rolling down like stray balls. That was like a 200 meter descent which had our knees hurting. But what caught us unprepared was the sudden climb uphill which saw most of us walking up those ridiculously steep hills that included stairways! We had to cling to the railings to propel us up! Sheesh! This early, the organizers had to beat us up real bad before we could even start to get our bearings!:-)

The start of the run

Start of the 200 meter downhill (Tonette is at front right). Photo by Jose Ramizares

After that initial roller-coaster of a run, we finally ascended into the Highway and got my rhythm back but my shoes, an old All-Terrain New Balance was giving me problems on my plantar so i had to scale back. I altered my foot strike a bit and felt the pain subside thus, worked my way through the throng of runners. I pulled over to Leo who was taking a drink  and we paced each other for about a kilometer. About 4 kms into the run, Betty and Tonette would sprint up to join me and we were together for most of the first half.

At about the 6.5km mark, we made a right turn unto new territory and headed into the inner sanctum of villages which we haven’t seen before. The running here was exciting as we were now venturing into rough and dirt roads with intermittent stretches of hills and acacia trees to shade our run. There were plenty of water stations during these stretches and we were even served bananas wrapped in plastic.

The National Highway, the start of a horrendous route

Leo takes a pose before the hills of the Sierra Madre mountains

Tonette and Betty getting a break

We had barely reached the 8th km mark when these leading Kenyans were already on their way back

Our very own Chris Sabal struggling in 4th behind the Kenyans

The rough roads deep inside the Sierra Madres

Tonette doing her own thing

Another stop for a picture pose!

We ran through different villages until we reached the turn-around point located in front of a small elementary school. As we went back, we were wondering where the river crossing would be and just as we were beginning to increase back our pace, an arrow sign that pointed left suddenly appeared and we knew that we were now headed into the waters.

The river, though knee deep at most was about one of the most difficult and time consuming part of the course as it was…part of the course! You had to walk on the middle of the river itself, parallel to it and not just to cross it. During  my first attempt at crossing, i slipped down a rock and in the process, felt my left calf muscle cramp, it was excruciating that i had to go back just to stretch the muscle. The banks of the river had slippery rocks and ankle-deep mud so this was not a good place to walk on. I had probably spent a good 20 to 25 minutes before finally getting off that river!

First part of the river crossing. Here it was ankle to knee deep

Leo removes his shoes before crossing the river while Tonette hands-over her bamboo pole

A runner lends a helping hand to 65-year old Leo

To wade or not to wade, that is Betty and Tonette's dilemma while a boy marshal leisurely walks at the river's bank

There was no choice, actually. All runners got their feet wet!

This shows the level of difficulty in wading through the river. You have to literally crawl to get to its banks. (Photo by Jose Ramizares)

June takes it easy

The faster runners on their way back from the river crossing

The only single track trail after the river crossing

The last 6 kms of the route saw as back the main highway and that was mostly uphill all the way. I had to walk the steepest ones to conserve energy and run again when i was in level terrain. Finally, as i reached back the Sierra Madre Resort under the watchful eye of soldiers manning the entrance, i wondered if i would have to negotiate that roller-coaster uphill-downhill back to the finish again. Turns out that that part was scrapped as we turned left instead unto the bottom of the short hill and turned right straight to the finish.

Over-all it was a great race, very well-organized, lots of hydration stations and the route took you to some breathtaking scenery. It’s not strictly a trail race per-se as the route took us more on dirt and rough village roads and mostly on the national Highway but still, I would thoroughly recommend this race for its very challenging course!

Success with our half-marathon mountain trail run

One more time. L-R: Chito, Leo, me, Tonette, Betty, Sylvia and June

Bowls half empty. These runner-friends might be eating something good inside at Mang Vic's!

Reward to ourselves. Piping hot Bulalo and Liempo at Mang Vic's!

Run Rio Trilogy Awards Night

It wasn’t as glitzy and Hollywood-esq like last year but this year’s Runrio Trilogy Awards Night at the Decagon Theater in Silver City, Ortigas retained its classy and vibrant vibe to it, very well-attended as well, a greatly-organized gala dinner!

It had all the right ingredients to make the gala night not only meaningful and enjoyable but to give honor and prestige to the efforts of all the awardee-runners who painstakingly completed the Run United Trilogy Series in completing the 21k-21k and 32k trilogy runs. (I did the 10k-21k-32k but even if you ramble those numbers, it won’t count!)

Whether you were a speedster or a plodder didn’t matter as all completists were honored in the same stage which Coach Rio no less, giving the medallions and finishers shirts. There were huge smiles as photos of runners were taken on stage with a big screen on the back magnifying their well-deserved awards.

What more can you say when you run 3 fabulous races, be awarded for it and then get to eat and drink the night away with other runners! I’m starting anew for this year’s Trilogy! See you on Sunday for the first Run United 21k Race!

The stage

The evening's host Tricia Chiongbian and Anthony Suntay

The early birds

At our table

Coach Rio with runner awardee, Daves Espia

With the lovely Coach Zinnia of Multisports

Yikess!:-)

We should be the ones hanging those medals on them, right Pedz?:-)

With L-R: Vener, Jet, moi, Bro J, BR and Baby

RunRio Blogger of the Year, Banjo Assidao (photo by Dennis, RunningPinoy)

Philippine All-Stars (Photo by RunningAtom)

With Nora (on my left) who we haven't seen for a while

The ladies goofin' around..L-R: Mommies Let, Vimz, Jaymie and Gigi

Group picture

Race Against Raze: March 18, 2012

Here’s one Run for a cause this coming March which is the National Fire Prevention Month that aims for fire prevention and safety awareness. It is aptly called Race Against Raze, a 3k, 5k 10k and 16k Run at the Bonifacio Global City.

The Run, aside from raising precautions, alertness and immediate actions that would prevent the likelihood of a fire, also aims to promote physical fitness and well-being.

Here are the details of the race:

Race Against Raze (Pep Squad Events: Race Organizers)
March 18, 2012
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
3K/5K/10K/16K

Registration Fees:
3K – Php 450
5K – Php 550
10K – Php 550
16K – Php 650

- Inclusive of Race Kit with RFID and Singlet

Singlet (Front)

Back of singlet

Prizes:

Top 3 Male and Female will be awarded medals and cash prizes.
Medals for all 16K Finishers.
Medals for 1st 100 Finishers for 3K, 5K and 10K Categories.
Certificates will be awarded to all finishers.

Cash prizes as follows:

Distance /1^st /2^nd / 3rd
3K – P2,000 / P1,000 / P500
5K – P3,000 / P2,000 / P1,000
10K – P3,000 / P2,000 / P1,000
16K – P5,000 / P3,000 / P2,000

Gun Start:

3K – 5:45
5K – 5:40
10K – 5:30
16K – 5:15

Registration Venues:

Online Registration via -> http://www.pepsquadevents.com via Credit Card
(February 6, 2012- March 11, 2012) Or until slots have been filled up, whichever comes first
- Option to Add Php120.00 and race kit will be delivered before March 14, 2012
- Option to claim it to any On-Site Registration

Regular Registration: (Feb 13 to March 11, 2012)
- ROX – Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City

- A Runner’s Circle – Back of Aloha Hotel, 2150 Roxas Boulevard, Cor. Quirino Ave., Malate, 1004 Manila,

- Royal Sporting House – Level 2, Glorietta 4, Makati City

- Royal Sporting House – Level 2, Ali Mall, Cubao, Quezon City

- Reebok:  Level 2, Festival Supermall, Muntinlupa City

- Reebok:  Upper Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building A, Pasig City

- Reebok:  Level 2 , Trinoma Mall, Quezon City

- Pep Squad Events and Marketing Services, Inc. Office, Unit 304, Cityland III V.A. Rufino Street., Legaspi Village, Makati City,     Telephone No: + 632-5197010

PRESS RELEASE:

The Philippine Institute of Quezon City Alumni Association, in partnership with Pep Squad Events and Marketing Services, Inc. is organizing a fun run entitled “Race Against Raze”on March 18, 2012 at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. The event aims to promote fitness and wellness among participants, as well as to increase the awareness of fire safety and prevention. Part of the proceeds of the event will go to the following beneficiaries:

Philippines Children Medical Center’s Child Neuro-Science Center

PIQCAA Scholarship Fund 

Because of the popularity of running events, we are expecting 3000-5000 runners to participate in 3K, 5K, 10K, and 16K races. The event will be attended by the school’s alumni, faculty, distinguished guests, and running enthusiasts.

In line with this, we would like to extend our invitation for you to become part of this important event. Run and support Race Against Raze!

I Ran For Brewed Coffee

This was a race i discovered way back 2009, the Amadeo Coffee Run, a small, laid-back race located in Amadeo, Cavite just 8 km east of Tagaytay City but with the same cool weather permeating its environs. If you wanted hot, piping brewed coffee just before the race, this was the place to be as we found out on our first outing that year (read it here). Little did we know that Amadeo is dubbed as the coffee capital of the Philippines.

The Coffee Run had its re-incarnation this year and the Takbo Para Sa Kapihan (Race To Save Coffee Trees) was held last Saturday, February 18, in conjunction with their Pahimis Festival, a gesture of thanksgiving to God practiced by the local townsfolk more than a century ago which showcases the town’s coffee industry.

When Ana Bautista (themeekrunner), a native of Amadeo tagged me in my FB account a week before to join this race, i was eager to go and even invited my Meralco running group to join .

SLEEP-DEPRIVED

The night before, i had attended the grand launching of Coach Rio’s Riovana Store at High Street, The Fort but left early at 10pm to attend another party nearby. Party we did.. drinks, sing-along and stuff until i realized that it was almost 1:30am already! I had to meet up with Tonet who was going to fetch me at home at around 2:30am so i had to rush home, pronto! Arrived home at 2:00am, just enough time to change, freshen up and put on my running gear. There was no time to doze-off even for a few minutes as Tonet arrived at exactly 2:30 am. Ugh! This means i was going to run the 21k with no sleep at all!

We proceeded directly to Betty’s place in Pasig where  we would meet the rest of our group and proceed in one van to Amadeo.  I planned to take a nap during the 1 hour trip to Amadeo but the buzzing of chit-chats and laughter from around me was ringing my ears so the planned nap went pfffftt!

We arrived at Amadeo at around 4:30am, proceeded to the registration tables and registered. The P350.00 reg was reasonable enough for the 21k race. No brewing of coffee yet this time as the sponsors were still setting up their tents and tables. We were immediately hauled into a covered court area where a welcoming speech was made by an organizer and the national anthem was played.

My group: Leo, Betty, Tonette, Sylvia, me and Chito

Pre-race photo op with our hosts, Anna (middle) and hubby, Jun (extreme right)

At the start

RACE:

We still had cool breeze when we started at about 5:30. There were only about 50-60 of us doing the 21k  and as we only intended to treat did as a long training run, the others just took off and disappeared from our sight in less than a minute.  The first few minutes of the route was still dark although we had the headlights of an ambulance providing us the lights as we were at the tail-end of the runners.

The terrain was mostly flat during the first few kilometers although there were a few short sections that went uphill, specially along residential areas when people were curiously watching us but when you greeted them the usual ‘good mornings’, their curious looks magically transformed into warm smiles as they greeted back.

Taken at around the 5km mark

I manage to keep up pace during this early part of the run until we reached the national highway when i began to struggle during that long stretch of slight uphills.  Sluggish may be an understatement as my legs were practically dead that i had to drag my feet at certain portions when it didn’t feel like going up the long inclines.  I really felt the effects of not having any sleep at all!

To make matters worse, i was wondering why the organizers  had to set up the water stations at the right side of the road when the rules set by them  specifically stated that we were suppose to run on the left side facing traffic. So we had that added burden of crossing the highway to get to the water stations. Big risk, considering the those big trucks and other vehicles were going at full speed and didn’t even bother to slow down as they reeled past us!

Off the highway, we turned left and ran to some scenic plains and coffee farms and the sights were marvelous. People weren’t really mindful but some would ask how many kms we were running. The soft, cool wind was blowing into our heads and this really helped me gain a second wind.

The last 4 kilometers was a slight downhill back on the highway and i felt very pleased with my pace which i picked-up a bit. I picked-off some runners as i sped along the highway towards the fork. At the 20km mark, i sped up significantly and launched into a wild drive at maybe a 5:00 minute pace. Upon approaching the fork road, i glanced into my watch, the distance  was already 21kms and suddenly realized that there was still a good 700 meters on the final stretch so i kind of regretted having to change to a faster gear early. But pride wouldn’t let me slow down so i had to maintain pace and hold it until i reached the finish line.

Based on my Soleus GPS 1.0, the distance covered was 21.72kms although at first glance, i though it to be at 21.27kms. Eyes must have been fuzzy. My time was 2:40 and i though it a decent enough time inspite of the numerous walking breaks i took. At the finish, the smell of brewed coffee was percolating inside the tent so i helped myself with a cup-full instead of the usual water!

Over-all, the race was superbly organized–the water stations were adequate with overflowing Sports drinks on the side, marshals were in their positions and directional signs were all over the place ensuring that no runners would get lost. An ambulance was always present along the course and paramedics always raising a thumbs up indicating if we were ok so we could thumbs-up him back. However, they could look back at that oversight of having the last water stations on the wrong side of the road.

With Anna, our host treating us to a hearty breakfast. Thanks, Anna!

After the race, we rushed to the home of Anna’s aunt, a few hundred meters away from the finish where we partook breakfast of Chicken Arrozcaldo, Puto, Hot Pandesal, boiled eggs, a local sugary flat bread and some more of those hot, freshly brewed coffee! What a treat!

In summary, we all had a great time and it’s nice running an out-of-town-race once in a while to experience some fresh air, cool temperature, the town folks and heaps of freshly brewed Amadeo coffee!

NOTE: Watch out for the Amadeo-Tagaytay Infinity 42k Marathon coming soon! This is going to be a “cool” marathon!

Runners World Philippines: A Feature Inside

Triathletes Noy and Amale Jopson graces the latest issue

I’ve been a reader of this magazine since the 80s when this was being sold out at small magazine stands along Rizal Avenue near C.M. Recto and can be had for about P40.00 to P50.00 for the new issues. Of course, the only available edition then was the U.S. edition and getting a subscription to it was still new during that time.

Runners World (RW) is probably the premier source of running news, shoe reviews, training tips and an all go-to source of information for all levels of runners. It’s a very well-rounded magazine that touches on all bases including personal stories that inspires you to keep up with the sport and the tons of gear reviews which i can only drool and dream of having it in my closet.

Due to running’s popularity here in the country, Runners World has now opened a Philippine edition, one of 16 international editions available worldwide and is the very first in Asia. This is one great additional welcome for the local running community which complements the locally publicized Frontrunner and The Bullrunner Magazines.

The latest issue of RW-Philippines (Jan.-Mar 2012 issue) is well-packed with information that includes a training program for first time marathoners and a feature of the top running bloggers in the country which includes…ehem (clears throat), me! Cover photo are top triathlete couple, Noy and Amale Jopson.

Other bloggers featured are all friends in the running community and includes, Jaymie Pizarro (The Bullrunner), Dennis Ravanzo (Runningpinoy), Raul Patrick Concepcion (Runningshield), Noelle De Guzman (Kikayrunner), Vima Mendoza (Kulitrunner), Ginoe and Que Gavan (Takbo.ph) and Cheryl Golangco (littlerunningteacher). The photo shoot was done by Photo-Journalist Monica Barretto and make-up by Kats Del Rosario.

I was a bit nervous and apprehensive doing the photo-shoot as this would be the first time i’d be doing one. The presence of Bernice and Lorraine of Skechers (i wore their Skechers shoes) didn’t do much help to ease my tension but once i talked with Monica who was most re-assuring, it made things very smooth and relaxed.

Kats Del Rosario

Monica Baretto

At the end of this experience, i was a bit overwhelmed but grateful nevertheless to Monica, Kats and Team Runners World for the opportunity in gracing their pages. Thanks to Bernice also for the Skechers Liv and to all my partners in Rundezvous!

So buy your copies now!:-)

Giving an autograph to one of my friends.

By The Company We Keep

They’re a special breed of runners you either want to be with or you care little about, depending on your outlook on running. For sure, they’re fun to be around specially when all talk is about their latest conquest of their farthest run ever and these include jaunts of 102km or 160 km ultra races.

I was with these esteemed runners just after their grueling 160km BDM “fun run” a few weeks ago when Ultra-marathoner Paolo Osmeña, who successfully finished this race after his 2nd attempt treated his “team” to a sumptuous dinner and drinking binge to celebrate his conquest, acknowledging the support he had during his trying times during the race!  So it was interesting to see how Paolo was doing (still ecstatic, as i noticed) and how the rest of the guys were coping up with their recoveries.

But recovery it seems is out of their vocabulary as most of them were already geared to run the Condura Marathon the week after and many of them did! Hard to imagine why they can’t get enough of running 160 kms as their main course and savor another 42kms the week after for dessert!

It was good to be meeting for the first time George Dolores, a regular in the ultra running scene and Keisha Fule,  who i initially thought was a Kenyan until i saw her pictures on blogs and realized that she was one of the guys (sorry po). She may be all hard-as-nails on the roads and trails but she is genteel and humble in person, none of the brashness that you may associate with other top runners of her stature.

Anyways, we had a great time drinking and dining and i had to be the listener most of the time when they tried to out-do each other in reminiscing the happy,  funny and mostly torturous moments ever imagined in their race of a life-time!

Again, congrats to Paolo and the rest of the BDM160 finishers!

Here are some pictures of the gathering (there’s more in my FB page if you care to look at it) :

Early guests

Front Runner's Jonel Mendoza, host Paolo Osmena and Mel Severino

Me, Blas and Keisha

Our hostess, Angela Jacinto (r)

One of the country's Ultra-running patriarch, Jonel Mendoza

Late comer, Chito Carreon (standing) joins the group

Mel, George Dolores and Meljohn (Boypraning)

Keisha, at her fullest?

No satisfaction for Boypra (may take-home pa!)

Race Results: Race For The Orphans

Rundezvous Events, Inc, organizers of the Race For The Orphans would like to thank and congratulate all runners who joined this morning’s  run at Camp Aguinaldo! We hope you all enjoyed yourselves and wished you achieved a Personal Best despite our shortcomings and simple staging of this race.

Some found the course a little bit challenging so we know how hard it must have been for runners, specially those running the route for the first time in tackling those gentle rolling hills.

We were blessed with a very cooperative weather this morning so we hope nobody got dehydrated and gave everybody a chance to savor the scenery. We really are so grateful to all our sponsors who have made this race possible, to the various running clubs who either ran the race or supported it by being volunteers… our heartfelt thanks!

The UNOFFICIAL race results are now available at www.runningmate.ph

All race time inquiries should be addressed to racetime@runningmate.ph so they can take up your concerns immediately.

We hope to see you again in Rundezvous Events’ future race, coming soon!

Running For Cancer Patients: By Guest Blogger Liz Davies

I recently received an e-mail from one of my readers, Liz Davies, extolling the wonders of exercise for patients getting cancer treatments or those who have recently recovered from it.

From studies made on cancer treatment, running or any level of physical activity may reduce the chance of dying from the disease and help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Here’s Liz’ guest post:

The Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients (by Liz Davies)

The vast array of benefits that accrue from regular exercise for cancer patients is unquestionable. In the context of this article, physical activity refers to any sort of bodily movement produced by skeletal movement that requires an expenditure of energy. There are numerous general health effects of exercise that range from helping to control weight, maintaining health bones, muscles and joints, reducing risk of high blood pressure and diabetes and promoting psychological well-being.

All of these general health effects would prove to be extremely beneficial for cancer patients in helping to maintain the foundational health of the body during intensive cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, which can be very hard on the body.

However, the most important positive influence of exercise for cancer patients is likely the psychological benefit of improved well-being. This benefit is crucial because cancer is such an emotionally and psychologically demanding illness and as a result, the emotional/mental health of cancer patients often deteriorates and is neglected due to the overriding importance of keeping the cancer in check or in remission.

Moreover, exercise has been shown to aid in improving cancer patients’ self-perception of physical image, which often poses a problem due to side effects from chemotherapy and surgeries. From this perspective, exercise can help improve psychological well being which will help cancer patients confront depression, lethargy, anxiety and high levels of stress, which often occur as side effects of having cancer and undergoing traditional cancer treatment protocols.

To this end, recent research indicates that physical activity after a diagnosis of breast cancer may be beneficial in improving the quality of life, reducing fatigue, and assisting with energy balance. Exercise is especially helpful in bases of hormone responsive tumors, such as some types of breast cancer, since exercise has been known to have a normalizing effect on endocrine secretion and thus promote hormonal balance in some cases.

One study found that women who exercised moderately (the equivalent of walking 3 to 5 hours per week at an average pace) after a diagnosis of breast cancer had improved survival rates compared with more sedentary women. These scientifically-validated findings indicate that exercise should be promoted as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients in light of the potential psychological and physical benefits that may ensue.

In order to stay motivated with an exercise program, cancer patients must make sure to stick to a regular plan that fits with their current physical capabilities so that it will be easy to incorporate into one’s lifestyle. To this end, it is recommended that cancer patients embrace a simple routine that is specifically tailored to the contextual factors of their illness, such as moderately-paced walking a few times per week.

This process would likely be enhanced by working with an accredited personal trainer and would thus help to maximize psychological and physical benefits. If in need of more psychological help there are many groups for people with all types of cancers like breast cancer, liver cancer and even mesothlioma support groups.

**Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.

The XTERRA Trail Run/Off Road Triathlon Series 2012

“The Philippines is one of the world’s best destinations for triathlons.  Its rugged terrain, picturesque sceneries and crystalline waters never fail to challenge even the most hardened triathlete.  It’s no wonder that world-class triathlons are staged in the country, foremost of which is the Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon Series”.

I would definitely agree with XTERRA’s claim as the country has one of the most scenic and breathtaking running trails, bike paths and beaches for triathlon competition ever! And this year will have more competitive triathletes joining in Liloan, Cebu with the likes of  Oliver Marceau, Daz Parker, Ben Allen, Carina Wasle and Takihiro Ogasawara seeing action.

I’m referring to the XTERRA 2012 Triathlon Series which is presented by Vaseline Men and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. These events comprises three legs: Pang Rave Run, XTERRA Weekend and Putik Pare.  Each activity promises to deliver a challenging yet enjoyable experience for all seasoned triathletes.

TIMBERLAND HEIGHTS, SAN MATEO, RIZAL: TRAIL RUN: February 26, 2012,

Kicking off the Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon Series is the Pang Rave Run, a trail run slated on February 26, 2012. The event will have an exciting course with magnificent views at the Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal.  It will feature a demanding trail run in 22- 10- and 5-kilometer categories all with very exciting cash prizes up for grabs.

I’ll be joining the 10k category of this race, having ran its rugged mountain trails several times in the past. They will be having a different route from that of the past Merrell Trail Run and the King of the Mountain trail races and organizers have promised a more challenging route.

Online registration is already ongoing at the Vaseline Men XTERRA website. To register, log on to www.xterraphil.com or visit any RUNNR or ROX store.

LILOAN, CEBU: TRAIL RUN and TRIATHLON RACES (March 17-18, 2012)

The excitement reaches fever pitch on March 17-18 in Liloan, Cebu for the Vaseline Men XTERRA Weekend.  Featuring trail run and triathlon races, the event promises to challenge even the most seasoned athletes.  This year, XTERRA brings back triathletes to the pristine waters and the rough terrains of Liloan, Cebu for a more exciting set of challenges that will surely test the athlete’s strengths and limits.

The Liloan, Cebu weekend kicks off with a trail run on March 17.  It will feature a demanding trail run in 21, 10 and 5 kilometer categories all with cash prizes both for the male and female categories.

More importantly, top age group finishers for the 21K trail run will qualify for the world championships for the XTERRA Trail Run slated in Hawaii this year. Registration for the March 17 Trail Run is ongoing at www.xterraphil.com and in all Runner Stores nationwide.

The two triathlon events on March 18 are the XTERRA Lite and the XTERRA Philippines Championship. The XTERRA Lite involves a 500-meter swim, 30-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run.  On the other hand, the XTERRA Philippines Championship involves a more grueling challenge with a 1.5-kilometer swim, 30-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run.  All of these will take place in scenic Liloan, Cebu.

One of the key segments of the triathlon is the ‘graveyard,’ aptly called due to the difficult terrain that it will pose in the mountain bike leg. The Vaseline Men XTERRA Team has exerted all efforts to ensure that the entire race route, including the run leg through the fishing lagoon Papa Kits, will be an interesting yet challenging segment for all participating athletes.

Apart from winning exciting cash prizes (total pro prize money is US$15,000), the top age group finishers will vie for 40 slots to the XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii.  Registration for the March 18 Triathlon events is also already ongoing in the Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines website (www.xterraphil.com).

CLARK, PAMPANGA: TRAIL RUN/TRIATHLON, November 18, 2012

Finally, this remarkable series reaches its climax on November 18 with XTERRA Putik Pare at Clark, Pampanga. Like the Xterra Weekend in Cebu, Putik Pare will also feature trail run and triathlon activities. The literal translation of Global XTERRA Event entitled “Muddy Buddy,” this event is a duathlon relay involving a trail run and mountain bike, ending with a now-famous Putik Pit.  Those who have the will to gut it out also stand to win amazing cash prizes from Vaseline Men XTERRA.

From the launching of the Vaseline-XTERRA last night at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati, we were apprised by Sunrise Events Inc’s Princess Galura and Race Director Guy Concepcion on the race routes, participating athletes, hotel accommodations and almost everything you wanted to know about the events.

Here are some pictures of the launching last night:

Sunrise Event's Inc.'s Princess Galura

That's Jonathan, Brand Manager of Vaseline-men Philippines

Host Tricia Chiongbian, an athlete herself

Ms. Galura acknowledging the guests at the back

Part of last night's press and bloggers

A group pic with the bloggers and press people

So this year, prepare to conquer it all at the Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon Series.  To know more, log on to www.xterraphil.com or visit www.facebook.com/vaseline.   You can also visit XTERRA’s partner stores – ROX and Runnr for more details.

Race For The Orphans: Update

The registration for the Race For The Orphans at our designated Registration Centers  will end on Saturday, February 12, 2012. However, those who wish to register on-site (Camp Aguinaldo Grandstand) before the race itself can do so from 4:30am and closes at 5:20am before the race gunstart at 5:45am so be there early.

Registration centers open till Saturday will still be at ROX at Bonifacio High Street, Taguig; Secondwind Running Stores at Malingap, Quezon City and Ortigas Home Depot branches and at the A Runners Circle (ARC), Roxas Blvd., corner Quirino Avenue, Manila.

Paid registrants are entitled to raffle draws of DIADORA Running Shoes and a free trip for two to BORACAY.

Registration Fees will be at P600.00 for the 10k and P400.00 for 5k. Proceeds will go to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Educational Benefit System (AFPEBS) to benefit the scholarship of orphans of soldiers who were killed in action in Mindanao.

There will be Raffle of Diadora Shoes and Free trip for two to Boracay