Natures Trail Discovery Run: Daraitan Trail Run, June 9, 2013

Registrations for the Nature’s Trail Discovery Run II (Leg 1), PIMCO Sports’ Championship Trilogy series is now open and will showcase another marvel of a trail route, the DARAITAN Trails, which features the Tinipak River with its white rock formations plus the majestic Sierra Madre mountains in Tanay, Rizal.

The race features a 50k Ultramarathon, a 21k, 10k and 5k with routes ranging from single track trails, mountain passes, river crossings and dirt roads. There will only be limited slots for the race and registration can be done via on-line at Pimco’s website, http://www.pimcosportsevents.com/ or at their registration center at ROX, Bonifacio High Street (3:00pm to 8:00pm).

Here are the details:

Nature’s Trail Discovery Run II
1st Leg, Trilogy Championship  

Date: June 9, 2013 (Sunday)

Venue: Sampaloc-Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal

Categories:

Advanced (10k) : Entry Fee is P750.00 inclusive of race kit, finishers shirt, and medal. Open to all Nationals, Male and Female

Seasoned (21k): Entry Fee is P950 inclusive of race kit, finishers shirt, and medals. Open to all nationalities, Male and Female

Masters (50k): Entry Fee is P1,750 inclusive of race kit, finishers shirt, and medals. Open to all nationalities, Male and Female (One category only).

Beginners Trail Fun Run (5k) : Entry Fee is P550.00 inclusive of race kit, provisions, giveaways, finishers medals. Open to all nationalities, male and female

Limited Slots:

Advance (10k) Category 200 slots only
Seasoned (21k) Category 200 slots only
Masters (50k) Ultraman Category 100 slots only

Newbies (5k) Fun Category open no limit

Registration Venue:

–*ROX:  Bonifacio Global City (3pm to 8pm)

–  Online registration at www.pimcosportsevents.com

*(Suggest you register physically at ROX)

Finishers Shirt for the10k / 21k / 50k

Public Transport:

To get to Tanay using public transportation, you can ride jeep at Star Mall in Mandaluyong City to Tanay market. From there you can get tricycles that can bring you directly to the venue.

Runners and their families and friends who would like the outdoors may get accommodation near the venue. This is highly recommended as there are amenities that you can try your hands for very affordable rates.

Shuttle Services for Metro-Manila Runners:

Additional fee of P300.00 per runner will be charged for the shuttle bus to the race venue and going back to the same pick up points as follows:

Pick up Details:
Date: June 9, 2013

Pick up points:
Shell Station, Makati Edsa
Mandaluyong, City Hall Circle
Quezon City Circle
Masinag, Marikina in front of Mercury Drug

Time of Pick Up:
2:00 am Shell Station Makati Edsa
2:15 am Mandaluyong City Hall Circle
2:40 am Quezon City Circle
3:10 am Masinag, Marikina

The Bus will pass-by and will not be standing by so please be at the pick-up point at the time to avoid inconvenience and present your Service Stub. The Time of Pick-up are estimated arrivals at the pick up locations given.

If you miss one pick up place, you can still catch up by proceeding immediately at any of the pick up points ahead. The Shuttle Bus will not wait.

Time of Return Trip: All Runners must be at the shuttle bus for the return trip to Metro-Manila from the race venue after the race event on June 2 not later than 2:00 pm

Hydration Stations - No cups will be made available! Bring your own hydration bottles/ hydration belts/ hydration back packs for re-fill. There will be hydration stations every 5 kilometer distance for free you can use for refill of your hydration bottle.

Banana Stations - There will be banana stations for each of the race category the Aid Stations and at the finish line for free.

Finishers Kit - All finishers will receive their kits that include the medal, finishers shirt, and loot bag at the Finishers Booth for the 10k, 21k, and 50k only.

5k has no Finishers Shirt but will have finishers Medal.

Awards & Prizes for Male and Female Division (Except for the 50k Division which will only have the over-all first 3 placers):

Winners on each of the Preliminary Legs are given Winners Gift Packages (Non-Cash)

Awards and Prizes for all Categories Advanced (10k), Seasoned (21k), and Masters (50k) Ultramen:

1st – Gift Package + 1st Medal + Winners Shirt
2nd – Gift Package + 2nd Medal + Winners Shirt
3rd – Gift Package + 3rd Medal + Winners Shirt

Finishers – Finishers Medal & Shirt + Loot Bags

Awards and Prizes for Newbies (5km):

1st – Gift Package + 1st Medal
2nd – Gift Package + 2nd Medal
3rd – Gift Package + 3rd Medal

Finishers – Finishers Medal + Loot Bags

For more details, check out Pimco Sports website at: http://www.pimcosportsevents.com/ or their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PimcoSportsEvents?fref=ts

Here are some pictures of the Daraitan trails:

Skechers Launches The Go Run 2

Buoyed by the success of its Go Run minimalist shoe, Skechers has recently launched the Go Run2. The Go Run 2 has been freshly improved, the upper has a more breathable and secure stretch mess and most important update is reducing the curve or the “bump” at the midsole that irritated many runners who wore the previous version of the shoe.

Skechers Go Run 2 (photo by pifflesinc2)

pifflesinc2

I was able to attend the launching of this shoe last week and i must say that i was mostly impressed by its new features, the much improved upper mesh and the different color combination that came with it. The features were explained by Ms. Kaye Ko, Products Consultant for Skechers and Skechers Running Ambassador/Triathlete Martin Lorenzo.

I wish i could test run this updated shoe and observe for myself how this stacks-up with the original Go Run which i fondly called the “Keflezighi Go Run” and was able to review previously, here.

Here are the salient features of the shoe and the Press Release that goes with it:

Go Run 2–Men’s model (Red-Lime)

Men’s (Blue-Yellow)

Women’s Go Run 2– (Pink-Lime)

Women’s (Coral)

Skechers Launches Skechers GOrun2

Run Faster with a Mid-Foot Strike

 

Do you want to run faster, stronger, longer? If you’re a runner looking for ways to enhance your efficiency, speed and overall performance, try looking into your running technique and re-think your shoe choice.

Global footwear leader Skechers launched GOrun2, the sequel of the successful GOrun performance shoe. This updated shoe helps runners run faster with a mid-foot strike, allowing them to achieve their personal best time.

Different color combinations are available

Skechers GOrun2:  Designed for Speed

Skechers has gone the extra mile by helping runners transition to more efficient mid-foot strike running rather than heel striking through its GOrun series. Skechers GOrun running shoes features the M-Strike Technology. Inspired by barefoot running, the principles of minimalism encourages runners to run more naturally by positioning the body for an efficient mid-foot strike in order to run faster, stronger, and longer.

More color combinations

Deemed to be the next generation of serious minimal running shoes, GOrun2 boasts of its GOimpulse sensors which are found underneath the soles. These make the wearer more responsive in running in any surface type. The shoe is made of breathable four-way stretch mesh toe panels and custom fit insole for comfort. The added Resalyte midsole absorbs the impact to prevent injuries.

Skechers GOrun2 features a minimal heel lift at 4mm to keep the foot in a nearly neutral position. The best part is its weight. GOrun2 is as lightweight as can be, allowing the wearer to run faster and more efficiently. Moreover, it comes in striking color combinations.

Accolades from the Elites

Skechers GOrun ambassador, Olympian marathoner and America’s fastest marathon runner Meb Keflezighi attributes his success to his trusty performance shoes of choice.

“Skechers’ new performance shoes change the way I run for the better,” said the number one marathon runner in the United States. “I’ve been a heel runner my entire life, but I am now wearing Skechers to maximize the efficiency of my foot strike. My shoes are my most essential piece of equipment and right now, Skechers has the footwear I need to succeed,” added Keflezighi.

Skechers Ambassador/Triathlete, Martin Lorenzo

Ms. Kaye Ko (L) and Ms. Niza Forschler, Skechers PR Manager

Filipino top age grouper tri-athlete Martin Lorenzo believes that it is crucial to look for the right lightweight shoe that promotes a mid-foot strike to avoid or lessen injuries and improve on speed and efficiency. He recounted his search for the perfect pair of running shoes to accompany him in his races. The tedious task ended when he found Skechers GOrun 2.

“I bought myself different pairs of shoes and tested each one. What came on top is the Skechers GOrun 2. It is well-designed, lightweight, very comfortable, and well-ventilated for our tropical climate. It exceeded my expectations on every count,” shared Lorenzo, a consistent podium finisher in his age category and a passionate athlete who races in local and international triathlons and marathons.

Lorenzo added that “Skechers GOrun2 makes a great transitional shoe for runners who are still heel striking.  Adopting the mid-foot strike is important for runners who want to improve on their running technique and speed.   With Skechers GOrun2, no matter how you force yourself to run heel strike, it forces you to land mid-foot for easier transition.”

Bloggers during the launch

# # #

Available in the following Skechers’ stores: Glorietta 2, TriNoma, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, SM North Edsa-The Annex, Robinsons Place Manila, Lucky Chinatown, Market! Market!, Festival Mall, SM Fairview, SM Dasmarinas, Marquee Mall, SM Pampanga, Ayala Center Cebu – Active Zone, Abreeza Mall Davao, Gaisano Mall of Davao, SM City Davao, and Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro.

For more information, log onto www.skechers.com.ph, visit Facebook page SkechersPhilippines or follow SkechersPH on Twitter.

Skechers GOrun 2 is designed to help you run faster with a mid-foot strike.

Booster-C: My Present Energy Drink

I’ve been testing this product lately, tried this in different races and i think i’ve found the right energy booster with my sports drinks to fuel me on my long runs, trail runs and road races. It’s called the Booster-C Energy Shot.

I had been a regular user of  gels and that of the GNC 12-hour Energy Shots and it does help me get that energy boost specially in times when my energy begins to sap during the last half of a race.

I regularly take a gel or two in races of at least 21k (the GU Strawberry-Banana flavor is a favorite) although i find some of the other brand names too tame, not providing enough “kick” that i usually find when i take the GNC Energy Shots. On the move refueling doesn’t get more convenient if you take this with you during races except when bananas are made available along hydration stations which for me is a better alternative for refueling in distances of 21k or more.

The GNC 12-hour Booster shot (P99.00) vs. the Booster-C Shot (P18.00)

However, taking gels can put a strain to your pocket as these costs around P75-P120.00 per pop while the GNC Shot costs P99.00 per vial. Unless you have relatives residing abroad who can supply you with boxes of gels, buying them here really slices part of your budget which may be used to save and buy other essential needs like socks or tops.

Now, here comes the Booster-C Energy Shot. I was very suspicious about this product at first when i saw this being sold at a 7-Eleven Store near home. While the GNC 12-hour Energy was being sold for P99.00, the Booster-C had a price tag of only P18.00 per piece so one would think that this would be as good as taking flavored water. Ugh!

I am in no way affiliated with this product, but found this drink as effective as the GNC Booster Shot and Gels that i had mentioned. At half-way of a 25k run and during half-marathons, i consume just half of the contents and in just a few minutes, feel a fast-acting hit of energy. After a few more kilometers, i consume the other half which can sustain me up to the finish.

I felt no side-effects, no highs, no palpitations, no sudden energy crash that a cup of brewed coffee can give you after taking it before a race.

It’s also available at Mercury Drugstores. Bought a box.

The Booster C is a functional energy beverage with a unique blend of vitamins and potent energy-boosters that is packed in a convenient 60ml energy shot with virtually low sugar, low calorie and zero bloat in the tummy.

The liquid has a refreshing taste that is easy to swallow and designed for easy digestion during long runs and races. It only has 21 calories and packs with an energy blend that gives a long-lasting, crash-free energy felt in minutes.

Per the product’s website, this product is relatively safe, FDA-certified and classified as food. It can, in fact, be taken everyday. All the active ingredients of Booster C comes from components already naturally found in the body and in the foods we eat everyday (B Vitamins, Taurine, Inositol, Caffeine), and natural health foods used by people for generations (Ginseng, Royal Jelly).

And, since Booster C has only 3 grams of sugar per shot versus other energy drinks, taking it regularly is guilt-free.

Of course, you’ll have to try this first on practice runs if this works for you. Some brand gels may cause some gastrointestinal distress and taking this energy shot might cause the same. So far, i have not felt any discomfort taking these, whatsoever.

RUNNR To Hold Weekly Group Runs

RUNNR Store is launching weekly group runs for beginners and advance runners called the RUNNR Club.

Slots are running out fast so do check their website at www.runnr.com.ph or call 403-1787. Registration Center for UP Diliman participants will be at RUNNR Store-Trinoma. Their UP Diliman sessions starts tomorrow, May 12, 2013  so check it out!

JOIN THE RUNNR CLUB. GET FREE SINGLET & DISCOUNTS!

Group runs will start in starting running in these locations on:

• Bonifacio High Street – 7pm Wednesdays (May 8 – June 26)
• UP Diliman – 7am Sundays (May 12 – June 30)

To join:

• Each venue is limited to 50 runners only to be divided into 2 groups: Basic group and Advanced group
• The 2 groups will vary in pacing and rest intervals
• Participant’s Commitment Fee: P300

Registered participants will get the following:

• Free running singlet
• Free Hydration
• Free running program for 8 weeks
• One-time special discount 20% on any RUNNR branded items***
• One-time special discount 15% on regular-priced Newton running shoes***

**By presenting event receipt

This event is presented by RUNNR and in cooperation with Bonifacio Global City, Gatorade and Newton Running. The RUNNR Club is powered by Toby’s Sports, Fuelbelt, Moving Comfort, Polar, Gu and CW-X.

For inquiries, contact RUNNR at 403-1787 or email them at help@runnr.com.ph

To catch the latest updates from RUNNR, add RUNNR on Facebook and Twitter thru http://www.facebook/RUNNRphils and twitter.com/RUNNRstore or log on to www.runnr.com.ph

 

Race Report: Pimco Run2Run Adventure Trail Run

I’m doing more trail races this year than i did the last and i noticed that trail runs are getting more difficult and challenging on courses with steep elevations and sudden descents, near endless climbs, various river crossings and even obstacles that gets you to crawl on like rice paddies!

After the highs of the Merrell Trail Run last week at San Mateo, Rizal, the Salomon X-Trail Run at Hamilo Coast a few weeks before and several practice runs on various other trails near Manila, i was back in Tanay last Sunday to run the Pimco Run2Run Adventure Trail Run.

Runners starting to trickle in at the starting line

The settings were just perfect: The Ten Cents To Heaven Resort is an oasis of calm in the midst of the Sierra Madre mountains with no more than 250 trail runners savoring the cold breeze that is ostensibly absent from Manila. This trail race was a buddy run and i was suppose to run and finish together with my perennial trail partner June Santiago. We didn’t finish together (finished just 5 mins ahead) but we did pace together for most part of the race.

The starting time was supposed to be at 5:00am but since most of the runners didn’t or forgot to bring their headlamps (guilty!), the organizers decided to move the time for about 30 mins more for the runners safety which was okay with me!

The route was a mix of some trails that were used in previous PIMCO trail races and some new ones which were added for variety. From the Ten Cents Resort start, the trails descended for about 1.5 kms then just as soon as we were at rock bottom, we started to crawl up again past pineapple fields and mangroves that i had to stop a few times to catch my breath. This stretch ended up at a Zip-line station where we exited into a concrete road all the way to a local village.

Aerial view of runners rushing downhill during the first kilometer (Photo from Pimco)

The route was familiar to some of us who had done a test run on the first few kilometers of this course a few weeks back. It’s not an easy course by all means because right after passing the trails of Sitio Caumbay, the 21k runners proceeded to one of Pimco’s “showcase” trails, the Maysawa trails.

The Maysawa trails are beautiful but jagged, rocky on some parts, wooded on the inner portions  following shallow and almost dry rivers plus a couple of different ridges through the woods. It throws in a couple of relentless uphills and descents and the terrain on the end part, before reaching Brgy Laiban is a mix of woodlands, creeks, open space and the occasional cultivated field.

Below the valleys of the Sierras

Our late start, although a welcome move for all of us who didn’t bring our headlamps was going to be our bane on the latter stages of the race as the uphills of Laiban together with the scorching heat was too much to bear. I, together with the rest of the runners around were walking like zombies, with only intermittent shades providing short pit stops for us to rest.

The last 3 kms was proving to be another Camp Sinai finish, a reference to the Merrell Adventure Trail race the week before when you had to battle heat, uphills and the sagging energy where the goal was just “to finish”. Another 150 meter uphill on the entrance to the resort, the “Staiway to Heaven” left me with some last kick to spare before heading on to the finish line in 5:02 for the 22.8km distance! A personal worst! Hahah..!

As i said earlier, June came in just a few minutes after me an although we really reeled from that torturous heat, it was one hell of a ride, another exciting journey to the world of trail running!

A big shout-out to Pimco for another great trail adventure and to RD Alvin Balderama for giving us another challenging trail route. We will be back on June 9 for this year’s 1st leg of the Nature’s Trail Discovery Trail Run at Daraitan in Tanay! See you there!

Here are some pictures of the race. Enjoy!

Waiting for the race to start

At Baranggay Cuyambay

Emerging from the forest trails during the early part of the race (Photo credit to Adsventure Trese)

Along one shaded part of the trails

Little house on the prairie

A small elementary school

One long rocky uphill climb

On the downhill part of Sitio May Sawa

A pause with Jackie and Terri

Beyond this trail are some gorgeous views of the Sierras

A farmer’s simple abode

A closer look

Taking a rest

Approaching some views of the Sierra Madre mountains

One of the best views of the valleys below

This is why i love trail running so much!

At one of the mountain crest

Approaching a river bed in Brgy. Laiban

Just behind buddy run-mate June

Another river crossing

Even with the dry season, water continues to flow on rivers

Hot and humid

A break during the uphill climb with June

The shades offered some comfort while walking on these dusty roads

Great company (L-R) Christian, Jackie and Terri

With friends Maribel, Jun and his brother

Memorandum: To All Employee Runners

FOR:  All Employee Runners

Date:  May 6, 2013

EFFECTIVE : Immediately

DRESS CODE/PAY INCREASE:

1.  It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary. If we see you wearing Newton Running Shoes and using a Garmin 910XT or a Soleus 3.0 GPS watch, we assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a pay raise.

2. If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a pay raise.

3. If you dress just right, you are right where you need to be and therefore you do not need a pay raise.

SICK DAYS/ABSENCES

We will no longer accept a doctor’s certificate as proof of sickness/injury due to running. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.

HOLIDAY DAYS

1.  Filing of vacation or emergency leave to rest for a couple of days prior or after your running a marathon/ultramarathon will no longer be accepted.

2.  Requesting to work under-time to attend a carbo-loading party,  press/bloggers race launch,  catch an out-of-town race or meeting with friends for a run prior to closing of office hours will no longer be allowed. Likewise, an employee who arrives a minute late will be considered absent that day.

Remember that each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday and Sunday.

COMPASSIONATE LEAVE

This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers who died because they were hit by a speeding truck while running or succumb to a heart attack while doing so. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangement.

In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.

STRETCHING

Stretching your muscles, doing contortions on any part of your body and performing other forms of exhibitionism will no longer be tolerated in the office premises. Likewise, running up and down the stairs of our office building should be stopped immediately. Our building is not a track and field oval nor is it a vertical run route.

TOILET USE

1.  Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet after you leave the office specially when changing to your running attire when you go for a run. There is now a strict three-minute time limit in the cubicles.

2.  At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the cubicle door will open, and your picture will be taken whether you are caught with your shorts down or still fitting your jogging bras.

3.  After your second offense, your picture will be posted on the company notice board under the “Chronic Offenders” category.

4.  Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sanctioned under the company’s mental health policy.

LUNCH BREAK

1. Skinny people (those who habitually run marathons or ultra marathons) get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more so that they can look healthy.

2.  Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure.

3.  Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that’s all the time needed to drink iced-green tea.

INTERNET ACCESS

1.  Access to internet sites will now be limited. If an employee is caught browsing running websites or blogs like Takbo.ph, Pinoy Fitness, i Run Far, Baldrunner, Runblogger, Running Shoes Guru, The Trail Running Blog, CoolRunning and most specially Jazzrunner–even on their personal laptops, tablets or cell-phones, they will be reprimanded for first offense and warned accordingly. Subsequent offenses will be suspension for up to a month, without salary.

2.  At any time an employee is caught uploading pictures or posting a status of his/her running exploits at Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, their employment will outright be terminated and all benefits due them will be forfeited!

Thank you for your loyalty to our company. Remember we are an employer of equal opportunity and we are here to provide a positive employment experience that cares for your physical well-being and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle.

Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations and whinings about PRs, running shoes, diet, LSD training, marathons, ultras, CLPs, cross-fit training, trail running, running bras, loot bags, etc. should be directed elsewhere!

Adidas KOTR (Philippines) 2013 Now Set: July 7, 2013

EVENT: adidas King of the Road 2013 (Philippines)

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

July 7, 2013 (Sunday)

I’ve been joining this race for the past several years and adidas’ KOTR is one of the most anticipated, very well-attended where we get to see international runners from all over ASIA and parts of the world participate in this truly unique event.

adidas King of the Road (KOTR) is a running championship held across Southeast Asia. Held in five countries across the region, ( Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia and organised in city areas, the adidas KOTR race will culminate in an ultimate championship race that will be held in a different host country each year.

This year’s Asian KOTR will commence in the Philippines on July 7, 2013.

Race Categories and Registration Fees:

10K Relay for Students
Male Students run first 5K, Female Students run second 5K
(All Nationalities, Students only) Php 800

10K Regular
Men’s Regular (All Nationalities)
Women’s Regular (All Nationalities) Php 1,100

16.8K
Men’s  (Filipino Only)
Women’s  (Filipino Only)
Men’s Open (International)
Women’s Open (International) Php 1,300

Relays:

10k Relay For Students (All Nationalities) — Php 800.00

• Each Relay Pair must be made up of one male and one female runner.
• Runners may be from different schools.
• Registration can only be done in the offline registration booths. (NOTE: Online registration is not available for the 10K Relay for Students. Students will have to bring a valid student’s ID to offline registration sites to sign up.)
• Runners must each bring valid school IDs to the registration booths as proof.
• Runners must be 25 years old or below to sign up in this category.

Registration:

Online Registration here. Open from May 2-June 23, 2013.

On-Site Registration. Open from May 2-June 30, 2013

Registration inside the stores open Mondays-Sundays; 12nn-8pm

• adidas Trinoma
• adidas Megamall
• adidas Powerplant
• adidas Greenbelt 3
• adidas Two Parkade/BGC
• Runnr Bonifacio High Street
• adidas Mall of Asia

Group Registration:

Runners who register as groups at the same time & location get the following discounts on the KOTR registration fees:

• Group of 10 runners = Php100 off each
• Group of 15 runners = Php150 off each
• Group of 20 runners = Php 200 off each

NOTE: This discount is only available in offline registration sites.

SINGLET DESIGN:

Cash Prize for 16.8km Male & Female

Position	Open Category (Filipino Only)	Closed Category (All Nationalities)
1st	25,000 Php	35,000 Php
2nd	12,500 Php	15,000 Php
3rd	8,000 Php	10,000 Php

Cash Prize for 10km Male & Female

Position	Open Category (All Nationalities)
1st	15,000 Php
2nd	10,000 Php
3rd	7,500 Php

Cash Prize for 10km Relay for Students 
(Runner #1 Male & Runner #2 Female)

Position	Student Relay (All Nationalities, Students only)
1st	10,000 Php
2nd	7,500 Php
3rd	5,000 Php

Overall School Champion for Runner #1 Male and Runner #2 Female win 25,000 Php each for the schools they represent.

Last Year’s KOTR

(Press Release)

All In for the Biggest Race Across Southeast Asia

adidas Philippines Opens Registration for the Annual adidas King of the Road 2013

Runners, it’s time for you to gear up because adidas is now opening the registration for this year’s adidas King of the Road (KOTR), happening this July 7 at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The 2013 edition of the adidas KOTR will allow runners to choose between the 16.8K and 10k race categories. The 16.8K-distance will have two sub-categories—Closed, which will be exclusive for Filipinos, and Open category for all nationalities. Male and female runners who will top the race from the Closed category will be crowned as the Philippines’ King and Queen of the Road and will represent the country in the adidas KOTR Southeast Asia Championship in Malaysia later this year.

On the other hand, the 10K-distance will have an added feature this year, the Student’s Relay category. The Students’ Relay category, created to encourage the youth to lead a healthy lifestyle, will be open exclusively to college and university students 25 years old and below. One male and one female student need to partner up and form a relay team, with each running a 5km leg. The winning pair will win cash prizes individually as well as for their respective schools.

The regular 10K race will still be held, which is open to all runners interested to join this distance. Prizes also await runners who will top the said categories.

“The brand’s battle cry is All In, as adidas continues to support and encourage people to be the best they can be in whatever interests they have —be it sports, fashion, or music ” says Jason Gervasio, adidas Brand Communications and Sports Marketing Manager. “In the case of KOTR, adidas is showcasing its commitment to sports by bringing together and empowering runners from all over the Philippines and Southeast Asia, giving them a chance to engage in their passion for running.”

Southeast Asia Roads Lead to Malaysia

adidas is not only encouraging runners to compete within their countries. As part of its drive to provide the best experiences for its consumers, KOTR will once again be held in different legs across the SEA countries.

To date, the first adidas KOTR SEA Regional Championship held in October 2011 culminated in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, involving participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The success of this multi-country race inspired the brand to make the event a regional annual tradition. Hence, the KOTR SEA Championship Year 2 was organized and held at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore in 2012.

This year, participants of the KOTR SEA Championship will get a chance to run through the streets of Malaysia. The final race will be held in October, where winners from Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand will be joined by the KOTR SEA Championship Closed Category participants from the host country itself. Only one winner each from the Male and Female divisions will be crowned as the adidas Southeast Asia King and Queen of the Road.

How to Join KOTR 2013

There are two ways to sign up for this year’s adidas King of the Road Philippines:

1. Visit http://adidaskingoftheroad.com/ph and register online by filling up all the required fields (not available for 10KM Relay for Students). Online registration is open from May 2 to June 23, 2013.

2. Visit any of the seven (7) adidas KOTR 2013 registration sites in the following stores —adidas Greenbelt 3, adidas SM Mall of Asia, adidas SM Megamall, adidas Powerplant, adidas Trinoma, adidas Two Parkade (Bonifacio Global City), or Runnr at Bonifacio High Street. Onsite registration is open from May 2 to June 30, 2013.

Race fees are as follows: P1,300 for the 16.8K race; P1,100 for for the 10K regular race; and P800 for for the 10K students’ race. Runners signing up for the 10K students’ race will have to present vaild student IDs (must be valid until July 7, 2013) at the registration sites.

There is also a discount for runners that sign up in large groups. Participants who register with their friends and family at the same time at the registration site get the following discounts:

• Group of 10-14 = Php100 off each
• Group of 15-19 = Php150 off each
• Group of 20+ = Php200 off each

Supporting this year’s race are the sponsors Summit Water and 100 Plus

For more news, updates, and promos on adidas KOTR 2013, visit www.facebook.com/adidas or follow the conversation with #kotrph2013.

Labor Day Antipolo Adventure Run

It’s been a while since i took a long run of more than 21k so yesterday presented the chance to do so. It was Labor Day here, a public holiday so what better way to make use of my free day than by getting those miles in and hang-out with the team! It was going to be a group run, so me and my team mates (Team 90%) would start of at the usual meeting place, McDonalds at Silver City, Tiendesitas.

McDonald’s Silver City Mall Julia Vargas Ave.

A group run for us would always start early and as agreed, i’m dreading the 3:00am start which means getting up at about 1:45am, doing the usual morning routine while waiting for Leo and Sylvia to fetch me by 2:40am on our way to Tiende. We had planned a route all of us will be doing for the first time and that is to scale up the route going to Antipolo church and nail around 25-30kms.

Antipolo Church

So all 7 of us took off and began our run at about 3:15am and were headed out to C-5 towards Eastwood.  All went out on a very fast clip, no slower than 5-6 mins/ km and figured if i was going to sustain this pace up until Antipolo, i was nowhere of getting the mileage as i was sure to bunk out even before reaching our destination.

So i cut loose, did a steady pace of 7:00-7:30 easy and i was so glad i did so. Immediately, i found them way ahead of me and with the still dark C-5 Road, i lost them when i reached Eastwood City.

I was now running alone with just the silent passing of a few cars and trucks as company and with the few dim lights that illuminated the road. I forgot to bring my headlamp nor any reflective material that would warn motorist of this lone runner invading their turf so i was extra careful, confining myself to the sidewalks that were relatively safe.

I felt a sense of liberation running alone as it’s one of those rare times when i get to contemplate, on unfamiliar territory with my mind set to reach Antipolo on my own. I reached Marcos Highway, passing by SM Marikina and one thing great about this stretch is the presence of bike lanes on the eastern side which kept me safe through out this highway.

I stopped by a vendor who was cooking pancakes for P5.00 a piece, got me one and later stopped by a 7-Eleven Store nearby for a Cobra Energy Drink to wash down the pancake. Burp! After a few more kilometers, i reached Masinag then would turn right to Sumulong Highway, the main road towards Antipolo  Church and the dreaded uphills that leads to the church.

The Valley Golf and Country Cub landmark along Sumulong Highway

Surprisingly, the uphills were very manageable, slowly taking it one at a time except when they were long and steep that i had to take walk breaks for about a minute or two. Here, you get to share the road with cyclists making their way to and from Antipolo. Saw some cycling friends including ultramarathoner Romy Doctolero. I finally reached Antipolo Church in about 3:20 (hrs) which is exactly 21kms from Tiendesitas.

Arriving at the jam-packed Antipolo Church

All sweaty but still rarin’ to go!

I tried to look for my teammates who were to visit the  Church but they were nowhere to be found. Learned later that they arrived 20 minutes earlier and were at the back entrance of the church and most of them had changed to drier clothes which was probably the reason i didn’t get to see them. I would also learn that they would not continue their run anymore after the church visit and just drive back to Tiende on Leo’s  SUV who asked his driver to pick them up at the church. They managed the one-way route of 21k.

After taking in a bowl of sotanghon soup with egg and re-filling my Camelbak hydration pack with water, i continued my run and re-traced the route i took, back to Sumulong and Marcos Highways. After a few uphill stretches, it was now all downhill going back to Masinag and before reaching SM Masinag, i saw couple Leo and Sylvia suddenly in their vehicle, stopped beside me and both surprised that i was still running!

The rest of the group had all gone home and since my bags were with the couple and they were on their way home, i decided to end the run, got in the car as they invited me to take breakfast in their home.

I was able to cover a distance of 32.64 kms. in almost 5 hrs, stops included.

This was definitely one of the best runs i had, one great experience of running to Antipolo all by myself and a great way to unwind with running friends. Thanks to Leo and Sylvia for the hearty breakfast and your never-ending hospitality!

Till next adventure run!

Race Report: Merrell Adventure Run 2013

The local folk song, “Planting Rice Is Never Fun” has never been so apt in describing the farmers’ hardships and sacrifice while toiling their lands to plant rice and other crops for our staple food and that of their sustenance. The lyrics…

Planting rice is never fun,
Bending over ’til the set of sun.
Cannot sit, cannot stand,
Plant the seedlings all by hand.

I’m sure many runners at yesterday’s MERRELL Adventure Trail Run got a glimpse of this experience, although just fleetingly and without even bending to plant anything.

I was giddy and apprehensive at first when we approached this tiny rice field after a race marshal informed us that we had about 5kms to go on our 21k run. No inkling whatsoever that another major obstacle was just a few meters ahead. Seeing the runners wade through this slimiest of mud, clenching their shoes on one hand and using the other for balance, we got the drift that if you wore them on, the shoes would get stuck under it and would be hard to retrieve them.

So while wading on just about 20 meters of this paddy that’s knee deep, felt like a quick-sand and very muddy, me and the others got to experience a very yucky feeling while stepping on some bulge on the soft ground that’s very slippery and slimy…you get to trash underneath on Carabao’s poop that lies together with the mounds of mud under it!

When we emerged from this “obstacle”, the stench on all of us was very revolting as we all smelled like “carabao shit”, from head to toe! No water was immediately made available when we landed on dry ground so we just used the grass to wipe-off the mud clinging to our toes, calves, hands and knees. This may well be Merrell’s version of the X-Terra Race, “Putik Pare” (Mud Run) and what better term could you call this but the “Pooh-Pooh, Pare”!

This was actually the second of two muddy obstacles, the first which came after the 8th km mark when we had to crawl for about 15 meters beneath a chicken wire and sharp bamboo twigs dangling in our heads  where the crowd got backed-up to wait for their turn.

To sum up the race, here’s  some observations/notes which i took during the race:

• The 21k race route was awesome… great scenery, trails galore, river crossings, mountain ranges
• Though views were beautiful, the course itself was very difficult! Lots of uphills (so lots of walking), some of the downhill parts were very steep and slippery as i saw a lot of runners slide down, tumble and roll from side to side with some injuries
• Though not frequent, water supplies were adequate and they served really ice-cold water with cubes of ice that you can place in your hydration back pack.
• Race Marshals were adequate and were in crucial junctions to guide the runners
• Mud-pit crawl area should have been placed on a wider road. The area was too narrow, only 3 rows of runners could be accommodated so there was a huge back up at the entrance
• It was so nerve-wracking that the last kilometer was all uphill and we had to stop-and-go several times before hitting the finish line. A marvelous moment though when you reach the top!
• Race Director Thumbie Remigio was hands-on, observing the conduct of the race at many points along the course, even taking pictures while at it. Good job, Thumbie!
• Thanks to lady Runner #97 for the push at the back to get me over the rice paddy.
• At the turn-around point at the end of the river crossings, there was a woman half submerged in water singing religious songs on the top of her lungs which the race marshals fondly described as a “Shokoy” (half-human, half mammal)! LOL!
• The bamboo barricade obstacles was absolutely ——! A nuisance rather than an obstacle.
• Showers with soap were adequately provided near the finish area but had to spend another hour or so at our bathroom at home to scrub and scrape out all residual slime in my body
• Bread, eggs, bananas and water bottles were also given to all runners

This is probably one of the best trail runs ever organized and obviously, a lot of preparation had gone into it. After those grueling uphills and downhills, stumblings and tumblings, continuous river crossings, mud crawls, the pooh-pooh walk and the last insane crawl to the finish, i finally made it to the finish in about 4 1/2 hours!

A very satisfying event and a great memory to bring home! Congrats to the Merrell people and to RD Thumbie Remigio!

I’m leaving you with some of the pictures i took from the race. Other photos courtesy of Thumbie Remigio!

See you all at the PIMCO Run2Run Adventure Trail Run in Tanay, Rizal next Sunday, May 5! (http://jazzrunner.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/pimcos-run2run-trail-run-in-tanay-may-5-2013/)

For more updates on trail runs, follow me on TWITTER @ https://twitter.com/jazzrunner

RACE RESULTS are now out! Here is the link: http://www.strider.ph/

The views around us before the start

With friends and our clean apparels before the run

On an uphill double-track trail

The trek to the first river crossing begins

Threading in slowly as the rocks under the river are unstable and slippery

A river trail, literally with cassava plants watching the proceedings

The views can’t get any better to take pictures during rush hour

The first mud-pit obstacle (photo by Thumbie)

Long lines waiting

This is another river crossing

Slippery rocks really slowed the runners down

The heat was just overwhelming so it was on shades like this that we had time to rest

Friend June, enjoying the scenery

A long and winding dirt road

The rice paddy

Mud looks like soft cement

Pooh-pooh pare!

Time-out!

Getting out of the water was another obstacle

I lost my water bottle here

Good job leaving your Poo-pooh, Mr. C!

Bamboo barricades

An instant Vibram Five-Fingers minimalist shoes

Single-track trail descending to another river

Another shaded path

This lady (L) literally pushed my butt so i could emerge up from the rice paddy. Thanks, Mam!

The last 2kms was a grueling uphill climb. This is the last 500 meters

Over-took this lady who was struggling to ascent like all of us did.

Dang uphill!

Last 350 meters and counting. the “Moses tablets” is in the foreground

So near, yet so far!

No, that’s not a calf compression i’m wearing. It’s the sticking mud we all got from threading the rice paddy (photo by Manghusi Photoshop)

My Ultrasipre Surge Hydration pack, camera, shorts, all soaked in mud!

My previously immaculate white Adidas socks now soaked in dirt and grime. RIP!

PIMCO’s Run2Run Trail Run in Tanay: May 5, 2013

The Run2Run Trail Run Adventure will be held on May 5, 2013 at the Ten Cents To Heaven Resort in Sitio. Mayagay II, Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal, just a kilometer away from the Sierra Madre Resorts. This trail run comes a week after the Merrell Adventure Trail Run this coming Saturday which i will also be running.

I was able to document part of the 21k route during a test run i did with other trail runners a few weeks ago (you can read it HERE) and i would say that this is one nice route, a combination of single track trails, rough roads and the main uphill highway.

One main attraction we weren’t  shown is a hidden trail en-route to Tuntong Falls, part of the 21k course. The race will start at an elevation of about 600-700 meters above sea level so the first kilometer or two will be an all downhill trail. Over-all, the trail run will be an awesome combination of two of the most scenic mountain trails, the May Sawa mountain scenery and the Laiban River trails

Along the main highway

Remember that this is a buddy run where you have to be a pair to register, start together at the starting line and arrive together at the finish line.

Remember that each runner should bring his/her own hydration bottle, hydration back pack or hydration belts as the organizers are not going to provide paper cups as this is an eco-friendly race. Organizers will only be providing re-filling stations along the race route.

View at the starting line

Here are some details of the race:

PIMCO AMAZING RUN2RUN TRAIL RUN ADVENTURE (Buddy Run)

Date:  May 5, 2013, Sunday
Venue:  Ten Cents To Heaven Resort, Mayagay II, Tanay, Rizal

DISTANCES:  5k/10k/21k

ASSEMBLY TIME: 4:00am

GUN START:  21k  –  5:00am/  10k — 5:15am/  6k — 5:30am

REGISTRATION FEES:

5K  :    P550.00

10k  :  P750.00

21k   :  P950.00

REGISTRATION VENUE:  ROX at the Bonifacio High Street (3:00PM to 8:00pm)

Shuttle Services for Metro-Manila Runners:

Additional fee of P300.00 per runner will be charged for the shuttle bus to the race venue and going back to the same pick up points as follows:

Pick up Details:
Date: May 5, 2013

Pick up points:
Shell Station, Makati Edsa
Mandaluyong, City Hall Circle
Quezon City Circle
Masinag, Marikina in front of Mercury Drug
2:00 am Shell Station Makati Edsa
2:15 am Mandaluyong City Hall Circle
2:40 am Quezon City Circle
3:10 am Masinag

The Bus will passed-by and will not be standing by please be at the pick-up point at the time to avoid inconvenience and present your Service Stub. The Time of Pick-up are estimated arrivals at the pick up locations given.

If you miss one pick up place, you can still catch up by proceeding immediately at any of the pick up points ahead. The Shuttle Bus will not wait.

Time of Return Trip: All Runners must be at the shuttle bus for the return trip to Metro-Manila from the race venue after the race event not later than 2:00 pm

For more information about the race, just visit their website at http://www.pimcosportsevents.com/#/amazing-run2run/4573658703 or check-out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PimcoSportsEvents