Before I ran yesterday, I read some of my 2008 and 2009 posts. I can run fast pala dati. Na-inspire naman ako.

Tapos, I gave myself a pat on the back. Writing about my previous training runs is paying off now. I just need to go back to these posts when I need a little inspiration or when I’m feeling a little lost I have a plan and path to follow.

RUN: I ran my second 7K easy today. Level-Up to 7, wee!

It will get easier. I’m very happy that I walked less, ran more and ran faster.

I want to do another easy 7 this week. My short term goal is to build up to 3x a week easy 10s. Speed work can wait. I want a strong and solid base again. Vicky, ayan hindi na sya evil plan. Now, you know. Macau na!

Race For The Orphans
February 12, 2012
5K/10k
Camp Aguinaldo Grounds, EDSA corner Santolan Avenue, Quezon City

Registration Fees:
Regular registration fees (from January 7 until February 9, 2012):
10K – PHP 600
5K – PHP 400

- Includes Bib with Timing Tag and Singlet (For both 5k and 10k runners)
All registered runners have a chance to win a trip for 2 to Boracay.

REGISTRATION VENUES

JANUARY 7 to February 11, 2012 (12:00 nn – 8:00 pm)
- Secondwind Running Store: Quezon City and Ortigas Branches
- A Runners Circle (ARC): Roxas Blvd. corner Quirino Avenue
- ROX: Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig and

-AFBEBSO c/o I-Hope (Ms. Bern Palo) Camp Aguinaldo, QC

Avail of the early registration promo of 6 Race Kits plus 1 FREE (same category only) good until January 22, 2012.

A RACE FOR THE ORPHANS

A race for the orphans, a race for your hearts! A very special race for the month of the heart—The Race For The Orphans will stir the Camp Aguinaldo Grounds in the still misty morning of February 12, 2011 each not only to experience running the peaceful grounds of the military camp but to take part in answering the orphans cry for love and compassion.

It is with this aim that Rundezvous Events Inc., will stage this event that will provide scholarship grants through “I-Hope”, a trust fund that will support the educational needs of these orphans of soldiers killed in action in Mindanao and for future grantees of the AFP Educational Benefit System (AFPEBS).

Each runner pays a modest registration fee of P600.00 for the 10k run and P400.00 for the 5k run. Inclusive with this fee is a nice running singlet available in various sizes, a Timing tag, race bib number and a goodie bag from our sponsors.

Our registration Centers will be at the Secondwind Running Stores in Ortigas and Quezon City; ROX at Bonifacio High Street and at A Running Circle (ARC) along Quirino Avenue corner Roxas Blvd., Manila.

“We shall leave no soldiers’ orphan behind”. This is the AFP Educational Benefit System Office’s (AFPEBSO) tagline, an organization which deeply recognizes the heroism in each Filipino soldier. It is one of the morale and welfare outfits of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that grant educational benefits both to the military personnel and their dependents with the aim of helping them secure a brighter future. As it recognizes our soldiers’ heroism, especially of those who lay down their lives in protecting peace, AFPEBSO gives priority to the orphans of Filipino soldiers who were killed in action.

We’ll see you at Camp Aguinaldo on February 12, 2012!

For inquiries, please call or text:

Abet: 09158030224 or Zarina: 09165217400

Or call Phone: 6(32) 3829659 c/o of Salie Guarin.

My Nike We Run Manila token arrived today. Thanks Nike!

Hope yours arrived today din. Love the usb. Love the packaging.

After one session with HyperSports PH, I made a mental note to include drills in my training again. It’s something I used to regularly do but just like running, it was forgotten for a lil bit.

Luckily, I found a great article in this blog – RecoverYourStride. CLICK HERE to read it.

I will now try to incorporate Single Leg Balance to my daily routine and maybe even try the 100 Up challenge (high knees with a new name). Do click on the link and check out the simple exercises. He explained the mechanics and tweaks very well. Hope it helps you, too!

Log: Ran 7km yesterday. Long run! Finished off with 4x200m strides.

For lots of race photos, CLICK HERE and LIKE Timex Sports Philippines on Facebook.

Before the 5K gun was fired, Boy “The Running Host” and Tricia Chiongbian, gave a shout out to newbie runners running their first 5K race. I joined the cheers of the runners beside. I may not be a real newbie but after a several months of “rest” (tamad to train and run), I felt like a newbie.

The runner on my left was giving last minute tips to his friend. First race yata. I eavesdropped for some last minute refresher on racing a 5.

Opps did I say racing? I didn’t have plans to race this morning but I think I ended up pushing a little harder.

When we heard the gunstart, we slowly moved to the starting line. I was in the middle of the pack so it took sometime to get to the starting line. As I crossed, I hit the start button of my watch (Timex syempre. Won it in a raffle. Yihee!) and RunKeeper app and started running.

Zoom! Well, at least felt I zoomed away. I knew it was a bit faster than my last 3 runs. My legs felt fresh and able to take on the gentle incline of the 1st km. Hala takbo lang.

I was lucky. I felt that I placed myself in a good pack. The runners around me were all running a steady pace. There were some who started walking after 500m but I just put up my imaginary blinders and focused on the ones who were running a steady pace.

After 18mins, I walked na. Konti lang, 5meters only. I wanted to do a straight run. I think could but I knew that my pace would suffer. And so as I was walking, I was computing. I’m not very good with math but I figured a sustained pace of 8ish will be slower than 6:30ish to 7ish with walk breaks. It was just a little after 6am and I’m not good with math… so this assumption was a gamble. I wished that it would pay off.

When we crossed to the IS area, most of the runners stopped at the water station, I stuck to my intervals and I kept on running. Kasi, I knew what is up ahead. Downhill! I like riding downhills. And kasi, I couldn’t spot Vix. We started together and I knew that she was right behind me pero after my first walk break, I couldn’t spot her na. Karipas Bards! Vix is gaining! <– Competitive hehe

At the end of the downhill was the 3km marker. I love 5k! Konti na lang! Walked a bit and then I saw Vix. Well, thanks to my being slightly competitive I put it in a faster 3K. Oh well, might as well continue pushing. The downhill near the Japanese school helped a lot.

And we were back to 32nd street, yey!. Push! I knew that I’m runningfaster than my last 5Ks. How far and fast I push?

Last turn.

I-can-see-the-finish-line!!!

Lots of people walking to the finish but I kept on running. Push! 400m to go … I took on tall dude in my right, 300m … passed a walking manong on my left, 200m … fit girl on my right is running strong but not sprinting… Zoom!

My unofficial time 37:56.12. Haha sorry if I told the race like I was running 5ish pace. I felt great after the race, I felt even better when I was able to catch my breath again. The last 100m was cross eyed push pace.

Vix and I walked around the event grounds. We got our loot bag and then had our pics taken. It was great to leisurely go around the event grounds. We normally don’t do this because we are rushing to breakfast. But after running 5K only, the need to refuel is not that strong. The 5K loot bag was fun too. We got the usual water and Powerade with iced tea mix, corned tuna and a spread (Lite … but called fat spread. Confusing.) Pero, if there was a pan de sal booth, we could have had a picnic. )

Talk about Piolo power eh. Awarding ceremonies do not draw this much crowd but here they are waiting.

Bloggers with TIMEX, GM Avinash Uttamchadani,Gemma Racraquin-Pagsibigan and RunRio’s Vima Mendoza (aka Kulit Runner).

Coach Rio, Piolo and Anthony Suntay during the awarding ceremony. Wait, this is before Piolo tossed his singlet to the crowd. Uy, look! He’s wearing Newtons.

And hindi man ako nagPR at this race, PR ako sa photo ops. When we walked into the tent, there were very few people inside. I was swerte. Thanks Vimz. I was really curious how his race went, so when I had the chance, I introduced myself as one of the bloggers during the launch and asked him if nag-PR sya. He said yes and the guy he was talking to said, “Ah kasama kayo sa nagpressure.” We all laughed. I then reminded him that the pressure is not yet over as we are all looking forward to see how he’d do in Berlin and reminded him, “4 di ba.”

ThePioloFactor was a definite plus yesterday but take that factor away and I would still say that I had a good run. No, erase-erase, I had a great race. A great finish time is always a reason to celebrate but it is not the only criteria I have for great races. The 2012 Timex Run was great because I felt I ran a smart race. Everything I needed to know about running a race all came back to me while I was running. I found a comfortable pace and I raced smart.

Many thanks to Timex, RunRio, Vima Mendoza, and the rest of my fellow 5K runners for making it a great race!

Click here to check it out.

Another revolutionary sports technology is about to change the way people–athletes or not–redefine life in movement!

Nike globally launched the Nike+ FuelBand — an innovative wristband that tracks and measures everyday movement to motivate and inspire people to be more active. Through the FuelBand, activities can now be measured through a new metric called NikeFuel: the more active you are, the more NikeFuel you earn.

Designed to be worn throughout the day, the ergonomic, user-friendly NIKE+ FuelBand uses accelerometry to provide information about different activities through movement of the wrist via a LED dot matrix display. Four metrics are available: Time, Calories, Steps and NikeFuel.

Watch our exciting videos on the game-changing technology that will make EVERY athlete’s move count!

Nike+ FuelBand – http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TtfJAyjkkGs
NikeFuel – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eAjsFl22HM&feature=player_embedded

For more information, visit www.nikeinc.com and follow @Nike

16K runners, 10K runners and Piolo are gone gone gone.

Math math math. If Piolo runs close to his previous PR and if I can run this in 27mins, I may cross the finish line with Piolo.

Good luck Piolo. Tough luck for me! Haha

Time is running! Im running with my new Timex watch!

Have a good one fellow 5K runners. Run safe!

Djundi Biñas, Operations Manager – HSPI wrote that, “Getting fit is one of the main goals that people have. We, at HyperSports Philippines, Inc. (HSPI) would like to encourage people to get fit and stay fit through our fitness programs, training sessions and road races.”

Interesting. I wonder what these guys are up to?

As I was free last Saturday afternoon, I decided to check it out. The event was at Ultra so I figured I could check out the launch and then do a few laps around the track. Miss ko na Ultra.

Meet the HyperSports team. They are track stars from different universities and national team athletes. Yup, they know what they are doing! To get to know them better visit www.hypersports.ph.

Surprise!

When I got there, I noticed that everybody was ready for a workout. Haha! Good thing I came with my gear.

HSPI started by introducing the members of their team. Impressive team with equally impressive track creds who got together because they want to contribute to the sport we all love.

After the opening, they introduced Rene Herrera.

You get to bonk me now in the head. I thought, Rene who? Arghhhh my sincerest apologies for not recognizing greatness!!! The soft spoken simple man in front of me bagged the gold in the 3000m Steeplechase Male at the 2011 SEA Games. He ran 3K in 8:52.23 while clearing 28 ordinary barriers and seven water jumps. Greatness! Okay, free kutus again.

Rene talked about how we can improve as runners. He said that if we want to improve as runners, we need to prepare. Yup girls and boys, time to differentiate between running in a race and racing. I also liked when he pointed out that our body needs to adapt to the pace and distance that we demand from it. Meaning to capture the elusive sub58 10K or run thedream sub2 Half, I need to do my math again. Compute pace. Compute distance. And most important of all plan my progression.

The rest of the running enthusiasts who joined the clinic. Prolly wondering, like me, 100 miles a week?!!? He runs 100miles a week to prepare for a Full. Hay kapoy!

HSPI Team Member Ninoy Marayag led us in a series of basic fitness and running drills and workouts. I love drills!

The team highlighted the need for good form to improve running performance. Drills! Drills! It’s a great way to improve form. I always feel silly when I do it solo so it was good to do it with the rest of the participants.

After the drills, we ran 2,012 meters. With timing chip, bongga!

Fitness First RCBC Trainers ready to get fit in 2012!

Am I ready? Sure, why not! I'm chasing a dream in July after all.

Come join us at the next HyperSports clinic. Visit their Facebook fan page to get updates on HSPI’s upcoming events.

I have to admit, when I found out that I was invited to attend the press launch for the 2012 Timex Run, I shrieked. Piolo will be there and they have allocated time for bloggers to ask him questions.

Say what you must, but this guy can run and runs fast. SubPiolo (47min 10k) remains to be an elusive dream for some of us. And for that, half an hour to ask him questions was a treat.

Here are some highlights of the afternoon:

On his 10K PR more popularly known as subPiolo: He says that it was his first ever 10k race. He said he just made sure he stayed on Coach Rio’s pace.

Will he try to beat it on Jan 22 at the 2012 Timex Run? He said he doesn’t know if he will be able to beat his time. He lost weight over the holidays and that will probably help him run faster. If he can’t beat his time, he will try to at least finish close to it.

What’s his training program? Like most of us, he tries to put in a quality workout i.e. tempo and speed workout and of course regular long runs. Didn’t get into specifics. Baka secret training. So if you’re trying to chase him down at the Timex Run, better log in quality kms. Oh and he did tell us where he runs. Hehe.

Running, racing … And the fans : He said that it has pros and cons. On the positive side, they keep you motivated because they cheer for you. On the flipside, he admitted that they had provide him security during the Camsur 70.3. He then told us a story of one fan who wanted to take his picture while he was out on his long run. When he couldn’t produce enough smiles for her pics, she asked why he was masungit. He had to tell her that it’s kinda do a long run and keep on smiling. So on Jan22, cheer for him but don’t feel so bad if he doesn’t wave and smile as often. It’s kinda hard to be chummy at 4:30 min/km. If you don’t believe me, give it a try. )

Nutrition: Before he stopped eating rice, beef and pork. Pero, because of his runs, he started to shrink. He has incorporated rice and beef back to his meals. And yes, he takes gels during runs and swears by them. Me too! Roctane!!!!

What’s next for Piolo? 70.3 relay in Cebu. Mesh, sama na pala ako sa Cebu. And a Full in September at the Berlin Marathon. Goal time for Berlin? He threw in, “yung time na umabot pa ako ng buhay sa finish line.” Then followed it up with, “4 hours lang.” Yes, 4 hours lang. We all wish that, too.

Goodluck Piolo and may you set a new PR at the 2012 Timex Run.

———

If you haven’t registered yet, on site registration is open until JANUARY 18. Reg na!

Details:

5K : Reg Fee – 650. Gun Time – 5:50am

10K : Reg Fee – 700. Gun Time – 5:30am

16K : Reg Fee – 750. Gun Time – 5:10am.

Visit www.runrio.com for complete details.

Thanks to Timex and Runrio for an uber fun, informative and interactive event.

And congratulations to Gigi and Banjo for winning the Pinoy Henyo Challenge. Sorry Let, I’m such a bobo partner!