Thank you Lord for anothery year. I feel blessed. I am grateful. I wish can be a better person this year. And even if I’m only a beauty queen in my mom’s eyes I do wish for world peace. Lastly, I pray that when I am lost, confused and down, I will find my way and continue to do Thy will.

Last na talaga, I wish I can get back my 2009 race pace.

SKECHERS USA, Inc. recently launched the new Skechers GO Run – a new minimalistic lightweight running shoe line that integrates the revolutionary mid-foot strike technology. I’ve seen these shoes in the stores. I checked one out because the colors were very eye catching. Didn’t try them on though. But I have to admit that I became curious about these shoes when I saw a funny article of Lee Davis entitled, “Somebody ought to lose their job at nike, meb keflezigh wins Olympic marathon trials”. Click here to read the article.

Skechers GO Run’s mid-foot strike technology is designed to enhance the natural running performance of runners by positioning the body for an efficient mid-foot strike, thus, reducing the impact of heel striking. A new technology. Chismis first, in the comments page of the article one reader said GORun designer is from Nike. True? Dunno. Eniweis, new technology. Very interesting. My one that promotes forefoot strike is really good. Is this any better?

Heel striking is very common among runners. However, this style of running is not only inefficient, but is also considered dangerous due to the jarring impact it has on the body. With the arrival of Skechers GO Run, runners can feel the big difference because now it is easier to move from heel striking and efficiently transition to mid-foot striking. I think I will need to visit one of the stores and try GORun. I’m curious about the efficient transition to mid-foot striking. GOrun can change my foot strike? Curious, curious, curious … My first pink ones promotes forefoot pero when I get tired and lose form, I revert to heel strike.

Skechers GO Run is radically lightweight, weighing just 5.9 ounces. It also flexes and twists responsively, giving the feet freedom to move comfortably. It also has the Go Impulse sensors for enhanced sensory feedback.. Strategically positioned on the outsole of the shoe where the impact points are greatest, Skechers Go Impulse sensors move together and independently to provide sensory feedback to the brain. In turn, this allows runners to feel the pressure and quickly react on the ground. Sensory feedback. New technology … sometimes can be marketing lang or sometimes breakthrough talaga. Well, Meb ran a personal best in them. Was it the runner or the shoe or runner on GORun.

Skechers GO Run has also signed up Elite runner and Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi or popularly known in the running world as Meb. More than just being the face of the worldwide campaign, Meb personally took part in the development of the product together with the Skechers Advanced Concepts Team by providing his professional insights through a series of product testing and consultations. Ahh maybe that’s the reason why I can’t find the orange/yellow combo he is wearing in other sites. Maybe it’s made specially for him. The yellow/orange combo is pretty hot!

In fact, Meb will be joining the U.S. Team in London after finishing first and setting a new personal record of 2:09:07 at the recent 2012 Houston Trials. Wearing Skechers GOrun racing footwear, Meb surpassed his 2011 New York Marathon time of 2:09:13. Such accomplishment reflects the innovation and superior engineering that went through with the overall design for Skechers GO Run.

For more information on Skechers GO Run, visit www.skechers.com.ph/gorun and like Skechers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SkechersFitnessPhilippines.

Check them out at SKECHERS Concept Shops located at Trinoma, Glorietta, Market! Market!, Robinson’s Place Manila, Festival Supermall, Marquee Mall (Pampanga), Ayala Center Cebu (Cebu), Abreeza Mall (Davao), Gaisano Mall of Davao (Davao).

Try one and check out the new technology. Share with us what you think. I’m interested because I’m loving the wedge shoes I got last week. If they can make wedge shoes this comfy they might really be able to make great running shoes, too.

Discovery Channel is holding the second instalment of its vertical run. However, unlike the first one, 2012 Vertical Run 10K combines both road race and the run up, run down components.

Opetions : Run 3K. Run 5K. Or if you are brave enough, join the Vertical Run. Run 9.5K, go up and down the 20 floors of Stamford Executive Residences in McKinley Hill, Taguig City and then sprint (if you still can) or crawl 500m to the finish line.

If you think this is your kinda fun, then register now at http://www.verticalrun.com.ph/registration/ or visit Runnr and Rox.

Ikaw ba ay elite or pilit? Run for the top prize and stand to win a cash prize and a trip to SINGAPORE.

Visit KulitRunner’s blog  for maps and finisher shirt pics. Oh do check out the shirts. They are uber nice!

Discovery Channel Vertical 10K Run
February 12, 2012
Stamford Executive Residences for Vertical 10K, Venice Piazza Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
www.verticalrun.com.ph

Registration period: Dec 21, 2011 to Feb 5, 2012

Registration sites: RUNNR, ROX, selected Aquabest branches,

Online Registration site: www.verticalrun.com.ph 

Registration Fees:
3km – P500
5km – P650
Vertical 10K – P1000
* There is an on-going Register 1+1 promo so everyone is encouraged to register in pairs to be able to avail of this promo.

Eeeeek! Alabang! Ang layo naman … ah! Not to worry folks, the organisers will be providing a shuttle. Bongga!

REGISTERED RUNNERS CAN AVAIL OF A FREE BUS RIDE.

Runners can register at Riovana BHS or by sending PM at Runrio Facebook account starting Thursday, February 2. Present complete name and  bib/ bib number to qualify.

Limited slots only

Pick up point on race day will be at Riovana BHS

Assembly time is 3:00. The bus will leave at exactly 3:30am.

Bus leaves Alabang by 8:30 am.

Why is this run special? Proceeds of this race will go to Asian Hospital Charities, Inc.Since its founding in 2005, Asian Hospital Charities, Inc. has been selflessly sharing the hospital’s facilities and our doctor and staff’s expertise, time and energy to less fortunate patients.  Kindhearted doctors, staff, donors and other volunteers work together to raise funds for our charitable endeavors; determine qualified patients through a comprehensive screening process; and coordinate the provision of healthcare to beneficiaries by competent specialists.

During the launch, Dr. Josephine Tuason, president of Asian Hospital Charities, Inc., told us the stories of some of their beneficiaries. It was heartwarming how they have changed the life of their beneficiaries.

AHCI has very high standards for their beneficiaries. They choose patients with a great chance to continue on with a productive and fruitful life after receiving treatment. They select those who cannot afford the treatment anywhere else. AHCI beneficiaries receive the same treatment and service like every paying patients at Asian Hospital. Truth be told, they said they funds they will raise in this event might only help one patient. And I for one think that a fruitful life of one individual is so worth it.

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