The Amazing [Kidney] RACE

Here’s another fund raising event worth joining.

Event Profile

The kidney is one of the vital organs that make the complex and crucial body processes possible. As an acknowledgement of the kidneys’ amazing role in human physiology and in celebration of World Kidney Day 2010 with the theme “Amazing Kidneys”, the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), in cooperation with UP Family Life and Child Development Circle, is staging a rare race event dubbed as “The Amazing Kidney Race.” To be held in the scenic and breezy campus of UP Diliman, “The Amazing Kidney Race” promises to give beginner and seasoned runners alike a unique and exciting racing experience.

Institutionalizing the humanitarian dimension of running and race events is what the PSN aims to accomplish in staging “The Amazing Kidney Race.” Proceeds of this race event will be used mainly for supporting the kidney disease awareness campaign of PSN and the operation and treatment of kidney patients, and partly for the UP Child Development Center. Likewise, this race is among the platform events of PSN adjunct to the global celebration of World Kidney Day. 

As PSN aims to pull off a fun yet challenging race, “The Amazing Kidney Race” will have four event categories. There is the 15K Relay Race limited only to 50 teams. Each team shall be composed of 5 members who will correspondingly complete the 1k-2k-3k-4k-5k race distances to complete a total of 15 kilometers. Adding twist to this race category are the baton passing and challenges that must be met by the relay runners in the handover zones to complete transition. Then there is the heart-warming 2.2K Parent-Child Tandem Run especially allocated for Mom/Dad-Child team-ups. During the race, participants and spectators will get a touching sight of a parent egging on and encouraging her/his child who is determined to give his/her all. There is also the 5K UP FLCD Circle Challenge, a banner event of event-partner UP FLCD Circle, particularly catered to beginner runners or veteran racers who have the need for speed. And finally there is the centrepiece event, the 15K Eliminator Pursuit, where race participants will get an adrenalin rush as they negotiate UP Diliman campus’ best kept running course secret – the Heartbreak Route. 15K racers will get to know first-hand why it is called as such. And as if the route is still not inviting, all participants who meet the 45-minute half-way mark or 1hour45minutes finish point cut-off times will receive a Finishers’ Medal.

Both 15K and 5K solo race events will have MD and Open categories and subsequent male and female divisions. Top three individual and group finishers in all events and categories will be awarded with medals and certificates of achievement.

“The Amazing Kidney Race” is presented with the support of Activelink, in cooperation with event partners RunRadio @ NU107 FM, RunnerSpeak @ QTV11, Second Wind Running Store, ROX, and the exclusive on-line media partner, thebullrunner.com.

Project Profile of Participants

Expected to send a huge delegation of participants are the 400-plus kidney-specialists who are members of the Philippine Society of Nephrology. Beefing up this number are physician affiliates of other collegial medical associations who will show support to the World Kidney Day celebration. Further reinforcing the participation levels in this race are representatives from the allied medical circle and pharmaceutical companies. And most definitely, “The Amazing Kidney Race” will attract a wide-spectrum of participant-runners, ranging from the intermediate recreational to the hardcore runners, majority of which are urban professionals and the so-called “weekend-warriors.”

Demographically, it is anticipated that around 70% of expected participants will be male, while female contenders will make up as high as 30% of the participants. The bulk of the runner participants are estimated to be coming from the ABC socio-economic strata. The age of participants is projected to range between 20 to 40 years old. However, as running continuously zooms in popularity, it will not be surprising to see a huge turnout of fit teenagers. Anticipated also is the participation of masters-category runners who traditionally throw their full support to races with a worthy cause.

singlets for the participants

nicely crafted medals for the finishers

Century Tuna Superbods Run

WHAT: Century Tuna Superbods Run (RUNRIO Trilogy LEG 1)

          3, 5, 10 & 21km run

WHEN: 21 February 2010

WHERE: Bonifacio Global City grounds, The Fort in Taguig City

For more details, visit century tuna superbods run

THANKS!

2009 has been a wonderful year, well…maybe  for many of us. Despite the failures and frustrations, there’s still a lot to be thankful for. But I guess it just depends on how we look at things, we shouldn’t dwell on the negative. I think it applies to anything and everything, we just have to learn how to accept things as they come and make the most out of every opportunity that may arise.

Just want to thank God, my family and friends for making 2009 a great year. Looking forward to another happy, wacky and crazy year with you guys! Have a wonderful and Prosperous New Year! See you all soon!

I Conquered “The Rock”

I came, I saw, I conquered Corregidor!

Joining a running event out of town is always exciting, from the trip to the new route & terrain. It’s like a breath of fresh air literally, obviously because of Manila’s air quality and I’m sure everyone can run the usual routes of the races here in the metro with their eyes closed, so running in an unfamiliar territory was eagerly anticipated.

with Raymund, Marga and Mayen

I took the daytrip package and left Manila early morning together with friend Mayen. After almost an hour and a half of travel aboard M/V Sun Cruiser, we finally reached Corregidor. Trams took the participants to the assembly/finish area to deposit our bags and took another going to the starting area at the Malinta Tunnel. We then met up with other running buddies Raymund and Marga of Team Run Radio who stayed overnight.

the starting area without the conquerors

The race started 30mins. late but who’s complaining? Well…a few I guess, but it never became an issue since everyone is surely focused on just having a good time and a fun run. It’s a good thing the weather sort of cooperated because it was overcast during the first several miles of this 10mile race.

attacking the killer hills of corregidor

at the Middleside Barracks

The route was really challenging, starting from the steep uphills which made McKinley Hills look easy to the rough and rocky trails which made us extra careful with our footing to avoid getting injured. It was a run-walk-take pictures-run-walk-take some more pictures (according to Raymund hehehe) routine for us the whole time since who would pass on getting their pictures taken with historical landmarks and breathtaking views behind them.

at the Battery Crockett

negotiating the trails

And since we were doing an easy pace the whole time, we were planning on doing a strong finish after realizing that we’re just a mile away from the end of this run. But lo and behold, the sight of the steep incline greeted us once again which led us to the last trail segment leading to the finish wherein the sun really made it’s presence felt probably to remind everyone that trying to conquer Corregidor wouldn’t be that easy.We reached the finish line in 2hours and 35+ mins as per Raymund’s watch, well…not bad for a rough and tough 10miler.

oooops! sorry, wrong "ROCK" ;-P

It was an overall great experience conquering Corregidor which is also called “The Rock”. It also makes everyone wonder if they’ll do it again next year. I sure hope so, because doing it once more would be another great challenge and fun experience to look forward to.

with Douglas McArthur, "We Shall Return"

Should a PB always have to be a PR?

Just had a PR run last sunday at the NB Power Race and ran my very first sub 1hr 10k hahaha…did it in 55mins +, woohooo!;-)

Is it a reason to celebrate? I guess so… But do I consider it a PB? hmmm…well…i’m not sure…Are “best” runs supposed to be the record breaking ones? Just a thought…;-)

Two 10’s and a Half…

A tale of three runs. Here is my take on the running events that I’ve joined the past 2 months namely the 1st QCIM, Adidas KOTR and the recently concluded Timex Run.

1st QCIM - I was supposed to run 21k in this event with my friend Vimz. We were quite excited to join this big event but with some sort of nervousness because we weren’t training that much the past month. I was also slowly coming back from a slight injury (piriformis syndrome) and is lacking in mileage. But as mavericks, we were both confident ( and a bit crazy i guess…) that we can be ready in 3 weeks.

The first week of training went fine as we were able to attend the Nike Running clinics and did an LSD that weekend. The second week turned out not as good as we missed a couple of training days notably the weekend LSD. I jokingly asked Vimz that if we won’t be able complete following week’s training sked, could we just downgrade to a 10k run? The last week of prep came and the inevitable happened, on our last training day prior to race day, while sprinting towards the end of our intervals, she lost her footing and ended up spraining her left ankle. At that point, we were convinced that this half isn’t meant to be ran.

It’s a good thing that Nike offered free 10k registrations to their running clinic attendees so we grabbed the opportunity to sign up right away. It is Nike’s way of thanking it’s supporters even though they still weren’t able to hold The Human Race here in the country despite the clamor.

Race day came and I met up with Vima & Art together with our other running buds Aljo & Tin at Shell Emerald Ave. and altogether went to the race venue. Arrived at the area with lots of time to spare, we even have time for a quick stop at the restroom and stretch before we were sent off. The first few kms. went fine as we were able to maintain a good pace and even ran alongside another friend, Tolits.

But somehow, nearing the 5k turn around point, we slowed down a bit as Vimz forgot to tape her left ankle and was slowly feeling the effects of the sprain she had a couple of days ago. I asked her several times during the last half of the run if she’s still ok because I don’t want her to aggravate her injury, but as the kulitrunner that she is, she refuses call it quits and instead wants to finish it no matter what. So her hubby Art & I stayed with her for the duration of the run. It was still a nice run despite experiencing a slight pain on my left knee, probably the effects of running on an uneven portion of commonwealth Ave. which is by the way, concrete. We then met up with some other friends at the parking lot for a quick chat and the usual photo sessions, and wrapped up our morning with a nice McDonald’s breakfast, again at Shell Emerald Ave.

 

Adidas KOTR - Was supposed to run the half on this year’s edition of this event, an anniversary 21k I might say since this is the event where I ran my very first Half Marathon last year. But since I was supposed to run 21k at QCIM, I just registered for the 10k. And as you all know, our plan to run the half marathon earlier didn’t push through. On to race day. Met up with friends Aljo, Coach Jo-ar & Vimz at the BHS parking lot. Was also supposed to meet up with Mayen, who is coming back from ITBS & her friend Vladz but since they’re running a bit late, we decided to proceed to the race area, knowing that we’ll all be seeing each other along the route since we all run at the same pace hehehe…

The starting corral was really jampacked which is usual for the KOTR, well maybe because of the nice quality singlets they giveaway for the run.;-) The gun was fired on time, and all the runners were off. The route was the same as last year, an out and back run starting at the BHS parking lot, going out Rizal drive all the way to the dreaded Kalayaan Flyover, going along Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. and turning around at the corner of Nicanor Garcia formerly Reposo.

Started the race well with Vimz and Mariel, running at around 7min/km pace. A bit slow but who cares, this is our comfort zone hehehe…At the corner of Rizal Drive on our way up Kalayaan flyover, we finally caught up with Mayen & Vladz. We were all excited to see each other since Mayen was on the “injured list” for the last couple of months and hasn’t seen her for quite some time. While going up the flyover, Vimz suddenly pulled away, making us eat her dust hehehe…We later on found out that her strategy was to attack the hills werein she would run hard going up and coasting along going down the inclines.

Nearing Makati Ave., I suddenly felt the urge to go on a bathroom break. Good thing there’s a gas station nearby, but I guess a lot of runners also needed to go so I ended up losing a couple of minutes. After doing no.1, I tried to pick up the pace as I was trying to catch up with my running buds. After around half a kilometer of pushing a bit hard, I found myself gasping for air, maybe because of the lack of interval sessions during training. Finally caught up again with Yen and paced with her from then on. Vimz went ahead as if she was possesed hehehe…and so did Vladz. We would do short breaks on our way back, since this was sort of a test run for Mayen to assess if her injury has fully healed. On the last kilometer we sort of caught up with Vimz, sort of because she was still a good 50meters ahead of us. And on the last corner heading towards the line, we were able pick up the pace a bit for a strong finish. Another nice run for me and my friends. Vimz having a good run after a lackluster 10k at QCIM, Mayen running pain/injury free once again, her friend Vladz doing his first 10k and Aljo, also completing his run pain free.

Saw Tanya, Jaymie with husband Miguel & Mikey after the race for the usual post run pix and had breakfast again at McDonald’s McKinley Hills to cap off yet another successful edition of the Adidas KOTR.

 

Timex Run - This is the event most people are waiting for, especially Piolo Pascual fans because they’ll have a chance to run with him in the 10k. I’m also excited for this race because after 2 missed opportunities, I’ll be able to run the half marathon once again. My friend Vimz and I registered early for this one, knowing that finally, we’ll be able to run 21k once again. The last time we ran the half was in Globe’s Run for Home last July wherein I dnf’d together with friend Mayen who got injured on the 16th km. But with Mayen finishing KOTR pain free, we took it as a sign that she’s ready to increase her mileage & asked her to join us again for this event.

A few weeks before the race, another bad news came ( well, it’s actually good news…hehehe…). Vimz found out she was pregnant! Wooohooo! So that means she won’t be able to join us for this run. And with the rains and busy skeds getting in the way of our training, Mayen was now a bit hesitant to do the half. I just told her that we’ll just go on with the run irregardless if we finish it or not. With the pressure building up, skeds finally allowed us to squeeze in a few “quality” training runs.

Finally, race day came and we were both excited but a bit nervous. Bars, checked. Gels, checked. Hydration kits, Checked. We’re good to go! The gun was fired and off we went! We started at the back of the pack so as not to get pressured to start out fast. Our plan was to run at a steady and comfy pace and incorporate a few walk breaks when necessary. 

We went through the first 5k without any problems, and at this point, 10k runners started to show up along the route. Everybody was starting to get excited because it means that Piolo will soon show up anytime. With coach Rio pacing him, he’ll surely be running at a fast pace. People, most notably the females started screaming and chanting “I Love You Piolo!!!” which means he’s near. He then caught up with us, coach Rio by his side, with three bodyguards in tow.  

The excitement died down as soon as he whizzed by us, and soon, there will be pandemonium at the finish as soon as he crosses the line. Now on with our run, while on the stretch of Buendia, we saw Joy & Raymund who’s also doing the half and the speedy couple of Mark & Tiffin doing the 10k. We finally did our first walk break during the uphill portion of the Kalayaan flyover which is a part of our plan to conserve energy.

 As soon as we turned right heading towards Essensa, the runners started to thin out. This means were really behind the pack, but who’s complaining? Our goal was just to finish this run pain & injury free. Along Lawton, Bayani road and Heritage park, we did some more walk/stretching breaks and took on some bars and gels to provide the much needed energy boost. On the last few kilometers, Yen even said that she couldn’t believe that she’s still running at this point. Well, I guess the bars/gels worked or maybe it’s the endorphins finally kicking in. After a few more minutes, we were able to see a glimpse of the finish area. One more kilometer and were done, with the last ounce of energy, we then picked up the pace a few hundred meters before the finish. Cheering squads greeted us as soon as we crossed the line as if saying at last, you guys finally made it. After which we were given a finisher’s medal each as a sign of our craziness hahaha…

As usual, it was another good run. I always see to it that I finish each run feeling great & happy because I guess that’s how it should be right? We then proceeded to meet up with our running buddies for some post run chat & photo ops.

The runners by the way were treated to a free viewing of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight after the race, once again congratulations to everyone and thank you sponsors for treating us yet to another great event. Congratulations also to the PacMan!

*thanks to PhotoVimz and Photovendo for the pix

URBANATHLON, anyone?

Are you tired of joining the usual road races held every week? Are you ready to take on new challenges that will push your running prowess to a new level? Then this race is for you!

Be Race-Ready for the Men’s Health Urbanathlon!
An all-new race course awaits Urbanathletes this November.

Challenge yourself by running the Men’s Health Urbanathlon, a race unlike any other! Hit the concrete, do a skyscraper vertical run, scramble through urban obstacles and never, ever forget it.

The Men’s Health Urbanathlon, a city-based, multi-disciplinary race that integrates various urban structures as part of the race course, will be held on November 22, 2009, Sunday, 5:00 A.M. at McKinley Hill, Taguig City. Download the registration forms now by visiting www.menshealth.com.ph, www.finishline.ph or www.runrio.com. The registration fee of Php 450.00 includes a race kit, a finisher shirt , free breakfast at the event, and a copy of the November issue of Men’s Health. Registration period is from October 29 to November 18, 2009 only.

Make sure you are up to challenge for the Men’s Health Urbanathlon! Visit www.menshealth.com.ph to get the first part of an exclusive training plan that will turn you into the ultimate Men’s Health Urbanathlete. Grab a copy of the November issue of Men’s Health featuring actor Gerard Butler on the cover to get the complete training workout guide for the Men’s Health Urbanathlon.

The 2009 Men’s Health Urbanathlon is brought to you by official sports drink Gatorade, Cecon, Frenzy, official festival sponsor Kenny Rogers Roasters, and the home of the 2009 Men’s Health Urbanathlon McKinley Hill. Special thanks to Timex, Fitness First, and St. Luke’s.

TIMEX Run

Who’s running with Piolo? Not me, I’m afraid he won’t be able to keep up with me. He’s too fast bwahahaha…and besides, he’ll only do 10k. I’ll be doing the half with Angel…in my dreams hehehe…;-)

Hope to see you guys on Sunday, 15th of November, 5am at the Fort.

Q.C.I.M.? I.AM!

 

R.U.GUYS.RUNNING.Q.C.I.M.? I.AM!

For complete details about this race, please click here.

Run Happy

Can’t we all just be happy before, during and after each run or race? We all run for a variety of reasons, but would it possible to have a common denominator which is to be HAPPY? I guess it’s not that hard, or is it? For other people? Maybe…Well… just a thought, sayang kasi ang ENDORPHINS eh…