NIKE CELEBRATES THE SPIRIT OF FILIPINOS WITH WE RUN MNL 2013

Press Release

We Run MNL 2013 aims to inspire, motivate and unite Filipinos to move more, move better.

The Nike We Run MNL (Manila) for its third instalment to inspire, motivate and connect runners around the world. Come December 1, 2013, 15,000 runners will take to the streets of the historical Marikina City and run the 10km race to celebrate unity and the spirit that binds Filipinos together.

This year’s race adapts the theme “I Move, You Move” which allows runners to compete with a “buddy” encouraging constant motivation during training and come race day.

Manila is one of 26 cities, with 350,000 runners taking over 3 billion strides during the course of the We Run race series motivated by Nike+ and Nike Running design innovations.Nike’s We Run races range in distance from 5K to a full marathon and reflect the unique enthusiasm of each city. From Sao Paulo, to Seoul, to Singapore, runners will be moved to action through a series of unique experiences. You can also follow the Nike We Run journey through an interactive map online as it passes through each city.

RACE ROUTE

The 10-kilometer race will start along Sumulong Avenue, right outside the Marikina Sports Complex which house the Nike Race Village during the event. The race route will pass historical main roads such as Mayor Gil Fernando Ave., A. Bonifacio Ave., and Shoe Avenue. Participant will also get to see landmarks along Marikina’s J.P. Rizal Street like the Marikina River Park and the Marikina Shoe Museum which houses some of the shoes owned by Imelda Marcos and other prominent people.

The City can expect a day of fun with thousands of runners and entertainment from artists such as Sponge Cola, Chicosci, Never The Strangers, and international icon APL DE AP.

Gun start for the Nike We Run MNL will be at 4:00pm

HURDLE PROVIDES LIGHTWEIGHT EXPERIENCE IDEAL FOR LONG DISTANCE RUNNING

Press Release

Lightweight high-density compressed EVA with rubber place on the highest wear area adds for durability without extra

 PHILIPPINES, NOVEMBER 2013— Building on the success of its ENDURE line, World Balance is upping itself in the long-distance shoe category as it unveils HURDLE, a new line of performance shoe for men designed for long-distance running. The shoe is a product of the innovative footwear technology developed by World Balance that gives its wearer supreme lightweight experience which is ideal for 21 and even 42 K races.

“HURDLE is an ideal shoe for long-distance races, such as half-marathons or even a full marathon because it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all,” says Carlo Castronuevo, head of product marketing for World Balance. That’s because its outsole features a very lightweight High density compressed EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) that also gives it a good shock-absorbing property. The EVA also has rubber placed on the highest wear area which gives it added durability without putting on extra weight,” he adds.

UPPER / LINING

The upper material is made of breathable air mesh with microfiber overlays for added support. It also has a padded tongue and collar that provides for comfy fit. The lace-up front closure comes in brightly colored laces for a secure fit and premium “look”. Lastly, the textile lining allows for air to circulate freely.

MIDSOLE

The midsole comes with a resilient EVA foam that gives the shoe extra cushioning while the California lasting provides durability.

INSOLE

As with most World Balance shoes, HURDLE is equipped with TERRA-SOFT^® Insole Technology that is comfortable, gives extra cushioning, is shock-absorbing, and is washable.

HURDLE weighs just 8 ounces (size 9) and is available from 40-45 (EUR sizing) It will sell for around P1,999 and will hit the shelves of World Balance stores and SM, Robinsons, and various department stores nationwide starting December 15, 2013.

#ReLiftPH: A Global Crossfit Event for the Survivors of Super Typhoon "Yolanda"

Last Sunday (Nov. 24) , WOD Nation held the first day of #ReLiftPH, a fundraising event for the survivors of supertyphoon "Yolanda", at CrossFit Insurrecto. On this event, PHP65,000 (and counting) was raised to be donated to Philippine Red Cross and other relief operations.

On December 1 (Next Sunday), WOD Nation is holding the second day of #ReLiftPH at CrossFit Mad Minute. This event is open to all.

#ReLiftPH

December 1, 1pm

CrossFit Mad Minute
Unit G, 7433 Yakal Street, Makati City

Schedule

"YOLANDA" WOD

Rx(95/75)

BUY IN: 100 DU

24 MIN AMRAP – for the 24 hours Haiyan devastated Visayas
11 BURPEES – NOVEMBER7 FLOOR TO OVERHEAD – The Day Yolanda Made Landfall13 BACK SQUATS – 2013CASH OUT: 100 DU

100 DU in the beginning indicates the evacuation prior to Yolanda. When Yolanda hits (the 24min AMRAP), begin, then end with 100 DU, which is the persevering endurance of the recovery/relief efforts

This WOD can be scaled down.

Event Mechanics


SPREAD THE WORD

• Take a photo, video or document yourself and let people know that you will be part of this event either by doing the WOD, pledging, or giving your support and cheer to the people who will LIFT FOR LIFE.

• TAG us with your photo/video:#Lift4LifePH #RELIFTPH #FITTERPHILIPPINES

BUY THE SHIRT

• Email orders and home box address to BUHATBUHAY@GMAIL.COM. 

• Each shirt is US$29.99. 

• Minimum order for shipping is 20 pieces. 

• Shipping and delivery time will depend on address of home box.

HOLD THIS EVENT IN YOUR OWN BOX

• Let us hear your support and let us unite in this endeavor. 

• Do the WOD in your own boxes, garage, gym, everywhere! 

• Post the video of your decision to pledge, to do the WOD or you yourself or others doing it! 

• Post photos of you LIFTING FOR LIFE! 

• Don’t forget to tag us or email us at thebox@crossfitmadminute.com

DOING THE WOD

• Have people pledge an amount for you to do the AMRAP WOD (example: Php100/round). 

• Go to the box (CFMM) Sunday and perform the WOD. 

• Coaches will be there to help you count your rounds.

PLEDGING

• Contact an athlete or volunteer yourself to do the WOD. 

• Post in the event page or in your local community that you will be doing the WOD. 

• Gather pledges.

RSVP HERE: FB Event

Donate Online Pledges here (Click on the Donate Button): http://crossfitmadminute.com/2013/11/25/reliftph-at-crossfit-mad-minute/

Travel Happy: Quick Tips and Tricks to Get You Through Your Daily Commute

Press Release

A large portion of our lives is spent on the road. And while we spend most of our time on the road wishing we weren’t there, a few tricks and tips can make each minute an enjoyable and even worthwhile experience.

Stop complaining

While the traffic and public transportation situation in the country hasn’t changed a bit, complaining doesn’t help. Kick off your daily journey by not complaining and soon enough, you will find yourself calmer. Complaining doesn’t change anything so might as well enjoy the route, or better yet, leave a little earlier to avoid the traffic blues.

Hitch with a friend

Long unavoidable commutes are made more bearable when we have someone to share it with. Three-hour traffic jams, or even the hour spent waiting to catch a bus or a taxi becomes an adventure with good friends. Plan your day trips with friends or close coworkers to add a little fun on days when you expect traffic to be heavy. Having a friend during these times comes in handy.

Create a different playlist for everyday

Music is everyone’s saving grace. Make your car trips more exciting with playlists that pump up your energy. A different playlist everyday lessens the possibility of getting bored while on the road. Creating a theme for each day can also make car trips more exciting. You can also use your time to learn something new; podcasts on interesting topics are usually the best way to do this while on the road.

Fill up your “on-the-road” goodie basket with your favorite treats

Avoid getting hungry on the road by filling up your “on-the-road” goodie basket with hunger-curbing treats. From chips, nutribars, and even your favorite fruits, your goodie basket would definitely be a lifesaver during rush hour. Nestea Ready to Drink (RTD) is a favorite companion of commuters everywhere.

Making a comeback from the 1990s, Nestea RTD refreshes with three flavors: Lemon, Apple, and Lemon Ice. Conveniently packed in an easy-to-bring bottle, Nestea RTD is the perfect partner for the long hours on the road. So whatever the traffic situation, go ahead, take the plunge anytime, anywhere.

7-11 Run 1000

7-11 Run 1000

January 19, 2014

Aseana City

Registration

Online Registration: http://www.run711.com/registration/
Pay using 7 Connect

Gunstart

Race Route

Assembly Area: Bradco Street, Aseana City Start and Finish: Aseana Business Park, Pasay City near Mall of Asia

Singlet Design

Finisher's Shirt

Finisher's Medal

Mizuno Pre-Holiday Sale

Donaire shows the power of Philippine persistence and perseverance

Press Release

Wins in a ninth-round TKO against Darchinyan

In 2007, a matchup between the then-unknown Nonito Donaire and IBO and IBF champion Vic Darchinyan placed the former on the world boxing stage in a stunning TKO upset. Six years later, a much-awaited rematch resulted in another TKO, with the Filipino Flash prevailing against the three-division champion. That fight would be named Knockout of the Year and Upset of the Year by none other than Ring Magazine.

Right before the fight, the boxing commentators made note of possible distractions for Donaire. He is a new father to first-born son Jarel, he had just come from breaking a 10-year winning streak, and his home country, the Philippines, was in the midst of the strongest typhoon to ever make landfall in history. Donaire, who looked like he was struggling for most of the fight, regrouped at the ninth, facing Darchinyan head on to win the match barely one minute into the round.

The definitive win is a much-needed boost in light of recent catastrophes in the Philippines, to which he dedicated the victory. In a statement released hours before the fight, Donaire expressed his belief in the Filipino spirit, stating, “Dedicating my fight to uplift the Filipinos’ spirits. Our indomitable spirit has been recognized worldwide, even by CNN. Keep the faith, He will not abandon us in our time of need. Continued prayers for the earthquake and typhoon victims.[1]”

Meanwhile, a post-fight statement had the Filipino Flash sharing his win with the country, and how the Philippines prevails against all odds, “It wasn’t my win tonight, it was the Philippines’ win. We are strong and we have faith. Thank you Lord for keeping me safe, giving me a sound mind, helping me see what needed to be done. Thank you to the Archangels and especially all the fans and Filipinos who watched despite the typhoon.[2]”

Abe Cipriano, AVP, Asia Brewery, conveyed gratitude for his message, and for Donaire keeping the Philippines foremost in his mind despite his major bout,“The devastation from Typhoon Yolanda is heartbreaking, and Donaire’s win is much-needed sunshine after the storm. In the true spirit of why he is the face of Cobra Energy Drink and Summit Natural Drinking Water, he has shown that the Filipino will prevail regardless of the challenge with persistence and perseverance. We hope that his win will lift our spirits even higher as we pick ourselves up and begin the process of rebuilding.”

---

[1]Pre-fight: https://www.facebook.com/nonitodonaire/posts/10151983979977040

[2] Post-fight: https://www.facebook.com/nonitodonaire/posts/10151985102907040

BGC CYCLE PHILIPPINES SHIFTS TO HIGH GEAR

Press Release

MANILA, PHILIPPINES 16 November 2013 – BGC Cycle Philippines hits the road on 15-17 November inside Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, with more than 2,000 cyclists ready for three days of thrilling action and activities in the tradition of highly successful Cycle Asia events staged across the region.

The event, put up by title sponsor BGC and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., is the latest addition to the 2013 Cycle Asia calendar. Cycle Asia is the network of premier cycling events that offers riders the rare opportunity to ride in major Asian cities.

"Cycling continues to enjoy strong growth in the Philippines and we are naturally thrilled to introduce the event at Bonifacio Global City," said Manny Blas II, head of Commercial Operations, Fort Bonifacio Development Corp.

To guarantee safety among participants and ensure the smooth staging of the event, organizers will keep the routes partially closed.

The novel event, featuring cyclists of all ages and abilities, will have participants test their skills in The Tricycle Ride, The Kids’ Ride, The Community Ride (20km and 40km) and The Challenge (40km) capped by the “Ride with Australian Robbie McEwen.” All kids’ ride will be on 16 November while the mass participation rides will be held on 17 November.

McEwen, who also serves as the Cycle Asia ambassador, is a three-time Tour de France winner in the sprint category and considered as the fastest sprinter in the world at his peak. A former Australian BMX champion, McEwen switched to road racing in 1990 at age 18 and raced as a pro from 1996 to 2012. He last rode for Orica-GreenEDGE on the UCI World Tour after competing in the 2012 Tour of California.

“SEI’s goal is to stage world class events and promote a healthy lifestyle among families. We have seen the growth of triathlon and running and we see cycling to be moving in the same direction,” said Wilfred Uytengsu, president of SEI, which also organizes the annual Ironman Philippines, Xterra and IronKids events. “On its debut, the event attracted 2,100 cyclists of all ages. It will be one great weekend of cycling fun.”

A Cycling & Lifestyle Expo has also been lined up for this weekend’s cycling festival to keep the entire family entertained over three days. "While the unique venue will certainly offer local cyclists a fantastic riding experience, we also look forward to hosting visitors from around the region as they enjoy the unique thrill of participating in the very first BGC Cycle Philippines,” said Blas.

Aside from the cycling action during BGC Cycle Philippines, Bonifacio Global City also offers a huge range of activities for tourists to take advantage of during their stay. The district is well known for its open-air lifestyle retail and dining concept and public art program, as well as a world-class science museum and parks.

Owned and organized by Spectrum Worldwide, Cycle Asia has already staged two hugely successful events in 2013 – OCBC Cycle Malaysia and OCBC Cycle Singapore, which attracted over 5,000 and 11,500 participants, respectively. The Gold Coast Festival of Cycling was also held last September.

“We are delighted to be expanding Cycle Asia to the Philippines and we look forward to working alongside Sunrise Events who have built an outstanding reputation for delivering first-class sporting events,” said Chris Robb, Managing Director, Spectrum Worldwide.

Other backers of the event, also held for the benefit of the Firefly Brigade, are F2P, Felt Bicycles, Garmin, Gatorade, Intercare, Lexus, Manila Water, The Philippine Star, Red Garlic, Rudy Project, Seda, Walter Bread and MMDA.

Teva Trail Challenge: My first trail run with obstacles and muddy hills

On July 28, 2013, Teva had launched its new line of trail shoes by organizing a trail run, Teva Trail Challenge, at the Earthhaven, San Mateo Rizal. This happens to be my first trail run with obstacles. It was also my first opportunity to use Teva Sphere Speed, the new trail shoes from Teva (more on this at another blog post).

Pre-Race

I am not a big fan of trail running, especially those with obstacles and mud. But I do appreciate the beauty of such experiences including bonding with friends, experiencing nature's beauty and seeing great sights. But I have previously shunned the idea of trail running with mud and obstacles. I don't like mud on my running apparel, especially my shoes, but having acquired Teva Sphere shoes had changed my mind.

Actual Race

This post has been months overdue so I'll just tell you what happened with the help of photos I took around the race route.

 Bloggers a few minutes before the race

 Tevasphere Unite!

Posing at the starting line a few seconds before the gunstart

 Uphill agad sa natatanging road sa race

 Then, we enter the trails. Looks manageable, not!

Ayan na, buwis buhay trails!

The first obstacle has us climbing up a net.

CJ, Cheryl and I are stratch free but muddy

In some parts of the trail, the only way down is to slide down.

Teva Sphere Review and Specifications

Infographics

Specifications

Tevasphere Video

Review

The Teva Team sent me a Tevasphere Speed for test running. At first, I found the shoe weird looking because of the spherical shape and the big round thing in the sole of the shoe. I tried it out for casual wear in the office but that big round thing makes it look weird for a casual outfit.

 Tevasphere Unite!

The next thing I did was take it out for a road run. My run was extra noisy because of that big round thing in the sole. It felt uncomfortable to run in those shoes. I was thinking it was because the shoe is new that's why it was tough to run in them so I took it out for another run. But it still felt weird to run in them. Then, I realized that this shoe is for trail running so I went to Ayala Triangle and I run in the grassy and muddy part of the park. The big round thing in the sole of the shoe finally made sense. Trails are not even and the elements of the shoe made running in that surface seem like running on a flat ground.

Tevasphere after the mud walk

The Teva Trail Challenge was the perfect to see how it would fare to a real trail. And the shoe had enough grip to help me survive the trail challenge. It even survived walking in a river and walking through mud. A great thing with the shoe is that it was easy to clean up and dries faster that I expected. Overall, I would be confident to join trail running events because of this shoe, Tevasphere Speed. Check this shoe out in outdoor shops like ROX.

BONE NUTRITION EXPERT INTRODUCES ITS NEWEST FORMULA—ANLENE TOTAL!

Anlene, the Expert in Bone Nutrition, is the leading bone health milk brand in the Philippines.  Its products are enriched with a scientifically formulated complex of essential bone strengthening nutrients and provide twice as much calcium as regular milk.  A research published in 2009 showed that Anlene is clinically proven to reduce bone breakdown within 4 weeks. 

Through the efforts of Fonterra, maker of Anlene, bone health awareness continues to be significantly relevant and the role of high-calcium milk in Osteoporosis prevention is clearly established.

However, many Filipinos may not realize that joints too, experience daily wear and tear. Joints provide the lubrication between two moving bones. However, the joint cartilage which protects the ends of our bones can wear out. Glucosamine, an essential building block of joint cartilage, is naturally found in the body.  It is produced by the body but the ability to do so is reduced with age. With this, even everyday pressure from usual activities like walking, climbing up and down the stairs, may cause degeneration of joints or Osteoarthritis. 

From the Expert in Bone Nutrition comes a new formula containing twice the Calcium vs. regular milk and added Glucosamine to help protect not only your bones but your joints, as well! Anlene Total’s unique combination including Nano-calcium & Glucosamine helps maintain strong bones AND helps fortify cartilage in joints, protecting them against damage caused by everyday physical activities.                    

                       

New Anlene Total was recently launched in an interactive event held at Beyond Yoga Studio at the 3^rd Floor of the IL Terrazo Building in Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Madrinian Street, Quezon City.  Through a demonstration of customized exercises by US-certified Performance 

Enhancement Specialist, Master Trainer Mark Wood, guests experienced how daily physical activities present damage to bones and joints.  The program was also highlighted by an impressive Anti-Gravity Yoga routine from the Beyond Yoga instructors.   

New Anlene Total helps provide the necessary protection to support bone and joint health and allows us to continue living life to the fullest.  Keep on moving with Anlene Total now!

Bohol International Marathon 2013

Bohol International Marathon was held last August 25, 2013 at Panglao, Bohol. We heard great things about this event so I, together with members of Pex Running Club, flew to Bohol and joined the half-marathon.

Pex Running Club at the Finish Line

Pre-Race

I was still training for RUPM when I attended this run and I made this run my 21km LSD. In terms of travel, I had been to Bohol before so this domestic flight was mainly to join the running event and to show first timers Emy and CJ parts of this island. Our flight was mid day on Saturday so we had little time to roam. We, basically, claimed our race kits then we were off to rest in our hotel. We had to walk around 800m to find the nearest restaurant with very little food. We made do with the best that was available and enjoyed our dinner.

Arrival at the Isola Bella Resort, 800 m away from the starting line

Actual Race

The gunstart for this race was 3:00 am and since the venue is almost a kilometer away. We left at around 2:30am. When most of us arrived at the venue, Kenyans who joined the marathon category were already finishing. Their time would almost be less than 3:30.

Half Marathoners at the Start of the event

For this race, I didn't expect to finish at my usual time since we were expecting to finish together. Since this race is Cath's second 21k and Emy's first I aimed to pace with them all 13 miles just before the cutoff which is 4 hours. I wanted to do 2-1 galloway run walk but it seems to be too much for Emy who had no training at all so we switched to 1-1 after the 1st kilometer. Since we were at the back of the pack, we made it a point to take photos at the markers.

6km pa lang...

At around the 5th kilometer, we caught CJ walking and he joined are run walk group. After the first hour, they gave up on the run walk strategy and decided to walk until the course became flat or downhill. Along the route, a water station offered banana cake, which was a first for me.

Breakfast along the route

We continued walking with very little running until the turn around point which was way too far. I continually attempt to cheer them to run even in the times that there is a downhill road. Some of the time, I succeeded but they ignored me most of the time. At the 18th kilometer, we were walking too long and it was almost 3 hours and 30 minutes. CJ were making different kinds of motivation such as "Ayan, unahan mo si ate tapos irapan mo..." It was almost morning and we were getting hungry so when we found the food booth. We had eggs and hotdog then continued to the last few kilometers. The route seemed longer than it should be and it was as it had an extra kilometer.

Natapos din!!!

Somehow, we finally made it to the finished line. Cath, CJ, Emy and I crossed the finished line together at 3:48. PR! Slowest half marathon ever!

Post Race

We took photos at the finish line and claimed our light breakfast at the activity area. We then walked an additional 1km to our hotel and slept a little before having brunch. Afterwhich, we toured Bohol. We had to show CJ and Emy the chocolate hills and the famous heritage churches of the island.

Finish Line Photos

Race Review

The race route was brutal. The more than 21km course was all cement (so our poor, poor feet). The run was held in an open road. We had to steer clear a few cars and trucks. The run was done in the wee hours of dawn so there were few cars but in my impression they didn't close the roads at all. In turn, the race route endangered the runners. I guess making the run schedule at dawn lessened the danger. Also, headlamps were also necessary as they had very little light on the course.

Side Trip sa Chocolate Hills

The food (banana cake, mini breakfast combo - hotdog and egg) was a different experience. Marshalls were placed in some places in the race routes but there were times where we were running on our own. It may be an international marathon but its caliber isn't as expected. But since the turn out is small. The insufficient support was acceptable.

Nagutom sa Bohol

Given the price of the registration fee, the medal was too small. But I like the small medal. It is simpler and easier to display since I have enough of the big medals from other runs. I recommend this event to runners who are getting bored with the same Manila-BGC-Pasay-Paranaque route as it would be a different experience.

Congrats to all finishers!

Thanks to the organizers!

Garmin Log: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/365332733
Photo Credits: Cuteeh Cath, Bohol Runners

Men vs. Women: Battle of the Sexes Leg 2

Battle of the Sexes is a one of a kind fun run where men and women battle it out for supremacy. In this race, women are given an advantage by having them start 10 minutes before the men and pitting them against each other by determining who can run finish faster. The leg 2 of this race was held last September 1, 2013 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

At the finish line after the race

Pre-race

I was training religiously weeks before this race towards preparing for RUPM. In fact, I wanted this race to be just another training run. To my surprise, I wanted to be as competitive as I could because of the nature of the race.

Actual Race

I arrived on the dot for the announced gun start but since women were given a 10 minute advantage I had time to checked in my baggage. As we waited our turn to run, we could feel the pressure since women where already 1 km and more away. I don't want to be behind women who are walking. The pressure to defend you gender is there so I was competitive.

Along the race route

I was trying to catch up the middle pack of the women, most of the race. In turn, I finished at 1:01. No PR but a great performance nonetheless.

Post Race

I found Rolly and his housemates, as well as some members of team titans in the activity venue and we waited for the program to finish in the hopes of getting called for the raffle prize win. Unfortunately, no one was super lucky so we just had breakfast in KFC MOA.

Found bloggers Jham and Bee at the activity area, too.

Race Review

It was a great race as expected. Hydration was sufficient and the race route was typical Mall of Asia route. I commend the nature of the race since it did push me to run faster as expected.

Garmin Log: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/368368321
Photo Credits: Bee, Jham, Renz Pablo Photography