The Hills Are Alive in Sierra 51050!

Press Release

Sigue Correr Runners and Team Intensity won the titles for Team Relay and Duo Half Marathon

February 24, 2014 MANILA, Philippines –It was an awesome morning when running buddies and teams experienced the challenging rolling hills of Tanay, Rizal in the Sierra 51050: Team Comes First last February 23.

Sierra 51050 promotes team spirit and camaraderie among runners and teams

Running teams, companies and runners from Laguna, Rizal and Manila compete for the title as the Champion for Team Relay and Duo Half Marathon categories. It was a cloudy day with 22°C weather but as early as 1am participants were already in the venue anticipating the race. Sierra 51050 ignites team spirit and encouraged runners to come together in a friendly competition where speed, endurance, tactics and strategy are key elements to win the race.

For the Duo Half Marathon, Team Intensity took the title for Champion (Team Intensity Bravo, 1:35:00) and first place (Team Intensity Alpha, 1:40:00) while Team A followed at second place with a time 1:55:14.

Champion of Duo Half Marathon, Team Intensity Bravo (in the middle) with 

Carlo Catronuevo, Marketing Manager of World Balance and Abet Ocampo, president of Rundezvous, Inc.

1st place of Duo Half Marathon, Team Intensity Alpha

2nd place of Duo Half Marathon, Team A

For the Team Relay, where there are five (5) members in a team running the 50-km route. Runners A-D run for 20kms each while Runner E runs the very challenging last 10km leg. The Team Relay champion is Sigue Correr Runners A with an official time of 4:02:26. 1st place goes to The PowerPuff Boys with time 4:05:53 while 2nd place goes to Nestle WRC1 with time 4:17:40.

Team Sigue Correr Runners A gets the award, prizes from co-presenters 

World Balance and Tupperware and optics from Spyder. Flanked by 

representative from Tupperware, Race Director Alfred Vedarozaga, Rundezvous, Inc. 

president Abet Ocampo and World Balance marketing manager, 

Carlo Castronuevo

Abet Ocampo, president of Rundezvous, Inc. presents the 

Champion trophy for Team Relay

The Powerpuff Boys gets the 1st place for Team Relay

Team Nestle WRC1 gets the 2nd place for Team Relay, 

flanked by representative from Tupperware and 

Allan Enriquez of Running Free Manila

Rundezvous, Inc. aims to promote the concept of team in running, known to be an individual sport.

This is a first concept race for Rundezvous, Inc., known to organize fun runs and runs for a cause. In partnership with Running Atom and Running Free Manila, co-presented by World Balance and Tupperware Brands, the race started and ended in Sierra Madre Hotel & Resort. Sierra 51050 would like to thank their official timekeeper is Suunto, official photographers Running Photographers, official eyewear Spyder, healthcare partner Pascual Laboratories, registration partner SecondWind Running Specialty Store, refreshment partner Creamline, natural therapy treatment from SensaCare, special thanks to Team USB and Team six:30. Organizers would like to thank the Tanay Local Government Unit for securing the safety and protection of the participants in the race.

Ready? Restart, Reboot, and Refresh in time for Summer

Press Release

Summertime is about planned getaways, scheduled leaves, and organized itineraries. But the season, just like the weather, is often unpredictable, and the key to enjoying the heat despite its unpredictability is being prepared with whatever comes your way.

These three Rs will definitely help you ride through life with a smile on your face.

Restart

When something unexpected comes up, it’s important not to panic. Whether it’s bumped off flights or full hotels, take a deep breath and simply restart. See what went wrong in the situation, and then decide what steps to take next. By restarting, you are giving yourself the chance to see it from a different perspective.

Reboot

After you’ve evaluated the situation, you can now see how you can make the situation better. Rebooting your summer plans means making better choices in travel companions, hotels, and even locations. As you open yourself to the possibilities, you become intimidated by the situation you are in, and start enjoying the change even more.

Refresh

Sometimes, all it takes to be ready for any challenge summer throws your way is by simply resting. All it takes is a break to get ready to enjoy the heat again. Instead of going full force into organizing yet another trip, take a break and just stay in on weekends with friends while munching on your favorite treats.

A drink that will definitely refresh you in all the right places is Nestea in a Bottle. Making a comeback from the 90s, the well-loved drink that is available in three flavors, Lemon, Apple, and Lemon Ice, makes it easy to take the plunge anytime, anywhere.

VASELINE MEN XTERRA OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON PHILIPPINE CHAMPIONSHIP 2014

Press Release

VASELINE MEN XTERRA OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON 

PHILIPPINE CHAMPIONSHIP 2014

March 15, 2014

Liloan, Cebu

XTERRA Triathlon in Liloan, Cebu will test athletes’ skill once again this 2014.   The route will have slight changes, but this year there will be two transition areas.  Transition 1(to be announced) will be the starting area for the swim leg and transition to the start of the bike leg.  Transition 2 will be in Liloan Elementary School track oval, staging area for the end of the bike leg, start of the run leg and finish line and the expo area.  

The race will start at the shores of Liloan.  Swimmers will do a 1.5 kilometer of open water swim. For LITE participants, swimmers will do 500 meters straight, one loop course for LITE.

Our bike course is a mix of single tracks, fire roads, farmlands, grasslands and paved roads.  FULL Tri participants must complete 2 loops of the 18-kilometer bike course while LITE participants must complete one loop. The bike course caters to all types of bikers. Experts will find the course fast and exciting. While beginners will feel it’s challenging. The first portion of the race is a long flat, paved road, perfect for sprinting and securing a place in the pack. Then it’s followed by long climbs while roads change from paved to trail.  Trail becomes narrower and racers will encounter mixed vegetation along the course.

It has enough single tracks, which challenges any skill level; lots of rolling and steep hills, which test all levels of endurance; fast and quick descents to test handling skills and a few technical portions, which will excite all athletes.  

The bike course will traverse fire roads and paved roads, crossing different barangays. The terrain of the route changes dramatically fromgrasslands, forest, jungle terrain and open areas.

Furthermore the weather varies all throughout the bike course. Hot and sunny one minute then extreme humidity the next.

Our run course is similar to our bike course.  Trail is a combination of rolling terrain, single track, fire roads and paved roads.  Jungle terrain and grasslands will become a common site for athletes.  The Run course is as challenging as the bike course with long technical climbs, followed by dusty and rocky terrain. Participants last year mentioned the run as epic with tough climbs and fast descents.

RACE CATEGORIES AND FEES:

RACE REGISTRATION SCHEDULE:

On-going until MARCH 8, 2014

RACE REGISTRATION SITES:

ONLINE:

http://www.xterraphil.com

IN-STORE:

ROX Bonifacio High Street

ROX Cebu

REGISTRATION REMINDERS:

• Individual Competitors must clearly indicate upon registration which category they will compete in - Filipino Elite or Age Group.
• Relay Entries: Teams must consist of three individuals, and please indicate clearly what each team member will do (swim, bike, or run). Mixed teams can be two (2) males and one (1) female; or two (2) females and one (1) male.
• Ages of reckoning will be at 31 December 2014. All participants must be at least 16 years old on race day.

COURSE MAP

 Lite

Full

Runners WANTED!

Runners, finally there is an activity that will allow us to be heard!

On the morning of Feb 22, 2014 (Saturday), a an organization will be holding a FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION for RUNNERS.

In this activity, fairly large number of runners will be needed as respondents where they will be groupedaccording to their respective level of running progression:

Group A (schedule: Feb 22 at 9:00-10:00AM): PROGRESSIVE runners who are:

- regularly running 

- progressed to run the 3km, 5km and 10km distances 

- targets to run longer than 10km in the future

Group B  (schedule: Feb 22 at 10:10-11:10AM): PROGRESSIVE runners who are:

- regularly running 

- progressed to run the 5km, 10km, 21km distances 

- targets to run longer than 42km in the future

Group C (schedule: Feb 22 at 11:20-12:20AM): PROGRESSIVE runners who are:
- regularly running 

- progressed to run the 21km, 32km, 42km distances 

- targets to level up to ultra marathons and/or triathlons in the future.

Notes:

-Attendance to this activity is FREE but on a limited slots, first-come, first-served basis only.
-If a runner has not been running for a long time already, he is not considered to be a progressive runner.

-If a runner is already into ULTRAMARATHONS, he/she must have been able to do this at least ONCE only. Otherwise, regret that they are not target respondents.

- If a runner is already into TRIATHLONS, please indicate as there is another session for triathletes.
- This activity is a question and answer (one-on-one interview type) activity which will last for only 1 hour.

INTERESTED TO BE PART OF THIS? If you do, please send an email to: runners.fgd@gmail.com with the following information:

1.     Your full name

2.     Your email address

3.     The distances that you were able to run since you started running

4.     The last 3 races you have participated in and the distance you have run

Thanks everyone!

No more 21km slots for Run United 1 2014

Run United is one of the most attended and popular run event series in the countries and this weekend the 21km slots have been sold out. 5,000 slots for 21km are now taken and the management decided not to add new slots to ensure the safety of the runners and the smooth organization of the event.

If (at the beginning of the year) you decided to complete the trilogy, you had to have done your due diligence and register early.

Here's the official announcement from Run Rio and Unilab Active Health:

Note: Lower distances are still available but based on history it won't last long so do what you have to do.

Challenge Yourself at the Manila Throwdown!

Calling active individuals working out in a fitness gym, circuit gym or a box (crossfit gym)...

Warrior Fitness Inc is organizing the Manila Throwdown 2014 (our version of the Crossfit games). A throw down is a fitness event to test one's overall fitness from strength, speed, power and endurance. The event starts with 5 weeks of different qualifying workouts. The top qualifiers will then compete in a 2 day event to determine the "fittest individuals" in the country.

What is the Manila Throwdown?

The teaser below will give you a brief idea on what is required for the Manila Throwdown.

The Qualifiers

The Qualifiers are 5 WODs (Workout of the day) for 5 weeks. The first qualifier will be posted on February 28.

Steps to join the qualifiers:

Steps to complete the WODs:

1. Review the WOD to be posted in http://www.commufitty.com/
2. Go to a box (any crossfit affiliate box in the Philippines) then perform the WOD. If you are not near one, you may perform it in your own gym or room and video tape it. Make sure a timer is present in the site and will be seen in the video.
3. Log your scores in http://www.commufitty.com/

The Manila Throwdown  

The top 40 male and top 24 female athletes for each category (small Rx, medium Rx and Big Rx) will be invited to join the Manila Throwdown on May 10-11 at the University of Makati Oval Track. The WODs will be posted a day before the event or on the event itself.

For updated information, check out the Manila Throwdown FB Page or follow @ManilaThrowdown in twitter and instagram.

#AlaskaIronKids Aquathlon 2014

Alaska Iron Kids Aquathlon is the first event of the Iron Kids races this year. Organized by Coach Ani de Leon-Brown and her team, the event promotes an active lifestyle for the kids. Last February 9, the aquathlon was composed of 100m to 400m and 1km to 3km run and was held at the Village Club in BF Homes, Paranaque.

Spectator Thoughts

I was glad to be one of the bloggers who covered the event. It was inspiring to see kids swimming and running while their coach and parents cheered for them. (I'm joining a similar event in March and if they can do it so can I!)

Swim, kids, swim!

I mostly witnessed the swim leg as we watched the swim leg in the pool. Kids did their best to finish that leg, even if it was their first race and they weren't fast enough yet. It was great to see them practicing different techniques. I looked out for kids doing total immersion and traditional swimming with endless energy kicks. The run leg was a series of u-turns and mostly going around the short track to the football field. All the kids finished with a photo of the Iron Kids Finish Line ribbon.

Takbo lang...

The event was divided in two categories: race and event. In the race category, kids from 6 to 14 swam for 100m to 400m then ran for 1km to 3km. The top 3 finishers will be awarded. For the play category, it is basically the same with a little less distance but it doesn't have a cut off time and no awards for the top finishers. Basically, this category is for the kids who want to join the race but doesn't like to compete.

Sponsor booths

At the finish line, there were tons of activities like the Alaska Choco photobooth, the Gatorade Basketball challenge and the AquaSphere googles booth. All finishers also received a shirt and a loot bag.

Winners' Moment..

Congratulations, Iron Kids! Good Luck on your next event!

Thanks to Alaska for giving us the opportunity the strength of these Iron Kids!

For more information on the Iron Kids races, check http://ironkidsphil.com/.

Race Results: http://ironkidsphil.com/2013/race-result-2014/

Enjoy your meals better with Cobra

Press Release

Let Cobra Energy Drink refresh and refuel your body

(Manila, Philippines) When Filipinos seek comfort they usually find solace in a plateful of good food. Most especially if it’s a good old authentic, homemade Filipino dish. But whether we have it genuinely fresh from our homes’ kitchens, or through a restaurant, or from our go-to hole-in-the-wall restos or  even the friendly carinderia nearby,anything that is local makes our souls and, of courseour bellies,satisfied.

But comfort food is not complete without a refreshing drink - something that not only quenchesyour thirst, but also gives you energy. This is why Cobra, the proudly Philippine-made, number 1 energy drink sees itself as a good meal partner. Not only will you satiate thirst, it’s also a good source of energy boost.

Enjoy Cobra’s sweet and delicious taste with a refreshing fizz. Drop the liquid calories that do no good to the body, and make that better shift to Cobrato be your new meal partner. It contains world-class B-Vitamins, Ginseng, Taurine, and Inositol, whichinvigorate the body and release stored energy to curb that sluggish feeling after a hearty meal. So you’ll end-up achieving more,everyday.

For workers, professionals, and even students who depend on mental and physical energy to do more in a day, find the Cobra energy drink that works for you, for every meal, for every activity. Pair Cobra Citrus or Berry with your favorite dish to make it a power meal.You can also go for Cobra Smart for brainergyboost, or with Cobra Fit with ActivBurn technology plus L-carnitine to burn calories fast. Whether it’s a heavy meal or a light snack, there’s a Cobra Energy drink that’s right for you.

ADIDAS UNLEASHES EXPLOSIVE ENERGY WITH SPRINGBLADE

Press Release

The only running shoe with innovative blade technology

designed to help propel you forward 

Manila, February 2014 – Today adidas launches Springblade in the Philippines, the first running shoe with individually tuned blades engineered to help propel runners forward with one of the most effective energy returns in the industry. 

Unlike standard EVA midsoles that deliver energy return in a vertical direction, Springblade features 16 forward angled blades made out of a high-tech polymer.  The highly elastic blades instantaneously react to any environment, compressing and releasing energy to create an efficient push-off that feels like you have springs under your feet.

“Springblade’s progressive look and blade technology are radically different than any running shoe ever created,” said James Carnes, global creative director of performance at adidas.  “At the same time, adidas’ goal is to create a beautiful performance shoe designed to be simple and intuitive.”

Carnes continued, “Every aspect of Springblade is engineered to reflect extensive athlete insights to help make them better.  For design inspiration, we drew upon everyday objects that deliver explosive energy return – everything from springboards to pole vaults and motorcycle suspensions.”

Each blade is precisely tuned in geometry, thickness and position for each phase of a runner’s stride to provide support and a full range of movement. Additionally, Springblade’s flexible construction was designed to hug the top of a runner’s foot, locking it in to harness the energy returned from the springs on the outsole. 

“adidas is continuing to develop new innovations based on what athletes not only need but demand,” said Mikal Peveto, director of running at adidas America.  “We know we have something special with BOOST cushioning introduced earlier this year and we’re confident Springblade will set us apart from the competition once again.”

Peveto continued, “Six years in the making, Springblade provides one of the highest energy returns in the industry.”

aIT (adidas Innovation Team) tested hundreds of materials to ensure each spring produced maximum energy efficiency with every step and conducted rigorous ballistics tests to maintain long-lasting durability.  For top performance in all environments, Springblade is seven times more temperature resistant than shoes with adidas’ standard EVA cushioning.

Springblade is available for Php 8995 on February at adidas Bonifacio High Street, Mall of Asia and Planet Sports Power Plant (Rockwell).

adidas running innovates high performance footwear and apparel with easy to understand benefits to help athletes of every level get faster and better for their sport.  For more information visit facebook.com/adidasPH. 

Surfing Philippines (Baler and Zambales)

Surfing is a water sport where a wave rider (also known as surfer) rides forward to a wave. My friends and I had our first surfing lesson in La Union. We had so much fun that we scheduled the next surfing trips right away.

Surfing in Baler

Last August, we visited Baler to celebrate CJ's, Drew's and Edmar's birthdays. Baler is a 4-6 hour commute from Manila. There are lots of tourist places like the falls, the balete tree and more beaches. It is a popular surfing/tourist place so most places are more pricey but some venues are still budget-friendly. We didn't really explore much of the surfing beach as we had all our meals in one restaurant, the Surfer's Haven but I heard there are more choices for meals. 

The waves are not always there like when we went there but as I would see in my friend's posts they enjoy the trip. Generally, avoid scheduling a trip from late July to early September as the surfing waves are non-existent.

I would recommend this experience if you want a beach weekend that is almost like in a urban setting. 

Surfing in Zambales

On November, we went on another surfing trip to celebrate KC's birthday. This time, we decided to check out Brgy. Liw-Liwa in Zambales. This is a hidden gem that is slowly become a new surfer's haven. But it is still unknown compared to La Union, Baler and Siargao so everything here is budget-friendly.

There's not much to visit here unless you would do a side trip to Anawangin which is 15-30 minutes away. Everything is so relaxed and so quiet. But the waves are great (as in sunod sunod). Avoid scheduling in summer as the waves are not as strong as it is for the rest of the year. 

I would recommend visiting this haven if you are a beginner as you will definitely learn, as well to surfers who are not afraid to be less urban.

Run United 1 2014 Details

The Run United Trilogy is one of the most attended races in the country because of its endless innovations to the sport of running. This year, the first of the 3 races (Run United 1) will be held on March 16, 2014 at the SM Mall of Asia with 500m (kid's dash), 5km, 10km and 21km categories.

Registration Details

With the aim of making all the information readily available for the organizers (to ensure the availability of sizes and for the safety of participants), all registration will be done online using two modes of payment (prepaid card and credit card thru paypal).

Online registration will start January 31, 2014 at www.runrio.com

PREPAID CARD SELLING VENUES:

You may purchase the prepaid cards at the following stores: from 12:00NN to 8:00PM Monday to Sunday starting February 8, 2014.

• Riovana Store BGC - 28th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
• Riovana Store Katipunan - 3rd Floor Regis Building, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City (across Ateneo, and beside KFC)
• Toby’s SM North – The Block G/F, North Ave. cor. EDSA Quezon City
• Toby’s SM Mall of Asia - G/F Entertainment Hall, Roxas Blvd, Manila

Singlet will be provided upon purchase of the prepaid card.

REGISTRATION FEES:

All Runners must collect the rest of their race kit (race bib and Active Health items) with the confirmation email and valid ID at Race Kit Claiming on the following dates.

o March 13- 14 Music Hall at the Mall of Asia, 10am – 10pm

o March 15, Active Health Village, Block 16 Mall of Asia, 10am – 6pm

To prepaid card buyers: It means you'll be going to the a prepaid card selling venue and the race kit claiming venue. Yes, two trip to different venues. (Joining this run got more complicated) but this is all to better serve all the registrants.

ASSEMBLY AND GUN START TIMES

SINGLET DESIGN

Actual Singlet and Finisher's Shirt Sample

FINISHER'S ITEMS

Ventilation Bag and Sun Visor

21k Finisher's Medal

Finisher's Shirt Design

PRIZES

2014 Run United Trilogy

This year's Run United Trilogy challenges the runners to run faster (RU1), higher (RU2) and stronger (RUPM). Each leg has a theme embedded in all the runner's items (singlet, medal and shirt). As you work towards each leg's finish, it will reveal itself (like in the singlet's secret message).

This year's puzzles has each piece piling in front of each other to form a supermedal

The more you sweat, the more each leg's theme is revealed. (Photo Credits to Rolly)

Celebrated designs to this year's finisher's items.

For more information, check the Run Rio or ULAH websites.

Updates: Sierra 5-10-50

Sierra 5-10-50 is a race that promotes camaraderie among teams and groups. Organized by Rundezvous Inc, with cooperation from Running Free Manila and Running Atom, the event will be held on Febuary 23, 2014 at Tanay, Rizal with assembly at the Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort.

The event features two categories: Team Relay with 5 members and a Tag Team relay with 2 runners.

Interested teams may visit our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/SierraFiveTenFifty