Yakult Run and my Thorlos Socks debut

Yakult Run is the second longest running event in the Philippines. On its 23rd year, Yakult Run 2012 was held last April 1 at CCP and the route extended until the Roxas Boulevard.


My first 16k

I have been doing 10ks for quite some time and with most of the PEx Running Club running this event, I decided to run 16k in this event too.

I didn't have a target time but I just wanted to finish no matter what.

 My Sponge and I at the Yakult Run

I came in the race with Lee and for a while we follwed each other's pace but he decided to sprint and leave me behind so I ran on my own. On my way, I passed Lee since he ran too fast in the first few kilometers so he was already burned out to continue at that pace. On my way, I found our fast runners in PRC on their way back. It was a fun experience to wave at team mates whenever you pass by each other.

 Post Race with Pex Running Club

I survived my first 16k by encouraging and being encouraged by team mates and walking the stinky and hard on the feet streets of Manila.

I used my 10k shoes in this race which wasn't such a good fit for my feet so I suffered leg pains for the rest of the week but officially I finished at.

My first time to use Thorlos

Socks, I really wasn't picky with socks. I buy those 3 pack and use them in any activity. But from a launching night with Thorlos Philippines. I discovered that there are specialty socks for every activity and they have technologies to protect your feet from harm from your shoes.

You need extra cushion for parts of your feet, especially when running since you strain your feet a lot in this activity. Buying socks should also be an investment  as much as investing in shoes.Wearing Thorlos protected my feet from a possible toe injuries with its extra cushioning in the Yakult Run. It's also extra comfy since walking on the ground presents a little less strain to the feet since the socks are extra thick in the balls and sole of the feet.

Check out the technology on the photo below.

Review

The race was a great experience especially since it is my first time to run in Yakult Run, the 2nd longest running event in our country and I was able to run with PEx Running Team.


The road used wasn't that thrilling. Manila is stinky and was hard on the feet since almost the whole stretch was under construction. Hydration was available on a regular distance but they had only water and sometime running the 16k I feel you would need sugar and nutrients offered by energy drinks but I survived it so, I guess, this would suffice. I also appreciated the sponge dipped in cold water. That served as my motivation and distraction towards the end of the race. The coolness had pushed me to finish this race. I looked like I was drenched but I survived my first 16k.

 Post Race with Pex Running Club

It was also funny how Yakult rep kept saying 21k when the name of the run is Yakult's 10 mile Run, makes it too obvious that he didn't really take part on the planning and execution stage of this run.

After the run, they gave us one bottle of Yakult and a finisher's shirt, which was good since we payed P400 for everything. According to some people, the distance in this run was a little short, too but the environment was still festive and having my team there made it even more fun.

Photo Credits to: Jaime and Cath

Coach Rio recommends the best socks for runners

Running guru Rio de la Cruz, more popularly known as Coach Rio, proudly announced the opening of his newest venture Riovana – the premiere Running and Lifestyle Hub – at Bonifacio Global City and Katipunan, recently.

Called Riovana by Rio and his business partners for “runner’s nirvana”, the one-stop shop is all about “the sole of running”. Designed as a runner’s resource and sanctuary, it caters to all running and lifestyle needs and features all the products, services and conveniences that runners need, complete with showers and lockers so runners can freshen up after a run. There’s also a coffee corner, computers, facilities for running clinics set against street smart interiors. Its accents are a manhole, a fire hydrant, brick walls, a two-lane street with a pedestrian lane and a finish line complete with winners’ podium, which is the cashier’s area.

 

One of the many products sold at Riovana are Thorlos® Socks. The 30-year old, USA-made brand preferred by pro and amateur athletes carries over 35 types of socks for everything from running to hiking to tennis to golf and basketball – all characterized by their customized and scientifically structured pads with the ability to adjust to the needs and movements of each sport. Thorlos®, the originator of the activity-specific sock, also has walking, fitness and dress socks and is the first socks line to be granted the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podriatic Medical Association.

In addition, Thorlos has been worn in the New York and Boston Marathons, two of the most prestigious running events in the world and has been the recipient of Runner’s World (US) Best Gear Award.

“Runners, among all athletes, experience the most pressure on their feet. We carry Thorlos® socks in our store because runners swear by it,” said Coach Rio. “There is a story in the history of triathlon where a runner forgot to put on his shoes and all he had on were his Thorlos socks. He ran the leg and when he reached the finish line, the socks were still the same – no damage at all. That’s how sturdy they are.”

“Socks are as important to runners as running shoes, maybe even more important,” continued Rio. “Good socks must prevent friction, give good cushioning and prevent sweating. Thorlos® does all of these. They have really good cushioning and really protect your toes and the balls of your feet. Foot doctors recommend Thorlos to prevent blisters and to eliminate injuries. Also, your feet don’t sweat in Thorlos®, so you can prevent foot problems like athlete’s foot and fungus, as well. If you ask people who have used Thorlos® for a long time, they’ll say that if it has one disadvantage, it’s that they seem to last forever – won’t sag, won’t lose shape or cushioning.”

“The new styles are very attractive and trendy. Thorlos® will appeal to runners of all ages,” Coach Rio added. “Wearing the right socks is one of the things we are trying to educate runners about. At Riovana we try to provide runners with all the right tools and information to speed them up on their road to running success.”

Exclusively distributed by Colerosh, Inc. in the Philippines, Thorlos® socks are available at Riovana stores at BGC, Regis Center-Katipunan, and soon at the SM Mall of Asia. They are also available at Rustan’s, ROX, Planet Sports, Tobys, RUNNR and The Athlete’s Foot.

For more details about Thorlos® Socks and foot health, visit www.thorlosphilippines.com and www.facebook.com/thorlosphilippines, call Colerosh Inc. at 661-3022 and 640-4326 or email at rlm@colerosh.com.ph