MARATHON DAY:

Getting there…

Up and about early, Jun and I as well as Rio put on our prepared running gears, had breakfast of coffee and bagel and boarded the car going to Staten Island.  We feel really blessed and grateful our family took us by car and we didn’t have to stress about how we were going to the starting line.  We were greeted with an early traffic at the freeway.  It was still early so there really was no reason to panic.  Almost all of the cars have  marathoners in them and somehow it assured us that we were all in this together.

Anyway, we stopped near the drop-off point.  It was still early and we had time for some photo-ops.

Soon it was time for Rio, who is running in the first wave, to go.  We wished him well and bid him Godspeed.   Soon enough, it was our turn to go.

The Gear

Whew, it was coowwoold!!!  The cold wind was penetrating my layers and layers of clothing!  I felt so heavy starting the race.  Here’s why…  a list of my race day gear:

TOP:

1. Tank top

2. Long-sleeved thermal running shirt

3.  Thin jacket

4.  Thick Fleece Jacket (throw-away)

5.  Thick Sports Jacket (throw-away)

BOTTOM:

1.  Compression tights

2.  Thick jogging pants

HEAD GEAR:

1. shades

2.  ear warmers

3. beanie (for throw-away)

4.  cap

FOOTWEAR:

1.  Nike Lunar Glide+ (pink and gray)

2. socks

HANDS:

1.  gloves # 1

2. glove # 2 (for throw-away)

At the starting line…

Feeling like the native lumpia with all the layers I was wearing, I was still unbelievably cold while Jun and I walked on the closed part of the Staten Island Highway towards the entrance holding areas.  The cold wind was biting into my face, lips  and legs.  BRRRRR  I wanted to start running to beat the cold.

As we turned the bend towards Fort Wadsworth  to the runners’ entrance, the temperature started to become bearable with the combined human heat of runners walking side by side.  I could now walk without my teeth chattering.  Before long, we had to part ways to go to our separate holding areas.  I was assigned to the Green Zone with gunstart  at 10:10am while jun to the orange wave starting also at the same time.  I am so used to Jun giving me instructions where to go when we run in local races that I leave it up to him to make sure we get to the starting line on time.   This time I had to do it on my own.  Darn, why did they have to assign us in separate areas when we submitted similar estimated finish times?  Anyway, I found my way to the Green Wave and successfully deposited my bag to my assigned trailer.  It was around 10am and plenty of time to spare,  I walked around got myself a cup of coffee to help warm me up a bit more.  Soon it was time for my last portalet break and soon after, an announcement was heard for runners in the  green zone to go to the starting line.

Where is that exactly?  Couldn’t hear, didn’t hear.  I just went with the flow of people moving out while keeping my eyes open for directional signs along the way.   Had a little scare there when I didn’t see my corral right away. After a little confusion due to a wrong direction given me, i found it.   I barely made it in as the corral was closed just a few minutes after i went in.  I was at the end pack, my back against the wire fence.  There was barely any room for stretching which I wanted very much to do.  I made some attempts  but couldn’t do the hamstring stretch i knew i needed to do.  There just wasn’t enough space for that anymore.

Finally, Gunstart…

Mile 1-10

Race start was announced and we saw and cheered the first wave of runners crossing the Verrazano-Narrows  Bridge.  It was awesome! The place was really charged with excited runners waiting for their turn to run that bridge.

What a sight! Marathoners crossing the awesome Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

Then our wave’s final call was announced and everyone seemed to take off their jackets and sweat pants.  The idea never even occurred to me.  I was hell bent on keeping all my layers until I cross the bridge.

Then, i realized a misstep… All the excitement made me forget to set my watch and foot-pod!  Tried but it was too late.  My watch was scanning and picking up signals from multiple devices and it was  impossible to match my watch with my foot-pod.  I abandoned the task and just concentrated on willing my legs and body to warm-up.  That was the first and last time I  looked at my Garmin.

Crossing Windy Verrazano-Narrows Bridge…

A close-up of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridges two levels.

I was excited crossing this bridge.  It felt surreal!  I felt real heavy, too! HAHAHA

What I heard was right after all.  That this bridge is where we’d feel most cold running on so, I was really glad I stuck to my plan and didn’t discard my outer jackets yet.  All those stuff weighed and slowed me down definitely but I couldn’t care less.  My focus was to make sure I am warm enough.  Objective achieved!  Going down the bridge, I felt heated enough to shed my 2 outer jackets and my sweat pants one after the other. I still had my thin white jacket on which I would zip up and down as necessary.

Have Fun Girl!

As I left the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge running on the wide highway,  people on the bridgewalks would call out. ” Go Girl!  Have Fun Girl”  I intend to do JUST that!  The crowd was still sparse but very encouraging.  It was just a preview of the grand welcome awaiting us as we ran off the highway and onto the friendly streets of Fort Hamilton Parkway.  Offers of  water, tissue, candy with friendly cheers greeted us.  It  seemed like the whole community was out in the streets.   Even babies were out in the cold all swaddled on their strollers  participating in this amazingly friendly and festive race!  Well… this girl here was definitely having fun!

I was taking in all the wonderful sights and sounds of the race making sure i remember every happy detail  – the crowd’s clapping and cheerful greetings,  the runners’ chatter.  I was running at a comfortable pace, taking time to return greetings and acknowledging cheers.  I wanted to record everything on video, too.  So, i would turn on the flip from time to time.

The Fall…

Then the unthinkable happened at Mile 8… I was recording… The flip on my right hand raised high to capture a video of the stream of runners in front and behind me.  Then… video captures the surface of the road.  WAHAHA I fell on all fours!!!  Slightly landing on my left and slowly sliding on the rough surface.  A good samaritan black woman runner helped me up.  I was just glad i didn’t cause people to topple over me or I would have felt so guilty.  I quickly dusted myself off, checked if my compression tights had a hole that would indicate a wounded knee but there was none.  Relieved, I continued running  tucking the flip back into its case determined to keep my spirits up.  Afterall,  no real harm done — just a slightly bruised left knee and slightly bruised ego.  Honestly, it was more funny than embarrassing to me.  HAHAHA Couldn’t help but laugh at myself!

Let the fun continue…

Next:  Part 2

Race Night Prep

As planned, Jun’s brother Vic and his son (our nephew/godchild) Juan, drove us the entire marathon route the day before the race.  The streets were already peppered with orange marathon banners and the road already painted with a blue line.  The leisurely drive took more than two hours.  The route seemed really long riding the car.  Ooooh, bad for the psyche, ey? Then Juan, our nephew who seemed to be worried whispered, “Ang layo Tita (“It’s so far”) I momentarily wondered if I will really be running this route the next day…   “Of course, you are, silly!”  HAHAHA No room for doubts!!!

Queens' streets already lined with blue paint for the marathon route

Manhattan, already lined with orange marathon banners

After the route drive, we picked Rio from his hotel and had our very late but excellent lunch at a New Jersey Filipino Bistro.  Then, we headed home (home there was my sister Cris’ NJ house) to prepare our race paraphernalia as our family watched.  The night turned hilarious as we tried to internalize and posed for our mug shots.

As we prepare our gear, our family was preparing, too.

blackberry app allowed our family to track us

Everyone was in marathon mode now.  WOOHOO!  Now time for some sleep…

Next:  Marathon Day

To everything there is a season.

A time for every purpose under heaven: …

A time to gain  and a time to lose;

A time to keep and a time to throw away;

… A time to keep silent and a time to speak.   (Eccl 3:1-8)

Nothing beats God’s wisdom.  There is, indeed,  a season for everything.

The New York C ity  Marathon was such a special experience for me that everything after that seems  anti-climactic.  The work-load and the adjustment to a new job and  a new industry, for that matter, have also contributed a lot in this seemingly long running and writing hiatus.  It didn’t help, too, that the blue sole was just as busy.  Unlike me though, he is able to squeeze in a short run every now and then with our training buddies and even managed to write his NYC race account already (as of presstime, it still hasn’t passed the editorial desk though ).

After the NYC  Marathon last Nov 7, 2010, I went underground big time.  I only ran 4 times the next four months (that’s once a month!) — a 5k, and 3  10ks.   Aaaaargh…  I am sooo out of circulation.  I haven’t been reading blogs much less been writing one.  I haven’t been attending any press’/bloggers’  race  launches much less running these races.  So, you can imagine that I’m pretty much out of shape, too.

This March, i kinda woke up though still yawning and trying to fully yank my senses awake.  My running life has improved a bit though still very irregular.  I have started joining races again with the recently concluded Unilab Run where I ran a slower 10k but felt good nonetheless;  the  Globe R4H where I ran 15k and almost DNF’d  battling a growling tummy and best of all even tried to help out at the TBR Dream Marathon 2011 as a dream chaser where I, together with other dream chasers from TBRDM batch 2010 walked 5k under the intense heat of the sun to escort the last runner to the finish line.  See, I’m slowly trying to oil my sleeping muscles and breath air to my overly-rested heart and lungs.  My runner’s spirit is most certainly soaring again.

I have resolved to get back my running rhythm and enjoy the regular weekend long runs again and hopefully, go back to normal programming on this blog as well.  I didn’t think I’d miss writing this much!

Rest time is over, baby!  It’s so time to RUN…  and WRITE!

I admit I’m guilty too but not as much as the pink sole!  HAHAHA  Hoping we can finally record our NYC Marathon run.  TSK, TSK, TSK… Then we can probably move on…  HEHE  We’ve missed recording too much already.

There have been changes in our workfront and we’re  adjusting to it.  I know in time, we’ll get around to getting back our rhythm just as the pink sole said up there.

Meantime, see you at The G.O.O.D. Run tomorrow at the BGC.  On site registration available tomorrow. For details of the race, see Kulitrunner’s post HERE.

It was Nov. 4, Thursday, the first of three days for race pack redemption.  We set off to Javits Convention Center in the morning eager to lay claim to our race pack and our loot.  There was a fiesta atmosphere and the place was packed.  With the convention center full of eager runners, you’d think we’ll take some time to finish.  The redemption was so efficient we didn’t even have to queue.  We were done in 15 minutes tops from race kit claiming, to D-tag check to claiming of goodie bags. It was an organized chaos.  You can see excited faces and hear excited voices in different languages.  The world sure is converging and preparing to run in New York!

Runners of different cultures and nationalities aptly welcomed. Maybe someday, we'll see "Mabuhay!" there.

A huge crowd gathered on the first day of race pack redemption. The runners were a happy bunch!

Happy I didn't have to line-up for my race bib.

Jun claiming his race bib.

Our entry passes to the marathon finally claimed!

NOW, TIME FOR SOME SERIOUS MARATHON GEAR SHOOOOPPING!

Posed below the Marathon Store entrance while waiting for Jun only to find out later he was already inside! I guess you know who's more excited to shop here.

So many choices... so little funds! haha How I wish I could take them all home!

The one that first caught my eye won me over!

JUST A COUPLE OF MORE THINGS THAT CAUGHT MY EYE…

Would love to wear something like this someday. Maybe on our 25th, hon?

AND WE SAW FRIENDS HAVING FUN AT THE EXPO, TOO…

The Sole Mates with Dra. Lora, a TBR Dream mistah who's into her 3rd marathon.

Our NYC mara journal wouldn't be complete without good friend Jay Nacino who jump-started this dream.

me, JC Manas, Jun, J Cu Unjieng and Ting Joson

With training buddies, Miguel & Jaymie Pizarro (The Bull Runner) with their kids Nia & Anton and TBR Dream mistahs Deo & Mayda Custodio.

It was such a fun day.  Our eyes feasted on a lot of running gears and paraphernalia.  It was 2pm when we finally realized we were hungry.  So, it was time our lips feasted on some good ol’ American burgers!  On to our favorite NYC burger joint — Five Guys!

Next:  Our NYC Marathon experience.

Dressed in 2XU compression tights, 3 layers top (tank , long-sleeved dry-fit shirt and a jacket) with a cap over a thick beanie, gloves and my pink and gray lunar glides, we set out for a quick 6k run — a dress rehearsal.  The first kilometer was a BRRRRR (HAHAHA).  I was cold to death.  I wanted to run faster so I can already heat up but my legs felt cold and stiff.  We reached Northvale Park and ran rounds.  I tuned in to what I was feeling the whole run mindful of how I will adjust my gear at race day.  My face felt very cold and my eyes hurt and became watery because of the wind.  I never wore shades while running but noted I might have to this time.  After 3 kms, I felt hot enough to open my jacket wide and  removed my beanie.  The breeze would still make my ears very cold when I was just wearing my cap.   One thing that felt cold the whole time was my lower back and my thighs.  I don’t know why but I definite took note of that.  My coughs and colds seemed to be tamed at that point.  While my nose wanted to out-pace my running, my coughs didn’t give me any problems at all.  It was when we got home and stopped running that the coughs came and boy, how they did!  I swear I was coughing incessantly in the bathroom for around 15 minutes.  Jun and my sister got concerned and would knock to check if i was okay.  Even I got a little scared at one point as my eyes were already all watered and red and the coughs wouldn’t stop.  Huh, those 15minutes were a lot more tiring than our 50-minute run.

test run in Northvale 3 days before marathon day

The test run was a success!  It made me throw all my gear out the window EXCEPT of course my fave Nike Lunar Glides and jacket. HAHAHA  Gotta go back to Nike Town!  Yey!!!

Running with Ryan Hall and Bart Yasso

We went to the city after lunch and went around 5^th avenue before proceeding to my next short run that day. I had the privilege of running with Olympic marathoner Ryan Hall and running legend Bart Yasso at the Run by Foot Locker Store. I submitted my entry a day after arriving in NY and got accepted the next day. Isn’t that amazing?

So by 5:30pm, I went to 34^th E 14^th street where RUN by footlocker shop is located. Mariel opted not to join me and do more shopping instead, hah! As soon as I arrive in the store, I registered and got a beautiful running tee from Footlocker, another long sleeve shirt from Nissan, a Runner’s World and Marathon Magazine. Few minutes after, Ryan Hall and Bart Yasso arrived, the organizer discussed the run and the route. And so, 30+ plus runners went off for an easy 5 mile run. Of course our easy is like walking for Ryan and Bart. Running while chatting with each runner and of course taking pictures with them. It was such an amazing experience. After the run, all of us got to have our magazines signed and of course the experience wouldn’t be complete without our pictures taken with Ryan Hall and Bart Yasso.

With the privileged few. I think I was the only Filipino there!

Hoping to get some energy for the marathon from the two if I stayed close.

Mr. Yasso, I only did 6x800 during my training. Do you think that will be enough for me to finish on Sunday?

With Olympic Marathoner Ryan Hall

With the legendary Bart Yasso

So much excitement for one day.  The next day brings more…

Next:  Claiming our Race Kits at the Expo

THE FLIGHT-OUT

Bags all packed and  “pasalubongs” for our dear family in NJ all wrapped-up, Jun, my sister, Jen and I headed to the airport graciously picked-up from home by Coach Rio.  Sans any sleep (in preparation for a long in-flight sleep) we checked-in early only to be told one of our luggages was over-weight and thus, proceeded to open and transfer some stuff to another luggage.  Apart from that, everything else went on smoothly.  Giddy about our first trip to the US, Jun and I would exchange excited smiles on the plane like kids on our first carousel ride still in disbelief that we are actually on our way to run the NYC marathon.

With a prayer for a safe flight, we looked out the window as the plane took-off and watched the Manila skyline disappear from view ready for the 6-hour stop-over flight to Narita, Japan.  The one-hour stop-over was a frenzy of restroom visits and a really yummy McDonald’s shrimp burger meal for me and Jen and a trusted old McDonalds Bacon Burger Meal for Jun while Rio opted for some hot noodle soup elsewhere.  Before we know it, it was time to board again, this time for our flight to JFK Airport in New York City where we saw the sky turn bright, then dark then bright again all in a span of 12 hours heralding our first major timezone cross-over. Cool!

With Rio and Jen waiting at Narita Airport

We said in our previous post about our NYC Marathon, that we will just take it one step at at time. And So we got our entry confirmation, then our visa, on with our training and  so on. I did not get excited until the day of our flight. When the day finally arrived and we are leaving for New York, I had that moment when I had to stop what I was doing and thought it over again and again…. I just cant believe it …. I am fulfilling my dreams!!!.  Run the NYC Marathon and  finally visit my brother Vic and sister Cris and their families and get to spend time with them.  I was simply stunned and look back at the start of this journey.  So that’s what i did on the plane on our long flight to New York. I didn’t get much sleep but enjoyed every minute of it.

So, when we finally arrived at the JFK airport, we were truly ready for NYC!!!

Kisses, bear hugs, laughter, chatter, intros to the family pets, Dusty(pug) and Pringles(cockapoo), food and more food characterized our first night spent with family.  Arriving in NJ at 6pm, you’d think that was it.  No, no, no… before long, we were off  to see the Manhattan night lights.  What a sight!!!

Our first real taste of the NYC breeze and we were frozen cold!  My face and ears felt like ice and my hair and jeans felt wet.  I didn’t bring my scarf so my neck was stiff from the cold, too.  Doll shoes, i found out, didn’t have a place there.  My feet were freezing and I couldn’t help my teeth from chattering. It was a great night out… cold breezy New York air welcomed us.  Brrrrrr…. Chilly New York!

Next: Our pre-marathon run experience…

Long runs all done.  Taper mode for me pushed to the limit with very little mileage due to colds and coughs.

I know, i know, what a bad time to get sick.  I’m taking all the necessary steps to come out of this — 2 days off from work, mega dose of vitamin C, colds and cough medication, antibiotics, water, pineapple juice, chicken soup, etc.

Family in NYC say weather forecast for the next week, all throughout marathon week,  is very cold… BRRRRR….  I hope to be well enough to battle the cold on marathon day.  I am hoping the marathon spirit and the earlier training will pull me through this.  I am hoping to do better than 5:22 during my first mara at  TBR Dream Marathon but then again this is a tougher course.  I’ll be happy with just enjoying what might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.  Praying all systems will really be a GO come Nov 7th.  Lord, HELP!

One thing for sure though… can’t wait to have a fabulous time in New York, New York!!!

Can’t believe it’s almost here— my dream marathon, the ING NYC Marathon 2010.  Preparations have been quite rushed on booking flight schedules, coordinating with family, researching and preparing clothes and gears for cold-weather running and going around.

Our marathon will be sandwiched with lots of sight-seeing and not too much shopping for the pink sole, i hope,  We really got to make sure we   squeeze in a couple of short runs in between.

Truly praying for a great NYC marathon experience for us both.  What a great privilege… God be with us…

Oh, the things we had to hurdle to get here…

I have Jun to thank for for giving in to good friend Jay’s (Prometheus Cometh) prodding to join the lottery for the ING NYC Marathon in first quarter of this year.  I thank him now but I was incredulous when I found out in April that he enlisted the both of us without my knowledge! Then amazement followed that not one but both of us were picked! I mean, I don’t think we’d even consider going if only one was awarded a slot.

I really didn’t take it seriously at first.  How can I when I was still in the thick of training for my first full marathon at The Bull Runner Dream Marathon scheduled barely one month after we received confirmation of our official entry.  We let the months pass with me not really taking this seriously.  It was months later when it became apparent that the blue sole was really getting serious about going.  However, I couldn’t see how I can go.  I was in a crossroad in my career and I was on a look-out for a new job.   How can I go on a vacation leave if I am starting a new job?

The blue sole and I had a heart-to-heart talk and agreed that we would pray hard about it and let God work in our situation.  Meantime,  we agreed to do our part —  I’ll continue my job-hunting and  we will both train for the marathon anyway.  Hoping that when God says YES to our plans, we are both prepared to go and tackle the marathon of our lives!

So, train we did trying to keep our focus even when there are just a lot of things that need to be worked-out.  There were indeed low moments when Mariel would not be training consistently feeling she wouldn’t be able to go anyway.  Somehow, we are able to pick things up, trying our best to be positive amidst the uncertainty.  Then, things began to go our way.  Good things just began to happen one after the other.  I joined the Runrio team.   Mariel found a new job she’s really excited about.  Not only that.  She found a new employer so understanding and supportive of her NYC Marathon dream that she was even granted 2-week vacation leave short of a month after starting work as part of the negotiated package!  Also, we are almost at the peak now of our training with the Pink Sole  having completed her 30k  and me my 32k last Sunday.  It was a serious but enjoyable run with running friends  Miguel and Jaymie (TBR).  Mariel and I  rejoiced with a BIG question mark still in our minds though — Will we be granted a US visa?

Oct 7, Thursday,  came and we arrived at the US embassy an hour early for our 7:30am schedule.  We breezed through the process.  We didn’t expect it to be that fast.  By 8:30am, when our friends Jaymie and Aljo were just texting us their Goodluck wishes, we have already been granted our US visas and on our way to our breakfast celebrations! YAHOOOOO!

It was just amazing how everything fell into place.  I guess, it was meant to be.

WOOOHOOO!!!   NYC  HERE WE COOOOME!!!

What a great gift this is today, our 17th wedding anniversary! THANK YOU LORD!!!

Read on for the details of this much anticipated race…

For primers, take a look at the singlets which come with every registration except the 500m event …

DAY 1 RACE DETAILS AND INCLUSIONS:

DAY 2 RACE DETAILS AND INCLUSIONS:

OTHER INCLUSIONS:

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

OTHER DETAILS:

1.  The 500m dash will have two age categories open  to children 5-8 years old and 9-12 years old only.  All other events are open to all ages.

2.  The 500m dash participants may choose which day to participate in.  The rest of the event category partipants may choose to run 1 event on both Day 1 and Day 2.  However, those running 21k on Day 1 and 32k on Day 2  will be required to submit a medical certificate and/or sign a waiver and will be subject to Runrio’s approval.

3.  Singlets will be given to the first 10,000 registrants only.

4. Singlet size will be available on a first-come, first served basis.

5.  Registration may end earlier than announced.  Race Kits may run out before Nov 17, 2010.

So, ready now and prepare.  Store registration and race pack redemption for those who have already registered on-line as well starts next Sunday.

Make sure you secure your slot early.  See you all at the starting line!

It is Camsur Marathon week.  Are you registered?  Are you all geared up?

Not ready for a full marathon but want to go see Camsur and the now famous Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) and participate in the festivities?  Why not join the shorter events — 3k, 5k , 10k and 21k.  You can still enjoy a good run and of course, the nice place.

You still have a chance to register for Camsur’s first ever marathon and for all the other shorter distance events.  Registration still on-going now only in CWC, Camsur.

For more details of the race details,  visit www.camsurmarathon.com

Run strong  and have fun!!!

Note:  Only first 1,000 runners get a singlet.  So, register early!

I first saw the Vibram Five Fingers in Singapore last December while malling around before race day.  While some friends took a really close look and even fitted a pair, I just waited bored in the sidelines.   That’s also probably because the colors available there were very plain and unattractive very much unlike these ones.

I however couldn’t imagine myself wearing one.  I’d feel too unprotected wearing it on the road  plus I  still think I’d look hideous on it.   BUT, that’s just me. I haven’t really tried it so these are really perceptions waiting to be confirmed or otherwise defended and proven wrong.

It certainly looks very different from our usual ride but I  would not mind giving it a try and getting a feel of it on the road.  Having non-biomechanical feet makes finding a running/training shoe a little more complicated. Should I get to try one of these, I’ll post a review.

As for the looks, who knows hon, it might just grow on you…

Meantime, we’ll share you this press release straight from our inbox.  Read on and learn the benefits of going barefoot…

The Benefits of Being Barefoot

We have all been born barefoot.  A long time ago, people have lived and survived without using protective footwear.  But, today, because of technology and the many changes it brought, wearing shoes became an essential part of life. But beyond all the protection and the style shoes provide, we seem to have forgotten the significant benefits and sense of freedom being barefoot brings.

Shoes were first invented thousands of years ago—way back when people used to live in caves. Back then, they used animal hides and leather laces to protect their feet from the rough terrain. Millennia passed and the concept of shoes evolved in countless ways from its design, material, and even its uses. It became a necessity to shod oneself. However, no matter how things change, most people still prefer to do a lot of things barefoot. It is all because being barefoot is very comfortable. But, aside from the unrivaled relaxation being barefoot brings, it also has a considerable number of benefits, not just to the feet, but the body as a whole.

Doing activities barefoot brings a lot of advantages to the body’s flexibility and mobility. It allows people to exercise, stretch, relax, and strengthen muscles they normally don’t get to use when wearing shoes. Barefoot running also corrects the way people run—making them land on the balls of their feet—as compared to wearing rubber shoes which gives the tendency to land on the heels first. Landing on the heels of the feet releases more pressure and shock to legs and knees. Doing things barefoot also improves range of motion in ankles, feet, and toes because of movements that are more natural and free. It also heightens body awareness since the body has the sense of being freer than being shod. Balance and motion agility are also developed because doing things barefoot further stimulates the neurons and nerves that are essential to lower body movement. And because there are no heels to torture the foot heel and the ankle, it enhances natural posture and the alignment of the spine. And, most especially, it is much easier to relax and stretch after a workout if someone is barefoot.

Countless health benefits have been associated with being barefoot. That is why athletes, to attain better health and movement, prefer to do their sports without any footwear on. It is because when barefoot, movements become the movements of a child—playful and sensitive, yet purposeful and confident. A person experiences the unbound joy of stepping, hopping, and running across any surface on earth, simply to get from here to there. This is the reason why a lot of sports enthusiasts prefer to deal with their activities barefoot.

Numerous runners have been hitting the tracks without any shoes on because the benefits of running barefoot have long been supported by scientific research, coaches, and athletes who’ve offered ample evidence that training without shoes allows you to run faster and further with fewer injuries. Motion studies demonstrate that when running barefoot, one naturally lands on the forefoot, directly below the center of gravity. This results in optimum balance, increased stability, less impact, and greater propulsion.

Indeed, undertaking activities barefoot has a lot of benefits and advantages for the body. However, the feet—most especially those of the more active people—need to be protected from the many possibilities of injury. That is why some footwear are developed to mimic the feel and freedom of being barefoot. A good example would be the Vibram Five Fingers which is a proof that many people prefer to do things barefoot. With a slot for each of the toes, it actually gives all the freedom and feel of wearing no shoes on.

Many other innovations in footwear have been introduced into the market to make our feet as comfortable and relaxed as if barefoot. It is because it takes no genius to agree that—aside from the benefits of going barefoot—the feet has taken the humans a long long way and they deserve a break and the freedom.

The Vibram Five Fingers store is located at Level R1 Bridgeway in PowerPlant Mall, Rockwell. For inquiries, call (02) 513-1449 or e-mail marketing@barefootwearinc.com. You could also visit the official website at www.barefootwearinc.com.

Busy stage area as runners stretch before the race

runners mill at the starting line

me with comeback queen vimz and comeback king aljo who both ran 3k.

front: me, aljo, vimz, jaymie and her kids; back: lit, edward and junb

post-race banter - raymund, edward, me, mariel & lit

I was up at 2am, an hour before we had to get up.  My eldest daughter woke me up tearily complaining about a painful stomach. After almost an hour, she finally was able to sleep after I applied the good ol manzanilla spray we keep in our medicine cabinet.  So glad that did the trick or I would have missed a wonderful race and yet another chance to add up to my mileage and continue my weekend running momentum.  Mommy duties come first, of course!

I needed to run 22k that Sunday while Jun needed 24k.  The rest of the group have practically the same distance goals give or take 2k.  With the 10k event we were slated to run that morning,  our LSD group decided to run our additional mileage before and after the race.

Yeah, it worked and it was fun.  The heat though was bothersome towards the end which really exhausted some of us.  I was 1k short of my goal but  happy still to have finished another weekend LSD of fun and laughter.  That would have to do for now.

finished the 10k kraft run in 1:01 except that route was short by 800m. PR…Not!

Congratulations to Jaymie, The Bull Runner, for finishing first in the 10k female category. Woohoo!

Thank you’s are in order — to Kraft and our host Miguel Pizarro for a chance to experience this race, to Vimz, The Kulit Runner, for most of the pics here and to our LSD group, Lit Onrubia, Jun Bisnar and the Miguel and Jaymie Pizarro for great company both during running and eating. 

]]> http://thesolemates.wordpress.com/2010/09/02/kraft-run-racing-an-lsd/feed/ 0 The Sole Mates th_BlueSole-1 Image0733 Image0729 jun,vimz,aljo group pic blog jun & me w lit, edward, raymond th_PinkSole-1 Mariel to the finish line (w darwin) solemates pic http://thesolemates.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/lsd-not/ http://thesolemates.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/lsd-not/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:27:20 +0000 thesolemates http://thesolemates.wordpress.com/?p=2946 ]]> Two Saturdays ago, when everybody else was in Camsur, the Blue Sole and I together with running friends Jaymie, Miguel and JunB headed to the Fort area for a planned easy 22k run.  It was  fun but very challenging  for me.  I should have expected it running with Three Men and The Bull Runner! Hah, what can i say? The rolling hills of  McKinley was a challenge especially when fast runners are dictating the pace.  I could just hear my quads screaming as I tackle the inclines and  found myself sprinting several times to catch up with the pack.  All was well until K16 when I felt my legs getting heavy which further deteriorated until K19 when both felt like stiffening logs and I was running slower and slower.  I waved the Blue Sole off who went back for me and advised him that I will be walking the rest of the way.  I was done with my 19k LSD required for that week as per my training program so why push it.  So, walk I did for the next 3k finding JunB gone and  JunC,  Jaymie and Miguel waiting at the finish all dressed up and finished with breakfast… kidding!

Long slow distance?  Nah! Felt more like speed training to me. HAHAHA

Seriously, thanks guys for waiting!  I had fun running and catching up with you while I can.

I am just glad the Pink Sole is catching up with her training now.  She’s really getting me worried  as it didn’t seem like she was in training mode yet and the days and months are fast disappearing from the training calendar.  Knowing her though it was just a matter of getting started and her mind will not let go.  I hope this is it!

As for me, been at it for more than a month now training 3x-a-week on weekdays with Coach Rio, Jay, Jojo and JunB.  With my left knee still bothering me,  I am still on the lookout for my next training shoes.    I hope the Asics I am waiting for will be a perfect fit.

Meantime, training goes on …

Got an email from Nike which caught my attention with subject title “Allow Yourself to Run Unleashed”.

I pictured a long, spirited run across picture-perfect fields with nary a care in the world or along a tree-lined perfectly asphalted road with the wind gently blowing against face (of course in my dream customized lunar glide+)!

I imagine a  100%, full-blast, surge on the road (riding my resurrected Nike Zoom Start)!

We wonder, what are people’s  idea of running unleashed?  It would be fun to know!

It was a hastily-organized race. Just two short weeks, in fact.  Nonetheless, trust RunRio to come up with a wonderful race still.

It was perfect! I believe that says it all.

RACE REVIEW:

.

1.  Over-flowing water and Gatorade

2. Prompt start with countdown

3. Energizing pre-race program  and warm-up exercises c/o Fitness First

4. Nice starting/finishline  set-up

5.  Sufficient marshalls and security men

6. Finishers’ certificate

7. Very nice singlet – simple design; not peppered with company logos

8. Portalets with tissue paper

9. Dressing room/tent for female runners

10. Nice post-race/awarding program

11. Cheap registration fee at P300 for all distances

It was a small race compared to other Runrio events in terms of number of participants as slots were limited BUT it was definitely large-scale in terms of planning, preparation and implementation.  It was just great!   The way Runrio races have become known to be.

start/finish line

grand stage

MY RACE EXPERIENCE:

With Jun helping out in the event, he was in the race venue earlier.  Good friends Jonas, Jenny and Lorey who are all running the 5k event picked me up at 4:30am and we all proceeded to MOA together.

After some stretching, I proceeded to the corral while my friends went to see Jun in the booth.  I particularly liked the warm-up session this time as there was a lot of space to move and really execute the exercises well.  I saw Inang and Dindo at the corral and we bid each other a good run when the countdown began.  Of course, Dindo (Running DATCom) and Inang sped on and I just took my sweet time especially during the first 2 kilometers.  Joy, my TBR Mara classmate saw me then and we ran alongside each other for a while and got a chance for some easy chat whining about how it is so difficult to get back to regular training. hahaha   It’s always nice seeing you, Joy!

I only got to run a 3k fun run during the  past 2 weeks but clocked in a PR 1.06.06 at this race.  Not bad.  Add to that a 10th place finish (10k female category)  and that’s truly not bad at all!

Furthermore, knowing that good friends got to enjoy running the same race adds to the overall good feeling! Go, go, go Jonas, Jenny and Lorey!

Oh, it was a pleasant surprise seeing Vimz (Kulit Runner) post-race. Glad you’re back racing again! Yahoo!

jenny, lorey and me

and take 2

well... just fooling around!

we almost forgot, it's jonas' turn!

It seems like I’m always at the races but I haven’t raced for quite a while.  That’s because I am wearing different hats when I’m at the races now.  I’m the pink sole’s personal photographer at times, family’s official  photographer at others and sometimes now part of the event’s organizing team.  I am not complaining though.  I am enjoying the different roles.  Rest assured, training goes on as usual.

For someone who’s not racing, he’s really the one consistently training.  Really, if I don’t get more consistent, i might find myself left behind in November. HUHUHU

Oh, race results are out now.  Click HERE to view.

See you at the next race!

‘ve often kidded about bringing my umbrella to the races.  The Blue Sole teases me about it, too, especially when i was very new to running.  I never thought i would actually do it until now…

and it wasn’t just me …

Umbrella-totting mommies and daddies ruled!

Couple friends Timmie and Edwin kept theirs on hand

Friend Atty. Dada leads the umbrella pack,

Some couldn’t be bothered with umbrellas and opted for raincoats instead…

Maricel Laxa with her Mom and GrandMom

While some couldn’t be bothered at all…

Doc Wally braving the rains

It was the  kind of race where anything and everything goes.

Some opted for stroller rides…

Others, even a bike ride…

Nia and Jaymie

For the Cruz girls, it was time to RUUUUUN!!!

Mikka going at it.

Sofia and Bea running ahead.

Run they did with new friends Lia, Elmo and Benoni…

Mikka and Lia introduced just before the race, became chickamates as they ran and took walk breaks together. Cute!

At the end of the race, the little one just waits for Daddy and Mommy to say…

Good job, Mikka!

What better way to enjoy a fun run than with family and friends …

The Cruzes with the Enriquez and Villanueva families, our new run recruits. Hope you enjoyed guys!

The Cruz girls

The Cruzes with Dada and Wally(background)

With the smiles fun runs bring on the kids’ faces, we’re sure to be joining many more …

Of course, after a fun-filled sunday morning run, time to re-fill our tanks for still a full day ahead with a hearty Pancake House breakfast …

Mikka awaiting her Pan Chicken - "I'm so hungry na Mommy"

Sofia and Bea with Daddy (Jun's only pic hee hee)

Our loving thanks to Daddy Blue Sole for all the pics! 

Till our next family fun run!!!

Love the pink hue of this shoe.  It’s so bright and alive and that combined with very light gray is just perfect. I wish though that the Swoosh logo isn’t just painted.  The white-painted swoosh looks a little cheap up-close. This would have been perfect had the old swoosh material been used instead.

This one looks nice and cool.  The blue hue is brighter than the blue and white of the old version.  Though the Swoosh logo is also painted, it doesn’t diminish the design and does not look cheap at all.  I suppose being black, one wouldn’t  notice that it’s just painted compared to the white paint which looked chalky.

Let me give you a picture comparison of the old and new versions to give you a clearer idea.

Version 1                                                           Version 2

Differences:

1. Swoosh logo

>> cut and pasted on the shoe           >>painted only

2. Swoosh background

>>   plain solid color                               >> transparent plastic-like material

3. opposite side design

>>   different from the outer side       >> same on both sides

4. Adjustable Side Fit

>>   present                                                 >> none

So, what do I think?   The differences are minor and does not really affect the overall look of this shoes i so love  BUT  I do think the painted Swoosh logo is a diminution of design quality.    I guess the painted effect on the transparent plastic material could somehow down-grade the look of the shoes depending on the color of the paint used.

Is it still worth buying?  Of course!  With the lunar glides’ comfort,  snug fit and support plus  great looks, it still is my running shoe of choice.

The National Basketball Association is on  a mission of promoting fitness and wellness via a 10-day series of events starting Aug 5 culminating in a running event at the MOA on Aug 14, 2010 aptly entitled “NBA Fit”.

Registration fees are most affordable at only P300 for all distances from 3k, 5k to 10k.  For a Runrio event, this is a steal!

What are we waiting for?  Register now until Aug 12, 2010 only at Fitness First, Mall of Asia and Runnr Store, Bonifacio High Street.  Only 2,000 slots available.

Come join the fun!

RACE PROPER

The pink sole and I planned to be at the race venue early as usual.  We picked-up our friend Melody and arrived in MOA well within schedule.  Everything was smooth-sailing as if a preview of how the race will be unfolding; a complete opposite of how our past couple of days were (click HERE to read how Inday turned our household topsy-turvy).  After some stretching and restroom break for the girls we proceeded to the starting line together with Jun Bisnar, Nuvali GM, and pink sole’s co-dream marathoner, who saw us by the car and joined us stretching.

We saw Annie at the corral and I thought I’d be in for a fast run.  I know how this friend of mine operates and I was pretty sure i will be eating her dust.  But lo and behold, she announces that she isn’t in the mood to run.  Whoa, now’s my chance!  Though in no mood to run, she was definitely in her best mood to heckle and heckle she did all throughout the race.  To her utter dismay, we finished the race at exactly the same time.  Super asar siya!!! WAHAHAHA  Ka-level ko na daw siya!  WAHAHAHA  It’s no PR run but  as Mariel would say, Alovet, alovet, alooooveeeet!  Peace Annie!

From a full mary, I gradually tried adding mileage after A 2-month serious running hiatus.  I’ve been enjoying fun runs with the kids, my sister, newbie friends and family as well as RUN924 family that it took a while before i was able to do 10k training runs.  Last Sunday was my first 21k run after my full mary last May.  Jumping from a 10k run to a 21k last Sunday made me a little anxious that my old discomforts would come back — ITBS and tight hamstrings.  None of them did which made my run all the more happy and fun!

This race was just simply amazing!!! It was evident that TLC (tender love and care) was applied in all aspect of planning and implementation in this race.   Runrio truly took good  care of the runners.   It’s one race you’d regret having missed if you did. The innovative registration, hassle-free race pack redemption, prompt race start, sufficient and clean portalets with tissue paper,  more than enough marshalls, over-flowing and cold water and powerade, ice-cold sponges, a bagful of freebies, nice post-race program/awarding and nice event set-up and of course, a handsome finishers’ medal, all made the Rexona Run 2010 a race worth joining.

Really, there’s nothing I want more except…  maybe some Haagen Daz???  hee hee hee

POST-RACE

Remember that old Rexona jingle?

“Rexona, won’t let you down!”

It truly didn’t!!! 

Congratulations Runrio and Rexona!!!

More, more, more races like this, please!