Runner’s World Philippines April to June 2012 Issue

A little over a week ago, there have been a short but intense issue about runners being labeled by non-runners as “undisciplined” due to the paper cups littering incident that happened in one early Sunday morning race. Much have already been said about it with both sides presenting valid arguments. Bottomline is, we runners may really still have a lot to learn and practice in as much as runner discipline/etiquette is concerned. 

And as if taking a cue from this incident, the first-anniversary issue of Runner’s World Philippines, the April to June issue, with coach, multi-sport athlete and new mom Ani De Leon on the cover, comes out with a feature that we may all learn from – an article about Runner Etiquette.

The feature lists and explains 12 key points that runners must follow so that running can be a very enjoyable experience not just for some but for everyone. Can I just say that I was pretty excited to see this article since I have a very small participation on the form of a commentary on the yellow box? That’s second in a row for me folks (first was a feature on the Jan to Mar 2012 issue).

Aside from this very timely feature, there are a lot of must-read articles that makes this edition one of the best issues ever. There’s this feature on weight loss  (The Golden Rules of Weight Loss), injury prevention (The Laws of Perpetual Motion), must run spots in the Philippines (10 Runners 10 Cities) and my favorite – running facts/trivia (The Best of Running). 

As I read through my copy, I can’t help but smile when I came up to reading the “Runner’s Commentary” portion. Almost all of those who sent in their feedback regarding the January to March 2012 issue said that the article they liked the most was the “Run, Blog, Inspire” article which featured some of the running bloggers in the community (including yours truly!).

The April-June issue of Runner’s World Philippines, now available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide for P150. For more of Runner’s World online, become a fan on Facebook viawww.facebook.com/runnersworld.ph and on Twitter via www.twitter.com/RunnersWorldPH.

Kulitrunner and other Runner-Bloggers in Runner’s World Philippines

Runner's World Magazine Philippines, Jan-Mar 2012 issue

Issue number 1 for year 2012 of the Runner’s World Philippines magazine is a very special one for me! Aside from it being a “Marathon Special” issue featuring tips and advice on running your first marathon and on getting and staying fit, it has for its Special Feature, a full page each dedicated for eight (8) runner bloggers! And yep, that includes me and this blog!

RW's special feature on running bloggers

The section says that it is featuring the “runners behind eight of Manila’s most viewed running blogs” –  a “passionate bunch who takes running and blogging very seriously” and who “inspire, educate, inform and add a lot of fun to the local running community”. Naks naman! 

NOW IT CAN BE TOLD

Sometime during the latter part of 2011, I surprisingly received an email from contributing writer/photographer, Ms. Monica Barretto asking if I would agree for me and my blog to be featured, together with a number of other running bloggers, in Runner’s World Philippines. I honestly had to re-read the email repeatedly as I really can’t believe it at first.

You see, I only have my occasional shot at “print media fame” via Jaymie’s The Bull Runner magazine and Tanya Lara’s Crazy Quit column at the Philippine Star. And mind you, aside from the obvious that they are my friends, (reason why I probably was there in print in the first place – love you Jayms and Tans! hehe!), those instances where my face, name or even blog site saw print was because there was a feature about runners, a race or our group of running friends. Never was it particularly zeroing on just “me” or “my blog”.

That was why, I had to let a day or two pass before I can send Monica a reply. I have thought and decided, that Yes, if somebody believed that I am worth a page in print, then there is no reason why I wouldn’t believe the same too. I said yes, agreed on a particular shoot schedule and began with the task of answering the questionnaire sent for the feature article.

A LOT OF HELP FROM MY FRIENDS (oh and Boss too!)

The shoot will have to happen in our workplace to see the other side of us beyond running and blogging. I had to nervously tell my boss about this and ask for approval for this shoot to take place. I carefully took special note on how I will have to explain to her that no work operation will be disrupted. I was really so lucky that I need not have to beg for approval, my boss was even as excited as I am upon learning about it. (whew! Super thanks Boss, you’re the best! #nopenotsipsip!)

I also told a select number of friends about this and they excitedly gave me tips and ideas on what to do. My good friend from Skechers, Brand Marketing Manager Bernice Bobadilla, even went as far as sending me a new pair of Skechers shoes for the shoot. Not that I do not have any running shoes (of course I have, I am a runner! ), but isn’t it really like your birthday or Christmas photo that you should look good and have new kicks on your feet? For this shoot, I did!

Next problem, my top! I wouldn’t want to wear anything sleeveless and let the whole running community in Manila/Philippines that I have got legs on my upper extremities! But then again, I only have running singlets and I wouldn’t want to wear cotton shirts too! So here comes another friend, Bilog of http://www.mountainbike.ph to the rescue! I have this oh so cool “Padyak Maynila” mtbiker’s jersey but I am unable to wear it anymore ever since I gave birth (I still have an on-going battle with the great bulge!) so I had to ask her is she has still on sale an extra at the size one step larger than what I currently have. Luck will have it that she has one and so problem solved!

My shoot will have me featured as a runner wearing my favorite Padyak Maynila mtbiking jersey – I get to show that as much as I am a runner, I also love mtbiking as my other active sport.

THE SHOOT

Before the shoot, I had to be made up (thanks Cats Del Rosario!) – hair and face – just as like I was to go to a party. I will never forget that this make-up session was the time that I will finally oblige to have my upper lip’s hair removed because “it will show in the pictures”. After saying a quick prayer that I hopefully will not look funny without that upper lip hair that me and everyone I know have gotten used to already, I consented! You know what folks, I actually look ok, nothing much have changed except for I actually look good. Cats really is a fine make-up artist – I got her card and vowed to get in touch with her if ever I need to have such service soon!

That was Cats, having the very first honor of getting rid of my upper lip hair!

The actual photo shoot was a breeze but actually kinda difficult. It is hard to always give your best and most natural smile without feeling tired. For the first time, I felt tired smiling! I had a mental note to self: “For these photoshoots, I will have to declare that it isn’t easy to be a celebrity” and that I will not be mean to celebs who will have to beg of with photo-ops after sometime. It is really not that easy. But hey, don’t get me wrong, IT WAS FUN! I get to learn what my best angle in pictures are and a lot of “posing tips”. 

Monica working her magic at photography (this pose did not make it on print!)

were the pictures good?

had to rearrange the table to make it look good

We had to pose for several different poses and hope that the best one will be the one to make it on print. Luckily, as I reviewed the shots with Monica, most were great shots. Monica’s an awesome and patient photog. l would actually give an arm (okay, that’s an exaggeration!) to have at least one copy to keep as a memento of this fine moment.

before the shoot is done, I just had to have this souvenir shot with Cats, Monica and their assistant (sorry forgot his name!)

AND NOW IT IS OUT

I'm on page 76 folks!

I had to stay discreetly excited when January 2012 began, secretly checking out FB for updates on the release of the said Runner’s World Jan-Mar 2012 issue. Of course I am EXCITED! Who wouldn’t be?

The day that the magazine was out in bookstores and newsstands was the day that I and a number of other blogger friends were to attend a product launch in the BGC area. After the launch, our group had a side-trip to Fully Booked BHS to check out the mag and for me to grab 3 copies (one for me, my sister and my sister-in-law who kept on reminding me to get her a copy). Surprisingly, my blogger friends each got their own copies too. Awww, I was touched! (but I am never signing those magazines, i am really, really not! hehe!).

I just finished reading the page of each featured bloggers – Jaymie (the Bull Runner), Dennis (Running Pinoy), PatCon (Running Shield), Noelle (Kikay Runner), Sir Rene (Jazzrunner), Jinoe and Que (Takbo.ph) and Cheryl (Little Running Teacher). I can say that super-duper liked what I saw as the feature put the runner-bloggers in such a pretty sight – where readers can see into how much into running they really are and probably for some, to get to know that there is a blog such as ours. 

It is truly an honor to be featured among the seven of this top runner-bloggers in an internationally franchised-magazine such as the Runner’s World. I may not be truly deserving of it in other people’s opinion but if the people behind the publication think that this blog really does inspire, inform and educate then I am really so grateful of that recognition. Shows that whatever I am putting in this blog is oh so worth it.

Lastly, I would like to thank the people from Summit Media, Runner’s World especially to Ms. Monica Barretto for this feature, to Ms. Cats del Rosario for making me look good for the shoot, to the good people of Skechers Philippines for my shoes, to Jenny Arce of Mountain Bike PH for my jersey, to Ms. Dada del Carmen of FPTI for the approval to use my office for the shoot and to my good friend Gian Amurao for doumenting the shoot for me with pictures. Thank you! 

If you are interested to see the special feature on us bloggers, you can grab a copy of the Jan-Mar 2012 issue of Runner’s World Philippines from bookstores and magazine stands all over the Philippines with awesome couple Noy and Amale Jopson on the cover. The said issue also comes with a complimentary arm-band/gadget holder. 

Cheers!

After Office Treats and Tips

After having a yet again long but fulfilling working day outside, I find myself coming back to the office with a surprise treat —

Women's Health Sept Issue with Glee's Lea Michele on the cover out now

The latest issues of Women’s Health and Runner’s World Magazine! With interesting topics such as eating more and lose weight (WH), hot fitness classes (WH), taping (RW), decoding foot problems (RW), best drink for runners (RW), fitness test and tips to finding that perfect shoe (RW), I can’t wait until i get home, lie on our comfy bed with my reading light turned-on and read the two magazines. Really a perfect after-office treat!  With all the tips and information available in this ish, I am sure I will wake up tomorrow with an even greater desire to lace up and run.

Grab your copies now of Runner’s World Magazine, it still comes with every issue of either the Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazine.

THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Runner's World Sept. issue out now with every Men's Health or Women's Health Magazine

Find the right running shoes for you

Every runner is different and has unique needs when it comes to footwear.  The good news is running shoes come in a wide variety of shapes and styles to suit the different kinds of runners, but what kind is right for you?  This September, Runner’s World magazine Philippines made your search easier with its Shoe Buyer’s Guide!

It is so important to know what shoes to choose because the right pair can prevent injury, maximize your performance, and make running enjoyable and pain-free.  Do you need a stability shoe, a motion-control shoe, or a cushioned shoe?  Real runners road-test the shoes we have in the market today and recommend which foot type goes with which pair of shoes. Runner’s World also lets you in on what footwear should feel like on your feet to guide you as you choose your new pair of shoes.

The September issue of Runner’s World also helps runners step up their training with different sets of workouts for veterans and amateurs alike – all in only six weeks.  These workouts, although meant for short-distance races, can actually also prepare runners for marathons and improve their overall performance in long runs.

Want to know how fit you are? Take the battery of nine tests we have in this month’s issue that measure your strength, flexibility, balance, joint mobility, speed, endurance, and cardiovascular strength. The September issue is also packed with healthy food choices for runners, tips on treating common foot problems and tricks to avoid running injuries.

The latest issue of Runner’s World with actress, TV host, and runner Iza Calzado on the cover is available exclusively with every copy of Men’s Health and Women’s Health this September.  Follow Runner’s World on Facebook (www.facebook.com/runnersworld.ph) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/RunnersWorldPH).

Many thanks to Summit Media’s Ro Manalo for my copies. *hugs*

Runner’s World First Philippine Issue OUT NOW

The very first issue of the Philippine edition of Runner’s World magazine with Coach Rio Dela Cruz on the cover is already out in the market. Read on the official Press Release below.

Runner's World Philippines April 2010 Issue

Runner’s World comes to the Philippines

For runners, running is not just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. More attitude than action, running is about being alive and well. As more and more Filipinos get into the habit of running, Summit Media brings to Philippine shores this April the leading voice of running worldwide—Runner’s World.

Runner’s World is a lifestyle magazine that will inform, advise, and motivate runners of all ages and abilities. It appeals not just to men and women who are already into running, but also to those who may just be thinking about taking up the sport.

Published by Rodale International, Runner’s World is the world’s leading running magazine and has 16 international editions worldwide, with the Philippine edition being the very first in Asia. It aims to help runners achieve their personal health, fitness and performance goals by inspiring them with helpful articles, encouraging stories, and practical tips on running. Editor-in-chief Marie Calica says, “We’re packing every issue with as much up-to-the-minute information on training, injury-prevention, nutrition, and inspiration to help you find your way through this exciting sport.”

The premiere issue features four-week training programs for every runner—beginners can find out how to run their first 5K, while those who are already into running can learn how to stay in shape and run their best 10K. Find out also how you can run farther than ever without getting hurt and discover new solutions to the common arch problem that runners encounter.

Featuring running coach Rio Dela Cruz on the cover, the first issue of Runner’s World is available exclusively with every copy of Men’s Health and Women’s Health this April.

The April 2010 issue of Men's Health and Women's Health magazines with Carl Guevarra and Anne Curtis respectively, on the cover

Reading & Running

These are two of my interests. If it is time for me to be a couch potato, i usually read – a lot. But then reading time has been relegated to the sidelines in favor of my current “flame” which is being at the outdoor and more often, running.

Lo and behold! I lately have found time to reunite with my readables because every night after training, I usually find it hard to get some sleep – training making me too hyper as if i am not it already! What I do is read until I feel sleepy. 

One of my favorites and i think my best buy as of yet is this running book by Amby Burfoot – the “Runner’s World Complete Book of Running”. I got this book on sale at the National Bookstore sometime in 2007 as tipped to me by Gold’s Gym PT (now Fitness Manager of their Wilson Branch),  Boyet Trinidad.  At the price of a little over a hundred pesos, the book was a real steal. Oh, it is published in 1997 pa but the topics in the book are still worth the reading time. It is good because it doesn’t overwhelm me with a lot of technical stuff ( though it has a good number of it) and a lot tips and facts are laid not just to educate but to inspire and motivate as well.

the book comes in hard bound and paperback copies. I got the paper back.

Thanks to the book, i have learned :

1. That as a beginner runner, it is ok to start with a simple and realistic approach. A walk/run program is acceptable and that you just have to add some determination to progress from there.  Anybody can walk but those who run can because they have the determination to do it.

2. Oprah Winfrey  achieved her goal of losing weight, was able to run her first full marathon without walking because she trained hard and most importantly, she trained hard because she never stopped believing in herself.  If Oprah can do it, so can we. The secret to it is just believing we can.

3. The most important piece of equipment we need in running is our running shoes.  But we should be able to pick the perfect one for our feet because running , while being a simple sport that anybody can do, forces our feet and legs through a fairly complex series of movements. And oh, a possible cause of shinsplints is the poor choice of running shoes.

4. The more weight you lose, the faster you run. The faster you run, the more you lose weight. Hmmm, Law of physics! So by now, people who know my body type can failry judge how fast (or slow is a more appropriate term) I run!

5. Running doesn’t make women’s breasts sag or make the uterus collapse. These are myths! In fact, the book says that running tightens and firms all the muscles it uses, so in effect, it even prevents sagging rather than cause it. Keep this in mind girls! I certainly did!

I can go on and on about what other points I was able to pick-up from the book. In fact i have yet to read half of what it has but what I have read so far already gave me a whole lot of new and useful information.  Which got me to thinking, i should have been reading it instead of blogging about it! lol!

If you are into running and reading is also one of your interests, I suggest you try to get hold of this book because it is worth it. And maybe, just maybe, you will be lucky to get a new and updated edition. If you do, tell me ha!