Jocks on the Run

Last night, another part of running history was forged with the airing of the first episode of RunRadio at the FM radio staion NU 107.5. Expectedly, we were there to provide our support to our friends Jaymie, Jay and Marga. This first-time exercise proved to be nerve-wracking for the three but Jaymie is still pretty as she tried to keep her calm and composure, Jay with his radio-perfect voice and Marga who was in her toes but always in cool command. It was really a blast, we did not even notice that an hour has passed.

There are a lot of things to improve and for sure the three learned a lot from this debut so expect better and much exciting episodes for the Fridays to come. What I have here are photographs that can speak for itself. For accounts on their first live Run Radio experience do watch-out for the posts of Jaymie, Jay and Marga at their own blogsites.

And to you three, congratulations and our best wishes! We’ll “hear” you every Fridays starting at 9 p.m. at NU 107.5. And oh, thanks for greeting us on-air! Yey!  😆

Jaymie and Jay on-air

inside the booth

the boss 😉

off-air piktyur-piktyur! 😉

jaymie, marga and jay

the supporters

from outside the booth

Group Shot - Bob, Jay, me, JunC, Marga, Nia, Jaymie, Anton, Miguel and Art

It’s About Time

Much have been said and written about the recent Globe Run for Home event. And in the recent past, much have also been written in criticism about FINISHLINE, about their handling of their races.

Vince and Coach Rio aside from race organizers and runners, are also a friend to many. I for one have been very lucky to be considered as such. Makes it really hard sometimes to read them being criticized or even sometimes bashed among various emails, blog posts. That is because aside from being their friends, we have seen how these two have been working on each event that they organize.

Both Vince and Coach Rio can only say so much in their defense. It is really great for Jay to post a blog post in defense or reply to everything that’s been said and/or written. I couldn’t have worded it that well. Read Jay’s (http:prometheuscometh.wordpress.com) “Before You Speak! Read On…” blog post to know more about what I am referring to!

Oh and haven’t I told you Vince, Coach Rio and together with the rest of the FINISHLINE staff (and Globe Telecom too!) – KUDOS to a good and memorable Run For Home race. Nobody could have delivered a race such as that any better. 😉

Thud! Thud!

According to Coach Joar, that’s the sound my b*tt made as I fell and hit the ULTRA tartan track b*tt-first while trying to do the sideways bunny-hop drill in between the orange cones… OUCH!

Session four accomplished with a lot of drills that tired me more than the actual run. Oh well, all these in an effort to improve the running me. I now have hurting shins, a painful “behind” and a happy disposition knowing that all these efforts will not go to naught.

’til next! 😉

Back To Basics

After missing the sound of the alarm early morning of yesterday, I thought I would not be able to do session three of my training comeback. But then, luck would have it that the Kobe Bryant event (thanks Nike and Ogilvy for this!) at the ULTRA will finish early and give me time to squeeze in one before the coaches gets busy with the Nike Clinic. 

back to training at last! me and coach joar at the ultra

I have been out of running training (and out of shape, as a matter-of-fact!) for several months now and have promised myself that once I return to doing it again, I would have to do so diligently. How? First, I have to decide on the time I will have to be at the ULTRA for training. Since work has been one of the major factors why I faltered during my previous training, I decided to schedule my sessions every five a.m., three days in a week. That means, I have to wake up not later than four in the morning for me to be able to arrive at the ULTRA by five. This seems to be a fool-proof schedule because (1) I wouldn’t have to worry if I have to stay at the office for an extended time, (2) I don’t have to fear being late for work because I have enough time left for me to go home, take a shower and prepare for work and (3) Training in the morning is a great way to jumpstart my day – I will feel refreshed and energized the whole day. Oh and to add to that, seldom does it rain on early mornings than it does at night.

Or so I thought! True, there were no rains (durin training at least), I haven’t been late for work because of this, I feel energized (hyper even!) after doing my first two morning sessions at the ULTRA and I can happily stay at an extended time at the office without having to worry and rush because I have to attend training. But boy, it’s the waking up at four a.m. or earlier that’s been the hardest challenge for me! Haven’t I mentioned several sentences up that I missed waking up on session number three?

Oh, but as I have psyched myself time and again, if you want it and you put your heart into it, there will always be a way. And so armed with that thought, I let the girl scout within me rule and prepared a set of running gear and stuffed it into my bag before I left for work. I will have to try and find time for training in the afternoon which I luckily did!

Training was practically a “back-to-basics” thing for me. Since I have been laid-off from training (and running per se) for an uncomfortable period of time already, Coach Joar concentrated on assessing my run – from my speed (or lack of it!), running form, foot strike, stride and the way I swing my arms. I have been doing it somewhat wrong all-over again! It’s high time really for me to correct all these of course. Hay!

I remember somebody asking me –  “Why do you train for running?”;  ” Do you train because you want to be an elite runner, one who competes and eventually wins in races?”; “Why would you need to train for running, isn’t it just as basic as walking?” – these and a lot of other questions some of which I just chose to answer with a smile.

I do running training because I have come to love running. Isn’t it that when you love doing something, it is but natural for you to want to learn how to do it right? And when you finally do it right, doesn’t it give you a certain high? Yep, running is a basic movement. Everybody from small children to senior citizens surely knows how to run. But then, I believe that there is a certain science to each basic movement that when you learn how to do and appreciate it, it will help you love what you are doing more. I am not aiming to be an elite runner, I just want to look good running. But if eventually I improve to be one, isn’t it a very sweet icing on the cake? 😉

For now, I am working to be one who feels and looks good running. I am trying, for one, to get back my balance and flexibility which drastically dipped due to non-training. Eventually Coach Joar and I will try to work on my foot speed – because I tend to run in a very leisurely pace, everyone who runs with me will eventually end up sleeping, lol!

There are a lot of other things that I need to improve upon and I am hopeful that in time I will. Meanwhile, I really do hope that I improve to become an early morning person, one that wakes up to the sound of the alarm and her husband’s nudge to finally get up and prepare for the day ahead. 🙂

See you early mornings at the ULTRA folks! 😉

RUNNR – The Grand Launch

It was a Friday (July 10) when I happily received an email from RUNNR’s Nicole Limon inviting me, together with a number of my fellow runner friends who blogs, to two “strictly by-invitation only” events which are both set to happen the following Friday, July 17. Two events in a day? Yep two! The first one, a Media Preview and Special Testing Day is scheduled on the morning from 8am to 11am and the second one, for the VIP Cocktails and formal ribbon-cutting ceremony befitting a grand launch for the RUNNR Store at 6:30 pm. As I was in sheer luck to have already scheduled a leave from the office on that day, I confirmed my attendance to both events.

RUNNR facade

Fast forward to events day— I woke up at around six a.m. to the sound of heavy rains. My initial reaction was to reach for my cellphone and send messages to Marga, Jaymie, Jay and JunC to ask if they will be coming to the morning’s Runnr event. I even went as far as sending Air Urquiola, Runnr’s Business Unit Director, an SMS to confirm if the activity is pushing through. Air confirmed. Jaymie and Jay both said that they will just be attending the launch at 6:30 p.m., Marga wasn’t able to reply and JunC was the only one who told me that he and Mariel will be at Runnr by eight a.m. I was really unsure at that point if I will be going. First – because the weather is too good to sleep on and last and most importantly, I was hesitant to travel by commuting – what with the heavy rains and flooded streets that I might pass along the way. But then, I remember having given my word to Nicole when I replied to her email and confirmed my attendance. So off I went to Bonifacio High Street, mindless of the difficulty I had hailing a cab. I am attending the Runnr event regardless of the heavy rains or flooded streets because I know I am bound to have a good time in the company of runner-friends who like me have looked-forward to this day.

SPECIAL MEDIA PREVIEW

the store opened especially in the morning just for the Special Preview and Testing day

Upon arrival at the RUNNR store, I was greeted by Marga who is having her breakfast, JunC and Mariel who are inside the store already, and Roe, Toby and a number of other RUNNR staff whom Marga and I already got to know since we first set foot into the store on “soft opening” day.

taken during our visit on RUNNR's soft opening day last June 12

After the initial greetings, introductions and pleasantries, Toby already encouraged me to either try the custom insole molding machine (Flashfit) or any of the CW-X apparels. At this point, Roe further explained that as a thank you gift, we are given a choice to avail of the customized insole or a CW-X apparel of our choice for free. As I wasn’t expecting any freebies of that sort, i told Toby and Roe that I prefer trying out the CW-X apparel. I also further explained that I already had the privilege of trying out the two technologies of the Footworx Fitting process namely the Footprint Scanning and Video Gait Analysis during Soft Opening day wherein results showed that I have a semi low-arch foot and a neutral/normal gait. As I am a runner with normal/neutral pronation its not that critical for me to try out the custom insole molding process anymore. Incidentally, Jaymie was able to share her experience of having her insole molded at RUNNR the night before the launch. Click here to read about it.

having my foot scanned

the results of my foot scan

results of my video gait analysis revealed that i have a normal/neutral gait

With the choice already made, I was presented with different types of CW-X Performance Conditioning Wear. I paid particular attention to the tights as these are the ones I am really planning on buying in the near future. As explained by Julius, each Tights collection (or any of the other CW-X apparels for that matter) provides targeted support to specific muscles and/or joints in the body. A quick look at the chart made me decide on getting the Stabilyx which provides the greatest support among all the available types. I excitedly told Roe that the CW-X is just right in time for road-testing at the Run For Home race on Sunday. Watch out for my initial feedback on my use of the CW-X tights on a future post.

RUNNR has this CW-X Comparison Matrix that serves as a guide to your choice of the best compression tights

the Stabilyx Compression Tights by CW-X

After I have fitted and confirmed my choice of a gift, I was approached by a Pancake House staff for my choice of breakfast. Oh, I tell you folks, I was already wondering at this point if the activity for the day is really a media preview and testing of Runnr featured products. I was having the idea that I am being given a “Runner Pampering Session” instead. But hey, I am not in any way complaining. In fact I am greatly and thankfully overwhelmed with the special attention. 😉

I had my breakfast together with Marga and JunC who both have finished theirs but chose to sit with me at the table and Toby who is about to take his breakfast at the same time as I am. Over meals, we had an animated chat of sorts.  Oh and by this time, Jay arrived out of our incessant prodding that he should and much to our delight. By the time we finished eating, Mark and Tiffin, Jinoe and Que and other runners who blog started to arrive.

Having achieved a quorum of sorts, the formal welcome and presentation already started with siblings Liz and Toby Claudio taking on the floor.

Liz welcoming all that attended the morning's activity/event

Toby's turn

Toby explaining to all attendees why RUNNR is said to be the first and only state-of-the-art running specialty shop in the country

As explained to us, the Runnr Store concept was borne out of Toby’s Sports founders, Bobby, Jojo and Toby Claudio’s realization that running is not just a trend but a new way of living. They have thought of opening a running specialty store with all manner of runners in mind. A store that brings together a number of great running gear brands, customized footwear and also reliable running-related advice.

There are a lot of things that RUNNR has in-store for us runners. To know more about these, click here to download the Announcement Release and here for the Feature Release.

photo-op with Toby, runner-bloggers and Mizuno and Adidas reps

Liz, Que, Nicole, me, Roe and runner-blogger

The morning ended with several photo-ops and lively chit-chats from those present. Each one going home with their mind and heart full of knowledge about what great things are at hand for runners at the RUNNR store, a tummy full of a hearty Pancake House breakfast and hands full of either a CW-X apparel or a Customized Insole, a coupon bearing a special 50% discount for a possible Newton running shoe purchase or a 30% discount on any other brands to be purchased within the store and a Runnr loot bag with lots of goodies inside. Oh and of course, the reminder not to forget to attend the launch at 6:30 p.m.

our loot bag's contents 😉

And hey, what about the rains? To hell with the rains. Nobody even worried and took notice of it anymore. Maybe it’s there to serve as a shower of blessings, not to dampen everyone’s high spirits. 😉

GRAND LAUNCH

If the morning’s activity is to serve as a preview/prelude of things to happen at launch night, we are to face one great party. One that will be worth siblings Toby and Liz’s and their staff’s sleepless nights.

inside the jampacked tent! oh, what a launch it is!

We were correct. Upon arrival and entry to the party tent set-up just in front of the store, we were given a baller band to serve as our entry badge to the event and race bibs, with our name and a number to serve as our raffle number. We were also made to pose for a picture with a Runnr tarp as our backdrop. Cool! It’s just like what happens when you attend a movie premier or an award’s night ceremony. Of course, I gave the sweetest smile I could sheepishly muster. 😉 The kulit in me felt shy at that moment, realizing the number of VIPs I am slowly recognizing to be inside the tent.

the girls had their hair down, no ponytails this time! 🙂

and the boys had their hair, oh alright their hair was fine as it is! 😉

The event was filled with VIPs and celebrities from almost all industries – business, sports, media and show business. There were celebrity runners, triathletes and coaches, sports doctors and what have yous. And of course, there were my runner-blogger friends, each a celebrity in their own right – Jaymie of the The Bullrunner fame, Jay who is soon to be a Running-DJ, Ben, our Photog-on-the-Run, Bards and Dindo who are marathoners, Dingdong, our very own running doctor, Tin, who looks great in her phueys, JunC and Mariel of the Solemates, Jinoe and Que of the takbo.ph community and of course, Marga our dear friend and RunRadio executive producer.

my celebrity friends: Bobby, Pol, Jun and Mariel, Ben, Miguel, Dingdong, Jaymie, Bards, Tin and Dindo

It was a party alright, what with cocktails that include delicious and healthy canapés and drinks – uh-oh, there were no liquors though. Drinks are everyone’s favorite Gatorade, bottles and bottles of it!

the programme was hosted by Ms. Reema Chanco

Toby Claudio delivering his piece

The program, as hosted by pretty Reema Chanco was started with a video-presentation about Runnr, a speech from owner Toby Claudio himself, a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Fernando Zobel de Ayala together with celebrities Tweety de Leon and Karylle and a raffle which includes running gears, running shoes of various brands and Polar watches and heart rate monitors as prizes to name a few. The raffle happened while the VIPs were taken inside the store for an exclusive tour. After the exclusive cocktails, the party was opened to the public wherein the first one hundred registrants were able to pick a prize consisting of various running-related items. There were also a raffle and games and the announcement of the five lucky winners of the running shoes as a result of the contest published on Runnr’s facebook account.

inside the store with harry, marga, dingdong, bards, me, dindo, toby and jay

this time with Nicole and Air of Runnr (in white tops bearing the Runnr logo)

It was clearly one launch that everyone will never forget. Us most of all who not only got overwhelmed with our freebies and two loot bags (yep! we received two – one from the morning’s event and the other one after the launch!) but also from the warm reception and treatment that we received from the Runnr staff and Toby Claudio himself.

one last photo with Toby before calling it a night

Congratulations, thank you and best wishes to RUNNR. Here’s looking forward to sharing great running experiences with you.

The Runnr Staff - Roe, Boy staff 1, Julius, Sandy, Boy staff 2, Nicole, Erica, Toby and Liz

For more information, you may visit the RUNNR at building B3 of Bonifacio High Street or log on to http://www.runnr.com.ph. RUNNR can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

More event pics here and here. 😉