RunningAtom

Have you missed running on an unfamiliar ground and at the same time supporting a good cause? Here's a race that will get you hyped as it will set your foot running like a Stallion at the Xavier School grounds in Greenhills, San Juan.

What: Stallion Run - The 2011 Xavier School Runathon
When: July 10, 2011
Where: Xavier School Grounds, Greenhills, San Juan
Registration Date: started last April 1, 2011 up to June 30, 2011.
Distance Categories and Fees:
3K, 5K - Php 500.00
10K, 21K - Php 600.00

As the details are already in the poster below, just click the image so you can have it downloaded for more reading and information on registrations about the event.


For more details, check out The Stallion Run Facebook Page, or send an SMS at: 0917-500-6599

Last Sunday, May 22, 2011 marked the first year anniversary of my Full Marathon debut at the TBR Dream Marathon 2010. As I went back to the memory lane of that fateful day, I've come to realize that nothing much has changed, or rather, nothing much has improved in me. That was my first Marathon and it still is up to this very moment. What happened? I lost focus as I may say!

Mel and Jay

At the same time, last Sunday was also my first race under the summer heat and my first 10k also for this year. Yes, I know a lot of runners have already soaked and added more tan-lines, I did too, but not with running. My ultra-sensitive skin got burned during the trekking at Mt. Cabuyao and Mt. Sto. Tomas in Baguio last April, and during my family's three days getaway to Bohol last April. I really did escaped from the Metro's summer heat. My races and most of my run-trainings last April was treaded in Baguio where I also tried to find a re-route from the inner doodlings of my mortality - whatever it is!

Ok, going back to last Sunday (of April, no, just this previous Sunday of May - the 22nd), after more than a month of not having stepped at the BGC routes and having not greeted the sun's smiling face, there I'm back again on a road race for the Brooks Run Happy. Compared to May 22 of 2010, I was more than out of shape, out of fitness, out of preparation and training. A few nights before this race, I was "relaxingly worried" that my body might collapse before arriving at the finish line due to lack of runs, heat, and strength trainings. Add to it that I've been feeling some sudden chest pains for about three (3) weeks already. What's more funny is I even thought that I am registered to run a 15km distance that I almost got angry when I saw that my race bib was only for 10K. When I checked my registration form still attached to the race kit, I saw my own penmanship and check mark on the '10K' distance category. Mind boggling!

Jay with Team Logan, reminiscing their TBR experience

So just before we headed to the starting line, I decided to leave my hydration belt and just gulped 230ml from one bottle of my hydration. Anyway, my body has been trained for dehydration for the past few days as I kept forgetting to drink ample amount of water. I kept myself loaded though with alcoholic-calories! Bad runner ain't I?

In contrast, meeting some of my loyal fans - I mean friends during races makes me feel glad and renewed. The presence of Jay - Leo's cousin, Leo - who's been my constant running-buddy ever since I came back to running, Mish (together with her family) - who kept on inspiring me with her flattering greetings, and uhmm... nobody else around, just three of them this time! At the starting line, we've also met Team Logan (Craig, Justin, and Michelle) who's been my constant chatmates at every starting lines since the Eye Run 'coz I Care. I was also surprised to see Ms. Marcia Cruz of HDI Network (Bodivance) who braved her first 10K - nice meeting you again and congratulations for a strong finish, 1:11 - amazing for a first.

At the race proper, the 15K runners should have been already out from the corral at 5:30AM, unfortunately, for some reasons (as I heard the hydration stations have not yet been... stationed), they were released at around 5:50AM I think. And we, 10K runners were released after more than 8 minutes from the 15K runners' gun-time. Talk about racing under the heat. The yellow race singlet also stood out and added more intensity to the sun's yellow rays. As for the hydration, well, I'm really thankful that I got used to dehydration (but hey, this is not advisable) as I get to finish without needing much cold water or sports drink. I also cannot gulp much water since water feels heavier on the tummy, so I only gargled some to release my sticky-yucky-saliva.

Lack of marshals, kilometer markers, hydration, freebies -- I wasn't bothered much with the lack of these things. Maybe because my last two (2) races which were held in Baguio was also as simple as this one. I even remember all my first few races, the runners were not as demanding as today for these tidbits and perks. As long as we finish the race in good condition, it is already a great race. We would even expect that there will be "fatalities" during the race (lol) - such as limping towards the finish line, DNF (did not finish) for reasons of injury or quitting in the middle of the race, and etc. Self-sufficient - that's how I could describe the runners of before (sigh, my age is showing!). Anyway, there were still ample amount of not-so-cold Pocari Sweat for the runners at the finish line; loot bags with Nova biscuit and hygienix alcohol; and other sponsor booths which I have no longer get to visit. Every race is unique at its own, just like every individual runner is. I guess we need to learn that not all races are Rio-standard races. Also, expecting too much only breeds disappointments - true in every essence of life (even with love life, ask Papa Jack!).

Phenomenal friends from ARC Phils. - it's not just a Running store, it's a Runner's circle

In contrast, high points for Brooks for the medal, singlet, the registration fee, the 'Run Happy' advocacy, and for staging this event as fund-raiser for the Quezon Province Livelihood Bldg. Project under the myShelter Foundation hood.

Happy medals for everyone

Just before going home, we stayed for a while to partake with the free taho (3 cups of taho is equivalent to 1 cup of gatorade, just kidding!), witness (and hoping to be lucky) the raffling of Brooks shoes, and other more items from the different sponsors. Going home, me, Leo, and Sir Rene were still happy for another good run.

And oh, I also want to commend one of my previous 'ex' whom I met at the finish line (ex-officemate, silly you!) - Joyce Prestoza, and Rafael Patag - one of the Site Support of our office. So really glad whenever I see some friends or colleagues who have taken up running as one of their joyous habits.

Joy's first run with her friends.

At the starting line with Ms. Marcia

Photo credit to Greentennial Team

Race Profile:
Distance: 10 km.
Official Time: 0:55:12
Official Ranking: xx out of xx overall category Finishers

Race Info:
When: May 22, 2011.
Where: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Event: Brooks Run Happy 2011

Official race results can be viewed there ------------> over here.

Nobody can dictate us not to be happy. Happiness is a decision. - Dr. Aira

Mizuno Infinity Run: Conquer the Never-ending Challenge:

"Can you beat your time?"
"Can you beat your pace?"


This 2011, 5000 runners are expected to go up against their biggest challenge, the challenge of beating themselves.

True to its “Never Settle” philosophy, the Mizuno Infinity Run introduced an idea of a time trial when it started the “Beat Your Own Time” concept in 2009. In 2011 it has returned with a greater challenge for all runners out there. Mizuno shall have its first 21K course, replacing the 15K distance. This seeks to answer the runners’ demand for a longer, and a more challenging distance.

Mizuno Infinity Run 2011 presents the “Beat Your Own Pace” wherein distance shifters (from a lower to a higher distance) who are able to beat their previous race’s pace will be rewarded with a Mizuno Prestige Card. For same distance runners, they are also given the chance to win a medal if they are able to beat their own pace from the previous year.

Distance and Registration Fees:

21k - Php 800.00
10k - Php 750.00
5k - Php 600.00

Discounts:
Php 100.00 off of registration fees upon purchase of any shoes from the 2011 Running collection.
Php 50.00 off for Infinity Run 2010 participants upon registration.

Registration sites at all Mizuno branches, or online via Shopinas.com.

Gender-specific 2011 Race Singlet:


Men's (left) and Women's (right) actual singlet

Finisher's Shirt Design

Everyone are also invited to attend the Mizuno Infinity Run 2011 Expo where registered runners can claim their race kits, join the raffle, attend the forum with the athletes, and check out items on sale.

Ready to live active? Why don't you start running at the much awaited AKTV Run from Kapatid Network TV5 and Runrio - the Country's leading race organizer. This event will lead the introduction of AKTV - a new primetime sports block that will become the home of sports and active lifestyle programs of IBC Channel 13.

What: Aktv Run
Where: SM Mall of Asia grounds
When: June 5, 2011
Distance Categories: 3k, 5k, 10k, and 21k

Registration Details:

Registration period will be up until May 29, 2011 only at the following venues:

• R.O.X. – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn–8pm, Tel # 8564638)
• Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila(12nn–8pm, Tel # 556-0445)
• Planet Sports Trinoma – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City(12nn – 8pm, Tel# 9167451)

Registration Fees and Gun-start:

21k - Php 750.00 - 4:45 AM
10k - Php 600.00 - 5:35 AM
5k - Php 600.00 - 5:45 AM
3k - Php 450.00 - 5:55 AM

Race Singlet:



Medal for 21k Finishers:



For more information, visit the TV5 news portal.

After the product and media launch of BarefootWear Inc’s Vibram FiveFingers footwear last September 22, 2010, I have been alternately using the VFF Sprint between running (road run, vertical run, beach run), gym, casual walks, swimming, wall climbing, - and also apartment wall climbing (when I changed our ceiling lamp).

Photo courtesy of Jhong Medina

The farthest distance that I was able to run with my VFF sprint was a 21 kilometer steady run last December 2010, following the route from V.Luna to UP Diliman via Teacher's Village and C.P. Garcia, then to Lagro, Fairview via Commonwealth Ave. After this craze run, it only took me around three days before my calves completely recovered as compared to almost a week during the first few days of running on it and getting used to barefoot running with VFF.

Gray and Pink VFF (both available for Women size only)

Wearing a VFF compared to wearing a rubber shoe or running shoe on the gym during weight lifting sessions and leg-strength trainings also feels much better. I could move with much freedom, and I could also stretch my legs and feet much freely during the cool-down or stretching sessions.

Although I haven't tried yet the VFF sprint on trekking or mountaineering, it is still much better wearing a VFF shoe compared to trekking in pure naked-barefoot. Feeling the pebbles and small stones, as well as the ground's temperature doesn't really hurt that much, instead it feels therapeutic on the feet (free foot massage).

First VFF Sprint's run at Thunderbird Resort's Ondoy No More

As for wall climbing, well obviously, the toes of the VFF are big help to easily maneuver between each climbing holds (the colorful wall climbing component where we hold on to or step through).

Climbing the Wall obstacle during the Men's Health Urbanathlon and Festival 2010

At the 1st aNR 5th Sunday Run - sprinting on a VFF sprint

Since the VFF sprint doesn't cover much of the upper part of the feet, sands and small pebbles could easily get inside.

Beach side running on VFF Sprint

The long-term beauty that I could see for the VFF sprint is that, when the time comes that the sole have already worn out and can no longer be used for road running, it will still be very useful indoors such as when you are in a yoga class, weight lifting, martial arts class, and etc. All in all, the Vibram FiveFingers Sprint is a superb choice for an almost all-around activity, both indoors and outdoors.

Visit JustNoWings for a more comprehensive review.

If you've missed last year's very first Vertical Race at BGC, don't lose this one more opportunity to race your lungs at the 5-level parking ramp of the CVC Law Center that will surely add excitement into your usual running experience. If you think the 5-level parking ramp is easy for you, don't worry 'coz you will also scale the Kalayaan FlyOver prior to ramping on the parking level.

Click to download event poster

Read more about the event details:

What: Reebok ZigTech Run - Road and Vertical Race
When: June 5, 2011
Where: CVC Law Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Distance and Registration Fee:
5k - Php 550.00
10k - Php 650.00
15k - Php 750.00 (race distance with 5-level parking ramp vertical run)

Assembly and Gun Time:
15k - 5:30 AM / 5:45 AM
10k - 5:45 AM / 6:00 AM
5k - 6:00 AM / 6:15 AM

Registration Sites (from May 1, 2011 - May 31, 2011):

1. Royal Sporting House (Ali Mall Cubao, Robinson's Place Ermita)
2. Reebok (Festival Supermall, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Eastwood)
3. The Shoe Shop (Rockwell, Alabang Town Center)

Download Registration Form

Awards and Prizes:
Winners will receive Medals and Premium Items

Race Routes:

Last year, the End Hunger 2010 - Walk the World Philippines was held at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Brought to us by Unilever, TNT, and World Food Program (WFP), on May 29, 2011, thousands of people around the globe will again walk and raise awareness for the hungry children in some of the poorest Countries around the world.

Although I was registered for the last year's event, I wasn't able to attend due to unavoidable circumstances. And for this year, a schedule conflict got in the way, but I am inviting everyone for this year's another step towards ending hunger. Miss KC Concepcion - WFP's Ambassadress Against Hunger will also be present for the event (sigh! will miss her again!).

WFP and its partners are passionate about taking action on this important issue and believe that everyone can help by joining Walk the World Pilipinas as a step towards ending hunger.

WHERE: SM Mall of Asia, IMAX Parking lot
WHEN: May 29, 2011, Sunday, 5:00-10:00AM

This year’s Walk the World, which is set to be bigger than the previous years, is open to walkers and runners who are passionate about fighting hunger. In addition to the traditional 2-km walk, there will be a 5-km run for enthusiasts, both male and female, and a competitive 10-km group run. Proceeds from the event will support approximately 80,000 school children in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

Join Walk the World Pilipinas today – together we can end hunger.

It costs WFP just 10 pesos to provide a nutritious meal to a child at school. School feeding programmes also give parents an extra incentive to keep their children in school, and help to lay a healthy foundation for a better future for the young.

If you can’t join the walk in person, you can still get involved at http://wfp.org/walktheworld
with photos, videos and donations.

School Feeding in Piagapo Lanao del Sur

You may join by registering online or visit the following registration sites from 4 May to 28 May 2011 (unless slots have been filled up earlier):

1. ROX, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig
2. BratPack, Robinson’s Place, Manila
3. BratPack, Greenbelt 5, Makati City
4. Columbia, North Edsa, Quezon City
5. Columbia, Mall of Asia, Pasay City
6. Res Toe Run, Robinson’s Galleria, Pasig City
7. Res Toe Run, Gateway Mall, Cubao
8. The Travel Club, Trinoma, Quezon City
9. The Travel Club, Newport Mall, Pasay City
10. The Travel Club, Alabang Town Center, Alabang
11. The North Face, Building A SM Megamall, Pasig
12. The North Face, Mall of Asia, Pasay City
13. Sanuk, The Block, SM North Edsa, Quezon City

For the singlet, race route, event shirt, and other race details, please visit Walk The World Pilipinas.

Ms. KC Concepcion with the adorable children

Last Year's Walk the World - End Hunger Philippines

Here's another adventure race that will prep you up with your trail running gear. Last year, this was the same race that debuted my trail running experience, finishing 7th. That previous race marked so many memories, disappointment, punishment, and also a great challenge and experience (read more of the story here).


This year, Merrell will give us another experience of a lifetime with their second installment of the Merrell Adventure Run. And it will be held at Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal that will lead us through dirt roads, flowing streams, river crossing, rock scrambling, and uphill & downhill trails in a new but equally challenging & breathtaking race course.

RACE INFORMATION:
Date: June 18, 2011 (Saturday)
Venue: Timberland Heights, San Mateo, Rizal
Race Distances: 5K, 10K, 21K
Time: Assembly is at 5:00am for all categories. Race starts at 5:40 am (21K), 5:50 am (10K), and 6:00am (5K).

AWARDS AND RACE RESULTS:


Prizes will also be raffled-off during the program. The Race Bib number automatically qualifies each runner for the RAFFLE DRAW.

FINISHER’S MEDALS will be given after the race to the Top 20 finishers of 5K, Top 20 finishers of 10K, and all runners of 21K who finish the course before the 9:00am final cut-off time for all categories.

CERTIFICATES will be sent through email within two weeks after the race date to those who finish the course in their specific categories.

RACE RESULTS will be posted on Takbo.ph and the Merrell Philippines fan page.

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT:
Trail running shoes, Hydration pack/Bottle belt, Cap, Gloves, Running gaiters and Energy bar or gel, especially for the 21K runners.

REGISTRATION:
Download the MAR registration form from this link or get it at selected Merrell concept shops. Submit filled-out registration form with your fee from May 14 to June 14, 2011 at the MERRELL CONCEPT SHOPS listed below. Race Kits can be claimed June 1, 2011 onwards.

Also visit Merrell Adventure Run's facebook event page.

REGISTRATION FEES: (Inclusive of Race Kit and Race Singlet)
P500 - 5K / P650 - 10K / P800 - 21K

REGISTRATION SITES:
MARKET MARKET
G/F Space 23-24 Phase 8
Gaisano Market Market
Taguig City
Tel. no. (02) 836-1560

TRINOMA
Space 2128 M2
Quezon City
Tel. No. (02) 915-0197

FESTIVAL MALL
2/F Festival Mall
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel. No. (02) 659-3284

MARQUEE MALL
Nepo Ave. Angeles City, Pampanga
Tel. no (045) 304-0654
CONTACT PERSON AND RACE ORGANIZER:
Thumbie Remigio / thumbieremigio@yahoo.com / +63-915-687-2380 / +632-932-9071

Have you experienced or feel tired of running around? Well maybe not! People who have such passion with running surely never gets tired with the hundreds and thousands of steps we make each day from running or jogging. But sometimes, I know, like me, we feel that running is not enough. Thus we add some mileage or efforts to our trainings. Then again, after completing those additional challenge, we would still feel like it's not enough!


Whether you felt the same way as I did or not, but you think you're up to a new challenge or new outdoor activity aside from running, why don't you join me on June 4, 2011 for a great activity to loosen our leg muscles with the "Akyat Pinatubo" Blogger's climb for-a-cause? Yes the word "Blogger" is there but it is really open for everyone, blogger or not, runner or not, whatever your lifestyle is, you are all welcome to experience a day of trekking towards the spectacular crater of Mt. Pinatubo.

This event was conceptualized by LetsGoSago - a travel blog like our famous blogger-runner slash traveler-buddy-turned-celebrity JourneyingJames, the project aims to raise fund for the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan and is made possible through the following sponsors who took care of the tokens and raffle prizes (which will be surprisedly raffled-off for the participants):

• Jollibee
• Havaianas
• Starbucks Philippines
• Unilab
• Travel Factor
• Solid Hosting
• Blogger Manila

Event media will also be covered by the following partners:

• Nufffnang Philippines
• ChurpChurp Philippines
• Orange Magazine TV

Climb Itinerary (Day Tour):

Akyat Mt. Pinatubo Day Tour
June 4, 2011, Saturday
Tarlac, Philippines

03:00a - Assembly at Panay Avenue, Quezon Avenue MRT
03:30a - Departure to Capas, Tarlac
06:30a - ETA Tourism Office
07:00a - 4 x 4 ride to jump off point
07:30a - Start of 2-hour trek (can be shorter depending on the speed of participants)
10:00a - ETA crater; free-time, swim, explore
11:30a - Lunch break
01:00p - ETD to jump off point (2-hr trek)
03:00p - ETA jump off point; 4 x 4 ride back to Tourism Office
03:30p - ETA Tourism Office; wash-up
04:30p - ETD to Capas Shrine
05:00p - Side trip to Capas Shrine (if time permits)
05:30p - ETD to Manila.
* arrival time in manila may vary, but the ETA would be 9:00pm.

Excited much? Now you want to join don't you? Register now and grab this great chance to climb before the storm-alphabet increase.

Package rate will be Php 1,900.00 for the blogger-participants, and Php 2,300.00 for the non-blogger or guest participants.

Package Rate includes the following:

• Roundtrip Private Van/Bus Transfers
• 4×4 Vehicle to hiking trail (optional skyway)
• Local Guide
• Optional Skyway toll fee
• Conservation Fee
• Usage of Shower Area at Pinatubo Spa Town
• Sidetrip to Capas Shrine
• Pre-Event Briefing on May 20 (venue to be announced)

But wait, there's more to this package inclusions. Visit LetsGoSago.Net for more information about the raffle items, package rate details, how to join, Registration guidelines, Quick FAQ, and other updates.

I'm already registered, what are you waiting for? Eruption? Register now before it happens!

Most of the serious runners sprints towards the finish line while seemingly still full of energy during a race. It is the final few meters that they pour their last ounce of strength to break the heart of their contenders - ungracefully, lol! But is there a graceful way of finishing a race and breaking the heart of another podium-aiming runner? On June 5, 2011, there will be a race that is aimed to raise funds for Financially and Spiritually poor individuals. So as you sprint to the finish, the fund that you helped to raise will be a big help of grace to these beneficiaries.



Name of Event: Grace to the Finish
When: June 5, 2011.
Where: Cuenca Park, Ayala Alabang Village
Race categories: 3k / 5k / 10k
Assembly time: 5:15 AM
Target # of runners: 1,000

Beneficiaries:
Singles Encounter Weekend Retreat (a retreat aimed to give individuals a personal encounter with God)
Sitio Espeleta, Muntinlupa (a community of relocated informal settlers that is in great need of our generosity and support)

Registration fees (for all categories):
Individual – Php 500
Group of four – Php 400 each

Singlet sizes choices: XS – XXL (assurance of singlet size availablity is not guaranteed)
Race packet distribution: May 28-June 3
Goodies: Prizes await placers in all categories
Organizer: Singles Aposotolate of St James/ Powered by RunRio (sweet!)

Organizer's Update: This event have been moved from May 29, 2011 to June 12, 2011 - an Independence day run. Same time, same venue. Check out ProEventsWork's website for more details.

For those who are looking for a final trip and dip not far Northward, here's an event that will surely make racing and bonding with family, friends, or loved one adventurous at its essence. In celebration of Iba province's 400th year, the Municipal office of Iba, Zambales have come up with their very first fun run which offers four distance categories. The Run aims to promote the different tourism sites of Zambales as an alternative venue for vacation and recreation spot in Luzon.


The event does not only cover the fun run, but also the launch of the IBA, ZAMBALES prime tourism tours such as the MAGALAWA ISLAND, a naked white sand beach and the Mt. Tapulao, an 8,000 ft. above sea level virgin mountain perfect for trekking. This event also aims to promote and support the BAYBAYIN-BUHAYIN advocacy in aim to reclaim and revive our endangered Baybayin scripts.

In partnership with Iba, ZAMBALES local tourism and The Flying Shadows - an International Pilot's organization promoting the 1st AERO-SPORTS in the Philippines, tourists may experience high flying through micro-lites, paragliding, and extreme aero-sports exhibition in Iba, Zambales.

What: 1st Mayor Ad Hebert Deloso Iba Zambales 400th year FUN RUN
When: June 12, 2011
Where: Iba, Zambales
Distance Categories: 2.5k / 5k / 10k / 21k
Registration Fees:

• 2.5k - Php 350.00
• 5k - Php 600.00
• 10k - Php 700.00
• 21k - Php 750.00

Registration Sites:

• Vendez Tours - SM Center Las Piñas
• Victory Liner Terminals
• Bread of Life Office - 4F, Robinson's Metro East, Cainta
• Toby's - Festival Mall, Alabang
• Sabak - West Gate, Alabang
• Watch Republic - Robinson's Galleria
• Timex SM Baguio
• Playa Papagayo - National Hi-way, Bo. Barretto, Olongapo
• YMCA Olongapo - East Tapinac, Oval Center, Olongapo
• Iba Zambales Municipality Hall

Cash prize also awaits the 1st place finishers for both male and female category:

1. 5K cash prize - Php. 5,000.00
2. 10k cash prize - Php. 8,000
3. 21K cash prize - Php. 10,000.00

Trek at Mt. Tapulao

Virgin beauty of Magalawa Island

All finisher's of the 2.5k, 5k, 10k and 21k category will recieve a finisher's certificate. Awarding ceremony will follow right after the race to give the runners and their families time to enjoy and explore the beauty of Zambales.

If you’re well into the circulation of famous Marathoners and elite endurance Athletes, you might have heard of Marshall Ulrich, author of "Running on Empty – An Ultramarathoner’s Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-setting Run Across America", as the runner who purposely made his toes pulled-out. Yes, he just did that. Insane? Perhaps! But experts say that one of the quandaries that Ultrarunners face, such as Ulrich, are their toes. Battered toenails, blood pools beneath the nails which can cause pressure and pain, turns black and blue from friction and wear, fungal infections take roots in the nail beds.

But beyond toenails pulling, Marshall Ulrich is an ultrarunner like no other. I don't have any idea about the locations of his records, but all I could say, is he have such will and endurance that not many of the Runners has. He completed all six hundred-mile trail races in just one season; he champed the Badwater-146 four times; current record holder for the summit of Mt. Whitney; had done the Pike Peak Quad twice; ran across Colorado thrice; did the Leadville Trail 100 and the Pike Peak Marathon within one weekend; accomplished all nine Eco-Challenges; did the Badwater solo and without any aid, clambered the peak of Mt. Everest and other top seven summits on first attempts. His greatest feat of United States cross-country run from San Francisco to New York, and he conceded the struggles and regrets he had through his running years with his personal life.

An individual who went the course of a lot when he witnessed his first love suffered and lost, scared of facing his daughter with anguish, instead, he chose to run the other way to escape his reality. Love lost, and loved again, though because the misery and pain was never shared, another love was lost to a divorce. Despite of having three wonderful children, still, he kept on going, inflicting more challenges, reaching his personal dreams, breaking his physical barrier. Until he had found his new love.

Ultra Running, Ultra preparation, Ultra efforts!

His trauma of losing a loved one and nothing he could do was still there. When he lost his father and father-in-law to cancer and his friends within two months, the old role of strong facade happened again and yet again, running became his comfort zone. By the time his beloved wife, Heather, confronted him with the big "why?", why they have to go through the impending transcontinental run and another year of it, finally he told the truth and finally, she understood him and became one of his pillar of strength in his leg-breaking voyage.

Running on Empty is a sneak peak of the life of an Ultrarunner and what it will take to accomplish such feat. Clearly, family relationships often suffers because of times they are away from home, the solitaries and the stubborn self-reliance could take their toll, but if everything were open and priorities were the people you love, perhaps the curse of personal predicaments might be eluded (hmmnn... right on through my bossom!).

I have not yet finished reading the entirety of the book, but from the few pages that I came across, I could say that I admire his perseverance in his every endeavor - being afraid but still had the courage to face his faults and fears at the end. I would definitely recommend this book to all running fanatics and even to not so much of a fan because not just it has tips, medical advices, mind and body preparation counsels to be able to endure the challenges, but there are also a lot of lessons to be learned from the Author's personal experiences.