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How would you like to end your October, or begin your November with a nature-friendly run at the University of the Philippines Los BaƱos?


I remember the first time I raced at UPLB last year during the Biodiversity Run, I never thought it would be a very challenging route to Makiling from the UP Forestry with such scenic trees around. This time, the same organizers is inviting us to join another fun, and nature-advocated UPLB race - the Sapphire Run. So if you want a turn from the usual BGC / MOA / Ortigas / UPD race routes, here's a good chance for you to also enjoy the scenic views of UP Los BaƱos.

Read more about the race details below.

What: Sapphire (Save And Protect Philippine Resource Ecosystem) Run
When: 30 October 2011, 5:00 AM
Where: UPLB Baker Hall Grounds, Los BaƱos, Laguna
Race Categories and Registration Fees:
     3K - Php 270.00
     5K - Php 320.00
     10K - Php 370.00

Registration Sites:
  1. UPLB Baker Hall Grounds
  2. Online: https://www.facebook.com/sapphire.run.october.30.2011?sk=info
  3. MacRunners Sports Inc. - 2F Penny's Bldg., cor. Nat'l Highway, Bangkal St., San Antonio, Los BaƱos, Laguna
Race Maps:

Race Singlet:

Activity Area Layout:

Awards/Prizes:

Leave a comment below and the lucky commenter will get a free race kit of your choice distance category which will be announced on the 14th of October, 2011.
Read More “UPLB Sapphire Run - Get Free Race Kit”
9/27/2011 09:27:00 AM

Adobo Run After Dark

Memories of my first Halloween run (in costume) from last year's ARC Halloween fun run (check our photos here) is still vividly lurking and horrifying my honor up to this moment (lol)! I never thought that I could put myself at such state of shame at the streets of Roxas Boulevard and CCP during that afternoon and delightful fun with the ARC people and some Runners.

Yet thinking back from now, it feels relieving that once in my life, I gave in to some risks (of getting caught by Policemen due to public indecency/scandal) and challenges that is still giving me a great smile whenever I remember those days! One more great thing that happened after that event was that, I garnered a lot of facebook friends - which later on made me decide to separate my facebook account for running due to those shameful photos of mine, lol!

Halloween Fun run with ARC, 31Oct2010
On October 29 2011, a Halloween race is set to stage at the Aseana City in Macapagal Blvd. For all of you who wants to dare yourself on a night run + a costume run, here's your chance to lay bare your halloween costume fantasies. This is only a once a year opportunity to do so, so I urge you, to please, follow my footsteps so that we could all laugh together at the end of the day (oh, I won't be doing it this time unless there's a big cash at stake, lol!).

Read on for more about the race details:

What: Adobo Run After Dark Fantasy Run
When: 29 October 2011
Where: Aseana City, Macapagal Blvd., Pasay (near MOA)
Registration Fee: Php 750.00 (all categories)
Event Principal: Adobo Magazine, organized by Crush Communications

Race Categories and Gunstart:
     8:10 PM - 15K
     8:20 PM - 5K
     8:30 PM - 3k Costume Run

On-line Registration: Sep 1 to Oct 23, 2011 *delivery of race kits starts on Oct 3, 2011

Manual Registration: Oct. 3 to 23, 2011 (download registration form here)
     Runnr Trinoma, Toby’s Megamall, R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street

Race Registration Inclusions:
Race singlet, Runningmate Timing Chip, Bib Number, Finisher’s Certificate, Loot Bag, Party Stub, Finisher’s Medal (for top 500 15k & 5k runners, respectively)

(Note: Registration may end earlier, subject to race slots availability).
Singlet Design
Top 500 5K & 15K Finisher's Medal
Loot Bag
Race Routes:

For more details, visit Adobo Magazine's website.

Leave a comment below and the lucky commenter will get a free race kit of your choice distance category which will be announced on the 14th of October, 2011.
Read More “Adobo Run After Dark”
9/26/2011 09:26:00 AM

Run With Sony Walkman W262

Many of today's runners prefers running while listening to music as it gives them the push and the beat that they need specially for long runs. Some songs also gives motivation and inspiration to push through when you feel so low already and there's no one near to cheer you up.

When I started running back in the uhm... late '90s (I was still 5 years old that time, promise), not a single runner carries a music player. Imagine yourself running while carrying a walkman clutched on his waist or arms with big headphone on his ears? Well that was back in the '90s. But when the MP3 players and other mobile music players came into the society, these friendly gadgets are already one of the "needed" items for some (if not most) who do their regular workouts.

The first time I had an MP3 player with me also was back in 2009 with the Philips GoGear SA2825, which is really light and small. Unfortunately, the wires tangling on my back or on my side, with sweats going down on it, and earphones getting slippery because of sweat makes it unfriendly to use while running and mostly disturbs my seriousness and focus on the race (yeah I'm a serious runner... sometimes... mostly... sometimes). I only carried that MP3 player with me for about two or three races and never did it happened again. The life of that gadget ended when my brother accidentally sat on it.

It's a good news though when Sony launched the Walkman W262 last September 16-18, 2011 here in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia. I first saw this product on May 2011 from one of my running buddy, who purchased the gadget from Singapore. Now we don't have to go to Singapore as what he did just to own a stunning lightweight, waterproof, and stylish wearable music player not only when running, but also in the gym.



During the product launch, I get to try wearing one of their model unit, though it feels awkward for me to be running alone around the mall, I just tested how runner-friendly it was by jumping a few times while in front of a mirror - and so I proved that this gadget is really... jumper-friendly (just kidding).

Another feature of the product that I liked most is it being water-resistant and washable, making it an ideal sports buddy (well, most of my running buddies aren't water-resistant, but they're also washable).

Okay enough with the story telling, so to give you more idea of the new Sony Walkman W262, here are the product features and specifications:
  • 2GB capacity
  • Trendy duotone colours, wireless and wearable design
  • Compact Size - Compact earpiece ensures a snug and comfortable fit
  • Water-resistant and washable feature
  • Drag-and-Drop function and ZAPPIN™ feature
  • 8 Hours Battery Life (Quick charge : 3 minutes charge for 60 minutes play back)
Technical Specs:
  • USB microB connector / Hi-Speed USB (2.0)
  • 5+5mW (16 ohms/mW) Maximum Power Output
  • Built-in Li-ion Rechargeable Battery / USB power (from a computer via a USB connector)
  • USB-based charging
  • Approx. 1.5 hrs of charge (Quick Charge - 3 min charge for up to 60 min Playback)
  • Weighs only approx. 32g
  • Clear Audio EX Headphones
  • ZAPPIN™ Feature (Short / Long / Folder Skip search methods)
File Formats Supported:
  • MP3 Audio Bit rate: 32 to 320kbps (Supports variable bit rate (VBR)), Sampling frequencies: 32, 44.1, 48kHz
  • WMA Audio Bit rate: 32 to 192kbps (Supports variable bit rate (VBR)), Sampling frequencies: 44.1kHz
  • AAC-LC Audio Bit rate: 16 to 320kbps (Supports variable bit rate (VBR)), Sampling frequencies: 8, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48kHz
  • Linear-PCM Audio Bit rate: 1, 411kbps, Sampling frequency: 44.1kHz
Some Product Photos:
Four colors to choose from
Closer look
Actual Size
The most amazing feature
"From strutting to running: Stylish enough to complete a look and tough enough to be the perfect marathon companion – that’s what the new Walkman NWZ-W262 series is."

For more information, you may visit Sony Philippine's Website.
Read More “Run With Sony Walkman W262”
9/24/2011 04:26:00 PM

Skechers ProSpeed at First Glance

Who would've thought that Skechers - the second largest footwear brand in the US, would be evolving rapidly from casual and fashion shoes to athletic line of shoes catering the vast age groups on the athletic industry with their Skechers Shape-Ups and Skechers Resistance Runner?

Back in the late '90s to early 2000 where I think as far as I remember, was the time when Skechers made their landing here in the Philippines, I was eagerly excited then to see and have a pair of a Skechers shoes. Unfortunately that time, the stocks and designs that were made available in the stores did not capture my attention nor my "ocular" standard. I don't know why, but it seems to me that Skechers wasn't really my foot's brand.

Then last March of 2010, I first saw the start of their evolution to fitness industry as they introduce the Skechers Tone-Ups and Shape-Ups at the BDO Race for Life.

And just a week ago, 16 September 2011, I never knew that Skechers has been really serious about their Fitness campaign as they launched to the Bloggers, another shoe product from the "Skechers Resistance Runner" group that this time has captured my attention - the Skechers ProSpeed - an evolution from the Shape-Ups shoes.


A few minutes after my arrival at the Skechers Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City, I was able to try the Skechers ProSpeed for about three to four minutes at the treadmill. I didn't get to read or research about this product beforehand, so my observations after the treadmill test of the shoe was pretty much raw and "original" and fresh from my very own experience of the shoe. And here are what my feet has to tell you about the Skechers ProSpeed:
  • Lightweight - How can I tell? I was wearing my Adidas Adizero Boston before I wore the Skechers ProSpeed but I did not feel any change in weight after wearing it.
  • Midfoot friendly - I never felt my heel striking the ground/treadmill even while the treadmill was still moving slow (I do heel-strike on slow pace unless I'm on barefoot or on minimalist shoes). I was actually amazed how does the shoe does it until I learned that it was really designed to help the runners strike on their midfoot.
  • Springy - Each stride that I make feels like my feet are being pushed back that I don't have to exert more effort to stride faster. Since it is "ProSpeed", I put the treadmill at 8.5kph with level 5 incline just to know why it is called a ProSpeed, and my feet got the answer with it's energy-return feature.
Those were my top three observation beforehand until the technology behind this shoe was explained to us by Gail Cowper - Skechers Technical Representative, expounding the features of the Skechers ProSpeed as a shoe designed for efficient and explosive power.
  • Smart (Efficient) - SmartShoe(TM) guides your body into a position that transforms impact into elastic or reusable energy through the Mid-Foot striking. No heel strike means reduced wasted braking energy. While Mid-foot strike diffuses impact energy evenly across the foot, creating a smooth transition and giving more launch power and fluidity of stride transitions.
  • Kinetic Return System (Explosive) - It combines the strength and flexibility of the DuPont(TM) Hytrel(R) material with the efficiency of an elliptical shape to deflect and convert impact forces and elastic energy into forward motion.
  • More Energy Less Impact (Lightweight) - The ProSpeed outsole is constructed with ultra-lightweight and soft Resalyte(TM) - a proprietary injection-molded compound with memory retention for a supported, comfortable ride. Resalyte helps absorb G-forces at ground contact to reduce impact when running. This means that the ProSpeed runner can focus energy and power on achieving his or her speed potential.
Keep posted on this blog for a future actual run and race experience review for this shoe (update: actual race shoe review of the ProSpeed now posted). Meanwhile, enjoy some of the shoe's photos below.

The ProSpeed SRR from Skechers Shape-Ups
Closer Look at the ProSpeed

ProSpeed Outsole
ProSpeed SRR Insole


Tongue Lock system - you'll never have to worry about misaligning tongue
The gap creates the Kinetic Return System without sacrificing the arch support
Skechers ProSpeed was developed by the Skechers Fitness Group - a global leader in maximum performance fitness footwear.

Special thanks to the following people:
Ms. Chinggay Andrada - Fitness Coach and Trainer, Biggest Loser Phils (thank you very much for the short, yet motivating words)
To the Staffs of Skechers
and to all my friends in the Running and Blogging Community
Read More “Skechers ProSpeed at First Glance”


If you were like me who's been getting tired of the daily or regular set of gym workouts, don't you think it's time to find an alternate from those routines? I remember the first time I enrolled for a gym class at some "kanto" here in V.Luna neighborhood, I was so ecstatic and excited that I'm always early and willing to do anything the gym instructor would ask me to do. But the enthusiasm only lasted for exactly 6 months. Why? Because the gym closed! :)

Almost a year after, I once again enrolled on a much classy gym on a mall for one full year. With the price of membership, there's no way that I have to skip my schedule that even if I only have less than an hour left before the mall closes, I still make sure that I get to have my share of exercise on the gym. Aside from that, I've loved the shower and locker room which isn't available from the previous one. The mix of members taking up their own classes also gave me opportunity to meet and chat with other group of people and get my first up-close glance with some celebrities and journalists.

But the improvement on my body at the "kanto" gym as compared to the mall-gym, I could say is much better. The "kanto gym" gave me much better warm-ups and harder workouts and circuits, while the mall gym Instructor has been too worried that I might get myself injured if I regularly change my program every 3 months that at the end of the 1 year membership I enrolled, I only had one program that I followed not-so religiously!

A few months back, the aNR members (Adidas Nation of Runners) were given a chance for a five-day pass to try a circuit training at the 360 Fitness Club. I wasn't able to claim my pass but reading about the type of workouts they offer, I could say that it's one of a kind workout that you'll never get bored without, for less than an hour. A good one for people with hectic schedules (uh, like me?). Then last July 28, 2011, the people behind this very innovative Fitness Club opened their second branch at Makati. So for the people in the South, you're lucky to have a new door of Fitness Club opened right next at your neighborhood. (Now I hope they'll open a 3rd branch within the Quezon City (Timog) area for northern people like me).

So what really is 360 Fitness Club about? As the country’s first co-ed express fitness facility, 360 Fitness Club proves to be more than just your traditional gym. Their exercise philosophy revolves on providing people with fitness opportunities that are non-traditional, efficient and most importantly, effective. With the use of free weights, kettle bells, cables, exercise balls and many other exercise accessories, the club developed the 360 Circuit, which consists of 20 exercise stations that combine cardiovascular and strengthening exercises – a total body workout that will make members, tone, shape up and burn an average of 500 calories in a total of just 30 minutes each day.

Here's some more info from 360 Fitness Club's head Coach Christopher Callanta:

“We understand how difficult it can be for some to exercise regularly so we’ve developed various ways to keep our customers engaged to be fit. For as quick as only half an hour, we provide you a total body workout that’s practically equivalent to an hour’s exercise in a traditional gym setting.”

“Traditional gym workouts take longer because they usually use machines and work out only one muscle group at a time while our suspension training classes, just like our circuit, work out the entire body in one session,” Managing Director Joana PiƱon adds. To keep their members constantly motivated, 360 Fitness Club also offers a wide range of group exercise classes. “We believe that variety keeps people from getting bored so we’ve introduced several classes that you won’t normally see in other gyms and fitness centers.” And true enough, where else would you find pole dancing classes taught by The Polecats, the country’s premier pole dancing group? Zumba, the only Latin-inspired dance fitness program that is now being offered in over 125 countries, is also available. 360 Fitness Club also offers yoga, suspension training, kickboxing and running classes, with many more new classes to be introduced.

Individual lessons are well coached
Whereas in most fitness centers, the members are left to do their exercises alone, 360 Fitness guarantees guided workouts aimed to also motivate and inspire rather than just mere demonstration of the exercises. Coaches are there to act as mentors, constantly challenging their members to push themselves.

Whatever your fitness goals are, 360 Fitness Club recognizes that it’s never easily achieved when done alone. As partners and experts in fitness, the club’s objective is to ensure that their members are constantly motivated, inspired and guided in order to reach these goals. Going beyond the physical exertion and making the entire experience a mental challenge and a way of life, 360 Fitness Club redefines what total fitness is all about and gives people that much-needed push to just keep on going.

Group exercises are also very well supervised
For more information about their classes and sessions, peek a visit and inquire at the following 360 Fitness Club address:

360 Fitness Club Makati
7/f Dolmar Gold Tower, C. Palanca St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
0917-5600360; 5777807

360 Fitness Club Ortigas
13th floor, Strata 100, F. Ortigas Jr. Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
0917-8600360; 9409575


The beautiful and handsome, yet athletic and knowledgeable Coaches of 360 Fitness Club
Read More “360 Fitness Club: Total Fitness Redefined”


The Philips Urban Adventure saw an exciting finish last August 27, 2011, as the team of Allen Catindig and Allan Lopez bested 14 other duos in a one-day race around Metro Manila to bag first place honors along with P100,000 in cash and prizes.

The winning team carrying their winning cheque
The race was organized as part of celebrations marking 55 years of Philips in the country, and saw the competing teams racing through 12 landmark destinations in the metropolis to perform a variety of physical and mental tasks. These destinations have played a significant role in Philips’ history in the Philippines.

“This is the first time that we’ve organized an event like this, and all of us at Philips are very pleased with the turn out,” remarked Philips CEO Rico Gonzales at the awarding ceremony in R.O.X.

A mad dash to the finish

The race was packed with challenges, and ran from early morning to early evening, taking the teams all around the metro. From the starting line, teams had to do a 10-storey vertical run up to Philips’ new home in the Sun Life Centre building. They then proceeded to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) office to make a fundraising pitch, and then off to the Ayala Museum to solve a special mystery.

Next stop was in Honda Cars Manila, where teams had to take a photo of the new Civic MUGEN, and then to Gawad Kalinga Baseco where teams equipped beneficiary families with Philips LED lighting. From there, teams raced to the office of Philips’ communications partner, M2.0, to solve a special quiz on wellness, and rushed to the Power Mac Center in Trinoma for a music test.

The next destination was the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) where teams had to match cutting-edge Philips medical imaging and diagnostic equipment with their respective labs. They then dashed to the People Power Monument to solve a jigsaw puzzle, then off to the Medical City’s sleep lab to assemble Philips sleep-aid equipment.

The next leg was at Dr. Smile at the Podium, where teams had to demonstrate their brushing skills to resident dentists using the Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush. Finally, teams had to pitch an outdoor tent from The North Face at R.O.X., the leading hub for outdoors equipment. From there, it was a mad dash to the finish line.

A thrill for Philips and the winners

“It was a very exciting race, and we had a very fun time trying to keep up with the teams as they raced through the various legs and performed the challenges. This was such a great way to celebrate our 55th anniversary, and I hope that all the participants had a memorable time,” Mr. Gonzales said.

The team of Catindig and Lopez was visibly overjoyed at the awarding ceremony, having won the race in exciting fashion just minutes earlier. “We’re stunned and tremendously happy right now,” the team exclaimed.

“We never imagined that a race like this could be so tiring, challenging, fun and rewarding all at the same time. It was such a thrill just to be one of the finalists, so to actually win the whole thing is amazing!”

Long climb to the top

The winning team’s race to the top was hardly easy, as aside from edging out 14 other teams during race day, the tandem had to go through a rigorous screening and public voting process to enter the finals.

Interested participants were asked to send in creative photos of themselves along with a write up. Judges then had to go through dozens of entries, after which 24 short-listed teams were tasked to gather as many public votes as they can, with the top 12 moving on to the race.

After a special twist, 3 more teams were added, yielding 15 diverse, competitive teams who raced neck and neck throughout the competition.

You may check some of the Awarding photos from my facebook album.
The Adventure Photos may also be found from the PUA's facebook fanpage.
Read More “Philips Urban Adventure Comes to an Exciting Conclusion”


Last year's Corregidor International Half-Marathon race was so memorable. Know why from this blog post!

Now this year, the people behind this great, one-of-a kind Half-Marathon, are setting-up the 2nd CIHM event for us... will you take the challenge? Or will you regret it yet again for giving-in to your fears?


Stay tuned and be informed...
Read More “A Summon For The Corregidor International Half-Marathon 2011”
9/06/2011 12:29:00 AM

On Cloud Nine

So I've been lately in-love with this new running shoe in town, been using it on our civilian day at the office, roaming day with my brother, back-to-back races and training runs, and I almost even tried using it during our Badminton tournament.

Am I really that obsessed with it? No, but perhaps, my feet does! If you want to know why, head on to Chris Sport's page and navigate through their featured shoes.

You didn't clicked that link do you? Well then, read below Chris Sports' article and learn about the wisdom behind the ON Running Shoes.
The shoe that is out-running conventional wisdom

With support from top-flight athletes and coaches, the On running shoe is set to take the industry by storm.

Running is big business. Sportswear brands invest billions of dollars on the quest to develop the perfect running shoe. Despite this, styles and overall technology design of today’s running shoes are broadly similar to those of a decade ago. Moreover, incidents of injuries remain high: it’s estimated that more than 60 percent of all runners suffer at least one injury per year.

But now an innovative new shoe looks set to give the conventional running shoe design a run for its money. Built on patented CloudTec™ elements, the On shoe claims not only to protect the body against the stresses of running, but also to activate your body and “put the fun back” into the experience. And with world-class athletes and coaches raving about the On’s training and performance benefits, it has all the makings of a running revolution.

Why the ON is Different

On’s edge over traditional running shoes can be explained by simple physics: Running exposes our feet to both vertical and horizontal forces. Traditional running shoes only absorb the vertical impact (typically by compressing some form of rubber or air pad), but leave the athlete exposed to the horizontal – or forward-pushing – impact, causing increased muscular breakdown and associated injuries. The On’s CloudTec™ system absorbs both vertical and horizontal forces by a radical new design: three-dimensional elements made of highly flexible circular pieces of rubber.

During the foot strike phase, these 3D elements fold back and cushion the landing by allowing the foot to softly glide into the step. Put in physics terms: The On is using travel (or “way”) to slow down the impact shock. Once on the ground, the elements become interlocked, providing a solid surface and stability for the push-off phase. So while traditional running shoes are either soft and slow or fast and hard, the On is soft and fast.

The 3D flexibility has another positive effect on the runner’s body: the postural muscles – which can become lazy and can degenerate when runners wear over-supportive running shoes – are actually activated and strengthened by the flexibility of the system.
Take a little more time also and watch Olivier Bernhard - Developer/Co-Founder, World Champion and IronMan Winner, as he talks about ON.

Read More “On Cloud Nine”
9/01/2011 09:01:00 AM

Race It Up Race Kit Winner

Before going through announcing the winner, I would just like to share to you the Organizer's letter about the re-scheduling of the Race It Up Family Fun Run which was moved from July 30 to October 22, 2011. We're hoping that you would still support this race, regardless of our religious affiliation as this would be for the benefit of Caritas Manila.
To all participants,

To go against the current of the world is difficult, more so when we are set to help total strangers who are in need.

In the continuing effort to aid the projects of Caritas Manila, 97 parishes have been called upon to include more participants for the RACE IT UP! Fun Run and Family Day charity event. This along with the fact that we can be able to accommodate more runners from previous running events, we are giving time for more participants to join, moving the event date from July 30, 2011 to October 22, 2011 for their sake.

This is also a call to all who had already joined our charity event for your patience for us to provide you a running event worth waiting for along with other people who wish to help with our advocacy.

We will be calling all participants personally to convey the news and inform when to receive their race kits as well for the sooner by personal delivery. These are for those who registered on or before July 22, 2011.

CABLELINK, CIS BAYAD CENTER and all partners and sponsors are one with you in pushing forward towards our grand advocacy run RACE IT UP! this coming October 22, 2011.

We assure you that we will continue to be more ardent in having more participants with the help of more schools, and other institutions from the present until October 22, 2011.

Do contact Ms. Bheng Donalvo for more information at 825 6789 loc. 3210 or email us at
mktg.ads@cablelink.com.ph

Sincerely,

Evan Alvia
Race Director, Race It up
0917-8257924 / 506-1000

Now for the winner, here's the result of the draw-lots represented by www.random.org (sorry there's no DTI representative to cover the drawing of winner) among the nine (9) participants/commenters who joined.


Congratulations to Kurt for winning, drop me an e-mail at runningatom710 at gmail dot com for instructions on how you could claim your free race kit.

As for those who were not able to win, registration is still ongoing at the same outlets until Oct. 20, 2011.
Read More “Race It Up Race Kit Winner”
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