RunningAtom

With the intuitive, friendly and smooth user-interface of Roomorama, finding a place to stay is just like browsing a race route at MapMyRun. You don't even have to login to your roomorama account before you could start searching.

I have provided you with some screenshots below about the few steps in finding an accommodation through Roomorama. I just love how easy it was for me to find a place so I'm sharing it with you.

1. First step is to find a property by keying in your desired location, check-in dates, and number of guests, then just click the big, red, Find Now button.

1b. List of properties that matches the availability and location of your search will appear. You will still be able to refine your search through the filters at the left side of the result screen. You may also sort the result by title, price range, or booking type. At the same time, you may view the result in List view, Grid, or Map type.

Property search result in List view type

Property search result in geographical map view type

1c. After selecting a property among the result, you may view a descriptive information, the amenities included, rates and availability, and the perks that comes or at reach within the surroundings of the property.

1d. You may further scroll to check out available reviews or feedbacks from previous guests of the property, and also you may study its exact location map.

1e. By dragging the yellow human icon from the zoom tools through the map, you will be able to see how the roads or the property EXACTLY LOOKS LIKE at its location. If you don't like the place, below the intuitive map are links for similar properties you have chosen.

2. Now when you're already at ease with your chosen property to rent, you shall proceed with the inquiry by clicking the big, red Inquire Now button, located at the mid-upper-top of the screen.

3. Lastly, the property host will respond to your inquiry should the room, apartment, or house is available. When everything has been agreed with, you may proceed with the booking by clicking the big, red Book button. Payment details will have to be filled-up, so prepare your Paypal or Credit card details.

After confirmation of your payment, a six-digit payment code will be flashed on your screen and also sent to your email address. This payment code will be your pass that indicates your payment-conformity with Roomorama regarding the property rental. You have to keep note of it, print it, as you will show it to your host (property owner) upon reaching your destination.

That's it, as easy and fun as that!

I'll be posting a review about my rented room at Singapore after my Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011 race, so stay tuned and keep posted! See you there!

Get to know what roomorama is all about by visiting this link, their Facebook fanpage, or you may also drop them a tweet via their twitter account @Roomorama.

Should you find it interesting to book an accommodation with Roomorama, Roomorama has been kind to share with us a 10% discount. After booking, you will be asked with a DISCOUNT CODE, enter "Runningatom" and you'll instantly get $10.00 off from your first Roomorama booking fee.

For someone like me who's been getting a few years of hardships obtaining a Passport due to incorrectly spelt family name on birth certificate (read the story here), this moment of finally having these legal documents after three decades is really an amazingly great day!

Having not able to run the Singapore 2XU Run last April 10, 2011 was such a big dismay for me. But now that I'm already armed with complete legal documents, I will be able to make an out-of-Country races anytime I want.

So on December 4, 2011, I will be running my second (or third full Marathon following my 1st 50K Ultramarathon run) full Marathon after more than a year from my debut Marathon. I thought this year will end without me participating another full 42.195km race distance.

A week after the passport have arrived, I was able to book for my Air transport, and just yesterday, my accommodation for Singapore was also seamlessly booked ONLINE via ROOMORAMA.

I'll be staying at a cozy apartment yet less expensive vacation room which is just 10 minutes away from the starting line at Orchard road via MRT or Taxi. From the property description, the apartment is "unusually spacious and hidden in the Central of Singapore where you will still hear the bird chirping in the morning." It is situated on the Braddell Hill, near the Mount Ritchie Reservoir, and also has full club facilities like swimming pools gym, tennis court, game rooms, indoor canteen and outdoor cafe, etc. Thus, after the race, the swimming pool will be my resting ground for a few hours before packing up.

So how was I able to find this place where I would stay at? Find out from my next post: Booking Your Accommodation at Roomorama

Barely two weeks ago, my feet got to tread once again at the Bonifacio Global City after almost two months of not joining races held at the said venue. And at the same time, five of my office/ex-officemate running buddies have also came back trampling the roads after some period of hiatus from running.

*I remember the tsitserya "Rin-Bee" whenever I see this photo

As far as I can remember, this is the only race where I wasn't able to move beyond the starting line for almost four minutes. Positioned in the middle with three of my running colleagues, I first tried to make way at least a few meters from the starting line. But the squeezing "sardines in tomato sauce" (runners are all in red-orange Nike running shirt) made no way for me to go ahead, instead I went back to where I was previously positioned with my other colleagues.

*Doing some warm-up a few minutes before the gun-start

The Nike We Run Manila 10k has definitely succeeded in flooding the routes of Bonifacio Global City with around 8,000 afternoon/evening runners and enthusiasts. Runners squeezing each other at the starting line, elbow-to-elbow rubbing up to about 3 kilometers away after the gun-start, and a few test of agility and ocular power a few kilometers away from the finish line - these made the event more fun and challenging. Although many of our social runners in the community complained on these points, criticizing and swearing the event to their utmost anger and stressing way, I could say that this is what I'm looking for, a unique road running experience I may say that broke the monotony of road running. Of course if you're not one who enjoys these differing challenges, then you should be running carefully and watch where you're stepping at, or run faster and get the lead among the pack of the thousand runners.

Some of the Six:30 members (photo by: Kyx Castañeda)

After all those criss-crossing, taking the center isle of the road as a trail-route, and hopping from the possible/pothole-looking areas along the route, my body got the sweat it deserves for an afternoon run - injury-free and happy. We're still able to visit some sponsor booths (which I haven't done already for a very long time), met the Six:30 gang, had our burger dinner at the Bonifacio High Street, took some photos with the group, and had a few fun-bonding with the members of Six:30 running group.

What's more exciting and fun about the race is the after-party with the presence of three known Filipino bands - the ChicoSci, Sandwich, and the much awaited Parokya ni Edgar. Though I am one of the few runners who are not really inclined to music, the atmosphere that these guests brought is enough to make the evening more lively.

*The previous "Strathletes"

All races are unique on its own, some are challenging, and some doesn't have fun at all. But it is up to us how we will enjoy the race, it is not how fast you can get, or how long you can endure the race, but how much heart you could put on this metaphor of life - and that's what also defines a real runner.

From my Nike race result video on facebook, the race:

• Produced 10,296 hours and 31 minutes of sweat, enough water to fill up a public swimming pool
• Generated 19,200,000 kJ (kilo joules) of raw energy, enough to power up the PBCom Tower for 78 minutes
• Every step we ran made 50 db (decibels) of sound, noisier than 2,666 jet engines
• We ran a total of 80,000 kms, which is like riding the world's longest roller coaster 32,000 times
• When I crossed the finish line in 58 minutes, that's long enough to do 4,640 sumo squats
• My 2,400 kJ (kilo joules) of running power is enough for a 8,431 hours kissing Marathon (sweet!)

Race Profile:
Distance: 10 km.
Official Time: 00:58:08.39
Official Ranking: 214th

Race Info:
When: October 15, 2011.
Where: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Event: Nike We Run Manila 10K

It has been a few weeks already since my last race and training run. The last of which was a few weeks back on the PAU-T2N - my first Ultramarathon race (recap of which I haven't blogged yet). So when I got an invitation for the Sneak Peak and Test Run of the Nathan Ridge Run, without any hesitation I agreed to join. After all, I don't want to miss seemingly at first, an inviting good-run at the Tagaytay Highlands and Midlands Resort. At the end of the day, I have concluded that it's not just an inviting run, and a "good-run" is an understatement.

Together with other runner-bloggers, photog-runners, travel-bloggers, and Primer Group - the Organizer and the team behind Nathan Products, we've met at ROX early in the morning of October 8 for a short and fun ride going to Tagatay Highlands. A tropical storm was emerging that day that I thought the test run would be cancelled, fortunately though, only the thick fogs, the cool weather, and the welcoming sceneries of Tagaytay greeted us on our arrival. I gulped when I remember that I haven't brought with me an extra cotton shirt, a long sleeve, or even a thin jacket for some skin protection from the fogs, cold, or for the rainshower/heavy rain that may come. Nonetheless, the weather and exciting peek-at-the-peak-of-the-ridge is hard to resist, so "come what may" is all I can whisper to myself!


First we were briefed about the Primer Group's upcoming event -- the Nathan Ridge Run -- an eco-friendly race that will ditch out the use of plastic and paper cups along the route. I think this is the very first race here in our Country who will do this (correct me if I'm wrong, and I'm curious to know what race first showed that kind of mercy to our mother nature). Instead of using these disposable/recyclable cups, runners will be given Nathan handheld bottle (worth Php 850.00 and Php 990.00) which is already inclusive on the race registration fee of Php 850.00 and Php 1,050.00 for 5K and 10K/21K respectively. More details of the event can be reached on my event post.

Proceeding the event details briefing is the much awaited of all - a short sneak run along the few routes that the runners will come across to. I asked Ms. Mariel Flores how long is the distance that we're going to cover, and the answer was "around 2 or 3km". Some of us was a bit dismayed as we were expecting at least 5K or 10K of distance. But maybe, I thought, it was because of the "bed" weather that we're only going low on the test run mileage.

You will definitely pupu on this Up-helly route

As we headed on to start, we were greeted with an early UPHELL-ALL-YOU-CAN road. I indulged on it with excitement while shooting photos around the area of green bermudas and trees.

I Under-estimated the course!


Reaching just a few meters above the Sports Center, I could feel that my gut wants to puke out some of the bats hanging on its inner walls. If I have worn a lesser cushioning shoe, I might have ran backwards and hid myself on the comfort cubicle of the toilet bowl (what does it have to do with shoes? Well, as I have observed, running uphill on shoes with lesser spring effect makes me exert more effort that on each of my strides, it gives a somewhat equal force to my stomach that creates a flushing effect to whatever's inside my stomach). So as I have realized, the outburst of gingerbread man is 80% possible when running uphill than on flat roads.

As we went on still going above, wondering how much elevation we have already gained, I could sense a bit of tinge on my right ear due to pressure changes. But with the cool, fresh breeze of air, the sweat won't come out even if I was already puffing oxygen so hard. Every now and then, I would try my best to speed up and do some walks downwards to shoot some photos and fetch some friends behind the pack. Though the weather's really cool, my legs are burning and my chest is bursting.

The sight of the Taal Volcano in any angle is so magnificent even with the haze of the fog that's somehow blocking our sight, most specially upon reaching the Peak.

Far view of the Taal Volcano

The test run was just a short 3.5km distance or about 16% of the longest distance for the event (21km), but it felt like I already ran non-stop a whole 6km race. But, it was a great and really challenging course, the Baguio Kennon Road route which I have already ran thrice (3x) might get ashamed of what this course has to offer. The ridges of Tagaytay highlands shouldn't be really underestimated.

Well, I'm not telling you stories to frighten you, but this is definitely a great challenge to take on. Check out some of these photos I could share with you taken during our rendezvous on the majestic hills of Tagaytay Highlands:

Inside Tagaytay Highland's Sports Center

The Pack

Jojo and Ed taking a breather at this short downhill

An exhausting stop at the Village's entrance

The speedsters already on top

Ocean of Clouds

Getting near to the Peak

The Peak at the other side of the ridge

After the run, the water is so inviting

One of the amenities we have rode on is the Mountain Train

View of the train tracks from below

The first few who got rigged by the short challenge at the Ridge

Check out the Nathan Ridge Run's Friendly/Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information.

It was more than 10 months ago, when I first had a glance and step at the famous shorelines, hills, and magnificent views of the historic Corregidor Island. A first 21K race at such marvelous island made me stop after a few meters away from the starting line, and grabbed the camera from my pocket. The decision of shooting a PR (personal record) was suddenly changed into another meaning of PR - a picture race at this. The old ruins of World War II - those are not just some kind of remnants that I would pass by. At the end, I never regret the urge, instead, I have enjoyed it more than when I am running with a better record mindset.


So the time has come again, another challenge, another call, another chance to take, another adventure run to behold, and another sighting of the great Corregidor - the Rock history of World War II in our own soil. Would you rather pass this chance and regret the great experience that we had last year? I'm giving in, I'm joining this race AGAIN. Will you take the challenge with me?

Event Details:
What: 2nd Corregidor International Half Marathon 2011 - Champions Chase
When: Saturday, 10 December 2011, 8:00AM
Where: Corregidor Island, Phils.
Target Participants: 800 Runners
Distance and Registration Fee:

• 10K Challenge - Php 2,500.00
• 21K CIHM - Php 2,500.00
• + Php 2,000.00 for each companion

Registration Inclusions:

1. Roundtrip ferry to and from Corregidor
2. Full lunch buffet on race day
3. Race bib w/ RFID timing chip
4. 2011 CIHM Race singlet
5. 2011 CIHM Race sling bag
6. 2011 CIHM Finisher's Medallion (or a 10k Achiever Medal)
7. R.O.X. Runners' Briefing (Dec 3 and 4)
8. 2011 CIHM Champions Party featuring a top band back-to-back with rave party (Dec 10, Saturday night)
9. 2011 CIHM Finisher's Certificate

Registration Period:

• Regular Registration Online (16Oct2011 to 20Nov2011) at: RunningMate (Php 2,500.00)
• Late Registration (21Nov2011 to 04Dec2011) at: R.O.X., Bonifacio High Street, Taguig (Php 3,000.00)

The Loots:

Platinum-plated 21k Medal Medallion

CIHM 2011 Singlet

Sling bag that you can bring on the race

Limited Edition Jacket (Php 750.00) available only for the Participants

More of the Event Details, Information, 21K Training program (for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced), Frequently/Friendly Asked Questions (FAQs), Concept Briefing, etc. can be found from the CIHM Download Gallery.

Group Photo with the CIHM Founders during the Blogger's Launch (photo thanks to JazzRunner)

"We are all champions, descendants of a noble race.
We are born runners in constant pursuit of the loftiest ideals.
Born to valor, destined to conquer.
We are all champions chasing greatness."

"Modern technology has become a significant part of an individual's everyday life. People all around the world use the latest gadgets and internet connection to communicate a new message or a new business. Yet, with such convenience and high-tech connectivity, an unexpected risk comes along with it - the rise of cyber crimes."


On the 10th of December 2011, an advocacy fun run and campaign against cyber crimes will be staged aiming not only to inform the society of the dangers lurking in the online world, but also to let them know what they need to do when faced with such situation. This is when the online world will change.

Event Details:
What: 1st National Awareness For Cyber Crimes Fun Run: "Race to 500k Punches Against Cyber Crimes"
Where: Quirino Grandstand, Manila
When: Saturday, 10 December 2011, 4:00 PM
Distance Categories and Fees:
     3K - Php 450.00
     5K - Php 550.00
     10K - Php 650.00
Beneficiaries:

1. PNP-CIDG's Special Project - Angel NET
2. PCMN
3. Bantay-Bata Foundation

Race Kit Inclusions:

• Singlet, Race Bib, and Timing Chip
• Insurance and Free Membership with webconnect.global.com for 10K Runners
• Arm Band
• Shoe Bag
• Baller
• Belt Bag for 5K and 10K Runners
• Water
• After Party Tickets

Registration Sites:
     Online Registration at CyberCrime Busters website
     Ultra Open Field (Oval Track), Pasig
     A Runner's Circle, Roxas Blvd., Manila


"The society has never expected that the ongoing advancement of modern technology will lead to the rise of cyber crimes - from the development of Trojan Virus up to the latest hacking cases of big company's databases." - Jayant Jared Era, WeConnect Inc's CEO

I should be announcing the winners of the free race kits for the Adobo Run After Dark and the UPLB Sapphire Run later in the evening, but since I won't be online later until maybe tomorrow, I have to make the raffle this early. Also as you can see, there's not a lot of participants, so yeah, raffling should go next :)

With the presence of my honest conscience and the randomness of random.org, the winners were based from the number generated by random.org regardless of the comment's context. And without further ado, the lucky winners are....

1. Adobo Run After Dark: Among the 10 commenters with 10 valid comments, the drawn number is:

Congratulations ShootNRun!!!
2. UPLB Sapphire Run: Among the 4 commenters, there were only 3 valid comments excluding the comment of MinnieRunner. And the drawn number is:

Congratulations Gianimo!!!
To claim your race kit, kindly accomplish the registration forms from the following links and send it to me via my e-mail: runningatom710[at]gmail[dot]com, or shoot me a PM on my Facebook account.

Registration Forms:
Adobo Run After Dark
UPLB Sapphire Run

Are you longing for a nature-friendly, full of fun and adventure, breathtaking, scenic and at the same time challenging race? Sure there're some races out there offering a close-to-nature adventure. But what if you only have one day, or let's say less than a day to do all this?

Well, worry not because there's one race coming in November, just a few kilometers away from the Metro that will take you to a lush green and challenging uphill race course through the ridges and never-before-opened running areas of Tagaytay.

Natahn Ridge Run

One of the Scenic Views

The race is organized by renowned multi-sport accessory brand Nathan Performance Gear (Nathan), who will challenge Filipino runners in a unique test of athleticism, endurance and environmental advocacy.

Nathan will provide participants access to previously off-limits tracks, resulting in a fresh, challenging and steep uphill road course meant to push the limits of each runner. While in the venue, runners can also take advantage of several exclusive perks, including access to some of Highlands’ amenities and discounts.

The Peak, Will You Dare It?

Race Details:
When: Sunday, 20 November 2011
Where: Tagaytay Highlands and Midlands Resort

Registration Outlets:
     ROX - BHS in BGC and Marque Mall in Pampanga
     Runnr - Trinoma
     Secondwind Stores - QC and Ortigas
     A Runners Circle - Roxas Blvd., Manila
     The Starting Line - Westgate Alabang
     Res Toe Run - Nuvali Sta. Rosa and Festival Mall

Distance, Fees and Inclusions:
     5K - Php 850.00 (Singlet, Nathan Sprint handheld, post-race meal)
     10K - Php 1,050 (Singlet, Nathan Quickdraw Plus handheld, post-race meal)
     21K - Php 1,050 (Singlet, Nathan Quickdraw Plus handheld, post-race meal)

Nathan Sprint Handheld - SRP: Php 850.00

Nathan Quickdraw - SRP: 990.00

Unique Features of The Race:
Aside from the unique race course, as this race is "GREEN" themed, the use of environmentally harmful plastic cups will be DITCHED in favor of the free Nathan handheld sports bottles (included in the race kit) or the racers’ own hydration gear. Instead of the typical water stations you see in most city races, where plastic cups are lined up for the taking and disposed of as soon as runners are sufficiently hydrated, Nathan will be setting up conveniently placed refilling stations in different points of the road.

Let Tagaytay Highlands bring you closer to nature while its challenge pumps your lungs, heart, and burn your legs out!

For more information, visit Nathan Sports Philippines at Facebook.

When I was still a young child (disclaimer: I am still young... at heart and at height), we have this kind of I don't know if you can call it a tradition or a child's play where you will try your best to step on the shoes of your buddy/playmate/friend when you see them wearing a new pair. Sometimes we would call the whole gang just to make sure that the shoe will get the dirt it deserves while screaming "binyagan na ang sapatos...". I think you can now relate, as it only happens in Da Pilipins!

Those were the early times of OUR days! ;)

For my running shoes, the "binyag" that was done on it were break-in runs, treading a mile or two instead of letting someone step on the shoe! But ever since I brought my first running shoe, I never gave it with a pseudonym or identity nick. So I thought of baptizing these running shoes - my first ever, and my always running buddies, a name that I can identify with, together with a short history of each of its own adventure.

1. Nonoy (1997 - 2000)
The first shoe when I first started running in Aug 31, 1997. Those were the olden days when a shoe specifically designed for running is not yet being too considered for you to run (there were still a number of barefoot runners in Baguio that time). I can no longer remember the brand nor the looks and the physical features of this shoe so I'm giving it the name "Nonoy" - the generic name being given to a boy child in our province.

I'm thinking that the shoe might have been a mid-cut rubber shoe - the type of rubber shoe that I love to wear back then which I bought from FootStep - the lone famous shoe store in Baguio during that time. Or it might have also been the gray lightweight, beach shoe-type (no laces but just a gripping garter around) which my Mom bought from the Ukay-ukay.

2. Mythos (xx Aug 2008 - 13 Dec 2009) - Diadora Mythos
I bought this lightweight shoe at a shoe sale in Trinoma, supposed to be for badminton when I was still learning how to be a "badmintonist". However, I realized that this shoe is really meant for the road when I came back to running on the 17th of August 2008 at the 2008 Men's Health Miracle Run.

It's life ended after my 10K race at the Pioneer Mighty Run when its outer sole tongued-out. I tried to revive it through Mr. Quickie but the stitching that was done made it no longer usable for running. I was still able to use it at the gym but I later decided to have it donated to Kathie's (my boardmate) Yaya for her grandchild or nephew I think.
(side story: When I saw one of my girl officemate also bought the same shoe model, it made me realized that Mythos was a shoe styled for ladies.)

3. Boknoy (200x - 04 Sep 2010) - Reebok Trail Crossback
The first non-office shoe which I purchased from SM North. I bought this shoe for my fridays and weekend strolls, but it has also served me well in my road races, and most specially during the 2010 Merrell Adventure Run, and the 2010 TBR Dream Marathon. Yes it survived the full 42.195km distance on my first Marathon, although I think it was also from Boknoy that I got my plantar fasciitis.

Boknoy has already retired from running because its outer sole tonged-out after the challenging uphill and downhill race at the Biodiversity Run in UP Los Baños when I was already sprinting my way back to the finish line. I am still using it though on some weekend short strolls as Mr. Quickie and a few amount of rugby made the fix.

4. Padi (16 Jan 2010 - Present) - Adidas Adizero Boston
The first most expensive shoe that I have bought and paid for it for 6 installment months. But in return, Padi made me break and create personal records, helped in my transition to mid-strike, and put a 700++ kilometers of mileage on record.

I'm already thinking of giving Padi a retirement plan as it is already nearing its limit, maybe until it reaches the 800km mileage or until I get a new racing flat as its replacement (sorry Padi). As of now, Padi still gives me good miles on my training runs. Although at one point, my feet and plantar seems to easily get tired already in just less than 15km distance run. This manifested during my 50K PAU-T2N last 17 Sep 2011, where I only wore Padi for the first 15K. The pain manifested at around 12 - 13km.

5. Sprinto (22 Sep 2010 - Present) - Vibram FiveFingers Sprint
It was thanks to blogging that Sprinto made it to my hands, errr... feet rather! Having this pair is like a dream come true. I remember one year back then when I first got a glimpse of a VFF shoe from a magazine. I wished that someday I could experience wearing a shoe like that... and voila, what do I have? A blessing in disguise!

Sprinto gave me a lot of calf muscle pains at first that I have to endure those pains for 5-7 days. But it made me love the minimalistic and natural feel of running barefoot. After more than 14 years, my feet got almost closer again to the ground with Sprinto. Like Padi, Sprinto also gave me breaking personal records for short distance races.

Right now, Sprinto has served me well not just in road running, but also with swimming and beach runs, urban adventures, gym sessions, and even during our Company's 2011 badminton tournament. Oh, and it's not yet about to retire!

That's it for now, the first five of the not-so-legendary shoes that has accompanied me well in my running adventures. There are still three un-named shoes left, and I'll make a post about it once I get to think of good names for their baptism. That's the reason why I never gave these shoes their own names as it is much harder to think one than to compose a blog post.

adidas lights you up with the new adiZero Feather

With the introduction of the adizero Feather, the lightest every day running shoe, adidas continues to set new standards for lightweight footwear while helping athletes be faster and improve their performance.

The lighter your shoes, the faster you can go. It is that easy. Now with the adizero Feather in running, Adidas is offering the lightest shoes in the running class and will continue to push the boundaries of what is believed possible with today's technology and material to help athletes be better.

Technical Specs:

The adizero Feather comes in an eye-catching infrared color way and provides the latest adidas technologies. The lightweight shoe features the new SPRINTFRAME platform directly attached to the upper which ensures optimum forefoot propulsion. It replaces the conventional shoe construction and saves shoe weight significantly while maintaining important performance characteristics such as comfort and energy transfer.

Fully integrated in the SPRINTFRAME platform is the TORSION SYSTEM which allows independent movement of fore and rear foot. The shoe also contains SPRINTWEB, a lightweight mesh construction achieved through strong seamlessly bonded TPU material for maximum comfort, support and breathability.

Other technological features are full forefoot adiPRENE®+, the adiWEAR rubber outsole which ensures long lasting durability and traction, and strategic foam placement on the sole which allows for a dynamic push-off while minimizing the overall shoe weight.

Weight:
6.7oz./190g (men's, size UK 8.5)
5.6oz./160g (women's, size UK 5.5)



The adiZero Feather will be available for an SRP of Php 4,995.00