December 1, 2015

Nike Air Zoom Structure 19: Stability At Unshakeably High Speed

Before the Nike Air Zoom Structure 19, my first interaction with Nike Running was when I was invited in the launch of the Nike LunarGlide+ sometime in June 2009. During that time, running races are on the rise in the Philippine soil. Together with blogger friends, we were given a pair of the LunarGlide+ for review. This lightweight trainer became my companion for months during my training. Being hooked with the Nike technology, I bought another pair of the LunarGlide+, which helped me to successfully cross the finish line of the BDM 102 Ultramarathon race. Then came the Nike Air Pegasus 29, a dynamic trainer and a race-able speedster too. Certainly not the last, the Nike FlyknitLunar+1, for fast-paced performance in every stitch and every stride, followed.  

See my reviews here and here.

Last weekend I was invited again by Nike Running and their promotional marketing to test run their new Nike Air Zoom Structure. We were treated to an interval training together with the Dela Salle Track Team at the University of Makati Track Oval. Now on it's 19th version, they involved a similar seamless construction to the uppers of their performance shoes like those of Nike’s FlyKnits that helped to be more adaptive on the foot. The shoe was well supported, responsive, stable and fast. Ideal for everyday and weekend long run training, to races from 10km to marathon distances. I would like to have them on my shoe cabinet, but I am more on the neutral variants. But given the feel of the Air Zoom Structure, they can be a big help for my track intervals and speed sessions.

Read on from the Nike presser below. 

Nike Air Zoom Structure 19: Stability At Unshakeably High Speed
  
At Nike, innovation is the name of the game. Since its early days, Bill Bowerman, a veteran track and field coach himself, worked towards creating the world’s best shoe, apparel, services, and experience for every athlete. 
 
Nike accelerates innovation in running footwear through the new Air Zoom Structure 19—a stability shoe loaded with dynamic support and Nike’s Zoom Air technology to help athletes speed through the lined-up races this season. 


The Nike Air Zoom Structure has long been known for its reliable support and responsiveness that keep runners going long and fast. This iteration builds on that tradition with updated, thicker Flywire cables in the midfoot for enhanced lockdown, as well as additional yarn in the Flymesh upper for greater structural support without limiting breathability. 


Comfortable support meets increased stability with the triple-density Dynamic Support system that supports the foot as it transitions through footstrike, providing stability when it is needed. The Zoom Structure 19 delivers increased stability with highly responsive cushioning with the Nike Zoom Air forefoot unit for a quick, crisp toe-off.

The difference between the greatest runners and those in their wake is measured in fractions of a second. When dreams are realized in milliseconds, the Zoom Air—Nike’s fastest, most responsive cushioning platform—can change how fast an athlete feels in an instant.


Elite athletes like Mo Farah, Galen Rupp, and locally, Coach Rio Dela Cruz have more in common than their unbelievable speed and unwavering work ethic—when it comes to lacing up, they reach for Nike Zoom Air. The Nike team works closely with the world’s fastest athletes to meet the needs of runners, whether under the global spotlight or everyday runners chasing their personal bests.

Locally, more and more Filipinos are getting into fitness, particularly running. “As race season kicks in, Nike motivates and enables runners to run faster, farther, and further through the new Air Zoom Structure 19. It delivers a fast, snappy, responsive ride that runners don’t fail to notice,” says Country Marketing Manager Patrick Reyes.

Filipinos can run with Nike’s global community of runners through the Nike+ Running App, which acts as a personal running coach, running buddy, and cheering section all in one. It delivers training programs, real-time audio feedback and tools to track and celebrate progress.

Since its inception in 2006, Nike+ Running has helped millions of athletes track, measure and share their runs, encouraging them to run smarter and run more. The Nike+ Running App is free and downloadable via the iTunes App Store and Google Play.

March 10, 2015

World Of DC Comics All Star Fun Run

Imagine running together with your favorite DC Comics Superheroes. Will they sweat? While we, mortals, are pounding those pavements and sweating it out as we run for our fitness or during races, these superheroes, well, for me, may be just grinning from ear to ear. Imagine The Flash passing on your side (that is if you will beat him at the start), you will come tumbling down or you would rather be spinning like a top on your toes. Can you beat Superman, who flies faster than the speeding bullet? Well, you better bring your kryptonite. The Green Lantern sliding all over your race route. And there's Batman and Wonder Woman gliding with their batarang and lasso.

Well, on April 18, 2015, prepare yourself for the World of DC Comics All Star Fun Run. The race will be held at the SM by the Bay, SM MOA, Pasay City. With race distances of 3Km, 5Km, and 10Km. This year's  race coincides with the 80th anniversary of DC Comics. And since this is from DC Comics, all merchandise are DC Comics-licensed. From their singlet to finishers medal.

Registrants can choose from five singlet designs inspired by the costumes of the five superheroes; Batman, The Flash, Superman, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman. Each singlet comes with a second piece accessory to complement the costume: Superman will have a cape, Wonder Woman will have a tiara while Batman, the Flash and Green Lantern will have their masks.
Race Singlet and Finisher's Medal

To make this event more fun, the organizers are inviting participants to wear a three-piece costume. For example, Wonder Woman can add a lasso or a bracelet. Batman, his utility belt or his cape (no batmobile please). The Flash, his speedy-flashy shoes. Or how about a red brief for Superman? Because we, Filipinos are known for our creativity, I'm sure runners will come in their own unique DC Comics aparrels

Because this is the World of DC Comics All Star Fun Run, expect to run with cosplayers from around the country. So, what are you waiting for, register now and be part of this star-studded event. I can't wait to run with Alodia G.

Registration Fees:
  • 3Km   -   Php700
  • 5Km   -   Php800
  • 10Km -   Php900
Race Details:

Online registration via worldofdcph.com. Payment thru the following:
  • 7 Eleven branches
  • Credit Card/ Online Payment
Walk-In Registration at Chris Sports Outlets:
  • SM North Edsa
  • SM Megamall
  • SM Mall Of Asia
  • Festival Mall
  • Glorietta 3
For inquiries email dccomicsfunrun@gpi.ph or call 0917-5995819/ 241-5676 loc. 428
For more information about this event, visit worldofdcph.com.

March 2, 2015

Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2015

Earth Day Run 2015, powered by National Geographic Channel (NGC), will be introducing new and exciting changes to mark its sixth year as one of the biggest running events in the Philippines. With RunRio at the helm, Earth Day Run 2015 is expecting 20,000 runners to participate on April 26, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds, with the addition of 5,000 runners for its Baguio leg. Support from the registration of all participants will help raise money for portable solar powered lighting kits that will be sent to communities in Mindoro, a project of NGC’s environmental partner, World Wildlife Fund for Nature.

These portable solar powered lighting kits will provide light and electricity to the Tawbuid Mangyan tribesfolk and Forest Rangers’ camps that are not directly connected to power grids. The lighting kits eliminate the use of highly-flammable kerosene to light up their homes and gives them access to a safe, stable and sustainable energy source that gives more opportunities for community development and advancement. 

NGC’s Earth Day Run has consistently helped in promoting sustainable living and supporting environmental advocacy utilizing the popular platform of running in its six years of operation. As a result, participation in Earth Day Run has increased year on year, allowing NGC to contribute significantly to various environmental causes. 

Earth Day Run 2015 expects to register 20,000 runners this year, and slots for 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K (Manila leg only) will be open beginning February 23,2015, via online registration at www.runrio.com. On-site registration starts March 16 to April 19 at the Lower Ground Floor, SM Aura Premier BGC.

NGC, together with its partners, aims to raise awareness on the benefits of sustainable energy while ensuring that the events at Earth Day Run 2015 will involve fun celebrations that include races, awards and shows of skill. Besides providing recreation and fitness benefits through Earth Day Run 2015, NGC will also be partnering with its participants to make substantial contributions to the sustainable development of the Tawbuid Mangyan tribesfolk and to provide support to the Mindoro Forest Rangers advocating the preservation of our Tamaraws.

February 24, 2015

Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 2015 Triathlon Event

Photos from Google Images.
Craig Alexander, Luke McKenzie, Belinda Granger, Caroline Steffen banner the headline of the upcoming Century Tuna Ironman 70.3. This event in Subic Bay, Philippines on March 8 will be represented by other Professionals, Filipino Elites and Triathletes from all over the world. The four-day event not only showcase the excellence of Filipino athletes in the word of triathlon but will also promote the Sport Tourism in the Philippines.

Read on from the Press Release below.

MANILA, Philippines (February 18, 2015)—After three years of supporting the 5150 Triathlon, Century Tuna advances further to stage for the first time the Ironman 70.3 triathlon event in Subic Bay this March 8, 2015. The Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 is the latest addition to the growing number of races in the thriving triathlon scene in the Philippines.

The half-Ironman distance triathlon, also known as the Ironman 70.3, is among the world’s most exciting races, attracting hundreds of thousands of athletes and supporters year-round. It has been staged a number of times in the country, bringing in professional triathletes from all over the world and slowly building a reputation as a hot triathlon destination in Asia.

“Century Tuna has supported the triathlon and fitness community in the Philippines for years now as a way of remaining committed to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for Filipinos,” said Greg Banzon, General Manager of Century Pacific Food Inc. “We felt it was time to offer Filipinos a bigger challenge that keeps pace with the expectations of the community. The interest so far, which includes that coming from the international triathlete circles, tells us that the inaugural Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 triathlon event is met with high anticipation and excitement, and will soon be part of the triathlete’s calendar.”

In next month’s Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay, over 20 professionals of various nationalities are expected to arrive including three-time Ironman World Champion and two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion Craig Alexander as well as superstars such as Luke McKenzie and Caroline Steffen. This makes the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay the most competed triathlon race in the country by virtue of the number of professionals at gun start.

The international field of professionals and even age groupers serves as a perfect backdrop for the Century Tuna brand as it expands its presence in the world market. Century Tuna is now exported to 48 countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy and most countries in the Middle East.

Subic Bay has been chosen as the perfect destination for the event due to its accessibility but more importantly because it offers the ideal terrain with its calm waters and well-maintained bike and run routes.

The course includes a 1.9 kilometer swim, which will start and end at Sands of Triboa via the Subic Bay Airport to Transition 1. The 90-kilometer bike ride will commence on the runway heading to Argonaut Highway, Rizal Highway, Subic-Tipo Expressway all the way to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Participants will then make a U-turn upon reaching Florida Blanca Interchange, and head back to Transition 2 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC). From the SBECC, participants will take on a 21-kilometer run to the finish line.

From left to right: Enerio Domingo III (DOT), Fred Uytengsu (Ironman Philippines),
Greg Banzon (Century Pacific Food Inc.) & Renato Ticzon (NLEX/MNTC)
On top of the prestige of finishing the Ironman 70.3 race, the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay, Philippines will also serve as a qualifying race for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria. Thirty age-group qualifying slots are at stake, along with a $15,000 prize purse for the event.

The event is slated to span over four days from March 5 to 8, 2015 at Subic Bay, Philippines. The Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 is produced and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and made possible through the support of a number of sponsors and partners including: Vita Coco, Gatorade, 2Go Express, Saucony, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Manila North Tollways Corporation, North Luzon Expressway, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, The Philippines Star, ABS-CBN Sports+ Action, Asia Tri, Endurance Magazine, Century Bangus, Sante Barley, Prudential Guarantee, Department of Tourism, Tourism and Promotions Board of the Philippines, Timex, David’s Salon, Mini Cooper, Auto Hub, Smart Communications, PLDT Subictel, Intercare, FinisherPix, Shotz, Devant and Belo Skin Care.

February 17, 2015

Ateneo Run For Your Life 2


The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health will host the Run For Your Life 2 race. This event will benefit the academically excellent but financially needy scholars of the ASMPH sustain their education. These scholars are the future barrio doctors that will help in contributing the health system in the country particularly in the rural areas that need medical help, said Professor Chris Peabody.

The race route involves the two premiere universities in Katipunan, Q.C. The race will start at the Ateneo University, near Blue Eagle Gym and will traverse along Katipunan Avenue going towards the University of the Philippines. There will be a two-loop circuit at the UP Academic Oval before heading back to the peripheries of Ateneo University. Better be ready, folks, for there are hilly routes inside the Ateneo campus, but there is also a section wherein you can have a glimpse of the Marikina valley. The carioca and taho in UP Acad Oval are appealing and delicious. So if you are just going to have this race as a Sunday LSD, ready your pocket for these irresistible treats.

Registration is ongoing until February23 Feb. 2015 both in-store and online. You may register in any of the following registration centers: Toby's SM North, Toby's SM Mall of Asia, RUNNR Bonifacio Global City, Ateneo Chemical Department, and at the Ateneo Medical School in Ortigas (next to TMC). There will be an onsite registration on race day itself from 1 AM-3 AM. 

Visit Runrio and Ateneo Facebook Page for more details.

February 9, 2015

7-Eleven Run 1500 Takes The Skyway

7-Eleven will be holding RUN 1500 this coming March 15, 2015, the latest installation to its successful Run series. 

The first ever 7-Eleven fun run, RUN 800, was held last 2012, and attracted over 10,000 participants. It was then followed by RUN 1000 and attracted close to 18,000 runners and was the largest paid race in the country in 2014. Traditionally, the 7-Eleven Run Series is also held to celebrate store opening milestones: RUN 800 to celebrate 800 stores in the Philippines, RUN 1000 to celebrate 1000 stores and this year, RUN 1500 in anticipation of opening its 1,500th store in the country. 



What’s New?

RUN 1500 promises to be bigger and better, featuring new categories as well as new venue partners, Skyway and Filinvest City.

Now a full marathon, the race now includes a 42KM category, a 10KM buddy run and a 500M fun run for kids. Runners joining the 10KM, 16KM, 21KM, 42KM categories and 10KM Buddy Run will enjoy the course set along the Skyway. Those joining the 500M, 3KM and 5KM categories can look forward to an organized race course in Filinvest City.

What to Expect?

People can enjoy a fun, organized race made more convenient with 7-Eleven’s system. Runners can easily register online and pay at the nearest 7-Eleven store and claim their race kits there. 

The registration system also allows participants to choose their wave starts to allow them to run with those of the same skill or speed, or with friends or family. 

Race Categories, Fees and Inclusions 
Eight different combinations of singlet refer to eight different categories. They come in blue, red green, orange, black, to name a few.

All finishers in each category will receive finisher shirts and medals.  


Top 3 for each category will also receive cash prize.

Another tradition in the 7-Eleven Run Series is to give Filipino runners opportunities to be more competitive. Each Run, 7-Eleven sends top Filipino placers of the 21K category to represent 7-Eleven Philippines and compete in an international marathon, all expenses paid.

7-Eleven Run Series winners have been sent to the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon in Cambodia and Seoul Race in South Korea where Pinoy pride was well represented. Following in the footsteps of Janette Agura (2nd place winner in Angkor Wat), were our RUN 1000 delegates who dominated the Seoul Race last 2014. Mary Joy Tabal, won 1st place in the women’s 21KM, while Mario Maglinao and Elmer Sabal won 1st and 3rd place, respectively for the men’s category. 

This year, 7-Eleven will be sponsoring the top 3 Filipino males and females of 21KM and 42KM to join the Laguna Phuket International Marathon in Thailand. 

Join Now! 

Runners can expect tons of fun and freebies at the event, thanks to 7-Eleven’s generous event partners. 

Register online at http://www.run711.com/ and pay the fees at any 7-Eleven store within 24 hours. Registration is until February 23, 2015 only! 

7-Eleven Run 1500 is in partnership with Skyway and Filinvest City and is brought to you by: Safeguard, Selecta, Pocari Sweat, Gatorade, Nature’s Spring, Del Monte, Powerade, Bacchus, and 7-Connect, official footwear and apparel sponsor, Saucony and media partners: Solar Sports, CNN Philippines, and WhenInManila.com 

Like 7-Eleven Run Series for updates: www.facebook.com/run711 and remember to use the hashtag #711Run1500! 

February 5, 2015

NCR PhilHealth Run 2015


In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Philhealth will launch again their second simultaneous nationwide run. The NCR race will be held at the Quezon Memorial Circle with the route traversing the vast and wide Commonwealth Avenue. This time a 20km category is included to commemorate their 20th year anniversary. The beneficiary of this year's race is the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases or GRACES which is a residential care facility that provides care to male and female senior citizens 60 years old and above which is being managed by the DSWD-NCR. All proceeds, but 20% will go directly to GRACES.

Through this momentous event, PhilHealth aims to rally the entire nation as it helps stage a push towards bringing universal health care a reality. With universal coverage, every Filipino, regardless of status, is given the financial access and support to quality health care services.

You can visit their website for more info run2015.philhealth.gov.ph. So, come and join now. Ready, Tsekap, Go!

NCR Race Categories and Registration Fee 

RACE CATEGORY
REGISTRATION FEE
PARAPHERNALIA
Fun Run
150.00
Race Kit (race bib,  route map, safety pin)
3K
400.00
Singlet, Race Kit (race bib,  route map, safety pin)
5K
600.00
Timing Chip, Singlet, Race Kit (race bib, route map, safety pin)
10K
750.00
Timing Chip, Singlet, Race Kit (race bib, route map, safety pin)
20K
900.00
Timing Chip, Singlet, Race Kit (race bib, route map, safety pin)

 Singlet


Scope of Route per Category

3K Quezon Memorial Circle Commonwealth Entrance – Commonwealth Avenue – U-Turn in front of Central Avenue - back to Quezon Memorial Circle Commonwealth Entrance

 5K Quezon Memorial Circle Commonwealth Entrance – Commonwealth Avenue - U-Turn in front of Luzon Avenue – back to Quezon Memorial Circle Commonwealth Entrance 

 10K Quezon Memorial Circle Commonwealth Entrance – Commonwealth Avenue – U-Turn in front of Meralco Commonwealth - back to Quezon Memorial Circle Commonwealth Entrance

20K Quezon Memorial Circle Commonwealth Entrance – Commonwealth Avenue - Right turn going Constitution Hill Road – Right turn going to Commonwealth Avenue - U-Turn at Regalado Avenue - back to Quezon Memorial Circle Commonwealth Entrance


NCR Registration and Payment

Starting November 7, 2014 participants can register at any LHIOs or on-line through our website and shall pay the corresponding registration fee to any Philhealth Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIOs).


Race Registration and Kit Claiming Sites

Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIO) Directory
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

LHIO
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE #
CONTACT PERSON
NCR - SOUTH
LHIO PASIG
Ground floor, DAP Bldg., San Miguel Ave., Pasig City.
477-6805 
477-6807
Gena Reyes
Amy Carabaca
LHIO MAKATI
337 ITC Bldg., Jupiter St. cor., Reposo St., Makati City
897-1598
899-4506
AristeoPalines
Filipinas San Victores
LHIO LAS PINAS
#471 Editha Bldg., Alabang - Zapote Rd. Las Piñas City
556-5687
556-5685
Michael Angelo Yang
Ernie Tambunting
SM AURA BUSINESS CENTER
7th Floor Room 1 Philhealth Business Center, SM Aura Tower, BGC Taguig City
531-6730
531-6729
Danieth Gonzales
Dexter Sultan
NCR - CENTRAL
LHIO - QC
F. R. Estuar Bldg. #880 Quezon Ave., Q.C.
332-1557
Gelver Ventura
JuvelenePortillano
LHIO-RIZAL
The Brick Road, Sta. Lucioa East Grand Mall, Marcos Hi-way cor. Felix Ave., Cainta, Rizal
646-7512
Allan Paguio
Rona DeVera
NCR - NORTH
LHIO-CALOOCAN
G/F REMCOR Industrial & Manufacturing Corporation 357 10th Ave., cor. B. Serrano Street, Grace Park, Caloocan City
365-0464
365-2014
Ophelia Capulong
Abner Duron
LHIO - MANDALUYONG
#94 Liberty Bldg. Boni Ave., COR P. Cruz St., Brgy. San Jose, Mandaluyong City
532-0968
532-1905
John Michael Sentina
Niña Cristina Villanueva
POEA
BFO Bldg. Ortigas Ave., cor EDSA, Mandaluyong City
721-9414
725-5178

LHIO-MANILA
1810 JARS Bldg. J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel Manila
526-6344
523-7039
Cathrina Cuasay
John Delos Reyes


Race Rules and Regulations

1. All participants must wear their assigned race bib pinned on the front of their singlet/shirt at all times from the time that they enter the runners’ corral until the time they reach the finish line.

2. The race will employ the highest form of sportsmanship and fairplay. Any form of disrespect (cuss words or abusive language, deliberate spitting towards anybody, profane gestures, or the like) and/or acts of violence – as reported by a race judge, race marshal, or an organizing team member – against fellow race participants and to any member of the organizing committee shall be penalized with automatic disqualification.

3. Except on the immediate island of the road included on the race route, race participants caught deviating from the race route/taking short cuts/exchanging their race bibs with another runner will automatically be disqualified from the race.

4. Race participants in all race categories must be wearing the specifically assigned colored string/s, to be handed at designated spot along the course, upon crossing the finish line. Runners crossing the Finish Line without the accurate/complete colored string/s will be considered as DNF (did not finish).

5. Any means or attempt to gain an unfair advantage such as elbowing, pushing, or deliberate tripping a fellow race participant is another ground for disqualification.

6. Should a runner make a protest, s/he must put it in writing & submit the written protest to the Race Organizer within thirty (30) minutes of the announcement of the official race winners. A protester is also required to pay a P500 protest fee for every written protest submitted.

7. All participants must reach the Finish Line by 8:30am in order to have their respective times included in the race results.

8. The decision of the Race Organizer is final.

9. Official time of all finishers will be published (on-line) a week after the race.


NCR Beneficiary

Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases (GRACES)

GRACES is a residential care facility that provides care to male and female senior citizens 60 years old and above which is being managed by the DSWD-NCR. The services of the facility include: 

Social Services:
  • Provision of comprehensive and integrated delivery of rehabilitation services using inter-disciplinary approach
  • Preparation for the re- integration of the older person to his/ her family or relatives or alternative caring institution/family
  • Coordination with LGUs, GOs and NGOs for resources and services needed
Residential Care Services:
  • Provision of comfortable living quarters, adequate food, clothing, and beddings to approximate family life
Occupational Therapy Services:
  • Provision of varied occupational and recreational activities that aims to enhance the resident’s vocational skills and capacity to earn.
  • Health and Medical Services:
  • Provision of consultation, treatment and referral for physical and psychiatric examination to promote physical, psychological and mental well- being of the residents.
Dietary Services:
  • Provision of appropriate meals to meet the needs of the residents.
  • Socio- Recreational Services:
  • Provision of activities and opportunities for social interaction, relaxation and fun among residents
  • Spiritual Service:
  • Provision of varied spiritual activities aimed at strengthening the resident’s faith and relationship with GOD