I guess we will have to ask Dennis and Per one of these days.

Per, The Beautiful Bride, Me, and Dennis, The Dashing Groom as They Made Their Rounds Among the Guests

 It certainly made Mr. and Mrs.  Running Fatboy a stunning couple!

Congratulations guys! I am truly happy for both of you!

At the stoplight on the corner of 5th and 26th Avenues, I watched in my car as a sea of runners turned into right into the street heading towards Lawton. “Damn, I’m late! Those must be the 5Km runners,” I thought to myself. I panicked, got out of the car, and told the driver to just look for me at the event site after. I hurriedly walked, jogged, then ran towards the race staging area behind the NBC tent. I needed to cross over the mat at the starting line  to activate my timing chip before I could run the course. Otherwise, it’s like I didn’t join my first night race and Dennis‘ last run run as a bachelor at all!

A month earlier, Kenny Rogers sponsored a dinner to introduce the Open Urbanite Run. That same night, my building was on fire and I missed out on that briefing even though it was only a stone’s throw away from the house. Thus, I had no idea what made this race special or what people were getting excited about and I was quite ambivalent about it. However, I was sure my friends  would be joining and that they would ask me to come along as well. True enough, I received an e-mail from Dennis inviting me to run with him the night before his wedding to Per. I originally signed up for the 15Km race thinking I would just pace beside him while discussing the pros and cons of marriage during our 1 hour and 30 minutes together, but a few days after I had already been registered, my mother reminded me of a formal dinner party I needed to attend with her which I had said yes to almost a year before already.

The party would be at the Rockwell tent and would start at 7 p.m while the 15 km race would be at the Fort and would start at 8 p.m. which meant I wouldn’t be able to run the 15 Km race unless I could be in 2 places at the same time. After a quick check of the starting times for the other 2 distances, I conc;uded that I could fulfill my obligation to my mom at 7 p.m., leave at 8:30 p.m., and  run the 5 Km race at 9 p.m.  I would just have to get someone to drive me over while I got dressed in the car which is exactly what happened. Except for a few glitches, I had a few minutes to spare when I saw the mob of runners as we waited at the stoplight.

I arrived at the starting line to find that the 5 Km runners had not been released yet and that the ones I saw earlier were the 10 Km runners who had been let out a little later than scheduled. I hadn’t run a 5 Km race in almost 3 years and I couldn’t imagine running all out now specially since I hdn’t been training as regularly as I wanted to. I tried to look for Jaymie and Jun C who were both running the 5 Km race as well but at a relaxed pace but I was stuck at the front of the pack and I ended up bumping into Vener. I was hoping he was doing an easy run tonight but when he said that he would be running something between easy and all-out, I knew he would be closer to all-out than easy. When the starting gun went off, I was still undecided about my pace and I was hoping to see a familiar face on an easy pace. Instead, I got Mark Parco who is as fast as a runner as I could get. He mentioned something about his pace but I knew I was already caught in his slipstream.

I did my best to keep up with him but as the pictures taken at the finish line would attest, I was huffing and puffing my way. Although if I had known that there were cameras there I would have done my best to put up a smile!

 

I clocked in at 23 minutes and 2 seconds chip time. At the finish line, I went about to look for my friends and to hang out. Unlike the morning races where the rising sun makes me want to leave already, I really enjoyed hanging out and savoring the party atmosphere. It’s too bad I wasn’t able to enjoy a few beers with Dennis, Janine, and Benny although I did have a shot of vodka before leaving. Despite the panicky start and so-so finish, this is one race where I really enojyed myself.

For the third offering of Run Radio, we were going to play all U2 songs. I don’t listen to music when I run but whenever I hear U2’s Where the Streets Have No Name I can imagine bringing my Ipod with me and putting on a pair of earphones.

This episode was delayed by a week when the transformer of the building of NU 107 suffered a problem, but when we went on air this time, it was smooth sailing. We talked about the upcoming Kenny Rogers Urbanite Run, the Botak Streemile Challenge with Ian Alacar, the UTMB race with Pinoy Ultrarunner Jocelyn Saw, as well as the regular update from our 5-K Nike Challenger Patrick Echevarria.

It was a beautiful day and getting better!

Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. of U2 Having a Soda While Waiting For Call Time

Run Radio Big Boss Marga and DJ On Board Jewel

Me, Jaymie, and Ian of Botak

Me and Josaw

Another Great Episode Everyone!

Thanks to Joaquin for the photos!

I had never been a big fan of compression apparel until this year. I had a pair of Nike compression shorts which I rarely wore because I felt they constricted my legs during training runs. I preferred the loose feeling of running shorts. However, when I increased my mileage and started running 6 times a week in preparation for the Milo Marathon, it was inevitable that there would be days my legs would still be sore from the previous day’s workout. I finally wore my compression shorts to a speed workout and I was amazed by my improved performance. Since then, I started wearing compression shorts during interval training.

I also began to research on the available compression products in the market. I was aware of CW-X since they are a heavy advertiser in Runner’s World magazine. I also knew that Adidas had a similar product but was rarely in stock in their stores. Jun C and Vince introduced me to Skins and 2XU. In the last 3 months i was able to get a pair of Skins and CW-X so I decided to do a review of both tights so that hopefully other runners who are considering to buy one will have a more informed choice.

Skins Compression Tights

Skins is one popular Australian brand of compression apparel (the other being 2XU). It boasts of body-moulded gradient compression technology. Gradient compression supposedly applies balanced and accurate surface pressure over specific areas of the body as opposed to the equal pressure applied over the entire body by regular compression apparel. The Lycra and Meryl Microfibre fabric is scientifically engineered to provide support and muscle alignment to specific areas of the body which triggers accelerated blood flow and oxygen delivery to the working muscles. Aside from enhanced performance, the improved circulation eliminates lactic acid and other metabolic wastes thereby slowing fatigue and hastening recovery. According to the Skins website, the long tights retail for AUD 150.00 or roughly PHP 6,000.00 

Because of Jun C and Vince’s glowing commendations, I ordered a pair of Skins compression tights from a family friend returning from Australia but when I got my pair,  I had to admit I was a little disappointed because they looked like a regular pair of compression tights with a flashy logo and yellow lining. I changed my mind as soon as I wore them on my training runs when my legs were less sore after my training runs, specially on intervals. Despite the fineness of the fabric, it provided adequate support and was quite comfortable to wear even during warm weather. In fact as a testament to their comfort,  I wore them to sleep the night after my marathon to promote recovery.

CW-X Stabilyx

CW-X compression apparel is made by Wacoal Sports Science Corp. a subsidiary of Japan’s Wacoal Corp. the maker of the popular line of intimate apparel (which is apparently a plus since support for body parts is a critical issue for both companies). It features the Support Web technology which mimics the kinesio taping techniques applied to muscles and joints and creates an exoskeletal system that improves biomechanics during motion. The Web also provides targeted support to key areas which also promote increased circulation and decreased muscle vibration focusing the muscle movement. CW-X is available at RUNNR in Bonifacio High Street and retails for PHP 4,850.00.

During the grand opening of RUNNR, I was able to procure a pair of CW-X compression tights. Originally, I had planned to get a pair of Ventilators since they were recommended for warm weather running but when I scanned the chart which showed the support areas for each model of tights, I saw that the Stabilyx supported more areas so I chose that one instead. It was definitely harder to get into this pair since aside from the usual elastic properties of the tights, the Web had to be positioned over certain areas of the leg. Once on, I could feel my legs swinging back into position with added energy as the Web aided its motion. I could also feel the firm targeted support on my knees and lower back. In fact, when I removed the tights, the Web had left indentations on my skin. However, despite the Coolmax fabric it was much warmer than I expected.

So if I had a choice which one would I choose? Well if I didn’t train as much as I did I probably would not buy either and just use the money for something else. It was certainly an investment I made to improve my performance and to help prevent injuries. Both claim to increase circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles as well as reduced lactic acid build up, but CW-X does have the advantage in its Support Web technology. On longer runs though, the Skins feel much more comofortable as its cooling properties seem to manifest more quickly than the CW-X. I guess my verdict would be if I needed support for specific muscle areas I would probably go for the CW-X. However, if I simply wanted overall support and comfort I would go for the Skins. If cost is an issue (and it always is), then value for money wise my vote goes to the CW-X tights.

Adidas is launching their new line of Adizero performance training and racing shoes this week. Take a peek into their new line of shoes:

Adizero Aegis

Adizero Aegis

 

A faster, sleeker lightweight trainer. Designed with ForMotion upper and ground-adapting 3D ForMotion unit for smoother, more natural touchdowns at high speeds Airmesh upper for maximum ventilation. Asymmetric upper construction to avoid forefoot pressure. Moulded respoEVA sockliner for anatomical fit and great step-in comfort. Non-slip lining for comfort and performance. Extended TORSION SYSTEM bar for heel and midfoot stability. Full forefoot adiPRENE+ for foot propulsion & efficiency adiWEAR outsole for best durability in high wear areas. Forefoot lugs for traction on road surfaces.

Adizero Boston

A serious lightweight distance trainer that is built for speed. Made to stay responsive and fast through the hardest training. Your feet will be flying. Airmesh upper for maximum ventilation. Moulded respoEVA sockliner for anatomical fit and great step-in comfort. Non-slip lining for comfort and performance adiPRENE-maintains forefoot propulsion & efficiency. adiPRENE provides protection from harmful impact forces. TORSION SYSTEM for midfoot integrity. Forefoot blown rubber combines lightweight with grip. Ventilation zone in the shank area. adiWEAR outsole for best durability in high wear areas.

Adizero Tempo

The lightest shoe in its class, adiZero Tempo gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t. Pure and simple in appearance and function, this is the ultimate running shoe. Airmesh upper for maximum ventilation. Perforated EVA tongue for light weight comfort and breathability, dual layer adiLite/respoEVA sockilner for great step-in & motion comfort (antimicrobial). Non-slip lining for comfort and performance. adiPRENE+ maintains forefoot propulsion & efficiency. Dual density midsole for pronation control. ForMotion for motion control & ground adaptability. adiWEAR outsole for best durability in high wear areas. Blown rubber outsole for lightweight grip and cushion.

I’m training in the rain! I’m training in the rain! What a glorious feeling! I’m happy again! (sung to the tune of Singing in the Rain).

Singing in the Rain with My Boss

It felt good to be back at the Nike Running Clinic last Tuesday night to prepare for my October race. I ran a total of 9 Km, a 5Km  session sandwiched by 2Km of easy runs. It was also good to see some friends working out as well. (Thanks to Vimz for the photos!)

I am looking forward to my future training runs!

I ran with Jun and Mariel around Bonifacio High Street this morning as part the iamninoy movement’s call for a run for Cory. At 6:30 a.m. the sky was dark and gloomy and the rains fell ceaselessly as if the heavens were in mourning as well. I chanced into Bards and her friends as they were readying for their run. Chito came a few minutes later. There were a few runners in the area as well.

During our run, I imagined I was jogging with my mom, dad, and brother together with other joggers ROAR (Run On for Aquino and Resignation)  back in 1983 chanting “Makibaka! Huwag Matakot!” and flashing the Laban sign with my hands.

My Brother and I in Our Jogging Outfits

 

Hydrating During A Run

 

My First Run on Roxas Boulevard

Since the news broke last Saturday morning, her death felt unreal as if it was happening to someone else. Now we were running in the rain and I realized that it was time to wake up and say goodbye.

 ***

Almost the same time last year, I posted a tribute to the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. whose assasination awakened my sense of civic duty and my enjoyment of running at a young age.

Today, I say goodbye and dedicate this morning’s run to President Corazon C. Aquino who will be laid to rest in the Manila Memorial Park.. It seems like it was only yesterday when she was a grieving widow who was the rallying point of of Filipinos clamoring for freedom from the dictatorship that ruled the country at the time. I remember attending the weekly rallies and listening to her and the members of the opposition party decry the abuses of the government and call for justice for Ninoy and the regination of then President Marcos.  It was not too long ago when she was catapulted by people power to become the first woman president of the country and transformed from a housewife into an icon democracy and peaceful change. Even in the years after her administration, she never failed to be a guiding light to all of us. Despite her perceived shortcomings, she never wavered in her faith in God and her love for the Filipino people. Farewell Tita Cory. You will be sorely missed.

 With the feedback and the lessons from the pilot episode taken into account, we were able to come up with a much better show (I think!).

Let me know what you think! You can listen to and download the podcast here. In the meantime, here are some photos from last night’s show.

A Little More Relaxed and Ready to Go!

 

On the Air with Second Wind's Hector Yuzon

 

A Happy Executive Producer!

RunRadio's Resident Nutritionist Dr. George Bodegon

Hitting the Wall with Ige Lopez

Jaymie, Me. Marga, Hec, Doc George, and Coach Ige

Go RunRadio!

Time was when you couldn’t get a decent pair of racing shoes because most shoe brands focused on their mainstream models. Now, with road races almost every week and lots of people taking up running, you can get some of the fastest and lightest shoes around.

Adidas wants to take it further with the Adizero Gram Challenge. You may visit any adidas store and submit your running shoes for a weigh in. If they’re heavier than 265g, they will give you 20% off on the Adizero Aegis, Adizero Boston, and Adizero Tempo (although if you ask me, why would you buy those shoes if yours is lighter?).

By next week, I will be back to training, but before I do so I need to know which race I will be training for. It’s an accepted fact that since I qualified for the Milo Marathon Finals (Milo) on October 11 that I will be running that race but there are actually 2 other options present during that month, the Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM)  on October 18 and the Smart SCTEX International Marathon (SIM) on October 24. Of course, there are a slew of international marathons slated for the last quarter of the year but for one reason or another I can’t fly out to run just yet so I will have to contend with these 3.

Prestige

Milo of course has the distinction of being the longest running marathon in the country. Add to that, the required qualifying time of below 4 hours to run in the finals, the Nestle sponsored event presents a strong argument in the prestige race.  However, the other 2 races boast of strong local and corporate backing as well as international flavor with the AIMS accrediation and the participation of some Kenyan runners, but I am not looking to be roundly beaten by an African runner and unless I finish below 3 hours the only time I may get to see them is when they are on the way back so can I really say I ran with the Kenyans?

Advantage : Milo Marathon Finals

Date

Milo is only 10 weeks away from next week and given  my current inactive state, I am not sure that will be enough time for Coach Rio to work his miracles. The SIM being the last of the 3 gives me 2 more weeks to train. Now whether that will have an impact on my performance remains to be seen.

Advantage : Smart SCTEX International Marathon

Race Course

Milo is a course I know by heart. If I want to compare my performance or achieve a new PR, the Milo course is the logical choice. However, the QCIM and the SIM present new race routes and as a runner, I would love to try both of them if only to experience something new. The QCIM course can be anayzed and broken down with a few long runs along its proposed route . The SIM can not, but how complicated could running the SCTEX be? However, I am running a race and not an LSD and knowing the battlefield is half the battle.

Advantage : Milo Marathon Finals

Organizer

Milo has the venerable RACE of Rudy Biscocho who has been organizing the Milo event since time immemorial. QCIM has Finishline who will be organizing their first marathon. SIM has …the PNP and E-ventologists Co. who I have never heard of. There is no doubt how the Milo race will be held. With the early lead time, Finishline will hopefully be able to come up with a well run race.  Unfortunately, I am not aware of the capabilities of the PNP and E-Ventologists Co. to stage this event.

Advantage : Milo Marathon Finals

Other Factors

Many runners are looking at the QCIM as their next marathon and some very good friends maybe running the SIM. If I run Milo, I will have the opportunity of either volunteering for QCIM or acting as support for people who have given me the inspiration to run in QCIM or SIM. If I run in either QCIM or SIM I lose the opportunity to do so for one.

Advantage : Milo Marathon Finals

Overall, it seems like the Milo Marathon Finals should be my race for October. As Vener would say, I earned the right to run there. However, I am worried if I will have enough time to train for a new PR. At the start of the year, my goal was to run a 3:40 marathon and last July 3, I was able to do much better than that. Now, I don’t know if I should pressure myself to surpass that so soon or if I should just train hard and surprise myself. Boston after all can wait another year 9 of traing and saving!). I guess I will just work my ass off starting next week and hopefully, in a few weeks time I should be able to judge how ready I am for any marathon at all!