My Sweet First 21K Experience

21 Kilometers... A race for serious runners. It left me with much hesitation to join in but I know someday I will do it so I've decided to stage it at adidas King Of The Road last October 23, 2011.

Why KOTR? Simply because I want to give back to adidas for bringing aNR (adiNation of Runners), the reason why I keep and get motivated in training, and most of all, the great friends I met because of it.

My Race Bib

When I registered for the race, I still have 3 months to train so I feel I can do it. I was seriously training that time since I am out of work then. But in my last month of training, things went out of hand. I got a new job that is very demanding of my time and requires me to work in shifting schedules. That's the start of my anxiety attacks as the big day draws near.

My training was sabotaged by my work, and I did try to train but I was already dead tired I just find myself sleeping. Since my job now requires a lot of analytical thinking and problem solving skills, it was a brain drainer! One of my mistakes is I gave in to munching food while I'm in my workstation since I feel better with it, but to my disappointment it made me gain additional weight of 5 Kilos, not pounds...

I gained so much weight because of eating out of schedule and lack of exercise (Photo from allwomenstalk.com)

I started to have nightmares of the race a week before it. I dreamed of fainting along the route and many of the worst case scenarios I can think of. Before this I am facing a great challenge at work as well so I was really not in shape to do it. Three days before the race, my supposed to be pacer became hesitant to pace me so I liberated him from doing so. That started a much heavier trigger of anxiety and nervousness. The thought of doing this for the first time, unprepared and alone was really mind blowing!

I was having sleepless nights and bad dreams... (Photo from peacefulmind.com)

My boss didn't allow me to be absent from work the day before the race, meaning I will be home at 1:00am and the race gun start is at 5:00am, hello tiredness and no sleep! I was keeping myself pre-occupied with work so I won't get the anxiety attacks again, but no, I still had it the whole day and it just triggered headache.

No training, no sleep, tired from work and no pacer? It was such a heartbreaking feeling

Race day came. I arrived at around 4:00am and many runners are already on their way to the venue. I'm just quiet because I'm tired and sleepy. I discreetly made my last preparations and headed to the Starting Line. I got to chat with good friends before it but they noticed that I am different, because I was nervous, really!

When I'm at the starting line I want to quit and just go home to rest. I was with Mommy Gi (HuggingFit Mum). Something inside tells me that I'll fail on this race, but my determination won over it. I will do this no matter what. At the middle of the noise from the happy 21K crowd I found a way to get inside myself, in my own quiet room and say a solemn prayer of guidance and help from God.

The gunstart sounded like it was the loudest one I've heard. The 21K runners were all happy and clapping as we all slowly move towards the line. When I stepped on the first timer marker everything sinks in, this is it, 21K is happening now!

My first 2 Kilometers went in like a breeze but when I'm on my third, I already felt beaten. My chest started to feel tight and it prevents me from breathing properly. I had to walk to keep my very high heart rate down. This is the start of my struggle and hardships on the race. I'm keeping myself psyched up that I have a few Kilometers to finish.

The weather was so forgiving. At a route going to Kalayaan I saw a very beautiful flash of rainbow over the skies, it's like telling me that there's hope after the struggle I'm in. It was such a refreshing sight! Even other runners took a slow pace to enjoy the scenery.

I bet the fast runners didn't see the breathtaking scenery that looks much like this! (Photo from wp.narc.ro)

At around Kilometer 6, Kuya Zaldy and Ate Gia saw me and my desperate condition so they committed themselves to pace me. It really gave me a boost. They were very supportive of me and was able to tolerate all my rants and whinings.

with Ate Gia and Kuya Zaldy at Kalayaan. I can still make face here. (Photo by Mommy Eve)

When I saw Buendia flyover, I just wanna get this race over and done with so I ran my way through it but when we reach Kilometer 13, we saw Ate Mel with Ate Lara, limping in pain. She is complaining about her left leg and her face is really pale and she looks like she's gonna faint anytime. I also started to feel chills down my spine, not from nervousness but a sign that sugar depletion is coming in. Before the race I failed to take my breakfast. I lost appetite because of the anxiety. I had a gel with me that I took in small amounts to ease my grumbling stomach.

At Kilometer 15 Kuya Jake steps in so Kuya Zaldy and Ate Gia went on to assist Ate Lara. He was really good at this pacer thing. What he did is we ran for a short while and rest in a short while as well. I know it's a Galloway Method but I think it's the 1:1 interval thing. The sight of the train tracks gave me hope because I know that's the turn around point. Going back now we headed to Ate Lara at the ambulance and then the couple was with me again, Kuya Jake stayed with her.

The moment at Buendia and the flyover causes so much pain on my right knees and my body really wants to stop. I also experienced side stitches but Kuya Zaldy was so helpful that he did assist me on stretching so that the pain will go away, but I know it did not. What the stretching did to me is it increased my tolerance of the pain, so I'll be able to move forward.

At around Kilometer 16, Kuya Rej came back to pace me. Reginald Santos or "Rej" is my teammate from Team Philippine Diabetic Athletes, a Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetic like me since he was 13 years old. He managed to do Marathons, long distance running and even finished BDM 102 Race (Bataan Death March 102 Kilometers) just early this year. Because of him, I believed that Diabetics can do the distance! Ate Lori came in to join me at around Kilometer 18.

Kuya Rej pacing me a few meters before finish line. Tearjerker moment! (Photo by JR Garing)

The last 2 Kilometers was the longest of all! I felt I was taking forever to reach it. The sun started to shine so bright that it is burning my skin but I don't care. At the last turn point there goes the finish line. I was to burst in tears but I'm hiding it. At around 500 meters, Ate Lori told me "This is your moment, go on and finish this". They left me and I was alone running to the finish!

I was about to cry... No I won't! Dang! I did! (Photo by Flyingboar Carina Manansala)

The cheer from my runner friends near the finish line was really a very heartwarming moment. The tears I'm trying to hide just flowed out. Finally, all the hurtful moments, anxiety attacks, pains, hardships I went through has paid off, and my struggle will soon end in just a few meters ahead.

I can't explain the pain but moreover, the feeling of being well-loved by my runner friends was a tear-burster! (Photo by L.A. Tomas of Team USB)

I finished without having an exact idea of my time. I don't really care about it. All I was after is to finish. To prove and show those who don't believe that I can do it that I CAN, and I did it!

It says on the clock 3:24:28 so I assume I finished 3:25. Fair enough! (Photo by KB Runner)

My Official 21K time. Kinda embarrassing but at least I've finished...

I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to adidas, Runrio Inc. and everyone who made the event smooth for us. Thanks also to all the runners who took a moment to stop and cheer for me along the race and those who cheered for me at the finish line. Special thanks to my unexpected pacers, Kuya Zaldy, Ate Gia, Kuya Jake, Ate Lori and Kuya Rej that made it possible for me to finish. Most of all, thanks to my Team Kamote Runners  and Team Philippine Diabetic Athletes Family, to MultiSport Magazine and to Sir Poch Bermudez who always believed in me, to Ms. Gina Reyes and Novo Nordisk Philippines who's very supportive of my cause and to our almighty God for his never-ending love, guidance and for the extended life I had. I can never be thankful enough!

More than the 21K medal, the true achievement comes from what I felt within when I crossed the finish line... (Photo by: Iris Rivera)

After the run, I just freshened up and went to St. Michael's Church to support the Run In Peace for Melinda Ponce, our fellow runner who died in Cebu City.

Thank you so much to everyone who supported. (Photo credits to Sir Victor Ting)

Ofcourse, after all the hard days "work", time to fill the tummy and ofcourse, the heart! ^_^

The After Run Lunch at Kanin Club and Coffee & Cake at Momo Ayala Triangle. (Photo by: Tong Pascua)

When I woke up after a deep sleep, my body is aching all over and I can barely walk. But after a full day of rest I am as good as new. Though I told them I will not do this anymore, I'm pretty sure I don't mean it. I love joking around right? LOL!

Am I ready for my next 21K? How about in Run United 3? Well see...

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

The Sweet Life In Shifting Schedules?

I remember Coach Patrick Joson once told me that there are two types of runners: the Elite, who live their lives working their way to winning the races for a living, and the Professionals, who live their lives working their way to a successful career and training for races in between to achieve their desired fitness level, health or just to do the sport they love. Obviously, I belong to the latter but unlike other people, my work is a bit different from normal.

Sleepiness is the hardest part to control! (Image from BPO27)

BPO or Business Processing Outsourcing is in its peak nowadays here in the Philippines and they provide good jobs with good paying rates to their employees, and some of my friends are working for them. The downside part here is that mostly, their employees work on a graveyard shift and shifting schedules.

After working in a company with a regular office hours, it is indeed a challenge on my part to work for a company with a seemingly different office hours and shifting schedules. I started to work as a Customer Interaction Associate for a Gaming Company under a well known BPO Company just last week August.

Though the job seems to be easy (I am just answering emails), I was having a difficult time keeping my blood sugar low. I need to work from 9 in the evening until 6 in the morning most of the time. I tried not to eat the whole time but what I got is mild ulcer. I even experienced hypoglycemia while on training. Now things got worse, I need to eat frequently to prevent hyperacidity from striking on me.

Blood Sugar monitoring is very important and must be tracked. (image from InfoBarrel.com)

I visited my Doctor three weeks ago and she did saw the result of my blood sugar monitoring. When I saw the look in her face while reading my monitoring report, I knew I was out of control. I range from 120mg/dl up to the highest 180mg/dl and it's not good. She had to adjust my Insulin requirement dosage to +2 to keep up with the crazy rising of my blood sugar at night.

Tell me, how can I resist them???

What I noticed is that I'm gradually gaining weight. I know the Insulin adjustment is one of the culprit but the imbalanced eating did a huge contribution to it. My eating schedule was not followed anymore. Not to mention, the surprise Pizza deliveries that is so hard to resist. I am also having a hard time completing an 8 hour sleep and rarely experience a deep, refreshing one. To make it worse, my training for my first half marathon was sabotaged. The reason why it was a very hard 21K race for me.

Indeed true! Especially on the weight gain part. (image from Law and ICT)

Now that I am working on a night shift for a month I feel I have adjusted accordingly. My blood sugar spikes are lesser now and I make sure I bring a packed lunch to work so I can monitor my food intake. But ofcourse there are occasional food trips that I cannot resist, especially if your workmates starts to invite you to join in and eat out. The problem again will arise after the transition wherein I'll have a different time schedule, and need to undergo the same adjustment as I did before. Such a health hazard this can be!

Since I've already started my 21K journey, I am compelled to optimize the use of my free time in training and running so that I can last until the finish line. I already cancelled the target time for me on these events. The only important thing to me is to get used to the distance, finish injury-free and alive, and I think that's what really matters the most.

I am planning to talk to my boss about getting a permanent schedule at work so that there wont be adjustments in my Insulin anymore. Moreover, for my blood sugar to be always in control and to have a planned training I can stick with. Wish me luck!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Sunset Run - The SunPIOLOgy Event

Want to beat the "Sub-Piolo" pace? Where is it highly recommended? Ofcourse in a race where he will be running and this is the race you need to be in!

SUNSET RUN
December 10, 2011
Bonifacio Global City

Imagine a thousand pairs of feet rushing amidst the sunset. Feel the adrenaline racing through their veins. See passion come to life in a race to help reach the dreams of the next generation.

On its 3rd year, SunPIOLOgy 2012 enjoins everyone to RAVE and RUN to RAISE funds for a cause as Sun Life Financial-Philippines collaborates once again with Piolo Pascual’s Hebreo Foundation.


REGISTRATION DETAILS

Claiming of Race Kits: (Nov 14 – 19 2011,9am to 6pm)
at SUN LIFE CENTER, BGC


 
RACE FEES, ASSEMBLY, GUNSTART TIMES AND INCLUSIONS

SINGLET DESIGN

LOOT BAG

TOP WINNERS MEDAL

TOP WINNERS JACKET AND SHIRT

RACE MAPS

PRIZES AND OTHER DETAILS

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Participants below 18 years old must have their entry form signed by a parent/guardian
2. Race Bib Number must be pinned in front of your running shirt at all times during the race
3. Registration will be limited to the slots per category
4. All protest related to the results must be made in writing and submitted to the Race Director within 30 minutes after the official announcements of winners
5. A protest fee of Php1,500 may be collected for every written protest made
6. All runners must wear their reflector band at all times
7. Only vertical runners are entitled to enter the Sun Life Centre
8. All winners will be based on Barcode finishing time results9. Drinking water will be provided at selected points along the route Medical aid will be available at certain points via our roving representatives
9. Toilet cubicle will be available at the site during the race
10. All participants and other spectators are required to park their vehicles at the alloted parking area. The title sponsor and the race organizers will not be liable for any losses or damages that may occur at the parking area.
11. Baggage deposit service is available at the activity area from 4pm– 8pm
12. Runners opting for the half century have personal best in the 10k of sub-40:00 for the Men and sub 50:00 for the Women
13. For safety purposes, No Liquid shall be allowed inside the stairwell. The Water stations will be located at the start and finish areas only
14. There will be 3 medical stations at 1) Mid Floor, 2) Top Floor, 3)Finish Area. There will be 1 or 2 ambulances located at the opposite of the start and finish area

BENEFICIARY

"Since we are surrounded by such a
great cloud of witnesses, let's throw
off everything that hinders and the
sin that so easily entangles and let us
run with perseverance the race
marked out for us."

 – Hebrews 12:1

• A non-profit organization with education as its advocacy.
• Since 2009, we helped send poor but deserving scholars to school for a more secure future. We have partnered with different companies to garner more support for its worthwhile cause.
• One of our foremost partners is Sun Life Financial with the widely successful collaboration called SunPiology.

Mission:

• To bring lasting and meaningful changes in the lives of Filipino families
• To open doors for the renewal of faith in the Filipino spirit
• To offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity during difficult times brought about by calamities or hardships

ONE RACE • ONE GOAL • ONE PURPOSE

The Hebreo 12:1 Foundation strives to foster a life worth living for all people in this nation and with the foundation's spirit of generosity, kindness and selflessness, we will succeed in our mission.


For inquiries, you may e-mail info@sunpiology.com or call 0927-8756671.
Visit http://www.sunpiology.com for updates.

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Rain4Africa - A Lifeline To Africa Run

Another race that we should support the most. For the benefit of our brethren in Africa, were people need help the most...

RAIN FOR AFRICA
November 13, 2011
Westgate Center, Filinvest Alabang


Philippines is a third world country, and we, most of the time are a beneficiary of help from wealthy countries around us. We also help each other in times of crises like the recent typhoon that struck us, causing disaster to our fellows in Bulacan and nearing provinces.

The thought that our country is needy gives the big question to the cause of this race. "Why help Africa? Why not help our fellows who are in need?"

Africa is also a third world country like us but there is a big difference. On July 20 of this year, the United Nations officially declared the crisis in the Horn of Africa as a famine. Tens of thousands have died, in fact more than 29,000 children under the age of 5 have died in the months of June to August. This famine was caused by excessive drought, back-to-back failed crop seasons, the 20-year civil war in Somalia and rising food and fuel prices worldwide. More than 12 million people are affected in three countries and are in need of aid. It is hard to wrap our minds around that figure; the idea of 12 million hungry people is almost too large to comprehend. With the amount of bad news we get on a daily basis, it may just be too easy to turn a blind eye, especially because of the sheer numbers involved. Some people may prefer not to face this horrific reality. But face it we must. We must choose to do just the opposite—we must choose to get shocked and horrified at these unthinkable statistics. They must keep us awake at night. They have got to bring out the best in humanity and spur us on to action.

On November 13, 2011 Lifeline Foundation is holding Rain4Africa, A Lifeline to Africa Run in Westgate Filinvest Alabang. 100% of the proceeds from this run will go directly to the World Food Program (www.wfp.org). Race categories are 3K, 5K and 10K, and registration is Php400 for all categories, inclusive of timing chip and race bib. No loot bags, just care. No singlets, but we do ask all participants to wear bright colors in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Africa.

For 3K Runners, wear ORANGE

For 5K Runners, wear GREEN

For 10K Runners, wear BLUE

According to the World Food Program, “50 cents a day is enough to feed a hungry child or a mother on the edge of survival." We can do this. We can raise what is needed to save lives, to save the future. Join us on November 13!

For just one registrant, it can feed 16 people who are starving in Africa. Isn't it a great feeling to enjoy the route in Westgate, do the sport you love and at the end of it, you have helped for a good cause? For me that is what Charity is all about, enjoying what you love and helping out at the same time. Let's register not because we want a singlet or loot bag, but we want to extend our care and love to our fellowmen. Let's give back because I believe that we are blessed, much much blessed...


REGISTRATION PARTNERS

CHRIS SPORTS
SM North Annex (3rd Floor)
SM Megamall (Bldg. B, 2nd Floor)
Glorietta 3 (2nd Floor)
Mall of Asia (2nd Floor)
Market! Market! (4th Floor)
Filinvest Supermall Alabang (3rd Floor)

LIFELINE FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS
86 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Paranaque City

GUHIT KAMAY
G/F Cinema Area Alabang Town Center, Zapote Rd. Alabang, Muntinlupa Ciry

REEBOK
2F Festival Supermall, Filinvest Corporate Ave., Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Please contact 8362514 or visit www.alifelinetoafrica.org for more details about Rain4Africa.

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Garfield Runners Cup 2011 - Manila Ocean Park

Are you a fan of this cuddly, lovable, orange cat named Garfield? Now is the time to join this race!

GARFIELD RUNNERS CUP
November 12, 2011 - Saturday
Manila Ocean Park

Garfield Apparel believes in the importance of health, fitness, and wholesome bonding within the Filipino family. In line with the objective of developing a new experience for runners, comes Garfield’s Runner’s Cup this November 12, 2011 at Manila Ocean Park! 

“We wanted to create a new dimension, and transform the usual fun run event. Expect a different kind of run. Expect a journey of fun-filled memories and experience catered for the whole family.” says Garfield Apparel Marketing Manager Kyle Ong.

Garfield and other cartoons will be joining the race. Not only that, but also well-loved Garfield apparel celebrity stars such as Mutya Orquia, Louise Abuel (100 days to Heaven), Clarence and Brenna (Star Circle Quest Grand Winners) and many more will be joining their fans during the run. To close the event, there would be a 2-hour culminating activity, the Garfield Zone. This includes a concert, food fest, fun games and activities, freebies and many more. There is something for everyone!

More than an enjoyable experience, participants will also be able to lend a hand to the community, because proceeds from this event would go to a children charity organization.

REGISTRATION

The registration for Garfield Runner’s Cup starts on September 20 onwards at the following Chris Sports branches:
SM North Edsa The Annex
SM Megamall
SM Mall of Asia
Festival Supermall
and October 10 onwards at ROX Bonifacio High Street.

Registration period is until November 10. Garfield Runner’s Cup would accept limited runners for the safety of the participants. Registration fees and categories as follows:

Race Category	Age	Fees
Odie’s Kid Race 500m Dash	5 years old and below	Php300.00
Odie’s Kid Race 1.5K	6 – 9 years old	Php300.00
Odie’s Kid Race 1.5K	10-13 years old	Php300.00
3K Family Run	Open category	Adults Php350.00 Kids Php300.00
5K Garfield Power Run	Open category	Adults Php400.00 Kids Php300.00

RACE MAP

SINGLET SIZING CHART

The singlet design will be same as the one worn by the models in the poster.

We have a 9 year old cat named Leeyoh who looks like Garfield, and is equally lazy as he is. He is my Mom's Fiancee's Cat that they found outside their house in Valle Verde. Since then they've adopted him like their own, and so he became my youngest brother. ^_^

He is so big he is mistaken as a Lion! ^_^

HOW TO GET TO MANILA OCEAN PARK?

I bet you guys would ask so I did some research on it. Here's how:

From the CaMaNaVa* (north of Manila) area:
*CaMaNaVa stands for Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela

Option 1. From Monumento, take an LRT 1 Yellow Line going to Taft and get down at United Nations station, walk towards T.M. Kalaw. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 2. From Monumento, ride a jeepney along Rizal Avenue bound for Taft Avenue and asked to be dropped at T.M. Kalaw. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park. It might happen that jeepneys bound for Taft are scarce so ride a jeepney first to Divisoria or Lawton and ask where you can transfer for those bound to Taft or Rizal Park (Luneta).

From around Manila:

Option 1. Ride a jeepney along Rizal Avenue bound for Taft Avenue and asked to be dropped at T.M. Kalaw. Walk towards Manila Bay until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk through South Drive and behind the Rizal Park stretch will be the visible Quirino Grandstand. It might happen that jeepneys bound for Taft are scarce so ride a jeepney first to Divisoria or Lawton and ask where you can transfer for those bound to Taft or Rizal Park (Luneta).

Option 2. Take an LRT 1 Yellow Line going to Taft and get down at United Nations station, walk towards T.M. Kalaw. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 3. From Lawton/City Hall area, ride a jeepney going to Baclaran and get down at the Shell Station at the corner of M.H.Del Pilar and T.M.Kalaw. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 4. Along Roxas Boulevard, there are FX that are Sucat-Lawton. You can ride this and asked to be dropped at Luneta. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

From Quezon City and Marikina:

Option 1. Take the LRT2 Purple Line and go down at Recto Station. From here, transfer to Doroteo Jose Station of LRT 1 Yellow Line and ride an LRT bound for Baclaran. Go down at United Nations Avenue walk towards T.M. Kalaw.Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 2. From Cubao, you can ride a jeepney/FX that is bound for Quiapo and asked to be dropped at Rizal Avenue. Ride an LRT 1 bound for Baclaran via Doroteo Jose Station. Get down at United Nations Station and walk towards Manila Bay T.M. Kalaw. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Areas by the east side of Metro Manila (i.e. Pasig, Mandaluyong, Pateros etc):

Option 1. You can ride an MRT southbound to EDSA-Taft Station and transfer to the LRT1 via an elevated walkway to EDSA Station and ride an LRT bound for Monumento. Get down at United Nations Station and walk towards T.M. Kalaw. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 2. You can ride an MRT southbound to EDSA-Taft Station and from there ride a Quiapo/Divisoria bound jeepney via Taft Avenue. There are also buses from the south that are bound for Lawton, you can take that, get down at United Nations Station and walk towards T.M. Kalaw. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 3. You can also ride an MRT northbound to Cubao and transfer to LRT 2 Purple Line bound for Recto and ride an LRT 1 bound for Baclaran. Go down at United Nations Avenue and walk towards Manila Ocean Park. (This route is crazy and impractical, but it works).

From the south (Pasay, Makati, Paranaque and more southern area):

Option 1. Ride an FX or bus bound for Manila City Hall or Lawton and get down at Luneta. YWalk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 2. From SM Mall of Asia or along Taft Avenue, take a jeepney bound for Divisoria either via Taft or Mabini route. Get down at Luneta. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 3. Ride the LRT 1 Yellow Line bound for United Nations Station and get down at United Nations Station and walk towards T.M. Kalaw. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 4. Around Makati and Pasay, ride Libertad-LRT or Buendia-LRT bound jeepneys or Ayala-Leveriza bound buses and get down at the LRT station. Ride either an LRT or jeepney along Taft Avenue and get down at United Nations Station or Luneta/Rizal Park. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

Option 5. Along Roxas Boulevard, there are FX that are Sucat-Lawton. You can ride this and asked to be dropped at Luneta. Walk towards Manila Bay through Rizal Park until you reach Roxas Boulevard (you will walk past Orosa Street and National Library). Cross Roxas Blvd, and walk until you reach Quirino Grandstand; behind it will be Manila Ocean Park.

For private vehicles, Manila Ocean Park is accessible via Roxas Boulevard. If you are coming from the south, then turn left at T.M. Kalaw (you can see the US Embassy and Museong Pambata by your left side before you turn). If you are coming from the north, turn right before or after Luneta (this is Katigbak Drive or T.M. Kalaw, respectively). You will be guided by the signs leading to Manila Ocean Park.

Of course, you can ride a taxicab from any parts of Metro Manila and just mention to the driver to bring you to "Manila Ocean Park", "Quirino Grandstand", "Manila Ocean Park near Luneta", or"Manila Ocean Park near Rizal Park".

Here's a map going to Manila Ocean Park via its website (an alternative view via Google Maps):

(Source: http://www.metromaniladirections.com/2010/05/how-to-get-to-manila-ocean-park.html)

We are used to seeing him like this...

Now he's gonna be active and will run the race like we do!

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/GarfieldRunners Cup
or contact us at garfieldrun@yahoo.com or 09175746323 / 09239347332.

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Nathan Ridge Run Route Recon - A Sweet Sweat Experience

Last week, a fellow runner, friend and the Brand Associate for Nathan Sports Philippines, Mariel Flores sent me a message thru Facebook, inviting me to join a group of runners and travel bloggers on a route recon in Tagaytay Highlands on October 8, 2011. I looked at my work schedule and found out that I have work, but I'm on a night shift and this will happen on an early morning so I said yes and I felt so excited about it.

Evening before the recon day it was raining hard. I was actually thinking of not joining anymore because I don't want to get sick but then early morning came and I got no advise for a cancellation so I still joined in. I came in the earliest at R.O.X. and then one by own those familiar faces and some not very familiar came in after.

We had a stopover to get some breakfast before we went to Tagaytay Highlands. As we reach the destination the climate is becoming cooler and cooler. The sight is covered with fog so we really don't have a clear view of the outside. When we reach the entrance gate, the fog became thicker and we can barely see so the Security Guard told us to put the Van in hazard mode.

Tagaytay Highlands is a very beautiful place that is just around 45 minutes drive from Metro Manila. A very scenic, breathtaking place that is so rich in nature's abundance of greens and browns. The breath of fresh air is indeed very relaxing and the quietness is so tranquil, a true ambiance of serenity. A sweet escape from the busy roads of the City. Not to mention the great architectural designs of the houses and buildings surrounding it. It's just so beautiful!

A photo before going on the challenge! (Photo by: Rene Villarta)

After a short briefing we are now ready to test the road, a recon of the route where runners of Nathan Ridge Run will pass by. We started at the Sports Club. The first few meters I was still at the lead pack but as we slowly progress through, the route is becoming stiffer and stiffer that it was really so hard to catch up with their speed so I decided to just run at my own pace. Just after 1K I wanna stop and ride the support vehicle but something inside me is saying "No!".

Backshot by Running Atom, as if I was really running. Nah! Mostly I walked...

The route is so challenging! McKinley killer hills should be ashamed of himself for his title. I rarely had a moment on a flat terrain, and it was super foggy with a very light rainshowers which I think is a good climate if you're gonna run a route like this one. I was the third to the last runner but I don't care. I was breathing so heavily and I feel that hard stretch on my leg muscles. My heart pounds like a Mason hitting on a hard rock and my lungs wants to collapse.

My "wasak" moment captured. Thanks Running Atom!

At around 2.5 Kilometers, Leila, the Marketing Assistant of Nathan Sports Philippines asked me if I can still run, or if I want to ride on the support vehicle. She opened the door of the Van. The sight of the inside seat was so very inviting that I wanna hop in and make myself comfortable, but no. I will finish this one until the end, that I promised myself.

The lead pack were kind enough to wait for me in a flat terrain for a couple of minutes but when I arrived they started running up a much challenging route, a much stiffer, more challenging route going to the Peak!

Up there is the Peak. Might look easy, but definitely NOT!

Looking from the sight where I am located I was literally looking up. My body wants to give up because I am so tired, but the thrill of trying out a route like that excited my mind, and so I gave in to my minds desire. The thought that it was just near ceases when we run up and up as if there's no end to it. The support vehicle's engine is growling hard, indication that it is also taking in much effort to go up the stretch of the route.

After some time I saw the Peak closer and it gave me a boost to get to it. As we come near the route becomes stiffer, so walking is a great way to do it. Nearing the destination my runner friends were cheering for us, the last runners. We dramatized as if we are to podium finish a race. They were laughing hard at me, and it was a stress reliever!

When you reach the Peak you can see the whole Tagaytay Highlands and believe me, it's more breathtaking to view from there than from below. The 3.5K run, or should I say hard walk, feels like I did a 16K LSD at Bonifacio High Street to Lawton, and worse. We had a few moments to rest, chat and ofcourse, take some beautiful photos!

Travel and Runner Bloggers took in the challenge!

After the run, we had a hearty lunch at the Sport Club. We had a nice conversation and sharing of ideas. Then we went out to try the Cable Car and the train. We were shouting and laughing so hard as if it was like we were in a high school field trip. Here are some of the photos I took using my iPhone.

The Cable Car. So slow so it's safe! ^_^

The train going down, suprisingly slow as well. ^_^

The Train after we unloaded.

The very elite Golf Course.

All I can say is that it is one of the most enjoyable trips I ever had and it was made even special because I was with my runner friends, and I get to meet new friends along as well. Thank you so much Mariel Flores and the rest of the Team Nathan Sports Philippines for letting me experience this event. It was a very happy and memorable experience that will indeed make my life sweeter!

For those of you who are Nature lovers, challenge seekers, risk takers or just grew tired of the usual Metro Manila races, I highly recommend Nathan Ridge Run to you!

I'll post the race details soon! Watch out for it!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^