Todo Responde Run Race Review

I know this was already a late post but I still think that everyone should read about this beautiful race.

It was on a fateful night of December 16th when Sendong took away lives and broke spirits when it left CDO and Iligan City in a state of calamity. Because of this, Filipino Bayanihan Spirit spurs once again, sending in donations in cash and kind to the survivors of the tragedy. Ofcourse, the running community did its part, and that's when Todo Responde Run was born.

Spearheaded by Francis Razon, the owner of Eat Pray Run Sportswear, the concept was to send in help to the victims of typhoon Sendong and also, part of the proceeds will go to the hospital bill of baby Rafael Carlos who is confined until it is settled.

Francis Razon and Michelle Estuar

I am not surprised by the outpour of support from the running community's biggest names like Michelle Estuar, BGC, RunRio Inc., Greentennial, A Runners Circle Philippines and the runner bloggers, groups and volunteers. Sponsors also showed love in this event. With just less than 3 weeks preparation, it was an event worth every cent on. Pepsquad and Without Limits also helped in managing the race event. This is the first time that different race organizers gathered in unity to help in a very good cause.

Powered by Proactive, I managed the Water Station at the last loop of the 10K route, together with my workmates and teammates from Z Runners. We walked from the starting line to our destination. The route was strategically planned and the markers were placed where it should be. Marshals are stationed intelligently, the race coach and organizers are very visible. When the race started, it was flawless. Everything was executed perfectly. It was a "RunRio Quality Race." as quoted from Francis.

Runners getting ready at the Start/Finish Line

I would like to commend the race route organizers in particular for a very smooth flow of runners and vehicles at the 10K turnaround point. It was really amazing that they prioritize the bigger lane for the runners. It was unexpected.

While at the Water Station, I expect the crowd of runners to come in 30-40 minutes after gun start since I'm on Kilometer 7 but to my surprise, an hour has already passed and we just saw a couple of runners passing us by. When we saw a runner being paced by the race coach, we knew it was already the last runner, and we joined the pace back to the starting/finish line.

I spent a few moments socializing with my runner friends before I left the scene since I need some precious time to sleep in preparation for my 21K race the day after.

Me with my fellow Z Runners and Michelle Estuar

A well-organized, sufficiently sponsored, supported by the running community volunteers and perfectly executed race that didn't met it's expected outcome of support from runner participants. What went wrong?

I guess the big part is the marketing strategy of the race. It was not well promoted. And the thought that there's already an abundance of programs from various sectors that sends in help to the calamity victims, they might think that it's enough. Time also plays a big role in this. 3 weeks preparation for a big race is quite a very short time.

Handling out the money to Baby Raphael's father. No single cent went to anyone but the beneficiaries.

Nevertheless, the funds gathered were turned over to the beneficiaries and they were thankful for the blessings they've received from the event.

For me, the event was a huge success. Seeing the running community unite once again for a noble cause is already a winning streak. The smiles from the runners who took part and the heartwarming messages we received on how much they enjoyed the race, it was the best reward for all the hard work done in charity.

Me and the other marshals pacing the last runner to his winning finish! ^_^

This is not the last one, we've only just begun. Organizing races for a cause will be on my top priority. It's high time a blogger like me who receives so much love from the running community gives back in my own little way. I know what I can do is not much, but together, we can make a difference!

Thanks to all who have done their part to make Todo Responde Run a success. I am hoping to work with all of you again on the next race for a noble cause!

The beautiful people who supported Todo Responde Run. Thanks everyone! ^_^

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Camp Run 2012

The 3rd CAMP RUN -Train, Race, Serve will happen on MARCH 24, 2012 (Saturday) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. This event is for the benefits of 5-different foundations to address the educational crisis in our country namely Adopt-A-School, 57/75 Reverse the Education Crisis, E-media, HERO Foundation Inc. and Educational Benefit System Office (EBSO).

EVENT DETAILS:

Event                       :       2012 CAMP RUN train/race/serve
Race Date               :        March 24, 2012 Saturday
Assembly Time        :       5:00PM
Gun Start                 :       5:30PM
Venue                      :       Camp Aguinaldo Parade Grounds Quezon City
Categories               :       5K (P400) and 10K (P600)
Inclusions                :        Starter singlet and Finisher dog tag

Registration Centers:

AFP EBSO Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City
    (Gen. Enrile Ave. cor Gen. Ramos Ave, Contact: 0917-5076617)

New Balance Trinoma

Online (www.extribe.com.ph/camprun)

For inquiries:  (02) 438-9021 / www.extribe.com.ph

RACE MAP

RACE KIT INCLUSIONS

SINGLET DESIGN




FINISHER'S MEDAL

Support races for a cause. Join NOW!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Run United 1 2012 - Runrio Trilogy Leg 1

Another year has come and Unilab Active Health, together with Runrio Inc. will give us again the most sought after race in the Philippines!

Run United 1 2012, will be held on March 4, 2012, it will officially open RunRio Trilogy this year. With 500m, 3k, 5k, 10k and 21k race categories. All categories except for 21k will have start and finishline at the SM Mall of Asia while 21k will start at Bonifacio Global City and finish at SM Mall of Asia.

This will be followed by Run United 2 on June 17 and Run United 3 on September 16.

Runners are in for a number of new features and exciting firsts that will make their running experience better, including new race routes, better hydration stations, improved security, more safety marshals, freebies, and more.

I've always wanted to run from Bonifacio Global City to the south, and this race will make it come true!


WHERE TO REGISTER?

ONLINE Registration: January 30, 2011 to February 19, 2012
In-Store Registration: January 30, 2011 to February 26, 2012

Riovana
• BGC - 9th Ave corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City  

- Mon to Thurs, 11AM to 9PM, Fri to Sun, 10AM to 10PM

• KATIPUNAN – 3rd Floor Regis Center, Katipunan, QC (infront of Ateneo de Manila University) 
– Mon to Sun, 10AM to 8PM

Toby's

•  SM Mall of Asia – Mon to Sun, 12AM to 8PM

The Athlete's Foot
•  Robinsons Galleria – Mon to Sun, 12AM to 8PM

HOW MUCH AND WHAT YOU WILL GET!

Race Category	Registration Fee	Race Inclusions
500m Dash for Kids	Php350	Singlet, Unilab Active Health Bib Holder, Bib w/ Timing Chip, Riovana 10% Discount Stub, Finisher’s Bag, Race Analysis, Free Pics
3K	Php600
5K	Php700
10K	Php800
21K	Php900	Singlet, Unilab Active Health Bib Holder, Bib w/ Timing Chip, Riovana 10% Discount Stub, Finisher’s Bag & Drinks, Race Analysis, Free Pics. Finisher’s Medal and Shirt

SINGLET DESIGN FOR KIDS AND ADULTS

REGISTRATION GIVE-AWAY!

THE 21K FINISHER'S MEDAL

The Run United 1 21km Finisher’s Medal is a unique medal by itself and at the same time is a unique part of a 3-piece puzzle made up of medals from the RunRio Trilogy/Run United Series legs. Register and Finish the 21km/21km/32km of legs 1/2/3 respectively and form the medal puzzle which is the 2012 unique RunRio Trilog/Run United Series Trilogy Puzzle!


ASSEMBLY AND GUN START TIMES

Race Category	Assembly Time	Gun Start	Race Maps
500m	6:00AM	7:30AM	view 500m map
3K	4:30AM	5:50AM	view 3k map
5K	4:30AM	5:45AM	view 5k map
10K	4:30AM	5:30AM	view 10k map
21K	4:00AM	5:00AM	view 21k map

SHUTTLE SERVICE: 

They will be providing a SHUTTLE SERVICE for 21km participants. The service will have the SM Mall of Asia as its pick-up point and will bring the 21km runners to the 21km starting line at the BGC.

Why SM Mall of Asia as pick-up point? Consideration was given to 21km runners who may have other members of the family who will be running a shorter distance so SM Mall of Asia is a more feasible originating point. Besides, there are more available parking areas there than in BGC. More details and mechanics for the Shuttle Service will be posted once available.

BAGGAGE AREA/SERVICE: Baggage Services will be available at the BGC race area in the form of ROVING BAGGAGE SERVICE VANS which will be on standby prior to race start and will move to the SM Mall of Asia to bring these checked-in baggages to the designated Baggage Claim Areas.


IMPORTANT REMINDERS 

• Race kits may run out before February 26, 2012 therefore, registration may end before the announced deadline. 
• A valid ID must be presented upon registration. For group registration, a photocopy of any valid ID must be presented by the representative. 
• Singlet size availability will be on a first come first served basis. 
• A timing device will be used by all participants during the race. 

CONTACT DETAILS:
Race results will be available after two (2) days in www.runrio.com

For In-Store Registration Inquiries:
Globe – 0916 5709220
Smart – 0929 7178164
Landline – (632) 703-1736

 Race Registration: runrio.racereg@gmail.com
 Timing and Race Results: feedback@runrio.com

Information from Unilab Active Health and Runrio.com

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

An Unsweet Hiatus...

Photo from http://www.olaughingpress.com/2011/04/status-of-h50s-hiatus.html

 
It has been almost two months since I last posted something here on my blog, and it felt like a very long time for me already. Things had been very difficult the times when I was out of the world wide web. A lot of unfortunate events happened...

First up, I was taken out from a group for a reason that is very unclear to me. I have been very supportive of the events and the causes that we believe in but it seems that I have done something that put a big mark on my forehead. Though unclear, I said my piece and asked for forgiveness. I remember when I was younger I was taught to always say sorry if someone takes offense against me, even if it is not my fault and most especially if it is. "Ask to be forgiven, and then forgive yourself..." so I did, and I moved on.

Next thing is I lost a major sponsor. The one that provides my needs to survive and live. I need to undergo a reassessment with them so they can see if I can still continue as their patient. It was really heartbreaking. I can't do anything but to get into the process again, but something is holding me up, it was the worse thing ever. I switched to oral medication, in which I think is not enough help to control the rise of my blood sugar levels.

Photo from http://www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk/resources/my-child-is-worried-about/divorce-separation.html

I had a relationship issue that got worse. I almost lost my ongoing 9-year relationship to my one true love. It was indeed the most shattering of all, and to think the reason of the heated argument was just a little favor that was misunderstood. I don't want to go much on the details. I felt so shaken I haven't talked to anyone for almost two weeks.

On a brighter side, I got a somewhat promotion at work, but it meant more hard labor and another adjustment. It could add up to the reason why I was so unproductive at those moments. I'm glad I have access on Facebook at the office, my wall has been a friend at those times.

At the last few weeks things got a little better. I got to talk to my partner and we somewhat agreed on something that we will both benefit upon. I guess that is better than before that I don't even know where he is. Then, I got another good news that I am now a regular employee! Thanks to all the hard work and sacrifices (especially my social sacrifices) that paid off! This means more benefits and security for me and my family who relies on me.

When I was on my way to recover from the tsunami that hit my sweet life, another challenge arises. My son Ethan, was identified by his teacher to have behavioral problems. I don't have any choice but to take him out of school and transfer him to a Therapy School to address this. I always knew something is different with my child. They suspect that my son has Autism. I will write more about him soon.

Ethan is my 5 year old son. He is a very lovable kid. My life and my source of reason to live...

Since these changes happened, I had no training and rarely joined up races. I got a chance to test my blood glucose (Yes, I stopped doing regular testing because the strips are very costly) and it went up to 265 mg/dL yesterday, which is not good, I mean it's bad, really bad! I think this is a wake up call to get back to training and running again, since that is the only way I managed to keep it down.

I think I owe everyone an apology, especially those who kept on reminding me to keep my spirits up. Thanks for not giving up on me, especially when I was about to. I guess there comes a point in a person's life where trials are too much that you just want to stop. But we all know, life won't stop for us, so we have to move on. I remember one saying "Don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done."

I want to think of this long gone from blogging thing as a vacation, and now, I'm back in business! (Though this is not really a business :P)

I look better in this picture. Thanks to Ruel Papa for my make-up! ^_^

Oh by the way, I would just like to share with you all, my team, Philippine Diabetic Athletes or Team PDA was featured inside Multisport Philippines Magazine January issue. This is a free magazine and I hope you guys can grab a copy so you can read more about us and our advocacy.

Special thanks to Francis Razon, owner of Eat Pray Run, My good friends Samuel Tiu, Cheryl Anne Lumanog, Marie Bigay, Daves Espia and to my Team Kamote Runners family for always being there to support and remind me of why am I doing this in the first place, and for those who sent in messages from my Facebook Page, The Sweet Life Runner, chat window, my mobile phone and to my email. I appreciate all the kind words and boosts. Thank you so very much from my heart!

Well, Diabetes, I hope you're ready because this time, I am all psyched up in fighting with you again!

Time to start serious training and happy blogging. More posts coming soon!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^