Financial Fitness Run - A Race Review

After I started on Paleo Lifestyle Eating, I noticed that I lost a significant amount of energy during runs. I should also admit I lack training, so when I did an LSD (Long Slow Distance) two weeks ago as expected, I did 18K in 3 hours and I am so dead tired already.

It's been a while since I joined a "Fun Run". I am mostly doing Strength Conditioning, Core Training and Boot Camps, which changed my body from fat forming to now starting on muscle forming. I now know how to properly take on nutritionals for these exercises but not to running.

Since Paleo won't allow Carbo-loading, which is crucial to storing glycogen in the muscle in preparation for races, how do I make sure I can last long distance races without dying like a battery draining it's power? So time to experiment by joining a race, and the earliest is Financial Fitness Run that happened last February 23, 2014.

To be honest, I am not fully prepared for this race since I lost track of my schedule and realized just a day before the event that it's already on the next day. I don't do competitive racing so this is not a big deal for me, I'll just enjoy the race, the route and the company of fellow runners and friends along the way.

The race was held in BGC, which is just a few minutes from my house so it's pretty convenient. It began with a few stretching exercises and at exactly 4:30AM, the gun was fired and the 21K race has started. Silly me I forgot to link my GPS before it began so my registered distance on the Soleus 3.0 is not accurate. I just used it to track my pace and to estimate the distance I acquired.

BGC is my home turf so I think it's an advantage since my legs already knew how to adjust from flats to uphills to false flats in this area. I am lazy to run so I was just walking at the start of the race and just run a few meters and walk again. I am waiting for my legs to get the rhythm and finally when we got to Buendia the legs started to cooperate so I made it run!

Photo by Manghusi Photography (Jose Ramizares)

Photo by: We Run For Good Health

Photo by GASMA Xfinity Runners

I finished the race injury free with an unofficial time of 2:53. For a run that did not took out all my energy, almost walking and even injury and pain free, it's decent enough for me. I am happy with it. Also met runner friends along the way which I haven't seen in a long time. It was nice to see them all again after a long hiatus from races.

I am a keen observer, not to find flaws but find strengths and room for improvements so while at the race I list down some of my observations.

What I like about this race:
1. It started on time.
2. Route is not congested with runners.
3. Whoever thought of putting Peanut Bars (Hany) in one of the Water Stations is a genius!
4. Bananas served at around 5K before finishline is superb!
5. Water stations serve cold water.
6. Portalets!
7. Photographers everywhere.
8. Getting of finishers shirt, loot bags and trophies is a breeze!
9. Traffic management is commendable!
10. Nice singlet and finisher shirt.
11. Courteous and friendly runner volunteers!

Some room for improvement:
1. Onsite registration should have lights. People had a hard time signing up and claiming race kits.
2. No safety pins attached on the race bib.
3. Some signage are not visible, especially in the 10K turnarounds where 21K runners should go straight.
4. Some small parts of the route is dark.
5. Iced Tea served in the Water Station is not a good idea. It's a diuretic, it'll make runners pee!
6. The route is less than 21K. I'm so sure I didn't make any short cuts.
7. Some critical points in the race lack presence of marshals.
8. I think trophy is too much for a reward in finishing a 21K race. It should just be for podium finishers.

Overall, this race is a thumbs up despite the minor flaws I observed. Well, the important thing is that the crucials are well executed, no casualties and everyone had fun!

Congratulations to all finishers of Financial Fitness Run, and congratulations to all the staff and volunteers of Greentennial Run. Thank you Mr. Rovic Canono for giving me an opportunity to experience this race. Looking forward to more fun races like these in the future!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

My 6th Months without Rice! Sweet Life On Paleo Diet

After I joined Cobra Ironman 70.3 in Cebu last August 2013, and pigged out there (How can you not when you're in Lechon haven?), I noticed I added a significant amount of weight, which I wanted to lose so badly. Knowing me I'm good at crash dieting. It does work but it takes its toll on my strength and my health, and the result is not really a great loss at all. Most of all, my blood sugar went ballistic at that time, my HbA1c result is depressing, scored 9 in the test and that is too high (Normal should be around 6 or lower). So then I started on Paleo, and life has never been the same again.

Now I realized that it has already been 6 months since I broke up my long term relationship with Carbs (Wow! Time flies so fast, did I had fun? Lol!). We Filipinos grew up eating rice as a staple food in the household so imagine what I have to go through just to get this far. So this half year mark needs to be celebrated! I am rewarding myself with a half roll of cake!

Why did I chose Brazo De Mercedes even though my favorite in the world is a Chocolate Cake? First of all, Chocolate Cake is made up of flour so I also broke up with it. It does hurt but I have moved on already. Going back to Brazo De Mercedes, though it's not purely Paleo, this cake is "grain and flour free". It's mostly made of eggs, butter, milk and cream. If you can make your own and replace butter and milk with something Paleo approved like Sunflower Butter and Soya Milk, and even use natural sweeteners like Stevia or Blue Agave to make it diabetic-friendly, it can pass the Paleo standards.

I know what you're thinking, What is Paleo Diet? How can I do it? What does it do to a person's health? Will I lose weight? Will it regulate my blood sugar? What can I eat and what should be avoided? and the frequently asked question of all: "How did you make it for 6 months without Rice, Noodle, Pasta, Bread, Starch and Flour?" Well, I'm gonna answer all those questions on my next blog post!

For now, let me enjoy the sweet reward I truly deserve!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Women's Self Defense and Real Life Combat Training - Register NOW!

I was once a victim of hold up which I almost lost my life on about 3 years ago. I did not lose much valuable things but I lost confidence in going out alone, especially in dark places and wee hours of the day. The trauma never left me since, it just subsided.

Mostly the target of thieves and criminals are women because they think we are weak. In this perilous times, let us not be helpless! We need to learn to fight back and defend ourselves!

Women's Self Defense and Real Life Combat Training - Register NOW!

As our introductory offer to launch BRAVE. We will be having an EXCLUSIVE self-defense class specializing for women this Feb. 22, 2014 conveniently located at Studio M Makati (rehearsal studio for the stars). Taught by a female instructor in an all-female class so it would be very comfortable for everyone.

If you are a woman who has ever had to walk down a dark street by yourself, had a tire blowout while traveling alone, or been surprised by an unexpected knock on your front door, then you know what it feels like to suddenly be aware of your vulnerability. This awareness sparks a need for protection, and who can you count on to always be there to protect you? You.

Violence against women is steadily increasing. Source: http://pcw.gov.ph/

• Effective striking

• Releasing from various grabs (hair, hand, arms, neck, etc.)

• Dealing effectively with distance

• How to anticipate certain types of attacks giving you advantage

• Disarming and stopping an armed assailant.

• Effective counter attacking

• Defending from any line of attack (front, back, and sides)

• Immobilizing an attacker

• Taking down an attacker

• Self-awareness and reflexes

• Combat training applicable to real-life situations

Why Take Self-Defense Classes?

Women may not realize just how much they need to take self-defense courses to keep themselves safe. It is one of the most important things that she can do for herself though. Protecting yourself from violent crimes should be on the top of every woman's list of things to do today. Don't let yourself be caught in an attack without knowing how to defend yourself. Here's a number of reasons why enrolling in a self-defense class makes all the difference.

Statistics show that 90% of attackers will back down and search for a softer, easier target.

What Will I Learn in BRAVE?

Registering for a BRAVE Self-defense program would equip you with essential skills that will heighten your awareness in an assault and enable you to protect yourself and your loved ones in times of danger. Registering yourself for a self-defense immediately increases your safety by 90%, guaranteed!

Here are some of the things you will learn:

Count me in! How Can I Join?

Simply text/email us at 0927 659 97 18 / 0936 330 36 50
Payment Options: BPI Bank Deposit / Paypal
Confirmation of payment/deposit will be sent via text/email
See you on Saturday! :)

You can RESERVE your slot in this exclusive training for only 500PHP and pay the remaining balance on Feb. 22, 2014 (Saturday) or you may opt to pay the amount in full.

Come as a pair and avail a special discount. Text us to avail this promo.

What: Women's Self -defense and Real Life Combat Training 
When: Saturday, February 22nd, 9:00am - 4:00pm 
Where: Studio M Makati (rehearsal studio for the stars) 

You have no excuse not to enroll for the next self defense course you can - as soon as possible. That's because you never know when the worst might happen, and you owe it to yourself to be prepared.

Run United 1 2014

2014 Run United 1 will be held on March 16, 2014 with 500m, 5k, 10k, and 21k race categories. All categories will have a start and finish at the SM Mall of Asia.

PREPAID CARD SELLING VENUES:

You may purchase the prepaid cards at the following stores: from 12:00NN to 8:00PM Monday to Sunday starting February 8, 2014.

Online registration will start January 31, 2014 at www.runrio.com

• Riovana Store BGC
• 28th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
• Riovana Store Katipunan
• 3rd Floor Regis Building, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City (across Ateneo, and beside KFC)
• Toby’s
• SM North – The Block G/F, North Ave. cor. EDSA Quezon City

REGISTRATION FEES:

For online registrants: singlet will be provided during the race kit collection, sizes option will be available online on a first-come, first-served basis.

For in-store registrants: singlet will be given upon registration, sizes will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Singlet and finishers shirt sizes will be available for fitting.


SINGLET DESIGN:

ACTIVE HEALTH VENTILATION BAG & SUN VISOR

21KM FINISHERS SHIRT

ASSEMBLY AND GUN START TIMES:

THE REWARDS OF A WINNING RUN

Alongside the prestige that comes with one of the country’s premier races, 2014Run United Series offers the chance to win great prizes.

*All winners will also receive a winner’s trophy and giftpacks.
*5Km will be offered only in Run United 1, 32Km Category will be offered only in Run United 3 & 42Km in Run United Philippine Marathon.

Each of the 2014 Run United Medal Series Finisher’s medal is a unique medal by itself and at the same time is a unique part of a 3-piece united medal from the Run United Series legs. Register and finish the 21km/21km/21km or 21km/32km/42km of legs 1/2/3 respectively and form the united medal which is the 2014 unique Run United/RunRio Trilogy Series United Medal!

Each leg 1 – 21km, leg 2 – 21km and 32km and leg 3 – 21km and 42km finishers will get to receive a 3 inch-radius united medal like this:

If a runner finishes all three legs in the category 21km/ 21km/ 21km or 21km/ 32km/ 42km, he/she will be able to form this united medal.


REMINDERS:

• Registration is on a first-come, first served basis, and may end earlier than the announced deadline. Race slots may run out before March 9, 2014.
• Runners who buy prepaid cards at our stores will receive their singlet upon purchase. Runners must collect the rest of their race kit (race bib and Active Health items) at Race Kit Claiming on the following dates.

          o March 13- 14 Music Hall at the Mall of Asia, 10am – 10pm
          o March 15, Active Health Village, Block 16 Mall of Asia, 10am – 6pm

• Singlet and finisher’s shirt size availability will be on first-come, first-served basis.
• Singlet and finishers shirt sample sizes will be available for fitting at the registration centers.
• A Valid ID must be presented at Race Kit Claiming. Those claiming race kits for others must bring authorization letters.
• D-Tag will be provided to every participant to get the runner’s accurate time result and must be surrendered to claim the finisher’s item after the race.
• No BIB, No D-TAG, NO RACE.

RACE RESULTS:

Race results will be available within three (3) days after the race at the following websites :www.unilabactivehealth.com and www.runrio.com.
Timing and Race Results: feedback@runrio.com


CONTACT DETAILS:

For Online and In-Store Registration Inquiries:
Landline (+632) 463 4813 or (+632) 463 4814
Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm only, except holidays.

Financial Fitness Run

Be Financially Fit! Join CFA Philippines, a non-profit professional membership organization of finance and investment practitioners, as it kicks-off its month-long investor awareness campaign. Proceeds from the run will be used to hold a retail investment conference which aims to improve financial literacy among Filipinos.

Financial Fitness Run
February 23, 2014 @ 4AM
Bonifacio Global City
3K/5K/10K/21K
Organizer: The Greentennial Run

Registration Fees:
3K – Php 500
5K – Php 500
10K – Php 700
- Inclusive of Singlet, Race number, Timing Chip, Medal and Finisher’s Shirt for the Top 50 Male and Female Finishers of 3K/5K/10K

21K – Php 800
- Inclusive of Singlet, Race number, Timing Chip, THROPHY and 21K Finisher Shirt


Race Categories and Inclusions:

Race Map:

Registration Venues: (Registration begins January 6, 2014)

Li Ning Mall of Asia
2/F South Entertainment Mall, Mall of Asia

Li Ning Alabang Town Center
3/F Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

Yonex Mega Mall
3rd Level, Bldg. A SM Megamall, EDSA corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong
+63 (2) 9147430

Juego Trinoma
3/F Trinoma Mall, EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City
+63 (2) 9018985

Juego SM North Edsa Annex
3rd Level, SM City North EDSA-Annex, SM City North Edsa, North Avenue corner EDSA, Quezon City
+63 (2) 7205035

Juego SM Fairview
1st Level, SM City Fairview, 202 Quirino Highway corner Regalado Avenue, Greater Lagro, Quezon City
+63 (2) 4416739

Juego GreenBelt 4
2nd Level, Greenbelt 4, Makati Avenue corner Dela Rosa St., Ayala Center, Makati
+63 (2) 7575881

Juego Market Market
4th Level, Market! Market!, 26th St. corner C5, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
+63 (2) 7922180

Juego Ali Mall
Ground Floor, Ali Mall, Cubao, Quezon City
+63 (2) 7096995

Juego Farmers Market
Second Floor, New Farmers Plaza, Cubao, Quezon City
+63 (2) 7097327

A Runners Circle Manila
Unit H, Aloha Hotel, 2150 Roxas Blvd. corner Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila
+63 (2) 5674768

Secondwind Teachers Village
45 Malingap St., Teachers Village, Quezon City
+63 (2) 2384005

Secondwind Ortigas Home Depot
Ortigas Home Depot, Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City
+63 (2) 9140283

Secondwind GreenHills G-Strip
Unit 107, G-Strip, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan
+63 (2) 9457856

100 Miles Cafe in BGC
Second Floor, Fort Pointe, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
+63 (2) 8086001


Race Program:

Race Reminder:

Best if you bring your own favorite cold drink. Hydration stations will be provided along the race route.

Kindly throw used cups in trash bins.

Medals for first 100 (50 men, 50 women) in 3k, 5k, and 10k categories.

Trophies for ALL finishers in 21k category.

Cash prize for top 3 finishers in all categories, male and female.
21k - 1st Place Php5,000; 2nd Place Php4,000; 3rd Place Php3,000
10k - 1st Place Php4,000; 2nd Place Php3,000; 3rd Place Php2,000
5k - 1st Place Php2,000; 2nd Place Php1,500; 3rd Place Php1,000
3k - 1st Place Php1,500; 2nd Place Php1,000; 3rd Place Php800

Race proceeds even with light rain. NO RESCHEDULING or REFUND if fun run is cancelled due to force
majeur. Proceeds will be donated automatically to the beneficiary.

Baggage counter opens at 3:00AM and closes at 8:00AM.

Avoid bringing valuables. Race organizers will not be responsible for losses.

Organizers' decision are FINAL.

Wear racebibs at all times. Absolutely NO BANDITS allowed.

Wash race shirt prior to race.

CONTEST for Runners:
1.) Best in Buiness Attire,
2.) Biggest delegation by an Institution,
3.) Biggest delegration by a School,
4.) Biggest delegation by a Runners' Club

SAFETY FIRST. Participants must retire immediately if organizing committee found them not physically fit to
continue the race.

Pay parking available near start/finish arc.

CFA Philppines and Greentennial are an advocate of fitness and health. No smoking in the event area.

About Financial Fitness Run:

The "Financial Fitness Run" is the kick-off event of CFA Philippines' Putting Investors First, a month-long
investor awareness campaign.

The CFA Philippines decided to introduce the fun run into the program since over the past decade,
running as part of a healthier lifestyle has become a well-entrenched activity in the Philippines. It’s a
sport, a lifestyle, and a hobby that cuts across all socio-economic and cultural borders, from little
children to retirees, students to working professionals, including both weekend warriors and serious
fitness buffs.

The “Financial Fitness Run” aims to capitalize on the popularity of this sport in order to generate a
broad-based heightened level of awareness for the “investor rights”.


For more information, please email greentennial@yahoo.com or like their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/financialfitnessrun