Merrell Barefoot Collection Now in the Philippines! Sweet!

When I was a newbie runner, there is one instance that I visited R.O.X. and by accident, I saw a run clinic there. Without knowing what to expect, I signed up. That's where I met Michael Sandler, and there also starts my barefoot dream.

After I got a chance to have a one on one talk with Michael, I became an instant fan of him and of barefoot running. I was so impressed from how he recovered from his leg injury and now doing barefoot? Amazing! Full story HERE.

I remember I tried once to run completely barefoot around Bonifacio High Street. At first I was a bit shy because I know some people might look at me and think I'm crazy, running around without shoes. But after that 200-meter stretch, and feeling the warmth of the ground on my foot, I felt a certain connection and lightness on my movement. I experienced my first 1K at around 5mins and that was my fastest, without exerting much effort. But because of my condition, since Diabetes requires a lot of foot care. When I experienced tightening of skin around my foot, I stopped.

So, I forgot about barefoot and stayed on Stability shoes instead. Sad!

But lately, I have been getting a lot of injuries and pains. My running form is correct, so I suspect the culprit really is my shoes. It has served at around 350K already and I think I need to switch. While browsing through websites on what shoes to buy next, I stumbled upon Merrell, and from there I saw their barefoot collection. I read lots of rave reviews about the shoe in the U.S. and every running enthusiast are going gaga about it.

And then, I received an invitation for the launch of Merrell Barefoot Collection here in the Philippines and all I can say is "WOW! Im in!"

From Merrell Blog:

In 1960 Abebe Bikila was a late addition to the Ethiopian Olympic team, set to run the marathon.  When he didn’t like the way his shoes fit before the race, he decided to scrap them and race barefoot, the way he had trained.  Two hours and fifteen minutes later, he was Olympic champion, the hero of a nation and the first big name in barefoot running.

Fast forward nearly 50 years, when Christopher McDougall releases Born to Run, a book about the Tarahumara tribe in the remote mountains of Mexico.  Slowly, people started to talk more and more about barefoot running and the benefits that it brings.

Fast forward to now, where Merrell® is proud to announce a new partnership with Vibram®; exclusively collaborating to introduce a complete Barefoot Collection of shoes in the outdoor category.  Basically, we’re putting together a collection of minimalist, lightweight, versatile and efficient footwear that will be available in February 2011; an entire category of barefoot shoes that lets your feet lead you into your outdoor passion of choice. 

Here are some pictures from the Launch that was held last April 8, 2011 at Merrell Store in Market! Market! Mall, Taguig City: 

The unveiling of the Merrell Barefoot Collection!

 

Sir Dindo doing the stride, barefoot style!

 

They want us to try running barefoot around the Mall? Sweet!

 

My testimonal on how it felt? Well, very different, and light!

 

With the Barefoot Folks, Sir Dave and Sir Dindo

Blogger friends and Merrell peeps

Examining the shoes...

But this sandals is what I really wanted! lol! ^_^

My thoughts on Merrell Barefoot Collection:

 

• The shoes are made with Vibram Sole, so its tough!
• It looks like a regular rubber shoes, so you wont look very different when you sport one.
• It has cushioning around it, gives better protection for the foot.
• It is so bendable! meaning it will really move with your foot and not your foot moving to it.
• It reminded me of my ballerina shoes when I was a kid because of its form.
• I like the men's design more than the women's.
• The price is at around 3,800php. That's way cheaper than other barefoot shoes in the market!
• No doubt about the quality, It's made by Merrell!

I would like to congratulate Merrell for coming out with a great barefoot collection. I know this will be a surefire hit to the barefoot enthusiast here in the Philippines. Thanks also to the peeps at Barefoot Running Philippines for always encouraging me to go barefoot. Guys, a few more push and you'll get me! lol! ^_^

Which reminds me, I need to get a new pair of shoes soon. What should I get? A stability shoe again? or barefoot shoe this time?

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running!

Goldilocks 45th Anniversary Fun and Sweet Run

When I was a kid, I am always looking forward to attending birthday parties because of the cake. Yes, I am a cake lover. I have a sweet tooth (obviously!) and everytime I attend birthday parties the most common birthday cake they serve is made by Goldilocks.

Who doesn't know Goldilocks? Well, despite being the main person of the famous children story with the three bears, Goldilocks is the biggest bakeshop in the Philippines.

Just a trivia about Goldilocks Bakeshop: In 1966, two sisters Milagros and Clarita, and their sister-in-law, Doris, decided to open a small bakeshop along to the Pasong Tamo Street, Makati. The sisters have already been dabbling in the business for some time ---Milagros, by supplying chiffon slices to a number of Manila’s canteens, and Clarita, by baking and decorating cakes during special occasions in Bicol --- when they decided to take their hobby one step further. A third sister, Maria Flor, suggested that they name the enterprise “Goldilocks“, after the character in a fairy tale, aiming to make it easier for children and their mothers to remember its name; and because it suggested luck and prosperity.

So, to celebrate their 45th year in the business, Goldilocks wants to take part in promoting active lifestyle and health to the Filipinos, in partnership with RunRio Inc., they came up with the Goldilocks Fun Run. This is gonna be the first leg of the new RunRio Series Manila.

This year marks a significant milestone as Goldilocks celebrates 45 Goldilicious years of shared sweet and delightful memories with the Filipino. One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations will the the Goldilocks Fun Run scheduled on May 15, 2011 at the Bonifacio Global City.

Running enthusiasts can choose from 5K (P600), 10K (P600) and 21K (P750) distances. There will also be a 500M (P250) category for kids ages 5-12 years old. With the month of May being the fiesta month, the Goldilocks Fun Run is set to be a fun-filled event for the whole family with fiesta themed activities and games that every family member will surely enjoy.

Registration will start on April 8 and will last until May 1, 2011 only. It will be done at the following venues:

o RUNNR Store – G/F Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn – 8pm,Tel # 4031787)
o R.O.X. – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn–8pm, Tel # 8564638)
o Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila (12nn–8pm, Tel # 556-0445)
o Planet Sports Glorietta – 2F Glorietta 3, Makati City (12nn – 8pm, Tel # 8177896)
o The Athletes Foot Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
o Planet Sports Trinoma – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 9167451)
o The Athlete’s Foot Robinsons Galleria – 3F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Pasig City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 6363162)
o Goldilocks Store Shaw Boulevard – 349 Shaw Boulevard Mandaluyong, City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 7276505)

Through the years, Goldilocks has made significant contributions to the upliftment of the lives of Filipinos. With the company’s commitment to its continuing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the Goldilocks Fun Run will also be a fund-raising activity for the benefit of the Goldilocks Foundation and its F.E.E.D. (Feeding Program, Education, Environment, and Disaster Assistance) initiatives. The Goldilocks Fun Run is sure to be a memorable event not only for running enthusiasts but for the whole family. We hope to see you there, and here’s to a Goldi-Good run!

Another info: The Goldilocks peeps said Dingdong Dantes is gonna take 10K on this run. So I expect girls will dominate 10K, and I admit I did got the same distance too! Sweet! ^_^

Some of the pics from the Blogger's Launch:

 

Singlet made by New Balance. Great Material!

Media Kit and something sweet from Goldilocks!

with my Blogger Friends. From left, Sir Eman Macabulos (EmanVictor), Ate Carina Manansala (Flying Boar), Sir Jet Paiso (JetPaiso), Ate Vima Mendoza (Kulit Runner) and Sir Ranier Egos (Running Enthusiast)

 

And ofcourse, I registered myself as Team Kamote Runners! So proud! ^_^

Good Vibes to everyone! Sweet Running! ^_^

Labor Day is Run with Doctors Day... Sweet!

As a Diabetic patient, I always get a lot of prescriptions and advices from my Doctors, and one of the most common is "Exercise Regularly". But now its gonna be different. As the famous one-liner says "Walk your talk", So the Doctors from PCPF are gonna live to this, but with a bit of revision, they'll gonna "Run their talk".

I was invited at a Blogger's launch last Wednesday at Kirin in BHS. From there I got the chance to meet in person the Doctors that I usually see on the magazine of PCPF whenever I get a hold of a copy. PCPF Stands for Philippine College of Physicians Foundation.

Here are some information about PCPF:

The PCP is the umbrella organization of internists in the Philippines and was organized 56 years ago, in 1953. The 3 main reasons for its existence are:

1. Continuing Medical Education of internists and other physicians;
2. Certification and Regulation of the Subspecialty of Internal Medicine;
3. Accreditation and Certification of the Training Programs for Internal Medicine in the Philippines.
   
   Dr. Gonzalo F. Austria is the Founding President of the PCP.
   
   The PCP is an affiliate society of the Philippine Medical Association and a member-society of the International Society of Internal Medicine. The College has a total of 7,660 members composed of Fellows, Full Members and Affiliate Members. The title of Diplomate in Internal Medicine is awarded by the PCP to an internist who has fulfilled all the requirements set by the Philippine Specialty Board of Internal Medicine which administers the certifying examinations annually. The title of Fellow is awarded to a Diplomate in Internal Medicine who has fulfilled the requirements for membership as Fellow in the PCP. Thus, an internist who has satisfactorily passed and fulfilled the requirements of the PCP and having been certified as such, may carry the title Diplomate in Internal Medicine and Fellow of the PCP (FPCP).
   
   The College has 15 component and affiliate societies under it. It also has 22 regional chapters nationwide.

(Original Article from HERE)

RunRio Inc., The organizer of the best fun runs and races in town, has partnered with PCPF in giving us "Run with Doctors".

 
The purpose of thie event is to support the following:
1. The HERO Project
2. Pharmacovogilance
3. Tobacco Free

I've already encountered the word "Pharmacovigilance", but it being explained by Dr. Morales gave it a simpler tune. We all know that generic medicines are cheaper right? But what we are not aware of is that the content of the drug might not be the exact dosage that we get. It's all about quality versus quantity. Health is an investment we should not think twice about. Cheap may be good, but sometimes, it could endanger our lives.

I am so excited to run with the Doctors and I hope this fun run will make the running community more closer to the Doctors and see them as friends and not just another untouchables.

So on May 1, Labor Day will be Run with Doctors day! I'll be running 10K here. Sweet! See you then!

Good Vibes and Sweet Running everyone!

It starts with One HELLO... Sweet Life starts with Team Kamote Runners!

Love begins with one “Hello!”, and this is indeed true between me and the Team Kamote Runners. And here is our love story...

It was last January when I found an invite from my facebook notification about a Luneta to Tagaytay LSD. I laughed when I read it. I thought to myself, why am I invited here? I can't even do more than 10K of run. So I posted on the invitation wall and gracefully declined the invite. Despite that, the hosts from that invite were very persuasive and persistent in explaining to me that I don't need to run the whole stretch, I just need to run the distance that I will do at the Condura Skyway Marathon, and that is the sweet 16K.

So, because if their undying perseverance on me, I shy on declining and accepted the invite. I prepared myself for it but because of the excitement, I had a hard time putting on some sleep.

We started to run at around 12:30AM at the Kilometer Zero mark in Luneta. A few stretching, a solemn prayer and then were off. At the stretch of going to Coastal Mall I had a very hard time because I was not used to running at that wee hours of the morning. I am trying to keep up with them but my strength and endurance is nothing compared to them. Im so glad that Kuya Brian and Kuya Zaldy were very patient in pacing me. I truly appreciate their efforts to run side by side with me until the Kilometer 19 mark in Imus, Cavite.

The Team Kamote Runners was founded because of the takbo.ph runfest where they volunteered as marshalls, and since then they've kept the friendship and the love burning. They are a strong running group. Not only in terms of physical strength but their personal relationship with each other is indeed much stronger that their legs. Even if it was my first time to meet them then, I have been observing them. They were very compassionate in taking care of each other, assisting each other and caring for the needs of one another. Even to someone like me who is not a part of their team, they never made me feel any different. I feel so loved by them. Since then, I always wanted to be with them, on running events and even on bonding moments.

Yes, they got me at one “hello!”. Since then I never let go. I fell in love with them. So when they asked me if I want to be a part of the Team I have no answer in mind but “YES!”.

That was one of the happiest moments ever! I feel like I have found a new love, a love that will care for me, a love that will keep me, the love that will make me happy. I dont feel like Im a team mate, I feel like Im family.

 The TKR Ladies!

 

A celebration after the Condura Skyway Marathon

As a new member of the Team Kamote Runners, I swore to keep and cherish the group as my own. I am now inspired to train more and work hard to keep up with their strength. I will be a one sweet baby “kamote” that will always be there for them and the rest of the runners. I want them to be proud of me.

 

TKR spells L-O-V-E!

My sweet life with the Team Kamote Runners has just begun, and I am looking forward to spending the rest of my sweet life running with them, until my last finish line...

Good Vibes and Sweet Running everyone! ^_^

Smart Broadband Offer is Sweetly Irresistible!

Last March 19, I went to my broadband provider to request for a disconnection since I am not using it anymore. The personnel told me that I can do this, provided I pay the remaining balance of my account. Since I don't have spare cash with me that day, I asked him if I can do the transaction tomorrow. He said I can so I went home.

Surprisingly, when I got back to the same place yesterday, the personnel told me I cannot pursue with the disconnection of my broadband. What? I was so pissed off. I told them I've been a subscriber since 2009 and holding period lasts only for a year. He told me he can't be of help and I should just pay for the month dues until November, and that's the only time I can request for a termination.

I went ballistic. After all that effort all I get is a cold answer from the personnel? And to think I was a loyal subscriber for two years they can't even offer a good assistance? I am so disappointed.

So, after the horrible experience, I decided to switch to a new broadband provider.

I was browsing through some sites then I came across SMART BROADBAND.

SmartBro is offering this promo to all Canopy and Wimax new subscribers! Each new account gets free one month subscription, an HP printer and a Smart Gold Lite subscription for six (6) months! How sweet is that?

Promo is open to all new paid and activated accounts for:

-Smart Bro Canopy Plan 999

-Smart Bro Wimax Plan 999

-Smart Bro Wimax Plan 1995

Subscribers who sign up and connect with these packages within promo duration are entitled to the following freebies:

-Free Bro subscription for one (1) month effective on the

-24th month Free HP All-In-One (Print/Copy/Scan) Printer

-Free Gold Lite SIM under Plan 300 for six (6) months

Subscriber must submit the following documentary requirements:

-Fully accomplished and signed Service Application Form (SAF)

-Proof of Identification

-Terms and Conditions

*Promo is from March 4 to June 4, 2011.

Per DTI NCR Permit No. 1871, series of 2011

click here for more info http://smart.com.ph/bro

Here's a video you might wanna watch. It gets a lot interesting here!

Yes, I admit, I am a facebook addict and I love writing my experiences here in my blog. As a blogger who always wants to share my experiences as a Diabetic Runner, I always need to get connected to the internet. Given my new job as a Marketing Assitant, I also need to get connected even at home so I can do my market research. I've heard lots of good feedback from friends that Smart Bro is indeed fast and stable when it comes to connection, I even tried it out from my friend and I can say I am impressed

So, having all these freebies and knowing that its from a trusted company, what else is stopping you from getting one? I am getting mine as well. Come on! SUBSCRIBE NOW! ^_^

Good Vibes and Sweet Running! ^_^

The G.O.O.D. Run is a Sweet Run!

Last Tuesday, March 8, 2011, I had the privilege of attending a Bloggers Conference of a RunRio Inc. organized race entitled "AACE's The G.O.O.D. Run" (Goiter, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Diabetes). Before this, I am already aware of this run because as you know, I am Diabetic.

A brief background about AACE...

AACE-Philippine Chapter

The mission of the AACE-Philippine Chapter is to empower Filipino patients to achieve optimum endocrine health through the practice of leading edge, proactive, ethical and cost-effective medicine. The AACE- Philippine Chapter is the third international chapter of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the first in Southeast Asia.

“AACE is a professional medical organization with more than 6,000 members in the United States and 91 other countries. Founded in 1991, AACE is dedicated to the optimal care of patients with endocrine problems. AACE initiatives inform the public about endocrine disorders. AACE also conducts continuing education programs for clinical endocrinologists, physicians whose advanced, specialized training enables them to be experts in the care of endocrine disease, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiency, osteoporosis, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity.”

For further information, visit the AACE-PC website at http://www.aacephil.com or the AACE web site at http://www.aace.com.

So, what makes this run different? Well, besides the blood sugar check, bone mass screening, blood pressure and other medical procedures that will be conducted for free, obviously, the proponents are Doctors and not to mention, the cause is indeed very attractive to the likes of me, and to add to the excitement, it has RunRio Inc. mark!

Race Categories: 3km- Php500 / 5km- Php600 / 10km- Php600

Race kit includes: Bib Number, Singlet

Registration until March 20, check the ff stores:
•RUNNR – G/F Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn – 8pm,Tel # 4031787)
•R.O.X. – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (1pm–8pm, Tel # 8564638)
•Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila (12nn–8pm, Tel # 556-0445)
•Planet Sports Glorietta – 2F Glorietta 3, Makati City (12nn – 8pm, Tel # 8177896)
•Planet Sports Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 8422886)
•Planet Sports Trinoma – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 9167451)
•The Athlete’s Foot Robinsons Galleria – 3F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Pasig City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 6363162)

I am always eager to support runs that is made for a good cause, but this one is even better! I encourage every runners to please support this run for the benefit of our future generation's awareness on Endocrine diseases and maybe someday, the eradication of Diabetes in the Philippines and in the whole world!

Oh by the way, I'll be running 10K here, and I would love to see you run on this race as well! See you on the road!

Good Vibes and Sweet Running everyone! ^_^

The Bitter-Sweet Changes in my Life

Ever so often I use to write about running in this blog, but this time, I just wanna share what's going on in my life right now.

For the past 12 years of my life as a Diabetic, I am now tenured on how to decipher if my blood sugar levels are rising high or falling low. I must admit that most of the time I don't use my blood sugar monitor because of the expensive test strip (30php for 1 strip, good for 1 testing, and you can only buy a box with 25pcs. the least) and for a student like me, it's really not practical. I'd rather spend the money on my medications.

But recently, because of the hypoglycemia attacks I had when I did my Sunday LSD's I decided to work up again with a Doctor. Yes, I haven't seen a Doctor for almost 2 years and I am the only one adjusting my insulin dose according to how I feel. I know its very dangerous and I discourage anyone from practicing it. I am just lucky I haven't got any serious complications from self-medicating.

So, I went to Makati Medical Center and ofcourse I expect that the Doctor will be so shocked about the news I spilled out to her. She immediately sent me for laboratory examinations to check if there is a major complications or anything that we have to focus on when we go through the medication process.

The laboratory took 5 vials of blood from me, which I assume is around 250cc of blood serum for the test they were going to do. The next day, I got my result...
 

The result showed a very healthy person, but I wasn't like this before. I used to have sugar and ketones in my urine. I also experienced my underwear being infested by ants in the laudry basket.

I remebered last year, I got this result when I just woke up. A fasting blood sugar of 365!

 

I was immediately rushed to the hospital. Doctors are very much worried. Everyone in the state of panic. Me, I just kept my cool. I don't feel anything strange at all so I don't worry.

 I was even doing my thesis on the hospital bed while I was confined because I have a scheduled defense on that week.

But now, everything seems to be better for my health, and recently, we just moved to a bigger, better home. I already got my own room! It's so messy so I won't post pictures of it yet. I'll make a gallery of my race bibs on the wall, just like what I saw in A Runner's Circle Store in Quirino Ave. To add to that, just before I graduate from school this March, I already have a job at Hinge Inquirer Philippines. I even got an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM and was featured at inquirer.net written by Ms. Fe Zamora!

 

You can find the original article HERE 

Last Wednesday, when I came back to the hospital for my check-up, my Doctor was so happy with the result of my Blood Sugar Monitoring...

 

So now, from Insulin Levemir 40-40 AM-PM shots, I am now using Humalog Mix 22-18 AM-PM shots, 

that's gonna be like half off my previous dosage! ^_^

            My blood sugar result before I hit on the pizza and drinks at ARC Kapihan last Feb 25.

I should be happy about the good things that is happening, but there's also things that is quite bothering me nowadays. There's a huge problem that I am facing at school, as a Student Leader. But knowing that I have done my best and the accusations are not true, I am confident that soon the truth will come out, and I can clear my name that I have been taking care of eversince. I also lost some friends along the way. It's very hard but I cannot do anything but accept the fact that some people come and go into our lives for a particular reason, and for whatever it is, I just trust that it's God's will to happen. I trust everything to him.

Which also reminds me, March is my running anniversary. My first year of running and taking it as my sport and now, my way to unwind and get closer to my own self. I want to celebrate it by contributing to the best of my ability to the running community. I want to get my advocacy going, to encourage more people, especially those Diabetics and others with health concerns to run and take charge of their health, and to prevent or if possible, eradicate Diabetes in the Philippines and in the whole world!

I will celebrating it by having my anniversary run on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the Run United Leg 1. I'm planning to hit a target PR of 1:10 in the 10K category but moreover, I just wanna have fun on this event. If you see me, don't hesitate to say hi and we can also take pictures along the race! ^_^

Change is sweet, but sometimes it can also be bitter. It's just a matter on how we will embrace it and how we will react to it. Attitude plays an important part in people, especially when someone or something, moved their cheese.

Good Vibes to everyone! Sweet Running! ^_^