Organizer:
Haribon Foundation
Registration:
Could be done online through the Haribon official website, Runner's Runner, R.O.X., and many different Mizuno branches. I'm not sure if they got more than 200 people to sign up, and I think that the marketing strategy could have been better. My first suggestion for next year's race would be for the organizers to revisit the accessibility of the registration details--postings on different web pages should not only focus on the online process, which based on the comments of some runners in www.takbo.ph would be out of the question for non-credit card holders, and had there been more information (or more venues, for that matter) on walk-in registrations, it might have helped drive the participation rate from running communities. The elusive race map might have been a factor in the low turnout, as it was only available in the race kit, though the websites did say that it will be in the Pasay area (CCP Liwasang Ullalim). I heard there was information available in the FAQ's, but I didn't have the patience to look for it there.
Race Kit:
Includes singlet, race bib with attached time chip, race guidelines, route map, and inserts about Haribon. Per the literature provided, participating in the run also means you adopted a seedling in support of the movement "Road to 2020", which aims to plant 1 million hectares of native trees all over the Philippines. Excellent cause, which is why it was quite regrettable that there weren't that many participants.
The Race:
The 15-km route was made of two laps around the CCP area, and fortunately today was a cloudy day, so I didn't finish my run "two-toned", as my boyfriend puts it. There were only a handful of water stations along the way, but after the U-turn point on Roxas Boulevard, they were giving away full bottles of mineral water, which makes up for the scarcity of the stations. The race marshalls at the turning points of the second lap were no longer there to help direct traffic and inform runners of their turning points, which worried me because I am probably the lousiest of the lousiest at directions on this planet. I'm sure other runners there would agree that we appreciated their encouraging cheers when they were there, though. At times they made me chuckle, too, those nuts.
The Activity Area:
Among the numerous booths in the small activity area were the onsite registration booth, baggage area, food stalls (which offered "real meals", not just pre-packed "silog" meals--a plus for me), free massage area, first aid, and the Haribon booths that sold different Haribon products, offered free face painting service, activity areas for kids, and informational booths about the many initiatives of the Haribon Foundation. Of course, during the program, they awarded the fastest male and female runners of each race category, and they also raffled off prizes from sponsors.
Overall, it was a good run. I sincerely hope that next year's MHC would entice more people to sign up than this year.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Unilab Run United Leg 3
The Race Kit
Includes singlet, race bib, Unilab goody bag (contains items that vary per race category), and possibly a time chip. The finisher's kit includes various items as well, and this time, the actual goody bag is a shoe bag. For the long distance runners, the 21km participant's kit comes with a silver medal, and gold ones for the 32km runners.
Registration
The time chip according to the RunRio staff in Planet Sports Trinoma Mall is reusable, which makes perfect sense. There are no instructions on any of the literature provided or on the time chip itself that says it is so, and if you threw out your time chip from the previous race, well, that's too bad, because you will have to pay Php 300 for a new time chip on your next RunRio run. It's absolutely free though if you're a first timer. I seriously doubt that they still get to accurately track that, because upon purchasing the race kit, they asked me what was the most recent race I joined, and if I joined the Rexona Run in particular (and because they had to ask, and they did none of their magic taps on their iPads to verify that, anybody can easily claim that they have no time chip). When I gave them a quick run-down of the races I joined, they decided not to give me a time chip because apparently, the chip provided in the KOTR race can be reused for the Unilab run. However, when my boyfriend signed up at Planet Sports Glorietta, who also joined the KOTR race, they gave him a brand new time chip and they said the one he used at KOTR cannot be reused for the Unilab Run.
Wish list item: consistency in the information provided by the RunRio staff. At the race itself, I approached the information desk to confirm if I needed to buy a new chip (which I shouldn't have to in the first place) but get this--this was the answer that I got, and it's a direct quote--"Sorry ma'am, I have no idea." That's customer service for you. As of writing, the race results aren't available, so I have yet to find out if the KOTR time chip that I used last Sunday is indeed just as good for Unilab. Good thing I have my own tracking system so I'm not so fussy about it, but if I didn't, it would be a shame if I wouldn't be able to see my numbers.
Race Course:
There were enough hydration stations along the way, but there was room for improvement on the locations. They set a two-kilometer stretch right before the finish line under the effing sun without hope for a shade from trees or nearby buildings, and sadly, the last hydration station before that stretch did not distribute sponges (should've kept the one I got mid-way, had I known). As it was towards the end of the race, the supply of fluids in my water bottle and my body were running out, so it was torture. Good route though, with one flyover along Roxas Boulevard.
Post-Race Program:
I had no strength to check out the booths in the activity area due to the compelling need to cool down during a long bath.
Includes singlet, race bib, Unilab goody bag (contains items that vary per race category), and possibly a time chip. The finisher's kit includes various items as well, and this time, the actual goody bag is a shoe bag. For the long distance runners, the 21km participant's kit comes with a silver medal, and gold ones for the 32km runners.
Registration
The time chip according to the RunRio staff in Planet Sports Trinoma Mall is reusable, which makes perfect sense. There are no instructions on any of the literature provided or on the time chip itself that says it is so, and if you threw out your time chip from the previous race, well, that's too bad, because you will have to pay Php 300 for a new time chip on your next RunRio run. It's absolutely free though if you're a first timer. I seriously doubt that they still get to accurately track that, because upon purchasing the race kit, they asked me what was the most recent race I joined, and if I joined the Rexona Run in particular (and because they had to ask, and they did none of their magic taps on their iPads to verify that, anybody can easily claim that they have no time chip). When I gave them a quick run-down of the races I joined, they decided not to give me a time chip because apparently, the chip provided in the KOTR race can be reused for the Unilab run. However, when my boyfriend signed up at Planet Sports Glorietta, who also joined the KOTR race, they gave him a brand new time chip and they said the one he used at KOTR cannot be reused for the Unilab Run.
Wish list item: consistency in the information provided by the RunRio staff. At the race itself, I approached the information desk to confirm if I needed to buy a new chip (which I shouldn't have to in the first place) but get this--this was the answer that I got, and it's a direct quote--"Sorry ma'am, I have no idea." That's customer service for you. As of writing, the race results aren't available, so I have yet to find out if the KOTR time chip that I used last Sunday is indeed just as good for Unilab. Good thing I have my own tracking system so I'm not so fussy about it, but if I didn't, it would be a shame if I wouldn't be able to see my numbers.
Race Course:
There were enough hydration stations along the way, but there was room for improvement on the locations. They set a two-kilometer stretch right before the finish line under the effing sun without hope for a shade from trees or nearby buildings, and sadly, the last hydration station before that stretch did not distribute sponges (should've kept the one I got mid-way, had I known). As it was towards the end of the race, the supply of fluids in my water bottle and my body were running out, so it was torture. Good route though, with one flyover along Roxas Boulevard.
Post-Race Program:
I had no strength to check out the booths in the activity area due to the compelling need to cool down during a long bath.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
When Things Go Wrong, Run
Of course, the initial reaction would be, "I'm no coward!", but really, what's wrong with being an escapist from time to time? After all, eventually, you will have to go back.
I am not talking about abandonment though, and skirting responsibilities and all that. I am talking about putting on your running shoes and getting your fat ass off the bed to hit the road. Endorphin trips seem to be the answer to all of my issues lately. I'm about to fall off the nicotine-free wagon. The boss is really riding me. I can't seem to get my team to shape up. I don't feel so pretty today. This month's bills just arrived. I'm feeling blue, and I'm binge-eating again.
Why run? I guess I like the thought of figuratively leaving stress behind on every step I take. I like taking in the scenery. I like the "runner's high". I also like the way my clothes seem to fit better.
I'm just a beginner though, and I am far from seasoned, as they say. And to those who are about to start taking up the sport, I have a few tips for you:
1.) Don't overdo it. Start with 15 minutes a day, then build on your endurance gradually until your body gets used to it. Overdoing it may lead to injuries (trust me, I did; knee issues are the worst things to have, especially when you live in two/three-storey buildings without elevators).
2.) Keep a running log. I use Nike+ (sportband), which records the date, time, pace, calories burned, distance covered, and total duration of every workout. A visual reminder of my daily/weekly achievements keeps me driven.
3.) Reward yourself. I like milk, and I don't let myself drink milk unless I've run at least __km's (depends on my goal for the week). Sometimes, it also helps to give yourself little incentives whenever you reach a goal, like new running gear, a tall EXTRA THICK vanilla shake, a dress that will fit only if you lose so and so pounds. My most expensive gift to myself so far is a pair of Nike Lunar Glide's.
4.) Join Fun Run's. It promotes competition, and it drives you to push yourself harder. Plus, they give freebies, and most of the time, they're fund-raisers for charitable institutions. Honestly though, I'm just after the singlets. (I so love my Adidas KOTR singlet!)
5.) Listen to music. It distracts from the fatigue and the pains. Personally, I prefer listening to the radio, especially when my favorite deejay's are on. This way, I get new bits on current events, and it's as if I were carrying on a conversation while running.
6.) Get a running buddy, or join communities. Get each other going to help fight the laziness. Set a friendly competition. Share best practices, and update each other on the latest and biggest running events.
Well, it's almost sunrise. I'm about to try the track again this morning. Time to put on my shoes.
I am not talking about abandonment though, and skirting responsibilities and all that. I am talking about putting on your running shoes and getting your fat ass off the bed to hit the road. Endorphin trips seem to be the answer to all of my issues lately. I'm about to fall off the nicotine-free wagon. The boss is really riding me. I can't seem to get my team to shape up. I don't feel so pretty today. This month's bills just arrived. I'm feeling blue, and I'm binge-eating again.
Why run? I guess I like the thought of figuratively leaving stress behind on every step I take. I like taking in the scenery. I like the "runner's high". I also like the way my clothes seem to fit better.
I'm just a beginner though, and I am far from seasoned, as they say. And to those who are about to start taking up the sport, I have a few tips for you:
1.) Don't overdo it. Start with 15 minutes a day, then build on your endurance gradually until your body gets used to it. Overdoing it may lead to injuries (trust me, I did; knee issues are the worst things to have, especially when you live in two/three-storey buildings without elevators).
2.) Keep a running log. I use Nike+ (sportband), which records the date, time, pace, calories burned, distance covered, and total duration of every workout. A visual reminder of my daily/weekly achievements keeps me driven.
3.) Reward yourself. I like milk, and I don't let myself drink milk unless I've run at least __km's (depends on my goal for the week). Sometimes, it also helps to give yourself little incentives whenever you reach a goal, like new running gear, a tall EXTRA THICK vanilla shake, a dress that will fit only if you lose so and so pounds. My most expensive gift to myself so far is a pair of Nike Lunar Glide's.
4.) Join Fun Run's. It promotes competition, and it drives you to push yourself harder. Plus, they give freebies, and most of the time, they're fund-raisers for charitable institutions. Honestly though, I'm just after the singlets. (I so love my Adidas KOTR singlet!)
5.) Listen to music. It distracts from the fatigue and the pains. Personally, I prefer listening to the radio, especially when my favorite deejay's are on. This way, I get new bits on current events, and it's as if I were carrying on a conversation while running.
6.) Get a running buddy, or join communities. Get each other going to help fight the laziness. Set a friendly competition. Share best practices, and update each other on the latest and biggest running events.
Well, it's almost sunrise. I'm about to try the track again this morning. Time to put on my shoes.
Energizer Night Race
The Race Kit
Includes race bib with the time chip, singlet, route info, black Energizer cap, and head lamp.
The Singlet Design
Comfortable fit, but the material is likely to cause chafing through the arm hole when wet--not good for a run on rainy days. Black, Energizer logo on chest.
Cool Factor:
Cool Factor:
Because of the free head lamps, there were dancing white lights on the streets--definitely a Kodak moment.
The Race Course
Set at night on the dark and wet streets of BGC. No uphill or downhill routes, but because of the rain, parts of it were slippery. Runners with 20/20 vision also had advantage over the others at the muddy bumpy part of the course.
The Post-Race Program
Kapuso hosts facilitated over different games and raffled off many prize packages from sponsors, and while the programme was on-going, the friendly Energizer battery mascot was roaming around the audience to pose for his fans, if not joining the hosts on-stage. Apart from the male and female winners of each race category (3km, 5km, and 10km), they also gave away prizes to recognize the Oldest Runner and the Youngest Runner in the pool of participants (like!).
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