Monthly Archives: November 2011
A Taste Of Diadora Mythos Axeler TI IV
Running Atom has introduced in his blog the new top of the line running shoes of Diadora. I was fortunate to experience the Mythos Axeler TI IV.
I think the Mythos Axeler TI IV is a great running shoe not just forefoot runners like me but to all runners looking for shoes that can absorb a lot from constant footwork with enough stabilizer and smart cushioning.
With the Axeler technology of Diadora, it gives a greater performance when it comes to thrust motion and propels you for maximum performance with less impact.
It is also recommended to those who would like to “correct” their pronation as the insole, midsole and sole of the Mythos Axeler TI IV has enough foam (with their Elaston and DA technology) to give its elasticity while any shock from intense motion will return to its original form.
The feeling of good ventilation is done by its Power Flow even during raining, the Mythos Axeler TI IV can give enough breathing space for the foot.
Last Thursday, I broke it in UP Diliman for 2 rounds and find it very light and it gave me that enough push to stay with my pace. Personally I think this is a good shoes for your 5-10k races as it keeps you in motion. I also tried this in the recently concluded 2nd Trek the TEC and it gave me that “spring” action while going and up and down the stairs. Go and get one now!
I Just Finished 2,065 steps! (2nd Trek the TEC)
Dubbed as the Real Vertical Run in the Philippines, co-presented by Diadora, The Enterprise Center (TEC) present the 2nd Trek the TEC!
The race, on its 2nd year, has now opened its door internationally and have invited foreigners to join the run.
It’s my first time to join the event and I was surprised that even for the vertical run elites were there especially there were Kenyans! So anyway, I have incorporated TEC where I started working (with HSBC). Back in 2005 I used to just go around and hang out at Ministop, Watson’s and Starbucks and awhile ago, I just ran the 2,065 steps of the fire exit of the towers of TEC!
Race Proper
Batches of 50 went off and I tried running consistently upstairs but as early as 6th floor, I was already huffing and puffing, gasping for dear air! But like any other race, it’s better to be slow as long as you’re keep on going. I tried every step or every 2 steps.
After 50 floors then we went down back to the 3rd level to transfer to the next tower for the last 40 floors! And finally I made it to the rooftop: a new runner’s high!
Last thoughts
The race is quite intimate since there are only about 500 runners invited in the event and as you get to the top of Tower 2 you will be greeted by the organizers clapping with you with all the other great runners before you. I find it interesting that for every 4 floors there are water stations and marshals will cheer for you! There are also medics ready to help just in case some runners would need assistance.
After the race, we were given breakfast and refreshments and the pechay!!! I actually like the idea how it felt really personal. And with this I think I’m going to join next year…hopefully!
I really enjoyed using my new shoes (on a separate entry soon) as it really propelled me upstairs and help me even going downstairs! Diadora I owe you one! 
Like this:
Weekend Getaway with the Barneys at Nagsasa Cove and Capones Island!
Just got back from the wonderful trip to Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. Recharged, refreshed and in a reminiscing mode while at work with a lot of reports due today; daydreaming is my natural drug. So while the memories are fresh and the emotions are raw, read as I revisit what happened from our short but sweet weekend.
11:30pm Meet up at Trinoma
I went home at around 9pm after that much stay at Save More in Eton Centris; I am a self-confessed grocery fanatic! At around 11pm, Kit picked me up at Ministop Maginhawa then Hendy and Tina at Ministop Philcoa. We went to Starbucks Trinoma to meet with Daisy and Kyx, finally the service from Lakwatsero Tour Club with Erlie and Dodie.
We left Trinoma at around 12:15am and took the NLEX. We were all tired from the tiring week but we were all excited to the adventure we don’t even know what will happen. Just for your information, we almost had our weekend trip cancelled due to unforeseen changes but ended up being thankful that things continued according to plan.
Early arrival at Pundaquit
I guess Kuya Dodie really drove that well because the next time I opened my eyes, we are already at Zambales. Lester’s adrenalin was up and he put his iPod on speaker with the latest hits as we are guided by the bright half moon. It was only 3:30am and we were minutes away from Pundaquit.
We stopped and we are so early in our destination: Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. We followed Erlie amidst the blinding path. Good thing we have our trusted flashlights. We settled in a nipa hut where we had our coffee to wake us up.
We got so excited when 5:30am came as we are only an hour away as we wait for our boat going to Nagsasa Cove. As we watched the sunrise, Daisy and Hendy readied their cameras as we are greeted by the green mountains to our left. The water is clear, the horizon of the ocean was serene and the mountains are heavenly; what more can you ask for?
An hour trip to Nagsasa Cove
By 6-ish, the boat was ready and we were so eager to ride the boat. It felt like watching an Indiana Jones/Allan Quatermain’s adventure that every scene unraveled right before your eyes, there’s the background song (with cymbals perhaps) where you will get goosebumps! I forgot how I was tired without any decent sleep that I fell asleep in the middle of the 1-hour trip to Nagsasa Cove. We saw Anawangin Cove not far away and the place looked crowded. As we reach the mouth of the Nagsasa Cove, there were only a handful of settlers in the place!
What is so inviting is that even in Pundaquit the water is already clear and in Nagsasa and perhaps around the island, there is a mix of black and white sand as they said, the coves were a result of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo last 1991.
Nagsasa Paradise!
We dropped our things and found out that we were only the settlers in the resort; the neighboring resorts were crowded by 10am! We waited until our tents were set up and off we went to swim!
Just like in Sabang, Puerto Princesa the water level is just about knee high you can sit and just look around while basking in the sun! The mountains surrounding the Nagsasa cove was like a shot from New Zealand (not that I have been there, basing from the movies): green grass-covered mountains with few trees group together in every crevice of the mountain range. You can see the clouds above setting shadows over the mountains while you hear the relaxing winds envelop you in its song. While the scenery was captivating, there were tiny stings as we figured that there are small jellyfishes around but we did not bother in the end as everything was so relaxing!
After swimming, like a certified beach bum, I slept until we were greeted by the inviting smell of what’s cooking for lunch: grilled porkchop!!!
We had our first meal on the island. As I was gobbling up for my 5th serving (yes, I felt I was famished!) with surprising eyes from the barkada, I still couldn’t believe we are actually here! I felt like we’re in the Lost series except the hallucinations. After lunch, we looked over the horizon until we waited for our tour guide to Chromite falls came.
Trail Adventure to Chromite Falls
Our tour guide was Kuya Mario, one of the Aetas living in the island and is also working for the resort. He was so patient to wait as we were trailing behind him while we were busy taking shots of what looked like a safari. Everything was new to us: the trails were much more difficult and we even thought we can get away just wearing slippers! Well, Kit and Tina got away with it and they were strong! (Later I will be shamelessly plugging)
It was an hour going to the falls and you will encounter puddles, rivers, rocks, boulders, grasses that are taller than you! I felt like I was in an RPG and each time we enter a new terrain it’s like a new level or we are upgraded to a higher class! Lester lent me his walking stick (I think there is a better term for this, sorry I’m a novice with trekking!) and as we were perspiring I just thought that this is just another trail run except that this one’s a notch higher than your usual Nuvali trail.
Later on, the grasslands changed to boulders, rivers and rocks: we are almost near the falls! We were lagging behind Kuya Mario and I wonder if he was laughing inside to see how we are having difficulty keeping up. We made it to the very end until Tina decided to be left behind just a level below the falls! Although you have to give it to her for keeping up despite her outfit, she is one gutsy lady!
We finally reached the Chromite Falls! There was a group before us who were done and about to disembark. The Chromite Falls was heavenly! The seemingly end trek going here instantly gone from the consolation of the view! We got so excited that we decided to jump in the basin right below the falls! It was about a good 8 feet deep and the fresh, cold water was refreshing. You really have to be careful as there are some rough edges that you might end up hurting yourself. We stayed for about 45 minutes just enjoying the view, the water, the falls and the moment that we are right on that spot. And to our pleasant surprise, Tina decided to follow with Kuya Mario bringing all our things! Thank you Kuya Mario!
We went back more energized and more aware of what lies ahead. We were more agile thrusting ourselves to the rocks and huge boulders that we have to crawl or climb down to. We got back around 5pm and decided to rest and took our shower to refresh ourselves.
I am really thankful to my Adidas Water Grip outdoor shoes for giving me that awesome grip on the rocks without slipping and I am impressed with Hendy, Kyx and Daisy’s Merrell trail shoes for giving them just the same effect! (Still googling on my shoes but still couldn’t see it as of this writing. I will just take a picture of it; most probably Adidas already phased it out.)
Dinner and Bonfire party!
For our reward for that amazing trekking and adventure, we had grilled tilapia and eggplant with bagoong!!! We brought our lamps and flashlights as there is no electricity in the island (thanks to Akari for the bright lights!) And thanks to the lights I had 4 servings this time! Now I wonder if I stayed on the island I might end up being offered to their gods for being such a pig! Haha.
We were surprised that it was just 6:30pm and it’s really pitch dark out there and we realized time is so slow on this island. After dinner it was only 7pm that we just waited for the bonfire to start at 8pm by the shore.
I guess Kuya Mario has more tricks under his sleeves because he and his family put up the bonfire right at the middle of our tents and it was what I just imagined: camping, by the sea with bonfire and great company. Snacks and booze were opened and the iPods are on its maximum level just enough to start a party!
We realized we were really exhausted from the trek that by 9pm, we were just staring at the bonfire or maybe some of us we’re drunk, luckily I didn’t drink that much or else I might snore like a carpenter! We decided to call it a day and thanked the Lord for a wonderful adventure.
See you soon Nagsasa Cove, well good morning Capones!
Waking up to see the shore is one of God’s priceless gifts. I woke up at around 6am to find Hendy, Daisy and Kit already up just before sunrise! They were amazed how the sunrise greeted them just behind the mountains.
We walked at the eastern part of the cove to see where the river meets the ocean and this is the second time I saw such a phenomenon (first time was in Baler) and like what I used to do lately when in the beach, we run barefoot! The sand was friendly with the feet as you try to propel yourself against it, you tend to sink slowly. Thankfully the sand is quite fine and compact that we weren’t injured while running. We went back as we greeted Lester and Kyx and had our breakfast: longsilog! This time, I only had 2 servings.
After that, we prepared our things as we leave the island at 11am for Capones Island.
Capones Island, just like you own the world!
After an hour, we arrived at Capones Island! Since our boat arrived late as planned (around 9 or 10am), we went to the nearest path to the lighthouse. We thought the trek to Chromite Falls is already the highlight of our stay until we find out we have to go onshore through those rocks!
I had a wild imagination that as we are about to cross, while stepping on some rocks, we will slip in between the rocks and one foot will get stuck! Moreover the stuck portion will be from ankle down so I won’t be able to move! And then as strong waves rush to the shore, I will be tossed violently that I will dislocate my feet!!! Fortunately we got through with minor bruises.
We walked up to the mountain and as we look around, we were like on top of the world seeing Pundaquit island and the rest is just the whole South China Sea (or was it?)! We continued as we are accompanied by a tour guide (that I forgot his name, sorry!) going to the lighthouse.
We were welcomed like an eerie feeling of seeing an old house with a seemingly Spanish era feeling and there it was: the lighthouse! The lighthouse is a modern one and I guess that someone from the government tried maintaining it and later on just left it hanging until it was worn out by weather.
We stayed for about another 30 minutes and left the place.
Back to Pundaquit
We went back to Pundaquit and had our lunch (Chicken adobo) and took our bath and changed our clothes and said goodbye to the amazing and surprising barangay of Pundaquit: the islands are God’s reward to those who seek for adventure without going too far and the people who are just as excited to treat visitors.
We had our stop at Subic and dropped by at PureGold Duty Free to get some stuff and off we went to SCTEX exit to Dinalupihan.
Last stop: Razon’s!
As we saw the route our ultramarathoners took in their BDM adventure, we headed to Guagua where we had the sugarfree halo-halo of Razon’s! It’s a great treat to end this “summer in November” and as early as 6:30pm we’re back in Trinoma where we met and said our thank you’s to Ate Erlie and Kuya Dodie.
Last thoughts
I actually survived without any signal from Globe, no wifi, no internet, no electricity. I wonder if I could endure if it’s 3 days or more. This adventure can really give an opportunity to know the people around you more, to reflect on things that are hanging because of our busy schedule, decisions that we have delayed because we were confused. And the trekking added to the patience and the determination that somewhere we will reach our goal, as long as we keep on going on.
It could have been more fun if there were more six:30 in the group; nevertheless, no one’s a killjoy in this trip that made this adventure more relaxed and exciting! Credit goes to Hendy for being such a cool organizer all throughout our stay, looking for this trip and actually getting Lakwatsero Tour Club making our trip hassle-free! Now when will be our Mount Pulag adventure, Hendy, Lester, Kit, Daisy and Kyx? I hope more Barneys join us soon.
All pictures courtesy of Lester Abrenica and Daisy Castañeda. Thank you very much and your trusty Canon cameras!
Riovana: Another Breakthrough for RunRio
After the TBRDM Bull Circle, we went to visit Riovana, the latest additional of RunRio (Coach Rio dela Cruz)’s achievements. The place is near Honda BHS, where races in BGC always start. Riovana has the usual essentials of a running store: shoes, watch, gears BUT with a plus (that actually intrigued me): shower room and lockers.
The lockers and showers are separated for men and women. There are 2 showers for women and 1 for men. Lockers are placed just before and after you reach the showers. You can take a shower for just P100/day and rent a locker for P50/4 hours. I find it very convenient for runners like me who works just around the BGC area. Riovana is open at weekdays 10am-10pm and on weekends at 9am-10pm, while during races they are opened as early as 3am to accomodate the runners. This gave me an idea and finally I can run once a week here in BGC without the fear of losing my things or looking for a running buddy.
Special thanks to Lesley Ann for graciously answering all my inquiries.
Nostalgic in TBRDM2012: Bull Circle 2
Last night, November 23 was the 2nd Bull Circle for the TBRDM2012 (The Bull Runner Dream Marathon) at the R.O.X. in Boni High Street (BHS) at Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The 2nd session of the Bull Circle was all about Gearing Up for the Marathon with fellow TBRDM2011 alumni, Professor Bobby Guevarra, Coach Neville Manaois and Sir Hector Yuzon of secondwind running store. I was supposed to meet with some Barneys joining next year’s event: Imee, Kit, Tina and Lester but they were coming late so I took a seat at the back and enjoyed reminiscing (and to think it was just last March!)
How To Live The Dream
Bobby Guevarra was a professor of Ms. Jaymie back in college and she mentioned she got excited to see his name in the list this year. Prof. Bobby recounts his moments that he was supposed to put “How To Not To Do A Marathon” but decided last minute to change it as he amusingly said, might discourage the dreamers. He rememebered how he did well in the first half of the marathon until the second part where he thought he just wanted to finish and be done with it. He is an avid follower of the running sport that he named three (3) of his dogs after famous runners (sorry forgot the names) and when he found out he made it in the list of the dreamers, he got excited. Barely two (2) months before the marathon, he mentioned he was lagging from training and he emailed Coach Jim Lafferty and how the coach “reprimanded” him through his email reply.
At the end, he did finish the marathon but remembered how he crossed the line, he was pointing the heavens thanking the Lord for finishing it and then his legs just gave in (of course there are medics to help). He mentioned of three (3) pointers that I was not able to jot down but the thoughts go like: whatever happens along the way, just go on; and, during the course of your journey, you will meet the kindest of people.
Choosing the Marathon Gear
Coach Neville mentioned of the basic essentials of choosing the right gears for marathon and he stressed: “Train what you run, run what you train.”
He discussed about the apparel: whether shorts, short shorts or compression (there will be an upcoming comprehensive talk about compression in Secondwind Running Store Ortigas on November 25). He jokingly said that during the hey days, there is only short shorts for running; you’ll be forced to be faster because you don’t want to be caught walking wearing an awkward length of shorts. He briefly discussed for compression, he suggested it would help on lessening the stress on the muscles. He mentioned: imagine your muscles at the back of your arms/triceps, look at it how it sag or tighten. Imagine if your muscles in your thighs and calves be stressed for hours and for how many kilometers, it will be a great help if something helps lessen the stress. However, he noted, there is no scientific evidence that compression will help in your speed because compression was supposed to help in faster recovery.
He also discussed on the use of energy drink or sports drink; he recommended drinking the latter as the essential minerals needed for a marathon is there. He also talked about investing on good shades/glasses, visor, hydration belt and watch. He also recommended using energy food (gels, jelly beans, powder). He also mentioned to wear tops that has lesser seams and clothing that releases/repels the moist from inside; therefore, you wouldn’t feel heavy throughout the race. He also recommended using anti-chaffing wax or petroleum jelly to avoid chaffing or flesh burn/friction. He also mentioned to buy your running shoes in the afternoon where you feet has expanded.
In closing, he kidded on the ultimate question: what underwear to wear during the race. Some wore cycling shorts or swim trunks as compared to cotton which absorbs moisture and some linings might aggravate in contact with the skin.
The Right Shoe For You
The last talk was about choosing the right shoe discussed by one of the secondwind running store owners: Hector Yuzon.
Sir Hector mentioned of the different pronation: neutral, supinator and overpronator. Most running stores are giving consultation on the spot to check your pronation so you can get the best shoe for you. In Secondwind Running Store, the staff actually probes the client since each person has a unique feet. It is okay, as he said, to listen to seasoned runners of their recommended shoes (i.e., Asics Gel, Nike) but it would be better to have an open mind rather be stuck with a brand and get a running shoe that you will end up not using because it was the wrong shoe after all. He also mentioned that triathlon shoes have the technology of water and moisture repellant/resistant.
He also talked about the anatomy of the shoe so you will not be after “how you will look good in your shoes”. There is the upper portion and the insole of the shoe where you have to look for materials that lets your feet breathe, the midsole and the outsole where all the technology of a good and quality running shoe is. This is the part where you should listen to those who are in running stores because they will really recommend the right shoe.
Though he kidded, most female runners tend to look for a running shoe that will best fit their running apparel. He suggested, whenever you choose a running shoe, bring your running gear so it would lessen the hassle of thinking of just matching your clothes with your shoe rather than what shoe is right for your feet.
Lastly, he stressed: Do not buy a running shoe a day before a race.
Last thoughts
One of the most helpful talks in the Bull Circle, the feeling of just being there made me more excited for our Barneys joining TBRDM2012. I hope they will finish strong.
QCIM 2011 with SMDC!
As of this writing there are only 2 weeks, 3 days and 13 hours. Counting down before the 3rd Quezon City International Marathon on December 4, 2011! 15,000 runners are targeted for this event and registration is still on-going until November 20.
Last Friday, Running Atom already registered some of his friends in 5k and some of the Barneys are taking the 21k and some of them are running their first marathon here! I ran my first 21k here and it was great seeing all the people in the running community, different running teams and strong runners from these teams as your pacers! (I hope they do that again this year)
Partnered with SM Development Corporation, there will be a draw and the lucky winner will get a condo unit from SMDC!
Register here or you can register through Secondwind running stores!
What are you waiting for? Register now, train and be part of this international event!
Conquering the Afroman Distance: Post-race thoughts on Run United 3 2011
Last year, it was John, among the Barneys who made the impossible of conquering the Afroman distance (coined by Rio dela Cruz with his 32km distance). It was funny just remembering that incident: he decided to run the distance a day before! Last year, most of the Barneys were in the 15km distance and we were anxious back then. Now, most of the Barneys are in the Afroman distance; how time flies and look how we’ve grown!
Already ran a marathon yet still nervous?!
The day before the race, I was talking with Atom about meeting him at Secondwind Running Store. I still have Kyx’s (one of our newest member) race kit and asked them also to meet me at Secondwind as well as I will be buying my gels and other last minute things for the race.
When we met there, the store became an instant hangout place! We were looking around what we could bring and what we might miss for tomorrow; obvious that we were all anxious to think that Atom and I already ran a marathon (excuse me Atom already ran an ultra50k).
So as Running Atom was registering his friends for the upcoming QCIM (a separate entry for that soon) and Kyx and Daisy bought their things for tomorrow, we finally said goodbye to the store after much hype for tomorrow! (Shout outs to Arfil and Zhyke, thank you for the violet visor!)
I bought 3 GU energy gels: Chocolate Outrage, Espresso Love and Strawberry Banana. Hopefully these 3 will work their stuff tomorrow! And they have this new one: Sneakers Marathon Protein Bar Crunch (that I super love!).
Last minute CLP!
As we were trying to shake our nerves for tomorrow, we headed to Bacolod Chicken Inasal and availed of their Rice all you can! I ended up just having 2 cups of rice, while Atom and Kyx had 3 (sorry buko! haha!) with our pecho part. Daisy got affected with our nervousness that she ended up eating as well.
Since tomorrow will be Kyx’s longest distance for a race (last weekend was his first 25k in the Chevrolet New Balance Race), he was paranoid if he could survive it; told him I’ll pace him.
We bought Gatorade at Ministop and decided to call it a day and headed home.
Early wake-up call
With only 4 hours of sleep, I woke up at 1:15am. My Dad knocked on my door and him and Mom are already preparing (thank you Lord for such supportive parents!).
We left at 2:20am and we are at the Mall of Asia as early as 3am (assembly time). The place is full of RunRio support staff and have already prepared the area. We waited at the parking lot until I received a text from Daisy that they are there too.
Race proper
After going to the portalet and a nervous and upset stomach, we headed to the starting line for the 32km (race to start at 4:30am). Told Kyx that I will pace him throughout the race as we are both nervous.
The gun went off and what I really like about this time of the race, you don’t get too much light that you wouldn’t think how long have you been running. We already turned left to Macapagal Boulevard and surprisingly Kyx can still keep up with running. Before we were planning a 2-minute walk and 2-minute run Galloway method but when I saw Kyx can go further, told him we will walk once we are in Roxas Boulevard.
Soon we are doing a song-based interval: we won’t stop running until the song playing in my playlist ends and then we’ll have a 2-minute walk. Later on, we realized we are about to turn left for Buendia and so we tried pushing further.
Heading back to Roxas Boulevard (Km12 before turning left for Roxas Blvd.) was the start of our drag. As we saw how far it would take to reach the end of Roxas Blvd. became a struggle for us. We tried taking short breaks with short runs this time and as we u-turned to go to Quirino/Luneta (Km22), most of the runners we have met and seen have started to walk and we are officially walking most of the time.
Kyx has done the unimaginable, to keep up without complaining, being positive throughout the race. The last 10km was like a recollection of our running experiences and our personal stories other than running. It was a learning experience for both of us as first timer in the long distance and as a trainer for an upcoming marathon. We are pushing each other to our limits, transitioning to gels, hydration and sheer determination.
As we turned left from CCP (Km27), I felt like giving up and Kyx is literally dragging his feet. I told him to try not looking at the horizon and instead look at the ground and keep on running. By the turn of PICC, I told him to save his energy and literally walk like we are in Luneta because Macapagal Boulevard at this time of the day (around 8:30am) is scorching hot. It seemed like a short distance, assuming you can cover 5k for only 30 minutes but with the given situation: I don’t want to gamble cramping at the middle of the deserted boulevard (no hydration stations on site, well there was one and I pity the volunteers there for waiting for us and encouraging us to move on).
As it’s a short kilometer from the finish line, left and right it seemed like a death march and it was like seeing Ai-Ai de las Alas in her Tanging Ina scene where she ended looking like a ‘busabos’ kicking her slippers at Guadalupe: runners kicking the sponge and plastic cups littered all over the place.
Finally, saw medics and asked for liniment to both calves. I told Kyx to reserve all of his energy so we can sprint or at least run fast in the last 500 meters without cramping at the last leg. I admire Kyx for being driven and determined to finish the race and at last, he met with Daisy and became his Energizer.
And with all our might, we ran the last 500 meters to the finish line. Congratulations we just conquered Afroman distance!
Thoughts on the race
I have to say that RunRio tried their best to accomodate ALL runners given that this particular RunRio event was made into one day and all distances (500m, 5k, 10k, 21k and 32k) were all cramped in MOA. The first 25k, hydration stations were all over the place and there were bananas in some stations. Kudos to the volunteers for being so encouraging telling us that we can do it and actually giving cold water! Though I was trying to look for cold Powerade drinks, I guess they have a shortage there. Regardless, the first part of the leg for 32k was a good one. The last part was quite a drag and perhaps it is a discipline that each runner should practice since not all races are organized by RunRio. Probably it doesn’t hurt to be ready for races and don’t depend only on the hydration stations and complain to high heavens for not having the ‘proper’ treatment because I wonder if this is also done in other countries where runners dictate what they want (another separate entry for this lame behavior pattern of some runners).
Last thoughts
I can’t be prouder to the growth of my Barneys who have grown to be serious runners. From 10-15km last year, most of us have tried 32k and conquered it! Even shout outs to first timers in the pikermi (21k) distance because I saw you running at your own pace and yet determined. I love the sight of our Barney couples supporting each other all the way through the end of the race. I really admire our Lady Barneys for sheer determination and being strong: Imee, Nette, Gen, Jonj and Tina.
It was surely a great event and we ended up having our brunch at KFC!
So am I ready for Standard Chartered Singapore marathon this December 4? Let Lady luck and my guardian angels protect me. haha!
*all photos courtesy of Genesis Señorin, ChiCem Runners and Daisy Castañeda. Thanks! 
