Monthly Archives: February 2012
My Day With the Senator and Triathlete Mom
This is her blog: My Daily Race. This is her twitter account: @piacayetano and her recent success: doing her first skyrun at Mt. Ugo!
As part of the Newton Running Philippines, Senator Pia Cayetano invited us in the book signing of her book, My Daily Race at Slice Cafe at C2 BHS (see previous post). Together with Coach Jay Valencia, Senator Pia (SenPia) shared her running experiences and about her book.
On Running
She shared that she started running since she was 15. After her first marathon, she promised herself not to run again until her competitive self urged her to run after 11 years! Later on she has been running marathons and after being a senator, she made it to a point that every trip that she went, she looks for a race so her trip can be more enjoyable.
She mentioned that one thing that she remembered what Coach Ani de Leon mentioned, “When doing your first marathon, remember to enjoy it!” The competitive in you for sure would want to perfect what you trained that at times, you miss out on the fun and you’ll end up not having a memorable first marathon.
She also said that for every race that she does, she makes sure that she prepares for it. Just as I learned from my recent seminar I attended, “Train the Trainer”, failure to prepare is to preparing for your failure.
On Losing Her Son and Father
She mentioned her experiences in her book, My Daily Race about dealing with the loss of her son Gabriel and father (Senator Rene “Companyero” Cayetano). Running became her outlet and eventually she graduated from running to doing triathlons together with her brothers Lino, Ren and Sen. Alan. She holds an annual multi-sport event entitled “Gabriel’s Symphony” in memory of her son and for the benefit of the Gabriel’s Symphony Foundation to help differently-abled children.
On Being A Mother
A lot asked how does she balance being a senator, being a triathlete and especially being a mom. She mentioned that it’s hard at times how will she distract her youngest Lucas as now he would made a growling sound when he doesn’t want her to go. She urged moms to be there for their children as much as they can. As her family has a different setup where everyone has their own time, the kids also understand it but it doesn’t mean they don’t find time to have fun and bond together. They usually enjoy hanging by the beach or have an active lifestyle.
She mentioned she does not impose on her children what she wanted them to do but she is thankful that her kids find fun in activities and hope that they enjoy running as well and soon join her in her biking trips.
After her talk and more cookies and yummy cupcakes from her new baby, Slice (soon to open!), on to our book signing!
Slice to Open Real Soon!
Bull Session
I thought that’s it until Ms. Apple told us that we have a short bull session with SenPia after the event! Like a kid who got giddy knowing he’ll have a big Lego set (that’s my childhood dream), I found myself with other really known runner-bloggers!
I think this is the part how I really felt how approachable SenPia was. She gushed and relived her excitement on her first skyrun and how she conquered Mt. Ugo! She mentioned how she texted Ms. Faw to recount her experience as Ms. Faw in turn updates her tweets on Mt. Ugo.
SenPia describes how Ms. Che endured Mt. Ugo as well!
SenPia said how she actually ran there with a mission: not only to enjoy her first skyrun but to reach out to the those who actually live there. She did not only bring her hydration bag but gifts for these families! And she mentioned her cause on Reproductive Health Bill that how do the women who are pregnant go up and about in the steep hills just to go to the Health Center and not even a decent hospital!
She joked how Ms. Che actually went there bringing in chocolates and treats to families and endured keeping up with their pace like she was also part of the race. They joked that soon she can also run her first marathon.
SenPia recounts her Mt. Ugo experience.
Something that bothered SenPia was when she was in the verge of blacking out in the Mt. Ugo skyrace, she thought of a word that she can focus on to and there it was; of all the words she can be inspired– subpoena duces tecum! Currently, the Senate is having their hearing for the Chief Justice impeachment.
SenPia lastly said with all the opportunities given (races are here and there), you just need to know where you can be good at. Do not force yourself into a sport where you’ll end up being injured and you won’t enjoy the sport. Once you found your strength, be good at it and soon everything will come into place.
The night was one of the most memorable experience as a blogger and I am grateful for the opportunity SenPia.
My Daily Race is available in all bookstores for only PhP499!
How To Run Naturally
Last Friday, at Slice C2 Bonifacio High Street, the Newton Natural Running and book signing of My Daily Race were presented. Selected participants, members of the media and bloggers were invited in the event.
I would focus right now on the Newton Natural Running talk by no less than Newton Natural Running certified coach, Jay Valencia. He shared the basics of natural running.
He recommended natural running as something to avoid and lessen running-related injuries. Given the sport as booming in the country, it is best that we invest to these information so we can endure the sport even if running was no longer the “it” sport.
He mentioned to start with athletic pose. If you tried to start running, make sure to slightly bend your knees and just jogging in stationary position, you will feel the right impact without much force in our ankle, hip, shoulder and head. The one that we usually do, as we start to take off, we usually make an effort too much that at the end of the race, we can feel the shock in most of our joints and other major parts of the body. Just try doing a stationary jog as we do our usual run, we can feel the impact from our feet, ankle up to our head.
Next is the overstriding, meaning the natural running would suggest that we keep our stride just right below our torso. As we extend our legs beyond our center, we will feel a strain in our calves that we might not endure running in longer distances. Try stepping on something just below you as you take off, this is part of the natural running. If we maintain our pace, there’s less impact regardless of our pronation or cadence.
Coach Jay demonstrates the stretch on your calves.
Lastly would be the nature of the Newton shoes. As the product would suggest with the 3Ls: Lift, Lever, Land. He mentioned that the shoes will help you in your performance in running as you will really feel the strain in your calves at first but it’s what you should learn in natural running: if you wanted to avoid the strain, be in an athletic pose (slightly bending your knees) and avoid overstriding.
Last thoughts
The 30 minutes is quite quick for a very interesting topic on another different approach on running. An open forum was done immediately after the talk and it actually captured the crowd especially those beginning in the sport.
I hope Newton would conduct it’s running clinic soon that could be available for everyone. As the information that I shared with you were just excerpts of the talk, I strongly recommend you visit their Facebook page and leave a message there.
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Battalia Royale: Kill or Be Killed (Pay What You Can)
My theater veins suddenly came to life when Jenny (fellow six:30/Barney) invited me to watch Battalia Royale at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Battalia Royale is a loose adaptation of Koushun Takami’s 2001 novel, Battle Royale and was played by Sipat Lawin Ensemble (more details here).
The play was like Kill Bill turned to play and a very graphic Japanese novel. Not for the kids but the play was opened to the public and you can pay whatever you wanted to (but with that class act, they deserve more!).
The audience are encouraged to go around as the scenes are literally all around. This is not for those seeking “culture” but for those who loves the art of theater. I miss Kuya Bodjie (of Batibot) who was with us back in Don Bosco Mandaluyong in my short stint in Zephyrin and the young actors and actresses made me miss the theater all the more.
The play is as graphic as the script. I actually enjoy it despite the physical demand of the play. I really wanted to promote the play here regardless of what I really am suppose to blog to promote independent theater! I support their cause of promoting the arts even when it’s only for a few people, just like the old times, but I do wish these are the kinds of play that private companies will support. I am not against the international casts because they do bring in quality plays, but our talents deserve attention as well. CCP should get more support and to more local plays!
The place was packed!
And if you wanted to catch them again, they will kill some more on March 8, 9 and 10, 2012 at 7pm in Victoria Abandoned School in Ermin Garcia St., Cubao, Quezon City. Tickets are at PhP350. Let us support them!
Like them on Facebook here.
Run to Feed, Run to Send A Kid to School
On February 26, 2012, Sunday, Ateneo de Manila University through the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED), will hold its fun run, Run to Feed.
In celebration of 15 years of helping other schools, ACED aims to continue their commitment in their feeding program in public schools. For years, ACED did not only help public school but also sponsor children in continuing their education.
For only a small amount, you can actually help a kid in continuing his/her education or your company can extend help to public schools through this fun run:
REGISTRATION FEE AND KIT INCLUSION
10km @ Php600 = singlet, bib, timing chip and map
5km @ Php 500 = singlet, bib, timing chip and map
3km @ Php 400 = singlet, bib and map
Registration is on-going and the race is already this Sunday! For more details, you can visit their Facebook page here or visit their site here.
Free race kit!
To cap off my 2nd anniversary in running, I will be giving away one race kit! Here is a simple rule: Comment here (in this post) why do your run? It’s that simple! Deadline is only until tomorrow, Friday at 3pm.
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Sharing What You’re Passionate About
I have been a banker for most of my working life and I have been dealing with numbers or policies but for 2 days, I was given a chance to attend “Train the Trainer” conducted by Zeena of Next Step Training and Consulting in the company.
We were encouraged to choose a topic that we think we can train best and obviously I chose running! Of course for us who loves the sport we would want to give what we can share but the training gave us an extra challenge: to train your trainees in 10 minutes!
It was fun actually, because first I get to share running in a corporate set-up, second my dream of getting a proper training on training is actually happening! I am really looking forward to more opportunities of spreading the sport to people!
How To Run Your First Race was my discussion! 
To Zeena, you really encouraged me on pursuing this training career. I wish for you and your company more success in the following years!
My colleague Alen discussed her favorite: scuba diving! Just like how the divers are so calm underwater, she trained with a smile on her face and a calm but confident voice (something that I hope I can learn soon, haha!).
Alen discussing her Tips on Scuba Diving (she's also a runner by the way!)
Race for the Orphans: A Run for a Worthy Cause
Diadora Phils. Running Team
Rundezvous Inc. recently launched their first run with Race for the Orphans for the benefit of iHOPE foundation (see related previous post) held in Camp Aguinaldo.
One of only few races that I have joined that really felt closer to home–maybe because you know a lot of fellow runners, maybe because it’s a solemn race away from the road or maybe you know that the run is really going to a good cause. The orphans belong to families whose parents were killed or injured from service for the country.
Congratulations Bave! 
It is also a great start of the year for Diadora Philippines Running Team as part of this race and our rose, Ms. Bave dela Cruz took the 3rd place for 5k category! The Diadora running shoes are really great shoes for propulsion with ease and comfort (and that’s without the fact that I’m endorsing it).
The Route
It is my first time to run in Camp Aguinaldo and I never thought I would be having hills for breakfast and man, do I enjoyed it! Although I wanted to run the rest of the 5k, I had to take a minute walk once or twice just to recover and eat the next hill along the way and with this I wish more and more organizers would take this site and I hope the administration of Camp Aguinaldo allows it.
There are enough marshals that you will not be lost and enough markers to give you that push. There are soldiers having their morning runs in squads that will activate you seeing them in unison and greeting you. And the marshals in hydration stations will cheer you.
Last thoughts
The whole 5k route is an interesting part. Just the first kilometer, you will be tested by the uphill after the first turnaround and the roller coaster hills were just a feast! One comment: why water on the first 1.5k? Especially for a decent race, I hoped Pocari Sweat also had their first station there. It took a toll on me and I have to maintain my pace until the next hydration station.
Overall, the race deserves a praise to the organizers and everyone behind it. Looking forward to your next races, making alternatives to runners wanting to help. To Coach Rene and the rest of Rundezvous Inc., I wish you the best and hopefully more runners join your events.
Having a talk with the Rundezvous President Abet Ocampo.
Good times!
It is also a great time for six:30 running group as Carlo won the grand raffle prize of trip to Boracay for two! Congrats Carlo!
Congratulations Carlo!
Also it is also the birthday run of our Lady Barney Jenny Red! She has come a long way in running and we were so happy that she keeps on enjoying the sport. To you Jenny, more mileage and cheers!
Happy birthday Jenny!
(Pictures courtesy of Running Atom, Genesis Senorin and Jenny Red)
My Heart Skips A Beat: 143Go2, A Run for Philippine Heart Center
I was fortunate to be invited by the UP Organization of Business Economics Majors (UP OBEM) in their 2nd year of 143Go.
The Cause
UP OBEM’s drive for Unity, Service and Excellence really stand out in this fun run, 143Go2: A Run for Philippine Heart Center (PHC).
Specifically UP OBEM supports the cause of Social Services Divison of PHC with their aim to help in the operations of indigent patients with heart ailments. Every year, the budget for our Health Sector really needs rehabilitation as our fellow Filipinos who cannot afford the necessities and services of a private hospital are being assisted by these public hospitals.
PHC with the help of UP OBEM would like to reach out, not only to the government but also to the private sector so that they can continue in helping their patients in their hospital bills.
With the success of last year’s event, 143Go helped a lot of heart patients that year and UP OBEM aims to help more and together with PHC, they would like to build a play area for the kids.
The Race
143Go2 will be held on March 18, 2012 in UP Diliman and this will also give a chance to showcase the university and its surroundings as a friendly running place!
And not just a run for a cause but also a run that is affordable for everyone! Registration is only 400PhP for 3k, 5k and 10k individual while 750PhP for 5k couples! Just imagine, no fees increased this year, you helped the indigent patients, you run alongside your special someone and you are leading a healthy lifestyle!
Registration is at selected Chris Sports branches, SecondWind Maginhawa, UP OBEM tambayan and Philippine Heart Center (office hours only).
A First-Time Marathoner’s Post Race Thoughts on Condura Skyway Marathon 2012
Sharing a fellow marathoner’s savoring the moment of her first marathon, by Daisy Castañeda:
POST-MARATHON THOUGHTS
I woke up this morning feeling some minor soreness on my legs, nothing that a good massage can’t fix. Thank God for this unexpected fast recovery. And oh, I’m now a certified marathoner, it finally sank in.
The first few kilometers.
I’ve gone through a very tough ordeal I must say. I was in a good condition to run not until both of my legs went cramping alternately starting from 17kms — too soon! I never imagined I can push myself so hard just to finish, combining the run-walk strategy up until the end of the 42nd km finish line. Considering too that I honestly lack enough preparation and serious training for this particular race.’Coz in reality — there’s just more to my life than running, or any career. Taking care of my growing children everyday is my very 1st priority. I am a full-time housewife who runs, not the other way around.
The ritual during the entire stretch.
I prayed a lot. I prayed a lot even more every time my leg cramping starts. I prayed over people many times, but it was only yesterday that I prayed over a body part too many times — my legs! I kept on asking God to take away the pain and to please help me finish what I started. And God never fails. He even sent some people (runners) to extend their care for me. A few even bothered to stop and help. I believe that it was God’s way of saying, ‘I’m with you all the way.’ Thank you Lord.
The prize.
Finishing my first marathon, being branded a marathoner, and getting that huge medal is just an icing on top of my cake. I treasure the support of my runner friends, esp. from six:30 running group, ARC friends, and my Runners’Runner photographer/runner friends. Nothing compares to the friendship and camaraderie that was built in the last 1 year and 6 months of getting myself hooked on running.
And how can I forget — special thanks to Allan.RFM, for being my run buddy/pacer/ka-chika, and constant physical therapist. You – reaching for my hand in the last few kms was a real spirit booster! The cheers I got from Jenny, Tina, Imee, Kit, Bem, Hendy, and Marvin, at the end also instantly gave me a fluttering feeling of happiness and accomplishment.
My most precious blessing.
THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS too to my marathoner husband Kyx, who is the real driving force behind this achievement. Seeing your big, proud smile, and hearing your loud cheer of “Go mommy, malapit ka na!” a few meters before the finish line was the greatest of all. I totally forgot about my leg cramps attack. I ran all the way through to the finish line. I felt like a real champion! You are my every reason for everything I do best, remember that. Thank you, Bee… and I LOVE YOU!
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Think about the kids, let’s Race for the Orphans!
Coach Rene Villarta’s (Jazz Runner) Rundezvous will hold its first event this February 12, 2012 at Camp Aguinaldo entitled Race for the Orphans.
For only PhP400 (for 5k) and PhP600 (for 10k), you will already help the children of iHOPE (I Help Orphans Pursue Education) Foundation who lost their parents from battle. Registration is still on-going at Secondwind stores, A Runner’s Circle and ROX (until February 11).
We hope to see you there!
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Condura Skyway Marathon 2012: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
This is my 4th marathon, my first for the year: Condura Skyway Marathon. This race is considered as the premier running event of the country and indeed, since 2008 organizers have been for the benefit of nature: Tubbataha Reefs, dolphins and this year the mangroves.
The whole race is all throughout the Skyway (after its completion last year) and all distances (5k, 10k, 16k, 21k and 42k) traversed the long road stretching from Filinvest Center to Don Bosco exit.
This is my first marathon with Condura and the first for some of six:30 running group’s Barneys: Marvin Trilles, Kyx and Daisy Castaneda.
Ever since I ran, I find it more rewarding running alongside a “running buddy” and this time I ran the entire stretch with Daisy, her first marathon! It was a surprise that Kyx, Daisy and I had consecutive bib numbers: 60301 to 60303! We started from the turn of Filinvest going to Skyway and after the 2nd half of Wave A, we were off!
The route was a surprise treat for everyone as the stretch of Skyway during the early morning (42k started at 12 midnight!) can really shake your nerves and to add on it, the route is a serious challenger to international races because of the never-ending rolling hills!
Kyx and Daisy’s First Marathon
Last year, I had the opportunity to pace Kyx on his 32k in the last leg of Run United and to my surprise, one day the couple spilled to me a secret: they wanted to do their first marathon in Condura. I got excited for them and they did not want to tell others until they finished it.
Their original plan (I think) was to do it together but I insisted to pace them as I already knew how Kyx ran and I wanted to look after Daisy. We paced until Km17 and from there Daisy experienced her first set of cramps on her calves. I let Kyx continue as I already knew he’s up for the challenge this time. Turning right to the ramp going to NAIA, we walked and asked for the Medics’ help. Fortunately, I think those were the same Medics I met in last years RU3 (God bless those girls!). Most of the runners have started walking and the experience of the seemingly endless treat of hills has toiled everyone. I tried to cheer Daisy telling her we’re almost there. After completing the turnaround in the ramp, we tried to go back but she still experienced minor cramps. Thank you to Doc Art, Mond, Marvs and the other runner who gave her the hydrite, it really helped her recover her spirit. Kyx waved as we met him in some parts but I just prayed and I believed he’s ready to face his challenge and cross the finish line strong and proud. We finally reached the other part of the Skyway and as we turned around, Daisy and I treated ourselves with a generous stretch and we transitioned to run-walk/Galloway method. Being at the last part of the race has its rewards, you experience the humane side of a race.
This is what you called adventure!
As we tried the last stretch, I thought Daisy recovered well and we did transitions seeing other distances already started and some almost finishing their distance. And as we reach 40th km, the sun has already greeted us and we are among the sea of runners as I tried to cheer Daisy that we’re almost there and she will be an official marathoner and her husband will be so proud as they have finished strong!
Thank you Kyx and Daisy for the wonderful opportunity!
At the turn of the last 500 meters, we saw Kyx and cheering for Daisy we raced towards the finish line and yes indeed, another marathoner has been born!
Daisy I’m so proud of what we have achieved and Kyx, I felt like a doting father because of your strong finish. I hope you spread the inspiration to others!
The Good
- Seeing Bald Runner, frontRunner, the organizer Ton Concepcion and Senator Pia Cayetano is priceless!
- Seeing other running friends cheering you, “We can do this, tara!” is a big consolation.
- Senator Pia upon her 21km turnaround greeted us and said, “Good luck marathoners!” It was the highlight of Daisy’s quest for that medal!
- Crossing the finish line with cheers from the Barneys congratulating Daisy.
- All hydration stations were filled with water and some 100Plus.
- Finally got my frozen treat with Coors beer!
- Getting that awesome medal!
The Condura Skyway Marathon medal (courtesy of Marvin Trilles)
- Endless hills and a very long uphill climb on the last stretch. Very challenging!
- U-turn, U-turn, oh wait look another U-turn! (Priceless: as another runner finally reaches the last series of U-turns, he exclaimed: “Sa wakas U-turn na rin!”)
- Clueless marshals/volunteers. I think they should be oriented about running, the sport, the runners and the race.
- Endless water. Why? But thinking of what others said during hey-days there were no hydration stations so fine.
- Some medics are not attentive of the ailing runners unless asked for help.
- One banana station. Okay. So I hope we have more because this particular race is in need of strong will and determination so I think we deserve more than one banana station.
- A long queue in the massage station.
Looking at the race map was all too confusing until race day.
Last thoughts
Overall, the race has its lessons to learn: that for a pricey registration fee I know it’s for a good cause but I hope they up the ante to meet the demands of the runners. It won’t be surprising if the next races would inflate their registration fees because they took this as their benchmark without giving back more to the runners. Organizers should also learn that more and more newbies and accidental runners are being born each race and that they should equip their medics well since these participants are prone to injury and will probably complain of their pain.
The running community were united the run was for our fellow runners Sheila Antiga and Rona Dizon who were injured in the recently concluded BDM160 and we are happy to update you that they are now safe from harm. Thank you everyone for your support as relayed from their respective teams (HoB Hang Out Buddies and Team CB).
Nevertheless, I hope to join next year’s Condura race until I can afford it. I will do my PR this time. To the organizers and to the runners, congratulations!
RFM for Condura Skyway Marathon
All pictures courtesy of Daisy Castaneda and Marvin Trilles.
