Sometime back, I won a pair of Brooks running shoes during an event. Since these weren’t my size, SRI Philippines offered to change these to a pair that fits my gait aside from my feet (Thank you Lisa and Hitler!)

Brooks Ghost 3

Hitler chose the Brooks Ghost 3 for me as it fits my gait (neutral). Yes, I got the exact color as the photo above.

First impressions:

1. Color was very feminine. I am used to the strong bold colors of Nike Lunar Glides that this was something very new to me.

2. It looks like slightly narrower than my New Balance. I have a love-hate relationship with my NB1063s. But about the same width as my Lunar Glides.

3. Weight felt lighter than my NBs and about the same as my Glides.

First test run, 5k. Not bad. I initially didn’t feel comfortable with these shoes as I felt that it has a higher arch than my other running shoes. Weight was reasonably light. Fit was snug but comfortable. Passed but not with flying colors.

Second test run, 10k. Now that’s more like it! Unfortunately, I heel strike when I run. Especially when I’m already tired. I noticed that these shoes have a very good cushioning. It also has a great upper mesh which makes the shoes breathable. I really enjoyed my run.

First half marathon: I am a convert. I so love how these shoes are responsive to long distance running. It rained a bit during my run but amazingly, water didn’t get inside my shoes even with a breathable mesh upper design.

I still wear these shoes until now. Ran numerous 10ks, a handful of 21ks and a 16k race wearing it. The only concern I have now is that it seems to be losing its cushioning. Then again, this is expected.

I believe in these shoes so much that I bought 2 pairs for my hubby to use. He loves it too!

Now for my 2nd test shoes…Women’s K-Swiss Super Tubes Run 50 Shoes.

K-Swiss Super Tubes Run 50

I bought these online at www.myhabit.com and had this shipped to my local address in Manila. The entire transaction cost me $53 (P2.3k) – $38.25 for the shoes and $15 for shipping, handling and tax.

I have been wanting to try K-Swiss running shoes every since I saw Luis (Gingerbreadman) wearing one during the Nike 10k We Run Manila event. I figured that maybe I can be as fast as him with these shoes. Not! Haha!

First impressions:

1. Nothing great. The color was blah then again maybe they have it in another color?

2. It felt a big heavy.

3. Upon wearing it, I realized that it runs 1/2 bigger.

First test run, 5k. OMG! These are the most uncomfortable shoes I have ever worn! My shins were killing me the entire run. I had to awake my inner yogi to concentrate on the run and not the pain. I eventually ended the run with 1k more to go.

Second test run, 5k. I tried it once again and it’s a bit better than the last time. I noticed that they only work for me when I shift my gait to mid-foot. I survived.

Tempo 5k. I managed to do a 31 minute 5k run with these shoes. I survived. Guess it just takes time to get used to it.

The only positive thing about these shoes is the price. For P2.3k, I didn’t mind buying it. But these shoes are really not for me. But I am not closing my doors in trying out other K-Swiss models especially the colorful ones

Now to continue my search for the next Gail’s Top Running Shoes.

A RACE FOR THE ORPHANS

A race for the orphans, a race for your hearts! A very special race for the month of the heart—The Race For The Orphans will stir the Camp Aguinaldo Grounds in the still misty morning of February 12, 2011 each not only to experience running the peaceful grounds of the military camp but to take part in answering the orphans cry for love and compassion.

It is with this aim that Rundezvous Events Inc., will stage this event that will provide scholarship grants through “I-Hope”, a trust fund that will support the educational needs of these orphans of soldiers killed in action in Mindanao and for future grantees of the AFP Educational Benefit System (AFPEBS).

Each runner pays a modest registration fee of P600.00 for the 10k run and P400.00 for the 5k run. Inclusive with this fee is a nice running singlet available in various sizes, a Timing tag, race bib number and a goodie bag from our sponsors.

Our registration Centers will be at the Secondwind Running Stores in Ortigas and Quezon City; ROX at Bonifacio High Street and at A Running Circle (ARC) along Quirino Avenue cornerRoxas Blvd., Manila.

“We shall leave no soldiers’ orphan behind”. This is the AFP Educational Benefit System Office’s (AFPEBSO) tagline, an organization which deeply recognizes the heroism in eachFilipino soldier. It is one of the morale and welfare outfits of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that grant educational benefits both to the military personnel and their dependents with the aim of helping them secure a brighter future. As it recognizes our soldiers’ heroism, especially of those who lay down their lives in protecting peace, AFPEBSO gives priority to the orphans of Filipino soldiers who were killed in action.

We’ll see you at Camp Aguinaldo on February 12, 2012!

February 12, 2012
5K/10k
Camp Aguinaldo Grounds, EDSA corner Santolan Avenue, Quezon City

Registration Fees:
Regular registration fees (from January 7 until February 9, 2012):
10K – PHP 600
5K – PHP 400

- Includes Bib with Timing Tag and Singlet (For both 5k and 10k runners)
All registered runners have a chance to win a free trip for 2 to Boracay.

REGISTRATION VENUES

JANUARY 7 to February 11, 2012 (12:00 nn – 8:00 pm)
- Secondwind Running Store: Quezon City and Ortigas Branches
- A Runners Circle (ARC): Roxas Blvd. corner Quirino Avenue
- ROX: Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig

Avail of the early registration promo of 6 Race Kits plus 1 FREE (same category only) good until January 22, 2012.

For inquiries, please call or text:

Abet: 09158030224 or Zarina: 09165217400

Or call Phone: 6(32) 3829659 c/o of Salie Guarin.

This January 22, 2012, TIMEX, world renowned makers of high quality time gears, will once again unite casual runners and hardcore sportsmen alike on one blazing race track as it gives rise to the much-awaited TIMEX Run 2012.

Set to unfold at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the historic race shall witness the reunion of the unbeatable running tandem of sought after actor and runner Piolo Pascual and multiple champion runner, coach and marathon organizer Rio Dela Cruz. Last January 13, 2012, the two led a special press gathering to officially present before media partners how this running event levels up from before and all the other races in town, and just why everyone should be part of it.

Coming from a string of back-to-back sporting events where it joined forces with the country’s premiere athletes, such as the Camsur Ironman Triathlon and TIMEX 226 in Bohol over the last years, TIMEX is all set to make this year’s race all the more memorable, fun and extremely power-packed!

So, what’s to be excited about the TIMEX Run 2012?

First and the most exciting of all, participants shall get a very special chance to get fit, have fun and best of all run side-by-side with two of the country’s most beloved idols in entertainment and running; TIMEX brand ambassadors Piolo and Rio. For the last few months, the two have dedicated time amidst their busy schedules to train hard to ensure they’re in the best shape come race day. Together with the two, a handful of other celebrities and personalities shall also be sprinting along with TIMEX, just like during its first edition back in 2009. On top of the list are its youth ambassadors Jessy Mendiola and Joseph Marco as well as actor Victor Basa to name a few.

Divided into three race categories, athletes, race fanatics, and casual runners can choose from the 5, 10 or 16 kilometer event. The race is organized by no less than the in-demand team of Runrio who assures participants of accuracy in timing and a host of other innovative features and acitivities. One of which is the disposable “champion” chips, timing devices attached to shoe laces specially designed to let runners monitor their starting in finishing times with stern accuracy. Functioning only soon as the runner steps on the designated ground matting, the recorded time is sure to be precise.  Another is the Runpix analysis which is a record of interesting running statistics unique to each individual who ran. This will be available after the race at www.runrio.com and www.timexrunning.com.

If you’re up for the action and ready for truckloads of fun, well you still have a chance to join as regular registration has been extended until January 18, 2012. All you have to do is go to any Riovana stores at Bonifacio Global City or Katipunan or visit the TIMEX outlet at TriNoma or the Watch Republic shop in Robinsons Galleria. Registration fees are at Php650 (5KM), Php700 (10KM) and Php750 (16KM). 15 TIMEX watches are up for grabs when you register as a group at Riovana outlets.

Aside from the breathtaking action set to unfold in the race track, those joining can also expect a finish line filled with great prizes. While all finishers will take home loot bags from various sponsors, those who will emerge on top of the pack in every category will get TIMEX watches, A-class activity and time-tracking gears that gives wearers nothing less than the optimum when it comes to style and functionality. First placers shall also take home a pair of Skechers shoes. Canon shall also raffle of digital cameras and provide photobooths for participants to be able take home souvenir shots. The whole race is also powered up completely with hydration partners Powerade and VIVA! Mineralized Water. A total of 35 watches shall also be raffled off all throughout the day in celebration of the Piolo Pascual’s 35^th birthday. Timex partnered with companies such Riovana, Century Tuna, Magnolia Lite, Nutri Bar, Kaspersky, Multisport Magazine and Unilab to make this anticipated race possible.

To keep the day much more exciting, participants are also challenged to guess Piolo’s bib number and finish time. Lucky guessers will win their very own TIMEX watches. For more details visit www.timexwatches.com.ph.

Hurry and register now, time is running! Assembly time for all categories is at 4:00AM. Gun start times are at 5:10AM (16KM), 5:30AM (10KM) and 5:50AM (5KM). Run with Piolo and Rio at the TIMEX Run 2012 and make history once more! For more information, please visit http://runrio.com/2011/11/2012-timex-run/.

5KM Map

10KM Map

16KM

Piolo Pascual has a face that can launch a thousand panties, I meant a thousand ships. I have been a huge fan since his “I love you Piolo” commercial. So when I got an invite to attend the Timex Run presscon even at 230pm in the afternoon, I readily said YES!

Timing was perfect as I had a 30 minute open schedule between 3pm and 330pm. He’s not the only one with a full schedule

As soon as I got there, I saw a glimpse of him and I’m telling you, the cameras do not give him justice. He’s even more handsome in person. (SIGH…)

These were the things I found out about him…

1. He runs in UP. Mostly at night.

2. He will be doing his 1st full marathon this year.

3. He finished his 21k, sub-2. AMAZING…

4. When he read all about people calling his 47 minute 10k finish “sub-piolo”, he was pressured.

5. His target time for his 1st full mary is about 4 hours. WOW!

I would give anything to run with him. Thing is, I most probably have the chance to do so when I register for the Timex Run.

So see you later, co-piolow fans! SIGH….

Dear Ms Soliven,

I am writing to you today to express my disappointment on how OB Montessori handled my son’s application. I wish to tell you the story as it transpired this morning.

I am a mother of a highly functional child with special needs. I read in the Philippine Star an article that you published named “Developing school guidance program to normalize dysfunctional children” and kept a copy of it for future reference. During that time my son was enrolled in a mainstream progressive preschool called Lincolnshire Internationale Preschool. He will be graduating on March which prompted me to start looking for a school that would accommodate him for the 1st grade.

Due to your article, I placed OB Montessori on top of my list. It is an established educational institution and has produced grounded students. It can offer grade school plus high school and accepts special needs children. I thought to myself that your school would be a perfect fit for my child. Of course, that is if you decide to accept my son after assessment.

I readily called the registrar’s office to get the list of requirements, visited your website to download the application form and gathered all the documents. As per the person who I spoke to over the phone, since my child has special needs, they will need to first review all the documents before they can schedule me for an interview and assessment. This was nothing out of the ordinary and since it is your internal policy, I happily obliged.

This morning, since I had a meeting in Greenhills, I decided to drop by OB Montessori to drop off my son’s application form and requirements and to do my due diligence as well. I liked what I saw, when it came to the facilities. The grounds were clean and looked like they were well-maintained.

As soon as I got to the registrar’s office, I saw two ladies. I am a stickler for excelent customer service and the first thing I noticed was that the two ladies failed to immediately acknowledge my existence. They were chatting incessantly. After a while they asked me for my purpose. I immediately expressed my intention of applying for a Grade 1 slot. The other lady made me sit down while she reviewed my child’s requirements. I believe her name was Ms Gabucao, if I am not mistaken.

I brought a photocopy of the following documents:

1. Birth certificate

2. Developmental reports from my child’s current school (LIP – mainstream school)

3. Reports on his therapy development from Shine Intervention, his SPED school

4. Developmental report from Dra Benitez, my son’s old dev pedia

5. Government recognition of LIP, my son’s current school

6. Narrative report on LIP Arts & Crafts class

Including 2 sets of 1×1 photo in blue background and the application form.

I was missing the following:

1. My son’s current assessment from Therabilities, his OT center as he only has done 5-6 sessions starting November.

2. Old assessment from first Dev Pedia plus the most recent assessment from current Dev Pedia. His old Dev Pedia already retired.

I explained to Ms Gabucao why my son’s records were not complete and how I planned to send the other requirements to her as soon as I have gathered everything. But I was hoping that they can start reading the documents I have sent as these were a lot.

Unfortunately, these were the impressions I got:

1. She would only accept the first and most recent/current dev pedia assessments, not even considering the therapy reports of my son. I found this odd as my son sees his dev pedia once every year, as he is considered highly functional. His therapy sessions, however, are at least 3x a week.

2. She was already preempting that my son will not have a slot in your school as you have students in the pre-schoo level already having “difficulties” and will soon be moving up to the grade school level. This is fine by me. However, I did not appreciate the fact that prior to assessment she already assumed that my child will have difficulty in OB.

3. She gave the impression that OB Montessori did not have an existing program for special needs children which is contrary to your published article.

She kept on emphasizing that my son is not assured of a seat, which I was fully aware of that is why I was APPLYING. She kept on saying that my documents were incomplete and that she will put my application on hold, which (again) was totally fine until she repeated it several times. I got a bit irked and started to showmy irritation. But not wanting to create a scene, I left after getting the schedule of fees.

I felt like my child was already pre-judge just because he is not like the other children. I felt like a humiliated parent. After a few minutes, I decided that I did not want to pursue my application anymore and that OB Montessori is not for my child. I called the registrar’s office to speak to Ms Gabucao (again Im not sure of that was her name) to tell her that I have decided to withdraw the application of my child and that I will ask someone to pull out the documents, hoping that she would at least ask what my concern was. But she simply said “Ok.” What ever happened to customer service?!

After a few minutes I received a call from Ms Rose Domingo, Ms Gabucao’s immediate superior, wanting to know if I can share to her the reason why I was pulling out my son’s application. I told her about my experience, my disappointment, my frustrations, how furious I was, how my son was pre-judged even before looking through the documents I sent or even before meeting him in person. Fortunately, she was able to pacify my anger and explain to me in detail OB Montessori’s SPED program. My husband and I decided to give it another chance by calling Ms Domingo back for an assessment schedule. I am thankful for people like Ms Domingo who empathizes with parents, like myself. She is an asset to your institution.

Ms Soliven, my son has autism. I acknowledge that he has specific and special needs. But that does not make him stupid. He is one of the smartest kids I know. He can identify the different flags of different countries. He’s been reading since he was 3. He knows how to skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s at age 3. He’s a stickler for details and a perfectionist at times. He’s one of the sweetest boys I know and I just want the best for him.

I want to share with you this story because I want to make sure that this will not happen to other parents. It might be a good idea if you share your valuable insights on excellent customer service and that children with special needs should not be judged harshly.

Thank you for reading my very long and passionate letter. God bless!

Sincerely yours,

Gail Consolacion

Mother of Jaime Ignacio Consolacion, a special child

Twas a good thing that I was good last year because Santa gave me and hubby a pair of MTBs for Christmas! Sweet!

My Myka. I still need to provide her a name.

The last time I rode a bike was when I was 12. I remember my grandparents (God bless their soul) giving me my very own BMX bike. I was ecstatic! Until they put a side car on it to appease my sister who didn’t know how to ride a bike. Haha!

Noy and some friends took me to a short trail course in Camp Aguinaldo for my 1st ride. Not knowing what they meant by a trail course, lil old me agreed to join them. Oh my gulay! I was lucky to have finished the course alive! I fell about a dozen times, scratched my bike along with my ego. But I had fun and I am willing to do it again. God forbid that I don’t do a repeat performance falling in a ditch.

Part of the trail in Aguinaldo

Another portion

All bruised up but still in high spirits

I biked again the next day and the day after that. I’ve been addicted to it every since. Sure the fear is still there. It probably will take a while before it goes away but I must at least try.

I’m contemplating if I will join my 1st ever duathlon end of February. I hope I don’t chicken out. Let’s do this!

See you on the road, trail or wherever!

Through  Coach Rio’s handwork and dedication to his art, he is now an icon in the Pinoy running community. Run Rio, the company that put running as part of mainstream culture by organizing International quality races, is now organizing races almost every week. He has the interest of every runner top of mind in any activity that he does. This is what makes Riovana different from other sports shop.

Riovana stands for Rio (not Rio de Janeiro but Rio dela Cruz) and Vana for Nirvana (no, not the band but what it stands for = liberation, release from a state of suffering).

From outside, Riovana looks like your regular sports shop. But inside…well it still LOOKS like your regular sports shop, selling different running gears, running shoes for beginners, intermediate and advanced runners organized via your gait type and price. However, it has other Value Added Services to offer such as the availability of showers, a dedicated registration area and a recovery center at the 2nd floor. Yep, you read it right, a RECOVERY Center for athletes.

You can imagine yourself getting a podium finish here

Most do not know that I am well was a Physical Therapist. Graduated from the University of Sto Tomas and passed the PT Board Exam but barely practiced after getting my license. Why? Well, it’s another story to tell. So when I saw the facilities that Riovana’s Recovery Center offered, it brought out fond memories of my Internship days.

The clinic is headed by Dr Edgar Euphemio MD, an Orthopedic doctor with clinics in Cardinal Santos, STI Megaclinic and UP-PGH. Unlike a regular Physical Therapy center, Riovana’s recovery center caters only to athletes who basically needs to recovery from a long-distance run as to prevent more injuries and to allow the body to heal faster.

Doc Edgar explains the concept of the Riovana Rovery Center

Imagine icing your shin, ankles or even hips after a marathon or taking that ice bath or going to the spa to have that post-race pampering. Going to a recovery center is similar to this but the approach is more scientific and medical.

They have cryotherapy (cold treatment for acute injuries), ultrasound (for deep heating therapy which is done for both acute and chronic cases), hot packs and laser. Each cubicle has its own machine and they have enough staff to cover all cubicles. Wow! I used to handle 10 different patients at any given time!

A Cryo Machine! Cool!

Ex-PTs turned bloggers...Eman and Rain

Ultrasound

Banjo trying out the Cryo

The cost of treatment is also not a pain in your wallet. You can get charged anywhere between P500 to P1,500 (max). It’s just like going to a spa.

This recovery center is perfect for Noy who doesn’t like going to hospitals and finds spas too girly (so not true!). Looks like hubby will be a regular customer. Now to convince him to join more races. Hmmmm…

Try it out: Riovana Recovery Center

Ground Floor, Active Fun Building

9th Ave. Corner 28th Street

Bonifacio Global City

Taguig, Philippines

It takes great pleasure to know that I have helped inspire over people to start running, to join races and to finish.

From good friends to former officemates, from hubby’s friends to my business partners, I continue to spread the good health benefits of running. Even regular runners like myself sometimes need pick me uppers!

Take the case of one of my good run buddies, Maridol. We joined a small, well-organized race in Greenhills called Greenfinity Run last week. She wasn’t feeling peachy that day so at the 3km mark, she wanted to quit. It was a 16k race. Now, I know her. I know for a fact that she will regret not finishing this race. It will eat her and cause undue stress. So I said no. She cannot quit and that I will run with her even if we have to walk all the way to the finish line.

I stayed with her, made her laugh, paced her (although I would sometimes run ahead just to challenge her which kinda worked), poured cold water on her and pushed her until she reached the finish line. I didn’t bother with my own time. I can run another 16k race anyway. And she finished the race. I think I was happier to know that I got her to cross that finish line.

Sometimes it’s good to experience a different kind of high when you help somebody achieve what they thought was an impossible task. It makes me feel more human…more myself.

Inspired by Friendship

Heather Walsh, runner and liver donor

I’m not a fan of football, american or european or any kind of football sad to say. I mean I can probably watch it with hubby but I don’t think I can ever play it. Too bad as I was a strong kicker back in the day. Lost my right big toe due to that sport. Annnnndddd now back to the main topic…

The event will happen in November 27. Can you guess where? Of course in Bonifacio Global City! It is Run BGC after all! Details are below:

Race Categories  & Fees

3km P500

3km w/ flag football P500

5km P600

5km w/ flag football P600

10km P700

Registration Sites

Toby’s/RUNNR

-Level 1 Shangri-la Mall

-Bonifacio High Street

-GF Entertainment Mall, SM MOA

Planet Sports

-2F Trinoma, QC

-2F Glorietta, Makati

The Athlete’s Foot

-3F Robinson’s Galleria

-2F Twin Cinema Arcade, Alabang Town Center

Registration is until November 23.

The Run BGC Flag Football Mechanics:

-This is an individual play where a runner would need to catch the football and defend his flags.

-Runner steps inside the flag football zone and gets fitted with a flagbelt. He cues up in his designated lane.

-A quarterback gives him the go signal to sprint to the 5-yard marker. Runner turns back to face the quarterback who will then throw him a football. Runner should try to catch the ball.

-After catching the ball, runner turns around and again sprints to the end zone while defending his flags from the defender/s.

Ruuunnnnnnnn! Defense!

-When he gets to the end zone, he then sprints back to the starting area with his flags and football to finish the course.

So for something different, I suggest for you to sign up. I’ll be doing the 5km with flag football

See even kids can do it!

See you at the starting line!