I love giveaways! Too bad it doesn’t love me back :p
I’ve always wanted a Garmin 310XT. In fact, it’s part of my Christmas wishlist which hubby totally ignored as he had already a gift for me as early as November. I asked for new running shoes, a Garmin XT, compression tights or a bike but nooooo…he decided to buy me….jewelry. Yep! Sparklies! At first I was bummed out Then again, men can never go wrong with giving a girl her bestfriend for Christmas 😀
Back to the giveaway, I stumbled upon this blog dcrainmaker and he was giving a way a Garmin 310XT! Oh boy, better get moving and join. Don’t get too excited though as I have a feeling that Garmin’s gonna be mine!
Yeah, yeah! I know! I’ve dedicated 3 of my most recent posts to this race. What can I do? I am just really, really excited. Check out my top 5 reasons why you should really join this race.
1. You will have access to the SkyWay on foot.
This only happens once a year, unless you’re a construction or maintenance crew assigned in the SkyWay or a person with suicidal tendencies (LOL!), you won’t be able to run/walk on the SkyWay.
2. See the glorious sun rising from the east while on the SkyWay.
This was an amazing and surreal experience for me. I kinda didn’t regret that I’m a slow runner, finishing my 1st half marathon during Condura Run 2010 in 2hrs, 44mins. I would’ve missed this rare opportunity. I’m a sucker for sunset and sunrise moments ;p Too bad I didn’t have a camera with me 😦
3. The medal, the very fabulous medal.
This year all categories will have a finishers medal. I love this concept! This way, everyone will feel like a winner.
4. Rio dela Cruz
Whatever people say about how commercial Rio’s races are, I still admire this person’s attention to detail. Expect to run a hydration-filled race 🙂
5. Distances for all runners.
Condura Skyway Marathon has six (6), yes you read it right, 6 distance categories. A distance for each family member. There’s 3k, 5k, 10k, 16k, 21k and 42k. It brings together families as they strive to live a healthier life.
Do you agree with me? If yes, log on to http://www.conduraskywaymarathon.com and register now!
Wow! I can’t believe that 2010 ended so fast. It flew by like it faster like a speeding bullet…Superman-like!
Last year was a very busy year for moi. It saw many of my firsts. I did my first half marathon, my first full marathon, my first experience as a BDM support crew, my first time to be active in anything political, first luau, first major fight with my bestfriend who I think already “unfriended” me, first cruise, firsts, firsts, firsts!
I foresee this year to be equally busy. I plan to join another full marathon this year. I’m looking at NYC Marathon or Standard Chartered Singapore 2011 or maybe just a local race. Hubby plans to do a half ultramarathon or join his first sprint triathlon. We plan to travel to Mexico and somewhere in Asia with the kids. So much to do, so little time 🙂
Aside from plans, I also have some new year’s resolutions for 2011.
- Eat healthier = less junk food (SOB)
- Exercise more = run more!
- Worry less = Live life to the fullest
- Pray more = Read and UNDERSTAND the Holy Bible everyday
- Spend more time with the family = have fun with the hubby and the kids
- Share my thoughts more = BLOG more!
I embrace this year with enthusiasm 🙂 Welcome to 2011!!!
It's BACK!
Great news, skyway-thletes! Condura Run is back! Although this time, they have re-branded it as CONDURA SKYWAY MARATHON positioning the race as a premiere marathon event in the Asia-Pacific Region by 2012.
This is one of my MUST JOIN races for 2011. Heck, it’s one of my must join races of all time! I ran my first half marathon during this race and I did not regret it. Adrenaline and excitement were pumping in me that I totally enjoyed running on the Skyway experience.
This will be the 4th Condura Run/Condura Skyway Marathon and just like previously, they have dedicated a portion of the race proceeds to help our preserve and protect our marine species. To date, they have contributed almost a million pesos for different marine advocacies. Last 2008, they bought radios for park ranger located in the Tubbataha Reef. On the year 2009, they donated to the construction of facilities for eco-tourism while helping protect our whale sharks. This year, we ran for the dolphins in Bohol. And next year, we will continue to run to help fund projects to protect our beloved dolphins.
The upcoming Condura Skyway Marathon will have six (6) distances. Aside from the usual 5k, 10k, 21k and 42k, they will also have 3k and 16k.
Registration Fees are as follows:
P1,250 42k
P1,150 21k
P1,050 16k
P950 10k
P750 5k
P550 3k
An assured P50 of the registration fee will go to the dolphins of Bohol thru the Ayala Foundation Inc.
The race kit contains finisher medal for ALL distance categories, drift technical shirt, D-Tag timing strip, RFM loot bag and Hersheys Chocolate. Additional Coors Light Beer and 100 Plus loot bags will be given to all 21k and 42k registered runners.
Are you in need of more giveaways? Then head to the booths of the following sponsors before stocks run out!
1. Nature Valley
2. Century Tuna
3. Cenivis Joint Guard
4. Lactacyd
5. Ponds
6. Clear
Aside from the Condura Events Management Group, we have Coach Rio dela Cruz (awesome!), Princess Galura and EKC + SME (Read: Ironman) as part of the team behind this event.
The registration process is also very convenient. You can opt to go to the Asics concept store in Greenbelt 3 to register or register online at http://www.conduraskywaymarathon.com/registration/register-now/. For participants paying via credit card, race bib and shirt will be mailed to your preferred address via Air21. But one has to pay additional for convenience so please expect an additional minimal fee for card and delivery charges.
To make sure that the race can be handled safely and properly, the organizers had to put a cap on each race category.
42k – 1,200
21k- 1,600
16k- 1,500
10k- 3,500
5k-Â 3,000
3k- 1,200
So please register now to avoid regrets of not being able to join the most anticipated race of the year 🙂 I am so excited!
There’s also a cut-off for the 42k which starts at 3:30am. This would be 6 hrs and 30 mins. By 8:30am, the Skyway should be clear of any runners.
The blogger’s night was held in Greenbelt 2. We had a glimpse of what was in-store for all runners as Mr. Ton Concepcion, Condura Run’s main man and Princess Galura were able to brief us on the details of the race. We also experienced first hand how to was to register for the event. It took me approximately less than 2 minutes to complete the registration. Coolness! I opted to run a Pikermi distance instead of a full marathon as I haven’t been training. Listen to your body, Gail! Had I listened hard enough, I would’ve heard it saying…you should register for the 5k event only! :p
Alright! I'm officially in! 🙂
Of course the kit came with Hershey’s bar, dri-fit shirt, race bib and the D-Tag.
Abby and Kassy hoarding the chocolate bars. Haha!
I can’t really wait to run this race. Running on the Skyway is very surreal! I assure you, this is worth every centavo spent.
See you at the starting line 🙂
This is one race I am really looking forward to. Condura Run 2010 was where I ran my 1st Half Marathon. I enjoyed the race so much that I vowed to run the full marathon next year.
Well this is it! Mr Patrick Concepcion, the head honcho for Condura Run, has released information on the upcoming run.
Condura Run 2011 will happen on February 6, 2011.
Distances: 3k, 5k, 10k, 16k, 21k, 42.195 km
• 3K and 5k new route in Bonifacio Global City. ( Start and Finish at Bonifacio Global City )
• 10K – First time to be run in the Skyway. ( Start at Ayala and Finish at Bonifacio Global City )
• 16K – New Race Category to be run on the Skyway. ( Start at Ayala and Finish at Bonifacio Global City )
• 21K – Run more of the Skyway with a new route. ( Start at Ayala and Finish at Bonifacio Global City )
• Marathon – On the new extended Skyway up to Sucat Road. ( Start and Finish at Bonifacio Global City )
REGISTRATION STARTS on DEC.12, 2010
Stay tuned for more details.
Please visit their website at http://www.conduraskywaymarathon.com/
Christmas is fast approaching and like most people I am getting my list ready for this year.
1. Amphipod hydration belt
I heard great reviews about this belt and I am seriously considering of “gifting” myself with one.
I love the cool color of the flasks
2. Nike LunarGlide 2+
I have three pairs of Nike LunarGlide. One for training, one I wear during races and one I gave to my cousin so she can start to run.
When I went to the US, I wanted to get a pair of LunarGlide 2 but I also wanted to try wearing New Balance shoes for a change. Since my luggage can only accommodate a pair of running shoes, I opted for a pair of NBs. Although my NBs are pretty good, I still miss those Glides.
These were the pair of Glides I was suppose to buy...Regrets...
3. CWX Stabilyx Tights/2XU Elites
I own a pair of 2XU tights and they’re pretty good. However, I need to replace them as I ripped it by the knee during a run. Don’t ask how it happened 🙂
You can't see the hole but I definitely can feel it
4. Garmin Forerunner 310XT
I’m trying to get into multi-sports to realize my dream of becoming a triathlete one day. The FR310XT is a perfect tool for the future multi-sports me.
hmmm....i wonder when will i ever need you
5. A Roadie
I WANT a road bike! I WANT to bike. But I DON”T KNOW how to bike so I need to buy a road bike + lessons from a pro to teach me how to bike. This is starting to look like an expensive Christmas list.
Ah yes, you will be mine...well something that looks like you
I can go on and on but I’d rather stop lest my hubby gets confused on what to give me for Christmas. And yes Noy…this list is for you to read and buy ;p
I am super proud of hubby, Noy, for finishing the Men’s Health Urbanathlon 10k! Sadly, I wasn’t able to join as I lost my race bib 😦 Actually I misplaced my free bib and hubby’s paid bib but a good samaritan by the name of Jet Paiso offered me his race bib. Thank you, thank you Jet!
I would have to give a 4/5 for the race based on hubby’s experience.
Pros:
-Ample hydration stations
-Adequate marshalls
-Challenging but achievable obstacles
-Manageable crowd
Cons:
-Long lines before the obstacles
-Late start
Pre-race
Hubby and I woke up at 345am. I wanted to be up early so I can prepare Noy’s stuff. I promised to take his photos and be his support during his 10k run. Nice…support for a 10k run? Isn’t that unheard of? 🙂
As soon as hubby got up, the first words that were out of his mouth were…”We have got to stop doing this!”…He hates waking up early as he loves sleeping late. Then again, after a few minutes he’s up and about, excited to run.
We easily got parking as soon as we got to BGC. Noy was part of the 2nd wave of 10k runners so he had to wait a bit before the start.
Race Proper
The first obstacle that the runners had to face was the tire dump. I had to stop myself from laughing at runners who fell, lost their shoe, lost their balance while traversing this obstacle. I felt so mean! Then my thoughts went to hubby. What if he falls over? I’m so sure that I would not be able to stop myself from ROFL.
Finally hubby arrives and there’s no action. He didn’t even trip a bit. Darn! Maybe on the next obstacle which is the balance beam.
Tire Dump before the Wall (I forgot to take photos at the beginning of the race)
As soon as the 2nd wave 10 runners got to the balance beam, lines started to form. Uhoh, this looks like a problem.
After another incident-free obstacle, I decided to just meet hubby by Every Nation. A few minutes and a few photos later, I headed back to Serendra where the low crawl obstacle would be. I already missed the scaffolding maze and hurdles, I didn’t want to miss the low crawl. However, one 10k runner had a mild chest pain so I had to assist and keep him company while waiting for the ambulance. I did declare myself to be a volunteer marshall anyway so why not play the role 🙂
The low crawl was one of my favorite obstacles to watch. I think it’s challenging for most women to get down on their tummies and crawl on a muddy surface. Kudos for those who were able to do it! 🙂 Hubby was a FAST crawler. He didn’t mind getting all dirty at all.
Go Hunny! 🙂
The last obstacle was the wall. Runners had to climb an 8-foot wall. Noy was worried about this. He wanted to chicken out but most of the people were doing it so he had to as well. Hubby finished in 1:44…a slow but surely finish 🙂
Long line before the wall
Up he goes!
And down he goes...
Happily finished his 1st urbanathlon 🙂
The Men’s Health Urbanathlon was a super fun race! 🙂 Hubby can’t wait for the next one.
After the race, we hanged out at the takbo.ph booth where we learned that Noelle (aka Kikayrunner) won 1st place in the women’s 10k. She finished the race under an hour (53mins I think). Imagine that! I can’t even do a sub-60mins on a regular 10k run! Congratulations Noelle!
Now this is where I shamelessly copy the press release that was sent to us 🙂
Urbanathletes take the challenge at the Men’s Health Urbanathlon 2010
Racers scaled an 8-foot wall, climbed hurdles, scrambled low crawls, dashed on balance beams, passed a scaffolding maze and hopped on tire dumps at the recently held Men’s Health Urbanathlon last November 7, 2010 at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.
Over a thousand participants ran either a 5-km or a 10-km course in the city-based, multidisciplinary race, which claims to be the most demanding Urbanathlon to date!
Spotted running down the track were personalities like QTV X-Life hosts Gino De La Peña and JC Tiuseco, QTV Ang Pinaka host Rovilson Fernandez, RunnerSpeak host and blogger Noelle De Guzman, GMA reporters Nelson Canlas, Steve Dailisan, Julius Segovia, Dani Tingcungco, Mariz Umali, Raffy Tima and Kara David, Jam 88.3 deejay Hilary Isaac, and Magic 89.9 deejays Tony Toni Bueno, Sam YG and Slick Rick.
Hosted by Magic 89.9 deejay and UAAP sportscaster Boom Gonzalez, the Men’s Health Urbanathlon 2010 was made possible by official sports drink Gatorade, official food sponsor Century Tuna, major sponsors V+ Jeans, MSense, Sun Cellular, minor sponsor Lipout, official heart rate monitor Suunto, official gym partner 360° Fitness Club and registration partner R.O.X. Special thanks to radio partners Magic 89.9, Jam 88.3 and RX93.1. For race results, visit http://www.takbo.ph or http://www.menshealth.com.ph.
The November issue of Men’s Health features Chris Tiu on the cover is available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide. Become a fan on Facebook via Facebook.com/menshealthphilippines and follow us on Twitter via Twitter.com/menshealthph.
Chris Tiu, a great role model for my teeners!
I’m pretty sure not everyone knows about Resorts World Manila. I knew that they had a really nice Casino with a buffet restaurant that serves delicious food. What I didn’t know was that they had two hotels, a huge casino, a mall, a theater and cinemas in their complex. Reminds me of Macau. Nice!
I took my 13yo with me to the blogger’s night of the Grand Fiesta Run 2010. As expected, I was late so we weren’t able to enjoy the food at Passion restaurant in Maxim’s Hotel. My friends were raving about how good the food was. It’s a good thing that I didn’t miss the actual presscon.
Cool prizes! Exciting New Route! 🙂
I’m so excited that RW Manila has organized a run to formally launch their complex. For one, this can actually be an alternative place to run. I always look forward to new places to train.
The Grand Fiesta Run 2010 will happen on November 28, 2010 at the Resorts World Manila complex. There will be four (4) distance categories – 1k, 3k, 5k and 10k. Prizes await for the Best Dressed, Most Unique, Biggest Group/Company, and Wildest Costume.
Gun starts at: 6:00AM for 10K, 6:05AM for 5K, 6:10AM for 3K, and 7:15|AM for 1K.
Get a shot at winning amazing raffle prizes! Resorts World Manila will be raffling off a 3D/2N stay at Resorts World Sentosa for four (4) with free tickets to Universal Studios OR a cruise for two (2) to Singapore and Malaysia and back to Singapore.
Winners of the raffle will be brought to their destinations via the Resorts World Manila private jet! Yes you read it right! PRIVATE JET. How cool is that?
For those who want to take an aim at a podium finish, check out what’s in store for you.
Men Women
1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd
10k 20,000 10,000 5,000 20,000 10,000 5,000
5k 10,000 5,000 2,500 10,000 5,000 2,500
3k 6,000 3,000 1,500 6,000 3,000 1,500
1k 10,000 5,000 2,500 10,000 5,000 2,500
All prizes shall be in Resorts World Manila points which you can use at any of their restaurants and even try your luck in the casinos 🙂
Registration fee is P650 for all race categories. Register before November 22 at the following locations: Chris Sports (MOA, Glorietta and SM Megamall); ROX Bonifacio High Street and at RWM Tour Center.
For more information, visit http://www.rwmanila.com, or call the RWM Tour Counter at (632)836-6333.
Let me start off by saying that I had the most pleasant registration experience with Adidas’ KOTR event planner (Prime Creatives). To Jean & team, thank you so much for making the registration hassle free. It pays to be an adination participant and facilitator. So guys, you should join the adination running clinics in Bonifacio High Street (my home court on Thursdays, Ayala Triangle, Ortigas (nr UA&P), Ortigas (Tiendesitas & ULTRA – my home court on Fridays) and soon, MOA and UP.
Now for a post-race review
I would give it 3/5.
Pros
-Great singlet. Trust Adidas not to scrimp of the quality of their gear. Although the color is not much to be excited about (black), the material itself is good enough to forget about the color.
-Flawless registration. As I said, I didn’t experience the hassle of registering for the event as the event planner went to each Adination group and personally attended to their registration and race kits distribution.
Cons
-Expensive registration at P850 (any distance)
-Bottleneck 10k/21k
The 10k and 21k runners merged somewhere near British school. I don’t know why they still insist on passing the place for big races. Bottlenecks will really happen.
-No water from Buendia to Lawton
I really do not understand why water stations would run out of water. Is there no proven formula in estimating how much water to serve during races? Why can’t they just assume that 1 runner will consume 1/2 a bottle of water per station?
A bottle of water would cost only P15. Based on the map of KOTR, they only had a total of 6 hydration stations. Assuming a runner would consume 1/2 bottle per station that would amount to only P45/runner, it’s a small amount compared to their P850 race fee.
-Inaccurate finish time
I personally experienced being recorded as DNS for this race. My finish time never came out. A friend of mine said I wasn’t DNS but instead DNH (Did Not Hydrate) ;p
Now for my KOTR race recap.
As I mentioned in my previous entry, I was worried about my performance during this race as I felt so out of shape and had very little training after the Disney Pikermi.
My alarm rang at 330am and I was contemplating whether to get up to race or just stay in bed. Had I known I would be recorded as DNS, I would’ve just stayed in bed. Haha! Surprisingly hubby wanted to run so I had no choice but to get up to get ready. Hubby didn’t want to register due to the high fees but decided to just be my support photographer during the run. Since he will be running on his own, I decided to lend him my hydration belt as he knew it was not proper for him to ask water from the stations as he was not a paying participant.
When we got to BHS, the parking was slowly starting to get packed. As we were rushing towards the starting line, hubby and I agreed to meet in Serendra where he will run with me until Buendia.
As I was finding me way to the pack of 21k runners, I chanced upon Mark Hernz and wifey Bea (beabear) w/ absentee runner, RJ & their pace buddies 🙂 Remembering that it was Bea’s 1st Pikermi made me really excited for her. I still remember my Condura Half Mary debut. It seemed like a long time ago. Be a told me that she was gunning for a 3-hour finish. In my head, I know she can do better.
Since we were with the 8min/hour pace group, it took us awhile to get to the finish line after the gun started. It was a pleasant run by British School and towards the Kalayaan flyover. Most of my runner friends ran the 10k so we saw each other near the area where the bottleneck happened. I kept on glancing around to look for hubby. I hoped that he realized that we weren’t passing Serendra after all. By the time we reached Kalayaan flyover, I was worried that I might have missed him. And then I finally saw him. Yay! It’s game time.
Noy & I ran side by side all the way to Buendia. It was a pleasant run. We chatted most of the way. You see, we normally train together. But since he moved to a new office, we barely had the time to run together. I miss those days.
As I was crossing Ayala, Noy decided to stay behind and wait for me. They ran out of water already at the second Buendia station so he wanted to make sure he has enough for the two of us.
I was still enjoying my run on my way back to Fort until we reached the first Buendia station. They had no water again. I still didn’t mind as I knew they had another station by the foot of Kalayaan flyover (Fort side). I just kept on going.
Next water station, still no water. I was pissed! I lost Noy in the crowd. I knew he walked the Kalayaan-Buendia flyover ascend so I didn’t know how long was I going to wait if I decided to wait for him. I just continued on. I was parched. The sun was up and my energy was fading. I couldn’t consume the gels I brought with me since I didn’t have water.
smiling but really pissed at the no-h20 situation
uhoh, hubby will not like this photo (the guy at the back of tessa cut in front of him a gazzillion times spells RUDE)
Lo and behold, I sighted a convenience store! Thank God for mini stop and for hubby’s emergency money, I was able to buy 2 water bottles but I had to wait in line. Precious minutes ticking….
my savior!
Knowing that Bea was relying on the stations for water, I decided to give one of the bottles to her. No proper hydration for your 1st 21k spells disaster.
The trip to Ministop quenched my thirst but it quelled my momentum. I had to take frequent walk breaks as I was starting to feel the pain in my legs. I kept on thinking “This is what under-training does to you.”
Ahhh…Lawton finally. If I remember correctly, we would have to make a u-turn along Lawton Ave before heading back to the finish line. I was so excited to make that turn until I noticed that people were going down Bayani rd. Sh*t they changed the route! Bayani road is my waterloo. I didn’t have enough uphill, well enough (running) training for this. So little by little I pushed myself thinking…last 3k…last 3k…
And as expected no water again. This was the 2nd water station I passed after Mini Stop that didn’t have water so by the time I was heading back to BHS, I was feeling really thirsty. I saw Bea’s pace partners who I didn’t know by name at that time. It so happened that it was Miriam paced by Lit Onrubia (Chirunning Coach). Lit offered me a sip from his water bottle which I really was thankful for.
We were passed McKinley Hill when I saw my missing support, Noy the hubby. I was so happy to see him. Well briefly as he was too tired to run with me. I was too tired to run but I had to finish this race. By the time we reached McKinley Rd, I just walked.
I walked and walked, chatted and chatted with this fellow runner, Nick who was also too tired to run. About 300m to the finish line, we pushed ourselves to run the last stretch and then it hit me….CRAMPS! Never in my life did I experience cramping, well except for the cramps that only happens during a woman’s monthly visits. I used to ask hubby, how it feels. He said that the affected muscle has a mind of its own and that it will just lock in this flexed position eliciting pain. How clearly he described what happened. Nick kept telling me, go on. Don’t mind the pain. And go on I did and I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:49. Not my best, but one of my toughest. Whew!
I looked around for hubby & Chie, walked towards the start of the finish area looking for Bea but I guess I missed her. After a few photo pops, we headed home. I was feeling too tired to socialize. A first in my book.
Tired but glad to have finished
Me & Chie who finished another 10k 🙂
I enjoyed the day with hubby. He also enjoyed his run. Chie wanted to do 21k but this was one race that I would not recommend her to run. First reason, her pacer (me) was too out of shape to help her and second, the lack of preparation from the organizers.
I hope they learn their lesson for the KOTR 2011.
I’ve been down in the dumps, well training-wise, as I felt too lazy to run. I missed 2 big running events (Pasig 10-10-10 and Camsur) and I felt like I haven’t been that active in my running group as well. I even felt worse when I wasn’t able to register for the upcoming Adidas King of the Road. I was looking forward to joining my adination running family in this run. But even with a hefty price tag (P850 – reg fee for ALL distances), it sold out faster than Papa P’s 10k PR. Noooo! I want my Adidas KOTR medal (*sniff*). Sadness consumed me. Will I ever get my running mojo back?
Alas, I received great news from Jean of Adidas, or from the race organizer…not sure but let’s call her Jean, my fairy Godmother. She sent me an SMS aying that my 21k race kit is ready and that they can deliver it tonight! This was so unexpected. Of course, I was jumping up and down with joy. Then I realized, I am so not ready for this race! My last 21k was Sept 5 during the Disney HM and I felt so out of shape. Yikes!
With just 3 days to go til D-Day, I now wished that I didn’t wish KOTR. Gulp! Wish me luck! I need every bit of it.
My dreaded 21k (Photo grabbed from marathonphilippines.com)
Gailcons's Blog 