Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Ready to Race

Team Total Fitness entered 2012 well rested and ready to race and it wouldn't take long before the team start hitting their ON Cloudsurfers on racing grounds.  The Team's training mileage was also increased for their upcoming A-Races including some switching to multisports and the Tri-team going for 70.3.  There's also more conscious effort from the Team to also give back to the run community by covering some of the races.

Run for Pinoy Glory - January 8, 2012


Bonifacio Global City - Team Total Fitness joined hundreds of athletes, army men and the police force in a run for the benefit of athletes for 2016 London Olympics in the 5K, 10K and 21K category.
Participants: Franc Ramon (5K), Mascy Cabuhat (10K) and Mario Tani (21K)

PSE Bull Run - January 8, 2012

Bonifacio Global City - Team Total Fitness joined thousands of runners jump starting their running season in a run to give the economy a bullish push that had 3K, 5K, 10K and 16K and 21K category.
Participants (10K): Charles Dino (46th), Franc Ramon, Gryf Olfindo and Andie Zuniga

Subic International Marathon - January 22, 2012

Subic, Olongapo - Team Total Fitness joined thousands of passionate runners and fit police and army personnel competing in 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K category in the refreshing and scenic Subic route.
Participants (21K): Ferdz Capco, Jeffrey Pineda, Franc Ramon and Andie Zuniga

Condura Skyway Marathon - February 5, 2012


Alabang, Muntinlupa - Team Total Fitness joined 13,000 runners in the Country's first midnight marathon and a run at the newly expanded Skyway with 3K, 5K, 10K, 16K, 21K and 42K Category for the benefit of the Mangrove Trees.
Participants (21K): James Orlanda 28th Place, Moby de Jesus, Franc Ramon, Richie Torres, Gryf Olfindo and Andie Zuniga

Century Tuna Subic NAGT - February 5, 2012

Subic, Olongapo - Team Total Fitness joined several triathletes in 1.5 Km openwater swin, 40 Km bike and 10 km run in Subic Bay's Water and scenic terrain.
Participants: PJ Cendana 5th (25-29 AG), Ferdz Capco 5th (30-34 AG) and Jeffrey Pineda 8th (30-34 AG)


Team Total Fitness was featured in SwimBikeRun .ph Team Edition (check it here) wherein Team Manager Mascy Cabuhat provided some information about the team.

TRX Suspension Training
Photo from: Pure Pilates Philippines

Team Total Fitness Tri had a TRX Suspension Training at Pure Pilates Philippines and will be having more TRX workouts in coordination with TRX Philippines.  TRX is a supplemental work out to build muscles, strengthen your core and increase endurance.

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Best of Both Worlds

I miss travel!!!
It's not that I don't travel much but coming from a schedule of having 8-10 out-of-the country trips and even more domestic trips in a year, the travel bug in me has been repressed.  Of course, the bigger part of the reason why I've reduced my travel schedule is that I'm balancing a 5-day work week and a 6 times a week run and bike training schedule.  No regrets really but 2012 is meant to be more balanced and travel should fit in perfectly.  For one, the key races (My A Races) have been identified and I'll also be going for out-of-town and out-of-the-country races to boost my travel itinerary.

Subic

I joined Subic International Marathon in January, which also had me enjoying the scenery via a bike ride around Subic and a swim at Camayan Beach Resort.  It's also a scenic treat to be running with both the bayside and forest view of Subic included in the 21 Kilomters race route.

Baguio
Baguio is not necessarily vacation for me as this is my hometown.  I've conquered several terrains though I haven't joined a run in Baguio.  The run craze is also at its high in Baguio and I'll get to test my mettle against the mountains at Baguio 21K when I go home for the Holy week.  Feel the hills, not fear them.

Boracay
I've been wanting to run in the fine white sands of Boracay for some time now but waking up early after party mode is not an easy thing to do.  Good thing that there's a beach run slated in Boracay in April.  The sun, the blue waters and the fine white sands is a perfect combination for a run, rest and relaxation weekend at the peak of summertime in the Philippines. Definitely, more fun!!!

Tagaytay
Imagine the sight of the scenic Taal Volcano as you try to conquer the Ridge at Tagaytay Highlands.  That's what the Nathan Ridge Run is all about.  I sure hope they would have a second edition of this one as run in this area is not only one of the most extreme uphill terrains but it's also a visual delight.

Corregidor
Corregidor is just around 6 kilometers long so squeezing a 21K Corregidor International Half Marathon would mean going through all the historical structures, the roads, the trails and the uphill terrain.  The place owns a seat in Philippine history and has scenic seaside views and trails for you to appreciate as you try to conquer the rock.
Cebu
Globe Run for Home will be held in Cebu for a change in March.  Running in Queen City of the South would be a good change of scenery.  It's also the new home of Ironman 70.3.  What makes Cebu an attractive place is that it is a mix of the cosmopolitan feel of Manila, the fine beaches and some uphill areas for a great view of the City.

Bohol
Just recently added on the list of races is the Bohol Marathon.  It will be nice to run around Bohol for a change and then go on a rest and relaxation weekend in Bohol's fine beaches, appreciate the marine life, play with the tarsiers and visit the chocolate hills.  You don't get an energy bar as big as the chocolate hill.

Singapore
 
I already had a run in Singapore via a 6K Yellow Ribbon Run but it would be great going for a half mary in Merlion City.   I've been to Singapore at least once a year over the past few years and there's always something new in this city state and that is indeed a thing to look forward to running in this city state.

Hong Kong
 
This is like a second home to me and being here has been a yearly thing since 2003.  Competing in a run is definitely be one of my must do events in Hong Kong.  Despite being surrounded by skyscrapers, there's something about Hong Kong that depicts much of its tradition.  It's gonna be great running in a mix of the traditional and the modern and also, it would be nice to see the magnificent harbor view in a run.

On my wishlist
Beijing
 
Been to China more than 10 times already but a visit at the Great Wall of China has been elusive and here comes the Great Wall Marathon.  It's a full or half mary experience in the great wall wherein time is not the object of the run but to enjoy one of the world's wonder.  It happens May of each year but as for me, I don't think 2012 would be the year for me.

The Best of Both Worlds
Of course, I'll also be having pure vacations but it's great combining my passion for running and my passion for travel in several trips in a year.  It's great to go for new frontiers and reconquering old ones.  It's like having the best of both worlds. 

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Dark Side

One of the first few reasons I started this blog years ago was to blow off some steam.  I don't throw out a rage nor shout at the top of my voice or do something crazy (or maybe sometimes) when I get in tough spots.  I just try to endure and hold on until things are much better and so goes my blogs as an avenue of what I feel or what my thoughts are. I'm 99.9% of the time a positive person and that's where all my motivations and drive is coming from.  Yet, there goes series of events that leads you the 0.01% not a positive person zone - The dark side.

I paint clear demarcation between right or wrong and just or unjust in a way that it bothers me completely if I've done something wrong or is wronged someway or the other.  I'm very patient and tolerant but that doesn't mean I would tolerate anybody mistreating me.  I make it a point to air my side one way or the other to bring back peace within my system.  What's bothering me now is that while I go on fighting for what is legally due, it does take much of you fighting an unending fight where others just let it pass.  That's the thing about people who lack options, they just try to endure even if it already violates their own rights. When what you get does not compensate to what you give then it may be time to move forward.

I just hope it's as simple as that as I'm stuck with endless number crunching two weeks before the board meeting and for the annual report.  I hate it that I've been built with a large dose of sense of ownership so I have to endure 'til all the work is done and from there I should set out my next career move.  On my case, I've never been short of work opportunities and the only thing lacking is focus to check on the alternatives but I'll get there.  For now, I'll endure and letting out all that lurks in the dark sides of my thoughts,

And I'm back to the positive side.  I need to get things done in the mean time and then it'll be one crazy ride ahead.

Thursday, February 02, 2012

All Geared Up

Once you get the hang of running, you tend to be more detail oriented on the things you wear and how it helps you throughout your run.  I'm all geared up with the following items in place.
Visors
I usually wear visors not only to protect myself from the sun's glare but more importantly to absorb the sweat coming from my forehead and prevent it from getting into my eyes.  My eyes are quite sensitive especially with contacts on. It's quite distracting and sometimes stings a bit.  When the sun is up especially towards the midpoint or tail end of the run, you get another layer to block the suns ray from hitting your eyes.
Sunglasses
Even with visor on, I still prefer to have my Oakleys on to block the glare of the sun when it does come up.  Aside from the glare of the sun, you'd also want to protect your eyes from the wind and falling debris around especially if you race or train in Fort or McKinley where there are so much construction ongoing. I'm getting clear lens for my Oakleys so I can use it even on night or early morning runs.
Race Singlet
I have a Team Total Fitness Training and Race Singlet and Cycling Jersey which I use when I run.  The training singlet is a simple singlet with the Team TF logo which we use on our group sessions and sometimes even on races in cases I have back to back races in a weekend.  The race singlet and the cycling jersey have extra pockets for those energy gels and water bottles.  It does help to have extra and easy to access storage during races for a lighter and more efficient runs.
Shorts
I usually go for cycling shorts or shorts with compression inside for further support to the quads.  Your quads does take a beating especially when you go all out downhill.  I don't go for anything below the knee nor am I daring enough to go for those ultra short running shorts.  As long as its comfortable, I'm OK.
Sleeves
For longer runs or training runs, I usually wear CEP all sport compression sleeves to support my calf muscles from wear and tear during a run.  It also improves blood circulation thus making the leg stronger during a run.  For extreme cases like a run under the heat of the sun (e.g. Corregidor International Marathon) or early morning cool breeze (e.g. Condura 2012), I'd go with additional arms sleeves for additional protection from the suns rays or additional warmth for cold weather runs.
Shoes
I'm using ON Cloudrunner (Blue) for trainings and ON Cloudsurfer (Black and Green) for races.  Both are relatively lightweight shoes at 9 ounces but the Cloudsurfer is 20 grams lighter than the Cloudrunner. Train heavy, race light.  The more cushioned and heavier shoes help build leg strength so when race day come and upon switching to the lighter shoes, you get to run with more speed.   It's the best of both worlds with ON when it comes to having a cushioned and lightweight shoes (shoe review).
Etc.
I'm also using hydration belt most of the time for runs as I'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to hydration though I'll be trying some runs without the belt especially if the organizers have efficient water stations.  I tape my heel and ankle with muscle tape to protect it from injury.  On hot days, I'm protected with Dermplus from the UV rays of the sun.
All Geared Up
There's one simple rule in how to gear up for a run and it's what makes you feel more comfortable is what works for you.  So battle gears on, let's run.