We drove off early morning of Saturday towards Tagaytay Highlands for the Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2012. When we got there I dozed off. I wanted to have the energy to run the trail. At 5am, I got up, and went to the event area. I witnessed the gunstart of the 24K runners. It was exciting because there were so many 24K runners. Daylight was naught.

After the 24K gunstart at 5:30am, I loitered around the area, greeting old friends, meeting new friends. My 6K trail run wasn’t starting until an hour later. I loitered more. A few minutes before my gunstart at 6:30am, I proceeded to the starting line.

At the Starting line of the 6K event: Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2012 - photo by Raffy Santos of www.RunnersRunner.com

The 6K Trail Run

The race started with a downward slope on concrete road. It wasn’t easy. I was wearing “barefoot” shoes that didn’t have cushion. The shoes provided me with 3 inches of protective rubber under my feet, and no cushion at all. I would need to rely on my own body’s adjustments to pull myself through this trail run. I could feel the full weight of my body on my heels. And because we were running downwards, the impact was more than twice my weight. I adjusted by shortening my stride. I also started using the blade of my feet to distribute my weight.

I felt like there was a grain of sand under my left big toe. As my run progressed, I realized it was the start of a blister that was growing bigger and bigger with every step of the way.

After a kilometer or so of downward slope on the concrete road, we took a detour unto the trail. Ah, this was what I signed up for! It took some time for me to get used to the trail. Me and my fellow runners reduced to a single file on the narrow path on the side of the mountain. I was carefully examining the trail with my eyes, checking first on where I was going to place my next step. I was avoiding parts of the trail that had gravel. I knew that stepping on a solid marble-sized rock can hurt my soles quite badly.

Running in the trails, I enjoyed the scent of grass and mud in the cool morning air. I enjoyed the overcast skies and the light on the hills and trees around us.

I enjoyed passing by some of the locals knowing that we were really just outsiders borrowing this trail from the locals who walk these paths daily to get to work. I greeted them with gusto and they replied with a smile.

Putik 101

I knew of the different types of putik. I knew putik well after spending many weeks on immersion in a mountain farming community in Tiaong Quezon. Being a putik connoisseur, allow me to describe the types of putik.

1. It starts with air-putik, also known as dust. There wasn’t much dust because of rains the day before and the morning dew.
2. There’s the friendly putik which is just moist and solid under your stride.
3. There’s the pillow putik which is like soft marshmallows under the foot. Today, this was my favorite kind of mud. Because with my barefoot shoes, I could feel the mud hugging my feet, behind my heels, around the blade of my feet and in between my toes. It was like getting a nice warm hug from mother earth.
4. There’s the platform putik which makes you taller one millimeter at a time everytime you step on it. My barefoot shoes didn’t lend itself to platform putik, because the mud didn’t stick. I saw some runners with trail shoes who found the platform putik to be quite a challenge. The platform putik not only added to their height. It added to the weight underneath their shoes! They had to peel off the putik at some parts of the trail.
5. There’s also the mud-pack putik. It’s silky putik that’s creamy enough to spread like lotion as if it were a mud-pack for your face.
6. And there was the most dreaded kind of putik. The man-eating putik. This is the kind of putik that, when stepped on by un-knowing victims, it could engulf half a leg until the knee. This is a very deceiving kind of putik. You wouldn’t know it’s the man-eating putik until you’ve been bitten. Fortunately for me, I didn’t encounter any man-eating putik. I survived without its bite.
7. Finally, there is also the “Putik, hindi ito putik” putik. That’s the one that goes through pre-processing in the stomachs of some farm animals and is deposited on strategic locations along the path. Think of them as gifts from farm animals to spice up the trail. All fun!

Ups and Downs on our Trail Run

The trail run was tough, especially in the uphill climb.

I thought to myself: “Whew! Buti nalang 6K ang kinuha ko!” I could imagine how challenging the 12K and 24K runs were.

At many parts of the trail, we walked it through.

There were water stations along the way. Because I had two bottles in my Nathan hydration belt, I chose to just drink from my bottles to reduce my weight and to not use up time at the hydration station.

It was also nice being greeted by some of the marshalls who recognized me from previous runs.

One marshall told me: “Kayang kaya yan! Kung natapos mo nga ang full marathon ng TBRDM, eh!”

Ah, the perks of having friends along the way.

The Roller Coaster Trail Tunnel

The highlight of my run was a downhill trail run with lots of trees on the side. It was like a roller-coaster zipping through a tunnel of trees. The coast was clear in front of me. No other runners ahead. So I just let things flow. I kept running and running. I just let my eyes, legs and feet guide me as I rolled down the trail, flowing down like water. There were times when I felt like only my toes were touching the trail. I even felt my left foot slip on the mud, but I flowed along and let my right foot catch my weight, my arms flailing in the air to keep my balance. I just pushed on and on. Gravity was my friend. Trust was my ally. And I enjoyed that experience immensely. Thank You Lord!

There was another runner behind me. I could hear his footsteps around 10 paces behind me. And we were in the rollercoaster together. I would scream in delight “wahoooo” and he would do the same. I wonder what I looked like just having fun in that tunnel of nature’s creation. I’m glad to have shared the exhilarating experience with my fellow runner.

After that two-minute joyride in the tunnel of trees, we came to a clearing. There were medics and a hydration station and a photographer. How I wished that photographer came in even just 10 meters before the clearing back into the trail. He would have loved shooting us while we were inside the roller-coaster tunnel.

Side story: The non-sighted trail runner 

There was a non-sighted runner who ran the 24K mountain trail run together with his running partner. I am totally amazed at how they did it. Our blind runner ran together with his sighted partner, linked by a 3-foot tether. I could totally imagine how blind runners can do a road run while tethered. But a blind runner on a trail!? That was utterly amazing. Amazing what humans can do! Thank You Lord, Your amazing gift of creativity! Truly, man is capable of doing wonderful things!

Trail Runners are visitors. Be respectful

There were parts of the trail where we passed through some homes of the locals.

I would greet the household the way I knew: “Magandang umaga! Makikiraan po!”

One runner in front of me thought the message was for him.

He stepped aside to let me through. Oh, okay, thank you, kapatid.

We continued running back on a concrete road, passing by some of the locals’ houses. The locals, I’d think, weren’t used to having runners in their area. So I took the lead and greeted them a good morning and gave some high fives, whether kids, teens, adults, lolas or carabaos. They gladly extended their hands for the high five from this weirdo in a red suit!

We’re going home

The uphill climb was quite a challenge. We were reduced to a walk for a big part of the uphill climb.

We came back to a familiar junction, and were were back on the first segment of the trail. We had completed a loop and were making our way back to the finish line on the same trail we went through earlier. This was all fun. It was our homestretch.

Just a bit more of trail and we were back on the concrete road. What was once a steep downhill run is now a steep uphill walk! Whew! There was a photographer along the way and we took some jumpshots . Yes, I always have the energy for jumpshots, even when I’m super tired. He told me I was number 14 among the 6K runners. Really?! Wow. I wasn’t planning it, but this is the closest I’ve been towards the front of the pack. I guess I just really enjoyed the trail a whole lot.

Walk-run-walk again all the way uphill to the finish line. In the last 200 meters, (race director) Neville was there to cheer us on. We made one last loop around a few buildings of Tagaytay Highlands. In the final 50 meters, it was a fun downhill run with the road lined up with family and friends cheering us home to the finish line.

After the 6K Trail Run, celebrating with fellow runner Mhalu - photo by Hanz Magat

Post-run

My first trail run of 6K was a whole lot of fun, all under 1 hour. I lingered on at the finish line, cheering on fellow runners, congratulating runners and just enjoying the energy of triumph.

My feet were tired, there was some pain in my feet and ankles. And it is the joyous pain that comes with conquering this wonderful trail.

Thank You Lord for the perfect weather with a slight drizzle. Thank You Lord for keeping our runners safe. Thank You Lord for Salomon, the race organizers, sponsors, marshals and locals who cheered us on.

Congratulations to me (yey!)! Congratulations to all participants of the Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2012. 

Official Website: http://www.salomonxtrailpilipinas.com/

Related: Test Run by Running Atom 

Do you struggle to run faster? You are not the only one. Most non runners think it is just a problem they have, but it is also very common among runners. Especially if they are running long distance, have had a tiring day, or fallen out of the habit.

To help you run faster, you need to practise as much as possible. The temptation to sit back, relax and play on http://www.poker.dk/ , or check Bhoy’s Facebook account is always going to be a strong impulse. However, the more you run, the easier it is, which will aid your ability to run faster.

Other ways to run faster are:

Pace – Don’t get fixated on your pace, you’ll only frustrate and wear yourself out. And speed sessions create different results. You shouldn’t feel disheartened if your speed reps were faster last week. It doesn’t mean you have regressed.

Approach – Try to adopt a less formal approach. Interval training is a great way to build up your endurance, which will ultimately effect the speed you can run.

Race – You need motivation. Every so often it is good to take part in a run. There are runs almost every weekend of the year. Choose one event that suits you and run! It will motivate you to keep up with your speed training.

Heart rate – By working to your heart rate, you can measure your improvement, and further motivate yourself to push to the limit. For example, as a beginner, if you are going to do a steady run of three to five kilometers, you ought to aim for a heart rate between 77 and 83 percent. Experienced runners can handle 82 – 88 percent.

Mix it up – Fatigue is a common problem. Mix up your training if you get too tired. You can do a fast run, and then a paced jog. Or perhaps you can alter your routine every week: run fast one week, jog the next.

It is your training. Do what feels right.

- Contributed by Coach Corwin

(Written by Edwin Soriano of RunnersRunner.com)

The first time ever that I joined an organized run was in 2001 in my hometown, Baguio. It was the Milo eliminations. As far as I can remember, I ran the 5K. And I remember that 5K was far indeed for me at that time .

Running has come a long way after ten years. And running once again in Baguio for Run United was for me a sweet reunion of me running in my hometown.

On raceday, I had a short run going to the starting line, right next to the playground we used to play in at Burnham Park. Whew, the air is thin! I psyched myself up for a challenging 10K. I hadn’t trained much for this.

I was at the starting line much earlier than usual at 4:30am. (I remember as a teenager, when my dad would wake-up me and my brothers for a game of tennis here in Burnham – he woke us up so early so that we’d be the first in the courts.)

I got to see the 21K runners before their gunstart. There were more 21K runners than 10K, maybe double the number. “Why so?”, we asked among friends. Unlike in Manila where runs are a dime a dozen, there aren’t many big organized runs in Baguio. I think that when a big organized run comes to Baguio, the local runners would rather prepare and participate in the long run to make the most of the event, instead of gunning for the shorter distances.

21K Runners stretching it out

When I started my 10K run at 5:30, the first 200meters was uphill. I wasn’t expecting to be short of breath this early in the run. I kept my pace steady. Although a few of the runners walked this uphill start, many of the local runners went full steam ahead. We went through Guisad, down a bit of Kennon past Baguio Medical Center (where my dad holds clinic) and through Military Cut-off where we passed my Alma Mater, SPED Center.

We turned down towards Loakan Road. We began seeing 21K and 10K runners who had made their first U-turns along Loakan. It wasn’t a very long downhill run for the 10K, less than a kilometer. (It was a much longer downhill run for the 21K runners). And we all know what happens when we run downhill — eventually we run uphill! That uphill run was going to be the most challenging for me at the 10K route. Everything else was relatively flat and relaxed.

We circled back and proceeded through Southdrive. By this time, daylight had broken and we heard some chickens crowing. Some of us runners joined the concert and started making animal sounds too! Fun! We passed by the tunnels where we classmates used to do lots of adventures when I was a school kid. We passed by what used to be Hyatt Hotel which collapsed in the June 16, 1990 earthquake.

Before reaching the Country Club, we turned left towards St. Joseph church. The 21K runners turned right facing the area of Mary Hearst. Goodluck to them! We at 10K made our last U-turn before reaching the rotunda next to Wright Park. (This is where my dad took us Horseback riding a couple of times after Sunday Mass at St. Joseph. No horseback riding for me this Sunday morning.)

Bahag Runner James - he ran the 21K and overtook me! ang bilis! (malamig daw kasi)

Cool Running among the pine trees - having fun at the run!

We went back through Southdrive and Military Cut-off. These two roads comprised a good two-thirds of the 10K route which made it a rather flat route. Unlike the 21K route which took the runners way downhill through Loakan road and uphill towards Mary Hearst, the 10K route had just a few stretches of uphills. Buti nalang for me!

It was an enjoyable run with perfect cool climate, well-stocked water and Powerade stations. Marshalls were present where they mattered in the major intersections. There were some sections along the route where we were running alongside vehicles, some standing-still, some plying the same road as the runners. I guess even on an early Sunday morning, there are just too few alternative routes to close-off roads in Baguio for such a run. (I later found out that the Red Cross run was done in Baguio as well — wow, two runs on the same day in Baguio? I didn’t imagine Baguio was big enough for two simultaneous runs).

I foresee that eventually, race organizers will find a way to manage motor traffic to keep runners safe and motorists appeased. In essence, what needs to be done: prior to a running event, make public announcements on TV/Radio/broadsheets/road signages informing motorists of road closures and alternative routes.

I ended strong in the last 200 meters with a downhill run. Whew, a whole lot of fun!

It was good to see some familiar faces. Bee-Yen of Team Kamote was there doing the 21K. A gradeschool friend, Richard Narvaez was there joining his first organized run — Richard and I had great times running as kids when we used to play habulan during recess and after class. Titanium Runner, Dulce and Marco were there too. I saw a few familiar faces, local runners in Baguio who would go to Manila for some of the big runs. Team Logan was there – they say they missed Baguio. The Logan family lived in Baguio for three years before going back earlier this year to set residence in Laguna.

Ka Edong and Bee Yen of Team Kamote

Ka Edong with Team Logan - Craig, Justin, Michelle. They lived in Baguio for 3 years. It was a homecoming for them too.

The event area in the Athletic Bowl was spiced up with photo booths, games, product giveaways. There was a Wi-Fi station with four laptops where runners were invited to login and update their Facebook or twitter status. For the awarding, we got some entertainment too as four groups performed for an Enervon cheerdance competition.

Running High with Energy in Run United Baguio

Angry Birds Contingent

Congratulations to Unilab and RunRio for this Baguio Leg of Run United. For me, it was a perfect day and a perfect stage for reminiscing about my childhood through this homecoming run in Baguio.

Runners’ Runner Launched RR @ ROX on June 23, Friday. We invited bloggers, race organizers and friends to our event. We shared what’s new with Runners’ Runner. We asked our race organizers and other partners to share their events/products. And we played a few games.

Launch Event: Runners' Runner @ R.O.X. -- Thanks for coming everybody: Bloggers, Race Organizers, Friends and Family (photo c/o teach cheryl: littlerunningteacher.com)

Here’s our presentation (shortened):

Key messages:

• Runners’ Runner now has a store at R.O.X. where we accept walk-in registrations. We also offer release of racekits via RR@ROX.
• We now accept Credit Card payments! Yey! One of the features that runners have been asking for for a long time. Now we’ve invested so we can serve our runners better.
• We also have new ways of connecting with our runners. Call us at our hotline: 507-8348 ; Contact us via our online community-driven support: www.runnersrunner.com/faqs

Read more about the event through the words of our guests: (Thanks guys for coming and for writing about RR! Hope you had fun! If you have additional links, please comment below so we can add.)

• Dhenz Esplana: Book your Run at Runners’ Runner
• Carlo Camino Valenzona
  http://veggiecircle.com/runnersrunner
• MinnieRunner:
  http://minnierunner.blogspot.com/2011/06/whats-new-in-runnersrunner.html
• Cheryl Golangco:
  http://www.littlerunningteacher.com/register-for-your-next-run-hassle-free-with-runners-runner/
• Bedalyn Daylisan
  http://mamiandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/06/run-with-runnersrunnercom.html
• Paulo Marquez
  http://philippineplace.blogspot.com/2011/06/runnersrunner-improved-their-service.html
• Bhoy Runner’s Runner at R.O.X. Sweet Launch
  http://thesweetliferunner.blogspot.com/2011/06/bhoy-runners-runner-at-rox-sweet-launch.html
• Upcoming Fun Runs:
  http://philippineplace.blogspot.com/2011/06/upcoming-fun-runs.html
• School Anniversary Fun Runs:

  http://minnierunner.blogspot.com/2011/06/school-anniversary-fun-runs.html

• Let RR Run your Errands:
  http://runningatom.blogspot.com/2011/06/let-rr-run-your-errands.html
• My Next Run: Project: Back to School Baguio Fun Run
  http://minnierunner.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-next-run-project-back-to-school.html
• Running Diva Roselle

  http://jambalayamuzika.blogspot.com/2011/06/runners-runner-launched-at-rox-june-17.html

• RunningPinoy: “Running on Credits”
  http://runningpinoy.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/running-on-credits/
• Albert Tubera: RR @ Rox launch – Expanding to Serve More Runners
  http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=221066821260975
• Run Adobo King: Runners’ Runner is now accepting credit card payments
  http://runadoboking.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/runners-runner-now-accepting-credit-card-payments/

Event Sponsors and Partners

• R.O.X. http://www.rox.com.ph/
• Ateneo Diamond Blue Race (w/ sponsor: Nivea) www.runnersrunner.com/adbr
• Stallion Run www.runnersrunner.com/stallionrun
• Project Baguio www.runnersrunner.com/projectbaguio
• Paranaque Run www.runnersrunner.com/paranaquerun
• Race it Up www.runnersrunner.com/raceitup
• Mogu Mogu www.mogumogumanila.com
• EatPrayRun www.runnersrunner.com/eatprayrun
• Oktane-E www.runnersrunner.com/oktane-e
• The Bull Runner www.thebullrunner.com
• MultiSport Magazine www.runnersrunner.com/multisport

Our guests from the online community: If we missed anybody, please comment below so we can add.

• Bedalyn    Aguas    http://mamiandfamily.blogspot.com/
• Rina    Alcantara    rina-alcantara.com
• Banjo    Assidao    ulikblogrunner.wordpress.com
• Roselle    Dadal    Running Diva http://jambalayamuzika.blogspot.com/
• Arvin    Ello    www.vintersections.com
• Daves Espia www.barefootdaves.com
• Dennis    Esplana    http://marcofiles.wordpress.com/
• Madelin    Galvez    “MinnieRunner”: http://minnierunner.blogspot.com/
• Cheryl Golangco: http://www.littlerunningteacher.com
• CJ    Lampad    Run Adobo King Runner http://runadoboking.wordpress.com/
• Jeff Lo Pinoyfitness www.pinoyfitness.com
• Michelle “Amanda”    Manait    The Sweet Life Runner thesweetliferunner.blogspot.com
• Carina    Manansala    The Flying Boar theflyingboar.blogspot.com
• Paulo    Marquez    CaptainRunner http://philippineplace.blogspot.com/
• Tristan    Mirasol    tenminutestops.com
• Dennis    Ravanzo    “Running Pinoy” http://runningpinoy.wordpress.com/
• Carlo Camilo Moselina    Valenzona     http://www.veggiecircle.com
• Alfredo    Vedarozaga    Running Atom runningatom.blogspot.com/
• Rene    Villarta    Jazz Runner jazzrunner.wordpress.com/

Thanks to our partners / incoming partners: Saturday (thanks for bringing in the Nivea products!), Jovie (Stallion Run compli racekits appreciated!), Vince (sarap ng mogu-mogu!), Maki (Paranaque and Baguio compli racekits appreciated!), Rolly, Nikki, Mariel, Alvin, Yasmin.

And of course, our RR friends:

• Daisy, Elsa, Jon, Evelyn, Raya, Romel “RJ Knight”, LA – Thanks for the help sa registration and photos!
• Arthur, Cheryl, Jethro, Elmer, Eric, Tony, Rezza, Albert, Theresa, Charomie .

Hope I didn’t miss anybody.

Hanggang sa susunod na kabanata!

Here’s a thought …

What’s the good of comparing different runners in different categories?
May tumatakbo ng 3K at para siyang nanalo ng olympic gold medal.
May tumatakbo ng 21K at para siyang nag-lakad sa Luneta.
What’s ordinary to one is extraordinary to many others.
A better choice: Let’s compare our self to our old self . Are we getting better?

- Bhoy Runners’ Runner

Different folks, different strokes. Better: Let's compare our self to our old self . Are we getting better?

Agree? Disagree? Don’t know? Don’t like? Ano tingin mo? Share your thoughts.

Yesterday, after a day spent with friends and loved ones, I went to my first ever yoga class.

I have always been interested in yoga. I have even tried doing some basic poses (gleaned from many many magazines over the years) and incorporated them to my fitness (running) routine. But like any newcomer to a certain practice, sport, or situation, I had my apprehensions about actually going to yoga class.

What should I bring with me? How should I dress? What do I do? Will it require me to let go of convictions regarding my faith? Will the people stare? What will the teacher be like? These were only some of the thoughts going through my mind as I took a cab that would take me to the yoga studio my friend introduced me to. I had chosen to try Hot Yoga.

When I arrived at the studio, almost immediately, I told the receptionist that I was a first-timer, not just in the studio, but in yoga. Almost as soon as I had changed into what I deemed as comfy yoga-clothes, our instructor, Dinah, took me aside to give me an “orientation.” While the one and only tip I had brought with me was “Look in front and listen to the teacher,” Dinah offered me this other little, but equally important piece of advice: “If given a choice between keeping your pose and breathing, I’d rather you choose the latter.” Yes, breathing (through the nose) was very, very important in yoga.

photo from yogaplus.ph

Dinah (whom I would later find out is part owner of the studio) was firm, but also very encouraging and not pushy AT ALL. I liked that she was also discreet in how she would approach those whom she wanted to correct in their postures. Her voice was relaxing enough, but it didn’t put you to sleep. And even in a heated room (36-37 degrees), she was capable of giving her wannabe yogis little “treats” without sacrificing the practice.

My favorite poses were the sets that focused on me lifting my kneecap and contracting my thighs. According to Dinah, this was really helpful to runners as it strengthens the leg muscles, so “Yay!”

photo from yogaplus.ph

Mostly, I’m surprised at how, although the poses were challenging, in the end, I felt so relaxed, in spite of the heat. And I also liked that nobody was in competition with anyone, but each individual has to push himself too. (That’s one of the reasons why I run.) Indeed, you are your own teacher in the practice of yoga.

I was also glad that there was no chanting or anything that required me to let go of my beliefs, my faith. Instead, our instructor would just say positive and practical phrases, phrases that we often repeat to ourselves anyway when we want to relax, to get a better perspective of the world we live and breathe in. I felt both glad and relieved.

The letting go of the cares of the day and the cares of tomorrow, the focusing on the present, on the breathing was very holistic. I guess I know now why my friend practiced yoga. Soon enough, our class would be over, and I didn’t even notice that I had already been sweating it out and doing stretching and compression poses for 90 minutes. We all lay on our yoga mats for a few more relaxing breaths, then it was done.

Coming home, I realized that even after that 90-minute session, I was still mindful of my breath. Indeed, it felt like my regular breathing had become deeper, that my lungs were able to hold in and release more air than usual. It felt strange, to be mindful of my breathing that way, but it also felt good. Like I had just come from a good, hard massage.

All in all, I came out of that one session a better person, I think. Just a little bit better, but yes, better.

I am grateful.

When not writing, Shing (as she prefers to be called) engages the rest of her free time in long worship runs *yay*, is a full-time college English instructor, and is a part-time graduate student at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She is a Runners’ Runner contributor and  has been a Runners’ Runner member since the site’s dry-run (pardon the pun) at Dusit’s DFit Run in February 2010.

29 Days to organize. P500,000.00 to donate. From The Philippines to Japan.

7,000+ runners getting together to help our Japanese neighbors.

Runners’ Runner registered almost 2,000 runners for Run for Japan. RR rendered Php70,000 worth of services as our contribution for Japan. Mabuhay! Arigato Gozaimas!

Checkout the Run for Japan photos at www.activemoments.net .

Congratulations to the organizers, our Greentennial friends! Thanks to all runners and all who registered online through Runners’ Runner.

There’s much for RR to learn from Run for Japan. And we’re listening, improving . Post your feedback about the run and about online registration in the comments area of this page.

Run for Japan aftermath - Cosplayers join the Run for Japan

Three days ago, when the Hyundai Fun Run opened the first day of claiming of race kits, I found myself doing exactly what Runner’s Runner had done for me in a number of races in the past: claiming and delivery of race-kits, hassle free. For me, at least.

Early that morning, I finished off some errands so I could reserve my entire afternoon for the claiming of race kits. I needed one whole afternoon because I had two registration centers to go to, having registered my family and myself at different dates, and therefore, being automatically assigned different registration sites (Hyundai policy). At a little past 2:00pm, I set about gallivanting across the metropolis, eager to get the race packs that we had registered for weeks in advance.

From Makati (where I work), I went straight to Ortigas Center, having decided that the best way to go about claiming the race kits was to claim from the farthest registration center first. My sense of logic told me that, if worst comes to worst and I get stuck in queues in the Ortigas claiming center, I could go back to the much-closer location in Makati to get the rest of the race kits the next day.

I got to Ortigas via MRT, and realizing that I had very little knowledge of the Ortigas Center landscape, I went about asking questions regarding the whereabouts of Second Wind in Ortigas Home Depot. The first manong guard I talked to told me that it it was along the center street (Julio Vargas) and that I might need to get a cab to get there, since, no public transportation passed by that area from MRT Ortigas.

I decided to walk, realizing that I came prepared for such an errand, having donned my most comfortable espadrilles. After all, when I asked, the manong guard said that it was only a kilometer or so away, and it wasn’t too sunny out. So I walked, clutching the printed and filled-out registration forms of all five members of my family with me, waivers (old and new) included, plus the necessary endorsement letter needed by those claiming kits for other runners. I am now claiming kits not only for myself, but for four other people, my dad, a first-time registrant, included.

After one hot a sweaty walk over the walkways and hot sidewalks of Julio Vargas, I finally reached Ortigas Home Depot. There were no signs that directed me towards Second Wind, so once again, like I had already done so many times today, I asked directions. The first person I asked (who was part of the Home Depot staff) looked as lost as I was. He directed me to a guard on duty instead.

Before I had even asked the question, he smiled at me and said, “Second Wind?” Then he pointed to a guy who was just about to disappear into a corner and said, “Kita mo yung naka-dilaw na yun? Sundin mo siya.” And with a quick thanks, I sprint off to follow that mysterious yellow guy in a shirt. Talk about a warm-up.

When I catch up with him a few seconds later, I realize, the man in the yellow shirt was still lost, and I take it upon myself to smile and tell him I’m in search of the Second Wind office too. He follows me as we ask a new guard for further directions. We quietly walk towards the direction the guard points out, and shortly, we emerge in the sunlight and I see a bunch of tents. Finally. I sigh as I brush the sweat off my brow.

But it wasn’t really final. Apparently, aside from the filled-out registration forms, and two waivers, the Hyundai Run management also needed a photocopy of my I.D. I grumble at the Hyundai staff, knowing that that particular detail had not been stated in the website, but I comply anyway.

Since we were practically in the middle of nowhere, I couldn’t imagine where I would be able to make photocopies at all. I wasn’t about to walk back to Megamall. The Hyundai staff directed me to a Mini Stop “just around the corner.” But, just like I was in an Amazing Race episode, the photocopier wasn’t tat Mini Stop. Instead, at Mini Stop, I was directed to a Starbucks branch across from the Mini Stop, and from there to look for a seller of soap: laundry and dishwashing soap. By this time, I was hot and tired, and at the end of this Ortigas errand, I still needed to go to Ayala to claim four other race kits.

With my race kit in tow, I ride a cab straight to Ayala to try and beat the 5 o’clock office rush. And because the only address given in the reg form was a four-digit number along Ayala Avenue, I get off, not only on the wrong side of Ayala, but on the end farthest from the building I was supposed to be at (near PBCom Tower).

Apparently, many other “lost registrants” had already been walking the stretch of Ayala in search of 6787 Ayala Avenue. The guards in every building I passed already knew the answer to my half-stated question. One of them even ventured out to ask, “Tatakbo ka?” and since I was hot, sweaty, and tired to my bones at this point, I say with a wry smile, “Kuya kanina pa ako tumatakbo.”

When I finally get to the columned facade of 6787 Ayala Avenue, I’m directed towards the back, where I almost sigh at the sight of the now-familiar blue Hyundai tents. But there are about four, 10-person long queues—and THAT isn’t even the worst part.

Each person there in line was claiming a minimum of five race kits EACH. Some were even claiming up to twenty race kits at a time. It was a little over 4:30pm when I arrived on site. It was going to be a long wait. As I inched towards the table where the Hyundai staff checked registration forms, IDs, and waivers, we “runners runners” each found a way to make the wait a bit easier to endure. We craned our necks to see if the other queues were moving faster. We compared notes on how many registrant’s race kits we were about to claim. We shifted from foot to foot to relieve ourselves of the the pressure from standing too long. We smiled at one another; some even exchanged race notes, or info about other races. I was reminded of the long wait I endured during a race-pack claim day about two years ago, in Megamall.

There, in the driveway of the Hyundai office in a street parallel to Ayala, the runners and runners runners patiently awaited their turn. And I was one of them.

At a little past six, I was finally able to get four other race kits, and I felt like jumping for joy.

race kits

Then it hit me. I had just done exactly what Bhoy and his team at Runner’s Runner had done for me and many other runners for a little over a year now: I had registered, filled out forms, prepared documents, run around the metropolis, and waited in line just so my runners could run hassle-free. My runners were my family: Mom, Deej, Danny Boy—and Dad, who will be celebrating his birthday on 2 April, the day he runs at Hyundai.

It is for his birthday that I braved being an errand girl, a Runners’ Runner, for a day.

what's in the 5k pack

When not writing, Shing (as she prefers to be called) engages the rest of her free time in long worship runs *yay*, is a full-time college English instructor, and is a part-time graduate student at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She is a Runners’ Runner contributor and  has been a Runners’ Runner member since the site’s dry-run (pardon the pun) at Dusit’s DFit Run in February 2010.

Update (April 16, 11am):
See Run for Japan Route maps at Greentennial FB wall.
Gunstart: 10k 5:40 AM, 5k 5:50 AM, 3k 6:00AM

Q-2: I ordered my racekit for delivery, but have not sent proof-of-payment. Until when will you accept orders for delivery?

A-2: We will accept delivery orders only until Tuesday, April 12, 11pm. All orders after this cut-off will be for pick-up at ROX.

Q-1: When can I claim my racekits?

A-1: You can claim your race kits 48-hours after you send your proof-of-payment (as per race organizers, as of April 8). Race kits distribution for advance registrants will be until April 13, Saturday only.

Q0: I registered and sent proof of payment. Am I included among the first 4,000 who will get free singlets?

A0: The race organizer has allotted a pre-determined number of racekits to Runners’ Runner. We will update right here how many more racekits are remaining from the racekits allotted to Runners’ Runner.

# of Run for Japan racekits left:

724 , 594 , 450, 294, 131, +500, 631, 471, 399, 300,

150

(as of April 12, 5pm)

• Latest update from Run for Japan race organizers (April 7, 5pm): For online registrants who sent proof-of-payment on or before Sunday, April 3,

  your racekits will be released by Friday, April 8.

• We will NOT respond to individual questions that already have answers on this page or on the general Runners’ Runner FAQs.
• We will NOT respond to the question: “Kasama ba ako sa 4,000?”  — Just see the remaining slots above.

Run for Japan

Q1: Where can I register for Run for Japan?

A1: Online registration is available at www.runnersrunner.com/run4japan .

For groups of 5-20, you can use this link: www.runnersrunner.com/run4japangroup .

Groups bigger than 20 pax can use this downloadable excel file: www.runnersrunner.com/groupreg

Q2: What is ROX? Where is ROX?

A2: ROX is a specialty shop at Bonifacio High Street B1. It is the venue for pick-up of racekits for the Run for Japan. As per ROX website, store opens at 12 noon everyday.

Q3: I registered and sent proof of payment by March28. When can I expect my racekit?

A3: Online registrants who sent proof-of-payment by Monday, Mar 28 will have their racekits released by Friday, April 1.

• For those who ordered their racekits for pick-up, you can proceed to ROX by Friday, April 1.
• For those who ordered their racekits for delivery (winners of 20 FREE delivery or if you *paid* for shipping & handling), your racekits will also be shipped out by April 1.

Q4: I registered and sent proof of payment March29 onwards. When can I expect my racekit?

A4: The race organizer, The Greentennial guys have given their reassurance that racekits will be released by April 10. Visit http://www.facebook.com/greentennialrun for announcements on availability of singlets.

Q5: I registered just now. Am I included in the first 4,000 pax to receive a singlet?

A5: Please see RR allotment at the top of this page. Runners’ Runner processes orders only after receiving proof-of-payment. Send in your proof-of-payment early so we can include you in our database of registered runners. (While supplies last).

Q6: I’ve paid at BDO just now. Can I just bring my deposit slip to ROX and claim my racekit?

A6: No. First, send your proof-of-payment to payments@runnersrunner.com . After that, we will add you to the list of registered paid runners and your racekit will be assembled. Racekits will be released by April 10.

Q7: How much is Shipping & Handling fee for group registration?

A7: Within NCR, P257 only from 5-10pax (as of March 29).

Q8: I received my singlet, but it doesn’t fit. How can I swap my singlet for another size?

A8: You can proceed to ROX 2nd Flr at Bonifacio High Street. The Run for Japan staff will honor singlet swapping for un-used singlets. Only while supplies last.

Q9: I ordered my racekit for pick-up. I don’t have time to pick-up at ROX. Can I have the racekit delivered?

A9: No, sorry. We process orders as soon as we can. Your order is in-process or ready may be ready for pick-up already.

Q10: I can’t claim on April 10. When else can I claim? Can I claim on race day?

A10: As per race organizer, claiming of racekits will continue until April 16 at ROX. For advance registrants, there won’t be any claiming of racekits on raceday.

Q11: What does it mean when our order status is “pending”?

A11: It means we received your order and reg info. We are awaiting your proof of payment. If you have sent your proof of payment, allow 24-hours for us to process the proof-of-payment. Please be patient, thanks! Bayanihan!

Q12: What does it mean when our order status is “processing”?

A12: It means we received your proof-of-payment, and have added you in the list of officially registered runners. We are processing your order for pick-up OR for delivery.

Q13: I can’t find the email entitled “Race Registration Details” in my inbox. What should I do?

A13: Please check your email’s Spam folder. If you don’t find it there, no worries. Instead of the Race Reg Details, you can present the invoice or payment acknowledgment you received from Runners’ Runner.

Q14: The copy of my deposit slip (BDO) was misplaced. How will I claim the race kits?

A14: You can present a print out of the deposit slip photo you previously sent RR.

You can also present the invoice which RR sent to you .

Need more answers? Visit the general Runners’ Runner FAQs.

Through the more than 1 year of Runners’ Runner, we’ve captured as much as 30,000 photos of runners in running events.

Here’s where to find run photos, arranged by date of run:

• Feb 2011 – present: http://www.activemoments.net
• Oct 2010 – Feb 2011: http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=100000937547954
• Feb 2010 – Sept 2010: http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=109515935747296
  Dusit Thani’s DFiT Fun Run, Takbo Para sa PGH, Philippine Independence Day Marathon (PIDM), PTAA Run Run for Children’s Fun, Ace Hardware Davies Eco-Friendly Run 2010, 34th National Milo Marathon (Manila Elims), Rexona Run 2010, Run To Read, Big Blue Run: Uphill Challenge, One Run One Family One La Salle (OROFOLS), UP Law Dean’s Cup: Triathlon & Fun Run, Miles for Smiles, 1st Figaro Fun Run “Race to Save the Barako Tree”

For the facebook photos, this is KKH — Kanya-kanyang hanap.

For www.activemoments.net — you can search by bib number on the upper right side of the site.

Have fun!

Runners' Runner photographer Jpeg Mendoza -- shooting runners with a passion. Photo by: Edwin S. Soriano @ Run for Hope, McKinley Hill