Pet Express Doggie Run - March 23, 2013 (Review)

Pet Express has an annual Doggie Run (one and only kind in the Philippines?) that allows owners to run with their dogs for a distance of 1.5km, 3km or even 5km.  At the end of said run, runners will get finisher medals for their dogs and huge loot bags filled with all sorts of doggie goodies.  Yes, for this run, the dogs are the kings and queens!

We didn't have a dog at home (stuffed toy doesn't count) but this was an interesting race to join and since the dog has its own miniature version of race bib, I figured it would be a good race for a baby in tow too.

So yes, this was Dani's first 5km even though 1) she isn't a dog but DID sport a very nice and chic puppy shirt and 2) she was seated in the stroller the entire time.

It was up to mom and dad to ensure that she would get to the finish  line in one piece.  Good thing Dani loves dogs so that should keep her interested during the duration of the race (I HOPE)!

Come Saturday morning, we got to the race venue (outside Pet Express store in Mall of Asia) at around 5:30AM, which was the gun time for the 5km runners!  Luckily the organizers moved the starting time to 5:45AM!

Dani looking calm in her puppy shirt and her "baby" race bib!

Checking out the competition!

The three-wheeled baby stroller that we have was really made for running but this was the first time we used it in a race and it was here also that we ran the farthest distance while pushing said stroller.... and that was no easy feat!  I was a little out of breath and at times, I had to tell Per that we have to walk a bit.  There were also moments when Per would get the stroller from me and push Dani herself.  TEAM EFFORT everyone!

Of course, we ran with our digital camera (to capture the milestone baby moments)!  As seen in this photo, there were ample signs to guide the runners.  Route was pretty much straightforward with one U-Turn at 2.2km mark and another one at around 4km.

Finally!  The 5km U TURN!  I was exhausted...

.... and sweaty!  (Behind me was one of the water stations in this race.)

Apparently, I wasn't the only one tired!  Dani fell asleep at 4km mark (she did try her best to keep her eyes open!)

Look at the humongous loot bags!!!  It's almost as big as Dani herself!

Well done Dani for being in your best behavior (or maybe you were just super sleepy?)!  You deserved a medal!







And if you think we were taking our time in this race, I got four words for you:

2013 5KM PR BABY !!!

TEAMWORK achieved!  Nicely done family!


Thanks again to Janine and to Pet Express for the complimentary race kits!  It was a well organized and fun race!  Congratulations!








 

News: Run Against Cancer 10km

Here is a race that we should all join and not because of the finisher medal, finisher shirt, loot bags and giveaways but for a more important reason, and that is to run for charity!

In this instance, it is a Run Against Cancer, a charity run for the indigent cancer patients, that is organized by St. Luke's Cancer Institute's Corridor of Hope.

This race will be held on April 20th, 2013 at Bonifacio Global City and has 3km, 5km and 10km race categories.  Registration fees are Php 600 for 3km, Php 700 for 5km, and Php 800 for 10km respectively, and all categories would include singlet, timing chip and race bibs.

There are medals and special prizes for Top 5 finishers of each categories and two round trip tickets to either Batanes or Busuanga will be raffled off after the race.

 Registration is now open via the following means:
1.  Online via www.Runningmate.com  (till April 18, 2013)
2.  Onsite registrations via (till April 18, 2013)
     a)  St. Luke's Medical Center Cancer Institute Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City branches
     b)  Toby's at Mall of Asia, Robinson's Galleria and Glorietta Makati
     c)  Brooks store at SM North Edsa

Let's all join this race for one more step in fighting cancer!
 

News: Amazing Pinoy Run 2013

Here is another interesting race that is happening on April 27th in BGC area. 

From what I heard, there will be some obstacles that runners have to do before crossing the finish line. But the best part of this race is not only will you have fun running it and getting some exercise too, but your registration fees would also go to two charities:  Clark Foundation and the Filipino Children Needy Fund.



Official Press Release:

Get ready for the ultimate fun run experience! Join the Amazing Pinoy Run 2013 on April 27 in BGC.

Amazing Pinoy Run revs up the ante of how fun runs should be. Runners of all capabilities will certainly find the right challenge and excitement for them as the race is designed to suit a broad spectrum of runners, from newbies to the competitive. Picture a fun run with the challenges of the Amazing Race and a festive atmosphere of fun races and you get Amazing Pinoy Run! Event distances are 2K, 5K, and 10K.

Part of the proceeds from the registration fees goes to the two beneficiaries of the race event – Clark Foundation and the Filipino Children Needy Fund.

Early bird race registrants (until March 25^th) get P100 off the registration fee. Regular registration fees are: P600 – 2K; P650 – 5K; P800 – 10K. Registration sites are: Chris Sports (Glorietta 3, SM North EDSA, SM Sucat, SM Fairview, SM Manila, SM Megamall, SM MOA, Robinson’s Place Ermita, and Festival Supermall Alabang), Fitness & Athletics, and R.O.X. in BGC. Participants may also register online thru www.amazingpinoyrun.com.

The Amazing Pinoy Run 2013 is supported by Chris Sports, R.O.X., Fitness & Athletics, BGC, Gold’s Gym, Greenwich, Energizer, Schick, The Medical City, Timex, Berocca, Jack City, Jack TV, ETC, Manila Bulletin, and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Amazing Pinoy Run 2013 is organized by Event Logic, Inc.

For more details, “like” Amazing Pinoy Run 2013 on Facebook or “follow” the race on Twitter.

official poster of event

singlets

race bibs for the various race categories

Charity Race

News: Doggie Run 2013

 

 

Pet Express DOGGIE RUN 2013

 

They say that good things come in 3's, so you'd better get ready for another fun-filled day with your dogs and fellow dog lovers at the Pet Express Doggie Run Year 3! On March 23, 2013 (Saturday), expect 1000 doggie runners and their humans to hit the streets of SM Mall of Asia at the Pet Express Doggie Run 2013. Participants may register in the 1.5K, 3K, or 5K race categories.

 

Runners will get an event running shirt, race bib, and timing chip, while the doggie runners get a doggie bandana and doggie race bib they can personalize. All dog registrants who crosses the finish line will get their very own doggie finisher medal and loot bag.

 

Also featured during the run is the exciting dog sport, Flyball, a team relay game that will surely make you get up on your feet and cheer. This exhibition game, in cooperation with PCCI (Philippine Canine Club Inc.) is a sneak peek into the next big thing in dog sports that will hit the Philippines.

 

Part of the proceeds of the Doggie Run 2013 will be donated to PAWS (The Philippine Animal Welfare Society). Come and enjoy the sponsor game booths, souvenir photos, and raffle prizes that are up for grabs.

 

Registration is ongoing in all Pet Express branches (Corinthian Hills, Greenhills, SM Cubao, SM Hypermarket Makati, SM City Masinag, SM City North Edsa, and SM Mall of Asia) until March 20, 2012. Registration will be continued in Mall of Asia branch from March 21-23. On-site registration during the race day will depend on the availability of race kits. Race fee is P500 for the Doggie Race Kit and P400 for the Human Race Kit.

 

This event is made possible with the support of Holistic Recipe, Beef Meal, Espree, Hartz, Pedigree, Cesar, Ezydog, Frontline, Royal Canin, Kong, Wahl, Sergeant's, Orijen, Acana, Kibbles 'N Bits, Doggyman, Nutripet, Bayer Advocate, Virbac Nutriplus Gel, Pampered Pooch, Play Pets, Canidae, Cosi, Pawsh Couture, and Toy Kingdom.

 

For more Doggie Run 2013 details, visit the Pet Express Facebook page.

  

Registration Fee:

• P500 Doggie Race Kit

• P400 (human race bib, dri-fit running shirt, insurance coverage, donation to PAWS only)

 

On-Site Registration Fee - P550

 

Registration:

1. Register at any Pet Express branch.

(Corinthian Hills 696-7400, Greenhills- 705-1176, SM City Masinag 477-8659, SM City North Edsa- 921-9442, SM Cubao 912-5924, SM Hypermarket Makati 843-7174, SM Mall of Asia 836-8955)

 

2. Race kits will be given upon payment to Pet Express.

 

Pet Express Doggie Run 2013 Race Kit (P500) includes:

• Event Running Shirt

• Event Dog Bandana

• Race Bib (for human)

• Timing Chip

• Race Bib (for dog)

• Insurance Coverage

• Donation to PAWS (The Philippine Animal Welfare Society)

 

For Registered Doggie Finishers:

• Doggie Finisher Medal

• Doggie Finisher Loot Bag

 

Gunstart:

5K- 5:40 A.M.

3K- 5:50 A.M.

1.5K- 6:00 A.M.

 

Pet Express Doggie Run 2013 Features:

• 1.5/3/5K Run

• Flyball Exhibition (NEW!)

• Sponsor Game Booths

• Souvenir Photo Booth

• Raffle Prizes

 

Dog Runner Winners:

• 1.5K- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place (only toy/small dogs are eligible to win in this category)

• 3K- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place (all breeds/sizes)

• 5K- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place (all breeds/sizes)

 

Guidelines:

1. All participating dogs must be properly vaccinated (Please bring vaccination records).

2. Bitches must not be in heat.

3. Please keep your dogs on a leash.

4. Please provide a muzzle for unfriendly dogs.  

5. Please be considerate and pick up after your dog’s waste.

6. Never leave your dog unattended. Pet Express will not be liable for dogs that are lost or missing during the event.

7. The organizers reserve the right to reject the participation of a dog that might cause disruption or disturbance in the event (i.e. dogs with aggressive behavior, bitches in heat, etc.)

 

 

Race Bibs!

Race Shirt

Finisher Medal

This definitely looks interesting to do!  See you there!

 

Bataan Death March Ultramarathon 2013 Edition

My first foray into the world of Ultra Marathon and it had to be a distance of 102km!  Not 50km, 60km or 70km or even 80km.  It had to be 102km!  That is an equivalent of 2 and a half marathons!

This was never part of my plan but as I trained and completed the Goofy Challenge, Alvin said that this race is doable for me.  The cut-off time for this event is 18 hours, which translates to 10.5 minutes per kilometer pace, which is considered super slow if you compare it to any other race.  But it's the distance that's daunting!

Early in 2012, Alvin registered and paid for my fees for the 2013 Bataan Death March.  I told him that he will only be wasting his Php 3,000 as there is no way I am doing this race.  For one thing, I had seen the course and it is difficult to do.  The first 6km alone feels like going up the steep hills of Tagaytay Highlands with no street lights and having the danger of being sideswiped by speeding trucks and buses.  The next 30 kms is of no help to runners as there are hills everywhere!  It is a rolling course and not in a good way (if there is a good way to it).  The next 15 km would be better as the road is a bit flatter but by the time you reach 50 km, a new threat would arise and that would be the heat from the sun!  There are no shaded areas here, no place to hide from the burning sun and the roads become more difficult to run on as you would eventually have to venture on the pebbly sidewalks since traffic would increase during the day.   

This is a race were there are no marshals, no water stations, no enclosed roads for runners.  No kilometer markers, no aid stations, no ambulances, no street lights, nothing.  It's just you, the road and your support crew who can't even drive side by side with you. They would have to park ahead of you and you would have to cross the road to get to them! 

This isn't a normal road race but a race for hardcore runners!  And I was caught in between!  Haha!

But I was glad to have Alvin by my side as my pacer and our support crew was a one-woman show (and loving wife of Alvin).  These two were pretty much dedicated to me finishing the race, no matter what. And I thank them both from the bottom of my heart!

We were all in Mariveles, Bataan Friday night and found a place to stay there.  Come Saturday night, we drove to the starting line at kilometer zero where Lani dropped us off.  It was 9:45pm and by 9:58pm (according to my Garmin), the gun was fired and we were off.

It was a run walk strategy for me and Alvin.  We would walk the uphills and run the downhills.  We saw some familiar faces.  Alvin had the headlamp and the bottled water and I would follow him.  The weather was cool and a bit windy.  I felt good here.

We saw Lani at the 6km mark and I was proud of myself for conquering the difficult hills.  But the race had just begun and there was no reason to celebrate this soon.  We kept on going, drinking water and Gatorade and eating pizza slices and bananas.

At one point though, I tripped and tumbled on the hard road.  I shouted so loud that Alvin feared I got hit by a car or something.  Some minor bruises and cuts on my hands but that woke me up (as super sleepy!) and kept me going.

We reached the 50km marker with little difficulty and I was ecstatic.  This was the farthest distance I have ever ran and I still felt good.  But things became harder as the sun came up and heat was slowing me down.  I couldn't run as much anymore and I could never do the fast walk.  The average pace slowed down some more, which was discouraging.

At 60km, I was having some difficulty and started to shed some tears.  I knew it was useless to do so, so I dug deep, stopped crying and kept on going.  My feet were giving me problems and I was feeling the chafe in my thighs but that didn't stop me either.

At one point I saw that my hands were swollen!  And that frightened me!  I couldn't close my left hand without getting some sort of tight feeling and I got worried.  Alvin said that it was fine and I was simply overhydrated.  He gave me some salt, chips and lots of chocolates to ward off the hydration.  That kept me strong for a little bit.

But at 70km to 80km, I hit the wall!  I didn't want to run anymore.  I didn't want to race anymore.  What was even more discouraging was my average pace (which had hit 10:25 or so).  It was a mental game, and sadly, I lost to it.  Alvin tried to push me forward and gave me some more stuff to eat.  But it seemed my saliva had dried up and I couldn't chew anything in my mouth.  I ended up spitting them and even vomiting.  Ironically, even with lack of saliva, my hands were still abnormally swollen.  So I didn't know whether to drink liquid to wash down the food or stop drinking because of my swollen hands.  I kept on walking but felt defeated already.  I didn't care anymore.  I had lost.

Slowly, runners overtook me one by one.  Whatever lead I had, I lost.  I missed the time limit and I didn't want to run anymore.

With 8km to go, Alvin asked if I wanted to continue.  We both knew that it was fruitless to do so as we won't be able to see anything at the finish line.  I was unmotivated to run as I know I wouldn't get there by 4pm, even if I did.

But I didn't want to quit either.  So we walked the last 8km, very slowly and very zombie-like.  That was our Death March!  Lani was still supportive and stayed with us, parking at every 1km marker and waited for us there.  We were the only people on the road as those who were behind us had already quit, knowing that they wouldn't reach the cutoff time.

But I was determined to see this through.  Whatever it takes.  And that 8km took forever!  At one point, I wanted to stop but Alvin said, "might as well finish what we started".  And so we kept going forward at a snail's pace.  Slowly but surely.

Lani was the only one cheering us on.  It was quite a disappointment.  More so when we reached the 102km mark and there was nobody there.  A local resident shook our hands and congratulated us but I felt hollow and defeated.

There was no finish line, no ringing of the cow bell, no medal, no trophy, no cheers and applause.  Just silence.  Like there was no race to begin with.  But I have nobody to blame but myself.  It was a heavy feeling and I felt bad because I not only let myself down but my support crew and pacer as well.  It wasn't a good feeling and the next day was even worse. When I was home safely and as I reflected on what I could have done differently to have made it work, to succeed in finishing the race and be an Official BDM Finisher, nothing came into my mind.  Sometimes, that is just how life works.  You don't get everything you wish for.

Two days later after the said race, I felt better.  I posted on my facebook the following status:

After all is said and done, I STILL did 102km and that's something I can be proud of!

To God Be The Glory!