TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
Y
ou are reading the very first Philippine Yearbook for Runners. 2008 was a very big year and a breakthrough. I have never experienced this kind of excitement whenever I join races since I started in 2006. There were only a few races in a month back then and my running buddies were just my girlfriend and my officemates. This year, a lot have changed. There are simultaneous events in a week. Back‐to‐back races on a Saturday and a Sunday. More races above 10K. And a whole lot of running buddies. It started with the blogs. From there I have met new running buddies and we have encouraged one another as we prepare for the next race. The comments exchange and the virtual runs were very helpful as I started to love running again. Eventually, I got addicted that I have to check new posts everyday to see how my friends are doing. I wanted to share this experience with all the other 2 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
runners. And that’s one of the motivation for me to create Takbo.ph, and thus its vision: To gather more runners together in an online community where we can share our passion and give each other a pat on the back after a good run. This yearbook is the fruit of the Takbo.ph community. More than 90% of the contents here are not from me but from the bloggers, members and visitors of the site. I hope that this yearbook will remind us to keep on running in the years to come. And may it inspire many newbies to start their own story as well. Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy Runners!!! Jinoe M Gavan Administator—Takbo.ph
2008 p20 Message from
Before &
4
After
MANILA, MANILA !!!
6 Quotations
An American Runner Experience i n t h e P h i l i p p i n e s
L
O
O
K
I
N
G
B
A
C
K
List of Races in
2008 p 8
CONTENTS
BEST OF
page 22 for
Runners 25
MY RUNNING
RESOLUTIONS p26
RUNNERS WITH A CAUSE
15
The TAKBO.ph Story p28
Takbo.ph would like to thank the following: Jaymie of The Bull Runner and Wayne of SFRunner for their articles. Ben M. Chan of PhotoVendo for the pictures. Aldwin of Boon Technical Clothing for the prizes. The bloggers for sharing their experiences in running and continues to inspire us all. And of course to all the members and visitors of Takbo.ph who sent in their contribution to us. Thank you for making this yearbook possible. TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 3
2008
was a year when running was thrust into the spotlight and gained a strong, steady following among Filipinos. Some would say it marked the beginning of the "running boom" as one would spot runners everywhere: sweating it out at Ultra, running loops around Bonifacio High Street, running easy along U.P.'s oval, or performing drills at a clinic. It was a year when active students, couch potatoes, sedentary housewives, stressed out executives, and fitness enthusiasts learned from friends or family about how 4 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
easy, accessible, and affordable the sport of running was. One person would recruit three, three people would recruit more, and so on and so forth...thus, running got its "second wind." With more people lacing up, races began to sprout up every weekend and in various cities across the country, from Clark International Marathon in Pampanga to The North Face 100 in Batangas. The bigger sports companies continued to hold their events, such as the Adidas King of the Road and New Balance 25k, while Mizuno Infinity Run and Nike Human
Race entered the running scene. Unique, vibrant races offered runners the chance to bond with their family (Mommy Milkshake Marathon, Robinson's Buddy Run, Unicef Walk on the Child's Side), challenge their skills (Men's Health Urbanathlon, Makati City Hall Vertical Marathon), or just have fun while running (Isuzu Shake, Rattle, & Run.) Race organizers stepped up to the plate and began to offer more professional, sometimes world-class, events. The more professional players quickly learned how to attract runners with well-organized events. Some organizers raised the bar by providing more challenging courses, more attractive giveaways, or more convenient registration. On the same note, ill-prepared organizers had to contend with public humiliation and complaints from the more discerning running community. It was a great year for a beginner to take up running. Free running clinics were sponsored by Mizuno, Rush, Nike, and Team Bald Runner. Seminars and talks on running were held by Pinoy Ultra Runners and Nike. Cool accessories and nifty gadgets, such as the Garmin, Nike+ Sports Band, iPod shuffle, Road ID, Fuel Belt, and Amphipod, found their way to Manila and helped encourage runners to go the extra mile.
However, the action didn't end on the road. With more runners eager to share their exploits, there was literally a virtual explosion online. Running blogs grew in number, reaching close to 50 (compared with almost nil when I started The Bull Runner in May 2007.) It was through blog posts that races were reported and rated, running basics were discussed, and each runner's personal and unique passion for the sport was shared for the public to devour. Soon enough, virtual running friends started meeting in the real world, for training runs or post-race meals, and they forged friendships bonded by, what else, the common love for running. 2008 was indeed a momentous year for running, but this year promises to be even bigger and brighter with more people taking up the sport and more sponsors showing support. If there was indeed a “running boom” in 2008, then expect to hear even more thunderous explosions in 2009 as more runners conquer the roads or trails, pounding their feet hard on the ground, doing what they love to do most.
Jaymie The Bull Runner www.thebullrunner.com
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 5
MANILA, MANILA !!! An American Runner’s Experience in the Philippines
The planning started five months earlier when I started blogging of my running experiences. The experiences became worldwide a short time later with blogging responses coming from Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, Kenya and especially, the Philippines. The exchanges went from answering q ue st io ns abo ut t he s po rt t o encouragement in races and much more. I arrived in Manila on Saturday morning November 8th and the 11 days of excitement began. Over the next few days, there were many things that happened. The VSO Bahiginan 15K race at Fort Bonafacio was the first race I ran in the Philippines. I was very impressed with the organization of Coach Rio’s events. He had only been doing it for about a year but you wouldn’t have known it of how organized it was. The course was well marked, there were course marshals, appropriate water stations and there was a photo group by the name of PhotoVendo headed by my good friend - Ben Chan. He and the staff were all over the course taking 6 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
some of the greatest photos I’ve ever seen at a road race. The following week at the New Balance Power Race 10K and 25K at Clark provided much of the same as what I mentioned above. The only exception was the race results. Hopefully, the organizers will improve on that the next time. What I was most impressed with was the camaraderie of the Filipino runners, and I mean this seriously. From the photo-ops and the friendliness, it was unlike anything I’ve seen in the U.S. Here in the States, What I was t h e r e tends to most impressed be some with was the distancing b e t w e e n camaraderie of the the elite Filipino runners and the m o r e casual runner but I didn’t notice that while at the two races. For me, it was a breath of fresh air. I met many of the bloggers who are on Takbo.ph and enjoyed the moment with each and every one. All of you made me feel welcome, something I would do if you were here in the U.S.
“
“
IN
my 41 years of running, I’ve been fortunate to run many different distances and in five different countries. In November 2008, I traveled to my sixth country the Philippines.
Arriving on Saturday and meeting Mon and Oknoy and the education of seeing Manila was tremenduous! I look at the
pictures Oknoy took on a near daily basis and I’ll never forget the day. Meeting Taki was great as well because Oknoy and Mon were surprised that I recognized him. Also, thank you Taki and Joe (loonyrunner) for helping me out at the VSO race the following morning! Meeting the Happy Feet Running Group and many of the members my first full day of the trip at the race and at Chow King was a memorable experience never to be forgotten. Meeting Team Bald Runner not only at the VSO 15K but the special luncheon on Thursday and at the NB Power Race the following Sunday. The shoe donation was very touching to all of us who were there as was the luncheon and the special t-shirt ceremonies at both races. Thank you so much and the time spent with you guys is something I’ll always remember. The photo-shoot with Photo-Vendo’s Ben Chan and Keith. The four city tour was terrific and I learned a lot from the experience. Being honored on Ben’s site and being pictured in an edition of the Philippine Star by Tanya Lara was very humbling. Thank you all for everything.
The Thursday morning workout with Happy Feet (Jinoe, Que, Mon and Sensei John). That was a lot of fun from the running to talking running t o encouraging. The final weekend from the seminar at UP and getting to meet Nora and Gio. It was fun and the experience in talking with Bald Runner, Coach Rio, Vince and many others is something I’ll always remember. The trip to and from Clark with the NB Power Race. I felt the race personally will always be secondary to the many friendships I encountered over the entire weekend. Getting to know Gene, Wilbert, Felipe, Roselle, Tanya, Bobby Cruz, Mon and many more that evening at Tanya’s was an experience I’ll never forget. My thanks to Gene, Jay, Bald Runner, Ben and several others for getting me around Metro Manila during my stay. Finally, I’d like to close by thanking everyone who I met during my stay in the Philippines. Running is doing very well there and the Philippines as a country will be heard from in the London Olympics in 2012!
Wayne
SFRunner TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 7
List of Races from
2008
8 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
13 13 13
Clark Freeport International Marathon
GIG (Green is Good) Run
19 20 25 27
Sinulog Half Marathon
3 3 10 10 10 16
Hope in Motion Year 2
Clark, Pampanga
Sugbu Tri-City Run Cebu City
Century Run UP Diliman Cebu City
Subic National Marathon Subic Freeport
Full Moon Run UP Los Banos, Laguna
PSE Bull Run—Takbo Para Sa Ekonomiya NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City
17 17
UP Diliman
Milo Eliminations Zamboanga
RUNdezvous AISEC: 40 Years and Running UP Diliman
Milo Eliminations Puerto Princesa
Run For Your Heart 2008 Cebu Ayala Alabang
DZMM Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan Milo Eliminations Pampanga
24 Pasig River Heritage Marathon Eliminations 24 Milo General Santos My First Marathon (Philippine International Marathon) Slowly I was nearing finish and I reached the finish line with a smile. I looked at the wide clock in the finish line as I crossed it. For my first marathon, I clocked 4 hours 5 minutes. I went to the recovery booth and my Fort Striders family congratulated me for finishing my first marathon and for remarkably finishing it with a decent time. I was so happy finishing it. I got my medal and it was remarkable to achieve something very few people can achieve – to run 42KM. Its true what they say, whatever speed or time you finish the mara‐ thon, as long as you finish it, it is an achievement you will cherish forever. Taki from http://takicutie.blogspot.com/
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 9
Condura Run—Race for Tubbataha Reef
April
March 2 9 9 16 30
Condura Run The Fort, Taguig
Pinay In Action Race and Expo NBC Tent, The Fort, Taguig
7th DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half-Marathon Camp Villamor, Pasay City
Exodus Fun Run ULTRA
Mizuno Infinity Run The Fort, Taguig
13 13 18 20 20
Bayani Fun Run Mall of Asia
Draw the Line The Fort, Taguig
94K Weekend SCTex
4th Bonifacio Global City Fun Run The Fort, Taguig
Big Blue Run Ateneo de Manila University
Condura Race for Tubbataha ‐ RunningShield Version After months of preparations, sleepless nights and stressful weeks, the Condura Race 2008 is finally over. 2 major things I learned about preparing for a running event like this. 1. A registration fee of P350.00 is too expensive for the ordinary runner. It should range from P250.00 to P150.00. Luckily we had an increase in sponsors so we were able to lower the registration fee to P250.00. 2. I was also told ang ugali nang Pilipino is they register at the last moment. This was very true. One week before race day we only had 500 runners registered but on the last 2 days of registration there were about 1500 that registered. So we had a total of 2000 runners. Patrick Concepcion from http://runningshield.blogspot.com/ 10 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
Men’s Health All‐Terrain Race Photo by Gene aka BarracudaRunner from http://geneordanza.blogspot.com/
May
4 11
25th Runnex Anniversary Run
18 18 18 25 25
Run with Pringles
UP Theater
2nd Champion Run Along The River Marikina Sports Center
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Market! Market! 5 Mile Run Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
PCRC Takbo Para Sa Kalusugan Ultra
Doc Fit Takbo Para sa Puso UP Theater
Makati City Hall Vertical Marathon
June
15 15
Men’s Health All-Terrain Race
22 29 29 29
Milo Eliminations
San Mateo, Rizal
8th DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half-Marathon Camp Aguinaldo Dumaguete City
Rush to Mizuno Infinity Run Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Olympic Day Run SM Mall of Asia
Milo Eliminations Bacolod City
Rockwell Power Plant Mall to Makati City Hall
Champion Run Along the River Running along the river by the trees, and a multitude of animal statues (like carabaos, hippos, giraffes and rhinos) as well as flat squished animals along the route (10 frogs and 1 cat) was very entertaining, and was actually effective in making me forget the fatigue I am feeling! I also loved all those local spectators from Marikina, especially those who kept on shouting comments and words of support to the runners ... "O, ang layo na ng kalaban niyo!" ... and 1 guy was even annotating the race ... "O, 14, 15! 15 na babae na ang dumadaan!" (So I actually had a clue what my rank was 1km before the finish line!) Doralicious from http://doralicious.blogspot.com/
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 11
August
July 6 6 6 13 13 26 27
3 Manila Half Marathon 3 3 Milo Eliminations 10 Milo Eliminations 10 One Run, One Family, One La Salle 10 The North Face 100 17 Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City 17 F I N A L L Y ! ! ! 17 was on top of the world when I finally got my first Race 17 Certificate. I was sooo happy that I wasn't the last to finish. I did it! I 24 actually did it! 31 Nora, The Golden Girl at the Manila Half Marathon 31 Tik-Takbo UP Diliman
Quirino Grandstand
Iloilo City
Roxas City
The Fort, Taguig
Nasugbu, Batangas
I
Milo Manila Eliminations Quirino Grandstand
Milo Eliminations Cebu, Davao, Tarlac
Davies Paint 5K Unity Run The Fort, Taguig
Mommy MilkShake Year 2 The Fort, Taguig
On Your Weight, Get Set, Go! FEATI Fun Run Roxas Boulevard
Milo Eliminations Legazpi City
Men’s Health 10,000km Miracle Run The Fort, Taguig
Run for Sight Cebu City
Run for your Life UP Diliman
Milo Eliminations Naga City
Milo Eliminations San Pablo City
Nike+ Human Race McKinley Hill, Taguig
Milo Eliminations Tacloban City
What a Fruitful Weekend
I
t was a well‐organized race and everyone seemed happy about it. There were enough water stations and marshals deployed strategi‐ cally. Directional arrows and kilometer markers were also placed. The course was very challenging and the sight of marshals giving away bananas and breads inside the Heritage Park was a welcome treat for the runners. Bro J from http://brojrunning.blogspot.com/ 12 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
October Hope in Motion Year 3
September Subic Marathon—Legacy Run Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Milo Eliminations Tagbilaran City
Makiling Challenge UP Los Banos
Milo Eliminations San Fernando City
PMI… Proudly 60!... Run UP Diliman
Raising Hope Year 2 Rockwell Center, Makati
Milo Eliminations Laoag City
World Heart Day Run Cebu City
Milo Eliminations Santiago City
Ayala Alabang
Takbo! Breast Friends ULTRA Track & Field Oval
7 7 14 14 21 21 21 28 28
Milo Eliminations Baguio City
Adidas King of the Road The Fort, Taguig
Milo Eliminations Dipolog City
Takbong May Yabang Ayala Alabang
Run Against Pain Quirino Grandstand
Botak Paa-bilisan The Fort, Taguig
1st Mayon Trail Run Legazpi City, Albay
Milo Eliminations Iligan City
4th OctobeRun Festival The Fort, Taguig
Pink October Run Cebu City
Milo Eliminations Cagayan de Oro City
Isuzu Shake, Rattle and Run! The Fort, Taguig
5 5 5 11 12 18 18 19 19 19 26 26 26 31
Shake Rattle and Run!
W
hen we got to the R.O.X at the Fort, it was eye candy galore! A lot of runners were in full, kinareer, kick‐ass costumes. How they managed to run in enormous wings and props were just amazing. There was even one runner dressed as a fairy who zipped in and out of the crowd, waving his magic wand chanting 'Get out of my way'. Funny guy. It was just too cool. Too freaky‐ cool. I love it. I'm saying it again. I love Halloween! Janine+ from http://pacecreative.blogspot.com/ TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 13
November Kabahagi Ako FUNdraising Run The Fort, Taguig
Milo Eliminations Butuan City
New Balance Power Race Clark, Pampanga
Lakad Laban Sa Pekeng Gamot SM Mall of Asia
Men’s Health Urbanathon UP Diliman
1st Masters and Open 10km Run Army Grandstand, The Fort
Race for Life The Fort, Taguig
Unicef Walk on the Child’s Side The Fort, Taguig
Milo National Finals Quirino Grandstand
9 9 16 16 16 16 22 23 30
December 6 7 7
Recycle Your Phone and Run The Fort
Runnex 25th Executive Classic UP Diliman
Yakult 10 Miler CCP Complex
13 14 14
Mizuno Sunset Run
21
Patakbo sa Kabundukan
Puerto Azul
UP ICTUS Centennial Run UP Diliman
PMA Kaakibat Class 2001 Fun Run Camp Aguinaldo
Montalban,, Rizal
Race For The Third The Milo Marathon Finals Dorothy: luck comes in threes Jinoe: 3rd medal on the wall, 3‐peat Taki: bag the gold, 3 marathons in a year Wayne: three times is a charm, enjoy the experience Bards: race hard, have fun, finish fierce Dindo: make us proud Rico: savor every kilometer of this opportunity
These were the words echoing in my mind as I run the National Milo Marathon Finals, 32nd Edition. I prepared for this race for I want to accomplish something to close out my 2008 running year. I had ran a total of 1,563.40km before this event for this year, including two full marathons, four half marathons and lot of short‐distance races. I met tons of friends inside and outside of running. I trained hard, run hard, and woke‐up early in the morning just to run. I just love to run. I wanted to be proud of my effort so that many would be inspired too. I will still be running and continue what I had started. Vener from http://rununlimited.blogspot.com
14 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
Real LIFE Foundation Scholars
RUNNERS WITH A CAUSE W
e all started running for a reason. Weight Loss. Stress relief. Personal achievement. Competition. Or we just love to run. Then, we started joining the organized running events. We browse thru the internet. We check for the race schedules. Pay the registration fee. Practice. Run. And after the race, we go home happy with the new singlet or lots of freebies or a new PR. To many runners, the road races are just venues to test themselves. To push their limits. Or it is just a venue to meet friends. But behind the races are people happier than the runners themselves. They are the beneficiaries. They are the people whom we have helped thru our passion in running.
While we are back at home getting some well deserve rest after the run. There are people smiling widely for the generous help they have received. So in the next few pages are some of the beneficiaries whom I have invited to leave a message to the running community. May they inspire you to continue supporting the different races next year. And may you realize that you just don’t run. You run for a cause. So the next time you join a race. Give yourself an extra pat on the back. It may have been a good run or a bad run. But at the end of the day, there was a good reason why you ran. To all the Filipino Runners, a big big THANK YOU!
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 15
I
t was in the last quarter of the year 2007 that my brother and I, both of us are running enthusiasts, decided to put up a running event for the company. We just didn’t want it to be just a race. We wanted it to be "THE RACE". We decided to call it the CONDURA RACE which aims to raise funds and help needy organizations or institutions. The Tubbataha Reefs near Puerto Princesa, Palawan are the largest reef atoll in the country and serves as a sanctuary for the majority of marine life in the region. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is internationally recognized for its diverse ecosystem. The reefs are a major source of livelihood for most people in the region. In the past years, it has been beleaguered by poaching and illegal fishing issues, thereby increasing enforcement costs threefold in the last year. That's why last March 2008, Concepcion Durables, Inc. held the Condura Race for Tubbataha to raise funds and
16 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
awareness that will help aid the preservation of the reefs. For all who participated in the Condura Race for Tubbataha 2008, THANK YOU for making the run a success. The 2009 Condura Race will be held on March 22,2009 and will be having a 3k, 5k, 10k and 21k race event. The event will be held at the Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city. For the year 2009 the funds generated by the race will be donated to another needy organization (to be announced later). Again from the Condura Family, we thank you all. Raul Patrick Concepcion Vice President, Service Department Concepcion Durables, Inc.
Dr. Joey Castro, Project Director of Real LIFE Foundation with some former and current scholars.
T
he Real LIFE Foundation is an educational advocacy organization dedicated to serving the poor and improving their lives through educational assistance, leadership development, and community service. Most of the beneficiaries of Real LIFE Foundation attend the congregation of Victory Pasig, where I serve as a pastor. Some of them go to Rizal High School and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig. On behalf of the scholars of the Real LIFE Foundation, I want to personally thank all the runners, organizers, and sponsors who supported the Race for Life ’08 fun run last November 22, 2008. I also want to express my sincerest gratitude to Takbo.ph for helping promote this event.
With your participation in this event, the scholars continue to realize that there is hope for their future. This was made possible because of people like you who are willing to help them fulfill their God‐given purposes for their lives. I encourage you to continue supporting events like this and the many other cause‐oriented events that will take place next year. Again, a million thanks to everyone. God bless you all and see you at the next running events. Junn Besana Runners4LIFE
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 17
I
n 2008, the Pinoy Ultra Runners became very active in the running community. It participated in different monthly running events and in endurance races. Most notably, the team organized and completed three “Run for Your Life Ultra Marathons” which aims to support the Kythe Foundation. The Pinoy Ultra Runners successfully conducted several running clinics such as the “Ultra Marathon 101” which aimed to prepare runners for “The North Face 100”, and the well‐attended “Running Aid” series where runners discussed and learned the technical and practical aspects of running. The team also introduced the selling of lanyards to support its projects for the Kythe kids. The journey this year was challenging but very exciting. It was an amazing year which saw humbling experiences for each member of the team. All of us managed to change a lot of lives with every kilometer we completed. Our projects and programs became a reality since a lot of runners, sponsors and friends supported and believed in the cause of the team. Your support showed us that we can accomplish a lot by
18 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
doing something that we love to do – to run! It helped inspire a lot of people to run and return something back to the community. A heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all runners out there who believe in and continue to support the team. We truly welcome your attendance at our running clinics and appreciate your joining us in the different runs. Most of all, we are grateful for your encouraging us all the way to the finish line. You make all of our projects and programs worthwhile and memorable. To our sponsors and support crews, thank you very much for taking part in the activities of the team and being there when it matters the most. And to the members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners who regularly train, race and run the extra kilometer every time, thank you guys for being really amazing people who made the team’s success in 2008 possible. Neville Manaois Team Principal Pinoy Ultra Runners
M i n d a n a o s a y s T h a n k s t o a l l KABAHAGI AKO Runners and Sponsors
S
urvivors of the Mindanao armed conflict can now look forward to further rebuilding their lives, thanks to those who participated, supported and sponsored the KABAHAGI AKO fundraising run of VSO Bahaginan last November 9 at The Fort. More than 1,500 runners helped raised a total of P800,000 (in cash and kind) that will benefit the work of VSO in the rehabilitation and empowerment of the affected families, including women and children, in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.
Runners from all walks of life declared their support for the cause while keeping their competitive spirit and love for the sports in the 3K, 5K and 10K categories. Aside from the runners, co‐presentor The Fort and various sponsors contributed tremendously to the cause. If you would like to find out more how you can continue to support the work of VSO in the Philippines, visit www.vsobahaginan.org.ph or email us at fundraising@vsobahaginan.org.
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 19
THE BEST OF 2008 T
alking about how great 2008 was for running is not complete without recognizing the best of what happened last year. So I asked members and visitors for Takbo.ph to tell me what they think was the best about 2008. Different runners have different responses. But one thing was sure, the best thing about 2008 is that we were part of all the best things running has offered. Best race: New Balance Power Race Best singlet: New Balance Power Race Best shoes: Nike Lunar Trainer Best drink: Pocari Sweat scarfacekid24 best race: nb power race best race route: unicef run (mckinley and heritage park) best singlet: nb power race and adidas kotr best finisher shirt: nokia recycle your phone and run best freebies: nb power race best drink: pocari sweat
best organizer: coach rio best gadget: suunto t3c running pack
Serge
Best Thing That Happened: Surging Popularity of Running Next Best Thing: More women joining races
Best Online Development: Birth of running forum (Takbo.ph) Race of the Year: New Balance Powerrace Most Attended Race: Milo Marathon Finals Most Festive Race: Milo Marathon Finals Best Family‐oriented Race: Unicef's Walk on the Child Side Fun Race of the Year: Isuzu's Shake, Rattle and Roll Race Venue of the Year: Clark Freeport Zone Most Scenic Route: Heritage Park Most Challenging Roads: McKinley Hills Best Route to Get a PR: Roxas Boulevard Best Place for Practice Run: Ayala Alabang Village Best Race Singlet: New Balance Powerrace Best Proof of Finish: Medal from NB Powerrace Best Improvement in Race Conduct: Same day release of results (UP Ictus Run) Best Ad Campaign: Love/Hate. This is the New Balance
20 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
sheerwill
best race: probably NB power race toughest race: TNF100 solo (hands down!) best singlet: KOTR most exclusive singlet: TNF100 solo/relay most expensive reg fee: TNF100 most populated event: milo finals
Best forum: Takbo.ph Best visor: Takbo.ph Hardest to register: Milo Finals
Best Gadget: Garmin FR 405
zixednatz
best running celebrity/mascot ‐ ZORRO!
ronald The best thing that happened to running for the year 2008 is there where over 185 races for the entire year in the Philippines. Sometimes there where even 2 or 3 races for 1 Sunday event. Compared a few years ago when there would only be about 50 races a year. The best running shoe in my opinion was the Nike Lunar and the Asics 2030 model. Great comfort and stability. The best running event was the Condura race last March.02,2008 at the Fort Taguig.
Best 10K Race : KOTR Best 10K Route : Unicef Race;The Hills of McKinley and inside Heritage Park!.
tven77
RunningShield
Best finisher shirt: Mizuno Best singlet: Botak (wala kasi ako nung Adi‐ das KOTR hehe) Most challenging course: Ultra
jhunie16
Most injuries: ITBS, Shin Splints Tarquin
Best Race: NB Power Race Best Hills: Makiling Challenge 7
Best Singlet: Adidas KOTR Best Route: Clark Best Race Organizer: RunRio Best Local Runners Online Forum: Takbo.ph
cathletic
Best 5K Race: Nokia Recycle your Phone and Run Best 10K Race: Adidas King of the Road Best Race Singlet: Adidas King of the Road Best Race Course 5K: Unicef Walk on the Child’s Side Best Race Course 10K: Adidas King of the Road Best Race Organizer: Coach Rio (Runrio.com) Most Organized Race: Unicef Walk on the Child’s Side
Most Interesting Race: Isuzu Shake Rattle and Run dhenztm
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 21
RUNNING THRU T I
am Elma Gabriana, 44yrs, mother of 4 grown up kids. Two years ago, my husband (then weight 260lbs and I was 160lbs) joined a local fitness gym near our place, just to lose weight. We can hardly walk, more so to run even a short distance because of our condition. Since then, with the combination of hard work and personal motivation, it goes down to 170lbs (my husband) and me to 127lbs. This can be attributed by our regular gym workout and new found addiction ‐ RUNNING. Barely two moths ago, we first joined our series of run from ADIDAS KOTR. We have enjoyed it so much that we participate most run every week. From Fort Bonifacio and Manila, and even to Clark where I won 1st prize in 10k for my age category. While searching for more information about running and everything about running, we found a site that answer all our queries, results and everything and that's Takbo.ph. Very useful and informative, from the site itself to the blogger's shared items. Thank you very much, takbo.ph. I never missed a single day without visiting your site, not once but so many times. I wish to meet all of you guys personally. Keep on posting. Ronnie and Elma
W
e actually got into running as a way for us to bridge a rift in our relationship which I believe all couples go into during their journeys. I remember last year while we were running inside the Ateneo De Manila, we decided to join a 5K fun run hosted by Robinson’s. It was the perfect event for us that time because the race required participants to be in two’s and at the same time finish side by side. It was a heck of a feeling when we crossed the line and from there on… “the sh*t literally hit the fan”. Paolo and Chin
22 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
THICK AND THIN I
shall continue to have the joy in the solitude of running. And as one of my friend once said “ Life is like a marathon (running) you need to train, once you run enjoy the scenery, the struggle, the pain, the vision of completing. And when you do complete (as in life) you can say “I did it” or “I’ve lived my life in joy to the fullest with no re‐ grets!” Amado L. Castro Jr. reiner6666.wordpress.com
0 lbs BEFORE 20
AFTER 147 lbs
I
t took me quite some time to lose all the excess weight I needed to lose, (90 lbs.) but it was well worth the hard work. After a year and a half of being active, wherein a very big part of it is RUNNING, I just found myself enjoying what I do. In terms of losing weight, everybody knows what to do: eat right and be active. You just have to know what you really want and don't stop until you get it! David Viray aka davidvir
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 23
I
have what I call a "weight cycle". I'd be fat, then eventually get really thin then really fat again.. When I got into college, the weight just really stuck for much longer than usual. From being 150lbs in 2004, I ballooned to 215lbs with a waistline of 38" by 2006. It was only when I discovered running that I was able to shed all that excess weight once more, and now maintain an active lifestyle. Before I knew it, I found myself at 170lbs and at a size 30 by August 2008. I even became leaner than when I was 150 lbs back in 2005. Running did all that. This time, I plan to stay thinner, leaner and healthier. I'm putting an end to the "weight cycle" Eric Pasion The Passion Runner
Running Shield’s Files 1st picture Starting from Left : 7yrs old & 16yrs old. 2nd picture Starting from top left going clockwise: 18, 40, 45, 35, 13 yrs old respectively. 3rd picture : 44 years old – 135lbs. Highest weight 220lbs at the age of 16 years old. Present weight 135lbs.
24 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
Anna Bautista The Meek Runner
Meljohn
Great Quotations for Runners Races always evoke some dread about pain that will come. But we can't escape the fact that the more discomfort we accept in a race, the faster we will run. Successful racing means courting the pain. John Elliott
The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start. John Bingham
The Truth is that Running Hurts. No one gets faster without meeting their personal pain barrier straight on. MANCIATA, www.10Ktruth.com
Adversity cause some men to break; others to break records. William A. Ward Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. Lance Armstrong
“Hey, I ran 100 miles this week. How far did you run?” Ignore him! What the hell difference does it make? The magic is in the man, not the 100 miles. Bill Bowerman
Runs end. Running doesn't. Dean Karnazes To boast of a performance which I cannot beat is merely stupid vanity. And if I can beat it that means there is nothing special about it. What has passed is already finished with. What I find more interesting is what is still to come. Emil Zatopek “The only good race pace is suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die.” Steve Roland Prefontaine TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 25
WHAT’S N E X T ? Y
ou’ve started running, finished a 5K or a 10K, run in different races and met running buddies. So what happens after that? Will you stop running on 2009 or be busier for more years to come?
• • • • • • •
serge •
Here are the goals and resolutions by members and visitors for Takbo.ph.
• •
To join 1 more marathon maybe San Francisco and to finish in 3.50.00 To break a 48 mins for a 10k.
• •
RunningShield • • • • •
Build up my mileage to 80Kms/week Run 42Km Milo Marathon Run a sub22minute 5K Run a sub47minute 10K
Zixednatz • • • •
Meet takbo.ph people Sub55 minutes for 10K Lose 10 lbs by the end of January 2009 Run a Full Marathon
Tven77 • • • •
Stay injury‐free Improve on the basics/fundamentals Run my 1st full marathon (sub 5hrs) Be ready/finish Bataan102
ronald • • • •
Run a sub‐50 10k Finish injury free a half Marathon Run at a respectable pace with the big boys at an olympic distance triathlon. Flabs to abs w/o going to the gym
emerts
• •
Run my first half‐marathon sub2.30hrs (Condura Run‐March'09) Improve my running posture and basics also. Be in my "ideal running weight" before March 09. Run a sub55min 10K Run a sub25min 5K
shocks_5 • • • •
Run the my first official 21km at the Condura Race Run the my first 42km at Milo, and hopefully run it sub 4 hours. Beat my 5km (19mins) and 10km (44mins) PRs Gain some mass ‐ I can't help but feel too skinny.
pinoy_hatdog • • • • •
Stay injury free (nakaka‐frustrate eh..) Run 2 full marathons or 1 ultra‐ marathon Join the TNF100 Run 1 overseas event (HM or FM) Start open‐water swimming or brick training (Half/Sprint Distance Tri)
Run my first half marathon muna Improve on my time Lose some weight
jhunie16 26 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
My goal for this coming year is to completely run the whole 10k. Kasi I usually walk a couple of meters pag nasa race na. So this year I wanna run a 10k without stopping....except sa finish line...hahaha
misha29 • •
•
Try to reduce my time every race. Try to make my time more competitive, my goal for the 10k is 35min. (hinde ko lang alam kung kailan ko makukuha ito) To run the 42k at qualifying time.
archie • • • • •
Start joining road races. Lose 10 to 15 lbs more. Run my 1st full marathon Stay injury‐free. Improve my PR in 10k (55 mins.)
viper69 • • • • •
To run my first 21k To run my first 42k To participate in my first duathlon To beat my PRs To continue to love running more
scarfacekid24 •
Tarquin • • •
First 10k trail run First half marathon early next year First full marathon late next year Sub50 for 10k run Sub22 for 5k run Buy a cross‐country and road bike Quit smoking, or if not, limit to 2 sticks a day
• •
Run outside Metro Manila and hopefully abroad on International Races Set new PRs: 5K (below 20min) 10K (below 50min) Run not only on weekends but also on weekdays (and log it)
dhenztm
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 27
T
akbo.ph is a by product of an addiction — the addiction to running.
I have been a blogger since 2004 and I started blogging about my runs in 2006 in Friendster then later in Wordpress. In 2008, I was hooked to running as more runners and bloggers appeared. Meeting the bloggers was a great experience. My passion to running has changed since then. It was amazing how strangers suddenly become online buddies and later real life friends. I get advice and motivation from them. I learn tips and techniques to improve my runs. Races was never boring as I get encouragements from them. And finishing a race became easier with someone to pace with. 28 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK
It was an experience I wanted to share to others. What if more runners know even more runners? What if more runners share their experiences? What if more runners encourage one another? What if more runners run together? That was the dream. To create a bigger community of runners where no runner will run alone and no runner is left behind, either physically or virtually . Thus on July 3, 2008, the website Takbo.ph was born. That is the date when we bought and registered the domain. It took us more than two weeks to think of a name. Somehow, Takbo.ph won our votes for its simplicity.
For several weeks we added the features thank you to you all for supporting and started loading the website with Takbo.ph and its dream. information. On July 21, 2008, Takbo.ph As I write this last page of the yearbook, I was officially online and we invited realized that Takbo.ph has not just runners and bloggers to check out the offered r a c e site. The day ended information o r with 54 registered What if more runners know even registration forms. Not members. more runners? What if more just blogs or surveys or Since then, the website runners share their experiences? race results. Above all, has established itself as What if more runners encourage Takbo.ph has offered friendship, camaraderie the online hangout of one another? What if more runners. In less than a and a running family. runners run together? year, the forum has And I hope we will continued to grow to 500 to 1,000 continue to grow like that. It is this members and to 2,000 members. Seeing unique Filipino trait that separates the website getting more visitors and Takbo.ph among all other running members everyday makes me happy. websites around the world. But what makes me even happier is the fact that the dream of connecting more runners, the dream of converting strangers to friends, and the dream of helping a newbie reach his goals is coming to a reality. That is where my satisfaction and motivation comes. Running is really addicting. But it is not my fault why thousands of runners who visit the site everyday are now addicted to Takbo.ph. It is your fault for encouraging them to run, for making them feel at home at the forums, and making them find new friends. Thus, the success of Takbo.ph is really because of the fun‐filled, supportive, noisy, and wacky members of the site. A big big
I am overwhelmed how all of these have happened in less than a year. The running addiction will continue in the Philippines and Takbo.ph will continue to give you great features on the website, more surprises, and more gatherings. Just keep on running. And of course, keep on sharing it with others. Mabuhay ang mga Filipino Runners.
Jinoe
Jinoe M Gavan www.takbo.ph www.manokan.wordpress.com
TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK 29
Mambukal Mountain Resort Murcia, Negros Occidental
30 TAKBO.PH 2008 YEARBOOK