Inspired by Gingerbread Running post on reasons why he run, I thought of making my own. I just finished my very first 21km race last Sunday and so I thought of posting 21 reasons why I run.

1. To lose weight – My most commented post “How I Lost 28lbs in 2 months running” gathered a lot of comments and buzz.  Probably the first reason why I started to run in the first place.

2. To eat foods I love after the race knowing that I won’t gain weight. You can eat foods right after a race without having to worry about gaining weight. Your muscles will absorb them really fast.

3. To be with people with similar passion, for camaderie and friendship

4. To test my limits - It’s a personal challenge I always want to do everytime I run. Can I run for another kilometer? Can I overrun that cute girl? etc..

5. To help charities - Joining races for benefits give me a very satisfying and purposeful life.

6. I have full of energy. - This is such a great benefit if you are working in an environment where the stress level is high. This includes managing your family at home or at work. Since I started running, I get more done in less time with complete focus on the task at hand. With every week of running I found myself getting physically stronger.

7. To get race certificates which I’m fond of collecting.

8. Time for myself.

9. To  help me focus and strategize for my next move.

10. To meditate – the silence of running alone is a joy.

11. I feel at peace with myself after a run

12. To try new routes

13. To escape from daily routine

14. To discipline myself in terms of training and set an example to my kid

15. My metabolism increased! – I believe this is the obvious with any exercise routine, but I can really tell a difference. Even over the holidays when I indulged in a few extra sweets, my waistline remain the same.

16. The silence, the wind brushing your hair, blowing againts your face while running is satisfying

17. To be an inspiration to others - Running enables people around me to shape up when they see me how much fat I lose by running. Please refer to my previous post about losing 28lbs in 2 months running.

18. My self-esteem and confidence levels have soared way up. – Running increases my sense of accomplishment everytime I finish my goal. When I overcome fear and pain of running by crossing that finish line, it made me feel I can accomplish even the most difficult task ahead.

19. Running is a great stress reliever. The release of endorphins in your brain does wonder to your body by giving you that “good mood” feeling. If you’re running alone and running in comfortable pace, you can even meditate, pray and worship the Lord.

20. I am now a part of a great running community.
Entering many races has allowed me to meet interesting people. If you can find a running group, join them. Although not necessary, it helps me to continue on my passion and be able to get up, get out and run.

21. I have total control - Running is not a team sport hence the outcome is totally yours. If you’re like me and you’ve run  a race before, you know the pressure that comes when dealing with your running team mates, demanding practices and trying to get your best PR. These aspects of running are common but running for myself has been much more satisfying. You set your schedule, pace and speed. Your goals are all yours and if you reach those goals you have a satisfaction of realizing your potential. On days I don’t meet my goals, I don’t have to worry much and beat myself about it. I still give myself a pat on the back and feel good about the effort while receiving the benefits of health and wellness.

Now what about you? Why do you run? What motivates you to run?

Last week I saw this marketing video from Nike:

I thought its funny how Nike could use naked people wearing only Nike Free 5.0 on their running camp. Having said that, the video really emphasizes a concept called “barefoot training“. I researched about barefoot training and was surprised to know some actually does it to enhance their performance. For instance, some coaches in the US make their track and field team run barefoot on grass to strengthen their feet muscles. This cannot be done using regular running shoes. Nike Free’s core feature is to allow runners to use it as a tool in strengthening feet as weights, dumbbells and similar equipments are used to add strength our arms and limbs. As I’m starting to get really serious in improving my runs, I finally decided to try it myself. I asked first my wife (a non-runner) to try it so that I will have an unbiased and honest answer how it feels using it. She used it to walk/jog for 1km then she headed straight to gym using same shoes. I asked her how it was and here’s her feedback:

- feels comfortable and very relaxing

- you have total control of the shoes, not the shoes controling your movements

- feels like walking barefoot on a soft surface

- doesn’t stress her feet unlike her other shoes

I then used it and proceed to my “secret” training ground *laughs* called DLSU Oval Track . The first time I wore it, indeed it feels comfortable. It fits my feet like a glove and I could probably use it without socks. I run slowly for 2 kilometers and I noticed that its flexibility didn’t hinder my stride. The outsole is grooved so that each inch of my foot can flex as it wishes to:

. Additionally,it made doing lunges so much easier.

My verdict:

Pros

• Flexibility is the name of the game.The shoes mimics running barefoot and it does help you develop better perception of the body weight, support and muscle efforts related to your weight and consequently muscle strength of the lower extremities.
• Comfortable upper section is breathable.
• Extra-ultra light and without any extra padding and support,  they are still comfortable for a feet with wide width like mine.
• Strengthens and trains you feet

Cons

• Does not come in different widths, although it fits just right on my feet. I understand that some with larger than average width may not like it at first.
• I wish they could come up with more colors. The one I have is neon green/krypton-kind of green I thought it would glow in the dark if I turn off all lights. You’ll never see Superman using this.

How I’m going to use this shoes:

First of all, I will never use this on my races. Human feet has evolved so much with the shoes on that I might suffer greatly if I used this on my races. However, I will use this on my speed work/tempo runs to build strength on my muscle feet. I will slowly build my mileage on it so that my feet would become comfortable using it then gradually increase on the distance.

For more info, please do visit the official Nike Free 5.0 website.

Features:

• This running shoe was built for the neutral to under-pronator who requires lightweight cushioning.
• Nike® Free mimics running barefoot on grass, which studies have suggested helps to develop stronger feet.
• 5.0-specific upper provides just enough support while still allowing the foot to move in a natural, efficient and barefoot-like manner.
• Minimal use of seams and internal layers enhance comfort, with or without socks.
• Expansive use of breathable mesh enhances comfort and ventilation.
• Overlays are strategically placed to balance the fit, durability and support of a shoe with the dynamic flexibility of the foot.
• An asymmetrical lacing system and unique tongue construction help to reduce pressure over the top ridge of the foot.
• Molded sockliner mimics the curvature of the foot for a great fit, enhanced comfort and added support.
• Phylite midsole provides a resilient ride and enough durability to double as an outsole, dramatically reducing overall weight.
• Deep Nike Free sipes molded along the length and width of the midsole enhance flexibility and stability.
• Wider sipes, in a women’s specific design, across the forefoot allow for greater engagement of the toes through propulsion for increased muscle activation and a more barefoot-like experience.
• Abrasion-resistant BRS 1000 carbon rubber under the crash pad enhances durability in high-wear areas.
• Waffle outsole provides traction and durability while also encouraging a more neutral and efficient toe-off.

I woke up this morning around 3:30am with a heavy feeling and a blank state of mind. Suddenly, all thoughts pop-up on my mind about the race. With start time of 6:00am, it would be a very hot race and I hope Botak will be true to their words (at least from the email I got from Franco of Botak) that there would be enough water stations.  After a very short shower and breakfast, I went straight to The Fort where the race would start and got in there exactly 5:00 am. My plan for this race, as this will be my first 21k will be to finish it with no injury+have a decent finish of not more than 2:30. I think I achieved the former but the latter got lost somehow

The race for 21k and 10k started exactly at 6:00am. As my intention was to have a decent time, I tried to pace with Luis who happens to be one of the fastest runner in the team. And boy I thought it was a bad idea to pace with him. He was just too strong and I have to signal to him that I would not be able to run with him anymore. There were many people running 21k this time and I got to meet one of the I Am Ninoy Runner named Jay. I tried pacing with him on the 9th kilometer but I have to stop due to stomach cramp I’m feeling that time.  The route was especially challenging with so many uphills however the heat from the Sun (as the race started so late) started to take its toll on runners. Worst thing  happened when water stations ran out of water,  I think this happened on 3 or 4 water stations and some people even have to ask water from sari-sari stores. As for myself, I asked a group of construction workers working in one of the road-island to give me water to which they readily agreed. After 15th kilometer, this is where my feet started to give up. My feet were so wet due to my habit of putting water all over my body to combat heat. This causes water to get through my shoes, causing blisters on my feet which I carried through until finish line. Anyone can suggest a “water proof” socks?

The uphill road from Ayala going to The Fort area  was one of the biggest challenge on that route. All runners from my perspective respected that stretch of road and NO ONE actually ran, they walked on it!  At the C5 road with few kilometers left before finish line, there was water sprinkler and what could be the very last water station.

What I don’t like from this race is the lack of water from water stations. I passed around 4 water stations not being able to provide enough water. This is really a sign of irresponsibility on the part of race organizer. Starting 21k race at 6:00 am and not being able to provide water to runners can cause extreme dehydration and death.I hope they learn from this race to avoid being repeated on the next Botak race at Bagiuo where some takbo.ph peeps will be joining. Another thing worth mentioning was that water station also ran out of caps.  I just hope that the race organizer save their face and their company’s reputation by doing some math on how to ensure there will be enough caps on their next Botak race. Please check Sir Jovie’s post on how to do this.

General Observations:
1. They lack enough personnel on water stations. Ideally, there should be at least 3 people taking water and additional 2 giving water to runners. They should have also prepared caps with water already filled up instead of starting to fill water as the runners passes by. This caused delay and pissed a lot of runners (me included)

2. When runners join public vehicles on a racing event, it’s a bad sign. They should have organized it in such away any sharing of same road never happens. I was almost hit by a BMW near the Market Market! area!

3. The most important part of the route was the Kalayaan fly-over going to the finish line. I hate the fact that the organizers didn’t bother to put any water stations in between and have the runners suffer from the heat of the sun. Note to Botak Race organizers, you are putting people’s lives at risk! Please do more planning, invest in water stations to save your face next time.

4. A 6:00am start race for 21km is too late. Please adjust it to an earlier time.

I was so pissed with the outcome of this race that I did not bother to spend longer to check several booths but went  straight to my car and went home back to Cavite.

Lessons learned:
1. Build more stamina. I guess I badly need this if I want to conquer longer distances race-pace.
2. If you should pour water over your body, ensure that you it doesn’t go through your shoes to avoid blisters.
3. Include more runs on inclines/uphills.
4. If you should walk, try jogging instead.

With my finish time of 2:38 (21km), a dead toe nail and blisters, this race is a nightmare to remember and a lesson to learn from.

Me and Ultramarathoner Jerry aka as HighAltitude

Last night was memorable. I ran in the rain- a very strong rain I should add.

Minutes before I went to my car to change dress it wasn’t raining that hard so I said I’m gonna push through and if it rains like hell, I’m sure gonna quit and go straight to Carbo bonding instead with other runners at Market Market.

Just when I was done changing my clothes, boom it rained hard with some lightning flashing in the background. I remember then my friend’s advice – the most important time to run is the time you want to skip it (and this is also the time it feels awesome good you’ve done it). So I ran, I noticed there were only three of us running in the rain, and then there was two of us  a kilometer later and 2 kilometers past, I was alone running. It brings back the memory when I was kid, playing in the rain was so much fun. Now I’m grown up and running is now my passion, it becomes a heavenly experience running under the rain. For some reason, I didn’t get tired. I ran all 8 loops around BHS area (that would be more than 8km) only stopping whenever I would hear lightning. On my 5th loop, an army guy ran with me, his name was Allan. We exchange a couple of ideas and I was told the reason he was running was to build stamina. He also mentioned that he love running best when raining because he doesn’t get tired easily plus it helps him focus. After the 8km, I said my goodbye as I need to visit takbo.ph guys for the Carbo Loading activity. It was good meeting people with the same passion as yours, you get encouragement and motivation to continue the sports.

Now here are some of my reminders when running under the rain:

*  Be careful if there is lightning, and be especially careful about slippery ground, puddles, and mud which could lead to an injury.  Take it easy.

* Run easy, don’t do speed run under the rain.

* Your shoes should be able to pump-out water getting inside your shoes, you don’t want to suffer from blisters

* If you’re like most people, find a running buddy. The army guy who went with me helped me push through until 8th kim when I was only planning to do a 5km run.

Now if your determination is strong, try running in the rain once, it will make you feel hardcore! Hahahaha!

Do you have any experience running in the rain? What about running during the race itself?

I’m not sure if you’ve heard this but my favourite sports apparel brand (isn’t I’m bias I always wear all Adidas brand when I run for race*laughs) have this great promo. Not only you get great discount (php 500 to phph1,000) for that new Adidas shoes you’re eyeing but you also get to help Pamulaan Center for Indigenous People’s Education . This is good Corporate Responsibility strategy from Adidas.

Here are the terms and conditions:

1. Bring in your old shoes to over 100 participating Adidas stores nationwide.
me: I’ll be bringing mine at Greenbelt branch

2. In exchange of your old shoes, get:
Php500 OFF you new purchase worth Php 1,500-Php2,999
Php1,000 OFF your new purchase worth Php3,000 and up

3. 1 pair of old shoes=1 x discount value. Each discount value is appliacble for only one item purchased. Bring in as many old pairs to get discount on as many new shoes!

4. We only accept ‘sports shoes’ of any brand (no sandals, high heels, flats,leather or infant shoes).  Shoes have to be in decent condition and still functional.

me: I wonder if they will accept counterfeit brand? Say Skaters, Adidos or Niker, I always see these fake brands along Pasay area hahaha.

5. All old shoes will be donated to Pamulaan Center for Indigenous People’s Education.
me: Helping people always give me that feeling of satisfaction.

6. Promo Period runs from May 1-17, 2009.
me: 10 days to go!!!

Now one of my colleagues have this suggestion, buy a new running shoes at Divisoria, say anything from Php200-Php400 pesos. Put some dirt on it to pass it as an “old” shoes, surrender it to Adidas store and voila, you get php1,000 discount hahaha! Not that I will try that OK?!