RUNNING your first 21-kilometer run can seem like a daunting challenge.  Some people can’t even fathom how long 21 kilometers would be.  Some ask, “Is that the distance from Ateneo to the Fort?” Nope. It’s even longer.  Ateneo to the Fort is only 14 kilometers.  Twenty-one kilometers would be like running from Ateneo to NAIA Terminal 3 via C-5.

The running boom hit Manila and steadily grew after 2009. With running events like the Globe Run for Home and the yearly Condura Run getting bigger and better each year, everyone seems to have jumped into the running bandwagon. People started off running the three-kilometer races, and slowly kept upgrading to longer distances.  These days, the most popular distance among running enthusiasts is the 21km distance.  For those who started running during (or even before) the boom, the 21k is probably the most comfortable distance for them.  They’ve had enough training and experience to run something much longer than a 10k, but are not yet at the level to be able to finish a full marathon (42 kilometers).  Join a road run and you’ll see that the starting line for the 21k has a lot more runners than it would have back in 2008.

A great 21k experience at Unlilab's Run United 1 2011

That being said, you’ll probably want to join the bandwagon and run a 21k too, that is, if you’ve already grown tired of the 10k and you’re looking for a challenge.  This article isn’t going to give you a detailed training program though.  I would assume you already have a suitable training program for your athletic level or a coach to guide you.  Be warned though, you can’t just wing a 21k. In fact, most 21k training programs span 12 weeks.

But there’s more to running than just the training and sweating.  These days, running has become an industry and lifestyle in itself.  Don’t deny it, you want to look good while running.  You want the best gear and accessories to help you get to the finish line in the most comfortable way possible too.  That being said, here are the top five essential things for 21k runners when joining a road race.

#1 The right shoes—get yourself tested

I can never stress enough the importance of using the right pair of running shoes.  A few years back, I settled for any kind of rubber shoes I found in my closet.  In fact, I finished my first fun run wearing tennis shoes.  That was back in 2008.  Fast forward to today and I know better.  There isn’t one specific running shoe that is perfect for everyone, but there are specific models of shoes which are more suitable for some, depending on your running gait.  The Nike Lunarlon series is a great shoe for those who are just beginning to increase mileage.  Walking into Nike and trying on any pair of shoes just won’t do though.  You need to get yourself tested.  You may be thinking, “Get myself tested? Do I have a disease?!”  No, you don’t have a disease, but every runner has a unique way of running, called “running gait” or “footfall”. The shoe he or she buys depends on it.

It’s best to visit a store like RUNNR at Bonifacio High Street, Asics at Greenbelt 3, or Riovana in Katipunan.  These stores have treadmills with cameras attached to them. While you run, the salesperson is able to assess your foot strike. Heel strikers are those who land on their heels.  This is the most injury-prone type of running. Some are very efficient runners who land on their forefoot (mid-foot striker). The last group is the toe strikers. Landing on one’s toes is more efficient for sprinting track events, and not for long distance road running. You are then made to step on a special board barefoot. The imprint your foot leaves on the board will show if you are flatfooted, neutral, or high-arched. The salesperson will take all these things into consideration and then recommend a shoe for you.

Luckily a lot of people, like me, are midfoot strikers with neutral arches.  Majority of shoes manufactured are perfect for this type of runner, so there are a lot of shoes to choose from.  I would highly recommend the Nike LunarGlide+ 2, a shoe that provides a stable ride but is lightweight at the same time (8.9 ounces).  The LunarEclipse+ is more suited to overpronators and is very heavy due to its stability cushioning. I would not recommend it to people running long distances as you may feel like you are running with weights attached to your ankles. The LunarRacer shoes are very lightweight and are classified as racing flats.  They are perfect for short distances because of their lightness. Although used by elite athletes for long distance races, racing flats are not recommended for recreational runners running long distances.

The Nike LunarGlide+2 in hot pink

When running with this shoe, you feel the dynamic support of the Lunarlon cushioning. It’s enough to cushion your foot, but is flexible at the same time. It’s a bouncy shoe, so with each stride, you feel the shoe spring to life. The LunarGlides are further souped-up with Flywire technology, which enables the shoe to keep it’s structure while reducing the overall weight of the shoe. This material is made of nylon fibers that help keep the foot snug and in place during runs.

The LunarGlide is a very sturdy shoe.  As someone who logs in very high mileage per week, I would expect the shoe to only last six months. The shoes have gone beyond its life expectancy though.  They only start to feel soft more than a year after heavy usage, and the sole never separates from the shoe.

Apart from the great functionality and sturdiness of these shoes, the LunarGlide comes in fun and bright colors.  The great thing with Nike is, their running shoes are never just boring. Unlike other brands that come in just white or grey with generic lines and designs, Nike shoes are always bright and eye-catching.  You’re sure to stand out and cross the line in style with this pair.

The Nike Lunar Glide is available at all Nike stores, Toby’s, Planet Sports, RUNNR and Riovana.  It retails at P5,495.

#2 Compressions—get some support

It’s common knowledge to runners that wearing basketball shorts or cotton shirts during a long distance run is not a good idea.  Cotton does not wick away sweat from the body, leaving you with a heavy and wet shirt, which is very uncomfortable.  Basketball shorts are too long and loose to wear during a long distance run, and will cause chafing between your thighs.  They will also constantly flap around and eventually annoy you.  Aside from the proper running clothes, 21k runners also need to consider getting support.  “A support group?” you may ask. No, we’re talking about supporting your muscles from the fatigue of repeatedly pounding on the road for an average of two hours.

This is where compression comes in.  Using compression socks or compression tights are very helpful for 21k runners.  Basically, compressions do just that—they compress your muscles. These socks and tights have an extra tight fit, but do not cut off blood circulation.  It’s quite the opposite in fact.  Compression stimulates blood flow to the muscles by approximately 30% thus speeding up recovery.  They can prevent all sorts of injuries (like shin splints) and stabilizes ligaments and tendons. Muscle vibrations are reduced as well, so painful downhill running is nonexistent.

Most people are uncomfortable wearing both short and long tights, especially the macho men.  A good quality pair of compression tights can also set you back by a few thousands (think 6,000 to 10,000 pesos).  Going for compression socks are therefore a better option.

A great brand for a pair of compression socks is CEP.  The brand has used 60 years of compression technology to develop its sports specific compression gear.  Their running socks come in various colors like pink, black, white, and green.  These socks are knee high and stay that way.  They never roll down unlike ordinary knee high socks.  Upon wearing the socks, you can already feel the difference in your legs.  They immediately feel like fresh legs, ready to take on any distance.  I’ve felt a noticeable decrease in leg muscle fatigue during long runs.  Timo Bracht, the champion at the 2007 and 2009 European Ironman swears by these socks.

CEP compression socks in white. It comes in black, pink, green and other colors too.

These socks are very tight and are meant to compress muscles, so they’re quite hard to put on. Aside from this, the only downside of this product is its price tag. At a hefty P2,750 for a pair of socks, they’re definitely an investment.  It’s worth it though, considering you can wear these socks post-race and even the day after to help muscles recover faster from fatigue.  On a non-running related note, they are great to wear on long haul flights to prevent tired legs.

CEP compression socks range from P2,500 to 3,000 and are available at RUNNR, Bonifacio High Street and Riovana, Katipunan.

#3 Energy gels/drinks—”More energy, mas-happy”

Face it, 21 kilometers is grueling. That peanut butter sandwich and banana you ate when you woke up at 3am is not going to be enough to fuel your tank throughout the whole race.  It’s going to be a logistical problem bringing along food while you run, and consuming it would be quite tricky.  Therefore, it’s best to bring along a couple of energy gels with you on your 21k run.

Different brands have different consistencies and flavors, but most runners like myself swear by GU.  Used by top athletes like 2010 World Ironman Champion Mirinda Carfrae and 38-time marathon champion Justine Gillette, GU has been the pioneer in energy gels since 1991.  Its product line is very diverse. It has energy gels that contain caffeine, and some that don’t. There are even flavors which have a double shot of caffeine.  With GU’s diverse flavor range, everyone is sure to find something they like—they have everything from Vanilla Bean to Mint Chocolate to Jet Blackberry. My personal favorite is the Espresso Love.  It has a double dose of caffeine, which wakes me up for early morning races and gets my heart pumping and ready to go at the finish line.  It’s sweet enough, but doesn’t leave you choking and begging for water. It’s just the right consistency too. It’s not too watery, so you don’t make a mess out of yourself while consuming it on-the-go.  It’s not too dense either, so you won’t have to chew it.

GU energy gels

When taken in the middle of the race, let’s say at kilometer 12, its easily digestible formulation allows you to instantly get a boost of energy. I can only compare it to a dying car battery getting a burst of energy from a series connection from another car.  For those looking for an extra burst of energy towards the end of the race, when they seem to hit the wall and feel like they can go no further, there is GU Roctane. This baby costs double the price, but it’s also like consuming a double dose of the regular GU.

The energy gel is a gooey concoction (made of glucose, carbohydrates and amino acids among other things) inside a packet much like the ones that contain ketchup at McDonalds.  For races, I follow GU’s recommended dose, which is to take one 45 minutes and 15 minutes before the gunstart. GU recommends taking one packet for every 30-40 minutes of activity, but I find that it’s enough to take one every hour. An average person would finish the 21k in about two hours, so it’s good to keep two energy gels on hand during your run.  Where to put them, you ask? Your running shorts should have small pockets inside them or you can place them in a slot in your hydration belt, if you have one.  For training runs, consume one gel 15 minutes before you start, and an additional gel per hour of activity.

GU is available at P69 a pop from Anton Guerrero. Call him at 09178844111 GU is also available at retail stores like RUNNR, but will cost you ten to twenty pesos more.

A precautionary warning: an energy gel is not a substitute for hydration.  Hydration in the form of water or energy drinks that contain carbohydrates, sugar, and electrolytes—like Gatorade and Powerade—must be consumed at every kilometer, 20-24 ounces at a time.  Dehydration is known to cause cramps and even death in extreme cases.

#4 Gadgets, gadgets, gadgets

These days, running has been made easier by technology. You don’t have to run in silence anymore, there are iPods for that. You don’t have to guess how many kilometers you might have already ran, there are GPS watches like the Garmin Forerunner for that.  You don’t have to suffer the headache of wearing a visor which keeps slipping just to avoid the glare of the sun, there are ultra lightweight, polarized sports sunglasses for that.  Every runner has their gadget of choice, but the most basic and helpful one for someone running a 21k who doesn’t want to shell out an enormous sum (a Garmin Forerunner GPS watch costs about P20,000—Yikes!) is the Nike+ Sportband.

Nike+ Sportband

The Nike+ Sportband may seem like a regular watch in the shape of a thick baller ID, but it’s so much more than that.  The Sportband comes with a footpod, which fits snugly in an empty slot found in all Nike+ running shoes.  This device synchronizes with your Sportband as you run, so you can see your current pace and mileage as you run.  Most runners have a specific distance they have to cover for the day, and they usually stick to a route which they know will allow them to reach that goal.  This gets boring.  But with the Nike+ Sportband, runners are able to run free on the roads and not have to worry about their mileage.

It’s bound to be your best friend while racing, because you can monitor your pace.  When running a distance like the 21k, it’s best to have small goals in mind so that you can reach your ideal time. Let’s say you want to finish the race in sub-two hours.  You can check your Sportband when you are at kilometer 10 to see if your pace will carry you to a sub-two finish or not.  If not, it’s time to step up!

Nike+ Website

The watch has a detachable interface that can be connected to your computer’s UBS port.  Once connected, you can go online and register at the Nike+ site, and you’ll be able to record your mileage, speed, pace, and training frequency.  The site is also great because you can monitor your runs, create goals, and customize a training program.

Aside from being a convenient training and racing partner, it’s a great statement piece too.  It comes in colors like hot pink, aqua, orange, and there’s even a yellow Livestrong edition.  The band has adjustable snap locks, so it’s sure to fit everyone.  It’s waterproof too, so you don’t have to worry about sweating on it during your run.

The Nike+ Sportband retails at P3,295 and is available at all Nike stores.

#5 Skin damage: sun block and chafing 

There’s one aspect of running which a lot of people don’t pay attention to, yet can cause major problems in the long run (and during a long run, too)—skin care.  Running a long distance like the 21k, and doing long training runs, will leave you exposed to the sun for long hours at a time.  You may not notice it at first, but eventually the sun will take its toll on your skin and you will develop what people call, “runner’s face”.  This is a condition of the skin wherein the runner’s facial skin develops a leathery and haggard appearance.  This is due to sun damage.

elite ultra runner Kami Semick has "runner's face"

I’ve always been a big tanning addict, so I thought that it was best not to apply sun block during my runs because I wanted to get fit and at the same time get tanned—I was hitting two birds with one stone.  However, after a conversation with my dermatologist, I realized that I had to start protecting my skin to prevent myself from developing the haggard “runner’s face” look.

I was hesitant to apply sun block on my skin before running because all my previous experiences with sun block have been sticky. I didn’t want to spend two hours running a 21k feeling sticky all over my body.  My mom recommended Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70 to me and I haven’t stopped applying it since then.  It doesn’t turn your face white, and your skin remains smooth, without the usual heavy feeling most sun blocks leave you with.  The lotion even gave my skin a glowing and dewy look.  All my fears of feeling sticky while running were dispelled.

Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF70

Another silent killer during 21k runs is chafing.  Chafing occurs when skin rubs on skin, or when skin rubs on rough cloth repeatedly and over a long period of time.  Running a 21k is the perfect recipe to get chafing.  One thing you’ll wish you would have known before running a 21k is that you will chafe everywhere—from your armpits, to your inner thighs, and even your nipples (for men).

To address this, use an anti-chafe balm like BodyGlide Anti-Chafe Stick.  BodyGlide comes in a deodorant-like package.  You must apply it to all areas that you foresee will be rubbing against each other.  I usually apply it to my inner thighs and to the area inside my arm which rubs against my jersey while I run. Men should put some on their nipples. Some people recommend using petroleum jelly as an alternative, but experience has shown me that petroleum jelly wears off after a few kilometers and leaves you feeling like you have lip gloss between your thighs.  BodyGlide, on the other hand, is virtually undetectable and effectively resists sweat.  Apply sparingly, because a little goes a long way. Do this and it will last you 1.5-2 years.

BodyGlide Anti-Chafe stick

Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70 (about P450) is available at groceries, while BodyGlide Anti-Chafe Stick (about P400) is available at RUNNR, Bonifacio High Street.

Of course, there are other essentials, but these are the top 5 products I cannot imagine myself running a 21k without.

Happy running!

(I wrote this as my final paper for my Writing About Culture class, and thought it would be perfect as a blog entry.  I edited it for the blog though.)

A dozen long stemmed roses from my Valentine

Since it’s Valentine’s month, I’d like to get a little cheezy.  Please excuse the ants in my pants.

My boyfriend, Jason, and I just had our first couple feature together for the February 2012 Valentine’s issue of Chalk Magazine!  It was a fun shoot, and I even fell into the pool after we took the last shot. There was some debate on whether Jason had pushed me or if I had slipped (I think it was really more of me getting out of balance coz of the fun we were having). But it was heaps of fun!  Thanks Chalk! Grab a copy at bookstores/groceries now!

Pretending we are on a vacation in Hawaii (Chalk Magazine, Feb 2012)

My boyfriend and I are both athletes.  He loves basketball and I love track and field.  Although we both no longer don our Ateneo jerseys, we have stuck with the sports that we love.  He’s joined a lot of fun runs with me, and has even finished his first 15km run (Men’s Health Urbanathlon 2011).  He’s tried to teach me basketball a few times, but I just have really bad footwork! In any case, we always enjoy working out with each other.

Yes, we run without make up (Rexone Run 2011)

We met at the most unromantic, sweaty, and manly place you could possibly think of: the weights room for athletes at Moro Lorenzo Sports Center in Ateneo

When we started dating, I told him the story of how a friend had called me “Chickzilla” on a beach trip at Marinduque.  He’s been encouraging me to use the name, “Chickzilla” ever since. When I tell him about a hardcore workout I did or heavy weights which I lifted, he’d refer to it as my “Chickzilla mode”.

It’s awesome when athletes fall in love because you just understand each other.  The pressures of training, of winning, of getting better.  The time you need to spend at the gym, and why you just can’t go to that particular party coz of a game.  You push each other and encourage each other at times of weakness too, because you know what it’s like to be there…wanting to give up on the sprint intervals, wanting to barf from the intensity of training, or just plain frustration at the plateauing of your athletic progress.  You push each other when the other feels like giving up, quitting, resorting to the easy way out, or when he or she simply needs you to be there.

Jason in action!

It’s cute too because we give each other a lot of gifts which we need for our sports or which will help us improve.  It’s amazing to know that your athlete boyfriend supports you in every way.

Anyway, that’s the end of the cheese and mush!  I need to go do pull-ups or 150-pound squats to feel like a bad-ass again.  Cheers to my super supportive, loving, and animal-on-the-basketball-court boyfriend, Jason “Jumbo” Escueta!  Happy Valentine’s Month everyone!

So this was actually an ambush shoot.  Deanne had warned me previously that she’d shoot me on that day for CollegeFashionista.co.uk but I totally forgot about it.  I just wore my usual make up to school, composed of BB sunblock, Make Up For Ever foundation, The Body Shop loose powder, Shu Uemura glow on blush in pearl shell peach, Maybelline waterproof cat eyes mascara, and my favorite MAC satin lipstick in pink nouveau.

When she initially told me she would take my picture for a make up article, I had decided  to wear full, glamazon make-up! It was good I forgot, so I would look as close as possible to my normal self at school for her feature.

Anyway, a few weeks ago I was “caught” wearing make up by my Crossfit coach during one of the WOD’s. I said I was in make up coz I usually come from somewhere before going to the box, and I always go to school with just the natural look. I can’t believe my natural look was noticed at the gym! He told me it was because he noticed that my face wasn’t melting while working out (or something to that effect) and I said it was because my make up was waterproof.

So a few days from now, I’ll be sharing how The Chickzilla stays fine, fresh, and fierce even while wanting to barf while doing burpees.  But in the meantime, here’s Deanne’s feature

ALL ABOUT BEAUTY: Make Lipstick Nouveau

01DEC ’11

Read on as athletes share what their superstitions are and how they have worked (or not worked) for them.

This was published in the January 2012 hardcopy issue of The GUIDON, in the Sports section and in February 2012 for the online version

Jersey Numbers and Sports Rituals

By Gianna R. Banzon, Ally M. Lim, Manica C. Tiglao

Michael Jordan is known for wearing his University of North Carolina shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform; he led his team to six NBA championships. Ron Artest—now legally named Metta World Peace—changes his jersey number each time he transfers to another team. Tennis legend Björn Borg grew a beard and wore the same Fila shirt to every Wimbledon match; he won five straight Wimbledon titles.

Some Ateneo basketball fans attribute a game’s outcome to Kirk Long’s ever-changing hairstyle and hair color. Of course, this is highly debatable. However, whether it’s the process of selecting jersey numbers or staying true to routines, there are clearly some rituals a number of athletes hold sacred.

Lucky numbers

Many athletes like to keep the jersey numbers they started their careers with—take Blue Eagle Bacon Austria, who inherited his #8 from his father, former PBA player Leo Austria. Power forward Nico Salva (#8), Blue Booter Joel Faustino (#18) and Lady Booter Inez Achacoso (#20) also continue to use numbers they have had since their first playing year.

Others view jersey numbers as their identities on the field, sometimes to the point of waiting for years before finally being able to use their preferred number—as was the case for Salva, who wore #14 for his first three years, and Frank Golla, who was unable to use #21 during his playing years as a Blue Eaglet. Perhaps, indeed, it is no coincidence that Salva had his best playing year this season, garnering the UAAP Finals MVP accolade.

Lady Booter Yvette Gaston (#8) says, “I liked how the number is balanced and continuously flows—it says a lot about how I’d like to see myself as an athlete.”

Rookie Mikko Mabanag, who switched from #4 to #19 after scoring two goals for Team Pilipinas (U-13), shares, “It isn’t just a lucky number; it’s something I would like to carry throughout my career.”

Nevertheless, there are those who, like Emman Monfort (#6), don’t ascribe much value to jersey number selection: “I change numbers all the time,” he says. “It wasn’t important or meaningful.”

True or false?

Do rituals really pave the way to glory, or are they mere superstition? For many athletes, their sport is a way of life—a pseudo-religion. Aside from the usual warm-up drills and pep talks, they rely on pre-game rituals to psych themselves up.

“Rituals are psychological, something you become comfortable with,” explains Cathy Parson, head coach of the women’s basketball team of Howard University, in an interview with the student paper, The Hilltop.

Rituals and superstitions range from common practices like praying and singing, to more bizarre habits like insisting on wearing the same pair of socks to every game and avoiding the cutting of fingernails until the end of the tournament.

“You can’t discount luck as one of your winning factors—the kind that keeps you safe from injury and keeps the umpire fair,” says the Lady Shuttlers’ captain, Lisa Encarnacion, naming her “lucky” shorts, socks, and hair accessories as must-haves.

Lady Batter Antoinette Altomonte shares, “There’s a song I always listen to before games. It helps pull my focus onto the game and just the game.”

On the other hand, Lady Trackster Poly Villar says that music is a distraction for her. “Two days before and during the game, I intentionally don’t listen to any music. It gets stuck in my head and I can’t focus,” she shares.

These rituals hold a power that can be experienced only by the athlete, making them very personal for each player. This is precisely why athletes become attached to their rituals and make it a point to repeat them before every game.

“Skipping the ritual rattles me, and I think that affects my nerves a bit. I’m not sure it affects my game, but it takes a bit longer for me to calm my nerves,” says Altomonte.

For Ina Yulo, captain of the softball team, sticking to her ritual helps get her in the zone. “I wear glitter headbands during games. When I put them on, it kind of puts me into game mode, and reminds me that ‘this is it,’” she says.

In the same article in The Hilltop, Greg Carr of the African American Studies Department of Howard University says, “A pre-game ritual is an extension of the game.” The article explains that rituals allow athletes to visualize the game ahead of time, relaxing the mind, body and soul.

The appeal of rituals and superstitions lies on its effectiveness on a player or team’s performance. Carr continues, “If you do a thing once and win, why change? A ritual ceases to be a ritual when it loses its link to your perception of control.”

A more scientific approach

Others apply science to their pre-game rituals by watching videos of professional athletes. “I imagine myself being in those situations, and I think of the possible events that could happen,” explains Faustino, who prepares for his goalkeeping duties by watching YouTube clips.

Lady Trackster Meggie Ochoa shares that her coach’s sports psychology methods improved her performance. “These videos help me in my visual training, where I correct my form using visualization. It helps a lot, especially since you can’t keep doing the actual movements the night before your competition because you need to rest,” says Ochoa.

Research shows that the body reacts to these visual simulations as if the athlete was physically performing. This allows the athlete to gain confidence in his or her specific sport, in much the same way some people rehearse a conversation in their head before actually engaging in it. “Seeing” themselves do well in their sport enables them to believe winning is possible.

Reaping what you sow

However, even after all the rituals are performed and all the sweaty jerseys and socks are reused, victory still depends on the amount of time and effort an athlete puts into his training. “I train, I work, I compete for every inch then I win. I want my victories to be the result of buckets of sweat, sacrifice and commitment,” says Trackster Geelo Arayata. Faustino asserts, “I’d rather bank on hard work and dedication.”

Indeed, at the end of the day, win or lose, most athletes will agree that it’s hardly about the jersey or routines. “You reap what you sow,” says Golla. “If you don’t put in the work, it will show.”

This was published in the January 2012 hardcopy issue of The GUIDON, in the Sports section and in February 2012 for the online version

Tracksters seek glory, redemption at UAAP

By Ally M. Lim, Dean V. Roxas

Coming into the 73rd season of the UAAP last year, the Blue Tracksters were one of the heavy favorites to win the UAAP crown. This was a very rare thing, considering that the Tracksters’ highest standing on the podium was a hard-fought bronze which they have held for 6 years. The main reason for this daring speculation was the numerous surprises that the team had pulled off prior to the UAAP Track and Field Championships.

Having won the 2010 Sabah Championships held in Malaysia, the Blue Tracksters displayed their prowess, taking on teams from all over the Southeast Asian region. The feat was impressive, especially because they were not fully ready for this international competition.

In a stunning performance, the Tracksters captured the elusive Unigames 2010 crown in Dumaguete. Again, this sent shockwaves to other schools that this particular group of Ateneo track athletes would be different from previous Ateneo teams. By winning five gold medals in the Unigames, Ateneo became a threat to heavyweights Far Eastern University and University of the East.

Despite the wins, the Ateneans did not let victory ruin their focus in preparing for more prestigious competitions, such as the celebrated UAAP. Unfortunately, the favored Blue Tracksters would be disappointed.

For the first time in a while, Ateneo dropped to fourth place. Disappointing as it was, all the Tracksters had to do was to pick up the pieces and go back to the drawing board.

Season 74 looks to be different for the men’s team. Only one athlete graduated and the core of the team is bolstered by the recruitment of Maki de Jesus and Joel Magturo, some of the best homegrown talents from the Ateneo de Manila High School track and field team.

Returning to the lanes this year are potential MVP Candidate Carlo Soriano, who took the sprint double (100-m and 200-m sprints) last year, 2010 UAAP Rookie of the year Algerion Bugarin, two-time racewalker bronze medalist Jeremy Esguerra, Captain JP Azcueta, and supersenior Geelo Arayata. The core of the team will be the key in leading the team on the road to glory.

Lady Tracksters

The Lady Tracksters are in the process of rebuilding a team full of fresh talent. They entered this school year sorely depleted, standing with less than a third of their members from the previous season, due to the graduation of four seniors and the departure of three other athletes. The women’s team quickly regrouped with the addition of rookies and sought-after recruits.

Sprinter Klarrizze Posadas from Brent International School qualified for the finals of the 100-m dash in this year’s Unigames—a big feat for a freshman. She was also awarded MVP at the Asia Pacific Activities Conference. Posadas is the daughter of Elma Muros, the current Philippine record holder for heptathlon, and until recently, the long jump.

Thrower and sprinter Vanessa Baguiwet, also from Brent, is currently close to beating the records of UAAP champion thrower Mica Sibayan. Hurdler and high jumper Althea Santos from Miriam College High School showed her excellent form in the prestigious Palarong Pambansa, where she won silver in the high jump. She also nabbed the silver medal in hurdles and a bronze in the high jump at the Unigames last October—the only win for the Lady Tracksters.

Other new recruits are Carissa Veloso, a freshman from Miriam, and Ines Lorenzo, also a member of the Ateneo Football team.

The young team faces the challenge of adjusting from the high school level to the more competitive and serious collegiate level of play. Much of the young recruits are still learning to adjust and make track and field their lifestyle. Another challenge the team is facing is the number of injuries that occurred throughout the school year.

For the upcoming UAAP, team captains Poly Villar and Meggie Ochoa would like the girls to focus on winning individual medals in their respective events. “Placing top three is a very long shot not because of lack of talent, but because of the lack of members,” they share. The team is very small compared to the massive line-up schools like FEU and UST have each year.

While the rest of the Ateneo student population had eaten to their heart’s content during the holidays, the Blue and Lady Tracksters were at the track oval keeping their bodies in top form and constantly improving their technique. Their hard work will definitely pay off as they seek glory at the UAAP Championships.

At the beach...Sabah, Malaysia after the Sabah Open Track & Field Championship 2010. Photo by Joseph Angan.

This is me 1.5 years ago in Sabah, Malaysia at the early stages of my track & field career.  I misplaced these abs in the past few months. Big reward for anyone who can find them.

This is the goal.

At the start of the year, I resolved to take drastic measures to get my track & field body, strength, and endurance back.  I thought of the hardest and most intense work out I’d heard of (aside from the track team’s training program…couldn’t join that because I left the team). First thought in my mind was Crossfit!

I had heard of Crossfit from my good friend Rov a couple of years back. He raved constantly on Twitter about it and became a self-proclaimed Crossfit addict (aka Crackfit). I was interested, but never had the time to try it.  I was also turned off that the place (Libis) was so far from my Makati home.  But with my new-found free time, abs hiding underneath a thick layer of Holiday flab, deteriorating biceps, and a newly opened Crossfit branch close to my home, I decided to give it a try.

I signed up for a free trial session with Crrossfit Manila at the Philippine Army Gymnasium in Taguig.  I entered the box (what they call the place where you do the WOD’s or workout of the day) with sweaty palms.  I had Googled Crossfit WOD’s the night before and was super nervous. This was serious stuff.

The Crossfit Box at the Philippine Army

There were four of us brave souls doing the trial session for the day.  First, we were introduced to the principles behind Crossfit (high intensity, short duration, muscle confusion, natural movements) and taught some basic warm-ups, moves and proper form. We then proceeded to do the trial WOD.  The trial WOD consisted of:

• 7 pull-ups (I did it with with 2 thin bands for support)
• 7 burpees
• 7 box jumps
• 7 wall balls
• Time Limit 15mins, do as many rounds as you can

Being the competitive Chickzilla that I am, I asked Coach Byron the most number of rounds a girl had done for the trial WOD. He told me it was 7 or 8.  I kept that in mind while I did the WOD.  I busted my lungs, fatigued my muscles and prayed that it would all soon be over.  I wanted to quit after 5 rounds but told myself that 5 rounds was just too gay for me.  I pushed myself and finished 6 rounds when time was up.  Close enough to the strongest girls!

I felt searing pain all over my body the next day (and the days following).  This was exactly what I was looking for.  This was how I knew that Crossfit was The One.  I was back after 5 days and enrolled for a month.  Here’s what I’ve done so far:

Session 1: Jan 11, Wednesday 7:30am with Miggy

• squats with 45lb bar and side burpees
• number of sets depends on number of mins (ex: on minute 2 do 2 sets, minute 9 do 9 sets)
• Goal: till failure. I lasted 17mins (but after about 8 did each exercise consecutively before doing next: 8 squats then 8 side burpees)

Session 2: Jan 16, Monday 4:30pm with JV

• 10 overhead press (went from 55 to 35 lbs)
• 12 pull-ups (with one thick band)
• 25 burpees
• Goal: 3 sets. I finished in 14:something mins

Session 3: Jan 18, Wednesday 7:30am with Miggy

• Benchmark: Wittman Hero WOD
• 15 kettlebell swings (below RX, I ony used purple kettlebell)
• 15 power cleans (RX is 65, I did 35 only…so gay)
• 15 box jumps (RX 24)
• Goal: 7 rounds.  I finished in 14:27mins

Session 4: Jan 20, Friday 4:30pm with Byron

• 25 sumo deadlift high pull (25lbs)
• 20 pull ups
• 15 push ups
• 10 push press (25lbs)
• Goal: 4 rounds. I finished in 14:57mins

As I speak I cant move my arms without feeling pain in my triceps.  Even tying my hair in a ponytail is painful. I love the pain though.  I don’t know if I am imagining this but my jeans feel looser in the thigh area.  Can’t wait to do more this week!  Some people say that Crossfit is the worst 30 minutes of your life.  It definitely is!  But afterwards, you’re gonna keep wanting more.  I’ve become such a fan of the workout, I even dragged along my friends Ange, Honey and Martin once.  Everyone should try!

If you wanna try Crossfit, check out the site here.

Check out this video: What is Crossfit?

XOXO

If you’re a runner, it’s good to know history and statistics.  If you’re a couch potato, hope this inspires you to run, run, run!

This was published in the December 2011 hardcopy issue of The GUIDON, in the Sports section and in January 2012 for the online version

It’s a runner’s world by Gianna R. Banzon, Ally M. Lim, Manica C. Tiglao

Running is a basic activity that has been around since time immemorial, wildly popular around the world. In Running USA’s Annual Marathon Report for 2010, it was estimated that 467,000 runners in the US had finished a full 42-kilometer marathon in 2009 alone.

The numerous running events around the world testify to the wide popularity of this sport. The Boston Marathon has been held annually since 1897. Races like the Berlin Marathon attract as much as 40,000 participants. The London and New York marathons both saw about 50,000 participants this year. The Philippines also seems to be catching up on the running craze—just about everyone in Manila is running these days.

From recreational three- and five-kilometer runners, intermediate 10- and 21-kilometer runners, and serious 42-kilometer marathon finishers, running has been imprinted on mainstream consciousness. But since when was running the “in thing”? Will it fade, just like the badminton hype did, around half a decade from now?

In 1974, Milo pioneered the popularity of fun runs in the country, with the first ever Milo Marathon having little more than 700 participants. This number pales in comparison to today’s fun runs, which attract as much as hundreds of thousands of runners every weekend.

In the past three years, the running industry has grown exponentially. According to MoveForMove.org, Filipinos are estimated to have spent at least P9.3 million on running alone. In 2011, more than 373,000 Filipino men, women and children are estimated to have collectively run 39,670,140 race kilometers.

An average of 13 events per week has been recorded this year, marking a 6% increase from last year’s average of 2.13. Given these statistics, running has become billion-peso industry of its own.

The tipping point

In 2008, most road runs were held at the University of the Philippines Diliman, registration fees never exceeded P250, securing more than a thousand participants was already considered a huge feat, and the free running singlets given away were always of mediocre quality.

However, big corporations like Condura suddenly took interest in the running scene. They saw the potential of fun runs to raise awareness and funds for their charitable causes. The first Condura Run for the Tubbataha Reef was spearheaded by Condura President and COO Ton Concepcion back in 2008. It had 3000 participants—considered a big number at that time. In 2009, the Globe Run For Home event was born, becoming one of the first races in the country to have more than 6000 participants. “It was a really well-attended race, and set the template for future races in terms of scale, route and timing [technology],” says elite athlete Noelle De Guzman.

Today, in contrast, several races of gigantic proportions are held every weekend all over the country. Registration fees have escalated to as much as P1000 per run, and average participant turnout is around 5000. Then, there are the celebrities these running events draw in: showbiz personalities such as Piolo Pascual, Derek Ramsay, Iza Calzado, Drew Arellano and even the Azkals.

The leading race organizer in the Philippines, former UAAP track & field star Coach Rio Dela Cruz, has raised the bar for road runs in Manila. Dela Cruz has gone from “that guy with the big afro who organizes races” to a fast-rising business magnate, celebrity and the very face of running in the Philippines.

His company, Run Rio, is reputed for its well-organized road runs. Water stations are always overflowing, registration is convenient, gun start is on time, the post-race program is fun and race results are posted online immediately.

Dela Cruz has now expanded from coaching big names and organizing the biggest races in the country to putting up his own retail store called Riovana, dubbed as “the futuristic runner’s hub and sanctuary.” The store is stocked with all the needs of runners, and even houses a clinic, shower rooms and lockers at its Bonifacio Global City branch.

Jumping into the bandwagon

Recently, Riovana opened a branch at the Regis Center in Katipunan. This has proven to be very timely, as the running bug has bitten plenty of Ateneans. Students and teachers running around campus is a common sight, and they seem to be growing in number. While some have jumped into the bandwagon following the running craze, others join to enjoy the energetic and positive atmosphere at fun runs and to support causes close to their heart.

“I actually pick races based on the cause. It’s nice to be able to help whenever an opportunity presents itself, plus I still get to run so it’s a win-win situation,” says Ateneo senior Anna Santos.

“I love the whole experience and atmosphere… seeing the different walks of life coming together in one event and sharing the same experience. It’s also good, clean fun!” adds freshman Monica Dizon. On the other hand, elite athletes like De Guzman choose their races based on their training goals. “[I join a race] if I need to run a 21k leading up to a marathon, or a 5k as a tune-up to a sprint triathlon,” she shares.

For many people, running has become more than just an alternative to spending hours at the gym—it is now a lifestyle choice that brings about benefits, both physically and mentally. “I think people are getting into running on their own,” says BJ Abesamis, a long distance runner for the Ateneo Men’s Track and Field team. “I am observing increasing interest in triathlon, as people look for further challenges, and more runners [are conquering] the 42-kilometer marathon.”

Frannie Santos shares, “[Running] really pushes my body and mind to work together, and I like it because I like challenging myself.” Giving the same results as most fitness activities, running encourages brain stimulation and better circulation in the body.

“I like the focus I get from it. When I’m running, it’s like the only thing that matters is that I keep moving forward. Everything else—the things I have to do the rest of the day, the thoughts I’m preoccupied with—they all disappear once I start pounding on the pavement,” says Women’s Health editorial assistant Iya Joson.

Running in blue

From home grown fun runs like the annual Big Blue Run organized by the Ateneo Track and Field team to bigger scale events like the Run for Pasig and the Quezon City International Marathon, students flock the streets to break a sweat for a good cause.

Student organizations such as the Ateneo Junior Marketing Association and the Ateneo Special Education Society have made good use of the current craze, putting together fun runs to be held in December and January, respectively. AJMA’s Rundividual even received support from one of Manila’s largest fitness center chains, Gold’s Gym, which agreed to distribute its race kits in its branches. The run was also endorsed by a number of the Philippine Azkals, including Anton del Rosario and Chieffy Caligdong, and by celebrities Lauren Young and Mike Concepcion.

International athletes now flock to Manila just to join races. Kenyans are not an uncommon sight in the weekly Sunday races, but it is races with big cash prizes, like the CamSur Marathon in 2011, that encourages athletes like Nathan Naibei to fly to the Philippines just for one event. He won the 42-kilometer category and brought home P125,000. Elite triathlete and gold medalist for the 2008 Ironman World Championship 70.3, Terenzo Bozzone, flew in from Australia and competed against other professional triathletes from around the world at the 1st Cobra Ironman 70.3 in the Philippines in 2009.

Conversely, more and more Filipinos are training and traveling abroad to join races. In 2009, for instance, Filipina Tess Geddes joined the Marathon de Sables in Morocco, a 7-day, 250-kilometer race, while 2011 saw Millette Chiongbian join the revered Boston Marathon, a prestigious 115-year-old race that remains to be the “world’s oldest marathon.”

With its undeniable prolificacy and strong following, the running boom in Manila has evolved from “the new in thing” into something that has made Filipinos conscious of the need for long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Everyone has their own goal: from “to improve my 5k time by 5 minutes” to “running my first full marathon,” to “learning how to swim so I can join a triathlon”—there is endless room for improvement.

Indeed, running has found a new home in Manila.

Read the online edition of the GUIDON here.

This was published in the November 2011 hardcopy issue of The GUIDON, in the Sports section and in December 2011 for the online version

No podium finish for Spikers by Ally M. Lim, Roman C. Mirasol

Photo by Kat A. Mallillin

THE ATENEO de Manila University was one of 47 participating schools in the 16th Philippine Sports Commission University Games (Unigames) held in Roxas City, Capiz. For the Blue and Lady Spikers, the tournament served as the final stage of preparation before both teams gear up for the upcoming UAAP volleyball.

Lady Spikers

In their first day of competition, the Lady Spikers racked up a pair of wins, with straight set victories against the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos and the Unigames’ host school, Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion. A win against the Adamson Lady Falcons the next day propelled the Lady Spikers into the quarterfinals.

Despite gaining their third straight sweep, however, it would be the last victory for the Lady Spikers. Key players Dzi Gervacio, Gretchen Ho, Denise Lazaro, Jem Ferrer, Alyssa Valdez and captain Fille Cainglet departed Roxas City to participate in the Shakey’s V-League Southeast Asian Club Invitational in Manila.  Unable to continue the win streak, Bea Tan, Mona Bagatsing, Ella De Jesus, Natasha Faustino, Aillysse Nacachi, Sarah Cruz and Mae Tajima succumbed to the Central Philippine University Spikers in the semifinals, losing in straight sets.

Meanwhile, back in Manila, former Lady Spiker Aerial Patnongon joined Cainglet, Gervacio, Ho, Lazaro and Ferrer at the Shakey’s event.  The Lady Spikers faced the Philippine Army Lady Troopers, Vietnam’s Vietsovpetro squad, and a Malaysian team that included members from the country’s national squad, which competed in the recent Southeast Asian Games.  The single round robin tournament concluded with Vietnam as champions, the Lady Troopers in second place, and Malaysia placing third.

“The higher level of play was a challenging experience for the whole team.  Our win against Malaysia gave us a boost.  We were able to gauge ourselves and see what we can still improve on as a team,” Ho said, assessing the experience the team gained from playing with international teams at the V-League Invitational.

Photo by Kat A. Mallillin

Blue Spikers

Contrary to their female counterparts, the Blue Spikers dropped their Unigames opener against Davao Merchant Marine Academy – College of Southern Philippines (DMMA-CSP).

The men’s team would respond well by securing their first victory in the second day, defeating the University of Northern Philippines in sweeping fashion. The Blue Spikers dominated the first and third sets 25-10, 25-15 while narrowly escaping the second set, 27-25. Back-to-back losses would unfortunately follow, the first of which saw the Blue Spikers come up short against the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod in day three.

Day four saw the boys in blue take the court twice, but it turned out to be the end of the road for them. They succumbed to fellow UAAP team, National University, before ending their Unigames campaign on a high note, taking all three sets against Negros Oriental State University.

The Blue Spikers finished with a 2-3 record and failed to secure a quarterfinal spot. Despite bowing out of the competition early, they improved on last year’s performance.

Though Ateneo volleyball didn’t garner podium finishes in this year’s Unigames, the opportunity for both teams to build their chemistry and polish their games in preparation for the grueling season proved to be valuable.

“We know this is our year. We just need to give our 100 percent,” said Ferrer.