EatPrayRun

(Running along San Vicente to Lucap, Alaminos Pangasinan)

I started running almost a year ago. And my first running buddy has always remained loyal and has kept me running for the longest time. You want to know who? It’s my running playlist. (=

Despite of dozens of reasons why not to run with mp3 players I have remained loyal and faithful to my ear candy, simply because it works well for me.  Would you believe that a new addition to my playlist is sometimes the only reason why I want to suit up and run? (=

Other compelling reasons:

*I have faves on my playlist that keep me on my running mood.

*It helps me conquer boredom especially on my long runs.

*If some uses heart rate monitor to get on their comfortable running pace/cadence, I use songs that has a certain beat that I run along with.

*I have two natural energy gels. Music and rain. (=

*Music keeps me focused on my training and frees my head from personal and business stuff.

The number one reason why most runners advise not to wear earphones or music while running outside is that, the music may block noise from oncoming cars. Same goes for cyclists. So what I normally do is I simply lower down my music volume, loud enough to hear my surroundings and of course, common sense, I run on the opposite traffic side of the road. But now I have discovered a better way to safely enjoy my playlist while running… And that’s by using Yurbuds Sport Earphones!

During my holy week vacation, I was able to squeeze in a tempo run together with my special someone Dr. Pamela Basilio and we were able to test Yubuds’ wonders as well. All I can say is, all they currently claim is true!

We ran along the high way of San Vicente to Lucap, Alaminos City Pangasinan. And yes, traffic vehicles in our province are pretty fast specially the buses, surely a route that you would choose not to wear earphones.

My product review (Yurbuds Inspire):

*Yes it’s true, it doesn’t come off your ears while running. The red silicone rubber does it. For me, it’s a big relief. It’s so annoying when your earphones always come off especially when you’re trying to catch up your second wind. For this, a big KUDOS to Cascos Inc. for bringing in Yurbuds!

*Yes It’s true, the sound quality is good! Unquestionably better than the earphones that comes with your apple mp3 players. The bass is great too!

*Yes, you still need to adjust your volume down to clearly hear your surroundings but not as low as what I usually do with my regular earphones. With this technology, you can enjoy your playlist a bit louder without compromising your road safety. (=

*Yes, it’s sporty and stylish. It’s red and black, the color of passion and power. It has an IRONMAN logo, what more can I say. (=

*Some say that wearing the red silicone is tricky. I say it’s a new innovation but not tricky.

(Yurbuds Inspire set)

Yurbuds earphones will definitely not miss my every run. The technology is indeed a blessing to runners who love running with their playlist like me. I’ll post more reviews and will be glad to contribute on the development of this great innovation.

(Touchdown Lucap with my finisher’s hug from Elle)

You can find Yurbuds Sport Earphones at the following stores: Mobile One, IGig Center, Switch, Gadgets in Style, Riovana, Electronics Boutique, The Brick, Primo Cycles, Sabak, Planet Sports, Runnr, Rudy Project, Chris Sports, Power Mac Center and The AShop

What: Saint Luke’s Eye Run “Light From Darkness”

Organizer: WITHOUT LIMITS Events Management

When: March 11, 2012

Where: Bonifacio Global City

Categories: 3K P500.00, 6K P500.00 & 12K P500.00

Gun Start: 3K – 5:40AM, 6K – 5:35 AM, 12K- 5:30 AM

Inclusive: Singlet, Timing & Race Bib

Registration Partners:

*RUNNR Trinoma
*RUNNR BGC
*Toby’s Shangri-La
*Toby’s Mall Of Asia

The race is for the benefit of indigent pediatric patients from the Mt. Province requiring corneal transplantation to restore vision which has been severely impaired by a congenital eye condition.

In celebration of its 25^th Anniversary, St. Luke’s hospital will have additional of 25 patients as beneficiaries who will undergo major eye surgery.

100% of your registration fee goes directly to the event’s beneficiaries!!!

Truly, a run event worthy of support! let’s go runners for a cause!

SINGLET

RACE BIBS

(BDM 160 2012 Finisher, KB RUNNER)

Francis: Can you share to us how you prepared for this gruelling Race?

KB: Well since 160 km is no joke I allotted around 8 months for endurance training, heat training, nutritional plan and wieght management. Also, the problem was I think I over trained for the last 3 weeks prior to the race itself but then again all is good.

Francis: Can you tell us some of your challenges during the race and how you managed?

KB: Well as they say in ultra running,“the only thing that is certain in Ultra runs are the surprises”.  The first challenge I had to face was the problem with my foot injury, 2 weeks before the race I consulted my doc and he advised me not to run but there is too much at stake so I ran but I don’t advice it though… There was pain even just by putting on my shoes. 2nd was I didn’t have ample time to sleep which is a big NO NO in ultra races.

I managed my foot injury by changing my stride, putting the force of the impact to my left leg, but that resulted in blisters the size of the silver buckle itself  hahahaha!

I taped my foot with mueller tape to prevent more blisters but that only got me into km102 I tried everything, petroleum jelly, mueller tape pain relievers etc. etc..  At the last 53 km I ran almost barefoot wearing only the tsinelas of my crew member.  I can’t believe I did it din eh pero no choice… I had to fininsh, the blister were so painful. I couldn’t wear my shoes so i opted to run with slippers and plasters.

(KB’s battered feet)

Fancis: Wow I can’t imagine the pain you’ve been thru…

KB: As I’ve said the first problem was my foot injury but that didn’t manifest until km80. Second was sleep deprivation for which I ate lots of sweets to get my sugar level up. 3rd was diarrhea but luckily it subsided but it cost me time. 4th was the blisters, had to tape them.

Francis: 5^th?

KB: 5th would be muscle cramps and muscle fatigue. I am lucky, one of my crew members knows how to do muscle therapy … You really need one on your crew it helps a lot.

Francis: Ok that’s quite a number of challenges. 160k is indeed not a joke…

KB: Not a joke I tell you.

Francis: Anyways, were there blooper moments that you had during the race?

KB: well there were lots of bloopers and fun antics.

Francis: Can you share some?

KB: Since my crew was divided into 3 groups, the OK OK runners opted to support me on the first 50km of the race and they were late! Hahaha! The tire of their vehicle blew and they were stuck in Mexico Pampanga so I didn’t have support until the 15th kilometer. When I saw them at km15 , they were dancing the HULA and they had a song and dance number for me that really paid off, super funny!

(KB with crew)

Francis: HAHAHA!!! Song and dance number for you???

Kb: I was elated to see them. All my worries were gone and got me my second wind.  Yup!

Francis: Teka hindi ko mapigilan tawa ko, VIP ka talaga brother!

KB: Wait I don’t know the title of the song i think it’s “Always”.

Francis: “ALWAYS”?

KB: Yup, there were dancing the hula complete with flowers and garlands but they changed the lyrics.

Francis: Ok that was dead hilarious! lol

KB: ♫KC, I wanna be with you and make believe with you and see you at the finishline oh yeah!♫

Francis: LOL! Meron pa bang iba?

KB: That was it, it got serious at KM 80.

Francis: What’s your driving force or motivation for this race?

KB: The people who believed in me… As you know I was fat before, I wanted to show them that anyone can do it… You just need to believe in yourself, anything is possible once you put your heart into it. As I always say, run with your heart, not just your legs… I do not post my runs or my achievements to brag, some people misconstrued that. I want them to realize something. I want them to be inspired to do great things even if it seems impossible. I wanted to finish bdm160 for them to be inspired to do great things even when it seems impossible.

Francis: Nice!

KB: I want them to realize that they too can change for the better not only aesthetically. That’s not it, kala lang nila ganun but what’s more important is that they have self-respect. I know the feeling of being fat, being ridiculed, belittled etc. etc… I have lost my self-respect, all these guys who knew me I always tell them, looking good is just superficial… What matters most is that thru running you gain the most important thing you’ll need in life… SELF RESPECT…

All runners naman have problems they need to find self-respect, you can achieve it through God and running. Kaya nga I always say din na do the Pacquiao PRAY and train hard. Marami din kasi nayayabangan sakin but they don’t know the reason why i post that, it’s because I want to inspire people to lose weight… It’s a start for them to find their self-respect.

Francis: That’s inspiring brother.

KB: Bro I was 238lbs dati i know the feeling… Mawawalan ka talaga ng respeto sa sarili mo pag inalipusta ka dahil mataba ka. I just wanted to show them na maski mataba ka you can change for the better.

(KB’s road to fitness before and after picture)

Francis: Ako rin dati mataba ako, pero awa ng Diyos wala naman umalipusta sakin. Pero hindi ko nilalabas ang picture. Pero sige, labas ko narin sabi mo nga it is to inspire…

(My road to fitness before and after picture)

KB: ok ka na bro hahaha

Francis: Thank you haha! So what advice can you give to runners who are planning to join BDM 102/160?

KB: Yun nga do the pacquiao pray and train hard and run with your heart … It can be done. It’s not about the speed, it’s the determination to finish. He who has the biggest hard will achieve greatness!

Francis: Teka bro, biggest hard ba o biggest heart?

KB: Heart! Sorry hahahaha!

Francis: Hahaha! Ok maganda na yung malinaw baka ma-mtrcb tayo. Pero I agree dun sa sinabi mo, he who has the biggest hard Este the biggest heart will achieve greatness! Haha. So meron ka bang gusto pasalamatan brother?

KB: Moment ko na to! hehehhee

Francis: Yup it’s your moment!

(Mish Maravilla, KB RUNNER, Bald Runner, Mel “BOYPRA” Tezon)

KB: I would like to thank the people who prayed and believed in me most especially to my HBK family namely Ate glo, Beth , Phoeb, Dyep, Micky, Aileen, Zarina, Leo and Mona… to Tita Susan, Jael who supported me all the way… to my OK OK runner family headed by OK OK OTEK, Ate annaly, Jsin. Phillip, Enrique ,edric and to all OK OK.

And most of all I would like to thank my inspiration on finishing bdm160, Mish Maravilla, I couldn’t have done it without your love… I love you forever!

Francis: Yiheeeeee! When is the wedding?

KB: Hahahaha tagal pa hehehe pakabait muna daw ako! Hahahaha

Francis: Hahaha! Thank you so much for your time! Thank you for the advices and for sharing your experience on your victorious BDM 160 Journey! Saludo kami sayo brother! Congratulations!

KB: Thank you bro and more power to you!

(KB RUNNER crossing the BDM 160 finish line)

(BDM 160 2012 WOMEN’S CHAMPION, KESHIA FULE)

Francis: How does it feel being the BDM 160 female champ?

Keshia : The feeling i got wasn’t really from being the female champ but more of finishing the 160 in general. It was a huge weight off my shoulders since I’ve been looking forward to finishing this race from the day I’ve decided last June to take up this challenge. I have to say it was very rewarding to have finished such a race and at the same time, overcome the challenge that comes with it other than the 160km mileage, like overcoming the physical, mental and emotional challenges that i haven’t encountered in my life till this event. Being the champion was just the icing on top of an already perfectly good cake.

Francis: Nice! What were your challenges during the race?

Keshia: Mentally, I really tend to get bored when i run which leads to me getting emotional (like getting whiny) then the physical pain starts to penetrate the wall that I’ve mentally set up to prevent me from dwelling on it. So in short, it really all boils down to getting myself mentally focused and prepared since it pretty much controlled everything else. Although, I have to say I was much more in control of my mental state in this race since I’ve gotten so much practice from joining all those short and long runs in the past year. I’ve found ways to keep myself entertained or distracted from the gravity of the event so it helped a lot during the race.

Francis: So wala ka naman nasungitan na support crew mo? Can you share some of your ways to keep yourself entertained during the grueling race?

Keshia: That’s one of the reasons why i only got 2 drivers on purpose as my support. I didn’t want to give myself the opportunity to be a burden or to hassle a friend/crew kasi if they screw up or something. And to be honest, i prefer that i do everything myself also since I take that as part of the challenge that comes with races/events like this and also the reason why i initially didn’t plan on getting a pacer for the 102km onwards. I only confirmed and decided to do so not till a couple of days before on the advice of 160 survivor, Jael Wenceslao (who I eventually got as my pacer).

To entertain/distract myself, instead of thinking about the finish line, i try to take it one step at a time and focus on the present. I kept telling myself to keep my form up and maintain my pace/plan no matter what (this mostly occurred from km50-102 where I was left running by myself most of the time with no one in sight on both front and back). Another thing that I did to keep me going, like I told my friend and fellow survivor Paolo Osmena, was that I kept thinking that he and Jonel Mendoza were just right behind me, so this kind of helped me to continue to run and not dilly-dally around (since me, Paolo and Jonel have had this friendly competition thing between us in the last few races).

Francis: Would you mind sharing us your pace plan? No pressure, I know it’s a strategy that you might want to hold on to for your BDM career, but then again if you don’t mind.

Keshia: Sure no problem since it’s no secret anyways and I’ve told almost everyone about it.

Francis: Wow thank you! Your answer will definitely help runners who are not just aspiring to conquer BDM but also planning to top it.

Keshia: I don’t really set a definite pace actually. That’s also why i don’t buy or have a GPS watch since I don’t really want to know. Instead, I try to go by feel and by time. For example, (see the picture attachment)

The reason for this is that in ultras, there’re so many unpredictable things that can come about no matter how hard you’ve trained or you think you’ve prepared for whatever comes. If i set a definite pace or make a too specific plan, and I’m not able to follow or make it at some point, it almost always ruins the whole thing for me. I don’t really like being to specific or strict with my plans/pace and i try to stay loose with it in case of unexpected things that might happen along the way. It’s also one way to avoid disappointing myself.

Francis: I’ll definitely take note of this keshia, hahaha!

Keshia: Hahaha! A lot would see it as being pessimistic but to me kasi its one of my defence mechanisms.

Francis: Who were your pacers by the way? I believe pacers are worth mentioning as they are the people who help keep you sane during this kind of race.

Keshia: I only got Jael Wenceslao to pace me all throughout the remaining 58kms. Like I told him, I was glad i took him up on his advice to get a pacer, and more than happy that i also got him as my pacer since he did more than pace me during those last grueling kms and especially where I’m in such a fragile state at that point.

(Jael Wenceslao, Keshia Fule & Ret. Maj. Gen. Jovie Narcise “Bald Runner”)

Francis: Ok, ULTRA JAEL WENCESLAO, MARAMING SALAMAT SA PAG PACE MO KAY KESHIA! Ayan, special mention na ang hero pacer mo. So you were just running alone until the last 58kms???

Keshia: Haha! Well, we were only allowed to have a pacer from km102 onwards. In terms of company though, I was running alongside Doc Toto Mina in the first few kms, then with Alfred de los Reyes from around km23-50. I left km50 by myself so i was running on my own for quite some time, then I’d run into other runners but at that point we were in no condition to chit-chat anymore.

Francis: Thank you for educating me! So pacers aren’t allowed til the 102km?

Keshia: Yes

Francis: So how many stops did you make?

Keshia: I stopped for 15mins upon arriving at Km50; another 15mins. At km102; and then had my support vehicle stop every 2kms from then on so we can replenish, eat and stretch for a bit in every stop that took about 2-5 mins. This is not counting the 2 bathroom breaks I’ve had at some point.

Francis: Can you share us your diet? How many salt sticks and power gels you have devoured? : )

Keshia: No salt sticks for me. I ate a sandwich with hazelnut spread in the km50 break. Another on the 102km break plus a small portion of pasta. I relied on banana, pocari and water mostly, and drank about 2 bottles of endure when i got hungry on the last few kms towards the end. Drank espresso only when i was feeling sleepy.

Francis: So what advice can you give to runners who are planning to join BDM 102/160?

Keshia: Have the heart and will to do it before deciding to join such a race. And once you do, stick with what you know and what you’ve trained for. What works for others doesn’t mean it’ll also work for you. Aside from physically preparing yourself, make sure you’ve ample amount of mental, emotional and nutritional training done as well. Try to keep an open mind coming into the race or for any event for that matter. By expecting the unexpected, you prepare yourself for the worse and that way, you’d already have an idea how to deal and remedy whatever situation might come. Don’t allow outside pressure and expectations to get the best of you. And last but most importantly (at least for me), have fun!

Francis: Thank you so much for the advice Keshia, I’m sure a lot of runners and including me will really take note of it! So here’s your moment, are there people you wanted to thank?

Keshia: I’ve thanked him many times but I don’t think it’s still enough… So I’d like to thank (again) my ultra pacer, 2011 160 survivor, Jael Wenceslao; my teammates from Team Boring; A Runner’s Circle for the support; Lester Chuayap for being my training buddy pre-race, my parents, Manny and Nympha Fule; my 2 drivers and God of course!

(BDM 160 medal, trophy and the much coveted BUCKLE)

Francis: So what’s next for Keshia Fule?

Keshia: I’m actually about to go on an “ultra”-diet this year since I’m registered for the 70.3 Ironman in Cebu this year. Not to say that I’ll completely be missing out on the ultra races this year. One of the races I’m eyeing is the Clark-Miyamit 80-miler Trail Run since I have a score to settle (I finished but didn’t make the cutoff time last year). Also, I think I’ll be joining more trail ultras this year since there’s a lot of good ones lined up!

Francis: Ironman 70.3? Ok, ikaw na ikaw na Keshia! Ikaw na talaga! Thank you so much for your time Keshia, im sure a lot of runners will definitely appreciate this! Thank you as well for being an inspiration especially to our female ultra-marathoners! Again, congratulations and more power to you!

Keshia: Thank you so much and more power to you as well Francis!

(Proud with her BDM 160 Buckle with Race Director, Bald Runner)

Photos Courtesy of Jeffrey Avellanosa

(Master Vic crossing the finish line with great joy)

Francis Razon: Ano pong mga naging challenges niyo nitong BDM 160? Balita ko po wala daw po kayong permanent support team?

Victor Ting: Totoo yun wala ako support team, pacer lang sa last 102k si Rico Cabusao.

Francis Razon: So paano niyo po na-manage iyon? Pano po yung mga break-times ninyo? Meals? Massage? Paano po nung kina-gabihan? Magisa lang po kayo tumatakbo?

Victor Ting: Sa umpisa first 102k may sumabay sakin si Francis Santiago nag alalay ng takbo namin. Pag dating sa 102k may pacer nako si Rico. Ang kinain ko lang noodle soup at egg sa mga tindahan lang ako bumili. Ang pinaka challenge ko yung oras ng gabi from 2:00am to 5:00am Sunday, antok na antok ako pero tiniis ko nalang dalawang beses lang ako kumain pahirapan pa, halos walang gana, pero saging marami akong kinain. Pero pagdating 6:00am umaga ng Sunday,nasa Bamban, Tarlac, bumalik na lakas ko, tuloy tuloy na takbo ko hanggang Capas.

(Mang Vic hugging BR with relief)

Francis Razon: Wow bilib po ako sa determination ninyo Mang Vic! Ano-ano naman po ang mga dala ninyo nung race? Marami po ba kayong bitbit kasi wala po kayong support team eh?

Victor Ting: Hydration Belt lang, tubig na hawak sa kamay at isang damit pampalit, sa Abucay ako nagpalit. Yung namang isa kong damit at sapatos dala-dala ng pacer ko sa 102.

Francis Razon: Wow dami, hehe… Ano naman pong driving force ninyo para matapos itong BDM 160 2012?

Victor Ting: Wala naman wish ko lang kay Lord makatapos ako ng 160k bago ako mag retire sa ultramarathon. Pero marathon event hanggang kaya ko tuloy pa rin.

Francis Razon: So this is your first and last BDM 160 conquest? Natupad na po eh.

Victor Ting: Tama ka diyan, naibigay na sakin ni Lord!

(Mang Vic thanking the Lord for the epic finish)

Francis Razon: So what’s next for Master Vic?

Victor Ting: Pahinga muna wala pang plano, pero every morning jogging parin.

Francis Razon: Ano naman po maipapayo ninyo sa aming mga runners na nag babalak sumali ng BDM 102/160?

Victor Ting: Ang masasabi ko lang huwag yung nagmamadali easy lang sa umpisa kung puwede takbo lakad lang para may matitra lakas sa huli. Basta tatandaan nyo lagi kakampi niyo yung oras na 30 hours. Hindi bilis, basta makapasok lang sa cutoff time!

Francis Razon: Duly noted po yang payo ninyo! Maraming salamat po Mang Vic sa oras. Marami nanaman pong runners natin ang inspiradong tumakbo dahil po sa inyo. Meron po ba kayong gustong pasalamatan?

Victor Ting: Marami pong salamat sa inyong lahat na nagsusuporta saakin at nagmamahal… GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Francis Razon: Maraming salamat din po mang Vic for being an inspiration to us! Congratulations po! God Bless and More Power to you Master Vic!

Victor Ting: Salamat Francis!

(Proud with his BDM 160 2012 Buckle )

Photos Courtesy of Jeffrey Avellanosa

REALIZATION

After Todo Responde Run, RESPECT, is what I have for all the race organizers in the country.
Indeed there’s more than meets the eye when organizing a race. Passion, guts, wit, heart, courage, patience, faith and I can go on and on. Maybe Todo Responde has been very overwhelming for me as I don’t possess much of the traits that I’ve mentioned. And so to all race organizers in the country especially to those who never did compromise our runners’ safety, I extend my best regards and RESPECT…

Imagine, this is how I now view how races are being organized even though Todo Responde Run was a unified effort. What more for independent races? I don’t think I can ever again criticize a race. This may be the biggest realization for me this 2012 with regards to our running community. So to my fellow runners, if you had a good run, may it be a big event or small, try not to just leave the event, try to find your way to personally thank the organizers as it could mean big to them. Sorry to say this, but surely, your money ain’t worth to what they’ve gone thru just to provide you a good running experience, especially to organizers who believe that runners deserve the best. You will never know, even your best 21k or 42k experience could mean a large financial loss or debt to an organizer. For what? Yes, running is an industry, but we can never take away the fact that it is also and will always be FOR THE LOVE OF RUNNING. And to those who have a lot to say to a race or to a run event that never did experience organizing such, I’m telling you, there’s a 99% chance that you don’t know what you’re saying.

My realizations are, race organizers are not run gods, just like us, they make mistakes, just like us, they just make do of what they have and just like us, they do and give their very best.

One of the miracles of Todo Responde Run was we didn’t incur any loss or debt yet we were still able to provide a great running experience to runners and most of all we were able to provide proceeds to the beneficiaries. Maybe not as big as what we have wanted but not that small to be disregarded. And as promised, it was provided on race day. The only debt incurred in Todo Responde is respect for each other’s “TY” efforts and resources, just to provide excellent running experience, raise funds for a common cause and of course, for UNITY.

(Iman of PROACTIVE, Me, Raffy Santos of runnersrunner.com, Tia De Guzman of Pepsquad Events, Baby Rafael’s Father, Jay Em of PROACTIVE & Ian Alacar of Without Limits)

(Ian, Me, Raffy, Tia, Red Cross for Sendong Victims, Jay Em & Iman)

UNITY

The magnitude of power of the unity among race organizers and running personalities was again OVERWHELMING. The timing of the race could have been automated if only the opportunity came before we printed the race bibs. Three ambulances packed with medical team and an emergency doctor onsite. Three Soleus race timers for the three categories, complete presentable road signs, barricades, cones, stage, sound system, arch, adequate reliable two way radios, presentable activity center, the overflowing Pocari and water (of course it’s cold ). I’m sure you noticed our high spirited road marshals & hydration volunteers who were all smiles to greet you, cheer for you and most of all ensure everyone’s safety. Raffle prizes and giveaways from My Phone, Soleus, Suriya Spa, Sun Life, Mulisport Magazine, OTRI, Mary Kay Cosmetics & Cortal. When was the last time you saw our idol Michelle Estuar do the pre-race warm up? At Todo Responde, she did. The venue, BGC is 100% free and the kind mayor of Taguig topped it up by issuing the permits for free. DJ Chloe and Boy Ramos(Running Host) rocked the stage and Mike Chan’s Band even made it sweeter. All these in two weeks, all these, by UNITY.

Would you believe that we had a shot in acquiring energy drinks for 15,000 runners?

Amazed, shocked and stunned you’ll be, in my shoes.

(Michelle Estuar warming up the 5K runners)

(Greeneyes Val Caro taking run pictures)

(Running Host Boy Ramos & DJ Chloe of Mellow 94.7)

(Pocari Sweat Hydration Team)

(Kamote family manning one of the hydration stations with KB chico primera)

(Awesome marshals, sweeping and cheering for the last finisher. Congratulations Elpi!)

BREAKTHROUGH

We all know that runners have been uniting for the longest time. This time, Race Organizers have united. Again, this time, RACE ORGANIZERS HAVE UNITED. I strongly believe that it’s us who need to thank the Sendong victims and Baby Rafael as they made a very BIG mark in the history of our running community. Thru them, the noble power of our race giants was unlocked. Thru them, the final and hardest ingredient to absolute unity has emerged.

Most of us missed it, but don’t worry, it happened. Such breakthrough can only mean one thing, it could happen again.

I bid every race organizers, running businesses, personalities, bloggers, teams and runners GOODLUCK! May the 2012 bring us more PEACE, SUCCESS, WEALTH and POWER so that come TODO RESPONDE 2, we will have more resources to grace FOR THE LOVE OF RUNNING AND FOR GOD’S GREATER GLORY!

Thank you to Arvin Quiloy, Greeneyes Val Caro, Maro Callo and Raffy Santos! From day 1 to race day, you guys were around to accomplish more than what you can. Thank you so much, you guys made talk cheaper. Hats off!

Thank you to Jay Em & Iman of PROACTIVE Events!

Thank you to Tia De Guzman of Pepsquad Events!

Thank you to Michelle Estuar & Renan Morales!

Thank you Coach Ben Alacar and Ian Alacar of Without Limits!

Thank you to Coach Rio Dela Cruz and Jun Cruz of RUNRIO!

Thank you to Jaymie Pizarro (The Bull Runner)!

Thank you to Rovic Canono of Greentenial!

Thank you to Valerie Ignacio & Engr. Getty Granada of  Bonifacio Global City!

Thank you to DJ Chloe, DJ Chris, DJ Marco & Indi of Mellow 94.7!

Thank you to Running Host Boy Ramos!

Thank You to Soleus!

Thank you to Pocari Sweat!

Thank you to MultiSport Magazine!

Thank you to MyPhone!

Thank you to Sun Life Financial!

Thank you to St. Lukes Medical Center!

Thank you to Mary Kay Cosmetics!

Thank you to OBI’s Trading Room!

Thank you Polylite Industrial!

Thank you to Edwin Soriano & Raffy Santos of RunnersRunner.com!

Thank you to PinoyFitness.com!

Thank you to Takbo.ph!

Thank you to RUNNR!

Thank you to A Runner’s Circle!

Thank you to R.O.X.!

Thank you to Noelle De Guzman (Kikay Runner)!

Thank you to Cheryl Golangco (Little Running Teacher)!

Thank you to Ivica Rae Say (RuNurse)!

Thank you to Amanda Michelle Manait (The Sweet Life Runner)!

Thank you to Bee Soberano (Kamote Runner)!

Thank you to Daves Espia (Barefoot Daves)!

Thank you to Mike Logico (Barefoot Colonel)!

Thank you to Blas Ople Tiangco (Titanium Runner)!

Thank you to Vimz Mendoza (KulitRunner)!

Thank you to CJ Lampad (Run Adobe King)!

Thank you to Monica Torres (3>1)!

Thank you to Joel Baluyot (I am Joey Boy)!

Thank you to Team Kamote Runners!

Thank you to Ultra Snail Brotherhood!

Thank you to Team Tireless!

Thank you to Team Reebok!

Thank you to Team Soleus!

Thank you to Team Ok-Ok!

Thank you to Team Alpha 1!

Thank you to Team Wag-Wag!

Thank you to Lestsky Photography!

Thank you Team USB Photography!

Thank you to PEX Running Club Photos!

THANK YOU TO ALL THE RUNNERS WHO RESPONDED!

Last but definitely not the least, Thank You to my ever supportive lady Dr.Pamela Basilio!

EatPrayRun 2nd edition is coming soon and coming hot! Thank you so much to everyone for the undying support! We are still on design/testing phase with one of the upcoming products. We will announce an exact date as soon as we reach our production phase. Again, thank you so much for the strong support! Run Happy, Run Strong & Run For A Cause!!!

Hope Runner, I chose the name as it best describes my advocacy in running which is “RUNNING FOR A CAUSE”. Why do I strongly support the advocacy and how did I get myself involved in running? Ok, you might want to sit down and get some snacks as my story might take quite some time.

More or less 8 months ago, I started noticing the running pictures coming through my Facebook feeds were significantly increasing. Same goes with the number of friends who were getting involved with the sport. Try liking and commenting on one of those running pictures and your Facebook notifications will start getting annoying as it seems the rest of the world wants to click that like button and give their comments as well. Crazy! Indeed a sports phenomenon unfolded in front of me.

One day I decided to try it and make a quick 30-minute run around the park of the neighboring village. It was great and blissful! That 30-minute run brought me back to life; eventually making me realize that I just had a peaceful moment with myself and with God: a moment to reflect on my decisions, plans and dreams; a moment to seek help and guidance from God; a peaceful moment for myself that money can’t buy. Not to mention I also enjoyed the kick of endorphins or what we call, THE RUNNER’S HIGH.

The 30-minute runs soon became longer and more frequent. I was running for an hour a day, 6 times a week. As a person who has a busy life it seems like the only things I had time to do were eating, praying and running. I mentioned it to Dianne a.k.a. DJ Chloe, very good friend of mine who happens to be a runner and she was kind enough to ask me to join her training runs. The experience was way better, in fact, it was great! Running with companions does not take away my so called “me time”. It’s better since I have someone to share my thoughts and ideas once they are formed.

(Dianne a.k.a. DJ CHLOE of Mellow 94.7)

Dianne eventually suggested for me to sign up for a 5k run event as we were already doing 6k to 10k on our training runs. But why should I? I’m doing 10k on the road for free why would I pay for such? So instead of signing up for 5k I signed up for the 21k of the 2011 National Geographic Earth Day Run. CRAZY??? Not really. Of course, I trained hard for it. I did my 5k, 10k, 15k, 18k and even 21k on the road… and again for free. I believe my running debut was a success. I finished the 21k in 2:50:33. I FINISHED! I was also glad because I was not the last and I was able to help mother earth by signing up. I was really very happy about it and not to mention it was my first run event. Oh, and did I mention… I finished!

(Natgeo’s finishers medal)

So why run for a great cause? Simply because RUNNING IS FREE! IT’S FREE! You’ve been hearing from almost all runners that the sport of running is a self conquest sport. Then why do you need a race to do it? You can do it by yourself anywhere and anytime you want! IT’S FREE! Though I do agree that it feels nice to wear that finisher’s medal after completing a tiring and successful run; but then again I would feel even more proud if the event I got it from was for a great cause. Running is free so it is only right and noble to pay for or to sign up for a run event that has a great cause. A run event that will not only give you medals that tarnish, singlets that wear out but also a priceless memory that there was a time in your life that you were out there, running happy, gaining new friends and at the same time bringing HOPE!

Run happy, run strong & RUN FOR A CAUSE!

First and foremost, WELCOME everyone to the EatPrayRun™ website!

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest and deepest gratitude to all the supporters, friends and fans of EatPrayRun™. No words can explain my immense gratitude. You made EatPrayRun™ the success that it is! So thank you very much and more power to you all!

One of the highlights of the site is the EatPrayRun™ Running Forum! Here, you can mingle and have a chit-chat with your fellow RUNNERS FOR A CAUSE. We made it as sociable as possible by logging in through your Facebook accounts and linking your Facebook profile as your Forum Profile. Just click on the User’s Avatar and you will be redirected to the User’s Facebook Profile, and you can feel free to add him/her on Facebook! In short, your real name is at stake so BEHAVE! =)

• The forum does not only serve as an avenue to meet and gain new running friends & training buddies, but also for us to learn more about the sport that we love the most; from 3k run to the death march! It aims to help you conquer your running aspirations, safely, wisely and pleasurable, to UNITE the running community, and also to promote RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

• The EPR forum is no way in competition with other Running Forum sites, rather we even encourage you to visit other running forums for additional reference and if ever you don’t find the info that you are looking for from us. This is in connection with the THREE GUIDING PRINCIPLES of EatPrayRun™ which are UNITY, CHARITY & FRIENDSHIP.

So this is it, click away, enjoy the site and have an awesome time!

Again, Thank You! More power to our running community & Godspeed to us all!

Special Thanks To:

Elle Razon

Michelle Estuar  www.michelleestuar.com

Dianne “DJ Chloe” Jangayo www.facebook.com/djchloe

Barbra Liao www.facebook.com/Barbz

Pamela Basilio www.facebook.com/Pam

Chery Golangco www.littlerunningteacher.com

Amanda Michelle Manait www.thesweetliferunner.blogspot.com

Ivica Rae Say www.facebook.com/chynnatot

AFP Ret. Gen. Jovie Narcise www.baldrunner.com

Raul Acuna www.arunnerscircle.com.ph

Edwin Soriano www.runnersrunner.com

Bee Soberano www.kamoterunner.wordpress.com

Daves Espia www.barefootdaves.com

Wilnar Iglesia www.facebook.com/wilnar

Kb Runner https://www.facebook.com/kb.photography101

Raul Bantillo www.bantillo.com

Prince Baltazar www.facebook.com/prince.runner

Maraming Salamat,

Francis Razon “Hope Runner”
Founder