Are You Game? I'm Game!

20 May 2012 - It's not what you are thinking.  Nope.  I didn't grace the cover of the Women's Health (WH) magazine.  This was a freebie taken at a photo booth during the first-ever Are You Game? event last Saturday, May 19 at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Bonifacio Global City.  The sun shone brightly that afternoon, but thankfully the weather later was extremely cooperative.

The leading lifestyle publication for women's wellness and fitness, WH Philippines reached out to quite a number of Pinays searching for ways to get fit and healthy with its Are You Game? event.  

Are You Game? is the signature event of WH International held in New York, Chicago, Sydney, and now, for the very first time in Manila. “The many innovative, fun, alternative workouts, and fitness partners convinced us that the Philippines is ready for Are You Game?,”  says WH team publisher Christine Ongteco. 

Women’s Health Editor-in-chief Lara Parpan notes that, “Getting fit and healthy is a lifestyle not just a fad. “Are You Game?” introduces our readers to many ways of getting to their weight loss and wellness goals in a friendly, encouraging, and fun environment.” 

For one to join this event, you only need to present the May issue of WH magazine, register, and get your passport to all freebies, access to all workouts, and fun activities.

I, together with Bards aka Banana Running as my partner and with other ladies, tried various workouts like Partner Yoga, a yoga routine that combines Thai massage, yoga, and the dynamic power of acrobatics.  Knowing that I was not that flexible as Bards and since I haven't done yoga before, I chickened out from doing the acrobatic part.  What I loved most was when I had the chance to use the Kangoo Jump shoes and did some dance workouts with Queenie.  We were bouncing the whole time.  It was really fun!  The ladies who led the workout told me that they've even used the shoes in one of the fun runs. So it's no longer running but also bouncing your way to the finish line.  Hmm, an interesting idea, but I don't know.

Others tried their way to weight loss with a tailor-fit Model’s Runway workout. The ladies were also taught how to make healthier meals through food preparation demos and select a customizable workout routine for their body through one-on-one sessions with WH fitness and nutrition experts. There were also fun activities such as the bungee trampoline, surf machine (I tried this one but I can only say one thing...balancing is no easy feat! I gave up! Haha!), and bull riding.  There was also total body training via TRX Body Blast and Rip Training, which works on strength, balance, flexibility and core stability which I didn't get to try.  But I did try the Kettlebell exercises and workouts.  The next day it left my muscles sore and aching.  Oh, my...

Co-presenter Gatorade low carb also invited the ladies to dance their way through chart topping club tunes with Gatorade Low Carb Cardio Mash-up along with some celebrities present in the event.  

After Kangoo jumps, we’re waiting for Techno Rave to start, which was supposed to be the last cardio fix dance workout, unfortunately, it rained all of a sudden.  

I hope that WH will bring this event next year.  I wish them to include Zumba next time. 

Overall, the event was successful.  I had Karina of WH and Que of Takbo.ph to thank for.  Their persistence to invite me really paid off.   Many thanks, too, to Bards and Noelle for the photos.

Thank you, ladies!  And super-duper thanks to Women’s Health! Cheers!

Experience the Riovana Sole Journey Promo

Package A

1.  For every single receipt worth P5,000 of any footwear, [you] will receive FREE one time use of shower and locker, FREE sports drink or water and 6 pre-event stretching worth P900

2.  Voucher will be given to track the use of the FREE pre-event stretching

Package B

1. For every single receipt worth P6,000 of any footwear, [you] will receive FREE one time use of shower and locker, FREE sports drink or water and 7 pre-event Stretching worth P1,050 or 1 de luxe massage worth P1,000

2. Voucher will be given to track the use of the FREE pre-event stretching

Package C

1. For every single receipt worth P10,000 of any footwear & apparels, [you] will receive FREE one time use of shower and locker, FREE sports drink or water and 12 pre-event stretching worth P1,800 or 2 de luxe massage worth P2,000 or elite massage worth P1,800

2. Voucher will be given to track the use of the FREE pre-event stretching

Important: 

• This promo is not in conjunction with any other promo

• Promo duration is from 25 April – 30 June 2012

To know more about [their] latest offerings and products, like Riovana on Facebook and Twitter—https://www.facebook.com/RiovanaPhilippines, @RiovanaPH. 

Runner's World Philippines Celebrates First Anniversary

Runner’s World Philippines celebrates its first anniversary with the April-June issue themed as the Weight-Loss Special. “As we look forward to more years down the road (and trails), we hope to give you even more training information, nutrition, up-to-the-minute studies, and uplifting stories to keep you running stronger and longer,” says Runner’s World editor-in-chief Marie Calica in her Editor’s Letter.

As the anniversary issue of Runner’s World Philippines trains the spotlight on the link between running and weight-loss, the issue also highlights the significance of focusing on what you eat when it comes to shedding those excess pounds. Featuring the article Golden Rules of Weight-Loss, these road-tested key nutrition principles will help you overhaul your eating habits and slim you down for good.

While running keeps you fit, healthy, and happy, more running-related injuries can also be incurred. Runner’s World Philippines gives you 10 time-tested principles by sports-medicine experts to teach you how to stay injury-free for more years to come. A simple change in the routine like knowing your limits, shortening your stride, and stretching the back of your legs are some of the principles you will learn in this feature.

In the anniversary issue of Runner’s World Philippines, find out interesting running facts and idiosyncrasies in the article The Best of Running as it features facts like the top distance runner in history, inventions that changed the way we run, the best running-inspired movies, the most popular Pinoy runner, and more.

Pro Triathlete Ani De Leon graces the cover of the April-June issue of Runner’s World Philippines, now available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide for P150. For more of Runner’s World online, become a fan on Facebook via www.facebook.com/runnersworld.ph and on Twitter via www.twitter.com/RunnersWorldPH.

Run United 2 Route Maps

Here are updated maps provided by Vimma aka Kulit Runner showing race routes for 500m, 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K as of 30 April 2012.  

Related link:

• Run United 2 and its First Race Expo

Ultraspire Hydration Equipment and Balega Socks Now Available at Riovana

Ultraspire Hydration Equipment

Aspire for the latest in running hydration accessories from one of the best brands in the market: Ultraspire. It aims to give runners a heightened experience as they go beyond their limits, reach their maximum potential and be the best that they can be.

What sets Ultraspire products from the rest in the market is the science behind it. The unique shape of the products allow them to fit comfortably in one's hands while the angles help smooth support fluid delivery. Its polarity makes the products more light-weight and is proven healthier to the human body. Lastly, the crystalline, a thin layer of glass inside the bottle made of silicon crystals makes the bottle cleaner and the liquid tastier and fresher.

Ultraspire products are developed by Elite Creators, a leading manufacturer of quality lifestyle products. Check out these elite hydration products inspired by the Ultra Athlete, which can help runners and enthusiasts alike reach their own nirvana. It is exclusively distributed by Riovana.

Balega Socks

Technically superior and designed for high performance, Balega socks draw its inspiration from the rich culture of South Africa, taking its name from a Zulu word which means to move with speed.

Balega's soft thread performance socks offer runners that most comfortable experience by reducing the impact while increasing the cushioning effect at the same time. With [its] dynamic air conditioning fabric system, it offers low moisture absorbency and excellent fabric resistance which allows the socks to maintain its peak performance through the years, making Balega socks a must-have for any runner or enthusiast alike who wants to grow in harmony with the sport.

Visit Riovana at the G/F of Active Fun Building, 9th avenue corner 28th street at the Bonifacio Global City, near Honda and at the 3/F of Regis Center Building, Loyola Heights, Quezon City in front of Ateneo De Manila University.

For more information, please visit Riovana at its Facebook site and Riovana web site.

Women’s Health Are You Game? Happening on May 19

Are You Game?, an international signature event of Women’s Health (WH) done in New York, Chicago, and Sydney is now in the Philippines. And true to its international counterparts, WH Are You Game? Philippines invites women to take charge of their health and wellness in an all-day-feel-good festival through fitness workouts, healthy snacks, proper hydration, a bit of pampering, music, and more.  

Simply present your May 2012 issue of WH to join.  

For preregistration procedures and more details on  WH Are You Game?, grab a copy of the May issue of  WH with Solenn Heussaff on the cover or like WH on facebook. 

WH Philippines proves time and time again to be the leader in fitness, wellness and fun! Discover the latest workouts in the metro with  WH and Gatorade Low Carb’s first ever Are You Game? event on May 19, Saturday at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater at 2PM. 

Through this event,  WH encourages all women to let out their adventurous side as they try various workouts like Partner Yoga, a yoga exercise that combines Thai massage, yoga, and the dynamic power of acrobatics. TRX Body Blast and Rip Training, a total body workout, which works on strength, balance, flexibility and core stability. Techno Rave, a cardio workout through dance steps set to 90s techno beats.

Then, ladies can bounce their way to weight loss with the use of Kangoo Jump shoes through FTX Urban Rebound or look and feel like a model with Model’s Runway workout. And the highlight of the event, featuring hot dance moves of chart topping club tunes - Gatorade Low Carb Cardio Mash-up is a must try!

If all is not enough for today’s active women,  WH Philippines also brings together sets of activities that only WH can give. Know the perfect workout and nutrition plan for your body type through a one on one consultation with  WH fitness experts and nutrition consultants. On top of that, ladies can also try virtual surfing, bungee jumping, and even bull riding!

WH Are You Game? is brought to you by Gatorade Low Carb.  Special thanks to official venue partner Bonifacio Global City and official radio partners Magic 89.9 and Mellow 94.7.

See you there!

Newbie 101: Races Here, There, and Everywhere

2009 Timex Run -21K Race

Among newbie runners, the next question would be “How many races are considered too many?”

When I started racing five or six years ago, there were not too many races on a certain date (or weekend). At the most only two to three races to choose from. It was way too easy for one to pick a race. This time, however, it’s no easy job with the unending list of fun runs and other unique races happening not only in the big metro but also around the country as well.

After finishing a good race, a runner’s high is so high that one wanted to register in another race the soonest possible. Well, I understand.

As I have pointed out in my previous post (a long, long time ago), the body, after a rigorous training and racing, needs sufficient rest for it to recover. As a rule of thumb, one race per month is considered good. Excessive racing will do more harm than good. When you’re running a race, more than 80% of overall body performance is being used up and the body is under so much stress. Pushing the body to its limits will eventually take its toll.  But what about those who have run back-to-back races and still excelled in their respective races? I know. I have seen them. Oh well, they must be the running mutants but hear ye … not all can be mutants or strong runners. For average runners, it may mean hard work and a lot of patience and training.

So if you’re still a newbie runner, go back always to your running goal. If you don’t have one, then I think it’s time to establish some. Then focus on them. Be patient.  In time, you’ll reap what you've sown.

Run United 2 and its First Race Expo

In Unilab ActiveHealth’s (ULAH) continuing efforts to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among families, 2012 Run United will have its second leg on 17 June 2012 at SM Mall of Asia.

"Active Health delivers Unilab’s vision of providing active health solutions for Filipino families.  We encourage families to start or continue leading active lives through our events like Run United,” Unilab Active Health Head Alex Panlilio said.

A Family Affair

[Children] from ages 5-12 years old can join the Ceelin 500-meter dash, a jump start in their journey to fitness. [Parents] and older siblings can choose from the different race categories like 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K. 

Registered participants of 500-meter dash, 3K, 5K, 10K, will receive their singlet upon registration. The race belt bag, bib with timing chip, and Riovana 10% discount stub can be claimed during the first ever Run United Race Expo. 

Active Health belt bag is to be received at the Expo

Run United Race Expo (1^st : 2012 : Bonifacio Global City)

According to Coach Rio dela Cruz, "The race expo brings Run United to a whole new level. Major international marathons like the ING New York Marathon and Chicago Marathon hold their own expos days before the event. Together with ULAH, we look at some of the best practices from international races, and apply them to the Run United series to further enhance the race experience of the Filipino running community.”

It is happening on 13-16 June 2012 at the BGC grounds near Mercato from 2-8PM on June 13 and 10AM-8PM on June 14-16.  As a testament to the level of commitment that ULAH brings to the runners, Team Bike Boutique, the official merchandise partner of Ironman races worldwide, will organize the expo.  Fitness and athletic brands present their latest products and services including gadgets, running gears, among others.  Runners can hang out with their friends while checking out the coolest and latest sports apparel.  The race expo completes the active health experience of runners, sports enthusiasts, and their families in this four-day event.

Run United 2 Runrio Leg 2 Half Marathon

The participants of the 21K category will have a different singlet color design which makes the runners extra special, aside from the freebies that they will get during the race expo in BGC and the second piece of the collectible medal and finisher's shirt. A personalized RunRio timing card will also be exclusively given to them they just need to present their old IPICO timing chip during the registration to get the replacement. Important: Please don't forget to bring a valid ID when registering.

Singlet size availability is on a first come, first served basis 

Runrio timing card is to be received at the Expo (for 21K runners only)

21K runners will also get to enjoy running the BGC to Mall of Asia race route, giving them a chance to improve their personal record/best for Run United 1. Shuttle service will be provided from MOA as pick-up point for half marathon runners.

Active Health Sport Events Executive Lester Castillo said, “As we have always done in the past, we continuously improve Run United series to give runners a better experience and encourage them to keep running. Through our partnership with Coach Rio dela Cruz, Run United has become one, if not the best, running event in the country.”

Registration for 2012 Run United 2 is ongoing at Riovana BGC and Katipunan, Quezon City branches and at Toby’s at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City and SM North-The Block, Quezon City

For online registration, check details at UnilabActiveHealth or Runrio. Registration is until June 3, 2012 on a first come, first served basis.

2012 Run United 2 is for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga and Children’s Hour. For more inquiries, please visit UnilabActiveHealth and ULAH facebook page. 

American Chamber Foundation Philippines' Run for a Scholar (1st : May 2012)

Race for a Brighter Future

The American Chamber (AmCham) Foundation Philippines, in partnership with Chevron Philippines, will be racing through a charity run dubbed as Run for a Scholar at the 9^th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) to give underprivileged children a better future.  AmCham targets to support 100 scholars to school.

The charity run is open to running enthusiasts and newbie runners.  It has three race categories: 3K (P500), 5K (P500), and 10K (P600).   Assembly time is around 5AM at the BGC.  The registration fee is inclusive of a race kit, singlet, a finisher's loot bag, and a chance to win prizes including Suunto watches, five-start hotel accommodation, a round trip economy class ticket to Hawaii courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines, and many more.  Only the top 100 finishers in each category will receive finisher's medals. Number 1 spot from all three categories will receive a pair of running shoes from Somnio.  

Registration has started last April 16 at Chris Sports branches at Festival Mall-Alabang, Glorietta 3, Market!Market!, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North-The Annex.  You can also register at Fitness and Athletics Co.

Actor and current Optical Media Board Chairperson Ronnie Ricketts will lead the run together with ABS-CBN Star Magic artists.

You may also visit the American Chamber Foundation office, 4554 Casino Street corner Olivarez Street, Barangay Palanan, Makati City. 

For more information, call 834-0184 and 551-8060 look for Candy Angeles-Gabriel  or log on to AmCham.

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AmCham serves as the socio-civic arm of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines member companies.  Your donation and participation in this fun run will support AmCham's programs: 

ACFPI Scholarship which supports the education of the poor but deserving elementary, high school, college, and vocational students in Metro Manila.  AmCham has assisted more than 1,600 Filipino youth for the past 25 years.

Leonard Benjamin Program for Street Children which provides opportunity for street children to go to school, develop themselves, and live life with dignity and worth.  Basic services such as educational assistance, computer literacy training, medical, dental, and reproductive health are extended to these children.  

Disaster Response Program which assists communities affected by natural disasters by mobilizing resources from AmCham member companies.  It also conducts disaster preparedness and mitigation seminars for AmCham members.

Ensure to Endure Run, 20 May 2012

Ensure your strength and run for FREE* in the upcoming Ensure to Endure run slated to happen on 20 May 2012 at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

REGISTRATION DETAILS

To register for free, simply buy Ensure products from April 16 – May 17, 2012 and present your official receipt.  Upon registration, you will get a race kit with a BIB number and a singlet. Cash prizes will be given to the top 3 finishers for every category.  Special prizes will be given to top finishers, ages 50 and up, for each category. 

Category	Purchase Requirements
15km	For every P900 worth of Ensure products in a single or accumulated receipts entitles 1 FREE registration for 15k
10km	For every P800 worth of Ensure products in a single or accumulated receipts entitles 1 FREE registration for 10k
5km	For every P700 worth of Ensure products in a single or accumulated receipts entitles 1 FREE registration for 5k

In-Store Registration: April 16 to May 17

Riovana Store BGC

28th St. corner 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Mon-Thu : 11am to 9pm

Fri-Sun : 10am to 10pm

Riovana Store Katipunan

3/F Regis Building, Katipunan, Quezon City (across Ateneo and beside KFC)

Mon-Sun : 10am to 8pm

Tobys

SM Mall of Asia - G/F Entertainment Hall, Roxas Blvd., Manila

Mon-Sun, 12nn to 8pm

The Block – 3/F SM The Block, North Edsa

Mon-Sun, 12nn to 8pm

Category	Assembly Time	Gun Start
15km	4:30 AM	5:15 AM
10km	5:00 AM	5:30 AM
5km	5:00 AM	5:40 AM

Per DOH-FDA Permit No. 0502 series of 2012

Who Is Ped Xing?: A Runner's Rambling Thought

A lot of Filipinos have a penchant for shortcuts and acronyms and oftentimes infused with humor.   Look at the way we communicate Filipino style—text, chat, email using shortcuts to save time.   I do sometimes find it hard to decipher some texts received from my nieces or nephews, especially, the Jejemon ones. 

Anyway, a few years back, while in a race along Roxas Boulevard, Manila, I saw a lot of signs with the name Ped Xing on them.  Seriously, it made me think who is Ped Xing? What was his contribution to Philippine history?  Well, pardon my naiveté; I couldn’t remember seeing Ped Xing in my home city, you know. 

(Ped Xing photo courtesy of US based Rachel)

I’ve totally forgotten about this until a few days ago when a runner friend, whose family is in the US now, reminded me through an e-mail she sent me of the somewhat funny story which I’ve told them.  According to her (Rachel aka Eichbar), we were in their car and upon passing a road sign; I pointed Ped Xing and told them that I thought it was some sort of homage to a person named Ped Xing, wondering what kind of contribution Ped Xing did to the Philippines because of the many signs.  Rachel’s recent e-mail made me really laugh when she told me that Ped Xing’s contribution is not limited to Asia since she also saw Ped Xing in the US.  Ha-ha!  

But who really is Ped Xing? Ped Xing simply means pedestrian crossing.  You’ll find Ped Xing street sign every time you cross streets.  According to an online dictionary, Ped Xing is not one of the names of Chinese historical figures. 

To my relief, I was not the only one who thinks the same way. 

ANGELA: When I was a little girl, I used to think that the Chinese built the roads in America—someone must have told me the Chinese built the railroads and I guess I got confused. When the Chinese workers finished paving the road, they'd write "PED XING" on it in big white letters, in honor of who I assumed was their emperor or something: "Ped Ching." (Source: Urbandictionary.com)

Whoever invented or coined this Ped Xing abbreviation, I should congratulate him/her for his/her ingenuity.

So the next time you cross the streets while on the run—as you stop, look, and listen— don’t be surprised to see Ped Xing street sign. 

Reebok's "The Sport of Fitness Has Arrived" Campaign Launched!

14 April 2012 — The Reebok Experience Zone Philippines in partnership with Crossfit® was launched on April 13, Friday evening, at Eastwood City Walk. I was invited to take part in the event and discover Reebok’s latest footwear technology called RealFlex (RF). It’s a new technology designed for natural movement and flexibility.  

I've heard of Reebook in the 80s.  Most of my classmates back then owned this famous white or black high-top basketball shoes and it was quite a fad in the campus, and if you own one, you’d be considered a fashionista.  But I never get to wear any of Reebok’s products until now. Thanks to Reebok Philippines (thru the invite of Villy of Reebok and fellow blogger Blas aka Titanium Runner) for giving me a pair of Reebok's RF. 

In as much as wanted to test the new Reebook pair (colored gray and light blue) the following week, I couldn't just yet as I was still in the middle of a training run and also got another new pair of running shoes for break-in (courtesy of a Gift Certificate won at bloggers meet and greet raffle last January) which I would be using in an upcoming big race. 

I finally had my chance to initially test RF last Tuesday, April 19, in a six-kilometer run, a combination of some flat and hilly training run for me that night.  My verdict:  RF is very light, soft and flexible. It conforms to the shape of your feet; it’s like wearing another pair of very thick socks.  Ideal distance to run in it would be from 3 KM at the minimum to 15-16 KMs maximum.  RF is good for speedy runners who want protection and a minimalist feel during races.  Tip: Get a pair one size up as RF is a little cutie in terms of size.

The Sport of Fitness Has Arrived (in the Philippines) Campaign

Reebok invites everyone to experience their Reebok Experience Zone and discover Crossfit®, a strength and conditioning program.  The Reebok Experience Zone is a FREE, interactive retail event, and it will go around different malls in Metro Manila until June.  Everyone gets a chance to participate in a CrossFitChallenge by trying on RealFlex shoes and various CrossFit movements including box jump, jump rope, and air squat.  This campaign aims to change the way people perceive, define, and experience fitness. 

Reebok Experience Zone

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About Reebok

Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Canton, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of sports, fitness and casual footwear, apparel and equipment. An American-inspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied heritage in running, training and fitness. A subsidiary of the adidas Group, Reebok operates under the multiple divisions of the Reebok brand, Reebok-CCM Hockey and the Sports Licensed Division.

For more information, visit Reebok. 

Or, discover Reebok at the following locations: 

http://reesha.re/plus

http://facebook.com/reebok

http://twitter.com/reebok

http://youtube.com/reebok

About CrossFit

CrossFit, Inc. is the world's foremost developer of functional fitness programming and a leading accredited certificate issuer for physical training professionals worldwide. Founded by Greg and Lauren Glassman, CrossFit® is the principal strength and conditioning program for hundreds of accomplished and professional athletes and hundreds of thousands of individuals seeking to achieve elite fitness.  

CrossFit offers specialty certificate courses and programs, including the CrossFit Kids program; publishes the CrossFit Journal; and created and operates the CrossFit Games, an annual event which seeks to find and crown the Fittest on Earth™. There are currently more than 3,000 affiliated gyms in the global CrossFit training network.  

For more information, please visit CrossFit, CrossFit Facebook site or CrossFit YouTube.  CrossFit is a registered trademark and 3,2,1..Go! and Fittest on Earth are trademarks of CrossFit, Inc. in the U.S.  and/or other countries.

About RSH Marketing Philippines, Inc.

RSH Marketing Philippines, Inc. is the local distributor of Reebok.

Reebok Realflex is available at Reebok stores in Megamall, Trinoma, Festival Mall, Eastwood Citywalk2, Robinsons Galleria and Royal Sporting House stores nationwide.

For more information, please call (02) 635-4301. 

A Chock-full and Colorful Tidbits Taken from Born to Run Book

I kept notes while reading the Born to Run book, and also wrote down some of its interesting things, line of thoughts, facts, quotes, etc. in my journal.   I'd encourage you to read this book.  It's a fantastic read! 

Here's a list of those, mostly to let you see a glimpse of what it is all about:

Tarahumara Indians and Caballo Blanco

Tarahumara, a near-mythical tribe of Stone Age superathletes.  Pronounced Spanish-style by swallowing the "h": Tara-oo-mara.  Tarahumara alias Rarámuri—the Running People, healthiest, most serene people on earth, greatest runners of all time.

Caballo way of running:  Lesson 1: Get behind me — Lesson 2: Think easy, light, smooth, and fast—start easy because if that what's you get, that's not so bad.  Then work on light [meaning effortless] like you don't give a [damn] how high the hill is or how far you've got to go.  When you've practiced that so long that you forget you're practicing, you work on making it smooth.  You won't have to worry about the last one—you get those three, and you'll be fast.

All About Running

We were born to run; we were born because we run.

Runners are assembly-line workers; they become good at one thing—moving straight ahead at an steady pace.  Athletes are Tarzans—swim, wrestle, jump, swing, strong, explosive.

Running wasn't about winning.

The reason we race isn't so much to beat each other but to be with each other.

The real mutants are the runners who don't get injured.  8 out of 10 runners are hurt every year.

Running is tough on your legs.

You don't stop running because you get old.  You get old because you stopped running. — DD

Everyone thinks they know how to run, but it's really as nuanced as any other activity.  Inefficiency is guaranteed and injury is inevitable.

Kenyans have super-quick foot turnover.

It takes eight years until you run your best time—eight years up, eight years down (true for both genders).

The way to activate your fat-burning furnace is by staying below your aerobic threshold—your hard-breathing point during your endurance runs.

Endurance is all about conserving energy—the brain's department.

Only go as fast as you can while holding a conversation.  

The faster you can run comfortably, the less energy you'll need.

Speed means less time on your feet.

"... so focused on speed and couldn't understand how endurance could be an advantage"

What good is endurance on a battlefield built on speed?

All About Distance Running—Marathon, Ultramarathon

Know why people run marathons? Because running is rooted in our collective imagination, and our imagination is rooted in running.  Why do so many people hate it?

"Distance running is an outrageous threat to the integrity of the knee." — American Association of Orthopedic Surgeon report conclusion

Ultrarunners had no reasons to cheat because they had nothing to gain; no fame, no wealth, no medals, they don't even get the prize money; all you get from winning an ultra is the same belt buckle as the guy who comes in last.

Advanced ultrarunner weapon: instead of cringing from fatigue, you embrace it.  You refuse to let it go.  You get to know it so well, you're not afraid of it anymore.

Shoes and Barefoot Running

Shoes block pain, not impact! Pain teaches us to run comfortable!  

From the moment you start going barefoot, you'll change the way you run.

Micah True or Caballo Blanco, 58

I only had the opportunity to meet Micah True aka Caballo Blanco or White Horse from the pages of Born to Run written by Christopher McDougall. Thanks to fellow runner Master Eo for lending me the book three years ago. 

Related:
Born to run: a must read book
Born to run, the book: in a nut shell

Micah was famous for his advocacy of running free.  I even promoted the book in this blog, got some important running tips and wrote them in my running journal, and even placed one of his famous running quotes, “Running should be free, man,” on my blog’s sidebar.

Micah’s story inspired me to try ultra distances and a little barefoot running.  His feat in long distance running is incomparable and truly amazing!    

I learned of his passing (Please see story here) just recently from fellow runner Master Mykolant or Mykol.  

May we all be inspired by this legendary figure to run happy and free.