Two weeks ago, I received a Balikbayan Box (BB) full of slightly used running shoes from Joe Matias aka A Running Shoe Guru, the owner of the A Runners Circle Sports Store in Los Angeles, California. The BB contained twenty-six (26) pairs of running shoes. These shoes were received by Joe from the runner-customers of his store located near Griffith Park, Los Angeles.
Balikbayan Box From Joe Matias aka "A Running Shoe Guru"A View of the Well-Packed ShoesASICS-18; Brooks-4; New Balance-2; Saucony-1; Nike-1
Last week, Mark Robinson from Nottinghamshire, England arrived in Manila and he brought with him sixteen (16) pairs of running shoes for the Project Donate A Shoe donated by his running mates at the Southwell Running Club of the same city where he resides. These shoes were handed to me when he had his running workout at the Mall of Asia last 12 April 2009.
Mark Robinson of Nottinghamshire, England With The Bags Of ShoesDisplayed Running Shoes From Mark Robinson
To Joe and Mark, thank you very much! These slightly used running shoes will be handed over to our runners in the neighboring provinces of Metro Manila.
Instead of throwing away those “old, tattered, and worn-out” running shoes which were replaced with those slightly used donated shoes, the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner deemed it wise to wash and repair them to be donated (and recycled) to the garbage personnel or “scavengers” at the Payatas Garbage Dumpsite. So, after weeks of washing and repairing those old, tattered, and worn-out running shoes, we finally visited the Payatas Dumpsite this morning with Coach Titus Salazar and the personnel of the Philippine Army’s Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion under the leadership of Colonel Buenaventura Pascual.
At the Dumpsite, I was entertained by Jameel RM Jaymalin, Head of the Quezon City Controlled Disposal Facility (Official Name of the Payatas Dumpsite) and Payatas Operations Group, who is also a retired Colonel from the Philippine Army. He gave me a tour of the facility and assisted me in the distribution of the shoes to his personnel and the “scavengers”. The following are the pictures of the said activity.
Briefing With Col. Jameel Jaymalin (Ret.), Head, Payatas Dumpsite
Tour of the Garbage Facility
Pointing at The Dumpsite
Dumpsite Proper
Another View of the Dumpsite
A Talk With The Representatives of the "Scavengers"
"Scavengers" Are Using Rubber Sandals
Sixty (60) Pairs of Shoes Were Given @ Payatas
Even the Guards & Staff of the Facility Got Their Share
Even the PNP Personnel Was Included!
More Shoes!
Barangay Hall Staff of Brgy. Lupang Pangako With Their Shoes For Their Husbands & Children
It is amazing to be wearing the best and the latest trail shoes from The North Face for FREE! The following is my story.
I bought a TNF Arnuva 50 BOA running shoes last August 2008 in Beverly Hills, California. I used it during my training runs and on the day of the competition for the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run. I also used it during my two trail running workouts at Mt Wilson with my kids and other “runabouts” at Griffith Park and Los Angeles. It is a versatile running shoes as it could be used as trail shoes and a road running shoes. Aside from being durable and light, it has a BOA Lacing System which is dependable for quick tightening of its shoe laces or quick removal from one’s feet. It takes few seconds to wear or unwear it due to the presence of a screw knob at the rear heel portion of the shoes.
Last November 2008, I joined the members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners with Jonel aka Bugobugo, George aka The Talkative Runner, Nickko & Maj Ferdie Espejo for an ultra run from Brgy Sta Juliana, Capas to Mount Pinatubo and back. Since I expected that the run would be on trails along the lahar areas, I used the TNF Arnuva 50 BOA. At first, it was very fast and comfortable removing it before crossing a river and then wearing it as soon we are on a dry land. But later during the run, I opted not to remove my shoes whenever we crossed rivers along the way. I was happy then that the shoes would easily dry up, after having it wet on those dozens of river crossings, while running on the dry lahar area.
We finished the 55-Km ultra run and I did not encounter any blisters with my feet and I was satisfied with the performance of the shoes. After washing it and having it dried, I observed that the left shoe’s screw knob could not tighten the shoe laces and it was very hard to turn it. I immediately brought to the attention of the sales staff in one of the TNF Stores in Metro Manila and they requested me to have it repaired/brought to their store. So, sometime in December, I gave my Arnuva Shoes to one of the TNF Stores in Manila.
After a few weeks, I received an update about the situation of my shoes through SMS and they need to replace the BOA Laces. Later, they told me that they were able to acquire or find replacement laces for my shoes which I thought would cost me for $ 10.00 a pair. Last February, TNF told me that there is something wrong with the tube where the laces would pass through but they were trying to fix the problem. After few exchanges of SMS with TNF, the service/sales staff of TNF finally informed me that my shoes has no chances of being repaired and there is no way that it would be given back to me! But, they told me to proceed to any of their TNF Stores and choose any of the available shoes on their display/stock for a FREE replacement of my Arnuva 50 BOA shoes! Very nice!
And so, I got the lastest and the best trail shoes of TNF with the BOA Lace System…The Hedgehog GTX XCR BOA!!! I can safely call it the “HUMMER/HUMVEE” among my trail shoes. It is WATER-PROOF as it is made of GORE-TEX/XCR breathable membrane and its upper/outer materials are abrasion-resistant.
TNF's Hedgehog GTX XCR BOA Side ViewLook at those Spikes! The Bottom View of the "Humvee"Outers are Abrasion-Proof unlike The Rocky Chucky whose TNF Logo was erased after weeks of trail running.The BOA Screw Knob: Push & Turn to Tighten & Pull to Loosen
If you want the best customer service in your running shoes, get the best, The North Face!
Note: I am not an official product endorser of The North Face. Even if TNF did not support or sponsor the Bataan 102, I still believe in the quality of their products and its superb/outstanding customer service.
A week before Ben Gaetos left for Los Angeles, California, I received the Balikbayan Box (BB) he sent in the middle of January 2009. The BB contains nineteen (19) pairs of slightly used running shoes, lots of finisher’s t-shirts, lots of basic neccessities for ultra runners to include “noodles”, copies/back issues of Trail Running Magazine and red wine for Major Espejo & staff of the office.
Ben, thanks for supporting my projects—Project Donate A Shoe; Project Donate A Shirt; and my Ultra Running Events. Extend my thanks also to Carmela Layson who contributed and sent her running shoes through the Balikbayan Box. Good luck on your future ultra running adventures!
Balikbayan Box From Ben GaetosFinisher's T-Shirts, Trail Running Mags, Ultra Runner's Needs & Running Shoes
Donated Shoes From Ben Gaetos & Carmela Layson
I might as well mention in this post what Ben Gaetos had written in one of his comments about his experience running in ultramarathon events and his advise to the participants in the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race.
First, thank you Sir Jovie for conducting the training runs. I wouldn’t want to miss both night run and the test run. I ran both with a couple of hrs sleep coming from international flights. In the words of Jeff and Jun, “I’m also in need of serious psychiatric treatment”.
I myself suffered heat stroke at ‘07 Mt Disappointment 50M (80k). I took off early and on the crucial part may have taken contaminated (mold) Cytomax. From M38(60k) to the finish, I threw up. My blue shirt turned white due to electrolyte loss and finished almost dead last due to dehydration. Lots of DNF in the race. My will got me to finish. We had a 100 deg temp. Last year, I redeemed myself finishing 1 hr 40 mins faster.
At the Bataan Test Run, aside from my hydration I kept drinking every opportunity I had. I thank TBR and other support crews who offered. I poured water in my head all the time. Use Gatorade or any stonger drinks such as HEED, etc. You may also mix your energy gels with water. Avoid wearing dark clothes. The albedo (reflectivity ratio) of concrete is much higher than dirt. Our body generates all those heat. Some of you must have noticed me running on the dirt shoulder. It lessened the pounding on the joints at the pavement and at the same time less reflection. A high spf lotion is also ideal + application of body glides at your nipples and sensitive body parts (below under arms, crotches, butt, toes). All these are susceptible to blisters on a hot day. Remember the first part of Bataan is hilly. You should pace properly and start slow as possible. Throw away your marathon pace splits. You don’t have to be a speed demon to complete an ultra. You just have to run a smart race. I divide my race in 3 segments (warm up, target pace and finishing kick). The last one I even divide in 2 parts. Lots of psychological game here so you need to be mentally tough too. There will be lots of down times and ready to give up. Just imagine how you always bounce back whenever you’re down.
Check http://www.badwater.com and http://www.run100s.com for heat training tips. You won’t believe this but sometimes during summer, I turn the heater on my car or don’t open the windows at all. That’s my self improvised sauna.
Again, thanks for a wonderful time running with all of you. I can’t remember all your names but you showed the determination and fun of running an ultra. The camaraderie at ultra is uncomparable. I’ll be cheering for you at the Bataan 102. Lastly, don’t forget to taper 3 wks prior to Bataan 102. From this point do your long runs and possible back2back long runs. Walk or easy run on one of the two using “time on feet principle”. Good luck!!
Feel free to email me at bgaetos@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Ben
Once again, thanks Ben for everything. As they say, “ultramarathon could be a stupid sports but it does not need a stupid runner to finish one”.
In last Sunday’s 2009 PSE Bull Run, the Project Donate A Shoe was able to receive a total of twenty-eight (28) pairs of slightly used running shoes. Mark Robinson of Nottingham, United Kingdom arrived a day before the race and donated sixteen (16) pairs from the Running Clubs of Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, England. Mark is married to a Filipina from Zambales, who is with their three children and temporarily staying for a year in the country for the children to learn to speak the dialect. Thanks, Mark for the shoes and please extend also my thanks to the members of the running clubs that supported this project!
A Balikbayan Box With Running Shoes From Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, UKFormal Turn-Over of Shoes From Mark Robinson With Maj Espejo. I presented to him a "1,000-Km Club" Finisher's T-Shirt
In the same event, Jael and Cookie Wenceslao, both runners and finishers of the 2009 PSE Bull Run also donated eleven (11) pairs of running shoes. Harry Tan aka Mukhang Guilty with Happy donated his slightly used New Balance Shoes.
Jael & Cookie Wenceslao Turning-Over Bags Full of Running Shoes
Harry & Happy Donating A Shoes
Jay Lee Cu-Unjieng of Metro HIM, who had been a regular member of our weekly “runabouts” in Metro Manila and member of the Team Bald Runner, donated three (3) pairs of “once-used” trail and road running shoes after one of the “speed” sessions at the ULTRA Oval Track last week.
Jay Lee Donating His "Once-Used" TRail & Road Running Shoes
Enrico Tocol, Gold’s Gym Personal Trainer and Member of Team Bald Runner & “Runabout” Group donated two (2) pairs of running shoes after a “speed” session at the ULTRA Oval Track last week.
Rico Donating Shoes at the ULTRA Oval Track
Charlie Chua, a Dragon Boat athlete and member of Team Bald Runner, donated three (3) pairs of slightly used running shoes on the 1st week of January. Thanks, Charlie.
To everybody who had helped in this project, thank you very much for the support. Your less-fortunate fellow runners will be happy to receive your donated shoes. God Bless to all of you!
I’ve known Jody since the later part of November last year when he inquired about the Team Bald Runner’s “speed” training while he was having his workout at ULTRA. I later found out that he is a friend of the early students of the speed training and he is also a triathlete who wants to improve his speed in running.
Chuchay Maronilla Donated Two Pairs
After the NB PowerRun 25K in Clark Freeport, I’ve heard the name “Chuchay” from the lady members of Team Bald Runner as well as from runner-bloggers who described her to be a very fast runner and a “beauty” who deserves a “second look” from everybody whenever she joins a road race. Well, what I’ve heard about her were confirmed when I saw her doing her running workouts and later donated two pairs of her slightly used running shoes last night at the ULTRA Oval Track.
Jerry Kurendeng of Indonesia aka High Altitude
After heeding to my “joke” for any member of the Hardcore-Bandit Runners to donate their shoes if I could pass anyone of them along the way during last November’s MILO Finals Marathon, Jerry aka High Altitude seriously considered my “joke” and he donated his Mizuno running shoes after arriving from his Christmas vacation in Indonesia after staying for 5 years in the Philippines. You should check his latest running adventures in Bandung, Indonesia in his blog at www.highaltitude.wordpress.com.
Javy & Ana
Javy aka Tri’n Hard/Positive Split and Ana Olives of Team Bald Runner donated seven (7) pairs of shoes to my Project Donate A Shoe after our speed training session at the ULTRA Oval Track last January 6, 2009. Javy has greatly improved his speed in running after a month of speed training with the Team Bald Runner. He is presently a competitive triathlete. Check out his blogsite at www.positivesplit.blogspot.com.
To all the latest donors to this project, thank you very much for supporting this project and please don’t forget to always wear the “ONE” wristband (www.one.org) I gave to you, to signify that you are part in the worldwide advocacy “to fight poverty and make it a history”.
A British National visiting the country for the 3rd time and a runner, Ian Hardie Darlington, donated one (1) NIKE Air running shoes last Sunday before the 25th RUNNEX Executive Classic 10K run started in UP Diliman Campus.
Mr Dalington with Coach Ferdie Espejo, Jr & BR at the UP Campus
Cathy Bacosa, one of the runners of Team Bald Runner’s “Speed” Training at the ULTRA Oval Track, donated one (1) pair of ADIDAS running shoes last Friday after her oval track workout.
Cathy donating her shoes after her speed workout at the ULTRA Oval Track.
Ting Pascua aka Running Ma, a regular runner at the ULTRA Oval Track, donated one (1) pair of ADIDAS running shoes and 10 pieces of Finisher’s T-shirts and singlets last Monday morning.
Ting aka Running Ma had to take a break during her regular morning workout at the ULTRA Oval Track to donate her shoes and Finisher’s t-shirts & singlets.
Amado Castro, Jr of Reinier Pacific, a runner and race walker, donated (again!) three (3) pairs of NIKE shoes; one (1) MERRELL shoes; one (1) MIZUNO running shoes; and one (1) NEW BALANCE shoes. The shoes were given last Monday afternoon.
In a span of two weeks, Amado Castro Jr of Reinier Pacific had already donated six (6) pairs of running shoes
As of this date, the Project Donate A Shoe was able to receive a total of one hundred one (101) pairs of running shoes from runner-donors and was able to give a total of ninety-two (92) pairs of these donated shoes to those runners with “old” running shoes. Nine (9) shoes will be available for distribution during the incoming weekend road races.
I bought this new pair of NIKE Lunaracer at the NIKE Store at The Grove in Los Angeles last 10 September 2008, few days before I returned to Manila. The sales guy at the NIKE Store, who happens to be a black guy in his 30s, lectured to me the difference between the NIKE Lunarlite Trainer and this shoes. He suggested that I should try to wear both shoes and actually feel the difference between the two. As soon as I tried the shoes one at a time, I told him immediately what I felt. The NIKE Lunarlite Trainer has a wide forefoot area and I could feel that my foot and toes do not feel the tight snug I want for a running shoes. As for the NIKE Lunaracer, the shoes’ forefoot area is very narrow and I could feel a nice and tight fit for my feet in the said running shoes. Continue reading “Shoe Review: NIKE Lunaracer”→
I bought this versatile running shoes one week after I arrived in the United States last 12 July 2008 from The North Face Store in Beverly Hills, California. I was attracted to this running shoes because it offers a dual purpose of being a running shoes for paved roads and at the same time for the trail roads. It could not be denied that I was exposed to the products of The North Face because of Dean Karnazes, my idol in ultramarathon running and # 1 “athlete-endorser” for The North Face.
The momemt I used this shoes during my first practice run at Malibu Creek State Park’s Bulldog Trail, I felt this is the most appropriate trail shoes which is very easy to wear and use. Aside from being lighter than the other The North Face Trail Shoes, this shoes has the BOA Lacing System. All you need to do is to pull or push the BOA tightening system or screw at the back of the heel support of the shoes. Push the Screw and turn it clockwise to tighten the shoes and there is no problem of dangling shoe laces on the shoes. Just Pull the Screw in order to loosen the shoestring. Continue reading “Shoe Review: The North Face M Arnuva 50 BOA”→
According to a former elite runner and now a coach of famous US elite runners, a runner should change his/her shoes every 500 miles or 800 kilometers of distance covered. If a runner exceeds this distance, he/she is inviting injury that could stop or completely destroy one’s training schedule to a particular running event.
Sometimes, it is very hard for us to decide to buy a new running shoes even if the physical appearance of the “old” shoe is still almost new. But one should think that it is better to prevent oneself from being injured instead of paying more in order to cure one’s injury. “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”. Spending 4-8 Thousand Pesos of a brand-new running shoes is better and cheaper than being cured by medicines, physical therapists, or surgery.
I am sure your old shoes will still be useful if you give them to your household helpers and their families or better yet donate them to my project—Donate-A-Shoe. Those runners who can not afford to buy a brand new running shoes will be happy to receive them.
My ASICS Gel-Cumulus 8 is about to be separated from me soon which I bought last December 2006 at Phidippides Running Store in Encino, California. I used this shoes for 4 months in preparation for the 2008 Pasig River Marathon last February 2008 and was able to finish the said marathon with this shoes to include half-marathon, 15K and 10K races. This shoes had done a splendid job and still looks very new. Whoever will get this shoes (with my signature on the insoles) will be happy to own one of the “Bald Runner’s Running Shoes”.
Bald Runner 
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