Tag: Runners

Running Shoes Review: ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Running10 Comments

I bought an ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 running shoes on the first week of March (last month) after looking for some cure to the pain on the rear end of my right foot. I bought it at Athlete’s Foot Store Glorietta. This is the “top of the line” among the ASICS Running Shoes and it is supposed to be the best among the best.

After using it for my running workouts while in Metro Manila, the pain on the rear end of my right foot slowly disappeared and it became adapted to me feet. I used it in my first competition during the 6th Philippine Army Physical Fitness Test Challenge where I was awarded as Champion in the Executive Category (50 years old +). Although I did not feel any pains on my right foot, I started to notice some “differences” with my ASICS Gel-Cumulus 8 and had a better evaluation on this shoes after the “On Your Mark” 10K Run.

Let me mention the “bad news” first with this shoes. First, this is the “heaviest” running shoes of ASICS and it advisable to use this only on your running workouts and not for road races. Second, this is the most expensive running shoes of ASICS and with its price, you can buy two (2) pairs of an average-priced ASICS shoes or NIKEs. Third, when I used it during the “On Your Mark” 10K Run, the sound that the shoes create when I step on the ground was very noisy and it was competing with the music I was hearing while my MP3 was playing! Even if I was exaggerately making my feet touch the ground lightly, it was really creating a lot of sound with the ground. Fourth, the individual gels on the heel portion of the shoes are exposed and I suspect that the glue that attaches the gels to the hard rubber sole are not sturdy. Fifth, there are four small loops where the shoe lace passes through instead of the usual shoe lace “holes”. These loops are located at the 3rd & 4th holes (from the front edge of the shoes) and they have the tendency to “snap” after a period of time. I had experienced this in one of my ASICS shoes which I donated to one of the “Boni Aides” in the camp. Sixth and last, there is some kind of “chemical” smell or odor from the blue stripes of the shoe ASICS logo which can fill up the smell inside my bedroom.

The “good news” about this shoes is that my heels are properly snugged with the heel counter resulting to a more stable running and it cured the pain on the rear end of my right foot. When using a thicker running socks, my long runs are very easy with the comfort given by this shoes. Lastly, wearing this kind of running shoes sends a “fashion statement” and  creates “a piece of conversation” to other runners. Wearing this ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 will make you look like you are from another more advanced planet in the universe! 

Bottomline? I don’t recommend this running shoes to the runners, moreso, to those who want to use this in their gym workouts. The one beside you on the treadmill or elliptical machine might complain or leave you because of the odor/smell of your shoes. I guess, this kind of running shoes was made for the “old, retiring, passionate, sophisticated and loner-type” runner like the Bald Runner!..Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

“Mysterious Smiling Mr Romy”

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Running2 Comments

After finishing the Global City/ANTA 10 K Run this morning, I spent more time at the Project Donate A Shoe Booth to meet runners who posted their comments in my blog, most especially to Annalene who made a comment about the “barefoot” runner. I was able to meet Annalene, her husband, and her daughter and we had some picture taking and brief conversation about running.

From having a “barefoot” runner on the eyes of Annalene, I was able to have a glance from a distance the smile of “Mr Romy” who donated three bagful of running shoes which contained seven (7) pairs of still reliable running/workout shoes. I was trying to call his attention and make him sign some papers or give him the white “ONE” wristband or have a pose with him and my staff for documentation needed in the project but he just smiled, waved his hands and turned his back away from the booth without any word.

Whoever you are, Mr Romy, you are also a mysterious guy who has a “big heart” to those who are in need. I respect you for being “mysterious” and for being the most benevolent runner and donor to this project. I will never forget your smile even if you were wearing a sunglass this morning. Thank you very much and rest assured that your donation will benefit to our less-privileged runners. More blessings to you!

Project Donate A Shoe @ 4th Global City Run

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Running2 Comments

6:00 AM 20 April 2008

Last week, few days before the 4th Bonifacio Global City Run, Captain Ferdie Espejo met with KC Joaquin of Mizuno Sports Stores regarding our Project Donate A Shoe. The Bull Runner sent me an e-mail informing me that Mizuno is supporting our project through KC Joaquin and I immediately directed Captain Espejo to coordinate and meet KC. As a result, KC Joaquin donated four (4) pairs of Mizuno running shoes to include a track shoes.

Last Sunday morning after the 4th Global City Run, an additional twelve (12) pairs of running/workout shoes were received by my staff. The following were the donors:

The “Mysterious Smiling Mr Romy”—7 assorted running/workout shoes

Don Fernando Zobel de Ayala—1 Nike Running shoes

Lester & Margarette Choayap—1 Running Shoes

Mariano “Jun” Cruz—1 Running Shoes

Victor E Lim—2 Running Shoes

The following seven (7) runners with “old, tattered and worn-out” running shoes received the donated running shoes:

Henry Labis                        Ranulfo Aya

Felecio Sabas                     Elmer Morales

John Tino                           Andy Cabrera

Jayson Romel Luib

Mr John Tino, a runner from Pasay City, got the NIKE running shoes donated by Don Fernando Zobel.

At present, we have in our possession nine (9) donated running shoes which we hope to be given in the next road race in Metro Manila.

Once again, to those donors who gave their running shoes to this worthy project to help other runners, thank you very much for your support and concern to our less-fortunate runners. You inspire us to help others and encourage others to love the sports of running and be physically fit. May God bless you always.

Mens Sana In Corpore Sano.

Four (4) shoes at the front row were some of the seven (7) shoes that “Mr Romy” gave to support the Project Donate A Shoe.

Mizuno Running Shoes donated by KC Joaquin of Mizuno and other shoes from the other donors during the 4th Bonifacio Global City Run.

Lessons Learned: “On Your Mark” Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running3 Comments

13 April 2008 @ The Fort

1) Nathan Water Belt—I made the right decision to bring my Nathan Water Belt with me even if it was a mid-distance run where I could drink at least twice along the way or not drink at all. But I learned my lesson not to fill up much water to my water jug as I only drank one-half of my water jug. Next time, my water jug will have at least 1/3 part full of water just enough for the 10K distance. Serving bottled water in water stations sometimes is not advisable as only small portion of the water is being ingested by the runner and the rest is being used to douse his head or sometimes being held by the runner while he is running as the water is considered as the “runner’s fuel” that could not be thrown away.

2) Race Strategy—The adrenaline at the start of the race gives me the tendency to run a faster pace than the pace being planned. The plan to have a slower pace at the first 5 kilometers and a faster 2nd five kilometers ( a negative split) was not followed as I ran faster in the 1st five kilometers than the last one. This had been my problem in my past road races. Although I had been getting a better PR time every time I join a road race, I really wanted to have a stronger and faster pace on the last 3 kilometers of a 10K race. Maybe, I will try the “even pace” strategy on my next race and find out which one is the better race strategy.  Continue reading “Lessons Learned: “On Your Mark” Run” →

He Did It Again!

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, RunningLeave a comment

He usually arrives at the Assembly Area at least thirty minutes before the start of the race. He makes his usual stretching exercises and have a brief slow jog along the streets near the starting area. At least, fifteen minutes before the scheduled start of the race, he checks-in at the Starting Area and stays at the middle of the pack, at least, 7-10 meters away from starting line.

Everybody notices him with his towering height and a mixture of black and silver hair. He wears his sunglasses. He has a stern face, relaxed, silent, his sight focused infront towards the direction of the race and slightly moves and shakes his legs while waiting for the starting gun to fire.

Once the race starts, he is fast to get into his position along the road and he is really a fast runner. I’ve been observing him from the back and I could hardly cope up with his pace or gain a lesser distance from him. In my estimate, he runs with an average pace of 4:15-4:25 minutes per kilometer. He could easily finish the 10K run in 42-43 minutes.

At the age of 48, he is an outstanding triathlete and marathoner competing in other countries and read in the newspapers that he finished the New York Marathon and other prestigious endurance events worldwide.

After the last Condura 10K Run, I saw him approached the Project Donate A Shoe Booth and immediately removed his running shoes, ASICS, and donated to us, signed some documents, had a picture with us, gave him the white “ONE” wristband, and left the booth walking with his running socks!

Last Sunday morning, after crossing the finish line of the 4th Bonifacio Global City 10K Run, he again approached the Project Donate A Shoe Booth and removed his running shoes from his feet, a NIKE running shoes this time, signed some documents and left the booth with his running socks…again!

As he finished the race ahead of me because of his faster pace, I was not able to meet him at the booth.

As an expression of my thanks to an Icon in the Business/Corporate World in the country and the whole world, my Snappy Salute and deepest appreciation to Don Fernando Zobel de Ayala for donating his running shoes again. You really inspire us to pursue our project and be able to help our less-fotunate runners. Thanks and More Power to You! 

Friends of Bald Runner

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Running9 Comments

The following pictures were taken after the 4th Bonifacio Global City Run last Sunday, 20 April 2008 infront of the Project Donate A Shoe Booth. I consider these weekend “road warriors” who had posed with me as the “Friends of Bald Runner”. If I can not recall all their names, it’s because the Bald Runner is already old to memorize each one in the pictures. So, please leave a comment on this post so that I can identify you on a nickname basis on those pictures where I could not identify you.

Annalene (“Annalene’s Story”) and her daughter, Faye. 

One of my daily visitors, Nolan V Llanora. 

 

RUNMD, a regular visitor of my blog and my brother, Samie.

 

 

Also a regular reader and visitor who checks my blog in the morning and in the evening, Jun Cruz from Pangasinan.

 

The couple, Lester and Margarette Choayap, who were beside me at the Starting Area conversing each other only to be surprised with the blast of the starting gun. This couple donated a pair of running shoes to the Project Donate A Shoe. To Lester & Margarette, thanks for supporting the Project Donate A Shoe.

I forgot the name of this fellow runner.  

 

These are the members of the Philippine Army Running Team who are Senior Officers assigned at the Headquarters Philippine Army. On my right is Colonel Noel Miano of the Office of the Chief Ordnance and Chemical Service of the Philippine Army who is also a “passionate” weekend “road warrior”. He brought with him four (4) of his subordinates in the 10K Run.

The runner on my right is Ray and these are his running mates. From left is Grace, Jun, Ray, Josh and Sonny. I hope to see you again in the next road race. Good luck and keep on running.

 On my right is Colonel Oscar Lopez of the Philippine Army, a “passionate” runner who encourages all his subordinates in his office to run and he leads his soldiers to weekend road races in Metro Manila. Except for my brother, these runners are his subordinates. 

 Colonel Noel Miano on my right with an unidentified lady runner who finished the 10K run.

This runner was wearing a “national uniform” with the colors of our flag and our flag itself. I guess this runner is also with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.   

DATC (in sunglass & headband), one of my regular visitors to this blog. He was one of the donors of the Project Donate A Shoe during the 4th Bonifacio Global City Run.

These are lady soldiers from the Philippine Army who joined the race.

Pictures @ 4th Global City Run

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running3 Comments

I really do not know these celebrities at the front of the pack at the Starting line. Maybe, these are our “elite” runners with “single digit” race numbers. 

The race started on time at 6:00 AM 20 April 2008 infront of the ANTA Store. I visited the ANTA Store the day before the race to get a copy of the road map of the race and to browse on their display of sports apparel.

For a change, this is how I looked with my running outfit. I was a “commercial model” for the Nike outfit in yesterday’s 10K Run. This picture was taken at the last kilometer to the finish line.

A few meters from the finish line with the sight of the digital clock readings of my time as it registered 47:00 minutes. I was thinking of passing the finish line before the clock turns to 48:00 minutes.

I could not recall if I felt like “throwing up” or trying to pick up my pace as I approached the Finish Line!

Unofficially, my time as I glanced the digital clock at the Finish Line was 47:52 minutes. I was glad I finished the 10K race below my target time of 48:00 minutes.

WordPress Failure!

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, RunningLeave a comment

There seems to be a problem with WordPress on the Uploading of Images from the Media Library to Postings on the Blog. Much to my desire to upload and post the pictures taken in this morning’s 4th Global City/ANTA Run, pictures of the friends of the Bald Runner, and the Donors/Recipients of the Project Donate A Shoe, there is a failure in the WordPress system. WordPress members entire the world are complaining for the past days about this problem. I hope this problem will be resolved soon.

I will post the pictures once the systems failure will be fixed. Thanks!

47:52 Mins @ 4th Global City Run

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Races, Running11 Comments

6:00 AM 20 April 2008

My GF 305 registered a time of 47:49 minutes Finish Time for the 4th Global City Run held this morning at The Fort but for the record, as I gleaned from the digital clock reading as I crossed the finish line, my unofficial time was 47:52 minutes. At last, the race organizers measured the route with a little deviation of about 60 meters less than the supposed 10,000 meters. But that is okey since most of the runners, to include myself, had to take a direct route while running along the road, sometimes cut corners, and run at the farthest edge of the road, thereby shaving off some distance. I guess, the race organizers did a very good job this time in measuring a good road race distance.

As planned, I was able to sustain my race strategy of an even pace for the entire distance. Never stopping on the water stations and maintained my pace at the uphill portion along the road near the International School and towards Market! Market! Never looking at my watch for the whole duration of the race, I did not know that I was running at an even pace of 4:48 minutes per kilometer which was faster than what Mark had suggested at 4:54 minutes per kilometer.

The following data were taken from my GF 305:

Distance—9.94 kms                     Time—47:49 mins

Average Pace—4:48 mins/km       Ave Speed—12.5 kms/hr

Maximum Speed—18.5 kms/hr    Total Calories—739 cal

Average HR—166 bpm                 Maximum HR—170 bpm

Running Shoes—ASICS Gel-Cumulus 8

Music—Foo Foo Fighters & Hoobastank

Running Kit—Nike “Speed” (Compression) Shorts & Nike Stretchable Shirt ( I bought these items last year)

I will be posting my pictures and an update of the Project Donate A Shoe later today.

To the runners and finishers in today’s 4th Global City/ANTA Run, Congratulations and Keep on Running!!!

D-1 Day: 4th Global City Run

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Races, Running1 Comment

After having my favorite meal for dinner at Mang Inasal, I had my body massage at the Riviera Spa in Iloilo City and hope to have another body massage later this afternoon somewhere in Makati City.

My staff told me that my race packet had already arrived in my quartets in Fort Bonifacio yesterday.

For finishing another 100 kilometers in my “1,000K Club”, I had a brief shopping activity before dinner last night. I bought an Adidas singlet which was “On Sale” at 50% discount at SM City, Iloilo City and I plan to use it tomorrow’s 10K run. I paid P 370.00 for it. I bought also another earphone clip from Phillips which is also cheap from the SM Appliance Store which is more “sleek” than the Sony Viao Earphone that I wore during the OYM 10K Run. It costs me P 540.00. Lastly, I bought a 3-pack athletic socks from Puma which costs me P 229.75.

Not knowing the route of the race, I will stick to my race strategy of an even pace throughout the race. According to Mark, an even pace of 4:54 mins per kilometer will give me a finish time of at least 48:00 minutes for the 10K distance. I hope I will be able to sustain the speed and will be able to validate my preparations in the hills/mountains in Jamindan, Capiz.

Hoobastank, Linkin Park, or Led Zeppelin are the choices for my MP3 music and we’ll see the effect of music if it will result to a better running time.

I am using  my old reliable ASICS Gel-Cumulus 8 running shoes as it is lighter than the ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2. I will be posting a shoe review on my observations on the ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 in the coming days.

As I promised to myself, I am going to use my Nathan Water Belt and intend not to stop in any water station.

Lastly, I need to sleep early tonight.

To my fellow runner, see you tomorrow at The Fort. You know already the “drill” before the race. Relax & Finish the Race. Good luck.

To the other runners joining the Ateneo & 94K Weekend Runs, good luck!