MANILA, Philippines - Today, the human race is united in a run for fitness. So many people are joining the worldwide 10K Nike+ Human Race that our earth is spinning just a wee bit faster from all the running.
In fact, over a million people from 150 countries have registered in this Nike version of a group hug. And I have definitely caught the bug of this new fitness craze.
Join us by tracking your run with Nike+ then registering at www.nikeplus.com.ph to sync the details. Best of all, by participating, you’ll be raising money for one of three partner charities, which can be chosen online.
Not satisfied with earthly events, Nike is launching Nike Lunar, a shoe made from the revolutionary foam material used by NASA. This space-age, ultra-light foam absorbs the impact from the pounding and puts less stress on the runner’s knees. To me, what’s important is not the foam schmoam but the attractive neon yellow trim on the shoe.
Will Nike Lunar help me get to my yearend goal of completing the New York Marathon? The journey has been incredibly fun and my circle of running friends keeps expanding after every race.
At the Manila Half-Marathon Race, a top Milo lady runner was gracious enough to run along and pace me. Together we finished the 21K in a decent 2:13, navigating through the jeepneys, buses and traffic of the city. It’s angels like her that make running so rewarding.
Best accessory
Fashion while running is a major consideration for me. There’s sunscreen, moisturizer and anti-chaffing cream to consider, all of which can be time consuming before the 5 a.m. starting gun goes off.
My new lightweight Oakley shades are simply the best running accessory. The company recently launched its latest indestructible shades, which also allows sunscreen or sweat to just slide off the glasses.
Having cute pink trimmings on the frame is an added attraction. I have been complimented several times while wearing them. Of course, I’m quite happy just knowing my eyes and sensitive skin are protected from harmful sunrays.
I used the Oakleys at the De La Salle Run at The Fort. The Nike-sponsored event was very successful in spite of the rain. The Green Archers’ run benefited the school’s many projects, including numerous scholarships. After the race, the brothers of this great school sang their school song with so much pride.
New Apple distributor
In the midst of all that fervor, my iPod got soaked. Good thing I was able to get a new one at iStudio at Bonifacio High Street. This store is the latest authorized Apple distributor and service provider. The staff are extremely helpful regarding Apple products.
iStudio CEO Patrick Yeung and COO Larry Ang were present during the one-of-a-kind, grand opening. A number of special Apple products and accessories were given away, including an iPod Touch and a MacBook Pro. The full range of products can be found at www.istudio.ph.
Of course, when it comes to Apple, I still visit my personal techie, Elbert Cuenca, who also serves the best steak in town at his Elbert’s Steak Room at the Sagittarius Building, Makati.
Elbert loaded up my new iPod with all the coolest music, perfect to get me through those last few kilometers.
Being race-ready requires one to be fit inside and out. There are so many helpful hints on eating properly before a race, like what carbohydrates to carbo-load with and what power bars give the best power. There’s tons of advice on drinks, from water to Gatorade to avoiding coffee. And of course, there’s info on that athlete’s wonderfruit, the banana.
Detox program
Being fit from within is an added boost to any athlete. Last month, my husband Dennis and I attended the Wellness Workshop organized by The Global Vital Source Company. The Detox Program was held in Discovery Suites in Ortigas and is promoted by Silk Cocoon’s Jean Goulbourn.
Digestive Clean-Up is a detoxification principle that causes the discharge of the accumulated toxins from the body’s digestive tract, inclusive of the liver, gallbladder, small and large intestines and the colon.
The overnight program is packed with lectures, discussions and activities, while a special liquid diet is given to encourage a “harvest” of gallstones. I will not pretend that the drinks are tasty, and there are hunger pangs to contend with. But the overall result is mindful healing—truly a great incentive that outweighs any temporary discomforts.
The Discovery Suites also has a great spa, so Dennis and I spent a couple of hours there. I had not warned my husband about the Detox Program, so at least he got a good massage before the digestive clean-up.
Wellness is a lifetime practice and this program is a good platform to jumpstart cleansing from within. The weight you may lose over the weekend may return instantly, but the detoxification is lasting.
Drop by Global Vital Source at 5/F, Rustan’s Makati or call 8181088 and 8161360. Try to catch one of their monthly workshops in Discovery Suites.
Aside from the Wellness Weekend, Jean is also very passionate about her fabrics at Silk Cocoon. On Sept. 2, she is hosting a book launch and talk with New York-based artist Emily SyCip Cheng, along with a special, limited-edition Silk Cocoon collection inspired by Cheng’s drawings and paintings.
The event will be co-hosted by esteemed businessman Wash SyCip and will be held at Cinnabar, ground floor of Renaissance Makati Hotel. This collaboration of Cheng’s art and Silk Cocoon’s edgy fashion will surely be outstanding.
In closing, let me plug another exciting concert. On Sept. 8, MTV Philippines presents George Benson and Al Jarreau at the Araneta Coliseum for their “Givin It Up Tour Live in Manila” concert. These two jazz legends will only be here for one night, so get your tickets now at Ticketnet.
Copyright 2009 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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