Whatcha beat?

1234.. 1234.. like the chant we hear from the military men as they welcome their morning with a run in the base.

One Sunday, it was not military men, but a group of runners learning a new way of running long distance(albeit: the traditional scientific run was not as effective after all). "Kenyan run" it is called and it took a coach with the name of Jojo Macalintal to teach the "new trick." The old (READ: old-time runners; dont mistake old for age --ahem; remember running takes age back every year) were all so ready to learn it. 1234.. 1234.. Stand tall! Fall tall!

"Kenyan run dictates a straight body to a slight forward lean (find the core gravity), a mid-foot landing on a slightly bent knee, a fast turn-over or cadence of about 130 steps per minute, and short strides or the so called baby steps. The Kenyan way uses less over-all energy and alleviates the shock in the knees."



Without the count, the form reminisce of a dance i see getting it's way through the hearts of running men. With a cow bell, 123--567.. 123--567.. is how some runners break the dawn with?

And yo, whatcha beat?


Do--It!
RUNNEX, the race manager of the first Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM) is:
-holding a FREE RUNNING CLINIC every Sunday morning, 6:00 AM, UP Diliman Quezon City, RUNNEX Tent fronting Abelardo Hall (College of Music), Osmena cor Ylanan Streets, left wing of UP oblation

Likewise, the Salsa Fanatics is inviting you for a FREE SALSA LESSONS every Thursday and Saturday night.  Email us for more information by clicking here.

photos courtesy of jazzrunner

Blogger Grapples With Her First Half-Marathon

We are the first ones to register for the 1st Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM) set on October 18, 2009.

While I was filling out the registration form I was wrestling with myself, "Is this really what you want to do? Run for half marathon? Why not the full marathon?!" The latter was a voice smaller than "let's just take the sideline!"

At the start of the year, I have set this goal to myself, run a long distance marathon but I was not specific as to what or how or why. I just want to --period! When I walk, my strides are long and fast that seem to want to take off (not kidding). Sometimes I give in. Even how much short the taxi is just to make my body happy. I feel like one of those planes flying from Busuanga (a place in the Philippines I love and keep going back to; another blog due soon). At the start of the engine, in a blink of an eye, you are in cloud 9 (more like the state I am in when I run). But of course, it's an exaggeration. Until now I do not know why my passion for running came to this point. I am running 21k at the 1st QCIM. Double history-in-the-making for me! My first half marathon at the 1st shoot of Quezon City in the International Marathon limelight.

It's another opportunity for our country (Quezon City to be specific) to be highlighted to the world so this is not just a localized dream but a nationwide ambition.

While the organizers are expecting a number of first-timers like me, they are also expecting a number of experienced international marathoners to join. Prices are lucrative amounting to Php3 million in total and it has drawn local marathoners the like. Incidentally, RUNNEX, the Race Manager, is looking for pacers for the full marathon, with the first timers in mind. They wish to drive the momentum high while they run on a grueling trail. Interested individuals or groups, please email Dave de Leon. Incentives will motivate pacers to motivate runners.

Only a month to go.. While my race packet is resting face-to-face with me at the end of my bed, waiting to hit the road on the big day. I, with the rest of the runner-blogger community, will update you on the big event (a week long celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of Quezon City). Continue to plug into our site!

Detailed information about the race and registration is available online at QCIM 2009 website.
http://www.runnex.org/qcim2009/