Share a Shoe! (No, this is not MILO)

Just as I was browsing my FB groups, I saw this particular blog entry from a co-runner which is known in the blog world as journeyingjames.

I clicked on the thumbnail and read his article about the plight of the aspiring young athletes who are, unfortunately, shoeless. Read it here: (shoes-sharing) Like him, I was touched by the story of the three girls who were sharing shoes to reach their dreams. Stories like this are not uncommon, however and we have known this for a fact since Milo started their campaign in giving out shoes to the thousands of schoolchildren around the country who didn't have any. 

Milo has done their part for many years but still, there are MORE who are not yet catered by their generosity. And so, many more projects like this were launched out to the public to attend to those waiting needs of our inopportune countrymen. If you missed in participating at Milo Marathon this year (or did but wanting to help more), it's your time to shine with this project.

It may not be as big and popular as Milo's but it's definitely the same with its intentions.

"Bilisan mo, pahiram ng sapatos. Eto na yung tsinelas." 

Visit this links for more info:

Shoesharing Project
Batang Pinoy FB page

God bless!

run with a purpose.

Why join a marathon/running event?

Runners have different answers, most may say that they want to have a healthy lifestyle, be fit or just enjoy a sport. Others, on the other hand, find the meaning of running at a different level: helping others. Some people may not know it but a lot of running events have causes; more than hyping your sympathetic noradrenergic system, it nourishes your heart.

For me, running is equal to making a difference in another person's life. I don't run for the sake of bib, timing chip, singlet, medal or even personal record. Whenever I decide to join an event, the first thing that I ask and look for is: What is it for?

Cause: running shoes for public school students.

I run for a cause...and will always will. I may not be an heiress or born in a prominent family that have the luxury of being a full-time philanthropist but, (for now) I'm contented with the realization that I'm extending my hand (or legs, rather) at it's farthest reach by taking each stride with a purpose.

I've been busy for the past three weeks due to the wave of hardcore exams which ended just hours ago, and I missed a lot of good running events.:(  As I was browsing potential events that I may run into to get back on track, I came across this: 

My heart sank. I missed helping this poor soul. Even if I registered at this event, it was too late for her. Too late for one soul but not for hundreds and thousands of others.

No, it is still not too late. Aside from Sofia Ysabel, a lot more living bodies are waiting to be helped. I searched more. The following are the upcoming events that I believe runners should be interested to participate with. God willing, I will be running majority of these events. 

See you.:)

**These are the interesting ones I saw for the months of Sept-Oct. You may want to check these sites for more details or events: http://www.pinoyfitness.com/ and http://www.takbo.ph/index.php?option=com_eventlist&Itemid=32

For the Neck and Throat Cancer Charity Patients:

To raise awareness of the "bingot" condition and cleft care:
http://www.milesforsmiles.pepsquadevents.com/

For the Cancer Warriors Foundation:
http://www.c-warriors.org/

For Pediatirics Charity patients: 
http://run4change.com/2011/08/fam-on-the-run-september-25-2011-mckinley-hill/

For PGH Breast Care Center and other selected hospitals: 
http://www.avonkgbcphilippines.com/

For Public Elementary Schools in Manila, Cebu and Davao.
http://www.stpeter.com.ph/site_content.php?sid=3

This one will be on November pa but the organizers already started its promotion so I included it. I think Ill be running this one, 90% sure. Haha.^.^

RUNNR Father's Day Tribute

I've been a runner for as long as I can remember (experience-wise) but I 'officially' became one when I joined my first marathon, June of last year.

Ever since that day, I became a member and got myself involved on Takbo.ph forums (http://www.takbo.ph/), was hooked on Pinoy fitness (http://www.pinoyfitness.com/), and other selected sites that involves running and the like. To add with this craze, I became a fan of RUNNR, a store in which vast array of running paraphernalia are sold.

(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150201726856732&set=o.280489274132&type=1&theater)

Whenever I check my FB account, it's been a routine to check out the latest in RUNNR FB page too and this week, as a celebration of Father's day, RUNNR launched its latest picture contest:

I was charmed by the entries that I saw, they are all beautiful.:) Seeing photos of fathers and their children caught in the action of running hard while genuinely enjoying themselves is just touching. It make me want to post my own too...unfortunately, my papa is not involved in running (yet). haha.

I've scanned all of the entries, and though all were amazing, there are just some that for me, stood out above the rest. To share, the pictures are posted below together with their submitted captions:

This entry won the contest.

                                       

Jay F. Bautista a.k.a. running pastor
sometime in mid 2010, i met this guy, i didn't know he has a passion for running. he is a good father, a good husband and GOD's servant. he is aiming for his full marathon early next year.


**This one's cute. I would be glad to run with my baby in the future too.;p

Dennis Cruz aka The Best Dad


He always finds time to run and bond with us despite of his busy schedules at work.


** Simply charming. ^.^

Name: Tito Miñoza Vildosola

Title: Athletic Idol Dad

Why: He is very athletic and introduces his kids to sports activities like football and running, enjoying the sport with the whole family.

Photo by: Reyes Zyd

**It's just astonishing--how a family can literally, run together. :)

 Mr. Jonathan Lagumen 

"Health-Buff Running Dad"

A regular 5K runner in Guam, this very health conscious dad never miss to encourage his children to join fun runs during his vacation in Manila... and the latest last May, after finishing his 5K run, he went back along 3K route to join our youngest reach the finish line of her first 3K run.

**Health conscious dad begets health conscious kids. Nice!

He's 62 years old. He ran his first race event in April 2010. In 13 months he challenged himself and achieved this..

**Inspirational. Really, something to be proud of.

To sum up my personal picks from RUNNR's "Best Dads On The Run" Contest, I also would like to share a superb story. A story of a marvelous love of a dad to his handicapped son that made ALL THINGS POSSIBLE. The story of TEAM HOYT, which is now a legend.

In the spring of 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."


This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed, including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (6 of them being Ironman competitions). Also adding to their list of achievements, Dick and Rick biked and ran across the U.S. in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days. 


In a triathlon, Dick will pull Rick in a boat with a bungee cord attached to a vest around his waist and to the front of the boat for the swimming stage. For the biking stage, Rick will ride a special two-seater bicycle, and then Dick will push Rick in his custom made running chair (for the running stage).


Rick was once asked, if he could give his father one thing, what would it be? Rick responded, "The thing I'd most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would push him for once."