PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THE 2012 ADIDAS KING OF THE ROAD

Triathlon coach Ani de Leon-Brown shares her foolproof tips to getting run-ready for the KOTR

Last year's KOTR. Photo courtesy of Mark Cerbo

With this year’s adidas King of the Road (KOTR) coming up this September 30, it’s time to begin your preparations for the run.

If this is your first running event and it actually took you a while to finally gather the courage to join, then keeping that motivation alive is your number one priority. You may follow the dozen or so helpful tips online (like adidasrunning on Facebook), but without the proper motivation, all your preparations are for naught.

Set Your Goals. “Preparing for a race is like preparing for an exam-- you have to study the specific subject so you will not be shocked and will have the answers on race day. It pays to have a plan for whatever distance you are aiming for,” said Coach Ani de Leon-Brown, Filipina Ironwoman, triathlete, race director and proud mom.

When asked what she usually does to keep her motivation intact, she answered, “I visualize the excitement of race day.” She adds, “Visualize that you are going through the race already, and finishing it happily. It is great to have certain goals in your mind in terms of time, effort level, pacing, etc. If you have already planned these things ahead it will be much easier to actually execute them.”

Eat Right. Now is not the time to obsess over that bag of chips in your cupboard or that triple chocolate-flavoured ice cream in the fridge. When preparing for a race, a balanced diet is vital. If you’re training for a light to moderate session, Coach Ani advises not to eat too much before the run. “Maybe a banana or a slice of bread with peanut butter, or a small bowl of oatmeal will do,” she suggests.

“If you are doing a very long session you can plan to eat a much more solid meal at least two hours beforehand,” she adds. After your workout, she recommends, “focus on taking in some lean protein along with carbs for optimal recovery.”

Hydrate. Aside from your food intake, always remember to hydrate. Coach Ani advised, “During short runs, only water is necessary. For runs longer than an hour, some sports drinks or gels can help.”

Use the right gear. It may not be wise to start buying new gear. Stick with what you have. According to Coach Ani, “all you need is your favorite pair of running shoes.” If you have nothing to wear yet, test out your gear before the race and make sure you break in your new shoes. You don’t want to commit the common mistake of ending the race with blisters on your feet or, worse, dropping out of the race before crossing the finish line because of extreme pain.

Always take comfort into consideration. You may want to wear light running shoes to increase your speed and lessen stress on your leg muscles or heavier, but flexible, shoes that move with your feet to reduce the risk of injuries. “I choose the most responsive models which also offer good support and stability from adidas,” said Coach Ani.

Plan a training routine and stick to it. If you’re a beginner and only signed up for shorter 3km or 5km distances, Coach Ani recommends a very basic regimen of running at least three times a week, with one 45-minute session, even if you have to walk part of it, and two 30-minute sessions.  For advanced runners, she suggests, “more than just aiming to finish the required minutes or distances, they have to train at their target race pace. So some sessions would have to have some speed involved.”

You may want to join a running group such as the adiNation of Runners Philippines, which provides another great approach to sticking to a routine. They have set schedules every week around Metro Manila and registration is free. It’s also a good way to meet new running buddies to train with you for the 2012 King of the Road. If this will be your first time to run, it would be a great venue to get tips and recipes for the proper diet for runners like you. Having running buddies also means surrounding yourself with like-minded people who can surely motivate you when you needed a nudge towards the right direction.

Signing up for the 2012 King of the Road is just the tip of the iceberg. Being physically and mentally prepared is what will separate you from the others and allow you to win that race. “It is an icon of a running race, one of the best and the oldest in the country. Consider yourself lucky to be part of this wonderful event, and savour every moment,” said Coach Ani, a KOTR regular.

For more information on adidas King of the Road, visit adidaskingoftheroad.com/ph or www.facebook.com/adidasphilippines.

adidas King Of The Road 2011 Race Results

Photo courtesy of blogger Mark Cerbo of YO! MC: The NextJAM!

You can now see how you rank in the recent KOTR 2011. Here's the direct link:
http://www.takbo.ph/2011/10/adidas-king-of-the-road-kotr-results/

This chart show I ranked 3411 of 7527 in the 5K category

adidas KOTR Timing Device and Gun Start reminder

The timing device is pinned with your race bib. It is a small plastic. Here's what you should do with it. According to adidas, it's reusable for three years.

1. The tag must be worn tied into your shoe laces.
2. Thread laces through the holes
3. Tighten the lace to hold the tag in place.
4. Tie the lace and get ready to run!

Last minute reminder:

Don't miss your gun starts.

Don’t miss your gun start! 

21k – 5am

16.8k – 5:30am for wave 1 and 5:35am for wave 2 

5k – 5:50am for wave 1, 5:55am for wave 2, 6:00am for wave 3.

adidas Philippines King Of The Road 2011 Venue Map

KOTR 2011 Runners, take note on the venue map during the event.

adidas King Of The Road 16.8 K Route Changes

For those participating in the KOTR route especially in the 16.8 category, note the change in the route.

Adidas Sale at The KOTR Kick Off

Adidas Kick Off Event

adidas would like to remind you that the KOTR 2011 Kick-Off is this coming Monday to Wednesday,October 10-12 from 11am to 11pm at the NBC Tent at the Fort Bonifacio Global City.

  

Come collect your race pack during this time. Do note that it is mandatory to collect your race pack in order to participate in the race. There are running clinics, talks for runners, selling and sampling booths, games, and raffle, so we encourage all participants to drop by. The KOTR 2011 Kick-off is open to the public so please feel free to bring family and friends.

Read on to ensure smooth race pack collection.

The adidas Race Pack consists of the ff:

1. KOTR 2011 Tote Bag
2. KOTR 2011 Singlet
3. Race Bib
4. KOTR 2011 Timing Device
5. Freebies from Sponsors

Collecting race pack for yourself:

Find the lane for your category, fall in line, and present your KOTR confirmation letter and the valid ID that you used for the registration. No requirements or incomplete requirements, no race pack.

Collecting through a representative:

Should you be unable to collect your race pack personally, you may allow someone else to collect on your behalf. A representative should present an ID, authorization letter issued by you, attached with your (participant) KOTR confirmation letter, and a photocopy of the ID you used for registration. No requirements or incomplete requirements, no race pack. Representative should locate the lane for your category and queue accordingly.

Collecting bulk race packs:

For group race pack collection, please double check to have all your requirements intact. Please bring authorization letter, attached with the corresponding KOTR confirmation letter, and photocopy of each valid ID used for registration, strictly for each participant whose race pack is being collected for. Find the lane for bulk collection and queue accordingly. No requirements or incomplete requirements, no race pack.

Collecting for minors:

Minors (participants below 18 years old by 23 October), please present your confirmation email, and the valid ID that you used for registration. Please take note that a signed Parental Consent and Indemnity Agreement, and a photocopy of ID of the parent/guardian are required as well.

If you are outside Metro Manila:

All participants from the provinces and overseas who are unavailable for the Kick-Off may claim their race packs on the race day at the Bonifacio Global City on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 3am-4am only. Please present your KOTR confirmation letter and valid ID used for registration. No requirements or incomplete requirements, no race pack.

If you registered through Free Run Promo:

Please expect delivery of your race pack on or before Oct 21. Come down to NBC Tent to participate in the side events at the Kick-Off, too.

* adidas Reserves the right to amend all of the above stated at its discretion. 

Regards.

adidas KOTR Customer Service

Gear up for the adidas King of the Road race

Running races aren’t always about your speed or passing through the finish line, it goes beyond your physical abilities. Races are a great way to motivate yourself to get fit and can also be a platform for personal breakthroughs. Running makes you test your limits, but also makes you able to believe in yourself by taking control.

The race is not the only thing that is important. The preparation and training involved leading up to the race can prove even more exhilarating than the race itself. Many may not know how important it is to be ready on race day. With only a few months to go until the King of the Road race on October 23, most runners participating in the race are getting physically prepared to run the 5k, 16.8k and 21k course.  You have to put a lot of thought into a lot of things – whether it’d be getting the proper running gear, eating a nourishing diet, and do so much more. Surely, nobody wants to cross the finish line exhausted and in pain. Here are a few tips that can get you closer to being crowned as this year’s King of the Road.

1. Do your homework. A lot, or even just a teeny-tiny amount of research can help. Look at the route of the map and get a feel of what you will be getting yourself into. You can also look at the terrain to see the downhills, uphills, ridges, etc that can make an impact on your running performance. At least when you have an idea of where these spots are, you’ll be able to have a good indication of where the course gets tough. 

2.      Get the perfect shoe. There are all types of great running gear to get you through training. The first thing you’ll need is a new pair of running shoes. Without a good pair, you can expect lots of pains in your legs and lower back.  When buying the right shoe, keep ventilation, cushioning and comfort in mind. Ask help from the sales associate about various choices today.

3.       Carbs, carbs, and more carbs. Carbohydrates are the most common source of energy, so when preparing for a run, you really have to load up on the carbs. If you’re one of those people on a low-carb diet, you better stop now. The best sources of carbohydrates are fruits, sweets, soft drinks, bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, and cereals.

4.      Never underestimate stretching. Most of the time, beginning runners finish a run and find themselves tight and sore, sometimes even resulting to a running injury. A 15-minute stretch after every run makes all the difference. The soreness is lessened, muscle flexibility is increased, strides are longer, and long term injury is prevented.

5.       Listen to your body. A common error many runners make is underestimating the effort involved when training. When unprepared, you risk exposing your body to some serious running injuries. It is essential to listen to your body, slowly upping the mileage and adopting a method in which you alternate tough, thorough workout with rest or some soft, easy workouts, giving your body a lot of time to recover.

Remember, even after reading all these tips, you still have to prepare yourself mentally in finishing a personal breakthrough such as this. Held in five countries across the region, the adidas KOTR will culminate in an ultimate championship race in its first ever host country, the Philippines, making it the ultimate race destination in Asia on October 23, at the Bonifacio Global City. Event categories and race fees are Php1, 050.00 for 5km, Php1,300.00 for 16.8km, and Php1,050 for 21k. Simply visit www.adidaskingoftheroad.com to register!

For news and updates on KOTR, visit the adidas Philippines Facebook fanpage and www.adidaskingoftheroad.com launching soon.

adidas King of the Road FAQs

When and where will the 2011 adidas King of the Road Philippines be held?
The adidas King of the Road Philippines will be held on 23 October 2011 (Sunday) at the Bonifacio Global City. 

How do I register? 
Registration can be done online on www.adidaskingoftheroad.com. The registration will close on 31 August 2011 or upon reaching maximum number of slots. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis. 

When is the starting and closing date for the regular registration? 
Regular registration starts June 21 and will close on August 31, or while race slots last. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis. 

What is the age limit for KOTR 2011 participants? 
The minimum age to participate in this event will be 12 years old and the maximum age is 65 years old. 12-17 year-old participants need a parent’s or guardian’s consent to participate. 

How do I register if I’m under the age of 18? 
Participants below the age of 18 are required to seek parental/guardian consent as deemed necessary by the organizer upon online registration. Failing which, the organizer reserves the right to refuse entry to any participant. 

Can I register offline / manually and pay cash? 
For regular registration, all registrations are made online and payments are charged via credit card at www.adidaskingoftheroad.com. Only payment via Credit Card is accepted. We do not accept Cash, Check, Debit Card, and Online Transfer via Internet Banking. 

How much is the Race Entry Fee? 
The entry fees are as follows:
5km – 1,050PHP
16.8km– 1,300PHP
21k– 1,050PHP

How will I know if my entry has been accepted? 
Registrants will receive a confirmation email upon successful registration. The system will automatically allocate a unique Registration Number as shown in their confirmation email. Please note that Hivelocity Pte Ltd’ will be listed in your credit card bank statement for this transaction. It is necessary to bring a copy of the confirmation e-mail from the organizer and a valid ID upon collecting the Race Kit. 

What are the possible reasons I did not receive my Race Confirmation details after registration and Payment? 
It could be due to any of the following reasons: 
The transaction did not go through.
The e-mail address provided is invalid.
The e-mail server blocked the email.

What should I do if I do not receive my race confirmation slip after registration and 
payment?
Please contact us immediately at info@hivelocity.com.sg. 

Do I get a refund if I choose not to participate after registration? 
Registration fee is strictly non-refundable. 

Can I make changes to my personal particulars after registration? 
Yes. Registrants can make changes to their personal particulars by sending an email to service@hivelocity.com.sg. However changes to race category, date of birth, NRIC, gender and event running vest sizes are NOT considered as changes of personal particulars.

Can I change my race category after I have registered? 
No. Race categories are non-transferable. 

Why am I unable to select a given size of the running singlet? 
The size that you have selected is out of stock. Please select your next preferred size. 

Can I choose the color of my running singlet? Can I change the color of my running singlet? 
No, issuance of running singlet is on a first-come-first-served basis. When a particular color is unavailable the next available color will be issued. No requests for exchange of running vests will be entertained. 

When and where can I collect my Race Kit? 
Registered participants are invited to gather at the KOTR 2011 Kick-Off Assembly from Oct 10-12 at the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City, where race kits containing singlet, timing device, and other race paraphernalia will be distributed and a variety of activities await everyone. Those who have availed of the Free Run Promo get their race kits shipped to their mailing address for free. 

Do I get a medal upon finishing the race? 
ALL participants who complete the run will be awarded a Finisher Medal at the finishing line. Medals will not be given to non-participants nor non-finishers of the race. A non-participant is a person who did not take part in the race on the date of the event and a non-finisher is a participant who retires from the race before finishing it. 

Are rollerbladers and cyclists allowed on the race route? 
No. For the safety of the runners, any person rollerblading or cycling on the race route will be requested to exit the course immediately by the marshals. 

Can I bring along my pets? 
Pets are strictly not allowed on the race route.