Blog Post 9: Running for a Cause

During weekends I often come across running events held in the vicinity of SM Mall of Asia,Pasay City, Bonifacio Global City, The Fort, Taguig City and Nuvali, Santa Rosa, Laguna. Runners join these events to support the cause of a particular charity or a fund raising event. In the last few years, these kinds of events are gaining popularity especially here in the Philippines.

Upon searching for other reasons why people run besides the health benefits, I encounter about this kind of running events held in the different cities in the Philippines. Runners and organizers called this event as “Fun Run” or “Running for a Cause”. Becoming curious about this fast growing community and events I stumbled upon a website that caters Philippine running. This website is Takbo.ph, according to their About Page:

 Takbo.ph is a blog and discussion forum about running in the Philippines.  It primarily provides information on the upcoming running events in the country.  At the same time, the forum is where all Pinoy runners, from beginners to masters, share their passion on running, encourage one another on the next races, and meet online after reaching the finish lines.

Takbo.ph aims

·         to promote running in the Philippines to a wider audience and unite all Pinoy runners at Takbo.ph.

·         to provide an online Filipino running community for beginners and seasoned runners to share their passion in running and support one another in achieving personal running goals.

·         to advocate a healthy lifestyle thru exercise and good nutrition.

So, whether you are a newbie or a master, slow or fast, walking, jogging or running, this is the place for you!!!! Joining us is FREE!

Source:  http://www.takbo.ph/about-takbo-ph/

Takbo.ph is a website that list running events and fun runs held in the Philippines. This website also contains the basics in running and offers discussions about training, health and nutrition that can help runners in the Philippines.

Running events and fun runs are held almost every weekend, mostly supporting charities, causes, awareness and advocacies in the Philippines.

One of the most known fun run is the Run for the Pasig River. 

According to their website, “The Run for the Pasig is an annual advocacy run that serves as a fundraising and information campaign for the ongoing rehabilitation of several esteros.”  

Source: http://runforthepasigriver.com/

Other known annual fun runs were:

 The Condura Skyway Marathon: Run for the Mangroves.

In their website, it is stated that, “it is an advocacy of helping with the reforestation of the Mangroves in Zamboanga de Sibugay in partnership with Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF).

Each runner through their registration will get to donate three mangrove seedlings which will be planted in his/her name. In 2012, the first year that Condura Skyway Marathon adopted themangroves reforestation project to its cause, a total of 39,000 seedlings have already been planted in Kabasalan Town through runners’ donation.” Source:  http://conduraskywaymarathon.com/2013/condura-skyway-marathon-press-release-2013-nov14/

The 2nd Philippine Red Cross Million Volunteer Run 2013.

According to the Philippine Red Cross:

“The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will serve as a driving force to advance the spirit of volunteerism to address today’s humanitarian challenges. We will empower the nation against the dangers of disasters.  The funds will be raised for the Red Cross 143 Volunteers Training Program on disaster management, equipping the Filipino communities with life-saving tools.

We celebrated the International Year of Volunteers by holding the first Million Volunteer Run. The run was staged simultaneously in 78 cities of the Philippines with a total of over 400,000 participating runners. With the incredible impact it has created in the recruitment of volunteers for the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), we have now declared it an annual event.”

Source: http://run.redcross.org.ph

In running it is very important to know the purpose and reason why you should run. Joining running events and fun runs can serve a purpose in helping charities; provide awareness and supporting advocacies which can help the community. Running for a cause can be an alternative persuasion for people to start running; it is a plus to know that we can help other people while running.

Blog Post 8: The Common Injuries from Running

Whenever we think of running, the first thing that comes in our minds is the health benefits running can give. It is very unlikely to talk about the injuries runners acquire during running.
 Running is a very easy and simple exercise that anyone can participate, running can offer health benefits and outstanding physical condition but with improper knowledge and mindset, running can be tedious which can lead to muscle strains and other injuries.

Upon researching for the other benefits of running, I stumble upon internet articles about the common injuries a runner can suffer while running. According to the online article from WebMD.com, most running injuries occur when the runner push his or her body to its limits. Some of the reasons of these injuries are adding more distance, improper equipments used and body mechanics. In this article WebMD list the Common Injuries in Running:

Runner's knee. This is a common overuse injury. Runner's knee has several different causes. But it's commonly due to the kneecap being out of alignment.

Stress fracture. This is a small crack in a bone that causes pain and discomfort. It typically affects runners in the shin and feet. It is often due to going too hard before your body gets used to a new activity.

Achilles tendinitis. This is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendinitis causes pain and stiffness in the area of the tendon, especially in the morning and with activity. It is usually caused by repetitive stress to the tendon, often due to increasing running distance too quickly. Tight calf muscles can also contribute.

Muscle pull. A small tear in your muscle, also called a muscle strain, often caused by overstretching of a muscle. If you suffer a pulled muscle, you may feel a popping sensation when the muscle tears.

Plantar fasciitis. An inflammation of the plantar fascia. People with tight calf muscles and a high arch are more prone to plantar fasciitis. Although it may be linked to an increase in activity, plantar fasciitis may occur without any identifiable reason.

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). This syndrome causes pain on the outside of the knee. The iliotibial band is a ligament that runs along the outside of the thigh, from the top of the hip to the outside of the knee. ITBS occurs when this ligament thickens and rubs the knee bone, causing inflammation. Long-distance runners are more likely to develop ITBS.

Blisters. These are fluid-filled sacks on the surface of the skin. They are caused by friction between your shoes/socks and skin.

Temperature-related injuries. These includes sunburn, heat exhaustion, frostbite and hypothermia.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/running-injuries-causes-prevention-treatment

Source: http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/common-running-injuries_502911845694d.jpg

The main reason in running is to be physically fit and healthy proper knowledge and preparation in running can help lessen the chances of injuries and making your run enjoyable and injury free.

It is better to know the injuries and health risk before running, it is best to consult a doctor and undergo physical examinations to prevent getting injured and if the runner is capable in running. As an old saying says, “ Prevention is better than cure.”

Final Draft Chapter 1

The Basic Knowledge of Running

And its

Different Benefits and Motivations

A Research Paper Presented to

Mr. Dustin Celestino of the English Resource Center

Asia Pacific College

Magallanes, Makati

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Course

RESWRIT-Research Writing

Irwin B. Ricardo

February 2013

Chapter 1

Introduction

A.      Background of the Study

In recent years, running becomes one of the trendiest fitness activities of people all over the world. The main reason people run is because of the health benefits it provides. Some of the health benefits of running are healthy heart, battling Osteoporosis, a stronger immune system and to burn unwanted fats to name some.  (http://running.about.com/od/runningforbeginners/a/whatisrunning.htm) Running is a strong outlet to support and live a low stress life. It also provides the health awareness to live a healthy lifestyle. Running changes the lifestyle of people in terms of fitness and well being, running provides a better outlook of a healthy future than those who do not run. Studies show that runners find it easier to sleep at night rather than those who do not run.

The popularity of running worldwide leads to the increasing growth of runners in different age groups. Running can be classified as Casual Running, Treadmill Running, Racing/Competition Running and Trail Running. Another type of running that is gaining popularity is the Barefoot running. Studies shows that Barefoot Running can help reduce injuries on the feet and strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the foot. (http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2012/02/16/barefoot-running)  Most runners participate in one or some of these running types.  These runners have their own reasons and motivation to start running.

Multimedia affects the awareness of people towards running. The Olympics was televised worldwide and Earth/nature awareness runs or marathons are covered by various multimedia outlets. With this much awareness it is not impossible to invite people to run.

               

In spite the health benefits running can provide, people tend to find other benefits and motivation to run. Whether people choose to run for health purposes, to make friends or just because running can make people feel good, the fact is that running is a good thing. With the many mental, physical and health benefits of running it is the personal preference of the runner to choose his or her motivation.

Running can provide many benefits especially in the health and wellbeing of the individual. As one of the simplest and easiest form of exercise, can there be more reasons why people run asides from the health benefits? With health benefits as major reason to run, are there more motivations for people to be running?

               

This research paper focuses on the different benefits and motivations of running besides the health benefits running can provide.

B.      Statement of the Problem

This research aims to answer the questions:

1.       What are the different benefits of running besides the health benefits running can provide?

2.       Are there other motivations for people to run besides health benefits?

C.      Significance of the Study

Future and Casual Runners

This research would able to orient runners the basic knowledge of running and its benefits. This research expects the runners to be aware that there are more reasons to run asides from the health benefits running can offer. This research expects to encourage runners to run and be a fan of the sport and inform them about the other benefits and motivations of running.

               

                Running Instructors and P.E. Teachers

This research will assist running instructors and P.E. teachers concerning the fundamentals of running and impart that knowledge to their students. This research provides information to educate the instructors and teachers about the benefits of running. This paper can help the instructors and provide knowledge about the other benefits of running asides from the health benefits.

                Athletes

Athletes have the highest knowledge about running; these athletes are the idols of those people who run. As role models, athletes can help impart the information to their fans about the different motivation and benefits of running asides from health benefits and can encourage their fans to start running. This research will help the athletes to further increase their knowledge about the other motivations and benefits of running.

                Future Researchers

This research can help future researchers as a potential reference due to the given information of this study about other potential benefits and motivations of running. This research can help future researchers the knowledge of the different benefits and motivations in running asides from health.

D.      Scope and Delimitation

Running is now one of trendiest fitness activities; this research covers the basic knowledge about running and the different motivation and benefits running can provide asides from the commonly known reason for running which is health.

E.       Materials and Methods

The information used in this research was based on internet articles which are related to running. The researcher intention is to inform the readers about the fundamental knowledge of running as well as the other motivations and benefits of running besides from health.

Surveys and interviews will be conducted to random people with or without experience in running. This is to support relevant and related information about the rise of popularity of running and its awareness to the people as well as to know the reasons why they run and what do they expect to gain in running.

Interviews will be conducted to doctors and runners to know the other benefits and motivation in running. This is to support that aside from the health benefits, there are more reasons and motivations why people should run.