And the 3,000 Likes Contest Winner Is…

Before I make the big announcement I’d like to thank you all for the great responses to the contest question, “What do you look for in a running blog?” These help me understand what you, my readers, want and hopefully will also help you understand what my blog is about.

In no particular order, here are some of the most common things you look for in a running blog.

• Race Information and Updates: Blogs like Takbo.ph and Pinoy Fitness aim to provide a comprehensive list of running events in the Philippines, which is why they are still my trusted source of race info. Ideally, race organizers should provide this information on their own websites, and running blogs should just link to those websites for more information and updates. I usually just post about races I’m interested in, so my listing is very selective.
• Race Reviews: My running blog initially began as a round-up of the races I’d joined and my experiences at them. It’s nice to find out that people visit running blogs exactly for this.
• Equipment Reviews: Through trial and error I’ve found what works for me, so when I post about running equipment (clothes, shoes, gadgets), it’s usually about what fits my needs.
• Training Tips: You’ll find that when I give training tips, I refer to other websites and magazines, such as Runner’s World. I’m no professional running coach nor do I have formal training in running, but when I find something in a magazine or a website that works for me, I like sharing it with others and hope it helps them, too.
• Promos: While contests add a touch of fun and excitement to my blog, it’s not a main focus. I really hope my other blog entries aside from contests keep people reading and commenting.
• Inspiration and a Personal Touch: When I first started this blog, I took a look at all the other running blogs out there and decided to be very clear on what I wanted to write about — my experiences, my thoughts, and my goals in running and related sports. I wouldn’t try to be a one-stop shop of information; rather, I wanted to express myself in this blog and hope that readers could relate to my experiences. I wanted to encourage those who read my blog to get fit because there’s so much more you can enjoy in life when you’re healthy.

So, thank you for reading and for participating in my little contest. I read through all the contest entries and they were all creative and well-thought out.

The winner of a Mizuno Prestige Card and a P1,000 Mizuno Gift Certificate is…

What I look for in a running blog is a MARATHON. As in something that can give me:
M – otivation to continue running.
A – dvise on the do’s and dont’’s of the sport.
R – ace reports. No holds barred insights/experiences from a specific race he/she just joined.
A – dventures and challenges the author faces in his/her life that readers can learn from.
T – imely updates on races and other not-to-be-missed events.
H – eart. Nothing beats reading something that was written from the heart as oppossed to those bloggers who writes just for the sake of blogging. You know what I mean?lol
O – nce in a while giving promos or games with prizes. Sharing the blessing from sponsors
N – o non-sense topics. — boypickuprunner

Once again, I’d like to thank Mizuno for sponsoring my major contest prize.

But wait, there’s more! I have a few extra goodies from past presscons and blogger launches, so I’m giving out special-mention prizes to the following:

I’m looking for a more personal feel in a running blog. Where one will feel that someone feels, thinks and reacts the same way as you do. That personal connection has to come through in every topics he/she posts. Im also looking for unbiased, clear, in-your-face product reviews – the type that will really help you decide on what to purchase. Photos are not bad too. — theboorunner

A running blog should go beyond the basics of running. It should transcend just being a dictionary for runners but rather [be] a reflection and source of inspiration about the life lessons a runner has experienced. — Karen Grace Jimenez

Congratulations to my winners. Please expect an email from me with more details on how to claim your prizes. Ü