Garry and Jackie Holden are ready to run for it at the Laguna Marathon

MARATHON weight loser Garry Holden has taken the first steps in the latest phase of his new healthy lifestyle - by entering the Laguna Phuket International Marathon.

Phuket resident Garry, who lost a staggering 45 kilos after competing in the TV weight loss reality show 'Asia's Biggest Loser', will run the half marathon course of the annual Laguna marathon spectacular on Sunday, June 13.
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Garry will run alongside wife Jackie, who has joined him on his health and fitness crusade.

''Our lives have been completely transformed,'' said Garry, who weighed 125 kilos just over six months ago. ''The only running I ever did before was to get out of the rain - I never dreamed I would take part in a half marathon. It just shows what can be achieved with focus and determination.''

Garry and Jackie are following a regime of training runs around their home in Ban Don village to prepare for their big day at Asia's fastest-growing destination marathon.

They plan to hold hands as they cross the half marathon finishing line and will be seeking sponsorship for the event's fund-raising efforts for local schools.

More than 5000 entrants from 45 countries are expected to take part in the Laguna Phuket International Marathon on June 13, which is preceded by a two-day expo featuring sponsor booths and fun activities.

As well as the marathon itself and the half marathon, the event also has a 10.5km run, a 2km childrens race and a 5km family walk.

The course begins at Laguna Phuket and takes in various local areas on a mainly flat course, including a Thai village market, rubber plantation, rice fields and beach views, before finishing back at Laguna Phuket.

Online registration is open until June 5. For further information or to register, visit: www.phuketmarathon.com

Carlo Miguels Clara Olé Vinaigrette Series Press Launch

Thank God for new opportunities! I hosted my very first live event yesterday - the press launch of the Clara Olé vinaigrette series!! Not only did we introduce these affordable new gourmet salad dressings to the press, I also shared tips on salad preparation and had a few fun demos while talking about the different kinds of veggies and how to care for them. It was a very fun and light lunch event that included a salad buffet after, so that the guests could sample the new products.



The Clara Olé vinaigrette series comes in 5 new flavors and is available nationwide in key supermarkets. My personal favorite flavor is called Sesame Mucho! It has a wonderful Asian blend of nuttiness and a little bit of saltiness.. I think it is a nice dressing to go on top of a salad of lettuce, grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, cashews, bell peppers, tomatoes and corn chips.



Each 250ml bottle retails in the market for only Php 130, so if you like eating healthy salads, this is a nice and affordable new dressing you can try. I make my own dressing in the restaurants, but I understand that there are many busy people on the go who would like the convenience of pulling out a tasty bottle from the fridge to dress their greens!