my feet feats

Nothing like a 101

2011-09-12T16:44:00.002+08:00

My journey to photography was a little odd.
The years was an on/off interest to learn the basic and the control panels.
I was never fully interested, I just listen but I truly appreciate great looking photos.
My husband whose addicted to taking pictures of our kids constantly request my assistance to hold that off camera flash, set up the tripod, hold the reflector and occasionally do some make-up.

My interest in photography was way back girl scouting days. I would often go camping with my patrol. I would always nudge my mother to lend me her camera. Those days, it wasn't easy bringing one. The film is expensive and you never get to preview if the photos are okay. Often, my mother would allow me to bring it on regional camping....like the one I attended in Marinduque.

Our camping was set on that holyweek of 1991 or 1992. We were also attending the famous Moriones festival of Marinduque. I was amazed by the places of Boac, Gasan, and then the Fantasy Elephant Island. Is it still there? I wonder. I had pictures of those places....probably buried by several typhoon that I have experienced in Camsur. But there is one picture that I am trying to find out where it is now.....the picture of the man who portrayed Jesus Christ. Up to this day, his image is still vivid in my imagination. I was awed when I captured his face in pain at the cross and backdrop is the bluish summer sky of Marinduque. Everytime I come home to Camsur, I always searched for that photo. Maybe it was gone!

Sometime 2008 or 2009 my interest in camera was reacquainted when I was in the company of Maam Angie and Eye. Initially, they taught me how to use the light meter of my point and shoot to secure a good exposure. "Just make it zero!" (Of course they were referring while on manual mode, tweaking either aperture or shutter speed). Then make sure the composition is okay! Oh how well I remember those words of wisdom. Then the rest is history.

Fast forward....2011
On the ordinary days of weekend or weeknights...
My husband and I would challenge ourselves with single light source photography.
Be it high key, low key, semi low key. It doesn't matter. It is often a mind boggling discussion of recent books of interest such as off camera flash, on cam, light and science hahaha alright not that nerdy!

I realized I have graduated from the "Auto" mode of my camera.
I guess it began when I sold my point and shoot and get stucked with D40.
Now I never use auto mode or scenes.
I use the built-in or off cam flash and the camera parameter to tweak it to give me an optimum exposure or images.
I still do not wish to upgrade....I am slow in tinkering the camera buttons and panels.
As an apprentice...there is much to learn....food, i haven't done fireworks and that famous bulb setting, panning shots and of course the wide angle landscape.

Here are few of my attempts to portrait or photo experiments (as I call it).

This was taken sometime June, while Luzon is swept by terrible typhoon "Frank".
According to news there were "possible" flooding in some area including our village hehehe. So while the house looks okay. I put on a quick make-up and a quick set-up for the lights. Thanks God we were spared.

I literally took this picture via remote trigger at the
setting of F4, 1/125, ISO400,50mm (fixed lens)
Single light source from our Flash SB-80DX (yes intended for the analog SLR)
we used umbrella, half open (with the black clothe on it).

My husband took this one with practically the same setting as above.
I think we achieved only semi low key. Ahhh! I hate the shadows
under my chin....that's what you get for single light source.

And then sometime July I guess. I finally had a chance to photograph my dada loves. When I posted below pictures in my facebook. I find it so funny to receive a message from our common friend saying that he looked like Jason Kidd, the NBA player. So I posted Jason Kidd photo alongside his....and got very few agreements hahaha.

The camera setting is F5.6, 1/80, ISO400,70 mm (fixed lens)
on-camera flash but uses the bounce flash technique
same flash "jurrasic" SB-80DX (amazingly serves same
purpose as SB-600)

Our daughter caught his attention while i was still on
the viewfinder. All i do is to click the shutter using similar setting

The following shots were over the weekend. I was trying to do high key. My willing subjects were playful. Considering were frolicking around a small corner white wall. This time I used a fully opened umbrella, I removed the black clothe. There's a reflector on my left. The setting is common: f8, 1/70, ISO400,50 mm (fixed lens).

This is really funny! I was crawling in front of them trying to perk up
my son. I have to cut Dada because the farther wall on his back is red.

I love this shot very candid, but notice the shadows.

To document that toothless grin! Did you see the catch light?

By the way, the camera used for above photos were from my husband not my D40. Lately I realized having buttons for the aperture is good unlike my D40 hmf!

P.S. I have extra copy of off camera flash in case you are interested to purchase it just PM me.

The song....LSS

2011-08-31T20:52:00.001+08:00

LSS or the last song syndrome.....yeah this song have been playing on my head.
I remember I first heard it while watching the movie "Closer" in one of my sick leaves :D
Believe it, I rarely watch movie.

Though, the last one I watched was "Three Idiots" for practically three long hours (without sickness)- was a miracle according to my husband.

The movie "Closer" is a romantic drama film... I don't remember much of the story and dare not google it.
Because I hardly find it amusing though the actors were great maybe the story is too western for my taste. But what capture me in this film is the rhythm of the music that draws parallelism on the scene.

Well, I am no music lover. I was not blessed with the voice....in fact, it seems that this voice is going to be taken away for sometime ha! (as of the moment I am on voice rest). But I am proud to share that the rest of the household are music lover. My husband plays guitar, my daughter is our little belter and my son is studying flute and loves alternative music....though too young for Bruno Mars.

So to continue on the movie "Closer".....I've been humming this lyrics during bath time "I can't take my eyes off you" because that's all I know, it's stayed awhile in brain. So I thought that was the title of the song. It was only yesterday that I dared to google the lyrics of the supposed title that I thought. I'm thinking that my husband could play the guitar and he could sing it for me. To my surprise....the song with the title "I can't take my eyes off you" starts with "you're just too good to be true...." yes the song that made everyone swing and well I realized that was not the song (and that I'm old hahaha).
Finally, there is no other way to know the song's title if I won't google "Closer" and there you go..... the song was entitled "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice (an Irish singer).
And so it is...here's the lyrics that I googled.

"The Blower's Daughter"

And so it is
Just like you said it would be
Life goes easy on me
Most of the time
And so it is
The shorter story
No love, no glory
No hero in her sky

I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes...

And so it is
Just like you said it should be
We'll both forget the breeze
Most of the time
And so it is
The colder water
The blower's daughter
The pupil in denial

I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes...

Did I say that I loathe you?
Did I say that I want to
Leave it all behind?

I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind...
My mind...my mind...
'Til I find somebody new

Honestly, some of the lines of the song depicts how I feel....every time I looked at my daughter and my son. I hardly take my eyes off them. When my daughter sings her music....I'm her number one fan in that corner. I just sit there enjoy her singing. I am mesmerized by her voice. I can't take my eyes off her.

P.S. Perhaps I'll be updating this entry with her photos. We love photographing her.

Some of my daughter's video:

Running Blog #60

2011-08-15T11:52:00.001+08:00

I used to write about my training run.
Usually after I ran...I would write about it. It's like sending a letter to a friend and letting her know about what went through.
My last running blog pertaining to training was more than a year ago.
Somehow, after experiencing full marathon I got jaded. Blogging about my training lost appeal.
But today is different. i ran alone, without music and without pain....wohooo the best day of my life.
Also, today's training was filled with so many thoughts in the span of 1 hour and 21 minutes that took only a short distance of 10 km.

What goes through my mind needs some rewinding as I type on the keyboard :-)
Finally, I am able to stretch beyond 8K. I know I did it because I can feel His presence. It's like He was there...listening maybe mocking at me and my childish acts.

I thanked God because finally the last two Sunday service I saw the fulfillment of my heart. I finally saw my husband find it in his heart the presence of the Holy Spirit. My husband is not your typical catholic. I would like to think he go to church to fulfill a family activity and keep the relationship cemented. I have been praying for this since we got married....and finally I saw it in his eyes. I won't bring it up....maybe when he visits again this blog. My husband is a man of few words, the way he thinks remains a mystery. But I know as I stood up there and saw him finally recognizing what I was trying to tell him was a tremendous experience. Experiencing God in one's life is more than just an adventure....it's always wonderful for the soul.
Another mystery of today's training is the drizzles stopped when I started running. I even forego my music because I thought it's gonna be a heavy rain....I remember, three years ago I would bet on the rain, it always stops on my training hour.
I was also reflecting about what kind of parent I am to my children.The times have been changing.... I want to impart to them a strong value that would not rocked on moments of despair. Is sending them to catholic school the right way? I guess I prefer the old school. I have never pampered my kids that much compared to this generation. They have no facebook account, they do not play PSP- I hand it to them to use the movie feature and allow them watch their favorite cartoon....this happens occasionally when we are on the car, they don't have cellphone. I believe these things comes with age and responsibility. I will eventually allow them at the right time. My kids activity is limited to running, swimming, singing, playing with traditional toys and studying. I want them to experience what kids are missing today. The other day, I was demonstrating to them how we were playing "chinese garter"....I still can do it, the highest point in my earlobes while standing upright. When I crossed the chinese garter my kids were totally amazed. They didn't see other kids playing it at school or even in our village. And while demonstrating it, I realized the reason why we have no obese playmates then. Because, the game is really ab tightening....kids then were skinny, lean some muscled specially those who worked on the farm. Kids today have all the luxury around them....I fear that someday, they will be too fragile to adopt to the ever changing world.
Ironman 70.3 Philippines....imagine I even dreamed of it this early morning that I was one of the spectator. Yesterday, as I was looking at the results, I can't believe the human strength can do. Pete Jacobs grabbed the title. I really admire those who braved it there....you guys/gals are such a tremendous inspiration to mere mortal like me.
In two weeks, my pain is coming....my endometriosis have zero-in my cholesterol and thyroid. I resist taking medication....doctors insist I give another try. So last week I started on again with another medication. Hopefully, with lesser symptoms....as I feel like everyday I am on a roller coaster ride. Need to document again my food intake, my sleeping patterns and my mood swing...oh yes! even when I'm mad....I have to recognize if it's the hormone that's flaring up. As time passed, I realized that perhaps He was again sending me another mission or learning in this experience....perhaps, I've been too tied up on the process of curing that I forgot mercy and grace.

As I drifted in my thoughts, I realized I cannot run longer....it has to follow the prescribed increased mileage. I cannot go beyond 85% of my heart rate....I too I am fragile.

Lost

2011-07-26T20:37:00.001+08:00

I didn't know my husband visits this blog.
When he first learned about this blog, he's actually swearing because he's got a lot of picture in here, and he's always mentioned in my post.
I just sweet talk him over the fact that after 14 years I am still in love with him. Lol! So I can't get him off my mind even in writing.... enough of the mushy me lol! Were too old for this.

I actually forgot about the blog....until husband reminded over the weekend while were relaxing in the pool of canyon cove...he mentioned about the blog. Maybe he missed my mentioning him in here lol!
It was in one of our conversation that he asked why from a blabber blogger to the silent one.
And I realized that I have no blog post for several months now.
Geez, it's all in the draft bin.
Oh! I haven't even published my third marathon story with the most popular race in town- Condura Run for the Dolphin.
And all other short races, in the past I would usually blog about it.
So where have I been?
hmmmn
I am actually emotional about it.
You know the road of life is extremely jam-packed.
I started out almost four years ago having toddlers....now they are first graders.
I thought while they are growing up....I'll have time for myself.
Ooops! I got it all wrong.
There is the voice lesson, then the swimming lesson, the endless projects and assignment, then workloads, cooking to make sure they eat nutritious food and so on and so forth.
My kids also interfere with my social life. Often, they would not allow me or my husband on our solo events.
And also I am a constant referee to the cat and dog fight.
I thank God I'm a runner.....I endure this race so called life.

I celebrated my 34th birthday in the hospital, the only time to monitor those cyst and other blood chemistry.
Then before I knew it, my daughter's 7th birthday.
Oh! She wanted to meet Tinker Belle....and there's no other place to go but the closest Disney.
On her birthday I was having severe migraine. But how can I ruined that day?
So even with headache and photo-phobia.....go lang ng go! Photo ops din!

And then last weekend it was my hubby's birthday. Yeah, as mentioned awhile ago that was the time he bring up the blog. Maybe, he sensed that I'm overwhelmed and not having fun.
The hints: I rarely race, I don't write (that's what he thought), I don't upload pix in facebook, I don't logged much of my exercise in DM. Whew! He asked if I'm depressed. I guess he's worried having episodes of post partum depression...he is deciphering my state of mind.

The truth is I don't know anymore how to write....how to sweet talk this blog.
Probably I'm not the same....I am marred with pain....I keep on enduring....I guess this mom needed to redefine endurance.

And today another text invite about a blogger night lol! Well, Thanks TR it prompted me to visit my own site.

Well, honestly I haven't given up on writing. It's just that I frequented on another account or site called the 750words.
It requires 750 words per entry....it's got analysis about how your feeling about your write up and other cool stuff but it doesn't get published the way blog does.
In a way, it's a digital diary....cool, secure, private. It is also a good tool to help one become a better writer. I am not sure with me. But it sure does help me identify what I am feeling mostly. And it help me keep up and finally bring acceptance of what's bugging me.

Since December 2010 I have been very emotional about my state of health.
Who wouldn't after a week of full marathon an elevated or out of boundaries blood cholesterol and thyroid hormone....it felt that I don't have control over my health. Duh! What happened with that controlled diet, with the yoga and running, trekking and all other stuff that fits me to the generation "Fit".

You know how it felt like....a pang of frustration or some similar to betrayal. I am still lost to what I feel about my situation.
OMG, for more than a decade I am on strict diet. No pork, well I am not an all out vegetarian....but I subjected myself to all strict diet even after two pregnancies because I know this is the right thing and healthy way to go.
But even after all the healthy and active lifestyle...I felt like getting an F on my blood chemistry score.

All the effort seemed gone awry.
How would you feel if you were on my shoe?

I was devastated.
I probably was not admitting it and continue life as if nothing happened as if I am unaware.
But then I needed to go on frequent leave from work, frequent visits to doctors, long queuing lines on doctor's appointment, blood extraction, more medication. Various pills for each symptom resulting to acne, mood swing, bloated mid section, water retention. It felt bad.

Maybe, right now I am able to write about it because I have come to accept the fact that perhaps those parameters will forever fail. And that my life is accompanied by these symptoms frequent mood swing, bloated, weight gain (which a lot of people insist is just my imagination)- i think this is secondary to the bloated feeling, the endless abdominal cramps....and so on and so forth.
Well, not to mention sensitivity to smell and chemicals urgh!

On the mood swing....I am completely aware of the side effects, I try to control my reaction. This is the reason I have fewer enemies than expected lol! But honestly, most of the time I choose to be silent or say nothing at all....sometimes, something comes out of my mouth that I rarely intend to say or meant. Those were the times perhaps when I'm feeling rebellious because for more than a decade I have been controlling my reactions....sometimes the shield crack down....and I feel nobody understands me because I don't have the physical symptom of illness. My vital stats are normal.

It felt as if nobody listens to me or even willing to help me.
It seems that my case is just a psychosomatic illness....they say that's all in your mind.
But hell, no I have been battling the pain since age 17 and to top it all....the worst it brought me is the infertility issues. Endometriosis or Endo as most of those sufferer referred it is a disease that is often misdiagnosed.
In my case, I knew I had it since my menarchy. But the management is only to deal with pelvic pain. It was only confirmed during a laparoscopic operation not intended for the endo but for the fertility work up.
The gyne cauterized the tissues after a few months post op we successfully conceived. Almost four years, I failed to detect that it came back.
What I did is to go on active lifestyle and in the processed increased my tolerance with pain.
It helped managed pain.
But fast forward today, I didn't realized that it will blow to this proportion.
Every month of migraine attacks one week before and after my period. Episodes of photo-phobia, sensitivity to smell, severe allergic reaction, gastric pain etc.

All this I have to endure....I swear to God I wish I am menopause so I need not to go through all of the above that associates with endo.

Endurance have brought me a different new meaning. It's not anymore running the marathon or trying the ultra.
Endurance to me is to be able to endure pain almost every day when the period is nearing.
It also means to be able to sustain moods despite headache, I can't blame other people for my misfortune.
It also means despite pain I have to fulfill my motherly duty to my children. Positive disposition in life is very important for sufferer of this disease. In this country, endo patients condition are not considered life threatening. In a country that believes women are designed to suffer while giving birth and on their monthly period as suggested in the bible....I guess prevention of pain is far from sight.

This is true, given that there is no research yet that establishes why endometriosis?
Given that men are not even affected by this disease.

There is no road to proper treatment for this disease.
And I felt alone in this battle. I have a competent doctor. But given the number of patients that she looks after have more severe case (such as infertility, pregnancy etc). I am often and I can sense that I am on the least priority.
In one of my ultrasound, a gyne commented that I was lucky to have two kids given my condition (well I have not even mentioned my other anomaly). Women rarely talks this condition, it's like taboo...it's like you're weak if you cannot manage your monthly visits.

Today, I decided that I'll take charge with my health.
Yes, I stopped the medication for the elevated cholesterol and TSH.
Those failing blood chemistry are probably secondary to my endo.
I am not scared anymore. Besides my BMS is relatively low, my waist to hip ration is less than 0.90 and I don't have high blood pressure.

This time, I'll try to travel the road where there is no trail, where it is uncertain.
I'll try to listen to my body intently.
For now, I'll hang on to prayers for guidance and a regular conversation with Him.
Are You listening?

Reebok Zigtech Run

2011-05-19T21:36:00.000+08:00

Hello there!
I have been in hibernation for quite sometime....
Uh-oh! it seems I completely forgot about blogging.....until two weeks ago, I received an invite for the upcoming race Reebok Zigtech Run.
So come monday night I zigzagged my way to The Fort for the (drumroll pls)....the bloggers night.
Honestly, I was overwhelmed to have met these fellow runner/blogger upclose! I used to seeing them on the road....or reading through their blog.

Thanks to Titanium Runner's invitation, because I got this chance to learn about the cool race that Reebok is launching. Gee, haven't been racing lately....due to my previous injury (though I was already cleared a month ago). I guess I am now ready to race....so it was indeed timely.

The race date is on the 5th of June, it's a day before my birthday...so this is kinda special for me. Plus this race is one of its kind because I have to scale the 15km distance with a vertical run on the ramp of the 5-level parking of CVC Law Center. So come on run with me....let's try what it's like doing a vertical run!

The bloggers' night was capped off by the raffle of one pair Zigtech shoes that Reebok has launched in the Philippines. You know what? I was lucky to have it.
Thank you Reebok Phils for the nice treat.....I consider this an early birthday gift.
I can't wait to try it on my feet :-)

Ciao! See you on the road.

With gorgeous Vicky Ras

Bro J and wife Baby

with the Running Atom and our host

Kassy-Runaholic

TR & Sam

Hello 2011

2011-01-12T21:20:00.001+08:00

This write up is a little too late for welcoming 2011.
But then, it has stayed in my draft for so long.
We have been very busy since the nanny ran away....it almost cost me to losing a job, etc.....
The good news is I found a new one....a better one and as usual were starting a relationship ....i just hope she stayed with us because the kids liked her and that is so important.
Whew! God has it's way to give you pleasant surprises....and that is how I try to look what is in store for me this 2011.

2010 looks like a wonderful running year.
This is the year I celebrated my 3rd year in running.
I am so proud I did a couple of marathon, several half marathon, some 10k, 5k and 3K.
I finished my first 1000 km after more than a year of trying.
And yet I feel guilty...because I know I logged a little less compared on my first year in running.
I missed those days when I just laced up and run...run nonstop, run fast and careless about the time.
I guess when were getting old....time is the most precious resource that we have.
Well, I guess I'm jaded and growing old.

To summarize the learnings I had:

Quality over quantity. I know that long distance run and piling mileage helps on the endurance of any runner....but then my 2010 runs prove otherwise. I ran at lesser mileage yet I managed to run a marathon. I guess the key is the quality of my training runs.
Running just like learning is a continuous process. Not because I ran a marathon makes me a guru or a better runner to the other gals or guys....I have to train further and get to know myself better. It is through training run that you will get to know yourself better....quantity over quality.....make every training run a session to learn something- about your body, about your needs, the clothes you wear and your responses to weather.And it requires training to become a competent coach or a resource person (on the subject matter).
Running is such a selfish sport....if you run fast and then failed to train in two weeks....you cannot replicate your previous performance. You have to continuously train aerobically or anaerobically to keep fit. I noticed, I always put that as a note on my dailymile. However, we cannot deny that there is a different kind of vigor when you resumed training after days of rest.
Our human body is very powerful....it can adopt to a certain level of stresses. The key is to introduce it progressively.
I read it several times that the bladder shutdowns when you start running. But it's not true for everyone.....perhaps specially for women with children. Sigh! my QCIM result could have been better if I give in to my urged :D At least, now I know what it's like...so chances are I'll never wait on that next station.
Trying on men shoes because your size is not available on the women's is such a bad idea. I remember I wanted an Adizero tempo but the largest size for women is 9 (I am typically size 10 for running shoes). The sales guys lured me to get men's size 8 (which according to him is equivalent to women's size 10)....I regret it the whole year....I gave it a chance but is always a disaster. Lesson learned:Never let the sales guys sweet talk you that there is no difference. Well, there is....now I know that women have narrower heel than men.
My shoe size is 10....I tried 9.5 because I love the color of that shoes. I actually survived it with dead toenails :D Lesson, stick on size 10.
In running, men and women becomes equal......it does not necessarily mean that the last finisher always comes from our gender :D
There are fewer jerks in the running community :D we are such a happy group of people....perhaps because of runner's high.
Running is the best way to combat stress....yeah, there were days that we are mocked. Hmmm but heres what goes to my mind when I catch them....those who mocked at me intakes a lot of gas in their belly such a fart idea hehehe.

Moving forward.... here are some of my 2011 outlook:

Practice a little about barefoot running....assess what it's like. Besides our ancestors ran barefoot during their time....why should I shy away from this?
Buy only what is essential. I admit I was disappointed with my GF405 and I do not intend to replace it with any other GPS watch (or as I call it disposable watch). Instead, I am now looking for a solar watch that could record my run time. The GF405 was expensive for a 17 months usage....not to mention the effects to environment. Our gadget should be durable enough to prevent waste. There is just too much garbage in this world....and adding our throw away gadget won't help....someday it would be very difficult to run if our world is too polluted.
I am still perplexed with my blood chemistry. Anyways, despite disappointing results I will continue my choice of diet- complex carbo, high fiber, lean and white meat for protein. To explain a little my total cholesterol is elevated sigh! and to think my weight is 118 lbs.
See a doctor....work up with an endocrinologists to find answer on the perplexing blood chemistry.
Embrace ageing....I am turning 34 this June....feeling oldie because the kids are growing so fast. But getting stronger like a teenager. Yes, I want to cope up with my kids hyperactivity :D

I was surprised to see this in my inbox today.....see I ran less managed to finish a marathon. I'm sure a lot of you can do better.

Celebrating Christmas on the road (and not running :P)

2010-12-31T15:05:00.000+08:00

Days before Christmas our nanny ran away.
We had to report it on our baranggay because her things were still in our house.
I wonder what the reason is....but the closest is she is getting married and it's immediate (according to her text messages because she even refused to receive my call) for some reason I still cannot fathom.
My relationship with the nanny is OK (though her employment period is still short at 2 months).
I see no problem until she didn't come home on the 19th and the rest is history.
I had no choice but take a leave of absence until the last working day of the year.

On the 24th after my blood extraction, we decided to hit the south road to CamSur.
We leave home a little late and so we were still on the road during Christmas eve.
How lonely, I thought....the kids were still clueless about it.
As we passed by the roads of Quezon province....I realized that running away from the metro on Christmas eve is some kind of an experience.
While the rest of metro manila and other progressive province is preparing for noche buena with busy glittery lights and some fireworks. In some province, Christmas just passed. I cannot help it...I message it in my FB. Lucky are those who were able to celebrate Christmas with their family.
There were gasoline station manned by their staff....their Christmas must have been lonely away from family (to service an unusual traveler like us).

And so we arrived at my parent's house about 1AM to greet them with a grin and Merry Christmas! My mom was surprised that we daunted to drive all the way from home to Camsur in the unlikely date.
We slept at around 3AM only to wake up at 9 AM for Christmas lunch and attend a mass in the afternoon.

Post mass pix at porta mariae

Naga Metropolitan Cathedral-life size belen

mantis, kungfu panda and tigress :D

QCIM 2010: My second full marathon experience

2010-12-12T15:17:00.003+08:00

The Quezon City International Marathon 2010 was held last Dec 5, 2010 at about 4:30 AM. The starting line is at the Quezon memorial circle or better known as the elliptical road. I would guess that this is probably third or fourth time around that I've been to this place lol! I rarely go to Quezon City....the last time I've been here was a memory of me getting lost to go to SSS main office lol! probably that was decade ago.

The starting corral was filled early....bunch of marathoners -newbie, hardcore and just your average runner like me. Most of them are familiar in the cyberspace or blogsphere....the so called "friends" in the social networking site. I choose to be alone and quiet because I usually run alone...and I don't have running club to associate myself with....it feels great to feel alone in the middle of that crowd of brave warriros. I feel proud that somehow I am standing alongside these bunch of strong people conquering the 42.195 km distance.

hours passed after the gun was fired for the marathoners.

Top ten reasons why I joined the QCIM 2010:

This event is my dedication to my 3rd year anniversary as a runner.
I wanted to know if 42.195 km is still a familiar distance.
This is also one of my early christmas gift to myself.
This will be my first time inside lamesa eco park.
I wanted to get to know Quezon city on foot....that famous commonwealth avenue.
My personal target is to attend at least two full marathon event per year. This is my second for the year.
I am under-trained but uber excited to run the distance....this marathon is all about listening to my body...no garmin or watch to know how I'm doin.
I know that I'll end up almost lunch and want to know what it is like running really late in the morning.
Training for the marathon means possible reduction in waistline :D 26.2 inches to sustain 26.2 miles not bad eh.
Post marathon means eating a lot till christmas :D

I consider this race a long run. I have no intention to beat up a previous record because I wanted to enjoy the scenery of La Mesa Eco park :D and I did. In fact, I have full appreciation why we all should conserve water. I just regret not having a camera with me....there were interesting shots on that place.

photo by hubby in the last 800m or so

They say that the marathon is a metaphor of life.
And life is full of surprises......you meet people along the way.
You meet struggling marathoners along the way.
It felt great to have met people like Tess who tried to help ease my inconveniences. And there was Sam the running ninja whom I saw up close...I used to read his blog through Takbo.ph. And a guy with bib 9541 whom I had a nice chat about mountaineering on the last 3 km of the race.

Relief...seeing hubby taking the shots felt like heaven....finally somebody close to me is here.

Ten things that I have learned about running a marathon after completing QCIM:

Hydrate just enough. Of course during summer or intense heat you have to hydrate more than enough. But specific to this event...the weather is fine and overcast...just enough is okay.
Sleep well....yes this old age advice will help you have a better running experience. I actually billeted to a low budget hotel in Kalayaan Ave....just to make sure I'm not going to be late. I don't want to repeat that same experience during TBR DM.
Plan your hydration and solid intake....cramps won't be an issue.
Do not clip and wound your ipod earphone wires on your hydration belt....it takes time to remove it. lol! when I entered la mesa eco park I had to unwind the ipod wires from my belt (hydration belts were not allowed inside the park and I didn't know about this rule until I get there).
Small steps on incline is still the best way to attack the hills...it allowed me to continue running and it feels great on the butt.
If your not having cramps...do not entertain the idea of putting on liniments on your legs just because you see the first aid station not so busy. I tried putting on the liniment...with the idea in mind that the minty feel would help me reduce my walk breaks but it didn't make a difference...it was just an added delay (not to mention the "scratchy" feel after the application).
I have read it several times that the bladder shuts down when you started running. In my case it seems untrue. So, tie your short string not too tight...you'll get busy untying it during wee wee break. Lol!
If there is a need to pee....go pee if there's a chance do not wait on that next gasoline station or comfort room...chances are there isn't anymore. lol! that's what happen to me when I forego taking a pee on Shell station along commonwealth ave....when I reached UP and CP Garcia street, I have to live with the bursting bladder feeling all throughout the remaining 12Km.
If you feel that your bladder seemed to break....don't take a cold shower....it will aggravate the feeling.
Don't forget to smile....photovendo's everywhere. Thanks for the nice picture guys!

pure bliss....finishline is just around the area.

My splits:

10K- 1:10:55 - wow! this is within my 10K range
21K - 2:35:09 - also within my 21K performance range
30K -3:38:56- this is surprising for me, considering my unilab 32K is 4:11 hmmm
40K- 5:18:52 - obviously this is a nega split, the last 12k was agonizingly painful abdominal-like cramps- its like havin' dysme while running...trying to find a cr or portalet to relieve some wewee urged...I was thinking why the bladder did not completely shutdown...am i running so slow?

That guy behind me was nice enough to share some chat...also a mountaineer-but I hadn't got his name.

To my surprise....I finished QCIM 2010 better than my maiden marathon not to mention about too much delay on the first aid station and gasoline station...wohoooo!

sweet victory- my mizuno precision on it's 500km mileage....time to change!

After getting my medal (and relieving my we-wee urge), I opted to walk back to our hotel....like a post marathon stretch.
I am so happy that I have completed the event free from injury....
How's that for an early Christmas gift?

Nike Dri-Fit Filament Running Tights - Large
Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance (Runner's World Complete Books)

Runrio Leg 3 and Patricia's Dream

2010-12-10T14:33:00.002+08:00

Hello there! Gee...this post is uber late.
Hmmm there isn't much time to blog.
It seems that family activity and kid's individual interest is eating much of mommy's time.
But I'm still lucky because I have been able to squeezed running time on my busy sched and ended up doing long distance race in a month's time....talk about time management.

Runrio Leg3: 32K The Afroman Challenge
Last year TIMEX Run, I thought it was the first leg of Runrio Trilogy. Hmmm but I was wrong...announcement in the blogsphere came that the Runrio Trilogy will happen 2010.
I promised myself that I will live up to the challenge....no matter what I'll run the toughest challenge- 21K, 21K & 32K.

Here's the summary of my performance in order of the trilogy event:

Feb 21, 10: Runrio Trilogy1: Century Tuna Superbods, 21K, 2:17:36
May 30, 10: RunRio Trilogy2: Nature Valley Run, 21K, 2:38:49 (Recovery run after TBR DM).
Nov 21, 10: RunRio Trilogy3: Run United 2-Active Health, 32K, 4:11:39

I am so happy that I have crossed and completed the Trilogy on my "must run" event list....and what's great about it is I completed with the luvy dovy of my life hehehe.

Fleeting moments after my second wind kicked in.

Thx photovendo....sweetness moment :D

My favorite running mate

Run with the light for Patricia's Dream

After a week of 32K run with runrio. What I needed was a recovery run. I know it would be fun if done in a race that would allow me do an easy pace at the same time decent enough to cover certain distance. I was thinking that 5K is just right.
So when I came across the race list featured in Takbo.ph- Patricia's Dream Run caught my interest.
A run for cause for dear Patricia.

I had it discussed at home with hubby and my kids. Patricia's rings a bell to my kids because two years ago their friend Patricia (or Patchie as we fondly call her) also had the same accident though with lesser injury. The kids volunteered to join the race so they can help....in fact come race day we didn't have any problem waking them up in the wee hour. Dada and kids did the 3K while I did a 5K run.

I thought it would be an easy run.....but I was shocked by the adrenaline of the runners in Alabang. They were fast, they were speeding like a bullet after the start alarm was sounded.
It was a nice run in Madrigal Business Park that headed to the posh village of Ayala Alabang. I ended up at 39:51 my super slow 5K record. But it was fun....I was still ahead with the kiddos and took shot of their running moments.

This race is one of my favorite....because you feel the warmth of small and closely knit running community.
Again thank you to Alabang runners for holding this event and for making a difference to Patricia and those who participated on the event.

P.S. Click here if you are interested about Patricia or if you wanted to extend help.

Photo ops with Patricia and Mom Vhangie of Alabang Runners

Post run pix with Team Logan, Craig, Michelle and Justine

Dada pacing Matti....don't give up...keep on running!

my competitive little girl goin ahead of dada and matti

An Open Letter to FF Supertone

2010-11-27T12:33:00.002+08:00

Dear FF Supertone,

Ever since I started running, I have been looking for a non-running shoes or footwear that won't hurt my feet. High heeled shoes is a no-no-no for me. Because I don't want to strain my feet and legs for fashion.
I want to make sure that my feet is relaxed when I am not running....
I want to pamper my feet.
You can imagine how many times I have been pounding the pavement just to accumulate mileage.

While in HK. The "Run Run" fascinates me.

I remember my first meeting with my first FF a year ago, in one of my malling moments with my kids where we passed by a store in MOA called ResToeRun. I was actually looking at one of the running shoes on display, I was not planning to buy anything yet. Because my running shoes mileage is still pretty much low.
But then my eyes caught sight this "Fitflop" brand. I got curios about the product label that says "Get a workout while you walk."

At first, I was hesitant about it. What kind of technology can make you workout while you walk?
...hmmmm If it's true, then it must be good for me and all other women who have no time for physical workout.

I admit, I took a long look on this footwear. It looks great but a little expensive.
The sales lady urged me to try it. And when my feet slipped on this sandal....it felt like heavens.
How can a soft and comfortable sandal make you workout?
The answer is the muscle-loading Microwobbleboard™ technology. It felt so light despite it's bulky look.

My tired feet doesn't want to remove the sandals....so I paid my first fitflop, silver electra while wearing it.

My very first FF- Silver Electra

And it's not an impulsive buying I tell you. I bought it because I know....this is just what my feet needed.
When I got home, I tried reviewing what other wearer says. It's all positive.
And as I researched about the product....the more I fell in love with it.
A relationship blossomed. Oh! and I became addicted to it.
It's the only footwear for me when I am not running.
It's not a fashion statement...it's something that my body needs.

Then, I started collecting other model: Walkstar-black, Pietra-bronze.
My FF buddies with me everywhere....I don't feel guilty when I don't do leg exercise....I know FF is there to handle it. Just like friends forever, FF took good care of me.

But then just like any other relationship. Problem arise....it's not you baby.
It's me, my long distance running gave me so much dead toenails and wearing a sandal (with exposed toe nail) is so unsightly. There was a point that my nail was completely removed ouch! sorry about that.
Even if it hurts, I have to put my fitflop sandals on storage. And hoped that FF will develop a closed toe sandals or shoes......Without even me requesting this wishlist....FF announced that you're coming. An FF sneaker! I was so happy with the good news....you have no idea how I waited patiently for you FF Supertone. A sneaker I'm longing for.
I know that we are meant for each other....you will help me conceal my ugly toenails =(
Come Oct 1 your supposed released was said to be held a little longer....I kept waiting.
Then I knew by Oct 16 you probably were there....
it was also the time when I visited again FF super store in MOA.
Still, you weren't around. Smirk! =(
Instead, I saw the Happy Gogh. She was a nice addition to my growing collection of FF buddies.

Now happy with Gogh

Now, I realized perhaps we didn't find each other in that place because the store has to undergo renovation.

But you were still on my mind....

Last night, while updating my FB I learned about your contest.
Grabs for the bloggers. Oh! I couldn't sleep....I need to see you, walk with you or maybe even run with you.
I can't wait to put on my ugly feet in your insole...I can imagine how wonderful it can be.
Who knows you might be the right partner for that sub-60 10K quest.

I realized that I have to send you this letter....to let you know how much I'm longing for you.
Maybe the platinum color will give justice to my now ugly feet.
I can't wait to say hello and get greater heights of working out with you....firmer butt and legs on the coming years.

Pleading on my knees, Your number one fan.

Much love,

joy :)

Bohol Road Trip

2010-11-13T18:36:00.003+08:00

Bohol....we've been aching for Bohol trip since last year.
Finally, we found just the right time to hit the plane, the ferry and the roads to Panglao.
I had a hard time booking directly to Tagbilaran.
So what we did is to book via Cebu and ferry to Tagbilaran City.

At the port we were approached by swarms of taxi drivers/tourist guide.

They've been offering tour packages which is a bit lower compared to the resort rate.

Hubby and I decided that perhaps a roadtrip in Bohol is worth a peek.

And so we spend a day looking out what's there in Bohol.

We started from Panglao, Sagbayan (aside from the famous choco complex in Carmen, Sagbayan peak also provides a great view deck), Danao (extreme adventure- zipline, plunge etc), Carmen (choco complex), Loboc (loboc river, we didn't cruise because we don't have the time), Baclayon etc...

Here are some of my favorite pix.

Encounter with the Tarsier at Sagbayan Peak

Hinagdanan Cave family pix

At Baclayon Church

At the blood compact site

Bohol Bee Farm- livelihood area

Glorien 93 Maogmang nagtiripon

2010-10-06T21:07:00.000+08:00

Ang orolay na pag tiripon kang highschool batch 93 pig punan Enero pa sana kang taon na ini.
Nahiling ko na sa Facebook na pirmi ining hot topic.
Alagad ako personal kung aram na garo dae ako sigurado nin huni ta kadakol sanang dalagan ang maarabot.

Nag abot ang Pebrero nabaretaan ko ang Camsur International Marathon.
Sabi ko sa sadiri ko dae ko ini papalagpason.
Kang nagkahilingan ngani kami ni Coach Rio- pig sabi ko saiya, tibaad ang first full marathon ko igde sa CIM ko guibohon.

Alagad ang mga pangyayari dae ko namalayan nag Mayo, duman ako nabunyagan kang full marathon na ini.

Garo nang-gad dae na ako makaka atindir kang tiripon na ini. Medyo namumundo ako.
Ta sa memorya ko basta may sinabing tiripon elementary man o highschool batch, pirmi akong yaon.
Pig isip ko pa kung papalagpason ko ini.
Mala ta naka isip akong mag litik duwang semana bago ang aldao kang tiripon.

Nahurophuropan ko na.....kadakol man ning marathon na masurunod pa....ining mga ka-batch ko kang elementary tsaka highschool- sinda ang mga amigo asin amiga ko na haloy ko nang biristo. Kung susumahon si elementary classmate may 27 yrs, si highschool 20 years and counting . Sinda na pig turing ko na garo mga tugang...sinda na mga nakaiba ko nin marhay asin an pundasyon kang "friendship" na ini mayong halo ni ano mang interes...kundi purong pagkamoot asin pagkamagturugang na pig tadhana kang panahon.

Naguiromdoman ko ang elementary sagkod highschool batch ko sa UNC garong haros mayong pinag-iba. Ini por dahil kadaklan sa mga kaklase ko kang elementary sa UNC man guiraray nag highschool. Kaya ngani pag may tiripon na nababareta sa batch na ini interesado akong mag iba, ta para sako sinda an saro sa mga haraluyon ko nang kabistado, amigo asin amiga.

Orogmahon gabos, nagbabarayle, ano ini Senior night in jeans? hehehe

sa picture na ini narumduman ko si pirmi pig sabi sa mga party kadto "Raise the roof!"

Kang pag abot kang aldao na pig takda kang samuyang maogmang tiripon garong kulang ang panahon.
Grabe dae pondong ngakngak, iristorya, ngirit igde- duman, picturan na dae matapos tapos ini an sakuyang naobserbahan. Pati ngani ako nag pondo kang nawaran nin baterya.

Pig sabi ni Cloyd na dakul sa mga ka-batch an may mga marhay na buhay ang nag heras kan saindang "blessing". Marhay na salamat sainda, por dahil dyan naging mas magayon ining pambihirang pagtiripon kang mga uragong batch 93 (lol!).
Dae man dapat pag lingawan na ang tiripon dae kuta madadagos kung bako por dahil sa mahigos na pag organisar kang mga uragon na ka-batchmate na nakabase sa naga. Arog ki cloyd (mahigoson ka pre), nong nong, luna, cora etc...hay kadakol sanang pangaran na dae ko na masaro saro....ang masabi ko lang urgulyo ko sinda gabos.

ining hirilingan na ini pag mate ko mayong gayong nag liwat sa mga lalawugon dawa ngane 17 yrs na poon kang kami nag gradwar nin highschool lol!

siguro mga sampulong taon pa may mahirira na.

Ining da moobs na ini an ebidensya na mayong nag hera sa batch 93 hehehe

Naoogma ako na ang mga amiga asin amigo dawa haloy na dae naghirilingan...mayo nin aralanganan...iyo man guiraray....napasuhay lang kang panahon....maogma ini. Laom ko na ang mga masunod na tiripon ma bunga nin mas marhay asin pusog na iribahan.

ining duwang ini sampulong taon ko dae nahiling...nag aragom kami na dae nagkabararetaan...tano daw?
mayo lang. nagkasuruhayan lang.

c neri saka c nono- mga kaklase poon elementary...c nono ngane hanggang college
grabeh!

Where does running take you?

2010-09-26T16:19:00.001+08:00

Run...run....run!

Today a lot of people are enjoying Cam Sur running their full or half marathon...there are short-distance events either that make it cool too.

I haven't been running for the past weeks...but so committed to get back to training hopefully for another full marathon.

Honestly, I am delayed preparing. But something motivates me to take up another marathon. And I promise to get back better after my brother's wedding.

Kassy, one of my batchmates in TBR Dream Marathon takes her running adventure to the next level.
On December 5, 2010, she will be running full marathon in Standard Chartered Singapore event for the Maple Tree foundation. Click here for details.

After learning about this...I feel excited for Kassy because not all people do this act of kindness.

I really admire her effort in doing her passion and helping others at the same time. I wish a lot of us could the same. This is humongous job. I can imagine how difficult is the legwork organizing this kind of activities.
I could extend however small contributions to Kassy and take my running a little further. So hubby and I decided to contribute 1 peso per km of our mileage for the year for Kassy's cause.

Kassy can monitor our pledges' progress through dailymile. Amount corresponding to accumulated mileage will be sent to Kassy on Nov 15.

This is one of my fave pix of Kassy during our last TBR DM grabbed from her FB.

How about you? Would you like to spare 1 peso per km of your running mileage? We can help Kassy raised the target amount for the foundation. Click here for details.

See you guys on the road!

Nutrition...exciting discoveries

2010-09-19T14:32:00.001+08:00

I always believe that nutrition and active lifestyle go hand in hand....that is why I seldom drink carbonated and alcoholic drinks, binge on junk food or with my favorite treats and etc....I learned all about proper nutrition-way back my infertily and pregnancy years. The reason why I stayed in this course of living a healty diet is to allow me cope up with the demands of endurance sport and motherhood.
I will update my Runner's Recipe page for my recent finds on healthy food and nutrition, including those previous recipe in case I have made some variants that still taste great and gets approval from my picky eating kids.

Here are my recent finds:

I was reading through Jaymie's blog when I came across this article-"Low chocolate fat for recovery". Yesterday on our 5k tempo, my post run fuel is the chocolate soya milk. I was actually expecting today a sore calf muscles- which often happens with my running workout. Today, I am not feeling anything. I just find it unsual considering yesterday afternoon we were malling at the Shang for about 5 hours whew! Perhaps the bull runner and the webMD is right. I am excited to run again because of the idea of running pain-free. I must confirm this with more data points :D My choice is Soyfresh chocolate milk- because I think I am lactose intolerant. So if you're a runner, rider, swimmer or you lift weights- post workout try this. And you may want to share how it worked for you.

I am always on the hunt for high fiber pasta everytime I am on the grocery...because this is a good source for complex carbo. Complex carbo are the smart choice for runner because it takes longer to convert to glucose and are stored as glycogen in the muscles which is put to good use during the demands of endurance training or race. Consistent training demands more glycogen reserves for better performance. Last year, I discovered that the whole wheat pasta also taste good (see my tuna arrabiata in my Runner's Recipe). The other day, I discovered about Oat's fiber spaghetti. This lunch, we tried it with tomato based sauce and it did OK with the kids. They did not notice that I am using a different type of spaghetti. I am still wondering if there were other people cooking this stuff and how it work. If you happen to try this let me know how did you like it. So far my tummy isn't grumpy. :D

I discovered recently how to make my kids eat vegetable. A fruity vegetable salad made the trick. I'll post the recipe in my Runner's Recipe page.

Happy eating!

Air Climber - is it a good cross training equipment for the runners?

2010-09-17T14:13:00.003+08:00

Photo courtesy of google images

I first saw this airclimber equipment from my mother. My mom is currently on a mission to lose weight and be fit. I guess the hospitalization that happened a year ago traumatized her- making her swear to live healthy.

The airclimber is actually a stepper- as you see on the photo it has two pedals, you fill it with air (the plastic component beneath the pedal) and in a few seconds you have an exercise equipment. It comes along with a resistance band that you could use for arms/back workout and a DVD exercise program led by Brenda DyGraf.

When I first saw it. I was wondering if it's a good alternative for a treadmill. You see, I cannot afford to buy it....even the manual version. It's just expensive and occupies ample of space. I swear that this year, I'll be as frugal and minimalist. And anything that will not add value to me nor I have doubts of functionality- I am not buying nor will it ever occupy space in our small abode.

But by just looking at it, I have serious doubt if it will work up a muscle. Hmmm...so I gave it a try. Set the resistance dial to the highest level 5 (well, honestly I feel that maybe working on it is peanuts eh!) and try the "Super 7-pump" program....the video is very motivating, you see guys and gals displaying their ripped abs while using the equipment. The exercise video is complete, it will assist you from warm-up through cool down.

As I progressed with my workout, I realized that piece of equipment had my muscle working so hard...maybe I have underestimated the resistance dial. The exercise video is also simple to follow...you see I am not good in dancing, so aerobic exercise is really not a very welcoming idea....but Brenda DyGraf routine takes only awhile to follow. :D not bad eh!
I was literally sweating like a pig after the 20 minutes of workout. The super 7 pump exercise program helps me exercise my biceps, triceps, back, lats, abs, glutes, and calf.

Of course after that rigorous exercise and even if I was a little convince- I did not buy.
The price is 3750 pesos in SM Naga. I am not sure if it's practical to buy it.

We went back to Cavite and for quite awhile, the AirClimber- was left to oblivion.

Then, sometime July in one of our regular visit to the kids' pedia in Makita Med - we happened to drop by Landmark. And we saw the AirClimber sold at 2500 pesos (1000 off eh!).
Then I started to ask if this piece of equipment is indeed a good cross training equipment for runners?
My husband (who feels guilty for not accompanying me on my weekend runs) encourage me to buy it.
In other words we leave Landmark with that piece of equipment.
I have already tried all the exercise program in the DVD and my favorite is the Super 7-Pump, Abs Airtight, Burn & Firm.
I was hooked for three weeks.
Afterwards, the ripped abs on video- doesn't excite me anymore.
Even the idea of the Rexona Run didn't ignite my interest to go on training.

Come race day- I lasted 2:45 to finish the 21km race.

Weeks past, there were lots of "major-major" reason why I can't train- Yaya gone away, heavy traffic along Governor's drive (due to endless road construction) etc....etc....So after so much contemplation I went back to Air Climber two weeks ago at 2x a week interval.
This time, I combined the Abs Airtight and Burn & Firm in one session- giving me a helluva workout of 30 mins...almost equivalent to 5K or less running time....I feel better but have adjusted the resistance dial to level 3 and 5 from time to time (LOL!).

Overall, the AirClimber is simple workout- it will make you sweat, burn calorie, work on your muscle (if you will follow the correct form). It will perhaps help lose weight (as I noticed from my Mom's progress).
As for me, it probably helped maintain my weight- so even if I haven't been running for awhile nothing changed.
However, it did not increase my appetite compared when I am running outdoors.

My conclusion is the AirClimber cannot replace the needed training of a runner.....a runner's workout is to run. And as much as possible- run outside.
Though, it can provide an alternative light to moderate cross training workout (even if the resistance dial is set to level 5), priced at 2500 pesos- I guess this will be a good piece of equipment....one just need tons of courage and discipline to do the workout- over and over and over and over again!

P.S. This piece will bore experienced fitness enthusiast. This is highly recommended for beginners (like my mom hehehe).

Back to Basics

2010-09-16T15:00:00.001+08:00

Lately when some of my non-running friends or colleague approached me and tell me like something any of these lines:
"You are amazing! You live such an active life."
Or "How did you finished the hurdles of 42 km?"
And "How can you keep on running?"

Honestly, those kind of question left me tongue tied.

I feel guilty. Because, the past three months I haven't been running the way I used to. For them I still look like an active runner.

To answer those questions....let me try to analyze and respond appropriately.

Active Life- Duh! I guess this one comes naturally if you are a mother of two, a wife, working and juggling this so called "identity" of yours expressed in hobbies. You ought to be constantly on the move, not to mention the endless "chores"- that in itself is an activity and there's a lot of it.
The full mary- 42.195 km. I finished it once....hmmm I don't know if I can still manage a 16 week training. Or if the performance is repeatable. I still asked myself how did I do it. Perhaps, I'll call myself delusional if there were no evidence I did it.
Lastly- keep on running? The truth is I can't keep on running....I walk when I feel there's a need to walk. I am not ashamed to do it...yet, I still call myself a runner.

Interestingly, this question when a newbie or non-runner ask- left me with my mouth wide open. "Any strategy? Tips?"

How will I answer that? I am not so technical- for tips, I would usually refer them to the Bald Runner, who has the collection of technical know how in running specially ultra running, and theres the Bull Runner and takbo.ph. These are really the passionate people whom I consider the Philippine icons in the running community.
Sometimes, I feel sad because it looks like I cannot contribute to this excited runner or non-runner. But what can I do...I do not have strategy!

I learned running from my kids...if you have children- you can observe them, look at them closely.
They run to their heart's delight....they stopped when in need of drink. They will continue until they are tired or hungry. When they are hungry they will seek food. And when exhausted they keep quite sometimes you won't noticed it- they're asleep or snore in some corner.

One of the greatest lesson I learned from my kids is to just enjoy running. Simple!

Everyday, I remind myself this....and each time....I am becoming wimpy!

If you're grown up- don't do like this boy does, running but doesn't look forward (LOL!)
There is a high chance of bumping other runner or worst structures....this boy got the comfort
of her mom who is just around the corner, watching.

When tired? try walking....there's no harm in doin'- proceed to hydrate....

Is it bye-bye GF405?

2010-09-10T18:03:00.000+08:00

The past three months was a terrible struggle to squeezed in training time with various domestic issue.
Many mothers would agree that day time work, mothering, household management are difficult to juggle.Which resulted in my zero mileage.

I can handle waking up early to do my runs....but I am so scared of the pestering dogs (hehehe these are the days I wish I lived in a posh village with tighter control over pets LOL!).

Today is holiday....our nearest option (despite waking up late) is island cove.
And I do hope this will be the start of a regular training.
Of course I wanted to know how my pace is doing after a prolonged off.
Thus, even if the plan is an easy run I decided to wear my GF405.

Suddenly the wristband took off! I was shocked my GF405 is just 17 months old. I thought typical life is 24 months (perhaps battery life only). I wonder if this can be fixed? And where? My sister bought it abroad and I am not sure if it's still covered with warranty.

I am dismayed by the design of the wrist band that have a brittle material.
One thing is for sure- I am not buying another GF405.

I am disappointed of the wrist band - the design should be sturdy enough since it is intended for rigorous activity.

P.S. GPS is still working, but how can I use it? Any idea?

Trip to the kitchen

2010-08-31T13:26:00.002+08:00

What's cookin'?

I have a confession to make.
I love to eat but I hate to cook.

The past years since I started running to lose post pregnancy excess weight- I thought, I eat to run....there's no worry running burns everything.

But the past two months of hiatus....I realized that it's the other way around.
I run to eat.
During the past two months of on/off training....to almost 0 km mileage (and an LSD during race)...I realized that eating is not the same.
I don't know why I eat better after I ran....I cannot explain it...but it seemed that I am able to savor the flavor, the texture and the nutrients more after a real good run.
I have some friends who feel the same.
And these past few months I lost my appetite.
Perhaps this is the reason why at reduced activity -my weight is still the same.

I actually have no problem with my diet. Because the food that I eat are often healthy.
Also, I prefer home-cooked food over fast food...my occasional treats are combos and chocolates. And chocolates are unforgiving to my throat- I guess am allergic to it....so I seldom take my cheat.

Lately, my husband and baby boy is having this digestion problem. To help them ...I decided to take frequent trips to the kitchen, manage their diet (specially fiber)....well cookin' is hardly my feet feats (hehehe)...but if my feet didn't take me to the kitchen I ain't cookin' LOL!

With the family's holistic health in mind....I decided to cook again (yeah! I hated it but I have to).
And I realized....if you give it a try, have an inspiration in mind...one can give cooking a chance.
I realized that the food that I prepare tastes better...when I am more positive and feel the love in my heart (weet weew!)...besides I am cookin' for my love ones. So I guess my dear friend...attitude in cooking is one very important ingredient.

So that I won't forget my recipe specially those that I own or sometimes made up....I'll put up a dedicated page I'll call the runner's recipe. I will give proper attribution where I got the recipe so you may visit the link (if found on the web) or the person who advises of the dish.

Yes, the runner's recipe are good for the kids, running dad and mom...because the food that I intend to prepare are those that have the 3G- Go! Grow! and Glow!

Happy Eating!

Below is my maiden recipe:

Tuna Arrabiata

Servings: six

Ingredients:
1 med size Garlic, chopped
1 med size Onion, chopped
1 can, 180 g (may use 90-100 g only) Tuna Lite- flake in vegetable oil (drained)
1 can, 490 g Hunt's diced tomato with Basil
8 tbsp, olive oil
3 tbsp, bread crumbs
1/4 tsp, iodized salt
1/8 tsp, ground pepper

grated parmesean or cheddar cheese

250 g (cooked as directed) whole meal spaghetti (San Remo or other whole wheat spaghetti will be fine. Note that it has 3X fiber compared to regular pasta/spaghetti).

Procedure:

1. In a heated pan, add 8 tbsp of olive oil, sautee onions, garlic, tuna. Add Hunt's diced tomato, 1/4 tsp iodized salt. Simmer for 3 minutes and add 3tbsp bread crumbs and 1/8 tsp ground pepper.
2. Toss the sauce to the cooked whole meal spaghetti.
3. Topped with grated cheese.

Viola in less than 10 minutes you have a gourmet pasta...with Go! Grow! and Glow! ingredients.

Btw, sorry no photos! As posted in my FB....before I even had a chance to take shot the kids partake already on the meal....in unison with their Dad they said...Delicioso!

Road trip to refuge

2010-08-30T11:19:00.005+08:00

Wayback home in our camsur province....my refuge is the church of Basilica Minore and the Carmelite in Naga City. Everytime I visit these church....I can feel that I am one with God.
I think I have found another after a decade of staying in my adopted province of Cavite.
Caleruega though not part of Cavite (is always mistaken part of Tagaytay) is a favorite side trip when visiting Tagaytay. It is actually part of Nasugbu Batangas.

Yesterday, I took another visit.
It's always feel refreshing going back to this place.
All the positive energy seemed come to me that makes me feel light and care free.

I came full...I left empty...I cast all my cares upon Him.

Calmness after the rain

My little artist...doodling- Calaruega draws great inspiration even to the young ones.

The bridge that will lead you to the other hill

Hills training-anybody? Kids were running to the chapel.
Some grown ups were wonderin' how come kids could run uphill LOL.
Well their mom can! LOL!

My favorite view- Mt Batulao. I conquered it once....I don't know if I can still do it.
The ridge line is so overwhelming for me....but that time I know God is with me.

One with Eywa....I didn't know how many minutes I have drifted
after starin' the sky...seeing the clouds chasing each other

One of my little artist doodles

Forgotten piece

2010-08-24T14:11:00.004+08:00

Very few of my friends would know that I love to doodle (thats what I call about my write ups and drawings).
Some of my doodling resulted in fiddling write-up or figures....nothing serious.
Maybe I doodle a lot on idle times because I can't keep on sitting down....

During my pregnancy years....it was my toughest....I have to go on bed rest.
But those memories were left to oblivion....I remember after giving birth (both children)- I have to go on rehab to fix my frozen shoulders. I am glad I surpassed it.

Now, I am again on the tough times....no nanny to take care of the kids, no helper for the household chore. Ugh! well, though I can handle it...it's terrible to juggle work, work at home, and lotsa household chores....talk about multi-tasking.
I thank God I experienced the marathon, the long runs....because it gives me a different view of how to tackle difficult times. I have high hopes that soon I can return to running....and do another marathon before the year ends.

Last weekend...my daughter and I came up with some bonding time....and went doodling (again for me), I was goofing with my daughter while letting the hours passed... and here is my favorite result:

My daughter's attempt in watercolor.

I draw this food group to describe to my daughter what we call "Go" food or the carbo, in oil pastel.

I also showed my daughter about my doodles while she was in my womb (on bed rest)...and this is my favorite.

Charcoal- this one caught my attention, I have forgotten about this.

The idle times (I mean being left at home without option hehehe feels like house arrest)....were sometimes good for the soul to reconnect lost pieces of us- like that artwork above, which I have forgotten. Hmmm actually I am completely lost with the charcoal hehehe. Well doodling maybe isn't my personal legend.

Fun Run

2010-08-06T15:17:00.000+08:00

Fun run in 21K.
It felt good running this distance and feeling like a kid.
Thanks photovendo for the wonderful shots. I didn't know these guys could capture my jump shot at different angles.

Confession of the running mom

2010-08-01T18:59:00.000+08:00

I have missed running so much. As much as I hate to admit the truth.... but not being able to run crept to my sanity- yes it involves having spikes in my mood. Oh! and when finally I got to get a date with my husband to run, I have to control myself to prevent any injury for my Rexona run race.
After nature's valley run (where I received 1000km finisher shirt), my running routine dwindles....to almost none.
I struggled with my training when the school year started. Early morning is usually trying to pacify my baby boy who tantrums when woked up at the wee hours of the morning- they have to be up by 5AM for the 7AM class (and we all have to sleep before 9PM and my kids won't just sleep without mom or dad...oh! and there's the assignments)...imagine my mileage dropped to 5Km total for June, making it impossible to do the milo marathon- month's back my ambition is to do my 2nd full mary with Milo....but it seems it was not destined to happen. So I let go of that race besides it was quite difficult to register. Now I realized that perhaps it was a blessing in disguise- because I have read a lot of complaints regarding the conduct of the race- like hydration station without water??? too much sun exposure etc etc. But I cannot speak about it since I was not on the race.

July progressed to 10Km - my monthly mileage whew! And after the milo marathon, the news of death scares me off the more. I feel like I can't run anymore- suddenly, the danger of running becomes so real to me. Maybe, I have this feeling because I am also guilty of not properly hydrating- I remember I used to run 10K without water. Also,I like running alone- than running with someone. I guess I'm such a bad company- that only my husband can stick to me all through out (lol! at least there is one person who can withstand running beside me)...

When I was new to running I would always rummage in the runners world for an article about training and safety. Well, honestly I can't spare some budget for a coach- so I decided to get coaching from my reading on the internet at first it was just the runnersworld then I discovered the bull runner, bald runner and takbo.ph- all sites are reputable in bringing in useful information for newbie and seasoned runners. Those days, I thought that death in running is quite high among elite athletes who have been pushing so hard to reduce finish time like that of Ryan Shay.....I never thought it could happen to recreational athlete like us. Though in the US there were reported cases of death in a race....but it didn't bother me much- I was thinking that perhaps, people there are too competitive maybe because running as a sport have reached certain level of maturity. However, the death of a fellow filipino runner brings chill on my spine...specially because I am not good in keeping up with my training. If it happened to someone...could it happen to me?
Then I got invited to run 21k in a dailymile challenge dubbed as "Tribute For The Milo Runners Who Died"....hmmm I don't know how soon will I be able to complete it. But decided to do the Rexona Run to comply with the challenge. And besides it will be a bonus motivation to get back to training.
When I got a chance to read the article about the runner who died in Milo Marathon- the faceless man becomes real...here is a guy who used to work in the semicon company in gateway business park. Then I asked myself- did he run in my playground? did I get to see him on those days that I run more than 3-4x a week?....I felt so sorry for his family, for his children and to him for not making it to the finishline with 1.1 km to go. I hope this guy rest in peace.

His story...made me feel sad...made me ask- will I continue to run a race? or is really running a sport for me? Momentarily I stopped. There was loneliness in my heart. I asked myself this question because of my current situation- it's been two months since classes started, but I haven't adjusted my training schedule.

I pushed myself to run again because of this fellow runner. Even if I barely know him I decided to run for him or them anyway.
Oh! and when I reached the 19.9 km distance this morning- I got goosebumps...I don't know if it's the heat....on my left I can see overflowing water (earlier there is a pang of guilt because I know in some parts of metro manila people clamour for water). Then I remember again this runner who died- according to reports water was not available for him to hydrate- which significantly increased his risks of heatstroke and eventually to his untimely death.

With tons of reasons for skipping all the training- days back, I decided to use every opportunity to condition my muscles...like using the stairs instead of elevators or escalators, engaging my core muscles when lifting heavy items (instead of asking hubby to do it), walking certain distance instead of calling a cab for a ride, sweating it out while cleaning the house instead of asking the helper to do it (since I am not even satisfied even if I explained the method of cleaning the nth time-whew! as if were not speaking on the same language), frequent visit to the attic that feels like an oven or some sauna (just to simulate the humidity and heat exposure) and getting to my airclimber at least once a week (lol and call it an exercise).

Today's race- I am guilty, I didn't train or prepare because I choose to become a better mother, wife, and homekeeper (also grumpy at times).
Today, I woke up for the race and immediately throw away that competitive side of me. I headed to the race armed with my love for this sport. And I thank the race organizer/director for keeping us safe by providing us more than enough hydration supply.
And I thank God for I get to run a race- finish it at a very slow pace (2:45:35). My heart is screaming out loud with the joy that this 21Km distance brings to me.

My run today- brings a different level of awareness....perhaps I'm lucky today I got my medal (or is it just about the medal?)...but what about some other race day?...I need to be better on my training. Which reminds me of the last leg of trilogy where I have to run 32Km- there is no turning back...though there is option to downgrade to 10K(?)- but I must do it....I need another marathon....I guess my calling is the long distance run.

My 5th medal for the 21K distance- very nice quality almost comparable to my TBR DM medal.

My feet feats ...

2010-06-18T11:50:00.000+08:00

I was out for awhile from running in my favorite playground.
I remember when I started running in GBP 3X a week when I was still super newbie....my husband was amazed by my improvements whenever we had our weekend runs.....those were some of my fondest memories when I was just starting to run.

Yesterday, after that long 18 days. The weather is nice and hubby is on rest day for his softball game- so I was given the chance to finally get my feet to run. Hongestly, though I wanted to run the past 18 days....something holds off- I don't want to run in my playground....not yet. Because, Hours before my first full marathon - something happened to me that make me feel depressed.
Running the full marathon the following day helps me relieved of some pain....but it didn't go away.....then I decided to do half-marathon the following week after my full, hoping to make me feel better.

Days prior Natures Valley I decided to contact Sir Jovie to claim my 1000km finisher shirt and finally get to meet him. I was hoping that these small achievements in my running life will ease the pain in my heart. All the excitements and happiness seemed temporal.
All those achievements seemed not to help me....but I kept my silence....I cannot write....I cannot visit my FB....I just feel alone and unhappy. This is terrible for me considering it is my birth month....I felt like a loser...and this person who did wrong to me won the game.

While I was running yesterday.....the gift of good hormones finally dawned upon me. I was able to reconcile myself. Become proud of what I have accomplished.....I know mine was just a baby steps perhaps....but it helped me a lot. One surprising article from Sir Jovie of BaldRunner helped me uplift my spirit.

I realized way back- someone asked from a blog (I can't remember the blogger anymore)....are there lonely runners? Well, I guess there is....I am when I cannot run.

After yesterday's run- I know I was healed. I have forgiven the person. But the act, perhaps I cannot forget. Being victim of discrimination is really very difficult especially because I am a woman. Women are perceived weak....but my inner soul screamed that I am strong, capable and must be treated with equal rights.

Running help me keep my sanity. Running makes me feel that I am strong. I know I am good in this sport- maybe not the best.
My feet feats says....I am a marathoner, though I consider myself newbie but nobody can take it away from me.

15 DAYS without running and counting.....

2010-06-15T12:54:00.000+08:00

I wish I was injured so there are no more pains in my chest as I write this blog (the drama!).
Sigh! I can't run because everything takes on priorities- home repairs/maintenance which took us four long years before doing it again sigh!, children school starts at 7 AM and everybody gets to sleep at 8 PM sharp!

I could actually run 3 AM- I can wake up at this time of the day....but there's no running area available before 4 AM (I am referring to island cove- the nearest available running route for me)....the housing is filled with stray dogs.....very unsafe to run here tsk!tsk!tsk! I tried it once and went back home- as I was not ready to do speed run ;-(

I felt very unfortunate.....when everybody was doin' their workout.
I am here counting on calories with housework....child care and well typing on keyboards.
Luckily, I haven't gain much weight because even if I devour 2 rice on breakfast- I hardly gain weight....but that's not my issue....my mood is starting to swing in various direction.....I felt so isolated. Sometimes, when my head is spinning I try the resistance band....I am hopeless these days (and on my favorite month- aw!!!).
Suddenly, I wonder if I could still meet my personal targets.
Will I ever do Milo??

I am tempted to buy a treadmill....will I run like a rat?
Oh my...excuse me for the treadmill runners (no offense intended)- but I just couldn't stand the 30 minute run on this machine.

I content myself reading the blogs of fellow runner and DM friends during noon breaks....great run folks!

Oh! I miss the road.

182- Dream Come True

2010-05-27T13:39:00.001+08:00

When I was new to joining races- I said to myself, I will only run 5K category. Because I am comfortable with this distance. Hence, the 5krunnr alias was concocted.
I am so afraid to run more than that distance because I fear injury....it's difficult to get sick, to be injured and unproductive.

The body wanted to run more....but everytime it goes beyond 5K- there is like a subconcious button that stopped me. I struggled for more than a year. It was only during 2009 MILO marathon eliminations in manila, that I started joining 10K....funny, I ran that 10K with a hydration belt- no stopping on the water station,drank only 1 bottle from the 3 bottle I brought....was continuously running and did a sprint 200m to finishline at a time record of 1:09:31. Funny, because even if I have no walk breaks- that race is not my PR. My personal best in 10K at 1:01:26 during the NB Power Run last Nov 29, 2009- when I had all the walk breaks, visited all water station, and no sprint to the finishline.

Early this year, I said to myself that my goal in running are: to complete my 1000km mileage; finished at least four half-marathon; and finished at least two marathon.
But then, I was seriously thinking how can I finish a marathon? Training for this distance is quite difficult. I have no idea. It has been in my mind for several weeks after the dawn of new year and was so happy doing a half-marathon in Condura Run by Feb....then came Jaymie's announcement of a TBR Dream Marathon early Feb....it was an opportunity I cannot miss.
But the initial offering of 200 slots came closed immediately- that was the time when I was still contemplating- to join or not to join.
But God is good- he wanted me to realize my dream....Jaymie added 100 more slots! And I grabbed one.

The training, the long runs, talks- all history that made great memories.

Eight days to the race - got my ticket to the best marathon ever....my bib is 182.

Then four days to the race, swarms of work came in....work work work! The fifth metatarsal was like gone forever-this was my only good news.

Friday came....5PM, when all the dreamers are probably dreaming in their slumber- I was on my way home, feeling like a loser. Because something happened that wreak havoc my pride, my feelings, my whole being.
7 PM- I still cannot sleep... 9 PM- still awake feeling devastated, the dream marathon is NOT in my mind.
Then I drifted to slumber- my mind suddenly shaken....the dream marathon happens today, I looked at the clock its an unimaginable 1:12 AM! Darn! Call time is 1:30 AM. I didn't know how hubby and I managed to rummage our things- we were off to the vehicle 1:34 AM- stressed, devastated and still willing to make it. Hubby hit the road like a real marathoner- at the Sta Rosa Hi-way infront of Solenad, clock says 2:34 AM. My mind was on negative mode -sigh! no more pre-race pix, no more breakfast, no more stretching.....they all have 8 hours cut-off time, while mine is just 7.5 hrs (then felt like crying.... gee but I didn't too shy to allow a drop of tears).
Traffic is not moving- a lot of runners were crossing from the ALI spine road......because at 2 AM- they had the gun start.

So I decided to went out of the car- cross the street approached one of the marshall asked them if I could run because I'm late....then came a reply- "Where's your bib? Are you registering?" Uh-oh! it felt like a bad dream but it's happening- so while scratching my head I went back to the static car, grabbed my bib and walked to the starting line sooo ashamed of being late.

Then I approached Coach Jim, asked him if I could start already because I was late. He didn't said anything. He was just looking at me like "I told you so 1:30 am". Well....I can't blame him - it was written all over the handbook, the last reminder- and here I am late.

As I started to jog, I saw Jaymie and nervously asked about directions since nobody is already coming out of ALI spine road. It was really dark, I didn't know that the lighting provided in that area is the roving flood lights. Jaymie is very encouraging, I didn't even see her frown even if I was late. Oh my! she just reminded me to go slow- besides, there is a timing chip.

I want to finish a marathon- so I brave myself running in the dark, I have no headlamp ....I continued running until I heard some footstrikes behind me. Oh! It's not only me, there is another soul came to race late...his name is Christian bib 163. Luckily, I have a company.
We would occasionaly chat....trying to keep each other motivated to run.....the turn around point seemed so far. Before we reach it, I realized when I glance from my garmin that I have not reset my watch and my previous work out was just continued- so I have to stop my clock, reset it then timed my run again....we did not bother to get some water or gatorade- we just continued the run.

Finally, we were back to Nuvali-we kept on running until we got a glimpse of fellow dreamers. Then, we reached the bird sanctuary where I saw Nora and told her I was late....she was very encouraging- and it made me feel better about my problems the previous day. Nora had her injury days before the event so it must have been difficult for her. Christian was kind enough to run with me until 16km....after that we need to go solo, because he is not my pacer and he needs to find his destiny. Then I remember to congratulate myself silently because at that distance it means I have completed my first 1000 km mileage, also it means that there is 26 km remaining. Then Sir BR's image and words of wisdom came to my mind....I was thinking about the collapse point, that is why I slowed down a lot- my poor mileage might take me to the wall early on ...it kept me going until I was back to Solenad- completing 22K in the process...I had quick chat with my hubby, reapplied some body glide on my forefoot hotspot, I knew the blister is starting to come out, had CR break then I was back to running for my second loop.

On my way to km 23- I saw Mayen's entourage, coach John and her son....and wow they were also with Coach Rio who was doin' an easy run. Besides Jaymie, Coach Rio is also one of my favorite running icon- a great runner, a good race organizer and a fellow bicolano. He leaves us after some 700 m. I had short chat t with Maye's entourage....sometimes I am ahead of them....sometimes I am slower....it has been like that for while because I was doin the 9:1 sequence. Been like that- but a surge kept me afloat approaching the bird sanctuary then back towards the major turn around point....saw Raj bib 208 already on his way to Solenad. At this point, I was completely aware that I missed pink shuffle. In my haste I left her at home that is why my breathing and my footstrike and fellow dreamers' is the wonderful music to my ear. Getting back to the major turn around point and handed out with Banana and Hersheys chocolate was pleasant experience- as if these volunteers of TBR DM know when I am exactly craving for something solid. Then I started to noticed the loud music and it was almost 33 km.
After the turn around point I was trying to understand what the wall is all about. One of my marathoner friend told me that km 32 on his first full marathon- he didn't feel like running anymore....someone just urged him to take it further.

Maybe I didn't hit mine....because I was running slow and I was lucky that everytime, the idea came to my mind....I was able to met fellow runner that help me boost my morale.
I met this guy also Raj with bib 001- he can't bend his left knee anymore yet his spirit never dies....he just kept on going.....I stayed awhile chat with him and bid goodbyes.
When I was back to the water station- I took three cups of water and asked for ice and put one on my chest and on my head (covered by my buff)....the ice on my chest was a great relief the sun is too much. I was able to continue a short run then do the run-walk 9:1 at a very slow pace of 8:01.
I enjoyed watching the kids from an everest dream mobile- they would cheer their father and urged him to continue running by chanting "Move it....move it...." (inspired from the Madagascar movie). It was a very sweet scene. And at that point, I felt like crying....I missed my children, I long for their hugs and kisses. I know if they were with us...they will do the same.

At km 38 I was reunited with Mayen's entourage and ask permission to stay with them for awhile. Coach John was gracious enough to chat with me...we shortly discuss my 5th metatarsal thing....which at that instant was already making it difficult for me. I was trying so hard to overpronate my right foot just to keep away from the 5th metatarsal...but I guess I am natural supinator- it twist back, specially when I am on walk breaks.
It was really nice chatting with them....when we arrived at the second wind station- it felt great seeing these guys. Cheering, giving you hi-fives, trying to boost you, offering food water and that is where I saw Mayen's another son- making her entourage grew bigger.
They stopped for awhile...then I decided to go on my own. I continued running- with renewed strength....imagining someday when my son and daughter grew up we will be like Mayen's entourage. Yes, I hope my son and daughter will develop fondness in running like me and my husband....I hope to visist cities with them and do a marathon.
These day dreaming kept me sustained with my 9:1 sequence....I felt like hugging the 41 km marker when I was approaching it and there is a nearby water station. I took one pitcher of ice water and showered it to my head.....that one help me propel my needed strength....I ran along the grass to help my knees prepare a better speed for my final bout to 42.195km. I am so proud that from that post I continued running to the finishline.

I was unaware of the time because my garmin was out of battery before the cheer zone....I am so glad I came out one piece and still smiling for a wonderful shot with photovendo.

I am elated! I feel like I am floating....completing my first full marathon is something...it's a great relief, it's like getting to the summit of everest or giving birth, a graduation or some sort of ceremonial thing.
Then receiving the loot bags were exciting because there were lots of goodies....and the finisher shirt, was cool! Then I heard my name called- I won a pouch from nike....sweet!

After the depressing situation the other day....I was blessed with so much and I thank God! Help me through one of the most difficult times of my life. That day May 22, 2010- I hit a 1000km mileage, finished a marathon, won in a raffle (perhaps this is my first ever raffle winnings LOL!) and gained so much admiration from my husband.....I remember him saying jokingly "Pwede ka nang sumabak sa gyera!".

Some of my favorite post race pix:

LSD- Running beyond Half Mary

2010-05-02T18:16:00.000+08:00

I always wanted to run a full marathon....but its daunting.

When I first ran the half mary- I was somehow prepared....and I know preparation is the key to finish a full marathon or perhaps any distance.

Last February to early March- I know I was in top shape, my fitness level is more than average. I was able to run half marathon every other week without pain and surprisingly breaking PRs every time.

Then came end of March- an unpleasant allergy cough bugged me....believe me, as of this writing it is still haunting me. I felt like a dog, barking out loud at an unpredictable intervals. Whoa! the cough reflex won't turned off. Luckily, during my runs I rarely cough...except on dusty or smoky condition like my trail run at Highlands the other week (maybe the culprit why even if I have medication it didn't go away).
I was just so lucky that despite being undertrained for a full marathon, I have a chance to finish the distance.

Going back last Feb, my dream to become a marathoner was ignited when Jaymie aka the Bull Runner announced that she is organizing a marathon race for beginner like me dubbed as The Bull Runner Dream Marathon.
At first I contemplated so hard....I questioned myself if its time to do it. But it seems that the answer came late...because by time I decided to join, the 200 slots were sold out!
That is how credible Jaymie is in the running community. Everyone believes in her running prowess, everyone wanted to trust their first time experience to her ability-being a marathoner herself she knows what the newbie needs.
So I thought my dream is over- but God heard my pleas, I was able to grab one when Jaymie opened another 100 slots- I was probably the 60th person enlisted.
Back then , I was hoping a marathon finish of sub-5....perhaps now this is just a dream. I am the type of recreational athlete that sometimes lose focus. I'm no good example. My priorities juggles, family and other urgent matters blocks my schedule and ugh! the nagging allergy. But the time is gone- I lost a month of training time (it could have helped me meet my target goal). Perhaps the sub-5 will be someday....some other marathon. During this morning long run....I was telling my pacer- I hope to run at least 33 marathons in my lifetime LOL! I dunno if I was kidding- it just came out of my mouth, when I was feelin exhausted. Yes, that is how much I love running. I rarely complaint. Usually when I can't run.

I was just so blessed that Jaymie have been true to her words to guide us every step of the way.
That is why even if I'm undertrained- I have the confidence that I can finish this ordeal....perhaps a slow finish time is a good way to benchmark for succeeding marathons.

Today's long run was ardous task.... The heat is terrible after 8AM, I have toasted skin but no signs of dehydration- thanks to Jaymie for providing ample supply of water for each station even if its just a practice run. In fact we have gatorade and marshalls too...support vehicle and ambulance...it was like a race minus the bib and start and finishline. With all these help, I manage to run on the specified time but was not able to complete the 28K, I am short of 3K. I don't know if it's a good sign....perhaps! Finish time don't matter now.
I have the joy knowing that I am going to conquer the 42.195K challenge.

Again kudos to Jaymie - the Bull Runner, 19 days to race and you have amazed all the participants of the extra mile to pamper us.

Patiently running- trying to wait for the resting time LOL!

I was telling hubby that mountain reminds me of our trail run the other week.

Run to infinity- that's how long distance run felt like to me....savoring every step of the way.

my pacer, patiently assisting me every step of the way- I'll train better so I can keep up with you!

A long run and a quick shoot!

2010-04-30T23:30:00.001+08:00

April 25, 2010- Mizuno, Tagaytay Highland's fun run challenge. My lone race schedule for April. Yeah, I had a long vacation from running because of my allergy cough! sigh! and as of this writing I am still suffering from this cough that wanted to embed in my identity grrrr and it stuck with me for a month.
In fact, I wonder how it will affect my TBR dream marathon performance. But I swear, I will join the bull session's long run- with or without cough hehehe.

I was so excited with the Highland's race for several reasons and here are some:
1. It's less than 2-hr drive from home. We leave home by 4:30 AM- and were still early...did some photo shoot.

2. It's Tagaytay highlands- home of the rich and famous....an exclusive subdivision, opened to the runners for hmmm viewing. Plus! it's my first time to get inside this exclusive village.

3. It's a combination of road and trail run. 5K Road & 5K trail....hmmmm some peeps who didn't make it to TNF 100- Baguio like me opted to run this race- it's much easier hehehe. Actually I saw some runners who according to them also run the greenfields race.

4. I was thinking am gonna complete the race by 1 hr and 30 minutes- suits my scheduled 90 minutes long run training (benchmark from the TNF Nuvali 11K).
But it turns out- finish time is 1:07, somehow I cheated from my training because I lack 23 minutes. Don't think I run fast- the race course was much easier compared to TNF Nuvali and shorter by 700m based from my Garmin total distance is 9.3K. In other words, I am slow of my typical 10K pace, the trail dirt and dust affected me so much....actually I almost DNF this race because I have difficulty breathing at km 8. Yah, I guees the good doctor is right running a trail run- dusty condition is bad for my allergy cough. But the stubborn me reigned- I was just thinking that definitely this race should not be a DNF race....what happened to my 21K experience waaaaah! and it kept me goin' before I knew it we were back on the road. Good thing hubby didn't leave me behind, he paced with me all throughout the finishline.

5. A lot of colleagues are running this race....imagine goin' to the race-with relax atmosphere because a lot of familiar faces are there (hmmmm some of them may not admit it...but they give in by my constant invitation and nudging to try running).

6. The registration fee includes breakfast....hmmmm excited to have a healthy breakfast post run- and they did provide a good one.

7. The chance of winning priced mizuno hot items- my favorite brand hehehe because it was an intimate race with limited number of participants. Unfortunately, I didn't get any- but I am happy to report that the major prize went to one of my colleague including a lot of minor prizes- I would say maybe 50% of the raffle items were bagged by colleague. Of course, I am happy about it. An additional motivation to keep them running.

8. Tagaytay is a great place to study landscape photograpy....and I guess I took some lessons and let's see if it fits! Life is good- I got a race and a shoot!

Overall- the race was great! If there is another edition next year- count me in!
I just hope that in the future they incorporate longer distance say 21K, I think the road from highlands to midlands is an opportunity to a better route of hills.

Congratulations to Mizuno, Belle corporation and Tagaytay highlands- the race was a success!

Some of my running pix:

Some of my practice shot- landscape

Superb lunch- post Highlands....still on my quick practice shoot!

The flowers of Tagaytay...grabbed a few seconds for a snapshot before finally going home. What a great day.

Photo Blog #18: R & R....hello spring time!

2010-04-22T08:44:00.001+08:00

September last year, my sister and I decided to draft a vacation in Hongkong.

April is just right because it's spring time in HK - it's like escaping the heat of Manila.

The vacation is our gift to the kids for their effort during the previous school year.

Here are some of my favorite shots.

Family pix at the Peak

Matti while waiting for the Tram

View at the peak

Hubby and Michelle Yeoh....hmmm am jealous! nyahahahaha

We caught sight of the star cruises....oh! I hope to board this ship someday.

At the avenue of stars! Oh...the Run Run word- I missed running.

Capturing Matti's excitement of the disney!

Our little angels-the big boy is my nephew.

Giggling TJ with Mickey

3 Buddha and 3 kids at the NP Village

I love this character- the colors....I think this one captures me at the NP village

At the cable car on our way back....I hope to comeback so I can run on the trails to NP village....I heard it was a 3 hour trek....hmmmm must be 1 hr 30 mins run or more????

Photo Blog #17: Sun, Mountain, Sea, Cavite- our home province

2010-04-03T12:31:00.002+08:00

Years back I have only known the province of Cavite as heavily traffic jammed province.
In fact I am not surprised when the Aguinaldo hi-way is labeled as the killer hi-way.
Maybe accidents happen because it's narrow and always packed with speeding vehicle.
But living here for almost 12 years- which is equivalent to my years of being married to a wonderful guy....I started to love the place.
Yes, I love being an adopted Cavitena....it's like our province in CamSur.
During the summer- you can enjoy the mountain, the sea, the rivers.....oh! I just have to get to know this province....get lost to its beauty and locales. Here's a trivia- almost all the sitios, municipality and baranggays have paved, cemented road. The roads are networked- awaiting to be discovered....I am amazed at how easy it is to navigate in and out of this province.

So for the holiday my feet itch for some road trip in our very own province.
We nearly lost to Mendez when trying to evade the traffic jammed Tagaytay on our way home from Calaruega....driving the stretch of Mendez hiway to Indang is a little scary- but we managed to come out in one piece. Honestly, I believe its very safe- and the hi-way under utilized. I think everyone wanted to squeezed in the narrow Aguinaldo hiway. But there is a lot of alternative road....you have to remind yourself that when you are in Cavite.
Then the next day, armed with instant foodie and floaters, even if I have cough and colds (and slight fever) we trod to Puerto Azul's Paniman beach- whew! my feet itch for a run....rolling terrain of Puerto Azul- it will be a good practice run for my tbr marathon. And I promised myself that on our next trip.
I just love to do some more-but I need to control myself or else recovery will be very difficult.

Here are some of the pix no photoshop edits here (so some of the exposure weren't corrected). These are straight from camera uploads.

First stop: Calaruega, maundy thursday

Paniman-Puerto Azul -Basking in the sun! Its good friday!

Paniman beach is now managed by Fridays Boracay.

Hmmm I guess they are still in transition period. You have to bring food and drinks-they have no kitchen to serve food for guest. They allow bringing of cooking paraphernalia. For overnights, one must bring a tent-because there are no rooms to lodge.

Staff are friendly and accomodating.

The CR-is not so comforting.

Entrance fee is 300 per head and the cottage fee is arleady included.

The best of all- it is just a one and a half hour drive from home.

P.S. All shots in 50 mm, 1.4

Running Blog #59: My stats

2010-03-13T21:10:00.005+08:00

This morning I didn't make it to pinay in action 2010- I was supposed to run the 10K, part of my long run. This is my official first DNS for the year....I hope nothing more to come because last year my race list were filled with DNS.
TJ got fever early this morning so mommy has to forego the race. For me, ensuring TJ's OK is much important than any race.

Suddenly, I thought about May 22- I pray that God grant us good health all of us....so I can fully participate in the TBR marathon....I want it to happen- I wanted to experience the full mary.

So I was looking back at my performance in the last race I've been (which is probably my last race for March).

I was wondering if with this stat will I survive the full mary?
I'm keeping my fingers cross....Oh God! Help me God.

Photo Blog #16: Running pix

2010-03-12T10:38:00.009+08:00

This is the first time that I am blogging about pix that isn't mine or my husband's shots.
I feel the need to express my admiration to these sports photographer who have been positioning themselves along the race tracks to get a good action shot of the runners.

Since photovendo started- they have been improving their craft.
See your photos here from the recent race courtesy of photovendo.

Thank you photovendo for taking a snapshot of one of the most memorable event in my life. My races....my run!

So here are my favorite shots.
p.s. not necessarily mean that its my favorite shot because i look good....i like it because of the quality of the shots.

The SUPERBODS RUN- Feb 21, 2010

I like this shot because of the side light, sharp and the blur effect behind me.
It gives me depth and it appears I am fast hahaha.

This photo looks great because of the rimlight, look at the lady behind me we share the same rim light....and this time i have my eyes open hehehe.

UNILAB RUN UNITED -Mar 7, 2010
Hahaha yes am wearing the same outfit....since TNF Nuvali I have been wearing the same tops and bottoms....I would say this is the most comfortable outfit that I have. Though the tights cause some chaffing on my belly (grrr even if I have put on body glide).

I like this shot because of the color- the black is real black....it means good exposure and the blurring effect behind me...I wonder about the Fstop settings used.

I love this shot because hubby looks cute hehehe- he's expression reminds me of my son.

I like this shot because perhaps this was taken using a high power lens...maybe? And I like the timing.

I love this shot because it appears that I outrun these macho men hehehe only in pix...hahaha

This shot when I crossed the finishline- is a picture of relief with fluorescent effect bluish on the background...complements the shoes and oh! I discovered am a heelstriker....ouch!

What about you? What event got your favorite photo shoot? Check it out here

Run United: My third serving for half marathon

2010-03-08T13:31:00.008+08:00

I am practically newbie in 21K distance.

In fact, it was only this year during 2010 Condura Run for the dolphin that I did a race for this category.

Since then my feet itch for more ....but time and other task in my life has to overtake my practice runs. So what I did is to make the race day my scheduled long run.

In a month's time- Hubby and I did three half marathon- condura, superbods and run united.

I am so happy that for every event both hubby and I improved our performance....we wanted more. Sigh! But our responsibility to our family takes priority- this is one of the reason why we are missing the Globe run for home. I can only imagine the great magnitude of this event.

The run united is an improvement of superbods in many ways- but each is event is unique and memorable. Coach Rio's passion to improve his performance as race organizer/director is something that I really admire and look up to....so I can't help it, everytime I run- I want to improve as well....make my contribution, give back the effort that was laid before me by the maestros.

Congratulations to all the finisher....we all come out victorious!

Let us all spread the beauty of running and the glory that awaits all those who are willing to get out and unleash the energy that is stored within.

Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan Year 11

2010-02-28T10:15:00.004+08:00

All sundays of February was devoted to run races...hah! is that a statement to express my love for this sport...in this love month? hehehe

My husband got a chance to register us for the 10K category of "takbo para sa kalikasan" by DZMM....honestly I was surprised the registration fee is only two hundred pesos....wow! and you still get a singlet. Not bad!

But what actually surprise me was the announcement this morning that the event draw a crowd of 5000 participants...hmmmm (only? don't get me wrong- I was expecting more participants because of the cause and the cost) maybe a lot of runners prefer high paying reg fee? I dunno....I have only one data point to compare - a week ago, the superbods run draw a whooping 11300 runners which I guess average reg fee is five hundred pesos. Well maybe the superbods invested in the TVC- but DZMM has a wide coverage as well (where this event is broadcasted and advertised)....or maybe the history of a disappointing PIM last November took a toll....I don't have answers, but as far as I remember until this day- I haven't seen the result of the participants of PIM.

I attended this event and in my mind I wanted a better performance...in fact this is the first ever race that I am up so early- which resulted to an hour of waiting time before the gunstart =)
I joined the race because its cheap, its near our place, and above all the cause is close to my heart....environment, clean up of Ilog Pasig.
The conduct of the race was orderly- there were water station, enough marshalls and above all it started on time. I have no complaint! It brings me a realization that 200 pesos worth of registration fee is still possible in this booming running community. Specially if there were lots of sponsors.

But on a personal level, I can't help but be disappointed with my performance. I finished at 1:03. Sigh! I thought am gonna make a sub-60. I guess it was all my fault...I started out so fast at the first km I average 5:45 and speeding until km 2.5 but slowed down at km 3 when I had a chance to chat with Sir Amado....he was a good runner, he left me just before the flyover....I took my gatorade and alas! my bad habit of taking walk breaks even if its not necessary is back like a grim shadow of the past (hehehe)...it was just sudden no reasons, no pain, nothing it was like my legs just wanted a walk...not a brisk walk but a walk in the park. Hmph!
Well all through my run I was also trying to figure out also- where is Piolo? I thought he will run the 10K course??? but is nowhere in sight. Impossible! I could have seen him back (just like the timex run)....or did Papa P had a cold feet- because of the sub-Piolo rush? hmmm hahahaha but honestly I didn't see those who said they will run 10K like Papa P, Jake and Maricar....or did they instead run 5 or 3K???? I didn't know what happened- but this adds up to my disappointment nyahahahaha. Seeing them could have spur the spirit hahaha
The good senator Pia- always draw an inspiration....she is an epitome of a real female runner, standing tall and pretty in pink, I am hats off to her performance she consistently run a sub 6 mpk....I think she did a negative split....on our way back I tried joining her entourage but then it tires me off...another walk breaks for me. It was fun! At km 8- I started to cast a serious doubt about my running the half marathon or even trying full marathon...I suddenly feel like a real newbie, first time on a race....I don't know why I had that feeling-is it because I glanced at manila bay and it reminded me of the first news of the day about Philippines at alert level 1 for Tsunami (due to the recent earthquake that happened in Chile)???...OMG! I didn't know news like this would affect my running. At km 9- I decided to pick up myself....including my posture...I want to do at least better than 1:09, my record in this roxas blvd race course (way back last year in Milo ha!)....as I near the finish line and checking on my time....at least I did 1:03- but didn't beat my personal record...it was a good consolation.

As for my husband- he was one of those trying to covet that sub Piolo....but unfortunately he didn't check the clock so he has no idea- but he told me of his strong vibes hahaha. We didn't stay long- we didn't have photos. We saw one of his officemates- and thats all we have one group pix.

So long! See yah on the upcoming race.

My Century Tuna Superbods Run

2010-02-21T21:05:00.014+08:00

The century superbods event is something to look forward to. The TV commercial looks great and promising...but I have mixed emotions joining the run. In fact, I was one of the late registrant....we had P100 off discount because there were no singlet for us.

Also as of last week, I was not sure if running in the 21K category is a good idea- considering two weeks back I run for the same category (condura run). What made me decide to register is that I was not expecting a PR or a good run- I was just simply thinking to do a training pace run in preparation for my first full mary...the 21K will be a good additional mileage.

I was a little surprised that the gun started 5 AM whereas the published gun start for 21k is 5:20 AM. Oh! I was so thankful that we were there at exactly 5AM (because we always have that history of getting to the starting corral just in time for the published gunstart)- otherwise, we would have missed a lot ....and might end up in the swarm of 10K runners- OMG! There were a lot of them.
I realized, this sport is something that could draw in a lot of crowd- and make all of them a star in their own right...the swarm of 10K runners were a great sight and when I approached the lawton avenue I was overwhelmed by the 5K runners from the other side of the lane....wow! this is definitely big time event....almost all runners supported it.

I was so happy with my performance- there were no pains, my walk breaks were only by the time I was taking water ....then at the heritage park even hammer gels were provided. I decided not to take gatorade on the aide station because I also brought with me a bottle.
I saw some friends along the course and familiar faces in the blogscene like Sir Amado, Sir BR, some of the Takb.ph peeps.
I run alone- no pacer, occasionally I would say my excuses and exchange brief hellos with those I run along side in the process....as usual my husband speed up and is nowhere in sight.

Sometimes when you least expected PRs happened- hubby's finished time is 2:04:25- he is getting better. My finished time is 2:17:36- a whooping 10 minutes improvement from my Condura run, 2 weeks ago- I can't believe that it is possible to improve by 10 minutes. Perhaps, because the elevation of skyway is a factor and the superbods race course have manageable hills.

I have no complaint over the conduct of the race- so I was a little confused when I saw Coach Rio's letter of apology in his blog.?...well a lot of things could have happen with 11,300+ runners- we will never know the combination of casualties.
But I would say that the very basic need of the runners were served like long tables with water and sports drink, good looking guys and gals manning the aide station hahaha, portalet in the race course, timing chip, accurate km marker, and orderly claiming of the loot bags (maybe it could have reduced the long lines-if there were several station for the distribution of goodies- but personally this is something I overlooked because as we all know there were 11,300 of us).

Here are some of my post run pix.

Good to see Randy- because we wouldn't have this souvenir shot.

With Coach Rio-He was so busy but managed to squeezed in photops with his fans.

Hubby, Me and Cristy- Randy's wifee

Me, Cristy and Randy- hubby taking the shots.

Cristy with Coach Rio-hubby peeks on the background hahaha

Roel- our officemate, Me and Randy

My precious....

2010-02-17T10:43:00.002+08:00

Three years ago I fell inlove with running....it was like an instant medication for high FBS, Cholesterol , muscle tightness and frequent back pain etc etc.

Running has taught me a lot.

For instance I am very impatient person- running kept me grounded, and taught me to take things one at a time....slowly until my body adapts.

I also become appreciative of my strength...I didn't know that God blessed me with strong legs that will take me more distance.

I also get to know the road better by the distance my estimates of every meter becomes apparently better (even without the aide of a gps enabled watch hehehe).

I get to meet a lot of people...healthy people....enjoyin' nice place, nice race, nice long run.

I learn to understand what they say "Sport lang!" when I started joining races- you cannot push yourself too much to win a race (hmmm specially if your not one of the elite) or compare yourself to someone or try to be better with someone....you have to enjoy running that you simply won't care if you were the last finisher.

I can take my madness to running- talk to myself, talk to my God, relieve myself of anguish from the pressure of worklife.

I learned that you can add value to your time when you wake up early to do your race or your runs....I thought I'll be too tired after every run. But it made me pull in more energy so I can keep up with my growing kids.

Perhaps the runner's high, a priceless gift from running will make me forever grateful.

The unexplained happiness and fulfillment....the joy that perhaps only another runner can understand.

The list will continue....but something is definite...this relationship will continue to grow....I want more and I dream big....I want to become a marathoner. After three years, I have finally decided it should be this year that I'll be able to conquer the scary distance of 42.195km.

We Conquered Nuvali

2010-02-14T15:11:00.009+08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Feb 14, 2010- Happy hearts day!
We celebrated it with a bang because we participated in The North Face- Thrill of the trail, Nuvali. We ran for the couples category, 11k distance.
It was such a great experience....a different theme in dating (hahaha for singles).

For more than a week hubby and I contemplated if we will billet to a nearby hotel in Nuvali or camp in the area.
We were hoping to get the kids into the picture- because Nuvali is widely advertised as a nice place for adventure and a relaxing place for family.

Sigh! during our planning period, we didn't realized that the kids are due for their pulmo check up and was alarmed in one of our celphone only last friday. We ended up not having any of those wishful thinking- the kids had a check up with their pulmo doctor yesterday....we were home late so all the plans were dismissed. Instead we leave home around 4AM today to catch up the 6AM gun start at Solenad.

Indeed, the place is beautiful. The road is haven to road runners like us.
I wish I could still experience running again in that area.
I read from TBRs blog that this will be the place for TBR dream marathon....lucky for those who made it to the first 200 registrant- good luck folks!

The trail was exciting- narrow and rolling terrain.
The river trail was superb, hala! I didn't see much running there....it slowed down everyone.
I was always catching my breath because hubby is one good trail runner, he never gets tired. His walk breaks were because of me....and I never stopped admiring his long stride....whew! I wish I could do those things. Like hopping from one rock to another.
He told me that trail running is close to his heart....not because he is a certified trail runner, but because thats what they do way back in the province (but of course they didn't know by then that there is such a sport)...they trek or run the river trail from san felipe to carolina (naga city) until their feet carry them farther to Mount Isarog. He missed those days, and it seems it was relived by the joys of our trail running.

Hubby's mind is probably busy reliving his youthful days ....while I am missing the mountains. Because it's almost a year since my last climb. Trail running to me is like a fusion of mountaineering and running.

Part of the requirement for the couples category to qualify as finisher is to cross the finish line while holding hands. So we did, and of course with a kiss hehehe....cheesy! Photos flared everywhere...hubby was so conscious about it ...then I was handed with a flower and certificate.

This race was sooooo cool and I hope theres another one next year hahaha.

~~~
Some post race pix

Condura 2010 Run for the Dolphins

2010-02-07T12:30:00.030+08:00

This is my official first race for the year....21K-Run for the Dolphins.

I was having anxiety before the D day because five days before the race I was having a sore calf muscle. Maybe something to do with less training runs. So from Wednesday to Saturday I decided to have a rest and telling myself occasionally to let my body do the strategy....and with God's grace perhaps I will be able to do justice to my very first half marathon.

Saturday night I decided to wear my CWX tights- I know the cold breeze in the morning might cause some cramps so I think the CWX will help support the aching muscles. I don't have medical explanation yet why the nerves respond that way. So just to be sure nothing gets wrong I decided I'll wear it.

Come Sunday- D day! We woke up late. Sigh! Were really not good in this thing, we always had a hard time waking up early, we planned to wake up 3:00 AM and leave home by 3:30. Whew! So everything has to be done quickly and we were able to leave home by 4 AM. By the time we were at Mc Kinley Rd (this one is right after we took the right turn from EDSA)- all 42K runners were passing...hmmm were doomed late.

But God is good- we easily find our parking slot and then we just have to run fast to the starting corral to join other 21K runners who were already speeding off. Though, we were still able to witness the last streaks of the fireworks and then hubby and I parted ways. I ran according to my pace...I did not allow the rush of the crowd to move me ...I was pacing based on my body's will...I was not worried of anything.... even the darkness I did not fear. I was praying a lot- my worst fear is to have cramps while running. Honestly, I have not experienced this yet and I don't want to experience this while running because my memories of having leg muscle cramps way back on my pregnancy days is the most painful (more painful than delivering a child hehehe because I was on CS). I feel like dying. So to ease my mind of the negative vibes, I populate my mind with a lot of prayers, with a lot of good things happening in my life and how much running gave me...how can I not sing praises. Even the songs in my shuffle does not intervene my thoughts....it was just a background music where the beat just sync with my feet.

As I pass by the Kalayaan flyover, I did not noticed the elevation because of darkness. But the light coming from the approaching vehicle almost blind me- my visor can't shield me from the glare. The run was almost perfect that I have a continuous run until I passed by Takbo.ph and Reiner Pacific aide station and was happy to strike a pose while running. I think by that time, I was already confused if I had counted already three or four bands playing festive trance. Then the way to Buendia and the skyway was a mixture of speeding and and slowing down to baby steps on the elevation but no walk breaks...I swear...boy! it was fun running the skyway- I asked myself why did I lost to oversleeping last year (because last year I also registered for run for the whale shark).

The km markers seemed insufficient or maybe I have not noticed much- but I think nobody gets lost because there were swarms of runners...there were 1500 of us for 21K. I also enjoyed reading the inspirational notes along the way (the one that strikes me is "I found my hero and He was me" I guess this was on my way back). And as I was approaching to take my U turn - I saw the fast runners ahead of me...recognized their faces....I felt so happy that they get there already....and as I took my turns to get my badge whoa! I felt relief. Then run again....and wave to some other runners approaching the u-turn....wow everybody gets to their destination it doesn't matter what time its about scaling the distance and doing it without shortcuts.

As I passed by the portalet I feel a sudden urge to pee, but there were several runners on the line so I decided to continue running. Running down to buendia and seeing the SM Hypermart reminded me it would be a few more kms to get to the finishline-wow! Then I was back to the happiest aide station-Takbo.ph and Reiner Pacific....the peeps out there were just so cheerful. Real runners know how to cheer up and give support to fellow runners- there were bananas, water, sports drink, sprayed liniments and band that was playing really loud and festive sound, ....but the most that I cherished were the cheerful peeps saying encouraging words to the runners- their generosity was superbly appreciated. I also got a chance to see Sir Amado upclose- he was there cheerful to all the runners- he was like a father encouraging his children to believe in themselves and achieve their goal.
If I will remember the Condura run my first half marathon- this one is the sweetest....I was all alone-no pacer, almost giving up to walk breaks but then there were happy people encouraging me-whoa! it fueled me to get more kms.

Finally, I give up as I see the portalet, I give up to the urged to pee...boy! I didn't know that this is one set back in wearing tights, its difficult to take off when you wanted it immediately- took me more than 3 min. One thing I noticed that the race was indeed well thought of- guess what there were rolls of tissue paper in the portalet- it was a welcome relief for female runners. Cheers to that.

My way back to the kalayaan flyover was almost difficult, stopping for a while....means my legs felt it was good to slow down. In my mind I wanted to run more....then suddenly I become technical....maybe am feeling this because I have not followed my training plan to the letter- this is some sort of punishment....growl growl growl....then suddenly there is side stitch as I approach the flyover elevation sigh! I moved to the side and had my walk breaks. After some 10 m started to run again and bumped into one of my colleague....I decided to run the last 1 km smoothly, I don't want to push too much I want to savor every step of the last 1km -and then I witness one of the sweetest family in the running community they were spectators with banners written on it "You can do it dad!"- the kids were there cheering their father...he was ahead of me by a few meters and I saw his son run with him in a few steps....I can't help but remember my toddlers-who were probably still asleep by that time. The scene that I have witness were wonderful so savoring every step of my last 500m felt great because this is my first race for this category- they call it half marathon for a whooping 21.095kms and before I knew it....my feet feats clocked to garmin at 2:26:11 but my official time is 2:27:22. My husband was waiting on the finishline- already rested with an official clock of 2:17 (see race result here). Wow! I wish someday we could run side by side hmmmm I guess it will happen soon in Nuvali hehehe (I mean competitive that I can keep up with him, not that he waits for me hehehe).

I would like to congratulate all the runners and finishers who conquered the skyway.

But most of all my sincerest thanks to the organizers the famous running Concepcion brothers and the volunteers for their sincere dedication to make this event a happy memory to all those who dream to conquer, survive and win the race.

These are the only photos from my celphone- I wish I have a photo in action, I dunno if there were photographers who saved mine hehehe because most of them doesn't really know me.

Photo ops with fellow "uragon" hehehe Coach Rio- he is also a bicolano, were so proud of him.
I learned that he is also organizing the camsur marathon on Sept 26.
Thank you Coach for bringing home the running fever!

My first race for the year.....

2010-01-26T20:53:00.009+08:00

Last December I did plan a long vacation, which didn't turn out so well because the kids gets hospitalized due to gastric viral infection (ugh!).

Prior to the holidays I had planned my first 21K- the 2010 Condura Run for the Dolphin. Then there is the Nuvali and the Superbods. My Feb race is quite squeezed....but I really have not scheduled any event for January. Well, there's nothing much that catches my attention. Though there is one particular event that I hope to join because of a good cause- but in the process of registration I got confused and it was quite inconvenient...though honestly I feel guilty because I gave up the noble cause. Anyways, maybe its not my race.

Team Patikar-3rd place relay

Little did I realized that as far back as early January my running mates actually registered me for a company sponsored fun run event. Hmmm...it wasn't big time but it was fun...it'srunning with colleagues you bump on a regular basis during office hours. So we were in for the relay event which consist of 8 runners -we were to run 5.6K on a 2.8K loop, 4 members per loop will relay. I was the last runner for the first lap-it was a 700 m run, I finished it on a snail speed of 4:01. Perhaps, I really don't know how to sprint or I don't fit into running that kind of speed.
So anyways, after my short run with the relay team I decided to join the individual category for a 2.8K run for my additional mileage.

Hmmm....gosh they were fast at the starting line- I really don't run that fast. So instead I take on a slow easy pace of 8:00 and occasionally climb to 7:30 or 7:00, then I would occasionally chat to those I know and would try to pace with them.....it wasn't a long run my finish time for 2.8K is 20 min. I was definitely slow- usually my finish time for this distance range 14-18 min.

When I was nearing finishline I was wondering if I should run another loop since I am way behind my target mileage for the week.....but then the marshalls were calling me to cross the designated finishline- I thought for the photo ops....Ooops little did I know that it was a podium finish- I was the first female finisher...hooooray! Actually I felt a little ashamed of myself because with very little effort I won. But honestly, the feeling is different. It was just amazing!

Clueless that I was the first female finisher

I feel like I was the luckiest girl for the day!

Running Blog #58: My first 21K an LSD

2009-12-27T12:30:00.003+08:00

One of my wishlist for this season is to be able to do a long distance run.
Obviously a lot of us have difficulty squeezing a run session in the hectic demands of the christmas season....so even if I am keeping my finger cross at the back of mind the conquer corregidor event will be my last run or my last long distance run.
Then allergic pharyngitis hit me just like any other virus would weaken its victim.
After the fun and challenge of Corregidor my weekly mileage wane to an average of 6Km or once a week training =(

Yesterday we went to Panicuason hotspring for an R&R and we discovered that the ascent to Panicuason from San Felipe is fairly simple, easy and perhaps we can do an LSD....so last night we set it a date- LSD in Naga City =)

So this morning we head off at 5:30 AM- it was close to cancellation because I have barely sleep with my nonstop coughing....I am so disturbed by this allergic pharyngitis I feel like am asthmatic.
We did a 10.5K ascent and then go back another 10.5, we started from Bgy San Felipe Zone 6 and headed off to Km 451...I am not sure if it is Panicuason already (I can't wait to download my garmin)- I nearly kissed the kilometer marker as it was so difficult running in a continuous ascent- at km 8 I almost fell to my knees....then at km 10.5 my mantra is...."think positive wag kang aayaw!" yah...good thing I was running with my husband, he keeps me sane and keeps on motivating me to continue and complete the 21K exercise....it would do us good and help find justice in completing my first race for half marathon come February- run for the dolphins.

So on our way back we had pitstop for water. I was wondering why the cough reflex is often turned off while running-maybe next time I'll ask the good doctor how is that possible.
Then at km 18, my husband got hungry - that he bought himself kropek and some more water. Isn't it crazy....I bet the hungry feeling during corregidor race was authentic...it is not side stitch nor hallucination or sort of craving it was pure hunger. I was lucky this morning I was wearing a compression tights my abs even compressed that makes me think that hunger doesn't even come close to my imagination =)
Before we run I only had half banana and some water- the weather is cold so the first 5K was like a walk in the park.....the feeling is too different at km 19 to 21....exhaustion, the sun gets under my skin.

My run today introduce me to the beast of long distance run....I guess they were right as you increase your distance the game is more mental than it is physical. The physical preparedness is given but the mental ability to keep on going and beating the time is different.
I know in 2010 I will be running more distance....I will be more fit but should be more mentally prepared.

Today, I didn't hit the S40's time during the run for whale shark- my magic number should be 2:45 instead I finish roughly 2:49:53....I need to train better. Hello 2010....maybe I am in for more surprise I have 42K left to complete my 700K journey.

Run for the dolphins

2009-12-18T12:57:00.003+08:00

Thanks to thebullrunner and Takbo.ph for posting the update of Condura Run 2010.

Last year I was suppose to run for the whale sharks --> but over sleeping is really my problem during race day. I didn't make it.

So far, I have already improved in waking up early- in fact the last few races I had - I was already on time ( I mean not on time for a gunstart but on time to allow some stretching and bladder break).

For details of this exciting event click here for the official site.

To make sure that my 21K debut will earn decent enough finish time- I consulted runners world for the quick 8-week training plan (I used my NB result as baseline).

Good luck to all the runners and Merry Christmas!

Isolation

2009-12-15T20:13:00.005+08:00

December is the busiest time of the year....and getting a vacation is uhmmmm blessing.
Yes- for me my one week sick leave is a blessing in disguise. Really? Somehow, because finally I find again time to visit the blogsphere, facebook and other internet friendly sites....get to read again the book I was itching to finish and help make review materials for the kids.

But the sore eyes and sore throat combo is making me freak- of course I don't want my kids gettin the virus- so in the end I am in total isolation and Alcohol and Handsanitizer were my best bud.

The good news is my running doctor (ENT) advised me that I can still run. Well, I even discovered that neck up minor illnesses usually are OKd to run hmmm with exceptions maybe of dental extraction or migraine attacks.
But honestly since my doctor allowed me to run....I haven't done my drills.....ehem ehem because I had hard time sleeping with the bothersome pharyngitis grrrr!....

Tomorrow, I will try again and see if I can manage an easy run. Otherwise, I have to make up with the lost time or suffer on the d day.

Photo Blog #15: Puerto Princesa

2009-12-14T13:56:00.019+08:00

On our way back home

Halloween night

Butterfly farm at Sta Monica

Bakers Hill Photo Ops

Crocs from crocodile farm

All photos were taken by my Nokia6300 phone- no edits. Most of the photos were taken by hubby and I'm too lazy to cross post here those that were already posted in FB.

Accommodation: Lola Itang, this is highly recommended- clean and cheap.

Day#1 -Oct 29 we arrived 1120H

Activities: City Tour- of course we don't have a tour guide, we opted to rent a tricycle that would take us to the various points of the city (including the cathedral).

I had a chance to run along the baywalk which totaled 5K- I was a little bored running the 500 m stretch.

We dined at Kalui- a very nice resto (which requires reservation hmmmm good thing were small family- hubby was able to nudge the manager to get us through).

Well the resto is famous for barefoot dining- you have to leave your shoes or slippers at the entrance.
The food were really great. The wheatgrass with palawan honey is a must try drinks.

Day#2 -Oct 30 we woke up early....hubby and I sealed it with a kiss. Because it was our 11th wedding anniversary.

Spend the day island hopping at the honda bay (this was spelled hunda bay-which is which? am not sure about it). Again, we head off without a tour guide- this is to minimize expense and to get to know the locales better and interact with them. We find our way by commuting through a jeepney ride to Sta Lourdes.

The order of our island hopping visit is Pambato - which is really a fun filled snorkeling area. Then there is Luli -nothing much. But the island is interesting because the island is not visible during high tide (So Luli is for lulubog lilitaw)....reminds me of the famous Ms Universe pageant response on a question how many island does the Philippines have...."High tide or low tide?". Then there is starfish island- the starfish here are with hard shells, rich in calcium carbonate structure compared to the soft starfish we see in the beaches of Batangas. Afterwards we went to the famous snake island were we had our lunch a yummy grilled "Talakitok" and steamed crabs....I didn't know that two adults and two pre-schooler can consume 1.5kg of each viand harharhar....after lunch we had fun snorkeling the fish would go near over a pinch of bread...amazing. Our last stop is the Pandan island- in this place our boatman took us to a snorkeling site where I saw nemo's home the anemone....hmmm the clownfish isn't a funny fish, they were terretorial.

Before we knew it...it was almost four o clock time to go home.

Our way to the hotel was a little exciting- tricycle rent is really expensive so we end up walking the 1 km stretch from Honda bay to the main road hehehe so we can be a regular passenger (no tricycle offering their rental services)....I was telling my hubby if we could run 10K-why can't we walk the 1km? =) sometimes my responses could still be influenced by my running activities- maybe I'm crazy.

It was less than an hour ride to Puerto Princesa main city- so our next stop is the market...we purchased some cheap dried fish and nuts (kasoy!).

Dinner is at Bilao't Palayok- the resto is also good....but I realized we could have had our Anniv dinner instead to Kalui. But anyways, I enjoyed the exclusivity of the place- Kalui is usually jam packed....a lot of people wanted to partake the sumptous food it has to offer.

We were too tired that getting to bed and having a good night sleep was a wonderful luxury.

Day #3- Oct 31-We woke up early because we have in mind a swift run before going back home in Cavite. 8 AM is our supposed check in time.

But then the news of typhoon Santi in Manila glued as to our seat as we started watching tv to get updates....whoa! can't be another Ondoy.

Then the long wait is over- flight cancellation were announced-so we have to stay for another day.

Hubby immediately went to the airport to have our tickets reschedule the following day.

While hubby is away- had my breakfast with the kid....oh no! there were no more plans....I was thinking why not try the underground river. So while hubby is rescheduling our ticket, I was calling him to check out how we can proceed with the underground river.

Unfortunately, hubby was back 9:30AM which is already impossible to go to the underground river.

Sigh! Instead we went to the famous hot spring- we were sure it was good for our aching muscle. I noticed that the owners of hotspring were koreans. We were so early for that hotbath, it was only 2 PM.

Hubby loves hot bath so he and the kids enjoyed it. While I decided to examine the korean garden and the other pools.

At 4 PM we decided to go back to the hostel....but on downtown, we became curios about the vietnamese noodle- hmmm since the vietnamese refugee is not there anymore.....we find this noodle house exciting- they call it Pham Chao Long. Well the bread taste good, the Chao Long is a rice noodle the soup is quite sweet in blend.....hmmm maybe we Bicolanos are comfortable with spicy - my verdict it taste good but still nothing beats my favorite Loglog or Kinalas.

At dinner time we tried chooks to go- it's like Andok's- roasted chicken is their specialty, we took some stroll on the city plaza....oh the singing contest was just concluded....we didn't catch a glimpse of it. Their plaza is well built. Our attention was caught by the long lines of voters registering for the comelec hmmm this reminds us that its the final day to register.

Our Puerto Princesa visit is great! Adventure-filled and most of all value for money hahahaha....the airfare is cheap....everything was just economical- which is our target everytime we took a vacay-less spending.

I came I saw and I conquer Corregidor!

2009-12-07T08:45:00.014+08:00

When I first heard about the corregidor 10 mile challenge - It was like hmmmm exciting, my first out of town run. The registration price? Not bad considering its an out of town trip with lunch and well organizing a run doesn't come free.

From day1 after our registration- I have no drive to beat a previous record of 2:01 in a 10 mile challenge. First because the previous 10 mile is short of 1K, second- the corregidor 10 mile challenge will happen a bit sunny already as it will start at 8am, and lastly because the corregidor 10 mile challenge will introduce me to what "Fartlek" really means-I mean beyond words I want my muscle to comprehend what this fartlek is all about.

So my game plan is to consider this my long run, which is part of my training program for my first 21K. And at the end of the run- ask myself if I am now prepared for a half marathon.

The hype of corregidor 10 mi challenge is really heightened. At the office we couldn't help talking about it....we were anticipating it, were excited about it and a little nervous- most of us haven't been to Corregidor, this is an unfamiliar territory for us.

Pre-race went on smoothly. We had our usual pre-race breakfast, egg, milo, sandwich. Then left home by around 4 AM. There were no hustles during parking- we waited our M/V SC. Everything is in accordance to the plan. The place is indeed for the runners alone. While on board the MV SC- the sun cruises staff offered the tour of Corregidor. We have our name listed but apparently we realized that we could be wasted to enjoy the tour so we hold our payment- and of course hubby was a little grumpy because he left his mighty weapon SLR nyahahaha. Before we docked I had one more sandwich and milo energy bar- feeling just enough food for the run.

We went to the baggage area- we were told that you can select from the available area allocated, there were no specific assignments - we were just told that someone is deployed to look after our baggages- we have no choice but to believe....and without a doubt- there were no reported lost baggage among our group and the nearby guys and gals who happens to bring their latest gadget in photograpy(at least within our area, I haven't confirmed in another tent).

We were told that the race will start at 8 AM- getting to Malinta tunnel was a short ride, I actually realized maybe we should have walked to Malinta as warm up instead of having a ride to that oh so cool tranvia buses. Also, there were some runners who weren't able to claim their singlet in Manila- which resulted delays in gun start. I bet it was more than 30 minutes delayed- at lot of us get bored. It was funny that a lot of runners (including myself) were impatient to have the gun start and most of the runners have to device various means like jump shots, photo ops etc to keep us busy some holler and demand that we start na. People were so bored-a lot of us were probably thinking of a terrible sun exposure. Maybe, the organizer could have added the usual stretching rituals to comoflague the late start hehehe.

at the starting line (the other end of malinta tunnel)

At the gunstart- my garmin lost signal. I have no choice, I have to run while trying to get a good signal and I guess I lost 600 m in the process- this is the lacking distance in my garmin....hmmm the downhill immediately turn into a major assault uphill waaaah! I thought I trained- but it was not enough....in less than 2Km I started my walk breaks....I cannot endure running the 45 degree assault because all the muscle group- calf, hams, glutes and abs worked up and I might cramp before the end of the race sigh! I realized that I have not done fartlek in the course of my running life and today- I learned how it felt- how the muscles worked....my mind was busy appreciating both nature, the historical time capsule probably recorded in each tree and on how my body works while uphill and heading downhill....then I also get busy smiling everytime I chance upon runner/photographer. Hmmmm....I guess most runner did not aim for PR- instead wanted to discover the surprise that Corregidor has to offer.
My training is not enough.....I need to find a fartlek training ground before my half marathon, it would make me strong.

Occasionally I would do people watching- I realized there were lots of couples running....hmmmm romantic running huh! With the cool breeze from the sea and some historical significant I am sure it was a nice conversation piece....an element for romance....very conducive for the singles huh! As for me, my husband speed up determine to do sub 2hrs.

Then came km 8- I was feeling the side stitch then I started walking and short running then I regretted having one more sandwich before the ship docked. Could it be the sandwich???

Then at km 10 it dawned upon me that I was actually hungry I drunk all my gatorade and water from my hydration belt and in every station I started grabbing water....waaah! I didn't know you could get hungry while running. Then I started to picture the pack lunch, the granola bar and all the food left in my backpack....waaaah! I felt like an animal running to catch its prey.

So at the final trail run I was running non-stop because I needed food at the finish line...my garmin registered 2:05 but I guess its more than that my guesstimate is 2:10- 2:14 finish time.

After reaching the finishline I hurriedly went to the hydration station- they were giving away water, granola bar from growers, TBR magazine, myra e moisturizer and ph-care. Whew! The taste of the growers granola bar felt so good in my mouth, then hubby picked up our lunch because I was so hungry already. My attention is all to my food and I didn't noticed that the short program ended.

Then the stage was swarmed with photo ops for some 750 runners- catching a nice photo souvenir in this adventure race. Wow! Everyone just needed a photo shot with the stage.

The long wait for the 5:30 departure was agonizing (knowing that we still need to work on the kids assignment at home). Some runners spend it availing the corregidor tour- we opted not to join aside from the fact that I was so wasted and our camera batt is already drained....instead of spending 250 pesos on the tour we bought the commemorative shirt of Conquer Corregidor.

my favorite group shot with the RunAdic

RunAdic tranvia shot courtesy of Edick

group pix at the finish line courtesy of Edick

So we spend the long wait taking a nap, some more walking like were in the park.

The zipline is indeed exciting (we've tried it from another place)? But we decided maybe next time in Corregidor.

thoughts....then before we knew it- 5:00 PM the tranvia started shuttling us back to the dock to board for Manila.

Overall- it was a great adventure from registration to the race. Maybe next time there should be more activities to cope up with the lull moments or an option to be able to go home early say 2:30 PM, I guess it's already enough time to freshen up and complete the photo ops. Whatever reason there is for the long wait to go back home still, I say this is one of the best race I had so far...hubby got his target of sub 2, I completed the race injury-free and so it is for my friends.

Probably this is my last race for the year. I'll just have more training runs left for my first half-marathon and future races for 2010.

Looking back- for this year 2009 my top five races are:

Conquer Corregidor
Time is Running: Run Rio
NB Power Run
Adidas King of the Road
Milo Manila elimination and the Happy Run

I missed the Mizuno and Condura race- I'll keep up hopefully this coming year I'll be able to join and see what's unique on this races.

Now for final question- am I in for the half-marathon? Yes. And I will train. My heart says yes, but the body has to cope up with the ardous requirement of a half marathon. And I hope to have a strong finish.

post race photo ops

Patience....Patience....Patience

2009-11-29T09:42:00.007+08:00

Patience is a virtue....and I do not have.

I characterize myself as a very impatient person. Well, though impatient I am not the type who would have tantrums or misdemeanor during an "impatient" stage, I would always try to deviate my attention so I won't focus on time and distance (not necessarily running related).

Since I become a mother- I have made a decision to try patience a chance in my databank of virtue.
During my practice run- I have developed small amount of patience as I patiently wait for my second wind to kick in. I have developed my patience to endure some pains to get through distance- even thirst, I have patiently look forward for water station so I can have some water to sip in.

Today- I was surprised that I'll have another Pateince 101.

The much awaited New Balance Power Run was held this morning....I knew patience is what I need to endure the pains of my right big toe- according to google I am having Turf Toe- sigh!
Also, I decided not to wear the very revealing NB singlet-I didn't had the chance to have it repaired. The thought of a PR is not even in my mind- because since Friday- I had a hard time breathing during practice run. In fact, I can feel that not enough oxygen gets to my lungs and to my heart. Yesterday, we went to Tagaytay- to help me breath a fresher air- but it did not help either....so I decided that I will run and stop when difficulty in breathing is felt...and this is my overall strategy.

We were early this time- so hubby and I had a chance to do a 500 m slow jog warm up before getting to starting line.

My first 3K was devastating- I was gasping for air, but I can feel in my arms that its windy. I was wondering why I am not even perspiring....and was wonderin why there is not a sufficient air for me. Stopping at the first water station was a bad idea- so on my next stop back to the same station after I had my u-turn I grab more water and had it pour on my head. I continued a slow run then stopped in between because I felt like I am suffocating....in fact at Km 6 or somewhere along 5th ave before I crossed Lawton I knew one of the runners noticed my plight- he asked me if I was fine...I said yes- my pride just won't let an ambulance take me back to the finishline and be forever labeled DNF in this race....maybe not today...maybe there is a more serious reason for DNF- but not today. So I decided to take on the uphill with my baby steps and for the rest of it...I didn't care if there is air or not in my lungs I only care to run and occasionally my body would ask me to stop and wait for some air to kick in....in fact I managed to have some fun at that short distance in Mc Kinley hill where I tried taking my baby steps further after the u-turn....but had to stop on the final ascent on my way back to the finish line- when I'm feeling OK I would run again.....Luckily at Km 9- a sudden push kicks in-if that is the second wind- well thank goodness as it never wane....gotta believe it I still managed to finish a decent time of 1:02:02 breaking my previous record - unfortunately, according to garmin it is a little short of 500 m, garmin registered only a 9.52K distance...good thing we did a 500 m warm up so I am still able to complete my required training of 10K.
While in the line grabbing my medal, banana, water and sports drink- I realized had I not stopped on the course I probably made it to sub 60.

I feel tired and didn't bother to look around- I don't even know if there is a finisher certificate- I got a medal anyway. My mind was actually racing to another possibility- a relaxing visit to my favorite beach destination- Anawangin Zambales.
So hubby and I hopped on the car- leave the parking lot immediately....then about 200 m away from the parking lot he has to stop.

Tarannnnn! The clutch wont get through.....I am afraid of the implication- I don't know how to handle or manage a car....I am even a poor driver. Hubby checked on the hood and some fluid- when he got back he told me "Be PATIENT! We will run at a very low speed or on first gear and have no provision to stop because if I put on a break the engine will die and restarting is difficult."
I have no choice....actually I have hehehe he kiddingly told me that I can commute, call a taxi cab and go home or run along side the car and have an LSD wahahaha- this is tempting, but my right big toe is a little swollen.

So the longest ride from the fort to our house happened today- we totaled one hour and thirty minutes- as if we are on a heavily traffic jam situation.

So I have another dose of my lessons in patience...as we traverse the road, we still come across some 21K runners as we cross the 5th avenue towards Mc Kinley Road to EDSA- one guy was really angry because we wont stop even if we were running low....before the intersection I was already shouting at the marshall that we can't stop....but one of the 21K runner was furios- I can only symphatize with him, and as runners we were also ashamed of what happened- but our car condition is really something that we were still trying to learn as it was our first 1K after hubby tried on the first gear trick (which he tried to get through while the engine is dead- starting the engine at first gear is really very difficult and it requires certain foot dexterity to kick the car running).

The ride was full of silence- I was praying that none of the MMDA officer stop us or offered to have the car towed because somehow we are affecting the traffic....we ride it on full hazard signal and occasionally we would do hand signal among the fellow motorists.
I was saying my prayer- I can't leave my husband in that sticky situation, I still probably can help him in any way possible.
I was observing my husband while we are on our first gear journey wehehehe....I can't help but admire his coolness. He was cool about it- he was focused and God! he can even throw some joke...while I am just a passenger and yet I am silently restless....my mind is racing on all possibilities that might happen if suddenly he needs to put on the break or if an MMDA official stopped us and give us some violation- I am not even aware if low speed vehicles in an express way is a violation -sigh! my breathing is really very irregular....I can sense that I could have a heart attack anytime.

But everytime I look at my husband- I can see him very serene and just focused on the road. He can even engaged in a conversation with me post race topic (like he's next goal is gonna be sub-50), as if nothing is wrong.....waaaaah! why????? If I am the driver, I probably would park the vehicle on the side- wait for a towing company and call a cab to go home then arrange a mechanic to work on it.
There were several occasion that we have to stop- and luckily the engine didn't die- and then he was ecstatic when the gear gets through the 2nd gear.
At times that he stopped and the engine died- he will calmly restart the car as if...everything is normal.
Sigh! I was in totally awe on how he keeps his cool....I wish God showered me the same kind of coolness and patience.
Then I was thinking- even at a very slow speed we did it...we were home safe. This gives me a little glimpse of what half marathon would be like maybe even corregidor.

Hmmmm....our anawangin escapade will not happen as the car have to be repaired by tomorrow...and today maybe I'll just iced my swollen toe.

P.S. No photos- my photograper is on the run, which I bet he probably registered sub 60! Wohooo!

My christmas wish

2009-11-27T20:26:00.008+08:00

I am a little sluggish today....I feel tired during this morning run at the island cove.

I made a mistake of taking a run in an empty stomach....I thought too much food yesterday would be OK to burn and not adding small amount of food before run (thinking about reserve energy =))- but I was wrong. At km 6, I felt like collapsing- good thing my husband passed by and he got me gatorade and granola bar. Afterwards, I managed to complete my 11K run as planned....but I ended up really sluggish and thirsty all day. Plus, I have this constant nagging pain in my right big toe hrrrr.

This afternoon, after two long years of an expired passport- finally I got myself time for a renewal...I was not in the mood - I feel so thirsty all throughout the course. After the appearance in DFA we headed to RUNNR- I was excited to get myself a tights- yes! the CWX stabilyx....actually I am planning to use this not only for running but for climb as well. To my surprise- they ran out of stocks for my size....waaaah! I was planning to wear it for the Corregidor 10 mile challenge-but it looks like it wont be there. Instead I got my son a running shirt that is to compensate for the gas bwehehehe.

So while waiting for my alarms for the pills and other vitmamins- I decided to hop on the blogsphere.....and what did I found in thebullrunner? LOL! The secondwind christmas registry. Wow! It was a very nice idea- but then I wonder who could be my santa?!? My generous sister is still out of the country and will be home until next year (maybe she'll bring me home some?); My friends- oh! I have barely rich friends and I doubt if they'll even bother hahaha; My husband- I really hate to ask him, but I hope he get to read this (sigh! but he rarely visits).

In between my thoughts- imagining my wonderful gifts, I am also searching about this pain in my big toe.....this link explains it's....Turf Toe. I started having a slight discomfort in my right big toe when I was trying to switch to forefoot strike. Then lately when I started training back with my Mizuno the discomfort became pronounced- I wanted to give Mizuno wave precision a decent retirement....so before it finally put to storage- I want to beat it with training and Corregidor....but now I realized- it is now one year old.....hhmmmm I guess I am back to my wish list.

So here are my wish list.....it just networks with my needs -running and non-running related and maybe I can update later:

A new running shoes - to replace good ol' buddy wave precision.
A stabilyx- that will take me longer and higher (ehem...means more mountain ranges in the coming year).
A maipo- climb shoes....so I can play more with river trek.
A new backpack hmmmm
A mini notebook-ehem....pink would be nice at least lenovo.
A colorful running shorts that comes in yellow, orange, red, pink etc etc
A colorful running shirt that matches with wish list #6.
A nice abs - a waistline of 25 in would do (whahahaha- this comes with a hard workout! because am not gonna give up my 2 cups of rice)
A long distance run...a real one during December (wahahaha despite the party fever every friday!)
A nice beach party in December! Maybe...Anawangin- I shall return? Or Atulayan an overnight adventure?
A bull market in December so I can spend every winnings in item 1-10!
An ill-free and injury-free holiday for my family and the rest of the running community!

What a nice thoughts to cap off the day!
Good night!

Running Blog #57: Timex Run

2009-11-15T11:49:00.009+08:00

Great morning! Great Run!
Timex Run is one of the best race I had so far.
I have no complaint.....maybe except for the fact that I never got a solo pix with Piolo (LOL!).

The water station is longer this time (compared to the previous races) and 100 plus is indeed a plus!

I actually stopped on almost all the water station and had no problem grabbing one.

It was also pretty exciting that at the last water station there were sexy ladies cheering and giving high fives -well why not so I high five with them too! I guess its not only the guy runner that they intend to hi-five LOL!

The weather is great! I had fun running and had not stopped in any point of Buendia flyover....sounds like a great improvement for me. But in reality, I can't stop because my calf muscle is painful- I had a severe cramps yesterday afternoon while resting after I did some calf muscle massage in my foam roller. It was like a jolt and I felt some contractions in my right lower leg (calf to be exact)....Timex run immediately entered my mind- I was even thinking of quitting maybe a DNS as option....but who can I resist the idea of running and chasing Piolo LOL!

So what I did yesterday is to ice my calf muscle, elevate it for 30 minutes and have some walking at the nearby mall LOL! When I got back home I had loads of banana and one tablet of glucosamine chondroitin. Before bed time I even tried PACMAN's Alaxan FR (nagkapilipilit na muscle lang yan LOL!).

When I woke up this morning- I had a stinging muscle....I was praying so hard that it will not stucked. I had a MILO energy bar, one banana, half wheat bread with peanut butter and sip of gatorade- then I had two glasses of water. We arrived at the fort having a full stomach feeling....this makes me think again of possible side stitch and waaaah the dreaded calf cramps......but I try to be positive by thinking aboutPapa P LOL and the idea of fun run with my friends Kathy and Benet. When I checked in the starting line I tried looking around for Benet and Kathy- this run was supposed to be our trio run or birthday run2....months back we planned to run this race with Kathy who just got back from Singapore...and she happens to be my original running buddy in GBP.
But there is just about 4000 runners to scan faces with. So...after going back and forth and bumping from runners of familiar faces I decided to stop my search operation and proceeded just in front of the stage....still looking around but not succesful enough to find my friends- well I left my phone so I have no other means but to check on faces. Sigh! Why didn't I SMS them last night....waaaah! I was so busy trying to neutralize my painful calf.

Then came the gunstart. Luckily I have not feel any pains even if I have not stretched enough. Then at crusin speed- all the pain is gone. I attacked buendia flyover with my baby steps....I do not intend to walk. Along the flyover I saw Ani de Leon- the ironwoman, high five with Randy, chanced upon Christy and had a short talk, then at Gil Puyat.....there.....I saw Papa P - I gave him a wave and he return back a handsome smile......wow....I thought I'm gonna faint right there on my track LOL!

Then next stop is another water station before the U-turn and after few more steps I got another water and 100 plus. Going back to the flyover was a little bit of challenge. Uphill would mean more stress on my calf muscles but luckily I did not stop on my way back to the stretch of buendia flyover....guess what? I actually stopped and had walk breaks at Km 9- huhuhu I can't resist the idea of stopping and checking why my calf won't cramps even if my feet starts having needle pricking sensation. I checked on garmin and it's almost 1:00+....I decided to pick up myself and started running again on my most possible top speed- yet I can't managed to gain more speed....I almost quit and almost try another walk break but the sight of the finishline tells me I am almost there. I did a sprint and my final glance at the time is 1:03:55. Whoa!...I have broken my personal record. And did I even hear my name mentioned by the host as I reached the finishline?

After the run I looked around for water- but what I found is the tent for 10K lootbags- without the line....wow! isn't it great. Then I wander around and fall in line again to the photovendo it was just 6:48 AM- it was really cool because you get a printed copy of your finish line pix- something to post in my cube.

I'd say that the timex run is one of the best organized run by Coach Rio.

I didn't found my friend. I did not even chance upon them at the U turn.

After roaming around, having my pix and almost stalking Papa P LOL! When he passed right in front of me while I was striking a pose for my souvenir pix (see photo below- how hubby captured me screaming LOL!) and a lot of people flocked on him. My hubby thought Papa P was sticky because I got lost when he passed by LOL!

I have to be contented with this pix- double Papa P

At the parking lot, I learned that Benet was sick and as for Kathy well...she made it but I learned about it when I was already home =(

Today is my scheduled long run based on my training plan I am still right on track.

Ciao!

Running Blog #56: Philippine International Marathon

2009-11-09T21:21:00.005+08:00

I learned about the November 8 race way back October- I just thought that it was just another fun run to raise fund for the Pasig River. I have no idea about the race, who is gonna sponsor etc....on a day to day basis I get updates from TV courtesy of shuttle bus, forwarded emails and eventually it was out in a blog with a lot more specific.

I seriously considered joining PIM:Pasig River after KOTR.
I registered together with the previously owned (or still partly owned) Lopez company, so I didn't went through the horrors of the registration and race kit claiming that I have read through various blog. But I suspect that the person who handle the claiming of our race packets experience the same.

During the race day- as usual we woke up late...in fact I thought it was another DNS hahaha.
But waking up at 4:30 and coming from Bacoor is a little advantage. So for this race I only had a banana and few sips of gatorade then we drove off to Roxas Blvd- we parked about 10m away from the starting line and the emcee is already calling all 10K runners. So we went straight to the starting line without our numbers hmmmm like bandit? Yap, because we have not get our race packet from the nice guy who claimed it for us- so we waited just near the check in. Luckily 10 minutes before gunstart our race bib arrived- I decided to wear the singlet on top of my running shirt....even if its too hot. Hmmm no choice I don't want something in my hand while running.

My race plan is to just run and enjoy the idea that this run is for the clean up drive of Pasig River. There were lots of personalities I saw at the starting line- from various industries and well people watching is a little exciting.

This race was a feel good run....occasionaly I would chase my husband when he is out of sight hehehe this is my trick to figure out if I can run faster hehehe (promise no other reason am not a jealous type he can enjoy watching running babes nyahahaha) when I least expected a performance level, I didn't realize am gonna bring out my best foot forward -yes because that day I did a PR- a difference of less than 3 minutes against my previous performance. Somehow maybe just maybe I indeed experienced the second wind or chasing hubby is a good technique.
Ciao!

Running Blog #55: And finally 500K....

2009-11-05T21:40:00.003+08:00

After being inspired by the 1000KM club of the baldrunner last December 08- I started monitoring my mileage....then I discovered ticker factory at takbo.ph- I logged my run on the ticker factory and finally it took me more than ten months to hit a mileage of 500 Km.
On the average this is equivalent only to 10-12 km per week total runs.
But of course in reality there were many weeks that I have not run.

My minimum distance run in a week is 5 Km and the longest distance or mileage I had in a week is 35Km. The range is quite big- it depends upon my motivation =)

It felt good that finally I got numbers to think about - if this is work, this will serve as a very good baseline data to help improve my metrics.

But then this is running....my metric is simple to run and always run....and the mileage will follow. Besides, I find it as a recreational activity rather than competitive.

I hope to complete the next 500K at a better time may be eight months hehehe.
With so many race event on the list-I am certainly on board to hold a better finish time on my next 500K mileage...and maybe its time to follow smartcoach training plan or maybe attend a running clinic (i wish i wish) =)

Running Blog #54: Hoping to hit that 500K soon

2009-10-12T21:42:00.003+08:00

I feel good today- I was able to do a practice run even if it's just 5K.
What made me happy is the fact that I clocked 33:39- I believe this is the fastest I made lately....I even forgot that I could do 29:30 (hehehe I can't even claim that it's sub-30).
But anyway, for several months I was stucked in between range of 35-40 min finish time for 5K.
Today's run gave me hope that I could do better.

As I reflect on my running activities I realized that it has bring so much to me.
I didn't expect that this could give me so much happiness....probably happiness is an understatement- bliss! that's it.
Now I have to run 60K more mileage to complete my 1st ever recorded 500K- then another 500K I hope should take lesser time.

Actually when I started charting mileage since Jan 09- I thought completing the 1000K will be as simple as completing within a year....but I was wrong- Imagine it's already the 10th month of 09 and I am still approaching to 500K. This however does not despair me. It rather give me chance to analyze what has been the past 10 months.
Well, I was trying to balance between being a mother, an employee and of course trying to find the best in me....

I'd like to believe that I probably fall in love into this sport so much...that I could try to find time to express myself to it.....yah!
I think love without expression is not love- it's just idea.

But just like any lover- I am not perfect. My discipline dwindle and I got bad days too.
Sigh! And my ever patient lover does not complaint...but would show me when I spend lesser time running---I became slower, prone to injury and of course a lot of walk breaks during race day.
Ahhhhh.....it's easy to run it's simple just put on your shoes and there you go...it becomes complicated as you develop that relationship of loving the sport because you try to spend more time with it while balancing other aspect of your life.

Running Blog #53 Rescue Run

2009-10-11T14:09:00.003+08:00

Last Saturday we treat the kids to the rescue run.

They know that the run was intended to help the kids affected by the flood of typhoon Ondoy (of course that is how we told them so they can relate).

It was a lot of fun....unlike the looney tunes run- this time Matti and I were the last to hit the finish line.

We got the chance to meet with the bull runner- but failed to had photo ops- because the kids were too tired after the run and we were in a hurry to squeezed their monthly check up with the pulmo doctor Nep.

P.S. All photos courtesy of my dilapilated K610i.

Thanks to the 3K marshall for taking this shot- sorry I forgot to ask her name.

Running Blog #52: My first 10 mile race

2009-10-04T09:47:00.004+08:00

I am happy today at the thought that I have completed/finished the race of 5th Octoberun Festival. I am a finisher of 16K my time is not a PR time but I was happy I was able to run a distance of 15K (this is based from Garmin). This is my first time to run this distance. In fact, this is the farthest that I have run in my running history.

The weather was fine it felt good. But there is certain sadness in this event - it was supposed to be festive....but I guess who would want to be in festive mode when most of our brothers and sisters are striving the aftermath of the typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. The country is in the state of calamity- it was in the news yesterday.
As I run this morning- I dedicate the run to those who have survived and recovering from the aftermath of Ondoy.

For several weeks, I have not run because of bad weather and some responsibilities at home- but it did not stop me from coming today. The 15K is equivalent to 2 or 3 days of practice run....I guess this is the beauty of joining long distance races -of course the race should not compensate the missed run....because if you missed your training you ended up beaten like me. I have to do a lot of walk breaks, suffer over pronation, felt what its like to have fallen arches and well there's just a lot of pain when trying to run faster.
I have a fair share of lessons learned in running -there is no short cut. It's finite if you wanted to go 6 or faster you have to be consistent with the tempo and speed runs. The fartlek will help survive the hills...its suicidal for me to go into the range speed of 6 up without training so I stayed at 8.

In my wildest dreams I wanted to do 21K and 42K at least performing within the curfew hours.
This is to gauge my baseline- eventually I'll try to find my PRs.

Todays run is about hope-when the sun shone while I was on the road....I felt sudden relief....glad to see the sun.
I know there is hope for my fellowmen and for me as recreational runner. I thank God for the opportunity to be able to run again. All the pains were humbling- I know a lot out there is probably in need of care and treatment- these thoughts keep me going and before I know it....I hit the finishline.

P.S. No photos, unfortunately there is no photovendo this time.

Running Blog #51: 405Km and counting slow......

2009-09-29T21:23:00.003+08:00

This afternoon is really different from my previous training or as I call it practice run.
I started out with two of my colleague and then they speed up, I cope up, eventually I was alone and managed to conquer 5K at a decent time of 35mins.

I have been slowing down in terms speed and mileage when the calendar jolted a lot of rainy days....most of the runner/blogger I have been visiting or stalking (hehehe) have been running regularly despite heavy rains (or even with injury). I have very few memories of running in the rain...its fun but I always think twice during weekends....like the LSD with Takbo.ph where eventually I lost to cold feet the opportunity to run the LSD and meet the nice people of this group.

Todays run is particularly different....I have to relinquish all the stress of my daily routines....I was working round a clock over the weekend after our home was flooded (I mean the clean up). Yes I have my share of story but I was humbled by what I see everyday in the news....I can't imagine metro manila will suffer this bad. I used to live in the typhoon capital Bicol region....we were used by this flood....I have grown up knowing that preparation is really the key to succeed the angst of nature and live tomorrow like the typhoon was just a thing to conquer by waried soul.

While running alone the hilly part of GBP.....I try to attacked the hills like I haven't seen my friend for the longest period of time...that is how I feel about running. Last Saturday I woke up early morn with the hope to run but the heavy rain stopped me...I just couldn't leave the door.

I have mixed emotion today, the tragic events- life in general and how much running influence much of my everyday lessons.....as I run today, I have listed several important lessons from this tragedy:

The wrath of nature must be acknowledge- its there already, something that we have to live up because the influential personalities have not done their part.
The wrath of nature will not subside any soon as most of us are irresponsible citizens who can never take responsibility even with their own garbage.
That whatever you throw will come back at greater scale.
That being prepared will help us survive upcoming probable chaos (this is scary I am being negative - I really feel like doin an FMEA hehehe).
That gaining life skill would be a key to survive. Like learning how to swim, rock or wall climbing or rapelling, or having BMC(?)
That being physically fit will help propel needed energy or strength in times of extreme condition.
That running regularly will help realize item #6 (still related?)

The other day- I was even telling my husband maybe we should do some drills, so we can assess how well we can respond in this type of emergency situation. Hahaha he gave a laugh. But I was serious- just like in any ship or any company who perform emergency drills to ensure that lives are spared.

Yes it sounds absurd- but if it works for institution maybe it could also in the basic unit of our community- the family. This is how the paranoid OC thinks while running (my apology).

Sigh! Good night may God and His legions of Angels always watch over our brothers and sisters in peril and those who continue to serve and faithful to Him.

Running Blog #49: Looney Tunes Active Run with the family

2009-08-31T19:55:00.011+08:00

Running is one of the best influence I had with hubby.

On my birthday few months back- I wished that this influence will be extended to my children.

We occasionally run together in island cove and MOA with the kids- but they never run a race....so when we heard i mean read about looney tunes fun run (of course courtesy of the bull runner) we immediately signed up.

We have to prep the kids, we have to wake up early, they have to run 3K which we haven't tried in any of our practice run....then our action plan on what to do if they utter the word "Ayoko na!" (Surrender! nyahahahaha).

My husband and I agreed that they should finish the race on foot- not that we can't carry them hehehe (I think I can managed- my technical bag sometimes really weight a lot during climb...so I guess I should be able to carry anyone of them).

Come race day.....

Sometimes planning helps but execution is more important.

Sigh! We woke up late!And yet......we arrive MOA like 10 minutes before the gun start.

Great for a pre race photo ops.

L-R: Benet (ofcmate), Ash(her daughter), TJ, Me & Matti

Matti & Daddy

My daughter is surprisingly game (d sya nag inarte hahaha).

At gun start she was excited to run.....yeah she run like she's gonna get a medal.

My son on the other hand (who is consistently game and sporty) was a little grumpy....he wanted to walk and wont run hahaha.

TJ and I paced while Matti and Daddy took a long walk.

TJ is very competitive -she positively respond to my chant "go! TJ go! Tj go!"

She would occasionaly ask for water and had her walk breaks and then soon....Daddy and Matti is out of sight.

After 2 kms the dreaded.....

TJ: Mommy Ayoko na!

Mommy: Are you sure? If I carry you to the finishline- you have no certificate and finisher shirt. (sad face).

TJ: Hmmmmm (facial expression: bad idea).

Mommy: So lika na- karga na kita!

TJ: Lets walk na lang muna ha. Sakit na paa ko eh!

Mommy: OK!

So we continue to walk and would jog in between to break the boredom waaaaah! the longest 1 km of my life.

Last 500 m- TJ spotted Daddy & Matti ~250 m away from us.

TJ asked me to wait for them (sweet!)

Then, TJ told me "Mom! I missed them." - then before I could even respond she ran back and meet Matti with wide arms (cheesy! sigh We didn't caught this on cam).

So after the kiss! The two looked like they haven't seen each other for age (hahaha)

Matti came to me then told me that we run fast....and he did.

Wise little boy! In the end our finish time record showed he finished first then me, then Daddy and TJ came last.

Boy! I didn't told them about the numbers (as this might be a constant cause of discord!)....but TJ believed she raced good and she was ahead of Matti =P

I thank God for this moment....because one of my birthday wish was granted....there is really a good timing for everything.

A peek on the Iron Man 70.3

2009-08-23T15:22:00.014+08:00

I had to come home to CamSur last thursday night to visit my mom.
It was great that she was ok when I arrived home.

Come sunday, I had the opportunity to watch a few stint of IronMan 70.3.

I was already at CWC when it gunstarted for the leg1- which is the swimming event.

I was fortunate to see the great athletes did their swim.....it was a whole new experience, it was far different from the swimming event you watch on olympic pools-where each athlete gets their respective lane, I was like seeing a marathon in the water.

The bike park was something....it was a display of expensive and most advance bike in the field- I can't imagine how much all these bike costs....I'm sure its millions =)

When the first athlete gets out of water to run on another lake for the last leg of their swim- I got a chance to see Coach Rio who is gonna race for the relay under his timex runrio team. We had a short chit chat as he doesn't know me personally but of course I know him because most of the races I joined was organized by his company.

After an hour of roaming around the heat without bottled drinking water, I decided to leave- I was a little sad because I didn't catch a glimpse to my favorite athletes like Sen Pia Cayteano, Leica Carpo, Carina Dayondon (everest summitter) and the rest of the Filipino elites. But I know in my heart that these elites will do their best for the country.

On our way to the parking lot- I have been photographing those ahead of the pack and is already on their bike. Then I get tired because the subject were very dynamic....am not a very good photograper. Alas! in a blink of an eye.....the athletic senator passed me huhuhu didn't get a chance to steal a photo shot.

Anyways, being an spectator in the Iron Man 70.3 is a great experience. But I guess not only for me but for the province of CamSur. The good governor did great job in developing our province as a hub for extreme sport- I am not sure of the data yet but according to some hearsay- our provice got the highest tourist visitor for the fiscal year.

No doubt about that- CWC, Caramoan and all other great places to drop by in the beautiful Bicolandia is a surely adventure packed.

When I got home in Cavite I decided to check on the stats and official time. Wow! Congratulations to Team Timex-RunRio for bringing home the 1st place in the team category, the good senator for being the 149th finisher and 2nd in her age category, Carina Dayondon 143rd finisher and 5th in her age category, Leica Carpo- 6th in her age category and the rest of the Filipino elite, you may check on the results by clicking here. Bozzone and Bentley topped the triathlon event.

My only pix during the ironman 70.3 nah! and its overexposed waaaah!

Behind me were the great athletes doin their swim leg (of course they were not even visible bwahahaha! below is the closest I can get)

The bike park

This is the closest I get (so the shoes and their essentials were placed next to their bike :-) )

Running Blog #48: Running Date at Kenny's OPEN URBANITE RUN

2009-08-17T11:04:00.008+08:00

The urbanite run was my first night run.
I usually run after office but it only goes as late as 7:00 pm.
Running at 8:45 pm was totally a whole new experience.

It was actually a running date with hubby- we decided to run together on his first 10K.
And we decided to keep pace, it was dark and it feels better knowing your running side by side with someone you know. I regretted not bringing my headlamp.

It was a great run, there were plenty of water and sport drinks, marshalls were present and the course is indeed challenging. I particularly enjoyed the challenge of McKinley Hill and the very humid weather. It becomes uncomfortable specially because I also have a period.
I thought I'm gonna faint at the finishline.

Even if that run is my slowest PR in 10K- I had a joy knowing that I finished the race. It was a wonderful experience...it made me a little stronger and made me rethink about my training =)

One setback though is that hubby and I have no pix together- I was the only one who gets pix at the photovendo (He was on my left unfortunately photovendo captured someone on my right. Sigh!).

Running Blog #47: Run for Cory

2009-08-05T08:49:00.005+08:00

Last night I saw the Bull Runner's call to run for Cory, it was an invitation in behalf of the iamninoy steering committee.
I heed the call to run for Cory but not in Alabang.
Yes, my husband and I with our friend Pearl ran along the island cove in our yellow shirt, of course I wore my iamninoy shirt.

For several days ...I try to ignore the feelings.... I couldn't watch TV because I don't want to breakdown in tears.....but what can I do the whole nation is sad and crying for we have lost a gem. We lost someone who sparked the spirit of patriotism. We lost an icon.
So this morning after our 1 km run for some reason the rain poured....then I allowed myself to cry.

I have no close encounter with the former president...the best memory I had with her is during the 1986 EDSA revolution- at that time...I know that the demonstrations were genuine...were never staged...people come because they believed. Unlike today, I don't know what become of our country.
As I run this morning...I realized that maybe asking what has become of our country is a lame excuse. I realized that to make it better it must start from within. And the greatest lesson I had from her is that we are special, we can make a difference in our simple contributions. Our country never runs out of great people, of great potentials, we may have differences in political opinions at the end of the day we all intend to make things better because we owe it to God and our forefathers...maybe this is the reason why Ninoy once said "The Filipino people is worth dying for."

Memory Lane

2009-08-02T17:44:00.006+08:00

This last two weeks is zero mileage.
I felt really bad! But what can I do...I can't run huhuhu the weather, the fever, the kids also having fever huhuhu even if I registered 10K for the urbanite run....I haven't had any mileage in two weeks. I guess I have to contain myself training for the last 13 days.

So today I decided to climb the attic to give a little push to my sweat glands and check on some things like the leaking roof, pests etc.
But instead I caught sight of the box......tadan! my memory lane.

I remember I was newly wed when my mom shipped that box to me.
Her main reason, I wouldn't want it thrown away...Gosh! That was startling 11 years back.

So today....I decided to open it.
Like pandora's box....it contained a lot of junk and ideas....so many loose papers.
Loose write ups that didn't get to publish....I was even thinking of creating a blog to post my archives - collection of poetry and short story....but its just too time consuming.
There were even...our old paper organ trailblazers (which I was member of the staff during highschool days), the democrats (college), the torch....oh! and I saw a mixed up blue and gold from AdeNU- I bet that was my sister's.

Then there were even penfriends in my highschool days...hahaha....when the email is a thing of the future and snail mail is the IN means to communicate.

I realized that I love to write....not necessarily a good writer but I love expressing my thoughts so even my academic notes in college days...there were silly notes about feelings, about growing up, uncertainty etc.

Now the memory lane reminded me just how much I hated mathematics....my integral calculus notebook is filled with mixed emotion and perplexity on how I took up an engineering course....it's all written in there and it was so funny.

This poem which I written around 1994- struck me....I don't know about the motivation or what I was feeling when I wrote it.
As I was contemplating about it today I realized that it seems I saw the artwork in my dellusional state when I gave birth to my first born.

Saga

Daily battle,
wit and fits.
People live and die,
as time passes by.
Memoirs are there
standing by!

Constant changes,
like a song that fades....
cry of a newly born babe,
endless generation
never to stop!
await....SAGA

Sigh! I still doesn't want to throw it away...I never get to sort everything...I took a few sketch from our artist back then- and am planning to scan it.
I guess some great memories

Low mileage....no runs.....just thinking about running.

2009-07-25T20:31:00.004+08:00

For this week...the only running mileage I recorded is the 5K run last Wed?

I can't manage to squeezed running in my schedule.

There is just a lot of things to do.....and TJ's high fever recur over Friday..another episode of 40 deg C temperature. Sigh!

I don't understand why running everyday makes me feel good.

Yet not running at all I feel sad =(....I even have backaches!

Maybe running just became an integral part of my life...it's like food....I feel weak without run.

To perk up my mood- I check on the results of run for home. The last race I was in....and there were pictures too.

....presenting my latest recruit....his official time is 28:1 (gun start) and 27:57 (net, timing chip) for 5K category. Yep, my husband is also into running now. This is his second race. This means my photographer is now on the run too!

Running Blog #46: RUN FOR HOME

2009-07-19T10:25:00.020+08:00

What a day!
Probably as of this writing many bloggers and runners found their way home after the very first RUN FOR HOME. The event was organized by Finishline and sponsored by GLOBE and Ayala Land with Habitat for Humanity as beneficiary.

As usual right after finishing our run, hubby and I sneaked out immediately and went home. This time we need to be home fast because our nanny's gonna be out for her day-off.

So while most runners are probably having reunion hehehe- I was already home washing the dishes =)

This morning race is full of surprises. Yeah.
Some of my first time experiences in this race.

This is the first race that we arrived early in the venue...Thanks to my hubby who is also racing for 5K we managed to wake up early. Btw, he did great a PR of 23 minutes (unofficial time) hehehe according to him his target is actually sub 20...honestly I am sure he can do better than his MILO time. He is better in shape and in sports. I guess it was easy for him to shift into running....he's got a lot of sprinting exposure in softball =)
This is my first race that I get to meet with Benet, a colleague from ADI. And I even got to meet her brother and in-laws. They were all running in 5K.
This is my first race with my AdiTempo...well the reason I was using this shoes is because- I thought it's gonna rain...hehehe last thursday it was soaked in the rain though the shoes is already dry hehehe I don't want my mizuno getting wet.
This is the first race where I got a lot of blisters waaah! what's in the shoes?
This is the first race where I got to wear my iamninoy shirt. And there were number of us wearing it....my singlet is quite big for me.
This is the race where I did people watching....admiring fellow runners of all ages, shapes and status. I didn't know people watching is fun.
This is my first hand experience with the electronic timing chip....cool! There is no need to fall in line to have the barcode collected (Yah! High tech!).The electronic timing chip will record accurately based on the time I crossed the starting line...passed the 5K slot and as I crossed the finishline. According to the leaflet distributed after the run- official result will be available by July 23.
This is my 10K run that I regretted having my hydration belt. Boy! There were lots of water in the station.
This is the first time I saw a newton shoes in real life hehehe...I saw a guy running ahead of me...he is wearing Newton. Got caught my attention with the lugs in the forefoot looks familiar....Yah! But what really perplexed me is that...did I saw the rubber on the heel side of the sole flapping? Or was it just my imagination?
This is my first race where I didn't get a practice run throughout the week. (Unlike the MILO event, I was dragged by my husband the day before the race for a practice run in island cove hehehe).This run surprised me I ended up at 1:10:00 based from my Garmin- perhaps my official time will be near my MILO time....bwhahahaha. I just can't believe it...I was thinking I'll hit a little under 1:30 maybe 1:29:30 nyahahaha.

I am trying to recall my run throughout my race period with the help of Garmin Connect- and I realized that I started hard. I guess this is the reason for a high %HR.
In fact, when I started traversing the Kalayaan flyover I noticed a different rhythm in my heart beat (and a little chest pain which bugs me since the other night). So upon seeing the first water station I decided to stop take a 100 plus and water hehehe even if I have one in my hydration belt- I felt it would be good to take a stop (my first wall hehehe).
Then to take away my mind from the chest pain...hell it was barely 2 km...am endangering to DNF (Did not finish!).
I decided to have fun...I did people watching during my traverse to Kalayaan fly over we met the 21K runners they were running on the other lane back to Fort. I saw the fast runners and the popular personalities in the blogsphere. The first one I saw is the Bald Runner- yeah! This man never ceased to radiate inspiration- he's like the walk the talk in the running community or like a father figure of all the local runners.
Then later I thought I saw Leica Carpo- the Pinay Boston marathoner who did a sub 4. I am not sure though because I have seen her only in pictures...I was star strucked...she is so fit-I'd say fat-free...the sight of her slowed me down. If I have a pen and a paper I'll probably request for an authographed. OMG she was fast.
Then after a few meters I saw Randy a colleague in ADI of course we exchange our Hi and Hello loudly...it help me breathe out! Then Anthony Pangilinan, the celebrity trainer...I didn't bother to call him because am not sure if he remembers me anyway (he was our trainer in a company sponsored training High Impact Presentation- he's great!). Told you, I did people watchin hahaha then I saw the tri-athlete senator Pia Cayetano....I was amazed that Randy was ahead of her...I am not just sure if he sustained until the finish line hehehe. Then the journalist and former Congressman Gilbert Remulla was also in the 21K wow! Sir...if you come across my blog, this is my personal message to you: I hope you'll be able to conceive a run race in our province...to radiate a more positive presence amongst your constituents...I know you are a very influential person in our province =)...I hope you bring home some race =)
Then after awhile....I saw my favorite blogger in the blogsphere - who else but the Bull Runner. Boy! I can't help but wave my hello and she gladly return my greetings....oh! am sorry if somehow I bothered your concentration. =)
I was hoping to see other runner/blogger like the TRN and other guys from Takbo.ph but unfortunately....I didn't see the familiar soul in the forum....well I do see some wearing a Takbo.ph singlet but they were not familiar faces (am not sure I saw their pix in the forum) and besides I'm kinda far from them to wave a hand hehehe.
Imagine....I was people watching like for more than 3 kms which really slowed me down but I don't regret it....I am actually motivated to see all those 21K runners watch them run while I am also running my race....I know it would be my next category hehehe- am not kidding I hope to run the 21K before the year ends (so help me God.).
Then back to my own race, I was far from getting to the 5K u-turn slot when I saw my watch I am already timing at 30:00 waaaah! then another wall...Whew! there is no more plastic band... I really love this electronic timing chip. I walked through in that red mat instead of running through it hehehe ...I guess that is where the sensor resides.

Running back to the Fort after the 5K was pretty difficult nyahahaha another uphill to the Kalayaan flyover...I managed it with my baby steps....but guess what I was desperate that I hit another wall....hmmm then I saw a pacer from the PINOY ULTRARUNNERS- I paced with the guy...I was actually thinking of requesting him to pace with me to the finish line but then I was shy enough to ask for help hehehe but my calves were already complaining and guess what the blisters.....waaaa. Now it dawned upon me that everytime I run with my AdiTEMPO am having blisters and I regretted that I wore it this morning instead of my Mizuno...no offense to the AdiTempo fans but personally Mizuno Wave Precision is my best racing shoes ever hehehe.

The last 2 km of my run is agonizing...then another wall with just 500 m away to the finish line. Sigh! And no more sprinting to the finishline. After my run- didn't got a chance to people watch anymore- I don't have the luxury of time...I guess I missed Coach Rio, the rest of the RunAdic gang and oh my I think I didn't see the JAZA =(

About the race and my bizarre mind....I face the wall....it made me stop and walk and not once but four times. Whoa! I have to stop and walk to stabilize my heart rate.
I blame it on my Garmin because the average heart rate in display is always at 92% in fact there was a time on my last 4 km that my average heart rate is at 99%...whew! what was that? Probably lack of training- hmph! blame it on the bad weather....hahaha am not whining nor finding excuses of not running in good shape. But I realize- that my garmin's display was average! Duh! I check out my MILO race and compare it with this morning and found out that my heart rate during the MILO race is much stable compared to this morning....I guess the theory of having a lack of practice is correct.

Hmmmm I guess I faced the wall- so I can bang my head and made me realized that I have the responsibility to be fit before the race....I can feel that I am almost in the brink of cramps on the last leg of my race. My feet feels numb and my calves were a little painful. Sigh!
I learned my lesson this morning. The dreaded the DNF (Did not finish) is at the back of my mind....I want to finish every race that I join (though DNS -Did not show, is another story)....and as much as possible I don't want a medic....this is my personal conviction that is why I am a little anxious this morning.But thanks heavenly I ended well with a little pain in my calves.

Finally, this week my mileage is 10K this morning race....and the long wait is over....officially I have completed my first 300K for the year. Hmmmm it reminds me also that since hubby's bday is on July 24 and we have no other runs scheduled...maybe this morning run is gonna be a dedication to his bday and the upcoming practice run...hopefully nice weather!

Ciao.

Running Blog #45...my video

2009-07-15T10:25:00.004+08:00

Yes....I have a running video nyahahaha during the 33rd MILO Marathon-Manila elimination.
This video is courtesy of John - Benet's hubby. Thank you! Tenchu!
By the way, John is also an Adtrek member from batch 1 =)

So can you spot me in this short roll? hehehe

Running Blog #44: ...letting go

2009-07-14T19:30:00.007+08:00

We started this week letting go of tasks and funfilled activities because TJ got sick. I have to be the full time mom that she needs - and take running set aside. I think the whole week I am letting go of practice run....
Sigh! I will forego any chance to run the pave of Gateway Business Park or of that Island Cove.

I decided that for the rest of the week I am not running....I am keeping my running shoes for awhile.
Another sigh! I am testing myself....what it's like to let go? I always hold onto this addiction.
I am letting go of practice run and holding on the idea that I can run again on Sunday.
Hoooray! and this will happen during the Run for Home- A run for a cause to help build home for the Habitat for Humanity project.
Running in this event would not only help me meet my mileage requirement to complete my first 300K but the cause is something that me and my husband wanted to support.

I thought my MILO 10K last Jul 5 is a good start for my 10K races- my official time is 1:09:31.
It would have been a good idea to take a PR but then I realized some things need to take it course as Lao Tzu says "The world is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering."

Come sunday....it would be another practice run- not to take any personal record....but to surprise myself of any possible outcome.

Running Blog #43: ...in the rain

2009-07-11T19:49:00.002+08:00

Last thursday I was desperate to complete at least 7K practice run....in my mind- I am gonna complete a 300K mileage if I'll be able to do at least 7K.

So even if I can see nimbu clouds after office I decided to go to GT SRC for a much needed mileage.

I did simple stretching the V stretch on a corner wall- learned from my PT session (during my semi frozen shoulder therapy). I realized that I wanted to do at least one hour of workout- so off the gym I headed to my imaginary starting line infront of the BDO facade in front of Wilkins factory.

The breeze is great...I have no hydration belt because I intend to do an easy 7K run.

After 1.5K deng! here comes the rain......I thought I saw the japanese guy running behind me he was fast enough to run ahead of me my pacing is about 7:05 min/km. It's okay...I have already tamed myself....when I was new to running I would tend to run after whoever run past me in GBP hehehe (that's for fun and challenge...of course they usually didn't know that I was huffing and puffingly running after them) . But now I realized I needed to train my body - whoever is running out there is non of my business and running after them is not anymore in my gameplan during training. My game plan is to execute my training plan.

So it was raining I was thinking I could turn right the next corner right after the metrolab and go back to SRC or continue running.
I saw the japanese guy have no intention to turn right at the corner...so I am not the only one running in the rain. Nice! I decided I can continue with the drizzles .....it was a little difficult because the water drips into my eyes though I can manage to wipe it off. So I continue running in the rain until I didn't see the guy as I approached the next corner near EPSON hehehe- I have no choice am running alone in the rain......until I reached Telford and well I was drenched.
And of course the security guard of each factory that I passed gives me a look shaking their head-now I am branded addict hehehe.
So this is the first time I ran in the rain of GBP...I am not sure if there will be next time...unless another soul is willing to take the plunge running with me in the rain =)

Getting home is another story....but I can't wait to log in my mileage.....to my dismay! I am still short of 10K to grab my first 300K for the year....waaaaah!

Running Blog #42: This is cheesy.....Bday run 2

2009-07-08T11:06:00.007+08:00

I took a day off today...yep I swapped Monday off with Wednesday.
I wanted to dedicate the whole day with my TJ because it is her 5th birthday.
I think I made her day great! Just like other hopeful moms- I wanted her birthday filled with surprises and without so much expense hehehe.

So this morning before she wakes up- I sneaked outside for my practice run.
Actually this year my theme is to dedicate a run with a birthday celebrant closest to my heart.
I started it out with my birthday though it was supposed to be celebrated with Mizuno infinity (sigh! it reminds me again that I did not show up)....but instead it became a long run in island cove.

My original plan is run 10K but I realized that my training plan said I run 6K. Actually I skipped run monday and tuesday because of the usual reasons- I woke up late and there were heavy rains after office....and running is almost impossible (this and other hassle makes me think about buying a treadmill sigh!)

My practice run this morning is relatively easy pace but after checking my heart rate with garmin I realized I was averaging 89% of my max heart rate. Wow and I didn't even feel some level of discomfort....actually I know I can run some more- but I have to discipline myself by sticking to the recommended training plan- courtesy of Runnersworld smartcoach.

I still don't know if this is the right strategy.

And I am not sure if my run this morning is their so called tempo run.

Hmmm....I am not inclined to be scientific with my running like the BR guy but then I think he's got the point- specially if you want to attain certain goal.

I still don't know if I am hibernating as a recreational runner to a serious runner.

If that is the case, I realized I needed to do tempo runs and speedwork- I need to incorporate this training plan to be able to make it to half marathon before the year ends and run at least sub 2:30 on the next MILO elimination (hopefully next year) and this is my new goal. The full marathon is still beyond my imagination.

So why did I come up with this target?

Because when I entered my performance last sunday in runnersworld smartcoach- I realized that a 16 week training would yield only a 2:34 race time- which is 4 minutes slower than the curfew for 21K of MILO. I admit I am not that competitive but I wanted to finish with dignity....I don't want to just cause traffic with the other runners hehehe. Maybe I have a wrong kind of thinking....excuse me....but I guess that is how I am day dreaming....so this is actually keeping my mind busy while running....the music is too mushy- hehehe didn't get a chance to change the music of my pod.

When I got home my little princess is already taking her breakfast and I told her that I celebrated her birthday in my practice run today. She find it different and it excites her....the twinkle in her eyes didn't escape at all. I know she was delighted....I am sure it could have been better if were running together. Unfortunately, I just sneaked out and I know it would be difficult for her to wake up early.

So instead I told her that I made sure I run 5K hehehe for her 5th birthday and the 1.5k was my warm up/cool down- she was delighted about it....and wanted again to run with me over the weekend.
My kids have already developed interest in running =) and I really look forward that we race together.....

Running Blog #41: My first 10K race with Manila MILO elimination

2009-07-05T11:20:00.017+08:00

As of this writing perhaps some of the participants is just on their way home after they witness closing ceremony of the 33rd MILO Marathon-Manila Elimination.
Kudos to the race organizer- it was good! There is plenty of water and the water station is really strategically located, there were lots of energy drink, showers from a fire truck?? hehehe for the 10K-42K runners -and not to mention the MILO energy drink. It was never that good! I swear, I always prepare the MILO drink of my children- but this morning was the best tasting MILO I ever had in my life....nyahahahaha- maybe it's something to do with the ratio it's not too sweet and its creamy. Well, perhaps it should really taste good since it was the MILO creator who concocted it hehehe.

Honestly, I have a serious doubt if I'm gonna make it. I have history of failing to show up everytime I registered in 10K category- classic examples were the Power Run 09, Mizuno Infinity Run and many more way back 08. Sigh! But today I guess I breakfree from the curse nyahahahahaha....

Consequently, the 33rd MILO Marathon is also the first ever race of my husband.
Unfortunately he was not able to time his performance so he has no idea what time he finished it. But he enjoyed it so much....I can sense- some regret why in the past he never raced but simply hold on to his camera for some photo shooting opportunity.
I guess the setback of my husband also joining a race is that I have no photographer to tag along nyahahaha....I realized that I didn't even have a photo of me during my run.....unfortunately, I did not spot any of the photovendo photographer.
So maybe, I have to be contented with the shot in the car, the shot at home and the video which I unknowingly took by Benet's hubby.

After realizing we have no pix of the race- we took this self portrait inside the car hehehe

At home with Matti

I bring my celphone during the run because I have a feeling that it might take ages before I'll find my husband- imagine there were twenty thousand participants on this event....whoa! The MILO marathon and its elimination is indeed the biggest marathon sponsored in the country- it is comparable to maybe the biggest international marathon event.
So to fully utilize my phone I decided to take one shot of the runners...see....looks like panning shot- but I was running eeehh! I have no intention to stop....so this is how it looks like when you photograph while running hehehe

My unforgettable moment in this event is when the runners climb the fly over in Roxas to Le Pavillion. Hmm...I have climb mountains but not flyovers....it feels different so I slightly shifted my attention to the baywalk I find it amazing- I can breathe the air from the bay....it reminded me of the recent quote I have read from my Yoga+ back issue "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only tune in."
My mind graciously asked the Lord's guidance that I may survive this new ordeal.
Then, amazingly running towards the end of first 5K became easy and satisfying.

On my way back to the finishline, I bumped into one of the TAKBO.PH guy- he was wearing his TAKBO.PH singlet so I recognized him as probably one of the active members- unfortunately I didn't get his name - but I am sure it was not the big man of TAKBO.PH.....I am not sure if the bull runner run today...I think I didn't see her- later I'll check it from her site.

Most of the Run ADIc- hehehe ADI colleagues run in this event, but I only saw Randy who did a 21K....Kudos for finishing it in 2hr ++ way earlier than the curfew.
Also my friend Benet run for 5K never get to see her but gave her a call while I was bound home (that is why I learned about the video thing hehehe)....I'm sure she hit it earlier than her record time.

I still can't believe it....finally I get to race on the 10K category.
It was fun- I paced based on my training where I can only managed a 7:00 min/km but my Garmin says I did 6:44 min/km -that was nice. I really wanted to run throughout the distance....I don't want to stop and walk. So I finally clocked at 1:11:15- this is my unofficial time- I started my garmin right after BF hit the gun....so maybe this is close.
I don't want to face that imaginary wall- yah! I read about it from the man behind ultra marathon or ultra running in the Philippines- the bald runner....hmmm reading his blog the night before the race is a good stimulus. This guy is a purest runner.
I started to have a conviction....believing I can do it...yes as the MILO slogan this year says "Kaya mo yan!". Thanks to Bro J for reminding me of this slogan hehehe and the Gingerbreadman for believing that I can do it.

Next race...RUN FOR HOME for another 10K =)

Ciao.

Running Blog #40: Running with the kids

2009-07-04T12:02:00.004+08:00

0530H- we were still sound asleep when Daddy hurriedly...call for a run.
I bet he wanted a practice run for tomorrow's MILO marathon.
Tomorrow will be his first race - he is running for 5K category while I will run for 10K.
I do not expect a practice run today....yesterday, I made up my mind that my run this week will be the 10K race tomorrow.

Hmmmm....but the man is so persistent.
So the kids and I though sleepy obliged to his summon.

We were on our car when the rain starts to drizzle....I was asking him "Now what?" with a yawn....actually I am preparing to go back to sleep.
But it seems that his persistence will not go wane by the rain...."It's gonna stop by the time were in island cove." came his reply.

As we arrive in island cove- it seems the rain gets a little intensity.
I asked permission from the kids if we could run- they agree and retorted that we be back early. With a little stretch and some more sleep in my mind- we started running- 1 lap in the joggers lane of island cove is approximately 1.25Km....as soon as we finished the first lap, the drizzles stopped and the kids were delighted to run with us. My little girl and boy went crazy as they try to catch each other hehehe.

After 2 laps- we decided the kids should take a rest...they visited the fisherman's wharf while I continue my run...I totaled 6K- not bad.

This is the simple pleasure in life that I always look forward. to...I know time swiftly flies- the kids will soon join us on a race.....I am imagining this....it will be my sweetest victory if all of us get to run in one event- maybe 36th MILO? =)

Today's run reminded me of our picture taken more than a year ago - I was still new in running then....but in my mind I wanted my kids to run with me. So I decided to tag them along. =)

Running 10K for the 33rd MILO Marathon

2009-07-03T09:30:00.008+08:00

I took my day off today.
I have to see my therapist to verify improvements on my shoulder.
My shoulder is just packed with nodules and taut band hahahaha- as if I am living a super sedentary life.
Could this be stress- my question then.
But I realized it was my posture.
And maybe weight lifting- for the past year, I have been dying to have a define deltoids and increase the size of my arms hehehe.
So perhaps these craziness ended up my frozen shoulder.

As I write this entry, I can feel a pit in my stomach.
Yah! I'll be out on Sunday for the biggest surprise of my life.
I know I wanted this- I have been wanting to join a Milo Marathon 5 or 10K event two years back and now- I have registered....but not prepared.

The MILO marathon is a classic event to the running community- it is now on its 33rd year- a year older than me hehehe.
I have been reading the race rules and I realized that the 10K category have a curfew of 1.5 hours. Sigh!

The last time I ran 10K- I was in good shape I clocked 1:13:59, it was a practice run in GBP area...so how am gonna clock this coming Sunday?

This week I decided that I will just run on Sunday and will take a good rest to recover the pains in my quad after my Maculot climb.
Hopefully, my enthusiasm would spark my drive to complete my 10k in less than 1.5 hrs...and by the way, this will be my very first 10K race- it has been more than a year that I have been planning to race in this category, but I always failed to show up.

A decent time in my first 10K race would be an excellent reward for the week.

Click here to visit the milo marathon website.

My experiment on discipline

2009-06-30T21:16:00.002+08:00

This is not so related to running, mountaineering or roadtrip.
But this topic comes close to my heart being a mother of two kids.

Tonight I didn't realized that I am about to learn from my children about discipline.

I am in full charged tonight while daddy is out training for his first race this coming Sunday's MILO marathon. Waaah! while I am here at home taking a full rest because I have a painful quadriceps after a clean up climb in Mt Maculot.

Daddy is usually the disciplinarian in our family. Matti is particularly afraid of him...it is dad whose got to get him to do something when we all failed to summon him.

Normally my kids see me as their playmates...we would normally horseplay around the house and would laugh out loud until we pissed daddy with our noise.

I was wondering when will I ever project myself as a slightly grumpy strict mom.

I didn't realize it will happen tonight.
Matti took on his usual bully behavior hurting TJ with his hands.
TJ is the usual slow eater- taking already 2 hours of dinner....and to my dismay we have homework to do....grrrrr......

So the human side or I'd say the dark side (nyay!) of me took toll.
I became a grumpy mommy- confiscating the most priced possession toy car of Matti and tinker bell bag of TJ.
Matti who hated to take his evening wash before bedtime hurriedly took his routine and begged to take his toy back.
TJ who is so slow in her dinner hurriedly and almostly chokingly finished her food (no intentions of choking her). But I guess she did that to take some sympathy and allow her with unfinish meal.
Then afterwards we reviewed their homework.

Hmmmmm....I learned that a little shock of discipline is also good for the kids.
Just like the shock of not having a climb for six months?.....sending every bit of my muscle to rigors of pain.
I realized I missed running so much.Sigh! I hope I'll be able to recover just in time for my first ever (sniff!) 10K race with MILO marathon this coming sunday.

Climb Blog #2: Maculot Clean Up Climb.

2009-06-28T20:51:00.009+08:00

It has been six months since I had my last climb in Mt Manabu.
I was excited for this climb schedule- because I felt the need to be on top feel the breeze and breathe the air of the mountain.
The objective of the climb is to clean up the campsite- and since most of us cannot squeezed a two-day climb- we opted to do a night trek so we can go home Saturday afternoon.

Unfortunately, before the day of the climb my daughter got sick- she had fever...I have to take a leave at work last Friday to make sure she's fine....I almost cancel my participation in our climb....whew!
Good thing friday afternoon my daughter's temperature became stable.
Whew! All throughout the day, I was a little paranoid about possible viral infection.
Who wouldn't- the A(H1N1) virus is really sending so much scare among parents- the news about schools suspending classes adds up to the paranoia.
So before I leave the house for the night trek, I took effort to call my husband and confirm if it is really OK to proceed. Well, I am so lucky to have a husband who always understand my need, who never interfere with my hobbies. Of course, he can always managed even when I'm not around hehehe.

The much anticipated climb after six months....leaves me so much pain in my quad.
I have a very bad feeling that I do a lousy trek. Hmmmm
The first 30 minutes of our climb was grueling.... my headlamp is so heavy that I envy the black diamond headlamp of one of our friend.
I felt like am losing my breathe...wow was it ages since my last climb?
Actually, I had very low mileage even on my runs.
We were all complaining. But nevertheless, we reached the campsite within 2 hours- the alloted trek time. Wow! I was amazed.

Of course most of my climb buddies -we see each other and have a real "bonding" monments during climb. So we had about an hour of socials- then were down to the tents for our much needed sleep.

Wake up call is 6AM- we had a hearty breakfast. After the breakfast we headed to the rockies. Yah! I dreaded the rockies- in fact during my last climb in Mt Maculot- a traverse dayhike, I forego the rockies- because of my fear of heights. I have the impression that the way to the rockies is like the rocky ridge to the Beak of Mt Pico de Loro.....my panic attacked and a fever- I forego the rockies.
This time, my friends ensure that I climb the rockies. Hahahaha
Honestly, I feel jittery at the thought...but no more chills- I was asking myself....maybe this is the time!
So even if I had removed my socks several times- nyahahaha they say delaying tactics they patiently waited. Actually, I feel like the ants were after my feet.

So even with the repetitive checks on my shoes, undoing my socks etc....they waited for me- and they were all looking at how much I was delaying the trek to rockies.
Wow! I was so thankful that my friends- pushed me.
I was so wrong about the rockies- it was manageable and better than the ridges to the Beak. I enjoyed the sight...the island of Taal volcano, the nearby shore of Nasugbu...it was worth it. I wish I had a wide angle camera to capture the images that I see....I have to be contented with my K610i camera phone...some of the shots.

After the climb we collected 2 sacks of plastic trash.
This is good news- the previous clean up climb took them 12 sacks of plastic trash.
I realized that the mountaineering community is very good in advocating LNT.
The locales were also advocating cleanliness....we were advised that the halo-halo station will ceased operation in the campsite- that is to prevent proliferating plastic in the area.
Actually, we have collected as much disposable cups- and I suspect that it came from the halo halo store.

The clean up climb is good for my soul....I didn't even noticed the descent because I was busy looking around for plastic dirt like candy wrappers, plastic wrappers etc.

Mt Maculot Night Trek- Anyone?

2009-06-26T10:42:00.003+08:00

I have a low mileage this week in running....again it's the weather that's been hindering me to run in the rain.
I know many runners can handle running in the rain- but I avoid it as much as possible....specially these past days the panic of AH1N1 virus, my back ache- i won't risk.
I am seriously considering having a treadmill. Sigh! but what is the joy of running in treadmill?

Good thing I have a scheduled night trek in Mt Maculot tonight with them....this will be my cross training for the week.