Thank You 2012, Hello 2013

In terms of my running life, this has been my year of discovery. I have met my goals for 2012, I have ran 15 races in 12 months, 5 half mary races, 2 ten milers, 1 fifteen kms, and the rest are 10kms.

This year I have learned that I can really go the distance and when I am out there, the only enemy is myself. I don't compete with any other - their life, body and training is different than mine and it can never be the same.

My goals for the year to come? I have been thinking of more runs and training for a triathlon. Also, I have to get my irst aikido belt first, this is the only goal for 2012 I haven't met. December traffic is ruining my schedule and I admit I have been lazy this month. I have to push myself this coming January for the 21k Condura run.

Will I be running a marathon? Still contemplating, I don't feel faster but I will find time to train. Probably on 2014, hopefully, most likely.

I also have to watch my food intake, I eat like my body has been blessed by the model god. Based on my last check up, my blood contains high cholesterol (all kinds even the good one), so, I will have to love everything I hate eating. It's all for me naman so I hope I can do it.

So there goes all my 2012 learnings and 2013 goals, try writing one for yerselves too! Hope y'all had a wonderful 2012! Happy New Year! Cheeers!!!

My 2012 medals! May we all have more this coming 2013! Woot!

Merry Christmas!!

It's been 4 days and I've been pigging out like a bear in hibernation. I already ran last Thursday and played Badminton last Saturday (only for about an hour or less, bummer!). This Christmas I've been feeling guilty already, and I just saw Running Shield's blog who ran for about 30kms (and this made me envious) so I made a last minute decision to run.

I just went around West Fairview. My usual route then after the Chestnut road I decided to go to Orchids st and went to Good Shepherd's Parish then went straight to my old elementary school, Flos Carmel Inst. of Quezon City. Memories started creeping in and it is sad that it's no longer operational. I know my last year there wasn't as good as you thought it may be, but it made me who I am today. I am still thankful for the experience. I love this route because of the trees and there were less people.

My shoelaces are a killer, they keep untying on their own I really have to find a way to tie them properly. Good thing about running today is the weather! Not too hot not too cold either, the wind smells like Christmas and there's no need to hurry. I just kept up with my lazy girl pace.

I haven't mentioned about my gift coming from the Kikay Runner. See, I won her online contest by answering my most favorite blog entry on her site. I answered it candidly since it was the last entry that I've read and it did help me run faster.

I hope y'all can have your own Merry Christmas. This is how I celebrated mine and I enjoyed it. I hope you too!

Personalized letter from Kikay Runner and the prizes! Thanks Noelle! (Feeling close! Haha)

Sunset on Christmas afternoon. Gorgeous sight isn't it?

Amadeo Amadeo

Since I have not ran for a week now, I decided to run where our yearly Commercial planning was held, here at Tagaytay City.

Before coming in here, I looked for the nearest road where I can run. And I saw this road to Amadeo, Cavite and it seems straight, so I looked for the landmarks since I thought my gps would fail me (but it didn't yay!) for my 10km target. Note though that I did not think there were gyms or oval tracks here - because there are.

Last night it was raining and it was cold. So, I thought of backing out with this crazy idea, I've never ran in a place like this, so chances that I will run in the morning are verrry low. But still, I prepared everything in the evening, my socks, my shirt etc.

Came morning, I can hear the wind gustling in my window. The fudge, maybe I should really abandon this idea and just run at the gym (which I really abhor since I hate the feeling of restriction - wtf statement). But, I went outside in my jammies and felt fine to run outside. So, I wore my jogging attire, wore my new socks (which I received on our exchange gift this xmas - i love it, it has a left and right sign for idiots like me haha), and went outside.

Man, the wind was unforgiving. I am usually sniffly in the morning or if it is cold, so, I walked sniffling like crazy and thought of just utilizing the oval track. But when I started running, I know, I'll go straight which I eventually did. (I'll run that oval track tomorrow though! ^__^)

Stupid me still made some mistake during this run, I forgot to bring in some dibs and I also forgot my hydration. I think bringing in some dibs/money is the most important. I am in an unchartered territory, I should bring in some measures with me in case I get hungry or I get lost. Note on this and I will be bringing them by tomorrow.

Well, road to Amadeo, Cavite is darn hard. I thought it was going to be an easy run. It was easy until my 4th km, because it was downhill but upon returning, I could just swear. I did not have hydration, and it was uphill, my 10km target was cut short to 8.23kms. I walked from then on. I have to be safe.

Good thing about this was I did not have my headphones with me. I can run without them pala. Yay me!

With this new feat - conquering my doubts of running on new roads - I know I can more places, woohoo! I am now excited to conquer more roads. Hopefully, next time in longer distances.

Road to Amadeo

Hotel Kimberly can be seen along the way

I really want to get Taho earlier, but I forgot my moolah, ergg. Major major mistake!

This is the oval, I hope I can run here tomorrow

Sunrise at the end of my run

My cool new groovy socks - Thanks Rene! 

36th National Milo Marathon Finals

Before I came to the starting line, I am already resigned to the fact that I will not get any medal. Well, I came because, I'll never know if I don't try.

After the QCIM race, I thought I wasn't ready for the Milo 21k race. My time was 2:47, and the race medal cut-off is 2:30. Seventeen minutes for me, is a loong time to cut off for a one week training. But, I still did the micro-trainings. I ran two 6 kms for this week, one recovery run, and the other is for uphill training (I ran around West Fairview area). Both runs have registered slower times, just enough for me to really believe that I will really not make it.

Of course, I STILL want to get the medal. I reassessed what happened to QCIM and listed everything that went wrong and try not to bring it on Milo Race. So here are the new things/learnings I've thought of bringing into the race:

1. Energy Gels - I thought of bringing three on the day of the race. I know my energy depletes on the 7th km and I think having an energy source would be helpful in making me run faster.

2. Hydrate: Inside and out - I figured out that heat is one of the factors of my energy depletion. And I have this feeling of fainting when I try to run faster, so to fight this, I decided to wet myself with water on some of the hydration stations. Since, the weather is not as cooperative, I have to adapt.

3. Lessen the Lazy Girl pace - Yes, I have been letting myself to have this on the races. This pace is around 8:00/km. I can't have this if I want to get to my goal. So, I have to set my head into running way past this pace on the day of the race.

4. Take my sandwich before the race day - this is for the initial energy. I usually don't eat my breakfast before the big race but a friend told me that I should eat so that my body would have its initial source of energy.

So, there. The day before I bought the food and a pair of new leggings (I thought it was going to be a December cold morn). I already bought the energy gel, the one recommended by Ate Mj, GU last Friday. Then on the day of the race, my dog got sick. He is hot and feverish.

I am already determined that I will not be getting the medal. So I thought of not going to the race anymore, but I will never know if I didn't try. So, I still went on. I left the dog to my cousin's care and gave a message to my sister who's out of town to get home asap. (Yeah, I love my dog.)

I met Ate Mj to our meeting place and went to the taxi stand and went to the starting line. While on the way, we are already contemplating and saying that if ever we did not make it to the medal cut-off we will just enjoy the race. The gun fired and then we're off.

I thought of pacing with Ate Mj since her pace can make it to the cut-off time. Her QCIM time is sub 2:30, so I think it's a good idea to run behind her. After the 1.5k, she drank her Gatorade and walked and i have no choice but to run for myself and ahead of her (since this time around I planned to get my first hydration on the 4.5k mark).

On the first 5kms, I tried running as fast as I can to beat my 35mins average so that I can have the leverage. So, an idea came into mind while running, I should run fast so that I can have time to spare in the last few kilometers. The temperature and humidity on this day was a killer, so, I took water on the 3rd km and wet my head to keep my temperature down. I have been washing myself until the end, because it was too darn hot! I have to not lose my focus on my goal, I really have to run.

I took the energy gel at the 7.5km, just in time for me to replenish. And boy the gel tasted sooo goood! It was chocolatey and I can taste the cocoa, i thought it was a good choice of flavor. I did not finish the whole pack until the 12th km. Thanks to Ate Mj who told me to take it with water. This is so that my stomach takes it in immediately. So, there I was able to run with energy until the 16th km.

At 16th km, I looked at the watch, I was surprised to see that I really could make the sub 2:30 even if I ran slower. Since Ate Mj was on my back, I would love to ease my mind and let her overtake me. I don't like the pressure of having her behind me, besides, I really want to do the "fun" run. So, I let her through and cheered her to the finish, then started to run my lazy girl pace.

After this, I was actually enjoying everything. I know I'll get my PR even if I don't run as fast. The other racers talked to me and had a great laugh of still making it even with the slow pace. I loved it. When I finally saw the finish line, I was happy seeing the time, it was 2:27. Runners were already shouting on their way to the finish line and I did the same.

As the guy, handed me the medal, I was astonished, amazed. I never knew I could really make it. I looked at the medal as if it was really impossible to get it, but I did. As I reminisced this race was the result of good practices of all the mistakes I've made, Especially from QCIM. I am thankful I ran that race.

As Ate Mj would put it, this is the best last hurrah for the year 2012. I chose the best race for last. I am ready for more races next year and hopefully a full mary on the next next.

Advanced happy holidays everyone.

Running Commonwealth Avenue: Learning Mistakes the Hard Way

My fourth 21k run for the year. So far, this is the one that got me so frustrated.

Of course, I haven't done any new preparation for this race. My running mileages decreased and I just came from a sickness. Now I hate being sick. Before the race, I was already dreading the Commonwealth route, thinking on how to run the stretch given its crazy elevation.

Gunstart came and we all started running inside the UP Diliman campus, I thought it will utilize the whole avenue but of course I was dead wrong, the race only utilized 15kms. And I forgot to mention that I was already warned of Comm Ave, IT IS HARD. The whole avenue is not straight, the whole stretch is a set of uphills and downhills. Craaaazy really.

Before I ran this race, I tried planning my mindset on how to run the stretch. But planning doesn't always work if you don't have enough training. This is my biggest mistake on this race. I came on the starting line thinking I can still make it given my pace. Expecting I can maybe finish it at 2:38. I was totally wrong, I declined the fact that Commonwealth is not an easy route to take.

Given that it is straight, it wasn't as easy as it looks. As I've mentioned earlier there was the crazy set of uphills and downhills. Then there's the width, it doesn't have enough tree to keep my body temperature down, add up the humidity and the heat on that day. Before I ended the race the sun was already on my back, I would really love to finish the race asap that time.

Good thing I've learned three things, I have to prepare properly, lessen Hydration stops and I have to keep my body temperature low as I run. Preparation should be scheduled, I really really should not slack off. I have to do not only the mileage but also the speed work. I only have a week before Milo and I have to do what I can do as of the moment. Keeping my body temperature low was something I just learned on this race, I noticed that when I try to speed up I get this feeling that I am about to faint. It scares me. I figured that it must be heat, so I used my water to cool my head and body. And I think it did help.

I've read in one Sen Pia Cayetano's articles that one of her roadblocks was staying too long at hydration stations. On the last Tetra Pak run, I've stayed too long on almost all hydration stations. So I figured, in order for me to save a couple of minutes, I will be bringing my own hydration so that I can continuously run. Now as I am writing this, I have thought if that was a good idea. Since, before I am stopping I can gather air and hope for my second wind. In this race, I wasn't able to do that, as I checked my speed mileage. I got slower starting the 8th km. And it was excruciatingly slow, I was running way past my 8km/hr pace. On my three races, I can run a km in less than 5mins then pace will decrease at the 10th km. So that is kinda weird, I don't know if I did it right by bringing my own hydration, but will try it on the next run. Let's see.

So that's the technical part of my running, I really have to have a watch that can check my pace from time to time. I only get to feel my pace based on how I run, but that's not exactly correct. My own perception is different from the right thing. Because of this I am thinking of checking my phone every now and then while running just to check my own pace.

Another common mistake I have been making in all of my races was the friggin shoelaces. I don't seem to get them tied up smartly. I have to do something about this since it is taking 15 seconds of my time and momentum.

Running a hard route plus simple mistakes could really take a toll on your run. Especially for me, in every run I always strive to beat my previous run but I always fail because of these simple mistakes. I hope I never repeat them and I really really want to get that Milo Medal next week.

PS:

I finished at a horrible time of 2:47 and I think I will never get that Milo Medal but I will still try. :(

Me and my fellow racers - I really feel smelly hehe.. 

Running the Tetra Pak Run 2012

As I am writing this, I am about to run my fourth 21k run, the QCIM. To date, Tetra Pak run has been my third 21k and I think I'm failing stupid in terms of my training rituals.

It's not that I am getting slower, it's just that even though I train or not, I am still running on a same pace. So for this run, I did what I have gathered from my previous races and clocked in at the same time 2:38, which I find a bit frustrating.

Since I have been transferred to Bicutan, and since I had the dog, I have been falling short on my mileages and aikido training. So before this run I only managed to have 15kms just before the run (I also did sime micro runs with the dog but it felt like it wasn't enough). And I did the 15kms on a Sunday, which was exactly a week before the run.

Anyway, enough excuses. So I managed to get myself on time for the race. Thank God for my improving time-management skills! I haven't been late on any of my 21k race. So I was able to put everything on place and I was able to pack in some chocs on my belt bag.

The race started good, it felt like Run United since it started on BGC. I was trying to pace an old lady but she got ahead after the 8th km (Yeah an old lady beat me! I'm that slow!). After going back to BGC, I was kinda wishin that I should've just taken the 10k route. I havr colds that day and I was thinking of walking already.

But of course, I didn't. I kept on running even if it was verrry slow. Goal was AT LEAST I did not walk. Good thing with this race was there were marshalls. One of them was my friend Mia, who showed up somewhere before the last 5km. Seriously, I was happy to see her, it was a break from my atonement. By that time, I was trying to sprint to the finish.

I thought I ran faster because of my Nike app, but upon checking it missed some spots and it skipped some edges which was funny. But anyway it's somewhere near the projected length.

Things that I have learned in this race was to not drink anything that is new to the hydration table. I thought the Coco Quench would be able to help me run straight but it got me more thirsty. I left it in one of the hydration stations, I was thinking of bringing it to the end but the taste failed me.

Overall, I would definitely run this race again. Hopefully, next time I am more prepared and not sniffly Abi.

PS.

I think i hate this post. It's all over the place. I apologize peeps.

Stairs = Uphill Training

I remember Poh from Kung fu Panda hated stairs. The stairs being displayed in the movie is actually insane, I would probably hate it too. But in the course of our lives, we will also get to the part where we are faced with a decision whether to go on a Poh-like stair or just use the escalator for convenience. Before, given my weight and fitness level, I'd rather not do it because it was too stressful. Like Poh, I would be panting like crazy upon reaching the end of it. But now, I see stairs as training for my legs since I have not trained myself for the uphills.

On commute, I would be riding the MRT and making it to the platform requires a lot of walking and of course, stairs. This week, I have been waking up late and for three days, I did not make it to the shuttle. Because of this, I know that I would really have to go through the Ayala Station killer stairs.

Why killer stairs? Well, just look below. This is THE stair! (This will not pass as a "Poh-like stair" though heehee) So, I took this opportunity to run this one up. I tried making my running pace faster in each landing (I really don't know if I did it, but I felt slower in the last landing).

I do hope this frantic idea would help my legs become stronger. Well, let's just see on Sunday. Good luck to me! Cross fingers! :)

Obstacle To Finish Line

I started running because of many factors. One, because OB doctor advised me to lower down the weight, then two, I needed to clear my head up with the things happening in my life.

I have this medical condition on my reproductive system called PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome where I have cysts on both ovaries and it has be removed because it causes my Uterus to thicken up its lining (lining is called endometrium) and upon dilation and cutterage procedure or "raspa" as we call it in tagalog, it was found that it was cancerous. So, there. I am prone to endometrial cancer and I have to listen to my doctor's orders in order for me to extend my life.

So, that's one condition I have been fighting on. I recently finished my latest APE or our Annual Physical Exam (because it is required by the company I am working with), and findings show that I have Sinus Bradyarrhythmia. Since I am all praning/crazy, I am linking everything that I am feeling now to this whatchamacallit.

Since we got the dog, he started waking me up in the wee hours of the day. (Say quarter to 5am) This is good actually because I need to catch the shuttle at about 7am. But, since I have activities after ofc (jogging and aikido), I have been sleep deprived. And then when the streak of sleep deprivation came about, the feeling of light headedness followed.

I checked the internet for signs that this arrhythmia is already at its worse when you start to feel light headedness and chest pains. This is scaring me since I really want to finish all of my three remaining races for the year.

To move forward, I would really have to have myself checked and to be diagnosed as early as possible so that I can still make it to the Milo marathon. I really hope I get better soon.


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Final Three

This is it. The final three.

As I said, I will be running these three. I hope I get to finish the last one strong.

Cross fingers! We can do this! :)




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Goal Setting

In our office, in every beginning of the year, we have this goal setting phase where in we and our boss set the expectations for our projects and activities for the whole year. This is for us to be able to meet the targets of the company and optimize profits. Well, I tried applying this on my life. But, on only on the fitness side. I started the year at 64-65kgs, so, to lose some more I need to run more. 

So to increase my running times, I have decided to participate monthly on fun runs. Which, I think, I will be able to finish. Here are the runs I participated this year (including distance and chip time) :

1. January 2012: PSE Bull Run - distance: 10k/ chip time: 1hr 26mins

2. February 2012: Condura Skyway Run - distance: 10k/chip time: 1hr 19mins

3. March 2012: Run United 1 - distance: 10k/chip time: 1hr 26mins

4. April 2012: Yakult 10 miler - distance: 16k/chip time: 2hr 36mins 

5. May 2012: La Union Ku Ikaika Marathon - distance: 10k/chip time (unofficial): 1hr 30mins

6. June 2012: Merrell Trail Run - distance: 10k/chip time (unofficial): 5hrs

7. June 2012: Run United 2 - distance: 10k/chip time: 1hr 20mins

8. July 2012: Milo Marathon Manila Eliminations - distance: 10k/chip time (unofficial - because they displayed the wrong time): 1hr 17mins

9. August 2012: Regent Fun Run - distance: 16k/chip time: 2hrs 16mins

10. September 2012: Run United 3 - distance: 21k/chip time: 2 hrs 41mins

11. October 2012: The Pink Run - distance: 15k/chip time: 1hr 41mins

12. October 2012: Run United Philippine Marathon - distance: 21k/chip time: 2hrs 37mins

As you can see I started veeeerry, verry slow. I even walked on some runs (especially on the Merrell Trail run where in I walked from start to finish, pretty pretty lame). I started the non-walking regime at the Milo Marathon Run. I am proud of the improvement but I don't want to be comfortable with it. My 10k now is at 1hr 12mins average but I have to speed up. So I made another goal, since I can comfortably finish the 21k, I have to push myself. 

The Milo Marathon National Finals will only give medals to 21k finishers who could finish the race in 2hrs and 30mins or less. I want to get the medal. This will be my year-end goal. So to finish and to cap off the year, I will be participating in the following runs.

13. November 2012: Tetra Pak Run - distance: 21k

14. December 2012: Quezon City International Marathon - distance: 21k

15. December 2012: Milo Marathon National Finals - distance: 21k

To be honest, I don't really think I will be getting the Milo Medal. But knowing that I could not get it, makes me wanna train some more. 

Aja aja we can do this! :) 

Running RUPM

After my first 21k, I thought of running further than 10k. So when Runrio announced that there will be a fourth installment of the Run United series, I did not waste the opportunity to run my second 21k with 'em. Besides, there was the loyalty shirt if you complete the four runs, so I registered.

I did not prepare much on this race, not as much as I did with my first half mary. Admittedly, I somehow lacked enthusiasm and I seemed tired all the time - given my schedule (juggling in between office, home, dog, aikido, friends and commute). It should not be the reason actually, but my enthusiasm was on its all time low at that time. So, I ran less and I relied on my previous run , The Pink Run for the training (since I really really believe that the terrain was harder).

The Pink Run was a kick on my cockiness, I can still run continuously even with the uphill track. And I did it with a faster time. I thought I could beat my previous personal record. But something happened days before the race. I got sick.

My first flu for the year, just days before the race. I did not report on Wednesday because I woke up with a body sore, fever and the chills. I came in the next day but still, the body sore feeling lasted until yesterday and I got dry cough. So, I thought I was doomed.

I still went for the short badminton session last Sat, to awaken loose muscles. Then, I slept early and I started feeling the chills then went to the event at dawn.

I admit, once I set my mind on something, I am unstoppable. So even with my condition, I still went to run. I would really love to have the finisher shirt and the loyalty shirt after the race (Yes, this was my motivation).
Then the gun fired, the route I have in mind was the one we went last RU. But while running it turned out it wasn't. i thought this was easier with less turns and less uphills but it felt harder. I think one of the reasons that made it harder was the weather and humidity that morning. It's really hot and humid, I ran with the thought and motivation of not running for more than 3hrs.

While running, I was bargaining with myself to run until the 16th km. So given my pace, I will be running for two hrs. But upon reaching the 15th, I said what the heck I have done it before why not do it again. So, I continuously ran but I would stop and take a few seconds at the hydration points to catch my breath. To make things short, I still finished the race without the walk and according to my Nike + Running app my 21k was faster by 7 secs from my last run (GPS recorded that the route was longer by 500m). So, I got weirded out by that but, nonetheless, the feeling of reaching the finishline after taxing my body for 2hrs and 38 mins was still exhilirating and I am happy that I have proved that I can still do it without the walk.

Given my almost consistent time, I got scared. Since there will be the 36th Milo Marathon finals on Dec 9, I would like to take part on it and bring home a medal. The medal would only be possible if you finished the race for less than 2:30. I am 5 mins shy away from my goal, so I really have to work hard for me to able to make it. I have one 21k this coming November then another one a week before the race. I will have to run in betweens in order for me to achieve it.

Ohh wish me luck. I think I'm getting enthusiastic again.




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Site Revamp

When I saw a friend's blog, I started experimenting my own blog and got too excited inserting widgets on this site.

Well, hope you enjoy the changes. I also created a new twitter page (because I got too excited with the widgets, no kidding!) so hope you can visit it too.

This is not related to running just to the website, I guess I took too many sweets last night. Oh well just enjoy the widgets! I loved inserting and making them! :)


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New Headphones

Music is a big part of my running, if not for it, I could not focus properly. So, I invest on good piece of headphones for me to be able to experience good music while running.

I went to my favorite electronics Astrovision shop (at Shangri-la Mall, this place always have something on-sale). I went around and found this one, the Panasonic RP-HS200. I was supposed to get the non-earbud one since it's cheaper but, the bass on this one just got me. So I shed the extra peso just to get this one.



I am actually bugging my friend to give me her Seinheisser headphones since I read that this is the best among the rest, but I have to settle for something that I can grab for the meantime.

Quality on this one is okay, my Pioneer headphone has better audio but this will do. The bass is pronounced, it doesn't have the buzzing sound when you increase the volume. I just miss the surround experiencw which i got from my Pioneer headphone (which I also bought from Astrovision from Shang, it was for sale, 400php from it's original price of 2k, good deal eh? ;D).

Anyway, I wish I will not break this one, I already kept the receipt for the warranty. Common problem of my headphones is when the wire is being pulled away from each other, in tagalog "nahaltak". I don't know why my hand could not help but pull some parts of the wire while running. I just realize it already has problems when the music gets crappy on the other side and then eventually it gets distorted until it frustrates you to get another one. So here I am.

Anyway, my plan to run today just got sidetracked. I got lazy, so, I will be using this for the first time on my 2nd 21k on sunday. Wish us luck.

Cheerio!

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Quotes: Just Run

Well, just run. :)



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The Pink Run

Err.... I know it's obvious that I LOVE PINK. Not only that it represents femininity but the color's pleasing to my own two eyes. I've owned too many pink shirts and I wanna own a pink singlet so I joined The Pink Run.




This run is a fund raising activity for indigent breast cancer patients and also fo breast cancer awareness. Well, I'll fight anything against cancer, I'm prone to it and I will fight it.
Anyhoo, I ran the 15k route since all race categories are only for 600php. Starting line is near our Head Office which is at Piazza and route will be from Mckinley Hill Area to Bayani Road and then back. I posted the map my Nike + Running gathered below for a better overview.




Race route for this is a bit challenging, I have never ran any race with so much uphill as this one. Also, the terrain on the Mckinley part is steep! As in! I even cursed because I thought it was already the end of the race, I already gave my last ounce of energy just to find out that I have to run 1km more. Good thing though, I was able to defeat my previous 10k record even with the terrain. For 15k, I am not sure, but I think I defeated it as well, I could not check since GPS recorded that the run only took 14.6 kms.

This was a good practice for my next week's race. Since I'll be doing a 21k again next week. The uphill just educated my body how to cope up with it, what works, how to stride etc. No injuries felt, ran 15k straight, also no sun, so my skin was fine (maarte lang).
I will definitely run for this race next year, it was organized properly. There weren't too much runners in the area, hydration was sufficient and I get to take home 3 free magazines. Overall this was a good experience, I just hope i can run better next time.
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Nike + Running App

I have been looking for an app I could use to check my speed and distance while running. Good thing a friend posted his Nike+Running app via Path (social networking site) so, my curious self couldn't help it. So, I downloaded the app.

It has everything that I need, it does the following: 

a. Tracks my distances covered

b. Speed

c. Tracks achievements

I've made some screenshots using my phone, so that you can have a feel of it. You may get this for free via iTunes. 

Home page

Activity Menu

After run, you would usually see this page. The app uses Google Maps . 

You'll see this window if you tilt your screen coming from the previous screenshot, this shows your speed, pace and elevation per kilometer.

My profile shows my achievements

You can choose whatever run you would like for a day

You can also sync this app with social networking sites, if you want to record it online. I have synced mine with Path and Daily Mile, though you can sync it with Facebook. I just don't want everyone to see it so, I only chose those two sites. 

I mainly use this app because it's user friendly, it can be synced with other sites, and I like its design. Hopefully, I get to run some more. This just pushes me to go the extra mile with the extra speed. Nike is just so cool eh? :)

Run United 3 - my first 21k

Last leg of the Unilab Run United Trilogy for the year. As I have posted before, I registered for my first ever 21k race. Let me make notes on how I prepared and ran this race.

PREPARATION

I have figured since this is no easy feat. I have to prepare my body to endure and last 21kms long, but how? I increased my days of running and maintained my Sat Badminton but i skipped Aikido. Why? I don't want to injure any single ligament on my body, so, I have to stay away from injury.

Anyway, my normal week would consist of two 1hr runs and 1 badminton saturday then 1 aikido training. I skipped Aikido then decided to increase my running days. So two weeks before the run, I ran, Sun, Mon, Wed and Fri, skipped the sat badninton then ran on Sun. On my Friday and Sunday run, I decided to increase the mileage to 10k. Last run before the vig day was on a Wed, which recorded my fastest 10k yet, 1:11.

Saturday, I went to play badminton for about 4hrs, this is just to warm my body before the race then went home to sleep early and ate a hearty dinner then the next day, I ate half a sandwich of cream cheese then brought my chocs along with me.

WHY SHOULD I NOT RUN THE RACE?

1. I have colds.

Days before the race, Tuesday, I was striken by allergy. I am allergic to dust and the cat (yes my own cat - but thus depends upon my situation). Since, we just newly transferred to this new place, my body could not adapt to it right away. Thus, allergies came about. I started feeling sniffly on Tuesday, then came the colds.

2. 2nd day of my Menstrual period

So I have colds until Sunday, then i just finished my last pill of the month, meaning I will have my period any day of the week. It came around Saturday, then I bought this ultra thin pads to make it through the badminton and race day.

3. There was a typhoon

Karen, the typhoon, was said to e here days before. I did not know it will last until Sunday. I don't want to run in te pouring rain, really, especially with my napkin and colds, I don't want to make my feeling any worse.

WHY SHOULD I RUN?

But given these three, I still ran. Why? Because, I think I am prepared for this race. And I wanted to know whether I can do it or not. If I didn't run, it will be something that I will regret for the rest of my life.

RACE EVENT

The day before, I went to play badminton. Then, decided to have a cream cheese (if possible bagel) sandwich in the morning. Took a lot of gatorade, had my sumptuous dinner (my favorite corn beef - Purefoods and lotsa rice). Slept well, I slept after badminton practice then woke up around 9pm then ate dinner then slept again then woke at 130am.

I think I'm ready. But it was raining, so I took a cab to MOA, so that I can catch up with my friend's 3am meeting but he got too excited and left early. I was 5mins late, got too frantic. Forgot to leave my other phone and held too much food in my hand (ritter sport and cream o).

I thought of my half sandwich and snicker breakfast while on the shuttle to the starting line, I wish it's enough. Me and my two friends met up at the Riovanna store then, went to the crowd where the other 21k runners are.

I think it's a blessing that it rained, my body won't get too exhausted by the heat. So, since I already trained myself in the rain I gained a little confidence. Then the gun fired and we all went running.

THOUGHTS WHILE RUNNING

As I have figured out during my mini runs, music keeps me going. As long as the music/song is something that wakes me up it just drives me to keep running. Well, this is also true for my work. I love having it on my ears, it gives me focus.

So that's one, it was a rainy day. And I really thought of walking, I thought of walking after the 16th kilometer. But I changed my mind after feeling that I can still do it. I checked my watch and estimated that I can finish the race after 40mins (I am slow, I estimated if I was right I am still running at 8kms/hr). So I just enjoyed the music and made the surroundings as my motivation since I know I am already nearing MOA, the finish line.

As I was reaching the finish line, I saw this man running with his two daughters despite the rain. I then remembered one scene from my childhood where me, my father and my sister jogged in the rain. It was theday we went to this house, the one that we are living now. It was also raining, that day, I can only remember him. I am too tired but I will still push thru, I cried when I remembered, I knew he was with me. I tried not to cry some more but when the iPod played You'll be in my heart, the tears shed again. It's because I was only 5 meters away from the finish line and it is encouraging to know he's just with me all the time and I know he's so proud of me upon finishing it strong.

I also cried because I never thought I could do it, I never imagined myself running for 21kms for more than 2hrs but there I was. There was also more that drove me to do it. My heart would never be as strong if not for you, you know who u are, thanks for everything. I can never say this to you in person but I know you'll get this message. This race is also for you, for us, for moving on. :)

I think I will be running long distances from here on. I love the freebies, especially the finisher's shirt. I guess the experience is more challenging and more fun than 10kms.

Cheers for more runs and longer distances!

Marikina Sports Plaza

To escort my a colleague home, I decided to run near his place. Since he is from Marikina, I decided to give Marikina Sports Plaza a try.

This place has an oval like Ultra's, but for me, as I have observed there are many activities you could do in there. Of course, you can run, do basketball, badminton, table tennis, there are even nightly aerobics and martial arts (like Aikido)

I commend Marikina for having this kind of center in their area, so people could have access to any sports activity. I envy the place, really. It's nice to have something like that bear our home.

If you have time, this place is worth a visit.


PS. If you happen to leave one of yor garments at home, there's a clothes merchandise just outside the center. They are selling stuffs on a cheaper price. I bought cycling shorts there for 38php, good deal eh? :)

This is it

I just registered for the Run United 3 21k event earlier. There's no turning back, good luck to me.

21k training here we go. I have to survive this, as this is going to be my first.

Regent Run

My 2nd 16k run. I tried preparing for this but the weather did not cooperate. So, my one week activity before this run were made up of Yoga, Aikido and Badminton - all of which were held indoors. No Ultra runs and Office gym runs. I just aimed for endurance and stamina, so I thought badminton, the day before, would do.

But I was so wrong, this run had taught me a lot of things in long distance running. These are some of my mistakes along the way:

1. Hydration points - I would usually hydrate myself on the 7th kilometer. This is based on my normal jogging practice, after an hour, I get myself something to drink. This works on tmy 10k runs, but on this one it didn't. I thought I can get something on the 7th, but to my dismay, there wasn't any hydration stations. And then, there was the Buendia overpass, so I got my first drink on the 9th.

This is was a big mistake on my part because I am already thirsty when I reached the station, so I gulped more than a cup of water. Normally, I would just sip a little to make my throat wet. But since I was THIRSTY, i gulped more than I should have.

2. Leg Cramps - Okay, so factors that might have contributed to this was my lack of sleep (I only slept for three hrs before the race) and lack of sodium/electrolyte content. Water may also contribute to this. After a talk with my running buddies, I've learned that I really should eat something before the run. I only ate a Snicker and my friend's Tupi (this is something like Pochi) which I took during the run. Well, it doesn't work anymore.

3. Lack of sleep, over badminton the day before - yes, I think I overdid the badminton thingy by staying until 5pm then, went to the hospital for the ultrasound then ate a little, then, slept at 12mn. THEN, woke up at 230am. Good job abi good job.

So, there. First I have learned that what I do in my 10k runs will not, work on longer distance runs, EVER. (Remind to self 100x) The day before, I should be well rested, and a friend recommended that I should drink a liter or two of Gatorade, for electrolytes - to prevent cramps. And I really should do the carbo loading days before, I know, I can't eat much but I'll try.

Well, not all of it were THAT bad. I was able to stretch and do yoga before I left the house. I arrived early at the race venue. I was able to see Bearwin Meilly (yeah, he just got cuter) and I was able to join the pre-run exercises. There were marshalls who cheered us along the way, which made the race somehow bearable. AND, I was able to pose for some decent pictures. Since I hate most of my running pictures. (Promise, kahindik hindik. I hate it.)

Running long distances is really a learning process for me. That's why I find it intriguing whether I could really do it, or not. If not, why? I guess, one of the reasons I run is really for self discovery. Whether how far I could go, how long I can last. Regent Run is one of the races I'll never forget because of the lessons I've learned.

Photo credits to Ynny Cee

Next stop, 21k. Abi let's go. :)

Triathlon Dreams

As I was browsing the news one morning, I saw an article regarding the recent Ironman 70.3 event. I was in awe when I saw that one of the finishers was Maricel Laxa, the actress and wife of Anthony Pangilinan.

It's just that I've thought that it is still possible to do it at that age. Then I thought, why can't I do it too? Since, I already know how to ride a bike, how to swim (not properly), and run, I think I should enter this on my bucket list.

To plan, I should be able to do this before 35. So, since I am already into running, my body should be able to handle long distances. This month, I will be running my 2nd 16k run (on Sun) then on Sept, I will be trying my first 21k. I hope my body is all ready for that. After that, I will be running 21k and 16k for months.

Then, I will learn how to swim, properly. Good thing, I will be transferring to Taguig near AFP. I have a friend in AFP, so I can train to swim. So this year, goal is to swim properly and have it used to swim long distances AND get my body used to run long distances.

Then, all I need is a bike. When I get my bonus, I'll buy myself a camera an a decent bike. I'll train myself before the end of the next year so that on 2014. I can join.

Quite an ambition huh? As if I don't have a job. To train for this is the problem, will I be able to do this? Well, I just want to experience it, and also, upon seeing the picture of Ms Laxa's smile on the finish line, I can't help myself imagining me on the same shoes, wearing the same smile, it will be one glorious day. I know, it's too shallow but I always love the feeling of finishing the race.

So, I look forward to it. ☺

Milo Marathon 2012

I prepared for this race, i know it's only 10k but I promised myself I will have to beat my previous 10k record. Previous record was 1:20 (hr:mins).

So one month before the race, I joined a badminton group. I am not really an official member, but I am present every Sat just to increase stamina. I added this on my weekly plan, which was to jog at least twice a week, aikido once a week then this.

I think badminton made a lot of improvement on my stamina. Looking at the pace graph below, there is a downward trend (shucks why do I have this feeling that I am presenting something from work - abi, duh!) starting July this year.

Then, race day came, I was actually late. But I didn't care, I don't think I was in the mood to run that day, I just came because I prepared for the race. I have to know whether I improved or not. Before this day, I had a record run of 7:28 mins/km, so I was trying to gun a 1:10 (hr:mins).

I remembered my last kilometer, after the turn, I remembered seeing a blur of rain on the horizon. Then seconds after that, rain poured. I remembered seeing a pink person on the side waving at me, it was Mike, my colleague, then I waved back. He went ahead. I was trying to focus on the run, I haven't ran a 10k straight so this was a first to me.

Upon reaching the finish line, I checked my time immediately - I usually use my phone to time myself. It was a 1:17 (hr:min), I got a bit disappointed. It was 7 mins shy my goal. It did break my previous record though, it was also my first 10k straight run. So, I should be happy right?

I am not convincing myself with that one, I have to defeat myself on my next run. I have 2 runs lined up this coming August, since I am preparing for 21k, these two runs will be longer, both 16k. So, on Ru3 this coming Sept, where I will be running my first 21k, I will be prepared. My feet and body will be all prepared, well, I hope.

I wish I was faster though. Let's cross fingers!

The Tale of Three Shoes

I've always dreamed of buying my own shoes. Though my father insisted I get the expensive one before, I always buy the cheap one. I didn't see the need for it, so why go for the branded one.

And so, I worked and then I learned about the advantages of the branded ones and then there is also this need of feel of the expensive shoes on my soles so I gave in to temptation. I bought my first shoes. This is due to our office's badminton craze so I got a Nike badminton shoe (this is on sale mind you :D).

Then, my officemate got me hooked into running. Me and my brother quarreled as I bought this one. He wanted a veeeerrry expensive shoe for himself, I detested, it was something I could not afford. But thanks to SM's deferred payment, I was able to buy it including my Adidas running shoes. It wasn't as expensive as the Nike but it was enough to make me run. She is now, two years old.

Then, I increased my running mileage. From my usual 5kms a day, I made it 7kms (sometimes even more). And my foot could not take it, so, I took another one. And since I went on a Official Business last May, I stopped by the Outlet store where I bought my first Nike shoe and bought my hot pink shoes. Good thing though, because since I bought it, I was able to increase my speed and the shoe laces do not loose easily. It was a beauty. Just perfect.

First Nike has already been repaired but since I'm back with badminton, I am using it again. Weird though, because it felt slippery on the court. I wish next week I'll get used to using it again. Adidas is my sub-shoes if I left Pinky Nike at the office. This is so that, I won't have any excuse not to jog at home.

I love these three shoes, I love that they weren't that expensive and they are all worth the buy. They were all worth it. :)

Running where?

I have tried running in different situations and in different places. Well, to count, I have made this blog, because I can't seem to remember.

I started running at the fields of UST. This is way back 2004.My weight at that time is around 55-60 kgs, (yes, you read that right, I was thinner) . I started joining this game, since I'm already pissed off with my school grades. I need to have something where I can get a boost of my confidence. So I joined, the EFC or the Engineering Football Club. Since I am taller than most of my team mates, I am made to be one of our team's defensive members. They tried putting me in the middle, but I can't take the running, so, I returned at the back. But this is one of the few memories I've had where I ran and I ran (of course it is required or else, my coach will not be so happy with my performance). I've never felt as exhausted as this every after game. I liked it, I like that I saw the blots of blood on my skin. A new reaction. My father had the same reaction, I love seeing his imprint on me.  

Women's EFC Circa 2004

So, I graduated and my appetite grew. I ate everything that I couldn't eat before. Just like a deprived animal, I ate everything I knew good. So, after a bad diagnosis about my ovaries, the doctor then advised me to lose the weight. I'm 76 kgs at the time. (I think I was heavier around Dec 2010, I think I was around 80kgs)

I remember early 2010, my officemate got heartbroken and turned into running as a coping mechanism to eventually move on. Good thing for us, he encouraged us to run with him as well. He first saw Ultra as a running spot. He invited me in, and did not like it at first. Mentally, running is exhausting. 

But then something came along, something so new I don't know how I could cope. So, I went back to Ultra and ran alone. When I ran my first straight 5kms, I knew I will be running for a long time. It was fulfilling. I feel like I can run from it. I feel like a rebel when I ran, I could do anything everyone says I shouldn't. I love the feeling. Satisfying.

So, this friend, also invited us to run at UP. Where he studied before, so we went with him. It turned out that UP was also a good place to run. It's near our house, so, I can just go there on weekends and run. Which I eventually did after, because I realized weekends are the only free days I have. One oval would equate to 2.2kms, longest I've ran is 8.8kms straight. 

I started increasing my mileage when I was at the province. While reading this Murakami book about running, it inspired me to run in the morning. Since me and my cousin walked to the barangay area, I figured maybe it's a good place to run. And when I decided I will run, it did give me a good experience. The view was great, the air was fresh and clean and the weather was not that hot. It was the next day that I decided that I will run for an hour (I only ran 45mins on the day before ~ almost 5kms), just to test whether I can increase my mileage, if I can do it. And of course, I did. I promised if I return, I will run again. I look forward to the experience.

One of my favorite running views, Basak, San Juan, So. Leyte

Of course there were the fun runs, I enjoyed joining every single one of them. It took me to go to different places like BGC Area, MOA - Macapagal Ave, Skyway, Roxas Blvd and La Union. I will be running in CamSur this coming Sept and hopefully I get to experience my 21k this coming Sept as well (in a different run that is). 

I love going places by foot, and I really love the fact that in running I am also going places to run. Not that I am only losing the pounds (To date, I am only weighing 62kgs) , I get to be around the country too. Hopefully, I get to more places. The more the merrier. 

So, to count, I have ran to 9 different places, and counting.. :) 

Murakami, my running idol

I bought this book out of boredom. In hindsight, I wanted to learn how other runners think, how it is to be on their shoes, how they started and everything in between. I've been coming back and forth this book at National Bookstore Megamall, so, I gave in to temptation and bought the book. 


The book is about Haruki's memoir to his running life. Of course this has details on how he started running, the runs he's been to, etc. I read this while I was at our province at S. Leyte and it just inspired me to lace up and run. (I borrowed my cousins shoes just to run, I haven't brought any when I went there) It was fantastic, after reading the book, I've never been so inspired. I even went and increased my mileage after this. 


For me, obviously, I highly recommend this book. Let me share a couple of quotes that I love: 


“People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they'll go to any length to live longer. But don't think that's the reason most people run. Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you're going to while away the years, it's far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive then in a fog, and I believe running helps you to do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that's the essence of running, and a metaphor for life — and for me, for writing as whole. I believe many runners would agree” 


“For me, running is both exercise and a metaphor. Running day after day, piling up the races, bit by bit I raise the bar, and by clearing each level I elevate myself. At least that’s why I’ve put in the effort day after day: to raise my own level. I’m no great runner, by any means. I’m at an ordinary – or perhaps more like mediocre – level. But that’s not the point. The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday. In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.” 


"By running longer it's like I can physically exhaust that portion of my discontent. It also makes realize again how weak I am, how limited my abilitirs are. I become aware, physically, of these low points. And one of the results of running a little further than usual is that I become that much stronger. If I'm angry, I direct that anger toward myself. If I have a frustrating experience, I use that to improve myself."

Yes, I love pink and running

I remember an Audrey Hepburn quote saying this,

“I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” 

― Audrey Hepburn

Yes, I believe in pink. I believe everything that she says in this quote. Except for kissing, mm.. kissing is not yet for me. (Yeah, believe it!) I love how pink symbolizes femininity. My shoes are even colored pink, this is to empower me that whenever I run, I symbolize what society thinks is the weak gender. I erase all the odds and make running my own, a freedom of everything society, even myself thinks that I can't. 


This blog will be a recollection of everything "running" related. I just thought of this earlier, while running. And I think, it's a good avenue for everything I am thinking while running, and everything I would like to discuss about it. Yeah, I am selfish, still, this is all about me, pink and running. 


I am not technical about running, mind you, so this will be not about how to be better in running. This is about sharing everything in how I view running, my frustrations, my experiences, stuffs that I think I wanna buy etc. I hope we share all the same thoughts, I hope in some ways, I can help you too.