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. ☺