Long Run at Nuvali

Part of the marathon training is having the 30kms long run, so last saturday, June 25, the TBR dream marathon organizers organized the 3hr and 30mins long run. 

The long run is held at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna where the actual marathon will be held. Me and my office group friends joined this, so that we can actually try the Nuvali landscape and see what we're about to face on the day of our marathon. 

Me and the Manlosa couple before the run. Yes, I look fresh and I am cold! I wore this jacket all the way through - best decision ever. 

The group run is divided into different groups, depending on the pace they want to do on the day of marathon. There are 4:1, 3:1 (fast), 3:1(slow), 2:1 (fast), 2:1(slow) paces (4:1 means 4mins run and 1min walk). 

I tried first the 4:1 pace, which was quite ambitious on my part because I could not run the fast pace it is 6:30/km at least. Since, I could not keep up, I opted to be left behind. I walked then caught up with the 3:1 (fast group) and they are a bunch of really fast people. I could not keep up again, until I got lost and isolated in the middle of Nuvali. Until the group of 3:1 (slow) caught up with me, I realized that this should be the group I went with in the first place. I was planning to join this group when they were already doing the grouping, I should've listened to my guts. 

My alone moment time where I thought - "Where is everybody?" 

I guess one of the things I realized here is that it's hard for me to keep up with a herd of people and to stick to my own decisions. When I was left alone, these are the things I thought of, I shouldn't have listened to my colleague, I knew he will just leave me behind when I could no longer keep up. Good thing I always know how to be alone and it is not something I am afraid of.

Enjoying the sunrise view at Nuvali

When I could no longer keep up with the 3:1 (slow) group, I walked. I think I only have 3kms left to cover. I was coughing (which was my handicap on this day due to - as indicated by the doctor later during the day - pharyngitis) all the way through.

I could no longer feel the long distance, I wasn't thinking of when it's going to end, it is not something I do not enjoyed doing. I just love it that I could not speed up so that I can enjoy the view and the wind and all. I also cut off my mp3 usage because I was enjoying the whole experience. 

I think with this pace, I can finish this at 7hrs or less, which is okay I think. I wish I can do better but there'll be other marathons. I want this first one to be enjoyable as possible. :) 

So this long run is an experience to remember, this gave me the first taste of my long run, and also how will my first marathon will be. A good "alone" experience, I learned to talk to strangers and enjoy my own company and enjoyed the good Nuvali view. 

Can I say I am ready for my first marathon, a hundred percent yes for that. But, I won't be as fast though. But it is okay. Goal is to finish this first. :) 

Me and a couple of batchmates after the long run. Thanks to Faye for the pictures. 

But of course, time for some pampering for my tired feet. I do not like the salon though, will not return there eveeer. 

Running with my Pure Cadence

I bought a pair of shoes last July hoping it will be my TBR marathon shoes, but it felt wrong when I ran. Then decided, I should do practice runs on it and get a new pair.

When I decided to get a new one, I thought of getting an expert's advice and have my gait analysis taken. So, as soon as I got my extra money, I went to Runnr at BGC high street and took my chance on getting my new shoes.

I've already set my eyes on getting a Brooks pair. I have been looking into the Pure project series and saw reviews that it is a good pair. So, after my gait analysis, it was seen that my arch is for Neutral but when I ran, they saw that I needed Stability shoes. 

This is entirely different from what I bought from Singapore, my fuschia pink Adidas. It is for Neutral runners. And it was as advised by our gym instructor. Not that he's wrong, I thought it is the right shoes too. He explained it to me right. When I used my Fuschias it is good on the feet and friendly on my knees. (remember that I've had knee injuries before and I would like to be more careful in my shoe choices)

So, I took this guy's advise and looked at the stability shoe choices. Of course, almost everything is expensive and it was sad spending money on it. But, I was willing to take my chance, this is a marathon after all, and I think I need to really spend in order for me to finish it well. Good thing, Brooks Pure Cadence was on the rack and took it for a spin on their treadmill. 

It feels snuggly and my toes, especially the left one, feels iffy. I might have problems running on it since it's fit is tight on the side. But when I checked, the socks are folded and when I ran again it felt a bit better. I guess it just needs, a little breaking in, in order for me to get used to it.

I bought the shoes and went home. I then thought of using my new shoes in my long run on the next day. I went to UP on a sunday afternoon then road tested Cyan. 

It felt different, I was running without my mp3 to make me feel it more. Since the shoes are for stability running, it felt it was promoting a different run. My legs felt heavy and every step of my feet felt like a big stomp. It feels like it's activating the pain on my ITB (Ilotilial Band). I walked a few times on my first 6kms.

On the 6th, I decided to get my mp3 player so that I can focus on running and drank my gatorade with the GU gel for energy. I was able to run properly, and i did not feel any pain from there on. I was able to focus on running straight, but my feet are still not used to it, and I am still not running I am supposed to with it. 

I was able to finish at around 13.2kms at 1hr and 49 mins. Not a bad run, I think. I was planning to run at an average of 8:00 mins/kms. I guess I just need to get used to it, or I will use Fuschia in my marathon.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Geez. 

PS: if I spelled Fuschia wrong, forgive me. Heehee

First look at my Pure Cadence

Fuschia Pinkie Adidas on its first run

First Long Run

All of my runner friends are already doing it by that time, I was hesitant. I don't want to push it. So last year, 2011, after my normal 45minute run, I decided, I'll run an hour the next day. The next day, I was able to do it. And this became my favorite memory.

When I returned back this year, even with an injury. I still decided to run. I could not miss these scenery for this injury. I love running in the morning, the smell of the sea, kopras, nature etc. I love it. I took some pictures while on the way, and I hope you fall in love with it too.

Basak means rice fields, one of the first barangays out of the poblacion is Basak, you'll see lots of this when you get there.

My 5th km U turn view, at Sua, San Juan, So. Leyte

Shadow, I know, the sun is already high!

at the end of the run, you get to eat this yummy Bam-i

Take a picture of me, I'm running!

Most people would love to have their picture taken, I admit, I am not one of them. I would love to take pictures but taking a picture of myself is REALLY HARD. Even if I posed, I look awkward. And for me, it is unacceptable and it's something I could give a day's laugh.

In fun run events here in the Philippines, there are photographers around who would take pictures of willing and unwilling subjects alike. I am not really an eye candy for photographers and I admit, it's hard looking for pictures of mine in a run. It's frustrating actually, I know I don't like having my picture taken, but I am curious how I look like on a run. And after a day of picture searching, these are what I have found out:

It shows that I am having a hard time running. I know that it is hard, but hello face you don't have to show it! 

QCIM, my longest 21k - Commonwealth is too darn hard eh? 

I think this is already at the finish line and I was like thanking God that it's all over. 

I have a habit of running with right arm down, almost all my pictures on the 2012 Milo National Finals album showed it. 

Right arm down, you can look at the other pictures and it's still down.. weird no? 

I have lost weight

Not that a lot though, I think I am 65kgs when this was taken, but it's good to look back. :)

I still have fats on my face

at Milo Marathon Finals, yeah I need to do some face exercises

at Ku Ikaika Marathon, the fudge, fat cheeks might've been heavy that my eyeballs are starting to fallout. Jeez/

I have this serious face mode turned on, on every race. 

I don't know, maybe I was thinking too deeply

Or just too engrossed in a song... 

When I pose, I give this awkward peace sign, I don't know any other pose. Sorry. 

Yes, no sweat, I am walking. Awkward peace sign y'áll

But there are days that the peace sign works and I have to give credit that I really look cute (this is not effortless, I wish it weren't though, good job people who can still look cute while running). 

Ku Ikaika Marathon, I am tired here but hey, I am enjoying this

And yeah, I posed! This is the first time! Yay me!

 And there are moments too that I love that were taken,

This was when I saw the gun time, this was my first sub 2:30 baby!

I even shouted along with the people because I am eligible for the medal Yay!

We were laughing on this photo because me and my friend Mavic finished the race in about 5 hrs! haha! This is how happy I am seeing the finish line. 

And I already told you how hard it is to find me in a race, it's like I am invisible can you find me in the crowd (just like Where's Wally! heehee)

I don't know why they even bothered posting this , but I love my legs here. :)

If you have good eyes, you'll see me and my eye haha

And of course, there are pictures that I really do look nice and I have to add another tab just for them. Hahaha!

Cute peace sign at Tetra Pak Run, must have been the effect of Coco Quench

Another successful cute peace sign pose! Excited to get the finish line goodies! 

Credits to Running Photographers, iRunners, Tsinelas Photographer, Pinoy Fitness, Photovendo, Active Moments and Run United for the pictures. I hope I get to have more pictures this coming 2013! Woot!

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? :)