Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas!

To all who visited this site, to friends, colleagues, and fellow runners, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
May you have all the blessings you have wished for this christmas and through the coming year!

See you on the road!!!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Disaster Run sa Kabundukan: WORST RACE OF THE YEAR

This was a long anticipated run for us. Aside from being part of the DENR family which we advocate the protection of the environment and conservation of our natural resources, we were previously told about the hilly course of the race. So our team registered for this event ready for the challenge. After taking a break after the Adidas King of the Road, I finally decided to join being my last race for this year.

I woke up early and expected long hours of traveling as the race was located in San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal. We leave from the office at exactly 4:00 am but to our dismay as the organizers never put up any marker to the location, we only found the place through the residents we asked along the way.

As we entered the oval, there were only few runners who attended the event and several of them were the elite ones from the Team Bald Runner and a few who we recognized from afar. We spotted Phillip aka The Foreign Runner and Bald Runner who registered for the 21K event. Tolits, IceOne, Ross and I were originally registered for the 10K event but we changed for the 5K event due to lack of preparation. I was afraid that my right knee would not cooperate again.

I started my run with a very slow pace together with Ice One and we increased gradually until the second kilometer. But to my dismay, my nike+ sportsband collapsed. IceOne continued to pace me until my right knee began to complain so I told him to continue without me and I will just meet him at the finish line. I ran alone and that started all the bulls^*(&%^ts that happened to me during the entire race. The route was almost flat but the roads were congested with motorists. Runners were told to run at the sides of the streets and those fu&%^%^in’ tricycle drivers kept on shouting at runners with offensive words. They were so barbaric at the runners. We were running while inhaling smokes from the vehicles. I also got lost because the marshals didn’t even know where to direct us the right route for the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K. Water stations were not also found and it’s a good thing that I hydrated myself with a bottle of Gatorade before the race. Lost runners complained to the marshals but they instead lead us the road to hell. My vote for the worst and the most unorganized race of the year definitely goes to this race…Runners… how do you rate this race?

Friday, December 12, 2008

Why do you run?

Why do you run? We have our own reasons why we run. But whatever the reason is, we just simply love running...
This is an article i've read from running.about.com by Christine Luff and I want to share this with you... If none in these 10 items the reason why you run, then what is your own reason?
10 REASONS TO START RUNNING
1. Running improves your health
One of the biggest benefits of running is that it's good for your health. Running is an excellent way to strengthen the heart and ensure the efficient flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body, which helps decrease your risk of a heart attack. Exercise, combined with maintaining a healthy weight, is one of the best ways to naturally reduce your blood pressure if it's above normal. If you have high cholesterol, running can also help keep it in check. Running also improves your immune system, so your body functions are more effective and efficient at fighting off germs. Running and other weight-bearing exercises increase bone density, which can fend off osteoporosis.
2. You can lose weight
Many people start running to lose some extra pounds. As one of the most vigorous exercises out there, running is an extremely efficient way to burn calories and lose weight. If you're already at a healthy weight, running can help you maintain it. Just make sure you don't think running gives you a license to eat anything you want. The basic rule of weight loss — that you must burn (through life functions and exercise) more calories than you take in — still applies to runners.
3. You can run for a cause
Running can also be used as a way to contribute to society as a whole. Many races benefit charities, and some charities offer race training in exchange for fund-raising. Running for something that's bigger than you is a great way to stay motivated to keep training and can make your races even more meaningful and fulfilling.
4. You can meet new people through running
Some runners enjoy the quiet and solitude of running on their own, but other runners see running time as social opportunities. Finding a running buddy or running with a group is a great way to develop a sense of community. You can set goals and accomplish them together. In addition, having a regular running buddy or running group is a great way to stay motivated to run.
Some runners also share advice and motivation with other runners in online forums.
You can meet other people who share your obsession with running, celebrate your triumphs and help you overcome your obstacles.
5. You can experience something new and different
Running is a great way to expand your horizons and break away from the daily grind. The sport gives people the opportunity to explore areas of their own community or new locations, experience new physical sensations and run places they may not normally see.
6. You can train for a specific goal
Some people hate to exercise just for the sake of exercising, but with running, though, you can train for races, from 5Ks to marathons and beyond. Training for a race gives you a specific goal to work toward, which can definitely help improve your motivation to run.
7. Running improves your energy levels
When you're feeling sluggish or tired, running is a great way to boost your energy. Runners who run in the morning report that they have improved energy levels during the day. Combining running with a healthful diet will help improve your energy levels even more.
8. Running will help you feel good about yourself
Regular runners report an increase in their confidence and self-esteem, and the self-esteem benefits of running are increased if you set a specific goal, such as running a marathon, and accomplish it.
9. Running is versatile and inexpensive
Running requires very little equipment, and it can be done almost anywhere. All you need is a good pair of shoes, and you can head out your door to go for a run. From city sidewalks to wooded trails, there are plenty of places for runners to explore — at no cost. If you travel a lot, it's easy to pack your running shoes and run while you're on the road.
10. Running can help with stress relief
Running— as with many forms of exercise — is a great cure for stress, emotional strain and even mild depression. Research has shown that healthy adults who exercise regularly are generally happier than those who don't.

Monday, October 20, 2008

10.19.08 Botak Paa-Bilisan Road Race Series: taking pictures during recovery

Lito Saberola seems floating in Cloud9 few meters before reaching the finish line.

IceOne in his final push, then after crossing the finish line...

BroJ in his best running form. Not bad for a 1:06 10K.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Adidas KOTR: Endurance to finish


not even an aching knee can stop me to finish this race!
"impossible is nothing..."

Monday, October 13, 2008

Adidas KOTR 10.11.2008: Determination keeps me going

I have been thinking of not joining this much-anticipated race even if I registered early because of my knee injury, but my inner self is thinking otherwise. Prior to the said race I was injured due to my speed workout in MKH two weeks ago. Sh_t happens! Especially for us runners who wanted to run too fast and too soon. I applied cryotheraphy and never run again hoping that my injury will be gone. It worked! as I thought.

The Adidas KOTR 2008 was one huge race. Thousands of runners joined the 5K, 10K and 21K events. IceOne and I arrived at the event just on time and we separated immediately as he was registered for the 5K while I am bound for the 10K. As I entered the long queue of the check-in area, I saw my officemate and running buddy Bro J. We positioned ourselves in the middle part of the assembly area and after a few minutes the starting gun fired. I started with a very slow pace, I paid attention to my right knee. I told Bro J to just go on his pace and will just meet him at the finish line. I felt good in the early kilometers so I increased my pace gradually. It was a smooth ride until hitting the 7.5K. My injured knee started to ache and I was already in the brink of quitting. I slowed down until I reached the top of Buendia flyover. I was tempted to walk but I was thankful that I borrowed my son’s iPod. It helped a lot and it kept me going. I have also been praying to just let me finish this race and I promised to take a break until the end of this month, have myself checked by an orthopedic specialist so I can resume on November. I am satisfied with my unofficial time of 1:12:28. God gave me the chance to finish the race. I know even if I felt bad, I have to fulfill what I promised. I will not register for the two upcoming race events to be able to recover.

I learned a lot from this experience. Determination, trust and will power are the key to finish what you have started. Injury is not a hindrance for you to be able to finish the race.

See you on the road!





with IceOne


Friday, September 19, 2008

My XT

I’m better in running and tending to my kids’ needs than in composing articles… For a working mom like me, it’s so hard to fit my schedule altogether. The early hours of the day is usually devoted to household chores before preparing to go to work. I can only fit my running workouts in the afternoon, jogging home after work. Since our house is only about 2.5 kilometers from our office, this is enough distance to satisfy my running needs. Of course I have to run first inside our office grounds before hitting the road home. In that way, I can save datung to buy a running shoes in time my present pair of shoes worn out. Hehehe. Saturday, is a different day. After a longer run in the morning, I have to undergo cross-training. This is where I can workout my upper body. I have to chisel my biceps and triceps. I also have to strengthen my core muscles. The abs and shoulders will likewise be fortified. I love my cross training. Bye the way, time to end this post. It’s Friday and I forgot to buy a Tide Bar for my cross-training. Yes! 5 piso na lang kada putol. Bye….


Tuesday, September 16, 2008

my award !!!

BroJ gave me this blog award...thank you buddy...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

THE NIKE HUMAN RACE: Blessings, pure luck, or coincidence?

1. I thought I would not be able to join the Nike+ Human Race because I don’t own a Nike+ Kit or even the Nike+ sportband. But just for fun, and with the dire need to really have it, I joined Photographer on the Run’s Photo Essay Contest. He will be giving 5 Nike+ sportband for those who would please him with their running stories. I submitted my running story, entitled “Running Mom” and waited for the result for almost two weeks. Three days before the race, I would be able to hear one of the biggest surprises of my life! I won a Nike+ Sportband. So I headed to BHS to claim it and eventually registered for the race.


2. A day after I got my sportband, I discovered that my unit was defective. And it took me two more days to decide if I was going to inform or I was just ignorant to use it. Hahaha! I headed back again to Nike BHS on Saturday night to report it to Ethel (?) the good lady in the registration booth. So Ethel got my number and reported it to Mr. Ben Chan aka Photographer on the Run. I got home worried if Mr. Ben would replace my unit, otherwise, I would not be able to join the race the following day. I just prayed to God. Sabi ko bahala ka na po magdecide kung ano po ang plano nyo.

3. Race day. My cellphone rang and received a message from Mr. Ben Chan saying: “ Gud morning. I have ur replacement nike sportband. Please pick it up at d PHOTOVENDO booth n d race start. :-)” It took me few seconds before I realized that I would be able to join the race. I texted back Ben and said thank you.



4. Although I didn’t beat my PR because of the hilly course, I enjoyed the race. Coach Rio, The Nike Team, Photographer on the Run and the rest of the sponsors did a good job. My Nike+ Sport band worked well. It registered my run and I was able to sync in my data at the counter.
with running buddy and officemate BroJ

5. And what was the best thing that happened to me that day was this…. While Brother J and I were falling in line at the PhotoVendo, the announcer suddenly called my name and race number. I was shocked to know that I won the 7107 Islands Cruise Gift Certificate! A 2nights/3days island hopping in Coron, Palawan! Wow!!! Is it a blessing, pure luck, or just a coincidence?

Keep on running a perfect race… God Bless!


Thursday, August 21, 2008

My Story

i would like to share with you my story on how i started in the running world...
Running mom

I thought running would not be able to squeeze on my busy schedule as a working mom with three teenage kids. Through the encouragement of my officemates, I started running sometime in 2002. But I never joined official races because I was afraid then that I would not make it to the finish line even in the kiddie 3K or the easy 5K. I was just able to run during our athletics time in our office every Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 o’clock in the afternoon at the Philippine Army Grandstand. Back then, I cannot even finish a single round of the approximately 800-meter loop. Until in 2005, my son who was a fifth grader then showed some interest in running, so I asked my officemate Georgieboy who already regularly runs in 42k to coach my son. My son registered for his first official race in the 29th Milo Marathon for a 3k event. I accompanied my son to the race and from there I witnessed how exciting and overwhelming joining in such event. My first official race was the AFP-DND Gintong Pangarap Marathon on November of 2005, but no photos were taken because out of excitement we forgot to bring our cameras. After one hour of finishing the 5K , I was challenged to improve my PR from every race that I will join.
My second official race was the Manila’s Finest Brotherhood Run (5K) held in Rajah Sulaiman Park in Manila on January 15, 2006. Underneath a singlet was a cotton shirt because I was still conscious of my flabby arms!
I never thought that running would be addictive, especially when after the race you will meet someone famous like Senator Pia Cayetano. When I registered in the 1st Pinay in Action held at the NBC Tent at The Fort on March 16, 2006 I unexpectedly won 2nd place in my age category 30-35.
From then on, our team joined different running events and fun runs including the New Balance Running Clinic held in Rockwell, Makati City on April 16 to May 21, 2006. The sessions paid off, since we have learned a lot to improve our running.
I am not a long distance runner but running became my outlet especially during stressful times at work and at home. I just don’t run because I want to compete. I run because I love doing it. Hope there are more running moms out there who would also find the many benefits of running. John Bingham once said that it is not the miracle of finishing the race, but the courage to start it. See you on the road…

Monday, August 11, 2008

Mommy Milkshake Marathon Yr2 August 10, 2008




with Baby (Bro J's wifey) and son JD
with IceOne and Baby before the race


Bro J took this photo while running...thanx!






Friday, August 8, 2008

Running Buddies


with my officemate and running buddy bro j during our short slow run at the office premises.

40 Tips for a Better Life

this article was sent to me by a friend thru email and i would like to share it with you.

40 Tips for a Better Life

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk/run or jog every day. And while you walk,smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Go to bed earlier and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following: 'Today, my primary purpose is to __________.'
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, andEmpathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did last year.
7. Make time to practice meditation, and prayer.They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eatless food that is manufactured or packaged infactories.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries,wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds& walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new energy flow into your life.
14. Don't waste your energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You won't win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
26. Forgive everyone for everything.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
28. Remember, God heals everything.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family often. Or email them to death!
37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following:I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of every moment, every single day.
40. Please share this with those you care about.

May your troubles be less,
May your blessings be more,
May nothing but happiness come through your door!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

in my own views ...


These images were taken by my sister-in-law Gracee (salamat ha!) with the direction of my unofficial coach and mentor, kenyan (!) Georgieboy during my short slow run yesterday around the office premises. Profile shot daw...







Friday, August 1, 2008

Adidas King of the Road March 11, 2007




Adidas KOR was one of the 3 road races i only joined last year.