New Balance

here's the unofficial result of the New Balance Run For Hope last November 29, 2009 held at the Global City, The Fort.

2009 Adidas KOTR

After the race with broJ, Baby a.k.a Swthrt, me and IceOne.

(photo taken ny JM broJ's son)

My not so fast unofficial time!!! :-D

I quit, I want to run

I have been pondering for months now if I will write about this or not, anyway it's already three months. I am not sure if the reader will like this story or will hate me, but I somehow hope that this will serve as an inspiration in any way it can be.

I have been into this thing for 13 long years. Yes, thirteen (13!) years and if I am not mistaken, it started when my youngest child was only eight months old. I have been accepting architectural projects such as house plans, etc. as sidelines after office hours. Those wee hours were the most difficult times because of my work during daytime but my creative juices flowed during wee hours of the night. I thought it helped me think. I thought it helped me release my tension. I thought it de-stressed me or so I thought. I thought I can never live without it and I just thought I can never quit. My life revolved in that way that I thought was just right.

My kids grew up. They never ceased to remind me almost everyday that what I was doing was wrong and will harm me. I was always willing to quit but I never had the will to do it. I started running in 2005 but never did I think of the harm it brought to me and my kids. I ran and I smoked. I knew it was unhealthy but I had all the alibis in the world just to justify my smoking! Until on July 06 of this year, an officemate was diagnosed of esophageal cancer of terminal stage when I promised myself that the last stick I was holding would be the last one I would smoke. I threw my lighter, broke the ashtray, I quit and I did it! It felt good especially when I run. I never just improved but the huffing I felt during the first kilometer when I run disappeared. The first week was not as difficult as I thought would be. Whenever I crave, I would pop out a candy. I consumed a pack of candy for only two days and it lessened until I never did crave anymore. It also came to a point that whenever I crave to hold a stick of cigarette, I got a straw from a soft drink and hold it like one until the craving was gone. It's been three months now and I never remember any cravings from me anymore. I know I will not go back from it and that is not just a promise to myself but to the love ones that I have.

Cigarette smoking is truly an addictive vise that ruins not just our lives but also harm the lives of your love ones. I never thought that it would make my officemate who was diagnosed of cancer the instrument for me to realize the risk of what I was doing. God really has his own way of making us realize our mistakes. He gave me the chance to live longer, to run longer.

See you on the road!

5 KOTR Singlets, 5 different stories

I have collected 5 different singlets from Adidas King of the Road races the past years including the newest neon yellow which I will be using this Sunday.

This white singlet marked my very first 10K event held on September 17, 2006 at the SM Mall of Asia. I finished the last half of the race walking as I was not prepared for the 10K event. I have no choice but to sign up because Adidas has only one event then and it was only a 10K. The singlet looks cool and one of my favorites until now.

March 11, 2007, another white singlet from Adidas and this time, the race was held at the NBC Tent at The Fort. I didn't plan of signing up for that race when I was informed that another white singlet would be given but one of my officemates, knowing that I would do my weekend run at The Fort, asked me if I could register for him, so I said yes, and went there on a Saturday. Registration was held at the Adidas Warehouse and it only took a few minutes to sign up, so I ended up registering for myself and IceOne. The race was my first experience running at the famous Kalayaan flyover.

July 01, 2007 KOTR Singlet was red and looked fierce. I love red and it really looks good. This time the race route was held at the Quirino Grandstand and never did I have difficulty in signing up. Race packets were given after you sign up and the costs (for information for those new runners) were far more cheaper than today. Adidas tote bags were also given during the past races. I've collected 2 black from the past races I've joined and 1 royal blue from this race.

On October 11, 2008, a powder blue singlet was given at the KOTR. The route was the same as the 2006 race and this time no tote bag was given to us at the finish line. The singlet was not the same, it was ill-fitting. I only love the color but I can never wear it during practice runs because I am not comfortable wearing it. The race was a nightmare for me. I finished it limping because of my ACL. Adidas is not a PR race for me but I was quite disappointed because I can't concentrate running with an injured knee but the experience tested my endurance.

And for 2009...the most b#@*t!!! singlet I've had! This cool neon yellow limited edition singlet is not just expensive but the most difficult singlet I've had in years. The organizer changed their style in the registration process. You register in any Adidas satellite stores and you will be given two stubs, one for the entrance ticket at the SM Megatrade Hall and the other one for claiming of singlet. Singlets were claimed as scheduled but I never anticipated the long queue in claiming the singlet. The long line in the entrance area plus another line that took me two hours was long enough compared to the time of running for the 10K event I've registered. The carbo-loading stuff as promised were just a product of imagination, they never gave us the stub for food so what will I expect on the race day itself? We paid a huge amount for this because we love to run. Who says running is inexpensive? The singlet was nice and I love it, but runners should also be treated fairly and I hope on the race day we will not experience such chaos again.

See you on the road!

thank you photovendo...

My Run For Home result

Run For Home 07.19.09

just pictures for now...recap will follow! :-D

My father, my mentor

As a child, being the eldest of the four siblings in the family, I believe I was the pet of my father. When I was still a kid, Papa was the one who taught me how to draw and to paint. He always supported and encouraged me to join poster-making contests, which made me more confident for who I am today. He was not an artist by profession, but a lawyer and a journalist, but his love and passion for arts was invaluable. We shared the same passion. Whenever he went on travel, I would always be with him. He never treated me as a girl, but one of the boys which boosted my confidence to become more independent.

Looking back, I am convinced that he was the one who introduced me into running. I remember vividly those days when I would join him during his 45-minute early morning runs. We would run from our home to the town plaza then drop by at the bakery to buy a freshly-baked hot pan de sal then head home to our waiting mom to eat breakfast together. There were also times that Papa was in-charge of the kitchen while mom was teaching us with our lessons. Being a lawyer, he never hesitated to do some kitchen chores when needed. He loved to cook us with delicious foods.

But great times always come to an end. At 52 he was taken away by our Creator. Nevertheless, I will always remember the values and all the good things that you taught us. Papa, wherever you are now, I’m still going to greet you a HAPPY FATHER’S Day! I miss you and I love you.

To all the fathers and fathers to be, HAPPY FATHER’S Day!

Earth Run 05.31.09: Conquering the hills

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day! As a child, I would recite that famous rhymes while staring at the window, wanting the rain to stop, so I could play in the backyard. But the rain seems never heard my pleas so my siblings and I would just run outside to gladly play while my mother would shout at us to stop and get us inside.

Last Sunday, I remembered those rhymes and wanted to recite it just to let it stop so I could join the scheduled race for that day. I was up at about 3:00 in the morning when I heard the heavy downpour on our roof so I thought the start of the race would be delayed but I readied myself just the same. I registered for the Earth Run for a 5K event and I was confident that my knee would cooperate with me this time. So I checked my gears and by the time I finished my coffee, the rain temporarily stopped. IceOne and I headed for McKinley Hill in The Fort just in time.

There were hundreds if not thousands of runners in attendance when we arrived. The atmosphere was a welcome treat for me as this will be my first race since I stopped three months ago after I finished my rehab. I was quite nervous and afraid that I wouldn’t be able to finish as this route was very familiar with me because this was the culprit where I injured my right knee and got an ACL. The hilly course here is as difficult as you could imagine it to be, but I was ready to conquer all my fears.

The race started at exactly 6:00am with a slight downpour which was an advantage for us runners. I started with a very slow pace and was glad that IceOne paced me all throughout the race. Water stations were ample and positioned in every 2.5 kilometers. I did have some walk breaks but it was only when I got some water to pour on myself. I was quite satisfied that I can again finish a 5K without the pain. How I miss running…

I know I am not yet completely healed but I was able to conquer the hills!

at the finish line after conquering my fears

with IceOne

with baby

with our group

Is my ACL gone?

As advised by my ortho, I've undergone the torture of that deafening Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) machine 2 months ago only to find out that I have an ACL. I religiously finished 12 continuous sessions of therapy just to avoid surgery. Nope, I’m not afraid of surgical operations because I already had 3, from trigger thumb, appendectomy and the removal of my gallbladder. What I am afraid of, is the risk of not being able to run again so I opted for rehabilitation. I rested from running for almost 3 months, neither jogging or brisk walking until yesterday when a runner friend and officemate assembled an agility/speed ladder used for plyometrics. We tested it during our athletics period. I loved the feeling of sweat running down my face again. I kept my attention to my injured right knee. Well, at least it cooperated, just a bit uneasy as I was worried that it will hurt again. I tried it for several minutes and the feeling of uneasiness was gone. My knee never bothered me… for now. Is my ACL gone?

This Sunday’s race will be my sort of test run again. I did not register for the race but I am planning to pace IceOne as he was registered for that said event. I will run as a bandit…I hope this time I can finish it pain free so I can say goodbye to my ever reliable knee brace. " No running during an injury is not a sign of slowing down, but a sign of wisdom." See you on the next road race...

Who's the REAL ZORRO?

If you are a frequent Sunday racer here in the Metro, you will know the country's Running Zorro I am talking about. I don't actually know his name but his costumes and hmm smell is worth remembering. I am collecting different pictures of Zorro with other runners and plans to post them here in the future. If you don't mind, you can send them to me through my e-mail add just for fun.

NAMRIA in the grandest running event for women

The NAMRIA running club joined the grandest running event for women on March 29, 2009, the Pinay In Action held at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City hosted by Senator Pia Cayetano. Being sidelined by a knee injury, I was tasked to be the official photographer of the day. Here are some of my photos:

at the starting line

the women contingent of our office

A shot before the fire off

Lorie with her sister-officemate and our Deputy Administrator Linda Papa.

The Senator with her daughters before the finish line.

BroJ and swthrt; Xenia

Spice girls of NAMRIA

Meekrunner

running Nats, IceOne and Norman

The Spice Boys of NAMRIA

A family affair

with our Head Executive Assistant Georgia Ventura

with friends Baby a.k.a swthrt and Leng

Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan 10: A Test Run

I joined the takbo para sa kalikasan last Sunday March 8 to test my injured right knee. My Ortho previously diagnosed it with "miniscus tear" or torn cartilage but the MRI result showed that my knee has an ACL or commonly known as anterior cruciate ligament. The ACL according to Wikipedia is the most commonly injured knee ligament and is commonly experienced by athletes. The ACL is often torn during sudden dislocation, torsion, or hyperextension of the knee. Swelling that is usually attributed to bleeding from the tear may cause pressure and some discomfort, but the torn ligament itself rarely causes much pain. Due to the lack of severe pain, I was advised to refrain from running while I am undergoing therapy sessions and that is the worst news that I heard since I went to my doctor’s clinic. I have undergone four sessions with my PT and it lessened the pain so I decided to test it without my doctor’s knowledge.

During the race day, I thought I was ready to take chances so I woke up early a bit anxious that my knee would cooperate. IceOne and I positioned ourselves in the middle of the pack, stretched after a minute of brisk walking as our warm up. We started with a very slow pace until I suddenly felt the urge to pee because of the bottle of Gatorade I’ve downed before leaving home. I was fortunate enough to find a clean public CR on the route at the Roxas Boulevard. My plan was not to beat my PR but just to finish the race pain-free and I was glad IceOne paced me. My knee never complained until I reached the 3rd kilometer. The pain recurred the rest of the race. That was the time I walked and told myself that I won’t run again until my knee is ready.

with IceOne

with my officemates

My best gift on Valentine's Day

Among my three kids, Jag is probably the most under-rated and most under-estimated. Compared to his two younger sisters, they are at par when it comes to academics. Though Jag is only an average student, he seemed to excel in other fields. Actually, he was running a sub-50 min. 10K when he was a 6th grader, a frustrated rapeller, a good basketball player, and an aspiring Rakista. Last Valentine's Day was a great manifestation of his other God-given talent. After their school's Foundation Day program, I was surprised when my only son handed me a yellow rose and two medals. He was the champion in the poster-making contest, and bested in Chess beating even those fourth year students. That was a great surprise son. You made me prouder even more. I love you...

I CAN'T RUN!!!

I can't run!!! This is probably the worst news that a runner would hear... My ortho found out that my right knee isn't just an ordinary runner's injury. It's called "miniscus tear" or torn cartilage. He found out that it was due to my sudden increase of mileage and overtraining (?!), and aging... I am having sessions right now with a Physical Therapist three times a week and to be scheduled for MRI. Through MRI, it will be decided if my knee would undergo surgery or just plain therapy. The sad news is if I will unfortunately undergo such hiwa, I will wait another three to six months before I can start again to train or join races. Probably I would be 30 pounds heavier that time. Sorry me.

This is an article i've read just recently and I think it will fit to our busy schedules being working (injured) moms. We can do this work out at home while tending to the needs of our demanding kids. :-D

TRY THESE EXCERCISES: ( i'm going to try these too...hehe!)

Upper-Body Workout

The upper body is a notoriously weak area for most women but it's also an area that responds quickly and beautifully to strength training. Follow these 6 exercises to renew upper body strength.
By Selene Yeager

Shoulder Press
Sit on the ball. Start with dumbbells at shoulder height, palms facing out. Press the dumbbells straight up overhead. Pause, and lower weights back to shoulder height. Don't arch your back while doing this exercise.

Tones: Shoulders, triceps

Back Flye
Sit on the edge of the ball, feet together, a dumbbell in each hand. Keeping your back flat, bend forward at the waist, letting arms hang down on either side of legs. Squeeze shoulder blades and raise the weights out to the sides until parallel to the floor. Pause, then lower weights to the starting position.

Tones: Upper back muscles

Triceps Press Back
Sit on your stability ball. Hold the dumbbells in front of you with your arms bent at 90-degree angles, elbows at your sides. Keeping your back straight, bend slightly from the hips. Straighten both arms and extend the weights behind you, turning palms up toward the ceiling once arms are fully extended. Pause, then return to start.
Tones: Triceps

Biceps Curl
Sit on the ball. Hold dumbbells down at sides, palms facing out. Keeping elbows at sides, lift the dumbbells up to your shoulders. Pause, and then lower.

Tones: Biceps

Chest Press
Lie back on the exercise ball (start on your back on the floor if this is too difficult). Hold the dumbbells straight up over your chest so their ends face each other and your palms face the ceiling. Lower arms so your elbows point toward the floor and the weights are even with your chest. Press arms back to the start.

Tones: Chest, triceps

Bent-Over Row
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, and knees slightly bent. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Keeping your back straight, bend 90 degrees from the waist and allow arms to hang down toward the floor, palms facing legs. Squeeze shoulder blades together and bend elbows, raising the dumbbells up to either side of your torso. Pause, and lower back to the starting position.

Tones: Back, biceps

Work Out Your Core Muscles
Your core consists of the collection of muscles around your midsection that, when strong enough, supports your body in almost everything it does.

Basic Crunch
Sit on the ball with your feet flat on the floor, then carefully lean back and roll yourself along the ball until it nests in the small of your back. Touch your hands lightly behind your ears and slowly lift your upper body off the ball, contracting your stomach muscles to their fullest. Hold for a second (longer as it gets easier), then lower back down and repeat.

Core benefit: Flat, firm abs

Side Pillar Bridge
Lie on your left side. Bend your left arm so your forearm is extended in front of you as shown. Press into your left arm and lift your torso off the floor. Your upper body should form a straight line from your hips to your shoulders. Place your right hand on your hip. Hold 5 to 10 seconds. Lower to starting position. Complete a full set, then switch to the other side.

Core benefit: Svelte sides

Physio Ball T
Lie facedown on your stability ball so that your back is flat and your chest is off the ball. (If balance is a problem, you can anchor your feet against a wall.) Extend your arms straight in front of you toward the floor, palms facing up. Pull your shoulder blades in toward your spine and lift and extend your arms to the sides to create a T with your torso. Pause, then lower your body back to start.

Core benefit: Pretty posture

Ball Hip Lift
Lie on your back with hands behind your head and hook the ball with your legs so it's nestled between heels and hamstrings. Contract your abs and lift the ball off the floor, rolling your pelvis off the floor and tucking your knees toward your chest. Keep your navel pulled toward your spine throughout the move. Pause; then slowly lower your legs back to the starting position.

Core benefit: No more lower belly pooch

T-Pose
Stand with your arms extended, palms down. Tighten your abs and lift your right foot off the floor and slightly behind you. Bend forward and extend your right leg behind you until your upper body is parallel to the floor. Your body should form a T. Pause, then lower to the starting position. Alternate legs for a complete set to each side.

Core benefit: Improved balance and flexibility