PSE Bull Run: My WR (!?) for 2009

The PSE Bull Run was a much anticipated race being the first for this year. I expected a well-organized race but to the runners' dismay the race turned out to be a mess not to mention the inconvenience during our registration. But I don’t want to whine or complain as my run turned out quite well.

Manny and I arrived a bit early so that we will have enough time for our warm up and stretching. We registered for the 5K event as I was not quite confident with my knee injury ready for the 10K . We positioned at the middle of the assembly area after chatting with some of our officemates. It was a smooth and nice ride for me as my right knee cooperated until the 2.5 kilometer turn-around point with a time of 13 minutes. I calculated that if my knee continued to cooperate, I’d be fast enough to finish a time of 26 minutes or less for my 5K, which was my PR during the past years (and that was 3 years ago! hahaha!). I continued with that steady pace until I reached Essensa. That was the time I started to feel a throbbing pain on my patella which prevented me to take it easy until I saw Baby (BroJ’s sweetheart). We greeted each other and continued pacing. I was tempted to walk a bit and just jog before reaching the finish line. I was only relieved when I turned right and saw the finish line that I started to sprint. My unofficial time is 33:52. Though it was not a PR (I think it's WR, not world record but worst record, hehehe), I am happy enough that my knee doesn’t bother me after the race. I never paid attention to the long queue at the finish line because my attention was focused with my knees.

After the race, I met Bards(BananaRunning) thank you broJ for introducing us. BroJ also introduced me to Wilbert, Gigi (thefitmommy), Christy (Vener's wife). But I was sad that I never got to meet Nora, the golden girl. Baby and I even looked for her but to no avail. I hope, this Sunday's happy run we will meet na talaga!

The Big C Scare and Running: A Tribute to Madam Emy

I just received an email from our yahoogroup that our former Professor in Architecture and a good friend passed away recently due to breast cancer. I am not sure how I am feeling today but my world fell apart upon hearing the news. I never thought that it would happen to her that way too soon. I remember her during my college days as very jolly, approachable and very informative professor especially when it comes to new trends, technology and techniques in architecture. We consider her as more than a friend rather than a professor. She never treated us as her students but more as being friends.

With the prevalent Big C scare especially for us women often affected in the cervix and breast, we really have to find ways to involve in healthy lifestyle. Stress, unhealthy foods, and pollutants really aggravate such kind of sickness and therefore we should combat it with healthy living. When was the last time you really sweat out in the gym or in your favorite sports? Sure we all have our hectic schedules but maybe this weekend, it’s time for us to lace our shoes and do some brisk-walking and jogging in the nearest park.

Madam Emy, wherever you are now, I am sure that you are already in a very safe place with the Lord. May you continue to build new edifice up there…

The Architecture Batch 91 of the Bicol University in Legazpi City with our professors.

Patakbo sa Kabundukan 12.21.2008

Post Race Photos:

A wacky pose from our team after the "Disaster" Race sa Kabundukan last December 21, 2008

This shot was taken by Romel. (clockwise) Norman, IceOne, me, our driver Mang Bert, Tolits, Ross, Ralph, Zaldy, Mar, Monette, Donald, Limuel and daughter Cacai.

and this was taken by Donald (clockwise) Ross, Ralph, Mar, Monette, Limuel and daughter Cacai, me, Zaldy, IceOne, Norman, Tolits and Romel.

2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

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!!!

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?

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.