A Race I Thought I'd Never Finish: The NatGeo Earth Day Run

A day right after my first trail run is the National Geographic Earth Day Run 2010. And while my officemates were enjoying our company outing; RunningAtom and I enjoyed our weekend with these runs!

I was suppose to wake up around 2:30AM; but was surprised to have waken up at 3AM. I immediately called my angel to check if he's already awake and reminded him to be at our meeting place by 5AM. Cutting the story short, we arrived at the meeting place a little over 5 minutes and hailed a cab toward SM Mall of Asia, the race venue.

Before we alight the cab, I am already asking if I could just run a 5K for I don't feel like running the 10K with sore muscles. The 10K route is two loops of a 5K, so I really have the option to stop when I feel like to.

We were in a hurry for at the moment we reach the starting line, the trigger is pulled for the 10K category. And we failed to join the start for my angel and I still have to deposit our things at the baggage area which is far from the starting line. We were roughly 5 minutes late for the race.

With the 1:10 challenge still up; I told my angel that he can go ahead for I am really not fit for the race [at that moment]. He had ran that I can no longer see him from afar. So, I just let him. As for me, I do the Galloway Method of 5 minutes easy run and 1 minute walk. I religiously follow the method. When I finished the first loop, I would have wanted to stop. But I continue, only 5K more and I'm done. And I am surprised that at the very spot where my angel left me, I was able to catch up with him. He was just walking, I overtook him and told him, 'RUN'. I asked him to pace with me and do the Galloway; but fall short and let me go ahead.

When we reached around 7.5K of the route, I looked at my watch and it registered 50 minutes. I told him that 1:10 is very doable. But I got a NO from him. I really wanted to speed up and sprint all the way to the finish line. I can do a KM as fast as 5 minutes. But the negativity inside this runner prevails. Thus, I continue with the Galloway Method until I reached the finish line. Afterward, I go back and meet my angel.

We enjoyed the after race event. We met up with the Agatep people. I also had the chance to meet co-bloggers who participated in the race.

I still have the energy after running a 10K

With Agatep peeps. Super Thanks!

Runner Bloggers: Yobs, Nicely, Me, Mee-i, and RunningAtom

Aside from the will to finish the race, a thing that pushes me to do so is Jude Torcuato's words back when we had a chat with him. I ran for the hope of bringing a genius to help us withstand the elements of nature.

-----
Official Rank: 900^th
Official Time: 1:25:10

I'm a Trail Runner: Merrell Adventure Run

I had read from a blog somewhere that if you find on the road running monotonous, you should try trail running. Hmmm, I still haven't gone tired of running on the road. I still haven't ran a full marathon. I'm still a newbie! But, I would want to try trail running too [partially inspired by JazzRunner].

Hit it! We registered ourselves to 5K trail run of Merrell Adventure Run [and had chosen this event and the National Geographic Earth Day Run over our company outing]. Yeah right, call me an addict! It's my pleasure, LOL!

I really don't prepare for my first trail run. I just bought and break in my Adidas Trail 16 shoes around a month ago; and I had my regular Wednesdays hill runs with my adiNation Ortigas family. I believe those helped.

The 5K trail run had a cut off time of 1:10 to be awarded a medal. I am really that confident that I can be able to wear that medal right after crossing the finish line. But I was wrong. Why? Let me tell you the story...

We were early birds at Wawa Dam, Montalban. The rays of the sun ain't visible yet. But we already enjoy the vicinity and took pictures. It was kinda cold there though.




As the sun is slowly making its way above the heavens; I am having butterflies in my stomach. I am really unaware of what could be in store for us with this trail run.

At the starting line

I told my cousins to pace with me. "If I told you to run, RUN." As the trigger was pulled, we run. But my cousin Irish seem to be really not fit for a continuous run; so she let me run and leave her behind. I continue to run [a slow one] until such time that I will be welcomed by the narrow climbs so that I won't be piled up with a number of runners uphills.

Honestly, what I really expected was just a hill as high as the Buendia Flyover. But I was surprised with this:

And I ain't seeing the top yet

Whew! There's no turning back now. Go MinnieRunner!

Taking picture of myself. Do I look scared?

Runners I left behind

Then off we go. Before we proceed, let me proclaim, "I'm afraid of heights!" So while climbing the mountain, I am trying to put a courage potion in my heart. Feels like a wrong step would already cause my life. Thanks to my Adidas Trail 16 shoes. I believe my shoes give me balance.

"I'm on top of the world!"

I mean, on top of the mountain which I am just looking from below moments ago. And since I had no companion while on that very moment, I just tried taking pictures of myself, alone. But I just can't take a good shot. As I saw a couple of friends doing picture taking, I asked one of them to have a shot on me.

The man behind me is his friend

Thanks Kuya!

Then off I go again.

Just when I am already at the hype of going down, we found out that we're lost! Lost in the mountain! And oh, we just cannot contact anyone from Merrell. No signal. What are we suppose to do?

Hey Carabao, are you the marshal or something?

See? We're totally lost!

Good thing, someone already found the right way. So off we go, back to where we saw the last 5K mark. But we just can't get over with the time that we had spent going on the wrong way. Goodbye medal! *sigh*

The succeeding path were a combination of ups and downs. So I never really knew if we're getting nearer; or we're getting even higher. While traversing the path, we runners were asking each other. "Did we already cross the river?" "It's El Niño, maybe the river is in drought."

Upon reaching the grounds. I thought I'd be running like a Kenyan for a podium finish, only to see this:

What?! Looks like we're only about to start.

Okay, so we really gonna cross the river. Hmmm, if I would be seeing someone removing his shoes, I will remove mine.

Ahhh.. A sigh of relief. I need not take my shoes off.

But hey, I was wrong. That was just a teaser! Or an appetizer?

Oh yeah! Submerged my shoes! I bought it to get wet anyway.

After crossing the river [that made me feel refreshed], we have to run [but I prefer to just walk] on stones and sand. I looked at my shoes, oh no?! But I have to go on. There's a race I need to finish. And this one's fun fun fun! I had a couple [or was it three] more rivers crossed that allowed me to wash my shoes though.

We have to cross a bridge. And you can see what's at the bottom. It would definitely make my knees weak. Oh no! Don't look down!

Wawa Dam!

I had passed by a number of locals on the way; especially on a short tunnel. And they did a very nice gesture of cheering us. "Go ate, kaya mo 'yan" And I never failed to give thanks. I remember someone even asked me, "Ate, hidni ba nakakapagod?" I answered, "NO!"

And just when I am already seeing the finish line, RunningAtom advised me that I still have to turn right. What?!

Rocks! I should be careful. I still have a 10K run tomorrow morning.

I'm scared! It's slippery!

After that scary route, we still have a river to cross, and an uphill to climb. And finally...

Ohh.. flats...

From here up to the finish line, I run, run, and run. And yes...

I survived! But its a little over 5K. And I now have the bragging rights of calling myself a trail runner.
I'm a Trail Runner!!!

Pictures and more pictures...

With Nicole of Agatep. Thanks for the ride, the meal, the shirt, the Phitem bracelet, and everything :)

Mine, Irish, Madz, Pedz, and Juvy

James, sorry for posting your pictures late.

Runner Bloggers

Cousins

My adiNation Ortigas Family

Despite being almost restless from the past couple of days, I still make it a point to not miss the adiNation Ortigas group last Wednesday. If you'll ask why, my answer would be consistent: Running Makes Me Happy. I have chosen running instead of watching Derby Ace Llamados' game against the Coca-Cola Tigers where they lost a disappointing 3-point deficit.

Back to running.

We met up at Mc Donald's at Pearl Drive and have our attendance with Coach Luis, plus picture taking too [of course].

My adiNation [Ortigas Group] Family

What I love about adiNation is the feeling of one big happy family. I am running side by side with a number of Bataan Death March Ultramarathoners but never felt belittled in anyway. I really feel that I BELONG! Yay! I'm a RUNNER!

First activity was a 1.2K warm-up that we normally have before the time trials. Alright, I hate time trials for it is making me feel like throwing up after finishing a lap. But knowing my time erases all of the uncomfortable feeling. Juvy asked me then to run with batch two. I am really on the fear of getting lost then. Ask me anything about Math, NOT Geography!!! But being used to the route allowed me to memorize where to turn right; and I finished my 1K in 5:07.32 in my watch and 5:13 with Coach Luis. More than the time, I am happy that I am not lost, LOL!

After the time trial [congratulations to Jeric by the way for his 4:11 1K], Coach Luis asked us if we wanted another round. Most of us answered 'NO'; we already want to have the long run. And so we go, RUN!

As I've said earlier, NO Geography; so I cannot really tell you our route. Hmmm, our first stop [I believe] is at Tiendesitas. Irene told us [Maan and I] that we had just covered a total of 3K. What?! I felt like already run 8K or something. Good thing we have to stop for a recovery of sort.

First Stop: Tiendesitas

Then off we go. We now have to traverse a steep hill going to St. Martin. Well, everyone who were on a climb knows how it feels to be on top. I survived! And we left our mark at St. Martin.

Conquering St. Martin

St. Martin is really not that much challenge for those who normally run at Buendia Flyover [10K and up distance frequenters]. But the next 'hill' that we're up to is a different story - we run at Canley!!!

Canley: Down

Canley: Up

Coach Luis is really proud of us for being able to survive Canley. He told us that most of his runningmates become hesitant for bringing us into such calvary; but he's sooo determined that we could finish it. And now, we had given him the bragging rights!

Then, we headed back from where we started. In total, we had ran approximately 11K. And that was a blast! I particularly want to thank Leo for accompanying me when I can no longer keep up with RunningAtom's pace. It's all because of side stitches!

After that lovely evening of 11K run, we all bid goodbye. But I never left without having a cup of McFlurry! Oooh, satisfying!

Hope I would be present next session; for most probably, I would need to rehabilitate with my addiction of running a 5K trail run at Merrell Adventure Run [ on Saturday] and 10K run at NatGeo EDR [on Sunday].

I sooo ♥ my adiNation Family!

Photo Credits: Coach Luis

I Conquered the Buendia Flyover at Mizuno Infinity Race 2010

A couple of days before the Mizuno Infinity Race 2010 (April 11, 2010), my angel and I had a little bit of something to look forward to. We agreed that whomever reached the finish line by 01:10 will get a FREE compression tights from the one who had been left behind. Seriously, we haven't left each other in each and every race; so, this is something that's worth looking forward to. And the competition [between us] is a healthy one.

Obviously, I am leaned at beating him for I had my regular Wednesday runs. But, on the other hand, he has his biking to replace the runs. So, this will be a good match, LOL!

We arrived at the Bonifacio High Street (BHS) not too early [and not too late]. But we find ourselves dishing into the 5K crowd for we were less than a minute late for the 10K gunstart.

So there, I began my "chikka pace" so as not to burn out and tire my legs. My angel did the same thing. I just told him, "Go ahead. 01:10". But we would always catch up with each other. Seems no one wanted to buy someone a compression tights, LOL!

I checked on my watch as we pass by the 1KM and the 2KM mark. We fall short for a minute on the first but cope up on our second for our 01:10 target. And then a challenge surprised me - the Buendia Flyover!

But remembering my adiNation Ortigas group and Coach Abby's enthusiasm on hills makes me wanna run the uphill. And I did. And I enjoy every moment of it. While at the heart of the flyover, we can't resist stopping and taking pictures. For the record, this is our first time to cover the whole stretch.

See that long stretch? I conquer that!

As we continue our run, we have seen a few runners already on their way back to the finish line. And so I thought, "What?! We'll be running this flyover again? And we're not even half of it?" My angel just smiled at me and say, "Yes." But, honestly, I am enjoying it. It was a rare opportunity and only runners could experience it - running along the Buendia Flyover. My sort of worried question earlier had been replaced by amusement and said, "Why did RunningAtom haven't told us earlier that it is fun to run the flyover?"

We reached the end of the flyover with the 4KM mark and was welcomed by hydration booth. But we never stopped for we had brought Powerade with us already. And then we run. Both of us still can keep up with each other's pace. Most especially when we have to cross vehicular traffic.

Run. Run. Run.

We reached the 5KM mark 2 minutes short of our target. Well, I actually reached the mark earlier than my angel. But he pushes me to run; anyway, we'll surely meet at the finish line. And so I run. I just content myself that he can surely catch up with me.

While running alone [not literally], I began to contemplate. There were a number of runners who pushes hard only to stop and walk after a few minutes; allowing me to overtake them. There were also some who can maintain a slow run without walking. I had a long blink of the eye and said to myself, "My greatest competition is myself. I should never compare myself to other runners for I never know what training they have been; and what physical strength they already have.", which is basically the theme of the race - conquering oneself. With that, I never mind those who had been overtaking me, nor those whom I had overtaken. I just thought of beating my time, and finishing 10K without hurting knees.

I'm back at the Buendia Flyover again. I ran the uphill. I feel great once more. Regularly, I would look back to see if my angel is still catching up on me. I can still see him as I landed on the middle of the flyover. So, I continue to run. I looked at my watch as I had conquered the flyover for the second time, and it seems like 01:10 is still attainable - if, and only if, I would sprint the last 1.5KM or so.

I remember my fastest was a 5min 59sec for a 1.2K distance. I can surely make it to the finish [and have a free compression tights]. But my legs just can't get that secondwind to push for a sprint. At the last 1KM mark, I look back, and I just can't see my angel. He probably just walk for he had blisters on his foot.

Am I going for the sprint? Or I would just run comfortably?

I chose to run comfortably. I don't know but I really can't get the secondwind. Maybe next time. Or probably I need to hold my angel's hand to have that push. Anyhow, what matter for this race is that I was able to finish pain-free. My unofficial time was 01:14:56. My angel arrived 4 minutes later.

Although I was not able to meet my target, I am still fulfilled. And I am really looking forward at conquering the Buendia Flyover over and over again.

More importantly, we enjoyed the race!

with my angel. Beat me next time?

with the Strathletes. Soon to be IT Runners.

Playing, LOL!

with Sir Rene. Thank you so much for the freebie! I love it!

I will NEVER SETTLE. Come next year, I will beat my greatest competition - myself. As the race had unfolded, this is a never-ending battle, an infinity. And I am up for the challenge! See you all next year.

Gotta Have My Eyes Checked

Yesterday, I go home with an upset stomach. I don’t know if it was caused by the watermelon I ate for snack or the lunch I had earlier. I just cannot withstand the discomfort, felt like I wanted to throw up. But one thing’s for sure, I won’t entertain that uneasiness for long. Good thing a hot soup, a loving mother, and a caring niece is enough to cure me.

Well, I am not really that type who’ll cuddle any symptoms of illness except for one thing, my not 20/20 vision eyesight.



I began to realize that I am already having a slight problem with my eyesight having a 25/50 vision back in 2006. I tried wearing eyeglasses with the prescribed lens of the ophthalmologist. However, I feel uneasy wearing it. Moreover, I felt like my eyes are becoming more blurry (or was it all in the mind).

I tried to wear my eyeglasses as much as possible, but gone tired of it. Not knowing that my eyes had gone to a 50/75 vision last year. Okay, I know that it is not so noteworthy as compared to those having visions ranging to hundreds. But for me, it already is bothering me. Sometimes, while looking at something to read, I would normally utter, “Oh, I already had poor eyesight.” And that is because I had been stubborn on wearing my prescribed eyeglasses.

Hopefully, I could have time one of these days to have my eye checked and have those lens help me clear the cobwebs on my eyes.

It's Not the Speed, It's the Distance

Ahhh, finally...

After nine (9) days of drought (LOL) from running, I finally had my long (it's already long for me) slow distance (LSD) run last night at UP Diliman's Academic Oval. As always, the Strathlete's addicts [comprised by RunningAtom, ChickenLegs, and I] were the only runners present. We had our change of wardrobe [from office people to runners] at RunningAtom's place.

Initially, we were planning to traverse the route from RunningAtom's place to UP Diliman and back that will cover a total of 10K. But had decided to enjoy Academic Oval instead. So, we hailed a cab and have us dropped in front of the Oblation. No warm-ups done, we jog around the 2.2K oval. RunningAtom paced with me then. We had a total of three (3) laps. Afterwards, I let him run his almost sub-Piolo pace.

I had then the company of ChickenLegs for the last two (2) laps [for we were planning to run a total of 11K] for tonight [cool down included]. It was a pain-free 11K for me, unlike my first 10K run. Well, it's because I had my "chika" pace. I had a good conversation with RunningAtom and ChickenLegs as we go with the five (5) laps and had to walk only if I had been feeling a sidestitch or I have to rehydrate myself. Not to mention that I am texting while running. I had run the 11K stretch more or less 1:30 to 1:40. Not bad. My first 10K was at 1:22:33.

After a very brief cool down, we waited for a cab to bring us back to RunningAtom's place; then we'll have our dinner. It took us quite a while then, so I decided to take some pictures while waiting.

MinnieRunner and RunningAtom

RunningAtom and ChickenLegs

MinnieRunner and ChickenLegs

After approximately 30 minutes of waiting, we decided to just jog/walk back home. The route will cover around 4K in distance. And so we jog and walk alternately against the vehicular traffic, the dogs, and the silent streets. While chatting about anything under the sun, we were lost. RunningAtom just seem to cannot find the route he's traversing in his lone practice runs. So, the anticipated 4K had piled another 1K. I felt I can no longer run a moment in our search for the correct path going home. So we just walk until we found ourselves in a familiar place.

We stopped by an ATM for ChickenLegs needs to withdraw. RunningAtom and I grabbed the opportunity to sit on the stairs, ooooohhh, it feels so good, LOL! Perpendicular from where we're seating is the Slice n' Dice Steak House. So, we decided to have our dinner there. And this is my plate...

Am I hungry? Not really.

Then we rode a tricycle back home, so the piled 1K was relieved by that ride. In total, I had a 15K long distance run that night. In that training/practice run, I never look into my watch to see how fast or slow am I running. For I had already bid goodbye to my goal of running faster. I can never overtake a Kenyan [or even RunningAtom]. But the fulfillment of finishing a race for longer distances [and ultimately running a full marathon] is something that will give me the bragging rights of owning a title: Marathoner. And that was something I am looking forward to, beyond speed. Well, to some they run for speed, some for distance, and some for both. Me, I go for distance. Yes, my 15K training last night made me feel good. For...

It's Not the Speed, It's the Distance

Happy Birthday Mommy!!!

I stay up late night of April 3 with my cousin Irish while we were getting addicted to videoke. It was also a way of making myself awake up to 12 midnight to greet my mother a Happy Birthday.

As the clock strikes 12, I called my mother on the phone (even though we're inside the same roof) and sang her a Happy Birthday. I climbed upstairs and kissed her goodnight afterwards. I planned to accompany her in the Salubong and first mass of Easter Sunday but can hardly get up from bed as I saw them (my mother and cousin Mine) leave for the Easter Celebration. Thus, I contented myself and just catch the third mass together with Irish and my sister.

Unlike last year, my mom's birthday celebration is quite simple. We just spent it with her siblings (plus their children) in our compound and shared a bare yet great lunch. Of course the celebration is made extra special with her first grandchild (my niece, Stephanie) who sang the "Happy Birthday" song loud and alive.

Stephanie and I

My Mom and Stephanie. Isn't she happy?

I know my mother was happy with that simple celebration for her loved ones were sharing lunch together. Those were moments that cannot be paid by grandiose treats nor extravagant escapades. I'm happy that she's happy.

I just so love my mother...

Happy Birthday Mommy! I love you! Mwah!

Globe's 4438 is My Rewards.My Globe

Finally, I was able to receive the much awaited text from Globe’s 4438 which is now dubbed as My Rewards.My Globe with TM Astig Rewards as its TM counterpart early this morning. Yes, I am waiting for the much anticipated message from 4438. My sister received the message before we attend the Holy Mass yesterday. My brother uses his Globe Tattoo in his internet connection even though our place is a WiFi hot spot in an anticipation to receive a reward from Globe.

Message from 4438 in my phone

Yesterday, being the birthday of my beloved mother, we had a feisty meal together with our relatives, mostly the siblings of my mother and their children. After the short celebration, my cousin and I had our non-stop videoke sing along. In between, I would check my phone and Globe’s Facebook account for updates, LOL! We’ve been discussing about that 4438 hype that Easter Sunday.

Unfortunately, I failed to receive the good news yesterday, as promised. But I had learned some FAQ from Facebook. I am even intrigued when a friend from Twitter said, “I felt like I registered for a game show or something. Classy eh.” In response to a tweet that says, “Globe’s gotta be kidding on that 4438.”

But the rewards program has not yet sank in to my senses; not until I formally receive the message from 4438. And so, I immediately key in REWARDS and send it to 4438 for more information. I, then, inquired my balance points and was surprised to have already 33 points without doing any – well, I just become loyal to Globe, that is. My Rewards.My Globe kept on surprising me upon knowing that you can actually redeem those points for your PAL Miles. Wow! And for a food frequenter like I do, I am overwhelmed that I can enjoy exclusive discounts from Binalot, Cheesecake Etc., Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Jack’s Loft, Karate Kid, KFC, Little Asia, and North Park. And you guessed it right; I key in DISCOUNT KFC and send it to 4438. Well, I just wanted to try what’s in store for Globe subscribers with these discounts. Right there and then, I immediately received a coupon for a free upsize drink when I purchase Twister meal. Not to mention that there is no deduction for my 33 points in that discount.

Basically, My Rewards.My Globe allows you to continue enjoy the services of Globe being a loyal subscriber (no registration needed); while rewards and freebies come in flooding your way without you knowing. Glad that I made the right choice. Have you?