They Believed in Me...

But I don't.

Two weeks ago, I received a 1:05 challenge from Sir Rene for my next 10K run. Having the hype of a new personal record (PR) after chasing the sun; I grew confident that I can do it in two weeks. However, as days pass by and after doing the Math, I began to worry that there is no way that I can do a 1:05 in 10K in two [short] weeks. Generous as he is, Sir Rene make it 2 weeks and 3 months.

After receiving the challenge, I got NO speed training. I haven't run for the longest time. I do have more than 10K walk back at The Bull Runner's (TBR) Dream Marathon; but it was nothing serious. I also had a short-of-13-minutes jumping rope last Tuesday. And that's all!

Before the Nature Valley Run 2010, ChickenLegs sent me an updated race map for the 10K runners. I don't know if I will be glad to know that there won't be any Buendia Flyover to run this time. I just think that I gain PR's whenever there's a challenge in the route ahead of me. With the new 10K route, ChickenLegs is confident that I will be at the FINISH line after 1:05. But I'm not.

I lack sleep the night before the race day. I slept before 12mn and I woke up at 2:30AM. To make the situation worse, the gun start for the 10K had been fired up a few moments after I alight the cab that brought us at the Bonifacio High Street (BHS). So, while everyone's racing toward the FINISH, my angel and I were racing toward the Baggage Counter, the portalet, the STARTING line, and finally the FINISH. It took us more or less 7 minutes of hustle. And I'll bet you know what happens next.

I already felt I had consumed energy just by racing to the STARTING line. And no matter how much I wanted to employ the same strategy that I had last race, I simply can't. There were no markers for the 1 and 2 KM. Not to mention that we have to merge with the thousands of 5K runners along the way. I got no resort but to run on the plant boxes or else I'll be on a major human traffic. I had to swerve from the right to the left or vice versa in order to have a clear path to run. As far as I remember, I am still on the 7min/KM pacing until the 7K mark. However, similar to the last run, my right knee seem to ache at the 8K mark. I believe that's the moment when I give up and told myself, 'I have to have FUN. This is a FUN run anyway.' I give up to the 1:05 challenge. I also give up to the 1:10 PR. Well, I even managed to text a runner friend, Lee, while I am more than a KM away from the FINISH.

Of course photo vendo's would require me to run and smile. And when I am already seeing the FINISH line, I had an even wider smile seeing a runner with a placard that says, 'Runner [Bib No], Will you marry me?' *cheesy* I don't know, but that just makes me happy - seeing a portrayal of LOVE. And yes, I have to throw a joke on my angel. I told him that in our case, I should be the one to propose for I am the one who'll reach the FINISH line first. He answered that he would just run a 5K in that case, LOL!

Unlike in the other race events wherein we indulge in the freebies and all, my angel and I just claimed our loot bags, played at the shoot out area, and have some picture of ourselves.

*holding hands*

That score brings us...

FREE Nature Valley Notebook

Rockstar!

I am equivalent to a TREE (1 Runner = 1 Tree)

Irish, ChickenLegs, Ernie, Lee, MinnieRunner, RunningAtom, and TsuperRunner

MAIDRS Team

adiNation Ortigas Group

♥ LOVERS ♥

We go home with me unable to meet the 1:05 challenge. Even my angel thought that I'd be able to meet it for there were no flyovers. Well, I don't. I have done a number of things improperly. But I hope to meet that 1:05 in due time.

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Race Name: Nature Valley Run 2010: RunRio Trilogy Leg 2
Race Distance: 10K
Official Rank: 1740/2343
Official Time: 01:22:03
Chip Time: 01:15:27
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The Bull Runner Dream Marathon

NO. I am not one of the many runners who had a transformation and a change of life last Saturday at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna at The Bull Runner Dream Marathon. I still don't have the courage and physical strength to run a 42.195K and declare myself a marathoner. And, if ever I already had that urge, I would be running that full distance side-by-side with the love of my life. But, I was there - to serve as support system to my runner friends (RunningAtom and Runaholic). At the same time, I will also be supporting the other first time marathoners - James, Maan, Hub, and Mommy Nora. I also come by to run and feel Nuvali.

The big day started as early as 2AM. After the gun start, Irish and I had our breakfast at Reyes Barbeque. Then, we waited for the runners to pass by the hydration booth past the 23K mark. Knowing that it'll be more or less 2-3 hours of waiting, I satisfy my legs by running around for a few minutes - I am scared away by the frogs beside the lake, LOL!

As the first would-be marathoner pass by, we (together with the Takbo peeps and adiNation Alabang group) cheered for them. I don't know why, but it was fun giving support to these courageous runners. I am already looking forward at making my first - and hearing the same people (or perhaps these would-be marathoners) cheering for me too. While waiting for my runner friends, I get a little bit bored. So, I walk to meet them on the way and give them assistance for whatever they would be needing.

I spotted Mommy Nora and cheered for her. She is an inspiration for me. She really is.

We all enjoyed the beauty of Nuvali's sunrise.


I miss my angel.

When the first finisher pass by us, we immediately proceed to the finish line to see the celebration. But waiting seem to be too boring for me that I walked back to the 41K mark to wait for my runner friends. The first one I saw was James (whom I hardly noticed since he had a change of wardrobe :P), followed by RunningAtom (who is already shirtless at that time). I made the kind gesture of getting his soaking wet shirt so that it won't give him added weight as he would cross the finish. I followed him back to the finish line.

After a few minutes, I bid goodbye to them again as I would be going back for Runaholic. I walked and walked and walked until I reach beyond the 38K mark. I decided to wait for her at the bridge for I am clueless on where I would be traversing. I looked at my watch and decided to go back to the finish line when it hit 8:30AM.

My way to that spot was cruel. The sun's heat is making me tire so easily. But I still go, and even cheered some of the would-be marathoners along the way. I would say, "Go Kuya, last 2K nalang!" I know they needed that morale boost more than anything. I saw Hub along the way, but become shy of bothering his run.

Just on time, I spotted Runaholic. I paced with her. She decided to walk until we reached few meters of the finish line. The same thing, I ask her to hand me her hydration belt to eliminate the weight that she had been carrying for the last 40K of her run.

Crossing the finish line - is really an undefinable feeling. But I still cannot relate for those who had their very first full marathon. Soon, I'll be able to. Soon.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the DREAMERS turned full pledged MARATHONERS!!!
You GUYS really ROCK!

• Baby James na parang hindi man lamang pinagpawisan sa 42.195K na tinakbo!
• RunningAtom, ano na? Dying na naman? Dying?
• Runaholic, you had a very memorable first full mary :)
• thehubbit, you made it! Congratulations!
• Maan, failed to see you for I had to go and fetch Kassy. Nonetheless, Congratulations!
• Mommy Nora, as I've said, you are an inspiration! Congratulations brave heart!
• Scientist Runner, nice meeting you! Congratulations!
  

Familiarizing Myself with AyosDito.ph

I am really not the type that looks clearly in details when buying something. I don’t even argue with the price. If it satisfies my eyes and it gives me comfort, I’ll go and buy it. My angel is exactly the opposite. Whenever he’s up to buying something, he would first surf the net and look for online shopping sites for prices and reviews. Yes, he is so patient in doing such (and I’m not).

I remember just recently, when he’s on travel, he asked me to search the Safari Suzuki car model at AyosDito.ph. Feeling like naïve, I don’t know how to search it in this site that seems to be just a database of online classified for me. I key in Safari in the search box, and then click Search.

result from my query

And since he’s after the price range, I just click on Show Cheapest First and text to him right away of the information.

Hmmm, I guess these online shopping sites is of big help to buyers (and sellers too). I must integrate into my system my angel’s practice of discreet buying. It is not that hard after all. It is analogous to Google or Yahoo search engines. Having what you need at the tip of your fingers.

So, I familiarize myself with AyosDito.ph and found out that it also posts jobs online there. Why not, right? People looking for employment and employers can stand as the buyer/seller. And I guess there’s more than just this. I still have to make it a habit first, and then I’ll know directly the benefits that the site could offer.

I Chased the Sun at The Neutrogena Run 2010

It is somewhat obvious how the heat of the sun had affected my runs. So far, in my UP runs, my longest was a 6.6K (3 laps at the Academic Oval). And yes, I am already perspiring much after running 1K. But of course, we runners will not allow anything to hinder us from running; hence, despite that hot weather, we still run - we just lessen our mileage. (Okay, I'm speaking for myself, I don't know how other runners maybe doing with such heat.)

While I am prepping up myself to this Sunday's run: The Neutrogena Run 2010 Chase the Sun, I am contemplating and thinking about running a 10K. I am afraid that I may not finish it or something. I even find it hard to get up from bed, feeling like I wanted to get more sleep than to run and be burnt by the sun. But still, my feet wanted to run, so I go.

It was a surprise that we arrived early. The 15K runners were just doing their warm-up. There is really no reason to hurry. We positioned ourselves near the starting line as the 10K runners were called. I am surprised to see only a few number of runners. Probably most of them joined the Men's Health Trail Run. Thus, in my thoughts I said, I never wanna be the last to finish the race.

before the gun start

On cue, my angel had been running too fast that I felt I can never pace with him; but I tried. Believe me, the first KM seem to be that hard that I already had the thoughts of not finishing the race. However, I just go on and run as if I am alone, chasing no one but my target of 7min/km. Unlike in my NatGeo Run where I did a Galloway of 5:1, this time, I ran without walking until I reach every KM marker. Upon reaching and seeing that I still have a buffer time with my 7min target, I'll walk for about 30 seconds or less, then I'll run again. I pass by the 5KM mark (at the Buendia Flyover) at around 0:34:17. I am still on target, and so I go on. I will also stop by each and every hydration booth for I've got no Powerade (I left it to my angel, while I am carrying our camera).

See? He has my Powerade :P

Meeting my angel at the Buendia Flyover

Down the Buendia Flyover, I am thinking of walking for I feel like I'll be having side stitches. But remembering Kenley's advice on my Daily Mile, I did it, and it magically disappear (the side stitches). I even got to cheer myself, 'Go Madz, kaunti nalang KM marker na, kaya mo 'yan.' Feeling like I got a second wind, I run faster as I have to pass by a traffic. I passed the 8K mark and I'm still on target. Unfortunately, my right knee is aching (but still manageable). So after hydrating myself, I continue to run (and hopefully be consistent of my target pace).

On the final KM, I am already feeling the need to rehydrate. Really, the heat had been drying me up and slowing me down. I find myself asking for 100 Plus bottle from a marshal. I drink and 100 Plus never tastes that good. I looked at my watch, I'm still on target. I try to speed up, but it feels like I am really having trouble with the heat. I will run, then walk, run, walk until I reach the finish line at exactly 01:10:37. I maybe short of 37 seconds on my target, but I felt great! My best time for a 10K was a 01:15:22; hence, that was a 5min improvement! I can't believe it, despite the penetrating heat of the sun (which is already making me a 'neg-neg'), I still manage to tally a personal record (PR), woohoo! Not only that, I got to have a free compression tights from my angel for I had won our challenge of a 01:10 for the 10K.

After chasing the sun, I enjoyed the booths prepared by Neutrogena and sponsors. I claimed my Neutrogena pack,



finisher's shirt,


and singlet.


I gargled Listerine, sign on their freedom board,


taste the GoNuts Donuts pizza, refresh with bottomless lemonade at the Carefee booth, enjoy at the trampoline,



photo op with Coach Rio,


and savor Red Mango with almonds and grapes.


So, what comes next after winning the 01:10 challenge? I am up for another one. Sir Rene (JazzRunner) challenged me of running my next 10K at 01:05.

MinnieRunner, JazzRunner, and RunningAtom

If I do, I'll be having a free Nike Human Race shirt! Oh my, I need training (speed training); and I have to cheer myself MORE! Will you cheer for me? I want that shirt!

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Official Rank: 184/320
Official Time: 01:10:37
Chip Time: 01:10:31
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Pulilan Town Fiesta 2010

It has been a long time since I watched Pulilan Town Fiesta. I guess it had been four years. For most of you who did not know it, Pulilan (my hometown) have San Isidro Labrador for our patron saint; thus, having us known for the town of kneeling carabaos. We celebrate our town fiesta every May 14-15. But the parade is done on the 14^th.

What I miss from our town fiesta is the pahiyas. It was decorating a part of your home using food and crops harvested from the farm. It had been a tradition that the hermano (person in-charge of the celebration) held a contest to award the outstanding pahiyas in town. But that tradition died. And it saddens me.

Anyway, rendering 19 hours of support in our office last Saturday-Sunday, I took the opportunity of taking a day off from work yesterday (May 14) to witness the Pulilan Town Fiesta.

Excited, by 2PM we already set ourselves to go. I used my Mizuno bag to put my valuables (including Real Leaf Green Tea and some snacks). We stayed at Kuya Jowel’s house (my brother’s friend).

It was hot, hot, and hot. But I enjoyed the parade. We took a lot of pictures. But I just wanted to share a few (for the full album, wait till I upload everything on Facebook or Multiply).

Preparing...

At Kuya Jowel's House

No. I'm not scared.

A little bit shy at first, but we overcome it.
Now, I already had a photo with our re-elected Mayor Enteng Esguerra
and re-elected Vice Mayor Elpy Castillo

It is sooo hot! Hope these kids could drink some ice cold water.


Luhod. Luhod. Luhod.

Irish, my brother Joseph, and I

Jollibee.
Stephanie is so proud that she's no longer afraid of Jollibee.

A shot beside the kneeling carabao.
He looked tired though.



Before going home.

At home. Tired.

Honestly, I'm a little bit dissatisfied. Previous parades are more eye-catching and colorful than this year's. But, I still got home and felt good that I had watched this year's parade. Hoping for a better one next year too.

Happy Fiesta!!!

A Night With the PBA Stars

I've got no plans of watching the PBA's Mother's Day special yesterday for I know I'll be rendering an overnight support at our office from Saturday to Sunday. But since Vangie of Kerbyholics invited me to watch, I give it a go. And blessing had been outpouring for I got two free Lower Box B tickets from my cousin.

Thanks Sweetie!

So there, after a 19-hour support in our office, an hour of queuing in the bus terminal, more than an hour of travel from Cubao to Bulacan, a few hours of sleep, and then I go back to Cubao to watch the game.

Game 1 was between Air 21 Express and Rain or Shine (RoS) Elasto Painters. Honestly, it's been long since I watched a full game (and I only watch Derby Ace Llamados' (DAL) games and a few of Sta. Lucia Realtors' (SLR)). That's why I got to cheer for both teams, particularly to the players whom I know and admire. That game made me cheer for Air21 which seemed to be the underdogs at the moment. I cheer for Ronjay Buenafe who is the main man at that time. I also got to admire Reggie Larry, Air21's import. Sadly, with Jai Lewis' (RoS' import) 3 point shot, the game was extended into an overtime causing Air21's defeat.

Then comes Game 2, a Sunday special game between DAL and Brgy. Ginebra Kings (BGK). I am expecting to be seated beside DAL fans, but there had been a few BGK fans within the area. Really, that's okay with me. I just don't find it pleasant to the ears when those fans make trash talks not only to DAL players but to BGK's as well. And to think, he had his son for a company. I can't imagine how his son would grew up. But I just shrugged my shoulders off and enjoy the game.

Unlike last year where I cheered at the top of my lungs and somehow become sarcastic, I remained refined and cheered with grace. It was an exciting game. The BGK lead for quite a number of points, but I really don't focus on it. I just focus on the plays each team execute, and how each and everyone stand out. Of course I'm sad for Kerby Raymundo won't be playing (though he's already on his jersey); but it's alright. The conference is still long way.

At the end of the 1st half, DAL leads with a thin 3 points of 49-46. And am proud of having Roger Yap to be interviewed at the half.


Before the second half started, my angel and I found it funny how Kerby and Jonathan Fernandez had this challenge between them in the 3 point arc. Whoever loses have to inch themselves under the winner.

TanTan wins

Kerby made the basket

The third quarter is an exciting one. It ended with a 10 point lead for DAL. My angel and I still fear that DAL might lose with what happened to them against the San Miguel Beermen (SMB). But I guess DAL's team effort (really, everybody is at their best from James Yap up to Chris Timberlake) ensures their win with less than 2 minutes left. It was even punctuated with an alley-oop coming from Rico Maierhofer to a two-handed slam by Raffy Reavis. I myself was surprised. I thought that Rico is just taking his chance on a 3 point shot. That was a magnificent play.

Raffy Reavis' Slam Dunk

Funny how Ronald Tubid just cannot make a basket in the last 7 seconds of the game for 3 of the DAL's players still played professionally even on a sure win already. Definitely, DAL was rewarded with a win of 95-82.

After the game, and since Monday is a holiday for the Philippine 2010 Elections, we took advantage of the moment to have a picture with the PBA Stars. I just couldn't believe it, I had that very rare chance of having a picture with Kerby Raymundo. And yes, he kept me speechless. Starstruck.

Happy. Speechless. KR#5 ♥

Finally, I was able to have my KR#5 jersey autographed by him. He was so admirable that he came with another Bible passage like what he did in our Purefoods Basketball.

Mat 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

My angel and I enjoyed the night with the PBA Stars.

With the Supersub, PJ Simon

With Celino Cruz, a former Purefoods cager, a proud Bulekenyo.

With the ONLY 4-time Slam Dunk King, KG Canaleta.
Honestly, I want to have a picture of him jumping over me.

With Reggie Larry.
I love his attitude on the court.

With the Trigger Man, Allan Caidic