Sick Leave

Tuesday, 20 January 2009  |  Therapy + Injury

Just when I thought I could start training again, I was struck by a slight fever, achy bones, and a tummy ache yesterday.  I spent the entire day in bed consumed by an overall feeling of blahness, thinking about 1) the near perfect weather for swimming, 2) missed gym visit that day, 3) downgrading my 15k Happy Run registration to a 5k (arggh, I hate the idea, but I think a sick, recently-injured runner like me has got to bite the bullet and accept her sad fate), and last but not the least, 4) how Rustom (or Bebe Gandanghari) was able to gain his/her new waif-like figure in three months time through Pilates!

Yes, I know, I had too much idle time on my hands yesterday.  Thanks to Tylenol, I’m feeling much better now.  Today is still rest/ recovery day.  Hopefully, I’m strong enough for a short run and yoga tomorrow.

The Bull RAN

Monday, 19 January 2009  |  Bullish Insights

It was The Bull Run yesterday and this bull missed it.  

No whining nor complaining from me though.  This 2009, the brand new bull is choosing her races wisely.  And, this Bull Run, despite winning best race name in my book (heehee), was one that I knew I could skip with a smile.  

You see, by now, I already know that there are only two types of races in the country:

  1. Races you absolutely cannot miss such as Adidas King of the Road or New Balance
  2. Typical, garden variety road races that you can pass up because they’ll have the exact type of race next weekend, only in a different name  

For me, The Bull Run fell under Category 2.  With news of inconvenient registration procedures, I could barely muster up the energy to pick up a pen and fill in a reg form.  Besides, my knee and I decided to rest and strengthen instead in hopes that I can run an easy 15k at next week’s Happy Run.

So, while most runners were at the not-so-very-well-organized PSE Bull Run (little birdies told me), I was out in the polo field running easy on oooh-la-la soft, green grass.  My knees loved it so much that they didn’t complain at all, not a whimper.  It was the first time I ran completely pain-free since Singapore Half!  Woohoo!  Now, that’s what I call a great Bull Run!

Philippine Marathon Postponed to November?

Wednesday, 14 January 2009  |  Race Announcements

Word is going around that the much-awaited Philippine Marathon targeted for March 8 will be postponed to November.  No confirmation yet from the organizers but the source is pretty credible.

The news has left many Pinoy runners in confusion and frustration.  Quite a large number of runners have raked in the miles feeling ready for the ultimate performance on March 8.  Suddenly, there’s no goal to work for.  

With the postponement of the only scheduled local marathon for the 1st half of the year, what’s a Pinoy runner to do?  Here are my suggestions:

  1. Run Hong Kong, Feb 8.  There’s onsite registration for foreigners.  Read Ronnie’s comment here.
  2. Run Sundown in Singapore, May 30.
  3. Run Phuket, June 14.  
  4. Focus training for a strong Condura Skyway Half Marathon while deciding on the next marathon goal.
  5. Continue to build mileage with 4Q 2009 Marathon in mind: QC in Oct, Phil. Marathon in Nov., or Clark in Dec.  Click here for race scheds.

Meeting Mike: Fastest Pinoy at NYC Marathon

Wednesday, 14 January 2009  |  Bullish Insights

Not too many people knew that, during the Nike Clinic at Ultra last night, the fastest Pinoy runner at the recently held NYC Marathon was in their midst. No surprise, because this guy silently arrived with just a couple of his friends, clad in the most unassuming attire one could choose: a white shirt and black shorts, and disappeared into the small crowd of runners.

His name is Mike Mesina and I interviewed him via email soon after he ran his 3:12 NYC Marathon, missing the Boston qualifications by just a minute and a half. (Click here for full interview.)  And, last night, I had the pleasure of finally meeting him as he chose to run in Ultra before leaving for NY the following day.

withMike

Funny that when first saw each other it was like seeing an old friend.  He’s a simple, friendly, down-to-earth, and painfully modest guy considering his speedy legs.  Upon meeting him, one would even think he’s a newbie runner.  He didn’t brag about his time nor his runs abroad, and  neither did I see him show off his talent for speed at the track. In fact, when Coach Jo-Ar told him he’d be in Group A (the fastest of the bunch), he even seemed embarrassed.

I hoped we could run together (with me probably crawling and panting meters behind him) but, with my knee pain, I thought I’d bore him death with my ultra slow pace.  I sure hope he enjoyed last night’s clinic and his brief time with the Pinoy runners.

Mike, keep in touch.  As I said, I hope we can run again in the future—whether it’s in New York or Manila—even for just a few minutes before you leave me eating your dust 🙂

Thanks to Wilbert for the photo!

Goodbye Double Knots!

Tuesday, 13 January 2009  |  Gear + Gadgets

For the past 30 years of my life, I have known only one way to tie my shoelaces.  My mother passed this knowledge unto me, as her mother had passed it on to her and so on and so forth.

It was very simple, really.  She taught me to tie a ribbon, then to knot the two “bunny ears” once again to avoid them from coming untied in school or the playground.  It was ugly, but it did it’s job well.  

Then, it happened.  In the January 2009 issue of Runner’s World, I came upon an article (Knot Perfect) that woke me up to the awful truth: I had been tying my shoelaces the wrong way for practically my entire life.  That there was a much better and prettier alternative to the double knot. That, in my naivete, I had also taught my son the wrong way to lace up.

However, there was a light at the end of the tunnel.  The article provided step-by-step instructions for the Reef Knot: the recommended way to lace up using a balanced knot that would hold throughout a run. I realized soon enough that it was not too late to relearn the lacing system and move forward.

IMG_0631

I sat down on my stool in the bathroom and tried the knot. It was amazing! Just subtle changes in my old lacing ways created a completely different ribbon, one that was tight and perfect. Better yet, after running 10km that day, it remained secure and strong!

That same day, I showed the article to hubby. And, within the week, I taught my son how to do it. Mom, you’re next!