Archive for February, 2009

Condura launches it’s Condura Race website today.  Click here to visit.  Undoubtedly, it is the best race website I’ve seen; a close 2nd was the recently held Happy Run.

– Look who’s photo found its way on the site! –

As if I wasn’t excited enough about running on the Skyway, they enumerated 9 other reasons why we should join the race.  And, I have to admit, they piqued my interest even more with the Condura Expo (wow, I hope there are huge discounts), a finisher’s medal, marching bands, cheering zones, and last but not the least, running with the stars (heehee). 

This race is definitely one of the premier running events in the country.  It’s probably a race that will be comparable to international running events.  Oh boy, time to start training, or in my case, heal from injuries…quick.  See you all there!

After a fairly good 8k Sunday morning run with the hubby, I was psyched.  We had lunch at The Fort Strip and, over lunch, all the positive energy in my body told me that I could join Asian Hospital’s RUNew this coming Sunday.  Since there’s no 10k in the race, we decided that we would run a relaxed 5k + 5k after the race.  Woohoo!

In less than an hour, I was already at  Nike Bonifacio High Street filling up the forms.  That’s when all things turned sour.  On the form, it said the assembly area was McKinley Hill.  On a normal day, that would have added a spark of excitement to the upcoming race.  But, with my ultra sensitive knee, the steep ascents and worse, downhills, would have my kneecap acting up.  I left the store dismayed.  

To make things worse, by the end of the day, my kneecap had flared up again.  Probably my knees way of telling me:  What makes you think you can race already?  Relax.  Be patient.  I’m going to get better soon.  Well, what can I do, I’m bullheaded.

I would run a marathon for you. 

That’s what Tank Turner (Dane Cook) told Alexis (Kate Hudson) in the movie “My Best Friend’s Girl.”  It wasn’t a great movie, but I loved that line.  Well, I kinda fall for anything that’s associated with running.

So, how far would you run to prove your love for your partner?  How much pain are you willing to endure?  How many pieces of chocolate are you willing to give up for your beloved (and for your waistline, too)?

For me, I would tell my husband this:  I would skip a marathon for you.  Now that, my friends, is the ultimate sacrifice.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

So, what are you doing this Valentine’s Day?  

Please don’t tell me about your candlelit dinner by the bay nor the meal you plan to whip up for your partner;  I don’t care for that (although you could tell the hubby so he’d get some ideas.)  I’m more curious to find out how active, adventurous couples plan to spend Valentine’s Day, which lands perfectly on a Saturday—the best day for a romantic long run before the sun rises…aaaah, if only I could run long!

Last week, I got an email about Valentine’s Yoga Classes at Yoga Manila.  I thought it would be fun, doing pretzel poses and head stands with the hubby, so I enthusiastically asked him “Hey, you wanna do this?”  He barked back “No way!”  Well, it was worth a try.

A long run together would’ve been ideal, but I can’t run over 5k just yet.  Swimming is not a good idea too as hubby doesn’t enjoy it as much as I do.  We’ll probably end up biking as scheduled in my program.

After that, I’m thinking we could go to Clark to watch the Philippine Hot Air Balloon fiesta.  (Thanks to my siblings for the idea.)  No workout for us and I’m sure I’ll be drooling when I see the roads of Clark, but it should be fun.  Anyway, those balloons may serve as a perfect distraction to the long runs I’m missing.

It seems to be working!  My homemade training recipe to rid me of Runner’s Knee and ITB problems is finally showing positive results. Maybe Jun is right, I should start calling myself Dr. Bull Runner due to my extensive experience with injuries.

Last month, I created the “TBR 2 x 6 Recovery Program” which goes like this:

MON:  Spin 1hr + Weights (Upper body)
TUES: Swim, min 1km
WED: Run, min 5km + Weights (Lower body) + Hatha Yoga (PM)
THUR: Spin, 1hr + Weights (Upper body)
FRI: Swim, min 1km 
SAT: Bike out + Weights (Lower body)
SUN: Run, min 5km + Bikram Yoga (PM)
* Plus: sports massage twice in a week

Why 2 x 6? Because it’s twice per week for each of the six activities: run, swim, bike (this is actually thrice), yoga, weights and my favorite, massage! There’s a REST DAY that pops up in there every week depending on my sched with work and the kids. But, for the most part, I’ve stuck with the program the past month as best as I can.

To be honest with you, I don’t know what I was thinking when I created this program. It’s almost like a serious triathlete’s training program, but without much of the distance and intensity as I don’t want to injure the few body parts I have that are functioning properly.

So far, it’s given me a lot of benefits, from keeping the injury blues at bay to strengthening all the other muscles that were never touched by running.  But, the biggest benefit so far is this: Running pain-free twice this week!  Yes, I think I’m finally on my way to full recovery!  Crossing my fingers!