Archive for January, 2010

As with everything in every parents’ life, our kids’ needs come before ours. When it comes to running, the same is true.

Last Sunday, I planned on running 35km while hubby’s goal was 20km. Thing is, two weeks ago, our kids expressed interest for the 3k DLSZ run in Ayala Alabang, so the entire family was signed for the 3k run that morning. That meant, 3k race + 32km = 35km for me…oh booooy.

PRE-RACE RUN: 9k

Hubby and I got up at 4:30 am and ran as far as we could with the goal of making it back by 5:30 am. We covered 9km.

Then, I ran back into the house, got both kids dressed and ready, changed into fresh clothes, hydrated, and rushed back out for the race.  (This sounds very simple, but any parent will know that this was easier said than done!)

DLSZ 1st GREEN RUN: 3k WALK-RUN

– Runners awaiting the race start. 3k started 15 mins late –

– Little Bull Runners all set for the race. Little Miss Bull Runner was in full running gear…including her Powerpuff Girls headband, bracelet, and ring –

– The key to encouraging kids to run is to get them excited. I announced that each of them could bring their own towel (pink for my daughter, blue for my son), Sports Beans, and water bottles. It worked like magic! –

Hubby ran with my son, while I ran with my daughter. My son was amazing. His improvement from his past races was noticeable: no more whining nor complaining, and he didn’t make a quick dash at the start anymore; he ran and walked at a good pace all throughout.

As for Little Miss Bull Runner, she was quite a comedienne. When the gun was fired, she rushed out so fast, we both almost tripped over a hump.

– Lolo ran with us. So, whenever she spotted him closing in on her from behind, she would speed up. –

All the while she was trying to chase her Kuya up in front. By 1.5km though, she started getting tired. She refused to run and walked all the way, which was fine by me as long as she was having fun.

– Little Miss Bull Runner even asked me to stop and take photos of the flowers along the route. –

– Another request for a photo with flowers. She was obviously having a blast –

– Gatorade break near the finish –

– Little Miss Bull Runner was all smiles despite the exhaustion. Sounds like someone I know –

When we neared the finish line, I told her: “It’s nicer to run when you cross the finish line.” She replied: “But I’m so tired.” I allowed her to walk and just repeated: “It’s just nicer so people see you running when you cross the…” and before I could end my sentence, she had grabbed me by the arm and began to run.

– Happy finish –

– Lolo, hubby, and the kids –

– The family’s 3rd 3k –

POST-RACE: 18K

After tons of high fives and kisses and a drive through at McDo as the kids’ rewards, hubby and I took them to the in laws and proceeded with our run. We ran together for another 10k under the cloudy skies then hubby headed back home.

By 9:30am, I was alone starting on another loop, hoping to run another 16k. I was enjoying my alone time until the heat started getting more intense. By 10:30am, when I felt like I was being fried (!), I called it a day and finished 8k.

I didn’t make my goal distance of 35k and I was disappointed. My total distance: 30k.

* No race review for 1st Run Green Marathon. I believe I was too busy with the kids to pay attention to major race details.

They say “You’ll never forget your first.” And, when it comes to my first marathon, it is definitely true.

When I crossed the finish line at my first marathon at QCIM, the feeling was overwhelming and unforgettable.  Going a step further, I would say it was life-changing. I found a new confidence and strength that I never knew existed.  I realized how through plain old hard work I could do the impossible.  Now, when the going gets tough, I just look back at that first 42km and think: If I survived that, I can do anything.

Thus began my dream to inspire others to run their first marathon, or their second, or their third.  To make others feel the same way I did.  To help them effect change in their own lives.

For the past few months, I met with key people in the running scene, the best of the best, who I thought could help me offer the best of the best for others.  And, now that dream is coming true.

By next week, I’ll tell you all about it.  It’s so good you’ll think you’re dreaming…

* Photo by Levi Lakandula

THE ROUTE

11KM & 11KM COUPLES

22KM

THE SINGLET

UPDATE: AS OF JAN. 29…THIS IS THE FINAL ROUTE OF CONDURA 42K:

START (28TH STREET)
RIGHT AT 11TH AVENUE
RIGHT AT 26TH STREET
LEFT AT 5TH AVENUE
GO STRAIGHT TO LAWTON DRIVE
LEFT AT LIBINGAN ROAD
TURNAROUND AT (BLACK GATE) PHILIPPINE ARMY OFFICERS LADIE’S SCHOOL
RIGHT AT LAWTON DRIVE ALL THE WAY TO 5TH AVENUE
LEFT AT 32ND STREET ALL THE WAY TO KALAYAAN
DOWN BUENDIA
LEFT AT ESTACION ST. (BEFORE RAILROAD TRACKS)
RIGHT AT DELA ROSA STREET
UP BUENDIA SKYWAY OFF-RAMP
STRAIGHT TO BICUTAN
TURNAROUND
EXIT AT NAIA 3 INTERCHANGE
TURNAROUND 50 MTRS OFF TOLL BOOTH
BACK TO SKYWAY NORTHBOUND
EXIT BUENDIA OFF RAMP
RIGHT AT DELA ROSA STREET
LEFT AT ESTACION
RIGHT AT BUENDIA
UP KALAYAAN FLYOVER
DOWN 32ND STREET
LEFT UNIVERSITY PARKWAY
RIGHT AT TRIANGLE DRIVE
LEFT AT 10TH AVENUE
LEFT AT UNIVERSITY PARKWAY
RIGHT AT 32ND STREET
LEFT AT 5TH AVENUE
LEFT AT 29TH STREET (FINISH LINE)

(more…)

I was happily chewing on my holiday indulgence (even if the holidays are over), chocolate almonds from Classic Confections, when I bit into something much harder than an almond. To my horror, it was a quarter of my molar!

By the next day, I was at the dentist’s clinic having it mended. I thought a simple filling or “pasta” would do the trick. But, after much draining and poking around, the dentist delivered the bad news: You’ll need a root canal.  Even worse news: it would cost P12,000.  What?! That’s the price of a new running watch, or two pairs of running shoes, or a ton of new apparel! (If you’re asking: Must everything be associated with running? The answer is YES!)

I have no choice but to push through with the root canal next week. But, I also asked the dentist what the cause was so that I could prevent all my other teeth from chipping.

Could it be old age?  Or calcium-deficiency?  The dentist’s answer was unexpected.

My dentist’s guess is it’s running-related.  She said I may be gritting my teeth when I run or lift weights.  She even suggested I get a mouthguard to wear while I’m running and sleeping.  Oh boy.  Who would’ve thought a mouthguard would be my newest running accessory?