You either love tempo runs or you hate ‘em. Of course, you could be like me: love them to death before or after the run because you know they do wonders for your speed and strength, but whine and yell and scream (in your mind because God knows you don’t have the energy to even open your mouth and let out a yelp) during every single minute of that run when you feel like your lungs are bursting out of your chest and your knees are about to dislodge from their sockets.

From May to December of 2011, I didn’t have any tempo runs, or any speedwork for that matter, because of my injury. But, when January 2012 hit, and I felt like my foot was ready for some speed, I let out a loud cheer (all alone in the shower that’s why you didn’t hear it): “I can do tempo runs now!” then wiped the sweat out of my forehead as I dwelled on the hardships to come.

Aaah, tempo runs. I love them to death, but here are 10 things that I never ever could say while I’m running my tempos (usually with good friend Alvin in Bonifacio High Street):

1) So, how’s life?
Tempo runs are not for long and winding stories.

2) Hey, is that our good friend at Starbucks?
Tempo runs do not allow for any sight seeing. You’re like a horse with side-blinders on.

3) Wow, look at the stars!
Tempo runs do not allow for sight seeing. And, don’t be an idiot, watch your step!

4) Check out those fireflies!
Aaaagain, tempo runs do not allow for any sight seeing. Good friend Alvin used to point out an area in BGC with fireflies and I would squint in an attempt to see them but this would all seem like a blur. You wanna see fireflies? Save that leisurely stroll for Valentine’s!

5) Can we run through McKinley Hill?
No, don’t try killer hills at such a fast pace! Go for your hill training some other day.

6) How do I look in my bright pink compression socks?
Who cares how you look? A tempo run is serious business. It’s all about performance, not fashion. But, hey, I like those socks. Got a pair myself!

7) Where’s my water?
Uh oh, you should’ve had it in hand. Otherwise, don’t even mention it because you’ll have to run for hydration at the same speed and that is just plain exhausting.

8 ) I think I’ll lift weights later.
Skip it. Just eat and go to sleep after.

9) Oooh, I love running this fast!
I can only say this ALWAYS after the fact!

10) I’m feeling strong? Can we run 5 kilometers more?
If you ask for this, that means you didn’t run fast enough.  OR you’re just plain insane.

- With exactly 2 more months to go until race day, our runners listened intently to our speakers -

– We filled the 5th floor of Fully Booked. Thanks for coming everyone! -

TBR Dream – Batch 2010 alumni Reylynne dela Paz shared her inspiring story on how she trained for TBR Dream (running around UP at 1 am!), how she finished it, and how far she’s gone since then (she’s nabbed her sub-4 marathon PR and is now training for Bataan Death March.)

Dr. George Canlas, orthopedic surgeon, head of the International Olympic Committee, and member of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, talked about hydration for runners.

Dr. Randy Molo, orthopedic surgeon, member of Phil. Center for Sports Medicine working with RP athletes and the Azkals, consultant for New Balance, and member of Secondwind Multisport Team, spoke on biomechanics for runners.

I reminded everyone to show up for the next Bull Sessions and Bull Circles! Our next events will be exciting ones as the race draws near. The best is yet to come. Hope to see you then!

Good thing I dragged along 10 innocent TBR readers, plus a friend, Jun, to join me for what I expected to be 30 minutes of hellish pain.

- CrossFit trial session! Me with TBR readers and CrossFit MNL team -

Before I tell you what happened, allow me to share exactly what Crossfit is as explained by one of Crossfit MNL’s partners, Miggy Dy-Buncio:

TBR: What is CrossFit?

Miggy: CrossFit is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide.

CrossFit workouts are constantly varied movements executed at high intensity, thus every workout is different and you will rarely do the same thing twice.  The workouts themselves are completely scalable, which means that a new participant and an elite athlete can complete the same workout with changes in load and intensity. CrossFit workouts will deliver phenomenal fitness in and of themselves or as a compliment to your sport-specific training regime.

CrossFit workouts are a combination of Running, Kettlebell Training, Gymnastics, Track and Field, Plyometrics and Weightlifting.  You will be doing the workout together with other Crossfitters  of all ages and all fitness levels. The workouts are rarely more than 45 minutes long and so they can fit into even the busiest schedules.

Finally, CrossFit is FUN! Our coaches and participants are welcoming, supportive, and committed to creating an environment where everyone can succeed.

- One of CrossFit MNL’s owners and instructors, Miggy Dy-Buncio -

TBR: How can Crossfit benefit runners?

Miggy: Crossfit will help runners develop speed, strength and endurance.  It will also reduce injuries.

Taken from www.catalystgymn.com, they best summarize the benefits of Crossfit for runners.  Some things Crossfit emphasizes that will REALLY benefit runners:

1) HIPS, NOT KNEES.  You run with your hips.  You climb with your hips.  Your hips control your speed.  But runners, in the gym, squat with their quads, and do quad extensions on the machine.  While running, your quads act as shock absorbers; they don’t actively move you.  True, rectus femoris is largely responsible for the swing phase of your stride, but most runners don’t train hip flexors either!  Crossfit trains hip flexors with explosive stretch/contractile velocity – perfect for running.

2) SHORT, INTENSE WORKOUTS THAT EMPHASIZE RECRUITING MUSCLES TOGETHER.  To get faster, you need to get your hamstrings, gluteus, and gastrocs/soleus operating smoothly together, as an efficient unit.  Isolating them with leg curls, calf raises, and glute machines won’t do that.  Kettlebell swings and deadlifts with the correct form will.

3) TRUNK STABILIZATION.  Situps aren’t effective ‘core work’ for runners.  Runners need stabilization around the trunk, with some small degree of rotation at the same time.  In fact, in our culture, so rich with ‘seated’ jobs, tight hip flexors is a major problem contributing to low back pain.  Starting a run with tight ‘six-pack’ muscles (rectus abdominis) will lead to a shortened stride, as hip flexors are stretched to make up the difference.

4) BALANCE. As a runner, you’re teetering on the verge of overuse injuries all the time.  You’ve got to find balance: pulling as often as you push, sprinting as often as you jog, etc.

5) NEUROMUSCULAR EFFICIENCY. Frankly, your movements can become smoother and more powerful only by lifting faster or with more force.  Crossfit is great for increasing force.

6) INCREASED ANAEROBIC AND AEROBIC CAPACITY – research on the Canadian Armed Forcesshowed a great improvement on military personnel.  These were NOT marathoners, though.

Miggy briefly introduced us to CrossFit as well before we officially began our first trial session. Then, we started with some warm ups and stretches. I bet this was also a confidence-building period to prepare us for the humbling experience that was waiting for us…

Then, Miggy went off to teach us the 4 basic exercises we would do to complete 1 set. These were: 7 wall balls (using 10lbs balls for women and 14lbs for men), 7 push ups, 7 box jumps, and lastly 7 burpees. GULP! We were to complete as many sets as we could in 15 minutes. DOUBLE GULP!

Before we could complain or exit the fire escape, it was a go. And, as I threw that 10lb medicine ball up in the air (even hitting my face once), pushed my body off the floor barely feeling my arms, hopped up and down that box while seeing my sweat drop down onto my shoes, and cursed in my mind as I performed those awful burpees while dreaming of slurpees instead, I realized that, whoa boy, I actually enjoyed it!

- Wall balls -

– Push ups -

- Box jumps -

I loved being yelled at and being pushed further when I was completely exhausted. Loved trying to compete with the others in the room for the most sets. Loved the sweat dripping from my face and hair as if I had just run 10k. It was thrilling and, ironically, completely energizing!  Now this was a fun workout, I thought!

Before we knew it, the 30 minute session was over. It was a quick yet challenging and strenuous workout. Just the kind of workout for hectic days that leave me with little time for long gym workouts or long slow runs. A CrossFit session burns those calories, builds your strength, and does it all in 30 minutes.

Perhaps the only downside I see with CrossFit for us runners is that it’s a risky activity for those prone to injury or those who are currently managing an injury. There are explosive moves and jumping and one wrong move could hurt your running. If you really want to try it, then I would suggest you inform Miggy or the staff at CrossFit that you are a runner or that you’re training for a particular race (especially if it’s a marathon or ultra!), so that they can recommend what precautions to take or what sessions will best suit you.

As for me, I would love to do this every so often. I don’t think I can fit it into my crazy life and hectic training sched (swim, bike, run, and weights), but I’ll surely try to drop by once or twice a month to jolt my body out of its usual routine and have me some fun!

- All sticky and sweaty after CrossFit. I thought it would shrink me by 2 inches, but apparently not, that belly is still showing.  Bet I’ll lose that after my 3rd session.  Right Miggy? -

Here’s what our TBR readers said after the workout:

The techniques employed combined with hands on coaches on the actual 30 min. routine was just so superb.  Cross Fit Manila sealed my apprehension with their approach indeed.  They had me on an intense combination of exercises that’s a sure fire complement to a training regimen in preparation for an upcoming long distance run. Overall it was a rewarding experience.  TBR and Crossfit Manila you rock!

- Shayz

It was the most intensed & challenging 15 min workout of my life!  What’s so good about it is that it kept me going, even though i wanted to rest already. The high energy coaches, & music gave me all the boost that i need. Will definitely comeback one of these days. Crossfit rocks!

- Yas

A whole body training every runner should try. After the trial, I know where I am weak at and for my F12 fitness plans, I will consider CrossFit given that it is near the Fort, so after the circuit, a nice 10k jog will do.

- Dexter

For inquiries, contact:
Website: www.crossfitmnl.com
Twitter: CrossfitMNL
Facebook: Crossfit MNL

Libis:
186 Magnitude Bldg
E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Q.C. Phils
Contact number: +63917.569.2399; 02.964.7251

Fort/Taguig:
Philippine Army Gymnasium
Lawton Ave. cor Bayani Road, Taguig, Philippines

*** CROSSFIT MNL HAS AN ONGOING PROMO WITH DEAL GROCER: Php 3,650 instead of Php 5,000 for 1 month unlimited sessions.  Click HERE.***

I dropped by the new b+b Studio in Infinity Tower conveniently located in Bonifacio Global City. Awesome studio with an amazing view of the city.

- Pilates equipment -

- Redcord area -

The only thing I knew about Redcord was that it’s a fusion of suspension training (think TRX) and Pilates. As a fan of TRX before and being a big believer in the benefits of Pilates especially for runners, I was very excited (and nervous) to give this a try.

During the session, I asked Mitch all about Redcord:

WHAT IS REDCORD?
Redcord is a suspension training system that uses body weight as resistance and exercises multiple muscle groups and the nervous system to produce the most optimal neuromuscular challenge and experience.

BENEFITS OF REDCORD FOR RUNNERS:
- improves balance
- challenges coordination by syncing the nerves and muscles in multiplanes
- improves full body strength by optimizing muscle activation
- educates the athlete thru body awareness-proprioception
- increases flexibility
- improves stability thru core control

- This is me after my Redcord Session. Thanks to Mitch for the intro session -

For my first session, I was just familiarizing myself with the use of the cords. It wasn’t entirely new to me since I’ve used suspension training in the past, but there were certainly some exercises that I’ve never done before. We worked on both my arms and legs being extra careful with my foot which is still recovering from my marathons. It’s wonderful that there’s a wide variety of options for each exercise to make it easier or harder for each person.

While most of the exercises use body weight and tension to build strength, the reps still made it very tiring. I liked the fact that with each exercise, you could also feel a stretch in some muscles, something that all of us runners need. We also used the Bozu for balance and some hand weights for the upper body after the Redcord sessions.

Mitch took it easy on me for my trial session. She said the first session is always an assessment of a Client’s strengths and weaknesses. By the second session, the instructor can customize your program according to your needs. I’m definitely be back for more (and harder workouts…gulp!) in the coming weeks!

WHERE CAN YOU TRY RED CORD:
b+b studio
- 11th Fl., Infinity Tower, 26th St., Bonifacio Global City, +639178653878/+6324786691
- Gr. Fl., Bonifacio Technology Center, 31st St. corner 2nd Ave., Bonifacio Global City, +639178992639/+6328151009

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS AT b+b STUDIO:
1) Redcord Personal Training Session
2) Redcord Duo & Small Group Training
- Redcord Fitcore
- Redcord Full-body Conditioning
- Redcord Burn
- Redcord Athletic

Last week, I tried Red Cord with Mitch Felipe (I’ll write about it soon).  This coming Friday, I’ve scheduled a trial session with my friend Miggy Dy-Buncio who co-owns CrossFit Manila and is a certified CrossFit trainer himself. Oh, and he runs too!

According to CrossFit Manila’s website, the CrossFit program is “a combination of high intensity and constantly varied exercises, which means you’ll never repeat a workout. Exercises range from gymnastics, Olympic weightlifting, track and field, kettlebell training and other sports. Most workouts resemble circuit training and are finished in less than 30 minutes.”

30 minutes?! How cool is that?

I asked Miggy to accommodate 10 more TBR readers to our CrossFit trial this week. Come and join us! It will be fun!

EVENT: Free CrossFit trial
DATE: Friday, Jan. 13, 2012
TIME: 12:30 to 1:00 PM
PLACE: CrossFit, Army Gymnasium, Bayani Road cor. Lawton Ave.

If you are interested, please comment below with these words: I WANT TO TRY CROSSFIT. First 10 readers will join me and my friends for a free trial session. Let’s do this!

For more info on CrossFit, click HERE to visit their website.

UPDATE: To the first 10 commenters below, see you on Friday!  To those who didn’t make it, so sorry! Hope you can try CrossFit anyway in the future.

1 Sherrie Torres
2 Toel
3 odie
4 Yas
5 Dex
6 Wilbert
7 Joseph
8 Rosalia Castro
9 Jo
10 Nina

- Full house at ROX! -

Our talk started with TBR Dream Alumni Miriam Valero sharing her personal experience and practical tips on running TBR Dream Marathon.

- Miriam Valero shares her TBR Dream Marathon experience -

Coach Jim Saret’s informative and engaging talk focus on strength conditioning, core, and balance for our runners preparing for their 42k.

- Coach Jim addresses our runners -

He emphasized the importance of strengthening specifically the hamstrings, the source of power for a runner in each and every single step he takes.  (Nope, it’s not the quads like we all thought.)

Coach Jim asked our runners to perform simple tests to evaluate the imbalances in their bodies (oh boy!) and taught them specific exercises they could do at home to correct these imbalances and strengthen the muscles in both legs.

- There was a lot of wobbling, shaking, and nervous laughter in the house! -

- By partners! -

- Night of learning…and fun -

- The Biggest Loser’s Allan Choachuy was there too! Here he is partnering with my Big Brother! Yes, the guy on the left is my cigarette-smoking, beer-drinking Kuya who signed up for TBR Dream 2012 -

Sen. Pia Cayetano then shared a side of her that we don’t often see in the news nor read in the newspapers.  She candidly spoke about her own journey as an athlete dating back to the days as a varsity volleyball player leading up to her numerous marathons and triathlons in the present.

- Sen. Pia addresses our runners -

– Runners listening intently -

She spoke about how running changed her and helped her face many challenges in her life.  She also gave our future marathoners detailed tips on how to run their race, dealing with injury, and training.

Before leaving, Sen. Pia talked about her new memoir: My Daily Race and signed books of our runners.

- Sen. Pia signing her books -

I got myself a copy and I’ve read a couple of the stories in her collection.  It’s a great read that’s entertaining, thought-provoking, and completely inspiring.  Highly recommend this book! I purchased a couple as Christmas gifts already.

We capped the night with a whole lot of pictures with Sen. Pia and Coach Jim Saret gamely hanging out with our runners.

- GM of NUVALI, our event partner for TBR DM, Jun Bisnar, me, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Coach Jim’s lovely wife, Toni, and Coach Jim -

- with The Biggest Loser’s Allan Choachuy, TBR DM runners, and friends -

– with Jun, Coach Jim, and Miriam -

- Arland is the cover of TBR Magazine – Nov/Dec 2011. Get your free copies! -

For those of you who don’t know, Arland is the Philippine elite champion of the Ironman 70.3 2011 and a 12-time Ironman finisher. He qualified for Boston Marathon in 2011 with a time of 2:52.

Before our run, I asked Arland to take it easy on me.  I was still recovering from New York Marathon and was set to run California Int’l Marathonin a week’s time.  He obliged and nonchalantly replied that he just finished Ironman Arizona last November 20. He set a new Philippine IM record with a time of 9:44:30.  His marathon time at Ironman Arizona?  Oh, just 3 hours and 19 minutes for his 42km.  That’s right after the swim and bike, guys!

I thought I was the only one crazy for setting myself up for multiple races, but I learned that Arland was set to do Timex 226 Iron distance triathlon on December 3, just a day before my CIM.  So, he agreed to run easy with me around Alabang Country Club.  Of course, “easy” is relative; it was definitely easy for me, but it was probably a walk in the park for him.

- Quick lesson on form and technique from Arland -

After our brief run, he shared with me some techniques he practices in his runs and as a Newton brand ambassador.  Here are a few things I learned that day:

• For proper form, pull up the knee and land on your midfoot.
• Do not overstride. Your foot should not go beyond your shoulders.
• Instead of focusing on your pace, focus on cadence.  Cadence is the number of steps you take per minute. Aim for 90.  Arland shared that, in a race, he checks his cadence and not his pace.  He advised me to change my window display on my Garmin.
• To increase speed, your stride increases.  Your leg stretches backward, knee goes higher.  Again, do not overstride.
• Use your core for power. Arms remain relaxed.

- with Rico and Angela doing all the touristy stuff before the run -

- with Rico -

Central Park is a great place to run in. To run on wide, paved rolling hills surrounded by trees and squirrels shuffling about in the heart of New York City is always a surreal experience for me. It was a great way to cap the end of the training period.

Today, the park was busy with preparations for race day. A lot of runners participating in Sunday’s race were running probably their last runs too just like us. Banners and scaffolds were up for the last few kilometers towards the finish. And, lucky for us, no less than Mary Witternberg, President of New York Road Runners was at the finish line introducing celebrity runners who would be running the marathon. We spotted Mario Lopez but I wasn’t familiar with the others. (Did you know Christy Turlington is running? So are Edward Norton and the Chilean Miner again! Click HERE)

- Celebrity runners for New York City Marathon 2011 -

- Mary Wittenberg, President and CEO of New York Road Runners -

- As close as I could possibly get to Mario Lopez and his dimples hah! -

- Is this Ryan Sutter who married Trista on The Bachelorette? Yes, yes, I’m showbiiiiz -

We ran through some of the last few kilometers of the marathon course, through the finish line, and until, what I like to call, one of the longest walks of my life, a slow walk from the finish line to the exit out of Central Park after the race.

- Anthony and I at Mile 25. I wonder if we’ll look this fresh when we cross the same portion on race day -

- Anthony, Rico, and Angela -

- This is the road taking runners from the finish out to Central Park. It looks short now. But after running a 42km and the only thing you wanna do is to rest, this slow walk is a tough one. -

- Yes, we just had to have our pic taken here! -

After running 4k in such cold and windy weather, we found ourselves at one of the best pizza places in New York City: Patsy’s Pizzeria.  I read about this in a magazine and was drooling even before I tasted the pizza.

Yum!  I wasn’t hungry, but I ate more than I should.  Good thing it’s carboloading time!

After a great run and a sumptuous lunch, we runners refused to run or walk home in the cold. It was off to the subway to make it to our own warm and cozy apartments and hotels as soon as possible!

The Gatorade Sweat Test basically analyzes an athlete’s sweat rate and provides an adequate hydration program to ensure that the athlete performs at his/her best.  For Anthony and I, Gatorade offered to conduct the test to help us plan our hydration for NYC Marathon on November 6.

- with GSSI Consultant and Gatorade Sweat Test Director, Nino Sinco -

Gatorade Sweat Test director and consultant of GSSI, Nino Sinco, a 3:20 marathoner, mind you, gave us a briefing. Here’s what I learned about hydration:

1. For every 2% below proper hydration level, you experience a 20% reduction in performance. For us runners, this could mean months of training flushed down the drain just because we failed to drink properly before or during a race!
2. Our sweat rate does not change whether in hot or cold weather. This means that regardless of the amount of sweat you feel, you should make sure you are hydrating properly because you sweat the same amount whether you’re running in Manila heat or New York winter. In cold weather, you’re just less soaked because the sweat evaporates quickly.
3. Most athletes—including you, dear runner—start a workout dehydrated without even knowing it. I plead guilty.

PRE-TEST PREPS

A week before the test, we were informed that GSSI would simulate race conditions for New York City Marathon. What did this mean? They booked a function room at Mandarin hotel, brought two treadmills in, and reduced temperature to 55 degrees. Only a limited number of people were allowed in the room to keep the temps low. The kicker: two fans were placed on each side of the treadmills to simulate wind chill! Brrrrr. My Li’l Miss Bull Runner must’ve felt the cold because she asked: Is it also going to snow in here?

Before I got into full NYCM Gear, GSSI took my weight and urine sample. Once done, I was not allowed to eat or drink anything but water or Gatorade.

Nino then placed two patches on my body: one on my forehead and another on my forearm. This would collect my sweat and would be removed until it was fully saturated. They did the same with Anthony.

- Putting on those patches -

- I heard these sweat patches cost a bundle! -

- with Angel of Gatorade. Her first marathon was at TBR Dream. Her 2nd will be NYCM -

We were handed 1 bottle of Gatorade and 1 bottle of mineral water and we could drink as much as we wished. Our heart rates were taken and would be monitored every 10 minutes or so during the entire run.

BREAKING A SWEAT

Anthony and I hopped on our treadmills ready for the long and cold run ahead. We were instructed to run for 1 hour and 30 minutes at any pace we desired.

Ooh boy. I love to run, BUT not on a treadmill. It is dreadfully boring for both the legs and mind and I do it only as a last resort. I was thankful that Anthony was there as company.  (Gatorade, I only do this for you!)

- Running with Anthony P. -

We agreed to keep our pace at 4. But, when Anthony wasn’t looking, I increased mine to 4.5 haha. When GSSI staff checked on us, I learned he had increased his speed to 4.6 and proudly announced to them that he was faster. So, of course, I hiked mine up to 4.7! Yes, Mr. Pangilinan, you were 0.1 faster than me for uhm 5 seconds hah!

We talked about New York preps, running, triathlon and more as the X-Men DVD prepared by GSSI staff for our entertainment played on. We talked about how we were slaving away like hamsters while GSSI and Gatorade people were probably dining at a buffet in the warmer room next door. Once in a while, Anthony would sprint or run sideways like a dancer. It may have been out of boredom, but it may also have been an attempt to distract me from finishing the run. I suspect it was the latter!

- Talk, laugh, drink, run. Anything to keep the boredom at bay -

During the last 20 minutes, Nino removed my patches because they were saturated with sweat already. I then began my countdown to the finish. I would yell: 19 minutes to go…10 minutes to go…5 minutes…1 minute. It was around this time when I recall Anthony saying: Ang kulit mo pala! Poor guy. The Gatorade Sweat Test must have also been a test of his patience and tolerance with The Bull Runner tsk tsk.

- Every minute counts! -

- Nino removes the patches on the forehead and then the arm -

WE DID IT!

We both ran all 1 hours and 30 minutes.  It was the longest I had ever gone on a freakin’ treadmill. Wow, I felt like a winner when I finished.

Once we were done, we had another weigh in to check fluids lost. Anthony then proceeded for the post-test interview first and I followed.

AND THE WINNER IS…

Even before the Sweat Test ended, GSSI had confirmed that I was dehydrated when I started the run. Scary how I felt completely fine and I was completely oblivious to the risks I was putting on my body!

Our full results will be released early next week before we leave for NYC Marathon and I’ll post them up here.  I’m pretty excited because the info will surely be useful in planning our hydration for the race and all other future races. They will be able to tell us exactly how much fluids we should be taking during the race and how often. How cool is that?!

As for my running buddy (or was it fierce competitor?), he texted me that evening: I won Part 1!

What Part 1?!  Why didn’t anyone tell me this was a race?!  And how exactly did he win it?!  Apparently, Mr. Pangilinan’s basis for the win was that he accomplished the urine test + actual run + interview faster than I did!  Much to my hesitation, I conceded. After all, he did leave hotel premises earlier. And, the Gatorade Sweat Test was just that – a test.

Too bad Mr. Pangilinan didn’t know that Part 2 was the Adidas KOTR 21k the following day.  I ran the 21k while he stayed in bed to rest and recover.  As soon as I crossed the finish line that day, I declared myself the winner of Part 2!

As for Part 3, let’s see who crosses the finish line first at the NYC Marathon!  Care to place any bets?

Thanks to Anthony for keeping me sane during the run.  I couldn’t have thought of a more hilarious and entertaining treadmill running partner for the day.  See you in NYC Marathon and carry that flag for us with pride!  Thanks to Gatorade for giving me the opportunity to undergo this test. You can make me your guinea pig or hamster anytime and I’ll willingly run another long and boring treadmill run just for you.  No sweat! And, no pun intended!

- with Ton of GroupM and Oz of Gatorade -

- with Gatorade and GSSI team. Thanks guys! I know I said it was boring, but it was as fun as we could possible make it! -

You know how some of these running shops have this cool sign “Out Running” displayed on their doors when no staff is in sight.  Well, I took the liberty to make my own for TBR.  See above.  (Yes, I still have a lot of time to design completely useless stuff for your entertainment.)

You see, I spent most of the week catching up on lost time with my beloved running.  After two months of sorely missing my free, painless runs when I had Morton’s Neuroma, and now that I am fully recovered (woohoo!) and completely stoked over my NYC Training, I ran almost everyday of this week: Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  I ran a 10k Tempo yesterday (which I hadn’t done in months and I was panting like a dying dog out there but I loved every minute!) and I have a  29k long run pencilled in for tomorrow.

One of my friends told me last night after seeing me run: It was so nice to see you running strong again.  I only have one thing to reply: Oh baby, it feels great to be back!

Disclaimer: To the beginners, do not run daily as I did! Hah!  I really only run 4x a week to allocate time for recovery and to avoid injury.  I just HAD to run this often this week because I missed it too much.  Be back to my regular training program next week.  Be good!