I woke up for the Fame Run last Sunday feeling utterly depleted. My eyes refused to open and I felt like a ton of bricks lay on top of my legs. This came as no surprise as I had been pulling all nighters for work the past couple of days. For the first time, I contemplated skipping a race, but I knew I would hit myself on the head for that decision later. I decided to cut my run from 10k to 5k instead. So, in true zombie-like fashion, I got myself dressed, woke my hubby and son up (they were joining the 3k) and found myself on the road headed for Mall of Asia. There was a light drizzle on the way there, but fortunately the sky was clear by the time we set foot in the assembly area.

The race was relatively small with majority of the runners being “marinos” (hence the race name “Go Marino Go”) donning their bright yellow race singlets that almost jolted me out of my dazed and confused state. We arrived around 15 minutes before the race started, which gave me just enough time to look for Ben who had our race bibs. (Thanks again Ben for signing us all up!) After pinning my bib, I rushed to the registration booth to change my race distance, but gave up after seeing the chaos there. (I decided to just stop at 5k with my 10k bib. ) My son’s nose started to bleed so I pointed out the medical booth to my hubby so they could treat him there. Realizing the immediate need to pee, I headed for the nearest portalet in a mad rush to clear my bladder before running. Could there be anything else to surprise me?! I jog towards the portalet and—much to my horror—the gun was fired! Ack, I joined the hundreds of runners in the race and prayed to God my bladder would cooperate!

Where do I run?! That’s what I was thinking as I squeezed my way through the massive crowd of “marinos” who ran with their bodies practically intertwined. I followed the path other runners took which was the other side of the street. Oooh, in here, the road was flat and spacious and mesmerizing (my new race playlist with Maroon 5 and Fall Out Boy may have helped to get me enthralled). I ran freely and enjoyed every minute of it. I pushed hard because I knew I could sustain it for 5k no matter how tired my body was. Tired? Wait a minute. Who was exhausted and weak again? Nope, that wasn’t me. Now, I felt strong and I was revved up. In fact, I wanted to run the entire 10k instead. Too bad I told hubby it would be a short run for me.

So, the 5k was quick and short and fun. Actually, it wasn’t a 5k but a 5.86k according to my Nike+. I came in at 4th place as listed by the race organizer at around 27 minutes.

I usually stop my watch and Nike+ automatically after I end the race, but this time, I had no time to even think about it as I was bombarded with complaints from another runner. He argued with the race organizer about my place since I was registered for a 10k. I was so happy that I said in tagalog “Hey man, it’s fine with me. You can have 4th place. I’m not here to compete really.” Caught up in his own anger, he didn’t hear a word I said. I returned the #4 Tag to the race organizer, but he gave it back to me saying I could keep it and they would still count me as 4th. Oh well, whatever decision they made was fine with me.

Right after the run, I headed for the bathroom and did my own business. (Of course, I praised my little bladder for being very well behaved but I told her never to pull that stunt on me before a race. Would you believe she disprespectfully replied “Well, you shouldn’t have gobbled down all that Gatorade in the first place?!) I chatted with H@ppy Feet members and searched for my hubby and son who were nowhere in sight. I did see Jujet de Asis and congratulated him for placing first in 5k. His time was 17 minutes. (I think if I chat long enough with him and train with him at every Mizuno Run Club then his speed may rub off on me. I’ll tell you in a couple of weeks if it works.)

My hubby, son, and I left before photos were taken, medals were awarded, and stories about the race were exchanged with fellow runners. But, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I was just glad I ran and I didn’t hide under the sheets that morning.

Not too long ago they were my best running buddies. I could depend on one as I would a Coach; he would tell me if I was running too fast or too slow or if I should run a little farther or stop for the day. The other friend would make long runs feel shorter by keeping me entertained all throughout the run. The three of us were a team. We were inseparable.

Until one day, they both betrayed me. It was during the Run To Bring Hope that they stabbed me in the back, took my heart and stomped on it till I was numb, and left with no explanation nor apologies for their cruel actions. Why did they do this to me? I stood at the end of the finish line with a new PR feeling victorious yet alone.

Who were these running buddies?

My ipod Nano and Nike+ Sports Kit. Er, who did you think?

Some of you know the story. After running my best 10 km race ever during the Run To Bring Hope, I pressed on the Nano to end the workout only to realize it had hung on me. Worse, when it finally shut off 30 minutes later, I learned that it did not record the entire run. The jerk. I cursed it for over a week. He retaliated by hanging three more times; each time when I ran over 10 km. Crazy fart. So, I exiled the Nano and his partner in crime, the Nike+ Sports Kit, to Power Mac in Greenbelt almost a month ago. Dumb fools. (Can you tell I was pretty calm about all this?)

A couple of weeks later, I called Power Mac and asked how my ex-buddies were faring. The technician said they did not hang on him. The evil hypocrites, I thought. I informed him that they only show their bad side when you take them out for a 10 km run. Caught unaware the technician replied “Er, maam, we uhm don’t have running shoes so uhm since we noted that there is an intermittent hanging while browsing your ipod and connection problems with the sports kit, we will replace both items.”

Woohoo! Just what I had hoped for! Good riddance to those two traitors!

Last Monday, I purchased new flowers, cleaned our home, and bought a cake to welcome my new running buddies. (Okay, I’m exaggerating, but I did do my best to make them feel welcome by washing the little pouch they would be living in.) It was a bit difficult for me in the beginning as seeing these two brought back all the hurt from the ex-friends who looked identical to them, but after a few minutes, I knew these were new and improved running buddies.

So far, so good. I’ve run thrice with my new ipod and sports kit and I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship—no skipping nor hanging please!

To Power Mac Greenbelt, I commend you for the excellent service provided by your personnel from the receiving station to the technician to the SMS message informing me of my items being ready for pick up. Keep up the great work!

On September 15, 2007, over a hundred runners wore their running shoes (and left all other apparel behind) to join the annual Patxi Ros nude 5,000 meter race at La Salvaje beach, near Sopelana, Spain. The race was started way back in 1999 when Patxi Ros, a naturist and sportsman, decided to combine his two favourite pastimes in a public event.

For those who intend to join this race next year (nope, not me!), you better start toning your gluteus maximus…and all other muscles for that matter!

Source: Random Citations

It was a crazy, busy week; the kind of week where I had absolutely no time to even heave a sigh of relief and every hour or so the runner in me would delirously say to my working mom self: “You must run now or you will go insane.”

Seriously, had I not run the past few days, my hubby would be typing this for me as I would be strapped tight in a strait jacket dictating this from my bed in a mental institution. (Would you know if they have treadmills in there?)

On Tuesday, I ran easy for an hour on the treadmill which did little to alleviate my stress. So, come Thursday, I was like a raging bull determined to get large doses of running into my system.

I hopped unto my treadmill for a challenging 7 km. Then, after a brief rest, I showered to wear yet again another set of running clothes. Despite the cloudy skies, I headed out for the Mizuno Run Club slated for that evening. It was raining by the time I arrived at the scene but runners were persistent that it pushed through…and so it did.

Together with other runners that evening, I ran laps around Bonifacio High Street which, to me, was far better than the last Mizuno Run experience wherein I felt like I was playing dodgeball vs. speeding cars and jeepneys. This was a flat, safe course…which, I learned, is synonymous to fast in the running world. I ran 7 km at 5 min/km pace making my daily total for the day 14 km.

If there is one thing I love about the Mizuno Run Club it is the fact that I run alongside (or more like far behind) the elite runners. Yeah, I eat their dust and watch their long lean legs travel thrice the speed of mine but to simply witness them is a precious gift to a newbie runner like me. Throughout the entire run, it was Drew and I who ran at the same pace (perhaps he was slowing down for me?) so most of the time it felt like we lost the rest of the group. But, every now and then, we would hear quick, light footsteps from behind—almost like a herd of hyenas attacking little kittens like us—and it would be those elite runners in their short shorts (of course I notice those!) swiftly passing us by. Oh, it was awesome! Simply inspiring!

– When do I get legs as long, lithe, and lean as these? –

I headed home that night knowing full well I would be burning the midnight oil with the heaps of work I left behind. But, I was most definitely ready to attack it head on. I was energized and invigorated—and thank God—happy and sane!

Boys and girls, online registration for Subic Marathon 2008 is now open!

According to its website, the Subic Marathon “raises the bar in terms of organizing marathon events in the country and in the ASEAN region.” Aside from plans of obtaining accreditation from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), it is also associated with The Runners Confederation of the Philippines, Inc. (Run-CPI) and Outbound Asia, Inc. (OAI). The Subic Marathon will hand out the biggest top prize of US$ 5000 in any marathon in the region and will offer up to P 1 million in total prizes. Whoaaa, honestly, I’d just be happy running in scenic Subic wearing a scintillating new singlet!

Phew, just visiting their site is getting me all excited. I feel like a 2-year-old who ate too many marshmallows before bedtime. Yeah, it’s time to hit the sack right now but I cannot for the life of me get my mind to stop thinking about kilometers. How long shall I run in Subic? Perhaps I’ll count kilometers—instead of sheep—tonight. 5k…10k…21k…42k. Hmmm…what shall I sign up for?

Click here to visit the official website.