- 10 Years Ago -

We decided instead to celebrate 10 years of marriage over a simple dinner at Greenbelt 5.  After all, as agreed a few months ago, our gift to each other would be NYC Marathon on November 7.  Honestly, I couldn’t ask for anything more.  (Okay, maybe I could’ve asked for a Marathon Package instead, such as Chicago in 2011, Berlin in 2012, Paris in 2013, and so on and so forth)

This got me to think about the many similarities of marriage and marathons.  Here are 7 Reasons Why Marriage is Like a Marathon…

1. It’s no joke. Marriage and marathons are serious business. Do it only when you are 100% sure you are ready.
2. Cheaters are losers. Sure, no one is looking and you can get away with it, but know that the only loser here is you.  Methinks I’ll invent a device that can be attached to the laces of the shoe to track adulterous partners.  Good idea?
3. Expect a few road bumps, or pot holes, or blisters. It’s not completely smooth sailing.  There will be challenges along the way.  Make sure you’re strong enough to overcome these problems.
4. It’s fun when you have the right partner.  It’ll suck if you’re with the wrong one.
5. It takes commitment.  Don’t expect to be successful if you don’t put in your time and hard work.
6. Be ready to compromise and sacrifice, too. Happy hours and long nights out with the boys will have to be reduced when you start serious training for a marathon.  Happy hours and long nights out with the boys will have to be reduced when you get married.  Right, girls?
7. Your heart must be in it. You gotta be happy doing what you do and being with the person you love.  Embrace the distance and marathoning.  Be constantly in love with your partner.

Happy Anniv to the hubby! May we have many more happy years—and miles to run—together!

To sign up, email Coach Rio at rio@runrio.com with the following details:

1. Confirmation details from Singapore Marathon (with race bib #)

2. Your full name

3. Your singlet, shorts, and shoe size (Nike sizing)

This is on a first come, first serve basis.  Again, only 50 uniforms available.

————————– UPDATE ————————–

As of Sept. 23, lunchtime (yes, the same day I posted this), Coach Rio informed me that the slots for the 50 runners were full. So sorry. 

On Dec. 7, 2008, I shall be one of 50,000 participants who will be running in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. As early as July, I registered for the race and, since then, all my running thoughts and actions have revolved around this singular goal. I don’t intend to just finish this race, but I hope to cross the finish line strong, injury-free, and of course, with a respectable time.

Nope, I didn’t register for the marathon; I signed up for the half marathon. If there’s one thing I learned from my injuries, it’s this: Even if the mind is willing, the shins, quads, and knees may be dying! Timing is key. And, I know that it’s definitely not time for me to accomplish my marathon dream just yet—maybe next year in New York? I wish.

So, I’m gearing up for my half—conservatively increasing my mileage until December, strengthening my legs, cross training (swimming is my favorite this week), and last but not the least, saving every single cent—to make sure that I’ll be strong and healthy (with enough moolah in my pocket to buy some running stuff) when my feet touch Singapore soil.  I can hardly wait.

As early as friday evening, I was all set to run 10k at the Milo race that was held this sunday morning. To say that I was excited about this race would be an understatement. I had missed the Milo Metro Manila eliminations last July due to a fainting spell, so this was my chance to finally experience one of the biggest races in the country. Surprise surprise, I failed to make it…AGAIN!

The reason: sheer stupidity and stubborness. (I don’t call myself THE BULL-headed RUNNER for nothing.)

I heard about the importance of tapering a hundred times over from Coach B to Higdon and Galloway’s books. But, due to my obstinateness, over-enthusiasm, and plain addiction to running, I couldn’t quite resist the urge to run the day before the race. I’m almost embarassed to admit it: 10km close to race pace on the eve of race day. Yes, that’s what I did. Yes, you may slap me on the head. Yes, I know I will suffer the dire consequences of breaking the golden rule of tapering.

Soon after that training run (or more like midway through it), I felt a pinch in the most vulnerable part of my body: my left knee which suffers from discoid lateral meniscus. This knee tells me when I’m overtraining. When it starts aching, it practically commands me to rest the next couple of days and gradually ease back into my training or else…or else…I don’t even want to go there. So, when I felt that slight discomfort around 5km into the run, my first thought was “No, it can’t be” (denial), then “No no no, I can’t miss Milo!” (panic) and within the next few minutes, “I shouldn’t have run! I’m so stupid.” (guilt).

By that evening, after a mid-afternoon massage that I hoped would magically heal my meniscus problem, I was in agony over the decision I had to make. Every inch of my body wanted to run. Weeks of LSDs and speedwork prepared me for this race. (In hindsight, I’m thinking the past few weeks’ training may have slowly built up this injury as well.) But, rationally, I knew I had to bite the bullet; I had to sacrifice the Milo race if I wanted to make it to my first marathon in February next year. Sob sob, goodbye Milo.

This coming week will be all about rest and recovery for me. I’m hoping against all hope that Santa comes down our chimney tonight delivering an advanced Christmas gift for me: instant mending of my broken knee. But, since that is most unlikely (they say Santa doesn’t exist, plus we don’t have a chimney), I’ll just try to be a good girl and patiently wait for this knee to heal.

To all those who joined the race, especially the finalists, congratulations! I hope to see you next year…barring any unforeseen circumstances that may strike a third time from keeping me from Milo races.

Who knew that November was this good in the running world too? The races this month were/are spectacular. During the 1st half of the month, Milo Baguio and New Balance races were held (I still can’t stop hitting myself on the head for missing NB…Grrr). But, the upcoming races for the rest of the month are worth joining too:

Nov 18: Milo National Finals. Call Mr. Biscocho (727.9987).  I’ll see you at this one!

Nov 18: Men’s Health Urbanathlon & Festival, Bonifacio Global City, P300 (Individual)/ P1,200 (Team). Visit site.

Nov 25: 5th Animo Run 5k/10k, SM Mall of Asia, IMAX Parking Grounds, 5k P180, 10k P200. Call Edmar (0917.6191821) or visit site. Registration is ongoing until Nov. 23 at the Sports Complex of DLSU Manila, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. For online registration, click here. 4 Roundtrip tickets to Boracay will be raffled off.

Nov. 25: Healthway Medical’s Run a Life of Wellness, Bonifacio Global City, P200. Part of the proceeds will go to Citizenship by Good Example Foundation.  For details, visit site or call 751-hway (4929).  You may also visit any Healthway Medical clinic (SM the Block, Shangrila Mall, Market Market, Robinsons Manila, Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall.

Training begins NOW.

—————————————————

Every Friday afternoon, Annie and I exchange the routinary SMS message: “Run tomorrow? Same time, same place?” And, almost always, the other will send a customary reply of “Yes. See ya!”

For the past six months, Annie and I have been enjoying our Saturday runs together. Saturday mornings is reserved exclusively for our long runs; it is the time where we can run without distractions from work or family. Children have no school nor homework. And, at least for me, the hubby is out longer than I am playing golf.

- Training in Alabang with Annie and Coach B (June 2007) -

Ours is a friendship built on running. I met Annie after I invited an acquaintance to join Coach B’s running clinic; that friend took Annie along. When the running clinic ended, it was only Annie and I who found ourselves committed to continue training on our own.

Annie, a mother of two girls, is a Fitness First and stotts pilates instructor. Between the two of us, she is by far the stronger, faster, and more experienced runner. She has been running for over three years and has joined more races than I can count. During our runs, we can talk about a wide range of topics ranging from motherhood to shopping, but our discussion will always, always go back to running. It is what binds us together.

- Adidas KOTR with Annie and her friend (July 2007) -

So, it came as no surprise that when I told Annie about my plans of joining the Pasig Marathon, she instantly decided to join too. When we got over our initial excitement (which lasted for over five minutes), we informally discussed our strategy. She suggested using Hal Higdon’s marathon program while I recommended Jeff Galloway’s (She won here. I’m now using Higdon’s Novice II program while she’s using Intermediate I). We also agreed, quite happily, that we would transform our 10 to 15k Saturday runs into our once-a-week long runs. “Annie,” I begged her, “we seriously have to slow down from now on” because, as I’ve experienced many a times, Annie does not know the meaning of slow or tired. “Yes,” she adds, “we also have to force ourselves to take walking breaks now” something we always fought against in the past.

As I write this, I am building a mental checklist of other things I must discuss with Annie as we try to add more science and strategy to our runs. These have something to do with 1) starting earlier so the sun doesn’t beat down on us, 2) stock piling on power gels since water won’t do for us anymore, and 3) planning the races we intend to join so that they can work seamlessly with our program.

Suddenly, my personal goal has turned into a dream I can share with a friend. While running a marathon is still an individual conquest, I take comfort in knowing that I can share the same hardships and triumphs, pains and joys, and hills and troughs with someone who doesn’t need to stop and ask me “Why must you put yourself through this?” She just gets it. And, should the time come during the marathon that my legs turn to lead and I want to give up at 30 km, I know that Annie will be there pushing and urging me to move forward…just as I will do for her.

Good luck to us Annie!

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.

Now, this was not a race for The Bull Runner. It was a race for the mother in me. (Aaaw, sniff sniff. Pass the tissue, please.) As a mother who breastfed my two kids, breastfeeding is a cause that I support because of the gift of good health it has given to my children. It was also, without a doubt, one of the best bonding experiences I had with both kids.

– My two kiddors (breastfed my little girl for 15 mos. and my boy for 6 mos.) -

This 2k run was also more like my son’s run. He was looking forward to this for the past two weeks and, as he woke up this morning with a bad cough, I promised him I would just run by his side and forget about racing today. (Forced tapering for tomorrow’s race, huh?)

So, with two children plus a yaya in tow, we headed for the Fort at 7:30 am despite the heavy rains. Upon registration, I was delighted to receive a pink shirt which all runners were asked to wear for the run. With a quick wardrobe change, I became one among the many pink runners lined up behind the starting line. Thankfully, by then, the rain had gone and the weather was cloudy and cool.

The course began from Gourdo’s restaurant and headed out towards the main streets of Bonifacio Global City. It was a delight for me to run with my son and his cousin. At first I thought I would just brisk walk while they would run by my side, but much to my surprise I found myself running (close to race pace at times!) just to keep up with them.

- Cousins on the run –

I was enjoying the run when I saw Tessa Prieto-Valdes wearing what Ben said was my dream Nathan water carrier. MY Nathan?! How could that be? Someone else got to him before I did?! I took a shot and heaved a sigh of relief as I saw that hers was pink when My Nathan is yellow. Still, I was envious. Patience, I say to myself, patience. One day, my Nathan shall arrive.

- Tessa Valdes wearing My Nathan –

We passed Senendra and Bonifacio High Street and, before we knew it, we were nearing the finish line. The organizers pulled out their pink ribbon for us to run through but I learned a little bit too late (like when I was an inch away from the ribbon) that they did this for the kids—not me! Oops, I guess Mommy got too excited about feeling like a first placer!

- I know, I know, I look preggy here. -

Before we left, we were given bags and bags of freebies from the sponsors. My oh my, Barbizon sure knows how to give us runners the spoiling that we so rightfully deserve! I took home a sandwich and water, Avent items, Prolacta samples, and—now this is my favorite—a free set of underwear which fits me perfectly! Woohoo, this sure beats hard boiled eggs!

They said this was going to be a “fun run” and that is certainly what we got—a grand time running with friends and family! Barbizon, how about a “fun” 10k next year?

- We got H@ppy Feet! –

To H@ppy Feet: Mon, Ben (and Missy), Joms, Smith, and Tisha, it was nice to see you again. Ang saya!

To Banggi, (you’re much taller than I thought), Roselle (nice to hear your soul voice live) and Anton (you are such a pleasant guy!), I was so glad to finally meet you outside of cyberspace.

To Anna Price: It was quite difficult to chat while running haha. Wish we had more time to talk and get Colin and Nia to play together!

To Tricia, congratulations for winning first place! Are you sure that wasn’t just your first race?

To  Janice, my sister who organized the race, congratulations!  When are you joining?

Thanks to Erwin Nolido for my finish line and Happy Feet shots.

Congratulations to Neville, Kiko, Danny, Chichi, Olive and Beth for running 100km for the benefit of Kythe Foundation!

July 21, 9:33 pm: Hector and Neville with Romi at the Ortigas/E. Rodriguez Interchange

10:08 pm: Beth and Olive at the flyover towards Pasig. (Go girls! I love this pic. I want to be just like Beth and Olive when I grow up!)

11:50 pm: Robert stretching at the People Power Monument

July 22, 4:31 am: Beth and Olive join the Milo Marathoners

6:24 am: Back on the road after a brief rest stop

9:56 am: Danny in front of RCBC Tower, Ayala Avenue

10:19 am: Along Roxas Blvd.

1:37 pm: Neville finishes 100km

For more information and photos, go to Run For Your Life, IsaDalawaTatlo and UP Mountaineers.

Photos courtesy of Nards Coll with permission from Neville Manaois.

I am running a 10k for this race and I hope to collect pledges from you—my family and friends—for each kilometer that I run. For instance, you may pledge P50 per kilometer thereby contributing P500 to help a child with cancer.  Any amount—whether it is P5 or P5,000—will go a long way to putting a smile on a child’s face.

If you wish to pledge, you may post a comment here or email me directly.  All the funds I collect will be donated directly to the Kythe Foundation.

Thank you in advance!