Archive for December, 2009

In a couple of minutes, I’ll be packing for Singapore. Hubby and I take the earliest flight out tomorrow morning and head back to Manila Sunday evening. The kids will enjoy a 2-night slumber party at the Grandparents’ with their cousins (so hopefully they don’t even miss us!)

How am I feeling? Excited and Nervous with a capital N. My heart skips a beat when I think of the full marathon, but my palms also get all sweaty and I forget to breathe for a couple of seconds when I think of my knee.

Just a couple of days ago, I felt minor knee pain and some tightness in the ITB, same ol’ injuries that have plagued me whenever I train long and hard.  I have been stressing over it for what feels like a year (when it’s really just been less than 48 hours).  My poor hubby is probably even more anxious as he’ll have to hear about all this on the 3-hour flight tomorrow.

Despite my concerns, I’m trying to stay optimistic.  Happy thoughts! Positive thinking!  Think: light and loose muscles! (A friend says if I think my ITB is tight, they’ll get even tighter!)  I remind myself that I’ve been here before, I’m a fighter, and I’m smart enough to know what provides relief: foam rolling, stretching, and ice on the knee thrice a day. Laugh all you want, but I’ve even been talking to my ITB, begging the muscles to give me a break, while I gingerly massage them with my hands. Tonight, I’ll spare them no mercy; I’ll give them a deep tissue massage and hopefully get them out of my life for good, or at least for the next few days. If all this doesn’t work, then…uhm…I am seriously screwed on race day. Pray for me, will you?

As I’ve said, I’ve got to pack for my first official marathon. Check out my next post on what to pack for a race abroad.

For quick updates on my Singapore trip (in case I don’t have time to blog), follow me on (click on the link below):

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Are you all set for Conquer Corregidor?  I wish you all 750 runners the best!  Don’t forget your cameras!  Here’s the last press release from the organizer before the big day…

The die is cast. While the breeze cools with the passing days, the day of reckoning is approaching when the isle of Corregidor scorches as zealous contenders for Conquer Corregidor lay their claim to racing glory. All 750 race slots have been filled up, with 100-plus guests and supporters all set to rally the contenders for Conquer Corregidor. Now, less than a week to go before the salvo of Corregidor takes place, participants are down the homestretch in their preparation for what could be their last race of the year which may prove to be the hardest. And hard it is, as the race will take place in the hallowed grounds of an island known as the Rock of Gibraltar of the East. Harder, as the race course is comprised of a punishing hybrid of paved and trail routes and all the primeval elements will be in their fullest magnitude. Hardest, as the race takes on the distinction of a memorial run to honor the heroic legacy of our gallant predecessors and all participants take a shot of being distinguished as one of the conquerors of Corregidor.

Presented by Hypehouse Production Company in cooperation with Sun Cruises and in partnership with Activelink, Takbo.ph, thebullrunner.com, RunRadio @ NU107, Second Wind Running Store, and ROX, with the support of Mama Sita’s, Myra E, Pure ‘N Fresh, and pH Care, Conquer Corregidor may prove to be the ultimate touchstone for daring runners to measure their speed, endurance, and grit. Set to fire off on December 6, Conquer Corregidor is expected to thrill, surprise, and challenge, all at the same time the 750-strong contenders, to prove once and for all their mettle in the running arena. While the race contenders, valiant in their own right, attempt to outrun and outlast the daunting 10-mile challenge and set new norm for personal achievement, they all share a common thread. One history. One goal. Conquer Corregidor!

NOTE ON SUN CRUISES FERRY DEPARTURE SCHEDULE FOR CORREGIDOR:

Overnight:

• Departs CCP dock, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.
• Departs Corregidor, Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m.

Daytrip:

• Departs CCP dock, Dec. 6, 5:30 a.m.
• Departs Corregidor, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.

Now you see me, now you don’t. That’s how this blog might act for today as my friendly web people test a new blog design I want to apply.

I’ve been wanting to shift to a new look for months now and there’s no better time than now—just a few days before the biggest race of my life.  It should symbolize a shedding of my old skin (and nasty injuries), a rebirth, and the beginning of a new chapter in my running life…and blog!  How deep!  (Truth is, the web guys are just going to test a new template and if successful, I will be scratching my head over a hundred times tonight trying to figure out how to navigate through the new look.  Hopefully, it will make things easier for you and make this blog more pleasing to the eyes in the days to come!)

Bear with me please!

Get your wallets ready.  There’s a big Mizuno sale coming up with up to 70% off on running items as well as golf, football, and softball.

When: Dec. 4 to 6, 2009

Where: Mizuno, BMG Center Roofdeck, Paseo Commercial Center, Magallanes Makati City

For inquiries, call 757-3160 or visit www.mizuno.ph