Good Choices

As the New Year draws near, it may be time to think about the good—and not-so-good—choices you’ve made in the past year. What did you do to become the runner that you are now? Are there improvements you can make to become a stronger one?

While I’m still a work in process, I do think I’ve corrected some mistakes this past year and made some good choices that have allowed me to enjoy running more this 2012. Here they go:

I CHOSE TO ROTATE SHOES FOR EVERY WORKOUT. When I found The Shoe for me (KSwiss Kwicky Blade Light), I favored it for every run, from a 5k to a marathon. My good friend Hector Yuzon from Secondwind Running Store advised me to rotate shoes for specific workouts to allow your foot to experience different shoes and stave off injury. I may have taken Hec’s advice a bit too far because, now, I use the Kwicky Blades for long runs and marathons, Nike Free Run 3 (I have pink and purple! Both of which I adore!) for speedwork on the treadmill, and New Balance 1090, Asics Gel Kayano 17, and Nike Pegasus 28 for runs below 15k.

I CHOSE MY RACES. Way back in 2007 to 2009, I would not allow myself to miss a single race. If I did, all hell would break loose at home! This year, I became more discerning when it comes to my racing. I chose events that were by reputable organizers and one’s that I felt were “must-runs” in my book.

I CHOSE TO GET INTO TRIATHLON. I needed a new challenge this year and it came in the form of Ironman Cebu 70.3. I learned how to swim and bike more efficiently, built mileage in both sports, and eventually found myself training and racing like a real triathlete! It’s a demanding life I tell you! But, it did give me a greater sense of achievement and, even better, it made me a stronger runner.  (I signed up for 2013 again!  Woohoo!)

– Run portion of Ironman 70.3 Cebu 2012 –

I CHOSE TO TAKE A BREATHER FROM SPEED WORK.  Aah, I love running fast.  But, the past couple of years, after just a month or two of intense speed work, I would get injured. It was frustrating and maddening.  So, I realized it was a choice between getting fast and injured or continuing to run a steady pace and enjoying it. At least for this year, I chose the latter. It allowed my feet to regain its strength and recover. It also gave me a breather from the stress of always chasing a PR. My goal is to run for the rest of my life so, I figured, taking a year off from chasing my time wouldn’t do me any harm. I was right. I learned to enjoy running in all its purity and simplicity in the company of friends, chitchat, and lots of laughter. Of course, now that 2012 is coming to an end, I’ve chosen to hike up my speed again hah!

– Ran and finished Berlin Marathon 2012 at “happy pace” –

I CHOSE TO RUN MY OWN RACE. At the ripe old age of 36, I’ve reached a point in my life where I don’t really care much about what people think of me because I’m pretty confident about myself and my abilities. Conversely, I am also aware of my own limitations since, really, I’m not a professional athlete and I’ve got a family to prioritize. So, I defined what running means to me (It’s my happy place!) and its role in my life (It enhances my life, but it’s not everything!) With that, I was happy knowing full well what I could give to running and what it could give back to me.  I chose to run my own race regardless of who is faster, stronger, or better than me as long as I know I gave it 110% effort.  Now, if I manage to come in first because of that good effort, then I wouldn’t mind at all!

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This post was for Sun Broadband. TBR did not receive any compensation in cash or kind for this post.