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On our second day in London, we took a train to lovely and quaint Leamington, which became popular in the 1900s among the affluent as a spa town.  (Think hot springs of Laguna.)

– Leamington Spa –

– with my cousin, Michelle, in front of one of the churches at Leamington –

We took a car ride to Walton passing Stratford-Upon-Avon where Shakespeare was born and, shortly after, arrived at Walton Hall, a 19th century country mansion, which was the venue of my cousin’s wedding and also our home for the next two nights.  (Now think Downton Abbey!)

– Walton Hall –

– Leisure Club?  Beauty Salon? The perfect place to spoil a runner days before a marathon! Yes, feeling lifestyles of the rich and famous! LOL –

– The kids were thrilled about our room overlooking the countryside –


– View from the tower room –

I was thrilled to be here for my cousin’s wedding.  Celine and I grew up together being born just a month apart.  We went to the same school from Prep to Highschool.  We shared the same group of friends all our lives.  I spent most of my time after all of our elementary school days at her house doing our homework together, playing hopscotch or piko, or turning her bathroom into a huge bathtub and soaking in the bubble bath together.  (See, I showed early signs of eventually getting into swimming!)  And, even when we went to different colleges, started working, and I got married and she left for New York for her MBA and moved to Singapore, we remained close.  So, I was excited to see my “sister”/barkada/best friend finally settling down with Rob, her British boyfriend who we’ve also come to love.

– with Laurie and Cel, my bestest friends since forever, after Cel’s bridal shower at the Salon. Missing: Vicky and Krie –

Walton Hall was beautiful. I felt like I had gone on a retreat…a running retreat!  We were surrounded by nature, lush green grass, swans and ducks in the lake, trees that could tell tales from the past.  The weather was cold, but it was invigorating and refreshing.

– with the kiddos –

The next morning, Friday, I was to run my last run before the London Marathon on Sunday.  The hubby and kids came along with me.  We walked.  We jogged.  We laughed.  We looked for animals.  Then, they got hungry and went ahead for breakfast. LOL.

– The kids loved running (and jumping) freely all over the place –


– She wanted to get as close to them as possible! –

– Father and son bonding –

– Mini-me! –

I was planning on running 5k alone.  As I ran, I felt great.  Correction: Not just great.  I felt like my entire body, especially my legs, were completely prepared for the marathon.  My form was good.  My legs felt springy and light.  Everything felt perfect.  And so, barely even hitting 3k, I stopped and decided to enjoy breakfast with the family.

– Check out my running buddy on the right –

If there’s one thing I learned about as a serious runner, it’s NOT to take running too seriously.  There are precious moments and special people in your life that are more important than a race.  Not to mention croissants and Nutella waiting at the breakfast buffet.

That afternoon, as bridesmaid, I witnessed one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever attended.  It was touching.  It was emotional.  It was inspiring.

– Newlyweds with the Entourage –


– It was freezing cold out there! Here we are sharing Celine’s shawl –

– with my not-so-little kids –

– Hubby with the kiddos –


– Li’l Miss Bull Runner jumps for sheep! –

I indulged in good food, a little wine, and then the following day, the family and I took a train back to London for an easy Saturday before the big day: London Marathon!

PREVIOUS: PART 1: LONDON MARATHON 2013: RACE EXPO
NEXT: PART 3: LONDON MARATHON 2013 – GETTING TO THE RACE START

Thank you so much to all the people who got me to London! Unilab Active Health for sponsoring the trip. Special thanks to my favorites Enervon Activ for keeping me energized during training and race day and Enervon HP for aiding in recovery. Thank you to Timex Philippines and Timex UK who snagged me a race slot.

Happy Birthday to me!  I turn 6 today.

Happy Birthday to TheBullRunner.com!  This blog turns 37 today.

Bring out your party hats!!!  Woot! Woot!

Oops, wait a minute.  Sorry for the mix up.  I turn 37 and this blog turns 6 today.  My bad.  But, if you wish to believe the first two lines, I don’t mind!  Really!

Traditionally, I throw the 5 to 5/5 contest (see THIS and THIS) where I give away tons of prizes for five days from May 1 to 5. It’s my favorite day of the year and I celebrate it by giving back to all of you guys who continue to support me by clicking on your mouse and visiting this little page of mine.

But, this year, I decided to celebrate quietly with my loved ones.  I hope you don’t mind.  Aw shucks, it doesn’t mean I love you guys any less, you know?  It just means that, um, I spent the entire week cooking my kids breakfast at 2:00 AM and sleeping when the sun rose until lunchtime.  We all suffered from jet lag for four straight days and I couldn’t seem to get anything done nor could I think straight.  Yes, I didn’t workout either until my first 50k ride yesterday.  (Good thing I still knew how to bike!)

Despite the lack of festivities, I am still very thankful for all the 36 years (and 5 blog years) that have passed as well as the next ones to come.  I thank each one of you who has touched my life and for those of you who have allowed me to touch your life in one way or another.  Thanks too for all the birthday greetings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and SMS.  (Did I miss any?!)

Aaah, I’ve been blessed.  I’m truly grateful.  The past year has brought a lot of ups and downs, tears of sadness and happiness, but there is always, always a reason to celebrate and hope.  Looking forward to another wonderful year ahead with you guys!

We’re back!  It was one of the best marathons and most fun family trips I’ve ever had.

– Our last day in Paris. The two “cray-zees” had two scoops of Haagen Dazs each when it was freezing cold outside. –

I’m glad to be home again, but, I must admit, as soon as I felt sweat dripping down my forehead the minute we stepped out of the airport, I almost wanted to fly out again.

I know you’re sick and tired of everyone on Facebook and Twitter complaining about the heat.  So, instead of whining about how hot it is that I would prefer to kill myself with a 5k swim than run the same distance under the sun, I thought of giving you tips on how to make the best out of your run with such high temperatures.

To all you brave souls out there who are committed to running in this heat, I salute you and I send this article out to all of you. As for me, I’m just glad I’m on recovery mode for now!

10 Cool Tips for Running in the Heat

1. Run before the sun rises. Best time to run, especially if it’s longer than 2 hours, is to run at around 4:00 AM. No, it doesn’t follow that the earlier you wake up the cooler it is. Take it from me. When I had to run my longest run before London Marathon, I started running at 2:30 AM.  Stupid me. Humidity was so high that I practically choked to death at the first 50 meters of my run, the air was so stale and heavy that words exchanged during the run clung in the air like a cartoon.  Ack. It was so frustrating to learn that it felt even cooler at 6:00 AM rather than 3:00 AM.

2. Hydrate. You’re a runner! You should know this! Make sure to hydrate with water or your favorite sports drink. No messing around with this one especially in this kind of heat. Heatstroke is not a joke and it can happen to anyone.

3. Change venue. If you’re usual run route leaves you exposed under the sun, then consider running in tree-lined, shaded routes at least once a week. How about U.P., Filinvest City, or other exclusive villages that you may have access to?

4. Wear shades. A good pair of shades won’t just block your eyes from the shimmering sun, but it will actually help you mentally beat the heat too. With the tinted view of your surroundings, you simply feel that it’s cooler and it allows you to go a bit further.  My fave brand are Oakleys.

5. Think yourself cold. Scrap the following lines from your vocabulary while you run: “Ang init!”, “Grabe, ang init!” or, worst of them all, “WTF, ang init!” Believe me, all that complaining will only make you sweat more (and piss off your running buddies, too!)  Beat the heat by fooling your brain into thinking it’s cool. Say the following instead: “Good thing it’s not too hot today.” or just repeat the words “cool” or “cold” over and over. Okay, okay, I’m not really sure if this works under 35 degree weather, but it’s worth a try!

6. Change costume. If you’re running long, chances are your shirt will be soaked in sweat in an hour. A change of clothes midway through your run will make you feel fresh and cool.  Oh, and don’t forget two magic words for your apparel: DRI FIT.

7. Run on the treadmill. I know a lot of runners who are treadmill-averse. I was one of them. But, in this kind of heat, it just didn’t make sense to suffer under the scorching sun at 8:00 AM (that was the only time I could run after dropping kids at school), or, worse, to skip a run simply because of the heat. So, my treadmill and I kissed and made up early this year and I ran twice a week on the treadmill training for London Marathon. It was great.  Treadmill runs are a great way to watch your form, follow a good program at a controlled pace and setting, and, best of all, if it’s in a gym, it’s air-conditioned!  Woot!  To stay sane and keep boredom at bay, download a good and challenging workout for treader runs and don’t forget your music.

8. Cover up with a bandana or visor. I usually use a visor instead of a cap to allow the heat from my head to escape.  I would like to try the Magicool Cooling Bandana. I haven’t tested it, but we featured it on TBR Magazine (Mar-Apr 2013) and I do want one. The bandana can be tied around the neck, head or wrist and it can absorb cold water so that you can run with it. Sold at SecondWind and G-Stop for P350 only.

– Magicool Cooling Bandana –

9. Bring cash. Imagine this: You’re running at 15k in the heat, you happen to pass a 7-11 and spot a pedestrian savoring his large Mountain Dew Slurpee. Now, you don’t want to pine for the same drink without any cash on you, do you? (Obvious ba this has happened to me? heehee)  Make sure to hide at least P50 in your pocket (or under your insoles like I do) for an impromptu Slurpee; one for you and treat a run buddy while you’re at it.

10. Cool off with a chilled towel.  Pack a towel in a ziplock in your cooler along with your iced drinks. After your run, use the towel on your face, nape, and limbs to cool off.  If you don’t yell out “Haaay sarraaaap!” and think that it’s almost manna from heaven, something must be wrong with you.  Go rest and have a frap. It’s on me. (I’m kidding of course!)

Just 7 more days until the Success Summit on May 10, 2013!

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:

1. This event features people who have been there so you’re going to hear their actual experiences and insights on their path to success which you can enjoy as well.
2. You will learn a system on how you can overcome your limitations,roadblocks and problems that prevent you from moving forward.
3. Receive the principles on how you can get the esteem and recognition that you’ve been missing so you can propel your career and personal life.
4. Realize that money is actually easy to get if you know how to master it.
5. Discover what really is your passion and purpose and how you can profit from it.

I’m looking forward to learning from all the other speakers, but I’ll also be sharing some tips on how my passion for running allowed me to earn a little extra something too.  Hope to see you there!

For more info, click HERE.

With hubby and kids in tow, I arrived in London last April 17, Wednesday, just a few days before the London Marathon on April 21.  We stayed at The Regency in South Kensington.  The kids immediately loved everything about London—the weather, the food, the Underground tube, and especially our hotel room.

– The hubby and the kids with our hotel right behind them –

– Missing in the photo: Hugh Grant –

– If they could, they would’ve stayed in the room the entire trip! –

Since we were to leave for the countryside the following day for my cousin’s wedding, we headed straight for the Race Expo soon after we checked in.  Jetlag? Nah. Exhaustion? Nada. The expo of marathon majors is something I always look forward to.

RACE EXPO

The race expo was held at ExCel International Exhibition at Royal Victoria Dock. It was about 30 to 45 minutes away from South Kensington.

First things first, I claimed my race bib, then had my Ipico timing tag checked. Included in the kit was a black ribbon which we were encouraged to pin on our shirts to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing just a week before our marathon.

– BTW, check out the Skora shoes I’m wearing. They sent me this for the trip. They’re minimalist running shoes but, I must say, they were the best walking shoes for pre and post race. I wore it practically everyday –

– Contents of the kit. The red bag is the same bag we check in on race day –

I’ve said it many times before. My ultimate dream is to finish the Marathon Majors: Berlin (check), New York (check 2x), London, Tokyo, Chicago, and Boston. (Okay, we can skip Boston for now LOL.) So, when I saw this Marathon Majors exhibit, I just had to stop and pose. Too bad the photo is blurry! Boo!

Then came the most important part: SHOPPING!  Not just any kind of shopping, but shopping for official marathon merchandise! That’s what I live for!  (Yes, I’m super easy to please!)  The official apparel sponsor was adidas and they presented an impressive range of marathon merchandise. My head was in a whirl while the hubby and kids waited, and waited, and waited.

– Those are all official merchandise. Drool drool –

Happily, I took these two home with me. Aaah! Love. The. Jacket.

– There were various shirt designs, colors, and sizes. This was one of my favorites –


– Just one of the official London Marathon 2013 jackets –

Then, it was time for more shopping. I liked the fact that, since we were in Europe, there were quite a number of running products that were new to me since most products we see in Manila are the more popular brands in the US.

Test your strength during the expo? No thank you. I chose to reserve my strength and endurance for race day…

Cute course map by Nestle Pure Life, the official water sponsor for the race…

Of course, I dropped by the impressive booth of Timex. These guys were responsible for getting me a slot in one of the most difficult marathons to get into for us Pinoys! (Sigh. Don’t ask me why it’s so hard for us to get in via lottery system. I don’t know either.)  They had the Timex Run Trainer on display.  The same watch I was going to use for race day.

I dropped by Gatorade’s booth and bought my pre-race fuel, race drink, and post-race fuel conveniently labelled with 01, 02, and 03 respectively. I heard Gatorade is working on bringing these products to Manila. Crossing my fingers!

I chanced upon the Knotty Tiger (hilarious name!) from the same makers of Tiger Tail (which I personally use and we offer at TBR Dream Marathon during race day) and immediately bought one for myself.  I think it’s the perfect travel companion for destination marathons (because, yes, I wouldn’t want to lug my giant foam roller around which is probably bigger than my luggage.)

I passed by other booths of other races too…

– Left: Uso din pala Zombie races sa kanila? Right: Comrades Ultramarathon, one of the toughest ultra marathons in the world –

There was free massage for the runners. How cool is that?!…

Free photo that you could pin up on the board alongside other participants. Even cooler…

I left the expo that evening happy about my purchases and excited about the race.

The following day, we hopped on a train heading towards my cousin’s wedding in Warwickshire, just near Stratford-Upon-Avon where Shakespeare was born.

I saw this at the train station…Waaah, excited!

– Ssshhh. I wore the adidas jacket na di pa nalabhan. No one knows except for you guys! –

NEXT: PART 2: LONDON MARATHON – A WEDDING, SHAKESPEARE, AND A RUN

Thank you so much to all the people who got me to London! Unilab Active Health for sponsoring the trip. Special thanks to my favorites Enervon Activ for keeping me energized during training and race day and Enervon HP for aiding in recovery. Thank you to Timex Philippines and Timex UK who snagged me a race slot.