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We were to spend 4 days in Baguio for Holy Week. I packed 5 sets of running clothes. Just to be sure, right? Running in cool weather—with the El Nino heat of Manila—was an opportunity that this runner wanted to take full advantage of.

DAY ONE: 10K | CAMP JOHN HAY

I run in Camp John Hay every single time I’m in the City of Pines. But, this being the first time that I’ve visited Baguio completely injure free; I had the liberty to roam the camp and go where my feet took me.

-Entering Camp John Hay –

From Baguio Country Club where we were booked, hubby and I ran towards Camp John Hay. We took our regular path in the Camp making an immediate left after the guard house, which is a steep and long uphill, more torturous than the deadly McKinley Hill that we urban runners are used to. I know that this hill is where many of our elite athletes run their intervals. An ex-National team member friend of mine said that they used to run 30 reps up this hill. Hubby and I could hardly catch our breath when we reached the top. No reps, just one climb!

We rolled down towards Mile Long and attacked more hills as we ran towards the Manor. We made our way toward the other gate of Camp John Hay passing Figaro and the horseback riding area. We decided to stay within the confines of the Camp and turned around at the end, where the other gates was, and proceeded towards the mini golf. It was a pleasure to run in the secured residential area where the Baguio cottages always make me want to abandon the city and live in this city instead. We passed by the Pet Cemetery and made a mental note to tour the kids there later on.

– Love these roads! –

We ran down again towards the Manor passing Mile High.  We then took a deep breath and attacked another uphill climb as we made our way towards Starbucks and Cantinetta. It was here that I decided to just walk and enjoy the view of the golf course on both sides. Upon reaching the top, we entered another residential area. This is where hubby and I parted ways as hubby cut his run short to rest before our long run the following day.

– Entrance to one of the residential areas we ran in –

I completed a total of 10km. As I was making my way out of the village heading back to Baguio Country Club, the guard told me: “Ma’am, iniwan ka an ng kasama mo!” Pleased with my run in such beautiful scenery, I replied with a smile: “Okay lang. Mahaba pa takbo namin bukas.”

NEXT POST: DAY TWO: 20KM around Baguio City

I’M IN!

Just got word that I got into the ING New York City Marathon 2010 lottery!

Goodbye goal-less days. Hello serious training! New York here I come!

Who of you is heading for NYC Marathon, too?

Are you still suffering from withdrawal symptoms from the long break? Here’s something to perk you up.

As a follow up to THIS post, New Balance is offering three lucky runners one (1) pair of New Balance shoes each for wear testing. This means that New Balance will give you a pair of shoes to use (and keep) but, in return, you must give us a fair and honest assessment of the shoe.  Your review will be posted on this blog.

Are you game?  Here’s how to join:

1. Subscribe to TBR Mailing List by filling in your name and email on the upper right of this blog.  (Can you see it?Right above the ad boxes to your right)  Current subscribers need not register again.
2. Within the week, I will email TBR Mailing List a survey on running shoes.  Fill this up completely.
3. All complete survey forms will be included in the raffle.
4. 3 lucky runners will be chosen.  Winners will be notified via email and through this blog regarding pick up of prizes.

May the best runner win!

It was just what I needed to refuel.  A long break from the chaos of the city and even the world wide web. For the first time in a long, long time, I kept my mac locked in its bag…and I didn’t miss it at all.

The past days in Baguio was just what I needed to remember that I should always live in the moment. To be fully present in my kids’ lives without thinking of errands that must be done or work that must be finished. To spend more time with the hubby without the children in tow. To run without worrying about pace nor distance and having the time to stop and smell the flowers (or pines)…

We had such a grand time at Baguio I almost wish I wasn’t back in Manila just yet…

– Some cross training for the little Bull Runners at the mini golf in Camp John Hay –

– Only The Bull Golfer was foolish enough to wear all black and not have her hair up in a ponytail at a mini golf –

– Par or PR? –

– As requested by Li’l Miss TBR –

– Swimming at the heated pool of Baguio Country Club is always a must –

– They say musical chairs is a good calorie burner… –

– …and so is hunting for Easter Eggs –

– Li’l Miss TBR found the silver egg and won a brand new Barbie doll for it –

– Of course, no trip is complete without a run! I ran a total of 30km in Baguio. More on this in tomorrow’s post –

Off to Baguio for some high altitude training…plus horseback-riding and easter-egg hunting with the family!  I’ll be accompanying hubby as he complies with Coach Jim’s marathon training program for TBR Dream Marathon. We’ll tour Baguio on foot and attempt to cover 23km for his weekend long run.  We never ran that long around the City of Pines so it’s going to be a grand adventure!

Enjoy the break. And don’t forget to say your prayers. Advanced Happy Easter to all!