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“Mama, I want my blanket.” she murmured.

“Uh huh…” I replied in my sleep.

“Mama, I want my blanket!” my daughter screamed.

I opened my eyes, peeked at the alarm clock that failed to wake us, and yelled to the hubby “Get up! We’re late!” followed by a few curse words that you yourself would have said in the same situation.

It was 5:40 a.m. A mere 20 minutes to the start of On Your Mark at NBC Tent where the hubby and I were registered for 5k. I ran towards the bathroom, ran back to the bed to pull the blanket over my daughter, and sprinted again back to the bathroom to get dressed in breakneck speed.

We arrived at the race at 6:07 a.m., 7 minutes after around 1,600 registered runners left for the 5k and 10k races. The hubby and I decided to continue with the race sans the race bibs. He made it his mission to search for his two colleagues who I had registered for and, as a result of my loser alarm clock, were forced to run without their numbers.

We ran side by side at a s–l–o–w 7 min/km pace. It was a bonding experience for us, but I wished we could move just a wee bit faster. The hubby, you see, doesn’t care about his time and I respect him for that. It’s good that he keeps me “grounded” as I teeter on the edge of obsessiveness over my running time all the time. He runs with me for fun and remains to be passionate about nothing else but golf. So, for the first few kilometers, we ran together at this relaxed, easy pace.

By the time we reached 2km and met the 10k runners near Market! Market!, I was feeling antsy. Fernando Zobel ran past me at full speed. (By the way, may I just say he is no longer my crush as I have noticed too many a women runners going gaga over him. My crush should belong to me and only me. Hence, I shall revert back to the hubby for now! hah!) Then, Lala Calma and Mark B. flashed by. And a little later on, Bald Runner flew by me too looking all cool in his slimmer physique. I couldn’t take it! I suddenly missed running 10k at a more challenging pace.

A few minutes later, I gave in and asked hubby if I could run ahead. “Go ahead” he replied in his usual laidback manner. “Okay, meet you in a few seconds!” So, we had around 4 or 5 rounds of that mini interval training for me where I would run ahead, slow to a walk and wait for hubby, then run fast again.

Nearing the end, I didn’t even bother to cross the finish line. I ended the run at around 35 mins. barely evaluating the results from my Garmin. Yet again, this was not a real race for me. I was just grateful to be spared of any pain or discomfort in the knee. Well, that at least deserves a little Yey! from me.

Where was Rufa Mae? Dingdong Dantes? Nowhere to be seen. Dang, I would’ve ran GK had I known there was no juicy showbiz chismis over here. (Kidding!) Oh well, at least they gave out great loot: a shoe bag which contained a shirt, wristband and sticker.

To friends Jujet and Lala, congratulations for coming in 1st and 3rd respectively in your categories!
To Happy Feet, I missed you! Ang lungkot pala kapag wala kayo!
To the hubby, congrats on your 2nd race!

I was at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street this afternoon drooling over the bikes with the hubby and kids when I chanced upon this flyer by the counter:

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TRAIL RUN 101
An Introductory Clinic to Trail Running

April 16, 7 to 9pm
Clinic at R.O.X.

April 19, 6am to 1pm
Run at La Mesa EcoPark

Learn the science of Trail Running and discover a new world of running outdoors!

P800/pax
Includes:
– clinic fee
– transportation
– breakfast
– park fee

Instructor:
Ige Lopez

For more info:
www.roxphilippines.multiply.com

Register now at R.O.X.
Tel. no. 856-4638 to 39

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I was never interested in trail running. I disliked my first and perhaps last experience with mountain climbing a decade ago (my, am I that old?)—the mud, rocks, and bugs just didn’t catch my fancy. And, I don’t like getting my running shoes dirty. But, for some reason, I’m actually open to giving Trail Running a shot (my guess is it has something to do with my running on the field more often than the road nowadays). I may not join during this coming R.O.X. clinic but some time in the future. Maybe when hubby is willing to accompany me…and when the sun isn’t this intense.

Maybe you would like to try this out. The lady at the counter said 7 runners have registered so far. They are only accepting a maximum of 40. Go for it why don’t you? It sounds like a lot of fun!

Hong Kong wasn’t my ideal running course but I was thrilled with the opportunity to run in new, unfamiliar territory nonetheless. I ran twice on mornings despite the tired, stiff legs from the non-stop shopping and commuting (and carrying my 42 lb. 3-year old daughter half the time!) As for swimming, the pools at both hotels we stayed in where tempting, but I chose to rest my weary legs for a good run instead. There was no way I was missing out on runs in HK!

RUN NO. 1: KOWLOON PARK
Date & Time: April 6, Sunday, 6:30 a.m.
Length of Time: 40 mins
Distance: 5 km

Oh, the hubby wasn’t too happy about this run. He expressed his hesitation about me going out on my own the night before, but I tried my best to appease him by promising I’d run back in a snap if at any time I didn’t feel secure. Anyway, I was planning to run in a happy little place called Kowloon Park just a stone’s throw away from our hotel.

Fortunately, I was right. Kowloon Park was indeed a peaceful, relaxing, and undeniably a safe area for me amid the octogenarians who were practicing Tai Chi early that morning. They were all over the place; it was almost like the movie Cocoon asian version! No muggers or creepy people here, hubby!

– Kowloon Park, a safe haven amid the hustle and bustle of Tsim Shat Sui –

The park had clean, wide paths which led to different areas within the park such as the aviary, playground, duck pond, public swimming pool (with nearby McDonalds), and even a fitness trail. Running from end to end was more or less a kilometer (I couldn’t trust my Garmin here as the GPS signal was intermittent due to the buildings in the surrounding area) so I decided to just enjoy the scenery and run where my feet would take me.

The course was mostly flat with small hills to break the monotony but not enough for a good challenge. I even headed for the fitness trail expecting a great hill workout, but found myself surrounded by lolas and lolos strolling up and down slight inclines.

I ran about 4.5 km at an easy pace with long walking breaks when I’d stop to check out the playground for the kids or stare in awe at the beauty of Tai Chi. Despite the lack of a challenge, it was a fun run for me. Just what I needed to reenergize for the long day ahead in Ocean Park.

RUN NO. 2: DISNEY HK
Date & Time: April 9, 6:45 a.m.
Length of Time: 36 mins
Distance: 4.5 km

On our 4th night, we stayed at Disney Hotel in Lantau Island. I was ecstatic over the fact that they had a Jogging Map and promptly studied one to plan my route for the following morning. I chose the scenic Waterfront Promenade route which would take me from our hotel, Disneyland Hotel, to Hollywood Hotel through the jogging paths by the sea. I planned on extending that route to reach Inspiration Lake, which would give me more or less 5km.

That morning, our last day in HK, I dragged myself out of bed feeling sluggish and tired. You would too had you spent a full day at Disneyland Park with two kids who insisted on riding each and every ride—except for Dumbo and Orbitron twice and Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups thrice!

As soon as I stepped out of the hotel’s back door, however, all aches and pains disappeared. Was this where I was going to run? I was in heaven!

– My first view of my running path that morning –

After some stretching by the Mickey Mouse maze, I followed the red jogging path (mostly running on the grass though for less impact) and enjoyed the cool wind and cloudy sky. After a few meters, however, I didn’t find myself at Hollywood Hotel as the jogging map had shown, but I was in the delivery parking lot! I ran through this and exited the hotel running instead on Magic Road, the main road surrounded by mountains and trees on both ends, and decided to follow this straight course to Inspiration Lake.

– Everyone is asleep at Disneyland except for The Bull Runner –

Running on the empty streets was pretty cool, but after a while my imagination started running wild. I felt like I was in Jurassic Park and I expected a velociraptor to pounce on me anytime. (So much for running in the happiest place on earth eh?!) I was 200m shy of Inspiration Lake when I decided to turn back. I couldn’t muster up the courage to pass the pedestrian tunnel alone and I was feeling some discomfort on my left knee. Peeved at this sign of injury, I walked a few meters and entered Hollywood Hotel. After passing its back door, I discovered the jogging path! The real jogging path I was supposed to run! It was close to the water’s edge and not the red path I had ran through earlier!

– I had the jogging path, and the amazing view, all to myself –

As I entered the secure jogging area (where you must use your hotel room’s card), I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was alone with the sea with a full view of Hong Kong before me. It was beautiful! I tried brisk walking… then jogging slowly… then a little faster to reach a steady 6:30 pace feeling no pain this time. I guess all I needed was some inspiration!

– Running back to Disneyland Hotel. I didn’t want this run to end! –

I ended the run hoping that I could stay just one day longer at this beatiful hotel. Just one more day to run, please? But alas, all things must come to an end, so I’m thinking maybe next year instead? Hmm maybe…

All my bags are packed for our 5-day trip to Hong Kong. I’ve included two sets of running attire and my swim suit hoping that I’ll be able to squeeze in some good workouts before the kids wake up each morning. I’m particularly looking forward to running in the garden of the happiest place on Earth. Perhaps Mickey and Donald would like to do an easy 5k with me? We’ll see.

Be back on Wednesday!

Decisions decisions. What are you joining on April 13, Sunday? There’s the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Run in SM Mall of Asia and On Your Mark (GMA Kapuso) Run in Fort Bonifacio.

I’m leaning towards On Your Mark only because I’d rather run at The Fort than MOA. Oh, and also because I’d love to spot a few Kapuso celebrities all fresh and dandy while we humans sweat it out under the intense heat.

Check my List of Races for details on registration for both races.

For On Your Mark, below are more details and race routes for 5k and 10k. (Thanks Levy!)