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For the past two weeks now, I have enjoyed every bit of all my short runs sans the pain. What has made all the difference? Nope, it wasn’t Dr. Pribut’s ultra conservative recovery program (I heard knee clicks and experienced soreness even with the gradual progression from walking to running) nor my self-discipline, patience, or unwavering faith in the gods of running. It was Spenco.

– Spenco Orthotic Arch (Full Length) sitting comfortably in my beloved Wave Creations –

Yes. Believe it or not, a pair of arch supports have brought me back into running. It was Dr. Canlas who—after I consulted in absolute desperation and depression two weeks ago (which I intentionally did not share over here because I was mad, mad, MAD!)—told me quite simply that all I needed were arch supports and motion-control shoes. He even added, to make me feel better or hmm maybe worse, that my 2-month abstinence from running was completely uneccesary. I could’ve ran continuously had I just learned about this magical solution early on!

No use crying over spilled milk. I am a much more positive person now that I’m getting my daily dose of regular runs. Why, you’ll even notice me running with a new Spenco…I mean, spring…in my step.

Just got back from our annual Baguio family trip…

But, this one was different. It wasn’t about lounging around at the hotel while the in-laws went on a golfing marathon. It was all adventure, adrenaline, and pure fun.

Like real miners, we put on our gear…

and bravely ventured into the dark and eerie Philex mines.

We took the kids horseback riding (where my daughter and I could’ve slid off a hill were it not for the quick hands of the guide),

played in the park,

and joined the Easter Party (where Anton found the black egg to win him the 3rd prize).

We even had time for a day-trip to the beach in La Union.

Last but not the least, I ran 5k twice through the roads of John Hay amid the cool, crisp, fresh air of Baguio. The first run was with the hubby and my sister-in-law. We ran at different paces but enjoyed every bit of it nonetheless. The second time, I ran on my own. It was a smooth and fun run—no pain from my knee, no pressure about the time—just me and my great big smile against the refreshing Baguio background. Amazing!

Is it just me or are there a lot more features on running and races in local newspapers nowadays? It’s great that running is getting a fair share of the sports spotlight lately—although it is still a far cry from the exposure of basketball and boxing.

Yesterday, Inquirer had this on the front page of it’s Lifestyle section:

Is running today’s “IT” sport? Is it the new badminton? Yes, perhaps. So many people are getting into running with mundane reasons such as “it’s what’s in right now” to the more serious ones like weight loss and fitness. You’ll spot more runners on the road—U.P., Salcedo, High Street, Alabang—they are everywhere. Why, you’ll even see some runners on TV. Television commercials feature runners with long silky hair (tell me why a woman would even run without her hair tied up?!) or one in pain as Pacman leaves him by the wayside.

Then, the races. The number of races lined up for the year will remind one of that time when badminton courts where sprouting up like Starbucks around the metro. Oooh, there are so many races lined up for the year that one’s racing calendar is filled to the brim. One ends each run bidding his fellow runner “See you at the next race!” and that’s almost synonymous to “See you next Sunday!”

Running may be the “in” thing right now. But, honestly, the thought sends shivers from my toes through my patella and up my spine. It’s great that running is gaining in popularity but I don’t want to see running as yet another fitness trend that people discard like a fad diet. For many of us, moreso the elite and master runners, running is our life. We run because we love it. I just hope that people who try running now will fall in love with it as much as I have.

Moving on, guess who got a brief glimpse of stardom (or Inquirer-dom) on that same page! Just below the article was this box:

Can you see it? I circled it for you! Sen. Pia Cayetano mentions her favorite books and online resources on running and #6 is yup yup: The Bull Runner! (Oh, stop it with the applause I’m already blushing!)

By the way, I’m leaving for Baguio tonight so I’ll be on blogging break for five days. I’ll be thinking of all of you as I run up the hills of John Hay. I just have to figure out how to get down since running downhill can aggravate my runner’s knee. Hope you enjoy your break. Happy Easter in advance!

After observing some runners who were walking or limping during road races due to their old and worn-out running shoes, the Baldrunner thought of donating his old shoes to them.  Soon after, he had an even better idea: to collect old running shoes and distribute these to other deserving runners who cannt afford to purchase new running shoes.

Hats off to you, Baldrunner, for such a great initiative!

If you have running shoes collecting dust at home, why not donate them and put a smile on another Pinoy runner’s face?  Below are the details taken from Baldrunner’s post:

COLLECTION POINT: The office of the DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Running Club, Inc with address at Fire Station, AFP General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City will be the repository of all donated shoes.

CONTACT PERSONS: The following officers with their respective cellphone numbers will be the contact persons of this program and feel free to send them SMS or call them for the details of the program or for personal appointments:

Major Rodrigo Turno PA—0905-900-3658

Captain Ferdie Espejo PA—0917-623-2611

Approriate papers will be prepared as Acceptance Form from the donors as well as Acceptance Form duly signed by the recipient. A formal letter will be sent to the donor as to who received the running shoes he/she donated. This will promote transparency in the inventory and distribution of these items, and in the overall implementation of this program.

DONATION BOOTH AT RACES: A “booth” will be established by the abovementioned officers in every weekend race starting with the Mizuno Infinity Run at The Fort on 30 March 2008 to accept donations and at the same time distribute these shoes to runners sporting old, dilapidated, worn-out, and tattered running shoes.

During the last Pinay In Action ’08, there was a small group of runners who joined the run for a much bigger purpose than most of us. They ran a full 10km to show support for Mila Mercado, a woman who suffered an embolism after giving birth 11 years ago. Since then, she has been a quadraplegic, unable to walk nor speak.

Her husband, Wawel, and daughter, Therese, have been with her every step of the way. They have lived a normal and happy life just like any other Filipino family. Together, they established “Team Mila” to help others gain a better understanding of the disabled and to seek equal treatment for them.

Therese recently submitted a project in school called “Kids Can”. Please click here to view Therese’s amazing work. I’m sure Wawel and Mila are very proud of her.