Talk about high-tech race analysis. Normally, when I see numbers and charts, I run towards the opposite direction (so unlike DATC) but, in this case, I enjoyed learning how I fared vs. competition in the Singapore Half Marathon. Perhaps my favorite piece of info below is this: “You were ahead of about 83% of male finishers.” Wooah, how cool is that?
I wonder when we’ll ever have technology like this in the Philippines?
* Data courtesy of RunPix
It’s been a crazy week. I felt like I was doing everything at 5k race pace hoping to accomplish as many things as possible before leaving for Singapore tonight. That should explain why I barely had the time to tell you how I excited I am about this trip, which brings with it a lot of “firsts”…
First time in Singapore.
First half marathon.
First race abroad. (Woohoo! And, I hope there will be many more to come. Hint hint to the hubby!)
First trip out of town without the hubby and kids. (Hubby will be fine as his 2nd wife will keep him company over the weekend; I’m talking about golf, by the way. The kids will be well cared for by hubby and yaya. Honestly, I think I’m more anxious than they are.)
First getaway with Annie. (My best running buddy and I have finally done it! We’re leaving our regular running route and our family to run abroad. Yes, that’s how much we love to run.)
Hopefully, my left knee behaves itself and allows me to enjoy this “trip of many firsts.” I shall leave you now to get ready for the trip. Wish us all Pinoys luck! Be back on Monday!
To Pinoys running in Singapore: Let’s have a post-race breakfast at the basement of Funan, G/F at Yakun Kaya stall. Mark P mentioned they have a foodcourt and usually some stalls are open by 9:00 am.
Mark P, I hope it’s alright that I invited the rest of the world to what was supposed to be a romantic meal between you and Tiffin.
– with Jay (who looks like a firefly here), Coach Rio, friend, Vimz, Wilbert, Mark, and Jun. (Chris, never leave before the photo op!) –
Silly me for thinking I could do an easy 10k during Day 3 of Nike Run Clinic. My training at Ultra last night was quite the opposite.
After the usual warm up and stretching, Coach Rio asked the group two questions: 1) who had injuries, and 2) who was going to run at Singapore; both times I raised my hand. We were then divided into groups during which my bullheaded self requested permission to cross over to the uninjured group instead. Coach Rio and Jo-Ar obliged telling me to simply stop should I encounter any pain.
I found myself with Jun and Mark under the supervision of Coach John. Jay and Chris joined the group several minutes later. We were to run 3 x 200m with 100m walks for recovery. My goal time was 40 sec. Phew. Just thinking about it made my heart rate skyrocket but, at the same time, I was looking forward to doing intervals again which I hadn’t done since summer. (Ssssh, don’t tell anyone.)
In a few words, that workout was lung-busting, vomit-inducing, and really tiring, but it was a lot of fun. I also picked up a few tips from Coach Rio and Coach John who took note of my “lazy wrists” and helped me correct my form. I ended the run without injury but Coach Rio advised me to continue with the ice—not in my drink, Mark—but on my knee.
I must say that I don’t enjoy intervals as much as long runs, but I always end track workouts feeling proud of myself for merely being able to walk back to my car alive and well. I’m so looking forward to Nike Run Clinic Day 4. Tempo Workout, here I come!
Thank you to the wonderful coaches: Rio, John, Jo-Ar and Roel and the rest of the team.
Welcome back to the Pinoy Ultra Runners and their guests who ran 55km up Mt. Pinatubo and down again for a good cause: Kythe kids’ Christmas Party.
Read Part 1 of the story here. Neville, we shall wait with bated breath for the 2nd installment.
* Photo courtesy of Pinoy Ultra Runners
I have never had uglier feet than I do now.
I’ve had a black toenail on my right foot for what feels like f-o-r-e-v-e-r. If that wasn’t bad enough, after New Balance last Sunday, my left pinkie toe was practically covered by one giant bloody blister that scared the living hell out of me after the race. To add icing on the cake, I also discovered a tiny blister on my right foot last night.
For weeks now, I have had my toenails painted in rich, dark red pedicure in an attempt to conceal its sheer ugliness. And, all this while, I’ve been happily wearing my Havaianas, flipflops, and other open-toed sandals wherever I go blissfully thinking that I’ve been fooling everyone around me. I was wrong.
Two nights ago, I was reading my Running Horoscope at Lonerunner’s blog and, much to my horror, this is what it said:
Taurus 20 Apr-20 May
Symbol: Bull
Element: Earth
Stop wearing Sandals/Flip-flops, your dead toenails from your last long run are never sexy.
Harharhar, I had a long good laugh! In fact, I was practically hitting my head on the laptop while rolling on the bedroom floor laughing. Lonerunner (or his manghuhula) hit the nail on the head for that one!
But, when the laughter died away, feelings of insecurity came clawing its way into my head and down to my toes, which curled up in embarrassment. Should I stop wearing flipflops? Is it really that bad? Lonerunner, does your manghuhula really think my feet aren’t sexy?
Last night, I removed the pedicure with acetone and stared at my ugly feet in all its naked glory. Yes, my toes were hideous, but must I be ashamed of it? I realized that I should be proud to show off such tiny little survivors, or better yet, warriors that just fought their way through 25km of rough roads. So, what’s your problem if they aren’t white? So what if they aren’t perfect? They still do their job, right?
So, from now on, let it be known that whoever stares at The Bull Runner’s battered and blistered feet with disgust will get a kick in the face and hear these words: “So I’ve got ugly feet. Who cares? I am a runner.”
To the Pinoy Ultra Runners—who may have uglier feet than I do by Sunday—I wish you the best of luck in your Pinatubo 55km run tomorrow. Stay safe and, as always, have fun!
