Category Archives: Bullish Insights

I haven’t posted for a while now (yes, a few days is long for me) for two reasons: 1) I attended a four-day seminar, which to an independent, multi-tasking designer/mother like me, felt like forever and left me exhausted every single day, and 2) I have fever. Argh…I feel terrible about skipping training the next few days.

I hit the sack early this evening at around 8:30 but couldn’t get an ounce of sleep with the kids jumping around in the background. By 10:30, I received a text from Ben and, despite the achy bones and slight headache, I knew I had to get up and view his blog.

You see, I was fortunate enough to be handpicked by Photographer Ben to be one among the few that he’s shot for his runner’s profile. (First was Chaia, followed by Coach Rio.)  Ben is a magician with the camera. His photographs are simply amazing. Combine that talent with a great passion for running and you get running photos that just leave you speechless (and in Coach Rio’s case left girls drooling!)

Here’s my favorite photo climbing up my not so favorite hill in Country Club Drive…

And here I am running past St. James the Great Church where hubby and I got married…
This is me on the treadmill with the kids drawing. Ben, I love this shot!

And this is where Ben almost tumbled over as he chased me down the street..

Last but not the least, this is what Ben calls my profile shot…

To view more TBR shots (where my thighs look huge, my tummy is bulging, or my face looks kinda funny which is largely my fault, not Ben’s!) and other runners that Ben has profiled, click here to visit the Photographer on the Run. To race organizers, Ben also shoots races, such as Condura Run and Champion Run.

Thanks so much to Ben and RC for the photos!

– With Elma Muros-Posadas and Annie –

Elma Muros-Posadas, according to Pinas, “went down in Southeast Asian Games history as the only track athlete who won in different events.” She won 15 gold medals, more than any other Filipino athlete, and is hailed as one of the country’s sports heroes.

I’ve spotted her many a times at the track, coaching her youthful team with the authority that comes from her years of experience, but I was always afraid to approach her—even just for a photo op. Today, I was introduced to her by Coach Rio and, although we didn’t chat long, I learned that this legendary athlete and so called “iron woman” is actually amiable and down-to-earth.

It was a busy, busy day as we all had to literally “run along” but I hope that, in the future, I get to sit down with her and ask for some secret training tips and just some magical speed dust for my feet.

– With Coach Jo-Ar, Elma M., Annie and Coach Rio –

On this day, over three decades ago, I was born.

And, on the same day last year, The Bull Runner too. (This was my first post ever. My how time flies!)

We’re having a double birthday celebration today by running 100km from my place to Tagaytay followed by an eat-till-you-wobble party serving Omakase’s sushi, S&R pizza, Trio’s pasta, UCC desserts with bottomless frapuccinos. Care to join?

Oh crap, Coach ordered for complete rest today. And, I never ran past 20km. And, I’m on a diet.

Party is postponed to next year.

* Happy Birthday again to my best running buddy, Annie, who celebrated her birthday yesterday! We could’ve done a double birthday celebration— 200km with double the food!

Most of my runs the past fortnight have been on the track. Aaaah, the track. What can I say? How can one oval bring so much joy and the same amount of pain at one time?

– My brand spankin’ new Mizuno Wave Precision and I on the first day we set foot on the track. Don’t laugh at the shimmering legs…I got carried away with the sunblock –

I love training on the track. Early in the morning, when half the city is asleep, there are extraordinary people who gather in this little oval to unleash their potential…and I simply feel fortunate to be among them. It’s awesome to be surrounded by athletes who are ten times stronger and a hundred times more dedicated than I am. The energy in the air is palpable and sometimes I secretly hope that their power is contagious.

When I run here, I am more focused. And, I train harder. (Or is it because I’m surrounded by generous coaches?)

Then, at the same time, I experience the pain. It’s the good kind of pain though, the kind that tells you you’re pushing your body to the limits and you’ll come out stronger after. The drills make me gasp for air. 20 to 25 sets of stair climbs make my quads tight and get me wobbling like a duck. And, the sprints…oh the sprints just leave me feeling utterly depleted, like a balloon that’s lost its air.

I leave each training session feeling exhausted but happy. I’m always relieved to know that I’ve worked hard yet my knee isn’t complaining. I seriously think that (knock on wood) I’m heading out of the danger zone with regards to my knee injury. Two full weeks of running, swimming, and gym without the slightest hint of the evil runner’s knee! Looks like I’m right on track (no pun intended) for full recovery.

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…