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!
It’s Mizuno’s Infinity Run tomorrow. And, unlike past races, I am completely unprepared.
I signed up for 5k tomorrow (the longest distance I’ve ran for the past two months as proven in my expanding waistline) and I laugh at myself for feeling all jittery just thinking about it. Will my knee cooperate? Will I have to walk? And, last but not the least, will I be able to resist the temptation of racing when I promised myself I’d run a slow, easy pace?
Truth be told, I was concerned about the last question as I was leaning towards a “No.” I worried about the fact that this bull-headed runner would glare at faster runners in the middle of the race, scratch her hoofs down on the ground, and with a loud, violent grunt yell “To hell with it. Bahala na yung tuhod!” And run as fast as I could.
Fortunately, the hubby came to the rescue. Almost like a night in shining armor (aw, how romantic), he accepts my invitation to run his first 5k with me and, by default, gained the respectable position of being my pacer. With him by my side, I’m certain I’ll run this one at a slow, steady pace making sure that the hubby enjoys the experience so that he turns into a running addict like me! (If this doesn’t one work, I’ll try hypnotism next)
Today, instead of my usual pre-race prep day wherein I rest, eat well, and sleep early for tomorrow’s race, I am doing quite the opposite. I’m working in the morning, playing golf (first time on the fairway) this afternoon, and watching Horton with the kids in the evening. Wish me luck tomorrow. (Insert nervous laugh here)
For those who haven’t seen the race route, here it is. (Thanks Mark for emailing) See you all tomorrow!
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),
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!
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.
