I am going insane. Or, I think I’ve gone psycho already.

I realized a couple of days ago that, by February 7, it will be the 2nd anniversary of my knee injury.  Since Singapore Marathon, I’ve been able to run easy 5ks with manageable pain on the left knee, but I haven’t ran any of those feel-good, lung-busting, I-want-to-scream-because-I-am-so-happy runs that keeps all of us runner’s alive and wanting more.

Out of panic, I dialled my PT’s number yesterday and yelled these exact words in his ear: “I need your help!  It’s the 2nd month of my injury already and I don’t know what else to do!”  By the afternoon, I was in Moro Lorenzo, this time for a consult with my lifesaver Dr. Canlas and my two favorite PT’s by his side.  

With one look at the wicked knee and a brief exchange of words among the three of them, the good doctor said it was an ITB problem.  No drama from me; I kinda knew it due to the ITB tightness I felt for the past few days.  I endured the dreaded massage on my ITB, corrected my form on some drills, and learned more strength training exercises for my quads at the gym.  After that, I headed home unsure of how long it will take for my ITB to cooperate and just loosen up.  Aaaah!

So yes, TBR has an ITB problem.  Wish I could say WTF but that is so not me.  I’m more inclined to LOL with tears rolling down my cheeks.  OMG, I am really going insane!

Honolulu.  Pasig.  White Rock.  New York.  These are just some of the major marathons and triathlons that Leica Carpo, runner and triathlete, has joined since she started running in Aug 2007.  Last November, she finished the NYC Marathon with a time of 3:40, which qualified her to run in the prestigious Boston Marathon this coming April.

Lucky me.  I had the pleasure of interviewing her to find out the secrets to her unbelievable performance:

First of all, congratulations on qualifying for Boston Marathon, a feat accomplished by only a few FIlipino runners. THANK YOU. 

How did you feel running at NYC Marathon?  

I felt great and barely felt ‘the wall’ at kilometer 30 I just focused on running tall, breathing easily and soaking in the positive atmosphere. The weather made a big difference for me. It was cold (40 degrees) so I did not get as tired as when I run here. I enjoyed the weather and the NYM organizers did an excellent job of making the marathon as much a joy as any running trial can be. From the perfectly positioned and executed water/Gatorade refuel stations, medical aid stops, energetic bands ranging from rock to gospel to the positive spirit that the volunteers and crowds reverb with. The city came alive and rallied behind the runners. It’s a lifetime running memory that I would want for any runner. 

What was it like to cross the finish knowing that you had qualified for Boston along with your sister, Amanda?

I was happy to see I made my sub 4 goal and did not know what the time was for qualifying for Boston at the time I crossed. I just ran at a pace that was relaxed and comfortable for the distance I felt I had to cover. I love the fact I qualified with my sister Amanda. I have a training buddy I can rely on to encourage and push me to do better.

You finished your first marathon in Honolulu at 4:22 and, a mere two months later, you ran Pasig River Marathon at 4:25.  At NYC Marathon, you finished strong at 3:40, a significant improvement from your first two marathons.  What would you say was the key factor in your training that led to your faster time?

The weather in NYC and my training program with POLO TRI for Triathlon training.  I trained for a 70.3 distance so that ‘s 6 hours of exertion vs. my goal of sub 4. I had a stronger base for NYM then my first 2 marathons. For Pasig I was coming from Christmas Holidays and only planned to run two weeks before barely enough time to recover (for my level) and not enough time to improve. Another factor I think is a serious taper which is one of the hardest things for most runners to do because they like to run everyday and get cranky when they can’t get in the mileage. As for me since my sister was getting married two weeks before Manda and I had no choice we had to join in the wedding festivities and were forced to get off our feet and rest.  Its always better to race rested after (solid training program). You need to feel like you can’t wait to run and legs should feel fresh. Both my sisters and cousin finished well under their sub 4 race goals for this NYM :>

What was your weekly training program for NYC Marathon like?

15 to 20 hours a week. Intensity varied from easy (zone 1- 2 heart rate) to hard (Zone 3-4 heart rate). 

It’s uncommon for runners to race 3 marathons in 11 months as this can lead to overtraining and injuries.  How did you ensure that your body, especially your legs, were free from injury?

Follow a well-rounded program created by a seasoned coach or runner. Proper cross training is the key. Listen to your body and don’t let aches and pains go unchecked. Proper nutrition, hydration, and the addition of (core and weights training are also good ways of ensuring you remain injury free).

How are you preparing yourself for Boston this coming April?

More running and cross training in a similar terrain as Boston. More course specific—e.g.downhill running etc 

Any goals in mind after Boston?

2 or 3 TRI races (SUBIC, IM CAMSUR 70.3 and maybe one more marathon towards end of the year).

How do you balance running with everything else in your life?

Wake up early to train. So discipline is key so you can keep all the balls in the air. I’m lucky that my work allows me to be flexible with my time.

Why do you run?

Because it makes me feel good about life and myself.

Any tips for beginners?

The first 15 minutes are always the hardest part of running—just stick to it and I promise it will get easier.  Take it one step at a time. Run with a run group you will get motivated, learn from other runners and it will make time pass faster.  I like to focus on the finish line when I get tired it keeps me going. Other thing I drilled into myself early on is to never enter a race I won’t finish. From training for it properly to motivating myself through the tough parts—one step forward no matter how slow or small is still better then not moving or going backward.

Read “How I Qualified for the Boston Marathon” by Leica Carpo on Inquirer.net

Read past Runner’s Interviews here.

This evening, my bestest running buddy, Annie, will be on a flight to Singapore to start a new job there.  As much as I want to be happy for her, I can’t help but feel otherwise.  My running soulmate and partner-in-crime is leaving.  And, I am completely devastated.  

We met way back in the summer of 2007.  Two young mothers who had a deep interest in running.  We would run every other day, no fail, rain or shine.  More often than not, we would run side by side, but there were times when she would run ahead of me (as she was much stronger) while I slowly improved trying my best to keep up with her. We had great fun talking and laughing during runs, but during tough climbs or tempo runs, we would be serious training partners, pushing each other to perform better.  By the time summer ended and our Coach had deserted us, we had already forged a bond built around—what turned out to be—not just an interest, but an obsession for running.  

October came and we decided to train for our first marathon together: Pasig Marathon 2008.  We ran our Saturday long runs together, but they didn’t feel long at all;  two hours would fly by so fast.  We learned more about each other, how we were alike in so many ways: that our birthdays are only a day apart, that our husbands are so extraordinarily patient and supportive, that running is not just a hobby for us, but a huge part of our lives.  We talked about our marathon dream and we could completely relate with each other.  Unfortunately, I got injured while Annie went on to finish Pasig Marathon at 4:07 in February 2008. 

In the summer of 2008, we signed up with another coach, Coach Jo-Ar, and started training in Ultra together.  From the roads, we moved to the track and, together, we had even more fun climbing up those stairs, racing up the hills with kids half our age, or hanging out with the legendary Elma Muros.  Still, we continued our regular Saturday long runs on the road as if it was a sacred tradition, a special day that we both looked forward to at the end of each hectic week.

By mid-year, we both decided to embark on our craziest running adventure yet: Singapore Marathon in December 2008, just the two of us pursuing our dream to run abroad for the first time.  We prepared for this together, and we did it.  Annie ran a 3:59 marathon, while I finished 2:08 for my half.  It was an amazing, unforgettable event that we were only too glad to have experienced together.

Finding the perfect running buddy is like finding a needle in a haystack.  It’s finding that partner that you have a certain chemistry with: one you can talk to for hours to make you forget about the distance or the pain in your legs, one who will adjust his/her pace according to the needs of the day, one you can trust to be there for you when the going gets tough in a run…or in life.  That was Annie for me.  And, I’d like to think I was the same for her.

Now, the sad reality.  She’s leaving tonight.  I am losing a running buddy, a sister, a dear friend.  I burst into tears just thinking about our laughable conversations about thongs, tampons, or men who waved at us on the road.  I worry who will be there to remind me to take it easy when I’m injured or to accompany me when I embark on a new cross training activity.  And, worst of all, I choke at the thought of Saturday long runs and Sunday races without her. With Annie’s departure, running for me will never ever be the same.

And here are more happy photos…

– Sen. Pia after her 15k –

– One of the most passionate runners around, Patrick C. (Running Shield) –

– Good friend, Jay (Prometheus Cometh). Miss running long with you, Jay! –

– Birthday girl Princess Tiffin looking for her Frog Prince, Mark VO2 –

– Happy couple: Mukhang Guilty and Happy. Congrats to Happy on her first 5k. Congrats to Harry for successfully recruiting his girlfriend into running! –

– See, Hector can’t possibly be a “Fat Gay Guy” if he has girls (Zinnia & Marga) swooning over him –

– Who would’ve thought so many Southridge Parents run? –

– Ex-La Salle track team member and ex-team mate of Mark Parco, Francis M. (not Magalona), and hubby. Watching Mark & Francis race should make events more exciting. Place your bets!  –

– Once upon a time, a completely clueless newbie runner emailed Star Columnist Tanya Lara requesting for more info about races in Manila. That runner was me in 2007 before I created TBR. Tanya and I met for the first time yesterday –

– with Team Super’s Jody, Javy (Tri N Hard) & Hannah –

– Drew A.’s Kuya, Gelo, with kids –

– with Rene (Jazz Runner) of Runnex. Thanks for the shirts, Rene! –

– Hubby with #1 Pinoy blogger, Anton (Our Awesome Planet) –

– with Nicole, future sub-3 marathoner –

TBR RACE REVIEW: THE HAPPY RUN 5k/ 15k

Organizer: Rio de la Cruz
Overall rating (5 highest): 4

WOOHOO, HIGH FIVE!:
– very well organized (Coach Rio has perfected the template of his BHS races)
– great entertainment (Chinese dragon dancers and ati atihan dancers at certain points)
– fun, happy atmosphere
– early release of results (Click here to view)

GOOD JOB:
– ample supply of water at water stations
– good number of race marshalls at certain areas
– accurate mile markers at every kilometer
– pretty accurate race course measurement
– convenient registration at ROX

AW, BETTER JOB NEXT TIME:
– wrong route map provided for 15k
– predictable course (same course for previous races of Coach Rio)
– no finisher’s certificate

————————————————————————–

This was a race that lived up to its name.  The Happy Run was yet another perfectly organized road race by Coach Rio which left majority of the runners content with the race organization.  There were a few surprises to liven up the mood, such as bands and dancers on the road, games after the race, and great hosting by Unang Hirit & Team Super’s Drew Arellano, the man behind the entire race.

– Bianca Gonzales and Drew Arellano hosting the event –

Boy did I need some happy dust to rub off on me.  Still feeling some soreness in my left patella, I had earlier decided to downgrade my 15k registration to 5k.  Grrr…this bull wasn’t so pleased with the idea.  On the other hand, my hubby joined his first 15k.  Yahoo for him!

There I stood at the starting line with JunC, my running buddy, who is suffering from practically the same injury as I am.  (May God help us both!)  I think we were both unsure of what we were doing: Was it worth it to risk aggravating the injury?  Why run if we’ll be so slow anyway?  Will we be able to swallow our pride (gulp) as other runners swept past us?  Before I could think of answers, the race began.

We agreed on maintaining 6:15 pace.  Easy.  We were chatting and laughing while one by one the faster runners would pass us by.  In the beginning, this was acceptable.  After all, we were injured!   After 1km, more and more runners started to overtake us.  Runners who I used to outpace were now way ahead of me. Ouch.  Sob sob sob.  It was obvious in Jun’s face that he wasn’t happy either.  That is, of course, until Iza Calzado ran by his side and they exchanged hellos! Hah!

As we neared the 2.5k turnaround, we chuckled because it felt so short.  I don’t think we were even sweating yet.  As soon as we started climbing our way back up Lawton Ave., Jun and I asked each other how our knees were faring.  Both of our knees were holding up.  It was then that I asked him “Negative?”  He nodded with a smile, “Sige, negative.”  We picked up the pace and went for a negative split.  That’s where the fun began.

We ran faster, we stopped talking, and we found our rhythm.  Nearing the end, we both asked each other the knee question again.  And, both of us answered, there’s some slight pain, but hey we survived.  I finished at 5.15km at 30:08 mins with an average pace of 5:52.  

Then, the party started.  I say this because, as I waited for hubby to return from his 15k, I got to chat and spend time with so many of my running friends.  Photos were forever being taken.  Laughter was in the air.  Happiness was in abundance.  As the show ended (yes, we stayed until the very end) and hubby and I made our way to the parking lot, I only had one question in mind:  Where was Dingdong Dantes?

– with hubby who finished his first 15k…wooohooo! –

– with my best running buddies, JunC and Annie –

– with Kulit Runner and The Changeling Children –

– with young TBR readers who make me feel way too old: Carlos, Anton, Miggy, LJ (?), and Wacky.  Wacky, don’t be so shy next time! –

– with Pinoy Ultra Runner head Neville Manaois. Congrats on the successful TNF! –

– Now, how often do you see two heroes together: Optimus Prime & Zorro! –

– Annie wins 3rd place for 15km –

More pics of Happy Run in next post…