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.

I thought I would be willing to do anything to win a free trip to the Hong Kong Marathon in February 2009.  But, after reading this Facebook promo, I realized that I’m more chicken than I thought.  Here’s the promo:

Win a trip to the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon!

The second Facebook competition is back, and like the marathon this year, it is bigger and better than ever! 

Stand a chance to win a trip to Hong Kong to take part in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2009, happening on 8 February 2009!

Write a post on the group’s Facebook Discussion Board’s thread, and tell us the craziest thing you would do on 7 December to show the 49,999 other runners what the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon means to you. 

The selected winner will then be informed on 6 December, and he or she will have to carry out the idea during the run in order to claim the prize.

That last sentence just does it for me.  I could go on and on about the crazy, funny things I could possibly do, but if I have to carry them out before I get my hands on those free tickets then—uhm—excuse me but I may come down with a cold on race day.  

Just for fun, let’s answer a similar question:  What would be the craziest, wackiest thing you would do in  a local race of 500 runners to win, let’s say, an all expense paid trip and entrance to the New York City Marathon 2009?

As mentioned, Nike will be giving out free Nike attire and shoes to Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon runners who were able to register with Coach Rio. 

Click here to confirm if you’re on the list.  

According to Coach Rio, you may have registered with him, but due to lack of available sizes for singlets and shoes, your name may not be included in the final list.  Shorts won’t be given out anymore too.

If you’re listed, as I am (woohoo!), you may pick up your items from Coach Rio at Ultra, 6 to 9am and 5 to 9pm, until Thursday.  See you in Singapore!

‘Tis the season to shop for new running items, or perhaps jot them down on a list for loved ones to purchase.

If a new running shoe is at the top of your wish list, my good friend and running shoe adviser Hector prepared this pricing matrix for you to know exactly which shoe fits into your budget (hay, if only price were of no importance)…

Thanks Hector!

25th Runnex Executive Classic 5k/10K
December 7, 2008, 
UP Diliman
Reg Fee: 500 Php

Deadline of registration: Dec 6, 2008

The Executive Running Club of the Philippines (RUNNEX) in cooperation with The Quezon City Government and the Quezon City Tourism Council will be holding the RUNNEX 25th Executive 5K/10K Classic Run on December 07, 2008, 6:30am at the University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City.

The run is open to all professionals, businessmen and executives holding supervisory to managerial positions. Government executives must hold a minimum position of Division Chief while military officers must have a minimum rank of Captain.

This year’s race theme for the event is: “Human Energy For the Filipino Race”. The objective is to harness human energy For the Filipino Race’s future. It’s a race for physical fitness, energy conservation and environmental protection.

Registration Areas and Contacts:

RUNNEX SECRETARIAT 
c/o Lenilou Agustin

Rm 403-404 Juinio Hall
National Engineering Center
F. Agoncillo St. U.P. Campus
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City

Dr. LITO T. DURAN
- Duran Medical Clinic
Rm. 204 Ampil Building A. Bonifacio Ave., Cainta, Rizal 

Tel. No. 248-0288.
Facsimile 655-9498.
Mobile (0917) 4930517

RUNNEX CLINIC SECRETARIAT c/o Marivic Marty

Osmena cor. Ylanan Street
U.P. Diliman, Quezon City
every Sunday between 7: 00 to 9:00am.

Download registration form and race map here.