Posts Tagged with: "Run"

Thank goodness we didn’t get lost. Hubby and I are from the “province” of the South so racing in U.P. was akin to venturing out into the wild blue yonder—or shall I say maroon?

We arrived at the Runnex assembly area at around 5:30 a.m. giving me just enough time to line up at everyone’s favorite—the portalets. Soon after, I still had a few minutes to warm up and stretch. I was feeling some discomfort below the left knee which was making me feel anxious and frustrated.

As hubby and I were checking in, Coach Jo-Ar came to explain the route and reminded me for the nth time: “Pakiramdaman mo yung tuhod mo!” Yes Coach, I was not willing to waste weeks of rehab work for one race so this was definitely going to be a training run for me—a 7k training run, in fact, so I planned on running an additional 2k after the finish.

When the gun went off, I ran easy—overly cautious about the knee. According to my Garmin, my average pace for Km 1 was 5:49 min/km. Surprisingly, I felt no pain! Perhaps a go-signal from the heavens to go a wee bit faster? I eagerly complied.

By Km 2, I was averaging 5:28 and by Km 3 I was running at 5:18. The great thing about all this was that I was not tired nor out of breath. I felt like I was on a hard training run, not a race. So, I allowed my eyes to wander enjoying the beauty of U.P., the trees that shaded us, and the runners around me.

There were a couple of times I allowed myself to race. One with a girl probably a decade younger than me. She was definitely fitter than me, probably a college varsity player in a sport other than running. I chased her down and overtook her. She ran faster and passed by me. When time came for a small uphill, I sped up and didn’t see her after that. Thanks to those deadly stair climbs!

Then there was Mr. 10k guy who appeared from nowhere and ran by my side. I tried my best to leave him behind but he wouldn’t budge. After a few minutes, I was able to outpace him…at least I think so. And I thought to myself, “Yes, he got chicked! Woohoo!” But, I do have a feeling he overtook me at some point without my knowing.

By Km 4, I slowed to 5:38 but sped up again at the last km to average 5:17. I didn’t know when this race would end! “Why was I still running at 5 km?” I thought to myself (as I’m sure other 5kers where thinking.)

I ended the race at 31.20 according to my Garmin. Whhhaaaat?! Too slow! But, then again, I wasn’t focused on my time for this race. I went straight ahead to run another loop to finish my 7k, so I want to slap myself in the face for not peeking at the race distance. My guess is that it was around 5.6 km. Anyone had a Garmin at 5k to confirm?

This was another well-organized race for me. I especially liked the clock which had separate times for 10k, 5k, and 2.2k. Runners could also view the countdown to the start of their respective races. (Now, why can’t everyone use that?) I just wish the clock was bigger and right on top of the starting line for all eyes to see. Runners were also well-hydrated with Rush and mineral water bottles being distributed.

The only negative for me was the portalet. I hope someone thinks of a better alternative soon. I dread going in there before a race, moreso after! There was no dressing area for women (no race organizer ever offered one) so while the men easily change clothes in the car looking and smelling fresh after, women like me suffer in our drenched clothing hoping that we still look great despite the sweat dripping down our faces. Oh, and yes there was the extra half kilometer at the 5k.

Before leaving, I finally met my now ex-virtual acquaintance and now real world friend, Neville Manaois of the Pinoy Ultra Marathoners. He got me all excited about the ultramarathon training program and race that they’re planning and I can only hope I’ll have half the energy that he and his team have to run those ultras. (Thanks for the token, Neville!) It was also great to chat with Mark and Tiffin of Happy Feet again. I just love seeing couples run together.

– Me with hubby, Pinoy Ultramarathoner Neville M., Mark and Tiffin –

To Jhamfrens and Eric (Passion Runner), sorry we didn’t see each other! Next race nalang. Cat of Binan and friends, great to meet you. Master Mon and Beni V., nice seeing you again!

I am utterly exhausted. My legs are always sore and tired and screaming for a massage. My quads and ITBs ask for their stretches almost three times a day now—how demanding! And, since I train in the mornings, I am in dire need of more sleep. (I stay up with the kids up to 12 midnight and wake up before the sun rises on training days.)

But, I am not complaining. In fact, I’m loving it!

It’s summertime and I am taking full advantage of the free time to train. It’s almost like an eat-all-you-can buffet that lasts for a couple of months…but, in this case, you run-all-you-want so you won’t feel like a blob after the gluttonous indulgence.

Despite the slightly weary feeling, I’m looking forward to Runnex on Sunday. It’s the first time I’m joining a race in U.P. I always wanted to run there, but I was never willing to drive out that far in the wee hours of the morning. Now that hubby is driving and running the 5k with me (aaah, he’s definitely hooked!) I’m game and all giddy with excitement.

Hope to see you there!

– Runnex singlet that is way too big for me –

– Runnex course map. (This map means nothing to me as I’ve only been to U.P. less than a handful of times in my lifetime!) –

What have I been doing the past month? Had you looked closely, I rarely discussed my training sessions nor did I complain about my evil knee. Truth be told, I found little time to write here as running had taken over a large chunk of my idle time leaving me with the rest of the day for work and family.

A couple of running friends have dubbed my past month as “Secret Training.” You see, it’s been a month since I signed up with a new running coach, Jo-Ar, to begin rehab training for my knee yet there was no mention (just a hint) of him in this blog.

Well, now the “secret” is out. And, I’m proud to say that this has been the best month of running ever since I started.

– Me with Annie and Coach Jo-Ar after he made us do intervals that made me want to barf. –

Coach Jo-Ar has been my guide/boss/friend on this slippery road to recovery. In the beginning, it was a bit frustrating as he asked me to slow down when I felt like I could go faster or to rest for a full day when I was eager to run on the road.

After a couple of weeks, however, I had little to complain about as things got more exciting at the track. With my knee and quads a bit stronger, Coach Jo-Ar would push me to run 5 more hills…or 10 more steps…or 3 more laps…and, as I struggled to catch my breath or control my wobbly legs, I would think “Please, no more!” yet find myself achieving what seemed impossible. At the end of each session, I felt I was improving, getting stronger and fitter, and taking a step farther away from my poor injured self.

Last week, for the first time in my life, I ran everyday for six consecutive days. And, on Sunday, I was able to run 8k, my longest ever since I got injured in January. It was a tough, tiring, and challenging week (or month, actually) but it’s the most fun I’ve ever had. Salamat Coach Jo-Ar!

Did you read the papers yesterday? Running was featured in two major dailies—Philippine Star and Inquirer. Running PR isn’t just about Personal Records anymore, but also Press Release!

This is good news to all of us Pinoy Runners (hey that’s another PR?!) who can only benefit from the growing popularity of running in the country.

Here’s the article on Star featuring Global City Run…

Then another article on running by Tanya Lara…

and another on Inquirer featuring Condura Race…

In the column of Tanya Lara, she features a friend, Mon Domingo, one of the forces behind Happy Feet running group of which I am a part of, together with Eduardo Padilla, the barefoot runner. I’ve known “Master Mon” for almost a year now but only learned through this article that he’s ran 19 marathons with a 3:50 PR in 2004. Congratulations Master Mon! Pa-autograph naman ng singlet sa next race!

For more info about Happy Feet, click here.

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.