First Race After Colles Fracture

3 months after I lost my balance on the tennis court and suffered a wrist injury(Colles fracture in medical terms), I dared to fly again and once more savor the unexplainable "high" that only running can possibly give.

I would have wanted to run side by side with Papa Piolo at the Fort but opted to shy away from the limelight for the time being hah hah . . . (It was 4 months since my last race and I was still in PT rehab)

After a series of utmost convincing and prodding, my rehab therapist Mark finally agreed to join me in my comeback race. He was already jogging 45 minutes 3X a week for 1 year before we met but had no intention of joining a race. Had he said YES before the Adidas KOTR, I could have "defended my crown" (sob).

I picked the Animo Run because he's an alumnus of DLSU. I figured he won't say NO to my proposal and I was right. With Nov. 15 as our target date, Mark religiously followed the one-month running program I made especially for him. It was an easy-to-follow weekly schedule that included a tempo run, a speed interval workout and a long run.

Pre-Race:

The day before the race, we attended the birthday party of my uncle in a nearby subdivision. I may have eaten more than my stomach could handle or something alien that caused me to heed the call of nature 5X from 8PM to 9 PM.

Thanks to Gatorade, I didn't feel weak nor exhausted with my successive trips to the rest room.

By 10PM, I was already lost in dreamland. Then I was jerked by the startling sound of alarm early in the morning. For a while I wondered why I set my alarm at 4:10 AM. After some thought I realized it was race day and I was supposed to meet Mark at the Petron station fronting McDo Macapagal at 5:10AM.

As usual, Mark was late again but forgivable for he still fetched his darling Elena who will be his official photographer. Mine was Ate Ella. (Actually, I thanked God that he was late 'coz I still had to do my business in the rest room. Twice.)

We were lucky to find 2 parking spaces fronting San Miguel by the bay. From there we jogged to the starting area.

A commemorative pose at the starting line upon arriving at the race venue, only 20 minutes from Las Pinas City.




While waiting for the start of the race, in front of IMAX Theatre.


Then out of nowhere my friend Anna (the Meekrunner) appeared! I was simply overjoyed in seeing her. We're supposed to run 16k last September but I got injured in August.

After a while Anna had to join the 10k runners who'll be running ahead of us.


Race Proper:

We waited for another 10 minutes after the 10K runners left and we were off.

Mark and I ran slowly together until the first right turn, where he disappeared in a flash.

I took my own sweet time, reminding myself that I just got out of injury and still recovering. Sometimes I set my eyes on someone (a young hunk or a sexy female runner) and try to reach him/her. Then I pat myself at the back for still having the strength to run faster than athletes half my age.





Mark, finishing strong in less than 24 minutes (galing ng Coach hehe...). Not bad for a first timer (he was aiming to overtake the PNP in front of him but just couldn't make it . . . he vowed to seek vengeance next time around).

That's me walking to the finish line. After 34 minutes, there was already a queue of runners ahead of me. I didn't break PR (clocked 31:27 at the 2008 Adidas KOTR) but I'm just glad to be back on track again.

All smiles with our certificates and free t-shirts (given only to the first 50 finishers).

Post-Race:

While waiting for the awarding ceremony, I glanced at my right and saw Takicutie and his lovely wife Meg! (Good luck Meg on your 1st 15K this Sunday).

I thought the Animo Run will be better this year but as before, there were problems again in the compilation of the list of winners.

We would have stayed longer but we had to stop the uprising in our empty stomachs.

One last pose with Ate Ella and Mark's sweet honey pie, Elena before we left at @9:30 AM.

Now that I'm back, see you all in future races!

85 And 10

85 years ago today, a baby boy was born in a humble home in Naic, Cavite destined to be the father of an only child.

75 years later, a special child was born to his only daughter who would change his life forever . . .

Yes, my dearest father and only daughter are both celebrating their birthdays today, November 11, 2009.

Tatay is 85--old enough to be my grandfather, and Eia is 10--young enough to be my granddaughter.

Strange how things turn out the opposite of what we planned them to be.

My father fantasized of marrying an only daughter and having 10 children.

He ended up marrying the eldest of 10 children and had only 1 offspring!

As for me, I run away from marriage whenever I can.

I ended up embarking on the "last trip" 5 months before I turned 39.

Then I prayed for an only child.

But God had other plans.

He gave me a boy. And a girl.

When I was 5, I begged my mother that we leave my father.

After 52 years, my father and mother are still together.

When my son was 5, he begged me to accept his father's plea that we live together again.

It never happened. I filed for Petition of Marriage Annulment and it was granted in 2007.

Who would ever think that exactly on my father's 75th birthday, God will grant him a granddaughter who would melt his hardened heart, teach him how to express his love, and give him joy beyond imagination?

Ah, God may sometimes not grant our prayer. But He sure gives us something better!

Thank You, Mark!

Today, Oct. 24, 2009 is the beginning of a new life for me.

Exactly after one month of PT rehab, I can now drive my old, reliable Revo--thanks to my young, equally reliable therapist, Mark.

My cast was removed on Ate Ella's 64th birthday, Sept. 23. I expected that things will return to normal as soon as I let go of this green fiberglass that kept me close company for six loooong weeks.

Like an innocent child eagerly anticipating her dream toy, I excitedly waited for that magical moment when I thought life would be the same for me again.

But just like my love life, things didn't turn out the way I planned them to be.

As soon as Dr. Sevilla cut my cast to free my arm, he blurted out these words which caused me to scream in horror:

He told me: "Di ko pala nasabi sa iyo. Pagkatanggal ng cast, mas masakit pa kaysa bone fracture."

I wanted to believe my orthopedic surgeon was only joking.



I prayed and wished that he was, but he wasn't.


And so, instead of a "back to normal" life that I imagined, a life of pain and misery and agony and suffering began.



(buti na lang di nakasali face ko sa picture . . . nakangiwi kasi plus may kasama pang luha at sipon hah hah . . .)

There are no words in any dictionary that could aptly describe the pain I feel every time my wrist is mercilessly twisted, my stubborn hand fiercely straightened and each of my hardened fingers stretched beyond their limits.

I even told my therapist that when I die, I'll probably go straight to heaven for I've gone through hell already. Mark was quick to reply: "Eh Tita, di naman po ako demonyo" (heh heh . . .)

When my PT rehab started, I could only move my hand 5-10 degrees. I couldn't even flex my fingers. The pain lingered all day long that sleeping was an ordeal.

Following the advices of my Rehab Doctor and therapist, I launched my own therapy program at home in the hope of speeding up the whole recovery process.

Hot pack was my constant companion. So with the lovable squeeze ball. Later on, the powerful laundry clip (I try to close it with my thumb and 1 finger), the water bottle as weight for wrist exercises, door knob rotation from left to right and vice versa, and stretching between fingers using thick rubber band.

All these exercises were extremely painful at first but slowly mellowed down as time went by.

I'm still in rehab.

My best friend Pain hasn't abandon me yet.

But I'm happy.

I'm happy because I can now drive and . . . I AM NOW COACHING MARK TO RUN HIS FIRST 5K RACE.

Thank you, Mark.

I'm sorry I wanted to punch and kick you during our therapy sessions.

Thank God for therapists like you!

First Race at Age 75

Tennis, golf, bowling -- you name it. My mother played these recreational sports and has brought home countless trophies for winning tournaments that she joined.

Except running.

My ever dearest mother has never joined a single race for the 75 years of her active life.


Not until the Family Fun Run last Aug. 2, 2009.

Gio and Eia begged their lola to bring them to Museo Pambata then run together in the Family Fun Run after that.

Poor grandma, cannot say NO to the persistent prodding of her 2 grandchildren.

As for me, I was overjoyed because whenever she goes out with us, I leave my wallet at home heh heh . . . .

It's good that Nanay exercises everyday following the different types of aerobics video.

And through all these years, she has maintained her 36-28-36 figure and 110-lb. weight.

I always tell her that she was born without any taste buds. Her whole meal intake is only half of my appetizer hah hah . . .

She couldn't understand why we still eat sweets after eating, when we are supposed to be full already. I tell her that there is such word as "dessert" in the dictionary and it was included there for a purpose.

She would end the conversation by saying that "I only eat in order to live. You live in order to eat."

It's no surprise that the 3k race was a walk in the park for her. She ran/walked with her grandchildren enjoying every moment of it.

Sadly, we had to leave right away for Eia was already complaining of stomach ache.

The following day, I received a call from the organizer, Mr. Kenneth Montegrande, inviting me and Anna (the meekrunner) for a breakfast get together.

With Anna and her runaholic family.

Unfortunately, Anna didn't make it because of an early corporate meeting.

Sorry Anna. I was treated to a sumptuous buffet breakfast at Cafe Bocobo and had a wonderful time chatting with Ken and his buddy (whose name now slipped my mind--probably because of my recent General Anesthesia?).

Before we said goodbye, Kenneth gave me these fabulous prizes!

The envelope contained P5,000 cash.

The Crocs Prepair I chose at MOA was priced at P2,350!

I was wearing my pink Crocs Prepair when I chased the closing time of RFC last Monday, Aug. 24, 2009.

Now it can be told: Ang Crocs Prepair, di lang pang walking--pang running pa!

Thank you Ken! Take care of yourself in the U.S.

Running With One Arm

My son Gio arrived very late yesterday, only to inform me that he needed fabric paint for his school project.

I immediately took a shower and then left for RFC Dept. Store right after dinner. After 10 days of having only one arm I surprised myself by becoming an expert in doing things using my forehead, teeth, chin, hips, thighs, knees and feet in lieu of my left hand's 5 fingers which are still sore and painful until now.

I was planning a leisurely walk from our house to RFC but when I glanced at my watch, I realized that RFC will close in 15 minutes. I decided to ride the tricycle at the next street but we didn't even reach the gate when it had to stop because of the long queue of vehicles trying to get out of Philamlife Village. Heavy traffic has been a familiar sight ever since our village became part of the "friendship route".

No time to lose. I gave the driver my fare then ran towards Zapote-Alabang Road going to RFC.

Oh no! Some stalls at the ground floor were already closed.

I flew to the 3rd floor and when I got there, the only remaining light was on the cashier area.

In between heavy sighs and breaths, I begged the person closing the door that I only needed pink and violet fabric paint. Staring at my fiberglass covered arm, he took pity on me and searched for the materials I specified. I hurriedly paid for the items, thanked the cashier and left.

On my way back, I dropped by my favorite fruit stand and bought 1kg bananas, 2kg santol and 1kg rambutan. I wanted to walk but had to take the tricycle for my arm started to be uncomfortably painful.

As I recall the events of yesterday, I wouldn't have made it on time but I did.

I made it because I ran.

Thank God I'm a runner!

Hah!

IMPACTED FRACTURE!

Friday, Aug. 14, 2009 was the perfect day for tennis and running.

My daughter Eia announced in the morning that she'd like to play tennis after school. It was their last day of exams and will be dismissed earlier than usual.

Perfect! From Eia's school we proceeded directly to the tennis court and there Eia enjoyed having the court on her own (her Kuya Gio was dead tired to go with us).

It's OK for me even if i couldn't play. I figured I could still run after I bring Eia home and change my shoes.

But after 50 minutes, Eia declared to Coach Sonny that it's my turn.

And so I complied and took over the tennis court.

I was only getting warmed up when I excitedly ran backwards to hit an overhead ball. The change in pace happened so fast that I suddenly felt out of balance.

By instinct, I tried to support myself with my left hand (was holding the racquet with my right hand) to prevent a bad fall.

The next thing I knew, I was down on the ground struggling with the agonizing pain in my twisted wrist.

Strange . . . in my mind, I thought "Lord, thank you it's not my leg or feet."

Coach Sonny yelled for help and in an instant, Coach Pitik was wrapping ice on my hand which he carefully placed on a bamboo splint. He also made an improvised sling to support my left arm.

Since it was impossible for me to drive, I called Ate Ella to come over to take care of Eia then we requested the tricycle driver to bring us to Perpetual Help Hospital.

I was immediately given an intravenous pain reliever (which didn't work so had to be given a much stronger dose an hour later) when we arrived at E.R. After securing my arm with the medical sling, I was wheeled to the X-ray room for a diagnostic picture of my forearm.

The resident physician contacted the orthopedic surgeon accredited by Philamcare but unfortunately, he was about to board the plane for an overseas trip (the other orthopedic surgeon accredited by Philamcare operating in Perpetual Hospital passed away last week involving a car accident along a flyover).

The advice was to cover my arm with a temporary cast and follow it up with an orthopedic surgeon.


And Dr. Lopez did just that.

My friend Mimi recommended other orthopedic surgeons based in Perpetual Help but nobody had clinic hours the following day, Saturday.


Yesterday morning, I had the chance to consult with Dr. Edgardo Sevilla.

I showed him my X-ray results which read:


IMPACTED FRACTURE ALONG THE DISTAL RADIUS.
AVULSED FRACTURE OF THE STYLOID PROCESS OF THE LEFT ULNA.

Dr. Sevilla suggested a procedure called "closed reduction" to remedy the problem.


However, I need to present to him a C/P (Cardio/Pulmonary) Clearance before he could implement the procedure. This, according to him, is necessary for patients 40 and above (ouch!) undergoing a General Anesthesia.

I thought getting the clearance was easy but I was advised to have a chest X-ray, ECG and 2-D ECHO before I'll be given one. I already finished the first 2 but will still have to wait until tomorrow for my 2-D ECHO.


Thank you Jay and Jaymie for the get well wishes over runradio.


Take care, everyone!

In Life And In Death--Thank You, Tita Cory!

Ever since I started training in May 2007, I have been dreaming to run with Jaymie (then the "newbie" runner, now the famous and fabulous TBR).

After more than 2 years and 2 months of rigorous praying, my dream finally became a reality!

And this elusive dream would have remained just a dream if not for Tita Cory's sublime intervention.

Even in death, Tita Cory proved to be powerful in unifying the Filipino people.

With Jaymie initiating the "Run for Cory", runners converged in Ayala Alabang, U.P., MOA, Makati and the Fort to dedicate one special run in honor of one great leader.

I was very fortunate to join the group of runners that ran around Alabang Country Club. Although many runners signified their intention to join, the gusty wind and rainshowers prevented most of them to fulfill this desire.

Thanks to Jun and Anna (the meekrunner), I had no problem arriving on the said venue before 7 AM. Soon after, we were joined by Bambi, Miguel and Jaymie, Sir Ipe, Francis, Ardy, Pat and other runners. Later during the run, the flying couple Mark and Tiffin just appeared from nowhere heh heh . . .




I don't know where this was taken but it was a place where the fast runners waited for me and Anna (thank you guys for patiently waiting for us). Anna and me were joking to each other "Easy run nila ang 7 mins/km, sa atin hard na yon."

It was my first run in Ayala Alabang and it couldn't have been better. I was in good company, running to honor someone great enough to be a hero and a saint.



Taken after that wonderful 8.7km run with the football field as background. I enjoyed it so much I was still energized to run another 5k but Anna had to go home right away.

Thank you, Jaymie for initiating this run. I promise I'll train harder so you won't wait long for me the next time.

And thank you, Tita Cory! Without you, this wouldn't have been possible.