How can a beautiful start end in a tragedy?
Woke up at 5 AM this morning to try a new workout. Got out at 5:37 AM and headed for the park. Then I did the following to spice up my old, boring routine:
1. Run 800 m. at 4 mins. 35 secs.
2. Jog/walk 400 m.
3. Run 800 m. at 4 mins. 43 secs.
4. Jog/walk 400 m.
5. Run 800 m. at 4 mins. 35 secs.
6. Jog/walk 400 m.
When I came home, I stretched and did some strengthening exercises (following the advise of Gigi, the fitmommy) using dumb bells, crunch ball and resistance band.
I was sooh hungry after that I almost ate the whole daing na bangus for breakfast!
I then took a quick shower and went to MAKRO. Upon returning home, left again to bring my daughter Eia to her ophthalmologist who unfortunately called that he couldn't make it.
Took early lunch @ 11:30 AM. At 12:30 PM, we were again on the road on our way to my dentist friend for Eia's consultation. His clinic is near Rockwell so I thought our trip would be "killing two birds with one stone". Adidas Rockwell is one of the registration outlets for the much-awaited KOTR.
Couldn't contain my excitement when I approached the sales lady and proudly told her that I would be registering for KOTR. My big smile disappeared and turned into frown when she announced that the only race bib and singlet left were for 21k! But she was kind enough to give me a registration form and calling card so I could check if and when there will be new set of race bibs and singlets.
When I saw at the back of the form that Adidas Mall Of Asia and Festival Mall are also participating outlets, I decided that we drop by MOA before going home to Philamlife Village, Las Pinas City.
I was keeping all my fingers crossed while traversing from National Book Store (where I left Ate Ella and Eia) to the Adidas outlet located at the farthest end of the mall.
Much to my dismay, I got the same information that the only available race bib and singlet were for 21k. I went home broken-hearted but hang on to my last hope that I could still register at Festival Mall.
I immediately contacted Adidas Festival Mall when we got home but guess what--they don't have anything left. Not even for 21k!
How about you? Are you fortunate enough to register for KOTR?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
End of a 5-Year Love Affair
A year after I left my husband, I purposely dived into a serious relationship.
It was smooth as silk as I have planned. All because I have applied my secret formula of tender loving care. The gentle strokes here and there, the regular soothing massage, the scheduled dates to add color--to name a few.
Some of my friends thought that I was too old to start a new relationship while others expressed that it actually made me look younger than ever.
Well, I knew that I couldn't please everybody all the time so I just continued to enjoy my new-found love.
For five consecutive years I nurtured this beautiful relationship with all the love I could possibly give.
Then faster than a wink of an eye, it was gone.
With just one simple miscommunication, the only thing that made me feel like a beauty queen suddenly walked out of my life.
I had no premonition whatsoever that it will die sooner than I expected.
Want to know what happened?
My instruction to the hairdresser was to layer my waist-length hair to lessen the bulk. Much to my astonishment, she cut my hair before I could even scream "DON'T".
My beloved hair which I took care for five long years met its untimely demise right before my very eyes and I couldn't do anything to save it.
I wanted to cry but I couldn't.
Strange, but I didn't feel any pain anymore. Could it be that my heart turned into stone after what I've been through? I guess not. I'd like to think that I didn't get angry because my hair will still grow to whatever length that I want.
But for now, I have to settle for this:
It was smooth as silk as I have planned. All because I have applied my secret formula of tender loving care. The gentle strokes here and there, the regular soothing massage, the scheduled dates to add color--to name a few.
Some of my friends thought that I was too old to start a new relationship while others expressed that it actually made me look younger than ever.
Well, I knew that I couldn't please everybody all the time so I just continued to enjoy my new-found love.
For five consecutive years I nurtured this beautiful relationship with all the love I could possibly give.
Then faster than a wink of an eye, it was gone.
With just one simple miscommunication, the only thing that made me feel like a beauty queen suddenly walked out of my life.
I had no premonition whatsoever that it will die sooner than I expected.
Want to know what happened?
My instruction to the hairdresser was to layer my waist-length hair to lessen the bulk. Much to my astonishment, she cut my hair before I could even scream "DON'T".
My beloved hair which I took care for five long years met its untimely demise right before my very eyes and I couldn't do anything to save it.
I wanted to cry but I couldn't.
Strange, but I didn't feel any pain anymore. Could it be that my heart turned into stone after what I've been through? I guess not. I'd like to think that I didn't get angry because my hair will still grow to whatever length that I want.
But for now, I have to settle for this:
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
My First 7k Run
After a series of bouts with the agonizing discomforts of the big "M" (you know--that inevitable biological transformation common to women reaching 49-51 years of age), I conditioned myself to run my first 7k today--no matter what.
A fine weather greeted me this morning, boosting my energy to fulfill my resolution. I was all set to run after I bring Gio to school but Eia's Science assignment forced me to postpone my run in the afternoon. We had to look for 5 different kinds of leaves, flowers and fruits. And we had to introduce each one of them to my daughter with Down Syndrome!
By mid day, the weather drastically changed-- courtesy of storm Marce. It didn't bother me though, 'coz I could still run inside the basketball court. No problem, really.
As soon as Eia entered the car when I fetched her from school she excitedly asked me "Mama, you will run in the basketball court?" I smiled at her and told her yes. Deep inside, I was so proud of my daughter who was very observant of what's happening around her. She already deduced that because it was raining, I had to run inside the basketball court so I won't be wet.
While I was changing to my running outfit, I heard someone say "Didn't you run under the pouring rain in the Milo Race? C'mon, do it again. Make your first 7k run truly memorable".
And so, with my jacket and favorite Nike blue cap I bravely faced the wrath of Marce.
After 1 round, I noticed I was all alone inside the park (it seemed I was the only running addict inside Philamlife Village). I decided to go outside and run around the park instead. Although I was the only one running, I didn't feel alone because vehicles would pass by me every now and then. I just hope those people who've seen me wouldn't assume that I just escaped from the Mental Hospital!
With all the rain drops, sweat and tears rolled into one, I made it through the storm--my first 7k run!
A fine weather greeted me this morning, boosting my energy to fulfill my resolution. I was all set to run after I bring Gio to school but Eia's Science assignment forced me to postpone my run in the afternoon. We had to look for 5 different kinds of leaves, flowers and fruits. And we had to introduce each one of them to my daughter with Down Syndrome!
By mid day, the weather drastically changed-- courtesy of storm Marce. It didn't bother me though, 'coz I could still run inside the basketball court. No problem, really.
As soon as Eia entered the car when I fetched her from school she excitedly asked me "Mama, you will run in the basketball court?" I smiled at her and told her yes. Deep inside, I was so proud of my daughter who was very observant of what's happening around her. She already deduced that because it was raining, I had to run inside the basketball court so I won't be wet.
While I was changing to my running outfit, I heard someone say "Didn't you run under the pouring rain in the Milo Race? C'mon, do it again. Make your first 7k run truly memorable".
And so, with my jacket and favorite Nike blue cap I bravely faced the wrath of Marce.
After 1 round, I noticed I was all alone inside the park (it seemed I was the only running addict inside Philamlife Village). I decided to go outside and run around the park instead. Although I was the only one running, I didn't feel alone because vehicles would pass by me every now and then. I just hope those people who've seen me wouldn't assume that I just escaped from the Mental Hospital!
With all the rain drops, sweat and tears rolled into one, I made it through the storm--my first 7k run!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Ouch!
According to David Styles:
"The idea behind training for a marathon is to condition your muscles and body to be ready for the race. This includes decreasing your resting heart rate and conditioning your muscles and respiratory system to function in the most efficient manner possible.
To do this you should schedule your training sessions to allow your body to push to it's limits whilst at the same time allowing it enough recovery time between sessions.
The typical training system should include two rest days, two shorter runs, one semi-long run, a cross-training day and one long run per week and should look something similar to this basic program:
Monday: Rest day
Tuesday: Short run
Wednesday: Semi-long run
Thursday: Short run
Friday: Rest day
Saturday: Cross-training
Sunday: Long run
This is the most efficient way to get your body into peak condition without running yourself into the ground."
As I have written in my post "Proud to be an Addict", I run 4X a week, sometimes 2X a day, in an attempt to adhere to this basic training program. It didn't take too long for my age to interfere. This program may be applicable for most runners but I learned that it's simply not advisable for runners who are just beginning to train at age 50. I had to revise the program if my goal is to run until age 100. My body just gave in at the rate I was going.
And so, my revised program is as follows:
Sunday: Long Run
Monday: Rest Day (walk/jump rope/bike/stairs,etc.)
Tuesday: Tennis
Wednesday: Short run, Strength Train
Thursday: Tennis
Friday: Semi-Long Run
Saturday: Strength Train
I don't particularly know what caused the pain and discomfort in my body (as if it's not obvious that it is my age!) but starting this week, I will limit my runs to only 3X/wk. If needed, I will also limit my tennis to only once a week and replace it with some lesser strenuous exercises (after all, the basic program calls for 2 rest days).
How about you? Do you follow a strict training program? Are you comfortable with it?
"The idea behind training for a marathon is to condition your muscles and body to be ready for the race. This includes decreasing your resting heart rate and conditioning your muscles and respiratory system to function in the most efficient manner possible.
To do this you should schedule your training sessions to allow your body to push to it's limits whilst at the same time allowing it enough recovery time between sessions.
The typical training system should include two rest days, two shorter runs, one semi-long run, a cross-training day and one long run per week and should look something similar to this basic program:
Monday: Rest day
Tuesday: Short run
Wednesday: Semi-long run
Thursday: Short run
Friday: Rest day
Saturday: Cross-training
Sunday: Long run
This is the most efficient way to get your body into peak condition without running yourself into the ground."
As I have written in my post "Proud to be an Addict", I run 4X a week, sometimes 2X a day, in an attempt to adhere to this basic training program. It didn't take too long for my age to interfere. This program may be applicable for most runners but I learned that it's simply not advisable for runners who are just beginning to train at age 50. I had to revise the program if my goal is to run until age 100. My body just gave in at the rate I was going.
And so, my revised program is as follows:
Sunday: Long Run
Monday: Rest Day (walk/jump rope/bike/stairs,etc.)
Tuesday: Tennis
Wednesday: Short run, Strength Train
Thursday: Tennis
Friday: Semi-Long Run
Saturday: Strength Train
I don't particularly know what caused the pain and discomfort in my body (as if it's not obvious that it is my age!) but starting this week, I will limit my runs to only 3X/wk. If needed, I will also limit my tennis to only once a week and replace it with some lesser strenuous exercises (after all, the basic program calls for 2 rest days).
How about you? Do you follow a strict training program? Are you comfortable with it?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Oldest Runner at the 32nd MILO MARATHON
After watching CSI:New York at 10-11 PM last Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 I patiently waited for the Correspondents to be aired knowing that Karen Davila would feature the 32nd MILO MARATHON where I ran 5k. Had I known that Karen would also be running 5k, I would have run side by side with her. That way, I could have earned the fastest ticket to fame (hah hah ...).
My mother dearest who just arrived from a prestigious awarding ceremony surprisingly waited with me (I had this weird feeling that maybe she wanted to see for herself if I did run the Milo Race). Fearing that her chinky eyes would pop out in search of her only daughter in the midst of a multitude of runners, I pointed to her that I was the one in Nike blue cap and maroon jacket. Although she didn't actually see me, she believed me anyway (oh, the love of a mother for her child).
I didn't jot down any notes while watching the one-hour episode so I'm relying on my good, old memory on this special episode of the Correspondents.
As I remembered, Karen featured the following:
1. The runner who came all the way from Puerto Princesa to join the Milo Marathon
He was 236 lbs. before (but have a lovely wife as flashed in the picture) and used to have a 46" waistline (proven by the pants he actually wore when he was still obese). One single stroke which almost claimed his life changed it all. He started to watch his diet and incorporated brisk walking in his daily exercise. His walking eventually led to running. Once, while he was running around the oval in Palawan, a running coach spotted him and offered to train him. I guess their efforts paid off because this man is now lean and slim at 135 lbs. with 29" waistline (just like mine!).
2. The youngest runner in the 10k Race
He was only 8 years old but joined the 10k Race with his running coach--his father. When asked why he trains and runs, he answered that he wanted to win. His father gave the same answer. According to him, it would be a great honor if his son wins the race.
3. The oldest Marathoner
This is where my tears began to drop. Lolo Alfredo Fototana goes to the wet market every morning at 3:30 AM to sell meat. After his work is through, he goes home, change his outfit from meat vendor to a professional runner. He runs around the oval for 2-3 hours then go back home to take his nap. Karen tried to catch up with him in one of his practice runs but she just couldn't reach him. How could she? At a prime age of 72, Lolo Alfredo finished the whole 42k at the 32nd Milo Marathon at 4:01. Although his Official time was 4:06:09, this is quite an achievement for a 72-year old runner--don't you think so?
So Johnny Sy, malaki pa ang pag-asa natin. 50 pa lang tayo!
Sabi nga ni kaibigang Lonerunner, Run On Friends!
4. Coach Rio
I couldn't believe that it was Coach Rio being interviewed by Karen. He looked different. If I may say so, he was telegenic. Okay, cute. He gave some tips on proper form when running like the position of the arms and the feet when landing on the ground. Very helpful to viewers who would like to start training and also for runners who were not sure if they're doing the right thing(like me).
5. Pinoy Ultra Runners
I think 5 of them said something but one comment caught my attention: "Takbo tayo ng takbo, wala namang napapala." (We run and run but we don't achieve anything).
According to them, they are not a competitive organization. They are here to promote running 100k or more. They run to help cancer patients through the KYTHE Foundation, the beneficiary of their runs. So far, they have already contributed almost P500,000 to this foundation.
In my 2nd post last year, I invited my friends/relatives to run 5k with me on my 50th birthday for the benefit of DSAPI (Down Syndrome Assn. of the Phils. Inc.). Most of them couldn't make it but some of them offered financial assistance to the association. Last week, I formally submitted my proposal to DSAPI to organize a Fun Run/Race on Feb. 22, 2009 in observance of the Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. Will let you know of the details if the Board will approve my proposal.
My mother dearest who just arrived from a prestigious awarding ceremony surprisingly waited with me (I had this weird feeling that maybe she wanted to see for herself if I did run the Milo Race). Fearing that her chinky eyes would pop out in search of her only daughter in the midst of a multitude of runners, I pointed to her that I was the one in Nike blue cap and maroon jacket. Although she didn't actually see me, she believed me anyway (oh, the love of a mother for her child).
I didn't jot down any notes while watching the one-hour episode so I'm relying on my good, old memory on this special episode of the Correspondents.
As I remembered, Karen featured the following:
1. The runner who came all the way from Puerto Princesa to join the Milo Marathon
He was 236 lbs. before (but have a lovely wife as flashed in the picture) and used to have a 46" waistline (proven by the pants he actually wore when he was still obese). One single stroke which almost claimed his life changed it all. He started to watch his diet and incorporated brisk walking in his daily exercise. His walking eventually led to running. Once, while he was running around the oval in Palawan, a running coach spotted him and offered to train him. I guess their efforts paid off because this man is now lean and slim at 135 lbs. with 29" waistline (just like mine!).
2. The youngest runner in the 10k Race
He was only 8 years old but joined the 10k Race with his running coach--his father. When asked why he trains and runs, he answered that he wanted to win. His father gave the same answer. According to him, it would be a great honor if his son wins the race.
3. The oldest Marathoner
This is where my tears began to drop. Lolo Alfredo Fototana goes to the wet market every morning at 3:30 AM to sell meat. After his work is through, he goes home, change his outfit from meat vendor to a professional runner. He runs around the oval for 2-3 hours then go back home to take his nap. Karen tried to catch up with him in one of his practice runs but she just couldn't reach him. How could she? At a prime age of 72, Lolo Alfredo finished the whole 42k at the 32nd Milo Marathon at 4:01. Although his Official time was 4:06:09, this is quite an achievement for a 72-year old runner--don't you think so?
So Johnny Sy, malaki pa ang pag-asa natin. 50 pa lang tayo!
Sabi nga ni kaibigang Lonerunner, Run On Friends!
4. Coach Rio
I couldn't believe that it was Coach Rio being interviewed by Karen. He looked different. If I may say so, he was telegenic. Okay, cute. He gave some tips on proper form when running like the position of the arms and the feet when landing on the ground. Very helpful to viewers who would like to start training and also for runners who were not sure if they're doing the right thing(like me).
5. Pinoy Ultra Runners
I think 5 of them said something but one comment caught my attention: "Takbo tayo ng takbo, wala namang napapala." (We run and run but we don't achieve anything).
According to them, they are not a competitive organization. They are here to promote running 100k or more. They run to help cancer patients through the KYTHE Foundation, the beneficiary of their runs. So far, they have already contributed almost P500,000 to this foundation.
In my 2nd post last year, I invited my friends/relatives to run 5k with me on my 50th birthday for the benefit of DSAPI (Down Syndrome Assn. of the Phils. Inc.). Most of them couldn't make it but some of them offered financial assistance to the association. Last week, I formally submitted my proposal to DSAPI to organize a Fun Run/Race on Feb. 22, 2009 in observance of the Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. Will let you know of the details if the Board will approve my proposal.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
For the First Time
Yesterday, I couldn't contain my emotions seeing on TV (again) the senseless killings of innocent lives in my native land, Mindanao (dubbed as the Land of Promise before). When my Tennis Coach texted me that we'll play at 5 PM, I begged off.
I desperately needed to run yesterday to shake off the hurts and pains that were bottling up in my chest.
I walked from our house to the park, in preparation for my 5.5k run--my first attempt ever.
Maybe due to my unstable emotional state, I wanted to run for as long as I can. But if I run at my normal pace, I would definitely exceed the 5.5k mark--something I want to avoid because I wanted to stick to the 10% Rule (you only increase your distance by 10% each week if your goal is to be injury-free).
Putting everything in perspective, I decided to run as slow as I can and stop when I reach 5.5k.
And I did it! I was able to run 5.5k for the first time. And I was able to run for 52 minutes straight without walking, also for the first time.
I can't wait for next week, when I will run 6.05k for the first time . . .
I desperately needed to run yesterday to shake off the hurts and pains that were bottling up in my chest.
I walked from our house to the park, in preparation for my 5.5k run--my first attempt ever.
Maybe due to my unstable emotional state, I wanted to run for as long as I can. But if I run at my normal pace, I would definitely exceed the 5.5k mark--something I want to avoid because I wanted to stick to the 10% Rule (you only increase your distance by 10% each week if your goal is to be injury-free).
Putting everything in perspective, I decided to run as slow as I can and stop when I reach 5.5k.
And I did it! I was able to run 5.5k for the first time. And I was able to run for 52 minutes straight without walking, also for the first time.
I can't wait for next week, when I will run 6.05k for the first time . . .
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Shake, Rattle and Roll
As I write this post, my heart is grieving (again!)
I missed the Mommy Milkshake Run last year because of sheer ignorance. Promised myself to join this year with my 2 kids. My son was breast fed for 19 months and my daughter, for 9 months. Running with families who share the same advocacy would surely be fun. And finally meeting Jaymie, my mentor since May 2007 and the Happy Feet group was an added bonus (if not the main attraction heh heh...).
When I called the registration office, I was advised to e-mail all the names, ages and contact numbers of all of us who'll be joining since there were five of us. And I happily obliged. After that, I looked for pink t-shirts in all our closets. Finding none for Eia, I bought her one at MAKRO when we shopped there yesterday.
Gio was reluctant to go but after hearing the magic words (blow-out at Chowking or McDo) he readily agreed. No problem with Eia. I assured her that she could just walk or rest when she gets tired.
We attended the 6PM Anticipated Mass yesterday because later, we are scheduled to watch Lea Salonga's Cinderella at the CCP Theatre. After the mass, we proceeded to EMAPALICO for Minerva's (my cousin Weldel's wife) birthday celebration. We didn't stay there long because we had to sleep early (or so I thought).
Eia and I were already about to doze off when I heard Gio looking for something in the dresser. I asked him why and he told me he's looking for a band-aid coz he accidentally stepped on thumb tacks. I immediately got up, turned on the light and saw the trail of blood on the floor. How could something like this happen the night before Mommy Milkshake? Que horror!
After applying first aid on Gio's wound, I told everybody that we have to skip this morning's fun run. It sure broke my heart (again).
Last year, I cried (literally) for missing to meet TBR.
This year, the feeling is worse. I again missed the chance to meet Jaymie, and this time--also missed the opportunity to meet the wacky group of Happy Feet (sob...more sob...)
I missed the Mommy Milkshake Run last year because of sheer ignorance. Promised myself to join this year with my 2 kids. My son was breast fed for 19 months and my daughter, for 9 months. Running with families who share the same advocacy would surely be fun. And finally meeting Jaymie, my mentor since May 2007 and the Happy Feet group was an added bonus (if not the main attraction heh heh...).
When I called the registration office, I was advised to e-mail all the names, ages and contact numbers of all of us who'll be joining since there were five of us. And I happily obliged. After that, I looked for pink t-shirts in all our closets. Finding none for Eia, I bought her one at MAKRO when we shopped there yesterday.
Gio was reluctant to go but after hearing the magic words (blow-out at Chowking or McDo) he readily agreed. No problem with Eia. I assured her that she could just walk or rest when she gets tired.
We attended the 6PM Anticipated Mass yesterday because later, we are scheduled to watch Lea Salonga's Cinderella at the CCP Theatre. After the mass, we proceeded to EMAPALICO for Minerva's (my cousin Weldel's wife) birthday celebration. We didn't stay there long because we had to sleep early (or so I thought).
Eia and I were already about to doze off when I heard Gio looking for something in the dresser. I asked him why and he told me he's looking for a band-aid coz he accidentally stepped on thumb tacks. I immediately got up, turned on the light and saw the trail of blood on the floor. How could something like this happen the night before Mommy Milkshake? Que horror!
After applying first aid on Gio's wound, I told everybody that we have to skip this morning's fun run. It sure broke my heart (again).
Last year, I cried (literally) for missing to meet TBR.
This year, the feeling is worse. I again missed the chance to meet Jaymie, and this time--also missed the opportunity to meet the wacky group of Happy Feet (sob...more sob...)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)