Will You Be My Partner?

The Fit and Fun Buddy Run this July 12, 2009 requires anyone to run 5k or 10k with a partner.

No prob. As soon as I learned about this race, I immediately contacted my cousin Jun Muego if he's interested to join and he readily said YES!

Then it hit me. I would be inflicting a great injustice on Jun if he runs with me 'coz he finishes 10k at 53 minutes while my fastest time was 70 minutes.

I simply don't have the heart to compel Jun to run slower because of me.

And so this morning we both agreed that we'll look for partners compatible to our finishing times. That way, we'll get to enjoy the race because we will be running at our comfortable pace.

We need a partner for Junjun whose goal is to finish 10k at 50-53 minutes.

I need a partner whose goal is to finish 10k at 65-69 minutes.

If you are this runner or knows somebody who's still looking for a running buddy, please inform me.

Thank you very much in advanced, my dear runner friends!

51 to Inifinity and Beyond

I'm sooh easy to please. On my 51st birthday I only had 3 wishes:




First, that I could have a birthday cake to plant these candles (numbers 5 and 1) that I'm holding so I could make a wish before I blow hah hah . . .

God is good. Before night time came, my first wish was granted!



The candles 5 and 1 are now planted on a rocky road cake, courtesy of my son's godfather.

As for my second wish, I asked God for good weather the following day during the Mizuno Infinity Run where I would attempt to finish a 10k race even without the proper training. I've only done 3 short runs during the past 5 months!

I must be crazy to even think of running 10k that included the Kalayaan flyover--a route I've never dared before. My first 10k race and the only race I've run this 2009 was the PSE Bull Run last Jan. 18. It was an easy, almost flat route with a few uphills which took me 70 minutes to finish. No sweat.

The fact that Quennie (Jinoe's beloved wife) pledged to accompany me during the race gave me the much-needed confidence that I won't certainly get lost and I won't definitely be the only one to arrive last heh heh . . .

Jenny, my official photographer couldn't make it so I asked Romy, my mother's driver to accompany me.

Unlike in my first 10k race where I was nervous to the bone, this time I felt so light yet excited to be back on the road again and meet some runner friends whom I already missed so much.

After forcing myself to eat a slice of toasted bread with peanut butter and 1 pc. of banana latundan followed by my favorite hot chocolate drink, off we went to Bonifacio Global City.

We arrived just in time to watch the pack of 15k runners go.

I easily spotted Quennie among the crowd and she introduced me to some takbo.ph members.

Yes, my double chin is back-- one of the many reasons why I should run again. Yes, I gained 6 lbs. during the 5 months that I didn't run but I know I'll revert to my ideal weight soon, now that I'm back in the groove again.

My friend Agnes and her husband Boy came to send me off. I was hoping they would be running with me but not this time. Romy was nowhere to be found so I had no photo with them.

After a short stretching exercise lead by Fitness First, the gun was fired at exactly 6AM.

Quennie advised me to take it slow and I followed her advice, not having any choice anyway since my legs were stiff as steel. Oh, the pains of not running enough.


Running the first 5k was a breeze. I didn't notice how long we were running 'coz Quennie and I were talking and greeting some runner friends who were on their way back. We saw Vener, Bards, Mark, Jinoe closely behind Sen. Pia, Christy, Vimz, Rico.


I glanced at my watch at the U-turn slot and it read 38:27. So far so good. This was almost my 5k time during my first 10k race.


But running back to the Fort was a different story. Quennie sensed that I was already struggling so she advised me to drink water and I did.


By the time that we reached the peak of Kalayaan flyover, the sun was up and brutally bright. I couldn't complain 'coz didn't I pray for a good weather? Deep inside, I was silently telling myself that I should have prayed for a rainy (but not stormy) weather instead.


I asked Quennie what could be our estimated finishing time and she informed me @1:20. That's when I told her to go ahead since I previously learned from her that her time in Baguio was 1:05. She's forced to slow down because of me. What a sacrifice!


Quennie stayed with me through and through. When I could no longer force my legs to go on, she proposed that we could just walk or jog then run fast at the last corner to the finish line.

I could no longer feel my legs touching the ground, only my body brushing against the wind.

At the last turnaround, Quennie and I flew towards the finish line!

Powered by Quennie's loyalty and dedication, I made it!

I survived the Kalayaan flyover without any injury.

Never mind my time. At my age, to finish this race at 1:20 without training for 5 months is enough to make me happy. Thank you, thank you Quennie. I wouldn't be savoring this victory without you by my side.

And meeting some of my runner friends even made me happier. Nice to see you again Jinoe, Vener & Christy, Roselle!

With the growing takbo.ph members. Hope to know everybody in person.

Together again: Quennie, Roselle (the Running Diva), me (once the golden girl--now 51) and Vener's better half, Christy.

Now, what could be my third birthday wish?

Simple. Just for Roger Federer to win the elusive French Open, the only Grand Slam that he has yet to win for him to be acknowledged as the 'greatest player of all time'.

With all my 3 birthday wishes granted, I couldn't ask for more--except for Alaxan to ease the pains in my aching body!

Welcome to The Club, Mimi!

(This is sooh long overdue . . . but as the saying goes: Better late than never!)

Last March 7, 2009 I received this wonderful text message from my friend Mimi:

"Naku Nors have started tri-weekly walking. Hirap pala. But thinking of you doing your fun run keeps me going! Ha ha ha."

I answered her that I'm very very happy that she started walking and even encouraged her to join the upcoming Pinay in Action slated March 29.

She replied: "30 minutes or about 2 km walk muna. OK na ba for a start coach? Hope I can sustain this or magprogress ako to jogging!"

Wow! Proud naman ang beauty ko to be addressed as "coach"!

I assured her that it's a good start already, based from my own experience. I added that if I could do it, she can do even better.

The jolly woman that she is, she answered "Yup! . . . And dapat sulitin itong Nike Xtraining shoes ko! See you!"

You can just imagine my excitement on the way to our get together the following day to celebrate Mimi's 50th birthday (we're classmates from Grade I to 2nd year H.S.). We haven't seen each other for more than a year already. So many stories to share . . .

Being the farthest, I was the FIRST to arrive at Las Paellas in Greenhills. Soon the birthday celebrant came who appeared to be a budding debutante rather than a golden girl. Elsa came next, followed by Malou and Jojie.

It's always a plus factor to have an in-house doctor when you're in an unfamiliar territory. Jojie was pale and complained of dizziness when she arrived with Malou but Mimi simply got something in her bag and presto! As fast as a wave of a fairy godmother's magic wand, Jojie was immediately relieved.

50 years on earth is enough reason for us to break-away from our boring low-fat, low-calorie diet and indulge in the very sinful baked oysters, paella marinara, salpicao and lengua (thank you, Mimi, for making me feel 20 again hah hah . . . ). At least, we had fresh green salad before the main course.

The golden girls of Marbel, South Cotabato (now known as Koronadal City): Jojie, Malou, Mimi (who would think that this pretty lass in charming sun dress is actually a 50-year old gastro-enterologist?), the proud "coach", and Elsa.

My time (3.5 hours to be exact) spent with these beautiful ladies was simply bliss. Not only was I consoled that I'm not alone going through the physiological and psychological changes in my life, but opening up about this dreadful phase in a woman's life is actually liberating and therapeutic. And of course, we didn't just confine ourselves to this inevitable big "M" (you know what I'm talking about don't you?) but also shared and laughed about anything that popped out of our still active minds. And I meant anything: from house construction to latest news (including sizzling showbiz tidbits), travel destinations, movies and telenovelas, medical concerns and paranoia, family, yoga and my favorite topic--running.

From Las Paellas we proceeded to nearby Figaro where the four gorgeous ladies enjoyed their hot cups of cappuccino while I savored my glass of iced water. The five of us shared 2 orders of cake (courtesy of Elsa--thanks, Elsz!), one of which was oozing with rich creamy margarine (see photo below).



Welcome to the Club Mimi! Life indeed begins at 50. I'm ecstatic that you started walking then hopefully jog and eventually run.

Now I'm dreaming to run with you (together with Elsa, Jojie and Malou) in future races! Better go back to my training . . . as soon as I figure out how. My only race this year was my first 10k run last Jan. 18 with the PSE Bulls.

How do I go from here?

I seek and welcome any and all kinds of suggestions from you, my dear runner friends.

Ignite my passion once again.

I trust you will.

The Happy Walk 2009: Stand Up For Down

Nine years ago, my heart was torn to zillion pieces when the Chromosomal Test confirmed that my daughter Elizabeth has Down Syndrome.

I was sooh angry with God for choosing me to be the mother of a special child.

Worse, not only was Eia born with Down Syndrome but she was also born with serious heart ailments (two holes, leakage in artery, enlarged ventricle) and other physical disorders commonly associated with this genetic accident that happens in 1 out of 800 births.

In my desolation and pity for my child, I asked God to take away my daughter's life while she was still a baby to spare her of the "abnormal" life ahead of her.

Yes, at first I cried a river just like everybody else who's confronted with the same predicament like mine.

I cried and cried until there's no more tear left to shed for my daughter's fate.

After one whole month of grieving myself to death, I had to move on and face the challenge of raising my child with Down Syndrome.

Yes, I still cry my heart out to God now, though no longer in desperation but in EXALTATION for giving me my daughter Eia.

I am still alive now because of my child with Down Syndrome.

Eia gave me the strength to rise above the adversities that came into my life.

I've been through a tumultuous 5-year marriage and seemingly endless battles with my only son who had to go through psychotherapy in 2004 to correct his ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder).

At a tender age of two, Eia could already sense that I was deeply troubled, when I was struggling to keep my family together.

Eia would often hug me and pat me at the back saying--"Are you sad, Mama?"

Although I would answer her that I was not sad, she would hold my face with her tiny hands, look into my eyes and ask again-- "Are you happy, Mama, not sad?"

That would just melt my heart and cast all my aches away.

Then Eia would give me her sweetest smile, embrace me, and pat me at the back with her "It's okay, Mama, it's okay" expression.

Thanks to Eia, I managed to survived the storms.

Eia is the greatest gift that God ever gave me and my family.

Nothing and no one moved my father.

Not his wife.

Not even his only daughter.

Only Eia.

It took a child with Down Syndrome to soften my father's hardened heart.

With my daughter's loving ways she patiently taught my unyielding father how to hug and kiss, how to say good morning and goodnight and most importantly, how to say "I LOVE YOU".

I could go on and on how Eia changed our lives but let me pause for now. I'm just taking a short break from my leave of absence heh heh . . .

Let me just end this with our pictures taken during the Happy Walk last Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 in celebration of the Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. It was a joyous occasion participated by the Down Syndrome Assn. of the Phils. Inc. (DSAPI) members, together with families, doctors, therapists, SPED teachers, and friends.

With Nanay, Gio and Eia before the Happy Walk started.

At the assembly area.

The Happy Walk Proper: A short portion of J. Vargas St. then back.

After walking under the scourging sun, we changed our shirts except for Nanay. (Lucky for me, Gio brought 2 shirts so I borrowed one)

A trip to SM Megamall wouldn't be complete without visiting Toy Kingdom!

A pose in front of the stage before finally going home.

Please Don't Forget Me

I hate to say goodbye but due to the pressing demands of my overlapping roles, I need to take a break from blogging and running races. My Auntie Ella who's been helping me take care of my 3 kids (aged 84, 11 and 9) is still in Cotabato. It takes more than a woman to be a father, a mother and an only daughter--all at the same time.

Take care, everyone!

I'm gonna miss you all . . .

I promise I'll be back as soon as I put everything in order again.

Hasta la vista, mis amigos y mis amigas!

How Do You Nurse A Broken Heart (And Toe)?

I'm still in shock.

I cannot believe that my tennis idol Roger Federer broke into tears during the prizing ceremony of the Australian Open in Melbourne, even before he could make his opening statement.

For the benefit of those who cannot relate to this heartbreaking incident, picture this scenario:

You're watching your only son (or a person very close to you whom you love very much) in a final match, be it sports or academic competition. Your child had 19 chances to defeat his opponent yet in the end, he still lost. Sure, you feel sad but you try to hide it from your son and appear to be happy so as not to demoralize his ego.

Then the awarding ceremony came. The runner-up was called first to receive his prize and was expected to say a few words. Before your son could even speak, he cried on stage in front of the million spectators.

How would you feel? What would you do?

I bet you would have wanted to rush on stage, embrace your child with love and affection and assure him that it is alright 'coz he did his best, that he still have a chance to win next time.

His spirit is completely crushed yet you cannot do anything to ease his pain.

Roger Federer not only lost to Rafael Nadal.

He also lost his chance to equal the record of the great Pete Sampras, the only player in the history of tennis who won 14 Grand Slams.

My dearest Rog is devastated. So am I.

I desperately need to run but I can't.

I can't 'coz my toe is killing me.

What do I do now??

Tell me please . . .

My Happy (Ex-Anniversary) Run

Jan. 25, 1997: Dressed in my long, fully-beaded silver gown hugging my 35-25-35 figure, I happily walked down the aisle to tie the knot with the one person I thought I would be spending the rest of my life with. It was a joyous occasion witnessed by 250 guests, friends and relatives.

Jan. 25, 2009: Clad in my Happy Run singlet and bright yellow shorts, I happily walked (and ran) with my 2 kids whom I would definitely spend the rest of my life with. It was a joyous occasion participated by 2,500 guests, friends and runners.

Yes, it's supposedly our 12th wedding anniversary, had I remained the battered wife to my children's father. In order to regain my dignity as a human being, I chose to be single again. To run free and once more feel how it was to be fully alive.

Yes, I wanted to be truly happy. For my sake and for the sake of my two precious jewels.

And joining Drew Arellano's Happy Run was a fun way of celebrating my freedom.

We arrived at the Fort when the crowd was singing "Happy Birthday" to Drew. I wanted to wish the runner friends good luck, especially Johnny Sy who'll be running his first 15K ever so we proceeded to the entrance of the starting area. On our way there, we saw Bro J and Baby!

From where we're standing, I tried to look for familiar faces but just couldn't.

We tried to enter the barricade but the Marshall stopped us. According to him, only the 15K runners were allowed to enter. The next batch would be the 5K runners. The 3K runners will be the last.

Grr . . . I was upset. It's good that Drew and Bianca were on stage to entertain us.

We were right in front of the stage that Eia's name was mentioned by Drew. He also welcomed and thanked Jaymie, the Bullrunner for participating in the Happy Run. I didn't look for Jaymie anymore 'coz I was sure she would be inside the pen already. I knew that she'll be running 15K.

There was a short stretching workout led by a Fitness First instructress. It was actually my first time to stretch before a race. I always forget to stretch even after I run.

Then the countdown began. First, the 15K runners followed by the 5K participants then Drew announced that we had 3 minutes to converge inside. We positioned ourselves somewhere in the middle. I prayed that Eia won't throw a tantrum and Gio would beat his 36:50 time in Yakult.

And God didn't only answer my prayer but gave me more.

Eia enjoyed the race every step of the way! Of course once in a while she would complain of being tired but she never asked me to carry her.

And Gio seemed to be enjoying himself too! More so when he received free samba (thanks, Rico!), doughnut, and apple. (His finish time was 35:21, slightly lower than Yakult)

When Jenny saw Nanette Medved, she, too was extremely happy!

On the way back, I was prodding Eia to run because the finish line's already near. I was talking to her when somebody passed by and said "hi, golden girl". I'm very sorry but before I was able to acknowledge your greeting, you were gone!

Then I heard my name being called again. This time, it was Baby (Bro J's swthrt). She complained of pain and was struggling to go uphill. I left Eia with Jenny and accompanied her on her way up until the final right turn to the finish line.

Upon running back, I met Vimz. I ran ahead of her to catch her photo:

Then Jenny went ahead and ran with Gio. Eia and I just walked until we reached the dragon, whom Eia feared very much. I told her we should run so the dragon won't catch us. Besides, the finish line was already in sight. With that, Eia ran with all her might.

Romy (nanay's driver for 30 years), also brought his own camera but couldn't catch us so our shot was taken from behind.

The clock read 36:27 when we arrived at the finish line. Wow! That's almost 25 minutes off her first race at Yakult. This time, my daughter Eia wasn't the last to finish. Yehey!!

But there was no certificate given to us. I asked Coach Rio who was on stage with Drew where I could get the certificate and he just pointed his finger towards his right. Eia and I went to that direction and I was shocked to see different queues for different booths. When my head was about to spin, I heard somebody called my name again.

It was Baby, with Mae (blogger in my own views) and Manny (IceOne)!

After a while I saw Anna, my cousin Jun and son Gio:

Then Gio disappeared with Jenny while Paulo and Eia joined us in these photos:

I loved to stay longer but had to go home right away. My mother had to go to Tagaytay to settle some very important matters.

See you in future races!