First Run for 2010

I slept early last night after finishing half a bottle of white wine. LOL! I am not starting to be an alcoholic early this year, I just liked how the wine tasted. So I dozed off about 7PM and woke up again around 2AM because of an instant message that popped on my screen (yes, I sleep with my laptop beside me), I responded but I was a few minutes too late so I went back to sleep. I woke up at around 5AM and I asked Uncle Don to run with me. He agreed and so for today I have a running buddy. This will be my first run for the year. I guess it's about time to lose the holiday pounds.

We walked from our house to the Mall of Asia with a bottle of water and a blueberry granola bar each. It was a long and leisurely walk and was unbelievably dark and cold outside today. Good thing I brought my camera with me, I was able to capture some shots.



We run the whole stretch of MOA San Miguel by the Bay twice and we pretty much had some good sweat rolling down our faces and back. There were lots of people running too and some were with their families or dogs, some were having breakfast by the bay even. I had to weave through the crowd while I run. We then decided to shift course and run the area where vehicles pass so it's a little less crowded. Since it was Sunday, cars were few as well so it was a much better place. We were able to take some pictures too. It's another run turned to a photoshoot. We run about 6K and walked about 2K all in all. Not too bad I think.


I will be running again tomorrow as I prepare for the scheduled races I am joining this year. I am looking at registering for the PSE Bull Run but I don't think I still can make it for the registration. I will try though and go to Philippine Stock Exchange Ayala tomorrow and see if I can still join. If at all I could then race will be on the 17th. I still have enough time to prepare. If not, then I will continue to train for Condura Run 2010. I will be running with a few of the people from work (Uncle Don, Marko, Kristine, Andy, Rojo, China, Tyke, Brian among others). I am so excited now... I need all the endorphins I could get!

Running Tips That Work

This post is not intended to those who are pros in running already. I will be jotting down tips that have work for me and from people I know. If you are a pro and reading this, your insight will be appreciated.

From a newbie for newbies...

1. Buy yourself some actual running shoes from an actual running store because running in junk “sneakers” will destroy your feet and your legs. -Do not buy a shoe just because it looks good or the colors are pretty. A good shoe is a good investment if you plan to include running in your regimen.

2. Get assessed for the right kind of running shoes. - There are specialty running stores that offer this service. The store attendant will ask you to run barefoot on a treadmill while high-speed video cameras capture your stride and then assess what kind of shoes is best for you.

3. Pay attention to your form. Try to run lightly to minimize impact that could lead to injury. - Always remember to race against yourself and not against someone else. Again, slowly but surely.

4. Race day is not the day to try new shoes, eat new kind of foods, or wear brand new clothing. - Make sure all the gears you use/carry have been previously tested and worn by you already.

5. If you conserve your energy during the first half of a race, you can finish strong. - Trust me this works!

6. There’s no shame in walking. - Don't force yourself to run when your body is telling you to stop already. Don't be stubborn and push on, listen to your body. Walk if you have to. Nobody's going to judge you for it.

7. No amount of money spent on gadget training programs or funny food can substitute for minutes, hours, days and weeks on the road. - Come prepared, TRAIN!

8. Do abdominal breathing to get rid of side cramps or “stitches.” - Thanks to "K" for teaching me this.

9. Forgive yourself. Over-ambitious goals usually lead to frustration and giving up on your fitness plan. If you miss a goal or milestone let it go and focus on the next opportunity to get it. - Do not be too hard on yourself.

10. Build rest into your schedule. Rest is just as important of an element as exercise in your fitness plan. - Your body as much as you needs rest.

Anything more you can add? Feel free to leave a comment.

Back From Hiatus

Hello Everyone! I am so sorry for abandoning (for lack of a better term) my blog for almost three weeks. I had a lot of things to do and tasks to accomplish and had to visit my family in Davao for a little over a week. I should be back in "regular programming" from tomorrow onwards unless thwarted again by unexpected stuff to do.

I am happy to let everyone know by the way that my team won the 14-Day Nestle Fitnesse Show Off Your Shape Challenge. Our team leader Earth will get the Michi Calica and 7 For All Mankind jeans, Belle will take home the Chanel and Religioso dress, Wena will be donning the Rhett Eala gown and Jun Escario top while I get to own the Constance Hermes belt (valued at around $980) and the Kate Torralba trench coat. Our efforts has paid off and we can only thank everyone for all the support, encouragement and votes altogether. The girls had their fitting and photoshoot while I was in Davao and I am looking forward to my session early next year before the awarding ceremony. I will write more about this in an article in my other blog.

I have successfully formed a group of runners at work as well. We are looking forward to starting off with our planned activities as soon as the new year rolls in. I think they have seen changes in me that's why they asked me to head it. It's what MOTIVATION and WILLPOWER can do eh? As of the moment, more than a dozen will join the Condura Run on February 7, 2010. I can only smile every time someone approaches me to get a copy of the registration form. This makes me feel happy believe it or not.

I will write about my vacation in another post as well. It was short but a LOT happened. I went to church daily as well except when we had our little road trip from Davao City to Sarangani to General Santos City to Koronadal City to Tacurong City and our pitstop Isulan. It was by far one of the best vacations I have had. The trip was tiring but I'll gladly do it again in a heartbeat. It was the first time I was able to meet the new family pet, a shih tzu named Chiz. And oh yes, I was able to manage to squeeze in some early morning runs.

Now, I'm going to try to doze off because I still have to work tomorrow early in the morning. (Yes, I do have a different schedule now...)