Who Deserves A Fantasy Football Trophy?

I just recently gave birth to my first baby and so I have not been able to really engage in strenuous activities. As soon as I found out that I was pregnant, I immediately backed out of the runs that I enlisted myself in joining. I have been advised to rest at home by my doctors due to my delicate pregnancy and so I did. I should have been given a pregnancy trophy for following all my doctors orders   and maybe a fantasy football trophy for my husband for being the most supportive husband through my whole ordeal at home and at the hospital. 

Speaking about football, I can feel that it will not be one of the bonding sessions between my husband and our dear darling daughter but fantasy football can definitely be one. They can, I surmise, be able to win fantasy football trophies for winning some tournaments or maybe I am just wishful thinking. But of course, anyone can dream yeah? I told my husband about this idea and he smiled like a proud father would. 

If you are ever wondering what I am talking about - fantasy football is not something you play in you dreams. Just like in real football, fantasy football leagues have a draft too. Each team drafts NFL players. These players remain in each league unless they get traded or dropped (just like the real thing). No player may be owned by more than one team. Easy peasy! 

In the meantime, as the little one would not understand the mechanics of the game yet, we are not keen on receiving any fantasy football award just yet. We will be content at the sport of changing nappies and waking up every after two hours to feed our amazingly growing little bundle of joy. 

Maria Menounos Reveals Top Tips that Helped Her Lose 40 Pounds

Anyone else feeling like a busted can of biscuits after the holiday season? Christmas cookies, spiked egg nog, and more Christmas cookies? Whether you’ve been hitting it hard since the clock struck 2014 or you’ve been in limbo waiting for your New Year’s Resolution motivation to set in, Maria Menounos, Extra host, shares some trusted weight loss tips to get you rockin’ and rollin’ in 2014. Make sure you read on, because it’s these tips that helped her lose 40 pounds, which she’s kept off for over 10 years. We call that a success.

For the latest on Maria Menounos, check out her new book, The EveryGirl’s Guide to Diet and Fitness and read more from her original interview over at FitSugar.

START WITH BREAKFAST

You’ve heard it before, and it’s true — what you eat in the morning can make or break your day. Maria blends up a quick, filling, and nutritious breakfast using trainer Harley Pasternak’s breakfast smoothie recipe. “I’ve been doing it for a year,” she says. “It’s got all the protein I need, and it’s yummy.”

JUST MOVE

"Always be moving’ is my mantra,” Maria says. “It works.” Although she tries to make time for the gym, Maria says the most important way to burn calories, especially if you’re busy, is to rack up those steps. Maria aims for 10,000 steps a day to ensure she stays on the right track.

DRINK HOT WATER

Get ready for Maria’s favorite weight-loss trick — keep a mug of hot water handy. “Hot water is like magic. It fills you up: it also is detoxifying, de-stressing, and helps digest the food in your stomach,” she says. “You’ll find yourself eating a little less if you’re drinking hot water.” Although Maria also recommends drinking tea or adding lemon to your mug, she opts for plain hot water since it’s more convenient, especially if you are using an office kitchen.

STOCK THE GOOD, DROP THE BAD

Self-professed salad addict Maria always makes sure she keeps leafy greens stocked in her fridge, along with Greek yogurt. To ensure she actually opts for the healthy items she’s stocked, she makes sure to keep anything unhealthy out of her house. “I think that makes a big difference, because if it’s there, I will eat it,” she explains. “If it’s not there, I’m too lazy to go get it.”

DON'T EAT LATE

Even with her busy schedule, Maria tries not to eat past 8 p.m. every night. But that doesn’t mean she advocates going to bed starving. “If it’s too late, and I’m really hungry, I’ll have a Greek yogurt or something simple like that,” she says. “That way I don’t have a big meal that I have to digest during the night.”

SOURCE

Update: Minus 4.4

After the first weigh-in and after incorporating juices and raw food in my diet, I lost 4.4 lbs in 12 days. Not too shabby eh? I am more encouraged to try, try harder every single day. This it it! There is definitely no turning back. 

Nike WMNS Lunarfly +3 Shield

Confirmed! I have the lowest EQ in the world. LOL! If you can still remember, I mentioned that I was eyeing another pair of shoes aside from the one I that I wrote about last Sunday. I bought a pair of Nike WMNS Lunarfly +3 Shield shoes. I thought it was heavy but turned out, it's about the same weight as the other one. 

This is a lower profile running shoe with the perfect blend of stability and cushioning. It also has a lightweight mesh overlays. The Lunarlon midsole with dynamic support provides ample support while still remaining super flexible and of course lightweight. On the other hand, the BRS 1000 carbon rubber in the heel with green rubber in the forefoot provides excellent traction in wet or dry conditions. Nice eh! 

FEATURES

Outsole: Waffle outsole pistons to help absorb impact and add responsiveness

Style: Asymmetrical lacing system to help reduce pressure for enhanced comfort

Support: A stretchy mesh inner sleeve with seamless overlays enhances the supportive, glove-like fit.

Flexibility: Diagonal cuts through the arch area add flexibility and help increase foot strength.

Weather Protection: Weatherized mesh and reflectivity on the upper offer protection from the elements and visibility in low light. 

Cushioning: Abrasion-resistant carbon rubber under high-wear areas for enhanced durability

Technology: Flywire technology and cushioning tuned specifically for basketball.

Materials: Synthetic leather upper/ lightweight mesh upper

I can't wait for my weekend run so I can test it. I used it for a quick set of jumping jacks yesterday and so far I like the cushioning and the stability it provides. 

My Inspirations

I am writing this post to introduce you to the people (bloggers) that continue to inspire me as I go through my journey to healthy living at the same time prepare my body for pregnancy. I have gained weight (approx 30lbs) after I stopped going to the gym, after I lost interest in running and all sorts of exercising and after eating anything I want to eat and giving in to every craving that knocks. My eureka moment was when I'd feel all sorts of aches in my body already especially my back (not to mention the belly fat that I always try to hide by wearing dresses). 

I guess I have come to the point of taking charge of my own body for my own good. Are you with me here? Yes, I needed to make sure that I watch what I eat and exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes) in order for me to be in proper fighting form when my husband comes home from his time out at sea. LOL! Yeah, that's my biggest motivation of all. I want my husband to come home to a wife that he can be proud of. I want my husband to come home to a wife that is fit, strong and healthy. I didn't even make an effort to lose weight before our wedding so now I think is the perfect time for me to devote some time and change my lifestyle before I become a mom. 

At this point, I am preparing myself for a slow and steady process of losing weight. I am not a fan of crash diets, water and lemon only diets among other things. I want to still be able to enjoy food (but not so much). I still want my chocolates at some point but the end goal is that I consume more raw food than processed. I have incorporated a mix of fruit and vegetable juice and smoothies in my daily food intake since January 31 and aside from the flu that I experienced for the first week, I think I am all set now. I am very happy with the result so far as I feel clean inside and out. I think I am ready for a little challenge.

My goal from 2/11 - 2/15 is to consume only fruit and vegetable juice feast everyday for 5 days. If ever I allow myself to eat, I would only eat fruits or vegetables. I think this is doable. I am also going to sneak in a little bit of running or brisk walking for at least 30 minutes everyday. Of course, I will continue reading through the blogs of my inspirations to check out some weight loss recipes, tips, and best practices. 

1. Linda Wagner - is an experienced and skilled Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach who utilizes a holistic methodology to invigorate the mind, body, and spirit. It is her passion to assist others in achieving their true, unlimited potential. You can visit Linda's blog to be inspired too or you may reach her through her email address linda@lindawagner.net

2. Sonnet - is a certified holistic health coach, food educator, blogger, and writer with a passion for helping people lead fuller, healthier lives. Her blog, For The Love Of Food, features seasonal, plant-based cooking that is filled with recipes to help her readers live a healthy and sustainable life. She is based in Seattle, Washington. Her cooking philosophy revolves around simple, whole foods cooked from scratch always taste the best. I emailed Sonnet and she graciously responded. If you have questions for her, you may email her through fortheloveoffoodblog@gmail.com

3. Megan Elizabeth - is a low-fat, high fruit program follower. She's had a few health challenges before converting to the program and she is stoked that she has successfully got over the situation. The low-fat raw vegan lifestyle keeps her happy, healthy and with so much energy. You can visit her blog by following this link. If you plan to get in touch with her, you may email her through requests@meganelizabeth.com

4. Candice Kumai - Candice is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu California. Ah, I could only dream that one day I could be schooled in a prestigious culinary arts school too. She's a former model turned chef and is an author of a couple cookbooks and she also writes for Men's and Women's Health. Candice's mission is to help all of us "get real with our foods again". Her cookbooks are entitled "Cook Yourself Sexy" and "Pretty Delicious". Aren't the titles so enticing?

Nike Free 5.0 V4 Women's Running Shoe

As I have planned, I got myself a new running shoes. I have been looking for a good pair (preferably with a hint of pink or orange) and I instantly fell in love with this very light and flexible shoes in the "Barefoot Ride" section of the Nike Greenbelt 3 store. I actually saw another style that I like but it's a little on the heavier side and I don't really foresee myself running in puddles so it being water resistant is not that big of a plus at this point. Maybe, I will get it some other time. 

What You Should Know About Nike Free

Nike Frees are different than traditional athletic shoes. They’re designed to let your feet move more freely and naturally, which means your muscles will be doing a bit more work than demanded of them in some other athletic shoes. Nike encourages you to get used to them gradually for a safer, more effective and more enjoyable experience. Please visit http://www.nike.com/nikefree for more information on how to get the best from your Nike Free shoes.

And this morning, I tested the shoe and run for an hour and a half at the University of the Philippines oval. It's my first time to run there and I really liked the area. There were lots of trees and it wasn't so hot. Today will definitely not be the last. I will be back UP! Wait for me... 

• Breathable mesh upper for comfort
• Fused Phylite midsole and outsole for an ultra-lightweight, resilient ride
• Carbon rubber inserts at high-wear areas of the outsole for enhanced durability
• No-sew upper contours to the foot for a comfortable, barefoot-like fit
• Deep outsole flex grooves for natural range of motion and flexibility

Smoothie Sunday - Ultra Red

I really really wanted to show you my favorite smoothie as of today. It has beets. You know that deep-red purplish vegetable that so many hate. Anyway, I thought making red smoothie would be a fun way to switch up the greens and the purples (because of grape). 

This recipe contains zero gluten, zero refined sugar, zero yeast, zero corn, zero grain and zero nut. This is perfect for those who are slowly inching towards living a life enjoying raw food. I am not looking at being 100% raw but I am leaning towards learning to love fruits and vegetables more. This smoothie will give you an amazing energy boost as well as supply your magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamins and minerals as well as iron needs. 

The assurance I can give you at this point is that this tastes so good. Add some ice cubes to your glass to make the juice more refreshing. You can either use a juicer or a blender for this recipe. I used my trusted blender and sieved the smoothie after blending to get rid of the pulp. If you don't want to throw anything, just  run the blender for another 30 seconds and you will be good to go. 

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

1 medium sugar beets

1 Granny Smith apple 

1 kiwi

1 handful spinach 

1 banana

1 cucumber 

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup orange juice 

Remember

1. Peel apples (no need if organic), kiwi, sugar beets, cucumber and banana. 

2. Put water and orange juice in the blender and slowly add the sliced fruits and vegetables. 

3. Blend away! Watch how the mixture turn into a yummy tint of red. 

4. Run the juice through a sieve and transfer to your mason jar or a tall glass. 

5. Enjoy the goodness of this delicious smoothie. 

If you ever try this, let me know. I am sure you will love it. I am kind of addicted to this mix already. 

My Fitness Pal

After 3 days of detox (raw diet), I am slowly introducing some protein (in the form of meat) back to my daily food consumption. I have eaten eggs, ham and have some dumplings. I feel a lot better and lighter. My flu is starting to go away as well and I have observed a reduction in my mucus (I felt my left nostril was producing it nonstop) the past couple of days. 

I have also signed up for a My Fitness Pal account and I have backtracked my exercise (almost none) and food consumption (calorie counter). If you want to sign-up for your account, go ahead it's simple and easy and you can also sign-up using your Facebook details. 

I've been tempted to eat the left-over chocolate hazelnut cake at home but it wasn't successful. I hid it at the back of the fridge so I can it eat some other time - maybe when I have to reward myself. Haha! 

Wish me luck! 

Getting Into The Groove

I talked about trying the raw food diet in my last post and I am happy to say that I have slowly included raw food in my diet for the past week. My detox symptom came in too early. I am now experiencing flu-like symptoms and my weekend was spent making my smoothie, lying in bed and watching TV. I am not 100% sure if my flu was caused by my switch to raw diet or because it is the flu season again. I guess I will just ride this out. I have taken cold meds but it doesn't seem to help at all. I seriously feel miserable now. 

Progress Report: I have limited my rice and meat or egg intake (just for breakfast). The rest of my meals are either fruit or green smoothie. I am happy about that to say the least. I am just a bit irked that my detox symptoms came knocking even if I am not yet a 100% raw foodie. Aside from the flu-like symptoms, I have also noticed that I have a couple of zits on my chin and forehead. I hope this isn't going to be a bad breakout. 

Oh and yes, while watching Food Channel, I cringe at the sight of overly processed food and I glow when I see salads and fruit juices and simple recipes. I wish I can have this motivation going until I reach my goal. I hope no amount of detox symptoms can deter me. 

In my next post, I will be sharing to you my smoothie recipes. 

How To Start A Raw Food Diet?

I am back and you can kinda guess that I have been on a slump for the past 2 years of my life. I have just been concentrating on my job (I've been in 2 for this length of time), travelling in the Philippines and in Asia, planning my wedding among other things. I have exercised quite a bit but not like 2009 which I think was my healthiest year since I started this blog. Oh you cannot imagine how much pounds I have gained through these two years as well. I have practically gained a good 30 pounds more than what I weighed before. Que horror! 

I've talked to my husband about my plan of losing weight and I have his support. I am on the planning phase now and I am starting to watch what I eat and introducing more fruits and vegetables to my diet. I am also trying to eat more raw foods as inspired by this video that I am going to share to you. So for the remaining days of January my goal is to psyche my body to be able to eat healthier as well as putting in more sleep time so I would be in full swing of exercising and weight loss in February. 

It has been 3 days since I started watching what I eat and hopefully I will keep my motivation and get this route to healthy living going. Plus I need to really loss the pounds that I gained back so I can be more prepared to conceive a baby. 

My Gym Should Fine Me

OMG! I just recently said that I need to start with my fitness regimen but I slacked again. My gym should definitely fine me for not attending any class more so for not visiting at all. I am in a slump. I don't know. I don't have any motivation at all.

I guess I need a little more motivation to get this exercise and diet regimen back and in full swing. In the meantime, I will just have to see how I can motivate myself.

I'm a mess...I feel like a big ball of fat now. Arrrrgh! What do you all do when you feel like this? Tell me. Motivate me. Share. Please? 

Let's Get Things Started Once More

Ah, I am such a slacker sometimes. Well not really. It's just that I have prioritized the other blogs that I have been maintaining especially the ones that earns me the big bucks. Anyway, I will try to keep this blog more updated moving forward. After all, I am back to running again and I have some new running buddies.

I will make this short and sweet for now. I will be back tomorrow for updates on the races that I will be joining next year.

For now, let me get some sleep y'all...

Running In The Rain

I joined the Rock and Run last Saturday and all the runners were soaked in rainwater upon crossing the finish line. It was an unforgettable experience for me as it was the first run I joined where the rain poured. That incident prompted me to check on rain gears and the like as the rainy season has finally checked in. I didn't want to be caught up again running under the rain with just my regular running clothes on. That incident also brought back memories when I used to run with just my knickers on when I was little. LOL! All for the sake of fun...

When I started running outdoors, I started hating the bore that is to run indoors. I now loathe the thought of running on a treadmill. I would like to feel the wind against my face and not feel the blasting AC. As I read up on essential gears and I am sharing them all to you now:

1. Dress in Layers if It's Cold

If it's very cold and rainy, you may need to wear a couple of layers. The most important layer is the one closest to your body. Make sure it's a technical fabric such as polypropylene or CoolMax, which wick water and sweat away from your skin. Your outer layer should be a wind- and water-resistant jacket or vest. Don't wear a waterproof rain slicker because it will trap moisture and heat.

2. Wear a Hat

A hat with a brim can be your best friend during a rainy run. It will keep the rain off your face.

3. Don't Overdress

This is one the biggest mistakes runners make when heading out for a rainy run. Wearing more layers will not keep you dry. Unless you're running with an umbrella over your head, you will definitely get wet. If you have tons of layers on, you will just be wearing more wet, heavy clothes. Dress for the temperature, as if it were a dry day.

4. Be Visible

Select an outer layer that's light-colored or has reflective strips, since running in the rain often means poor visibility.

5. Prevent Chafing

If you're running long, spread Body Glide or Vaseline on parts of your body where you would normally chafe or get blisters -- such as your feet, inner thighs, underarms, sports bra lines (women), and nipples (men).

6. Just Run!

The hardest part of running in the rain is often just getting started. Once you begin running and warm up, you may find that you actually enjoy it! And it's good preparation in case you ever have to run a race in the rain.

7. Dry Out Your Shoes

When you get back from a wet run, take off your running shoes and stuff them with crumpled balls of newspaper. This helps the shoes keep their shape, and the paper draws moisture away from the shoes.

Although I enjoyed my first real run in the rain, I did not come prepared. I endured chafing on my underarm and now it is healing. I was able to put cocoa moisturizer in between my thighs so it was safe. I sure know better what to do next time. Thank you to Christine Luff for the aforementioned tips.

Back From Hibernation

Guess who's back?

Wow! It's been long since I last updated this blog. I am sorry for not writing anything here for more than a month. I will promise to start fresh and keep y'all posted again. I had a bout with a medical condition and even without doctor's affirmation I can say that I am all well now. I need to visit a pulmonologist for another spirometry just to really make sure and put my worried mom at ease.

To those who kept on checking this little writing spot, thank you so much. I will be posting another entry later today.

For now, I am back...

Got soaked during the Rock and Run 2010.

Hydration from the heavens!

The Neutrogena Run 2010: Chase the Sun

Finishline.ph is bringing us another big event this May 15, 2010, The Neutrogena “Chase the Sun” Run 2010.

The Neutrogena Run 2010: Chase the Sun
May 15, 2010
Fort Bonifacio Global City
3K / 5K / 10K / 15k

REGISTRATION FEES and CALL TIME
Race Category Slots Registration Fee Assembly Time Gun Start
3K 1,000 Php400 5:35am 6:05am
5K 1,250 Php550 5:25am 5:55am
10K 1,000 Php600 5:15am 5:45am
15K 750 Php650 5:00am 5:30am

Singlets will only be available to the first 4,000 participants, sizes are first come first serve.

REGISTRATION VENUES

Regular Registration: April 19 to May 2, 2010
- Planet Sports – Trinoma
- New Balance – Glorietta, Shangri-la Mall
- Athlete’s Foot – Alabang Town Center
- Secondwind Store – 88 Maginhawa St. Teachers Vilage Diliman QC
- R.O.X. – Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Late Registration: May 3-9, 2010
- R.O.X. – Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Don't Forget Your Sunscreen

I bet all of you have officially started summer already and some have already gone to a beach or two. Well, summer kicked all our asses to the curb by coming too early, well, at least the heat did. The summer heat started scorching Manila sometime February and it hasn't waned yet except for the occasional rainshowers that barely even wet the ground (just enough to make the city a lot more humid). And yes, beach season is already here and there is no turning back.

I haven't started mine yet. In fact, mine will start when summer is over. I don't think I am going to brave the beaches with this kind of heat/temperature. I am not going to put the money I spent on my skin for treatments down the drain. The most summery act I did was to get a bikini wax just in case a sudden night swimming season will spur. Oh yeah, night swimming it is (or maybe super early in the morning).

To those who are not scared to brave the blaring heat of the sun, make sure you have ample sun protection. Do not scrimp, lather it all on generously. Anyway, here are some of the best sunscreen lotions and moisturizers and lip product that I have already tried in the past.

1. Nivea Sun Refreshing Fluid Protect SPF30 - you can use this as makeup base to help control overactive oil glands. Double whammy!

2. Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Sport Sunblock Lotion SPF60 - this is developed especially for sports enthusiasts, this does not run as well so it's safe to use even on your face because it won't migrate to your eyes.

3. Coppertone Sport Sunblock Spray SPF30 - this does not clog the pores and very much recommended for prolonged exposure under the sun (don't forget to touch up though). Another plus is that this is oil-free.

4. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF55 - since this is water-based expect that this is the most convenient and easiest product to apply, even the hard to reach areas can be targeted with ease.

5. Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil - your lips need protection too

Writing this made me so excited to just take the plunge and enjoy the summer heat but reason tells me to wait and exercise a pinch of caution. But of course, an ounce of prevention is still better than a pound of cure. So, indulge in the summer madness with extreme caution and yes, don't forget the sunscreen.

Greenfield City Sunset Run 2010

I am seriously thinking of attending this event as this will be my first sunset run (except for the training runs of course).

REGISTRATION VENUES

Regular In-Store Registration: March 22 to April 11, 2010

• Planet Sports – Trinoma
• New Balance – Glorietta and Shangri-la Mall
• Athlete’s Foot – Alabang Town Center
• R.O.X. – Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
• Greenfield City Sunset Run Booth – Paseo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Late In-Store Registration: April 12 to April 17, 2010

• R.O.X. – Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
• Greenfield City Sunset Run Booth – Paseo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

I am not yet sure if I will join but I will try to think over it this weekend. It would be fun I guess! Is anyone joining this race?

Adidas miCoach Product Launch: Run Yourself Better

Last Saturday I attended the official product launch of Adidas miCoach (My Individual Coach) at the Bonifacio High Street (in front of Runnr). The event went great and was hosted by Rico Robles. It was fun watching the "runners" outrun each other during the treadmill challenge. I wanted to join but when I saw who else joined, I chickened out. Anyway, read further so you will get acquainted about the product too.

The Adidas miCoach is an interactive training system that guides a runner to either speed up or slow down by tracking heart rate, pace, distance, and stride rate. Every runner is different, every heart is unique. Your heart rate indicates your level of effort during exercise. miCoach helps you stay within four heart rate zones so that you get the most out of each run.

And yes, you can choose your coach. If you're a female, you can choose a male coach or if you're a male, you can choose a female coach. This option is completely within your control. How cool is that?

Adidas miCoach provides real-time feedback. As you workout, miCoach will let you know which training zone you’re in—audibly if you’re using miCoach Pacer or visually if you’re using miCoach Zone. You can sync miCoach Pacer to adidas.com/micoach to analyze your stats and get coaching feedback online.

•The miCoach Pacer - a small, lightweight device that delivers real-time audible coaching as you exercise via headphones or combined with your own MP3 player. During your run, the miCoach Pacer verbally coaches you (i.e. speed up to green zone, slow down to blue zone, etc.) to ensure that you are staying within your targeted heart rate zone and keep you running at the right personal level.

•The miCoach Heart Rate Monitor - provides accurate feedback about your workout performance. It relays your workout information to the miCoach Pacer or miCoach Zone which then ensures you're not pushing yourself too hard or little on your run.

According to Adidas: "The new miCoach interactive training platform completes the adidas sports performance promise of engaging and enabling all athletes to achieve their Impossible. Not only do we provide you with the most innovative footwear and apparel to perform in, we now offer personal coaching services so that you can get fitter, run faster and simply be better in 2010."

Run Yourself Better. Choose from plans created by the pro trainers and coaches:

Learn to Run

Be Fit

Run A Race

De-Stress

Lose Weight

Finish Faster

•The miCoach Zone – an easy to read color-code LED display on a wristband device provides accurate, real-time coaching making it easy for you to train at the right intensity with the help of a heart rate monitor.

The complete miCoach Pacer system is sold atP6,995 while the miCoach Zone is available at P3,695. Both products are exclusively available at adidas Sports Performance Concept stores Greenbelt, Trinoma, Rockwell, Glorietta, as well as RUNNR Fort Bonifacio. It is also good to note that each part is sold separately.

Do you want to get your own miCoach for free? If yes, then join the Run Yourself Better promo! All you have to do is buy any Adidas Running product/gear that will entitle you to get a pledge card that declares your commitment to run better. Drop your pledge card in designated promo boxes and get the chance to win one of 100 adidas miCoach Pacers. Yes, 100 miCoach Pacers will be given away.

No minimum purchase required! Deadline of entries is on April 15, 2010 while the grand draw is on April 29, 2010. For more details, join the adidas fan page in Facebook (Search for Adidas Philippines). Promo period is from March 8 to April 15, 2010.

Cheap Eat, Full Happy Tummy

I have found a new love in Century Corned Tuna and Skyflakes crackers. They are just an amazing combo to eat and it was a eureka moment for me when I discovered this what seemed to me as the perfect pair if you are too lazy to whip up a decent meal using the best kitchen ware and table ware that you own. Of course, when I say best, those are the kind you keep inside your cupboard (ahhh, typical Filipino household). Kidding aside, you may be wondering how I discovered this "cheap eat" to give a full happy tummy.

I was on my rest day and all the flat wares at home are on the sink waiting to be washed by the diligent soul in me, but I digress. The lazy has overpowered me and wanted to indulge so I would rather go online and scour through websites offering same day delivery for flat wares (which is remotely impossible). Fail! So, hungry as I am, I used the only pot available and the wooden spoon (the big one) to reheat the tuna and be my food. Ah and I feel I should tell you this, I actually do not like using the can opener when opening up canned products. I would much rather prefer to use the purple knife. It's just one of my skills to open a can with utmost precision and control with a knife (thanks to Girl Scout camping and cookouts). And so after reheating the tuna, I flopped myself in the couch, powered the TV on and munched on the crackers to my content. It was so flavorful (I couldn't possibly name the spices that were used, I am no spice connoisseur). Even then, I have a whole army of spice containers at home (sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano among others).

After eating the whole bowl of tuna and two packs of crackers, I suddenly had the conviction to clean my mess; kitchen ware and flatware and pots and pans. Maybe that's what a happy tummy can do to you. It could give you a sudden jolt to act like a grown-up and look after yourself. Maybe then I would try to whip this combo up when I am feeling lazy and see if it will make me do household chores yet again...

In the meantime, I have another wish...a free five year supply of spices! How does that sound to you?

NatGeo Earth Day Run

I caught the running bug...officially!

I have just recently joined my 4th 5K (Century Tuna Superbods Run) and I could not wait for the other races I have signed up for.

Pinay In Action - March 13

Globe Run For Home - March 21

Mizuno Infinity Run - April 11

And here comes, NatGeo Earth Day Run which is slated on April 18 at the SM Mall of Asia. I am still thinking if I should progress to 10K or to meet my goal at 5K first. I have plenty of time to decide about this. :-)The run will be presented by National Geographic. Themed "Inspiring the People to Care about the Planet", this fun run is open to all interested runners who are willing to participate in the 3k, 5k and 10k races.

Registration fees are Php 500 for 3K, Php 600 for 5k and Php 700 for 10k run. This includes a free limited edition NatGeo Earth Day Run technical shirt. Proceeds will support Design Against the Elements Competition in bringing innovative solutions to climate vulnerable communities in developing countries.

There are two ways to register:

1. Online Registration is from March 8 to April 4 at www.natgeorun.com. Courier charges for race kits apply to online registrants.

2. Cash Registration is from March 8 to April 11 at Nike Outlet in Bonifacio High Street and Timex Outlet in SM North Edsa and SM Mall of Asia

By the way, there will be two Earth Day Runs to celebrate Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary. The other one will be in Fort Bonifacio.