7 and still counting...

Three days from today, it would be exactly two months since I ran my first race. "Run to the Clouds" with its unusual race course, elevation and unique characteristics, was without a doubt one tough test for a regular runner, all the more for a beginner like myself.  My only preparation prior to the March 21 run was my nightly visits to the red oval, spending countless hours on the tracks, trying to be physically ready for the extreme 8K run.  I could have picked a less challenging race for my initial try but I wanted to see myself transcend beyond my perceived limits.  And luckily, I did!  I did get past the finish line at 1:16:54.

They say there is always a first and it is always memorable. True.  And while firsts are consistently special, the second and succeeding runs are equally fulfilling and enjoyable. A great amount of endorphins is secreted each time. In the long run, it does not really matter whether you're running your fifth or tenth.  Once you get into the game, it just keeps on coming and number becomes immaterial.

In less than two months, I have completed a total of seven races: Run to the Clouds, Citirun, Takbong Urology, PIA 2010, Great Lapu-Lapu Run, 3rd Mandaue Run, SRP Sundown Run. At the rate things are going, this list will expand dramatically in the months and (hopefully) years to come.  And very soon, I will  appreciate every moment and just forget about counting.  

Seven races later, I can say with conviction that 3K, 5K and 10K runs are not marathons, that 2XU and CWX are running brands, and that bike shorts are different from tri-shorts.  I can easily translate lap measurements from meter to km to mile or define tempo and steady runs.  And from now on, I will never be lost in a sea of running terms and acronyms. I have yet to achieve my PB but so far, I'm happy with how my PR is progressing.

Seven races later, I officially declare myself a RUNNER.

SRP Sundown Run 2010

The date was May 08, the grand launch for South Road Properties or SRP. It’s a long strip of road comparable to NLEX/SLEX in Manila or SCTEX (Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway) which was developed to make travelling to the South faster and more convenient. SRP also features a vast commercial land that is worth millions in investments. Heard from the grapevine that a mall the size of the one in Pasay City will rise here soon.

A host of other activities happened on that day including the SRP Sundown Run 2010. More than a thousand runners registered for the 3K, 5K and 10k categories. And as usual, it was graced by familiar faces in the running community - people who run for fun and runners by profession. As it was in previous races, my objective was to complete the race. I didn’t care anymore who finished first, second or third in the overall. After all, it’s the same set of winners each time, from one race to the next. I grew tired taking photos of them. Kumbaga sa pagkain, na-umay na ako.

Some good things to note: It was a mile better than that infamous May 2 event. The captivating coastal bay view from the flyover. Alex finished his first 10K run. A bottle of water and hotdog on stick awaited runners at finish line. The exciting free ride on a 10-wheeler truck from SRP to Carbon. Photo session at Magellan’s cross. And the b-b-q dinner at Larsian.

Now, who says running is just running?

3rd Mandaue City Run

The 3rd Mandaue City Run was my 6th race since I started to embark on this exciting new journey. It was definitely one of the events that many people looked forward to. Not only was it a break from the usual running venue, it also showcased the scenic Cansaga Bay Bridge. I was excited myself because it would be my first to run this course in this part of Cebu. And now, it could be told what really went down when runners took that Mandaue path in the early morning of May 2nd.

Plenty of stories, terrible ones. Apparently people talked as most expectations were not met, from singlet distribution to street marshalling to inaccurate course measurement. These were tangible proofs attributable to the work of the people behind it. But the biggest blunder was hydration. The first water station was a bit okay, the succeeding ones were horrible. Lucky me I had a small change in my pocket, enough for a bottle of water along the road. No pun intended but in the future, maybe runners should just stick to what they do best – RUN – and leave events such as this to legitimate race organizers.

If it’s any consolation, seconds after the race gun was fired, I heard The Yellow Jersey Club being acknowledged. So even before I hit the first 50-meter mark and back to cross the finish line after enduring what seemed to be an epic 10K run, I felt rewarded already. “My” running community is growing and it feels doubly good to see newbies finish their first race. The first time experience, I’m sure, would still linger long after they have recovered from exhaustion, fatigue and fun.

Next stop - SRP Sundown Run!

The Great Lapu-Lapu Run 2 - The Event

The 2010 edition of the Great Run was as equally successful as the first one.  The crowd this time around was bigger and well-attended by some prominent names in the running community .  Well, I did not catch The Bull Runner (Ms. Jaymie Pizarro) for a photo opp but I did grab the Iron Man himself (Mr. Noy Jopson), who did not only oblige for a souvenir shot but also offered me a bottle of water.  Double-treat, huh!

(L-R: Manny, Cheryl, Leonette, Amy, Jinky, Dahyan, Tina, Alex, Frex)

(Posing at the actual site of Kadaugan sa Mactan)

The event marked a lot of firsts. It's the first I was with "my crowd". By that I meant people whom I interact with on a regular basis and fortunately today, we all share a common passion.  Colleagues and friends THEN but Co-Runners NOW.  And most of them were first-time runners (applause!).  You're off to a good start, guys.  Cheryl, Dahyan, Alex, Frex, Tina, Leonette, Amy and Jinky - the Yellow Jersey salutes every one of you!

(The Great Lapu-Lapu and Liberty Shrines)

It's also my first time to run outside the city, a departure from the usual Salinas-Gorordo-Escario stretch.  The Quezon Highway route in Mactan was a welcome change.  The surface was the same good asphalt which we are all accustomed to but most importantly, the feeling upon crossing the finish line was still amazing!  And by the way, I beat my personal record in the 10K distance, yoohoo!

(with Noy Jopson, the 1st Filipino Iron Man)

We had a great time and so did the 4,000 others.  See you at the Great Lapu-Lapu Run 2011!

Pinay In Action 2010 (PIA 2010)

Fresh from our first 10K run on April 9, we did not intend to participate in PIA 2010 two days later, at least  officially.  My friend and I simply went to the scene to check what's out there and maybe run a few miles with the registered runners.  So dressed in our usual jogging attires, off we go.

The IT Park in Lahug was glowing in pink.  Everywhere you turn, there's pink, literally. Shirts. Balloons. Bags. Even the sponsor drink came in pink flavor.  The color was so infectious, next thing we know, we're signing up for the race.  Blame it on pink?  Or maybe, we have already turned into marathon addicts.    

I wrote in my previous post about this event and why it's worth supporting.  And amidst all speculations that the race  is being used for Sen. Pia Cayetano's political campaign, I would still take it for what it is - a race!  A race for women's causes and health issues that afflict women such as breast and cervical cancer. As the Senator puts it, who's a triathlete herself, "You cannot separate the athlete from the mother from the health advocate."

Male runners were supposed to run the race with the women in their lives.  Since we have not prepared for this, we instead dedicated our run to our mothers, sisters, girlfriends and all our girl friends. Pwede!

And by the way, it was a perfect excuse for men to wear pink.  See you at PIA 2011!

Takbong Urology on Araw ng Kagitingan

It's a run for urinary and prostate health held on April 09, 2010.  It's also the day we commemorated the fall of Bataan during the World War II and the valor and gallantry of our heroes. Two events that brazenly displayed the unrelenting Filipino spirit and hope. One momentous day.

And now, the photos:

The Great Lapu-Lapu Run

The most anticipated running event in the Queen City of the South is happening on April 18, 2010.  Dubbed as The Great Lapu-Lapu Run 2010, it is one of the highlights of "Kadaugan sa Mactan" and is expected to draw more than 5,000 participants.  The race begins and ends at the historic Liberty Shrine on Mactan Island.

Registration starts on March 15, 2010 and ends on April 13, 2010.  Registration forms are now available at Runnr Ayala, Columbia, SM Northwing, ResToeRun Ayala and at the Abellana Athletics Office.  Distribution of singlets begins on April 15 at the Active Zone Ayala.

Fees are as follows:
21K: P450 inclusive of Race Singlet, Race Number, Breakfast, Sponsor Freebies and Timing Chip
10K: P350 same as above
5K: P250 same as above except timing chips
3K: fun run/fitness walk same as 5K

See you at the race!

Today's a great day!

Affirm everyday even if you do not have any problem.  Tell yourself, "This is a great day, and my life is great!".  This is a wellness expert's advice on how to achieve a more positive disposition in combatting that popular event in everyone's life called stress.

Apart from engaging in any form of physical exertion (e.g., dancing, jogging, biking), here's a list of alternative tips to avoid those wrinkles and age lines and be stress-free. 

• Pray and meditate.
• Talk to a trusted friend or relative.
• Break a plate if you must and beat the anger out of you.
• Go out with friends. Laugh!
• Have a dark piece of chocolate, it will calm you.
• Stay connected with yourself, grab a second or two of silence amidst the noise.

So for those who prefer to keep it slow and easy, this unconventional bunch just might work for you.

No sweat!