Milo Marathon 21km

A month ago, New Balance Power Run 25km.
Today, Milo Marathon 21km.

Should be doable, right?

Problem: Super undertrained for this run.  I lacked long runs... As a matter of fact, I did not do any long run since NB Power Run! Hah.  I just registered for Milo since it was cheap and I was looking for a December run.  Anyway, I tried cramming my LSDs early this week, did 2 consecutive 10KMs, Monday and Tuesday.  Last week I did one 10KM and that's it plus a couple of spinning classes here and there.  The culprit for no long runs? Yaya leaving for the province for a little over a week plus being busy with other things.

All creative excuses came to mind last night - maybe I'm not ready, skip ko nalang ito... Anyway P600 lang naman ito.  Just sleep in... and the list goes on.  But of course, the more I wanted to skip it, the more I wanted to do it to prove that I am stronger than laziness! So, off to MOA I went, with our ever trusty and supportive driver, Greg.  This time, I wasn't running with anyone.  I registered on my own and ran on my own from KM 1 to 21.

I started off on a bad note, at about KM 6 I was already hungry (WHAT?! After eating a cup and a half of rice last night with homemade Kare-Kare?!!).  I think it was because I skipped my usual PB sandwich on the way to MOA and traded it for extra sleep.  I was watching out for bananas (which I never saw, BTW) in the hopes of easing my hunger.  Thank God I eventually forgot being hungry... maybe because all other aches and pains came to consciousness, haha.  At about KM 12, I thanked God I was more than halfway through.  I did not check out the race route so I was thinking this would be the same route as RU3 which was all flat, no flyovers.  Well, surprise, surprise! We had to cross 2 flyovers over Roxas Blvd.! When I saw that uphill, I seriously wanted to cry... don't ask me how I felt when I saw ANOTHER uphill.  HAHAHA.

Late Post: NB Power Run 2013 ++

Success! I conquered my longest distance yet since TBR's Dream Marathon in February 2013 and it was great! I finished within the time I wanted to which is 3 hours (2:59, hehe).  Looking forward to doing a better 25km next year.

Two races I registered for after Power Run:

1) Rescue Run 2013, which I didn't run since I didn't have a yaya whole week last week, which also explains the zero mileage.  Well, not really.  Did 3km last Tuesday as my recovery run but that's it.  Anyway, I registered just the same to serve as my donation for the typhoon victims.

2) Milo Marathon Finals 21km.  This will have a 2:30 cut off and, well, based on my Power Run (25km) and RU3 (21km) times, I should be able to make it.  We'll see.  Last race for the year! ;)

Workout Monday

Call my crazy but today I walked home from the gym.  I live in the Sta. Mesa/Manila area and the gym is in Xavier School, Greenhills.  Normally, I'd take a bus ride home which is the most convenient way.  That is, if the driver is unavailable for me to use.  I've always wanted to try walking because anyway according to the app Waze, I only live 2.6KMs away.  So in the gym, I did my long run (did not take note of the KMs anymore, just made sure to run 2 hours straight) and did some strength exercises after (lunges, squats, weights, push-ups, sit-ups, etc).

Gym selfie in between weighted squats.  Must work on those arms!

I finished at 11AM and told myself, okay, since there's no work and I'm in no rush, today, I will walk home.  From Xavier, I walked out to Ortigas Avenue and walked straight until I reached Santolan.  Turned in to M. Paterno - where I started to feel hunger pangs! Hahaha.  After all, I just had a peanut butter sandwich pre-run and 2 small bananas while running.  I stopped at a vendor to buy puto and was told, "Naku ma'am, sold out na po!" WHAT?! Ugh.  So I walked some more... and saw a buko vendor! I ordered a glass and was happy (even if that glass tasted more like water than buko.  Sad).  I reached N. Domingo and turned left and walked more... Until I reached Araneta Avenue, the bridge and was relieved.  Malapit na.

After 48 minutes, I finally reach home.  I'm glad I crossed that off my to-do list but will I do it again? Probably not - streets in the Manila simply do not encourage walking.  Plus, I'd die of pollution if I were to do this regularly.

Home sweet home :)

Run United 21km + NB Power Run

Initially I was challenging myself to train for a sub2 half-marathon but I realized along the way that it was a little too ambitious, at least at this point.  I still want to be able to do that but I'm afraid it's not going to be that easy and now is just too soon.  So, I came to this race with just one goal in mind: to finish better than my 21km PR - 2:32 (at Goldilocks Anniversary run, in 2011).  And I did, I I was able to finish at 2:28 which is 4 minutes faster than my PR, at Goldilocks... and 6 minutes faster than the last half-marathon at Condura Skyway just this year. 

For this race, I ran with Dan, a friend of a friend.  I just asked Sharl, my co-teacher, if her running friend is doing RU3.  She said yes and I said, can we run together (since he was also running alone).  So we did and it I think helped both parties a lot.  For him, it was helpful to run with someone who had a GPS watch so his pace could be consistent.  For me, it helped to know he was sort of depending on my to pace him and make sure he wouldn't go too fast, slow, etc.  Although we agreed to start together, we were both okay if either of us ended up leaving the other.  

Dan and I finished strong ;)

I was worried for this run because I skipped 2 weekends of long runs after the last I did which was only 19km.  Thank God for His mercy that allowed me to set a new PR! Dan and I ran together until about 17kms when the gap between the two of us just kept getting bigger and bigger... When I saw that I just had to run 3kms more, I decided to speed it up a bit.  Met Dan at the finish line, 4 minutes after I crossed.  Considering his last long run was only 10kms, not bad.  I was happy to set a PR and he was also happy he didn't cramp up (as was the case in RU2) and also set a PR.  

So I thought I was done running long for now, I decided I would register for only 10KM for New Balance PowerRun.  But when I got to their Shangri-la branch, I was told that they had run out of 10KM race kits! What to do.  They asked other branches and I was told that it was still available in some (but not branches convenient for me to go to, proximity-wise).  While at the NB store, I bumped into some friends who sort of cajoled me into doing 25km nalang.  When it comes to running, mabilis lang ako mapilit.  Hence, 25km it is.  Dan also registered so I won't have to run it alone ;) It's going to be in the Fort so I'm going to have to anticipate those hills! :S

Was planning on only 12kms tomorrow but since I registered for this run... I think I will have to increase that.  Lalalalala.

The things I get myself into.  #fortheloveofrunning

Crazy August

Have I seriously not written anything in a month?! August has been extremely busy.

Two bridal showers
...both from 6:00 PM until the next day - but of course I only stayed until the night! Cinderella ang peg ;)

One of two showers I attended this month.  Obviously the theme was The Great Gatsby ;)

I'm no fashionista so I get so stressed out with themed/costume parties, thank God for friends willing to lend me stuff!

CRUZ-MA NUPTIALS, the 2nd in our barkada of 12!

Girlfriends of over 10 years! <3 ...and the boys :)

Bride is the one in the center, in her beautiful Edwin Tan gown, turned short dress.
(One Esplanade)

Adrienne, my BFF who is home from New York (but leaving tomorrow, I cry) // Dianne // me in a gown made by a co-teacher/co-ICAN, Mia Syson <3

Eating out almost every weekend :O
...with the barkada since 3 of my friends based abroad were home for the said wedding.

Here's our first brunch with Aids who just arrived the night before ;) 

(Cafe Breton, Podium Mall)

Long runs.  
I've ran up to 16KMs already, 2 more weekends and my legs will be ready for the October 6 half-marathon! As for finishing it sub 2, that's another story.

Trying to lose more of the weight I put on in the pregnancy.  

September 2012 and August 2013

A difference of about 30-40 lbs.

I'm still about 10-15 lbs away from my goal.  I told myself, I will only register for Condura Skyway (42km) 2014 if I reach my goal weight by the time registration starts! Ughh how much time do I have? Maybe 1-2 months? :|

Checking papers, exams and finalizing grades
Of course, doing the teacher work I dread.  I mean, I love being in the classroom but the checking just takes so much time! Because I teach religion/Christian Life, most of our assessments are in essay form and handling 7 sections is not an easy feat! That's about 40students x 7sections = 280 papers to check! :p Phew.  And I am writing this entry because as of present time, I'm done with all papers to check and grades to finish! Praise God.

So, yes, life has been busy but it's been good.  Had some super duper stressful moments but never without God's Grace, so I survived.  But still...

I'm so glad August is over.

Milo 10km

This post is a little late but I just have to post this! I did my 2012-2013 PR for 10km in this run!!! HOORAY.

For this run, I wasn't with my usual running girls Van and Les (actually it's been awhile since we all ran together, haha).  Instead, I ran with Mishi who was kind enough to register for me.  We met up in the parking lot across SMX and walked to the starting line at around 4:45AM.  Gun start was at 5:00AM so, no rush.  For this run, I was targeting a time of 1:10 since my last 10KM in UP (just a week ago) was at 1:13.  So I thought shaving off 3 minutes would be an attainable goal.  I ran the first KM super relaxed (now I realize I could have ran it a bit faster to finish at a better time.  Yabang ba, haha) and sped up a bit at 3KM and kept going a little faster as each KM progressed.  I stopped to drink Gatorade at 5KM and then water at 7KM.  After that second water break, I tried to run a bit faster and went for a 5:45mins/KM at 8.5KM.  All that for a total time of 1:07! 6 minutes faster than the week before... and 3 minutes faster than the time I thought it would take for me to finish! :) :) :)

Praise God! Next race is not until RU3 so until then, it's train, train, train for me to get to that Sub2 goal!

Toby's Garage Sale

I've read about status updates on the Toby's garage sale in the past but never really had the chance to go.  Yesterday, I was chatting with co-teacher (and former teacher, hehe) Kat and she was raving about the sale.  She got to buy sneakers for only P1,200 (forgot the brand, though).  She specifically urged me to go because there were a lot of running shoes/apparel.  I had no idea where it was but her instructions seemed simple enough so Greg (driver) and I went this morning.

Seeing the photos on Toby's Facebook page, I just couldn't resist.
These were the photos that excited me:

 

(All photos above from the said FB page)

So anyway, I went during lunch time today to make sure there wouldn't be a lot of people.  It was still quite packed, though not enough people na tatamarin na ako mag shop.  I went mainly for the Moving Comfort sports bras since that was the only thing I needed.  HOWEVER, I could not resist the Brooks running shoes which were 65% off! What a steal, right? 

Para sa akin ata talaga ito, last pair in my size! For only P978.00! Original price at P2,700+.  Will use it for a relaxing run tomorrow to break in them.

My Moving Comfort bras at 50% off! If you're a girl runner, you should know that quality sports bras are just as important as running shoes! ;)

I also got a Brooks singlet at P340.00.  Other items I would have bought too if I had an endless budget: (1) another pair of Asics (good friend Van's Gel Nimbus (I think) was being sold at just P3,500 (I think she bought it at P7,500?)! (2) Vibram for 'wala lang' at P1,200 (3) Arena goggles (3) one-piece swimsuit

I just didn't want to spend that much today, plus didn't reaaaally need a new pair of shoes.  Hindi ko lang talaga natiis yung Brooks kasi sobrang mura! But the guard did say they would have another sale in 4 months... hmmm.  Maybe then? HAHA. 

Oh, to add to my shopping, the husband bought me new socks! ;) Not from the garage sale though.  These were bought in Nike Greenhills but ALSO on sale from P295.00 to P220+.

So, that's it for today's shopping.  And I'm probably also done for another few months (until the next Toby's sale?).  Funny how I have to think fashion buys over and over and over again... and how I don't mind wearing the same blouses and jeans twenty million times.  But when it comes to running (and Liam, of course but that's a given)? No second thoughts needed.  

Oh, the things I prioritize.  Hehe.

PS Will treat today's purchases as my reward for running my first 10km since TBRDM at 1:13, average pace 7:30/km (no walking/water break).  Still a lot of work to do to get to my 21km @ 2:00 but I think it's a good start.  Ready for Milo next weekend! :D

RUPM 2013: October 6

I was browsing through the Pinoy Fitness website when I saw that there was an announcement on RUPM 2013! It will be on October 6, 2013, less than 3 months away and will be held in MOA.  I posted on Facebook that my goal is to finish 21km in 2 hours for that specific run and so, I must follow through.  Although I am excited about this new goal, I am also butt-scared about not being able to do it.  I have been consistently consulting CA who has been so patient with my questions, hehe and my spinning instructor in the gym who also runs (but prefers biking more).  They, of course, both say the same thing, I have to get used to running faster and for a longer period of time.

So, this is my battle plan... Mondays, I run for 1 hour straight, and see what distance I get.  Wednesdays, I work on my speed and so I do intervals in the gym (running at about treadmill speed of 9-11, 12 if I can, that's 6:40-5:40 min/km) and Saturdays, long runs.  So far, for 2 runs, I did the intervals and could only do speed of 10 :( 3-1 for an hour, 3 minutes run and 1 minute walk (a 10 is about 6 mins/km).  I will start with the long run of 10KMs this Saturday since Les and I agreed to run in UP.  I haven't been there in a while so I'm looking forward to that ;) Plus, I registered for Milo 10KM (next Sunday already) so I have to prepare for that.  Originally aiming for sub-1 there but, I don't know since I haven't really ran for more than 7KM.  HAHAHA, so dead.

More info on RUPM 2013 here and to register, here's the link!

28 Before 28!

I always like writing down goals and planning my life.  It gives me a certain sense of direction.  I don't ALWAYS follow through with my goals but I think it still makes a difference writing it down on paper (or in this case, blogging about it).  So, as I turn 28 by the end of this year, I thought of writing down 28 must-do's!

Health & Fitness:
1.  Try rock climbing
2.  Be able to have more defined and less flabby arms
3.  Get to 130 lbs.
4.  Finish a sub 00:30 5km
5.  Finish a sub 01:00 10km
6.  Finish a sub 02:00 21km
7.  Do yoga on a regular basis - even just at home
8.  Learn to do away with soda.  Coke Zero, particularly
9.  Remove fast food from my diet (particularly McDonald's, KFC, Jollibee)
10.  Get a massage at least once a month

For Enlightenment and Knowledge:
11.  Finish reading Mere Christianity by CS Lewis
12.  Finish reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
13.  Finish reading Why We Run by Robin Harvie
14.  Finish reading You On A Diet by Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz
15.  Finish reading The Secret by Rhona Byrne
16.  Finish checking students' papers on time

For Fun:
17.  Try at least 5 restaurants (none in mind so far, any suggestions?)
18.  Go on an overnight trip - just us 3, or just H and I
19.  Bring Liam to Manila Ocean Park ;)
20.  Teach Liam to refer to me as MAMA and H as PAPA

For Beauty and Wellness:
21.  Get a super short bob (I've always wanted one, but I told myself I only will when I'm thin enough to get away with baring my face)
22.  Get manicure, pedicure and foot spa
23.  Get the habit of: cleanse, tone and moisturize
24.  Learn to put on eyeliner and eyeshadow.  Basically learn to put on own make-up!

For My Prayer Life:
25.  Get back the habit of praying the rosary daily
26.  Devote prayer time every single night - even just a few minutes a night will do
27.  Read the Bible on a regular basis

For Others:
28.  Save enough to be able to donate to a big amount to our annual Christmas party here at home with the help and their family members.

Back to Running

For the past month or so, I haven't really been running and it was only last week that I started running again.  I don't run with Coach Alvin (CA) anymore but he still remains to be my most influential running friend ;) So I still text him my split times, total times, pace, etc.  Since I haven't ran in a while, I expected to run with the average pace of about 8:00-8:30/km but I'm surprised that I did better! I think about a month ago, I finished 5KMs by myself at 42:00! Since then, I took healthy eating to a whole new level, joined spinning and boot camp classes religiously so I guess those helped me gain strength I could use when running.

Last Monday, I finished 5KMs in 34:57! 

L1 - 7:31

L2 - 7:21

L3 - 7:04

L4 - 6:51

L5 - 6:08

Of course, I kept hearing CA's voice telling me that my last KM should always be the fastest! Not bad, right?

Yesterday, Wednesday, I told myself I'd do 7KMs.  Not focusing on fast but just wanted to run longer. So even if it was initially raining, I still did.  I finished in 50:00 with an average pace of 7:01/km.  

L1 - 7:26

L2 - 7:23

L3 - 7:21

L4 - 7:18

L5 - 6:57

L6 - 7:07 (Medyo napagod ata at this point)

L7 - 6:26

Average pace - 7:08 ;)...CA says I should have ran faster, but to me, okay na! At least for now! 

I'm not really training for any race, just really want to run FAST.  Goal is a 10KM under 1 hour.  Maybe in a month's time? :p

Otterbox Reflex Series for iPhone 4s

I've had my iPhone 4s for about a year and a half and one of the reasons why I love it is its durability and wear and tear.  Prior to this, I had an iPhone 3gs which lasted a little over 2 years.  Although the iPhone 5 seems quite tempting, I have decided I will be using my 4s until it actually dies.  Hence, I went out and bought an Otterbox (only now!).  For the longest time, I've just been using relatively cheap and cutesy cases which only go as far as making it look pretty.  This time, I decided to do away with those cases and go for durable and stable.  According to this, the case is drop and scratch proof - which are my common problems now that Liam also uses the phone (for his Elmo videos, haha).  I like how compared to the Defender and Commuter series, this is less bulky.  It may not offer as much protection but it's just right for my needs.  

I got it for P2, 150 - quite steep for a phone case (considering my old ones were just about P1,000 max) but I gladly paid for it, knowing it will keep my phone protected for a loooong, long time (until iPhone 10, perhaps? Haha).  I researched before heading to the Otterbox kiosk and really wanted a Reflex, sakto lang because all other models were already out of stock for the 4s.

Here's to hoping this is money well spent! ;)

Running Indoors

When I run outdoors (in the Greenhills area), I prefer to run early in the mornings.  Since I find it quite challenging to get up as early (4-5 AM), I have gotten used to running indoors, in the gym.  Today I used the Nike Running app.  You can set it to indoors so it measures distance and pace based on movement, I think.  The weird thing is, the pace/distance the treadmill records is WAYYY different from the app! How different? According to the app, I finished 10kms in about 55 minutes, with an average pace of 5 minutes something per kilometer.  Although I'd love to believe that, it is simply too impossible.  I've never ran a 10km faster than 1:06, I think! At the same time, I don't think I ran as little as 6km, as recorded on the treadmill.  Hmmm, so maybe I ran about...8?

Which to follow? I highly doubt I ran just 6kms in 55mins! My longest 5km was 42mins! Maybe I should really just run outside for a more accurate workout? :| Nevertheless, I'm happy I was able to run non-stop for close to an hour!

If you follow me on Instagram you'll know that I've been trying to workout as much as 5x a week while also eating healthy.  So far, this has been the plan:

Monday - Run
Tuesday - Spinning Class
Wednesday - Run
Thursday - Spinning Class then Boot Camp/Circuit Training Class
Friday - REST
Saturday - Run
Sunday - Elliptical here at home and some weights, leg work (squats, lunges)

In reality, I don't always get to follow that schedule (though I have been consistent with the classes), but it's not so bad.  I try to keep it at a maximum of 3 rest days in a week.  Not bad, just enough to still be able to check papers.

Tomorrow's a holiday for San Juan, so no work! IFFF I get up early I might just head over to UP but otherwise, it's the gym.  I have a feeling it will be the latter, hehe.  We'll see.

PS If any of you students are reading this blog, read THIS! Why students should run ;)

Say What?

In my first year of being a mommy, I've heard pieces of advice left and right from experienced moms - many I wish I never heard.  Why? I think most of them made me worried and paranoid for no reason at all! Some examples..

1) "Hah? Lagi mo karga? Wag ganyan! Sinasanay mo!!" 
- Hello, I realized that babies really do want to be carried all the time! What's the point in wanting a baby kung ayaw mo mahirapan? Hahaha.  I mean, now that Liam is 13 months old, he hardly wants to be carried and always wants to explore on his own.  My point is, the I-want-to-be-carried stage does not last forever and I'm glad I cherished those days because I actually miss it now!

2) "He doesn't sleep in a nursery? Naku, you'll have a hard time once you go back to work!" 
- There is an extra room in the house, which will be his room in a few years but from Day 1 until this very day, he still sleeps in our room.  Yes, nahirapan talaga ako, having to deal with a baby who still did not sleep through the night and then having to wake up at 5AM every morning for work.  But like #1, hindi siya forever, so konting tiis lang naman.  Plus, I thought to myself, when my baby cries in the middle of the night, I'd much rather he have my arms to go to rather than yaya's.

3) "Breast milk is the ONLY way to go."
- Those who have tried probably know that breast feeding is not as easy as 1, 2, 3.  I had such a horrible time breastfeeding that I gave up so easily (as early as 3 months).  To begin with, I was already mix feeding Liam as early as 1 month so my supply never really came in.  I believe that breast milk is the best, but I don't think I'm any less of a mother for giving my son formula milk early on.  If anything, I feel like I did not have enough knowledge about breastfeeding as well as support for it - something I will make sure I have if given a chance to have Baby #2.  Everyday, I am thankful to the Lord that my mostly-formula-fed baby is healthy and has never had any sickness (save for colds that lasted for a couple of days).  To breastfeeding moms, I salute you 100%!

Anyway, my point is, to each his own.  I learned that comparing will not get me anywhere.  People can give you advice but each baby is different and whatever works for one may not necessarily work for another.  Now that I'm more knowledgeable about pregnancy, babies and breastfeeding, I feel like I can do much better next time (but not anytime soon, hehe).

Seven

Today is independence day and ironically, for me it marks my last free day! Free from papers to check, classes to teach and lessons to plan.  I can't really complain because I have been in this profession for almost 7 years, right? Must be something I like to do, if not, love.

I guess I'm pretty much prepared for Day 1: my lesson plan is ready, my Keynote presentation is all set... ;) I hope my students are likewise looking forward to meeting me!

So how did I spend the last day of 'freedom'?

1) Errands: went to the mall to pay bills (thank God for payment centers), buy some groceries and went on a side trip to Payless! Good thing I did since they were having a one-day-only sale: buy 2, get 1 free.  Not bad, huh? So mom, Liam and I got one pair each. Elmo sandals for Liam, black Comfort Plus flats for me and sandals for mom, also from Comfort Plus.  I loveeee Comfort Plus! So comfortable (duh) and affordable (ie My flats only cost Php 645).

2) Home-cooked Lunch: since our cook was away for close to 3 weeks, I missed having real home-cooked meals! Our labandera did the best she could while the cook was away, but it was simply no match.  Hehe.  I had a huge lunch since I've been trying my best to avoid dinner since last week.

3) Gym with the boys: I killed myself at Spinning Class last night so I didn't work out today anymore.  Instead, I took Liam to the play in the studio area of the gym while daddy did his thing.  He loved the huge space and the floor to ceiling mirror! :p

4) Jollibee ;) Took Liam to Jollibee so he could have some fries.  Unhealthy, I know.  But so far it's one of the few things he eats and doesn't end up throwing up :( I have yet to consult the pedia regarding this.  Oh, he also had some ice cream ;)

So, I suppose it's a pretty productive day.  Now downloading the Beta version of ios7 for iPhone 4s.  Because I'm impatient like that!

One Week To Go!

I'm a week a way from my 7th first day of school as a teacher.  I suppose that explains the silence, hehe.  But my silence does mean productivity! I've been going to the gym 3-4x a week (save for last week when I wasn't feeling well), working hard on lesson plans and school-related documents and of course, making each day count with the little boy.

This year, I will be handling seven sections of about 40 students each (that's a whopping 280 students, woot) and also a co-curricular club.  I'm not too sure how I feel about not being a class adviser, since I have always been one for the last 6 years.  While it may be sad not to have a section to call 'home' this school year, I am also welcoming all the extra time I will have in the mornings (no need to be in the classroom everyday from 7:20 to 7:40, woohoo).

Sadly, I haven't been running much (what's new).  I ran 2 weeks ago, 5kms for 42minutes, HAHA.  And last Monday, 3kms of interval training.  In the gym, I usually join the spinning class with which I am able to burn 500-550 calories/class (50 minutes/class).  Not bad, right? Then there's also the Boot Camp class which I joined last week (it's on Thursdays) - it's like a lighter, more purposeful version of the Insanity workout.  Can't wait for the spinning+boot camp classes tomorrow! As for running, although I did sign up for the Run United 2 last Sunday (just 10km), I did not get to go! :( Sorry, RFB.  Someone else end up running the race bib though so at least hindi nasayang.  Buti nalang 'teacherontherun' ang pangalan ng blog na ito.  Motivates me to run AND teach well.

As for the mommy part, I can say it comes naturally so no deliberate motivation needed :)

Yummy In My Tummy

For the first time in a long time, we went malling on a Sunday! It's been a while. During my marathon-training days, I was either in the gym running or too tired from running on Sundays. Yesterday, we went out was happy to see that most stores were on sale! M&S for example was having a month-long sale wherein all as in ALL items were on 20 percent off!!! These biscuits were originally P75 but we only paid P60 for it. Needless to say, mom and I went on a shopping spree - mostly on food. Hahaha. 

Look at the little toddler (not a baby anymore huhu) enjoying some butter animal cookies! Yum!

PS Will attempt to run 5km later! Half tamad/half excited.  Always hard to start after a long hiatus (about 2 months).

Work & Play

Had an Adobe Photoshop workshop this morning and thought of making a wishlist.  Oh, and yes, I'm back at work - hence the silence.

Since I intend to go back to running (not long distance, like I've mentioned a couple of weeks back), I want new running shorts, more GU and a registration to Adidas KOTR! ;) I've also always wanted a pair of Nike Frees (but photo is New Balance because it's easier to crop, hehe.  Photoshop newbie here) and a Macbook Air! :p My Macbook White has been with me for almost 3 years - it's still functioning very well but an upgrade would be wonderful.  

Weighing scale says about 140 lbs. Currently still about 15 lbs. to go! New deadline: 2nd year wedding anniversary (July 9, 2013)

Answered Prayer

God answered my prayer! Today, He gave me a new yaya for Liam! With just enough time (4 days) to get the little boy familiar with her + teach her the basics of being Liam's nanny.  I go back to work on May 2, BTW.

Sooo, what does this mean??? I can now go back to running! Oh running shoes, how I've missed you so! See you soon, ICA-XS loop, UP Acad Oval, BGC and maybe Ultra! As for official races, I'm thinking RU 10km (June) and Adidas KOTR 16.8km (July).  Yes, just races below 21km.  What about marathon #2? I think it would have to wait til next year - Condura Skyway 2014.  We'll see.  As for now, I'm just really grateful I have a yaya.  I guess God just wanted me to have enough time on my own with the little boy before I get the yaya ;) God does know best!

Out For A Run

I wish!!!

Although it can get a little too tiring sometimes, I do love all the Liam time I have now that I don't have a yaya and it's summer time.  However, I miss RUNNING :( Like I really, reaaally do.  So please, if you can recommend a good and trustworthy yaya... Please do :( In addition to missing running, I also have to go back to work in 2 weeks' time!

My New Best Friend = Naps

If you have ever been a mom to a kid younger than, say, 5, then you would know what exactly I am talking about.  As I am typing this, the little one is still napping and I've already accomplished so much!

I fixed our shoe rack, fixed one side of the cabinet (maybe the other side for this afternoon's nap), took a nice shower and now writing an update! Hah! ;) ...he's stretching now so it's only a matter of a few minutes before I get busy again but at least I'm happy I used his nap time well!

Yesterday was Liam's real birthday.  Since we already had his birthday party the previous day, we just had a quiet day yesterday.

- Heard mass with the little one (we usually don't bring him along but since it's his birthday, we decided to bring him.  Tsaka wala rin namang yaya, who am I kidding).
- Ate lunch at Yabu :D ...where the birthday boy just napped (thank God I could eat in peace, at least for 1/2 of my meal) and then woke up and ate monay which I bought from a kiosk outside.
- Walked around the mall where daddy bought shoes and guama bought Liam some birthday gifts from Mothercare <3

Thank God we went home after! We played around a bit then he fussed from about 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM! I hate teething! :(( All 3 of us slept early because we got so tired entertaining him so he wouldn't remember the teething pain and burst into tears! Too bad no amount of cajoling and dancing and singing would make him completely forget.  Xylogel, ice cream and the frozen teether could only do so much.  Did I mention how I hate teething? Hoping his upper teeth come out sooner than later! According to this timeline, at 12 months, he should already have about 4-6 teeth out! He only has 2! I have a feeling that when the next tooth comes out, it won't just be 1! Probably why he's in so much pain.

Well, today we woke up to still no emerging tooth so I'm still praying!

PS He is still napping!!!

Liam is 1!

And so today we no longer count months.. We start counting YEARS.

Happy birthday to the #1 game changer! The only one who can make me speak in hushed tones (when he's napping), make me not mind staying home all weekend and the one who makes each day a struggle to become a better me.

I promise to always be there to hold your hand tight when you feel scared, give it a gentle squeeze in ouchie moments..but also to let go when the time comes, so you can grow and be the man God wants you to be.

Daddy and mommy love you soo very much!

Photo: April 21, 2012 and April 20, 2013

Liam's 1st Trip!

So last weekend, Liam went on his first trip out of town.  Apologies for the late update, my laptop's charger died on me and I could not find a convenient Powermac/iStudio branch with the specific model.  Thanks to a friend who lent me her old charger (saves me the money, too!).

Anyway, I was so worried about this trip for the following reasons:

1) First airplane ride for the little one

2) No yaya with us

3) I will be the only girl - brother, dad, husband and baby

I'm so glad it's over and done and in all fairness, although I was dead tired by the end of the weekend, I do feel pretty happy knowing my grandma, Liam's great grandma, finally got to see him.  

Here are some photos from the trip:

Almost the Weekend!

Say hello to my new baby! ;) This elliptical was delivered right at our doorstep Monday of this week.  As mentioned in a previous entry, I bought this from Toby's.  It cost me Php 10,490 (something like this) + Php 300 (delivery free) = Php 10, 790.  Not bad considering it doesn't need electricity to work so at least my mom will not nag me about wasting electricity.  So far, I've been on it twice this week! Tuesday (since it came late Monday afternoon) and yesterday, Thursday.  Yesterday, I wore my Garmin + heart rate monitor and found out I burned about 255 calories in 55 minutes.  Take note, I noticed that my heart rate monitor was not worn properly already 25 minutes into the workout.  So at 25 minutes, it read that I had only burned 8 calories, LOL! So I most probably burned more than 255 calories.  I plan on using this elliptical 4-5x a week.

I am also currently downloading Shaun T's INSANITY work out.  Supposedly a high-intensity workout that lasts for 60 days.  More info on that here.  I'm going to be doing it with running buddy Van, starting on Monday when we get back from Cebu.  Not sure if I can do this while going on the elliptical 5x a week.

Wish me luck, it's supposed to make me, well, insane.  Will tell you about that after Day 1.

photo from the internet

On eating healthy, I have been eating a lot of cottage cheese, yogurt, Fitness cereals, fruits and vegetables. Been trying to avoid pork and beef, hence, sticking to chicken and fish.  So far, so good.  I'm not weighing myself (I find this to be too stressful for me), just observing my clothes and how much better they fit ;) I have to keep reminding myself, it is not OPERATION SKINNY but rather, OPERATION STRONG AND HEALTHY! ;) I can't say I eat healthy 100% of the time, I cheat once in a while but when I do, I make sure to take in controlled portions (i.e. Had a serving of plain Ruffles just the other day.  The pack says 1 serving is 7 chips so I only had 7... I chose the bigger cuts, haha).

Tomorrow, we head off to CEBU! ;) Staying in Crimson Spa & Resort, Mactan.  It was originally Shangri-La but since I figured we've already been there, why not try something new (and a bit cheaper, too)? I've also heard a lot of good things about this resort.  Photos look amazing! (photos from the website).  

Chip Thrills

I've always been a fan of chips.  I remember years ago, when my mom and I would go grocery shopping, we would always bring home 3-4 big bags of those imported chips (Lay's, Doritos, Ruffles). More than sweets, mas ma-chips talaga ako.  I'd finish maybe half the bag and save the best for last  - my flavor-filled fingers! So tasty! LOL.

Since I've been going on a diet technically since Liam, I have tried hard to cut this off my diet.  The last time I had chips was Cheetos Jalapenos (yum!) last April 1 ;) I've found a yummy and healthy (or healthier) alternative, though! Something crunchy but not as salty with only 150 calories per pack!

Why it's awesome: 150 calories per pack (as mentioned), made with whole wheat (as you can see), no added MSG (as they claim) and yummy white cheddar cheese flavor! <3 It's flavor is light and tasty, not walang lasa like some of the chips in Healthy Options, hehe.  And only P7.50 per pack ;)

Also, in the hopes of living a more healthy lifestyle, I have also successfully cut out milk tea from my diet! I used to have a "2 glasses per month" rule which I have now dropped.  It's been over a month since my last milk tea <3 So happy! 

Now thinking, what's the next thing to be removed from my diet? 

Fitspo?

I've been following a lot of fitness/fitspo (just recently learned about this term.  Short cut for fitness + inspiration = fitsopration) accounts on Instagram and seeing before/after shots just really motivate me so well to reach my goal! An example of what I see on those accounts:

Although sugar is really the least of my problems, since I've already cut this from my diet since October of last year.  So if you want inspiration to stay fit (or become fit) and eat healthy, follow these accounts for daily reminders ;) j_foreverfit, fitspooration, healthyfitsporation.  Medyo natuwa ako eh, kaya ang dami.  The photos posted by these users balance out all the #foodporn posts from friends, haha!

Speaking of fitness, I went out yesterday and bought myself an.. tadadada.. elliptical machine! I figured that for running, the roads will always be there.  But on days when I just want to sweat it out and do some cardio without leaving the house, an elliptical would be perfect.  I asked my husband if I should get one and he told me to go ahead and gift myself with one ;) So that was my go signal.  Will post a photo of it when it arrives on Monday.  So excited! In addition to being able to do cardio in the comforts of my own home, I am also looking forward to my mother getting on the machine.  She says she will, so let's see.  But I won't hold my breath ;)  

On dieting, it's Day 6 tomorrow of - NO: rice, soda, pork, beef + having carbs only for breakfast.  I weighed myself this morning and found that I had not really dropped any significant weight yet.  Which is strange.  Maybe I gained muscle from the free weights? Or maybe it's just too early to be expecting results.  Will weigh self again after exactly a week since I started (Monday next week).  Until then, #tiisganda haha!  

Project WW!

WW = Wedding Weight.

To be completely honest, here are the figures: (in smaller font, so as not to shock anyone too much, haha)

Heaviest pregnancy weight: 198 lbs.
Current weight: 155 lbs.
Wedding weight: 130 lbs.

Pounds lost: 43 lbs.
Pounds to go: 25 lbs.

Can I do it? I can do it!

Due date for losing 15 lbs.: May 2
Due date for the other 8 lbs. (or more): June 1

How I intend to accomplish this?
- workout 5x a week (run, go on the elliptical, do weights, yoga at home, squats, push ups, lunges, take care of baby..haha)
- diet diet diet (no sweets, no rice, no carbs after breakfast, no soda, no chips or anything junk, no fast food, no pork, no beef)
- lots of water, veggies, fruits, fish and chicken

I've been 'dieting' since I can remember but I've never been THIS determined.  And I say dieting with ' ' because it's never been really consistent, haha.  Probably because I didn't have the right motivation then.  Before, it was so I could wear a bikini without having to be avoid sitting down (because the flabby tummy would appear).  I don't really imagine myself, a mother and wife to be wearing a bikini anymore (plus, don't want the world to see all the stretch marks haha) I just want to be fit and at a healthy weight.  I promise, I will not make the pregnancy/baby my excuse for all the fat I've accumulated.

I started with Day 1 today and here's what I ate/did:

8am - oatmeal, a slice of cheese
1230pm - fish with some sauce made with egg, a piece of chicken adobo (breast part), Coke Zero (hehe), about 10 pcs of Cheetos.  I've been seeing the bag of Cheetos on the breakfast table and I thought to myself, "Might as well finish this on Day 1 so that I won't have to see it again!" hahaha.  Weak moment right there.
4:30pm - another slice of cheese
7:00pm - 2 frozen bananas with milk

Did 3 reps of lunges, squats and leg lifts.  30 minutes yoga video and push ups (honestly, I can barely do a set of 10, my arms are so weak.  But I gotta start somewhere, right?).  Running tomorrow morning.

Save for the Cheetos and Coke Zero... Not bad, it's 11:30 PM and I feel somewhat hungry but not to the point of not being able to sleep (I think).  I guess I should hit the sack soon before hungry turns into starving!

Hello Again UP!

So today, Leslie and I revisited an old friend - the UP Acad Oval :) Of course, ever reliable Greg was there with us, too.  Since we weren't going to run a far distance (we were thinking 10km max but ended up with just 6kms haha), we said we wouldn't go too early - we were there by 6AM.  Surprisingly, considering it was Holy Thursday, the place was packed! Even saw good friend Mitz (whom I haven't seen since she left school for her maternity leave), her hubby and baby Aaron (finally!).

Chill/relaxing run.  Not bad, considering I did lunges and squats just yesterday :p

Oh, look who's ecstatic to have both mommy and daddy home on a weekday(s)!

11 months and a week old

Ultra Running

You read that right, ultra + running.  No, not running longer distances, as the term ultra running alludes to hahaha.  So far from that.  I remember saying a few months before that 2013 might just be the year to consider running longer.  I'm changing that now, haha.  Not that the marathon traumatized me or anything - but before I start punishing my legs/thighs any more, I figured I'd focus on going back to my pre-pregnancy weight first... and I have about 20 pounds to go before that happens.  So for now until after 20 pounds, it will just be leisure running, lots of dieting, yoga and strength training.

ANYWAY, what I meant was running in Ultra (Philippine Sports Commission), haha! I remember the last time I was there it was to have the deadly massage (I had 2!) by Coach Salazar.  I was kind of excited to run on a track, since I haven't done that in a while (last time was years ago in Ateneo's Moro Lorenzo sports center).   Much to our disappointment, the track was closed! So we had no choice but to run around the complex - horrible.  #1, cars were passing us every few minutes.  #2, the ground wasn't smooth - bako-bako, to say the least.  Definitely not for running.  #3, there was a part that's a super steep uphill (the one sort of across the track gate).  Fine, maybe #3 was actually a good thing - I totally felt my legs burningggg.  At some point in the incline, I thought to myself, "Am I even moving pa?" Kasi parang hindi na ako gumagalaw... yun pala, numb na dahil sa sakit haha.  The only saving grace was we ran easy since I just went there to follow Sharl and Kaka's run-walk program.

Although I may have cursed those uphills, I suppose with the level of difficulty, I burned more out there than if we had done the track!

Summer '13

The most awaited time of the year!!! ...fine, next time Christmas, hah! As a teacher, one of the nicest benefits is having April off...especially now that I have Liam, this really is something welcomed with open arms.  What to do this April?

1.  Lose at least 10 pounds.
Seriously.  I have to be able to fit into my pre-pregnancy casual clothes by May so that I won't have to buy new ones! The plan? Yoga + squats + lunges + running/gym-ing when I get the chance and of course, DIETING!!! I've already lost about 40 pounds from my pregnancy so another 10-15 should be doable.  Fight!

2.  UBE (Ultimate Bonding Experience) with Liam! 
Since yaya will be on (permanent) vacation, I expect to have a lot of time with Liam <3 Which explains "running/gym-ing when I get the chance".  The past months that I have spent training for the marathon, I admit I counted on yaya too much.  This time, running will take a back seat and Liam will be #1, I promise.

3.  Liam's first airplane ride
Will be visiting my 90-year-old grandma in Cebu on the 13th so she can also see Liam.  It'll be Liam's first airplane ride so please help me pray it goes well.  It will also be our little family's first out of town trip.

4.  Read books!
...at least at night and while Liam is napping, hehe.  The books I plan to read/finish reading are:

• Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
• Why We Run by Robin Harvie
• Mere Christianity by CS Lewis

I will end there because I don't want to bite off more than I can chew!

**

I guess that's it.  My workload for the school year is not yet final but if what's being planned (by my bosses) pushes through, then I'm going to have a crazy busy school year ahead! So far, Ive already got the following on my plate: Faculty Club secretary, CLE teacher, CLUB moderator.  There are 2 more things that have yet to be finalized :p So for now, hush hush muna.  

How about you? What's going to keep you busy this April? :)

So, thank you SY 2012-2013! As for next school year, will worry about that in a month's time.  For now, partayyyy!!! .. NOT! Yaya-mode, actually <3 

Yaya Blues

I've had the same yaya for Liam since his birth.  Actually, she came about 2 days before I gave birth! Talk about timing.  She was referred to us by my uncle's midwife.  Thirty-seven years old, mother of 2 and separated from husband.  Although she's never ever been a yaya/househelp her entire life, she did take care of her kids (21 yo and 7 yo) as well as her pamangkins.  

The thing is, I've been thinking of changing yayas for Liam for the longest time.  Here are my top reasons why:

1) My mom hates her.  According to my mom, if it were up to her yaya standards she would not have stayed with us for this long.  

2) Our cook, who is older than her and more experienced, has been teaching her how to do things better and she hardly listens.  Case in point: For Liam's meals, she prepares lapu-lapu fish with congee.  Lita, our cook, has been telling her repeatedly to transfer the fish to be used from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before so that it could thaw a bit and would be easier to cook/prepare.  So far, it's been 5 months since Liam has started on solids and she has NEVER done it.

3) I bought floor mats for Liam to use, so he could play on the floor and practice his crawling as well.   I told yaya to give Liam about 30-45 minutes per day to stay and play on the floor.  So far, she has done it maybe 5x since I told her to do so.  When did I instruct her? Maybe 7 months ago.

4) I caught her forgetting to give Liam's vitamins maybe thrice already.

5) She used to make Liam wear a bib while taking his meals but for the past couple of days, she has dropped the bib and I even caught her using Liam's sando to wipe his face! :( She used to always carry around a lampin, too.  Not anymore.  Tinatamad na ata, kasi the more she uses lampin/bib/etc., the more she has to wash, too! (Yaya washes Liam's clothes, etc. on Saturday mornings)

6) She moves too slow! 

Actually, the list goes on but I think I've made my point clear.  Basically, I'm happy that she loves my son and is very patient with him.  But as a growing baby who's almost a toddler, I think we'll be needing more from a yaya.  I need someone more active, one who would take more initiative and a teacher who can also discipline Liam, with tenderness. 

So, my husband and I have decided.  When yaya goes home for a vacation this summer, I will tell her not to come back anymore.  The problem now is, how.  How does one go about firing a househelp.  If you know better, please do enlighten me!    

I need divine intervention.  

NatGeo 2013

A good friend Wel messaged me on Facebook and sent me the link to this:

(screenshot from http://www.natgeorun.com)

Soo excited! <3 The last NatGeo Run I went to was in 2010 with the husband wherein we ran 10km.  I'm still thinking if I can do a half-marathon distance of this or just another 10km.  Hmm.

BDO Race for Life!

Next run! Registering for 10km, first run after the marathon :) Should be good! See you there!

"NO!"

"NO!" seems to be my favorite line these days.

With Liam being so active, I sometimes miss the little him - easier to carry, does not complain much, wala pang alam sa pagiging naughty! These days, I find myself giving Liam a firm, "NO!" more and more.  Just this morning, I had to give him a strict, stern "No!" because he was playing with his food! At 3 days shy of being 11 months old, he now knows the concept of being shouted at - he responds by first frowning and then crying out loud :( It breaks my heart to know that I'm the reason for his tears but I do want to raise a disciplined child.  I don't want him to grow up thinking it's okay to do anything at all! The paranoid in me tells me that all the NO's might damage our relationship and might make him hate me or whatever - yeah I know, OA much.  One of my favorite go-to websites, babycenter.com, has an article on the matter.  According to the article, although discipline should be enforced, spanking should never be an option.  I don't have plans of the latter, but H believes that moderate and purposeful spanking should be okay - he wants to be the type of father the his child fears to a certain level.  I think that should be fine, right?

Liam at 2 months, roughly 9 months ago.











Liam with mommy and daddy on Chinese New Year, at 9 months old.









If I were to think of every single thing I would do or say to Liam and it's possible effects both long-term and short-term, I think it will drive me nuts!!! I guess the best I can do is just to make sure that I do all things out of love - after all, what other reason could there be?

My 5th Batch: Phoenix '14

Out of all the academic years, I think this year went by the fastest! It was probably because I was 24/7 busy with something teaching/running/family-related.

Since this batch was in their first year, my good friend Jen has always raved about them (Phoenix '14).  After she handled the batch in their freshman year, she told me, "Abangan mo sila! Sobrang okay na batch!" And when she was eventually assigned to teach H3, she genuinely looked forward to having them again as students.

Of course we all know that didn't go as planned because, well, God had other plans.  So I became their third year teacher instead.  Well, it was a great year.  Like each school year, I meet a wonderful mix of students: some crazy, some straight, some really smart kids, some street smart ones, some smart Alec's, some witty students, some hard-headed ones, some awkward kids, some great athletes, some hyper kids, great writers, awesome talents...and the list goes on.

Inasmuch as I would have also wanted to be a stay-at-home mom to be with my months-old baby, my heart also somewhat belonged in the classroom where I could be with the students and do my share in helping them live a better faith life.  I'm glad to say that sacrificing time with my son to continue being a teacher was worth it.  I say this from the bottom of my heart - I sincerely enjoyed every single day with the batch and would do it all over again if I have to.

If you are reading this, Phoenix, Ms. Beli was right, you girls were worth the wait.  Thank you for the many classroom memories we all made, thank you for bearing with me when I had to limp because of some running injury, for listening to my stories and experiences (as if naman you could 'turn off' your hearing sense), for accepting me in spite of my weirdness (and my long ummmm's), for writing all those heartfelt reflection papers, for cheering for me whenever you'd see me run around ICA, for sharing your lives with me and listening to me share mine with you :) Most importantly, for inspiring me every single day to be a better me - a better mom so that my kid/s will grow up to be as smart and talented as you girls are, to run better and eat healthy so I could encourage you to do the same and to teach in the best possible way because you deserve no less.

Here's a special shout out to III-Mercy the only class that made an effort to actually write thank you notes to their teachers.  Much, much, much appreciated <3

To me, teaching is not just a job.  It's an opportunity for me to change the world in my own little way... because I believe that to make a difference, you simply have to go beyond yourself and give love to others.  Everything I have done this year (yes, even the scolding, lecturing and giving of SBFs), I have done out of love.  If you recall Randy Pausch and his Last Lecture, he says, "Your critics are the ones telling you they still love you and care.  Worry when you do something badly and nobody bothers to tell you."

Thank You Phoenix/Batch 2014 for a school year to remember.  God bless you <3

Much love,
Mrs. Guce

March 1-3, 2013

Spent the last weekend with the husband's high school barkada on a loooong road trip! Manila - Baguio - La Union - Manila

The trip in photos c/o Raf :)

Post Marathon Thoughts

So, it's been over a week since the marathon and I still haven't gotten around to writing my kwento.  Just been so busy with all the paperwork - papers to check, lessons to finish, documents to accomplish! See photo of my desk! Just piles of paper everywhere! Ughhh.

I realized that since I got that cesarean section my memory has not been so reliable so I figured I have to write about it now before it's too late! Lol.  Here goes.

In spite of not having trained AT ALL, Aimee still decided to show up for marathon day! So Van, Aims and I left Manila at around 1:00 PM, February 23, 2013 - Friday, a day before race day.  We got to Paseo Premiere, out hotel, at around 3:30 PM, checked in and all.  We met Van's boyfriend Em who was going to drive us to Nuvali to go around the race route.  Honestly, I told Van I didn't want to go around the route and pre-empt the excitement but since she was insisting on seeing the route, Aimee and I obliged.  

I wasn't feeling as excited for the race as I was months ago.  Since my injury caused me not to train for 3 weeks, I knew I wasn't going to be able to run as well as I wanted to.  I was gunning for 5:30, or 5:45 max but I just knew it wasn't possible.  But I also knew I couldn't not do it! I went to Dr. Rafanan on the Tuesday of race week and he advised me not to run TBRDM anymore and just rest but hard-headed me pushed his orders aside so I took Celebrex 400mg for the remaining days until race day and massaged my injured area (gluteus medeus) with a generous amount of Fastum.  It got better, yes, but was still not 100% and I knew right when I started running that race.  

So, at 1:00 AM Saturday, the three of us girls waited for Van's friend Herbert in the Paseo Premiere lobby so we could hitch a ride to Nuvali.  We lined up to get what we needed to get our times in (I'm not sure what you call that thing you put on your ankle), stretched with Van's Milo group, took our energy gels and waited at the starting line.  

It's Official

I am now a marathoner. I conquered 42kms today!!! A more detailed post on that maybe tomorrow. For now, it's time to sleeeep.

Goodbye Injury...?

A week and a half since Condura half-marathon.  Four days before TBRDM 2013...

In between Condura and today, I've only done one 5km, and I walked it - thanks to that injury.  Today, I woke up feeling much, much better.  I think it must have been Fastum and the Celebrex Dr. Rafanan made me take.  I skipped school yesterday to take a chance at Dr. Rafanan's clinic.  CA has been making me go to Dr. Miguel del Prado and because I really could not go all the way to St. Luke's and wait in the clinic all day, I decided to go and see Dr. Rafanan in Medical City (as advised by an athlete cousin).

As with Dr. Del Prado, I also did not have an appointment.  The only difference, Dr. R's secretary was more...encouraging about being a walk-in patient while Dr. DP's did not even offer taking the risk.  So, I took the day off from work yesterday to go to Medical City.  It was my first time there - I've always gone to Cardinal Santos and gave birth there, too (the only time I was ever confined in a hospital).  Although it was quite embarrassing, I had to ask guards for direction, haha! Anyway, back to the topic.

So I got there at 8:30 AM and because I had no appointment, my 'appointment' depended on whether those scheduled would actually show up or not.  Thank God, some didn't (haha) so I got to see the doctor at about 1:00 PM.  That was about 5 hours worth of waiting!

The diagnosis? Gluteus medius strain.  What he's asked me to do? Take Celebrex 400mg for 2 weeks, have 3x a week PT sessions for 2 weeks and apply Fastum 3x a day for 2 weeks.  I should be better after.  We'll see.

I asked if I should run my marathon Sunday.  Well, he said no.  HONESTLY, I feel like my body can take all 42kms already (of course I will have to take it slow, meaning goodbye to my dreams of a sub 5 marathon, there will be other runs for that).  I woke up this morning and voila - no pain! I think it was the Celebrex that did the trick.  Although I do think that I was probably about 80% healed when I saw him - thanks to the rest I did.  He didn't firmly say no, like I would be killing myself if I did run... more of like a preventive/cautious no... Which I figured he said only so that he won't be to blame if anything happened to me - knock on wood (I can't go back to him and say hey Doc you allowed me to run, why am I more injured now?).

It's Wednesday today and I was supposed to run in the gym - an easy 5km but decided against it.  I will run on Friday though, just to test drive my legs and feet, make sure I still got it even after almost 2 weeks of not running.  If I'm already much better now, I should be at my best on Sunday.  I know I'm probably undertrained, having done only one 32km, but I'm banking on the good vibes and positive energy I'll be receiving from the people around the race route and organizers!

So grateful the Lord has allowed healing for me, but until then, I'll still be praying for complete recovery.  Thank You!

Still On The Ham Issue

So I said I woke up with no pain after Coach Salazar's massage, right? Well, that's partly true.

Saturday - massage (he told me to rest until Tuesday and try running then)
Sunday - no pain when I woke up, but was sore from the massage
Monday - walked normally already.  I know Coach said to wait until Tuesday but I attempted to run in the gym but to no avail.  It still hurt - no longer the hamstring area but the butt, not quite sure if it's soreness or really still in pain.

I left the gym feeling super down, and emo about the entire situation.  I was thinking, how could I have stupidly injured myself training for my marathon?!?? What did I do wrong??? Could CA be right that it was all just because I hadn't done any massage ever? I don't want to think of that as the case, since I know so many other runners who do not have massages done regularly.  My husband (also mentioned by Coach S) thinks it's the additional weight I've put on.  Yes, I've already lost a lot of it, but I'm still about 20 lbs. heavier than my pre-pregnancy weight.

So anyway, I was sulking in the car and that annoyed my husband.  So he gave me a long lecture with the following points:
(1) You may love running, but running is not your life! There are so many other aspects of your life that are going well, so don't let running affect you this much.
(2) So what if you paid 3 grand for the marathon? If your legs can't do it, don't push yourself.  There are so many other runs in the future.
(3) You can still do the run but don't push yourself - just walk/run! Or only what your body can take.
(4) You did a great 21km at Condura and if your body tells you to stop at that, then stop.  You won't be a lesser you if you back out from TBRDM.

My husband is not a man of many words.  Usually, I'm the one who does the talking but when it really counts, he knows the right things to say :) I slowly got over my sadness and decided that this was what I was going to do (as also suggested by my marathoner friend Victor): rest for the remaining (9) days, run  an easy 5km on the 22nd and then do the marathon on the 24th.

Okay, I think I can do that.  I'm going back to Coach S tomorrow for my 2nd and last deep tissue massage.  Hopefully that will cure me entirely, or at least, enough to be able to do TBRDM.  Praying for healing!

Seeing my fellow aspirants tomorrow at the Dream Marathon send-off party! Going there after my session with Coach Salazar.  Should be fun to see friends doing TBRDM, too:

Van
Jun + Van's Milo running clinic friends (don't remember the other names)
Aimo
and barefoot runner/college friend Victor

:)

HAMsakit-sakit!

I've been abala for the past few days thinking about many things... the pile of papers to check on my desk, the upcoming marathon and how I'm going to finish it and the biggest worry the past few days... my hamstring :( Since I haven't been blogging, here's the timeline for that:

Sunday - Condura 21k

Monday - felt okay... body was sore but no specific pain

Tuesday - status quo

Wednesday - started to limp and question whether I could do CA and I's usual Wednesday training run

My hamstring, starting from my mid-butt area hurt so bad and I really had difficulty walking, even my students noticed.  CA still wanted to see me and try if I could run so we met up.  It was really too painful then and even while running, it wouldn't go away so we decided to just walk 5km.  Since time immemorial, CA has been asking me to go for a massage since he says it will help make me run better.  Get this, I've never, EVER had a massage so I was tinatamad to do it! But this injury, if you can call it that pushed me to call Intercare ASAP.  I scheduled a myotherapy massage for Thursday afternoon.  Even left school earlier than usual so I could make it to the only available slot - 3:00 PM.  

Before the doctor saw me, a lady came in the room I was led to and asked me to change to the robe.  She made me stand facing the wall and took photos of me using an iPad - I was in my undies and quite uncomfortable, at that.  I think she sensed it because she said, "Para makita ni doc yung alignment mo." Carrying the iPad with my photos, Dr. Guab then identified my problem - tight hamstring.  It was weird seeing my semi-naked body on the iPad hahaha but helped to see that obviously, looking at how I stood, there was discomfort on my right side.  I was recommended for myotherapy and stretching (both what CA asked me to have done).  Too bad the one who does stretching wasn't available.  Therapist came in for myotherapy and I had my hour-long massage.  Save for a few moments where there was a tiny bit of pain, it was pretty relaxing and calming.  I did feel better after, and, well, body felt less tense!

Left the place feeling happy and hopeful that I could do my scheduled long run of 32km the coming weekend.  NOT.  #1, recovering from a tight hamstring isn't that easy, or quick.  #2, I woke up the next day still with the same pain + limping leg :( Honestly, I was devastated and although I tried very hard to hide it, CA got annoyed with my 'panic texts'.  So much for hiding it :))

I did my research and came across Aileen's blog.  A 20-something ultrarunner who once had pain in her hamstrings too.  She went to a certain Coach Tito Salazar who's apparently notorious for his excruciatingly painful but effective massage that cause his 'victims' to shout/cry/squirm in pain.  I immediately e-mailed Aileen and can not be grateful enough for her prompt reply.  I love it when runners are so kind to each other! <3 Anyway, within the day, I found myself texting Coach Salazar and asking for an appointment.  Oh, I also asked Dennis about Coach Salazar and he said the same thing - super painful massage.  I was thinking, if a big tough guy like Dennis considers his massage painful, what more me?!! Then again, I've always claimed to have a high tolerance for pain - daw! Plus, with the marathon only 2 weeks away, I was desperate!!!

Okay, going back, I had my husband go with me yesterday morning 6:30 AM (yaaawn) to see Coach Salazar in Ultra.  When we finally met, he led me to this empty space for my death massage.  He rolled out a mat and asked me to lie on my stomach - and the torture massage began.  

For the most part, I was biting on my towel and pushing A at his hip (he was seated on the floor, in front of me).  No, I did not cry but the towel helped A LOT.  Apart from the massage, Coach Salazar also gave me lots of tips (first was to avoid oily food so I can lose a little more weight and put less stress on my legs when running, he mentioned sweets first but I've already given that up, so, he moved on to anything fried).  Now, over a day after the massage, my right hamstring and butt are both bruised (pasa) but mostly free from pain! Miraculous!!! Aileen said to think, "the more painful it is, the more effective" INDEED! 

Coach Salazar asked me to rest Saturday and try running Tuesday then go back to him one last time on Wednesday.  

I guess this is another proof of one of my mantras, "if it's not easy, it's not worth doing!"