Run United1 21km

Still on a running high as I was finally able to beat my PR in this race! So far, my fastest 21km was last December when I did Milo Marathon Finals.  I was pressured then because of the 2:30 cut off so I really tried to run fast.  In January, I did 7/11 21km but finished slower at 2:26.  But yesterday... I finished at... drum roll please... 2:18!!!

If you know me, you would also know that I am all sorts of slow.  I used to run 5KMs at 45minutes (when I started running again after the baby).  My longest half-marathon, I finished 3hours at QCIM December 2012.  So this is just crazy fast for me.  And I did not even feel a hint of being tired or spent the entire race (maybe except for the last KM when I had to push a little harder and run faster).  

What's my secret? Definitely doing speed intervals in the gym.  I really made it a point to run intervals at least once a week to make sure that my legs got used to running faster.  The importance of speed intervals is something I've known of since time immemorial, of course Alvin always kept making me kulit about this but I guess I've just recently (maybe this school year) been interested in running faster, not just longer.  

Back to the race, of course this is RunRio organized so you expect nothing but the best - more than enough hydration stations with both cold water and Gatorade, well-lit roads (very much needed as gun start was at 4AM) and easy claiming of Finisher's Shirt.  This is what I call money well-spent.  

So, what did I do differently before and during this race, which may have helped in gaining a new PR?

1) I bought new earphones, finally invested in a good (and expensive) pair of Yurbuds! True to it's promise, I never had to worry about it falling off ;)

2) Ran the last KM with a friend (hubby's officemate) who I bumped into.  I told him to run faster and pull me alongside him so we could finish strong together!

3) Warmed up with a 5-minute run.  I NEVER warm up before a race.  I think that's why I usually start the first few KMs really slow at about 7:30-8:00/km.  This time I started with 7:00/km!

4) Took 2 GU Roctane gels (one at 11KMs and another at 17KMs).  I normally just take the regular one but also invested on Roctane ones which were double the price, worth it!

5) Did not do a long run a weekend before the race, instead did an hour long of intervals on the treadmill.  Coach Carlo who I met through Gold's Gym (he's a traithlete and a 1:29 half-marathoner) told me that doing a long run a weekend before the race will just slow me down.  Anyway I did 20KMs already 2 weekends before the race so that should be enough.  

6) Did speed and hill intervals on the gym 1-2x a week for the past 5 weeks! 

7) Religiously did bootcamp classes weekly so I could work on my legs (doing endless squats, lunges, burpees, box jumps, etc.)

8) Lost 5pounds by replacing dinner with smoothies.  I'd put in an assortment of fruits and veggies in the blender and spin away.  I only ate dinner when I was running early morning the next day.

I don't know which one exactly worked but I guess it's a combination of all those and just the sheer drive and passion to be better and stronger.  I'm still aiming at a sub2 half-marathon.  I'm in no rush, just taking it one race after the other.  Hopefully, I will be able to achieve that by the end of this year. 

Thank You Lord, for this new achievement! 

No Speed Limit 21km

Late Post: Run happened February 9, 2014

It took me so long to finally write this post because I was too upset to do so, haha! Did not have the gana to write about it.  But anyway, it's been over a month already and since I want to write about the Run United1 experience, I HAVE to write about this first, haha!

No Speed Limit is a benefit run by an Ateneo organization, SPEED.  Basically, it's a socially-oriented organization that allows the students exposure to underprivileged special children (I hope I got it right, this is what I remember from my college days).  In 2012, I did this run but joined only the 3km distance as I was 7months pregnant and mostly of course, walked the distance.  In 2013, they scheduled it on the same date as Chinese New Year so that ruled out my chances of joining (unless I blow my father's top).  So, this year, I told myself I have to join the run! At least to help the many former students I have who are now part of SPEED.  I signed up quite early (through a former student, Meg) that I was I think one of the first 3 registrants for the 21km distance, haha.  Excited, much.  I was looking forward to running along Marcos Highway as I have never done so.

I was surprised to see that gunstart for the half-marathon was at 5AM! Given that I more or less finish a 21km distance at around 2 hours and 30 minutes, that would mean finishing at 7:30AM which is already quite hot! Anyway, couldn't do anything.  I was on my own (as I always am these days at races) waiting for gun start to commence when it just wouldn't! I was already annoyed at the 5AM gunstart so it did not help that they started about 20minutes later.  Again, what can I do?

We started running around the Ateneo campus.  From Henry Lee Irwin theater towards the High School, then out to Katipunan passing through Bellarmine Hall and then Gate 3.  So far, so good.  Hydration stations were enough although they only served water.  No problemo.  We ran out to Katipunan then went up Katipunan flyover.  We made a u-turn somewhere along it going towards Sta. Clara Church then to Marcos Highway - it was a fun downhill which only meant one thing.  We would have to go up that in an hour or two.

I'm not very familiar with Marcos Highway so I just followed everyone else.  Passed SM Marikina, Sta. Lucia East Mall (I know only until here) then u-turned back.  We passed the same route going back and looking at my watch, I thought, if we (I don't remember the actual distances/digits anymore) run back the exact same route, it won't be 21KMs.  Unless we go around Ateneo again when we get in for the last few KMs.  As we entered Ateneo, I've never been this upset to see the finish line! :)) Normally it was a such a relief to see the finish arc.  Not this time.  So I sped up to the finish line,  got my medal, checked my watch again and there you have it - not even 18KMs.  I walked around and chatted up the others who also had GPS watches and they confirmed that the race was indeed short of about 3KMs.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to appear mayabang but I felt a little cheated.  We paid P900 for a race that didn't offer anything but water, started late and even did not measure 21KMs :( I get that it's for charity so fine, I don't mind so much that hydration stations only offered water, but sana naman umabot ng 21KM.  

I finished with a time of 1hour57minutes which is pretty good with an average speed of, if I'm not mistaken, 6:48.  I think I would have PR-ed for a half-marathon if the distance was completed.  Sayang. Thinking about it now, sana pala I ran the missing KMs inside Ateneo so I could record a PR ;)

ANYWAY, I tried looking for some SPEED members who were former students to give my complaints, I mean, feedback to and then decided to just shrug it off.  1 ) It is student-organized.  They have classes, due dates, reports, projects...and are not being paid for the work they do. It is completely volunteer-work... on top of their academics.  2) Proceeds go to the needs of special children so will just focus on that 3) At least I got a nice photo for it (just don't mind my hair) - see below.

I just hope they try to make things better next year :)

Run 1000 21km

I plan on one race per month for 2014 and for January, it was Run 1000 by 7/11.  Like Milo in December, I also kind of lacked long runs.  What can you expect, Christmas season, lol! Actually the only long runs I did from December 8 (Milo) to January 19 (Run 1000) were two 2-hour runs on the treadmill.  I think I will stop doing my long runs on the tread and start being diligent enough to wake up early for the LSDs.  I find that the treadmill is 'too easy' compared to running on the road (I have to maintain my pace, endure the hills, etc).  So anyway, back to Run 1000...

Greg and I left the house an hour before gun start (which has been the routine whether race is in MOA area or BGC).  Got to the venue at around 4:00 AM which was pretty early for 4:30 AM gun start.  So I had time to look around, listen in on other runners' pre-race chika (not my fault, they were talking loudly!).  I was a little upset to find lots of people carrying portable music players when I clearly read on the guidelines that these devices would not be allowed - I normally run with music and so not bringing them was a big sacrifice.  Oh well, didn't want my attention to have to be called for not following rules! Gun start was prompt at 4:30 AM and off we were!

It was my first time at Aseana so I was a little excited.  Kuya Kim earlier greeted the runners as he was also running 21km.  He mentioned that the weather + easy route should be conducive to breaking a PR so I was hopeful.  Throughout the run, I felt pretty strong and did not feel any knee, leg or sole pain.  Although I do think I was running pretty conservatively at around 6:50-7:00 pace, I thought to myself, I wasn't in this for a PR anyway.  Since I didn't do speed training and lacked in the long runs.  I just really wished I could finish sub 2:30.

Did not appreciate that some hydration stations either ran out of drinks or had 2 small tables only, not enough for the thousands of runners! Also did not like how about the last 400 meters of the race was so crowded! :S I wish it were less narrow.  Also, the distribution of loot bags/shirts took too long :(

I ended up with a time of 2:27.  Sub 2:30! Thank You, Lord!

My next run will be in my alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University, where I will be running 21km for special children (No Speed Limit 2014).  I have 2 weeks to work on my speed.  Fight! :)

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! ;)

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

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!

Condura Skyway 2013

So, there went my third half-marathon...and I couldn't have chosen a better race to do it! I loved every single minute of the run - yes, even having to climb up the flyover! The uphill parts felt like forever! I was planning on a 2:30 half-marathon which meant I was going to run 7:30-7:00 for the first 15kms and then speed up to 6:30-7:00 for the last 6kms.  I finished at 2:34 because I noticed I ran at around the pace of 8:00-8:15 at the uphill parts.  Van and I agreed to run it together.  Alone, she has the tendency to start a bit too fast so my purpose was to slow her down, I guess hehe! We ran together until 15-16kms and then since her knee was becoming too painful, she asked me to go ahead.  I reminded Van that this wasn't our race - that this was just in training for TBRDM so she should take it easy and be careful not to have serious injuries that may jeopardize our first full marathon.

Praise God everything went well! Except for one thing: After crossing the finish line, I bumped into CA, Dennis and Janine.  Janine (who finished her first full marathon in a long time at 5:32!!!) pointed at my shirt and asked me what happened and I was like, huh? Then I looked down and saw the front part of my shirt - oh dear, it was bloody! Apparently, my heart monitor chafing (from the Wednesday speed trainings) chafed even more with the sports bra I wore.  Yes, chafed so bad that it bled through my shirt! :(( You can just imagine how painful it was to shower after.

Overall, I think the people behind Condura Skyway Marathon did a reaaaally good job organizing the run! Although there was reportedly over 14,000 runners, it didn't feel like it.  Thanks to the huge Condura Village (where runners went to claim medals, get drinks, participate in post-race activities) and the many waves for each category.

Gahh, a little over 2 weeks before my FIRST FULL MARATHON!!!

What Lies Ahead

I'm sitting in the classroom now, waiting for the girls to finish their reflection paper.  I've been thinking of what 2013 has in store for me, at least the ones I'm aware of and have planned for...

1) My 2nd Condura Skyway Marathon
Running 21k for this (this is going to be my third 21km and my 2nd, post Liam) :D Yay! Looking forward to the race.  I believe that compared to my QCIM half-marathon, I am way, way, waaaay more prepared this time, having ran LSDs much longer than 21km.  Hoping for a 2:30 or less for this.

2) TBRDM 2013!!!
According to the website, I have 39 days to go! My long runs have already been planned for until race day - that includes that half-marathon, another 32km, and 16km the weekend before the race.  And of course, speed training on the weekdays.  All thanks to CA who insists on a sub 5 hour marathon for me.  5:30 at the most.

3) March 1-3, La Union
Trip with husband's barkada.  It will be the first out-of-town/overnight trip for us without Liam - not that we've had one with him, haha.  I'm sure I'll miss him the minute I get on our shuttle, yes we hired a shuttle!!!

4) April 13-14, Cebu
Liam meets tai-ma, my dad's mom.  Since great grandma is turning 90 this year, and too old to travel to Manila, we decided to fly to Cebu with Liam so she could see him.  It's going to be Liam's first airplane ride.  Similar to me, the first airplane ride I took was also to Cebu to see grandma :) Too bad it's only one night, since H needs to be at work on the weekdays.  The best part of the stay is that we'll be checked in at the Shangri-La! :D Okay, fine.  That should be the second best thing since first should be seeing my grandma :p

5) Liam's 1st birthday! :)
I initially wanted to have it in Chili's, Alabang Town Center since it's a new and pretty branch.  But when I called, I found out that they only allow parties on the weekdays (Mondays to Thursdays) and their functions rooms can only hold a maximum of 70 people.  My guest list is already at 120 :| So, we decided to have it in good old Jollibee in Madrigal Avenue, Alabang.  I guess it's a blessing in disguise because this will definitely cut costs in half! Plus, who can resist a kiddie party and some Jolly Spaghetti? :p

6) Longer Runs
2-3 years ago, running over 42kms was never part of the plan.  I know it's crazy but I've been entertaining the thought of running BDM 102 (Bataan Death March, 102kms) lately.  So maybe this year will be spent focusing on getting used to the 42km distance and then eventually moving up.  The BDM 102 2014will probably be in March so I have lots of time to prepare - and decide, if ever :p

7) My 7th year of teaching
I already handed in my Letter of Intent for SY 2013-2014 so I'm most probably staying for another year.  My work best friend, Sharl, will be the subject area's supervisor and in as much as I would like to move to THE other school in preparation for Liam's education, I will postpone that for another year since I wouldn't want to leave Sharl on PAASCU year and in her first supervisor year :) What friendship can do! :p

8) 2nd wedding anniversary ;)

.... That's all I can think of for now.  Will add more next time.  So far, so good, looks like a pretty interesting year ahead! :)

QCIM & Some Firsts

Now I can finally say it - I finished my 2nd half-marathon!!!

First half-marathon: May 2011, 2:35
Second half-marathon: Dec 2012, 3:00

I know, I know.  My time sucked, but I'm still so happy I finished it! A half-marathon at 7 months post-partum! :)

Many firsts in this run...

1.  First time to run in QC
- It's always been in MOA or BGC and for the first time I experienced running along Commonwealth and UP.  When the hosts were showing us the route, all I remembered was "u-turn at Wilcon".  Because of that, while on Commonwealth, all I could think of was, "Where are you Wilcon????" Never been that happy to see Wilcon!!!

2.  First time to run a 21km
- It's my longest post-partum distance so far! Prior to this, the farthest I've ran was about 18kms, I think! So I'm mighty happy to have finished a new distance.

3.  First time to join a race ALONE
- I usually pick Leslie up before a run and we get dropped off at BGC.  Today was different since only I registered for this race.  My usual running girls were in different places this morning - Les was at home, sleeping (hehe) and Van joined Nike We Run.  It was weird to be waiting for the gun start alone, not having anyone to chat with and share my worries and anxieties.  But it was also fun, I guess, to have so much time for myself, concentrate on the run and my breathing.  After the race, I waited around for CA who was to run the 42km distance.  I waited around until 9AM only to find out at about 10 that he didn't wake up in time for the race! Boo!

4.  First time to use my NB shoes in a race
- Not bad! :) In addition, I also wore new socks (bought last night from Nike).  They were dri-fit PED ones which were in pretty colors - pink, purple and white.  A pack costs Php 465, not bad! I slabbed on a generous amount of petroleum jelly on my soles, worried that I might get blisters.  In fairness, I didn't get any AT ALL! :) :) :)