Takbo Para sa Pamilyang Manileno 10km

This was a spur of the moment race since I was just invited to do this days before.  I knew that I wouldn't be able to do any long runs for April so I didn't join any races above 10km.  I have one in line for April 27 - Takbo Mo, Buhay Ko, a benefit run for rebuilding homes in Tacloban.

So, anyway, I was invited by Alvin (not husband) to do this since he had extra race kits.  I obliged since I thought this was better than doing a 10km (which I planned on anyway) on my own! I wasn't sure where Quirino Grand Stand was (sorry, hehe) so I asked to hitch with him.

Ran the entire race with Alvin which explains my 10km PR! Finally a sub1! Praise God! I am happy to note that even though we ran faster than usual, I felt pretty good the entire race.  Like it was a difficult pace, but comfortable anyway.  This just motivates me to keep doing my intervals and keep working at eventually doing a sub2 21km! Thank you so much to Alvin for the invite and Dennis for letting me tag along :D And thank You, Lord, for Your strength! :)

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! :)

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!

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!

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

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 ;)

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 :)

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!

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!

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.