A one-live cat's life

City to Surf part 2

First thing I did before going to work even i am already so super late! is buy the Sun Herald newspaper, as the official results of the City to Surf will be published.

I was estatic to find out that i did better than what i have expected! I shaved off 7 minutes from the clock time at the finish chute.  This makes me qualified to get a red bib (fastest group) next year!

The City To Surf as mentioned in my earlier blog entry, registered runners are 70,000 but 57,795 ran the race.  RIP, bless his soul, one young Brit runner died 200 m away from the finish chute. 

This even was also the largest chip race ever according to the organizers.

 

pictures grabbed from fairfax and marathon-photos.com

City 2 Surf Race recap

On an unexpected friends coming over bring alcoholic drinks on a Friday night, I was not able to do an early slow jog with the Woodies on Saturday morning, woke up and did "swim" instead. rehydrated LOTs to make up with the dehyrdation i did on Friday night.

Sunday morning set my alarm at 620am as race starts 9am. Waking to find out to have this nasty back and abdominal pain from dysmenorrhea (why now!).  Which was making me think should i go to the race or not contemplating at the bathroom, and decided to just go maybe it will go away, put menthol balm i told myself.  Ate my breakfast and was bout by 730 waiting for my bus ride.  Surprisingly to find out a lot were waiting for the buses to go to the city and are also doing the City 2 Surf!  No buses arrived so one by one we did share a taxi with these City 2 Surf strangers :), which i am grateful.

Arrived at the race area, dropped my bag, took off my jumper, and waited at the green forecourt area(2nd batch of runners, those who did a 75 -100 mins from last C2S, dont ask me how i got to get there and it was my first c2s ;-) ) forecourt area. Oh how enviuos I am with those wearing the red bibs ( less or equal to 74.59)!!  We were followed by the blue bibs and the yellow bibs

So the 2nd gunstart went off, that was us, it was a slow walk for few meters trying to get through all the runners, then jog then run.  It was challenging to get pass the crowd and runners ahead of you and you have to be careful not to get tripped over.  Squeezing myself with runners, and i mean squeeze, hitting elbow to elbow literally no exaggeration!  This is the only race i saw in my running "career" so well participated and the crowd would not just disperse as the length of the race progress. It is just too crowded!! Imagine 70,000 runners doing the race! Its a good thing that encourages and motivates you to keep on running thinking you have to overtake this runners and knowing you have someone running with you on the course.

It was a hilly course.  The hills just did not stop, i kept on praying for a flat and a  downhill after each hill but no.  it was only probably at the last 3 kilometers that it was downhill and you start to see the beach! and you know you are almost there.  There were no markers how long have you had run, only at the 9km and the start of the heartbreak hill which was the 6th km.

It was a very festive mood, lots of volunteers, lots of water and gatorade along the way, RSVP sponge baths!, expectators came out of their houses cheering for the runners, pubs you pass along way wit their bands, kids/people playing their guitars and bagpipe along the way just keeps you alive and moving.  Its just so challenging that there are people who do run so fast so i just kept to thinking and targetting to overtake all Asian female runners i see.

At the last 1 km of the course was also 3/4 uphill and 1/4 downhill that i  was not able to do a sprint at the end.  I am trying to convince myself that i did okey considering it was my first C2S but it is not good enough fr me! i might have shaved off the 2 mins thinking back if i would have not stopped for drinks, and slowed down on hills.  Next year, I swear, I will be targetting to get myself qualified to the red bibbed group. Yes, call me ambisiosa but i would like to get that red bib!

After the race, re-grouped with the Woodies, and went to the pub.  Crazy ozzies! You can't imagine that they would go straight at the pub for drinks after the run, so we did a dehyrdation and carbo loading.  I had 5 pints of beer!  It was a good mood at the pub wit hthe olympics playing on the screen and the c2s runners, it was a very ozzie, sporty mood.  I had fun, even with the not so good timining :D

Location: Hyde Park to Bondi beach
Distance: 14Km
Time: 78.xx mins (clock time)
Pace: 5.57
(This blog will be updated on Tuesday for pics and exact timing)

Prepping for the 14KM Race

Just a log of my cram training!

03/08/08: Rozelle Bay, Balmain,Bay run 800AM 21.5 KMs

04/08/08: rest day -- got dragged by my PM to pig out ! :'-(

05/08/08: Treadmill 11.6033 KMs 65mins 06/08/08: Bayrun + Balmain 11++ KMs 5PM 60 Mins (yes i've been guilty of am hogging the machine!)

07/08/08: Balmain 8 Km 950AM 40 Mins

**08/08/08: Treadmill 11 Kms 65 mins Total: 62 ++

** 09/08/08: rest day/walk/jog/stretch

*** im still freaked out how i go on Sunday, Woodies estimated me at 76mins i feel like i would be slower!

Im psyching myself i will finish the race at a decent time, without getting scared of the hills!

Reviving Virtual Runs

Virtual running is running with runners wherever in world in a synched time.

I started doing VRs last August of 2007 and that the VR buddies got tied up with work (and lazing in the bed longer-- that's me) and travel so it just died down.

The HF did some efforts in reviving the the VRs again! I did sign up on joining the group BUT i failed as i had to travel down, down under Melbourne so i did my VR on the same DAY (not time) @ the treadmill.

Here are the VR buddies:

Banggi
Eric
o.0
b3n
bench
TBR
Marga

28/7/08: Treadmill, 920PM, Glen Waverly, Victoria: 6 KMs 30mins
29/7/08: Treadmill, 930PM, Glen Waverly, Victoria:4 KMs 20 mins
30/7/08: Treadmill, 830PM, Rozelle, NSW, 8 KMs 40 mins
31/7/08: rest day
01/8/08: Treadmill, 830PM, Rozelle, NSW, 12 KMs 1 hour
02/08/08: Bay Run (2x), 630AM,730AM w Woodstock: 14KMs
Weeks Mileage: 56 Kms

03/08/08:Rozelle Bay, Balmain,Bay run 730AM 23 KMs

Bay Run 08

Last Saturday, I miscalculated the dates and i was too excited and thought that the bay run was 20th of July, just remembered the Saturday i woke up, its on 28th of July, 2008! I did plan not to run with the Woodies as i dont run the day before a race.  Although Steve from Woodstock says its alright if i am training for a half marathon to run a day before a race. 

Anyway, so I did run with the group last Saturday at Timbrell Park.  And missed the interval speed training with Steve :(.   Again this Saturday which i planned to run really early on the bay and meet the group on time slowly not to compromise my performance a day before the race, i was late yet I still did the run at the bay, speeding at the end not wanting to miss the coffee.

So I did meet the group maybe 5 minutes after everybody arrived, just in time! They did run the Five docks at 7KM and I did the bay at 7Km.  After the nice usual coffee and breakfast, went home and did a lot of stretching and free light weights.

I was aiming for a time of 35 mins for the 7KM.  Alarm set off at 620, and slept through it until 650.  Still plenty of time to prepare, as race starts at 815 for females, and the venue is 15 minutes walk from my flat, which will be a 7 mins jog warm up for me.  Reckon the weather agency says its going to be 6 degrees today.  Went out with my sunnies and cap, long sleeved singlet, and my skins + jumper on. 

Arrived the venue 30 minutes early, checked in my bag, got my race kit.  There was a fair number of runners, walkers and their dogs.  So we organizers lead some warm up excercises.  Then at 8 the male runners set off, we followed at 815. Whoa! they were really fast! i tried to make a good head start and pace on the course, but well i did, but i dont think I am still fully aclimitized with the Sydney weather.  Chilly breeze from the bay kissing your face, i did rub petroleum jelly on legs and arms to keep me warm as I left my jumper with my bag.  My feet is freezing, i missed putting jelly on it.  i Think i was struggling to keep my body warm, it was not a bad start, until the hill which i need to catch my breath, then regained at the iron cove bridge.  Up the hill to victoria road toward Drummoyne down back to the bay route.  I can remember pacing with this little girl on her elementary days. darn! she runs faster than me! we were just like alternatingly overtaking each other and another female runner.

Did a steady pace around the bay, with feet starting to ache with the temperature.  I can feel myself kicking in on some parts, i think it was the Gu (thanks to Woodie mate, Thalia.  Yes i just tried what gu's effect, on a short run as i planned to go a long run after the race) . 

Well as soon as I saw La Montage, i added more speed then saw the finish shoot and just sprinted my way to it.  Finished at 337 overall out of 1215 participants, at 28th place for category for 15-29 yo females and ranked 55 out of 593 females. See results.

The even was good, with some barb after and head home to leave my goodie bag and ran to Rozelle bay and another round at the bay for another 1 hour and 40 minutes approximately taking in one more gu.  Drank thrice for water stops and only drank my gatorade at the end of my training run.  I think I am improving although i am not yet fast enough like the ozzies, ill keep on trying :).

The Bay Run was for the benifit of Dobroyd Point Public School.

That afternoon I also decided to pass the Running Science Store to check on some long sleeved singlets, and i got one and the manager threw in some Endurance packet with it for free as i was asking how is it different with Gatorade.  I also was able to have my pronation checked (aside from the attendant noticing my bunion! embarassing!) she says the pins and needles on my toes might be caused by wrong shoe and i should be wearing a shoe for stability.  I asked her if she did run the race earlier this morning and she said yes, after her asking my time which i proudly told her, i regrettingly said mine, as she run through the course at 29 mins placing 2nd! and she is slight taller than me! wow! anyway ...

race:
Distance: 7km
Location: Bay Run, Innerwest NSW
Pace: 4.8985
Time: 34.29

Training:
Distance:15.0829 Km
Location: Rozelle bay + Bay Run
Time: 1:40 approx
past 2 weeks:
mileage: 64 Kms/pw

1 year anniversary of running races

July 11 a year ago was my first race.  That was the Fun run sponsored by the Mandarin Oriental.  And whoa! i never imagined, i will get hooked this way. this far, this long and i never felt the time so fast that its been year that i have been seriuosly doing runs for fun/hobby.  so what have i been doing the past few weeks related to running?

Weekend ago, i went overboard and spent more almost 200bucks for leggings and socks :D.  I needed leggings as it the winter even above 0 is too cold for me.  At last i got myself skins. well guess what i got a size L from the Youth department.  yea because the smallest for the female is too long for me.  Aside from that another leggings and socks.  Cant find a long sleeved shirt of my size :(.

Coming this weekend will be the Bay run.  Its not that long distance for 7K but I am not sure as usual how i would perform.  I will have fun, that's what's important and finish the race. 

And last Friday, I just got my race bib, #10051, my timing chip and race information from post for the City2Surf. I am not yet done psyching myself on this on the hellavalu hills, plus entered myself in the group category so its a bit of a pressure, despite of this, I will try to have fun and not caught up behind a lot of runners as this would be ran by 60K or more people. I got a green bib, :) despite of my first entry to the event as it says runners who joined previuos years with a pace of 70-100.  Glad the organizers considered my Philippine races.

Still thinking there are three races i came accross i want to join.  The Pub to Pub race, which is 2 weeks after c2s.

And the Woodtsock's 3rd Handicap run. which i will defenitely join as long as i am in NSW on August 30, 2008

And the Bridge to Bridge race, which is co-organized by Woodstock Running club and a week before the Sydney Bridge Marathon.

Not as busy running races every Sunday just like when i was back in Manila, but my legs are sore from doing the hills and my first speed training, so there haas been a step forward in this love of mine.

Finally my 2nd running Club!

Again, same thing, I have been overly lazy and you will have to bare with this cycle of me writing my blogs centuries after the events has happened!

One weekend ago while doing my Bay Run, about 500 more meter to my finish point, I was handed out with a flyer saying Join us in our breakfast, running club.. I tucked it in my pocket.  As I have been looking for running club since I arrived in Australia.

Arrived home and read through it, I told myself maybe I should give it a  try.  After researching them on the web I finally joined their Saturday runs and met a few regular weekend members.  They are called the Woodstock Runners.

Boy they were fast.  I ended up on the 2nd / 3rd to last in the pack :D.  They were nice bunch of runners :) maybe this is also a start of my social life/running life in oz.

Lack of word to describe my feeling, I have been stubborn or my own choice of not going out too much and finding ways to make friends, as strange my running is just keeping me happy as of the moment.  Work and keeping fit.  Satisfied that I was able to find a running club which even I have been absent for the past 2 weekends :(. Blame it on the late times working and the weather!

I will be running wearing my Woodstock's uniform on the City2Surf race. I am excited, although I know I am going to be slow, ill have fun and try my best!

Oh some might be asking, what is my first running club? :)

Of course, its h@ppy feet!

Way back my home country.  I'd still wear both flagship on the races :D and the new uniform of Happy feet is coming soon, just don't know when I am going to have it!

Running Goals

Recovering from my disappointment and frustration from the Bondi Barefoot Run, I ran the Mother's Day Special run to start me of with my Australia life the running part.  Missing the 8 km in the latter race, i missed the Sydney Half Marathon as well, well good as my physical self is not ready anyway.

So this time i will prepare, will remind myself that I am in Australia and focus on finishing the race and not with my speed.  Different race course, different climate, very competitive runners.

I will be targeting to FINISH these races... (hope my sched for work would allow me to! ... no overseas work on these days!)

The Bay Run - 7 Km course, and actually it is in the area where i live, my turf. 

City To Surf - Most participated run in Sydney, I heard.  More participants than the Sydney Bridge run.  This will be a 14KM race course, from the City to Bondi Beach, which explains the derivative of the events name.  A very hilly course as well, and they mean HILLY!

Sydney Bridge Run - the come back! as predicted from my last year's post.  This time , I am hoping to join and finish and my first half marathon!

A bit nervous as the 2 last ones will be my firsts, and theyre more distance than the usual 10Kms. Let's see. No PRs, and will finish it with fun!

Why Running?

Its almost a year and I never really talk about one of my passions, running.  Yea you see me blogging about my runs and my routes and the races but what got me into it really?

A lot of friends and of my Family member had same opinion and reaction on my running since last year ..

"Kinareer mo na ang pagtakbo mo"

Many would not really understand, as I grew up as a tiny, stick frame, bespectacled type girl went playing the varsity soccer in highschool but that was it.  I can remember my mom always complaining about my practices on soccer that takes my time from staying at home and coming home early. I think it is the same now, they would always remind me about being careful and not to over do my running as why running?!? My sister asks what? 10Km? What fun do you get in running and tiring yourself for 10KM?!? No way! Maybe same reactions and questions from friends who are still puzzled why running and I wasn't really in track in field in school but why?

But here again my 2nd Q&A with myself:

When did you start running?: July of 2007 at the park and streets of Salcedo Village
What made you start to do running?: I gained weight, ate a lot and never really had physical exercise but sit in front of my computer
Why Running?:As I said I was in the University Varsity women's team when I was in Highschool for the soccer team.  Playing the forward/half back depends on who the opponent is.  I had fun with this sports got me friends and good team work attitude.  I Googled and can't find women team playing in the areas of makati, so just to keep myself fit, I started running.  Coupled with a strict health and eating right I got the good results of loosing 10Kls.  And I am actually lighter when I was in collegere at 45KLS now I am maintaining my 42-43KLS weight.

Aside from health reasons, work can sometimes be stressful, running is one way hat gives me time alone with myself and de-stress and medidate while running, sorting stuff in my head while running, the more stress I am the longer runs I do.  It is sometimes literally running away from problems in life, but it is not.  It is sorting it out while running.  There can be lazy days that your mind is dragging your body and go exercise.

My Grandfather, dad side was a track and field coach, I don't know why some can not find the relation here. :P  One relative even when I was a kid says I am a good runner having a small mole on my right leg… maybe it was a good prophecy? Hah! I wish!

What satisfaction you get from running? From tiring myself and some would think it’s a pain to walk a 3km what more for a 10KM run or longer? I get myself distressed.  I am blessed to have good legs to do this activity, it keeps me sane that's the satisfaction I get from it.  Keeps me competitive as well, builds my self-confidence and self discipline.

So you really addicted to running? Yes I am! I feel bad if I don’t get my at least 3 x a week runs.  It is not a bad addiction, no? its not like being addicted to drugs or alcohol or anything else.

Ever thought of doing this before? No, not in my mind not in my plans. It was just a late discovery which is a self help getting away from stress, and (depression).

Was/Is there anything that hinders you from running? Some would think it is a hindrance.  As a child I was born with primary complex.  Weak lungs.  Had pneumonia when I was a young kid, then bronchitis then still asthma until now.  It was less frequent now I get my asthma attacks eversince I started running.

When will I ever stop? I don't know when.  When I broke a toe last december 2007, my dad says it’s a sign I should stop running … I did not … 2 weeks that was the daoctor's recommendation I can start doing light training.. Two weeks after the accident I started running again. Had my share of swolen toe join because of my stubornness of overdoing it.  I don't know when I will stop.. Since I am not a good swimmer and still I am scared to do biking on the road.

Run alone or with group/company? Depends.  Stressed days, run alone and if I already had my mileage for the week, running with friends is okey with me.

Favorite accessory(ies) in running? Running shoes, and a cap… and hydration belt on long runs.

Where do you run? (Oz) Threadmill on weekdays, outdoors on weekends… I pick my own route, too many choices to make!, (Pinas) weekdays Legazpi Park/Salcedo Park Weekends/Holidays long run wherever

Running Goal?: do a quarter marathon, then half marathon, then Full Marathon and just do in constant cycle until my body still can do it

Just watched Sex in the City … okey Charlotte is a runner :p so I am part Charlotte … the girls in Desperate housewives run, Katie Holmes did her Marathon last year and she ain't really was a runner or we just did not know about it …Senator Pia Cayetano is a runner (Triathlete)… so why can't I be a runner? :)

Running Diaries

2 weeks or 3 weeks has passed and I did not have much time to blog because of work. okey not complaining, just been busy but every weekends i always tried to run outdoor.

lately I have been getting bored and tired running in the thread mill.  But i do not have any options as it is already winter and sunset comes too early, and still I do not think i can go running in the evening here.  It looks safe but it is not. Just hard to explain.  In Manila, people think it has its bad reputation of crimes etc but i think i even feel safer running there until 9PM.  Anyway just to keep track of routes and whoever wanted to visit me ;-) ...

I discovered there too many routes around my area so it is all good.  below are some of the routes that i discovered lately :)

8 - KM Rozelle

8 KM - Rozelle - Rocks


9 KM - Rozelle-Balmain


14 KM - Rozelle-Balmain


16 KM Rozelle

and the views :)

Mother's Day Classic Run

Again, I missed the long run race, 8KM for the Mother's Day Classic and Breast Cancer Run on May 11, 2008.  I wanted to do the race so I still registered for the 4KM instead.

I received my race pack by postal :) Race number, Donation forms, and instruction.  This run is for the tribute for all moms, which I dedicated my run first to my Mom and all my mommy friends and relatives.  Aside from thet, the organizer coupled the race day as a day to raise funds for the country's breast cancer fund. 

So the night before the race, I prepared my "race gear" as I do not have any pink singlet or short as so I expect it for vreast cancer so pink is the color.  I prepared my grey leggings striped with pink, my bull cap with pink.  Good enough? 

The 4KM run doesn’t start before 9 so I decided to wake up by 640am ate my light breakfast, light enough that will not slow me down and left home by past 7 and got at the race venue by 830, just in time a few runners already are finishing the 8KM.  They started at 730am.

Had a warm up jog from Town Hall to the Domain as it’s a bit of a walk so thought of might as well do my warm up to reach the venue.  Some 8Km runners are also joining the 4KM run.  They had it at good timing so keen runners can join both races. Smart.  (I did not know you can do that, anyway I am not able to get 8Km anyway as it is already reached the limit of runners!) At the venue, I headed and looked where I need to collect my timing chip.  Then left my stuff at the baggage area, then to the portalets.  Then to the start area.  Ths start area is in front of the Art Gallery Museum entrance.  I had a practice how the route will this going to look like a weekend early but from my practice I guess I did a wrong turn and ended up doing a longer run than the 4Km.  Anyway waited for at least 20 minutes, after doing my stretching. 

Waiting at the Start chute, again very different standing with the crowd alone (I mean no runner friend(s)), no h@ppy feet mates to chat with.  So just wandered my eyes to the racers shoes, outfit, built.  Fun too to do the people watch.  I was also doing my internalization as reminded by h@ppy Feet friend Marco that races are suppose to be fun.  So I said this should be fun no matter what my time is, and no injuries.  So after the emcee talk, a minute of silence has been offered for the breast cancer victims, survivors and the patients battling their lives with breast cancer. 

Some are also running in dedication to relative and friends whom they lost with the cancer.

8 seconds to 9am the emcee started its "on your mark" .. Then whistle… whoa… there were too much runners on a narrow street! It was downhill and you also have to be careful not to trip or get tripped or cause a stampede.  It was difficult to overtake as too many runners.  That was a 500 M slope then loop to another 500M uphill! Then down hill on a really narrow path (like it is meant for 3 slim people to walk side by side)! Overlooking the bay then the opera house and the Sydney bridge.  Then up again another hill towards the starting chute which is another hill towards the domain park.  500 more meters I told myself I can see the finish line I tried to add more speed but the path is inclined and you can feel the pressure on your thighs and butt.  300 more meters that I felt it was safe to run a bit faster on a flat path yey! I made it :D. 

At the Finish chute you receive your commemorative medal after removing your chip, you get a bottle of mineral water, an apple, a pink bag and a calendar and a pink sandwich container by Tupperware.  I am happy that I beat my expected time of 20mins so fare enough. Plus I am on ranked 15 on my age category! yey!

Again, Happy Mother's day to all the moms and to my mom and grand ma, I love you.

Distance: 4KM
Time: 19.35

Results

I quit! I am not a beach person... I am a roadie!

Sending my h@ppy feet friends hours before registering in the Bondi Barefoot Race asking advice what i need to do prior the race.  Helpful as ever they told me: Sunblock, run with the lightest shoes, run in the compact area where the water meets the sand, and take short steps. Okey click goes register 10KM i though as i looked at the race results last year they are fast on 4KM and might leave me the last person to run.  Too proud forgot about the principle "its is not how your PR went but it is important that your finish the race" i did not want to be the last.  Click .. 10KM registered.

 

At 730am i am at the bus stop to Bondi Beach.  Was a bit hungry no breakfast as not use to eating brekkie before race, well on a 6am race.  Arrived the race area there are indeed more people running the 4Km.  No baggage area so just left my jacket and shirt on a bench (mind you with my ipod shuffle and apartment keys - which did not get lost or got touched when i got back). 

Few 10KM runners.  The route will be 10 laps at the beach.  Looking around, I am just the Asian. I also get a few looks as i am Asian and of small frame.  Now i know why they were looking...it was a difficult route!  AND! it was on the loose sand part! The first 5 meters of the beach has been cordoned for the race.

First 500M i was doing well, not after which runners go past me, the sand was getting dugged up deeper as it gets more difficult to run.
I tried to keep my pace, found the pylon area which is runners don't run to.  It was easier, but still difficult.  1st lap i told myself now i know why they say it was challenging in the website.2nd lap it was getting tougher, as it puts a lot of pressure on your calves to bounce back and take another step.  It was not an effort of getting tired to speed up but doubling effort on your feet to make the next step.  2 and a half lap my foot is blistering as sand goes in my shoes (well i wasnt the last yet in the pack). i saw that most or it was just two runners me and a man was running with shoes. I took it off and toss it to the medics/lifeguards and kindly asked them to look after them.  damn! it is easier BUT...it was like running on snow! not that i ran in snow, i mean the sand is cold! so cold! specially every time you step your feet gets buried.  I tried to endure the cold wind and the cold sand, the challenge on the inclined loose sand for one more lap, plus i heard a spectator saying she is still going, as i look tired and maybe look really putting a lot of effort on the race.  I got affected with the comment and my insecurity complex took in, i told myself i don't think i will finish this race. I was not tired but my feet are giving in.  I can not do it anymore i quit.  I feel disappointed and frustrated but not really sad. complex feeling.  The participants were really competitive, i heard someone saying one friend running "no excuses" that they did not do well.  Another lesson learned :(
1. never run long distance on a track where your foot never set foot on
2. train a few times on the track of the race to get your body familiarized and adapted to the environment.
3. swallow pride and its not always doing the best but finishing the race.

I felt bad so after finishing the event so i remembered the suggestion my colleague, Mike, asked if i have done the Bondi-Bronte-Bondi walk, but as i look at the map i just did until Tamara's bay.  Again another reason to go back.  yes i want to so go   back there!  It was a hilly but with paved walk, nice view of the beach and the bay, the scenery. Back to Bondi  and stopped at the weekend markets. It was a worth Sunday "race" to Bondi.

Anyway No excuses but I am not a beach person, i havent run on loose cold sand alright? :p i did runs in warm compact sand. I will try to re-try running in the beach in the Manly race.  And this time will do training in the beach! 

Quiting this race doesn't mean i will be quiting my running "career" ei! :D

pfft missed Sydney Half Marathon

Too busy at work that I missed a posting for a half marathon.  Entries are closed as they reached the quota.  Got more months to get ready.  For the mean time will need to get ready for the next race.

 

Sunday kitty "marathon"

At last i was able to rest on a Saturday evening after succesfully accomplishing my last-minute emergency support to KL team.  Relieved!  It was too tiring that  I almost forgot the time i need to check-out the hotel.  Imediately called the front desk and i was told i will be charged soon for another day if i dont hurry up. I managed to check-out being charged in short.

So arriving Sydney by morning, deciding how i can maximize the time.  It was not a rainy/gloomy weekend! Oh how i wanted to go to the beach! my eyes say im still sleepy, my body is tired so I went to mass after dropping my bags at the apartment.  Then took two and a half hour nap.

It was a plan i need to get a long 10Km run this Sunday! So i did. Finally. im satisfied, activities done. Its a new week.  Hoping its a week that i can deliver, and IF i can run once outdoor in Melbourne.

Distance: 11.044 KM
Sunday Run.Pitt St - Museum park - hyde park - Opera house - Botanical gardens- Circular Quay - The rocks - up York st - George St - back Pitt st.

Okey a boo boo that taught me a lesson.  I arrived home cooling off before showering, i took off my shirt and jacket. I am to throw my trash at the chute, using the door stopper to keep the door open.  When i came back, the door is locked! and I didnt have the keys, I do not have my cellphone.  And yea.. uhuh.. i am in my sports bra and my shorts! I pannicked as i do not know what to do next, braved myself rode the elevator with my outfit! (okey okey its not too conservative environment here but duh i am not comfy and what if i get locked out for a night?- how do i go buy clothes how do i go find a locksmith with my outfit with a chilling temperature of 15 degrees outside!) anyway i waited for the guard to arrive his post and luckily they  keep spare for the unit rented by corporate clients. okey now :D thanks to him! Lesson learned, whatever you do, wear decent clothes, bring keys, bring cellphone and make sure you have the emergency numbers :D.

My Comeback Ozie Outdoor Runs

Okey, i have been absent for almost a month now in this crib.  I was just feeling homesick and lazy lately but then i realized my runs takes out stress so i decided to do my outdoor runs a week ago.

I am keen in posting real scenery pics on my routes i promise! once i upload them in my laptop :)

Run 1: Sunday (okey, I have been missing Manila's every Sunday races!) April 13, 2008; 8am. Mind you, 8am is still okey in temperature, oh i just do not know about the radiation.. :p.  From the apartment to Hyde park down hill towards Woollomooloo back uphill to the Domain, back my apartment.
Distance: 4.903 mi / 7.9025 Km

Run 2: Saturday, April 19, 2008; 8am.
From the apartment to Hyde park down hill towards Woollomooloo back towards opera house through the Botanical garden uphill to back to the apartment via Elizabeth Street.
Distance: 6.303 mi / 10.1437 KM

Run 3: Sunday, April 20, 2008; 4PM.
I was being lazy, suppose to go on a morning i still managed to go run in the afternoon after the rains.  A funny route as I did the run and aiming to get to the markets to shop my veggies and fruits before it goes 530PM as i planned to go to mass at 6!

So my route went from the apartment to Hyde park down hill Elizabeth Street towards the Circular Quay uphill Pitt Street going down Haymarket.
Distance: 5.1135 Mi / 8.2294 KM

You ask me if i was able to go to the Market and shop? yes
Did i make it before 530? Yea! finished the shopping in 15 mins :)
Got to church on time by 6? yes i was 5 minutes early (and yes of course, i showered :P )!

Exodus Run Re-cap

It is like life: "It has its ups and downs" that is how b3n described this race.  It was a killer route for me.  The route includes a almost 200M 45 degree angle uphill followed by another 75m 30 degree angle.  downhill of 200M or so and a stretch of inclined asphalt in c-5 hi-way.

This is my first run on this route.  Friends who did this the last time with the breast run cursed the climb.  I was picked by Mon and JT at 5am sharp.  Arriving 530 at the tracks of Ultra Sports complex.  Met up with Totoy, Doc Oknoy and b3n.  Not much runners compared to any other races.  But it was decent number for a charity-fun-run. 

The event was graced by Samboy lim who was also a sponsor of th event.  After excercising our breathing with the Pambansang awit, 5 minsites after, bang goes the gunshot.

First uphill 45 degrees at 15m going right to meralco avenue to Julia Vargas avenue.  Rolling downhill right the stretch of c-5.  i was doing the 10Km meaning two laps of the route. Right after c-5 is the dreaded hill climb.  the Motel road, i am very familiar with, not because of frequent visit in the love hotels but because of the location where our customer at work is.

I can feel my tighs and calves tightening and complaining in the middle of the hill, still i keep on praying and kept in mind I will never walk.   reaching the top was a reliefe, or-i-thought-so, but i need to continue a hilly route to Ultra.   I was doubting i can do the secondround on the hill, but i tried to keep focused to just finished the race.

the 2nd lap was a bit challenging, first, seeing the 3KM and 5KM already going back to Ultra, and second is running the c5 highway was scary.  Praying there should have been pylons on the side for the runner's safety.  There were marshal's but speed devils on the roads just don't care.  Concentrating on not getting sideswiped, i was side swiped by Mon! argh! His 2nd time to beat me!

Tempted to add on speed but i knew what was ahead of me, the steep hill.  I stuck with my pace and just let Mon run, while i was saving my energy. on right to the hill i told myself almost done i am going to finish the race without walking, almost giving up, i did not!

Saw the Ultra gate tried to speed at the rubber track towards the finish shoot, finishing at 56.28 wasnt too bad i told my self, h@ppy and smiling for not walking.  We were greeted by our race goodies, boy bawang happy peanuts, bluskies and yum! arroz caldo!  (even with the hyperacidity pain i was already starting to feel just after the race!) Left the race immediately to meet Aljo, Rivka and Maui who did not make it to the race because of injury for the post meal race at Chowking fort.

Before parting Mon received an sms from Totoy, "Chaia won 1st place for the 10Km age category". whoa! unbelievable with my speed! well I was thankful and it was a blessing the elite runners just gave it away for me before i leave the country :D.  I know i still need more practice, i wasn't too h@ppy with my speed but mere attitude on not giving up on the hill and my abdomen pains it was an achievement :)!

Distance: 10KM
Location: Ortigas, Pasig
Time: 56.28
rank: 1st

Empowering the Filipina women: Pinay in Action Run

March is the women's month.  And you wouldn't not realize how much women's influence has been a big thing here in the Philippines.  Well yea look, Its a lady Pres. Arroyo on the seat who until now still can't be ousted from her seat!

Okey well, kidding aside, March 9 was the 2nd Pinay In Action Expo that celebrated the Filipina women.  This was originally started by Senator Pia Cayetano.  The theme aims to empower the female community in the country that gives opportunity for personal growth and lifestyle.  Aside from that the event would remind the Filipina's and Pinoys alike and other women and fellow-people about respecting the female community and uplift the achievements the so-called weaker gender  contributed to the whole society.

So I decided.  As a Pinay and not much well practiced, I ran the PIA run instead of my first half marathon in Department of National Defence run.  It was anote one of my nicest run from all my runs.  It was good to have been supported by male runners from the h@ppy feet team.  I would have not made it if kuya Joseph would have not paced and encoouraged me in the first half of the my 10Km teaching me to breath properly and patiently pacing with my speed.  he was keeping my spirits high for forgetting about my colds and cough.

It was additional high for me when Doc Oknoy substituted for the last half of the 5KM who in turn was a water boy/coach.  It was an inspiration running with doc with the continues words of encouragement and couching what form is proper while running which made me forget my tiredness. 

I could not imagine, there were a lot of strong women during that race! I tried my best, without doc Oknoy and kuya Joseph I would have not done my best for this year.  Well improved from my past 10KMs.  I was told even I wasn't able to be at the top 3 i was able to make it to the top 4 on the female age category. Not bad.

After the race it was a happy crowd, females celebrating the event with their girl friends and mom with the kids and their family. 

Distance: 10KM
Time: 51.27
Venue: NBC Tent, Fort grounds

 

9th DZMM Takbo Para sa Kalikasan recap

Alarmed at 330am, as the alarm went off, i thought i set it to snooze, i stopped the alarm.  Suddenly i woke up 5 mins after 4! whoa im late that is the first thing i thought, blood rushing into my head and disoriented.

Searched for my phone, Aljo or Mon might have checked or missed called if i was running! Then after 30 seconds or so senses came bcak.. i still have enough time to prepare! at 4:10 Got the wake up sms from Aljo, by 435 i was ready, went down the building, got my propel and my Lipovitan at Mini stop. 

Waited for Aljo and Rivka at Buendia cor Myapis.  Arrived at the start early, around 5:00am.  While doing my stretching, Jay joined in, then Joms, then Mon and his daughter, then followed by Jan then Roselle and Ruth.

The event was attended by politicians.  Vice President Noli De Castro, Senator Pia Cayetano, ran 10KM on the 10thplace if im not mistaken, and Mayor Alfredo Lim who and VP did a 5KM walk.

Almost on the halfway marker, the spotter gave me heads up i was on the 6place on the women's pack.  So i tried to keep my pace.  After the 6km, i started falling from 6 down 7 until i was on the 12th.

It was a disappointing but still okey finish.  Slower from my last 10KM 2 weeks ago.
Distance: 10KM
Time: 53.30

I know, it has been lack of practice, laziness and reaping of what i have sowed last Friday from an alcohol night out with colleagues.  Its another lesson learned.

Let's see still thinking should i do a half kilometer pace with friends on the Pasig Marathon (in preparation for the DND half marathon) or just do another 10KM.

Green is Good Run and back to back action-filled-week

Woke up 15 minutes past 4am, I ran to the bathroom and took a shower, 5 minutes while i was doing my ritual, Mon sent a message, theyre already on their way to pick me up! ack! 430am Aljo will be waiting at the Petron station.

Rey called and said he will just pick me, Mon and JT and convoy with Aljo on our way to UP.

I woke up late, tired from a out-of-the-blue-invitation-acceptance on mountain climb to Mount Maculot the day after with  Banggi and Renz.  Arrived home and slept 1030pm, i was having second thoughts should i go run the following day being aware of the muscle pain i would be having from the steep 2 hour climb to Mt. Maculot. 









Anyway, i dont want the efforts of h@ppy feet friends picking me up be put on waste because of my laziness.

Reached UP around 530 and met the h@ppy feet. 6am exact, race started.  last 5 Km i can feel the sore thigh muscles while i was trying to catch Renzo who was complaining the same thing.  After some seconds he went ahead than me.

Finished 10KM not bad as the last two races for the year. it seem getting faster.  But not as fast as my last UP run.  Still not bad.

Distance: 10Km
Speed: 52.48
rank:19th of 63 female runners

Morning after Sunday race was our flight to Cagayan De Oro.  This time looking and nervous if i can do a canopy walk, a zipline and white water rafting!  After convinicing myself of having to travel that long way and not do this things i was able to tick them off my to do check list.  I will definitely do it again!  CDO is not bad. Stayed at BonAir INN which is not recommended. Smoke smelling beddings.. filthy bathroom. just yuck.  A day after went to Camuiguin.

 

Two hour bus ride to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental port and 1 hour ferry ride to the port of Benoni, Camuiguin.  An hour jeep ride to Mambajao, the center of Camuiguin and another 4 km tricycle ride to the Resort. Stayed at Seascape which is not bad.  Overlooking the beach.. of black sand, food is good, just enough portions. and 15 minutes boat ride to the white beach.

The day we are leaving the Island of Camiguin, I should not miss the running on the stretch of the black sand beach more or less 3 KM.

After waiting for our plane ride we waited at SM CDO, where we witnessed the dragon dance for the chinese new year.

Now is my first day of work for the week, and its Friday, and its back to reality.

The 2008 Philippine Stock Exchange Bull Run

Just like any other race day, i should already be ready for another race for a Sunday.  But what now?!?! after another 4th consecutive excuse ... January 26, 2008, morning, I started feeling funny with my stomach, I know what it is, its an acidic reaction from the anti-biotics I am taking.  I took it with a full stomach but still I am not sure why.  So Saturday after going to the bathroom thrice, I already felt weak.  I was having second thoughts of joining the race already.  I was upset and so I went for a slow jog at Legazpi village which took my mind off from the pain. It was gone a bit.

So I slept early, woke up 4amas I was told I will meet Mon and John at building around 455am to NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig where the race will be.  Waking up at 4am, I was lazy and weak, as usual my usual motivation of psyching myself of "wake up to burn the calories you've been consuming for the week" got me awake. 

Met John and Mon in time at the entrance of the building and took the cab to Fort Boni.  The race was suppose to be starting at 530, but it seem like it was a hoax, knowing Pinoy's mentality on being late as it is actually suppose to start at 600hrs as how usual Sunday races are.  Its 15 minutes late when they started the short distance runs (which is about off.. As should always start with the long distance down the shortest to avoid clashing on the finish line). 

Approximately minutes after 615 the stock market bell rang, the 5KM and 10Km runners are now off the track.  It was a hilly start… and yea I can not count how much more hills we had to climb and roll down in this route.  It was tiring for the 2nd half.  My legs are getting tired, but I saw female runners ahead of me which encouraged me to run than start walking.  Never walked even I jogged the slowest, I suddenly see Smith, h@ppy feet mate, running in front of me which gave me high spirits that im not doing bad :D.  So I was trying to pace with him on and off until we finished the route. 

Disappointingly, I don't have a watch with me and the Finish line do nothave its timer so I do ont know how fast/slow I did this run.. Running just teaches me humility as maybe it is not the time yet to be fast enough … as I might be pushing and expecting myself too much … yes its true the only competitor you have in running is no one but yourself.

It was a good run, I felt hungry after which the h@ppy feet went for a h@ppy breakfast at Mcdonalds.

Let's see for more steep hills on February 2 Green is Good Run at UP campus for the benefit of the Ipo Dam watershed.

Distance: 10KM
Time: 57.56 

Start/Finish line; Growing team of h@ppy feet; 10KM bib; after the race; h@ppy breaky at McDo; Route; goodies; JT couching exhibition!

h@ppy feet goes 1st Subic Marathon

Attended by 6000 local and International runners, the 1st Subic International Marathon was held January 20, 2008. 

Suppose to be my 1st half marathon, but due to my injured toe last December and lack of training I listed myself for 10KM (and not even well trained to do this!).

The h@ppy feet assembled January 19th at Salcedo Park left around 1030am with kind hearted Aljo and Smith driving the group to Subic.  Stayed at Subic homes (again by Aljo).

Arrived San Fernando around 1230PM and ate at Aling Lurings, home of original sisig. Arriving at the accomodation we head to All hands beach resort for a swim.  Came back and met the rest of the group and went for dinner at Aristocrat, walked at the bay walk and head home at 10pm.  Everybody was tired and slept early for the race tomorrow.

Waking up at 305 prepped so we drop our Marathoners start time at 5AM.

Arrived the race area at 430am.  Dulce, Philippine Diva, had a morning concert after the Marathon runners took off and sang the National anthem before the rest of the runners started.

h@ppy feet had a good spread of runners in all of the running event.

42KM - Doc Oknoy, John Ting
21KM - Totoy, Monica, Elaine, Debbie, Stephen
10KM - Me, Mon, Roselle, Maui, Tisha
5KM - Banggi, Rivka, Aljo, Marga

At 630AM the race started, it was scary as there were lots of runners as there is more likely to have a stampede when someone stumbles in the front row.  I got my first injury after a st*pid runner trying to overtake without care stepped on my injured toe and almost tripped. Able to recover after a few milliseconds, i continued running.

The route had a nice scenic view for the long distance runners not for the 5KM as they say.

Most of the distances were longer than the measured as according to runners with pedometer. 

Good support from the Philippine National Police some who acted as marshals, waterboy/girls, ribbonboys/girls.

There were lots of water stations for 10km 1 gatorade stop, 1  pocari sweat, lots of water, according to 5km runners there was only 1 water stop.  For the 42km 5 pocari sweat stop, 1 power bar, and banana stations.

I finished my race at 59:12 after a stumble and tripping over a cats eye on the road on my last 2 km which slowed me down.

Arriving at the Finish line, I was looking for the Medical tent on the area, but there was none! you have to walk farther to the mobile van for treatment which i managed to find after a few walks around the area.

A few minutes later the Kenyan's again topped the 1st two place in the event. 

Waiting for the group for re-assembly after some few photo ops, we head off to Jollibee for breakfast, waited for Doc Oknoy and John to finish the marathon which they did at 5:19 (PR for Doc!-Congrats) we left subic at 1130 arriving 1pm at San Fernando where we had our Aling Luring's take 2.

Arrived Makati at 1630hrs tired and sleepy... but h@ppy.

distance: 10KM(++)
time: 0:58:525005
 

Soiled h@ppy feet singlet from my fall, marathoners waiting to start, line for the run goody bag, my bruise from the clumsy fall

KL Running Route

From November 4 - December 13, 2007 at least 4 days a week i have been alternating my training/physical regime in the hotel's gym (30-45 mins run in the threadmill); weights and leisure swim.

Aside from that, I have been jogging round the KLCC park Jog path.  The jog path distance is 1.3KM which i run 5 to 13 laps depends on my schedule.

Nice jog path on the knees as it is rubberized, although most are uphill and  downhill.

Running Personal Records

10KM
Event: FilMus Run for Peace
Location: Roxas Blvd., Manila, Philippines
Time: 50.49 Mins

9KM
Event: Sydney Bridge Run
Location: Sydney, Australia
Time: 46.55

6KM
Event: Media Run
Location: Quezon Circle, Quezon City, Philippines
Time 33:16

5KM
Event: Run to Bring Hope
Location: Roxas Blvd., Manila, Philippines
Time: 23.08

4KM
Event: Mother's Day Special
Location: The Domain, Sydney, Australia
Time: 19.35

Clark International Marathon recap

Got up at 2AM Sunday morning, i was told Mon will be picking me up at 255hrs.  I will be running on an a two week old injured toe. (still on splinter and promised to just take it easy!)

Showered, ate light breakfast and was picked by Mon, John and Joseph.  We met with Aljo at Shell Ayala who is kind enough who will be our "school bus" driver to Clark.  We waited and met up with b3n and Lala at Shell station before NLEX.  Had another piece of Pan de pugon!

We reached Clark start line at 435 just when the 42K started from the start line. 

We saw Marga, Jaymie and Joma before the race started.  We waited until Totoy finished the Marathon, he is 15 mins more of his target time.

All is good went for brunch in Shell station in NLEX on our way home.

distance: 5KM
time: 27:54
pace: 5:35
rank 14th out 48 female runners

Group pictures by Marga

Animo Run

November 25, 2007 - I set my alarm 15 minutes before 5 am.  A day after i arrived form KL just for the weekend, and yes for this run.  A bit exhausted doing errands for my next trip, preparing for my backpacking trip as well.
Slept around 2am finishing my packing, i slept through my alarm, and next thing i know its 530! 30 mins before the race. Rushed and did what i need to do, arrived the race area 10 minutes before the start, saw rey, sam and grace minutes after alighting the taxi. just brought bag to the baggage counter, all i can remember it wasnt a count down, then just i arrived the race area, race started!
well maybe because of fatigue, i can feel soreness on my thighs, i tried to push harder, this time my breathing is alright but my legs are giving up.  I have to feel if i still can.  Most of the h@ppy feet are already injured and i do not want to be one of the injured as well.

I reached the finish line clocking 54.21 for 10KM.

Post-running diary

Eversince i got busy from traveling for work, i would admit aside from gaining a few pounds i have missed and been intermittent in my running. this blog is also of past past events still i wanted to keep track of them

*Japan-too scared too get lost on the streets as they are written in Japanese characters, i don't speak Japanese. Only 3 times did i run in the gym at d treadmill. Twas too late when i learned Nuno, a CS friend from Portugal runs. We should have run and prolly got lost w company of each other

*Manila - my sister stayed with me and i guess she was hypnotizing me to run in my sleep instead, i missed 3 more virtual runs. Intermittent night runs because ive been getting sick because of the weather.

- i run the run for hope for NB more or less 18km fr pasong tamo to rockwell and two hours run for the event

Benguet - run the oval last all souls day.at least 12 rounds. I reckon it was Cristabel Martes i saw training in the track when i was there.she prolly wont recognize me anymore.

- myu worst PR was in GK run for 10km at 1:05:39 !even worse than my first 10KM! I was told was fourth but the results is messed up

*Kuala Lumpur-frustrated w my performance in GK i promised to do better.as Mon,a h@ppy feet friend, is currently targetting in overtaking me soon in the races,since aside fr a long admiration fr bull runner's preformance, Rorenz is my project.that's project Rorenz,not if he would run so fast!so kidding aside from project rorenz, i need to loose the weight ive gained and improve better.started regularly training while il b in KL for the next 1 and a half month.hopeful better run on 25 November for Animo run.

Blackmore's Sydney Running Festival Recap

September 23, one of the highlights of my business trip to Sydney is the Sydney Bridge Run.  Prior the event i already was able to contact a running mate KellyAnne from CouchSurfing.  Race starts at 830 GMT+10, waking up at 555am meeting up with KellyAnne at Central station to Milson's point where the race starts.

Braving the the cold draft from the harbour at 14-16 degrees before 830 we dropped our bags at the collecting trucks, wearing just my singlet and my running shorts, my usual outfit in a humid day in Manila ... i have to stand up with what i've decided to wear.  I thought that the energy drink i was drinking while waiting for the race is being consumed by my body to make myself warmer.

The Race started under the bridge, on a hilly climb.  Gun starts minutes after 830 race started with slow pace with ten thousands of runners just for the 9KM route. The most joined event. 

Pictures from l-r: queue to the portable toilets, Kellyanne before the race, Me before the race, Start line