Celebrity Run – My First Half Marathon

December 20, 2009  is  a very special day for me, not only because it’s the birthday of my nephew and Christmas is fast approaching but because it was the day I ran my first half marathon together with my husband and children.

At first, I have jitters and worries if I can even finish my 21K as I knew deep in my heart that I lack preparation with my hectic schedule and great  tasks and responsibilities at work.  To boost my confidence I just took the words of my son when he mentioned to me that we are mentally prepared anyway.

But I wondered that at the early part of  the race, I can feel that I am strong and would be able to finish this race.  This personal assessment was further reinforced by the presence of my husband who decided to run side by side with me during the first half of the course.  He provided me with company, security and of course love.  I can feel I am loved and supported even in this activity.

The day and climate was perfect too, with light rain showers, rainbow and a bit of sunshine.  There were friends along the way.  It was fun although the route was not easy but I enjoyed every part of it.  I am proud of this accomplishment, I am proud of running 22.2K.

mission accomplished!

happy finishers

we all did it

with another finisher

with Rod Coronado of Fort Striders

BF Pasko Run Pictures

you may grab yours:

BF Pasko Run

The Village Sports Club sponsored the first Fun Run inside BF Paranaque this morning.

As we are residing barely 10 minutes  away from the venue, we decided to join and registered last week.  I opted for short 5K considering my hectic and tight schedule this yuletide season.  Last night, we even had our Christmas Thanksgiving Party in the GSP – Ministry of Lectors and Commentators, which I am the coordinator .

The race promised to be a good one as it was the first race we joined with a priest for the opening prayer.  I also felt comfortable meeting and chatting with running friends before the start.  My friend Nora was ever ready with her camera and we had several shots, too.

As the starting gun fired, I ran at my own pace until I came at the cross road with directional marking for 10,5 and 3K.  I mistook the sign and went to the road going to Southland which is intended for 3K.  After running for 1.75Km, I noticed that I am on my way going back to The Village Sports Club.  At this point, I asked the marshal what direction to take so I can trace the route of the 5K.  He asked me to turn right and on that road, I felt I was running alone, there was no one to follow, there was no sign of runners ahead of me.  But when I looked back, there were some runners following me so I decided to continue without hesitation. Several minutes passed before I met the security guard who confirmed that I am on the right track.

It was my first race in the neighboring subdivision and it was also my first time to get lost. I covered 6.5KM instead of 5KM. After finishing my race, I wondered what happened to my daughter as I was not able to see her at once when I crossed the finish line, knowing her, that was unusual.  Several minutes passed before she arrived smiling, but I can feel she was not happy.  She later related to me that she likewise got lost but instead of taking the 3K route, she took the 10K.

To be positive on that incidents, we both agreed that we need that mileage in preparation for future runs.

New Balance Run 2009

I loved my New Balance Run!  It was my opportunity to run side by side with my son as  he declared right at the start of the course that he will be with me in this run.    He patiently controlled his urge to run faster. He encouraged me to push beyond my limit.  I had a great time and an affirmation of his love.   I was deeply touched every time my son would bother to check on me specially when I was struggling in almost all hilly parts of the route. I am so pleased and happy.

Thank you, son, I am so proud of you.

7th Animo & Fit and Right

Last week, our family joined the 7^th Animo Run sponsored by the DLSU Running Club.  It was a good and organized race participated mostly by students.  But I was not able to enjoy my first loop as I got easily tired.  Maybe this was due to the fact that I got no outdoor run within the week as my hectic schedule confined me to tread mill only.   Moreover, my performance was adversely affected by stomach trouble a day before.  At any rate, there were some good things that made me so happy that day, and one  of them was when I saw and met my good friend Nora (Life begins at 50).  Nora is an inspiration, not only in running but also in her disposition.  She has gone through many obstacles in life but she is still jolly, bubbly and very fun to be with.  I am glad she is back in races again.

faye & mom

jun & me

Courtesy of my friend, nora

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning, we joined the Fit and Right Race, which I described as a commercial or advertisement race. If you will ask me why, I can give you two reasons.  First, the race started 30 minutes late to accommodate a pre-race program which started at 6 am (the supposed start gun).  Second, it promised a lot of freebies, and goodies for the finishers but 10K runners were not properly allotted.  Only the 3K and 5k runners were able to enjoy the loot bags.  The water stations provided for one round only, no more water replenishment for the second loop of 10K runners.  The good thing about the race was the good coordination with marshals/traffic enforcers which gave runners a level of comfort and safety along the way.

with Sam and Jun before the race

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This race also allowed me to run side by side with Rene (Jazzrunner). I was just so lucky that he was doing a recovery run and not bothered by targeting a new PR.  Well, in running, one will really find new and true friends who will not only cheer and boost your morale but will accompany you till the finish line.  He even patiently waited for me when I took a toilet break.  We talked about running, our families and future running plans.  Thanks Rene for a good run.

with mr. leo valdez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the race, I was even treated to another “one for the record” surprise which I will keep in my heart forever.  Well, this morning  I was awarded by the BALDRUNNER of a 1,000Km Finisher Tshirt.  I was really so happy and was not able to contain my joy that  I even paraded in the MOA grounds with that shirt. What a way to end the race! Thank you so much, BR!  More power to you and to your projects. Rest assured that I will support your upcoming BDM 2010 in whatever way I can. 

with BR and the proud recipient of 1,000Km Finisher Tshirt

Run for Pasig River

The Philippine International Marathon (PIM) was the first race I joined when I knew nothing about running and racing yet. From treadmill, my PIM 5K was the very first long run I ever tried as I simply wanted to accompany my daughter in her pursuit for an outlet or sports to indulge.

A year after that run, I can no longer count how many races we have joined and participated.  Every race has a different story and memory in my heart.  I always get excited before every race, the passion never dwindle but keeps on burning. 

Last Sunday, ABS-CBN sponsored the Philippine International Marathon with a goal of running for the Pasig River.  I cannot contain my happiness as I looked back from where I started not to mention that running is now a family affair and a byword in our home.

 

 

Adidas KOTR 2009

Last Sunday, our family joined the Adidas King of the Road Race.  Initially, we thought of registering in the 21K category but due to lack of training and super hectic days these past few weeks, we opted to run in the 10K only except for my youngest child who remained in the 5K.

As we arrived in the Fort, the 21K started and the runners passed by us.  It took a while before we were able to park but thank God, one slot was still available for us.  After doing some bathroom rituals, we joined the runners in the waiting area.  There were so many runners so we positioned ourselves at the side almost at back of the pack .  When the starting gun sounded, it took us several minutes before we were able to cross the starting line.

The race route was familiar wherein we have to face the challenge of Buendia Flyover again.  The water and gatorade were overflowing.  The placards of La Salle Girls were encouraging.  It was a nice and enjoyable race for all of us.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OctobeRun Festival 2009

OctobeRun is my first run after the typhoon “Ondoy”.  I was registered in the 16K category and because of too much physical, and social activities the past week, I decided to run without any target or pressure on myself.  Instead, I planned to enjoy and relax  while running without being bothered by speed or rank.  My ultimate goal is simply to finish the race.

After running for two hours, I was able to complete my 16K with a big smile in my face and contentment in my heart.  I was able to do what I love doing.  I got new found energy not only for my body but for my mind too.  Moreover, I was also able to burn so much calories thus dissolving fats accumulated in my system.

Eco Dash : The Ayala Malls Environment Run

My run yesterday was truly fulfilling despite the fact that at first I hesitated to leave the comfort of our bed in that rainy and cold morning.  If not only for eating a lot of sansrival and yema the past few days, I can tolerate myself , go back to sleep and ignore the Eco Dash Run.

But first and foremost, I really love to run.  Second, my partner decided to get up and go, thus as a submissive wife, I must also go. We tried to invite the kids but they were under the spell of their dreams so we just allowed them to enjoy their slumber as we proceeded to leave our home.

When we reached the venue, running addicts (runners of all forms) were all over the place unmindful of the rain. So, we fixed our things and immediately joined them in the starting corral.  I was looking for friends or familiar faces but cannot find one.  Maybe, most them joined the 21K or the other races that day.

The race started a bit late or five minutes before 6am when the typhoon was already pouring its heavy rain.  We practically ran wet, right from the start to finish.  We were all dripping from head to toe. After the race, I got nothing dry within me. But, of course the sense of accomplishment and achievement was so gratifying.

Let me share my thoughts to all middle aged women out there who would also like to accomplish something, such as running in the rain:

first – you must simply love to run and love what you are doing

second – you must enjoy every moment of doing what you love

third – you must count the benefits you will reap  like the calories you will burn

With these in mind, no obstacle or distraction will ever bother you in your pursuit to run and improve yourself.

still raining after the race

no chill just simple fun

my partner for life

My First 1,000K

There was no fanfare, no photo op, no race but I accomplished what I wanted in a very simple and plain run in the rain with my partner for life…that’s how I attained my first 1,000K.

Last week, I was looking forward to join the Masters Run with the intent of completing my first 1,000K in that race  which I anticipated to be very enjoyable as it was organized by the Bald Runner.  And with my goal almost within my reach, I wanted to complete it  in a very memorable way, so full of excitement  I sent my representative to register me.  A night before the race, I prepared myself and my things for the race.  I sat the alarm and slept early.  However, at 3 in the morning, my partner told me that he is not feeling well but willing to accompany me to the race.  As much as I love to, I should prioritize my husband’s welfare before my run.  I told him we can forgo running the Masters as there will be next time.  Moreso,  the rain kept on pouring and the streets in our subdivision were already flooded so I thought that maybe there is another and better plan for me.  Maybe,  I really have to finish my target mileage in the meek and simple way.