the meek runner

Run for Pasig River

10 November 2009 · 2 Comments

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.

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Adidas KOTR 2009

29 October 2009 · 4 Comments

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.  

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OctobeRun Festival 2009

6 October 2009 · 4 Comments

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.

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→ 4 CommentsCategories: Fort · OctobeRun Festival 2009 · Taguig · running

Eco Dash : The Ayala Malls Environment Run

14 September 2009 · 5 Comments

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

still raining after the race

no chill just simple fun

no chill just simple fun

my partner for life

my partner for life

→ 5 CommentsCategories: Ayala Malls Environment Run · races · running

My First 1,000K

7 September 2009 · 18 Comments

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.

→ 18 CommentsCategories: 1000 K · running

Tatakbo ka ba? Fun Run

31 August 2009 · 1 Comment

I still believe that there is hope in our country especially if every citizen is  aware of his responsibility to uplift and improve his life and that of his family and community. But participation in this run is not enough or end all of our desire for clean and honest election for the betterment of our country.  We should not allow ourselves to be used by politicians for their personal gains and vested interests.  Every Filipino should live with integrity and discipline and it should be a way of life.  After this run and after all the talks and promises of the presidentiables, whats next?

By the way, our family registered in this fun run basically to run.  So upon reaching the venue,  we immediately proceeded to the starting area and prepared ourselves.  We saw the Bald Runner and he joined our family.  He looked good in his red and black outfit with his trademark scarf complementing the color of his tops.  A fashion statement truly fitting for the running icon alone.  While the opening ceremony was ongoing, we were able to exchange some thoughts with him and I even invited him to be the speaker in the first ever running clinic being organized by the new Running Club in the bank as many of the bank officers are runners too.  We hope it will be soon.

The race started a bit late and we found the starting line too crowded as some spectators/supporters were blocking the way. It was one of the most noisy race as there were so many young participants.  I enjoyed the route and happy about the performance of the police officers and marshals.  However, I observed that some some water stations ran out of plastics cups so runners took water from the lids of the containers.  Fortunately for me and my family, we have our own personal hydration belts so we need not depend on these stations.  As we approached the finish line, the atmosphere was festive as spectators gathered and waited for their favorite stars and celebrities.  But,  there was no visible watch nor timer displayed in the finish line.  The loot bags and freebies were plenty and everyone can enjoy them to the fullest.  It was a great race after all although we did not stay longer to watch the unity walk and other programs lined up by the GMA TV station.

After the race

After the race

with my two boys

with my two boys

free tshirt

free tshirt

free sling bag

free sling bag

→ 1 CommentCategories: Bald Runner · GMA Fun Run · races

Canyon Cove (Take 2)

29 August 2009 · Leave a Comment

Instead of joining any of the races last weekend, the family decided to travel to Batangas to enjoy and bond with each other as well as to commune with nature in the Canyon Cove Resort.

It was our second time (take 2) but  we still found our trip and stay there worthwhile.  We were treated with the usual fresh air, serenity and comfort as the resort is a combination of natural and man-made attractions.

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Urbanite Run ‘09

16 August 2009 · 4 Comments

Last night, my unica ija and I joined the Kenny’s Open ‘09 Urbanite Run.  My other boys did not qualify as to the age requirement.  Coming from his bowling tourney, my  ever supportive husband drove us to the site and even volunteered to be our official photographer instead. 

On our arrival, we noticed that the festive mood and excitement filled the air.  The parking areas were full.  There were so many participants/runners in all categories.  However, we were still able to see some friends like Vener, Tiffin and Mark. 

It was an enjoyable race for me as I found it very organized and challenging.  The route was secured and marshals were all helpful and alert.  I witnessed how one marshal came to assist the lady who stumbled along the road.  The water stations and KM markers were strategically located.  We were also provided with disposable timing chips and glow in the dark bracelets.  The certificates and freebies were simple but meaningful.    Mark Nelson was so gracious and kind too.

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Faye on her sub 30

 

 

 

 

 

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→ 4 CommentsCategories: Uncategorized

From Family Fun Run to LANDBANK’s Fun Run

16 August 2009 · Leave a Comment

On Aug 2, our family joined the Family Fun Run in the city of Manila.  A week after,  we also participated in theLandbank Fun Run.  The habit of family running continues week end after week end.  Despite our hectic schedules, we always find time to run together.

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the family with jack, romel, lani & nora

the family with jack, romel, lani & nora

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

gerardine joining our group

gerardine joining our group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with Manila Family Fun Run participants

with Manila Family Fun Run participants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faye, me, LBP Pres and CEO Gilda E. Pico, Nanette

Faye, me, LBP Pres and CEO Gilda E. Pico, Nanette

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the family with mar & greg

the family with mar & greg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with Mayor Lim as our special guest

with Mayor Lim as our special guest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the winners!

the winners!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LBP officers are runners too

LBP officers are runners too

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Run for Tita Cory ( Aug 5, 2009)

4 August 2009 · 4 Comments

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

As I am celebrating my birthday today, let me share this one which I copied from the site of  Ms. Jaymie:

We, the iamninoy steering committee, would like to invite the members of the iamninoy Runners Group, to don your yellow iamninoy shirts tomorrow and run for Tita Cory as she is laid to rest. For non-iamninoy members, we invite you to run in yellow shirts together with us or in your own groups.

For those in the South, some of us will meet at 7 a.m. tomorrow to run loops around the Alabang Country Club loop. We invite you to join us. Park your cars at Woodrose.

If the South is too far, feel free to gather together with friends and run as a group in Tita Cory’s memory. If you would like to get a group together, post a comment here with your venue and time to inform other runners who may join.

As passionate runners, this silent tribute is the best send-off we can give our beloved Tita Cory. We will do what we love in her honor.

 

→ 4 CommentsCategories: Uncategorized