Everything was a blur, the week following my first full “DREAM” marathon, I went on work mode. Back-to-back meetings plagued my week. It didn’t matter though as I was still on post marathon high.
My experience during the TBR marathon didn’t provide me with the usual aches and pains I would feel after running a 10k/21k race. I guess this was the reason that I completely forgot to do my recovery run. It also slipped my mind that I had signed up for a Pikermi run on the Nature Valley fun run which happens the Sunday following my FM debut.
May 29, Sunday
Hubby didn’t register for the Nature Valley run so I had to go to the race site alone. I left the house at 4am to make sure that I get a good parking spot. I wasn’t really gung-ho in gunning for a PR but when I arrived, the excitement that filled the air was contagious. It made me want to achieve a sub-2:30 time.
As soon as the gun went off, I began my run to a sub-2:30 PR. Carlo decided to run/pace me. I set my time to do a 6:1 Galloway’s.
I ran. Ran like there was no tomorrow. I was enjoying myself immensely. Our goal was to run at a sub-7min/km pace and I believe during the 1st 5k, we easily achieved that. Even the Kalayaan flyover wasn’t able to dampen my spirit. I just ran on.
Then it hit me, my right ITB was screaming stop. I had to slow down on the way back to Fort. I told Carlo to go ahead but he patiently waited for me. I was in pain but I just shrugged it away and continued to run. I decided to take in my Hammergel in case I just needed an extra push. Unfortunately, the gel that I brought with me was my hubby’s Hammergel Espresso which contained caffeine. I don’t drink coffee or even soda because caffeine makes me feel weird. Lo and behold, after 5 mins I felt the palpitations.
By the time we got to Bayani Rd, I couldn’t take it any longer. I had to take longer walk breaks. Carlo and Aaron had to run ahead. I felt really low. My spirit was broken. I pushed myself too hard and now I am broken. I still continued to trod on.
Another runner was encouraging me to run ahead. She was the same person who challenged me during the Book Run last year to push myself. I tried. But the fear of experiencing immense pain got the best of me. I decided to walk when I got to Lawton. By this time I had accepted that I would miss my sub-2:30 goal. I was aiming just to finish.
Thankfully, Jinoe came along. He was surprised to see me as he knew that I had just finished running a full mary barely a week ago. We chatted and did an easy run all the way back to BHS.
With less than 700m to go, Jinoe decided to run ahead. His reason: he didn’t want to miss out on the free Haagen-daz Ice Cream they were giving away. Haha! Little did he know that by walking/running with me, he uplifted my mood and my spirit 🙂 As soon as Jinoe left, I realized that he did have a point and hurried back to finish my run.
I crossed the finish line at 2:41 (gun time) 2:40 (chip time). I was surprised. I didn’t expect to beat my Condura time.
A heavy breakfast with my fave running couple, (Tito Mark and Tita Tiff) and a group of friends topped off my Sunday.
As soon as I got home, I looked at the data my Garmin logged for this run. We finished the 1st 9k in 58min. Best pace was 4:11k/min. What?! Something must’ve been awfully wrong with me that time. Was a high on something? Haha! What was I thinking? No wonder my body was breaking down. Haha!
Oh well…All’s well that end’s well! ;p
Ready to run with the Looney Tunes Gang?
Here we go again! My kids missed last year’s Looney Tunes Fun. I told myself that i will make sure my 4y/o will be able to join the next one and I’m so excited to find out that it’s back!
The Looney Tunes Active Fun Run will be held in two separate venues and dates – one here in Manila (SM Megamall) on May 29 and one at Cebu on June 5 with Coach Rio dela Cruz and Ironman Noy Jopson as race directors, respectively. Registration supposedly ended yesterday, May 22 but was extended until Thursday, May 27.
Coach Rio and Ironman Noy Jopson
Register in Timex, SM Megamall, from April 26 to May 27, 2010, for the SM Megamall race; and Timex, Ayala Center Cebu and Watch Republic, SM Cebu, from April 26 to May 30, 2010, for the SM Cebu Race. Registration fee is P350.
Want a free race singlet? Simple! Purchase a minimum of P500 worth of Looney Tunes products in all SM Department Store Character Shops from April 26 to May 30 and get yourself a free Looney Tunes Active race singlet!
Hurry and let your kids experience the wonderful world of running! 🙂
I DREAMED.
Last January during a run for Tita Cory, Jaymie introduced me to her plan to organize a marathon race for newbies. She described the event with excitement that was contagious that I was immediately sold to the idea of running my 1st marathon during her Dream Marathon event.
As soon as the registration opened, I signed up myself and hubby. I remembered how shocked Noy was when he found out what I did. He eventually became up for the challenge.
It was an uphill climb training for the marathon. Work schedule did not permit regular run days. I injured myself during the last Mizuno Infinity Run. Personally, I think the will to train for my first ever full mary was not there. I began to doubt myself. Negative thoughts kept pulling me down. But I knew that I was no quitter. So with or without training I had to at least try to finish. I did my usual pick-me-up strategy…I went shopping! I bought myself 2XU compression tights (c/o my brother Edge), supply of hammergels, visors for hubby and I.
Days passed and before I knew it…it was already the 20th of May. And of all days, I found myself catching a cold with mild fever and a very bad stiff neck. Was God giving me a sign or rather signs that I shouldn’t pursue the marathon? I felt desolated…confused. Should I still pursue my dream of running a full marathon?
Sick 😦
May 21.
I woke up feeling dazed from all the drugs I took the night before. Drank them all as soon as I got home from work which was about 1130pm the night before. And yes, as a dedicated workaholic, I still attended the meeting even if I didn’t feel well. Just like running, it gives me my own personal high 🙂 As I was preparing for work, I felt uneasy. My cold had transformed into a persistent cough. I decided to work from home and get some rest, hoping that by evening my condition would improve. I promised hubby that if I still did not feel well, I will not join the race but will still be there as his support crew. Noy laughed it off. He knew there was no way I would be missing this race.
Hubby, Tito Jombet and I decided to stay in Sta. Rosa the night before the race. We got ourselves to El Cielito Inn and tried to get some rest 7pm onwards. It was hopeless. Our body clocks simply did not adjust to our schedule. We got ourselves ready for the 2am race gunstart. Amazingly, I felt a whole lot better. Sure, my stiff neck was there but my cold-transformed-into-cough was gone. I told myself this is a good sign.
We arrived in the site half past 1am. The anticipation in the air was contagious. Everyone was excited. We were one loud bunch exchanging good lucks and inspirational quotes. I was so happy to see my Takbo.ph family was there to support us. Marga, Nao, Carly, Pio, Argo, Timmy, Tere, Chelly, Cess were there. I found my way to join Yan and Jet who has volunteered to pace Yan, myself and hubby. Thank you Lord for showering us with such wonderful friends.
I SURVIVED.
The gun went off at exactly 2am. Jet told us to conserve our energy thus we will start with a 3:1 Galloway (Run/Walk) strategy. I was so excited to be finally experiencing running a full marathon that at times I was running faster than our agreed pace. As soon as we went pass Solenad en-route to the first loop, I slowed down to be with the group.
The route was deserted but well-lit in some areas. Yan and Noy lighted our path with their headlamps. We were a happy, chatty, contented group. Noy has to go to the little boy’s room by the bushes while we (the girls) used the 1st portalet we passed by. I was amazed that the portalet has toilet paper. Thank you Jaymie!
Jet and I were running ahead of Noy and Yan. We traded stories about anything under the sun from his dog, to the weather, my kids, our training runs etc. Time went by so quickly.
Before turning right to towards the bird sanctuary, Jet told me to go ahead as he wanted to Noy and Yan to hydrate. I went on ahead. Little did I know that the path towards the bird sanctuary was along a trail that was pitch black in some areas. I opted not to use the headlamp Noy gave me as I felt I was already lugging too much gear. It was good that the TBR organizers had thought of placing fog lights to brighten some areas of the trail pathway.
The group was just a few meters behind me as I can still hear them happily chatting. By the time I got back to the main route, I had lost them. I waited for about 2 minutes before deciding to just run off ahead. I saw Lorie and Ayette (Ate), the Padua sisters running together. I wish my own sister was there as well to cheer me on.
Since I have decided to run ahead, I adjusted my Garmin to do a 4:1 interval. I tuned into my iPod and started singing or at least tried to sing songs from Glee, Timbaland, Keri Hilson, BEP.
After making passing the major turnaround, on my way back, I saw the group this time with my running buddy Tracy. Tracy’s my former running buddy, a stronger one to boot. She has finished her 1st FM during the last ConduraRun finishing in an amazing 5hrs 20mins. Tracy decided to run with me. Just like old times, we chatted and chatted, ran and ran. Before we know it, we were back in Solenad for loop 2.
TBR Dream Marathon Route
The sun was already peeking. My Takbo.ph support team was patiently waiting for us to pass by. I believe I get my energy from them. Just like how Monstropolis in Monsters Inc gets re-energized more by children’s laughter, that’s how I felt whenever I hear their cheers.
Tracy and I had to take a toilet break. Air-conditioned bathrooms would do the job. I freshened up, combed my hair, washed up and was ready to face the 2nd loop.
I saw Eric and wifey as I was leaving Solenad en-route to another crazy loop. I couldn’t believe that I had finished the 1st 21k without any issues at all! Except maybe for the challenging route. The route was relatively flat but had its share of difficulty. Steep uphills, trail paths were part of the challenge.
On the early part of the 2nd loop, I was still enjoying myself tremendously. It must be all the endorphins and adrenalin that was pumping in my bloodstream. I even had a chance to get my picture taken with Coach Rio.
A few kms before turning right to the Bird Sanctuary, the sun was up and it was showering us with its heat blaring rays. I now faced my 1st issue. I think we were approaching km30 when I felt that my right upper, inner arm was chafing. We signaled a roving medic (Yes, we had roving medics! Not just ambulances but medics on bikes! TBR thinks of everything!) who passed by us if they had any body glide or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, they had none. But by the gift of God, a good samaritan approached us and offered his anti-chafing cream. I was relieved, thankful and will forever be grateful. Apparently, running a full marathon can strip one person of manners as I forgot to get his name or introduce myself. Good samaritan, whoever you are, thank you so much for your kind help.
Before turning right towards the bird sanctuary for the second time around, Tracy decided to take a rest. I ran on ahead. The route to the bird sanctuary was a welcomed rest from pavement running. The view from the gazebo (turnaround point) was amazing that I had to stop and admire nature. How I wish I brought my camera.
Back to the main route, I decided to stop my walk breaks. I believed I had only 10k left to run. It shouldn’t be too bad. I was wrong. The sun was up and it was angry. I can feel it creeping behind me and scourging my arms and back. It was draining my energy that I had to stop and walk at some points.
The Heat!
Finally I saw Tracy again and as she promised earlier, she will run the last stretch with me.
The last 8km was terrible as the heat was intolerable. Truth be told, I hate the heat. It melts me, melts my every will. This is the reason why I don’t think I can ever run an ultramarathon. I cannot endure the heat. My dream to finish in 5hrs 30mins was shattered. But it doesn’t matter. My purpose was to finish and finishing 34kms was already an achievement. It was time to take that 42km medal. It was time to finish this race, I told myself. I prayed to my Dad and Mom to push me, to wait for me by the finish line, to be my inspiration. But I had to say a disclaimer, they can wait for me by the finish line but they cannot take me with them. I still have kids and I’m too young to die. Just making sure they understood what I meant. 😀
38,39,40. The last 2kms! Oh my God! This is it. This is the longest 2kms I will ever run in my life! I wanted to sprint towards the finish line but I was weary and tired. Tracy and I decided to power walk the next km and run the last km. Then suddenly I felt a jabbing pain on my right ankle. Oh no…body do not do this to me!…was my reaction. I experimented to see if the pain will go away if I ran and miraculously, it did! Must be my Dad and Mom pushing me to finish strong.
Last km, I ran…well it was more of an easy jog. Tracy wanted leave me but I urged her to run with me during my last 500m.
I CONQUERED.
Then there it was…The finish line! I was was close to tears. Oh the joy…but wait…my eyes looked at the time. Oh no! It read 5:59:49. I was determined to finish sub-6 hours. I gave it my all and sprinted towards the finish line. The crowd was cheering me on saying go, go, go, go. 5:59:55, 5:59:56, 5:59:57…and the rest was history. I never knew what time I finished. But I was certain it was 5:59:59…hoping it was indeed sub-6.
I was teary eyed. Hugs and congratulatory remarks were given by my friends. I felt so blessed to have finished my first full marathoner. Blessed to know that I am now a full pledge MARATHONER! Oh what joy! I said a little prayer to thank God and my parents for helping me through this experience. I said another prayer requesting that they also guide hubby and the rest of the runners to safely finish.
I stretched, chatted with friends, hanged out with Tito Jombet who, by the way, finished his first marathon in an astounding 4:07, while waiting for Noy. I wanted to be there when he crosses the finish line. I wanted to see the joy in his face and share that moment with him.
After 6 hrs and 50 so mins, Noy came running towards the finish line. I was happy to see he wasn’t in any pain. That was enough for me. It made my day whole.
I never would have thought that I would have the will and the courage to try to run a full marathon, let alone finish one. I am still amazed at what we have achieved.
The Bull Runner Dream Marathon is what every runner who wants to run a full marathon should experience. The support was fantastic. I mean roving medics, lights powered by gensets, unlimited fruits, chocolates in some stations, stations with ample Gatorade and water, ample marshals. This was one ORGANIZED race. The loot bags were packed with a lot of goodies! Raffle prizes galore. My Tito Jombet even won a pair of Nike shoes.
My rating for this race was an expected 10/10. My only comment: this should be done again next year so that others can experience it was well.
I am a marathoner
A friend asked me, how did you do it? I answered, I just ran…I ran with my heart and mind not with my legs.
Photo taken by Raymund Martelino (Thank you!)
I have dreamt of running a full marathon ever since I was able to run my first half. I questioned myself if I would have the courage to even try to aim to run 42.192kms.
Then God provided me a venue. It so happened that Jaymie, the Bull Runner, was organizing a beginner’s dream marathon. After finding out the benefits she was providing her Dream marathoners, I was convinced and quickly signed up both hubby and I.
It’s less than 2 weeks to our first marathon. Am I ready? The answer to that is a huge NO.
I was religiously following a training program until BAM…I was stricken with patellar tendinitis and had to take a hiatus from running.  After more than a week, I was able to run again. But it wasn’t the same. Gone was my motivation. And the more I push myself out of the hole, the more I sank in.
It took me another week before I got my running mojo back. And by this time, I am unsure whether I can indeed grab that impossible dream of mine to finish a full marathon.
We will know by May 22…
I stopped being a coffee drinker when I quit smoking. Somehow having a cup of coffee isn’t as fulfilling without a cig. Previously, I would tell my friends that I only drink two kinds, water and beer. But those were my pre-running days. Now I only have water, sports drink plus occasional protein shakes.
However, it seems that there will be changes as I am sipping my first cup of coffee in ages.
I was invited by Que to attend San Mig Coffee Bay Run Bloggers presscon last Friday. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that San Miguel created a whole new line of pro-health instant coffee.
Hot Papa P! 😉
San Mig Coffee Pro-Health is a line of complete sugar-free, low-fat, cholesterol free, low calorie coffeemix enriched with functional ingredients for added health and wellness. Yes, you read it right. All varieties are SUGAR-FREE, LOW IN FAT, LOW CALORIES and CHOLESTEROL FREE.
They have four varieties to choose from.
SanMig Pro-Health Coffee
Pro-beauty
Coffeemix with Collagen which helps in restoring your skin’s elasticity, removes wrinkles for smoother skin and delays the signs of aging.
Pro-Fiber
Coffeemix with Inulin Fiber to help smoothen digestion, lowers cholesterol for a healthier heart and increase calcium absorption for stronger bones.
Pro-Power
Coffeemix with Gingko Biloba to boosts memory for improved mental performance. It also helps improve stamina for sustained energy release and it detoxifies the body for a healthier well-being.
And of course, what I am drinking now…Pro-Slim
Coffeemix with L-Carnitine which helps burn fat, converts unwanted calories to energy and increases metabolic rate for sustained energy.
And to promote this product, San Mig Coffee is organizing the 1st San Mig Coffee Bay Run Dash for Health 2010.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: May 23 (Sunday)
Venue: SM Mall of Asia grounds
Distances
3K Pro-Beauty Run
5K Pro-Fiber Run
10K Pro-Slim Run
15K Pro-Power Run
Assembly Time – 5:00am
Gun Start
15k – 5:30am
10k – 5:45am
5k – 5:50am
3k – 5:55am
Registration Fees
3k – P450
5k – P450
10k – P550
15k – P550
Registration Centers
Chris Sports branches
– Festival Mall
– MOA
– Glorietta
– SM Annex
– Mega Mall
ROX (last 2 weeks on registration)
– Fort
And a very unique and convenient option…
Over the phone registration via WWWExpress
– All you have to do is to call the WWWExpress Hotline at 793-1777. Press option 2 to be connected to marketing. Or you may also call their direct line 852-7210. Provide your details and your race kit will be delivered to you for a minimal fee of P60 on top of the race fee. Payment term is COD so you don’t need to go to a bank to deposit your payment. There’s more! They can accept up to (5) FIVE registration per P60 delivery charge. So if you want to save, go register your whole family or your friends!
Note: Only 5,000 runners will be accommodated as of press time.
Runner’s Kit
The race kit includes the following:
A really cool-looking Singlet
Singlet
*Singlet sizes are based on Universidad sizing.
Map
3k Map
5k Map
10k Map
15k Map
Race Bib
Color-coded based on the distance
3k – pink
5k – green
10k – purple
15k – yellow
Color-coded Bibs
Food Stub
Photo Stub
4 photo booths will be set up
Loot Bag Stub (freebies from the sponsors)
A list of the sponsors
Magnolia PureFresh Low Fat Milk, Magnolia Pure Water, Pocari Sweat, Magnolia Lifedrink, Bank of Commerce, Healthway, Wi-Tribe, Gardenia, Magnolia Pancake Plus, Magnolia No Sugar Added Ice Cream, Microtel Hotels and Resorts.
Run Proper
Water stations will be positioned every 2.5k to 3k. There will be marshals every 200m to direct the runners on where to go. Road will be closed (single direction) from Macapagal Ave. all the way to Star City.
Activity Area
There will be a San Mig Coffee Sampling Area which will be serving HOT and COLD San Mig Pro-Health Coffee.
Runners of each distance category will be pampered with on the ground activities.
3k – Pro-beauty
On-ground skin experts will give a talk on healthy skin and do skin analysis for runners and guests. These beauty experts can discuss the benefits of collagen and endorse San Mig Coffee Pro-beauty.
5k – Pro-fiber
A nutritionist will be stationed here giving discussion on proper diets, recommended daily calorie intake, and easy to prepare dishes that are healthy and high in fiber.
10k – Pro-slim
Fitness experts will perform cool down activities as well as give consultations on topics such as proper fitness, BMI, waist-height ratio, resting metabolic rate, and target heart rates.
15k – Pro-Power
Here the runners will be rewarded with a free 10 min back or leg massage while listening to speakers talking about Ginkgo Biloba and how it benefits the body.
Prizes
Prizes
Looks like a fun, fun event! 🙂
I read the Holy Bible everyday. It doesn’t matter what time I wake up, I make it a point that I make time.
In this today’s Gospel reading Jesus talked about the bread of life. He said “I am the bread of life;  whoever comes to me will never hunger,  and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” Bread connotes something physical, tangible and something that will quenched ones hunger. But I have seen people having all the material possessions in the world but still remain hungry for something else. I have to admit that I was one of those people (and probably still is). Except for the having all the material possessions part, I admit that I sometimes become too materialistic. I needed to have everything that was top of the line; anything that was “IN”; I had to visit the latest clubs; be at the coolest events. However, it did not made me happy. It was never enough.
This all changed when I found my way back to Him. I now understand and appreciate the simple things in life. Now, I spend more time with my kids. I feel happiest when I am with my family. Just watching my youngest son, Chito, while he’s deep in slumber gives me such great joy. Spending time with my sister and my brother-in-law singing our hearts out inside a videoke bar makes me happy. Watching a feel good DVD movie with hubby without him complaining is already a thrill for me. Having two legs to enable to run freely brings me such joy.
Today, I look at life with a different perspective. A perspective that allows me to appreciate life at its simplest.
This is Joy!
The race would take us through Rizal drive up to Kalayaan Flyover, down Buendia, crossing the South Super Hway making a U by Bautista street and back to Fort. I told Robert, easy peasy to make sure he doesn’t get pre-race jitters 🙂
pre-race jitters?
what a shoe! i want one 🙂
even bad guys need toilet breaks
Robert conquering the Kalayaan flyover
Hubby going back to Fort ahead of us
photo opp on top of the Kalayaan flyover
a happy finisher 🙂
happy finishers 🙂
Volunteerism — Volunteerism refers to an act involving a wide range of activities, including traditional forms of mutual aid and developmental interventions that provides an enabling and empowering environment both on the part of the beneficiary receiving, and the volunteer rendering the act, undertaken for reasons arising from socio-developmental, business or corporate orientation, commitment or conviction for the attainment of the public good and where monetary and other incentives or reward are not the primary motivating factors. Taken from the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency. And yes, we actually have an agency that is centered on volunteerism. Isn’t it great?
Volunteers can work with the PNVSCA which is the agency that coordinates volunteer service programs for national development. Agencies that work with the PNVSCA to send skilled volunteers abroad include VSO Bahaginan.
VSO Bahaginan is a development organization that promotes volunteerism. The organization recruits, trains and sends skilled professionals to work in partnership with organizations in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. They manage and develop business partnerships with companies who release their employees on short-term volunteer placements.
Why volunteer?
I am amazed at the kind of heart people who volunteer have. They give so much without asking for anything in return. Why do they do it? Most say:
1. They want to make a difference.
Volunteers come from different backgrounds, culture and social classes. But they have one thing in common, they want to make a difference. They want to leave a mark.
2. They want to learn and they want to teach.
People who volunteer want to share their skills. Many also want to learn about the community that they are trying to help out.
3. They are following their calling.
As Happy of VSO Bahaginan said, there are professional volunteers. Professionals (doctors, engineers, architects, teachers etc) who make volunteerism their career. I believe because they feel that this is their calling.
4. Because other communities need them.
Their desire to volunteer stems from the very fact that they are needed in marginalized communities. Ask and you shall receive.
VSO Bahaginan: Through volunteering, people – including the poor and marginalized – can participate in the transformation of their communities. We support organizations, programs and advocacies that promote volunteering for development. We do this by developing products and delivering training to help national volunteering partners to practice good volunteer management. We involve young people and give them a chance to make a real difference in their exchange communities.
VSO UK: Volunteering means that you have the chance to really make a difference to the way that others work, for the rest of their lives. You also have the satisfaction of knowing that you have made a lasting impression – your contribution to fighting poverty and disadvantage lives on after you through the lives you touch. And by understanding others’ difficulties and dedicating time to tackling them together, you gain new skills, witness fresh approaches to all sorts of situations, and acquire greater confidence to draw on in the future.
Volunteering truly is an amazing feat! One day, I hope to be a full time volunteer. There is just so much to experience in life and I am certain volunteerism can provide us an amazing journey.
For more information on volunteering please visit http://www.vsobahaginan.org.ph/. For those of you who cannot volunteer but want to help VSO’s volunteers, you may donate through this channel: http://www.vsobahaginan.org.ph/donate/.
Or you may also make a difference by joining VSO fundraising events just like the upcoming VSO Kabahagi Run 2010.
VSO Kabahagi Run 2010
Event date: April 25, 2010
Venue: Mckinley Hill
Distances: 3/5/10k
Registration Fees
Regular Registration April 1-21 Php350
Late Registration April 22-24 Php450
Registration Fee includes singlet, race bib, race packet and accident insurance.
REGISTRATION AREAS
ROX, Bonifacio High Street
Tel: +632 8564639
VSO Office
Unit 305 Pacific Corporate Center, 131 West Avenue Quezon City
Philippines Nursing Association Office (PNA)
1663 F.T. Benitez Street, Malate, Manila 1004
Chris Sports
Branches: Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Annex, Festival Mall
EVENT ORGANIZER
This event is organized by Leadpack (RotaRun09, The Green Mile, Takbo.ph RunFest).
Make a difference, join now and help VSO Bahaginan volunteers!
Noy and I would normally stay in the city during the Easter holiday. Hubby is a very traditional guy. He believes in staying home and following the traditions he was accustomed to. I personally enjoy Maundy Thursday as this is the day we do Visita Iglesia. I love church hopping! Entering new churches, observing people doing the same thing, it gives me a sense of solitude, being one with God and reliving what He died for and how much He had to sacrifice for us.
The Resurrection
Maundy Thursday
Washing of the Feet
And as every Maundy Thursday I was excited. However, the excitement was not just because of experiencing my traditional Visita Iglesia but also joining my first ever LSD! Happy Feet organized a Long, Slow, Distance run to Antipolo Church which was approximately 17kms. Although I’ve ran more than this distance, I still considered this my 1st LSD outside of a race event. I’ve never been to the Antipolo church so I was doubly excited to do this.
We started inside Bo. Kapitolyo, a subdivision in Pasig with very hilly terrain. We consisted of Sir Mon, Ka Totoy, Sir Jesse, james and Macky. Our run started with a short warm up still inside Kapitolyo. It was a long uphill climb towards Shaw Blvd. Now that’s how to get your heart pumping =)
The group ran along C5 and right along Ortigas Ave Ext. We were to meet Bobby by the intersection of Imelda Ave and Ortigas Ext (more commonly called–Junction). He then led us towards Valley Golf where we would pass going to the church.
Inside Valley Golf (or a subdivision beside/inside Valley Golf) we started to climb uphill towards Hinulugang Taktak. Sir Jesse was a bit tired so I stayed behind to accompany him. Eventually, we reached the Antipolo church. It was exactly 17kms based on my Garmin. Ka Totoy registered 19k as he kept on going back and forth for us. Haha! It was a great Thursday indeed!
——-
Easter Sunday
Easter 🙂
I thank God for this day. This is the day that the Lord has made! He has risen and saved us all. Plus this is the day that I will be running my longest ever distance.
Before this day, my farthest distance was 22k. It was during Globe’s Run for Home which my Garmin registered an excess do 1k from 21k. Since it was a training run, I didn’t mind the extra distance.
5am was the time the LSD around Ortigas Center and towards UP but we ended up starting at 530am. There was about 24 of us.
From Tiendesitas, we ran towards Meralco Ave and up St. Martin’s. The steady incline along J.Vargas was a challenge to me. All the more St. Martin’s hill! It was a good thing that my body was still used to hills from my long run last Sunday and last Thursday.
Steep Hills
Did you ever have that nagging feeling, unsure whether you were able to lock the door of your car…well, that feeling stuck to me all the way to St. Matin’s so instead of going straight to Temple drive, I had to run all the way back to Tiendesitas to check out on my car which was locked in the first place! Well, better safe than sorry.
I hurried towards Temple drive passing through Ortigas. Thankfully I was able to catch up with them. From White Plains we ran all the way to UP taking 2 or I think 3 breaks in between 🙂
UP was a great break from the heat. There were TONS of people. Running, biking, leisurely lying on the grass, having picnic. Amazing! I remember seeing the Metro empty during Holy Week. I guess they were all in UP! 🙂
We took a break and ate some “sopas” and “lugaw”. Another first for me. eating in the middle of run. Do it the team CB way I guess. Lol!
The sun was up and HOT when we went our way back to Tiendesitas. We ran through Katipunan race pace wanting to reach the intersection of Aurora and Katipunan as far as we can for some shade! By the time we reached the end of Katipunan (intersection Santolan), I was tired. My girls, Julie and Tere felt the same. The lateral portion of my knee was so painful that I could barely walk without limping. To make it worse, I felt this nagging pain on the posterior portion of my hamstrings. Arriving in White Plains we decided to just walk all the way back to Tiendesitas.
It was scorching HOT but we enjoyed the long walk, chatting about where we will have early lunch (yes, LUNCH not Breakfast). We ended the morning, having a meal in Jollibee after almost 4 hours of run/walk. It was a fun, fun Easter celebration.
Happy Easter everyone!
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