2010

This year is about to end, and it's about time to make some reviews, recollections and recalls of the year that was.

• First stop, I conquered my very first Pikermi, half-mary, half marathon or 21K race.  My race time of 2 hours and 45 minutes was kinda disappointing after all the effort and training. But I guess, I have to be happy with this result since this is my very first 21K.
• On my dad's first marathon attempt, he DNFed! He suffered severe cramps on the 37th km on both legs! He had muscle spasms, too! My dad never admitted that he had a trauma after his ordeal. But I secretly plan to join him on his marathon redemption by 2012.
• A separate blog site. Yup, I used to blog my running misadventures along with my personal blog. But I have to separate what is personal to what is running, so I came with this blogsite as my running blog.
• Dailymile and other social networks. Thanks to the Dailymile and other social networks (I'm quite notorious on twitter!) I was able to meet with runners. Although, I haven't introduce myself in real life. I am planning to ditch my "shyness" by 2011.
• I am actually overwhelmed of having 13 runner/blogger followers! Thanks for following my blog!
• I am also overwhelmed by runner bloggers for posting links to my blog on their blogsite! Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
• Who would have thought that after suffering a major injury, I had a podium finish. Yes folks, I ran the SSS Fun Run and placed third!
• This year, I suffered ITBFS or iliotibial band friction syndrome which made me miss the Cebu and Dumaguete legs of the Milo Marathon.
• And aside from ITBFS, I also suffered severe and intermittent pangs of TAMADITIS! Yes, I must confess, I am quite of a lazy arse, especially in mid-training.
• DNR, DNS and DNFs. This year, I did not participate in three races that I already registered. Reasons that ranges from not waking up early, to family reunions to having a bum tummy. As for DNS, I had two. One was the Planet Sports Run last June and the Heart Run last September. The first one was due to my answering nature's call, while the second one was an almost DNR because of the lack of transportation available. The second race was on the Alay-Lakad weekend. My DNF came just recently at the Cebu Bankers Run.
• This year I also joined the "barefoot" running revolution by purchasing a Nike Free 5.0 version 4. But I still have qualms of purchasing yet another "barefoot shoes".
• This year marks the 10th year since I graduated from high school (Now, you guys better do your math on how old I am!). And who would have thought we get to have an impromptu reunion during races! I will blog on it very, very soon. And with photos, too!
• Aside from running, I am also featuring the world's beautiful game, football. Or soccer to us. I also featured our Philippine National Football team amiably called, the Azkals! I already purchased their kit (or jersey) from Mizuno. And will have it's debut on next year's first race. Watch out for it!
• I learned to appreciate our delapidated and wrinkled Cebu City Sports Complex (CSSC) track oval (aka Abellana), and track workouts. I used to loathed these.
• This year, I also joined  the Energizer Night Race! It was my first night race.

• In Memoriam: Let's remember the lives of Alexander Landero and Remus Fuentes, who met their untimely demise while participating in the sport they love. May they rest in peace.
• Witnessed an Ultramarathon!

So 2010 was a crazy year! But I am looking forward to a better and brighter 2011. But that would be another post! Happy New Year, runners!

Oblation Run: The Naked Run of Protest

The Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity and Sorority's annual Oblation Run is one of those quirky traditions in the University of the Philippines. This is usually held every 16th of December,which is the anniversary date of APO's establishment.

The Oblation Run started in 1977 in protest of the human rights atrocities during the Martial Law regime. Since then, the Oblation Run serves as the fraternities way of protest to some social and political issues in the Philippines.

Why run naked? Well, since Alpha Phi Omega is one of the established fraternities in UP, the frat boys give tribute to the "Oblation", the iconic symbol of the University of the Philippines.

I have friends who are members of this fraternity. I wonder if they already joined the Oblation Run.

Azkals and it's Many Interpretations

Tomorrow, Dec. 16 (Manila time) and on Dec. 19, the Philippine National Football Team aka the Azkals will face the Indonesian National Football team aka the Garudas for their semifinal tie of the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup. My country's "home" game will be held in the opponent's territory. For those who have not known yet why my nation's football team (That's soccer team to us Filipinos!) is affectionately called the Azkals, click on this link.

Since, it's the fans who concocted the moniker, the Azkals do not have an official seal.

 The photo above is what the fans consider as the "official" Azkals seal.

 Here's a rather a sinister looking Azkals logo.

 This one screams "Kick ass", in my honest opinion. But the dog looks like Balto.

 Here's an Azkal doodle.

And this is t-shirt makers, Team Manila's interpretation of the Azkals' logo.

So which of these do you choose to be our team's logo? 

Go Azkals! Go out and fight...and BITE!

Quote for this Post:

"It took me a long time to decide. Obviously every boy's dream is to play for England at the highest level. But I thought, why not play for the Philippines? It's mum's side of the family as well."
—Philippines' goal keeper Neil Etheridge, on his decision to represent the Philippines

DNF

DNF! 

In runners' lingo, that means, "DID NOT FINISH". This is my first DNF that's because I paced a new-found friend.

Since I missed last Sunday's race, I made a "lagare" to the scheduled weekend races, and that included the Saturday race. I was planning to run 15K in both races. You read it right? 15K on each race that I am going to run.

I finished the Saturday race drenched, but I was able to get a PR at 1 hour and 44 minutes. 

So, in today's race, I promised one of my dad's staff to pace her. If my dad were here, he would pace Jenny. But my father is in Bacolod to man the bank there. Jenny will be running the half-marathon this January, so this will be her training run. And as for me, the Bankers' Run will be my recovery run.

Jenny and I were at pace. We took a brief pee break at The Gallery since she cannot contain her bladder. It was in kilometer 4, when Jenny felt a sharp pain on her lateral side of her right knee. Oh no! ITBS has struck Jenny! I told her to slow down or just walk. I also taught her the stretches my physiatrist taught. 

When we approach the 10K turning point, I suggested that we should do a 10K instead. But Jenny thought she could still run the 15K. So we pushed through. But her ITBS went from bad to worse at the Fuente Osmena rotunda. So from doing the Galloway method, we just walked towards the 15K turning point. We tried to run back, but the niggling pain still bothered Jenny. So We just walked our way up to Lahug, were Jenny suddenly felt hungry. I sprinted towards the Brgy. Lahug market to buy bananas. Jenny kept apologizing, thinking she was a bother. I told her there's no need to apologize, I mean, I am her pacer and besides I already logged more mileage than my usual weekly mileage.

We decided to DNF in order for Jenny not to suffer an embarrassing situation being the last person to cross the finish line. I suggested that we should take off our race bibs when we were already a kilometer away from the finish line. We went straight to her companion's car to get our stuff, and let her stretch.

Even if it was a DNF, I gained a lot...a gained a new friend.

AZKAL

I have to make a segue blog post on football. I must write something about Philippine Football. Why? Because for the first time since it's inception, the Philippines are heading to the semifinals of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Football Federation Suzuki Cup (then known as the Tiger Cup), for the VERY FIRST TIME!

I haven't watch a single game except tonight's goalless draw with Myanmar (or Burma). But I after watching this game, and that impressive draw against Singapore and THAT win against defending champion, Vietnam, I have to say, the Azkals is the team to recon with. I mean, who would have thought, even if our lads are grouped into the "group of death",  they were able to deliver the improbable.

In a country where basketball is king, and that athletes and sports programs always get entangled with the tides in politics, the Azkals (the Philippine Football team's nickname baptised by fans) proved that in this sport (football or soccer), we can be a powerhouse.  The Azkals did not have any major corporate sponsor/s that funded their trips, training, and even their kit or uniform. Take a look at Manny Pacquiao's shorts? There are at least 10 brands embroidered on it.

The Philippines will play host to Group A winners, Indonesia in their first game in the semi-finals. Go out and support our team!

DNR: Run for BB2

As early as 3:26 AM (Ph Time) I decided not to run today's race, "Run for BB2". Since 12:57 AM (Again, Ph time.) I am already awake and I am nursing a bum tummy. I think I got this from the half-cooked rice that I ate for lunch, (or something even more sinister...ROTAVIRUS!). I'd rather swallow my pride and withdraw, rather than suffer some embarrassment or any untoward freak incidents. 

I hope I can run a 10 miler maybe in the afternoon today, though! To the runners for this run, I am with you in spirit! I hope this tummy ache will be gone soon, very, very soon! Now, off to another trip to the...

Views from a Bystander: The Cebu ULTRAMARATHON

Guess where was I during the Cebu Ultramarathon last Nov. 27? 

Sirit?

I was at the clinic where I am currently working. The clinic is situated in one of the those tiny roads along Gorordo Ave. in Lahug. It is more or less 1.5 km away from the Provincial Capitol. In the morning, I was busy attending to the walk-in patients, giving there much needed vaccination, dewormers and treating one against blood parasites. I asked one of the tanods stationed in a n outpost to call my attention once runner are starting to pass by the area.

At around 10:30 in the morning, Mendel Lopez, the winner of this event, passed by. And one by one, the elites are on the homestretch. I am already done with my duties for the morning, and already ordered for McDonald's to deliver my lunch. It was around 12 when I saw Steve Ferraren speeding down the hill across the street. He ran against the traffic.

From 12 noon to 2:45 in the afternoon, I was just standing in between two VECO poles at the corner of Sunset Drive and Gorordo Ave., witnessing what would be an elusive dream of mine. To run an ultramarathon. I was a mere bystander, taking photos at some runners, giving them words of encouragement (e.g., Hey, it's just 1.5 kilometers aways! Kaya pa!), or give directions especially the out-of-towners (e.g., Ultrarunner from Manila: "Miss, saan ba ang UP Cebu?" Me: "When you go down this hill, that's already UP.")

It was a good thing, that I have no patients during that time. Good thing they arrived at 3.

Here are some photos that I took. I apologize for the poor quality, I totally forgot my camera (face palm!), so I only use my mobile phone.

Merlita Arias Dunkin, 2nd place Lady's Category

It's good to see students gave back to their mentor by pacing and supporting with him towards the finish.

Bald Runner gamely posing for me.

Mr. Front Runner himself, Jonel Mendoza.

Band of Brothers

Mr. Nemesio Escasinas (partly hidden)

With his better half, Mrs. Tessie Escasinas closely behind.

Gabby Lariosa of Cebu Daily News

Tinago Barangay Councilor Joel Garganera with a friend.
He took his oath after crossing the finish line. 

Conquering 50 kms. in Vibrams? Why not!

Add caption

Tito V. ad his flock of Ungo Runners

Head Master Ungo, Max. I barely recognized him because he had his "bangas" shaved.

BDM veteran, ultramarathoner, and broadcast journalist, Haide Acuna.

 Ms. Twinkle Ignacio, Cebu's running muse.

ULTRA

photo taken from runfool.com.

This weekend, Cebu will be holding it's first ultramarathon. I have been running for 18 months already, but I haven't signed up for a single marathon, and have to complete my second Pikermi this January. The thought of conquering my first marathon is still quite daunting. But conquering an ULTRA, I must be insane by that time. 

Anyways, this post is dedicated to the brave men and women who will run from Mt. Manunggal (Cebu's highest peak) up to the Provincial Capitol. Good luck and Godspeed!

Oh, by the way, the next time I am going to meet the finishers, I have a monicker reserved for them...

 Ultraman photo is a property of Toei Productions and Tsurabaya Productions.

"ULTRAMAN"!

Run for BB2-Run for Kids with Cancer

Dec. 5 must be the busiest day in Cebu's running calendar! Can you imagine there are SIX, as in 6 races will be held on this day all over the metro! I know most of you guys will either be in deep training for the January gig, or in Singapore or in Quezon City. But for those who want to join races on this day, it would be better to Run for BB2!

Why am I unabashedly suggested for anyone to join the Run for BB2? We'll this is a run for a cause! Proceeds for this event will help in the treatment for 7 kids with cancer. That will be great Christmas gift for these kids and their families. Second it has a great race course that included the dreaded hills of Banawa! Just take a look at the race map below. The course will provide a good quality workout for those preparing for their January gig.

Click on the photo to bigify.

 See, I hope I convinced you guys to join this! Don't be a grinch! Merry Christmas!

Photos taken from Rosario Naomi Fajardo's Facebook account.

Haile's Back

photo courtesy of iaaf.com

I knew it! I know he'll be back! Good thing I did not write anything about his sudden and shocking retirement after his DNF in the recently concluded New York City Marathon, due to a knee injury. It was wounded pride that prompted Haile to decide on his retirement.

But he is a person who eats, drinks and breathes running! And I when I saw a tweet from the New York Times this morning regarding Haile's return, I was rejoicing!

Here's the link to that article.

Hail Haile!

Break

photo courtesy of http://angelodemonio.wordpress.com

I have to confess, I did not run this week.

Got burned out, 

In both work and running.

Anyways, I'll be lacing my running shoes next week.

And I cannot wait 'til next week because of this...

... and this.

Off 'n Running's Running from the Paparazzi

Tour Beverly Hills? Why not try running it? Off 'n Running Tours will take you to places where Hollywood celebs frequently shop, dine or hang around, for just $ 60.00 per person. The fee also includes a "Running from the Paparazzi" shirt and a post-run cupcake at Crumbs. For more information, you can visit their website, http://offnrunningtours.com.

Bukidnon Trail Running- November 20

photo taken from happy feet yahoo! groups.

Good Dog!

What's my dog doing on my running blog? Well he did a good deed this week which involved one of of my running gear.

Last Friday, while our house help, Gina and I watched the replay of our favorite Koreanovela (straight from Korea with English subtitle), Chavo was barking frantically. We were thinking the reason for his barking (He has a big voice! Our neighbors love him because it scares any would be "Akyat-Bahay".) was because he might be seeing a cat or a wandering dog from his vantage point. He got the attention of Gina. Gina went out only to see that Chavo gave my fuchsia Nike sports bra that fell off from the clothes drier to her. It was unscathed.

Good boy, Chavo! And this blog post is your reward!

*We actually named our dog after WWE wrestler, Chavo Guerrero, Jr., the nephew of the late Eddie Guerrero. Chavo is actually a Mexican slang for little boy. We some times call him Chavito, thus making him little, little boy.

** Contrary to his name, Chavo weighs around 27-30 kilograms. His name may be suited for a chihuahua, the tiniest breed of dog native to Mexico, but he is half labrador retriever (dad) and half dalmatian (mom).

*** He is turning 7 this coming December.

Dear Santa (Christmas Wishlist Post)

Dear Santa,

   It's already less than 60 days before Christmas! I know that I am neither naughty or nice, but in my own little way, I am sure I made many people happy. Since it's less than 60 days before Christmas, and you and you're elven staff are quite busy preparing and wrapping gifts to kids ages 0-110. To make it easier  for you guys, here's my wishlist.

An Adizero Boston. I prefer the red one, size 8. It's the perfect race day shoes for me since it's designed for high arched neutrals like me! I need to replace my old Adizero Tempo (I bought it before knowing that my foot strike is actually pronated!

Brooks Glycerin 8. We'll a lot of people are raving about this shoe, and that includes the editor of Runner's World magazine. This will be my training shoes. Again in size 8.

Asics Gel Nimbus 11 in Pink of course (size: 8). Another alternative for both training and racing. Tee hee!

Garmin Forerunner 110. I know it doesn't posses the multitasking caboodle of the GF 305 as exposed by Running Moron's blog, but I like it's design.Very minimalist and could be easily pass as a watch. This is just to prevent predators on preying little me. These predators might be targeting people with a 305 sooner or later.

And speaking of predators, I also need this. A Road ID. I prefer a pink one in the smallest size since I have small wrist. If you want my personal information, just send me an e-mail located on the upper right corner of this blog.

Under Armour athletic shirts. I already have one, and I need another one because I am a fan!

TRX! Bob Harper is using and raving about this! A good cross training tool to strengthen my muscles using the principles of using your body for resistance. And it's portable! And I don't get to pay pricey gym membership fees. Boo yeah!

 Salonpas Spray. I have the gel, but it would be more convenient to have a spray. Ouch my thighs! Spritz, spritz!

 I am a fan of Lance Armstrong! I don't care if he is accused of doping. Fore me he is innocent for doping until proven guilty in a proper venue, not by publicity. And as a fan, I wouldn't mind having this motivational shirt in both white and black!

And since I am living in typhoon zone, and sometimes bed weather can hinder my road run, I also want/need a stationary bike. It also aids my recovery. This is rather a safer way to channel my inner Lance.

I don't mind if you just give me one or even every thing on the list at once. Just make this 60-65 hours a week worker happy this Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

XOXO,

Ling2x

Injury: Reflections

I thinks it's about time to share a little something about injury I already experienced what it feels like, and it seems a lot of people are training for their big run this coming January.

Injuries are part of any athlete's obstacles in his career. Injuries come in many forms such as accidents, genetics (e.g. bow-legged, or uneven length of your knees or even arms), or just simply over exertion or over training. Usually injuries happen if an athlete is training for something, thus hampering his progress or even withdraw from his targeted event. Injuries just give a physical blow to an athlete, it also affects their emotions, finances and psyche. When I was younger, two bright basketball players, Anfernie "Penny" Hardaway and Grant Hill. They were vying for the title of being Michael Jordan's Air Apparent. But both players were plagued by injuries. Penny Hardaway never recovered his old form and dwindled and is never heard again. Good thing for Grant Hill, although his road to full recovery was long and even lost part of his old self, but then again you can still see him play with heart with the Phoenix Suns.

As for me, when the doctor spilled that I had ITBS,  it was like, "Oh no! I am going to miss Milo!". But I have to, or else I can no longer run. The thought of sacrificing something you've worked so hard in the past month for something that is long term was easy, though. But the thought of seeing people receiving their finisher's medal is some compelling that i committed a deadly sin we Catholics consider, envy! Yes, i had a bruised up ego, that once I get out of this misery, I mean injury, I will fight back! Oh boy, I have been watching too much sports-related movies! Might Ducks trilogy, anyone?

While still on a hiatus, I was doing a little recollection. WHERE THE HECK DID I GO WRONG? So I did some research, and some of those recommended stretching for ITBS as demonstrated by my physiatrist. It was then that I discovered that my BAD habit of not having a post run cool down was the culprit! I have seen countless post run stretching but this one below are the most effective!

I swear (I know swearing is bad!), ever since I incorporate these stretches after each run, I do not experience any hinging feeling on my knees or even a limp. It's a must try!

I also learned to train smarter. As part of my recovery I avoided the hills and just run around the track oval where it's flat and cushioned which is good for my knees. I initially run for only 4 kilometers twice during the weekdays, and road walk on Sundays. I did that for two weeks, then on the week after that, I still ran 4 kilometers around the track , then ran 5 kilometers that very Saturday. I gradually increased my mileage week, after week. By this time, I am already running 3x on weekdays, with Sundays as my long run. I alternately train either on track or on the road with hills weekly, but soon enough, I might be alternating them within the week. I just had my first double digit run last Sunday, so I am looking forward to run the same route this weekend.

Adding a bit of yoga and Pilates like exercises for cross-training also helps. 
 
Injuries is part of our lives as runners, it would depend on your attitude in dealing with it! Run smart, everyone!

Dumaguete Marathon-November 21, 2010

I know a lot of people who already signed up for the Cebu City Marathon this January are now training like crazy right now. I know some of them might be bored with the same LSD routes they tackle every weekend. So ladies and gentlemen, why not take your LSD to another place, like the City of Gentle People (also known as Katol's hometown.), Dumaguete.

This coming November 21, they will be hosting a "marathon". You may register in 3K,5K, Quarter Marathon (10.5K), 3-quarters marathon (31.5K). You may register at the Foundation University. For more details, you may call the following: 

Dr. Aparicio Mequi/ Paultom Paras/ Joel Balajadia/ Carlo Simpao/ Alex Pal
035-4229167 loc. 165

They also have an official website:  http://dumaguetemarathon.com.

I got some information through, http://takbo.ph.

Run for BB 2

After the success of Run for Bebe last June, Code Blue Running Team of the Chong Hua Hospital, is inviting everyone to join the Run for BB2! This time the beneficiaries are the children as young as 7 months old who cannot afford further treatment.

The singlet, according to Code Blue's Tita Naomi Fajardo is orange. You never had any orange singlets, right? 

10.10.10 Nationwide Mizuno Sale

Mizuno fans, rejoice!

Thank you, Richard Ho for posting this on the dailymile.

Pink October Run

Yes, Auntie! This one is for you!

photo credits to Katol V.

 

 

 Last year, I ran 10K on behalf of one of my college professor's mom who happens to be a breast cancer survivor (Click here for the story.). This year, cancer has struck someone who is really close to us, our Aunt. Although the Pink October Run is organized for breast cancer awareness, but I think this run has become an avenue for people to fight not just breast cancer, but all forms of cancers. I won't disclose to you the name of my Aunt, what kind of cancer she has and what stage in respect to her and her family. 

 

 This year, I just ran 5K since I just got off from injury. Although it's not the best 5K performance, finishing in 35 minutes and 20 seconds, and suffering from side stitch in the last kilometer. I was thinking, the pain I had with the side stitch is nothing compared to the pain my Aunt feels of all her radiation and chemo. Please, if you do believe in the power of prayer, please pray for my Aunt's speedy recovery.

PS: I was supposed to be accompanied by another runner, who would like to dedicate each kilometer to 5 of his friends who succumb to cancer. But sad to say he had an upper respiratory infection. So he just let me wear his bib, which I pinned on my back. You want to know who is this other runner?

 

 

It's our clinic mascot, Puffy!