Natgeo Run 2013: Level 3 – Complete!

Level 1 – Wake up and peel self off from bed
This is an ongoing theme for me. Running is not the biggest challenge. It’s actually getting up and heading out for a run. I’m really having problems finding the motivation and drive to just lace up and go. I’ve never won an early debate with myself on the merits of morning runs until today. Woohoo!

Level 2 – get to the finish line on time
I won the debate, yes, but it actually took me over 30 minutes to convince myself that I need to do this race.

I can’t flake on Dingdong again but he’ll race naman even if I don’t show. NatGeo will be a great race, yeah and pati naman race x, y and z was good and I didnt go din. Sayang naman, this could be the start or I could start on May 1 para start of the month…blah-blah-blah

After over 30mins, fitness triumphed over laziness. But it’s 3:45am na. I quickly prepared – shower, change, tape – and was out the door in 40 mins.

I got to the starting line on time!

Level 3 – Just do it, RUN!
And pretty soon, all systems go!

FACT: I had a plan for this race. I will walk-run it to the finish using my
week 2 C25K program. I will just go the distance. Speed will come later. I finished in 1h28min. Strong! I prolly could have pushed a bit more but it was so hot, I decided to play it safe.

I was so pleased that I even managed to overtake a few runners/walkers on the last stretch to the finish line. Tired but very happy.

FORM: I didn’t watch my form really well today. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. At times, I did find extra power to go a bit faster. Pity I forgot to charge the Garmin so I have no km-split data. Next time.

FEEL: Mainit. It was so hot I was sweating before the first turn around. I just kept pouring water over my head, face and arms to keep cool. Overall, I feel great.

*********BONUS : Overheard at the Natgeo Run 2013*********

1. “Good morning runners.” – cheerful greeting from a lot of the marshals
Thank you marshals! I needed that. I made sure to return all the greetings as well. Pity most of the runners never made the effort to acknowledge them. Promise, calling out a greeting, putting up a hand to wave or even smiling back makes running a lot easier. Distracts you from the pain and suffering hehe

2. “I ran this race 2 years ago. I ran the 3K. – heard 2x, same person.
Somebody needs a better scriptwriter or prepare better. The first time he said it, he added pa, “not sure if I was registered …” Wait I take it back 3x pala, same line during the launch.

3. ” … ??? percent over 6 months” – dude talking to a dudette walking downhill somewhere after Mckinley …
Downhill. Walking. ‘Nuff said.

4. “Tatay…” – a 20s something faint call out to her father who was about 2 meters ahead.
The dad immediately turned, concern written all over his face. Amazing how the power of one word and how in tune the father was to his daughter.

*********Last 2 hirit…*********
Hirit No. 1: Congrats Dingdong, woohoo 52mins.
Hirit No. 2:Thanks to the uber nice runner who gave me one of her safety pins. I lost 3 safety pins somewhere between my house and the starting line. Lady runner kindly gave me one of her pins. Hope she had a great race as well.

Now time for some zzzzzzz….

April 10: 7k-ish

Yesterday, I was one of the lucky ladies invited to be among the first to experience freedom of movement in an exclusive all-female session with the Nike Free 5.0. That was a really great session. Check out my next post.

Wednesday was another run day so after weavin’ and groovin’ with the girls, I still needed to log in a few kms. I could have gone round and round and up and down BGC but that’s a bit boring so I just decided to reverse my usual route and run home.

DISTANCE : 7k and a bit. Can’t be certain how far I really went coz Garmin froze and died and as I only had 26% battery left I decided to just use my interval app. I wasn’t sure if I had enough juice for interval and runmeter. However, I’m certain it’s over 7kms coz I started before my usual end point.

FACT : If I turn off 3G, I only need 6%. batt to run for an 1hr using my interval app with music.

FORM : Horrible. I ran home so I had a a drawstring backpack. It kept bouncing so I had to hold the straps which meant my arm movement was restricted, my shoulders tensed and my pace much slower.

FEEL : Legs felt a bit tired. I think they were still in shock from dancing. But this was really an easier run coz it was downhill. Oh and there was that lovely late breeze again.

It wasn’t too hot out but I still lost a lot of fluids. 2lbs worth of water. I’ve never recorded that much water loss. I was a bit freaked so II was rehydrating the whole day today.

Overall, I feel great. 14kms++ this week and counting. Oh and one more run and I can finally move to Week2 of the program. I’ve been stuck in C25K Week 1 for a year now, time to level up.

April 8: 7.08km

They said running will always take you back. TRUE.

They said when in doubt, just lace up and go. TRUE.

I’m preparing for a back-to-back chika run at the end of the month so it’s back to lacing up and running. I will be joining the Amazing Pinoy Run and the Natgeo Run. Excited to catch up with the chummies again. I’m sure they will be going the distance pero oks lang. We will likely get to chika after the race.

FACT : 7.08km in 1hr 1min. Not sure if Runmeter recorded distance accurately. I think the buildings make it a bit wonky. Will need to run the same route using another app.

FEEL : Kagabi, I had a great run. I thought it was going to be hot but luckily there was a good breeze to keep me cool. I am hoping to log at least 20km per week. Doable goal naman di ba.

FORM : My form was so off! I needed to conciously work on my turnovers, alignment etc.

swimming with lizards, running with monkeys

Teluk Burau, Langkawi. It was still dark at 6am so I waited until 7am before I headed out for a short jog. It rained last night so it was very cool.

I wasn’t planning on a hard run. I just wanted to explore and burn a bit of my PenangIndulgence. Penang food is soooo delish!

The road was very quiet. Every now and then I’d see a motorbike or a car. It was so quiet, I wasn’t surprised to see a monkey or two. Yup, monkeys. Big monkeys, big like a one year old baby. Sooo cute.

And so I ran and walked on a tree lined road. And then I saw more monkeys, not planet of the apes many but definitely barangay of the apes many. They were on the roadside and on the trees. I was starting to get a bit scared. Some were a bit territorial and started hissing. Maybe they were calling out, “Good morning!”, but since I don’t speak monkey and I could definitely see fangs I decided to run a bit faster and crossed to the other side of the road.

Monkeys aside, it was a good 45min walk/run. I will definitely go out again tomorrow but will choose the road to the left of the resort. More hilly but less monkey.

I guess being from the city, I get freaked a bit more with monkeys. You see where I usually run, I watch out for a different species. I know how to avoid trouble from the two-legged kind out to steal from you or just drunk and being silly.

What about the lizard, you ask?

Yesterday, after merienda we decided to go for a short swim. 5mins in the pool, we saw some of the guests taking pictures near the edge of the pool. Curious! I wondered what they were so excited about. And then I saw a head, 2 legs, long scaly body, 2 more legs and a very long tail! Lizard!!! Big one. Paddle-paddle-swim-swim! It was a 4-5ft monitor lizard out for an afternoon swim.

Way too much wildlife for me!

I didn’t bring a camera when I ran, but in case you are doubting my monkey business. Check out my next door neighbors.

WowBow: Filipinos Crowned Fastest in 2012 adidas Southeast Asia King of the Road in Singapore

See kaya ng Pinoy! Let’s send more of them out there!!!
Singapore marked the grand finale of the championship with the 16.8km race originating and ending at the city’s newest attraction, Gardens by the Bay. The ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ of the KOTR championship saw Eduardo Beunavista and Mary Grace Delos Santos, both from the Philippines battle vigorously alongside elite runners to claim bragging rights as Southeast Asia’s “best of the best” in the ‘Closed’ category for males and females in a time of 53 minutes 12 seconds and 1 hour 1 minute 52 seconds respectively. Hot on their heels were two runners from Thailand, Sanchai Namkhet for the male category in a time of 55 minutes 7 seconds and Natthaya Thanaronnawat for the female category in 1 hour 4 minutes 18 seconds.

“I’m very happy with the adidas KOTR. It’s nice to see the global leader in running bringing together passionate runners from all over the region. The 16.8km distance is distinctive from other running events, and I certainly would like to do it again,” said Eduardo Beunavista.

“I’m really proud to win again in Singapore’s championship race after coming first in the Manila’s leg. I have even achieved my personal best for today’s run. The adidas KOTR races have served a great use in training for my next event, a full marathon in Manila in December. I would welcome coming back next year and competing at adidas KOTR again,” said Mary Grace Delos Santos.

- 0 -

Sponsored by adidas, winners from the various KOTR legs (Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia) around the region travelled to Singapore to compete against Southeast Asia’s top runners.

refashioned singlet

I’m forever complaining about singlets giving me a bad case of chafing. I never wear them but when you register for a race, you get them whether you like them or not.

Lightbulb! Can singlets be optional? Less xx pesos on reg fee if you pass on the singlet?

Back to the project, I’ve donated most of my singlets but there are some that I can’t let go.Senti singlets. I’ve decided to refashion one of them into a bag.
Materials: 1 – SentiSinglet, scissors, pins and extra fabric for handles.
Step 1: Cut the shoulder seams. Step 2: Cut out straps from fabric. Width of strap is same as width of shoulder seam. Length is up to you. Long or short handles? I opted for shorter ones. Ignore the rope. I was going to use it to reinforce the handles but turns out I didn’t need them.

Step 3: Pin the straps to the singlet. Right side to right side. Notice that I’m connecting the front with the handle. This will give you a bigger bag opening.Step 4: Time to sew. Piece together the handle and shoulder seam of the singlet. Handstitching will work, too.Step 5: Flip and reinforce. Flip the handle and sew to around and across to reinforce the handle. When you’re done, you should have something like the picture below.Step 6: Finish the handle by sewing the two edges of the handle together. I used a jersey fabric that didn’t need serging. If you’re using a fabric that will unravel, then you will need to edge or fold it in.Ta-da! One side done! Repeat step 1-6.Step 7: Sew the bottom of the singlet close. Almost there… You can stop here or you can do an extra step to make the bag more roomy. Step 8: Fold the bottom of the bag. Line up the bottom and side seams. This sounds more complicated than it really is. Just copy how I’ve folded it. Mark 3inches from the tip down the 2 sides. Connect the 2 points and sew along that line.The bottom should look like this after you do step 8.And here’s my new bag! I’m ready to go shopping.

Nostalgia : My first running toys

Rained all day. Not training for a long distance race so I didn’t need to run. I’ve done my share of long run in the rain. Fun! However, the lure of the bed was stronger today.

While watching The Mentalist
Marathon, I finally started decluttering. It’s a start but I have a long way to go still.

Eniweis…look what I found! My first running toys I still remember how frustrating it was to get this footpod to work but we had a lot of good runs. The nano served me well.

They no longer work. Can’t use them. Decluttering is not easy!

7-Eleven Run 800 : big day for Elites and pilits

Got the PR material below for general info. Pero listed below are a few reasons why Pinoy Elites and pilits (like me) would love the concept of this race:

1. Dream come true, thank you 7-Eleven!!! Top 3 Filipino male and female runners in the 21K category will be sponsored to join the Macau International Marathon on December 2012. Best race prize ever! It’s time for our top elite runners to shine in the international scene. It’s ON!

2. SHOW ME THE MONEY. Lately, races have been marketing events. Petiks lang sila. I hope that the cash prize offered by 7-Eleven will bring out the fast and the furious and make this a truly competitive road race.

3. NEW ROUTE. Have you ever been to Cavitex? I haven’t. I’d like to check out this new playground.

4. Revolutionary Registration. Trust the number 1 convenience store to offer the most convenient way of registering for the race.

5. 7-Eleven Gives Back. I ran for ek, clavoom, achoo-choo, etc. but never really know what happened to it. This time they are promising a total of Php800K worth of food and medical supplies to the top 3 cities we will vote for (limited to cities with 7-eleven branches).

Event Diary

July 6 – Aug 9, 2012 : Online Reg

To register, visit
http://www.run711.com/
. To complete registration, runners can pay reg fees at the 7-Eleven nearest them. Take note of the 7-Connect number and pay at any 7-Eleven store within 24 hours. They are open 24/7, convenient eh! Race Kits can be claimed on the date indicated on the receipt, and from the same store where payment has been made. And there is one near most of us. We even have one in the office.

August 10, 2012 : Last Day of Payment

August 26, 2012 : Race Day

ABOUT THE RACE. After Tour 700, the Philippines’ biggest bike race event held at the SCTEX last May 13, 2012, 7-Eleven now celebrates the opening of its 800th store with RUN 800 on August 26, 2012 along the CAVITEX, more known as the Coastal Road, with assembly at the Aseana City in Parañaque.

Runners joining the 10k,15k or 21k half-marathon will enjoy this course set along the coastal road – CAVITEX, wherein some of its lanes will be closed just for this race. Those joining in the 3k and 5k categories can look forward to an organized race course along Macapagal Ave. This is made possible with 7-Eleven’s system of allowing SELF-SELECTED WAVE STARTS, enabling them to run with people with the same skill or speed (or with friends!). To make this run more exciting, the top 3 per age category will receive medals. Top 3 Filipino males and females in the 21k will be sponsored to join the Macau International Marathon on December 2012.

SUPPORT YOUR CITY. Run 800: Takbo para sa Kalusugan will award feeding and medical assistance to the top 3 cities you voted for.

If you have questions, LIKE facebook.com/run711 so can join the discussions and post questions.

Costume, nutrition, hydration and race plans

I completed my latest half in 2:47. Bagal! It truly was embarrassIingly slow considering that the average finish time was 2:05:53 for 9,036 runners. But, care ko!!! 2 weeks back, my Half was 3:19 at RU2. I’m so happy no one can rain on my pa-ah-rade!

So how did this madness happen? Well, it all began with a seat sale. 300USD return ticket to Gold Coast was too tempting to resist. And so, last August I booked my flight. I had 11months to train for it and I was confident that I could bring it. Unfortunately, life interfered and before I knew it, I had 3 weeks left and my mileage was pfft .

No choice, I just need to go run!

I needed to be very smart about this race. Lakas ng loob can carry me through it but to be on the safe side I needed a great plan for the other aspects within my control. Cramming too many runs to make up the mileage can only lead to injury.

Training Replacement Plan. With 3 weeks to go before the race, I lined up a race every weekend. I ran RU2 to see if I can survive the distance and AFP Anniversary Run to do a leg power check. I was trying to build my confidence.

I keep flashing back to a race singlet I saw at RU2. It says BELIEVE, BEGIN, BECOME. I needed to believe and begin again to become the runner that I once was. The 2 races worked wonders for my confidence.

Nutrition Plan. One thing I do right when I race is nutrtion. My one too many bonks in the past have allowed me to perfect it.

Gels. I only trust my races to Gu Roctane. One 45mins before, another 15mins before and one every hour. And no, I don’t have an exdeal with Gu and hammer. Although I did get the gels on sale at Runnr. Buy 2 and get 1 free coz their expriry date was July2012. I’ve tried other gels but Gu Roctane just gives me so much more when I need it the most.

Hydration and Nutrition. I can’t eat or drink the morning of and during a race. I did it on Milo 2009 and ended up spray painting Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Not pretty! Nowadays, drink lotsa half n half purple Gatorade and water 2 days before a race. And since I can’t drink the sports drink while running come race day, I take Hammer Endurolytes and Hammer Anti-Fatigue Caps to replenish my electrolytes and to prevent cramps. I found out about these babies through Jonel and Lester when we did TNF. To prevent my mouth from getting dry, I also bring hard candies. Yup, my fanny pack is quite full when I race. I do drink water but only one gulp every 5K. Any more than that and I end up throwing up. Blech!

Costume. The only thing I don’t like about Fall/Winter races is the cold starting line. This year, I opted to wear a hoodie but left the arm warmers at home. I jumped around a lot and it helped. I ended up discarding the hoodie at Km6. Mainet na! And of course, taping is now integral to my running kit. My high arches perform better when taped.

The rest of my kit is the usual stuff I use when I run at home. But I gotta rave about 2 things!

1. My socks! I am loving my yellow experia thorlos! I was sockshopping and couldn’t find my usual Nike elite running pair so I picked up a pair of Thorlos because they were yellow and yes I’ve heard from friends that they were good. Loooovin’ them. Perfect cushioning.

2. My Shoes! I need to do a full review on the Mizuno Wave Prophecy. I l-o-v-e them now Thanks to Mizuno and Timmy! It was not love at first run but I can say that the other pairs in the cupboard are feeling very lonely and abandoned now.

Race Plan And now the run…the dreaded run. I had friends meeting me after the race. Over dinner we discussed what time we should meet for breakfast and meeting place at the race precinct. I confessed that there is a possibility that we will be eating breakfast early, if they sweep me iff the course.

The Half had staggered race cut off points. And I was really worried. I needed to maintain an 8:30min/km pace to avoid the shame. I have every reason to worry, 2 weeks back my RU2 pace was 9:25min/km. It means bringing down my pace by a whole minute. Lakas ng loob time! I did have better showing of 8:19min/km during the AFP Anniversary Run the following week but that was just a 10K. Oh dear! I really prayed hard to have the strength to finish within the cut-off but if I don’t I just prayed that it will be a hotsiepatootsieaussie who will sweep me. Haha.

I did have a plan.

1. Walk before I need to. I find that there is no shame in walking. Better to plan the walk rather than crawl before hitting the halfway mark.

2. Walk the uphills, ride the downhills. With no training, I did not plan to run the uphills only to run out of gas on the way down and on the flats. I saved all my energy to make sure that I can hit my goal pace.

3. Set targets. I carefully wrote down my target time per km and the cut off times. I could not use their pace bracelet because their slowest one was for 2:20. Yikes. I aimed for 8min/km. I was hoping the cold weather will help me meet my target.

4. Break it down. 900m run and 100m was the plan. I will do it beginning km1 consistent with Item no.1.

And away I go!!!

time to turn back the clock

It will take time but I must say that stats like these make me sad and happy. Ready to burn the road again!