What Are You Running For?

We all love to run, but do we know why? I run because it’s personal – for a healthy and stress-free living. Do you know what you are running for?

The Hyundai RUN for a Cause brings about awareness on what you stand for and what’s better is that it’s for free. If given the chance to run for a cause, what will you be running for? The RUN, which stands for Responsibility, Unity, and Nation Building, drew over 24,000 running enthusiasts from all walks of life who share in *HARI’s advocacies for community development, economic growth, and environment protection.

Hyundai at the forefront of social change. At last year’s Hyundai RUN for a Cause were (L-R) HARI Chairman Edward S. Go; Korean Ambassador HE Lee Hye-Min; HARI Chairman Emeritus Richard Lee; Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez; Richard Gomez; HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo; Gawad Kalinga Founder Antonio Meloto; St. Scholastica Prioress Sister Mary John Mananzan; and Hyundai Motor Company Asia and Pacific Regional Headquarters General Manager Kee Moon Kang.

The Hyundai RUN for a Cause kicked off on April 2, 2011 at the Quirino Grandstand in celebration of HARI’s 10-year anniversary. This first-ever automotive-sponsored fun run in the Philippines – and the first in the Hyundai global community – was held for the benefit of four iconic humanitarian foundations: Gawad Kalinga, HARIBON Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Scholastica’s Priory.

It’s back! RUN for free, RUN for a cause. The Hyundai RUN for a Cause on its second year is set to beat last year’s overwhelming success. The RUN, which was launched on April 2, 2011, drew an overwhelming crowd of 24,000 participants from all walks of life, and made positive buzz on the social network.

This year, the Hyundai RUN will be reprised in one colorful and festive event to establish HARI as an upstanding agent of change for empowering Filipinos to lead productive and responsible lives, capable of building a strong and proud nation.

The Hyundai RUN likewise showcases the company’s commitment to bring special values and experiences in its vehicle offerings and services through the public launch of the all-new EON and the holding of training modules on responsible car ownership and road safety through Hyundai’s signature Car Wellness Campaign.

So what are you waiting for? Make each step count! Visit hyundairunforacause on Facebook and Twitter for online registration, announcements, and updates.

*Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) celebrated in 2011 its 10th year as the official distributor of Hyundai automobiles in the country. Rising to No. 3 in the Philippine automotive industry, thrice hailed as Hyundai’s Asia-Pacific Distributor of the Year (2005, 2006, and 2008), and Hyundai Global Distributor of the Year 2010 in less than a decade of its operations, HARI boasts of a 39-strong dealer network, superior after-sales, dealer and customer relations support, and an enviable roster of best-selling vehicles, including the Grand Starex, Tucson, Santa Fe, Genesis Coupe, Getz, i10, Elantra, Accent, and Sonata.

Time is Precious

“Time is precious.” That was her most quotable quote. I found her arrogant when she first entered the office looking all confident to talk to our operations manager. I was a supervisor then. A month after, we were stuck together like glue – sisters for life.

She was one of the keepers of my secrets. The one I turn to when life seems so low, when my heart when shattered into pieces from a loved one; she was my confidant when I complain about life. She was my daily companion who holds the duplicate keys of whichever place I live in, my alternate whenever we need to spend loads of cash for our Friday night outs, and my partner in creating itineraries for our upcoming WOW Philippines tour. She responds with a brutally honest answer to wake me up from whatever dream I was in. She tries to find ways to assist me resolve problems that seemed without any resolution.

Postbadminton Condolence

Spelunking with the Gang

That is my Precious, my dear friend. In a few days from now, she will say goodbye to her hometown and her life in the Philippines as she bravely face the challenge of the life of a working girl and an immigrant in the US. It took her years to get her sponsorship and I am glad that it was in this opportune time because there is work waiting for her. I would never forget all the adventures that we’ve been through – good and wicked. I thank her for introducing me to wall climbing, which has been one of the most challenging activities that I did. I thank her for the times that she had to smash that shuttlecock to push me to hit that ball during our badminton games. I thank her for trying out running in order for her to understand what got me hook. I thank her for accepting me – my weaknesses and my strengths. I thank her for letting me know that she is there for me in whatever endeavor I will take.

Learned This from Pre

5k with Precious

Indeed, time is precious because at least we were able to spend one more night with the rest of our friends dining out and singing to our heart’s content.

with Adelle and Derbie

Circa 2007

It's Not Yet Goodbye

As she steps into that plane, I hope she remembers the loads of people she has left behind who have learned to love and care for her no matter what. We all have our prayers for her for her success in this new journey that she is about to take.

Pre, good luck! I will miss you. I hope to see you soon. All the best!

United for Mother Earth

Annually we celebrate Earth Day in order to give importance to Mother Earth. We try even in our little own way to show our appreciation – some plant more trees, others save electricity, but in my running group, we do it our way together – we unite.

Let's Run for Mother Earth

Mond spearheaded this event by coordinating with the concerned people for our registration and during the race kit distribution; by April 15, 30 Snail Runners participated in the run for Mother Earth. I met Karl, our 21K first timer, and Brian, our 16k first timer, to ride together to BGC.

Our assembly was at Fitness First The Fort at around 3-4 am. We met up with the other Snails to get our race kit from Mond. We did our usual warmup and went off to the starting line.

Up and About at 3 am!

4:45 am. Boom! We were off. The plan was to run at a relaxed pace altogether, probably around 8 to 9 km per min. I was relieved thinking about it because today was once again like the first time since I did not have any training at all for the week. Banjo committed to run with me until the very end. I know he runs fast, so I challenged myself to run along his pace… I believe it was about 7 to 7.25. What was fun about this race is that people wait. The Snails wait for those at the end of the line to meet up and have our pictures taken.

It All Began Here!

And So We Go On...

Along 10th Avenue

Along Kalayaan Flyover

at Makati Av

Along Gil Puyat

At the first half of the distance, I was still within pace and still having my usual hydration stops and kidney breaks. I think each time I see an opportunity to pee, I did go to visit the restroom. Unfortunately at my last kidney stop somewhere in Caltex, Banjo, Ms. Nida and I were left behind. I already began feeling tired because I had to push myself more in order to catch up. After pushing and pushing we made it! About 1.5K after the Kalayaan flyover, we were with the team! We then readied ourselves about 2K before the finish line, we already arranged ourselves in a line and then ran in a single file; however, it was me slowing them down! Sad to say, the exhilaration, fatigue, and weather took its toll on me. My difficulty of breathing from a few kilometers back initiated a palpitation and some pain in my left upper arm. I was somehow out of breath, but you know, the Snails slowed down and never left me. We ran slowly, as manageable as I can and proceeded to the finish line.

Single File Crossing the Finish Line

Congrats Karl for Your First and Only Relaxed 21K Finish! Wooho!!

Congrats Tin for Your First-Ever 21K Finish!! Woot woot!

We Did It!

I finished the race with a time of 3 hours 13 minutes; it was my best time because despite our pace, my kidney breaks, our photo ops and our videos, I had a great memory to share with the Snails. It was all worth it. What a way to celebrate earth day – with my Snail family all united! I had a great time!

Flower Meter: 4

Flower Power!
1. Race was very organized – the route, the race, the people.
2. There was proper hydration.
3. They offered the bananass at the right location.
4. Arrow signs were everywhere – you won’t get lost! No need for too much marshals.
5. First aid was available any time you might need them.

Flower Popper!
1. Route has been the typical 21k route – same sites to see.
2. Only water was available; sports drinks were missing.
3. No kilometer marker.
4. Port-O-Let were too far away (none along BGC).

Thanks to Sarah Oinal, Jharo Villaruel, and Glenn Apacible for the pictures. Thanks Ricky So for the wonderful teaser!

The Outbreak Manila Run for Your Life Videos

Wouldn’t it be exciting to run at the grounds of Nuvali chased by flesh-eating zombies? You believe me, don’t you? Ha! Just in time for the Walking Dead series mania, learn to survive those zombies by joining the Outbreak Manila run this Saturday, April 14, 2012.

Outbreak Manila Launch

How to Survive the Zombie Attack!

As they say, if all else fails – RUN!

Check out www.outbreakmanila.com for more details.

Running My Dream Marathon

March 17, 2012. Happy birthday to my dear college bestfriend, Nino Guevarra. Tik tok… tik tok… as the seconds passed by, I was becoming more and more anxious. In a few hours, I will be meeting my SRA family to go to Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna for my first-ever marathon.

Running the marathon was a dream of mine. You see when I was young, I hated the games that involves too much running, like habulan, agawan base, taguan, etc., but when I discovered I could, I did not stop.

I had my taste of my first fun run April 2010 at the Nat Geo Eart Day Run at the MOA grounds. I was so afraid when my friends at the office invited me to join. I wasn’t sure if I can do it. As soon as I registered, I trained at least 3 times a week as I was so afraid that I could just like suddenly drop dead or something worse. As soon as I finished the race, as they say, “the rest is history.”

My First Race Ever - The Nat Geo Earth Day Run!

That March 17 as I receive good luck messages and calls from friends, I was questioning myself, why was I doing this? Am I really willing to do this? Do I need to do this? I don’t know why but it was definitely my marathon jitters. I felt I was not that ready and that I might, once again, drop dead anytime soon. I tried to sleep since race time starts at 2 am, but only had an hour to spare for sleep – the rest was spent on thinking too much about what would happen.

11 pm. Snails were everywhere at Jollibee Madrigal. You can see a variety of expressions among their faces – anxiety, joy, nervousness – but one thing is for sure, everyone is excited! We ate and chatted until it was time to settle in our respective vehicle assignments – we were off to Nuvali.

Killing Time with the Surprise Banjo Bday Card!

With Malen and Our Sleepy Eyes

I rode the Banjo mobile with Pao, Karl, and Andy. We were in our usual lively selves as we talked, sang, and scared each other throughout the drive until the clock said midnight! March 18, happy birthday, Banjo!!! We reached Nuvali 30 minutes before gun start. We helped out in the preparation of support materials (not all because some were still a surprise) and did our restroom breaks.

Just in Time!

We then began with our stretching as a group, as if we were in our usual weekly training. It was a good way to relax our tense muscles and our nerves. Fifteen minutes close to gun start, I felt I needed to pee, and so I did. Line was too long so I had to run faster to find buddy and Sir Toel, my personal pacer, to make it in time. At last, I saw buddy! Sir Toel was missing, though.

Stretching SRA-Style

Getting Ready for the Timing Chip

Prerace Snail Photo Op

Gun start. We were in a relaxed pace, running seriously, and looking nervous. Suddenly, Sir Toel appeared at my side and joined us. Buddy moved to my right side. I felt I was at the middle of 2 buildings with the 2 tall men beside me. After about 2k, it was hydration time. Again, we lost Sir Toel throughout the run. By the time we reached the first chaser station, he saw us, and by 6k, buddy’s injury kicked in, so he had to run it and he was off with us seeing each other or passing by each other.

The first 21k was fine. I felt a bit tired, but I was doing ok until I hit the 23rd kilometer, I felt a handful of my left gastrocs tightened; I was a bit scared but I pretended not to notice then a few meters away, the right gastrocs came in… ouch ouch… I continued to run until it hurts, and I told sir, so he needed to do some interventions.

Enduring the Pain with a Smile

A few kilometers after, I needed to take my inhaler. I think I was fully alert and oriented until the 35th kilometer, after that, everything was somewhat a blur with bits and pieces. However, I did remember some important things.

• I had to puff on my inhaler 6 times (3 occurrences since 1 dose should be 2 puffs)
• We used liniment in both my gastrocs – one in the tent with the band and the other I don’t remember anymore (haha!)
• I had to stop once in a while because of my plantar fasciitis
• I took paracetamol to relieve my pain
• I asked for food so many times – thanks to the Chasers stations, Sir Jess, Craig Logan, the banana station, Second Wind stations
• I stopped by Nikko Peralta’s tent to rest my feet (thanks, Nikko!)
• I drank less than I expected; I refused so many offers for me to drink Gatorade and water. All I wanted was food – banana!
• I was not able to follow my 6:1 run-walk target – I walked so many times
• I greeted so many runners that I knew; joked with some
• I was so relieved when I saw my SRA family
• I felt inspired seeing my friends, especially Banjo, Rachelle, Ms. Nao, Jeanette, Eman, Sir Jess, Sir Sonny!
• Despite feeling so tired and injured, I started running when I heard my favorite Adele song “Rolling in the Deep!”
• I danced to “Moves like Jagger” when I saw buddy at the tent near the band
• I asked myself several times while I was running a marathon – could I really finish this race?
• I was thinking of how to prepare for the 2013 Condura FM
• I was congratulated by Coach Edward Kho as I passed by the 38th kilometer!
• I got a really important hug and congratulations at the end of the race
• An unthinkable realization stared right in front of my face

The last thing I can remember looking at before crossing the finish line was the time! I was a bit disappointed but given everything I’ve been through I know it was good enough for me. I knew that I lacked the training that I needed… I did not push myself that hard… I was not in my pace… I was missing something…. In short, I lacked the preparedness. Lesson learned… but I am sure proud of myself to be one of the 1% of the population who finished a marathon in their lifetime.

Our Support Crew

with my pacer, Leo

Postmarathon, we had our usual socialization… then some of us went to Shakeys for more food and chat.

@ the Unilab Tent

New Marathoner Wacky Pose

with Banjo and Buddy

with aNR partner, Mond

Pizza Perfect at Shakeys and with Friends!

I think the marathon is a metaphor of our lives. No matter how much or how little you prepare, you cannot predict what can happen throughout the race. Like the race of life, we prepare ourselves during our younger years so that we can succeed and be better in the future, but things happen, unexpected things, that you have to learn to accept and move on from. This TBR DM experience had made me believe in myself more that I expected. I was just a chubby girl from the North moving to the South to work and enjoy my life. After 7 years of working my a** off, I discovered that there are more things that life can offer. You may have thought that you have everything that you need and you want when you’re successful at work but when you look at all the aspects in your life, you will see and feel that there might be something or someone missing. For me, the run was the missing piece – the high, the opportunity to release your thoughts and think things through, the friendship, the training, the discipline. Who knows I might also find my missing someone here too? However I put it, running has brought a different meaning in my life. It is my joint – it s addicting – makes you want to move forward by increasing your mileage, your race distances, and your versatility. I’m glad and proud to run.

I love it when they call me marathoner!

To the bull runner, Jaymie Pizzaro, my heroine, thank you for making a dreamer’s dream come true! Because of you, I can now say, “I am a marathoner… yay!”

x-cess:
Special thanks to:
• Nao Checa for the encouragement – during the beginning of my running years, you’ve never failed to give me words of wisdom and tips on how I can make a name for myself in the running community.
• Allen Gaspar for the inspiration – you commenting on my first-ever 10k aNR run at the AAV that I can so ultramarathons despite recognizing my breathing problem was flattering.
• Banjo Asiddao for the lessons – the proper form, the proper takeoff and followthrough, how to go with gravity, and how to give more importance to myself was put into heart and mind. Thank you also for leading the support group, the banners… for everything!
• Raymund Canta for the tips – you were my first mentor in running an uphill route, did you know that? You taught me how to do it.
• Leo Tugade for the guidance – you made our team ready more than ever for our first marathon – the core strengthening, the injury prevention; thanks for being my pace and for that massage!
• Ariane Legarte for the company – our runs together gave me motivation on how I can sustain my pace and my gusto to continue racing until I reach the finish line; thanks for the pickups and the drop-offs (literally and figuratively), for taking in all my mood swings and listening to all my stories! Thanks for your songs too!
• Rachelle Escudero for the reminders – your reminder prior to race had been appreciated and applied; the reminder post the race will be put to heart.
• Jeanette Nawanao and Vangie Britanico for the support – your presence and prayers were indeed heartfelt!
• Sir Jess Agoo for the treat – I have always felt how much you cared about me and my running goals; thanks for the support!
• Rain Egos for introducing me to aNR – if not for you, I wouldn’t have met so many wonderful people and never found my love for running.
• Eman Macabulos, Adele Aga, and Crisan Salgado – for always being there to support me and being proud of me in my running endeavors.
• Lit Onrubia for teaching Chi walking – I did learn to walk smartly!
• SRA Family for sharing the learning, your friendship and your love!

Thanks Pao, Jharo, Mond, and TBR for the pictures!

My TBR Dream Marathon 2012 Journey

October 2011. That was the day when I courageously enlisted myself with my buddy, Ariane, to the TBR Dream Marathon. It was my goal – to run the TBR DM since I supported the 2011 Dreamers in Nuvali that year. It was still fresh in my memory when Ricky, Crisan, Malen, and I were discussing about doing it the year after as we waited for the 2011 dreamers pass by our support tent. True enough – we did it! Out of us four, three (with the exception of Crisan) were on the 2012 Dreamers list.

This was also the month where it was my first time to run with buddy in the Adidas King of the Road race. I was nervous running the 16k because it was my first race after my unfortunate cramping experience (walking 9k) at the Globe Run for Home race (April 2011). By the end of November, I was back on track at 10k running with Sir Jess and buddy at the Adobo Run.

with Buddy... We looked so different back then!

with Sir Jess at the Adobo Run

November 2011. Buddy and I had our training calendar with our races scheduled as part of our training and for us to remain competitive among our accomplished time. We also signed up for the weight management program. This was also the time when I started to lose weight because I had to pick what I eat to become marathon ready. I religiously followed the diet plan recommended by Mitch and Arnold.

The first week of November welcomed me to my first-ever 25k race. I was afraid but with buddy around since training and we were following a 6:1 run-walk target, I think we were just on track. Buddy’s injury kicked in so he asked me to go ahead and finish the race before him. This race was also memorable since it was my first rainy run – all the runners were soaking wet – and this was also the first time I ran with my new CW-X compression socks to control my self-diagnosed plantar fasciitis (it works!). This race gave me a lot of firsts – the last one was it was my first time to experience chafing – under my arms and under my ****; mind you, it was really painful. By the next race, buddy gave me his Body Glide which he never used but felt would be better off with me. Thanks buddy! I did finish at a decent time of 3:32:31.

Wild Weather @ the Chevy Run (Thanks Lestsky Les for the photo)

A week after, I had my 32k debut via the leg 3 of the Unilab RunRio race. As always, I was with my buddy then. We began the race in good spirits, but by the time we were at 27k, I hit a wall. I had to really try hard why I was doing this – pushing myself under the scorching heat of the sun. I’m not a quitter – so I finished the race in good spirit at 4 hours 54 minutes. Somehow by that I knew I had to really work hard to finish my dream marathon.

I did it!

December 2011. December was an exciting yet challenging month. Buddy and I were off to Corregidor to run the Corregidor International Half Marathon. Why? Because (1) it’s my first time to race challenged by a cutoff time and (2) it was my first road-trail uphill-downhill run. We were there with the other members of team USB. It was a fun experience, especially the carboloading party as we were entertained and I got some hearty laugh over jokes concocted by May of the May-Betong tandem. The race day was fun and exciting as well because Betong joined May at the starting line and gave out some rowdy and hilarious comments prior to gun start. They were still very much alive and kicking at the end of the race, greeting each finisher who crossed the finish line. I got a good time of 3 hours 3 minutes from my book. I felt so strong and so inspired at this race, so I vowed to run the succeeding year. Thanks, Coach Tito!

with Friends @ CIHM 2011

And we just got crazy

And so I was close to the finish line!

March 2012. As you know what has transpired last January to February, I was getting panicky by beginning of March. Oh my! I still have to go to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for my leisure trip with my running friends; sad that I missed the TBR DM send off, but my time with my friends was worth it. I took the time to run during the 1st and remaining 2nd week of March. I also would like to commend the Snail Runners Alabang, my running family, for organizing our very own sendoff party (28 dreamers from Snail Runners Alabang – what can you say?!).

The Dreamers

Words of Wisdom from Our Lady of Alabang - Mamita

Fun Fun Fun!

The Infamous Good Luck Roses!

Thank you for your support!

Thank You, SRA! Love you guys!

Thank you for the roses, the videos, and the warm good luck. I’m really glad to be part of the family.

The past 4 months had surprised me because I surprised myself – I discovered how I can become a better and successful runner, and that I cannot do it without training and most of all, support from family and friends! (Additional thanks to Mond Canta and Lenz Rico for the rest of the pictures!)

Q1 2012: My Road to My First Marathon

As year 2011 has drawn to a close, I felt panic that with the several gatherings I attended and the eating splurge I endured there was not so much time spent on training for my first marathon. So, as the year 2012 began, my buddy and I scheduled our training.

January 2012. Training post new year, I had a long run with team USB, my buddy, and Lenz. Close to km12, I felt that sudden short of breath and I had to stop buddy because he brought my inhaler. As soon as I had my two puffs, I felt relieved but not okay, so we had to walk on our way back to where his car was parked. Too bad but I was glad that I was able to run through the uphills and downhills of the McKinley route before everything happened.

Run with Team USB

The weekend after, buddy and I prepared for the Run for Pinoy Glory to benefit the athletes of the 2012 Paraolympics in London, England. It was the usual BGC route, which I was so familiar with but I had to slow down because of my asthma. I still followed my 6:1 run-walk interval. Despite my condition, I was able to finish the race at 2 hours 44 minutes. As soon as I crossed the finish line, I went straight to the medics area and did some oxygen. Well, there’s always a first time!

February 2012. Work has been tougher than before; I was recently promoted and things were not as smooth as expected. There were so many highs and lows in my training; buddy and I trained less together since time and availability was an issue.

The first week of February was my favorite race ever, the Condura Skyway Marathon. Buddy was in wave A while I was in wave B; however, this race was too exciting because it was held in Alabang – our home turf; of course, we were in full force. I went to Alabang with Mimi, an office friend who will also be running the TBR DM 2012. Gun start. It was a tough route as we started running a very steep concrete road towards the Skyway. Anyhow, about 10 minutes post the gun start, I was joined by Chacha. We followed my 6:1 run-walk target as we greeted some of our 42k runner friends. Another surprise uphill was in store for us before the fiish line. I was getting tired but as I was closing the finish line, I saw Rachelle, Banjo, and Ariane who were shouting their hearts out to cheer us. I finished the race at a time of 2 hours 43 minutes (an estimated 30 minutes faster than my 2011 Condura time); not bad for someone with so little training, but I really wish I could’ve been faster. Postrace, we had our photo ops with our fiesta tarp and then a team breakfast in McDonalds.

Welcome to Alabang!

at the Starting Line (photo courtesy of Maui Albarracin)

MidFebruary, I was not expecting that our Skyathlon plan would pursue; buddy and I registered for the Mt. Ugo 33k Trail Challenge. It was my first hard core trail race. I guess since I was a newbie, there will still be mistakes to make. We were Baguio bound around 6 pm MST. Since we left one day before the race proper, we had to conserve our energy by resting and sleeping throughout the road trip; we took the Victory Liner trip.

We arrived at the terminal 2:30 am, and we were picked up by buddy’s runner and car club friend, Alex, who escorted us to his mom’s pad for rent situated just at the back of their ancestral home. We rested awhile and got ready for the 5:30 am jeepney trip to Itogon, Benguet. We were just at the nick of time! We arrived around 20 minutes before the race just in time for depositing our bags as well as doing our stretching and kidney break… then we were ready.

Gun start was at 6:30 am. As we began running a steep downhill towards the starting area, I felt my toes painfully touching the end of my trail shoes… ouch! I told buddy who mentioned that he might’ve forgotten to remind me to get thicker socks as what I had on was my ventilator compression socks. He was also in pain with his trail shoes that he said would need a new one soon.

at the Trail... Mt. Ugo, I Heart You!

I never thought how tough a trail run was! My most unforgettable moments were crossing a 0.5k hanging bridge, which somehow made me feel that I may have some sort of fear of heights as well as reaching about 400m close to Mt. Ugo’s summit in 5:45 hours. Despite the pain in my toes, I was able to run and walk around 31k with my buddy. It was our first time to DNF because we were no longer given the chance to finish the race since the jeepneys who were bringing us back to Baguio were only available until around 4 pm. The race was a test of patience and perseverance. I had my share of loss of patience and weariness since my socks (which then I felt had a big hole in the big toe area probably because of the gravitational push) were not cooperating; buddy also felt his usual pain in the knee and ankle as early as 2k. Despite all these challenges, we were still able to manage with the help of his camelback, our trail food, our phone (for calls, check-ins, and our photos), and of course, our usual cheery self. We also made some friends whom we related the experience with.

It Gets Cold as You Go Up

There were about 20 people who had to endure going back to the starting line via pickups and other vehicles c/o the organizers. As soon as we arrived in the area, we experienced celebrating the race (although in DNF status) Benguet style! Healthy food was served and entertainment was provided. We savored it a little and then went back to Baguio to prep for our trip back to Manila that evening. As we returned Sunday morning in Manila, we were tired but still on our toes because we still have to go back home from the terminal. I was a bit disappointed and dazed because I cannot believe that we did not succeed in finishing the race; however, the race organizer said it was common for those who do join the race for the 1st time; most people succeed after 2 or 3 tries. I am not the type who easily gives up (same as buddy), but since I was pressed to give up… I was forced to – for now. I think I might be joining the race any time soon – maybe next year or the year after that.

My first 2 months of the year had been less than what I had expected in terms of training. Now I know how important it is to focus and do some time management. Anyhow, I am trying my very best to make sure that this coming March will be a blast for my marathon debut is about to come. Good luck to me!

Looking Back

2011 has brought a different high for me. For once, I ended the year in good running form and the best of what I can be for the year. It started with a lenient running schedule to a now targeted running program.

Here are the 5 best things that happened to me in 2011.

5 – Registered for the TBR Dream Marathon. My registration to the TBR DM changed me. I was now more determined and more disciplined to run. Aside from that, I gained new experiences – I was able to explore different running venues in the Metro to run; I was also able to increase my mileage by running a 25k and a 32k race. At the last quarter of the year, I was able to visit Corregidor for the CIHM. This coming 2012, I will soon be exploring Benguet, Baguio, and, who knows, somewhere in Asia.

Chevy Run – My first 25k.

my 1st 25k

Run United – My first 32k.

Corregidor International Half Marathon – My first road-trail 21k run.

My first road-trail

4 – Spent more time with my friends. Believe it or not, my schedule was pretty filled with date with friends – may it be a dinner date, movie date, theater date, overnight date, or just coffee and tea.

Dinner, Coffee, Tea, and Friends

dinner with ricky, connie, and reia

coffee with adel and pre

with nao and j

lunch with beth @ hama bora

Dinner with the TM gals

Mind you, you have to check out some of the holiday gatherings I have attended this year.

SRA Christmas

sra party

My Team’s Party

my team's party

Office Gathering

office gathering @ vikings

MBA Friends

with MBA friends

Sacrean Dinner

Dinner with Sacrean '94

Batch 40 Reunion

batch 40 reunion

Annual Dinner with Connie, Ricky, Reia, and Russell

with connie, ricky, reia, and russell

3 – I found myself a running buddy. Running alone was my comfort zone. From there, I could think of things and explore my feelings more. Accidentally, I found myself a running buddy in October – someone who was within my pace, someone who will take a similar challenge that I will take, and someone within my own zone. Glad to have that someone.

with my buddy

2 – More quality time with my family. The early quarter of 2011 had been spent more on running and work. Later on I vowed to spend more family time especially with mom and the kiddos (niece Sab and nephew Jacob). Reunions were also scheduled since my cousin was off to Canada with his family (my godson, Nio included).

with Nio

with Sab and Jacob

1 – More time for me. I did find time to relax – alone and with friends. I was able to visit Boracay alone to attend my MBA friend’s wedding. Spent quality me time to run and think about things. Also, had some R&R out of the country – did a HK-Macau Adventure with J; in the Philippines – Cam Sur with Banjo and Pantabangan with the wolf pack.

R&R with the wolfpack

me time

This 2012, I have lots of plans but I am keeping them for myself. I think and I believe that everything happens for a reason and a lot of things will come true for me. With the aid of will, determination, and trust in the Lord, I know I can and I know I will. Best of luck for 2012!

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 3,200 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 53 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

The CIHM Adventure

I remember it was one evening when my buddy and I were discussing about races. I told him I wanted to run the Corregidor International Half Marathon. Why? It was a tough 21k course and I needed some sort of revenge against the last 21k I had (which caused me trauma to run a 21k race) – the Globe Run for Home cramping injury. A few minutes after, we were decided – we will run.

A few days after reading the full details of the race, I began to feel anxious – there was a cutoff time! I dunno but I felt so afraid that some motorized sweeper will pick me up and bring me to the finish line because I was not able to meet the cutoff. However, buddy assured me that we can do it.

After that, what I did was train. I religiously followed my schedule and felt good and strong each day and each week. Ariane did so too. Then it was time to leave for Corregidor. Lucky for us we were joined by Ed, Chacha, LA, and Mike. It was nice to see other running friends too… I saw KB and his photo group who were candidly taking photos of all the participants.

L-R Deng, Ariane, Ed, Cha, Big Mike (LA-photographer)

We rode the Sun Cruise ferry and busied ourselves with our own activities as we were soaked since it was raising hard that morning. LA did what he had to do – give the girl of his dreams flowers the day before her birthday. Everyone was excited for him.

Ready for the Ferry Ride!

LA with his Bouquet

She's LA's Lucky Girl!

Aaah, Corregidor – wet but definitely wild. Those uphills were crazy! We waited for our Tranvia and boarded to go our accommodation – The Resort. Our place was on top of the hill – close to the turnaround point and nearby those killer hills. For whatever it’s worth, I was not afraid.

The Tranvia Ride

Top Deck

We rested a while while and then went back to look for a place to eat lunch. (WTH? It was about 3 pm!) We boarded the Tranvia and proceeded near the North dock. We found ate who served us a heavy lunch but waiting still sucks.

Waiting for the Tranvia with the Boys!

As soon as we were full, we went back to our place to rest while Ed and LA decided to swim before going to the carboloading party. We were greeted by pasta (red vs. white sauce), mashed potato, fish fillet and/or chicken fingers, and rice. Whoa, this was definitely a CLP! We were entertained by May of the Bentong-May tandem. We had so much fun laughing our hearts out. We proceeded afterwards to the bonfire lighting ceremony. And it was lit! CIHM is about to start in a few hours.

Let's Carboload!

During the Bonfire Lighting

We headed to our place and slept soundly. I woke up around 3 so that I can sleep and rest afterwards while the others were cramming; however, we all felt hungry by 4 and we set off to ate by 5. Most of us ate the steaming noodles prepared by ate. Then we were back at our place for the boys to take their baths and prep for the race.

Time to Sleep

Race time. I never thought the pressure would be gone by the time I raced. The team did stretching together and proceeded to the front of the starting line to get ready. Bam! Race time! I ran and ran and felt so good and strong. We tried to follow our 6:1 intervals; however, the route was still a killer! I could curse those killer 60-degree elevation because I really had to walk – literally! Thanks to KB for the little push but I was still not able to run that freakin’ hill! 3 hours and 3 minutes after, I was crossing the finish line in full smiles! It was a great experience. After that, we proceeded to the stretching area and got ready to be stretched. Then it was foodie time – we took advantage of the buffet meal – too many to mention and too tasty to explain!

Team Stretch

Run along the Ruins

I headed off early to our place with Maui and her boyfriend so that she can take a bath before they proceed to the tour. The rest of the guys were just back in time to prepare for our 5:30 boarding – or so we thought. Sun Cruises had problems with accommodation so there was some sort of miscommunication. However, we were able to fix it and we were scheduled to be off by 4:40 pm to return to Manila. Good thing there is enough time to celebrate Heidi’s birthday.

Cheers for Birthday Girl, Heidi!

As if we were not tired, we headed off to Hobbies of Asia for dinner in some little diner Ariane recommended. It was good. I rewarded myself with half a burger and two palm-sized fish from Big Mike’s fish and chips. After that, it was time for home – time to rest and sleep the night away.

Ooh Corregidor, I will come back.

Yes, Corregidor - We will be Back!

I want another PR – a sub3 next year. Who would’ve thought I would reach my 21k PR in a tough, rough, hilly route like Corregidor. Now I can say, Corregidor is a place to remember.