rainbow running

Goodbye Blogger!

2010-09-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

Don't fret! I'm not quitting this amazing world of blogging.

I'm just moving my blog to: RainbowRunning.tumblr.com.

I just have to say that it's quite better there, and very much user-friendly. I'm no writer so micro-blogging my random, short thoughts is more appropriate for me.

See you guys on the other side!

my army half marathon 2010 experience

2010-09-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

Yay! I'm so proud of myself.

I broke my previous half-marathon (13.1 miles or 21 km) personal record of 1 hour, 55 minutes, and 56 seconds to 1:52:59 this Army Half-marathon 2010 held last September 12, 2010.

Organized by the Singapore Armed Forces Reservist Association (SAFRA), this annual half marathon event is attended by thousands of newly recruited NS boys (Singaporean males who reached a certain age are to take part of the National Service for two and a half years), army delegates from neighboring Asian countries, and the general public. This year tens of thousands gathered at the Padang (where the National Day Parade 2010 was recently staged) and waited for the 5:15AM flag-off for Half-Marathoners.

The Run

It was hot and humid! I woke up at the witching hour of 3 to prepare myself for the race. I had a quick shower and had some hot Milo and some white bread. I quickly slipped into my Adidas Techfit compression pants (gave my quads and glutes that much needed lift!) and white Nike singlet. I plastered key areas of my feet and toes with bandage to avoid the painful discovery and development of blisters during the middle of the race.

I arrived at the venue at 4:20 am. Thanks to the shuttle service from SAFRA Yishun Club. What usually takes a drive or commute to the city in 40 minutes to an hour, that shuttle bus took us in 20 minutes! I barely closed my eyes for a quick nap, then we were at the venue. Amazing!

Anyway, I searched for the baggage deposit and found it easily. I praise the logistics as it was arranged by gender-and-category, then by bib number. I easily found the pen manned by two army boys and hand over my bag. They quickly wrapped my stuff in a large, clear trash bag and secure it with a plastic lock. They hung my bag along the railings arranged chronologically according to the pen's bib number range. So ingenious. I was very impressed.

When I arrived at the flag-off area, there was heavy build-up of runners. Those who can't wait for slow-movers attempted to scale the walls and squeezed in. It was quickly managed and resolved. Again, I was very impressed.

It was REALLY hot and humid. I was huffing and puffing in the first couple of miles. The first uphill was at the Helix bridge. This is the bridge that connects Raffles Avenue to the Marina Bay Sands complex. Along the Marina Bay Sands complex, 21Km runners was greeted with a congestion of private cars coming home from the casino. Around the 3rd mile, I was climbing with a steady pace towards the East Coast Parkway Skyway. This went on and on for another mile or so. I was seeing the Singapore Flyer and the Singapore Skyline so high up! And I was on foot! That was a very unique experience. Though my breathing was still deep and heavy, I felt strong and steady in the uphill. Many thanks to the weekly hills training!

By mile 6, we were at the unending stretch of East Coast Park. Did you know that the ECP stretches for over 9 miles (or 15-16 kilometers?) An army boy handed me a banana -- a real fruit *wink* -- from one of the water stations. At a 9-minute per mile pace, it was quite difficult to bite and chew...

When I saw the 15th kilometer mark (or aroud 9-miles done), I glanced at my watch. 1 hour and 23 minutes. I was thinking -- at 5:00/kilometer pace or faster, I'd be able to reach the finish line a little after 1:50. And I'd be able to beat my PR, I said to myself. I ran as fast as I could. I hurriedly passed through water stations, even the mile markers. I even breezed way past our Dragonboat Team Captain, Jon! How surreal!

And just like that, I was nearing the finish line. I saw cheerers and greeters! They shouted "jia-yo" (or Chinese: 加油; pinyin: jiāyoú), which means be stronger! When it is used for sports, it encourages the athletes to do better, demonstrated at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by the Chinese.

I think I did it. I was STRONGER!

My bib and a great looking finisher's medal

Click below for a RARE photo of me wearing my medal. (Yes, only my medal.) j/k!


Proudly wearing my medal! (at FF-Paragon for shower after the run)

PowerSong: Goldfrapp's Alive (plus a surprise!)

2010-09-17T02:11:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a new category in my blog called PowerSong!

Ka-pow!

Just like in Nike+ (how original!) are PowerSongs are songs that "helps you kick it up a notch whenever you need a burst of motivation."

So what are my PowerSongs? For the sake of content of this blog, RainbowRunner's PowerSongs are tracks that I've recently encountered and enjoyed. These songs are my personal recommendations for a run. They can be used as warm-up songs to wake-up those sleepy muscles, or jolt your system and pick-up your pace.

And so, for this week's PowerSong, I'm enjoying:

Alive by Goldfrapp!!

Check out the video, MP3 link and my thoughts on why this is my PowerSong for the week after the jump...

I came across this song in while t0rr3nt-ing another track.

I actually love Goldfrapp. Allison Goldfrapp is the singer/composer/keyboardist behind this brand. I have a few of her tracks in my iTunes/iPod, including the very popular Ooh La La.

(I don't really support piracy, but I support FREE music.) You can get a copy of the song here.

Anyway, check the video out. I love, love, love the 80s/aerobics era inspiration. It's so Xanadu as well! Hello there, Olivia Newton-John!

credits: InfoAddict.com

And for local Filipino twist, hello Gretchen Barretto!

Credits to YouTube (video below) screen cap

Enjoy Gretchen and Goldfrapp's Alive!

Day 18: time trial (1 of 3)

2010-09-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

I did my first time trial last Thursday, 9 September.

I started my time trial quite late as I had a client surprised me with additional work that afternoon. :-/ Asar. Anyway, I rushed myself to the tracks of Bukit Timah Campus of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

From the Runner's World training plan that we are following now:

A one-mile time trial can help you track your fitness and set realistic race goals. Go to a local 400-meter track or any one-mile stretch of road. After 10 minutes of walking and jogging, run one mile, or four times around the track. Over the course of training, your fitness gains will be reflected in your time trials.

My results are shown below:

1 mile = 7 mins:17 seconds 36 milliseconds

Splits

Lap 1 = 1:50.30
Lap 2 = 1:51.12
Lap 3 = 1:46.98
Lap 4 = 1:48.96

Narnian said that our target one miler is 6 minutes. Will we be able to achieve that?

Army Half-Marathon this Sunday!

2010-09-07T02:46:00.000-07:00

I'm running another Half-Marathon race this Sunday, 12 september 2010.

I'm joining the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon.

This annual mass running event is the largest in Singapore and jointly organised by SAFRA and The Army. The event comprises both the competitive 21-km half-marathon and 10-km routes. The social runners can participate in the non-competitive 5/6-km Fun Run as well.

The event aims to promote healthy lifestyle and reinforce SAFRA and the SAF’s emphasis on physical fitness. Over the years, participation has grown from 15,000 when it first started in 1992 to about 70,000 last year.

This year, we'll start at the Esplanade where the Merlion is nearby. We're also passing along the iconic Fullerton and the now infamous Marina Bay Sands. Parts of the 21-km route also includes the Singapore Flyer, the Formula One racing track (the F1 GP Night Race in Singapore is on Sept 24-26, 2010!), the long, unending stretch of East Coast Park and Shears Bridge.

Below is a detailed route map

21-km route map. Higher resolution map here from the SAFRA website

I will be running longer than my scheduled 10-mile training run.

Big good luck to me! :-)

p.s. I wasn't able to snap photos of handsome army boys behind the race pack collection when I got mine. Tsk tsk.

(crazy) Day 15: staggered 12-mile long run [part 1]

2010-09-07T02:05:00.000-07:00

I knew it was going to be a crazy day when I learned that I'm running 12 miles. And that I have a fun run on the same day. And that we're having our dragonboat training NOT on our usual place.

And it was crazier when I woke up and heard thunder rumbling. I peered out through my window, and I saw a couple flashes. Lightning. Eeek! Not a good omen.
Day 15 was my 12-mile run, or 19.32 kilometers, in our sub 4-hour training plan for the upcoming SCMS 2010.

The (not-so-fun) Fun Run

We hauled our asses to Expo MRT Station where we queued up for a free shuttle to the starting line. It was already 7:45 when the bus started rolling.

And then, more bad luck. The bus captain, I think, took the wrong exit. We were heading towards the city. I didn't understand his conversation as it was in Chinese. But we made a U-turn somewhere at the East Coast Parkway, some 15 kilometers away from the venue, and headed back. We arrived at the venue around 8:20. The flag-off time for the 6-km Fun Run was 8:15. Sigh, we were late.

It was raining, still. They gave out disposable raincoats while we were in line to hand our respective bags to the crew in mini-trucks. These mini-trucks serve as baggage check-ins. It was actually a cool idea, to have the start and finish points at different areas. No running around a looped route.

Kadiri. Ang basa-basa na, ang itim-itim ko pa.

Click below to

We started running, late by around 22 minutes from the gun-time. I took off my raincoat and ran in the rain. The course was a bit hilly but easy. I'm glad that the asphalt road wasn't slippery. I was also trying to avoid the puddles. We finished our run after 40+ minutes. I was kinda slow 'coz I was with my friend, who's trying out the running scene.

All smiles as the race is about to end.

What took longer than the run was that (damn) queue for baggage! The rain made the carnival grounds really, really muddy. Anyway, I don't want to go into details. I don't want to go ranting on this blog. I don't want negative vibes.

Unlocking the 2nd prison -- our memento for finishing the race

The Yellow Ribbon Prison Run is a run for a good cause.

The Yellow Ribbon Project's goals are: to create awareness of giving second chances to ex-offenders, to generate acceptance of ex-offenders and their families into the community, and, to inspire community action to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders. It engages the community to offer second chances to ex-offenders who sincerely want to change and hopes to inspire a ripple effect of concerted community action and ownership to support ex-offenders and their families. The website provides information on the Yellow Ribbon Fund as well as events organised to raise funds and awareness.

For more information, you may check their website: YellowRibbon.org.sg

I don't think I'll join this race next year though.

And, I won't go buying light-colored singlets. Makes me look fat/bulky in photos. :-/

Stay tune for the second part of this blog.

Day 5: 9 miles long run, under the sun (late post)

2010-08-29T04:49:00.000-07:00

So this is already day 5 (22 Aug 2010) of my training. A 9-mile long run under the scorching, Singaporean sun.

Geographically, Singapore is hotter than manila. Singapore is nearer to the earth's equator. Thus, hotter. But this doesn't hold true as cities in the inner part of Manila like Mandaluyong, Makati and Quezon felt like I was inside a baker's oven in April 2010 when I was there.

Anyway, I wasn't able to get up early that morning, so I had to choose between running before or after, my dragon boat training for my Sunday long run. I obviously chose the former.

I started my run a little before one in the afternoon. The Bedok Reservoir Park has a 5-Kilometer loop around the fresh water reservoir. Perfect if you're doing a 9-mile run (14.48 kilometers), as you'll do 3 loops. My run started just fine as the route had a good amount of shade. The reservoir has its share of eye candy that weekend too. Some canoe-polo sports competition is being held in one part. At the middle of the 5km loop, there was the lack or absence of shade and trees. I was under the mercy of the scorching sun for at least a kilometer. Alas, I found a shaded area outside the loop, so I continued my run there instead. And since I diverted from the loop, I had to climb up this hill with a manageable 10-30° incline. It was manageable, but at noon time, my heart was racing at 60-90beats a minute. I felt like my heart was about to explode.

I finished the loop but I had to do it two more times. Thank God I managed to finished my run.

I had to hydrate regularly to avoid heatstroke. There were a few drinking fountains along the route. I gobbled up water every 20-30 minutes. I had to splash water on my body, my head and especially and my nape. As the insides of our body heat up while doing exercise, running under the heat of the sun is very dangerous.

Heatstroke can lead to death. As what happened to Remus Fuentes (RIP) last Milo Marathon in Manila. Even widely popular and well organized marathons like the recent Standard Chartered Marathon in Kuala Lumpur, another fellow runner met a tragic incident. Runners must remember to hydrate before, during and after a run, especially if one runs in hot, humid city like Manila or Singapore.

Tip: Did you know that running cool water on your wrist (where your pulse is) cools your body down faster?

Happy Birthday @OutedNarnian

2010-08-26T03:19:00.000-07:00

I suddenly woke up, very early Saturday morning. I couldn't get back to sleep. I wondered why... Then I remembered, it is:

NARNIAN's BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy Birthday Guuurl!

I love you girl, and will be always rooting furr you, whereevur you urr! Heart-hugs!

Image editing apps thanks to Hello Kitty Camera and TuzkiSnap

Post script.

Narnian is my sorta-best friend forever already. I bet he doesn't know it. If that's the case, then it's a one-way BFF thing. More on that later.

When I went home to Manila last April, I asked him to join me in Body Pump class, a Les Mills fitness class I follow religiously. After the class we were to go for Kaya breakfast at the nearby Kopi Roti along Ayala corner Buendia in Makati. As we're about to take our shower (not together and scrub each other's back, silly!) I noticed that he was carrying a toilet-and-bath basket. This plastic basket is usually seen with kids staying at a student's dormitory. It was what you carry to a communal bathroom, with your products. It was packed to the brim with his pampaganda. I asked him if he brings it every day to the gym when taking a shower, and he said, "Yes, of course."

To make the story short, I knew I had to help Narnian. As his one-way BFF, it's my duty and responsibility for his to take care of what others perceive of him. My now 24-year old buddy shouldn't be seen with a T&B basket. So as a big Sizzzter, I bought him this.

Take a sec to decipher.

Click on the READ MORE to know what I got Narnian

Discretion: Contents of this bag is not included in the gift. Merely for display purposes only. :-P

It's a toiletry bag! Narnian can now place his stuff inside the bag. This is more presentable compared to the basket that I secretly loathe.

Sorry na!

2010-08-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

...For being AWOL in my blogging duties. I'll be posting my older entries first so I can get back on track.

Photo Credits to JaneLee20.wordpress.com

Day 03: another 4 easy miles + thoughts on treadmill running

2010-08-20T03:35:00.001-07:00

If you know me as a friend or runner, or at least have followed my blog for some time, you might have realized that I don't like treadmills.

Hate it. Abhor it. Loathe it. Despise it... NOT really! *puppy eyes*

What I mean is I'm just the type of runner who doesn't want to run while staying on the same space for an extended period of time. I prefer the sunny (or sometimes cloudy, drizzling, or wet) outdoors. I don't know if you also do, but I feel this satisfying sensation when my feet pounds the pure asphalt on some roads. I just don't like monotony.

I don't enjoy watching TV shows while at the treadmill. I had an incident once, back in Manila, where I almost slid out of the conveyor belt! What happened was, my attention was caught in this show. I didn't know that I was slowly slipping backwards. I realized it as soon as my feet felt the roller at the end. Close call! And more recently, at FF-One George Street, I was hooked on this skateboarding challenge I was seeing on ESPN. The show is being televised to my left. Little did I know, I was also moving towards the left of the machine. In a split second, my left foot hit the immovable deck. I jerked for a bit, and (THANK GOD!) I didn't lose my footing. I regained my balance and composure. I acted as if nothing happened.

But deep inside, I felt so scared. I could have fallen down/off. I could have lost my pearly whites. Worse, I could have damaged this baby-face of mine. :-P

Recently, Mike Tyson's daughter died from a treadmill accident. Scary!

Yes, running on the treadmill is easier as there's no wind resistance to slow you down. The assistance of the belt propels you to move forward and just staying in place. You have a smoother run since there's no change in terrain, and no man/animal/car/building or inanimate object blocking your way. The treadmill is also good for overweight runners and those with knee issues, as the machine is padded and softer than the road.

One just has to beat the monotony on treadmill running. You and your friend can run side by side. Motivate each other, provide some distraction. If you're alone, try an interval workout. Warm up for 5 minutes and follow it with fast and easy segments. Increase your speed by 30-50 percent for two minutes, and then go back to your comfortable pace. Do this for 4-6 sets. If this isn't your thing, try circuit training. Again, warm up for 5 minutes. Step out of the treadmill and do some strength training general exercises for a set or two. Example, do push-ups and squats. Run again for another 5 minutes, followed by some lunges and crunches.

Anyway, the bottom line of this post is I ran for 4 miles at the treadmill today during lunch break 'coz I wasn't able to wake up early. And that has been my 3^rd day of training today.

Enjoy your weekend folks!

Thanks Stock Photo for the image!

Day 02: 4 miles, hills around Nassim Road and Botanical Gardens

2010-08-19T04:00:00.001-07:00

Every Wednesday, for the first half of the training, is devoted to training in hills. Yes, HILLS; not heels, as in the part of the human foot, or the back portion of women's footwear.

I remember when @MkSurf8 took me to Dempsey Hill for breakfast after the Timex Race, and there was lush greenery and rolling hills as we were heading to Jones the Grocer. Imagine Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay in Singapore. Warmer of course and lots of joggers, even at noon time! That inspired me to do my hills training around the area. Thanks to Livestrong.COM, I also found a few routes around Singapore where there are hills to run around.

Let me also say that the routes I run are either, (a) near any branch of my gym – Fitness First, or (b) starts and ends at my place in Yishun. The former is a must so I can keep my things at my locker while I go out for a run.

So, I found and modified a 4-mile route that now starts at Orchard corner Grange Roads, where Paragon Shopping Center is, and where FF-Paragon at the 8^th level is housed.

I went all the way down to Tanglin road from Orchard road. Starting from Shaw and Wheelock, I'd like to believe that this is the "old Orchard" shopping alley. Less-crowded malls and classy hotels are seen in this area. I then ran up a smooth incline along Nassim road, where I passed by the Philippine Embassy. Further up, I entered Cluny Gate of Botanical Gardens. It was getting a little dark so I had a difficult time navigating through the park. It was so serene inside. Lots of runners are training there too, but I was in awe of the never-ending hills that go up and down. I totally forgot about my quads that started to ache.

When I finally reached the Tanglin gate, I checked my Nike+ Sportsband and I did 3+ miles already! And my run was nowhere done! I exited the park, and went up the incline along Tanglin road, back to Orchard road. I passed by people going home from the office or catching dinner, al fresco.

Check out my route HERE.

I finished my run after a little after the 5^th mile. This must be because I got lost inside Botanical Gardens, which I don't mind at all! I loved it there and I won't get bored running in that area. 'til next week, I'm increasing my mileage to 5-miles.

How about you, do you have routes that you like?

P.S. I miss McKinley Hills, near Venezia. Killer "hi(e)lls" around that area :-)

Photo Credit to user: Saucy Pan

Day 01: 4 miles, easy run + thoughts on Miles vs Kilometers

2010-08-17T02:39:00.001-07:00

So it has begun.

Today's the first day of the 16-week Sub 4-hour training from Runners World.

Instead of waking up at 5:00 am, I took my lunch break from work at the gym. I checked-in at FF-OUB. This is one of the most accessible gyms from where I work. It's a couple of stations away (Bugis -> City Hall -> Raffles Place) right above Raffles Place MRT.

I ran at the treadmill for 38+ minutes. I warmed-up for a mile for about 10 minutes, followed by the 10:04/mile pace for another 3 miles.

I am having a difficult time converting my whole sense of pacing from Metric to English system. When I warm up, I usually do a 6:30/km pace, but when I'm in the zone I run between 5:30 to 6:00/km pace. The fastest pace I can manage for a race is between 4:30 to 5:00/km. But you see, finishing a marathon of 26.2 miles sounds way easier than 42.165 kilometers. I remember my friend said that it's easier to digest that you're doing three 10-K races plus one 7-K warm up and one 5-K cool down for a marathon. And that's in Metric terms. How do I break down in the miles?

Here are some English<=>Metric conversions that I know by heart:

1 mile = 1.6 kilometers

1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

Now that I've listed them down, it doesn't seem much.

Oooh! I know the currency conversions for Philippine Peso, US Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Malaysian Ringgit too! (Hmmmm... that sounds lame)

UPDATE: I consider myself lucky to stay with my sister and bro-in-law in one flat. I'm lucky that they cook so I get to eat at home. But not in the past couple of days. :-( Last night, I had calamares! And now, I just finished some leftover sisig. Yes, I'm lucky I get to be with them. Sigh

26.2

2010-08-16T02:52:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'm starting my training for the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010. I'll be embarking on a 16-week program from Runner's World. It'll take 5 days a week (and even a week or two with 6!) of non-stop running. The objective of this 80-day training is to finish a full marathon in four hours or less. It'll hopefully increase my endurance and stamina and strengthen my muscles more. As this is my first full marathon (that's 42.195 kilometers or 26.2 miles), I am indeed aiming high with a sub 4-hour goal.

The training involves early hill work. Some speed and intervals towards the end. A bunch of active recovery runs are scheduled during the week, with at least 3-5 miles per run. Once in a while, a time trial is also scheduled for me to realistically adjust my goals. And yes, long runs on Sundays! So I'm saying good-bye to late nights for now and say hello to early morning weekends! Boo hoo!

I'm doing this program as recommended by my friend Outed Narnian. Jamie Da Vinci will do it too. One of my running idols will do it too, Jaymie Pizzaro aka, The Bull Runner.

I'll do my best to jot down the 80 days of this training. They say that once you write down your thoughts, it'll be easier to achieve the goals you've set.

So dear friends and fellow runners, a big good luck to moi. You're prayers and well-wishes are appreciated.

p.s. If you want a copy of the training plan, let me know so I can share it with you. Just post a comment here or send me an @reply thru my Twitter account, and I'll share it with you soonest.

Feeling good, doing good!

2010-07-13T00:56:00.000-07:00

Ola mi amigos!

I have been busy with work. (Yeah, right!) And I haven’t written a post in ages.

My 3-4x a week attendance of BodyPump classes and weekends of Dragon Boat training has paid off pretty well! Our team bagged Silver and Bronze medals in a recent Dragon Boat race. Yay!

I was the drummer here!

Woot! Two medals!

I've also been following a training calendar for running too! I run 3-4x a week as well. Long runs are reserved for weekends. Weekdays are my recovery runs, interval/tempo runs and strides. I tell you, these are really beneficial for runners. I've always thought they were fancy training but it really helped me a lot. Take your interval runs, seriously. And for endurance or long-distance runners, be sure not to skip the long runs.

I just recently completed a Half-Marathon race organized by Tri-Factor. The race was the Timex TRI-Run 2010, and it's part of a series of races which will conclude with a TriAthlon race this October. I don't think I'm ready for that yet.

I finished the race in a record 1:55:31! I'm so happy!

Fellow blogger/Twitter fanatic, @MkSurf8, also ran. He joined the 10K race and finished the run before the 1-hour mark! Congratulations to you, Sis! :-D And thanks, @MkSurf8 for bringing me to Dempsey Hill. I had a great filling brunch there!

Very yummy filling Classic English breakfast for only $20!

(And oh, they got yummy servers too!)

'Till next time!

Hay nako, Haiku!

2010-03-03T04:22:00.001-08:00

Tayo'y tahimik
Sakay sa tren, nagbabasa
Ingat mahal.

My attempt to post a Tagalog Haiku on-the-go kasi na-inspire ako...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Today I was a good citizen

2010-02-16T23:23:00.001-08:00

For my morning runs, I usually wake up at 4:40am. My phone's alarm is already programmed on days when I have training. But on this particular morning, something else woke me up. I had already hit the "disable" button when I heard a faint ringing sound of a bell.

It seemed distant at first, but it had a particular pitch that alarmed me. It sounded like that of a fire alarm drill. I quickly jumped out of bed, and opened my room's window. The ringing grew louder. I stuck my head out. I didn't see any smoke nor fire nor people scrambling out of neighboring buildings. My heart started to race.

Still the ringing continued. I went out of my room, and went to the kitchen. I usually drink a cup of Milo before I run, so I prepared the pot to boil water. Still, the ringing. I peered out of the kitchen window, I see now the two adjacent flats. The ringing grew louder, it seems it's coming from one of them. No smoke, fire or panicking people, still. Thank God.

I wasn't sure if I should be scared of seeing nothing at all, or seeing thick, dark smoke coming from one of the buildings.

The pot whistled, so I poured the freshly boiled water into my mug. I went back to my room hot drink in hand, I opened my computer. I quickly Google-ed "fire department". I clicked on the first local result. Skimming through the site, there was no useful info. No number which I can call. The site takes pride in it's awards and national service program, but stupid of them not to publish contact numbers for emergency! That should be at least in the homepage!

I Google-ed again, and I found 911. I didn't know 911's applicable here in Singapore. I think 911 should be worldwide. Governments must set up 911 as their emergency hotline.

After a couple of phone rings, someone picked up. I told the the guy in the other line of ringing. I said I didn't see smoke nor fire nor people scrambling out. Just that alarming ring, usually heard from fire drills. I gave him my address. I told him the ringing comes from the neighboring buildings. Then he said he'll have a police squad come ove and investigate.

Still a bit nervous, I finished my Milo. I changed into my running shorts and top. Slipped into my shoes. Maybe 5 minutes had passed, then the ringing stopped. Thank God!

I think it was because of me. A faint smile crept to my face. I am proud of myself. Today I was a good citizen. Not of the Philippines though, sadly. But a good citizen indeed.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

formspring.me

2010-02-05T08:14:00.001-08:00

If given a drag name, what would it be?

Allota Fagina! :-) Haha! That's a character from Austin Powers, if I remember it correctly. It was my handle in CounterStrike and Diablo2 as well. :-)

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-01-26T20:11:00.001-08:00

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Loneliness. Loneliness leads to a lot of life's tragedies and misfortunes.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-01-26T01:24:00.001-08:00

Tanungin nyo ako nang kahit ano... http://formspring.me/iandmac

Goodbye, buddy!

2009-12-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

I'm saying good bye to a dear running buddy.

We've shared miles and miles together over the past year. He has been with me in my triumphs in races and has been dedicated and patient in training with me. He has been a constant motivation in times I feel like giving up. Though he knows he's slim and slender, he never points it out against my stocky, yet muscled physique.

I wish you the best in your new ventures.

I will be forever your first, Lukas.

Lukas will continue his life in my sister's care as her car music and entertainment accessory. He will fly off tomorrow, 30 Dec 2009, to the land where he was born, Makati, to continue what he was meant to accomplish in life -- be a man's companion.

I didn't knowing this could be heart-wrenching.

- BlogPress-ed from my iPhone

some major changes before the year ends

2009-12-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

you all know that i moved to Singapore a few months back, and i have been in-active in my blogging life ever-since. guess i was busy, or was just too lazy to write on what's happening to mi la vida. my twitter, however, says otherwise. follow me as well @iandmac.

anyway, before i run-down what happened to me over the past months, i just would like to announce that i'll officially maintain ONLY my blogger account for my blogging. i just find it difficult to write here in my Multiply account and edit the one in blogger as well. and i think it's also the fact that after my official separation with my previous work last august, i am finding it a wee-bit cumbersome to manage this Multiply account. i will still use this to view photos, post comments, etc to my friends' accounts. yun lang po. (oh, Multiply, please don't close this account)

anyway, here's an attempt to re-count the events since i left my home in Makati.

landed in Sing last sept02
been living in my sister's flat since then. oh, i was literally crashing in the sofa-bed outside the sala.
joined the 10miler mizuno wave run 2009 last sept13
going to the gym, swimming, and running are my main activities. i do sleep, eat and watch my favorite US TV shows too
trying to swim regularly in the public pool across where i live, in an attempt to join a triathlon by 2011
met up for an afternoon-evening fun with Rex and Ron. i was their guide for a short while. pinalakad ko sila ng bonggang-bongga. sept21
felt helpless to know about the typhoon Ondoy, and flood waters rushing to our apartment in Makati. good thing bez Andrew lives nearby and helped my sister move our things to my room in the 2nd floor. thank God! sept26
out of countless emails to prospective employers (with well-edited email "cover letters", subject headings, etc) i was poised for an interview with a web company.
i think i aced the interview since two days after, i was offered the post. i was pretty lucky as well, since the post i was applying for was filled-in. my current-boss offered me this spot in the marketing/operations team, which he thought i was more fitting than sales. he guessed it right.
Ryan (Bacolod friend) came here for a weekend holiday! we went to Play. a popular bar in Tanjong Pagar, THE Malate of SG. my first encounter of the PLU community. oct05
processing my papers to start working in another country could be tiring! and i had my first, official HIV-test as a requirement for my work pass.
joined the nike human race 2009. oct25
first day at work. oct26
increasing my daily mileage (how do you call that if i log my runs in kilometers?) to 8-10km per run, 2-3x a week. i wanna do a half-marathon soon. then pro'ly a full-marathon before 2010 ends.
after less than a month, we moved office from boat quay to bugis junction towers. nov20
had a mishap with my bank account for payroll. thank God it was resolved quickly. my thoughts were to go back home in Bacolod. i cried that night in bed before sleeping. awwww. nov30
good friends and running buddies @outednarnian and @jamiedavinci were here for the Standard Chartered SG Marathon! they both joined the half-marathon (or 21K). dec04-07
fetch them both at Changi. @outednarnian stayed with me while @jamiedavinci stayed at Marina Mandarin with his Kuya. we met Allan Wu of Amazing Race Asia (picture above) at the Expo when they got their race packs. kainan, and gala to the extreme! @outednarnian and i went to the Sing National Museum. it was awesome! dec04-05
i was their yaya on the day of the run. i love them both. i didn't complain. dec06
felt sad when they flew back to Manila. dec07
built up my swimming endurance. proud to say that i can swim 5-7 laps (100m/lap) without stopping.
night-out with @mksurf8. went to Tantric and Taboo. dec11
got sick after two-weeks of less sleep. fatigued. no run/swim then. dec13.
first christmas party here in SG! i got an expandable rubbermaid food container. great baonan! and won a $10 takashimaya gc for being best-dressed for the holidays. dec18
the office is holiday-mode. less work! yay! dec21
caught up with Gibbs who's in SG for Christmas! dec24
my first christmas, overseas. a pleasant day -- mass, swam a good 18laps, watched avatar with my sis and bro-in-law. dec25
night out with Gibbs and his friends. i'm starting to like Tantric more. dec26
announcing that i'm officially moving my blog to Blogspot. dec28

And there you go, ladies and gentlemen, that's to the best of my knowledge. if you still want to follow my running tales and adventures (and my attempt to go tri soon!) do follow me on RainbowRunning.blogspot.com. or if you're into micro-blogging, i have a twitter account too, it's @iandmac.

take care. see you around.

Now I know what I want for Christmas

2009-12-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

"The epiphany is the most pleasurable sensation known to man..." That was a twitter post from @helloluis, a computer geek I follow. I find it memorable because of the second part of the post, which I had to cut since it's r-18 for this public post. Complete tweet here.

Anyway, the past two years of my life had been rocky. Yes, I was blessed with meeting persons whom I look up to and the un-ending support of my family and friends. But this last quarter of 2009, I think I have grown mature as an adult, as a son and as a friend. While I was doing (swimming) laps earlier, I had a Christmas epiphany. I do not know what came to me, it must be the rushing/calming waters going through the sides of my head that I started to have one. And since I'm reaching my quarter-life in a few days, I think 'tis about time that I had this realization. This realization I had to share as five Christmas wishes.

Let me start off with:

Good Health to do and finish the things I need to and want to in life
The Strength to avoid mental/physical/spiritual injuries. May this also be part of...
The Wisdom to make the decisions that will make me a better person/man, son/brother and, friend/parter.
Happiness (plus that genuine, pearly-white smile) to spread to my family, friends, colleagues and yes, even strangers.
And finally the Unconditional Love to the person/s I'm offering it to. I'm not seeking any in return, but perhaps to be loved as well. And I quote Toulouse-Lautrec from Moulin Rouge, "the greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love and be loved in return."

To end this Christmas post, a good friend once asked me, "Why is it always easy for me to move on (after break-ups) and find another?" I simply answered, "I was ushered to this world with so much love, and now I have this so much love to give."

Happy Christmas everyone!

Oh, pahabol. To those who can afford, I'm still welcoming MATERIAL gifts. Anytime and any form of delivery, I still welcome.

*GCs from Topman, Zara, Aldo/Pedro and/or Swatch

*Running shoes, Asics Gel-Kayano 15 in white/brass/black size US8/Japan41

*Macbook 15" white, the latest release

*and the Canon G-11

Thank you in advance, and my birthday is also on Jan03.

i'm joining the nike+ human race 2009

2009-10-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

yay! i was able to sign up for the nike+ human race 2009 here in SG.

i finally got my race pack last friday at the singapore flyer. i think this was part of the deal that nike made here in singapore as the race will start and finish near the flyer grounds.

i got:

the human race 2009 singlet. it's in red and everyone must wear this. now how am i gonna match this with my current running shoes. boo!
race day guide/booklet. this includes time table for the event, first aid and hydration points along the 10K route, advisory if there's bad weather, live entertainment
a new nike bottle. this one's exactly the same to what i bought a year a go. boo!
and my race bib, which includes a d-tag. the d-tag will be worn on the runner's shoe laces and contains microchips of some sort that will record my performance. this is similar to the ones used in urbanite and run for home in manila.

my race tee, race day guide, my bib + d-tag and free bag

my loot. freebies include the a nike water bottle (my existing bottle is the one on the left), 100 plus drink, discount coupon for the singapore flyer and another coupon for starbucks coffee. korni toh.

anyway, i'm looking forward to this race. and will of course blog about the results and happenings after october 25.

if you would like to participate virtually, just surf over to nike+ website and sign-up in the human race challenge. of course, you'd have to have a nike+ account and any of the following: nike+ sportsband, ipod/iphone and the nike+ sports kit to be able to record and sync your runs to the internet.

see you around.

i have to go back to blogging and running, regularly.

2009-10-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

ever since i went here, i kind fell under some sort of blog hiatus, and honestly, my running as well. i think that it's because i don't have work (yet!) so there's no routine for me to look forward to.

my typical weekday goes something like this:

wake up at 8/9am
check mail, facebook, twitter, multiply, fridae, etc
log-in to YM
maybe run or swim
lunch
errands or job application-related stuff
gym
dinner
catch up on TV series or read books
sleep

so, now... i'm finalizing the things for my life here. details to surface in this blog soon 'cause i don't want to jinx anything.

i'm looking forward to running in the Nike+ Human Race 2009 this 25th of october.

Why the Lion City?

2009-09-15T03:01:00.000-07:00

What do I like in Singapore? Why?

1. The organized chaos.

I learned about organized chaos through a good friend before. He was my ex and he was a physicist. Anyway, let's just put it this way. Nothing and no one seems still, especially around Orchard. Everyone's just rushing to somewhere. They get in and out of the train. walking fast to their destination/s. And speaking of trains, I love the taking the rail here. You'll know how long it'll take you to commute to your destination; you'll know how long it'll take for the next train to arrive. I love it's predictability.

2. "Healthy" lifestyle.

The government has imposed this huge tax on liquor and cigarettes. I think a pack of cigarettes will cost the smoker around 5-7sgd (converted, it's 150-200php). I'm not sure about beer, but I believe it's costs much more than in the PH. Besides that, the cities have their own healthy centers too. Except for the usual gyms for working out, most cities/towns have parks equipped with playgrounds designed for adults and kids. These are partnered with signs that explain how they'll be used and which group of muscles are being targetted. There are community pools too. For a dollar, you get to use the facilities and swim all you want. Now, ain't that healthy?

3. Big Asian culture in a small city.

I love to observe. A stranger in a strange city. I love being immersed in their day to day activities. I would like to learn their language. My sister said to watch the local TV shows so I get to understand their slangs and how they talk. The comedies are quite silly but enjoyable. And oh, they have a local Singapore Idol too! Hehe. Most of all, I like trying their cuisine. My favorite so far is Persian and Thai. So that's Persian, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Indonesian cultures all in one small island. Tell me if I missed one. Singapore's as big as Guimaras island. Now, that's amazing!

These are the top 3 things I love about Singapore. I knew about these a couple of years back, and now i'm back(la) to rediscover them.

This was me --a couple of years ago in SG.

Rainbow Runner goes to Singapura

2009-09-15T01:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, you heard that right. RR is in the Lion City... To try his luck.

I traded Manila for Singapore about a couple of weeks ago. I had this trip on my calendar for a few months now. Started when my sister (living here in SG) bought me a roundtrip ticket in Cebu Pacific's airline seat sale. My return is on the 26th. But that might not be true. Now that my sister (based here, and a PR already) and my parents tell me to extend my stay. And i sorta agree with them.

You see, the purpose of flying here is to try my luck -- career wise. And yes, I quit my job in Manila. A big risk you might say, and a risk I'm willing to take. I'm 24. Young and willing re-start what I have founded 3 years ago after finishing school. I met a couple of friends who're here and they're telling me to stay too. It might be difficult to land a job but stay positive. For the same effort I do (in Manila), I will earn 2x-3x more. Now, doesn't that sound good?

Downside though, I miss my friends and family. I miss N.

Wish me luck friends. I need it. :-)

running: quote from gatorade

2009-08-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.

-Gatorade Ad

Now, if only i'm as sexy as him while wiping my sweat. Noh?

route map for kenny's urbanite run!

2009-08-09T23:46:00.000-07:00

after a loooooooooong wait, and three (3) delays, the kenny's urbanite run routes are now live!

download the route/s below:

thankfully, the 15k route isn't paikot-ikot which can be mentally tiring. there are steep ascends/descends at the 11km point. see map below. that's the mckinly hill part for those who're not familiar.

remember, you still have until august 11 (that's tomorrow!) to register for the urbanite run. for 600php, you can eat a meal from kenny's, run on aug 15 and donate to charity.

see you on saturday night on Urbanite!

my run on 10-aug-2009

2009-08-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

still wearing my lunar glides. third run ever since.

there's a slight pain in the soles of my feet, maybe due to my sudden increase of mileage last saturday. it was gone after the warm-up and stretching after 2plus kms. i tightened my laces too.

for runners out there, how tight do you tie your laces? do share your thoughts below.

nike lunar glide review and my practice run on 08-aug-2009

2009-08-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

i bought the nike lunar glides a few of days ago, where after two days of rain, i just had to break my new kicks. but that wasn't as fulfilling as running earlier today. i had my practice run for my kenny rogers urbanite run for 15kms, and "officially" breaking my nike lunar glides. is there an official/non-official session to break a shoe?

anyway, here it goes.

experience. i ran from home, then criss-crossing legaspi village. after the reaching makati ave, i i entered the ayala center then off to the overpass of ayala to mckinley road. that was already a good 9kms, fyi. mckinley road is another strip of around 2-kms, where i turned right after reaching lawton ave/5th ave. from there i went to mckinley hill then went back to mckinley road to finish my 15km run.

i felt some discomfort at the start, but after a 2km warm-up, i tightened my laces. it felt better afterwards.

pros.

i learned to love its techno blue-violet/stabilobos neon yellow green/medium gray color combo
i love the soft-bouncy ride when i'm running on asphalt
when i'm concrete, i feel i'm more cushioned compared to my air span+ 5. though i think the vomero does offer me the same cushion too.
i think i can run faster with this pair

cons.

just like my nike air span+ 5, i felt a blister developing in my left foot's arch near the ball of my foot. so this means i'm putting a few band aids in both areas of my left and right sole for protection. i might as well wrap a few toes too to avoid discomfort in the coming runs/races.
i feel some heat building up at the balls of my foot. i think there's some friction going on during my run.
i

there you go. i'll be posting more thoughts on my running over the next few days that i'm using this shoe.

just like run radio's slogan, "rock and run!". be their fan on FB.

excited for september and my run on 06-aug-2009

2009-08-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

as of writing, it's exactly 26 days, 15 hours, 54 minutes and 57 seconds 'till I leave for the Lion City!

Sentosa, Vivo city, Orchard, Bugis, Novena, Botanical Gardens.... and many more, here I come!!!

and actually, two things made fueled my excitement today.

1. i bought a pair of lunar glides (finally!) just in time for Kenny Roger's Urbanite Run. the rains made is extra difficult for Manila-based runners to run out in the open. but i just had to break my new pair of kicks, so i went to the gym and did a 7.9km run using the treadmill.

here's mr lunar glides for everyone to see.

for those who haven't registered yet, you have until august 11. but hey i seriously ask you to register asap since the race has limited slots. 3,000 runners only, i think.

2. since i'm leaving for Singapore, i just had to race there! i registered the Mizuno Wave Run 2009. there's only one distance, which is the 10-miler or about 16kms. the race will be on sept 13, 2009 and will be held at nanyang polytechnic center, about 3 train stations away from our place.

i choked when i saw the registration fee. SG$ 45.00!!! yikes! that's roughly 1,500 php. the race pack includes a singlet, a racing chip that's high-technically embedded in the racing bib and a mizuno bag!!! i guess that's quite okay given the steep registration fee.

but hey, if i won't be there to do the SG Marathon on dec 6, i might as well grab this opportunity. a big shout-out to @outednarnian who has registered for this and @jamiedavinci who's contemplating on doing this. i hope i'll join you guys for 21k.

that's it for now! i'll be doing my practice (note: loooong) run for my kenny's 15K run about a week from now on saturday. and of course, using mr lunar glides. i'll review the experience after.

P.S. @outednarnian, sama ka na sa saturday! we'll run from the fort to makati and back. then let's chow at salcedo market after. let's text @misterheuge to join us.

my run on 02-aug-2009

2009-08-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

'twas my first time running in UP diliman, where i ran around 7K with the boys!!! and i'm so happy to run with them.

we're calling ourselves RAINBOW RUNNERS!

'twas my first time to run with @misterheuge, @jamiedavinci, @outednarnian, @theo0629, @jaybeecc and @jcfontsize. @thelettere didn't run though, as he had to study for his classes. moral support for his misterheuge na lang. how sweet!

we then grab quick bite at mcdo at eastwood mall. i just had to reward myself with a quarter pounder, twister fries and a blue sprite float. we caught the orphan afterwards. a psycho woman who's actually 33 y/o in a body of a 9 y/o girl as she has hypo-thyrodism. hope i got that right. finally, we had froyo at red mango. masarap pala the frozen yogurt as i had it with blueberries and peaches. double yum!

and it was my first time at eastwood mall. ang ganda dun!

my run on 31-jul-2009

2009-07-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

i ran for about 7-8km earlier around legaspi village here in makati. then yesterday, i had a quick run at the gym before and after the body pump class.

i have to go somewhere, so catch you next time.

i'll review the new nike plus website, gonna blog about the our group run at UP, and then some.

oh yes, i'm back on track.

2009-07-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

yep. i ran 5k. then i'm planning to run at the treadmill tomorrow.

then maybe thursday with outednarnian at the fort. :-)

will log my miles soon too!

for the meantime:

"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."

a thought from Steve Prefontaine -- a long-distance and track 'n field runner.

you know you're a runner when...

2009-07-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

I'm still on my running hiatus. Though i'm slowly gaining my momentum by doing yoga and body jam. I'm avoiding the landing on the ball of my left foot too! I'm gonna do RPM/Cycling classes by tomorrow, as well as going back to my usual body pump.

Got this from About Running.COM, You Know You're a Runner When... Enjoy!

Runners definitely share special bonds and sometimes have traits, habits, or idiosyncrasies that only other runners can understand. If you're a runner, you may be able to relate to or appreciate some of these descriptions. You know you're a runner when….

you have dreams about showing up to a race late or not wearing any clothes.
you've used an old race T-shirt to wash your car, dust furniture, or clean something else.(yes! i use my running tees for errands, or going home from the gym. i use my singlets at the gym too, or running days na 'di dapat porma...)
you know where exactly one mile from your front door is (in any direction). (i do! from house to don bosco church in makati is 1km)
your only recent photos of you alone are race photos. (my profile photos in social network sites do!)
you're not embarrassed to wear spandex. (and short shorts!)
you're always hungry.(this is a given.)
you no longer hate port-a-johns. In fact, you can think of a few times when you've been very happy to see one. (not really. hehe will use this only at running events...)

looking forward to the week after next! i'm gonna start running again!

oh-em-gee. it's out. nike lunar glide+ will you be mine?

2009-07-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

i visited nike at boni high street earlier, and guess who (technically, what) i saw!?!?

theeeeeeee one, and theeeeeee only---- mister lunar glides+!!! (let us call him LG for short. gossip girl na gossip girl.)

tada!

photo credits to: vimamm.multiply.com

saw the tag!!! it's at 5,495php!!! 500bucks cheaper than what i originally thought it was going to be. it's available only at nike park glorietta 4 and at the flagship store at bonifacio high street. the nice (cute too!) sales guy told me they have only a total of 24 pairs in their store, a combination of men's and women's sizes. ka-looooowka! what will i do? where will i score 5-kyaw for this? huhuhu oh benefactor, where art thou? i will practically do anything (well, not everything) to get my hands on this pair. ha-haaaaay...

sana the heavens will heed my call. pramis, last na toh.

afterwards, met up blogger-runners mr @theo0629 (finally!) with @jamiedavinci and @outednarnian, and bloggers @mcvie and @misterheuge, at coffee bean and tea leaf. i had fun. i really enjoyed the night. thanks for the company!

p.s. theo0629, jamiedavinci and outednarnian don't forget. it's a date on aug15, at kenny's urbanite run ha.

half-crazy.

2009-07-07T18:44:00.001-07:00

yep,'m half-crazy now... on the brink of going crazy for working at home, and for three days (and counting) without gym or running. yep, i'm losing my marbles by just staring at my email, multiply, blogger, ym and facebook, and other what-have-yous by the internet. i'm really an extrovert.

i hope to report to the office tomorrow and go back to the gym pretty soon. so injury please, please heal soon.

it'll be 2 more weeks and 4 days till i can run again, my doctor says so.

oh, here's another running quote from joan benoit "Love yourself, for who and what you are; protect your dream and develop your talent to the fullest extent."

meantime, don't forget, there's a kenny roger's urbanite run on aug15 at 8PM at fort bonifacio. it's something new for the running community who's always waking up before the sun rises to join the races. i hope the ground won't be hot for this one. and to those asking --yep, the dynamic kenny roger's duo marc and rovilson will be joining the run.

Thanks to Jinoe (Takbo.PH) for the image.

i can't run for two-three weeks...

2009-07-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

as i had a minor out-patient surgery earlier.

Yes, i CANNOT run or else blood will be all over the insides of my shoes and my socks drenched in red. That only means i'm not doing the Globe Run for Home, although I registered last Friday only to get the singlet and see how an RFID chip looks like.

That's two-three weeks without exercise. Not even body jam or body pump. And will only mean i'm gonna gain weight.

I wanted to share some photos of my wound, but i don't have any digital camera with me. My phone's cam is also busted.

Meantime, it's work at home!!! Yay!

And for the meantime, i'm sharing running quotes from Runner's World being emailed to me daily...

"As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are."

-Joan Benoit Samuelson

see a chat from Runner's World here

read up on Joan from Wikipedia here

my run on 23-jun-2009

2009-06-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

i wasn't able to find my nike+ receiver for my ipod. i rummaged through my things but still, i didn't find it.

i added another kilometer to my usual route. runner's world says it's 7.5kilometers which i finished in about 40-45 minutes.

oh, one more thing, i feel that burning sensation in my forefoot. is that friction from my feet to my shoe's soles?

hmmmmmm....

my run on 20-jun-2009

2009-06-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

i just couldn't resist running w/ my new baby.

i had to break in even though i had only a few hours of sleep.

calves feel sore now. i fell asleep after having my breakfast.

i've been waiting for so long... welcome home babe!

2009-06-19T03:43:00.000-07:00

please welcome my new baby.

guys, meet nike air vomero+ 4.

supreme cushioning for under pronators and mid- to fore-foot runners like me. not so sweet deal though. but still i left the store with that big, big grin on my face.

i love my new nike air vomero+ 4.

my run on 11-jun-2009 and 15-jun-2009

2009-06-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

i forgot to post this. again. hmmmmm....

and earlier, i did an easy run. as dictated by the 21-K training manual from runnersworld.com. but my nike+ receiver just had to be uncooperative.

here's my training for weeks 1 to 4.

on running: sunscreens/sunblocks are for running too!

2009-06-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

i discovered tan lines on my legs after Sunday's Mizuno Time Trials similar to the photo below. the run was between 5:30am and 7am, so even that early runners are prone to sunburn.

ack! may ika-iitim pa pala ako? haha

and so, you'll find a few resources below on running outdoors and protecting your skin. this is good especially for those who do long-runs.

tips on protecting your skin the sun:

Runners spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun, so it's important that we take steps to protect our skin from sun exposure. Follow these tips to protect your skin from the sun when running outdoors:

Choose the right sunscreen. Use a waterproof sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 and offers broad spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Stick formulations are good for runners' faces because the sunscreen won't run into your eyes.
Run early or late. Try to avoid running between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's intensity is at its greatest. If you must train during those hours, try to stick to shady roads or trails.
Wear a hat with a brim. A hat will give your face extra protection. (Although you'll still need sunscreen on your face.) It will also help absorb sweat, so the sunscreen doesn't run into your eyes.
Put on your sunscreen ahead of time. Slather on your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you head out for your run. Your skin needs time to absorb the lotion.
Don't skip sunscreen for short runs. You can get a sunburn in as little as 15 minutes, so don't think doing a short run means you don't need sunscreen.
Reapply after two hours. Sunscreen starts to lose effectiveness at about the two-hour mark, or even sooner if you're sweating heavily, so you'll need to reapply if you're doing a long run or race. Carry a small tube of sunscreen or a one-use, wipe sunscreen in your pocket, so that you can reapply it to your face, neck and arms as you run.
Put on sunscreen before getting dressed. Make sure you cover areas of your body that you assume may be protected. Some summer running clothes are made of mesh or very thin fabric, so they might not provide protection from the sun's rays. Also, your clothes move when you run (or, if you get hot, you may choose to take off some clothes, like your shirt). So it's best to make sure you're fully covered with sunscreen.
Wear shades. A good pair of UV-blocking running sunglasses give your face more protection and also help protect your eyes from the sun's damaging rays.

what's on 1/10/2010???

2009-06-08T01:36:00.000-07:00

BEAT IT! I saaaay BEAT IT!

Mark your calendars, ladies and gents... It's officially RACE DAY!

You may see the latest information from MIZUNO PH, as of writing, to know more about RACE DAY.

Infinity Run Race Day 1.10.10

Posted: June 07, 2009

Get ready to BEAT YOUR TIME!!!

I. SCHEDULE

1) REGISTRATION will start on October 2009

2) VENUE: 28th street, behind the NBC Tent, bound by the 7th avenue.

3) DATE: Assembly time: 5:00 a.m., January 10, 2010

II. ELIGIBILITY

1) Must be an infinity Run 2009 TIME TRIALS Registrant.

2) Infinity Run 2009 TIME TRIALS results will determine time category for RACE DAY.

3) Distance category should be the same as Infinity Run 2009 TIME TRIALS

*Open category for new participants. TIME TRIALS FOR INFINITY RUN 2011.

Present INFINITY RUN 2009 TIME TRIALS race bib to avail discounted registration fee for INFINITY RUN RACE DAY 01.10.10

SOURCE:

http://mizuno.ph/index.php/news/sport_entry/race_day_11010/

i'm 148th out of 858!

2009-06-08T01:22:00.000-07:00

yay!

i'm 148th!

and so the back (and LEG!!!) pains i'm having now

and the gashes i found after taking a bath,

ARE ALL WORTH IT!

SEE YOU ON JAN 10, 2010!

run: new gear --- not running gear but running blog!

2009-06-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

oh yes! i'll have a major gear facelift soon! my running blog that is.

here's a preview of my would-be running blog.

you like? drop a comment or two.

my mizuno infinity run 7-jun-2009

2009-06-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

man, that was good! that's all i can say.

i thought i couldn't do it. i thought i'd give up after 10kilometers on my feet. i thought my shins would act up. but hey, i'm here and blogging about how i finished my 15K! :-)

my mind's in a ramble now. i'm directly writing what i'm thinking. so please pardon the lack of cohesiveness of my thoughts.

i actually started strong. but my thighs started to give up halfway through the race. i should take the thigh-track in body pump seriously now. i passed by senator pia cayetano at the start of the race. i tried to conserve the water in my belt by drinking at the water stations.i was so happy to see a gatorade station in front of rcbc tower in buendia. just as we were crossing south super highway, i zoomed passed coach rio who's pacing with big tycoon zobel de ayala. (i noticed he was wearing the nike vomero's that i really, really wanted. hey, it's loose change for him. hihi). after the turnaround point at bautista-buendia makati, they picked up their pace and passed by me. nyek. i thought it was my time to beat them. a little bit more i noticed ms tessa prieto valdez too! a little further, joining the 10km category, i saw miss jaja and cheza. no more familiar faces after that. but there was a big smile on my face. i was just really happy that i was on my way back.

i was around the 9th-km mark when i took an energy gel from my hydration belt. i hope it did help me in the ascend at the buendia flyover. and oh, before the run i took an energy gel, mixed with water for faster absorption (thanks for the tip, jojo!) and before i went to boni high street, i popped a couple of enervon-c capsulets and a couple of advils.

i finally saw the finish line! i just started to dash my way while shouting with joy! my time, based on what i saw, was one hour and twenty-three minutes (to be confirmed).

highlights:

seeing up-close the billboard of RnB Prince, JR, along EDSA with nothing but jacket and briefs. eeep! i was on my way back when i glanced at it quite longer than the usual glance. kahiya, lumalabas tuloy.
finally having a photo-op session after the race. thanks to cheza and ryan. we were posing at the finish line, behind the mizuno board, etc. i never had any race picture taken. maybe because i'm always alone in these running events. i will have to ask the photos from cheza and upload 'em here in a separate post.
someone at the gym recognized me and asked if i was the owner of this blog. oh wow! thank you again, i was really stupid not to ask for your name, fellow runner and gym-mate. i was actually quite surprised that you recognized me. thanks again! and do drop a comment here.

boo-hoos:

my nike+ kit zonked out. my ipod was working. it was more of the receiver acting up. hey! i thought that the mercury retrograde was over!

props to Narnian who also finished his first 15K earlier. i'm faster than you dude-pare-tsong-bro!

before i forget, a big shout-out to Him for blessing me with good health, supportive family and friends and a thumbs-up financial backing to get the gear that i need (sana gear that i want too!).

what's a great reward for a runner who's done a great run?

more running gear! i bought a no-show elite running cushioned socks after mass! yay! cheers to running!

oh vomero's, i'm looking at you now. you're my next target!

mizuno infinity run 2009 outfit!

2009-06-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

and i'll be blazing on the road this sunday! i'm afraid someone might cheer out, "Ponkan na ponkan!" (Oh well, at least someone cheered for me!)

orange shirt.

compression shorts

air span+ 4

not in the photos are the cushioned elite running socks, white cap, racing sunglasses and hydration belt. and oh, my ipod with nike+ kit too!

all from nike. i should be locally endorsing the brand. or at least get discounts.

and if you ask why Ponkan na ponkan, see video from YouTube.COM below.

my run on 4-june-2009 and u.s. national running day

2009-06-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ran earlier but the super-duper heavy rains caught me. I was warming up from World Trade Center in Buendia to the CCP Complex, when suddenly the heavens poured itself upon us. Too bad, I was planning to run, EVEN if it still rains. Man, the rain drops were so big. All of the other runners took shelter at the CCP main theather driveway.

When it trickled down a bit, around 15 minutes later, I continued my run to and made a U-turn at Quirino. Ran all the way back to Macapagal Highway and ended the run at Seaside.

I feel I'm not ready for the 2009 Infinity Run's 15K.

Meanwhile... See article from Running at About.COM.

Run! It's National Running Day!

Today is the inaugural National Running Day in the U.S., and I've talked to lots of runners -- from beginners to veterans -- who are planning on running today (many of them would be running whether it was National Running Day or not!) There are lots of organized runs happening today all over the country. If you can't join in one of those, try to get out on the roads, track, trails, or treadmill for a mile or two and think about all the great reasons to run.

my run on 1-june-2009

2009-06-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

i totally forgot to post this one.

i ran on the treadmill after my body pump class at fitness first in mall of asia.

running: tips on running on the beach

2009-05-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

summer's about to end here in the philippines. one last hurrah for those who're heading to the beach. here's something from about.com in running. enjoy your run!

Running on the beach can not only be a peaceful, beautiful running experience, but it can also help make you a stronger runner. Running in the sand, especially dry sand, is tougher than running on pavement, so you'll definitely work harder on the beach. But being able to jump in the water after you're finished will make it worth your effort. Here are some tips for running on the beach:

Start on wet sand.

If you're new to beach running, start out on wet, firm sand -- it's much easier to run on than the soft, dry sand. You can slowly add 2 or 3-minute intervals on the softer sand, with longer recoveries on the wet sand. As you get used to the dry sand, you can start running on it for longer stretches.

Stick to flat ground.

Avoid running along a beach that's sloped because it can lead to injuries in your knees and ankles.

Don't expect to run your usual pace.

Again, running on the beach is harder than running on the pavement or on a treadmill, so you'll need to slow down. Don't overdo it.

Stay hydrated.

To prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses, make sure you hydrate properlyand have plenty of water available. If there aren't any water fountains, you'll need to carry water or at least some cash to buy bottled water.

Protect your skin.

Running on the beach usually means that you're in direct sunlight, so make sure you protect your skin with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Try to avoid running between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's intensity is at its greatest.
More: Sun Protection Tips for Runners

Ease into barefoot running.

Barefoot running is a good way to build up strength in your feet. But because we're used to wearing shoes all the time, our feet are not nearly as strong as they could be. If you start running barefoot on the beach too fast or too frequently, you could injure yourself. Start out with short runs -- just 15 minutes or so -- to build up some strength in your feet. And, of course, be on the lookout for broken glass and sea shells.

Have a pair of beach running shoes.

There aren't specific shoes made for beach running, but you're better off dedicating a pair of your running shoes for beach runs. That way, you don't have to bother trying to get all the sand out of your shoes after your runs.

my run on 28-may-2009

2009-05-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

yay! i did an 11K run at ccp-roxas boulevard and back to marcos highway this morning.

of course, i'm not sure if my nike+ is accurate, but still i'm happy that i ran this morning. earth run 2009 and mizuno infinity run, here i come!

my run on 21-may-2009

2009-05-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

i was to claim my free massage from the bull runner last thursday, but i didn't catch her.

luckily, i have my running gear with me so off i went to ff-boni. i managed a few rounds around boni high street and felt my the soles of my feet warming up. the ground was still a bit hot from the afternoon sun. that really affirmed my liking to running during early morning.

running: on half-marathon training

2009-05-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

since i mentioned earlier that i'm gonna share relevant running information to the readers of this blog, lemme start today.

below is a Q&A with coach jay from the nike plus blog, inside nike running. it's really relevant for me since i'm starting to increase my mileage, and ultimately (and hopefully) run a half-marathon before the 2009 ends.

see below.

Hello Coach,

I just ran the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville in a time of 1:55. I didn’t really train besides running 10 to 13 miles three to four times a week. I really want to improve my time. When and what training do I need to do so I can be ready for next year’s half marathon?

Thanks Coach,

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Wow, what an interesting email. My first thought? You need to be particular about your running routes and make sure they are truly 10 and 13 miles. You can obviously use Nike+ to do this or you can use some type of mapping software. Regardless, you should go back and map out your runs. If you’re off by even a half-mile on a 10+ mile run, it will significantly impact your pace.

Second, if you complete three runs per week at the distances you listed below that’s FANTASTIC work. You just have to work a little smarter and harder. You ran at about an 8:45 mile pace for the half marathon. That makes the ‘track math’ for a faster race as easy as an 8:00 minute pace. That’s simply 2:00 per lap (400m) or 1:00 per half lap (200m). So, find a local track to start and end your workout from. You can do a 10 mile run on local roads near the track, running easy for 3 miles, then running the next 3 miles at a pace that is comfortable but not easy, and ending at a local track. Once you’re at the track, do this succession: run 4 laps at 2:00 a lap for an 8:00 minute mile, jog 400m SLOWLY, run another mile in 8:00 minutes, jog 400m slowly, run a final mile in 8:00 minutes and then finally jog 800m-1,600m as your cool down. This will help you get a feel for the 8:00 minute pace, which is just under 1:45 for a half marathon. It will also help you learn how to run a little faster in training, even when you’re tired.

Finally, consider adding a longer long run in each week. 15 or 16 miles is not unrealistic for someone with your running background. Also, you can see if you can make the last 20-30 minutes of the run your goal half marathon pace.

The number of quality days you have are fine and you don’t need to change that, but you do need to do some running at your goal half marathon pace, even if it’s in your 10 to 13 mile training runs.

Good luck Kevin and thanks for the intriguing question.

my run on 14-may-2009

2009-05-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

i'm officially making a comeback!!!

ran a good 9.8kms according to my nike+ counter, which i honestly think isn't accurate. i just enjoyed my run. started at don bosco pasay road, all the way up to edsa. at edsa, took a left to hotel dusit thani to ayala. ayala to makati ave, then circled around the streets of salcedo village.

i manage to run for a good 35mins, then changed my song to All American Rejects' 20-minute speed workout. i had 8-speed one-minute speed bursts and a half-minute recovery. i think i would have been better running on a track for that kind of training.

download your AAR workout music here.

oh, an update. my shins don't hurt much anymore. i think it has something to do with the lacing of my shoes as well. i also do a forefoot strike/landing so my quads and calves get the action.

and starting now. i'm gonna share what i'm learning from the net.

my run on 05-may-2009

2009-05-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

after almost two months of avoiding runs, i ran this morning!

a good 5K revved up the running machine in me! i'm really concentrating on landing on my forefoot to avoid stress on my shins, which i think worked! i wasn't experiencing any shin pain earlier. but i have to honestly say that i popped an advil before my run just in case. boohoo..

but still, i ran this morning. and i'm really happy that i did it!

and oh, i got my Nike+ Milestone today too! i logged in a total of 250K ever since i started using it. but of course, i ran more than 250K than this record. i'm just happy to have this achievement though.

wanna see my certificate? click this link.

yay!

my run on 13-apr-2009

2009-04-13T04:37:00.000-07:00

after the loooooooong hiatus due to the pain in my right shin, i was able to run this morning! yey!

i took muscle relaxants (myonal) as prescribed by a doc last week. this was because two saturdays ago, my right shin was in great pain after running a few KMs in my usual roxas boulevard route. i didn't know why. there are a lot of reasons to it, and it must be because i pushed myself hard during the condura run 2009.

although there's still pain, i was able to run a good 6KM++ this morning. thank GOD!

i'm looking forward to Sunday's Greenfield run.

oh! men vs women!

2009-03-31T02:14:00.000-07:00

ooooooh! this i sooooo love!

this is a re-post from a favorite blog of mine, ohlalamag.com.

EVA LONGORIA VS TONY PARKER

Why is Eva Longoria throwing Tony Parker's running shows in the Canyon from their Hollywood Hills mansion !?

Don't worry it's all good between those two, Eva just wanted to help women to win the Nike Plus Challenge bien sur! Unless Eva Longoria is running with her high heel shoes then I don't get why Tony Parker through them out of the window too ... Come on Tony you gotta to stop her from running not shopping on Rodeo Drive ;-)

This European marketing campaign 'Men vs Women Challenge' starting on March 13 and ending on April 20 is the world’s largest running club Nike Plus will register the kilometers of men and women who join an official Men vs. Women online running challenge using the Nike+ system.

Launched in 2006, Nike+ allows Nike+ running shoes to transmit data wirelessly to an iPod nano, an iPod touch or Nike+ SportBand. Information on time, distance, pace and calories burned during a run.

The Men vs. Women campaign features a television ad that star Roger Federer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Tony Parker and Eva Longoria Parker, Paula Radcliffe, Sofia Boutella and Fernando Torres.

View photos from the campaign and the making of the campaign HERE.

i'm 109 versus 1,313

2009-03-24T02:48:00.000-07:00

i looooove it!

i'm in the 109th place over 1,313 10K runners this condura run 2009!!! my target was to be in the top 100, or at least in the top 10 percent, but it's okay. i'm so happy!

And congratulations to my friends who ran as well, you know who you are.

my run on 22-mar-2009

2009-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

stiffness in my legs makes me walk funny today... i can't use my salon pas at the office, so advil is my bestfriend for now. wish i had a massage yesterday, it ought to lessen the muscle stiffness i'm having now...

but it was worth it!

i didn't run the 21K skyway run, but the 10K route passing through the the fort-edsa-buendia flyover was the nearest i got to the skies. i'm so happy i did that.

my misses:

forgetting to put adhesive bandage on my right sole, resulting to a blister from my shoe... it was quite painful at the 7th km onwards
always training on flatlands, resulting to difficulty in ascending the flyover at buendia
not winning on any of the door prizes (kahet 1000-php Nike GC man lang...)

so worth it:

running so free and adrenaline pumping
seeing the dawning metro manila sun on top of the flyover
meeting a couple of dogs doing the 5K (they even have turn-point ribbons with them!!!)
feeling so proud to those who did the 21K (one day, i'm gonna do the same!)
wearing super-duper short running shorts (see photo below)! haha! alavet!

my purchases at nike outlet at sta. rosa laguna the day prior the race... more gear! alavet more!

a couple of nike running shorts for 300php each!

nike hydration belt for spring '07 it costs 1800 at nike stores by half the price at the outlet

shoe wallet on runs where my shorts doesn't have a pocket... only php303

yay! what i wore for condura run

he's cute, isn't he?

2009-03-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

just wanna share chris hughes...

sure, he's facebook's co-founder, so young... a brilliant offspring of hardvard, he helped barack obama's online campaign. he's just 25 y/o (a year older than i am ) but he's accomplished a lot. he was just featured in fast company. but i'm proud to say, that he's out and proud as well, according to valleywag.

see a video of him below:

but... a big BUT! i think multiply's ceo and co-founder peter pezaris and vp and co-founder dave hersh are waaaaaay hotter than chris hughes.

my run last 18-mar-2009

2009-03-19T01:39:00.000-07:00

as i get ready for the condura 10K, i ran for 10K this morning...

been very busy with work. sheeesh.

my run on 15-mar-2009: at Tagaytay!

2009-03-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

it's pay-day weekend!!!

we were off to Tagaytay, and we did an almost 10K run. saraaaaap! the hills gave me my much needed leg-work. it was an exhilirating first time! there was heavy drizzling while we were running. plus, the tagaytay winds were quite strong. i think my sweat dried off as soon as they left my pores. it was also my first time to encounter fog all over the place! running with full moon at the baywalk just came in second compared to the captivating view of Taal Lake! we hope to run at Tagaytay at least once a month.

tagaytay photo from stormcrypt of flicker.

i'm soooo ready for the condura run!

after a quick jolibee breakfast, i bought a rose cactus for 50-bucks only at a nearby garden. the ate said it's watered once a week only, so i think this one's perfect for me. i fell in love with its green-ish leaves arranged as rose petals. the ate also said that it grow babies with it's offsprings having their own roots. i'll have to look for a shallow yet wide clay pot for this one. let us see in a few months if i have the green-thumb like my nanay and my mamang does.

photo of rose cacti from jardek of flicker.

i could have gotten a bonsai too, but my place at the office is nowhere near a window/sunlight. maintaining it maybe difficult at this time.

my run on 12-mar-2009

2009-03-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

the moon was quite high and so full, even at 5:30 in the morning.

it was a peaceful, serene run. the moon reminded me of how lucky i am to be alive. and how lucky i am to be so blessed with family and friends. and how lucky i am to love and be loved in return. and how lucky i am to get through each day and wake up to another. and how lucky i am to be guided by Him.

stay-in-love-Mondays

2009-03-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

... is my theme for today, and for the rest of Mondays to come. come to think of it, most of us dread mondays. it's the thought of going back to work, or school, that makes us want to avoid mondays. ambilis palagi nang weekend.

and 'cause i didn't run earlier. i actually woke up at the sound of my alarm, but chose to ignore it. i'll run tomorrow instead.

and to all who're in-, i'm dedicating a song tp all of you. i placed my iTunes in shuffle-mode and this came up. it's from Disney's animated movie, Hercules. i bought the movie's soundtrack when i was in grade-6. then my sister took it from me. it never came back... this is my favorite song-- #2 lang si Go The Distance.

and this also goes to Lance-- who's telling his own fairytale in his blog as i was doing my daily blog roll... Oi, Lance, tulala ka palagi sa gym.

my run on 07-mar-2009

2009-03-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

wooooooot! had a 9.5KM run this morning... and i feeeeel geeewd!

i had the same route like last saturday. only this time, i extended my run all the way to luneta park. i also didn't stop when i was at ccp. i went all the way to buendia/roxas blvd and started to slow down at the department of foreign affairs area.

as i bade bye-bye to jose's home, i went for a much needed hydration break at a nearby 7-11 along UN Ave. i went in to buy a drink, then off i go again! i wasn't able to buy a hydration pack pa. nike's hydration waist pack is so darn expensive, so i might settle for mizuno's endurabelt lite for now.

i saw jamie earlier! he tweet-ed that he'll be running daw. keep it up jamie! ang aga mo at ang haba na nang tinakbo mo!

yun lang pow...

i'm running for whale sharks and for the operation smile

2009-03-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

I RAN FOR THE WHALE SHARKS.

That's the caption in my Condura Run shirt, along with my race bib for the upcoming race, which i received last night. In short, i had myself registered and i got my race pack already. Yesiree! I'm officially running for 10K this coming Mar-22.

All runners get 10% discount at Nike Park stores in Manila.

And i threw in 100php more to donate to Operation Smile, mabuti na lang I read TakboPH's site entry before i registered. Those you donated can proudly were a 2nd bib during the race. I'm doing so! :-)

To those who haven't registered, and are planning to, let's run for a good cause (or two!) this coming 22nd of March. Cheers!

my run on 05-mar-2009

2009-03-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

as i prepare myself for the Condura Run on mar-22, i'm doing longer runs now to build endurance and stamina. it's usually on an easy pace, between 5'30"-6'30"/km...

i ran a new route as well, so the change of scenery helped a lot. i took the osmena highway to vito cruz extension, then turned right to ayala ave extension and finished the run around salcedo village. alternative and r&b music from the hives, metro station, boys like girls and lady gaga stayed with me throughout the run.

so far, so good --i might say. i want to run an easy pace 9 to 10K this coming saturday. i'm sooooo looking forward to that!

binondo food trip!

2009-03-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

super sarap the food and the company, what more can you ask for?

thanks blogger friends: MGG, McVie, Eug, MrHubs, AJ, LobsterTony, Jamie, JayBeeCC, and JohnStan! Especially thanks to Jamie and Eug who knows Binondo to the max; MGG for the video-diary; JohnStan for the lunch-treat and Eug and MrHubs for the ride back home in Makati.

Sa uulitin!

my run on 02-mar-2009

2009-03-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

i had an easy run early this morning. it was quickie as i had to rush to the office. i have somewhere to go pa kasi after office.

my run on 28-feb-2009

2009-02-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

my longest run, to date!

gaaaaaaaad! i looooove the feeling! started my warm-up at buendia, then i paused at picc to stretch. i ran around around ccp, then turned left to roxas boulevard. baywalk had it's share of fitness enthusiasts! moms doing aerobics and fellow runners are all over the place! parang fiesta lang! i went back the same route, back to ccp. a total of 7.5K, done in 45minutes! whew! that means i can do a 10K in an hour or so! woooooooow!

i kept my pace, as much a possible, steady to build up my endurance as advised by miss jaja. i would have hesitated running this route, because unlike running around makati-cbd, baywalk doesn't have it's abundance of 7-11s and mini-stops. i need to buy that nike hydration belt with cute water bottles in it! or that nike belted hydration pack! or those from camelback for running! here goes another payday, or bonus!

anyway, thanks Cheza for suggesting this route.

i'm back on my game!

The Lamppost shows you the Way, Truth and Life

2009-02-22T12:22:00.000-08:00

The Lamppost - The name of this room that could locate the Island is an allusion to the lamppost in 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' by C.S. Lewis. The lamppost in Lewis' novel lead was landmark that showed the children how to get back to their world. --TV.COM/Lost

WARNING: Lost spoilers and an entry that talks about religion and morals.

The Lamppost showed Ben and Jack how to go back to the Island. The latest episode surely had me on the edge of my seat, (or the edge of my bed!). A lot of questions were answered in this episode. Like how John Locke died from Season4, how the Oceanic6 was able to go back to the Island. But a lot of questions were also posed after 41-minutes and 45-seconds of Episode 6. Questions like where's Baby (well, now a toddler) Aaron, why is Sayid in handcuffs on the way to Guam, who and what was the significance of that Mid-Eastern guy... Tsk tsk! They considered the Island as considered a sacred, mysterious place that draws them together, whatever their differences are.

Well, yesterday, I had re-discouvered my own sort of Lamppost. It has been my Lamppost since I was small, but over the past few years I forgot I had one. It was a constant, always-there figure in my life, but until one seeks it's refuge, one wouldn't bother going to the Lamppost. I'm talking about Church. And yes, I attended yesterday's services at 1030am at the Greenbelt Chapel.

I consider the Church as a "safe" place. I remember when I was small, my whole family would attend the Sunday 8-am mass. Rain or shine, we should all dress-up and proceed to the nearby Church. I'd attend without hesitation. I'm happy going to Church. But lately though, as I grow up, I took on a few principles on living life-- that somehow contradicts the Church. That is when my Church attendance trickled to twice a month, then once a month. Until lately, I attended only during special occassions like Christmas or my birthday. I think i mentioned that in my previous post about Bare: the musical.

I felt peaceful and safe yesterday. Even if it's summer-y already, I didn't bother the warm weather. There was a bit of breeze anyway. I was a bit late actually, I arrived during the Responsorial Psalm. I somehow listened through the Celebrant's Homily, but my mind was more of thinking what he's talking about. I was surprised to still remember the responses! I was alone but YES, i felt peaceful and safe!

I want to do it again next Sunday, and the Sundays that follow.

have some Bare...

2009-02-19T04:09:00.000-08:00

i was invited by Gibbs to watch Bare last night.

we met up with MGG prior to the show. i also met miss sharmaine buencamino, an award-winning actress. i instantly recognized her as being the nanay of bea alonzo's character in One More Chance. alavet!

anyway, bare is a love story-- between two Catholic high-school boys that is. things get complicated when one can't handle the fact that the other is so damn proud of their relationship. the other just wants to shout out to the rest of the world that their in love. he can't stand being out-ed. mix in drugs, sex and booze, and you got one edgy play.

there were two things that i like about the story/play. first is that i feel for peter-- the guy who's so proud of his love for jason but somehow gets disappointed with the jason's attitude to it. ever since, i'm always this type. you might call it the giver, expecting nothing in return. i'm happy with the fact that i love to love. i am human after all, so after a while, i tend to give up when i see there's no chance. no spark of hope. second thing that i like about the play is that "god don't make no trash". i'm not a devout Catholic. i go to church only on special occasions, like christmas, new year's, my birthday, etc. i came from a Catholic background. a family of regular Sunday church-goers, with my education in Catholica elementary and high schools. i actually believe there is a God-- a higher being, and who's created all of us equally. i'm just satisfied with the fact that what i do, i do it for the greater glory/good and that i don't step on anyone else's rights.

let me share with you, a couple of songs from the play that i sooooo love. these are from the Indianapolis staging of the said play.

Role of a Lifetime	God Don't Make No Trash

find time to watch Bare, visit their multiply site so you can check the terriffic students who staged this play-- http://baremanila.multiply.com. the play runs february 17-21 and 24-28 at 8PM at the Gonzaga Exhibit Hall in ADMU. You may contact alexa yupangco for tickets at +639177220805.

my 19-feb-2009 run

2009-02-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

quote for the day: "The distance is nothing; it's only the first step that is difficult." -Marquise du Deffand

i've been really, really lacking the motivation the past two months on running. and i'm blaming it on the Christmas holidays. shame on me. tsk tsk. i just wanna jumpstart this running addiction once again.

does anyone have a suggestion?