Thursday, February 25, 2010

About Running


[Source: http://running.about.com/od/runninghumor/a/runningquotes.htm]

Runners, especially long-distance runners, have a lot of time to think about why they run. At some point, you may question why you run and wonder if you should continue to get out there. When that happens, remembering one of these motivational running quotes.
"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."
- Steve Prefontaine
"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs."
-Jesse Owens
"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
-Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner
"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder
"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it."
-Oprah Winfrey
"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
-PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian
"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
- Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner
"We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves...The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable."
-Sir Roger Bannister, first runner to run a sub-4 minute mile
"Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?'. The answer is usually: 'Yes'."
-Paul Tergat, Kenyan professional marathoner
"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham, running speaker and writer

[Source: http://running.about.com/od/runninghumor/a/runningquotes.htm]

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Unilab Run United for Wellness

Astounded! Having been able to participate in Unilab’s Run United for Wellness. It was a great running experience for me though I wasn’t able to beat my time. I was 40 seconds late [2:11:56 – 2:12:34]. I was one of the late registrants who registered at Runnr BHS. waited for more than an hour. Funny thing, they gave Php50 off to those who waited for hours for their race kits.
I admire the massive marketing and execution during the race day, having to stage a massive production with thousands of participants. I believe it’s very well funded, Unilab ‘Yan! I love everything that is well funded. Loop holes are zero or negligible, excellence is very present, Unilab ‘Yan! Lots of freebies, tons of activities practically for everyone, free consultation, free meds, free this, free that. 5 Diamonds for being very well funded. Two thumbs up for meeting the 21K finishers at the finish line, handing them their medals and finisher's kit, ensuring human traffic is avoided, thus providing order.
The best part, free photo opps with pretty models. No one’s left behind and what a great way to run united for wellness with your family---great concept. Here are some of the highlights from my side of the world:

Guys lining up to get their freebies
people are lining up to have their Photovendo shots
Entrance. Exit.
The models in this side of the field are prettier


playing Wii, trying to knock-out Manny Pacquiao

Monday, February 22, 2010

Century Tuna Superbods Run 2010


Barrier Breaking---my first 21K run. Super Fun. I trained hard for this. I signed up 31 days before the race and I literally pushed myself to the limit. If am gonna make it, then good for me. There will always be bigger and better mountains; if I don’t, then poor me, better job next time---I don’t wanna hear this….ever! [I can imagine Dr. House saying losers are sissies] By God’s grace, I made it! What I thought could be a 4 hour treading exercise turned out to be 2:12:08, they say it’s not bad for a newbie runner.
The Training
I allotted 3-5K daily runs [road runs and/or tread mill]and 11K runs [from Summit Ridge Tagaytay to my place is 11K] during Sundays. 1000 ropes for warm up and 2000 ropes after running followed by mixed abs exercises. still trying to make the 1650calories but I cheat on Sundays knowing that I’ll be doing endurance exercises [the bulalo calories would have been burned] the secret weapon: Cordymax, thanks to my friend who recommended Cordymax. I literally felt like my lungs just got bigger, I can carry as much oxygen as I can then breathe pace-fully. One word: Amazing! [About Cordymax Click here. Tell him you read about it from my blog and he’ll give you big discounts].
The Reason
When I saw the TVC of Century Tuna Superbods, I thought to myself there’s no way am not gonna be there. Too many pretty faces and shapes are gonna be present and I would really want to be a part of it [Brazilian models will be there. I don’t know, I find them ravishing]. I don’t have a heart for missions but if given a chance, I’d definitely go to Brazil for missions. :) The girls are pretty, their colors are pretty, their accent is pretty, everything is pretty, Viva Brazil! ~ talk about wrong mission motives. Nonetheless, this will be my first official race, and my first half mary so lesgow!
The Cup
Drinking stations are present for every 2 kilometers, and I love it. The models were there giving refreshments to runners as they go the next stretch. I look forward to drinking stations since the models were there---pretty faces, adorable. Imagine being stranded in the middle of Sahara with the sun ever present above you and you’re only hope for survival is in the hands of pretty models, isn’t life worth living? Amen!
The Bottle Neck
I probably slowed down and walked for more than 10 times. My calves are getting stiff and the screws in my knees are getting loose. I thought they’d pop but hey, I trained hard for this, my God saves. I slowed down in the dark areas so people won’t see me haha. Reaching my endurance level, Cordymax delivered it’s best shot. My heart was pumping regularly fast. It never ceases to amaze me, I thought my lungs expanded and is pumping twice the capacity. My concern then was not my heart nor my lungs----my knees and my legs are---they need lubrication. Screws need to be tightened.
The Motivation
I slowed down when I was about to reach Heritage Park. I think that was about the 12th kilometer when some guy wearing black singlet rushed on my left. I said to myself, how dare you! But when I looked through, this guy ain’t got no arms, I think he lost both arms, just some wings to move inertia. Meeen when I saw him, I thought to myself “Now what’s my excuse?! Why am I slowing down?” I ran towards him to see his structure closely but I didn’t get him, he was rushing and was gone with the wind. As we say it: “Kung gusto may paraan; Kung ayaw maraming dahilan.” [If you really want something done, you’ll do everything to make it; else, excuses will ever be present] who is this guy? I wanna know him, I wanna meet him.
The Nourishment
Then the sponges came then the hammer gels. Great job hammer gels! Back in track.
The Breakthrough
My longest mileage was 12K and upon reaching my 13th kilometer, ooohhh mmeeeeenn!!! Barrier-Breaking Feeling! There’s some sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Then the 16th , 17th all the way to 19th 20th up until the last stretch, Meeeenn, Grace Awakening. Remembered one of my fave passages: “Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit says the LORD. ~ Zechariah 4th Chapter”
The Score
I don’t have any basis for comparison but nonetheless, I loved RunRio Leg 1, I think it was perfect. Awesome marketing, unbelievable attendance, portalets are more than enough, baggage counters are safely administered, runners are pampered and I give 5 diamonds for the pretty models who provided the nourishments. Great Job Coach Rio Looking forward to Leg 2.




Thursday, February 18, 2010

Staying Motivated to Run


[Source: http://www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/training/runmotivation.asp]
Running and motivation go hand-in-hand. When it comes to staying motivated, running is a mind game. Numerous articles, books, and news reports have been written on the externals or physical side of running (i.e. training, injury-prevention, nutrition, running apparel, running accessories, etc.), but far too little space and time has been dedicated to running motivation. It is time to reverse the trend. Seek motivation first and the desire to run, and run successfully, will surely follow.
Let's take a look at several tips and techniques for you to obtain, maintain, and increase your motivation to run: set goals; utilize a training log; implement the buddy system; surround yourself with reminders; be creative with your workouts; set completion goals, not time goals; do more than run; visit a running store; occasionally enter a race; reward yourself when you succeed.
Set goals
A great motivation technique is to set running goals for yourself so that you can monitor your progress on a weekly or monthly basis. As you are able to see your progress, your enthusiasm for running will soar. Listed below are some specific goal setting tips:
Be specific - In order to stimulate your motivation, you need to be specific with your goal setting. Instead of saying you are going to set a personal best in a 10K road race, set a goal to improve on your personal best by 15 seconds in the next six months.
Set a deadline - Complacency and an attitude of "I will work on that later" will set in if your deadline for achieving your goal is not defined. Add a sense of urgency to your goal by adding a specific timeframe and watch your motivation skyrocket!
Set realistic but difficult to obtain goals - Your running goals should be achievable and challenging at the same time. An unrealistic goal will kill motivation but a goal that is too easily obtained will lead to boredom.
Write and review your goals - Writing down your goals creates your roadmap to success. Although just the act of writing them down can set the process in motion, it is also extremely important to frequently review your goals. Remember, the more focused you are on your running goals the more likely you are to accomplish them.
Develop a plan and work it - Develop a plan of action to achieve your running goals and then just do it! By taking the time to decide on the specific steps needed to achieve your goals, you increase your motivation and your chances of success. The final step is to get out there and work your plan.
Utilize a training log
Keep a training log of each run. Record times, distances, time of day, weather, your pulse rate, progress toward goals and any other statistic or aspect of your running you might find valuable. A training log allows you to monitor your progress and learn from your mistakes. Many runners regularly review their training logs to look at the work they have done in the past to provide motivation for the future.
Implement the buddy system
Run with a compatible training partner or running group. Finding others with which to run makes time fly, provides accountability, builds friendships, and provides mutual motivation on those days when you or your partner(s) just "don't feel like it". Don't know of anyone to run with? Check out your local running club. A running club is a great to place to find other runners who run your pace. Running clubs include runners at every level and, if they don't, they soon cease to exist.
Surround yourself with reminders
Sustained motivation is key to achieving your potential. One way to keep your motivation high is to find out what fires you up, and then surround yourself with it. Examples include: posters, quotes, photos, inspiring literature, biographies of successful runners, running books, running magazines, and videos. Place your "mental stimuli" where you can see it every day.
Be creative with your workouts
Doing the same workout day after day leads to boredom and burnout. Alter your workout routine by incorporating some or all of the following: leave your watch at home and run for the enjoyment of it without worrying about time goals; change the time of day you normally run (if you are a morning runner, switch to running in the evening and vice versa); find some new running routes; alter the distance you normally run; challenge yourself by adding some speed or hill repeats to your workout. Being creative with your workout will add new life to your running.
Set completion goals, not time goals
At some point, you just won't be able to beat the clock any longer. All runners eventually reach the point where they aren't going to get any faster. To avoid discouragement and possibly even quitting the sport, cultivate new running goals. Decide to complete a specific number of races a year or to complete a longer distance race. Whatever you determine, keep your running fresh, challenging, and new by setting some non-time related goals.
Do more than run
To add a boost of motivation, incorporate some cross training in your workout routine. There are many other activities, other than running, that can increase your strength, flexibility, and aerobic conditioning. Mix in some cycling, swimming, in-line roller skating, hiking, cross-country skiing, or weight training. Just do it!
Visit a running store
Stop by a running store on a regular basis to pick up a race application, running accessory, new running magazine, or the latest running book. Your motivation to run will be lifted when you put yourself in an environment that supports your goals. Running stores thrive based on people like you who love to run. They are thrilled to answer your questions, give suggestions, and discuss your training.
Occasionally enter a race
Want to increase your motivation and feel the adrenaline of competition? Enter an occasional fun, local race. The spill-over effect will keep you motivated for weeks afterward and may even spur you on to enter even more races!
Reward yourself when you succeed
Rewards can be a powerful motivator. When you do succeed, make sure to do something nice for yourself. Many runners who have reached their goal treat themselves to some tangible reward: a new running shirt, a sports watch, a meal at a nice restaurant, or a special trip. The ideas are limited only by your imagination. Bottom line: be good to yourself.

[Source: http://www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/training/runmotivation.asp]


it's the very same thing in business...now, i think i know why am running....I heard a Pastor who said that our different roles in life are not really that different, just in titles. the very essence of the different things we do are actually interrelated. God won't give us roles that are entirely different from the other.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Running on Valentines - Runscapades 2/14/10


and the training continues....while others joined the The North Face Trail Run in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, I enjoyed my training trail, the Summit Ridge route. We had a Valentines Day family lunch in Summit Ridge also then we went home. Overindulging again with the sizzling steak and their generous rice serving, i thought i need a detox run. I feel like am a little bit slow this time...because of the food, i think. but it was great. Hope next year, I wont be running alone on this same date, God knows. yeah!

I wonder how is it like running in Nuvali... hope I could tread upon the hills and lakes of Nuvali sometime...

the new running pacer

my iPod classic who's been with me for the longest time...died.
it didnt feel to turn on just always a bad sector. hate it.
it's actually my brother's iPod but he really wanted a PSP
so since he's not using he's iPod, i asked him if i could just have it.
sweeeeeetttt!!!

but it died on me. it has been with me while am traveling, while am running
and pretty much while doing everything. bad thing is, my most treasured
podcasts and audiobooks are there which i often use to sharpen the saw.

i love my iPod so much because it serves as a teacher, audiobooks; preacher, bible and podcasts;
a digital assistant, outlook stuffs can be imported; and a running pacer, listening to podcasts and music
and even books while running.

since i needed one for BDM102 on March, i bought one on iStudio, BHS.
here's the new running pacer:






i picked silver since i had the black already, the busted one.
gave the earphones to my bro since am using my Sennheiser earphones.
better bass, better sound. better run.
Thank you Lord for providing me a new pacer :)


iStudio BHS

B3, Bonifacio High St., Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig, Metro Manila Philippines 1634
info@istudio.ph
Tel: (632) 8562395
Telefax( 632) 8562396

Store Hours:
Monday - Sunday : 11:00 am to 10:00 pm


POWER MAC CENTER


2/L Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia,
Central Business Park Bay Blvd., Bay City, Pasay City
Beside Electroworld and North Parking Building entrance
This store is a drop-off point for service & repair.
Tel. no.: (632) 556-0791
Fax no.: (632) 915-1948
Text line: (+63917) 515-5389
Operating Hours:
Sundays to Saturdays: 10 am to 10 pm

Monday, February 8, 2010

The Cure for Running Boredom


[http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/11/the-cure-for-running-boredom/]
Getting bored while running (working out) is a major problem facing many of us today and there is really no way around it. You can try new music, run inside instead of outside or vise-versa, watch television, or find new routes to change the scenery a little bit. I love to run, but I have my days where I just really do not want to run and a day off is not in my vocabulary (should be though). So, I have found that signing up for races or running groups is the way to go. Most of the time I love to run by myself, but on those days that lack motivation, I lean on others to help me get through another run.
I strongly believe that signing up for races keeps you motivated and on your toes. Besides the costs, what could be better than running with people that share the same desires and interests? This is a cure-all for me. I used to run for the heck of it and it just got boring after a while, but a few years ago I started running charity and local races just to give me something to train for and have fun with. These races help re-motivate me, build new friendships and bonds, and have allowed me to give back to certain charities and the community. I recommend starting with short races (2 mile or 5K) and slowly building up to the marathon, triathlon, and other long-distance races. Good Luck!!
Benefits of Races/Running Groups
1. Motivation
2. Bonds/Friendships
3. Fun
4. Improve Training Intensity
5. Give Back To Community/Charity
6. Improve Overall Health

[http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/11/the-cure-for-running-boredom/]