Official Marathoner, and a NYC Marathoner at that!

Yes. I finished the 2010 New York Marathon. It is one hella of a run! I would be posting more stories and photos but for now here is me with my NYC Marathon medal and my celebratory cosmo!

The ING New York Marathon Expo

Went at the first day of the expo. People were mostly foreigners as the real New Yorkers are still at work.

So far, this is the best race packet distribution and expo that I have been to. Hopefully, we could have something like this in Manila.

PS. Will come back on Saturday with my friends so they can have a feel of the marathon themselves. And, to bribe them to make posters for me. HAHAHA.

Javits Center

At the entrance of the Expo

Picture muna bago pumasok sa Expo

Collection of race packets for Marathoners

At the official station where they hold interviews from experienced and professional runners

After the race packet, here is the expo where you can purchase marathon goodies

Inside the actual expo

Giant route map

Asics booth. Here, you can have your 10minute video taken and will be shown in Times Square (?)

Poland Sprin water. Official water of the marathon giving free photos which you can download online. Amazing.

Going home with my marathon bag + a lot of free stuff!

The goodie bag contents + some expo freebies

I'm In, We're In..... In New York

I am finally in New York. Been in the US since Saturday and have been seeing relatives, sights and everything. From places and places, you can see random Marathon good lucks and posters and it keeps me excited. Today, I am claiming my marathon kit at the Javits Center. *excited* Hope to see fellow Pinoys there!

Conquering New York

Of course, when you are bound to run New York, I cannot help but wonder "What will I wear for the NY Marathon?". After months and months of choices, I finalized everything and came down with this (see below). Spot me in the news!!!

Current song: Empire State of Mind

Finally, 10K sub-1!!!

I never thought the day would come. Yesterday, a couple of thousand ran the Adidas King of the Road in Fort Bonifacio. The day was filled with excitement and the field was a sea of blacks. I decided to wear my official New York marathon gear in this race as the singlet I got was way too big for me.

I started the race cool and relaxed. Following my fellow TGISunday official pacer, Jan and Neil (6:00/km). At first, we were passing through a lot of runners and I even ran on a putik area. Eventually, after 3KM, when new runners began to tire we picked up the pace. I was running and maintaining a 5:50 pace which is really new to me. I usually and comfortable pace arpund 6:30 - 7:30 but decided to really race KOTR. I was aiming for a sub-1. This was the first race that will give me the opportunity to do so and I was focused in getting that goal. I managed to keep pace with Jan and Neil and ensure I do not lose sight of them. I did walk the Kalayaan flyover inclines to ensure I do not over-run this part of the race.

1KM through the finish line, I saw Chrys and told her that we should aim for a sub-1. She told me to go ahead and so I did. I went for it. REALLY.

Crossed the finish line, 59'11" in my Garmin which happens to be the official time of KOTR also! I can now brag that I run 10K at a sub-1 pace. :)

Registered!

Yesterday, I went to ROX BHS to register for runs. I should register already as it will be too late to register when I get back from my US trip and I would also miss the discounted prices. The registration were at the second floor of ROX and all the runs are almost there. Checked some of them and proceeded registering for the following:

Run United - November 21, 2010 (15K)

QCIM2 - December 5, 2010 (21K Half Marathon)

Greentenial Run 2011 - Janurary 23, 2011 (15K)

Excited and anxious for these runs. When Condura opens, I'll be one of the firsts to register - for the full mary.

What happened to me? August 27-October 20

I intently tried not to post anything here in my blog for the past 2 months. The reason being, I do not want to pre-empt my preparations for my New York Marathon. Now that I am almost there, I am happy to share what have happened in those 2 intensive months of training.

During the last part of August and early September, our LSDs outside Manila were back-to-back. I have been travelling everywhere just to run - Subic, Clark, Cavite, Tagaytay, and Batangas. I would wake up at 2AM on a Sunday, where I will receive a text message from my friends "nasan ka na?". I would then reply, "papuntang McKinley". Then the inevitable "tatakbo ka nanaman???".

Those two months were gruelling. I don't see my friends that often and haven't been out for a long time. Although I was able to manage one gimik night (during the Camsur marathon of my running friends), it was enought to get me energized to run the next Sundays. In total for those 7 Sundays, I was able to manage 3 LSDs with distances of 34K, 32K and 30K. I am very confident that I will be able to at least run New York.

What now? Just tapering. Running easy 5Ks and 10Ks. Pero I will be racing Adidas to my official attempt for a Sub-1. I think I did sub-1 during Southridge but will not be able to confirm as my Garmin died - battery lang naman hehe. October 30 is the DAY. I'm flying then will be running.

See you in New York - concrete jungles where dreams are made of...

Haven't been training really hard

I haven't been trainin really hard. The last 3 weeks have been a let down for me. I don't run much and was just able to fit in the Tuesday core trainings. I can feel that my body is getting back to it's "slack" mode. Need to change it up. I can think of all the reasons why I am not running lately and should stop as I just use it as an excuse.

Will run. I promise. I'm better. Go!

The Second Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM2)

A lot from the office are preparing for this race. Unfortunately, I won't be able to run the full marathon but will definitely run the half. So for those who would want to run the full marathon, there is still time to prepare and psyche yourselves up. See you on the road!

Credits to Jazzrunner http://jazzrunner.wordpress.com/

PR is the first two letters of PRactice and PReparation

I am now on my third week of training for my marathon and so far, I am getting stronger and feel that I am progressing quite a lot. Sundays are meant for long runs and we did one for my first week of training in Clark. Then, last Sunday, we joined the Rexona 21K and were supposed to run at an LSD pace. I was running alongside Capt Tere at a very comfortable pace of 6:30. I was doing very well and asked Tere if she going to maintain the pace all through out the run. She said yes and I was eager to pace with her.

Enjoying the pace that we were in, we were throwing casual conversations and I was amazed by how many runners have greeted Tere and this confirms the alias “Miss Congeniality” given to her by Team Bald Runner. She would then give me couple of encouragement and tips on running and how can I be better. Being the “newbie” in the group, I just try to absorb every single information they tell me. I was working very well through out the race. We already did 13K – without walking mind you, and I am still strong and have high energy. We looped and saw the elites and cheered them all the way. Upon entering the Macapagal highway, I was anxious to go to Marina area. This will be the first time I am actually going to that place not on a vehicle but on foot. I was still excited, running, and had a lot of energy.

When we turned at the end of the highway, it was then fatigue was kicking. I didn’t mind and told myself I can still make it and do very well. I continued running and was happy that based on my personal calculation, I am still going to get a decent time. Then at the last 5K of the route, Tere told me that we will race the last 5. Without any hesitation, I said, OK, but was not able to do so. I did not get any faster but I was still maintaining my 6:30 pace with an occasional drop during water breaks. I became exhausted and tired. The only thing that kept me going was the thought that I would like to finish the race with Tere. During the last turn around before the Mall of Asia area, I told Tere that I would be walking till the water station, race the last 1.5K and she could go ahead and finish strongly. She said, instead of walking, why not jog till the water station. Even though I feel tired, I agreed to the idea and was successful. Drank another round of water and wet myself to rehydrate my skin. Tere then yelled, this is for New York! I got pumped and was even singing New York, New York. I may look and sound dumb at that moment, but it did its purpose. I felt stronger and I know I can finish better. At the last turn, I saw the clock at 2:22 and told myself I got a new PR. Crossed the finish line at 2:23 and felt really awesome.

Learnings from this race:

• I have a great support. I have Tin F who constantly gives me advice on running and by joining the Bald Runner, I found new friends who share the same passion as I do.
• The brain is mightier than the body. The brain sometimes tells you to stop but in reality, you can still do it and your body says otherwise.
• Water is not enough. You should be consuming other supports like Gatorade and GU.

Also, I would like to thank Capt. Tere for the push and for not leaving “the man” behind. Thanks so much Capt. As what I have said, I owe you one!

I have done a 5K Sub-30, 21K Sub2:30. Only missing is 10K Sub1. We’ll see on Sun

It really is ON!

I had scheduled my Visa interview for the US earlier this month but due to some "concerns" I had to move it on a later date. So, last Wednesday, I finally had my interview for my US visa. It was a very long process yet I didn't mind that I actually waited for two and a half hours just to be interviewed in three minutes.

My day started at 6:30AM as I needed to be one hour early for my 7:30AM interview. I did all the necessary waiting in line, waiting into the pavillion and waiting for my number to be called. Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed within the US embassy premises hence, I was literally doing nothing. Just staring at other applicants and deciding on my mind if this person or that person will be approved or denied. For the first part of the process, my documents were checked by a Filipino where he was telling me that I did my application rightfully except that I did not give my middle name. This made me confused as the application did not have any blank for the middle name. I just kept mum and agreed with him - a lesson I learned from Nicolette Henson, to not argue with anybody. He then let me get inside the actual interview area where I had to do my finger scanning. Being the person I am, I have this habit of reading a lot of posters and reminders. I read all the instructions on how to finger scan and did pretty amazing. I just did everything in one try and was very fast compared to the others, who I see did it for three times or more.

Waited again for my number to be called and then the number 2113 flashed on Window#5. I went to the window and learned that my interviewer was a young male consul. This is the part where my heart started pounding and I actually felt fear. The interview started immediately with the expected first question: What are you going to do in the US? With my "interview skills" I answered in all courage, "I am running the New York Marathon". Then some follow up questions such as, when is the marathon, how many have I finished prior to this one and then thats it about the marathon. He then moved on asking me about my work, my family, where will I stay and who will finance my travel. I answered everything in the most confident and as honest as it should be. Then after a couple of minutes, without providing any document or whatsoever, he just mumed, "Approved". I was in total shock and, pretty excited.

Turned around, walked back to the pavillion and discussed my delivery details with Air 21.

Now, I have a VISA. I am really running the New York Marathon and I am really going to travel to the US. Thanks to everyone who have encouraged me to go and push myself to really do this. From my supportive officemates and boss, friends (here and in the US), my Bald Runner gang and most especially to Nicolette Henson and Garyjohn Rivera for all the coaching and briefing for my interview.

New York, here I come! (OK fine, include San Francisco and probably DC and baka Houston) haha!!!

7.98 Percentile Rank!!! Wohoo

Only today I was able to check my official time for the OROFOLS and I registered 7.98 percentile rank which means I finished 117 out of 1467 runners at the 5K category! I never finished this aweseome, but of course we know that 5K is usually the distance for newer runners. But still, I feel great. Got more pumped up to train more!

My first taste of LSD

I have been running for more than a year but I never had the guts and chance to do LSDs. I have been consistently training on my own and have been contented in running 5K every single time. So, since I formally join Team Bald Runner and is training for NYC Marathon, I was invited by my co-runners to do an LSD in Clark today. I instantly said yes since in my traning, my schedule was to run 22K and the team decided to run a 25K (since most of them are training for PAU). I decided to run the 22K and would check by that time if I can still run the remaining 3K.

The day started really early by meeting Iah and Macky at Shell Mckinley and then met up with Tin and Kaye at NLEX for some breakfast. Upon arrival at Clark, I was able to meet the other folks from Team Bald Runner and we took off for our run. As this is an LSD, the group's pace was normally slower than everybody's pace, well, except for me. We were running at 6:30 pace and I was still doing well. For perspective, I usually run trainings at 7:00-7:30. I was comfortable running as the air was clear and the weather was awesomely perfect.

At 5K, I was still at my best and was happy that all my pocket trainings were working. The fatigue has not yet kicked in and it allowed me to continue pacing with the team. At this point, the team are slightly inching away from each other while our support vehicles meet us at approximately 2K intervals to provide us with our hydration and other supports. We finally met our turn around mark (at 12.5K) and this is where I started to feel that I am slightly tired. We went on running with me usually at the last batch of the runners. I was still comfortable and tailing everybody else until around 17K. Afterwhich, I felt that I needed to rest but since the team was already ahead of me, we immediately ran after my quick water break. I was the last runner and would ensure to keep an eye on the 2 runners ahead of me to not get lost.

While we were in an area of woodlands in the left and a wall in the right, I was focusing intently on my breathing and was looking at the ground as the road goes uphill, then, when I glanced at the next runners, they were gone. I panicked a bit as I am not sure I remember the route early on the run. I just went on and made some minor backing when I felt I am loosing the right way. During this time, I have to stop to about 3 times to ask for directions. The problem is, I do not even know where I am going. So I just continued running until I see from time to time spots which I remember earlier in the run. At 22K, I stopped. And walked. Until 25K.

Primarily, I walked because I was quite scared already of getting lost and I was already trying to figure out how to call my friends. Then, at one point, I saw a tent, which I vividly remember Jerry joking that it was suppose to be a "water station". I felt relived and knew I was right on track and couple of meters away from the parking area. I saw my friends chatting and congratulated me for running my first LSD.

Lesson learned: train hard so I don't get left behind.

Happy about: running 22K. With very minimal walk breaks (during drinking breaks only)

Will definitely do LSDs with the gang next time.

My NYC Marathon Training Plan

My goal for the NYC Marathon is to finish with a sub-5 (less than 5 hours). With this in mind, I have deviced a training plan which I based on something shared to me by a runner colleague, Kristy. I have incorporated the in the schedule the days I can/cannot run. And hopefully I will be able to follow them.

So far, I am not yet able to follow my plan and I hope this is just my first week jitters. Will definitely work out on religiously following this one.

Hope to see lots of Pinoy during the Marathon EXPO! I know for a fact that Coach Rio, Jaymie (TBR) and the editor-in-chief of The Front Runner are all running NYC Marathon. Hope to learn more who are the others who will be running.

Been sick, now what?

I have been sick for about two weeks now. Last week, I got a virus which literally stopped me from doing a lot of things (read: running) and was getting fine around last Tuesday when (sound effect: WaPpAk!!!) I got a sprain. I was using this shoes that was misaligned that caused my left foot to ache. So, for the last two weeks, combined total running distance is just 10K. Bad.

Now, I decided to let go of the barkada's planned weekend beach outing so I can recuperate from the virus and sprain I got. I am having a 'day-off' on Monday as well as it's my beloved mother's birthday. I am not going back to running but instead I am formally starting my marathon training. With the New York Marathon on scheduled for November 7, 2010, I still have around 3 1/2 months to prepare for it and oh boy, no one can guess what measures I have done to make this marathon a reality. The only thing lacking is the training for the actual marathon.

Tuesday is the start of forever. A definite milestone.

My New Beybiah!!!

I. Bought. New. Shoes.

My new running partner, my Asics Kayano 16! I have long been contemplating on which shoes to buy until I decided to buy my first Mizuno. I have already picked the best model for me (with the help of Running Diva!) and decided to come back the other day to finally purchase it. Unfortunately, they don't have my size in BHS. We tried calling other stores and they still do not have my size. I didn't know what to do and was frustrated. I looked up again in the net and recalled that Asics store has opened in Greenbelt 3. I decided to give it a visit last Thursday and instantly fell in love with the Kayano 16. So right there and then, I took out my wallet and bought me the shoes. No turning back. I was so excited to test it on but due to a virus attack, until now, I have not used my new running partner. We'll be doing our test run tomorrow. :)

Here is my new beybiah!!!

A Reason to Run

My entire life I have been overweight. I have gained weight when I was in my early grade school because our family doctor found out that I had low blood platelet count and I need to drink this and that vitamins to boost my lack of necessary red juice. The side effect though is that, I will gain weight.

I was never active either being raised in a not so "outgoing" environment, I enjoy watching TV more than running on the streets. I always see to it that I get exempted from PE classes and I traded doing CAT for our school yearbook. I was never active. This maybe is one of the repercussion of how I dealt with my life. Naturally, I am a rebel. What my parents tell me, I do otherwise. So everytime my dad insist on me joining basketball or volleyball or even chess, I will create excuses why I can't and why I should not. My mom's being over protective did not contribute as much. She always wanted me inside the house rather than going out as I may "scratch" my legs or damage my skin, or something to that effect.

All of these being "inactive" made me gained weight. Weight, that I have consistently been battling with. In high school people talk behind my back by me being overweight and being bigger than the usual teen. I did not mind them and focused on the better part of me. I was outgoing, I was great with a lot of things, I am branded as the friendliest. All of these I did to compensate my being fat. All those times, I thought I was truly happy but I was really not. I am a person hiding inside the imperfections other people see. I was quite invinsible.

Then one day, a colleague mocked me for not able to breat well. I told him, "You know what? I'll hit the gym, get thin and will not recognize you as in, Who You?". That same week, I registered for the gym and started right away. After some very tedious diet and exercising. I was able to lose 20lbs. I was then same size when I graduated from the university. I was happy and thought that I was really thin. And then one day, by a very unpredictable eventuality, I met running. Everybody in the office was signing up for the Milo Manila Eliminations 2009. I told myself, if they are doing it, why can't I. I then immediately signed up for 10K. Same distance a friend of mine is running. I said, this would be great because I am already hitting the gym and I know I can do it.

I ran the race. I was tired. Dead tired. But after finishing the race tiredly, I felt good and I felt nice. So I told myself that I will repeat a run and be better next time. I did just that and signed up for a few more. I trained harder with the regular running along Roxas Blvd. No qualms, no plans, just finish the distance. I was then joining almost every single big race in Manila. I was signing up for every run I could. I even get depressed if I do not run a race on a Sunday morning. In short, I got addicted.

After all those addiction, people were then complimenting me. All of them saying, I lost weight. I look good. What did you do? I then looked at the mirror closely and saw a new me. I was thinner. I felt better and I lost another 20lbs. This time, I did not have to diet strictly and was just watching what I eat. I felt awesomely fabulous. I wanted to run and run some more.

People have different reasons why they run. And mine is simply, to get thin. I wouldn't be plastic and say, I would want to achieve something very different, I don't want to have a more friends and so on and so fort. I want to be thin and if the side effect of that would mean a better health for me, more discipline im my lifestyle and more focused in achieving my dreams, then I'd gladly take that as plusses of my running.

Running is a very good sport. It is something almost anybody can do. Regardless of your background, weight or athletic experience. Running defines no runner. And therefore I conclude I am a runner. A runner getting lighter through every finish line.

Hidden Goal: SUB Finishes....

When I started running, I had goals. Initially it was to loose weight but it evolved to more extensive one and would be sub goals. I decided then to have these as my goals:

21K Sub-2:30
10K Sub-1
5K Sub-30

So far, I have not achieved my goals for the 21K and 10K. The closest I've got was 2:35 and 1:04 respectively. But I am very pleased that during my first 5K last Sunday at the freedom run, I was able to achieve my sub-30 goal for the 5K. I clocked in at 28:05. I was very pleased. It motivated me to run more of 5Ks and escalate to 10K and try beating my goal. I know I could make it. I just need time.

The Nature Valley 21K Run

The run was awesome. Kudos to coach Rio for another successful race. The great parts of the run were:

• Started on time
• Abundant marshalls
• Water everywhere
• 100 everywhere
• Sponge
• Nice route
• Great finishline
• No need to line up for medal for 21K
• Cheerers from David Salon awarding the 21K finisher's medal
• Loot bag readily available for very tired 21K runners
• Bananas!!!
• AND THE BEST PART WAS THE ONE PINT HAAGEN DAZS

I am not sure why there was ice cream because I did'nt saw it coming but boy it did make my day. Halfway through the run, I was uneasy. I feel defeat. I would 1K run 1K walk. It was so bad. In the end, I registered my worst 21K. I was really out of shape. And to add to that, I became darker. When I removed my ankle sleeves, it has a definitive mark- one side dark one light.

I am going to run 5Ks first and hope to become better at Milo which I decided I would only run 10K. I can do it. I know it.

San Miguel Coffee Nightmare!!!

And then there was the result. I did increased my finish time to +/- 5minutes. I am totally out of shape before I left for China and I have gotten my stride back. I am planning to work on it and make better in the Freedom Run. My biggest debacle right now is how to surpass Nature Valley 21K. Let's just wait and see...

Freedom Run

I had the chance of running the Smash and Run at Greenhills last year and I had a great experience so when I heard another race sponsored by them, I did not hesitate to register for this one. I am joining probably the 10K. Thanks to Donna, who is yet to register us.

See you in Greenhills!

Garmin! Finally...

When I arrived in Manila last Friday, May 14, one of the first few things I did was to call my friend (Victor Domingo) and ask him when can I get the Garmin I had him buy for me in the US. He replied and told me he is coming to a place near my house and we should meet up so he can give me the goods. So we did and I was excited.

Then there was it, my own Garmin. I went home, checked it out and decided that I will charge, install and use the following Sunday. This will give me more time to read the manual and what this new toy can offer.

Then came Sunday and I did everything on schedule. Was really anxious to go back to running with my new Garmin. I ran and tried the gadget and was completely happy with it. Here are some of the functionality I liked about my Garmin:

• Pace Information
• Pace Alert - alerts you when you run too fast or slower
• KM readings
• Time reading
• Real Time - as a normal watch
• All these information in just one page of the watch

I am so excited to show off my new toy to my other running friends. One thing though is I fell like a Bioman when I wear it. It's bulky but it does definitely fit my style.

The Box

The Watch

The Gadgets in the Box

Upcoming Races!!!

With the help of my very good friend Joel, I am now registered for the San Miguel Coffee Run on May 23 (10K) and Nature Valley Run on May 30 (21K). I do not know how the heck I will be able to finish this strongly without any training under my belt but I just need to work it out. See you there!!!

Upcoming plans: Freedom Run and Milo Marathon Manila Eliminations

Excited is synonymous to anxious which is synonymous to how I am feeling these past few days…

Finally! It is my last week here in Beijing and I cannot wait to come back home. I have not been running a lot lately due to the weather, lack of time and so much more reasons which I know are not valid. The weather though is getting better here and I might be able to run some during the evenings and regain my stride and lose the fats I gained from eating those kinder bars and snickers. And juices. And pizzas. And rice. OK, I did ate a lot.

While preparing for my return to my beloved (and hot) Philippines, I have asked a friend who went to the US to buy me a Garmin. It was my present to myself since I did well in work last year. The advantage in buying a Garmin straight from Amazon to a resident in the US is the free delivery. I have heard that if you buy the Garmin from the distributor in Manila, it will cost me around Php16,000.00 versus to the 150$ I would be paying for.

Aside from the Garmin, I am also buying myself a new pair of running shoes when I come back home. Not because I want it but because I need it. My shoe has been running with me since July 2009 and its due for change. I am waiting though for the new colors and design of Lunar Glides or some other brand and model which has the same functionality of my current lunars. I am contemplating though to either 1) purchase from China Nike ID, which will customize my shoes or 2) purchase from Nike Harajuku from Japan which has UBER cool colors. If else fails, I am purchasing a regular one. J

I am pretty anxious to come back and get a hold of my Garmin and buy a new pair of shoes. I would train and train just in case I finally decide to run the NY Marathon, I would be ready and be able to have a sub-5 finish time.

Garmin Forerunner 305

Can someone help me beautify my blog?!?!

I've been pushing my "techie" friends to customize my blog but to no avail. They're not helping me out! Hmp. So, everytime I check my blog, I do not like what I see but can't change anything about it because I do not know how. I have checked some things online but cannot choose one or maybe because I just don't want to have one like somebody elses.

Anyways, I'm still going to continue looking.

I'm IN. Will NY be my first marathon???

Will this be? Last year, I never thought that it will happen. Then it did. I got in.

NY is one of the places I would love to visit. Given the numerous times I saw photos, series and movies shot in NY, I knew that someday I will visit this place and now I have more reason to go.

Around late last year, I read a blog about one's experience in signing up and actually doing the marathon. I was inspired and had a spur of the moment and signed up. I never knew it will happen until I checked my account. Status: Accepted.

After seeing that, I was on the clouds. I have never done a full marathon and this could be my first. But before this, I have a lot of hurddles including, funding, schedule, training, Visa and a lot of other things. I am up for the challenge and is giving myself up to July-August to finalize my decision.

Please make things work out. :)

I know I'm BAD, I'm BAD, I know it!!!

Singing ala Michael Jackson.

Ever since I left Manila last March 14, I only managed to run (on the treadmill) for 1 hours 20 mins combined. That's bad, and I was bad. I usually blame it to the freaking cold weather in Beijing but I know that its is not an excuse for me to run. My alternative reason would be im tired of work; which is mostly true but I don't over work most of the time. I know it is just me being bad.

I don't know when will I regain my running addicition but I should - coz I am getting bigger. HAHA

All signed up!

OK, its now or never. I have officially signed up for the Century Tuna 21k. Although I did not prepare for this for a long time, I know I should run this race. The race route and freebies are so inviting so I decided to go for 21K. Couple of my friends are running 3K and 5K and will be cheering for me at the finish line.

See you in Century Tuna, right???

Back on Track...

I am now back on track. Thank God.

Last 2 Sundays were race Sundays again. I ran the MegaWorld Fun Run and the Book Run by Dingdong Dantes. I was slower than my previous times but it was totally acceptable since I was on a hibernation mode for 1 1/2 months. After these two successful Sundays, I agreed to pace my friend Tin for the last leg of the Condura Marathon (Pasong Tamo-Fort) on Sunday, Run the Heart Run on February 14 and go for the 21K for Century Tuna on Feb 21.

I am excited to be back...

I'll be back...

I regret stopping and regret gaining all lost pounds...

I have successfully made it to my first goal - to reach a waistline of (toot!!!). I did manage to get into that first goal in 5 months. It was a good feeling as everytime I purchase a new pair of pants and I just yell (toot!!!) instead of the usual 38-40 (now, figure it out). Now, couple of days after Christmas and New Year celebrations, I gained 5 lbs. And is trying to get rid of it fast. I bought a twister (the one where you twist your body) and schedule runs. I want to get back on track and shed more pounds and more inches.

I am going to run... tomorrow. On Thursday. On Sunday. Next week. Next next Sunday. - This is my mantra today.

Food intake was also changed starting today. Oatmeal and coffee for breakfast, Subway for lunch and light light dinner...

I am going to do it...