Simbang Gabi

Three more days and my attendance to "simbang gabi" will be perfect (again, for the nth time)!

"Simbang Gabi" (translated literally : night mass) or more popularly known as Misa de Gallo is a devotional nine-day series of masses practised by most Catholics in anticipation of Christmas (from December 16 to 24).  Traditionally, masses are held at dawn but during the 1990s, anticipated night masses at night started, I guess to encourage more to attend especially those who found it hard to wake up very early in the morning.  I still remember when I was growing up (elementary and high school days), waking up was really a sacrifice wiith cooler mornings and very early ringing of bells (around 3:45). I usually slept after the mass upon reaching home.  Not only that, there were times when even during the mass I fell asleep.  This usually happened when I went to mass directly from a party!

Simbang Gabi  (like running!) is a sure-fire formula for family bonding.  Last year, my daughter Dani and I were able to complete the series. Actually, Dani had asked a special favor and God granted it. It made her a  believer for novena masses, like me (remember my Run Pray Love entry). I don't know what the girls were asking this year, but I guess they relate to their studies.  Surprisingly, the girls were not that hard to wake up!

Last Saturday, we're supposed to join "The Long Run" under TBR's Dream Marathon at Nuvali.  But, due to conflict in mass schedule, we did not go.  Also, Tuesdays are usually for short runs.  Again, we did not run yesterday. Yes, it's an easy choice - God above all things!!

The soon-to-become so popular running venue!

It's a good thing that yesterday was the last day of the girls' school....their christmas party!! They have a two-week Christmas break.  Of course, they're very, very happy!!

Readying for her school Christmas party!

Showing off her new shoes...so dainty!

This morning we were able to run...of course, after the mass.  But we had to cut it short from 6.5k to 4k due to time constraints - I have an office to run (corporate slave!).  Anyway, life is not only about running.  I run to make the body given by God healthy.  In this way, I glorify God!

How about you?  Did you run or attend simbang gabi?  Wish you did both!!!

Letter to Running Santa

Dear Santa,

I heard you fired Rudolph and has decided to run instead in delivering your gifts.  That's awesome.  You can start counting 3-6 months from now and that big belly of yours will surely disappear =D

Anyway, with the fast-approaching Christmas, i know you're so busy checking your list, reading it twice and finding out who's naughty or nice...I just want to let you know that I've been mostly N-I-C-E this year.

Don't ask me though if hubby has been nice but definitely my two kids have been a little bit naughty.  It seems they don't run out of any thing to fight on making me a grumpy mom sometimes.  But, anyway, as I've said I've been mostly nice this year - I cut a lot of my shopping spree, I reduced my intake of junk foods, I did my share of giving (in my little special way) and best of all, I pursued RUNNING!

Hence, for my wish list this season, allow me to provide you with my shameless rundown *blushing*:

1.  Waist bag.  You can choose either -

Mizuno Bottle Waist Pouch

or

Nathan Speed 2 Waistpack

I will be needing this soon as I'm now planning to advance from 10K to 16K or half marathon.  Really!!!!

2. Watch with GPS.  This is my all-time wish....

Garmin Forerunner 310XT

It went on sale a week ago at Amazon, but sadly they don't ship to the Philippines!  Alternatively, you can get me a cheaper alternative like this one...

Soleus GPS 1.0

My hubby has this watch but in green.  He got it from somebody who loves him a lot.  Who else but the FABrunner!

3.  Any book by John "The Penguin" Bingham, except Running for Mortals.

My addiction to running even shows on what books I read.  I'm struggling to finish Games of Thrones (just halfway through but no longer advancing!) but I've already finished two running books (Born to Run and The Runner's Body).   Two new books I ordered from Amazon just arrived this morning - Running for Mortals and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Murakami.

 4.  Brand new shoes... K-Swiss versus Asics

Kwikky Blade-Light

GT 2160

           or


       





I actually like K-swiss more though GT-2160 was recently named best shoe in the world for 2011.

5.  And finally, an alternative to running shoes... Vibram Five-Fingers!

Bikila

I've been contemplating on running barefoot but not entirely sans a protective gear for my feet.  This will do I guess!

There, my dearest St. Nicholas, you can now choose what to give me this Christmas.  By the way, my shoe size is 8 inches (but sometimes 7.5).

Looking forward to that awesome gift and keep running!

Lovelots,

LegallyfabrunnR


REFLECTIONS (through Fr. Anton):  3 Major temptations during Christmas (1).  Santa without Christ is relativism; (2) Christmas tree without belen is materialism; (3) Saying 'happy holidays' instead of "merry Christmas" is secularism.  So make sure to always include Jesus in your Christmas.  HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!