Tough Trails

As if running is not taxing enough, I contemplated (and did!) trail running.  But wonders...I immensely enjoyed it with all the dirt (including carabao's poops), thorny cogons, killer uphils and an awesome nature feel of the place.

I'm talking about the Nature's Trail Discovery Run 2nL held at Tanay Adventure Camp, Tanay, Rizal.

It was  actually our first time to travel to Tanay.  Since we did not opt to camp at the site the night before the race, we left Sta. Rosa at a very early Sunday dawn (before 2AM!).  Armed with only a printed google map and my iphone GPS, we traveled from Sta. Rosa then C6 (our first time to pass this highway!) then the very long Manila East Road until we found the camp.  It actually took us a little less than 3-hour drive!

Race started on time with those running the 21k (including hubby) going off first.  After 15 minutes, the 10K runners (including moi) ran off.  We were greeted at once by a muddy downhill and uphill.  Picture this!

Well, that's only inside the camp.  Then off to the paved roads then un-paved roads.  I was actually not so challenged much and thought - so this is trail running!  I didn't know there are worse trails to come in a few minutes.

The challenge started with another muddy trail - downhills and uphills.  There was actually no way to avoid the muds so you just have to embrace them - yes, literally as I did on my way back.  It was such a relief when we did the river-crossing.  Afterall, my shoes (which I just borrowed from hubby!) became heavier and heavier every step of the way trail.  See....

When I reached the U-turn site way above the hill, I asked the marshall if I can rest for a while as I could really hear the strong beating of my heart.  I'm sure I exceeded my maximum allowable heart rate and could have a  cardiac arrest anytime !  After resting for about 5 minutes and watching some runners take turns in taking pictures, I decided to start the task at hand - running the muddy downhills.  Thinking about it, saying muddy was like cursing when I was doing the trail run (hehehe).

As mentioned earlier, I literally embraced the mud.  Oh yes, I did it when my one of my shoes got stuck in the mud and I got off balance.  Why did it get stuck?  Well, because the shoes are actually bigger than my feet size , maybe an inch bigger!  I was so muddy all over - my legs, shorts, shirt and my two hands!  Even my hydration bottle.  How can I drink now??  Glad there's a small house on the way back and I have to ask some water from their big drum using Pocari bottle as the tabo.  According to marshall, some runner borrowed the tabo and he didn't know where it was put back!

Finally, the finish line.  I was this dirrrttyyyyy!

So, will I sign up again for a trail run?  Your guess is as good as mine.

I just bought my first trail running shoes.  See you at Mt. Pinatubo trail run - I'm running 25K!

First 10K race with Milo

Undoubtedly, MILO is one of the most popular races being held in the Philippines.  Last Sunday, thousands arrived at the Mall of Asia to participate on the 35th Milo Marathon Finals.  Of course, only those who qualified during the prior elimination races done on major cities all throughout the country can participate in the full marathon (42K).  For 3k, 5k, 10k and 21k races, anyone can register and run.

We signed up for 10k.  Well, it's time to level up after running two 5K races (adidas king of the road and SGV First Step Race), right?  Part of the race kit is a sheet containing running tips by Coach Jim Saret.  Tips such what to do the night before the race, food and hydration, pacing, injury and even post race considerations.  Fantastic!!

The most striking tip I read was regarding toenails.  What?  Yes, toenails.  Of course, we knew it already.  We have to regularly trim our toenails.  But, I brought it to the next level.  I had a foot spa at Justine Barbara while waiting for my girls do their Kumon.  Not just a regular spa, mind you, but an executive  foot spa. No, it's not a spa for executives (I'm not one, I'm just a corporate slave!).  I think the difference between a regular and executive spa lies on the additional foot products that they do apply (for a steep difference of P100 pesos in the price!).

Anyway, so I'm running my first 10K race with Milo not just with trimmed toenails but also with softened callus sliced off from the sole of my feet.  Hubby, an avid fan of barefoot running, actually discouraged me to do so for it will lessen my cushion daw.  But, I don't have a pretty feet so it's actually a regular ritual for me.

We woke up ahead of the alarm clock (it was set at 3:30 am).  Hubby was quite excited and couldn't sleep well.  Left home at 4 am and on our drive to Mall of Asia, we ate one boiled banana each.  We arrived at around 5am, gun time for 21K runners.  Our gun time was at 5:30, same time with the 5K and 3K runners but they will have a separate start/finish line and different route, which is a good thing since lots of them would certainly walk and it would be discouraging (I mean, it will have a parrot effect on me coz I like to imitate them and walk!)

3K and 5K runners have different start/finish lines!

We were off at exactly 5:30 am after Coach Rio bade us good luck!  It was truly a well-organized race.  With hydration sites at every 1.5 kilometers (wow!) and some sprinklers put up (very nice!).

10K was a long run...I forced myself to enjoy the views, especially when I passed by Manila de Bay along Roxas Boulevard.  The first three kilometers as well as the last three kilometers were easy.  What's hard was the middle 4-7 kilometers.  It was hard especially when you saw some 10K runners already done with the U-turn at 5K mark (located at Pedro Gil).  The U-turn spot seems to be so far away.  I kept on racing with a barefoot runner wearing Vibram Fivefingers.  Sometimes, he was ahead of me but often times I was.

The once famous baywalk along Roxas boulevard

Upon reaching the 4K mark, I was in need of a portalet.  I knew that there will be one along Roxas Boulevard.  Alas, at the U-turn, there was indeed not only but two.  So I took my pee break and lost the competitive barefoot runner.  I totally forgot about him until I resumed racing and ran past him at around 7K mark.  Oh my, he was already walking!!!

I finished the race at 1 hour, 22 minutes and 3 seconds.  Cut-off time was 1.5 hours.

This was actually my motivation not to walk no matter how tired my legs were.

Only those who made the 1.5 hours cut-off time were give this finisher's certificate for 10K

Proud 10K finisher!!!

As for my feet, the executive foot spa did not work.  I could feel that my two big toe nails were on the verge of dying (okay, that was exaggeration, they were only about to pass out!!!).  I guess, it was no longer a problem about trimming toenails or having foot spa before a run or race.  It's about having a running shoes which will make your feet happy despite a long arduous task ahead (task=long run).

So, I decided to retire my Puma running shoes and bought a new one - K-swiss Kwicky Blade Light (could no longer wait for Santa!)

My new running shoes!!!

I had a break in run this morning and true to its name, my K-swiss are really light.  I bet they are also quick should my running pace had been a little bit faster!!!  Oh well, happy feet = happy fabulous run =)))

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!!!

the hunt for a new running shoes!

so im on my 6th day of training...had to run/walk for 25 minutes..

and i did!

but my nike shoes gave in...finally!

one of the cushions was detached and so i could use it again for training then may be i have to glue it using some kind of a solvent.

now, i need to get serious in my hunt for that new running shoes =D

i saw this at http://shop.nordstrom.com...


Nike 'Air Max+ 2011'

A favorite shoe, designed for runners with a neutral gait, is updated with an innovative Hyperfuse upper that offers lightweight yet durable support and enhanced breathability. An improved mesh inner sleeve gives the style a more plush fit and feel, with maximum impact protection.

At 50% off, it's only Php3,742 plus duties and shipping..

Next, my favorite from http://runningshoes.com...

Women's Asics GEL-Cumulus 13

"A gender-specific forefoot cushioning and full-length Solyte® Midsole Material, as well as the stability that makes it perfect for mild to moderate overpronators."

It is so lightweight at 9.3 oz and it has the ASICS® Design Philosophy which employs linked componentry that enhances the foot's natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.

I think it has all the features which a runner wants for a shoe. Though I am not sure if you could beat a Tarahumara Indian by using this!

Wow, it has everything BUT the affordability =C I checked this out at their branch in Greenbelt 3 and I think it costs around P9K+! But at the said website, price is USD94.95 though I don't know if they ship to the Philippines.

Now, let's see the Women's New Balance 890

It was named Best Neutral Shoe by Women's Running magazine in May 2011. Amazing features with shoe weight at 7.7 oz., wow! It has lightweight cushioning by using a blown rubber forefoot and it has an ABZORB Strobel Board which runs full length of shoe to maximize shock absorption and comfort.

My favorite feature though is its flat, soft laces that slide through uniquely flat lacing holes, locking them in place preventing top-of-foot discomfort. I always have such problem which hopefully could be addressed by this feature.

The name of world-class runner Jenny Barringer (I am a newbie so please don't expect me to know her at this stage, but will surely google her soonest!) appears on the 890.

DROOOLLLL!!!!

I think I will have the New Balance =D  If my beloved will allow me.