Running my First 10K

Photo courtesy of KaRUNungan 2010

Running my first 10k is really one of my memorable runs. At first I was so hesitant to join in the 10K distance but in the end my fellow running mates convinced me to try it. Before race day came I had sore leg muscles during my midweek training so I thought of resting it until Saturday. I wasn't confident knowing I'm doing nothing to prepare myself thats why I decided to walk it off around the oval using my fitflops for about 7 loops Friday afternoon. Race day came the weather was cool and we thought it was going to rain, luckily it did not. Feeling I had the stamina to last and with my husband pacing me, it felt like we're just in Tagaytay Oval doing our training. I wasn't pressured but I guess deep inside I'm nervous. Aside from running my first 10K it was also our first time to run in Ortigas. It was really a pleasurable run for me. The race was not crowded at all, there was a lot of water stations offering tap water and "cold" Pocari (which by the way is my fave drink). The route was so challenging, I really enjoyed the downhills although I was struggling with so many uphills along the way. Let me show you my first overpass which I dread but Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdes made it entertaining for me to pass through. 

And on our way back crossing the overpass again there was Dyan Castillejo and her crew. Hubby and I tried to keep up with them but they are just to fast for us.

I was so greatful that my husband decided to run side by side with me, it really made running my first 10K easy and enjoying. He is also the one who navigates our way across the streets, constantly reminding me to slow down and take it easy when zooming downhill. :)

Unbelievably after more than an hour of running I'm still ok. Before reaching my last 1K I felt a discomfort on my left foot, I remember asking one of the first aid people beside the water station if they have something for blisters. Just curious again, silly me! :D Never the less, this is the longest distance I have conquered for now. But as always, being a runner at heart I will never stop dreaming and aiming to reach as far as doing a marathon in the future.@

Note: For more pictures from this run please check TheCurious Runner's FB page.

Run United 2: The After Run...

I can hardly have time to blog more about my previous activities since this month is the busiest. This November I noticed that there are a lot of interesting good run events to join in the country that's why for this month I will be running for three consecutive weeks. 

November 14 - Sugar Rush (done)

November 21 - Unilab Activehealth Run United 2 (done)

November 28 - KaRUNungan 2010 (preparing hard for my first 10K run)

For my Unilab Run United 2 let me start by showing you some of my favorite snap shots from the event:

This run is the last leg for the Runrio Trilogy for this year. I do believe that this is the most organized run event here in our country. Like others would say it "basta kay coach Rio the best!" The tie-up with Unilab made the run the ultimate event for us runners. Having so many exciting after run activities that we could participate in, runners are all scattered to check out what else is in store. There are a lot of booths around the event area, each one having their own relay game to challenge the runners. There is what they call the "Rest Nest"; I love the idea where you can freshen up after you run. Best part of it was when my husband won the raffle, he got an iPod NANO. 

All in all it was fun, everything that the runners would need are well provided (markers, marshals, water stations, band to motivate runners, banana and sponges) and with a lot of extras after the run. As always the route is challenging for me. Although I almost slipped because of some gravel along the route, luckily I manage to balance myself to prevent from falling and worst sprain my ankle. The only thing I was curious about is whether this run gives part of its earnings to a specific cause?

For this coming Sunday I will be joining the KaRUNungan 2010, this will be my very first 10K run. I'm going to blog the soonest I can about how it felt, etc. Until then, ciao! :)

Sugar Rush (After run): A run for the benefit of people with diabetes

With just 3 hours of sleep before the race I can say I'm not in my proper condition to beat my personal record. I signed up for my 6th 5K with the same familiar venue in Mall of Asia where I was quite comfortable running already. The route used is the same as the Rexona Run. Race started early which made us finish before the sun gets too hot. My in-laws also joined the 3K run because of the cause. There are a few who joined compared to other runs I've participated.

At the starting line I was almost in front. Running in less crowded event like this has so many advantages like the ease of space although motivation to run faster to race with other runners was low. I run continuously for 2K then decided to run/walk the rest of it. Tried playing my fave song in my head and everything but I was really not that motivated enough to run I guess because only few are running side by side with me. The encouragement came when I was nearing the finish line. Hearing people cheering runners to finish strong was a big help. So at the last right turn going to the finish I sprinted concentrating on my breathing and stride. Crossed strong but wishing I run the whole distance without taking walk breaks. I just want to mention that my bib number was 5050... Weird as it is but it reflects the effort I inserted on my run.

As promised here are some snap shots I got from the race:

All in all the race organizers did great; there are a lot of water stations, portalets are enough for the participants, the flow of the program was simultaneous and most of all it was informative.

Sugar Rush: A run for the benefit of people with diabetes

At last a run close to my heart. If you will remember I started running because of my husband's condition. Now finally this is it, a run for the benefit of people with diabetes. I would like to personally invite all of you to join us for a run or walk for this specific cause. See this ad for more details.

I read about some negative comments for this run like "there's no enough water" nor "the singlet is not nice" and the race result which according to others took a lot of time to be released. But as I was saying its for a cause that counts not what we can benefit from it. It's what we can contribute for the said advocacy. If it's true that the organizers are not that efficient in providing such things for the runners we might as well bring our own water to hydrate and probably wear another singlet thats comfortable for us to wear. As for the time that most runners are up to, if it's true just bring your own watch. This run is really not the organizers "thing" unlike the other races you've already know so don't expect much from it.

To follow: after running for this event I will give my insights about the after run with lots of photos...

Running wishlist

It's a girl thing to be fashionable and comfortable shopping even for sports outfit and gears. Here are some on my list:

1. Brooks Glycerin 8 Running shoes

2. Nike Sports Bra

3. CW-X Womens 3/4 Stabilyx tights

4. Sony NWZ-W252 Waterproof walkman

5. Nike Hydration belt

6. Nike Running Jacket

7. Power Balance

8. Nike Elite Cushion Stability 2.0 Running Socks

9.  Nike Running cap

10. Garmin Forerunner 110

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." Jim Ryun