The NatGeo Earth day run 2011 - My RunNiversary special

Just celebrated my first RunNiversary on the same event where I started running, the National Geographic Earth Day Run. It was also the same event that opened up my awareness that runners don't just enjoy the benefits of this sport personally but also given the chance to help others as well. Running 3k then was a struggle, I barely run all the way to the finish line. Good thing my husband was there to join me as we both enjoy the experience of our first run.

After I crossed my very first finish line

Looking back I feel so overweight, unhappy, bored and non-productive. Glad I have sticked with running for this long to regain "LIFE". Now I can really say I am happy and satisfied. Aside from having some quality time to bond with my husband in sharing  the same activity, I also feel more closer to God with every distance I cover. I cannot hide the fact that without Him I am nothing for He is the only source of my strength and courage to push myself to the limits. Running is also my stress reliever from work.

Cavite Running Buddies (CRB) was formed

Me and my husband was just running buddies before and now we have friends to join us thus forming a group called "Cavite Running Buddies". The bonding and friendship formed with the passion for running was perfect. It was like we are all motivating each and everyone to stay on top of their performance. Having a real and true friends to support your passion is also one of the best reason I'm still running. Although I must admit that you cannot avoid the stage where you become tired and burned out from juggling work, personal/family life and running/trainings. I was like reducing my training from every other day to twice a week or non at all. It was sad ofcourse, but there was something inside you that missed the feeling when you get on the road and run. That is what I call FREEDOM!

CRB @ the NatGeo Earth day run 2011

Before I get to register for this run I was hesitant to do another 10K for I know I've been lacking trainings prior to the event. Not that confident though I tried my best to train for the remaining time left and registered myself. Before the race starts I was like having butterflies all over my tummy. I felt the pressure that I might not be able to finish the race making my RunNiversary a shame. Along the road I saw our running buddy Agnes which was also on the same distance as I am, I just challenged myself to follow her so she will not be out of my sight just to keep me going. I was not expecting to get a new PR but surprisingly, nearing to cross the finish line I was early by a minute from my old PR I had from ING Running 20 (my 2nd/5th 10K).

After a year of reminiscing all the struggles of training I realized that I have more space for improvement. Trainings and more trainings with a lot of patience will help me get there. Hopefully this year if God permits I will finally experience every runners dream.... @

ING Running 20, my second and last 10K for this year...

I could not have courage if I won’t give 10K another try. So, I signed up again for my 2^nd 10K run, still assisted by my patient husband who’s trying to make me run faster than my last PR. Aside from achieving another personal record the run we joined supported Habitat for Humanity which will build 20 homes in celebration of their 20 years of banking here in the Philippines using the proceeds collected from the event. 

Route map courtesy of ING

The route was not as hard compared from my 1^st 10K. There was no major uphill/downhill along the way so it was quite manageable. The only thing that slowed me down is a side stitch which happened 14 minutes after the gun start. I got carried away to start fast since there are only a few runners that I might end up last amongst the pack. So to relive the pain I slowed down to reduce the intensity of the activity and took deep breaths. Good thing the pain didn’t last that long or worst make me quit at all.

I haven't experienced any problems aside from my side stitch which made this run comfortable for me. No blisters anymore, thanks to my new socks that did the trick and I also bought Kinesio Tex Gold for support. Ofcourse I wouldn't run without my Pocari Sweat although there are enough water stations that gives water and 100 plus.

The only thing I don't like about the route is where you are running side by side with vehicles. I even run my best just to cross stop lights. There was also an instance that confused me which road to take since there are not enough markers for me to follow. Glitches are always a part of any event, as long as the runners are safe and nothing bad had happened. At the end of the run what's important is you have finished the race and you have been part of the event's cause to help build 20 homes. @