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.... @

Cavite Running Buddies Summer Fun 2011

Cavite Running Buddies (CRB) was formed by a group of running enthusiasts who all originated from Cavite. The group’s advocacy is to promote our province in the running community with high hopes of producing competitive runners of all ages, bearing the flag of Cavite’s pride and honor. The main goal is to foster “Environmental & Health Awareness” through RUNNING.

WHO: Runners and Aspiring Runners

WHAT: Cavite Running Buddies Summer Fun 2011

WHEN: May 14, 21, 28 & June 4 (6am-10am) 4 consecutive Saturdays

WHERE: Tagaytay City Track Oval

Registration Fee: 800php
Inclusive of: Personalized CRB singlet and group membership.

For registration inquiries please contact Maie Alvarez @ 09085787988

Registration sites for CRB Summer Fun 2011:

Wholeness Family Medical Clinic
33 M. Kiamzon St. Silang Cavite
Pls. look for Ms. Ariane P. Villegas
Monday - Friday 9am-11am / 1pm-4pm and Saturday 1pm-4pm
Colegio De La Estrella
53 Summerwind Drive, Burol Main, Dasmariñas, Cavite
Pls. look for Ms. Marian E. Hernandez
Monday - Saturday 1pm-6pm
Tagaytay City Hall
3rd floor, Tourism Office
M-F 9am-11am / 1pm-5pm


HURRY LIMITED SLOTS ONLY.... Last day of registration will be on May 6.

Note:
- 18yrs. old below must have their registration signed by parents.
- Trainer is a Certified Running Coach & an Elite Runner
- Hydration will be provided

Skyway experience

As you guys all know I'm not much of a fan of uphill running. But then here in Condura Skyway Marathon most of it was very challenging. I am super carefree when it comes to road races. Since it is still dark when the race begins I really have to watch out my steps. We are talking about Philippine roads here and it is not that safe with all that holes and uneven asphalts. I'd rather run slow than to finish it going home with an injured ankle.

Route map courtesy of Condura Skyway Marathon 2011

I came to the event 1 hour earlier for the 10K assembly time since I'm with my husband who's going to run his first 21K. In my part it has an advantage and disadvantage. With less than 4 hours of sleep I can't say that I am full of energy for it. Sleep is very important for runners. Although being there early allowed me do things to prepare myself before the run and felt relaxed by not rushing to pee seconds before the gun start. By the way I have to mention my appreciation for keeping all the portalets clean specially for the girl's. 

This is the second most crowded runs I have experienced although you might not notice it that much since they divided each distance by what they called waves and they have two starting points. One at the Bonifacio  Global City for 42K, 5K and 3K runners and the other at Ayala Triangle for the 21K, 16K and 10K. It was indeed a well organized run. From pre-race to post race the organizing team never failed to inform runners about all the things we need to know.

So, I have seen all the 21K and 16K runners gone and now it's time for us 10K runners who are the last to start at the Ayala Triangle. I have noticed that other runners didn't follow their assigned wave, when it's my cluster's time to run there where a lot of runners blocking our way so I have to go around the side to pass through them. I suffered side stitch from start up to nearly 5K. But It didn't stop me from running although it slowed me down. I came a cross one of our new member in Cavite Running Buddies and decided to run with her for a while. It was her first 10K so I was like wanting to motivate her more to run and to lessen walking. She told me that she just wanted to experience running on the Skyway even with less training. When I reached the 7K mark I noticed my time was 3 minutes faster than my last 7K training before this race. I am not really that conscious about getting a new PR since I knew with all that uphill it's really impossible as long as I finished that's all that matters. When we reached the Kalayaan flyover I decided to go ahead of her, I ran all the way up knowing the finish line is just around the corner. With this new route and a lot to see along the way I didn't realize that I was already running that far. I am not scared anymore to run alone without my husband pacing me since 10K route felt like a short distance already after my 4th run. But I must admit I miss running with him. 

I have pictures for all of you to see what I appreciate most (the view, the runners & the cause for this event):

For the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011, the advocacy toward dolphin protection remains. Initiatives this time will be focused on scientific research, which results can be used as framework for sound programs and policies on dolphin watching at par with international standards. Aiming to exceed funds generated in the previous years, this follow-through aims to yield more opportunities in making Bohol a notable example of world-class eco-tourism destination. -http://www.conduraskywaymarathon.com/advocacy/condura-run-through-the-years

Publicly lunching Cavite Running Buddies at Greentennial Run

January 23, 2011 --> Complete with our banner, Cavite Running Buddies joined the Group's first run this year. We are all high in spirit since most of us are Alumni's of La Salle. I even got goosebumps when they sang the La Sallian Alma Mater Hymn.

First Run this 2011: Run for love. Run for life.

Run for Love. Run for Life. is a fund raising activity of Hands of Love Philippines Foundation, Inc.  All of the proceeds will fund their projects that aims to eradicate poverty and hunger in the country.

When I joined Titanium Runner's raffle in his blog I became one of the lucky once to get a free race kit. And not only that, he is so generous to give another race kit to my running buddy/husband. I did mention to him in his blog that if given the chance this run will be our wedding anniversary run and it will be great to celebrate our day together doing our new found passion in running. We (my hubby and I), had so many first in this run. This is the first running event of the year that we joined, held in Alabang which is also a new place for us to run. It was our 6th year wedding anniversary and yet this is our first time celebrating it by running for change (change for the betterment of our country and for our health). We are so happy to have found running to strengthen our relationship not only as husband and wife but as best friends/running buddies. We even get to have a growing group of running friends which we named "Cavite Running buddies". To sum it all up, I am so blessed last year from all my running experiences and for this year I am so looking forward for more challenges and fun helping others in my own little way.