Ohm Runner

Run Assumption Run!

2010-02-01T21:06:00.009+08:00

Last Sunday's run in Mall of Asia Grounds, RUN ASSUMPTION RUN, was our prep for our Half-Marathon run in Condura.

There were three races scheduled on that same Sunday, First, Book Run at the Fort but was only up to 10k and we want to try a new route, Second, Takbo Para sa Libreng Kolehiyo, also in Mall of Asia, with its route already a turn off (several loops around MOA from unknown organizer). And third, Assumption Run, which was the runaway winner because of its 15k distance, its exciting route and is organized by Ian Alacar.

21k started at around 5:40 am. There were barely 50 participants in this category.
15 minutes later, it was the start of the 15k category, and there were a little above 50 of us in this one i guess.

The mood was relaxed and everybody started with a very easy pace. I wanted to pace with my hubby but he was off a little bit faster and i did not want to end up walking.

There were enough marshalls to direct runners, just too bad my husband missed the route going up Buendia flyover.

When his Garmin registered 10k distance, instinctively, he decided to go back to pace with me and do his easy run. Good thing he did go back and he saw me going up Buendia Flyover which he has not been yet. With this, he added up 1 more kilometer to his 15k distance. Still good for him as we will be running 21k together next week in Condura.

On our way back from Buendia Flyover, saw Lanie, still looking good (who was doing her first 15k) and Roy,

Lanie is still cursing me here for signing her up in 15k

I enjoyed this race very much for a number of reasons:

the road was closed for vehicles.

90% blacktop

there was enough water station along the route
the weather was perfect.

PR'd my 15k

Too bad not much runners joined this race due to its location sharing with another race.

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon by the Numbers

2009-12-09T19:27:00.026+08:00

I was amazed by these numbers when i read it in the Local Newspaper so let me share it with you.

Source: The Straits Times

The competition:

17,500 full marathoners

12,500 half marathon runners

20,000 1ok runners

Oldest Runner in Full Marathon - 79 years old

The Personnel

4,000 volunteers on event day

420 medical staff

27 ambulances

320 Security Personnel

142 masseuses at the Padang

200 cheerleaders and performers on route

The Purse:

Total Prize Money S$270,000

First Prize US$35,000

The Sustenance:

Bananas consumed on Race Day in 2008 - 14,400

Liters of Water consumed on Race Day in 2008 Marathon - 1.5m

Standard Chartered invited 56 Elite runners, and there was not a single withdrawal, to grace the event ,and by just showing up during the race entitles them for a bonus money already. That is on top of the prize money they will get should they win the event.

Source: The Straits Times

As for My Personal Experience

Another race day just concluded. My husband and I ran in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. The week immediately after our New Balance Half Marathon try. When we (my husband and I) finished New Balance 21k in 2hrs 45min, i thought Standard Chartered Half Marathon in Singapore would be a lot easier since the roads are flat and easy compared to the hills of McKinley. I was secretly trying to target 2:30 to finish our first half marathon international race.

Our flight to Singapore was friday and from the airport we went straight to Singapore Expo to pickup our Race Packets. Excitement start to build up when we saw the Expo Building, doubled by my excitement to see my friends Olan and Jonar (who is also running 10k in this race).

There were enough booth to accomodate participants all at the same time and got our packets in less than 10 minutes.
After we got our packets, we met up with Olan and Jonar and we went to Lau Pa Sat for dinner and we finished around 10:30pm. A lot of catching up since we have not seen each other for a year.

Saturday before the race, we just spent around Raffles Center which is just across our hotel, did a lot of resting and relaxing, an hour dip in the pool just to relax our muscles. Fixed the running essentials for the race next day and put them in one place so we don't forget any.

After lunch, we went to Esplanade just to check our way to the starting line and not waste time looking for it in the morning.

Race Day - we left the hotel around 5:30 am and from our hotel, we can see runners walking already. You won't get lost as there are plenty of signages to direct you to the starting point.

These cups are not from the full marathon runners but from participants who just arrived the site. This just shows how hot and humid the weather in Singapore even during early morning.

The hosts were very entertaining and there was music to entertain runners while waiting for 6:45 and just before that time, there was a minute of silence, no countdown, enough to hear the sound of the horn that signals the start of the race for half marathon runners.

We planned to run the first 10km with a 7:oo pace but on our 2km, Carlo was already looking for a toilet, he said he needed to pee and so we stopped at the first water station we saw. It was a long queue already and there were only two toilets available in that area. Once done, i checked our time and 25 minutes after the start. So started to pick up our pace and we were doing 7:00/pace until the 15km marker. I started feeling dizzy because of the weather. It was so HOT and HUMID. The route was just flat and easy but it is the weather we were not prepared for. We saw one runner lying down already with the medics and waiting for the ambulance, not sure if he was having seizures already, then another one, then another ambulance with a siren, i then started to worry for my husband who, even in Manila always complains about anything, the sun and the heat, having cramps, and so i slowed down and waited for him in the crowd and when he caught up with me he told me that he is starting to get dizzy, he described it like a light at the end of the tunnel, the last time he felt this was when his PT asks him to do some continuous workout and your sight starting to narrow, your hands very cold and you needed to sit down, supply of oxygen being cut off, that's exactly what he felt. After he told me about what he was feeling, it just dawned on me , and i told him, that i was feeling exactly the same thing. I started talking to him just to know if he is ok. We both walked and drank and stop by at every water station.

We wanted to finish this race with a decent time but of course we want to finish it together. Never mind the secret PR i set. So from 15km until the finish time, we were both plodders. I realized that it can be very dangerous if you do not listen to your body. When humid, our sweat does not evaporate fast enough and our body does not cool down quickly.

We finished at 3:09 after gun start and i am very happy that my husband and I enjoyed this race. No injury, just minor cramps for Carlo and we both reached the finish line in one piece. Will definitely be back next year, hopefully with Jonar taking half marathon with us as well.

One of the Cheering Group we saw along the way......I liked the medals very much that when we received them i thought of my little boy who would be very happy whenwe give it to him. We actually give our medals to our little boy and he loves displaying them around his room, showing them off to his playmates. Everytime we give him the medal, he'd say " You won the race?" And of course i did not win but i guess in a way i did.

We did not get to meet Jonar who did 10k after the race, we hurried back to the hotel to catch the Buffet Breakfast which closes at 10:30 and we got there 5 minutes before. And after breakfast, we still have to clean up and check out and catch our 2:20 flight to Manila. Carlo still managed to squeeze in 30 minute nap while i was fixing our stuff. A big No No. Never schedule your return flight the same day as the Race Day. It was like running a half marathon after the other.

At the airport, we saw this Power Foot Massager from OSIM and we both tried it. It was massaging your calves down to your feet and toes. It was so relaxing that Carlo fell asleep while having the massage.

It was a great experience and lots of lessons learned. I remember starting this blog after my 5k run in Condura early this year and what better way to end this year but this race. I will be signing off from blogging this year to enjoy the rest of the season and will be back to start the year with the first race i will join. It may be PSE Bull Run since Mizuno has been pushed back to a later date or Condura where i plan to run 21k.

Ciao!

Urbanathlon 2009

2009-11-22T21:02:00.007+08:00

Today was my first time to join Men's Health Urbanathlon and i would say it is one of the best races i have joined so far. Very well organized, lots of water, gatorade and banana, plenty of marshalls and km markers, use of traffic cones on most routes especially outside of McKinley Hills.

We had an awesome time and we thank the staff and organizers for the great planning and looking forward to next year for another edition. Just hoping that there will be results since last year's event's results (which my husband participated in) were not released.

The 10k run started with 4 hurdles already.

about 3km run then a weaver obstacle.

Then a vertical climb, about 6 floors up and then another 6 floors down (Accenture Bldg)

another 7km run to complete the 10k.

Just before the finishline, another hurdle where we had to crawl under.And finally, The Wall.

We just hoped there was more hurdle like tire hurdle or military hurdle or monkey bars

Timex Run @ The FORT

2009-11-19T22:48:00.022+08:00

My friend, Lanie, did not need too much convincing to join this, i would say, very expensive run. I thought we will be skipping this one since this is the most expensive run we have joined so far since we got hooked to running.

When i registered at Timex in Megamall early November, and they still have singlets available (i knew that singlets will only be given to first 3000 registrants), i thought that probably only running addicts like us will register because of its high registration cost, and that they have not reached their quota of 3000 yet with barely 2 weeks to go.

Run Day, we arrived at The Fort around 5:20, 21k runners are gone and 10k runners are doing warmup already. Carlo and I planned to run this with a slow and steady pace and since Carlo coming off an injury, had to take it really slow lest we aggravate the pain.

When we saw Piolo with Coach Rio on their way back to the finishline, i knew Piolo was gonna finish his first 10k in less than 1h, and true enough, when i saw the results he did it in 47 min. He must really have discipline to be able to comply with the schedule and demands of training for 10k and and to do it in 1 month. With the finish time, Piolo is a competitive runner after all, and he can give the Elite runners a run for their money.

Three Things I like about this run

1. The route, although this is the third time i ran this route, it still excites me.

2. The Timing Chip for your run analysis. Here is a snapshot of my finish time.

To access the results using runpix , click here

3. PhotoVendo which (for this run) allows you to download your pictures for free. Photovendo link for Timex Run here Since we did not have a chance to have a picture taken with Piolo, i guess a Piolo standee is a fair substitute

My Adidas KOTR 2009 10k- Check

2009-10-26T05:10:00.024+08:00

The morning of the race started out well with an easy drive to the Fort. Just worried that 21k runners have started and would take us 15 minutes to cross the intersection of Rizal going to Kalayaan flyover if they reach us. Good thing the traffic lights there were all cooperating and we easily found our way to the parking lot which is two blocks away from High Street and did not have a bit of time to wander around.

It was 5:45 am already and 10k runners are already checking in. I had to go back to the car as i thought i left my race bib. Carlo and Migo went to check in already.

The starting line for 10k was swarming with people, it was like a sea of yellow runners and so far the biggest number of runners i have seen for 1 distance alone since i started running early this year, 7000 runners for 10k distance. Amazing, men and women, from all walks of life, all in different shape, all out to do their personal best. It felt good to be a part of something big.

I still tried to look for Carlo and Migo though impossible to find them at this point.

The gun went off to signal the start of 10k race and 5k runners were moving forward. I did not run yet as i was still looking for Migo. It was time for 5k run already and i was part of the last pack of runners. I was running very slow as i was still undecided whether to run 5k or 10k. Not sure if Migo is running alone or with his Dad. I didn’t manage to see them though - too many runners in one spot.

When i reached the point where 5k runners will turn right already and 10k to go straight, that's when i decided to take the 10k route. I was among the 10k late runners so i just enjoyed the route. Going up Kalayaan Flyover was no pressure since not that much runner is left to overtake me. It was such a view to see all runners in yellow running up the stretch of Kalayaan Flyover. Forgot to bring out my camera to capture this scene.

I overtook lots of runners when i reached Buendia. I was like in auto cruise mode, not stopping but was in a very relaxed pace, which according to my Garmin was faster than 7min/km. The heat was only bad thing about the race, although i did not see km markers as well but that was not a point against the organizer as overall it was a well organized race.

When i reached the finish line, I saw Carlo and Migo waiting at the finish line. Carlo told me that he ran 10k and Migo ran 5k alone. After a little later we saw Lanie, Roy and Jono.

Glad i joined this race and will look forward to joining every year.

As usual, this run would not be complete wihtout pictures and pictures and tons of pictures

Glad i joined this race and will look forward to joining every year.

Too Much Too Soon - How i met Ondoy

2009-09-30T21:00:00.001+08:00

I did not know "Ondoy" personally until Saturday morning around 8am.

I knew there was a typhoon coming and friday night i was already checking the accuweather forecast for 48hrs. since New Balance Run is slated Sunday. In the forecast it showed that it will be raining on and off and by 4pm Saturday, rains will stop already. I told my hubby that NB run might still push thru since rain is expected to stop in the afternoon of Saturday. My spirits were still high.

I have under-estimated the strength of "Ondoy".

Personal Story:
Saturday morning around 8am, after taking a bath and probably force of habit to check outside from the windows everytime it is raining, to my surprise, our street is already covered with water. All cars are gone and Carlo's car was the only one left in the street. My small car is the one parked in our garage and it is 3 feet higher than the street so i did not worry much about it. I called Carlo and told him to move his car near the gate of our village where it is safer to park. He was hesitant to move it since water is thigh-deep already and it was impossible to open the car's door without the water coming in. Still, he went out, being the calm person that he is, used the back door of his car to enter, which is a bit higher than those on the sides. He was able to get in without the water getting in. I would not have thought about that. He moved his car and i thought that worst is over.

After just an hour, the water started to crawl in our living room. I still tried to stop it from coming in by stacking several thick towels and mats but it was so strong that in a matter of minutes i saw the water in our dining already. Carlo and I still managed to put our sofa on top of the dining table and the other on top of the cabinet before we saw the house completely covered with water. At this point, i stopped already, knowing that anything i would do to save our stuff will be futile, and headed to the second floor where my kids are, unaware of what was going on downstairs. Carlo turned off the main electric switch before he and our manang headed upstairs.

From the windows, i could only stare and watch the water rise. By this time, it is chest-deep already. Had we not moved Carlo's car, it would have been totally submerged to water.

Hours passed and still raining very hard, Carlo went back downstairs, after 5 minutes i followed him and he was trying to keep the Ref upright as it was already floating. I helped him and at that time there was no plan but just to keep it upright with us keeping it that way. God really has his way of talking to us, as we just found ourselves pushing it near two walls kept the ref at least 45degrees from the floor. I saw our washing machine floating already, our gas range almost submerged and our water dispenser floating around.

I was not ready for anything like this. I was already breaking down inside, too tired physically and mentally. At that point, Carlo gathered us around to pray together and ask God for our safety, for everyone's safety. After that short but powerful prayer, i knew God was in the midst of us, i just surrendered everything, my worries and fears to God. Too tired of doing it on my own, and let God take control. Almost one o'clock, Carlo then took something to eat from our cabinet downstairs which holds all De Lata really intended for situations like this. We let Migo pray this time, and i was struck with my little boy's prayer, he was thanking God for the table that we were using while having lunch,

"Thank you Jesus for the table we use and food we eat, Jesus, please take care of the people outside, please stop the rains already so we can watch TV."

How can I be so selfish, worrying about the things i lost, and here is a 7 year old boy reminding me how to be thankful of the little things that God has provided us with, even during the worst situation.

There is still no electricity, we did not know what was going on outside of our village. I thought what we went through was the worst caused by the typhoon. It was only after 5pm that the waters started to subside. and around 7pm when we turned on the switch. Unfortunately, there was no skycable signal as well as internet. We were still incommunicado.

Sunday morning, we started cleaning up. It took us two whole days, Sunday and Monday, just to cleanup the entire ground floor, throw all unusable stuff that have been drenched to water overnight and sanitize everything. After seeing the news about what happened in other places Marikina, Cainta, Pasig, Quezon City which are very badly hit by typhoon "Ondoy", i have no more reason to complain. After hearing about what our officemates in ADB experienced and went through and are still going through, now i realized that our family's experience was insignificant compared to those affected by the typhoon in these places.

"Lord, pls. continue to protect us, our families and friends, our officemates, our running friends and our contrymen who have been badly affected. Touch the hearts of those who have more in life and even us ordinary people so that we may reach out to those who are in need, to help and to comfort. This we pray in the name of our Lord Jesus, Amen."

Adidas KOTR 2009 - Because every runner is different

2009-09-23T23:55:00.008+08:00

Registration for Adidas King of The Road opened last Monday, Sept 21. It was a National Holiday for everybody except for us in ADB. My husband registered for all 7 of us. I don't know how fast this will fill up,but i heard and read from last year's, KOTR fills quickly. So if you are planning on joining, I suggest you register now!

Registration costs Php500 which includes a vey nice singlet, entry to Adidas Running Expo on October 17-18 exclusive to all KOTR participants. Race packets will also be distributed during the expo. There will be booth displays, product sampling/demo/selling, talks and clinics (sports medicine), fashion show, games, raffle, and entertainment (cheerdancing/pep squad performances, concert). This day is a Carbo-loading Day as well, where runners will kick-off their carbo loading with KOTR 2009 meals for all race participants.

However if the participant cannot make it on the said dates, you can also claim your race packets in Run and Compete Enterprise Office (R.A.C.E.) at 75 Kennedy Street, North Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila from October 19-23, 2009 only.

RotaRun at McKinley Hills

2009-09-21T22:18:00.009+08:00

Around 5:00 we arrived at the parking area at Mckinley Hills. Got a call from Lanie saying they are at the NBC Tent. Fearing they might not make it on time, i told them to just park there and just do a slow jog towards McKinley Hills. Good thing they did not heed my suggestion because 15 minutes after , she called again and told me they are on their way up to the parking area.

Parking area was huge and there was enough space for everybody. I have been looking forward to this race since it will be held in McKinley Hills, a challenging route for me as this is where i got my recent ankle injury.

We went to Takbo.ph booth to pick up our RoadID. I gave Lanie hers and she wore it right away. With only 15 minutes left before 10k and 15k run, we did one loop around the starting point just to warm up our sleeping muscles which had their last run about 3 weeks ago during GMA Fun Run. We went to the corral for 10k and 15k and joined Carlo and Roy who are both doing 15k in this run.

Showing off our Road ID, just love it!

Since this is my first run after my ankle injury, again, i will be doing a very slow pace so as not introduce new injury. Having been on the sideline twice due to injuries, i cannot afford to have another one especially now that Dec 6 is just around the corner (i am registered to do 21k Standard Chartered Singapore with my husband)

The only thing i fear more than potty emergencies during the run is getting hurt. An injury means taking a break, gaining back all the pounds lost, hate the thought of losing fitness, or missing an endorphin fix.

I paced with Lanie until 4kms and from there, Lanie slowed down a bit and told me to go ahead if i felt like it but i did not speed up although i would have wanted to but i guess i learned to listen to my body.

I reached the turn around point In Lawton Ave, going back to McKinley Hills, i did not feel any pain on my ankle neither on the heels where it used to hurt so bad that it even changed my gait.

After Carlo and Roy finished their 15k, we all went to Pancake to celebrate Roy's bday. I bet celebrating birthdays after our run would now be a tradition and will be part of our running. Last August it was Girlie's, then Carlo's, this September it's Roy's, next month it will be mine, then come February, Lanie's turn.

Mizuno Running Clinic at BHS

2009-09-12T11:54:00.001+08:00

Last Thursday I joined the Mizuno Running Clinic at BHS with Ige Lopez as our coach.

My husband enrolled me at Fitness First with Milan as my Personal Trainer and I learned a lot from Milan since he is a runner himself. He finished 10k in 42 minutes during last Mizuno Infinity run in June this year and since the program was just a series of 10 sessions I thought it is not enough to learn everything.

I registered for Mizuno Running Clinic despite my condition - I have this heel pain, which is worse in the morning and somehow subsides during the day and just feel the pain again when I retire at night.

Hope the injury is better before the next session on thursday so i can join the drills and the run around BHS.
I took some pictures during the first day of the clinic but I am using my BB right now to post this one, so those pics will be posted on my next post for mizuno clinic.

This clinic will be my preparation for my Standard Chartered Singapore Half Marathon in Dec this year with my husband Carlo.

Birthday Run

2009-09-01T21:40:00.009+08:00

Last Sunday's Race was one of the biggest races i've been to as far as the no. of participants is concerned, being next to Condura last March. The difference between the two i guess is that in Condura all participants were runners or really love running. In GMA, i think half of that 5000 were fans and were there to see their favorite stars run and have pictures with them.

As for me, we are running because it is my Hubby's birthday, he is 44 years old (and he's loving it) and it is our first time to celebrate his birthday in style, on the roads, sweating it out, albeit the scorching heat of the sun, very different from last year.

More of a habit than a personal choice, Carlo got up early and woke me up, we arrived at the Fort 5:10am to pickup our race kits, the place was packed with participants already, and Lanie and Roy managed to arrive earlier and got our kits for us. We did not have a problem with our meet up before but this time, the crowd was so big it took us 20 minutes.

At around 6:01 both 5k and 10k started and it took us a while to really break free from the crowd as most of the participants, well at least those beside me, were not really moving forward but taking pictures of the emcees, and took us 3 km before we can really say we were running at our usual pace. Carlo run ahead since i told him i will just be running slow because of my ankle pain, which when running disappears but as soon as i stop, that's when i feel the pain most.

At the turnaround near Manila Japanese School, i picked up my pace to catch up with my hubby. And we saw Roy running with Lanie, even if we knew that Roy was already hurting to sprint his legs, but for the love of his life, he tried to run her pace. Roy, i am sure, you two in no time, will be running your 21k race together. It may not be this year or next year but i am sure it will come.

There were water stations but no cups to use, and so other runners were forced to drink using the lids of those water jugs. I always bring my hydration belt whenever i join 10k races and up just in case.

We clocked in at 1:07 (Garmin time), a couple PR for us for 10k but i hope they will still post the race results.

Since it was Carlo's bday, we had our breakfast at Pancake instead of the usual Gonuts Donuts, Girlie was not with us since she is having her own marathon race in Malaysia....hope she did beat her PR.

We lost about 700calories, gained about 300calories with our breakfast and Carlo gained another year of healthy, happy and active life.

To my hubby, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! and may we have more races to run together....

Levi's - Run So They Can

2009-08-23T20:44:00.023+08:00

I promised my little boy that we will run Levi's Fun Run at the Fort on Aug 23. He was so excited the day before and he even reminded us to have carbo-loading so we went to CIBO for pasta and to our surprise he finshed all the serving by himself.

It is a week after Kenny's Urbanite and a still have that high in running my first 15k so i registered for 5k for me and 3k for Migo and his daddy.

Girlie and Lemoni and cousins were running 1.5k. The kids are very excited that they were doing the warm up exercise before the run. More pictures here
I forgot to bring my Garmin for this run but i think the run started a little late. Runners for 5k, 3k and 1.5k run all at the same time.

Migo has been very vocal about him having a picture while pouring water on his head while running and so his daddy remembered that during this run he took that picture and Carlo saw Migo beaming with joy after the shot.
Carlo and Migo were doing 3k so i told them i will speed up already. I didn't know what pace i was going but i was already gassing and i think have not even run 2k yet. The route did not have markers(i was not expecting for any); but there was enough water station for 5k.

I suddenly felt a sharp pain at the back of my ankle. I first felt this pain after Kenny's Urbanite Run where i run 15k. During the week it slowly disappeared with my constant icing and use of Fastum. So i thought it was gone. Today, the pain came back and after goggling it up in the net, i learned that it is Achilles Tendonitis. I had to slow down a bit. I still managed to finish the race but did not know my time since there was no timer as well.

Carlo and Migo were there at the finishline waiting for me. Girlie and the kids must have finished minutes ahead already as they were doing 1.5k.
Migo enjoyed the run very much but we told him he can not run with us that often unless there is 3k and 7 yrs. old kids are allowed. And he has to gain more weight. I think for now he understands this already and he is resolved in doing shockwave instead.

Nite to Remember!

2009-08-18T06:00:00.014+08:00

I ended the day totally exhausted but had fun......

Got up this morning.

Had to prepare reviewers for my daughter in Grade 4 since next week is Unit Test week for her.

Had breakfast with my hubby and kids and do our usual routine during Saturday, spend at least an hour or more in the table and listen to the kids as they tell their stories and jokes.

Give the kids a shower (which i normally do at least once a week)

Shower.

Play computer with my boy.

Had lunch.

Took my power nap for tonight's event.

at 4:30, hubby and I started to prepare for the meetup with Lanie, Roy, Jono and Girlie at Claw Daddy Fort.

Ate spaghetti and crabs. (Not sure if doing this prior to a 15k run would be a good idea).

Finished our dinner at 7:00pm. Felt a bit heavy.

We did our warmup while waiting for gunstart which was moved back 15 minutes later.

At 8:15, gunstart but took us another 5 minutes to cross at the starting line.

first 3 or 4 kilometers was fun, by the time we got to Bayani road, it was so dark and can't see the roads anymore. Had to slow down to avoid any accidents.

By the time we entered Heritage Park, it felt a bit awkward yet exciting. As i look around i can only see the walls that borders the busy street of Bayani road.

The cemetery is probably a strangest place to run; a paradoxical experience to do something that is lively among the dead.

Throughout the run inside the park, it was so quiet and eerie, Good thing i was with my husband who started complaining about his tummy and beg for us to stop for a walk.

1 hour after gunstart and with the pace we are going, must be another hour.

Soon we got out of the park and headed towards McKinley Hills, Carlo is having stomach aches again. I think it started around 6km and came on and went until we finished the run

Now i know it was our dinner that caused his upset stomach during the entire run.

Only 2km left and Carlo feeling a little better, we decided to run the remaining 2k.

We noticed as soon as we turned right from McKinley Hills, the routes were opened to public and private vehicles pushing us runners (there were still lots of us) to the side walk street...I feared for our safety since cars here are fast and motorbikes are plenty.

Good thing some runners, i recognized Roselle (runningdiva) and i commend them for doing that, who tried to assist in keeping motorists outside of the lane for runners.

We finished our 15k at 2:03. Not bad for my first 15k with Carlo pacing with me.

We had to go home as soon as we reached the finish line as Carlo was not comfortable anymore.

Despite of all the hiccups i heard and read about this race, me and my husband and my friends enjoyed this experience. more pictures here. and race results here

And we will enjoy running no matter what and no matter who organizes the race.

Hope everybody was safe and had fun............

Teddy Locsin's Eulogy for President Cory Aquino

2009-08-09T14:45:00.006+08:00

Found this fulltranscript of Teddy Locsin's Eulogy from Jessica Zafra's personal blog. I did not have the chance to watch it on tv so thought of posting it too........

Source: http://jessicarulestheuniverse.com

Teddy Locsin's Eulogy for President Cory Aquino

Throughout thirteen years of martial law, until I laid eyes on her again, I never thought that I would ever see the end of it. Least of all that my father would survive it. I am not much given to prayer or pious reflection but when I could set aside my anger, I prayed my father would see democracy again. Late one afternoon, in San Francisco, I got a call. It was from Cory Aquino, for whom I had written one speech after her husband’s assassination. She said she had accepted Marcos’s challenge in a Snap Presidential Election. I put down the phone, and packed my bags, and reported to her at the Cojuangco Building.

I knew then she was the answer to my prayers. What I did not notice was that the closer we came to victory, which is to say the farther the prospect receded that the Marcos regime would survive, the less I felt the anger inside me. As each day passed, bringing me closer to the day I could get even, the less I felt the need for it as I spent more time with the woman who alone could make it possible. I did not notice, but I was no longer looking back in anger, or looking forward even, to victory and vindication. Only now do I see. I had lived with my anger so long, only for the day to come when it no longer mattered to me. The only thing that counted was that I was living every day to the fullest, bringing out the best in me—for someone else. A dream I hadn’t had since I was a boy, feeding on stories of chivalry, had been achieved. I was serving a woman who was every inch a sovereign, all the more for scorning the slightest pretension to the role.

I did not realize it, even when I was already in the Palace, by the side of the President—among all her advisers, I like to think, the one who loved her most. It never again occurred to me that I had scores to settle. And not until today, that I had passed up every chance to get even.

From the moment I came in from the airport and reported for duty, and she gave me in return the same smile she gave me on her deathbed, I never noticed… Not when I was with her in the campaign when she corrected me for not looking at the people I was waving at… Nor when I was with her in the presidential limousine looking intently, for her benefit, at the crowds at whom I waved… I never noticed anything. Except that I was with the only person that I would ever want to be with.

I certainly never noticed that I had left my anger behind. I don’t know how it happened. Except that Cory Aquino ennobled everyone who came near her. I have tried to say it publicly but never could finish. If you saw me as I felt myself to be, anyone would fall in love with me. I saw myself in that hospital room, a knight at the bedside of his dying sovereign, on the eve of a new Crusade, oblivious to the weight of the armor on his shoulders for the weight of the grief in his heart.

And because she always doubted my ability to be good for very long… Indeed, when my wife told Ballsy that I prayed the rosary at Lourdes for her mother’s recovery, Cory said, “Teddy Boy prayed the rosary? A miracle! I feel better already.” Because she doubted my capacity for self-reformation, she made it effortless for me by being herself. I did not notice that I was doing right by serving a woman who never did wrong. I am not sure how to take this moral self-discovery. It is so unlike myself. But if it will bring me before her again, I am happy.

Salamat Cory ....

2009-08-05T00:24:00.008+08:00

We were supposed to run 10k at Palm Country Club run in Alabang and was looking forward to this day as this will be my long run for the week, actually my only run for the week.
Though it was raining hard already and i knew that 30 min is not enough to get to Alabang in time for gun start at 6:30am (i woke up 6am) I and Carlo still changed to our running clothes and he told me that we can just have our long run at the Fort instead. Ok fine, a bit disappointed as this is our third try to run in Alabang but still unsuccessful, but still better than nothing.

We got to BHS around 630 am still with a slight shower and do not see a single runner around, waited a little longer inside the car to wait for rain to stop. After about 10 min, i saw a couple of runners and soon another one. So i guess, it is just fine to run in the rain.

We planned to run 10k today and the route will be from BHS to Lawton Ave until Namria, then turn towards heritage park until we reach c5. It was still drizzling a bit and when we reached the park, we saw lots of media people, military and lots of cars in front of Heritage Park. Little did we know that Tita Cory already succumbed to cancer which she has been battling with for over 16 months. Just a few steps away from the area, we heard a very loud sound which consisted of eight successive cannon shots, which later on i learned that it was the traditional "Volley of Fire" which soldiers offered to honor the death of a former President and Commander-in-Chief.

We continued on with our run but this time we dedicated the last part of that run (5k) to the person whom the whole nation will be forever grateful for and will live on forever in our hearts.....

Thank you Tita Cory .....you will surely be missed......

Building Dreams

2009-07-26T12:01:00.027+08:00

As I was browsing on Habitat’s recent activities, i chanced upon this one in Singapore.

"Last June 12, some 800 people took part in the first mass barefoot walk in Singapore. Their aim: to raise awareness of the plight of people living in poverty, who lack access to the basic necessities of life, like shelter, food, clothing and... shoes. The innovative poverty-awareness project Bare Your Sole Barefoot Walk 2009 was organized by Habitat for Humanity Singapore with the support of volunteers from all walks of life. "

Just about the same time, Globe announced its city run for Habitat for Humanity. This opportunity to build homes, rebuild lives and make life better for others is a blessing and a gift so as soon the the online registration was available i already registered to take part in this Globe-Ayala-organized city run for a cause. What i did and all registrants for that matter may have not changed our country yet but this little thing will surely make the slightest difference to the life of somebody and collectively will make a difference.

Pre-Race
Went to Globe Booth in High Street to pickup our race kits and was so excited to see how a timing chip would look like as this is my first race to use one. Got them so fast without any hassle and with my excitement to see what's inside the kit, i forgot that i also need to get my Globe Kit as well as my refund since Carlo is gonna pick me up already. I showed him the chip as well as the route and he literally showed me the 10k route by taking the Kalayaan flyover on our way home instead, drove from The Fort until we reach Malugay St. in Buendia because he said being familiar with the route somehow gives you the much needed confidence and help you manage your energy. While we were traversing the length of Kalayaan Flyover i was asking myself if i can survive this challenge, trying to absorb the turns and uphill and downhill and the stretch, my hubby mentioned that the only challenge in this 10k route would be running up and down the kalayaan flyover and the rest is fairly flat and manageable. I guess i can do it, I told myself, I will do it. I have to do it.

Race Day

We arrived at the Fort 4:30 am and Carlo and I were so excited. The morning was crisp and beautiful. I couldn’t have asked for a better weather or a more beautiful run at The Fort. After raining the whole week, it's amazing that race day did not even show any signs of drizzling and that has put practically everybody in good spirits. Then as we turn to the parking lot where we always park when there is a race here, we saw this big sign "For VIP Parking only". Knowing my husband's bullheadedness, he insisted in parking as there were barely 20 cars parked at that time and we were not informed of this in the race kit neither during the registration so the poor lady and the guard could not do anything but let us park already. Well, obviously we did not let that incident dampen our spirits.

I planned to run steady and not to push myself too hard. Started the first 2 to 3 km with Lanie with a slow but steady pace and picked it up as soon as we reached the foot of Kalayaan Flyover, then the dreaded part of this race, at least for me. I just maintained my pace and am enjoying to see 21k runners on their way back going to McKinley for their last 5k. Before i knew it, we were starting to descend towards Buendia, and this part brings back a lot of memory to me as this is where i spent 5 years in my first job, where i met my husband, where i met my running friends now, where at least twice had to brave waist-deep flooded roads of Buendia just to get home after work, but seeing this place again and being in this place by foot gives me such a wonderful feeling. Am sure glad i joined this race and signed for 10k otherwise until now am still wondering how it feels to run on flyover. Not long after was the turnaround for 10k and as usual i am looking for people to hand me out the straw or string or band to mark that i reached the turn around point, just saw this narrow opening with mat and runners are guided to pass there, then i realized i was wearing timing chip and enjoyed the beep sound everytime a runner stepped on the mat. On my way back to Kalayaan flyover, i caught up with Carlo who was running 21k, and since i thought he was just having a walk break, i did not stop.

I finished my 10k at 1:12 and was so happy with this run. Saw Girlie and Jono (who ran 5k and 3k respectively) at the the finish line. Soon after Roy who did 21k showed up and then Lanie joined us. I was still waiting for Carlo and worried about him since his last run of 21k he mentioned he had cramps twice just after the 16km marker, but after about 20 minutes, i saw him walking, enjoying every step and not showing any pain in his face.

We did enjoy this run very much. Kudos to the organizer Vince and the rest of Finishline team.

Post-Race

While Carlo was changing his wet shirt at the car, we realized that the car key was inside and he accidentally closed the trunk. But that was still too small a thing to argue about, so he decided to get a cab and get the spare key at home while me and Lanie, Roy and Jono waited up at Krispy Creme. It did not take long for Carlo to come back with the keys and join us. Then i told him his 21k with 2:35 time was very good. It was then he mentioned he had cramps again twice, apparently when i caught up with him just before going back to Kalayaan flyover, he was having his first one. He was still able to run after that but when he was about to turn to lawton Ave. he had his 2nd cramps and this time he really had to stop to try to stretch it and this is where the roving Aid Marshal approached him and gave him first aid. He said these guys knew what they were doing and the pain immediately went away He even asked them if he can still run, the guy said yes but the cramps will come back to think that there is still 5km or 6km more to run. So Carlo, without having second thoughts decided to do DNF for this run and asked the guy if he can ride his cab to the finish line. He really knew what he was doing because he said yes he can but for the pain to totally go away he told my hubby to walk on it. So Carlo went back to finish line walking disappointed but already having his Plan B which is to continue his training to train his muscles to run 21k.

I told him we can train together so we can run our first half-marathon without cramps and pain.

There's nothing wrong to dream big i guess, you just have to start somewhere and soon you'll get there.

Since Roy mentioned that he forgot to get his Globe kit and refund as well, we went to Globe booth and we were told that an instruction will be posted for the refunds and globe kit. And sure enough, just yesterday i saw in Takbo and TBR's site about instructions on claiming kits and refund.

Here, Carlo has not had his 1st cramp yet

Cool Race Results

What i like about this run's race results is you will actually know who was running alongside you by the time you reached the finish line, those who are ahead of you and those behind you, with their actual registration name and time. I thought the bullets represented below just show the number of runners as in front of you and behind you as you cross the finish line

PICS after

Sharing the Road - Buddy Run

2009-07-16T22:53:00.012+08:00

Last week was a very long week for me. I didn’t mind the back to back meetings and overtime work because I knew in the end it would be time for my work-week-ending Fit and Fun Buddy Run.

Just a week before Buddy Run, Carlo, has been asking me about the route of this Sunday’s run although he knew he will not be running since he did not have a buddy partner. I felt guilty though for somehow abandoning my buddy for life in this run and running 5k instead, but coming off an injury, i am sure he did not mind at all.

I knew he would not like the idea of me looking for a buddy for him, but I still did try to look for one and chanced upon this forum in Takbo.ph site where I followed the thread of Fit and Fun Buddy Run Partner for days. Still not sure whether Carlo will really want to run this Sunday, I made my post in that thread on a Sunday evening. Come Monday at work, just like my usual Monday, a very busy day and not minding the time, I remembered checking the thread in Takbo.ph and found two replies, one from Cj who said his 10k was about 54 minutes which is about 5.4min/km, way way out of Carlo’s pace, it is too fast for him. The other post was from Luis (aka Gingerbreadman) and he did not mention about his pace but instead asked what Carlo’s pace is. When I saw these posts my heart started pounding so fast because I knew Carlo won’t like the idea of running with a total stranger, and the irony of it all is that his wife who is an introvert is the one arranging this for him.

I replied to Luis’ post and after several exchange of emails, he agreed to be Carlo’s buddy and he will be pacing my husband, hopefully to get a new PR although knowing Carlo, he is not very particular about getting a new PR for this run because his objective was just to have fun and to add up mileage for his next target run, 21k at Run for Home.

Race day, we arrived at the fort 15 minutes before 6am, just enough time to have chit chat with Lanie and Girlie and Roy. They were all surprised to see Carlo all set to run complete with his race bib, running shoes and his 10k singlet. They all asked me who is Carlo running with since they knew that this run is supposed to be a Buddy run and you can’t run without a partner. I told them he has a buddy but I have to find him first.

I saw Luis with Takbo.ph group having their pre-race group photo ops and was so shy to approach them so I had to wait until the group is small enough but ….wait …where is Luis……race is almost starting…and he’s not with the group anymore….i have to see him…..Carlo is gonna get mad at me …not this time…… I grabbed my bag at the baggage area to get my cell and call Luis, had 2 missed calls from him already.

Finally, saw Luis and introduced them to each other and left them already since runners are checking in for the gun start. Luis’ blog has full accounts of that run……very nicely written….it’s like I was there with them when i was reading his post...

I checked in with my buddy, Girlie, and my little boy Migo with his buddy Jono. Lanie and Roy are running 10k together (good luck Lanie!) Just a few minutes after, off we run….

Migo and Jono finished at 40:26

Girlie and I clocked in at 41:35

Carlo and Luis crossed the finish line at 1:12:02 (1:08 according to Garmin) PR for Carlo

Roy and Lanie made it in 1:22:04

Although the past week had lots of stress points I'm pleased that the run took the edge off things so well. Maybe there's something to this running thing after all...made new PR…..made new friends…….made new targets…..my next run ..10k at Run for Home……I am just as excited as everybody else for this run….

Carlo with Luis (aka Gingerbreadman)....Luis, had i known you were a positive splitter i would have just let Carlo be the phorographer for the day...kidding aside, Carlo said he knew your plan all along but you did great in pushing him.

Hey Lanie, it does not look in this pic that you are sooooo in pain. Great Job. naunahan mo ako to run 10k.

Jono and Migo, finished their 5k in 40min

Road to Recovery

2009-06-28T09:02:00.011+08:00

It's been a little over a month since I injured my hip at TNF100 Trail Run
In that time, I have managed to get in a few rides on the Elliptical Machine and a long walk.

I know that the hip is getting much better because right after TNF100, I couldn't even stand one-legged on my right leg much less climb up and down the stairs. But over the last week, I have almost reached peak stability. The marked improvement was amazingly noticeable. Good thing i decided to complete the PT Sessions that my Rehab Doctor recommended and believe it or not it was a zero-run month for me.

So today, i tried to sort of break in these legs and tried to hit the roads again.
I joined JAL Fun Run at the Fort with my husband and my running friends to run 5k. Although there were 3 runs slated on the same day, we chose JAL Fun Run because the other two are held at UP and it is too far for Lanie and Roy who come all the way from Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Anyway, the run for 5k started at 6:00am. i got off to a bit of a slow start and saw Lanie and Girlie whom i used to run closely with, run past me as soon as the gun was fired off. Kako paced with me from the start since he knew i have a tendency to speed up when i get so excited. Having had zero run the whole month, i was hopeful of at least finishing the race, albeit slow, but most of all, i wanted to run a steady pace without pain and twinges...

The 1st km went by so fast but the 2nd km was hard as i still could not see the water station. As we started uphill, Kako reminded me to make small steps and slow it down which i did. My breathing was a bit laboured and I knew I was pushing it a bit but I also knew I could do it plus I wanted to do well!

Once we reached the roundabout, I started to feel a lot better, then I see the finish line. On the last 100m to the finish line, Kako told me to speed up already and was totally happy to see that it was 38 minutes after gun time.

It was my worst 5k run finish time but it was my best run experience ever. It was my comeback run and i know it was not bad at all considering the zero-run condition and it was my first time to run with Kako from start to finish.

I guess my legs are ready and will start my training for 10k run in Run for Home on July 19 at the Fort. I hope i could pull this through...

Time to take my power nap......

Me, Girlie, Lanie and Roy

Girlie, Rex, Joy and Me

BIG NIKE SALE for 3 days !!!!

2009-06-20T13:53:00.000+08:00

If you are of those who wait for a great sale before buying stuff you like just like me, then this is for you.

I went to Nike Glorietta 3 this morning and lots of stuff on sale both for men and women. I just got dissapointed though because the shirt i bought just a month ago was already on sale. Too bad, i should probably get their sale sched so i can save money instead buying them once they initially come out.

Things i miss most about running

2009-06-14T17:38:00.001+08:00

Running has been tough for me after TNF100. When i can't run, my blog suffers too since i have nothing to write down. My right hip still bothers me. I know that the main problem for this injury is mainly because i tried to put off sched to train particularly strength training for my core. It's been a month now since i sustained hip injury and i'm beginning to wonder if i'll ever be ableto run without pain again.

It has stopped raining and weather is cooperating lately and that has put me in poor spirits - I don't get to do what i love doing most - running. Particularly missing my early morning runs more than ever.......so....

I have put together a list of things I miss most about running.

freedom from eating just about anything
the wonderful pain in my legs after running uphill
having to drive to BHS in the morning for our early morning run
wearing my running shorts and singlet
downloading my run in my garmin and check how my run went, my heart rate and my speed
how a cold gatorade tastes after a 5K or 10k run
the way i feel after the run
fellow runners - the people I meet down the road during the race and while having an LSD at the Fort
talking about the recent race with my husband and fellow runners in office
waking up very early in the morning to prepare for a race.

Hope this list does not grow longer as i am in my road to recovery. Hopefully, i can join Milo Marathon Manila Eliminations in July, and if i am still unable to run by then, i will patiently wait until i am fully recovered and wait for Milo Finals in October.

Stay safe and enjoy your run!!!!!

Infinite Walk on Infinity Run

2009-06-07T17:24:00.000+08:00

I was supposed to run 5k in Mizuno Infinity Run last Sunday held at the Fort but i ended up walking due to my hip injury. When the gun went off for the 5k, i tried to run a few steps but the pain still persists and to my disappointment i ended up walking the entire route.

I wanted to go back and take out my race bib so i can just wait Kako and my friends at the finish line but as i walk the first kilometer i saw other runners like me who were also walking, either because they just prefer to walk the entire race while having a chat with a friend or they are recuperating from an injury. Whatever it is, it still felt good though.

I realized i always complain about my injury and my not being able to run in the race but i forgot to thank God for healing me and being able to walk again and made me think of those who are wheelchair-bound that would love to walk a tenth of a kilometer. So while walking my way to the finish line and as other runners run past me, i prayed and started thanking God for my ability to walk again, for the good weather, for my family, for my father who just recently underwent angioplasty, my kids, my husband and friends who are running with me and all the things that must happen first in order for me to even step out of the door and run. Somehow, that got me through it, finishing my race walking, long but happy and contented and thankful and grateful.

As soon as I crossed the finish line and was led to the booth where i can get the singlet, a leaflet was handed as well that says about time trial and 01/10/10.

As i read through, i just realized that Our time has been set for next year's Mizuno Infinity Run 2010

More info from Mizuno Website

Get ready to BEAT YOUR TIME!!!

I. SCHEDULE
1) REGISTRATION will start on October 2009

2) VENUE: 28th street, behind the NBC Tent, bound by the 7th avenue.

3) DATE: Assembly time: 5:00 a.m., January 10, 2010

II. ELIGIBILITY
1) Must be an infinity Run 2009 TIME TRIALS Registrant.

2) Infinity Run 2009 TIME TRIALS results will determine time category for RACE DAY.

3) Distance category should be the same as Infinity Run 2009 TIME TRIALS
*Open category for new participants. TIME TRIALS FOR INFINITY RUN 2011.
Present INFINITY RUN 2009 TIME TRIALS race bib to avail discounted registration fee for INFINITY RUN RACE DAY 01.10.10

5k Route was almost the same as that of Condura

5k Finishers

Each runner has a great story to tell

2009-06-01T22:06:00.000+08:00

I felt no pain as I ascend the steep , slippery mountain trail , halfway the finish line of the 2009 TNF 100 Sacobia Trail Marathon, my first 20KM. It didn't have anything to do with the Jelly Beans I'd taken earlier. It was the result of my excruciating and hard training that made me forget the cramps in my left and right hamstring. Kudos to my Fitness First PT (Pain and Torture) Victor Mondia.

Five years earlier, I had been 30 pounds overweight when I first stepped onto a fairly new Treadmill at FF RCBC , Makati, looking for a way to shed the powerlessness that I'd felt most of my life. At that time, I was the guy who ate until my stomach hurt, who has a High Blood Pressure , High Cholesterol count, High Uric acid count and stones in my ureter. I was taking high dosage of medication just to keep my blood chemistry normal and because of that my sexual function was greatly affected . I had ED ( Erectile Dysfunction ) BIG TIME. I was stuck with a poor self-image and was settling—for a "big-boned" body, for jobs I could do in my sleep, for being the passive partner in my relationship.

That afternoon, on the treadmill, I felt like an intruder. At 5'5" and 190 pounds, I thought I didn't belong. I took comfort in the corner and decided to start with one lap. This was an exploratory mission after all. I coached myself to take it easy. As I rounded the final lap, I took inventory: Nothing broken, nothing burst, heartbeat fast (relatively). So I tried another. And another. I ended up running four laps. That's a mere km—nothing to a real runner. But for me, it was like crossing four finish lines. Each lap was a cause for celebration, a reason to believe that, maybe, I can. Until then, losing weight had always been about "I can't." I can't run. I can't finish it . But running was already showing me that I could set goals and achieve them. It was one big Yes.

I decided not to worry about my diet at first and just focus on running and training. I hit the FF RSC gym every morning, cross training, adding a lap or so a week until I was up to five km. Within a year, I dropped from a 190 to 160. My Cardiologist at St Lukes Medical Center couldn’t believe it . I was able to maintain my 160# weight. I was out of Cholesterol and Uric acid medication, High blood medication was changed to a minimum dosage and YES YES YES I got my WILLY back .

Training at FF RSC has transformed me, inside and out. It's more tha just a sports. It's as much a part of my identity as being an IT Executive, or a father, or a husband—maybe even more, because I truly don't know if I'd be any of those things if I hadn't toughed out that first kilometer. I still experience high moments, every time I make it through a 5:30 a. m. 5km road run when I'd rather be in bed, or finish a hard set of intervals on the treadmill or do a Brutal CrossFit training at the gym. There may be no cheering crowds, no medals, no booming baritone announcement. But the finish-line feeling lives on, in my head and in my heart.

Hip Labral Tear Injury

2009-05-30T21:06:00.000+08:00

I have been recovering from my hip injury brought about by probably pushing myself too hard last week during TNF 100 in Sacobia, Clark. I have been unable to walk since then and my ortho doctor advised me to take 1 week bed rest to allow the muscle to repair and recover.

Last Sunday, just after TNF Trail Run, i really could not walk and needed a cane to support me.
Monday morning, i did not go the work as it was really painful and could not even step or climb down the bed. What usually takes me 1 minute to accomplish, it took me 10 - 15 min after the injury. Kako had to accompany me to the Ortho Doctor in Mega Clinic who upon seeing me ordered an xray to make sure that there are no bone fractures. After examining me, he gave me some anti inflammatory medicines to somehow ease the pain but just the same he suggested that i take complete bed rest. His diagnosis of my injury, Hip Labral Tear, which is a tear in labrum that causes a snapping sensation in the hip.

How does the tear occur in the hip labrum?

A hip labral tear is usually an acute injury as a result of a sports injury, fall, or accident. They are commonly associated with sudden, twisting maneuvers that cause immediate pain in the hip.

Treatment of Hip Labral Tears

Typical early treatments of a hip labral tear include:

Rest - The torn labrum in the hip can cause inflammation around the joint. Allowing the inflammation to settle down may alleviate the symptoms of the labral tear and allow return to activities. It took me 4 days to be say i walk again but not my normal walk yet.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications - can be helpful in diminishing some of the inflammation in the joint. I had to stop my medicines since it caused me discomfort in breathing. Don't want to introduce new problems.
Physical therapy - therapists can use various techniques to improve hip function by strengthening and balancing the muscles around the hip joint. I just had my 1st PT session and hopefully i'll be back to doing my usual activities including running.
A cortisone injection is useful not only as a treatment of the labral tear, but it can also be performed at the same time as a diagnostic injection the help determine the cause of the hip pain. With my fast recovery, i don't think this will be necessary.
A hip arthroscopy procedure may be considered. During a hip arthroscopy, your surgeon places a small camera into the hip joint to see the labral tear. Your surgeon can also evaluate the cartilage of the joint, important ligaments, and other structures.
Treatment of the labral tear usually consists of shaving out the torn portion of the labrum. Same goes with this one.

I have to skip IE8 run this sunday to allow my complete recovery. I am not sure if i can already run in the Mizuno Infinity Run on June 7 . Hope to hit the roads again, soon!

TNF 100 2009 Trail Run Report

2009-05-26T07:26:00.000+08:00

I put this TNF 100 Trail Run report together in the hopes that it will entertain you and entice you to join one of these trail runs. It will be all worth it!

We booked two rooms for our group since we brought the kids with us. Lanie Girlie and Roy shared in the other room. We could have fit in one room but since we need to get enough rest before the trail, and Kako is such a huge snorer, i worried about spoiling our first trail ever.

http://www.inquirer.net/view/2586

Having some carbo loading party

Later that Saturday afternoon we went out to have some dinner and get supplies we will need during the trail

It was drizzling the day before our trail run so we knew we were in for a muddy run in few spots of this trail. We arrived at the Expo Filipino Parking Lot at exactly 5:00am. Parked the car, registered for our respective trail run, peed (even we just did before we left the hotel, i am sure you have experienced that anxiety before), checked the place as we felt jitters at the same time excitement. Little did we know that trail run scheduled today almost got cancelled due to rains the other day.

got this info from The Bull Runner's blog

" that 20k and 10k's scheduled run almost got cancelled. The starting line looked like a disaster area and that 100k runners were asked to stop to ensure their safety. 100km runners waited at the assembly area for over 2 hours with lactic acid building up in their legs. A lot of ultra runners decided to DNF. Good thing though that, by dinner time, we got news that, after a thorough evaluation by TNF and Finish Line, the race would be pushing through. That was great news. "

Finally, this is it....TNF100 Go the Distance, Endure the Trail, Test your Limits......

Almost everybody looked like firefly with their running attire as it was still dark and 20k runners are waiting for the gun start

Was Roy looking for Lanie here?

20k Trail Run

10k Trail Run

Start of 20k - whistle start was at exactly 5:30

Start of 10k - 10 minutes after 20k

Water Station
Before the start of the race it was announced that water stations were not dispatched as discussed during the TNF Trail Briefing held on May 13 at ROX as it was really impossible to put up one in the designated areas instead they put one just before the river crossing, the next one was at the 6th kilometer mark or so and the last one was at the foot of the bridge approaching the finish line. Good thing i have my Nike hydration belt to depend on but unfortunately i lost one of the bottles during the cross in the river.

The Route and the Challenges
I was actually part of the lead pack when we started. The course was fairly flat during the first 1.5 k of the 10k run except for the downhill that leads to the tall cogon grass, got a glimpse of what's in store for us in this trail already. I got so excited with how my North Face Trail shoes were controlling my run especially during the first downhill which i consider the first challenge (there are actually 4 challenges i encountered in this trail run) so i was already running fast with an average pace of 5:25 (even faster than my road race pace).

Kako's shot of 20k's first km, here trail is narrow that runners have to wait their turn and cannot overtake

At 2k, river crossing started and excitement was building, it was fun but i felt bad because i didn't bring my handy camera to capture the beauty of trail running but i was still running a faster pace (6:10). I really enjoyed the river crossing part hopping lightly ( so my shoes don't dig deep in the mud) while my shoes sip water and sand fill my shoes. It is not everyday that i get to do this. As a matter of fact if i remember it right, the last time i did this was when i was about 7 or 8 yrs old, also in the province of Pampanga. It was even deeper during that time (knee-deep) and it was really mud that my cousins had to literally pull me out just so i can move on....ok so much for this nostalgic moments ...... The next thing i realized was the river part is over, it was about 3k long by the way, and we're about to get off the Parwa River. When i saw the steep hill that i need to climb up in front of me and while waiting my turn, thoughts were playing around my head already asking my self what did i get myself into, what if i slide down and the guy behind me gets all my weight?). When it was my turn, i just let my shoes do the work and i just kept climbing searching for something to hold on until i saw a hand at the top of the hill and without second thoughts i reached his strong hands and let him pull me up and once up there i felt triumphant with what i consider the second challenge as i was still feeling strong and ready for the next one.

4.5k off the river was a flat but challenging trail and at 6km i started feeling the pain in my hip but i could still run so i decided to slow down a bit since i still have 4k left. And i only feel the pain when i stepped on my right foot, but this labored effort was throwing my stride off, causing pain in my right in ways it's not used to, now this one i considered my 3rd challenge. . At 7km, i tried to shuffle along and ignore the pain at times but, surprisingly, it hurt the most when stopping for a drink so i decided to walk slow already just to manage to get to the finish line albeit the pain.

7km until the the 8th km marker i was already walking...runners are already running past me and i am just waiting to hear Lanie or Girlie catch up with me. This was probably the longest 2km bridge i have been to because of the pain i was experiencing. Little did i know that Lanie from afar could see me limping already and she could see me try to run but to no avail. When she caught up with me, we had a short chat and told her to run already since she is nearing the finish line. 1Km left and it seemed forever, will i be able to finish this i asked myself, this is the 4th challenge i faced in this trail run, the spirit is willing but my body is not. At last i saw the Finish line my leg is still aching trying to endure the pain and when i crossed the finish line, i said a short prayer thanking God for getting me through this and for this wonderful experience. I knew God took most of the pain during the painful trail because as soon as i got my bag from the baggage are i felt all the pain around my leg because Lanie was there already to help her limping friend. I literally have to make small steps and need something or somebody to put my weight on just to move my right leg.

Just a few minutes after, Girlie arrived so we all lined up for our photo vendo pics. This is the first time we are having photovendo pics since the number of runners for this race is very small unlike in the road races where lines are like up to the first km marker.

Girlie near the finish line

And who would think with these pictures that somehow, i was in pain

Meanwhile, while we are having fun at photovendo, Roy and Kako are still enduring the 20k trail. According to Kako, the trail was treacherous, unforgiving though beautiful and many times breathtaking, thrilling, astonishing and he could not help but stop once in a while and capture these pics.

Water in this part of 20k trail (according to Kako) was high your feet will be submerged to water completely, those who were lucky during the first one will not escape this anymore 20k's trail at Altitude 363m

View at the top of the mountain

and another breathtaking view that you don't see everyday especially in the busy streets of Makati or Ortigas

After an hour, Roy arrived at the finish line, and another hour it was Kako who according to him had two episodes of cramps one after the 12th and the other one after the 16th so he decided to just walk the last 4km of his trail. Everyone made it back safe and happy and for some like me, painful.

The mood at the finish line was relaxed as finishers pull off muddy socks and shoes. All racers crossed the finish line with shoes mud-streaked as well as shins and legs. We tried to capture ours before we cleaned up.

The Trail Experience

HIT LINK BELOW FOR VIDEO from INQUIRER.NET

http://sports.inquirer.net/video/index.php?vid=2586

No amount of words can describe the experience i had and how i felt when i finished my first trail ever and I am sure each one of us will have something unique to share. The feeling of relief when i crossed the finish line was just indescribable. Though painful for most of us.

Lessons Learned

never go on a trail with slight pain in you especially from hip down, it will only aggravate the problem.

shoes are really important when going on a trail as they will give you the stability and balance you would need, never mind the cost.

muscle endurance is also one of the keys in succesfully completing a trail which Kako lacked.

focus on your goal and not the pain.

just have fun, enjoy the view, forget about your PR

See you next year!

All roads lead to Sacobia, Clark for TNF 100

2009-05-20T20:10:00.000+08:00

Barely 3 days before the much anticipated run.

For me:

TNF 100 is our first trail run since we started running.
This is my first 10K same with Lanie and Girlie, first 20k for Kako and Roy.
First out of town run (in the north) since Greenfield City Run (in the south).

I don't know what is in store for me in this trail run (i am sure they are all good experiences though), clueless about what to expect, I just know that trail running is more that just getting from one point to another as fast as you can. They say that a trail holds beauty and surprises in itself. Be prepared to stop for something that takes your breath away, a turtle crossing, a rabbit playing but hopefully not snakes. I know that this trail will have river crossings and lots of water station but how steep, how rough, how high the trail will be i have no idea. Since these info are not availble, i tried to look it up on the internet any useful info that can prepare me.

***************

Grabbed these pics and info from pinoyultrarunners site.

10k
Based on the map the 10km runners would be running roughly 30-40% of the course on the Sacobia River. After which runners would climb a steep hill leading to a flat trail. Most likely the dirt trail would be established since there are several communities nearby. It might be very muddy or dusty depending on the rain fall. After this road a gentle downhill will lead runners to a concrete roads going back to the finish line. Try to sprint here so you can overtake and get the best possible time. You will have five water stations, based on my estimates it would be spaced from 2km to 3km apart. You can bring a hydration pack so you can skip the water stations and finish the course at slightly faster time. If you’re not a fuel guzzler, a hydration belt with water bottle would also suffice. Elite runners won’t bring anything, since they want to be as light and nimble as possible. It may be a 10km distance but since it’s a trail it would feel a bit like 15km or even more.

20K

Will follow the same route as the 10km but it will extend past the Haduan area where an old bridge is located. Runners would then climb a dirt road and follow a narrow trail used by the local communities. Based on the map this trail will be flat but very challenging surrounded by tall cogon grass. Runners then will reach Gate 4 and exit back to Sacobia river, try to hydrate as much as you can the terrain can sap a lot of fluids and energy. Remember you still have a long way back, try to stay positive and kick in that second wind. Bring any type of hydration system (pack, waist, and hand) it may slow you down but at least you wont run out of fuel. You might also want to bring energy bars or gels giving you that extra energy to overtake the runner in front of you. For those who are new to trail running the surroundings will really drain your reserves. The Sacobia river will sap your energy and the cogon surroundings and blazing sun will definitely sap all of your fluids. The sand will create lots of glare so you might want to bring a pair of sunglasses. Remember to pace yourself, let lead runners guide your way. Try to overtake runners before entering a narrow trail and don’t stop during hill climbs. It was estimated that 20km trail will be like a 25-30km road.

Let me share with you another article i read in trailrunner.com website about rules in trail running

RULES ON THE RUN

STAY ON TRAIL
When multiple trails exist, run on the one that is the most worn. Stay off closed trails and obey all posted regulations.

RUN OVER OBSTACLES
Run single file in the middle of a trail, even when laden with a fresh blanket of snow or muddy. Go through puddles and not around them. But, in general, if the trail is wet enough to become muddy and hold puddles ALL user groups should avoid it until the moisture has drained.

RUN ONLY ON OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED OPEN TRAILS
Make sure the trails you run on are officially designated routes, not user created routes. When in doubt, ask the land managing agency or individuals responsible for the area you are using.

RESPECT ANIMALS
Do not disturb or harass wildlife or livestock.

DON’T STARTLE OTHER TRAIL USERS
Give a courteous and audible announcement well in advance of your presence and intention to pass hikers on the trail stating something like, “On your left,” or “Trail” as you approach the trail users. Keep in mind your announcement doesn’t work well for those who are wearing headphones and blasting music. Show respect when passing, by slowing down or stopping if necessary to prevent accidental contact. Be ready to yield to all other trail users (bikers, hikers, horses) even if you have the posted right of way. Uphill runners yield to downhill runners in most situations.

BE FRIENDLY
The next step after not startling someone is letting the person know that they have a friend on the trail. Friendly communication is the key when trail users are yielding to one another. A “Thank you” is fitting when others on the trail yield to you. A courteous, “Hello, how are you?” shows kindness which is particularly welcome.

DON’T LITTER
Gel wrappers with their little torn-off tops, and water bottles don’t have a place on the trail.

SAFETY
Run with a buddy if possible. Take a map with you in unfamiliar areas. Be prepared for the weather and conditions prevailing when you start your run and plan for the worst, given the likely duration of your run. Carry plenty of water, electrolyte replacement drink, or snacks for longer runs. It is not advisable to use headphones or iPods. The wearer typically hears nothing around them to include approaching wildlife, and other humans. The most important safety aspect is to know and respect your limits.

LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
Leave natural or historic objects as you find them, this includes wildflowers and native grasses.

for the complete list of trail etiquette, you may go to this site: http://www.trailrunner.com/news/trail_etiquette.htm

Finally, our trail gears for TNF100 on Sunday May 24 at Sacobia Clark

For me, i am bringing my new Trail shoes from TNF which i bought specifically for trail runs so expect me to sign up on all trail runs that will open just to make the most of my trail shoes.My Nike hydration belt, my cell, garmin with heart monitor, packs of Jelly Sports Beans.

And for Kako, his Adidas Trail shoes, garmin with HRM, petroleum jelly (to help prevent chaffing), Jelly Sports Beans, Nathan Hydration Belt, and Hot/Cold Compress after the race

More stories and pictures after the race....Hope there are no DNF in this race...

Market Market Power Mile

2009-05-19T14:25:00.000+08:00

Was supposed to leave home a little earlier for this race to have more time for warmup and to give Lanie and Roy their Race Bibs. I just came back from my foot injuries and i want to make sure i get enough stretching and twitching of muscles before the run. Have planned to do this as my practice run for the 10k Trail Run we have signed up for set in the great plains of Luzon, Sacobia Clark , next week, May 24.

This is the first time i am running more than 5k. It is also Kako's first time to run more than 10k on a road race, 16K. I am not even sure if i can finish the race. The only practice i had was the 10km walk I had with Kako on Saturday just before the race which took us 2 hrs to finish.

We were not disappointed as the 16k route according to Kako was very challenging considering the hilly part of Lawton Ave. The gunstart for 16Km was 5:30am which started from the central park in front of Serendra, goes straight to 5th Avenue, out to Lawton, heading to Heritage Park, straigth through until you reach C5 for the turning point again, back to Lawton Ave , 5th Avenue, back of S&R, towards the British School, turning towards NOL 38 Parkway for the turning point again, back to British School, towards the 32nd Street and in to the finish line.

For 8k, which started at 5:45am, i am familiar with the route already since this is the same route where Kako and I usually do our tempo run, except that it extends up to Essensa Bldg. I have planned to just maintain my usual pace (6:50) and keep it at that up to the last kilometer. I also used my Nike hydration Belt for the first time to keep me hydrated during the run and not having to stop at every water station.

2 mile finishers (Migo, Jono, and Pinoy)

8K finishers (Girlie and Lanie a few strides away from the finish line, both finishing strong)

16K finishers (Roy above and Kako, gained new confidence yet to run 21k next time?)

It was an AWESOME run for all of us i guess and can't wait to run the next race

Future runners you should not miss....these two young boys run 3.2K and finished it fast and strong

Race Results:

16km(10mi) - Roy Suarez - 1:28:33 Carlo Barretto -1:54
8km (5mi) - Lucille Barretto - 54:08 Girlie Javier - 1:01:18 Lanie Suarez - 1:01:39
3.2km (2mi) - Jono Suarez - 18:26 Migo Barretto - 22:08 Pinoy Soriano - 23:29

Mommies on the Run

2009-05-12T21:18:00.000+08:00

It's mother's day today and we joined Botak Road Race at the Fort.

This is the first time i am running (although still not my usual pace) after i sustained foot injuries due to my stubborness, and it felt good. I had to stop running for one week to keep my ankle from swelling again. I remember during my first weeks of training, my husband would keep telling me about buying my running shoes already. I ignored him since my shoes are still tolerable and i don't feel any pain for the first 3 months until recently.

This is also the first time i am using my new running shoes in a race. What a relief!!!! Picking out a good running shoe is crucial for the right cushioning, stability and support and i don't regret having spent my money for these...

Lanie got her new running shoes before she started training...and Girlie she got hers after i got my injuries...... was i just not lucky?

grabbed these 2 pics from Lanie's friendster account

We do not usually stay after the race but today, since it is mother's day i guess and since Jay is leaving already for Malaysia, we had some much needed hydration and refreshments.

After having chitchat with our friends, my hubby and i went home to freshen up and have breakfast with the kids and maybe a dinner in a nice restaurant in Rockwell later. After taking a bath, my kids surprised me with a card especially made by them and 2 long stemmed roses which their dad bought.

Migo gave his card and rose first and he read his letter to me and gave me a hug. He made me a little teary....actually I nearly cried as tears started welling up my eyes already but still manage to hold it. Migo gave me and his dad (who was seated right next to me) tight hug again. When done, he went out and came in Belle....(was it scripted that the other one will come in as soon as the first is done? hmmmm..)

" Happy Mother's Day "

" Dear Mommy.....Thank you mommy for all the toys, thank you for buying us food, candy, water and clothes and evrything...."

"Mommy is pretty as a Rose"

"Love You"

When it was Belle's turn , i could not hold my tears anymore...it made me smile and then it made me cry.....i realized my little girl is not a baby anymore and
Soon she wont think sitting right next to me in the couch is the best thing ever.
"A letter for my special mom"

"Dear Mommy, Happy Mother's Day. I wish for you to have the sweetest day of your life. I hope you like my presents for

you. Mommy you are the most sweetest mom from the whole world even if you scold me, i still love you. You are the

most kindest girl daddy has ever met. We wish you to have a beautiful day today. We always love you.

Love, your baby,

Belle Boo"

Just some of the tokens she gave me on that day.
What a sweet little girl!

Am just lucky to have such wonderful kids!

Southern ATC Fun Run

2009-05-03T22:24:00.000+08:00

Today, May 3, I woke up at 4:30am for the Southern ATC Fun Run in Alabang. I woke up the kids Migo and Belle as they are both joining 3k run. Lanie registered me for 5k run so Kako is supposed to run with the kids.

To prepare for today's run, we scheduled saturday, day before the race as our practice run. We went to Fort Boni High and Kako planned to do 9K but ended up 6.3K because of the heat...btw it was already 730am when we reached BHS. I, on the other hand just did a a very light run with the kids just to let them get the hang of it, and with the injury i have (swollen ankle...am not sure what this is and i am planning to see an ortho doctor tomorrow, hopefully nothing serious) i don't think i can afford to run faster than i used to (pace of 7:30). At least these are the intangible preps we did. As for the tangibles, since Belle has been complaining about her rubber shoes and told me it's time to replace them, we got her a new pair from ADIDAS. Adidas stores currently have a promo of Php1000 less from the price of the shoe of your choice, provided you give them old pair of adult rubber shoes, any brand as long as they are still wearable. To take advantage of the promo, and since i have injuries already (is it because i am not using running shoes?) i too bought my own pairs and it is exactly the same color and style as Belle's.

Going back to the race day, May 3, we left the house around 5:20am thinking the race will start a bit later just like the SunFest Fun Run last time. We arrived at the area around 5:50 and i could still see the last runners of 3k. I tried calling Lanie on the phone since she has our bibs but since it was late already, no answer...of course...i don't expect her to take her cell while running, i just told the kids to run even without the bibs. And so we did.....oppss....we are not BANDITS.....we have our bibs,...it's just that we were late....ok...my fault...

To cut the long story short, I ended up running 3k with Migo and Belle without our Race Bibs....no plastic cups in the water station to drink water......Belle Boo was so thirsty that she barely run during the other half of 3K......Despite all these i know the kids had fun, Migo was even asking me when the results will be posted in the internet, ....we had tons of pictures with Lanie Roy and kids....got my very first running shoes and hopefully not the last....(i didn't know running shoes are that expensive.....Thanks to Adidas promo, i saved Php2000 for 2 pairs.).....And the funny thing is, Belle told me she will not join any fun run ever again after she got her own running shoes.....well.....what can i say........I just hope she changes her mind....not for the shoes but for all the healthy reasons that come with running....She still has plenty of time to decide on that since it took me 39 years to realize that.............

Is Migo running against this guy to the finish line?

Still waiting for Lanie to finish her 5k with Migo, Belle, Jono and Loie With Lanie....of course, lots of explaining to do why we were late

. ...and lots of cathing up to do...
Barrettos minus Kako and Suarezes minus Loie....both official photographer of their families

I wonder what Belle's thoughts here are...give running a second chance?
And Migo persuading his Ate to give running a second chance? hmmmnn..probably a small negotiation and compromise.... selling his Dweji Kalbi again for running....

Step up for a Cause Run at the Fort

2009-04-26T20:46:00.000+08:00

Step up for a cause is a QTV-organized run for the benefit of Fe del Mundo Foundation. Incidentally, Fe del Mundo happened to be my husband's pediatrician during his childhood, so we thought of joining this race together with our micro friends, Roy, Lanie and Girlie. Jay did not join the run yet since he has not started training yet. Kako and Roy are doing 10k and us girls 5k

Roy, Kako with Jay
It's funny coz it took us several years to realize that we all share the same passion....running....

While waiting for the program to finish (for photo op with Paolo Abrera), Roy won a special prize after the race

Lanie, okay ka lang ?

I am sure Kako and Roy would not mind this pic...

Roy and Lanie after finishing 5K and 10k

with my running coach .....Kako

.... Girlie...pahingi ng pics nyo...wala sa cam namin....

Greenfield City Fun Run in Laguna

2009-04-20T21:48:00.000+08:00

Weeks before the Greenfield City Fun Run, i had to persuade Kako so we can join the race since i know that the place is different from the past races i joined like in MOA, The Fort and McKinley Hills in Taguig, and this may not happen again, well, at least this year. So i really had to think of something appealling to him just so he'll say yes.

Just a week before the race, still have no solid plan of going, Girlie invited us for a swimming get together in Ayala Westgrove in Sta. Rosa. Since the kids have not had the chance to swim since(opppps...i forgot the last time was last April 3 in Edsa Shangri-La), we called up Lanie if she liked the idea and she said yes right away. The swimming was on April 12, a week before the race, isn't that great!!!!!

When we were having a chat, the idea of running in greenfield suddenly came up, it did not come from me though, and Lanie and Roy were both interested in joining, so, that did it, without me having to try so hard to convince everybody, we were all set to join the race for next week......but Kako is still not running since he knows it is going to be a long drive after the race but he said we'll see....Before we left Santa Rosa that day, we registered already, Lanie Roy Me and Migo.......Migo got his singlet and ours, Lanie had to come back the next day to pick them up.....and Kako, i plan to register him on site.......

On the day of the race, we were so excited. I woke up very early.... I am not a morning person and I can't imagine myself waking up very early in the morning just to join a fun run but i did. .

Kako is not joining me in this run since he has been experiencing episodes of diarrhea since day before the race so he decided to just be the support team of the group.
Roy, Lanie, me and my unico hijo ....Some funny things happened during and after the race....but those are not enough to spoil the day...This is Lanie's and Roy's first race and i am sure and definitely not gonna be the last. I gave them the site where they can see all scheduled runs around Manila and Philippines. Let's see where else you'll see these faces......

SlimmeRun at the Fort

2009-04-19T20:40:00.000+08:00

Nope.....he is not Zorro, he is Super Pinoy...I always see him in organized races and i wonder how he gets to the venue, the first time being in Urbanathlon 2008 of Men's Health at UP Diliman which Kako joined in.
I am supposed to run with Girlie and Mailine here but Mailine was having her PMS, (am sure glad i don't have any of those) so that left me and Girlie running our races. I did 5k and Girlie 3k.

we are sharing notes .....not domino....but our running notes...

finishers of 3k and 5k......

Pinay In Action - My Second Road Race after Condura

2009-03-30T21:16:00.000+08:00

I guess I liked it when I run in Condura last time so i immediately signed up for PIA as soon as i learned about it. Kako and the kids were all there to give me much needed support. The race started with 10k and 5k starting at the same time although a bit late. I saw Senator Pia Cayetano and she is amazing. Since then i told myself i will make a career out of running just so i would look as fit as Senator Pia when i reach my 50s.

The 5k run was to go around MOA 1 loop but unlike my first run, i did lots of walking here and i got tired very easily. Condura run at the Fort was a little bit challenging since the route was a bit hilly for me, but considering the flat roads at MOA, i thought it was gonna be easier but i was wrong. I tired easily and i stopped at every water station and still could not get the strength i needed to finish this race strong and confident.

Am not in any of the photos here since Kako could not find me in the crowd. While nearing the finish line, the less i run as i was really really tired. Good thing they have "Nilagang Saging na Saba" at the finish line ang i consumed 2 right away.......tired but hungry for more trainings for my next run.....

Men's Health Urbanathlon 2008

2009-03-09T20:29:00.000+08:00

One Sunday morning of November 2008, the whole family went to UP Diliman to provide support to Kako who was gonna run 10k with relays. This is one of my first exposures to Kako's passion...running. During those times i was just one of the audience, spectator, cheering for him, waiting at the finish line. Even Migo and Belle woke up early just to support their dad

While waiting for Kako to reach the area where obstacle course was set up, i told myself i can not do these obstacles after running about 10k so during that time it never crossed my mind that i'll be among those runners one day.....minus the obstacles......

Unicef Fun Run

2009-03-02T01:18:00.000+08:00

I had my first taste of running during the Unicef Walk on the Child's Side Run held in McKinley Hills last November 2008. The whole family including the kids registered in the 2k run.

Carlo had to run alongside of Migo as he is knock-kneed and might trip along the way, but Kako could not catch up with him. He is bursting with energy. I wish i still can run like that......

Migo and Belle with Storm Troopers