JM passed PhiSci’s exam

JM, our eldest son will be graduating in elementary this year. As a preparation for his high school, he took several entrance examinations in different schools among them were the Quezon City Science High (QCSHS) and the Philippine Science High School (PSHS). It was JM’s dream to study in either of these schools. He probably got his inspirations from his Ninang/Tita Liza, my younger sister, who graduated from QCSHS and his Ninong/Tito Neil, my cousin who was a graduate of PhiSci. Yesterday, we learned that the results of the PSHS entrance examination were out. Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro of the Department of Science and Technology and Chair of the Philippine Science High School System Board of Trustees announced through the school’s official website the list of successful qualifiers to the PSHS Search for Scholars for 2009. Out of 21,303 applicants, only 1,119 passed the one-step screening administered on November 15, 2008. The PSHS System has eleven (11) campuses all over the country and JM was eligible to enroll at the main campus in Quezon City. He also passed the QCSHS first screening examination last December and was scheduled to take the second screening exam this Saturday, January 31. JM’s best friend since grade I, David was likewise qualified.

God was truly kind to JM as He continually blessed him with great achievements in his studies. Swthrt and I pray that JM will continue to put God first in his life and give the honor and glory back to our Lord Jesus Christ. JM, congratulations and we are proud of you son!

Photo Talks - Drummer Boy

My Rockstar nephew

More on Happy Run

Swthrt ran solo but determined to finish the race. She ran without a hitch at the first half of the race going to the turn around point. On her way back, however, Swthrt started to feel pain on her shin and calf but still was able to finish with an unofficial time of 34:30 min.

Bro J and Swthrt

It was also nice to see old friends and meet new ones at the race. We saw Nora who gave encouragement to Swthrt while engaging the uphill portion going to Essensa. I met Patrick (Running shield) while running along Lawton Avenue. I also got a shout out of my name from Erlito, a high school friend, and Sundaywarrior, another blogger whom I also met for the first time. Rico was walking along with his dog. Dennis (Runningfatboy) was there too, with whom I ran along the final stretch to the finish. There were more familiar faces with which we either greet Hi or Hello or simply gave a wave or a nod during the race.

Mae (in my own views) and Swthrt

Hector, Alwyn, Swthrt, BR's son and Baldrunner

Erlito and Bro J

It was also a time to share experiences to coaches and other runners at the Team Baldrunner.

More happy races to come! Keep on running!

Running happy

It was a happy run during the Happy Run last Sunday. Runners gathered early with enthusiasm and excitement. Swthrt and I woke up early to have breakfast for this race because I will be running the 15K. I’m not used to eating solid foods early in the morning. At least two mugs of freshly brewed coffee is enough to perk me up in the morning. We arrived at the BHS early enough for warm-up and stretching. We saw the husband and wife team, Vener and Christy at the parking lot near R.O.X.. As expected, the event was well-attended and well-organized. Congratulations to Coach Rio and to Drew Arellano who have conceptualized this race for the benefit of school children of Bagong Tanyag Elementary School in Taguig City.

The race
At the sound of the starting gun, the runners were off to a good start. I was feeling strong at the early stage which was a good sign. It was my first time to bring a bottle of vitwater for hydration. I’m quite sure that there will be adequate water stations but I have noticed in my past races that I usually had dry throat even before reaching the first water station. The strategy seems to work as I was able to reach the Essensa area (probably K2) with ease. I skipped the first water station and maintain a consistent pace going to the Bayani Road. I saw Bards along Bayani Road and told me that she will be maintaining a pace 5:30 to 6:00. I decided to keep paced with her. We arrived at the 5K marker at 29:52. At this point, I thought that if I can hold on to this pace I will be able to achieve my goal of 1:30:00. As I entered the Heritage Park I was already feeling pain on my feet and my toes getting stiff. The park was a welcome treat for runners with its serenity and smoke free surroundings. There were also challenging part of the place that we have to negotiate. As we get out of the park, I have consumed the vitwater and had to refill the container with Hidden Spring water provided at the water station. I also had to pour water over my head to freshen me up. As we make our way to Bayani Road, Bards told me that we can hit 1:00 hr the 10K marker which was good news for me. This validated the time I set in the recently concluded PSE Bull Run. Upon reaching the Lawton Avenue, I started to feel pain on my back and fatigue starts to set in. I was able to sustain the pace until we reached the turning point entering the McKinley Hills. I was already conditioning my mind that it will be a few more Ks and it will be over. As we reached the first ascent of the Mckinley I started to slow down. Bards tried to push me but to no avail. The MKH was killing me. I was trying to make it to the last turning point near the British embassy and tried to fight back but MKH is eating me. I had to make short walk breaks and used all the energy within me to give the final push. I made it back to Lawton Ave. and reached the 14K marker at 1:26:47. With all the energy left in me, I ran the last 1K in 5:54 and clocked an unofficial time of 1:32:41 for my first 15K race. I was not able to run MKH the way I wanted it to be but I had a happy run having set a good performance and PR based on my last 16K race last year. To MKH there will always be a next time.

The happy times
It was fun to have entertainment along the race route. There were dragon dancers, ati-atihan and even an orchestra inside the Heritage Park. There were lots of water and sports drinks, freebies and the mood was very festive. Overall, it was a happy, successful and well-organized race.

Areas for improvements
As I prepare for my main goals for this year of running my first half marathon, I found out some areas for improvements. First, I really need to build up my base by increasing mileage per week. Second is to do exercises for upper body and core muscles and lastly, I think it’s time to conquer the hills. Guys, any suggestions on the best places to train for the hills?

Challenging the Happy Run

The Happy Run Race this Sunday may technically be my first 15K race but not my longest distance race since I ran the Yakult 10 Miler (16K) last December. This race is pretty challenging for me because we will be running the same route as in the VSO 15K which I missed to run last year because I had a terrible flu. This time I will have the chance to conquer the route, more specially the dreaded Mc Kinley Hills. I have ran the route once already during the 2008 Nike+ Human Race but it was at the early stage of the route where runners still feel strong and can manage to overcome the hills. This time runners will have to engage with the race’s final Ks….aaarrrggghhh!!!. To all 15K runners on Sunday, taper time… Good luck and a painful? and happy run to everyone!

Running spiritually

Running spiritually is harder than running physically. I must admit that my spiritual run had not been very good. For the past weeks, I’m trying to run over hurdle of questions and seek answers for them. There are many spiritual baggages that I had to let loose for me to run free. And like an athlete who listened to the guidance of his coach, I must do the same. I have to hear God’s voice and listen to His instructions and only then will I do better in my spiritual race. I ran a race last Sunday and even made a new PR and I wanted to do the same spiritually. I pray that God will give me wisdom in understanding all these and the humble heart to obey His word. Let me share what Swthrt read and shared in one of her devotion time with God.

Vision and Darkness

When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him —Genesis 15:12

Whenever God gives a vision to a Christian, it is as if He puts him in "the shadow of His hand" (Isaiah 49:2). The saint’s duty is to be still and listen. There is a "darkness" that comes from too much light-that is the time to listen. The story of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of listening to so-called good advice during a time of darkness, rather than waiting for God to send the light. When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you will wait on His timing. Never try to help God fulfill His word. Abram went through thirteen years of silence, but in those years all of his self-sufficiency was destroyed. He grew past the point of relying on his own common sense. Those years of silence were a time of discipline, not a period of God’s displeasure. There is never any need to pretend that your life is filled with joy and confidence; just wait upon God and be grounded in Him (see Isaiah 50:10-11 ).

Do I trust at all in the flesh? Or have I learned to go beyond all confidence in myself and other people of God? Do I trust in books and prayers or other joys in my life? Or have I placed my confidence in God Himself, not in His blessings? "I am Almighty God . . ."— El-Shaddai, the All-Powerful God (Genesis 17:1). The reason we are all being disciplined is that we will know God is real. As soon as God becomes real to us, people pale by comparison, becoming shadows of reality. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever upset the one who is built on God.

Bullish run at the PSE Bull Run

The PSE Bull Run was my first race for the year. I knew many commented on the good and bad points of the race but I chose to write more on my performance. Swthrt and I arrived at the assembly area at around 5:00 am. We parked our car at The Fort Parking lot fronting the assembly area and then began our pre-race rituals. We both had a bar of Trailmix for breakfast. My personal goal on this race was to hit or even break the 60min barrier for my 10K. I felt strong that day even with a few hours of sleep. It’s probably my adrenaline pumping up and getting excited for the race. We positioned ourselves to our respective race category. I checked-in with the 10K runners while baby went to the assembly area for the 5K event. As the race started, I tried to pace my run so as not to burn me out in the early part. I already felt dryness on my throat at the start maybe because of the cold weather. The good thing is that there were sufficient water stations. I also felt a little pain on my calf but it did not bother me that much because I knew it will disappear after sometime as my body begins to warm up. After the first water station, I felt better and continued to maintain a good pace. I reached the first turn around without any problem. Running along Bayani Road was a bit harder because of the vehicles trying to outrun runners. I observed that marshals were not effective in controlling the motorists in the area. It was along Bayani Road that my cousins caught up with me and we ran together keeping pace with each other. I reached the C5 turn around point at 32:03 min. I was already thinking of running faster to reach my sub-1 hour goal. It was a good thing that Kuya Hector, also with the speed training of Team Baldrunner, and Alwyn ran strong that day. I was able to keep pace with them. Upon reaching the Lawton Avenue, I felt a slight pain on my lower back. Fatigue is starting to set in. I’m beginning to drop my shoulders and felt of having a side stitch. I tried to adjust my running form so as not to have that side stitch attack. I was still at pace with Kuya Hector and have passed several runners. Honestly, it was a good feeling to know that you can still push it even at this point. As we reached Essensa, I asked Kuya Hector if we could still hit the 60min time. We picked-up our pace and as we reached the finish line my time registered 59:59 min. burying my 1:05 previous PR. Though it’s unofficial, I knew I have improved my performance. It was truly a bullish run. I Praise God for protecting us from any injury and the strength to run. Thanks to the speed training with Team Baldrunner. Thank you to our coaches, Captain Coach Ferdie Espejo and Coach Sid Salazar. More PRs during the next race. Hehe.

At the finish line, I was told that Swthrt also got her new PR of 34:05 min for the 5K. She got an almost equal 17:04 and 17:01 min split.

Josh's 8th Birthday

This poster was designed by my officemate, Marlon. Josh also received a gift from the whole Media Production Division, an amount enough to buy the toy he wanted at Market Market. Thank you to all the Titas and Titos at the office.

Singlets still not available

My first race of the year will be on Sunday. Our group in the office faxed our accomplished registration forms for the PSE Bull Run last Friday to avail of the regular rate. We were allowed to pay and pick-up our race kits last Tuesday because they told us that it will be available by then. When I arrived at the PSE office in Ortigas Center I was told that singlets are still not available. There were several runners already complaining on non-availability of the singlets upon registration because this would mean that they have to return back for it. One runner told me that it was his third time to return for the singlet and have spent 120 pesos just for the parking fee alone. I know the PSE has only hired the services of a race organizer but this might put PSE in jeopardy. Surely, they wouldn’t want their names tainted with the issue of not being prepared and well-organized in holding such an event. It was a good thing that the person receiving our registration forms were kind and apologetic about the whole thing. He told me that the number of registrants have already reached 4,000. If this is true then this will be a big race come Sunday. Even then, they should have prepared for this turn-out. This was their 5th year of having such an event. They could have estimated the number of runners who will be joining based on the previous races. Or maybe it was not their fault after all. Or maybe they can attribute it to the significant increase of runners joining races for the past few months. If so, then this is really a good sign that more and more people are practicing a healthy lifestyle, spending time to exercise and run. I just hope that in the succeeding road races, organizers will be more prepared. As of this time, I was just informed that singlets are not yet available. See you runners on Sunday and keep on running!

Runner’s knee

The running boom in the Philippines is so tremendous that road races are scheduled almost every weekend. I have seen more and more people running in the morning and afternoon on my way to the office. More places have become venues for group runs. With all these happening, one common problem arises, the runner’s knee. There are several persons I know are suffering from this. Last night while I was reading an old issue of Runner’s World Magazine dated July 2007, I read an article regarding this topic. I’m not an expert but I felt I need to share this as runner. Some of you may know these or have read about it but I think it is still worth sharing especially to the new runners experiencing this problem.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome which is also known as the runner’s knee for obvious and unfortunate reason of being common among runners. The stress of running can cause irritation where the kneecap (Patella) rests on the thighbone. The resulting pain can be sharp and sudden or sometimes dull and chronic. It may disappear while you are running and return again afterwards. There may be several causes to blame but it can often be traced back to poorly conditioned quadriceps and tight hamstrings. Having weak quads may not be able to support the patella which may lead it to track out of alignment. The tight or inflexible hamstrings can put pressure on the knee.

Suggestions were given such as adding strengthening and stretching to your routine. Quad strengthening exercise will help develop the front, inside and outside of your thigh. For more discussions on this topic click here

Runners are back

Obviously, runners are back in training after the long holiday season. Swthrt and I had our 10k run last Sunday at UP and we were surprised with the number of runners already doing their workouts when we arrived. We saw familiar faces (don’t know their names, Swthrt and I calls them classmates, hehehe). There were also runner-bloggers like husband and wife team Vener and Christy, Jay, Wilbert, Dingdong and Coach Rio. We also heard that the Nike Running Clinic participants were doing their LSD run there. My officemates, Mae (in my own views) told me that it was also the same at the Bonifacio area over the weekend. Runners can easily be identified because most of them were wearing singlets of past races they joined. Trainings and running clinics at ULTRA also resumed last week. This is a good sign that runners are getting ready for the many challenges ahead. I’m sure everyone are excited on the upcoming road racing events this year. Great to start the year is the PSE Bull Run scheduled on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at Fort Bonifacio Global City. It’s an annual running event organized by the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. as part of their advocacy campaign to promote the investing public the important role of the Philippine stock market. This event will also be our first race for the year. We were able to pre-register last Friday to catch up with the regular rate of registration fee. We were told that race numbers and singlets will be out by Tuesday. I hope that this will be another fruitful year for the running community. Hope to see you all at the races! For race schedules of 2009 visit Takbo.ph.

A Runner's Wish

After reading an article in Baldrunner’s blog on a runner’s wish list for 2009 written by Lito Evite, I thought I knew the author. True enough, he was my classmate during our high school days. He got into running way ahead of me together with one of our batchmate. We had a chance to run together in several races last year. After exchanging emails yesterday with him regarding races we planned to join this year, i asked his permission to post his wish list on this blog. According to him this was written before Christmas of 2008 and posted in pinoyrunners yahoo group. It's his dream for us pinoys to have a world class road races.

"Para naman maiangat natin ang quality at magkaroon din tayo ng patakbo sa darating na panahon na sikat at dinarayo ng mga foreigners tulad ng New York Marathon, Boston Marathon, London Marathon at iba't iba pang kilalang running events sa buong mundo. Sa pagtutulungan ng runners at organizers mararating din ng Pinoy running community ang araw na iyon."


Here’s his wish for 2009:

Dear running organizers,
I hope you won’t mind if I ask you a wish (magpapasko na kasi). These wishes are based on the experiences I’ve had in the past races I’ve joined and some comments/blogs I’ve heard/read:

1. Race schedules- Schedules must be coordinated with all race groups so we don’t have simultaneous races with the same race dates

2. Registration- there should be multiple registration centers- race packets should be given upon registration- race day on-site registration should be allowed but should close 15 minutes before thescheduled race starts (sometimes the race gets delayed because there are still on-siteregistrants queuing)

3. Singlets/T-shirts (walang kokontra sa nakalista, wish nga eh!)- T-shirts should be pure cotton (malamig sa katawan)- singlets should be ‘true’ dri-fit or climacool (masarap sa katawan)- singlets must not have ‘tahi’ in front as this causes flaking and wounds theerr..uhm…nips…

4. Age Cheating- there should be a way to check for age cheating- for races with age category, there are those who register to an older race category(ex. the runner’s real age is 48, but registers with the 50-59 age group orthe runner’s real age is 16, but registers with the 10-13 age group)

5. Race Time- races must start on-time (runners wake up early to make it on time during race day,this must be respected by organizers plus the sun would already be hot if the race getsdelayed)- let us do away with the ‘Filipino Time’ instead let us be the ‘Filipino on Time’- should there be speeches by guests and/or programs, these must be done before bescheduled race time- guest speakers must be given specific time limits for their speeches

6. Runner Check-in- runners that check-in should not be allowed to leave the holding area(there are others that sneak out and position themselves few meters away from thestarting line, so that they would have a headstart when the race begins. Cheaters!!!)

7. Release of runners on race day- Runners must be released by race category (3k, 5K, 10K, 21K, …)- there should be no classification of elite, advanced, beginner runners

8. Marshalls- marshalls must be strategically located in all turns from start to finish- marshalls must control vehicular traffic to protect the runners- marshalls must direct the runners to the proper side of the road- marshalls must have a communication equipment and list of emergency contactnumbers- marshalls must be briefed of their roles and responsibilities- marshalls must apprehend or report cheating runners- escort marshalls must not only be escorting the lead runners but should there shouldalso be escorts for the last runner (leave no one behind)

9. Ambulance and medical services- there must be a first aid/medical services available- at least one ambulance/emergency vehicle must be available and strategically locatedin the middle of the race route (ex. for a 21k race, the ambulance must be located atthe 5K post not at the starting line for quick response in the shortest possible time)

10. Water stations- there should be ample water stations located at least every 2.5km- there should also be enough plastic cups and ‘clean’ cold water- there should be trash bags to throw the used plastics cups/containers(we runners should not litter our streets)

11. Route Markers- the whole stretch of the race route must be properly marked(this is especially true for marathons, some runners get lost)

12. Finish line- there should be ample race chutes for each race category to prevent long lines- race certificates and other giveaways must be given as the runner exits the race chute(do not let him/her line up again just to get those souvenirs)I’ve been good this year so I hope that my wish gets to be granted.

A son’s gift

Children are a gift from God. And we are blessed with such wonderful gift. JM our eldest son was old enough to handle his own money. Last holiday break, he already received some amount of money even before Christmas day. Without me knowing it, he used these to buy gifts for us on Christmas. I don’t know when and how he was able to do it but he did. And being a bookworm as he is, JM gave me and her mom books which he knew would catch our interest. He gave Swthrt “Our Daily Bread” devotional book while I received a book entitled “Marathon” by Hal Higdon. It was really a surprised for me and made me realized that our children really look up to their parents. They knew our likes and dislikes, our interest, and even our emotions. And they knew how to melt our hearts. How about us parents? How well do you know our children? Do you know how they desired your love, support, concern, encouragement? When was the last time you said I love you to them? More than expressing our love through our deeds, they need to hear them. I knew JM knows that I am not into reading books but he gave it anyway because he knows that I love running. Surely, this book will be a great help in achieving my running goals for this year. Thank you son for the this gift. I love you JM!

A wonderful gift from a wonderful couple

Last Christmas we received a wonderful gift from a wonderful couple friends. With their generosity, they shared the blessings they received from God. Last December 28-29, we were treated to an overnight stay at the Makati Shangri-la courtesy of Louie & Lea. It was a gift that will be remembered for a lifetime. For years now, Swthrt and I have shared great times with Louie and Lea. They were ninong and ninang of our children and vice-versa. We have known each other even when we were still singles. And since then, until we all got married, our lives continue to be the arena of a very nice fellowship.

The plan
We went to Batangas last Christmas day to spend time with Swthrt’s family. We stayed there until the 27th of December. We even had a post Christmas run from her hometown. It will be told in another posting. Our plan is to leave the kids to the grandparents and have that moment for ourselves. It was the same with L&L, as they spent Christmas day in Laguna and left their children there too for the special day. And so when the day came, after our church service, we went to Shangri-la Hotel to spend two days.

The Special Day
We checked-in at around 3:00 pm. Initially we planned on taking an adjoining room but there was no such available at the moment. We were assigned to room 813 while L&L were at room 809. It was really a special day for us couples to spend intimate moments with our sweethearts (Baby and I call each other swthrts while L&L call each other sweets, o di ba?). Spending time with our partners will continue to strengthen our relationships and will surely add spice to our marriages. Do you remember when was the last time you spent an intimate moment (a date, watch movie together, walk in the park) with your wife or husband? Sometimes we neglect this area of our married lives because of work, kids, problems, etc. I tell you such special days will be the foundation of our stronger relationship. That when we encounter trials and difficulties, just remembering these moments will surely strengthen our commitment to love one another for better or for worse.

In the evening, Louie and I went out to buy food for dinner. It was a good thing that all of us love pasta that we had pesto with grilled chicken and seafood pasta with pizza ala puttanesca plus a bottle of red wine. It was a night of fun and sharing of our lives together. As couple we encourage and help one another with the love and guidance that we received from our Lord Jesus Christ. The night ended with a plan of waking up early to do some workout at the hotel’s gym.

In the following morning, I woke up early to check on the pool and see if I can do few laps before running at the treadmill. Swthrt accompanied me to the pool and took some pictures while I do 30x25m swim. When L&L arrived later, it was time for the treadmill. L&L were regular running buddies at UP every Saturday night. We spent almost an hour at the gym. Afterwards we went to our room to freshen up and get ready for breakfast. It was really a bigtime breakfast, hahaha!

After the very sumptuous breakfast, we again spent the rest of the day in our respective rooms until we checked out at around 1:00 pm. For Swthrt and I, It was a very special moment spent with a very special couple that forever be remembered. God bless you Louie and Lea!

Holiday Runs!

This was our starting point

The Christmas season is a time for celebrations, parties, reunions and lots of foods. Therefore, we should not forget to shake off all the fats accumulated in our bodies. Just after Christmas, December 26, Swthrt and I accomplished what was planned weeks before the holiday break, to run at Swthrt’s hometown from Brgy. Tulo to Brgy. Gulod in Batangas City. It has a total of 6 kilometers covering three barangays. We were joined by some relatives and was supported by a vehicle back-up for those who might not be able to finish the run. True enough, it was only Swthrt’s brother Ed, and the two of us who were able to complete the whole stretch of rolling hills.

The pictures were taken on a different date. We did not bring a camera during our run.

The course was really good for hill training for runners. We ended at Ed’s home to replenish our hydration bottle and went back home. This time I was the only one who ran on the way back covering a total of 12Km. Swthrt joined me in the last two kilometers completing her 8km run.

one of the challenging part of the route...uphill

In the morning of Dec.30, we did it again. This time it was only Swthrt and I who ran the same route. We had no vehicle support. It was also Swthrt’s longest run covering 12km of 100% running with no pains. We really enjoyed the run. Surely, it will be repeated when we visit Batangas again.

best view of again rolling hills

We also started the New Year with runs last January 2,3 and 4 at UP Diliman. It was nice to see familiar faces there. Swthrt and Bards finally met last Sunday at UP together with Mesh, Dingdong and company.

The start of something new

Year 2008 was a great year for me and my family. Yes, we have some difficulties, problems, discomforts but all of these were overshadowed by the great love of God, Swthrt, our kids - JM and Josh, parents, brothers and sisters, best friends, churchmates and all the people who have supported us, encouraged us, and guided us.

Year 2008 ushered in to a new found interest, running! Middle of the year marked my entry into the world of running. It also gave way to meeting new friends through joining races and blogging my adventures in training, the races I joined, and the insights in running the race of life.

As we start the year 2009, God reminded us through the message delivered in our church, Hosanna, in starting the year right. Not only wishing to make it a better year, or trying to correct the wrong of the previous year, or making resolutions for improvements but changing our hearts and minds as we truly trust and obey our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” - Romans 12:1-2

I pray that this year will be a year of trusting and obeying our Lord Jesus Christ that I may not only run a good race but to finish it strong through the grace of God!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
- Hebrews 12:1-3 (New International Version)

2008 Highlights and 2009 Goals ...

My running chronology

I started running in May this year inside our office compound in Fort Bonifacio. It was a 30-min walk-run program for several weeks then gradually shifting to an all run 5K workout.

My first official race (5K) was "Rush to Infinity Run 08" held at Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last June 29, 2008.

Swthrt started to run and we joined races together and a couple of races with the kids too.

Registered for the Men’s Health Miracle Run (Aug. 17) and ran the 10K. This was my first official 10K race.

I received a Nike Running Shoes with ipod kit from brother Relly and Gem which enabled me to join the Nike Human Race (Aug.31).

Set a 10K PR of 1:05:13 at the Adidas King of the Road Race (Oct. 11).

I was able to reduce weight from 198 lbs to 178 lbs

Running with BFFs at UP every weekend

I met new friends through joining races and blogging.

Started training at ULTRA in November with Team Baldrunner

Ending the year of joining races with running 16K at the Yakult 10-miler Race (Dec.7)

Christmas and New Year Holiday Run at Batangas City covering 12K starting from Swthrt’s hometown.

My running goals for 2009

To run a Half Marathon (doing a full will be a great bonus)

To set new PRs in 10K (at sub 60min), 16K and 21K

To run 10K races together with Swthrt and set new MR

To reduce more weight (to my ideal BMI or at least close to it)

To be consistent in trainings


To enjoy running as I have enjoyed it last year and meet more friends

For this blogsite

I pray that I may continue to share my faith and share the Love of God to the readers of this blog through my experiences in running and share the insights that God has given me.