Training in or out of season

Regular training requires zeal and dedication to sustain it. One’s passion for running will certainly bring him/her to a point where running will not only be a sport or form of exercise but a way of life. A runner continues to run with or without a race at hand. He would continue to conquer hills, hit the pavement for a long run and trek the trails in order to maintain his fitness level. These trainings would prepare him for any up-coming race. A long break in training would certainly slide back one’s fitness level at a point where it will be harder to run again.

In our Christian life, lack of zeal and dedication in doing the will of God would certainly put us away from Him. Like a passionate runner who runs with or without a race at hand, our constant participation in the works for God will draw us closer and closer unto Him. Training ourselves in hearing His voice and understanding his words will bring us to a level of complete trust and obedience unto our Lord Jesus Christ. And when trials come our way we can triumph over it. But if we allow ourselves to be away from Him especially for a long time, it will become harder for us to recognize His voice. It will be harder to walk in His ways.

Let us continue to be in fellowship with our fellow believers so that we can encourage and support one another. Like runners who draw strength from fellow runners. Let us run the race of life with endurance and passion to finish the race. Let us run side by side with Christ.

“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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2

Photos Talk - Team JRunning @ RU2

 Thanks to Unilab and Runrio for the photos and a great race!

Socks matter

A few months ago I was privileged for being invited in a product launch of Thorlos socks. Probably one of the best part of being invited to such events was that you get to test the product or get them for free. In the case of Thorlos, they gave each of the bloggers 2 pairs of socks, a trouser socks and a running socks.

During the Thorlos blogger's night

Having known the value of having a very good pair of socks for running, I intentionally limited the use of my free Thorlos socks to more important races/events.

On the casual socks

One of my tasks in our agency is to video document projects and events in our office or in the field. Just last year, we unveiled the marker of the Station Balanacan in Mogpog, Marinduque. 

the station marker

The station is the first Geodetic Control Point in the country established in 1911 which is also referred to as the Luzon Datum. It was situated on top of the highest peak in Marinduque. Early this year, we inspected the site for new developments introduced in the area by the local government of Marinduque. 

Our team

Having been there several times I knew that we will be in for a long hike going on top of the mountain. I decided to use my Thorlos trouser socks for a test. 

It may not be appropriate, but I still insisted on using it. I used it with an ordinary rubber shoes.

with tripod and video camera on our way up to the station

It was a steep climb to the top and I had a great time with my Thorlos which spared me from blisters from the long hike. The socks perfectly fit my feet which made me more comfortable.

the road going up

final approach to the station

The stone (geodetic control point) and the marker

On the running socks

I used my first pair of Thorlos running socks at least twice on my short training runs prior to the Run United 2 just to break it in. Team JRunning was registered in the 21K and wearing the right socks and shoes would definitely be a must for the distance category. It was raining when we started at the BGC going to SM MOA and most runners would agree that wearing wet socks would most certainly cause blisters. Contrary to this belief, Thorlos saved me from such an ordeal. I felt drier throughout the race. 

@ RU2, 2012

The same with the trouser socks, the running socks perfectly hugs my feet which gave me comfort as if I was wearing nothing. The padding, especially on the heel part, gave a good cushion on my heel as I did more walk (which forced you to make a heel strike compared to a mid-foot strike while running) during the race.

Overall, Thorlos socks performed highly exceptional. The cost may be a bit more expensive as compared to other regular socks but it really does give more benefit and comfort. We call this value for money. Swthrt and I want to buy more Thorlos socks as we are planning to run more races as much as we can in our lifetime.