How I faired with my 2009 running goals

Looking back at my running goals for 2009, I must say that I have attained much of it. Here are my 2009 goals then:

To run a Half Marathon (doing a full will be a great bonus) - I have run several half marathons, including the 21K of 33rdMilo Elimination Race NCR leg which I beat the cut-off time of 2:30. Though I was secretly targeting QCIM to be my first full marathon race, I beg off due to lack of training. I don’t want to mess up on my very first marathon.

To set new PRs in 10K (at sub 60min), 16K and 21K - I have a 60min finish time at the 2009 PSE Bull Run but I was dismayed as I was not listed in the official race result. I have set new PRs on some of the race distances though. I hope to improve more on this area.

To run 10K races together with Swthrt and set new MR(Mutual Record) – This I have successfully accomplished and enjoyed every moment of it. Since Swthrt started to join races in 2008, we did not only run 10K races in 2009 but we have also finished several 21K races together and set MRs as Swthrt got stronger in her runs. We also had long runs together and recorded as far as 29K before the year ends.

To reduce more weight (to my ideal BMI or at least close to it) – This still belongs to my wish list. Though I have many runs log for the year, I think I have more food intake than calories burned especially at the end of the year, hehehe. For this one, I must really watch on what I eat.

To be consistent in trainings – consistency is what I will still strive for in this coming year. I am not rationalizing but as a parent we have concerns other than our runs. Hopefully, Swthrt and I can find ways and means to squeeze in a more regular training schedule for this coming year. There will be great races for this year and we surely don’t want to miss it much less have a poor performance on these races.

For the year 2010, I just want to have great, awesome, wonderful, happy running experiences with running friends but most especially with Swthrt.

Keep on running in 2010!

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.