Running for a free pizza

I signed up for the Jimmy the Greek Maine Mall 5K Race for Lyme Disease this year again. However, proceeds of the event this year will be donated to the Boston Marathon Victims instead of the Research for Lyme Disease.

  

I love this race because the route is easy and I am so familiar with it - the Maine Mall area. wink*** But no, I didn't go shopping after the race like I did last year and I am so proud of myself for the strength and self-control.

I finished in 23:46 and I was over-the-moon in happiness until I realized just now that the race wasn't actually 5K. The distance that we ran wasn't actually 3.10 miles but 1.9 miles. That explained why my PR is almost 10 minutes less than usual. Hayzzzz!!!

So yes, I ranked 243rd out of 362 participants with  a 12:31 pace time. And with that result, I couldn't rejoice knowing that most of those who crossed the finished line after me were walkers. Another hayzzzzz!!!

Oh well, I cannot brag about it since deep in my heart I know too that I didn't deserve to run faster than the speeding bullet because I didn't train or did anything at all to prepare myself for the race. But just crossing the finish line gave me the pride I need to sign up for more races. And yes, I whole-heartedly line up to get my free pizza right after I crossed the finish line. Why not? That was the main reason why I signed up for this race in the first place. LOL.

Then headed straight to Weight Watchers for the weighting in with a slice of pizza on my hand.

For Mary

I didn't get the chance to run in February. So much for promising myself to run 2 races every month, huh. For some reason I can't find any 5K race last month so I totally didn't run. Well, I did some running around my neighborhood but that's all about it and it wasn't even on a regular basis because weather is not really very cooperative this time of the year yet. Good thing I have 2 races this month.

After a month of no races and no training, I braved the Mary's Walk and Kerrymen Pub 5k yesterday. The weather was not to bad and just the same the event was well-organized and the crowd was awesome.

I didn't expect to really do good here since I don't have the proper training. And if there was any training at all, it was on the race day itself. LOL

So yes, out of 1224 runners and walkers, I placed 1145th with a total net time of 39:13 which gives me a pace time of 12:38.

Oh well, you get what you get and don't get upset. I didn't, I just helped myself with a plate of Chinese food and some Olive Garden's spaghetti and salad. wink*

Last Race for 2012

Last November 24th, The 21st Annual Presidential Road Race 5K, concluded my 2012 5K races. Just like last year, this is also my last race for the year. And with that note, I am more determined to run more races in year 2013.

This is my 2nd race for this event and the 13th 5K for this year. The first time I did it was last year with Heather but we were late. However, we did manage to finish the race to my surprise after beating a couple of walkers to the finish line. LOL

This time, I was early. And I ran alone. Heather had to work so I ran all by myself. I finished the race as bad as last year's clocking... 40:12 with 12:57 pace and placing 165th out 177 participants. It was just 7 minutes and 41 seconds less than last year. But doing a little math here, I can say that I was indeed slower compared to last year's race.

Oh well, it is what it is. I would not blame it to my lack of training or my 12 hours job or the weather. I am simply slow and I need to work on that aspect.

Photo Credit: Thanks to Maine Running Photos.

To Run or to Get Ran Over!

Finally, I was able to get back to running. This is my first race after my long vacation in the Philippines and my long pause from training.And speaking of training. I didn't have any prior to this race. It is not my alibi for coming 1st in the "walkers" list or rather 11th in my age category. [And I am not going to mention that there were 11 of us in my age category] LOL It is simply the truth.
As I have mentioned in my previous post - I didn't get a chance to run when I was home except for a couple of occasions. I didn't even have a descent training as soon as I came back from that vacation because I started working 12 hours again. And even if I can run after work, that didn't work out well too because we started to lose light in the afternoon. It is getting dark early and Hubby didn't want me to run in the dark. But still, it's not an alibi. It's the fact.

Well, the fact that I was late too is the culprit - there! Well, I need to point finger at something you know. Wink** It will never be my fault. Nevah! hahahaha

I came just in time when the "GO" was shouted out. I went running... to the registration table to get my number and my shirt. And before I can get ready they were already quarter of a mile ahead. I started running while fixing myself at the same time. My iPod gave me a hard time setting it. My hair was a mess and I had a hard time wrapping my head with a headband to keep my ears warm. It was freezing cold that morning, though beautiful. The fall weather is gorgeous especially in the orchard.

So I ran until I caught up with some walkers. Walked a bit, ran a bit, and crawled one time uphill. I finished at 46:15 and I ran to the food table to help myself with some apple cider donuts!

I signed up for this race because it is for the organization I work for. And being part of the organization I want to be a part of everything they do as well. The 5th Annual YMCA 5K Trail Run/Walk benefits our scholars so it means so much to me. And the fact that it is a trail run at the apple orchard, it made it more interesting to me. So I guess I will be running again next year. I hope I will really run.

Why RUN if you can ride... the waves!

So I didn't get the chance to run in the Philippines the way I planned to due to several storms we had when I was there. I didn't get the chance to even just do my regular 3-mile run as my work out because I was working hard on pigging out on my favorite foods that I have not tasted for 5 long years. And yes, if I was not dining out with friends and family left and right, I was on the road exploring different places and doing different activities.

So, my dear brother Japol brought me up north to visit Vigan City to walk back in time and immerse ourselves to the history of the past.

Then, we went straight to Urbiztondo, San Juan La Union and stayed at San Juan Surfresort for the night and met up with my TSS Sistah and Blogger friend Zen of the Letters in November.

The next morning, despite the natural signs of brewing storm, Japol talked me into doing something I never thought I would do in my whole life - surfing.

At first I was a little adamant to try it knowing that I am not a good swimmer. But then, with his constant bugging and persistent. I did it. I have no choice since he already made the arrangement for my first surfing lesson.

And so I did. Despite the fear of drowning and getting chewed on by sharks... I tried it. The instructor gave me quick lesson on Surfing 101.

Next thing I knew...I was riding the waves!

So there... I hanged loose!

 

Author's Note: Special thanks to my brother Japol for the photo coverage, the encouragement and the surfing lesson fee. hahaha

What's not 2 LUV?

It was a chilly early spring morning. By this time, I'm more comfortable driving down the Back Cove because this is my 5th [I guess] time I've been there. Three out of five times were races that I joined. And this time this is the 2nd time I did Luv2Run Series, which is the 1st of the 3 Series for 2012.

It was nothing very spectacular except the view. Nothing worth noting but the freezing cold weather. And nothing too special but keeping with my running routine.

The race was small, simple and uncomplicated. It was pure fun and achievable. I clocked in 37:32 with 11:14 pace. I wasn't too impressed though but hey, I did it despite the cold weather. I place 63rd out of 72 participants. And I had a blast shopping afterward. And that - is worth noting... that is spectacular and that is special, indeed. wink

The Winter Runner

I don't do New Year's Resolution. It doesn't work for me and I don't operate that way. But one thing I'm sure about me is that - when I decide on something... I do it.

This year I want to run as many races as I can. Last year, I didn't start running until winter is over. Now that it is winter and winter this year feels like spring, I have more opportunity to run outdoors. The only problem is that - I work 12 hours a day. So the only time I can run is on weekends.

I have never thought that winter running is fun. The internet is a great resource to feed you with all the information you need to gear yourself up for winter running. So I take every opportunity and resource there is to train. After my first race for this year at Scarborough, I signed up for 3 more races. One for February and two for March. What am I thinking? Oh well, it is a good motivation for me to get my bum out and run.

So, armed with petroleum jelly slather sparingly on my face, a dab of Burt's Bees lip balm, a warm fleece head band or hat, a pair of comfy mittens, another pair of thick wool socks and an appropriate winter running outfit... I'm good to go until the next snow storm falls.

Standing Tall in my Stillettos and Running Steady in my Sneakers

Yay for myself. This is the new page in my running career. hahaha I know, there is no such thing. This year, I have a plan. A huge one. Well not really huge because I am scared of huge thingies.

Since I enjoyed running, I plan to continue running this year. Sounds like a plan, indeed.

I don't really know how I came up with the idea of running. But whatever made me decide on it, it's working for me. Yes, it all started with a walk and then pacing up... I started enjoying the feel of the cool Maine breeze on my checks every time I run. Next thing I know I ran seven 5k races last year. Yay, indeed!

Yes, I ran 7 5k races and I am so proud of myself. It was the most fulfilling decision I made with my health. I have given up on my Yo-Yo dieting and I just decided to take charge of my health by being active. And little did I know that I will enjoy and love doing it.

So now, it a new year to train... a new calendar to schedule my race dates... and a new way of looking ahead to more races.

Yes, I have plans and I am planning ahead. So let's pick up the pace!

Training Dilemma

I'm back in the gym. I have no choice. The weather is unfriendly and it's getting dark early now. DST is getting in my nerve so I decided to renew my gym membership so I can train and continue working-out after work. And speaking of work... I work 12 hours now. So gone are the days when I can take my sweet time in the gym and spending more time chatting with the members than working-out.

Yes, my schedule is from 6am to 6pm everyday. Then I go straight to the gym and work-out for an hour then, go home. I can only hit the road on weekends and when the weather is mild and sunny. Otherwise, I will just be spending time in front of the DVD player doing Belly Dancing Exercises and/or lifting weights. Hayyy.

But then, I also get the chance to take a walk around the school grounds with some of my kids at work. And yes, last at the trail at the Y.

My [official] 4th 5K

Okay, so my supposedly 4th 5K didn't happen and I didn't get the chance to sign up for another race for August and September. But I was able to sign up for another race this October. The only problem is... I didn't realized that I signed up for 2 races this month. Urgggg!

Here's the thing. About 3 months ago I signed up for the very First Fit at 5K sponsored by WCSH6. It's scheduled today, 8th of October, 2011. Last month out of desperation to join another race, I signed up for the YMCA 2011 5K Trail Run. So the bottom line is... I will run 2 races two Saturdays in a row. Worse thing is I didn't have the time to train. Oh well, I decided to train on the race day itself. hahaha

The Fit at 5K was awesome. I clocked in 37 minutes and 47 seconds. Very impressive compared to my previous race and definitely something to brag about considering that I have not ran for 3 weeks. But more than that, this particular race is special because this is the very first race launched by WCSH Channel 6 spearheaded by no other than Kelly LaBrecque. I got the change to see her in person because she was there the whole time. It would have been awesome if she joined up. But then, the race is not about her. It is about those people who made a crucial decision to take charge of their lives and chose to be fit and health. Majority of the runners are first-timers and it felt so good because it gave me a little confidence and edge. wink**** Kidding aside.

It really felt good when I crossed the finish line with Kelly handing me my medal.It was such a fun race. It was such a memorable run. It was such a successful event. And I got my very first race medal. Yay!

Pre-5K Blues

It's 3 days to my next 5k. It has been raining since Sunday afternoon and I have not ran since Friday. I planned to run on the trail where we camp but Hubby and I were busy gold panning down the river for 2 days. Hay.

We have been camping up the mountain all weekends this summer. And I had to admit I am enjoying it not because I love it but because it is the only time I bond with Hubby. He is always busy at work and the only time we have for ourselves is the weekend.

So when I am not helping him sorting rocks out in the sluice or preparing our meal or chasing butterflies... I am running on the trail. So on the weekends, my running track is anything that is accessible by foot...

 

and it is marked so I know how far I already ran.

And guess what... I sometimes get the opportunity to meet deer and moose on the track too. How cool is that? Too bad I don't bring my camera when I run so no pictures. Hayyy.

 And yes, I ran on my aqua shoes too. hahaha

Well, I have only 3 more days to train and worse come to worse. I will just walk all the way to the finish line. hehehe

Win-Win Situation

I am in stiletto mode nowadays. However, that is not the reason why I have not been seriously back in training mode.

But there are several reasons why I run or shall I say "why I should run". As if someone is really asking or interested in knowing what those reasons are. But I will share with you the reasons why, anyways. And for that you have no choice. LOL

Reason 1. I bought 3 new pairs of VS bathing suits online. They're on sale so I went crazy not realizing that those bathing suit look better on pictures... on that particular model... and on that particular body. So there you go... I got the shipment and I tried it on. I didn't like it. I was like totally in, "that's-what-you-get-for-being-cheap kinda mode"... but I do know the reason why it didn't look good on me. And I am not going to answer that question. PERIOD!

Reason 2. When I signed up for my first Walk, I realized that with your registration fee, you get free t-shirt [when you pre-register], a lot of freebies like water bottles, bottles with water, pedometer, bookmarks, bags with sponsor's name on it, coupons, etc. and food. Yes, you get free breakfast of donuts, bagels, coffee, bananas and snack after the race. So the question is, will I really lose weight here after the race? BIG QUESTION MARK!

Reason 3. Then, since most of the races are for a "cause"... I believe that I am helping a good cause. I am being a good citizen! EXCLAMATION POINT!

Well, I have not really started training again for my next 5K for varied reasons. One is that I am working part-time as Ed Tech in the school where I am assigned as the Site Leader of the Kids Out Enrichment Program of the YMCA. Although I could still go for a 30 minutes run around the track on my way home since I only work for 2 hours... my mind and stomach are always debating if I should run or not. And my stomach always wins.

At hindsight, maybe the best title for this post should be - WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN Situations! What do you think?