A Photo Walk/Run one foggy weekend

I woke up to a thick fog this morning. It was kinda warm considering the time of the year so I decide to go for a run because tomorrow is my next race - Running for a Reason 5K, here in my town.

Cape Road. This is where I usually start warming up.

So I got ready and set off. But before I left the house I decided to bring the camera along. I was hoping to see some awesome sceneries along the way since I was thinking of taking the road along Saco river.

 Cape Road near the 4-way stop at Saco Road.

 Mapplewood Cemetery at Cape Road.

  Different parts of Saco River.

 

 

 

 Bonney Eagle High School Athletic Field.

 

It took me roughly 3 hours to cover almost the entire 10 miles route. I walked. I ran. I stopped for some snap shots. And here are some of the "raw" photos I took from the photo walk[slash]run[slash]shoot.

Looking at all these photos, I can say that I had fun with my work-out. The question is - did I get the worked out I needed? The answer is - No! But I got all the photos I love so good luck on tomorrow's race! wink*

Home Run

My 7-week vacation is over and I'm back to home base. It was such a wonderful vacation despite the 4 storms that the Philippines had during the duration of my stay. I had a wonderful time with my family especially with my 3 nieces and a nephew whom I love to pieces.

I also had such a wonderful time with my brother Japol who brought me to different places. But I didn't get the chance to run a race which we originally planned because of the storms and Japol's hectic itinerary for me. Oh I love him so much for all his efforts to entertain me. So blessed to have a brother like him.

I really wished I had a chance to run because 7-weeks of non-stop pigging out on my favorite foods [that I have not eaten for 5 long years] and no exercise took a great toll on me. I gained 15 lbs. back at the end of my vacation.

Though I had one opportunity to run on the first day I was home with Toby [my Nephew], but that was all about it. It didn't even make me sweat because people I passed by along the road would stopped me and chat. So I just ended up buying more food in the market instead. wink*

Good thing, Japol once came home during one of his day off and we ran from Liliw [my hometown] to Nagcarlan [the next town where I went to High School] and met up with my former High School friend, Aida and her HS sweetheart, Allan.

Japol and I got the chance too to walk with Allan and Aida from Nagcarlan town proper to Sinipian... a well-known Barrio which is frequented by devotees during 1st Friday of the month. And yes, it was First Friday that day.

And of course, a visit to Sinipian will not be complete without buying and pigging out on those yummy treats which I believe is one of the reasons too why people go to that shrine in the first place. wink*

 

YUMMY indeed!


NOTE: Photos all courtesy of  JAPOLogy. Thanks a bunch Japs. Love you.

My 7th and last 5k for this Year

Yes, you read it right. Yesterday was my 7th race for 2011 and it's the last one for this year too.

 

This is one of the most memorable races I had so far for 3 reasons.

1. This is also my second race with Heather. And yes, we were late again. hahaha. Well, if the race was held on Thanksgiving Day, we would have been early. You see, I messed up with my calendar date and thought that the race was scheduled on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. I was so ready and called up Heather early so we won't be late. But guess what? Wrong date. Instead of the 24th, it was scheduled on the 26th. hahaha And yes, on the exact date, I called her late so we arrived 10 minutes late at the venue. Runners were about a mile away already when we got there so we thought of just getting our number and freebies. And yes, the free tee was way to big for our size. That's what you get for being late, you are given with left-overs.

2. The weather is awesome. For some reason, we were happy that it felt like springtime again. It snowed the day before and we gathered around 2 inches in our town. But at Kennebunkport, it didn't snow. The place was devoid of the powdery blanket and the wind felt like spingtime. So we decided to just go for a run anyway, just to see the area and do some workout. But lo and behold, we caught up with the runners - dog runners and the walkers... that is. hahaha

3. I wasn't even the last in the list. I was 8th to the last and so proud of it! Why not? We came in 10 minutes late... caught up with the runners, well mostly walkers - dog walkers... and clocked in 47:53. It's 10 minutes over my PR. So do the math.

Well, the 20th Annual Presidential 5k is my last race for this year. I tried to find another race in December but no luck. But guess what... I already signed up for my first race in 2012. Isn't it awesome?

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.

This One's for Austin!

Since I started liking races, I have ran 2 races already and have walked a couple too. Those were all for a good cause. Those races I joined in were events made to help Cancer Research for Maine [Mary's Walk-March], Fundraising for the athletes [Boney Eagle Scot Trot-March], a march to save the babies [March of Dimes-May] and my most recent which is a cause to help a school and a community [Patriot 5k "Lap Around the Lake"-May].

On Saturday, the 4th of June, I am scheduled to probably walk [since I don't have the time to train] for another cause - 5 Mile Dog Walk for a Cancer which will be held at 9am to noon in Lake Arrowhead Community at Victoria Lane East Tennis Court North Waterboro.

This event is perhaps the most important race I will participate in not because it is another event to support a special cause... but because, the cause is meant for Austin Hudson.

Austin is the reason why I am working part-time as Ed Tech at Waterboro School. He is a typical 9-year old boy who loves being with his friends, likes to run and play, enjoys Math, Art and Computer subjects and more importantly, who loves his independence and his ability to discover, learn and do new things on his own. But last year, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and now in recuperation. The struggle is continuous and indefinite as we all know of most cancer patients.

I have not known Austin until I was assigned to work with him. However, I could tell in his eyes that he is a fighter. His spirit is tough but his body is so fragile. That is why no matter how much he likes to go to school everyday ,it is a constant struggle as well. I have only worked once a week for 2 hours in the past 4 weeks with him but this week, he was able to come to school 2 days in a row and that is "huge".

This Saturday... we are going to run or walk [whichever you prefer] for him. It's a Dog Walk actually, but Sarah, Austin's mom said you don't need to have one to join. [Good, thing I was already on my way to buy a dog just to join, LOL] But if you cannot join us... you can still support and help by donating to Austin Hudson Family Fund. Donations can be deposited directly at SIS Bank. Details on the event can be found in Facebook too.

So, come and join us... in person... with your dog [on a leash, please] or your friends and family... or in spirit [by donating] and let's all walk for Austin.

See you there!

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?

The Letter Courier

I mailed letters today.

It's not raining today so I decided to bring my "snail mails" to the Post Office on foot, well, on running shoes actually. But I am no snail. Nope, I walked, ran and jogged all the way to the P.O. to mail my letters.

It took me 147 step/m [about 16,421 steps] from home to PO and back which is 6.12 miles [good enough for a 10k huh, wink*]. I burned 753 calories and clocked it at 1:51:51. Geez... I am a snail, indeed! It is actually my "dream" PR if I qualified [which I doubt it] for the NYC Marathon. hahaha.

Well, nothing can stop a runner to find good opportunity to train. I may be slow but it felt so good though. I am happy that my knee is not complaining too.

Next time, will try to cut the time in half ... or a quarter. Or better yet... I should stick to sending e-mail instead. wink*

Still smiling after my 6.12 m courier errand

I Finished my First

I finished The 8th Annual Great Scot Trot at 40:48! It may not be fast. Well, it is actually slow. But hey, at least I finished it.

Yeah, I finally did it. I finally did my very first 5k. It was awesome. I enjoyed it and I am craving for more.

It was kinda chilly but the sun was out and the sky was blue. I went an hour early so I didn't have to line up to get my number. And yes, I was hoping I could find some familiar faces that I can run with. It was more of psyching myself up to ease my anxiety attack.

The Kids' Fun Run kicked off first about 45 minutes before the 5k. I was thinking... I should have joined that instead. It seemed that I would qualify - height-wise. And maybe they will not ask my birth date. LOL. Oh well, I was really nervous. Seeing those runners flooding the lobby of Bonny Eagle High School was kinda overwhelming and intimidating for a first-timer like me. But then, I saw some familiar faces from the Crazy Fitness Fun and I kinda warmed up and relaxed a bit.

We started on the dot. There were not a lot of runners compared to Mary's Walk but then, it was well organized. I started slow and easy. After 300 yards, I kinda picked up my pace but it didn't last long. I saw some of the runners were already more than a hundred yards away. I tried to go fast but I couldn't catch my breath so I just walked.

I walked, jogged, ran [a bit], and could have crawled if I was not too embarrassed. But hey, I made it. And I was the fifth wasn't the last one who crossed the line. Now, I am looking forward to my second 5k.

I made it to the finish line. I made friends. And I made myself so proud.

Now, it's time to put my stilettos on and head to the Mall. LOL

I walked the WALK

I was actually planning to sign up to "run" for the Mary's Walk and Kerrymen Pub 5k Road Race. But when I was about to register I changed my mind. Yes, I chickened out. I was afraid that I might not be able to complete the race. I was afraid that I will be the last one to cross the finish line and get laughed at. And I was afraid that I am not really ready to run since I don't have much practice.

So I signed up for the "2.5 walk" and I was happy. So I thought.

[Taken before the Walk and while waiting for the Runners to pass by.]

I was there by the side of the road together with hundreds of "walkers/cheerers/supporters" cheering on the runners. For some reasons, I wasn't happy and felt bad. I was sad because I felt a hint of envy running down my veins. And I felt bad because I was jealous of the runners.

I should have ran. And with that... I went home with a heavy heart. I drove home and went online and searched for any running events here in Maine. I found one, and in a heartbeat, I signed up.

I will be running my very first 5k on Sunday, the 27th of March.

It all started with a WALK

I am not a runner nor a walker. The only course I am willing to walk is the - Mall. But then even that gave me cramps and calluses.

Then come modern technology where I could go shopping without leaving my bedroom and in my jammies. Online shopping is the best!

But one fine day, something unexpected happened. I decided to work-out. Though not really seriously at first. I just went to the gym because I got free membership. As a Staff of YMCA it is one of the perks. Hey, who doesn't like freebies? But then, it didn't last long. I believe I spent more time in the shower than in the treadmill. And oftentimes, when I was about to work-out, I would meet someone I know in the lobby and next thing I know, it was already time to go back to work. So on and off, I went with my work-up.

October of last year [2010] I finally committed myself to really work-out seriously. I enrolled in a fitness center about 2 miles away from where I work and viola, I enjoyed it. I don't miss class because I paid for the membership so I might as well get my money's worth. wink*

Fast sprinting to 2011, the Mary's Walk came and I signed up to support RSU 57. After that event, I signed up for my very first 5k and I started training.

 I started running... seriously.