A dreamer no more (Part 2)

I'm still on marathon high as I typed the words for this post. Long have I dreamt of crossing the finish line for my first full marathon. And it was at the TBR Dream Marathon last March 20. As early as September of last year I have reserved a slot for this race, hearing how successful and how first time marathon friendly the race was I decided to join.

Before this race I have registered before for a full marathon but decided to back out from it at the last-minute, like the Condura Race 2010 and QCIM 2010. It was really bugging me that I have been running for almost three-year yet I haven't finish any full marathons yet.

As early as October 2010, the participants were given a training program specially designed for first time marathoners. It was an easy walk and run for the first two weeks, slowly increasing the mileage and duration of run. At this time I was still in my complacent mode. I would not do what was asked for, I don't do the long runs or the maintenance weekly run . I was so stubborn! And so when QCIM 2010 came last December it was so hard for me, I was gasping for air and can't run continuously. This was my wake-up call!

 

And so the following Monday after QCIM, I was like a kid eager to train, it was like my love for running was rekindle, but it was just my ego. And so just after this week I was again so lazy to follow my training program. What would happen to you at TBR? was my husbands constant reminder to me. :) At this time even if I was not obedient with my program I was watching my nutrition, I would eat all that I can just to gain weight.

 

When it was time for our first long run last February 26 at Nuvali, I was scared! Scared that I might not finish the entire course. And we were even late so I was rushing to the starting line. I just started at an easy pace so as not to get tired easily, this was the time that I first came to meet Dittie. Because of the cold weather and a short rainfall, I was able to finish my first 30K long run at 4hours 30minutes. At that time I was calculation of the possibility of finishing my first full marathon at 6hours and 30minutes.  Since I still felt alright after the run.

 

With this goal to reach, I trained hard for the last three weeks before the big day. I would do my maintenance and long runs. I was really feeling good about myself that I would reach my goal..........

 

At 9:51AM last March 20,  I crossed the finish line of my first full marathon. I praise God for that moment and that moment belongs to him!

A dreamer no more!

 

"Only 1/10th of 1% of the population ever finishes a marathon. Being able to say,

“I am a marathoner” is one of life’s greatest boasts." --Coach Jim Lafferty

 

The Running Mom is now a Marathoner!

 

 

As I don't want to patronize pain but this is the life of a runner, limping, having difficulty in walking the stairs, even boarding the jeepney or tricycle, but pain is temporary and this is the pain worth having over and over again. Story to follow....

And the winner is

Thank you so much joining my raffle for the Globe Run For Home race. With the help of Randomizer.org the winner is:



JASON! For he was the third person to comment on my post. I will send you an email on how you can claim the gift certificate. Thanks to Addison, Jhun, and Ella. :)

Run for Free at the Globe R4H Race

Want to run the Globe Run For Home 2011 for FREE?

Just comment at this post and tell me why you want to run at the Globe R4H race.

One runner will win a gift certificate which he/she can use to register at any distance (subject to availability). Your comments will be accepted up to March 17, 6PM. :)



 

Globe Run For Home

THE biggest race to be staged in the first quarter of the year—the Globe Run for Home 2011—hits the road at the crack of dawn on March 27, 2011 with a sea of humanity expected to fill the Bonifacio Global City, each eager not only to breast the tape but to take part in an endeavor that will benefit the less fortunate.

 

With the registry books already filling up after the online registration via www.globe.com.ph/run  which started in February 21, 2011, the Globe Run for Home 2011 is once again starting to fulfill its promise that racing in a fun-filled environment could be transformed into a more fulfilling event – both in body and heart.

 

Each participant pays a registration fee with a modest amount going to the various partner-institutions for the race. Compared to the previous two races, Globe Run For Home 2011 will now have 4 beneficiaries. They are Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity, Haribon Foundation and Virlanie Foundation. Registration fees are pegged at P650 for 3K, P750 for 5K, P850 for 10K, P950 for 15K and P1,050 for 21K.

 

The registration fee entitles runners to their race singlets available in various sizes, D-tag race chip, race bib number, runpix analysis, downloadable photos and finisher’s medal (21K category). And just like in its past two stagings, the Globe Run for Home 2011 will again use singlets made of 100 percent recycled PET plastic bottles. No other running event in the country has done that, thus adding the environment as fifth beneficiary.

 

Apart from sharing a portion of the race proceeds to 4 beneficiaries, this year’s Run for Home is also putting up a platform close to its heart in order to generate more donations for its partner-organizations. Through Globe GCASH, runners participating to this year’s Run for Home can encourage their respective circle of friends, families and loved ones to support their run by donating to their beneficiary of choice. To know more about GCASH and to register for an account, Globe and TM subscribers may simply call 2882 free from their mobile phones or log on to www.globe.com.ph/gcash.

 

To donate, text DONATE <space> AMOUNT <space> MPIN <space> INSTITUTION CODE and send to 2882. Institution codes are GK for Gawad Kalinga, HABITAT for Habitat for Humanity, HARIBON for Haribon Foundation and VIRLANIE for Virlanie Foundation.  Donors have to make sure that they have enough GCASH credits in their account to be able to push through with the donation.

 

Since running has become a bonding activity among officemates, friends, and barkadas, group runners are also encouraged to join—with a special treat. For groups of four running in the same category, they will be allowed to bring in a fifth member for free.

 

Apart from the online registration at www.globe.com.ph/run, participants could also register and pay through cash at the Run for Home 2011 physical registration booth at the 4^th Floor Cinema Lobby of Greenbelt 3 in Makati City that opened from February 28 to March 20, 2011. Race kits of runners paying in credit card will be delivered to their respective addresses while those paying in cash may claim their race kits at the on-site registration booth from 12 noon to 8 p.m.

 

Gun start for the race categories are as follows: 5:00 a.m. for the 21K, 5:15 a.m. for the 15K, 5:30 a.m. for the 10K, 5:45 a.m. for the 5K and 6 a.m. for the 3K. Participants who will miss the start will forfeit their chance of winning but could still run in the race.

 

Cash prizes will be given to top finishers. For 3k, 1^st place gets P3,000, 2^nd place gets P2,000 and 3^rd place gets P1,000. For 5k, top finishers get P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000 for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place respectively. For 10k, top placers get P7,000, P5,000 and P3,000 for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd placers respectively. For 15k, 1^st place gets P10,000, 2^nd place gets P7,000 while 3^rd place gets P5,000. For 21k, top place gets P15,000, 2^nd place gets P10,000 and 3^rd place gets P7,000.

 

For inquiries about Globe Run For Home 2011, e-mail r4h@globetel.com.ph.

I run for Love!

Have you seen the new and information-filled website of Runrio.com? Check it out now!



And have you already heard the Runrio: Running for Love soundtrack? Click the video to play

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umz5V4YF0Fw

 

Runrio has lined-up many races that a runner can choose from. Watch out for this races. You may see some "Confidential" races from the video, you might want to wait on this until the organizers announces it. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNhS3isrLoY

Run Rio Trilogy Awards Night

Being a blogger have some perks, you get invites for a press launch of an upcoming race, you sometimes get complimentary racekits, free food during the launch, free shirt or towel. When you get invited, it is a courtesy to post a write-up about the said event, not compulsory but it is ethical to do so. Sometimes I forget to share my post because of busy schedule but you can opt to copy the information given at the presskit. It is also a way to attract readers to your blog since they can get information about a race they wanted to join. A blog is a platform where you can write about your experiences and an information tool meant to be shared. :)

I got a text from a dear friend (you know who) that me and Erick is invited to the Runrio Trilogy Awards Night. I never go to launch when I don't have invites, it's unprofessional to show up on an event when you are not on the list, you don't know if seat were counted to those who only confirmed of their attendance.

I thought hey! this is new, and there is a dress code! When on a bloggers launch you can just go there on your uniform, pants or even shorts. So I thought wow, did I really get an invite for this?! And so I checked my email and there it was, me and Erick are invited, but knowing my husband it would just be me.

The event was organized to acknowledge the efforts of the runners who joined and successfully finished the three legs of the RunRio Trilogy. The awardees were given a medal, a shirt and goodie bag. I was envious of them for the medal looks good. The event is Oscar's-inspired, most runners I know looked good in their best dress. :)

Coach Rio and his team did a great job in giving back to the runners, with the entertainment provided by the Philippine All Star and 6 Cycle Mind who sang the theme song of Run Rio. It was a night filled with glitz, glamor, fun and fellowship.

So if you want to be next year's awardees and you have registered for the Run United this Sunday which is Leg 1 be sure to join the two legs. :)

Photo from the night courtesy of Doc Marvin Opulencio who was an awardee

With fellow bloggers Alfred, Sir Rene and James

With Philippine All Star dancers

With Coach Rio's cousin and beauty queen Venus Raj

 

Thanks again the invite, 'till next year. :)

A long run and a post overdue

Last Saturday, at 3AM me and my family are on the road bound to Nuvali. You see in two weeks I will be doing my first full marathon at The Bull Runner Dream Marathon. This month has been so hectic that I have to train for my big day and also plan for our renewal of vows a week after that. So many things to be done that sometimes I just don't want to move. :D

 

......

At exactly 4:30AM last February 26 I took my first stride at the Nuvali road for my 30K long run along with other first time marathoner. I opted to run with the 2:1 Galloway group since I was nervous that I may not finish the run, a thought of just doing one loop (13K) would be fine for me. And even my husband is afraid that I won't last the entire route. :)

 

For the first few kilometers I ran with Jenel, but as soon as we reached 5K she fell back from the group and found myself running with Dittie, Carrey Lyn and Jaymie aka The Bull Runner. Jaymie would yell "run" "walk" to us since we're doing the Galloway method. I felt good throughout the first loop. And as soon as we began our second loop rain started pouring which I liked. The run was blessed with good weather that I was able to finish the 30+K long run in 4:30 with eating break, bathroom break and rest. I think I'm ready for my big day, armored with the weekly training, early morning run, long run on weekend and I'm happy that I gained a few pound which I 'am maintaining for big day.

 

All smile for the photo-op :)

 

This is my dream for now is that is to finish in a sub 7hour marathon. I pray for a good weather on that day and I pray that my red friend won't visit me on that day. ;)