The day before I became a Marathoner

When I woke up last Saturday, Feb 20, 2016, like it was an ordinary day. My son had classes that day so the usual grind happend, preparing breakfast, getting his school uniform ready, take a bath and took him down our building to wait for the school bus. Then I got ready to attend the LSM-PTA Lenten Recollection for Parents at my son's school which we have been blessed to have participated in. From 8am-12nn I was not thinking about the race at all. I was focused on the recollection at hand.

At St. Francis Theater, Lourdes School of Mandaluyong for the Lenten Recollection 

By 12:30pm we had lunch at Italiannis at Shangrila Mall and was joined by my Pacer, Arlyn who had a small rolling luggage in tow that feels like she'll be running a marathon in another country. We already did our Marathon Planning and Strategy Meeting the previous day, and yes it was over some delicious Xiao Long Bao of the famous Michelin Star Din Tai Fung (we are serious about carbo loading haha!), So we did not talk anything about marathon or running during lunch. Soon our food arrived as well as two of our friends who are riding with us going to Nuvali, Arnie and Ariel.

my pacer, arlyn with her traveling runner luggage

Lunch is served @ Italannis Shangrila Plaza Mall

Nuvali here we come!!

We left Manila around 2pm and arrived in Seda Hotel Nuvali around 4:30pm. I chose this Hotel because its near the start/finish of the race course. The week after I receive the great news that I got accepted to join TBR, I researched on which hotels are near the vicinity and having read that Seda Hotel Nuvali was one of last year's hotel partners, I immediately booked a room even on their best regular price and not on a discounted TBR price because at the time of my booking, no agreement has been penned yet between the organizer and the hotel management. But since I am by nature, a person that loves to plan and don't take anything by chance. I negotiated to get the TBR Discount once its finalized but I will already reserve the room at regular rate. And it was such a relief that they agreed on this arrangement (great customer service Seda Hotel!).

But wait! back track a little bit, So while on the way to Nuvali, I was checking my facebook and reading the posts in the TBR Batch 2016 fb group and I got a tag from Lauren in one of the posts, when I opened and read the post, I squealed in excitement because Jaymie choose my entry on for the TBR Smart online contest  (In Max of 2 sentences, HOW TBR SMART DREAM MARATHON CHANGED YOUR LIFE SO FAR...)

I won a 40-day Urban Ashram Pass!!! I haven't done any yoga for like 10 years and I miss it. It was like destiny because earlier that day, Hubby bought each of us a yoga mat since I cannot find my old one and he needs one for the Triads' drills. It was like the prize was really meant for me :-)

my winning 2 sentences on how TBR Dream Marathon changed my life so far.

Okay, Now back to when I saw Seda Hotel in front of me, that was the only time I had the OH MY GOD! THIS IS IT! MARATHON RACE DAY NA! feeling. This is it, I am about to run a marathon in a matter of hours!!! I went to check us in and I was advised that the hotel is fully booked and instead of the Deluxe room that I reserved, they have upgraded my room to Premier Room (WOW!! This is so unexpected - it nice to check in late when its fully booked!) I had to contain my excitement and just smiled and thank the front desk lady (if she could just see me doing summersault in my head haha!) Another plus points for a great Seda Hotel Customer Service.

The happy Hubby tried the day bed of our (upgraded) Premier Room

So giddy to see a kitchenette and a microwave (we won't be eating a cold pizza tonight!)

beautiful view from our hotel room

This day is such a blessing after blessing after blessing... and that's not all, Rhea, one of our running friends from #TeamGuttom is staying right across our hotel room with her family... What a coincidence :-)

So its less than 10 hours before race starts and I am now having race gitters, While Arlyn and Hubby went for a swim, I decided to have my nails done. Yes, to calm my nerves I had a mani and pedi... the possibility of ruining my nail polish after the run is the least of my worries I told a friend. after an hour, we went to the supermarket to get some vitamin water and some bananas for our pre-race breakfast. 

Knocked at the room across ours and its Rhea!

Team Guttom reprezent here in Seda Hotel Nuvali

Mani-Pedi to calm my nerves before raceday at Bench Fix

Back in the Hotel, we ate our take away pizza and salad from Italiannis and we are ready for bed by 8pm. I couldn't sleep immediately so I called my son and check up on him before I went to sleep, that was around 8:30pm. I was tossing and turning and took me forever to fall asleep. I was anxious and felt that the alarm did not go off so when I checked the time, its only 10:45pm. WHAT?! thats like 2 hours sleep I tried to go back to sleep but its useless, I got up around 11:30pm to do what I trained my body to do for the past week (which was very successful) but today... it just didn't go as I hoped it would. And then I heard the alarm. its 12 am, Sunday, February 21. RACE DAY!

Seda Hotel Nuvali Welcomed the Dreamers

Check out my next post for the Raceday Story :)

XOXO,

S

TGIF Gratitude List 2015

Its Christmas time again and our Bible study group in the office, TGIF (Thank God its Friday), is having its annual Christmas Lunch party with the rest of the employees. We have invited one of our Mentors in faith Del to talk about Gratitude as it is the theme for this year's Christmas Party.

I was tasked to contribute a testimonial as a regular member of the group to inspire others to be open to possibilities of having a deeper relationship with God. I was reluctant at first because what shall I talk about? I'm still in the process of getting to know Him. But with God's grace and the help of Anni who shared with me the OMW - One Minute Witness Template, I was able to make one.

Project Gratlist : printed 200 of top 10 Gratitude list of 2015 from ricaperalejo.ph

There was a time in my life when…

I was a worrier (how can I hit my target,  my son’s yaya left, pano na? ..)

I was a jealous and suspicious wife.

I was an impatient parent.        

Attending TGIF in the past was because our GM asks me to attend. It was actually out of obedience towards Grace that I attended. “Nakakahiya if I say NO”, “baka ma-OSDA ako”. I also used to go because of  my friends. Carol, Nica, Erben, Jen and Abi – we became the “Crying Ladies” because we usually cry when there’s a  breakout sessions. Except for Abi and I, everyone has moved on to a different country or a different company. It was then, I realized it was no longer because of Grace, no longer because of friends that I attend TGIF, its now because I want to know more about God’s love. I want to have a personal relationship with Him.

I’m still in the early stage of getting to know Him. But he has already done amazing changes in my life. I no longer worry about my sales targets because He solved that already, He moved me to corpcare which does not have sales targets –but have an equally tough responsibility – zero complaints?! – mas mahirap yata yun kaysa sa sales targets!

But seriously, I no longer worry about life because I trust his word that He will take care of all my worries. Whatever it is, however difficult it is, He will handle it.

^{1Peter 5:7 Give all your worries to HIM , Because he cares about you.}

He does not look at what religion you belong to, what he sees is what’s in your heart.

So in my Gratitude List of 2015, TGIF is one of my Top 10.  Because, without the help of TGIF, I would still be a worrier, a jealous wife and an impatient parent. I am still a work in progress so I need to continue building the foundation of my relationship with God through TGIF.

I hope to see you next year at TGIF.

My Top 10 Gratitude List

TOP 10 Gratitude List of 2015

1.     Family

2.     Good Health

3.     My Job

4.     Andre’s Good grades

5.     TGIF Group

6.     Our Travels in SG, MY, Coron

7.     Quality Time with Family and Friends

8.     Safety

9.     No scam complaints for the past 3 months

10.  OTWOL- James Reid

The Bull Runner Dearm Marathon 2016: 1st Bull Session

The Bull Session (Clinic) and Bull Circle (Talk) is what makes The Bull Runner Dream Marathon different for any other marathon events out there (sorry if there are other similar events like this, but this is based from experience and what I know :-) ). This event was founded for all first-time marathoners and 2nd-time marathoners who would like to (1) make their dream to run a marathon a reality (2) finish strong. I have done four (4) half marathons in a span of 6 months but until know I still dread even hearing the word Forty-Two. The Bull Circle and Bull Sessions are done once a month until race day to prepare the participants in what's to come and teach them what the dos and dont's of running a marathon. I have not yet attended any of the Bull Circles (there were already 2 last Sept and this month) due to tutoring priorities with my son. So hubby gets to go and shares with me what he learned. But he promises to let me attend the next one (yahoo!!) which will be on November and the topic will be "A Marathon Ready Body" - Strength Conditioning for Marathoners and Injury Prevention. So I'm looking forward to that... but in the meantime..... Let's talk about the First Bull Circle.

Before the Bull Session starts, we found the wallflower, Czarinna and our new friend Roma "Oms". We represent Mandaluyong TBR Dreamers!

Photo Courtesy of New Balance FB Page

Jaymie "the Bull Runner" Pizarro, the TBR Dream Marathon Founder,
making her opening speech

The Bull Circle is a running clinic where in Coach Lit Onrubia shares some running insights with the participants. Its open to all (friends and relatives of the participants are welcome), So since my 9 year old son wants to run and join us in training, I asked him to come with us. After the proper intro of The Bull Runner herself, Jaymie Pizarro, and the short Talk of Coach Lit and the warm up. We all gathered to join our chosen interval pacers. We have the Run All the way, the 4:1 (4 mins run: 1 min walk), the 3:1 and the 2:1. There's also the fast 4:1 and the slow 4:1. Me and hubby chose the 3:1 interval as we use this during our half marathons and training. 

Coach Lit Onrubia taking about safety, route and loosening our shoe laces
(our shoes won't run away so it shouldn't be tight)

3 Minutes Run : 1 Minute Walk around BGC, Taguig

My son is so competitive (all kids are I suppose) that he wants to be in front, running along side with the pacers. I was a mother and pride myself as I see my son able to run the same pace as the certified marathon finishers (our pacers are from TBR BATCH2015). Ang galing lang... I was slowly being left behind as my steps are getting smaller and I am starting to get tired. In 4.5KM I saw my son's face is already rosey red. I asked him if he was tired and I told him that we can just walk going back to Track 30th where we started the run. So we walked for the next .5K and finally reached our finish line and saw that he finished his FIRST 5K run/walk today.

My son AJ, pacing the 3:1 interval group

3 Minutes Run : 1 Minute Walk around BGC, Taguig

The Bull Session closed with a group pic of the runners and selfie photos with Jaymie "the Bull Runner" Pizarro and more groufies with the other participants who we became more acquainted with as we met previously at the Subaru Run and regularly exchange messages in Viber and FB Messenger. Thanks to this session, I was able to meet and put a face of the names that I see on Viber and FB.

Until our next Bull Session. Ciao!

XOXO,

S

Selfie with the Bull Runner herself

Stretching after the 45 minutes LSD 

Runners come together with only one goal in mind.... FINISH STRONG!

TBR Dream Marathon Batch 2016

All this craziness and chaos

Compression Leg Sleeves : Why do I need them?

I remember when I started running (the accidental 10K run), 500m to the finish line I felt my muscle cramps at the back of your lower leg. I started to skip and run just to reach the finish line. It lasted a few minutes and then I was fine. I did some stretching to ease the pain. On my next run, I did finish the 10K race without any hiccups but while walking back to the parking lot, the sudden pain stopped me at the side street and it was too painful to talk. I had to stop at the sidewalk and stretched my leg. When I came home. I had ice pack all over my legs.

So aside from proper training, how do I avoid having muscle cramps? Compression Technology is the answer. And as a serious runner you have to really invest in either a compression tights to leg sleeves. So in my first 21Km run, It was a good decision to bought a Compression Tights (from New Balance, priced at P1,950) and it made a lot difference in my long distance run. I did not feel any muscle cramps at all.

So yes, I do recommend them. I also want to get a compression leg sleeve but those in store are really expensive. So I seeked the advise of one of my running idols, The Bull Runner herself, Jaymie Pizarro. In one of her instagram posts, she was wearing a compression sleeve so I ask which is a good brand. As they are really expensive. Jaymie said:

" I wouldn't recommend buying cheap brands. I would go for  Zensah, Compressport, 2XU or CWX. Pricey but you are paying for the compression technology." 

And so as I search for these compression leg sleeves (there are available online too) I found Zensah at Runnr Store in BGC (priced at P1,995) and pick out the xs/s as this fits those in the height that ranges from 5'3" and below.

Wore it for the first time in Coron during our runcation

Training for TBR Bream Marathon 2016.. 23 weeks to go

Before I got into serious running, I thought that running is the most less expensive sports because you only need the road and a rubber shoes. But no... to be safe and injury free in this sport, you need to invest, know your feet (get a free gait analysis) and know your body. As for me, I've invested on Stability Shoes (for training and race day), compression tights, compression leg sleeves, dryfit and anti-chafing shirts, sports bra and a good pair of socks. Not to mention other essential accessories to runners like cap, hydration belt and a Garmin watch. But all these were acquired on a budget and had been carefully saved for...for those practical runners, go and shop during sale season or visit our secret shop (the Surplus Shop).

Happy Shopping :)

xoxo,

S

Coron Palawan Scrapbook: Day 4

Its our last day in Coron and we feel that its so ‘bitin’. This 4 days 3 nights (technically 3 days as the arrival and the departure takes 2 half days already) is not enough! I think if you plan to visit Coron and want to really make it worth your while, I thing 7 days would be just right. We still have not yet visited the island of Cullion, did not do the Safari Tour and the Ship wreck Tour. More reasons to visit again :)

Buying pasalubong and tour of the city made eaaasy with these tricyles

Our last day in Coron was spent on another city tour but this time with the purpose of seeing the city for the last time and buying ‘pasalubong’ for our family and friends. Our first stop was the Public Market. Where in we bought the special Danggit (specially marinated in vinegar and garlic) that I tasted at the Coron Westown Resort Café. There’s a big pack which is worth Php 400 pesos and a smaller pack sold for P100 each.

on board a Tricycle on our way to the Public Market near the port

Next stop was the Cashew as Palawan is know to have a plantation of cashew. Our tricycle driver brought us to Coron Harvest, a small store where they sold baked cashew and garlic roasted cashew. Apparently famous Pinoy actors has come to visit the place, including Kris Aquino, Solenn Heussaff and Isabel Daza and I assumed bought some of these nuts. They sold their cashews in P100, P200 and P300 per pack.

Baked cashew, the healthy nut. They also have adobo flavor which is fried. But I like the natural nut taste of cashew.

Of course a souvenir shirt is a must but not for us but for our little guy who was left in Manila with Grandma because he cannot miss 2 days of school. Our tricycle driver brought us to Majuka as the Island souvenir store is closed on Sundays (which most restaurants and establishments are close as well). There we bought him a Coron Shirt for P140 and a P60 refrigerator magnet to commemorate our trip to Coron.

Green Mango Shake and Buko Lychee Shake

After which we head back to the hotel to check out and leave again for lunch. We were suppose to eat at Santino’s Grill but it was close on Sundays so we ended up eating at Balinsasayaw Restorant. Food was okay. Not a 4 star but maybe a 3. We ordered their Balinsasayaw Special which is a seafood in read sweet and spicy sauce, lechon kawali and enchaladang talong.

my husband so hungry

After lunch, it started to rain so we just went back to the hotel to wait for our transfer to airport and chill.


Here are some of my Coron Tips for the DIY Travelers out there:


1. Take the earliest flight possible so you can still do a city tour when you arrive. What to do in the City Tour?

a. Take the 700+ steps going to the peak of Mt. Tapyas. I recommend to go there around 4pm or 4:30pm depending on how fast you can reach the peak- so you can catch its great sunset and a good view of the islands surrounding the island.

b. Head to Maquinit Hot Spring after Mt. Tapyas. The hot spring will surely relax your tired and sore muscles from going up and down Mt. Tapyas.


2. Get all the brochure that you can find at the arrival area of the airport. Pick the best island tour and adventure that suits your budget and book it once you have decided where you want to go.

a. The Malcapuya Island Tour and the Ultimate adventure Tour provided by JY Travel and Tours were great. Ask for our Tour Guides Charlie or Bert (they are the best and funny too!) Bert did our jumpshot photo shoot in Smith Beach and CYC Beach.

b. Do not talk to sales reps or 3rd party travel and tours as we have a bad experience. ( we were not booked on the original tour that we chose so we end up paying 500 pesos more for each pax.

3. Be aware of the Tricycle fare so you won’t be shortchanged.

a. One way per person is Php30- going to the city proper.

b. Hire the Tricycle going to Mt. Tapyas or anywhere in the city as an exclusive transport –P300/max 4 passengers

c. Hire the Tricycle going to Mt. Tapyas and to Maquinit Hotsprints and back to hotel – P400/max of 4 passengers

4. Bring Snorkelling gears and aqua shoes as there are lots of island that you can snorkel but need to be careful of dangerous marine creatures like stone fish, gelly fish, sea urchin etc.

5. Bring insect repellant when you decide to go to Kayangan Lake.

6. When in Kayangan lake, enter the small cave for photo op.

7. Some Restaurants are closed on Sundays (Santion’s Grill, singugba sa balay etc) so make sure to visit them on weekdays

Hope these tips help you enjoy your Coron stay as much as we did :)

leaving on a CEB Plane

Bye for now Coron, Palawan see you next time

XOXO,

S