Monday, January 28, 2013

Running On A Sudden Period

Running is a challenging endurance sport and now in the Philippines, the playing field is leveled between men and women, but we cannot discount the fact that men runners has a lot of advantage over women runners, one thing is that they don't have to deal with monthly period that usually affects us in trainings and races.
I am visualizing Carrie when she was spilled with blood while being crowned as Prom Queen. Nah! That's too much shame! (Photo from horror-shop.com)

When I posted a teaser about this blog entry a week ago, a lot of my runner friends took wild guesses on what I used as a temporary solutions for quick relief from this emergency situation. Some says, tissue paper, handkerchief, towels and believe it or not, someone says I might have used an Eco Bag! LOL! 

I have experienced running a race with a period. I have read many articles online about it so I equipped myself and finished my race feeling okay at that time. What I didn't realize is that there will come a time that I will be caught off guard, and this happened while running on a race!

Yes, I have an irregular menstruation and this is a normal thing for me. My menstruation comes in like a thief in the dead of the night, without a hint. I've been living with this condition eversince and I've learned to adapt. I am now doing something to correct this because this can affect me if ever I wanted another child in the future.


Like Snake who can attack someone and before they knew it, they're dead! That's how my monthly period is most likely.

Okay, so as I've mentioned, this happened "while" I'm running a race. Last January 20, 2013 at 7-11 Run 800. I started on the race late since I got confused where the starting line is. Anyway, everything was great, the route was refreshing since it's in Cavitex, a new route and it's the first time a race was held on that place. There is abundance of water and electrolyte drink on those plenty Hydration Stations placed along the route. Medics, Race Marshals, Policemen and Ambulance were all over. The breeze of the wind is cold and the scenery on the bay, especially when the Sun starts to rise was so breathtaking.

Everything was perfect until at around Kilometer 9, I felt a sudden gush of liquid and it flows to my behind. It made me feel so uneasy since it felt lubricated and I keep on moving my undies while running. After a few minutes I saw an Ambulance and run as fast as I could to reach it. I talked to the Medic and asked for a tissue paper and he told me he don't have any. He asked me what will I use it for. Since he is with other Medics I walked towards him and whispered in his ears "I think I'm having my period". He was very polite and offered me the back of the ambulance so I can discreetly check on my undies and yes, it's positive. I'm bleeding!

After that I came back to him and asked if they have towels he can give me and then he said "We got Gauze Pads here but I don't know if this will work."

GAUZE PADS! When I hear those words it's like I heard that sound when you finished your hand at Solitaire. TA-DA!!!

Usually they come in packs like these... (Photo from cramersportsmed.com)


What are Gauze Pads? Well, every emergency kit at home has this. It usually comes in a paper packaging in various sizes usually square in size. Some Gauze are in a roll form and is used as a bandage to cover wounds after it is being cleaned. Every Ambulance or Medic have plenty of these on stock so it's readily available, just ask for it!

Closer view of Gauze Pads. Looks weak but it's strong in handling fluids. (Photo from webmd.com)

According to Wisegeek.com, A gauze pad is a piece of gauze fabric used to guard and cushion a wound, to absorb blood or other fluids, to apply ointments, or to rub cleansing fluids, such as rubbing alcohol or iodine, to a wound or site of incision. Gauze is a light, thin, loosely woven fabric commonly made of cotton or a synthetic fiber, though it can be made from other materials, such as silk, as well. Most gauze dressings are non-adherent and may be dry, moist, or impregnated. Sterile pads are used for many medical purposes, especially on open wounds, but non-sterile pads may be used for cushioning, cleaning, and absorbing areas less at risk of infection.



I hope I got his first name but I was too busy with my Emergency situation. Anyway, thanks again Mr. Medic! (Photo from: primoclipart.com)

So the polite Medic gave me a few pieces of this wonderful cloth while his other colleagues are wondering why. I use the side of the ambulance to do my regimen and I'm glad it is faced on the bay because that time the sun is starting to show up. Since I'm already bleeding, I use some to wipe away the blood from my private part. I took a piece, fold it in half and stick it in my back crack. I put the other ones by slipping it in on the bed of my undies like an emergency sanitary pad

Okay the story sounds gross but doing this saved me from shame. I finished my 21K race with a chip time of 3 hours and 2 minutes, considering the fact that I have frequent stops to check my menstrual support system whenever I see an Ambulance. LOL!

Why the Gauze Pad works? Well, this cloth is very absorbent yet, it traps the liquid inside, making you feel drier. Since I just had my period, the flow is still weak so it can still handle it.

What I have learned from this experience? Well, I seriously need to follow my Doctor's orders and correct my menstrual cycle so I won't have to undergo this scenario again anymore.

Tips for women runners: If you feel you're about to have your period and you have to do your long runs or races, better bring a piece of tampon with you.



This is the same brand that I use. I prefer Playtex Gentle Glide regular flow because the applicator is made of cardboard and it glides easily. The string is longer which leaves me worry free that it might get stuck inside. I only use tampons on this purpose. On my regular menstrual days I use pads. I just don't like that something is stuck in there for a long time, it's psychologically uncomfortable for me.

For Women Ultramarathoners, I think this will be very beneficial so you won't have to endure the uncomfortable feeling of the pads while running that may cause chaffing.

I just wonder if this will work for Women Triathletes too. Well, since it's situated inside, I think it may just work for them as well. Geez! I don't want to try it out and see what I'll look like after the swim! LOL! :P


Nothing can stop me from running my race, not even that sudden period!

If you have questions, you can reach me on my page, The Sweet Life Runner or follow me on my Twitter @sweetliferunner.

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Run United 1 2013



RUN UNITED 1 2013
March 17, 2013
Mall of Asia

2013 RUN UNITED 1 REGISTRATION VENUES

ONLINE Registration: January 21, to  February 24, 2013

In-Store Registration: February 4 to March 3, 2013 (with a March 11, 2013 cut-off)

RIOVANA
• BGC: 9th Ave corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City ; Mon to Sun, 12NN to 9PM
• KATIPUNAN: 3rd Floor Regis Center, Katipunan, QC (infront of Ateneo de Manila Univ.) – Tue to Sun, 10AM to 8PM

TOBY’s
•  SM Mall of Asia: Ground Floor, Entertainment Hall; Mon to Sun, 12PM to 8PM
•  SM North: The Block, SM North EDSA; Mon to Sun, 12PM to 8PM


REGISTRATION FEES AND INCLUSIONS:


*For online registrants, complete race kit will be delivered within Feb 4 to Mar 3, 2013

2013 RUN UNITED 1 GEARS:


2013 Run United 1 – exclusive race singlets and race kits are available to all participants. More than a simple running gear, these are the badges of participation in a competition of prestige.

Race Kits

Complete race kit will be available upon registration. Online registrants will receive their complete kit from February 4 to March 3, 2013.

Race Singlet

Upon in-store registration, registered participants will receive their Run United 1 race singlet. Sizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.



RU1 Race Bibs 
 (D-Tag will be the timing device to be used for the race)




Ceelin 500m Dash Wrist Tag 
(for participants and parent/guardian):



2013 RUN UNITED 1 FINISHER’S KITS:

21KM Finishers Shirt




21KM Finishers Medal

Each of the 2013 Run United Medal Series Finisher’s medal is a unique medal by itself and at the same time is a unique part of a 3-piece united medals from the Run United Series legs. Register and finish the 21km/ 21km/21km or 21km/32km/42km of legs 1/2/3 respectively and form the medal puzzle which is the 2013 unique RunRio Trilogy/ Run United Series United Medal!

Each leg 1 – 21km, leg 2 – 21km and 32km and leg 3 – 21km and 42km finishers will get to receive a 4 inch-radius trapezoid-shaped medal.


 If a runner finishes all three legs in the category 21km/ 21km/ 21km or 21km/ 32km/ 42km, he/she will be able to form this 2013 unique RunRio Trilogy/ Run United Series United Medal:


2013 RUN UNITED 1 ASSEMBLY AND GUN START TIMES:

CATEGORY
ASSEMBLY TIME
GUN TIME
500m
6:00AM
7:00AM
5K
4:30AM
5:45AM
10K
4:30AM
5:30AM
21K
3:00AM
4:00AM



RACE MAPS









2013 RUN UNITED 1 PRIZES AND MEDALS:

Alongside the prestige that comes with one of the country’s premier races, 2013 Run United Series offers the chance to win great prizes.

Prizes



2013 Run United 1 Winners’ Medals:


REMINDERS:

Registration may end earlier than announced deadline because race kits may run out before March 3, 2013.
A Valid ID must be presented upon registration. For group registration, a photocopy of any valid ID & picture must be presented by the representative.
Singlet size availability will be on a first come first serve basis.
A timing device will be used by all participants during the race.

RACE RESULTS:

Race results will be available within three (3) days after the race at the following websites: www.unilabactivehealth.com and www.runrio.com.
Timing and Race Results: feedback@runrio.com

CONTACT DETAILS:

For In-Store Registration Inquiries:

    Globe – 0927 347 7700
    Smart – 0929 7178164
    Landline – (632) 887 6194

Race Registration: registration@runrio.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Marathon Jitters

When I registered at The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2013 about 5 months ago, I was really excited to run my first Marathon on this race. I have the confidence that I can do this one flawlessly since I still have time to train and given the fact that I now do swim trainings. But now that the race is gonna be a month from now, the confidence faded away.

I admit I was not able to follow the marathon training plan that was given to us and I don't want to justify it by saying that I have work and I have a family to take care of because most of the event participants have the same situation as I do, maybe even tougher.


Even if I end up like this, as long as I finish, I'm good! (photo from jodibeacon.blogspot.com)


Just this Saturday, the TBR Session 4 was held at Nuvali in Laguna. 3 hours of running on a route where I was told that will be a part of the road that we we'll conquer come Dream Marathon day. I am so curious to try the route to get a feel of what's going to happen to me on the big day. I made sure I conditioned myself for the LSD together with my batchmates. I told myself that I will try my very best to stick to the pack that I will go with.

At the last minute, Jaymie provided a shuttle service that will bring selected runners to Nuvali from ROX in Bonifacio Global City and back. I am fortunate enough to be picked as one of the shuttle service riders for this day so I saved on fare and the hassle of driving with Johanah going to Nuvali.

We arrived at Nuvali just before the session started. Coach Lit Onrubia divided us into 4 interval groups: The 1:2 group which I went with, the 1:3, the 4:3 and the running all the way.

Me, Johanah and Clarissa before the LSD starts


It was still dark the time we started. I regret not being able to bring a head lamp or blinkers because I had a hard time seeing in the dark. Despite that, I was able to stick to the pace of the group, and I even positioned as one of the lead in our pack. After one loop, it started to drizzle that made it harder for me to see so when we arrived back for a quick CR break at the area I put my glasses back in my bag.

I ran 9K in an hour based from the watch of my groupmate. Sadly, my GPS failed me just when I needed it the most. I need to get it to the repair center. I just used it to monitor my time.



The second loop I am still in shape and still in the lead pack of our group. Because I wasn't wearing my glasses I followed the wrong person and got lost and now I was with the run all the way group. I was wondering why the person infront of me is not stopping but at the loop I saw my groupmates again and tried to catch up with them.


Just a few runners remaining on the route! More on the back. That's a long uphill there!


On the second hour I lost it and I started walking. My legs gave up on running and my body is feeling the hard work. I was tempted to do the shortcut but doing so, I wouldn't measure the distance. I didn't have water for the last 9 or 10 Kilometers in the scorching hot sun and it was so hard. I felt burned out. I want to stop, I wanna go home!

Surprisingly, I finished the course of 26.5K in 3 hours 53 minutes without any injuries. I'm just sore, so thirsty and hungry! Then I overheard that the course will be twice come TBRDM. Oh geez! I lost my remaining hopes...

After that, I realized that I am not ready for a marathon, and the sudden feeling of worry struck me. I chose to call it a marathon jitters...



How long is a Marathon anyway?

According to Wikipedia, a Marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres (26 miles and 385 yards), that is usually run as a road race. The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon, to Athens.

Luc-Olivier Merson's painting depicting Pheidippides giving word of victory at the Battle of Marathon to the people of Athens
So you'll get an idea how long it really is, it's the distance between Luneta Park (Kilometer 0) to Dasmarinas near Silang, Cavite (Kilometer 42.195). A 51 minute continuous drive to Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. If you're using South Luzon Expressway, it's from Luneta Park to the end of Eton City in Sta. Rosa near Calamba Laguna, can be reached by driving continuously in around 39 minutes.

I keep on thinking of the distance everyday, and I can't help it. I know I still can do some preparations for myself even if I still have a month to go.

Until recently, I witnessed an incident that a runner collapse on a 21K course at PSE Bull Run last January 13, 2013, and after learning that he did not make it, made me realize that running a distance is indeed no joke.

I don't know how to shake this thing off because no matter how I divert my attention, it still haunts me. Maybe the only thing to take the fear out is get it over and done with.

Just a month to go before my first marathon. Wish me luck!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^