Run For Japan - My First Sweet Marshaling Experience!

March 11, 2011 - I was so busy preparing all the necessaries for my Boss' race in Clark for the weekend when suddenly my Internet connection drops. My office mate turned up the volume of the television and everyone stopped and watched. A huge tsunami hits Japan!

What we have seen is so shocking that I even can't believe that it's actually true. It's like I am watching a movie. The huge wave of water swept the houses, building and cars like trash. There is even a CCTV video from an office in Japan that showed the huge shaking effect of the earthquake that intensely raged at 8.9 magnitude. Article from CNN HERE.

After that incident, we closely monitored the happenings at our hotel room in Clark whenever we come back after the race. The damage was so huge that Japan has become an instant disaster. I also texted my friend who happens to have most of his relatives from there, and I am glad his family was safe.

So, after that devastating tragedy there were lots of campaigns to provide relief for Japan. One morning while I was browsing Facebook, I saw the Greentennial Run page sporting a Run for Japan banner. When I clicked on it, I saw my logo on the center part. I was so pleasantly surprised!

  

 My Logo circled in Red, My Team Kamote Runners Family in Blue! ^_^

I immediately contacted the organizers and I told them that I will support the advocacy, not because my logo is sported on it, but because of the reason why they do it. I am very much supportive of events, ordeals and advocacy that is made or has an objective for a cause. I also run because I have an advocacy as well.

I told them, "I will not Run for Japan, I will volunteer as a Marshall at Run for Japan".

Having that said, I went to the volunteer's orientation together with my Team Kamote Runners Family and we were assigned in different points on the race route. I was places at the 38th Street loop for the 10K runners.

Because of too much excitement, I wasn't able to get a decent sleep. Adrenalin rush is so active. I just waited for Ate Lori to fetch me up so we can go to the venue. We arrived there at around 3am and we prepped up, had a light breakfast and a cup of coffee and were off to our posts.

The weather is so forgiving! given the fact that the place we are in has no trees and no nothing to shade us from the sun. After around 20 minutes of the 10K gun start, we already saw the first lead runners approaching. I got so excited! I was shouting and cheering for them. I'm surprised to see a Kenyan on this race. I though they are all for the prize, but this guy has a huge heart for charity. Kudos to him!

Then after, the huge wave of runners approaches. Me and Ate Lori gave them our sweetest greeting of "Good Morning". I also greeted them in Japanese! "Konnichiwa!" (Good Morning!) and the runners will respond "Ohayou Gozaimasu!" (Thank You Very Much!). ^_^

I brought my point and shoot camera because I want to take pictures of my runner friends but I ended up being an instant photographer. Someone waved his hand, a signal that he wants his pictures taken. So I just took his photo and then everyone else started waiving! If you ran 10K on this race, you might wanna see if I caught you on cam. I posted it on my page HERE. Please forgive me for the shots, I know its not that good.

After all the runners has crossed the loop, me, Ate Lori and Kuya Bee ran back to the starting/finish line. They got worried because I recently underwent surgery but I can't fight the feeling of envy seeing other runners run. So we ran 4K easy and I was dripping with sweat! Another proof that hydration therapy is now working since I am not really sweating that much during runs. It was the happiest 4K of my life! We were so loud and hyper we always jump whenever we see the photographers and we are dancing our way on the last few meters to the finish line!


Here are some of the shots from the event:

My Logo! So Proud! ^_^

with the Team RUNNR

Dancing to the finish line!

with the ChiCem Runners

 

The TKR Logo! ^_^

From Left: Kuya KB, Me, Mommy Eve in Purple hair, Ate Lori and Kuya Bee!

My thoughts on Run For Japan event:

• The race is well organized
• Few but great Marshalls (ahem!)
• Water stations are placed well
• Pocari sweat hydration station was overflowing with supplies!
• Traffic is a bit uncontrolled. Cars run side by side with the runners
• Absence of road cones
• Use of straws as loop strings is not a good idea. It's hard to separate and distribute!
• Presence of Marching Bands at the finish line is a booster
• Photographers are everywhere!
• Presence of water shower was enjoyed by the runners
• Runners who prepped up in costumes were highlighted and enjoyed by fellow runners
• Cosplayers supported the event 

They won because of my loud shout! lol! ^_^

I super enjoyed this event and given that it's my first marshaling experience and it is for a good cause, everything was all worth it! To think that everyone has accumulated half a million pesos that will go straight to Japan Red Cross, I am so honored that I was a part of it. The "Bayanihan" spirit of the Filipinos still lives on! I am so proud!

The famous "Bulalo Ba?" pose

Special thanks to my Team Kamote Runners Family for rendering their unselfish support for this event. To the Greentennial Run peeps and to Sir Rovic Canono for trusting us to be the Marshalls. The sponsors of the event, for their big contribution for charity and most especially, to all the runners who supported this event, all of you are heroes!

The running community has become runners for a good cause. I am happy that we are running on the right lane. I hope this spirit continues to ablaze so that we can say that we are not only running to take charge of our health or to have fun with friends, we are also running for a cause, for a reason, and for love of mankind!

Team Panatag! ^_^

 Good Vibes and Sweet Running everyone! ^_^

On Endings, Beginnings and Something Sweet To Look Forward To...

Life is full of wonderful surprises, and sometimes, the surprise comes in a very different packaging...


On Endings...

I've been encountering some problems with my legs for a month now and I have been blaming my shoes for that. I was about to buy a new pair of shoes but something came up, my tooth, particularly the right molar started to feel pain and it is gradually intensifying.

It ofcourse affected me in so many ways so I decided to finally have it removed. Honestly, I was so afraid but the pain won't go away and I am really determined to get out of it the soonest possible time. So I called my dentist up and set up an appointment with her early the next morning.

You might ask why am I so afraid of tooth extraction? Well, I am diabetic, and given that condition everything else becomes complicated. There is a high probability that Diabetics do not survive this kind of procedure. You might wanna check out an article HERE.

So the day came in. I was at her clinic. The pain is acting up again. She has no option but to remove the tooth since there is already a huge hole on the crown and she said the puss inside is causing the pain. She checked my pulse and my blood sugar and it's fine. She asked me that this procedure is very sensitive and we both should be ready for what might happen. I breath in and told her "I'm ready".

She began the procedure. I tried to relax to the best of my ability. I am not afraid of her devices nor on the injections because I am used to that. I am afraid of what I know about tooth extraction complications in Diabetes. These are the times I wish I was ignorant.

The first blow to get the tooth out was unsuccessful. That's where I got the most intense pain of my entire life. I was closing my fists and my toes were so cold. I am closing my eyes to reduce the pain. She cannot take the tooth out by mere extraction. I need to undergo a minor operation in an instant.

She tried to loosen up the tooth by inserting a sharp apparatus inside. I was in intense pain already, then the anesthesia started to weaken down. My eyes are all teary. I cannot endure the pain anymore. I think I was about to faint. I went ballistic when I saw the blood spilling out from my mouth. I even overheard her telling her assistant that I might need blood transfusion for later because of the blood loss. When she saw my condition she immediately took another shot of anesthesia and this time, she injected more. It did reduce the pain, but it didn't took it all away.

Her second attempt was a success. But the 1 1/2 hours of struggle on that procedure was very strenuous and  painful. Losing the tooth didn't take the pain away. I was still in pain for the last 4 hours after the successful operation.

I went home feeling so weak and until now I am still recuperating from that intense experience. Yes I survived! A simple tooth extraction became an orthodontic operation because of my condition. I almost passed out because of excruciating pain. Anesthesia failed to do it's job. I thought it's gonna be my last day on earth but surprisingly, I woke up. Another miracle! Thank God for the gift of life!

The dark portion is where the puss started to mold. I took it as a remembrance, 

or maybe I'll save it for tooth fairy so she can grant me a wish?

On Beginnings...

If you can remember I said a while ago that I have problems with my legs? Yes it's true. After a series of tests the Doctors found out that I have Peripheral Arterial Disease.

So what is that all about? According to Medline Plus Website, "Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) happens when there is a narrowing of the blood vessels outside of the heart. The cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. This happens when plaque, a substance made up of fat and cholesterol, builds up on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs. The plaque causes the arteries to narrow or become blocked. This can reduce or stop blood flow, usually to the legs, causing them to hurt or feel numb. If severe enough, blocked blood flow can cause tissue death. If this condition is left untreated, a foot or leg may need to be amputated."

Have you notice I haven't wore anything that shows my lower legs? though I am wearing shorts I wear long socks? Why is that so? Well, This is the reason why...

These are now scars. But before they were fresh deep wounds, and they are painful!

Yes, I have been suffering with leg ulcers for five years now, and I've been keeping it a secret to everyone. Though three years ago the condition of my legs were so severe I even had it evaluated for amputation but I'm lucky enough that they have revived my nerves. But this time I think a different condition has began. This PAD thing that is happening to me right now is the reason why I had so much pain when I start to run my first five kilometers.

I have been expecting this but still bad news is bad news. What the Doctor told me is that because of this condition, I won't be able to engage into a strenuous exercise anymore. And yes, running is included on his list of prohibitions...

I don't know how to take this new challenge. A new beginning of something that I need to face. I am known as a hardheaded person and I always have my own decision on things. I will still try to run but I will have precautions this time, and ofcourse I'll seek second opinion. Maybe another Doctor can shed a spark of hope for me. I am keeping my faith. I know I can still run, and I should run!


Something sweet to look forward to...

I just had my Graduation Pictorial last Friday. It was least of what I have expected. I'm glad that my professor and my good friend Sanjie agreed to do my hair and make up for the pictorial since I freaked out when I saw a schoolmate who posted his grad pic on his facebook account and he looked so, ugh! All I know is that I don't wanna look like that on my picture.

I have entrusted to him everything and he never failed me. His skills are so amazing! He can transform me into a human being in less than an hour!

No photoshop editions made on this picture. I look so pretty here. I'm so happy! ^_^ 

So after that beautiful transformation I waited for my turn at the photo shoot. It took around 3 hours waiting time and I am already pissed off. But what should I expect? Its a public school and there are lots of students waiting in line just like me. So I just maintained my patience and waited until it's my turn. So while waiting I just took some shots from my camera with some of my classmates who were same as me, patiently waiting for their turn.

Here are some of the pictures from my camera:

with my classmate, Shiela

 

Behind the scene shot

Just playing up!

Last night, I had a chat with my good friend. It was short but sweet. She told me she's so thankful that she met me, and I made a huge impact on her life. I got teary-eyed. I remembered the moment when we almost lost our friendship. She was very special to me, and I am glad that in the end we still have each other.

My graduation day is on April 30th and I am looking forward to it. I owe so much to my Uncle Jojo who funded most of my expenses at school. To my mentor, Mam Lot who's always there when I need guidance. To my significant other, Enrico who's always there to back me up. To my son Ethan for giving me all the inspiration that's why I made it this far and ofcourse, to my ever dearest mother, Connie for all the sacrifices she has done for me. I could never get this far without them and ofcourse, with God's never ending love.

It is indeed true that when something ends, something new will begin. May the surprise be in a sweet or bitter packaging, the important thing is how we see and accept them. Take every hindrance as a challenge to push further. I will still run, and I will show them that it can be done, that it's possible against all odds. The love of the running community gives me the motivation that I can. As they say, you are only a failure if you stop trying. I may end up losing this battle, but I'll make sure I'll give it a good fight...

The Sweet Life of a Graduating Girl!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running!

Iberet Multisport 101 Swim Bike Run Sweet Event Series

I am a fan of MultiSport Magazine even before I got into triathlon. Yes, I am training for triathlon together with the Philippine Diabetic Athletes Inc. but for now I am focused on swimming. I can't do cycling yet, I'm saving up for one, and it's kinda expensive. Anyway, I find the magazine very informative. Not to mention that it is for free. I never ever imagined that one day I will be a part of the company who makes the magazine that I love taking out at a sports store.

I was employed last March 7, 2011 as a Marketing Assistant for Hinge Inquirer Publications, the magazine arm of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and the makers of MultiSport Magazine. It's really a dream come true for me. Even if I will just graduate on April 30, I already got a cool job. So, when I came in as a consultant, that's the time that they launched the project: The Iberet MultiSport 101 Swim Bike Run Event Series...

 

I am so proud about this project since I am one of the persons who planned and worked on this. I hope you guys will take advantage of what MultiSport has for everyone. It's high time we take running to the next level, and try other great sports like swim and bike.

I can guarantee that this event is worth your subscription. We got the best coaches in town. Here are some trivia about them:

Here is our schedule for the 11 legs of the clinics...

So, how can you be a part of this event? Check this out!

 

Just an FYI, Coach Patrick Joson is my run and bike coach while Coach Anthony Lozada is my swim coach. Both of them are so professional and skilled, so kind and so patient on me despite my slow progress. Thanks Coach! Much appreciated!

We also got lots of raffle prizes to be given away at the event from our sponsors: ASICS, SOLEUS, ADIDAS, SPEEDO, SOMA, TIMESTUDIO and many more! First 200 registrants gets a FREE LIMITED EDITION MULTISPORT CAP! The one I use during races!

Something to watch out for: We will be posting the Audio-Visual Presentation of this event before the first leg, featuring Miko De Los Reyes (Runner), Andy Leuterio (Cyclist), Ginny Summerfield (Mountain Biker) and Debbie Yabut (Swimmer). I'm so excited!!!

So what are you waiting for? Limited slots available. REGISTER NOW!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Merrell Barefoot Collection Now in the Philippines! Sweet!

When I was a newbie runner, there is one instance that I visited R.O.X. and by accident, I saw a run clinic there. Without knowing what to expect, I signed up. That's where I met Michael Sandler, and there also starts my barefoot dream.

After I got a chance to have a one on one talk with Michael, I became an instant fan of him and of barefoot running. I was so impressed from how he recovered from his leg injury and now doing barefoot? Amazing! Full story HERE.

I remember I tried once to run completely barefoot around Bonifacio High Street. At first I was a bit shy because I know some people might look at me and think I'm crazy, running around without shoes. But after that 200-meter stretch, and feeling the warmth of the ground on my foot, I felt a certain connection and lightness on my movement. I experienced my first 1K at around 5mins and that was my fastest, without exerting much effort. But because of my condition, since Diabetes requires a lot of foot care. When I experienced tightening of skin around my foot, I stopped.

So, I forgot about barefoot and stayed on Stability shoes instead. Sad!

But lately, I have been getting a lot of injuries and pains. My running form is correct, so I suspect the culprit really is my shoes. It has served at around 350K already and I think I need to switch. While browsing through websites on what shoes to buy next, I stumbled upon Merrell, and from there I saw their barefoot collection. I read lots of rave reviews about the shoe in the U.S. and every running enthusiast are going gaga about it.

And then, I received an invitation for the launch of Merrell Barefoot Collection here in the Philippines and all I can say is "WOW! Im in!"

From Merrell Blog:

In 1960 Abebe Bikila was a late addition to the Ethiopian Olympic team, set to run the marathon.  When he didn’t like the way his shoes fit before the race, he decided to scrap them and race barefoot, the way he had trained.  Two hours and fifteen minutes later, he was Olympic champion, the hero of a nation and the first big name in barefoot running.

Fast forward nearly 50 years, when Christopher McDougall releases Born to Run, a book about the Tarahumara tribe in the remote mountains of Mexico.  Slowly, people started to talk more and more about barefoot running and the benefits that it brings.

Fast forward to now, where Merrell® is proud to announce a new partnership with Vibram®; exclusively collaborating to introduce a complete Barefoot Collection of shoes in the outdoor category.  Basically, we’re putting together a collection of minimalist, lightweight, versatile and efficient footwear that will be available in February 2011; an entire category of barefoot shoes that lets your feet lead you into your outdoor passion of choice. 

Here are some pictures from the Launch that was held last April 8, 2011 at Merrell Store in Market! Market! Mall, Taguig City: 

The unveiling of the Merrell Barefoot Collection!

 

Sir Dindo doing the stride, barefoot style!

 

They want us to try running barefoot around the Mall? Sweet!

 

My testimonal on how it felt? Well, very different, and light!

 

With the Barefoot Folks, Sir Dave and Sir Dindo

Blogger friends and Merrell peeps

Examining the shoes...

But this sandals is what I really wanted! lol! ^_^

My thoughts on Merrell Barefoot Collection:

 

• The shoes are made with Vibram Sole, so its tough!
• It looks like a regular rubber shoes, so you wont look very different when you sport one.
• It has cushioning around it, gives better protection for the foot.
• It is so bendable! meaning it will really move with your foot and not your foot moving to it.
• It reminded me of my ballerina shoes when I was a kid because of its form.
• I like the men's design more than the women's.
• The price is at around 3,800php. That's way cheaper than other barefoot shoes in the market!
• No doubt about the quality, It's made by Merrell!

I would like to congratulate Merrell for coming out with a great barefoot collection. I know this will be a surefire hit to the barefoot enthusiast here in the Philippines. Thanks also to the peeps at Barefoot Running Philippines for always encouraging me to go barefoot. Guys, a few more push and you'll get me! lol! ^_^

Which reminds me, I need to get a new pair of shoes soon. What should I get? A stability shoe again? or barefoot shoe this time?

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running!

Goldilocks 45th Anniversary Fun and Sweet Run

When I was a kid, I am always looking forward to attending birthday parties because of the cake. Yes, I am a cake lover. I have a sweet tooth (obviously!) and everytime I attend birthday parties the most common birthday cake they serve is made by Goldilocks.

Who doesn't know Goldilocks? Well, despite being the main person of the famous children story with the three bears, Goldilocks is the biggest bakeshop in the Philippines.

Just a trivia about Goldilocks Bakeshop: In 1966, two sisters Milagros and Clarita, and their sister-in-law, Doris, decided to open a small bakeshop along to the Pasong Tamo Street, Makati. The sisters have already been dabbling in the business for some time ---Milagros, by supplying chiffon slices to a number of Manila’s canteens, and Clarita, by baking and decorating cakes during special occasions in Bicol --- when they decided to take their hobby one step further. A third sister, Maria Flor, suggested that they name the enterprise “Goldilocks“, after the character in a fairy tale, aiming to make it easier for children and their mothers to remember its name; and because it suggested luck and prosperity.

So, to celebrate their 45th year in the business, Goldilocks wants to take part in promoting active lifestyle and health to the Filipinos, in partnership with RunRio Inc., they came up with the Goldilocks Fun Run. This is gonna be the first leg of the new RunRio Series Manila.

This year marks a significant milestone as Goldilocks celebrates 45 Goldilicious years of shared sweet and delightful memories with the Filipino. One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations will the the Goldilocks Fun Run scheduled on May 15, 2011 at the Bonifacio Global City.

Running enthusiasts can choose from 5K (P600), 10K (P600) and 21K (P750) distances. There will also be a 500M (P250) category for kids ages 5-12 years old. With the month of May being the fiesta month, the Goldilocks Fun Run is set to be a fun-filled event for the whole family with fiesta themed activities and games that every family member will surely enjoy.

Registration will start on April 8 and will last until May 1, 2011 only. It will be done at the following venues:

o RUNNR Store – G/F Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn – 8pm,Tel # 4031787)
o R.O.X. – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn–8pm, Tel # 8564638)
o Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila (12nn–8pm, Tel # 556-0445)
o Planet Sports Glorietta – 2F Glorietta 3, Makati City (12nn – 8pm, Tel # 8177896)
o The Athletes Foot Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
o Planet Sports Trinoma – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 9167451)
o The Athlete’s Foot Robinsons Galleria – 3F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Pasig City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 6363162)
o Goldilocks Store Shaw Boulevard – 349 Shaw Boulevard Mandaluyong, City (12nn – 8pm, Tel# 7276505)

Through the years, Goldilocks has made significant contributions to the upliftment of the lives of Filipinos. With the company’s commitment to its continuing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the Goldilocks Fun Run will also be a fund-raising activity for the benefit of the Goldilocks Foundation and its F.E.E.D. (Feeding Program, Education, Environment, and Disaster Assistance) initiatives. The Goldilocks Fun Run is sure to be a memorable event not only for running enthusiasts but for the whole family. We hope to see you there, and here’s to a Goldi-Good run!

Another info: The Goldilocks peeps said Dingdong Dantes is gonna take 10K on this run. So I expect girls will dominate 10K, and I admit I did got the same distance too! Sweet! ^_^

Some of the pics from the Blogger's Launch:

 

Singlet made by New Balance. Great Material!

Media Kit and something sweet from Goldilocks!

with my Blogger Friends. From left, Sir Eman Macabulos (EmanVictor), Ate Carina Manansala (Flying Boar), Sir Jet Paiso (JetPaiso), Ate Vima Mendoza (Kulit Runner) and Sir Ranier Egos (Running Enthusiast)

 

And ofcourse, I registered myself as Team Kamote Runners! So proud! ^_^

Good Vibes to everyone! Sweet Running! ^_^

Labor Day is Run with Doctors Day... Sweet!

As a Diabetic patient, I always get a lot of prescriptions and advices from my Doctors, and one of the most common is "Exercise Regularly". But now its gonna be different. As the famous one-liner says "Walk your talk", So the Doctors from PCPF are gonna live to this, but with a bit of revision, they'll gonna "Run their talk".

I was invited at a Blogger's launch last Wednesday at Kirin in BHS. From there I got the chance to meet in person the Doctors that I usually see on the magazine of PCPF whenever I get a hold of a copy. PCPF Stands for Philippine College of Physicians Foundation.

Here are some information about PCPF:

The PCP is the umbrella organization of internists in the Philippines and was organized 56 years ago, in 1953. The 3 main reasons for its existence are:

1. Continuing Medical Education of internists and other physicians;
2. Certification and Regulation of the Subspecialty of Internal Medicine;
3. Accreditation and Certification of the Training Programs for Internal Medicine in the Philippines.
   
   Dr. Gonzalo F. Austria is the Founding President of the PCP.
   
   The PCP is an affiliate society of the Philippine Medical Association and a member-society of the International Society of Internal Medicine. The College has a total of 7,660 members composed of Fellows, Full Members and Affiliate Members. The title of Diplomate in Internal Medicine is awarded by the PCP to an internist who has fulfilled all the requirements set by the Philippine Specialty Board of Internal Medicine which administers the certifying examinations annually. The title of Fellow is awarded to a Diplomate in Internal Medicine who has fulfilled the requirements for membership as Fellow in the PCP. Thus, an internist who has satisfactorily passed and fulfilled the requirements of the PCP and having been certified as such, may carry the title Diplomate in Internal Medicine and Fellow of the PCP (FPCP).
   
   The College has 15 component and affiliate societies under it. It also has 22 regional chapters nationwide.

(Original Article from HERE)

RunRio Inc., The organizer of the best fun runs and races in town, has partnered with PCPF in giving us "Run with Doctors".

 
The purpose of thie event is to support the following:
1. The HERO Project
2. Pharmacovogilance
3. Tobacco Free

I've already encountered the word "Pharmacovigilance", but it being explained by Dr. Morales gave it a simpler tune. We all know that generic medicines are cheaper right? But what we are not aware of is that the content of the drug might not be the exact dosage that we get. It's all about quality versus quantity. Health is an investment we should not think twice about. Cheap may be good, but sometimes, it could endanger our lives.

I am so excited to run with the Doctors and I hope this fun run will make the running community more closer to the Doctors and see them as friends and not just another untouchables.

So on May 1, Labor Day will be Run with Doctors day! I'll be running 10K here. Sweet! See you then!

Good Vibes and Sweet Running everyone!