“Lumba-Lumba” RUN.

Have you ever seen a dolphin up close?

Haven’t you noticed that they seem to emanate a certain aura wherever you see them?

HAPPY. CHEERY. JOYOUS. SUNNY… Just some of the words that come to mind whenever I think of Dolphins. And this was exactly the flavor of the Condura Marathon, Run for the Dolphins 2010, felt like when my family joined the most-anticipated running event yesterday.

Consequently, Sky celebrated his 3rd birthday on the Condura event – so I opted to just do a 3K with him along with some of our friends. While my husband D ran the 10K, under the elite category. But didn’t quite make the time that he wanted to finish. But nevertheless, he had so much FUN.

It was 4:20AM as we traversed Lawton Avenue inside The Fort, when we saw a SEA of 42K runners looming ahead of us. They were  A LOT. I got excited as soon as I saw them… I get giddy-happy when I see runners aiming for their dream to get a PR for a run or just finish a FULL marathon. Training for one is not easy, and finishing one is even more demanding. Marathoners and Ultramarathoners are a different breed of people. Most that I know of are kind-hearted and patient. Perhaps, it came along with the perseverance  they endure in running that distance. And that very thought, just made me smile as I see them serious ones, take it easy in the beginning of their race.

Parking was relatively easy than anticipated. I know D was nervous, but I was more anxious than he was. I get worried when he gets so caught up with aiming for a PR. But I never tell him that. I just encourage him a lot, but when he gave me a kiss before he split for his warm-up and the race. I can’t help but say, “Just go out there and have fun!”

He smiled and said, “I’ll try…” And gave me another peck on my forehead this time, and off he went!

The birthday boy was in a slightly cranky mood when I placed him on the stroller. Ate Ging came with us this time. She wanted to see what the fuss is all about in these races we attend. But I think, she was more interested to see the “artista’s” that frequent these events. For the record, she was happy to see Mr. Anthony Panglinan.

It was awesome seeing the 21K, 10K and 5K runners to their start. The fireworks were a nice touch in the beginning of each category. Unfortunately for us, the 3Kers – started with the sun rising up from the horizon. We may not have had the fireworks, but there were LOTS of SUNSHINE! Everyone was HAPPY at the starting line!

Running walking at the tail-end of the 3K pack was surprisingly very refreshing for me. It was just plain fun trudging alongside other mom’s with kids and people with their Golden retriever’s too. I had freshly brewed coffee on-hand while Ate Ging and I took turns in carrying Sky and pushing the stroller.

After 2Km’s, I got a little itch in my feet. I placed Sky in the stroller – buckled him up properly. Told Ate Ging to just take it easy and meet us at the starting line… And I ran! It was quite difficult to maneuver around fun walker’s, but Sky and I had a blast! Whenever I slow down, I hear him mutter under his breath, “The people are blocking are way mom. Go faster!”

And Fast I did went.

It was a slow end at the race because of the long line. But that didn’t matter. The atmosphere was contagiously happy. Everyone was having a great time, just doing a fun run or being there with family.

D was already done when we were in the queue. He finished 60th in the 10K with a time of 51:38. Not the time he was aiming for. But, he obviously had fun!

D’s bestfriend and Sky’s favorite uncle - Chris also ran the 10K for the first time. He had an unofficial time of 1:20++, but perhaps the long line at the finish, he ended up with a time of 1:27.05… Still not bad for his first time!

- Mai and Chris -

The Condura Marathon 2010 lived up to its expectations. Perhaps even more. They have imbibed the spirit of the Dolphin in their run for saving them. The Condura Marathon is one race everyone will be looking forward to 2011!

Trivia:

“Lumba-Lumba” is the tagalog word for dolphin. Just thought some of you would like to know.

Still Running.

I know I have been physically absent from running races and even from blogging these past few months. Although my feet are itching to run, I have to set my priorities straight. I have 4 months to go before I finish a personal marathon. I just pray and hope that I pass it.

But don’t get me wrong, I still run though. But not as frequently as I hoped for. After reading Jaymie’s Dream Marathon, I have to cringe and tell myself to let it go. I will run a marathon another day…

Even if I am not preparing for any race. I still run. Running clears my mind and what’s more enjoyable is I get to run with D almost every time. He’s running the 10K in the upcoming Condura this Sunday. And I am praying that he finishes within his goal… While I accompany our little boy on his 3K race on his 3rd birthday that day… And cheer on for Dad when he crosses the finishline!

Happy Running Everyone!

A (Running) Girl’s Best Friend

Happy New Year to every one who still finds this blog interesting. I see some people still visit despite my negligence in keeping my posts up to date. Thanks for all who find time to visit what goes on around here.

I have been a complete sloth over the holidays, I just ran a couple or so times here and there. I didn’t even get to run in Cebu, when we spent our holidays there. It was exceptionally hard to get me to start running after 3 buffets in a matter of 5 days. And not only that, I also got my period. Bloated to the max.

But I mustered enough strength to get me out of his rut… Many thanks to my husband’s incessant coaxing and… A box of tampons I keep on hand when I need to be a bit active in the middle of my menstrual period.

I know this is one icky subject a lot of people won’t like to read. But using a tampon sure beats running with a diaper size napkin on a run. Not only is this extremely uncomfortable, it may cause a bit of chafing and it takes the FUN out of the joy of running.

Unfortunately, the only brand I could get my hands on uses a plastic applicator. We practice green living around here, so I use this one sparingly – since it comes with a plastic applicator. I would much rather prefer a tampon with no applicator or uses a cardboard one instead. This brand is available at most SM Supermarkets for P130.00 for a box of 8.

If you must use one, it is imperative that you change your tampon every two to four hours to avoid TSS…

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by certain types of infecting bacteria. The condition has been most often associated with the use of tampons in menstruating women.

Patients may experience a few days of mild flu-like symptoms before the TSS develops, but TSS itself is characterized by the rapid onset of specific symptoms, including highfever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and widespread skin rash. This will usually progress to a worsening of low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, peeling of the skin of the palms and soles of the feet (which develops after one to two weeks of rash),headaches, and occasionally seizures. Ultimately, multiorgan failure may develop, and this leads to death in approximately 5 % of all those affected.

This is just a heads up if you plan on trying to use one in lieu of the traditional feminine napkin. Most brands come with a “HOW-TO” instruction in how to use it. When I do use one, I use a panty liner on top of one tampon too.

My apologies in advance if this post made some of the readers a bit uncomfortable because this topic is a bit taboo. Just another tip for female runners on the road (or trail) out there! If you have any questions on health or fitness related issues, feel free to drop me a comment or email me at thefitmommy@yahoo.com.

Happy Running Everyone!

Reference =  http://www.medicinenet.com/toxic_shock_syndrome/article.htm

First December Run

Thud. Thud. Thud.

I had to drag myself out of bed this early Wednesday morning. I haven’t been running consistently lately and I have been so lazy this past November 2009. I left my two boys in bed and kissed them before I left. D wrapped his right arm with mine – and for a minute I wanted to snuggle up with them and sleep again… I had to resist the urge to do so – and I’m glad I did.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

I chose to not run with my ipod on – and contently listened to the sound of my foot as it hit the pavement… And let a multitude of thoughts run through my mind. In the beginning it was HARD. The first kilometer is always the hardest for me. And my mind was blank at first with just me talking in my head – pushing me to plod on.

And then, I thought of my almost three-year old boy. Almost everyone in my internet world – knows him already. He has been my anchor during the tough times that I had to go through for the past two years. Sometimes, I wonder if it was wise of me to kind of show him off. Now, that I think of it – he was my shield and protected me through the battle that I had to face back then… Today, life has taken a 360 degree turn for the good for me – for us. And I am oh so thankful – at the point of being scared. Scared because at any moment, something might happen and it will be all be gone in an instant. So everyday we make it a point to pray every night and every morning for the things that we are thankful for.

Last night before the three of us went to sleep, we had our goodnight/thanksgiving prayer. Usually, it was just me and D who pray out loud. And then out of the blue after I say, “Thank you Jesus for…”. Sky utters, “..For the dinosaur, for my juice and my milky…” And all D and I could do was smile – knowing we’re on the right track.

When I saw the sun rising up in the horizon, I headed home. On my way, I didn’t hear the heavy thud of my feet as it hit the ground. I was flying again, and it felt good. Mornings has never been so good. Nice start for my first December run.

Baby Steps… and free Body Fat % Analysis :D

Just as I was getting my groove back on the road to running and boxing. I get sidetracked again. The reason for my silence here in my blog. A full two weeks before I can do anything physically demanding again… Aaaarrrgghhh… It’s definitely frustrating for an active person like myself.

I was able to run twice last week and even do boxing over Elorde Boxing Gym Gilmore, before I felt pains again. Tough. But eventually this virus will get sorted out eventually. I’m just glad I have it and not my boy Sky.

So far now, I’m taking baby steps again to a fitter me…

Note: If you’re in the vicinity of Elorde Boxing Gym Gilmore EVERY FRIDAY from 8 to 12 noon and you would like to know you BODY FAT % using the 7-Skinfold system. Come by and get an analysis for FREE! Just drop me a message here or email me at thefitmommy@yahoo.com