A Weekend Well Spent

After last week's chaos came order.

I was down with a flu since Wednesday, my system just really got so low as an effect of my busy hectic days earlier under a damp weather. Tried to uplift myself but it was just hard when I was physically struggling. Appetite on food was gone, lost few more pounds that I am back to my college days weight now.  Three sleepless nights but forced myself to keep a normal schedule on daytime until forced to stay home Friday, typhoon Mario brought so much water that it got the streets flooded again. Despite my unwell condition I had to monitor the water level, thank goodness the rain stopped and water subsided.

Saturday was still gloomy but finally streets were dry up. Had to go out and see my dear friend and her little angel, to bring the Usanimals to her and I have been longing to spend some time to both of them. Over a glass of juice at Seattle's Best we were just there spending quality time talking about life and lessons learned, adventures and aspirations. I am always happy to spend time with this two lovely and adorable persons.

A sweet surprise before my day ends,  I spend another quality time with my travel partner, my climbing buddy, my  friend Zean. Its been awhile since we see each other. Catching up is always fun, how things had been, things we look forward of doing in the future together, races, big climbs, travels, adventures. God, those few moments where I can talk anything to this wonderful person. That made my day.

Sunday, I forced myself to go back on the road, trying to bring back my rhythm  despite my not so well condition yet. The first 10km was fine, not fast but just enough for me to sweat the bad vibes out with the company of two friends. But the next 10km was a struggle, I had to keep my pace with the group. Hydrate, take solid food and watching how I feel, I constantly check. I know I have to  stop if I feel dizzy or nauseous or weak. Thank God I did not. And what made my spirit alive? An outdoor climbing wall. OMG. I never been to the wall for more than 3 years now and I am just glad Sir Jimmy take the time to wait for me and to Urban Peak especially Chito for allowing me to climb despite my being unprepared.

 

I may be burned but I am happy.  Thank you Dad. Will always be grateful.

I Run to Save Lives 2013

 Second edition of Philippine Red Cross' Million Volunteer Run, my weekend has just been within the Metro so I decided to join my cousins doing this fun run. Distance is an option of 5km and 3km. Will do the 5km and continue on with my Sunday run after crossing the finish line for more mileage to cover. 

Almost a kilometer distance before reaching the starting line an hour before the start of the race, I started my warm up run. Cars cannot come nearer anymore due to big number of runners flooding into the starting line. It's still dark, I have to negotiate my warm up run with other runners and the bumper to bumper vehicles. As I follow the influx of runners I lost track of my cousins, attempted to find them on the swarm of people majority in red colored shirt but to no avail. I decided to stay near the starting line.  

No marshals, no volunteers, runners are just moving here there and everywhere. Thousands of mix age group of runners around, students, middle aged and some seniors. The sound of the band and the sound system from the stage situated few meters away from the starting line added to the  chaotic yet festive atmosphere of the area. With no idea what time will this 5km fun run will really start, I decided to entertain myself by taking pictures of what is written on the shirts of some runners on a very discreet way. I was successful with some but not to most of it.

As we were released way beyond the day break, I just run my own pace with an extra care, I don't want to get injured on this overly crowded two lane road closed to the public vehicles and just dedicated to the runners. I am happy with my pace, at times I push little faster if an opportunity comes, until I reach the finish line. All the more the Grand Stand is swarmed with thousand and thousand of runners, including myself. After I grab a copy of the finisher certificate I attempted to look around for any luck seeing my cousins but still to no avail, I decided to run back to where I started and even further.

Covered 15 kilometers today, my much needed mileage. Lesson learned on this race, it is always best to take time to see the best in the situation no matter how chaotic or disorganized things may be.

MVP Fun Run 2012 - My Recovery Sunday

April 1, after my Salomon Trail run I've been thinking what could be the best recovery run, my legs are still fine and  in good shape after that 24 kilometer trail and road  race. Been planning to bandit with  the 10 Mile Yakult run  but I just feel like not into it. I got hooked with the computer rather late Saturday night, so I just thought of doing my own recovery run after the Palm Sunday Mass the following day. 

But just before I go back to sleep I receive an SMS message from Aaron forwarding a message from Arvin inviting us for to join 5 kilometer fun run as part of their company's Mini Olympic event. I give it a thought, I feel not motivated to prepare my road running attire but I finally decided to join. Have to wake up early, go to the meeting place and proceed to Meralco compound. We arrive just in time for the gun start, Aaron just hand me his other race bib number so that I will run with a number as well. I just take it my own slow pace, without even thinking of sprinting at some point. This is a recovery run for me after all. My friends all sprint, all of them now ahead of me, even Arvin who started late than myself. It's a two loop run inside the Meralco compound, towards the finish line  I saw one familiar face, my friend from PLDT.  I got a chance to chat with him again. I rush the finish line in 31:24 minutes.

After the run, I just enjoy watching the clusters of  employees from different group of companies, chatting, taking pictures, eating, or just simply being around. It is evident on their faces that they have so much fun participating this particular part of their company event. I can imagine how much more supportive each one of them are on the other sports of this event. I miss Sir Carl and Jing though but I am glad to chat with Pompo, Ellen S., Joyce and Ellen E and the others too.

We stayed for the awarding ceremony, chatting with other runners and taking pictures with the MVP stars. That was a one fun recovery run for me. Thank you Arvin for inviting us and it always feel great to be with Smart friends.

Pictures: MVP's Fun Run 2012