Bluefoot Runner

After Pains of Marathon

2011-03-26T16:49:00.000+08:00

In light of the recent marathon I joined, I thought I'd share two videos here that illustrate the after pains experienced by marathoners. Simply hilarious and I could relate! Just click on the two links below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu5Ss718o0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-hCuYjvw2I

TBR Dream Marathon II: My First Marathon Experience

2011-03-24T15:07:00.003+08:00

September 16, 2010. TBR Dream Marathon 2011 officially opened for registration. Only 400 participants could join and and there were many eager runners vying to complete their first or second marathon. I quickly texted my then fiance and broached the subject to him. Running 42k was out of our minds at that point as we were concentrated on the wedding preps that was then well underway (We were getting married first week of January 2011). I was surprised when he replied instantly and told me that if I want to do it, then it's a go. Oh my gas! The decision was left in my hands! I nervously filled up the online registration form and hit enter without blinking an eye. That was it. I had to endure 3 days of waiting to see if we got in. When the official list finally came out, I stared at our names in disbelief. This is really is it is it is it!

Why Do I Want to Run a Marathon?

I do not have a big story to tell. I am not supporting any charitable cause. I am not running for anybody who is sick or dying. I am not running to oppose or support any social or political issue. I am running only because I love to, and completing a marathon is like the ultimate sense of fulfillment of every runner (not minding ultramarathons!). If they can do it, I can do it too.

6 Months Training/Preparation

Coach Jim Lafferty created a 6-month training program (October 2010 to March 2011) for us newbies but it was difficult to follow it religiously. We were immersed both in our work and wedding preparations. But every chance we got, we went to UP to run. We ran long distance once a week to build endurance. By November, we were already able to complete a 25k distance. It definitely looked like we were getting our groove and will be ready by March.

Come December however, things changed. Our training schedule became more erratic as the wedding day neared. We had zero mileage on the last two weeks of December. My fiance had several Christmas parties that he had to attend, plus wedding suppliers started pressuring us with things they needed for our wedding.

It was not any better come January. We had our honeymoon right after the wedding and then our apartment was robbed. My husband caught a lingering flu and fever too. Training had to take a backseat. Thus, we had zero mileage for about 5 weeks straight.

It was only in February that training got back in full swing. At first, we tried 4.4k in UP and it was difficult as our legs tried to get used to it again. We were half-laughing and half-nervous about our predicament. We did not want to be the only ones to get a DNF beside our names. Did Not Finish. Uh-oh!

But from thereon, nothing stopped us anymore. All the Sunday mornings of February were spent running long distance in UP. We ran on an average of 3 hours every Sunday. We started with 15k until finally we were able to complete 30k (about 4 hours). We did one more 30k when we joined the last bull session in Nuvali. My calves stiffened and I worried about getting cramps during the marathon. But there was no turning back. In our minds, we just know we want to do this. And we will!

Day Before Marathon

March 19, we checked in at Technopark Hotel by 3PM. At around 5PM, we had our early carbo-loading dinner at Old Spaghetti House. Pasta and pizza! It felt like it was going to be our last meal before being executed! We also ordered food to go that we will eat when we wake up at 12AM.

By 7PM, we were back at our hotel room and retired for the night. I honestly thought I will not be able to sleep soundly because of too much anxiety, but I did. We woke up just a little before 12AM and started preparing for what would be the longest race of our lives ever.

Marathon Day

March 20, 1:30AM, we arrived at the race venue in Nuvali, Laguna. The rest of the world was still in deep slumber while we were already fully awake in our senses and raring to run. We did our routine warm-up and stretching, and lined up at the medical station to put Kinesio tape on my calves. Coach Jim Lafferty was on the microphone giving pep talks to runners. Pain is temporary but fame is forever! YEAH! That was a good way to boost our spirits! In jest, he said the stronger gravitational pull of the supermoon was supposed to make us run faster, haha!

2AM, gunstart! The organizer, Ms. Jaymie Pizarro, led in cheering the runners as we set off to do battle. Our 42k route was two loops of 21k each. My strategy was to take it easy on the first loop so I can run faster on the second loop. My husband and I paced each other for the first two hours, after which I pulled away to go on my own pace.

Just after finishing my first loop at 2 hrs 56 min I felt pain building up on my left pinky toe. I knew it was an ensuing blister and if I do not stop at the nearest medic station, I know I will regret it. The 3 minutes of trying to reach the next medic station is a long time when you are in pain! Finally, when I got there, I had to wait because the medic was attending to another runner. I kept on glancing at my watch, worried about my time. But after a while, I just didn't care about the time anymore but just to finish the run without any pain or injury.

The medic applied petroleum jelly on my swelling toe before wrapping it securely. After about 5 min, I was back on track. I started to gradually increase speed beginning the 25k mark. The sun was beginning to peep out from the clouds. I knew I was gaining speed already because I was being able to overtake several runners already upon reaching the 30k mark. I was thinking, hmm, there's 12k left. Maybe I can quit Galloway and run all the way? But my legs said no. They could not take it. It was Galloway all the way! Okay!

Finish Line

The last 2km was the longest! I was raring to see the finish line already. In my watch, I was running for more than 5 hours already and was feeling a burn on my left arch. My legs were super tired and aching. A few meters from the tape at the finish line, I heard my family shout my name and acknowledged them by raising a two thumbs up sign.

That was it! I CONQUERED 42K!

5:44:26

Dream come true! They say first time is the sweetest and I so want to savor that moment but my tired legs were getting in the way! My sister approached me after a few minutes and she was just who I needed! I was drained of energy and she carried for me my loot bag and 1 liter of Gatorade bottle.

Words cannot explain the feeling. I just felt really wonderful! I was in running heaven!

TBR Dream Marathon II

Why did I join TBR DM II and not some other marathon race? There were many things that set TBR apart. This was about to be my first marathon and I wanted it to be special. And true enough, TBR really made me feel special! First and foremost, the event was open only to first or second time marathoners. It was not designed to be a contest, hence, no cash prize or whatsoever to the winners. This alone was enough to make me think that I will be treated special.

Secondly, TBR DM II was limited to 400 participants. It made the event very intimate. Fellow participants clapped and cheered when I passed them by. Someone even offered me a lollipop which I politely turned down. It was not competition for us. We were united in one dream, and that was to finish 42k. How many events can I join with this same objective?

TBR DM II was flanked by numerous supporters and volunteers. They were scattered in different key locations of the route and offered bananas, chips, gummy bears, and water. Water stations were provided every 1.5 to 2k. Medic stations were situated every 3k or so throughout the route. Coach Jim Lafferty himself rode on his motorbike every once in a while to cheer his runners. Indeed, we were really pampered, and I will never be able to experience that again.

Dream chasers made sure no one was left behind. Every participant will see it through the finish line no matter what time they finish. Cheerers had their own gimmicks complete with balloons, sound mobile, flags and banners.

Kudos to Jaymie the Bullrunner for spearheading such a wonderful event!

I know I still have many good years ahead of me. In the future, I hope to finish another marathon. But the TBR Dream Marathon II will forever be my first love. The first time I came, ran and conquered 42k.

I am newly married and there are other things I must attend to for the meantime before I join another marathon. But I promise myself, this will not be my last! For now, let me say, I am a full-fledged marathoner! =)

Some photos:

with Jaymie, the Bull Runner

with Coach Jim Lafferty

with Coach Rio

Team CORSAME!!! Thanks for the support!!! =)

2nd McHappy Day Fun Run (Nov 28, 2010)

2010-11-29T15:53:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Runningatom, I was able to run 10k at yesterday's 2nd McHappy Day Fun Run held at McKinley Hills in Taguig. It has been a long while since I last joined a 10k run and I was looking forward to beating my PR of 58:19. If not, another sub-60 finish would be good. It was a difficult goal since lately I have been training for endurance for a half-marathon in Corregidor in December and for my first marathon early net year. As such, working on my speed has been compromised. Well, little did I know that the 2nd McHappy Day Fun Run will be more challenging than usual that will make my goal more difficult to achieve.

The route had its ups and downs... literally! It made me slow down a couple of times during ascents and it definitely made me grow tired more easily. Halfway through the run, my thighs already felt burns from exhaustion. While trudging the uphills, I thought this was a taste of things to come in Corregidor. At the very least, I thought that I was able to practice for it if I could not do a sub-60.

I finished in 1:02:09 (unofficial) but I crossed the finish line feeling nothing but fulfilled. It was a tough route, far from the usual familiar roads I'm used to in UP. This run made me realize that I still have a lot of practice to do to prepare for Corregidor.

Participants were treated to free breakfast afterwards so it was definitely a McHappy event! My fiance joined me too. :)

I Want to Win a Free Race Kit from Atom!

2010-11-18T22:59:00.000+08:00

Not from Atom Araullo, but from THE Running Atom! =D So I'm joining his birthday promo, and hopefully I win a free race kit for the:

McDonalds to hold it's 2nd McHappy Day Fun Run on Nov. 28, 2010.
http://ht.ly/19xswH

Yehey! I hope I win! =)

Back with a Vengeance!

2010-09-27T22:02:00.000+08:00

Hello, runners! I am really back now and I'm ecstatic! I'm getting my groove back slowly but surely. I am again trying to run two to three times a week around the UP oval. There are three things to rave about. First, I am joining 21k in Adidas KOTR this October. The last race I joined before this was the Nature Valley Run last May where I also ran 21k.

Second, I am finally living my dream by signing up for the TBR Dream Marathon 2011! I made it official when I paid the registration fee last week. Woohoo!! This is soooo it!

And third, I introduce to you guys my new running buddy, STACEY! She's a Nike Zoom Structure Triax +12. We have a lot of work to do before conquering 42k next year but we believe! We can do it! :)

See you on the road! The bluefoot runner is back with a vengeance! :)

I Am in the Magic List of TBR Dream Marathon II!!!

2010-09-19T00:21:00.000+08:00

Woohoo! I made it to the magic list of TBR Dream Marathon II set for March 2011. And now, training begins. I am dead set to finish a marathon before I get pregnant. My running routine is slowly going back to normal. Marriage preps are well underway and there is time again to run three times a week. I completed 6.6km in my last three runs. I finished in 48:06, 48:15 and 45:59 minutes. Next week, I'm targeting on averaging 30km a week in preparation for the Adidas KOTR where I plan to run 21km again. It's all good! I am so back! My left knee is again experiencing some pains but I can take it easy for a while. The more important thing is that I am just soooo back!

TBR Dream Marathon II March 20, 2011!!!

2010-09-16T13:07:00.000+08:00

I just registered. This is the life!!!

http://thebullrunner.com/2010/09/16/2nd-tbr-dream-marathon-register-now/

Back at One

2010-08-11T09:56:00.000+08:00

It's been very hectic for the longest time now that running had to take a back seat for a while, and I mean a long while. We wanted to make time for it but it was really difficult squeezing it on our schedule. We have work in the day and night time was usually dedicated to running. For the past few weeks however, our after work hours were spent doing things for the wedding and the apartment. Though we registered for the Rexona Run, we had to say bye-bye to the P600 registration fee we paid for it because we were not able to join. Aside from the fact that we were not able to practice prior to the run, we were also working late the night before the event transferring stuff from the old to the new apartment.

The result: I gained 5 lbs. Huwaaaaat????

This is definitely a bad time to gain weight! I have 5 months left to run like there's no tomorrow and fit perfectly in that pristine white gown!

Last night, I put my foot down. Literally. At the UP oval. And started to run again. It became more like jogging because I could not get my groove back. I was having side stitches when I tried to increase my speed. I finished two rounds in 32 minutes. It was a dismal time but my aching body was my boss. I was having a hard time with my breathing all throughout and my legs felt stiff.

I am definitely out of shape. Back at one. But I'm setting my eyes on another 21k run at the Adidas KOTR this October. Cross fingers!

5K Recovery Run @ End Hunger: Walk the World Philippines 2010

2010-06-09T23:18:00.000+08:00

My legs terribly ached after completing my very first 21k at the Nature Valley last week that even if I know I should do a recovery run, I didn't. And then here came my sister inviting me to join her run 5K at the End Hunger: Walk the World Philippines 2010 Run last June 6, 2010. I thought this was the perfect cool down running I was looking for, albeit a week too late after Nature Valley. It was fun though! It really did not feel like much of a recovery run because I aimed for a sub-30. On my watch, I timed 29:01 although I bet the official results will be off by a few seconds because I was not in front of the starting line.

This run brought back a lot of memories. It made me remember my very first Mizuno Rush to Infinity Run last 2008. Those were the days when the registration fees were not yet that steep. I remember only paying P150 back then. We were not given singlets but we had finisher's shirts. Back in those days, running 5K seemed like forever. It was torture to complete it without walking or stopping for a water break.

It has been a while and it's good to run 5k again. Maybe this is one reason also that I did not hesitate to join when my sister invited me. But I promised myself that I will not do a leisure run. Instead, I will aim to beat my PR. And I did, so it's all good. :)

The Grand Race to Forever

2010-06-05T15:57:00.002+08:00

Six months from now I'll be joining the biggest race of my life. I call it the Grand Race to Forever where the journey will be long and seemingly endless. The route will be filled with uphills and downhills but I will see it to the very end. I will be living my dream and there will be no stopping until my last breath. Because there is no other race I want to conquer but this. There can be no race sweeter than this.

Yes folks, I'm getting married! It is a mix of emotions. I'm excited yet anxious of the big responsibilities entailed to a lifelong commitment. It is a brand new path governed by unfamiliar roads but I'm confident that my partner will guide me. As we embark on this race together, there will be no guarantees that it will be easy. The only guarantee is that we will have each other to help us on our feet always and keep the spirit of the grand race alive and kicking in our hearts. For that alone, I am at peace that this challenging journey ahead can be conquered.

We were the typical couple who went out for movie, dinner and coffee to get to know each other. But on top of that, running also played a big role in our beginnings. I would invite him to join me in my regular Sunday runs in UP. It was the time when badminton was still the sports craze in Manila and UP was not yet flocked with runners. He could not even complete a round of 2.2km back then. I would finish 2 rounds at the oval while he waited for me.

That was more than three years ago. Last Sunday, we finished our first ever half-marathon race. We have come a long way and I'm proud of him for having gone this far. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the thought.

It would not have been possible if we did not believe in each other. I am also thankful to friends and family who cheer for us and wish us good luck. Their love and support help us overcome whatever emotional blisters come our way. Our journey together is made more meaningful because of them.

We will be celebrating our third anniversary next week. We will tie the knot early next year. This will be a very momentous and defining chapter for both of us. My singlet will be stunning. Impeccably white, flowing and beaded! Can you imagine? :)

Nature Valley Run 2010 Race and Results

2010-05-31T14:02:00.000+08:00

Before I rave about this race, HERE is the result first.

As a last minute registrant who almost did not make it to this event, I am so happy to be a part of this race! I would have missed so much if I was not able to get in. Thanks to my fiance who turned a deaf ear whenever I would tell him I was not ready to run 21k. I guess he believed in me and thus went ahead to register us.

Nature Valley Run 2010 is the best race of the year so far! Coach Rio dela Cruz once again leveled up his event. He takes all criticisms constructively and makes sure he does something about it next time. I could not complain anymore of running elbow to elbow with fellow runners. Runners per category had different routes to take so that even if there were ten thousand participants, everyone had enough room to run their own pace.

And who would complain about lack of water stations now? There were enough water stations every 2 or 3km. The loooong tables of water and energy drinks were a very very brilliant idea! This solved the problem of long queues that took precious minutes out of a runner.

I rave about my wonderful experience as a first time 21k runner. I'm so glad I did it here in the Nature Valley Run. We were pampered. We were the only ones who got finishers shirts and medals. Girls from David Salon waited at the finish line to hang medals around our necks instead of just handing them out in a box. It added drama to the feat. The biggest perk I got was the 1 pint of Haagen Dazs ice cream! That was Haagen Dazs, not Selecta or Magnolia! And that was 1 pint of cold, heavenly sweetness after running for over 2 hours. 1 pint, mygosh! Hahaha, I'm overwhelmed!

I finished in 2 hours and 27 minutes. So sweet! The leg pains I'm feeling right now are so worth it!

21k Nature Valley Run

2010-05-28T12:00:00.000+08:00

I'm joining the 21k run of Nature Valley this Sunday, May 30, 2010. It is like a whirlwind. Friends prodded me to join and they registered me for the event even as I was being very indecisive about it. That was two weeks ago. We caught up with the last day of registration. In fact, registration for 21k was already closed then and I thought that was a sign that I was not ready yet to run a half-marathon. But Nature Valley opened 200 slots anew for additional 21k runners and we got in. They deducted P100 from our registration fee because they had no more singlets to give us.

There's only two days left before the biggest day of my running life comes and I'm bracing myself for whatever is in store for me on Sunday. I crammed my training in two weeks by completing 15k distances for three times during this period. In between my 15k days, I would run 5k or 10k for recovery. I feel my leg muscles stiffening already. I learned to consume Gu energy gels and I was forced to buy a hydration belt for practice.

I still don't think I'm ready but I'm eager to complete my very first half-marathon. It will be so sweet!

I'll post again after Sunday to tell you all what happened. Anyways, bring it!

Galloway Method for Beginners

2010-03-15T13:24:00.003+08:00

I'm training on my own for my first 15km run (and hopefully, 21k also). My knees are getting better albeit still experiencing some pains once in a while. As my way of training, I've been trying to increase distance to put my personal limits to the test. My running friends suggested that I try the Galloway Method. It was named after Jeff Galloway, the famous coach runner. He intended the Galloway Method for beginners like me and the main goal of this method is to keep runners injury-free.

Basically, you just alternate running and walking until you finish the distance desired. Jeff Galloway suggested useful ratios between running and walking depending on your speed. You can see this in his website. However, if you do not want

to be very strictly theoretical about it, you can simply feel your own pacing and craft your own ratio. My friend suggested I run for 7 minutes straight then walk 1 minute. If I do this, I can finish 15km without feeling out of breath up to the last.

Alternating running and walking, Jeff Galloway says, prevents fatigue. It gives leg muscles some time to recover during the walking break. Keeping this in mind, I decided to vary the Galloway Method and make it more suited for me. Instead of walking, I would jog. So in effect, I run and jog alternately. And instead of keeping tab of the minutes that pass by, I would just feel my legs. If I'm getting tired, I will slow down a bit and jog. After about thirty seconds or so, I will gradually increase my speed again.

And it works!

I was able to run my first 13.2km last Saturday. That's the longest distance I've ran so far, and only 1.8km short of my goal. I finished 13.2km in 1 hour and 30 minutes. My legs did not feel very sore the following day. I hope I can keep this up and be ready for my first official 15km run in April. :)

Badminton vs Running

2010-02-25T12:13:00.000+08:00

Both badminton and running are excellent cardiovascular exercises, but how do each differ from the other? Which is better?

Badminton and running are two different sports yet they complement one another. Running helps build endurance that could greatly improve your badminton game. When long rallies ensue in badminton, a player’s stamina will keep him on the go to run after shots.

I played again last night after about a four month hiatus in badminton. Two games past and I already felt my knees shaking. I noticed my hands shaking too while trying to drink water. I was cajoled that I should still be up for another game since I’m used to long distance running.

This is a common mistake. Badminton and running are different in the following ways:

1. Badminton is a quick-paced sport. If you’re playing competitive badminton, you will have to make quick movements to run after the shuttlecock to play a point. This involves lunging to retrieve shots from the net, stepping back quickly to get a lob, and sprint to move from corner to corner.

Long distance running is more relaxed. You can finish 10km or farther without rest by pacing yourself while still sweating profusely. You can vary your speed. You slow down to recover and catch your breath. You speed up to build momentum again.

2. Badminton and running work with different muscle groups. Badminton involves a lot of lateral movements and pretty much work up your legs, arms and back. In running, you basically just use your legs and there are no side movements, although you also need to work on your core to improve your endurance.

I am experiencing muscle pains now because although I am running regularly, when I played badminton again last night, I used a different muscle group to execute smashes, lobs and net retrievals.

So which is a better sport? Like I said, one complements the other. Many badminton players include sprint running as part of their cross-training. It is actually good to try a variety of sports rather than just sticking to one. So if you can do both, why not?

Century Tuna Superbods Run Results and Comments

2010-02-22T14:07:00.002+08:00

Chip Time: 01:00:37

More than 11,000 runners flocked The Fort yesterday to participate in the much publicized Century Tuna Superbods Run! And I was one of them. Kudos to Coach Rio for another unparalleled running event here in the Philippines. Overall, I enjoyed my 10K race yesterday despite a few setbacks. My major complaint is the heavy downpour of participants which made it really difficult to run my own pacing from start to finish. In my past experiences, I could pull away from the flock halfway through the distance I'm running, but this time, runners were elbow-on-elbow literally from start to finish. A few times I caught myself saying "excuse me" to a couple of runners in front so I could pass through.

There is just so much that can be accommodated given a certain venue. If the roads were as big as Commonwealth Ave where QCIM (Quezon City International Marathon) was held, then all these 11,000 runners could enjoy their own pacing without a problem. Now I'm having a difficult time deciding whether to join Globe Run for Home or not. Big events like these are usually crowded :(

Coach Rio officially apologized in his blog for the advanced gun start. Apologies accepted though this really affected my run somehow. I was not able to warm up properly and I'm feeling sore thighs right now. As for my knee, thank you for cooperating! It didn't complain up to the last 1 meter! :D

I failed to run a sub-60 this time but I'm happy with the result. I was off by 37 seconds but I still ranked 102nd out of 628 runners in the female 10k category (based on chip time). That's good enough.

But hey, Century Tuna Superbods Run is still one of the most organized running events I've seen. Really, Coach Rio is becoming such a pro in organizing events. I still remember joining one of his races back in 2008. It was filled with boo-boos that I emailed him a complaint, hehe. But now he learned from his mistakes and has gone so far. No wonder the runners rush to register for his events.

Results are out!

The North Face Nuvali Thrill of the Trail Run

2010-02-17T12:59:00.000+08:00

The good thing about not expecting too much sometimes is that you are taken in for a surprise big time. This is exactly what happened when I decided to play it rough on Valentine's Day and join The North Face's Thrill of the Trail Run in Nuvali, Laguna. I entered the 11K Couples Run event. Of course, my partner was my one and only significant other. We belittled this event by thinking it will just be a couple of kilometers running on trail while completing the rest of the distance on paved roads. We were wrong, but wronged in a very good way.

Running on the pavement was only about 10% while the rest of the 11K distance was already a good combo of rivers, rocks, mud, rough uphills and downhills. Complete heaven! Crossing rivers was the most enjoyable. Good thing I only wore my old and beat up running shoes. It retired for good after this trail run. But that's okay. It might be time to invest on a pair of decent trail running shoes. Merrell Adventure Run is not far behind!

Nuvali was definitely the perfect venue for Thrill of the Trail Run. Its scenic beauty was really a sight to see. Too bad I did not bring a camera during the trail run. The rock formation was really awesome.

This is the most unique Valentine's Day celebration ever! I had so much fun. :)

Recovering Knees

2010-02-03T15:14:00.000+08:00

Cheers to another 8.8K running feat last night at the UP Academic Oval! This time I did four rounds in 16:43, 31:30, 46:23 and 1:00:50. That’s a slower pace than last time but it pays to take it slowly but surely. My left knee is still braced when I run. It only hurts a little now when I try to increase my speed. But in general, my run last night was painless. I’m excited to join the 11K Nuvali Trail Run already!

Bluefoot @ the Century Tuna Superbods Run!

2010-01-25T15:24:00.001+08:00

Catch the Bluefoot Runner at the Century Tuna Superbods Run! We’re joining the 10km race again for this event. I’m not hoping to set a new PR this time as I’m still nursing an injured knee, but let’s still see! I’m still looking forward to another sub-60 nonetheless!

The Century Tuna Superbods Run is the first in the Runrio Trilogy for 2010. The very famous Derek Ramsay joins this much-awaited event and all eyes are on him waiting to see if he could actually beat Piolo Pascual’s record of 47 minutes in the 10Km distance. I’m sure the runners will be treated to more sightseeing of famous faces come the actual race day. The sight of Coach Rio will again complete the day, haha!

Support the Century Tuna Superbods Run and you also support the charitable causes of Unicef. Parts of the proceeds will be donated to this organization. Also flaunt that superbody of yours if you have it, and get a chance to win a staggering Php100,000, mygosh. I’m not looking forward to winning, but definitely looking forward to seeing all those flat abs parading before me.

You have til February 8 to register, so hurry! This is my second race for the year (first race is at the Nuvali Trail Run) and I’m eager to run again!

Century Tuna Superbods Run commences on February 21, 2010 at Bonifacio Global City. Categories are 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K.

Dead Toenails from Running: Tips and Advice

2010-01-19T16:19:00.004+08:00

One of my toenails is dying and turning unsightly yellow. It wasn’t run over by anything, nor did it get any kind of infection. I can only put the blame on running for the fate it suffered. But while I’m mourning my toenail’s death, I decided to read more about dead toenails from running in the hope of assuaging my fears.

Yes, my main fear is that it will not grow back to its normal pinky state it used to be. But I’m glad to be comforted from the fact that it will grow back to be a normal toenail again although it will take a while. That means a couple of months. :(

Toenails are probably one of the ugliest parts to look at from a runner’s body. Most runners’ toenails become thick and yellowish, or sometimes even black. But without toenails, running will be painful.

If you are running regularly as a sport or as a way to keep you trimmed, dead toenails from running could not be prevented. Be sure to cut your toenails regularly and keep it short. Don’t cut it to the edge because that will be painful also. Round the sides of the toenails especially if you are prone to ingrown nails.

If you keep a long toenail, it may develop an infection as it comes in constant contact with the front part of your shoes. Signs of infection include throbbing and swelling. In some cases, blisters develop under the nail. In time the toenail will die and will be shed off.

If you happen to have a dead toenail from running, and you find out it is infected, the first thing you want to do is to get rid of the infection first. You can soak your foot in warm water doused with Betadine or any other kind of antiseptic. For infection to heal more quickly, you need to gently prick the blister with disinfected needle for the fluid buildup to escape. You might have to do this for a couple of days until the infected toe is dried. Afterwards, you will notice the nail loosen up and you will be able to cut or remove it without pain. The waiting game for the new nail to grow begins.

For the next two days, the exposed toe will feel a bit tender but it will harden in time to protect the nail bed area while waiting for the new nail to grow in. Some runners prefer not to cut the dead nail while waiting for the new one to grow. But the problem with this is that the new nail finds it difficult to move when the old nail is blocking its entry.

As for me, thankfully, there is no infection. I’m just patiently waiting for my new toenail to grow. Meanwhile, I’m wearing closed shoes all the time to give my dying toenail its privacy. :)

UAAP Volleyball Season 72, AdMU vs UST at the Arena!

2010-01-18T12:03:00.002+08:00

The Bluefoot Runner enjoys other sports besides running! :) Yup yup! Yesterday, I took time off chasing pavements to watch UAAP Volleyball Season 72 at the Arena! Together with my beau, we saw AdMU and UST battle it out in the ladies division round 1 of eliminations. I was cheering for the Blue Eagle Spikers of course, but they were clobbered easily in four sets by UST.

UST players showed more cohesion and confidence in their game. Worth noting is Caballejo (#11) who definitely stood out in the court with her killer spikes. In contrast, Ateneo was obviously feeling each other’s game which caused them to lose a lot of easy points.

It’s still too early to be downtrodden though as there will be more actions to see in the coming days! UAAP Volleyball Season 72 is going to be interesting. I hope I can get to watch more live games in the next few weeks.

Incidentally, did you know that running is one of the most efficient cross-training sports? These volleyball players also run some laps to warm up, improve their agility and practice their speed.

First 8.8Km Run for Year 2010

2010-01-17T10:20:00.001+08:00

I ran my first 8.8Km for this year. See, I’ve been taking it easy since I injured my knee last November 2009 when I joined 10Km at the New Balance Power Run. It was aggravated when I insisted on still finishing another 10Km in last December’s Philstar Celebrity Run. The Christmas season was a good time to rest my knee. I’ve been taking it easy, just running about 4Km twice a week.

Last night, I felt it was time to go the distance again as I felt my knee getting better a bit. I circled the UP Academic Oval for 4 times. That’s a total of 8.8Km. First round took me 17 minutes to complete as I was still feeling my knee. I increased my speed on the second round to finish it in 14 minutes. Third round took me 13 minutes to complete. The last round was the toughest as I felt pains on my knee already, but still pushed myself to finish it in 13 minutes also. That’s 57 minutes for my first 8.8Km run in year 2010!

Today, I feel slight burnings on my thighs but it’s all good. Here’s hoping I can finally join my first official race for this year either at the Condura Run or at the Nuvali Trail Run!

Welcome!

2010-01-16T17:32:00.000+08:00

Hi, and welcome to my blog! I started this site to share with you all my passion for running. I am no pro runner. The longest distance I’ve ran so far is 10Km. But soon, I’m setting my eyes on my first 21Km run as I gradually recover from a knee injury. And ultimately, a full marathon is not far behind. Thanks for dropping by and I hope to post more entries in the coming days. :)