Runner In Me

Motorcycle EDC

2020-03-21T01:40:00.000-07:00

I practice the EDC or Everyday Carry lifestyle, umm - every day. EDC basically means those that you carry with you that you need. Every one of us has our own EDC as it depends on our lifestyle and minimum essentials.

Spyderco ProGrip and the
Niteize pocket flashlight

On a usual workday, I carry my car keys, wallet, mobile phone, my Spyderco folder and pocket flashlight as my bare essentials on my body. If there's a short trip out of the office, my EDC expands with a MACG pocket organizer with a power bank, USB-C cable, bullpen, BlueTooth headset and for discrete carry, replace my Spyderco folder with a Swiss Army Knife Classic.

My EDC bag

I also carry a backpack that's filled with goodies. But we'll get to this in a separate article.

Similarly, during my bike days, I never leave home without my bike bare essentials. This includes an emergency tire patch set, extra tube, tools, air pump, eyewear, along with cash and mobile phone. I have been saved quite a lot by these tools.

So it makes sense to also have a bare essential carry for motorcycling. Today's the 5th day of the enhanced quarantine so I have more than enough time to work on my kit. I used to just use a bag for all of these that I just place under the seat. And I bought about three of these Pelican 1040 cases from True Value which were on sale at the time.

Everything cased in a nice Pelican 1040

My Motorcycle EDC are as follows:

Tire patch kit
Hand tire pump
Work gloves
Screwdriver with electrical tape
Spark plug remover
Spring preload adjuster
Allen wrench
A couple of Swiss+Tech multitools
Battery Tender USB charger
Waterproof zip bag
Zip ties

The list will definitely grow as I get to discover more tools and kits to prepare me for the worst.

Moving forward I hope I won't be able to use any of these tools! Unlike the bike which has a straightforward, simple mechanism. And I imagine being able to bring it home in a cab should I get any major problems. A motorcycle is a complicated machine. A simple flat tire I would expect is a very toxic situation to be in, more so engine trouble. That is why maintenance is top priority to me than performance and visual upgrades. I would rather pay up front to keep me from having any trouble, than paying for when I AM in trouble! Ride Safe!

First-timer Vespa Gears

2020-03-18T22:44:00.001-07:00

I've talked about the Vespa in my other blog and the joys of riding it. Just yesterday on the 2nd day of the enhanced quarantine I did a recon of the roads with checkpoints to see the most efficient route when I bring my wife to work - in a car of course!

Keeping it stock and functional

In my one year of ownership, I've accepted that there is not much accessories you put in a Vespa. I mean its a beauty in its simplest stock form! There are of course some performance modifications you can do but if you ask me, if i wanted a faster, more perked up ride then I'd get the more premium models! I do get the hobbyists mindset of tinkering with stuffs, I do this in RCs and maybe my bikes, but I'm just not one of those when it comes to motorized machines I ride on.

So for the past year, instead of thinking of accessorizing my ride, I have been building on my gears. Unlike most motorcycle riders you see on the roads that thinks of ride gears as compliance, I value safety. And of course the style or japorms come with it! So here's a list of Vespa rider's first gears for you:

Biltwell Helmets - classic ride needs classic head protection

Biltwell Bonanza - This is my first helmet. Bought it through Amazon on my
L-R - Bonanza, Gringo, Lane Splitter (Gringo for sale!)
trip to Dallas from work. Locally these are sold at around P8,000, I got it for $99! Installed a Biltwell gradient bubble shield to it for that extra face protection from the wind, dust and bugs. Its a nice, comfortable helmet, but the open face feature is not good on the safety part. This made me move to the next helmet:
Biltwell Lane Splitter - I got this from Cycle Gear on my trip to New Orleans. Since I loved the Bonanza, i went with their full face semi-modern helmet. Its got its own clear shield that I'm planning to replace with a smoke one. The Lane Splitter definitely has some limited vision compared to the Bonanza. I guess its true for most full-face helmets. I've just used it twice since I got it, maybe I can get used to it. So far, vents work and its a bit comfortable. I'm just puzzled by the instructions that there is a film on the inside of the shield, I can't seem to find out how to take it out, not sure if its there at all!

Ride jackets - some elbow, shoulder and back protection in mesh, textile jackets

Komine JK-079

Komine JK-079 - my first bought ride jacket. I did not have any option at the time as I have just bought the motorcycle, and most ride jackets available are too big for my built. I got a Japan size Small that fits my 5'4", 125lbs body quite well. Breathability is good, as I removed the chest armor. For the style, not really a match for a classic motorcycle but its function over form at this time.

Is it big on me?

Macna Rush Textile Jacket - I got this during the Motoworld Sale. I was supposed to get a Spyderco knife that day but decided on this one as its sale price is acceptable. I got a size Small - a bit on the long side in length but just right on the chest and shoulder. I got it for its style, and so I can fit regular work/office clothes underneath. The Komine is a tight fit, good for breathable shirts only. Breathability is excellent and the style fits the Vespa better than the Komine

Gloves

Biltwell Moto Gloves - Yup! stuck with Biltwell. Got this from Amazon, shipped to the Philippines. Most sellers sell this at P2,500 locally. I got it for $29.95, free shipping. its a basic gloves. Not much protection on falls, but I have been used to wearing gloves even on my bikes so I won't pass with the motorcycle. I'm still in the market for some more serious gloves, but this one will have to do for now.

Bluetooth Audio -

Sena SMH5-FM on the Lane Splitter

Sena SMH5-FM - I am used to having Waze do the navigating for me in the car, and since having a phone mount on the Vespa seems a bit awkward and unsafe, a headset seems to be a good alternative. I got the Sena for its function. its got limited connectivity in terms of group rides, but in my one year of ownership, I haven't really gone with a serious group ride. The sound quality is not so good (I have my set of audio standards, coming from experience with audio equipment and systems), and the positioning of the Lane Splitter speaker mount is not so optimal to my ears position so it gets worse. But functionality, FM works and bluetooth streaming is okay. I do get annoyed with the slow phone-headset unit connection time. I also bought another set of Sena headset clamp kit so I have two helmets ready for use.

Ride shoes -

Dr. Martens Bonny II - I also got this from my trip to NOLA. I have read and heard about using shoes that are slip resistance and that protects your heels. The DMs is a good choice for this as it has the classic, distinct design. Although the Bonny II has slightly weak ankle protection, the sole, material and build is better than your ordinary sneakers.

I also bought a pair of mesh ride pants that's compatible with the Komine jacket but I sold it. Its a bit too sporty to be used on a Vespa with those carbon knee armor sticking out. I guess some reinforced denim ride jeans would be the next buy or some discrete skeleton armor that you wear under your normal pants.

The post is not to brag about getting pricey gears, its about getting them at the cheapest possible price. I wait and find the best deals on gears that based on research is bare minimum. And I did mention that style comes in along with these purchase. But style is not the priority, its protection. How I wish most motorcycle riders consider SAFETY and not just motorcycle riding compliance. Of course there's also proper riding etiquette that keeps you safer, but we'll go through that in a separate article. Ride safe!

Viva La Vespa day with the Komine Jacket and Dr. Martens Bonny II

Amazon Locker - great way to pick up your orders!

The Vespa S 125

2020-03-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

March 17 - start of the work from home setup due to the extended community quarantine. I'm working three hours early from my official work hours, and I'm still on my not so good woke up like this look, so no video calls for now.

Since its early and social media inquiries and emails are a bit slow I have decided to visit the blog site and update a bit. Its been a looooooong time since I've been here, and remembering from how I do this, I'll just type away!

Yes, I'm still doing some running, although on a weekend basis. I can just do a 4km/30 minutes run down from my previous average 5km/30minutes. Cycling I've just done like 3 for this year and its leisurely. Overall, I'm not really pushing myself on these.

Welcome home Cherry!

What I'm pushing myself to doing lately is riding - my Vespa. March 9, 2019 when I took her home. So far its been a year of clean mudguards, dust-free body and safety gear building (we'll get to gears on a separate post)

This is a Vespa S 125 Rosso Matt (Matte Red) with extras like Vespa fly screen, fixed rack, top box, foot pegs and floor mat.

What made me decide in getting a scoot was when I saw it up close and personal at Motori Moderni in Nuvali during on of our store visits. It was love at first sight and touch! It was the same matte red unit that at the time was P125,000, with a promo of 0% interest for credit card. As much as I wanted to get it on the spot I could not. Needed to get the wife's approval as a motorcycle is not something that you get and use out of impulse. I'm responsible that way. 😎


At the Mahiwagang Puno ni Ian Veneracion

I've come to realize that its not just about its looks, but a great mobility option! I dread traveling on Saturdays due to unlimited traffic. Scooting is a great way to breeze through the traffic, plus getting a parking slot is also very easy (not to mention cheap).

I was also able to experience the hills amd nature like I used to with the road bike. My first and only Marilaque ride was a blast! Thankfully didn't get to meet any kamote riders!

Riding a motorcycle does have its drawbacks - rain, heat, rude motorists and in the case of the Vespa, a bit on the expensive side. But it does bring in certain plus points like convenience, its therapeutic, and in the case of the Vespa, a certain coolness and lifestyle. Ride Safe!

The runner is running a lot of stuffs lately...

2018-09-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Its been a long, long, long, long time since I did this. You know it, I haven't been running like I used to. There were a lot that happened, some beyond my control like the weather, work, events and injuries. There were also those that I chose to do other than to run - you know like cycling that I started doing around 2015. And that's what I'm about to share with you so you don't fall into these amazing traps!

OFF-ROAD RC - This the 1/8 scale Nitro Buggy from HB Racing. I started this last May of 2017, although I first dreamed about it early March that year. I started with the E-buggy, but play time is little and as with everyone else, shifted to Nitro. This ate my weekend long run schedule as playing takes a whole day to consider weekend traffic. This takes up a lot of time!

DRONE - This is the DJI Spark. I started this November, 2017 and sort of my birthday gadget. Its an expansion of my RC hobby and also I used to love playing with that small, ToysRUs RC heli sometime back 2011 so having a drone was inevitable. Flight time is little, but almost the same time as doing my short 5k runs.

E-PED - This is the Mijia M365 which is the latest of my toys. I first saw and fell in love with a scooter when I saw one in action in SG. Its a kick-scooter that I almost bought when I was there. 2018 I started to see e-scooters in Gearbest and eventually found Xiaomi. I love riding this electric scooter! This makes hunting dinosaurs and finding those treasure maps easy (#JWA) and makes a walk in a park a breeze. None cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts are currently "in" the e-ped bandwagon. I'm seeing this to die down as with all other trends especially when the authorities start to regulate them.

For the past weeks I have been limited to doing treadmill runs. This is my way of eliminating excuses from the weather or from the weariness coming off work (also because I get to watch Netflix while doing it!) But yesterday I decided to go out on the road and I found it boring. But as they say, it takes 21 days (in this case - times) to develop a habit. I am hoping it will develop into one again, soon.

See you on the road!

What makes a cyclist, A CYCLIST?

2016-10-27T21:21:00.002-07:00

RUNNING and cycling is becoming harder to do with the storms and rains coming in during the past few weeks. But unlike running, the usual factors don’t affect much on whether I ride or not. That’s the benefit of having two bikes – there’s always one of them that you can allow to get wet.

Choose your weapon

What’s also nice about having two bikes is that cycling doesn’t have to be redundant. Mixing it up as the weather demands or as the mood sets in, on or off-road, therefore adaptable to more situations and social connections.

I can therefore say (without making it seem like I’m defending myself) that having two bikes will keep us engaged in fitness better than sticking to just one because you simply have less-reasons not to do it. Note that the “n + 1” formula where n is the current bikes that you have does not apply.

So the less-reasons not to do it are there, what adds to it that limits us from doing it? TIME & EFFORT

A bike ride consists of a set of steps that you have to go through. And doing it eats up some time, patience and effort that makes the excitement of doing a bike ride die down. And without a strong fitness mindset and the need for social activities to boost, will end up as time spent on the bed! But as with everything else, you just have to develop the habit of doing it. I’ll list down below the basics for your appreciation; note that if you are taking the bike-all-the-way route, eliminate step 1:

1.       Bike rack on a car
2.       Gear setup – hydration, food, money, safety gears
3.       Travel to site
4.       On-site waiting time (for group rides)
5.       Ride out to ride back (waiting times in between)
6.       Travel back home
7.       Bike, car and gear wash
8.       Sleep

Antipolo - the usual #weekendride destination

Personally, as I have limited time to spend, I almost always take the solo, bike-all-the-way route. This eliminates a few steps above. Since the time and effort is acceptable to me, I have less-reasons not to do it.

So the key to being A CYCLIST is really not to be the fastest, strongest, or have the most expensive bike. Its to keep doing it CONSISTENTLY for reasons like health, fitness, lifestyle, social engagement or simply for reasons that matter to you. #ridesafe

Casual Runner is still a Runner

2016-10-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Decided to do a quick one about my running, since I have a few minutes to spend before the weekend comes in.

It’s still the usual, casual running sessions; with no structure or targets - Just run - maintaining at least 2 weekly runs of at least 10km distance. Prone to weather and stress as factors not to do one. A casual runner indeed, but still the discipline is there to make sure I don’t miss these bare minimum!

A quick look at my current stat shows exactly what a “casual runner” does. But like I said, its good that there is still a little bit of distance covered.

Although the “birthday run” is coming. I thought about it when October started, and someone from the office asked if I’m running the New Balance Run on the 6^thof November. I don’t know. Let’s see how the #weekendrun goes.

Broken (runner's) heart

2016-05-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

So, it has been a long time since I last did this. Work (or bike) got in the way!

I missed to write about my last PF Sub-2 HM Challenge last November 15. I guess the frustration in NOT hitting the 2 hour mark gave me a bad, broken runner’s heart. Yeah, it really left a mark.

I knew I wasn’t gonna make it to cut-off time in the 16K mark when I started taking longer recovery intervals. I didn’t quite recover well until I eventually was forced to let go on the 19K mark.


Can you see the frustration on that face?

What happened was I got myself a 2:05:25 (Garmin time), and a Finisher’s jacket – sort of a consolation prize for trying. I can think of a lot of reasons why I didn’t make it. But basically it is because I didn’t get to follow my training plan, and because I am more excited about my cross-training-bike-ride!

So I’m not going to build further about it. I failed the challenge, and running has never been the same.

What I have going right now are twice, sometimes 3x-5k runs a week at a 6:30-ish per km pace. I cannot find the urge to go further, although I try to go faster. Partly because of work or family commitments, NETFLIX or weather condition – yes, there’s always an excuse not to run.

The good thing is that I maintain my weekend bike rides. It’s the usual Antipolo 61++km rides with an occasional trail/gravel rides. I do have a new 27.5 MTB with me that I got for a steal. And my old 29er got traded for a treadmill for the wife. I guess it’s a sort of backup should I have the excuse to run because of the rain. Haha!

There it is! Motivation!

Dwindling mileage along with not making any effort makes me feel guilty. Guilty that I had a good thing going on and being consistent should be easy. Then again the twice a week run is something that I’m still holding on to.

When I can get the running going the way it used to? I don’t know. But I got to finish this blog and another one in one sitting. Let’s see what other surprise will come up next.

See you on the road!

The Lugaw Ride

2016-05-24T02:49:00.000-07:00

Lugaw (rice porridge) is an old, traditional Filipino food made with rice, water and seasoning that is usually consumed with tokwa or egg or other animal internal organs – and it is those inclusions that make it special, or without them, just plain lugaw.

I love my lugaw. I grew up with lugaw. We used to visit this “Onoy” lugawan in Concepcion when we were still kids. In high school I used to bike all the way there for meryenda. And up to now my kid loves it.

The usual weekend route

If you follow me in social media you may find my weekly posts about Lugaw Ride (sometimes with or without egg, depending on how much is in my pouch on that day). This past weekend I didn’t post it anymore as its starting to get old.

There are some comments about why I have to ride 30++kms with a no-so-easy-uphill ride

in Antipolo and back just to have some. Actually it is not the lugaw, but for the love of cycling. It’s the sense of accomplishment of getting to the end of the rainbow but not for a pot of gold but a bowl of lugaw.

The usual weekend post

So the next time you see me post about it, it means that I was able to arrive at checkpoint, and that theworst part (climb) is through. The lugaw break means the start of relaxation and eventually the rush of downhill. Every cyclist loves the downhill!

See you on the road!

Of Snakes and Ladders

2015-10-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

I am now on Week 9 of my Sub-2 training and it hurts to say that I have rolled the dice and it fell in a Snake pit. It took me back to 2 weeks worth of training, as what I felt in yesterday’s long run.

Got to love that trail! @Timberland

Snake pits I’m talking about started on Week 7, where I missed my long run session because the “cross-training” became the base training. I went trail biking that got complicated because I had to bike 1 hour to get money to pay for our food! It was quite funny at the time and I felt I needed the extra workout so I volunteered. Yes, it did give me the workout I needed… and more!

As with most learning experiences I had to go through with it the bad way, as the mid-day heat caught up with me and left me drained. Not to mention my battered shins from the “falls” I had at Basekamp that added to the exhaustion.

Prior to that week it seemed that I landed on a Ladder as I have managed to do a 15k at an average 6:04/km run at 92%hr. I deviated from the training plan as I wanted to know how fast I can go with an extra effort. And it didn’t disappoint. Weekday runs also were decent speed plays averaging 5:45/km for 5k runs at good 90%hr. It would have been great if that continued, and I thought it would.

Coming into this week I already did two consecutive weekday 5k runs and hopefully catch a decent long run this weekend. There’s a plan to stay over at a hotel this weekend. Its near MOA so it’s a good spot for a run. Too bad I’ll miss the weekend bike ride again. If it doesn’t materialize then it’s the usual weekend run-bike sessions for me. Yey!

With a few more weeks to go I am still hoping to do better. I probably have to go back to week5 again to regain momentum and hope for the best for the remaining 5weeks.

Week # / Date	Distance	Ave. Time / km	% Heart Rate Ave.	Est fin 21k
Barley/Nov.'13	21.35	0:05:36	?	1:59:43
TGT/Oct. 24	25k	0:06:20	90%	2:38:20
TGT/Oct. 31	21k	0:05:55	90%	2:04:15
1 / Aug. 23	16k	0:06:44	88%	2:21:24
2 / Aug. 29	16k	0:06:22	91%	2:13:42
3 / Sept. 5	19k	0:06:51	84%	2:23:51
4 / Sept.12	20k	0:06:25	89%	2:14:45
5 / Sept.19	21k	0:06:20	90%	2:13:00
6 / Sept.25	15k	0:06:04	92%	2:07:24
7 / Oct. 3	missed	missed	missed	missed
8 / Oct.11	16k	0:06:17	90%	2:11:57
9 / Oct. 17	21k	0:06:10	90%	2:09:30
10 / Oct. 24	25k	0:06:20	90%	2:13:00
11 / Oct.31	21k	0:05:55	90%	2:04:15
12 / Nov. 7	21k	0:05:50	90%	2:02:30
D-Day Nov 15	21k	0:05:45	90%	2:00:45

The pressure is on!

2015-09-14T19:17:00.002-07:00

Coming in to the 4^th week of training - a weekend plan that I failed to follow, again! I am close to finding out that I might have underestimated the lead time to train for a Sub-2.

Week # / Date	Distance	Ave. Time / km	% Heart Rate Ave.	Est fin 21k
Barley/Nov.'13	21.35	0:05:36	?	1:59:43
TGT/Oct. 24	25k	0:06:20	90%	2:38:20
TGT/Oct. 31	21k	0:05:55	90%	2:04:15
1 / Aug. 23	16k	0:06:44	88%	2:21:24
2 / Aug. 29	16k	0:06:22	91%	2:13:42
3 / Sept. 5	19k	0:06:51	84%	2:23:51
4 / Sept.12	20k	0:06:25	89%	2:14:45
5 / Sept.19	21k	0:06:30	89%	2:16:30
6 / Sept.26	16k	0:06:15	90%	2:11:15
7 / Oct. 3	18k	0:06:15	90%	2:11:15
8 / Oct.10	20k	0:06:15	90%	2:11:15
9 / Oct. 17	21k	0:06:10	90%	2:09:30
10 / Oct. 24	25k	0:06:20	90%	2:13:00
11 / Oct.31	21k	0:05:55	90%	2:04:15
12 / Nov. 7	21k	0:05:50	90%	2:02:30
D-Day Nov 15	21k	0:05:45	90%	2:00:45

I found 2013’s New Balance 25k and Sante Barley’s 21k race data and plotted them in my training plan in the hope to get the same output. Given that I have been cigarette-free for a long time now, and the lead time to prepare for it, I think I’m on the right track. All that’s missing is an actual race sometime in October to serve as a pre-race conditioning.

From the highlighted boxes above, I find the remaining weeks training plan a bit hard to reach. Which is good because this is exactly the right mind set I’m supposed to have for me to focus. I just agreed to do a bike ride with Jek to Antipolo this weekend. A ride on tired legs will be good conditioning as well.

Going in to week 5 of training, tonight I have a company bowling tournament to attend to. Reliving my previous bowling employment engagement before, the events that will happen tonight will have some damaging effect on my training – beer and late night rest might probably cancel my morning weekday run tomorrow, that will make me do successive active days to make up for it – an injury in the making. Now let’s see how this goes.

Week 3 Training – Sore hammy & getting a bit structure

2015-09-07T01:40:00.004-07:00

I just did a 5k speed play this morning and as expected, turned out to be sore but satisfying. I did manage to reach sub-30.

I am doing a little reading again on different training plans. I feel the need to do a structured approach on this coming in to week 4. Although I have been doing LSD for the past 3 weekends, I feel it is not enough or am I just too eager to get back into shape?

The eagerness helps a lot in making me get out of bed in the morning. It also keeps me driven to do that extra push when I feel I should stop. So far the sore hammy I have right now made me aware of my limits. I will give this a rest tomorrow and do easy runs on the rest of the weekday runs just to be sure.

Week # / Date	Distance	Ave. Time	% Heart Rate Ave.
1 / Aug. 23	16k	6:44/km	88%
2 / Aug. 29	16k	6:22/km	91%
3 / Sept. 5	19k	6:51/km	84%
4 / Sept 12	21k (?)	7:00/km(?)	80%(?)

Going back to the running plans, I will do my LSD this weekend within the correct measure at 70-80 percent (as opposed to last LSD’s 84% average). I will also look into giving that 10% increase in mileage. Cross train on the bike at an easy stroll.

Let’s see how this goes. #ontheroadtosub2

Back to Training – on the road to SUB-2

2015-09-02T23:45:00.003-07:00

I finally signed up for a half marathon for the year – not just your usual 21k fun run, it’s the Pinoy Fitness Sub-2 Challenge on November 15. What made me do this? It’s the challenge that I already did Sub-2 HM 2 years ago, without even aiming for it. So basically I did it because of the training that I put in to it.

How soft did I become in the last 2 years? How fast can I regain that running form? Can I mix my race training with cycling? Will this trigger my love of running, complement cycling and eventually jump to multisport? These were the questions that made me decide to take the challenge. And it cost me P1,350.00 to know the answer.

I am now going into my third week of training, and I still have 8 more weeks to go before the taper. I will have to miss my birthday run – the New Balance run on November 8, because of this.

So far I’m doing okay in training. I have logged 36km last week; this included 2 weekday 5k intervals, 1 10-miler moderate and a 10k recovery. This week has been a good one with a couple of 5k intervals and I plan to do a 21k LSD on Saturday and probably a 5-10k recovery on Sunday – sorry, no-bike-weekend.

It’s also good to note that I haven’t had trouble waking up in the morning to do my runs. I even wake up before the alarm! Also no post run pains no matter how hard I run. I guess all that cycling paid off after all.

On a side note, it seems that I can’t find my core and until now, trying to look for it. I am currently running on brute leg power. If I remember correctly, I used to run faster without that much effort. That’s one thing I’m looking after.

Then again I don’t want to risk getting injured. I love the feeling of worked-up muscles! But I still have a rest day plugged in to my schedule and supplements to compensate. As with the saying “easy to bed, easy to rise” – it’s a good way to live by.

Let’s see how this goes. I'm so excited that I'm looking for a tune-up run some time October. And so far this made me blog again. I guess I’m really focused.

I'm back! Running my 4th Fit and Fun Buddy Run

2015-07-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

Guess who is back into blogging? Haha! I don’t even know if I can even finish this. Let’s do this! (note - finished this after 3 days!)

Well I still run, as you can see in my Daily Mile run log for the past 12 months. Yes, it has dwindled down a lot starting October, 2014 – to when I had the most toxic work schedule. But still, not a week goes by that I don’t run. I can say that I still have the runner in me.

My first run of 2015 was the Robinsons Supermarket Fit and Fun Buddy Run, held this July 5, 2015. Unfortunately this year, my buddy is myself. Haha! As with every Fit and Fun it was a very calm and relaxed run. Good weather from start to finish. The race was a good one, a bit lacking on hydration stops. I think I only saw around 3 of them? Then again that's all I really needed.

Loot was excellent! It seems to be getting heavier every year. Lots of useable stuffs in there. Kudos to Robinsons Supermarket for being so generous. Other races only have flyers and a few water bottles. I guess organizers wanted to get more money than goods.

I managed to finish in less than an hour (Garmin time 53:43). ~~and up to now (July 24) official result haven’t been released yet. Its good to know that I can still run a 1 hour 10k.~~ (update) Official race results says I finished 54:03. Here are the results of the 5k and 10k.

I am considering doing a 21k this year. Probably going to be the New Balance Run on November. I haven't gone back to serious training though. I might get into it this August.

On the other saddle, I do bike a lot! I just can’t find the right button to get data from Strava but I do have consistent weekend road rides – MOA and Antipolo routes, with a few Timberland trail rides with office friends.

Conquered Green Zone!

Oh, and I am happy to report that I am still (cigarette) smoke free and I’m planning to keep it that way! But I still have my regular, occasional supply of smog from my run/bike sessions.

Aside from running and biking and nicotine-free lifestyle, I still find ways to keep the healthy living fire burning, if not make the flame bigger. What better way to do that but with a clear perspective and a set of new gears!

New kicks – It was long overdue for me to replace my Saucony Virrata kicks. I was already getting these pains during my run. I was supposed to get the excellently hyped Saucony Kinvara 5 but I saw this irresistible offer for the Virrata 2. And since I have no regrets for the first Virrata, I bought the updated one (and its green!) with a smile on my face!
New trail bike – yes! I mentioned above that I do trail rides and it is with my new

Schwinn Moab 3that I got from an irresistible deal from Betok Bicycles. It’s a basic 29er currently fitted with 1x10 Deore drivetrain. Its heavy. Btw I bought it on the same day a year ago on January 31 as my road bike, what a coincidence!
New road bike – I wish… It’s still the Revenio 2.0 with a few visual and mechanical improvements along with a new Selle SMP seat, again with a good deal from Betoks. I guess what’s new with this is that I can now climb Antipolo hills with ease. Not fast, but I don’t have to stop and catch my breath anymore.
New Garmin – I replaced my Garmin FR10 this June 12 with a new Garmin FR15 with HRmonitor. Why? I just wanted something new. Haha! I am happy with its battery life. Now I have incorporated HR training for my runs. Less injury and I can manage to do both run and bike on weekends. I feel the improvement on my endurance, and I am going to keep on doing the HR training.

So what’s next? Aside from the need to do this blogging thing more often as it frees my mind from work stress, I will just keep on improving my run and bike routines. Oh and I need to do some trails, Schwinn’s getting bored at home.

Cheers to more running and cycling!

1st run of 2015, Buddy run without a buddy!

Before changing the saddle

2014 - The year of the bike

2015-01-19T04:16:00.000-08:00

2014 - a good year for fitness. Yes, I have struggled a bit in my target running mileage for the year but this wasn't a complete loss as I added road-cycling in the mix! Yes, I have been bitten by multi-sport and for a year now, I'm loving it!

Just to cap off the year with the races I have joined. So far quite a few and slow compared to 2013:

RACE	Chip-time / Distance	GPS-time / Distance
Yakult (Mar)	1:35:31 / 16k	1:34:52 16.02k
Petron (June)	58:38 / 10k	No time
RUPM ( June)	1:00:58 / 10k	1:01.04 / 10.37k
38^th Milo (July)	2:09:31 / 21k	2:09:38 / 21.62k
RSC F&F (Aug)	1:22 / 10k	No time
NB (Nov)	2:36:11 / 25k	2:36:12 / 25.77k
Domination (Nov)	1:59:40 / 21k	1:59:43 / 21.35k
Takbo Mo (April)		57:02 / 10.42k
Alaska Cycles (May)		1:24:29 / 40.83k
RUPM2 (June)		2:09:44 / 21.27k
RSC F&F (July)		1:09:06 / 10.04k
NB (Nov)	2:42:20 / 25k	2:42 / 25k

Key points:

Managed to run a measly 779km this year, but a good 1,693km bike ride for 2014

Managed to run a 2:42 pace on a 25k race without formal training (instead some weekday 5k and weekend bike rides)

Couldn't sustain run-bike training early this year with the injuries, so I had to slow down on running (and also since biking is a more enjoyable!)

Sinus Bradycardia - I have a big heart! (and slow heart rate) - I reckon i got this from being active (didn't get to have this medically-checked though)

Lesser run-race as I find them expensive and difficult to enter (expensive in the sense that I'm still paying off my bike and there's a lot of upgrade plans!)
First fun-ride under Alaska Cycles Philippines

New Gears:

Road Bike - Yes! A Raleigh Revenio 2.0 road bike. Got this last February and improved its fit and look as much as I could. It fits me well now.

original bike when I bought it

Current state of the bike

That's it! (the bike maintenance and upgrades are too much already) I'm in need of new running shoes as my Saucony is already past its due.

Moving forward:

I have managed to quit smoking. Actually I don’t smoke at home, and the long holiday vacation somehow got it started without any effort I just continued it to work (as of writing there’s been 2 weeks in, and still doing it, or not-doing it)

One trigger point was the New Year’s trail ride that I did with the office mates, we got lost at one point and had to climb back up with our bikes. It was hard but I managed it. My cardio was good - and I thought that if I stopped smoking I would improve more.

Third try at Antipolo - 70km

So far I have targeted a 1,000km mileage for this year. I think its manageable. To-date, I have been consistent with the work-week 5k’s and weekend 10k’s. I will try to do at least 1 long runs per month, just to maintain fitness. And I would want to be prepared for when I get a sponsored kit! :)

I will also increase my saddle time and mileage along with it. I was able to reach the 70km mileage last weekend at Antipolo. I’m getting there.

Duathlon? I’m not sure - race entries are expensive!

What’s for sure is that I will continue being active. I will try to do “quality” runs while increasing efficiency on the bike. Nutrition is important and I think the elimination of smoking in the equation will help in the long run. Blogging - yes, blogging. I will try to do more of this!

2014 pics below...

New Balance 2015 - the birthday run

2014-11-30T22:17:00.002-08:00

Fail to plan then you plan to fail - almost always what I live by. Not quite with running though. I enjoyed biking so much that I let go of my long runs. (Un)Fortunately my favorite brand, Devant, gave me a second opportunity to run the New Balance Power Run 2014 25k distance.

I didn’t have any plans of joining any races so I am off to maintenance runs. A couple of 5k morning runs on weekdays and a weekend bike ride was all I had coming in to this race.

So I decided to push through with my 2^nd-birthday race this year (even with total disregard on my fitness level) – in consideration of starting something long-term for running.

Race prep

The week prior to this race I had my longest bike ride at 60km. Felt like a long run as I was #laspag (wasted) on that ride. I had one morning 5k run that led to taper.

Last year’s chip time was 2:36 – this coming off a 6-week average mileage of 30 km.

This year’s time was 2:42 – this coming of a measly 10k average running mileage (with a lot of weekend bike rides instead of the long runs!). I wanted to do a 6:30/km pace to be safe.

Race

Gun start was at 4am. I was at BGC at around 3:30am, picked up my race kit at the timing booth and went in line along with the 5,000 runners!

Started out slow at around 7-minute pace. Its okay, there are quite a lot of us and hard to dodge runners. It started to clear at around kilometer-3.

It was a smooth run and alternated water stations. Took gel at km-9, and km-14. Banana break on km-19 and a lot of hydration stops after km-22. I felt tired from km-21 onwards. Had to walk a bit longer on water stops and declines, but I conquered inclines!

Post-race

Stretched a lot! There was none of the soreness and blisters that I felt from the previous races that I ran. I ate another banana and took a lot of liquid and went home. Didn’t stay for the raffle or for anything, I just went there for the run.

So what did the extra 6 minutes cost? It was the enjoyable weekend bike rides, lesser body aches, a lot of sleep and more quality family time. J If you look at it this way, it doesn’t seem bad at all.

What’s next?

I have some new developments with my bike – new cockpit color scheme, optimized shifters and a newly packed wheelset from Betok (no real upgrade though).

While for running, I have the worn-out Saucony Virrata shoe that already has 925km of mileage over a year of ownership (isn't it unfair?!)

I did manage to run a 10k over the weekend which left me with the chest cold and made me miss my weekend bike ride. But the bike was given its due time with a few, small visual improvements.

So I guess that’s it – more bike rides and a few runs to get it going. For now I’ll build up the bike mileage with a few long rides and sceneries – up next would be the Antipolo visit and hopefully a Tagaytay ride if I can. J Cheers to that!

The “road” much traveled

2014-10-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

After skipping a lot of (blogging and) workout due to bad weather, time-off to recover and gain a bit more weight, tooth extraction, I came back to my Sunday ride and weekday run strong. Strong and fulfilled! So it looks like I’m back to beating myself up again.

But if there’s one thing that gave me the boost in coming back on the road is that I enjoyed doing it again. No time-chasing, no heavy-breathing, just pure run-bike pleasure!

I felt good with my bike that I’m rethinking of selling it. It seems that I do not have to spend for a new bike anymore just so I could get the fire back. And not spending is very much welcome (at least for now, hahaha!) Well, eventually a part’s gonna give, and spending for a “better” replacement part IS inevitable. Okay, so that would be the wheelset, then the groupset – maybe spend a little like 27k for it, hmm, it’s like buying a new bike!

No need to over-analyze it. Whatever comes first would be fine. Although aside from the new saddle and jersey I just bought last week and the new drop-bar I got this week, it looks as if I’m taking the road to upgrade. I’m not sure if it’s called “upgrade” as what I’m buying are those relatively cheap and is aimed at getting a better fit (probably lowering the weight a bit as well as stock parts are heavier compared to after-market).

Will I be this kid on my birthday?

So I it’s the “upgraditis” that got me - pretty much the same road where every enthusiast takes. The last purchases I made seem to give me a buyer’s remorse. So I’m thinking that there will be an end to this “upgraditis” really soon. My official mechanic and friend is trying to move out my bike though, so it might be a good idea to keep my bike the way it is for the moment. Though my birthday is coming near and there “may” be a little surprise on the way but let’s see.

A bit too much of the things we love...

2014-09-17T20:58:00.001-07:00

Since my MSO crashed and there’s a 15-minute "checking for problem" pop-up that I had to wait out (that is now on its 40-minute mark – hooray for Win XP!), I decided to maximize my waiting time to write about my running (or lack thereof) and biking. Timely as well as blogging has taken the back seat of the bus right now. Getting it back to the backseat of the car would have to take a lot of time.

The last blog I made was last July 30, and it is a late post of the Fit and Fun Buddy Run. So its either I write late, or don’t write at all. Which seem to translate to my running now – either I run my morning 5k lazily or I don’t run at all. But that don’t mean that I do not like running anymore, its just that I seem to be always too tired to do more.

My physical shape has significantly dropped from doing the run-bike routine. I have been doing an average of 20km runs and 35km bike rides per week for 9 weeks and it really burns a lot. Recovery didn’t seem to be as fast as when I was only doing running. Rest was there but I think it’s the nutrition and strength training that I need to look in to.

Now I’m further cutting down on mileage and eating a lot to put on some weight back. I would like to completely stop for two weeks to reset, but running has become a habit so I squeeze in a few, light morning runs. I still wake up at 5am but I just sleep it off. But I do have my running gear in place for times that I feel like it. So it’s good to know that I still have the urge to run.

Right now this is where I am. My multi-sport plans would have to be put on hold until I get back on track. I don’t have a timeline for this but for now I’m taking it easy and listening (and looking) at my body. I do hope that I can be back in a month’s time. Otherwise would have to accept that I am not capable to train for multi-sport, rather just do it for the love of it, or just stick to one discipline. I do not want the latter. I’ll work on it.

The Robinsons Supermarket Fit-and-Fun Wellness Buddy Run 2014

2014-07-30T21:17:00.003-07:00

Having attended 3^rd straight year now, I can say that the Fit and Fun race is truly one of my highly-anticipated race events.

Pros

Very affordable (subsidized) race kit
Distance is just right so no need for intense training preps
Gun-start time is just right
Loot bag is great!

Cons

Requires a running buddy
Staging area is too small to accommodate the crowd

with my running buddy, Sir Leo

I was lucky enough to win a slot in the raffle for a subsidized race fee. From the original 1,500/pair rate for 10k distance, I only paid 250/pair!

The Fit and Fun Buddy Run has a 5k and 10k distance. Those are very casual-runner friendly distances. This year’s route is a bit harder than the previous as it involved Kalayaan flyover. Not all runners get to train for hills. But the experience should make them aim better at it.

I arrived, just-in-time for the event, and the parking lot I know was 3 blocks away! The Fit And Fun Run starts at an unusual location in BGC, unlike most of the other runs in that area. Anyway, that meant no pre-run stretches, but the 3 blocks became my warm-up. I didn’t find my running buddy when I got there, and I got to stand up for about a minute after starting just so I he can see me. Fortunately, he did - Mr. Leo, my 2014 running buddy!

On the first two kilometers, we were doing fine, dodging the crowd just to get a good space. It was up to the Kalayaan flyover that my buddy slowed down to pace himself. He was not used to hills. We made it fine and after a water break, we were back to running.

On the way back up the bridge, we slowed down, and even walked a little. It was a steep climb and I can imagine how hard it is for him to run it. From there, we went to a jogging pace. We were still overtaking other runners even at the pace.

We finished at 1:09 (less the wait I did at the startup) – still a good time considering my buddy wasn’t used to running hills. Official time was 1:12.

A lotta loot!

At the finish line, we were excited for the loot bag. It was solid and had a good weight on them. This was the highlight of the run for most runners (as I heard from one of my running buddies). Loot was filled with usable and premium goodies (beats any of the “Rio” runs for a whole year!)

To end this, it was a pretty good and enjoyable run with friends. Even with the low-mileage, no-pressure maintenance runs that I do lately, its enough to finish the Fit-and-Fun run. So I guess I’ll run again, next year. :)

Completing “the Challenge”

2014-06-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

There are times when we just have to face the situation head-on. Even if we know that odds aren’t completely for us, we just have to do it and let it pass. Most of the times the outcome aren’t as what we want them to be, but it serves as a lesson that will make us better human beings.

To put this in running perspective, that’s what I did with “the Challenge”. A 21k run at the Run United Philippine Marathon 2 (RUPM 2), two weeks after the 40k Alaska Cycles Philippines bike ride.

Since I started the bike this February, I really didn’t have much running mileage anymore. Yes I did my morning and weekend runs, but its mostly on maintenance mode. I did have the passion on the bike, though. I did run a couple of 10k races prior to RUPM2 and my running legs were still up to it.

But the HM proved to be the biggest challenge as I know I’m off to being devastated just looking at my previous and PB result. Although I knew that I didn’t prepare as much as I did before, so the result would just be at that level. I just feel bad coming off from a 2-hour HMlate last year.

The race

I took the first few kilometers lightly as I usually do so as to get the momentum. It was quite fine until I made a pit stop for a bladder break some time during kilometer 5. At kilometer 7, I felt something poking at my right foot, like a rock that’s lodged in a shoe but I kept going. Halfway through the race I stopped and removed my shoe to shake it off, but it wasn’t a rock – it was a blister!

We had to be stopped to give way to traffic and it was quite some time. That stop gave me the cramps, and I had to stop again to fix it. It was at kilometer 14. I tried taking banana to give me that boost but its just no use.

I ran the remaining kilometers with the blister and the cramps and I knew then that it was gonna be far from my PB. I didn’t bother to look at the watch anymore and just did the best I could. Run-walk-run-walk as I could.

Post-race

I was tired and beat up. The staging area didn’t seem as exciting as it is, and the loot bags were just plain dull. I got my first medal from Run United, though. And it’s a big one! After meeting my friends, I took a short 10km bike ride, just to enjoy what remains of the morning.

What’s next?

It seems as if I’m losing the drive to run competitively (when I say competitively its to improve on running NOT aiming to win). I still do my twice-weekday morning runs and occasional 10k weekend runs. But that’s it. I tried to go beyond 10k, but its just so hard. I tire too easily. I got down to 120, probably really not doing enough to recover from all the running and biking I’m doing. A lot of people have been noticing my “thinning” features as well. All this is taking a toll out of me.

Right now I’ve been doing some body-weight lifting, crunches to get a little structure in. And of course the usual 40km+ bike ride on Sundays because I enjoy doing it. I guess competitive running will have to take a back seat for a while until I recover. There’s a thought of giving up running, but I won’t give in to that (or at least I’ll try).

So I finally got a decent photo from Run United. For now there’ll be no more HM races. I’ll make sure to be ready before entering the next one. I also got a BIG medal from this race that will remind me to respect the distance. Race analytics say that the average finish time for 21k was 3 hours. Its significantly down from the usual 2 hours 30 mins average. My time of 2:09 was pegged as “fast” – I’ll take it.

Alaska Cycles Philippines - first half of "The Challenge"

2014-05-20T03:39:00.000-07:00

I believe that we won’t know how much we’re capable of until we do it. This has been my mantra for the longest time. I may have taken more time than I should have on some occasions, and I had my share of disappointments, but this made me what I am today. The journey goes on, and I still bite the bullet every once in a while.

Same goes with my running. I have been pushing myself for the longest time to know my peek. And it seems that running a 2-hour HM was the best I can do. It is unfortunate that I have diverted much of my efforts in cycling. But still good in a sense that I’m still maintaining my runs while doing it. It is sad that I couldn’t make myself go to the next level. I guess I reached my peek? Or I just can’t manage to squeeze in running, cycling, work and most especially family?

Memories that last

Which leads me to this weekend - it was a very busy weekend. I managed to take a leave from work last Friday to spend time with my family at the Hamilo Coastin Pico De Loro resort. I enjoyed the family time, and we all did (except for the food – blah!). We spent the night there and enjoyed the breakfast and the quicker route home.

Friday was also the Alaska Race expo as well. So I had to squeeze it in the morning to pickup the race pack. Traffic was sooo bad on a weekend, not to mention that weather was sooo hot, too.

daughter sees a fountain and
just needs to get a photo taken

It was my first time to do a race pack pick up. I hated this when it was implemented on run races, but for my first bike race, I did it. It wasn’t that bad, actually. It was smooth and quick. It was a work-day, after all. There were quite a few sights, among them a Specialized booth, F2P merchandise, Alaska booths and then some sponsors. I’m not the type who would actually buy something out of impulse. More so a bike shorts that cost P1,800! And I can’t let my family wait for me that long, so after pickup, just a few sight-seeing then I’m done.

It was almost lunch so we did a quick brunch at The Coffee Bean. I don’t know where the Starbucks is, so it had to do. I can say that we didn’t enjoy the food as much as we would have if we were in Starbucks. Just the same, my daughter loved her Mocha frap!

its inevitable...

Race pack was good, actually. I got Rudy Project EFX performance bracelet (looks cool and just the right size!) that makes me look athletic, some Alaska milk products that my daughter chugged down on the same day and a very nice race bib (I actually asked to change it to XS from S as I felt that is where I’m at right now – and it is!)

Fast forward to race day. I was assigned on Wave A, along with other Tri teams and some Pro’s. I really didn’t know why I was assigned there, but it is where I am so that’s where I stayed. You can say that I felt out of place as I found quite a lot of good bikes there. I have been used to run-races where the only tools we have are our shoes and caps. It’s a totally different scenario in a bike race. Then again, I am a newbie in this, and I don’t (probably) need all those hi-end parts (at the moment, hehe!).

Gun start – I couldn’t get my cleats on! I traveled quite a distance before I got them on. First 5k I was moving at-pace with the Pro’s. I didn’t focus on myself, so I kinda bonked up to km15. I was out of breath, and my legs were heavy. There was a feeling of DNF.

I got my second wind on km15, focused on breathing and pacing, and I made just fine on the roundabout flyover. I wasn’t competitive anymore, and just went on my own pace. Sure there were some who overtook me, but I stayed on my own pace (I’m a fast learner! Haha!)

I was still fine upon the second half of the race. Although I had a bit of a hiccup as I swerved out of the cones and left me stranded on traffic. I had to lift up my bike to enter the cones. I had cramps upon doing this and felt sore until the end of the race.

The second trip up the flyover was devastating. I had tunnel vision as I finished the stretch. It was also getting hotter so it didn’t help. I think I only managed a 2:50/km on this stretch. I wished I had GU with me!

I finished strong, a lot different from running where I normally feel beaten up. This is one the reasons why I enjoy biking more than running. I haven’t seen much at the staging area when I got there, perks of being in the first wave.

Recovery meals were McDonalds sausage Mcmuffin, and a box of Cupcakes by Sonja, bottle of Gatorade and of course, Alaska milk. I just the ate the muffin, and refilled my water bottle with water from Maynilad (with ice!).

I didn’t stay long, after the race. I just queued up for a photo booth. I couldn’t let that pass. Haha! So I circled the expo and went my way back to the car and home.

Overall, I can say that it was a good experience. I learned a lot from my first bike event, and I’m sure to avoid those newbie mistakes on my next one. There were some reported accidents and a few flat tires on the way. I do hope they turned out okay. I’m happy that aside from the bonking I had and a close encounter with a metal railing, I finished safely.

Let's see how it goes

The first half of “The Challenge” is complete. My next one would be a HM for the RUPM2 this coming June 1. I really am not fully prepared for this. I’m hoping that the cross-training with my bike can translate to good running performance. But if I am to base it from my previous HM training, it’s a definite fail. So I am just hoping for the best, and that best is a 2:06 finish at the most. If not, well, just enjoy the view and accept it.

Cool underwater shot!

Good time

A welcome addition

Just can't let this pass

Back to racing

2014-05-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Takbo Mo, Buhay Ko (You Run, My Life – dunno if this is the correct usage, but its pretty much the correct translation) is a rehabilitation project of KaarawanMo, Buhay Ko Foundation for the benefit of Typoon Yolanda Victims in Northern Iloilo held last April 27, 2014 at the CCP Complex in Manila.

I ran this Fun Run, courtesy of OCS and given by our company (very supportive!), and because the race kit was delivered. I signed up for the 10k race (because that’s the farthest distance). Anyway, I don’t think I can afford to run a half as I really didn’t do any serious training this year. My mind was set on running it and enjoying it at the same time. Not that I didn’t enjoy races, its just I didn’t pressure myself on finishing fast at this.

Pre-race

result of aligning with Nat Geo run schedule

Gun start was at 5:30am (sun was up this time already), so I left the house some time 4:15ish (was supposed to be 4:00am but I had to adjust my poop). As early as that the road to CCP was a jam due to trucks. So I had to turn around and go the long route to CCP. Good thing I got there, quite early.

I got to walk around a bit, did my usual pre-race rituals. Pre-race was a zumba dance, more than the usual stretching. I didn’t zumba!

Race

1-3km – Start of the race; it was fun, a lot of runners were having fun! They seem to be running at 5:00/km pace and are having fun. I was maintaining my 5:45/km pace at this time as I just wanted to run and have some more energy for my post-race activity.

3-6km – Here’s where all those who overtook me were just walking. They’re still having fun though. I was now at the 5:30/km pace with a lot of energy to spare.

Good time, great medal!

7-10km – Okay so the road is now open, aside from groups of 5k, 3k and 2k runners who are still having fun while having selfies! I was now doing a 5:25-5:30/km pace, and I’m getting bored.

Overall, I had a pretty good race result from my Garmin; it was a sub-1hour 10k for me:

Distance – 10.42km

Time – 57.02

Ave. Pace – 5:28/km

Post race

Good workout

Although I had another agenda going to this race, and of course it is something that I really love – I rode my bike! Yes, I finally got to do a brick training and it was great! I got to ride some 27km at a 2:24/km pace after the 10k race, and still able to walk!

The next day after this, I was expecting a lot of soreness with what I did. But wrong! I didn’t have any tightness or pains that could make me immobile. I guess the bike ride made a good cool-down workout.

At the end, it’s all about doing what you love and doing it the best you can. I’m glad I threw the bike inside the car the night before. And I’m glad I already built the mileage. I may be ready to take…

“THE CHALLENGE”

Alaska Cycles Philippines on May 18 is a 40km bike race. Training has been on going for the past 2 months, and I’m positive that I will be able to finish at around 1hr45mins if there will be no hiccups (like a flat tire or something).

Run United 2 on June 1 is a 21km running distance. Training for this has been poor. I’m not sure to make it sub-2 hours this time. But I still have 3 weeks to cram. I have been active in doing maintenance runs, but not near HM training that I used to do.

Regardless of the results, I am sure to enjoy both. The experience of joining my first bike race, and the feel of pushing my limits to get or maintain my running PR – its great to be back to racing!

A follow up on my heart

2014-04-30T04:34:00.001-07:00

After a month, I finally got my ECG result from my Annual Physical, and test say I have Sinus Bradycardia. Basically, it’s a pulse-rate below 60 bpm; in my case its 54.

I have read about it and its common among trained athletes, same with the enlarged-heartissue that my X-ray showed (which by the way made me hold back to running).

To quote wise geek:

Sinus bradycardia symptoms can vary. Aside from a slow heart rate, patients may encounter rdizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, hypertension, and syncope; chest pain, shortness of breath, and an inability to exercise may also be experienced. Irregular heat beats can also occur, including junctional, atrial, or ventricular ectopic rhythms. Fainting may also result should the heart delay to a very slow beat. It can be caused by choking as well, which is known as the vasovagal reflex — since sinus bradycardia patients already have a slow heartbeat, when the heart slows even further during choking, fainting can result.

Now can I say that I don’t have any cardio-related issues? Assuming my conditions were related on the less-healthy side, I think I couldn’t possibly go through my run-bike activities and simply collapse or something (knock on wood!)

Although, relying on Dr. Google is not a very reassuring means to know my real condition. (Soon, I just have to find it in my heart to do it) I will have to get this checked to confirm. But for now, I’m still hanging on to my run-bike training. I skipped weekend ride yesterday as I got a broken seat clamp that was due to over-tightening. I’m glad it broke while I’m not on it. Otherwise would have been a very awkward way to ride back home.

So while I have these conditions and recommendations about my heart that I’m just brushing aside, there’s the challenge:

The Alaska Cycle Philippines(40km bike) on May 18; and the Run United 2 (21km run) on June 1. This comes as a challenge as I’ll be training for both races at the same time. While I enjoy running (but not as much as biking), weather’s sooo not very good for both.

First thing first - I have to register in RU2, and this proves to be the first challenge I have to overcome.

TMI blog survey - a short look at my current state of mind

2014-04-23T21:33:00.003-07:00

I chanced up on one of my favorite blogger, Adam for his TMI post and I thought I'd do it as well (even if I wasn't tagged in it like all the bloggers who did it). I had the time to do it and quite enjoyed doing it.

Its true that the social network age makes us, at times, post too much than we really have to. And this blog just rubs it in. So while I know that you won't really care that much about my response, if you have the time to think a bit, do it yourself! :)

TMI Blog survey

What are you wearing?

My lucky sleeves that I used to wear whenever I have a job interview. And a set of pants that I used to wear 10 years ago when my waist-line was the same as most girls my age (yes, I shrunk back to size)

Ever been in love?

Yes and still am, to the same woman and a kid

2014 Valentines'

Ever had a terrible breakup?

Yes, as with the rest of terrible breakups, it was terrible.

How tall are you?

5’4” but could get to 5’6” with a special shoe that I don’t wear too often

How much do you weigh?

125 lbs, same as I was 5 years ago but with a bulging tummy

Any tattoos?

No, and I don’t plan on getting any

Any piercings?

Yes, left ear during college, I don’t know if its still there, will check tonight.

Favorite song?

Right now its “let it go” as we sing this every night

with their tiaras while singing to the tune of Frozen

Quality you look for in a partner?

Supportive, in every aspect of my inconsistent life

Favorite quote?

One that’s signed and agreed by a client (cha-ching!)

Favorite actor?

One who takes the blows and always end up winning in the end

Loud music or soft?

Soft music definitely

Where do you go when you’re sad?

I don’t get sad that much, but I do go out of the office when I do.

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

This morning was 10 minutes prior to running

Ever been in a physical fight?

Once, and it turned out to be fine for me, but that was a long time ago and it was a group fight. I don’t see myself doing that again.

Turn on?

Good sense of humor

Turn off?

Don't like diva's. I don't know how to call it, but pretty much to this one

Fears?

Heights and falling of ‘em

Last thing that made you cry?

Disciplining my daughter, just last month, I think. As much as I don't want it, just had to make a point; nothing physical though, let me be clear on that.

Last time you said you loved someone?

Last night to my daughter

Meaning behind your YouTube name?

Just my name

The relationship between you and the last person you texted?

My wife informing her that I’m near the place where I'd meet her

Favorite food?

Pizza-pasta

Place you want to visit?

A good, conducive spot to run, with good runners and a nice weather, similar to my San Sebastianrun

Do you have a crush?

At my age I don’t’ believe in this anymore. But I do admire people’s personalities.

Last time you kissed someone?

This morning.

Last time you were insulted?

In-my-face kind, can’t remember. But at work, most of the time.

Favorite piece of jewelry?

My wedding ring that I don’t get to wear anymore, but its still my favorite.

There it is my version of TMI, quite fun reading it. I'm sure I'll have a lot of laughs on my back-reads. #enjoythelittlethings

Injured... again

2014-04-14T01:42:00.003-07:00

Last week was a great week for run-bike. I logged 33kms total run for the week and 43km on a bike ride. This may look low for an avid runner/biker but given my current fitness level, this is high-level.

sudden peak in running workout this week

My usual weekly mileage (since I got the bike) was around 15-20 km. That consists of 3-4 runs per week, so basically its just a usual, morning run, just enough to sustain a bit of fitness.

Last week with the holiday Wednesday, I managed to clock in 18kms, which was just supposed to be a 10km or a 10-miler. Given that I still had enough, I squeezed in a few hundred meters.

It was a good feeling to run that distance again. I fell in love again.

Come Saturday, we cancelled our usual active day on account of tamaditis of the wife. This was an opportunity to run again – so I did a 10k. At around 7k, I felt tired and close to finishing I felt like I’m about to bonk. Just the same, I finished strong.

Sunday came along. Of course it’s the usual bike-day, so I went along with it. Usual route was at MOA – where bikers and runners are free. I decided to up the effort a bit and do couple more intervals than the usual. It was a good ride.

But that’s where it hit me, and it hit me hard. I’m now down with the chest-cold, I feel tired, and my knees feel weak. Normally it would be sore legs – I would choose this over weakness of my knees. Although this came to me given the mileage and the increased effort in my bike intervals, I would assess this if it came from it (too much too soon), or if it was my form.

For now, my new best friend is Ibuprofen. I took one as I can’t function well in the work place. Chest cold is still here and I find it painful to talk. I might need to get some fruits today as well.

I’ll do recovery run on Wednesday again. I will have to give my body enough time to recover.

LTO registration and more run-bike updates

2014-04-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

(late post)

I just got back to the office after a very irritatingly hot registration I did for my car. Its April, second week and Monday’s all I have to work on it to avoid the additional penalty if I come in late. Now why the heck on a Monday? Tuesday’s coding, Wednesday’s a holiday and Thursday-Friday I’m in La Union. So it’s a pretty busy week and I had to squeeze that in today.

Irritating in the sense that it takes an average of 6 minutes per vehicle for the emission testing! I came there serving #19 and I’m #29. So it took me 1 full-hour to be tested and another 10 minutes to get billed.

Anyway, after that was a slightly faster pace (although it was already almost 11:00am and the sun’s up high) with a few under-the-sun process of taking the engine and chassis number. Good thing the stencil guy didn’t bother taking the engine number anymore as it is very much hidden in the engine. One thing to note was the public assistance desk officer who got my papers and told me to just wait in the waiting area. Now before that “helpfulness” will set you back a few hundred-pesos, but at the end of it, didn’t even look at me for anything. I now believe that our government has a chance. Even the stencil-guy didn’t even wink.

After that, true to the public assistance desk officer just handed me a small piece of paper indicating the window number and price to pay, just waited a few minutes and I was called.

Unfortunately similar to last year’s, there isn’t any available stickers. It’s a just a stamp on my OR and I was out. Basically took me around 2-2.5 hours to process – could’ve been faster if there were other available emission testing around. So this set me back for P3, 280 .00 (almost similar to a Shimano R078 shoe):

Registration fee – P1,930
TPL Insurance – P 950
Emission testing – P400

It’s a good thing this just happens every year. This was my first time to do this by myself. Usually I have my dad do this for me as he has more time than me, but there’s always a first time, and I’m glad I did it (well, I’m back in the office now, comfortable).

Soooo that’s that! Now for the more exciting stuff

Well, running has taken the back-seat now that we have been consistent with the weekend active fun day. So the first we did the run-and-play-in-the-park-then-eat-at-Jollibee day, then we two consecutive run-bike-throw-stones-at-the-river weekends.

With that, there’s no more LSD. It is true that I enjoy weekend active fun day more than the LSD, but there has to be something I can do to maintain my fitness level. I keep on doing those 5k morning runs (at 5:40+/- pace). But now I don’t know if I can sustain that for even a 10k!

Good thing for a holiday this April 9, I guess I can do at least 10k or better a 10-miler at best. Let’s see how it goes. (update - yes, I did a good 18k unforced run)

Been a long time since I did a 33k/week run and this had me beaten up!

For now I’m consistent with my weekend bike rides. And I feel I’m improving as it gets along. And I SHOULD, as I AM spending quite a lot on this.

I’m looking forward to that brick training. I guess if I can manage to man-up this weekend, I’ll know where I’m at. (update - no, I didn't get the brick. I did get my body beaten up - which means training backlog again!)