In running, I often hear or read about people defying their limits. When I think about the concept of defying my limits, I am reminded of my philosophy back in college. Back then we discussed how a person is not just a body, but also a mind and a spirit.
But what does that have to do with running?
There are some times when I am quite conscious that my being separates into different personas within me. When I run, there is the persona of “me - the runner”, and “me - the running coach”. Sometimes, there is another “me” who is a lazy runner who tells me I can’t do it. I frequently talk to myself when I run, and when I do, it’s as if the runner and the coach (and even the lazy runner) are three different people when there is only one me.
When I am in good shape and running well, these personas seem to split up and tell me different things. Sometimes, I tell myself to keep on going, or to maintain my pace until I reach the next hump on the road. And then as if in response, I either decide to follow, to compromise or to defy what I say to myself and just stop running.
This happens also when I wake up early to run. It’s like the running coach and the lazy runner take turns to tell me why I should and shouldn’t get up to run. So far, the runner in me has been listening more often to the running coach. Hence, I have been fairly consistent and faithful to my thrice a week runs.
It’s mind over matter. My whole body says no and yet I can make myself move and run if I really want to. At times like these, I can say that I am more than just my physical body.
The situation is totally different when I am sick. The personas seem to disappear. All of a sudden, I am trapped in my body, which becomes my reality. When I am sick, I am limited by what I feel. I try to separate myself and say I can, but when my body says I can’t, I really can’t. There’s no way I can get around a fever, the flu, a cold or a bad cough. It’s quite similar with an injury as well. The reality of the pain of an injury pervades and tells me I cannot run.
When I am sick or injured, mind over matter doesn’t work. At these times, I am my body.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Rainy Sunday Morning Run
The plan was a 30-minute Sunday morning run in UP. But when I learned that the UPCAT was scheduled today, I decided to run around our subdivision. When I left the house, the sun was just coming out. I even notice a sunny spot on our driveway where the sun shown through the clouds.
I started out with an eight minute warm up. My first round was difficult. Our subdivision had a stretch that would have you running on an incline for around 5 minutes. I was still not used to hills. Midway through my second round, it started to rain hard. I decided to change my shoes so I ran into my house and changed to my old New Balance shoes. I immediately noticed the difference from my Brooks Ghost. The NB shoes were stiffer and I could feel the stability. My Brooks were Neutral-Cushion shoes.
The rain was great. I thought it made my run much easier. I saw an uncle and an aunt while running and I thought they'd make a big deal out of seeing me running in the rain. But, I knew I was fine. My body was warm and the rain was cooling it. If I had felt cold, it would have been a different story.
By the last incline of the third round I could feel the strain on my legs. I was pushing it a bit. I finished my run in exactly 31 minutes. I was drenched, but I felt great. My wife keeps telling me what a fanatic I am for running in the rain. I wonder if she knows I sometimes look forward to the rain when I run.
I started out with an eight minute warm up. My first round was difficult. Our subdivision had a stretch that would have you running on an incline for around 5 minutes. I was still not used to hills. Midway through my second round, it started to rain hard. I decided to change my shoes so I ran into my house and changed to my old New Balance shoes. I immediately noticed the difference from my Brooks Ghost. The NB shoes were stiffer and I could feel the stability. My Brooks were Neutral-Cushion shoes.
The rain was great. I thought it made my run much easier. I saw an uncle and an aunt while running and I thought they'd make a big deal out of seeing me running in the rain. But, I knew I was fine. My body was warm and the rain was cooling it. If I had felt cold, it would have been a different story.
By the last incline of the third round I could feel the strain on my legs. I was pushing it a bit. I finished my run in exactly 31 minutes. I was drenched, but I felt great. My wife keeps telling me what a fanatic I am for running in the rain. I wonder if she knows I sometimes look forward to the rain when I run.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Christmas Season Cough
Back in grade school, I would usually be absent for a week at the start of the school year (around June) and in December due to asthma. It was explained to me that the changing weather triggered my asthma attacks. 20 years later, after supposedly outgrowing my asthma, I find myself wheezing and coughing again. As the this season is also a time of reunions and some drinking, I've delayed taking any medicine for it to allow myself to indulge and enjoy.
The only thing that got me taking my meds and abstaining from alcohol is my running. That's because I'm just so itching to run again that I'm now willing to do almost anything to go back to waking up early in the morning to run in the dark where one can see a glowing sky and feel the cool wind against the face.
The only thing that got me taking my meds and abstaining from alcohol is my running. That's because I'm just so itching to run again that I'm now willing to do almost anything to go back to waking up early in the morning to run in the dark where one can see a glowing sky and feel the cool wind against the face.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Mizuno Infinity Run: 113.87 Kilometers Racing
The Mizuno Infinity Run 2009 was my ninth race since I started running and finishing it marked 113.87 kilometers racing and a total of around 464 kilometers running. Too bad I only started my running log in February this year.
Coming from the IE8 run last week, I developed a sore foot such that I was limping the Monday and Tuesday after the race. By Wednesday, with the help of a painkiller and anti-inflammatory pill, the pain subsided, but I still felt that I had keep off my foot whenever possible. I decided forego running the whole week to make sure I could run the Mizuno Race.
The race appeared to be well-attended. I was at The Fort by 5AM and I could see that there were already many runners warming up and chatting near the starting line. The race organizer called all 15K runners to proceed to the starting area where he announced that there would be a change in the race route. Instead of passing by The Essensa, the route would be extended from the railroad tracks at Buendia all the way to Bautista Street, which would be the turn-around point. The route was also extended on the way back to the finish line near BHS.
I listened to the short and simple message of Sen. Pia Cayetano, and shortly after, we were off! I am not sure, but I think it started right on time, as I believe most Rudy Biscocho-organized races do.
The race route was familiar. Traffic in Makati came to a halt again because of the race. I believe there were enough water stations. There were even some Gatorade stations along the way. To help me counter my lack of sleep and training the week before, I brought along some raisins to give me a bit of a boost.
There were times I had to take walk breaks (especially on the Kalayaan Flyover on the way back), but I made it a point not to walk for too long a time. Nevertheless, I’ve got to work on this. I could shave a lot of time off if I could just run this one straight without walking.
I finished with a time of 1:34:19 (unofficial) which is only 30 seconds better than my last 15K Race (Happy Run). They gave out finisher shirts and free Gatorade at the finish line. Starbucks was also there to give out free coffee drinks and some promo coupons.
Later on, Mizuno revealed that they had planned another race on January 10, 2010 and that prizes would await runners who registered the best improvements from the day’s race. Hmm… Good thing it was a secret or else some runners would have slacked off. Anyway, it’s great that again, I have another race to look forward to.
Finally, to my high school and college friends at the race, it was great seeing you. To the others that didn’t make it, I hope to see you next time.
For now, it’s on to the next race. Our own company-sponsored JG Summit Employees’ Fun Run!
(For some reason, my official time is 1:38:27. The unofficial time of 1:34:19 is based on my stopwatch reading which I activated as the gun went off signaling the start of the race. The two were supposed to be synchronized.)
Coming from the IE8 run last week, I developed a sore foot such that I was limping the Monday and Tuesday after the race. By Wednesday, with the help of a painkiller and anti-inflammatory pill, the pain subsided, but I still felt that I had keep off my foot whenever possible. I decided forego running the whole week to make sure I could run the Mizuno Race.
The race appeared to be well-attended. I was at The Fort by 5AM and I could see that there were already many runners warming up and chatting near the starting line. The race organizer called all 15K runners to proceed to the starting area where he announced that there would be a change in the race route. Instead of passing by The Essensa, the route would be extended from the railroad tracks at Buendia all the way to Bautista Street, which would be the turn-around point. The route was also extended on the way back to the finish line near BHS.
I listened to the short and simple message of Sen. Pia Cayetano, and shortly after, we were off! I am not sure, but I think it started right on time, as I believe most Rudy Biscocho-organized races do.
The race route was familiar. Traffic in Makati came to a halt again because of the race. I believe there were enough water stations. There were even some Gatorade stations along the way. To help me counter my lack of sleep and training the week before, I brought along some raisins to give me a bit of a boost.
There were times I had to take walk breaks (especially on the Kalayaan Flyover on the way back), but I made it a point not to walk for too long a time. Nevertheless, I’ve got to work on this. I could shave a lot of time off if I could just run this one straight without walking.
I finished with a time of 1:34:19 (unofficial) which is only 30 seconds better than my last 15K Race (Happy Run). They gave out finisher shirts and free Gatorade at the finish line. Starbucks was also there to give out free coffee drinks and some promo coupons.
Later on, Mizuno revealed that they had planned another race on January 10, 2010 and that prizes would await runners who registered the best improvements from the day’s race. Hmm… Good thing it was a secret or else some runners would have slacked off. Anyway, it’s great that again, I have another race to look forward to.
Finally, to my high school and college friends at the race, it was great seeing you. To the others that didn’t make it, I hope to see you next time.
For now, it’s on to the next race. Our own company-sponsored JG Summit Employees’ Fun Run!
(For some reason, my official time is 1:38:27. The unofficial time of 1:34:19 is based on my stopwatch reading which I activated as the gun went off signaling the start of the race. The two were supposed to be synchronized.)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Races I Plan to Join
It’s been quite some time since I have last ran a race. The last official one was the Condura Half Marathon held last March 22, 2009. Since then, I’ve been running around our village on weekdays and at the UP Academic Oval on weekends. With nothing definite yet to look forward to, I feel like I have relaxed a bit. My hard runs are no longer as intense and my long runs are only at 11K max. I have even missed a number of my weekday runs because I’d wake up late (like this morning). I believe I’ve somewhat lost the discipline that I used to have and need to fit running into my weekly schedule.
So if it’s the lack of races that’s making me slip, it’s about time I started joining races again. I’ve done my scan of the races to come and I’ve decided on the following races:
1. Earth Run 16K – May 31
2. Mizuno Infinity Run 15K – June 7
3. JG Summit Fun Run 10K – July 12
I already have PRs for the 15K (1:34.52) and the 10K (57:52) so those are goals I have to beat. Now to get to ROX to register!
I've posted below the race routes for the Mizuno Infinity Run. I can't find a copy of the Earth Run route.
So if it’s the lack of races that’s making me slip, it’s about time I started joining races again. I’ve done my scan of the races to come and I’ve decided on the following races:
1. Earth Run 16K – May 31
2. Mizuno Infinity Run 15K – June 7
3. JG Summit Fun Run 10K – July 12
I already have PRs for the 15K (1:34.52) and the 10K (57:52) so those are goals I have to beat. Now to get to ROX to register!
I've posted below the race routes for the Mizuno Infinity Run. I can't find a copy of the Earth Run route.
Monday, March 23, 2009
My 21k Condura Run Experience
Whoo hoo! I just want to share how great I feel after running the 21km route of the Condura Run for the Whale Sharks. Like many others, this was my first 21k and I wasn't sure how I would do because I had never before ran that kind of distance before. Usually, on my Sunday runs at the UP Academic Oval, I would get tired have sore feet after 7 or 8 rounds. For this race, I forgot about my previous runs and just ran for it.
The night before I drank a glass of Gatorade and had a heavy dinner. Right before the leaving my house, I ate 2 donuts and drank the blue variant of Vitwater. I got to The Fort at around 5 A.M., but I was only able to park after 15 minutes. After quickly stretching my lower legs, I ran to the assembly area, which was already packed with runners. I found it somewhat difficult to find the 21k check-in area so right when I got in, I barely had time to look around for running friends when I heard the gun go off signaling the start of the race. I was at the back and by the time I crossed the starting line, around 35 seconds had already gone by. Actually, there were so many people that I felt it was still so crowded after 2 kilometers into the race and I had to watch out lest I bump into someone or trip on somebody's foot. It was only upon reaching Buendia that I felt that I could really run without having to worry about other runners so much.
Unlike many others races, I was pretty familiar with the race course so I knew I had to save my strength for the inclined portions such as the Kalayaan Flyover to Buendia and the Skyway on-ramp. It was only upon running on the Skyway that I realized that the Skyway itself had portions that were going up and down. To keep myself from tiring out quickly, I made sure to drink enough at each water station since I am the type that perspires a lot. From time to time, I'd check if I was still perspiring to make sure I would not dehydrate. I also brought two packs of raisins just to help me keep going. I took one pack right after making it to the Skyway and the second pack right before getting off the Skyway.
The Skyway portion was just great! I made sure to look around and savor the experience. There were even times when I'd run backwards for short periods just to see all around me. At one point, sponges with ice-cold water were given away. At another, runners could cool off under a shower provided by what I think was a fire engine!
I began to feel tired as I passed Reposo on the way back. One thing I noticed was that there weren't as many water stations going back to the Kalayaan Flyover. My legs were like rubber by the time I got to the flyover that I had to take a 15 second walk on the ramp upward. I made sure I ran as soon as I could because I feared that it might be harder to start running again if I walked to long.
I finished with a time of 2:15 (unofficial). Not so good, but then not so bad either for a first timer. As I entered the finishers' chute, a lady put the finisher's medal around my neck and another lady gave me my loot bag. I immediately went to the nearest water station and then I looked for my friends for our usual photo session.
The Condura Run for the Whale Sharks was a great race indeed. The mood was festive and everyone I saw looked happy. I also met a number of friends I didn't know were also into runnung. To the organizers, congratulations! I hope we raised enough funds to help the Whale Sharks and the Children. Hmmm... I wonder what race to join next... Cheers!
The night before I drank a glass of Gatorade and had a heavy dinner. Right before the leaving my house, I ate 2 donuts and drank the blue variant of Vitwater. I got to The Fort at around 5 A.M., but I was only able to park after 15 minutes. After quickly stretching my lower legs, I ran to the assembly area, which was already packed with runners. I found it somewhat difficult to find the 21k check-in area so right when I got in, I barely had time to look around for running friends when I heard the gun go off signaling the start of the race. I was at the back and by the time I crossed the starting line, around 35 seconds had already gone by. Actually, there were so many people that I felt it was still so crowded after 2 kilometers into the race and I had to watch out lest I bump into someone or trip on somebody's foot. It was only upon reaching Buendia that I felt that I could really run without having to worry about other runners so much.
Unlike many others races, I was pretty familiar with the race course so I knew I had to save my strength for the inclined portions such as the Kalayaan Flyover to Buendia and the Skyway on-ramp. It was only upon running on the Skyway that I realized that the Skyway itself had portions that were going up and down. To keep myself from tiring out quickly, I made sure to drink enough at each water station since I am the type that perspires a lot. From time to time, I'd check if I was still perspiring to make sure I would not dehydrate. I also brought two packs of raisins just to help me keep going. I took one pack right after making it to the Skyway and the second pack right before getting off the Skyway.
The Skyway portion was just great! I made sure to look around and savor the experience. There were even times when I'd run backwards for short periods just to see all around me. At one point, sponges with ice-cold water were given away. At another, runners could cool off under a shower provided by what I think was a fire engine!
I began to feel tired as I passed Reposo on the way back. One thing I noticed was that there weren't as many water stations going back to the Kalayaan Flyover. My legs were like rubber by the time I got to the flyover that I had to take a 15 second walk on the ramp upward. I made sure I ran as soon as I could because I feared that it might be harder to start running again if I walked to long.
I finished with a time of 2:15 (unofficial). Not so good, but then not so bad either for a first timer. As I entered the finishers' chute, a lady put the finisher's medal around my neck and another lady gave me my loot bag. I immediately went to the nearest water station and then I looked for my friends for our usual photo session.
The Condura Run for the Whale Sharks was a great race indeed. The mood was festive and everyone I saw looked happy. I also met a number of friends I didn't know were also into runnung. To the organizers, congratulations! I hope we raised enough funds to help the Whale Sharks and the Children. Hmmm... I wonder what race to join next... Cheers!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Respect the Summer Heat
Summer's here! I've been trying to get used to running for 2 hours straight and I realized that one of my limitations was that after an hour and a half of running, I needed to rehydrate myself. It's been getting warm lately and even in UP where there are many shaded areas, I noticed that it get's relatively warm by around 7:30AM. It was with these thoughts that I decided to prepare myself for my run yesterday around the academic oval.
I got up at 530AM to have a light breakfast and drink a sports drink. I was at the UP academic oval by around 630AM and after around 10 minutes of brisk walking and some stretching, I was running. For hydration, I decided to carry with me a sports drink, 500 ml.
By my 6th round around the oval, I finished my bottle. By 8AM, my legs started to get tired so I decided speed up and finish my run on my 7th round. I also noticed that I wasn't perspiring as much. I had planned another round but I did not want to risk an injury a few weeks before the Condura Race.
After my run, I drank another 500 ml of sports drink and a bottle of water in UP and I continued drinking water when I got home at around 10AM. Normally, I would feel hydrated enough before noon. What concerned me was that after all that I had drunk, not once did I go to the bathroom and I was developing a headache. I figured that I was still dehydrated so I kept on drinking until I finally did go to the bathroom.
I think this is an important lesson here. I tend to perspire a lot so I need to pay attention to how my body performs when running. I also realized that the heat of the summer sun is something to be respected.
I got up at 530AM to have a light breakfast and drink a sports drink. I was at the UP academic oval by around 630AM and after around 10 minutes of brisk walking and some stretching, I was running. For hydration, I decided to carry with me a sports drink, 500 ml.
By my 6th round around the oval, I finished my bottle. By 8AM, my legs started to get tired so I decided speed up and finish my run on my 7th round. I also noticed that I wasn't perspiring as much. I had planned another round but I did not want to risk an injury a few weeks before the Condura Race.
After my run, I drank another 500 ml of sports drink and a bottle of water in UP and I continued drinking water when I got home at around 10AM. Normally, I would feel hydrated enough before noon. What concerned me was that after all that I had drunk, not once did I go to the bathroom and I was developing a headache. I figured that I was still dehydrated so I kept on drinking until I finally did go to the bathroom.
I think this is an important lesson here. I tend to perspire a lot so I need to pay attention to how my body performs when running. I also realized that the heat of the summer sun is something to be respected.
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