Down and Out

I've learned that my immune system is down when I become really sensitive and susceptible to allergic reactions. That was the case last week when I would have reactions almost every other day. Sometimes, I would take antihistamines to control it but only when it would get very bad. By the latter half of the week, my cough had gotten worse and my nose had started running. It got really bad last Saturday so I knew it was about time I paid more attention to my health. It's been more than a week since I last ran so I really want to get better and get back to my training. So here's to lots of rest, liquids, vitamins and medicines. May they do the trick and get me back on the road fast.

January 3, 2010, My First Long Run for the Year

I was quite excited to be well enough to run again last Sunday. I usually set a regular goal and a stretch goal for every run. Last Sunday, I made it my goal to run 6 rounds around the UP Academic Oval (around 13.2K) and a stretch goal of running 7 rounds.

I got up late though and got to UP at 7am. When I got there, I noticed that there were already many people going around the oval. Many of them were familiar faces. I guessed that many of these were trying to burn off the weight they gained during the holiday season. I decided to run with the new water bottle my wife gave me. It was actually quite easy to carry.

By the 3rd round, I felt tired and a bit disappointed. I thought I was supposed to be stronger than that. Anyway, I brushed away thoughts of just doing one more round and held on to my goal of 6 to 7 rounds. On my 6th round, I felt a bit better so I decided to try and speed it up a bit.

I finished 6 rounds with a time of 1:32:19, which translates to a speed of 7 minutes per km. It wasn't very fast but I still do feel it was a good workout. I did, however, feel a pain on the side of my knee about an hour after the run. The pain subsided the day after the run, but then I decided to move my next run to Wednesday, January 6 just to be give my legs it time to rest.

The Last Run for 2009

I just ran what I think will be the last run for 2009 with my wife. I ran 6.6K (3 rounds in UP) in 39:05. Not as fast as I was hoping, but I think it was the best workout I've had in quite a long time. It was a very challenging run because I was able to push both my heart and my legs. And given the circumstances, I think this was a fitting run to end the year.

As I look back at 2009, I can see that I've made a lot of headway in running this year. In 2010, I'll be paying a lot of attention to my weekly distance. I hope to increase it to around 70K by the latter part of the year to prepare myself for a full marathon by the end of the year. To accomplish this, I intend to follow a program so I'm looking around for one that will match my work and family schedules. Let me know if you can help me out with the program. I'd really appreciate it.

Anyway, 2010 looks exciting. I'm looking forward to bigger and better races, new PRs and new running friends. Happy New Year Everybody!

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.

New Balance Power Race 2009

This was one tough race. I should have known that any race passing through McKinley Hill would be really challenging. One thing I did differently in this race is that I brought a bottle of Gatorade with me. Because of this, I was able to run through the first two water stations. But then, in the end, I ended up struggling through McKinley Hill. I had to take it slow on the hilly portions to keep myself from getting cramps and injuring my knees. Anyway, I finished with a time of 2:14:54.

I went to the race with a friend, but we weren't able to take any pictures because I left my camera. We tried to line up for the free race pictures but the line was so long and we weren't able to stand the heat of the then bright sun. In the end, we decided to leave the place to look for breakfast.

Anyway, all I can really say about this race was that it was one really tough one. I think it was my toughest one so far. But then, I finished it and it felt great!

What a Week!

Last week was some week. Let me see now... Here are the things that happened last week:

1. My wife and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.
2. My team finally put together and submitted the report we were working on.
3. The data I was waiting for finally arrived so I was able to work on other things as well.
4. My colleagues and I practiced for our Christmas Party presentation almost every lunch break and sometimes after work. We also painted our props.
5. I realized that I wasn't as healthy as I thought I was.
6. I realized a whole lot of other things about my life and relationships.

Amidst all of this, I realized it's been a week since my last run.

Timex Run

I wasn't very confident about beating my Adidas KOTR time of 2:11 at the Timex Run because I got sick the weekend right before it. During the race, I actually had to stop and walk a few times on the inclined areas to conserve my strength. I was actually surprised to find out that I finished the race with a time of 2:09:38 despite the challenging route and my numerous walk breaks. Maybe I was running faster than I was used to.


In my opinion, the race in general was one of the best this year. Here are some reasons why I think so:

1. The water stations, which were placed in the middle of the road, had abundant water cups and enough 100 Plus cups.
2. The race packets were distributed early with the bib and timing chip placed in a sealed plastic bag.
3. There were many kilometers markers to help us pace ourselves.
4. Finishers were given free towels, 100 Plus and Summit Water drinks, Coffee, Nesvita and loot bags containing Nature Valley Granola Bars, more drinks, a finisher's shirt and a ball pen.
5. Results were released the day after the race.
6. The Runpix Race Analysis and Photovendo Pictures were added bonuses to an already great race.
7. There was overall festive atmosphere at the race venue.
8. My wife seemed to have a great time at the race.

I only wish the finisher's medal had the name and date of the race on it to make it a distinct souvenir for the race.

All in all, it was still one of the best this year. I hope the coming races can match up to this one. Congratulations to the organizers!