I Am Bridget Jones

Rexona Run 2011 Race Analysis Result

2011-08-06T21:37:00.002+08:00

If you want to see your Rexona Run 2011 Race Analysis Result visit runpix.com . All you have to do is type in your bib number or last name in the box and click your category (3k, 5k, 10k, 21k). You'll then be able to see your overall performance - result in the entire field, result in gender and result in division. The next page will tell your split times and speed. A bird's eye view of your finish is also illustrated. The last page will show your location on course - location when overall winner and division winner finished the race. I actually want to see the official photos too but they haven't posted them yet.

Jose Rizal @ 150 Fun Run

2011-07-29T20:23:00.004+08:00

I just found out today that my sister signed me up for the RIZAL @ 150 Fun Run which will be held on September 18 at Luneta. I told her it's nice to be part of such historical event and she said that the singlet design was super cool too. And she was right!!!

The event is organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to celebrate Rizal's birth anniversary.Runners can participate in the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 16K categories. Registration fee is P600 for 16K and P500 for 3K, 5K, and 10K (inclusive of singlet, timing chip and bib). There will be a promo for students and government employees for the 3K category at P150 joining fee inclusive of timing chip and bib only.Only the first 7000 early registrants will get the commemorative Rizal singlet. The 16 K finishers and the top 100 finishers for male and top 100 for female in the 3K, 5K and 10K categories will get Rizal medals too.

For more details, please visit pinoyfitness.com .

Runrio Trilogy 2011 Leg2: Run United 2

2011-07-26T13:13:00.002+08:00

I'm contemplating on joining the Runrio Trilogy 2011 Leg 2. Run United 2 will be held on August 21 at the Bonifacio Global City. Unilab has sponsored my run so I'm just waiting for my friends if they're planning to join this one also.

Rexona Run 2011 Race Results

2011-07-26T12:24:00.003+08:00

I finally saw my race results today for the Rexona Run last July 24. I thought that my tag didn't work because initially I couldn't see my stats. I'm actually surprised that I did well because I didn't prepare at all for this race since I got sick the week prior to the event. Actually I'm more inspired now because I realized that I can run 3k in less than 30 minutes! ha!ha! I can't believe that the fastest runner in the 3k category just took 6 mins and 40 seconds to finish the race. Grabe! That was super uber fast!

My thoughts about the race:
1. It seems that there were lesser people who joined the run compared to last year.
2. How come there weren't any energy drinks in the hydration stations? Now they only gave out water...
3. There were only few items in the loot bag.
4. People still need to endure long lines just to get freebies.
5. The only thing I enjoyed was the free twin popsicles for runners! ha!ha!

If you want to find out your stats, visit this site.

Rexona Run 2011

2011-07-08T18:00:00.004+08:00

After 7 months of hiatus, I finally found myself in the running circle again. My sister and I wanted my "balikbayan"Aunt to experience joining a race in the Philippines so we decided to join the Rexona Run 2011. It's a good thing that registration was still open since we wanted a race organized by Runrio.

Weekend at CamSur

2010-09-20T19:49:00.008+08:00

A trip to Bicol meant visiting relatives for me for the past few years. But two weeks ago, it was different. I had another agenda in mind. I told myself that no matter what, I would make sure to pass by the famous Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) before I return to Manila. And that was what my family and I did.

The moment we entered CWC I had a huge smile plastered on my face. Like a 5-year-old kid on her first trip to Disneyland, I was pretty excited to finally visit the land of Ironman 70.3 and Camsur Marathon.

Welcome to CAMSUR! It was so surreal.
I wasn't interested in my family's CAMSUR trip at first
but the night before they left,
I decided to give myself a break and joined them.

If only I had all the time in the world,
I would have registered for the 1st CAMSUR Marathon.

I've seen this a couple of times in the internet minus the triathletes.
This is where the action begins --- the 1.2 mile swim.

CSW's cable park.

There wasn't any big event during our visit so the atmosphere was relaxing.
You can just sit back and watch athletes/newbies wakeboarding,
eat (try the bicolana pizza!)
get a massage and swim without the usual crowd.

Bye CamSur!

I hope I can join the marathon on my next visit! :)

Nice Surprise

2010-08-14T08:30:00.003+08:00

I got a nice surprise a few days ago. I received 2 free copies of a new magazine, Multisport. I never thought I'd appreciate running or triathlon...but now here I am, reading these kinds of magazines! :)

NBA Fit Fun Run

2010-08-07T12:30:00.005+08:00

My sister is a fan of NBA so when I told her about the NBA Fit Fun Run, she wanted to join instantly. I told her that it seems that the decision to organize a fun run was a last minute thing because the announcement was only done this week. It's not even in the list of races in takbo.ph. The event will not have any timing chip and photovendo. The organizer will just give out the runner's number and singlet. The singlet will be available on the day of the race. It will be held on a Saturday so hopefully I'll be able to adjust my schedule to be able to participate in the event.

According to nba.com, as part of the NBA Fit Week, the NBA FIT Fun Run will be held on August 14 with 3K, 5K and 10K distances. It is co-organized by RunRio. It is open to participants of all ages and a total of 2,000 slots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Here are other details of the race:

Race Venue: Mall of Asia
Registration Period: Aug 5-12
Registration Venues:
Fitness First, Mall of Asia
RUNNR, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Registration Fee: P300 for 3K/5K/10K
Assembly Time: 5 am
Gun Start: 3K-6am, 5K-5:50am, 10K- 5:40am

Running Around Campus

2010-08-06T00:36:00.006+08:00

I run in Ateneo every time I prepare for an upcoming race. My route is usually around the high school parking lot or around the Bellarmine field if I wake up early. On the other hand, if I wake up late, I run at the oval track in the Moro Lorenzo gym.

I was happy when my friend informed me that there are actually 3k and 5k route maps available online. I never got the chance to search for them until now.

Here's one version taken from the RUN with M.E. event last July 2009.
Click here to check another version of the 5K Ateneo route from MapMyRun.

Rexona Run 2010 Race Results

2010-08-02T06:33:00.003+08:00

Race results are out!
I felt good yesterday so I was kinda expecting that my running time will improve too. I was just waiting for the official results to come out. The race used the D-Tag of ChronoTrack System so it's really accurate.

Check out your race results too! :)

3K

5K

10K

21K

Rexona Run 2010

2010-08-01T19:47:00.012+08:00

I woke up at 3:30 am today for the Rexona Run 2010. I only had 5 1/2 hours of sleep but I was instantly out of my bed when my sister woke me up! Unlike my previous races, I wasn't nervous at all for this particular run. I lacked preparation actually since I didn't have any time for serious running this week and I just spent yesterday morning brisk walking and chatting with my friend around the campus parking lot for 30 minutes. :) Probably it was the thought that I was only running 3k which made me more confident this time (since I already did 5K in Milo).

My sister, friends and I arrived at Mall of Asia one hour early from the 3K and 5K runners' assembly time. It was great because we were able to stop by a convenience store to eat a bit (ube cupcake and KitKat for me!!! ) and we were able to park easily. I even saw Bull Runner with her hubby (i think!)... wala lang!!! ( I just read her blog that's why I know her. I can't believe she's super sexy despite the fact that she has 2 kids already!)

I thought it was gonna be a rainy Rexona Run but it wasn't. The air was a bit cooler this morning and it was a bit cloudy too so I didn't have to worry about not putting on sunblock. Wouldn't it be nice if the weather will always be like this in the other races?

So what are my thoughts about the Rexona Run? As expected, it was great since it was organized by Runrio. I felt that the organizers were much careful now. Was is because of the Milo incident???

Here's what I liked about this race:
1. The race started on time. ( I actually pity those who were late... How can anyone be late for a race??? It's like you prepared days and weeks for the race and then you end up being late! That would be a total nightmare for me!)
2. There were a lot of marshals. They were practically everywhere to guide the runners- from the assembly line to various points along the race route.
3. There was ample supply of sports drink and water.
4. There were huge markers. ( What's nice about the Runrio races is that even if you don't read the map before the race, you still won't get lost.)
5. There was a group warm-up before the race.
6. There were last minute reminders for runners to stop running if they experience particular body signals like dizziness, difficulty of breathing etc .
7. There were already prepared loot bags for the runners. ( No more long lines to get freebies!).
8. There was a loud countdown. ( I prefer this one rather than a single gunshot like in the Milo Run)
9. The ChronoTrack System (D-Tag) was used to have accurate race results.
10. And lastly, the Photovendo. I'm hoping for better pictures this time. :)

So what's the down side for this race? For me it was Coach Rio himself!!! I actually saw him and asked him if I could take a picture with him but he turned me down! :( He said that if he would agree, everyone will follow raw! Hmmm....So that was a major disappointment for me! ha!ha! Just imagine going to Disneyland and you see Mickey Mouse...of course you would want to have a picture taken with him right??? ha!ha! Same goes with iconic Coach Rio... He just said " mamaya na lang..." ( As if I'd go and look for him right?)

Assembly Area

Waiting for the countdown....

I think this was the most relaxing run I've ever had.
It was probably the weather which was conducive to running.
I even didn't feel that tired or out of breath compared to my other races.
I think I'll have to do 5K races from now on....

Watching other runners cross the finish line.

The Shirt

The Meeting Place after the race.

The D-TAG

34th Milo Marathon Race Results

2010-07-10T21:40:00.004+08:00

The MILO race results are finally out!
It took me about 30 minutes before I was able to finally see my name in the list! Nakakaduling! :)
I teased my sister because I finished a few minutes earlier than her! Her usual time for a 5k run is about 30 minutes but because she decided to run with me, it took her about an hour to cross the finish line. It's nice to have a sister like her! :)

MILO photos are out also.

MILO Runpix analysis are available for 10k, 21k and marathon runners.

My First 5K Run

2010-07-06T11:54:00.009+08:00

The 34th Milo Marathon was truly an unforgettable running event for me. I woke up early at 3am and had light breakfast at Mc Donald's. I wasn't hungry but I just forced myself to eat. I was thinking that if I was going to faint during the race, I wouldn't want the reason to be just simple hypoglycemia! :) By 4:30 am, my friends and I were off to the venue.

My friend parked her car near one of the hotels along Roxas Boulevard because we were worried that we wouldn't be able to get a parking space near the venue. ( It was only after the race that we realized that the car was parked 2km from the starting line...ha!ha!)

While my friends and I were walking along Roxas Boulevard, a sea of "real runners" passed by. The 21k and 42 K marathon started already. I easily spotted Coach Rio with his Afro hair and neon yellow shirt among a pack of "green" runners. Too bad I wasn't able to get a picture!

We arrived at the check-in area a few minutes after and there were a lot of people already. And I mean A LOT! :) According to the organizers, there were 27,000 participants and 20,000 of them registered for the 5k run!!! It was like attending the World Youth Day all over again!!!

There wasn't a big high-tech countdown. The runners were asked to have 2 minutes of silence (which was futile because the teeners were chatting away and not paying attention! ha!ha!) and then there was a single gunshot which marked the start of the race.

Over-all, my first 5K run was fun! I didn't feel the pressure since my sister accompanied me the whole time. ( She would have finished the race in 30 minutes but she stayed with me .) I lacked training for this event actually so I knew that I would be definitely slower than my previous races. It was 70% walking and 30% running for me. The road was also too crowded so even if I decided to speed up, it was useless since it's impossible to run without bumping into someone. As I've said, there were a lot of teeners in the race. Some of them carried MILO banners. Some even took a short cut, climbing the street barrier so that they can be with their classmates who were already on their way back to the finish line. I thought that they were just required by their school to join the event and were not really into running. (And I was right! My sister found out later that day that there were schools who required their students to attend the MILO run!).

The funny part about the whole race were the drinking stations. I had to experience pouring Gatorade in my cup from a huge container. If it wasn't for my fear of collapsing due to dehydration, I would have passed all the stations without drinking! :) But still, I'm not complaining. I just paid P100 for this event so I totally understand if the event lacked manpower.

Lastly, I thought the starting line was the finish line too. My sister and I slowed down when we passed the sign and followed the others by walking. We then realized afterwards that the finish line was still about half kilometer away! But I was still grateful that my sister and I finished the race within the one-hour curfew! :)

After the race, we didn't get our free MILO drink. We didn't fall in line to get other free stuff. We also didn't get to have our after-the-race picture taking. It was too hot. It was too crowded. And we were too tired! :) We walked back to where my friend parked her car...that was another 2 km of cool-down! ha!ha! When you think about it, we were able to walk-run a distance of 9k! That only meant one thing....we could do 10K someday! :)

Walking towards the starting area...

Race Map

Sunrise in Luneta

MILO's Zorro

5K Check-in Area

Trying to get close to the starting line....
pero malayo pa rin :(

MILO Walkathon :)

The turn near Manila Yacht Club -
How can you run in this crowd?

I really thought we were already near the finish line...

At last... I made it! :)

Falling in line just to hand-in the runner's bar code
and get the MILO certificate.

MILO stage

Note Worthy

2010-06-24T20:18:00.005+08:00

If Bridget Jones has a diary...then I'm going to have one also!!! :) I started contemplating on having one after I read an issue of Runner's World magazine a few days ago. The magazine got me motivated again. I love all the inspirational stories of ordinary people who excel in running , diet tips, running tips and product recommendations. It's so overwhelming actually but I'm learning a lot. One article discussed about having a training journal to keep runners motivated and focused. I think this is what I really need now. I've read about keeping a journal when dieting but I haven't tried it yet. So this time, I'm determined to have one so that I can achieve my ultimate goal in life (for now!) --- losing weight!

The journal can just be a wall calendar or an online diary.(I decided to just log mine in a planner.)
As suggested by Runner's World, these are the things that should be written down in a runner's training journal:

THE RUN
Mileage ( or time)
Routes and Terrain
Interval or Race Times
Temperature and Time

ABOUT YOU
Morning weight
Mood
Aches or Pains

OTHER INFO
Food (before and after the run)
Partners
Goals (set targets daily, weekly and monthly)
Ideas

For more tips, check out their cool website: Runner's World

34th Milo Marathon

2010-06-20T00:43:00.005+08:00

I just saw the commercial for the 34th Milo Marathon awhile ago. I googled for more information about the race and I realized that new runners like me can also join!!!! I really thought that this race was for serious marathon runners only!

For Metro Manila (July4):

- 42.195K Elimination Race – P 500.00
- 21K Run – P 500.00
- 10k Run – P 500.00
- 5k Fun Run – P 100.00

- Student Runners (5K and 10K) – P 50.00

* P 5.00 from the registration feel will be donated to the Run-For-A-Cause

* Runners must submit a 300 g MILO pack upon registration.
* Registration started last June 14.
* For more race details, check out the official site.

Check out the MILO commercial! I bet you'll also want to join after you see this! :)

Jennifer Hudson: Weight Loss Tips

2010-06-19T00:37:00.005+08:00

I saw chubby Jennifer Hudson when she was still a contestant in American Idol. That's why I'm so envious now that she has lost a lot of weight already....60 lbs! grabe!!! From size 22 to size 10!!!! omg! omg!omg!

Here are the weight loss tips I got:

Diet:
1. cut out fried food
2. eat low fat, low calorie meals
3. meal: consists of palm size serving of protein, fiber and carbohydrate
4. staple food: green salad, grilled chicken, fish, cranberry juice
5. snacks: cashew, almonds, raisins

* Just like Jessica Simpson, she also hired Harley Pasternak, author of 5-Factor World Diet to help her lose weight.

Exercise:
1. workout: 4 am run followed by 4 sets (25 reps) of squats, push-ups and sit-ups.
2. walking for 45 minutes to an hour every night

My fave quote from Jenny:

“You can do it!” “I drink plenty of water, which I hate, but you gotta do it,” says Hudson. “As long as I can get in those cute little dresses, I’m happy.” [source: Us Weekly]

credit: howcelebritiesloseweight.com,
ifitandhealthy.com

My Running Buddy

2010-06-10T20:04:00.005+08:00

My sister woke me up super early today so that we could run together. Here's our conversation this morning:

Sis: Ate wake up! Let's run!
Me: Ayoko! Mukhang uulan!
Sis: Hindi Ate!!! Cloudy lang!
Me: No! It's gonna rainnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And after awhile...
Me: O sige...sama na ko!!! :)

So what's the point of this convo? People like me really need someone to force me to exercise. I could come up with a zillion of reasons why I should stay in bed...i'm still sleepy....it's gonna rain...my running shoes will get wet..it's sooo hot....it's school time and there are students in the campus already....etc etc.... But I guess the thought of seeing my sister arriving home after an hour of morning run was enough to push me out of bed.

Do you have a running buddy too?

Traffic! Traffic! Traffic!
It's ORSEM time again in campus! :)

Nature Valley Run Pics @ PhotoVendo

2010-06-06T16:18:00.004+08:00

I saw my running pictures from the Nature Valley Run @ PhotoVendo (via kulitrunner again!). And all I can say is that...NAKAKAHIYA!!!! NAKAKAHIYA AKO!!!! ha!ha! It's so embarrasing really! If someone's gonna blackmail me, all he has to do is just tell me that he'll post my Nature Valley Run (NVR) photos in facebook for all my friends to see! ha!ha!

How come others get to have great photovendo pics?????

Anyway, I will have to charge it to experience. :) And for the next race ( in case there' s photovendo again!), I will have to remind myself to....
1. always smile especially near the finish line because all the photographers are there...
2. always look at the camera when I see a photographer .....
3. not avoid the photographers because, whether I like it or not, they'll still click those cameras....
4. minimize blinking or else I'll get those "sleeping" pics again! ha!ha!
5. train more so that I won't have the "i'm-running-but-i'm-about-to-collapse look"!!!!!!!!!

By the way, despite the humiliation I felt, I still saved all my NVR photos for sentimental reasons! ha!ha! I think it would be nice to look back at them after I've joined several races....

Nature Valley Run RUNPIX result

2010-06-03T20:44:00.005+08:00

I never thought running can be this cool! :)
I just visited runpix.info (via kulitrunner) to see my race result analysis. I must say I'm pretty proud of myself! ha!ha! I actually had a laughing fit when I saw my location when the overall winner, female winner and my division winner finished the race. Yes, I'm one of the Pong Pagong in the 3K run!
Nevertheless, I'm still contented with my stats. I wasn't the fastest 3K runner last Sunday but at least I was somewhere in the middle.
I actually couldn't believe that the 1st placer in the 3K run had a finish time of 9 minutes and 45 seconds. Is he human??????? I was still somewhere near the NBC Tent when he finished the race! ha!ha!

Race Results: Nature Valley Run 2010

2010-05-31T19:01:00.003+08:00

I was kinda expecting it but I was still a bit disappointed when I found out that I was a few seconds slower than my previous finish time. Does that mean I'm not ready for a 5K run?????
I was planning to join the 5k race next time but I guess I'm not ready for it. :(

Race Results

Nature Valley Run 2010

2010-05-30T23:48:00.014+08:00

Nature Valley Run was fun..fun...fun!!!

I woke up at 4am and arrived at the Fort around 5:20am. There was a bit of tension looking for a parking space since there were a lot of participants already. Despite this, my friends, my sister and I managed to be at the starting line a few minutes before the race.

There were 11,000+ runners who registered for the Nature Valley Run but still, I didn't feel that the place was crowded. I loved the countdown before the start of the race. It really pumped me up and I actually was more excited than nervous ( a complete opposite of what I was feeling yesterday).

I mostly walked during the race. Hopefully next time, my running time will be much longer. I was already panting during the last stretch of my 3K run but nothing beats the sense of fulfillment and joy of being able to cross the finish line!!!

Waiting for the start of the race!

The walking " 3K runners"! :)

Talk about being romantic....
I saw a guy at the finish line waving a placard saying
"Runner 3014...Will you marry me? "

A few minutes later and the guy's still waiting .... so cute talaga! :)
I didn't get to see what happened next
because my friends and I went to the booths already.

It's nice to get free stuff but because of the long lines (as usual)
and the heat, my friends and I decided to just have our pictures taken
at the photovendo booth.

Jittery Me!

2010-05-29T20:40:00.005+08:00

I woke up a little late today. The sun was up already and it was so hot but I managed to finish my usual 3K run. Tomorrow's the big day and I'm nervous again. When I think about it, I should be more confident now because my preparation for this race is much longer. But I'm still scared of being the last one running tomorrow....

7 Days Before Nature Valley Run!

2010-05-22T23:51:00.005+08:00

I forced myself to run this morning. I was back to my lazy self but I reminded myself that the Nature Valley Run will be held next Sunday already. Yup! Joining races is a good thing for me. Just the thought of the impending run pushes me to exercise even at times when I feel like I wanna stay in bed the whole day! :)

While running, I saw this tree devoid of its leaves with just the red-orange flowers hanging from it. The flowers looked so pretty against the blue sky that I had to stop and take this picture.This is one of the things I would have certainly missed if I decided to stay at home.

Nature Valley Run Race Maps

2010-05-07T20:52:00.006+08:00

There was a 4-page feature of the Nature Valley Run in The Philippine Star last week. And now they've just released the route maps for the run this coming May 30. I have about 3 more weeks to prepare!OMG! OMG! OMG!

I just hope this event will be as organized as the Earth Day Run. I know that the 3k route is the simplest one but I'm still wishing for big arrows to guide me where I should go! (I'm scared of getting lost just in case I'll be the last one running...walking!!!) :)

3k race map

5k race map

10k race map

21k race map

2010 Subic Bay International Triathlon

2010-05-05T23:09:00.009+08:00

I went to Subic last weekend and I got a super special treat!!! I was looking forward to a weekend of swimming at the beach but I never expected that I would have a chance to watch the Subic Bay International Triathlon too!!!

I woke up early around 6am on May 1 because I thought that the race would start near The Courtyard Inn (where I was staying) but I later found out that the area was apparently the finish line. The race started at Dungaree Beach ( for the swimming part) and then the athletes had to ride their bikes for several kilometers to the Waterfront Road where they began their ?-kilometer run.

It was really inspiring to see these athletes. How I wish I can join a triathlon someday! Of course that's just wishful thinking since I don't swim. And I don't think I'll be able to have the guts to swim because of my constant fear of drowning! ( Despite all my swimming lessons!!!) Anyway, watching the race was a breathe of fresh air for me. It renewed my spirit to be more active again.

2010 Subic Bay International Triathlon

The Finish Line

Japan crossed the finish line first for the Asian Junior Triathlon
(short distance race).

Second was China; The Japanese athlete was already at the side crying and his legs were shaking from exhaustion. Call me weird but I thought what I saw was really beautiful. An athlete crying not only because of physical pain but also because of sheer joy of his accomplishment...that after rigorous training, he was proclaimed number one.

Third place was Korea, shaking hands with Japan.

2010 Nature Valley Run

2010-04-25T11:09:00.004+08:00

I registered last week for the 2010 Nature Valley Run (RunRio Trilogy 2). I just chose the 3K run while my sister chose the 5K run. It will be held on May 30 at the Bonifacio Global City so I have 4-5 weeks of preparation. Hopefully I'll be able to beat my previous running time in the Earth Day Run.

I immediately registered for the event at the Timex Shop in Glorietta because I thought that they might run out of kits since joining running events such as this is very popular these days. The race kit consists of the race number, singlet and timing Chip. The Nature Valley loot bag and granola bars will be given after finishing the race.

The event is also for a good cause. One tree will be planted for each runner who joins the race.

It would have been nicer if I was able to join the first leg of the RunRio trilogy ( Century Tuna Superbods Run) but I wasn't interested in running at that time. But anyway, hopefully I'll be able to join the 3rd leg in November 21 (Timex Run). And hopefully (keeping my fingers crossed), I'll be much slimmer and more fit at that time!

Race Results: National Geographic Channel's Earth Day Run 2010

2010-04-24T05:03:00.003+08:00

Yahooo!!!!! I wasn't the last girl running!!!!!!!!!!
For a first timer like me, I'm so glad there were about 500+ people behind me!

3k race result

5k race result

10k race result

My Running Diary

2010-04-20T02:41:00.005+08:00

2011
July 24: 3K Rexona Run - Mall of Asia

2010
April 18: 3K Earth Day Run (National Geographic Channel) - Mall of Asia
May 30: 3K Nature Valley Run ( Runrio Trilogy Leg2) - Bonifacio Global City
July 4: 5K 34th Milo Marathon - Roxas Boulevard
Aug 1: 3K Rexona Run - Mall of Asia

First Run: Earth Day Run 2010

2010-04-18T20:19:00.008+08:00

Today was a good day! I woke 3am today and I was super jittery. It was my first run and I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to finish it...but my first run turned out great! :)

More than 5,000 runners joined National Geographic's Earth Day Run. I couldn't believe a lot of people woke up early for this run!!! It was well-organized. (My sister even commented that this run was better than the Mizuno Run held last April 11.) The host was able to pump up the energy of the runners. The organizers alloted a few minutes of warm-up before the race. Three water stations were available even for 3K runners. The instructions along the way were clear so you wouldn't get lost! There were also a few freebies which we got after the race.

Overall, the run was super fun! I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to my next race, Nature Valley Run, which will be held at the end of May.

Waiting for the start of the race

Two kilometers to go....

After the race....

Lining up for freebies...

Free Earth Day Run T-shirt

Free bandana...

2010-04-15T23:56:00.004+08:00

Two more days and it's my first 3K run ever! I'm super excited and nervous at the same time! I haven't lost any pounds this week but I'm not depressed because I've been very diligent in preparing for the run this Sunday. ( There has been a big improvement in my lifestyle and I'm so proud of it! Actually just exercising is an accomplishment for me already! ) It's been hard this past 2 weeks but I've been trying to wake up early so that I can spend an hour of alternate jogging and brisk walking before going to work.

I know I will not end up on the upper half of the 3k runners but hopefully I'll not be too "kulelat" or be the last person to finish the Earth Day Run on Sunday.

This is it!

2010-04-04T14:09:00.004+08:00

This is it! I finally registered for the Earth Day Run last Monday. I just chose the 3-kilometer run since this will be my first running event after years of sedentary lifestyle.

I started preparing for the event three days ago. I woke up early in the morning and went to my former college campus for one hour of jogging...i mean.. walking!!! I didn't want to push myself on my first day of exercise so it was more of 10% jogging and 90% walking!!! As expected, I was perspiring and breathing heavily after just a few minutes...but thank God I didn't faint! ha!ha! Anyway, this has been my morning ritual for the past three days and I'm hoping I'd stick to it for a healthier lifestyle.

Will I be ready in time for the Earth Day Run on April 18? Ahhh...I'll just have to wait and see!

Earth Day Run 2010

2010-03-29T00:09:00.004+08:00

Earth Day Run 2010

I'm going to register this week for National Geographic's Earth Day Run 2010 at the Mall of Asia on April 18, 2010. My sister told me about it and I told her that the next time she joins one, she should inform me also because I'm interested. She immediately handed me a registration form. She said her friend already reserved slots for us. I decided to register to force myself to exercise!!! If I'm not going to do this, when will I start right? I might end up obese for the rest of my life!!! Of course, I'll see if I can run or walk for 3K or 5k. I'm going to prepare for 2 weeks but if it's impossible to do it (since I 've been living a sedentary lifestyle!), then I'll just pass this one. At least, I get to keep the NatGeo free shirt! :)

Wish me luck guys!

All about Skin Care

2010-03-21T18:17:00.005+08:00

There are two things which I'm most passionate about --- skin care and weight loss. My addiction to internet has made me a sedentary person for a few years now which led to my weight problem but I'm trying my best now to lose weight. As for my skin, I used to have pimples when I was in high school but lately I've been blessed with good skin with occasional breakouts every now and then. So right now, my main concern is my weight problem and my occasional "pimple attacks" is just secondary.

Of course, if doesn't mean that if I have good skin, I won't take care of it. I think that skin care maintenance is also integral in looking good always. First, you need to have a soap that fits your skin type. I was first introduced to soap with AHA by my father. He likes to try out different products available in the market so one day he bought one. I tried it and it made my skin smoother and clearer. From then on, I've always preferred products with AHA. I actually came across To Me Love Me Skin Care that offers products with AHA like their Priori skin care line .What's also cool about this site is that it offers free professional skin care assessment. You just have to fill up a form and the site will recommend the products that best suit your skin.

For my daily ritual, I always use a facial cleanser or soap and then a toner. At night, I use a skin cream which serves as moisturizer ( My dermatologist always say that moisturizers are a must to prevent drying of skin and wrinkles.). I used to go to my dermatologist for skin rejuvenation (vitamin C is administered on my face by small needle pricks) but now, as a cheaper alternative, I just apply vitamin C serum on my face daily and use facial masks every two to three weeks. Lastly, I don't leave the house without putting my sunblock to combat early aging of the skin. The Vitage skin care line of To Me Love Me Skin Care also offers these products.

How about you? What's your skin regimen?

Propel vs Vitwater

2010-03-06T21:33:00.003+08:00

I told my friend that I have a hard time losing weight because aside from the fact that I love eating, I also don't like drinking water. I told her that I like drinking Coke Zero and for the past few weeks I've been able to control my cravings for it by shifting to iced tea. She then advised me to try out flavored water like Propel.

Propel is a vitamin water (from the makers of Gatorade). It comes in different flavors like lemon and orange. A 300 ml bottle contains 11 kcal with vitamins E and C. This sells for P16.50.

Propel

Another flavored drink that I discovered today while grocery shopping was Vitwater. It comes in different flavors but I decided to buy the kiwistrawberry Vitwater Trim because aside from the vitamin B complex added to the drink, it also has 200 mg of L-Carnitine. Each 350 ml bottle of Vitwater contains 50 calories. This sells for P15 only.

Vitwater

My Zytrim Experience

2010-02-21T20:08:00.003+08:00

Zytrim is an anti-obesity drug. Its generic name is Sibutramine HCl monohydrate (which is similar to Reductil). I tried Reductil before but since I experienced palpitations and insomnia after 1 week of taking it, I stopped using it. Zytrim was introduced to me by a doctor friend who has been using the drug. Aside from the fact that it's much cheaper than Reductil, she said that she didn't experience any side effects while taking it. I tried using it last week and after 3 days, I stopped using it because I started to experience palpitations. So now, I'm back to zero again but it's okay since I don't want to end up in a hospital just because of it.

By the way, last Sunday, I finally had the courage to weigh myself! And my weight was....dan-da-ran....85 kgs!!!!!! oh my God!!!!! I'm not just overweight! I'm obese! And at 5 feet and 2 inches (157.48 cm) ...my BMI last Sunday was 34.3!!!!!!!!

This morning I again checked my weight using the same scale....and I got 81.3 kgs. (BMI = 32.8) I don't know what happened...If this was the effect of the Zytrim or the Nestea Fit but I'm super glad that at least I lost some weight. I'm hoping to lose some more this week...I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Coke to Nestea

2010-02-21T19:43:00.003+08:00

I just found a solution to my Coke addiction. It started when I tasted TANG's Fruit Teaz (mango flavor). It was so delicious that I got hooked to it and found myself not craving for Coke Zero anymore. My dad then advised me to try Nestea FIT with L-Carnitine (since I'm trying to lose weight!). One glass (or serving)has 300 mg of L-Carnitine and 39 calories only. It comes in two flavors, apple and orange&lemon. My fave is the latter.

I know that water is still the best for losing weight but I guess, shifting from soda to a drink with L-carnitine is a good way to start also.

Hello World!

2009-12-31T00:30:00.002+08:00

I haven't been posting in this blog for quite some time now. I guess it's because I haven't been doing my part in keeping myself fit. And I'm so ashamed to blog about it!!!!!!

But I guess the excitement of welcoming 2010 in just a few hours motivated me again to change... to change for the better. As they say, a new year means a new beginning. So here I am again..hoping...hoping to be one of those biggest losers in 2010! I hope I can do it this time in time for my birthday around middle of next year!!! :)

Jessica Simpson's Weight Loss Secret

2009-08-02T21:31:00.003+08:00

I still don't have any luck with my dieting plans. I'm still stuck with my coke zero addiction and 3 out of the 4 slimfit boxes I purchased 1 month ago are still unopened.

I really need some motivation!!!!!!!!

Anyway, I came across this article regarding Jessica Simpson's Diet. I'm so envious. I saw her sooo fat and now she apparently lost 20 lbs in 8 weeks! Her trainer, Harley Pasternak, said that Jessica has exercise sessions with him 5x a week. She then follows a diet plan which he calls the "5 Factor Diet" and then has a one day off to eat anything.

Here is Jessica's Typical Diet Day:

Breakfast: Scrambled egg with toast and grapefruit. Coffee with Splenda.

Snack 1: One cup of fat-free ricotta cheese and two cored pears, cut into wedges. Diet soda.

Lunch: Chicken breast sandwich with mustard and a side of black beans. Diet Snapple.

Snack 2: Carrot sticks with onion dip made from non-fat sour cream, non-fat cream cheese and one tablespoon dry onion soup mix.

Dinner: Indian-style chicken breasts with curried yoghurt sauce (made from non-fat plain yoghurt, one teaspoon of curry powder and peeled cucumber) served with brown rice. Green tea.

Now I have to do more research about Pasternak's 5 Factor Diet. It looks promising because I get to drink my fave diet soda!!!

The SlimFast Diet

2009-07-15T23:36:00.003+08:00

Have you tried the SlimFast Diet? I tried it once but as usual, I failed to lose weight.

Slim.Fast Diet is supposed to be a meal replacement plan that allows you to eat up to six times a day. I tried the milkshake-style drinks (because that's the one available in the local supermarket) that you have take instead of the usual food the you eat at breakfast and lunch. But I ended up craving for more food! ha!ha!

The main concept is that you take the SlimFast meal replacement at breakfast and lunch and eat a healthy 600-calorie meal in the evening. Each SlimFast meal is said to be nutritionally balanced so you don't have to take additional vitamin supplements, unlike many diets.

If you want to try it, visit the slimfast website.

What's your BMI?

2009-07-09T21:51:00.004+08:00

Have you ever wondered what your BMI (Body Mass Index) is? BMI is used to estimate your total amount of body fat. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared (m2).

BMI Categories:

* Underweight = <18.5
* Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
* Overweight = 25-29.9
* Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

For example: wt= 50 kg ht= 1.52 m
BMI = wt (kg)/ ht (m2) = 50/ 2.31
= 21.6 = normal weight

But BMI has limitations also. It may not be accurate in some cases. It can overestimate body fat in athletes or pregnant women. It can underestimate body fat in the elderly.

Lady Gaga's Poker Face Make-Up Tutorial

2009-06-02T06:27:00.004+08:00

I was browsing youtube's most viewed videos when this video caught my attention "Lady Gaga's Poker Face Tutorial". The girl is plain-looking but she really knows how to apply make-up (and I don't! :). I ended up looking thru some of her videos which I found useful since I don't know a thing about applying make-up. What's good about her tutorial videos is that she also tells you the brand of makeup to use which I think is good because I find it hard to choose what makeup to buy and try out.

Although I don't think I'll be doing this "Poker Face" make-up, it's still fun to watch this girl's transformation.

Three-Day Diet

2009-05-29T21:07:00.004+08:00

My mom actually introduced me to this diet a few years ago and every time she would start following this diet, I would always join her. I never really experienced losing 10 lbs (which this diet promised) but what I like about this diet is that at least, I can control my intake of sweets or carbohydrates. After 3 days, I feel lighter and I don't crave as much. For me, the hardest part in trying to lose weight is the initial part when I'm trying to condition myself not to overeat. So for me, I think starting off with this diet would be beneficial for me.

The 3 Day Diet meal plan:

Day 1

Breakfast

Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

1/2 grapefruit or juice

1 piece toast with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

Lunch

1/2 cup tuna

1 piece toast

Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

Dinner

3 ounces any lean meat or chicken

1 cup green beans

1 cup carrots

1 apple

1 cup regular vanilla ice cream

Day 2

Breakfast

Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

1 egg

1/2 banana

1 piece toast

Lunch

1 cup cottage cheese or tuna

8 regular saltine crackers

Dinner

2 beef franks

1 cup broccoli or cabbage

1/2 cup carrots

1/2 banana

1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream

Day 3

Breakfast

Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

5 regular saltine crackers

1 ounce cheddar cheese

1 apple

Lunch

Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal

1 boiled egg

1 piece toast

Dinner

1 cup tuna

1 cup carrots

1 cup cauliflower

1 cup melon

1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream

Slimfit: a fat-burning juice drink

2009-05-26T00:48:00.004+08:00

I can't control my craving for the taste of sugar and carbonated drinks. My resolution to quit drinking Coke was a failure. I still craved for it and found myself still drinking it every meal. To cut down my intake, I decided to replace Coke twice a day with another drink which could satisfy my craving for sweets. I decided to try out SlimFit powdered drink.

SlimFit is a powdered drink which contains 50 mg of Teavigo which enhances the body's metabolism, 150 mg of Carnipure (L-carnitine) which supports fat oxidation or fat burning and All-Q (Co-enzyme Q10) that boosts energy production in cells. It is said to be sugar free, caffeine free and calorie fee. It comes in a box of 6 sachets. One sachet is mixed with 200 ml of cold water. The recommendation is to take it twice daily. What I like about this is that it is like drinking ordinary juice. It also has its artificial sweetener so it doesn't tastes bland at all. The tropical fruit flavor even tastes like strawberry. :)

Addicted to Coke!

2009-04-14T22:48:00.000+08:00

I love drinking Coke. Coke is like water to me. I don't know when my addiction started but for a couple of months now I've been drinking Coke every time I eat - whether during merienda, breakfast, lunch or dinner. I only drink water when I'm really thirsty but it must be ice cold or else I'd rather drink the flavored water available in the market.

Blame it on my family too. Every week we buy 2 dozens of 1.5 Coke Zero. We prefer drinking the Coke Zero or Light rather than the regular one. But still, wherever you look at it, zero calorie or less than one calorie, I think that my soda addiction has led me to my present state -- a more chunkier me...a few more months and I can very well become a candidate of the US TV show, The Biggest Loser.

So I've made a decision ( and hopefully I'll stick to it!) to banish Coke from my system to commemorate the start of this blog! Oh gawd!!!!

I know this will be a long, painful journey but I hope that one of these days, I'll also become one of those success stories.

In the meantime, I'll just finish off the remaining Coke Light I left in my fridge. This will be the last time, I promise! :)