My Proudest 21 K

Of all the 21Ks I’ve ran, last Saturday’s run was extra special.

Last Saturday, I paced my wife Mayi through her first 21K!!! We ran a comfortable and steady pace throughout with only one 3 to 5 minute stop to do a quick banyo break and refill our hydration packs (the obvious setback having no water stations on route). We clocked in at 2-hours 35 mins. Not bad at all for her first time running that distance.


I’m really so proud of her. To think I couldn’t even convince her to run before on the road. She ran really well and performed better and more consistently compared to her first time running 10K.

Way to go Mayi!!! Congrats!!!

The True Measure of Fitness

It’s been a while since I last posted. In fact, I’ve past the one-year anniversary of my injury. A lot of things have happened in my road to recovery. I think it’s safe to say that my training has been met with challenges left and right. And although I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and that I was going to be a rollercoaster ride, I set a goal, bound by time and performance levels.

I said to myself that since my setback happened just before my 21K race last November, I should be able to run that same distance and clocking the same time as well. That then would be a perfect crown to my fitness goal.

But in my effort to do just that, I found myself suffering injuries left and right. I’m able to run the same distances with relative ease. But when I push my training to improve my time, BANG!, the injuries appear. Now on and off, I nurse hamstring strains and heel spurs.

I know my shortcomings. I know I have to be more religious with my strength/weight training and my stretching. I know I was taking short cuts to achieve my November goals. Now I’m suffering the consequences.

Now, I’ve shifted my mindset and have adjusted my goals. My focus now is to constantly work on improving my distance and stamina without getting injured. And when I know my body is ready, I will work on speed.

After all, fitness isn’t only measured through speed and distance but more importantly with the health of the athlete. ☺

Just Like The Movies

I’ve just returned from my trip to the US and Canada with my family. And as I promised Joar, my running coach, I squeezed in training runs even during my vacation.

Actually, I dreamed about running abroad (outside Manila and my usual routes) ever since being deprived of my opportunity to run in Melbourne. So I packed my running gear with me and took every chance I got to do my runs.

My first workouts were in Disneyland Hotel’s gym. This was nothing new to me as I did this the last time we were there in 2005. The gym still looks the same but noticeably equipped with new Cardio machines. More than what I can say for my gym in Manila. Hahaha. These workouts were fairly boring which I tried to make more interesting by running intervals at higher speeds and intensities.

From Los Angeles, we flew to Vancouver, Canada to board our ship for our Alaskan cruise. The cruise ship was a moving hotel and more. It literally had everything including a fully equipped fitness center on the very top which even offered pilates, yoga, and spin classes. Here, my runs were more interesting. I had to settle for the treadmills though as running open air on the deck was just too cold. The treadmills were situated facing the front of the ship, which offered a spectacular view of the ocean, the endless horizon, and at certain points mountains and icy glaciers.


On one instance, while I was on the bike, Mayi and the person next to her on the treadmill saw an Orca (Killer Whale) breach. Lucky lucky. Running on the ships treadmills though were equally interesting. It didn’t matter if you were just running flats, the bobbing ship constantly offered an inconsistent step and stride. It was like simulating a rolling hills run where you always had to mind your balance. Like I said, it was interesting and funny but quite challenging.

When our cruise ended, we docked back in Vancouver and stayed one more week with Whitey, my brother, in his house. He lived in a setting ideal for training. The sun sets at 9:30 pm and rises at 5:30 am, which gives you no excuse for not having time to exercise. His neighborhood is situated near a bike/run trail on a dike with a full view of the ocean and snow capped mountains on one side and pretty houses on the other.

While running, you feel a constant cool breeze and scents of pine and eucalyptus. Not to mention the occasional smell of steaks grilling on open barbecues of houses along the dike. You also come across bikers and runners throughout who greet and smile at you. Plus a bonus of seeing nesting eagles feeding their young.


On the very end of the trail, you end up in a park in a place called Steveston, a quaint community by the docks. There you'll see people just lying around doing their own thing from picnicking to Parasailing.


I tell you, I just breezed through my 10-11 km runs. It was runners’ heaven…exactly what you see in the movies.

The Hard Truth Continued

I just finished a training run this morning and am quite tired. During my recovery, a new realization popped into my mind and all I could say was..."Oh right, SHIT!!!"

So here it is. The latest addition to my list of Hard Realities I have to deal with.

Reality # 7. I've noted that I've been more focused on training for my run. And having come to realize the list of Hard Truths related to this, it occurred to me that I'll have to go through the same challenges and ordeal training for swimming and biking.

I tell you, the hits keep coming.

The Hard Truth

From my training sessions, I know my stride and technique has greatly improved but I also went face to face with some hard realities that I now know I have to deal with and work on.

Reality # 1. My stamina is shut and I’m a long, long, loooooooooooooong way from my fitness level before my injury.

Reality # 2. There is no short cut for building stamina. I knew this before, and I’m being reintroduced to it again. Shit!!!

Reality # 3. My goals should be refocused (in other words realistic. Hahahaha)
If I dare run races, I should not expect to clock in a good time.

Reality # 4. There is no escaping strength training. I know I’ll never get back if I keep putting off my weight training.

Reality # 5. No more excuses. I’m not injured anymore. I can train as hard as I need to train. It’s all up to me!!! Yikes

And last and maybe most important of all.

Reality # 6. I will have to do all of the above handicapped with the obvious reality that I will not give up my social life. To be more specific,...drinking and late night gimmicks with family and friends. Oh well, life goes on and the struggle continues.

All Clear

Like a good soldier and patient, I went to see George again for a check up last week, April 3, 2008. We agreed last Feb 28, that I should go back after a month so he can check my progress once more.

Finally, after months of rehab, George gave me my clearance, ahead of schedule. YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!! This means I can do anything I want including badminton.
It felt great! I was like last day of class….GRADUATION at last.

George reminded me though to continue my weight/strength training in the gym. He noticed that I was slacking with that part of my therapy and he was correct. I was going once a week instead of the recommended three times a week. It showed and honestly, I felt it too. My legs and knees would feel weak during more intense workouts and I would feel occasional pain and strain in my quads, hamstrings and knee. So I promised myself to be more disciplined and diligent on this aspect. I don’t want to be stupid and regret the consequences of my negligence and laziness. NO MORE DELAYS!!!

The Kind of Pain I’m Used To

Since having been allowed by George last month to proceed with training, I’ve enlisted the services of a running coach to put some structure on that particular discipline. So since March 5, 2008, I’ve included running drills and interval training to my tempo and long runs.

Having someone pushing you and challenging you does bring you to a higher level of training. Plus I get the benefits of an experienced and accomplished runner correcting my stride and my technique. I must admit that it’s quite exhausting at times but it’s the kind of pain I’m used to and the kind of pain I like. Pain is good when you know you’ve accomplished something or you’ve overcome a challenge.

Big Leap

Last week, I suddenly felt that stinging pain again on the side of my knee. I haven’t felt this in a long time and it annoyed me that it’s there again and that it came when I had toned down my workouts for fear that I might be pushing too hard. You can just imagine how pissed I was that this happened again.

I’ve decided that the only way to rid myself of these fears and get some piece of mind was to see Dr. George and ask him my questions directly. So, I went last Feb 26, 2008 to his clinic and had myself examined. George went through the whole routine and told me that my knee is doing really well and that I can start running and biking outdoors already. I was so shocked that it took a while for me to remember the list of things I wanted to ask him. Quickly I threw all my questions and here is essentially a summary of his answers.

1. I can run and bike outdoors at my own pace at any distance.
2. More than watching out for a distinct pain, I supposed to watch out for swelling in my knee. If this happens, I should just lessen my intensity and the distance I cover and apply ice on my knee.
3. The stinging pain I felt on my knee was still connected to my hamstring which according to George was where he got the ligament to fix my injury
4. Strength training is very important
5. Equally important, I can start stretching already. Any stretch (without resistance) is OK
6. I can’t swim especially where I have to use my legs.
7. If everything OK, I may be back training for Triathlons in a month.

I was so happy and excited as I told Mayi the news. The following day, I put on my gear and ran my first 10 k on the road. It felt great. The funny part was that it was my right knee that hurt and felt some strain. Perhaps I was unconsciously compensating for my left knee or maybe it became a little weak as much of my strength training was focused on my injured knee. But all in all it was fantastic and it’s nice knowing that I’m doing this with George’s GO signal.

Since then, my run and bike workouts are more regular and I've also doubled my strength training routines.

Running Scared

It has dawned on me that while I continue to try to keep my workouts and progress on schedule by keeping my intensity level up, I also have a feeling that I am being pulled back by constant fears lingering in my head. Often, while running, biking, or even doing weights, I’ bombarded with questions in my mind of whether I’m doing the right thing or not. Questions like, “Am I going too fast or too slow?”, “Is my form OK?”, “Can I do More?”, “Can I start stretching already?”, etc.

It’s hard enough working back into fitness. It just makes it worse dealing with these self-imposed issues in my head.

• Footnote – This is a delayed post that should have been published weeks ago.

Throwing Caution to the Wind

Since Australia, my runs, on the treadmill, have been regular 30-35 minute routines. I’ve also experimented with changing my speed, which Dr. George allows anyway. My runs are always followed by a 30-minute stationary bike workout to further add to my strength training. This was actually how I regularly train before my injury, with far less intensity of course this time around.

Since I got back from Australia a week and a half ago, I’ve been so busy trying to catch up with my office work and as a result have found it so difficult to find time to exercise. In fact, I’ve been only able to go the gym 3 times to do my strength training including my run and bike workouts. Today, I had a late morning meeting in my schedule so I had a tiny window where I felt I could squeeze in a run. The problem was, it was so tight that I had no time to travel to the gym and was only left with the alternative of running on the road, in the village. The debate went on again in my mind whether to go through with it or not. I knew there might be consequences but my desire to run was greater so I went ahead and did my first run on the road.

I chose a relatively easy route. I ran a straight line a much as I can and tried to prevent any lateral steps. I also controlled my speed and my stride throughout the run but with great difficulty. The urge to go faster, run my normal stride, and attack the uphill slopes was always there especially when I became comfortable with my run around my 3rd minute. But common sense persevered this time around. At the end of it all, when I completed my route, I clocked a total of 37 minutes. I’m sure I didn’t cover a considerable distance given my speed but I felt really great. I had neither pain nor stiffness in my knee. I wasn’t tired at all but had a good workout just the same.

Though it felt great to hit the road again, I don’t think I’m not going to do this regularly until I get George’s GO signal. I’m counting my blessings. I didn’t get injured. My knee didn’t hurt. And I was able to experience “runners high” again after a long, long time.

For now, I can use this feeling to stimulate my boring runs on the treadmill. Hahahaha.

My Alternative Workout

Let me begin by saying that this post is long overdue. I was supposed to post this while I was still in Australia but I was enjoying myself so much that it seemed foolish to waste my time posting my blog.

Anyway, the last time I did write, I was debating whether I should run on the road (instead of the hotel gym) given the fact that Melbourne outdoors were really spectacular. Well, I decided to be more sensible as I didn’t want to risk any unnecessary injury by not following doctor’s orders. In addition, Mayi already felt terrible for accidentally leaving her running shoes so I decided to sympathize with her. Instead, we did long walks (7 to 10 kms a day). It was perfect as we got to see more of the sites and get our doze of daily exercise – two birds with one stone!

Here are some snapshots taken from our walks.

To Run or Not to Run

I’m proud to report that since I started to include running in my workouts, my exercises have been more regular and I’ve also managed to consistently increase my performance. Ah yes, progress.

I’m now out of the country enjoying a break and living out a dream come true. I’m in Australia with Mayi and my in-laws to watch the Australian Open. As I mentioned, it’s been my dream to watch sports events/tournaments at this level. I get a boost of inspiration watching and admiring these top class athletes. And to get a chance to see them live, oh wow. Thanks Pappy!

Anyway, two days before my departure, I decided not to workout anymore. I had to rush and finish all my work before leaving and I didn’t want to risk any form of injury that would eventually spoil my dream trip. After all, I figured, I can catch up on my workout while I’m there. I already checked the hotel’s website and they do have a full gym and spa.

While here in Melbourne, I can’t begin to express how beautiful this city is. Our hotel, Hilton at the park, is walking distance from the Australian Open playing courts. It’s also surrounded with two huge parks with slopping bike and running trails. The moment Mayi and I saw them, we looked at each other and said, “oh my God, how perfect.” My dilemma though is, should I go against George’s instructions and run on the road or just stay within the confines of the gym and the boring treadmill?



After much debate in my mind, I did the more rational decision and ran in the gym. I didn’t want to risk it. Instead, I opted to run longer and faster and finish off with a bike routine. It was ok. I left the gym satisfied. And I know there will be other opportunities. Who knows, I just might give it a go before I fly back to manila. Hahahaha.

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

Two days ago, Jan 8, 2008, I decided to see George for a check-up. I figured, I’d see him before I started my workouts anew and also get an inclination of the measure of progress of my knee in his expert opinion. As he proceeded with examining my knee, I went about telling him how bad I was during the holidays. George just smirked and gave me the “Yup, I knew were going to do that” look. I figured better to be honest and tell him everything and face the consequences. Anyway I was resigned to the fact that my partying during the holidays probably cost me a delay of one month in my recovery. So by that count, I’ll be running on March instead of February. After his examination, George looked at me and gave me the big surprise. He said, “Ok, you can start running already.” I couldn’t believe it. I had to ask him at least three more times. Wow.

After clarifying what I can and can’t do as far as running is concerned, I announced to my therapists that Doc gave me the GO signal to run. They were as surprised as I was and they cheered me on as I walked out of the clinic door.

The following morning, I went to the gym excited as hell. I went through my strengthening workout religiously as George reminded me how important it was now that I was going to start running already. He also told me to do heavier weights to further build the strength in my legs and knees, so I did.

As I stepped on the treadmill, there were a million thoughts on my mind. I was telling myself, “You’re finally going to run again” but at the same time, I was also telling myself, “Take it easy”. For my first run, I ran for 15 minutes as George prescribed. The first 5 minutes was crazy but fun. I was constantly analyzing my strides, feeling my knee, and trying to catch a pattern for my breathing. I think I was still in disbelief that I was running. The next 5 minutes was tougher. I was catching my breath as if I was already on my 5th kilometer. However, by the time I reached my 12th minute, I got my step back and got both my rhythm in my breathing and my stride. It felt good that by the time I reached 15 minutes, I wanted to run more. But I was quick to tell myself, “Enough”. So I just settled for the stationary bike instead.

Today, Jan 10, 2008, I was back in the gym again for another round. I felt so high; I just had to go back. Anyway, I wasn’t going to try anything fancy. I just did exactly the same routine as yesterday. Today was even better. I ran with a consistent stride and did not feel the fatigue as yesterday. But I also kept a comfortable pace both in my run and my bike as didn’t want to risk overdoing it.

I’m so happy! This for me is big progress. I figured I just have to keep my mindset of being disciplined and patient and just focus on strengthening rather than endurance and I’ll be on my way. I feel great!!!

Controlling My Inner Demons

I’m sad to report that temptation coupled with laziness got the better of me over past two weeks and a half. I’m even ashamed to say the amount of partying (therefore drinking and pigging out) I indulged in over the holidays.

My brief shinning moment was my workout on Christmas Eve. I went to the gym, did my full routine including cardio work and an upper body workout. But that was it. I have not exercised aside from spurts of heel raises, squats or hamstring curls. Other than that, nothing!

The devil made me do it! Hahahaha

Although to my surprise, I still feel my knee getting stronger. I experience the shooting pains much less as well as the stiffness in my knee. My swelling has decreased considerably and I’m starting to see the “cuts” back on my legs. The only part that’s slow to improve though is my hamstring. It is still far from normal, using my right leg as my benchmark. I guess there are no shortcuts there and that I really have to seriously get back to working out.



My resolve hasn’t diminished though. I’m still aiming for the dates that George and I set. My goals remain and I know reaching them is all up to me.