When in Rome...

2019 BC (Before Covid)

I used to travel a lot back in 2019.  The trips were mostly for work, and a couple of times for leisure.  When COVID happened and borders shut down, well at least, hubby and I had fun travel memories to go back to.  Out of this situation, I began to truly appreciate the value of travel experiences over fancy, material things. 

Hello (once again), World! 

Today I did a quick experiment using the Canva app to share my trip to Rome and Vatican through this blog.  I'm not a photographer or videographer, though.  I just kinda felt that may be a photo and video collage would be sufficient to sum up our visit.  Scroll down for the link.  

Weeks before traveling

• Booked a flight from Berlin to Rome via Ryanair website
• Booked a hotel near the Vatican through Agoda - it was mainly intended for our 7am hassle-free Vatican guided tour
• Booked guided tours (small group only)

Five-day itinerary

Monday evening:  Hubby and I arrived at the Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport from Berlin. We participated in the 2019 Berlin Marathon, which I intend to share through another blog. 

Tuesday morning:  Guided tour of the Vatican Museum, including Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.  There was no wheelchair access at the Vatican Museum.  If you are planning to visit in the future and you're gonna need wheelchair access, please check up-to-date information from the museum's official website.  

Tuesday afternoon: Guided tour of the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill

Wednesday morning:  Papal Audience at the Vatican.  Then we also had a quick lunch just outside the walls of the Vatican.  The hole-in-the-wall restaurants there are serving some of the best paninis and gelatos in all of Rome.  

Wednesday afternoon:  Walking and Food Tour - Antica Salumeria (their Prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella are the best), Pantheon, Fontana de Trevi, Hosteria del Mercato, Pompi Tiramisu, and the Spanish Steps.

Thursday morning:  Rest.  Laundry (it was our 2nd week in EU) 

Thursday and Friday afternoon:  We went back to the Spanish Steps to dine and shop. 

Saturday morning:  Airport ---> homebound

Getting around:  walking, taxi, Uber 

Bottomline:  If you're the kind of traveler who appreciates or at least curious about culture / history / religion / cuisine / architecture - Rome and Vatican should be in your bucket list.  

Oh, and the weather.  We were there first week of October.  I enjoyed a healthy dose of sunshine and cool evenings.  Be sure to bring a bottle of water during your day tour - you'll do a lot of walking.  I don't normally drink water from the tap; but during this trip, I refilled my water bottle from the tap a couple of times.  I was fine. :) 

Nature and Self-love

Be kind to yourself. Get that much needed rest. 

Reaching for your dreams is not always about sprints. It is oftentimes a marathon. Longevity is as important as perseverance and dedication. 

Meditate. Pray. 

Commune with nature. It relaxes the mind and body. It heals the spirit. 

How do I sustain my running / jogging-walking / walking routine?

I'm able to stick to my running routine for almost a year now. This has been my longest streak since 2013.  I'm not going to assert that the routine I'm sharing through this blog is for everyone.  I'm just going to share what works for me.  My ultimate goal is to stay healthy, while training and participating in a full marathon will always be an add-on accomplishment.  

In case you're thinking about starting a similar cardio routine, please consult your doctor first. It will help you obtain the full health benefits out of your (new) exercise routine.  

Not so long ago... 

I ran 2 full marathons, plus a practice marathon between 2016 and 2019. I was about to join Chicago back in 2020, but we all know what happened to the world at that time. 

Jog-walk in the new normal 

After several lockdowns and borderline hypertensive episodes while working from home, I finally had the motivation to go back to running (jog-walk) around September of 2021. I can still recall my first 15 minutes on the treadmill - I was like fish out of the water. 

How do I sustain my running / jogging - walking / walking routine?  Just keep doing it.  I listen to my body while I'm at it.  Being mindful or staying in the present helps a lot.  I'm also able to clear my head while walking or jogging.

(Re)developing and making it a habit

Sept - Oct 2021: 30 minutes was my longest walk on the treadmill 

Nov - Dec 2021: 5km was my longest jog-walk. Sub-35min for a 5km jog-walk 

Jan 2022: COVID19 entered my life 

Feb - Mar 2022: tried to make up for all the runs I missed back in Jan 

Apr 2022: Minor knee injury said "hello!" 

May 2022 - June 2022: Bad knee - gained back the weight that I worked hard to lose 

July 2022: Just kept walking and jogging. I know that my future (senior citizen) self would thank me for it. 

Aug 2022: Able to breach the 100km total distance within a month. The last time I did it was back in Dec 2021.

My typical walk-jog session: 

1.  Jog-walk.  Depending on the day, it can be: 2min walk - 4min jog at 6.4 kph max / 2min walk-2min jog at 7.2kph max / 2min walk - 8min jog at 6.2kph max 

2. Power walk.  1.6km to 2.4km at 5.6kph 

3. Walk.  1.6km to 3.2km at 5.2kph 

My longest jog-walk sessions are usually within the range of 8km - 10km total distance per session; combination of jog-walk, power walk, and walk.  While what I would consider as tempo or speed session, it would be around 4.8km to 6.4km per session.  

Stay safe and well!  😊

[Register now] 7-Eleven Run 2022

PRESS RELEASE

Cash prizes, freebies await runners at the 7-Eleven Run on September 24, 25

Last chance to register for the two-day physical event in Manila, Cebu, and Davao on September 13.

After two years of running virtually, the 7-Eleven Run Series is finally back on the road. 

The leading convenience store is bringing back the fun and thrill of running together with its 10th installment and 5th simultaneous event in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. To celebrate the grand comeback of the two-day physical event from September 24 to 25, 7-Eleven is preparing exciting cash prizes, major freebies from sponsor brands, and a chance to run in an international competition. 

Registration period is until September 13 only. It doesn’t matter if one is a newbie, a pro runner, or just joining for fun alone, with a friend, or a group, everyone’s welcome to join and run as one community. 

Run to the nearest 7-Eleven store or register online at www.run711.com to join! 

Yes, you read it right. There's a category for everyone: 3km/5km/5km Buddy/10km/10km Buddy/16km/21km/32km/42km. 

REGISTER NOW. This is not a drill, and we are filling you in with the details.

Here is your awesome race kit.  

In case you are feeling competitive, exciting prizes are up for grabs.  

Now mark your calendar... and set the alarm clock for race day. 😊

Participants can do a quick recovery and grocery run as freebies await from over 30 sampling booths courtesy of 7-Eleven’s brand partners.

Visit the race website or the 7-Eleven Run Series FB page to view the race maps and other event details.  

See you on race day!  😊

Slowly but surely

 

I've been jogging and walking regularly for almost a year now.  I neither gain nor lose weight, and it's fine. My blood pressure is normal and my cardio vascular strength is good based on my previous treadmill stress test.  Though my body is not the same as it was 2 / 6 / 10 years ago, but I'm not complaining.  I just couldn't give up on running, or at least jogging and walking.  I want to do it for as long as I can, whether slow or slower.  This regular jog-walk exercise is helping me generate just the right level of happy hormones while working from home.  It also helped me through the second year of the pandemic when I kinda felt that I was cutoff from the rest of the world far too long.  

Now I want to start blogging again.  I really wanted to share my Berlin Marathon experience back in 2019 but I don't know where or how to start.  May be I'll figure it out soon.  For now, I just want to get that feeling of blogging again - trying to revive my online journal that was once dedicated to running, all things healthy; and at times, kinda emotional, yet therapeutic.  

Let's stay safe and healthy! 😊

Jog - walk combination for cardiovascular health.

Walking at a leisurely pace; just trying to clear my head after a day's work. 

Abundance

It is hard to think, and much more to talk about abundance positively during this unusual time. 

The Great Force in the Universe has sent good people into my life to remind me that abundance exists in more ways than one.

Today I woke up with a roof above my head, food on the table, and with my family. I could not thank my Creator enough for these blessings. 

I was ill for a while, but I have supportive and caring people in my inner circle who pushed me towards a speedy recovery.  The abundance of love and care are much greater than hardship. 

My professional life is on a hiatus, but abundance won't let me be in this phase empty-handed.  What I have now is an abundance of quality time to re-examine the things that truly matter in life, front and center. I am obtaining a better understanding of how it is to fully recuperate, recharge, and reconnect. Life continues to surprise me in its terms.  The Swahili phrase hakuna matata (meaning, "there are no troubles") is possible with an abundance of faith.  

If you happen to be reading this post, I wish you and your loved ones with all the Abundance life has to offer.  

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8

Hi, Bye, Sadness!

Dear Sadness, 

You're not a good companion to have, but yes of course, you are one of those feelings that make me human.  So, I let you in.  Tell you what.  You are not welcome to stay.

Here we are, it has been months of on-off seeing each other. You're back again, and it has become obvious that you wanted to stay longer.  I really wanted to kick you out of my mind, out of my life every chance I get,  but it appears that you have grown stronger after depleting my fuel of enthusiasm for a good life. You became vicious in your attempt to cut me off from the people and things I love.  I have to stop you now. 

I'm giving you a hard time.  It's obvious I'm still functioning, though I'm always sick and tired.  I'm armed with faith, hope, and love - cheesy as it may sound, but they have been good companions throughout my life.  I have a treasure trove of good people in my life, too.  Some of them are helping me beat the hell out of you.  You are just an episode, not my entire life.   Pack your things, and go. Now. 

Me

Hello, Blog! Remember me?

It has been 1 year and 5 months since my last blog entry. What changed?

A lot. 

It's not just me. 

The world has changed drastically because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This month, communities are starting to reopen, though there is a lot of unknown factors ahead of us. I have faith in humanity - a virus did not change it.  Society always finds ways to adapt. We are in the new normal. 

In this part of the world, I've been staying home for 3 months already - staying home means working from home, meeting family and friends online, and no jogging outside. I can't complain that it is tough, knowing there are people out there who are suffering a lot.  We all need some healing after months of collectively battling against an unseen enemy. 

My sudden resurgence at Blogspot is prompted by my longing to reconnect to things that used to make me mentally and emotionally strong.  I hope I did not drift too far away from the core. I need to start writing again. 

[PRESS RELEASE] 7-ELEVEN Run 2019

Happening simultaneously in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao on February 3, 2019, 7-Eleven Run 2019 promises to be an exciting event for both professional and recreational runners. The race was first held simultaneously in 3 locations across the country last 2018, with over 25,000 runners participating. This year promises to be even bigger, better and more exciting. Runners can expect to see new race categories, a chance to compete in an international Asian marathon, and even have the opportunity to win P500,000 cash.

The race in Luzon will be held in Filinvest City, Alabang. The Visayas leg will be held at Cebu Business Park, while the Mindanao leg will be in SM City Davao.

This year, runners will see new distances that will challenge experienced and novice runners alike. 7-Eleven is introducing the 32K category. Runners also have other options: from a short 500 meter run for kids, a 10K buddy category, and up to a 42K full marathon.

As always, 7-Eleven continues to support Filipino athletes. This year, the overall Top 3 Filipino winners for 21K, 32K, and 42K will be awarded cash prizes and medals, plus a chance to join an international marathon in Asia, all expenses paid. Last year, winners of the 21K and 42K races from 7-Eleven Run Series 2018 were sent to Jeju, South Korea to compete at the 23rd Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival where they dominated the top spots in their respective race categories.

To further encourage the spirit of competition, 7-Eleven will be giving away a bonus cash prize to the top Filipino runner who can beat the Philippine record for the 42K category. The record setter will get to take home P500,000 in cash. 

Registration is now open until January 15, 2019. Be sure to visit the official website at https://run711.com/ and follow its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/run711 for more information about the race.

Running and I are back together

ME:  Lace up your running shoes. Walk - jog. Follow the path.  RUNNING will find you.  

I thought it was over.  You know this, whole I-love-running phase of my life?

There was a point I thought about ditching running, because I am no longer the morning person I used to be.  My pace is no longer within 10% of my age group.  It felt like faded glory of some sort.  I registered for runs or signed up for free, but I would not make it to the start line because all I wanted was to catch up on sleep. 

However, each time I turned my back from "running", I would always come running back to it.  I gave up ignoring "running".  I just had to admit to myself that I cannot run away from it, even if I could think about 101 excuses to ditch it.  

I used to build mileage for full marathons, but it has been two years since I ran a full.  After a full marathon back in 2016, I lost all clear motivations to do some maintenance run. I lost that healthy disposition towards "running".   

And then it hit me...

Wait, I forgot about wellness while I was occupied by the very thought of transitioning from corporate to a new life path.  I was too busy, and yes, stressed, that I forgot how running cleared my head even during the most toxic work assignments in the past.  I forgot that feeling for a while, only to rediscover it after contemplating on some health-related stuff.    

ME:  If you can't run in the morning, run at night.
Now, I run even when it's late and I'm the last person to leave the gym.

I must go back to the one I love - RUNNING...and RUNNING is the very thing I have in mind whenever I sing "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" in my head.  Running is that kind of person who can't be moved - just waiting in a familiar place, hoping to be found again by that his/her special someone.  I must have missed running so much, that I'm beginning to romanticize my analogy. 

I've been running regularly on the treadmill in the last three months.  I have not hit the road yet, but the 3x-a-week treadmill deal is already progress, and enough validation that  running and I are back together.  😊

Just like in the not-so-distant past, I run on the treadmill for as long as I can or want...then I eat. Some things never change. 

[Press Release] Specialized Elite Store Opens at SM by the Bay

Specialized Philippines, in partnership with Gruppo Innovare Corporation, the authorized and appointed distributor of Specialized Bicycle Components in the Philippines, officially opened the newest Specialized Elite Store on Wednesday, October 17 at the SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Present during the event were the Gruppo Innovare team headed by its Managing Director, Mr. JL Gavino and Sales Director, Mr. Ritchie Santayana, Mr. Gino Abano, Commercial Director of Specialized SESA was also there to grace the event.

“We are proud to be opening the first Specialized Elite Store here at the SM by the Bay, a perfect location as it is a biker’s haven especially in the morning. As Specialized has striven to make the best bikes for riders since 1974, the Philippine riding community can expect the best one-stop bike shop experience the moment they walk in our store.”, said Mr. Santayana.

During the opening, Mr. Abano presented highlights of various Specialized bike products such as the Venge, the fastest road bike, and the Tarmac, the lightest race bike ever made by the brand.

Venge, now regarded as the fastest road bike.

Tarmac, Specialized's lightest race bike.

For those who love off-road riding, the store also has the Stumpjumper, the brand’s most versatile trail bike, and the Turbo Levo and Kenevo, a pair of e-mountain bikes built to give riders the power to ride more trails.

The highlight of the day was the special preview of the all-new 2019 Shiv Disc. Guests were given a sneak peek on an actual setup of this limited-edition triathlon specific bike, which promises unprecedented aero design, storage for fuel and hydration to last the whole race, and the most flexible fit. It is the most complete triathlon bike ever made.

“We are very fortunate to be able to present to everyone here today an actual set-up of the all-new 2019 Shiv Disc. This complete tri bike will be available globally as a limited edition product and reservations can be placed until October 31, 2018.”, shared Mr. Abano.

The Specialized Elite Store offers worry-free purchases, and a complete “Specialized experience” through the store’s full scope of services: providing expert advice in choosing the best bike, experiencing the bikes first-hand through their bike test program, bike servicing by trained staff, and the Retül Match and Vantage system, the most technically advanced bike fitting and product matching technology available in the market.

The Specialized Elite Store in SM by the Bay is the first of three Specialized concept stores to open, with Pasig and Maginhawa St. in Quezon City completing the new stores for 2018. All three are known to be bike-friendly areas in the metropolis, and more stores are promised to come throughout the country over the next few years.

For further information, about Specialized in the Philippines, visit https://www.specialized.com/ph/en or like and follow Specialized Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/specialized.ph/. 

Specialized Gears Up for SM Mall of Asia Store Opening

Specialized – a bicycle brand made for riders, by riders – gears up for its store’s grand opening today, Oct. 17 at the SM by the Bay at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Considered to be a biker’s haven especially in the morning, SM by the Bay is the perfect location for the first of three Specialized concept stores to open, with Pasig and Maginhawa St. in Quezon City completing the new stores for 2018.

 “We want to serve the riders where they are, and at the same time make it convenient for them to get that one-stop bike shop experience,” says Ritchie Santayana, Customer Development Director of Gruppo Innovare Corporation, referring to the choice of locations for the three stores. All three are known to be bike-friendly areas in the metropolis, and more stores are promised to come throughout the country over the next few years.

Since 1974, the brand has striven to make the best bikes for riders. The store is set to offer a comprehensive range of technically advanced products, such as:

·      The Stumpjumper, the brand’s most versatile trail bike,

·      the Turbo Levo and Kenevo, a pair of e-mountain bikes built to give riders the power to ride more trails,

·      the Venge, the fastest road bike, and

·      the Tarmac, the lightest race bike ever made by the brand.

The 2019 Shiv Disc, is also set to take center stage during opening day. The all-new triathlon specific bike promises unprecedented aero design, storage for fuel and hydration to last the whole race, and the most flexible fit. It is the most complete triathlon bike ever made.

Riders can expect easy and worry-free purchases, and a complete “Specialized experience” through the store’s full scope of services: providing expert advice in choosing the best bike, experiencing the bikes firsthand through their bike test program, bike servicing by trained staff, and the Retül Match and Vantage system, the most technically advanced bike fitting and product matching technology available in the market.

Fabulous prizes will also be raffled off while Specialized will give a 10 percent discount on all items on its launch day.

Gruppo Innovare Corporation is the authorized and appointed distributor of Specialized Bicycle Components in the Philippines.

For further information, about Specialized in the Philippines, visit https://www.specialized.com/ph/en or like and follow Specialized Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/specialized.ph/.