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!  😊

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. 

Back at 5

First run after months of no running

Music is about expression.  It matters to me most when I cannot find the exact words to express how I feel about something, in this case, running.  So whenever I finally made time to at least jog...these lyrics have their way to play some melody in my head.

It's undeniable
That we should be together
It's unbelievable
How I used to say
That I'd fall never
The basis is need to know
If you don't know
Just how I feel
Then let me show you now
That I'm for real
If all things in time
Time will reveal

(Back at One by Brian McKnight)

Finding time for a quality run has been a struggle for me since I stopped running regularly 4 years ago. Somehow, in the last 4 years, I was able to get through a couple of half and two full marathon events with (borderline) inadequate training, but with sheer and crazy guts to tour two cities on foot.  There are days I emerge triumphant over my busy schedule and inner demons, finally getting out of bed earlier than usual and lacing up my running shoes for a quick jog.  I long for those days when running for 2 hours or more was the norm...and so I sing...

Late last night
I was goin' through some old things
When I saw a picture of you, my best friend
It reminded me of days when you were mine
You had a way that always left me here with a smile
I want those sweet days back again
'Cause baby

(Cool With You by Jennifer Love Hewitt)

Whenever I jog, I am always tempted to go faster even though I know the risk of doing speed work right away with no endurance base.  As the treadmill hits the 10kph mark, I mentally brace myself for a self-imposed challenge...

Forfeit the game
Before somebody else
Takes you outta the frame
And puts your name to shame
Cover up your face
You can't run the race
The pace is too fast
You just won't last

(Points of Authority by Linkin Park)

I refuse to give up, even after months of zero training. I always manage to come around and go back to running...because I love running.  I know if I start training seriously anytime soon, I will be full marathon-ready in 8 months or so.  For now, I'm back at 5km. Chill.  

Don't you give up, nah-nah-nah
I won't give up, nah-nah-nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
Don't you give up, nah-nah-nah
I won't give up, nah-nah-nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
Oh baby, baby

(Let Me Love You by DJ Snake)

Meowth's b-day run

Special thanks to those who sent me beautiful thoughts on my birthday! 

People were asking what I would be doing on that special day.

Run. It makes me happier.   

B-day run 2015 : Back-to-back run.  Gym + outdoor run, Manila

B-day run 2014 :  Early morning jog, Powell St., San Francisco, CA.

Oh! Coffee is not to be missed.

B-day run 2015: Espresso and light pastry before running

B-day run 2014 : Bread and freshly brewed coffee near Union Square, after negotiating the rolling hills of San Francisco.  

HP Run 2014 Preliminary Details

[Official Announcement, as posted at HP Run's Official Facebook Page]

When: October 19, 2014
Where: Bonifacio Global City Taguig
Registration period is from August 1 to August 31 only! 

The proceeds of the run will provide assistance to complement the e-Health infrastructure that will be installed by HP In Tacloban City. All of this will go to Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF).

For any questions with regard to this year's run, you may email the HP Run Core Team (hprunph@hp.com), or get in touch with them through their Official Facebook Page.  

Race route, registration link, and singlet design will be posted soon.

Happy Friday runners!

#hprun2014

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Running: let's make it matter.  Meowth supports HP Run 2014.  Paws up!  =)

Starting Over Again

After months of attempting success for #thecubsproject, BFD and I have yet to see a new starting line called parenthood.  

Whereas infertility work up is not the most exciting medical event in the world, I had to stop training for half- and full-marathons in order to appease some hormones...in fact, I stopped running altogether.  From there, I witnessed how my fitness level dropped next to lethargic.  

I went back to my old blog to remind myself how delighted I was for every chance at running. It was the experience of being in the zone, the autonomy - the pace, distance, where I was heading (psychologically - in my life) and most importantly, the happy feeling that went with it; though sometimes I was under a lot of stress that I had to clear my thoughts while running. Rain or shine, I ran.  It was all beautiful - as if all elements were in harmony after each run. I hardly got sick, too.  

I want it back. So badly.  

I'm running again...again and again...until I get back that in-the-zone feeling.  If I stop, then I will start again.  

Oh, and #thecubsproject?  They will come when they have to.  

About 3 years ago, when running along Roxas Boulevard in Manila meant 'zoned out'.  

While running, there has to be some good music, too.  #Coldplay

Milo's Help Give Shoes Advocacy

The National MILO® Marathon is the biggest running event in the country, with an immense popularity that has attracted runners from all age groups to participate, including kids. Speaking of kids, a lot of driven young runners do not have shoes. Imagine seeing a little boy run kilometer after kilometer on rough cement barefoot. This moving scene inspired MILO® to make every year’s run more meaningful, by giving out running shoes to deserving public school children. 

The root of this advocacy lies in MILO®’s belief that they are not only providing children with running shoes, but also giving them something that they can wear to school, for sports, and other activities. It is definitely a step to help them reach their true potential and be the best that they can be. In 2010, the National MILO® Marathon provided 4,200 running shoes to public school children nationwide with the “Help Give Shoes” advocacy. Since its inception, MILO has donated a total of 34,200 pairs of shoes across the country.

The running event continues the advocacy with an aim to donate 160 pairs of running shoes to 100 students in 100 schools in select Typhoon Yolanda-hit cities —amounting to 16,000 more pairs of shoes and dreams fulfilled. In the same way that Nestle has been a part of Filipinos lives throughout generations, the National MILO Marathon invites Filipinos to be part of the cause to help make the shoe-less child today a champion tomorrow.

PhP10 from every registration fee will be allotted to the advocacy. MILO will then match the proceeds and work with the Department of Education to select 16,000 public school student beneficiaries in Tacloban, Ormoc, and Eastern Samar cities. MILO aims to reach its 50,000 advocacy mark by the end of the 38th marathon season.

Takbo na!  

HPness!

It was early Sunday morning, and my feet were pounding the familiar streets of BGC.  I stopped running for a while and this was the first in several months.  

My memory sent me back to 2005, then 2008.  It's now 2013.  I had no idea that every piece of it would soon be over after eight years.  Memories, whether good or bad, prevented me to keep track of my run time.  I was temporarily lost with thoughts from the past until I caught a glimpse of the finish line. I was trying to clear my head.  My idea of 'clearing my head today' was to race in the 3 KM category.  It never felt this good.  I was racing, winning, and having fun...moving forward to a better life.  

What made it more exciting to reach the finish line for this race - I felt I found my new second home.  HPness!  =)

My first fun run in 5 months. It was not just about winning, but gaining the autonomy and perspective as to where I wanted to grow my career.  Happy and Progressive.  HP.  

A winning partnership (by God's Grace).  <3 font="">

[UPDATE] Philippine Air Force Run 2013: Takbo para sa Karunungan, Kinabukasan ng Kabataan

 

UPDATE:  REGISTRATION SITES as of May 20, 2013 

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is inviting you to a cause-oriented run in celebration of its 66th Anniversary.  Dubbed as 'Takbo para sa Karunungan Kinabukasan ng Kabataan', the race is set on June 9, 2013 at the CCP Complex.

What's unique about this fun run?

1.  Owing to the successful staging of last year's PAF fun run, the 2013 edition promotes an equally worthy cause that is driven by education, uplifting our soldiers' moral through sports, and reaching out to bereaved families of fallen soldiers in line of duty.  (If you are the type of runner who believes in helping people through running, this event is something that you should not miss.)

2.  Lace up your fave running shoes and run the course with the PAF.  No killer hills this time around.  Yes, flat course it is.  Pace them or they pace you, whatever floats your boat.  It's guaranteed fun!

3.  Things to watch out for:  confetti drops and static displays by select teams of the Philippine Air Force (including the 505th Search and Rescue Group, PIO, 710th SPOW, AFRDC. 

4.  Very reasonable registration fee, with singlet and finisher's medal for all categories. 


Register now!  =)

Registration period is from April 29 - June 7.  Limited slots are available, so better register early before race packets run out. 

  Registration sites
      ASICS Greenbelt 3
      ASICS Bonifacio High Street
      ASICS Solenad 2
      Olympic Village Trinoma   


  Categories and fees (including singlet and finiser's medal)
 

  Prizes 

  Race routes

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This invitation is posted on behalf of the Air Force Special Services Group (AFSSG).  For inquiries, you may contact them at these numbers:  0932 428 3632, 0927 420 3541, 853 5128.  You may also visit their Facebook page:  Paf Anniversary Run.

Shoe Review: Saucony Type A5

I want to run, jog, or at least brisk walk until old age. I've always been keen about keeping injuries at bay. Experience taught me the importance of wearing a pair of shoes that is most suited for my feet. My happy feet are classified as neutral with a mild tendency to overpronate. 

I was skeptical about minimalist racing shoes since I started running.  I thought of it as that type which could injure my feet, and that it was designed for elite athletes only.  I'm referring to those (mostly) bright-colored, thin-soled shoes donned by elite runners in last year's London Olympics. Impression. 

Oh, but I drooled over those shoes....they are so cool!  I couldn't help but think about buying a pair every time I pass by any specialty shops. Tempting.  I wonder what 'magic' they bring.  Until the thought became frequent...I finally gave in and bought my first pair.  It was love at first sight.

Amazing beauty! Performance doesn't mean boring.  =)

I got tired of reading so many shoe articles - theory overdose, but no action.   Armed with basic knowledge of minimalist shoes, I let my senses guide me in the selection process.  After two trips to the shoes section, my feet found its solemate - Saucony Type A5. It's super light weight, thin-soled.  Surprisingly, it provides the right amount of cushioning to protect my feet from harsh elements.  After 40KM of running in A5, I can now share without apprehension, that I finally found the perfect pair of racing flats to go with my restless but happy feet. =)



Saucony's FlexiFilm overlays, which effectively reduced weight in the upper portion (based on manufacturer's specifications).

The soles allow my feet to breathe.  The design is also suited for running in the rain; it offers good traction for wet roads - whether cement or asphalt.  The soles act as drainage, my feet don't get soaked. 
I can run...rain or shine! =)

Shoe width is neither wide nor narrow.  I don't have to worry about discomfort attributed to a wide or narrow toe box.  (I go for width 'B' - American shoe size chart).  

Manufacturer's Specifications

Weight: 5.2oz / 148grams; Color: White / Purple / Black / Blue

Description: Saucony's lightest racing flats; designed for running and triathlon.  FlexiFilm overlays help reduce weight in the upper portion.

Other color options for women:

How would I rate this pair of shoes?

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5

Performance: 5.0 - I've been trying to re-introduce speed to my maintenance runs.  A5 seems to help in a way that my feet don't need to deal with excess weight (other than my body weight, of course).  A5 doesn't hurt my feet.  It acts like a guide for my feet to achieve (almost, almost!) consistent landing - mid foot strike.  

Style: 4.5 - It's the coolest pair in my shoe cabinet. 

Durability: 4.0 - Right now, it's a 4.0 - still has some things to prove in terms of durability.  The pair has to measure up with those shoes that I used in my first three full marathons. 

Why I run

Running is an effective stress-buster. It's fun, healthy, and it feels even better when I'm able to stretch the time to cover a longer distance.  I have a colorful history of competing in badminton, but not in running where I only have one competitor - myself.  =)

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Disclaimer:  I do not work for Saucony, or any of its PR outfit or subcontractors.  The article presented here is a personal write up.  This is not a paid advertisement. 

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You might also be interested in these articles:

Running for Keeps -- 101% sugar & spice, a case of running for love and in-love while running :)

My Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore Anniversary  -- from my old blog

Minsan lamang ako mag-full marathon -- from my old blog