Running the Good Run

I ran my first 10 K today at the Nature Valley Run; and by God grace I finished it.

I arrived at Global City early (I was there before 4 AM). I had time to do some serious stretching in hopes of reducing my chances of triggering my knee condition during the course of the race. The stretching served its purpose, because I was feeling great before the race started. I was wide awake and energized. The patella band that Memots lent me was also a source of comfort. I was quite convinced that my right knee would not be a problem.

My knee condition was the source of my apprehension towards joining the Nature Valley Run. I have been having trouble with my right knee for three weeks. The pain recurs after the first 15 to 30 minutes of jogging/running. It usually starts with a dull knee discomfort, which progresses into a sharp, unbearable pain in a matter of minutes. When that happens, I usually have no choice but to stop, because my right knee weakens.

Things went smoothly during the first 1.5 kilometers. Things were going as planned--I started well and was able to maintain my pace. My target time was still in sight until 10 minutes had elapsed when the reality of my condition started to set in. Once again, it started out as a slight knee discomfort. I did not want to entertain the idea that what I was feeling was that knee pain, and so I tried to ignore it. I was able to sustain my pace for about five minutes until I had to stop. The pain was more intense than the usual right knee discomforts that I have had. I stopped three or four times to adjust the patella band to no avail. After five minutes of having difficulty walking, I removed the band (it was too tight). At that point I felt panic and sadness. I still had eight kilometers more to go.

As I laboriously relocated myself to the sidewalk, what came to mind were Sir Gene’s words regarding my knee condition. He told me that if it were ITBS, I might not finish the race. The pain was such that I was convinced that it must be ITBS. After five minutes the pain was still intense. I still could not lift my right knee. As I struggled to walk, other runners overtook me. I started to feel that I was already at the bottom tail of the pack. Sir Gene’s warning regarding the possibility of not being able to finish the race started to sink in. PR was no longer a concern. I just had to make it through. Not finishing the race was not an option. This is my first 10K race, the one that I had been preparing for, I thought. Besides, there were no marshals in sight, and so I took it as a go signal to continue.

I tried tricks in order to provide temporary relief to my right knee. It included massaging, stretching, and flexing the knee--all of which did not work. I knew that I had reached the limits of my physical strength after the first 15 minutes of the run. I prayed for healing and asked God to increase my pain tolerance, which He granted. Thankfully, I remembered what Sir Gene mentioned--one of the probable causes of ITBS is the running gait. I suspect mine tends to tilt inwards, and so I made a conscious effort to adjust my gait to tilt outwards. During the first few steps, the pangs of the injury still had not left my knee. I continued with the makeshift therapy however painful it was, because it was the only technique that allowed me to move my right knee. I just had to make sure that my right steps were quick and light.

After finishing the third kilometer, my right knee started to improve. I could still feel the pain, but it was bearable. I was still limping, but it was no longer that apparent; my right knee had adjusted and could support my weight. I then started to slowly regain and maintain my pace. I had to be much careful though, in order not to trigger another round of intense pain. I also had to stop at almost every water station in order to allow my right knee to recuperate even for a while.

The sight of the finish line excited me. All of a sudden it was as if my right knee were perfectly fine. I was able to increase my pace and I was smiling for the cameras. When I crossed the finish line after an hour and fifteen minutes of running, walking, and limping, I was overjoyed and thankful. I was so close to not finishing the race, but God’s grace enabled me.

Happy to see the finish line

Last few meters

Obligatory solo pic by the route map

Nat Geo moment with Raewyn

***The pictures are from Raewyn and Photovendo.

Thankful for a Month’s Supply of Tea

Earlier today during our departmental meeting Mr. Yap entered the room to give our boss a plastic bag full of different types of teas. Afterwards, our boss announced that she will share the teas with us. I was thrilled to hear that because I know that the teas will be extraordinary.

Four of the five variants (the fifth is the pouch of tea leaves) that was given to us today:
Catherine English Breakfast (Black Tea), Stash Chamomile Tea, Pickwick Green Tea & Jasmine, and Nestea Black Tea

I can’t wait to try each one of them next week. Thanks for the love! ♥

P.S.: I’m the custodian of the tea leaves pouch.

What Ever Happened to the Dark Cloud?

A huge dark cloud covered the EDSA-Ortigas skyline at around 8 AM today. I was thrilled, because I thought it’s the beginning of the end of the insane summer heat. But no! A few seconds later, the cloud formation headed north-west leaving the view from my area in its usual sunny luster. If it rained in other of parts Metro Manila, it could not have lasted for more than 30 minutes, because the dark cloud left no trace after 30 minutes or so.

The view from my area at 8:10 AM

I can’t wait for summer to end. I'm not a summer person--never was and never will be. I’ve always hated the sun and the heat. What keeps my sanity for the past few weeks is going to the office where there is A/C and I’m shielded from the sun. Having ice-cold drinks/treats (I suspect this is why I’ve been having coughing fits lately) and taking cold showers have also helped a lot.

Upcoming Runs

Late last year I had to temporarily stop running due to reasons I stated in one entry. Early this month I registered for three fun runs for the next four weeks. The run on Saturday is going to be my first fun run for 2010. The next run is my first 10 K run. I am really excited!

Event	Distance	Date
Sun Sportsfest	5 K	May 22
Nature Valley Run	10 K	May 30
Sun’s Freedom Run	10 K	June 13

Election 2010

As a first time voter, I was excited to vote. The voting hype started in October after I registered. My experience during the last day of registration made me eager to vote. The four-hour ordeal simply increased the value of voting.

Months before the election, I was quite assured that my voting experience would not be long and tiring. Whenever my parents leave the house to vote, they would be back after an hour, tops. I remember this very clearly, because I always asked why they are back so soon. And so until May 10 I had the impression that my first voting would be just like the CoverGirl tagline--easy, breezy, and beautiful.

I underestimated the effect on the queuing brought about by the election automation. The three-hour waiting period in a crowded and secluded area at noon at this time of the year made my first voting experience a nightmare. Thanks to my habit of taking into consideration Murphy’s Law, I was equipped with tools and tricks that helped me through. Looking back, I realize that my voting experience taught some tips that will be handy next time:

Ate almost missed her turn by just a few minutes, because she had to go home just to use the restroom (the restrooms in that school was that bad).
You want to avoid: Leaving the waiting room to buy food or use the public restroom.
Do: (1) Have a hearty meal before heading to the school/precinct; (2) bring food and water; (3) regulate water intake two hours before leaving the house.


It is a miracle how I (and the rest of my family) survived the heat of that day. The air was warm and the place was full to the brim.
You want to avoid: Bathing in sweat, fainting, and heatstroke
Do: (1) Take a shower before leaving the house; (2) bring a fan; and (3) wear comfortable clothing.


My friend and I scheduled a lunch date that day, since it was our only common free time that week. After an hour of waiting, I had to reschedule our meeting.
You want to avoid: Missing/rescheduling an appointment or being late for an appointment
Do: Set a meeting at least five hours after your estimated time of arrival at the school/precinct.


Waiting under harsh conditions could seem forever.
You want to avoid: Boredom
Do: (1) Bring a book (or a gaming device) and MP3 player; (2) talk to a friend.

The scene in front of the school

On our way to the waiting room

People outside waiting for their priority number

This baby entertained us.

Ate and her ballot

Cheers to those who voted this year despite all the inconveniences. (Quoting Elaine) Mabuhay ka!