Fit and Run.Info

Runners preparing for the morning run.

Route map. CLICK FOR LARGER MAP

Running through the twin bridges of Mandaue and Mactan was an experience! The views and seascapes were just so amazing that I can’t help but remember my Macau run. Unfortunately, because of the rains and drizzle before we started, I decided to just leave my camera.

It’s my first time to join this early morning run with the ungo runners, a welcome change from the usual Friday nights  that the informal group have. Initially, the planned route is 13KM distance that might have taken us to the three bridges, including the newly opened Cansaga Bay Bridge going to Liloan. However, since we started late, around 30 minutes because of the rains, we cut it short and just decided to do a 7KM loop (see map). There were just about 10 of us as many joined the Fitness First race.

How was it? At first, I was daunted with the ascent and descent of the two bridges but in reality , the gradual inclination is good and not as taxing as I thought it would be. However, after a few meters from the descent, my lower shins were hurting that I have to walk for a few minutes so that it will subside. When I also ran along the cement sidewalk, it wasn’t also good since my shins were also in pain due to the harder surface.

I didn’t join the rest when they headed to the market as I was still planning to shoot the Fitness First race and just did the loop above.

After the 10K with Vinson and Froi

10K loop that we did last night

Dagan ta unya gabie? (Let’s run tonight?)

Vinson, a runner friend, typed on the small screen at Facebook chat window inviting me to a 10K night run. That was last 24 May and the previous day, I just had my second 5k race.

I was tempted. The longest distance prior to this was just around 7K. Initially, I was hesitant since it will be the longest yet and because I just ran the previous day. I was also thinking if I can make it but it was just too hard to resist that I said yes. I was crossing my fingers and excited at doing this long run.

The initial plan was to start at Ayala Center in Cebu, head to IT Park then Gorordo Ave. We will then turn right along Escario St. and then to Jones Ave. before turning at Abellana and back to the starting place. We, however, agreed to start and end at IT Park.

Being with another runner is better than running alone. Other than having run related conversations, the challenge of keeping pace with a faster buddy is better. It somehow pushed me and, actually, was kind of pleased with my performance. Of course, there was a point that I had to walk but briefly. Froi, another runner and Vinz’s close friend joined us on the way back starting at Fuente Osmena.

That was the seminal 10K run that I had and felt great about it. My second came two days later. This was followed with a much longer run from MOA to KM 0 in Luneta with friends from Smart at 12k! Right now, as I’m preparing for my first 21K in CamSur, I’m doing weekly training runs three times a week with a starting average distance of 10K and progressing every week.

I’m now very much addicted with running!

My almost 6K run in Ilocos Norte from Laoag to San Nicolas

One of those days when the running can’t just be as good as one expects. On the bright side, its my first time to run in Ilocos Norte.

I’ve been looking forward to this run as it will be my first time to do it here in Ilocos Norte while on a North Luzon trip that will take me from this region to the Cagayan Valley and then to the Cordillera before exiting Baguio. But then, it was just so-so. Not a good run.

I’m not so familiar with the ins and outs of Laoag City that I decided to run along the national highway instead and also, to cross the long bridge span that connects this capital to San Nicolas.

But then, my stamina wasn’t good that I faltered and slowed down. Maybe it was from the tiring trip I had the previous day or even for sleeping around midnight. Or that night runs are better for me.

Well, there’s always a next time and I do hope to run better when I will either be in Tuguegarao, Banaue or Baguio.

This mother's day run in Macau is my first time outside the Philippines with really spectacular views!

This Mother’s Day run in Macau is my first time outside the Philippines and my first time to go over a major bridge giving me spectacular views and sceneries!

When an opportunity to visit the former Portuguese trading hub of Macau came, I grabbed it immediately and really planned to do a run either early in the morning or late evening. However, the past days of touring, sometimes ending quite late in the evening almost prevented me from doing this.

Today is our last day and I really decided to do a run even if I was only able to sleep at 0230H as our dinner of delicious and authentic Portuguese fare finished at midnight. At 5 AM, the alarm sounded, woke up and prepared for this early morning run.

The route is just 7 KM long, mainly along Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, took a turn at Senado Square, UNESCO World Heritage Site, while marveling the old buildings, traced Avenida do Infante D. Henrique and then the Nobre de Carvalho Bridge that crossed the sea to Cotai where I turned and went back. The scenery? Spectacular! The best I had so far!

I just can’t forget the tile mosaic and buildings of Senado Square, the urban development of Cotai and the big hotels of Macau, sans the neon lights. There are also splendid views of the two other bridges and the sea. It was because of these that I just took a leisurely run and slow paced. Too bad, it’s quite difficult to run with a DSLR camera and thus, no photos in this quite wonderful and memorable run.

7.12 KM, 48min 23 sec, 06:45 pace

7.12KM, 48 minutes 23 seconds, Makati - Legazpi Village loop

This run was better than last Wednesday! Hands down.

Not only did I increased my distance, at 7.12 KM, my longest to date, I was also running nonstop for 30 minutes (well, except a few seconds when crossing the street while vehicles were passing). I was able to sustain my run, didn’t feel tired compared to the previous and it was just good. It also helped that it was just a cool night due to the early evening rain.

Originally, I planned this early in the morning but then, I got sleep problems the previous night. Just imagine, I was already drowsy around 2330H but when I was abed, I can’t just sleep. Thoughts were still going through my mind and it was like this until almost 0200H. Undaunted, I said to myself,

I should run in the evening, come hell or high water.

And I did. Better than going out on a Friday night. Nevermind if there were no other runners I saw along the route.