Run X Lap 2 - Run all you can to save lives!

Don't you love it when you get to help out while doing something you like?

I was given an opportunity to do just that when my doctor friend invited me to this fun run. I was told that the proceeds of this event would go to the indigent patients of her med school. They had a similar event last year and they were able to fund the treatments of a considerable number of patients already.

I've heard and seen promotions for this event and I liked how it kept the focus on helping the patients. In fact, they didn't even call the event a race because there is no competition, no pressure, and runners can run for any distance up to 10 kilometers. The ads only mentioned that tokens will be given at the 2, 5, 7, (baller bands) and 10 (medal) kilometer marks as a sign of appreciation of how far one can run to save lives. :)

The registration fee was Php600.00. The kit included a singlet, bib with race tag, and map. It was a sweet deal, really. 

Singlet.

Race bib.

Map, programme, and instructions.

Race tag.

I'll be honest. I haven't been running lately (boo!). I just feel so tired after work lately. I don't know. I wanted to train for this run but I didn't get to. Also, I'm quite sick. Had a fever the other day but I thankfully recovered. I was still a teeny bit under the weather this morning but I figured hey, I'd presumably be surrounded by doctors/future doctors so if anything happens I'd be safe. :D

Me and my friend had a little trouble finding a parking spot but got to the starting line just in time for the gunstart.

The route was pretty simple, just two loops around the bay area in MOA. There were 2, 5, 7 kilometer markers, and two water stations. Ut was a well-organized run.

Hazel and I after finishing our run.

I finished at 1:38, around 16 minutes slower than my previous 10k run. :( Oh well, I''ll just use this as motivation for me to resume my training!

In spite of my poor performance, I was still happy. I got to help out, exercise a bit, and also I had fun!

Runners were then directed to proceed at the SMX Convention Center to get their tokens.

There was quite a line, but it didn't take too long.

Oooh! There was a bazaar! I love bazaars! :D There were food, fashion, and gift stalls.

For running 10 kilometers, me and my friend got 3 baller bands and a medal! 

We also got to enjoy a program featuring the talents of La Salle students.

Baller bands and medal.

I also won in the raffle! I got these cool Zalvaje shades. :D

Look at me with all my bling. :D

Remember that bazaar? I was able to buy a nifty running belt for Php350.00. I'll be using this when I train!

I hope I get to be part of more events like this in the future. I'm certainly looking forward to joining tis one again next year. :)

You can learn more about La Salle Run X Lap here:

https://www.facebook.com/LaSalleRunXLap/info/?tab=page_info

http://www.lasallerunxlap.com/

Be happy!

<3 Missy

Yakult 26th 10 Miler Run

I just came from a run! :) Right now, I'm recovering. My legs hurt, but I feel great still.

This run is a run of many firsts for me, during this run, I, for the first time: 

(a) ran for 10 miles/16 kilometers, my longest distance so far; 

(b) ran alone (because my running buddy Ana Banana was taken away from me by her firm, huhu. :'( I'm still not giving up on you, buddy! <3);

(c) ran straight for around 20 minutes (I usually do just 5 to 10 and then walk); 

(d) ran through a flyover/upward and downward slope (I usually just walk through these);

(e) actually ate some breakfast before running (it helps!); and

(f) chafed myself (first one to guess where wins a prize, lol).

So yea, I'm feeling pretty good about those firsts now, except the last one. :| As the title of this post says, I joined the Yakut 26th 10 Miler Run. This is step 2 of me and my running buddy's goal of doing 21k by the end of this year. :D

Let me just say that this is the most organized run I have joined so far. But I guess it should be, since it's been around for 26 years already. Isn't that awesome? I got to be part of something which started when I was just about 2 years old. :)

I registered for this run pretty early, I think about 2 months ago. The registration fee is only Php500.00 for the 16k, which is pretty cheap. I guess it's because they don't give out finisher's medals. :|

Kit inclusions

For Php500.00, I got a singlet, a race bib, and instructions. The ad also said that I will get a finisher shirt and a bottle of Yakut after I finish the run.

Race Bib - Front

Race Bib - Back

This race bib is quite different from the ones I used during my previous runs. The back had a form wherein I could write my emergency information. It also had a built-in chip. I like how they went about this, very efficient and clean. :)

Instructions

I also liked how they had a no-fuss, straight-to-the-point set of instructions and guidelines for runners. Sometime after they gave these away, though, the organizers announced that the gun start will start a bit earlier, because of an event that will be held in Manila, which we had to avoid. I do hope everyone got to see this announcement before the race.

Route Map

I got to the event about twenty minutes before the start. Some people were already assembling by the start line.

The Start Line

Giant Yakult.

My fellow 10-milers. Huhu, I have no friends. Haha.

Before starting the race, there was a mini-program, Where Kuya Kim led us in prayer, and gave a weather forecast. It was pretty hot that day, 28 degrees actual temperature; 30 degrees heat index, which, according to Kuya Kim, factors in the humidity. He also gave us a tip: "Mas mabagal, mas mainit. Kaya bilisan ninyo!" So scientific, I know. :))

A blurred picture of Kuya Kim.

I loved the route for this run, because it didn't have many turns. It was a bit challenging tough, because we had to go through 2 flyovers twice, so that's 4 upslopes. Whew! And oh, the organizers did a last minute announcement, but it was no biggie. Because of that Manila event, we had to go counter-clockwise instead of clockwise.

Anti-cheating rope thingies.

They gave us these rope thingies at the route turns. I guess this is so they know we didn't cheat and make a shortcut.

I loved how they put more than the usual distance markers. I think I saw markers for 2k, 3k, 5k, 7k, 9k, 10k, 13k, and 14k. I don't know if its's just me, but seeing these markers as I went along the route gave me extra motivation to keep on going. :)

Also, they had about 6 water/Pocari stations, which is also more stations than what I've seen in the other runs I've attended. This helped me a lot, especially because I didn't bring my own water. 

I felt so triumphant when I finally finished. :D

After crossing the finish line, I was immediately handed my finisher shirt and freebies. Seriously organizing people, good job! :)

My Finisher Shirt and freebies, consisting of a bottle of Yakut and a surprise bottle of Pocari Sweat.

Booths and finishers.

The stage.

Giant Yakult again.

Since I was alone, I didn't hang around after finishing my run. (I know. I really should make new running friends :|).

According to Strava, I finished my run in 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 0.06 seconds. I'm not sure if this is good time but I'm super happy about it :D :D :D

My time according to Strava.

I'm excited to find out what my official time is! Will post it as soon as it's up. :)

Finisher Selfie with my precious little bottle of Yakult! <3

As I've said before, runs are fun! They give you a goal to work towards to, and give you that boost of confidence and sense of achievement after you finish a run. Also, it's not that hard to do. All you need are running shoes, and the ability to put one foot in front of the other, and so on. :D

So friends, let's run! :) :) :) My next goal is to do 21k. Join me? :D


Be happy!

<3 Missy.

World of DC PH All Star Fun Run

I've been into running lately and just a little over a month ago, I ran my first 10k with my Stetson girls. :) The next step for us was to run 16k. 

I already signed up for a 16k run happening by the end of May when I saw this:

Gah! The geek in me squealed in excitement! I just had to be part of this!

I decided to sign up for the 10k category and make it part of my 16k training. :D I had some trouble with registration. The online registration was not working properly. Also, the registration site for 711 payments was "under construction" and it was only when I texted the organizers that I found out that by that time the only available way to register was through walk-in at Chris Sports. I went there after work only to find out that registration was only until 7:00 pm. It frustrated me a bit because I was super excited, but eventually I was able to register. I wish these things were announced in the website, though.

Anyway, check out the goodies I got for just Php900 (I opted to be Wonder Woman): 

Singlet, second piece costume, bib race chip, bag, map/poster.

I also registered for my friend Anna. She chose Superman:

I was only a BIT jealous of her cape. :p

Anna had to opt out of 10k and go 5k instead. This got me into a bit of a pickle when I wanted to activate my race chip. I couldn't remember for sure which race chip was mine, and there was no list of registrants available on line..

I ended up wearing two chips, hehe.

The bibs also did not have an activation code on it, and the website had no instructions regarding this. I had to google stuff before I could discover how to activate my chip: 

Minor organizational lapses, but it was okay. I was going to be a running superhero and I was super excited that I couldn't get good sleep. :D Fortunately, I was able to wake up extra early the day of the race (thanks for the wake-up call, Monica! :D)and was able to go to the venue early with my law school friend Doms.

Super Doms! :D

We got there at around 4:00 am. The place was already filling up with superheroes.

Stage

I loved that they had standees for photo-ops :D

With Wonder Woman.

I think I watched somewhere that Batman and Wonder Woman had a thing..

Doms fits just right in the Justice League!

After some time the 10k runners were called to go to the starting line.

There was a short program and we had a warm up. I was so happy to see that some people leveled-up with their superhero costumes.

It's The Flash! :D

I wasn't able to take a picture of it, but there was also a drone at the event T_T. A DRONE. It was so cool. We all waved happily at it before the gun start. I swear. I had a Geekgasm. Haha.

                                         

My friend Doms wishing me luck. So supportive! :D 

I tried to push myself a little during this run. I wanted to beat my time (1:29). The race route was all flat,so I was okay, save for my feet eventually hurting. I guess I have to adjust my stride?

I usually don't take pictures while I run but the view was just so lovely.

The pain was worth it, though, because I did beat my old time. I finished at 1:22!!! :D Yey!!! :D

It was time to find my friends and celebrate!

With OSG people, Ramon and Doms.

With Charivari people, Rix and Ramon.

Found a patch of grass to rest at.

With Anna.

And of course, there were freebies and activities! 

Pocari Sweat and Sexy Chix shredded chicken.

Flip Book.

Anna on the trampoline. We got free pictures of this too :D So fun!

Green Arrow booth.

Aside from the ones pictured above, there was also a Gotham Booth where you can solve a puzzle and get a prize (I think a fan), free popcorn, a raffle, and games. It was so hot but it was too fun that I didn't want to leave. 

We took more pictures.

Doms with Superman.

Anna with Superman. Who did it better? :D

Super fun event! Pretty good too, considering that this is the first time that World of DC Philippines did this (I think). I'm already excited about the next one! :D

You can learn more about World of DC Philippines at http://worldofdcph.com/

Be happy!

<3 Missy