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The OCAI Run: Starting Over Again

Did it still. After contemplating last night, I decided to finally ran for a cause in Ortigas Center today by joining the 1st OCAI Run, a run for a cause event for the benefit of the projects of the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center.

Me and Jeffrey were 20 minutes late,thinking Astoria Plaza was so near Tektite so we won't have trouble in walking to the starting line. Still it took us 15 minutes to get there. Funny cause I saw some guys running already when we reached Tektite where the assembly place was. Walking towards the crowd, I finally noticed that it was already the 5k starting crowd. Whoa. I was late. Then when I heard the 10 seconds countdown, I figured oh well, might as well join this crowd. Then off they went! I told Jeffrey to walk faster cause it was already his run, crossed the starting line and we started running. First time to do this : joined the 5k'ers on their starting line even though I was running 10k. Imagine I haven't even adjusted my pants, waist belt, shoelaces, iPod and Nike plus yet, and I was already running.

I thought, should I just run the 5k cause I was confused about the route of the 10k? Oh well, might as well enjoy it then by the time we reacehd Julia Vargas past Meralco Avenue, I saw runners of 10k. Finally!! But, they already have the ribbons around them, meaning they already went through another route. But I was running with them. Now a silly thing came to my mind: should I just cheat and pretend I already run a half route?? Imagine by doing this I will have a new PR with half the time. Then before I can make a decision, there was a martial pointing me to the 10k route towards Valle Verde. I ran there before I make a stupid decision. Now, I told myseld, this was my 10k route!! Yehey! Wow, I was alone, being the last runner for 10k. It was a nice feeling. I told myself this wasn't a race and I was just jogging for health. I saw a runner walking. I passed him by. I wasn't the last runner anymore! When I reached ULTRA, I already passed by 15 runners. I was happy! Turning back to Julia Vargas, I saw familiar faces: Amy and Suyen, both looking for Jeffrey. I was back in the race.

When I reached the 9k mark, I was a full spirited guy. I was proud to say I walked a lot of distances but who cares!! I crossed the finish line happy!

Coming back from the dreaded flu, I never even thought I would even be joining the run. I just cleared my mind and run-- forgetting about the pace and time. This run is for me, my comeback to fitness and health, a starting over again!

I won the race!

Tips for Running in the Rain

Tips from Christine Luff for running in the rain:

Rainy weather doesn't mean you have to take your runs inside. Follow these tips to be prepared for running in the rain:

Dress in Layers if it's Cold

If it's very cold and rainy, you may need to wear a couple of layers. The most important layer is the one closest to your body. Make sure it's a technical fabric such as polypropylene or CoolMax, which wick water and sweat away from your skin. Your outer layer should be a wind- and water-resistant jacket or vest. Don't wear a waterproof rain slicker because it will trap moisture and heat.

Wear a Hat

A hat with a brim can be your best friend during a rainy run. It will keep the rain off your face.

Don't Overdress

This is one the biggest mistakes runners make when heading out for a rainy run. Wearing more layers will not keep you dry. Unless you're running with an umbrella over your head, you will definitely get wet. If you have tons of layers on, you will just be wearing more wet, heavy clothes. Dress for the temperature, as if it were a dry day.

Be Visible

Select an outer layer that's light-colored or has reflective strips, since running in the rain often means poor visibility.

Use a Garbage Bag

If you have to wait outside in the rain before the start of a race, a big trash bag with armholes and a neck hole cut out can help you stay dry. You can take it off and throw it to the side once you get moving.

Wear Old Running Shoes at the Start

If you're running a race, keep your race shoes and socks in a plastic bag while waiting at the start. You can check your old shoes in your gear check bag, and put on your race shoes and socks right before you head to the starting line. If it has stopped raining by then, you'll be able to run the race in dry shoes and socks.

Prevent Chafing

If you're running long, spread Vaseline or Body Glide on parts of your body where you would normally chafe or get blisters -- such as your feet, inner thighs, underarms, sports bra lines (women), and nipples (men).

Just Run!

The hardest part of running in the rain is often just getting started. Once you begin running and warm up, you may find that you actually enjoy it! And it's good preparation in case you ever have to run a race in the rain.

Dry Out Your Shoes

When you get back from a wet run, take off your running shoes and stuff them with crumpled balls of newspaper. This helps the shoes keep their shape, and the paper draws moisture away from the shoes.

Running: The New Badminton

Fad, fad, fad. That's what people say about badminton before. For years, badminton had been the most famous sport in the country. Every city and every town there is a badminton place. Everyone I know was playing it.

This year, running became a hit. Every week there is a running event. Favorite running sites are The Fort in Taguig and the Mall of Asia in Pasay. People are running 3k's, 5k's, 10k's, 15k's and 21k's for the fun runs. Recently there are trail runs held in Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Outside Manila, there are also popular races in Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod and Baguio. All for fitness and fun!

Popular stores are booming also because of these runs. Nike Park/stores, Runner, Second Wind, Adidas, Mizuno stores are being crowded with people. The running ovals are also full of people practicing, some even hired running coaches just to get reasdy for these fun runs. Exciting, huh!

People say that running is the new badminton, that it will soon die out with the coming of the rainy season. We shall soon see. But fad or not, what's important is how it promotes health and fitness, the cheap way!

10 Races, 250kms: All in 3 months

I just checked my race bib collection and I realized that I already joined 10 races in 3 months. Checking my Nike plus record, it shows that I already ran more than 250 km.. hmm not bad for a newbie runner like me.

I never stopped running since I joined my first race (Globe Run). It's crazy I know, how I hated running when I was a child and now I'm addicted to it. It's healthy and fun!

Running, My New Sport

It started with Jeffrey's frequent jogs at the end of Februaryof this year. Then with Suyen's and Yai's prodding, I registered for the Condura (Save the Dolphin's) Run in March 2010. Well, at the day of the run, I just watched Jeffrey, Suyen and Yai ran when the race started. I was by the rails and didn't join them. The week after, we registered again for the Century Superbods, the first of the Run Rio Trilogy. I didn't join again.

Finally I joined the Globe Run and finished my first recorded 5k at 32 minutes. Not bad at all. I was motivated by all of Jeffrey's colleagues especially Ednicol Macalatan who I followed during most of the runs. After that race, I became addicted to running! We joined races almost every weekend. We became like wild critters on the streets of the Fort and around Mall od Asia and Roxas Boulevard. We even joined a trail run in Nuvali in Sta. Rosa!

I'm already doing my 10k's now only, 3 months since I started. I know I'm still a newbie, lots of things to learn and to experience. I hated running since I was a child but look at me now, a running addict. How I wish I started early, but I guess it's never too late. I love running now, and who knows, I might even join a marathon someday!