I Am An Accidental Runner

I am an accidental runner. This year, well as of this writing, I have completed, raced and run a total of 83 kilometers. That is not counting kms on the treadmill and training! I am pretty impressed with myself considering that I never really intended to go into running when I wrote my new year's resolution in the beginning of 2008.

I am an accidental runner. My husband and my best friend started this craze in late 2007. They started running and training and joining races that year. And I, being the supportive wife and best friend, would always be there for them at the finish line. It quite got boring waiting for them especially when they started getting serious about running and raced longer distances. The 5km races turned to 10km; and my waiting time increased from 30mins to 1hour... Hah!

I am an accidental runner. I asked myself "Hmm.. maybe I can run 5km while I wait for them to finish their 10kms?!" And so it came to pass, I started to run short distances just so I could kill some waiting time. Then after few 5km races, I asked myself again-- "Maybe I can run 10km together with them?!-- that way no more waiting time!" And I did! And most times they waited for me- payback time?!

I am an accidental runner. My best friend have long ascended into being a serious "marathoner" (is this even a word?). She has gone to different parts of the world to run half-marathon distances. She is a certified and a true-blue runner! Whereas my husband and I have found solace and bonding time training for and running 10km races.

I am an accidental runner. But now I think my husband is once again upping the ante. He has started to buy all these gadgets and accessories to increase training efficiency and track his progress, Uh-oh. As for me, I am still in that love/hate stage with running. And the new NB ad says it all for me- "running is a balance between joy and pain, work and play".

I am an accidental runner. I am in a constant struggle to love or hate running. I am not giving up though- maybe this is how it is supposed to be! otherwise, there is no gratification.

It's My F---ing Birthday Week

I just celebrated my birthday few days ago... and having some "mid-life" moments every now and then. My greatest fear is not of ageing - but wait, where did these age spots on my cheeks come from? Darn it, they do bother me I admit- darn again! Have to schedule a visit to Dr. Dermatologisst soon... well at least not for any drastic surgery and liposuction... well not yet... -D who knows?!!!

What scares me more than anything is to be outgrown by my children-- NOOOOO! I want my babies forever-- I want to be "the bestest Mom" in their eyes forever. And that will be my birthday wish for now....

My Mummy Mia Weekend

It was a weekend of movies for me--

First, I watched Mama Mia with my husband. This movie is entertainment-- I found myself (and my husband!) smiling and chuckling at most of the "cheesy" 80s and related quips and songs. The movie remained a musical on-screen but benefited from moviedom's high-tech editing, cinematography and layout (gosh almost all shots were "poster-like"). Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth singing?!!! I found that cute! If you were like me, you will smile and "nod-a-long" and will find this movie amusing. And not surprisingly after watching it, you would probably be digging for some ABBA music--- "you are the dancing queen.....!"

Then, I watched The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor still with hubby... and this time with the kiddies.... And I thank God for the kiddies for I would not have been able to sit through this movie until the end if not for them. The movie is full of action; and never-ending twist after twist... but sadly predictable and too unnerving for me. In short, the movie is best left for the kids... or maybe best left buried undisturbed.

SATC-- Love It

SATC the movie did not disappoint. It was like watchig full season in one sitting. The girls were back... and in their best elements too!-- witty with great fashion sense!

The movie is grrrreat! It runs about 2.5 hours but without the drag. Superb writing (as expected). I find comfort in the all-too familiar script and its delivery by the cast. Yet, I say that SATC has wonderfully matured in its movie version. The characters have GROWN and revealed other dimensions- which kept me and the movie audience engaged. Also, the movie surprised me with its very refreshing take on the old and yet again too familiar love story of Carrie and Big. That scene on a Manhattan street after the "foiled" wedding was just so unique-- brought tears to my eyes too!

The movie is the ultimate girlfriends movie date as it tackles issues on friendship and relationship. Okay, so I watched it with my two bffs, a 'girl' and a 'girl wannabe'(love you J!)... and my husband! And we all enjoyed!

Toucan Be Beautiful

Boracay Buddies

Like Biker, Like Son

Mizuno Infinity Run Falls Short

Last Sunday (March 30, 2008) was the first Mizuno Infity Run at the Fort Bonifacio. I was excited-- it was my first attempt at 10K. At first, I did not mind the lousy registration process- okay so there were no race packets distributed, just race numbers.... with NO PINS! I asked for a map of the race course-- was informed that maps will be available on race day itself-- what the?! What good is a rece map minutes before the race??!!! I should have been warned-- the chaotic registration process was an indication of how the race would go. And it was a LOUSY race -- poorly organized and implemented. Much have been written about the race mostly complaints:

- Where is the water?!!! Not a single drop was in sight in any of the stations. At a station, as a marshall announced "This is your 2.5KM marker". Runners shouted back "Wala kayong K-- wala kayong tubig!" Tsk, tsk! I had to run the whole 10K with not a single drop of water-- and not even at the finish line!! My dehydration story is another tale worthy of another blog.

- Uncontrolled traffic. The organizers failed to control the traffic-- there were no clear cut directions. Throughout the race-- runners went cris crossing on the streets. Sometimes jockeying for positions versus jeepneys and tricycles and cars. Ang gulo talaga!

- Unhelpful marshalls. We all heard the story of runners being given wrong directions and being led to the wrong tracks. Hay!

The organizers and sponsors have issued a letter of apology-- and promised to do better next time. I remain hopeful.

As for my finish, I clocked in a decent 1:13 in my first 10K! Hmmm, ofcourse I am proud! And mind you, that is my 'dehydrated' time... I imagine I could have done better with water---Hahaha!

Lesson in Life

"I can't stop growing old but I don't have to get old."
-- Patrick A. Hirth

I met an unforgettable 80-year old man last weekend. He is the younger brother of my husband's late grandfather. He looks frail and shrunken but I tell you, this old man is younger than his age and his looks in many ways. He told us his stories, chuckled at his own jokes over lunch of "bulalo" and "pancit" (btw, he does not eat pancit-- so whoever said that pancit and noodles are for "long-life" better think again!).

He told us that he is as healthy as can be -- no major illnesses and in fact still enjoys his pork chops and chocolates occassionally without worrying about his blood pressure. His secret he said is strawberry juice - drink it everyday instead of coffee!

He said he had maintaned his built and weight all these years - not even a pound heavier or lighter since he was 20 years old (that's some 60 years back!). This he attributed to exercise and being active- he worked as a gardener and rode a bike to and from work. And today, he still drives a pedicab to bring his grandchildren (all three of them) to and from school everyday. AMAZING!!

He talked about his pride in life -- his children (six boys and one girl!). Then he talked about his wife and how they brought up all their children and how all the children managed to secure college degrees. His wife passed away last year-- and it surprised me when he took his wallet out from his pocket and showed us a picture of himself and his wife. Then happily he said " she is not dead, look at her still smiling."

The picture was taken in 1930s when he was 20 and she was 17, and they just came from a movie date in Quiapo. It was faded with no colors but BEAUTIFUL because all these years it had stayed with him in his pocket, in his heart.

Who's Got The Best Dad?!

Over lunch one day, I had a discussion with my 5-year old son on the best dedication that he could write on his Dad's birthday card:

DIEGO: I will write "You're the Best Dad!"
ME: How about "You're the Best Dad in the World!"..?
DIEGO: "You're the Best Dad in all the planets!"
ME: "You're the Best Dad in the Universe!"
DIEGO: "Youre' the Best Dad in the Solar System!" ... or maybe I should write..."You're the Best Dad in the Milky Way!"

There, I rest my case.

Failure To Launch

Because of the unusual strong gust of winds, hot air balloons failed to soar the skies during the last 12th Philippine International HotAir Balloon Fiesta at the Clark Airfield in Pampanga.

My Indie Valentine

On Valentine's Day, my hubby brought me to the screening of a local indie film entitled ENDO. We came out of the moviehouse very much impressed and proud of the talents that were showcased in the film. The story was well-written; the script very very realistic; the scenes were hauntingly so real-life too!; and the actors were all natural.

ENDO I found out is a slang abbreviation for "end of contract", or what temp workers refer to as their last day on the job until the next one comes along. The movie is not about labor malpractice or the employment sufferings and grievances of its characters. It is a love story-- so true and honest and simple! The movie in all its simplicity, was refreshing. I say, refreshing from most indie films which are either too political or extremely artistic-- and personally, just a little heavy for me to digest.

I adore all the cast members, from the lead actors to the bit players, no exceptions, their performances were all excellent! There was no over the top acting, it was consistently subtle and poignant. Very touching but still entertaining.

I am no movie critic but I highly recommend this movie to all. If only to show support to such talented people who put this film together. May they find inspiration and motivation to produce more quality movies like ENDO.

I was also thrilled to find out that ENDO competed in the Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, France last year. And maybe here is where I can relate and express my concern with the movie's subtitle which did not do justice to the film. The translations were too literal and shallow-- they were void of emotions and characterizations. I know, thus is such a small kink and beyond the Director's control(?!. But still, I urge the industry to look into this aspect of moviemaking. "Subtitling" should not be synonimous with translation, it should not compromise the emotions and the essence as a whole of the movie. This is a part of filmmaking which I believe is too important especially, now that our movies are getting more and more globally competitive.

Again my congratulations to you all behind ENDO! You make the Philippines proud!