Just got paid!

My first job as a virtual assistant has paid off - literally. I immediately shared it with my mentor, Jomar Hilario (honestly speaking, I learned how to blog - and earn from it and more more more - because of him. Click here to find out more.) He posted my great news right away.

With this success, I am few steps away from having a closet full of running gears!

http://www.jomarhilario.com/2011/07/ann-my-first-payment-as-virtual.html

Running Scene HP7 [HQ]

I watched the last Harry Potter movie last week. Just for fun, I realized: Harry and his best friends, Ron and Hermione, would not have escaped the Death Eaters and Voldemort if not for their fast feet!

Here is a video that I got from YouTube as they filmed the chase scene, where the three young wizards were trying to run away from the Death Eaters.

How relieved I am to realize as well that magical wands and brooms are not allowed in the races. Haha!

Have a great run!

NIKE FOOTBALL WRITE THE FUTURE - FULL LENGTH VERSION

Since I learned about writing one's dreams, I have been a firm believer of it. In fact, my cabinet door is now not only the door to my running gears; it has also been a door for a fantastic life that I will have. I have posted my dreams there (all shapes and sizes).

Even my running dreams are also posted there! Although I'm sad that my dreams for this year are still on a limbo (another 5K run and a first 10K run were my dreams this year). But I believe that what I have written will come true.

I got this YouTube video from a link in Twitter. I love how the characters have written - and even ran on the football field - for their future.

I am again at the second stand alone issue of Runner’s World Philippines.

July - September 2011 issue of Runner's World Philippines, with ultra triathlete Monica Torres on the cover.

I was skimming the new issue (with triathlete Monica Torres on the cover) and when I gazed at a name published in the magazine’s Running Commentary.

I had the quizzical “Hey-wait-a-minute-this-name-looks-familiar” gaze on the said magazine's page before I finally realized that I am reading my name.

Hey wait a minute: that's my name. Oh! My comment made it! :)

I suddenly remembered that I sent them an e-mail for their first stand alone issue.

I would have jumped for joy but I couldn’t. Instead, I feasted my eyes on the published e-mail (and the Piolo picture on top).

Moreover, I saw me on one of the pictures of their RW Running Clinic that has been conducted per quarter. I hope to attend one again after my injury is gone because I enjoyed it.

The girl in violet (bottom picture) is me. :)

Thanks, Runner’s World Philippines! It made me feel good despite not running.

Soya-deprived PeñaRUNzi

One of my comfort foods and a fantastic way to end my weekend runs - soya (taho). The other cup was for my dad.

Ages ago, when I was not yet injured (hahaha), I would always get my dose of soya after my weekend runs.

Okay, I’d better say it in Filipino: taho.

After finishing my an hour long of slow distance run, I would end up in front of our house, holding my Winnie the Pooh cup, anticipating the friendly taho vendor. When I hear his familiar call, “Tahoooo!!!” I feel the world is in a better place.

Eating taho does not only do well for the body (it’s recommended for those who have hyperthyroids like me). It is like a tap on my shoulder for a good weekend run.

It also brings me back to old times when I was still young, without a care in the world - except when I don’t want to be the “it” in our tag game.

So imagine the deprivation that I felt when I suddenly realized that the friendly taho vendor has not been showing up for the past weeks.

This can’t be happening – not being able to do my weekend runs and getting my taho is too much too bear.

I started asking my mom why he has not shown up. I thought of buying soya products in the supermarket, but nothing beats the taho being sold on the street. I even thought of getting a taho franchise.

I was about to get distressed when I heard the familiar voice. “Tahooooo!!!”

I immediately grabbed my Winnie the Pooh cup and went outside the house. In a few minutes, I was again savoring the taste of my taho.

I may have not been running for close to two months now, but its taste makes me feel that somebody is still tapping my shoulder, as if I just had my good ol’ slow distance run.

I suddenly felt hope again.

And the world is in a better place.

“Let’s have three more therapy sessions.”

I will have to do more lying in the rehab bed than what I expected...

That’s what Dr. Sarmiento said after I underwent three therapy sessions for my pinched nerve.

I was kind of expecting it because despite the big improvement on my condition (I only feel pins and needles on my left lower back now, compared to previous weeks where pain goes down up to both feet). But I was also kind of hoping that my therapy would end.

Nevertheless, I chose a date on the calendar for my fourth session.

I have embraced the fact that I am not that well – yet.

But as I go on my new series of treatment, I am going to embrace a brand new wellness.

Wellness that will make me run again.

So as I brace myself for three more meetings with the rehab bed, I will begin envisioning myself going back to running slowly (of course, I’ll start walking first).

Let's begin.

3 Steps to Do Cobra Pose | Active.com

This is one of the exercises that PT Cindy asked me to do since I started my therapy. Hope this will be helpful for you, runners.

With the injury that I have right now, I may truly admit that I need to work on my glutes. Sadly, they are not as tough as I thought they were.

Click on the link!
3 Steps to Do Cobra Pose | Active.com

Have a great run!

Hands full to recovery!

The weekend after my visit to Doc Jimmy’s clinic, I bought the things that he recommended for my hands.

And here they are:
 

Wrist splints for both my hands. I bought this is Toby’s Sports (it was hard not looking at running shoes and apparel for now).

Tai Chi liniment. Put in just a tiny amount of this on both hands before putting the splints. I love the feeling it gives!

Here’s my right hand with the splint on. The leather part has a metal inside, making the wrists immovable. But it could leave a mark on one’s face (I’m a loving person, though).

Cancer survivor gives Boston Marathon medal to her doctors

by Michael Morton

During her three decades running the Boston Marathon, Sandy Xenos of Hopkinton had placed finisher's medals in her father's coffin and given them to friends struggling with illness or grief.

But yesterday marked the first time one of the keepsakes went to people who helped save the Bellingham teacher's life.

"Your professionalism and kindness will never be forgotten," she said, reading a prepared salute at Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute before tearing up and going off-script. "You've changed my life."

At Xenos' behest, a jeweler had inscribed the medal with her initials, the initials of Drs. Michael Muto and Ursula Matulonis, and "Yawkey 10" - the tenth floor of the hospital's Yawkey Center, where she received chemotherapy. The doctors plan to frame and display the blue-and-gold memento.

"About the only way I'm ever going to see a medal like this in my life," joked Muto, who, like Matulonis, paused during a frenzied day for the brief presentation.

Months before, the doctors had been caught a little off-guard when Xenos announced her plans to still run Boston, despite a scheduled full hysterectomy for her uterine cancer.

But she stuck with her plans, even upon finding out she needed chemotherapy, a regimen that meant the race would fall between the fifth and sixth sessions.

At one point in training she pushed a shovel in front of her to clear snow, and at another she got up at 4 a.m. for a run before a morning chemo session, an appointment documented in a previous Daily News story.

She finished the race in 4 hours, 58 minutes and 11 seconds - coming in just 20 minutes behind her 2010 pace despite some labored breathing on the second half of the course and a sense that chemo-related anemia was wearing on her.

"The whole race was very normal," said Xenos, who ripped off her hat at the top of Beacon Street to reveal her bald head. "That's what I couldn't believe."

On Heartbreak Hill, some of her Bellingham High students showed up to cheer her on.

After finishing her final chemo session 10 days after the race, she returned to her job as wellness director in late May and resumed her voluntary role as graduation coordinator.

For the next year, Xenos will alternate every three months between checkups with her surgeon and her oncologist, with yesterday's visit yielding a clean bill of health. Now she plans to help with the Jimmy Fund's Radio-Telethon and to share her experience with other patients.

"There will be no better place for my medal," she said of Dana-Farber.



 Cancer survivor gives Boston Marathon medal to her doctors

----

Such an inspiration. This Boston Marathoner is an example of the greatness of the human spirit.

Gear up for the adidas King of the Road race

Running races aren’t always about your speed or passing through the finish line, it goes beyond your physical abilities. Races are a great way to motivate you to get fit and can also be a platform for personal breakthroughs. Running makes you test your limits, but also makes you able to believe in yourself by taking control.

The race is not the only thing that is important. The preparation and training involved leading up to the race can prove even more exhilarating than the race itself. Many may not know how important it is to be ready on race day. With only a few months to go until the King of the Road race on October 23, most runners participating in the race are getting physically prepared to run the 5k, 16.8k and 21k course.  You have to put a lot of thought into a lot of things – whether it’d be getting the proper running gear, eating a nourishing diet, and do so much more. Surely, nobody wants to cross the finish line exhausted and in pain. Here are a few tips that can get you closer to being crowned as this year’s King of the Road.

1.    Do your homework. A lot, or even just a teeny-tiny amount of research can help. Look at the route of the map and get a feel of what you will be getting yourself into. You can also look at the terrain to see the downhills, uphills, ridges, etc that can make an impact on your running performance. At least when you have an idea of where these spots are, you’ll be able to have a good indication of where the course gets tough.

2.    Get the perfect shoe. There are all types of great running gear to get you through training. The first thing you’ll need is a new pair of running shoes. Without a good pair, you can expect lots of pains in your legs and lower back.  When buying the right shoe, keep ventilation, cushioning and comfort in mind. Ask help from the sales associate about various choices today.

3.    Carbs, carbs, and more carbs. Carbohydrates are the most common source of energy, so when preparing for a run, you really have to load up on the carbs. If you’re one of those people on a low-carb diet, you better stop now. The best sources of carbohydrates are fruits, sweets, soft drinks, bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, and cereals.

4.    Never underestimate stretching. Most of the time, beginning runners finish a run and find themselves tight and sore, sometimes even resulting to a running injury. A 15-minute stretch after every run makes all the difference. The soreness is lessened, muscle flexibility is increased, strides are longer, and long term injury is prevented.

5.    Listen to your body. A common error many runners make is underestimating the effort involved when training. When unprepared, you risk exposing your body to some serious running injuries. It is essential to listen to your body, slowly upping the mileage and adopting a method in which you alternate tough, thorough workout with rest or some soft, easy workouts, giving your body a lot of time to recover.

Remember, even after reading all these tips, you still have to prepare yourself mentally in finishing a personal breakthrough such as this. Held in five countries across the region, the adidas KOTR will culminate in an ultimate championship race in its first ever host country, the Philippines, making it the ultimate race destination in Asia on October 23, at the Bonifacio Global City. Event categories and race fees are Php1, 050.00 for 5km, Php1,300.00 for 16.8km, and Php1,050 for 21k. Simply visit www.adidaskingoftheroad.com to register!

For news and updates on KOTR, visit the adidas Philippines Facebook fanpage and www.adidaskingoftheroad.com launching soon.

In the meantime, you may check out these following shoes and apparel at your nearest Adidas stores.

“Hi, Ann! How did you find out about my clinic?”

http://www.up.edu.ph/upforum2.php?i=325&pg=376&pgidx=&pgmax=1&issue=42

Those were the first words to me by none other than Doctor Jaime Galvez-Tan.

For those of you who still need further introduction, Dr. Galvez-Tan (or Doc Jimmy as he is fondly called) is a multi-awarded doctor and author. Your parents know him as the former Department of Health Secretary.

But I was not in a fabulous kind of place. I was in his very simple clinic that Thursday afternoon.
Pinch me. I’m dreaming again. This doctor’s one of the best in the country!

But wait, before you pinch me, you might be asking: another doctor?

Okay, I got a confession to make.

Being injured for over a month (and even more if we’re going to start counting by November of last year) isn’t easy. Good thing I have a blog to pour in what was going in between my neurons (and if you’re reading this, that’s another blessing).

But then, as I was enjoying this running blog (I never realized four months have passed and my fingers are just running on the keyboards!), I felt my wrists hurt a bit.

I got scared. It’s carpal tunnel syndrome.

I immediately tried looking for help. I can’t let another injury happen again. Besides, I did something wonderful this time for having a carpal tunnel syndrome. The last time I remembered getting it, I was just trying to make a million in Plants vs. Zombies.

My mother told me about the magic word: acupuncture.

And Dr. Galvez-Tan is supporting this ancient-old way of healing.

He’s so supportive, he’s even had it in one small rectangle plate on top of his clinic table (Okay, you may pinch me now).

So that’s why I went to his clinic.

Doc Jimmy doing acupuncture to a patient. http://www.thenaturalshelf.com/index.php/ask-the-experts/

It was fun to talk to him, even if I was talking about my problem. He was very humble and very engaging to talk to.

He’s not surprised I have the carpal tunnel signs: I’m a techie (well, sort of).

He advised me to do hand exercises and put virgin coconut oil on my hands. He also told me to wear wrist splints (I need to put a liniment before putting it on) to prevent my wrists from doing unnecessary movement. I agreed to undergo acupuncture for the next visit.

One more thing: he also told me some advice about my pinched nerve at my lower back.

I readied my mind to understand some medical terms. But this was what he said: “change of lifestyle.”

Don’t believe me? Here’s his advice:

1.    If I can’t avoid sitting, I need to make sure I have a stool to put my feet on. The stool should have a height enough to make my knees higher than my waist. It lessens the pressure on the pinched nerve. (FYI: Dr. Galvez-Tan has stools – as in with “s” – in his receiving room, bedroom, dining room, even in the bathroom!)

2.    The best sleeping position is the fetal position. Again, knees are higher than waist if one does this, so the nerves are relaxed.

3.    Not accustomed to # 2? If you sleep with your back in the bed, make sure there are pillows under your knees.

4.    Alternate your legs and feet when standing. Military position (or standing straight) is not really advisable when standing up.

Well, I am proud to tell you that I’m writing this post with my feet on a stool and hands wrapped in splints.

Honestly, I still find it uncomfortable (both my hands and feet). My feet wants to go down the stool; my hands, on the other hand, either looked like I’m going to punch somebody or it came from the recent Transformers movie. I am not used to this.

But this has taught me a lesson: I have forgotten about the basics.

Most of us have become accustomed to what we have been doing.

As runners, we drink a lot of energy drinks.

We eat the latest energy gels.

We always want to have a feel of the latest shoe. Or the latest compression tights that promised to make you go faster.

We want to break a PR every week.

But we forget our run.

We even forget why we run.

So even if I am not used to this change of lifestyle, I’m going to do this.

Because I want to be healed.

I want to continue to write.

I want to never forget the reasons why I run.



NOTE: To answer the question of Doc Jimmy, I told him that my parents are listening to his radio show every day. And I have to admit, I have been a fan, too. With that, he greeted us the next day on his show. Thanks, Doc Jimmy! It was pleasure meeting you! See you soon!

Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan’s “Doctor’s Orders” radio show airs from Monday to Saturday, 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM at DWWW 774.

Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan’s clinic is located at the Room 208, Family Medicine Clinic, Medical Arts Building, The Philippine General Hospital, Manila. It’s open every Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. You may call 708-0000 local 160 for an appointment.

Does Form Matter?

by Peter Vigneron

One of the problems with sports, not least running, is that when something incredible happens, it is often hard to understand why. Still, people try.

Soon after Ryan Hall became the first American to run under 60 minutes in the half-marathon, in January 2007, sportswriters began offering opinions about his stride. The magazine Marathon & Beyond wrote that Hall was "a study in minimalism. His legs, slender and long, appear to float, rather than churn." Outside said Hall was a "loping wolfhound in a field of shuffling terriers." When Hall later won the 2007 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, Los Angeles Magazine wrote that he was "fluid" and "rhythmic." In 2008, just prior to the Beijing Olympics, Runner's World profiled Hall and wrote of "the immaculate nature of his footfalls."

To journalists, at least, Hall's form is fluid, floating, immaculate—maybe even perfect. But recently, the elements of his form have attracted additional attention. In April 2010, two students from Peter Larson's biology class at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire went to the Boston Marathon, where they set a high-speed camera alongside the course at mile 17.5. Hall was competing in the race, and the students recorded as Hall and a thousand other runners made their way to the Newton Hills.

Larson, an evolutionary biologist and marathoner, turned his attention to running form and stride mechanics two years ago. As a runner, he was naturally interested in what science understood about the activity—which, at that point, was limited. In the scientific literature there are two published papers on observed footstrike patterns, and one focuses exclusively on elites.

"The only other study in a race situation is from 1980," Larson says. "It's old data, and it's a slow camera, so I'm a little suspicious about it." Larson had experience with high-speed cameras, so he decided to begin recording runners on his own.

By the time Hall reached Larson's students, he had drifted behind the lead pack and was running alone in ninth place. The high-speed camera recorded at 300 frames per second, and the video makes it possible to examine each element of Hall's form a fraction of a second at a time. In slow motion he almost appears to bound. He keeps his upper body still, leaning slightly forward, with his back straight, his arms half dropped, and his palms open. He lands on his midfoot, not his heel. Even at 300 frames per second it is hard to tell exactly when he touches down—it is a gradual, fluid motion. At the same time, his opposite leg extends backward, drifting along behind his body until he pulls it forward and back into service. "Hall has a very distinct arm carry," Larson says. "And while I have no data on this, my sense from looking at the videos is that he has more air time than some of the other guys." That may explain why Hall appears to float.

Larson now uses his video of Hall when he lectures on biomechanics at Saint Anselm. "How his foot hits the ground and how his leg is oriented—in a lot of ways," Larson says, "it's the ideal."


Does Form Matter?

---

With the onset of my injury, I already surrendered to the fact that I need to review the way I run. This has been raised as well: do I need to change my running form? What if it will welcome more injuries for me?

Mentos-Be Momentos Commercial

I saw this commercial a few days ago and it made me laugh. A chicken on the run - in a mad dash to the finish line!

It is good to not be overcome by what other people say about you. But please runners, always position yourselves at the starting line, ok?

Have a great run!

I Believe in the Run

I somehow found myself enjoying the running commercials on YouTube. I realized I'm just clicking every video I see - and I felt good about it.

Here's one that uplifted my spirits. I am planning to take down the lines and post it on my running photo album and dream board.

Yes, runners. Even though I am injured, I still believe in the run.

I hope you find inspiration from this love quote from author Maya Angelou.

What? A love quote? Have I gotten nuts?!

Well yes. Nuts since 1981.

But we all love running don't we? We may have different reasons for doing it, but the bottom line of it is love.

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope. ~ Maya Angelou

Have a great run!

Runner's Creed -- The Road to Peace

July 11, 2010. It was the first time that I ran. And the rest was history.

A year after, I never expected to be sitting out because of an injury, but a lot has changed.

I have learned that I can finish anything in my life.

Saturdays and Sundays became more special, 5PM weekdays runs are a must-wait.

I have learned to love buko juice and energy bars.

I learned that waking up in godly hours in the morning for a 3K or 5K run is worth it - and it's not silly to run 42K.

I have been more conscious about what we eat. I have told my mom for us to slowly stop eating meat - something that I never thought was possible years ago.

And a lot more.

So after one year of falling in love with running, it is just fitting that I saw this YouTube video from New Balance.

I hope that I'd get to memorize The Runner's Creed in time for the day I come back to the roads.

The Runner's Creed

This is my run, there are many others like it, but this one is mine.

My run is my haven, it is my life.

I must muster it as I must muster my life.

Without me, my run is nothing.

Without my run, I am nothing.

I must run its road through.

I must run faster than the stress of the world that is working to drag me down.

I must outrun stress before it overruns me. I will.

I swear this creed,

My run and I are the defenders of my sanity.

We are the masters of my body we are the saviors of my life.

So be it until victory is mine and nothing remains but peace.

I got this slideshow as I was researching about my new bout in injury.

It helped a lot for me to understand my condition. It gave simple explanation to people like me (I hate complicating things.)

Based on my other readings, healing may take three weeks to three months. But I don't know; healing still depends on me.

http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/back-pain/pinched-nerve-slideshow

Session One

Ms. Cindy of Dr. Ramon Sarmiento's Rehab Clinic will be the girl to-go for the next three therapy sessions. She's so helpful; she also encourages questions.

So, what's up with the first session?

Here I am again, lying down...

I call this rehab corset. This would make my back muscle release the pinched nerve. I feel fine the day after! It's not going to make me taller, though.

What happens when you M.O.V.E. Manila?

You’ll not only get a dose of your weekly runner’s high (that will be enough to sustain you ‘til next week), you’ll also get to help the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM) F.U.N.D. and the PARM M.O.V.E. Advocacy.

Sounds cool to you?

Dr. Sarmiento, on my recent visit to his clinic, informed me about this run. Details below:

M.O.V.E. Manila Run 2011

Date: July 17, 2011
Time: 5:00 AM
Running venue: Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City

For the benefit of the PARM F.U.N.D. (Fund for the Upliftment of the Needy Differently-Abled) and the PARM M.O.V.E. Advocacy, recipient of the PMA Most Outstanding Specialty Project Award 2010.

Distance and Categories:

2.2 KM Wheelchair Men, Wheelchair Women
4.4 KM Wheelchair Men, Wheelchair Women
3 KM Men, Women
6 KM Men, Women, Wheelchair Men, Wheelchair Women
2.2 KM Buddy Run

Cash prizes, medals and gift prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 finishers for 3 KM & 6KM Men/Women and 2.2 KM and 4.4 KM Wheelchair Men/Wheelchair Women categories.

Registration fees (inclusive of race singlet and bib):

P 400.00 for 2.2 KM (Men/Women Wheelchair) and 3 KM (Men/Women)
P 500.00 for 4.4 KM (Men/Women Wheelchair) and 6 KM (Men/Women)
P 10,000.00 per team for Buddy Run

Registration Sites:

• The PARM Office, Room 808-810 Future Point Plaza 1, 112 Panay Avenue, Quezon City [Telephone Nos. 4159048 or 4101597 (Look for Lei or Jane)]
• De Los Santos-STI Megaclinic, 5th Floor SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
• R.O.X., B1 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (Open from 1:00 – 8:00 PM, Mondays – Sundays)
• Chris Sports Mall Outlets (SM MOA, Glorietta, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, Festival Mall)

For registration and race inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Lei Asuque - 0916-2284244 or 5073360 (landline)
Dr. Svetlana Aycardo – 0906-3697460
Dr. Melissa Mercado – 0908-8990902
Dr. Ranny Sarmiento – 0917-888-8754

Diagnosis: Lumbo-sacral radicolopathy. Eng?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23370075@N03/2887280665

“In layman’s terms, it’s a pinched nerve,” Dr. Sarmiento said. (Upon Internet research, it could also be spelled as Lumbosacral radiculopathy - PeñaRUNzi)

Thank heavens for simple terms for the complicated things in life.

After three weeks, I was back in Dr. Sarmiento’s clinic (located located at Room 606, 2301 Civic Place, Civic Drive, Filinvest, Alabang, in front of Asian Hospital and Medical Center. Telephone number: 659-0550). After some story details, questions and explanations, the smoke has cleared. 

There was only one thing to do: three sessions of therapy.

As I was going to the HMO office to have my therapy sessions approved, I told myself: sure, therapy again. This will be the third time I’ll be doing this since I started running. I have 3K and 5K runs under my belt. Hah! Who’s game? 

I don’t know. Even if I know that I’ll be healed after this (I just know I will), I still felt gloomy. 

You see, I stopped running again. And with this diagnosis, it means not running still. 

And I don’t know until when.

Anyway, I might have missed (and will still be missing) a lot of running time, I’ll just enjoy every healing time that I will have.

I will wait until I’m discharged – and I am positively sure that that’s going to happen in a few weeks. 

No need of complicated or layman’s term.

I did a lot of walking in Hong Kong.

HKIA by PenaRUNzi

It was surreal. It was my first time to travel abroad. I never imagined myself doing that in my lifetime.

But then, the plane landed in Hong Kong International Airport. I was in it. Wow! I’m out of Manila!

I made sure my New Balance 870 was with me up to a foreign land. I may never have gone there to run, but going from one place to another may mean a lot of walking.

Going after the Disneyland friends can be very tiring.

One more thing to consider: I came out from my four-session knee therapy, so no running for me yet.

And walk I did.

I walked in Hong Kong Disneyland.

I love the train, I love the HKDL... I want to come back soon!

I walked to Mariner’s Club to hear Mass.

I walked in Ocean Park.

I walked going to The Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Museum of the Arts, and 1881 Heritage.

Few seconds of running beside The Bell Tower. Couldn't resist it.

I walked in Hong Kong International Airport for my departure.

A lot of walk! I loved it!

I wished I had a walk-o-meter to check the total distance of my short stint in Hong Kong.

I had fun doing it.

Will I come back for a Hong Kong Marathon stint in the future?

Well, if Mickey and Minnie Mouse would be running with me, who knows?

Rexona Run 2011

My friend is part of the team who is behind the upcoming Rexona Run.

No, my friend isn’t Rio.

My friend, whom we will call Direk Geno, is a genius. Back in our college days, he was always the one who we turn to – whether in studies, poking jokes, and eating food (lots of ‘em).

After college, he ventured in film and advertising. Few years ago, he saw his Cinema One film, “UPCAT,” come into the big screen (I’m still waiting for my DVD copy, friend.) He’s now in advertising.

The last time we met for our annual mini-reunion last December 2010, he learned that I’m into running. He asked if I joined the Rexona Run 2010. I told him that it was there I did my first 5K.

He sheepishly said, “We did the media stuff.”

Media stuff meant his group thought of the running event title, colors to be used, advertisement layout, TV commercials, and yes, even the design of the singlet. All approved ideas that were presented to RunRio were brought into life.

One more envious thing: he got to meet Rio.

I felt my eyes almost popped out in surprise. Then, I smacked his shoulders.

“You didn’t tell me about that!” I said.

“Err, I didn’t know you’re into running during that time,” he said.

I totally forgot he got a higher grade in Logic than me during college, so I accepted his reason.

This year, Direk Geno and his group did it again.

His team is the one behind the orange-themed Rexona Run 2011.

In fact the video above is the TV commercial that they created for the anticipated running event. Cool eh?

To you Direk Geno: I’m not sure if I’ll be able to repeat my Rexona Run (I’m injured, huhuhu), but I want to say that I’m proud of what you have accomplished. You deserve all accolades. I’m proud to be your friend.

I also do wish you’d get to run, too.

A runner eavesdrops.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/80402949@N00/142009175

I was having my thyroid ultrasound when I overheard a nurse and a doctor talking about – what else? – running.

I have not seen the two during their conversation. But with what I have heard, they had a good time talking about it.

They talked about the distance that they’re running, their running buddies, how they train, the latest event they joined, and their distance goal in the future.

I’m happy that a lot of people have gotten into running.

Instead of talking about illnesses, people talk about how they will get healthy – be well and be fit.

Instead of talking about being stressed at work, people talk about mileages, being with friends, and enjoying each step.

If that is what I get to eavesdrop all the time, I wouldn’t mind.