And Another Running Post
This morning, after a two-day hiatus from running, I ran again. I ran nonstop for almost 2 1/2 hours. It was hard. The early part of training is always difficult. There's a lot of pain and sacrifice and you have to be the one to tell yourself to keep going. Going from zero to something is never easy.
My route was more convenient. Yesterday when my dad ran, he said he went over 20 kms and when I asked him where he ran, he said, "the big loop." All I know about running now- technicalities, technique, whatever- I learned from my dad. It turns out that in running, even the route matters. Because a messy route can be discouraging. (Note to self: When I get back to Al-Khuwair, I better ask my dad what route he recommends.) So early this morning, I ran a big round loop, what I would call a U-turn or U-shaped route, and then a big loop again. My way was Madrigal Ave.-Country Club Dr.-Acacia Ave.-Ma. Christina St.-Molave Dr.-Yakal St.-Madrigal Ave.-University Ave.-Acacia Ave.-Country Club Dr.-Madrigal Ave. So I passed Maria Montessori twice, La Salle once, and Alabang Country Club twice (on all sides and that's a biiig club, especially with the golf course). I ran slowly so it took me over two hours. I wanted to go faster after I felt like I'd warmed up (because running fast makes you feel good and more light), but I paced myself. And when I reached Acacia Ave. the first time, I felt like I had gotten stronger so I decided to take the U-route back to Madrigal then to University Ave. leading to Country Club Dr. But there were points, I must admit, when I felt like giving up. My legs were feeling heavy and I was getting a little tired. But I did not give in to my body, and mind and heart overruled. I just kept thinking, "light as a feather, light as a feather." Ha ha. You are what you think! So I made it back to Madrigal (after having run through that road twice) without ever stopping. I didn't get to run fast, but I pushed myself and finished my course. After all, I knew I could do it. And I didn't even wear my knees and feet out enough to cancel tonight's running. Not bad for the first morning of my 6-month training! My mum was surprised when I told her I was running daily. She said three times a week is sufficient. Maybe when I am finally good, I can slow down to three times a week. For now I need the daily practice!
Looking back at how I started, I should be proud of myself because I have come a long way. I started out in the middle east so running here was heaven! It is so hot there, 6 kms here is like 3 kms over there! I'm not kidding. You want to pass out after a short distance. The heat is that unbearable. And when I was there, I was thinking of this village and how I may not be able to run its distances, what with its 70 kms of roads! But now I'm running great distances in the village, something I didn't think I'd be able to do. And from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours to around 2 hours- I'm really building my stamina. My goal used to be 20 kms. That was a big deal for me. Now, it looks like I can do it (or can I?). Therefore, my new goal is 25-30 kms. Hm. I better brace myself for some more hardcore training.
I am getting this far and yet I still have a looong way to go. I have a lot to build until I can be up to par with seasoned runners. And why did I choose running? To be honest, I'd die to be able to take dance again. But running is more convenient because you can run anywhere- in any city, in any province, in any country; so long as there's a road or some pathway. And running has its rewards. Aside from how my legs seem to look more toned and firm, for some reason, after I run, I don't remember the moments I felt the run get excruciating. All I feel is "happy."
The two days I didn't run, I went shopping. For running gear. Many of the sports outlets in Festival Supermall were on sale! So I took advantage. My running wardrobe is now composed of New Balance, Reebok, Fila, Body Music, LP, and Accel, among what I already had. No more running in rolled-up leggings/cotton shorts and regular shirts! And right now, I don't get to dance, but it doesn't mean I shouldn't apply what I learned from dancing. While running this morning, I realised I need stronger ankles and maybe more hardcore knees. So I've decided, in addition to running, I will make my turnout and do pliés to somehow strengthen/develop/whatever my hips, knees, and ankles. Ha ha! Oh, dear. How crazy this whole thing is getting. Well... If it makes you happy. :) Ha ha ha ha.
/end of extremely long running post.
In other news, I now have a YouTube! Ha ha ha. I've stayed away from signing up for so long and then I thought, what-the-hey. Go see: http://www.youtube.com/eudoxiavervain. Ha ha ha ha. I'm putting it on a trial run and then maybe I'll delete it after.
My route was more convenient. Yesterday when my dad ran, he said he went over 20 kms and when I asked him where he ran, he said, "the big loop." All I know about running now- technicalities, technique, whatever- I learned from my dad. It turns out that in running, even the route matters. Because a messy route can be discouraging. (Note to self: When I get back to Al-Khuwair, I better ask my dad what route he recommends.) So early this morning, I ran a big round loop, what I would call a U-turn or U-shaped route, and then a big loop again. My way was Madrigal Ave.-Country Club Dr.-Acacia Ave.-Ma. Christina St.-Molave Dr.-Yakal St.-Madrigal Ave.-University Ave.-Acacia Ave.-Country Club Dr.-Madrigal Ave. So I passed Maria Montessori twice, La Salle once, and Alabang Country Club twice (on all sides and that's a biiig club, especially with the golf course). I ran slowly so it took me over two hours. I wanted to go faster after I felt like I'd warmed up (because running fast makes you feel good and more light), but I paced myself. And when I reached Acacia Ave. the first time, I felt like I had gotten stronger so I decided to take the U-route back to Madrigal then to University Ave. leading to Country Club Dr. But there were points, I must admit, when I felt like giving up. My legs were feeling heavy and I was getting a little tired. But I did not give in to my body, and mind and heart overruled. I just kept thinking, "light as a feather, light as a feather." Ha ha. You are what you think! So I made it back to Madrigal (after having run through that road twice) without ever stopping. I didn't get to run fast, but I pushed myself and finished my course. After all, I knew I could do it. And I didn't even wear my knees and feet out enough to cancel tonight's running. Not bad for the first morning of my 6-month training! My mum was surprised when I told her I was running daily. She said three times a week is sufficient. Maybe when I am finally good, I can slow down to three times a week. For now I need the daily practice!
Looking back at how I started, I should be proud of myself because I have come a long way. I started out in the middle east so running here was heaven! It is so hot there, 6 kms here is like 3 kms over there! I'm not kidding. You want to pass out after a short distance. The heat is that unbearable. And when I was there, I was thinking of this village and how I may not be able to run its distances, what with its 70 kms of roads! But now I'm running great distances in the village, something I didn't think I'd be able to do. And from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours to around 2 hours- I'm really building my stamina. My goal used to be 20 kms. That was a big deal for me. Now, it looks like I can do it (or can I?). Therefore, my new goal is 25-30 kms. Hm. I better brace myself for some more hardcore training.
I am getting this far and yet I still have a looong way to go. I have a lot to build until I can be up to par with seasoned runners. And why did I choose running? To be honest, I'd die to be able to take dance again. But running is more convenient because you can run anywhere- in any city, in any province, in any country; so long as there's a road or some pathway. And running has its rewards. Aside from how my legs seem to look more toned and firm, for some reason, after I run, I don't remember the moments I felt the run get excruciating. All I feel is "happy."
The two days I didn't run, I went shopping. For running gear. Many of the sports outlets in Festival Supermall were on sale! So I took advantage. My running wardrobe is now composed of New Balance, Reebok, Fila, Body Music, LP, and Accel, among what I already had. No more running in rolled-up leggings/cotton shorts and regular shirts! And right now, I don't get to dance, but it doesn't mean I shouldn't apply what I learned from dancing. While running this morning, I realised I need stronger ankles and maybe more hardcore knees. So I've decided, in addition to running, I will make my turnout and do pliés to somehow strengthen/develop/whatever my hips, knees, and ankles. Ha ha! Oh, dear. How crazy this whole thing is getting. Well... If it makes you happy. :) Ha ha ha ha.
/end of extremely long running post.
In other news, I now have a YouTube! Ha ha ha. I've stayed away from signing up for so long and then I thought, what-the-hey. Go see: http://www.youtube.com/eudoxiavervain. Ha ha ha ha. I'm putting it on a trial run and then maybe I'll delete it after.