This is a long overdue blog post that I have been meaning to write since I attended the launch of Multisport's Running 101. During the event, Multisport EIC Patrick Joson asked us why we are into running.

To my surprise, I could not find the perfect words to describe how and why I decided to give it a chance.

I was never into sports. I think I've shared that in this blog time and again. During my high school days, I envied my classmates who were excused from our classes so they can play volleyball or badminton for school activities during intrams. But that envy did not progress into anything else -- like wanting to give it a try. I guess I only envied them because one of the perks was skipping classes.

My poor regards for engaging in sports continued and possibly worsened as time passed by.

During my second year in college, we were asked by our professor to sign up for the activity we wish to join for the intrams. Would you believe that I signed up to be part of the -- audience? Haha. So there I was, cheering for my classmates, eating in the gym's bleacher and having a good time.

It was my weight issue that alarmed me and pushed me to live a more active lifestyle. But I was lost. Since I do not know how to play any sports, I did not know where to begin. Until a roommate gave us free passes to a 5K race of 711 run back in 2012.

We trained hard for that 5K race. Everyday, me and my running buddy Shiela would wake up at 5:00 a.m. to jog at the CCP grounds. It was very difficult. I would run and then walk every 100 meters. But I eventually improved. Like a snail, I worked hard no matter how slow my progress was.

Running, after all, was a kind of sports that required the least hand-eye coordination. I don't need to hit a ball or go running after a shuttlecock. All I needed to do was to run, run and run. How can I possibly go wrong?

After crossing the finish line during my first ever 5K race, I was very ecstatic. I was tired but relaxed in a way. It was like getting a perfect score for an Algebra quiz and possibly even better. I was committed to experience that kind of "high" in the soonest possible time. And so I joined more races and trained harder.

One of the most obvious benefits of running is losing weight. But for that to take place, proper diet should accompany running. I committed the same mistake during my first few months of running. I used running as an excuse to eat more and I became heavier. So that's a big no-no.

Running also improved my sleeping habits. Though, too bad, I also have a hard time finishing my articles because as soon as the clock strikes 10 p.m., my eyes would start to droop. It also provided me a personal space and most of the time, while running, I get to go through my problems and think of possible solutions.

Here's a funny video I found this morning:


Running has become a big part of my life right now. Sometimes, I think I am crabbier whenever I don't get to run at least once a week, especially when I have a very tight schedule. I hope you'll find running as interesting as I do. 
For now, task completed.

It feels like I'm back to square one. I have been tracking my weight for the past few weeks and it's not moving anywhere near my target. Time and time again I have said that I don't really care about how I look and that it's not my primary concern. But my BMI says I am just a few pounds from being overweight. That doesn't sound right to me.

So what have I been doing for the past few weeks?

I still run. Though I must say that it is not as often as I used to because of the demands of my day job and the fact that it rains almost every day in this side of the world. But the thing is, even if I don't run that often, I have stronger stamina now compared when I was still starting. That should count for something, right?

During my first few weeks of running, I could only run straight for no less than 200 meters. After that, I need to gasp for air and walk the next 200 meters. But now, though only twice a week, I can run 11 kilometers straight and without stopping! And I would like to believe that I am also getting faster!

Again, I'm asking, that should count for something, right? But it seems not. I started Project Tikgirl with 140 lbs. Nine months later, I only managed to shed off five pounds. It makes me feel like I'm not putting my heart and soul into this self-imposed project. Gadh.

So this leads me to my next point: food.

I have never been conscious about what I eat. I'm not a vegetarian but I'm also not a meat lover. I love to explore both worlds and I have no plans of changing that in the near future. The only thing I try to resist -- no matter how mouthwatering it is -- are instant food. I'm proud to say that eight out of ten temptations, I managed to say no to my favorite Lucky Me Instant Pancit Canton.

I pour my free time researching about what to eat. And I try it once in a while but I have yet to sustain healthy eating. I'm already considering the need to consult a dietitian. But it's a bit pricey here in the Philippines.

So what should I do?

It's lame, I know. But lately I find it hard to wake up early in the morning to do my usual run with buddy Shiela. Most of the time, I either don't hear my alarm clock ringing or click it to stop and wake up around 7 to 8:00 in the morning -- too late for a morning run.

So for the past few weeks, me and Mike would run at night. At times, it would be as "early" as 6:00 in the evening or as late as 9 or 10 p.m. It's a bit difficult to adjust, especially because one has more stored energy in the morning and, running in the evening, would of course means that I came from a whole day's work. 

And while I still prefer the morning run, I'm getting used to running in the evening. Here are some noted benefits:

1. There's no sun! 

Yes, that's a big deal. My mom has been constantly complaining about my relatively darker skin complexion since I started running. Though I don't think it has something to do with my new hubby but because my day job as a journalist demands that I would have to stay under the sun during a coverage. But to give my mom that peace of mind surely is a good thing. And that goes to other runners who are particular to their skin complexion -- running at night would leave you no excuses!

2. Cooler breeze

I'm not sure if this is primarily because of the rainy season we have but it's relatively cooler to run in the evening. And it's not just because you're concerned with the sweat and all. But because it helps your muscle to run more efficiently. 

3. Better sleep

A good evening run equates to a good night of sleep. In fact, I would almost always have long, "dreamless" nights every time I run in the evening. Not sure about you guys!

But, again, I'd still prefer to run in the morning. There are more benefits and the three I listed above would not stand a chance, I tell you. I'm just praying and hoping I can overcome whatever laziness I am feeling for the past few weeks. Haha. 

All I'm saying is that there are no reasons not run.