Project TikGirl

This is not a New Year's resolution.


Just like many Spurs fan, my eyes welled up when I learned of Tim Duncan's retirement. It was imminent, so to speak. But it still broke hearts.



Much has been said. I just want to say thank you Timmy.

No, I am not crossing over to the other side of the blogging world. (Though, there's nothing wrong with that!)

However, many of my friends (acquaintances, included) are asking how I do my make up, considering that I commute daily, which in itself is a challenge that Metro Manila dwellers have to live up to. The long queues at the train station and the heavy traffic in the major roads is good enough to squeeze out all the energy you have been reserving for the day's work.

My day job, meanwhile, does not offer an opportunity to work in an air-conditioned room for eight or so hours. I go out - to the street rallies, demolition of urban poor communities, among others. I interview people and write down their stories so people would know of their plight and concerns.

But I still find time to do my daily make up routine. Unless, of course, if I am pressed for deadlines or if I am running late.

Below is my take for the everyday look for Pinay commuters:



Thank you so much for allowing me to be kikay for this Project Tikgirl blog entry!

For now, task completed!
A well-deserved selfie after a 40-minute yoga practice
It took a random Google search before I found myself back in the arms of a familiar stranger. And I have been working my ass off since then.

Except around last week of May when I had fever, cough, and colds. I tried my best ignore the symptoms of my trangkaso, hoping it would go away. But then the husband intervened and told me to give in and rest.

I did. So did my exercise.

So for two whole weeks, I was forced to rest and quit running until I was fully well. It would probably have been shorter if not for the fact that I had to squeeze in some leg work and meetings for my day job and other rakets. But as much as possible, I rest whenever I can.

It was weird because just when I was doing my daily running routine, which at times is coupled with a 15-minute yoga practice, that I got seriously sick. I still don't have explanation for that. But as the old saying goes, "when life gives you lemons, make a lemonade." And so I had to rest.

It was a bit frustrating since I was practicing for a supposed 10K run for a fundraising event for Ateneo. I still ran during the event but took the 3K race instead (It deserves a separate blog entry!)

Today, I am determined more than ever to start exercising again. I thought it would be hard and that it would entail a lot of time from my end. And before I realized it, I was back in my mat.

So proud. (Tears!)

Task completed.
Photo grabbed from: rheum.med.ufl.edu
Funny how your old self finds its way to you.

Just the other day, I was Googling random things when I found my way to this old blog. I was lost for words when I realized how and why I lost my determination to live a healthy lifestyle. The thing is that I worked so hard before to get that state of mind and before I realized it -- it's all gone.

Though I look after what I eat, I no longer have regular exercise. Now I am back to a not-so-good and a not-so-bad weight of 130 pounds. My BMI states that I am still good but it is just several pounds away from being overweight.

It was an eyeopener. I have to get my act together before it is too late -- again.

And yes, I am back.

Task completed.
Human beings are social beings. 

 These are big words I Learned way back from high school. I know it would seem unlikely for a running enthusiast like me to mention it Because running is a physical activity that one can do alone. But are we really alone?

I have met so many people engaged in running and most of them run to stay fit while s ome just want to shed off extra pounds.  (Note that I made ​​a distinction Between staying fit and losing weight. You Should They know by now that ' re not one and the same.) 

 I met one runner who started running after losing His dad to cardiac arrest. It was such a big blow (I'm sure) that it ticked off His hormones and he run everyday since then. Last time I heard he joined an ultramarathon race - 100 kilometers, I'm not kidding! 

 I, on the other hand, run to stay fit. But I also join races, especially those that are for a good cause Such as my Alma Mater's recent family run, are priority aimed to raise scholarship funds for THEIR poor but deserving students. 

 Though I can not choose to run alone, I prefer joining races. I do not just run for the heck of it but to also contribute to others.  The sense of community that it GIVES to runners is truly priceless. So every time I run - even if I am alone (in the technical sense) - I know in my heart that I am not truly alone.

 With all the challenges that the country is facing - and do not you forget that the government is on its way to privatize 26 public hospitals - what we need are healthy Filipino people with big hearts for those who have been left behind by the so-called development. 

 If I have the resources, I would like to organize a run. Proceeds, of course, would go to those who are in need. For the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda? For the mothers seeking shelter and Grace to be Born? For the children residing in poor urban communities? The list goes on and on.

If there's one thing you can give to the Philippines, what is that gift? Blog and get that wish granted.  Read the mechanics here. 

For now, the task completed.
I have encountered a lot of people who would go to the lengths of the earth to shed off a few pounds but refuse to exercise. Believe me, they could come up with millions of excuses in just a matter of seconds after I say the magic words: "you should try running."

Most of them would either tell me they don't have the time. But hey, I have a day job and a humble but steady social life to keep up with but still manage to run at least once a week. As for the expenses, especially the rubber shoes part, I have blogged where to get the cheapest ones. Still, they would be able to somehow circumvent the discussion in their favor. 

I believe that this is partly because they are dreaming that they could achieve what they want overnight. But we know that's not true. Not even the promises of invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures could keep up with the benefits exercising hold for us. 

So, here are three ways to convince yourself that you need to exercise.


1. Stop begrudging other people's "gifts"

Wasn't there always one person you envy for not getting fat? She or he might be a friend, cousin, sibling, among others, who can eat whatever, whenever, not minding how much and not gain a single pound. And how you would wish you could have the same body and metabolic rate, right?

Well, the truth hurts but not everyone is gifted. So wake up, wake up! If you really want to get that kind of "gift" -- so to speak -- you can't have it just by forever wishing and not lifting a finger. 

You can only accomplish that by exercising. It can be done by going to the gym, running, boxing or any other form of cardio exercises. Fitday.com reports that our metablic rate slows down as we age. Here's an excerpt:

Starting at about age 25, the average and not physically active person's metabolism declines between 5% and 10% per decade, which accumulates to between 20% and 40% metabolism over the adult life span. However, there is good news for those who continue physical activity their whole lives: they have only 0.3 percent metabolic decline per decade.

Hear ye, hear ye! It's never too late. But don't get me wrong, don't even think that exercising would give you a license to eat all the food you want. Choose the kind of food you eat, go for natural -- organic if possible -- to get the kind of body you have always wanted. 

2. Starvation diet? Forget it.

Still, there are many people I know who would resort to starvation diet, thinking it would resolve their problem. They do this, of course, without even bothering to consult a dietitian or even good 'ol Google. All you need to do is to type in the keywords and thousands of medical websites and health-related blogs would tell you that starvation will not do you any good.

For the lack of a better term, starvation diet is like resolving a problem with another problem. Here's an excerpt from Live Strong.com: 

Not eating enough can slow the body's metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. The body can detect when there's been a shift in calorie levels and reacts accordingly. With severe food restriction, the body begins to conserve its fuel, stored fat. The result is that you burn less calories and stop losing weight. Then whether you are exercising, working or sleeping, you will burn fewer calories all day long. While "dieting" is supposed to mean deprivation and hunger, staying fed actually leads to more successful weight loss and maintenance.

This metabolic response to starvation demonstrates a protective mechanism of survival. When you don't eat, the body thinks you may be entering a period of famine. Who knows when the next food may come along, so the body conserves its stored calories for later use. This evolutionary protection of our ancestors makes an "all or nothing" eating pattern ineffective for weight loss. Even though sustained starvation over a long period of time will eventually result in weight loss, this is not a healthy or realistic weight-loss plan. Weight loss from starvation can cause lasting damage to the body and metabolism.

I have my own share of days I spent on starvation diet during my high school days. And I ended up in hospital bed because it triggered a gastritis attack. So forget it, okay?

3. Pills? Forget that one too!

I tried those diet pills before, too. And yes, it did work. But at what risk?

It was four or five years ago when I tried one of these over the counter diet pills available mostly in Chinese drugstores and in online shops. Sure thing, I lost several pounds in just one week without doing anything. All you have to do take a tablet or two in morning and in between meals.

That is definitely every woman's dream right? No wonder many women are hooked over the promises it hold. But again, I am asking, at what risk?

I remember how dehydrated I felt when I took those pills. I was so dehydrated that I could feel the my eyelids whenever I blink. At first, of course, I thought that it was "natural" and that it was side effect I did not mind to experience. But dehydration, no matter what caused it, is bad and dangerous to one's health.

It was instinct, I guess. I decided to stop taking the pills. And I was glad that I did because years later, I stumbled upon my high school classmate Martha Sta. Barbara's blog The Beauty Junkee. She narrated her harrowing experience with these pills. Click here to read her blog entry.


If, even after reading this entry, you are still not convinced that you should exercise, then at least do it for the people you love. Exercise, after all, will not just help you shed a few pounds but would also save you from diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, among others. You need to be alive, healthy and kicking to be with them.

For now, task completed.
Finding the perfect running shoes -- perfect for you and your tight budget -- is one of the major concerns that first time runners usually encounter. I have heard enough excuses from friends and relatives who refuse to run with me because they find running shoes expensive.

Project Tikgirl lists apparel stores where you can get the cheapest pair of running shoes all year long. No need to wait for big mall chains to go on sale!

Note: Long-time runners can benefit from this post too, especially if you are looking for alternate running shoes that won't hurt your budget.


1. Factory outlet in Mamplasan

This is just a few minutes away from Mamplasan Exit of SLEX. If you are coming from Manila, you have to get to North Bound side and then take a left turn. It's not located along the road so it might be difficult to catch the road signs that lead to it. So pay attention to the right side of the road. 

We got lost when we first went there. But a security guard of a nearby establishment kindly pointed us how to get there. I am hoping that you'll find the same security guard. Lol. When in doubt, there is Google. 

Note: We went here because we were on our way to Batangas and it would be such a shame if we will not drop by. But if you are going here all the way from Manila just to buy a pair or two, kindly check the rest of the entry where I cited more accessible stores.

2. Nike Outlet in Sta. Ana Drive, Sun Valley Subd., Bicutan

If you are a Nike fan, they have 30 percent discount here. Sorry but I don't know how to get here again. We only went here once to buy Project Tikboy a pair of basketball shoes. Though we were able to get discount on the shoes, we can't say the same for the money we spent on gas. But if you are living in Las Pinas, Bicutan, Sucat area, I'm sure you'll find it good enough.

If my memory serves me right, they also have Asics here.

You can also try the Nike Outlet in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

3. Adidas Outlet in Tutuban Mall

This is where I bought most of my rubber shoes. People often ask me if they are genuine Adidas shoes because they are from Tutuban in Divisoria. And, yes, it's a genuine Adidas outlet.  Here, you get 30 to 70 percent off from mall prices everyday not just on rubber shoes but all Adidas apparel. So that includes shoes, dri-fit shirts, jackets, pants, caps, among others. 

Last Christmas season, they had a Buy One Take One offer so me and self-proclaimed Project Tikboy bought our first couple shoes, the Mana 7. 

There's also an Adidas outlet store along C-5 Kalayaan. 

4. Fila running shoes

If you are not brand conscious, you can also try Fila's line of running shoes. I haven't tried it but if you are in a hurry and wanted to buy a pair so badly, I guess you can also give it a try. I don't know why but it's always on sale. I went to SM Harison in Pasay City last week and saw that it is still on sale. Price range is from P1,200 to P1,600.

They also have an outlet in Metropoint Mall in Pasay Rotanda. It's very accessible for LRT and MRT commuters.

5. Sports Warehouse in Waltermart, Roosevelt

If you don't have a particular brand in mind, one of our favorite apparel stores is the Sports Warehouse in Waltermart. Aside from the usual suspects Adidas and Nike, the store also offer a lot of other brands such as New Balance and Asics at a discounted price. 


Buying from outlet stores have its downside too. For one, you can't always find the exact shoes you are looking for. Consider yourself lucky if you get the exact one you are looking for. Others would say that these shoes are no longer in the prime condition but the ones I have listed above sell shoes that are still mint condition.

There are more factory outlets out there but those I have included in my list are places I have gone to and bought shoes from. For now, task completed.
Last Saturday, we chanced upon Manny Pacquiao during our badminton game at The Village Sports Club in BF Homes, Paranaque. 



Me and self-proclaimed Project Tikboy are big boxing fans so we grabbed the opportunity to have a photo taken with Pacquiao.

For now, task completed.
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 was a year ago when I began blogging what seems to be a decision of a lifetime. From being a couch potato, I worked hard all year to live a relatively healthier lifestyle. I say "relatively" because there were so many times when I failed and gave into the temptation of McDonald's. Hehe.


The photo at the left was taken during a coverage at Bacolod. And on the right was taken today, January 1, 2013.


It was running that took most of my time this 2013 because it was a physical activity that demanded the least eye-hand coordination. It is also the most budget-friendly. My first pair of Adidas rubber shoes, which was a complete steal because I bought it on sale, lasted for a year.

Me and my running buddies joined several 5K races before moving into 10K. But after my 16.8K run with Adidas, I decided to push myself harder when I trained and joined a half marathon during the last leg of the Run Rio's Run United Philippine Marathon.

In the last quarter of the year, I also got into yoga. I attended several community yoga sessions with Teacher Chaya. Though classes were temporarily stopped, I continue to practice at home, and, at times, in the office with my colleagues.

I was 140 pounds when I started my Project Tikgirl blog. A year later, and, not to mention that I ate a lot over the holidays, I am now 133 pounds. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed because I expected that I would be losing more than seven pounds.

So the task this 2014 is to work and train harder. Happy new year and cheers to a healthier 2014! For now, task completed.
This morning I attended the launch of Multisport's Running 101, a special edition for those who want to get started on running. Multisport is one of the magazines under the Hinge Inquirer Publications.


Running 101 is a magazine every newbie runner like me should get their hands on. It provides tips and training programs from no less than the likes of running and fitness coaches like Jay Valencia, Patrick Concepcion, Gerard Pizarras, Jaymie Pizarro (my idol, ehem), among others. 

Secondly, the tips I got so far are that practical one can give it a try the following day. I hate it whenever I read articles on running that sounds too idealistic or even dreamy. What every newbie runner like me wants are tips that are as easy as understanding go, slow down and stop. We don't want to spend more time trying to dissect these dreamy information than actually do it, right?

The write ups were written in a very inviting tone just like how they used to write articles on triathlon. I find their previous articles on triathlon very interesting even if I don't see myself doing it in the near future (I don't know how to swim.) 

Same goes for Running 101. It invites the readers to run because, as Multisport's editor-in-chief Patrick Joson puts it, not everyone can be a triathlete but everyone can run. 

Lastly, Multisport is for free. Unfortunately, I don't know where to get a copy because I usually get mine from The Village Country Club. (No, I am not a member but a friend is. Hihi). 

There are loads of points that Joson and other speakers raised this morning. And I'd be posting another blog entry for that. For now, I have to hit the road. Task completed.
Last weekend, I received an early Christmas gift from the self-proclaimed Project Tikboy. It was a gift I was already expecting because for the past few months I have done nothing but complain about the need for a new pair of running shoes. So lo and behold, my first ever racing shoes -- Adidas Adizero Mana 7.


I have yet to use this beauty. I was supposed to give it a try last Sunday but the bed weather got the best of me. Hopefully, sometime this week! I did a bit of research about the Mana 7. Sad to tell, however, that it's a bit hard to find reviews about this online. Perhaps because this is not the top of the line among the ranks of Adidas' running shoes. Not complaining here, just saying.

Honestly, I would have preferred to go for the Adios series (the one that uses Continental for its sole) but it was no longer available at the Adidas outlet. Sad. But the Mana 7 looked promising.

Like Adios, it's also part of the Adizero family, that features the use of lightweight materials to provide maximum breathability. The Mana series provide a forefoot running support, which I would be practicing for my training for my next half marathon, while providing heel support with its AdiPRENE technology.

But most of all, it only weighs 260 grams. It was so light I kept checking the box if the Adidas salesman really placed my pair of rubber shoes inside the box. Haha.

Self-proclaimed Project Tikboy also bought a pair of Mana 7 for himself. So, for the lack of a better term, we now have couple shoes. Sweet.


I asked the salesman if they have other available colors for the Mana 7 for women. He said in Filipino, "Pink looks fine on you ma'am." But I said, "It's too girly." He stared at me, probably confused. And Project Tikboy broke the awkward silence when he said, "She's not a girl." LOL.

I'm so excited to use it! Task completed.
Finally the result of the Nike We Run is out. Though I already know -- more or less -- how I fared in the race, nothing beats the joy of doing a screenshot of the official result and posting it here on my blog.



I must say that I am a bit disappointed that this is the only thing I found in the results page. You may access yours by clicking here.

The race used D-Tag for runners and it was hard to believe that the only thing I'll find here is my gun time and chip time. Last time I joined a race that used a D-Tag, which was during the third leg of this year's Run United, the results page had loads of geeky stuff I really loved. Check out my post here.

I hope that this is not the end of it. And that people are still working on our stats, not that mine is so good, but it's still my stats.

Other runners are also complaining that the ranking should have been based on the chip time, not the gun time. It is, they said in a web forum, unfair for those who were part of the second and third wave of the race. I must say that I agree with them.

But to be honest, it is hardly my concern. My take on this, and may I remind everyone that I am entitled to my own opinion,  is that I am not running to compete with others. First of all, I don't stand a chance. Secondly, I only need to beat my personal record. I don't need their official ranking. I just need to check my previous blog entries.

It wouldn't hurt, however, if I get my stats on the percentage of male runners I managed to leave behind. It gives me a sense of girl power. So please, please Nike people! Give us more stats!

Task completed.
Well, look who's back. But not in mint condition.

Photo is not mine. Courtesy of We Run for Good Health 

I must admit that I did not train for this run. It felt like -- hey, I already survived 21K why train for 10k? And of course I needed reminding that I was wrong during the race itself. I felt really really great during the first five kilometers. As soon as we hit the 5K marker, I checked my watch and could not believe my eyes because it said 35 minutes. That was one of my best 5K run, ever. I finished my first 5K run with 7-11 in 42 minutes.

But the next 5K turned horrible.

I was still doing relatively good until my seventh or eighth kilometer of the race. But I thought I would faint during my last kilometer. I thought I was going to die in my last 250 meters of the race. If there's anything I need to be thankful about is that Nike We Run is a buddy race and the self proclaimed Project Tikboy did not leave me during the entire race (even if he can).

With the self-proclaimed Project Tikboy.

As I have said, I admit that I did have time to prepare for the run. Three weeks ago, Typhoon Yolanda hit several provinces in the Visayas Region. And I volunteered to cover the aftermath of the storm. (There are no words to describe the devastation.) When I returned to Manila, I had to write the reports, among others, leaving me no chance to train for the race.

Another factor is that it was too hot during the race. While running, I could hear other runners complain of the humidity. I don't think I was hydrated enough for that kind of humidity. On normal days, I can run at UP Academic Oval for 11 kilometers without stopping, without the need for hydration in the middle of the run. But not last Sunday. I stopped twice during the run to refuel.

I also had difficulties with route. Though I appreciate that it was a new route and that the cheers of the children somehow rejuvenated me, many parts of the route was too narrow for the number of runners. We bumped on each other a lot. I was part of the second wave and a lot of participants started walking after a minute or so.

Enough said. It still boiled down to my lack of training. So to all my fellow running enthusiasts, please don't follow my footsteps. It's not a healthy one and it could even lead to a more serious situation, which, as of the moment, I don't even want to discuss.


Best 10K run so far

That being said, I must say that I'm still happy that I finished the 10K run in 1 hour 25 minutes. I am waiting for the official result and will post them here, of course.

Kudos to Nike for organizing the run. Too bad we did not join the after party. There were too many people and the humidity is not making the atmosphere any more favorable. Looking forward to my next run and I swear to the highest form of being that I would never join a marathon ever again without proper training.

For now, task completed.
Finally got to attend yoga with my friends. They have been inviting me to attend their sessions for nearly two months now but I would always have coverage or trips during Saturdays. Yesterday, I got a chance to join their practice. I borrowed Tey's extra mat since I haven't bought my own.

First of, yoga is not easy.

I've seen it on magazines and lifestyle shows. But I never realized how hard it was until the yoga session began. A few times, Tey went over to check on my wobbling legs and told me to straighten it. Oh boy, I was sweating profusely and I was so thankful that Tey lent me clothes. Otherwise, no one would want to sit next to me on my ride back home.

Goofing around with my new yoga mat
Secondly, it takes so much determination.

You really have to concentrate, breathe as you move. It was the first time in recent years that I listened that attentively. Last time was probably during my Radio Production class back in college, when the tone-deaf me was assigned to make a smooth fade from one music to another and Ms. Abanto, our professor, would call my attention and say, "too abrupt."

Since it was my first time and not yet that familiar with the poses, I would glimpse on how the others are faring and correct my posture if necessary. I also accidentally inhaled twice because I forgot to exhale. Haha.
The tree pose and the kawawa pose. Lols.
The next concern now is if doing yoga could help one lose weight. My web research tells me that yoga cannot burn as much calories compared to cardiovascular exercises such as running and even walking. The usual suspect -- WebMD -- tells me that a 150-pound person can burn 150 calories during a 30-minute yoga compared to 311 calories lost to walking at a speed of 3 mph.

But my take on this is that no matter how slow you go, you are still leaving behind everyone who would prefer the luxury of their couch, chips and movie marathon.

Besides, yoga is not just for weight loss. It's also for your mind's health. It takes you away from your stressful everyday routine. Though, to be honest, I have yet to experience that kind of tranquility. I was still distracted during my first yoga session -- too worried over my poses, too conscious when to inhale and exhale. Hopefully, I'll do much better in the coming days.

But what I really enjoyed was the feeling after the yoga session. It felt heavenly.

Today, on my way to the office, I dropped by at a nearby grocery store to buy my own yoga mat. I'm excited for the next session!

For now, task completed.
Days after I conquered my first half marathon race, it's still hard to believe how I managed to do it -- especially with little preparation I had. Just the other day, my running buddy Shiela posted on my Facebook wall a course map of the 21 K route and how she, too, could not believe how she managed to finish the race.

That's me before crossing the finish line
I finished my first 21 K run in 3 hours, 11 minutes. I don't think that's bad for a first timer, right? Here are some interesting facts I found at Runrio website. You can get the results of the third leg of the 2013 Run United Philippine Marathon here.



It's interesting to note that I was ahead of about 28 percent of men runners. That should count for something, right? Haha.


Shiela finished her first 21K race in 2 hours, 32 minutes. Now that's better! I'm sure that with more training she can finish the race in 2 hours.

Mike, or the self-proclaimed Project Tikboy, finished his first full marathon -- yes, that's 42 kilometers -- in 6 hours 15 minutes (chip time). I'm super proud of him! I know he can do a lot better next time because we swear to pour more time and dedication to our training in our next run.

Kudos also to Coach Rio and the rest of his team for the very very organized run. There's a reason why he is one of the most sought-after running event organizers. I saw it for myself in the two runs I participated under your Run Rio's watch. Woohoo!

Next year, I'm going to do a full marathon! For now, it's 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. 
I never paid too much attention on how I breathe whenever I am running. It was just as simple as breathing in and breathing out, just as I would do every second, every minute of my day. But my good 'ol friend Joy pointed it out to me this afternoon. I gave her the privilege of running with Project Tikgirl. Chos.


So, how should I do it? Here are reminders from Runner's World:

Open your mouth.
Your mouth is larger than your nostrils, so it's more effective at taking in oxygen. Also, keeping your mouth open keeps your face more relaxed, which makes it easier to breathe deeply.

(I take deep breaths through my nostrils. The moment I open my mouth, either to talk or to breathe, I'm afraid that I would only end up gasping for air.)

Breathe in Patterns
Coordinating your inhales and exhales with your footfalls develops diaphragmatic strength. Start with a 2-2 pattern-breathe in while stepping left, right; breathe out while stepping left, right. Advance to 3-3 (breathe in, step left, right, left; breathe out, step right, left, right), and then a 4-4 pattern.

(I have yet to try this.)

Breath Enhancers
Cross-training exercises that reduce huffing and puffing

These three Pilates moves strengthen the diaphragm, stretch tight muscles, and improve posture-all of which help you run longer with less effort. Practice each exercise two or three times a week before you run.

(This one too.)

As a general rule, Runner's World suggested that we take deep and full breaths to maximize our strength. A strong lungs can help us achieve our goal, whether to run faster or longer or even both. 
Finally got my hands on the result of the Adidas King of the Road 2013. I am, naturally, disappointed with how I fared. But it wasn't that surprising, really. I have nothing else to do but to train harder if I want to proceed and increase my running distance to 21K by October.


Here are the fast facts as posted in Pro-active's website:

You burned approximately 1044.29 calories during your 168k run.
You finished the race in 02:42:21
Your rank is 0 out of 3,617 runners in this category. Your rank percentile is 100%
Your rank is 6,852 out of 7,098 runners in this event. Your rank percentile is 3.47%
You ranked 2,246 out of 2,366 runners who are the same gender as you. Your rank percentile is 5.07%
Your average speed is 6.21 kph
Your average time per km is 9m 39s



My running buddy Shiela finished her 16.8K with 2 hours and 5 minutes. But I couldn't find Mike's. Task compeleted.