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.