Zabeel Park - Run with FRU

I said I'll be running with the guys and gals of Filipino Runners UAE (FRU), and I did. I freakin` did!! (Well, run is an exaggeration. I ran a couple of minutes, then I started walking then I waddled the rest of the way. gaaaah!!!)

It's very intimidating being with people who can really run. As in run fast. And run long. I felt like a poser, a  scam. Every fat of my body screams FAKER!!!! But what the heck. I still joined them and just ignored the voices in my head.

They were actually nice people. Very inspiring and they encouraged me the whole way. I'm just disappointed at myself though. I wanted to do at least two laps but my leg gave in again. Stupid shin splints!

As bad as my performance was, I was still ecstatic! Two people actually said that they read my blog. SOMEBODY. READS. MY. BLOG!!

Sheila's shiins = -10 points.
Sheila's blog = +100 cool points!


I really do have to apologize, I'm bad with names. If you are reading this, please do comment. Please please please...it would really make my day!!


I'll see you on Tuesday guys!! Let's make this happen.

Dubai Marathon 2011 - Pictures

Warning: picture heavy.
These are random pictures taken during the Dubai Marathon (and some are from our annual "office get together") If you are in these photos and you'd like to be edited out, please send me an email.

Money collected for "Takbo para kay Kabayan" Fund Raiser

Representatives of Filipino Runners UAE

I'll be training with these two guys starting tomorrow (I'll be the person trailing behind, panting and wishing I was dead). I know it will be hard keeping up but weigh day is just a few days away so I have to suck it up and just go for it.

this clown really does long distance running and makes it fun too!

3 days after the Dubai Marathon...

... will upload photos soon.

Dubai Marathon 2011

I've been putting off posting this but since the Dubai Marathon is just a few days away, I think it's just appropriate to address the issue (HAHAH!! I sound so ... dramatic!)

Well, I knew since a few months back that I won't be able to run this marathon (bad back, low endurance, leg pain that never goes away! etc...) I have resigned to the fact that the marathon will have to be pushed to a later date. Besides, I still have to train properly and slowly build my way through. I should run a 5K, a 10K, a half ...then a full marathon.  Right??

However, all is not lost. I will be watching the marathon on the 21st of January to have a feel of what its like. And to support my colleague who is running for a cause.

The Filipino Runners in Dubai has organized a very wonderful project to help our less fortunate "kabayans" in the UAE. The goal is to raise AED 35,000/- to help our fellow OFW's. For more information, you may check the following sites:

• Filipino Runners UAE
• The National
• Pinoy OFW.com
• Sport 360
• Go The Distance

The fifth guy on the photo above is my co-worker. He's going to run the full marathon and he's quite excited about it. We will be there cheering him on. And hopefully next year I will be there running with him.

Pain, pain go away...

and don't ever come back. =(

This is the best illustration of the pain I feel on my legs. I'm guessing shin splints, but I don't know for sure since this is the first time I've felt it (when I started "running")... and I still haven't gone to the doctor to have it checked.

According to doctor Google, no running and go RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate). I bought calf compression sleeves just in case. 

With all the eating and celebrating.. I need to do something!! HELP!!

Long Weekend Coming Up....

which means I can run run run!! Ok, that's exaggerating. Just to give an update, I still can't run a decent distance without having to stop and catch my breath. The farthest I can do is 300 meters. Three. Meters. FRAK!!

Homer, I feel ya!

It's going to be half working day today. I can finish my errands in the afternoon. Do some planks. Maybe cross some movies out from my movie list. Or do planks while watching.

Tomorrow, I'll "jalk". I need to increase my endurance level. Any suggestions??

Holiday - 5 days work free

In celebration of Eid, we had a 5 holiday. The first three days were fine. Went for a "jalk" [jog-walk combo] for two days straight. Timed my 100 meter and 200 meter sprints.

I can't say I'm happy with the results but I'm not complaining. The fact that I was able to run is good enough.

while waiting for Gracey...

What's also good about having a national holiday, I get to have more running buddies. Gracey is my cousin ... sort of. [I won't bore you with our genealogy]

Gracey...ready to run

Aside from the running track, the park also has warm up/exercise facilities which we used ... (for a while). I managed to do 5 push ups and 10 sit ups. Not much but I'm still going to put it out here so I can compare after a few months.

I decided to rest on Wednesday. My body started complaining.

On Thursday, I had to accompany Gracey to the hospital. We stayed there till Friday morning. When we got home, I finished the house chores and got everything ready for the work week. Today, Saturday, is the first day of work. I haven't run for four days now. I should really get my groove back. Hopefully tomorrow.

Sprint - Walk Weekend

This is where I go for my weekend "jalk" ...  cross between a jog and a walk. (HAHA!!)
We started late today so we were not able to do our usual 5 laps. BUT, today we actually started sprinting.  Spring Sprint 100 meters then walk 100 meters, repeat and rinse.

I timed my 100 meter run at 28.1 secs.

Slow, I know. I was able to do 12 seconds 20 years ago. =)

I'll be documenting my "stats" now so I'll know my progress. Hopefully I'll improve.

Inspiration: Jed Davis

Do Life!

(Speed) Walk in the Park - The Details

I prepared my ipod playlist.
Set my alarm.
Got ready before 6 AM.
I was able to get hold of Mark at around 0630. I'll let it pass coz it was his birthday that day.

Mark and I after 5 kilometers.

All sweaty and flushed. I love it!

It was a great start. We agreed to do this every Friday morning. Oh, that's Mark's serious face. You should see him when he's goofing around. HILARIOUS! *Photos taken from my camera phone*

More good news. It seems I've found my training partner. I just found out that one of the guys in the office actually run marathons and stuff. He agreed to help me out. First things first, he's gonna help me with my shoe hunt. Then he'll take me to their leader his group of runner friends.

As you can see from my current state, I don't think I'll be prepared for the Dubai Marathon in January. But I'm so psyched to know that there are other marathons going on all year round. Me so happy!!

So, let me get some ZZZzzz's. I have to adjust my body clock and form new sleeping habits.

(Speed) Walk in the Park

I'll be starting my day tomorrow with speed walking. I figured that I have to really prepare myself if I want to join any marathon. I'll be taking it slowly, no need to rush my body.  For the past 8 years, I was happy with just staying at home and watch TV after work. This must stop. I. Have. To. Get. Fit!

So tomorrow, I'll be heading to the park near our place.

The park is characterized with a large water area as the total area of the pond stretches to 80,000 square metres, which represents 54.4% of the total area of the park.

photo credit: http://imresolt.blogspot.com

Yeah, there's a huge pond in the middle of this park. It's HUGE! Good for early morning walks. It also has basketball and tennis courts.

I finally convinced someone to come with me. Mark, you and I have a date tomorrow! Expect your phone to ring before 6 AM!

Excuse me while I sync my ipod. =D

Getting Started

I'm getting so overwhelmed with my list! I don't know where to start.
It's making me think about lots of things, making me worry. And to think I'm not even done with the list!

Can I do this?
Can I afford all of these?!

Breathe in... breathe out.

Ok, let's take it one by one. I started checking out local activities I can do here in Dubai (yes, I'm in Dubai just in case you don't know yet). I found out that there is a marathon every January and it's a big thing apparently. I didn't know that!

I checked out their website: www.dubaimarathon.org. Seems I can join the fun with a small fee. But seeing the competition, I'm beginning to chicken out! I mean these people are runners. Real runners. While I, on the other hand, can't get myself to speed-walk. The only marathon I know are TV Marathons. (Probably why I look like a big-ass couch now!)

I don't even own running shoes. There was a time in my life that I'd wear nothing but rubber shoes. I run, walk, sleep with my rubber shoes. Now, all I have are my flip flops and a couple of pumps. Gaaah!!

Breathe in.. breathe out...

First things first. I should get myself some decent running shoes. Any suggestions? Are there specific types that I should be aware of? I should buy this soon so I can start training and do the marathon and then I'll do the triathlon....well, that's IF I survive.

The hunt for running shoes starts now!