Mayan Lakwatsera: August 2011

Monday, August 22, 2011

My 7th 21k (Half Mary) Unilab's Run United 2

Who would've thought I'd end up running. Running is something I'd do only on soccer in high school, basketball & track & field on intramurals in grade school. I was fit then, but I believe as I keep doing this I can be better. I realize going back to my first love - sports (I'll be back to swimming again soon I hope) made me hope for a better tomorrow. I was down & out & lacking inspiration to go on through life. I didn't pursue my other passion which is being a pastry chef (maybe I'll be back again in the industry) I just wanna enjoy what's left of me in my career as an athlete.

Now after just 5 months running all over the country. Yes I've run along with Ate Erl not just in manila but in provinces as well. Running took us to Manila, Ifugao, Boracay, Vigan, Dagupan, Nueva Ecija & Cebu. In my 7th 21k I'm doing it in BGC for Unilab's Run United 2. I was glad to do it with my running buddy Ate Erl & see a few friends I've met all over. I started running with a time of 3hr's 38mins, yes I am a slow poke (I snail run & I'm still a baby runner). But as time goes I think I am growing up... yey :)

It was my fourth run at BGC so I am used to the route they had before I am glad they did a few minor changes in the routes. I was just running a bit this day as I found the weather a bit humid. As usual I had difficulty running on the first few kilometer's. At 3k I was used to my pace. I tried my best to achieve it at 8mins per kilometer but I was at 9mins hehe. I enjoyed running mainly because I saw my friends from old runs I was in and I was able to mingle with new ones along the run. I was just a happy runner (walker) at most parts of the run. And there I was again, in my favourite part of the run the bridge. I tried running it at least as I reach the top of the bridge then walk again till I had the chance to recover and run a bit. I really can't run full speed because I am always scared to get injured. I don't wanna sacrifice my next runs/travels so I ran at my comfort zone & made sure I am not holding my camera again like my previous runs. :)

All in all it was a good run not fast but just good enough for me at 3hrs 25mins and 30secs (unofficial) I am proud just to finish, get my finisher shirt, medal & celebrate with my good friend Ate Erl & Connie after the run. I devoured my comfort food pork sisig & got a treat from Ate Erl (Razon’s Halo Halo, yum yum). This is the run where I have the least photo's, but full of good memories. I improved, got wave's from friends I met all over the country, met new ones and I love my finisher shirt & medal (btw I got extra small haha another goal.. be lean & mean) wieeeeeeee till the next run. Thumbs up to all 16,000 runners who ran at Unilab's Run United 2. Our run next week will be at Panglao Sandugo 21k Run. Me & Ate Erl be gracing Bohol for our first ever run there. I'd be back in mactan airport after just a month of being there for the 1st 360 Kawasan Falls Marathon :) I love Cebu... but I'm hoping to say I love Bohol as well... Enjoy Running guys, and keep on smiling while doing your runs :)

Unilab Run United 2 Runners

Me before running it's 430am

Ate Erl, Maam Gen & Me doing 21k

The Starting Line

Me & my partner in crime Ate Erl

So many people running 21k

Me Running haha

Finish Line

Me & my medal :))

Resting after the race

my reward my comfort food pork sisig

Pork sisig is <3

Tired after running my 7th 21k

Time to eat :)

Friday, August 19, 2011

Mt. Batulao.. My awesome first climb :)

(Credits to Pinoymountaineer for the pic)

Climbing Mount Batulao was never planned. I was starting the year with an empty pocket. I just started going to the gym for a few months. It was on our gym's pre-valentine party with the company of my gym buddies I met Sam's cousin Marlowe, amidst drinks he was talking about his escapades when he is in the country. He climbs on his spare time while at home. It had me thinking when he told me that in a few weeks there will be a minor climb in Mount Batulao with KPMS (Kababayang Pinoy Mountaineer Society). I immediately said yes without batting an eyelash. I don't even know how to climb; I still have fear of old knee injuries coming back. But what the heck, it’s another check on my bucket list of things to do before I die.

I then texted a few friends if they would like to accompany me to climb. And I was glad to get two (Che & Rhea) yey :) We met the group (KPMS) led by Sir H at Edsa near the MRT Station. I was all set with my jansport bag filled with food, lotsa clothes and the checklist they gave us of things to bring. I really didn't look like a climber then. I was just a happy camper thinking that climbing is just gonna be like a summer camp. Go to the wilderness, a bonfire at night and marshmallows roasted on the bonfire if I get lucky. Man I was wrong. It was a long trek (I like long walks but with a back pack and a small bag it was hard for me then) amidst the scorching heat of the sun. Mt. Batulao by the way is located in Nasugbu, Batangas (haven't been there for a looooooong time). Its Jump Off Point is on Everest Golf Course, Nasugbu Batangas w/ 811 MASL (which makes it a minor climb).

I was glad I could drag Che & Rhea along with me in the climb; it was a moment to bond with my old friends. Though I had to introduce them with each other along the way. Che is from my high school barkada in Colegio San Agustin, while Rhea is from my college barkada in College of St. Benilde. Along the trail we as newbie’s are finding it difficult the other guys carried the other stuffs we had. Me & rhea keep switching in carrying her other pack along the way. Mountain dew, buko juice along the trail and simple chit chats kept me sane. We reached the camp site I'm not sure if its lunch time or after lunch and took a rest after. For me moments like these are cherished by taking pictures. I had an old school camera, my phone (n82) along the trek for picture takings (mostly solo shots because they are camera shy) (and I am not vain "Sabi ko nga sino pa mag picture sa akin kundi sarili ko hehehe).

When we are at the campsite the tents were set up by the other mountaineers it was our time to rest again. Then it was time to go to the summit. Before climbing I saw Ate Erl, said to myself "cool naman ni ate mag isa lang xa mag trek". She was fast like the lightning haha I couldn't keep up well still the same now (it's august i couldn't keep up parin). I remember talking to here while going up the summit. Na I don't like running etc etc. I'm eating all my words now haha. I really didn't think that that climb would lead me to finding someone like her. I'd like to quote a post I did in her facebook wall. "Climbing Mt. Batulao led me to meeting the best climbing partner, running buddy, travelling companion & "Ate" rolled up in one person - Erl Pamesa its just August & we've travelled all over the country climb & ran in different places.. Memories I will surely keep... Here's to being an amazing friend... More travels to come for us after this... haha :))

To sum it all up at socials we had drinks, made a bunch of new friends, Sir H, Sheng, Adi, Melchor, Maku, and a whole lotta new people who added or brought impact to my life. It was this climb that I am the most thankful for. I'll cherish this climb because it lead me to meeting an awesome friend... Ate Erl... Cheers to 2011 :) Seatbelts fasted coz 2011's almost done... I got my eye out for 2012 :)