I've been asked this question a gazillion times, it's a popular talking point. Most probably, you have been too. But really, within the realistic confines of work and training, do runners burn enough calories that they can afford to literally indulge in anything without the ill effects of a pudgy midsection? Let's take a closer look.
Can I get away with it?
Almost Impossible? With all of the mileage that runners put in each day, one would think that there's no way that we could get fat. Thing is, we tremendously underestimate the impact that excess calories could have on our body, and overestimate the amount we burn. For instance, do you know that just 100 extra calories per day equates into 10 lbs a year? That's like the mocha frappe you never should have had. In relative comparison, you need to burn 3500 calories to lose 1 lb. More or less, that's 100 calories per 1.6 k . A tall mocha frappe contains 290 calories. Thus, to burn it off, you need to run about 4.8 k. What fun.
This running thing isn't working for me Hmmm. I guess we all have our little quirky eating habits. I did some research, and came up with these different classifications with regards to how runners eat. These inputs came from a New York study made on the eating habits of 50 runners of different skill levels. Read up, and see whether you fall into any one of these categories (aminin)
The Night Owl For some crazy reason, there are those who barely eat anything during the day, then suddenly binge at night. This is much akin to loading up on a full tank of gas upon reaching your destination. Starving yourself during the day will more often than not leave you starving by late afternoon, resulting in a late-night binge - just when your natural metabolism is beginning to slow down. Slower metabolism + food binge = welcome to fat camp.
If you're an evening runner, it also messes up your energy supply and you would be more or less running on fumes.
Not eating = Binging Tip : Plan two small snacks each day (a handful of nuts or some cheese and crackers) so that you're not going to eat like those competitive food people come meal time.
Plan your running around your meals (or your meals around your running). That means fueling up an hour or two before heading out the door and refueling within an hour of finishing.
The Train-hard, Party harder type. Don't we all do this? We celebrate a good run or race by getting totally wasted at some watering hole in Ortigas or Makati. Totally acceptable? Perhaps. Health wise? Not exactly. A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise showed that serious recreational runners drink more alcohol than their sedentary counterparts--and the group surveyed was no exception. And don't think you could save up all those drinks for one all-out Friday night session, as research shows that it's better to just drink once a day than 7 drinks in one night (duh).
Tito Caloy is the ultimate drank rannerTip : Choose alcoholic beverages that are diluted for less impact. Instead of a glass of wine, drink a wine spritzer (do we even have this?)
Don't get drunk the night before the race. You'll be so dehydrated that you may end up throwing up on the side of the road. Saw one myself during a race. And sorry to disappoint, the guy who threw up wasn't internet legend/favorite drunk uncle Tito Caloy ( to newer readers, just google him :p) He's too world-class for that.
And finally, to somehow encapuslate the essence of this article, we have ... (drum roll please)
The Junk Food Machine
These are the people who eat whatever, whenever they want because they believe that running keeps them immune from fattiness. I used to fall under this category. Guilty as charged. As a result, I never really maximized the fitness gains even under a high-mileage program, just because I would eat like an obese person. Ice cream, cake, tons of rice, potato chips, chocolates. Name it, and my tummy had it. While not exactly tubby, my physique didn't exactly resemble that of a person who would run 50-60km a week.
My justification was "but I train my butt off. I can eat whatever the hell I want". I was a guy who was painfully aware of all those poor food choices, but in my unwillingness to change, had somehow convinced myself of this flawed mantra.. While it's true that distance runners need a lot of extra energy to fuel their exercise and could get away with a lot of crap, even high-mileage runners can't exist on junk food alone, since vending machine fare will never provide all the important nutrients needed to properly fuel runs and promote recovery.
Here's your 50k a week guy. How, er, fat este fit. Junk + regular meals + more junk = A ton of flab once you get off that heavy mileage. Why? Because you're sooooo used to it. So fine, maybe you could get away with it now. But once you kick into offseason, those bad habits will get back at you. Guaranteed. I could gain as much as 15 lbs offseason once the burn goes away. And truth be told, it sucks. So don't fall into the fluctuator trap. Strike a balance between the foods you need and the foods you want. Build each snack and meal around at least one real food group and enjoy junk food at the end of a meal. Also, Never eat junk food on an empty stomach. It almost guarantees a binge.
See that fat guy in the picture? Heavy mileage is no guarantee if you eat like a sumo wrestler. Take it from me. Hope this helps. Eat healthy and see you on the road everyone!
The world is made up many different types of people. In my simplified version, there are Bloggers, and Non Bloggers. It's my blog, I can do that here. There's also a secondary group consisting of Background buddies… long suffering non blogging friends, and loved ones who get to know much more then they ever thought possible about the blogging world.
Gotta love anyone who can listen to a Blogger ramble on without their eyes glazing over after the first few minutes. I love mine, bless his non- blogging heart. While he doesn't quite understand the difference between Word Press, and Blogger, or why one over the other, he does try to be as supportive as possible. When I finally wander down to the TV where he is sitting in our matching recliners, sigh… bleary eyed, and half mind-edly still living in the blogging world, he always asks how it is going, sweetie that he is. Working behind the blog stuff doesn't interest him either, tweaking, sorting, and decisions about plugins, widgets, and themes are not something he finds interesting, but he's good at listening. For a little while at least…as soon as I see him nodding off, I change the subject.
As bloggers. It's ingrained in our lives. It's as much a part of how we see ourselves, as anything else in our makeup, we live and breathe blogging. It's our identity along with the myriad of other wonderful things that make us uniquely who we are. And we couldn't do it without the support of our background people. The ones who tell us it's all going to be fine, when no one else reads our posts. When something doesn't work right in our blog. The one's who offer to track down the person who left a mean comment on our blogs and give them a hey, that's not nice take that back kind of talking to.
Let's celebrate the background people, the ones who are"the situations we blog about, who make the funny comments we repeat on our blogs, and sometimes even become our slightly unwilling photography models." Where would we be as bloggers be without our background people? You rock our blogging worlds background people…you keep us blogging on! PS: Dedicated to my background guy, the one who will listen to my blogging post when I read it out to him, give me his honest opinion, and then not be offended when I ignore it and hit publish anyways. And never say"I told you so." I have another post coming up at the end of this week about blog hero's. The techy, and knowledgeable people who so happily give us advice, show us how, and help us out when we need it. Thank goodness they are all part of our blogging worlds. The WP move…for those of you that are interested. Going along smoothly, almost done, it's down to widgets, plugin's, and final tweaks. I'm still trying to fix a few things, and then we will be taking this baby for a test drive. It's pretty, and bright, with lots of white space, you all know just how visual I am. I'd like something clean, uncluttered, and easy for you to read. I want my new home to be a fresh, beautiful place, sparkling with laughing light.
Yesterday was the first official morning of spring. Spring wanted to celebrate, so she threw a party, but snow-one came. There was over a inch of beautiful fluffy white stuff covering the ground, the skies were dark, and gloomy. It certainly wasn’t very spring like weather at all, and we were disappointed.
But that was the morning, and by afternoon the snow was gone, spring was happy, the skies were gloriously bright and sunny. Even when we went for a walk the wind was kind, the birds were chirping, and the skies were bright and blue.
That spring, she sure knows how to celebrate with style.
And the best part? The snow encouraged a entire flock of tiny quail to run around our front yard, and search for food.
They ran right past my office window, what a change from the newspaper guy walking by. Talk about adorable, but I didn’t get a photo, maybe next time.
Spring hides in the curve of the crocus, it quivers in the branches of the pussy willows as they move in the cool breeze. It lurks in the dried parchment husks covering the daffodils before they bloom. Spring is released from the trumpets of the narcissi's as they open and immediately flits to the cherry blossoms to bestow a kiss. Spring wades through the blue grape muscari, drinking nectar from their rounded cups. Spring waits for the perfect moment, and when the lilac first blooms it alights and set off a galaxy of fragrance. Spring dances in the sunlight’s diamonds, water drops that coat the grass. Catches a ride on the furry paws of the cats as they go on their morning rambles. Spring dances in the flowers that bend towards the light. Spring celebrates life.
I kind of feel like we should be playing a few notes of a drum roll here to celebrate. Because you have all been taking it off for a good cause, removing word verification from your blogs, and saying how much you don’t like it on other blogs. It’s hard to understand, difficult to read, and who has the time to spend trying over and over again.
Spread the word, pass it on, tell a friend, and then tell another. Word verification isn’t the way to go. The filters from Blogger have been improved and are very good at getting the bad stuff. I really appreciate all of you who left a comment, to be honest, I was a little worried that no one would understand. And it’s nice to know that it’s not just me that has a problem with the squigglies. Rock on word verification free blogs.
I was looking in my archives and I found these images of snowdrops taken last February 19th. Just think, last year at this time we were starting our condo Reno, and had so much upheaval ahead of us, good thing we didn’t know what was coming. While as a gardener I am missing the early flowers we used to enjoy on the coast, it’s good to be here in the Okanagan where we have longed to be for such a time. And as soon as we get a brighter day, I am taking some indoor photos of our house. There are a few areas that I would love your decorating advice on. And painting, well it’s still needing to be done, we are getting close to picking a color that we think will work. Will share that in the next few days. Imagine this, we have all the boxes unpacked, now it’s just detailing, cleaning up, and organizing. And then I am hanging pictures, even before I paint. I need to see art on my walls, I love color. Here’s to blogging, and here’s to good blogging friends!
Let's face it - we all run for different reasons. Some run for the obvious health benefits, some for the camaraderie, some for the er, girls (or boys). But for a certain competitive segment of the running community, the thrill of the sport has a lot to do with constantly outdoing your personal best.Oftentimes these runners are fast. Faster than you and me.In common running parlance, we often call them "monsters" or "halimaw" - non-elite yet highly competitive runners who take great satisfaction in continually redefining their limits each and every time they race.
This totally unofficial list aims to celebrate and recognize those who are engaged in this perpetual dalliance against time, and who put in the requisite blood, sweat, and tears en route to achieving their respective goals.The best part is - they're not dropping superhuman, Olympic-level times out there. They're ordinary folks like you and me, which means... it can be done!
So what do you get out of it? Nothing really. Pride? Honor? Bragging rights? Googability? And who knows, maybe a fun shirt down the line (hint) (wink) We'll be updating this as the data comes in, and I guess may provide you folks out there with something extra to shoot for.
Monsters are... fun.
As a purely-for-fun undertaking, there's one cardinal requirement aside from posting halimaw-like times - I need to have at least met you once in person, and a little sensible conversation never hurt :) Why? Well how will I get your time then with a certain measure of credibility if you're an, er, complete stranger? It's also in the spirit of fostering this fun community we have. I can't be posting sub-40 times from anonymous entries sent online, in the vernacular baka alamat lang ung PR diba :) If we've met, and your times qualify but you're not on the list leave a comment so I can update it, am not very good with numbers. I know several more who qualify, I just have no way to contact them. By the way, a ladies list is in the works as well so wait up for that as well.
P.S. - Ranking will not include elite runners, running legends or fun people :P Sorry Zorro.
I not happy at all.
So without further ado, here's the inaugural Totally Unofficial GBM Monster List, grouped by distance. Hope you have fun with it! : 5k Monsters : 1. Jon "under160" Trimble - 17:09 2. Graciano "Totoy" Santos - 17:20 3. Mari Javier - 18:xx 4. Edward "Conquer Corregidor" Kho - 19:xx 5. Chris Iblan - 20:00 6. Wilnar Iglesia - 20:36 7. Patrick Alcomendas - 20:58 8. Jixee Lagunda - 21:02 9. Mark "Mark's Vo2" Parco - 21:08 10. Junrox "Tigerboy" Roque - 21:42 11.Dennis "RunningPinoy" Ravanzo - 22:22 12.Natz "i2runner" Garcia - 22:30 13.Alfred "El Kyoshi" De los Reyes - 22:18 14. Jonel "Bugobugo"Mendoza - 22:xx 15.Mark "Running My Mouth" Hernandez - 23:04 16. Brando "Ace" Losaria - 23:33
Hello village, how are you doing. I’ve been perusing your comments on the last few posts. It’s been an interesting read. And I want to thank you all for weighing in, leaving insightful hints, and sharing your love of blogging. We rock! We’re a wonderful tribe, and being part of such a great group means we are welcoming, and friendly to all, especially the bright and shiny new bloggers.
Today I would like to celebrate the starry eyed new bloggers, for without them it wouldn’t be as fun to write our stories, reread our old posts, and have someone to celebrate small milestones with. They are a breath of fresh air, a new beginning, and some of them might be on the way to becoming old friends. Those almost overwhelming first few months of blogging, the I’ve got my first comment. the “I’ve reached a hundred readers, comments, or posts.” We love you, because any group is only as good as it’s members. Those sparkling new bloggers who have yet to encounter blog problems, malfunctioning gadgets, lost comments, and over whelming seemingly never ending spam. The ones who are out there reading, and leaving comments, discovering some of our favourite bloggers. It’s a whole new world for them, don’t you love it?
When I wroteWhat I would tell my newbie blogging self I didn’t have time to include any helpful links, just some directions on what I would have said to myself if I was starting out now. So I would like to put together some links to bloggers, and sites that I have found to be helpful over the years. There is nothing like having a list of trusted resources to turn to when something goes wrong, or you need to know how to do something. Look for a new page on my blog, so if you have a site that you think should be included email me and let me know so I can include it. I’ll be regularly adding, and editing the page, so check back once in a while. In the meantime, here are some sites, bloggers, and links that you might like to check out. Pinterest: There are a unbelievable amount of tips, and tutorials out there. I’m using the link to my Blogging-basics to boot camp board to get you started, but branch out after that. There are so many great pins out there that cover everything from how to start a blog, how to add that hover pin it button, ideas on coming up with creative posts repeatedly… I’m sure you will find something fun to look at. Brenda’s Blog Tips: Brenda is a seasoned, extremely helpful friend, and blogger who writes numerous blogs, and has saved my blogging bacon more then once. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will search it out for you. Her latest creation is newish, the old one got eaten by the blogging monster, something that you should hope never happens to you, but if it does, Brenda can probably help out. Look on her sidebar for a whole range of interesting how to’s. Click it up a notch: This is a link to their Face book page. A blog is so much more interesting with well photographed images, instead of recycling ones you have found on the internet, it’s not as hard as you might think to shoot your own. Whether or not you have a point and shoot, or a new to you DSLR, they will have something for you to learn. Something Swanky: Ever wonder how you could make your own super cool graphics, backgrounds, designs, social media icons, and effects? Ashton will guide you through it all with concise and easy to follow directions. Pic Monkey: Alright, alright, I was not a big fan because of the monkey… I’m a monkey phobe… but now we’ve made our peace, and I use PM for processing almost all of my blog images. It’s quick, easy, and does a great job of enhancing my photos. There are so many fun things to play with there that you will be lost for days… and that’s after you climb out of the Pinterest boards that you will find yourself immersed in.
Just a few things to check out as you celebrate your first little while of blogging, all I can say is be original, be persistent, be interesting, and most of all, be yourself. Blog on.
We talk about personal journeys in blogging a lot. How the road can be rocky at times, how you might lose your direction, your voice and how you will find it again. It might seem just a matter of sitting down, writing, popping in a few photos, and voila, a blog post Yes that’s a blog post, but when you share even the smallest details you become part of something that is bigger then you are. Build a tribe, the experts will tell you when you start to blog. Gather those together who like your blog and support it. Those who tweet it, plus one it, and generally get the word out there into blog land. Where does a tribe live? They live in a village, I really like mine, and I think they really like me, we share, we comment, we celebrate good things, commiserate over the not so good, welcome newcomers, and look out for each other. Stop posting for awhile, and see how many of your villagers email to find out what’s wrong. I’ve found blogging to be one of the most life changing social media experiences I’ve ever participated in. It’s a community, a like minded group that supports, and cherishes it’s members, allows them to grow at their own speed, and still remain true to themselves. And despite that there are still those who are not involved in blogging that just don’t understand what all the fuss is about. You don’t blog for them, you blog for your village.
Why does it take a village to write a blog? Because it’s a support system, they are going to cheer you on, uplift, and inspire your thoughts, just as you uplift, support, cheer on the sidelines, and inspire others. It’s give and take, it’s feeling that spark of creativity you might get after leaving a comment, a hey there’s a blog post somewhere in here, and you are off and running. It’s following, and learning from someone who is an more accomplished writer then you are, not in order to copy their style but to better learn what yours is, and how to express it fully. It’s looking at awe inspiring images that tug at your heart, wondering how they did that, and vowing to learn to be a better photographer, going back and rereading tutorials, taking the camera out once again, it’s that little push that encourages you to grow. It’s reading a how to on something that has eluded you, learning a better way to do it, it a oh my goodness, I didn’t think I could do this, kind of feeling.
Building relationships with those who are into blogging is not just something to do because it’s pinned as the top 10 things to do to build a audience. It’s not just to keep your readers coming back, or your stats up, comments flowing. It’s you being real, and authentic. It’s only then that you realize just how big this village really is. It’s astounding how much support you can get from people that you have never met in person, how great friendships can develop. F rom comments come conversations, those develop into friendships. Those friendships are real people… not just words on your blog, yes they are a tribe, and they live in your village. Being part of that village will require honesty, truthfulness, and integrity, it’s not about oversharing, but discerning what to share, and how. It’s a driving force, that encourages you to write better posts with some regularity. You will want to write something worth reading, because you know that the people who read your blog, are interested in what you have to say.
In your village, bloggers will come, and some will go. It’s part of life, we are all nomads as bloggers, while it’s sad to lose touch with someone we have met and feel a connection to, and we miss their comments it was time for them to move on, interests change, situations change. Expect the village to shift in size regularly, and be welcoming to those who are new to it, and c elebrate being part of something bigger then yourself. Because it takes village to write blog.
I’ve been slogging through my old blog posts for the last little while. Correcting, eliminating, labeling, sorting things out. Yes, some of those posts are gone, they don’t all deserve to stay. Some I am treasuring… I can almost see where I stretched, and grew. It hurt at times, it made me cry at others… laugh, smile, and know that it was worth the effort. It’s somewhat slow going, but it’s enlightening at times. The wistful “when will these Muddy Boot dreams come true” posts, wanting so badly to be up here in the Okanagan living our new life, not realizing during my deepest doubts how close it was to happening. The newbie posts where I was lost, and lonely at times, when there was a good reason to celebrate a extra comment, and another reader, bringing me up to the whopping total of 10 readers. The times I was so excited and sure that I knew where I was heading kind of posts, only to change directions like a flag buffeted in the wind. We grow, and change the more we blog, that’s good. The ones where I found my voice, misplaced it, only to find it again. This time I am keeping it close to me. It’s mine, it’s me.
The growth of my love for photography, when I finally discovered the manual settings on my camera, and how to use them. The fact that there was more to shoot then the flowers in the backyard. If I could visit that newbie blogger once again, and impart something that I have learned in these years of blogging, I know what I would say. To write a blog, and do it well. To be engaging, interesting, and thoughtful. To be full of energy, and surprises, to keep your reader’s attention. To keep them wanting more, y ou must give more, think more, experience more. You must open your heart more, plan more, decide more, share more. And sometimes it’s just not a possibility. To write, to think, to do. To be positive, and charming, and thoughtful seems to drain even the best of us at times, it’s life. Just move forward through it, it shall pass.
Life is so full of experiences, things to be done, requirements of our time, stuff we must do, there will always be something to blog about. Into each blogging life a little rain will fall, things will break, disappear, fall through… and you will lose interest, just as much as you are thrilled to discover something or someone new. Learn from your mistakes. Blogging is like a puddle of water, that dries up, only to overflow with emotions, thoughts, ideas, and images that we can’t get down fast enough at another time. Sometimes filling in the blanks, sometimes the blanks are left there for a reason. Because life is always happening in the background. And when life happens, we will blog about it. And when it doesn’t happen, we blog about that too. The one thing you must do when you blog, is not to take it too seriously. Life goes forward, things happen, people come and go in your blogging life, keep moving forward. Live life and blog, love life and love blogging. Use spell check! Make friends, form relationships, yes, these people are real. Write nothing that you wouldn’t want your Mom to read. Always leave nice comments, even when someone leaves a mean one for you. You have friends out there in the blogging world, and you will find that out when you need them. Don’t let the urge to check your stats or your followers dictate what and how you see blogging. Treat your readers like gold, for they are the reason your blog exists.
Comparison is the death of all creativity, we each have set out on a journey to a different destination, sometimes those roads converge, sometimes they take off in opposite directions. It’s your journey, no one else's, take the path that works for you. There will be shooting stars, those who come, some will stay, and some will go just as fast. There will those who slowly and steadily climb, and those who just plod along in the same space for as long as you know them, that’s all OK, it’s their journey. Blogging is so personal, the journey is so specific that no one else’s will ever be like yours. It’s yours alone, you have fans they are cheering on the sidelines, they are your readers. Can you hear it, that’s the sound of someone leaving you a comment. And just when you think that you have it all figured out, the rules might change… your direction, your theme, your thought process might shift, and you will see the world from a different perspective, and that’s fine too. Because there are as many or more readers as there are blogs, and they will find you and stick with you. Blog on newbie blogger, blog on. Please add any advice you would have given to your newbie blogging self in your comments, we all need to read those encouraging words no matter where we are in our journey. And I hate to disappoint anyone, but these are old images of spring bulbs, we are a long, long way from seeing anything green around here. Jane
Being among the last to celebrate the birth of New Year could make us envious of those who have gone before us. Fatigued over watching the hourly countdown parties all day, petulant that ours was still to come, seemingly forever away, but we are not that way. The glitter that we wade through to get to our own celebration might be tarnished in our eyes if we let it be, but no, we are Canadians. We are British Columbians, and we know how to savour the moment in our hearts, to make it ours, even if everyone else has already left the party.
It’s a fresh new year, a chance to start over, begin anew, envision words that we will hope to shape our lives, and continue our journey forward. Freshness is in the outlook, the heart, and the mind, and where your new year falls has so little to do with that, it’s your view of what’s ahead that matters, not when you celebrate it. I wish to you all a Happy New Year, the new dawning day still fresh and moist, the hangovers are still thumping in some heads, [not mine]. The dinners soon to be eaten, the decorations to be taken down, and the resolutions to be broken, but that’s the future, and all we have is this very moment. Lets celebrate that.
May it be that every good thing that you have in mind comes to you, may it be a year full to the brim of love, and happiness, joy, and good fortune. Blogging, friends, photos and inspiration. Set your goals, and attempt to attain them, it’s not if you can make it work, but how you do it, and how you deal with comes from doing it that matters. Happy New Year!
Our tree is up, although I have my doubts as too how long it will stay standing, since the Boo is fascinated by the scents and smells coming from it. He decided to give it a sniff and then tried to climb into the top of the tree from the couch. Good thing he was sleepy and gave up quickly. It’s our first tree, in our first house, and although it’s not a huge tree, it’s ginormous in our hearts.
No more sneaking in the cut tree through the ground floor patio door, in the dark and the rain. When we lived in the condo we were only allowed to have artificial trees, [fake baby, fake], and as much as I am not a rule breaker, I needed a real Christmas tree in my life. So we would shut the sheers and hope that no one walking by noticed the aroma of fresh cut greens coming from our hallway door.
After the holidays out came the tarps, and the pruning saws, as we chopped branches into little pieces and stuffed them into black plastic bags. You have not celebrated Christmas until you stuff your normally 6 foot tree into a 10 black plastic bags and haul it out bit by bit to the dumpster. Crossing your fingers so that no dumpster diver decides to see what that lumpy black bag might hold and break it open.
That’s if there was room in the dumpster, there were years we had to portion out the bags over a few weeks because the dumpster was too full. I would know that we had hit the mother lode of a empty dumpster when my husband ran into the condo, whooping with joy, “get the bags” he would say…
Oh Christmas tree, we love you even more now because we can take you to the curb. A DAY OF BLOGGING SILENCE: On Tuesday December 18th please consider posting only the graphicprovided through this linkin silence and support for Sandy Hook, bloggers all over the world will be silent that day, please spread the word among your blogging friends so they can participate also if they wish.If you would like to donate to theThe Newtown Family Youth and Family Services, you can follow this link to their site, all money donated will go directly to those affected by the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting.
As if to celebrate our first year here we even had a bit of sunshine. But that’s not why this post is late. We went to the farm, walked down the long road to the creek watched the weak sunlight streaming through the cedar trees as it attempted to reach the ground. But that’s not why this post is late. We had homemade “frozen” fish a chips and barely noticed that they weren’t from the best fish and chips in White Rock, it’s all about change, and those days are far behind us now. There is no real takeout up here, we’ve made our peace with that part of our new life, but that’s not why this post is late.
We toasted the previous year with some sparkly wine, although not made in this region, this being famous wine country it could easily have been.
And then happy, and slightly warm, sitting on my couch, having just finished two glasses of sparkly wine, fish and chips, and a long walk gathering greens for Christmas, I fell asleep.
I woke up a few hours later, with the high pitched warbling's of a PBD special on the TV of a Celtic version of “Danny Boy” giving me rather disturbing dreams, and that is why this post is late.
You know what they say… wine woman and song…And that’s why this post is late.
As I write this the late afternoon sun is pinging off of the edges of the glass in the window of my house. Circling the room, like a bird in flight let loose from it’s cage. Dancing off of the walls, scattering gems and prisms of glittering colors that cling to the ceiling and slide down the walls.
Out past the window the swaying sun beams filter through branches of towering fir trees. Laying a scorching bright light that is bent off of ice patches without melting anything. Soon the sun will be sinking fast into the cold, snow covered dark blue mountains. I want to wave, lift my hand, and wish it a good trip, but something always holds me back. My brain forms words that my mouth won’t say. Please stay for a little while, each day you leave earlier. You’re a good friend who’s short visits are never long enough at this time of year. One who is walked to the door with that air of regret wafting in the cold air behind them because they couldn’t extend their stay. Not like some. Those who overstay their welcome, such as Winter. It’s return visit booked a few weeks from now, like a unwanted guest, we can’t truthfully say that we would like Winter to stay as long as it intends. Oh sure, we will primp the guest room, after all courtesy demands that we at least maintain a certain level of welcoming smiles, and happy greetings. All for a guest who keeps the hot water too cold, and leaves a ring of frost around the windows in the morning. It’s not that we don’t like this season, it’s just that Winter overstays, won’t leave, despite all of our gentle reminders in February, and rather pointed comments in March. Can’t Winter take a hint?
We are not running a Bed and Breakfast for the Seasons, move on, hope that you have enjoyed your stay. Hope you enjoyed your stay, come again… just leave your next visit for a while. Sun going down signifies the time when the ground feeding quail, and cooing doves move to the feeders. A frantic dash from front yard to back, pecking and darting swiftly from overloaded dish to dish. It’s a feast legendary among birds. a small price to pay for the enjoyment we get out of watching them. Even Phil the flirting pheasant graces us with his occasional presence, holding court without his hens, royally coloured glamorous feathers gleaming in the setting sun. Suet cakes high in wire cages, rough bark catering to those with clinging claws. Fence posts below to act like inanimate air traffic controllers, a place to land, hang around, to wait in a holding pattern of whirling feathers until it’s your turn. A winged hierarchy disobeyed only when daring flying feathers and much squawking. No one hangs around here after dusk, too many predators, it’s eat and run, then hide, hope to survive both the cold, and the hunters. We indiscriminately feed all and sundry, be they feathered, or fur covered. Bright orange squat pumpkins waiting in the garage for the signs of visiting deer who's first visit is the composter for a appetizer, before dining delicately on bird seed in the front.
I have tarried longer then I thought while writing this, the house cooling down quickly, a parting gift from the sun. I would much prefer wine, chocolates, or even some seasoned sea salt. The cat snores most indelicately under a warm blanket, completely comfortable with my absence, no warm body needed after the addition of a hot water bottle. Spoiled, you might say? Not him, our chaser of feline dreams. No fan of our winters up here, wishing only for the front door to be opened, and then quickly shut when he realizes that the long memories of warm summer days spent lapping up heat are just that. Once a outdoor loving, snow tolerant, fur bundled kitty, he is now a happily domesticated lap cat, as long as there is somewhere warm to sleep, and a full dish of food. A small price to pay for warmth, and constantly attentive doormen. Today we celebrate our 3 year anniversary of arriving in the Okanagan to live out our Muddy Boot Dreams. One large moving van, one small SUV, packed so tightly there wasn’t even room for a sneeze, lots of sad goodbyes, and one sleeping on my lap all the way up here kitty. A cold weather welcome into the warm hearts of our family, and a snowfall the next morning to welcome us home. It’s something we had dreamed of for such a long time, what a wonderful feeling to be on this side of the waiting, to be where we have always felt was “home.” This is simply the most beautiful place to live, and I am grateful that we are able to be here with family, and friends, furry and fleshed. A dream come true. Thanks so much for coming along for the journey, and as it continues…
I love fog, and it was worth it to have frigid toes this morning as I scraped the thin cover of ice off of the windshield. What I don’t do for this blog, right? You don’t know from day to day what kind of morning weather you will wake up to here, and since the garage is full of branches for another Christmas blogging project I couldn’t park the truck in there. Should I go, or should I stay? How badly did I want to take those fog photos? Pretty badly I think, cause I went.
I kept looking out the window at the fog, judging if I should go outside, or stay where it’s nice and warm… Warm is a relative term, it’s my version of freezing in here, but my husband isn’t cold, and can’t be convinced that the heat needs to be about 10 degrees warmer. Do you have that problem, or are you a winter hottie?
Common sense won out, I needed the photos, so outside I went. It’s a brrr damp cold outside, because of the unusual amount of rain we have had. Damp that seeps into your toes when all you are wearing is gardening clogs…
But I got them, and celebrated by making cake doughnuts this afternoon in my new cake doughnut pan, another Pinterest pin, that I loved.
Well worth it, and so easy to make. It will be our little secret that the reason I bake so much is because it warms up the house… Freezing,
Hey gang, lol more fun contests. If you still don't have a race on Sunday, why not check out the 2nd Mchappy Fun Run at Mckinley? :) Last year's edition said that a ton of freebies were given away. Anyway, I have a couple of free 10k race kits for you guys. You have to act quick because this is on Sunday already! Here's what you have to do to win them.
1. Add me on Facebook ( if you haven't already)
2. Follow me on Twitter (so I can tell you if you won)
3. Leave a comment on this blog telling us who would be the Mcdonald's character you would want to race, and why you think you could beat him/her/it.
Deadline of submission is 9pm tonight, I'll post the results by 12 midnight and you can get the kits tomorrow. Comprende? Good luck!
As always, if the contest sucks out and we have a lack of entries the people who actually bothered to post would get it :)
Last year was fun dawHere are the details : This November, McDonald’s is celebrating McHappy Day. McHappy Day, formerly known as World Children’s Day, is a global fundraising effort in support of various children’s causes. In the Philippines, McDonald’s celebrates McHappy Day with its 2nd McHappy Day Fun Run this coming November 28 at the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. The McHappy Day Fun Run is a special run to raise P1million for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald House Charities(RMHC), the charity of choice of McDonald’s and its banner program, Bright Minds Read (BMR). Bright Minds Read is a program in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) that provides reading toolkits to different public schools all over the country to help students learn beginning reading. To date, over 2,200 public schools nationwide are under the BMR program.
Holidays are so full of expectations, and thoughts of perfection, that sometimes they just can’t live up to the dream, and the resulting crash can be painful unless you learn to let it be what it’s going to be. It’s easy to get carried away with the plans, and preparations so much that you lose sight of the real meaning behind the seasons we celebrate.
Finding something that you are thankful for, and a bit of gratitude can make it a great day. Whatever this season to means to you, I wish you a day that you dream of, a wonderful time of joy, and peaceful surroundings.
I know that it sounds more like a Christmas wish, but for so many people this is the start of such a season of busyness, buying, and preparing that I thought I should just slip it in there. So take a moment to reflect on what you have versus what you need, buy local whenever possible, and buying handmade does more good then you know.
If you are out there shopping, please make sure to give the sales representatives the biggest smile, and a thank you. I’ve been there for so many years, working the holidays, missing the family dinners, tired and ran off of my feet. A smile,, and nice greeting from a customer goes a very long way to making a day more pleasurable, believe me.
I attended the presscon for this event last night along with Abby at Passion Restaurant at Maxims- touted as the country's only 6-star hotel at Resorts World Manila. Familiar faces abound, with both old and new bloggers in the mix. Vicky of 2009 PBA finalist Succulence Unleashed rode with us, and aside from the minor hiccup of being lost (we went straight to SLEX Bicutan from C5. Smart guy) ,we didn't encounter too much trouble aside from the fact that all three of us were veritable starvin' marvins.
This wasn't our first visit to Resorts World so I was pretty familiar with the place. Newport City, as the Marketing AVP put it, "is the best kept secret in Manila". It's hard to disagree, and I won't be surprised if the place would be teeming with people in a few months. Walking around, it has this international feel to it. Close your eyes, look around and you might forget you're actually in Manila. The fancy casinos are a given, but the sprawling complex boasts of an extremely fancy cinema ( with an on-call butler, rumor has it) and numerous shows for everyone's entertainment.I'm in no way a food blogger (although sometimes I wish I were), but may I say that the food at Passion was superb. The pansit was perhaps the best I had tasted all year, and the siomai, dumplings and prawn cakes all hit the spot.
It's a must try.While we were eating, some gals were passing around forms. Turns out we were to be given free membership cards with P100 worth of credits you could use at the slots. I won a miserly P50, which I then proceeded to lose in a span of 2 minutes. Stupid one -armed bandit.Anyway, back to business. The run coincides with Resorts World's Grand Fiesta Manila 2010 event, which celebrates the many facets of Filipino heritage in different forms. The run will be the first in the area, and boasts of 3k, 5k and 10k distances as well as a 1k fun run where you run like a madman in your best office attire. Nice.
Nice guy in a suit explaining stuff.
AVP man explaining all things Resorts World.
Our agency friend on the salient points of the race
Happy, casino-invading, blogging-type people I guess the cool part of the run would be the raffle (speaking of raffles, I won a P500 gift certificant for future use. My run of terrible luck with these things has officially ended) All runners are qualified to actually win an all expenses paid trip to Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore , where you'll be flown in by a private jet. Ooh living the high life.
Abby hoping she'll win the trip. I hope she brings me along with her.Race management is under the Leadpack brand, with Ian Alacar serving as the race director. So for those of you sick and tired of the usual race venues, you may want to check this out. It's P650 for all distances and you get a chance to be treated like a rockstar in Singapore. No worries about the accuracy of your times (and the incessant debates/extrapolation that happens after) as the race is RFID timed, with the results texted right after to the number you put in your registration.See you November 28! Race first before you hit the slots!Oh, and here are some FAQ's, just in case.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is the run?
The run is the Grand Fiesta Run 2010 which is part of the Grand Fiesta Manila Celebration
Where is the run?
The run will be held at Newport City, Pasay City (Across NAIA 3)
When is the run?
The run will be held on November 28, 2010
Who is the title sponsor?
Resorts World Manila
What is Resorts World Manila?
Resorts World Manila is the Philippines’ latest only integrated tourist hub where you can relax, shop, dine, and play. Resorts World Manila has a mall complete with the best shops and restaurants, movie theaters, a performing arts theater, hotels (Maxim Tower and Marriott Hotel), and a gaming area.
Are children prohibited from entering Resorts World?
No. Only the Casino and Republiq is restricted to ages 21 and above. The shops, restaurants, movie and performing arts theaters, hotels are all open to people of all ages.
REGISTRATION RELATED
How can I register?
You can register in the following:
Resorts World Manila Tourist Counter.
3 select Chris Sports outlets: SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta, SM Mega Mall
R.O.X. in the Fort
You can also call WWWExpress at 793-1777 (press 2 for marketing) or 852-7210 to register via phone and arrange for delivery. A delivery fee of P70 will be charged for Metro Manila deliveries and P100 for deliveries outside of Metro Manila.
1K Fiesta Rat Race category registration is at RWM, ROX and thru WWWExpress only.
Registration is from October 27 to November 22
Better to register early though as there are limited singlet sizes and slots per distance
Until when is registration?
Registration runs until November 22, 2010
Is there an age requirement or age limit?
Anyone can run as long as they deem themselves fit enough to participate. A liability waiver needs to be signed by every participant. Parents or guardians need to sign for entrants under 18 years of age.
How much is the registration fee?
P650 for all race categories
What is included with the registration fee?
Registration fee includes the race kit and a singlet
Do I have to be a member of Resorts World Manila to join the run?
No. Special privileges though will be given to Resorts World Manila members during the run. To win in the grand raffle, you also need to be a member. MEMBERSHIP IS FREE
Is there an age requirement for Resorts World Manila membership?
No. Although you need to be 21 and above to play in the Casino, Resorts World Manila members below 21 can still avail of special discounts and earn rewards points when they shop and dine in Resorts World Manila. AGAIN, MEMBERSHIP IS FREE
How do I become a member of Resorts World Manila?
To become a member, you must be 21 years old and above. Present a valid ID together with your Membership application form at Resorts World Manila Membership Counters. You may get an application form in any of the registration sites.
Do I get any special treats if I’m already a member of Resorts World Manila?
Existing Resorts World Manila Member may still present the RWM Gift Stub found at at the race bib to receive a Match and Play Voucher
What is a Match and Play Voucher?
Match and Play voucher is valued at P100. Present the voucher to the Casino Cage to get a certificate, the certificate together with a live bet of P100 can be used to play at specific gaming tables. Limited to the gaming tables that uses even bets.
Where do I claim the Match and Play Voucher?
Present the free gift stub along with your Resorts World Membership card at the Membership Counter to claim your Match and Play Voucher
What is the validity period of the Match and Play Voucher?
Match and Play voucher is valid until December 05, 2010.
RACE KIT
What does the race kit include?
The race kit comes with a singlet, timing chip, and race bib with loot bag stub, raffle stub, and an RWM gift stub
Can I transfer my race kit to another person?
No. The moment you register, your information is assigned to the race kit and is encoded into the system.
What do I get for the Resorts World Manila gift stub?
Become a member of RWM and present the stub to claim a Match and Play Voucher
What is in the loot bag?
The loot bag will contain items from Resorts World Manila and our sponsors
SINGLET
What are the singlet sizes?
The sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL.
Can I change size if it doesn’t fit?
No
Where can I get a size reference for the singlet?
The sizes are by Unibersidad and you can use their past singlets as reference.
Do I need to wear the Grand Fiesta Run singlet during the run?
Although it’s preferred, you don’t need to wear the singlet
DISTANCE
What are the race distances?
3k, 5k, 10k, and a 1k special Fiesta Rat Race
What is the 1k Fiesta Rat Race?
The Fiesta Rat Race is a special 1k category where registrants are encouraged to come in office attire (example: suits and rubbershoes) or fiesta-inspired costumes.
What do I get if I join the Fiesta Rat Race?
Aside from the all the fun and great photos of participating in a themed costume run, prizes will be given away to the best dressed, the most unique, and the wildest outfits.
Can I change distance after registration?
No
Can I register for more than 1 distance?
Yes, but you will need to register twice (and pay the registration fee twice)
RUN RELATED
How will the race track my time?
The race will be using an RFID timing system that will track your time. Timing chip must be attached to your bib at all times. Also, make sure to indicate the correct mobile phone number and email address in your registration form as your finish time will automatically be texted and emailed to you as you cross the finishline
When will I know the Race Results?
Your time will be SMS’d and emailed to you the moment you cross the finishline. There will also be a time-check station at the activity center.
Your place in the run in relation to everyone else will be posted at the Resorts World Manila website within 3 days of the race
What are the rules and regulations?
Participants below 18yrs old must have their entry form signed by a parent/guardian
Race Bib must be worn at all times during the race. It should be pinned in front of your running shirt to be placed on or a little above the waistline
Registration will be limited to the slots per category
Finisher’s time, including winners, will be based on RFID tag time results. No RFID tag, no race results.
All protest related to the results must be made in writing and submitted to the Race Director within 30 minutes after the official announcement of winners.
A protest fee of Php 1,500 may be collected for every written protest made.
What is the route?
TBD: The starting point is at the Newport Plaza. The 1k, 3k, and 5k route will take you around Newport City and along Andrews Ave (across NAIA) . The 10k route will take you inside Villamor Airbase.
What are the prizes?
Resorts World Rewards Points will be given away:
Men
Women
1st
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
3rd
10k
20,000
10,000
5,000
20,000
10,000
5,000
5k
10,000
5,000
2,500
10,000
5,000
2,500
3k
6,000
3,000
1,500
6,000
3,000
1,500
1k
10,000
5,000
2,500
10,000
5,000
2,500
What can I use Resorts World Manila Rewards Points for?
You may use your points to pay for food bills, show tickets, claim parking tickets, food voucher and gifts up for redemption.
Can Resorts World Manila Rewards Points be used to play at the Casino?
Yes, this is a current promo of Resorts World Manila. For detailed promo mechanics, please call 836-6318
Will the run push through if it rains?
The run will take place rain or shine
Will water be provided?
Drinking water will be provided at selected points along the route
Will there be first aid stations?
Medical aid will be available at certain points via roving representative
Are pets allowed?
No. Not everyone is comfortable with animals and we need to be considerate to them. There are also some added hazards of pets being in the race as they might disturb or bite another runner, leaving their special “gifts” along the route, and runners tripping over the leash.
POST RUN ACTIVITIES/ ACTIVITY AREA
What is there to do after the run?
There will be an activity area where sponsors and will be providing activities for everyone
Where do I park?
All participants and other spectators are required to park their vehicles at the designatedparking areas of Resorts World Manila
Is parking free for runners?
No. Standard Parking fees apply
Will there be toilets?
Toilet cubicles will be available at the site during the race
Is there a place to leave my bags?
There will be a baggage deposit area from 5am to 10am
Will there be celebrities?
Although some have been invited, we cannot commit on whether they will join the race
Raffle Draw
What are the prizes to be given away in the Raffle?
3 Days, 2 Nights trip for 4 to Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore with free tickets to Universal Studios and a ride on the Resorts World Manila Private Jet. Note, the ride on the Resorts World Manila Private Jet is from Manila to Singapore only. Going back, winners will be given a one-way PAL ticket to Manila
Cruise for 2 from Singapore to Malaysia and back to Singapore in 3 days and 2 nights. Free entrance to onboard shows and entertainment and use of Gym and recreational facilities. Full board and meals (up to 6 per day). Note, the ride on the Resorts World Manila Private Jet is from Manila to Singapore only. Going back, winners will be given a one-way PAL ticket to Manila
When is the Raffle Draw?
The Grand Raffle Draw will take place after the Grand Fiesta Run during the awarding ceremonies (around 8am)
Can anyone win in the Raffle Draw?
To be eligible to win in the raffle you need to have finished the race, be a member of Resorts World Manila, and be present during the drawing
If I register more than once (and pay each of the registration fees), will that give me more chances of winning in the Raffle Draw?
Yes. But you will have to finish each race you register in and drop the raffle stub at the finishline. You can only win one major prize though and should you win twice, the prize of higher value will be given to you.
How can we be sure that the Grand Raffle Draw will be fair?
A DTI representative will be present during the drawing to ensure that the draw is fair
It’s the morning after the fright before… You know that feeling, the “oh boy, what just happened, and why don’t I remember it… feeling.” Come on, you feel it too. When the rotting orange orbs crouching on the front steps start to slide down into a puddle of slime, the last of the leaves have left the trees in a gasp of brightly colored, quivering protest. Most of the good Halloween candy has long been eaten, and what else is there for us to look forward to? It feels like November.
It’s the beginning of the time just after Halloweeney, and before anything else exciting happens around here, such as Christmas. Shockingly it is November, just a few days in, and the hangover has started. There is nothing sadder then driving around your neighbourhood seeing gloomy, sodden Halloween decorations still draped over bushes, puking their candy guts out days after the event, along with rotting pumpkins begging to be put out of their misery.
We’re in deep denial of winter approaching, in dire need of more exercise, along with a November holiday to celebrate. I know that the U.S. has thanksgiving to look forward to, but for us Canadians, the memory of turkey, and pumpkin pie is wobbling on our thighs. This gloomy, the time changedand now we are a hour early to everything, or is that late, because no one can figure out which clocks have been changed, and which ones we forgot, world that we are inhabiting right now. We marvel at the trees so bare, ignoring the bright mounds of leaves underneath, querying where is the sun, and why is it raining so much. We could use a real celebration. Let’s call it National hangover week, in fact let’s celebrate all month. National hangover month… the month that just won’t end, just like a bad hangover.
We can all band together, and get our exercise by roving the neighbourhoods scrapping up putrid pumpkins with our soon to be busy snow shovels, tear down old brittle plastic ghosts, watch for witches, and slowly help each other to get over the change of seasonal blues… or is that oranges? Think of the endorphins we will create, because there is nothing sadder then Halloween decorations left out past the season, and we need to get moving, people there is a lot of work to be done. Bring on National Hangover month, because gone is the brilliant glow of trees trying to vanquish the cold. Brown, and bare is the new orange around here. Stores full of false Christmas, shiny and bright, one day it’s Halloween, the next the oranges and russets cleared out at 70% off, to be hastily replaced by overnight crews tasked with decorating every inch with green, and red baubles. Glitz, and glamour for a season’s start that is over a month away. No wonder we feel a need to celebrate something, anything, yes National Hangover month. whether it be from the gloom, the bad candy sugar low, the too early Christmas decorations, or the over stuffed thanksgiving turkey that you ate, let’s celebrate. Now raise your slimy pumpkin high, and waggle your skeletons hand if you agree. National hangover month is about to begin. Are you in?
Hey folks, a quick Halloween (kahit tapos na :P) message from good buddy Edward Kho, the main man behind this year's CIHM. Once again, the perfect season-ender for all you running denizens out there.
All Treat, No Trick:
Early-Bird Rate for Corregidor International Half-Marathon is Back!
Halloween may be over but the party is just starting for all fans of Corregidor International Half-Marathon. Here’s the treat. All runners who intend to join the CIHM may still avail of the Php2500 early-bird rate through the following conditions:
(1) Register on-line via www.runnersrunner.com/corregidor2010
(2) Alums of Conquer Corregidor
(3) Wear your Finishers’ Medal from any of the race you have participated in during the year upon personal registration at Second Wind/Runnr on these dates: Nov 6, 7, 13, and 14
So what are you waiting for? No need to grab those long broom sticks to do the trick. Hit that keyboard or the road to your nearest registration center before the race slots quickly vanish in a snap.
Have more questions about the race? Here's a list of FAQ's for your perusal. See you in Corregidor!
Corregidor International Half-Marathon for Dummies
Make Your CIHM Participation One for the Books
Q: Is the Php2500 (early-bird rate)/Php3000 (regular rate) too expensive for a race in the Philippines?
A: Not so. Relative to the ever increasing registration fees of races in Metro Manila, the participation fee in CIHM is actually very reasonable, and almost a steal. Sun Cruise’s regular rate per person for a daytrip to Corregidor that includes round-trip ferry, a group-guided tour of the island, and a lunch buffet is Php1,900.00. The CIHM package, excluding the guided tour, offers all participants round-trip ferry, a full lunch buffet on race day, a genuine dry-fit race shirt, race backpack, race bib equipped with an RFID timing chip, a classic Finishers’ Medallion, access to the Carbo-loading Bonfire Party, and a ticket to a mercury-rising after-race bash that is the CIHM Victory Party.
Q: Does the registration fee cover accommodations in the island?
A: No. Accommodations, however, range only from P1600 to P2400 per night per room. A standard room could accommodate three persons comfortably. It may be arranged through Sun Cruises at these numbers: 8346857/8346858 / 5275555 loc 4511 or 4512.
Q: Is there any other option for accommodation if I were to go overnight?
A: Yes. CIHM participants may opt to camp out with their own tent. They only have to make a one-time payment of Php200 per tent to Sun Cruises. The camp site is at the parade grounds adjacent to the South Dock and facing the beach. Those who will camp out need not worry about their lavatory needs. Though spartan in nature, there are more than ample clean washroom and restroom cubicles that are very proximate to the tent grounds.
Q: Still concerning those going overnight, where could they avail of their meals ?
A: Sun Cruises operates Corregidor Inn where CIHM participants may dine out in a welcoming restaurant. Alternatively, there are several kiosks in the island such as that in McCarthur’s Inn where participants may check out other meal options.
Q: Will CIHM participants camping out be allowed to bring camping stoves?
A: Mini camping stove or similar devices that will produce a relatively minimal combustion may be allowed to be brought in by participants who will camp out.
Q: Are bikes allowed to be brought along?
A: Owing to space limitations in and weight restrictions of the ferries, CIHM participants are disallowed to bring along their bicycles.
Q: Will Corregidor be open to regular tourists on the day of the race?
A: No. The island will be exclusive to CIHM participants on Dec 18 and 19. This means that CIHM racers could totally enjoy a traffic-less and urban-nuisance-free race amidst a dramatic backdrop, and that is only in Corregidor.
Q: Where can foreign nationals, residing outside the Philippines, intending to join CIHM get information on Philippine visa requirements?
A: They may check out the tab “Philippine Visa Information for Foreign Participants” in the CIHM website www.corregidor2010.runningmate.ph or other veritable websites on the net.
Q: Can registered participants have their own pacers?
A: Yes but only if the pacer is also a registered CIHM participant. The race will strictly adhere to the “No Bib, No Race” policy.
Q: Will there be a sweep time for CIHM participants?
A: None. CIHM participants need not worry about being swept off the race course after a particular time. However, for a participant to finish the race, he/she needs to reach the half-way checkpoint on or before 1hr45min from gunstart. Participants who will be unable to do so, however, will be awarded with a 10K Achiever medal and will be brought to the Finish area onboard the Sun Cruises tranvias. All participants who will successfully finish the 21k distance will be awarded with the CIHM Finishers’ Medallion
Q: How many hydration stations will there be on the race course?
A: There will be 8 hydration stations, including one at the finish area, at 2km interval from each other.
Q: Will there be first aid stations along the race course?
A: Yes. First aid, actually, will be integrated with the hydration stations. Aside from this, a mobile paramedic team will also be in place.
Q: What is the unique selling point of Corregidor International Half-Marathon?
A: It is the idea that all CIHM participants will have the rare opportunity to run on sacred grounds and all their determined efforts will be cheered on by the glorious memory of heroism of our noble predecessors. Then there’s the bonus of an after-race Victory Party where participants could let their hair down to celebrate their achievement.
