Looking back! My 800m Dash vs. 5k Run in MVPO

During the first quarter of 2013, in preparation for the MVP Olympics, I spent most of my Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights training at Ultra or Meralco Oval with these athletes, the Sun Cellular Power Runners.

RACE DAY!

800m Dash - Not My Distance. I represented Sun Cellular in the 800m Dash Category (very short compared to my usual distance). I hate running in track oval but I have to. I did my best but I guess my best wasn't good enough. Haha.. Although I beat my record last year, I still didn't make it a podium finish. I improved, but my contenders did too. Anyway, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. :)

5k Run - My Forte. As part of the closing ceremony of MVPO, a 5k Fun Run was organized. Most Track and Field Athletes joined, including me. I didn't planned to race that time. I just enjoyed every move of my feet. But as I crossed the finish line, I was so overwhelmed because I finished 3rd among female. Woooh! It's all for Sun Cellular!

Trail running is addictive!

ADDICTIVE! That's how I could define trail running. Once you get into it, you will always find a way to do it again and again!

In fact, it's just about one year ago when I first tried trail running but it seems like I'm into it for a very long time. I got hooked into it. Please bear with my addiction. Here's what happened.

1. I was awarded as the Trail Runner of the Year
*This is why some runners call me a Trail Princess. =)

Last January, PIMCO held the very first awards night to recognize the top trail runners of the year. I was awarded as the Trail Runner of the Year for the 21k Female Category. I belong to the Top 100 Trail Runners and Trailblazer Awardees since I completed the Trilogy of Nature's Trail Discovery Run. I was also very lucky to score a new pair of Viking Trail Shoes as a reward from Norphl.

-with my fellow awardees, Race Director, PIMCO Staff and Norphl- (photo by Manghusi)

With the Boys! Haha.. Jose is holding the leaflet where I was featured!

-Trailblazer Awardees from Team Rock and Road-

2. I ranked 3rd among Female in the Love a Tree 24k Trail Run

-Jump shot after 24k trail run.. Haha!-

Originally, I signed up for the 50k category but since I'm the only female who registered for it , the organizer asked me to be downgraded to 24k. The removal of the 50k female category seems like a blessing in disguise. I was able to run the 24km to a greater extent which made me the 3rd female finisher. Yey!

3. Going the extra mile

-with Allan at the summit of Mt. Ugo-

Last March 31, I ran my first trail marathon in the King of the Mountain Trail Run held in Mt. Ugo, Nueva Vizcaya. Seeing the beauty of God's creation while running is priceless. Finish time didn't matter as long as I enjoyed the run and finished it injury-free.

This coming weekend, I'll be in Baguio (with some of my teammates) for another trail run, the TNF100. I signed up for the 50k category. This would be my first trail ultramarathon. Woooh! Wish me luck!

"I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." - Jesse Owens

Year-ender Part 3 : The Beauty Behind Mt. Tirad

Let the photos speak how we enjoyed the beauty of Mt. Tirad. =)

Topload!

After 1 hour of trek, we reached the camp site!

-This area marked the site where Gregorio del Pilar fell.-

I'm one of the boys huh!

-with my beloved Team Rock and Road-

-The Team Rock and Road plus the GN Mountaineers-

-The next day, we aimed to reach the summit-

-Time for some break-

After 4 hours of trek along the deadly trails (bangin sa kanan, bangin sa kaliwa), we reached the summit!

360 degrees view!

-Some sea of clouds-

-On our way back to campsite-

"Jumpingan" with Mamu!

-Topload again! On our way back to La Union Town Proper.-

Year-ender Part 2 : Let's Give Love on Christmas Day

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.  (Deuteronomy 16:17)

To make our year-end escapade memorable and worthwhile, we did a gift-giving in one of the schools in Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur.

Of course, there's no happy moment than to give and see those children smiling because they received something. Our blessings should always be shared! :)

The Team Rock and Road and Green Navigators gave love on Christmas Day!

-Trying the cute bags-

-Precious Runner in action-

-The team with the kids-

-Sir tony and me with the teachers-

Up Next : Part 3 - Mt. Tirad Climb

Year-ender Part 1 : Hello Vigan

It has been almost two weeks since the year 2012 ended and I made it's ending worthwhile. I visited one of my dream places, participated in outreach program, ran and climbed mountains with my friends and spent the New Year's Eve with my family.

 

Part 1: Hello Vigan!

 

Vigan is one of my dream places to visit. It is exceptional among other cities in the Philippines because it's our country’s oldest surviving Spanish colonial city that dates back to the 16th century.

Welcome to Vigan Hotel!

We stayed in Vigan Hotel. It offers a very reasonable price for backpackers like us.

-with Rose-

-picture with the stairs-



We immediately leave our things there, freshened up and then out for a late lunch. We're all starving!

-with Allan-

Of course, we tried all the best dishes of Vigan (bagnet, longganisa and pinakbet) in Cafe Leona. 

-Gone in a second! hahaha.. -

After lunch, we're all set to explore the place. Allan, Daniel and I headed to "Baluarte ni Chavit" while Rose chose to roam around the Calle Crisologo. She didn't want to see the Baluarte for some reasons so we respected her decision. 

-jumpshot with Daniel-



-with the best photobomber Allan-

Next to Baluarte is the Hidden Garden. It's a place where you can dine and relax by simply strolling around. There were also a lot of plants and clay pots on sale.

 

We did a lot of photo ops there but for me, below photo is the best. Hahaha. Peace Allan and Daniel! :p



-Lovers in Vigan-



After exploring the garden, we go back to Calle Crisologo. We we're supposed to meet Rose but we got a message from her that she's already back in our hotel. So, we're still threesome along the street huh.

 

We also took a coffee break in one of the shop along the Calle Crisologo.

-The note-

It was like we're traveling back to the old Spanish colonial days while walking around its cobbled stone streets and entering its antiquated houses.

After the long walk, we bought some supplies then get back to the hotel. We also drank some alcohol that night. Hahaha..

 

The following day was intended for a climb with the whole team. We're about to meet them around 7am at Candon. It's 2 hours away from Vigan so we need to leave early.

 

We woke up 3am and squeezed a 5km run in our plan. Woooh! We made it short since we don't have much time. 



Our adventure didn't stop there. More on

Part 2: Let's Give Love on Christmas day!

Vote for Goldy as the Trail Runner of the Year 2012

Hello my fellow runners!

For almost two years that I'm into running, I'd done numerous races on the road and trails. But running along different trails is one of a kind. There, I can reflect and get closer to nature. I can see all the beauty that it could offer. God is so sweet to let me be one of the finalists in the Trail Runner of the Year 2012 Award.

-Leg 1 (Collage made by Pimco)-

-Leg 2 (photo by Ella)-

-Leg 3 (photo by Norphl)-

The Trail Runner of the Year Award is a groundbreaking avenue that recognizes individuals who made a remarkable impact in the world of trail running. There were 5 runners chosen in different categories (Male and Female for 10k and 21k) but only one in each category will win. The award will be given based on the time and performance in the Nature's Trail Discovery Run (60%) and by votes of runners who participated in the event (40%).

It's an honor to be chosen among other runners so I am humbly asking for your support. Kindly vote for me!  Vote for GOLDY. Here's how:

1.  Visit the Pimco Sports Events website: http://www.pimcosportsevents.com/
2.  Login using your registered username or Facebook account. If you are not yet registered, you need to sign-up first.

-Pimco Homepage. Login Button on the upper right-

Sign-up here!

2. Sign-up sheet will prompt you. Enter the information needed (Username, Password, Confirm Password and email) then click next.

-Sign-up Sheet-

-Dont forget to Answer YES as PTRA Member if you already joined any of the 3 NTDR Legs-

3. After you've entered all the necessary information, click sign-up and you are automatically logged in. A link will be sent to your email and need to be verified.

4. You should see the ONLINE VOTING Tab afterwards. If it doesn't appear, feel free to send a message to Pimco via Facebook, include your registered username for them to check. (It will take some time for the ONLINE VOTING Tab to appear since your registration as PTRA Member is for confirmation. Wait for their advice if it's OK or try to refresh the page).

3. Click on the ONLINE VOTING Tab and vote for Dela Cruz, Goldy for the 21k Female Category. You can only vote ONCE. Voting online starts on Dec 19 and ends on January 3.

Dont forget to select Dela Cruz, Goldy for the 21k Female as shown

Your vote is very much appreciated. Thanks a lot for supporting me. Cheers! 
-GOLDY